#Coffee trading in Australia

[scottbiffin]

Exploring the Growing Coffee Trading Market in Australia- Trends and Opportunities

Australia has long been known for its vibrant coffee culture. From bustling cafes to artisanal roasters, the country has cultivated a deep passion for coffee. While much of the spotlight has traditionally been on the consumption side, the coffee trading market in Australia is becoming a significant area of growth. As the world experiences shifting dynamics in coffee production and demand, Australia is carving out a niche as both a consumer and player in the global coffee trading market. In this blog post, we will explore the trends shaping the coffee trading market in Australia, examine the opportunities it presents, and highlight the challenges the industry faces.

Australia’s Coffee Culture: A Foundation for Trade

Australia’s affinity for coffee is well-documented. Since the post-World War II migration waves, when Italian and Greek immigrants introduced espresso machines to the country, Australians have developed an unyielding devotion to quality coffee. This cultural foundation laid the groundwork for an emerging coffee trading market, as consumers demand high-quality beans sourced from diverse regions across the globe.

The popularity of specialty coffee has transformed the way Australians consume coffee. They no longer seek just a caffeine hit; instead, they want to know the story behind their cup—the origins of the beans, the farm where they were grown, and the sustainability practices involved. This growing consumer awareness has encouraged coffee traders and roasters to source premium, ethically produced beans, fueling the demand for diverse and specialty coffee.

Trends Shaping the Australian Coffee Trading Market

1. Rise of Specialty Coffee Trading

One of the most significant trends driving the coffee trading market in Australia is the rise of specialty coffee. Specialty coffee refers to beans that score 80 points or more on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale, indicating high quality in terms of flavor, aroma, and production processes. The specialty coffee market has been growing steadily, with many traders now focusing on sourcing beans that meet these premium standards.

Coffee traders in Australia have begun forging relationships with smallholder farms and cooperatives in countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Kenya. Direct trade models are becoming more prevalent, allowing traders to work closely with farmers to ensure higher-quality beans and better pricing for growers. This trend is also tied to increasing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability in coffee sourcing.

2. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

Sustainability is now a major consideration for Australian coffee traders. With growing awareness of climate change and its impact on coffee-growing regions, there is an increased focus on sourcing beans from farms that use sustainable practices. This includes everything from water conservation and organic farming methods to ensuring fair labor conditions for farm workers.

Ethical sourcing practices, such as Fair Trade certifications and direct trade relationships, are also becoming more common. Australian consumers are willing to pay a premium for coffee that is sourced responsibly, and traders are responding by prioritizing partnerships with coffee producers who adhere to ethical and sustainable practices.

3. Technological Advancements in Coffee Trading

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the coffee trading market. Digital platforms and marketplaces have emerged, allowing traders to connect with farmers and buyers more easily. These platforms provide greater transparency in the supply chain, enabling traders to access real-time information on pricing, availability, and quality of beans.

Blockchain technology is also making waves in coffee trading. It enables the tracking of coffee beans from farm to cup, ensuring traceability and authenticity. This is particularly important for specialty coffee traders who need to prove the origins and quality of their beans. In addition, blockchain can help ensure fair pricing and reduce inefficiencies in the supply chain.

4. Growing Interest in Coffee Futures Trading

While Australia is traditionally more involved in physical coffee trading, there is a growing interest in coffee futures trading as well. Coffee futures are contracts that allow traders to buy or sell coffee at a set price on a future date. This type of trading is common in global commodity markets, particularly in New York and London, but Australian traders are starting to explore this avenue to hedge against market fluctuations.

Coffee futures provide traders with a tool to mitigate risks, especially as the price of coffee can be highly volatile due to factors such as climate change, geopolitical events, and global supply and demand dynamics. As Australia becomes more integrated into the global coffee market, futures trading could offer an opportunity to strengthen its position.

Opportunities in the Australian Coffee Trading Market

The evolving coffee trading market in Australia offers several exciting opportunities for both local and international players. Here are some key areas to watch:

1. Expanding Specialty Coffee Market

Australia’s specialty coffee scene is thriving, and the demand for high-quality beans is only expected to grow. This presents a significant opportunity for coffee traders to focus on sourcing and importing beans from regions known for their specialty coffee production. By building strong relationships with coffee growers and cooperatives, traders can secure exclusive access to some of the best beans in the world.

Additionally, the growing consumer demand for unique and diverse flavors creates opportunities for traders to introduce lesser-known coffee origins to the Australian market. Traders who can differentiate their offerings by providing rare or exotic beans stand to benefit from a market that values exclusivity and quality.

2. Direct Trade Models

Direct trade has gained popularity in Australia as a way to ensure better quality and transparency in the coffee supply chain. By cutting out intermediaries, coffee traders can establish direct relationships with farmers and cooperatives, allowing them to negotiate better pricing for both parties and ensure higher-quality beans. This model benefits both the trader and the grower, creating a win-win scenario.

In a direct trade model, traders can also support farmers in improving their growing practices, investing in infrastructure, and obtaining certifications that meet the increasing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable coffee. This mutually beneficial relationship strengthens the overall supply chain and enhances the reputation of traders committed to responsible sourcing.

3. Investment in Sustainable and Organic Coffee

With the focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing growing, there are opportunities for coffee traders to specialize in sustainable and organic coffee. Consumers are increasingly looking for certifications like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and USDA Organic, which can boost the appeal of beans sourced under these programs.

Traders who invest in building relationships with coffee farms that prioritize environmental sustainability and social responsibility are likely to find a receptive market in Australia. Promoting organic, shade-grown, or bird-friendly coffee options can differentiate traders from competitors while also aligning with the values of environmentally conscious consumers.

4. Increased Role of Digital Platforms

Digital platforms and coffee trading marketplaces are revolutionizing the way traders do business. By using these platforms, traders can streamline the process of sourcing and selling coffee beans, gaining access to a broader network of buyers and sellers. These platforms also provide greater transparency in pricing and quality, reducing the risks associated with coffee trading.

Coffee traders in Australia who adopt these digital tools can benefit from increased efficiency and reach, opening up new business opportunities both locally and globally. Moreover, leveraging data and analytics from these platforms can help traders make more informed decisions about sourcing, pricing, and inventory management.

5. Exploring the Growing Asian Coffee Market

Australia’s proximity to Asia presents a unique opportunity for coffee traders to tap into the rapidly growing coffee markets in countries like China, South Korea, and Japan. These markets have seen a surge in coffee consumption, particularly in urban areas, creating new opportunities for Australian coffee traders to export high-quality beans to these regions.

The increasing interest in specialty coffee in Asia further boosts the potential for Australian traders to establish themselves as key suppliers to this market. Building partnerships with Asian distributors and roasters could open the door to a growing consumer base that is eager to explore premium coffee options.

Challenges in the Australian Coffee Trading Market

While there are numerous opportunities, the Australian coffee trading market is not without its challenges. Traders need to be mindful of these potential obstacles to successfully navigate the industry.

1. Price Volatility

Coffee is a commodity that is subject to price fluctuations due to various factors such as weather conditions, political instability in coffee-growing regions, and global demand shifts. For traders, managing this price volatility can be challenging, especially when operating on tight margins. Futures trading offers one way to mitigate some of this risk, but it requires a deep understanding of the market.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions

The global coffee supply chain is complex, involving multiple players from farmers to exporters, traders, roasters, and retailers. Any disruptions in this chain, whether due to natural disasters, political instability, or logistical issues, can affect the availability and pricing of coffee beans. Traders need to be prepared to handle these disruptions and have contingency plans in place.

3. Climate Change

Climate change poses a significant threat to the coffee industry, as many coffee-growing regions are experiencing shifting weather patterns that affect crop yields and quality. For traders, this means dealing with potential supply shortages and increased competition for high-quality beans. Investing in long-term relationships with farmers and supporting sustainable farming practices can help mitigate the risks posed by climate change.

Conclusion

The coffee trading market in Australia is an exciting space, driven by trends such as the rise of specialty coffee, sustainability, and technological advancements. For traders, the key to success lies in understanding consumer preferences, building strong relationships with coffee producers, and staying ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability and innovation.

With the right strategies, traders can capitalize on the growing demand for premium, ethically sourced coffee, both in Australia and beyond. The opportunities are vast, and for those willing to invest in quality, transparency, and sustainability, the future of coffee trading in Australia looks promising.

[fatehbaz]

British ships carrying plants and seeds from around the world arrived in Botany Bay on January 20 1788. This story is overshadowed by convict ships and Royal Navy vessels, but the cargo on board also had a lasting impact. Colonists, convicts and Indigenous Australians were all affected [...]. Some of these plants [...] were food sources [...]. Others were attempts to expand the British Empire. Could the new territory be exploited as a tropical plantation? In the parliamentary debate over destinations for convict transportation [considering potential locations for sending prisoners], Sir Joseph Banks and James Matra, both members of James Cook’s 1770 expedition [to the South Pacific], spruiked the potential of the new colony as an extension of the empire. Matra claimed the colony was “fitted for production” of “sugar-cane, tea, coffee, silk, cotton, indigo and tobacco”. Banks claimed Botany Bay was an “advantageous” site, with fertile soil [...].

Two plants carried by the First Fleet stand out as examples of botanical imperialism: prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) and sugarcane.

Banks, as head of the Royal Society of London [and as a close adviser to King George, and also as a plant-collecting botanist who turned the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London into the world's leading botanical garden], selected these species as experiments to compete with European trade rivals. His goal was to break a Spanish monopoly in producing fabric dye and to expand British cultivation of sugar outside the West Indies.

Prickly pear cactus was imported because it is the preferred food of the cochineal insect.

Dried cochineal were crushed to make a vibrant, colourfast scarlet dye for textiles. Discovered in the New World by Spanish colonists, cochineal replaced kermes, another insect that had provided red dye since antiquity. Cochineal dye was ten times stronger than kermes or vegetable dyes.

From cardinals’ capes to British officers’ red coats, cochineal was a product for elite consumers signifying power, wealth and prestige.

New Spain, based in Mexico, had a monopoly on cochineal. Banks wanted to break the stranglehold on the scarlet dye by establishing production in New South Wales.

Plants infested with the precious insects were imported from Brazil in 1788. The project soon failed when the cochineal died, but the cacti survived. Colonists used cacti as natural fences and drought-resistant animal fodder.

Without insects to feed on them the plants spread, uncontrolled, to cover more than 60 million acres of eastern Australia by the 1920s. Poison, crushing and fire failed to stop the cactus. [...] Opuntia cacti remain an environmental hazard. [...] The roots of these early imperial projects are deeply embedded in Australian culture and history, with an enduring legacy.

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All text above by: Garritt C. Van Dyk. "The botanical imperialism of weeds and crops: how alien plant species on the First Fleet changed Australia". The Conversation. 25 January 2024. [Some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Italicized text within brackets added by me for clarity and context.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week - January 15, 2024

🎊 - As we embark on another journey around the sun, I am thrilled to bring you the first newsletter of the year, packed with inspiring, informative, and sometimes downright amusing stories.

1. Marijuana meets criteria for reclassification as lower-risk drug

Marijuana has a lower potential for abuse than other drugs that are subjected to the same restrictions, with scientific support for its use as a medical treatment, researchers from the US Food and Drug Administration say in documents supporting its reclassification as a Schedule III substance.

2. South Korea passes law banning dog meat trade

The slaughter and sale of dogs for their meat is to become illegal in South Korea after MPs backed a new law. The legislation, set to come into force by 2027, aims to end the centuries-old practice of humans eating dog meat.

3. After 20 years in a tiny cage, these 'broken bears' are finally feeling the grass beneath their paws

These bears, termed "broken bears" due to physical and psychological trauma from years of abuse, are treated at the Tam Dao rescue center with individually tailored diets, physiotherapy, and medical care. The bear bile trade, which involves extracting bile for traditional Asian medicine, has been illegal in Vietnam since 2005, but a black market still exists.

4. France just got its first openly gay prime minister.

Gabriel Attal is France’s youngest-ever prime minister at age 34 and the first who is openly gay.

5. Australian ‘builders without borders’ repairing war-torn homes and schools in Ukraine

Manfred Hin, a 66-year-old builder from Townsville, Australia, spent most of 2023 volunteering in Ukraine to rebuild homes and schools damaged by Russian attacks. Having contributed to over 50 house and a dozen school renovations, he worked with Ukrainian charity Brave to Rebuild, mentoring young volunteers and sourcing three tonnes of donated tools.

Inspired by Hin's story, Tasmanian carpenter Hamish Stirling also joined the efforts, learning Ukrainian, traveling to Europe, and volunteering for three months to help rebuild homes.

6. The age-standardized death rate from cancer has declined by 15% since 1990

The age-standardized death rate from cancer declined by 15%

Cancer kills mostly older people – as the death rate by age shows, of those who are 70 years and older, 1% die from cancer every year. For people who are younger than 50, the cancer death rate is more than 40-times lower (more detail here).

7. Germany Reached 55% Renewable Energy in 2023

In 2023, 55 percent of Germany’s power came from renewables — an increase of 6.6 percent, according to energy regulator Bundesnetzagentur, reported Reuters. Europe’s biggest national economy has a goal of 80 percent green energy by 2030.

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That's it for this week :)

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[justastraymoa]

Unwilling Alpha

Chapter 16

WC 3,254 (not including text message pictures)

Masterlist

Warnings ⚠️ swears, abo dynamics, mentions of slave trade, mentions of rape, mentions of abuse, mentions of death, fear, manipulation. Dom/sub vibes in this one briefly.

Nothing within reflects anyone or anything irl. Pics off pinterest.

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I came prepared for the overstimulating chaos of hair and makeup. I had my earbuds in and playing my favorite K-pop playlist before the stylist even began. Channie and Lixie sat on either side of me, with earbuds of their own in.

“Go really light on her hair and makeup, please.” Chan asked as my stylists began. I looked at him, shocked. They had been teaching me makeup techniques since my reveal, so I was more used to how I looked in it, but I still went pretty light and avoided changing the shapes of my face too much. “We are more comfortable keeping a natural look on her.”

The stylist scrutinized me for a few seconds. Assessing. “We can do that. We were told casual, so it works well.”

I smiled at Channie in thanks, and he winked back at me. “I gotcha, babe.” He teasingly flirted. It still made me blush and fight not to hide my face.

“Fucking flirt.” I mumbled making Channie chuckle.

The results were better than I had dared to hope. I was actually done before Channie and Lixie and in wardrobe.

This interview and photoshoot were part of a ‘Pride of Australia’ series they had been working on. As such literally everything was Australian made or company based. All clothing was either created by Australian designers or made in Australian companies. All provided food and drink was from Australia, right down to Australian raised cows for the coffee creamer. The employees, cameramen, photographer, and stylists were all Australian.

In fact, I was the only thing or person not Australian, and I felt it. I felt like a foreigner. Which is off to say since I am a foreigner – it’s just the first time I felt it so predominantly.

Channie, Lixie and an official looking and harried worker joined the wardrobe stylist and myself as I was putting on the shoes they provided. I smiled at them, reaching to brush their hands as they passed.

“Markus and Tad are going to do a short interview with y/n first before bringing Chris and Felix in.” The employee started, looking only at the clipboard in their hands. “We are going to go ahead and get y/n set up with a mic and start the interview while Chris and Felix finish getting ready.”

I met Lixies eye and raised an eyebrow. Why was this woman speaking at us like we weren’t all right the fuck here? She wouldn’t even look at us!

Lixie shrugged. “Just go with it.”

Since Channies pants had pockets and mine didn’t I gave him my phone and wallet to hold before following clipboard woman out of the room. It didn’t escape my notice that I was now separated from all my Omegas, and I very much did not like it.

Unlike Channies and Lixies security, who stayed outside, Duri stayed nearby. I figured it was in response to the threats and recent attack, but I didn’t mind. It was comforting to see a familiar face in the hustle of strangers.

The show was filmed in front of a live audience, which took up one side of the room while the stage was on the other. Cameras, boom mikes, chairs, equipment, and workers were in between the two, blocking most of the view of the audience, which kind of confused me.

The stage was set up to look like a city skyline with a frame around where the two hosts currently stood. The skyline was familiar and famous sights around Australia that I recognized, even if I didn’t know the name of most of them.

Markus and Tad both wore tacky bright patterned outfits. I had a feeling they were the outlandish, obnoxious type of hosts that would surely be high energy and way too loud. It had the potential to be a really fun interview.

I smiled wide and joined them when they introduced me, standing in between them when they gestured.

The live audience cheered and both hosts pulled me in for a hug as they welcomed me with wide, toothy smiles and a lot of invading my personal space.

And I was right. They were very loud and very obnoxious, but their energy was infectious. It was just the right amount of too much without going overboard.

“So, the whole world wants to know.” Tad started swinging an arm around to encompass the whole world. “What is it like being Stray Kids Alpha?”

Easy question. “It’s truly wonderful. They are the best and – “ I stopped as Markus waved me off.

“Nah, nah, nah, nah!” He kept waving and shaking his hands. “We don’t want to hear how great it is! Boring! Tell us the juicy bits!” He ordered.

Thrown off, I struggled to find my train of thought again. Juicy bits? They wanted secrets? “What you see is who they are. Stray Kids have always just been themselves.” I shrugged.

Both men groaned dramatically. “You’re killing me, Alpha! We brought you on specifically to spill the tea!”

“Sorry, the only tea is Seungmin’s teatime.” The hosts and audience laughed at my reference, boosting my ego and confidence a bit.

“Okay, okay. But you all live together, right?”

“Yes. I have my own room that I just decorated before we left for the mini tour.” I knew they were hinting at spicier things. We didn’t need those rumors. “Even here, I have my own hotel room. The kids are very respectful of my personal space.” Mostly true. If I had been uncomfortable with it, they would never have slept in my room. The fact that last night was the first night we slept apart was something no one needed to know but us.

I chuckled awkwardly as Tad groaned again dramatically. I couldn’t give them what I didn’t have. “Tell us about the bonding? It happened rather suddenly, yeah?”

“Very, yeah. We were on a time crunch because of me, so there really was no time for the celebration and fanfare that Stray Kids deserve. I hope to one day make up for it.”

“And im sure you will. I tell you, what we have seen from you so far is truly impressive.”

“That attack at the airport is all anyone can talk about! Scary stuff!” Markus exclaimed.

I nodded in agreement. “I am very lucky I had both security and my Omegas with me.”

“So JYP is taking your safety seriously then?

“Oh yes! I have my own bodyguards and everything. I am definitely safe.”

“That’s good. JYPE has a pretty decent reputation for protecting their idols, at least. It's not as bad as some companies.”

Channie and Lixie were brought out soon after that and the questions went back to lighter topics. Tad and Markus spent a good amount of time trying to get the skinny on me from the boys – who all too happily complied without giving away anything too personal. Just enough to satisfy the hosts. They really were very good at all this stuff. I needed to practice and get better.

After the interview was over and there was the bustle of everyone wrapping up, Tad approached me. His whole being was significantly less now that the show was over.

“Miss l/n. I just wanted to come see if you were really okay after recent events.” He explained.

This question felt more genuine. Like he was actually worried about me and not ratings. “Um – ya know. On edge, but okay.” I answered honestly.

He nodded understandingly. “I have an Alpha of my own, so I understand some of what you are facing.” He began getting a soft look as he thought of his Alpha. “Just being apart was hard for several months and I’m just one Omega. You have eight! It’s truly amazing and inspiring – what you are doing. How well you are doing it.”

My emotions swelled. It was a different feeling to be praised by someone outside of the situation like this. More convincing somehow.

“Thank you. That means a lot. It’s nice to hear.”

With an understanding smile he handed me a post – it note with two phone numbers. “If you ever need anything at all. Even just a question or to vent – we are here for you. Jeff, my Alpha, has been trying to get more in touch with other Alphas in the spotlight like you two. To have a support system for everyone.”

I accepted the paper in awe. The support from an absolute stranger touched something deep. “Would he – would Jeff be upset if I hugged you?” I was mindful of leaving my scent on a bonded Omega that’s not mine, but I also have the need to hug this stranger. This Omega and his Alpha wanted to help me, another stranger, feel more comfortable and not alone in this insane world we live in.

In answer Tad just pulled me in. “He will understand.” He spoke lowly as I wrapped my arms around his ribs and closed my eyes. He patted my back gently and held on until I was ready to let go. A longer hug than what was considered normal, but he could tell I needed it and was willing to oblige.

~

The ride to the photoshoot was oddly quiet. Neither Omega spoke and I was still in my feels over the conversation with Tad. It was actually a good idea. I was in a position to change things for the better. Help other Alphas. I could begin just by getting in touch with the other Alphas withing JYPE and the other companies. Start a support group of my own. To share experiences and advice and even warnings. So, none of us were so alone.

I was in my thoughts all through the second round of hair, makeup, and wardrobe of the day. Too in my head to even be overstimulated or nervous. I was busy making plans for my support group.

I did, however, have to forcibly pull myself into the moment once we got on the photo set. Simple white background and Australian brand/made clothing, just like the interview. There were three pedestal like stools for us to pose on. I was directed to the one in the middle.

“Don’t overthink it or it will come off as stiff and unnatural. Just let it come naturally.” Channie advised without looking at me.

I got my first sense that something was wrong. Neither Omega would meet my eye and had barely spoken a word to me. “Everything okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, fine.” His words were short, clipped. Most definitely not fine.

I looked over at Lixie in question, but all he did was purse his lips and look away from me, not meeting my gaze or offering an explanation for either of their odd behavior.

I shrugged. Maybe they were tired. Or focused on the photoshoot. I crossed my legs at the knee and settled in my stool, which was slightly shorter than the other two. I felt both Omegas close behind me, but they did not touch me. They were purposely avoiding touching me.

The photoshoot started and I relaxed my face into something I hoped looked good. Someone turned on some house music, which made me chuckle. I thought the music was only done in movies. The photographer started snapping, yelling for one or more of us to move or make a different look – mostly me, honestly. But he was being super patient with me, so I didn’t even feel singled out. He is truly a good photographer. Able to make his subjects comfortable.

But about ten minutes in he suddenly put his camera down and stood up. “What’s going on? This is starting to look like an awkward family photo session.” He inquired gesturing to the three of us. “Are you fighting?”

Neither Omega answered right away – which was an answer. I shrugged. “Not as far as I’m concerned. They haven’t said anything.”

“Well, whatever it is, let’s nip it in the bud. This is supposed to be an uplifting piece about two national treasures finding their Alpha!” He lifted his camera again.

When after a few more shots, neither boy was giving any more than before and the atmosphere was more awkward than ever, I had had enough. I snapped to my feet with a huff and turned to them. In their shock of my sudden movement, they forgot they were avoiding looking at me. I glared both down, hands on my hips.

“That is enough! I don’t know what has your panties in a twist, but you’re professionals! Act like it!” I snapped at them. I felt my brain get heavy as a sunk into a more controlling Alpha persona. Letting more instincts than usual take over to exert a dominance over my Omegas that I usually avoided.

The effect was instantaneous. Their pupils blew and their posture stiffened while simultaneously becoming more submissive. And I hated it. This wasn’t the Alpha I wanted to be. It was the Alpha that was needed right now. To knock some sense into them. There was time for guilt later.

“Honestly! You’re acting like petty toddlers!” I continued to chastise them as I went to stand behind them for a pose. I reached around their heads to grip their chins and make them look up at me. “If you have a problem, say something. I can’t read your minds and I’m not begging you to tell me.” I looked first at one, then the other, speaking slowly and firmly. Pausing for the photographer.

I changed poses, turning their faces front again and resting a forearm on each shoulder. “You are the seasoned professionals here, you’re supposed to be helping me, not the other way around! You promised, Felix, and you broke that promise! First Chris breaks my trust by keeping things from me, now you are breaking your promises and leaving me hanging!”

The Omegas slowly started to get their shit together as I kept yelling at them. Their movements were halting and unnatural, but they were putting in an effort.

They both started to help me position and pose. “Honestly. Being so ridiculous over I don’t even know what! Leave your shit off set!” I was on a roll now, a low constant displeased rumble deep in my chest. I felt bad for making the photographers’ job harder because of their shit. I knew what it was like to have uncooperative subjects. To struggle to pull something usable out of them when they just would not give you anything to work with.

Sitting in Chans lap I felt him hide his face in my hair, lips close to my ear. “Alpha.” He almost whined. Hearing him call me so formally brought me up short. His hands, squeezing my waist rhythmically, shook slightly. “Please – im sorry. We’re sorry! Just - let up a little – please. It’s hard – hard to –“ He broke off with a soft whine, really struggling to get his words out.

It took me a second to figure out what he was asking for. Felix almost looked scared. Eyes big, reflective, and shiny as they begged me. Focusing, I quieted the rumble in my chest and let go of the controlling instincts – feeling my brain lighten up again. I was still annoyed as hell at them, just without the added Alpha control. They both visibly relaxed, no longer struggling to do as I asked while submitting to their Alpha.

“Finally. Thought I was going to have to carry this shoot all by myself.” I huffed.

That’s when I realized that besides the music, the room was still and quiet. Even the camera flashes had stopped. I looked around, confused and finally back in the moment around us.

The photographer looked at me in awe. “I’ve never had an Alpha do that. That was intense.” He explained taking a second to flip through the pictures. “The photos are fucking amazing, though, holy shit! I think we got the shots.”

I pointedly removed Chans hands from my waist and stood, making my way to the photographer to apologize and thank him. “I’m not sure what I did, but they are upset with me. This is all still very new to us, so I apologize. We are learning to navigate all this.” I explained while shaking his hand.

“I’m going to be honest with you, these are my all-time favorite photos I’ve ever taken, so I don’t mind at all.” The photographer gestured to his camera. “I was expecting more of a struggle with you since this is your first shoot and you’re also a photographer. But you handled it like a seasoned pro.”

I chuckled. “Thank you for today. And for being so patient. Next time I see you hopefully I’ll be much better at this.”

I practically ran back to the ready room to grab my things and change. Felix stopped me on the way out. “Love, can w-“

I held up a hand to stop him. Both he and Chan were still in their photo outfits, looking ready for a long conversation that I wasn’t. “No. You two didn’t wanna talk when it was time to talk, and I don’t have time now.” I looked at the time anxiously.

“Where are you going?” Chan asked confused. He probably knew my schedule better than I did and knew I had nothing else for today.

“Whether it bugs any of you to be apart or not, it bugs me. I’ve been away from six of my Omegas for too long and I only have a short time before schedules separate us again.” I gestured for them to hurry since we rode together. “I will leave your asses!” I threatened.

While I waited for them, I opened the group chat.

I cursed traffic and slow drivers. Checking my phone every few seconds in frustration and ignoring the tense atmosphere in the car. The awkwardness settles over us. I was not going to be the one to bring it up. This was all on them now.

“Angel, I’m sorry. We fucked up.” Felix finally said.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “That has already been established.”

“I didn’t mean to break my promise. I was being stupid. Jealous.”

“Jealous? Of what?”

Felix looked at Chan for help. “We saw you talking to Tad after the interview.” Chan explained.

“He is bonded to an Alpha who is in the limelight because of him, and they thought since I’m in a similar situation I could use some support.”

“Support how?”

“I have their numbers if I need to talk or vent. Or have a question. Another Alpha who understands our situation and the dangers.” I shrugged. “I didn’t think you would care if I had friends.”

“No, we don’t!” Felix quickly and frantically denied.

“Of course we don’t. It was just…harder than expected. To share you.” Chan tried to explain, searching for the right words.

“That doesn’t explain why you acted that way. Or why you are acting weird now! You still won’t touch me, and you can barely look at me!”

Chan scratched at the back of his neck nervously. “We are still a little…raw, I guess, from earlier. From what you did during the shoot.” He explained. Felix nodded in agreement.

I huffed, feeling the guilt creep in. “Fine. Let me know when you are back to normal. Then we can discuss what really bothered you when I was talking to Tad.” We were getting nowhere like this.

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GAME NIGHT RIVALRY-DREW STARKEY

𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪 Drew gets too competitive during a board game with Y/N.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

It was a rare night off for Drew and Y/N, and instead of going out or watching TV, Y/N had a brilliant idea: game night.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun!” Y/N said, setting a stack of board games on the coffee table.

Drew raised an eyebrow, slouching on the couch. “Fun for who? You know how competitive I get.”

“Exactly,” she teased. “You’ve been bragging all week about how you never lose. Let’s see if you can back it up.”

Drew smirked, sitting up straighter. “Oh, it’s on. Don’t get mad when I destroy you.”

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. She loved how animated Drew got when they played games, it was one of his more endearing quirks, even if it sometimes spiraled out of control.

They started with a simple trivia game, which quickly turned chaotic. Drew’s competitive streak surfaced almost immediately.

“What’s the capital of Australia?” Y/N asked, reading from a card.

Drew rubbed his chin, confident. “Sydney. Final answer.”

Y/N’s eyes lit up mischievously. “Wrong! It’s Canberra.”

Drew’s jaw dropped. “Canberra? Are you kidding me? That’s a trick question!”

Y/N laughed, marking her point on the scoreboard. “It’s not a trick question. It’s basic geography.”

“Whatever,” Drew grumbled, leaning forward to grab a handful of popcorn. “Next question. I’m warming up.”

But as the game wore on, Y/N continued to rack up points, her grin widening with each victory.

“You’re cheating,” Drew accused, narrowing his eyes.

“I’m not cheating! I’m just smarter than you,” Y/N shot back, sticking out her tongue.

Frustrated with his trivia loss, Drew suggested switching to a strategy-based game, one that required careful planning and quick thinking.

“You’re going down,” he declared, setting up the board for a game of Catan.

Y/N laughed, not intimidated in the slightest. “Bring it, Starkey.”

The game started off friendly enough, with both of them trading resources and building settlements. But as the turns went on, Drew’s focus intensified. He eyed the board like a general planning his next move, his lips pressed into a determined line.

“You’re not going to win,” he said, placing a road strategically across the board.

“Drew, it’s just a game,” Y/N replied, though she was secretly enjoying his intensity.

“It’s not just a game. It’s about honor,” he said dramatically, pointing at her with his game piece.

The turning point came when Y/N blocked Drew from building the longest road, a critical move that sent him into a mock frenzy.

“Why would you do that?” Drew asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and betrayal.

“Because it’s the smart thing to do,” Y/N said smugly, placing her piece with a flourish.

“You’re targeting me!” he accused, leaning back with his arms crossed.

“You’re the one who said it’s about honor,” Y/N shot back, laughing at his exaggerated reaction.

As the game neared its end, Drew’s competitive spirit reached new heights. He muttered calculations under his breath, plotted elaborate strategies, and even tried to bribe Y/N with snacks to trade him resources.

“Do you want this chocolate bar? I’ll give you all my sheep,” he said, holding up a candy bar.

“Nice try,” Y/N replied, not falling for it.

When Y/N ultimately won the game by a single point, Drew threw his hands in the air dramatically.

“I’ve been robbed!” he declared.

“You lost fair and square,” Y/N said, barely able to contain her laughter.

Refusing to end the night on a loss, Drew insisted on one more game: Uno. “This is my redemption arc,” he declared, shuffling the cards with the precision of a Vegas dealer.

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “You know Uno ends friendships, right?”

“Good thing we’re not friends,” Drew teased, giving her a playful wink. “We’re competitors.”

The game quickly turned savage. Drew played a string of Draw Four cards, grinning like a villain as Y/N’s hand ballooned with cards.

“Are you serious right now?” Y/N asked, glaring at him.

“Sorry, babe. It’s just strategy,” Drew said, though his smirk suggested otherwise.

But Y/N got her revenge, unleashing a barrage of skips and reverses that left Drew speechless.

“You’re a monster,” he said, dramatically slumping in his chair.

“Monster or winner?” Y/N quipped, slapping down her final card. “Uno!”

By the end of the night, the coffee table was littered with game pieces, empty popcorn bowls, and discarded cards. Drew and Y/N lay sprawled on the couch, exhausted from their marathon game night.

“Okay,” Drew admitted, throwing an arm over his face. “You’re better at games than I thought.”

“Thanks,” Y/N said, snuggling into his side. “You’re not so bad yourself, even if you do turn into a sore loser.”

“I’m not a sore loser,” Drew said indignantly.

“You yelled ‘betrayal’ when I played a Draw Four.”

“Because it was betrayal!”

They both burst out laughing, their earlier competitiveness forgotten.

“You know,” Drew said after a moment, his voice softer, “even though you completely destroyed me tonight, I had fun.”

Y/N smiled, kissing his cheek. “Me too. But next time, let’s just play something cooperative. For the sake of our relationship.”

“Deal,” Drew said, pulling her closer.

And with that, they called a truce until the next game night.

𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥 @nicholaschavezslut69

[kokinu09]

Let Go of the Reins || CHAPTER 14

~*~

pairing seungmin x fem!reader

genre strangers to lovers, romance, fluff, slight angst later, happy ending, social media, not meant to be, someday

summary Australia is considered home for two of the eight members. When two tour dates are scheduled for the land down under, the boys can’t help but want to spend a bit more time there to visit family and do a little sightseeing. So how do they convince the company that they need to stay a couple weeks? Filming some SKZ Code episodes.

A local riding school just outside the city with amazing reviews for their skilled instructors and beautiful horses is hosting a very popular kpop group to film their experiences. Y/N knows the group well and she just so happens to be their star working student.

status ongoing

taglist OPEN

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~*~

It’s so easy to fall into the flow; a lighthearted k-drama playing on the tv that neither of you are fully paying attention to, arms wrapped around you with one of your biggest fluffy blankets thrown over both your laps, and a bowl of popcorn resting in the middle while an assortment of candies litter your coffee table. He makes a cheesy joke, you toss a kernel of popcorn at his face. Both of you laugh hysterically at how unserious you guys have made this.

When you settle back into watching the show, you enjoy the feeling of his warmth at your side. A smile plays on your lips as you rest your head on his shoulder. “This is really nice,” you comment, getting a hum of agreement as he turns his head to kiss your scalp.

“I wouldn’t be mad if I could stay like this forever,” he adds.

That sends your thoughts running away with imagined ideas of having him all to yourself; having weekly movie nights like this, sitting on a porch swing watching the horses graze on a hot February afternoon with your head on his shoulder, or even listening to him hum and sing while you cook dinner together. It’s all so domestic and dreamy, that you know it would be too good to be true. But you allow yourself this moment of delusion.

“So what did my hyungs say on your ride? I’m sure they were either spreading gossip or looking for it,” he chuckles.

“I wouldn’t say it was gossip really,” you try to defend but he tips his face forward to look at you with a raised brow and you crack. “Ok maybe just a little bit,” you laugh.

“Felix talked about Jeongin’s shopping habits and how he thinks he has a problem, but I suspect neither of them probably have any room to talk. Then, Hyunjin complained that Chan wasn’t using this vacation time like he should be, which reminds me, you should really try to pry him away from that computer every now and then.”

“Trust me, we try but it’s easier said than done,” he says with a shake of his head.

“Hyunjin was also complaining about Minho being in a sour mood because the hotel breakfast was out of puddings, then Felix told me that Jisung had ordered some to be delivered so it wouldn’t ruin his whole day.”

“Oh yeah, I heard about that. And it was only enough for the two of them so Channie-hyung whined that he wanted some too,” Seungmin said, adding to your lore of their morning meal debacle. “They all make me sick.”

“You wouldn’t trade them for the world,” you tease with an eye roll.

“The world? No. For you? In a heartbeat.”

Your breath hitches but she try not to let it show, blush darkening your cheeks as you shy away from looking at him. “Don’t say that. I’d be devastated if I was the cause of the group breaking up,” you scold him, a genuine frown tugging the corners of your lips.

“I’m just saying. But I don’t plan on having to pick,” he assures, giving you a squeeze. “What else did they say? Talk any smack about me?” He asks, purposefully changing the subject.

“They were curious about us,” you start, catching his attention. “Wondering if you’re treating me right.”

“Yeah? And how did you tell them I’m doing?” He asks with a knowing smile.

“I said you needed some work,” you joke, earning a howl from him as he throws his head back. And you can’t help the giggle that bubbles up in your chest. “No, but you’re lucky. It sounded like they would’ve taught you a lesson if I had said anything less than excellence.”

“They talk a big game but they couldn’t lay a finger on me,” he says between breathy laughs.

“Hyunjin did claim he taught you everything you know. Then Felix claimed it was all Chan,” you muse.

“Yeah right!” He scoffs. “If anything, Channie-hyung knows how to flirt but I don’t think any of them would know romance if it smacked them in the face.”

“Now who’s being dramatic!” You laugh, which he joins you. Wrapping both arms around you for a tight hug.

The credits were rolling, you’re not sure how long they have been going at this point but it was also late enough that a yawn escapes you. “Why don’t we get ready for bed if you’re tired,” he suggests and you agree.

The two of you untangle to quickly go through your nighttime routines while also occasionally intertwining them. Like how he playfully bumps your elbow as you’re brushing your teeth together. It’s so domestic and sickeningly sweet that you wonder if your delusional thoughts earlier are really that far out of reach.

You manage to check your phone when you plop onto the bed while he finishes his skincare. No wonder these men are so beautiful. They take an eternity taking care of their faces. Chuckling at your own internal joke, you pull up your missed texts from Liv.

You frown at that last message. ‘Too busy’? Aren’t the boys basically on vacation the rest of their time in Australia? But then again, 3RACHA isn’t exactly known for taking breaks.

Seungmin finally comes out of the bathroom with a fresh face and damp hair around the edges. A smile spreads across your face and you toss your phone on the nightstand. He walks over and drops his phone next to yours before plopping down beside you on the edge of the bed.

His hand finds purchase on your knee, giving it an assuring squeeze when he asks, “Are you sure you’re ok with me staying the night?”

It almost makes you giggle, as if you’d send him packing just when you’re about to get what you’ve looked forward to all day. “Very sure,” you say with certainty. Your grin widens as you scoot back to slip under the covers, patting the bed for him to come join.

He climbs over and slides in next to you, immediately pulling you back into his arms even before you found a comfy position. You burst into a fit of giggles but also don’t put up much of a fight, snuggling into his warmth when the two of you settle down.

“Ah, this is the life,” he blissfully sighs in a dramatic manner. Since you can’t really disagree with that, you opt for a hum in agreement.

The minutes tick by, the two of you tangled in each other’s arms, and you can’t find it in yourself to fall asleep. Though you think Seungmin has started to. His breathing by your ear is soft and steady, a sure sign that sleep is approaching. But there’s a curiosity swirling in your brain that won’t allow you to settle until you ask.

“Minnie? Are you asleep?” You whisper. He grunts in sleepy acknowledgment that he hears you.

“Not yet,” he says with a big yawn. “What is it baby?” He cuddles up closer (which you didn’t even think was possible) and buries his nose in your hair.

“I was just thinking about, the future…” your words trail off as that little fear in the back of your mind rears its ugly head.

“Oh yeah?” He sounds a little more awake and a lot more curious as he frees you for a moment to rub the sleep from his eyes. “About what, exactly, were you thinking about for the future?”

“Just,” you pause again, afraid to say your hopes and dreams out loud in case they might be too big for how new your relationship is. In case they don’t align with his. But you’ve gone too far to turn back now. “Just think about us. Our future.”

With the words finally leaving your lips, it’s like a weight is lifted off your chest. Your mind finally quieting down to hear what he thinks. He is quiet for a moment behind you, you can’t even hear him breathing.

“Are they good thoughts? …Or…?” He asks hesitantly.

“They’re hopeful thoughts.”

Suddenly, you feel his hand on your hip, tugging you to roll over and face him. You stubbornly refuse at his first attempt but quickly lose that battle. A little reluctantly, you roll over onto your other side, face to face with the one man that throws your brain into inner turmoil.

His eyes look at you with a fondness in them but there is also a cute little furrow to his brow, mild concern etched onto his features. “Tell me what’s on your mind, Baby,” he almost pleads with his tone.

“I feel a connection with you, and I want to believe that we can withstand the test of time,” you start. “But I also understand that long distance relationships are hard on couples.”

“And you’re worried that we won’t be able to handle it,” he nods along.

“No! …Well, yes…” You quickly deny but just as quickly realize that’s exactly what you’ve been worried about. His features soften from concern to utter fondness.

“Do you want to know what I think?” He asks, a bit of teasing seeping into his tone.

“That is the whole reason we are having this conversation,” you can’t completely keep the sarcasm out of your voice either. It makes him chuckle as he slides his knuckles along your jawline.

“I think you worry too much,” he says, even going as far as to tap the tip of your nose affectionately. You gape at him in exasperation but he goes on before you can rebuttal. “We have something special, Y/N. No matter how far we may be, it won’t change the way I feel about you.”

“The thing is, I don’t doubt our feelings for one another. I question how hard it’s going to be to be away from you. And…how we’ll manage it…” you admit carefully, unsure of how he might take your uncertainty.

“It will be excruciating not to be able to drive across town just to hold you in my arms like this,” he says, pulling you into an embrace again for added effect. “But knowing that you’ll be waiting for me, will be enough to get me by.” Then his face morphs slightly with another thought. “That is, as long as you’re…willing to wait for me.”

“Of course I will! And, lucky for you, I’m a very patient woman,” you joke proudly.

It has both of you laughing softly in the small space between you. It fills your heart with affection knowing that the two of you can find a way to laugh and joke no matter the situation. It’s one of the things you love most about him.

“Then we have nothing to worry about,” he whispers, pressing his forehead to yours. “It’s easy to overthink it but we’ll be fine.”

It’s not easy to just ignore but you want to believe in him, believe in your relationship. So you do. “Ok,” you simply agree.

He smiles, leaning in to connect your lips for the first time since you laid down. It’s sweet and soft. Like a promise to keep his word.

Your muscles relax into the mattress and your fingers find their way into his hair. It wouldn’t hurt to enjoy this a little bit longer, right?

The two of you are content to stay like this, tender kisses and gentle touches. That is until one of your giggles turns into a yawn. He chuckles and kisses your cheek.

“We should get some sleep,” he suggests.

“But I’m not tired yet,” you argue weakly, eyes betraying you as they flutter closed.

“Of course you’re not, Pretty Girl.” He gently coaxes you to roll back over onto your side again, easily slotting in behind you and pulling you into his chest.

Then you hear a blissful sigh as he gets comfortable; arms squeezing you, nose brushing your shoulder. If you weren’t so tired, you might have teased him about it. But on the other hand, this really is nice. You can’t remember the last time you’ve been able to fall asleep this easily.

He presses a kiss into the skin of your neck then whispers, “Sweet dreams, Y/N. I love you.”

“Love you, Seungminnie,” you mumble in return. You think he chuckles again but the fogs of sleep are starting to cloud your thoughts. It’s easier just to sink into it, let yourself drift off as you’re held safe and sound.

~*~

An incessant buzzing pulls you out of your slumber, a pleasant heat radiates against your back with an arm draped over your waist. You sigh happily and close your eyes to try getting just a few more minutes of peaceful rest, only for your phone to buzz on the nightstand four times in a row.

A quiet groan stays trapped between your tightly closed lips in an attempt not to wake the sleeping boy next to you. Reluctantly, you reach an arm out from under the covers to grab your phone.

Without thinking, you let out a deep (almost frustrated) sigh. The sound seems to stir Seungmin partially awake. His arm, still laying across your waist, tightens as he stretches and yawns. Your soft giggle in response has his eyes blinking up at you, a lazy, tired smile gracing his features. 

“Good morning Beautiful,” he greets you with a gruff voice you’ve never heard from him before.

“Good morning, did you sleep well?” You ask, reaching a hand up to comb through his messy hair. He leans into your touch, basking in your attention. 

“Best sleep of my life,” he tells you.

“You’re being dramatic again,” you accuse fondly, turning in his hold to face him fully and propping your chin up with your elbow. 

“I am being overly honest, actually,” he chuckles. 

“Unfortunately, it’s time to get up,” you reply, petting his head affectionately.

Then he drops his head into the crook of your neck, snuggling close and hiding his eyes from the light of morning leaking in through the cracks in the curtains. “It’s too early to be getting up,” he groans.

“You know, I agree with you. But to keep our jobs, we have to follow their rules.” This earns a louder groan and a stronger squeeze. You don’t fight against his hold, in fact you wrap your arm around him to hold him, too. 

“What if I said screw our jobs,” he asks rhetorically. 

“I would have lots of things to say,” you reply playfully. He leans back to look at you, his smile turned amused.

“Oh yeah? Like what?”

“First off, I told you before that I would never let you make me the cause of Stray Kids breaking up,” he hums as he remembers and you go on. “And I would say screw my job, I don’t care, but then I’d have to find a new home for Storm and I don’t have that kind of money, honey.”

Your little rhyme makes him laugh. When he settles, his brows knit with curiosity. “What would happen to the other horses? If you left, I mean.”

“They aren’t mine, technically all the horses that are used for group riding don’t have individual owners. If someone decided they wanted one, they could make an offer to the ranch and they’d probably get it.” You explain. “The ranch would just look for a replacement at some point.”

The look on Seungmin’s face tells you he’s deep in thought, a little wrinkle to his brow. You lift your fingers to gently smooth his forehead. “Don’t worry about it. It’s been a while since any of the horses were sold anyways,” you assure him. 

His features soften under your touch, he looks at you with trust in his eyes. “Wouldn’t it be cool if all our horses could just stay together forever? Just like us?” 

It’s your turn to soften at his posed question. “That’s a long time.”

“I plan to make it a long time. With Stray Kids and with you.” His words send butterflies fluttering in your belly. 

“I hope you’re right,” you whisper. Dreams of forever planting like a seed in your heart that you’re ready to nurture over time until it comes true.

“But for now, I think it’d be in our best interests if we get up,” he says with a sigh. You giggle when he flops onto his back dramatically. 

“You’re right. I need to keep a roof over Storm’s head.” 

With a big flourish, you throw the blankets off of both of you, earning a yelp of surprise before he jumps out of bed to chase you around the house. It’s the most fun you’ve ever had getting ready in the morning, playing a game of cat and mouse, or fetch per say, in random spurts like the two of you are still in grade school.

It’s not so fun when you finally have to separate. He gives you a long hug and a briefer kiss when he gets the text that his ride has arrived. You watch him leave, offering a wave to his tinted window, even if you can’t see him through it. 

A deep sigh escaping now that you’re officially alone. Back to a normal day, the only saving grace being your best friend working right alongside you.

~*~

~*~

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[ficsilike-reblogged]

A Lonely Heaven

Summary: The five times Robert gave you something and the one time he took. Pairing: Soft Dark!Robert Fischer/F!Reader Word Count: 7.2k A/N: Written for Day Three’s prompt from the Haunted Hoedown Challenge Hosted by inklore and psychedelic-ink. Today’s prompt was “inspired by your favorite Lana del Rey song + yandere.” The song I chose was “Say Yes to Heaven.” I hope you enjoy! Warnings: Gaslighting, isolation, drugging, kidnapping, general unhinged behavior, smut (unprotected sex, female receiving oral, fingering), reader calls him Bobby for reasons, minor character death (not described) ABSOLUTELY NO MINORS ALLOWED

Robert just needed a minute. Just a minute to breathe before the next meeting with men and women he’d rather never see again. But he was heir to the empire. He had a reputation to uphold and a company to run.

But still, he just needed a moment.

He slipped into the blessedly empty break room just down the hall and stared at the coffee maker for a moment. He didn’t need coffee. He didn’t need anything that the break room could provide except silence-

“Hey, I’m sorry, can I get to the coffee? If I don’t get my boss a refill, I’m fired.”

Robert turned at the sound of soft if not frazzled voice and saw you. He expected to see you flinch at the sight of him before apologizing—most people did when they spotted him. But not you. There wasn’t an ounce of recognition on your face.

You didn’t know who he was.

Robert stepped out of the way with an apology of his own and you were quick to fill up an abnormally large coffee cup with a faded company logo on the side. You also dumped three things of creamer into it and half a packet—exactly—of sugar. Robert must have been staring because you glanced at him over your shoulder with a small smile. “First day?”

“No. But I don’t think I’ve been in this particular break room before.” It was technically not a lie. He only knew of the room’s existence because he’d been shuffled by it each time he had a meeting in the conference room down the hall. He didn’t have to come in here. People brought him coffee. He didn’t get it himself.

You nodded. “I prefer the one on 12. They have better snacks.” You paused, drumming your fingers against the mug. “You look a little out of it. You okay?”

That was probably the first time this year that someone had asked about him. It was just a simple thing, really. “I’m fine. Thank you.” Your head cocked to the side, like you didn’t believe him but you still held your hand out to him with an offer of your name. Despite the coffee you held, your hand was cold as Robert took it. “I’m Robert.”

Your answering smile twisted behind his ribs. “Anyone ever call you ‘Bobby?’”

A sharp laugh punched out of him and he watched your smile widen. “No. No, never.”

“Well, if I ever see you again, we’ll have to try it out.” Again, you drummed your fingers on the mug. “It was nice to meet you. I hope your day gets better.” Then you were gone and Robert watched your hips sway until you disappeared, unknowingly taking his heart with you.

**1**

You hadn’t been the most sociable person when you took the job at Fischer Morrow. Actually, you could count the friends you’d made on two pathetic fingers and even then you knew they were hardly more than casual acquaintances. Moving to Australia was supposed to be a new start but instead it was the loneliness you had been running from compounded. Sure, you were paid decently. Your apartment was fine. But your boss was a dick and you weren’t even using your degree to fetch coffee and answer a phone.

God, you were lonely.

You picked at your sandwich as you sat in the park just on the opposite side of the street from Fischer Morrow’s building. There was a couple playing with their son under the shade of the tree. There was a small gaggle of women from the accounting department walking together around the perimeter, having traded their sensible heels for trainers. Then there was a small group of teenagers, probably skipping school, a little further into the park. They all looked happy and you continued to pick at your sandwich until it was just a mangle of bread, tomato, and cheese.

“Do you mind if I join you?”

Your head snapped to the side to see Robert standing at the edge of the bench you occupied, holding a small paper bag. “O-of course! Please do!” You hadn’t seen him in weeks. Of course, it was an absurdly large building with a matching number of employees. It shouldn’t have been surprising that you didn’t see him again. But you had kept his pretty blue eyes and sharp features in the back of your mind anyway. Your lonely heart leapt when he settled beside you.

“Haven’t seen you in awhile,” he started, pulling a sandwich of his own from the bag.

“They keep me busy. And you? Did you find the good snacks on twelve?” You winced as soon as you asked. Your conversation skills were abysmal. It was honestly surprising that he wanted to sit anywhere near you after your awkward conversation weeks prior but you weren’t about to tell him to go away.

He nodded with a smile. “Yeah, thanks for the tip.”

You smiled, too, but it felt a little stilted and you turned your attention back to your mangled sandwich.

“You’re in IT, aren’t you?”

Your fingers stalled their shredding and you glanced at Robert for a moment. “What gave it away? Most people think I’m in Logistics.”

Robert shrugged but his smile remained. “Do you like what you do?”

You snorted and popped a bit of your sandwich into your mouth. “I got this job because I have a masters degree in my field and I’m fetching coffee and answering phones like a secretary. But it’s fine. It pays the bills.” You grimaced as soon as you finished. You never knew how to say the right thing; it was why you preferred staying quiet. You should know better than to sound ungrateful. “But, um, what about you? Do you like what you do?”

“It pays the bills.”

“What department are you in, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Robert’s sandwich froze just in front of his mouth before he cleared his throat. “I work for the Board.” He then quickly stuffed his sandwich into his mouth.

“Oh, you poor soul. That’s got to be so stressful. No wonder you looked so out of it when we met.” Then it was your turn to freeze again. “That was so rude, I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “No, no it’s all right. It isn’t great, you’re right. But I’m thankful for it anyway.” He was quiet again as he took another bite and you felt a tiny bit of tension slip from your shoulders. Maybe he was as lonely as you were. “Who’s your supervisor?”

“It’s Reynolds. Why?”

“No reason. He’s the guy with the,” he waved a hand at his neck, “right?”

“Neckbeard. Yeah. That’s him. Very particular about his coffee.”

Robert hummed but didn’t say anything else for a stretched moment. Perhaps he liked the quiet like you, too. “You think they’re skipping class?” He asked, tipping his head toward the teenagers.

You laughed. A big belly laugh. That wasn’t what you were expecting him to say. “Oh, definitely.” And the conversation was easier from that point on. You spoke about your favorite cafe downtown and he suggested a running path he was fond of along the coast after you mentioned that your “favorite” treadmill at your gym broke. Was it earth shattering conversation? No. But it lessened the ache in your chest.

As you packed up your lunches, noting the time and how your lunch hour was nearing its end, Robert turned to you with a small smile on his face. “You know, last time we talked you said something to me.”

You squinted at him, as if that would help you remember, and it did, washing over you with a fresh mortification. “Oh no.”

“I was hoping you’d actually try it out. See if I like it.”

You were about to broil in your skin. You were sure of it. “It was a joke.” (It wasn’t.)

Robert’s obscenely blue eyes didn’t leave your face and he smiled. “Try it anyway.”

You rolled your lips into your mouth for a moment before saying, “thank you for spending lunch with me, Bobby.”

His smile widened a fraction. “I think I like it.”

“Then I’ll keep saying it, if we see each other again.”

His head tilted to the side just the slightest bit and the new angle had the sharp planes of his cheeks growing dark shadows. “We will.” It sounded like a promise before you parted ways as you neared the lobby.

You had a smile on your face for the rest of the day, even when Reynolds berated you about putting too much sugar in his coffee. You didn’t care. Why? Because maybe you made a friend.

Your smile only faltered when you were called into HR the following morning. Had you done something wrong? Had Reynolds really reported you for getting his coffee wrong? But the smile came roaring back when the stern looking man on the other side of the desk said, “Reynolds is no longer with Fischer Morrow. I’m officially offering you his position. We can discuss salary and benefits, of course. And…”

The rest of the conversation was a dull roar in your ears. Of course you would take the position. You couldn’t wait to tell Bobby.

**2**

“I like the new office.”

You leaned to the side, tearing your gaze away from your computer screen, just enough to see Bobby walk into your office with something tucked beneath his arm. You were quick to stand and welcome him in before glancing at the clock and gasping. “It is nearly midnight! What’re you still doing here?”

His dark brow arched as he moved you both further into your office with a hand on your lower back. “I could ask you the same thing, you know.”

You chuckled nervously, wiping a hand over your mouth. “Um, well, with the reshuffling of the department, some of the tickets fell through the cracks. I’m just making sure no one down here gets in trouble right when I’ve taken this job. Wouldn’t be a good look.” You leaned against the leather couch as he looked around your office. It was nice, truly. You could see your park out of the window and you had enough room to hang a white board so you could work through problems on your own, too. But it had taken a week for you to get moved in after your impromptu promotion and were still getting settled. It was surprising that Bobby knew about your new office at all but you weren’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Maybe he learned about it from the board meetings he had to sit in on.

He held out what was in his hand and you gasped when you realized that it was a bottle of exceedingly expensive champagne. “It is just a little something to say congratulations on the promotion.”

That single bottle could pay for several months of your rent. “Oh, this is too much, I couldn’t-”

But he still pushed it into your grasp with a shake of his head. “I insist. You’ve more than earned it and you’re obviously taking your new duties seriously.”

You turned the heavy bottle over in your hand as you bit your lip. “Well, if you insist.”

“I do,” he said with another smile.

“Then I must insist that you share a glass with me. Deal?”

There was something in Robert’s gaze that had you nearly shivering. It was too heated, too calculating. But as soon as you saw it, it was gone and he was smiling again. “Deal.”

You handed the bottle back to him. “Can you open it for me? I’ll grab glasses from the break room.”

You heard the pop of the bottle as you hurried down the hall. When you found no clean glasses, you settled for two mugs and hoped that you wouldn’t offend him with the choice. And it seemed that your trepidation was unfounded because he laughed as he spotted them and then poured you both a large serving. He held out his mug toward you. “Cheers, to you and your new job.”

“Cheers!” You clinked your mug against his with a laugh before taking a sip. The champagne tasted expensive and bubbled all the way down. You had to “Thank you so much. This was really kind of you, Bobby.”

He waved it away. “I’m sorry I didn’t manage to swing by earlier.”

“No need to apologize,” you said after taking another sip. “I know the big wigs keep you busy. I think you’re the only person who has actually congratulated me, anyway. So, this means a lot. Thank you, truly.”

He looked at you over the edge of his mug as he took a sip, too. “Well, they don’t know what they’re missing.”

You bit your lip–a terrible habit you were only now realizing how often you did it around him. “I kinda like it just being us anyway. I get nervous around too many people.”

“I don’t mind not sharing you.”

You laughed.

**3**

It was a little strange, how long it took you to realize that you only saw Bobby while you were alone at work. It was like he only appeared when everyone else was gone for the day or you were in your little corner of the park for lunch. You didn’t mind it, really. But your friendship seemed tinged with secrecy. You followed his lead and kept the details to a minimum when anyone asked about who you were having lunch with or who your late night meetings were with. “Oh, just my friend Bobby.” You also tried to ignore that you didn’t know many things about him, including his last name. You weren’t about to ask though, afraid that you’d ask something he didn’t want to divulge and he’d leave you alone.

You sent a smile to your assistant from across the room when she locked eyes with you. She waved when you raised your half-filled champagne flute in her direction, silently telling her to enjoy the holiday party. She was new and lovely and so helpful. She was also overjoyed when you actually let her help with the work your department handled. She also teased you goodnaturedly whenever you would go have lunch with Bobby at the park and asked her to hold your calls for the hour. “Can’t hide him from me forever, you know. I’ll figure out who this man is!”

You glanced down at your watch. It was a quarter to eight. You’d been here for a solid two hours and talked to half a dozen people who really only wanted to double check that their tickets would be resolved before Morning. It was fine–it seemed like most everyone still pretended you didn’t exist. Maybe they’d heard about how awkward you were, or they were wagering about how you got Reynolds’ job. Whatever. At least you got to attend the party–the last time you attempted to do so, Reynolds had you running around the city to grab the gifts he “forgot” to pick up after ordering so he could give them to the rest of the IT team before the end of the party (you did not receive one).

Staying until nine would be acceptable, right? You showed your face, thanked the catering team for their hard work, and watched the party slowly get rowdier at the hours trickled by. Then, you could be asleep before 10 and finally try that running route Bobby mentioned tomorrow morning.

Solid plan, right?

“I was hoping I’d find you here.”

You turned, already smiling, to see Robert leaning against one of the pillars of the hotel’s ballroom, nearly hidden in shadow. “I didn’t think you’d be attending. I thought the big wigs would be having their own party.”

“They are,” he said with a nod. “I escaped.”

You frowned at that, anxiety gnawing at your ribs. “I don’t want you to get in trouble, Bobby.”

His hand gently skirted up your arm and you tried to ignore how he left goosebumps in his wake as his long fingers pressed like firebrands into your skin. “I’ll be okay. I promise.”

This was a new habit of his: touching you. You never minded. You had gone so long without more than a friendly pat to the shoulder or a brief handshake that you nearly cried the first time you felt Robert’s fingers trailing along your spine on the bench you still shared at lunch. “Promise?”

“I swear.” His blue eyes flashed with that strange gleam again–after all these weeks you still couldn’t decipher it. “But, I do have ulterior motives.”

“Oh?”

“I got you a present.”

Your grip immediately tightened on your champagne. Shit. “I-I didn’t know we were going to exchange gifts. I-”

“I am not expecting anything in return,” he said, thumb swiping against your arm with a smile. “I just saw it and thought of you.”

“Bobby. You know I’m going to have to take you to lunch or something as a thank you and then still give you a present. I feel awful.”

His grip tightened just a fraction as he shook his head. “Don’t. I actually get more joy out of giving gifts than receiving them.”

“Well, that’s too bad because I’m the same. You’re not getting out of this.”

“We can debate this later.” He pulled the flute from your hand and drained it before grimacing as you laughed. “The stuff I got you was much better. C’mon, I don’t want everyone else to see it.” He then set the empty glass on the nearest table and tangled your fingers together to lead you out of the ballroom and into one of the unlit side rooms. It was filled with folded tables and rows of unused banquet chairs but you could still hear the music coming through the doors. He only let go of your hand when he reached into the breast pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a velvet box with a distinctive HW logo on the lid.

“Bobby…” There was no way you could afford something like that. How were you supposed to reciprocate?

“Open it.” He gently pushed it into your hand and nodded with a smile when you glanced at him again.

With shaking fingers, you did and gasped when you saw the necklace carefully draped across the velvet padding. On a delicate platinum chain was a diamond pendant. Well, it was several diamonds set to look like a flower. It was the most beautiful necklace you’ve ever seen and probably the most expensive you’ve ever held. “I don’t…I don’t know if I can accept this.”

Robert stepped closer, expensive shoes knocking into yours. His cologne, leather and musk and money, slowly filled your every breath as his hands once again found your arms. “You being in my life has been my lone bright spot in a long time. This necklace is just a fraction of what I owe you, all right?”

“You don’t owe me anything, Bobby. I should actually be thanking you. You have been my truest friend. I don’t know what I would do without you.” You were telling the truth–he was your closest friend. Your only friend, if you were being completely honest with yourself. “This is-this is still too much.”

You tried to hand it back but he only pulled the necklace from its hooks and swept around to stand at your back. In one fluid motion, he was fastening it around your neck and his fingers trailed down your arms. “It suits you.”

You looked down at the necklace and a shaky sigh pushed through you. “Fine. You win this round.” When you turned to look at him, you were rewarded with another one of his smiles. “Don’t think I won’t try to pay you back.”

A new song started, something slow and soft, and Robert turned his head to hear it better for a moment before looking at you again. “Well, as a start, would you like to dance with me?”

“Here?” You asked, a giggle coloring your tone.

“Yeah. Just us.” He held out a hand, long fingers angled toward you.

This felt like a step toward something new. Something different than the quiet friendship you’d carefully protected. It would be a lie to say that you hadn’t thought of him in that way–he was beautiful. And kind to you. And funny. So, you put your hand in his and laughed as he hauled you close. His other arm wrapped tightly around your back as he held your hand close to his chest and started to lead you in a dance that had your heart racing despite the slow movements.

Without even thinking, your other hand inched its way up his arm to settle at the nape of his neck and your fingers absentmindedly pushed through his hair. “Thank you, Bobby. For everything. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“You’ll never have to find out. I promise.”

**4**

This was embarrassing.

So embarrassing.

How did you not connect the dots? Your Bobby was Robert fucking Fischer. Successor to the Fischer Morrow empire. You had been palling around with a billionaire heir apparent. You had complained about how the board was fucking up to him. You had said that you couldn’t imagine being a Fischer because, “it just seems miserable.” You had literally said you felt bad for Maurice’s son because “that old man seems like an asshole.”

Wonderful.

Fantastic.

You wanted to walk out into the ocean and swim to the nearest uninhabited island to escape your shame. But you couldn’t because you were watching Robert give a speech to the entirety of Fischer Morrow about the future of the company because his father’s health had taken a sharp decline in the last handful of weeks. You had tucked yourself into the back of the assembled crowd, wishing you had just watched it online in your office instead. How could you miss it? His suits were tailored and designer. He was always perfectly put together. You had once vaguely recognized the Hermès logo on his watch and had thought it had been a holiday gift from the board.

He’d probably bought it on a whim–the tens of thousands it cost wasn’t even a drop in the bucket to him.

Robert finished his speech and nodded his head in response to the applause he earned before stepping away from the podium so CFO could take over, giving further explanation to the expansion planned for Fischer Morrow. You didn’t hear any of it. You were too focused on Robert moving at the edges of the crowd.

Right toward you.

Your fingers fiddled mindlessly with the diamond pendant around your throat. You had worn it every day since he had given it to you. You should have known better.

Before you could even think to do anything at all, Robert’s fingers were circling around your wrist and you were being pulled out of the room. He was quiet as he led you into an empty conference room and shut the door with a soft snap as soon as you were inside.

“I’m sorry,” you blurted, tugging your arm out of his grip and folding your arms over your stomach protectively. “I’m sorry I said all those things.”

“What?” His brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“All…all the things I said about the company, about your father-”

“They needed to be said. I like that you felt comfortable enough to say that to me.”

You scrubbed a hand over your mouth as you started to pace around the table, a million and one thoughts racing through your brain and all of them landed on one conclusion. “Was this just some game? To see what the little worker bee thought of the hive?”

A short breath pushed out of him as he rounded the conference table and grabbed at your hands again to pull you to a stop. Your poor heart hiccuped when he laced your fingers together. “It was never a game. I sought you out because you treated me like I was my own person instead of someone who only stood in my father’s shadow. You saw me, not my last name.”

“Robert-”

His grip tightened, near desperate. “No. No, I’m Bobby to you, remember?”

“I never would have called you that if I had known who you are.” The words were small, as small as you felt in his presence now. But still, you couldn’t pull away from him.

“Don’t say that. Don’t ever say that. I’m still your Bobby. Nothing’s changed.” His voice was soft. Almost pleading. It cracked at something behind your ribs you had tried to ignore for the sake of the friendship.

“Everything’s changed! You are so far up the corporate ladder above me I shouldn’t even be on your radar.” You finally pulled your hands from his and hated the look in his clear blue eyes. It was unbidden hurt. But your mind jumped to something else. “You had Reynolds fired.”

Robert’s answering silence was answer enough.

“God. I didn’t even earn this position did I? You just felt bad for the stupid, lonely girl in the park-”

Robert was on you in a flash, crowding you against the table without even needing to touch you. “You earned it. I looked into your work history. I saw your credentials. Reynolds knew you were better suited to his job and stepped all over you because of it. I only gave you what you deserved.”

“So, you admit it-”

“I admit that you were better suited. I admit that your department is better for it, too. I admit that I did it because I just wanted to see you smile again.”

Your next breath stalled in your throat and you hated that you felt your chin wobble. What was he saying? “Robert-”

“And it wasn’t pity. It was selfish of me. I wanted to see you smile. I wanted to give you something no one else could. So I did.” Slowly, so slowly, his hands skirted a familiar path up your arms until he was cupping the back of your head and pressing the pads of his thumbs beneath the hinge of your jaw. You could feel each breath he took against the sensitive skin of your lips. “I want to give you everything because you have given me more than I could ever repay. You were lonely. So was I. And we found each other, doesn’t that still matter?”

“I-”

“Let me be your Bobby again. Nothing’s changed, I promise.”

You searched his perfect blue eyes and wanted to believe him. Wanted to believe that he felt what you did. That it was okay to feel this, that it was okay to keep him tucked in the confines of your heart where he had burrowed. “You know this has changed, Bobby.” You watched his shoulders sag in relief at the sound of the nickname. “You know it.”

He agreed, nodding just once. “I can’t hide it anymore. You’re right. But I’m still the man sitting next to you on the bench. I’m still sipping champagne out of mugs with you at midnight. I’m still dancing with you in empty rooms. And I’m hoping all that I am, all the charade and everything behind it, is enough for you. I am asking you to have me because of it all, in spite of it all.”

“What will I be to you?” You asked, your voice little more than a whisper.

Robert paused and you watched his pupils start to blow, black eating blue. “You’d be mine.” And then he was kissing you, plush mouth pressing against yours and stealing your next breath. Your hands scrambled to find purchase in the fine fabric of his suit jacket as he hauled you closer, like he was trying to devour you.

You would happily let him.

When he pressed at the seam of your lips, you readily gave in and let him lick into your mouth, searching and wanting. One of his hands fell to your hip as he swallowed a whine building in your throat and he hauled you onto the edge of the table, knocking your legs apart so he could slot himself between them, like he’d always meant to be there.

Maybe he was. Maybe this was inevitable. It certainly felt like it.

Your shaking hands pushed at his jacket and he hurriedly shrugged it off, never moving his mouth from yours and not caring when it hit the floor. “So fucking perfect,” he murmured against your kiss-bitten lips. “And all mine.”

“And you’re mine,” you whispered in return, tugging at his tie next.

A sharp knock at the door halted your next breath. Robert froze, too, lips still pressed to yours.

“Mister Fischer, you’re needed upstairs,” came a stressed, tinny from the other side.

Then you were giggling against him, feeling like a teenager, and you moved to press your face to his shoulder to try to quiet the noise. But then he was laughing, too, and stealing another kiss. “Let’s get out of here.”

**5**

Robert’s father was dying.

There was no more denying it. You watched Robert waffle between heartbreak and resignation and tried to help him through it all, even though what he was feeling was foreign to you. You’d been alone your entire life, growing up at an overrun group home for kids who couldn’t find a foster family to take them and then shuffling from empty dorm room to empty apartment after aging out. But still, you let him burrow his head into your chest when he needed just the world to be quiet. It had been only a handful of weeks since he’d kissed you, asking you to take him for all that he was, but it felt like you had been with him for years, settling into a domestic routine that felt like something out of a romance novel. Something you had only ever wished you could have. You just wished you could ease the ache he was fighting.

You were in his office, the rest of the building having long been deserted at the end of the work day, pushing your fingers through his hair as he wrapped his arms around your waist. “Tell me what you need,” you murmured.

“I just need you.” His words vibrated as he spoke them into the fabric of your shirt.

“Bobby,” you started, pressing your hands beneath his chin so he looked up at you. “I am always going to be here, okay? But let me lighten your load. Want me to grab dinner so we can try to knock out some of that paperwork Browning saddled you with?” You smoothed your finger over one of his eyebrows and watched his eyes flutter shut for a moment.

“He means well. He wants me to really know what I’m doing before I officially take the reins.”

“I think he’s being lazy and then schmoozing the rest of the board while you’re in here, working your fingers to the bone,” you said with a smile to try to lessen the blow because you knew how much his ‘uncle’ Peter meant to him. You, however, thought he was a snake.

Robert was quiet as he looked up at you and you felt him squeeze you a little tighter before he stood and pressed a firm kiss to your mouth. “I have a better idea.”

“What could possibly be better than shitty takeout and monotonous paperwork?” You teased, earning a pinch to your side.

“How about you, me, and a bottle of that champagne you like and we just lock ourselves away at my house for the weekend?”

Your agreement was on the tip of your tongue. You could feel it. But he’d played this card before. “You’re going to say ‘after I let you finish this paperwork,’ aren’t you?”

His smile was tired as he danced his fingers down your spine. “God, you’re perfect.”

“You’re not getting out of this, Bobby. Let me help you.” The next noise out of you was an undignified squeak as he grabbed at your hips and hoisted you onto the top of his desk. “What’re you doing?”

“Convincing you to let me do my work.”

“It is Browning’s wor-” Your words halted when his warm hands slipped beneath the hem of your skirt and deftly pushed it up to your waist, exposing your silk stockings and lace garter belt. “You’re fighting dirty.”

Robert only smirked and sank back to his knees as he pulled your underwear down in one swift motion. He licked a bold stripe up your folds that had your head immediately tilting back with a gasp. Again and again, he did it until he closed his warm, wet mouth around your clit and sucked until you were keening, sinking your fingers into his hair again. He always knew just how to turn your spine to jelly with a few flicks of his tongue but his real talent was-

“Oh my god!”

Robert sank his teeth into the dough of your thigh as his long fingers slid into your wet heat and easily found that spot inside you that had sparks bursting behind your eyes. If your mind was capable of doing more than pleading pleasepleasepleaseBobbyplease, you may have felt his lips press a smile into your thigh before his mouth descended on you again, working in tandem with his excruciatingly wonderful fingers.

Your thighs clamped around his head but Robert was undeterred and kept licking and sucking and pushing. Wet, sloppy noises filled the air, punctuated by your whimpers and pleas, until you were crying out with your abrupt release and your entire body felt like you’d been dipped in molten heat that fizzled down to your fingers. You collapsed onto the desk in a heap, thighs sagging open as Robert gave a few last kitten licks to your clit until you pushed him away with a whine. When he pulled his fingers out, you could feel your slick puddling below you and you spotted a damp spot on the cuff of his shirt. Damn.

Robert, however, was unfazed and licked his fingers clean as you tried and failed to catch your breath.

“I know just how to get you to cooperate.” His fingers danced over your thighs, still shaking with aftershocks. “Look at you now. All soft and compliant.”

“Not my fault,” you said between labored breaths. “You don’t fight fair.”

Robert smiled, all teeth. “Not with you.”

**+1**

You hadn’t slept on the flight to Los Angeles. Sure, the first class seat was comfortable and food was delicious, but you weren't able to get comfortable. You knew tht Robert had said you didn’t need to come to the funeral but you weren’t about to let him go through this alone and had used the card he had put in your name to book the next flight out to be at his side.

A chauffeur was waiting for you when you landed and whisked you away to the gated Fischer mansion in one of the more exclusive enclaves outside the city. You’d been to Robert’s penthouse a few blocks from Fischer Morrow. He’d offered to let you use his Venice apartment when you offhandedly mentioned needing a vacation but also told you that his family owned an entire island near St. Barts if you wanted something a little more private. But this mansion was truly something else. Perhaps a better term to use would be Manor or Palace. You thanked the chauffeur as he handed you your single bag and told you that ‘Mister Fischer’ was waiting for you inside.

Your heels clicked against the solid piece of marble of the entryway but you hardly noticed when the butler (oh, you hoped you were using the right term) took your bag and told you that Robert was waiting for you in the library. Of course there was a library. You followed his directions and pushed the door open, unsurprised with its silence or its wait.

Robert was leaning against the fireplace mantle, nursing a glass of cognac. The crystal clacked as he set it down when he spotted you. You were quick to meet him halfway, wrapping your arms around him as he pulled you tight against his chest. The pair of you was quiet for a moment as you tried to press every ounce of love you had into him.

“Tell me what you need. I’m here for you.”

Robert’s next breath rumbled through him and he pulled you even tighter. “Just need you.”

“You have me.”

He was quiet again for just a moment. “I’m dissolving the company.”

You went to pull back but he held firm. “What?”

“I’m going to build something better. I don’t want to be a miserable old man like him. I don’t want to devote my life to a company when I have a family who needs me.”

“A family?” You prodded softly.

“I want a family with you. I want it all with you.”

The simple words had tears forming in your eyes and you just held him tighter. “I want that, too.” You pulled back, finally able to do so when his grip loosened, and pressed a hand to his cheek. “We can talk more about it after the funeral, okay? Emotions are running high right now. I don’t want you to think that you have to make any big decisions immediately. I’m not going anywhere.”

Robert’s eyes searched for something in your face but he seemed to find what he wanted as he smiled. “I know.”

You stood at Robert’s side during the wake and funeral and tried to keep him out of the spotlight when the photogs descended on him before the reception. He held your hand in the back of the limousine that took you back to the house after the coffin was buried and didn’t let go until he was pressing you down into his bed.

You sighed as he sank into you, hot and thick. He was always so good to you. Always stuffed you full and left you gasping. Every drag and pull of him was sending new sparks up your spine and you clung to him as he dragged you closer to euphoria. “Take what you need, Bobby,” you whimpered. “Take it.”

And he did. His hips snapped to yours, hard and strong, as his hands pressed you down into the mattress until you were only able to hold onto him, letting out choked whines and whimpers into the flushed skin of his neck.

“You’re mine,” he said, words in time with each thrust.

You could feel him in your throat.

“Yours.”

Robert bared his teeth and the next thrusts knocked the air from your lungs and you wailed as you felt him come, warmth blooming and spilling. His deft fingers found your clit and rubbed vicious circles until you were keening with your own release that he swallowed with a kiss that was all teeth and tongue.

Both of you were quiet as he led you to the bath and filled it with near-scalding water and some sort of floral oils. He held you tight against his chest again and you tried not to be embarrassed when he sent one of the (many) maids to fetch the bottle of champagne he’d apparently set out for this moment. Realizing that it was the same champagne from that night in your office all those months ago did make you smile. Robert turned and poured two glasses and pressed one into your hand. You settled back against his chest and sipped, frowning when it didn’t quite taste the same. Maybe it was a different year. Oh well.

By the time you finished your glass, you were exhausted and blamed the sex and hot water. “Take me to bed, Bobby?”

He wiped you down with a warmed towel and wrapped you up in a plush robe before leading you back to bed that now had new sheets. You were too tired to care about someone being that aware of your bedroom activities. You’d be back in Australia soon enough anyway.

Your eyelids were fighting to stay open by the time your head hit the pillow and Robert settled beside you. His warm hand cupped your cheek and his thumb smoothed a gentle arc beneath your eye. “My lonely girl.”

“Yours,” you mumbled, eyes closing.

“Mine.”

You woke the next morning with a raging headache and a strange cottony feeling behind your tongue. Robert wasn’t beside you and you assumed he was probably already downstairs, eating breakfast and answering emails. You would have to convince him to take the day off.

Work could wait.

You walked to the closet in search of your bag and…couldn’t find it.

Your purse was missing from where you had left it on the bedside chair, too.

Your passport wasn’t in the lockbox.

“Bobby?” You called out as you walked down the hall, trepidation with every step. Something was wrong. “Bobby?”

The house was silent. Unnervingly so. You could almost hear the blood roaring in your ears. You were almost relieved when you spotted the butler near the front door. “Hi, I’m so sorry to bother you so early in the morning, but do you happen to know if one of the maids, um, moved my stuff? I can’t seem to find anything.”

The butler nodded, quick and sharp. “Mister Fischer has made sure everything you will need is delivered by noon. I will have the maids bring it to your room when it arrives.”

That…that didn’t make any sense. “I…have you seen Robert?” You asked, just wanting to see a familiar face. Your Bobby.

“He’s returned to Australia, miss.”

Your stomach dropped to your feet. “What?”

“He said he left a note in the bedroom explaining the situation.”

That was dismissal enough and you turned and walked back to the room, metaphorical tail tucked between your legs. You did find the note and braced for an awkward break up or something of that ilk but what you found instead had your veins turning to ice.

I’ll be back for you. We can begin our lives together as soon as I finish dealing with the board. You’ll want for nothing, I’ve made sure of it. And you can finally settle into the life I’ve always wanted to give you. Learn the house. Pick out a nursery.

This had to be a joke, right?

Right?

But the windows were on an alarm system and a man with a gun would yank you back into the room before you could even get halfway out. The doors were guarded. The landline didn’t work. The computer in the office didn’t connect to the internet.

You were alone.

Alone.

Alone.

Alone.

Alone until Robert came back three weeks later and placed a diamond ring on your finger as he kissed away your tears. You weren’t sure if you were crying out of anger or relief to finally have him back.

“Why’d you do this, Bobby?” You whispered into his chest as he held you close. You didn’t have the energy to fight him.

“Because you’re mine.”

A/N: please let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!

[notes-in-the-margins]

WIP Word Game

Rules: Tagger gives a word, then for each letter of that word, you share an excerpt from your WIPs that start with that letter.

Tagged by @weepynymph  - word is FLAWS

Tagging : @not-with-you-but-of-you , @approximatedsunlight , @silas-lehnsherr , @rudeflower , @ernestonlysayslovelythings and anyone else who wants to! sorry

F: Food Jess, food.’ Shane reiterated.

‘Oh no thanks I’m not hungry.’ He sighed, leaning back in his chair.

‘Come on you’ve gotta eat something, at least have a bit of mine, ok?’ She insisted and he turned on her, hating that her caring about him made him feel like a child.

‘Who made you Mary fucking Poppins?’ He scathed. She rolled her eyes again.

‘You like pepperoni?’ She persisted ,making him frown at the table and nod his head, pouting a little like a toddler. Maybe he was just a child after all.

Shane went up to the counter with Rory and Lane following suit under the guise of helping her remember everything but clearly wanting to avoid him, which didn’t nothing to brighten the fugue over his head. 

L: ‘Lid.’ She said, as normally as possible and pointed to the doughnut case. He looked up, bit his bottom lip in a slight pout and placed the lid back on as instructed. All of the chairs were down now and the next thing was to start firing up all the machines. Except neither of them were moving, caught in the quiet. 

‘Jess how was Australia?’ She was met by the terminator-like drone of him turning on the coffee machine. ‘Well now you’re just being rude.’ She crossed her arms over her chest and stood waiting for him to turn around and stop being a dick. He walked into the kitchen and turned on the stove. She huffed her way to the kitchen and stared him down as he kneeled down in front of the stove, placing his hand in to see if it was heating up yet—sometimes it just didn’t. ‘Pulling a Plath is not going to get you out of talking to me.’ More silence. 

Oh absolutely not, Rory thought, making her way into the kitchen and kneeling down next to him. He closed the stove door and leant back on the cupboard behind him. 

‘It was too hot.’ He murmured.

‘The stove? You just turned it on— is it broken again?!’ He placed his hand on her arm, halting her paranoid lunge towards the clunky old stove. 

‘Not the stove, Australia.’ He looked at her again. into her big blue eyes, watery from the early hour. She turned to face him, glad now that they were sitting on the kitchen floor, that Luke was so pernickety about cleaning. 

A: ‘Ah, a good girl,’ he says with a delighted grin, happy, it seems, to be let in on the secret.

‘Yes, that has been my trade.’ She nods again, she’s been nodding a lot this evening. Her head feels loose. ‘Historically, at least.’

‘Well, cheers to changing history, love. I’m sure you’ll do the good people of… good people proud.’ He lifts his glass again and she clinks hers against it with another laugh, this one more free and unrestrained. This whole evening has turned out much better than the dreadful awkward one she’d envisioned.

She knows she ought to let the conversation move on, not belabour the point and overshare, but the words tumble loose before she has the presence of mind to stop them.

‘I mean, I’ve been trying so hard all my life to be good, you know?’ She scrunches her eyebrows and pouts like a child, like the child in her mind that was always sitting on a knifes edge trying to be so very perfect. 

‘I really don’t, love.’ He laughs, but combined with his steady attentive eyes, she can’t find an ounce of patronisation in it. She’s surprised she’s managed to hold his interest this long. In her limited experience Finn seemed like the type to be easily distracted. 

W: Were they government? It was terrifyingly unclear. 

‘Yes that’s it.’ 

She’s been walking up to the pub on a fairly busy well lit street when an arm came out of an alleyway and pulled her in, a hand clamping over her mouth. She thought for sure she was dead meat.

‘This book contains encrypted codes for dates and names involved in an operation spread worldwide and as the person who transported it across to the United States we were bound by protocol to do a background check on you. Usually in this case there would be no need to bring you in as you’d be classed as an ‘unaware carrier’ but in our checks we found you were recently in a romantic relationship with Jess Lucas Mariano.’

Her mouth fell open with shock. Taylor wouldn’t be surprised, not Lorelai, maybe not even Luke but her, she knows him and this isn’t his gig. 

‘What... why does— what does this have to do with him? He’s never even left the East Coast.’ One of the men started writing something down.’

‘Now Miss Gilmore, Jess Mariano moved to Stars Hollow In September of 2001 and you met him soon after, you became friends and eventually entered into a romantic relationship in November 2002 yes?’

This was so fucking strange. And Rory never used that word, not even in her head but if there was ever a time.

S: She woke up a few hours later with Jimmy sitting over her. ‘We had a baby boy Lizzie, just like you said.’ He’d whispered. ‘He’s very small but they told me he’s tough… tough just like you.’ 

He was out of the state by the following night. She’d thought that in this life of hers so full of loss, she at least still had her son. She’d spent months in the hospital having CT scans and examinations all while watching him grow. She’d called him William at first, Will for short but something in her brain kept twitching every time she said it. It was the 8th October when she had the first dream she’d had in years. It was a girl, a woman really, maybe in her early twenties sitting entirely alone on an aeroplane as Liz walked down the aisle. She was deeply engrossed in a book but snapped her gaze up to her just as she was passing. 

‘You have to call him Jess.’ She said simply. ‘Or how will I know him?’

She had been shaken awake by a nurse saying her baby was struggling to breathe and she had to come. He was surrounded by doctors when she walked in, brought there perhaps to hold her baby for the last time when the time came. She walked past each doctor, their hands going numb when they tried to hold her back. She placed her hand on his chest and said his name. ‘Jess.’ 

[scottbiffin]

The Growth of Specialty Coffee Trading in Australia- Opportunities and Trends

The Australian coffee scene is globally recognized for its exceptional quality and unique culture. From bustling city cafés to regional roasters, Australia has cemented itself as a hub for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike. Over the past decade, a growing trend has been the rise of specialty coffee trading, which has transformed the industry and opened new doors for traders, roasters, and consumers. Scott Biffin, a seasoned coffee trader with deep expertise in the specialty coffee market, has played a pivotal role in this shift, helping shape the future of coffee trading in Australia.

This blog will explore the growth of specialty coffee trading in Australia, identifying the opportunities and trends that traders, like Biffin, have helped pioneer. We will also delve into how the Australian market is uniquely positioned to thrive in this space and what the future holds for specialty coffee trading.

Introduction: What Is Specialty Coffee?

Before diving into the specifics of trading, it's essential to understand what qualifies as specialty coffee. Unlike mass-market or commodity coffee, specialty coffee is defined by its high quality and distinct flavor profiles. Specialty coffee beans are usually scored 80 points or higher on a 100-point scale by certified tasters, meaning they are free from defects and exhibit unique characteristics in aroma, body, acidity, and aftertaste.

The emphasis on quality extends beyond just the beans—specialty coffee involves a commitment to traceability, ethical sourcing, and sustainable farming practices. For traders like Scott Biffin, dealing in specialty coffee is more than just a business; it's about fostering relationships with farmers, ensuring fair wages, and promoting environmentally friendly practices throughout the supply chain.

The Rise of Specialty Coffee Trading in Australia

In the last decade, Australia has witnessed a significant rise in the demand for specialty coffee, driven by both consumers' desire for higher quality and a deeper appreciation for the craft of coffee-making. Specialty coffee shops have mushroomed across the country, especially in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, which are known for their strong café cultures. This boom has, in turn, fueled the specialty coffee trading market.

Factors Contributing to Growth

Several factors have contributed to the rapid growth of specialty coffee trading in Australia:

Consumer Preferences Australian consumers are becoming more discerning about the coffee they drink. There is a growing demand for coffee that tells a story—from where it was grown to how it was harvested and roasted. Specialty coffee aligns perfectly with this shift in consumer behavior, offering a superior product that emphasizes origin, quality, and sustainability.

Café Culture Australia's café culture is deeply ingrained in its urban lifestyle. People are not just looking for a cup of coffee; they want a unique experience, which specialty coffee provides. This growing café culture has spurred demand for high-quality beans, further promoting the growth of specialty coffee trading.

Focus on Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing Specialty coffee trading often emphasizes ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability. Australian consumers, like many around the world, are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases. Coffee traders who focus on sourcing beans from environmentally friendly farms and promoting fair trade practices have gained a competitive edge.

Technology and Innovation The rise of technology has made it easier for traders and roasters to connect with coffee growers across the world. Platforms and trading hubs have emerged that allow coffee traders to access new markets and form direct relationships with farmers, ensuring higher-quality beans and more transparent trade practices.

The Influence of Pioneers Like Scott Biffin Pioneers like Scott Biffin have played a crucial role in fostering the specialty coffee market. Biffin, with years of experience in the coffee trading industry, has been at the forefront of advocating for sustainable coffee trading practices. His dedication to quality, ethical sourcing, and innovation has helped open new opportunities for Australian traders and roasters, setting the foundation for future growth.

Opportunities in Specialty Coffee Trading

With the growth of specialty coffee trading, several opportunities have emerged for traders and businesses in Australia. Whether you are an experienced trader like Scott Biffin or someone new to the coffee market, understanding these opportunities can provide a competitive advantage.

1. Direct Trade Relationships

One of the most significant trends in specialty coffee trading is the direct trade model, where traders build direct relationships with coffee farmers. This approach bypasses traditional middlemen, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their beans while allowing traders to have greater control over quality. Direct trade relationships also foster transparency and trust, helping traders differentiate their products in a crowded market.

For Australian traders, engaging in direct trade offers a chance to secure exclusive, high-quality coffee beans while supporting sustainable farming communities in coffee-growing regions like Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.

2. Expanding Export and Import Markets

While Australia's specialty coffee scene is thriving, the demand for high-quality coffee is not limited to domestic consumers. Exporting specialty coffee beans to international markets presents an opportunity for traders to tap into regions with growing demand for premium coffee, such as China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Conversely, importing specialty coffee beans from emerging coffee-producing countries can offer Australian traders a way to diversify their product offerings. Specialty coffee is not limited to traditional regions like Ethiopia or Colombia—new coffee-growing regions in Asia, such as Vietnam and Thailand, are producing beans that can appeal to adventurous coffee drinkers.

3. Specialty Coffee Subscription Services

Subscription-based models have gained traction across various industries, and specialty coffee is no exception. Specialty coffee traders can take advantage of this trend by partnering with roasters or establishing their own subscription services, offering curated selections of premium beans delivered directly to consumers' doorsteps. This model allows traders to build a loyal customer base and create ongoing revenue streams, while also introducing consumers to new and unique coffee origins.

4. Sourcing for Micro-Roasters and Independent Cafés

Australia’s micro-roaster and independent café scene is booming, with businesses striving to offer their customers something distinctive. Specialty coffee traders can cater to these niche markets by providing small-batch, high-quality beans that help roasters differentiate their offerings. By sourcing unique varietals or limited-edition beans, traders can supply micro-roasters with the materials they need to create stand-out products.

5. Coffee Tourism

As the world becomes more interested in the origin and journey of its coffee, coffee tourism has emerged as a niche but growing sector. Traders and coffee professionals, like Scott Biffin, who are knowledgeable about different coffee-growing regions, have the opportunity to organize tours or experiences for consumers. This not only deepens consumer appreciation for coffee but also helps strengthen relationships with producers and traders in coffee-growing countries.

Trends Shaping the Future of Specialty Coffee Trading

While the specialty coffee industry has grown significantly, several emerging trends are likely to shape the future of this sector. For traders looking to stay ahead of the curve, keeping an eye on these developments is crucial.

1. Focus on Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

Sustainability continues to be a key factor driving consumer behavior. Traders who prioritize sustainably sourced coffee and support ethical practices, such as paying farmers fair wages and reducing environmental impact, will continue to thrive. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in the products they buy, and the specialty coffee market is no exception.

Scott Biffin, an advocate of ethical coffee trading, has long emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, and traders who follow his lead are likely to find long-term success.

2. Technology and Blockchain

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in coffee trading, particularly through the use of blockchain to improve traceability. Blockchain technology allows traders to track the journey of coffee beans from farm to cup, providing consumers with proof of origin, quality, and ethical sourcing. This added layer of transparency can help traders build trust with consumers and strengthen their reputation in the market.

3. Diversification of Coffee Varietals

The specialty coffee market is constantly evolving, with traders exploring new and unique coffee varietals to meet consumer demand for distinctive flavor profiles. As climate change impacts traditional coffee-growing regions, traders are also turning to resilient varietals and lesser-known origins. Traders who can source these varietals stand to gain from offering something truly unique in a competitive market.

4. Cold Brew and Ready-to-Drink Specialty Coffee

Cold brew and ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverages are gaining popularity, particularly among younger consumers. Specialty coffee traders can capitalize on this trend by sourcing beans specifically for these brewing methods. As more consumers look for convenient, high-quality coffee options, traders who cater to this segment can diversify their product lines and expand their customer base.

Conclusion

The growth of specialty coffee trading in Australia offers numerous opportunities for traders, roasters, and consumers alike. From direct trade relationships to expanding into international markets, the specialty coffee sector presents a wealth of possibilities for those willing to embrace innovation and sustainability.

Pioneers like Scott Biffin have helped shape the future of specialty coffee trading by advocating for ethical sourcing, quality, and transparency. As Australia’s café culture continues to evolve and consumers demand more from their coffee, traders who focus on specialty coffee are well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic and growing industry.

By staying attuned to emerging trends, such as sustainable sourcing, technology integration, and consumer preferences for unique coffee varietals, traders can continue to build successful, long-term businesses in the specialty coffee space.

[scotianostra]

On January 27th 1784 the newspaper the Glasgow Herald was published for the first time.

As the birth of America brought the decline of the city’s lucrative tobacco trade and an end to its first phase of imperial expansion, the first issue of a newspaper called The Glasgow Advertiser was published.

When John Mennons - writer, editor, printer and publisher of The Glasgow Advertiser - sold the few hundred copies of his first issue around the coffee houses of Glasgow in 1783, he was already dealing with international businessmen, the tobacco lords and the other members of the Merchants’ House who traded with the Americas and Caribbean, who owned plantations and mansions across the Atlantic and whose fortunes would provide the basis for Glasgow’s early and hugely successful participation in the Industrial Revolution. The American colonies were lost, but the city continued to trade across the Atlantic, and soon added businesses in Africa, Australia and the Far East.

That first issue of The Herald showed the international interests of the Glasgow business community. On the front page alone there was intelligence from London, Dresden, Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Jamaica, New York, Gibraltar and Madrid, and reports of ships belonging to the East India Company sailing for Africa and the South Sea (the South China Sea). In addition, a disapproving account of the princes and princesses of Europe changing their religion “as if it were part of their dress” when marrying for family or national advantage was enlivened by the news that the Sultan of the Ottomans (Turkey) and the Sophia of Persia (Iran) had sent ambassadors to south Germany to ask for the hands in marriage of two princesses of the House of Wurttemberg.

The Glasgow Herald is the longest running national newspaper in the world and is the eighth oldest daily paper in the world. The paper was originally named the Glasgow Advertiser, and after a short spell as The Herald and Advertiser and Commercial Chronicle, became The Glasgow Herald in 1804.

The paper’s first editor John Mennons worked from offices at Duncan’s Land on Gibson’s Wynd, with the company moving to ‘The Lighthouse’ in Mitchell Street in 1895,the building is creditted cto architect John Keppie, but he apprenticed the young Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

On the 19th of July, 1980, the paper moved to offices in Albion Street. It is currently printed at Carmyle just south east of Glasgow.

[nightfallsystem-moved]

im gonna be so shocked if anyone votes for these...

reblog for nothing to happen ^_^

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 8.23

Holidays

Asian Corpsetwt Day [Every 23rd]

Battle of Kursk Day (Russia)

Black Ribbon Day (Baltic states)

The Blitz Begins (WW2; 1940; UK)

Daffodil Day [also 4th Friday]

European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism (EU)

Find Your Inner Nerd Day

Flag Day (Ukraine)

Goldfinch Day

Grand Mahal de Touba (Senegal)

Hashtag Day

Health Unit Coordinator Day

Hebron Massacre Anniversary (Israel)

Hug Your Sweetheart Day

International Blind Dog Day

International Day For the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (UN)

International Redhead Day

Internaut Day

Liberation from Fascist Occupation Day (Romania)

National Cheap Flight Day

National Doctors’ Day (Iran)

National Holiday (Socialist Republic of Romania)

National Levi Day

National Physicians Day (Iran)

National Plumber's Day

National Poetry Day (New Zealand)

National Sneak Off to the Beach Day

One-Way Street Day

Permanent Press Day

Pilot 823 Day

Purple Poppy Day (UK)

Ride the Wind Day

Sacco-Vanzetti Memorial Day

Schueberfouer Shepherd’s Fair begins (Luxembourg)

Singin’ in the Rain Day

Slavery Remembrance Day

Tansy Day

Tuberose Day (French Republic)

Umhlanga Day (Eswatini, f.k.a. Swaziland)

Valentino Day

Victory Over Germany in the Battle of Kursk Day (Russia)

William Wallace Day (Scotland)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Buttered Corn Day

Cuban Sandwich Day

National Spongecake Day

Peruvian Coffee Day (Peru)

Swedish Meatball Day

World Vada Pad Day (Maharashtra, India)

Independence & Related Days

Aerlig (Declared, 2001) [unrecognized]

Hong Kong (UK Takes from China; 1839-Non-Aggression Pact; 1939)

Kharkiv City Day (Ukraine)

Mexico (Treaty of Aquala Signed; 1821)

Open Rebellion Day (UK declared US Colonies; 1775)

4th Friday in August

Brother’s Day [1st Friday after Full Moon]

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Daffodil Day (Australia, Southern Hemisphere) [4th Friday]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Forgive Your Foe Friday [Friday of Be Kind to Humankind Week]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

International Pozole Day [4th Friday]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning August 23 (3rd Full Week of August)

Health Unit Coordinators Week (thru 8.29)

Festivals Beginning August 23, 2024

Askov Rutabaga Festival and Fair (Askov, Minnesota) [thru 8.25]

Big Feastival (Kingham, United Kingdom) [thru 8.25]

Bosque Chile & Music Fest (Albuquerque, New Mexico) [thru 8.24]

Butler Italian Festival (Butler, Pennsylvania) [thru 8.25]

Chorus Inside International (Rovinj, Croatia) [thru 8.28]

Colorado State Fair (Pueblo, Colorado) [thru 9.2]

DeKalb Corn Fest (DeKalb, Illinois) [thru 8.25]

Espoo Ciné International Film Festival (Espoo, Finland) [thru 9.1]

Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair (Fallon, Nevada) [8.25]

Fête Rouge Food & Wine Fête (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

German-American Festival (Oregon, Ohio) [thru 8.25]

Hill City Wine, Brew and BBQ(Hill City, South Dakota) [thru 8.24]

Humungous Fungus Fest (Crystal Falls, Michigan) [thru 8.24]

Indianapolis GreekFest - Indianapolis, Indiana

Mammoth Rocks & Music & Food Festival (Mammoth Lakes, California) [thru 8.24]

Northwest Art and Air Festival (Albany, Oregon) [thru 8.25]

Nebraska State Fair (Grand Island, Nebraska) [thru 9.2]

Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival (Loveland, Colorado) 9thru 8.24]

Oregon State Fair (Salem, Oregon) [thru 9.2]

Potato Days Festival (Barnesville, Minnesota) [thru 8.24]

Roots Festival (Paola, Kansas) [thru 8.24]

Shrewsbury Folk Festival (Shrewsbury, United Kingdom.) [thru 8.26]

Soybean Festival (Mexico, Missouri) [thru 8.24]

Sylvester Swine Festival (Sylvester, Georgia) [thru 8.24]

Washington State Garlic Fest (Chehalis, Washington) (thru 8.25]

Whiskies of the World (Boston, Massachusetts)

World Food & Music Festival (Des Moines, Iowa) [thru 8.25]

Feast Days

Allan Kaprow (Artology)

Appollinaris Sidnonius, Bishop of Clermont (Christian; Saint)

Appreciate What You’ve Got Day (Pastafarian)

Ascelina (Christian; Saint)

Asterius, Claudius, Domnina, Neon, and Theonilla (Christian; Martyrs)

Chǔshǔ begins (China) [Thru 9.7]

Claudius, Asterius and Others (Christian; Martyrs)

Day of Hephaestos (Pagan)

Day of Nemesea (Old Roman Goddess Nemesis, defender of the relics & memory of the dead from insults)

Dick Bruna (Artology)

Dollond (Positivist; Saint)

Dunadd in Argyll (Celtic Book of Days)

Éogan of Ardstraw (Christian; Saint)

Ernie Bushmiller (Artology)

Eugene Lanceray (Artology)

Eugenius of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Nemesis (Goddess of Fate; Ancient Greece)

Gaura Parba (Women’s Festival to Goddess Gauri; Nepal)

Great Feast of the Netjeru (All Gods/Goddesses; Ancient Egypt)

Hammer Fraggle (Muppetism)

Hannah Frank (Artology)

Janmashtami (Lord Krishna Nativity; Hindu)

Justinian the Hermit (Christian; Saint)

Keith Tyson (Artology)

Kirvis (Harvest Festival; Lithuania)

Lupus (a.k.a. Luppus) of Novae (Christian; Saint)

Nemeseia (Ancient Greece)

Nuclear Accident Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Philip Benitius (Christian; Saint)

Quiriacus and companions, of Ostia (Christian; Saint)

Rose of Lima (Christian; Saint)

Second Festival of Vertumnalia (Ripening Fruit; Ancient Rome; Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Theonas, Archbishop of Alexandria (Christian; Saint)

Tydfil (Christian; Saint)

Vertumnalia (Old Roman God of the Change of Seasons)

Vulcanalia (Ancient Roman festival to Vulcan)

William Ernest Henley (Writerism)

Willy Russell (Writerism)

Zacchaeus of Jerusalem (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

A-Hunting We Won’t Go (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1943)

Alice Adams (Film; 1935)

Angel Has Fallen (Film; 2019)

Animal Crackers (Film; 1930)

Barton Fink (Film; 1991)

Better Off Dead (Film; 1985)

The Big Sleep (Film; 1946)

Birdland (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1935)

Canadian Capers, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1931)

Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, recorded Perez Prado (Song; 1954)

Club Life in the Stone Age (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1940)

DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year (WB Animated Film; 2016)

The Death of Superman (WB Animated Film; 2018)

Drinking Buddies (Film; 2013)

Freeway (Film; 1996)

The Girl at the Ironing Board (WB MM Cartoon; 1934)

Going! Going! Gosh! (WB MM Cartoon; 1952)

Grace, by Jeff Buckley (Album; 1994)

Henry IV, Part 2, by William Shakespeare (Play; 1600)

Knighty Knight Bugs (WB LT Cartoon; 1958)

Lover, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2019)

Pass the Biscuits Mirandy! (Swing Symphony Cartoon; 1943)

Scotty Finds a Home (Rainbow Parade Cartoon; 1935)

She Loves You, by The Beatles (UK Song; 1963)

She’s the One (Film; 1996)

Sir Army Suit, by Klaatu (Album; 1978)

The Sun Also Rises (Film; 1957)

Superior Duck (WB Cartoon; 1996)

Superman: Man of Tomorrow (WB Animated Film; 2020)

Teen Wolf (Film; 1985)

That ’70s Show (TV Series; 1998)

Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz (WB Animated Film; 2011)

Woody’s Magic Touch (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1971)

The World’s End (Film; 2013)

Today’s Name Days

Isolde, Philipp, Rosa, Zachäus (Austria)

Rozalija, Ruža, Ružica (Croatia)

Sandra (Czech Republic)

Zakæus (Denmark)

Signe, Singe (Estonia)

Signe, Varma (Finland)

Rose (France)

Isolde, Rosa, Zachäus (Germany)

Bence (Hungary)

Fabrizio, Maria, Regina (Italy)

Benjamins, Ralfs, Spriditis, Vitālijs (Latvia)

Girmantas, Pilypas, Tautgailė (Lithuania)

Signe, Signy (Norway)

Apolinary, Benicjusz, Filip, Laurenty, Sulirad, Walerian, Waleriana, Zacheusz (Poland)

Filip (Slovakia)

Rosa (Spain)

Signe, Signhild (Sweden)

Eugene, Eugenia, Geena, Gena, Gene, Genie, Gina, Jina, River, Zacchaeus, Zaccheus (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 236 of 2024; 130 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 34 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 21 of 28]

Chinese: Month 7 (Ren-Shen), Day 20 (Ji-Wei)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 19 Av 5784

Islamic: 17 Safar 1446

J Cal: 26 Purple; Fryday [26 of 30]

Julian: 10 August 2024

Moon: 80%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 11 Gutenberg (9th Month) [Dollond]

Runic Half Month: Rad (Motion) [Day 1 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 65 of 94)

Week: 3rd Full Week of August

Zodiac: Virgo (Day 2 of 32)

Calendar Changes

Rad (Motion) [Half-Month 17 of 24; Runic Half-Months] (thru 9.6)

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

David Rowe, Australia Financial Review

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

August 27, 2024

Heather Cox Richardson

Aug 28, 2024

Sam Stein of The Bulwark reported yesterday that the Trump campaign is about to start running ads in the area around Mar-a-Lago. Trump insiders say the campaign has paid almost $50,000 to run ads to make Trump and local donors feel good. On August 14, Kevin Cate, former spokesperson for President Barack Obama, predicted that Trump would spend his first television dollars “in Florida (for his ego and against his team’s advice). And that’s how you’ll know we’re in landslide territory.” 

Predictions about future elections and an average of $3.08 will get you a cup of coffee these days, but there are some interesting signs out there today. Pollster Tom Bonier noted what he called “the Harris Effect”: the 13 states that have updated their voters files since July 21—when Biden said he would not accept the Democratic nomination for president—have seen “incredible surges in voter registration relative to the same time period in 2020, driven by women, voters of color, and young voters.”

The registrations of young Black women have almost tripled compared with the same period in 2020. The registrations of young Hispanic women are up by 150%. “Black women overall have almost doubled their registration numbers from 2020,” Bonier wrote. 

These changes benefit Democrats, Bonier noted. “Democratic registration has increased by over 50%, as compared to only 7% for Republicans. These new registrants are modeled as +20 pts Dem, as compared to +6 during the same week in 2020.”

The Cook Political Report today moved the electoral votes of Minnesota, New Hampshire, and North Carolina, and the governor's races in North Carolina and Washington, toward the Democrats. Minnesota, New Hampshire, and the Washington governor have gone from leaning Democratic to likely Democratic wins; the North Carolina governor’s race has gone from Toss Up to Lean Democratic; North Carolina has gone from Lean Republican to Toss Up. 

Meanwhile, Trump began the day by posting an advertisement for the fourth “series of Trump digital trading cards,” or NFTs (which are unique digital tokens) featuring heroic images of Trump. People who buy 15 or more of them—at $99 apiece—get a physical trading card as well. Trump said that the physical card has a piece of the suit he wore at the presidential debate, and Trump promises to sign five of them, randomly. Up to 25 people who buy $25,750 worth of the cards with cryptocurrency will be invited to a gala next month at his Jupiter, Florida, golf club.

In the ad, Trump made it a point to emphasize his enthusiasm for cryptocurrency, an emphasis that dovetails with Trump’s recent promotion of an “official” cryptocurrency project. He linked to a Telegram channel run by his sons Don Jr. and Eric that, at the time, was called “The DeFiant Ones” but has been renamed “World Liberty Financial.” While there is little public information about the project, the channel has almost 50,000 subscribers.  

Hawking merchandise was an odd move for a presidential candidate, and it suggested his focus is elsewhere than on the election. Also today, Trump announced that he plans to make former Democrats Robert Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, both of whom have endorsed him, honorary members of his transition team. Kennedy told right-wing personality Tucker Carlson that he would “help pick the people who will be running the government.” 

This afternoon, Trump announced that the terms for the September 10 presidential debate had been set, but the fact it came from him alone suggested he was trying to get his way by simply declaring he had won. Indeed, the Harris campaign said the issue hadn’t been settled, and ABC News, which is holding the debate, did not comment. 

Late this afternoon, special counsel Jack Smith filed a superseding indictment against Trump in the federal criminal case concerning Trump’s attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. After the Supreme Court decided on July 1, 2024, in the aptly-named case of Donald J. Trump v. United States, that Trump cannot be charged with crimes committed as part of his official duties, the criminal case Smith had filed against him for his attempt to steal the election had to be reworked to eliminate those actions the court deemed official. 

A new grand jury heard the evidence for this indictment, avoiding concerns that the previous grand jury might be swayed by evidence that they had heard before but was no longer admissible. The new indictment removes those matters but retains the four original charges and clarifies that they concern actions that are not official duties. Legal analyst Joyce White Vance of Civil Discourse notes that while the old indictment referred to Trump as a former president, this one refers to him as “a candidate for president.” 

Trump greeted the announcement with a long, unhinged rant on his social media company, saying that “[t]he people of our country will see what is happening with all of these corrupt lawsuits against me, and will REJECT them by giving me an overwhelming Victory on November 5th for President of the United States….”

“For those counting,” legal analyst Andrew Weismann wrote, “FIVE separate grand juries (scores of citizens) have now found probable cause that Trump committed multiple felonies.” 

And then, this evening, Quil Lawrence and Tom Bowman of NPR explained the story behind the surprising photos of Trump on Monday giving a thumbs-up over a grave in Arlington National Cemetery. The reporters wrote that “[t]wo members of Donald Trump's campaign staff had a verbal and physical altercation Monday with an official” at the cemetery, where “[f]ederal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities.” When a cemetery official tried to prevent Trump campaign staff from entering the section where the grave was located, “campaign staff verbally abused and pushed the official aside.” A Trump campaign spokesperson said the official who tried to prevent the staff from holding a political event in the cemetery was “clearly suffering from a mental health episode.” 

The elephant in the room these days is that most Republicans, along with many pundits, are pretending that Trump is a normal presidential candidate. They are ignoring his mental lapses, calls for authoritarianism, grifting, lack of grasp on any sort of policy, and criminality, even as he has hollowed out the once grand Republican Party and threatens American democracy itself.

It’s hard to look away from the reality that the Republican senators could have stopped this catastrophe at many points in Trump’s term, at the very least by voting to convict Trump at his first impeachment trial. At the time, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said, “Out of one hundred senators, you have zero who believe you that there was no quid pro quo. None. There’s not a single one.” Republican senators nonetheless stood behind Trump. “This is not about this president. It’s not about anything he’s been accused of doing,” then–majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told his colleagues. “It has always been about November 3, 2020. It’s about flipping the Senate.”

When the Framers wrote the Constitution, they did not foresee senators abandoning the principles of the country in order to support a president they thought would enhance their own careers. Assuming that lawmakers would jealously guard their own power, the Framers gave to the members of the House of Representatives the power to impeach a president. To the members of the Senate they gave the sole power to try impeachments. They assumed that lawmakers, who had just fought a war to break free of a monarch, would understand that their own interests would always require stopping the rise of an authoritarian leader. 

But the Framers did not foresee the rise of political partisanship. 

In the modern era, extreme partisanship has led to voter suppression to keep Republicans in power, the weaponization of the filibuster to stop Democratic legislation, and gerrymandering to enable Republicans to take far more legislative seats than they have earned. The demands of this extreme partisanship also mean that members of one of the nation’s major political parties have lined up behind a man whom, were he running this sort of a campaign even ten years ago, they would have dismissed with derision. 

Finally, devastatingly, the partisanship that made senators keep Trump in office enabled him to name to the Supreme Court three justices. Those three justices were key to making up the majority that overturned the nation’s fundamental principle that all people must be equal before the law. In July 2024 they ruled that unlike anyone else, a president is above it.  

In May 2016, South Carolina Republican senator Lindsey Graham famously observed: “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed.......and we will deserve it.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[cavenewstimestoday]

Kopi Kenangan makes Australia debut with Sydney store

The launch comes hot on the heels of debuts in the Philippines and India as the Indonesian coffee chain sets its sights on 2,500 stores globally by 2028  Kopi Kenangan has continued its international expansion drive with a first store in Australia. The fast-growing Indonesian coffee chain, which trades as Kenangan Coffee internationally, has launched at Sydney’s Westfield Myer shopping centre and…

[wheremymindgoeswandering]

It’s becoming harder by the day to pretend this isn’t a controlled demolition of the U.S. economy, except the person holding the plunger is also shouting “Help! The building’s falling!” That’s the tragicomic heart of the moment. Trump, the self-proclaimed dealmaker and economic genius, is now openly afraid of a 1929-style collapse, even as he isolates the United States from every major trading partner, fires or bullies institutional stewards, and surrounds himself with sycophants who think “Ron Vara” is a legitimate source of macroeconomic insight.

Meanwhile, outside our increasingly paranoid borders, the grown-ups are still at the table. Canada, led by a calm and resolute Mark Carney, is executing what can only be described as precision economic diplomacy. Their retaliatory tariffs aren’t broad-stroke chaos, they’re surgical. Instead of going after random U.S. goods, they’ve targeted symbolic, regionally sensitive exports: peanut butter from Georgia, coffee from Florida, orange juice from Florida, motorcycles from Wisconsin, and bourbon from Kentucky, each selected not only for economic impact, but for political resonance in Republican strongholds. At the same time, they’ve spared critical sectors like auto manufacturing, shielding Canadian jobs while preserving the long-integrated North American supply chain. Provinces have joined in with layered actions of their own. Ontario canceled a $100 million Starlink contract, Quebec ordered American liquor off state shelves, and Nova Scotia doubled tolls on U.S. commercial vehicles. Retailers across the country are now labeling American goods with a “T” for “tariff,” inviting consumers to make patriotic purchasing decisions. The result? A population that understands the stakes and a government actually coordinating its moves with strategy in mind, not cosplay, not chaos, but competence.

Japan, for its part, has begun quietly rebalancing its trade and defense postures, no longer convinced that the U.S. under Trump is a reliable ally or market. As Shinji Aguma recently said in a speech that's now ricocheting across global capitals, Trump behaves less like a statesman and more like an extortionist. Japan is responding accordingly, hedging its economic bets while bolstering ties with the EU and ASEAN nations.

China, for its part, is playing a masterclass in strategic patience. While Trump rattles sabers and brags about tariff victories that don’t exist, Beijing is quietly tightening its grip on global supply chains, shifting rare earth exports to preferred partners, and expanding its Belt and Road economic influence without firing a shot. Instead of engaging in tit-for-tat chaos, they’ve taken a colder approach: reducing purchases of long-term U.S. Treasuries, redirecting trade to Latin America and Africa, and quietly expanding yuan-denominated trade agreements—including a notable spike in oil deals settled outside the dollar. Internally, they're cushioning the impact of U.S. tariffs through state subsidies and domestic stimulus, while externally, they’re simply allowing U.S. dysfunction to speak for itself. When asked if they plan to retaliate with a major U.S. bond selloff, they don’t say yes—they just don’t have to. The global market now expects instability from Washington, and China knows that expectation is power. Trump wants a fight; Xi Jinping is playing a waiting game. And every day Trump wages war against courts, investors, and allies, he’s doing Beijing’s work for them.

The European Union, too, is playing the long game. Rather than matching chaos with chaos, they've responded to Trump’s tariff barrage with targeted countermeasures, hitting Harley-Davidsons, bourbon, and cranberries in 2020, and now reviving pressure on key industrial imports like American-made electrical components and processed foods. But more importantly, they’re channeling their energy into building out multilateral alternatives: accelerating trade agreements with Mercosur and Australia, strengthening ties with Japan under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, and actively pursuing deeper integration with African and ASEAN markets. They’re also welcoming disillusioned U.S. investors. European equity funds have seen net inflows of over $11 billion this month alone, even as U.S. stock funds bled nearly $11 billion. Germany, France, and the Netherlands have seen especially strong investment surges, with capital moving into euro-denominated bonds and infrastructure projects offering both stability and return. And they’re doing all of this while watching the United States melt into a self-inflicted credibility crisis over its own debt, its currency, and its basic ability to govern. In short, while Washington yells into its own echo chamber, Brussels is quietly rerouting the future.

At home, the contrast is staggering. Trump continues to wage war against his own institutions. He has vilified the Federal Reserve, cast doubt on the integrity of courts, and inflated the powers of unqualified loyalists like Peter Navarro, a man who literally invented a fake economist to back his theories. Cooler heads, seasoned experts, and non-fabricated humans have been pushed aside in favor of true believers whose economic strategies might as well be based on Reddit threads and revenge fantasies.

The result is a spiral: as international partners recalibrate and global capital exits, Trump grows more erratic. He screams about depression, lashes out at Jerome Powell, threatens allies, and blames everyone but the mirror. But this isn’t just the tantrum of a man losing control. It’s the very real danger of a once-stable empire hollowed out by ego, paranoia, and a dangerous belief that reality itself can be managed like a brand.

There is still time to pull back from the brink, but it would require Trump to abandon the fantasy that he alone can fix what he alone is breaking. And that, as history has shown again and again, may be the most dangerous illusion of all.

#tariffs #tradewar #China #Canada #europe

[dailyrisecoffee]

Papua New Guinea Organic: A Hidden Gem in Sustainable Agriculture

Papua New Guinea (PNG), a diverse and ecologically rich country located in the southwestern Pacific, is becoming a global leader in organic agriculture. With over 85% of its population engaged in subsistence farming and a strong connection to traditional agricultural practices, PNG is uniquely positioned to offer high-quality organic produce that meets the increasing demand for sustainable and chemical-free food worldwide.

Why Papua New Guinea is Ideal for Organic Farming

Papua New Guinea’s fertile volcanic soils, abundant rainfall, and tropical climate provide the perfect environment for organic cultivation. Its remote location and traditional farming culture have naturally limited the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making the transition to certified organic farming seamless for many rural communities.

Key Organic Products from Papua New Guinea

Organic Coffee

PNG is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest organic Arabica coffee. Grown in the highlands at elevations of 1,400–2,000 meters, the coffee benefits from rich volcanic soil, clean air, and a cool climate. Farmers hand-pick the cherries and use traditional sun-drying methods, preserving the coffee’s unique flavor profile — bright acidity, smooth body, and fruity undertones.

The PNG Coffee Industry Corporation has been instrumental in supporting organic certifications, which have increased demand from discerning international buyers who prioritize sustainability and traceability.

Organic Cocoa

Papua New Guinea’s organic cocoa is another flagship product gaining global attention. Grown primarily in East New Britain, Bougainville, and the Sepik regions, PNG cocoa is celebrated for its rich aroma, balanced acidity, and fine flavor.

The use of traditional fermentation and drying methods further enhances the quality, while certifications from organizations such as NASAA and the Rainforest Alliance ensure that the cocoa meets stringent organic and ethical standards.

Organic Vanilla

PNG produces some of the world’s most sought-after organic vanilla beans, particularly from regions such as East Sepik and Madang. The labor-intensive hand-pollination and curing processes ensure a product with intense fragrance, high vanillin content, and exceptional quality.

Unlike mass-produced vanilla, PNG’s organic vanilla is traceable, fair-trade certified, and grown using methods that respect both people and planet.

Organic Spices and Herbs

In addition to coffee, cocoa, and vanilla, PNG is emerging as a source of organic turmeric, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. These spices are cultivated using agroforestry techniques, often intercropped with other crops to enhance soil fertility and biodiversity.

The low use of synthetic inputs, combined with centuries-old indigenous knowledge, results in highly potent and pure organic spices ideal for health-conscious consumers and premium markets.

Certification and Export Opportunities

Papua New Guinea’s organic industry is supported by national and international certification bodies, including:

Organic Producers’ Organization of PNG (OPO-PNG)

NASAA Organic (Australia)

IFOAM — Organics International

These certifications ensure that PNG’s organic products meet global standards and are ready for export to markets in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia.

With government initiatives and NGO support, smallholder farmers are being trained in organic farming methods, sustainable land use, and post-harvest handling, thereby improving product quality and export readiness.

Sustainability and Community Impact

Organic agriculture in PNG is not only beneficial for the environment but also empowers rural communities, particularly women and youth. By reducing dependence on chemical inputs and promoting value-added processing, organic farming enhances income stability, food security, and climate resilience.

The focus on regenerative practices, such as composting, mulching, and permaculture, helps maintain soil fertility and biodiversity while sequestering carbon. These practices are aligned with PNG’s commitment to sustainable development and the United Nations SDGs.

Challenges and Solutions

While PNG’s organic potential is immense, challenges such as limited infrastructure, logistical difficulties, and market access remain. However, ongoing projects are addressing these issues through:

Capacity building and farmer cooperatives

Investment in cold chains and transport systems

Digital platforms for supply chain transparency

Additionally, public-private partnerships are creating more efficient pathways for organic certification and marketing, connecting farmers to premium international buyers.

Global Demand and Market Growth

The global organic food market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% in the coming years. Consumers are increasingly seeking organic, ethically produced, and traceable products — exactly what PNG offers. Countries like Germany, the USA, Japan, and Australia are already importing PNG’s organic coffee, cocoa, and vanilla, with growing interest from new markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The Future of Organic in PNG

Papua New Guinea has the potential to become a leading exporter of organic products in the Asia-Pacific region. With supportive government policies, increasing farmer awareness, and a natural environment conducive to sustainable agriculture, PNG is poised for significant growth in the organic sector.

Investing in research, innovation, and agroecological education will be key to maintaining quality, scaling production, and ensuring that organic farming remains profitable for future generations.