#banks

Two of the nation’s oldest Black-owned banks are set to merge in a historic deal that would create the largest Black-owned bank in the United States by total assets.

South Carolina-based Optus Financial Corporation, the parent company of Optus Bank, and North Carolina-based M&F Bancorp, the parent company of Mechanics & Farmers Bank, announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. Once completed, the combined institution will hold approximately $1.27 billion in assets.

The merger unites more than 220 years of banking history. Mechanics & Farmers Bank, founded in 1907, is North Carolina’s oldest Black-owned bank, while Optus Bank traces its roots back to 1921. Together, the new organization is expected to operate 10 branches across North and South Carolina while continuing to focus on increasing access to homeownership, small business lending, and financial services in underserved communities.

As part of the agreement, M&F Bancorp shareholders will receive cash for their shares in a transaction valued at more than $105 million. M&F Bancorp President and CEO James H. Sills III is expected to lead the combined company as CEO, while Optus Chairman Paul Mitchell will continue serving as chairman.

⋆✴︎˚you’re in bed, reading a book while enjoying the sun on your skin that is pouring through your windows when you hear two knocks on your window. you sit up in bed, heart already racing, because you know that sound. jj only knocks like that when something is wrong. you rush to the window and pull it open.

“jj?”

he’s standing there on the roof, swaying slightly, face bruised and bloody. one eye swollen, lip split, nose still bleeding. he tries to smile.

“hey, baby,” he whispers, voice hoarse. “can i— can i come in?”

“oh my god, jj,” you breathe, grabbing his arms and pulling him inside. “yes, of course. come here, come here.”

the moment he’s in your room, he stumbles, and you catch him by the shoulders.

“i’m fine,” he mutters.

“no you’re not.”

you guide him to the bathroom, flicking on the light. he flinches at the brightness.

“was it your dad again?” you say looking into his eyes as he looks away. you hum in response leaving a soft kiss to his head.

you pat the counter and tell him to sit as you grab a washcloth, warm water and peroxide.

“you don’t have to—” he starts.

“yes i do,” you say, voice firm. “let me take care of you.”

you step between his swaying legs, gently tilting his chin up a little.

“this is gonna sting baby,” you whisper.

he swallows and nods, putting his hands on your hips.the moment the warm cloth touches his cheek, he winces, sucking in a sharp breath and squeezes your hips.

“sorry…” he murmurs.

“shhh it’s okay.”

you continue to clean his cuts as you whisper sweet things to him.

“you’re doing so good.”

“i love you.”

“you’re safe with me.”

“i’ve got you.”

jj’s breathing gets uneven.

“hey,” you say softly, brushing his hair back. “look at me.”

his eyes are full of tears.

“i’m sorry,” he whispers.

“for what?”

“for showing up like this. for being a mess. for— for being needy.”

“jay jay.” you say softly, cupping his face gently. “you can always need me. i’ll always be here for you.”

his shoulders shake first. then his breath stutters. he folds forward, burying his face in your chest, arms wrapping around your waist.

“i’m sorry,” he chokes. “i’m so fucking sorry.”

“shh,” you whisper, holding him tight. “you didn’t do anything wrong.”

“he— he just—” jj’s voice breaks. “i didn’t even say anything this time. he just—”

you press a kiss to the top of his head.

“you’re safe,” you whisper. “you’re safe with me.”

he sobs harder, fingers gripping your shirt.

“don’t let go,” he begs.

“i won’t,” you promise. “never.”

you guide him off the counter and onto the bathroom floor, sitting with your back against the wall, pulling him into your lap. he curls into you, shaking, crying into your chest while you stroke his hair and kiss his forehead, his temple, his bruised cheek.

“you didn’t deserve this,” you whisper. “none of it. not ever.”

jj sniffles, voice small. “it hurts.”

“i know, baby,” you murmur, kissing his swollen eye. “i know.”

“can i stay?” he whispers. “just for tonight?”

“rather you stay forever.” you say with a little smile.

he lets out a broken laugh, then hides his face again. you hold him until his breathing slows, until the shaking stops, until he melts against you completely.

“you’re too good to me,” he whispers.

“you deserve good,” you say simply.

he leans his forehead against yours.

“i love you,” he says, voice raw. “i don’t— i don’t know how to say it right, but i do. i love you baby, so much it scares me.”

you lean in and kiss him gently.

“i love you too.”

he exhales shakily.

“let’s go lay in bed yeah?”

he nods.

you help him up, guide him back to your room, and tuck him under your blankets. he pulls you in beside him immediately, arms around your waist, face pressed into your neck.

and you stay awake long after he falls asleep, running your fingers through his hair, watching his chest rise and fall, promising yourself you’ll protect him the way he’s always protected everyone else.

Lana backstage with Banks. 🤍

(no grabber f him)

～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～

FINNEY BLAKE (mason Thames)

- after his confession and asking if you wanna be his gf he waited patiently for you to say yes

- a very sweet guy (who wouldn't say yes to him?)

- flowers everyday sometimes something sweet

- very caring

- his sister teases him about you (we love Gwen)

- very patient ʘ⁠‿⁠ʘ

- over all he has been the sweetest to you

～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～

ROBIN ARELLANO (Miguel Àngel Cazarez Mora)

- although he does not have the patience like Finney , he tries his best to be patient for you

- I see robin as like a caring suitor

- only sweet to you and you alone

- hangouts? yeahh! (so called dates)

- wished you were the one patching his wounds after fights

- over all his Patience is kinda not good but yeah

～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～

VANCE HOPPER (Brady hepner)

- almost punched you after his confession but ｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡

- no patience DUHH

- he looks like a tomato when he gives you something

- kinda angry when he talks to you

- "why you not say yes?"

- you gotta watch him play his Pinball game

- seats next to you in classes

～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～

BRUCE YAMADA (Tristan)

- after he confessed and asked you to be his gf he patiently waited for you

- total gentleman

- the kindest, sweetest and very caring

- girls will be mad at you tbh😭 like why didn't you say yes??

- flowers?? yes. sweets?? yes. almost everything you ask for?? yes.

-this man will give you anything tbh

～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠

BILLY SHOWALTER (Jacob moran)

(idk much abt this munchkin)

- just like Finney a very sweet guy that's for sure

- lets you pet his doggy ｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡

- bike rides?? yes!!

- gives you food if you need

- the most kindest guy to you tbh

～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～

GRIFFIN STAGG (banks repeta)

(Why the actual fuk did I pick that GIF)

- almost cried while confessing

- the cutest little thing ever

- follows you around like a lost puppy

- is shy around you

- like billy he will share his food with you

- VERY shy

～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～～⁠>⁠`⁠)⁠～⁠～⁠～

that is all people BYEE

(if anything here upsets you leave it be｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡)