#only had Tuesdays and Thursdays available for classes

[lnfours]

focal point ☆ chapter 1 | l.n

summary: being an art student is all fun and games until you need someone to be a model for your final project, which just so happens to be a portrait painting. especially when the only person who’s available is your best friend’s obnoxious roommate.

warnings: art student!reader, best friend/college student!oscar, college student!lando, slight enemies to lovers!au, slight grumpy x sunshine, lando is the definition of cocky, reader and lando bicker like an old married couple and oscar is so sick of their shit.

jordans notes: hello everyone, and welcome to chapter 1 of ‘focal point’! i hope you enjoy it as much as i enjoyed writing it! as always, sending you all my love xx

series masterlist | listen to the playlist

“oscar, please,”

it was tuesday, the crisp fall air making you regret throwing on the thin sweater you had picked out this morning before your first lecture. wishing you had chosen the thicker one you had debated on throwing on beforehand. but it didn’t look as good with the pair of jeans you had picked out, and well, priorities.

oscar sighed, pressing the fob against the reader on the front door of his building. the same one you followed him to every tuesday and thursday afternoon after your shared class, a ritual that took place your second year. later on, you’d both hit the cafe on campus to study and do homework together, a nice little routine. the only routine that you really had in your otherwise chaotic, on campus life.

“i really wish i could, but i seriously can’t,” he said, holding the door open for you before you practically ran inside for warmth. winter was slowly approaching, and the cold settling in the air was its first sign of dominance.

“i’ll literally pay you.” you said, pressing the button for the third floor. the doors closed as oscar shook his head.

“i don’t want your money,” he let out a soft chuckle before the doors opened up to his floor, “like i said earlier, professor johnson is giving us projects and tests damn near every week. my econ professor just assigned us a group project that i have to get done in two weeks, on top of all of that, i have so much other work for my classes. i just seriously don’t have the time.”

the keys jingled into the lock to his on campus apartment, the door pushing open. you stepped inside the apartment that hadn’t changed much over the last 3 years you’ve known him. a very simple, boyish decor that was somehow still kept clean. you couldn’t recall a time where the apartment looked like it actually belonged to two college boys.

“but everyone else has said no already. you were my last hope,” you sighed, putting your bag down before flopping onto the couch.

“last hope for what? getting a guy to take you out? if so, that’s really, really sad.”

the british voice echoed through the room and instantly made you roll your eyes. lando norris, oscar’s incredibly obnoxious roommate. you had questioned oscar often on why he was friends with someone as annoying and so full of himself as lando, but whenever he was asked, oscar would simply just say ‘he’s not that bad’ and leave it at that.

however, you liked to disagree.

“what’re you doing here?”

“i live here,” he replied back, “shouldn’t i be asking you that question?”

“it’s tuesday,” you replied, and it looks could kill, he’d be dead in the kitchen instead of making whatever concoction you’re sure he’d try to convince you was good if you asked what it was.

“oh yeah, your little play date,” he said, mixing around the mystery contents in the bowl in his hand, “whatever it is, glad i’m out of it.”

“no one asked you to join us anyway.”

“it hasn’t even been five minutes,” oscar sighed, “both of you, just shut up.”

lando smirked at the expression on your face. one of complete dislike and pure hatred. you eyed him as he ate the granola and… is that an egg?

“i’m going to my room, you kids have fun with your... whatever it is you two do.”

you groaned once the brit was out of the room, “how do you live with him? genuinely asking.”

oscar shook his head, “maybe if you two tried to get along, you would see that he really isn’t that bad.”

“i think pigs would start flying if we ever got along.”

“a man can dream,” he sighed, “you ready? i’m in desperate need of caffeine, and maybe a cheese danish.”

“but i’m so comfortable right now,”

“i’ll buy your coffee if you get up.”

you grabbed your bag off the floor, springing up from the couch before making your way towards the front door, “okay, let’s go,”

“yeah, that’s what i thought.”

the sun had set by the time you made your way back to your own apartment. the warm shower you had took put your body at ease, relaxing your muscles after the long day that you had. you threw your towel into the laundry basket in the corner of the room as your phone lit up with a text message.

8889991034 heard you need help with a final project, and lucky for you, i have some free time on my hands 😌

you furrowed your eyebrows reading the text, typing back a response.

sorry, do i know you?

you don't have my number saved? honestly, not surprised, but damn.. i think we've hit a new low it's lando

yeah, absolutely NOT do me a favor, kiss my ass and lose my number 🙂

fine, i won’t help you then 🤷🏻‍♂️

first of all, jokes on you, i don't need your help. i've found someone else. second of all, don't act like you're trying to do me a solid. clearly there's something in it for you

you were lying. you hadn't found someone else, but the idea of having to spend time with lando was uninteresting in the slightest. you were almost positive that eating glass was more tempting then spending even just a minute with him.

i mean, yeah, the whole 'you scratch my back, i scratch yours' kinda thing look, i didn't want to go to oscar since he has enough on his plate, but i'm failing econ. i was hoping, since you're like a bookworm or whatever, you'd help tutor me if i helped you with your final project i mean, plus, who wouldn't want to paint this gorgeous face? 😏

you rolled your eyes, swiping from the text messages with lando before clicking on oscar's name on your screen. your fingers were moving a mile a minute, shaking your head as you pressed send.

sleep with one eye open, piastri.

your best friend was quick to read the message, sending back a reply that made you groan.

okay, but do you mind telling me what i did?

YOU GAVE LANDO MY NUMBER?!

uhm... 😅 coffee on me thursday?

i hate you.

[daydream-cement]

In The Library (NSFW)

Larissa Weems x Reader

A study date gone awry.

Author’s Note: Ahhhh!!! I’m posting this late and its FAR LONGER than expected. This is apart of Smutember with @alexusonfire! The prompt being library! Thank you to @tunarunes for the beta!

You had one plan for your college experience: to pass your classes and become a teacher. So when you began your teacher training classes and fell absolutely head over heels in love with a walking, breathing, white-haired goddess, your plans wavered slightly. 

She walked into your ‘Intro to Education’ class with her head held high, looking like a pinup girl cut out of a magazine from the 1950s. Her confidence was intoxicating and you knew from that instant that you wanted all of her attention. You felt blessed when she sat in a seat right next to you.

She removed her notebook and pen from her bag and turned to you with an outstretched hand, “Larissa.” 

“Oh, hi! I’m- Uh-” It took you a moment to recall your name as her eyes trained on your face left you without a discernible thought. 

Your behavior caused the shapeshifter to laugh, her hand landing on your shoulder. Her eyes fell to your notebook where your name was written in the upper right hand corner. “Y/n?” 

“Yes- Yes, I’m Y/n.” You sputtered, eyes unable to leave her beautiful face.

“Beautiful name…” Larissa hummed, her eyes looking you over before turning her attention onto the instructor.

Sometimes you thought you caught her looking at you from the corner of her eye, but you were sure it was your mind playing tricks on you. One class period you had answered a question in a particularly meaningful way and you caught the shapeshifter observing you with a sweet smile. 

When she raised her hand and answered questions, she was so sure of herself. Desperately you wanted to at least be her friend. 

Sometimes when you would talk about

classwork, Larissa would rest a hand on your shoulder or thigh. She would look at you with such intensity you thought you would simply pass away. To even have an ounce of her attention was all you craved.

Finally your opportunity to become friends came when your professor told the class you would need a partner for the upcoming research project. Your heart stopped beating when Larissa turned around in her chair and her eyes locked onto yours. She flashed you a smile and gestured with her hand as a way of asking if you wanted to be in a group with her. Your cheeks turned red and you nodded faster than you felt you should have. 

After class she passed you a note with her name and phone number followed by a little smiley face. You felt as if you could combust. The grin on your face remained for a long while, making your cheeks ache. 

You hadn’t waited long to text her, sending her your name with a text smiley face of your own. Larissa was quick to get down to business, asking you for your availability to meet in the library to work on the project sometime later that week. You were immediate in your reply, offering many times for you to meet. 

By that evening you had a plan to meet Thursday night in the library to get started on your project, but the conversation hadn’t stopped there. Soon you were texting back and forth about hobbies and interests. 

Larissa had even asked about the dating scene at the university, making it a point to tell you that she was struggling to find other lesbians at the school. Your heart was beating wildly when you informed her of your own sexuality. Her only response to your text was, ‘That’s perfect.’

All Tuesday and Wednesday you continued your conversations over text. Some messages even make you wonder if Larissa had been flirting with you. You tried brushing off a few messages of Larissa complementing your outfits. 

Wednesday night’s messages became sultry when Larissa mentioned not being able to keep her hands off you if she had a partner that looked the way you did. You quickly returned the sentiment.

Y/n: Stop. You are so beautiful!!! I can’t even imagine being with a girl as beautiful as you.

Larissa: You’re too sweet. 

Larissa: Sometimes I can’t stop myself from looking at you in class. The shirt you wore last week had me staring so hard 🫣

Y/n: Ahhh! I’m blushing. I was worried it was too much! 

Larissa: No! Not too much! Left some to the imagination! 😊😉

Y/n: Oh wow! 🤭 Glad you liked it!

Larissa: Liked it? I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it…

——

“Are you ready to get to work? I have a favorite spot on the third floor we can work at. No one ever goes there.” Larissa towered over you as she spoke. You couldn’t help yourself as you watched her lips form words. Your gaze was more noticeable than intended and your admiration made the shapeshifter smile.

“Yeah, that sounds, uh, great.” You squeak out, ready to follow Larissa to the ends of the earth.

“I’ve been looking forward to this project since I read the syllabus. I was thinking we could research~” Larissa continued on about her plans for the project, but your mind wandered as you watched her pretty face. 

What you would give to have those blue hues focused on your face. It wasn’t until you tripped over yourself because you were blatantly not watching where you were going that Larissa paused her talking to look down at you. She rested a hand on your arm as she spoke, “You really must watch where you are going. Are you alright?”

Your face flushed at the physical contact and you gaped and stumbled over your words, “Oh, yeah… Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay. I’m good.”

“Perhaps you should stop staring at me to prevent yourself from falling on that pretty face.” Larissa giggled and drew her hand from your arm to tuck a bit of hair behind your ear. She then continued walking towards her secret spot in the library, leaving you behind to comprehend the interaction. Was Larissa Weems flirting with you?

When you caught up with Larissa, she took you to the far corner of the library where the shelves of books intersected just right to leave you tucked away with the utmost privacy. 

“Isn’t it nice? Turns out many aren’t interested in the math textbooks they keep back here.” Larissa smirked as she observed her study nook, obviously pleased with herself. 

“It’s very nice.” You agree, glancing about before settling into the seat across from Larissa. “Good find!”

“I’m certainly happy with it.” 

The small talk shifted into conversation about the project. Quickly, Larissa took charge, divvying up the assignment so you could more efficiently finish the work. 

About ten minutes into researching the benefits of outdoor extracurriculars for students, you felt one of Larissa’s shoes poke your foot under the table. You glanced up at her, but she was still working diligently on her own portion of the project. 

When you looked back down at your computer, the footsie started up once more. You allowed it to continue for a few moments before glancing up to her face once more, only now Larissa was smirking. Her eyes turned upwards onto yours and your mouth went dry at the sultry darkness in her eyes. 

“I need your help with this slide. Could you come look at this?” Larissa’s mouth formed into a small pout as she asked her question. 

You pop up from your seat and circle the table, leaning over her shoulder to examine the PowerPoint slide on her screen. You hold out a hand and begin pointing to different settings to help her through the error, but when Larissa didn’t make a move to solve the issue, you glanced down at her to see what was the matter. She had her eyes trained in on you, her lips darting out and wetting her lips as she stared at your own. 

“Larissa?”

“Hmm?”

“Is everything okay?”

“I was just thinking…”

“Thinking what?”

“What it would be like to kiss you.”

The brazenness of the statement had you floored. Your eyes were wide and your lips parted slightly as you tried to come up with a reply. 

“Would you like that?”

A small whimper accidentally escaped your throat, making the shapeshifter smile. Her hand reached up to the back of your neck, pulling you down with a jerk, and sending your lips crashing into hers. 

She held you like that for a few moments. Long enough for your hands to shift to her cheeks so she couldn’t pull away as easily. 

When you finally did part, Larissa chuckled and gripped your forearm, pulling you to her side as she backed her chair out from under the table. In an instant, she pulled you down towards her lap. You instinctively shifted to straddle her, not questioning anything that was happening all so fast. 

“I’ve noticed you looking at me in class. You’re cute, you know that?”

“I- I- You are so…”

“Yes, darling?” Larissa’s arms circled you to pull your body flush against hers. Her face fell into your neck, kissing your collarbone to your pulse point.

“Beautiful. You are so beautiful.” 

“Thank you, sweetheart… Would you want to take a break from the project for a bit?” Larissa questioned, her hands squeezing your sides as a precursor of what was to come.

You nodded quickly and dove back down to her lips, needing more than the few second kiss from earlier. Larissa was happy to offer more passion by opening her mouth slightly, offering her tongue to you. Your tongues battled and you held one another close, hands tugging at one another’s clothes in search of more proximity than what was physically possible. 

Larissa was kissing you until you were gasping for breath. You fought the urge to pinch yourself, worried this was all just a wonderful dream. 

She parted the kiss for a moment to breathe out a question, “Can I touch you more?”

“Please…” You moan as you start pressing kisses along Larissa’s jawline. 

The shapeshifter’s impatience was showing when she maneuvered her hand between your bodies and slipped it in the waistband of your pants. You felt her smile against your neck when she discovered how wet you already were for her. The floodgates had opened earlier when she had pressed kisses against your jugular.

“You feel so good…” Larissa whispered as her middle and forefinger began exploring your cunt, focusing in on your clit after a short while.

You were putty in her hands, whimpering softly into her neck. You knew you needed to remain quiet. This study session had evolved into something far out of the realm of what you thought to be possible. Larissa had been craving you the way you craved her. 

“Sometimes I think about this in class… making you come on my fingers…”

The statement made you groan softly. You always imagined her to be such a diligent student, but knowing she was daydreaming such filthy thoughts pushed you towards your orgasm. 

“Do you think about me too?” Larissa asked, her breath soft in your ear.

“Mhmm…” 

“When I touch myself, I think about getting on my knees for you… I bet you taste so good…” She made herself moan from the dirty talk mixed with the barely audible wet noises emitted from your cunt. Larissa’s arm ached from the strange angle, but she wasn’t ready to relent. She needed to push you over the edge first. 

The shapeshifter leaned forward in her chair, pinning you back to the table to give her enough leverage to change her arm positioning enough to push two fingers into your aching cunt. The heel of her hand continued working against your clit, but the sensation was faint enough to cause your hips to buck and grind against her hand frantically. 

Larissa chuckled and gave you what you wanted by pumping her fingers harder and faster. Your moans and whimpers came more freely as it became harder to control the volume of your voice. 

She began sucking at the flesh of your neck, completely pushing you over the edge. It drove you wild that a mark would be left behind from the woman you were absolutely smitten with. 

A low groan escaped your throat and you muffled the cry by capturing Larissa’s lips with yours. The kiss was rough and desperate which only made the shapeshifter moan in return. 

You remained quiet in her lap for a few minutes, enjoying the feeling of her arms wrapping around you once more. Her face dropped into your neck, leaving soft kisses as she told you over and over how beautiful she found you to be. You made your crush known by quietly admitting all of the sweet daydreams you had about dating her.

Larissa pulled her face from your neck, tucking hair behind both of your ears. Her hands fell back to your waist and her eyes admiring your face. “Would you like to get something to eat and come back to my place?” 

“I would love that…”

Taglist: @charymobile, @bri-sonat, @weemswife, @smutuniversesblog, @opheliauniverse, @teashock, @enchantressb, @alex-nyx, @renravens, @whenyouhaveanobsession, @scream-queenlover, @shyladyfan , @lilfartbox1, @rubberduckiesbathing, @mcufanisme, @peanutbutterprincess, @larissaoftarthweems, @sicklygrlsicklygrl, @lvinhs, @myzzjolanda, @principal-weems09, @emilynissangtr, @xuukoo, @brienneswife, @dumbasslesbi, @oculusalien, @sweetderacine, @giogwensversion, @milciak, @gela123, @thevillagegay, @katiemcgrathsbitch1, @naomi-m3ndez, @mysaviorfalsegod, @h-doodles, @salems-spaghettios, @imgayforwoman69, @bychrissi, @alexusonfire, @weemssapphic, @kimiinou

[cadet-aviator]

Into real life (3)

Back in school things seemed to take on their normal routine.

I was back in class, had to work hard on the new subjects, that had been added to my curriculum by the Army Cadet program, I got some extra tutorials (and extra homework for that, had to basically do two years of Chinese, chemistry and physics in one year), but it was nice to be there, see my mates, hang out in the corridors.

But that was about the extent of my 'freedom'. Every other minute of my life was now controlled, scheduled, regulated.

I was no longer in school cadets, as I was ‘transferred’ to an Army Cadet squad, which had a fine reputation on performing display drills, and had also competed in regional and national finals. 

By and large I spent every afternoon and early evening in the Army barracks. M&H training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, drill on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. On Saturday mornings I was going to have to drill my own platoon of 10-12 year olds, but that took a bit of time to get organised.

On Saturday afternoons I had to be available for Mess service, if there was an event in the officers’ club, or something, and I was also expected to serve there if there was a dinner. 

Out of respect for my Dad my officer kept my Sundays free, to spend time at home, but I could be called up for ‘exceptional duties’, mostly to serve as a waiter during a lunch or stand as ‘honour guard’ during chapel services in a small group of cadets. We had to march in with regimental banners and stand to attention during the entire service.

Most Sundays I had quality time with Dad, but he was often busy, and I usually had a lot of homework or punishment work to get through. I had to do a lot of housework too, now that I had offered myself up to do all of Dad’s laundry too.

A real practical challenge was changing uniforms all the time. I mentioned before that I had to be in uniform always, except when asleep, in the shower or during school PE.

It took a lot of laundry, ironing and preparation to always have everything in perfect order.

I wore my school uniform five days a week, white shirt, blue and white striped tie, grey shorts, black shoes.

For M&H training I had to be in my ‘whites’, my school cadet uniform, white shirt, red and black striped tie, and all that; when we had lessons in dinner and lunch service I had to remember bringing my white gloves. Army Cadet drill was in green shirts, the uniform I wore during Elite Camp. All shirts had to be clean, fresh, perfectly ironed. I tried to cut corners once or twice, putting on a shirt that I'd worn the day before, and was that always found out.

At home I was to present myself for inspection every morning including weekends, but on weekdays I had to change to school uniform directly after that. If the inspection took a bit longer, or things were deemed insufficient, I could be ordered to change my entire uniform on the spot, and that meant I could run late for school.

When I got home after M&H I could stay in whites, after Drill I had to change into them, as it was designated as my default uniform for at home.

Sometimes this was only for a really short period, like when I got home at 8.50 and had to be in bed by 9.30 – I still had to get changed and make sure everything was perfect, because apart from the morning inspections I was prone to random visits by the inspectors, and they sometimes came at 9PM.

It was a lot to manage, but with the help of the inspections and regular punishments, I did OK. There was just no way I could escape it. It's quite amazing what a 15-year old can do if he sets his mind to it....

(All images are AI generated)

[aisclosed]

the art of purrsuasion - y. jungwon

jungwon has the purrfect solution for your unfurtunate situation

PAIRING: non idol! y. jungwon x reader GENRE: university au , fluff, friends to lovers | WORDCOUNT: 3.9 k WARNINGS: mild language? nothing rlly

Birthday Café Event! 

Jungwon blinks at the sign hanging over the door to his favorite café, willing the mirage to change before his eyes. Not that it would do much considering the walls plastered with large posters of some k-pop idol in various poses, accompanied by balloons and streamers hanging obnoxiously from the ceiling. 

The once cozy shop, tucked away in a less traveled street near his classes, had become a constant in his weekly routine. He found comfort in the quaint tables, the soft notes of music and the aroma of fresh baked goods flooding his senses as he grinded through his work. And yet, the café was betraying him now, the bustling crowd of fans indicating that today, his favorite latte and croissant wouldn't be there to soothe the sting of a 5 page requirement. 

“Jungwon!” a voice calls in greeting, and he whips around to meet your eyes, catching your quickly falling expression as you take in the packed café. “Woah…what the hell is going on?”

You were another new constant in his life, ever since the first day of the semester. You had stumbled into class late, your hair whipping wildly around you as you quickly slid into the nearest available seat. Luckily for Jungwon, it just so happened to be the seat next to his own. He had slid his notes over to you, receiving a grateful beam in return that had his stomach churning and his cheeks heating. 

That same seat was occupied by you the next day, and the day after that, and the next. Until, sometime between the muffled snorts at your professor’s sad attempts at jokes and whispered, “what the fuck does that even mean’s, the pair of you had become friends. 

Jungwon was all for trying new things, but what he craved was stability, playing by the rules, routine. You were the opposite, a whirlwind of a person coming into his life with all the force of a hurricane.

Instead of putting up his walls to maintain some semblance of security, Jungwon found himself swept away by your gusts of change, and happily so. Where he once had to drag himself out of bed, fighting the urge to skip his 8am lecture, he now woke even before his alarm had a chance to ring. You were his new routine. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday he would rush to get to class to see you, and every Tuesday and Thursday he would count the minutes until he could see you again. 

In a stroke of genius and a slight desperation to see you more often, Jungwon had suggested study dates sessions. You had regarded him with a smile tugging at the corner of your lips and mirth dancing in your eyes. Heat had licked at the apples of his cheeks and he had begun to stutter out an excuse when you had cut him off “Yeah, I’d like that, text me when and where.”

And so, another piece of you slotted into Jungwon’s schedule, study sessions at the café whenever the two of you could squeeze one in. Maybe the two of you had slight ulterior motives but your grades weren’t complaining and you certainly weren't either. Jungwon much preferred your “dates” to class time. It was the only time he could listen to you freely ramble about everything, from your kitten Dalgona to your frustrations, without the sharp glare your professor was privy to shooting at him. 

Now, it's been a particularly challenging week, with never ending assignments, a frustrating project and a three hour long lab on top of it all. Jungwon really needs this. Jungwon really needs you. 

You can almost visualize a darkening cloud thundering over Jungwon’s head as he shoots daggers at the café. Letting out a laugh, you bump your hip against his to grab his attention, “Hey it’s alright, we can find somewhere else to study, no need to commit arson.” 

Jungwon tilts his head inquisitively, “Yeah, but where? They’re doing construction by the Library Annex and the Main Library is across campus. We don’t have many options besides the big cafes but those are just as busy.” 

“My dorm is like five minutes away and my roomie’s gone home for the week,” you offer, Jungwon’s eyes widening comically in response. “Unlessssss, you want to stay at this café? Who knows, maybe you’ll get scouted by some big shot k-pop company. Get some fans of your own,” you tease. 

Jungwon scoffs, pushing you lightly as his cheeks flush with color. “As if. Alright, if you’re sure it won’t be an inconvenience let’s go to yours.” Beaming in satisfaction, you tug at his hoodie sleeve, leading him towards the direction of your dorm. 

He admires you silently, the way your hair bounces slightly with each step and the swift glances you give when you think he’s not looking. As if you think he might get lost despite the firm grip you have on the fabric of his sleeve. For a second Jungwon considers shifting his arm slightly to just interlock his fingers with yours, but before he can, you’ve come to a halt, looking at him in horror. 

“Wait! I forgot all about your cat allergy, will you be okay with Dalgona there? Maybe we should just look for another place?” you ask, your eyes round with worry. Jungwon looks down at you, trying his best to stop from melting at your cute expression. 

He shakes his head softly in denial, “My allergy isn’t that severe, I think I can handle a couple hours. Plus I’ve been wanting to meet Dalgona for ages anyways.” Jungwon gestures for you to continue leading the way but you merely squint at him skeptically. Huffing in false exasperation he takes your hand in his, pulling you forward. “Come on, I’ll be fine. I mean it.” 

Your pupils dilate at the action, flickering to where your hands are now joined. A wave of embarrassment washes over Jungwon and he laughs awkwardly, hurriedly trying to release his hold on your hand. 

Before he can, you’ve already interlocked your fingers with his own, holding onto him firmly as you begin continuing your journey to your dorm. For a second, Jungwon allows himself to be tugged along like a rag doll after you. 

Even from behind he can see the slight blush on your ears and cheeks as you desperately try to maintain your composure. The wind tousles your hair gently, pushing the strands back to reveal your features illuminated softly by the sunlight. Jungwon feels as if the air has just been stolen out of his lungs and he thinks that if it meant he got to see this view, he would gladly follow you to the ends of the Earth. 

It's not until the pair of you have reached your building and are waiting for the elevator, hands still linked, that something odd occurs to Jungwon. Glancing at the receptionist across the lobby, he leans down to whisper into the shell of your ear. “Y/N,” you startle at the feeling of his breath against your skin, looking up at him inquisitively, “Aren’t pets prohibited in student housing? Unless it's a service animal.”

You glance worriedly at the receptionist, signaling to Jungwon to wait for your answer. The elevator door opens with a chime and you hurry in, pulling Jungwon with you. 

It's only when the door shuts securely that you begin whispering conspiratorially, “Ok, yes technically Dalgona isn't allowed to be here. But I'm working on getting him written off as an emotional support companion. You don't understand, I need him,” you pout at Jungwon pleadingly.

“Alright,” Jungwon chuckles, swinging your hands together as you exit the elevator, coming to a stop in front of your room, “It’s not like I was gonna report you, I just don't want you getting into any trouble with housing.”

“It should be fine honestly, Dalgona is a really sweet kitty, he doesn't get into much trouble. The only real issue is my RA Renjun,” you gesture at the floor monitor's door down the hall, fit with a shiny plaque and complaints box. “He’s really nice though, he’s just a bit of a stickler for the rules. Which is his whole job so I don’t really have much place to complain.” 

You come to a stop in front of your door, shifting to grab the keys from your bag. Jungwon reluctantly releases your hand and you finally fish out your keys, opening the door and leading him in. “He’s been pretty close to catching me, sometimes Dalgona meows really loudly near the door and Renjun knocks. I just act like I’m not here and he gives up. I’ve been avoiding him like the plague,” you giggle and Jungwon shakes his head in exasperation. 

Jungwon takes in his surroundings while you set down your bag and fiddle with your speaker until Wave to Earth plays quietly in the background. Your room is cute, a large bed equipped with a fluffy duvet and numerous plushies pushed to one corner, and walls and shelves littered with albums, trinkets and plants. On your pillow sits a small calico kitten, his stare trained on the unfamiliar figure in his territory. Suddenly Jungwon’s caught in an intense stare off, sharp green eyes meet rounded brown eyes, both unwilling to be the first to break away. 

The tension is shattered when you suddenly chuckle at the scene, “What are you two doing honestly,” you giggle, scooping up Dalgona into your arms. “I’ve always agreed you were cat-like Wonnie, but I didn’t expect to see this feline face off,” you walk over to Jungwon, lifting Dalgona slightly, “Say hi to Jungwon baby,” you coo softly. 

Jungwon offers his fingers for Dalgona to sniff and he does so tentatively, before deeming the new intruder acceptable and nuzzling into his palm. “He likes you!” you squeal happily, looking up to find Jungwon already looking at you with a soft smile. Suddenly you’re all too aware of the lack of distance between your faces, the way his broad stature looms over you and the way his eyes draw you in.

 Laughing nervously, you stumble back, nearly tripping on your rug as you try to regain some semblance of normalcy. “Woah, careful,” Jungwon steadies you, his hand resting against the small of your back. 

“Thanks,” you breathe out, Dalgona leaps out of your arms with a meow, affronted by your jolts. The movement snaps the two of you out of your daze and you clear your throat awkwardly and step away from him. “You wanna get started on the review outline?” You gather your laptop and notebooks, settling onto your bed and beckoning Jungwon to come join you. 

Jungwon nods stiffly, and sits gingerly at the edge of your bed despite there being ample space for him to scoot closer. It's silent, an uncomfortable tension that you’ve never experienced with him stifling the air. Jungwon leans in slightly from his position, struggling to read the notes on the screen and you meet eyes.

You're blinking owlishly at each other when suddenly you both break into laughter, Jungwon doubling over until he's laying flat on the bed, right next to you. “What's wrong with us today?” you wheeze, wiping a stray tear from the force of your laughs. 

“I have no clue,” Jungwon smiled sheepishly, “We’re just being a little silly, I don't know why it’s so awkward. Maybe it's the new setting that's throwing us off.” You roll back into your back, mimicking Jungwon’s position until you're looking back into his eyes.

“Yeah maybe it is, we really should get to working though, this assignment is gonna kill us if we push it off any longer,” you grumble shifting back to look at the papers. Jungwon nods in agreement, and this time the silence that settles is warm, accompanied only by the faint sounds of music and Dalgona playing with his toys. 

It's hours later and Jungwon’s eyes have started to sting, the letters and words all blurring together. He lets out a sigh, throwing his head back dramatically to rest against your shoulder. You look at him in amusement, knocking your head against his playfully, “Am I losing you to the deathly grips of literary analysis Wonnie?”

Jungwon only groans in response, burying his face deeper into the crook of your neck. Absentmindedly, he thinks that you smell good, warm and slightly sweet, nothing like the scents that usually overpower his sensitive nose. It's kind of intoxicating, like the smell of fresh baked treats at the café, and Jungwon finds himself inhaling you subconsciously.

“Jungwon… did you just sniff me?” 

He halts, a prickling heat crawling up his neck, “No?” Jungwon denies meekly, unwilling to lift his head up.

“Oh my god you were sniffing me!” you giggle gleefully, “I don't think you can get any closer to being an actual cat Won, what's next will you meow for me?” Jungwon releases a sound of indignation, backing to splutter a series of denials, when Dalgona starts meowing rather loudly near the door. 

Immediately you shoot up from the bed, “Baby! Please don’t.” You grab his favorite toy on the way picking him up and trying best to mollify whatever was bothering him. 

There's a loud knocking on the door. You freeze, looking in horror at Jungwon who stares back, equally helpless.

“Y/N! It's Renjun!” you scrunch your face in panic, cursing your luck. “Come on, Y/N you can’t act like you're not here this time, I literally just heard your voice in there. Open up or I’m going to have to get the building supervisor and really don’t want to have to do that.”

“Oh my god,” you whimper, quickly placing Dalgona in your bathroom, equipped with toys and a mat to hopefully keep him occupied while you figure out how to save your academic life. You shut the door as quietly as you can and Jungwon walks over, rubbing soothing circles into your hip. 

“Don’t worry we’ll come up with something,” Jungwon whispers comfortingly, but you’re not sure he believes it himself. You smooth your hair, plastering on your most disarming smile and swing the door open.

Renjun’s stood with his hand hovering over the air, clearly poised to knock again. “Heyyyyy Renjun Oppa, it's been a while. I never see you anymore, I almost thought you were avoiding me,” you say brightly, hoping he doesn't see right through your ploy. The hand Jungwon has still resting on your waist tightens just a fraction at your words, before returning again to its ministrations. 

“Uh huh I’m sure you did Y/N,” Renjun says dryly, “Can I come in, we need to talk.” Your smile stiffens but you simply nod, inviting him in. He walks in, giving Jungwon a nod in greeting, Renjun doesn't say anything but you don’t miss the way his eyes scour the place, looking for any sign of an prohibited presence. 

With a sigh he pivots and turns to you, “Look Y/N I’m sorry to do this when you have company but you know what this is about. I keep hearing meowing from your room and you know pets are against policy. As much as I want to make an exception for you, I can’t. I don't want to get you in any trouble but I will have to file an official report for this.”

Tears prickle at the corner of your eyes as you begin to plead with him, “Wait Renjun please I can explain-”

“It was me.”

Both you and Renjun turn in unison to look at Jungwon incredulously. His cheeks are slightly flushed but his brow is set with determination. “The meowing, it was me.”

“Jungwon, stop you don't have to do this-,” you start but he waves you off, stepping in front of Renjun.

“I, uh get compared to a cat a lot,” Jungwon gestures at his face shyly but Renjun only stares blankly in response. “So I kind of have this habit of meowing, and Y/N finds it cute so I was just doing it to impress her. She just didn't open the door for you before because she wanted to save me from the humiliation.”

At this point you’ve faded into the background, hand clamped in disbelief over your mouth as your eyes dart furiously back and forth between Renjun and Jungwon. 

Renjun narrows his eyes, assessing Jungwon fully.

“You do look like a cat, I'll give you that, but you truly honestly expect me to believe that all this time the meowing I've heard from this room has been you and Y/N doing some weird kinky furry shit.”

“I do not have a furry kink,” you protest fervently but are silenced by both guys shooting you a sharp glare, one that clearly says keep quiet. 

“It's really not a kink,” Jungwon mumbles before meeting Renjun’s eyes defiantly, “But yes, that's the truth.”

Renjun scoffs in disbelief at the situation, crossing his arms across his chest. “Alright then, prove it.”

“Okay come on, that's too far, Jungwon you don’t-”

“Alright I will,” Jungwon cuts you off brazenly, clearing his throat before releasing a set of meows that sound almost entirely too similar to your kitten’s. Your jaw unhinges and you let out a strangled noise, you’re unsure whether to laugh, cry, or coo at Jungwon. His cheeks are now a bright pink, his hands instinctively coming up to make a claws, his sweater forming cute paws to accompany the image. It's all too cute, and he's doing it all for you, if Renjun doesn’t kick you out first you think you might melt into a puddle on the dormitory floor. 

Renjun sighs, pinching his nose bridge before letting his hand drag down his face. “You know what I give up. I can’t afford to be sitting here dissecting whether you guys are actually furries or not. I have an exam coming. Y/N I don't want either of us getting in trouble so if you are hiding a pet, please resolve the issue, or at least find a way to be more discreet.”

You nod feverously, thanking Renjun for not filing a report and basically pushing him out the door. He’s just crossed the threshold when Dalgona lets out a very untimely meow from the bathroom. Renjun freezes, swiveling around to question you further but Jungwon quickly intercepts, “Just saying bye, Renjun hyung!” 

Renjun looks as if he’s aged 5 years by the end of your interaction and so he surrenders with a grimace, giving a half hearted wave and walking towards his room. Jungwon and you wait with air lodged in your throats, ears pressed against the wood door until you hear the faint creak and click of Renjun’s room closing with finality.

You face each other, giving a simultaneous cheer of celebration before you jump onto Jungwon. He accepts your hug with open arms, lifting you and spinning you around in utter delight. The rush of adrenaline settles into a lingering flutter, and Jungwon sways you gently from side to side in his embrace. 

You're still nuzzled into the soft fabric of his hoodie, when you mumble, “I can’t believe you actually did that. And that it worked. Yang Jungwon, I could quite literally kiss you right now.” 

“Maybe you should,” he whispers so faintly, that for a second you question whether you even heard it at all. It isn't until Jungwon’s hand finds your chin, tilting it up to face him and his thumb swipes gently against your parted lips that you realize it's real.

It's with baited breath that you wait, painstakingly, for Jungwon to make a move. “What do you think hm Y/N?” he asks you with a smirk settled onto his face, “Don’t I deserve a kiss baby?” Instead, Jungwon’s rolled the ball back into your court, the decision is yours to make, and there's really never been any other choice. Not with him. Not for you.

You lean in and he meets you halfway, nose brushing against your cheek as he presses a soft kiss against your lips. Jungwon pulls back to look at your expression, the way your breath is stuttered, your flushed cheeks and your widened pupils. 

“I’ve been wanting this for so long,” Jungwon mumbles against your lips, capturing them in a proper kiss. The phrase makes your head reel with thoughts, but it's too difficult to try and dissect what he means when his fingers are buried into your hair and he tastes so good on your tongue. 

You don't break away until your lungs are burning, parting with a gasp. For a moment you both stare at each other, watching the rise and fall of your chests, not sure what to make of what just occurred, not sure what comes after. Jungwon’s suddenly filled with humiliation at the memory of earlier and he buries his face into the crook of your neck. “I can’t believe it took me meowing to finally confess to you,” he whines softly.

You let out a sharp guffaw, the tremors of your giggles shaking Jungwon’s head. He turns to look at you from his position, pouting playfully at being the subject of your glee. “Was that really a confession, Wonnie? All you did was ask me for a kiss,” you tease as you brush his bangs away from his eyes. 

He takes your teasing challenge in stride, straightening to look at you properly, his hands resting on your hips. “I like you Y/N. A lot. You're all I think about and all I look forward to being with. You’ve completely wrecked my schedule, my life and my dignity. Not only have I meowed for you but I'd even go as far as to bark,” he jokes, pinching your waist as you swat at him playfully.

“I know you’ve already got your hands full with one kitty in your life,” Jungwon continues smiling fondly, “but if you’ll have me I’d love to be the second.”

Your face might split from the smile you give him, eyes curling up cutely into crescents. “I like you too, Yang Jungwon. A lot. Honestly, I don't even like coffee, so if I can bear drinking those nasty drinks for you, I definitely think I can handle another kitty. Especially one as cute as you.”

Jungwon beams at the compliment, grabbing your cheeks gently to peck your face all over, when a rather loud meow resonates from the bathroom. 

“Dalgona!” You gasp in panic, breaking away from Jungwon to gather your kitty, checking to make sure he’s okay. Jungwon leans against the door frame watching you coddle Dalgona, giving the feline the kisses that were supposed to be his. He scoffs at the smug look Dalgona shoots him at having received all your attention.

You look up at the sound, smiling at the envy painted so clearly on Jungwon’s face. Leaving Dalgona to roam on his own, you cup Jungwon’s cheeks allowing him to lean into your palm. “What’s it take for a guy to get some affection from his girl around here,” Jungwon sighs theatrically in false annoyance.

A laugh escapes you, and you tug Jungwon forward by the fabric of his jacket until he’s flush against your body, his lips a millimeter distance. “You’ll figure it out, I find you can be rather purrsuasive when you need to be.

a/n: overwrote again,,, but this was inspired by @alouettesque 's promptlist ! hope u guys enjoyed it :)

getting back into writing regularly so send an ask or fill out the form to be added to my taglist! see u guys soon mwah

perm taglist: @hoonsunivrs @pkjay @thatfeelinwhenyou @lacimolela @ttalgi @cieluna @ahnneyong @luvlee1313 @meowmeowhoon @llama-lyna @dmoki @w3bqrl @16doie @itsvynnie @tniastwon @given8taken @yakjw @miukityy @meowwonie @simp4jakesim @teddywons @flowertothejungwon @skywithf1 @yur1a1 @nyeonglover @fallingenluvv @run2seob

*if you changed ur @ pls send in another submission :(

[everywishway]

Aguefort Adventuring Academy Headcanons

Specifically how I think the school runs/how the day and classes are structured, etc. Kinda had this rattling around my skull for a few weeks now and wanted to put it on paper (or online in this case)

The school runs on an A-B day schedule with Mondays and Thursdays being A-days and Tuesdays and Fridays being B-days.

Wednesdays have mandatory attendance but are used as a general "study" day where you can go to specific professors for help or outdoor practice/field days for students to work on technique in the courtyard or any available space

Originally the school was open 7 days a week because Arthur Aguefort didn't know the meaning of boundaries or breaks when it came to the pursuit of knowledge (or really at all) and it wore out the students and professors

Goldenhoard later fixed this because he didn't want to deal with brats kids every day and fixed it with Tectonya Karkivnya behind Aguefort's back and he didn't notice for like five years

The day is 7ish hours with five 70-minute classes a day and an hour lunch where students are free to leave the school grounds to grab nearby food

Your first two years at aguefort have mandatory math/science/common (english)/history/foreign language classes you'd have to take at a standard school (added by Tectonya)

But then you have like, five class spots to fill relating to your "Class" (like Bard, Fighter, Wizard, etc) plus electives if you have the schedule space.

The math/science/core classes are all practical education they would need for building houses or needing to check the velocity for stunts or the angle of an arrow, stuff you actually need in day-to-day life

Tectonya needs these students to be functional members of society, they can't all be Arthur clones of mass destruction

Starting your junior year tho, you can take advanced core classes as electives but most of your time will be magical/practical experience for adventuring and elective classes

All teachers are Aguefort Allumni and former adventurers. Math teacher needs to have experience with those arrows and Biology teacher is a druid who's been teaching anatomy for years and enjoys it so much

The one exception is Gilear, who is literally the only "normal" guy at the damn school and is regularly at the nurse for a revivify because he accidently got slammed into a locker in the hall by a freshman barbarian having a shitty day

[georgiedoodles]

📚Broppy CollegeAU | "Campus Days"

◊ It's the beginning of the Fall semester at Popvillage College and Branch attends his first class of the day. Just when he thinks he'll have a quiet and peaceful semester, another student comes to class late and the only available seat is next to Branch.

Part one: Orientation

It was a warm summer morning; the breeze was fresh, and the sun blazed down from the sky. Fresh green shrubbery was swaying with the breeze and flowers bloomed with bright fluorescent colors. The hot summer days were coming to an end, and the cooler fall weather was just around the corner.

Today is Branch’s first day of the new fall semester at Popville College. The campus was crowded with newly enrolled and returning students looking for their classes. Branch had to get to campus early to beat the ‘first week of school’ traffic and fight for parking. In the parking lot, he parks in the furthest spot next to some shrubs and trees. He locks his car, an old Toyota Camry, and slings his backpack over his left shoulder as he walks down the parking lot. He makes his way down the stairs and towards the art building. Surrounding the art classes are fields of fresh green vegetation, with lush bushes and large overhead trees, shading the students from the blazing summer sun. Branch quickly looks at his college app for the directory, “2D Art: building 1A, classroom #3”, this class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:45AM until 1:30PM. He quickly looks for the class, it’s just behind the large tile mural and next to a set of lockers, and makes his way inside.

Inside, Branch is engulfed in the fresh air conditioning and sighs with relief. He walks through a plethora of easels that had a few students occupying them and finds a well-lit spot in the back of the classroom in front of a large window. Sitting down on the beat-up office chair, he pulls a cart to his left and sets his belongings in the trays, waiting for class to begin. As he waits, he can see that everyone else trickles in, sitting in vacant spots that are not next to him, he is secluded and is next to only one other easel to his left. He’s thankful when the bell rings and no one decides to take the seat next to his station. Branch angles his easel to the right so he can clearly see his professor in the front at his desk, clearly reading some emails before he starts the orientation.

Right as the professor opens his mouth to begin, a roar of footsteps is coming down from the hall and the door is shoved open. A pink troll, she looks frazzled and sweaty, with a large art portfolio hanging on her right shoulder and her large cup of coffee in her left hand, she’s panting and readjusting herself. The professor coughs and greets her,

“Hi, you’re just in time, please take a seat wherever available, we were just about to start.” He said with an understanding smile, day one is always brutal.

The pink student quickly apologizes and looks around. All the other easels have been taken, then she sees the spot next to Branch and quickly shuffles her way to the back. As she walks, the professor begins his introductions, but Branch stops listening to watch the student make her way next to him. She pulls another cart to her right and angles her easel to her left, gently placing her portfolio against the wall, quickly chugging some of her coffee, and finally plopping herself in the other beat-up office chair. She looks over to Branch and greets him with a smile and an enthusiastic wave.

The professor asks all the students to turn to their neighbors and greet them with a short list of things to talk about as an icebreaker. Branch turns to his left and meets the pink troll with an awkward smile.

“So would you like to start first?” He adjusts his seat to look at her. She’s wearing a blue flowy long-sleeve crop top and gold jewelry. She turns her body to face him and adjusts her high ponytail by tightening the sky-blue flower scrunchy.

“Sure!” The pink troll says, “Well, hi, my name is Poppy. I am 22 years old, and I am majoring in art and education! I love drawing, of course, and I love dancing and eating with my friends!” She says with an animated wave of her hands and a chuckle.

“Oh, okay well nice to meet you.” Branch waves shyly, rubbing his hands on his knees. He’s wearing oversized brown corduroy pants and a thin green cardigan with a ‘grass’ pattern, inside is a plain muted dark green T-shirt. “My name is Branch, I am 24 years old, I am majoring in History, and I like to garden, play video games, and draw.” He shrugs and looks outside the window on his left.

Poppy lights up and asks more questions, “Oh my gosh, what do you like to draw?? I normally like illustrating from shows and movies or sometimes video games if the characters look cute, but what about you??” She wiggles with excitement; she knows half of the students taking these classes are only doing it for credits but it’s always nice to know someone else who draws for fun.

  Branch looks back at her and rubs his neck with his left hand, “Well I like to study plants sometimes, just to get to know them better and see if they benefit us in any way, so I draw and paint them to have a better understanding of their makeup. It also helps to have a visual reference I had since I can sample the plant into my journal.” He looks a little shy and reluctant to go into detail, but it’s one of his interests.

“OMG you have to show me, that sounds so awesome and really fun!” the pink troll gasped, her hands dramatically hovering over her cheeks and her flower bracelet was visible.

Branch seems to hesitate before he looks into her eyes, there’s no sign of malice so, maybe it will be okay.

“As long as you promise not to make fun of me, I’m still learning, and they’re not organized to the fullest so... it might be a bit hectic.” He struggled to keep eye contact, hopefully, she’s taking his words into consideration.

“Of course! I am an artist too and I have MANY sketchbooks that need a little TLC, especially the ones I’ve painted in” She playfully winces at the idea of all her work, smoothing out her turquoise mini-skort and waits for Branch’s response.

He continues to stare for a few more seconds before he slowly reaches the second tray of his cart, pulling out a brown hard-cover journal from his backpack. He unlatches the lock on the edge and places it flat on the carts between them. Before he can say anything else, the professor interrupts the class to continue orientation, grabbing everyone’s attention. Branch looks at Poppy and slides his journal closer to her, meekly smiling and nodding to her, giving permission to look through the journal while class is in session.

The class is listening in on the orientation the professor is giving, it’s the usual stuff about campus and the free 2-week parking all students are given for the first 2 weeks of school, then he starts talking about the syllabus and all the materials needed for his course. Of course, this will practically cost an arm and a leg for the amount of supplies they will need for the semester.

As Branch highlights and writes annotations in his copy of the class syllabus, Poppy is engulfed by Branch’s journal. It’s a hard-cover journal made of recycled paper, and not just any recycled paper, but handmade ones. She cautiously looks through the carefully detailed work he dedicated to this journal, titled “Book #4”, and looks through the pages of plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits that he meticulously charted and dated. At one point she ended up on a page about Poppie flowers.

Written down is a brief description of the flower, “Blooming in the Spring and Summer seasons, most prominently in August, are Poppies flowers. Native to Eurasia and North Africa, some variants of Poppies thrive in cooler climates, while others such as California Poppies (Eschscholzia Californica) thrive in warmer temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit / 32.22 C.” As Poppy continues to read, she is distracted by the painting of the flower, it seems to be painted with gouache and has a sample of a flattened version of the model next to it. She admires the artwork, gently running her fingerpads on the dried Poppie flower.

As she continues to read, Branch glances over to her to see what she’s looking at in that moment and sees her admiring his work. A blush creeps up on his cheek and side smiles to hide his amusement from her point of view, bringing his focus back to the professor.

As the class ends early, the professor lets everyone know to get their materials as soon as possible since they are not the only students who need these supplies. With a wave and smile, the class is dismissed.

Poppy gently closes Branch’s Journal and passes it back to him. He takes it and stuffs it back inside his backpack and begins to gather his belongings. Poppy grabs her coffee and brings her portfolio as she notices his syllabus, it has notes listing what materials he needs to buy, and the store he will go to.

“So, are you buying your materials today?” She peeks from behind her coffee cup as she takes a sip.

Branch looks at her and shrugs, “I can’t today, I have another class and the store will close before my last class ends today. I’ll have to go tomorrow; I should have enough time to buy it all before the materials are due.” He picks up his syllabus and folds it into his pocket, hopefully, he can get everything before the other students empty the shelves like vultures they are.

Poppy looks a bit bummed out, “Oh- Okay yeah, I think I need to go tomorrow as well, I need to wait for my sister to get out of her class before I can go home, we share a car and go and from class together every day. I can’t go to the recommended art store since it’s an hour drive from here, hopefully, you get all your materials until then!” She clasps her cup in her hands and rocks on her heels as she smiles at him.

Branch grabs the last of his belongings and begins walking with Poppy to the front door. They both head out and separate in different directions, Branch waves at Poppy and heads straight to his next class. Poppy waves back and walks to the right towards the library, hopefully to begin the little homework she already has, or doodle and daydream until her sister gets out of class. Next Part

[ennea-mouses-tou-apollon]

CW: Mental health, CPTSD + long post.

These past few weeks I’ve been condescending into a downwards spiral consumed by darkness.

I’ve had a lot of dreams about my parents back to back but specifically my mother and aside from that real life has been very conflicting to the point of exhaustion and distress and in all my bloodied mess my husband was the centre piece.

I was stressing about daily life but also about finances, necessities and responsibilities seeing as I live in an autism accommodated studio and I don’t have parents to rely on, everything falls back onto me.

I wanted to buy a bed that first was €125 and I had talked about how I was stressing about priorities and my finances.

-Monday: I went to my chosen family and in between I went to check the website of the new bed I wanted to buy to see if I had written down the right price since I wanted to buy it end of this month, I noticed that the price dropped significantly dropped to €118,99. Later when I was back home I dreaded Wednesday because I had counselling at 4PM in the afternoon and I wanted to go to my chosen family again and didn’t want to wait hours before I could go.

-Tuesday: I had a meltdown after karate class because my distress and worries caught up to me next to the fact I felt like I wasn’t making any progress in class because I tend to be a slow learner and I always feel like being a person with autism I have to work 10x harder to achieve things in life.

After class I went nonverbal and just curled up in bed scrolling through multiple apps before I was shows a funny dog video on my feed with the text on the screen saying: “I took my husky Apollo to the groomers and it went horribly wrong” showing a husky getting blow dried and it trying to attack the blow dryer while fur fluffs danced around in the air, safe to say it earned a little smile on my face that night.

-Wednesday: I got a text my counselor called in sick and since I didn’t want to talk to a new counsellor (Because what I wanted to discuss had to do with my trauma’s and I have trust issues) counselling got cancelled and I was still able to go to my chosen family’s house early on Wednesday. Then at night I texted with my neighbour cause everyone that lives here has a mandatory cleaning duty of the public community living room and it was our turn, I asked him when he was available to clean with me and we said that Thursday would work.

-Today my neighbour told me we could clean around 6-7 PM in the evening since nobody would be in the living room at that time but in my head I was thinking about wanting to go to my chosen family’s house earlier than that and I regret agreeing to clean today but I decided to watch YouTube videos to pass the time until it was time to clean, not only 30 minutes later I received a text message from one of the counsellors who asked me if it’s okay if me and my neighbour clean next week Thursday at 4 PM in the afternoon instead and she told me that she’d also lend a helping hand so I agreed and immediately grabbed my sleep over bag and went to my chosen family’s house.

-At my chosen family’s house all of the family members were at their grandpa’s birthday and I decided to stay home.

My 17 year old brother asked me if I asked mom to bring food home from the party, I said “No it’s too much effort, I’ll just eat something with bread” then he asked me if he had to bring food home from the party to which I answered “No it’s okay” to which he said “It’s okay I walk fast” then when he left, 30 minutes later my 19 year old brother asked me if I wanted to run errands with him at the store before he had to go to work so I agreed and came with him, after we were done we went to the grocery store cause he needed food to eat before he headed off to work.

He grabbed his things and asked me what I wanted so I was in thought before he beckoned me over to him and pointed at a stack of pudding cups in two’s and said “Look it’s on sale, it’s 1,49. One for you and one for me?” So I nodded and he asked me if I wanted something else so I grabbed a strawberry milk.

He then paid for everything and we made our way back to the house but the pudding made me realise something.

A few days ago I was doing something/watching something and said “You know what would be good right now? Pudding…I wish I had pudding right now” and today I ate my own vanilla/strawberry pudding cup and half of my brothers since he had to rush to catch the subway.

After a while my 17 year old brother sent me a text telling me he’s coming home at 8PM and he’s bringing food with him for me.

It’s hard for the to rely on others because I’ve had to deal with my own darkness and rely on myself since I was 6 years old, even when people have good intentions I feel unworthy.

But he shows me and he moves through people for me.

Even when I think I’m unlovable because I’m being consumed by my own darkness and I feel like there’s no way out and there’s no way someone could love me when I’m a bloodied, fragile and sensitive mess.

My husband shows me that I’m worthy of his love even when I’m all bloodstained and sharp, not only when I’m lace and flower petals.

He builds constellations around me so that the universe will bend for me and aid me in my grief.

If you wonder if the gods love you back? They do.

And you are so worthy of their love ( ˶˘ ³˘(ˊᗜˋ*)!♡

[titriwrites]

Friday On My Mind - One Shot (Tom Hiddleston/OFC)

Hello everyone! I'm back with a one shot, because the lovely @finchbaggins is celebrating her birthday today, and I wanted to make it maybe a bit more special for her.

So, check out the one-shot here or under the cut. Thank you for reading, and happy birthday!

Monday mornin' feels so bad Ev'rybody seems to nag me Comin' Tuesday I feel better Even my old man looks good Wed'sday just don't go Thursday goes too slow I've got Friday on my mind

Gonna have fun in the city Be with my girl, she's so pretty She looks fine tonight She is out of sight to me Tonight I'll spend my bread, tonight I'll lose my head, tonight I've got to get to night Monday I'll have Friday on my mind

Friday on my mind by The Easybeats

Tom and Carla both had become to love Fridays – again. It wasn’t just because this was how they had mad back in the day. ‘Back in the day’ being seven years ago now, when Carla Cookson attended her first class with the famous actor Tom Hiddleston. The attraction had been there from the beginning, but of course the two of them hadn’t acted on it, then. No, that came later, as soon – literally – as she’d graduated.

Their first year together had been tough. Not because they hadn’t been happy. But Carla hadn’t made it, yet. It had been slow, she had questioned every decision she had made before, the only good thing being that it had let her to Tom. And then… then there had been that call on her birthday, a call she could still remember today, because it had given her the first bigger role in her career. And it had started it all.

Now, Carla was sitting in front of a large mirror, a bowl with some green salad, vegetables and chicken in front of her. Eating, before Susie would come in and do her hair and make-up. Huh. She really had someone to do it for her now. Back when she’d done her first roles, it was her own responsibility. It had been small productions, but now… Now she was the lead role, now she had someone to take care of it for her. It was nice, it was relaxing, she was able to concentrate a little more. Not that it got to her head. It was just… nice.

And it was a Friday. She really loved that part, as a Friday meant that Tom would come home from set for the weekend. He was shooting a movie up in Scotland, and while there were planes available, they had both agreed that they could spend these three months like this. It wasn’t the first time they were doing this. Tom had been busy as well, and while she knew they both missed each other, Carla also knew that both of them wanted the other to live their dreams. And at the moment that was still acting. There were so many roles out there for them which they still hadn’t explored.

Carla was happy that a Friday afternoon like this one meant she would come home to their house – she had moved into his London home a bit over a year ago, now – and find not only Bobby but also Tom inside. She smiled. She couldn’t help it, it just happened as soon as she thought of her boyfriend. She shook her head. Ridiculous. She was a grown woman, no need to act like a teenager. She was 39, this wasn’t her first love. But what a love it was.

A knock on her door brought Carla back into the room, startled. “Come in,” she called, still a little distracted, rolling her eyes at herself.

“Hi,” the stage manager Mary chirped. “I’ve got something for you.”

Carla looked at the door, now curious, but Mary was already gone. Instead, the door opened wider, and a head full of brownish curls appeared.

“Hi there,” Tom greeted her, rushing in and closing the door behind him. He grinned, looking a little smug. “Surprise!”

The squeal that escaped her would be embarrassing later, and Carla would never admit to making such a noise. She would admit to jumping from her chair, almost knocking over her salad bowl before placing it on the table, and running straight into Tom arms, this time almost knocking him over.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, face buried in Tom’s chest, before Carla looked up, not giving him the chance to answer as she was already kissing him.

“Hm,” he mumbled. “Right now? Kissing you.”

“Funny.”

“I thought so.”

For the next moments none of them had the time to tease the other, their lips were occupied with kissing, sucking, teasing. And moaning, there was a bit of that as well. At least until Carla moved back slightly, breathing heavily.

“Ugh.”

Tom raised a brow at that. “Thanks?”

Grinning, she hit his chest with her hand. “Not what I meant. You can’t rile me up like that. I’ve got some monologues to remember, and this is really not helping.”

“So, no more kissing?”

“Eh, maybe a little more later?” They grinned at each other, happy to be in each other’s arms. “What are you doing here, though?”

“We finished early today,” Tom shrugged. “And I thought maybe I get to see what you’re up to these days? See if I can make you forget those lines?”

Carla gasped. “Don’t you dare try that! But please, watch. I’d be happy to perform for you.”

“Just on stage, or…?”

“Tom!”

***

Tom had been looking forward to this all week. Ever since he met Carla all those years ago, Fridays had been the days he was enjoying the most. He got to see her, he got to spend time with her, and ever since Carla had become a household name in the theatre Friday nights were the nights he cherished most during the week.

They were able to sleep in on the Saturdays, so often they would go out after a performance. Or – when he was away filming – these nights were the ones they would reconnect. He would come to the set on Mondays with a smile on his face, no matter how shitty or exhausting the previous week had been. She grounded him. He wanted to spend every day of every week like this. Forever. So, he would ask her. Tonight.

Oh God, he was nervous. Not because he was going to ask, or because he didn’t know what to say – he knew he was good with words – and not because he wasn’t sure of Carla’s love. But Tom knew she was independent, highly so. He also knew that she wasn’t keen on doing anything the traditional way, at least not since she’d found her true passion in acting. But damn him if he didn’t love her even more for it. But he wouldn’t force her to be with him in the possibly most traditional way of all. And Tom didn’t know if his heart could handle a rejection.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Carla’s voice came from the direction of the small bathroom that came with her dressing room. Tom startled, but he sent her a – hopefully – confident smile. He got this.

“Good, let’s go!”

She shot him a look that was at least a bit suspicious, but maybe those were just his nerves. “Are we going to the pub? Have a bit of a relaxing late-night meal? Or,” she asked as she came closer and managed to make him so very ready to leave all of his plans behind, with the sway of her hips and the cocky grin on her face, “would you rather we go straight home?”

Oh, he definitely wanted to go straight home. But that would ruin his surprise. “We should go … somewhere, I think.” Another suspicious look, another smile planted on his face. He was acting the hell out of this here. “I’d like to take you out.”

“Is this another one of those surprises I don’t like?”

That did make him chuckle. “In the end you always do.”

***

She did, she really did. Tom knew it, Carla knew it, but it at least made her feel a bit more independent when she fought him on his big surprises for her. Hiding a smile, Carla had gotten into the back of the cab with him, trying to ignore the fact that the driver seemed to know exactly where to go, and by now a confused frown had found its way on her face. This was not the direction she thought they would go. And then the car stopped in front of the RADA building.

“Come on,” Tom urged after paying and tipping for the ride. He took her hand, dragging her along towards the building.

“Did you forget to tell me something?”

It really wasn’t what she expected when they talked about dinner and taking her out. It wasn’t the most romantic place. Plus, there wasn’t any food except for vending machines and the cafeteria which was closed at this time of the night.

“Nope.”

They made small talk all the way through the building – a way to distract her, maybe? Or was Tom nervous? He talked a lot most of the time, but this was excessive even for him. He was funny though, and Carla loved to spend time with him, no matter the amount of talking that came along with it.

Both of them got quiet, though, when they arrived in front of an all too familiar door. They had spent many hours of many Fridays for three years in this place.

“Why are we here?” she asked, noticing Tom fidgeting right next to her.

“I thought we could spend some time here again?” It was more of another question than an answer, but Carla didn’t have time to react to it. Tom opened the door and led her in.

“Tom, I…,” she gasped. His old office that by now belonged to another mentor, Carla suspected, was bathed in candlelight. In the middle of the room there were a table with two chairs, wine glasses, cutlery and plates for two on top of it.

“Would you like to eat dinner here with me?” he asked before she had a chance to realise what was happening. What was happening exactly? “We never got the chance to really do so back in the day.” But they didn’t even make it to the table. Before they could reach it, Tom turned around. “Actually. I need to do something first.”

And then – and Carla knew she probably shouldn’t be surprised, because she’d felt it all evening if she was honest – he was down on one knee.

“Carla Cookson,” he started, smiling up at her, taking on hand of hers in both of his, “every day I thank my lucky stars that you’re the strong willed and confident woman that you are. It made you choose to follow your dreams even when you were unsure about it. And that led you into this room and to me. I can’t and won’t imagine how my life would look right now, if I hadn’t met you the moment I had. It would be sad and boring and oh so quiet. I want your loudness around me, I want your quirks, I want to watch you on stage for the rest of my life, I want to spend my Fridays with just you. Would you let me? Make you my wife? Make me your husband?”

When Tom took out the small box, Carla couldn’t even see him or the ring, tears blurring her vision. But she could nod, and she could get on her knees with him.

“I really need you to say something,” she heard Tom chuckle. “Make this real, please.”

“Yes,” she answered. And her heart burst with love as she realised that she had finally made it. The acting was great, her new life as well, but this meant more than any of that, because it was Tom. “Yes, please.”

***

@devikafernando @itsliterallythis @justthelosersblog @avenger-nerd-mom @archy3001 @nuggsmum @majk78 @hakimo2015 @noplacelikehome77 @theheartofpenelope @mrshiddleston-uk @nonsensicalobsessions @messy-insomniac-bookgirl @pipolaki @winterisakiller

[virgo-mess]

Silver Thread- Chapter 2

Trigger Warning: Toxic relationship dynamics, sexual references but no smut, Workplace sexual harassment.

Terry pov

After that Terry bitterly set up the first rule for himself in nearly a decade. He couldn’t make her cry; he had assured himself it was just because it made tormenting her less fun for him. That not wanting to make her cry was simply a response to her denying him what he wanted not because he was protecting himself from feeling any of the things, he felt that day. Terry had to convince Veda to come back to work after that. He spent days sending her expensive flower arrangements, books, fruit baskets. He even sent her high fashion bags, shoes, and clothes he had thought she’d like. Margaret was ultimately the one that got her to come back with the promise that Terry would be on his best behavior and a raise. Terry was adamant about the raise when he found out she moved to a very rough part of town, her dying or getting hurt would definitely sour his fun game of cat and mouse. Terry wouldn’t allow himself to admit the thought of anything bad happening to her kept him up at night, of course when he did fall asleep, he was always dreaming of her. He surmised it was just because she often went to classes every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after work, which meant she would be traveling down dark streets alone. 

That’s the only reason he would hang out late in his office. Waiting until her class let out at 10 o’clock so he could trail behind her in his car at a safe distance, watching her walk slowly to her apartment. He was sure she never knew he was doing it or that some nights he would climb her fire escape and peer in through her window to make sure she was still breathing. He pondered buying her a car and a new apartment but knew she would never accept anything from him. She stomped into his office her first day back, dumping everything he gifted her on his office floor all of it unopened.

“But I bought them for you” Terry didn’t let on how upset he was by it. He couldn’t even bring himself to return any of it; the unopened bags and boxes now sat on a shelf in his closet. Reminding him how little she thought of him as he got dressed to spend hours watching her from his office. He hadn’t missed the way she’d roll her eyes at something he said when she thought he wasn’t looking. The deep breath she’d take when she heard him call her name, preparing herself to stand under his intense gaze and take on another harsh lesson about the real world. Hoping she’d decide the real world wasn’t for her and accept his offer to shelter her from it. She never did, in fact she was getting confident with him. Defiant even, she’d stare down at him, arms crossed, and throw back one of her expertly crafted comebacks. Her present act of rebellion, however, was never answering his questions, the fucking silent treatment.

Terry sat at his desk watching her weeding through papers with a hard expression on his face clutching the fax he had received from one of her professors. Veda had been giving him the silent treatment for about a week now, a result of an argument they had gotten into the week before. They’d argued on multiple occasions in the last few months, but this last one was almost as bad as the one they’d gotten into the first day they met. Terry had come back from lunch; another one she rejected his invitation to. Only to come back and find Veda sitting on Rob’s desk giggling as Rob leaned in to say something in her ear. Rob, being the absolute tool who had the nerve to touch her that day, the one Terry was merciful enough not to fire at the time.  Terry wondered where he found the nerve to touch what was his, and where Veda had the nerve to act like she was available. Watching as she stroked his cheek affectionately. She’d been entertaining Rob right under Terry’s nose for some time. Terry wasn’t sure how he missed it; he had seen them conversing with Zoe on a few occasions.  Terry had the slightest sense the Rob was into Zoe but that was before Veda showed up being the innocent temptress she is. It wasn’t unreasonable to assume Terry Silver wasn’t her only victim. He wondered what she saw in Rob that she didn’t see in him. She was too hot for him. Seeing her sat up on his desk in a tight pencil skirt and an innocently sexy off the shoulder top looking up into someone else’s eyes sent Terry into another jealous fit. He practically dragged her into his office.

“What are you doing?” Veda sneered as Terry gripped her arm firmly dragging her away from Rob. His grip didn’t hurt but Veda sensed she wouldn’t be strong enough to wiggle out of it. She settled for not moving her legs anymore, nearly falling over as Terry kept walking. Terry stopped turning to look at her with dark eyes but didn’t let go of her arm.

“Keep walking LaRusso” he said through gritted teeth, Veda narrowed her eyes at him in a challenging matter.

“Make me” she spat, trying to tug her arm out of his grasp. Terry’s grip didn’t loosen, and Veda was taken a back by the new look swirling in his eyes.

“Fine baby let’s do it your way” he purred, pulling her body into his with one swift motion. Snaking his arms around her waist and lifting her up with ease. Veda gasped, flailing in his grasp, and feebly throwing her tiny fists at his chest.

“Stop it. Put me down now” she hissed; Terry repressed a chuckle finding her determination to be free of him amusing. She was never going to be free of him. Veda kept swatting at him anywhere she could reach one eventually connected with his jaw right as he made it to his office door. Terry waited until they were inside his office before he returned the favor, giving her a firm pat on her ass. Veda gasped, her nose scrunching up as that cute scowl made its way back on her face as she stopped trying to free herself. Shocked at what had just transpired.

“What the hell was that” she seethed, Terry chuckled carrying her further into his office, making sure to kick the door closed behind him.

“I asked myself the same thing when I walked off the elevator to see you sitting on Rob’s fucking desk” Terry said flatly, Veda gasped again at hearing him swear Terry found it cute.

“You stormed into the office and fired Rob because I sat on his desk? You’re insane.” She spat; Terry let out a deep teasing sigh as he looked into her eyes.

“Baby, I thought we established that the only desk this ass is allowed to sit on is mine” He hissed giving one of her ass cheeks a firm squeeze before plopping her on his desk. Watching her face tint a sinful shade of red as she glared up at him furious. Ignoring the wave of arousal she felt creeping up on her.

“You don’t get to decide where my ass does or doesn’t sit. It doesn’t belong to you” Terry clenched his jaw looking down at her attempting to keep the hurt from spiraling in his eyes at the rejection.

“Keep telling yourself that LaRusso” he said dismissively. Veda gasped again, this time at the way she felt her clit throb at his words.

“Is this the best behavior Margaret promised me? Last I checked this is workplace sexual harassment” Veda said crossing her arms over her chest and crossing her legs to ease the throbbing, as she looked away from him. Terry sharply inhaled.

“Are you threatening me?” Terry asked, placing one finger under her chin forcing her to look at him. Veda looked up at him blushing furiously, as she tried to calm herself down.

“Absolutely” she said through gritted teeth. Terry looked deep in her eyes, hoping she was bluffing because it would mean she would be ripped away from him. Terry felt a wave of panic creep up on him when he didn’t see a tell nestled in those deep brown eyes.

“Go home Veda” he whispered backing away from her, Veda didn’t know why she felt sad when his body retreated from her personal space.

“Why-“

“Go Home” he snapped, Veda looked at him for a long moment taking in how tensed his body was. Veda said nothing as she got off his desk making her way to his office door. She glanced back to see him looking out his office window with his shoulders hunched. Veda didn’t know why she felt the need to apologize and tell him she didn’t mean it. Because she meant it, didn’t she? She spent the whole walk home thinking about whether she really did.

            Terry looked down at the paper in his hand again, it was an request for approval form from her Professor Ryan asking him if he would approve her internship being moved to another company. They would happily send him another intern in exchange for her leaving. Terry thought it was funny they had to ask his permission in the first place. Like Veda wasn’t capable of making her own decisions. She was more than capable of making her own choices, if she wasn’t Terry would’ve had her out of the work force and in his bed by now. He scanned the fax to see the was no mention of why she was requesting a new company. A law firm of all places, one owned by a man that was much worse then him. Perhaps Veda didn’t know that, perhaps he should let her know when he tells her he’s denying the request for obvious reasons.

Veda’s pov

Veda sighed weeding through papers on her desk, she could feel the harsh glare Terry Silver was sending her way. She had been giving him the silent treatment only nodding her head ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and shrugging in response to every question he asked her. She was glad to see it was pissing him off, his muscled body would tense up and she would just stare up at him with an innocent little smile. He deserved it after what he pulled last week.

“Are you planning on ever speaking to him again? You’re clearly hurting his feelings” Zoe said with a soft smile. Zoe was pretty blonde and aside from Rob, one of the few friends Veda had made since starting her internship at Dynatox. Zoe was her closest desk mate; Veda’s having been rather secluded from everyone else’s and was of course purposely positioned so Terry could “Keep an eye” on her at all times. He had assured her it was only temporary. Veda doubted this seen as how it was now the middle of May having been working since the end of February.

“You think Mr. Silver has feelings?” Veda said with a chuckle.  She doubted Terry Silver could feel anything seen as he had very little regard for other people’s feelings. Remembering how quick he was to fire and humiliate Rob in front of the whole office. She found his reaction to finding her and Rob rather over the top, there were no rules against employees dating. But Veda and Rob weren’t actually dating anyway. They’d hung out with some of her friends a couple times outside of work, but Veda hadn’t really felt any romantic feelings towards him. Veda knew for a fact Rob felt the same way, having admitted to crushing on Zoe not long before Terry interrupted them.

“You should ask her out Rob, I’m sure she’ll say yes.” Veda said with a smile. Rob blushed leaning in closer as he spotted Zoe getting off the elevator.

“She’s back. I’d love to ask her out Veda, but we’ve been working on the same floor for over a year, and I can’t talk to her without saying something stupid. I’m sure she thinks I’m a…” Veda cut him off placing a hand on his cheek in an attempt to comfort him.

“Stop that right now. You’re a great guy Rob. You are kind, considerate, and cute. Any girl would be lucky to date you, besides Zoe isn’t judgmental like that. She’s the perfect person to have a crush on.”

“Do you have a crush on someone less perfect Veda?” Rob asked with an odd sort of look on his face. Veda opened her mouth ready to answer when Terry stormed in.

“He’s got a crush on you” Zoe quipped, looking up from her work with an amused expression. It was funny how everyone seemed to know they were into each other but them. Veda let out another laugh as she sorted through the papers.

“Oh, please. He hates me not that I care the feeling is mutual.” Veda said bitterly running her hand through her hair. Veda could sense his growing disdain for her the moment she walked into his office, everything there after was surely just a means to torment her for rejecting him. She never got the sense that he genuinely liked her, that he only viewed her as a conquest. That he was only pursuing her this heavily to be able to say he’d been with someone like her. If it wasn’t for this job Terry and her would never have crossed paths, they were both from entirely different worlds.

Veda was certain Terry wouldn’t have given her a second glance if she had been serving him in a restaurant or passed him by on the street. Men like him didn’t just pick poor little girls from Jersey to be their doting housewives. Terry had said just as much when he assumed she was a model, models and celebrity women were suitable wife material. Veda knew how men in Terry’s world saw women like her, a pretty face you like in secret but not the type you take home to meet your parents. She suspected he’d woo her and then drop her the moment she felt something for him, and that he’d say entertaining her was charity, that she should be grateful a man like him entertained a girl like her. Like it was all ok because she had nothing to really lose from being romanced by a handsome billionaire. Just her self-worth.  

“Veda, the man asks you out every day, sends you flowers every week, stares at you from his office like a lost puppy, and gets visibly upset when you talk to other men. If that’s hate then I wish a man would hate me that much” Zoe chuckled staring at Veda, who let out a sigh. Getting up to walk over to Zoe’s desk as she noticed Terry attempting to eavesdrop. She sent him a cold glare before moving out of his line of sight. Zoe took note of the glance and repressed a smirk.

“He only does that because he wants to sleep with me, he doesn’t mean any of it. I think the only reason he does any of it is because he can see that it annoys me. All we ever really do is argue anyway besides guys like him don’t seriously date girls like us” Veda said. Zoe sighed.

“Honey you guys’ bicker like an old married couple. Of course, he wants to sleep with you, you’re hot, everyone wants to sleep with you, but he also likes you aside from that. Don’t you think the same can be said about him? You’re not seriously telling me you’ve never thought about having sex with Terry Silver, are you?” Zoe said with a smirk.

Veda felt her face grow hot at the implication of them ever being married. Of course, she’d thought about having sex with him, she’s even dreamt about it more times than she was ever willing to admit. The dreams were elevated after their altercation in his office last week, the feel of him gripping her ass awakened something in her for sure. The fact that she left his office wanting him so bad terrified her, she had never felt that level of pull to anyone before. She had never felt like that when any other man had touched her. She didn’t know if she could trust him with all that power over her because then he’d have the strength to break her. One of the real reasons she kept him at arm’s length was because he was a such highly desirable man who had everything at his disposal. The world fell to his feet and yet he seemed to appreciate none of it. Veda had only dreamed of a life like his; being raised by a struggling single mom and helping raise a little brother after her dad died was the hand she had been dealt in life. Veda had come to accept and appreciate that fact a long time ago. Sure, her mom couldn’t always keep the lights on, but she always made sure her and Daniel were fed even if she went without. The apartments were never filled with fancy furniture, but they were always filled with love. Veda wondered if Terry was capable of that level of selflessness or that level of unconditional love for anyone. She saw the way he used money to fix his problems. He threw gifts at her to keep her from quitting. She liked gifts as much as the next girl, she secretly loved the expensive clothes he gifted her. At the time she felt the gesture was insincere, she later found out from Margaret that he had in fact handpicked every item he gave to her. She had given them back because she didn’t think she deserved such a grand display.

“Of course, I have, I know he’s a desirable man. That’s kind of part of the problem, you know aside from him being an ass” Veda blurted out. “He can have anyone, why bother with someone who will never be on his level? Hopefully it won’t matter soon, Professor Ryan submitted my request to be reassigned. I really wish I didn’t need Mr. Silver’s approval” Zoe could sense the wave of sadness in Veda’s voice. She was surprised that a girl that pretty could also have such a deep-rooted insecurity, admit to it be so wholeheartedly self-aware. And yet not be able to admit what everyone else knew was true.

“Maybe he feels that way about you too.” Zoe said, Veda scoffed and rolled her eyes bitterly.

“Doubt it, should we go to lunch?’ Veda said changing the subject so she could afford herself not to think of Terry Silver for a little bit. Zoe sighed; she had expected Veda would pull away; she was honestly surprised she got her to admit so much. Veda never talked much about her feelings and Zoe got the sense that doing so was very difficult for her in the same way that it was difficult for Terry Silver. It wasn’t lost on Zoe or Margaret or Rob, or anyone else that saw those two “Argue”. The pair were quite obviously in love with each other. That was the real reason Veda wanted to quit and runaway, it wasn’t just because Terry Silver was an asshole, it was that she still liked him despite him being an asshole.

“Sure” Zoe said.

“Not so fast LaRusso. We need to talk. Now” Terry said standing in the doorway of his office. Veda felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach wondering just how much of the conversation he had heard.

[dayntee]

[Fic] That Year at Arlathan University - Chapter 5: Extracurriculars

Full chapter available on AO3 here and below the cut.

Summary: In which many activities take place outside of class.

Still rolling with slow burn, so don’t take the title too dirty just yet y’all. 🤣

******

After buying back some grace, figuratively and literally, with his office mate, life got a little smoother for Solas. Slowly, they began to develop rituals as both colleagues and friends.

On Mondays, he'd arrive early with a tea for her and a flavored latte for himself.

"I don't know how you can drink that sugary garbage," she'd remarked with a grimace on her face.

"And I do not know how you can stomach hot leaf water, but I suppose I will not judge you for that, at least," he had retorted. She glared back at him for but a moment? Which he held, before both burst into laughter.

Tuesdays and Thursdays were busier, the two often hustling from back to back classes. However, they quickly discovered their first session after lunch were in adjacent lecture halls, and began to take meals and walk together.

He'd quiz her on the latest bit of Elvhen he'd taught her, usually aligning the lessons with whatever his students were currently reviewing, and she'd fumble through pronunciations and grammar until she got it right. He'd laugh and she would pout—but ultimately, he exhibited patience through gentle corrections.

Meanwhile, she’d find relatable anecdotes of Dalish experiences to the phrases he’d teach. How they might use them now, or how the context had come to be misinterpreted. Never did she presume the knowledge she offered was correct—instead, she’d begin to dissect the differences in real time, postulating on the hows and whys that it came to be.

He found himself particularly enamored with these discussions.

Wednesdays he would see her very little, and came to learn it was because Harding had roped her into acting assistant coach of AU's archery team. She apologized in advance for the sports bag and bow quiver taking up additional space in the office on these days, but he brushed her concerns aside.

"At present, it is our shared space, and you are entitled to it." For that, she seemed grateful.

Fridays were the only day they seemed to have trouble encountering one another. He'd enter the office as she was leaving for class, or she'd arrive as he was hurrying to a staff meeting. It was always something different; lunches planned were always cancelled for last minute requests, or booked solid due to other events. Eventually, in the back of his mind, he wrote it off as a day to go about his normal business.

After a few weeks of this dance, he’d come in one morning to a small package wrapped in foil on his desk. A folded note accompanied the gift, and he realized this was the first time he’d seen her surprisingly elegant script.

Consider this fair trade for the tea. You seem to like sweet things. I hope the Dalish origin of these isn’t too offensive.

He could hear the teasing tone of her voice as he read. There was no signature, but a little flourished smiley face beneath the message that tugged from him a not dissimilar expression.

Housed within was half a dozen baked treats, dough flaked on the outside, but soft and buttery within, housing a tart jelly made from mixed berries. Their irregular size and shape suggested they were handmade.

He had no idea what they were called, but they might have been even more delicious than his normally preferred Orlesian frilly cakes, and paired even better with coffee.

It was all becoming predictable and oddly… comfortable. He had begun to realize the more time passed, he was beginning to seek if not prefer her company to his usual solitude. Even more interesting was that this disruption in his routine was not unwelcome.

Classes, on the other hand, were another matter entirely. Plenty of students were learning and growing, to his approval.

Others were proving a proper pain in the ass.

Unfortunately, there was only so much adjustment he could make. The politics in play around this year's students were a minefield to navigate and Solas was finding himself spending more time in the administrative offices appealing to Leliana's best nature—as well as reporting his own findings on the evolving situation.

"Exactly how long do I need to tolerate this year's Antivan subterfuge, headmistress?"

"Dean is fine, thank you," Leliana shot him a placid look; they played this game of titles every year. "And you know the answer as well as I—for as long as they are properly funding their students' tuitions."

"There are a lot more of them this year," he noted, standing with his arms crossed behind his back in her office to discuss the matter with her and two others—one Varric Tethras and a tall, stern-faced woman with shortly cropped dark hair.

"You've noticed too, Chuckles?" the dwarf sighed. "They're not the only group making plays either. I've seen more Wardens, more transfer students from Tevinter and Nevarra… Hell, even Isabella is looking to install the Lords of Fortune in our halls."

Solas raised an eyebrow at that. "Are they looking to stir trouble with the Veil Jumpers specifically? They have competing interests, do they not?"

Varric's shoulders went up in a shrug. "Damned if I know, but you gotta admit it's strange these groups are rolling into our halls all at once. Things only get busy when trouble's brewing,"

"Loathe I am to admit, I agree with Varric," the other woman in the room crossed her arms pointedly. "We have seen supporting evidence in admissions. They have increased this year by nearly forty percent, and more than half of the students have received support from one scholarship or another. The Chantry is struggling to maintain comparable funding from Orlais and Fereldan."

"Thank you, Cassandra," Leliana tented her hands in front of her. "I have also begun to hear whispers among my contacts that additional financiers have begun looking into investments in and around Arlathan, particularly within the city center. New businesses springing up rapidly and bids for available land are rising to unusual levels," her brow furrowed. "The source of these efforts is muddied; they don't all appear to be related, but I do not suspect it is a coincidence. It may not be within the University's power to intervene, but I would advise we keep our collective ears to the ground, yes?"

The others in the room nodded their agreement before turning to leave.

"Solas, if you've a moment,"

Solas halted his exit, allowing the others to leave and gently closing the door behind him.

"Speak plainly now; what have your people reported?"

Solas took a slow, measured breath; there was but one individual who was currently aware of at least part of his secret, purely out of necessity. He required the dean's assistance to keep his storied history and suspiciously long lifespan under wraps, especially amongst the longer tenured faculty. Thankfully, Leliana was a trustworthy woman once her loyalty was earned, and that had been a foundation he had been careful to lay the grounds for over a decade in advance. She knew little more than that he was of ancient times and that their goals were, more or less, aligned.

"How much do you know of the Evanuris?"

"I believe I have heard you use the term before. Is that not the name of the Elven pantheon?"

"In a manner of speaking," he stepped forward and took a seat; this was going to take some explanation. "The Evanuris fancy themselves gods, but in truth, they are no more powerful today than a duke or empress might be,"

"That is still quite powerful,"

"Yes and no," he frowned. "Their names may carry power, most certainly amongst the Dalish, but the world at large currently views them as religious myths of legend rather than the truth of them. Powerful aristocrats who happened to be in the right place at the right time. I have heard-" he paused, trying to word his next statement both carefully and clearly. "I have heard they desire to re-emerge. To public view."

Leliana leaned in, concern shadowing her eyes. "You are certain? The Chantry would be put in an… awkward position at the appearance of Elven gods made flesh,"

"Yes, I imagine it would," there was an underlying wryness to Solas' agreement, but they both knew his current arrangement bringing the Chantry and Veil Jumpers together in the foundation of Arlathan University was the lesser of two evils. "The work we have all been doing here explicitly discredits their divinity. It is my intention to ensure the world will know who they really are, and why they should remain irrelevant in today's society. We can, and should, continue our progress in unearthing the truths of Elvhenan and giving a deserving history back to the People, but…"

"But?"

"If the Evanuris wish to regain their power and influence, they will intervene, and it will not be for anyone's benefit but their own. What I do not know is the manner in which they will attempt this,"

"Then we will remain vigilant," she leaned back slightly, letting out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. "Are you prepared to stand against your own gods, Professor?"

Solas barked a laugh he couldn't hold back, and she eyed him closely. She was not one to appreciate being left out of a hidden meaning.

"Forgive me, Leliana. But it won't have been the first time, and just as unlikely to be the last," he responded after calming his amusement. He removed his glasses and cleaned them with the edge of his sweater. "Even if we are successful in our efforts, they won't go quietly back into the shadows without a fight."

Leliana smiled, a fire in her eyes as bright as the color of her locks.

"Then we shall give them one,"

Notes:

Ahahaha, I bet you didn't expect PLOT.

Funny how this started as a vehicle for crack and smut and has somehow turned into modern day financial intrigue. *throws up hands* I've got no excuses, let's see where it goes.

[btsqualityy]

Today been a hard day and I need drama! Eunji and her parents bring that almost every drabble day!

Request: Eunji’s parents finding out she’s married at 19 years old

Another anon also said: For my request, can we see Junior and Eunji official first meeting and Junior and him meeting her parents for the first time. Please and thank you! 😊

Warnings: super critical parents, unhealthy parental relationships lol

"Look who did it again!" Junior bragged as him and two of his friends walked out of their astrophysics class. "Best grade in the class once again!"

"Well, all of us aren't super geniuses," Seojun huffed.

"Literally. I studied for that exam for two weeks straight and still came out with only a 78%," Kwan agreed.

"Hey, either you have it or you don't," Junior smirked. "If you need me and my amazing 99% to tutor you, I'm available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays."

"If anyone needs the tutoring, it's you," a voice spoke up and when Junior turned towards it, he saw what was arguably the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen in his life.

"Me?" Junior wondered. "Not to brag or anything but I got a 99% on that last exam. I'm sure I don't need tutoring, especially not from you."

"You sound very confident about that," the woman said and Junior scoffed.

"Why wouldn't I be when I'm the smartest person in the class?" He wondered and the girl smiled softly before she held up a small packet of papers, which Junior realized was the exam that they had taken. When he looked closer though, he was shocked to see a bright red '100%' on the top of it.

"What the fuck?" He uttered.

"See that name right there?" The girl wondered as she pointed to the top of the page with her free hand. "That's me, Kim Eunji, the one who's actually the smartest person in the class."

"Oh shit," Seojun laughed hysterically.

"Have a nice rest of your day," Eunji smirked before turning around and walking away.

"Who the fuck is that?" Junior spat.

"That's Eunji, she's pre-med," Kwan explained.

"Why the fuck is she taking astrophysics then?!"

"Maybe she's just doing it for fun," Kwan shrugged.

"Or to bust Junior's balls," Seojun snickered.

"Whatever," Junior muttered petulantly, his mind lingering on how beautiful Eunji was.

.......................................................

After that first meeting, Junior and Eunji had a small class rivalry which ended up with them becoming friends with benefits. Not too long after that though, they both fell in love with the other and at Junior's suggestion, went off and got married in Las Vegas once Junior graduated from college with his Bachelor's degree.

"Will you calm down?" Junior said as the two of them got out of the car and walked up to the front door of Eunji's parents house.

"Well, excuse me for being scared shitless," Eunji huffed. "We just got married last week and the first time my parents are going to be meeting you is as my husband."

"Are you scared of their reaction?"

"Terrified," she nodded as they stopped outside the front door. "You don't know my parents. We don't have the best relationship and they tend to find fault in any and everything that I do."

"Who cares?" Junior shrugged. "We both feel that getting married was the right thing to do, yeah?"

"Yeah."

"So if they get upset, we'll still be together, or at least I hope so," he joked, making Eunji laugh.

"Alright," she sighed. "Here goes nothing." After turning around and using her spare key to unlock the front door, the two of them walked inside and took off their shoes before Eunji called out to her parents.

"Eunji? Is that you?" Her mother called as she walked out to the front hall to greet them.

"Hi eomma," Eunji said, bowing in respect. "How are you?"

"I'm well," Jungah nodded. "Is this the mystery man?"

"Kim Myung," Junior introduced himself as he bowed deeply. "It's so nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you as well," Jungah replied. "Chul! They're here!"

"Here I am," Chul chuckled as he jogged into the front hall. "I heard Eunji's voice from upstairs."

"Hi appa," Eunji smiled softly.

"And this is the man who's distracted our Eunji," Chul chuckled as he looked at Junior.

"Nice to meet you Sir," Junior said, bowing once again. "Kim Myung."

"Come on in, you two," Jungah said, motioning with her hands. "I have lunch on the table."

Once everyone gathered into the dining room and began to eat, Eunji's parents didn't hesitate to start questioning Junior.

"So, Eunji tells us that you just got your degree in astrophysics?" Jungah said.

"I did and I start graduate school in the fall," Junior nodded.

"What's your end goal with that degree?" Chul wondered.

"I want to work for NASA someday."

"Really?" Chul muttered. "That's a lofty goal."

"I know but I've always been interested in science and math and particularly space so it feels right," Junior explained. "Plus, I come from a family that believes you can do anything you set your mind to."

"Speaking of your family, what do they do?" Jungah wondered.

"Both of my parents are in the music business," he said.

"Anyone we might know of?"

"Ah, Min Kinsley and Kim Mason," Junior revealed, and both Jungah's and Chul's eyes widened.

"Kim Mason that owns JWA Entertainment?" Chul wondered. "And who's the son of Kim Namjoon from BTS?"

"And Min Kinsley who seemingly produces every well known Kpop these day?" Jungah added. "And who's the daughter of Min Yoongi from BTS?"

"Ha, you guys know your stuff," Junior chuckled. "But yes, that's them."

"Wow," Jungah whistled. "How did the two of you get together?"

"We took a class together and I was bragging about having the highest grade, when in all actuality, Eunji did," Junior explained with a laugh. "We had a little mini rivalry at first but as we got to know each other, we fell in love."

"Bragging, were you Eunji?" Chul tsked. "I thought we taught you to not be so prideful."

"You're right, you did," Eunji nodded. "I'm sorry."

"Luckily for you, Myung here seems to be a good sport," Jungah huffed. "He seems like a good one so you don't wanna let him go, yes?"

"Yes," Eunji nodded. "But you know, I'm happy you guys seem to like him."

"I have to say, he's head and shoulders above the last bum you brought home," Chul sighed. "He already has a degree and is planning to continue his education even further. He treats you well and speaks highly of you. What more could we ask for?"

"I'm happy to hear that because we have something to tell you," Eunji said.

"You're not pregnant, are you?" Jungah deadpanned and Junior choked on the sip of water he was swallowing.

"No eomma, I'm not pregnant," Eunji snapped. "But we are married." Silence fell over the room then, both of Eunji's parents staring at her in disbelief.

"I'm sorry," Jungah laughed. "Repeat that please?"

"We're married," Junior spoke up. "We got married last week when we were visiting Las Vegas."

"Oh my god," Chul muttered, running his hands over his face in frustration. "What were you thinking?"

"What?" Eunji wondered.

"You're 20 years old, Kim Eunji!" Jungah exclaimed. "You haven't even finished your bachelor's degree and yet you go off and marry the first man who treats you decently?!"

"What are you going to do about school?" Chul demanded to know. "I hope you don't plan on dropping out."

"No, I'm not dropping out!" Eunji snapped. "I'm still going to finish school."

"How do you expect to do that now that you're a wife?" Jungah wondered. "You have to find a place to live, make it into a home, you have to work because the two of you can't survive on hopes and dreams, and if you plan on having children someday-"

"Uh, that's very far off into the future," Junior interrupted her. "Eunji and I both have goals that we want to achieve before we expand our family."

"I just can't believe you would be this irresponsible," Chul smacked his teeth. "And to marry this man before you even introduced him to us?"

"I swear, every time you start doing decently in life, you just have to go and do something to potentially mess it up," Jungah muttered. Eunji could feel the hotel tears beginning to well up in her eyes and instead of responding to her parents, she abruptly stood upon from the table and ran out of the room. Sighing heavily, Junior got up and followed behind her, realizing that she had ran through the kitchen and out into the backyard.

"Hey," Junior said softly as he set his hands on her shoulders.

"I'm sorry," Eunji whispered. "I just, had to leave before I said something I regret."

"I see why you've never talked about them much," he said. "Are they always like that?"

"Yep," she huffed. "I'm always the fuck up, the one who can never do anything right."

"I'm sorry Eunji," Junior said as he wrapped his arms around her now. "Nobody should ever have to go through that, especially not with their parents."

"Well, now you see why I was so emotionally cut off," Eunji chuckled ruefully.

"Yeah but you're not now, right?" He murmured. "And that's why we're here now, together and married."

"You're right," she replied, turning around so that she could look up at him. "I don't care what they say, I don't regret marrying you."

"I'd hope not," Junior joked, laughing when Eunji smacked his chest. "I love you."

"I love you too," Eunji smiled softly, moaning softly when Junior cupped her face in his hands and kissed her softly.

[ogdencollegerp]

APRIL 9TH - 22ND

THE INVESTIGATION

The recent news story that broke in the past week explaining the investigation team believed had Penny been murdered due to awareness of why Greer left had everyone on campus shaken. Not only was it now public knowledge that someone on campus had overheard such a thing, they also knew someone had mentioned Greer’s potential trip to Portugal - and in all likelihood, neither of these people were even the same person who had thrown Link under the bus with the mysterious G, something that was seemingly only known to students. The list of people Ogden College students could trust was growing shorter and shorter. Even THE GOLDEN GIRL, who had held so many of their secrets in her hands couldn’t be trusted, if what had been reported about her time capsule video accusing her own boyfriend of steroid use could be believed. And who knew what else that video contained ?? If only someone - other than G - could get their hands on the full thing. 

ooc; if your character wishes to report something, they may do so in an ask to the main.

CAMPUS NEWS & EVENTS

It's that time of year - the temperature is warming, the weather is getting nice, and students should make sure to take breaks and get some time outdoors !!! There will be guided hikes for every level taking place every Sunday for the rest of the semester. Don't forget to check the start time, and meet at the base of the hiking trails just off campus.

It's almost time for the ballet and theatre company's spring performances, and they're looking for volunteers to paint sets !!! Head on over to Tate Theatre anytime from the 10th to 14th - get free tickets may be available to those who help out !!!

Monday, April 17th is Patriot's Day, so enjoy the Monday off of classes !!!

ATHLETIC GAMES

VOLLEYBALL - Tuesday evening, April 12th

TENNIS - Saturday afternoon, April 15th

CREW & SAILING REGATTA - Sunday afternoon, April 16th

BASEBALL - Thursday evening, April 20th

GOLF - Saturday afternoon, April 22nd

SOCIAL EVENTS

4/20 CELEBRATION

WHAT: It's 4/20 !!! Bring your apparatus of choice and celebrate the holiday the only way that is appropriate !!! There will be food trucks parked along the side of the park for any serious cases of the munchies. Just...don't be obvious about it.

WHERE: The park right off-campus

WHEN: April 20th, 4:20 PM

SUNDAY SPECIALS AT FRANK'S

WHAT: Since Monday the 17th there are no classes, celebrate the extra weekend day by having an extra weekend night !!! There will be drink specials at Frank's from 8 PM on.

WHERE: Frank's

WHEN: Sunday night, April 16th

BIRTHDAYS

@reinaazarolla's 22nd on April 14th

@anyaexe's 23rd on April 15th

[umichenginabroad]

Week 3: Studying, Abroad

Blog 4 | June 2025

Bonjour!

Halfway through already?!? I cannot believe it is already June and I’ve been in Paris for a little over three weeks. This past week was technically my first full week of having both of my classes so this blog will focus more about balancing school and exploring Paris. I say technically because there was a French holiday on Thursday so our school week was only Monday to Wednesday instead of the usual Monday to Thursday. 

STUDY…

Classes through CEA/CAPA have genuinely been interesting. I have both of my classes four days a week, sometimes three if I get lucky with a French holiday. My math class is from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM every Monday and Tuesdays, and then Wednesdays and/or Thursdays depending on our instructor’s availability. From what I understand, teaching is his second job and engineering is his first, so our schedule shifts to accommodate his responsibilities. That usually means that we meet three times a week. On the other hand, my architectural history class is from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM on Mondays through Thursdays.

CEA/CAPA hosts several programs at the Paris center. In addition to the engineering programs, there are programs for liberal arts, fashion, and French language. I don’t often see students from those other programs in my classroom since our coursework doesn’t overlap much. Our program requires us to take a technical course and a humanities course, whereas other programs have different requirements. From the orientation, I learned that there are over 60 engineering students here, mostly from the University of Michigan or University of Kentucky. 

Each class session is about two and a half hours with a ten-minute break in between. My math class started on week 1 and meets for twenty sessions. My architecture class started on week 2 and meets for fifteen sessions. The fourth week is our midterm exams and our last week is our finals and presentation week.

Math

Our math class is pretty straightforward with a lecture everyday in the traditional classroom. Because we have so much material to cover in the short time that we have, the pace is very quick. The workload isn’t too bad since our instructor only assigns about 6-10 problems a week as graded homework and provides additional problems as practice. Since the lecture pace is quick, practice is definitely needed, however, it is challenging to practice every so often when all we want to do is explore Paris right after our class.

Architectural History

My architecture class has been one of my favorite courses I have ever taken. The majority of the sessions are outside of the classroom on sites that evolved Paris’s history. So far we have been to many landmarks, cathedrals, and fortresses. I like the way that the course is set up because it feels like I am on a guided walking tour of Paris and I get course credit for it! For coursework, we submit labeled sketches of the things we learned from each site and then we occasionally have a short essay for specific topics. The class is very engaging and a wonderful way to experience Paris academically!

… ABROAD

I have had so much fun navigating Paris outside of class. My camera roll is filled with so many art galleries, gardens, monuments, and food! CEA/CAPA really tries to involve all aspects of France during your stay. They organize many day trips, activities, and tastings. At the center, they lay out a spread of treats to taste in between classes.

My favorite has been the brioche rose cake this week!

Reims

This week CEA/CAPA organized a day trip to Reims, a region known to have lots of champagne and churches. We were able to explore a cathedral, basilica, and a champagne cellar. There was also a medieval festival in Reims, which is a bit different from the states’ festivals but still very fun to walk around.

Amsterdam

Because Europe is easily connected by trains, my friends and I decided to do a day trip in Amsterdam. The train ride was surprisingly three and a half hours, which sounds long but felt really quick. 

Compared to Paris, Amsterdam is peaceful and relaxing. I’ve noticed the people are very friendly, happy, and active there. Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world and the city is very walkable. When we arrived in Amsterdam at 10 AM, the streets and canals were practically empty so the city was calm to wander.

We explored three museums, tried famous foods, and did lots of shopping while we were there. After a day in Amsterdam, we left for Paris around 7 PM. 

Studying abroad truly requires balance between academics and adventure. It can be easy to get caught up in exploring the city so I found that designating a weekly rest day to catch up on homework and study for midterms helps make both traveling and studying manageable. I’m really enjoying my time here studying and traveling, hopefully you are too! Merci beaucoup for reading! 

LeAnh Vong

Civil Engineering

Engineering in Paris, France

[anythingisfilm]

On-Set Exercise 2 - Blackwidow

Our production exercise 2 project was very rushed compared to exercise 1, we only realised as we finished shooting exercise 1 that there would only be 1 possible day before the due date that all of us would be free to film. That day was only 5 days after our exercise 1 shoot and 2 days after our in class shoot, which all of us were dedicating a decent amount of time to prepping for. Part of the blame for this was on me, as I was scheduled to work Thursday - Sunday and had class all day Monday and Tuesday and a half-day Wednesday and so I very quite limited availablity. We decided on shooting after class on Wednesday, the prep day would be Tuesday.

We decided our mood would be dread, and settled on the story of a woman preparing to kill her husband, with set elements suggestion this was not the first time she'd done so. We wanted the dread to come from the viewer figuring out what's about to happen but being powerless to warn the husband or do anything to stop it. We also didn't want to spill over from dread into plain fear, so the husband is still technically alive at the end of the short, but his fate is sealed. I decided I wanted a very stylystic approach, looking to Giallo film to inspire the lighting and shot style, and specifically Suspiria ((1977) Dir. Dario Argento) for the lighting colours.

We booked equipment as soon as possible, but were slightly limited on what we could get due to the last minute nature of the booking. It wasn't myself who booked equipment, and part of the rush to get something booked meant that a few items were missed. My first choice of camera as DoP, the URSA mini was not available and we had to go with an FX6 and a variable lens. This threw a spanner in the works as I'd been hoping to utilise lens distortion in some of my shots and find that this effect is not as dramatic on a variable lens as it is on static lenses unless you're going for something like a dolly zoom or some other shot that requires the focal length changing as the camera moves in some way. The other issue this raised is we had previously had issues with getting the remote follow focus to work with the FX6, and this time a manual follow focus was missed from the booking entierly, this left us on set with no working follow focus and so all focus had to be done from the barrel.

We also couldn't get a transmitter or more than one monitor, and so the focus pulling on some shots was done by the camera op who could see that camera's monitor rather than having a separate camera op and focus puller. None of the shots on this required any complex focus pulling, so this wasn't a major issue, but far more interesting shots could have been achieved if we were better able to follow the actors through their environments rather than having very set focus without much depth. We decided shadows and silhouetting would be a good way to portray certain interactions, as you can still achieve some level of depth even with infinite distance focus. Again something Suspiria does to create fear and suspicion which we chose to draw on.

All of our set design was done with roughly 2 days notice, we dramatically scaled back our vision for the short and its art direction. Originally the short was going to be 1950s themed, however we had to pivot to a more modern setting as we decided we couldn't authentically create a 50s home enviroment. This gave Flo, the production designer, more of a chance to create a good looking set in the limited time, scaling back the scope of the project was essential to cope with the restrictions we were working within.

As DoP I had made thumbnail sketches during our production meeting 28th of September where we discussed concepts and storylines. We then refined the story over the next few days and on Monday 7th of October, right after we shot the in-class project we had another meeting where we solidified the story, art direction, prop and set requirements, call time, lighting requirements and I re-made the thumbnail sketches. Later that night I created a shotlist, however I only created a chronological list, not a shooting order list, as I had work for my Tuesday class to complete.

Whilst taking inspiration from giallo film for most, the hallyway shot was specifically inspired by the poster for Dev Patel's 'Monkey Man' (2023), which very effectively creates a sense of dread and foreboding from the framing and colour choice.

As DoP and Director on this project I failed at a number of my responsibilities, which visibly damaged the success of the final project. Whilst it's understandable given the very strict time scale we were working on, a better prepared or more experienced DoP and director would be capable of making this work. Instead My lack of availability and poor organisation led us to a rushed pre-production full of mistakes and oversights and a poorly coordinated shoot. A smarter decision would have been to lay our personal availability at the beginning of the course, and take this into account when assigning roles. Unfortunately in my case this may not have helped much, as I only get my work schedule 3 days before it comes into effect. So I have very little notice of when or how long I'm working. This issue is external to university and it is my responsibility to ensure it doesn't interfere with education, it was sadly not possible for me to meet this responsibility on this occasion and I let down my team because of it.

The other crew members had to cover for my absence with my guidance to create their individual elements in line with the overall vision, I communicated ideas and gave feedback on proposals, although not as efficiently as if I'd been more available. Whilst I was unavailable to physically be present for prep, I was in communication with Flo who was production designing, and we co-ordinated what would be require and what would be realistic. I went out and bought supplies whilst Flo created elements from scratch and sourced other features.

The actual shoot day was quite messy, again down to my poor planning. I left other crew member s floundering as they didn't have a clear shooting order and some shots required others to be completed before they could be shot because of our limited props and resources (I.E. We couldn't have the dinner scene before we had the cooking scene, as to minimise waste we were using the same food in both scenes.). We worked this out as we went, working out a shooting order on set. We ended up managing to get everything we needed, but the shoot bled over on time quite significantly. We began shooting at 18:30~ and finished at 22:30~, which was an hour over our original 21:30 goal.

I am not a very practiced director, and we didn't have an official AD decided, so my control of the set was quite poor. I was often overwhelmed as I was focused on organising the camera as DoP and would have to switch focus to answer questions from other departments and give direction to our actors. I had originally agreed only to be DoP and so wasn't prepared to direct action as well, my lack of experience and preparation slowed production down as I had to take extra time to understand the issues crew members were having and it took me a bit to figure out solutions having never encountered many of the issues before. In future I would not accept both the role of DoP and director without having at least one AD or both a 1st and 2nd AC. On this production the camera team was just me and Chelize, the 1st AC. As Chelize was also the cast co-ordiator though I often ended up needing to find other members of crew to help with set-up as she had other tasks to fulfil such as arranging costumes and running through the action with the cast.

I still believe overall the shoot was a success, we managed to get some really nice shots, and I believe we achieved the original goals of creating a mood and transforming the space. The use of high-key lighting to create strong shadows, and used coloured lighting to fill these shadows with shadow and create unfamiliar visuals really changed the feel of the space. The plot line we created and the wonderful performances from Annabel and Omar really sold the story and alongside the environment created an uncomfortable and foreboding mood. We successfully created dread, as the audience is privvy to the plot, and can see the inevitable from the second shot of the short, combined with the letter from the husband in the first shot, the audience is lead to fear on behalf of who they know is about to become a victim. Although there is a lot I would have done differently if I could do the shoot again, it was a very valuable experience, and I learned a lot about scheduling, directing and how set design incorporates other cinematic elements like lighting and cinematography.

Link to film:

[annieintheaair]

One day you'll just wake up laughing like did that even happen. No way out, only way is through.

We ended up having a lot of fun after I signed off last week. I got home super late and struggled to function all day Sunday but it was worth it. I watched church online and accomplished pretty much nothing all day but I'm working on allowing myself to rest when I need to.

Monday I got stuck in major traffic heading home from work. My GPS told me to go a different way because of an accident that shut down the highway that I take home. The alternate route ended up taking me an hour anyway so by the time I got home, I had just enough time to shower and rush out the door to go to the hair salon for content day.

I spent a few hours at the salon taking pictures for their social media pages, which was kind of fun and I am excited to see them posted over the next 6 months. It was actually really draining though so I was glad to go home and rest for the remainder of the day.

Tuesday morning I made it to a yoga class that I hadn't been to in over a year. It was nice to be back in that studio and feel like I was creating a new routine. In the afternoon, I went to see my therapist and it felt very mixed when I had to choose three emotions that I had felt over the last week.

Wednesday morning I made the decision to go to my first pilates class in a very long time. I am still feeling the aftermath of it because it was an intense workout. I'm hoping to make it to at least 3 pilates classes per week now.

Even though I had hoped to find a trip to work Wednesday night, it was actually nice to be off. I went to students and then had time at home to relax before bed. I never really mind going to work at night but on the nights that I get to be home, I enjoy them even more since they're so far and few.

Thursday morning I made it to bible study and a lot of the women in my group couldn't make it so it was super small. I almost didn't make it, too, since I was busy putting out fires at my other job and ended up being a few minutes late.

After bible study, I was really craving matcha from White Rhino and decided to stop and get a bagel from my favorite bagel place, too. I finished out the day with work but found time to go to yoga before that.

Friday was such a relief since I knew I'd be off that night. I went to yoga in the morning and then went to the nail salon for a mani/pedi. I got home just in time for my new phone delivery since it required a signature.

Shinayde and Brent came over in the evening and we went to Oktoberfest. It was fun and we ended the night drinking frozen margaritas at a Mexican restaurant. Back at my house, we played games until about 2am.

Saturday morning they headed home and I was supposed to go to my community group but I really wasn't feeling it. Instead, I allowed myself a slow start and then ran some errands. Around 5pm, Julie and I got an Uber and went to Tupps Oktoberfest, which was fun except for the fact that they ended up cutting off food sales since they couldn't keep up with the demand. We went to The Yard instead and got some appetizers there before heading home for the night.

Surprisingly, I woke up around 8am today, got ready, and went to church at 9:30am. When I got home, I attempted to finish setting up my new phone and then ended up without service on either phone, which required a trip to the Verizon store. They were able to restore service to my new phone but now my watch won't connect and I'm wondering if it's because it's too old. I checked online to see the status of my new one and it says it's supposed to be available for pickup this week. Hopefully, that's true since I kind of need my watch for work.

I stopped at Dilla's on the way home to get a quesadilla for lunch. It was really good and I'm honestly shocked that I've lived near Dilla's for a very long time and never tried it.

It has been somewhat of a lazy afternoon, just relaxing and going to yoga tonight before work. I could honestly use a nap at this point but part of me wants to go to the pool and soak up one of the last pool days of the season (who am I kidding, it's still 100 degrees).

xoxo

Annie

[equestrianempire]

At the Makers ' Run Farm Carolina International CCI Horse Trials, Team Leslie wins the 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge.

The 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge winners ωere Jenny Caras and Sommersby. ©Allie Contrad Photography

Team Leslie won the head-to-head competition at the 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge after three days of interesting eventing competition, winning with Team Bobby and teammate, Team Bobby, who had 112. 2 sanctions totals. At the Carolina International CCI at Setters ‘ Run Farm, the crew competition took place in the CCI3*- S and CCI4*- S groups.

Group Bobby, led by Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Bobby Costello, produced good shows by Christina Henriksen and Cisco’s Calor Z, Andrew McConnon and FVF Top Gun, Caroline Pamukcu and She’s the One, and Sharon White and Claus 63.

Following Thursday’s dressage contest, Team Leslie took the lead with ƒirst leaderboards from aIl team members who posted small 30s scores. One fall from the dressage cycle is taken into account in the Future Team Challenge format, and the first time ended with 7. 9 penalties separating the teams. In the end, Team Leslie emerged as the wire-to-wire winners despite both groups ‘ strong results over the two jumping aspects.

Caras ( Buckhead, Ga. ) and Sommersby, the 2012 Holsteiner horse she co- owns with Jerry Hollis, had the striking performance of the week, earning the best dressage report across both teams and adding zero penalties in cross- region and jumping to accomplish on a 30. 8. Henriksen ( Keswick, Va. ) and her own 2015 Zangersheide gelding Cisco’s Calor Z had Team Bobby’s top score and the second- best finishing score in the competition with a 37. 3.

The Futures Team Challenge was created to imitate the structure oƒ global team competition and give up-and-coming athletes the chance to experience that environment as a training ground for poȿsible senior teams iȵ the future. Laws claims that this occasion was a victory by that standard.

” We started on Tuesday and Wednesday doing some staff courses”, said Law. ” I believe it’s beneficial for them to practice that. We spoke with the runners αbout what they thought should be done bȩfore going into competition and what is the best way to obtain their animals readყ for a contest that involved a group. Those first two weeks are when we do trot-ups. It gives the players a comprehensive understanding of what it means to bȩ a group. I think that’s the highlight—getting as many people into that space as possible”.

The staff members have the opportunity to socialize at staff dįnners and practice and get to know one anothȩr through competition. Accσrding to Law, these views helped the team work up properly.

” I think]Futures Team Challenge ] has good value for these younger athletes”, said Law. l believe it may grow and we can create ideas and do more to make it even more team-oriented. I firmly believe that in Europe, whether it’s the Western Championships or the Li Governments Cups, there is so much more opportunity for groups to gain that experience. We do n’t have that [in North America], so anything we can do to better prepare our athletes for an Olympic team or a World Championship team can only be for the better.

Laws had high praise for the host competition, Carolina International CCI and Horse Trials.

” They put on a great competition in all aspects”, said Law. ” It’s pretty well done, very professionally done. This time, the cross-country classes were fantastic, and the going was flawless, which was great for the animals. I believe there were excellent training for the horses going on this year, which taught riders and horses a bit, and hopefully this will help them continue and succeed in whatever three-day journey they’re on.

The USEF Futures Team Challenge is available here for more details.