#even though she’s like 800 miles away

[firstdegreefangirl]

15/10 points to Amazon for improving the quality of long-distance friendships

[seokgyuu]

→ genre: smut, college au, crack → pairing: Seungcheol (S.Coups) x Afab!Fem!Reader → synopsis: you have never been a person who turns down a challenge, but when your best friend challenges you to hook up with 13 boys in one semester you kind of wish you were.

→ warnings: Daddy Kink!!, Dom!Cheol, semi-public sex, blowjobs, fingering, unprotected sex (she just doesn't know when to stop), usage of the word "princess" and "baby" during intercourse, dirty talk, loud moaner coups

→  word count: 8.9k

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A/N: Hi everyone! I am finally back!! And I am bringing you the 8th chapter with our leader-nim, Coups! Thank you all for your patience, and for the attention this series has gotten in the past few days! I really, really appreciate it <3. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Also, I made a google form for the taglist, in case anyone wants to get added!

taglist: @ariachavez168, @cersti-mo0, @nixtape-foryou, @minahoeshi, @listxn, @starlight-night0, @havetaeminforbreakfast, @kwonranghaee, @haogyuslut, @a-dramatic-girl, @whyokoa, @lovercheol, @cosmicupoftea, @learnthisfeeling, @knucklesdeepmingi, @wonusworldd, @baldi-2, @kingalls00, @1-800-jeonwonwoo, @sandcasltes, @amiga-qmilagraso, @lovercuff, @grapefruithan, @seventeencaratworld

This wasn’t good. This was a nightmare. Wonwoo was standing right in front of you, his hair damp probably from a shower he hadn’t taken that long ago, his eyes showing clear signs of hurt, of confusion, specs on his nose as always.

“Is- is this a bad time?” He somehow pressed out and you watched how his gaze wandered to the figure behind you. Soonyoung was still standing in the hallway, arms up above his head – the only thing on his body his boxers.

“Why didn’t you text me?” You quickly asked, getting Wonwoo’s attention back on you. Something told you to just close the door and talk with him outside, but your feet were glued to the floor. Wonwoo looked so hurt, so vulnerable and you wanted to punch yourself in the face. Why did he have to show up now? Why did he have to show up and see this?

“I don’t know I-,” he broke off, clearing his throat, “I guess I should have.” The way his eyes sparkled now, not in the way you were used to, the curious, the sweet way, your heart broke a little. Instead of saying anything else, he turned around and walked away heading straight to the elevator. You cursed under your breath, hand pulling through your hair and before you knew it you were already going after him.

Your hand found his wrist and you stopped him from getting into the elevator, your heart beating in your ears.

“Wait, Wonwoo, I can- I don’t-,”

“No, you don’t have to explain yourself,” Wonwoo interrupted you as he turned around. And even though his words were true, you felt like neither of you actually believed them. Pressing your lips together, you watched how every wheel turned behind his head trying to figure out what to say, what to do.

“Just… just tell me one thing,” he finally breathed out, his eyes catching yours, “did you feel it too? The connection between us?” Shit. He was scanning your face, desperately looking for a sign that you did feel it, that he wasn’t imagining things. And you? You were dumbfounded and unsure. Because what exactly was the right thing to say? If you told him the truth you would have to tell him that you did in fact, feel it too but that it didn’t matter because you weren’t interested in something serious. If you lied and told him no, you would break his heart even more than you already had.

“Does it matter?” You then somehow stumbled out and Wonwoo’s face fell even more. Of course it mattered. How could you even ask such a question? How could you just stand here in front of him and not acknowledge what was going on between you?

“It matters to me,” he replied now, eyes cold as they stared into yours. You pressed your lips together, brain working at ten million miles an hour.

“I- yes. Yes, Wonwoo, I did feel it too. But I- I’m not in a place where I want to commit to anything, I don’t… I don’t want that and I’m sorry.”

There you said it. The hard truth that now made Wonwoo’s shoulders sink, and his jaw tighten. Immediately, you felt like shit. Like trash. Utter garbage. Before he could say anything, you brought your other hand to his arm, looking at him with your eyes widened.

“You deserve better than me, Wonwoo. You deserve someone who is able to be what you need and want. Right now, I can’t be that person. I’m not ready to commit and-,”

“And so you sleep with every single guy you see? You think I don’t know about Mingyu? Jun? Minghao? God, you even fucked Joshua. And that library part-timer? Something tells me you went back and fucked him, too.”

Ouch. You let go off his arm and wrist, your cheeks red from rage and shame, shame you shouldn’t even be feeling because who was Wonwoo to say that? Did he really just slut-shame you? Say all this to your face as if he had any right to judge you? You were shaking, your hands in fists now.

“Yes, Wonwoo. Exactly that.” Your eyes were shooting daggers at him as you said those words. Then, without anything else, you turned around and walked back to your apartment. And as he watched you, Wonwoo already knew that his anger and hurt were no excuse for the way he had just talked to you.

“Fuck,” he groaned, pulling a hand over his face, before turning to face the elevator again, leaning his forehead against the cold metal. He had really fucked up.

Soonyoung sat there in silence. His fingers were folded, his eyes narrowed as he looked at you.

“So,” he began then, tilting his head only slightly, “let me get this straight. You and Jiwoo made a bet at the beginning of the semester and-,”

“It’s more like a challenge, not a bet.”

“A challenge at the beginning of the semester and this Wonwoo guy kind of fell for you and you kind of feel the same way, but you are so determined to win that instead of being with him you continue sleeping with random guys, including me?”

You cleared your throat.

“Well, it’s not like I want to be with him. I just, well, he is cute. And nice. And he does make me laugh and yeah, maybe I did feel something for him, but that doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want a relationship, sure maybe this challenge is a bit over the top, but common. It’s not like I am forcing anyone to have sex with me.”

You looked at Soonyoung and he looked at you. He was blinking slowly, before leaning back and crossing his legs. To be honest, you didn’t even know why you had decided to tell him, but it felt good to talk to someone about it who wasn’t Jiwoo. When you had come back inside, he had asked you what had happened and with your anger still so present you began to tell him everything. How you and Jiwoo had come up with the bet- uh, the challenge, and how you had slept with Joshua first and how somehow your second target was already about to change your life and make everything complicated and how you slept with him again and then sucked him off and- yeah, just all of it. And now, Wonwoo had said these horrible things to you and while you wanted to be mad and angry (you were mad and angry) you also kind of understood where he was coming from.

“He shouldn’t have held it against you. You sleeping with different guys, that’s a no go. Sure, he can be hurt that you don’t want to be with him despite the obvious feelings you have for each other, but that does not give him the right to straight up slut-shame you,” Soonyoung pulled a hand through his hair and shook his head, making you smile just a little.

“Thank you for saying that. And sorry that I, uh, made you part of this challenge.”

“Are you joking?” Soonyoung laughed and looked over at you again, “this was by far the best sex I’ve ever had, don’t you ever apologize for it, Y/N.”

Now, your small smile grew bigger.

“Well, I’m happy to hear that,” you said, pulling your legs up onto the armchair. He was sitting on the sofa across from you, exactly that sofa he had fucked you on just the night before and you bit your lip thinking about it. Soonyoung probably thought the same thing, his lips turning into a grin as he leaned forward, forearms on his thighs.

“You wanna go again?” He smirked and you let your tongue slowly lick over your bottom lip as you thought about it. Perhaps this was the right thing to get your mind off of Wonwoo. But then your eyes wandered to your phone that vibrated just then, showing you the time.

“Fuck,” you groaned, “I can’t. Really would love to, but I can’t. I promised Jiwoo to help her set things up for her brother’s welcome back party.”

Soonyoung was obviously disappointed, but nodded, leaning back again.

“Jeez, how long has he been in Singapore now? A couple of years at least, right?”

You nodded as you stood up, thinking about whether you wanted to take a shower… and decided for it. After last night you had only quickly gone to pee and clean yourself up just as much as you had energy for, so a shower sounded about right at this point.

“He was over there for six years, I haven't seen him in ages. I’ll go take a shower… care to join me?” The idea popped into your head and Soonyoung stood up quicker than a child when it heard it was going to Disneyland.

“You can bet your sweet ass I care,” his grin was wide, and you laughed as you took his hand, leading him to the bathroom.

A couple hours later, the family brunch/welcome back party preparations were almost done, Jiwoo setting up the last big vase of flowers as you stood next to her, hands on your hips. You knew Jiwoo’s family was well off and that sending their oldest son to Singapore for university just showed for that, but it somehow never really reached your brain how well off she was. You were in a very fancy restaurant which you knew you couldn’t afford on your best day, and it was rented out just for the party. Jiwoo loved her brother, and you knew she would have probably rented the whole of Everland for him if she could – but this would do too. Seungcheol was a few years older than you which led to you only having seen him a handful of times during your friendship with Jiwoo. From what you remembered, you had thought he was cute, but nothing more nothing less, no conversation between the two of you had ever happened and you were only here now to help Jiwoo. You were pretty sure he wouldn’t care about whether you were attending his little party or not, but Jiwoo insisted. If their parents could invite all their friends, why wasn’t she allowed to bring her own? Jiwoo’s parents didn’t necessarily dislike you, but they also never treated you like family or anything of the sort. You were just… Jiwoo’s slightly (very much) poorer best friend from High School.

Now, you watched how Jiwoo happily looked at the bouquet of pretty blue and yellow flowers, the guests slowly arriving.

“You know, sometimes I forget how rich you are,” you said, a grin spreading on your lips and Jiwoo rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms.

“That’s because I don’t like using my parent’s money,” she explained, and you clicked your tongue.

“Could never be me,” you sighed, making her shove you slightly with her elbow. You laughed and looked over to the door, where your stomach did a front flip. Oh. Oh!

“Jiwoo!” you breathed out, your eyes widening as you saw who had just walked in. Way earlier than he should have. Way hotter… than he should have. Jiwoo yelped in surprise, starting to run towards her brother.

“Seungcheol oppa!” She cried out, her arms flying around his neck as he caught her, his eyes wide in surprise.

“Jiwoo-yah, what- what is all this?”

Now, what followed was Jiwoo being somewhat mad Seungcheol had already arrived when he wasn’t supposed to be here for another 30 minutes, him laughing and hugging her tightly again before walking to his parents who seemed delighted to see him and you watching him the whole time. Like a hawk. From the pictures you had seen from him, you would have never guessed that he was this… broad. He had an incredibly handsome face structure, almost as if it was carved by the Greek gods themselves, his hair long and falling into his face in soft brown waves, big round eyes, a well fitted suit on his muscular body. Shit. You couldn’t possibly do what you were thinking of doing right now. But ever since this challenge had started, you couldn’t stop yourself from looking at attractive men a certain way. You pressed your lips together and finally averted your gaze, trying to let the heat inside you die down.

He's Jiwoo’s brother, she would never ever in a million years be cool with you fucking her brother, she would probably kill you, he is that precious to her and- oh my god, they are coming my way, shit!

Jiwoo was leading Seungcheol to you, his eyes meeting yours and you felt your whole body stiffen. Why were you like this?

“Oppa, you remember Y/N, right?” Jiwoo beamed at him, and you quickly shook off your thoughts and instead smiled at him.

“Ah yes, nice to see you again, Y/N,” Seungcheol smiled back at you, and you nodded trying your very best not to seem phased.

“You too, Seungcheol oppa.”

The brunch was a torture. The food was good, the company was boring, Jiwoo was mainly with Seungcheol, and you were left alone at your table, eating said good food and drinking a few more mimosas than you probably should have – but the champagne they used was so delicious and you were pretty sure you would never get to taste that sweet, sweet taste of liquid money again. Thankfully you didn’t get drunk that easily with your stomach that filled, but in the end all that wasn’t the reason for all of this being torture. No, it was all Seungcheol. The way he carried himself, the confidence, the nature of his speech, the perfect pitch of his voice like honey in your ears, the watch around his wrist sparkling in the sun shining through the tall windows, his hands looking so big around the glass of champagne, making you wonder what they would look around your-

“Penny for your thoughts?” Jiwoo suddenly sat back down next to you, her eyes thankfully on her phone instead of on her brother – who you were still staring at.

“I- uh, nothing, just, you know, enjoying the extremely delicious mimosas they’re serving here.” Oh, how much you hoped she wouldn’t ask anything else.

“You’re right they are so good. By the way, how did last night with Soonyoung go?” You breathed out, relieved she hadn’t caught on. You leaned back in your chair, arms crossed in front of your chest as you let one hand rotate your glass, wetting your lips.

“Very good. Like, very good. Must’ve been in the top 5 of the best sex I’ve ever had, hands down.” Jiwoo let out an approving whistle, putting her phone down and looking at you with a grin.

“Love to hear that. I’ll text him tonight and ask him if he’s free sometime this week,” she wiggled her eyebrows, making you laugh. Shaking your head, you grinned and let your eyes roam the room again – only to find Seungcheol looking right at you. First, you thought he was looking at Jiwoo, but the goosebumps on your whole body told you to rethink that again. You almost choked on your spit, your heart speed rapidly increasing as you wondered what the hell you were supposed to do. You felt as if your body was suddenly on fire, and you wondered if he knew what an effect he had on you. And as if he could read your mind, one corner of his mouth twitched, an incredibly sexy half smirk on his perfect plump lips now that made everything inside you scream at you to get up and drag him to an empty bathroom. You didn’t though. You didn’t get up, you didn’t drag him anywhere. Instead, you cleared your throat and looked back at Jiwoo, trying your very best to act like nothing was going on.

-

You decided to leave the brunch around two hours later, happy to notice Seungcheol not being anywhere near you, so you didn’t have to say goodbye to him. Instead, you told Jiwoo to send him your regards and another warm welcome back and headed out. Or at least that was your plan.

Somehow your timing was just as horrible as it had always been – making you reach the lobby at the same time as Seungcheol walked back inside. He was in the process of putting his phone back into the inside of his suit jacket when you saw him, your own jacket still draped over your arm as you had left in quite the hurry. Mainly to avoid him. And now, here he was. Your eyes widened when his gaze met yours and a phantom lump formed in your throat. Shit. You hated the fact that you stopped in your tracks and watched him walk over to you in a confident strut, his posture perfect, that half-smirk back on his lips.

“Y/N, you’re leaving already?” he asked when he came to a halt in front of you and you nodded, clearing your throat.

“Y-yes, I have some reading to do at the library, but it was nice to see you again after so many years, oppa.”

Seungcheol wetted his lips, his brown eyes scanning your face, stopping at your lips.

“You, too, Y/N,” something in the way his gaze was still on your face with that expression had you weak in the knees. And also sure that he wasn’t finished with his sentence yet.

“I just got back here and neither my parents nor Jiwoo are free for dinner tonight. I have a table at the city’s most prestigious restaurant and would hate for it to go to waste. Would you care to join me later?”

Boom. You weren’t sure which part of you exploded, but you were pretty sure it was the one between your legs. Oh, to have him say this sentence again in that dark voice of his with the slight tilt of his head and the knowing smirk.

“I- uh, I don’t know if Jiwoo would… approve of that.”

“Jiwoo doesn’t have to know.”

He got you there. You swallowed again. It was clear that you should listen to your head that screamed at you to say no, to say you were busy tonight. This wouldn’t even count toward the challenge because I could never ever tell her! I shouldn’t. She’s my best friend, I can’t just go and have sex with her brother!

“Oppa, I-,”

“I’m not someone who gives up easily, Y/N. Just to let you know. If I want something, I get it. And right now,” he had interrupted you and was now leaning forward, his lips so close to your ear his breath hit your skin and made goosebumps erupt all over your body, “right now, I want you. And I saw the way you looked at me, Y/N. I could basically see how you were taking this suit off, on your knees ready to do whatever I want you to do. So, the offer stands. Dinner tonight, you, and me. No one has to know.”

His hand was on your waist at this point, had wandered there sometime during his little speech that took away every single ounce of self-control and -respect you still had left. His voice crept into your ear and filled your whole body, sunk down to your core and made you press your thighs together, your lips slightly parted as a sound escaped them close to a whimper. Seungcheol grinned, knowing full well he had won.

“I’ll have a driver pick you up at seven, Y/N,” was the last thing he whispered into your ear before parting from you and going back to his welcome brunch.

-

This was a catastrophe. Dinner would be in not less than 5 and a half hours, and you had nothing to wear! Not to mention you couldn’t ask Jiwoo for help because… she wasn’t supposed to know.

“I’m screwed,” you sighed as you flopped down onto your bed, face down and pressed into your pillow. This was a horrible idea. Going out with your best friend’s brother and not telling her about it. You deserved to be this crushed, not knowing what to wear, not knowing what to do! You should have never said yes, but-

But, what? But he was too hot to say no? He was too charming, too convincing? All of these, actually. You groaned into your pillow, hands in fists as they punched your mattress. It was about to be 2pm and you had already given up on getting any reading done today. Instead, you had gone home and sorted through every clothing item you owned, sure you were about to have a mental breakdown. And, again, you deserved it. A part of you wanted to call Jiwoo and tell her the truth, maybe have her help you pick an outfit, but you quickly decided against it.

Just then, when you were sure your brain was about to shut off, your phone vibrated next to you. Sighing, you lifted your head and grabbed it, looking at who had texted you.

[Unknown]: I got you something. Wear it for me tonight, princess.

Your mouth dropped. And then the doorbell rang.

It laid on your bed, the big and fancy looking box with the words PRADA written on it. The delivery man had made you sign for delivery and had gone his merry way, leaving you alone with this box and a throbbing head. This was crazy. Seungcheol had sent you something. What kind of sugar daddy alternative universe had you gotten yourself into? And where the hell did he get your address from? You’d been staring at the box for a good seven minutes, when your phone rang again. Slowly, you looked over at your bedside table where you saw the name “Soonyoung” pop up and sighed in somewhat relief.

“Hi Soonyoung, what’s up?”

“Hey! Did I forget my wallet at your place?”

“Oh, I don’t know, let me check.”

You walked into the living space, happy to have something to do instead of looking at Seungcheol’s gift and let your eyes roam the room.

“Uhm, it’s not in the living room, where-,”

“Pretty sure I took my pants off in the hallway, might have dropped it there somewhere,” Soonyoung said, and you nodded, memories of last night suddenly flooding your brain. Gosh, you really only had slept with someone the night before and now you had plans on doing it with yet another person today (The shower had only consisted of you sucking Soonyoung off and him fingering you against the wall, so… no penetrative sex, at last). One could say you had a run.

In the hallway, you finally found it, lying next to the dresser.

“Got it!” you told him, picking it up.

“Awesome, can I swing by and pick it up?”

“Uh, yeah, sure,” you thought for a second, “you can actually help me with something, too.”

Soonyoung arrived 20 minutes later, reunited with his wallet, and now standing next to you in front of the box on your bed. He clicked his tongue.

“So, you’re telling me that you just had sex with me yesterday and today you’re about to fuck Jiwoo’s brother?”

“Don’t say it like that. Makes me sound like a slut.”

“Are you… slut shaming yourself right now?”

Pause.

“Well. I’m not not slut shaming myself.”

Soonyoung snorted and shook his head, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he turned to face you.

“Y/N. Open the box, or I will.”

Sighing, you pulled a hand through your hair and took a step forward. Your teeth were chewing on your bottom lip, your hands shaking as you finally brought them to the box. You opened it while holding your breath, your eyes almost falling out of your skull when you saw the two main attractions.

A silk dress in a lovely dark green color that seemed too perfect to be true and a pair of shoes in your size (how did he know your size? You really didn’t even want to ask), pretty black stilettos that had straps to go around your calf. He was crazy. This was way too much.

“Holy shit,” Soonyoung said now, eyes wide, “try it on!”

You looked over at him, unsure.

“You really think I should? What if-,”

“Don’t be negative right now, Y/N. Just try it on!” Soonyoung took the shoes out of the box and rotated them, whistling in awe. Defeated, you reached for the dress, feeling like a literal princess when you felt the perfect silk underneath your fingertips. This was insane, absolute madness.

It was horrible how good it fit you. Almost as if it had been made for you. The dress flowed down to your ankles, a slit on the side showing off the beautiful shoes that now adorned your feet and even a bit of your calf. Soonyoung’s jaw dropped when he saw you, standing up from your bed.

“Holy shit, the dude has a good eye when it comes to fashion,” he mumbled, and you gnawed on your bottom lip as you walked over to the body length mirror hanging on the wall. He was right – Seungcheol had somehow picked out the perfect dress for you.

When Soonyoung left, you had taken the dress off again, his opinion on what make-up to wear and how to style your hair in the back of your head as you tried to get a little bit of work done until you had to get ready. Somehow you ended up revising your notes from one of your last lectures and found yourself ready just in time for the doorbell to ring. With a last deep breath and a long look in the mirror, you made your way downstairs, purse pressed to your chest as you walked out. And really, there was a driver waiting for you next to a pretty black Mercedes. He smiled when he spotted you and opened the door.

“Mr. Choi is already expecting you, Miss.” You nodded and thanked him as you got onto the backseat, looking around the pretty vehicle. This must have been the most luxurious car you had ever sat in. Black leather, the smell of new, lights sparkling on the ceiling. You felt like the main character of a bad chick-flick. The driver got onto his seat and started the engine, driving away from your apartment and making this whole thing more real than you could handle right now. You took another deep breath and got out your phone from your purse, seeing that Soonyoung had sent you a message.

[Soonyoung]: You can do this!! I believe in you!!

You smiled, quickly texting him back before leaning against the comfortable seat. You had to at least try to relax. Seungcheol was just a man after all. He might have been rich and powerful and your best friend’s brother, but he was just a man. You could tell Jiwoo you had hooked up with some wealthy dude at a party tonight, why would she not “allow” him to count then? She wasn’t responsible for choosing your boys anymore. This was your own decision now.

It took around 30 minutes until you arrived. Your jaw dropped when the driver helped you out of the car in front of the huge building you had seen from afar countless times. But never had you been this close. This wasn’t just the most prestigious restaurant in the city. This was also one of the most prestigious hotels. It had 65 floors, a luxurious rooftop pool as well as an indoor pool, a spa, countless beautiful rooms, basically anything you could ever think of. Never had you ever dared to think you would step foot into it. And now you were here with Jiwoo’s brother? How rich was she exactly and how had she never told you? Shaking the thought off, you thanked the driver and started making your way to the front door. A man in a suit opened it for you, bowing his head as you smiled at him and did the same.

The lobby was incredible. High ceilings with modern chandeliers hanging off of them, marble floors to your right that lead to the reception that stretched out over the whole wall, seven people currently working. You couldn’t stop staring at the art behind them, the paintings filled with so much color and life, prominent reds and blues, oranges and yellows. There were stairs going up to the first floor, one on each side of the room, leaving space between them for a long hallway that led to the elevators. And in that space, looking perfect in his dark blue suit, stood Seungcheol. He was on the phone again, one hand buried in the pocket of his tight dress pants, and you couldn’t stop but stare at his backside when he turned, your mouth going dry. God, he had really been built by every Greek God in existence.

Slowly, you walked over to him, hands holding your purse in front of you. Your eyes were focused on only him, suddenly the urge to show yourself as the confident girl you normally were taking over. When he finally turned around, his eyes found you immediately. Found the way your hair was sitting in that pretty high ponytail, how your neckline was visible and how much he wanted to already touch you and claim that neck as his. The way the dress fit you like a glove, the color so perfect on your skin, making it seem like you were glowing. And you were. The brightest light in the room came from you. He was quick to hang up the phone and walk over to you, his left hand soon on your lower back.

“You’re here,” he breathed, gaze scanning you again, making you feel naked in the best way possible. A blush crept onto your cheeks and the urge to be confident had vanished into thin air, now that he was so close, now that he was touching you.

“Of course,” you shyly smiled back, looking up into his eyes. Seungcheol wetted his lips, before parting them.

“You look incredible,” he then said, pushing you a little closer to him, his other hand now letting his thumb stroke your cheek. Every single inch of your skin suddenly started tingling. Swallowing down the lump in your throat, you smiled again.

“Thank you. I love the dress. You- You didn’t have to, oppa.”

“I wanted to,” he immediately said, letting his hand rest on your cheek now.

“When I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for you. Maybe I chose the wrong career.” It took you a while to understand that he had just made a joke. Only when he smiled and you saw his dimple popping on his cheek, you felt yourself laugh, letting one hand now rest on his chest.

“Perhaps,” you chuckled.

“Well, we should go inside. Our table is ready,” he took your hand now, intertwining your fingers and leading you to the elevator at the back of the lobby. Nodding, you let him lead you there, watching how he pressed the button up, gnawing on your bottom lip. He let one hand sink back into his pocket, while the other wandered from your hand around your waist. The spot where his hand touched you felt hot, your body feeling like jelly as you waited for the elevator to arrive.

It became clear then, once you stepped inside, that the tension between you two was nowhere as thick as you had thought. It was even thicker. The door closed, the two of you the only ones inside, his grip around your waist suddenly stronger. You could taste it, feel it, smell it, the way he wanted you, the way you wanted him, and it drove you absolutely insane. You didn’t dare to look at him, mainly because you were scared you would throw yourself at him the minute he looked your way, but when you heard him breath out and found yourself pressed against the mirrored wall, it wasn’t like you had any choice.

His hands were both on your hips, his crotch pressed against you, the feeling of his bulge ever so prominent and your eyes widened. How could he be hard when you were just standing there?

“Do you have any idea what you do to me, Y/N?” he whispered, fingers digging into your skin.

“I-,” you began, but he shook his head.

“No, you don’t. Fuck, I shouldn’t have gotten you this dress because all I can think about right now is wanting to turn you around, shove that dress up your pretty ass and fuck you right into this mirror.”

Oh lord. Your core began throbbing, your eyes widened even more, your mouth parting as you stared up at him and his wild eyes that really mirrored his exact words. It was as if the scene of him pounding into you from behind right here was playing inside them.

“Oppa…,” you whimpered then and Seungcheol let out something like a low growl, before he finally leaned in, about to finally kiss you – when the doors of the elevator opened with a ping and a robotic female voice told you that you had reached the 64th floor. He parted from you visibly unhappy and grabbed your hand, leading you outside and into the restaurant.

Your table was behind a beautiful dark wood door inside a room the size of your whole apartment. The windows gave you a breath-taking view of the city, all the lights seemingly the most incredible thing you had ever seen. The table was in the middle of the room, next to it stood another small table with a bottle of champagne inside a cooler and a waiter stood there, smiling down at the two of you.

“I’ll take the steak, medium rare. Please bring us a bottle of your best red wine,” Seungcheol said, looking at the menu. You did the same, noticing that there was no price listed next to the dishes. Well, you thought, perhaps the people coming here don’t need to care about the prices. Biting your lip, you looked up and smiled at the waiter.

“I’ll have the salmon. Thank you,” you handed him the menu and the waiter nodded. Then, he placed the menus on the table next to the champagne, about to open the bottle, when Seungcheol stopped him.

“Thank you, I’ll take it from here,” he said, standing up and the waiter nodded, grabbing the menus again to walk out the door. Now, you watched how he walked over to the bottle and took it out of the cooler.

“Tell me something about yourself,” he then said as he began to open it. Your eyes looked from his hands to his face.

“Uh, okay. Well, I am an only child. My parents got divorced when I was still pretty young, but they get along, so holidays aren’t that awkward. I grew up in a small town and came to Seoul in middle school, when my mum moved out here for work. I love cats and always wanted to get one, but sadly I’m allergic so… no cats for me,” somehow the words just flowed out of you, Seungcheol smiling as he listened, the champagne bottle now popping open. He poured you a glass and then himself, handing it to you first before sitting back down.

“And what exactly do you study?” he asked once he was seated again, elbows propped on the table and hands intertwined.

“I study International relations and German Studies,” you explained, having him nod.

“Impressive. What made you choose German?” He tilted his head slightly. You don’t know how he did it, how he went from wanting to fuck you in the elevator to having small talk over champagne, but you tried your best to match his energy.

“Well, I stumbled over some German poetry a few years ago. It was translated into Korean, and I realized that the two languages have some things in common. Some phrases in German don’t make sense in other languages. They have sayings like Korean does, they can express feelings in many different ways and if you tried to say those exact words in another language… it would be hard to.”

“But isn’t every language like that?” Seungcheol asked now, catching you off guard. He seemed like he was genuinely interested. Clearing your throat, you nodded.

“Probably, yes. I’m sure that every language has phrases that only exist in that particular language. I guess it was just that poetry book I found that got me hooked on German. Maybe it could have been anything else and I would have still taken it upon myself to learn the language, but I guess we’ll never know.”

Seungcheol smiled, his eyes watching you carefully. His gaze had made you nervous up until this point – but now it just seemed like he truly wanted to get to know you.

“I understand. And how would you say is your German now?”

“Pretty good, I’d say. It’s super hard to learn, but judging by the fact I was so fascinated by it, it doesn’t really come as a surprise I caught on quickly.”

“Say something.”

“What?”

“In German. Say something to me. I won’t understand you, so say whatever,” his eyes were boring into yours and you cleared your throat, leaning forward a bit.

“Es gibt nichts was ich mir gerade mehr wünsche, als von dir gegen das Fenster neben uns gefickt zu werden,” you said, an innocent smile on your lips. Seungcheol nodded slowly, his gaze on you.

“Impressive. What did you say?”

“Oh, a lady never tells her secrets.”

He laughed, shaking his head. Then, he leaned back in his chair.

“So, you’re a quick learner then?”

“When I’m really interested, yes.”

He nodded, the smile on his lips turning into a smirk that made your heart do a flip.

“Valuable information,” he said, grabbing his glass now. He raised it and you followed his motion, looking into his eyes as if he had hypnotized you.

“To us, Y/N. And a night we won’t forget.”

The dinner went by smoothly. The food was excellent, the wine was delicious, and the company was more than wonderful. He wasn’t just pretty to look at, but he also knew how to hold a conversation. He asked the right questions, made fitting comments, flirted just enough to have your cheeks burn and your stomach flip over. He was the perfect date.

But once the table had been cleared of dishes and the door had closed behind the waiter once more, the perfect date façade was switched out for something else.

Seungcheol got up from his chair and walked over to you, hand stretched out when he reached you. Without hesitation you took it and let him lead you to the window.

“It’s enchanting, isn’t it?” he asked, and you nodded as you looked out and into the lights of the city.

“It’s beautiful,” you agreed and dared to look over at him. He was indeed looking out the window, his side profile a whole different kind of beautiful view.

“I got to know more about you, Y/N,” he began then, eyes still locked on the window, “I am sure there is plenty more to find out. But for now, I think we’ve talked enough, don’t you agree?” it took a few seconds before the words fully reached your brain, but it was already too late then. He had already grabbed your waist and slammed you against the window, his hands soon enough finding your ass, pressing you against him like he had earlier. You squealed, eyes wide and mouth open in shock, but your body was reacting just the way he wanted you to.

“I told the manager not to let anyone in after dessert,” he said in his low voice, and you felt your knees grow weak.

“H-here?” You whispered back and he smirked, grabbing your ass a little harsher.

“Has anyone ever fucked you 320 meters above the ground, princess?” his mouth was right by your ear, and his one hand moved up, to your stomach and then further, thumb pressing down on your nipple.

“N-no,” you somehow moaned out and he chuckled against your ear kissing the spot underneath it.

“Then perhaps I should give in to your earlier wish, baby,” his hand now grabbed your whole breast, squeezing it hard, thumb back on your stiff nipple and you found yourself losing the ability to speak. He- he had understood your German? Fuck, how did you not realise? He kissed your neck, slowly and sensually, his tongue licking your prickling skin. How were you supposed to answer him? Or say anything ever again for that matter?

“W-wait, y-you understood m-me?,” oh, your whole head was red. Seungcheol parted from your neck then, instead looking back down into your eyes. The hand on your breast moved up and to your cheek, thumb shoved into your mouth soon after.

“Suck,” he commanded, ignoring your question and you did, sucking his thumb even deeper into your mouth, tongue pressed against it as he watched you with sparkling eyes.

“Good girl,” he murmured then before shoving your dress up with his free hand, finding your thong and ripping it off of you. You moaned around his digit when you felt him pull the ripped underwear off, saw him bring it to his face and smell your arousal.

“Fuck, so wet for me, aren’t you, baby girl?” He groaned, shoving the thong into his pocket, before pulling his thumb out of your mouth and finally crashing his lips into yours. It felt heavenly, the way he kissed you as if he had never done anything else in his life. He had the perfect balance of harsh and soft, of passionate and sweet. His one hand was now back on your ass, while the other moved forward, lifting your leg to wrap it around his waist. Your arms found their way around his neck, pressing yourself as close to him as physically possible, hands running through the locks at the back of his head.

“Oppa,” you moaned when his fingers slid over your pussy, his grip around you tightening.

“Baby, it’s not “oppa” anymore,” he said, thumb pressing down on your clit, another whimper escaping you. He began to circle his thumb, while his fingers got soaked in your juices and finally he let one sink into you, a perfect low groan escaping him.

“So, so tight and perfect for Daddy, baby, aren’t you?”

Oh. Oh. You felt your eyes roll back and your pussy clench around him, your nails digging into his scalp.

“N-ngh, y-yes so tight for Daddy only,” you cried back, and he gasped slightly, before kissing you again, his fingers still working their magic on and inside your core. God, he felt so good, everything about him felt so incredibly good. He smelled good, he made you feel good, the movements of his hands were about to drive you insane in the best way possible. His tongue was inside your mouth, devouring yours and for a few moments you forgot how to breathe. Had anyone ever kissed you like this?

Parting from you, Seungcheol opened his pants and shoved them down, you staring down now to see the big bulge inside his tight briefs that immediately made your mouth water. Seungcheol watched you with hunger in his eyes, a knowing smirk on his plump lips.

“You want to suck Daddy off so bad, don’t you, princess?” He caressed your head, fingers softly running through your hair, until he grabbed the ponytail and wrapped it around his hand, making you gasp.

“Common, get on your knees for me,” he murmured, pushing you down and you obliged willingly, your eyes glued to his cock the second you were seated. You swallowed once, before you let your hands wander to his briefs, pushing them down and biting your lip when his cock sprung out, red at the tip, pre already leaking. He was thick. Thick and big. Maybe even bigger than Mingyu. You felt like passing out, your head already spinning from how much you wanted him down your throat, inside your pussy anywhere, really.

Stretching out your tongue, you licked off the precum from his tip, sliding your tongue through his slit. Seungcheol took it upon himself to pull the hair tie out of your hair, making it fall down your back and pretty waves. His fingers skimmed through them now as his eyes watched you carefully take his cock into your pretty mouth. He really feared that you were gonna make him cum within mere seconds.

“Good, take in as much as you can, baby,” he praised you, hand now flat on the back of your head, pushing you further. You nodded, mouth stretched as wide as possible around him, his tip soon hitting the back of your throat, causing a minimal effect. Perhaps practicing with Mingyu had weakened your gag-reflex. You swallowed him down, causing him to moan in pleasure, his hand now in a fist around your hair, mouth hanging open. His hips thrusted slightly, you now with most of his cock inside your mouth and down your throat. Looking up, you saw that he was still staring down at you and your core throbbed desperately. You needed friction and you needed it soon.

“Fuck, you look so pretty with my cock down your throat,” he licked his lips and moved his hips once more, your eyes rolling back when you felt him leave your throat for a second only to push back in. He could tell that you liked it, that you were completely fine with him fucking your throat, and so he made his movements bigger, pulling all the way out and pushing right back in, your muffled moans music to his ears. He himself couldn’t stay quiet either, his moans deep and perfect, shaking your whole body with want as you tried to keep your eyes open to watch him watch you.

Soon he became sloppier, harder, and quicker, one hand now helping him keep his balance by leaning against the window, the other still fisting your hair while his own head was thrown back in complete agony. Never had anyone taken him this well, never had anyone’s coughs and chokes been as much of a turn on as yours. Because even though you weren’t gagging, you still found yourself choking on him a few times, felt yourself coughing when he slipped out. And he loved every single bit of it. To give our throat a break, he began fucking your cheek, his climax almost immediate when he saw the way you looked with your cheek stuffed with his cock, his groan so desperate you felt like you were going to die. Quickly, he pulled out, holding his cock by the base and breathing hard as he watched you regain all your senses. The thick string of precum mixed with saliva connecting his tip to your mouth was not helping his case in any shape or form.

“Fuck, you’re gonna make me cum, princess,” he murmured, and you looked up at him with pouty lips.

“Would love to eat Daddy’s cum,” you said and Seungcheol’s cock twitched in his hand, a quick movement of his pulling you back on your feet. Now, he had you turned around, your frontside pressed against the window, all the lights suddenly a blur in front of you.

“I’m sure you would, baby, but Daddy wants to fuck that pretty pussy of yours, what do you say?” He had the dress shoved up your ass, massaging your cheeks as he hungrily looked at his cock disappearing between your thighs. Grabbing it again, he let it slide through your cheeks and finally over your lips, tip pressing down on your clit and making you jump, a squeal escaping you.

“Yes, Daddy, please f-fuck me,” you whined and Seungcheol didn’t need to hear that twice. He pushed inside you almost immediately, his thrusts hard and quick from the get-go. And fuck, was he huge. So huge it took you a while to get used to him, to have the pain turn delicious, to feel like you were about to be split in half but in the best sense possible. He had only prepped you with one finger and as big as his hands were – they were no match for his cock.

“Yeah, so good for Daddy, baby, common, I know you can take it all, fuck,” his hands laid on your hips as he moved, sweat on the top of his forehead. You relaxed into the glass; hands next to your face as you smelled the wine from your breath.

“S-so b-big,” you cried out and Seungcheol stopped moving for a second, his hands moving to your front, one of his thumbs slowly beginning to circle your bud.

“You want me to stop, princess?” he asked, soft voice making goosebumps erupt all over you. But you were quick to shake your head.

“N-no! Just keep going, please, Daddy.”

Seungcheol nodded, controlling his thrusts more this time, wide and slow, thumb matching the energy on your clit. You felt yourself starting to drool against the glass, your hips wiggling against his crotch. He had to hold back, his balls so freakin tight, but he didn’t want to hurt you, didn’t want to make you feel discomfort. And so, he let you get adjusted, let you feel him slow and full, and once his whole cock filled you, he stopped, taking his hand away from your pussy.

“Move,” he then said, squeezing your ass cheek, and you nodded, endless pretty moans falling off your lips as you began to move your hips back and forth on his cock, your eyes rolling back as you couldn’t help but quicken your pace. Seungcheol watched how his cock kept on disappearing inside of you, how your ass wiggled whenever it hid his abdomen, and soon he couldn’t hold back anymore. He grabbed your waist with both hands and held you still, his eyes roaming over your body, lips and throat dry, cock painfully hard.

“Can Daddy fuck you now?” he asked calmly, and you nodded desperately.

“Pl-please! Fuck me hard, Daddy!” You were gone, completely lost to your lust. He did as asked the next second, pounding into you hard and quick, one hand had moved and was now pressing your head against the window, your moans muffled against the glass.

“Sh-shit, god your pussy feels so fucking good, made Daddy so proud, made me wanna cum so hard and deep inside your perfect cunt” he slapped down on your ass, catching you by surprise, a deep moan now erupting from your throat as he continued fucking you, his fingers digging so hard into your waist that he could already see marks forming. God, he wanted to ruin you. He threw his head back again, letting all control leave him and instead concentrate on his climax.

“I’m gonna cum!” you suddenly blurted out, you climax hitting you a second later, seemingly out of nowhere. Your pussy clenched around his cock, squeezed him tight, and Seungcheol felt like he was going to explode, both of his hands now finding their way back to your waist where they stayed as he fucked you through your orgasm and finally spilled inside of you, his cum feeling warm as it trickled back down your leg once he pulled out. He jerked himself off, making some cum land on your ass and his low noises made you feel like you could cum again the next second.

“Fuck, baby, you did so well for me,” he had let go off his cock and instead moved to turn you around, pulling you against his chest. Both of you were still fully dressed except for your underwear and Seungcheol’s pants and briefs were pooling around his ankles. You looked into his eyes, smiling as he leaned down to kiss your forehead.

“Daddy was so good to me,” you giggled, and he kissed you, first on the lips, then on both your cheeks. Who knew he could be this cute?

“Let me get you cleaned up, baby,” he cooed and parted from you after one more kiss, grabbing for the napkins on the table where the champagne had been on. You turned around for him again, his careful hands wiping away the cum that had left traces on your ass and inner thighs and legs. He kissed every spot he cleaned as he got up and finally you turned back around to him. He also cleaned himself and tucked him back in, pants and briefs to their places again. You, on the other hand, didn’t have any underwear left.

“Sorry about that,” he grinned, but you were pretty sure he felt no remorse whatsoever.

“It’s okay, the dress is long enough,” you laughed, watching him carefully. What was going to happen now? Was he going to send you home, now that he had gotten what he had wanted from you? You looked over at the table and bit your lip, unsure what to do.

“I have a room here,” he said, grabbing his suit jacket from the chair, “I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to let the night end here.”

Relief washed over you and a smile appeared on your lips.

“I’m not ready yet either, oppa.”

header credit: @playmetheclassics

[runningfrom2am]

your best friend, valentine

summary: the story of how you met your future husband for the first time, as told by his father in his speech at your wedding.

pairing: pope heyward x fem!reader

wc: 800 (ish)

tags/warnings: none! just a kids meet cute and a wedding speech :)

a/n: this is for day six of obx week!! day six: childhood friends to lovers w/ pope! this is so short but i thought it was a good place to stop :)

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"seven year old y/n held tightly onto her dogs leash, determined that for the first time, she would walk him alone without one of her parents breathing down her neck. she wasn't allowed to go far, just to the dock and back, hardly a quarter mile from the safety of her parents back porch.

for a seven year old y/n, this was huge. i mean, it was her proudest moment yet- proving to her parents that she was finally a big girl. in stature, though, you weren't. as a matter of fact, her dog, who she ever so creatively named "valentine" after her favourite holiday, almost towered over the kid. he was an akita, a gentle giant- your parents always called him. valentine was a guard dog, and y/n's best friend since as long as she could recall; which was probably only a couple of years at the time.

as she walked down the sidewalk lining the beach, head held high and leash in hand, she was feeling good. she waved at neighbours, and only stopped to collect some pretty rocks a couple of times on the way toward the dock. the end was in sight- the halfway point of her walk where she would turn and go back to her parents who would inevitably hug her and tell her how proud they were.

she looked out at the marsh for just a second, when valentine let out a bark. before y/n could even turn her head to see what had him so upset, her whole, little body was yanked forward and she were face planting on the cement and rocks, leash falling from her grip as the big dog bolted away.

backtracking a little bit, around the same time you were beginning your walk, a little boy named pope heyward just cast his first reel off the dock, also not far from his parents home. this was his first taste of freedom too, coincidentally. he was proud, antsy to bring home a fish to his parents and throw it on his moms dining table and make a huge damn mess of it.

still, fifteen minutes later, he hadn't even had so much of a bite. he was sitting on the docks railing, fishing rod between his knees and under the edge of the old wood just like his father told him. it was a quiet afternoon, but it would soon be interrupted.

pope heard a dog bark behind him, a big, scary sounding thing followed by the sound of it's paws hitting the ground, and he turned to look just as it reached him at the railing, jumping up next to him and letting out another loud bark in his face which sent little pope screaming and falling off the edge into the shallow water, along with the rod.

just as he was sitting up, groaning with tears in his eyes, he saw a girl leaning over the edge where he was just sitting, big scary dog alongside her watching him as well. valentine would be laughing at him, if he could have been.

"hey, mister, are you okay?" y/n asked him, and then, a beautiful, lifelong friendship was born."

as your now father-in-law finishes recalling the story of how you and his son had first met in his toast, you had been laughing with tears in your eyes. you sat next to your new husband clad in a black suit, holding your hand in his on your lap.

"we were not pleased that pope came home with soaked and dirty clothes that day, but it was the first time of many after he started playing everyday with y/n and valentine." bobby laughed, tears forming in his eyes as well as he turns his eyes to you. "every day we counted our blessings that pope had found you, dear. an loyal friend at seven, a responsible girlfriend at sixteen, and now, our amazing daughter-in-law at twenty three."

pope squeezes your hand and you lean your head on his shoulder, smiling as you dab away the tears in your eyes.

"we love you both so much, and could not be more proud of the adults you've become. watching the two of you grow up together was a gift that we will forever be thankful for."

pope shakes his head with a smile, not trying much to hide his tears as you fan your eyes, looking up and trying not to cry anymore. you remember the story he told so vividly- it was the best day of your life. highly regarded because it was your first taste of independence, and ironically, the same day you met your other half.

taglist: @bookishbabyyy @madelynie, @whore-4-drewstarkey, @slut4drudy, @winterrrnight, @totalswag, @sadfury @fullfledgedemo @rafemotherfuckingcameron, @urfaveluvr, @hxnnah-397, @s-we-e-t-t-ea, @saccharinesammie, @redhead1180

[demonsandmischief]

-Chapter 10: The Avengers' Therapist-

Bisexual Female Reader x The Avengers

Rated M for eventual sexual themes

800 Words

My Masterlist for Previous Chapters. Please read disclaimer in Ch 1

"I hate seeing her like this," Wanda whispered when it was pretty obvious you were asleep.

"We know who started all of this," Bucky said.

"Yes, but I can't fire Dr. Reynolds. She's under contract, and we are under those stupid stipulations from the pardon now," Tony said. "I already looked into it."

"It's just one more week," Steve said.

"We can't let her anywhere near YN," Nat said.

"Of course we won't," Sam agreed.

"Poor thing exhausted herself," Steve said, peering over Tony's shoulder.

Everyone in the room seemed to go their separate ways except for Tony, who was content at having you so close. For once, his mind wasn't going a hundred miles an hour and he settled, dozing off himself.

---

You woke up in your bed to the smell of something amazing. You sat up. Your face felt sticky and your eyes were crusty.

Once you freshened up, you ventured out to find Sam cooking in the kitchen.

"There she is," Sam cooed with his signature smile. He gestured you closer, and you tucked into his side.

"Thought some soup might cheer you up," he said. "How about some tea?"

"Okay. Thanks," you said, moving to the couch. You dragged a blanket over your shoulders.

It was quiet for a few minutes, until Wanda dropped onto the seat next to you. You adjusted the blanket so it was shared between the both of you.

"Do you regret spending time with us?" she asked. She was always so serious. You wished she would look into your head to see herself the way you saw her.

"Not one bit," you said truthfully. "I'm sorry if the way I acted made you doubt otherwise."

"For the two pretty ladies," Sam said, offering you both a mug. You smiled up at him in thanks.

"You don't have to apologize," Wanda said.

"You can't expect me to not be upset at what happened," you said, meeting her gaze.

She nodded. "You're right. I just care about what you think of me, and I wouldn't want to be the cause of you not wanting to be around us."

"If I have a problem with any of you, I promise to let you know. I hope you will do the same." You cupped her cheek, skimming your thumb across her soft skin.

"I'll try," Wanda whispered. She bent her head, brushing her lips ever so gently against yours.

You smiled. It was relieving for her to convey to you what she was feeling. It took all of the guess work away.

Even though it was going to be really hard, you were going to try not to worry about what the outside world thought of you and your relationship with the Avengers. You were happy in your little bubble, right where you were meant to be.

"Should I pretend like I didn't see that, or-?" Steve teased with his signature smile, as he leaned over the edge of the couch.

"See what?" Wanda teased back.

"Ah, I see how it is. Sam, did they give you this treatment?"

"I'm minding my business, man," Sam answered.

The rest of the Avengers were missing from dinner, having had some work to tend to. Sam cooked an amazing meal, and you felt a lot better than you did earlier in the day.

Steve walked you to your room for the night.

"I'm glad that smile is back," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. Something was different. You wondered if kissing Wanda made him see you differently.

"What is it, Steve?" you whispered as he came closer, pressing you against the wall.

He didn't say anything, and your heart started to thud in your chest.

"I want a kiss, too," he said, his lips almost brushing yours.

One of your hands went to his hair, tugging gently to encourage him to continue.

"Is that what you want?" he whispered.

"Yes," you said, standing up on the tips of your toes to reach his lips.

"You were so upset earlier." His hands went to your cheeks. "I hated seeing you like that."

"I'm okay now," you admitted. "I'm still very upset, but I can't change what happened. I wouldn't want to. This is where I want to be, with all of you."

Steve's lips quirked up.

"I'm glad you came to my rescue earlier," you said. "Thank you."

You pressed your lips to his softly, just a brush.

His hands moved to the back of your head, deepening the kiss.

He released you, kissing your cheek.

"Try to get some sleep, okay? Don't stress too much. I know you say you're okay, but I can see right through you."

------------------Author's Note-------------------------

You wished him a good night, and you didn't have any trouble falling asleep, still giddy from both kisses you received.

Here's Ch 11

So fluffy 🥺 only 5 or 6 chapters left. I always knew Wanda would be the first to kiss her.

•you will only be tagged if you comment here

•updates are MWF

•my Wattpad

•i have lots of imagines. be sure to check out my masterlist linked above and pinned on my profile.

Also just in general this is a lot of characters to write for and my intention is never to exclude or include one avenger over the other. I wanted everyone to be as equal as possible ❤️

@inluvwithfictionalwomen @pancakefan7529 @sugarrush-blush @royalmuffinsworld @ichala @cricket-reader @almosttoopizza @dont-staple-waffles @lilylovelyxo @fishdawgs @lyracarvahall @meeksmusic83 @superchumchum @dracanah @elmontsmile @wolf-phoenix-lover @2234world @thunderinglava @badasswithafatass0 @crookedkoala69 @ilovesebastianstan @youre-amazing-say-it @purpler4shol4ser

[wrencatte]

Oh, hello. What’s this? Is this a 800 word WIP that’s a little follow up to this weight is mine? It might be!

Breathing still hurts when he comes to. He doesn’t open his eyes. Just takes a moment to himself, catalogues what he can through hearing and touch alone. Immediately Jason’s aware of a heart monitor beeping and cool, dry oxygen flooding his lungs with every inhale – that’s followed up by registering the mask over his face and the port in his arm. Everything, not just breathing, hurts, but it’s muted by good drugs. The kinda drugs usually found back home –

Home that he was thousands of miles away from last time he checked. Because he’d been…He was in Toulouse, wasn’t he? And – and –

Noémie!

Jason surges up and the screaming pain isn’t enough to send him back down because – Noémie. There’s hands on his shoulders, voices speaking quickly. He struggles against them uncomprehendingly. Noémie, who he last remembers was trapped and bleeding and crying so hard she could barely breathe. He remembers asking her to match his breathing and how much that fucking hurt. He remembers – he remembers –

“Jason!”

He shoves off a hand, elbows someone else in the chest. There’s no responding sharp gasp and his elbow hurts way more than it should for that sorta attack, but he doesn’t fucking care.

“Jason, stop!” More hands, cradling his face around the oxygen mask, sliding through his hair. “Jaylad, you’re okay. You’re safe.”

Jaylad. He sags, energy draining out of him as swiftly as it had come on. Jason slumps forward, forehead pressing against a solid shoulder, his breathing ragged and short. The hand comes back up through his hair, resting on the back of his neck and squeezing comfortingly.

“That’s it,” Bruce murmurs in his ear, cheek resting against Jason’s temple. “I got you. Just breathe.”

Jason steadies his breathing just long enough to gain enough of it back to mumble out, “Noémie.”

Bruce sighs fondly. “Better off than you,” he says. “You’ve been unconscious for four days. She’s already spent three of them demanding to see you to make sure with her own two eyes you’re alive and well.”

Alive, yes. Well….not so much. There’s blood coating the back of his throat still, making his whole mouth taste nasty. Now that he’s not half-delirious in panic, the pain that had been dulled by drugs has been amplified that he’s shaking where he leans into Bruce.

None of that matters because Noémie is safe. She’s okay.

Jason breathes out all shuddery, his eyes burning. His shoulders protest any sort of movement – and it’s not hard to forget holding up a collapsing building for hours – but he reaches up and clings to his dad anyway. Just. Holds him, lets himself be grounded.

Bruce wraps his other arm around Jason’s back loosely, mindful of the minefield of bruising. “I got you,” he repeats softly. “Breathe in – Breathe out.” His chest expands and contracts exaggeratedly and Jason nearly laughs out loud for how much it matches what he did with Noémie. He follows the pattern, though, until his breathing evens out and he feels like he’s less likely to burst into stress and pain induced tears. “That’s it. Think you can open your eyes? You don’t have to move, just tilt your head to the left.”

He debates for half a second then decides that since Bruce is asking instead of demanding, he can probably do it. His eyelashes stick together so it takes a couple tries, but eventually he’s looking at a…at a Watchtower med bay?

A Watchtower med bay that is no longer it’s dull white and grey, but an explosion of color. Flowers everywhere. Some have tags, most don’t. But what catches his attention the most, though, is the plush bear sitting on the bedside table.

Bruce chuckles. “Superman helped,” he says. “Your Noémie is quite the firecracker.”

Jason huffs out a laugh – a fraction of what he actually wants to do – and leans up to reach for it. He aborts the movement not even halfway, a broken whimper escaping before he can think about holding it back. Bruce moves past him and plucks both the bear and the card from the table, pulling Jason back to lean against him as he settles back down.

He should probably be laying down. He appreciates the fact that Bruce isn’t making him lay down.

Bruce hands him the bear first. He takes it, cradling it in his arms. Stares. Because it’s not a normal bear. It’s not a hospital gift shop bear or even something you’d find at a normal store. He can tell because –

It’s wearing a red motorcycle helmet. Not quite like his own Red Hood helmet, but the colors are an exact match. And it’s wearing a little T-shirt with his symbol on it. The stitching is a little haphazard and the vinyl transfer isn’t quite right – it’s homemade.

[morgulscribe]

The “Sick Character Goes To Rivendell” Trope

There was a scene in the recent Rings of Power episode in which an injured character "needs elvish medicine" and must be taken to the nearest elvish settlement, which would be hundreds of miles away. Many viewers are criticizing this plot point, questioning the logic of having a critically injured character traveling for hundreds of miles for medical treatment, when it would be far more logical for them to find a closer healer.

I have encountered this often annoying and problematic trope many times in the nineteen years that I have been involved in Middle-earth-related activities. I have seen sooo many roleplay storylines involving injured characters being taken to Rivendell for EMERGENCY healing, even when the characters were NOWHERE near the hidden elven village.

I remember one particular storyline in which a character wandered into Shelob's Lair and got a nasty spider bite, and Glorfindel randomly appeared to take her to Rivendell for healing. Rivendell is almost 800 MILES from Shelob's Lair, and the player who came up with this idea expected everyone else to believe that the injured character would survive such a long and arduous journey. In the real world, most likely she would either die from spider poison or recover on her own long before she ever reached Rivendell. The more logical choice would have been for Glorfindel to take this character to the Houses of Healing, as Minas Tirith is only around 45 miles from Shelob's Lair.

The story was even more illogical and ridiculous when one considers that the injured character - let's call her Starwen - was a CITIZEN OF MORDOR, and what Glorfindel did was kidnap her and take to a far away land. The whole time that Glorfindel was traveling with Starwen, Khamul was desperately trying to chase them down and rescue her. Actually, when Starwen had been kidnapped by Glorfindel, Khamul had been about to rush her to Minas Morgul - a short distance from Shelob's Lair - and get her the medical attention she desperately needed. But, no, Glorfindel's player insisted that Starwen be taken 800 MILES AWAY to an ENEMY SETTLEMENT for magical elven healing.

In Lord of the Rings Online, player characters are constantly going to Rivendell for random quests. The Epic Quest is notorious for doing this, having the player travel for what would be hundreds of miles to Rivendell to fetch or deliver an item or piece of information, and then travel hundreds of miles back to where they started from. Due to the extreme time dilation of the game, these journeys have no bearing upon the story itself. A player character could travel a journey of a thousand miles with little more than a day or two transpiring in the storyline.

The High Elf intro quest has the player character being wounded in Mordor. Later they wake up in Rivendell, where they have been lying comatose for most of the Third Age. The ol' Sick Character Goes To Rivendell For Healing trope at play again!

LOTRO has so many Journeys to Rivendell that I can't remember a specific case of an NPC being taken to Rivendell for healing, but I'm pretty sure there are at least one or two. I do know of a quest involving a NPC trying to bring hope and cheer to a severely depressed NPC by asking you to take the depressed NPC's sword to Rivendell for reforging. In order to complete this quest, the player character must travel from Angmar to Rivendell, and then back to Angmar. There is a lot of traveling involved!

The Sick Character Goes To Rivendell For Healing trope was devised by Tolkien himself, but it makes a lot more sense in the Fellowship of the Ring than in most adaptions/apocrypha! When Frodo was stabbed by the Morgul blade, he was ALREADY heading for Rivendell, so it was not as though he went out of his way to get there. Also, Tolkien pretty much states that it was a miracle that Frodo survived the journey at all. The way a lot of people write this trope, however, would be the equivalent of a person in New York City being flown across the Atlantic Ocean to London to treat a heart attack or hemorrhage.

I wish that writers and roleplayers would take into consideration distance when it comes to transporting critically injured characters, as well as the delicate condition of these sorts of injuries as well.

[sar190]

Tilerassic 80-82 million years

Image 1 top left:  Guttiles a relatively new species evolving 50,000 years ago are a species of Dwarf Notptor native to the Soup, Only slightly larger than their ancestors the Guttiles are far more cooperative than their ancestors living in family groups comprising of a mated pair and a few generations of their offspring. Typically the oldest offspring and their father will go out to hunt and that is where their name sake comes from, their hunting is brutal. Typically they will dig their dens near a colonial ground wasp colony but still a safe distance away as not to attract the bugs from their scent. Much like their ancestor the Guttiles will go after the grubs in a colony as they are not big enough to go after a worker or soldier with a hardened carapace. But their diets have changed rather lately, the Vul a ethnic group of the Hell-Breakers make their living in the Soup by trading with the few Ool merchant ships that pass through, the Guttiles often sneak onto these ships and feed on any cargo they find. As of now three species of Guttile exist, A small species known as the Gutting Tile which is a species that reproduces quickly and swarms it’s prey ripping chunks off which includes lone Vul. 

Image 1 Top right: Red Rippers the ancestor to all Hell-Breakers were nearly wiped out a matter of decades ago in Hell-Breaker recorded history. However with the threat of their Hell-Breaker descendants gone at least on Spriterra the population has made a come back with only a population of one hundred during the war they now have a couple hundred and have established themselves as the apex predators on Spriterra. 

Image 1 bottom: The Tundra Warden a subspecies of Tundra Notptor and the heaviest in it’s family weighing up to 800 pounds these giants live mostly solitary lives patrolling a territory that can span as much as 25 miles. Highly aggressive to any carnivore that threatens its main food source, a basal species of Rison known as the Stumblehog. But what makes it’s dynamic with it’s food source is more than a predator-prey relationship, The Warden keeps small herds in valleys where they graze at the vegetation there or if there is none the Warden will drag  bales of vegetation to the herd for them to eat, ever couple weeks the warden will go into the ditch or ravine and kills the fattest hog in there. When mating season comes around the Wardens will gather as much vegetation for it’s flock as it can and drop off in the ravine then using it’s strength it will cover the ravine in logs from a nearby forest where it will then leave it’s herd in search of a mate. The courtship between these giants is surprisingly gentle with the male performing an elaborate dance to the female for a few days before she decides to mate with him. While the female builds her nest and watches over her eggs the male will go back to his territory to bring members of his flock to her to eat. But once the eggs hatch the hormones that suppress both of their inter species violence will vanish and the male and female will tolerate each other until the fledgelings are weaned off of chewed up meat and can hunt on their own even if they stay with their mother for a few years. Though despite all that the male will often return to the same female when she is done raising his fledgelings. 

Image 2 Top Left: The Hell-Dozer is a suffalo species that has a rather distinct and odd adaptation, the formation of a keratin horn much like a rhino. This odd headgear was formed from a mutation of an individual with small spikes on his face which had helped him survive being able to pierce the hides of predators that attacked him, now his descendants spikes are either fused or have lengthen into curved or surprisingly sword like protrusions. The Hell-Dozer is the biggest species standing eight feet at the shoulder and weighing half a ton. A single large male watches over a herd of females about twenty or twenty five with a near endless vigilance. Males of the species are highly aggressive and when they control a herd they turn even more aggressive. If the male suspects one of the females in his herd has mated with another male he will brutalize her with jabs of his horn and harsh bites with his powerful jaws, and if she lays eggs or has a few yearlings who he suspects also aren't his he will trample them and leave them for scavengers. Though his rule is a double edged sword if the females sense he becoming weak they will either kill him or drive him out and look for a stronger male. 

Image Two top right: The Grid Tail Snuffler is a basal species of Suffalo native to the Sala continent. Much like it’s ancestors it lives in small herds with a male leading it though much less ruthlessly than the Hell-Dozer. Eating fungus, berries (If they can get to them), and various ferns they also oppertunislcley will eat  insects which are quite numerous in the humid climate of Sala. 

Image Two bottom: A very basal in it’s group the Samole is a small Saltile that ancestors were the direct ancestors of the Suffalo, while it does share traits with it’s distant cousins it lacks the blunt rhino like feet having more thicker and slightly curled claws which it uses to dig tunnels that can stretch for miles. Feeding on roots, insects, and occasanley feeding on the eggs of other Saltiles or even on the pups of rats. 

Image Three Left: The banded Gorgon Mander is a lighty built species of Gorgon Mander that lives on the Savannah of Sala these fast paced predators much like their ancestors are solitary and seeking companionship from the descendants of Juggernaut Beetles. Having multiple valves in their hearts this aids them in sprinting after prey, though they have low stamina they can reach a staggering 50 miles per hour but some longer legged individuals can reach 60-70 miles per hour.

Image three right: The Gorging Hell-Mander is a large Gorgon Mander native to nearly every part of Sala. Though residing inland and away from the beaches this giant predator as come into contact with the Hell-breakers and has developed a taste for them. Bold, strong, and a scaly hide that most weapons can’t pierce this bear analogue will fearlessly charge into a village to feed on the inhabitants, all the Hell-Breakers can really do is get to the high ground as the Hell-Mander has bad traction on steep hills. 

[fantasyinvader]

Let me try to explain some of why I don't feel the writing of TLoU2 does not work. Specifically the idea that the game is about how empty revenge is.

This is something I feels the game does right...and then undermines itself. With Ellie's side of the story, it works. We see that the new relationship between Ellie and Dina starts to show cracks when Dina is revealed to be pregnant. We see how Ellie gets angry at this, and when Ellie leaves to look for Abby in California Dina takes JJ and leaves. We also see how Tommy's actions destroy his relationship with Maria, or how Ellie nearly died after she broke off with Jesse to go to the aquarium in search of Abby rather than go to after Tommy like she said they were going to. Even Ellie being unable to play guitar after losing her fingers works...if you ignore she could just learn to play left-handed.

That works, but you know whose side doesn't work? Abby. Abby's thirst for revenge doesn't destroy her relationships with those around her, those are taken away from others seeking revenge on Abby and her crew. The thing is though, if Tommy hadn't decided to do a 180 and head out to Seattle or if they were able to keep Ellie from leaving, Abby wouldn't have suffered at all.

Sure, there's Mel being upset over Abby torturing Joel, but Mel doesn't think they were wrong to do it. It's more that Mel knows Owen still carries a torch for Abby despite their breakup and Mel being pregnant with his kid. Owen has also been more distant from her lately as he's planning on abandoning her to go look for the Fireflies and once again be one. If anything, Owen and Abby were getting close again after she got her revenge.

Jordan, Nora, Mel and Owen only died because Ellie killed them, Manny and some other guy to Tommy. Leah did in an unrelated Scar attack. It's not the same as Abby alienating all of her friends, it's making her a victim.

Likewise, it ignores the fact that Abby and her friends traveled over 800 miles to go to Jackson to find Tommy and see if he had any information about Joel's whereabouts (how would they get that info? Possibly torture). They were planning on killing Joel and lucked out. Abby planned to commit murder, meanwhile Joel massacring the hospital to save Ellie is actually justifiable under real world laws.

So... what's the take-away here? Murdering Joel was justified on Abby's part, and then it's wrong to seek retribution against Abby? Unless Abby is the villain here despite "you have to see things from Abby's POV," then that's fucked. Abby loses her friends but we're supposed to be wrong for this, and then she heads off to rejoin a terrorist organization with a minor in her care. People keep saying "the point is you're supposed to understand and forgive Abby," but that just says we're supposed to feel sad for Abby because she suffered consequences and random bad luck with the Rattlers. Abby is sympathetic if you consider her a child soldier being exploited by her commander who happened to be her father, but that doesn't mean what she did was right.

Abby did wrong, and we're just supposed to let it go. But then if Ellie and Tommy had let it go, Abby would not have suffered the loss of her friends (bar Leah) as is depicted in the game. The idea that we're meant to "forgive her" just... no. You can talk about her backstory all you want and try to paint her as a good person despite fighting for a militia that enslaved Seattle and is trying to genocide a cult in the name of controlling the entire city. You see what I just wrote.

The game wants me to forgive someone like that, even though Ellie is left with nothing when she let Abby go at the end. It feels like a literary travesty of justice, all while Abby is free to go back to her terrorist roots.

[harrison-abbott]

The dog had gone.

The other person in the house was watching TV in their room. Didn’t matter what was on.

It’d been hot in the house all day because the heating was on, despite it being fifteen degrees outside.

There was a cat yowling in mad sagging intervals out in the garden.

The news on the radio bulletin focused on some berserk random crazy story from the capital 800 miles away.

The carpets were still fucked up from the party from last weekend.

But the birthday stat hadn’t changed anything else in the household.

The garden was abrim with real proper colours that seemed to dissuade matters like global heating; the blueness of the pretty lil flowers in the garden under the kitchen windowsill, blue as comicbook blue skies, blue as the Pacific Ocean in classic movies … perfect in hue.

And up along the supermarket path there already seemed that gaudy breath of summer, with the mix of pollen and the rash bold greenery of the weeds mixed untamed by the pathside.

The supermarket car park was only an eight full.

Kids from the local estates clung to the metal bars that hosted the trolleys.

And the bins were all stuffed up with dog shit bags and bottles and plastic.

On the skyline the sad giant skyrises that were built in the 1960s.

They were ugly beauties indeed, with their orange caps and their overweight sucking

Of the twilight sunshine.

The supermarket was filled with young folks who tended to remind him how old he

Was getting every time he looked at them; the boys as well as the odd pretty girl.

There was a hazy delirium about the supermarket.

Had been here a hundred times and it seemed like a woozy dream coming here at

This time of the evening.

Even the security guard seemed sleepy.

Everything was cheap, the items he bought, except the beer, and only the beer

For being in crates, and poorly beer at that. Meh, shrug, whatever, hey ho.

The girl who had to approve him being over 18 years had these fake painted

Fingernails. Multicoloured nails. And she had a nice body even though her face

Was okay. And she went and spoke to one of her colleagues after serving you.

Again – there was that jealousy of youth as you packed your things into your

Bag and headed off home.

Back in the world there was a wide sense of forgetfulness. Perhaps a sense of

Surprise, also, that you had been here for so long – for most of your life – and

That you often were a waif walking about these parts of the suburb.

The ugly/pretty giants in the background didn’t matter so much in the modern

Age. All you remember of them was playing football when you were a kid nearby

Them. Or, heading along to that library, and the man glaring at you from his car

Because he didn’t recognise you as part of this neighbourhood. Or, you went a

Few times to your brother’s mate’s house who lived near there and the mate loved

Your brother but hated you because you were so different. And they would eat

Chicken pizza and you nothing because you didn’t eat chicken, and they would

Watch zombie movies upstairs and you sat downstairs because you were too

Afraid of the gore and didn’t want to watch. …

All these kinds of memories in a simple stretch of a city, the back gardens of a city.

And you did indeed walk back home. Earlier on you had seen the mysterious neighbour

Who had to walk on a zimmer frame these days because of his history of alcohol.

Presumably he was back home now. And then there were the other family who

Lived next door who were selling their home because their only son had committed

Suicide last year; they wanted to move up north to the city where they were

Originally from in order to try and cope with the grief of it all.

And then there was the boisterous man from across the street who had

Failed to sell his own house around ten years back and he was still here.

Still here in this weird little island of a community which did not belong

To a cathedral or politics or district of even a commune.

It was just what is was; pulsing in actuality, with the coming season of Summer.

[xtruss]

The Exclusive Island Where People Keep Giving Away Homes For Free — Even Though The Typical House Costs $3.6 Million

— Dan Latu | April 6, 2024

Dozens of homes are physically moved each year on Nantucket, an island off the coast of Massachusetts known for well-heeled homeowners. J. Greg Hinson, MD, www.ackdoc.com

Nantucket, An Island Off Massachusetts, Is A Popular Vacation Spot For The Wealthy.

Each Year, Several Homes Are Offered For Free — But Buyers Must Move Them To New Locations First.

Some Free Houses Are Moved To Create Rentals, While Others Get Turned into Housing For Local Workers.

The crescent-shaped island of Nantucket, 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has long been the home of idyllic summer getaways for the rich and famous.

Nantucket's median sales price is $3.6 million, according to Realtor.com, though many homes cost much more.

In 2021, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman was rumored to be the buyer of a $32.5 million waterfront estate, according to the Nantucket Current, a local paper. The Barstool Sports cofounder Dave Portnoy set a Massachusetts record when he paid $42 million for a six-bedroom home on the island in 2023, outlets including The Wall Street Journal reported.

But in stark contrast to the eight-figure homes is another common Nantucket practice: giving away homes.

Or technically free. Free, but with some caveats. The big one: You have to move them — and pay sometimes hefty sums to do so.

Many wealthy summer residents buy Nantucket properties intending to construct dream homes, which means whatever structure is standing on the land is effectively a teardown, said Anne Kuszpa, the executive director of Housing Nantucket, a nonprofit that creates affordable housing for the island's year-round community.

"Sometimes when someone buys a property, the land is worth a lot more than the dwelling that's on it," she told Business Insider.

Because of Nantucket's "demolition delay" rule, any home with "reuse potential" must be advertised in the town paper for 30 days. It's not required to be offered for free, but doing so has become common practice because most owners would rather not pay for the cost of removal, Kuszpa said.

The real-estate attorney Steven Cohen is representing a "free" home in the Miacomet neighborhood, known for its public golf course and freshwater pond, with a tax-assessed value of nearly $800,000. He said he'd already received 25 emails from interested parties. (Mansion Global first reported the listing.)

The "buyer" must pay to move the home, which usually involves lifting it off its foundation and putting it on a trailer, which is driven slowly to another spot on the island. A 2,500-square-foot home can cost at least $100,000 to move, Cohen said. The bigger the house, the higher the price to move it.

It's much cheaper, however, to move a "free" house onto a property than to construct a new dwelling. Cohen said it cost about $800 a square foot to build a home on Nantucket, making the cost to build that 2,500-square-foot home from scratch about $2 million.

House Moves Are So Common In Nantucket That They Hold Up Traffic

House moves in Nantucket have increased in popularity. About a decade ago, Nantucket issued only 19 permits for homes or units to be transported across the island, according to the Nantucket Current. In 2022, the report said, 91 permits were issued by October — and since many house moves happen later in the year, the annual figure was likely even higher.

"Free" houses can range in size from small cottages to megamansions, Cohen said, and some residents will even split houses into smaller parts and move them to new properties to serve as garages or pool houses.

The fire and police departments need to sign off on the permits to move a house, and road closures need to be issued for the 14-mile-long island, as the trailer carrying the home moves at a walking pace.

House moves occur in the fall, winter, and spring. In the summer they're halted because of the increased tourist traffic on the island.

But for year-rounders, the sight of a house being carted across the island is so common that it might just be part of their morning commute.

"If you get to work late and you tell your boss, 'Oh, there's a house move,' people just understand," Kuszpa said.

Some of Nantucket's year-round workforce lives in repurposed "free" homes. Maremagnum/Getty Images

Cohen said buyers of the "free" homes fall into three main categories.

The first group is homeowners on Nantucket looking for a small property to turn into a rental for additional income.

The second pool, which Cohen said is larger, consists of individuals or young families who, through their families or other connections, already have land on the island but not enough wealth for a new-construction house.

The third category is housing nonprofits that take the homes as a donation — giving a tax break to the sellers — and turn the structures into affordable housing for the local workforce and low-income families.

"It's the cheapest way to create housing," Kuszpa said.

Kuszpa said the new homes are open only to families making less than 110% of the area's median income, which the census pegs at $135,590. Kuszpa said a typical beneficiary is a family of four making under $100,000, who'd then be able to rent a three-bedroom house for $2,500; the market rent for the same property would be $4,700.

Teachers, landscapers, cleaners, bank tellers, and other members of the Nantucket workforce have benefited from the program and are living in rental homes that were moved to new locations. Kuszpa said that over 600 families were on the waitlist.

Since 1994, Housing Nantucket has repurposed 39 "free" homes into income-capped rentals on the island.

The organization is preparing to move a 1,000-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom home from a plot of land near the center of town, which new buyers purchased earlier this year for $5 million.

Kuszpa said the nonprofit was budgeting $400,000 to move the structure nearly 4 miles to the Atlantic Ocean coast of Nantucket, where it will get a new life as a home for a Nantucket family.

"When you're on an island, materials are just harder to come by," Kuszpa said. "It's about using what you have."

[the-firebird69]

Fast Furious: best scene “Supra vs Ferrari” #dragracing #fastfurious #su...

This kind of scene will pop up all over the Earth and the guy who built the other one is getting orders they want that one cuz it looks more normal now they want it because it's very fast it goes very fast 2,300 miles an hour and he tested it and they want it now and he is not the guy he said but he's selling it to his and everybody wants it it's going to be faster than everything until the kit comes out and smokes the guy he's going to be amazed the small one will be here and he won't get it it's after a bird and it was Hera who came up with most of it no but they both did really it's kind of a fight she came up with a lot of it it went to both talked about it it's a beautiful idea it's about us he says too

This scene will break out everywhere and with the manufacturer who made the orange one and right away too and people will be shocked it's like 0 to 60 and 1.9 seconds quarter mile and about 4.7 seconds and top speed is 2300 miles per hour and you'll see it too for the thousand horsepower nobody on Earth will ever touch it this guy's car is 800 horsepower

Thor Freya

It's kind of unfair cuz it's a military jet even though he did design it I want to see it in action this is going to be awesome I'll sell tons of cars and they do look more normal I have the wheels covered and it's intense this thing is so damn fast I'm afraid to drive it I have the special safety equipment too

Builder of the fastest mega car on earth and it is partially stealth and I can confirm I use stealth paint it some of it's illegal you can't use them in some it's not

We proved this message to be printed

Olympus

I can't believe you say what he's saying if they don't see you if you make it an accident and sodium fast he means on radar LOL what a jerk

Hera

Ha ha

Zues yeah like the guy from The Simpsons he says

[skiptvads]

[caption id="attachment_1186" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A Small Light : Legacy – Season 1 – Episode 8 – RECAP - www.skiptvads.blog[/caption] Source Episode 8, Legacy, puts an end to the mini series A Small Light, I really enjoy it, the cast and production was awesome with stars like Liev Schreiber, Ian McElhinney the ones I recognize but Bel Powley doing Miep was the star of the show, she was awesome been funny and such a good friend to the Frank's, so loyal always giving the extra mile to the point of constantly putting her life on the line for her friends, now days is very rare to see those qualities on a friend. I'm not going to pretend I know much about World War II or any other war but I have learn a few things from this series, for the most part is a very moving series and Episode 8 in my opinion is the one that will bring some tears out, I cant imagine Mr. Frank's suffering after loosing everyone and everything, his friends and family who stayed hiding with him for over two years, from the series perspective they were arrested very close to the end of the war between two to six months, but at the time just getting arrested was a death sentence, the Frank's and friends were all send to different camps, probably lucky for many didn't have to suffer as long as others that were caught earlier and end up surviving but still that short time was enough to take everything from Mr. Frank, even though it was probably less than a year he lost his entire family, ironically he was the head of the house and did everything he could to keep safe his wife and daughters but end up loosing them and he survive. Miep stay in front of the business in Mr. Frank absence, so she was not even a good friend but also a loyal employee, she was once told to sell the business, she didn't owe anything to Mr. Frank but she didn't and kept pushing, even though there were times when she loose all hope she keep bring it back and kept saying some day they will return home, this episode is mostly about Miep but also is a combination of many people who ran away from the city hiding in the countryside, many who after the ware recognize Jan as the guy who safe them, safe their children and family, he did felt like a hero but he went through rough times too, close to the end of the war the city was in lock down by the remaining German Officers who were taking all Dutch man to work camps so now Miep was the only one going out, she was in charge of bringing food to the table since Jan couldn't even go out, the worst part of such situation is not knowing when its going to end. [caption id="attachment_1192" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A Small Light : Legacy – Season 1 – Episode 8 – RECAP - www.skiptvads.blog[/caption] Source Episode 8 of A Small Light starts with Miep at the German's HQ, she tries to bribe German Officer Karl Silberbauer after he took the Frank's but even though he wanted since the moment he arrested them he knew there was nothing he could do to stop it since there were other officers present, there was not much to bribe them all, during those times if he get caught trying to let them go most likely he would get killed and probably on the spot, when Miep confront him another officer probably with higher rank ask him to hurry up the paper work, Officer Kurt, Miep tried to go over Karl but it end up worst for her, Kurt took the money and ask officers to throw her out of the building, at that moment Miep understood there was nothing she could do about it, from that moment she start living just with the hope one day the would come back home alive. [caption id="attachment_1194" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A Small Light : Legacy – Season 1 – Episode 8 – RECAP - www.skiptvads.blog[/caption] Source The book is very famous for bringing the memories of Anne Frank, the series brings a more graphic explanation of this, during the entire series Anne kept telling Miep all her dreams and plans she had, goals she wanted

to achieve once they war was over and they go out again, for Anne getting caught was never an option, Miep was aware of all this and broke her heart when she went back into the room they were staying and say Anne's diary all over the floor, she pick up all the remaining sheets and so other books of her, all Anne's memories, during the war citizens where told to collect letters and safe them as those will be the memories of many who didn't make it. [caption id="attachment_1197" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A Small Light : Legacy – Season 1 – Episode 8 – RECAP - www.skiptvads.blog[/caption] Source Close to the end of the war things got very very tight, there was no food, no money and mostly women and old men were aloud to go out, Germans who remain in the city were taking all Dutch men to working camps, Germans knew they were about to loose the war so they were doing what ever they could to grasp as much as they could, for some who got arrested close to the end they were lucky enough to survive and not suffer for much time, in the case of Jan and Miep they stay together through all this time, that says a lot from both and Miep was now the head of the house, on the series they were always together, had a few arguments but always together during good and bad times, like on this picture they almost had nothing to eat and no wood for the fire, they had to brake a chair to make fire. [caption id="attachment_1198" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A Small Light : Legacy – Season 1 – Episode 8 – RECAP - www.skiptvads.blog[/caption] Source Not all heroes wear capes, Jan and Miep became war heroes, not everyone knew but Jan work with the resistance at first to help Miep and the Franks but latter on end up saving a lot of people, sneaking kids out of the city to the country side, when the war was over looks like a good amount of people recognize him on the streets, at least if it was two or three he must have felt very proud same for Miep, what they did for others was an act of heroism, putting their life on the lines for those who didn't have a voice and could not defend themselves. [caption id="attachment_1200" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A Small Light : Legacy – Season 1 – Episode 8 – RECAP - www.skiptvads.blog[/caption] Source The train lines were reactivated and those that were taken as prisoners out of the city start coming back home, some like Mr. Frank lost everything including their houses, at first he still had hope his daughters and wife would come back, visit their apartment now occupied by a young couple, he didn't ask for his apartment back but only to let his family know he is with Miep in case they come back but one day the answer to his questions arrive, Jan, Miep and the other employees at the office start sending letters and putting up signs looking for the girls and Mrs. Frank until a women who knew them form the working camps arrive and let her know they didn't make it, this was probably the worst moment of the episode, it was the end of a long wait, not the answer they were looking for but at least their suspense and suffering ended on that moment. [caption id="attachment_1202" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A Small Light : Legacy – Season 1 – Episode 8 – RECAP - www.skiptvads.blog[/caption] Source Miep and Jan had a kid called Paul, Mr. Frank stay close to them, he probably move out to another place but they always stay together until his last day alive, Miep lived until she was a hundred years old, Miep was a women who was blessed, she went through all this experiences and had the strength to live for so long, proud, telling her stories of war, how an ordinary secretary did everything she could to safe his friends and family, for Miep nationality or beliefs didn't mean anything, it was about the quality of the of the person, even when someone was not of her liking she still was fair to everyone, even with German Officer Karl she felt how he knew it was not right what he was doing when he raid Mr.

Frank office and arrest them, trust others during the war was hard but she always had this sense to identify those telling the truth and been fair. I found the Small Light fantastic, not only me but a lot of people seem to like it, an 8.4/10 on IMDB is no joke, I never read the book so I do not know how much it follows the real story but anyone who watch this mini series should know the ending, its very sad how Mr. Frank ends up alone, his daughters and wife died at the camps but at the same time is comforting how they mention that he stay with Miep and Jan, I think Miep could even see him as a father considering that her relationship with her family was very vague after she had to be send out of Germany because of the war and poverty, this series makes you wonder or at least made me ask myself why are humans not this loyal and good to each other, it all comes down to money, fame and power, during those times that I think barely exist, there was no internet, social network, branding clothe I think was not such hype so people concentrate more on each other for who they were and not what they had, I wish I was born prior the 80's because every time I watch a series from those eras makes me envy and I would trade all the tech we have now to make those times come back, I was born in the 80's without internet or cellphones, I saw all that tech emerge and how it has devalue society, it will never be the same.   Episode 1: https://peakd.com/hive-121744/@skiptvads/a-small-light-pilot-episode Episode 2: https://peakd.com/hive-121744/@skiptvads/a-small-light-welcome-to Episode 3: https://peakd.com/hive-121744/@skiptvads/a-small-light-motherland-episode Episode 4: https://peakd.com/hive-121744/@skiptvads/a-small-light-the-butterfly Episode 5: https://peakd.com/hive-121744/@skiptvads/a-small-light-scheissfeld-season Episode 6: https://peakd.com/hive-121744/@skiptvads/a-small-light-boiling-point Episode 7: https://peakd.com/hive-121744/@skiptvads/a-small-light-what-can #skiptvads #tvseries #tvaddicts #tvseriesblog #cinetv #hive #asmalllight #ottofrank #backhome #miep #jangies #worldwarii

[evacado3]

Secretary's secret ♡︎

Samuel seo One-shot

Word count: 800

Who would've thought, the cold-hearted secretary, the one labeled as a workaholic, could ever bear such humane feelings.

So when you confessed to your fellow intern you had the hots for someone, she let out a boisterous squeal enough to shake the whole 4th affiliate.

You were sure to be reported if the office wasn't soundproof, she slams her hands on the table making you flinch. "Who's the lucky guy, wait, or girl. You look like you're into girls too." she interrogated.

You rolled your eyes at her eagerness. "What, I'm not wrong. Ohhh I am sooo gonna found out who it is."

"Sarah, calm down. Hand me the documents from yesterday, how many new people signed this month?"

"Please tell me~ You know I’m trustworthy right?"

You adjusted your glasses and starting organizing the paperwork. "Hey don’t ignore me, I promise I won’t tell anyone!"

"You’re the one ignoring me, hand me the papers. Or did you not do them?" You frowned. She pouted, handing you the thick stack of work. "How many."

"14…"

Sighing, you rubbed your forehead. How are we gonna beat the third affiliate at this state? He was so confident, I cannot fail him.

"Go do the other assignments now, I want them back by tomorrow." You stated, preceding to walk out the room. "Ehhhhhh? That's too much!" Her exclaims were left unheard as you have departed from the office.

You walked towards the elevator, familiar faces greeting you and bowing. But people thought you were strict, too strict in fact. The look on your face could scare them a mile away. Not many employees could find themselves in a conversation with you.

Doing illegal work has never exactly fazed you, no one feels the necessity of guilt when you can earn almost five million dollars a month. Though it’s hard to hide it from the rest of the employees, including your witty intern.

The chances of getting caught are at zero, bounded by the best bodyguards and an unknown level, no staff has ever wondered in yet.

Samuel’s a perfectionist if people couldn’t tell. The numbers of secretaries he's had would surely shock anyone in the same line of business.

It's either he scolds the hell out of them then they get dismissed, or they quit. No in-between. Not before you at least. You had patience, enough to deal with his childish wants on being flawless.

You've been dealing with it since nearly six months ago, what could go wrong now? And you certainly aren't willing to give this spot to any other women, you're a qualified hard worker, that’s only loyal to Samuel and his needs.

It's not just loyalty, is it?

No, of course not, but that's the secret. How could anyone found out your obsession with the director? Peculiarly the man himself, not only would you lose your job, you would give up the chance to just stay by his side as he rises to the top.

That's solely the job, to make him king. And yet some fat bold man is running all over and stepping on him. How you wish you could slap the disrespect along with the grease off him.

"Sir, I have bought the documents you've requested this week." There he was, threatening Samuel while sitting on his car. Your eye twitched, not wanting to express dissatisfaction.

"Finally, you sure are slow, bring it to me and leave. Take him too while you're at it." You demanded it just yesterday. This ill-mannered man, the things you wanted to-

"President, I won't disappoint you again." Samuel stood up, the tv behind him completely smashed. Did he try to crash Samuel? Handing him the papers, you assorted Samuel to the elevator.

Why is this man getting blamed, all the president does is eat noodles on his damn cars. Nothing to help the "vermin" he made as director.

Even walking behind him gave you butterflies, his cologne slightly drifted past your nose. Cigarettes and vanilla, in harmony with his cream-colored suit.

Though one-sided love could never work out

Just being here is enough, just fulfilling his needs is enough.

Seeing him sighing while stumbling out to the hallway made you rage at the bold man. How could he treat him like this?

"Your paper works this week was good, is the new intern doing well?" he muttered.

One-sided love like this could never work out. You could never make his heart race as his voice makes yours.

"Yes sir, I am glad you are satisfied with her work."

"Hey, you're off work now, you can stop speaking formally."

Stop being formal? I wouldn't disrespect him like that! But, he wants to speak casually with me...

One-sided love could never

"Care to join me for dinner, my treat."

Can it work out?

[musings-of-a-rose]

I Miss Her Too

Pairing: Marcus Moreno with Missy Moreno

Word Count: 800+

Rating: everyone (it does touch on death of a loved one though nothing descriptive)

Warnings: Just like ao3, “creator chooses not to use warnings.” If you click Keep Reading, that means you agree that you’re the age to handle mature themes. Also by clicking Keep Reading, you understand warnings may not be complete in order to avoid spoilers for the story.

Notes: This is not beta’d. Or really half beta’d. I love this man and would do anything for him.

This is for the @writer-wednesday prompt of a picture of a ferris wheel!

**If you want to be added to the taglist, join here or let me know!

PHOTO PROMPT:

It had been too long since he’d seen her smile.

He hadn’t seen Missy smile since her mother died, leaving Marcus feeling like a fish out of water, trying to deal not only with his own grief but that of his daughter’s as well.

He tried to get her to laugh, to remember the good times, take her places, buy her things, but none of it worked. How many kids never smile once while at DisneyLand?

So when the state fair was in town, his hopes were low that she’d even want to go, let alone enjoy herself. She agreed to go, if only to make Marcus happy, which made his heart ache even more for her.

They walked around the fairgrounds, maneuvering around the crowds of people, Missy absent-mindedly snacking on some cotton candy.

“Want to play some games?” Marcus asked her hopefully.

Missy shook her head. “That’s more your thing, dad.”

He nods and continues to walk next to her, so close but feeling like a million miles away. He has no clue how to help her, to reach her, to let her know she’s not alone.

They round the corner to the rides and Missy glances up from the ground where her eyes had been glued almost the entire time.

“Dad?”

“Yes?” He nearly trips, eager to answer any question that she has, just happy she’s speaking to him.

“Can we go on the ferris wheel?” She looks up at him, her eyes wide and pleading. She didn’t need to use the puppy eyes on him - he would’ve given her anything she wanted at this point.

“Of course, mija.”

Tickets purchased, they walk up to the man running the ferris wheel, handing him their tickets and waiting for their turn. Missy tosses the cotton candy stick in the trash and stares up at the ferris wheel, the lights shining brighter as the sun sets. Eventually it’s their turn and they enter the tiny cart, swaying back and forth slightly as they sit across from each other, knees knocking together in the small space.

The machine groans as the carts start to move slowly, bringing them up and around. Missy stares out at the fairgrounds, watching as they spin around a few times. Her face is contorted in thought, her long hair moving in the breeze. Marcus watches her - she looks so like her mom and he chokes back a tear at the thought of her. The ferris wheel starts to slow and their cart is at the top as it stops, allowing the passengers to look around.

“The ferris wheel was mom’s favorite,” Missy whispers but to Marcus, it sounds like she is shouting.

“It was…do you remember the last time we were at the fair? You were so young.”

Missy continues to look out over the fairgrounds, but a small smile appears on her face.

“A little. I remember you winning me that giant stuffed bear that we had to stuff in my stroller. I remember the cotton candy and wondering how it melted. But mostly I remember-” she swallows hard. “-I remember mom. How she told me I could be brave and come on the ferris wheel with her and that it held a magic when we got to the top. How we could see for miles and miles, a superpower we could have even though we weren’t like you.”

Marcus wipes at his face quickly, not wanting Missy to see he had started to cry.

“Mija, you and your mom do have a superpower.”

She turned to look at him, fully meeting his eyes for the first time in months. “We do?”

He smiles at her. “Love. The way you both love…loved…me. It keeps me centered, down here. It gives me something to lose so I have something worth fighting for. And that is the greatest gift anyone can have.”

Missy lets out a sob, launching herself forward into Marcus’s outstretched arms. The cart sways from the new movement but neither one notices, so absorbed in the other.

“You know you can talk to me about mom, about anything. I’m here for you, Missy.”

Missy nods, not moving her head from him. “I love you, dad,” Missy sobs into his shoulder, her body heaving under her crying.

“I love you too, Missy. So much. I’m here for you, mija.” His own tears start to fall as he holds her to him, the cart slowly moving back down to Earth, as if it accomplished what it set out to do.

When they reached the bottom they separated, Missy taking her dad’s hand and leaving the cart with him. She looks up at him and smiles, wiping her tears away as Marcus does the same.

“Wanna win me a giant bear that we definitely don’t have space for?”

“What color bear do you want?”

—----

[lebrookestore]

tape 5: play

Pairing: Zhong Chenle x reader

Themes: angst, ex! au, college-ish au, small town au. It goes back and forth a lot

Warnings: heavy angst, bittersweet ending, swearing, its very sad, chenle is a jerk

Wc: 6k

Playlist: 2 kids by Taemin, Gone by Rosé, Instagram by Dean, I still do by Why Don’t We, Believed by Lauv

Taglist: @danishmiilk @channoticedmeuwu @chicksung @1-800-seo @blueprint-han @jenosslut @cupidluvstarrz @kkakkdugi @sweetlyjaem @vera-liscious @leetaeyonglover @kunrengui @unknown5tar @kisshim @intokook @mrkcore @coco-riki

Summary: A year after your boyfriend moved away, you find yourself sitting in your room with five tapes, earphones, a cassette player and what you hoped, and feared, was closure.

Authors Note: hello! this fic was supposed to be a small blurb but then i got inspired and lo and behold its a full fledged fic! I can’t believe I wrote this in two days sdfjfjkfjk. Feedback would be very much appreciated for this, since I’ve never written anything like this before ;-;

Midtown, almost got a place out of midtown, Instead I took a plane out of this town, And missed out on us 

~

It was a sunny Saturday morning, as you pulled into your driveway, coming back from the store. 

Parking the car and getting the bags, you walked up to the door, knocking it and waiting. You were met with your mother’s smiling face as she took one of the bags of groceries from you.

You lived in a small sleepy town, and attended the college there as well, which meant you still stayed with your parents. You were fine with that, you liked living there, and you could forgo the stress and anxiety of having to re adjust to a new place.

This was your home. It always had been.

Of course, you had been on holidays to other places, you had visited the other town, but when it came to it, you had always found yourself back where you started. There was no other place for you, there never would be.

It was the truth, but it held something bitter.

Then again, you had enough going on already, with being in your freshman year, straight out of high school, college life was very different. You had been to a total of two parties so far, courtesy of your best friend— Lia— dragging you with her. 

You had enjoyed them, but it wasn’t something you would voluntarily participate in again.

The workload was something that had definitely changed, bogged down with mandatory lectures and assignments, tests popping up like a bad smell, you had more than enough to occupy you.

“Something has arrived for you!” Your mother said, almost excitedly, “It’s on the table.”

You helped her put away the groceries, walking to your living room, eyes falling on the package sitting on the table. It was somewhat shabbily wrapped, with tape haphazardly stuck on it to keep it together, and a tag pasted on the top.

Picking it up, you pass it from your right hand to your left, feeling its weight, reading the little tag. It held your address, your name and another name you hadn’t seen in almost a year.

Your mind ran at a hundred miles per minute, wondering why it was here, why his name was on it. It made no sense to you.

“Darling? Are you okay?”

Your mothers voice snapped out of your reverie, nodding slowly, “I’ll be in my room, finishing off a project”, you said carefully, trying not to show any sort of emotion as you climbed up the stairs of your house, two at a time, making sure not to drop the package.

Closing the door, you place it on your bed, reading over the tag again, a bitter taste filling your mouth. A name you hadn’t thought of in a year coming back now. It was so random, so absolutely unnecessary.

You curled your fingers around the messy brown paper, tearing it open as your mind reeled. The crackling sound filled the silence as the contents of it make itself known to you.

A shoebox.

It’s dusty, a dark blue colour with a line of red running at its side. There were two holes on either end, lined with metal piping and you could just about make out the nike symbol on the top. You brushed your hand over it, the dust coming off easily and sticking to your fingers.

Why would he send you this?

His name sticks out on the tag like a sore thumb, reminding you of what you lost, mocking you. Always content with where you are, hmm? His voice comes back, as clear as day. It’s as if he’s standing there, giving you his chesire cat grin as he spoke the words.

Zhong Chenle.

Lifting the lid off the box, you’re thrown into confusion. A cassette player, a pair of earphones, and five tapes. Picking up the player, you smile briefly at the dramatic set up. He could’ve called you, or sent a message, so why did he take the pains of sending you something as old and unnecessary as this?

Then again, it had been a year since he stopped picking up your calls, since you stopped trying to call him.  A year since all contact had been cut off, as if he had never existed in the first place.

Sometimes you wondered if Chenle had been a hallucination. An imaginary friend.

Friend.

The questions filter in. Why? It had been a year, so why had he sent you this now? You had finally told yourself you were over it, that you didn’t need an answer, but somehow as soon as you did that, you found yourself sitting in your room on your bed with what could be it.

The tapes were numbered in permanent marker in his messy handwriting, from one to five, indicating the order in which they were to be listened to in. You picked up the first, slotting it in the player and waiting.

You didn’t know what you were waiting for.

You pressed play. There was crackling, but only for a moment, until  it went silent. Maybe this was all a mistake, maybe this wasn’t even happening. Maybe-

i] tape 1: you deserve to hate me

Hey

His voice cut through your spiraling thoughts as you froze in place. He sounded the same as you last heard him, a little muffled due to the recording but the same. At the same time he sounded like a stranger. There was silence for a moment again, before he spoke up.

This is stupid isn’t it?

You felt the urge to answer, but your mouth went dry. It had been so, so long, and even though you had adequate time to get over him, it suddenly felt as if you were treading unfamiliar territory once again. 

I-I don’t know why I’m doing this. I think it’s because I feel so horrible, I need an outlet. I guess speaking it into existence and recording it makes is my outlet. Making it all real.

But that’s fucking terrifying.

You don’t think you’re following, confused once again. 

Y/n

You hear him take a deep breath right after your name, and it sends a chill down your spine, hearing him say your name once again. You had almost forgotten how it sounded.

I don’t know if you’ll ever hear this, or listen to it. If you don’t I’ll actually be glad. You don’t deserve to, I’ve been a jerk to you. I’m sorry. I hope you hate me, I definitely deserve it.

I’m moving in two months.

The realization hits you, this had been recorded a year ago as well, two months before he left without a word or warning. It was old, he was here when he recorded it.

You didn’t quiet know how you felt, not yet anyways.

And you won’t know until I’m gone.

I’m moving to Korea, and I refuse to tell you, even if it makes me the bad guy, even if it feels worse, because that’s my dream. 

I got signed by a record label after sending them that demo I did —remember it? We both went to the studio together, you listening outside as I sang. You were right by my side, all the time.

Except now when I record this, except when I leave. 

I refuse to tell you, because the moment I do I know it’ll be real, realer than it is now as I say it. I don’t want to see the look on your face when I say I’m going, I know it’ll make me want to stay, but I don’t want to stay.

You knew exactly what he was talking about, you could recollect that day clearly. There was a small studio a little outside the town. That day, he had booked it for two hours to record a demo, his singing mentor with him and you tagging along.

It had always been like that, the two of you against the world, until, of course he left.

I physically can’t stay, I hate it here Y/n. It’s not for me, I want to get out, that had always been the plan. I want to get out and be free, I want to achieve my dreams. Maybe it’s selfish, maybe I don’t deserve a minute more of your time, but I want it all.

That’s why I’m not going to tell you —so I can have it all, at least until I don’t have you.

But you, you don’t deserve this, do you? Of course you don’t, but I suppose you’re the one with the shitty luck, you’re the one who ended up with me and now I’m going to hurt you. 

He laughs a dry, breathy laugh. It was half hearted, as if he was trying to get himself to believe the situation was funny. 

It’s not your fault I-fuck I’m sorry.

You heard a click and the tape died off, he had stopped recording there. The first tape was finished, and honestly, you didn’t know how to react. One part of you wanted to feel nothing, you wanted to put the player and the five tapes back into the box and send them away, or lock them in your closet to never find them again.

But the other part of you wanted to know more. You wanted to know how he felt, what went through his mind during that time. You wanted to know just how you lost Chenle, the first boy you ever loved.

Suddenly you felt overwhelmed, vulnerable almost. It was as if someone had opened up an old wound and left it open.

You got to your feet abruptly, pulling the earphones from your ears and dropping them on your bed, taking a step away and blinking rapidly. You couldn’t get caught up in the past, you couldn’t put yourself through that again.

But it was hard when the past was in your present.

Wasted, and all of my regret, I can taste it, If I had a time-machine, I would take it, And make it back to us

~

That night you couldn’t sleep.

The box sat on your desk, right next to your laptop, staring at you. You turned around on your bed, looking the other way, only to be met with the white of the walls.

You never liked the colour white.

It was too plain, too open for interpretation. It never had a solid answer. You liked stability, you wanted something permanent. You were the type of person that needed that reassurance.

Perhaps that’s why you were happy where you were, you didn’t find the appeal in starting over, because that meant nothing was certain. You stayed where you were because everything was already laid out for you.

It was like a colouring book in your little town, the lines all set out, everything drawn for you. Change meant you had to sketch everything from scratch. What if you messed up?

Needless to say, it was a good thing you weren’t an art major.

“This is ridiculous”, you whispered to yourself, sighing at the fact that you were now talking to yourself. You rolled over so that you were lying on your back, staring at the ceiling. The glow in the dark stars shone with their dull green light. You remember the day you had put them up, with Chenle.

You shared a lot of memories with him.

“Fucking hell”, you hissed, sitting up, swinging your legs off the edge of your bed and walking to your desk, sitting on the chair. Rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you picked up the second tape, inserting it in the player and putting the earphones on, waiting for it to begin.

ii] tape 2: milk before cereal

I know I’m making some terrible decisions, I really do, but if there’s one thing I stand by, its the fact that milk definitely goes before the cereal.

Why am I talking about this?

Well, because today you came over, Y/n, you came over and the two of us were watching a movie, and in the middle of it, you decided you wanted to have cereal, specifically frosted flakes.

So what do we do? We have cereal because I can’t say no to you. You’re welcome by the way, honestly, I deserve the boyfriend of the year award.

A moment of silence.

No I don’t. I really don’t.

You bit your lower lip, shutting your eyes. It was the way he switched, the way his demeanor changes so suddenly that made you want to scream. Sometimes it felt like he was telling a story, one you knew and loved.

Only for the next moment to bring you down to reality, reminding you that all stories don't have happy endings.

Anyways, we got the cereal and you objected when I put the milk first, saying that it was wrong, but how? In what way? Here me out Y/n, I shall tell you why I’m right, even If I’m not actually talking to you.

You couldn’t help but scoff at this, shaking your head at Chenle. He had always had a flair for being dramatic in the littlest ways possible. It was endearing.

Putting the cereal first means it sits in the milk for longer! If you put the cereal last, you can have it crunchy! Isn’t that ten times better? Unless you’re one of the devils spawn and like soggy cereal. If so I’m hypothetically breaking up with you right here right now.

Ah...bad wording. I keep forgetting I have to break up with you. I don’t want to, is that selfish?

You deserve the truth, if only I was strong enough to give it to you. Staying silent is so much easier.

It’s not lying, not completely anyways. I’m not lying if I don’t tell you at all. I suppose it’s a half truth then, with the truth hidden in plain sight. 

*click*

Lying. That’s what he did, even though he spent the last few minutes of the tape trying to justify it, he lied. He trampled all over your heart without a single warning.

You had trusted Chenle, having known him since you were thirteen. He had completely destroyed that trust. Something like that couldn’t be fixed so easily, not even if he had sent you these tapes.

Then again, you didn’t know why he sent them.

You retreated to your bed, turning away from the tapes, the words and memories they held, facing white once again.

You had met Chenle when the two of you were thirteen, in eight grade math. The boy was failing the class, and one day you found him sitting early morning in class, with his head in his hands as he groaned over some sort of equation.

You had offered to help, and the smile he gave was the brightest one you had ever seen, he was practically grinning from ear to ear. That was the beginning of your friendship, and the two of you were inseperable.

Ninth grade it was confirmed that the two of you were best friends, sitting together, complaining about teachers together, going places together so your parents didn’t need to tag along.

In your last year of high school the two of you started dating, and when you had told your parents, they were ecstatic, confessing they had always thought the two of you would end up together.

He was always there for you, every time you needed him. You could give him a call and he would be outside your door. If you were feeling insecure or scared, he was always there to hype you up.

You had been best friends before, you were lovers then, and it was amazing. You loved everything about being with Chenle. You loved everything about him, from his toothy grin to his obnoxiously loud laugh.

You loved the way his eyes sparkled when he had an idea (which, for the most part, were absolutely terrible. Needless to say the two of you got in trouble a lot), when he sang for you when you stayed over, the way he would always make sure you were never cold.

You loved him.

It was written in the stars, you were meant to be, it was the perfect combination. Chenle was the right person for you- the perfect person.

A year later you woke up with him gone, no texts, no warnings. He had just gone, leaving you alone.

Right person, wrong time.

Monday came around sooner than you thought it would, the weekend passing in a blur as you walked out of your first class, spotting Lia leaning against the wall outside your class, scrolling through something on her phone.

She was an exchange student, not originally from your town, but had fit right in. Sometimes you wished you could be like that.

“Oh! You’re out! Listen, there’s a party on Friday and you’re coming with me”, she stated. It wasn’t a request, it was a fact, you were to go with her. In her own words, ‘if I didn’t exist you’d probably have no social life.’

To be fair, she wasn’t wrong.

You nodded defeatedly, walking with her down the hallway, “I assume you want to go because of the cute new guy?”

She glared, but didn’t refute your accusation, “His name is Mark”, she said, “And that is none of your business.”

You snickered, “Oh it so is, you like him don’t you? Is this going to be another one of your crushes?”

Lia was notorious for having a new crush almost every week, being a very flighty person, her mind changed before you could even say her name. This was a bit of a problem, considering you went to her for advice a lot.

Her indecisive nature was not the best for that.

She rolled her eyes at this, “He’s cute, why not? Wonder if I can get him to dance with me at the party. You’re going to be my hype woman-”

“And the sober buddy?”

Lia ignored that.

“Also there’s this new singer”, she said, handing you one of her earbuds, “apparently he came from here!”

Taking one of the earbuds, you were hit with a familiar voice. It sounded amazing honestly, catchy, everything a song needed, but it was the voice that hit you. You didn’t even need to ask Lia for the singer, swallowing the lump in your throat and glancing at her phone, which confirmed your suspicions.

Filling with some sort of dread, your hands immediately went to hold your hand, specifically the bottom where the cassette player and the tapes were. You had been carrying them around with you, as if scared they would disappear if you left them alone.

“Isn’t he good?”

You nodded, not daring to answer as you bit your lower lip, “Hey Lili, I need to use the washroom so see ya later”, you said, handing her the earbud and taking off in the other direction, pushing open the doors to the washroom and getting into one of the stalls.

You had stalled listening to the next tape all Sunday, you didn’t even know why, but hearing him sing, that fact that he had actually made it, it struck something in you. You wanted to feel proud of him, but all you felt was bitter.

Was it a coincidence that this new singer had come out- Chenle himself- right when you received the tapes?

Pushing the top of the toilet down, you took a seat, taking the player out and plugging in, you pressed play for the third tape, waiting for it to begin playing.

tape iii] ill miss our dates

Remember when we went for that field trip? Ninth grade? We sat in the back of the bus together avoiding the stares of our teachers when they told us to sit down?

Then they pulled us apart? Yeah, mean fuckers.

Anyways, that’s not what I wanted to talk about, I just felt like reminiscing for a sec there, but today we went of a date! Well, I mean we got ice cream and then went to the park, but hey, it was fun.

You smiled. He had always jumped from one topic to another without any meaning to either. Sometimes it was a frustrating habit, (you had been on the receiving end of these useless conversations several times, which ended with you glaring at him exasperatedly), but for the most part, extremely comical.

I’m going to miss that. I’m going to miss you. Your little smile — have I ever told you just how pretty your smile is? Your eyes light up and crinkle at the sides and its something I don’t think I’ll ever forget, even when I’m gone. 

You clutched the cassette player, marveling at the irony. He was talking about your smile, but why did you want to cry?

It’s a month left now, and I want to make the most of it. Tomorrow I’m taking you to the amusement part and then next week I’m surprising you with dinner. I guess doing things for you —for us — makes me feel better, like I’m compensating.

You deserve the world Y/n, and I want to see that world while you’re happy where you are.

You don’t deserve having to deal with me.

*click*

Your eyes burned, because you remembered each of those events. You had been so happy, so overjoyed at them. They burned with tears because there it was again, that reminder that you were destined to be stuck right where you were, because you were that idiot who was content.

But if someone, anyone, asked you at that very moment if you were happy, the answer would’ve been an outright no.

1 YEAR AGO

~

“Hey Chenle?”

“Hmm?”

“Why do you want to leave?”

The boy thought about this for a second, before smiling wistfully, “Don’t you want to know how it is outside home?”

“But everything I need is here.”

Your eyes held a question, you were genuinely baffled by his reasoning, the way he was so stuck of getting out. You studied your bewildered expression, shaking his head. “You’re lucky”, he said finally, “You know exactly what you want.”

“Of course I don’t, but I know what I need Chenle, and that’s all around me.”

He shook away his other thoughts, “Hey maybe we’ll go exploring the world together some day. 

You blinked, “You want me there with you?”

He nodded, grinning widely, “I want to take you along, Imagine, it’ll be fucking awesome, and hey this time there will be no teachers to separate us. We can even stand in the bus-if we’re taking a bus, that it.”

You laughed, “Maybe”, you mused, looking back down at your phone, “While I don’t exactly see the appeal, it would be fun to be with you.”

Chenle’s smile faltered, but he didn’t let it fall completely, wrapping his arms around you and sighing, closing his eyes and whispering something just loud enough for you to hear.

“Maybe.”

Why did it feel this way?

Chenle was right- you didn’t deserve this, you didn’t deserve to feel this way at all. It had been a year, so why did it affect you?

Why was it all happening at once?

You clicked your tongue, eyeing the player with contempt. You felt pathetic for being curious, for still feeling so attached to old news. It wasn’t as if it was going to change anything, so why?

Why did you still want to know?

Curiosity killed the cat. You wondered if knowing would somehow kill you.

No one was at home currently, so you sat in the living room on your couch. The items you were trying so hard to ignore were sitting on the small table in front of the couch, as if waiting for you to pick them up once again.

You wondered if you should tell Lia and ask her opinion about the situation. She may not be that helpful, but hell, she could help you burn the tapes if worse came to worse.

Sometimes you wished you had never met Chenle, that your history with him could be erased from your memories. You wished it never existed because fuck, it still hurt.

Taking a deep breath, you steeled yourself and pressed play.

tape iv] firsts with you

Do you remember our first kiss?

We were eighteen, in my room, playing Jenga. That was a year ago, oh god, I can’t even imagine, how has it been a year? You were wearing one of my shirts and jeans, your hair was in a ponytail. The two of us were sitting on the carpet on my floor.

You had successfully gotten one of the wooden pieces out of a risky area of the tower, but then it was my turn, it feel to the ground, destroyed.

I blamed you, and you laughed, and our banter continued. We argued and at one point I started tickling you to get you to shut up, because honestly-Jesus Christ Y/n you’re fucking stubborn.

Anyways I ended up on top of you and the two of us were laughing. You looked so pretty, hair messily scattered around your face as you attempted to get out of my hold. 

I leaned down and kissed you.

Your throat closed up as he spoke. Your eyes stung and you raked your hand through your hair, biting down on your lower lip. The way he was speaking about it, as if he would do anything to go back, it struck something in you.

Because if you had the chance, you would go back as well.

You tasted like that strawberry chapstick you liked to wear. I could tell you were surprised, because you didn’t kiss me back for a good two seconds  —which, by the way sent me into a panic for a moment there.

But then you kissed me, and fuck, it was like everything had stopped. I couldn’t think for a second, it was like the world had started spinning around me, and the only thing that was keeping me grounded, was you.

Was it supposed to hurt like this?

You sucked in a sharp breath, fingers fisted the material of your shirt as you tried keeping your composure. You didn’t want to cry, but he was making it so, so hard for you. 

You remembered how it felt when he kissed you, you were legitimately so confused, was he really kissing you? Your best friend, the boy you had loved quietly for so long, kissing you?

Chenle was your first kiss, and it was the most perfect first kiss you could have ever asked for, even if you were on the floor, with random Jenga blocks scattered around the two of you.

The smile you gave me after I pulled away, I wish I could remember it forever. It was goofy as you burst into giggles, and asked me, “What was that for?”

I blinked in surprise, wondering how you seemed so normal, when for me everything had changed. I had kissed my best friend, the one girl I care the most about.

I must have looked like a tomato oh god.

Instead of waiting for my to answer, you sat up, pulling me into another kiss. This time it was me who was unprepared. The kiss was messy, it had no structure or plan, but I realized in that moment, that I really liked kissing you, and I wanted to do it more often.

You became my girlfriend.

The wistful tone he was using was starting to affect you. You had loved Chenle, almost too much. You could almost feel that nostalgic happiness you felt that day when he kissed you for the first time, the disbelief and joy that wrapped around the two of you. 

A wave of sadness followed that nostalgia.

Our first date was so fucking awkward. We were at that little cafe you loved, you ordered a cheesecake and I got a smoothie, and then we sat in silence for a good five minutes.

It really shouldn’t have been that painful, considering we knew everything about each other already, then again that might be why it was awkward, I had nothing to ask you about.

So naturally I brought up school and that started it, the two of us complaining about the amount of assignments we had, and Mrs. Choi’s annoying squeaky voice- I swear to god that woman took a second for each word.

But I digress.

Slowly our conversation felt normal again, it was just us, eating cheesecake and drinking smoothies, together.

That wave of sadness crashed down upon you like a tsunami, trying to snuff you out. It felt like you couldn’t breathe, you were struggling to keep yourself together. You were struggling to stay afloat, you had lost any leverage you had that was holding you up.

You couldn’t fight the waves.

My flight is in two hours. It’s four in the morning and we’re about to walk through the door and get to the airport, but I wanted to talk to you once again, even if we’re not really talking.

I’m pathetic.

You’re sleeping, in your bed at your home, you don’t know I’m going because I’m the coward that refused to tell you the truth. I’ll be gone by the time you wake up and then you’ll know.

You’ll know how much of a waste of time I was.

And then you were angry.

You were angry because he had no right to just come back into your life like this, no fucking right to make you cry. He wasn’t even here, but somehow he had managed to make you fall apart just with his words, with his voice.

He had no right to tear your world apart, the little composure you had standing. You had finally accepted the fact that he was gone, you had moved on, and even tried to forget.

But here he was, making sure you could never forget.

You hated how selfish he was, how absolutely fucking oblivious. He had no clue, not even one as to how you felt when he just disappeared from your life, as if he never existed. He had broken you and here he was, breaking you again.

With trembling hands, you stopped the tape from playing any further, angry tears making their way down your face as you flung the player across the room. You had no intention of listening any further, you didn’t want to, you didn’t care.

Closure hurt more than him leaving.

You buried your head in your hands, letting yourself fall apart, but just this once.

tape iv] continued [unheard]

I’m sorry Y/n. I’m so fucking sorry. 

You don’t have to believe me, because I’m leaving anyways, so I suppose that cancels out my apologies huh? I’m the worst person you ever met. I’m not stopping, I’m not going to leave you a text.

Because I don’t want to hurt you anymore.

I’ll be gone before we could ever be.

Should’ve believed in us, while we existed, cuz now the whole things fucked, and just a figment of my imagination

~

Time heals all hurt, and reminders bring them back, cutting through your skin like a knife, making you bleed.

A week later, you found yourself sitting in your favorite cafe, the same cafe Chenle talked about in the last tape. You ordered a cheesecake and a smoothie, inserting the fifth and final tape into the player.

The last time you did this, you were left hurt and distraught, promising yourself you would never go back to listen to him again. You had put the shoebox in your closet, hiding it behind your clothes that hung from the rack.

Yet here you were.

You didn’t bother finishing the fourth tape, you didn’t see the need to. 

This tape, you observed, was newer looking, with less scratches on the plastic, even the marker on the side looked more recent, a little rushed if you went into detail. 

The cheesecake and drink arrived, and you took a bite, pressing play.

tape v] play

Hey.

He sounded a little different too, older perhaps. His voice was smoother, but he sounded unsure of himself. It sounded as if he was trying to figure out how to approach the topic. He was being cautious.

It’s been a while. I...I don’t know why I’m doing this. There’s no point- you’re not even here. I found these stupid tapes yesterday in my dorm when I was cleaning out and gave them a listen.

Silence.

I envy you, Y/n. I wish I was like you, happy wherever I was. But I’m not, and I probably caused you great unhappiness while trying to search for my own- but I was happy with you, so happy it was ridiculous.

I sabotaged that.

You sighed, realizing you felt nothing. You were tired of crying over Chenle, you were done doing that. Instead you felt empty, like you had been tired out, like it didn’t matter anymore. At this point you were to get it over with, to finish it off on  clean ending note.

My song comes out next week, and it’ll be done. I’ve made it Y/n, I’ve gotten to where I wanted to be, the place I had worked so hard to get to. I’ve sacrificed so much for this and it’s all been worth it- except one thing.

I don’t expect you to listen to my song, I just wanted to tell you. I..I hope you’re proud of me. Even if I was a jerk, I hope you can be proud, at least a little bit, because then I’ll have finally made it.

I miss you.

The same words are at the tip of your tongue, I miss you, I miss you so fucking much, but they never came out. They didn’t have to, it would be useless. He would never hear them.

Instead, you swallowed them back down.

And even though I made fun of you for staying home, I hope you’re happy like I am, I hope we’ll meet again one day. If we do I challenge you to a game of Jenga, loser buys the winner ice cream.

I-fuck this is the hardest part- but I hope you’ve moved on. One of us has to.

*click*

You don’t take the tape out of the player, you don’t touch it at all. You feel oddly calm as you take another bite of your cheesecake, savoring the strawberry reserve that it came with it. You could almost imagine yourself at eighteen again sitting opposite your new boyfriend.

You missed it, the memories that came along with it. That was it, you missed the feelings you had.

But you were okay. You would be okay right where you were, because that’s where you belonged. It hurt, yeah, but it had hurt back then as well. Now it was just a dull ache, all that was left was regret.

Regret that it didn’t work out, regret over unspoken words and unnecessary pain.

A familiar song filled the cafe as you smiled somewhat sadly, leaning back in your seat and closing your eyes.

“I’m proud of you Chenle”, you whispered, “Because you did what I couldn’t”

You left the cafe a little later, with the cassettes in your bag, an empty plate and the smoothie sitting on the table, untouched. After all, that smoothie wasn’t for you.

There was nothing to wait for anymore. You had loved and you had lost, Chenle was a stranger with your secrets and a familiar voice and that was it. 

You had forgiven him a long time ago, even without him being deserving of it. Now with all the loose ends being tied up, it felt like you could finally let go of him, you could finally move on.

And forget.

[duggardata]

Anna and Mary Maxwell Might Be Attending [Bible] College.  (Wow!)

Recently, an eagle–eyed Anon spotted the 2 Youngest Maxwell Girls, Anna (28) and Mary (25), in the absolute last place you'd ever expect—a college campus.  It's all on Facebook... Anna and Mary appear in a photo posted by Appalachian Bible College to its official Facebook Page, along with caption: "The first day of classes. That's something to smile about!"  (Permalink.)

Why Are We So Surprised By This?

Ordinarily, two young women attending college wouldn't be at all shocking, but the Maxwells are not ordinary.  Anna and Mary's Parents, Steve + Teri Maxwell, are openly anti–college.  Steve thinks that state–run education, including higher education, is "a godless, promiscuity–promoting, humanistic environment," and that it traps young people in debt.  He is wary even of Christian colleges, since he believes they cause children to rebel.  He’s proud of his sons' lack of higher education, and praised them for "avoid[ing] the influence and cost of college." Teri is, sadly, just as opposed to college—especially for women.  Back in 1999, she wrote an article speculating that college may undermine a woman's ability to be a good and godly wife.  Her article laments—

"As far as our daughters go, I wonder how many of us developed independent spirits during our college or working days. Has this made it more difficult for us to submit to our husbands in the meek and quiet way we would like?"

Finally...  Anna and Mary's views on this topic seemed to be aligned with their parents, until now. According to Steve + Teri, all of the Maxwell Daughters had planned to be Stay–at–Home–Daughters until marriage.  (See Also.)  (And all 3 Daughters seemed to be doing so, since none had moved out.)  What is more, in 2010, Anna described college as "silly," and said that she thought attending would expose her to unsavory influences, and possibly hold her back from her ultimate goal of "be[ing] a stay–at–home wife and mother."

So, yeah...  This is quite a surprise!  And, while neither Steve + Teri, nor Anna or Mary, has actually confirmed that they’re enrolled at Appalachian Bible College, their appearance on the Facebook Page is definitely suspicious!

Tell Me About Appalachian Bible College.

TL;DR   If you just want to know how conservative and restrictive Appalachian Bible College is, skip down to “Student Life.”

Appalachian Bible College (ABC) is a tiny (~250 Students), insular bible college, located on 150 Acres in rural Mount Hope, West Virginia.  (The Maxwell Family hails from Leavenworth, Kansas, which >800 Miles Away.)  It self–describes as a “non–denominational and fundamental” institution, primarily associated with “Baptist and Bible churches.”  Unlike many so–called “bible colleges,” ABC is nationally and regionally accredited.  (Hurray!)

A lot, lot more information...  After the jump.

Admissions—

ABC requires prospective students to submit an application; transcripts from high school or home school; ACT, SAT, or CLT test scores; and two reference letters, one from a pastor and one from another mentor, e.g., teacher or youth group leader.  A high school diploma or GED is required, unless the student is homeschooled.  In that case, a detailed homeschool transcript is needed, and standardized test scores are “especially important.”

As part of the application, prospective students must attest that they agree w/ the college’s Doctrinal Statement.

Academics—

ABC offers four degree programs—Bible Certificate (1 Year), Associate of Arts (A.A.) (2 Years), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (4 Years), and Master of Arts (M.A.).  In addition, it runs an online program for degree–seeking or non–degree seeking students.  (But, Anna and Mary were spotted on–campus, so they don’t seem to be in the online program!)  Anna and Mary haven’t gone to college, so they almost certainly aren’t in the Master’s program.  Let’s just look at the rest...

(Sidenote—Before we go on, just want to point out...  All ABC graduates must, in addition to completing academic requirements, show that they are members of a church and that they possess good Christian character.  If they don’t, they won’t give their diploma!) 

Bible Certificate—ABC describes the one–year program as an “opportunit[y] for you to dig into Scripture and build your life on its unchanging truths.”  The program has two tracks—Bible + General Education and Bible + Ministry.  As the names suggest, both tracks’ core curriculum is the Bible and Bible study.  Both also require three courses in ministry—Foundations of Ministry, Biblical Theology of Missions, and Personal Evangelism & Discipleship.  Where they differ is is what else they require...

For the Bible + General Education Certificate, students must also take four ‘core’ classes—English Composition, Speech, Physical Education, Music, and “Success Seminar”—plus, an elective of their choice.  (This curriculum also mirrors the first–year curriculum of ABC’s A.A. and B.A. Degree Programs, so students can easily continue their studies, should they decide to do so.)

For Bible + Ministry, ‘core’ classes are waived in favor of extra theology.  Students take Principles of Biblical Interpretation, along with classes on Systematic Theology (2 Classes), the New Testament (Survey Class + 2 Classes), and the Old Testament (Survey Class + 2 Classes).

Associate’s Degree (A.A.)—ABC also offers a 2–Year A.A. Degree in Bible + Theology.  (That’s the only major offered.)  For this degree, the curriculum is a 50/50 split between General Education and Bible + Theology courses, plus a few ministry classes and electives.  All students take the following courses—

General Education   English Composition (2 Classes), Speech, Physical Education, Music, Biblical Worldview, and Ethical Issues in Ministry

Bible + Theology   Principles of Biblical Interpretation, Survey of the Old Testament, Survey of the New Testament, Matthew to Acts, Genesis to Deuteronomy, Paul’s Letters (2 Classes), and Doctrine (2 Classes)

Ministry   Theology of Missions, Foundations of Ministry, Evangelism & Discipleship, and Homiletics I (Males) / Bible Teaching (Females)  

Additionally, students must take a history class, a science or sociology class, and an elective.

Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.)—Finally, ABC offers a 4–Year B.A. Dual Degree in Bible + Theology and in Ministry.  Each student completes General Education classes.  Beyond that, each student is also a “double major.”  Everyone’s first major is Bible + Theology and everyone’s second major is ministry–focused—but, not everyone has the exact same Ministry Major.  (More on that in a bit...)  As far as curriculum, students must complete the General Education, Bible + Theology, and Ministry courses required for the Associate’s Degree, plus the following additional core classes—

General Education   Health, Psychology, Sociology, Finance, 2 History Classes (History of Western Civilization and American Church History), and 1 Science Class (Earth Science or Biology)

Bible + Theology   Joshua to Esther, Hebrews to Revelation, Isaiah to Malachi, Job to Song of Soloman, Doctrine (2 Additional Classes), and Bible Capstone 

Ministry   World Religion and Cults, and Homiletics II (Men) / Women’s Ministry (Women)

Finally, students must also pick a Ministry Major and complete its mandatory coursework.  At ABC, there are seven ministry majors to pick from—some of which have concentrations.  Here’s the list of Ministry Majors, with additional concentrations or sub–specialties listed in parentheses—

Biblical Counseling  (Youth & Family or Women’s Ministries)

Camping Ministry 

Elementary Education

Missions  (Biblical Languages, Foreign Language / Spanish, International Studies, Nursing, or Teaching English)

Music  (Pedagogy, Performance, or Worship)

Pastoral Ministry  (Biblical Languages or Youth & Family Pastoring)

Interdisciplinary

The Pastor Ministry Major seems to be limited to male students.

Click the links to check out the coursework each Ministry Major requires.

Student Life—

So, yeah...  ABC is not a progressive place.  At all.  They’re upfront about it, though, which is nice.  Their Student Handbook is online, available for all to read.  Here are some highlights...  (All italics are mine, not in original.)

Discipline / Consequences—Students who break the rules face discipline in the form of “a verbal or written Carefrontation, a fine, a work assignment, a temporary room or dorm confinement, a social [or] ... campus restriction,” or “some other determination.”  Egregious offenses may result in the student being “suspended ... , asked to withdraw from the college, or dismissed.”

Dress Code—There’s a detailed Dress Code, with different different activities requiring different standards of dress.  Perhaps surprisingly, pants are allowed for female students for all but the fanciest standard of dress.  (For that, they’ll have to wear skirts or dresses.)  Here are a few of the rules...

“Earrings may be worn by females only,” and “all other body piercing is prohibited.”

ABC students are prohibited from getting new tattoos.  If a student has an old tattoo, they may be required to cover it at all times if the Dean of Students deems it “offensive.” 

Prohibited Activities—ABC says that, “in order to remain above reproach,” students are prohibited from the following “questionable activities”...

Consuming “alcohol as a beverage,” tobacco in any form (including e–cigarettes), or drugs for non–medicinal purposes.  (Penalty for violating this rule is dismissal.)

Serving alcohol to others, even if done in the course of a student’s off–campus employment.

Gossiping, or engaging in “other forms of impure speech.”

Listening to, viewing, or reading “unwholesome” media or literature, or accessing websites “that do not promote godliness.”  (See Prohibited Media and Prohibited Music.)

Attending “commercial movie theaters.”

Gambling.

Dancing.

Prohibited Media—Per the ABC Student Handbook, ABC students shall not consume “any media (including social media) that features vulgar or obscene language, sexual innuendo, nudity, immodest clothing, or ... a blatantly non–Christian message.”  Additionally, students may not—  

Watch movies rated PG–13, R, X, or NC–17, or shows rated TV–MA.

Play video games or use apps rated A, M, or RP.

... and, they’re strongly cautioned to avoid media that promotes “unbiblical definitions of love”; endorses “witchcraft or the occult”; mocks “law or law enforcement”; denigrates “marriage and the traditional family”; or contains “excessive violence.”  Students are urged not to consume media made by people—e.g., actors, producers, directors—“known for their stand against Christian values.”

Prohibited Music—Students are banned from listening to music “that includes God–dishonoring language, anti–biblical messages ... , a prominent resurfacing beat, pulsating and driving or dance rhythms, or sensual overtones in the music itself or in the performance.”  They’re specifically cautioned to avoid...

Rock—Because the “lyrics may be unacceptable” and “[t]he beat of the music may become the most prominent element.”

Country—Because the “lyrics may be unacceptable” and the underlying “music may be connected to a heavy rock beat.”

Folk—As “[e]xistentialism, humanism, or hedonism may be propagated through the lyrics.”

Jazz—Since syncopation may be “extensive[ly] use[d],” and “a sensual performance style may be employed.”

Contemporary Christian—Since “a sensual performance style may be employed,” “a beat may be overly prominent,” and the “lyrics may be theologically incorrect or existential in their emphasis.”

Relationships—

“The Bible restricts sexual activity to marriage between a man and a woman.  Thus, fornication, adultery, incest, sexual abuse of a minor, homosexuality, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, and other such activities are forbidden.” 

“[N]o display of affection through physical contact (including holding hands) on the part of non–married couples, on or off campus.”

Dating students are forbidden from sitting together in class or chapel.

No male–female pair, dating or not, may be alone together in anyone’s home or residence, on– or off–campus.

No male–female pair, dating or not, may socialize off–campus without a chaperone, unless they’ve been at ABC for at least 4 Semesters.

Divorced students “shall not be permitted to date other ... students.”

According to ABC’s Student Handbook, all these rules apply to all students, at all times, on– or off–campus.

All in all, it’s great if Anna and Mary are attending college, even if it’s a super–duper conservative one, like ABC clearly is.  The fact that they’ve possibly left home and are out there, living on their own...  Crazy to even think about, given Steve’s apparent iron grip on his household.  It can only be good from them to venture out on their own, even if it’s just to a slightly less stifling place.