#What is Polytechnic Course

[rainysrdrsideblog]

I'm taking a course in game development on univeristy of applied sciences and I need to write a 2-page essay on my favorite game. So I'm writing about RDR2. I'm having a lot of fun.

[biggielixx]

I read this on Quora. It’s a response to a prompt: “Is Paul McCartney a jerk?” I thought I would share it because it’s an interesting story from Wings’ early days, and it has to do with people wanting Paul to play Beatles songs.

Paul McCartney is :

One of the most talented individuals ever.

A living legend.

An honest and genuine individual.

Definitely NOT a jerk.

What is my evidence for this? ….. read on.

Having been born and raised in Liverpool in the 50s and 60s , I was devastated to hear of the break up of the Beatles as a teenager in the mid 70’s.

The cause for the split was subject to great speculation and still largely unknown. One thing that stood out , looming larger after the split was rift between the greatest singer song writing duo of all time (Lennon & McCartney) which was highlighted by John’s creation of his song “How do you sleep?”. This direct personal assault on Lennon’s former ‘other half’ may have been previously triggered by McCartney’s solo ditty in his eponymous album (McCartney) quoting the words “ I used to ride on my fast city lights signing songs that I thought were mine alone. …….. Man we was lonely, yes we was lonely but now we’re fine all the while.”.

Lennon’s worded response in his missive “How do you sleep?” was “So Sgt. Pepper took you by surprise, you better look right through that mother’s eyes. Those freaks was right when they said you was dead ( a reference to an earlier fake news report that ‘Macca’ was dead and a replica was living in his stead ) the one mistake you made was using your head. “

Lennon’s musical assault on his former song writing co-author heightened in the lines “ The only thing you done was YESTERDAY and since you’re gone you’re just ANOTHER DAY. The sound you make is music to my ears , you must have learned SOMETHING in all those years”. A reference to 2 before split and on post split McCartmey classics. Although 2 were if course Lennon / McCartney classics. When with the Beatles the 2 may have penned songs solo but always shared the credit as a truly unique double act. Of course with Ringi and George wrote a few classics too and the Beatles will always ,rightly, be remembered as ‘For lads who shook the world’.

Both Lennon and McCartney denied that there was any animosity in both sets of post Beatles split song lyrics claiming that it was just a coincidence.

Fast forward a few years until when the Beatles had split in and around the time of the aforementioned songs about the Lennon & McCartney Beatles split experience.

As a college student in Liverpool in the mid 70’s my fraternity and I would attend open mic’ gigs in Liverpool Polytechnic (known locally as the Poly) in the hope that we might stumble across the next big thing. After numerous average guest stars ( the highlight of which was a guy who later became known as Shaking Stevens) we waited for another group to set up for another normal night of musical entertainment.

As I wondered towards the stage , literally a small elevated segment of a tiny music arena , trying to gain an insight into when the band would start, a lady was struggling to bring in the group’s equipment. As a potential gentleman, who couldn’t understand the concept of a female groupie humping in heavy kit, (forgive my chauvinism but things were less informed in the 70’s) I offered assistance to the lady with carrying in the equipment when to my amazement Paul McCartney came in to assist the lady, Linda in bringing in the group’s kit. It was one of the first iterations of what later became know as Paul McCartney & Wings.

My fellow college students and I were later royally entertained by the , then, emerging group singing songs such as “Junior’s farm’ and “Give Ireland back to the Irish” as well as numbers from the eponymous McCartney solo album. Of course ZERO Beatles’ song were played as it was not the norm at that time.

McCartney , who you contest is a jerk , paid the entire bar bill for all at the gig and stayed and mingled with star struck fans long into the night.

Why is he not a jerk?

Fast forward some time later to McCartney & Wings’ first gig at the Liverpool Empire some years later. Wings were by this time famous having such hits as “Band on the Run” and Venus & Mars”.

The same by now a couple of years older group of students, perhaps with a bigger number knowing that McCartney was actually playing, gathered to see Wings again in a somewhat larger arena of the Liverpool Empire.

Whilst we were all aware that McCartney would not , at the time , sing ‘Beatles’ songs, one of our group by the name of Ged Smith, was determined to have McCartney play “The long and winding road” which was his favourite Beatles song of all time. In between numbers and being close to the front of the stage having queued up to get the best seats , we continually cried out for “The long and winding road.”.

McCartney’s initial response to these calls was “Come on guys you know I can’t do those (Beatles) songs” to which we cried out louder “ Come on Macca we saw you at the Poly (Liverpool Polytechnic) ages ago”.

On hearing these shouts McCartney immediately remembered this and shared back “Was that you lads who helped Linda bring in our gear?”. He appeared to remember the night at the Liverpool Polytechnic equally as well as we had.

McCartney played for many hours that night as he was “back home” in Liverpool. Repeated cries for “The long and winding road” were greeted with muted McCartney responses of “Come on guys you know John would never forgive me if I sang that.”.

After many hours of performing, with at least 2 curtain calls Macca when seated at the piano declared “This is for the lads down the front who were at the Poly …… . He then belted out the unforgettable rendition of “The long and winding road . It was greeted by a tumultuous response the likes of which I have never heard in any circumstance.

That is why McCartney is not a jerk.

He’s a genius and the genuine article. He recalled interactions with individuals as well as , if not better, than we did so ourselves. At that night in the Liverpool Empire he deliberately threw his guitar strap at one of our group , Tommy McGuinness, who I know retained and treasured the article for many years afterwards.

McCartney’s music will be studied in centuries to come.

He is NOT a jerk , he’s a top class human being.

We know because we were there.

When McCartney leaves this earth, his tunes will still remain. Not a jerk , a genuine genius.

[lynchianightmare]

Hey hey I found a new Nick photo and info about him and Lindy!!! (At least new for me) on an article (below):

“Whilst rummaging through the archives the other day, I came across a couple of amusing little articles, which piqued my interest. The first one is an article from The Farnham Herald, date unknown but by deduction the year is 1967”

“Pink Floyd Man in Flying Visit.

On a flying visit to his native land last week, was Nicky Mason of the Pink Floyd Pop Group (sic), who has been staying with the Rutter family at Millhanger, Thursley. Lindy Rutter has won praise for her choreography of the Farnham Youth Theatre production “Double Take” and for her solo dance which opens the show. She is to teach at Frensham Heights and will also be taking movement classes at RADA.

Nicky has just made an LP with the Pink Floyd, “The Saucerful of Secrets” which is number nine on the LP charts. The group has also recently ended a tour of the USA where they are becoming very popular. The trip took them from New York, through Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle etc, etc and but for the election rumpus in Chicago, they would have made a return trip there.

Nicky spoke to Youth in Action on Friday, the day before he flew to Belgium to take part in a music festival. A busy life and rather different from what he imagined it would be like when a student of architecture at Regent Street Polytechnic, where the Pink Floyd originated three years ago. The group has been professional for about 18 months”

“A quick Google search has since revealed that “Nicky” as he is called here, but now known as Nick Mason, and Lindy were married the following year, 1968, and had two children, before divorcing 20 years later. She is an accomplished flutist. He is the only remaining original member of the famous band. Note how the journalist refers to them as The Pink Floyd! Of course, they are known today as simply Pink Floyd. Another strange twist is that Millhanger was, of course, latterly purchased by Roger Taylor of Queen, who lived there until around 10 years ago”.

Link: ttps://www.thursleyhistorysociety.org/post/pink-floyd-milhanger-and-bowlhead-green

[knightyoomyoui]

TWICE Sana x M/F Reader - "I Want It That Way"

I'M BACK. After 3 months of no update, your one and only Knight Yoo-Myoui returns to bring you readers more stories in my book. Author's been in a really tough situation especially last month, but that still ain't gonna be enough to take out my passion and motivation to continue writing for both mine and your entertainment. I'm gonna continue this as long as I can. However, from now on; please understand and expect that I won't be updating very often like weekly or everyday as before. Studies is my current priority as of the moment but I promise that I will always update yall. Actually though, this new kind of pacing for both my writing procedure and publishing has somehow lessen the pressure in me. I'm really liking it so far, makes me comfortable. This story is requested by ShaShaSha029 BUT..., sorry Sha because I made some changes on your requested plot hehe. I already made the same concept from my previous works so I used your other request from another member to come up with something new that I haven't done yet. And as for the other member you requested to me, I'll give you a brand new plot for her. I hope you and the readers will like this. Enjoy reading! STREAM "I GOT YOU" and "ONE SPARK" MVs btw!

"I'm going home, guys. I'll leave the office to you all."

YN/LN, a current 4th year student from Cheongnamdong Polytechnic University and the campus' ongoing president of the student council, has just finished your tasks for today and is now about to depart from their office and send your goodbyes to your fellow members kindly to end the day on a positive note.

"Be safe on your way home, Pres!"

"You too."

You continued walking after sending him all the bright greetings, but before passing to your own cubicle and reaching the door, it opened. You then heard some footsteps behind it until a familiar figure made its presence known in front of you.

You watched your classmate, friend, and the secretary of their council, Yoo Janghoon, peeking at the door with a weird smile before you find him standing on your way.

Janghoon then approached YN.

"Seems like you're about to leave."

"Yeah." You nodded. " What's with your smile in your face? You look like you just saw something amusing.", he said in a judgmental look.

"Not with my own eyes, but the words I've heard are enough to picture her on mind." Janghoon smirked and bounced his brows.

"Her? You're into hunting chicks again?"

"Idiot, I have a girlfriend now, ofcourse I'm not." Janghoon mocked YN as he was about to throw a punch. "But seriously though, not even me could deny that it really does interest me."

"Why, what's going on out there?"

"Well, I've heard from my acquaintances from the other courses that there's a newly transferred female student here in the campus earlier after the class break."

"That late?"

"Yeah, I was a bit confused too but they said the professor just let it passed because they said that her documents were finalized at the last minute so that's why." YN hummed to react.

"And would you like to enlighten me what's so interesting with this random transferee student? I mean, no offense. Welcome aboard to the university but... what's special?"

"Dude, I'm telling you, it's not just "random", this girl was a legit bombshell. Based from how they described her, it was like when she stepped on the room, they felt like there was a legit goddess that got manifested into reality."

"And that's it?"

"Y-yeah... but you know and I know, dude. Our university has been missing it's "queen" for quite some time now. And probably the students are making noise about it is because they see a huge potential on her."

"Okay. Well, I do hope she doesn't feel overwhelmed with the attention she's about to receive on the next days of her stay here."

"But we're here as the council officers to take control, right?"

"Exactly." you nodded. "Anyways, gotta go now. I still have a family dinner not to miss."

"Alright, take care pres."

"You too, sec."

You left the office and the campus with a curiosity forming in your heart and mind on the identity of this woman that has been the center of the gossips you were unaware of due to how busy you are on the duties.

Arrived at home, you entered and got welcomed by your mother who is preparing their table for a lovely dinner tonight while your father is busy watching basketball on the living room.

"Good evening, mom."

"Good eve, YN. Tired?", she said while placing the plates on the table.

"Not that much but I would be glad to rest as always.", you spoke with a timid smile.

"Perfect, meal's coming right up real soon. Join your father there, okay?"

"Okay. Thanks, mom."

You walked near to your father and greeted him courteously. You sat beside him and laid your back comfortably on the soft cushion of the couch to release all the pent-up exhaustion your body has consumed on today's packed class schedule.

Minutes later, your mother commands both you and your father to position yourselves on the seats. Each grabbing their own meal, all of you started praying first before taking your first bites and swallow on such a delicious food.

"Uhm, dear. We want to talk to you about something." Your mother inserted a topic to be discussed.

"Sure, mom. I'll be listening. What is it about?"

"It's like a business talk but this also concerns about your personal life too, YN which we much rather prioritize." Your father said after swallowing his throat. "We meet up with our partners on the company regarding this and we all come to an agreement."

"Agreement to what?"

"Me and your mother are placing you in an arrangement contract with their child."

"Wait, come again?"

"Arrangement contract. It means we set you up with someone as your age to date and marry one day, and we figured out that to strengthen the connection between us, we decided to-"

"Yes, wait. I know that part, dad but... why need to? Wasn't it too early? I get that you want me to have a wife and a family someday but... it's not one of my priorities so far.", you complained.

"YN, please do understand that your mother and I ain't be getting younger as time goes on. Someday, you'll be alone, and we just wanted to give you another family that you would be glad to remain and... hopefully, to remember us like how we raised you from the beginning."

"But wasn't this too fast? You're making me rush things."

Both sides went silent, as the father felt guilty also for how true your words are.

"It's my life. You may be the one who gave me that but I developed and earned a right to decide what's right for my future."

"We know, son... but we had no choice. It's for the sake also of our business. You know that we have to keep it to the mountain top so that we don't have our efforts of raising it go to waste, especially when this is the main reason how me and your mother were able to give you a better life that you deserve. And some way or another, you will be for sure, the one who will take the mantle and own my properties. You can use it also to raise your family easier."

"We are not forcing you to do this, YN. Please, we just wanted to inform you and talk about this because you also have a side and opinion to be heard. Whatever your answer may be, we will respect it. We are just suggesting, but hopefully you can consider it, honey." Your mother's soft voice effectively kept you at ease more.

Taking deep breaths and a short length of silence to contemplate, you looked at them both as you made your choice. "Fine. This is because I love you both and I owe you two everything. I'm doing it."

They both smiled in relief. "Thank you for this, son/daughter."

"No problem. So... can you tell me more about this contract?"

"Well it's simple, an arranged contract but we requested to have you and the girl we chose to spend 30-days or let's say a month to get to know each other and figure things out if you two would believe that everything will work out as a couple." Your father explained.

"And who's the girl that you guys have prepared for me?"

"They have an only child just like us, and it's an easier idea to place her because as we learned, their daughter is currenly in search of finding somebody to love."

"Sadly, we're unalike."

"But she may be able to change your mind, on whatever that hold your heart back. You accepted the offer, now you just have to see how she really is, but we're certainly sure that she's good just like her parents."

"And what's her name?"

"We haven't been introduced nor asked for her name, but from what we know, her nickname should be "Minatozaki", and is Japanese. She was also studying now at the same campus as yours."

"I'll try to look for her and maybe we can talk there privately."

"Whatever you want, YN. Just keep us updated okay?"

"Noted." You replied before everyone returned on focusing to finish their foods.

The next day, you were a bit irritated from how the discussion last night distracts you in the middle of your duty. You couldn't concentrate at the curiousity that dwells inside of you.

So you decided to to take a break outside. You encountered a vacant spot to breathe some fresh air and drink at the iced coffee you prepared on your tumbler as you roam your eyes around at your surroundings.

That's where you spotted some group of students huddling around at a spot near the bulletin board, as if they're being crazy or attentive at something.

Eager to find out the rucus, you approached the scenario and tried to peek around, and there you noticed a female student entertaining the other fellow students by asking her randomly and even asking for some pictures like she is a celebrity.

As she turned around, her long chestnut colored hair flips around as if it denied the gravity, her side profile appeared, until it all fully rotated to have her face evident at you for the first time.

And my oh my the rumors shared by your secretary were true.

No wonder why she was already popular, she does look magnificent, enough to be mistaken as a famous personality.

Your eyes couldn't leave the sight of her just doing everything even in such bare minimum if movements that still effortlessly made her very attractive. Thankfully, there's your boy distracting you as you snapped back when you felt a shoulder wrapped on your neck.

"You finally met her." Janghoon said, smirking at you. "From what I heard earlier, the exchange student's name's Minatozaki Sana. She's a foreigner, a Japanese to be specific."

"Minatozaki?" Your thoughts murmured. Contemplating if you heard it right, but that was the same surname your father was tasked you to find, and she even has the same nationality.

Having exchange students in your campus are very rare.

You are flabbergasted as you slowly realize that... this woman is going to be the one you'll date and marry.

Unconsciously, you turned around at Janghoon with your forehead crumpled and mouth slightly gaped.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

"Oh n-no. Not-thing." You shook your head swiftly. Returning your gaze back at her, you couldn't believe it at all that your parents and her friends does picked a perfect girl for you.

But you wondered if it could be said the same about you.

Hours later, Sana who was about to enjoy her recess, instead went to the council office to meet the president, as per the classmates told her after being tasked to do so.

She stepped in front of the door that says "Student Council Office, knock twice before entering". She followed and slowly pushed the doorknob. A person sitting at the far end of the room, looking busy on his desk greeted her.

As the door closed, it alarmed the president that the person is now here for a scheduled conversation, only that when you raised your head, you looked at her having a shocked reaction.

Sana stares at the reveal of this mysterious person that runs the entire student government of the campus. Flashbacks began to run back into her mind, slowly making her upset.

"Thank you for agreeing to come here and t-"

"Am I looking at this very clearly?" Sana immediately spoke.

"Pardon?"

"You? Out of everyone here... was chosen to become a leader?"

"W-what? Settle down, miss. I think you n-"

"A representative figure for everyone, and I get to be under your orders around here?" Sana chuckled bitterly. "I didn't know that even after years later, we'll still have our paths crossing onto each other despite how I wanted to never meet you in my life again."

"D-do we know each other?"

Sana scoffed as she looked at you ridiculously. "Ofcourse, how could you recognize me. First of all, I was just a complete nothing to you. A plaything of your cruel antics and delinquent actions. And second, I'm not the same girl you used to belittle everyday."

You furrowed your eyebrows as you looked at her intently. "W-what... you..."

"Still doesn't ring a bell? Oh, how about this. The name Minatozaki Sana? That fat nerdy girl back in elementary that you used to bully so hard in our 8th year that forced her to transfer to other school. How about that?"

Your eyes sprung open as you instantly remember the name and that student you used to include in one of your prime victims in your dark past.

That description of her past self brought you back to the times when you remembered looking for her first to rather mock, annoy, or play with her until her feelings broke and look helpless.

You were a bully before in elementary days, and she was your classmate back then. But that was all only the past now as you are now a changed person, with all the better and positive things that came into your life had taught you more valuable and nice things to consider yourself reevaluating your personality.

But it looks like it could tell the opposite for Sana's part.

"I remember you now, Sana. And... please, let me tell you right now that I'm not the same person you used to despise before."

"Do you really think I'll be fooled easily by that?" Sana retorted. "We just met after what... 7 years and you're supposed to have me believing that when in fact, I still look at you as that same horrific figure I never should've want to see again, but yet here you are."

Sana still didn't took a seat. She walked around and observed the room. You were a bit relieved that all of your council members are absent in this tense confrontation. "What a hypocrisy it is to have you getting involved in an organization that focuses on student rights when in fact, you have a record of violating it before. Shouldn't be a student fitting for that must be... clean?"

"Sana, believe me or not, I changed. I wouldn't even dare to take this position if I'm not sincere for it, and I'm not forcing you to believe me."

"Oh, ofcourse you should. Because I really don't buy everything that comes into your mind not until I see it" Sana shook her head and smugged. "Maybe it'll change my mind of me planning to expose you from every-"

"Wait! You can't be serious?"

"Oh indeed I am." Sana clicked her tongue. "You ruined me before, but here I am who helped myself and from people I loved to become this better version of mine to stand here in front of you, I'm going to get you this time, YN. I'm going to make you feel what is it like being... excluded."

She leaned forward on the desk, staring at you sharply and observing your nervous expression. "But...if there's some sort of a miracle that... you did changed. Then you're going to prove it on me. Make me convinced that this YN I hate with every fiber of my being is... gone."

"What if I tell you that you already have a chance to make me?"

"And that is?"

"Have you heard about an arrangement contract from your parents?"

"Y-yeah... but they don't tell me who it is because- WAIT" Sana quickly lunged back away from you. "Please tell me who I'm thinking is correct."

"Sorry to tell you but I was just in denial as you are yesterday."

"Oh God." Sana poured out the biggest disappointment she felt in her entire life so far. "W-why does my fate has to be very unlucky everytime when it's about you? Me being in an arranged contract with you? I think I have to vomit."

"Wait! But you said you want me to prove that I changed?"

"And you really think I want it this way?" Sana looked at you disgusted. "Being as this fabled student council president or just a random student from me would be fine but... YOU AS MY FIANCE? That won't do, mister." Sana swayed her pointing finger. "Unfortunately, the answer would be NO. Now please, I have to go already. I still have a lunch to take before I lose my appetite."

Sana walked away from you and left the room unbotheredly. You sat there, back falling flat on your swivel chair. Your hands caressed your hair as you reacted unbelievably and stunned that this heavily improved Sana that you used to know many years before has returned to actually be your woman, but unfortunately, her hatred for you still lives on her till this day.

Her opposal didn't worked however, as Sana tried to request later during dinner, she was informed by her parents that the contract can only be cancelled after 30-days for the people to finally reassure their decision.

She mentioned that YN and her have a bad history in the past, but instead her parents reasoned out that maybe YN has changed and it will not hurt to give another chance. If only they know what the real reason it is, but Sana was clearly affected by their suggestion because honestly, Sana is a forgiving soft type of person.

Still, confident that she's satisfied with her answer, she became impatient and hated being with YN more.

Meanwhile, you shared to your mother about how the unlikedness of you and Sana's interests about the marriage arrangement in a deatiled manner.

"We met and had a talk, but... it wasn't as proper and civil as I expected because, I was surprised that she confessed something very familiar to me. Something that I've been trying to get it out on my head. Something that I wanted to let go for a long time."

"What was she to you before?"

"A nuisance, even though she wasn't doing even wrong. I look at her before thinking it wasn't right for her to be in this type of high class campus that I study at too, but then I figured out that me ending up bullying and making her emotional and mental state suffer is way worse than she is."

You flinched when your mother slapped you in the head. "What??? How could you bully someone?! Is that how we raised you?"

"Mom, wait ofcourse no... but, I was just made to be like that because of what happened to us, you know that!"

Your mother became speechless and a glimpse of pity became visible to you. "But it's all good now, mom. I'm not like that anymore, I'm telling you.  And that's what I should've just wanted to prove to Sana but... I understand that she won't let me anymore. I broke her too much, I can't let it happen again."

Stepping closer in front of you, she placed her hands gently on your shoulders to massage them and make your ease down. "Even I was mad and disappointed that you once turned into that type of guy you never should be, but I know from the bottom of my heart that you will always be a good kid of mine because that's how I raised you to be. You just got affected too much by our struggles before. And I believe you always, YN. The only thing I can do now for you to support you, and that is for you to keep on moving forward and never stop to make Sana forgive you, alright?"

"I will. Thanks, mom."

She patted you on the cheek. "Goodluck, okay? You have a month to do it."

----------

"Okay, class dismissed. Group 1, remember to prepare your report by next week okay?"

"Yes, prof!", the students who are part of the group that the professor mentioned chanted.

The professor left the room, leaving the students have the freedom to eat lunch during their vacant time.

"Sana, cmon! Did you bring a lunch with you?", one of Sana's classmates asked her while she's clearing her table.

"No, I'm gonna buy for today."

"Nice, let's go!"

Sana brought her wallet and cellphone with her, joins her newfound friends named Miyeon and Sullyoon as they make their way out to the classroom.

However, as they were about to, a figure suddenly pops out of the doorway, stopping their tracks. The two classmates of hers had a visible shock in their faces unlike to Sana, her bright mood quickly shrank down into a gloomy one.

"Hi, sorry if I'm almost late." You straightened your lips. "Good thing I was about to catch you leaving yet, let's go eat lunch together."

Miyeon and Sullyoon's jaw dropped at the student council president's proposal. Sana's eyebrows knitted hardly. "Huh? What nonsense are you saying?"

"Why? I'm just going to invite you to eat with me?"

"With you?" Sana scoffed and chuckled. "You have the guts, I'll give you that... but NO." Sana leaned forward at you to say this.

"Let's go girls."

Sana was just commanding her classmates and taking a step again away from you but in her surprise, she felt her body being pulled by a force. She tried to process what happened, and there she found her skin contacting with yours as she stood by your side...

with your hands wrapped around her waist.

Miyeon and Sullyoon's eyes largened in utter shock at what they're seeing. They couldn't believe that such a new transferee would get to gain closeness and change the behavior of the famously respected and knowned leader of the students around the campus.

Sana's lungs skipped functioning as soon as she felt your fingers dug deeper into her skin. Her face then starts to turn red and her face showing almost hilariously stunned reaction, with no hint of an idea what has turned you to be like this today.

"Pardon me for Sana's antics right now, we just had a fight yesterday and I wanted to come up a solution to fix that." You said in a melodic and apologetic tone to them. Sana was dumbfounded at the ridiculous fake words you are talking about.

"W-wha"

Sana wasn't able to finish her words, when she felt herself getting pulled again, now squeezed against your body which intensified her heartbeat and blushes.

"So, please. Can we eat together today, love?"

Any words that are synonym to what I mentioned earlier can be heavily applied now to all three women witnessing the sudden change of the president's act.

You led the way, bringing Sana with you as both crossed the hallway with the confused and flabbergasted duo following on the back while some of the students can see the two having this kind of contact has began to grab attention.

As they reached the cafeteria, Miyeon and Sullyoon shyly approached the "couple". "Uhm, Sana. I think we can just eat sometime. We'll let you have you two your private time okay?"

"B-but w-"

"Thank you for being considerate on us, girls." You smiled humbly at them and they nodded before they left you and Sana to find their own seat. As the two of you remained, Sana's face crumpled and seethed much air to unleash her full force on escaping to your touch.

She quickly unhooks your arm on her waist, pushed you aside, and punched you in the shoulder. "Oww!"

"Seriously, what the hell did you do to me, YN?!" Sana started to bicker out on you. "How come you just started to spit out and let my friends hear and see you assuming that we have a relationship now, huh?! Did you ate something bad that had you acting like crazy today?"

"Nope. I'm perfectly fine, and what I did there earlier, consider getting used to that." You replied. "Because from now on, I'll be going to do it with you again and again and again a-"

"Woah wait no what?!" Sana paused you. "And why is that, huh? I haven't even agreed yet on the deal-"

"But was the contract got cancelled?"

Sana fell speechless. She remembered yesterday that she swore to dump the contract by requesting to her parents after she gave her disapproval. However, she failed to do so.

You took her silence as yes. "I suppose it didn't. If it does, my parents would've informed me immediately."

"Yeah yeah yeah, you won. So what? You still can't just do it like that to me randomly. I still haven't gave you the consent to touch me or do anything lovey dovey around me. Just because the contract states that we are arranged to be a couple that doesn't mean I can let you easily do everything free around me. Especially when the fact that I still hate you so much." Sana pointed at you as she stares deeply within you.

"Alright, fine. You do have a point. I shouldn't have done it. It's my fault, I made you uncomfortable, and I'm sorry for that." You spoke in a calm tone. Sana got her insides tugged at your sudden softer behavior. "But just know this, I hope you can let me do these with everything I can. No matter how much you deny, we are still stuck in an arranged contract that has a month allowed on us to come up on a decision if we'll take a marriage, and that gives each of us the right to do what couples does.

And I'm going to use it also, for me to prove myself to you that I've changed through all these years, Sana. Consider it me acting or say whatever you want, but when it comes to you, I'll show my improved self and nothing less than that." You said plainly to her. Sana is just listening at you patiently, sticking out important details to her mind while her emotions were a bit being brought by your committed words.

"I can't force you to love me back and have our marriage settled someday after the deadline comes, I wasn't even into love these days but I had no choice but to follow. But, I really do hope that before or when these all ends, I can hear you saying that I am now forgiven."

Sana was struggling to come up for a words to answer, and you took the opportunity to let her have time to remember and process everything as you locate a seat and bought foods for both of you. You left the still pissed off Sana became completely silent and come back to join her in an awkward lunch together.

That went on and on, with you trying to get along with Sana through most of the occasions. You supposed to take it all as a yes coming from Sana that you were being a chance to prove everything to her that you are not this same bad person she used to resist before.

With your frequent actions around Sana led to the campus knowing also about your rumored relationship with her.. Some were supportive that the president finally get to have a girlfriend such perfect as Sana while some were not due to the reason of jealousy most concerning about the fact that they are not the ones standing on the shoes or position of either you or Sana.

That didn't affected both of you, especially Sana who is trying her best to become unbothered with all of these because she is too tired to explain it to many people for some truth that everyone wouldn't accept easily. She knows it all to herself anyway that it's all part of the act, that none of them are interested with each other or has a growing fond being developed.

Not until one day, she accidentally finds you tutoring a female student in the library. She saw how entertained you are on how easily the girl gets to understand quickly with your teaching, thus turning you both looking happy together.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable at the scene, her lips unconsciously forming into a frown. Sana instead leaves the room and went on to return with her friends who noticed her bad mood as she buried her head around her crossed arms on the desk.

It all procceeded until their next subject when the girls tried to approach her about it. "Hey, Sana what's with the grumpy look?" Miyeon said as she peeked at Sana who looks completely out.

"You weren't participating with us lightly, what happened when you left the room earlier?" Sullyoon added.

"Yeah, you seemed in a no good mood."

"Nothing." Sana blabbered.

"Was it YN?"

"I said NOTH-" Sana paused and realized that she just made herself obvious, Miyeon and Sullyoon were just staring at her.

"Welp, that confirms it." Sana sighed. "Care to tell us what's the problem?"

She remained silent. She wasn't sure why she's getting a bit embarassed to reveal it until she also got nervous when her friends began to list down some of the possible things a couple creates problems.

"Was he cold to you today?"

"Hmm maybe you're the one who's not?"

"Or... could it be somebody's jealous-"

"What, no?!" Sana rapidly reacted. Miyeon and Sullyoon exchanged a "gotcha" look.

"Oh unnie, you're too obvious." Miyeon laughed.

"Jealous of what? Or should we say, who?" Sullyoon curiously asked.

"S-stop! I said it's nothing, okay! There's no chance in hell that I am jealous because of him." Sana made a "tch" sound on her mouth. "I don't even like him at all." She rolled her eyes as she whispered it, barely to be heard by her friends who returned focusing on their own. As she was left alone with her trouble, her eyes went staring at the window, she sighed deeply as she felt a strange regret inside her after saying those words while remembering what she saw back in the library.

As if she meant it.

Hours later, Sana bids goodbye to Miyeon and Sullyoon before she walked at the hallway all by herself. She stopped on her steps when she felt this unsettling feeling near her shoulder.

Her head goes turning around, searching for something but was unsuccessfully. Sana sighed and shook her head. "YN isn't coming. That guy/girl is a student council president, Sana. He/she's probably busy." she muttered to herself.

Sana continued to move, with a blank face and a moderate speed. As the afternoon light about to engulf her, she felt her sling bag slowly float, the weight she's carrying quickly became lighter.

Her breath got taken away shortly in surprise until she realized what caught her from that action.

It was you, smiling while standing beside her as you taking off her bag gently from her shoulder.

"May I?"

Sana didn't respond, she just let her arm spread a bit to let the strap fall, easily allowing it to fall from your posession.

"You do look like having a bad day." you peeked at her expression. Sana slightly got shy, and turns her face away as she pouted while rolling her eyes arrogantly.

"You just noticed? I'm always like this whenever you're around me."

"You sure there's nothing more than that? I know it's pretty much of a 'me' problem but... can you be more specific?"

"Oh come on, wasn't that enough for you? Stop triggering me, please. I said what I said, you are an eyesore that's why." Sana crosses her arm. She started to walk down the stairs as you slowly followed her with a faint smile on your lips.

"Okay, if that's what you say. I'll just be here behind you. Too bad, I wanted to lead the way because I want take us somewhere unwinding first." You sighed and tightened your lips. Sana heard it, sensing a weird sensation through her. She must be saying no or even meaner than that, but how come she became more curious?

Sana heaved out a large breath of air before pausing on her walk with a stomp. She turned around to face you as she gestures you to come forward. "It's only because I needed it."

And you grinned thankfully.

The two of you went to a cliff from a road outside of Seoul. Just in time, Sana was about to whine about how dangerous this place you chose until she was distracted of the magnificent sunset in display to the skyview.

Each of you took a picture, with her being first. You clicked the button, instead the shot accidentally captures Sana turning her attention back at you. As she approaches you, you dragged down your phone in embarassment and nervousness that she might found out and suspect that you're secretly spying on her.

"What happened to you?" Sana finds your tensed manner.

"N-nothing. I just... remembered something."

"Weirdo." She teases you. "So what's gotten into you choosing this place. Are you gonna push me there down the cliff to show me your true colors?"

You looked at her exhaustedly, no much in an energy to enlighten or defend yourself. "Say or think of anything suspicious about me, Sana but I wasn't even harming you even in my imaginations anymore." You didn't bother to look at her because all you'll see rather is an irritated, sassy woman whom you had a price to pay for.

"This is my favorite place to chill." You simply answered, leaning at the front of the car and posing your limbs as you supported yourself with your arms pressed on the car. Sana looked at your side-figure.

"I started finding this when me and my mom used to go here when I was young. She was the first one to notice how beautiful the sunset is to watch from here, and I did agree on her... and it turns out to become one of my favorite scenery." Sana just listened to your story as you continue to witness the sun hides from the clouds.

"My mother told me to stay with her longer here because for a moment, she found peace and serenity. She felt like there's nothing to worry about." You paused as you smiled proudly. "She felt like she wasn't going to be alone in this battle she's facing, because I was there by her side. Even though I... wasn't that too much vocal or expressive at what I've gone through in our family, but... my heart knows where I need to stay. Where I can surely find a better outcome for my life someday."

"That's why when the right thing happened one day, I started to listen and follow to my heart first. I kicked out all those delinquent students away from my company and I only remained my wonderful mom and dad... step-dad..." You corrected yourself, Sana shrank her eyes at that intentional pause. "Because it felt like it's the right thing to do, and it did. It helped me to get back up to my feet and reshape myself to become a proper man that my mom always wanted to see in me.

Sana, mind I if ask... am I progressing?"

Sana stares at you as you glanced at her with your glistening eyes full of hope. "I'm not gonna lie this time, but you sure are doing quite an effect on me..." Her voice is slowly decreasing through the words.

"But that won't still change anything about what you did to me before. People can say past is past easily but me? If it wasn't for that, which I don't know... should I say thank you atleast anyway... for motivating me to change my appearance? Lose a massive amount of weight, beautify myself more, get rid of those eyeglasses and braces just so that I can be accepted and liked by many for my features like what you said?" Sana said with a bit of a hatred rising through her again. You remain speechless as you understand why it's driving her mad.

"I achieved a better life too but unlike you, what I did I get? You put me into a trauma that I'm still bringing to myself till this day. Fear and anxious that...  makes me still remember it all."

"I like the passion, YN... but I will never going to forgive you for what you did to me. I will always hate you for that." Sana said it with all honesty. "And that's enough of a reason for me to have no interests on having our deal contract settled."

Heartbroken, you chose to ignore and hide as you have nothing more to do than to accepts her decision. After all, you were the one who already said that you can't force her to make amends with you.

"Understood."

The next week, Sana was about to go downstairs when she found a student sipping lollipop at the corner. The guy looks completely wasted, obviously breaking the proper uniform rules. She decided to ignore him as she continue to go through but insteas, the guy catcalled her before moving on its own, approaching Sana.

"Hi there, hot stuff." The guy said before taking off her lollipop with a slurp. "Where you going at?"

"A-at my class." Sana nervously said.

"Hmmm... okay. Nice and proper, I like it. Ladies like you are easy to be tamed, isn't it?" He smirked menacingly.

Sana stepped back and grabbed her sling bag. "E-excuse me? How dare you-"

"Ohhh, daring. Such a duality we got here huh, I wouldn't mind if you can do switch roles with me, however we can only apply that in the bed."

"Shut up, pervert!"

"Cmon, lady. It's that simply, feel free to take a shot on me, and you can be there to your classroom without a problem."

"And if I don't?!"

"Challenging and fightful, I like that."

"Then you're going to love me."

Sana and the delinquent both became surprised as you made your unexpected emergence from the stairs, hurrying down ss you pushed away the guy and had him bumping his back on the barred metal gate.

"This one's pestering you?" Sana only nodded.

"Ugh shit! Ah, look. It's the bastard of this goddamn student council!" The delinquent said while touching his upper back in pain.

"Choose your words more carefully. I can report you and have you be placed in a sanction that you'll regret."

"Go on, make me. As if I give a shit. This entire university is a complete bullshit anyway. The only reason it got me staying here everyday, is if wasn't for some sexy chicks like here roaming around-" The deliquent didn't had to speak disrespectfully and point at Sana longer as he ate a crunchy right punch from you straight to his face.

"You crazy bitch!"

The guy fights back at you, returning the punch you gave. It agitated you and led yourselves into a brawl that had the groans and growls echoing to the upper floor, catching student's attention. Sana panicked and tasked them to call a guard to seperate the two.

The guy got the advantage during the fight, he continues to give you a barrage of kicks to the waist before he pulled Sana closer to her and inappropriately traced her sides while he chuckles dangerously.

Sana felt disgusted and quickly slaps the guy. "What do you think you're doing, huh? Fucking slut!" He gave Sana a fast backhand slap that had her twirling and crashing next to the metal handles of the stairs.)+•~

You saw what he did, with anger fuming in you, you pulled his leg and sent him down on the ground before you tackled him andgave him multiple punches until the guards and the officials broke up the fight.

"THE TWO OF YOU, PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE. NOW!"

As a result of the fight and from the decision made by the higher ups, the guy was kicked out of the campus for multiple delinquent offenses while you got suspended for your role as the president for a couple of months when they learned that you just did that for self-defense.

Sana was sitting on the bed with the nurse preparing the first aid until you showed up and requested the nurse instead to leave it all on your hands. She hesitated for a minute that you are also bruised but you bargained until she gave up and listened to you as a respect for being a student leader.

Sana in her surprise, watched you sit down and grab the first aid beside you. "W-what are you doing?"

"Treating you."

"Don't make me a baby, YN. The nurse can do it herself."

You just stared at her and Sana felt a bit intimidated. She decided to shut up and forcefully let you do your thing. "Good. Now come closer and lemme see your cheek."

She leaned forward and directed her aching cheek on you. "That idiot." You cursed as you search around the reddening spot. You weren't aware that it was mixed by Sana's blush now to have you staring very closer at her.

You started applying the ice pack around the hurting spot as Sana hissed before she swallowed in her throat and spoke. "T-thank you... for earlier."

"No problem. That's unusual, atleast I got a positive comment from you.

"I- I wasn't expecting you to come to rescue me, okay. And I didn't know how much I needed it."

The awkwardness between each other formed as none dared to speak afterwards when both got lost in their words. However, you started a topic that might break the silence and for Sana to understand more.

"I wasn't always like this."

"I know, you said it. It's just that there's something happened that I don't know-"

"It's my dad." You answered it. Sana looked at you. "I know you've been itching to ask me what exactly happened."

"I just don't want to because I felt like it's not my intention to know more and all I had to do is to understand you because it seemed too personal that I might sound forceful. But I do really wanted to know why." Sana replied. "So... step-dad?"

"No. My biological dad." You revealed. "My original father was abusive to my mom. I learned that he became like that when he started to fell addiction to gambling and other crazy stuffs that risks your money badly. He releases his frustration to my mom until she couldn't take it no more when she heard it loud and clear from my father that he despises her for me not turning out to be the one he's expecting. He always wanted a son/daughter but... nope. That's just all a part of his excuses that made my mom snapped and file a divorce  and report to my dad, and guess what. Her attorney became so interested in my mom and here he is, my mom and my dad broke up and him, who is now my step-dad, saved mom and I." You said as you applied care on her bruises.

Sana looked at you pitifully and for the first time, she frowned for you. "W-why are still helping me or... treating me good, even though I don't return it back at you?"

"Because... I got influenced. At first, I look up to my dad. I thought at first that he was tough, strong... I started becoming like him when him and my mom always gets to have a proble but then I realized that he was a true coward for proving all that by beating up my mom. And she was the one who is actually tough, because despite of all the suffering she took from my dad, she didn't hurt him back physically but that doesn't she has no plans to fight. Because if she does, then I wouldn't be in a better state if it wasn't for her.

So I changed. I took mom as my role model. I remained calm as much as I can. I did it all to reshape myself from the ghost of the past. Now here I am, rather choosing to prove myself and mean it all on my words on you. I don't want to fight anymore to cause trauma, Instead, I'll do in a need to protect the people who are close to me."

Sana tied all the strings together, and it did finally all comes to a clear point that it wasn't really your fault that you turned out to be that reckless bully that she had to go through a hard time before. She would be lying if she won't admit that she is a supporter of a belief that people can change, and it comes through this moment that she decided that she can use that phrase for good.

"There, all done." You said as you tucked all the hair to her ear and patted the bandage firmly on her face. Sana was just staring back at your tender and admirable demeanor. "Does it still h-"

"I forgive you."

"..."

You fell silent. That was very out of nowhere, but suddenly it got so uplifted to hear that successfully.

"Y-you do?"

"And we still have a week remaining ahead of us. We can use it to finally be able get along together."

You smiled widely as you saw how Sana's bright and cute grin shines right in your eyes. She looked so beautiful, and you even felt more guilty and poor for her on vanishing this irresistable kine of joy within her before.

"Yeah we can. T-thank you a lot, Sana."

Sana patted your hand to calm your happiness down. She smiled as she stared down at your hands stacked together. She took a grip on it and even felt the heat crawling through her skin, sending to her overflowing emotions in her heart.

It actually does look... fitting in her opinion. And she even agreed more to herself when she looked back up to see the owner of the hand she would actually love to hold more in many occasions.

That moment, Sana confirmed to herself that she has now began to discover a liking on you, who is also discreetly sharing the same serenade as her too.

Days after you and Sana tried to start this brand new closeness both of you has started for each other, its aftermath had left you ran out to became so overwhelmed about it, now that have reminded you of something that requires to be done more important before the expiration was reached.

You wanted to be happy because you have now made peace with Sana, but today wasn't the right time for you to celebrate fully.

Too much occupied on spending time for each other, that it almost made both forgot that you had to deal with a serious matter when the next day comes.

Your mood disrupted as you got conscious of the date today, not even Sana's bubbly personality can distract you from it or anything. You couldn't even join her as you remained watching her instead for some reason.

"You seem like you're in deep thoughts again, YN." Sana poked you with the tip of the ice cream she bought. "Are you okay?"

You didn't answer right away as it took time for you to snap back into your senses and found yourself being confronted by Sana.

"Y-yeah."

A lie. Sana detected that disturbing twitch of a forced smile on your lips.

"Really, what's going on? I know i've seen this last time on you getting blacked out of nowhere but this one feels different."

"How can you say?" You asked in a dead tone.

She shrugged and opened her ice cream first before she continued speaking. "That something's definitely bothering you. You're so stiff and uneasy. Does it makes you scared?"

"M-maybe it is..."

"Care to share what it is then?"

You were about to respond but Sana introduces you to her cold palm blocking your sight.

"But first, eat your ice cream. It's gonna melt, plus... it's my favorite flavor, okay? I don't want it getting wasted." She pouted adorably.

You chuckled and sighed as you opened your ice cream. "Delicious."

"Who? Me or the ice cream?"

"W-what?" You looked so baffled at her suspicious remark.

She laughed loudly at your embarassed expression. "I'm sorry- it's just... you keep on staring at me while you're licking it and commenting it for me. I thought you're teasing me so... I tried to get back on you."

"S-stupid, you and your pervy thoughts..." You rolled your eyes and blushed intensely at her own silliness. "And what if I say you?" you smirked a little and glared at her.

"Then I don't mind having you grab a taste as much as you like~" Her eyes didn't even had to glare back at you to look flirty and seductive, instead aura changed on its own as Sana ensures that the one who started this kind of fun won't end up getting defeated in the end.

You gulped and looked away from her enticing look as she wheezes. "Sorry, what's gotten over me. Anyways, let's go backto where we left. Oh yeah, what's making you scared?"

You had to compose yourself before replying to her. "Of us. Certainly... for you."

"Why?"

"I can't tell if this luck that I have of making myself had to witness this whole you being... just the way you are is only temporary for me to see, because I fear that... I might lose this... real you, again." You said.

"I appreciate the consideration YN but, risks are inevitable okay? It's fine to take it as long as it won't step or abuse my whole being again." Sana said. "I know you're scared but... face your fears. This is why you seek for another opportunity, right? To make things right."

"But would it be wrong for me if..."

"If...?" Sana waited for your next words to follow up.

Your heartbeat quickened, nerves trembling, emotions rising, as there's no going back once you have revealed this secret you have been keeping from her in weeks. "Would it be wrong for me if I don't just want you as a friend anymore? That I also began to admire you more than that?"

Sana's smile dropped. Her gaze went more focused on you as she couldn't believe what she's hearing. "Y-you like me?"

"I know it's ridiculous of me to say that to you, because I feel like I don't have the right to feel this way because I made you like this... forcefully with my wrongdoings. But, I don't know why my heart is being like this." You said to her.

"Maybe it's due to what I've said to you last time that I started to follow what my heart wants, and it pains because... I feel like this is what I may be missing after all these years when I rather ending up hurting you against my will. And now it makes me worry if I continue this feeling i'm having now that we have buried your hatred, I might lose this... bright side that depicts the real you, Sana. That I mercilessly thrown away when we first met.

I don't want to let it go but... I couldn't  get rid of this feeling in me, even after you told me you have declined our contract, I'm heartbroken but I still keep on loving you." You started tearing up. For the first time, Sana has fully visualized this fragile self of yours and it truly does hurt her deep inside.

"But I don't want you to pity me. I still respect your decision, but... for the last time... a last hope in me, I just want to ask... do you... still want to reconsider it?"

You looked at her with your poor eyes. Sana got her breath taken away by your weakened state. Her heart crumples in pain seeing you like this because you are heavily concerned of something that you don't even had to.

Because she likes you too, and you don't even know yet.

If your heart chooses her, her heart needed you more.

"I'm sorry..." is what came out as a whisper to Sana's shaking tone. Your heart shattered and there's your last hope disappeared like a popped bubble in the air. She was about to speak but you interrupted her.

"I see. I get it, no matter how much a person forgives you for your sin, there's always be time that would grant you the punishment for wasting that moment that you should've been good rather. A karma, in short. And this one, is what I have to bring and suffer for the rest of my life."  You said to her with a bitter smile. Sana was in awe at your guilty pronounce.

"I enjoyed our time but I think I have to go now, Sana. I'm sorry." You excused yourself to Sana as you emptied your ice cream and left her speechless on your spot with her. Her frozen consciousness has what costs her to respond late to unable to catch you as you walked away from her sight.

Sana was left in distraught, as the words she was about to say and the entirety of your confession sinked down to her.

March 31. The day of the proclaimation has come. The month is ending and that means the contract has reached its breaking point. You and Sana met again in the court along with your parents in each of your sides.

Both parties are worried and confused on why you and Sana seemed so dull and devastated that neither couldn't look at each other's eyes anymore. This is what you feared, and the regret is eating you up again so bad.

"Mr/Ms. LN, are you in favor of the contract to be published and hereby signed by you?"

"I do, your honor." You said. You wanted to give it up but you chose to fight for what you have desired more. You wanted to be with Sana longer, and even if it won't grant you the same opportunity, it doesn't matter. Atleast you have become honest to your heart that you would've love to have her as yours.

Sana's lips trembled as she tried to fight the tears about to pour down on her face but was unsuccessful that the judge had to halt the question. It breaks your heart more to see her in an emotional breakdown in front of you.

"Miss Minatozaki, are you okay?"

"I... I'm not..." She sniffed her nose and wiped her tears before proceeding. " I'm not in favor of the contract, your honor."

Your family and Sana's both were in shock and saddened. You weren't surprised, but you are surely devastated that she is really this a hundred percent certain of her decision.

"Are you sure with your answer, Miss Minatozaki? You look hesitant. Perhaps you can provide a clear explaination why you still responded the opposite?"

"I'm really not in favor of the contract, your honor." Sana shook her head. She wiped her tears again before she stepped forward and came closer to you.

"Because I don't want to have it done arranged."

Your eyes widened. The collective gasps of the both sides can be heard from the court.

"I'm rather hesitant because I want to be with you more, YN... but not through this. I want us to build the story of our relationship through our own. I want it that way, not this where others had to dictate and rush us how things should go for us." She apologetically looks back at yours and her family, and gladly they nodded understandably at her point.

She immediately pulls you into a hug so tight that you wouldn't even care also if you got suffocated into her endearing gesture of what finding your home should feel like. "I'm glad that you didn't let go, YN... because I love you too."

She sobbed into your shoulder and you gave up with your emotions as flood of tears fell down on your face, but this time it was all full of joy and relief. You reciprocated her action as you wrapped her body into your own embrace and cuddled her head on your side.

"Thank you... thank you for giving me a chance, Sana. I'll do everything I can not to ruin this. I love you.

She leans away fron your shoulder and holds your shoulders as she traces your face super close between each other. "I'm so proud of you, YN. You deserve it."

"And yes, I would be glad to be your girlfriend... and your future wife soon." She winked before she pulls your head next for a wholesome romantic kiss.

Your families and even the judge clapped and congratulated in support for your newfound stronger relationship with Sana since this is a sight to behold seeing two couples aren't destined to be torn apart from each other... but rather to stay together forever despite all the harsh and crucial situations they had gone through.

Love, in cooperation with time; always finds a way to connect two people's hearts no matter how long it might take, and this... is the way their story had to go.

[mydaddywiki]

Linas Linkevičius

Physique: Husky Build Height: 5' 10"

Linas Antanas Linkevičius (born 6 January 1961) is a Lithuanian diplomat who has formerly served in the cabinet as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Defence. He is currently Lithuania's Ambassador to Sweden.

Born in Vilnius, Lithuania, Linkevičius graduated from the Kaunas 7th Secondary School with a gold medal. From 1978-1983, he studied at the Faculty of Automation of Kaunas Polytechnic Institute, graduating with an electrical engineering degree. During the rest of the 80s, he served as secretary of the local Lithuanian Komsomol district in Panemunė.

Linkevičius served as minister of National Defence from 1993 to 1996 and from 2000 to 2004. He was the Lithuanian Permanent Representative to NATO from 2005 until 2011. In December 2012 Linkevičius was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. On 19 December 2023, President Gitanas Nausėda signed a decree on his appointment as ambassador to Sweden. He took up his duties on January 15.

A handsome man and look at that body. Those tits and ass! Of course he’s straight, being married with two daughters. What man I wanted to fuck isn’t married. You know the sex he got would never have been that good. Man, I would do things to him. What else? In addition to Lithuanian, he knows English, Russian and Polish. Mmm… I can hear moaning now as I slide my cock inside him.

[sgstories123]

Jaz in her FBT

“Hi Jaz!”

Jaz looked up as she opened the door to her HBD flat. Lincoln was slumped in the sofa, a Tiger in his hand, as he greeted her lazily. Her brother laid flat on the other end of the sofa, with his hands and legs spread out, dangling from the sofa. His shirt was rolled up halfway, exposing his abs and his trail of pubic hair. Several empty cans of Tiger were on the table and floor.

“Booked out from camp yesterday?” Jaz asked. When she went for her morning jog at 7 am, she had not seen her brother or Lincoln. They must have gone somewhere after booking out before coming back to her flat while she was out.

Lincoln looked at Jaz and his cock stirred. She was dressed in a red FBT ladies tank top, her sweat glistening from her toned, bronze body. There were dark patches, outlining her sports bra. As Jaz turned around, he could see her long, slender legs extending from her black FBT shorts. Her ass was wrapped tightly against the black FBT shorts, her two perfect globes swaying gently as she moved towards him, putting down her packet of breakfast of Chee Cheong Fun on the table next to Lincoln.

“Yeah. We went out with Hazel and stayed at her place till this morning.” Lincoln replied.

Lincoln was her brother’s good friend at the polytechnic. They were posted to the same unit for their NS and often went out together during their book-outs. Hazel was their friend at the polytechnic too but she is also her brother’s current girlfriend. Jaz did not particularly like Hazel as she thought she was a little bit of a bimbo. Hazel was often on TikTok wearing tight, revealing clothes and spouting nonsense in a fake accent.

“Is he drunk? Or just sleeping?” Jaz nodded towards her brother.

“Both. He drank quite a bit but he did not sleep much last night, so he might be also tired.” Lincoln replied.

Jaz sat down next to Lincoln and took up a can of the cold beer. Maybe Chee Chiong Fun for breakfast was a wrong choice. A can of cold beer after her morning job seemed more palatable. “So what was he so busy with that he did not sleep last night?” Jaz asked, taking a sip of the cold beer.

“Your brother was fucking Hazel throughout the night, releasing all his accumulated sperm for the week.” Lincoln smiled naughtily. “She was moaning so loudly that her voice became hoarse and couldn’t speak properly this morning.”

“How you know? You watched them fucking?” Jaz asked, putting the cold beer can on her cheeks. She could feel her body getting warm.

“Yeah. They were doing it throughout the night in the bedroom with the door open. It was a free show.” Lincoln laughed.

“You never join them.” Jaz felt her love juices flowing as she imagined her brother and Hazel fucking through the night. She put the cold beer can between her thighs to relieve the desire emanating from her lower body, her FBT shorts drenched in the cold condensation. She seemed to be perspiring again, as she felt her sweat dripping off her forehead.

Lincoln inched closer towards Jaz. “Of course I want to, but Hazel is your brother’s girlfriend. Can watch but cannot touch.” He put his hand around Jaz and pulled her closer, kissing her on the cheeks. “But I can touch you and fuck you, right?”

“What the fuck!” Jaz pushed Lincoln away.

“What’s wrong, Jaz? It is not the first time we kissed.” Lincoln edged closer.

“That was only because I lost a bet.” Jaz had betted with Lincoln several months ago that her brother and Hazel will break up once he got enlisted in NS. Jaz did not think that Hazel is someone who would be serious in any relationship. But she was surprised when after 3 months, they were still together.

Lincoln had asked for a kiss for winning the bet. Jaz had tried to wriggle her way out of the bet but Lincoln had been insistent. Two weeks ago, when Lincoln was at their place and her brother was taking a bath, she allowed him to kiss her. It was a long kiss, with Lincoln tongue wrestling her for almost 10 minutes. Jaz thought it was a little too much of a sacrifice for a bet but she did enjoy it somewhat as Lincoln was a good kisser. She almost wanted to fuck him then as she was so aroused at the end of the kiss. But she did not tell him or anyone about it.

Jaz shook herself free of the memory of Lincoln’s kiss and her lust. She drained her beer in one gulp and stood up. She walked to the kitchen and took down the plates from the top of the kitchen sink. Lincoln followed her and hugged her from behind. He kissed the back of her neck, stroking her hair gently. He drew a line seductively with his finger, from the top of her ear down to her upper back, just above her tank top. He pressed himself against her back and rubbed his body against her.

She wanted to push him away but did not. Maybe it was the beer. Maybe she was aroused from the story on how her brother had been having sex with Hazel the whole night. Or maybe she had not gotten over how Lincoln had kissed her. Her knees grew weak and she held on to the kitchen sink for support, sighing softly.

Lincoln sensed the change and held on to her even more tightly, his arm around her waist as he bent her forwards. He turned her head upwards, giving her the kiss that she had been waiting for, his tongue doing its magic, exploring and lighting up every nook and cranny in her mouth. Jaz gave up resisting and opened her mouth wider to receive him.

Lincoln unzipped his jeans and took out his hard cock. He pressed it hard against her black FBT shorts, sliding between the two perfect globes of her ass. Jaz could feel the hard, warm cock pressing against her ass. She turned around and was surprised at the size of Lincoln’s cock. It was much larger than her ex.

“I am going to fuck you and empty one week’s worth of semen into you.” Lincoln whispered.

“No. You are too big.” Jaz cried, her heart pounding so hard that she was feeling faint.

Lincoln slid his hands between Jaz’s thighs. Moving upwards, he parted the inner lining of her FBT shorts and reached her smooth slit easily. Jaz was not wearing any panties and had shaved her pussy. What a whore, Lincoln smiled to himself.

Jaz was already wet, her juices overflowing from her vagina. As Lincoln’s fingers rubbed against her smooth, lubricated lower lips, they easily entered her. Jaz’s gasped as the fingers filled her waiting hole. As Lincoln started to finger fuck her, Jaz moaned louder, her body rocked forward uncontrollably in simulated love-making.

“I want to fuck you, please.” Lincoln whispered urgently. “My cock is not big. Your brother’s is much bigger and he could fuck Hazel all night long.”

“No, Lincoln.” Jaz gasped unconvincingly. “You have to stop now.” But her body was giving a different set of signals. Pleasure coursed through her lower body as Lincoln’s fingers thrust deeper into her. Her legs were hardly able to keep her standing.

Lincoln was pushing himself harder and faster against the smooth fabric of Jaz’s FBT shorts. He had wanted to stimulate Jaz until she allowed him to fuck her. But he could not hold back his orgasm that was threatening to overflow any moment. With one final thrust, he hugged her tightly, pushing her against the sink, her upper body bent forwards onto the kitchen top. He ejaculated streams of white semen all across Jaz’s black FBT shorts, marking Jaz as his prey. Some of it went further, tainting the red tank top and her hair with white globules of his semen.

Lincoln bent forwards to kiss Jaz. His cock still hard, he continued rubbing it against her black FBT shorts, now coated with his thick layer of semen. Still hugging her from behind, he pulled off Jaz’s tank top. He licked her body, tasting the salt off her bronze, toned body. He pushed up her sports bra, releasing the twin mounds of flesh as he squeezed them. As he continued to kiss her, his fingers alternated between stimulating her nipples and her cunt. Jaz was moaning louder, her body shaking and convulsing in pleasure.

“Let me fuck you.” Lincoln pleaded.

“No, Lincoln. I can’t take such a big cock.” Jaz moaned.

“But it is not so big. Come on, you are going to enjoy it.” Lincoln tried to convince Jaz. “Hazel was enjoying your brother’s large dick the whole of last night. Don’t you want some of that too?”

But Jaz was not even listening to Lincoln. She was moving close towards her release. She moaned loudly, her body arching upwards as she pushed her ass against Lincoln’s cock. Grasping the kitchen sink for support, she squirted all over the kitchen floor and Lincoln’s arm as her orgasm rocked through her body with pleasure.

Jaz slumped down from the kitchen sink, tired and satisfied.

Lincoln licked the sweet juice off his fingers. He had not given up yet. He stood nearer to Jaz, his erect cock in front of her face. “Look, I can give you even more pleasure by fucking you. It is not so big, much smaller than your brother’s. I want to fuck you so badly.” 

“No. It is too scary. You are going to rip me in half.” Jaz argued but her eyes could not look away from the magnificent cock, with the thick veins coursing along the shaft and the large bulbous head peeking out proudly through the opening from the layer of cock skin. “I can give you a hand job instead.”

Jaz grabbed the thick, long cock. She stroked it slowly as it was already well lubricated from Lincoln’s semen. It was really too big as her hand could not even cover it completely.

Lincoln sighed in pleasure as Jaz’s soft warm hands engulfed his manhood. It felt so different from rubbing against the FBT shorts.

He closed his eyes and he moaned in pleasure. “Suck it, Jaz.”

Jaz licked the tip of the cock tentatively, sending a tingle of pleasure across Lincoln’s body as the warm tongue made contact. He held onto Jaz’s head instinctively, forcing her to take his cock deeper.

Jaz resisted, pushing Lincoln’s body away. But it was half-hearted effort on her part. She was too mesmerised by his cock to stop sucking it. She found herself wanting more of the cock, sucking deeper and more frequently. Finally, she took the whole cock in, the tip reaching the back of her mouth. Lincoln pumped himself faster into Jaz’s mouth and without warning, shot his second load of semen. Jaz gagged, trying to push herself away from Lincoln but he held onto her head tight. She had no choice but to swallow his semen, as his cock pulsated long, hot streams down her throat. As his pleasure left him, Lincoln released Jaz’s head. Her mouth was full of his semen, parts of it leaking out from the corner of her mouth. Lincoln smiled. Damn. That was so erotic like some Japanese porn.

Jaz laid on the floor, exhausted. She was still wearing her semen-stained black FBT shorts but her upper body was naked, except for the sports bra hanging round her neck. Lincoln admired her body and her small round breasts. His cock became hard again. He removed his remaining clothes and laid on top of Jaz, his hard cock rubbing against the front of her FBT shorts, knocking hard on its final destination, pleading to be let through the gates of pleasure.

“I want to fuck you, Jaz.” Lincoln pleaded again, as his hands squeezed her breasts.

Jaz was too tired to fight back. “Okay. But please do it slowly. You are too big.”

Lincoln pulled down her black FBT shorts and guided his hard cock into her waiting hole. It went in easily as her hole was already well lubricated with her love juice. Jaz moaned and her fingers dug into Lincoln’s back as pain and pleasure coursed through her. Lincoln eased himself slowly into her, kissing Jaz continuously as his cock reached deeper into her. His whole shaft completely engulfed within Jaz, he took a moment to enjoy the warmth around his cock before fucking her.

Jaz was moaning louder and louder with each thrust. Lincoln was glad that he already ejaculated twice. Jaz’s hole was so pleasurable, her smooth shaved pussy so erotic that he doubted he could have lasted long. Even then, he felt his orgasm approaching and with several deep thrusts, he ejaculated for the third time, his whole week’s worth of semen finally spent. He collapsed onto Jaz, as he hugged and kissed her.

Jaz was zombified. Everything around her was a blur. Lincoln’s cock had given her so much pleasure that now that it was over, everything seemed to become meaningless. It was like after the high of a drug had passed and everything lost colour.

“Thanks Jaz. I have always wanted to fuck you. Let’s do this again.” Lincoln stroked her hair as he got up and dressed himself.

Jaz did not know how long she stayed in the stupefied state but when she regained some strength, she realised her black FBT was missing. Lincoln must have taken it as a souvenir.

She walked out to the living room where her brother was still sleeping on the sofa. She had only her sports bra on. Her lower body was naked and Lincoln’s semen left a stain from her cunt all the way down her thighs.

She pulled down her brother’s jeans. Lincoln was right. Her brother had an even bigger cock. Her heart pounded hard and she could feel herself feeling faint again. Now she knew why Hazel stayed with her brother and why she lost the bet. Jaz felt her love juices overflowing from her vagina again. She inched her face forwards to take a closer look at her brother’s hard cock, taking in the musty smell. There was a strong hint of the vigorous love-making session the night before as she could detect the familiar scent of her brother’s semen.

[linearao3]

Publish or Perish

E; 7/9

Chapter 7. Helvar, Matthias. Grown Far from the Root: Writings of the First Wave of Fjerdan Exiles of Conscience in Kerch, 1450-1700. Unpublished dissertation, Djerholm Polytechnic University. Locked Archives.

But there is something. A thick, flat package, wrapped in media-mail brown paper. A sticky note on the edge facing her.

For review. Due ASAP. No word limit. KRB

A book review? It’s a great opportunity, if he thinks she can place it somewhere of course, but “ASAP?” What does that mean in this context? What kind of publication that doesn’t have a word limit would be worth that kind of rush? If he means the end of this week and she’ll have to pull an all-nighter it’ll be hard to make it anything besides garbage, unless it’s something she’s already read —

She pulls the book out of the mailbox.

It’s not a book.

[madschiavelique]

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ . ★ . ჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻

Chapter 1 : First Day

pairing : teacher!miguel o’hara x student!reader summary : you visit your new university with the help of Hobie, and when coming back to your new apartment you meet your charming neighbour Miguel. turns out, he is not only your neighbour, but your teacher. (not proofread) content warnings : none word count : Route A : 4,2k | Route B : 4k masterlist of the fic : here.

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ . ★ . ჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻

Your lungs fill with the cool air of mid-September. The leaves are beginning to turn brown, a few falling onto the perfectly cut green lawn of the campus park. You can't wait to walk on them and hear them crunch under your shoes.

But for now, the sky remains blue on this late afternoon, dotted with a few cottony clouds, the gentle caress of the sun's warmth licking the skin of your cheeks. You breathe softly, calming your excited little heart for the new terrain that now stretches out before you.

At the end of this weekend, you'll begin your new year at the Academy of Science and Polytechnics, otherwise known to its students as ASP. Your previous university didn't live up to your expectations, nor did the one before that, but as they say, third time's the charm! At least, you hope so...

You're expecting to have a little more experience on various subjects than your future comrades, and you're quite happy to be starting out with a head start. Not that it's a competition, but the comfort you have with certain subjects is reassuring.

You're a little worried that the age gap might divide you from them, but you try to reassure yourself that, just in case, other people your age who want to change course will be along for the ride?

You give a quick nod, in the hope that it will give you enough courage and uprightness not to stumble and spread yourself like a pancake in a profoundly ridiculous fashion anywhere on campus, and start your walk to its entrance.

You're supposed to meet up with a certain Hobart Brown, who's supposed to be your guide for today - perhaps he's a student representative? 

Whatever the case, you hope the visit won't be too long. Because not only is today your visiting day and the first time you've set foot in your new college, it's also the day when a good deal of your belongings are moved into your new apartment, which is located just a few blocks from the campus.

You'll receive several boxes containing, among other things, your books and the few manuals you've bought in previous years, clothes, your hygiene kit and a mattress to inflate. The apartment would be empty, with nothing but a refrigerator already installed as furniture.

You'd be on the third floor, the last one, as the building isn't very big or wide, with only two apartments per floor. You just hope your next-door neighbour won't be unpleasant. The reason you're hoping the visit won't be too long is that you'd like to take advantage of the delivery men’ presence to help you get everything up to your floor. Since the building is small, it lacks an elevator.

When you arrive at the large, imposing door of your university building, your gaze inevitably falls on a young man with an atypical style leaning against the wall right next to the entrance. Piercings, free hair, punk clothes and an aura of I-don't-give-a-shit to match, you wonder what degree he must be in.

With a toothpick wedged between his lips, he looks up at you, a shiver running down your spine as he tilts his head to the side.

"It's you? [Name] ?" he asks, calling your name, taking the toothpick from between his lips with his fingers.

It's at this precise moment that the realization hits you that the Hobart Brown you're supposed to find was this young man.

"Hobart?" you ask, raising both eyebrows.

"It's my name, but I prefer Hobie. Well," he nodded, rolling his eyes, "Hobie's a derivative of the one I was given at birth. Let's not get into the habit of names please, it's bad."

The scent of the anarchist anti-system was a perfume he nonetheless seemed to wear gracefully.

You pout understandingly, your lips forming into an inverted smile as you answer simply.

"Gotcha."

He smiles, nodding.

"Well, you're here for a tour," he says as he starts walking towards the interior of the building and you follow him, "but that's a particularly broad and useless term in this context. A tour only lasts once, and you discover things. But since you're going to be coming back here frequently, and you're still likely to discover new places, you could say I'm introducing you to the building."

"Are you in Arts?" you suggest as he walks down a corridor which you look at on either side where classes with their numbers are inscribed. "No, let me guess, you're in Philosophy."

"And you're perceptive." he smiles. "I like you, you seem to catch on quickly."

The university is, after all, home to the vast majority of the sciences, including the humanities. So Hobie is in philosophy, which is not surprising. It's interesting that he was the chosen student for your tour - sorry, introduction to the academy.

"Here's a typical corridor, nothing special, you'll come across lots of them," he sighs as he swings his hand in the air as if chasing a flying insect around him. "On the other hand, on this floor there are a few empty classrooms that we use from time to time, and obviously without the knowledge of the professoriate."

"Makes perfect sense," you say with a shrug.

"It's very useful for the meetings we hold about blockades," he informs, turning to you while walking backwards. "FYI," his ring-fingered hand rests on his chest, "I'm kind of the leader of our blockade committee, although being a leader or having one at your head isn't something I endorse. You could say I'm... the spokesman, the one who makes the speeches at our rebellion events, because let's face it, when you get tear gas thrown in your face, it can be confusing."

He seems to look you up and down, weighing up the pros and cons for a few seconds.

"Would you like to join us?" he finally said, with a jerk of his chin in your direction.

You crossed your arms, looking up at him.

"I'll think about it," you reply simply.

He smirks before turning again and walking straight ahead.

"Now, let me show you what will really matter here for you. You're in 'real' science, aren't you? You like playing chemist? Toying with vials?"

Hobie's little prejudices make you smile and laugh slightly.

"If you're nice, the one who toys with vials will show you how to make a better assortment of components to respond to tear gas."

He turned to you, laughing heartily and pointing at you as he walked to the staircase at the end of the corridor. 

"I like you," he repeated as he led you upstairs.

"This is the second floor, in case you can't count. I don't know all your stuff and your complicated scientific words for this or that or such-and-such subject," he says, his head tilting this way or that, "but one thing's for sure: this is where you'll have most of your classes."

In the hallway in question, coming from a room that had just been locked by her, a lovely dark-skinned lady with gorgeous afro hair was walking towards you.

"And you may well find yourself in class with Mrs. Drew," he said, almost raising his voice and smiling as you walked towards her.

She walked slowly, unhurried, chin high as she smiled at the young man's call.

"Hobie, convincing one more person to tag the campus lawn with a capital A?" she said in a voice that was half sigh and half sneer as she came up to your level.

"You know me at this point, you know I never do the same thing twice," he says with a shrug before plunging his hands into his back pockets. "But for once I'm bringing in a bright element that will go into your side." he turns to you.

"A new student?" asks Professor Drew as her eyes settle on you.

"Nice to meet you, I'm [Name]," you smile simply.

"Welcome, miss." she says, inhaling heavily. "I hope you'll get used to the rhythm here, it can sometimes prove to be merciless."

"Jess, don't be so hard on a new arrival, you'll scare her away," warned a new voice.

A slightly disheveled man with light brown hair came towards you.

"This," Hobie began, "is Professor Parker. You're going to have to put up with him too."

"Eh, I'm not someone you 'put up with'," commented the aforementioned Parker, imitating a finger-crunching reaction to the use of words, "it's not my fault your religion is Spinoza and mine is Mendeleev."

"It's crazy how you're both so distinctly the same mental age," Jess sighed. "Anyway, welcome to our midst miss." and she headed off down the hall.

"Oh, so you're new!" realized Peter, "welcome to ASP."

"Stands for Appearant Soporiphic Problem," Hobie sneers.

"Does Freud have an acronym too?" puffs Peter.

"Of course," he says before raising his hand as if viewing an imaginary title in the air, "MI."

"Mission impossible?" asks Peter, frowning.

"Mommy Issues." corrects Hobie.

"Very funny," laughed Peter falsely, "I hope that as a reconversion option you've chosen the circus?"

"I'm already there. "

"I am fully convinced you never graduated kindergarten." This little chat lasted a few more minutes before Peter in turn left to go home and the visit continued. Ten minutes later, the visit was over.

You told Hobie that you were new to the city, and that everything was a bit of a discovery. You learnt that the building was very old, just like a few others in the town, and that many changes of direction had led to it being rebuilt over the years, while preserving its charming, slightly old-fashioned setting. "Well, I've shown you the parts that are important to you here," says Hobie as he descends the few small steps leading to the building's main entrance. "You mentioned that you were new to the city, so do you need a mini 'tour' of it too? Just the surrounding area, to familiarise yourself a little", he suggests.

Here's your first choice! Select the option you want.

Choice A: Decline and go straight to your flat. Choice B: Accept and take a short tour of the surrounding area.

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ . ★ . ჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻

tag list : @deceitfuldevil @allysunny @zkelecr0w @chichimisaki @luvrdonny @oooof-ifellforyou @aisyakirmann @carelesswister @jojos-wife @akiras-key @love4saturn @simpychaotic

[avatarskywalker78]

OC Re-introduction - Tia Everton

Tia was always fascinated by how things worked - from the old-style technology still seen in museums to the most modern, up-to-date machines available to the public. Once she was old enough to be trusted with tools and small parts, she loved taking something apart to see how it worked and it wasn't long before a desire to be the person to develop new technology took root - and it was at Virginia Polytechnic she was able to complete a degree in mechanical engineering at just twenty years old, smashing her grades and so good at what she did it wasn't long before she went freelance.

This was how she first met Sheridan Ó Séaghdha, after being hired by Mercury Aerospace to work on one of their aircraft, and it wasn't long before they became friends - the other woman was very different, far more outgoing and social opposed to Tia, who generally prefers to be in the company of machines than people, but she was friendly and open, and in any case just as enthusiastic about technology given she's normally flying experiment versions of it, so knows the importance of keeping up to date with things, and Tia's worked for Mercury a few times since, appreciating the fact they take their business seriously and don't take shortcuts.

It was through Sheridan that she got to know the Tracy Clan and she gets along with most of them, but of the five brothers she's closest to Virgil, drawn to his sensitive nature and creativity, and loves to watch him paint or listen to him play whenever she visits the island. Of course, she worries about all her friends because she knows they're all trained as a pilot - she much prefers to have her feet on the ground when at all possible, thank you very much (exceptions being when her friends have been seriously injured and she needs to get somewhere quickly...but even then only if someone she trusts is flying the damn thing) - but as with Sheridan she accepts it's part of their life.

These are the broad strokes of her life. The picture they're becoming? Depends on the universe you're in ↓

Thunderbirds 1965

Although Tia's speciality is geared towards land-based vehicles, she's worked on her fair share of aircraft too, and she's helped several of Mercury's into the sky over the last three years. Though she hasn't yet had the chance to work on the Starfinder programme, she marvels at the feat of engineering it is and has no doubt that the others will be a success too. These days it seems to be a running theme - despite the 'no photographs rule' it's still very clear the Thunderbirds are on a whole other level and very clearly what the world needs.

They're also something of an antidote to the many examples of very poor engineering indeed she sees on the news these days - just take the Martian rocket, for example, what genius thought that system up - none of which really helps with the anxiety regarding the safety of her friends. Sure, only Sheridan's still an active pilot but even just going about your life isn't any guarantee of safety these days. If it's not a natrual disaster it's some idiot with a bright idea, no regard for safety and a complete lack of common sense.

Tia tries not to let it worry her too much, but this is easier said than done - especially when she's been in love with Virgil Tracy for the better part of a year and he's already been involved in one crash that she knows about (even if she doesn't know the exact details). She doubts it'll go anywhere, because he's way out of her league and could have any woman he wanted, no matter what Sheridan seems to have convinced herself (and Gordon, lord have mercy) of, and besides, she's busy helping to create new technology that won't go terribly wrong because someone fucked up, which means there won't be any lives put in danger because of it, and that's the bigger priority here. She's able to deal with it most of the time and at least the Tracys aren't throwing themselves headlong into danger...

Only sometimes danger seems to find her people anyway - this is proven when Starfinder One is sabotaged and only saved thanks to the efforts of International Rescue. It's a terrifying situation even once the group responsible have been brought to justice, and there's something Sheridan's not telling her, only she can't for the life of her figure out what, and she knows perfectly well no amount of asking will ever yield an answer - her friend's always been good at keeping secrets, after all.

It's only after another incident months later she finds out, and the revelation sends her reeling as she realises just how many times she came close to losing her friends - to losing Virgil - without ever knowing the true circumstances behind it.

And initially she doesn't deal with it very well at all...

Thunderbirds Are Go

Though Tia doesn't consider herself an expert by any means, space travel being more common means she still has a good knowledge of how spacecraft work, and she first met Sheridan after being hired to work on Starfinder Two. She's been contracted by them several times since, and keeps up-to-date on their programme as they move into more experiemental power sources, like the proton-fusion engines currently running in Starfinder Four, and enjoys working for them because of their strict safety standards - in a world that produces such idiots like Langstrom Fischler (who she would cheerfully strangle if she ever got her hands on the wretched man), it's heartening to see a company run by someone who genuinely gives a shit.

Of course, she's worked on plenty of her own independent projects too that for the most part have been successful, but ironically, for all her misgivings about aircraft and worry over most of her friends being pilots, she's the one who's had to call out International Rescue a few times when things have spiralled out of control - so far there's been the desert vehicle that fell into a sinkhole (caused by illegal mining), the SUV that blew up on a dummy test run and caused a landslide (after a supplier she thought she could trust cut corners), and the satellite that nearly wiped out a village after being struck by a meteor, not to mention the the automatic jungle tracker that malfunctioned and zipped off into the Amazon, never to be seen again (even they couldn't find that.)

Mostly, though, things work out (even if she has to remain vigilant for wannabe supervillains like the Hood and whatever fucking idiots he's convinced to join him), and she always strives to maintain her friendships, even though she often doesn't see people for months at a time. Mostly she has meet-ups with either Sheridan or Virgil, the latter of which has led to much speculation in the tabloids over the years - which is almost but not quite as hilarious as the speculation over Sheridan and John that's been buzzing ever since it leaked that the two roomed together at Harvard, and none of it's ever bothered Tia since she's only ever seen the man platonically and it's going to stay that way, if you don't mind.

(She'd love to say she gets along with all the Tracys, but unfortunately that's not the case ever since one hell of an argument with Scott years ago during Gordon's recovery after he flung an unfounded accusation at Sheridan and she, John and Gordon himself leapt in to defend her when she was stunned into hurt silence - it took Virgil, Kayo and Grandma Tracy to break it up, Sheridan's not set foot on the island since, and Tia doesn't trust him outside of a professional setting.)

None of this means she doesn't worry, especially when life itself can be unpredictable - nowhere more so than space, when the tiniest thing going wrong can lead to utter disaster, so when Starfinder Four is hit by an unexpected meteor strike with the risk of the core destabilsing and vaporizing everything within a ten mile radius (namely the people on board the goddamn ship) it looks like her worst fear is about to come true....

Tagging (let me know if you want to be added or removed): @shrinkthisviolet @starstruckpurpledragon @janetm74 @call-me-casual @lenle-g

[pxseas]

Marie Andersen (now Landgraab!)

Marie & Malcolm finally tied the knot! Here's some background of their story so far and some screenshots of their wedding!

From Marie Andersen's first breath, the silver spoon had been waiting and ready. She was the eldest twin of a happy family, who owned one of the nicest houses on the outskirts of Belladonna Cove. With everything at her fingertips, Marie learnt very quickly - if she wanted something, she could get it. She didn't need status, money, or fame. She wanted it.

The Andersen's were one of the most privileged families in Belladonna Cove, and so doors opened easily for Marie. She found herself a job at Malcolm Landgraab's law firm as a legal secretary. Her mother, Tara Andersen (nee' DeBateau), had thrown a party to celebrate the confirmation of her city planning project, and had invited Malcolm.

This marked the first time in Marie's life where she knew exactly what she wanted.

Marie was a teenager whilst Malcolm was an adult, meaning their relationship could never work. Marie knew that this had to be a long-term plan. She wanted the Landgraab title, and all the status that came with it. And so, she schemed. As soon as she was old enough, Marie and her twin sister Ada enrolled at Urbania Polytechnic. Whilst they both had the grades and skills necessary, being the daughters of the city planner responsible for the construction of the college slightly helped in their applications.

Marie's political science course taught her plenty about her key interest: power. She wooed her professor to ensure that she had the best grades - even though she was more than capable of getting top marks all on her own.

Sims were simply obstacles in the way of her goals, and interactions were merely means to an end. Life for Marie has always been easy - for once, she craved a challenge. Unfortunately for her, Malcolm Landgraab was not a challenge. Enamoured by her charisma, Malcolm was a sucker to Marie's advances. It wasn't long before he was in love.

They dated throughout college, and life was beautiful. Fancy dates, roses at the doorstep - everything Marie had wanted from him, and yet somehow, it wasn't enough. Whilst at the gym, Marie met a handsome frat boy; Luthor L. Bigbucks. The pair immeaditley hit it off with 3 chemistry bolts.

Dating Luthor was dangerous. Instead of high class restaurants, the pair snook out in the middle of the night to dodgy diners where they wouldn't be seen. For the first time in Marie's life, she was excited. The adrenaline from dating Luthor behind Malcolm's back was addictive.

As soon as Marie graduated, she moved into the Landgraab estate. Malcolm made the executive decision to move to Belladonna Cove, abandoning his life in Bluewater village for Marie.

Malcolm had finally become 'The Law', whilst Marie had begun her flourishing career in politics, almost immediatley being elected mayor. The pair hosted fancy dinner parties where only the most elite sims were invited. Luthor, of course, was always on the guest list.

And finally, the moment Marie had been waiting for almost her entire life - the ring! Malcolm proposed to her mid dinner party, in front of Luthor. His disapointment was palpable, but he knew the engagement had to happen at some point.

Of course, the engagement didn't stop Luthor from visiting the Landgraab estate. Nothing had changed between them, despite the ring.

And finally, the wedding day!

Marie's cousins and twin sister felt extremely out of place at such a high class event - apart from Lysander, who was a regular guest at Marie's dinner parties. Regardless, Marie's family didn't quite know how to feel about her new Landgraab status. They were definitley sat at the "fun" table.

The wedding came to an end with toasts! Marie had finally done it - she was a Landgraab! Luthor then, autonomously, decided to throw away the champagne immeaditley after.

Marie is one of my favourite 5th gen sims! Love her to death. Thanks for reading this lil bit of story:)

[mochicrackersss]

Blog Post - Convention Preview ᯓᡣ𐭩‧₊˚ ⊹

I've always enjoyed participating in fandom experiences! Though, I haven't been to anything crazy, like Comic-Con or Anime Expo. My most notable were just a few local Florida conventions. But they were still fun overall and gave a great look into youth culture and fandom communities with its vast amount of participants around the globe and things tailored for each fandom.

My first convention was PolyCon at Florida Polytechnic University. I don't remember much about it because it was a couple of years ago, but would say it was a good time! The convention itself was pretty quaint with not a lot to do and not many people attending besides Polytechnic students. But for being my first exposure to convention life, I was enamored. There was also a student-run maid cafe that was amusing to go to, specifically because my dad came to the convention with me. Younger me had absolutely no idea how to explain to my dad why a bunch of college students were in cat ears, maid costumes, and doing intricate dance routines. He was so confused... it was lowkey hilarious but also embarrassing.

I'd say the most memorable convention memory I have is when I went to Mega Con in 2021! It wasn't super long after the COVID quarantine got lifted, and so until then, I hadn't gone to anything or seen many people for what felt like a long time. Being able to go to a convention (of course, by then it was safe to be in public spaces) and simultaneously going with my best friend for her first time was just what I needed. However, it was very different with COVID regulations still in place, like masks and social distancing. But I did notice the convention felt like a sense of normalcy for many con-goers after the pandemic. Everyone I met was so kind (and that's rare because you're bound to run into a few bad eggs or creeps), and every cosplayer I saw, even with the masks, made the most out of their costumes! My best friend and I also tried to cosplay as our favorite characters from Demon Slayer because the anime was a huge comfort to us while we holed up inside our homes with nothing to do. Yes, I think my costume was horrible because I am no professional, and I lowkey hate looking at pictures of it, but it did act as a nice escape from the COVID-filled reality at the time. Because of that, I was so happy to spend that precious time with my best friend! And buy a lot of stuff in the artist alley because Mega Con's is so big lol.

Another convention I went to earlier this year was the University of Florida convention, Swamp Con! I never knew until later in my first semester that UF held its own convention, and I think more students should know about it! Swamp Con is an event completely run by students in the Reitz Union, which I think is super impressive based on how many activities there were to do! There were panels, quizzes, performances, cosplay contests, an artist alley, outdoor games, special foods and drinks, and even a maid cafe (which was so funny to see a second time in a college). I also cosplayed again for this convention as Sophie Hatter from Howl's Moving Castle, which is such a huge shocker based on my Tumblr. 

Overall, the convention setting on a college campus took an unseen pressure off, which is something I also remembered feeling at PolyCon. I thought that would be an interesting thing to point out compared to venue conventions! 

[marshmellowtea]

i accidentally let what was supposed to be a small ramble devolve into a full on ficlet lmao so enjoy chrissandra angst centered around chris's mommy issues :')) light age regression and mentions of abuse ahead

sandra meets celia once in university, just by happenstance when she stops by chris's room to say hello and maybe take him out with her (because drinking alone is no fun, and frankly, a bit dangerous as a young woman on her own). she doesn't get to say much to her, but sandra immediately recognizes the weird, passive aggressive way she speaks, the judgement radiating off of her as she looks her up and down, the way chris looks near tears for reasons he never fully explains to her.

right out the gate, sandra knows she doesn't like celia. she doesn't get much of a chance to think much of it, though, before celia's gone again, fucking off to wherever hellish plane of existence she came from. sandra puts it in the back of her mind, takes chris's arm and leads him out the door with her—there's drinks and good times to be had, recently formed traumatic memories to forget about. if chris clings to her a little tighter than normal when she leads him away from his dorm, well, that can stay between the two of them.

it's not until a month later when sandra has the misfortune of thinking about celia again, the looming presence of that woman rearing its ugly head. chris is injured, strung up in the hospital for a minor injury, and her and robert are the only ones in the room with him, something she doesn't think much about until chris quietly asks to call his mum.

"i don't know why you're asking," robert says, so matter of fact it almost doesn't register for sandra the severity of what he's saying, "you know she's not going to come."

the comment puts a bad taste in sandra's mouth, though she does her best to write it off—it's just a minor injury, and chris is an adult. of course his mother wouldn't drop everything and make the long drive over to them just to check on his sprained ankle, why would she? sandra knows her mother wouldn't either.

but then again, her mother isn't exactly the best mum either, is she? her father would probably drop everything for her, has dropped everything for her for much less than this, that's what parents are supposed to do, aren't they?

she pushes the thought down. it's not her problem if chris's parents won't show up for him, even if the thought does make her chest ache a bit. she swallows back her concern and leans in, distracting him with talk of the current play they're going to put on with the cornley polytechnic drama society. they're the group's newest members, the three of them, and chris has already made his plans to eventually become director known to them, his eyes alight with excitement as he'd rambled drunkenly about his aspirations. sandra thinks he could do it—he's passionate, and fairly talented, if a bit clumsy onstage, and maybe a bit too much of a perfectionist (though she can't fault him for that, because she and robert have the same problem, don't they?). she sees that same light in her eyes when she brings up their current production, and for a moment, her chest warms, a weird rush of adoration for him swelling up in her.

she pushes that down too, for now. she's not here to make friends, even if she does quite like chris. she has her eyes on hollywood, and she's not letting anything slow her down.

....she's no where close to hollywood when another major celia incident occurs, the one that changes things. between then and the last time chris was in the hospital, she's only gotten brief mentions of the woman, little drops of information chris shares when he's a little too drunk and a little too open, moments a part of her relishes if only for the fact that chris closes himself back up afterwards. she's really starting to like him, and she knows he's really starting to like her too—not in the way she's used to men growing to like her, no, there's no thrum of sexual tension between them or longing romantic glances, but whatever it is is just as intimate, a scary and exciting and confusing tangle of affection between them.

maybe that's why she's there the minute she gets the call that he's in the hospital again—appendicitis this time, thankfully another routine procedure, low risk. it's no less terrifying, though, not for her, and certainly not for chris, who's wide eyed and whimpering even through the haze of the painkillers they have him on.

"mum," he half-sobs when he sees her and robert, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "i wan' mum."

"chris, we've talked about this," robert says, softer than usual—even he's able to dial it back sometimes, when the situation calls for it. "i've already called her. she's not coming."

chris sobs openly at the news, and sandra feels her mouth go dry, a surge of hatred swelling in her. she's not convinced that celia being here would be any better for him—she thinks back to the only time she met celia, the way chris looked like he was going to burst into tears from whatever their conversation had been before she walked in—but the fact she won't even make an effort to be here still makes her so angry on chris's behalf.

i don't think—i don't think she likes me, sometimes, he'd murmured to her last time they'd drank together, a fragile look on his face and a tremor in his hand. i want her to like me but i don't think she does. i—i dunno what i'm doing wrong...

"mama," chris whispers now, almost inaudible, sounding painfully small and young. "i just wan' my mama..."

a surge of—well, sandra can't quite place the emotional cocktail that suddenly hits her at the sound of him, the aching, protective rage that runs through her when it hits her that celia's reduced him to this, a scared kid forever crying for his mother. whatever it is, though, it spurs her into action, and she gets out of the hospital chair and hastens to the side of his bed, grabbing his hand and cradling it gently in both of hers.

"i'm here," she says, and she only thinks better of it before half a second before committing to her next choice of words: "mama's here. it's gonna be alright."

chris looks up at her, his eyes hazy and terrified. sandra musters up her best comforting look, giving his hand a gentle squeeze and rubbing at the back of it soothingly.

"sandra," robert says, bewilderment in his voice. "what the hell are you doing?"

"helping," sandra says, not even sparing robert a glance, keeping her gaze on chris's uncertain eyes. "i'll be your mum for a bit, if—if she's not going to show up. does that sound alright, chris?"

chris just stares at her for another long moment, the shock freezing him in place. eventually, though, he melts again, shoulders visibly slumping. tears spill over his cheeks, and his chest convulses, his free hand coming up to reach for her.

"sandra," he mumbles, and then his eyes go a different kind of hazy from the drug haze, something visibly shifting in him. "mama..."

sandra drops his hand and immediately pulls him into a hug instead, putting her arms around him carefully as to not disturb his stitches. he drops his head on her shoulder immediately, and she rubs his back, grimacing slightly at the wetness that hits her shoulder. she almost regrets this for a moment, then—but then chris squeezes back, a soft sob escaping him as he slumps into her embrace.

"mama..." he mumbles again, just loud enough for her to hear. there's still a tremor of uncertainty in his voice, the sound of it enough to choke her up.

"yeah. mama's here," she murmurs, any regrets and doubts washing away from her. it feels right, in a way she can't describe. "it's alright. you're going to be alright. i'm here."

the rest of the world melts away then, even robert's confused presence barely registers for her. it's just her, and chris, and this weird dynamic she's found herself committed to—she won't let herself think too hard about it yet, instead soaking up the oddly comforting warmth of chris in her arms, indulging a little in the odd protectiveness she feels over him.

[hlficlibrary]

HL Fic Library 🟠 1980's Fics

Remember to leave kudos and a comment on the fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find the library's other recs here.

⭐ We Were Such Fools by kiddle / @bluejeanlouis (M, 98k)

Rule #1: The Rewind Machine cannot be used to change the past, only to experience it. History will reset itself to the original timeline every 24 hours.

On his fiftieth birthday, two things are consuming Harry’s mind: what he’s going to make the kids for dinner tonight, and the fact that his marriage is crumbling at his feet.

So, when his best friend gifts him the trip of a lifetime, Harry chooses to venture off to the summer that set his life on its course—all the way back in 1987, California.

It only took him one summer to fall in love with his husband the first time around. How hard could starting all over really be?

⭐ modern love by prettyoddnjh (T, 72k)

It's August 9th, 1985. "Shout" by Tears for Fears is the top song on the Billboard charts, Back to the Future has been the #1 film in the country for five weeks straight, and Harry has just moved to what he thinks is probably the shittiest town in the Midwest.

Louis has been wasting away in East Chicago for over five years, Harry is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to him, and both of them are hiding a dangerous secret from their best friend: they're, like, totally sprung on each other.

⭐ The World Turned Upside Down by dogslpdi / @dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram (E, 71k)

In September 1984, Harry Styles starts at Manchester Polytechnic with two goals: to take pictures and to join the Lesbian and Gay Society. He’s never paid much attention to the news, but everyone he meets in Manchester supports the miners. He realises how right they are when he meets Louis Tomlinson, a striking miner who flirts with him. A month later they are both at the founding meeting of Manchester Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, trying to bring down the government. Through letters and visits they build a relationship, in a world very much not of their own choosing.

Manchester and Doncaster in the 1980s are grim, hopeful and alive. Niall is president of the Young Labour club, Nick Grimshaw is in love with the singer of an up and coming band, Fizzy wants to know more about the women of Greenham Common and Harry and Louis are brave.

A Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners/Pride AU.

⭐ Among Lavender Fields by @homosociallyyours (E, 70k)

At twenty-one, Louis Tomlinson is more than ready to shed the girl next door image that's been with her since her entry into film in her childhood, but with a mother and father steeped in Hollywood tradition it's felt impossible. Meanwhile, Harry Styles is a young, struggling musician new to London, friendless yet eager for the next phase of her life to begin.

When French director Marie Coutard casts the two of them in her film, it's a chance for both to break away from the people they've been. Together, they struggle through an acting process that's new and unfamiliar for both of them, learning more than they could've imagined about themselves along the way. As they spend long days picking lavender and long nights sharing the things they've never been able to tell anyone else, their love blooms.

Will the flower fade, or will the love they make among lavender fields be one they carry with them to the end?

⭐ HL 80s nyc verse (series) by superglass (M, 51k)

He expects his usual warm welcome from Sue, always drying off a glass or cleaning the taps with a dirty rag. Instead, to his shock, a man is behind the bar, pouring a Whiskey Sour for a regular Harry always sees at this time of night. He’s no doubt his age; he can tell by the smoothness of his skin, the muscles in his biceps, the way his hair is swept back in a style not unlike a young James Dean, exemplifying the cut of his cheekbones and the sharpness at his jaw.

As he approaches the bar, quietly since he’s not wearing his shoes, he blurts it out— “Where’s Sue? Is she alright? She’s not dead, is she?”

The barkeep, wide-eyed at first but quickly growing amused, smiles at him, eyeing his dress, tousled wet hair and smudged makeup with a curl in his lip. “Darling,” he says, completely ignoring his question, “a leather jacket with a dress like that? Are you mad?”

or In the midst of the AIDS crisis, Harry meets Louis after coming home from a drag ball. 80s NYC au.

⭐ what this world is about by isntrio / @bloubird (E, 34k)

An eighties American high school AU; there are first times, football games, and feelings.

Alternatively titled: the beginning.

⭐ What Happened to 'Never Say Die'? by kiddle / @bluejeanlouis (T, 28k)

The ‘80s were one of the best decades to be a teenager in America. Just ask anyone who's seen a John Hughes movie. Louis would beg to differ. At least today he would, while he was stuck cleaning out his family's basement - part of his grounding after a senior prank gone wrong. But when he finds a box containing details of the biggest unsolved crime in Luna Hills, he and his friends decide to sneak out for one last adventure before they're all off to college. That is, as long as the mayor, who also happens to be Louis' mother, doesn't stop them before they discover the truth.

Or, a coming of age American AU inspired by classic ‘80s movies like The Goonies and Stand By Me where everyone has a secret and no one wants to get caught.

⭐ Never Meant to Be So Bad to You by harriblou (M, 27k)

Louis hated Harry and his stupid confidence and his handsome face and his deep voice and his stupid jeans and his stupid smile and his stupid existence. He hated Harry, always had and always will. They’d never gotten along and Louis wasn’t sure how it started, but he knows that Harry was put onto this earth to bug the hell out of Louis. Being trapped inside of an arcade with him was hell and it hadn't been a full minute.

or the 80's Arcade AU that no one asked for about how louis and harry hate each other (not really) and have an intense rivalry over video games. featuring liam niall and zayn as the friends who help them sort themselves out.

⭐ Lean On My Shoulder (I See Myself With You) by Jennifer_Kaid / @poetsreprieve (E, 19k)

Speaking of the views, there was someone on his balcony. The sun was still setting, making this person look even more ethereal. They seemed to be at content at being alone. Harry watched as they watered the plants, they certainly didn't look like they were amongst the help.

Curiosity got the best of him and he decided to invade this stranger's quiet time; the Prince could be selfish sometimes.

"When you love something, you help them grow."

⭐ enter exit (enter) by @louisandthealien (M, 17k)

When he’s finally in the hotel, crammed into the tiny phone booth, all he can do is stare at the faded paper sign glaring down at him from the wall.

1 Minute = 11.82 USD Mexico --> United States

He has less than a minute to break his boyfriend’s heart, and it’s going to cost him twelve bucks to do it.

There’s sand under his fingernails as he dials the number.

⭐ after hours by @muldxr (E, 16k)

Harry moves like lightning as he slides the books off the shelves into the open, waiting abyss of his bag. Then, as Louis clears the other end of the exhibit just as quickly, he moves on to the display case next to it and the one after that. One flimsy book practically flies open as he picks it up, the paper held together by feeble strings on the spine. He leaves it behind. Not worth selling.

Or, a crime au set in 1980s Chicago.

⭐ honey, honey by resurrectdead / @artxghoul (E, 13k)

It just feels weird to not be able to tell his own mum about how nervous yet over the fucking moon happy he is right now, because this tape isn’t for neither Niall nor Liam. It’s for, well.It’s for Harry bloody Styles. The boy that makes his insides feel like sunshine.

Or: It’s 1988, and Louis has to make a mixtape for Harry

⭐ Haunting Beauty by 4ureyesonly28 / @evilovesyou (G, 6k)

It’s 1988. Harry has just finished his first year of teaching English and looks forward to a relaxed break. Louis is a poltergeist and has different plans for Harry’s summer.

⭐ the sound of my heart needs the sound of another heart by momentofclarity / @gaycousinlarry (G, 2k)

In the summer of '83, Louis is fifteen years old and in love.

⭐ Glad to be Gay by Stria / @nooradeservedbetter (T, 2k)

It's the same old story all over the world When a boy meets a boy and a girl meets a girl We all come together cos we're happy to say It's a natural fact that it's good to be gay

[Or, it's the 80s. Harry and Louis are together.]

[mikiusol]

Happy 10th year anniversary of Circus Mirandus!🎪🌟🪢

Today is the 10th year anniversary of Circus Mirandus. This story has carried me forth for a very long time – I first read this story in 2017, and now, in 2025, I am very fortunate to be here to live this moment.

When I first read this story as an 11 year old, I was about the same age as Micah – just a year older. Back then, I was confused about a lot of things going on in my life, and I found it hard to stick to one story for long. But Circus Mirandus stayed with me for a long time even after reading it.

The first book left much to be answered, and I spilled many tears reading the end of it. But my life went on, and gradually I'd forgotten about the story. Thinking back, I think I still carried a small part of the circus with me, because I also read Beasley's other story, Tumble & Blue (which I also love and adore).

Then by pure chance in January of 2020 – I stumbled upon the sequel, The Bootlace Magician, in the Harbourfront National Library of Vivocity. I still remember being so surprised, standing in front of shelf 56, and looking at the thick hardback beside the first story in the series. At this point, I was 13 going 14. I didn't expect I would end up loving the second story more than the first, but I did, and this time the story stayed forth and centre for a very, very long time in my mind.

Being 13 and in Secondary 2 of an all-girls' school wasn't very fun for me back then, but reading Circus Mirandus was like having a guardian angel around.

I had wondered for a while, after reading the first book, if Micah ever found a place in the circus. Did he find peace after Ephraim's passing? Did he still keep in contact with Jenny? Did the world keep spinning on and on in Peal, while the circus played its pipes and drums on and on in a land far away? When TBM answered, “Yes! Of course!” To all my questions, it made me feel that for a few moments, everything in the world would turn out to be okay and that there wasn't much to be afraid about growing up and growing old.

During my O-Levels, I read TBM every night (every night straight) before I went to bed. Then months later, I started polytechnic, and that was when the real trials and tribulations began. I hated every waking moment of going to school for the first semester of school, and as embarrassing as it is to admit, I cried for the first month of this new environment because:

I didn't have any time to draw or read

I sucked ass at talking to new people

I didn't have a clue how badly I would be humbled academically. (What the hell was a PCR cycle?)

But I gritted my teeth and rode out the first two years of polytechnic. I'm now in my third and final year.

In these two years, I did better academically than I'd ever done in my entire life, and I have Circus Mirandus to thank for. Without a story to lean on (and drag me forward towards the future when I wanted to give up…), I think I would've given up on studying, changed diploma courses, or performed less than I did.

In polytechnic, there's not much time to read or relax as I used to have before. But every day, on the bus, after lessons, walking to class, or walking home, I thought of Micah and the circus. I wondered and thought of fun scenarios the characters could experience, I thought of things to draw them doing, and I spent an ungodly amount of time scrolling through Pinterest to figure out exactly how I imagined the main cast to look like. I still haven't nailed the last one yet, but it's a work in progress.

For the first year of reading the sequel TBM, I read/watched every interview out there on the internet. Blogs, Q&As, YouTube channels, book reviews, etc. If there's a Q&A done with Cassie Beasley, high chance – is I've read it. For years since then, I scoured the internet for other readers, and was disappointed to find none at first. (Circus Mirandus isn't popular in Singapore.) Back then, it felt like I was the only person in the world who loved the stories. But fortunately, I found readers online from France and Italy, and even got a friend from home, Thalen, to read it too. So I also want to say thank you to Thalen for joining in with me whenever we passionately discussed about the books together. Without someone to match my excitement for the stories, I would be less open about it.

I've met other readers on Tumblr and AO3, all of whom I'm so grateful for. I've had many fun discussions with all of them, and I'm grateful I have a small community of readers to talk with whenever.

At this point, I want to apologize for not having drawn the series enough. The infrequencies of my postings about the circus do not match the frequency of my thoughts of them, and I could go on and on about Micah and the Lightbender and everyone else if I could. But I think it's important to acknowledge one more person.

No amount of words can express how grateful I am to have Circus Mirandus in my life, and I only have Cassie Beasley to thank. I love and own all 3 books she's published, and they've played a pivotal role in my life so far. Many dull and down moments of my days have been filled with fun from rereading her stories; the person I am today would not be here without Circus Mirandus.

A central theme of Circus Mirandus is learning to still remain a child at heart, to believe in yourself no matter where you go in life. I'm still not sure how to do that last part very well, but I hope I'll have the rest of my life to figure it out.

I'm 19 now. I have one more year before I become an adult, and I'm going to cherish it with my copy of Circus Mirandus on my shelf. I don't really want to grow up, but life goes on, and there's very little I could do to stop it from happening, but at least I can have the peace to let it be.

Happy 10th year anniversary to Circus Mirandus!

[cornley-amateur-drama-society]

If Chris and Vanessa grew up together…

no matter what, they were in different schools

they didn't meet through theatre or academics or any sort of extracurriculars

they met while skiving off class one day

[important context here is that vanessa went to an all-girls' school and chris was at a boarding school down the road]

they bumped into each other (literally) at a pic'n'mix in a corner shop

[they didn't skive often, but i picture them as students who do well in class because it's expected, however they're not stand-outs by any means really.]

[if we want to get super into it, we could also say that the classes they ditched were the ones where their teachers had no concrete facts about their home lives, but could colour in the picture enough to not say anything when they needed to get air]

i think that vanessa was the first to open up about her parents and her mother especially and her older half-brother

not immediately spouting off about them, but little, carefully crafted comments dropped here and there until she could get a gauge on what chris thought

i think they bonded over overbearing and critical mothers and rather absentee fathers

it was slightly different for vanessa because her mother had been married thrice, and as a result she had an older brother

i think their gap in age is at least six or eight years. enough to really notice a difference in their upbringing

chris didn't speak often about his mother but when vanessa would rant about something and her words hit close to home, there was a certain set to his jaw that she learned to pick up on

i think eventually there was a parents' day and chris and vanessa accidentally bumped into each other again, but their mothers were present

and before they could hide that they knew each other, they were accidentally too familiar with their body language to have just been two teenagers who met on the street

celia immediately was on the defence against vanessa, thinking that she was going to usurp her place as the number one woman in chris' life

that feeling was quickly assuaged by kathryn wilcock-wynn-carroway's presence, which eclipsed vanessa's

celia found her kindred spirit

(of course, this didn't mean that the two women weren't jealous of each other's lives or didn't gossip about them to their friends)

(they were very frenemy coded with a kind of false nicety that would set your teeth on edge)

[they're the worst mothers in the world i love them so much]

as chris and vanessa got older, their interests and life paths shifted

chris ended up moving to cornley to join the polytechnic's drama program

vanessa moved to london to work on a communications and public relations degree at university of east london

(we know how their stories go from here, chris with cpds and the murder at haversham manor. vanessa gets an internship with the bbc where she's required to work as a receptionist once a month over the eight or nine months it is. she is able to get a spot in their fellowship program* and continue to work at the bbc whilst studying)

*i have no idea if the bbc has a fellowship program, but it sure does sound nice eh?

the two of them fell out of touch for the most part, occasionally sending emails and letters around birthdays and holidays

and then a christmas carol happened

chris isn't stupid

he knew that vanessa knew who he was and what he was planning on doing

she grew up with him

and he grew up with her.

he knew that her observational skills were much, much better than what she showed to the rest of the cast

there's no way that she didn't see them sneaking into the studios again, that she didn't see the fire alarm get pulled

especially not with their costumes and the two cameras they were toting with them

the next week he emails her

begs her to join the little acting troupe he's in

partially because he knows her mother would hate it

partially because he knows his parents would find it irritating

but mostly because he misses his friend

sandra has usurped the role of best friend in his life

but vanessa was there first

saw him when he was still figuring out who he was, what he wanted, and maybe most importantly, what he didn't want

and he knows that she didn't want to be behind that desk for the rest of her life

he wasn't sure if she'd like being on stage, but trevor's a good stage manager. she'd do well backstage, too

he just…

he just wants to see his best friend again

(she wants it, too)

[duncebento]

what do you doi for school

it’s fashion school and my major is fashion design (there are others like art direction, styling, atelier design, accessory design, etc.) i’m actually procrastinating on my homework due today by writing this wahhh.

but if ur asking what i actually do at school, i’d say that we have 3 kinds of classes (and it’s a polytechnic so there are set courses): artistic, technical, and theoretical. part of our campus is a repurposed factory and that’s where we have the artistic/technical classes because all the machines are there: stuff like patternmaking, draping, prototyping (in which you make, say, the same basic blazer or basic corset or whatever the pattern you’re given is; it’s basically sewing and construction practice so that when you design your own original blazer you know more or less to make it and put it together.) artistic ones like illustration and fashion design itself. and then theoretical stuff like fashion history, both ancient and contemporary, and sociology (a lot of lacan since he talked about clothing. also barthes and baudrillard a bit)

there are a wider variety of classes in the lower years, but since i’m in the 3rd we have a smaller assortment of classes cos we spend 8 months of the year just designing and sewing and knitting our final collection, which should be at least 4 looks. next year we will spend all 9 months making it. not all students get chosen for the graduate shows though…..