#inheritance advanced

[advancedmyinheritance]

Understanding Immediate Inheritance Funding: What It Is & How to Apply

When a loved one passes away, dealing with their estate can be a complicated and time-consuming process. While you may be entitled to an inheritance, accessing those funds can often take months or even years due to legal procedures such as probate. This is where immediate inheritance funding comes into play. In this blog, we'll explore what immediate inheritance funding is, how it works, and the steps to apply for it.

What is Immediate Inheritance Funding?

Immediate inheritance funding, also known as inheritance advance or inheritance cash advance, is a financial service that allows heirs to access a portion of their inheritance before the estate settles. Essentially, a funding company provides you with a cash advance against your expected inheritance. In return, they receive repayment directly from the estate when it is distributed.

This service is not a loan because it doesn’t require credit checks, interest payments, or monthly installments. Instead, the funding company assumes the risk, meaning if the estate doesn’t cover the full amount, the heir isn’t personally liable to repay the difference.

How Does Immediate Inheritance Funding Work?

Application Process: You start by submitting an application to an inheritance funding company, providing details about your inheritance and the estate.

Review & Approval: The company reviews the estate’s value, your share, and the legal status of the probate process. They may request documents like the will, probate court filings, and identification.

Offer: Once approved, the company will make an offer, typically advancing a percentage (often 20-50%) of your expected inheritance.

Agreement: If you accept the offer, you'll sign an agreement outlining the terms.

Funding: The company provides the agreed-upon funds, often within a few days.

Repayment: When the estate settles, the funding company is repaid directly from your share of the inheritance.

Benefits of Immediate Inheritance Funding

Quick Access to Funds: Receive money within days instead of waiting months or years.

No Credit Checks: Approval is based on the estate’s value, not your credit history.

No Monthly Payments: Repayment comes directly from the estate distribution.

Flexible Use: Use the funds for any purpose, such as paying bills, covering legal fees, or managing living expenses.

Potential Drawbacks

Costs and Fees: Funding companies charge fees, which can reduce the total amount you receive from the estate.

Reduced Inheritance: You’ll receive less than if you waited for the full distribution since the advance includes service fees.

Complexity: Some estates may have legal complexities that make funding more challenging.

How to Apply for Immediate Inheritance Funding

Research Funding Companies: Look for reputable companies with transparent terms and positive reviews.

Gather Documentation: Prepare essential documents, such as the will, probate filings, and identification.

Submit an Application: Provide details about your inheritance and the estate.

Review the Offer: Carefully review the terms, fees, and repayment conditions.

Sign the Agreement: If you’re satisfied, sign the funding agreement.

Receive Funds: Funds are typically dispersed within a few days.

Is Immediate Inheritance Funding Right for You?

Immediate inheritance funding can be a valuable solution if you need quick access to cash and cannot wait for the probate process to conclude. However, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits, considering your financial situation and the estate's timeline.

Advanced My Inheritance

If you're considering immediate inheritance funding, Advanced My Inheritance offers reliable and transparent services to help you access your inheritance quickly and hassle-free. With a focus on customer satisfaction and competitive rates, they guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Contact Advanced My Inheritance today to learn more about how they can assist you.

[clarissaweasley-10]

Fun fact: Rohan's last name is the equivalent of your love life.

[kkkkkkkitty]

[lisiya-gori]

while we're talking about implied traumatic backstories for tolstoy's female characters, let's discuss the over/under on anna mikhailovna abusive relationship survivor. consider: extremely protective of her only child, does not ever mention his father. raises boris with an extensive network built entirely on the strength of her own connections. embroiled at the beginning of the novel in a crippling lawsuit whose contents are never discussed. ruthlessly pragmatic about security, power, and autonomy in a way that suggests intimate knowledge about what it means not to have any. adept at manipulating events from an ostensibly inferior position. never once seen to put her trust in a man

[du-sailarar-nerilia]

Probably a hot take but Paolini kinda effed up with that world map

Aside from people from Surda and Hadarac, most people of Alagaësia are basically Knockoff Europeans and many are described as pale-skinned. And as we know, pale skin is something that evolved under pressure of cold European climate. And Alagaësia very much does have that cold, sort of European climate around the Palancar Valley and along The Spine.

But the problem is that humans aren't native to Alagaësia! So where do they come from!

What the hell!

-Mist

[soullessjack]

if the spn writers were just a little more self aware they could’ve made the most horrific meta-dooming-narrative story for jack literally being weaponized as a plot device Everyman–Mirror-Foil who suffers exclusively for plot advancement and has no autonomy outside of plot relevance to everyone except yockey + bobo and also the way that jacks personal fear of only being loved for being useful ironically ends up reflecting in how the fandom treats him but this banks on the writers being self aware and also caring about jack on the same level as yockey and bobo so every day I have to cut my losses about everything and pretend I’m not eternally bitter about it all

[irlkomaedanagito]

sure my dad tried three seperate bullshit reasons to get me to back out of a name change BUT i got to take his vinyl of the wall so who really came out on top

[clonerightsagenda]

Yknow, while Lucy is correct about Lockwood's recklessness and blatant death wish, given from his perspective she tried to chuck herself down a well, keeps going "I could fix them" about phantoms with a body count, and went "I can no longer work in these conditions. I'm moving out and taking the homicidal cultist with me" I feel like his pessimistic view of her life expectancy is also fair.

[newsepick]

Your Energy Levels Could Be Tied To Your Mother’s Mitochondria – Find Out Why

A study from the University of Colorado Boulder emphasizes the importance of maternal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in energy production and health. Published in Science Advances, it highlights that mtDNA, inherited from mothers, is vital for ATP synthesis, while paternal mtDNA is eliminated post-fertilization. Researchers demonstrated that delaying this elimination in a model organism affected energy levels and later health outcomes. The findings suggest implications for mitochondrial disorders and propose vitamin K2 (MK-4) supplementation as a potential treatment to restore ATP levels, offering hope for families with mitochondrial issues.

[selwlsa]

Probate & Inheritance Advances in Illinois

Secure Inheritance Funding in Illinois effortlessly. Access fast cash to navigate probate delays and financial challenges. Learn more now!

[theplotmage]

Principles and Laws of Magic for Fantasy Writers

Fundamental Laws

1. Law of Conservation of Magic- Magic cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

3. Law of Equivalent Exchange- To gain something, an equal value must be given.

5. Law of Magical Exhaustion- Using magic drains the user’s energy or life force.

Interaction and Interference

4. Law of Magical Interference- Magic can interfere with other magical effects.

6. Law of Magical Contamination- Magic can have unintended side effects.

8. Law of Magical Inertia- Magical effects continue until stopped by an equal or greater force.

Resonance and Conditions

7. Law of Magical Resonance- Magic resonates with certain materials, places, or times.

9. Law of Magical Secrecy- Magic must be kept secret from the non-magical world.

11. Law of Magical Hierarchy- Different types of magic have different levels of power and difficulty.

Balance and Consequences

10. Law of Magical Balance- Every positive magical effect has a negative consequence.

12. Law of Magical Limitation- Magic has limits and cannot solve every problem.

14. Law of Magical Rebound- Misused magic can backfire on the user.

Special Conditions

13. Law of Magical Conduits- Certain objects or beings can channel magic more effectively.

15. Law of Magical Cycles- Magic may be stronger or weaker depending on cycles (e.g., lunar phases).

17. Law of Magical Awareness- Some beings are more attuned to magic and can sense its presence.

Ethical and Moral Laws

16. Law of Magical Ethics- Magic should be used responsibly and ethically.

18. Law of Magical Consent- Magic should not be used on others without their consent.

20. Law of Magical Oaths- Magical promises or oaths are binding and have severe consequences if broken.

Advanced and Rare Laws

19. Law of Magical Evolution- Magic can evolve and change over time.

20. Law of Magical Singularities- Unique, one-of-a-kind magical phenomena exist and are unpredictable.

Unique and Imaginative Magical Laws

- Law of Temporal Magic- Magic can manipulate time, but with severe consequences. Altering the past can create paradoxes, and using time magic ages the caster rapidly.

- Law of Emotional Resonance- Magic is amplified or diminished by the caster’s emotions. Strong emotions like love or anger can make spells more powerful but harder to control.

- Law of Elemental Harmony- Magic is tied to natural elements (fire, water, earth, air). Using one element excessively can disrupt the balance and cause natural disasters.

- Law of Dream Magic- Magic can be accessed through dreams. Dreamwalkers can enter others’ dreams, but they risk getting trapped in the dream world.

- Law of Ancestral Magic- Magic is inherited through bloodlines. The strength and type of magic depend on the caster’s ancestry, and ancient family feuds can influence magical abilities.

- Law of Symbiotic Magic- Magic requires a symbiotic relationship with magical creatures. The caster and creature share power, but harming one affects the other.

- Law of Forgotten Magic- Ancient spells and rituals are lost to time. Discovering and using forgotten magic can yield great power but also unknown dangers.

- Law of Magical Echoes- Spells leave behind echoes that can be sensed or traced. Powerful spells create stronger echoes that linger longer.

- Law of Arcane Geometry- Magic follows geometric patterns. Spells must be cast within specific shapes or alignments to work correctly.

- Law of Celestial Magic- Magic is influenced by celestial bodies. Spells are stronger during certain astronomical events like eclipses or planetary alignments.

- Law of Sentient Magic- Magic has a will of its own. It can choose to aid or hinder the caster based on its own mysterious motives.

- Law of Shadow Magic- Magic can manipulate shadows and darkness. Shadowcasters can travel through shadows but are vulnerable to light.

- Law of Sympathetic Magic- Magic works through connections. A spell cast on a representation of a person (like a doll or portrait) affects the actual person.

- Law of Magical Artifacts- Certain objects hold immense magical power. These artifacts can only be used by those deemed worthy or who possess specific traits.

- Law of Arcane Paradoxes- Some spells create paradoxes that defy logic. These paradoxes can have unpredictable and often dangerous outcomes.

- Law of Elemental Fusion- Combining different elemental magics creates new, hybrid spells with unique properties and effects.

- Law of Ethereal Magic- Magic can interact with the spirit world. Ethereal mages can communicate with spirits, but prolonged contact can blur the line between life and death.

- Law of Arcane Symbiosis- Magic can bond with technology, creating magical machines or enchanted devices with extraordinary capabilities.

- Law of Dimensional Magic- Magic can open portals to other dimensions. Dimensional travelers can explore alternate realities but risk getting lost or encountering hostile beings.

- Law of Arcane Sacrifice- Powerful spells require a sacrifice, such as a cherished memory, a personal item, or even a part of the caster’s soul.

[apricops]

So, the thing about Don Quixote.

The thing about Don Quixote is that he tilts at windmills - tilts in the archaic sense of ‘charge at with a lance,’ because it’s the story of a guy who read so much chivalric romance that he lost his mind and started larping as a knight-errant. He was, if you’ll pardon the phrasing, chivalrybrained.

The thing about Don Quixote is, sometimes people take it as this story of whimsical and bravely misguided individualism or ‘being yourself’ or whatever, and they’re wrong. If it took place in the modern day, Don Quixote would absolutely be the story of a trust fund kid who blew his inheritance being a gacha whale until his internet got cut off so now he wanders around insisting that people refer to him as ‘Gudako.’

But the real thing about Don Quixote is that it was published in the early 1600s, and the thing about the 1600s is that Europe was one big tire fire. This is because 1600s Europe was still organized around feudalism (or ‘vassalage and manorialism’ if ya nasty), which assumed that land (and the peasants attached to it) were the only source of wealth. And that had worked just fine (well, ‘just fine,’ it was still feudalism) for a long time, because Europe had been a relative backwater with little in the way of urbanization or large-scale trade.

That was no longer true for Europe in the 1600s. The combination of urban development, technological advances, and brutal Spanish colonialism meant that land was no longer the sole source of wealth. Sudden there was a new class of business-savvy, investment-minded upwardly-mobile commoners, and another new class of downwardly-mobile gentry who simply couldn’t compete in this new fast-paced economy. Cervantes saw this process with his own eyes.

One of the symbols of this new age was the windmill, a complicated piece of engineering that was expensive to build but would then produce profits indefinitely - in other words, a windmill was capital.

The thing about Don Quixote is, when he tilts at windmills, he has correctly identified his nemesis.

[cursedcola]

Prompt: Couples will evidently begin to mimic their better half after some time. What traits do you steal from him, and vice versa? Fandom: Twisted Wonderland Characters: Everyone - because I want to and I’m amidst fleshing out all my Yuu/Character dynamics + designs Format: Headcannons. Masterlist: LinkedUP Parts: Heartslabyul | Savanaclaw | Octavinelle (Here) | Scarabia | Pomefiore | Ignihyde | Diasomnia A/N: Putting all my brain rot from my notes into something cohesive. Contrary to my love for ripping your hearts out, I've come with some fluff this time around. BTW you may or may not already do things mentioned - I write my works with a specific Yuu in mind for each character so this is based on them. Just a reminder.

Habits You Steal:

Bargaining (Inherited AND Developed): No partner of Azul's is a shmuck. Not because of his standards (a little bit), but because you will learn to negotiate through trial and error. Being his pearl does not exclude you from daily verbal tango. He can and will still come after Ramshackle if given the opportunity. What? Just come stay in Octavinelle. He won't even charge for it, and you can bring Grim. He is always three steps ahead. Buying him a present is like the world's most daunting task, because he somehow already knows what's inside the box. Every. Time. Even if you shop a year in advance. Don't even start with arguments. He has a rebuttal for EVERYTHING. There is never a winner, only a settlement because he is so stubborn (and you equally so. Pride is contagious). As adults you're constantly exposed to business deals and sometimes have to deal with handling negotiations. Not to mention people with grudges against Azul attempting to shmooze their way through you. Only to find that you are just as manipulative.

"Pearl, Jade says that our deal with the Bas triplets for the next semester has been renewed? I hadn't scheduled their extension meeting until the first Saturday of next month. Would you have anything to say on this?" <- Long story short, the triplets tracked you down to beg for help in getting out of their work contract with Azul. He was always fair, and they entered willingly. No corruption on his part...but they were hell bent on not working in the kitchens with Floyd anymore. Solution? You managed to shmooze an extra week on their terms, in exchange for not being put on Floyd's shift anymore. Azul is so proud - but don't do that again. You're the one telling Floyd he doesn't get to play 'spot the difference' with the triplets anymore. Not him.

Smell Sensitivity (Developed): Nothing shanks the nostrils like sea brine. No pun intended. Lingering around Octavinelle equates to constantly smelling fish. Most students there come from the coral sea and don't mind it. Others only stop in for a quick bite to eat, and don't stay a moment more. The Mostro Lounge just has a potent smell that can't be found anywhere else. Like McDonald's french fries...but fish. Grim loves it, you now get nauseated when a scented candle is lit.

"Must you pinch your nose? Think of my- Octavinelle's reputation for a moment" <- Azul is brewing a scent masking potion as we speak. You're really hitting his pride here, even if you can't help it.

Glasses Wipes (Developed): Octopunk heats up when you so much as touch him in public. Then his glasses get foggy. If you wear makeup, its smears on his skin (to which he acts unbothered, but we all know it's a ruse). He obviously carries a hankey but having some wipes on hand is a nice gesture. Unnecessary, but sweet-ish.

Refined Pallet (Inherited): The cup ramen and foraged greens just do not cut it anymore. Not when Azul's made a VIP menu over at the lounge just for you. Sure, the place has a variety of options but he'll always get Floyd to cook up whatever you're in the mood for. At a discount (since Grim can eat him out of pocket). Have you ever had 100% dark, sea-salt chocolate imported from the coral sea? Ever tasted it in a rich devil's cake, baked fresh with only the best ingredients? Betty Crocker, who???

"I must say, your diet could still use some work - do not look at me that way. The twins found your hidden stash of instant noodles during our 'occupation' at Ramshackle. Under the stairs, pearl? Really? When was the last time your sodium was checked?"

Aversion to Sea Food (Developed): You will never understand how the Coral Sea students are okay with the Mostro Lounge. Neither what was running through Azul's head when he decided to open a SEA FOOD restaurant. Honestly? Red flag. One you ignored, but still a red flag. The existence of merpeople and therianthropes is still new and novel to you. To each their own, but you can't eat any sea creatures knowing that it could be - no, it can't be? Floyd's always joking that Azul is tasty but...it's just a joke, right?

"As much as Floyd loves to special make your chicken strips with wedges...why do you never order from the public menu? I assure you, Mostro Lounge is supplied with only the highest quality - h-huh? What crazy thoughts are you having?! Honestly!" <- This explains so much. He always thought you stared at the food with envy, because Grim would eat your pocket out and leave you to sip on lemon water. He had to force the special 'vip' meals down your throat at the start. is this why you're so uncomfortable having lunch with Floyd and his weekly Takoyaki binge?

Appraisal (Developed): Ever see those shows where a professional goes around to antique markets, and can point out forgeries, fake gems, etc. by eye? That is Azul. He's a collector of gadgets and gizmos aplenty - anyway. Strolls through antique marts, coin collecting showcases, and other marketing events will undoubtably train the eye over time. No scammer will ever shmooze ya out of house and home. Sorry Sam.

Habits He Steals:

Jacket (Developed): Mermen run cold. The uniform blazer Azul dons is more-so just for show than anything. Clothes are overall a novel concept, since most in the coral sea dress minimalistic (or not at all). The lounge runs quite chilly as well. Not enough to deter customers, but the perfect temperature to get uncomfortable after a few hours. Now Azul has many jealous bones in his body, and would rather drop dead than see one of the leech twins loan out their blazer so you can nap in the back room (they're doing it on purpose). Azul often offers his coat out to you the moment you walk inside - so often, that all the part-time workers know if you're on lot if he's walking without it.

"I need my jacket back, please. Why? N-no particular reason. Do I need an excuse to wear my own clothes?" <- Ruggie - Mostro Lounge's most reliable and simultaneously difficult part timer, mind you - was the first to pick up the correlation. If the VIP lounge was shut, and Azul was out doing quality rounds? It meant you were in the back, and he was in a better mood. The perfect time to sneak a platter unnoticed. Azul must take precautions.

Snitches Get Stitches (Developed): ONE perk of living with ghosts. Honey you get ALL the tea on campus. You just need to butter them up with a game of pranks and it’s ripe for the taking. Now, who do you think is going to make full use of this? Azul. They won’t give it to him directly because it’s more fun to make him frustrated. Which means he has to go through you. *Which means* he gets very crafty in buttering you up for details.

Midnight Hour (Developed): This mainly applies to his adult years. Wherever he goes - business or otherwise - you come with more often than not. As a youth his dealings were important - yes. Yet he was still getting his swimming legs in business and his primary demographic was students. Contrary to his pride, Azul wasn't someone important. Someone actually worth targeting like the Briar Prince. The real world is much more risky. You can help with negotiations and running facilities. You might 'think' he is tossing you into the end zone with all his ambitions...but no. Any dealings with high-stake confrontations are handled only after midnight.

"Two-o-clock in the am hours. That is the latest I can offer - well, it seems we've reached an impasse. This deal clearly is not worth my effort, if such 'accommodations' are beyond your capabilities. Allow one of my partners to escort you off the premises." <- Let's make one thing clear. No contract is ever worth putting you at risk. One twin (usually Jade) will remain at his side, the other (Floyd...because he's honestly not the best for negotiations. More guard dog material, and has fun hanging out with you) back with at the house/hotel. Azul doesn't trust 'anyone', and the Leech family is obviously in business with him. He takes no chances, screw probability, and can't kill the inner control-nerd in him. He's never out past three-am and would rather you feel a bit left out then dead somewhere in the Stillwater.

Land Legs (Developed): Considering he will be on land more for the foreseeable future, Azul puts more effort to building his land legs. Not that he wasn't trying before, but there wasn't any guarantee that he'd be working the land beyond NRC. So with the reassurance that 'something' (someone) will require his attention on shore, he decides to invest the effort. Azul will not get on one of those flying deathtraps past academy years though. He's getting a license and pulling up in a new Bugatti.

Pictures (Inherited): Much to Azul's chagrin, you love photos. Maybe it's because you have little to recall from your own world. Maybe it's because you're in the photography club. Maybe it's because you love his misery - but you are always taking photos. At first he insisted that you never get him in the frame. He hates them. Still does, do not misunderstand...and the idea of someone having so many with him included eats him up. Yet his insistent denials do lessen, and he tolerates them. You cannot post them anywhere. Yet...he will only 'mildly' grimace when looking at them around your house. Only because who the heck is coming over that he hasn't approved of?

"This picture? Ah...that is my dear pearl. They are breathtaking, are they not? I truly am the most fortunate man alive. Ah. My apologies, let's return to discussing the contract terms. May I see your completed punch-card?" <- And because you're in them too. As a youth, he kept your photo on his desk in the lounge. Sometimes a client would ask about you, and he'd lapse for a moment before folding the frame down and out of their view. He'd tuck it away whenever you came around, but would talk to it when alone. About his day, his work, whatever first year came crying because Floyd used them as a dart board - and dare I say that he'd keep a family photo in your later years together. Azul hates pictures of himself, but not as much as he loves ones of you. Look at him. Big softie.

—

"Of course. I have remarkable potential as an instructor, do I not? Is it not a great fortune to have me as one's partner? Take this as a lesson that your boss can influence even the most lost souls." == Azul shows no reservation. The moment he caught two part-timers gossiping about your 'conversion' to the 'dark side'. Why, he was positively beaming. His grin wide with a touch of something sinister. Gossip is fine, but they should know better than to do so in his den. Anything noteworthy would undoubtably reach his ears with time, but oh was it a joy to watch them squirm. Honestly. They're fortunate that he's in such a good mood - what was intended to be slandering has just made his day. They're still getting put on shift with Floyd though. He's merciful, yet no martyr.

Habits you steal:

Foraging (Inherited): You are always looking around for plants to propagandize. It's like stealing but not - because Crowley doesn't have any 'rules' about it so...heh. Free food. Jade's a living encyclopedia when it comes to botany and agriculture. He's the whole reason you've got a mini apothecary going in the kitchen and that instant-noodle stash got amped up in flavor. What? you ever add some fresh mushrooms and green onions to that instant chicken yakisoba? Mwah. The mountain lover's club needs to look out, 'cause the Ramshackle Prefect is about to bleed campus dry for every last specimen.

Yapping (Developed): Spinning off the above 'route'. Many people think Floyd's the talkative twin. Nah. This motherf*cker does NOT shut up. He treats you like his second conscience, asking questions he doesn't expect to be answered and giving commentary like your own personal narrator. Who needs thoughts when he literally says everything before you can think it? Floyd salutes you - 'cause finally. Finally, it isn't him subjected to Jade's inner spiels. Sorry Shrimpy, you are a sacrifice he's willing to make. If you ever break up or fight with Jade - Floyd's going to hunt you down - he can never go back. Never.

On a side note, you're an excellent listener now.

Tea (Inherited): Do you hate tea? No you don't. Not Jade's tea. There isn't much to comment on here, other than you will develop a taste for his Atlantic Twice-Seeped Water-Lily brew. You'll be craving it every night if ever sent back to our world (as if that'll happen). Mixed with honey from the Afterglow Savannah and served in a baby-blue ceramic cup that has a shimmer handle. That's your mug, by the way. He has other brews...some improvised and caution is indeed extended. They're tasty for the most part though.

“Ah, just smell that aroma. I developed this blend made just for you, my dear. I’m not one to seek out sweet floral notes for my tea, yet this flavor is an acquired taste that pulls you in for more. I finish the cup without realizing each time” -> Jade can be sweet himself, when he wants to be.

Wearing gloves (Developed): Jade makes you touch weird shit. All the time. Unprompted. He also makes you eat weird shit, but more often than not you can escape by shoveling his experiments onto someone he can get a more interesting reaction out of. Classically condition him not to feed you the weird shit by being unresponsive - off topic. Point is that with his obscene collection of terrariums? Plus being pulled along for foraging quests? You will be touching unknown and possibly poisonous plants, bugs, dirt, maybe some aquatic creatures like toads and fish. For all that is good, keep a pack of rubber gloves in your schoolbag. Keep a pair of insulated leather gloves in your breast pocket at all times too. Hand Sanitizer as well. Who knows when you’ll be elbow deep in murky water riddled with mysterious rainbow moss. What makes it rainbow? You don’t know and Jade won’t say. He does quip that it changes colors with emotions. Screw Twisted Wonderland and it’s freakish botany.

“Oh my, would you look at that vibrant shade of purple. Why are you so frightened? These are meant to be happy ‘bonding’ times for us as a couple, isn’t that what you said? Fufu - oh. Hurry up and put it in this jar. You’ll ruin the sample at this pace,” <- In truth, Jade saw red blooming at the edges of the moss and called quits before your nerves turned to anger. Fear? Amusing. Especially since you have more harmful ‘house plants’ growing on the mantle back at your dorm. Curtesy of Jade himself, of course. Azul doesn’t let him store his more precarious collection in Octavinelle and what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Yet he won’t push the jokes too far, since so few ever come out foraging with him. No no. He needs you to continue as a willing participant. Don’t get angry at him just yet, there are still so many places to explore and the day is young!

Doppelgänger Paranoia (Developed): The Leech twins tried to pull that shit where they swapped places for a day. Therefore you are now freakishly paranoid of Floyd trying to take Jade’s place to pull a prank. It is no help that Floyd is insanely good at mimicking his brother and vice versa. Sure, you could make a keyword or ask Jade to wear something special as a give away. Mark him. Maybe make an excuse of it being a thing human couples do and stick a pin on his lapel. Yet there isn’t a guarantee that he won’t just let Floyd in on it to see what happens. He’s a jerk like that, but your jerk nonetheless.

“Your caution is entertaining, and I do find all this extra attention flattering. Yet there are more taxing worries to mull over, wouldn’t you agree? Surely I’ve earned enough trust to circumvent any doubts in that mind of yours?” -> Do you know that the twin-swap was just a one time trick? Probably not. Doing it again would be boring with no novel results, but Jade does love watching you squirm with suspicion. He’ll offer an assurance eventually, and it will be your call to believe him or not. Until then? He has no problem being under your watchful eye. It’s quite cute, after all.

Habits he steals:

Grammar Control (Developed): Purely to piss you off. Coming from another world - your dialect isn't exactly the same as everyone in Twisted Wonderland. There are region specific languages, and then there is the common tongue. For simplicities sake, let's just say that everyone in TWST can speak common tongue and transferring over gave you this ability. Except (like Epel) you carry a heavy accent - and Jade loves to play grammar police. Your irritation never ceases to amuse him. That's right. He's the train kid from the 'Polar Express'. Just less nasal.

“Let’s try to capture that illusive letter ‘R’, shall we? You don’t want to give onlookers any more ammunition as a respectable prefect.”-> Says the only person using this as ammunition, except for Ace when he gets really snappy and Riddle’s mild cringe when your accent butchers a toast at the Unbirthday party. At this point you’re hearing ‘red leather, yellow leather’ and ‘mark went on a lark after dark’ in your sleep.

Routes (Developed): Another one with the need to have a bit of control. Just a bit. Get ready to roll out of bed at the ass-crack of dawn, because he will be there at five-am sharp to haul you back to Octavinelle (or on a hike. Saturday's only). Isn't it a human custom to stick close to your partner? He's just making sure you're cared for. Which is why you exist attached to his hip most days

Symbiosis 1 (Developed): Only a mild-note for Jade. His brother, noted below, takes this concept more to heart. Jade uses it as an enhancing factor to an already “well-rounded” relationship. The law of the sea dictates that those stronger will enter a ‘pact’ with weaker creatures - protection in exchange for care. You are not in need of protection with that frosh posse and stubborn head of yours. Jade mostly uses this ‘symbiotic relationship’ as a way to get you to do things for him, and to talk down your impulsive behaviors from time to time. Aka you won’t create excessive trouble if it means he feels ‘bound’ to go with (as if he wouldn’t be overjoyed to get in some chaos)

Observation (Developed?): Jade...knows everything about you. It's infuriating (to you, not him), but you are still a potential client regardless of his personal interest. Hobbies, tastes, your worst and best subject, weaknesses -all categorized. Azul and his business come first. Yet you're the only student on campus that has a 'doctored' file. Why?

“I never realized you are adverse to crowds. Yet you handle navigating Night Raven with no difficulties? Is this a mere preference, or would you prefer to find somewhere quiet while I accompany the others? What do you need?” -> (During Playful Land Event) He can't get the finer details without asking questions. There is no source for information about your world or your person other than your word of mouth. His unique magic would be easy - but it's just one question. One, and you might be too resilient for a response. Where's the fun? What makes this a habit is that Jade's keen eye becomes sharper.

Ramshackle (Developed): Bro just moved in. I’m serious. He got permission by pulling a favor. Azul doesn’t let him keep the more precarious plants in Octavinelle, so Jade has overtaken the kitchen with potted flora and fungi. Floyd is enthusiastic that he doesn't have to share a room - what? Twins don't always stick together. Those two probably fight more than they get along. Plus with Jade at Ramshackle it's an excuse to go see what's up with Shrimpy and maybe play with torture the little freshies you hang around with. It’s chapter three but you aren't booted out and have to deal with both Leeches every day. Seven preserve you.

—

“I let my excitement get the better of me for a moment…please, continue as if I am not here. My apologies.” == How rare for Jade’s mask to slip in front of his underclassmen. He was able to brush it off - giving a fib about his clubs upcoming excursion (not entirely untrue. He is excited to go for a hike with you this weekend). Yet the normally dull gossip of his dorm-mates was too much to bare. Not because your changes are becoming more pronounced, but because these little fish are foolish enough to think it’s making him soft. Enough to gossip so blatantly in his earshot? Gods, they make his job much too easy.

Habits you steal:

Leering (Inherited): Floyd...oh dear. He has this habit of staring holes into the back of your head. Anyone's head, really. His presence is intimidating, and it's hard not to pick up what’s going on in his head. There's a catch to this though. You only leer at other people when he isn't around. Too busy with the man in question to bother 'people-watching' (unless you're actually pissed). Riddle is constantly on edge now because he has TWO people giving him the heebee-jeebies. Prefect, it was bad enough you were taking influence from ADeuce. Now the Leech brothers? Well, he'd still take you over Floyd any day. At least you won't try to act on that unsettling aura...yet.

“Somethin’ on my face?…why’re you staring at me like that? Unless you want my attention? Hehe, ya shoulda just said so!” <- Floyd can do it to you, but you can’t to him. Not unless you want to be suplexed and squished tightly for hours on end.

Impulse actions (Inherited): Chaotic energy anyone? Floyd needs a partner who is one of two things - can kick his ass on occasion so he'll play nice, or who will match his freak. Since matching the strength of a Moray Eel isn't something most humans can do? Well, maybe a bitch slap here or there but be aware he is letting it happen. Just know. Better be playful too, not no actual challenge. Point being- you need to match his freak. No buzz-kills.

“Ne Ne~ Yanno, I’ve never seen those super fancy fireworks you land people like to set off. Wanna go get some and rig the - eh? You already got them?….Hahaha Shrimpy’s getting gutsy. I’m so happy” -> His eyes are practically glowing with anticipation. You’re now Azul's third headache 1000%, someone get that man an Asprin.

Snacks (Developed): Floyd can EAT. The only one with a stronger appetite is Jade, but he has a better control over his hunger. While their bodies changed to look human, their appetites did not decrease. Going with ‘symbiosis,’ Floyd gets a bit needy and talks like you’re his internal clock. Jade’s the yapper but Floyd just expects you to know what he needs. So you will always be carrying a selection of snacks (Grim gets in on this) in your bag/purse. Also fidget toys. Not for eating, but to give him when you’re stuck anywhere particularly boring. Props if you can somehow get a two-in-one with the twisted wonderland equivalent of those Air Heads Pull-Aparts.

Lullaby and Goodnight (Developed) : Instant calming effect. Merfolk are very particular with music and are sensitive to vocals. Floyd in particular is super picky. You could be the worst singer on the planet (Floyd will give you half-assed lip for it if you are, in all fairness) but the easiest way to calm him down is with music. It’s cringey and unrealistic to us land-folk but there’s plenty of singing in Atlantica. So humming a soft lullaby for him while sitting together won’t earn any looks in Octavinelle. Unless you sound awful, to which he will punt anyone that speaks out. Not that they would, since a calm Floyd is a godsend no matter the means achieved.

“Did I say you could listen in, hah? Sounds to me like someone’s in the mood for ‘my’ kinda song….don’t move, Shrimpy. This’ll be quick.” <- Good or bad - doesn’t matter. Getting to hear you is Floyd’s privilege. He’s a bit possessive of it, to be frank. So if someone butts in when he’s in the middle of calming down, Floyd’s going to be pissed to the max.

The Little Mermaid (Inherited): Drags you down to the sea at every opportunity. Don’t fight him, just guzzle the vomit-inducing potion and get a move on. Floyd doesn’t care how much a mer-transfiguration potion costs, Azul can take care of it. Floyd hates being restrained to dry land, and hey. He’s up here, so it’s only fair you go down into the sea trenches too. Don’t worry, he won’t take you anywhere too dangerous. He’ll even teach you how to get your sea legs - fish legs? Look. He teaches you how to swim in your mer-form, which he is severely disappointed does not resemble a shrimp.

Habits he steals:

Phone Privileges (Developed) : Floyd’s cellphone is normally in DND mode at all times. The only exceptions are Azul and his Momma - Jade was one too up until they came to dry land. There’s only so many mushroom photos and long voicemails about random crap that Floyd can take. Oh - and you’re an exception now. He saves all your voicemails - some for callbacks to win arguments and others to play when he’s about to sleep. You just better be careful when you call him and what for, also always pick up if he calls you. Otherwise there’s going to be one angry eel lurking by your bedroom window. With ‘first-contact’ privileges, all the unflattering candid pics he has of you are just a click away from being shared if he feels like it (teases but wouldn’t do it. Well, unless you really are ignoring him. Be warned)

Using F*cking Doors(Inherited) : Yes. Yes, you read that right. Floyd loves to parkour across campus. The amount of times he’s snuck into Ramshackle through that tiny circle window in the attic is frustrating. You’re seriously considering bolting the thing shut if it keeps him off the roof and on the ground. Y’know, for someone who can’t fly a broom? He sure has no problem climbing brick walls with his bare hands like some kinda cockroach. A Leech cockroach. Jamil’s worst nightmare good god. After the sixth-or-so heart attack, Floyd’s not allowed anywhere near Ramshackle if it’s not through the front door. The ghosts have strict instructions to punt him…to which he took as a challenge (because of course he did). Until a window was smashed, and you sent hellfire down upon him.

“I said it was an’ accident! What more do you want from me, huh? It’s your fault anyway for sicking those ghost fish on me - Urk…fiiine. I’m sorry or whatever” <- Always will back down the moment you come across as genuinely pissed. Usually with a grunt and hiss under his breath, kicking his foot before stalking off to cool down for a bit. Always fixes whatever he broke or tries to make amends once his mood is less sour.

Symbiosis II (Developed): Paired with the above 'match his freak' and second rendition of Jade's. Except Floyd is 100% serious. Floyd's going to do right by you, but you've got to do right by him. People are going to wonder why the small-pint prefect is sitting here covering one of bro's shifts (they feared for your life when you basically told him to 'fuck off', knowing he was angry after getting scolded by Azul) but that's how it is. Floyd's symbiosis is different than Jade's. He's more impulsive, yet also more predictable with what he needs. The definition of "no one can tell me to do shit except my spouse" 'cause symbiosis is a mutual respect and trade. No one can pick on you except for him. No one can help you the way he does. He is not going anywhere. Ever. Bonded for life - that kind of ‘sappy shit’.

"I already said I don't wanna... ughhh, babysitting those frosh fishies is so booooring. Can't we just ask Azul to lock 'em in a tank or somethin'?.... ALRIGHT, Little Shrimpy. I get it already so stop yammering in my ear...." <- Floyd's the softer brother, if you can believe that. Acts of service are what get him and he thrives on being needed. So you'll be doing it a lot to earn that compliance from him. Be the iron fist that gets him to back down, and simultaneously the one slipping him a few party poppers to set off at one of Heartslabyul's tea-parties as a reward.

The ✨Fashion✨ (Developed) : Surface-world fashion is one of Floyd’s special interests. Oddly enough? You’re a perfectly-sized dress up doll. It’s cute how large his shoes are in comparison to your feet. Hah! You look like a clown clobbering around in those things. He 100% gives you a pair of light up sneakers that sparkle when you walk - makes it easier to find you in crowds. Not that he needs to. Mostly it’s just for fun. He’ll even get a matching pair so you don’t feel zeroed out.

VIP Menu (Developed) : Floyd has a ‘secret’ menu over at the Mostro Lounge. He’s the head cook, don’t ya know? Makes real tasty dishes. C’mon, praise him. He’ll add a few dishes just for you since you’re so picky - that’s a bad trait to have for a broke Shrimp by the way. Good thing he’s around to make sure you’re eating.

“Oi! I told ya that was for you. If the lil’ seal’s hungry he can get somethin’ off the menu on his own…unless he’s lookin’ for a squeeze?” <- One major gripe Floyd has with Grim is how he’s always mooching off your plate. It’s fine if Azul’s picky with his food, cause that’s Azul. You’re different ‘cause in Floyd’s mind responsible for you. Again. He takes the symbiosis thing more seriously than Jade, and will poke your cheek relentlessly and comment if it’s lost it’s squish. He always serves you something to eat, even if you don’t order. Doesn’t let anyone else prepare it either.

Protective (Developed) : At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Floyd is very attentive. He’s clingy as hell and always looking for an excuse to have a good tussle - you’re his favorite person to screw with. Yet only himself, Azul, and Jade get the green card to look at you with anything other than respect. Cause he knows they don’t mean it - and even your little freshman buddies don’t get a pass. Maybe the seal since Floyd could squish Grim like a grape and he knows it. Leona’s almost gotten many challenges for the whole ‘herbivore’ thing.

—

“ ‘s nice, right? What’s better than one of me? Two, hah! Jade might have my face but now Shrimpy’s got my personality” == Finds the situation funny for like, an hour? Maybe two? Doesn’t matter because ‘Shrimpy is Shrimpy’ - plain as that, really. He gets more joy out of teasing people when they find out you’re with him. As if Floyd gives two sh*ts what other people think? Nah.

[flatoatchi]

the weird thing about grief is you can go months having accepted whatever happened and then sometimes your brain is just like “no this isn’t real actually”

[deception-united]

Worldbuilding: Questions to Consider

Government & authority:

Types of government: What type of government exists (monarchy, democracy, theocracy, etc.)? Is it centralised or decentralised?

Leadership: Who holds power and how is it acquired (inheritance, election, divine right, conquest)?

Law enforcement: Who enforces the laws (military, police, magical entities)?

Legal system: How are laws made, interpreted, and enforced? Are there courts, judges, or councils?

Laws:

Criminal laws: What constitutes a crime? What are the punishments?

Civil laws: How are disputes between individuals resolved?

Cultural norms: How do customs and traditions influence the laws?

Magic/supernatural: Are there laws governing the use of magic or interaction with supernatural beings?

Social structure:

Class/status: How is society divided (nobility, commoners, slaves)? Are there caste systems or social mobility?

Rights & freedoms: What rights do individuals have (speech, religion, property)?

Discrimination: Are there laws that protect or discriminate against certain groups (race, gender, species, culture)?

Economy & trade:

Currency: What is used as currency? Is it standardised?

Trade laws: Are there regulations on trade, tariffs, or embargoes?

Property laws: How is ownership determined and transferred? Are there inheritance laws?

Religion/belief systems:

Religious authority: What role does religion play in governance? Are religious leaders also political leaders?

Freedom of religion: Are citizens free to practice different religions? If not, which are taboo?

Holy laws: Are there laws based on religious texts or teachings?

Military & defense:

Standing army: Is there a professional military or a militia? Who serves, and how are they recruited?

War & peace: What are the laws regarding war, peace treaties, and diplomacy?

Weapons: Are there restrictions or laws regarding weapons for civilians? What is used as a weapon? Who has access to them?

Technology & magic:

Technological advancements: How advanced is the technology (medieval, steampunk, futuristic, etc.)?

Magical laws: Are there regulations on the use of magic, magical creatures, or artifacts?

Innovation & research: How are inventors and researchers treated? Are there laws protecting intellectual property?

Environmental/resource management:

Natural resources: How are resources like water, minerals, and forests managed and protected, if at all?

Environmental laws: Are there protections for the environment? How are they enforced? Are there consequences for violations?

Cultural & ethical considerations:

Cultural diversity: How does the law accommodate or suppress cultural diversity?

Ethics: What are the ethical foundations of the laws? Are there philosophical or moral principles that underpin them?

Traditions vs. change: Does the society balance tradition with progress? How?

Happy writing ❤

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[hh0320]

𓄹 ⊹   ᳝🪐 ࣪⠀.  vanilla baby 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 ( i am only as good as you want me to be )

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫. chris x fem! reader x changbin 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞. mechanic! brothers au, love triangle, small town, age gap, first love! chris, love at first sight, angst, smut 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. smoking, profanity, use of pet names, explicit sexual content, dirty talk, brief violence, jealousy, possessiveness, flawed characters 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭. 4k | 𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑻 𝑻𝑾𝑶, 𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑻 𝑻𝑯𝑹𝑬𝑬, 𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑻 𝑭𝑶𝑼𝑹 ->

𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬. “i know what you want. i know what you want and i can’t give it to you, baby girl.”

Then.

The first thing you’d noticed about him—his hands.

Strong, capable hands with long fingers and veins that protruded at the knuckles, up his forearms and disappearing underneath the sleeves of his shirt. Experienced hands, colored by the long hours in the sun with your father, full of calluses, rough, tougher than sandpaper. 

When they’d brushed against yours at the dinner table that one glorious time, he’d pulled them back immediately, almost embarrassed, refusing to touch something as soft as you, to graze, to taint in any way. You passed him the bread despite his withdrawal, stubborn for connection, any reason to build a memory for your brain to obsess over in the privacy of your bedroom later, under the covers, eyes closed and legs wide open, exploring, imagining.

Freshly nineteen then, what had started as a silly crush had transformed into a blossoming madness, a rush of red painting you entire everytime he was near, perhaps even love—your first love, your only love—nevertheless how futile, how empty your advances left you, how little he seemed to notice or care for the matter.

Chris. Christopher. You grew up under him, under his honey brown eyes and full mouth that spoke only of kindness and a protectiveness so endearing, primitive almost, like you called to him, something of his skin, his kin. Four years older than you no matter what you did, and your father’s right hand every summer.

That same summer you’d decided to confess. If, at the very least, he told you to wait, you would. Forever, if you had to. And if, by some miracle, he happened to feel the same, if he’d harbored the same unexplainable thing as you, you’d jump in his arms and never let go, not a chance. That had been the plan all senior year, the only real thought in your mind, your purpose for existing at that point in time, it seemed. You had to get it out, you had to share it, it’d become so heavy, eating away at your heart, taking over everything, missed appetite and sleepless nights.

You loved him. You loved him. There was no way to refuse it. No way to hide it anymore. It wasn’t a crime, not in your eyes.

So, you did. You told him. After dinner, your dad sat by the TV with his other male guests, your friends’ father’s (everyone knew everyone in this town, no way around it) and your mom was washing dishes. Chris had announced his departure early, and after the polite goodbye’s and the see-you-tomorrow’s, he’d let himself out, climbing the porch stairs down to his car. That was your chance, your only shot at releasing your heart before it swallowed you entire. 

Before college.

At the sound of his name, he’d turned, hand on the handle. Unassuming. Smiling softly down at you and the way you ran after him, like how you used to when you were kids. Not that much older, but old enough. It was always there, that looming cloud. Sometimes, you couldn’t see past it. Nevertheless.

“What did I forget?” He called out humorously. He was known for that. Too many inside jokes and instances to count.

“Nothing,” you pant, trying to catch your breath in your excitement, and the way you’d just taken all four steps seemingly at once, forgetting how to properly walk, how to not chase, how to not appear clingy or childish. “Nothing at all.”

Chris frowned momentarily, his back resting against the vintage convertible he’d inherited from his grandfather. In the heat of summer, with the loud crickets and flow of the nearby river, you were so absolutely certain the rush of your blood could be heard all the way from where he stood. It rang in your ears, made you dizzy. He had to see the sway of your movements, the hand on your chest. Other things, too, if he so wished, if he only asked . . .

“Then why are you out here, darling? It’s too hot for you. Better go inside.”

You had to do it. You had to do it now.

“Chris, I—” you took a deep breath. You tried to calm your racing heart. You looked into his eyes, deep and dark and drowning. Beautiful. “I don’t know how to say it,” you admit regretfully, ashamed. “I thought it’d be easier than this.”

He’s only being as he is, you remind yourself, as he nears your panicked figure, jeans fitting him perfectly, sleeves rolled deliciously over toned arm muscle, shirt revealing a strong, masculine chest, and a neck you’d like to feel under your tongue. These have been forbidden thoughts, thoughts you keep for your bed, at night, with your door locked. Having him in front of you, like this—tousled hair, earrings you’d gifted him for his birthday in full display—it messed with the strings of your very being. You were short-circuiting, words getting stuck in your throat, unable to escape.

He’s only being as he is, as he reaches out, fingers tangling in your hair, pushing them over your shoulder, studying you as if you’re sick, as if looking for signs of hurt, of injury. Thumb over your cheek, index grabbing ahold of your chin, touch gentle but fingers rough, always rough, and you lean into, against, you wait, you see what he’ll do next, you hope for it, anything, anything at all so you won’t have to say it, but—

“I know what you want,” softly, barely above a whisper. You close your eyes shut, bracing for impact, sensing the rejection. You try not to cry, you do. This will hurt you. It will break your heart. You brace, and you brace. His touch remains the same, his voice steady, albeit a bit sad. “I know what you want, and I can’t give it to you, baby girl.”

Your heart beats, raging against the cage of you. So, he knew. He knew and ignored it. He knew and pretended it wasn’t. Your heart, your heart, your poor heart… Mere kindness. All it was. All it will ever be.

You speak despite your cottonmouth. You refuse to cry. You refuse. “Why? I’m going away, it doesn’t matter. Why?”

His lips on your ear, a promised lover’s gesture. You shudder. You think, this is the only thing he’ll ever give me, this secret. You crave it, you’ve dreamt about it. You’re ready. If not for anything else, for this. His words. His hands in your hair. Him him him on you, on you, in any way.

“Because it matters,” he says. “Because if I get my hands on you, I will ruin you. You’re our golden girl, the one I’m not supposed to touch.”

He’s off you before you can blink, before you can reach out. Like it never happened. A midsummer’s daydream. You open your eyes to see him getting in his car, your mom now calling out your name. You answer to the one that said nothing. You go to him. You crawl, in your mind. Through a desert, through dirt and mud and a rainforest. There’s nothing like the heartbreak of a first love, nothing like it at all. Salt on the most painful wound and it never heals.

“Ruin me, then,” you say, a little too loudly and a little too stubbornly, and your voice is cracking. “I don’t care! I’m yours to do what you like. I’ve been yours since the moment I saw you.”

Chris smiles again, and his kindness poisons something deep inside you. To him, you’re a girl from the city that visits in the summers. A girl that always leaves. To you, he’s a dream. An unattainable fantasy. In his car, at the end of July, he almost looks like he’ll miss you. It’s everything even if it’s nothing.

“If you’re mine, you’ll go inside,” stealthy, severe, always doing the right thing. “You won’t cause any trouble, and you’ll forget about me. I’m not worth your time, darling.”

You don’t understand, you don’t want to. You cling onto his door, his words and his eyes. Your mom calls again. The engine roars, coming to life. You shake your head, you don’t want this to end, you don’t want him to leave.

He didn’t say no, he didn’t turn you away. 

But he didn’t say yes.

“You’ll never see me again,” you plead, you threaten. “I’ll never come back!” Perhaps you say this to punish him. You’re petty, and you’re aching all over and he’s driving away.

You loved him. You loved him and he took your face in his hands and told you how he won’t have you. You think you hate him now a little as well.

“Take care of yourself, sweetheart, yeah?” is the last thing he leaves you with. “Get some sleep.”

A lot. Your heart has frozen solid. You hate him, you hate him, you hate him—it beats all over, a new drum. You hate him because he didn’t give you a clear end. You hate him because you can’t love him.

You wondered if maybe he hates you too, because of the same reason. If it kept him up at night. If he touched himself with the thought of almost having you.

That summer, you went back to the city with the excuse of getting an early start with moving into your new dorm. Your mother complained, your father said nothing. Almost as if he knew.

It’d be four years before you saw Christopher again.

Now.

Two days.

Before you drove back to your family’s summer house, you’d given yourself forty-eight hours worth of a head start to not do something completely fucking stupid. The last thing had been that degrading blowjob you’d given your last boyfriend off the highway, before you two parted ways outside a Kmart, and you began your drive to the little town you’d grown up in.

You did this to yourself, you really did. Reducing into body parts for men, convincing yourself it was better this way, at least you still had the most important thing, the thing you kept for him, the only thing you wouldn’t let anyone else take. And did it even fucking matter? He was probably married and not in the least concerned with the memory of you. He’d probably already have a kid or two, a dog and a white picket fence. Life over there went by differently than in the city.

You had the diploma, at long last, but he was the one with the family. He was the one with the sense of belonging. Probably. Most likely. You kept telling yourself this as you passed by mountains and gas station after gas station, big stretches of nothing at all with the occasional property if you squint hard enough. He didn’t matter, not anymore, not when you could have anyone you wanted, not when you did, and you were certainly not coming back for him.

You’d been a teenager, then. You knew nothing except for what was shown to you. You know better now. You know more. And, anyway, your cousin was getting married. Your entire family was in celebration, already down there and preparing the estate for the extravagant event. You had no time to think about him and his words and his stupid mouth and how good it had felt pressed against you. The ghost of that particular memory haunted you a little too much, but you were working on it.

Many men had whispered over him. Many had touched your hair and your face, many had called you baby and darling and fucking incredible. You avoid how none had ever spoken of the golden girl he’d seen, or the sweet sound of darling, a pet name reserved, apparently, not to be used by anyone else in case it got tarnished. Frustrating as it was, a part of you had been glad. For what, you weren’t sure.

You cling onto the vapors of your hate and you drive into town, breath bated.

The house sits proud a few feet away from the river as it always did, time seeming to have missed it, though the wear appears in the cracks, tiny clues of use and years long gone. The windows are all open, and there are cars parked in the small driveway. Your gaze doesn’t linger to the spot you’d begged for love nor to the tree with the wooden swing. Certainly there’s bound to be a place with no memories, no triggers. 

This would be a lot easier if he never existed so loudly next to you. If your childhood hadn’t been intertwined with his. Alas.

Your mother greets you first, a kiss on your cheek and a warm hug. She smells of peaches and powdered sugar. You mention to her your luggage and she yells for your uncle. Your father is busy with the garden, she informs you.

“Hasn’t left the damn place alone,” she scorns, but she’s smiling and you know she doesn’t mind one bit, not really.

A blurry haze of arms and niceties later, you’re up in your old room, everything as it was. The sheets are clean and the closets empty, but besides that, you can almost pretend you never skipped a summer, like nothing had changed.

Of course, everything had changed. You felt dirty after every shower, mouthwash wasn’t enough to clean the evidence of semen off of you, and like a thorn on your side—him, pressing against the restrictions of your brain, threatening to spill in, to spill out.

He hadn’t kissed your mouth. He’d been so close, you’d felt his intention, you’d felt so much more than he’d said, and yet—no matter. He hadn’t kissed your mouth so you polluted it in hopes that he never dares try. He wouldn’t. He wouldn’t.

Your father had retired the fields, all sold and out of his hands. Out of your life. It was only natural that he was, too. For good. Like you wanted.

Yes.

Dinner was a chaotic affair, with extended family and children running around the table, refusing to eat and complaining about dessert. Your mother laughed and used her ways to scare them, the same ways she’d once used on you and the rest of the children in her household, the ones you were raised with, until they finally submitted and forked a couple bites of the casserole she’d served.

Admitted into adulthood already, the wine ran plenty in your glass, so much so, you were working your way towards well past tipsy by the time pie came out. Your phone wouldn’t stop buzzing, and even after you silenced it, the screen lighting up with messages gave you a headache. Hook-ups. Insignificant men that tried to contact you after graduation and still didn’t seem to get the hint.

You’d dug yourself a hole. Completely fucking stupid.

Air. You needed air.

“Be right back,” you announce, as you hurry out of the house in a fashion reminiscent of your childhood days.

Outside is humid and chilly, but it’s not inside, and your phone is a safe distance away, where it can’t hurt you, and suddenly you feel like walking, so you do.

The fresh smell of grass hits you, and you indulge in the fact that you’ve missed this place. You’ve missed its familiarity, the way it curves and stretches around you. Nothing can truly harm you here. Even the things that did—they don’t seem so big in the middle of a night like this. Eternal summer.

You walk, and you walk.

Minutes or hours later, hard to tell when there’s nothing around to act as a landmark, you reach the crossroads, a place that could either lead to very unstable patches of land and water or the local market, if you went far enough. From where you stood, though, the neon sign of the only bar in town stared back at you, flashing purples and greens, surely a desperate attempt to be seen from miles away in hopes of attracting customers. Of any sort.

The familiar thrumming of your blood, the one that signaled nothing but trouble and misery—it was the only thing you could hear. As sure and as loud as anything. Your own body betraying what your heart knows not to engage. Your brain spoke once—do not go, there’s nothing good for you there, and the terrible ache in you answered—if I go, I get to drown.

If I go, I forget. Then, I can go back.

The interior was simple enough, speakers playing something aged and fast, the electric guitar blasting over everything else, every single one of your thoughts, whatever doubts you still held. You looked around only once—a pool table, bike riders drinking by it, tall tables and more men, men older than you, bigger than you, men that could take you to the back and show you exactly what you’re doing in a place like this, at a time like this, when you could be having pie with your cousins in the comfort of your home.

It wasn’t normal. You weren’t normal. And you could leave, easy as that.

But you didn’t. You ordered a gin and coke and you took a seat at the bar. Your gaze lingered once, and it’d been enough. The bartender was a woman—a woman that knew what you were doing, because she’d seen it all before. Perhaps she’d been you, a long time ago. Perhaps it didn’t matter, then, because she’s here, which means she didn’t learn, because this is only a place that you can end up in, and not something you could possibly want for yourself.

Except you did and you have, and look what it’s cost you.

You should probably call home, let them know you’ll be a while. You don’t have to, but it’s the right thing to do after you ran out like that. Facing the weakness of you, though, the claustrophobia of your own life—you couldn’t do it, not then, not there. You’d set out to do a different thing, a pretend thing.

You’d see it through.

The bait had caught. You felt the figure sit next to you, real leather jacket, roughed up and heavy, the boots worn in, black and haphazardly laced. From the corner of your eye, dark hair, curly, falling over even darker brows. Full lips.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he spoke. Voice raspy, chain smoker inspired.

You smile. Pie may be familiar, but this is what you know truly. In its essence.

“Probably,” you reply, and it’s bullshit. “Will you give me a ride later?”

The stranger chuckles, humming low. In approval. You still don’t turn your head to look at him. Any one of them will do. It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t matter.

“Later, huh?” There’s mirth in how he says it. “You got plans now?”

You nod, humoring along. You take a sip out of the drink served to you, and it burns, but it burns good. It burns real. It warns you.

“Maybe. It depends, I think.”

“On what, pretty girl?” He was intrigued, bless him.

This is a worked recipe, a play on its fifth season. The lines have been rehearsed a thousand times over, the actors established in their parts. He’s nothing, he’s there and you’re here, it’ll be quick and it’ll be insignificant, unexceptional like all the times before it, and you’ll hate every moment of it because it’s not him, it will never be, because he doesn’t want you, he never has, never has, never will.

“On if you’ll take me for a little walk in the back,” this joke is only funny to you.

You do sneak a glance this time, just to seal the deal.

“I don’t take walks, sweetheart, never have. Not wise to go around offering that.”

Your face drops.

You know this man. And he knows you.

He used to work on your dad’s car. Still does. Has lived here his whole life.

You can fix this, you can fix this. “You don’t have to take me up on it.”

There’s that chuckle again, hoarse and mocking. A glitch in the perfectly curated system.

You should’ve known nothing would go your way in this godforsaken town.

“How can I refuse?” You hated the stupid smirk in his voice. “Not everyday a hot piece of ass is offering blowjobs for nothing.”

Okay, that was it. The illusion had shattered.

“Fuck you, Changbin.”

The man in the leather jacket adjusted in his seat, laughing soundlessly. “Was it too much? I thought the vulgarity would be a turn on.”

“It wasn’t.”

“Because I didn’t play your game.”

“No,” you got up, throwing a bill on the bar and sneaking a last taste of the hard liquor. “You didn’t.”

He follows you. Out the door, and into the summer night. Combat boots to your own sandals. Changbin exists so much louder than you, it can only seem like you’re the bark to his bite.

He’s figured you out already. How did he and how could he?

Is he still around. Is he married. Does he talk about you. Things you couldn’t ask.

“So, what now?” He asks, and the silence breaks in such an ugly way. “I say no and you run away?”

You try to ignore him. You walk. You try to walk back. Something tells you he’s not going to let you go that easy. Something inside you wants him not to. The honey brown eyes burn behind your eyelids.

Changbin has dark eyes, and a scar. It stretches down his neck, white and painful looking, like someone had tried carving into him. Changbin is gruff; he’s older than Chris and wider in the same way a bulldozer would be. He looks capable of tearing down buildings and lifting heavy rock with his bare hands.

You don’t trust him.

You especially don’t trust the way he cares.

“You say no and I go find someone else.”

“Not very smart, is that.”

“I don’t care.”

You’re abruptly stopped, grabbed by the arm and turned around. You look into the semi stranger's eyes for a long time, trying to see if he’d cave first and release you. Granted, he didn’t look the type. Granted, you weren’t the type, either.

He clicked his tongue. The lights over his head flickered.  “What’s wrong with you?” He demands, gaze searching.

A practiced answer. A practiced smirk, the curve of your lip. “It’s just a bit of fun.”

“This is not a bit of fun. You don’t belong here.”

You pull against his hold. He doesn’t budge. If anything he pulls closer, holds tighter. 

“How do you know where I belong?”

“You’re lost,” he continues, ignoring you. “You need to go home.”

Why does everyone keep telling me that? And then, another question, a deeper one. Where is home? How do I get there?

“Oh, no. Will you tell on me?” It was meant to be sarcastic.

“Should I?” He challenges, brow raising. “Is this a pattern of yours?”

“They wouldn’t know.”

His face opens, indescribable, and then just as suddenly, he nods once to himself, assessing. Then, “Go home, little girl.”

Screw him. Your blood boiled upon hearing the words strung together. It’s been this way your whole life, how it mattered; naive, innocent girl, unaware of the ways of the world, how it bends for everyone else but you, how no one seemed to care about what you want, because you’re young and female and those things together have meant nothing and everything for so long. All your life.

“ I am not a little girl,” you spit the degrading words out like poison. It disgusts you—how much that night still affects you. How you were made to feel.

The mechanic didn’t budge. If he saw, if he understood, he didn’t say, didn’t show. “You’re acting like one,” it came out matter-of-factly, deadpanned. “I’m calling your father.”

He did not seem eager to cater to your demands and fantasies. He had his own way of dealing with creatures like you. This isn’t what you needed tonight, nor what you came out here seeking. It was supposed to be one of the same—he was supposed to be one of the same.

Not like Chris. Anything other than Chris.

You panic. Of course you do.

“Let me go.”

He does. He also makes the call.

You hate Changbin too, you decide. You hate him almost as much as you hate his brother.