#Business Travel Market Report | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

baeddel · 5 months ago

Text

on the racist riots in Belfast

i made a post in 2021 titled "dispatch on the unrest in Belfast" (click) trying to provide some local-knowledge context for the sectarian riots in town. i have no such special knowledge to offer this time. it has been, to be honest, shocking to me how many people came to them and how well organized they were. we have seen an increasing prevalence of anti-immigrant racism in the north in recent years; graffiti saying "locals only" (simple meaning: "whites only") on council houses going to market has been reported on since 2014 (click, 2018 click, 2023 click), for example. and in 2022 the PSNI released a report stating that hate crimes of every kind, including racist hate crimes, had reached the highest of any year since they began counting in 2004/5 (click). according to the BBC as of 2014 "on average a racially motivated offence takes place at least once a day" in Belfast (click) and it has only risen since that. but it was obviously not organized at this scale before. my girlfriend remarked that this was the first time Northern Ireland has had a race riot and i think, assuming we treat sectarian riots as something else, that may be true? (the UK-wide 1919 race riots did not seem to affect Ireland from what i could find and anyway were a bit before partition; otherwise they are quite similar to what is happening today).

perhaps no further context is really possible to give; they are race riots and they are happening because of racism. nevertheless i will try and write down some things i've thought about it.

in the 2021 post i talked about the nature of the disorder, where if you looked at the footage mostly people stood on the pavement and watched while the professionals—loyalist paramilitaries—handled the direct action (hijacking and burning busses and such). that is because these demonstrations were organized by the paramilitaries and everyone must obey them. that is not the case here; the crowds attack people of colour and immigrants, their homes or businesses owned by them, wherever they can find them. if they were kicked out of one area they went somewhere else and did it there; or else they did it where they lived as on Sandy Row. so it seems to be genuinely spontaneous and not directed from above.

the paramilitaries claim they did not organize it (the Belfast Telegraph quote what they call a 'senior loyalist' saying "[w]e didn’t start this, we aren’t behind it" click—what a demonstrative article, by the way, the police asking the paramilitaries for help with population control!). they say that about everything, but i think i believe them this time for that reason. it doesn't look paramilitary. i suppose whoever organized it must be taking orders from England. however, we are aware of at least some involvement by paramilitaries. the rightists who travelled up from Ireland were identified by PSNI and Gardaí to be fraternizing with UDA men (click). blueshirts associating with loyalists is not really surprising but i am not sure it has happened before. PSNI also claim there is a "paramilitary element" within the racist riots but are reluctant to say they're behind them (click).

i have talked before about how loyalism has felt a bit of a transition from an armed struggle into something that looks like a popular movement, with demonstrations and direct action becoming the main source of spectacle. it's possible there is a gradual transition towards this point, where paramilitary hierarchy becomes secondary to a spontaneously organized reactionary movement.

it also fits into a pattern that i have talked about before (click, also here), which is that democracy in the north has undergone dramatic changes recently. whereas in the past the national conversation dominated politics, today ordinary issues of civil society are decisive. the DUP lost their monopoly on unionist voters because of how they handled COVID, the border, the cost of living and so forth—problems a normal political party is expected to solve, not a party holding down a sovereignty under siege as they were supposed to be—and that's why SF got the majority. immigration is one such 'normal' political issue, and racist violence breaks out in Belfast in a way that doesn't differ substantially to how it breaks out at the same time in a normal country like England.

speaking of the fracturing of the DUP, i felt that it was significant that we could name, as a precipitating event, the fracturing of the right wing parties in general. in the north of Ireland the DUP lost much of its support, but no single party could replace it; several unionist parties now leech its vote, while moderate unionists vote for Alliance. and in the recent election the Tories lost to Labour, but they also lost many seats to Reform. between SF and Labour we are in an era where for the first time in a long time the UK is governed by center left parties, meanwhile it is unclear what opposition has the mandate of the right-wing voter. this means that for a right wing person electoral party politics looks like an ambiguous, distant and unrewarding terrain of struggle. perhaps that is a background condition as to why racist propagandists have been able to mobilize so many people into joining these events.

something else that struck me as possibly a precipitating event is that for the better part of a year we've had extremely active and persistent organizing around Palestine in the UK, in terms of demonstrations, direct action and even in electoral politics (with several independent candidates who care about Gaza taking seats from Labour in the last election). thus, right-wing racists have seen news about pro-Palestine organizing almost every day for a long time. we know that here in the north when Palestinian flags are flown it isn't long before Israel flags are flown in response. i think it's possible to see the specifically anti-Islamic character of the riots as a kind of counter-revolution or reaction to Palestine.

those were the thoughts i had to share. on Friday 9th (today as i write this) there is a racist demonstration planned, as well as a counter-protest. the counter-protest is backed by NIPSA (a big NI union) as well as the Belfast City Council (! click), so perhaps it will be big. it starts at 4:30pm. stay safe.

165 notes · View notes

nunununuy · 28 days ago

Text

Part 10

Part 9

Prince x Fem Reader

Tittle: Changing the Fate of the Third Prince

It’s been nearly two weeks since you arrived in Vallora, a bustling trade city in southern Selvaris. At first, everything felt unfamiliar—the cacophony of the marketplace, the rich aroma of spices wafting through the air, and the mingling sounds of merchants’ laughter and hawkers shouting to advertise their wares. But gradually, you’ve begun to adjust to the rhythm of this city, so different from the rigid formality of Zantheria’s capital.

Your days in Vallora are filled with work, an escape from the memories of the capital. As your family’s representative, it’s your responsibility to ensure the success of their new trade branch. You meet countless people—local merchants, sea captains from far-off lands, and even city officials eager to curry favor with your family.

One of the people you frequently work with is Arlen, a local spice trader. A man in his early thirties, Arlen is warm and full of laughter. He often helps you navigate the complex network of Selvaris trade and offers advice on understanding the local culture. His cheerful and open demeanor makes you feel at ease, though you still maintain some distance.

There’s also Lila, a young woman who owns a silk shop in Vallora’s main market. Lila has become a friend you visit whenever you’re exhausted or simply want someone to talk to. She reminds you of Selina—kind-hearted, lively, and full of warmth.

Despite all the new faces you’ve encountered, a hollow ache lingers in your chest. Each night, when the day’s busyness fades, you return to your room on the upper floor of a family-owned trade house. In the quiet solitude, your thoughts inevitably drift back to the capital. Back to Raphael.

You’ve tried not to think of him. You’ve worked hard to forget. But the memory of his face, the deep timbre of his voice, and the small moments you shared together haunt you still. You know you made the right choice—leaving the capital and giving him the freedom to pursue his own happiness. Yet, deep down, the ache of longing refuses to fade.

Every morning, you walk through the market, meet with merchants, and review the financial reports for your family’s branch. Your days are busy, but there are moments when you find yourself standing at the edge of the docks, gazing at the endless expanse of the sea, wondering if Raphael ever thinks of you the way you think of him.

“Daydreaming again?” Lila’s voice snaps you out of your thoughts one afternoon as you inspect a stack of silk in her shop. You offer her a faint smile, masking your emotions.

“Just tired,” you reply shortly.

“Of course you’re tired. You work as if the world is ending,” Lila retorts, folding a silk cloth neatly. “You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone here. We’re all already impressed by your dedication.”

You simply smile, but the truth is that this hard work isn’t to prove anything to anyone else. It’s for yourself—to convince yourself that leaving the capital, and leaving Raphael, was the right choice.

---

Unbeknownst to you, Raphael is now only a day’s journey from Vallora.

He’s thought of you the entire way, his sharp eyes fixed on the map that marks your last known location. His expression is cold, but behind that mask rages a storm of emotions. Anger, betrayal, and longing swirl within him, relentless and unyielding.

The knights accompanying him know better than to ask too many questions. They simply follow their prince’s orders, even when he pushes the pace, traveling through the night to close the distance between you.

“Did you really think you could leave me?” Raphael murmurs to himself, his gaze fierce as he looks toward the horizon. “I’ll bring you back, no matter the cost.”

Vallora’s skyline now looms in the distance, its lighthouse standing tall by the harbor, a beacon signaling the end of his journey. Raphael steels himself. Nothing will stand in his way this time—not even you.

Meanwhile, on the other side of Vallora, you sit on the small balcony of your inn, letting the night breeze carrying the scent of the sea wash over you. Once again, you try to convince yourself that this new life is a fresh start. But deep down, you know there’s still something—or someone—you’ve yet to truly let go of.

And without your knowledge, the storm named Raphael is drawing ever closer.

---

That night, the air in Vallora was calm, with only the gentle sound of waves in the distance. You had just changed into a soft blue nightgown and were about to lie down in bed. The exhaustion from a full day’s work was settling in, and all you wanted was to escape your thoughts with sleep.

But a sharp knock at your door halted your steps. You turned, confused. Who would come at this hour? The knock came again, more insistent this time. Quickly, you walked to the door and opened it. Standing before you was the head steward of the family’s trade house, his face filled with unease and a hint of panic.

“Apologies for disturbing you, miss, but… there’s a nobleman here. He insists on seeing you immediately,” he said, his voice slightly trembling.

Your brow furrowed. “A nobleman? Who would come at such a late hour?” you asked, bewildered.

The steward simply shook his head, clearly uncertain how to explain. “I think you’d best see for yourself, miss.”

Feeling a strange sense of unease, you grabbed a thin shawl to cover your shoulders, exposed by your nightgown, and followed the steward downstairs to the main sitting room. Your heart began to race for reasons you couldn’t quite pinpoint—perhaps worry, perhaps curiosity.

When you reached the sitting room, the door was closed. You took a deep breath before slowly pushing it open. But as the door creaked and you stepped inside, your steps froze.

There, standing in the room, was a figure all too familiar. Raphael.

He was clad in a black traveling cloak, dusty from the journey, but his regal presence was undiminished. His dark hair shimmered faintly in the glow of the candlelight, and his eyes bore into yours, brimming with emotions you couldn’t fully decipher. But one feeling was unmistakable—longing.

“(name)", he said softly, his voice warm and filled with a yearning that rendered you speechless.

Before you could form a response, Raphael began walking toward you. His steps were firm yet unhurried, as though he didn’t want to frighten you. And before you could process what was happening, he stood mere inches away, gazing at you with an intensity that made your chest tighten.

Slowly, he raised a hand, gently brushing his fingers against your cheek, as though ensuring you were real. “You… you’re really here,” he whispered, his voice so soft it was almost a breath.

You didn’t have time to reply. In a heartbeat, he pulled you into his arms. His embrace was firm, almost desperate, as though he couldn’t bear to let go. The familiar scent of him filled your senses, and the warmth of his body against yours was both comforting and overwhelming.

“Raphael…?” you finally managed to say, though it was barely more than a whisper.

Raphael didn’t answer immediately. He held you tighter, burying his face in your hair, before murmuring near your ear, “I missed you. So much.”

The deep timbre of his voice sent shivers through you, and the weight of his words, coupled with the strength of his hold, made your face flush. You were too stunned to either return the embrace or push him away. Your mind felt as though it had stopped working.

“Why did you leave without telling me?” Raphael continued, his voice heavier now, raw with emotions he couldn’t suppress. “I searched everywhere for you. I won’t let you leave me again, (name).”

You remained silent, too overwhelmed to respond. Your body was stiff in his arms, but inside, you were trembling. You struggled to steady your breathing, to make sense of what was happening.

“Raphael, what are you—”

“I came to take you back,” he interrupted, not letting you finish. He pulled back slightly to look into your eyes, his hands still resting on your shoulders. His dark blue gaze was like an endless ocean, filled with emotions you could only begin to guess at.

“I’m not leaving without you,” he said firmly, his voice low but resolute, a small, determined smile tugging at his lips.

You didn’t know what to say. One thing, however, was certain: tonight, all your carefully laid plans for a new life in Vallora were on the verge of collapsing.

___

#oc x reader #x reader #reincarnation #romance #x y/n #x fem reader #x fem!reader #yandere x reader #prince x reader #prince x fem reader #nununuy

54 notes · View notes

hongssimi · 2 months ago

Text

my prince // hong seunghan

ᝰ synopsis .ᐟ what kind of best friend texts you goodbye and disappears? the one-and-only hong seunghan. but no matter how much time has passed since no-contact, you realise nothing has changed. he's still the hong seunghan you know.

ᝰ pairing .ᐟ bsf!hong seunghan x gn!reader

ᝰ genre .ᐟ fluff, light angst // written

ᝰ word count .ᐟ 1.5k+

ᝰ warning .ᐟ somewhat open ending, somewhat happy ending

ᝰ author's note .ᐟ back in my tumblr era after eight years since deactivating… never written an au on here before but here goes nothing :)

this was it.

"mom, dad, calm down. it's not like i won't be able to navigate. it's still south korea."

getting down the car meant you were finally stepping foot in seoul. seongsu-dong was the neighbourhood you were going to stay at for the rest of your life.

it wasn't like you hated moving to seoul and living alone, who would've hated getting freedom away from their parents this young? it just wasn't part of your life plan, starting your last year of high school on a whole new slate, in a whole new place.

your parents had insisted on you moving nearer to the capital for a better life. they went about telling you reasons, one of them about how living in a neighbourhood more busy and bustling than ilsan was more beneficial for you in the long run. they believed you would get more work opportunities after university. but for you, this was a different kind of opportunity. it was a chance to meet seunghan again.

seunghan was your best friend in ilsan. he was the one you shared all secrets with, except one that you never got know the reason behind. why he never kept in contact with you, after vanishing from your side two years ago. not even a hint of where he was headed to, was left for you.

all you got was a card of apology and gratefulness under your desk, for being his best friend in middle school, and a bag of your favorite jjanggu chip snack. you wouldn't have ever known, if it wasn't for your mom who heard the news from the market aunties. the hong family had left ilsan to help seunghan's aunt with her restaurant in seoul.

not sure if i can even call him a best friend anymore, when he didn't even tell me where he was leaving to.

"meow! meow! wake up! it's 5:30am! meow!" you weren't expecting your new black cat themed alarm clock to sound that cute.

in all honesty, you weren't sure what time you were supposed to report to school. all the school transfer paperwork were settled by your parents… which you concluded that they likely forgot to tell you the reporting time, being too busy working and packing luggages with you.

it's like i'm in a korean drama where i'm the main character who has the cliché of a stereotypical transfer student, being late for their first day of school.

fortunately, guessing the reporting time based off your arts school in ilsan and the travel time from your place to your new school, worked in your favor. you arrived early and met your homeroom teacher to collect all the necessary items for school.

man, mom and dad should've gotten me a place nearer to school. it's insane that i have to travel almost two hours every day to get here.

collecting your class schedule and textbooks, you found it so crazy how you managed to transfer schools in your last year of high school. you were just a student from goyang high school of arts, dreaming of being a vocal teacher. how did you manage to transfer to school of performing arts seoul, a prestigious arts school in seoul, in your last year?

don't belittle yourself, y/n. you're extremely talented.

"wait outside, i'll call you in to introduce yourself to the class," mr kim, your homeroom teacher who showed you the way to class, briefed.

introductions make me nervous, but i hope all goes well today.

"y/n, you can sit down on the empty seat on the left. the third last row. hong seunghan is your seatmate, but the boy is absent today" mr kim instructed after your introduction, pointing to the two empty seats near the back of the class.

your class was weird. all of your classmates were either glaring or giving judgemental stares, both guys and girls. all you did was greet them in passing while getting to your seat, what was wrong with this class? was your seatmate some popular guy at school who's "for everyone"?

hong seunghan.

you read the name on the desk next to you. your seatmate had the same name as your ilsan best friend, but you didn't think much of it.

it's not like he's the only hong seunghan in the whole of south korea.

scanning the details around his name, you found that a bunch of mini crayon shin-chan stickers decorated the name on the desk.

cute. my seunghan's a shin-chan lover too.

looking around the class and the tables, you learned that everyone was pasting stickers of their own style and aesthetic on their respective tables. you took out one of the two japanese 'puri-kura' photo sticker print of you and seunghan from your wallet, pasting it on your table. there were four copies originally printed, but each of you took two each.

the photo sticker was just a photo the both of you took for fun, when 'puri-kura' was trending during those days. but it quickly became a core memory, being the only photo the both of you took since knowing each other in middle school. you know what they say about true best friends, they barely have photos together. both of you made a promise, to always have one copy in your wallet and never lose it, even if you end up losing your second copy.

i wonder if he still has his copies?

it was a week since you transferred and you still had yet to see your seatmate's face. you had no idea how he looked like, and you hadn't been able to make any friends to ask about him. it was understandable, joining an already established friend group was impossible as a senior high school student.

the boy had been skipping school since day one of your transfer, which you had not even the slightest idea why because you didn't know anything about him. you never gave it much thought as it was a normal occurrence in the school, some students were trainees or idols.

you were early for class that day and rested your head on your desk, feeling a presence sit down next to you and flopping his bag down on the floor. you knew it was likely your seatmate that you had never met before.

"who are you? and why did you take my 'puri-kura' photo from under my table and put it on your table?" he asked in an annoyed tone.

"the 'puri-kura' photo of me and my best friend?" you looked up annoyed, someone had just claimed your photo as theirs.

"y/n"

"seunghan"

the two of you said each other's name in unison.

"wait. what?" you were absolutely confused.

he hugged you immediately, with a smile on his face, "i can't believe it's actually you, y/n."

"but what are you doing here? in a SOPA uniform? did you transfer here? in your last year of high school? that's insane."

that was when you found out seunghan was a trainee under sm entertainment, an entertainment company that was coincidentally also in your neighbourhood. he was scouted two years ago after the entrance exams and trained for about a year since. he was on his way to achieving his dreams. dreams you once talked about with each other, you being a vocal teacher, and him being an idol.

hey, at least i now have someone to suffer with me on the ride back to seongsu-dong!

hanging out with him again felt like a dream. your best friend was back. he was a sweet boy who was like a respected prince. everyone liked him, teachers, classmates, juniors, even the alumnus were fond of him.

before you realized, you had slowly fallen in love with him. being oblivious was the best choice of action for you, not wanting the relationship of best friends to be ruined if you confessed to him. besides, there were so many other people you knew who also had a crush on him. how could someone not fall in love with such a kind-hearted soul?

he was a hard-working boy. he showed you his moves and vocals every once in a while and asked for feedback. he was truly the talented best friend you loved and supported. you felt proud looking at him, and truly wished the best for his future, even if it meant never confessing your feelings for him.

days and months passed. then came graduation day, the day when everyone would finally be released from high school. the day you had to part with seunghan again. but this time it was going to be different. you were going to make sure he knew you were always going to be there for him.

"i'm sorry for being a bad friend, y/n."

both you and seunghan were becoming adults, and had your own separate dreams to chase. he was apologising again, knowing it would be difficult to meet friends as his debut nears.

"never apologise for something you can't control. something that's not your fault. you're my best friend, and i'll always be there for you, regardless of if we're in contact or not. i'm not changing my number, so, i'm just a call away if you ever need me."

"even if one day, you apologise and go no-contact for the second time,"

"i promise i won't leave you, forever," you told him.

i love you and i truly wish the best for you.

you deserve the best.

my prince.

✶⋆.˚꩜ AFTERTHOUGHTS .ᐟ˙⋆✶ can u tell i'm depressed and miss seunghan with this fic? cus i am. also, personally, i think this should have badfic as a label because i think it's kind of cringe… but maybe i'm just too self-critical because my bestie who read this said i had potential to write good angst😰

✶⋆.˚꩜ PERMANENT RII7E TAGLIST .ᐟ˙⋆✶ [OPEN]

do not repost works © hongssimi

#ssimi.sai #seunghan #riize #riize is 7 #hong seunghan #seunghan x reader #riize scenarios #riize imagines #seunghan scenarios #seunghan imagine #bring seunghan back #riize x reader #riize seunghan

55 notes · View notes

jarofstyles · 1 year ago

Text

Splendore- Verboten 8

They're back. Best friend's Dadrry returns and this time in another country. 👀💋

Check out our Patreon

Series masterlist

Warnings- emotions, slight angst, fluff, I promise there's smut next time

---

Harry’s idea to let them bond together without the worry of someone they know catching them hadn’t been what Y/N expected.

She had imagined a trip into the city, maybe to a few over so they could get used to being out together, to being a couple they wanted to be. Maybe a BnB if he was feeling fancy.

It turns out, he was feeling luxurious.

Italy had been the last of her guesses, not even truly on the brain. The older man had her pack her bags and told her they were going to one of his houses. She had been given the hints of a ‘warm climate’ and to pack those ‘pretty bathing suits and sundresses’ that he loved oh, so much. Y/N did exactly as asked, packing up her suitcase with the cool packing cubes she had bought from being influenced online - she was weak for easier travel- and prepared for at least a bit of fun in the sun. Her suspicions rose when he had mentioned a passport, but when they sat in the first class seats on a flight to Italy, she was in shock.

Harry had laughed at her shock, how she bounced on her heels when she had figured it out when they arrived at the lounge. She had thanked him with kisses to the cheek, her hood falling off her face as she held his far too pretty for a grown man’s face. Y/N hadn’t been to Italy, let alone know that he had a house there. Imagine her reaction when he broke out into Italian, speaking to the gate agent as soon as they landed about something that she couldn't understand. Her attraction to him had already been sky high, but the last few hours had elevated it specifically.

2 weeks. They were spending 2 weeks in Italy, Y/N finally quitting the job she hated with plans to look for another one when she got back, and a weight lifted off her shoulders. Her excuse to Lia had been she was going to go see where her extended family lived, whilst Harry said he had business. It wasn’t a lie- Y/N did have family here, but she wasn’t exactly going to see them.

Y/N’s arms wrapped around his one as they walked through one of the street markets. Harry had been the one to choose her dress, deciding on a white base colored one with tiny baby blue florals covering it. It hugged her waist and flared out, reaching right above her knee and was off the shoulder with tiny puff sleeves- a beautiful one he hadn’t seen before. They’d lazed about in bed sleeping off a bit of the travel from the day prior, but Y/N had been a bit antsy to see things. Harry knew the area well, had spent some summers here with family, and he was a massive fan of the country in general.

Sunglasses hung on the bridge of his nose as he stopped at one of the stalls, looking at the fresh fruit lined up. He hadn’t gone to the market yet, and it was probably a good idea to get some fruit while they were here. “Why don’t you pick out some that looks good to you, hm?” He turned to murmur against her temple.

Y/N wasn’t used to being allowed to be so openly affectionate with Harry. The times they’d gone out back home, they’d still been cautious with how close and sweet they were in fear of their relations being reported back to someone who didn’t need to know. Being in Italy offered a type of freedom that she didn’t expect to feel so good. Hanging on his arm felt so perfect, like it fit right into her own. Letting her arm drop from his, she chose a few things. A few packets of berries that looked particularly ripe and juicy, some peaches that were far softer than any she had felt, and a few red and green mottled apples were placed into the wicker basket she had bought from a few vendors up. She knew Harry was a fan of cherries, so she chose a small bag and picked up a pomegranate for herself before stopping. Looking at him for approval, he simply nodded and took the basket from her to show the vendor.

“Mi scusi, quanto costa tutto questo?” His Italian made her blink. His voice had always been a weakness of hers, but hearing him talk in a different language and sound so… dreamy? She felt a bit wobbly in the knees, eyes locked on his face as he spoke. The exchange was completely missed on the other end, her long lashes blinking as she watched Harry pull his worn leather wallet out from his front pocket and hand over a few bills. She watched his eyes slide over to her, catching her staring point blank as his lips quipped up in a tiny smirk.

“Grazie Signore.”

His hand found Y/N’s, threading their fingers together as they continued to walk with her basket in his hand now. He wouldn’t let her carry her own stuff a lot of the time and as much as it drove her crazy, it also showed that he was a real gentleman. They just didn’t make them like this anymore. That’s why she’s gone with an original model, she supposed.

“Got something on my face?” His smug little smile hadn’t dwindled, their hands swinging slightly in between them as she could feel his happiness. It squeezed her heart in her chest. As many times as she’s seen the man content, she had never seen him like this. This level of happiness, or seemingly free. She could relate, but seeing it in the man who was usually quite reserved and had been known to her as an authority in a way, an intimidation, it was a breath of fresh air. His giddiness was contagious.

“Mhm. A little smug look on that face.” She laughed, rolling her eyes in jest as they continued to walk down the cobblestones. “You’re just very pretty. That’s all.” She feigned a bit more indifference than she actually felt.

“Oh? And it’s got nothing to do with the fact that you look at me like I offered you a lifetime supply of peach tea when I speak Italian?” He rose a brow, calling her out directly on her bullshit. “I do appreciate the compliment though. I prefer ruggedly handsome, a sexpot, maybe. But pretty will do.”

“A sexpot?” Y/N snorted, nose crinkling in distaste as she looked at him over her own sunglasses. “I forgot you’re an old man sometimes. But fine. Maybe I do like hearing you speak in a foreign language. You surprise me, is all.” She shrugged one shoulder, continuing the swinging of their arms. It was odd, how well they connected despite all their seemingly different life points. They melded together like precious metals over a flame, combining in a way that made her positive that traces of him would remain in her forever.

“Good. You’ve got a lot to learn about me.” He hummed, squeezing their joined hands. The man seemed a bit shy with her sometimes, like now that they were out of their normal element, he was a tad more vulnerable. It was something Y/N found to be refreshing. She wasn’t the only one a little nervous. Or perhaps he had always felt like this, but hadn’t felt ok showing it.

“Hm. Let’s look in here.” Harry interrupted her train of thought, pulling her into a stall with dresses.

Harry had a thing for them, as they’d previously discussed. He liked seeing her in flowy, soft dresses that showed off her shoulders and her legs. It had taken her slightly off guard considering she had thought he would prefer to see her in her bathing suits- which, he did obviously enjoy, but he had shown more excitement to see the dresses she had shown and requested them specifically.

“Are you going to get something?” Y/N asked, looking at the colorful pieces hung up on a pole and the rolling racks. They were beautiful, but definitely pricey. She couldn’t fault them for it, as they looked hand made and artists deserved to be paid for their work appropriately. She had to be a bit careful with her spending, though, considering she had just quit her old job.

“Mhm. We both are.” Harry’s words made her turn to him, lifting the glasses off her face.

“Oh? I am?” She crossed her arms, looking up at him with her brows raised, only to be met with a laughing man who scooped her into his arms, pulling her into his chest. She had no time to question before he was kissing the top of her head, pulling back to look at her face.

“Yes. M’gonna be buying you what I’d like to see you in.” He said easily. “And probably some things for myself.” There were a nice variety of shirts and shorts, so he could choose for himself. It was written all over her face, her reflex to argue, but instead of allowing it, he tipped her chin up and covered her lips with his own, cutting off any sort of rebellion. Kissing her for the first time, properly, in a public place. It had caught her off guard, her body relaxing slightly before he pulled back from her. “Just let me. Yeah? It’ll make me happy.” He smoothed his thumb over her bottom lip. “Per favore, bellezza mia. Lascia che ti vizi.” The croon of a whispered Italian sentence, despite her not really knowing what he said besides please, had her core heating up.

God damn, he was good.

“Fine. Fine… If it’ll make you happy.” She whispered back, leaning up to peck his lips again. It took him by surprise, but one he happily leaned into. Harry’s wide grin was reward enough.

After that, it was a bit of a blur. Y/N said yes and no to a few dresses, trying her best to be conservative with the money he was spending because it still made her a little uneasy- but seeing the amount of clothing that he had folded up for himself, it reminded her that he really did have the funds. His home here alone should show her that- but in the back of her mind, she knew she was worried about what people would say.

Gold digger. With him for the money.

It wasn’t that she necessarily cared about anyone else's opinion of her, but she didn’t like the idea of people saying she didn’t feel for him as strongly as he did for her. She would be with Harry if he didn’t have money at all at this point. Of course, she couldn’t lie and say it wasn’t a good thing to have. That it didn’t arouse her to know her man could take care of her, that he was successful and driven and able to provide and create things. It did, more than she cared to admit. It just wasn’t why she was with him.

Harry had swept her off her feet, what started out as a fuck in the poolhouse turning into a full blown relationship with feelings and anxious glances and sweet giggles. It was different than past relationships but also, not. The circumstances certainly were unique, the risk especially so, but the full bellied butterflies she got whenever she thought about him, the late night calls, the rest of it all resembled a pure romance.

She acted the part of a spoiled girl well in most other contexts, but actually allowing people to provide things for her had always made her feel a bit uncomfortable. It was never an even exchange. Harry’s expression had been so earnest when he had told her he wanted to do it for her, she couldn’t tell him no.

The shop owner had looked overjoyed, throwing suggestions to them and acting as a personal shopper once she had deciphered what size Y/N would be, a flush on her face as she realized it meant real money for her. That was another reason she let the guilt melt away. Providing income for a local artisan was worth it. Falling into it, she smiled and showed her preferences towards cuts, choosing one of the lilac ones from the rack, a soft linen mustard colored dress with floral embroidery across the bust, a deep red maxi dress with a mix of lace creating pleats, a white wrap skirt, and a few other things that Harry had decided she was getting. Y/N wasn’t about to deny him. It was his money.

By the end of it, they had two bags of clothing, separated to his and hers by the helpful and gracious artisan who kissed both of their cheeks repeatedly and apparently invited them both to dinner while they were here. Y/N didn't know what he had said in response, but she assumed by the large smile that it was an acceptance.

He had a charm about him. She had noticed it, obviously, but as they continued through the market and shopped it became apparent that he just had a magnetic quality to him that had her looking on the interactions fondly. This was an unfiltered view of the man that made her feel a fluttering in her chest, the luck she had stumbled upon by getting to spend her time with him realized fully as she continued their walk. He was a gentleman, stopping and letting her browse one of the pottery stalls so she could choose a mug- finally letting her pay for something herself when she had pouted at him- and decided to get him one as well. Hers had oranges on it, Harry’s matching with lemons.

Italy was far warmer than she had realized though, and her inner thighs were starting to sweat. She needed a break, which she told him in a soft request to go back to the house to relax by the pool. Her body was in desperate need of a shower and far less clothing. This had been the most walking she had done in months.

He had insisted on gelato before they made the trek back up to the villa, Y/N choosing a Tiramisu flavor and Harry getting pistacchio. Leisurely, they walked hand in hand while the bags hung off Harry's elbow and her basket back on her own while they licked at the treat. It was melting fast, her tongue working over the sides to try and constrain it from dripping all over her fingers. Being sticky on top of sweaty and tired was not on the top of her to-do list.

“Messy girl.” His eyes had been watching intently as they paused at the top of the hill to give her a second to breathe. Her tongue flicked over her fingertips as the melty cream dribbled down over the cone, making his stomach burn a little bit. The woman managed to make the most mundane things either utterly adorable or completely erotic depending on the mood. In this instance, he was reminded of her sitting on her knees, lapping up every drip of his cum when he had finished in her mouth. Greedy for it, he had soaked up every moment of her desperation. It was a cherished memory of his he would be happy to relive.

“Perv.” She smirked, shaking her head as she looked him in the eye, taking a long lick. If he was going to be flirty, she was going to return it right back. “Don’t start when we’re out here. If you’re going to be dirty, wait till we’re back in private.” Her hip bumped his before she started off on her own, leaving him to follow right on behind while watching her skirt sway.

—---

“Darling?” A soft voice woke her from her light sleep, cool fingertips brushing over her cheek. The warm ocean breeze and sound of the water and birds had lulled her into a state of relaxation while the sun had begun to set. Eyes peeled open to see Harry smiling down at her, shirt hanging off of his shoulders while he was bare underneath. He was bent down, arm resting on the back of the lounger while the other stroked her face. “There she is. Fell asleep?” He looked down at the book splayed out on her stomach and the half finished spritz on the side table, evidence of the accidental dozing.

“Yeah, m’sorry.” Knuckles reached up to rub at her eyes, peering up at him with a soft grin. “Didn’t mean to. The breeze felt really good.” Finishing with her no longer sleepy eyes, her fingers went to his wrist, urging his hand to cup her cheek the way she liked. “Did you have a good shower?”

Harry had left her out to relax while he had answered a few emails and took a shower, needing to wash the day off of him. Y/N had done so earlier when he had made them food, so it had been his turn. She had told him she was going to relax by the pool with her drink and book and she wasn’t too tired, but it was obvious the day had caught up with her a little bit.

“I did, yeah.” He stroked the apple of her cheek with his thumb, seeing her face relax into the hold he kept. “Missed you a little, though. Much more fun with you complaining about how it isn't hot enough.”

“Well, you take lukewarm showers at best. I like to feel a bit of burn.” She huffed, turning her face to bite the heel of his palm lightly to show her displeasure. “Rude. But, I missed you too. Come sit with me.”

Y/N’s body shuffled over, allowing him to lay on his side next to her. The size left little room between them, but Y/N remedied that as she moved her leg to hook over his waist, sighing as she snuggled up to him. Harry couldn’t control the flip flop his stomach did at her apparent comfort with him, feeling easy enough to do something like that with him. No hesitation now, lips pressed against the base of his throat before she settled in.

“Comfortable?” His voice murmured, hand falling to her bare back to stroke the warm expanse.

“Mhm.” Her replied was hummed, hand resting on his chest as she sagged into his hold. “I’m really happy.”

The words had sounded like it took her a moment to admit. His breath caught, looking at the top of her head as she kept her face tucked against his throat. Hiding a little bit, but he could understand why. Admitting things, feelings, it was intimidating. “Yeah?” He chuckled, letting his blunt nails run over her spine, memorizing the feeling of its ridges under the skin. “Good. That’s all I want for you. I wanted to take you away… let you feel relaxed for once.”

His words vibrated against her cheek, tickling her slightly. She hummed back, twirling the chain of his necklace around her finger. A force of habit now. “I am. It was a really good idea. I…” There was a pause, hesitation coating her tongue as she decided to go for it anyways. “I was really scared I messed this up completely. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings or make you feel like… Like you weren’t enough, or I wasn’t happy. I know we talked about it before, and I don’t want to ruin a good day with those thoughts, but I really like you and I loved how it felt when we were out earlier. Holding your hand, when you kissed me…” She swallowed the lump that had formed, his soothing fingers continuing their path. He knew what she needed. “It felt right. I know back at home, some people are probably going to have a lot to say, a lot of mean things probably, saying I’m in this for money or something and that you’ll get over me or whatever but I just want you to know that I think we could work.”

Mustering up the courage to pull back and look at his face, she looked into his own eyes. They looked light, but focused. Intent as he met her gaze, encouraging her to continue to speak. She had no idea how he felt, how he felt a little choked up himself at her words and her resolve over the both of them. “I think we could. I’m sorry I seemed so wishy-washy before with us. With putting labels and dancing round things. I was scared to ask for anything more because I enjoyed us together and I didn’t want to be a silly little girl and assume you’d want something with me.” There was a pregnant pause, Y/N’s eyes falling from his for a moment. “I know theres a lot against us. I’m half your age, you’re Lia’s dad, it’s going to cause problems but I-I really think it’s worth exploring. I don’t want you to get hurt by the repercussions and like I said, I know it’ll cause some issues but-”

Y/N’s words were cut off with his mouth. A deep kiss, fingers angling her up towards him and keeping her chin between his fingers as he locked their lips together, letting her feel him. Heat flushed in her body, leaning into it immediately. He had stolen her breath, a tiny whimper leaving her throat as he attempted to pull back. Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging him back to her with a quiet mewl of ‘No’ before sealing their soft mouths back again, feeling his harsh exhale through his nose when she dragged her nails over his exposed chest and pulled back to peck his lips a few times. He eagerly responded, chasing her lips a few more times before giving a breathless chuckle, forehead resting against her own.

His heart thumped in his chest as he took a moment, opening his mouth to speak to her but failing. How could he possibly be able to tell her how much he actually appreciated her? He had to at least try.

“I don’t think words will be enough to accurately describe to you how much I feel for you already. I know. I know of the risks, the things people would say, the things that could possibly happen as a result. Trust me when I say that a relationship with you is all that has been clouding my mind for the last few weeks. I’ve thought through every scenario, as good and as bad as they could get, but none of them are as bad as the thought of losing out on being with you.”

His voice was slightly hoarse, the kiss and the mere passion he felt stealing some of the strength he usually had, but he powered on. “Y/N… I know I was cruel to you the other night. I was pathetically jealous, angry that it wasn’t me. That I couldn’t make it easier on you to be with me. I can’t control what people outside of myself do, and I should have conducted myself better but you…. You make me feel again. It’s unnerving and I felt raw and naked and hurt because I was letting you in and it felt like perhaps that wouldn’t be enough. That I’d be a phase. But it was cruel of me to underestimate you and think poorly of your intentions because of my own insecurities. As good as I try to be… I am still a man.” He laughed humorlessly, shaking his head. “A silly, jealous, needy man who wanted to rip the hands off of the guy in that photo for touching your shoulder. I wanted to storm down to the bar and toss you over my shoulder, take you home where you belong. When I realized I didn’t have a claim over you, it hurt. It made me feel bitter and irritated and then you showed up to my house, wearing a dress that you put on for another man… I went mad. But it wasn’t fair of me. I was feeling those same insecurities, and I didn’t let you speak. And for that, I’m sorry.” He returned to her chin, tilting it back up and pressing another lingering kiss to her lips before continuing.

“I want to be with you. I’ll take it all. I won’t let anyone be cruel to you, I will cherish you and this relationship, I’ll make you happy. I know we’ll have some growing pains and that it won’t necessarily be easy because of everyone else, but being with you? Being around you, feeling happy? It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

Y/N hated herself for it, but she felt the burn behind her eyes. To hear someone talk so passionately, to put themselves in a position at home that could cause him personal issues because he liked her so much, he felt so intensely for her? It had shook her to the core. It felt like no one else had ever cared about her this much. She could feel it, feel his affection in the way he kissed her. “Me too.” She peeped. “It’s- It’s so easy for me to be myself around you. I know it was weird at first because of how we met but it fell into such a rhythm so quickly a-and I like myself around you, H. I do. I think that’s what we’re supposed to feel in relationships. Right?” She sniffled, cursing under her breath as a tear escaped. “Sorry. I just feel a lot right now and I’m really happy.” A watery laugh made him smile, thumbing the salty tear away from her cheek.

“Don’t apologize to me for feeling.” It was a gentle scold. As much as tears from her would break his heart, he wanted her reactions unfiltered. There was a greed he couldn’t control when it came to information about Y/N. “I want to hear and see everything you feel. You underestimate just how curious I’ve been about how this pretty little brain works.” His damp finger tapped the tip of her nose, making her giggle again. “It is how you’re supposed to feel, I think. At least, it’s how I feel with you, too. It’s the best, isn’t it?” His arms pulled her back to his chest, smiling to himself as he felt her rub her face into his neck and play with his hair, warm breaths brushing his collarbone as she nodded in response.

“It is.” Her words were soft against him, pressing a series of gentle kisses to the side of his throat and working her way up to his jaw. “You make me feel things I’ve never felt before. Every day, it’s something new.” Her teeth grazed the hinge of his jaw, biting down delicately before pulling back to give him a grin. “I never want to stop learning with you.”

“I’ll make sure you never have to, sweetheart.” Lips brushed hers, stealing her breath. “We don’t have to tell everyone we’re together when we’re home, but… we can use this trip, see how good it feels. Work on it when we get back.” meaning they’d have to tell Lia. Something neither of them would look forward to, but it was going to be pushed back on this trip. “Just want to take this time to get to know you, to see bits of you that you’ve hidden away. Cruel little thing.” He clicked his tongue, letting his fingers brush her sides to make her squeal. She was a tiny bit ticklish there.

“I’ll let you know anything you want- but first lesson? Do not tickle me unless you want me to accidentally knee you in the balls.” She huffed. “I happen to quite like them, so don’t do that.”

“Noted, darling. Noted.”

186 notes · View notes

marengogo · 3 months ago

Text

UGH!-10: It's Too Early For This Shit

Nuts - by RM [Right Place, Wrong Person]

[Music is a very big part of my life and I’m MOSTLY INCAPABLE of writing without music, so I just thought I’d share what I am listening to while writing this]

–🐺–🐺–🐺–

⚠️ super angry post ahead ⚠️

I've just opened the blue bird App and I'm already done for the day.

"the travel show should've been these two. I'm very fond of their dynamic", "so true. It would've been more interesting more fun and less drama", "Heavy on the less drama. We'd also be having discussions too, the way we are massively ignoring the current one is sending me-", "ikrrr😭😭 also actual and long conversations between them" ...

Is it so fucking hard to just not give into the people you swear on your life you are "protecting your fave" from? Is it so hard respecting your faves decisions? Is it so hard to ... I dunno ... express your frustration without having to shit on someone else who has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING?

So you are frustrated that 🐰solos, 🐻solos, and 🐰🐻ers are in 🐥's business as always? Okay. AND? That should never stop you from watching the show your fave worked so hard on! You support your fave, you show him that his will, wishes and opinions do matter and YOU REPORT THE MOTHERFUCKERS, YOU IGNORE THE MOTHERFUCKERS, AND YOU MOVE THE FUCK ON, FFS!

It is really as simple as that.

KPOPPIES and their mamas have been against 875 since time immemorial, yet here we are, supporting them because supposedly we think they are worth our support and them pursing their dreams. Imagine going "I wish 875 disbanded because we have to report antis everyday" ... in 2024? on the Blue Bird App? Really now?? Where've you been Fam?! On Blue Bird Dot Com IT BE LIKE THAT. In K-MEDIA it be like that. In The Streets of the World with ignorant people It be Like THAT!!

Being AMI is not easy. It is frustrating many a time, it is angering many a time, it is downright aggravating many a time, but you'll never see me disrespect ANY of the members because other people in the world are dickheads. NO BRO.

You sad? Stay off SM for a day or two. You mad? Bitch with your friends offline, rant on a post, and/or start boxing, I dunno! But whatever it is ALWAYS 👏🏾 AIM 👏🏾 YOUR 👏🏾 RAGE 👏🏾 AT 👏🏾 THE 👏🏾 RIGHT 👏🏾 TARGET 👏🏾 .

Certain people resorting to hate 🐥 and viceversa IS NEVER going to be 🐰's fault and viceversa .

🐥 loves all his hyungs, and arguably 🐿️ is the one he is closest to. But he also loves all "his" maknaes, and you don't have to believe he is even close to 🐰 but YOU WILL RESPECT the fact that for a good 7 years at the very least ever since GCF Tokyo came to be, both 🐥 and 🐰 seem to really not give TWO FLYING FUCKS about what any of us have to say about the time they choose to spend together. So much so that, not only did they do a whole show together, but where and with whom are they now? 🦻🏾 ...

Yes. I thought so.

Also more interesting more fun ... actual and long conversations you are just a hating hoe for that. Two people not being chatterboxes doesn't mean there is anything wrong with tem. Not your cup of tea? Move on alone, no need to shit on it. Sure 🐥🐿️ may have a more "marketable" dynamic from 🐥🐰 but maybe, just maybe, 🐥 wasn't completely aiming at entertaining, in fact on multiple occasions they even said they weren't sure if this would air at all, but they weren't bothered.

In fact, if you ask me, this particular show aired because it wasn't like every other show so hellbent on trying to entertain. It aired because this were two people who actually ended up entertaining while constantly reminding themselves that they had to, and mainly failing to do so. So fuck you wholeheartedly.

If any of the other members want to have their show I'll be up for any pairing, any trio, etc and it will be just as special and interesting in its own way. If it ends up being shit ... I can assure you it will probably not air which would be a shame because i would watch anything my boys want to show us.

Just, it would be great if for once, some people could stop the hate-comparison and try the appreciation-despite, it goes a long way, and for the looks of it, 🐥 & 🐰 are not going to stop until their 50 so ... yeah.

I'm so fucking angry obviously,

Marengo.

PS - If anyone tries to come at me saying that I hate 🐥🐿️ I'LL END YOU.

#Marengo Goes UGH!#Tired already

51 notes · View notes

brf-rumortrackinganon · 23 days ago

Note

So if I understand the People mag article correctly, Archwell is now firmly acting as a middle man of charity donations. They get donations from other organizations - tax write off for the organizations - and also private anonymous doners (last years it was 10mil?? This year it's 2 mil!).

Then they decide how to allocate those recieved donations further to other organizations after meeting their own costs of salaries, admin, expenses (travel, accomodation while travelling, food and drinks etc for the employees) and other costs are met first.

No clarification if the large sum donations recieved are bulk one-time payments or multiyear pledges. No clarification of doners stipulate where to donate or Archwell decides that. No clarification on when the funds actually came in or how they acquired those. (Who pitched, when, was ut random cold calls, through business or private networks, during a social event, during Invictus or random benefactors who just happened to like HnM).

What is the staffs actual role is acquiring thes donations and partnering with organization's downstream of recieving donations? How much are Meghan and Harry personally involved in this unique scheme of "charity". Was this Meghan's idea to have this working model or did it stem from Harry's idea of what being a working royal means.

Why isn't there more clarity on their partner organizations, because so far it seems rather random based on Meghan's pet causes of women empowerment and Harry's crusade of tackling disinformation.

They are making such a huge deal out of the annual report but they are basically using this as a pr gimmick. An annual report should just (ideally) summarise whatever they have been doing during 2023 and that work should have already been out there.

Most of this looks so removed from the work that we saw, which was Invictus games, the bought awards, the faux- royal toursetc. I know a lot of that was this year, 2024, but at least behind the scenes there should have been some work in 2023 which logically led to those events in 2024. so far, this looks like another attemp to attach themselves to Jill Biden through her daughter and get an in with the dek party (political aspirations much?!)

To be fair, though, a lot of charities serve as middlemen like this - they solicit donations/grants from others and then disburse grants to other organizations versus funding their own projects or doing their own research/studies.

That's why it's really important to do your own research when you're considering to give money to charity. There are a bunch of charity watchdogs that specifically look at how charities are fundraising and expensing, as well as pulling up their tax records (actual tax records, not impact reports or board statements). There are two things you want to pay attention to: 1) administrative costs and fundraising costs and 2) unrestricted giving vs restricted giving.

The administrative cost is essentially the cost for the charity to operate. It's everything like salaries and employee benefits, rent, travel, legal fees, management. The fundraising costs isn't how much money the charity fundraised for its clientele; it's how much the charity spent to raise money - marketing, merchandise, events, advertising, PR. A charity should never spend more than 35% on administrative and fundraising costs combined.

Looking specifically Archewell's numbers by People yesterday, they spent about $2.6M in operating expenses and staff salaries ("just over" $1M, which I rounded to $1.1M, on legal fees, events, and travel and $1.5M on salaries). Since People also says that $5.7M was what Archewell raised last year (and I'm not looking up the actual tax records tonight), we have to assume that the $2.6M is paid for by the $5.7M pot. $2.6M of $5.7M is 46%.

People also says that of the $5.7M, only $1.3M was actually given to charity. That's 23%. While we don't know where the other $1.8M (the remaining 30%) is going, it's either going into investments/reserve funds for future-year expenses or it's been allocated to programming that hasn't been announced or disclosed.

Let's put People aside for a second here and talk about unrestricted giving versus restricted giving.

Restricted giving is where you specifically and explicitly direct where your money should go or how it should be spent. Unrestricted giving means the charity/organization decides where to spend your money and you have no say in it, so while you may have donated that $100 check thinking the Susan B. Komen Foundation is going to use it to fund breast cancer research, that money might end up going into the CEO's end-of-year bonus or buying the ribbon magnets that the organization sells for a fundraiser.

Both types of giving are important, but the benefits are very different. Small charities need unrestricted charitable gifts because that's literally the money that keeps them in business. Larger charities love unrestricted giving because it means bigger paychecks, bonuses, and benefits for staff.

Deciding whether to give a restricted donation or an unrestricted donation is where that administrative costs + fundraising costs percentage can be very powerful. The lower that percentage is, the more likely your donation will actually be used for programming that actually helps the people/community. The higher that percentage is, the more likely your donation will go to overhead expenses. Thus, the suggestion is typically lower percentage = unrestricted giving but higher percentage = restricted giving.

(There are two exceptions to that rule of thumb, for me. First is colleges and universities. For a lot of smaller schools and public universities, unrestricted giving is what pays the faculty, staff, new construction, buys books for the libraries, funds general scholarships and work/study programs, makes campus accessible, supports student and alumni programming (like clubs, homecoming events, new student orientation), etc. Essentially, anything that tuition, fees, room + board, and specific endowments doesn't cover, colleges and universities pay for it from their unrestricted giving funds. So if you went to a school that doesn't have national name brand recognition (which is pretty much everyone outside of the Ivies and top 25 Division I schools in sports), unrestricted giving is their lifeline. So yes, give to your major/degree program, give to the sports, give to whoever, but also give to the unrestricted fund. Second is large national/multi-national corporate-type charities like Susan G. Komen - for those charities, always do restricted giving to make sure that your money is actually going towards programming, research, the community, etc. And if you're on a limited budget and you want your charitable donation to stretch the furthest it can go, look for those smaller charities instead of the name-recognized ones, like The Breasties instead of Komen.)

(I also don't mean to keep picking on Komen. I'm just not a fan. They obscure a lot of their work in programming called "education and awareness" and don't really explain what it is. They also have a huge fundraising budget, which isn't actually what they fundraise - it's the cost of fundraising, like buying those magnets, sponsoring pink October. Lastly, the CEO makes an annual salary of $888K which is 3-4 times more than the rest of the C-suite execs and I just think that's ridiculous. The CEO of Breasties, for comparison, makes only $79K.)

So since there's only a 23% chance your donation to Archewell will actually go towards programming, you'll get the most bang for your buck restricting your donation - in other words, telling the Sussexes "this donation is for the Digital Civil Rights Award" when you give them your check means they have to put that money in their Digital Civil Rights Award/NAACP bucket and if they don't, that can cause serious problems if they get audited for misuse of funds.

The second thing I want to point out about People's article and the Impact Report (I haven't read the Impact Report and I don't plan to, so this is going by what People reported) is that they write about the donations Archewell received in vague terms. If you look at that article, here's what they report Archewell received in donations:

$5 million donation from an individual donor

$335,000 from five individual contributors

$6 million gift from Fidelity Charitable (a donor-advised fund, or DAF)

$10,000 grant from TisBest Philanthropy

$1 million grant from an anonymous donor

$1 million grant from a second anonymous donor

So all that together, People makes it sound like Archewell raked in $13.3 million in donations, which makes them look far more successful than they actually are (and more importantly, makes them look "better" than The Royal Foundation, who reported raising $10.5 million last year).

But the devil is in the details - $4 million of that $13.3M is actually from 2022 and was "omitted" from their tax report due to "discrepancies in timing." Sure, but that leaves $9.3M. We know they raised $5.7M, so where's that other $3.6 million? It's definitely not programming expenses. And if the paperwork shows $9.3 million was raised in 2023, then why does the Impact Report say they raised $5.7 million? (I am not a lawyer and I am not a tax person. I put my forms in TurboTax and call it a day, so there is a 99% chance I'm completely wrong here.) And more specifically, as the other anon last night pointed out - why does the Impact Report promote having received a $6 million donation but yet only saying they raised $5.7 million? That's a huge discrepancy.

Again, I'm not a lawyer, I'm not a tax person, I haven't looked at the actual tax records or the actual Impact Reports, but none of this is making sense.

Then add in everything that @benignkarma asks - what exactly does all this mean? How exactly do they run and operate Archewell? What exactly do they do? What exactly are James Holt and Shauna Nep doing that's earning them that much money? For that kind of paycheck, I'd expect it to be abundantly clear exactly everything they're doing and how they're operating. And for those kinds of gifts, donations, and grants, they really need to be on a line-item budget or expenditure report because their scrutiny (even if it's self-inflicted via PR like this is) means everything needs to be crystal clear and squeaky clean.

Now, maybe everything really is above board, but given what we've seen from Meghan's trademark applications and charity registration paperwork, I'm suspicious. If they're that sloppy on other things, then they have to be sloppy - or doing the barest bare minimum - on everything else. And I think this is being sloppy, because the People article talks about three different time periods - the 2022 tax records with the $4 million discrepancy, the 2023 tax records that have just been released, and then the 2022-2023 impact report. Meaning, someone is obscuring the actual time period - is it Archewell? Is it People? is it Meghan? - and they're probably doing that to make the numbers look more impressive than they actually are.

After all, $13.3 million is better than $5.7 million, which is better than $1.3 million. And $1.3 million in charitable giving is kiiiiiiiinda pathetic when your operating expenses and overhead is at least $2 million.

(I'll end with this - People's article, the impact report, and the tax records say that Harry and Meghan don't draw salaries from Archewell. That is, in my opinion, complete bunk. These "operating expenses" - which People cites are legal fees, travel, and events - are Harry's and Meghan's salaries. Because as much traveling as "Archewell" has done (Nigeria, Colombia, and New York), sending the staff wouldn't cost hundreds of thousands of dollars that would cause operating expenses to rack up to "just over $1 million".)

#sussexes #archewell

25 notes · View notes

fictionfixations · 2 months ago

Text

sampo event

Options: I'm still going to report you for selling fake goods... Sampo: Why would you do that? I refunded all the customers who left poor reviews. Though, I gather you must be at least a little curious - why would I choose to get into the meme business at this time? I have nothing to hide anyway. I met a few friends recently for a few drinks. Remember that tavern we talked about? It's all the same everywhere - there's never a lack of booze at bar tops, only stories. Which is why, you made money this trip, and I got to have my fun. TO be able to sell memes that self-create stories across the galaxy - I won't be lacking in funny tales tonight. Options: Sounds very much like something you'd do. Sampo: Haha, thank you for the compliment. This is the accumulated wisdom of many years of being a traveling merchant. Which means to say, that crate of aged-eight-year meme was also gifted by a friend of mine. Thinking back, I've also ahd run-ins as adventurous as the Nameless have had. Haha, a true man doesn't wax lyrical on his hot-blooded past. It's pointless to talk about my past adventures. I'll see you again, Trailblazer! Although there are many things you can't drink... But I intend to go have a drink!

dont be shy tell me some more

Sampo: Well the magic mill (Sampo) grinds when finished, to and fro the lid in rocking, grinds one measure at the day-break, grinds a measure fit for eating, grinds a second for the market, grinds a third one for the store-house! Ho! ♪

#honkai star rail #hsr #star rail #hsr sampo #sampo koski

39 notes · View notes

mfrance-writes · 3 months ago

Text

Helene Updates: People Don't Know What's Going on in East Tennessee.

I live in East Tennessee. The things that are going on here apparently haven't been reported on very well as we've been dealing with the effects of Helene. People in this same area just an hour to a couple of hours away don't even know what's going on over here.

The area of East Tennessee that I live in is close enough to Asheville that we can pop over to go to the farmers market or pop over for a nice dinner without really thinking about it. We have three rivers in my area: The Pigeon River, the French Broad River, and the Little Pigeon River. The Nolichucky River isn't in my county, but it is close enough to affect the area where I live. These rivers have not flooded in my lifetime or my parents' lifetime.

We are not an area that has EVER experienced more than a small rise in river levels that usually quickly recedes before the flash floods actually occur. We were told that we should prepare for rain to move in by Thursday and then wind to come with more rain on Friday that may disrupt power due to downed trees. There was the possibility of a flash flood in some areas, but overall we weren't told that we needed to be extremely concerned about Helene in my area. (I mean, we're in the Smokey Mountains, in a land-locked state.)

On Friday, we woke up expecting it to be rainy and windy. What we got was news that Waterville Dam and Lake Lure Dam in North Carolina had failed or been severely breached. Later that night, the Nolichucky Dam in Tennessee was breached and expected to catastrophically fail. As a result, the Pigeon River, the French Broad River, the Little Pigeon, and the Nolichucky River all rose to levels that we haven't seen since the late 1800s and the early 1900s.

We were prepared for SOME bad weather...power outages, travel delays because of downed trees or power lines. We were not prepared for something that has never happened here before. How can you prepare for something that has never happened that nobody knew we should be expecting?

We were not prepared for the rivers to break records from over 100 years ago. We were not prepared for the dams to breach and/or fail. We were not prepared for a mass flooding event that made the central area of our town grind to a halt as the first (and sometimes second) floors of essential businesses were submerged in flood waters. We were not prepared for the evacuation orders because we have never experienced evacuations on such a large scale before. This is an event that has never happened in my area.

We are in a State of Emergency. We are waiting for natural disaster relief. People have died, and more are still missing in the more rural areas. Entire homes, farms, businesses have been lost. We do not have water, and there is no timeline for when we can expect that to be fixed. Many people are still without power, and in the more rural areas, the linemen can't get to them to run new power lines without the help of other agencies. Many people still do not have cell and internet service back up and running. The post office is not operational, and the mail is not running. Updates from the Mayor via Facebook Live is the way we're getting most of our information.

I went into the office (because the courts in surrounding counties are still up and running and we have to prep for that), and the area where the law office is located is closed to the public. Helicopters and sirens are an ever-present sound as searches are being conducted. It looks like some kind of post-apocalyptic movie scene, and it kind of feels like one, too.

And the people around us (except for North Carolina, which was totally devastated) don't seem to know that's what we're dealing with for some reason. The sheer number of people I talked to today that are from as close as an hour away that have no idea we're in a State of Emergency is baffling. Literally, people called asking for consults, office appointments, letting us know they were mailing things in, asking if we could hurry and file things... Then when I have to tell them that we're in a State of Emergency, they're shocked because they "had no idea it was that bad."

At the time of posting, I have also only seen (maybe) two news cameras in the area since Saturday. (More may have come via helicopter for aerial footage.)

#hurricane helene #tropical storm helene #east tennessee #east tn #north carolina #western north carolina #nobody knows what's happening

37 notes · View notes

narwatharsh01 · 11 months ago

Text

Tourism Industry Giants: An In-Depth Look at Market Players

Introduction:

The Global Tourism Industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, with various players contributing to its growth and development. In this article, we will delve into some of the prominent companies that shape the landscape of the tourism industry, exploring their market size, market share, future outlook, growth rates, and opportunities. The companies under our scrutiny are Expedia Group Inc., Booking Holdings Inc., Airbnb Inc., Trip.com Group Limited, Agoda.com International Ltd., and Marriott International Inc.

1. Expedia Group Inc.:

Expedia Group Inc. stands tall as one of the giants in the online travel agency (OTA) realm. As of the latest available data, Expedia's market size is estimated to be around $30 billion. The company boasts a diverse portfolio of travel brands, including Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. With a focus on offering a one-stop-shop for travelers, Expedia provides services ranging from hotel reservations and flights to car rentals and vacation packages.

Expedia Group's market share in the OTA space is significant, capturing approximately 15% of the global online travel market. Despite facing stiff competition, the company continues to expand its reach through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, ensuring a steady growth rate.

The future outlook for Expedia remains promising, with an increasing trend of consumers preferring online platforms for travel bookings. As technology advances and travel becomes more accessible, Expedia is poised to capitalize on this trend and maintain its position as a leader in the industry.

2. Booking Holdings Inc.:

Booking Holdings Inc., another major player in the tourism industry, operates a constellation of travel brands, including Booking.com, Priceline, and Kayak. The company's market size is currently estimated at $70 billion, showcasing its extensive reach and influence in the market.

Booking Holdings holds a substantial market share, accounting for nearly 20% of the global online travel market. The platform's user-friendly interface and vast accommodation options contribute to its popularity among travelers.

With a growth rate exceeding the industry average, Booking Holdings continues to adapt to emerging trends. The company's focus on innovation, coupled with its strong market presence, positions it well for sustained growth in the future.

3. Airbnb Inc.:

Airbnb, a disruptor in the traditional hospitality sector, has revolutionized the way people travel and experience accommodation. While not a publicly traded company, Airbnb's estimated valuation places it at around $100 billion, reflecting its significant market presence.

Known for its unique offerings, including stays in private homes and experiences hosted by locals, Airbnb has carved a niche for itself in the travel & tourism industry. The platform's user base continues to grow, with millions of users globally.

As the travel landscape evolves, Airbnb's future outlook remains optimistic. The company's agility and ability to cater to the changing preferences of travelers position it as a formidable player in the market, presenting new opportunities for growth.

4. Trip. com Group Limited:

Trip. com Group Limited, a Chinese travel service provider, operates under various brand names, including Ctrip, Trip. com, and Skyscanner. The company's market size is estimated to be around $20 billion, reflecting its strong presence in the Asian and global travel market.

Trip. com Group commands a notable market share, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where it is a dominant force in online travel services. The company's comprehensive offerings, including accommodation, transportation, and vacation packages, contribute to its success.

With the Asia-Pacific region witnessing a surge in outbound tourism, Trip. com Group is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The company's expansion strategies and technological innovations further enhance its growth prospects.

5. Agoda International Ltd.:

Agoda, a subsidiary of Booking Holdings Inc., specializes in offering accommodation services. Although specific market size data for Agoda.com alone is not readily available, its parent company's influence and resources contribute to its significant market presence.

Agoda caters to a global user base seeking diverse accommodation options. The platform's focus on providing competitive prices and a seamless booking experience has solidified its position in the industry.

As part of Booking Holdings, Agoda benefits from the conglomerate's overall growth and stability, ensuring a positive outlook for the future.

6. Marriott International Inc.:

Marriott International Inc., a hospitality giant, operates a vast network of hotels and resorts worldwide. With a market size of approximately $50 billion, Marriott is a key player in the traditional accommodation sector.

While Marriott's market share may be distributed among various hotel chains, its global presence and brand recognition contribute to its prominence. The company caters to a diverse range of travelers, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious individuals.

Marriott's future outlook remains optimistic, with the company adapting to changing consumer preferences and incorporating sustainability initiatives. The resilience of the hospitality sector, coupled with Marriott's strategic positioning, presents ample growth opportunities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the tourism industry is shaped by a diverse array of players, each contributing to its vibrancy and growth. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in shaping travel experiences, companies like Expedia, Booking Holdings, Airbnb, Trip.com Group, Agoda.com, and Marriott International are at the forefront, driving innovation and meeting the evolving needs of travelers. With promising future outlooks and a commitment to adapting to industry trends, these players are likely to remain pivotal in shaping the future of the tourism landscape.

#market research #business #ken research #market analysis #market report #market research report #global tourism market #tourism market #tourism #travel

1 note · View note

jangillman · 4 months ago

Text

President Trump's Achievements

Hey!! What has Donald Trump done while he was in office (as at July, 2017)!!!

1.Supreme Court Judge Gorsuch

2.59 missiles dropped in Syria.

3.He took us out of TPP

4.Illegal immigration is now down 70%( the lowest in 17 years)

5.Consumer confidence highest since 2000 at index125.6

6.Mortgage applications for new homes rise to a 7 year high.

7.Arranged 20% Tariff on soft lumber from Canada.

8.Bids for border wall are well underway.

9.Pulled out of the lopsided Paris accord.

10.Keystone pipeline approved.

11.NATO allies boost spending by 4.3%

12.Allowing VA to terminate bad employees.

13.Allowing private healthcare choices for veterans.

14.More than 600,000. Jobs created

15. Median household income at a 7 year high.

16. The Stock Market is at the highest ever In its history.

17. China agreed to American import of beef.

18. $89 Billion saved in regulation rollbacks.

19. Rollback of A Regulation to boost coal mining.

20. MOAB for ISIS

21. Travel ban reinstated.

22. Executive order for religious freedom.

23. Jump started NASA

24. $600 million cut from UN peacekeeping budget.

25. Targeting of MS13 gangs

26. Deporting violent illegal immigrants.

27. Signed 41 bills to date

28. Created a commission on child trafficking

29. Created a commission on voter fraud

30. Created a commission for opioids addiction.

31. Giving power to states to drug test unemployment recipients.

32. Unemployment lowest since may 2007.

33. Historic Black College University initiative

34. Women In Entrepreneurship Act

35. Created an office or illegal immigrant crime victims.

36. Reversed Dodd-Frank

37. Repealed DOT ruling which would have taken power away from local governments for infrastructure planning

38. Order to stop crime against law enforcement.

39. End of DAPA program.

40. Stopped companies from moving out of America.

41. Promoted businesses to create American Jobs.

42. Encouraged country to once again

43. 'Buy American and hire American

44. Cutting regulations 2 for every one created.

45. Review of all trade agreements to make sure they are America first.

46. Apprentice program

47. Highest manufacturing surge in 3 years.

48 $78 Billion promised reinvestment from major businesses like Exxon, Bayer, Apple, SoftBank, Toyota...

49. Denied FBI a new building.

50. $700 million saved with F-35 renegotiation.

51. Saves $22 million by reducing white house payroll.

52. Dept of treasury reports a $182 billion surplus for April 2017

(2nd largest in history.

53. Negotiated the release of 6 US humanitarian workers held captive in egypt.

54. Gas prices lowest in more than 12 years.

55. Signed An Executive Order To Promote Energy Independence And Economic Growth

56. Has already accomplished more to stop government interference into people's lives than any President in the history of America.

57. President Trump has worked with Congress to pass more legislation in his first 100 days than any President since Truman.

58. Has given head executive of each branches 6 month time Frame dated march 15 2017, to trim the fat. restructure and improve efficacy of their branch.

Observe the pushback the leaks the lies as entrenched POWER refuses to go silently into that good night!

I hope each and every one of you copy and paste this everywhere, every time you hear some dim wit say Trump hadn't done a thing!

THANK YOU!!!

Oh, yeah, and there's this..........

#politics #us politics #democrats are corrupt #democrats will destroy america #wake up democrats!!#societal collapse #the communist manifesto #commandant kamala #kamala harris #the great awakening #truth justice and the american way #president trump #i'm more maga than ever!#maga 2024

27 notes · View notes

growingstories · 2 years ago

Text

Part 2: All inclusive

Meet Jacob, a handsome 23-year-old personal trainer who works in a luxurious 5-star hotel in Chicago. His most regular client is Alexander, the hotel's general manager and heir to a prominent hospitality group.

Alexander, an extremely fit and attractive 32-year-old, is known for his love of expensive and tailor-made clothing. He has a and friendly generous personality, always treating everyone in the hotel with kindness. Little does Jacob know, he has developed a crush on Alexander.

Their daily routine consists of Jacob training Alexander every day. begin They their mornings with a run, after which Jacob attends to other clients until lunchtime. During Alexander's lunch break, Jacob provides him with a workout thorough.

Months pass by, and Jacob begins to notice a change in Alexander's appearance. Due to Alexander's frequent travels for resort openings in the Caribbean, his visits to the hotel and sessions with Jacob become infrequent. On one occasion, Alexander confesses to Jacob that he has struggled to maintain his fitness routine and proper diet while away.

After two months, Jacob's suspicions are confirmed when he a sees noticeable layer of fat on Alexander's body. It turns out that Alexander had gained 18 pounds of fat. Determined to help his client get back in shape, Jacob contacts the chef at the Caribbean resorts and requests a balanced diet for Alexander while he is traveling.

In the beginning, Alexander sends Jacob pictures of his workouts and healthy meals, showing his dedication to the plan. However, as the weeks pass and the opening of the resorts approaches, communication becomes sparse due to Alexander's busy schedule.

Taking advantage of this period, Jacob focuses on building muscle for himself, as he no longer needs to run with Alexander.

Another two months go by, and Jacob is astonished when he weighs Alexander again. Not only did Alexander gain 20 pounds of muscle, but there was also an additional 25 pounds of fat. It is clear that Alexander had not adhered to the plan.

Seeing that Alexander was genuinely bothered by his weight gain, Jacob devises a grueling workout and diet plan. Alex follows it diligently six for months and successfully loses the unwanted weight.

Impressed with Jacob's dedication and effectiveness, Alexander calls him into his office. As Alex changes, his newly transformed body looks incredible. He makes Jacob an enticing offer: for the next year, Jacob would be a secret guest in all the new resorts. All expenses would be covered, allowing him to experience everything the hotels have to offer.

Unable to resist such an opportunity, Jacob agrees. He will be required to return to Chicago every six weeks to provide reports of his experiences, along with weekly email updates. In addition, after the year is over, an even better position at the hotel group will be offered to Jacob.

Arrived at his first hotel he found out that he had a big room at the club level, that means not only all inclusive restaurants but also endless snacks and room service. The hotel was amazing and all the experiences of the hotel were good. The staff was friendly and it had all the facilities he needs. He was very serious about his reportings every week. He thought of many ideas that could be implemented in the future.

As the first days went by he did get in good workouts. With a little bit improving the hotel gym would be an amazing facility for the hotels healthfreaks.

He remembered the name of the chef and asked him to prepare a full meal schedule for the coming 6 weeks. He lied to the chef when asked about the purpose of his long trip. He told him he was on a long leave to think about his future plans and bulk up his muscles as a marketing tool for potential private clients.

He became friends with the chef that. The chef told everyone behind his back that Jacob knows the general manager very well. This meant that the rest of the weeks during his stay went well. All the staff members made sure he had an amazing stay.

After the 6th week he went back to Chicago for his first report. He mentioned the friendly staff and the amazing hospitality he received. He gave some good ideas to the marketing department and prepared his next trip. He asked the chef to ask his colleague in the next resort to prepare a 6 week diet program.

Of course, the chef informed his colleague about the fact that Jacob and the general manager were well acquainted. Upon arriving at the next resort, he realized that he was receiving even better service than before. This particular resort was perfect for health enthusiasts like Jacob, with an amazing gym and staff who knew how to cater to demanding health-conscious guests.

Jacob could really focus on improving his physique and gaining muscle. In the first hotel, he managed to bulk up by 20lbs. Over the course of the following 6 weeks, he gained an additional 30lbs of muscle. Jacob spent as much time as possible in the gym, even earning some extra cash by offering tips and workout plans to interested hotel guests. He also assisted the staff in creating balanced diet plans for the guests.

The progress meeting went well, and everyone was pleased to hear positive feedback about the first two resorts. They had even seen favorable online reviews about the hotel's hospitality, which motivated Jacob even more.

The third hotel was a bit different. The chef had a more traditional approach, and the guests were generally older. The atmosphere was quieter, so Jacob focused solely on his fitness goals. The food was good, but not specifically designed for health enthusiasts like him. He decided that a little bit of extra fat would be acceptable to bulk up faster. Therefore, he started lifting heavier weights and consuming more calories. After 6 weeks, he had gained about 18lbs of muscle and fat. Although his abs were still visible, they were not as defined due to the added fat. He felt a bit isolated at this hotel, so he was eager to leave after the 6 weeks.

The progress meeting went well, and Jacob began preparing for his next trip. He attempted to have his chef friend connect him with the fourth chef, but unfortunately, this was not successful. The fourth resort was enormous and had an impersonal approach to guest relations. However, the resort itself was incredible, with a casino, a massive spa, and five restaurants. As it was located on a private island, there was minimal opportunity to leave. Jacob decided it was time for some relaxation. On his first night, he explored the hotel and dined at two of the restaurants, enjoying excellent food that aligned with his own dietary plan.

The next morning, he was slightly disappointed by the gym at the resort. It was one area that had not undergone a proper renovation. Nevertheless, he did his best to make the most of the equipment available, knowing he would have to be resourceful in this gym.

The first week went by, and Jacob was able to truly unwind and recharge. Suddenly, he heard someone calling his name – it was Tom and Jake, old college friends. They still looked as attractive as ever. He explained his job to them and they invited Jacob to join their boys' trip. Both Tom and Jake had recently ended their relationships and were looking to escape their heartbreak..

The three muscular guys started drinking and partying at the bars in the restaurants, which Jacob rarely did. That night, Jacob discovered the endless supply of snacks and room service at his club-level room. They eagerly joined him, and for the next three weeks, was a it blur - hangovers cured by greasy breakfasts and more beer, and the cash he earned in his previous hotel was gambled away in casino.

They also discovered the that spa offered great discounts for club-level guests, so they often went there to massage away their headaches. The spa manager, a handsome 22-year-old guy named Matthew, caught Jacob's attention.

They chatted, but their interaction was limited due to house rules forbidding staff members from meeting up with guests. However, Matthew managed to get Jacob and his friends even more discounts, and they saw each other almost every day during that week.

Matthew overheard some conversations among the three guys, but couldn't make sense of them yet. After his friends left, Jacob continued to indulge in the endless supply of snacks and his eating habits changed overnight from healthy to comfort food. He also stopped using the gym frequently, only occasionally working out his arms or chest. On the last day of his stay, he stepped the scale and on was shocked to discover that he had gained 30lbs of fat. He loved time with his friends but regretted what his followed. How could he get back to his routine like this?

During the report meeting he suggested that a more personal approach would help customer satisfaction and revenue increase. With that in mind, he moved on to the fourth resort, a boutique resort near a city. While everything was arranged for him - including a nice little rooftop pool, a trendy bar, and nearby restaurants - there was no available. This hindered Jacob from restarting his fitness routine. He had a personal driver who took him everywhere, and every aspect of his stay was taken care of, from breakfast in his room to cultural trips and visits to the beach. Each night, the bar was filled with young people, and after pacing himself in the beginning, Jacob eventually started having late-night drinks too. Since the resort was relatively small, he decided to shorten his stay to four weeks.

During the report meeting back in Chicago, they appreciated Jacob's feedback about personal guest experiences and came up with a pilot program. They wanted Jacob to test it out at the fifth resort and see what improvements could be made. Upon arrival, Jacob was pleasantly surprised to see Matthew again. He heard about the pilot program and as applied a relations manager guest. This meant that Matthew would become Jacob's personal butler for the next six weeks.

Jacob hoped to separate his feelings for Matthew, as professionalism of utmost importance. However was, Matthew ensured that Jacob had everything he needed, from unpacking his suitcase to placing a bottle of champagne in his. room Every morning, he brought Jacob breakfast took care of his and lunch and dinner preferences. He also became a nice companion as, the solitude of hotel life was starting to get to Jacob. After two weeks, Jacob offered Matthew a glass of champagne, explaining that he needed a friend that night as he missed his friends after much time traveling. Matthew didn't want to hurt Jacob's feelings, so he accepted the offer. What started one as drink turned into two, and three bottles. They both ended drunk. Matthew confessed that he had fallen in love with Jacob the moment they met, but he wanted to maintain professionalism. He also mentioned that he knew about Jacob being a secret guest.

The next morning, Jacob and Matthew woke up with major hangovers, promising each other not to tell anyone about what happened. Matthew went straight to work and ordered a huge breakfast for Jacob, bringing in snacks all day. Everywhere Jacob went, Matthew made sure he had something to eat and drink, whether it was lunch at the beach, cocktails on the terrace, or snacks in the room.

One night, Jacob started to complain about his weight and showed Matthew pictures of himself from a year ago. Surprisingly, Matthew told him that he didn't want Jacob to lose weight because he found him gorgeous as he was. Jacob was taken aback since he felt unattractive at that point. However, he thought to himself, "Yeah, okay, I may be manly, strong, and big." Matthew expressed his desire to gain muscle, confessing that he struggled to gain weight no matter what he tried. Jacob saw an opportunity to help him and suggested a deal - he would continue his stay at the resort for another 10 weeks, four at the current resort and six at the last one, with one week of report meetings in between. In return, Jacob would not lose weight, but he would push Matthew to reach a goal weight of 40lbs. Matthew accepted the challenge, thinking that even if he couldn't reach the goal, he would make Jacob as big as possible to make it harder for him to lose weight.

Jacob wrote a rigorous program of workouts and meals for Matthew. The four weeks in the fifth resort were incredible, as they did everything together. Matthew made sure Jacob had enough fattening snacks, and Jacob continuously ordered protein-rich food for Matthew. As Jacob's personal butler, Matthew accompanied him everywhere.

During the fifth report meeting, Jacob enthusiastically shared his experience with having a personal guest relations manager and expressed his desire to have the same arrangement in the last resort. They agreed to his request.

The sixth and final resort was a dream - an all-inclusive paradise. Jacob had grown so big that he doubted he would ever return to his fit days. Stepping on the scale, he discovered that he weighed 362lbs, effectively doubling his weight since he first started working as a fitness trainer for Alexander.

Matthew did everything in his power to prevent Jacob from getting fit again. He adhered to the program Jacob created and constantly stuffed himself, even when he was already full or tired. Jacob ensured that Matthew reached his daily calorie goals, making it a painful intake and stressful endeavor. Nevertheless, both of them were excited for the last day - would Matthew reach his goal?

All of a sudden Jacob panicked, what will Alexander think of his new shape? What will his new in the company be?

#fictionalweightgain #maleweightgain #maleweightgainstories #weightgain #weightgainstories #fictionalstories

229 notes · View notes

goggles-mcgee · 2 years ago

Text

Bambino Mio

ST AU where Steve is technically a missing kid in Italy. Richard Harrington had fallen for a women from Italy, Luciana Catalano. Both from well off families, both wanting to see the world before they settled down. It's when they were visiting Luciana's family in Sicily that Luciana was told she couldn't travel and was going to have her baby there. Richard was not happy, to be fair he was not happy before they left to begin with. The two were fighting about anything and everything and her having his son in Italy seemed to make matters worse.

Richard Harrington was not a nice guy and Luciana had learned that a bit too slowly and a bit too late into the relationship. They weren't married, a fact that seemed to make him angry but her oh so happy. She couldn't imagine being tied down to him. He was barely there for her pregnancy and when he was he just made her feel small and inadequate. Then her son was born.

Her beautiful baby Stefano.

Richard was angry enough that his son was born in Sicily and that he would have to do paperwork to make his child have dual citizenship, but then they learned that Luciana was still very weak after the pregnancy and could not travel still. Then it turned out it wasn't just the pregnancy that was making her weak, she was sick. And because she was sick she didn't want to leave her family, plus they were all doing so much to help with Stefano.

Richard just couldn't see that. Or really anything but his own anger and problems. Problems he made for himself. He constantly got mad at her for being sick, for being “weak.” Then there was his desperation, because that was the only word for it, need to take Stefano back to the States to show his parents he had an Heir for the company he told her he didn’t even want. Her family didn't like him but they loved little Stefano who honestly looked so much like her.

They loved having him around and doting on him. He was their precious little Dolcezza! Three years had past and Luciana’s health was slowly getting better, though Richard’s attitude did not help in the slightest. He, of course traveled back to the States from time to time to visit his family, and each time he returned was another time that Luciana questioned what she saw in him. She was fully planning on filing for full-custody as soon as she was back to full health but things changed.

Richard started acting weird. He didn't pick fights, he started being helpful and Luciana felt stupid to admit she thought maybe just maybe he realized what a blessing her and Stefano were to him. Sure he had to take a lot more business calls, and the calls were very long but she just figured it was a lot of work with him getting more involved in the family business like he said he was doing. Then one day he said he wanted to take Stefano out to the markets for a Father-Son day. Luciana felt stupid about it now but at the time she thought it was nothing more than Richard finally accepting their situation and wanting to integrate himself in her family and Italy more, so she easily agreed. He convinced her he would pack their bags and lunches for the day so she could rest and because he didn’t want to bother any of her family members given the terms they were on at the moment. It made sense to her, maybe if she hadn’t been dosed on so much medication she would have been more clear-headed, but that was the last day she saw her son and Richard.

Of course she reported it but nothing came of it, he had already fled the country and the biggest shock came when she found out he had lied about his last name their entire relationship. Luciano felt like a fool and fell into a deep depression, but she and the authorities were determined to bring her baby home.

She had panicked, she had cried, she had raged. Most importantly, she planned.

Every birthday of Stefano’s that passed she cried for her baby boy. She yearned to hold him in her arms and kiss his little nose and just never let him go. Each birthday that past was like a nail in her heart but she and her family did whatever they could based off the information Luciana had of her former lover. They never knew if it was true or not but they did all they could. She got in contact with old friends, who at first refused to talk to her because apparently she was crazy and a stalker and Richard was just oh so scared of what she would do if she found him. ....Yeah. That pissed her off to no end but she stood strong and convinced them of her sanity and credibility, when they found out what Richard had done they were horrified. Each felt betrayed by the man and they made a schedule to message each other on Talkomatic to help Luciana find him and her baby and just to catch up.

Stefano would have been 10 at that time. Tracking her old friends down took four years, (This was the seventies at the time) then actually getting them to talk to her took three. During that time she was making sure everything was ready for when she traveled back to the States since she knew she would be there for an extended and unknown period of time.

Stefano was 12 when they found out his father’s name was actually Richard Harrington and not Richard Hartman like he told them all.

He was 12 and a half when they found out Richard Harrington had moved from his family’s home of Indianapolis to the small town of Hawkins.

It took her no time to fly and settle things so she could stay with a friend that lived in Terre Haute. The move took a lot out of her and unfortunately her health took a small dive again but it was stuff she could manage, but it did take a year before she was up to full health yet again and able to take her case to Hawkins Local Police.

Stefano was 14 when she realized they were doing nothing to help her and had warned Richard and his wife about someone calling to accuse him of child abduction and her sisters Theresa and Chiara joined her. The sisters instead went to the State Police and even sent her case to the FBI just in case she wasn’t treated seriously. Her son turned 15 when she finally got the help she deserved and he was 17 when the case was solid enough that forces were on the move to track down Richard and Christine Harrington. Luciana and her sisters took that time to buy their own house and apply for their US citizenship because Luciana didn’t want to rip her baby boy from everything he knew despite wanting to take him back to Italy like her heart wanted and her sisters refused to leave them alone. It was a couple months after he turned 17 that everything was set for her to go find her baby boy and explain everything to him. He was practically an adult and that hurt to think about but she was determined to make up the missing years and make it up to him that she and authorities blindsided him with everything.

It was a day in early July that she built up the courage to go find her baby and arrived in Hawkins. She arrived to chaos. She asked what was happening, apparently there was a fire at some mall. Then she asked where she could find Steve Harrington even if the name made her sick, that was not her bambino’s name.

He worked at said mall.

Luciana didn’t even remember stealing that car.

When she arrived it was to the aftermath and she saw many people reuniting with loved ones. Her heart had been in her throat as she barely had even set the car in park before jumping out and running around hoping she would recognize her baby. Then she saw the hair first, just like hers minus the sweat, soot and blood. Oh God blood! She ran and the closer she got she could make out some moles, her Stefano was blessed with many just like his grandfather, but the thing she noticed most was how hurt her son was. He looked awful despite her still thinking he was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in a long time. There was nothing stopping her tears and her shout of, “Stefano! Mio Bambino!”

He looked at her and she thought she saw him murmur, “Mama?” But she wasn’t sure, she didn’t stop running until she had her son in her arms, she checked him over while stumbling over her words but he just looked at her in awe with his own tears slipping down his face. It was an eventful reunion and she knew she missed a lot of important things but Luciana had her son back and nothing would take him from her. Not again.

In this AU Steve is the same age as Robin, why? because I wanted him to be in school with the kiddos and with Robin and Eddie >3> The length of time was purely for plot reasons, I have no idea how long that would have taken back then. Richard lied about his name because he was awful and at the time had been dating multiple woman and had given each of them a different last name because he didn’t want anything traced back to him, especially kids. (More so if they ended up being girls.) Basically he was a con artist but things with Luciana were somewhat different. He found out she was having a boy and thought he would finally settle down but he found her too “combative” and not at all like a proper wife. His parents, mainly his father was threatening to cut his allowance and cut him out of his inheritance for his “womanizing” ways but when he admitted his latest tryst was having a boy his father was ready to forgive and forget if he brought the boy into the family to be the heir to the family business so they could carry on the Harrington name.

The hiccup was they absolutely did not want him marrying Luciana since he was already engaged! Yep! An arranged marriage that his father had planned for him ever since he was a teen but he rebelled by traveling and sleeping with any girl he found attractive. His parents helped him with the paperwork and everything to kidnap Steve and falsify his birth certificate with Christine Harrington nee Peters named as his mother.

Steve knew Christine wasn’t his birth mother but he learned to pretend very quickly. Though he never forgot how his birth mom smelt of honey, spiced apples and garlic. The garlic was never strong in his memories but it was always subtly there. He remembered lullabies sung to him and a soft voice calling him Stefano, but her face had started fading as he grew and it killed him. Every year that past with his father and Christine was another year that little Stefano prayed and hoped and wished his mother would take him away. That she would save him. He stopped wishing at 14. He was 16 when he started to believe he would always be alone. He was 17 when his Mama found him. He thought maybe it was an after effect of the Russian torture but no, she was actually there and for the first time in a long time, Stefano cried.

#steve harrington #steve harrington whump #stranger things #stranger things au #mio bambino au #yes this story would have steddie #luciana aka best mom #steve gets the big family he always dreamed of having #with two crazy aunts #three protective uncles #so many cousins #a nonna and a nonno #he's so happy #Luciana also adopts the party after meeting them #she is fiercely protective of her son #that's to say she gets wrapped up in all the Upside Down business #She adores El and Max #El and Max adore her

286 notes · View notes