#and stops by every saturday to play tennis

[sea-lanterns]

Tennis Navia 🤭🤭

LISTEN. I know the line art is bad. This is my first time ever drawing digitally on my phone with my fingers 😭😭

May I be anon ⌛️ (lisa main 💪💪💪)

WAAAHHXJSJJDOSD MY FISHIES ARE SPOILING ME TOO MUCH LATELY 😖

MY WIFE IS SO HOT AAAAAAAA. Oh man, these last couple of weeks had my fishies showcasing their incredible art skills and doing it in the form of Navia. I love Tennis Player! Navia 😵‍💫😵‍💫 look at how voluminous her hair is when it’s tied up in a ponytail <33

Tysm for drawing this! And yes you can be ⌛️ anon!

[ithinkilikeit-reactions]

Parties, Yachts and Wishful Thinking (Kim Mingyu)

A/N: one hell of a way to ring in the new year! I hope you guys enjoy this

Tag list:  Tags: enemies to lovers, reader and Mingyu are rich, Mingyu is kind of an asshole but so is reader, parties, mentions of reader crushing on Wonwoo, drinking, cursing, tennis, yachts and pure filth

Smut tags: oral (male and female receiving), dirty talk, small size difference kink, teasing, public teasing, playing footsie, degradation, pulling out

Word Count: 7623

Tag list: @seventeenstanner@seokgyustudios @ironirene @zhongtheist @kneecoal29  @blueevelvt @fixonbreakoff @iamcool789 @gyuwhore @enhacolor​ @saythenameseventeen178 (not all the tags are working for some reason I’m so sorry I will send it to those who couldn’t be tagged via dm!!!!)

Tennis balls had such a specific sound as they hit the ground, a hollow thump only to be met with rhythmic smack of a tennis racket. It was a rhythm that gave you a headache every Saturday morning, as you were subjected to watching your parents play tennis at the country club. 

It wasn’t entirely so that you were forced, however it was expected and that was reason enough. You had managed to escape the country club Hell during your 4 years of college under the guise that you were studying and that you were in a dorm. However now that you were done and back at home, the country club was a must and participating in tennis was also required. 

Now you were entirely aware that complaining about going to a country club that cost your family thousands, if not more a year, was entirely a first world problem. You were lying if you said that your families’ wealth didn’t help you along in life, you weren’t entirely dense to believe your achievements were all natural. However you liked to believe you made less use of it in comparison to others in your position. Like Kim Mingyu for example… his family was entirely richer than yours, your family worth being about a quarter of what his was.

That was probably why your father and mother were kissing up the way they were. Losing quite obviously to him and his father, while you watched. Your fingers toying with the strings on your tennis racket in the hopes to play. Not that you actually wanted to, but it was most definitely better than simply watching. You also wanted to beat Mingyu, not lose on purpose, just so you could wipe that toothy grin off of his face.

“I’m going to switch out! You boys are exhausting me.” Your mother laughed, sitting next to you on the bench. “Oh come one Mrs. Y/L/N, we weren’t even playing that hard.” Mingyu called, hanging onto the net before lifting his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face. The action made him flash that tanned chiseled stomach of his, undoubtedly from the countless trips with friends on his yacht.

“Oh it’s alright, I’ll just have Y/N play.” Your mother sat down next to you, causing Mingyu’s attention to shift to you. He had a coy smile on his face as you silently got up, your lips pursed and eyes doing everything they could to stop from rolling. You hated the club, that was obvious. But he could tell, Mingyu could most definitely tell from the few conversations he had held with you that you hated him. His eyes lingered as you tightened your ponytail and bent over to adjust your sneakers, tennis skirt hiking up in the process. Mingyu couldn’t help but notice your thighs and just how soft they looked in the white material. It was in that moment, that you walked onto the tennis court, that he had decided that he wanted you and Mingyu generally got he what he wanted.

The way Mingyu was looking at you nearly disgusted you, that was partially a reason you served the ball as hard you did. You weren’t an easy target and he would come to know that, even if it meant your parents being upset with you.

“I never knew your daughter was such a talent at tennis.” Mr. Kim laughed, grabbing his water bottle and taking a sip. On the contrary to what your parents thought, Mr. Kim didn’t mind losing. As a matter of fact, he appreciated that you didn’t let him and his son win. For the first time in a while, it had felt as if the older man had actually had a fair match. Mingyu shared the opinion, even though he knew the extra hard swings in his direction were filled with dislike.

“Me neither.” Mingyu said, wandering closer to you as he drank. Your breathing was heavy and there were small droplets of sweat coating your skin. “We should play together more often. Maybe even as partners.” His voice was low, keeping this part of the conversation between the two of you. “I don’t see that happening.” You remarked, adjusting your skirt and ponytail again. These small actions drove Mingyu absolutely insane, coupled with the way you obviously disliked him. “Why not? Think you owe it to me after aiming for me a few times during the match.” His smile was annoying yet undeniably charming.

“I wasn’t aiming for you, therefore I don’t think I owe you anything.” You stuffed your things into your bag and headed for the gate, not quite caring if your family was behind your or not. “Fine, fine. Not partners. You should come to my party this weekend though.” Mingyu called after you, placing a hand on your shoulder that you quickly shook off. “Did you say party?” Of course this was the part of the conversation your mother picked up on.

She stood beside you, holding your shoulders gently and stopping you in your tracks. Turning you to look at him again. He was beaming, obviously overjoyed at the pain you were in. “Yes, as a matter of fact I did say party.” He smiled at her, it was fake and you could see through it but your mother wasn’t as lucky. “Oh how nice.” Your mother started, toying with your hair gently as she schemed. She wanted you to get offered a job and well Mingyu’s father seemingly liked you enough, if you played your cards right you could be working right along side his son. If you played your cards even better than right, you might even be able to marry into the family. At least, that was the way your mother was thinking. It was all the last thing on your mind though you could feel yourself being roped into the party anyways.

“Well I just know Y/N had no plans, she’d be more than happy to go.” Your mother answered for you and you left your face expressionless. There was no fighting it and well, maybe you were a little curious about what Kim Mingyu’s famous parties were like. “I’m glad to hear it.” Mingyu wasn’t dense either. He could tell you didn’t like him and he could tell that you didn’t want to come to the party. He didn’t care though, he liked that your mom was so willing to suck up to him and a part of him enjoyed that you felt tortured.

“I’ll see you on Saturday, Y/N.” He smiled and patted your shoulder before walking away. His father approached you and your parents, a genuine smile on his face much different to that of his son’s. “I love that our kids get along. Y/N, I’ll be looking forward to seeing you around more often. It’s nice to have some competition on the court.” Mr. Kim’s words were nice, though he couldn’t be more wrong about you and Mingyu getting along. You appreciated his admiration of your tennis playing, the years of being forced to take lessons having paid off.

A sharp pinch to your bare shoulder made you flinch, the crystal glass still in your hand as the alcohol burned down your throat. “You’re not at the party yet, pace yourself. Behave like a lady.” Your mother said and scanned you up and down unapprovingly. Yes you were pre-gaming before the party, you figured it would be the only way you could it through in one piece. “I can guarantee you this is not the type of party where you act like a lady.” You told in her return, filling your glass with a little more of your father’s whiskey. She took it out of your hand as you went for a sip and drank out of it herself. “Behave yourself…” She told you, looking you up and down once more. Your outfit was nothing to write home about, a tight, dark, black dress that hugged your body in the right places. You weren’t aiming to impress anyone, Mingyu in particular, but that didn’t mean you weren’t allowed to look good.

You were going to behave yourself, on the contrary to your mother’s beliefs. As much as you disapproved of her needs for social validation you wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize it intentionally. You would go to Kim Mingyu’s house party and behave the way everyone else behaved all to make your parents happy. There was also a possibility it wouldn’t be so bad after all, you could possibly avoid him after the general helloes and the niceties.

“Never thought you would actually come.” Mingyu’s voice was loud, trying to overpower the music that was blasting through the house. You had found your way to kitchen where all the drinks were laid out and were helping yourself. Maybe you had higher expectations considering you knew his families worth but you were quite surprised to see this party was more of a college rager than anything else. Oddly enough, it made you more comfortable. You definitely knew how to behave in a setting like this.

“Oh was the invitation insincere?” You asked in return, bringing your cup to your lips. As much as you hated to admit it, Mingyu looked good. A simple black shirt undoubtedly with a hefty price tag on it couple with a denim jacket, it was hard to go wrong. His hair was purposely messy and that classic smirk was on his face. “If it was I can still leave.” You added on, crossing your arms over your chest and shooting him a look. Parents weren’t here and while you said you would behave it didn’t mean you had to act like you enjoyed his company.

“That’s the last thing I want. Think my family would be appalled if I sent a guest away. Not to mention your mom would be pretty upset if you came home so early.” Mingyu said and you hated how correct he was. Reaching around you for a cup, he got close to you with his chest nearly brushing yours. He liked your attitude, he liked the way you disliked him, he also liked the way you didn’t go out of your way to hide it. Not only that, you looked phenomenal. The dress hugging your every curve and being short enough for him to take a good look at your thighs. He simply had to come over to torment you a little.

“Everything for keeping up appearances.” You remarked, handing him an empty cup and pouring some drink in it for him. The close proximity left you a little flustered but you weren’t one to shy away from a challenge and he was most definitely challenging you. “Speaking of appearances, you look real good tonight.” He said, leaning down to put his lips by your ear. That was when you lost your words. You were flustered and speechless, not having expected a compliment from him let alone one that made you weak in the knees. Or maybe you didn’t expect the effect it had on you and it left you looking at him with big eyes.

“Hey Mingyu, come in here for a second!” One of his friends called from a different room and he let out a chuckle. He flustered you and he knew it. He was most definitely going to use it as leverage but for now, he’d leave you be. “I’ll see you later.” He said, lips still by your ear as he tried to ignore your expression. Your big eyes staring up at him like that, it was only feeding his fantasies and making him want you even more. His hand grazed over your waist as he walked away, glancing back at you with a smile before disappearing and you downed your drink.

The party wasn’t as bad as you thought it was going to be, spotting people you had grown up with because of your parents’ circle. More specifically Jeon Wonwoo, a man you had grown up with and well had grown to have quite the crush on. He was intelligent, good looking and kind, a trio that didn’t generally happen. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” He said, standing up from his position on the couch to give you a kiss on the cheek. “Likewise.” You returned his kiss and felt your cheeks heat up. “I didn’t know you and Mingyu were close.” You shot him a look at his words as you sat next to him on the couch. “We aren’t. I’m doing my duty as a good daughter.” You told him and he had to stifle his laugh, he was no stranger to those duties.

He was about to say something as someone entirely too drunk sat down on your other side and pressed into you uncomfortably. Wonwoo swiftly wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you to sit in his lap. “There, we can talk better like this.” He said, hand resting on your bare leg and leaving you a total mess. “So not a big fan of Mingyu?” He asked and you tried to compose yourself. “No not particularly, he’s arrogant and acts like an asshole.” You watched as he chuckled, pushing his glasses back up. “That’s Mingyu… I presume he knows you dislike him?” He asked, adjusting you in his lap as you tried not to focus on the fact that you were even on it. “I don’t hide it.” You said, allowing your hand to toy with the fabric of his shirt. You were here and so was he, might as well play into these touches a little bit.

“Yet he stilled invited you.” Wonwoo remarked, fingers now drawing shapes on your bare thigh. “Yet he still invited me. It was undoubtedly because of my undeniable charm.” You remarked, hand now on the collar of his shirt. He was smiling at you, enjoying the weight of you on him and the excuse to hold you so close. He had a crush on you too and well he didn’t think he would see you here but he couldn’t help but think it was fate. Especially as you were closing proximity with him, eyes flickering to his lips and back up to his eyes. “It was definitely your undeniable charm.” He said as his other hand stroked the side of your cheek. You sat like that for a few moments, feeling happy as you quietly chatted. Until you felt a tug on your arm.

“Hey Mingyu.” Wonwoo said, still lightly holding your thigh as you both looked up at the conversation intruder. “Hey Wonwoo, you enjoying yourself?” Mingyu asked, though he didn’t look at him. His eyes were trained on you in his friends lap and his hand on your thigh.

He had been watching the exchange from a distance, not having known you two were with familiar with eachother… let alone that familiar. This was what you were like when you liked someone. It was clear to see you had some sort of romantic feelings for Wonwoo and that made Mingyu want to mess it all up. Maybe it stemmed from a place of jealousy, but he didn’t care enough to think too long about it.

“I would say so.” Wonwoo responded and you couldn’t help but glare at Mingyu. He was disturbing this moment between you and a guy you really liked. “That’s good. Y/N, can you come with me for a second.” He asked and you shot him another look. Mingyu shot you that smile again, one that meant absolutely no good. Despite knowing better, you carefully pushed yourself off of Wonwoo’s lap. “What do you need?” You asked and Mingyu just grabbed your hand, pulling you along as you waved to Wonwoo with a confused expression.

“What the fuck is this all about Mingyu?” You asked as you two found a spot away from everyone else. “So that’s what you’re like when you have a crush on someone huh?” Mingyu smiled as if it was the juiciest news he had ever heard and well in that moment it was. You crossed your arms over your chest and looked around the room, needing to avoid looking at his face for a split moment due to anger. This was his father’s office from the looks of it and it was apparent that it was untouched by the party.

“Yes it is and what about it?” You asked and Mingyu took a few steps forward, getting in your personal space for the second time of the evening. “Nothing, I just find it amusing.” Mingyu said, looming over you. This was one thing you hated about him, he was just so much bigger than you. It made it difficult to try and intimidate him, made it difficult to look down at him. He chuckled, stepping forward again and you took a step back. Your back met the edge of his father’s desk and Mingyu got even closer. Placing a hand on either side of your body on the desk, he ducked down to your level.

“What’s so amusing about it?” You asked, trying to regain some courage and pressing your own face closer to his. You hated him, you absolutely hated him yet this whole interaction had your heart pounding and legs pressing together. “It’s amusing because, if you like Wonwoo so much what are you doing back here with me?” His question made your expression drop and he was oh so amused. Especially as his hands found your waist and his lips found yours.

Never did you think you would be kissing Kim Mingyu and never in a million years did you think you would want to. It left you frozen for a moment, needing to let it all sink in and have it occur to you just how turned on you actually were. That was when you let go, hands finding his hair and lips moving against his roughly. There were going to be consequences to these actions and you knew it but you couldn’t find yourself caring all too much. This was a party and you just wanted to have a good time.

His hands on your waist squeezed slightly, lifting you onto the desk with ease as his tongue explored your mouth. The action made you whimper, gripping his hair a little harder and spreading your legs for him to get in between them. “You must be thinking about Wonwoo right now.” Mingyu said as his hands hiked your dress up to bunch up at your hips. Truly, Wonwoo was the furthest thing from your mind. The only thing you could think about was how strong his hands were and just how needy you actually were.

“Shut up.” You told him in return, watching that awful smile you hated so much appear on his face. He was absolutely loving this, the contrast of your mean words with your welcoming actions. Flushed face and messed up dress showing of the wet patch forming on your panties. This was his kryptonite.

“A lot of big words but no actions coming from someone who hates me.” He added on and his lips brushed over your neck before sinking down to his knees. “Shu-“ “Yeah, shut up. I know, I’m working on it.” He cut you off, eyes locking with yours as his fingers hooked into your panties and pulled them down. He stuffed the ruined fabric into his back pocket without a word, spreading your delicious thighs apart to make room for his face. This was exactly what he had been imagining your soft thighs to feel like, having fantasized about them squeezing his head one too many times. He wrapped his arms around your thighs and pulled you closer to the edge of the desk before leaving a hot, open-mouthed kiss to your slit.

You absolutely hated Kim Mingyu but the image of his face between your legs and the feeling of him eating you out like a starved man made you feel nothing but bliss. Every time your eyes locked it made you even wetter and with every flick of his tongue you had to stop yourself from screaming. Your hands were gripping the edge of the desk but that wasn’t enough, finding your hand looking for his that was gripping your thighs. It was an oddly sweet moment, in the midst of all the hatred and lust however you ignored the feeling it sparked in you. His free hand moved to your clit, arms still wrapped around your thighs to keep you from going anywhere.

Mingyu was enjoying this too much, moaning against your cunt at how good you tasted and how nice your thighs felt around his head. What he enjoyed more though was that you were even here, it fed his ego (not that it needed feeding). “Mingyu-“ You moaned out, gripping his hand harder as you felt your orgasm approaching quickly. “You’re close aren’t you?” He asked, pulling away from your cunt and kissing your thigh. “No, please don’t stop- I’m so close-“ You bucked your hips while you whined, begged for him to keep going. Oh he felt so cocky at this, letting one of your thighs go to drag his fingers over your slit. His tongue had worked you up enough and he slipped two fingers into you with ease, lips wrapping around your clit. His pace was brutal, curling his fingers in you rapidly as his tongue sent shocks through your body. He kept his eyes on you the whole time, watching you unravel and throw your head back.

“Oh fuck.” You cried out, cumming harder than you ever had. You tried bucking your hips only for his hand to hold you there, his tongue not letting up until he felt your thighs shaking around his head. You were breathless, body finally letting go of all the tension you had pent up as you went slightly limp under his touch.

He looked so pleased with himself as he got up from his position, face glistening with your juices and that annoying smile right back on his face. You were absolutely breathless, just looking at him as you tried to wrap your head around what just happened.

Mingyu leaned forward and just when you thought he was going to kiss you again, he laughed. “I’ll see you back at the party.” He said, watching your expression drop before turning around and leaving the room. Yeah, he had you right where he wanted you and you were just speechless. Totally and utterly shocked, you were left sitting on his father’s desk. Your dress was still bunched up at your hips and well, your panties were in his back pocket. For a split moment, you had felt something of adoration for him and maybe that was just the orgasm speaking. You didn’t think he would leave you like this.

Now boiling with anger, you pushed yourself off of the desk and your legs wobbled a little. You pulled your dress back down and tried to make yourself a little more decent though you couldn’t do much to help the feeling between your legs. This was truly your lowest point, you thought to yourself as you took a deep breath before leaving the office. Even though you were fully covered up again, you felt so exposed, knowing Mingyu had your panties in his back pocket. You felt even worse seeing him standing in the living room, talking with his friends as if he didn’t just eat you out. You wanted to walk up to him, yell at him and well maybe even hit him.

“Hey, are you alright?” Wonwoo asked, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. You turned to look at him and a wave of guilt flowed through your body. “I’m alright.” You told him, feigning a smile and trying to divert your attention away from the menace across the room. “What was that with Mingyu all about?” He asked, still smiling at you sweetly. If only he knew. “Oh nothing, family stuff.” You lied through your teeth and Wonwoo nodded, being blissfully unaware.

Mingyu was once again watching the exchanged though this time with a different energy. He felt cocky, his ego was entirely inflated and well Wonwoo didn’t seem like a problem anymore. Afterall, he was the one who’s name you were moaning no ten minutes ago and your panties were burning a hole in his back pocket.

It took you two weeks after the party to show your face at the country club again. You weren’t embarrassed or anything, you hardly doubted Mingyu told anyone. No you just simply didn’t want to see him. Not only that, you couldn’t look Wonwoo in the eyes anymore and avoided his messages at all times. The worst thing about it all was that you could feel yourself getting feelings for him and you hated yourself for it.

So you channeled your anger back into tennis. Your parents telling you to play singles against Mingyu was perfectly timed, you would hate for his father to get caught in the crossfire. No both of your parents were sat on the side lines, chatting away over their drinks as you bounced the tennis ball on the court. Avoiding eye contact as you served the ball as hard as you could, a small grunt leaving your body in response. He didn’t even have the chance to swing for the ball as it flew past him, making him laugh.

“You seem angry.” He called out and you remained silent, letting him serve the ball to you now. You rallied a few times, still quiet and avoiding any eye contact until he scored. For some reason that was the straw for you, walking off the court and grabbing your bag wordlessly. Just as you were about to leave, your mother called you and Mingyu both over. Mingyu knew what this was about and he knew you would possibly explode after hearing the news, while part him was amused at the thought another part of him felt a small wave of remorse.

“The Kim’s invited us on vacation with them on their yacht! Isn’t that wonderful?” Your mother clapped her hands and your father smiled at you. You felt your heart sink, just knowing that on a yacht there was no way to escape anyone. You and Mingyu, in extremely close quarters with your pushy mother watching. It sounded like your own personal hell, a personal hell you would be experiencing sooner than you cared for. “I promise I’ll be nice.” Mingyu said softly, loud enough only for you to hear as your parents happily discussed the vacation plans. You glared at him, before closing your eyes for a moment and re-evaluating the situation. Turning back to your parents, you put on a large smile before saying: “That sounds absolutely wonderful, I can’t wait.”

There was a part of you that wanted revenge. You wanted to drive Mingyu as nuts as you possibly could and make him feel the way you had been feeling. That was the thought you had when you packed your suitcase and the thought you had when you slipped on that revealing bikini on the yacht. You were simply going to get a tan on the deck and it was a harmless act.

With your book in hand and towel in the other, you wandered on deck and past your mother who didn’t even look at you twice. She was on drink number 4 of the early afternoon while your father was undoubtedly somewhere with Mingyu’s chatting about work. Mingyu was on the deck, taking pictures of the water and coast as you purposely brushed against him to get past. “Look out… doll.” Mingyu stuttered over his words as you simply kept walking, not expecting the way you looked or the way you ignored him.

He watched you spread out the towel on a chair and lay down on your back, opening your book. His eyes were burning holes into your skin, never having seen you quite so bare before despite having eaten you out. Thin, measly strings being the only thing truly separating him from you and he had to swallow thickly before stepping towards you, camera at the ready. He snapped a picture of the view again, this time including you in the image. It was something for him to savor later on.

“What are you doing Mingyu?” You asked, a knowing tone in your voice as you caught the camera shifting your way fully. He didn’t look surprised that he was caught, as a matter of fact he didn’t care. Simply stepping even closer and training the camera on you more. “Admiring the view, you look good doll.” He said and snapped another picture of you. You couldn’t let your confidence falter, not now. You didn’t want to give him the upper hand, so you flipped over onto your stomach and shut your book. Reaching around to undo the tie of your bikini top, Mingyu’s breath hitched for a moment and put the camera down. “Would absolutely hate to get tan lines.” You remarked and Mingyu let out a chuckle. He wasn’t dense, he could sense what you were doing and he wasn’t going to show weakness. Absolutely not, no, he wanted to see you weak for him, not the other way around. “I’ll see you at dinner, doll.” He commented and walked away.

A part of you felt proud, another part of you wasn’t satisfied yet though. You wanted to make him squirm and decided dinner was the perfect time to do just that.

The way you walked into the dining room radiated confidence, another pretty little dress on your body similar to the one you wore to his party. Heels clicking on the wooden floor as you wandered over to your seat, directly across from Mingyu. You greeted his family first of course. Bowing towards his father who was smiling brightly at you.

“Miss Y/N, you look lovely.” He commented and your mother accepted the compliment for you. Finding a way to make the situation about herself. “Ah yes I was with her when she picked the dress out-“ You caught the start of her rambling but tuned it out once you realized it was a bit of meaningless conversation, training your attention to Mingyu. His eyes were shamelessly following your body line, all the way down to your strappy heels. Oh he was absolutely loving this, despite how crazy you were making him. If it wasn’t for both of your parents he’d pick you up and have you right on the dining table if you’d let him. However that would also mean he had given in to your teasing and he wasn’t quite ready to do that… just yet.

Once everyone was seated and eating, the conversation flowed naturally. You found yourself genuinely enjoying Mingyu’s family, especially his father when it came to conversation. He spoke to you and regarded you for your talents without the expectation of you adjusting your answers to his preferences. It made you wonder if Mingyu had that side as well, stealing glances at him during dinner. Though he was particularly quiet, incredibly focused on the way you looked and the way you ate and drank. Red wine staining your lips slightly in the most attractive way. He was starting to have other feelings, feelings he was trying his hardest to ignore, feelings that put him deep in thought.

That was until your foot grazed over his ankle and he froze for a moment. It didn’t mean anything, it was surely just an accident. At least that was what he thought. Now feeling your foot slightly trail up his ankle, dragging his pant leg with it. His tongue dragged along his lip as he tried to hide his expressions. He was impressed with you and the way you flipped the script. He was even more impressed with how you were maintaining conversation, your wine glass in hand and not even sparing him a second glance. Your foot trailed higher, reaching his knee before hiking just a little further and brushing his thigh. You then pulled your leg back, not touching him anymore and ignoring his questioning expression. Then you repeated your actions again, allowing your foot to trail higher and higher each time.

Mingyu was suffering to put it lightly, pants getting tighter and tighter. His patience was also wearing thin, the more you ignored him the more he wanted you and he was going insane. He had your nonchalant expression burned in his brain along with the memory of your thighs around his head playing over and over. You glanced over to him for the first time in what felt like forever in him, needing to stifle a laugh at his expression before faking a yawn.

“Dinner was absolutely lovely but I think I’m going to turn in to bed.” You stood up from your seat, only for Mingyu to not subtly join you. He had no other thought than wanting to pin you against the nearest surface. “I’ll walk you and go to bed too.” He said, bowing deeply to your parents before saying goodnight to his own family.

He managed to wait until you were around the corner and out of earshot of your parents before grabbing your hand. “You’re playing a slick game today.” He remarked, pushing you into the wall gently and trapping you between his arms. Oh yes, you had him right where you wanted him. “I’m only doing what you’ve done before.” You blinked up at him, making sure your hand found the collar of his dress shirt. Your fingers toyed with the fabric before pulling him down to your level even more. He was now eye level with you, breath fanning over your lips. “Not nice to feel like this, is it?” You asked, now letting your arms fall to your sides. You were great at feigning innocence but so was he, it simply felt like justice.

“You’re toying with me when I’m so much bigger than you.” He couldn’t stand it anymore, he had let you have your fun. Grabbing your waist, he lifted you up and placed you over his shoulder. It was useless to fight it, especially with one of his hands gripping your ass to support you. You had finally pushed him far enough and while a few weeks ago the thought of him with you disgusted you, you now wanted it more than ever.

Mingyu pushed open your bedroom door with one hand before barging in, not hesitating to toss you on the bed for one moment. You sat up on your elbows, looking at him towering over you at the foot of the bed and crossed your legs on instinct. You needed some friction, some instant relief as you watched him unbutton his shirt. He was taking his time, not nearly as rushed as the party no three weeks prior. Mingyu was intent on making this night last. You sat up fully once he reached the last button, revealing his gorgeous tan skin and muscular stomach. He left the shirt on, simply open as he leaned down to your level. His hand coming up and tilting your chin up to look him in the eyes before kissing you.

His grip on your chin got stronger as the kiss escalated, his tongue slipping into your mouth. You hummed and allowed your hand to find his chest, moving your fingers down over his muscles and to the waist band of his pants. You could feel his body tense up at your touches, making you giggle into the kiss.

He instantly pulled away, standing over you again in a menacing manner. It didn’t help that you were simply smiling up at him, blinking so innocently. “Get on your knees.” He ordered suddenly, making your eyes go wide. “What? Nothing to say now. You like to laugh and giggle at me so much.” He leaned forward again squeezing your cheeks with one hand. “I’ll give you something to giggle at. Get on your fucking knees.” His words went straight to your core and the second he let your face go, you dropped to the ground on your knees. His very, very obvious hard on being directly in front you. “You know what to do.” He told you again and you had to admit that this side of him was very attractive, thought you also knew he would hold your submissiveness against you later.

You unbuttoned his pants and slowly dragged the zipper down, pulling his pants down to his thighs together with his boxers. Cock hard and red, precum leaking from the tip from all of your teasing. Mingyu didn’t want to wait any longer, he wanted those wine stained lips of yours to be put to use. Grabbing his thighs, you licked a stripe up his cock and let your nails dig into his skin. Your tongue swirled around his tip before feeling him buck his hips to urge you to take more. Wrapping your lips around him slowly, trying to keep teasing him. It was simply too fun to stop and he could tell. Mingyu looked down at you between groans, fisting your pretty done up hair to push his cock further into your mouth.

“You play around too much.” He grumbled as his cock hit your gag reflex, fucking your mouth slowly. Your eyes started watering but you kept looking up at him, loving the feeling of your mouth being used and mascara running down your cheeks. Not to mention the way Mingyu looked, losing more and more of his self-control. His head thrown back, dress shirt open and slowly sliding down one of his shoulders and the way he bit at his bottom lip to contain his groans. He stopped thrusting, your nose pressing against his lower stomach as he filled your throat. Tears were flowing freely now and you didn’t care what you looked like, being used never felt so good and you were sure your panties were absolutely ruined.

He pulled out of your mouth, leaving your mouth and you gasped for air. Wiping your lips while looking at him as he regained composure. “For someone who hates me so much you sure love being used by me.” He knelt down and gathered your hair in a ponytail to see your whole face, taking in the tear streaks and smudged mascara. It was like a beautiful piece of art.

Mingyu gripped your jaw again, this time making you both stand as he sloppily kissed you. Not caring that he could taste himself on your tongue. He tugged on your makeshift ponytail exposing your neck for him to kiss down it. “Mingyu-“ You let out choked moan, throat feeling raw from it’s previous abuse. You could feel him biting down your neck, sucking marks in odd places that you most definitely wouldn’t be able to hide from anyone. He let go of your hair, now using his hands to tug down your dress. Biting and kissing at the new exposed skin as you pushed his dress shirt fully off of his shoulders and down to the ground. Your dress fell to the ground not far after and Mingyu pushed you back onto the bed.

“You know, you look so pretty with mascara down your face.” Mingyu commented, looking at your tear stained cheeks. “Told you I’d give you something to giggle about.” He added on, leaning over you and allowing his fingers to hook into your panties and pulling them down. He pressed a kiss to your inner thigh near your sopping cunt but not close enough to give any relief. “Maybe I’ll keep these too. Start a collection.” He remarked, holding up your panties before tossing them to the side. “Shut up.” You said in return, not being able to really think of anything clever to say in this state. Mingyu chuckled, body now full covering yours chest to chest. “Can’t think of anything to say?” He asked you, letting your hands move up his muscular arms and grip his shoulders. “Just fuck me already.” You stuttered, looking him in the eyes.

He sat up in bed nearly immediately, hands finding your hips to pull your cunt closer to his cock. His hand wrapped around the base, moving to drag his tip over your folds and spreading your juices around. You were already a moaning mess and he hadn’t even done anything yet but tease you.

“I could make you beg.” Mingyu suggested, moving both of your legs to rest on his shoulder. “No, please don’t-“ You started not even realizing how needy you sounded. “Please Mingyu, please fuck me.” You begged, giving him the upper hand once again. “I didn’t even have to tell you too.” He smiled again, his finger tip running over your slit before spreading your folds with his cock.

He slammed himself into you fully, giving you not a quick moment to adjust as you cried out. You felt so full and stretched out, it felt so good that tears were brimming your eyes again. Pressing your knees to your chest, he hovered over you and started pounding into your cunt. Every drag of his cock hitting that sweet spot in you and making you moan. It was making you worried that both of your parents could hear you, but that thought was quickly fucked right back out of you as Mingyu leaned down to kiss you.

“Please make me cum, please.” You begged against his lips, not caring anymore how pathetic you sounded. You were so close to cumming you just needed that little thing to send you over the edge. Mingyu adjusted your position, spreading your legs and pressing them into the mattress. This gave him the perfect view of his cock sinking into your cunt and just the right angle to have you shaking. “Fuck I’m cumming.” You cried, tears fully streaming down your cheeks as you clenched around him and gripped the sheets.

Mingyu’s thrusts didn’t let up, feeling you squeeze him tighter and tighter. “Your pussy is so tight and fucking wet.” He grunted, nails digging into your thighs. You whimpered in response, overstimulation making your body limp under his touch. “I should have fucked you at the party.” He added on and you hummed again, your hands finding his arms to scratch down them. You could feel another orgasm building, his words and the overstimulation really hitting you hard.

“Can’t believe you let me fuck you silly.” He moaned, feeling you clamp down around him again, You let out a small cry, cumming even harder than before. That was enough for Mingyu, pulling out of you and wrapping his hand around his cock. Pumping it a few times before cumming over your cunt with a groan. You watched his face contort and his abs tense, taking in the sounds he made.

He sat there for a moment, catching his breath with his mouth agape. He glanced over to the mess he made, smiling at how messy your cunt looked because of him. “Look at how messy you let me make you.” He was back to teasing again, his finger coming out to circle over your clit. He laughed at how you wiggled away from him with a pout. Your body felt sore and relieved all at the same time, finally having fucked Kim Mingyu. “I’m sore already.” You mumbled and he stood up from the bed. A wave of fear took over you as you remembered the way he left you at his party.

“I’ll be right back.” He said, walking into the adjacent bathroom and grabbing a cloth. He wasn’t going to leave you this time, admittedly he felt bad about it after seeing your response. He must have truly hurt your feelings and that resonated with him. Mingyu loved teasing you but to fuck you and leave you, that was cruel.

He came back with a wet washcloth and helped you clean up. You could feel your body relax, knowing he wasn’t going to leave you and a weird feeling in your chest as he cleaned you up. An even weirder feeling settled over you as he laid down next to you, arm wrapping around your waist to pull you into his chest. You hated Kim Mingyu, truly but you also had a soft spot for him. One that prevented you from fully staying away from him. Something you took note of as he kissed your forehead sweetly.

“Have you gone out with Wonwoo since my party?” Mingyu asked, breaking the thoughtfull silence. A part of him was jealous at the mere thought, something that sparked him pulling you aside in the first place. “He’s texted and I’ve texted back. Nothing more than that though.” You responded, not quite being able to hide your smile at his tone. “Haven’t particularly been able to look him in the eyes since that night.” You added on and Mingyu let out a hearty chuckle, pushing his hair out of his face in the process. “Good. He’s not good enough for you anyways.” You smacked him lightly at his words before he cupped your cheeks and kissed you roughly, knocking the air out of your lungs for a moment.

“Don’t date him. Besides, dad’s going to offer you a job at the company tomorrow, he seems to like you something about you being smart and hardworking. Either way you should take the job, that way I can fuck you on every desk in the building.”

A/N: this is something a little different than what I normally do, so let me know what you think!!! I said I wanted to write some longer stories instead of reactions so I hope this is the step in that direction!!

[obaex]

you, the ocean, and me (pt. 1) - jj maybank

summary: jj is determined to put a smile on your face during your two-week trip to the obx, but what happens when fun turns into something more?

word count: 13.7K

warnings: cheating + terrible parents

a/n: this is set a few years in the future, assuming everyone is in their 20s. it's a slow burn, so it gets off to a slow start, but picks up quickly, i promise! i linked a couple of songs in here that are mentioned, only listen if you want to cry your eyes out with me.

You gazed wearily out the window as the pilot announced that the plane had begun its descent into the Outer Banks. Despite your warring emotions, you had to admit that the bum little beach town looked beautiful from above, the sky casting the shoreline in an orange glow.

Your mom squeezed your hand from the seat beside you, "This is going to be just what you need, sweetie" she said, "I promise."

You highly doubted that.

You had reluctantly agreed to spend two weeks with her here. A last-ditch effort to stop your life from rolling right off its tracks, in her eyes at least. You didn't know how a sleepy beach town on the coast of North Carolina was supposed to make you forget the three-carat diamond that weighed heavily on your ring finger, the text messages you had found on your fiancé's phone nor the fact that your family insisted you move forward with the marriage anyway. No, you were pretty damn sure there weren't enough Mai Tais in the world to make you forget all of that. As the plane dropped further in the sky your heart dropped into your stomach and a wave of nausea passed over you. When did everything become so fucked up?

You had met Carson Peters when you were fourteen. He was the quarterback, you were the captain of the cheerleading team. It was so damn cliché. Looking back at it now, it felt like your whole life was completely predetermined for you. Of course you would date him. Of course you would attend every homecoming, semi-formal and prom with him. Of course you would lose your virginity to him the night before you both left for college, making promises you had intended to keep. Of course he would study business, rapidly making inroads with your father's company. Now, it was only a matter of time until your father retired and passed ownership over to him. So, of course, when Carson Peters asked you to marry him you had said yes. He was all you had ever known, so ingrained in every aspect of your life and your family that the proposal felt like an inevitability you couldn't run from. Every decision was already made for you: You would get married in the same church as your parents, you would have 2-3 children that played soccer or did ballet, you would have a golden retriever, you would spend Friday nights at the country club, Saturdays playing tennis and Sundays volunteering at church. It wasn't a bad life. It was a damned privileged one, one you should feel grateful for. But you didn't. Because it didn't feel like yours. Looking back, you couldn't remember making one choice for yourself. You didn't really have a say in any of this. You were simply the perfect daughter, the glowing bride, a pawn in everyone else's game.

All of that came to a screeching halt two weeks ago.

It was a Friday night. Carson was in the shower and you were touching up your makeup, getting ready for your usual appearance at the country club when his phone chimed on its charger next to the bed. You glanced at it quickly, the noise catching your attention and you saw an incoming text from your best friend Lauren. You were going to meet her and her husband Nick at the club, so thinking she was texting about the plans for the evening, you opened the text. You and Carson didn't have any secrets between you, why would you? You had known each other for almost ten years. You typed in his passcode (your birthday + his old jersey number).

Lauren: Can't wait to see you tonight 😉

Hm. You felt like that was a little out of place, but maybe she was just trying to be nice? Looking back, you can't believe how naïve you were. You realized they had an existing text exchange so you began to scroll up and up and up and finally came across mutually exchanged pictures that caused you to drop the phone, your heart hammering in your chest, mind racing a mile a minute. You were desperately trying to concoct a plausible explanation for what you had just seen, to apply some logic to the situation, to come up with an excuse, any excuse. There wasn't one.

You could hear the shower stop running and you realized you had a decision to make. Do you confront him? Do you act like you didn't see it? There was no way you could sit through dinner tonight knowing what you knew now. You picked up the phone, set Lauren's most recent text to 'unread' and placed the phone back on the charger before telling Carson you weren't feeling well and wouldn't be up for dinner after all. He was visibly annoyed, whether because of the last-minute change of plans or the fact that he wouldn't get to see Lauren, you weren't sure. You undressed and crawled into bed as he went downstairs to watch TV. You cried yourself softly to sleep, sick to your stomach over what you were going to do.

The next morning Carson was thankfully up and out of the house early for a tee time with your father. He left with a quick kiss on your cheek as you lay in bed, grateful that he wouldn't see your splotchy face and bloodshot eyes. You didn't have the energy for a confrontation. You got up and got dressed. Normally this is something you would call Lauren to talk about. Since that was squarely out of the question, you called your mom, asking if you could come over to talk. You always had a good relationship with her despite the fact that she encouraged you (pushed you?) to look a certain way, act a certain way and dress a certain way to maintain the family image and ensure you were set up for a life just like hers.

You didn't take two steps inside her door before she knew something was wrong and you crumbled in her arms, sobs wracking your body as she held you close and rubbed your back. After you were settled at the kitchen counter with a warm cup of tea, you told her everything. Everything everything. She listened patiently and quietly, your hand in hers. Her eyes widened upon hearing the gory details, but she waited to speak until you were through. You could tell she was taking her time to collect her thoughts, to make sure she was saying the right thing, a skill she had taught you well.

"Honey, this doesn't change anything" she said simply. "People make mistakes. Some men have a wandering eye, but you're the one with the ring on your finger! Best not to ruffle any feathers before the wedding. you have a bright future ahead of you, and so does Carson - you two are meant to be! Plus, you know how important this is to your father and to me. You are our only child, we want you to be set for life and with Carson taking over the company, your future will be absolutely secure."

"What part of my fiancé fucking my best friend has me set up for life with a secure future!?" you said harshly, your voice rising.

"Watch your language!" she chided, like you were a child again. "You are getting worked up and blowing this completely out of proportion."

"Oh my god, have you lost your mind? Can you really not see how toxic this is? Can you not see how this impacts me? How this makes me feel?" you said, nearly shouting now.

"Sweetheart, this isn't just about you--"

"THIS IS ABOUT ME! THIS IS MY LIFE!" you shouted finally, rising to your feet. "Forget it. I'm not doing this with you. You can tell dad I'm sorry I ruined your perfect plans, but I'm done. I can't do this, I'm breaking it off."

"Honey, stop! Please. Listen to me. You're not thinking straight. You're emotional, you're upset. I understand that. You need some time to think before you make any rash decisions. Let's get away, just you and me. A couple of weeks, that's all I'm asking, and if you still feel the same way when we get back, then I'll support you."

"Fine" you agreed, knowing there wasn't a damn thing that could change your mind.

The ride from the Kildare airport to your rental property wound through a small but charming town with a surf shop, some small stores and a few restaurants before you crossed onto the wealthier side of the island, coastal mansions lining the shore with expensive cars parked outside. As much as you were harboring resentment at your mother for dragging you here, you had to admit it was beautiful. In any other circumstance you probably would have enjoyed it, eagerly looking forward to two weeks of uninterrupted relaxation, sun and top-shelf liquor. Now, all you wanted to do was drown yourself in tequila and tears.

Your rental home was obscenely large for just the two of you, but your family didn't do anything in half measures so you weren't surprised. Nor were you surprised when your mother announced that you had reservations in an hour at the local country club. You didn't even question it, simply going through the motions of showering, doing your hair and adorning a floor-length dress and heels. Beautiful on the outside, screaming on the inside.

The Island Club was a copy-paste of any number of similar clubs you had been to over the years, replete with overindulgent pompous assholes sporting golf attire and Lily Pulitzer. You supposed you were being hypocritical knowing you were one of those assholes back home, but you let yourself be bitter surrounded by so many people you didn't know. You managed to make it all the way through dinner before your mom excused herself to mix and mingle and "make connections" for the duration of your stay. You couldn't think of anything you wanted to do less, so you grabbed your glass of wine and headed outside to a quiet part of the back patio, leaning out over the balcony to take in the thick, salty ocean air.

It was near the end of his shift and he was itching to get out of there, fidgeting and tugging at the collar of his shirt when he saw you. He had been making his way down a narrow hallway near the patio doors, arms laden with a tub of dishes. You were leaning against the balcony, staring out at the ocean. He could only see your side profile, but he could trace your long lashes and thick lips and the way your hair danced in the summer breeze. You were dressed to the nines in a stunning open-back dress that showed off your sunkissed skin. But it was the look on your face that pulled him in, eyes narrowed, face scrunched like you were trying to solve all the world's problems. Even with a scowl, he thought you were the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He realized after a few moments that he wasn't breathing, quickly clearing his throat and looking around to make sure no one had seen him gawking at you like that. He placed the bin of dishes unceremoniously on the floor and wiped his hands on his pants. 'Come on' he thought, trying to pump himself up. 'Stupid things have good outcomes all the time' as he pushed the patio doors open.

You were able to enjoy a few moments of solitude before you heard the woosh of the patio doors open and close behind you and another person came into your peripheral vision. They leaned against the balcony, a respectable distance away. You didn't turn your head, you didn't acknowledge them, you didn't feel like talking to anyone. You bit your lower lip, holding back several snarky remarks, trying to come up with the most socially acceptable way to say "fuck off". You closed your eyes, mustering your energy as you turned - and every word died on your lips.

He was definitely not what you had expected. In fact, he was gorgeous, painfully so, boyishly handsome with tousled blonde hair, nearly white at the tips from the sun, that complimented his tan skin. A laidback smile rested on his lips and his blue eyes twinkled with mischievousness and fun. He was looking at you with a mix of intrigue and something else you couldn't quite put a finger on but that made your heart beat a little faster and brought a blush to your cheeks. He laughed softly, breaking your trance as he said "Drinking wine alone in the dark isn't a great way to meet people."

"Kinda what I was going for" you admitted.

"Oof" he said, covering his heart with his hands like you had delivered a physical blow to him. "Sorry to intrude, it just looked like you could use some company..." he trailed off, hoping for a response, and continuing anyway when he didn't get one. "So, you're here with your mom visiting for a couple of weeks?"

"How'd you know that?" you asked, the surprise evident on your face.

"It's a small club, word travels fast," he said, glancing back inside "And your mom plus a couple of martinis has gotten just about everyone up to speed."

You groaned, leaning back over the balcony, rubbing your temple. "I'm on sabbatical from my trainwreck of a life back home."

"That good, huh?" he replied lightly.

"You have no idea" you sighed.

He laughed, a hint of bitterness evident in his voice, "I could teach a masterclass on fucked up lives, trust me."

And for some reason, you did. It was like your own pain was a radar, able to pick up on other people's agony and despite his pretty face, you could tell this boy had been through his own.

"JJ" he said finally, extending his hand. You took it hesitantly.

"Y/N" you said in reply.

"Y/N" he said, smiling deeply, letting the sound of it linger and melt on his tongue like the first taste of ice cream on a hot day. "Do you want to get out of here?" he said suddenly.

That stopped you in your tracks. You hadn't been propositioned like that in, well, almost ten years. Everyone at home knew who you were and whose you were and that any attempt at something like that was going to be fruitless.

You held up your left hand in response, letting the ring on your finger speak for itself, a sarcastic look on your face telling JJ this was the end of the line.

He felt his heart skip a beat at that, his mind racing with questions and thoughts. Of course she's engaged. Obviously. But why would someone who's about to get married look so miserable? Where is this guy anyway? I wouldn't let her out of my sight. What do I do. What do I do. What do I do.

"Whoa" he said, not missing a beat despite the cacophony in his head. "I'm not asking you to move in with me, princess. You look miserable and I know a place that's a hell of a lot more fun that this."

The thought of running off with this boy sparked something deep inside you, like someone trying to flick on a lighter- flick flick flick - before your rational mind took over.

"My fiancé--" you started.

JJ looked around mockingly to the left and the right, gesturing to the empty patio "Isn't here" he said simply.

"My mom--" you tried.

"Is enjoying her third martini" he replied, "You can text her and tell her you'll be home by midnight."

"But--" you tried a third time.

"Look, I didn't ask you what your fiancé or your mom or your best friend or anyone else wants you to do. I'm asking what you want to do" he said, extending his hand, "Come with me?" he asked, much more confidently than he felt.

It was the first time in as long as you can remember that you had the freedom and the opportunity to make a decision by yourself for yourself. You reveled in it, letting go of every obligation you had to say no.

You placed your hand in his, meeting his strong gaze, "Let's go."

He led you by the hand down a small set of stairs to a walkway that led directly to the parking lot. You were overwhelmingly grateful for his discretion, both of you knowing better than to parade this situation in front of the onlookers inside. You let go of his hand to type out a quick text to your mom and continued to follow him, so engrossed in trying to word your message that you nearly walked into him as he yanked off his bowtie and vest and loosened several buttons on his shirt. You hit send just as he was handing you something. You registered the helmet in your hands, then the bike in front of you.

"No way" you scoffed "Absolutely not."

"Come on" he said, waving you over, ignoring your comments. You took a hesitant step forward and before you knew what was happening, he was kneeling in front of you, grabbing the hem of your dress and rolling it delicately up your leg, revealing your three-inch heels, your calves, his fingers barely touching you, the featherlight passes sending goosebumps up your legs. As his hands nearly reached your knees, you managed to find your words, "H-Hey what are y-you doing?" you asked, your mind completely disconnected from your mouth at the sensation of his fingers on you. He bunched the dress to one side and tied it in a tight knot.

"Can't have it getting tangled in the wheel" he said cheekily as he straightened up, taking the helmet out of your hands and stepping towards you, both of you nearly chest to chest. He smiled devilishly at the blush on your cheeks before sliding the helmet over your head and reaching to gently snap the straps in place.

He pulled his own helmet on and straddled the bike effortlessly, scootching forward to give you room behind him. You settled in, the sloped curve of the seat sliding you right into him, your thighs resting against his hips, your front flush to his back. You looked around for something anything to hold onto as he revved the engine.

"Please hang on to me" he turned to say, picking up on your defiance of the situation. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable, but I also don't want you to die, so it's really the lesser of two evils at this point."

Resigned, you pressed into him, wrapping your hands around his strong core.

"Good?" he asked.

"I think so" you replied hesitantly.

And you were off.

The bike skidded slightly in the gravel, picking up speed as he shot down the driveway at the club.

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. You thought to yourself, realizing too late how enormously stupid it was to get on a dirt bike in a dress and three-inch heels with a complete stranger. It sounded like the start to a 48-hour mystery.

And yet.

As JJ navigated the narrow streets confidently, crossing the bridge to the beach, you loosened your death grip just enough to look around and take in the twinkling lights of the homes in the distance, the blink of the lighthouse, the sound of the crashing waves and the warm wind whipping your hair back under the helmet. You closed your eyes, took a deep breath of the salty air and realized you felt surprisingly okay. For the first time since you read those texts the simmering rage and frustration that had been building up inside of you felt more like a warm pot of soup simmering on the stove than a kettle hissing with boiling water. It was contained, manageable.

JJ pulled over amongst a line of other cars and bikes at the beach. As he cut off the engine you could hear the distinct sound of a party, chattering voices, bumping music and you could make out the flickering light of several bonfires as you slid off the bike and pulled your helmet off, frantically trying to untangle your wind-whipped hair. JJ took in your mussed hair, wrinkled dress and rosy cheeks, pink from the adrenaline of the ride and smiled. "You're not going to need those here" he said, pointing to your heels. You slid them off, letting your toes rest in the cool sand as he led the way.

He navigated expertly around the crowd, dodging drunk people, waving to others as they called out to him. He was clearly well-loved and even your brief interaction told you why, his easygoing, laid-back, friendly nature and quick smile were welcoming and inviting, magnetic. It made your fears and anxieties slip away, like as long as you were in his orbit, nothing could go wrong, everything was always good times and sunshine and nothing else mattered. Despite the distractions, wherever he walked, he continued to look back at you to make sure you were still behind him, smiling at you as he waved you forward. You finally found your way to a small bonfire surrounded by a few people that eagerly cheered upon seeing him and tossed him a beer.

He quickly introduced you to his friends and you tried your best to remember their names and nicknames, Kie? Pope? John B (the middle initial seemed very important), Sarah and Cleo. They welcomed you with open arms, literally hugging you, the girls tugging on your dress, overwhelming you with compliments. You weren't sure if it was the booze or if they were always this nice, but you felt immediately at ease. You could tell they were a tight-knit group the way they interacted with each other, a familial casualty in the way they leaned on one another around the bonfire, finished each other's sentences and traded inside jokes. And for the first time in a long time, you just let yourself be. You didn't care that your hair was a tangled mess, that your dress was wrinkled and now covered in sand or that you were drinking Corona. You let the beer and the conversation flow, soaking in the genuine presence of the people around you.

JJ settled on the opposite side of the fire, content to watch you through the flames that lit your face in an orange glow. You already looked like a completely different version of yourself than he had seen on the balcony, like a physical weight had been lifted from your shoulders as you laughed unabashedly. His heart swelled with the thought that he was the reason for the smile on your face. He couldn't tear his gaze away as he looked at you, fidgeting with the label on his beer, barely bringing it to his lips which sat in a permanent smile.

John B looked from his best friend to the new girl and back again. He knew that look on JJ’s face, though he’d never seen it directed at a girl before. It was the same look he’d had the last time they surfed the surge: determination, admiration, desire. It was undeniable. As was the giant ring on her finger. That look and that ring were at odds with one another and he knew he needed to quash this, now.

He nudged JJ and tilted his head away from the group. JJ sighed, hanging his head. He knew this was coming. He stood up, smiling at you quickly before walking away. When he caught up with John B out of earshot, they didn’t dance around the topic at hand.

“What are you doing, man?” John B asked.

“Chillin’, drinkin’ some beers with my friends” JJ replied smartly, taking a long sip of his beer to avoid eye contact.

“You know what I mean, JJ, what are you doing with Y/N?” John B insisted, tone serious.

“I’m just trying to show her a good time” JJ said nonchalantly, shrugging.

“Don’t bullshit me, man” John B said, the frustration in his voice evident, “I see the way you’re looking at her and I also see that rock on her hand. It’s a no-go amigo. Not cool.”

The smirk on JJ’s face disappeared as he grew uncharacteristically serious. He dropped his eyes to the sand, kicking it around with his feet, trying to find a way to put into words what he knew to be true in his heart. She’s not happy. I can make her happy. I know I can make her happy.

“You didn’t see her earlier” he started, eyes downcast, feet continuing to kick the sand around. “She’s miserable, she’s caught up in typical kook bullshit, like she’s never had a day of fun in her life… the look on her face…” he stopped himself, heart clenching at the thought. “I know this is crazy, man, but I don’t think she wants to marry this guy.”

“She said that?” John B said, surprised.

“…Not exactly” JJ replied.

John B huffed, throwing his hands in the air in exasperation. “So, what? You’re psychic now? C'mon man” he said, urging his friend to see reason.

JJ cast his eyes down again.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt” John B continued. “This isn’t going to end like you think this is going to end. She’s going to have her two weeks of fun and then she’s going to go right back to her kook life and you’ll be left to pick up the pieces.”

JJ shook his head. John B’s words warring with the images in his head that played like a movie, the sorrow on your face as you looked out at the ocean, the way your eyes sparkled in the twinkling lights on the balcony, the blush of your cheeks as he pulled your helmet on, the tug of your arms around his chest and the feeling of you pressed tightly to him. You were the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. You knew he was just a bus boy and you agreed to leave with him, you slipped your hand into his, you got on his bike, you’d met his friends. No. There was something there. And he was going to chase it, even if it destroyed him in the process. He clenched his jaw and looked up at John B, determination in his eyes. “I’m doing this. You’re either with me or you’re not, but I’m doing this” he said resolutely.

John B’s heart sank as he sighed deeply. JJ was nothing if not stubborn. It made him loyal at the best of times and rockheaded at the worst of times. It was both his best and his worst quality. “I’m always with you, man” he said, regret already evident in his voice.

JJ’s signature smirk returned to his lips as he tipped his beer forward for a cheers. “To terrible ideas?”

“To terrible ideas.”

The next morning, you rested a cool bottle of water against your forehead as you leaned back in your poolside recliner at the club, hoping to ease the pang of your pounding headache and hangover. Your mom was polite enough not to comment, happy to be in her element after a morning of tennis and a tee time booked later this afternoon as she lay beside you chattering away. You nodded along, inserting comments when necessary as you closed your eyes and let yourself drift back to the night before. It had been so different from your life back home, but so right at the same time. You thought about JJ, his smirk, the goofy stories he told and you found yourself smiling. A pang of guilt resonated deep in your chest. You pushed it down, telling yourself that JJ could be a good friend, nothing more.

"Your drink, m'am" the poolside attendant said, setting down a Corona and pulling you out of your reverie. This caught your mother's attention.

"A beer? Really, Y/N, have some decorum, it's 10:30 in the morning" she said with disdain.

"Thank you" you said kindly to the attendant, trying to defuse the situation, "But I didn't order this." He looked around uncomfortably as he smiled, "It's on the house" he said, before waving politely and making a quick exit.

Your mother tsked and turned her attention back to her magazine when you noticed a slip of paper under the beer.

Marina, 1:00 - JJ

Your heart skipped a beat and a smile crept across your face as you happily took a deep sip of your beer, leaning back in your chair, eyes closed in the sun.

You got to the marina on time. Not really sure what outfit the occasion called for, you settled for your bikini, a flowy top and pair of shorts. You ambled along the aisles of boats, trying nonchalantly to look for the familiar mess of blonde hair as your pulse quickened.

"Y/N!" you heard finally, and turned to see JJ and his friends pulling up in a small boat, waving you toward them. You broke into a big smile as you quickly caught up to them and JJ extended a hand to help you inside. There weren't many places to sit, and JJ beckoned you next to him on a large cooler, barely wide enough for the two of you, your bodies pressed next to each other and backs pressed to the side of the boat as John B hit the throttle and the boat took off. He tore through the channel and marsh grass passed by you on either side in streaks of bright greens and yellows as the hot sun licked your skin. The boat jostled as it made its way into choppier ocean water and as it smacked into a wave, JJ's arm rested protectively behind you, not quite touching you, but near enough that you felt pulled into his presence. You smiled shyly to yourself and avoided eye contact with him.

You ended up anchoring just off a sandbar and as soon as the boat was situated, Pope, Kie and Cleo stripped to their bathing suits and eagerly jumped into the water. Much to your surprise, John B and Sarah were right behind them.

"You coming, princess?" JJ said, standing up and tugging his shirt over his head. You swallowed as you took in his athletic body, muscular arms and chiseled chest. Quickly averting your gaze, you peered into the dark, choppy water, well aware of what could be found in those depths: sharks, jellyfish, stingrays the list went on and on. You opened your mouth to protest but when you turned around JJ was doing a backflip off the other side of the boat. You stood up and walked to the other side as he surfaced, shaking the wet hair out of his eyes with a practiced shake of his head. The others were nearby, swimming and splashing and goofing around but JJ was waiting for you, squinting up at you.

"Come on!" he said encouragingly.

"I don't know" you said hesitantly, eyeing the rough water, fear evident in your voice.

"I won't let anything bad happen to you. I promise. It's totally safe" he said, extending a hand.

It wasn't like you had a choice. Get over yourself. You thought, trying to muster up your courage as you unbuttoned your shorts and pulled your shirt over your head.

JJ could just see you over the top of the boat from his vantage point in the water and as you pulled your shirt over your head revealing your bikini-clad body a rush of water flowed into his open mouth and he choked on the salt water, coughing loudly. Geeezus he thought.

"You ok?" you asked, leaning over the boat, your hair tumbling over your shoulders, the angle providing him with another vantage point of your cleavage as you watched him cough loudly.

He mustered a thumbs up before wiping a hand over his face. You were going to be the death of him.

"Come on, princess, before I drown" he shouted teasingly.

You stepped up to the side of the boat, toes nearing the edge. Your heart was pounding with the adrenaline in your veins, fear causing your limbs to shake. You looked down and saw JJ's smile, his hand extended and your heartrate slowed. He was right, if he was there, it was going to be okay. So, you jumped.

The cool water shivered over you, causing your limbs to tingle as you surfaced. You wiped the salt water from your eyes and landed on JJ's gaze, basking in it as he smiled widely at you "Atta girl!" he said proudly, before waving you over to his friends.

A day spent swimming and drinking in the sun had you nearly wiped out on the boat ride home. You laid with JJ alone on the bow, you on your back and he on his stomach, turned to face you, about an arm's length away. Your conversation flowed effortlessly. He asked you about your favorite music, favorite movies, arguing with you good naturedly any time he disagreed with your answer, though you found you actually had a lot in common with each other. You both loved the outdoors, the beach, dogs, Bob Marley and tequila. They were little things, but even little bonds formed fast friendships.

"Favorite ice cream?" he asked.

"Cookie dough, hands down" you said without pausing.

"Mmm yes" he agreed, his voice sleepy and his eyes closed. "I could crush some of that right now." A pause. "What about favorite flowers?"

You turned your head to look at him curiously. That seemed like a sneaky question. His lips curled into a smile but he didn't open his eyes and didn't say anything further.

You smiled, closing your own eyes again as you faced the sun. "Peonies" you said simply.

He laughed. "I literally have no idea what those are."

You laughed back, "They're fluffy, the look like clouds. They come in a few different colors but light pink is my favorite. They're really pretty."

"I'll take your word for it" he said.

"Do I get to ask a question now?" you asked.

"Shoot"

"Okay, favorite way to spend the day?"

"Surfing" he said without pause.

"You surf?" you asked enthusiastically before thinking further. "Well, I guess I should have figured..."

"Hmm?" He said, confused, popping an eye open to meet your gaze as you looked at him.

You gestured up and down his body. "It fits. You know, the whole blonde surfer boy thing?"

He smirked. This was too easy. "You got a thing for blonde surfer boys?"

You laughed dismissively, turning your head away, fighting simultaneous feelings of butterflies in your stomach and the guilt lurking somewhere deeper. "Nice try, JJ. No, I just think it's cool. I always wanted to learn how to surf, but my parents were more interested in me taking up golf and ballet."

A brief pause.

"I could teach you?" he offered, hoping that the excitement and eagerness in his voice weren't too obvious.

You looked back at him. "Yeah?" you said, trying to gauge if he was serious.

"Hell yeah" he said, eyes closing again as he grinned from ear to ear.

You agreed to meet JJ at the beach the next morning for your first lesson, slipping out of your house before your mom was awake. The sand tickled your toes as you made your way to the water, the whole landscape awash with the pink and peach hues of the morning sun, the surrounding quiet but for the crash of the waves and the occasional call of the seagulls and pelicans overhead, not yet tainted by people, like you were in a beach-themed snow globe.

You saw him seated in the sand, boards propped up behind him, waiting for you as he looked out on the ocean. It was becoming harder and harder to ignore the physical reaction your body had to being in his presence. Your pulse quickened with excitement, you felt light on your feet, like you could float right over to him, you were craving his smile, the sound of his laughter, his signature smirk and the way his eyes twinkled when they looked at you. You were chasing that high, that relief of being with him so hard that you didn't want to acknowledge that at the same time you were running from reality. Just let me be here in this moment you thought. Just let me enjoy this you told your guilty conscience. You twirled the ring on your finger. Didn't you deserve a break? Wasn't that the reason you were here?

You quashed your warring emotions as you plopped into the sand beside him, turning to smile at him, greeted with the smile you had been missing that seemed to wash all your fear and anxiety away.

You were eager to learn the basics, more eager to impress your instructor. He was patient and extremely knowledgeable as he walked you through each step. Learning to maintain your balance was hard. Focusing on his words, while he occasionally placed his hands on your hips or on your arms to guide you was even harder. He was always respectful, but he'd have to be an idiot not to realize the way you responded to his warm, calloused fingers, the way your body shifted towards him, magnetized.

You ended the morning seated on your boards, bobbing in the ocean together, watching the sun crest fully over the horizon.

"Thank you" you said quietly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment as you smiled at him.

"'Course" he said, smirking, "You're not bad, princess."

You blushed at his compliment and the now familiar nickname that neither of your acknowledged, but that you couldn't get enough of. "Do you think we could do this again tomorrow?" you asked.

I would do literally anything to spend more time with you. The fact that you're asking me to surf proves to me that you're the girl of my dreams he thought, biting his tongue.

"Absolutely" he said.

So, you woke up for surf lessons with JJ the next morning, and the next morning and the next morning, falling into a routine that became so automatic neither of you had to ask anymore. You jumped out of bed despite the early mornings, eager to start your days in the warm water with JJ and today was no different. You had graduated to trying to stand on your board in the water and were doing a decent job, teetering slightly as he coached you from the water, leaning one arm on his board until an unexpected wave knocked you off and you surfaced next to him, wiping the salt water from your eyes, balancing one arm on your board as you laughed. You realized suddenly how close you were to him and your breath caught at the way he was looking at you. You were close enough to see his blue eyes tracing your face with the same look from the night you first met, intrigue and something else much much deeper, somewhere between pain and longing that had your heart thundering in your chest. You were nearly chest-to-chest now, as you let the waves carry you closer to each other. Your fingers itched to push his damp hair off his forehead. Neither of you spoke, just taking each other in at this close distance, bobbing in the waves, closer than you'd let yourself get on purpose. He opened his mouth to say something when you felt something slither against your foot.

She was on top of him before he knew what the fuck was going on. Screeching and lunging into his grasp about something that touched her foot, her arms thrown around his shoulders, his one arm naturally coming to catch her, to wrap around her and hold her against him as his other rested on his board to keep them afloat. He would have laughed at her reaction if he could remember how to breath. All he could feel was the sensation of her wet, bare body pressed against his, her warm breath on his neck. He could smell her shampoo, could feel her heart beating next to his. It was like his body took over on instinct, pulling her into him, like it was the most natural thing in the world, gently tugging them away.

"Hey, you're alright, it's alright, probably just a fish or some seaweed or something."

He guided you back to shallower waters, immediately regretting it when your feet brushed the sand and you unwound from him, suddenly embarrassed and aware of what you had done.

"Sorry, I don't know why I did that, that just totally freaked me out" you said.

"No worries" he said, casting one last look at you before grabbing your boards and stepping out of the water.

"Want to grab a coffee? My treat?" you asked, scrambling for some way to make up for what just happened.

"Sure" he said, walking with you to a small coffee shop a few blocks from the beach.

"Hot caramel latte with coconut milk, please" you ordered before turning to him. "Uh, iced black coffee's fine for me" he said, nodding at the barista as you paid.

"Why are you drinking hot coffee when it's nearly 90 degrees outside?" he asked, scrunching up his face like he was going to puke, trying to lighten the heaviness of the morning that sat on you like a damp beach towel and feeling much better when he succeeded in making you laugh.

"I don't like when iced coffee melts and it gets all watered down" you shrugged "I've always been that way." You smiled at him before you felt your phone buzz in your pocket. You pulled it out to read the caller ID: Carson Peters. Your heart sank so fast in your stomach it was like you had the wind knocked out of you. JJ was watching you closely and could see the way your shoulders slumped, your brow furrowed and your lips turned down. It was like watching a flower wilt, something so beautiful that stood so tall and radiant, deflating, coming apart. His heart hurt to watch it and he wanted to sucker punch whoever was on the other side of that phone.

You looked up at him with doe eyes, "Sorry, I have to take this" you said, and without waiting for a response you stepped outside.

You had been gone for nearly a week without hearing from Carson apart from a few text messages. You didn't know what you hoped to hear on the other end. What if he found out that you knew? What if he was calling to apologize? To beg you to come home? You glanced back at the coffee shop, mind flickering between the boy inside and the boy on the phone. You slid your finger across the screen to pick it up.

"Hi Car" you said, managing to keep your voice calm, eager to hear what he would say. You could hear some muffled noises, like he was rustling around.

"Car?" you asked again.

"Hey! Hey Y/N" he said, out of breath, his voice rushed. "Do you know where my blue sneakers are? I looked in the garage and in the back of the closet..." He rambled on but you had stopped listening. He was calling to ask where his sneakers were? You hadn't talked in almost six days and he was asking about his sneakers? His ignorance and the audacity he had to carry on his mundane, stupid life while you were battling your own future reignited the rage deep within you. You could have screamed as angry, frustrated tears welled up in your eyes.

"They're by the back door, in the basket" you said, interrupting him, your voice quivering with anger. You could hear him padding down the stairs.

"Shit, you're right, there they are, thanks, babe!" he said "You having fun with your mom? You'll be home next weekend, right?"

"Yup" you said cooly. "Look, I've got to go, I'll talk to you later."

"Ok!" He said, missing your tone completely. "Love you!"

Liar. You thought, and hung up.

JJ lay flat on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as he twiddled with the rings on his fingers. He leaned over to glance at his phone: 3:30 AM. He couldn't sleep. His mind was whirling as he thought about how in one short week you had eclipsed his every waking thought, and now his sleep too. He had been drawn to your beauty, which was undeniable. You were perfect in every sense of the word, his body ached at the memory of you pressed against him in the ocean. Honestly, a shark could have bitten his leg off and he would have died a happy man spending his last moment on earth surfing in the sunrise, you latched to him, you wanting his arms around you, to hold you close, to protect you. God how he wanted that with you. More than he'd ever wanted anything, he was sure of that. But what he was feeling was more than physical desire. He loved getting to know you. He loved your personality. He loved how you were willing to try new things and put yourself out there, even though he knew it scared you. Riding dirt bikes and jumping in shark infested waters, you were braver than you gave yourself credit for. Perhaps more than anyone had ever given you credit for. Which is why he couldn't understand the last piece of your puzzle. He was pretty sure that phone call was from your fiancé, but why did you look so miserable? Why couldn't you just break things off if he didn't make you happy? Why can't she just be with me instead? he thought. If that was what you really wanted, he knew you were brave enough to do it, but did you? He flopped over and pulled his pillow over his head.

That Sunday night found you back at the Island Club for dinner with your mom. This time, she had eagerly invited several couples to join you and they spent the whole night discussing politics and humble bragging to each other. You smiled, nodded and laughed at all the right times like the circus animal you were tamed to be, each comment grating on you more and more until your eyes caught something over the shoulder of the woman across from you: a mop of blonde hair peeking out from the hallway, a hand waving wildly to get your attention and pointing to the back door while also trying to be subtle and failing miserably. You blushed deeply and laughed, trying too late to cover it up, which caught your mom's attention and halted conversation at the table. "I'm so sorry, will you please excuse me?" you said, standing up and walking to the back door without waiting for a response.

You pushed outside and looked around for JJ. There were people everywhere with some sort of event going on, a DJ mixed a sweet soundtrack that drifted out over the ocean in the background. You spotted him in the back corner of the balcony, near where you had first met.

"Oh my god, thank you" you said, exhaling loudly. "If I had to listen to Mr. Wheeler's play-by-play of his round of golf today any longer, I was going to pass out."

JJ laughed and nodded towards the beach, "My shift isn't over for another hour, but wanna go for a walk?"

You nodded eagerly, following him down the stairs and making your way to the beach, tugging off your heels and letting your toes sink into the cool sand.

You walked in comfortable silence for a while, listening to the DJ and the ocean as you quietly began humming the song that had just come on, one of your favorites, a summer classic, dancing in the moonlight.

You caught JJ shimmying to the beat next to you, which made you laugh. He caught your eye, smiling wide at your reaction and started dancing in earnest, moving his hips and arms in time with the beat. What you thought would be goofy ended up being impressive and undeniably attractive, he had moves and your eyes twinkled as you took him in, laughing and clapping, cheering him on when he reached out to grab your hand and pull you along with him, the two of you dancing, jumping and singing as he twirled you around to the beat. It was effortlessly fun. You didn't care about looking silly next to him and the way he was looking at you boosted your confidence tenfold. You both laughed harder as he spun you around once more, dramatically, as the song came to an end. You were both breathless, smiling at each other, your hand still wrapped in his as the next song faded in.

It was a slow song and it was like the minutes slowed in time with the beat as he squeezed your hand gently and pulled you into him, raising your hand in his while his other rested respectfully at your midback in a slow dance position. Neither of you said anything. It felt natural, easy, unforced, like everything did with him. You didn't have to think as you slipped your arm around his shoulder and let your head rest on his chest as he swayed you back and forth. You let your eyes flutter closed as you listened to the lyrics.

When the time is up and the sun it dies

'Til the rivers flood and the ocean dries

Hand in hand under the falling sky

I will love you...

The song was ethereal and beautiful and the lyrics tugged at your heart. You could feel tears pinprick your eyes without warning.

So many say it and it's all a lie

But I will love you...

The lyrics sounded like wedding vows and you nuzzled deeper into JJ's chest, drinking in the comforting smell that was distinctly him, the feeling of his arm around you, holding you to his chest and you let yourself imagine what it would be like to say these things to someone and mean them. To say them to someone you felt them for. To say them to someone you picked, instead of someone that was simply predestined for you.

You hadn't let out a sound, but as with so many other things between you, JJ could sense your feelings. He let your hand go, bringing both arms around, pulling you deeper in to him, resting his head on top of yours, whispering your name, a plea, a prayer, a question that you weren't ready to answer. As you continued to sway he let himself imagine what it would be like to say these things to you. To say everything he wanted to say to you, freely, without guilt or shame or fear of what you might say or not say back to him.

Before the song could fade out, the ocean crashed beside you, rushing up to soak your feet unexpectedly and you pulled away as the cool water brought you back to reality. You grabbed the hem of your dress, wiping discretely at the tears on your face as you looked up at JJ, his eyes on you, mouth parted like he wanted to say something, a look on his face you hadn't seen before. He was normally so happy, so carefree, but he was stone serious as he reached out a hand to tuck a piece of your hair behind your ears.

"JJ" you whispered, your eyes closing as his fingers brushed your cheek.

He pulled his hand back.

"Let's get you back, princess" he said quietly, "Don't want them to send a search party." You didn't miss the somber look on his face as he slung his arm over your shoulder like nothing had happened.

You lay flat on your bed, staring up at the ceiling as you twirled the ring on your finger. You leaned over to glance at your phone: 2:30 AM. You couldn't sleep. Usually, you crashed into bed after you spent your day surfing and soaking up more sun and Corona than you could remember, but the knowledge that you were heading home to face reality in just a few days had you tossing and turning. What you knew in your mind and what you wanted in your heart raging an endless battle that was tearing you apart. You knew that your parents had painstakingly planned every aspect of your life to be set up for success. A life with Carson meant wanting for nothing. You would have everything at your fingertips: a house, a car, designer clothes and five-star vacations, seven-bedroom rental homes and country clubs. You would want for nothing, except love and affection. Your heart told you that you had thought you had loved Carson, thought you knew what love was before you had come here, before you met JJ. Love wasn't houses and cars and a carefully planned future. Love was stolen glances over a bonfire, safe arms when you were scared, hugs when you were sad, barefoot dances on the beach, your name on his lips. Love was being scared of something and doing it anyway. And you had never been more scared in your life. You flipped over, pulling your pillow over your head.

The next morning it was like nothing had happened the night before, you and JJ falling into your casual but flirty familiarity during your morning surf session. You were both seated on your boards bobbing with the waves next to each other when JJ nudged you and pointed a little further down the shoreline in the water. You covered your eyes, squinting when you saw a burst of water and a dolphin crested the waves. You squealed with delight as you realized it was a whole school of dolphins, maybe 6 or 8, headed your way. You both watched in reverence as they swam closer, circling around you, maybe 10 feet away. You had never experienced anything like that in your life, your head turning every which way to take them in before looking at JJ and laughing.

Your joy was contagious and he laughed with a knowing smile. "They're good luck, you know" he said. You turned to him, curious. "They symbolize guidance, fun and freedom" he continued "And typically mean that good fortune is on its way." He looked around smugly before saying under his breath "...I'll take all the good luck I can get..." as he began to paddle in. The weight of his words not lost on you as you followed him.

That night you eagerly recounted the story to your mom, gushing over the amazing experience of being so close to such beautiful animals. She smiled and squeezed your hand, "I'm so glad you've had a chance to relax. I told you this is just what you needed" before changing the subject tactfully. "The wedding planner called to confirm the last security deposit has been settled for the venue and the band."

Your head snapped up at her, surprised.

"Mom" you started, your voice heavy with tension and trepidation.

"Y/N, this has been a great vacation. You've had your fun and that's what's important, but it's time to start thinking about reality."

The realization hit you and you could feel the dread and anxiety seeping over your body like someone had cracked an egg on your head. It oozed over you, sticky, thick and suffocating. Your family had no intention of letting you break off your engagement. This was a distraction as they continued to weave their web of deceit around you. Your mom had continued planning the wedding this whole time.

You stood up, shaking with the sudden urge to run, the need to be physically anywhere but here. "I'm going out" you said suddenly, grabbing a sweatshirt and your phone as you started walking toward the front door, ignoring your mother's pleas as you slammed it behind you and ran down the steps into the street, letting your feet create the distance you needed.

Hot, angry tears burned in your eyes and ran down your face as your fingers scrambled to your phone, dialing JJ's number before you could think more about it.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and stood to his feet when he saw your name on the caller ID. It was late, later than you'd ever called him before. He danced on the balls of his feet, trying to think of the best way to answer before swiping to pick up the call.

"Hey, princess!" he said, kicking himself for how desperate and eager he sounded.

"Jayj?" you said, your voice a strained cry and his smile immediately dropped, his feet moving on autopilot towards the front door. You weren't okay. "Can you come get me?" you asked.

"I'm on my way" he said, sprinting to a run as he hopped on his bike.

He found you walking on the side of the road a few blocks from the beach, killing the engine on his bike and tipping it into the dirt, not bothering with the kickstand as he ran up to you. You reached your arms up and he pulled you into a deep hug, nearly lifting you off your feet as his arms wrapped tightly around you, his head buried next to yours as you began to cry anew. His heart clenched, a physical pain in his chest as he felt the pain rolling off of you, squeezing you tighter like he could pull it out of you and take it on himself. He didn't try to quiet you down or ask questions, he just let you cry, rocking you side to side, rubbing your back. The sweetness of his touch making you cry even harder.

"I can't do it, JJ" you whispered, muffled in his shirt. His heart hammered in his chest. Did he hear you right? Can't do what? What is she talking about?

"I don't want to marry him, I can't marry him" you said, speaking the words you had felt in your heart but hadn't dared let yourself think or say out loud until now. His heart was beating so hard he was sure you could feel it. If it wasn't for the current circumstances he would have leapt into the air, fist pumped and thrown it in John B's face. He pulled away to look at you and you quickly covered your face with your hands in shame and embarrassment as you tried to wipe the away your tears.

"Come on" he said, putting his arm around you and walking you towards the beach. He needed a damn minute to think.

Your tears turned into sniffles which had turned into ragged breaths by the time you reached the beach, making your way towards the ocean, leaning heavily on JJ as he held onto you.

You walked along the water in silence as you tried to catch your breath and think of what to say. You only had one day left and it felt like if you started talking now even that wouldn't be enough time to say everything you needed to say. You stopped abruptly and turned to him. It was now or never.

"I come from a lot of money, JJ. My family, my dad, our company, it's sort of a big deal where I come from" you squirmed with embarrassment, but knew he needed to hear the whole truth. "My fiancé - Carson-" you squirmed again. Saying his name here, with JJ, in this sacred place felt so wrong, sour on your tongue, but you pushed through, "-He's taking over the company. It's all arranged as part of our engagement, our wedding, so that it stays in the family. If I don't marry him, then we don't have a plan for the business when my dad retires. Carson has been working there for years now, they've already developed a succession plan, put out the press releases..." you continued to spiral, babbling on about the business, the consequences, like you were trying to convince yourself, maybe even convince JJ why this wasn't such an easy decision. You looked up at him and your heart sank at the complete confusion on his face. "You don't get it" you said, disappointed.

"Oh, I'm following you" he reassured you "but I haven't heard you say one thing about what you want. I hear loud and clear what your dad wants, what-" he grimaced, head cocked in anger "he wants" refusing to say your fiancé's name, "But, what about you?"

Your mind echoed back to the first conversation you had with your mother.

"Sweetheart, this isn't just about you."

"THIS IS ABOUT ME! THIS IS MY LIFE!" you had shouted.

And you realized JJ was the first person to acknowledge that you were squarely in the middle of this situation, that this was in fact about you. You hung your head.

JJ mustered his courage to ask the one question he didn't want to ask but desperately needed the answer to. The one with the power to save his life or crush his heart.

"Do you love him?" he murmured.

You were shaking your head before you could register your own movement. Like your body needed JJ to know the words you couldn't say out loud. You looked up at him, biting your lower lip, tears in your eyes again, shaking your head in earnest now as he looked at you like his heart was breaking and mending and breaking again in front of you.

"He's cheating on me" you said finally, the last piece of the puzzle sliding into place as you hung your head again.

"He what?" JJ said incredulously, his voice rising.

"He's cheating on me, sleeping with my best friend" you repeated, like he didn't hear you. You registered him walking away and looked up to see him pacing angrily away from you, hands on his head.

"JJ?" you said and he stopped walking, back still to you as he leaned over and cradled his head in his hands like he physically couldn't take the information you had just shared with him. After a moment, he stood up and walked back over to you.

"Princess" he said, his voice pleading with you as he took your face in his hands gently, emotion thick in his voice, squashing the anger simmering just under the surface. "I can't tell you what to do, I won't tell you what to do, you have enough people in your life doing that for you. All I can do is tell you how I feel because I've been trying to do it for the past week but didn't want to misread the situation. The first night I saw you I thought, no, I knew you were the most beautiful girl I had ever seen in my entire life. I told myself that if you even deigned to speak to me that I would do anything I could to make sure I put a smile on your face every day. That's what I've tried to do, to make you smile, to make you happy, to show you some fun, but along the way it became a whole lot more than that."

"JJ" you whispered, your bottom lip quivering.

He continued without pausing, "It wasn't enough just to go swimming together or go surfing or be out on the boat. I was craving you every moment we were apart, craving the chance to make you laugh, to be the reason there's a smile on those goddamn perfect lips, to see that twinkle in your eye, to grab your attention, even if it's to laugh at me or something stupid I said, I literally didn't care. I only have eyes for you... You know what I thought that day we were surfing and you thought there was something in the water?"

You shook your head.

"I thought that a shark could have bitten my leg off and I would have been the happiest guy in the world to spend my last damn moments on earth surfing with you, knowing that you were in my arms, that you felt safe in my arms, that you wanted to be in my arms" he choked up a bit at that. "That's not normal Y/N. Nothing I feel about you is normal. What we have isn't normal. It's fucking extraordinary. I'm falling in love with you, Y/N. Hard."

Tears slid down your cheeks as your lips continued to wobble. JJ pulled your face closer to his, now just inches away as he held your face in his palms, gently but firmly. He was biting his lower lip, eyes glancing at your lips.

You closed your eyes, pursing your lips. You felt him move forward when you whispered, "JJ, I can't, we can't. I'm engaged, and I won't do to him what he's done to me."

He sighed heavily as he rested his forehead against yours before pulling you back into his arms in a warm hug. He admired your morals and hated them at the same time.

"What are you going to do, princess?" he asked quietly after a few minutes.

"I don't know" you said, your voice barely a whisper as you hugged him closer. Willing the world to stop turning, so you didn't have to face tomorrow.

You wouldn't have wanted to spend your last morning anywhere else as you and JJ paddled out to surf. There was a thick tension in the air and an uncharacteristic seriousness about him that ebbed away but never fully disappeared as you fell into your normal rhythms, though this time it was you trying to make him laugh rather than the other way around. You could feel him looking at you closely as you bobbed in the waves, like he was trying to memorize you, afraid you would slip away.

You spent the rest of the day packing and going through the motions, in denial at the idea of leaving the place and the person that had become so special to you.

Your friends wanted to throw you a goodbye party at the chateau, which you managed to enjoy despite the circumstances. Your heart squeezed at the idea of leaving more than just the rolling beach, the morning surf and the blonde boy behind, but also a group of genuine friends, so drastically different than your so-called friends back at home.

JJ gave you a ride home that night. It felt fitting to spend your last night on the back of his bike, your bodies molded together comfortably as you leaned into him, resting your head on his back, hugging his abs with practiced ease. You had traded your dress and high heels for a damp bikini, shorts and one of his sweatshirts and you no longer worried about getting your hair tangled. A lot had changed in two weeks.

He rolled slowly up to your driveway, cutting off the engine but refusing to move, like if he didn't get off the bike, then he didn't have to say goodbye. You slid off the back, pulled off your helmet and shook out your hair like you'd been doing it the whole summer. JJ took off his own and let his eyes roam over you, the relaxed way your body moved, the sunburn on your nose from your days in the sun, the way you looked in his sweatshirt. He had told himself he was going to show you a good time and he had. If nothing else, he was happy to give you that, even if you didn't share his feelings. He got off the bike and looked down at you, smiling sweetly but sadly as he brushed his thumb over your cheek.

"I don't want to say goodbye" he said sadly.

You stomach churned with a guilt different from the one you had felt all week. You weren't guilty for the way you felt about JJ anymore. You were guilty for the look he had on his face right now, like you had taken this happy and carefree boy and run his heart over with his own bike.

"Please don't be sad" you said pleadingly.

"How can I not be sad?" he said with a bitter laugh, "You're leaving me."

"I'm not leaving you" you said pointedly. "I have to go home, I have to figure things out."

"And then what?" he pressed boldly, kicking himself at the fear and anger evident in his voice as he dropped his hand from your face.

"And then, I don't know!" you said, exasperated. "I'm doing the best I can, JJ. It's just a lot to figure out."

"Seems pretty simple to me" he said tartly.

You sighed in frustration.

"I'm sorry" he said quickly, "I don't want to fight with you. I'm just sad my surfing buddy is leaving" he joked, trying to lighten the mood as he leaned over to hug you. You curled into his arms, pressing your body firmly against his in a hug much more intimate than one shared with a friend as he nuzzled into your neck and the warmth of his breath tickled your skin. You swayed back and forth like that for a moment before you finally let go. You met his midnight blue eyes one last time as they drank you in. A sweet smile rested on his lips as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to your forehead. "Come back to me, princess" he said, stepping back and taking one last look at you before he hopped on his bike and rode down the street.

You managed to make it all the way to your room and into your bed before you cried loudly into your pillow, tugging his sweatshirt around you.

You were up early the next morning for your flight. When your alarm blared it felt like you hadn't slept more than an hour. You blearily showered and got dressed, stuffing JJ's sweatshirt deep into your suitcase before dragging it downstairs. You and your mom sipped your coffees in silence, trading glares over your mugs before you stepped outside to load up the car. You had wrangled your suitcase to the bottom of the stairs before you looked up and dropped your suitcase at your feet, your eyes transfixed on the single pink peony resting on the hood of your car. You ran over to, looking for a note and smiling when you didn't find one. You didn't need a note, you knew who it was from. You held it close to your chest like you could reach him through it. You finished packing the car and your mother pointedly ignored the flower as you tucked it into your purse.

The flight back home was uneventful but for the blanket of silence that rested over the two of you. The veil of the fun girls' getaway torn away to reveal the farce that it was.

So much had changed for you in the two weeks you were gone that you were surprised when you pulled into your driveway to see everything exactly as you'd left it. Your life had been flipped on its head, but this reality continued, unchanging. It felt like your house should have burned to the ground or that everyone around you should know what happened in the Outer Banks, but they didn't, they carried on and tugged you along with them in a whirlwind of dinner parties and wedding planning. You followed in dazed confusion, like a toddler aimlessly follows a parent. You touched the clothes in your closet, ran your hand over your kitchen counter like you were a stranger in your own home, like they belonged to someone else. This didn't feel like a part of you anymore.

JJ texted you relentlessly, and even tried calling, but you couldn't bring yourself to pick up and deleted the texts before reading them. You didn't want to torture yourself with something you could never have, as you felt everything you had with him slipping through your fingers.

Before you knew it, three weeks had passed. You felt like a zombie. Carson could tell something was off, even he wasn't that stupid. When he went to kiss you, you turned away and gave him your cheek instead, and when he reached for you in bed you rolled away and he also turned away, aggressive in his rejection. His touch made your skin crawl.

On the morning of the fourth week since you were back you were surprised to find a note on your bedside table when you woke up.

Come downstairs, I have a surprise for you ❤️

That shouldn't have made you gag. You wanted to roll over and go back to sleep, but you weren't sleeping well anyway. You pulled yourself up, groaning, tugging on your robe and slippers and padding downstairs to the kitchen. Your breath caught in your throat. Every surface had a bursting bouquet of pink roses. As Carson saw you enter the room, he handed you an iced latte from Starbucks. "Iced caramel latte and pink roses!" he said, clearly thrilled with himself. "Your favorites!" You looked down at the iced beverage, ice already half melted and looked around at the pink flowers, all the wrong type. You looked at your large kitchen with marble countertops and the open floorplan that poured into a designer-decorated living room as you thought about the single pink peony on your car. You sighed, tears rising up. You set the coffee down on the counter and turned to face Carson. You were scared. Terrified. You were making a cataclysmic life decision that you weren't sure you had the courage to make. You thought about the feeling of a dirt bike skidding out beneath your three-inch heels, you thought about dark choppy waves filled with sharks and jellyfish and slimy things that tickled your toes and then you thought about warm arms and a blonde-haired boy that promised you that if you had a little courage, everything was going to be okay. You reached for your ring and tugged it off your finger, placing it in Carson's hand.

It had been four weeks and John B didn't have it in him to tell JJ he had been right all along as he watched his best friend trudge through the days like he was sleepwalking. He was doing all of the JJ things with none of the JJ energy. He paddled out to surf with them but let wave after wave go by as he stared blankly out at the ocean, like he was hoping you would appear out of thin air. He went to parties and didn't touch a drop of alcohol. He smiled and laughed but none of it reached his eyes and when he thought no one was looking, he sunk quietly into himself, brows furrowed, hands running over his face, eyes fixed on his phone, willing it to ring.

Now JJ was kicked back at the chateau, laying in the hammock by himself in silence, staring out over the marsh.

"This is so depressing" Pope said as he looked over at him and the group nodded in agreement.

Sarah's phone chimed and she pulled it out of her pocket, her eyes quickly scanning the text as a grin spread on her face and she beckoned the group around her quietly.

As the night came to a close and everyone was getting ready to leave, Sarah shot John B a knowing look.

"Hey JJ - we surfin' our spot tomorrow?" he asked.

"I don't know, man" JJ said lazily as he rolled out of the hammock and trudged over to the group. "I might just stay in, get some sleep... you know..." he trailed off.

Sarah shot John B another look, urging him on.

"Come on, man, the waves are supposed to be tight with that storm rolling off Florida. Boys day!" he said, pointing at Pope.

"Y-yeah!" Pope said, picking up late on the hint, "Boys day, come on!"

"Fine, fine" JJ said, waving them off as he wandered over to his bike. "I'll see y'all in the morning." As the bike kicked up dust, John B and Pope pounded fists.

JJ barely managed to pull himself out of bed. He felt nauseous. Sick. He couldn't remember the last time he ate. That probably had something to do with it. The ache in his heart probably had more to do with it. He lazily pulled on a bathing suit off the floor, grabbed his board and hopped on his bike. He didn't want to be grilled for missing 'boys day', whatever that meant.

He was pissed to see he was the first one there as he trudged down to the water, sticking his board in the sand and flopping down onto his back, bringing an arm to cover his eyes from the early morning sun. He was so deep in his own head, he didn't hear the sound of the sand kicking up beside him.

"Laying alone in the sand at 6:00 in the morning, isn't a great way to meet people" a voice said.

He thought he was hallucinating as he shot up, eyes searching for the source of the voice and coming to land on you. You were in his favorite bikini, one hand covering your eyes from the sun as you smiled at him, one hand on your hip. He stood up so quickly he nearly lost his balance in the sand.

"Y/N?" he said, confusion and awe clear in his voice along with a thousand unspoken questions. What are you doing here? What does this mean? He was frozen to the spot, mouth opening and closing, clearly trying to string together a sentence when you flashed your left hand at him like you had the first night you met, letting the lack of a ring speak for itself. His eyes grew wide at the sight, his heart wanting so desperately to believe what his eyes could see.

Please don't let this be a dream. Please don't let this be a dream he thought as he walked towards you. When he finally placed his hands on either side of your face, when his fingers made contact with your warm skin, confirming you weren't a figment of his imagination, his smile was back as he grinned from ear to ear, eyes twinkling as he threw his head back and let out a loud "WOOOOO!" before scooping you into his arms and spinning you around. Your heart soared. He was like a little kid on a candy high as he spun you around and then took off for the water, sprinting into the ocean as you both laughed and tumbled into the waves together, momentarily losing your grasp on one another before you resurfaced and his arms reached out for you underwater, tugging you towards him again, your arms wrapping around his neck, your legs wrapping around his waist, your bodies perfectly molded to one another.

Something about being back in the water together where you had spent so much time stealing glances, brushing limbs and dancing around each other heightened the tension as your wet bodies pressed tightly together. All of him was pressed against all of you. You were hypersensitive to each other's touch; no longer forbidden, no longer secret. He ran his hand up your back and his thick arms encircled you, the simple touch mind-numbingly sexy after so much time apart. You brushed his damp hair off his forehead, letting your fingers tangle in his blonde locks, your faces inches from each other. He smiled at the feeling of your fingers in his hair. He couldn't wait any longer, he pulled you into him. He tasted like saltwater and sunscreen and summer. He kissed you deeply and passionately, a hand behind your head as he flicked his tongue against your lower lip and you let it curl into your mouth, reciprocating with your own. He pulled you impossibly closer to him as you bobbed in the waves together. You paused, trying to pull back. There was a lot you needed to say. "MmMm" he said, shaking his head against yours, refusing to break the kiss and instead kissing your deeper as he let his hands roam over your body. Your head was swimming, dizzy with his touch.

"JJ!" you managed to sneak out finally, taking his face in your hands, forcing him to look at you. "There's a lot I need to say."

"I think you're speaking loud and clear" he said, squeezing you and running a hand down to squeeze your ass, making you laugh as you slapped his shoulder playfully.

"I mean it!" you said, giggling, and he took the opportunity to kiss you again quickly. You took his face in your hands, tone serious. "I'm sorry I didn't see what was right in front of me. I-I was scared. Scared to walk away from what I knew even if it wasn't what I wanted. I know that might not make sense, but you gave me the courage to do it. To go after what I wanted for me, for my life."

He smiled, meeting your strong gaze with his, "Nah, princess, you did that all on your own."

"Well, if it wasn't abundantly obvious" you said, "I'm falling in love with you too, JJ Maybank. Hard." You could barely get the words out before he crashed his lips to yours again, capturing your smile with his own.

part two!

taglist: @ietss, @gillybear17, @palmwinemami, @sweetestdesire, @m-indkiller, @ashlaylayxd

[challenger-fan-club]

Yoga with Patrick where he's being so pervy and can't really control himself

Tashi being Patrick and Art's coach means that they have to do something that they're not really use to... Yoga. Tashi said it's good for them to stretch and to use all their muscles, tells them they're going to be better for it so, as all good boys do, they do as they're told. Usually Patrick and Art do two or three stretches but now they're getting aches and pains. Tashi is trying to look after them and knows it'll be good for them but waking them up early for a yoga session, is not what the boys had in mind for a Saturday morning.

Art is showered, dressed, has eaten and taken all his vitamins by the time they are due to leave. Patrick is still asleep. Patrick groans as Art pulls the cover off him. He drags himself to the bathroom and brushes his teeth, puts on his deodorant and sniffs his top from the wash basket. Art is pacing the dorm room as Patrick debates if it's okay to wear. Patrick spends the whole car ride moaning that he has to go to this. It's not Art's first option of doing a work out but he's happy to give it a try.

Once they arrive at the yoga studio, Patrick instantly woke up when he saw the various women bending over, fixing their mats and starting to stretch. Patrick hit Arts stomach, telling him to look around. Patricks eyes were wide and he had to stop himself from moaning and saying vulgar things to Art. "Jesus." Patrick gasped as he followed Art to grab a mat and some foam blocks He was just following what everyone else was doing. A petite instructor came over and introduced herself and Patrick tried really hard to stop himself from flirting. She was tiny and Patricks mind automatically went to dirty thoughts as Art was being polite, explaining why they were there. She walked away and Patrick pulled Art closer to him. "Why haven't we been here all the time?" Patrick couldn't keep his excitement from showing. They set themselves up at the back of the class.

The instructor started with her practice, telling the class to sit cross legged and work on their breathing. Patrick couldn't keep his eyes shut as he gawked at the women in the class. They were in tight leggings and low cut stops, some only had shorts and bras on. He looked at their strong backs, their firm muscles as well as their soft skin. The class moved on and Patrick was trying to keep it very serious but his mind kept wandering. Art was acting as if he hadn't seen every single type of women in one room but Art was slightly more respectful than Patrick. Patrick looked like a puppy with a whole host of new toys to play with, almost drooling on himself when he let his mind wander. Patrick did actually find the class quite difficult, his muscles were so tight and he was not use to focusing on his balance and his breathing in tennis. Art was very connected with his body and embraced all of the movements, as if tashi was there watching him.

"And now we'll come into downward dog." Patrick wasn't sure what that was but watched as all the women bent over with their ass in the air. Patrick couldn't help himself, thinking about how flexible they could be, how he could bend them around and stretch them out. Patrick made himself hard looking at all the asses in the air. Patrick tried to readjust himself so it wasn't obvious in his shorts but with his size, and the exercise, there was no holding back. "And then we'll go into childs pose." He watched as the whole class pushed their hips to the back of the mat, folded over and arms stretched out. Patrick tried to use the movement to give himself the breath and get rid of his hard on, he shuffled slightly and Art could hear his panting. Art put his head to the side "you okay?" Patrick tried to say yes but he was really trying to focus. The room was filled with mirrors and Patrick had a brief thought about having sex in the yoga studio, getting to see someone from every single angle all at once before he tried to snap out of it and once again focus on his breathing. The class was moving too fast for him and he couldn't just reach his hands in his boxers and readjust himself. "If it's too difficult, you can just stay in childs pose." Patrick took the reprieve and allowed himself to stay still. The instructor came over and started to touch Patrick. He reached his head up as her hands were on his hips. If you just pull back a little, Patrick almost moaned from being touched and so horny. "Just straighten yourself and you'll feel it in your thighs." Patrick quietly said thank you as she walked to help the other members of the class.

Patrick tried very hard in the rest of the class, almost to impress the instructor, somewhat to beat Art who was doing his best to stay focused in the class. After the class, Patrick hung around to talk to the instructor, to thank her for helping... and to give her his number. He also spoke a number of the girls at the juice bar afterwards, asking for some extra help with his stretching and the girls were happy to help and happy to give him their number. Art stood at the door rolling his eyes at Patrick. "So we're coming back next week?" Patrick put his arm around Art as they walked out.

[whovianshifts]

the core four in my tbosas academy dr (non-violent):

clemensia 'clemmie' dovecote • lysistrata 'lyssie' vickers • tigris 'tiggy' snow • tisha 'tish' quillrose (me!): grew up in the academy together, friends since childhood, my girls <3

clemmie dovecote - parties & politics, straight As, it girl

lyssie vickers - chaotic academia, art galleries + greek philosophers

tiggy snow - the colour pink, strawberry tarts & fashion internships

tish quillrose (me!) - travelling, journalism, dinner parties

more about us:

•ok so, personally i think that clem is a capricorn sun with *heavy* aries and scorpio placements, lyssie is a virgo with an aquarius rising, and tigs is a spicy pisces to the core, bless

•lyssie is amazing at chess - she’s the academy's undefeated chess champion

•she's also the mum of the group and is tired of dragging clemmie out of bars lol

•tiggy is applying to be a fashion intern - we all model her designs for her portfolio and for little fashion shows at school (!!!)

•clemmie and i run prom committee together (and are we a bit full on? maybeee) along with livia, juno & festus. we’ve been planning prom day since we were like 5

•sleepovers are regular and usually at tiggy's and yes, coryo is a regular girls night enjoyer - we bake, watch movies & make pasta

•we've all been playing tennis together since we were like 6, but recently stopped because of exams ;-;

•lyssie, sejanus & i are on the debate team, ma plinth's treats are probably the reason we always win

•tiggy is also an amazing baker - she helps out at the plinth bakery on saturdays (and brings us freebies, yay)

•clem forces us to come to all her boyfriend's matches, so watching hilarius heavensbee hurtle to the ground violently every fortnight has become somewhat of a routine in our group (truth be told watching coryo fall over is funnier)

•she also forces us because she is head girl (yes my panem is ever so slightly british, lol) and takes it super seriously

finally, if i told the girls that i was a shifter:

lyssie would probably look at me like im INSANE before referring me to the school counsellor. clem would laugh and make it an inside joke - “how’s ur other life going?” - but after a while she would really get into the whole idea that she’s a famous actress in this world. tiggy would be hesitant but open minded - i can imagine she would want to give it all a try (i can just imagine lyssie’s ‘here we go again’ face as we talk about it LOL).

SIDE NOTE: im honestly so attached to my girls that i might spend a few months in the academy with them before heading off to the districts for my research project. im also heavily considering scripting out the hunger games entirely because i cannot imagine myself having fun with my friends whilst kids my age are dying on television

[thebowerypresents]

Queens of the Stone Age Keep Rock Alive on Saturday Night at Forest Hills Stadium

Queens of the Stone Age – Forest Hills Stadium – August 12, 2023

It was a fitting match for the old tennis grounds of Forest Hills, the Queens of the Stone Age in the heart of Queens. Saturday night brought along its summer best calm-before-the-storm weather, frontman (and rock elder statesman) Josh Homme giving the gathering crowd a queen-like wave, with a new gray beard that comes to a fine point. The greeting followed a welcoming kickoff run-through of the now classic “No One Knows,” the buoyancy of its impish guitar riffs setting the stage for the performance to come. 

It's hard to position Homme’s charisma without pointing out how lacking it is from other rock bands, especially of late. The man is equal parts performer and musician, as apparent as ever on “Smooth Sailing,” Homme channeling the song’s lurching drive and launching an angular guitar solo as if he were wrestling a snake. The stop-and-start drive of “My God Is the Sun” felt like someone driving a car with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake. With wind gusts picking up around the same time, the thick smoke coming from machines was pulled into a tight breeze running across the stage. “Sometimes you love and sometimes you lose, and that’s OK,” said Homme, introducing “Emotion Sickness,” off their latest, In Times New Roman…. The tune put all three guitarists to work with dueling guitar riffs and three-part harmonies. 

The best Queens of Stone Age songs come with heel-turn shifts in momentum. “If I Had a Tail” began pop-flavored before getting sucked into a noise-rock black hole. On “I Sat by the Ocean” Homme pulled out a glass slide, making it sound syrupy. The band’s current iteration is thick with guitar heavy hitters — and put to good use: A breakdown at the end of “The Way You Used to Do” sounded Allman Brothers-eque with guitars doubling up on each other and harmonizing. Homme polled the audience to see which new song, “Made to Parade” or “Time & Place,” they preferred, with the former eking out the win. It featured some of his best soloing of the night, hard to believe it was left to audience democracy on whether it would be played. The slow-burning QOTSA classic “Better Living Through Chemistry” followed, pausing before dropping and plowing through a final path of destruction. Next, the hard-hitting new single “Paper Machete” served as something of a resurrection.

Homme conducted a sensual sing-along for “Make It wit Chu,” having groups of the audience trade off the chorus before blues-riffing the song to a climax. “We’re not doing a fake encore where we make you clap for us, we want to stay out here with you,” he said. Forgoing the traditional encore, Queens of the Stone Age remained for three more: After “Little Sister” and “Go with the Flow,” the frontman offered, “Wait ’til you see what we have for you” as an introduction to “A Song for the Dead.” It brings such a relentless take-no-prisoners momentum, one would think the band would have welcomed a break to catch a sip of water before launching into the finale. One would also hope this song is exactly what dying feels like, with the brain spilling out every feel-good chemical it has as it sends the soul through an all-encompassing tunnel of sound and light. With the stage lights barraging the venue with flashes of white, the track deteriorating into noisy guitar feedback, it was a perfect end to the show. Rock ain’t dead — and even if it’s dying, being near death happens to sound fucking awesome. —Dan Rickershauser | @D4nRicks

Photos courtesy of Silvia Saponaro | @Silvia_Saponaro

[theghostofashton]

hey neha! question for you this fine saturday (for me, it's like 25 degrees celcius I am LIVING) 1) how is the weather where you are 2) what was your favourite past time/hobby/activity as a child and 3) what is your favourite past time/hobby/activity now?

hi lola! thank you for the ask! <3

it is just starting to cool down a bit where i am, finally. it's dropped to the 50s the past couple nights (around 13ish C, i believe?) and it's been around the high 70s in the day (23-25 C, so very similar to what you have!) it's beautiful i am also living!! i'm so ready for fall weather, i've had enough of the heat. the first week of september hovered around the high 90s (34-35 C i think?) which was..... horrific, so this is definitely needed lol

at the risk of sounding boring and predictable..... my favorite hobby as a child was reading. i was that kid who lived at the library, whose parents had to eventually put a limit on how many books she could check out a week because i annoyed them about taking me literally every day, the kid who bragged about reading over 50 books in a summer to anyone who would listen and sailed through all those summer reading library challenges with ease. and then i found fanfiction when i was 10-11 and my whole world felt like it transformed with how much more stuff there was for me to read. i loved the escapism of it, but also the lack of rules. it was so cool to me that authors had so much power to write their stories however they wanted and it inspired me like nothing else, that's why i started writing too.

w all this in mind it is no surprise i went into publishing and work with books as my actual job lol but i will talk about something else for variety so !!

when i was in middle school i fell in love with running. i come from a Sports Family (my brother played soccer and tennis growing up, i swam, tried failed at basketball field hockey and tennis, and eventually fell into running) so they've always been lowkey on my radar. i kinda fell out of running in high school and college (courtesy of depression lol), but when the pandemic hit i decided to pick it back up, and i have not stopped. it's genuinely one of my favorite things ever which i know may make me sound like a weirdo because most people hate running lol but !! idk it makes me feel so free. i do it bc i love it so much, it truly feels like "me-time". i also live in my hometown atm and over the past few years it's been so much fun to watch the seasons change through the trees and leaves falling and flowers blooming. being out there almost every day means i notice when new flowers appear or a tree that had all its leaves the day before has none, and it's been just.... nice? really grounding, i think. so that is one of my favorite hobbies, a little slice of peace i'd say.

[abbeyspringrentals]

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Private Beach: Take a dip or relax on our 300-foot sand beach, which includes a picnic area, fire pits, and lifeguards on duty.

Nature Trails: Walk along 26 miles of scenic trails and enjoy the fresh air as you explore the beautiful lakefront.

Golf: Don’t miss our 18-hole championship golf course, where you can enjoy discounted rates as a renter.

Dining and Relaxation

When it comes to food, you won’t be disappointed. Our on-site restaurants offer a variety of dining options to satisfy every craving:

Yacht Club Restaurant: Enjoy fine dining with a view of Lake Geneva’s sunsets. Stop in for our famous Friday Fish Fry, Prime Rib on Saturdays, or Fried Chicken on Sundays. It’s the perfect way to end a day on the lake.

Grille: Overlooking the golf course, this casual spot serves breakfast and lunch daily. Stop by for a quick bite before hitting the links or the pool.

Below Deck: Located right on the beachfront, Below Deck serves up BBQ, burgers, and wings—perfect for a fun, laid-back meal after a day of swimming or boating.

And for those looking to unwind, head to our fitness center for a yoga class, or relax in our spa and let the stress melt away.

Bring the Whole Family – Pets Included!

At Abbey Springs, we understand that pets are part of the family. That’s why we’re proud to be a pet-friendly Lake Geneva resort. Bring your dog along for a vacation they’ll love as much as you will. They can join you on walks along the trails, play on the beach, or simply relax by your side as you enjoy a beautiful sunset. Kids will also love the arcade, playgrounds, and morning visits from deer and other wildlife right outside your door.

Convenient Location and Easy Access

Abbey Springs is perfectly situated for an easy weekend getaway. We’re only 90 minutes from Chicago and just an hour from Milwaukee, making it a convenient destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Lake Geneva itself is a historic and beloved vacation spot, known for its clean, deep waters and picturesque surroundings. It has long been the favorite getaway for Chicago’s rich and famous, and now you can experience its beauty for yourself—without the crowds.

Book Your Stay Today

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or just need a weekend of relaxation, Abbey Springs is the perfect place to stay. With luxurious amenities, a welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of activities for everyone—including your pet—you will surely make unforgettable memories here.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to our pet-friendly Lake Geneva resort today, and enjoy all that Abbey Springs has to offer!💻 https://abbeyspringsrentals.com

📞 +1 630 248 5504

[ifweweretogether]

It’s been 3 days since u gone and it feels like forever.

You remembered? 2 nights ago when I called at 3:45am and you didn’t pick up. I should have seen that coming but still I tried. You didn’t pick up. How could you, haha. You must be already asleep by then when I saw the last time you were online was 3:15am. I felt that all of me shattered into pieces. I needed to talk to you so badly.

When I woke up, the idea of reaching out to you was just haunted me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

I guess all I need was an assurance that you do care for me.

I know that you’re not good with expressing yourself, don’t worry I have all the time and patience.

I know that you’re not really into all the social media things, well, I can just pick up the phone and call you.

I know that you don’t know how to take the initiative, well, it’s good enough that one of us know :))

All I ask is for you to show that you like me, and you care.

Maybe it is too early to say that I love you cuz we’ve only met for 2 months and only hung out for one. Maybe I should have shown up more often and then we could have spent more time together.

I remembered after seeing you the first time I was taken aback. I guess I was so used to the closed knit of the group that I was a-bit stutter seeing you there. As one introverted do, I tried to stay close with my group of friends while trying to taking in all the little things.

I remembered telling my friends when I came home from the camping trip that I met a few people my age but they’re leaving soon. And, my friend did tell to go for it :))).

I remembered staying on the bed trying to talk myself out to go volunteer because I know that would be the only place I could see you. I failed that battle and only showed up 3 weeks later 😂.

Sometimes I could be a bit too shy in a crowded room so forgive me if I seemed cold. I remembered we only started talking when we thought everyone left and we turned out made Ole waited for 20m :)). Then, on ours way home, we decided to go out for salsa.

That Thursday, showed up on my first day having brace and you showed up knowing nothing about dancing. Not the best night but it was something.

And then, I saw you at the next Sunday, you came to me start talking about school and all the fun things you get to do. Tbh, every time I meet someone after a while, I needed a bit time to adjust. Oh ye, you didn’t know that the Saturday before I went out with my friends and then I did talk to them about I am having a thing for you but you were moving soon. And, I secretly love it when seeing you wearing swimming suit hâhhah. You looked so gooddddddd. That man is an 10/10. Oh, now thinking of it, that was not the first time I talked to my friend about you. I talked to others also when they tried to catching up with my life. I was straight forwardly telling on a subway ride that my type is Tarzan, manmaid 😂😂. Oh ye, we went to play billiards after that and we talked about our life and family until we both became too tired to stand. I saw you off at the buss station right in front of the place. This Sunday we were at the harbour 😂

The next Thursday we met was in the munch museum, we should come back there to see 3 versions of the screaming next time. I came right after tennis on a beautiful weather day. It was both sunny and rainy so I felt like a kid. We stayed for ice cream and talked about your dream. I think that was before I realised how dangerous is the profession and started to become paranoid over it. And sending you demotivated messages 😂

This Sunday was the Sunday I asked u to join me and other to billard then,

And then on Tuesday when I was with Rita you called to tell me that you decided to stay for a whole month. I knew that u fall for me then hahah.

Sunday at Sørenga and i arrived to see you were in the water already. We talked about the bbq and the pride parade. After that I joined u, will, Andrea, Livar for Sank-than. I tagged along with you guys to see you off.

Sunday again and we went to clean up I think this time was close by the opera house. I have no clue what we did after that now. Did we went for pool? Maybe we did at Buddha cuz I remembered you paid for it. We only when because we couldn’t do paint ball. That was the day we decided to go camping also.

Maybe the Tuesday after we went hiking at sognvann?? Not pretty sure about the timeline now but we went for a swim afterwards and the last was Ramen. Oh, they had something of Belgium beer there I think.

And Friday came, we camped at Lutvannet for 3 days. That was when we decided there would be nothing between us cuz you were moving soon. I remember that we hiked barefoot and I didn’t want pictures:))). We paddled around the lake also. We played games and we ended up not talking on our way home. And then I pissed at u and talked nonstop. I thought that it would be the last time I saw you :))). But no, I changed my mind after a day and I see you Tuesday for another hike 😂😂😂. Yep, that’s me :)). Typically me hahah. I was so happy texting my friends that I might have a long distance relationship soon loll. And then u said no afterwards. Oh ours stuff got stolen :)))

Tuesday, I was unready seeing in the store cuz I didn’t know what to think or what to say. And damn, I couldn’t control myself whenever you look at me with those eyes. So unfair that god gives you those blue eyes. This time was with Phương cuz I couldn’t do it alone with you.

Now thinking back, I was the one who didn’t let you show your emotions but I did it anyway:)))). We went camping on gaustadtoppen and we just talked about us, about you, about diving. And then, the next day we went sauna and it was the best moment. Oh ye, it was strange seeing you opened those eyes while I was half asleep. I was not ready for that. We snacking and singing all the trip :))), or at least I did.

Thursday again and we went swimming together. I ended up borrowing your short cuz I didn’t have my swimming suit with me.

Friday, we went oysters picking. It was fun doing it and it was good food also. We stayed til 3am to talk and we slept on a rock hahahahahha. I enjoyed it so so much. That night, when you hug me so tightly, I felt like I was everything to you. We could literally talk about everything. Next morning we went for a morning swim, having some breakfast and then went for a hike, boba, graveyard and fortress. We came home really late that day.

Sunday, you got sick and went home early.

Tuesday, we went for IMAX cinema

Thursday, we started our camping trip to sjoa. We didn’t really have time and space to be together.

Monday, I came to say goodbye and to get my gift but ended up having you staying the night with me.

Now, I kinda forgot the reason why I’m trying to recall everything. Maybe it’s a short time but we were with each other so much and it felt like I’ve known you for forever.

I feel appreciate having you in my life even though it’s just a short while. I guess that you will always have a space in my heart no matter what. I’ll try not to be sad anymore but trying to stay appreciate instead.

So you said you knew there was something when I saw me the first time that day. Since when it’s getting stronger and stronger?? Every time I feel like I just have to force things out of you. How long will I have these feelings?? I don’t know. All I know is you were the right person at that right time and I did not regret.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"MAYOR SAYS INTERFERENCE WITH POLICE DANGEROUS," Toronto Star. May 14, 1934. Page 1 & 14. ---- Declares Proper Course Is Protest to Chief or to Commission --- C.C.F. MAKE PROTEST --- While declining to pass judgment on the clash on Saturday night be tween CC.F. speakers and the police in Earlscourt Park. Mayor Stewart to-day cautioned members of city council against interfering with police officers in carrying out their duties.

The mayor stated that if he found himself in a similar situation he would not have resisted the police, but would have made a complaint to the chief constable or to the police commission. Such a course, he said, is open to Con. Simpson, who was present at Saturday night's meeting.

"It is serious thing for anyone in a responsible position to step in between the public and the police," the mayor warned. Every member of council had a part in making by-law aside designated areas where meetings, tennis games, baseball games and other sport can be held.

"What would have happened if a baseball team chose to play on tennis court? The police do nut make the law, the elected representatives of the public do. The police arm is paid to enforce the law, and it the responsibility of every citizen to assist them in carrying out their duties.

Raise Issue in Council "If the by-law is but satisfactory, the place to right it is in city council," proceeded the mayor. No useful purpose can be served at any citizen arguing with the police. If the police are wrong there channels where any grievances are aired and the wrongs righted.

"Only a few days ago Con. Simpson appeared before the police commission and rendered valuable service. I am at a loss to understand, why he should any controversy. A public park is not the place to argue with the police on the merits or demerits of a by-law. Until I have received the police report and a complete statement of the facts. I cannot give judgment in the matter. My foregoing remarks had general reference to everyone."

"If you had been in Con. Simpson's place, would you have acted as he did?" the mayor asked. "No," was the response. "Never at any have been mayor have I given an order to a police officer."

The mayor said that not long ago saw a member of the board of control rebuke a police officer event at a sports event in the Maple Leaf Gardens. He expressed the opinion that this controller was ill-advised to attempt to interfere with the officer.

Free Speech Issue Revised When Controller James Simpson and Dr. Laike Teskey CCF candidate in the provincial election, objected to changing their open air meeting the issue of free speech was brought to the fore in Toronto again on Saturday night. Inspector Andeteon stated that a full brought to report on the episode was being made to Chief Draper.

The brush between the police officers and CCF speakers followed opening of the meeting, which being adhered by Dr. Teskey. The inspector pointed out to Dr. Teskey that the section of the park designated for public meetings by the parks commissioner, was in the southwest corner, just above Davenport Rd.

Declaring that a move to the designated corner would prohibit the possibility of passersby on St. Clair stopping to listen to the address, Dr. Teskey refused to ask audience to move. At this juncture, Controller Simpson arrived and supported the C.C.F. candidate in his stand, urging, however, that a promise might be reached.

"We talked it over and it was agreed that we should move further toward a little to the southwest." stated Controller Simpson. "Obviously we desired to hold our meeting as near as possible to St. Clair Ave. The southwest corner was furthest away. I complained that appeared to the the desire of the police to put us away from the areas and I pointed out to the inspector that we were not very for from the south-west corner. A settlement was reached whereby we moved a little closer to that corner.

"In all parks delegated meetings," the controller stated, "we have met at the spots near thoroughfares but not by any means interfering with passerbys or sports events. The parks selected have been mostly athletic centres, not those which are largety botanical areas. Sees "Autocracy, Dictatorship" Characterizing police interference вя "police autocracy and "Fascist dictatorship," Dr. Teskey insisted to-day that nothing was settled satisfactorily with Inspector Anderson.

"We refuse to he dictated to by any police officer," he said. "We anticipate sending a deputation to the Parks Commissioner Chambers at once, to clear this matter up."

"We feel that any attempt by any parks commisisoner or police commission to interfere with the full liberty of a candidate for the legislature is a very high-handed piece of business, and can only be considered as a Fascist dictatorship. If we accept this dictatorship on the part of the police we could no longer call this country a democracy."

"The inspector's interference was a direct Interference with men who

are desirous of representing the Canadian elecorate. It is a most undemocractic principle to interfere with these men speaking to the public and attracting many as many as possible to their meetings.

"The same effort to keep us from appealing to the electorate is being made by the school boards," Dr. Teskey contended.

Inspector Anderson declined to comment on the affair until the matter has been placed before Chief Draper

Simpson Denies "Rancour" In ordering C.C.F.. supporters to move their meeting from one part of Earlscourt park in another, Saturday, Robert Andersen, of No. 7 division "was conscientiously attempting to do his duty and enforce the by-law," Controller James Simpson stated today, denying that there was any "rancor or acrimonious discussion" between himself and the inspector.

The controller said Inspector Andersoen interpreted the by-law meaning that public open-air meetings should be held in the southwest "corner of the park, not merely in the southwest" section. He added that after the matter was amicably discussed, police and CCF. supporters compromised by moving the meeting a little further southwest without, however, taking it right to the corner of the park.

Con Simpson told The Star that when the CCF. first decided to hold a big rally Eariscourt park on Saturday it was met with opposition from Parks Commissioner Chambers, who had made a regulation that no open-air meetings, even in authorized parks, should be held.

[clarklovescarole]

October 1937: Stalkers and Ranch Land

October 2, 1937 – Evening Star

Twosome Kay Francis-Delmer Daves sit with Sweethearts Carole Lombard and Clark Gable watching Helen Wills Moody and Baron von Cramm make tennis mincemeat of Donald Budge and Mrs. John van Ryn…

October 3, 1937 – Los Angeles Times

Best-dressed star at the Pacific Southwest tennis championship matches last Sunday was Kay Francis, a study in gray… Clark Gable smiled affably at admiring fans. Carole Lombard made a hasty exit.

October 5, 1937 – Evening Star

While Clark Gable is not working, he escorts Carole Lombard to her studio at 6 o’clock every morning – according to Miss Lombard’s laundry woman…

October 6, 1937 – Evening News

Quite an exciting moment when Clark Gable, accompanied by Carole Lombard, almost brushed elbows with Rhea Gable in the cocktail lounge at the Tennis Club…

October 7, 1937 – Chicago Tribune

The tennis matches at the Hollywood Tennis Club were the next stop… Clark Gable in a gray suit and yellow tie lounged beside Carole Lombard. She was hatless and her blonde hair fell to her shoulders.

October 9, 1937 – Evening Standard

Clark Gable, Myrna Loy and Carole Lombard at a lawn tennis meeting in Los Angeles. 

October 9, 1937 – San Bernardino County Sun

GABLE BUYS BIRTHDAY CAKE, INSPECTS BAKERY

Production by the girl employees, both in the office and the bakery departments of Meyer Baking Co., stopped dead-still yesterday when a distinguished visitor appeared at the plant to order a birthday cake. 

The visitor was Clark Gable, the moving picture star.

Gable, who is on location at Lake Arrowhead, explained he needed an elaborately decorated birthday cake for – well, he didn’t say who. The bakers assured him the cake would be ready, and Gable, interested in the operation of the bakery, inspected the big plant, talking with the employees. 

The girl employees got a break when Gable appeared particularly interested in their work and devoted much of his time to chatting with them, even discussing his motion picture work. Later, he posed for photographs with the girls and other employees, who rushed for cameras when he graciously consented to be filmed. 

Gable slyly admitted the birthday cake would be served at a party at Lake Arrowhead, but even the gossip columnists didn’t know who the lady guest of honor will be. But Carole Lombard, too, is at the lake, where her new picture, “True Confessions,” is being shot.

October 11, 1937 – Harrisburg Telegraph

Clark Gable accompanied Carole Lombard to Arrowhead, where her company is on location…

October 11, 1937 – Sacramento Bee

Snapshots of Hollywood

Carole Lombard taken violently ill after making a scene in ice cold water at Lake Arrowhead. Clark Gable and Carole’s doctor hurrying to her side.

October 12, 1937 – Evening Star

Clark Gable celebrated Carole Lombard’s birthday anniversary with the actress at Lake Arrowhead. And I’m told they had a whale of a time.

October 13, 1937 – The Courier

Carole Lombard, who returned from location Saturday night, remaining in bed until she entirely recovers from her attack of illness at Lake Arrowhead…

October 16, 1937 – Collyer’s Eye

Clark Gable, rumored the constant companion of Carole Lombard, has a new gal or else he’s cheating… 

October 17, 1937 – San Francisco Examiner

The producers weren’t able to line up Carole Lombard to play opposite Clark Gable so they revived an old picture of them made years before there were any thought of a romantic attachment between these two. Gable and Lombard could command a king’s ransom if they appeared together today for there is no romance more popular with fans all over the world.

October 17, 1937 – Nashville Banner

When Clark Gable was rehearsing for his appearance with Cecil B. DeMille on his CBS Radio Theater hour, only one person sat as audience in the auditorium from 8 until midnight. This person was Carole Lombard. She occupied her time, when not listening to Clark, by skimming through a stack of national magazines, checking up on her publicity.

October 20, 1937 – Los Angeles Times

Rumors of a rift between Clark Gable and Carole Lombard should be laid to rest. On Sunday’s “Coffee” show, Miss L was wearing a huge diamond bracelet given to her by the handsome star. While he rehearsed for the program, the blonde actress spent the afternoon in the Jack Benny rehearsal studio. As for the comedy bit between Gable and Charlie McCarthy, the stars’ managers objected on the ground that the sketch would be undignified, but Gable overrode the negative nods…

October 21, 1937 – Fort Worth Star Telegram

By John Lawson

The great Gable provided an additional thrill for studio audiences around NBC Sunday. Scheduled for an appearance on the Charlie McCarthy program he showed up early with Carole Lombard and Don Ameche and sneaked into the 4 p.m. broadcast of the Jack Benny show. 

Sitting in the first row, Gable was a magnet for all feminine eyes – and droves of autograph seekers. Two uniformed page boys were finally assigned to relieve him of the latter. He laughed heartily at the show and was somewhat flustered by the gag struck in at the last minute in his honor – the “Clerk Gable” one in the grocery store skit.

Carole Lombard sat in the control room and stared attentively at her hero (Gable) when he faced Casanova McCarthy. The dialog duel between the Hollywood He-man and the Incorrigible Image rocked the audience – particularly when Clark asked Charlie for the secret of his success with the opposite sex and Charlie replied: “Would Garbo tell Dietrich?” 

Hollywood is alive with radio studio goers on Sunday afternoon. They come from all parts of the state – from all parts of the country, for that matter. They stand for hours around the studio gates, hoping for a glimpse of the stars who pass by in shiny limousines. 

October 26, 1937 – Gaffney Ledger

Haven’t seen Clark Gable to ask him, but I hear that Carole Lombard gave him the midget pony that he has been carting around MGM, much to the amusement of the lot. The horse is a real dwarf. Stands only about two feet high.

October 26, 1937 – Kilgore Daily News

ADMIRERS TRAIL GABLE AND CAROLE DURING DATE

Police informed a red-faced Clark Gable today that he and Carole Lombard are popular with the movie fans.

Gable called for Miss Lombard at the actress’ home and noticed an automobile parked nearby with two young men in it. He drove down Hollywood boulevard with Miss Lombard and the other car followed. He tried a few twists and turns but the car stayed on to his trail.

Gable jotted down the other car’s license number and gave it to police.

Police traced the number to Clifton Bryant, 25, and Alfred Dilly, who admired Gable and Miss Lombard on the screen and wanted a good look at them in real life.

October 26, 1937 – Los Angeles Times

Pair Pursuing Screen Stars Prove to Be Merely Curious

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard co-starred yesterday in a real-life drama involving pursuit by a strange automobile and police investigation.

The suspected “villains” were Clifton Bryant, 25 years of age of 108 East California Street, Glendale, and his friend Alfred Dilly of Pasadena.

Bryant and Dilly parked outside Miss Lombard’s home. Gable arrived, escorted Miss Lombard from her house and drove away. Bryant and Dilly followed down Hollywood Boulevard. 

Gable, worried, took the license number of the other car when the youths twice drove beside and stared. 

Glendale police traced the license plate to Bryant, but chuckled when they learned he and Dilly were merely curious fans of the film stars. 

October 26, 1937 – Spokesman Review

Clark Gable has leased the Rex Ingram house for one year, by which time the home he is building for the prospective Mrs. Clark Gable the third (Carole Lombard) will be ready for occupation. 

October 27, 1937 – Monrovia News Post

Bandit or Movie Bug?

Sometimes from the way people act you cannot tell whether they are kidnappers or hero-worshipping fanatics. A couple of youths who are doubtless “that way” about Carole Lombard parked a car near her home and when Clark Gable called for Miss Lombard in his car they trailed the couple along the streets for several blocks, at times drawing up to their car and staring at them. Had Gable been excitable he might have taken a shot at the youths, and any jury would have excused him. In this day of automobile crimes, it is not safe to act like a yegg if you are not one. This hero worship is growing to such an absurd extent that people are breaking into the homes of the movie stars to find some trifling relic they can take. Day by day in every way we are getting sillier and sillier. 

October 28, 1937 – The Gazette

Chatter in Hollywood: Clark Gable has rented himself a little house in the valley not far from the ranch homes of Al Jolson, Hal Willis, Barbara Stanwyck and the Zeppo Marxes. He will have a riding horse, raise a few crops, and go in for gentleman farming in a small but effective way. The house Clark has rented is furnished, but when Carole Lombard gets through redecorating it in her own inimitable style you won’t know it. That gal has a real flair for doing houses.

October 29, 1937 – Ogden Standard

Ranch Land Bought

Clark Gable has forty acres of ranch land in the same vicinity (as Bob Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck). When Carole Lombard purchased the adjoining forty acres Hollywood buzzed. The rumor is that Clark and Carole will wed this spring, and make the ranch their honeymoon home. However, the public is forgetting that Mr. Gable is technically already wed. At a recent party, Mrs. Gable sighed over her tea cup and said to another guest: “Strange how everyone in Hollywood is always wanting a divorce. My husband doesn’t want one.” 

October 31, 1937 – Nashville Banner

By Grace Wilcox

A sextet who go completely Western over the weekend is composed of Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, Barbara Stanwyck, Bob Taylor, Gail Patrick, and Bob Cobb.

Cowboys from neighboring ranches bite the dust in dismay as they give a quick look at the Lombard boots, buckskin britches, rainbow skirt, sombrero, fancy bandana, and Mexican saddle. Her spirited Western pony with an Arabian strain causes heart burnings on practically every ranch from San Gabriel to San Ysidro. 

Gable has bought a 25-acre ranch in the San Fernando Valley, and not far away Miss Lombard has got herself a neat 35-acre outfit on which she can run as wild as any jack rabbit. 

More often than not, the sextet get together on the Marwyck ranch, where Barbara Stanwyck’s handsome stone house is built on a hill.

Carole is, as always, the life of the party. Last Sunday, when she announced her intention of milking a cow, Gable bet her a pair of silk stockings against a carton of cigarettes she couldn’t do it. 

Exerting all her charm, Miss Lombard approached Bossy, who apparently had no faith in moving picture stars as milkers. She pushed the lovely Carole into a tailspin. This was a mistake on her part, for, with the aid of four stanchions to which she attached Miss Moo’s four legs, Miss Lombard proceeded to milk in peace and demand payment of the bet. 

Newest development is Gable’s attempt to start a cattle ranch with some of Joel McCrea’s prize-winning stock as a beginning. 

October 31, 1937 - Springfield Leader

Clark Gable, who has three interests in life – Carole Lombard, acting and guns – has just received a prized addition to his private arsenal’s museum. It’s a bullet fired during the Civil War, sent to him by a fan, Leslie M. Page, of Wilmington, NC. 

“I have always been an admirer of yours, and knowing that you collect firearms, I trust you might like to have this very rare bullet, a relic from bombardment of Fort Fisher,” Page wrote.

[rajukumar8926]

15 Profitable Sports Business Ideas & Opportunities in 2023 

The sports industry is a huge one with many opportunities for both new and experienced business owners. For the majority of sports enthusiasts, it makes a living out of your fantasies a reality. Due to the growing number of sports fans, lucrative prospects are constantly emerging, from starting specialized sports magazines to operating sports-watching facilities, shops, blogs, and more.  

Start A Sports Newspaper or Magazine: 

Most of the people who don't have access to the internet visit newsstands every day to read the most recent sports news, particularly about football, as a result of their intense passion for sports, but they can get the best sports business ideas from it. These fans keep up with news regarding their favorite players and teams to find out what they are up to, how well the season is progressing, and if there's any chance their beloved team will win the championship. 

Open A Sports Watching Center: 

In Africa, particularly in Nigeria, athletics viewing venues are rarely empty. On the contrary, people love to swarm them and have enthusiastic athletics talks, whether there is a competition, football game, or game of tennis, or none of it is happening. 

Open A Sports Store: 

Globally, the percentage of fitness addicts is increasing rapidly. Every Saturday, many people in Nigeria descend on the streets for vigorous exercise. Most activity occurs in ballparks, where tens of thousands of people gather on Saturdays and Sundays to exercise. 

Work As A Personal Trainer: 

Many oversized women are attempting to lose fat on the continent of Africa. Most of these women are postpartum mothers who prioritize beauty as shortly as they become parents. Others are women who desire to feel better about their carcasses and how they appear. The online platform can do it, so online sports business ideas are also practical here.  

Run A Sports Radio and Television Show: 

Running a sporting event broadcast or radio show that discusses recent sports trends, news, scandals, and more is expensive. Still, it would eventually gain a lot of devoted listeners because sports are a sector that many people are interested in following or discussing. 

Learn How to Coach Sporting events: 

So many ambitious young football players get started at a young age. The skill of a good coach to lead them is just a key component to them receiving the proper skills to enhance their skills to a global level. 

Beginning A Sports Academy: 

Young footballers can develop their skills at sports educational institutions like the soft drink Academy and get more exposure, which boosts their chances of being noticed by football scouts. 

Open A Gym: 

To keep up a sensual or fit appearance, so many men and women occasionally frequent the gym. They stop by them when they have free time or the desire to exercise, or you can go with the online gym sessions and practices, which is the best idea among the different online sports business ideas.  

Scout Football: 

Scouts identify great talent for football teams and teams. Then, they spend a great deal of time watching thousands of people play on football fields, stadiums, sporting events, and elsewhere.  

They are compensated by the club whenever they identify a rare talent in which a club or governmental squad will be involved. They also receive a portion of the player's initial signing bonus, typically quite a bit. 

Become A Nutrition/Health Coach: 

More individuals are searching for expert nutritionists to advise them on what to eat and what they should not eat due to the hundreds of health defects that exist today. Most frequently, these nutrition experts also are yoga or strength and conditioning instructors. However, their customers' general well-being and health depend on their offerings. 

Start a neighborhood sports club: 

One excellent way to break into the sports industry is to launch a sports team in your nation, but this is an endeavor best left to those with significant financial resources. 

Beginning A Sports Blog: 

You could use a blog site or other internet media outlet to tell a sports story, unlike those who do so via magazines or newspapers. In addition to writing about sports coverage, users could also decide to run a strength and conditioning site where readers could find out how to remain healthy, how to exercise correctly, and what foods to eat to stay in shape. 

Launch A PR Agency For Athletes: 

Most athletes face problems and start looking for solutions to their brand crisis. Others might excel in their competitions and more but receive little acknowledgment, which unintentionally impacts their approval contracts and agreements. 

Launch A Sports Betting Business: 

The world has been swept up in sports betting. The current average revenue generated by sports betting firms in Nigeria alone is 7 million dollars, providing high sports business ideas. 

Start A Business Making Sports Jerseys: 

Even though some sports businesses have high revenue levels, others have mitigated poor revenue levels but are still legitimate sports businesses. 

 Through this information, you will understand that you can have a different choice while making a career in the sports business in the coming year.  

Sports business ideas are flourishing and present exciting commercial opportunities. It is a market that is rapidly changing and the focus of numerous technological and marketing inventions. Businessnewsupdates is a one-stop platform that brings you the latest news, ideas, tips, and updates from business and technology from their expert panel of authors and editors and caters to a wide range of readers.  

[pjsk-tts-transcripts]

Episode 3. Set in the School Sekai. The Sekai looks like a classroom after school, with a chalkboard at the front, and windows on the side. Ichika: The observatory? Saki: Yes! Let's all go next Saturday! You don't get to go inside that often, you know! Honami: Oh, I heard about it too! They're mostly closed to the public. They will be hosting an open lecture about stars. I was thinking of going myself! Saki: I should have known, you're such an astrology buff! Honami: You're exaggerating… Besides, that place is quite famous. Luka: That's very interesting, a place where you can see the stars and learn about them.

Miku: I can imagine that knowing more about stars makes gazing at them even more enjoyable Saki: Right? Shiho: You don't need to go to an observatory to see the stars. They look even prettier when seen with the naked eye. Saki: That's… That's a fair point to make, but it'd be nice for a change and we could all go together. We could also go to a cafe, check out clothing stores, and go karaoke on the same day. Shiho: Is that the main reason you want to go? Saki: Um… Those are just other fun things we could do… Hona! Shiho's being mean to me… Honami: There, there. No need to get upset. Miku: Are you not interested in going to the observatory, Shiho? Shiho: It's not that. I just think it's not worth going so far for that. That time would be better spent on more band practice. Ichika: You're so down to earth, Shiho. Or should I say, down to play bass. Shiho: Is that supposed to be funny? Ichika: Was it not? Saki: Sometimes the things you come out with are kind of bizarre! Ichika: Bizarre… Honami: Saki, you can't say that! Shiho: If you want to hang out, we can do that close to our station. There's no need to— Luka: It's important to be in sync with each other in order to make good music as a team. Shiho: Huh? Luka: There's no harm in connecting through things other than music every now and then. It can only help you as a band. Miku: Yup, I agree. Saki: Shiho… You really don't want to go? Shiho: Sigh… Give me a moment to think it over. I've got work that day, so I'll have to swap my shift with someone else. Saki: So you'll come? Yay! Saki tackles Shiho. Shiho: Stop being so clingy. I get enough of that from my sister. Miku: Sounds like you persuaded her, Luka Luka: I only gave Shiho a little nudge in the direction she already wanted to go. Shiho: There's only one condition, though. Don't start slacking off with band practice because of this trip. If I see you start to get lazy, I'm out. Got it? Saki: No worries! I'll practice diligently every day! Honami: Every day? But you also have soft tennis practice, and your part-time job. Won't that be too much? Saki: I'll be fine! I'm not as weak as I used to be! Ichika: You say that now, but just the other time you overworked yourself and caught a bad cold that kept you in bed for a whole week. Saki: I can manage! You two worry too much. Nothing's going to stop me from enjoying my wonderful teenage life♪ Shiho: All right, then. Honami: Let's have a wonderful time! Saki: Yeah! Shiho: Is something the matter, Luka? Luka: No, not really. Nothing too important. Miku: That only makes me more curious. What is it? Luka: It's just that… Saki's a little different today. Shiho: Hm? Luka: The tone of her voice told me that she was straining herself. Shiho: Her voice sounds strained? This rings a bell… I don't want that to happen again… Thank you, Luka. I'll make sure to look after Saki. Luka: Please do. Saki: Shiho, let's get started with band practice! Shiho: All right. Saki, it's good to be enthusiastic, but don't push yourself past your limits, okay? Saki: Don't talk to me like I'm a child who can't take care of herself… I can play our songs perfectly now, you know! Shiho: Really? Okay, let's make a bet. If you make a mistake, you've got to buy me ramen. Saki: Whaaat?! Shiho: It shouldn't be a problem if you're so confident, right? And if you play everything without slipping up, I'll treat you to bubble tea. With toppings, the price's the same. Saki: You promise to treat me? I'm going to win this bet for sure! Honami: Oh! Ichika: A-Are you okay, Honami? Honami: When you think about it, it makes no sense! Why on earth would ramen cost the same as bubble tea? When you think of the cost of the ingredients, it just doesn't add up… What's wrong? Ichika: Honami… Shiho: We thought something was seriously wrong when you suddenly shouted. Honami: Oh? I…I'm sorry! It just suddenly hit me, you know…

Saki: Hahaha! You made us all jump! Honami: Sorry! Let's um, let's start our practice session! Saki: Okay! Let's start from just before the chorus. Get ready! Miku: They seem to be having fun. Are you still worried, Luka? Luka: A little. Maybe I'm overthinking it.

Stella After the Rain: Episode 1

Set in a hospital room. There are 2 beds, each with a curtain and a personal side-table with TV. One of the beds is next to a large window, and outside it is dark and raining.

Saki wakes up. "Ngh… Huh? I didn't realize I fell asleep. Ugh, my neck hurts. I must have slept in a weird position. It's raining again. I'm fed up with rain. I hope the weather's nice when my family comes to visit." Saki pauses. "If it doesn't clear up, I won't see the stars tonight, either."

Image description: The 4 star "Rainy Distance" Saki card. Saki sitting up in a hospital bed, staring at her reflection in the dark window.

Saki. "I wonder how everyone's doing. Are they having fun with their classmates? I…miss them so much."

Set in Saki's bedroom. She has orange and pink walls, with floor to ceiling windows next to her bed. She has an end table, a desk, bookshelf, and a vanity. She has photos above her desk and bed, and stars dotted along her ceiling. On the floor, she has a pink, purple, blue and yellow area rug made of circles.

Saki: "Ngh… Wait a second… This isn't a hospital bed…" "Oh, that's right. I'm not ill anymore. I can see everyone again."

There's a knock at her door, and Tsukasa calls in. "Saki! Are you not ready yet? It's good to take care getting ready for the day, but if you take too long, you'll be late!" Saki: What? It's morning? Wh-What time is it?! Oh no… I overslept!

Set in Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy - Class 1-C. The room is filled with wooden desks, and has white walls with large floor to ceiling windows on one side. There is a chalkboard and desk at the front of the room. Saki: Huff… Huff… I… I made it… That was close. If Tsukasa didn't wake me up, I'd definitely be late for classes.

Ichika: Morning, Saki. Glad you made it. You're not the type to oversleep in the mornings, so I was surprised when you messaged me. Did you stay up late?

Saki: No, but I guess I was so caught up in my dream I couldn't wake up. Ichika: What sort of dream? Saki: Well… It was, um… Classmate: Guys, the teacher's coming. Saki: Ah, thanks for the warning! Come on, Ichi! We should return to our seats! Ichika: Yeah, right. Saki: (She'd feel bad if I told her I was dreaming about when I was in the hospital. The hospital was too far for her to visit me often, and she seemed to feel guilty because of that. I don't want to cause my friends any more worries now that I've gotten better. Let's make the most of this day!)

Saki and Ichika start talking after the school bell rings, ending the day's classes.

Saki: Yay, time to close the textbooks and head off to practice! Ichika: Yeah. You're really hyped today, Saki. Saki: I guess so! I almost started the day on the wrong foot, but it's all good now! Besides, today we have a date you-know-where! Ichika: That's right. It's been a while since we last went. I'm looking forward to it too.

They move out to the hallway. The hall has wide windows on one side, with doors and windows into each classroom on the other. The floor is shiny, yellow tile.

Honami: Hi Saki. Hi Ichika. Saki: Honami! It's been a long day at school, huh? Lemme give you a hug! Saki tackles Honami. Honami: Aaah! Careful, Saki. You almost made me fall over! Shiho: Don't cause a scene in the corridor. Saki: Shiho! Don't you worry, I've got a hug for you too! Ugh! Shiho pinches Saki. Shiho: I asked you to cut it out. We've got important plans today, so let's find somewhere out of public sight. Shiho pinches Saki again. Honami: Shiho, maybe you shouldn't be pinching Saki's cheeks. Her face is looking hilarious though… Hehe. Ichika: Haha! Saki, you should see yourself! Saki: I pwomise I won't twy to hug you anymowe, fo let go of my sheeks!

The girls make their way out to the courtyard. It is bright, with manicured trees and flowers. There is a circular bench around a central tree. Ichika: Looks like no one's around. Are you all ready? Saki: Yeah! Ichika: Okay… Here we go!

Set in the School Sekai. The Sekai looks like a classroom, with a chalkboard at the front, and windows on the side. The windows are open, letting in bright light, and the desks and chairs are stacked and pushed to the corners and front, creating an open space. The chalkboard is covered with a handdrawn star chart.

Miku: Welcome back! Luka: Hehe. We've been waiting for you. Saki: Miku! Luka! Thanks for having us! Miku: Always happy to. I see you're full of pep as always, Saki. Ichika: And yet, this morning she almost turned up late for classes. I was surprised. Shiho: What, really? That's unusual for Saki. Honami: You're always at school so early. What happened this time? Saki: Heehee… I fell asleep again right after waking up. Shiho: Okay, that checks out. Saki: Enough about that. I can't wait to show the fruits of our hard work to Miku and Luka! Ichika: Okay, let's get ready to play. Honami and Shiho: Yeah! Saki: (That dream made me break a cold sweat, but I'm fine now. I'm no longer all alone. I'm with my friends. I have to make up for lost time!)

[apexart-journal]

Sonia Paulino Love Outbound to Montevideo, Day 14

Friday: I met with Irene Müller, art historian and director of Cultural Programs at Uruguay's Goethe Institute, and enjoyed a very engaging conversation about a great many things. Topics included: the opportunity for parody and political criticism with Carnival, the commitment and endurance of Carnival performers, the global age-old fascination with masquerade, approaching a new era of diplomatic strategies,  decolonization,  systemic racism, the perils of climate change, and the purpose of art in culture / art is culture.

A while later I took a bus out to Prado, an historic neighborhood on the west side of Montevideo, to meet a guid for a 2.5 hour walking tour with temps in the HIGH 90s HOT HOT HOT. We also had engaging conversation about a great many things, while we walked and walked and walked past various monuments and various gardens. Topics included: Shakira, cicadas, his leashed cat, potential faux pas regarding slang for private parts, fast fashion, globalization, Uruguayan exports, and the country's initiatives in legalizing human rights and embracing of diversity. The tour ended with a walk-through of the Blanes Museum exhibits ranging from a large gallery of paintings by the museum's namesake, 19th Century realist painter Juan Manuel Blanes, through to a contemporary show of mixed-media works addressing current social and political issues.

Afterwards, on the bus to the beach to observe "lemanja celebrations" in honor deities of water and nature, I was accosted by a young lady Christian evangelist, and found the encounter ironic and annoying. In answer to her badgering I said that yes I know that [capital G]od loves me because my mami tells me every day. That might have been a bit harsh, making for an awkwardly silent twenty minutes before she got off with a curt “tenga buen dia”.

I came across the stage for performances and speeches for the celebration's 30th Anniversary and, exhausted, stayed from 7-9pm wondering when they were going to take the show down to the beach for all the fanfare I'd heard about. It's not until now, looking stuff up online as I write this, that I've learned I mistook the staged performances for the event and stuff was happening down below at the beach across the highway and la rambla the whole time, and that I pretty much missed the actual Iemanjá for a simulation (insert laugh-cry emoji here).

Saturday: Early start to avoid THE SUN Villa Biarritz Flea Market sparsely attended

Museo Zorrilla Museum from there with a detour through a different mall. Ate a snack bar in the back gardening enjoyed the company of plants.

Had a chat with a woman at the bus stop on the way home for a quick cool off and respite from the harshest time of day. “Aqui no hay nadie!” she said, referring to how quiet it is in town and explained that during the summer people head out to other beach towns on the weekends. My bus finally arrived and she started up with someone else who had shown up.

Back out late afternoon for Castillo Pitamiglio. Bit of a tourist trap. The place is creepy enough as is without the added spooky music soundtrack. I hope he and his mom got along. If you’re one who believes in ghosts, you might still find her in her bedroom.

Sunday: As in New York City, public transportation here is unpredictable on Saturdays and completely unreliable on Sundays. An ordinarily crowded bus was practically empty and so rattly my eyeballs shook. 

I spent more time getting to the tournament and back then watching the matches, but, once arrived, the Davis Cup at Lawn Tennis Club in the tawny far-east neighborhood of Carrasco was a pleasure. I know very little about tennis, but even I could tell it was excellent play. It was such a relief to not have to speak or listen, worry about when and how to get to the next event, or be concerned about fatigue or forlornness. The small sections of bleachers were all fully exposed, so another day of THE SUN. Still, it was a pleasant and gratifying experience, very much in the moment, with an occasional passing cloud or ocean breeze that had me almost fall asleep. 

Considering the casual bus schedule, chores to do at home in preparation for an overnight trip, and my weekly catch-up meeting with Javier & Valentina, I left before the final match.

[ronancebrainrot]

dumb ronance headcanons

- robin Sucks at drawing and always gives nancy a terrible drawing and it sometimes creeps nancy out

- nancy is scared of tennis balls

- robin tries to teach nancy trumpet but nancy is more fascinated with the spit valve

- they play dodgeball with mike, max, lucas, steve, dustin, and will

- robin Hates carrots because they make her feel like a rabbit

- nancy is a dog person and robin is a cat person so they ended up adopting both and regretted it immediately

- robin Always hits her head on nancy’s window frame

- nancy literally makes it her Obligation to scare robin every chance she gets

- robin is banned from the movie theatre

- nancy Always gets bitten by bugs no matter how much bug spray she puts on

- max and nancy always visit robin at work and robin’s always like “hello my beautiful wonderful amazing cute spectacular child. oh hey nance”

- instead of complimenting robin like a normal person nancy just goes “you look so cute i want to eat you” and robin just scrunches up her face

- nancy kicks in her sleep

- robin is a blanket hogger

- robin Loves pigs and wants one as a pet. nancy Does Not

- they both flick each other when the other says something dumb

- they always get lunch with steve, max, and dustin every saturday to just gossip

- robin loves dandelions and always brings nancy some whenever she finds them outside family video

- robin threatens nancy by saying “i’m gonna bite you if you don’t stop” biting is her love language

- nancy is terrified of the eye doctor

- robin never combs her hair and nancy ends up doing it for her whenever she runs her fingers through her hair

[can-youimagine]

Round of Golf (Tom Holland x Reader)

Summary: Tom convinces you to go golfing with him, and you will do anything to get out of it

TW: Smut (18+, minors interacting will be blocked), feminine reader, mention of the pandemic, mention of periods, swearing, exhibitionism, public nudity, unprotected sex

Word Count: 1438

A/N: This is my first published smut piece, so please be nice

Masterlist

It is no secret that Tom loves golf. You, on the other hand, hate golf. You are absolutely terrible at it, and in the almost two years you have been dating, you have managed to avoid golfing with him. Excuses like your period, feeling sick, needing to see a friend, and shopping emergencies were taken from you as soon as the pandemic forced you to spend all day, everyday, with Tom.

Tom knew this. That is exactly why, as soon as restrictions started to ease up, he asked, “Do you want to go golfing with me this weekend?”

“Are you sure it’s safe?” Of course, he knew it was safe. It is outside, and you already stay away from the other golfers.

“I’m sure. If you feel unsafe, we can leave.”

“Fine,” you give in, unable to come up with a good excuse. He does a little happy dance before you interrupt him. “But, you have to promise not to laugh at me.”

He promises, and you begin planning how you are going to get out of this. Luckily, a sale on tennis skirts helps you.

Saturday comes quicker than expected. You are just finishing your makeup when Tom calls “Babe, you ready?”

“Yep!” you answer, adjusting your skirt one last time before heading down to meet Tom. “Let’s go.”

Your outfit seems to have the desired effect. As you walk down the stairs, your shirt is just cut low enough that he can watch your breasts bounce, and your skirt, which is way too short for you to ever in public, gives Tom a great view of your panties.

“Are you sure you want to wear that?” he asks, not so subtly trying to hide his erection.

You frown, making a show of spinning around to look at your outfit. “Something wrong? I just got the skirt for today.”

He shakes his head. “No, no. You look great. Let’s just get going.”

Once you get in the car, you realize that unless you do something, you will have to golf. You spend the entire ride to the course fidgeting in your seat, constantly crossing and uncrossing your legs in hopes he will do something. It’s useless. He keeps his gaze fixed on the road in front of him.

He is serious about getting you golfing.

He finally gets you checked in and on the course. This is not how you wanted your day to go. You are going to golf, and Tom seems to have calmed down now. There seems to be no way out of this.

Tom is completely in his element. He takes the first swing, waiting for the ball to land before handing the club to you. “Your turn.”

You watch as he places the ball on the tee for you. “I have no clue what I’m doing.”

“Take a swing, love.”

“Help me?”

“Not yet. I wanna see if you are actually as bad as you say you are.”

“So, you’re just going to let me embarrass myself?”

“Of course not, love. Next group doesn’t come start for another hour. You’re only going to embarrass yourself in front of me.” He kisses your forehead. “I’ll help you with the next stroke.”

You roll your eyes. You try your best; you do, but your best is still pretty terrible. While the ball goes far, it lands off the course with the weeds and trees. Tom starts to laugh but quickly stops when you glare at him.

Tom explains exactly what you need to do as you make your way to the ball. Now that you are completely fed up with the game and completely alone, you try everything you can to get out of the rest of this game.

“Let’s work on your stance first.” Tom moves to stand behind and help you, but when you bend too far forward, he stops. Your ass is on full display for him.

“Like this?” you ask, looking up at him with big, doey eyes.

“N-no, you, uh, you need to stand up a little straighter.” He demonstrates the stance he wants. “Like this.”

You purposefully overcorrect, standing much straighter than him. “This?”

“Still not quite.”

“Could you help me?”

He nods. “S-sure.” He stands behind you, arms over yours, but he stands back.

You roll your eyes. How can he be this serious about a game of golf? You push yourself back, body molding into his. You can feel his erection. Suddenly, you have hope. Maybe, if you just finish this hole, you can be done. You swing your hips with the club, making Tom stifle a moan.

“Good job.” He quickly pulls away from you. “Let’s keep going. Still have seventeen holes left.”

You finally hit the ball into the hole, and you jump in celebration. “I did it, Tommy!”

“Yeah.” He wishes he could be more excited, but he can’t stop watching your body. When you bend over to grab the ball out of the hole, your ass is on full display again. This time, though, he can see a damp patch beginning to form in your panties. He swears he could come right then and there.

But, he knows what you’re doing. He knew what you were doing the moment you put that fucking skirt on. You hate golf, and you are willing to do anything to get out of it. It takes every ounce of his self-control not to take you right there, in the middle of the green, and let you win.

You continue your antics for the next three holes before he finally does something. You get out of the golf cart, stretching as you do. He doesn’t even think that you mean to do it, but your skirt comes up and the side of the lacy waistband of your underwear is exposed. He grabs it before you have a chance to stop him, tugging them down to the middle of your thighs.

“Take them off yourself, or I will.”

This is certainly not how you expected this to go. “What?”

He tugs on them, pulling you over to him. “I said, ‘Take them off yourself, or I will.’”

You take too long to answer. He pulls them harder, ripping them in half.

“We’re playing the rest of the course. You’re playing the rest of the course.” He barely manages to pocket the panties before he realizes his mistake. You are completely alone, so you have no reason to stop. He just made his life, quite literally, much, much harder.

You bend over to place the ball, and he can now see everything. You are glistening. As much as he wants to use the empty course to his advantage. He doesn’t. He makes the two of you play through the course.

With nothing to catch your arousal now, he watches as it drips down your thighs and soaks the edge of your skirt. He spends the entire game watching you get wetter and wetter. Hole eighteen could not have come sooner.

“Tommy?” you ask with big eyes. “Can you help me?”

He’s almost made it the entire game. He can’t let you win.

“Please?”

That’s all it takes. He marches over to you, wrapping his arms around you. He pulls you flush against his chest. His cock twitches under you. “For both of our sakes, you better finish this hole quickly.”

You don’t have enough of a mind to tease Tom further. You have finally resigned yourself to finishing the game. At least you are going to get something at the end.

You finally, finally, hit the ball in the hole. As you bend down to get the ball, Tom comes up behind you, grabbing your hips and pulling you against him.

“You knew exactly what you were doing when you put on that little skirt, didn’t you?”

You whimper as he slides his hand between the two of you to unzip his pants. “I didn’t want to golf.”

“You made that clear. Is there something you would rather do?” He lines himself up with your entrance, waiting to push until he hears you whisper, “You.” That’s all it takes for him to push into you. You let out an embarrassingly loud moan at the contact, and you are incredibly grateful that you are the only two here.

Because of how much you had worked each other up throughout the game, it only takes a few thrusts before your orgasm washes over you. You would be embarrassed if Tom hadn’t finished so soon after you, biting your shoulder to keep himself quiet. “You are never, ever, golfing with me again.”