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Don Laskin’s Uncalled for Commentary on Just About Anything That's Often None of His Business

Yet Even More Tales of The Pine Center

Back in the Forties through the Fifties, in the foothills of the Catskills in Upstate New York, my family owned The Pine Center, a small hotel in what the city people called “The Mountains”. These are their stories.

To avoid confusion, the two pictured above are not the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who would not be born for another forty years. No, this pic is of Henry and Corny the night they didn’t make it home. Well almost, but, that story’s going to have to wait for some background not covered in previous Tales of The Pine Center posts.

I was nine or ten when our hotel was so full I had to sleep on a cot in the office beside the roll top desk. Then there were times it was even “fuller” and I slept in the roll top desk — with the top down. Okay, I never slept in the desk. But more than once it was so booked, my brothers and I and even a few guests had to bunk at neighbors. Guests weren’t necessarily nicer in the 1940s and 50s. The ones who agreed to sleep away were close family friends. You could call it the price of friendship.

From what I said about sleeping accommodations, you might come away with the impression The Pine Center was relatively small. And, you’d be right. But, until I started writing these posts I never realized, how many people it took to run even our small place.

Guests were drawn to my father who entertained them with tales of his growing up in a tough Harlem neighborhood and mildly off-color stories that began in English and ended in punchlines in Yiddish impossible for me to decipher, but that the intended audience found hilarious. In addition to playing poker and pinochle with guests, he quelled complaints, hired dish washers, chambermaids, and servers, did the billing and taxes, and once a week took the long trip to Honesdale, Pennsylvania to restock supplies. I tagged along every chance I could get. One time in particular on the way home out of the blue, he turned to me, “Son, you have any money on you?” He’d never asked that before and never did again.

I dug around my dungaree pockets and came up with lint, three singles and another dollar or so in dimes and quarters from selling soda. He pulled the car into the parking lot of a diner. We had apple pie and coffee. And I paid for it — like a real man. It wasn’t the best-tasting apple pie I ever had, but it’s one that left the best taste in my mouth.

My Mom did all the meal planning, food prep, cooking and baking in a pre-air conditioned kitchen in June, July and August heat, generally without a whole lot of help. One man my father hired, though, was exceptional. Then six weeks in, he explained he’d been dry as long as he could stand it. He’d try climbing back on the wagon after a couple of weeks, but couldn’t promise anything.

We never saw him again.

No matter what, somehow, Mom managed to feed the guests — to rave reviews. It caused many of them to request her recipes. And she was willing to share her secrets. However, she never specified how much a dash, dollop or pinch was because she would change things up by the amount of food and number of people, availability of ingredients in season and the like. In other words, Mom did what you could call “improv chefery"— more artistry than assembly line.

During the summer my mother would be up at five and work till eight or nine. This went on without letup till Labor Day after which she’d hibernate for a couple of weeks sleeping days on end.

Local high-school girls got the food from the kitchen to the dining room. And no. Waitressing (No one used the term server) was a plum summer job. There was loads of free time between meals and salary came with generous tips when the guests left.

The waitress I’ll never forget was my first girlfriend, Maria. She was sixteen. I was four. But I was not about to let that difference in age stand between us. Then she met Eugene with that way he had of chewing gum. Every second-and-a-half or third chew, he’d run the tip of his tongue over his upper lip starting at the left-hand corner of his mouth and let it glide around in a graceful arc coming to a halt at the right corner.

When I was old enough to go to school, I'd study Eugene (Narrowsburg Central Rural School buses carried first grade through seniors in high school). I was fascinated. Transfixed was more like it. And I did my damnedest to mimic his moves, never quite getting it right. I switched from Juicy Fruit to Double Bubble. I would’ve even tried Feen-a-ment if I thought that might help and damn the consequences. Look up Feen-a-mint and you’ll see the consequences could be dire.

Six years after Maria and I first met, she threw me over, marrying Eugene. A lot of people, maybe even you, would again point to the age difference. BUT I was catching up. As I said, Maria was sixteen and I was four when we met. She was four times as old as I was. By the time she married Eugene, she was twenty-three and I was ten which only made her a little more than twice as old. Clearly it wouldn’t have been too long before I caught up.* If only Eugene hadn’t been so gum gifted.

After Maria, there were other servers, including Maria’s sister Mildred, but it could never be the same. Perhaps it had to do with my sneaking up behind one of the girls while she was sorting silverware, lifting her skirt and running away laughing hysterically before she could strangle me. I should mention, I gave up this practice before my seventh birthday and long before I could be charged with sexual harassment if I’d known what sexual harassment was — or if I’d known what sex was.

Aided, abetted and egged on... literally…by guests Eleanor and Paul, my older brother, who was waiting on tables one summer, substituted a raw egg for a half apricot in heavy syrup in another guest’s dessert. Waiting on tables could be fun.

Obviously a hotel needs chambermaids. There was Mary, who looked to be about eighty and actually may have been older. Hardly ever saying a word, Mary was famous for drinking prodigious amounts of alcohol, the many empties discovered after the summer a testament to her ability to hold her liquor and do her job.

Then there was Sophie. Asked to help with something…anything, her answer was the same even if the building were on fire. “Zjust ah minute. Zjust ah secont,” It was a phrase that echoed down through family lore for years right up there with “Who the horse?”

It might've been a second or third cousin…could’ve been a distant uncle…maybe a brother-in-law. Anyway he was told about a farmer who was leading a horse into his barn when the animal reared up. He was kicked in the head and died. The second or third cousin…could’ve been a distant uncle…maybe a brother-in-law asked, “Who the horse?”

Zjust ah minute. Zjust ah secont and I’ll tell you about Elisha originally from the Caribbean. Every spring she’d call from the city to tell my father she dreamed he died. Finding he was alive, she’d ask if her usual summer gig were available.

Having spent a good chunk of my working life submitting resumes, going on interviews, etc, I’d have to say Elisha’s way of getting work was unique.

As you know, GE, Maytag and Samsung are the names of dishwashers. What you don’t know is so are Corny, Donald and Tony. Tony or Mr. Ovetchka as he insisted on being called when he was drunk, demanded undeserved respect from a five-year-old who needed him to get a glass off a high shelf so the boy (me) could get a drink of water. A petty thief if an opportunity presented itself, Tony’s major claim to fame was getting so blasted he slept thirty-six hours straight. No one shook him because nobody wanted to be the one to find his dead body.

Over the years, there were probably as many dish washers as the hotel had plates. An employment agency in Monticello, a town twenty miles away, would get periodic shipments of…for want of a better description…bums shanghaied from one of New York’s skid rows. Okay “shanghaied” would be too strong since they could leave any time and usually did after the first paycheck. Then they’d be off on a bender and the process would start over.

Tony and Corny were local but about as reliable as the rest. Still, they were very different characters. Tony was a nasty drunk while Corny was happy-go-lucky, likable and always getting into some kind of mischief or misfortune like the time he showed up with his arm in a sling, the result of a bar fight with an opponent who had him in a tweezer hold.

The guy in the pic with Corny? His name was Henry. Other than that I didn’t know too much about him except he was illegitimate. I had no idea what that meant except it was something people didn’t talk about like getting a bad report card or diarrhea. The other thing about Henry was he had a habit of getting married...often. What one had to do with the other I still haven’t figured out. But those were the two things I knew about him before he and Corny set off on a night of drinking.

The Pine Center was at the top of a three-quarter-of-a-mile long hill. At the bottom were Henry and Corny drunk as proverbial lords. Supporting each other they started up. Progress was labored because for every two steps up, they took three back.

The laws of physics and mathematics might call into question how they could ever have made it to the top. But even physics and mathematics have to take a back seat to empirical proof as any sober assessment would show.

*In the interest of accuracy and truth, I readily admit “borrowing” the age bit from an Abbott and Costello routine.

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[exhaslo]

Kinktober Day 27- CEO!Miguel x New Hire!Reader PT.2 (Toys/orgasm denail)

*Heavily requested by a lot of you, haha*

        It had been a hell of a ride from when you first started working for Miguel. Lyla was still not happy with the turn of events. You were literally just working at the company as Miguel's sexual relief. Now, you did help Lyla with her work. You did take your job seriously since you did want to be a help, but it was difficult sometimes. Most people in the building just saw you as a gold digger. Someone who was just taking advantage of Miguel's money. It hurt your feelings.

        You had a small pout against your cheek as you walked throughout the building. Your arms filled with paperwork that you needed to copy and deliver to each of the supervisors. Your heels clicked against the floorboards, making your presence known to the others. It felt weird now. Before anyone knew about you and Miguel, things were easier. Now they just looked at you differently. Handing the paperwork to each of the supervisors, you made your way back to your desk on the top floor.

"(Y/N), can you come to my office?" Miguel called on your ear piece.

"Yes Sir," You chirped.

        You smiled as you heard his low, rumbling groan. You and Miguel had been together for three months since Lyla came back. Despite all the fuss with your other coworkers, Miguel was always there to cheer you up. That, and after some convincing, Lyla eventually agreed to the two of you dating. As long as she was no where around the office when Miguel rails you. Miguel had a tendency to fuck you so rough that your moans could be heard past his doors.

" You called for me, sir?" You chirped as you entered Miguel's office.

        Lyla immediately stood and made her way downstairs to the local coffee shop. Miguel motioned you towards his desk. You skipped over to him, sitting on his desk. Miguel grabbed your waist, inhaling your scent. He let out another groan as you whispered a 'sir' into his ear. Miguel reached into his bottom drawer, pulling out a small box. He placed the box in your hands, demanding that you open it. You tilted your head in confusion,

"Hm? New panties?" You questioned, then noticed something about them, "M-Miguel, what is this?!" You squeaked.

        The panties had a small vibrator right where your clit was supposed to rest on. Your cheeks burned up as Miguel told you to put them on. You huffed quietly, putting the panties on. Miguel always made sure that you wore nothing under your skirt whenever you worked. It was easier for him to fuck you, so this was a first. You felt slightly uncomfortable as you felt the vibrator press against your clit. The panties itself felt slightly heavy too.

"Okay?"

"Wait, lemme just get a small taste," Miguel whispered as he held a small remote.

        You watched as he pressed a button. Suddenly, you felt the vibrator turn on and hit your clit. Your body arched and trembled from the toy. You hovered over Miguel's desk, whimpering lowly from the sensation. Miguel just groaned in response, enjoying your reaction to his new toy. He wrapped his arms around your waist, kissing the back of your neck. You spread your legs more, whining at the vibrator. Miguel raised the setting, watching as your body flinched, your face contorting in pleasure.

" Voy a disfrutar que me pidas mi polla. Llamándome señor cada vez que te robo el orgasmo hasta que te folles en mi polla. (I'm going to enjoy  you begging me for my dick. Calling me sir each time I steal your orgasm away until you fuck yourself on my cock.)" He whispered in your ear. You moaned lowly, your butt pressing against his crotch,

"M-Mig....S-Sir, sir please," You begged lowly. Miguel just groaned in response,

"Not yet, mi pequeña .muñeca sexual (my little fuck doll). I want to savor these moments. It will be worth it later," He nibbled against your ear, turning the vibrator off.

"Miguel!" You cried out, having your orgasm stolen from you.

        Miguel inhaled to the sounds of your whines. He kissed the back of your neck, reminding you to deliver some paperwork to bookkeeping now. You took a moment to catch your breathe, still whimpering from your high being stolen. You grabbed the paperwork and made your way towards the door. Right as you did, you felt the vibrator again.

"S-Sir~!"

"I'll be waiting," He said with a smirk.

--------------

        It had only been an hour and you were currently in the bathroom, panting like crazy. You weren't sure how much more you could handle. You were on the brick of orgasming four times now and Miguel stole each one away. You were ready to please yourself, but you knew that it would take away the fun Miguel had for later. You took your work phone out, checking Miguel's schedule for today. He always had gaps for you to help him 'destress'.

        You whimpered, seeing that Miguel's only free slot was for another two hours. This was going to be torture. Speaking of torture, you flinched forward as the vibrator started to abuse your clit again. You covered your mouth, trying to suppress a moan since anyone could enter at any moment. And speak of the devils...

"(Y/N)'s been weird today. Do you think Miguel finally tossed her aside?" 

"Maybe, now us hard workers have a real chance."

        You bit your lower lip, shaking from your anger and the pleasure of the vibrator. Right when you were about to have your release, it was stolen again. It was like Miguel knew how long you would crack. Taking a moment to breathe, you clenched your fist. If only these girls knew the real reason then they would shut their mouths. Once you heard them leave, you hurried your way over to Miguel's office. One of his meetings was about to end. The next could wait.

        You stormed pass Lyla, who immediately went to get another coffee. She turned at the elevator, grinning,

"I already moved his next appointment."

"Thanks, Lyla."

        You stormed into Miguel's office, seeing him getting ready to leave. He gave you a smug grin before reaching for the remote again. You grabbed his collar as he turned the vibrator on and kissed him. Your body pressed against his as you sat him back on his chair. Miguel's hands laid against your waist, drawing circles against you.

"I have a-"

"Moved," You hushed him, grinding your hips against his.

        Miguel groaned as the vibrator rubbed against his dick with each grind. Your face was blissed out as you rubbed your hips furiously. Miguel took your shirt apart, sucking against your breasts as he pulled your skirt up. The threw the remote to the side, allowing you to finally have your much needed relief. Your moans started to get erratic as you felt your high coming. Miguel groaned as he undid his pants, burying his head between your breasts.

"Huele tan bien. Mi preciosa niña, has estado esperando mi polla, ¿verdad? (Smell so good. My lovely girl, you've been waiting for my dick, right?)" He hummed.

        You moaned at the sight of his dick, moving your panties slightly. The vibrator still rubbing against your clit as you positioned yourself. You whimpered as his dick easily entered your drenched hole. Miguel grunted as he placed you on your back against his desk and started to pound your pussy. You arched your back, finally reaching your orgasm.

"Así es, esa es mi chica. Mira que guarra eres con mi polla. Tan jodidamente hermoso, todo para mí. (That's right, that's my girl. Look at how slutty you are for my dick. So fucking beautiful, all for me.)" He groaned lowly.

        You were a moaning mess as Miguel slammed his dick deeply inside you. Each thrust bulling your cervix, pushing you closer and closer to the edge. Miguel held your waist as he pounded your hard and deep. He brought his lips against your neck as his thumb pressed against the vibrator. Your moans grew louder as your pussy sucked his dick tighter. Miguel groaned lowly as you reached another orgasm.

"Guess we need to use these toys more often," He chuckled, stopping to fill you with his cum, "Me vas a ordeñar seco a este ritmo. (You're going to milk me dry at this rate.)"

"A-Ah~ S-Sir...s'good...m-more~!" You begged. Miguel could only moan,

"Again, say it again!"

"Sir!" You cried out as he placed you on your stomach, fucking you harshly from behind, "Sir! S-Sir~ Ah~"

        Miguel hummed to your cries. He lifted your hips closer to his, pounding the life out of your pussy. He licked his lips, feeling you tighten around his cock. You were his perfect girl. Cumming inside you again, Miguel exhaled softly. He really needed to go to his meeting. Miguel pulled out of you, watching his cum drip out of your hole. He removed your panties, wanting to give you a break after being so good for him all day.

"You did well, mi amor." He kissed the back of your neck. You turned on your back, panting heavily,

"Miguel," You sat up to kiss him, "I love you, sir."

        Miguel's eyes widen as he fixed his shirt. He turned towards you, enjoying your fucked out expression. Another groan escaped his lips as he kissed you, pushing his dick inside you once more. He held your lower back, thrusting into you like a madman.

"Yo también te amo. Qué buena puta chica. (I love you too. Such a good fucking girl.)" He replied. You moaned out, moving your hips along with his, "All mine. All for me."

"S-Sir~"

        Miguel grunted as he ripped another orgasm from you. Sweat rolled down his forehead as he went to fill you again and again. How could he stop now? Miguel only stopped once he heard Lyla call for him for his meeting. You whined in response. Miguel chuckled towards you, giving you one last load. He stroked your hair, pulling you in for another kiss.

"I think it's time you move in with me," You panted softly, fixing your skirt as he pulled out,

"Only if you can last as long as I did with that toy,"

[sacklerscumrag]

Sunshine (Part 1/2)

single dad!Clyde Logan x nanny!reader

1 of 2

Notes: Hi! I know I haven't written for the ADCU in some time but i have this dad!clyde brainrot and i might as well post it. part 2 is 90% done so I’ll post that sometime soon

I miss being here & I hope everyone is doing well, sending all of you lots of love & thank you for taking time out of your day to read my silly little stories, i appreciate you <3

Warnings: protective girl dad!Clyde, talk about kids, mention of abandonment issues, mother not involved (and will not appear at any point), no mention of y/n, fluff, pining, pervy thoughts from sasquatch, eventual smut in second part (tags will be added), no cliffhanger

Word Count: 7.1K

(this will go back & forth between Clyde's POV & readers POV)

The bar was filled with scattered conversations and the faint sound of jukebox music lingering in the background. It was an otherwise quiet Thursday night at Duck Tape. Clyde busied himself as usual, topping off the regulars and ensuring everyone was settled and satisfied. The calm before the storm, at least until the real crowd rushed in to watch the Friday night game. Being the only bar in a small town meant there was little else to do around here. Clyde never seemed to mind, though; catching familiar faces day in and day out was one of his favorite parts of owning Duck Tape in the first place. Regulars usually required minimal conversation, which was right up Clyde's alley. The most words anyone got out of him other than his siblings was Earl, but he didn't mind. Clyde quickly finished his last prep of the day and glanced around the bar, taking advantage of the slow pace and stepping away into the recluse of his office. He huffed as he shut the door behind him and sank into his lanky chair; a never-ending sea of papers he'd been dodging surrounded him on the worn-out wooden desk. His eyes burned, and his head ached from the tension of another long day. Taking over the bar a couple of years ago definitely tested his limits. He loved it here, but it strained the already little energy he had left to go on about his day. So much had changed in Clyde's life in the past few years alone. From becoming a father to being the new proud owner of Duck Tape due to the Heist, plus there was-. The Heist, the words halted his train of thought as memories came and went.

The biggest risk any of them had taken in their life landed all three Logans with more financial security than they knew what to do with; plus, if anything was going to convince Clyde that the Logan family curse was finally broken, it sure as hell was how swiftly they had gotten away with all of it. But none of that really mattered. Sure, it was more than nice not to think about how he would pay off the next bill or where his next meal would come from, but he couldn't help but look around and feel like something was missing. Maybe someone to share it with woulda been nice, he thought to himself. Jimmy had Sylvia, Mellie had Joe, and well, he had his Sunshine. He mentally kicked himself at the apparent self-doubt clouding his mind; Clyde had more than enough to be grateful for. But a small part of him couldn't help but yearn.

It's not like Clyde was a stranger when it came to love. Sure, it's not something he thinks he's ever experienced, but he was sure he saw it with Jimmy and Sylvia. What they had was enough to convince him there was something more out there. Clyde just wasn't entirely sure he deserved whatever that was. He would live the rest of his life longing for something he couldn't quite put his finger on, and that's just another obstacle in his life he had come to terms with.

Clyde's train of thought quickly faded when he heard the office door click open behind him, making him turn in his chair. Dark, luscious curls crawled their way onto his lap, and small arms stretched around his waist. The discomfort from a long workday quickly melted away as giggles filled his ears. Mellie trailed into the office, following a giggling Lyla, who had already captured her dad in an embrace.

Clyde took a moment to tussle Lyla's hair slightly, making her giggle even louder. The way she fit into his lap took him back to a time when she was nothing but a wailing newborn cradled in his arms while the uncertainty of being thrown into fatherhood haunted him. It wasn't like he had much of a choice. It was not like his head was in the right place either, with the too-embarassing-to-admit heartbreak, confusion, and, no doubt, fear consuming him. A one-night stand he was sure he'd never hear from again turned into a small note tied with a pink ribbon to a baby carrier on his doorstep nine months or so later. He was young, dumb, and with no time to process any of it, but before he knew it, there she was. All big brown eyes and grabby hands, looking back at him like he hung the moon, and from that moment on, Clyde knew his life would change forever.

"Hey, Sunshine." Clyde drawled, and Lyla smiled while babbling to him about her day with her favorite aunt. Mellie smiled at the sight of her eager niece, sparing no detail of their girl's day spent at the salon.

"You good if I head on out?" Mellie said as soon as Lyla let her get a word in.

"Yeah, was jus' finishin' up here n' headin' home."

"Alright. Don't stay too late now. Night, you two." Lyla wrapped herself around Mellie's legs in a tight hug before saying her goodnight and reluctantly seeing her out the door.

"Ready to go, Sunshine?" Lyla nodded towards her dad and practically sprinted toward the front door. Something told him Mellie let her niece have more sugar before bed than he would usually allow, and something else told him he would be the one to pay for it later.

------------

As the busier weeks of the year followed with football season being at its peak, Clyde had just about had it. Another night at Duck Tape dragged on, minutes feeling like hours. Clyde was nearing his limit between the higher volume of patrons than usual and being understaffed with just two servers on the floor for the third night in a row. He hadn't even realized what time it was. And it wasn't just tonight; everything was starting to blur together as of late—never-ending odd hours at the bar in between quality time playing whatever princess Lyla was currently obsessing over, all while making sure he was always home just in time to read a bedtime story and tuck her into bed. Clyde was losing it. It's not like he thought things would get easier as Lyla got older, but damn, he could use a break.

And he sure as hell wasn't comfortable leaving Lyla in any sort of childcare yet, so help came from the people he loved the most. Mellie was always around to spend time with her niece, taking Lyla to the salon whenever possible, while Jimmy and Sylvia were happy to step in when they could. Clyde knew how lucky he was, having his family rally around him and step up whenever he needed them. He never did like to impose his troubles on them, knowing they had their own lives to take care of. Always making sure he was on time to pick Lyla up straight after work and spending his days off with her, attending endless tea parties along with movie nights where every stuffed animal she could fit would join them on the couch beside them in the small trailer they shared.

Clyde found himself overwhelmed by the daily chaos more often than he'd like to admit. But the truth is, he had grown to depend on her just as much as she did on him. Her smiles brightened even his darkest days. Listening to Lyla talk about the things she loves, whispering 'I love you, and snuggling before bed every night kept him going no matter how exhausted he was. He wouldn't trade it for the world.

But late at night, when Lyla was finally asleep and the world was a little quieter, Clyde's thoughts always seemed to be a little louder. It was the only time when he didn't have to have all the answers or act like everything wasn't weighing on him as heavily as it was, where not a single person depended on or needed something from him. Nothing else to do but sink into the couch, crack his favorite beer open, and drift off to sleep, only to wake up the next day and do it all over again.

"C'mon Clyde. A couple drinks with ya favorite brother, plus ya can use the night out. Syl's got her." Jimmy insisted, breaking Clyde out of his haze. Clyde huffed; the poor guy just wanted his brother to let off some steam, and he understood that. He was thankful his brother always looked out for him in his own way, but he couldn't give in. Not again. He winced slightly at the memory of the last time he indulged in a reckless drunk night out and how it ended with Lyla on his doorstep. Not that he regrets any of it, of course. He'd do it again a million times if it meant ending up with Lyla every time. But there was no denying the exhaustion that plagued him since that day. Long days and sometimes nights at the bar, followed by a never-ending list of chores, along with a more than needy kiddo constantly yanking at his leg, awaited him at home.

" 'S alright. 'M jus' stressed, been workin' nonstop, jus' wanna get home to Sunshine." Clyde put on a strained smile as he wiped down the bar top for the night. He couldn't bring himself to justify spending any of his spare time away from his girl. Having his family watch Lyla was always more of a necessity; how could he ask more of them? Just so he could kick back a few beers and feel like shit about it tomorrow? No, thank you, Clyde thought to himself. Jimmy let up as their attention was drawn away toward the door, chiming as Mellie sauntered into Duck Tape and scurried right up to the bar beside her brother.

"Guess what?" Mellies shoots Clyde a knowing smirk while bouncing on her feet excitedly.

"What?" Clyde managed to keep his tone steady, reluctantly ready to hear whatever Mellie was plotting after having to fight Jimmy off for the last hour about him 'loosenin' up,' whatever the hell that meant.

"I found ya a babysitter for the summer. Or is a nanny that ya needed? Oh well, whatever it is, I found her." She pulls out one of the bar stools and takes a seat. Clyde sets down the rag and takes a deep breath before looking back at Mellie, silently urging her to continue. "An' before ya say anythin', she's a real close friend; met her a couple years back at the salon, and she just moved back into town; she'd be perfect for this."

"Takin care of Lyla isn't something for one of your little friends, Mel." Clyde didn't mean to sound so condescending. Especially when his little sister was only trying to make his life easier, but he couldn't help himself. With the amount of time this person would spend with his daughter, Clyde needed someone he could trust. He prided himself in always wanting what was best for his Sunshine; her care was no exception.

"C'mon Clyde. Ya need the help, and she's a good one, I swear. Great with kids, and you can trust her." He sighed. "Just meet her before you make any decisions...please?" Clyde knew there was no talking Mellie out of anything, especially when her mind was made up like this. Plus, if he was being honest with himself, he was desperate. He didn't trust many people where Lylas was concerned, and that made the picking for her nanny or even a babysitter slim to none in this small town. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed this. And if Mellie trusted her, well, that would have to be good enough for him. For now.

"Fine. I'll meet her. When were ya thinkin'?" Mellie beamed a smile at him before checking her phone as a text message came through.

"Is now a good time?" Clyde's dazed look only amused Mellie further as she turned to the front door. "There she is!" Mellie hollered toward you, waving so you'd join them.

Clyde's eyes felt like they were damn near ready to fall right out of his head. If the word 'trouble' had a picture next to it in the dictionary, he was sure it'd look a lot like you, all dolled up in jeans that looked like they'd been drawn on and worn-down cowboy boots as you confidently strutted your way toward him. All bright eyes and delicious curves taking up all of his attention and then some. Clyde's grip tightened, practically digging his fingernails painfully into his palm. He couldn't remember the last time he reacted so strongly to someone. Pretty girls strolling in and out of Duck Tape were a rarity; he never bothered to give them a second look, let alone a first one. A hazy introduction later, you extended your hand towards him, and he swore he could feel lightning crackle through his veins at the warmth of your palm, immediately kicking himself for being so affected by you so quickly. Get it together, asshole, he told himself. This was going to be a long night.

---------

Mellie embraced you warmly and dragged you toward the two men staring daggers at you from the bar. It felt odd when she texted you out of the blue to meet her and the parent of the child you might or might not be taking care of this summer at some bar, but you didn't question it. Mellie always came with surprises. You happily greeted Jimmy, recalling the second Logan and his little girl from when you visited Mel's salon while he was fixing up the place last summer. In the short time you spent in this small town, the Logans always had their own way of making you feel right at home.

"Hi." You introduced yourself to the man behind the bar top, trying not to let his stern gaze affect you. His broad shoulders and handsome face made your breath hitch from the moment you first saw him. And if he kept looking at you like he was, you weren't sure your knees wouldn't buckle on the spot.

"Clyde, this is my friend I was tellin' ya about." Mellie cautiously glared at her seemingly rigid brother before looking back at you. "This is my brother, Clyde, Lyla's dad." You offered him a warm smile and extended a hand toward him. Clyde stiffened further, eyes darting between you; his large palm engulfed yours.

"Hm. Nice to meet ya." He offered you a tight smile and briefly shook your hand, practically snatching it away. Your skin suddenly missed his warmth, but you shook away the slight disappointment at his apparent disinterest.

"Clyde, don't be rude. Sorry, he's not a real people person." Mellie scolded him and turned toward you. "So ya still interested in that babysittin' gig? Lord knows my brother here could use the help." Clyde's eyes shot up and glared at Mellie, silently wishing the ground would swallow him whole so he could be spared the embarrassment his little sister was already putting him through.

"I don't know. Is it still available?" You glanced at Clyde teasingly, hoping to ease whatever tension had manifested between the three of you in the last five minutes.

"Yes. No." Clyde scrambled to gather his thoughts before continuing. "It is I just...I'd like to see ya spend time with her first. See how ya are with her n all that.'' He sighed. This wasn't the way this was supposed to go. He was supposed to find a nanny, get through the summer, and life could go on like it had been. Instead, he felt so flustered that he couldn't even string a simple sentence together if his life depended on it.

"I can come over sometime this week to spend some time with her. If it doesn't feel like a good fit for you, you have no obligation to hire me." You made sure to sneak in that last part before he could change his mind. Clyde nodded towards you appreciatingly.

"How's tomorrow afternoon? Round 1? I can drop her off after my shift." Mellie chimed in before Clyde could stumble over any more of his words.

"Tomorrow it is, then." You nodded and received a barely there smile from the grumpy bartender. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

-----

The next day arrived much faster than Clyde realized. He typically looked forward to his mornings off, sharing a big plate of burnt bacon with Lyla while sprawling on the couch watching morning cartoons. Instead, he spent most of his morning distracted. Even when Lyla rambled about what was playing on the television, Clyde's mind wandered back to you. It's not like he'd gotten much sleep either, with the thought of seeing you again running through is mind late at night. What was supposed to be a quick shower ended with Clyde's hand gripping his cock, images of you pressed up against him, droplets of water streaming down your breasts as he drove into you and pressed his warm body on yours. It wasn't long before he felt himself spill on his hand, and harsh reality set in. Clyde hated himself over it. He was going to be your employer, for fucks sake. He'd barely met you for more than ten minutes, and already he was over here pining and touching himself like some hormone-crazed teenager with a crush. Thankfully, it wasn't long before Mellie swung by to pick Lyla up, promising her another one of their girls' days at the salon. Lyla quickly got ready, and after seeing her out the door and waving the two off, Clyde managed to peel himself off the couch and headed over to the bar.

From there, the morning dragged like no other. Clyde spent most of it sitting in his office, trying not to think about the fact that you'd walk through those doors any second. He always found it easy to throw himself into work, put everything else aside, and focus on what needed to get done. But every time he tried, there you were. There was no way he'd be able to do this. Spending more time with you? If he felt this out of control after one day, how would he be able to be any sort of normal around you all summer? He couldn't; he had to end this today. You would understand; Mellie said this job wasn't all that serious for you anyway. You could go back to wherever you came from, and he could finally get something done without thinking about how your hand felt on his last night. Or how badly he wanted to trace the soft skin on your collarbone or how your smile warmed his heart with a familiarity he somehow already craved.

Clyde didn't get too far into his bar prep when the doors to Duck Tape swung open. Lylas skipped inside, Mellie following closely behind her. She stumbled while trying to climb one of the bar stools, making Clyde exit the bar quickly and taking her in his arms.  

"Gon' hurt ya self there, Sunshine." Lyla giggled, the bar stool wobbling underneath her before Clyde set her on the ground. Just as Mellie said her goodbyes and headed out, the door opened, but this time, Clyde could've sworn he felt his heart skip a beat at the sight.

-------

Your morning had been nothing short of hectic after changing your outfit an endless amount of times. Not to mention spilling coffee on your shirt once you'd managed to settle on something. You quickly shoved that aside and mustered whatever courage you had left to head over to the bar. A short drive later, you walked into Duck Tape at precisely one o'clock to find Clyde standing beside an adorable little girl looking up at him with a guilty look on her face.

"Now I know Aunt Mellie gave ya candy at the salon; that's enough for today, sunshine." Lyla pouted slightly as you listened in. Clyde said a quick hi and crouched beside her when he noticed you standing there. Lyla wrapped herself around her dad's legs when she spotted you.

"Lyla, this is Aunt Mellie's friend. The one I told ya about." Clyde waited cautiously for his daughter's response. As you knelt on the floor in front of the pair, you were met with wild chestnut curls and doe-brown eyes on the cutest kid you've ever seen.

"Nice to meet you, Lyla." The little girl retracted shyly into her dad's embrace. Your eyes landed on the coloring book and plastic crayon box she cradled in her hands. "That's a nice princess coloring book you got there. Rapunzel is my favorite, ya know."

"Rapuzel's my favorite too." Lyla mumbled, chocolate button eyes hesitantly landing on you.

"No way! Her dress has both of my favorite colors, purple and pink."

"Those are mine too! Daddy got me a 'punzel dress, and he lets me wear it all the time when we have tea parties 'n stuff." You could've sworn Clyde's cheeks flushed slightly like the doting dad you could already see he was.

"I bet he does." You smiled over at Clyde. Thinking about this large man playing pretend princess and having tea parties with his daughter had your heart swirling with emotions you were sure shouldn't be there in the first place. You didn't know why that warmed your heart the way it did, but you brushed it off as you offered to color with her, and Lyla practically dragged you toward the back of the bar.

The next hour was spent with the both of you huddled in a corner booth while Clyde kept busy around the bar. You talked endlessly about her extensive knowledge of every single princess, colored a couple of pages, and even earned a few giggles.

Clyde wiped down the bar for what he was sure was the millionth time. There was minimal on the to-do list for today, but he would busy himself here as long as it took if it meant keeping an eye on you two. It's not like you needed it; he didn't need to be there to know you were hitting it off with Lyla. The chatter had been nonstop since you sat at the booth; you engaged seamlessly with her. Listening intently to every word while keeping her entertained. He noticed his daughter was just as entranced with you as he was. This was a good thing, wasn't it? He had to admit he miscalculated your ability in all of this when you first met. Clyde felt terrible about how closed off he'd been last night. Here you were, all bright-eyed and ready to help, and there he was, the usual grey cloud raining on everybody's parade the first chance he got. At least, that's how he assumed everyone saw him.

Clyde was refilling some bottles from the bar when Jimmy called, letting him know he was outside. He signaled over to Lyla, who was beyond excited to spend the rest of her day with her uncle and cousin Sadie. You helped her gather her things before Jimmy took Lyla in his arms. One "Bye, Daddy!" and a wave from Clyde later, and it was just the two of you in the ample bar space.

"So how'd I do, bossman?" you asked as Clyde stepped out from behind the bar. His large frame coming into full view was enough to make a girl swoon on the spot. You attempted to reign in whatever self-control you could gather, well enough to take a step toward him without feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. Clyde remained silent for a moment before you felt the need to speak.

"Look, I know it must be hard to just trust a stranger with all this. And I know I'm not the most qualified person out there. But I'm a hard worker and punctual; playing princesses and tea parties happens to be my specialty. Plus, I can make anything into a game." You could've sworn you saw a hint of a smirk on Clyde's handsome face.

"She seems to like you." Warmth blossomed in your chest at the compliment. Lyla was a smart kid and funny, too. You knew it would be hard not to fall in love with the little rascal from the moment you met.

"Well, I like her too, so that's a plus." Clyde felt his entire body tense up at your newfound proximity. From here, he could see the flush of your lips and the captivating color in your eyes, like two pools he would happily drown in. Your warm smile drew him in until he found himself needing to be closer to you than what was deemed appropriate. And to hear you talking so sweetly about his sunshine? His heart felt like it could burst out of his chest, but he quickly compelled that away to unpack another day.

"Can ya start tomorrow? I have a late shift bein' a sports night n all." Clyde attempted to shake his thoughts away. He had to try at least to pretend like he hadn't spent the better part of his shift taking longing glances at you, admiring the way your white tee and jeans fit your curves in a way that made sure he'd have to walk around with a semi and adjust his pants for the rest of the day.

"Sure thing. Your place?" Clyde nods and gives you a time and address.

--------

The next several weeks were filled with endless princess gatherings, storytelling from faraway lands, coloring for hours on end, and whatever adventure Lyla would conjure up that day. She warmed up to you almost instantly; things were going great. Better than great, sometimes, you had to question if this was really your job with how much fun you were having. Lyla was witty, smart, and had an imagination to be envied. She seemed so free and unapologetically herself in the best way. You could tell she had been raised with an unconditional love any kid could only dream of. It wasn't like the occasional meltdown didn't take place from time to time, being a toddler and all. But you always find a way to bring that smile back to Lyla's face.

Things with Clyde hadn't simmered down in the slightest. Every interaction, every glance, every accidental touch had your yearning growing. Every moment spent together allowed you to quietly admire something new about him. The way his chest filled out those t-shirts he often wore, his hair that begged to have your fingers tangled in it, or even how he pursed his lips in that way that had your core clenching whenever he spoke. Not to mention, seeing him with Lyla made your knees weak. This gentle giant's soft demeanor melted your heart while twisting your insides in the most delicious way. Still, Lyla kept you more than busy; otherwise, you'd spend your days daydreaming about Clyde Logan. Today was no different. Building forts and baking cookies had been the first thing on the itinerary, and knowing Lyla, there was always more to come. When she'd finally fallen asleep watching Cinderella on the couch, you carefully tucked her into her bed and quietly exited the room, shutting the door just as Clyde entered the trailer.

"Hey." You whispered as Clyde set down his stuff and went to the kitchen. "I just put her to bed."

"Thanks. Sorry, 'M late. Bar kept gettin' crazy n' I just couldn't get away. It's-" You cut him off by placing a hand on his arm, feeling him tense under you.

"Clyde, it's okay. That's what I'm here for, remember?" You winked at him before walking toward the kitchen to put away the rest of the dishes. Clyde headed to the fridge and pulled out two beers. Your cheeks warmed, watching him lean over with one sturdy arm on the fridge door, the muscles on his back rippling under the worn-down t-shirt while the two bottles fit snuggly in his large hand. Get it together, you told yourself, forcing your gaze away.

"Beer?" Clyde gestured toward you. "I was jus' gonna have one on the porch." The words tumbled from his mouth without realizing. He knew it was a bad idea, but he couldn't help himself. You looked all comfortable, your books and blanket on his couch, standing here in his kitchen, in his home, moving around like you belonged there. But Clyde wasn't stupid; his head was definitely playing tricks on him. There wasn't a universe that existed where a woman as beautiful as you would be interested in a guy like him, and he understood that. Now the only problem was keeping his heart and dick in check long enough to be professional. 

The night sky was decorated with stars against the black abyss, quiet and still. Just the two of you sitting in comfortable silence. Clyde followed you outside, shutting the door quietly. You sat beside him, legs folded comfortably in the porch chairs as he handed you a cold beer. 

"So, how was everythin'?" He said before taking a swig of his beer, the soft rumble of his voice activating those darn butterflies in your stomach already.

"Great. Pretty sure she tried on every princess dress in her closet and saw Frozen at least ten times. We danced, sang, and even built a fort." You found yourself smiling at the memory of Lyla with a mismatched dress and crown belting 'Let It Go' with you while jumping around her room. "Same old, same old."

"Mhm." Clyde relaxed further into his seat. The more time you spent with him, the more apparent it became that he was a man of few words. Still, you appreciated the ones he was willing to share with you. 

"It was a good day; it always is." You noticed Clyde stretched his left arm before him as if irritated by it. 

"Mind if I take this off?" The words tumbled out before Clyde could stop them, the beer loosening his tongue. Clyde wasn't sure why he suddenly felt comfortable enough around you to remove his prosthesis. He was pretty sure the people closest to him hadn't even seen him without it. Although it shouldn't surprise him, his sense of ease around you only grew within the last couple of weeks.

"Go ahead." Clyde hesitated for a second, then carefully removed his prosthetic, massaging the tender spot. Your eyes scanned the newly exposed skin. "Does it hurt?" Clyde paused his movement and huffed. You cleared your throat, the day's exhaustion clearly eliminating whatever filter you had left. "Sorry. I didn't mean to-forget I said anything." 

"'S alright. Served two tours n' ended with this. 'N no, not really, not all the time, at least. Jus' bothers having this thing on all day." You nodded, understanding it was something still difficult for him to talk about.

"You don't have to ask, you know? To take it off. I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable for no reason." Clyde smiled while nursing his beer. When he looked over, he found your eyes tracing the scars left behind on his arm. Clyde reached for his sleeve, suddenly feeling the need to cover up, before you placed your hand on his arm, stopping him. "Is this okay?" Clyde gulped and gave a slight nod. He wasn't sure if it was the exposed flesh or how vulnerable this whole thing felt, but he swore he could feel every nerve on his body light up under your touch. Your fingers lightly outlined the scar for a moment before you smiled at him, settled back into your chair, and sipped your beer. 

"Mellie dropped by today, and I meant to ask you if I should know of anyone coming by to see Lyla other than your siblings. Friends maybe? Her mom?" You snuck in that last part before you could stop yourself; the last thing you wanted to do was overstep. But you were curious. Lyla never mentioned her, and you didn't notice any pictures of her around the house. Was she a good mom? Was she pretty? She had to be to be Lyla's mom. Did she still hang around? Would she like you hanging around? Maybe she wouldn't want you getting all close to Clyde. Hush that is none of your business, you told yourself.

"Lyla's mom isn't in the picture. Never was. She jus' about dropped Lyla at my doorstep 'n we never heard from her again. Didn't want nothin' to do with her or me, said so in the letter she left." His words spliced across your heart, and tears welled in your eyes for the little girl sleeping soundly inside. Just thinking about someone walking away from an angel like that with such carelessness had you wanting to find this woman with your fist immediately.

"So, you two never?" Clyde shook his head almost as if you'd insulted him.

"It was a one-time thing. A drunken night full of bad choices, 'N then she disappeared. Popped back up again with Lyla, and that was it. Letters last I heard from her." Clyde said. "Not that I wanted her to come back. I don't. We've been jus' fine just us two." 

"I don't doubt that for a second." 

-----------

The following Sunday morning came with blue skies and warm summer air. Clyde insisted you'd take Sundays for yourself, although you weren't sure why. It's not like you had any other friends around here besides Mel, not to mention a social life being out of the question. When you weren't with Lyla, plans usually consisted of staying at home with a good book and getting chores done. You were gathering your things to lay out in the sun for a bit when Mellie called about being overbooked at the salon and Clyde having an emergency at the bar and asked if you could watch Lyla for the day. A few minutes later, you managed to put together an easy picnic basket, threw a shirt and shorts over your bathing suit, and headed out the door.

A short drive and only two knocks on the trailer later, Lyla ran out, wrapping both arms around your legs in a tight hug. She quickly pulled you inside to find Clyde sitting on the couch with cartoons playing faintly in the background. 

"Hi." The morning rasp in his voice had your chest tightening and face flushing. He wore a faded t-shirt and simple dark gray sweats that you had to fight not to stare at. "I tried callin'. Ya didn't have to come, everythin's been takin care of."

"Oh. My phone must still be on do not disturb from last night or something. I was gonna take Lyla to the lake for a picnic and maybe a swim." Lyla's face immediately perked up as she squealed excitedly.

"I'm gonna go get my swimsuit on!" She yelled as she tried to run off into the hall before Clyde stopped her.

"Now, sunshine, today's her day off."

"What's that mean?" Lyla's disappointment grew along with the pout on her face. 

"Means she's got stuff to do, stuff she's gotta get done today. She'll be back tomorrow, hm?" Lyla reluctantly nodded as Clyde placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Well," you interjected, unsure if it was your place to say something, but there was no way you could stand by and disappoint Lyla like this, especially when spending your days with her had become your favorite thing to do. "If it's okay with your dad, I'd love some company. I can't eat all these PB&J's and snacks I packed alone now, can I?" Lyla looked toward Clyde. A mix of 'please' and 'please, daddy' flooded Clyde's ears before reluctantly giving in to his daughter's whim. Lyla sprinted toward her room to change, mumbling something about showing her water tricks, making you chuckle.

"You're welcome to join us. I packed plenty of food, and it's too nice of a day out to stay inside." Clyde contemplated for a moment. Just the thought of seeing you prancing around in the water in a skin-tight bathing suit had his pants tightening uncomfortably. He wasn't sure he could control himself. But he had the day off and sure as hell didn't want to spend it without his Sunshine. Plus, he wasn't entirely comfortable with the two of you alone by the creek in the woods. It would be safer if he went with you. At least that's what he told himself as he agreed and slipped away to change into his water shorts.

The drive over to the creek went a little faster than usual, thanks to you and Lyla singing along to some of her favorite songs. Clyde spent the entire ride concealing a smirk at the sight of both of you breaking into song and then into a fit of giggles once one of you would get the words mixed up. Once you'd arrived, Clyde wasted no time unloading the truck and helping a restless Lyla get out of her seat. You found the perfect shady spot to set up the blanket and laid out some things from the picnic basket; once satisfied, you set your shorts and shirt to the side and settled in. Lyla wasted no time hitting the water, barely letting you slather some sunscreen before sprinting off with her floatie. You sat by the shore with your book, watching her splash around. The cool water around your legs is a nice relief from the sun's warmth on your skin. Clyde sat back against the tree, keeping his eyes on the two of you. He couldn't help but imagine if this was what it would be like—having someone by his side sharing moments like these with Lyla. 

The afternoon passed far too quickly. A blur of splashes and fits of laughter ended with a sleepy Lyla slung on her dad's shoulders as you packed everything back into the truck and headed out. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the fleeting colors of dusk began to fade away. Only the rumble of the truck and crickets chirping surrounded by the night sky remained. Lyla's soft snores could be heard from behind as you glanced over at Clyde. The soft moonlight reflected off his skin, hair still slightly damp from the creek. His eyes were trained on the road ahead, but you could tell something was on his mind as he chewed on the inside of his cheek.

You sat comfortably on the passenger seat, your thigh dangerously close to his hand resting on the gear. His fingers itched to reach over, wondering how soft your flesh would feel under his touch. No matter how hard it was to keep a calm facade, he couldn't help but recall the silky skin over your bathing suit top, curves he would kill to trace every inch of it with his tongue teasing him from every angle. Even the way your teeth caught on your lip in the most sinful way was driving him insane. Everything about today was driving him insane. Not to mention watching you with his Sunshine. How you'd dramatically play along to every scenario Lyla created until you were nothing but a fit of giggles, watching in awe as you smothered her in hugs and kisses every time she'd swim into your arms. His sunshine was an affectionate girl, don't get him wrong. But she sure as hell didn't open up easily to strangers, yet here you were, winning her over from day one. Clyde shook away the ache in his heart at the thought as he redirected his attention back to the road.

A short while later, you'd arrived back at Clyde's. He hopped out of the car just after you did, carrying a passed-out Lyla in his arms into the house. You stayed outside, wondering if you should wait for him to return or count your losses and hurry home. Before you could make up your mind, Clyde appeared and shut the door quietly behind him, leaving the two of you uncomfortably close on his front porch.

"Thank ya for today." The faulty lamp above you did little against the night.

"It's no problem," you said before a silence fell between you. The dim light accentuated his nose and the plumpness of his lips in the most beautiful way. His eyes drifted up to yours as you took a tentative step toward him. Your heart began to pound, chests nearly pressed against one another, feeling a familiar desire spread in your core. Clyde's breathing grew heavier, suddenly aching to get you closer.

Just as the longing became unbearable, he closed the gap between your mouths, first with the utmost gentleness, then with the hunger of a starved man. You made a delicious little sound and responded with the same fervor, sparking a fire in his belly. He didn't want it to stop. The warmth of his mouth had you melting into him. Your lips parted slightly as his hand came up loosely at the side of your neck, holding you close.

"Daddy!" Lyla's distant voice rang in your ears. Clyde pulled away suddenly; a rush of frigid air replaced the warmth where his body was pressed up against you. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over the two of you, snapping you back into your harsh reality. Lyla began to cry from what was probably a nightmare. Clyde sighed as he looked toward the front door and back to you. You cleared your throat and wrapped your sweatshirt tighter around, unable to look him in the eye after he'd practically kissed you dizzy.

"I should go. Goodnight, Clyde." You offered him a warm smile and dashed to your car before he could say anything else. Clyde stood with his head slightly hung, ensuring you were safely in the driver's seat before heading inside. You lowered the windows in an attempt to let the humid summer night air free from inside, hoping a little fresh air would snap you out of whatever trance Clyde had just put you under. Butterflies swarmed in your stomach as you ran your fingers along your lips, the ghost of his kiss still buzzing through you on the drive home.

[jamietarttsnorthernattitude]

For the word game - One and/or Won and/or Team

Thank you my talented friend :)

One from rage, rage agaisnt the dying light:

A select group of Greyhounds were allowed to visit their recovering manager, basically, Sam, Declan, Moe and Isaac at first being the only players trusted to be calm enough, but one at a time and only under Ruth and Phoebe’s watchful eye. Jan Maas was briefly considered, and while he could keep his decibel level appropriate, he couldn’t be trusted not to sprout some statistics that would send Roy’s concussed head spinning even worse than it already was. It was the same reason he hadn’t been trusted to see Jamie. Beard was allowed to see both but has been kept busy with temporary managerial duties at Nelson Road. 

Wrote 501 words for this sprint!

Won from the close your eyes prompt I'm still working on:

They won the match, only their fourth of the season after the string of ties and the loss to Coventry City, but to Sam, it didn’t seem like much to celebrate with Jamie injured. It was only about a month since Jamie had been back on the team and since the Dubai Air Protest, and their friendship had gradually thawed even as the outside temperature dropped.

Added 306 words for this one.

Team from Dear Leslie (for context Isaac is called to meet with Higgins after his red card in La Locker Room Aux Folles:

“Do you think I’m a good Captain?” Isaac asked. “I do, Isaac, yes.” “Even after everything?” “People could do much worse as a role model than Isaac McAdoo,” Leslie smiled. “Even though I let my personal feelings get in the way of the team?” “Well, Isaac, I think one of the things that makes you a great captain is your feelings,' Leslie said as he folded his hands on top of the desk. "You care very deeply, and I can see it in everything you do.”

Added 340 words to this one :)

[thefamilyeldritchabomination]

Chapter Eight: Hunting High and Low Pt.4

“Yes, it’s Juliet Douglas again to check in on how Freiderick Mancer is doing. Could you bring him to the phone?” Envy asked, putting on a pretty good but disturbing act. “OH THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS MOMENT, YOUNG MR. MANCER HAD JUST MET MY OTHER DEAR SISTER, OLIVIER! OLIVIER FOUND HIM SO CHARMING THAT SHE TOOK FREIDERICK TO PERSONALLY TRAIN HERSELF!” Major Armstrong explained as the pained wails of Freddy could be heard in the background, apparently made the worst life choice of picking a sword sparring with Major General Olivier Armstrong. “How delightful, be sure to call back to the office once Freiderick has concluded his training session then.” Envy said with an absolutely delighted smile on their face upon hearing the background suffering of Freddy and hung up the phone. “Should we be worried?” Lust asked after hearing Freddy wailing on the phone. “He’ll be fine, a little roughing up won’t hurt the target at all.” Envy reassured as the suffering of Freddy filled them with joy. “I guess Freddy is going to be sore by the time he returns home…” Dolly said in a bit of surprise at the turn of events with Freddy. “Well let’s just consider this as a lesson to be much more grateful for how generous we’ve been towards the target the moment he’s back and maybe not whine about everything.” Envy said, shrugging as they went to sit on top of the desk to sip some tea.

 As the trio and Dolly made themselves a bit comfortable despite the fact they were just black mailed earlier, Dorian started to sneak a bit out of the backpack to look around. Gluttony sat there as he saw Dorian peeking out of the backpack and innocently waved hello to the little creature. In turn, Dorian waved hello before a perfect ball of paper popped out of their mouth. The paper ball rolled out from under the desk, catching Lust’s eye as she walked over to see where exactly it came from. Silence was had as Lust and Dorian locked eye to weird orb eye before Lust stood up and pulled out some paper with a pencil. Writing something down quickly, Lust handed Dolly a note to avoid giving more fuel to Sloth. ‘What exactly is that thing in your backpack?’ The message read as Dolly realized Dorian blew their cover and wrote a response.

 ‘That’s Dorian, Freddy made him for me as a companion.’ Dolly wrote in response, Lust looking ready to punt Freddy out of a window if Envy didn’t beat her to it first.

 ‘If he’s dangerous like the first one Freddy made, we’re going to have to take Dorian for research, you understand that, right?’ Lust’s message read as she wasn’t wanting to keep something dangerous in the apartment. ‘He isn’t, Dorian is the ‘friendlier’ of the two from what I understand. Sure he calls Freddy some unsavory names and broke the window when tossing out the crate, but other than that, Dorian is pretty good.’ Dolly explained in hopes of not losing Dorian, Lust pausing for a moment for consideration on how to handle this. ‘So long as he isn’t posing a threat to our job or the target, Dorian may stay, BUT, we’re going to have to let Envy know about him, otherwise it’ll just be a downward spiral.’ Lust gave the final verdict as she motioned for Envy to look under the table. An eyebrow was raised as Envy got their butt off of the desk and walked over to look under the desk. Envy made a face like they had bitten into a lemon as Lust motioned for them to write on the paper that was out. Dorian, seeing this as a moment of freedom, casually walked out from under the table to enjoy being able to interact with the room. Envy wrote on the paper, their grip close to snapping the pencil before finishing writing the message. ‘The target made a second one!?’ Envy wrote as they watched Dorian freely roam and casually rip the massive map of Amestris to make confetti once more.

 Both Lust and Dolly nodded their heads in confirmation that Freddy did indeed make a second horrid little clay abomination, Envy running a hand over their face. It didn’t help matters when Gluttony followed Dorian’s lead on making confetti, prompting Dorian to clap and applaud Gluttony for making confetti. The wet clay clapping made Envy, Lust, and Dolly freeze up, Gluttony not seeing anything wrong with the clapping joined in. Envy went back to writing once again as Dorian went back to making ‘confetti’.

 ‘Okay that little CREATURE can stay since he is wreaking Pride’s office for all the trouble he caused us and he’s green, but, you’re not taking him to the museum on Friday. He’ll stay with Lust and Gluttony during it.’ Envy wrote, giving much relief to Dolly and Lust looking not too thrilled with being made a babysitter to the horrid corpse green clay abomination.

 Dorian, being the lord of turd, went back to the desk, raiding the drawers before pulling out a box of crayons, likely something the Fuhrer had stored away in case he brought Selim over. Moment the crayons were in his horrible little amalgamated hand paws of clay, Dorian rushed back to the map and began drawing on it. Horrible, unspeakable drawings were scribbled onto the map as Envy just watched on appreciatively at the little monster’s handy work. Looking over to Gluttony, Dorian offered the crayons to him and they both started drawing on the tattered remains of the map and on the wall as well. The revenge vandalism was shortly interrupted by the phone ringing, Sloth having patched the call through to the office. Envy had a vicious grin on their face, eager to answer the phone to hear the suffering of Freddy up close after his ‘training’ session with Major General Olivier Armstrong. “I heard you had a special training session today, Freddy.” Envy started with the dripping venomous tone to their voice. “I’ll never complain about anything or get abducted again! Please let me leave!” Freddy pleaded on the phone, earning a sadistic chuckle from Envy. “Oh, I don’t think I’ll do that for you Freddy, it’ll be far better to stay the full week there so you can be a far better alchemist by the time you’re released to our care again.” Envy calmly stated as a wail erupted on the line from Freddy.

 “See? It's much better for you to stay with the Armstrongs. By the way, our benefactor has graciously bought you a new car, a lovely hearse for you to drive around in.” Envy continued before getting alarmed by the sudden dead silence on Freddy’s end of the line. “Hey dumbass, are you still on the line?” Envy snapped on the phone, getting into a panic about the silence. Absolutely nothing on the line from Freddy, just silence as yelling on the line could be heard by Major Armstrong. Apparently, the shock of having been given a hearse was enough to make Freddy faint on the spot. Envy was impressed that all it took to make Freddy faint was to mention what sort of car he would be driving in as they shifted their voice back to sounding like Sloth.

 “WHAT ON EARTH DID YOU TELL YOUNG MR. MANCER? HE’S PASSED OUT ON THE FLOOR FROTHING AT THE MOUTH!” Armstrong asked after picking up the phone from the unconscious Freddy’s hand.

 “I only told him that our nation’s leader had graciously gifted him a new car after finding out about Freiderick’s previous car breaking down. He must have been overcome with joy from such a lovely gift.” Envy explained, leaving out the fact that the new car is a hearse. 

 “OH WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT OUR LEADER HAS GIVEN MR. MANCER! HE TRULY MUST HAVE BE EXTREMELY THANKFUL FOR SUCH A LOVELY GIFT! I’LL BE SURE TO HAVE MR. MANCER CALL YOU BACK ONCE HE’S BACK TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING!” Armstrong promised as he hung up the phone. “So, the target fainted from the news.” Envy said, breaking the news to those listening in on the phone call. “You’re not being serious, right? Our target seriously fainted over what kind of car we got him?” Lust asked in utter disbelief of the situation. “It’s rare, but that does happen sometimes with Freddy. I’m surprised that this time around all it took was telling him about the new car.” Dolly admitted, though just as surprised that a car would cause a fainting episode. “Are Freddy's ancestors disappointed in him?” Gluttony asked as he looked over from drawing on the wall with Dorian.

 “To be fair, they’d be proud mainly because of the accomplishments he’s made so far. They would most certainly be disappointed in his behavior though.” Dolly said carefully after she had to think pretty deeply on what exactly Freddy's ancestors would be feeling about him. 

[dr4cking]

🌈

congrats on 0.5k! can i ask for nsfw draco headcanons? <3

oooo thank you so much anon!! ❤️❤️

500 folls celebration

Nsfw Draco Headcanon :

everyone knows that draco malfoy is dangerously intimidating thats why people keep their distance from him.

when he decided to try his chance with you, you cant lie if you said his vibes isnt screaming the dom aura.

not so much people know that you’re a little naughty, and when draco found out about it all he wanted is just to ruined you.

and he did.

after he get you wrapped around his fingers, you’d completely be his submissive, whatever he ordered you would always obeyed happily.

and that what aroused him more than anything, you act like you’re so innocent outside when you’re actually just a little cockslut.

like now, you’re on your knees in front of his hard length while he runs the tip on your lips smearing his precum.

you whimpered at the feeling wanting to feel him already and if you do a single mistake he would leave you aching.

“get on your work.” you obeyed at him taking all the control showing him your best work.

you always start on his balls first then licking up from the base to the tip pressing down your tongue on his slit before taking all of him caught him off guard.

his hand instantly found your hair. “thats my slut.” and another profanities left his mouth over and over again as you worked yourself on his cock.

you look up to him through your eyelashes and the sight enough for you to rubbed your thighs together.

and before you could taste his load he pulled out leaving string of saliva on your chin and dropped to the floor.

“get on the bed, face down and ass up.” you gulped feeling excited to whats gonna happen quickly getting into the position.

your body jolted out forward as he gives no warning and slapped your ass hard, loud scream left your lips.

“count or i’ll make this worst for you” and you did as he said, almost getting lost in your count.

it was a total 15 hard smacks, tears staining the sheets of his bed, your ass feel sore and maybe printed with his handprint.

draco gives you a reward by licking your red ass cheeks before going down to your sopping cunt pushing his tongue into you.

“sir.. please” you gripped the sheets tighter feeling the coil tightened but before it happened he pulled away chuckling deeply.

then without warning he rammed his cock into you bottoming fully inside and not giving adjust he starts to pounding harder.

one of his hands locked yours in your back while his free hand pushing your face down the sheets by the back of your neck.

oh merlin. you fucking loved this so much, it was always what you wanted, him being rough and dominating you. its what you’ve been asking him through your eyes.

cry, screams, moans and groans filling up his room hoping the walls could covered and swallowed all of the ungodly sounds.

your body shaking uncontrollably once you let your high snapped through your body. draco was riding out your high and reaching his own.

the way your walls pulsing and clenching around him making him lost all of his control as he spilled his thick cum into you, collapsing his body on top of you as he spraying your walls non stop.

since then, he grew obsessed with you, taking you in the abandoned class, against the wall, in the dark hallway, getting both of you in detention on purpose so he could fuck you against their professor’s desk.

and when you’re not there with him, he always found himself stroking his cock at the thought of you wishing you were there and helping him.

but when he was done taking you, you always left with bruises on your body and his lovebites on your neck making you have to search a way to covered them.

your friends wondered why your body would always trembling when you were with draco.

he will only smirked everytime your friends asking you that while your face heated in embarassment.

draco treated you so good like a queen in front of everyone showering you with his love. but everytime you were on his bed, you are nothing more than his filthy little slut.

[snarkymonkeyprime]

I meant to post this earlier today but, actually had to do my job so I'm doing it now. @beginte is letting me steal an idea of a modern!au for Bagginshield so here's a tease (note: no angst, just shenanigans).

Bilbo waited nearly a month before he considered taking in the family cufflinks. Honestly, it wasn't even necessary; everyone knew how authentic those stones were. And rare. Frodo, however, appeared to be adamant that Bilbo should extend the work to their new neighbor.

He chose a rainy Thursday, when there wasn't much activity on any side of the street. The bell above the door jingled quietly but the shopkeep didn't look up where he sat hunched over a table, a bright light over his shoulder.

"Morning," he rumbled.

Bilbo blinked at the deep voice. Well, he was a dwarf so he shouldn't have been that surprised. Still, it was a pleasant depth.

"Morning!" Bilbo replied, perhaps a tad too brightly given the odd frown he received as the dwarf looked up. He was thankful the rest of the shop was a bit dimmer as his face flushed a bit more than he was comfortable with.

"I suppose I should introduce myself; I'm Bilbo Baggins, I own -"

"-the bookshop next door." The dwarf took his hand, slight smirk tugging at the bearded jaw. "Thorin Oakenshield. Welcome."

"Er, yes. Well." He coughed, digging into his coat for the box. "I was wondering if I could get an official appraisal on an heirloom of mine."

Thorin's eyebrows lifted and he held out a hand, silent.

Unnerved, Bilbo complied, inwardly chafed by the noncommunication. I'm doing him a favor, after all. Lease he could do is be receptive.

Thorin opened the box and peered at the cufflinks. He squinted.

Bilbo jumped when the box clicked shut.

"Paste."

"I'm . . . I'm sorry, what was that?"

Thorin pointed at the jewelry box. "Paste. Not worth more than the box they're in."

It took a heartbeat for Bilbo's brain to process the comment and reboot. "You barely even looked at them!"

The dwarf sighed. "I've seen enough of such things in my life that I rarely need to give a full examination." He spun the box and lifted the top. "Point one? Too great of reflection." He closed it again. "And if I wished to waste my time, I'd likely see plenty of wear on it but there's no reason to bother."

No reason to - Bilbo fumed, hands clenching. "These are family heirlooms! They were discovered by my great-great-great -" he halted at Thorin's upraised hand.

"They were discovered by your however-many-greats swindler if they kept claiming otherwise." He nudged the box across the desk. "No charge."

Bilbo was certain his hair was on fire. "I should think not!" he snapped. He retrieved the box and jammed it into his pocket. Leaning over the desk, he shook his finger under Thorin's nose, ignoring - or attempting to - the deep blue of the dwarf's eyes. "You are a charlatan and . . . and . . . a liar!"

Thorin tilted his head slightly and sat back, arms folded. "I am, am I?" Picking up a loupe, he added, "No need for such a reaction. They're still quite attractive as jewelry goes; simply no value to them."

Bilbo pulled the box back out and wagged it violently. "I will report this," he hissed. "Your store is a fraud!" He gestured at the framed certificate to his right. "I'll bet you merely printed that and framed it; you've no skill whatsoever!"

Thorin's eyes narrowed but his mouth quirked again. Either very angry or very amused.

And very attractive, he thought, going stiff as the it processed. Indignant, he squawked, "You will regret this!"

"I suggest going back to your shop, Master Baggins," Thorin drawled, leaning forward again. "Take a break; you seem a bit tense."

Bilbo wasn't certain if he was more angry at the insult to his family's heirloom or Thorin's lack of reaction to his response. He grit his teeth and hissed, "You, Master Oakenshield, will be receiving a very pointed review." He spun around and stomped off, trying vainly to ignore the soft chuckle that followed.

[anxiousstark]

S3 18 | The Insatiable Divine Move

BIG MASTERLIST | TW REWRITE | KO-FI

Stiles Stilinski x Reader! Half-sibling!Mccall

Word count: 6908

Warnings: Mentions of  injuries, blood, stabs, drugs, death, sex, handjobs, dirty talk, clothing humping, swearing (always), etc.

A/N: Hello there. I’m back. Thank you so much for understanding that I couldn’t upload these last two weeks. But here I am. Two chapters in one and a little surprise at the end. Stiles and Y/N are starting to explore their relationship in other aspects. Enjoy <3.

↪ PLEASE RESPECT MY WORK. DON’T COPY, TRANSLATE OR CLAIM THEM AS YOURS. NOT ON THIS WEBSITE OR ANOTHER. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED.

Scott helped Stiles walk back to the living room as Noshiko stood there. "Do you recognize me, hmm?"

Stiles nodded his head as Kira appeared, begging her mother to stop. "It's okay." He stepped closer to the woman. "I'm the one who asked her to come."

"You're the one who's going to get stabbed with swords." She glanced at her mother. "Mom, don't do this to him."

"It's already done." Her eyes were focused on Stiles. I was confused by what was going on, until two shadows appeared, grabbing Stiles's from the back of his ear. I quickly tried to step forward, but Melissa and Scott kept me in place, even if I begged them to let me go. I needed to help him. I needed to save him. "Look behind his ear."

I didn't hesitate to fall onto my knees, my hands rubbing Stiles's back while the others looked behind his ear. "It worked." My brother sighed.

"So, I'm actually me?" His body shook while he glanced at Kira's mother.

"More you than the Nogitsune."

"Can The Oni find him?"

"Tomorrow night. It's too close to dawn now."

"Can they kill him?"

"It depends on how strong he is."

"What about Lydia? Why would he take her?" I intervened in the conversation.

Noshiko glanced at me. "He would only take her for an advantage."

"You mean her power?" It was my brother's turn to ask.

"The power of a Banshee."

Stiles's body continued shaking. "I will bring something warm." Getting up from the ground, I walked near-by Noshiko, her hand clenching my arm. I furrowed my eyebrows while meeting her gaze.

"You were stronger and more determined than me." She made a gesture to Stiles, letting me know that she was talking about how she couldn't save Rhys. But was Stiles safe? "However, onis are powerful, and something will end up happening."

"Then, I will try my best," I whispered. "But no one is touching Stiles anymore." I flashed my eyes. "They will have to get over my dead body." She smirked, nodding her head.

"Hey," I swirled around. "Hide those ice blue for me." I laughed, and maybe I looked crazy at that moment as tears fell down my cheek at the same time. But that was the first thing I've heard coming from the real Stiles in a long time.

Scott opened the door of Noah's office, waiting for him to turn around and see the person he was so desperate to find. "If I could just find my keys." I had a little smile on my face as Mr Stilinski muttered those words to himself.

"In your coffee cup." Noah quickly swirled around as the unmistakable voice of his son resonated through the room. "You always drop them in your empty cup."

Noah blinked a couple of times as he tried to guess if the young boy standing in front of him was his son. The real one, not the one possessed y an old spirit fed by vengeance and chaos.

My brother and I nodded our heads, letting him know that it was him. The older Stilisnki didn't hesitate to drop his coat to the floor, almost tripping with his chair as he ran to his son. They both engulfed each other, breezing in. They swayed from side to side, clutching each other.

"Hey dad," Stiles's voice was deeper from all the crazy things that have been going on. But we could discern the happiness he felt to be back.

When they both parted, Noah glanced at my brother once again. "Is it over?"

I sighed. "Not yet."

We explained what had happened during the last hours. Especially, highlighting the fact that Lydia was missing. She was probably taken by Void. Mr Stilinski had informed us that they had an APB out on Lydia's car. Every unit on the road was looking for her. However, there was nothing more we could do. Void had taken Lydia for a reason. "Okay. What would a Nogitsune need with a Banshee?"

"I don't know," Stiles shook his head as he rested his butt on his father¡s desk. "Lydia's pretty good at finding dead bodies. Maybe he needs to find a body?"

"Scott," Noah glanced at my brother once again. "You know more about this than all of us." I gripped Scott's hand, knowing he felt pressured by all the things we were going through. "You said you got the whole story from Noshiko?"

"I was there too," I added, nodding my head. "But that happened during World War II. Like 70 years ago."

"Wait. What did you say?" Stiles asked while his gaze was lost.

"Noshiko told us about the internment camp..." My brother answered.

"No, before that." His eyes squinted as he looked at his father. "You said, the whole story." Scott and I nodded our head as he seemed to recall something. "There's a girl at Eichen House. Her name's Meredith. I think she might be able to help."

Sheriff had informed Parrish to call Eichen House. As soon as he did, Parrish entered Noah's office where we were waiting. "Sheriff, Meredith Walker."

"She's still there?"

"Yeah, but they moved her to the Closed Unit."

"Why?" The hazel-eyed boy asked.

"They said behavioural issues."

"What issues?"

"She wouldn't stop screaming." Both boys glanced at me as I bit my lower lip.

I hummed to myself as I sat on a chair. My phone rested on top of the table as I scrolled down through pictures, trying to distract myself. However, Stiles who had been sleeping got up from the couch as if he couldn't breathe.

I ran to him, grabbing his arms to steady him. "You okay?" I heard my brother asking what happened, but I ignored him as I was focused on Stiles.

"What happened? How long was I out?" His breathing was laboured.

"Just a couple of hours." My brother replied. "You should sit down."

He shook his head. "Where's my Dad?" He started blinking faster.

"He's at Eichen House, questioning everyone. Looking for Meredith." I replied, caressing my thumb on the palm of his hand. I glanced back at my brother. "We promised him we wouldn't let you out of our sight."

"Okay," He started playing with my fingers. "What about the others?"

"Allison, Isaac, the Twins, they're all looking for Lydia."

"It's starting to feel like we're waiting for a ransom call."

"We'll find her." Stiles let my hands go as he scratched his arms, grabbing his jacket that had been resting on the couch. "You all right?"

"Yeah. I don't know why, I just can't seem to get warm." His lower lip trembled as his skin became paler.

"Maybe you should sit down. Take it easy." Scott's hand touched Stiles's one, his veins becoming black. "You're in pain." I furrowed my eyebrows.

"It's not that bad. Just more like a dull ache.

"Where?"

"Sort of everywhere."

"Stiles, you're freezing," I added, worried as my hands grazed his skin while he sat on the couch.

My brother sighed, sitting down next to him. "Tell me the truth. How much does it really hurt?" He was interrupted as his phone vibrated inside one of the pockets of his jeans. "It's Kira."

And Kira had news for us, not really sure if they were good or bad. But Meredith was in class. However, when we arrived at school, the people from the asylum had been called and they tried to get Meredith. Surprisingly enough, Coach helped us. Therefore, Meredith was in Stiles's jeep with us now.

"Okay, where is Lydia?"

"Who's Lydia?" We sighed, frustrated. Then, she glanced at me. "Woah," There was a big smile on her face as she tried to get a closer look at mine. "You are a siren."

"H-How do you-."

"My aunt was a siren." She smiled. "I thought you guys were extinct." She seemed to giggle for a couple of seconds as she glanced at Stiles. "Is she the girl you are in love with? Y/N?" I shyly looked at the boy sitting next to me. "He would talk about you in his sleep sometimes."

"We didn't share a ro-."

"I have good hearing."

As soon as Scott opened the door to our house we were met with Rafe McCall. "What are you doing here?" My brother asked as our sperm-donor was standing in front of Isaac.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Free period. We're doing group study." Stiles intervened.

Rafe's eyes rested on the girl. "Who's she?"  

"She's my girlfriend." Stiles's blabbed as he placed his arm on her shoulders. My eyes widened as I glanced at him.

"You're not my type." I chuckled as she tried to get away from the hazel-eyed boy who I was going to kill for making such a stupid excuse.

"Well, obviously we have a lot to talk about." He looked at me as I crossed my arms and smirked. You are dead, Stiles. "We should maybe take this upstairs."

"Well, for what I know, you are dating Y/N." He crossed his arms too, which made me uncross mine as I could see similarities between us.

"He was just joking," I added, pinching my boyfriend's arm. "Nice excuse," I whispered to him.

"I've missed you and I can't think properly, that's why it was a bad one." He smiled back.

"You are not getting away from this one." I shook my head with a sheepishly smile on my face.

"He's my type." I snapped my head towards Isaac, who was laughing due to my banter with my boyfriend.

"Okay," I smirked. "Isaac, you can come too." I giggled as the curly-haired boy got up from the chair. "He is single, between." Isaac punched my arm playfully.

"Isaac and Stiles can go," Rafe spoke. "But I want Scott and Y/N here for a couple of minutes." I sighed.

"Hey, Dad, I'll explain all of this later," Scott begged as I stayed silent.

"I don't care that you're not in school. I know your grades are fine." He nodded his head. "Same goes for you, Y/N. All I want to do is talk."

"Now's really not a good time." I snapped.

Scott's voice was softer. "Dad, can't we do this tomorrow?

"That's actually something I've been saying for a long time. Come here." We followed him, standing in front of the stairs. However, he kneeled down. "You see this? This indent in the floor... that was from your head." I leant closer to my brother, not liking where this story seemed to go. "The night before I moved out your mother and I were fighting." Scott kneeled too. "You came out of your room. I grabbed you by the wrist. You pulled back." Rafe's eyes were teary. "And you fell." I gasped. This was what Stiles knew, right? "We watched you tumble down those stairs. You were out for probably 20 seconds. When you came to, you didn't remember a thing. Your mom told me to be out by the morning. That was the last time I ever had a drink." I felt like I shouldn't be listening to that conversation. "And that's why I left."

"I'm going to-." Before I could leave them alone, Rafe gently clutched my wrist.

"It was wrong, what I did with you was wrong on so many levels and I don't have any excuse." He sighed. "I truly am sorry even though I know that it's not enough for you, and will never be." His voice trembled. "I couldn't be with your mother anymore. She was crazy and she wasn't scared to throw a bottle at me every time she had one of her mood changes. And I know that it's more of a reason for you to think I am an asshole because-."

"Because even though you knew she was crazy, you left me there."

"Yeah," He nodded his head. "But I didn't know you were mine." I furrowed my eyebrows. "She was sleeping with multiple men, which I got to know after knowing she was pregnant. She said she believed you were another man's child." He sighed. "I know I did the same to Melissa," He glanced at Scott for a couple of seconds. "She said the other men were just some kind of revenge because I had another family and that it didn't matter to her. She was convinced we could start a family and that we could pretend you were my child."

"What?"

"When she went to jail...Well, before she did. She contacted me." His eyes were even wetter than before. "The judge was searching for your father to give him your custody in case he was in a better condition than your mother. She told him that I was the father, and I didn't want her to look like a liar. And I felt bad because I left you there with your mother, even if you weren't my child. So I said that I was your father and with my job, they didn't take the investigation further."

"So you aren't my-."

"I'm not sure if I'm honest." My eyes got teary. They got teary because I had gotten so attached to Scott that there wasn't a reality in my mind where he wasn't my big brother, even if it was just for a couple of months. "I always sent money. That's why your mom's friend could take care of you with the job she had." True, she was just a cashier that didn't get paid much. I never thought about all the things she bought and how we could afford them.

"So maybe," I tried to take a deep breath as I glanced at my brother. "So maybe Scott isn't my brother?" Rafe seemed surprised by my question, nodding his head. "Can we...Can we get one of those tests done? I want to know." He nodded his head.

It still wasn't an excuse. He was the one who decided to say he was my father. Even if he wasn't, he took that responsibility, and he should have acted like one.

I felt my brother's hand squeezing mine. "Okay, dad. Let me show you something." He moved to another part of the room, pulling me along while Rafe followed us. "See the edge of this window sill. When I got my first skateboard I slid right into it. Broke my collarbone." He wandered to another place, pointing at the object. "This used to be glass. Until I fell on top of it trying to catch a lacrosse ball from Stiles. I got three stitches on my cheek." He let my hand go to point at the place where he got the stitches. "This house is full of accidents." He shook his head. "The stairs? Maybe it was an accident. Maybe it was worse. But I healed. I don't need your apology. So... See you at graduation. Or whenever you decide to show up again."

"Sco-." Before I could pronounce his name, he pulled me once again with him. We left Rafe McCall standing in the living room with a lost look on his face.

Isaac and Stiles were able to guess where Lydia was after talking to Meredith. Scott had phoned Allison, wanting her to meet us. Therefore, the four of us were now driving towards the place, hoping to meet the Argent girl there.

"All right, I'll say it." I glanced to my side as Issac coughed. "You look like you're dying. You're pale, thin and you look like you're getting worse. And we're all sitting here thinking it." He was right. I couldn't help but glance at the boy driving. He looked sick. He looked like he was dying. "When we find the other you, is he gonna look like he's getting better?

"What happens if he gets hurt?" My brother asked while glancing at his best friend.

"You mean if he dies, do I die?" He sighed, staring at the rearview mirror to look at me for a couple of seconds. "I don't care." My heart dropped. "Just so long as no else dies because of me." Before I could interrupt, he continued. "I remember everything I did, Scott. I remember pushing that sword into you. I remember twisting it." He shook his head. "I remember hitting your sister in the head and making her bleed because she was trying to help you. I remember both of your blood staining my hands."

"It wasn't you."

"Yeah, but I remember it." His voice cracked. "You guys gotta promise me. You can't let anyone else get hurt because of me."

"We can't promise that," I whispered. "We all know that being involved in all of this means that something could go wrong. But I'm not letting you get hurt neither, Stiles." Our eyes met again, and I discerned his quick blinking to hide the tears that invaded his eyes.

As soon as we arrived, Allison and Kira were already waiting there. We glanced at each other, noticing that we were scared. We never knew how a situation like this could end. "We've done this before, guys. A couple of weeks ago we were standing around just like this and we saved Malia, remember?" My brother tried to comfort us, even though he was terrified too. "That was a total stranger. This is Lydia."

"I'm here to save my best friend." Allison hurriedly added.

"I came to save mine." My brother glanced at the sick-looking boy whose hand was clutching mine.

"I'm here for both," I emphasized the last word, trying to hint that I would do whatever I could to bring Stiles back with me. An alive and free Stiles.

"I just didn't feel like doing any homework." I couldn't help but chuckle as Isaac answered.

Then, we entered the place, just to find Kira's mom standing there with a couple of those shadows or demons standing behind her. "Kira, turn around and go home. Take your friends with you."

I nodded at my brother and my boyfriend, giving them the signal to go find Lydia while we stayed where we had to.

"I can't." We walked closer to her mother, Allison preparing her arrows. "When I looked at the game I realized who I was actually playing. You."  

The Argent girl raised her bow. "Call them off."

"You think you could take him alive?" Her gaze went to me. "You think you can save him?"

"What if we can?" I asked, stepping a little closer.

"I tried something like it 70 years ago. Your friend is gone."

"I told you before, ma'am." I gritted my teeth. "I'm not you and Stiles isn't Rhys. We might be able to save him." I chuckled. "Why are you so opposed to the idea of us trying to save him? Is it jealousy? Or rage because you couldn't save Rhys?"

"He is going, dear."

"Are you sure?" Kira stepped closer to me and her mother. "Or if Stiles doesn't have to die. Maybe Rhys didn't have to die either?"

Noshiko chuckled as the demons behind her prepared their swords. "I see I'm no longer the Fox now, Kira. You are. But the Nogitsune is still my demon to bury." Then, the figures behind her vanished and Kira's mom gasped, worrying us due to the fear, decorating her expression.

"What does that mean?" Isaac dared to speak up as we breathed heavily.

"It means there's been a change in ownership." We turned around as we heard another voice. One we knew too well. A couple of meters away, Void was standing with his hands joined together in front of him. The shadows behind his figure. "Now they belong to me."

That's when we saw ourselves in danger. The shadows ran to us with their swords prepared. Kira was using the katana to protect herself as grunts fell from her mouth. One against two.

Isaac was able to pull one of the shadows to the ground, flashing his eyes and teeth. His werewolf form was taking the lead, trying to scare off the adumbrations. However, he quickly got up from the one he had pushed to the ground as another one ran to him. Isaac used his nails to scratch his middle part, throwing him against a wall.

However, that one seemed not to be affected as he quickly raised his sword. Thankfully, Allison had shot one of her arrows, disarming the monster.

I gritted my teeth as tried to be as closer as possible to Isaac, defending each other's back and taking into account my lack of knowledge related to my supernatural abilities. However, I was glad after receiving some basic defence movements from Kira as I gripped one of the demons' sword tightly between my hands.

I panted as I hit one of those things with the sword, trying to push him as far away from me and Isaac as possible. "How do we stop them?" The curly-haired's voice resonated through the darkness as he glanced at Noshiko.

"You can't!"

He had been distracted, and even though his back was protected by me, his chest wasn't. One of them slashed his stomach and I saw the blood spurting everywhere.

"Isaac!" I gasped. However, when I tried to defend him from the shadow who had gashed his stomach, I received the same outcome as it slashed my knee. Nevertheless, I continued trying to protect Isaac and myself. But we still received some cuts. Especially the boy who was now kneeling on the floor.

I was kicked on the chest by one of the others, falling on my butt and wheezing as the air seemed to escape my lungs. Then, an arrow pierced the chest of that demon, saving Isaac from the last blow. The blow that could have killed him.

A light came out of his chest from where he had been hit by Allison, and then, he vanished into thin air.

I breathed calmly this time, turning around to glance at the Argent girl. I offered her a little smile as she was chuckling, relieved because she had saved Isaac and because the monster had vanished.

However, time seemed to slow down. It looked like a slow-motion that you could not stop. I screamed, I screamed her name trying to warn her because I wasn't strong enough to get up from the floor. I tried, I tried getting up while droplets of tears fell down my cheeks.

My knee begged me to lay back on the floor, but I couldn't. I couldn't lay down on the floor. And I couldn't save Allison as she was stabbed by another shadow. Right in the middle of her stomach.  Her mouth was wide open. I heard a scream, Lydia. She knew what had happened.

I ran to her as she fell into my arms, glancing at me. "A-Allison," My eyes were teary as my trembling hands moved the locks of air out of her face. "Allison, w-we need to stop the blood." I started taking my jacket off, pressing it against her stomach. I glanced around as Void had disappeared and the shadows vanished. "We need to do something. CALL AN AMBULANCE!" I screamed out when I saw the others just looking at me. Accepting the Argent girl's fate.

"Well," She chuckled. "N-now you can't have my head on your w-wall." I chuckled as I continued crying. That's what I've told her. The flashback invaded my mind.

I nodded my head. “I’m going to slowly try and forgive you and your family for everything you’ve done to my brother and the people I love.” I swallowed. “But I swear to god, I will not hesitate to-.”

“To have my head on your wall.” She finished for me. I smirked, getting up, going back to my seat next to Stiles. “I’m sorry for the arrow.”

“Well, you know. Every time I look at it I will remember the badass bitch you can be.” I offered her a laugh, which she appreciated.

"B-but you have a reminder of m-me." No, I didn't want a reminder. I wanted her with us. I wanted Allison alive with us.

Before I could say anything, I heard someone falling on their knees next to me and Allison was taken from my arms. Now she was in the arms where she used to belong. Kira ran to her mother as Isaac was badly hurt, mouth wide open as he glanced at the girl he had fallen in love with.

I stayed there, next to them as my brother placed his hand on top of Allison's hand. "I-I can't take your pain." I gulped as I touched his elbow. He glanced at me to later glance at Allison after I made a gesture.

Allison Argent's eyes were wide open as she glanced at the sky, and her chest wasn't raising up and down anymore. "It's because it doesn't hurt." Her voice cracked.

"No."

She nodded her head. "It's okay." She cried. "It's okay." My brother's face was the perfect expression of pain. A pain that couldn't be described. "It's perfect. I'm in the arms of my first love. The first person I ever loved. The person I'll always love." My brother held her closer as he sobbed. "I love you. Scott. Scott McCall."

"Don't, please, don't. Allison don't, please."

"You have to tell my dad. And you have to tell my dad. Tell him." She begged as her mouth filled with her own blood. Her last puffs of air left her body as she slowly closed her eyes. As we mourned the death of a friend, a sister and a first love.

I sobbed, placing my hand on my mouth to not make any noise. My head rested on my brother's shoulder, trying to give him as much comfort as I could, which wasn't much because...

Allison Argent was dead.

But of course, our pain didn't end there. We had to testify about Allison's death, which seemed impossible as we didn't know what to say without looking crazy.

Stiles was still looking as pale as ever. Dark circles under his eyes as if he was dying. Stiles was dying and I couldn't help but have negative thinking. I couldn't lose him. And even worse, Void was there. Void was somewhere. Perhaps hurting someone or feeding himself with chaos and agony.

Now, we were standing in front of the BHHS building. Kira and Scott were ready to open the doors when Stiles stopped them. "Scott, hold on." Lydia and I were helping him stand up. "I know what you're all thinking. If this works, it might kill me, too. But even if it does, you have to go through with it. Stick with the plan, okay?"

"The plan is to save you," I added, glancing up at him.

"That's the plan I'm going with." My brother replied.

Opening the doors, we were met with a white place filled with snow. It looked like some type of garden with Japanese decorations and it was decorated with a blanket of snow. The doors closed behind us and I shuffled closer to Stiles as I shivered.

We turned around again as we heard footsteps. Rhys. The Nogitsune was standing there. But as quickly as he could, he got closer to us, ignoring Kira who prepared her sword.

"Like I promised, Stiles." His voice started to sound like a broken recording. "We're going to kill all of them. One by one." Onis appeared, surrounding us.

"What the hell is this? Where are we?" Scott asked as I glanced around.

"Between life and death," Nogitsune answered.

"Bardo."

"But there are no peaceful deities here, Lydia." He mocked us. "You're dying, Stiles. And now everyone you care about is dying, too." He started circling us.

"What?" The boy next to me gulped. "What do you mean?"

"I've captured almost all of the territories on the board, Stiles. The hospital. The sheriff's station." I rested my hand on top of Stiles's shoulder as his body shuffled closer to me unconsciously. "And now the animal clinic." He chuckled. "Do you know the ritual of seppuku, Stiles?"

"No, and I don't want to." As Nogitsune got closer to us, Stiles's body moved in front of me.

"When a samurai disembowels himself with his own sword to maintain his honour, but that's not the cut that kills him. The killing stroke is made by his kaishakunin, who beheads the samurai with his own katana." The snow fell on top of our heads as Stiles brought me even closer to his body. His right hand resting on my waist. "Scott...Scott is your kaishakunin. I'm going to make your best friend kill you, Stiles. And you're going to let him. Because just like you, they're all going to die. Everyone touched by an Oni's blade. Unless Scott kills you first." All of us had teary eyes, but not as much as Stiles.

"Why? Why are you doing this?" I clutched Stiles closer to me as I didn't want him to get closer to the monster standing in front of us.

"To win the game."

Stiles grabbed Lydia and me, getting us in a safe place while Scott and Kira fought the Onis. However, one of the Onis disarmed Kira. And I was shocked when Stiles grabbed the sword, pointing it at himself. Ready to die for our safety.

"Stiles," I whispered.

"What if it saves you? What if it saves all of you?" I saw the point of the blade against his clothed stomach, shock filling my body.

"What if it's just another trick?" Lydia asked. She was scared. We all were.

"No more tricks, Lydia. End it, Scott. Let your friend fall on his own sword. Do for him what he cannot do for himself. Do it, Scott." My body shook but also the body of Stiles. "Be his kaishakunin. Give up the game. You have no moves left."

Stiles seemed to realize something as he stopped pointing the sword to himself. "I do." He passed the object to Kira. "A divine move." His arms brought me closer to his body once again. "Stop fighting them." His voice was loud. "It's an illusion. You have to stop fighting them. It looks real and it feels real, but Scott, you gotta trust me, it's an illusion."

We started walking towards Nogitsune and the Onis. One of them raised his sword, cutting my brother's chest, but we continued walking, ignoring the damage done. My brother and Kira received the most pain as Stiles kept me and Lydia closer to his body, trying to avoid any pain towards us. Then, my brother pushed Nogitsune against the doors we had entered from before. The next thing we knew, we were back at school.

There was no blood, no pain. "We're okay. We're..." Before my brother could finish his sentence, he was pushed against the lockers by Void. Kira was brutally hit as she fell unconscious to the floor. "This was my game." His voice was raspy. "You think you can beat me at my game?" His gaze was mostly directed to Stiles.

"Divine move." I placed Lydia behind me as Stiles put me behind him. "Divine move." Void rapidly got closer to us as we stepped back as quickly. "You think you have any moves at all? You can kill the Oni. But me? Me? I'm A THOUSAND YEARS OLD. YOU CAN'T KILL ME!"

"But we can change you," I replied as he stopped his movements, glancing at me.

"You forgot about the scroll," Stiles added as his body shuffled next to mine.

"The Shugendo scroll."

"Change the host." Void whispered.

"You can't be a fox and a wolf." Stiles lightly smirked as my brother appeared from behind, biting his forearm as Void screamed out of rage and agony. Then, Kira pierced his chest from behind with the sword.

Void fell to the ground, his mouth opened as a fly left from deep inside his body. Then, Isaac appeared, catching the fly, avoiding the insect to go inside someone else. Void continued convulsing, and then he just dissolved.

Stiles's body got far from mine and as I glanced to my side I saw that he had passed out. Nevertheless, when he finally opened his eyes we couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"Oh, God, I fainted, didn't I?" We all chuckled. Stiles Stilinski was back. "We're alive. We all alive?"

My brother answered even though I knew he wanted to say that not all. "Yeah. We're okay."

"I-Is it over?" I was scared of asking such a question. But I needed to hear an answer. I needed to be sure that I could close my eyes without expecting blood covering my hands as soon as I would have opened them.

They all glanced at each other, nodding.

"Here you go." Mr Stilinski placed some blankets on top of Stiles's bed. "It's going to be a cold night so I will leave some blankets here in case you both get cold at night." He walked closer to his son, giving him a small hug. "Good night." Then, he stepped closer to me, kissing my forehead.

"Thank you for letting me stay here tonight." I shyly whispered as he embraced me.

"Ugh, stop thanking me. You are part of this family. Whatever you need, just tell us." He closed Stiles's bedroom door behind himself when he left.

"Let's get into bed," Stiles whispered as he let me get in the bed first, knowing that I preferred sleeping to the closest place to the wall, feeling protected by the wall and his body. "Want to watch a film?" We both were sitting on his bed together. I nodded my head. "Oh, there's a Robin Hood film..." He trailed off as he glanced at my face. "Yeah, maybe not now." He changed the channel again. "Oh, The Mummy." He shook his head. "We better turn this off." I chuckled, nodding my head.

I sighed, deciding to lay on my left side and examining his face. He laid in the same position as our legs slowly intertwined under the blankets. My hand slowly trailed up, resting on his cheek. "I was so scared of losing you." I chuckled, shaking my head. "And I'm sure you were in a worse position than me. Are you okay?" My thumb rubbing the bone of his cheek.

He offered me a tiny smile. "I will be. And I feel better now that I'm here with you." His voice came out in a whisper. "Did he...Void, you know?"

"No," I continued rubbing his cheek. "He didn't touch me at all."

He sighed in relief. "He was infatuated by you." He bit his lower lip. "Like I had no control over my body but I could see and hear as if I was in control. But he was the one controlling my own body. Whenever you were there he would say something...about you."

"It's okay." I tried to calm him down. "I'm here, Stiles. And most importantly, you are here too." I moved closer to his body as he did the same. "Stiles," My voice shook as our lips grazed each other. "I want you."

His eyes widened. "I've never-."

"I know," I nodded feeling flustered. "Me neither. And I'm scared to do it so soon but I want to get closer." I closed my eyes, feeling even more embarrassed than before. "I'm sorry, forget what I said. I just-."

"You want to build it up? Like, go slowly until we, Uhm, yeah?" I nodded my head, glad he understood but flustered for having such an idea in my head. "So hypothetically talking what would you want to do?" His hips swayed closer to mine, making me gulp.

"M-Maybe touch, uhm." I giggled due to the embarrassment I was feeling. "Touch each other?" I whispered, unsure of how he would feel about my idea.

I heard him gulping as he quickly nodded his head. I sighed in relief. "Yeah, yeah, okay, now?" I shrugged my head, nodding. "How do we...do it?"

I gathered a little courage as the hand that was resting on his cheek trailed down. My fingers grazed his covered chest until they stopped right at the start of his pyjama pants. I glanced at him, asking for permission as he nodded his head. My fingers slowly slipped inside his pants and boxers. My body shook in anticipation as I continued going lower. He was trimmed, I could feel it.

He wasn't hard yet. But as soon as my fingers freed him from his boxers, he got hard on my hand. "Shit, your hands are freezing." He pulled his pants and boxers a little further so it wouldn't bother us.

"I'm so sorry." Before I could take my hand away from his member, he wrapped his hand around mine.

"It does feel good." I gulped, nodding my head. His gaze was fixed on me as I started moving my hand up and down at a slow pace. "Use your thumb for the tip, press on it." I did as he instructed, examining how his face transformed into an open-mouth expression of pleasure. "Y-yeah, just like that."

My hand decided to go faster, gripping his shaft tightly as my thumb didn't forget to press against his tip. Stiles closed his eyes, placing his left arm on top of his face as he tried to drown his moans. His hips seemed to lose control as they moved against my hand, trying to go quicker.

"Stiles," My other hand decided to grab his testicles, massaging them. He finally moaned aloud, taking his arm off his face to glance at me. His cheeks were red and his forehead was covered by sweat. "I want to see your face and hear you." My shy voice didn't correlate with my actions.

"Agh, I'm so embarrassed." His hips stopped moving and his hand grabbed my wrist to stop my actions.

"W-Why?"

"I-It's the first time someone touches me like that." He blushed. "I normally do this one my own, you know. Because I am a young boy who is horny constan-."

"Stiles." I laughed.

"I've never been touched by another person like this and I have really strong feelings for you and I've been imagining this for a long time and-." I sent him a confused look. "If you continue I'm going to cum already."

"It's okay," I whispered, freeing my hand from his grasp. My hand started moving up and down again as my other hand played with his sack. "Cum, Stiles." My lips grazed his, kissing him deeply. His left hand gripped my side, clutching it strongly as his hips moved faster, fucking himself on my hand. "Let it go, Stiles. Don't be scared to explode. Do it." He groaned against my lips. I glanced down at his hips bucked against my hand until my hand got wet as a trail of cum fell down my hand.

He moaned, which made my pulse go lower than the place where it should be. He rode his high as cum continued dripping down his tip to my hand. "I-I forgot." He gasped. "I cum a lot." I nodded, surprised. "Now you." He took his pants off, cleaning using to clean my hand. Then, he placed his boxers back on.

"It's okay, Stiles."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "I want you to get a release too." He coughed. "And I want to t-touch you." He gulped as his fingers didn't waste time, lowering my pants down and playing with the hem of my panties.

"Ugh," I grumbled, covering my face. "I'm so embarrassed." I was sure I looked as flustered as I felt.

"It's alright. If you want me to do it-." I nodded my head, signalling that I wanted it even though I was all flushed. "Alright." His fingers lowered down. The tips of his finger were a little cold, but the contrast against my hot core was amazing. His other hand lowered my panties as the hand touching my clit, started circling it, slowly. "C-Can you guide me?"

"Just play with it, add pressure sometimes." I sighed as two of his fingers circled it slowly, applying pressure on it sometimes. I gasped when his two fingers started going down, recollecting some of the juices between my lips as he trailed up to add pressure all over again.

"Want it faster?" He whispered as we had totally forgotten his dad was at home. I ground myself against his hand as he cupped my heat, letting me grind on him. "Does it feel good?" He glanced at my hand, which was clutching his arm as I shuffled closer to him so I could rub myself against his hand.

"Wait," I gasped. I forced him to lay down on his back as I sat on top of him.

"W-What are you-." He moaned as I rubbed my core against his clothed dick. "O-okay, that feels, uhh." His hands gripped my waist as he helped me grind against his. My pace quickly fastened with the help of his hands guiding me. "I'm going to, again."

I nodded my head, going faster and trying to contain my moans as low as possible. "Me too." My hands were pressed against his chest as I rode to both of our highs, our faces getting closer, moaning in each other's mouths.

.

.

TAGLIST: @og-baby-ob14 - @savemypostcards - @cas-loves-pizza - @used-avocado - @mvrylee - @bilesxbilinskixlahey - @honeydoll-stark - @arieltheworldisamess - @softpeteparker - @kit-kat-katie99 - @thatsuperherosidekick - @bexbetterxthanxwords - @big-galaxy-chaos - @littlemiss-forgotten - @enchantedcruelsummer - @coldfreakeggsexpert - @merla123 - @sammypotato67 - @weirdowithnobeardo - @maggiesblogsblog - @itskindyl - @bobo-bush - @moongoddesskiana - @multifandxm353 - @irwxnhugsx - @xoprincessmel - @iclosetgeek - @andreagf956 - @niawoods - @anerroroccurrrrred - @perrytheplatypus11 - @trustfundparker - @nmriia - @steve-harringtonnn - @trustfundparker - @brithedemonspawn - @weirdowithnobeardo - @my-soul-is-the-moon - @azayamari - @poguestyle17 - @bibliophilewednesday - @10minutesofscreentime - @momentitodebruh - @drikawinchester - @perrytheplatypus11 - @my-soul-is-the-moon - @linkpk88 - @royalreadery - @sweetest-serpent01 - @teenwaywardasgardian - @sadcupofcoffee - @maliyamay - @seninjakitey - @tairisceana - @thegirlwhoimagined - @mackingjj  - @daphnen21 - @malfoystilinskii05 - @caitsymichelle13​ -

People in bold means it doesn’t let me tag them.

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Tues[day] 16 September 1834

7 25/..

12 1/4

very good one last night – fine b[u]t hazy morn[in]g F[ahrenheit] 57 1/4° at 8 35/.. a.m. – at my desk at 8 1/2 –

Kind let[ter] to M- [Mariana] gl[a]d she h[a]d found but by means ov[e]r w[hi]ch I h[a]d no control th[a]t ‘I h[a]d writ[ten] even less

‘oft[ene]r to th[o]se who are perpet[uall]y heap[in]g up[on] me kind[ne]ss aft[e]r kind[ne]ss, and whose ver[y] situat[io]n in life ma[ke]s

‘th[e]m suppos[e]d to be the 1st obj[ec]ts of my consid[eratio]n’ - … if ‘n[o]t mo[re] heart, I h[a]d comm[o]n sense th[a]n

‘to val[ue] the th[in]gs of th[i]s world accord[in]g to the scale w[hi]ch h[a]s been laid d[o]wn for me – H[a]d you bel[ieve]d me

‘oft[ene]r, and kn[o]wn me bet[ter], it w[oul]d ha[ve] sav[e]d us b[o]th m[u]ch pain – B[u]t if heav[e]n h[a]s will[e]d it oth[er]wise,

‘let us n[o]t compl[ai]n – the fin[a]l ruler of ev[en]ts is wiser th[a]n we – I am deep[l]y sensib[le] of all

‘y[ou]r affect[io]n; b[u]t, fr[om] the mom[en]t of y[ou]r hav[in]g delib[eratel]y told me y[ou]r determinat[io]n, and the lead[in]g argum[en]ts

‘w[hi]ch ga[ve] rise to it, my chief endeav[ou]r w[a]s to be convinc[e]d and reconcil[e]d – Mary! you trust[e]d me

‘too lit[tle] for happ[ine]ss – Rem[em[b[e]r th[i]s, and be comfort[e]d – cheer up – trust me, you ha[ve] m[u]ch to hope –

‘m[u]ch mo[re] th[a]n you seem aware – the prosp[ec]t will bright[e]r by and by – I ha[ve] nev[e]r fail[in]g consol[atio]n

‘or the th[ou]ght, th[a]t you will be happ[ie]r in oth[e]rs, th[a]n you c[oul]d ha[ve] been in me – confide[en]ce w[a]s

‘too m[u]ch shak[e]n on b[o]th sides – Mary! the last blow on mine, w[a]s too severe – Be

‘comfort[e]d – be assur[e]d, th[a]t you ha[ve] act[e]d wise[l]y for us b[o]th – viol[en]t changes are gen[erall]y irksome

‘to all p[ar]ties at 1st; b[u]t, rememb[erin]g wh[a]t I mys[elf] ha[ve] suffer[e]d, I do n[o]t eas[il]y desp[ai]r for anyone –

‘I do n[o]t feel inclin[e]d to say m[u]ch on the subj[ec]t of our meet[in]g – the reflect[io]ns to w[hi]ch it w[oul]d gi[ve]

‘rise, c[oul]d on[l]y be painful – Do as you th[in]k best’ – Hope ‘h[e]r niece’ will exceed h[e]r

all h[e]r expectat[io]ns – ‘I can eas[il]y ent[e]r int[o] y[ou]r motive for call[in]g h[e]r Percy’ – pleas[e]d at the th[ou]ght

of h[e]r go[in]g to the Rhine next y[ea]r – on[l]y anx[iou]s ab[ou]t h[e]r choice of a compan[io]n – ment[io]n Geneva as a

fine town ‘hav[in]g man[y] lit[erar]y and econom[i]c advent[age]s’ and th[a]t a fam[il]y of 2 or 3 might live in

affl[ue]nce at Rolle for £250 a y[ea]r – date the latt[e]r 1/2 p[age] 3,  Mon[day] 15 Sept[embe]r and say it shall go [as] last

160

1834

Sept[embe]r

+

might, the herald of the sm[all] parc[e]l (stays, 6 laces, p[ai]r of Earrings fr[om] Geneva and b[oo]k, Coxes’

pict[ure] of It[al]y borr[owe]d edit[io]n of 1815, too old when last at Lawton Dec[embe]r 1833) to be s[e]nt off by me of today’s mails –

‘I f[ou]nd my a[un]t m[u]ch the sa[me] as I left h[e]r, and Mr. Sund[erlan]d told me, he th[ou]ght her gen[era]l health qui[te]

‘as good - b[u]t she is uncert[ai]n - th[i]s seas[o]n of th[e] y[ea]r, or rath[e]r lat[e]r, h[a]s gen[erall]y tir[e]d h[e]r ver[y] m[u]ch

‘and I fear, if she gets ov[e]r the wint[e]r at all, it will be ver[y] indiffer[entl]y – she suffers a

‘gr[ea]t deal, yet her cheerful[ne]ss does n[o]t forsake her – She desires me to gi[ve] her love, and say

‘how gl[a]d she shall be to hear you are bet[ter] – the 30 shil[lin]gs for Th[oma]s Beech’s gr[ea]tcoat

‘are p[ai]d, and I will pl[a]ce th[i]s sum to y[ou]r acc[oun]t – If you do n[o]t feel qui[te] sure of my und[er]-

‘-stand[in]g all y[ou]r wishes ab[ou]t mon[e]y matt[e]rs, tell me mo[re] partic[ularl]y wh[a]t you w[oul]d ha[ve] me

‘do - G[o]d bless you, my d[eare]st Mary! Ever ver[y] espec[iall]y y[ou]rs AL- [Anne Lister] – nice en[ou]gh let[ter] to

L[ad]y S- [Stuart] will consid[e]r ab[ou]t the fourgon ‘when I am mo[re] ab[le] to fix up[on] my next line of route’ – ‘I am perf[ectl]y astonish[e]d th[a]t I h[a]d y[ou]r let[ter] 12 days ago, and th[a]t I h[a]d been at ho[me] a fortn[i]ght

‘on Sat[urday] – I kno[w] n[o]t how the ti[me] h[a]s slipp[e]d away – I ha[ve] been so busy ab[ou]t my law-concern,

‘etc. etc. the days ha[ve] seem[e]d like mom[en]ts; and I ha[ve] s[in]ce been out of the h[ou]se – yet I ha[ve] oft[e]n

‘th[ou]ght of you, and wond[ere] how you w[oul]d set[tle] all th[]se disag[reablenes]s I w[a]s so griev[e]d to hear of…….

ment[io]n let[ter] fr[om] Vere – shall go and see h[e]r one of th[e]se days – at pres[en]t can ma[ke] no plans –

‘my poor aunt suffers a martyrdom; yet still she lives, and may live for sev[era]l m[on]ths –

‘It is a gr[ea]t comf[or]t to me to see h[e]r so pleas[e]d at my hav[in]g g[o]t a lit[tle] fr[ie]nd to ta[ke] ca[re] of me

‘in my trav[e]ls – I hope you will tell Miss Tate - B[u]t, d[eare]st L[ad]y St[uar]t, it w[a]s wh[a]t you s[ai]d th[a]t I ha[ve]

‘nev[e]r forgott[e]n; and it is you th[a]t I shall alw[a]ys th[in]k of, and thank w[i]t hall my heart –

wr[ote] th[i]s morn[in]g und[e]r the seal – ‘I do hope to hear fr[om] you soon, if it be only one line to tell

‘me you are bet[ter], and ha[ve] settl[e]d th[in]gs mo[re] comf[ortabl]y th[a]n you expect[e]d – Do n[o]t troub[le] y[ou]rs[elf] one

‘inst[an]t ab[ou]t a frank – I shall be delight[e]d to see a Norfolk postmark – I shall troub[le]

‘L[or]d St[uar]t w[i]th a note to L[ad]y St[uar]t de R- [Rothesay] and a lit[tle] no[te] to d[ea]r Charlotte ab[ou]t the parc[e]l fr[om]

‘Paris - Ev[e]r, d[eare]st L[ad]y St[uar]t, ver[y] truly and affect[ionatel]y y[ou]rs A. [Anne] Lister’ - Gen[era]l acc[oun]t of my journ[e]y to

L[ad]y S- [Stuart] de R- [Rothesay] hop[e]d for so[me] comm[issio]n in Paris - perh[aps] she doubt[e]d my abil[itie]s - c[oul]d n[o]t doubt how

hap[py] I sh[oul]d ha[ve] been to do my best – ‘I h[a]d a lit[tle] fr[ien]d w[i]th me wh[o]se good care soon set me

‘ab[ov]e Mr. Freeman’s medicines; and we h[a]d so[me] delightful wander[in]gs am[on]g the Savoy m[oun]t[ai]ns – I do

confess th[a]t my ‘bowels yearned’ tow[ar]ds M[on]t Blanc; b[u]t he w[a]s a lit[tle] surly, and the 2 Savoy and

‘avocats who attempt[e]d his summ[i]t, and s[ai]d, tho’ unbeliev[e]d by any, they reach[e]d it, were

‘gl[a]d en[ou]gh to get d[o]wn ag[ai]n – they h[a]d no reg[ula]r guides, on[l]y 1/2 a doz[en] peasants, two of wh[o]m

‘h[a]d made the ascent bef[ore] – and, h[a]d they been a few h[ou]rs lat[e]r, w[oul]d prob[abl]y ha[ve] been lost –

‘we made wh[a]t is call[e]d the gr[a]nd tour of M[on]t Bl[an]c’ ….. cross[e]d the Gr[ea]t and lit[tle] S[ain]y Bernard…

we h[a]d no  Gollis-work – the lit[tle] Inns ver[y] fair[l]y comf[orta]ble ‘exc[ept] one in the vil[lage] de Ferret

‘where th[e]re were on[l]y 2 bedr[oo]ms for the wid[ow] and h[e]r 8 child[re]n. one manserv[an]t and 2 guides, our 2

‘selves, and 2 sick inf[an]ts the poor wom[a]n h[a]d tak[e]n to nurse, tout compris, at 6 fr[an]cs each

‘p[e]r m[ou]th – we ret[urne]d by the Savoy lakes and Chamberi – saw the pass of the Echelles, and the gr[a]nde

‘Chartreuse - sp[en]t 2 or 3 days at Lyons – tho’ man[y] of the h[ou]ses damaged or destr[oye]d in Apr[il] are

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‘alread[y] repair[e]d or rebuilt, th[e]re are still too man[y] traces of the émente - Sev[era]l opul[en]t  

‘manufact[orie]s ha[ve] left the town, and set up th[ei]r establ[ishmen]ts elsewhere - th[e]re are 3 large ones just complet[e]d

‘at Voiron now communicat[e]d w[i]th Echelles by a fine new r[oa]d of 3 posts - th[e]re are sev[era]l new

‘r[oa]ds finish[e]d and in prog[ress] - th[a]t by S[ain]t Etienne io[ene]d 2 y[ea]rs ago (miss[in]g Lyons) saves 3 days’ journey to

‘Marseilles’ – 2 or 3 days at S[ain]t Etienne and 2 or 3 at Clerm[on]t – ‘the view fr[om] the Puy de Dome,

‘is one of the m[o]st interest[in]g and extraord[inar]y I ha[ve] ev[e]r seen. – a vast assembl[a]ge of cones of extinct

‘volca[noe]s – a vast coulée (sea) of lava - b[u]t the heat w[a]s so excess[ive] in walk[in]g up, and the air

‘is cold at the top, I on[l]y st[ai]d ab[ou]t 1/2 an h[ou]r – Do tell the girls, they nev[e]r saw s[u]ch a dirty fig[ure]

‘as I w[a]s on com[in]g out of the fine silv[e]r mines (op[ene]d 2 or 3 y[ea]rs ago) n[ea]r Pont de Gibaud - B[u]t

‘the coal-mine of Firminy, n[ea]r S[ain]t Etienne, astonish[e]d me m[o]st – It is exact[l]y like a comm[o]n

‘st[one] quarry, (open to the day, and work[e]d in the sa[me] way) b[u]t the rock is coal of excell[en]t qual[it]y –

‘It is on[l]y 3 y[ea]rs th[a]t it h[a]s been work[e]d in th[i]s way, and is the on[l]y coal-mine kn[o]wn of the kind –

‘the miners at the silv[e]r mine were chief[l]y Germans – Be the gov[ernmen]t wh[a]t it may, I nev[e]r saw

‘so gr[ea]t an app[earan]ce of improvem[en]t and prosper[it]y in the count[r]y – the écoles des mines ha[ve] done an

‘infin[it]y of good to the mining int[ere]sts of the count[r]y’ - din[e]d w[i]th L[ad]y CL- [Charlotte Lindsay] and the Berrys – ‘and w[a]s deligth[e]d w[i]th my

‘vis[i]t – all were in good sp[iri]ts, and were ver[y] agreeab[le], and k[i]nd – I h[a]d nev[e]r seen so m[u]ch of L[ad]y Charl[otte]’

(Lindsay) ‘who says th[in]gs so nice[l]y, and wh[o]se man[ner]s are so interest[in]g, she made qui[te] an impress[io]n

‘up[on] me – Miss Berry is really wond[er]ful – Thank you ver[y] m[u]ch for giv[in]g me th[ei]r addr[ess] – I w[a]s

‘qui[te] gl[a]d to improve so nice an acquaint[an]ce - unexpect[e]d pleas[ure] to see L[or]d St[uar]t – ‘wh[a]t

‘an enviab[le] tour in Norway! I wish a [I] knew a lit[tle] mo[re] ab[ou]t it – If I live, I mean to go

‘th[e]re one of th[e]se days – my a[un]t, as to gen[era]l health, is m[u]ch the sa[me] as when I left h[e]r - b[u]t she

‘suffers a martyrd[o]m fr[om] rheumat[i]c pains; and her medic[a]l men fear she can[no]t long survive

‘the wint[e]r – I enclose a lit[tle] no[te] for Charlotte - Bel[ieve] me, d[ea]r L[ad]y St[uar]t, alw[a]ys ver[y] truly y[ou]rs A. [Anne] Lister’

th[e]n wr[ote] on 1/4 sh[ee]t the foll[owin]g ‘Shibd[e]n hall - Mon[day] 15 Oct[obe]r 1834. My d[ea]r Charlotte – I s[e]nd you a ver[y] lit[lte] no[te], the herald

of a ver[y] lit[tle] parc[e]l, w[hi]ch Miss Berry w[a]s so good as prom[ise] to bring fr[om] Paris – I told L[ad]y St[uar]t, it w[a]s for you –

‘I alw[a]ys th[ou]ght of giv[in]g you so[me] sm[all] rememb[ran]ce on y[ou]r entrée int[o] the gr[ea]t world – I wish[e]d it to be so[me]th[in]g useful,

‘and on[l]y hope I ha[ve] chos[e]n well, and th[a]t you will like the watch for its own sake, and for mine – I hope you

‘are all enjoy[in]g yours[elf], and look[in]g qui[te] rosy and well at Highcliffe – I sh[oul]d n[o]t kno[w] it ag[ai]n – If you still

‘hunt for fossils, and care as m[u]ch as ev[e]r for the collect[io]n, you can fancy how disap[pointe]d I w[a]s to f[i]nd, on

‘reach[in]g here, th[a]t all my fine specimens fr[om] Auvergne silv[e]r-mines, and man[y] oth[e]rs th[a]t were pack[e]d

‘in the carr[ia]ge tool-box, were lost in Lond[on], thrown away as lumber, I suppo[se], by the c[oa]chmakers’ men, who th[ou]ght

‘antiattrit[io]n better worth – I oft[e]n th[ou]ght of you among the high alps of Savoy, and wish[e]d you were w[i]th me –

‘wh[a]t sketch[in]g for Louisa! Gi[ve] my love to h[e]r – I shall alw[a]ys feel ver[y] m[u]ch interest[e]d for you both; and

‘bel[ieve] me, my d[ea]r Charlotte, y[ou]r ver[y] sincere and affect[iona]te fr[ie]nd A. [Anne] Lister – my kind rememb[rance]s to Miss Hyriott’ –

w[e]nt d[o]wn to br[eak]f[a]st at 11 1/4 and s[e]nt off th[e]n by Geo[rge] my let[ter] to ‘Mrs. Lawton the Rev[eren]d M. Miller’s Scarborough’ –

br[eak]f[a]st – Mr. Parker s[e]nt the lease of ‘Lidgit’ to Mr. Lamplengh Wickham Hird for A- [Adney] to r[ea]d ov[e]r – she r[ea]d it al[ou]d to me –

the game reserv[e]d as in my leases - on[l]y allow[e]d to ha[ve] 7DW. und[e]r plough – penalty £10 p[e]r DW. - n[o]t to cut or

prune timb[e]r – 34DW. - n[o]t to und[er]let exc[ept] w[i]th writ[ten] leave – Rent £100, term 10 y[ea]rs – asleep 1/2 h[ou]r – at my desk at 1 5/..

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wr[ote] my no[te] to C. St[uar]t and at 2 1/2 h[a]d writ[ten] so far of today, and h[a]d fold[e]d and seal[e]d up in envelope my no[te]

4 p[ages] of 1/2 sh[ee]t to ‘The Lady St[uar]t de Rothesay’ enclos[in]g in the sa[me] my no[te] to ‘the hon[oura]ble Miss Stuar]t’

and enclo[e]d th[e]se and my no[te] to ‘The hon[oura]ble L[ad]y St[uar]t Whitehall’ und[e]rcov[e]r to ‘Lord St[uar]t de Rothesay

3 Carlt[o]n h[ou]se terrace London’ – s[e]nt the ab[ov]e let[ter]s at 7 p.m. by Geo[rge] – A- [Adney] and I out at 2 3/4

to Brearley hill to meet Holt ab[ou]t gett[in]g wat[e]r for John Bott[omle]y and ab[ou]t sink[in]g pit to enab[le] me

to look aft[e]r Mr. Rawson – gett[in]g the wat[e]r will cost ab[ou]t £16 to £20 sink[in]g and driv[in]g at 3/. to 3/6 p[e]r y[ar]d

ab[ou]t 100 y[ar]ds – ord[ere]d th[i]s job to be advertis[e]d next week for lett[in]g as als[o] the pit sink[in]g – H- [Holt] th[in]ks

the pit will cost ab[ou]t 40/. p[e]r y[ar]d sink[in]g ab[ou]t 100 y[ar]ds deep to the low[e]r bed – saw the place n[ea]r the

upp[e]r gateway just ab[ov]e Conery wood in the Park farm well f[iel]d – w[i]th a sm[all] fire engine m[i]ght

get coal th[e]re for man[y] y[ea]rs – eas[il]y road[e]d al[on]g the f[ee]t of Bairstow, out just bel[ow] Whiskum cot[tage]

int[o] the new bank to H[alifa]x – pit to be oblong 8ft. x 5.4 .:. ab[ou]t n[o]t qui[te] s[ai]d S. W. [Samuel Washington] tonight, 5 sq[uare]

y[ar]ds stuff will co[me] out at each y[ar]d depth of sink[in]g – 5 x 100 = 500 y[ar]ds of stuff cart[in]g d[o]wn

to the f[ee]t of the wall oppos[i]te the h[ou]se = ab[ou]t £20 – the wat[e]r of dirt band (36 y[ar]ds band) and four-

-score y[ar]ds band to be gath[ere]d up in sink[in]g and turn[e]d the conery clough separ[atel]y or n[o]t to the h[ou]se –

H- [Holt] s[ai]d the coal w[oul]d sell at 8d. at the pits’ m[ou]th – and [no] turnip[ke] to H[alifa]x w[oul]d ma[ke] a penny

a load diff[eren]ce – Rawson sells at 9 1/2d. in the town – we sh[oul]d sell at 9d. – w[oul]d av[era]ge 5 1/2 corves

or loads p[e]r sq[uare] y[ar]d – 20 loads or one score w[oul]d sell for 13/4 at the pits mouth –

 gett[in]g  .   .                             4.6        13.4 – 8 = 5/4                                        say 1s.3d. p[e]r sq[uare] y[ar]d profit .:.

pull[in]g and bank[in]g              2.6      

                                                              say 3d. p[e]r load profit                          1 ac[re] or 4840 y[ar]ds = £242+ £60.10s.0d.

Tools                                          1.0      

Taxes                                          8.0     or 1/4 1/2 p[e]r sq[uare] y[ar]d profit                                              = £302 p[e]r ac[re]

 fr[om] Brearley hill A- [Adney] met me at Whiskum cot[tage] – th[e]nce d[o]wn the o[ld] b[ank] to H[alifa]x to the Bowling

foundry for fire-grates for n[or]th parl[ou]r n[or]th ch[ambe]r and tentr[oo]m – th[e]n to Miss Hebden’s – good acc[oun]t

of Charlotte Booth – th[e]n to Whitley’s – br[ou]ght ho[me] vol[ume] 3 [octavo] Lyell’s geol[og]y and Busby’s Journ[a]l am[on]g

the viney[ar]ds of Spain and Portug[a]l – and pamphl[e]t by Jo[h]n Travers on the Tea duties – th[e]n to Thorps’

ab[ou]t acorns and plant[in]g sett[in]g Bairstow w[i]th th[e]m – ho[me] up t he o[ld] b[ank] at 6 55/.. – din[ner] at 7 – coff[ee] – h[a]d

Washington – noth[in]g to be made of Mrs. Machin ab[ou]t the sale of h[e]r 11DW. of coal – b[u]t

W- [Washington] told he w[oul]d call ag[ai]n on Sat[urday] – A- [Adney] and I sat talk[in]g and read[in]g the newspap[e]r Geo[rge] br[ou]ght

b[a]ck th[i]s ev[enin]g – w[i]th my a[un]t fr[om] 9 3/4 to 10 3/4 – wr[ote] all b[u]t the 3 first lines of th[i]s p[age] till 11 1/2 p.m.

at w[hi]ch h[ou]r F[ahrenheit] 59 1/2° in my study – ver[y] fine day – no[te] fr[om] Mr. Wilkins[o]n Heath to say the front pew in the north gall[er]y nearest to the west gall[er]y was at lib[ert]y rent 1 guin[ea] a y[ea]r

[writemarcus]

Jun. 23: Jason Robert Brown, Savion Glover, Priscilla López, Susan Stroman, Marisha Wallace, and Christopher Wheeldon Join I’M STILL HERE: A Virtual Benefit for the Billy Rose Theatre Division Honoring George C. Wolfe and the Late Harold Prince and Celebrating 90 Years of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts; Tickets for the In-Person Viewing Party are Available Now

Jason Robert Brown, Savion Glover, Priscilla López, Susan Stroman, Marisha Wallace, and Christopher Wheeldon join the cavalcade of stars participating in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ I’m Still Here: A Virtual Benefit for the Billy Rose Theatre Division, airing June 23, 2021 on Broadway On Demand at 8pm EST and 8pm PST. The fundraiser will help raise critical funds for the Library for the Performing Arts’ beloved Theatre Division as it celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.

Tickets to the online fundraiser will be donate-what-you-can, with a recommendation of at least $19.31 in honor of the year the division was founded. To purchase tickets to the one-time-only virtual event, visit StillHereAt90.com.

An in-person viewing party at the Library for the Performing Arts in Lincoln Center for donors has also just been announced, including a pre-screening reception and performance featuring Pulitzer Prize winner Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), and GRAMMY and two-time Tony Award winner Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening). For details and ticket prices for this limited capacity in- person event, please contact tickets@stillhereat90.com.

An incredibly special aspect of I’m Still Here is that it will feature clips of Broadway productions from the Theatre Division’s Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT), shown especially for this occasion with special permission from The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds and the respective talent, creative teams and rights holders of each production. These archival recordings are typically only available to view onsite at the Library for the Performing Arts. The recordings shown will include the original Broadway cast of In the Heights; Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson in The Mountaintop; Brian Stokes Mitchell in Ragtime; Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard; Kelli O’Hara and Paulo Szot in South Pacific; Craig Bierko and Rebecca Luker in The Music Man; Meryl Streep, Marcia Gay Harden and Larry Pine in The Seagull; Savion Glover, Jimmy Tate, Choclattjared and Raymond King in Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk; Bette Midler in I’ll Eat You Last; Christian Borle and Tim Curry in Spamalot; and more.

I’m Still Here will also include interviews with Broadway legends and emerging creatives; and reconceived performances of musical theatre songs, including Stephanie J. Block performing “A Trip to the Library,” André De Shields performing “I’m Still Here,” original Company cast members from 1970-to-present performing “Another Hundred People,” “Wheels of a Dream,” “Love Will Find a Way,” and more. The evening’s honorees are Harold Prince and George C. Wolfe.

Featuring new performances and appearances by Troy Anthony (The River Is Me), Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park with George), Major Attaway (Aladdin), Alexander Bello (Caroline, or Change), Laura Benanti (She Loves Me), Malik Bilbrew, Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam), Shay Bland, Stephanie J. Block (The Cher Show), Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice), Matthew Broderick (Plaza Suite), Jason Robert Brown (The Last 5 Years), Krystal Joy Brown (Hamilton), David Burtka (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”), Sammi Cannold (Endlings), Ayodele Casel (Chasing Magic), Kirsten Childs (Bella), Antonio Cipriano (Mean Girls), Victoria Clark (The Light in the Piazza), Max Clayton (Moulin Rouge!), Calvin L. Cooper (Mrs. Doubtfire), Trip Cullman (Choir Boy), Taeler Elyse Cyrus (Hello, Dolly!), Quentin Earl Darrington (Once on This Island), André De Shields (Hadestown), Frank DiLella (NY1), Derek Ege, Amina Faye, Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), Leslie Donna Flesner (Tootsie), Chelsea P. Freeman, Savion Glover (Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk), Joel Grey (Cabaret), Ryan J. Haddad (“The Politician”),James Harkness (Ain’t Too Proud), Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof), Marcy Harriell (Company), Mark Harris (“Mike Nichols: A Life”), Neil Patrick Harris (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), Arica Jackson (Caroline, or Change), Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), Cassondra James (Once on This Island), Marcus Paul James (Rent), Taylor Iman Jones (Hamilton), Maya Kazzaz, Tom Kirdahy (The Inheritance), Leslie Kritzer (Beetlejuice), Michael John LaChiusa (The Wild Party), Norman Lear (Good Times), Baayork Lee (A Chorus Line), L. Morgan Lee (A Strange Loop), Robert Lee (Takeaway), Sondra Lee (Hello, Dolly!), Telly Leung (Aladdin), Priscilla Lopez (A Chorus Line),Ashley Loren (Moulin Rouge!), Allen René Louis (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”), Brittney Mack (Six), Morgan Marcell (Hamilton), Aaron Marcellus (“American Idol”), Joan Marcus, Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), Annie McGreevey (Company), Sarah Meahl (Kiss Me, Kate), Joanna Merlin (Fiddler on the Roof), Ruthie Ann Miles (Sunday in the Park with George), Bonnie Milligan (Head Over Heels), Rita Moreno (West Side Story), Madeline Myers (Double Helix), Pamela Myers (Company),Leilani Patao (Garden Girl), Nova Payton (Dreamgirls), Joel Perez (Kiss My Aztec), Bernadette Peters (Into the Woods), Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam), Jacoby Pruitt, Sam Quinn, Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin in the Sun), Jelani Remy (Ain’t Too Proud), George Salazar (Be More Chill), Marilyn Saunders (Company), Marcus Scott (Fidelio), Rashidra Scott (Company), Rona Siddiqui (Tales of a Halfghan), Ahmad Simmons (West Side Story), Susan Stroman (The Producers), Rebecca Taichman (Indecent), Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), Bobby Conte Thornton (Company), Sergio Trujillo (On Your Feet), Kei Tsuruharatani (Jagged Little Pill), Ben Vereen (Pippin), Jack Viertel, Christopher Vo (The Cher Show), Nik Walker (Ain’t Too Proud), Marisha Wallace (Dreamgirls), Shannon Fiona Weir, Christopher Wheeldon (MJ: The Musical),Helen Marla White (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Natasha Yvette Williams (“Orange is the New Black”), and Kumiko Yoshii (Prince of Broadway).

Click here to watch New York Public Library’s Doug Reside on Backstage LIVE with Richard Ridge.

The virtual benefit is produced and conceived by co-founder of the upcoming Museum of Broadway and four-time Tony nominee Julie Boardman (Company) and Co-Executive Producer of Broadway For Biden Nolan Doran (Head Over Heels), featuring direction by Steve Broadnax (Thoughts Of A Colored Man), Sammi Cannold (Endlings), Nick Corley (Plaza Suite), GRAMMY Award Winner Ty Defoe (Straight White Men), Drama Desk winner Lorin Latarro (Waitress), Mia Walker (Jagged Little Pill) and Tony Award winnerJason Michael Webb (Choir Boy), choreography by Ayodele Casel (Chasing Magic),Lorin Latarro and Ray Mercer (The Lion King), with new music arranged by ASCAP Award winner Rachel Dean (Medusa) and Annastasia Victory (A Wonderful World), with arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer (Frozen). Casting is by Peter Van Dam at Tara Rubin Casting.

Tony Marx is the president of The New York Public Library, William Kelly is the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Research Libraries,Jennifer Schantz is the Barbara G. and Lawrence A. Fleischman Executive Director of the Library for the Performing Arts, and Doug Reside is the Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division. Patrick Hoffman is the curator of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. Henry Tisch serves as Associate Producer and Travis Waldschmidt is Associate Choreographer. Animation and Motion Graphics by Kate Freer, Graphic Design by Caitlin Whittington, Sean MacLaughlin is Director of Photography and Ian Johnston is B Camera Operator. Dylan Tashjian is Onsite Coordinator with COVID compliance by Lauren Class Schneider.

HOST COMMITTEE: Ted & Mary Jo Shen, Barbara Fleischman, Agnes Gund, Fiona & Eric Rudin, Lizzie & Jon Tisch, Kate Cannova, Joan Marcus, Daisy Prince, Gayfryd Steinberg, Van Horn Group

LIBRARY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE COMMITTEE: Emily Altman, Margot Astrachan, Ken Billington, Julie Boardman, Ted Chapin, Bonnie Comley, Van Dean, Kurt Deutsch, Scott Farthing, Barbara Fleischman, Freddie Gershon, Louise Hirschfeld, Joan Marcus, Elliott Masie, Arthur Pober, Ed Schloss, Morwin Schmookler, Jenna Segal, Ted Shen, Kara Unterberg, Abbie Van Nostrand, Kumiko Yoshii

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS DOROTHY AND LEWIS B. CULLMAN CENTER houses one of the world’s most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in the field of dance, theatre, music and recorded sound. These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts — whether professional or amateur — the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs. The Library is part of The New York Public Library system, which has locations in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, and is a lead provider of free education for all.

BROADWAY ON DEMAND is the industry-leading livestream platform housing performance & theatre education programming, & the preferred choice of top Broadway artists, producers, educators & professionals. Broadway On Demand has streamed 2,500 events & live productions—from Broadway shows to concert series, performance venues to individual artists, & original content—in 82 countries to over 300,000 viewers. Thanks to a unique licensing interface, ShowShare, approved middle school, high school, college, community & professional theatre productions utilize the platform to stream to their audiences. Broadway on Demand is available on the web, mobile, Apple and Android app store, AppleTV, Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV. For access to the complete and ever-expanding Broadway on Demand library, subscribe at BroadwayOnDemand.com.

[woollyslisterblog]

1834 May Thursday 1st (part one)

7.05

1

Soft hazy grow[in]g morn[in]g F49 1/2° (in my study) at 8.10 at w[hi]ch h[ou]r at my desk till 8.35 – wr[ote] the foll[owin]g ‘Miss List[e]r left last n[i]ght, w[i]th Mr Kendell’s paint[e]r, a table-screen w[hi]ch Mr Kendall made 3 or 4 y[ea]rs ago, for Miss Walk[e]r of Lidgate, and w[hi]ch wants a lit[tle] repain[tin]g – the 2 leaves of the tab[le] part do n[o]t 2 shut qui[te] square, and the sm[all] hook at the top, to fast[e]n the top togeth[e]r, is want[in]g – Miss Walk[e]r wishes the paint[e]d baize to be tak[e]n off, and replac[e]d by plush or velv[e]t, the sa[me] col[ou]r as the silk, so as to ma[ke] the screen fit for draw[in]g r[oo]m furnit[u]re – Mr Kendell is request[e]d to get it done in a week or ten days, as Miss List[e]r will call for it, prob[abl]y ab[ou]t that ti[me] – Shibd[e]n Hall, Wed[nesday] ev[enin]g 30 Ap[ril] 1834’ –

out with Pickels and w[i[th Ch[arle]s and Ja[me]s How[ar]th who remov[e]d harness cupb[oar]d out of the n[or]th r[oom] prepar[in]g for lay[in]g new ov[e]r-floor – deal o[v]er oak – br[eak]f[a]st at 9:30 alone in the draw[in]g r[oo]m – Washingt[o]n ca[me] – measur[e]d off terr[a]ce and grass plot for Pickells – of the form[e]r 832 and of the latt[e]r 391 y[ar]ds = 1223 y[ar]ds of stuff remov[e]d to over the old bridge, form[in]g a mound then, to mark the arch of the new dry br[idge] – at 8d p[e]r y[ar]d = 1223/2 = 611s/6s = £30.11.6 +£30.11.6/3 = £10.3.10 altogeth[e]r = £40.15.4

Let[ter] 2 ½ pp. hurr[ie]d fr[om] Miss Walker, Heworth Grange York – go[in]g to dine at Dr Belc[ombe]’s – [Sou?] maid so ill, oblig[e]d to call in Mrs Mattison – no dang[e]r- mere[l]y a large gum boil – kind letter she had thought of me all Tuesday night and all Wednesday morning – the let[ter] my a[un]t forward[e]d on Mon[day] was fr[om] Washington to ask if one of Mr Macaulay’s workm[e]n might ha[ve] the empty cot[tage] at Lightcliffe – Mr Macauley to be responsib[le] for the rent 4 guin[ea]s p[e]r ann[um] – If I th[ou]ght bet[ter] to let h[i]m ha[ve] it, to tell Washingt[o]n so – yes! so told h[i]m I h[a]d just heard fr[om] Miss W-[Walker] who s[ai]d Mr Macauley w[a]s to ha[ve] the cot[tage]

[acsversace-news]

Congrats to Jon Jon Briones who will be receiving the 2018 East West Players Visionary Award at the East West Players (EWP) Annual Visionary Awards Dinner & Silent Auction at the Hilton Universal City tonight.

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s longest-running professional theater of color and the largest producing organization of Asian Pacific American artistic work is celebrating THE COMPANY WE KEEP, its 52nd Anniversary season with the Annual Visionary Awards Gala Benefit.

Lily Mariye, Suzy Nakamura and Wendy Chang/Dwight Stuart Youth Fund will also be honored. Recognizing the achievements of individuals who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through their craft, proceeds from the gala fundraiser  will benefit East West Players’ educational and artistic programs.

Actor Jon Jon Briones was born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines. At 9 years old he was sent to live at Santo Domingo convent as a boy soprano in the “Tiples of Santo Domingo” choir. This was to be his first formal training. In 1989, he joined the original London cast of Miss Saigon. Recently, he played the Engineer in the London 2014 revival (Olivier Award nominee, What’s One Stage Award winner) and its Broadway transfer (Drama Desk Award nominee, Theater Award winner). He has appeared in several other productions of Miss Saigon, among numerous additional stage credits. He has had the privilege of working with East West players in La Cage Aux Folles (Ovation Award nominee) and A Little Night Music. He was proudly involved in the pre-Broadway development of Allegiance at The Old Globe. Last month, Briones received raves for his chilling and brilliant portrayal as Modesto Cunanan on the television drama American Crime Story: Assassination of Gianni Versace.

Lia: Congratulations on your 2018 East West Players Visionary Award. What does receiving this award mean to you? Jon Jon: It’s always nice when you get compliments for your work but to be honored is totally different and very humbling. It really means a lot. It’s the highest form of “You’re alright”.

Lia: What shows have you performed in at East West Players? Jon Jon: My first show was A Little Night Music in 2012 and I played Fredrik Egerman. And then I did La Cage Aux Folles for them in 2016 and I played Georges.

Lia: How were you cast as Modesto Cunanan in “American Crime Story: Assassination of Gianni Versace.” Jon Jon: Darren Criss told me that when they started filming at the beginning of 2017, he and head writer Tom Rob Smith were talking about the role of Modesto Cunanan and they thought that I might be right for the part (they both saw me in Miss Saigon in London). They then started talking about me to the producers of the show. My agent contacted me about an audition that I have to tape because the audition was in LA and I was in NYC doing Miss Saigon. I taped my audition, sent it and as they say the rest is history.

Lia: How did you develop the character? Jon Jon: Research about Modesto on line did not yield a lot but reading Maureen Orth’s book and talking to her, discussing the character with writer Tom Rob Smith really helped me understand Modesto better. The two of them were a wealth of information.

Lia: How has your life or career changed since appearing on the show? Jon Jon: It’s a little better, I have to admit. Hopefully this will lead to better and complex roles not just for me but for other actors of Asian descent.

Lia: You were in the ensemble in the original production of Miss Saigon. What did it mean for you to lead the show on Broadway after all these years? Jon Jon: It meant so much to me. A couple of years ago I’ve accepted the fact that making my Broadway debut will not come into fruition because of my age and the lack of roles in shows for people like me. And I can’t seem to get cast in other Asian shows like The King and I. They probably think I’m not regal enough. I can’t blame them. I’m as blue collar looking as anyone out there. But when Cameron asked me if I wanted to do The Engineer on Broadway, I couldn’t believe it. The dream was not dead. And I made my Broadway debut at the age of 52.

Lia: Did you enjoy working in New York even though you are LA based? Jon Jon: We used to live in New York a few years ago and I just love the city! And everyday when I walk down the street on my way to the theatre, I get this overwhelming feeling of gratitude for living in the city and playing the lead in a Broadway show. Life was good!

Lia: How did you balance the stage and TV shooting schedule? Jon Jon: That was interesting and pretty cool. A few times I had to take the red eye after an evening performance in NYC, arrived in LA early morning, took a short nap and then get picked up for an early morning shoot. I filmed for a few days and then took a red eye back to New York after a late night shoot, arrived in my New York apartment to sleep for a few hours and then do 2 shows. And then repeat. I credit my agent for making it work.

Lia: Your entire family is in the business. Was “American Crime Story” the first time that you worked with your daughter, Isa Briones, on screen? Jon Jon: That was the first time I worked with my daughter and it was pretty cool.

Lia: You must be so proud of her LA Ovation Award for Featured Actress in a Musical for East West Players’ production of Next to Normal, which garnered the top awards. How was she cast in Hamilton? Jon Jon: We’re very proud of her! They really loved her even the first time she auditioned that they kept calling her back to work with her. Maybe it was a combination of her being a little young (18 at that time) or know where to put her but she finally booked the show after 7 months.

Lia: What’s next for you? Jon Jon: I’m hoping to announce something good soon. We’ll see.

[cbwalive]

CBWA Super Estrella Ep. 6

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to another exciting episode of Super Estrella here on Univision.

I’m Jimmy Ross alongside Gordon Solie and Solie. 

We have a great card tonight before we head to the Great Bogota Bash this Sunday.

That’s right Jimmy, tonight we will give you an update on the condition of the CBWA Intercontinental Champion Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert.

Also in action CBWA Hall of Famer Steve Ryder, plus we are hearing rumors that the boss Mr. John Schneider has a big announcement concerning the Main Event at The Great Bogota Bash between Roberto Gibson and the CBWA World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg.

Also more names will be announced throughout the show tonight for the big battle royal that will also take place at The Great Bogota Bash where the winner will receive a title shot in the main event at the biggest show of the year Drug Wars 5.

Also in action we will see the in ring return of Ox Baker.

BS Service member Blaster Lashley will be in action as well as he will be in a handicap match.

I hope they pay those poor guys well and the fans have asked for it and we will deliver tonight a returning CBWA Hall Famer will be here tonight.

That’s right all that and so much more as we take you to the ring and the Fink.

Ladies and Gentlemen the following contest is scheduled for one fall with a 10 minute time limit, currently in the ring weighing at 228lbs The Bogota Brawler and his opponent accompanied to the ring by Councilman Tom Zenk, weighing at 329lbs here is Big Bubba Bogota.

  Bubba looks to be in great shape there Gordon as it looks like the Z man’s workout routine is working as the bell rings and we are under way. Bubba with a cheap poke to the eye as the Brawler can’t see in runs into a vicious mafia kick, I can’t believe this man, it’s all but over now as Bubba swings Brawler into the ropes and nails him with a Bubba slam, 1,2,3, Bubba with a big win as we look at the slam of night Gordon.

WINNER: BIG BUBBA BOGOTA

As you can see The Bogota Brawler was not expecting the finger poke to the eye and it was all but over after that as Bubba hits the big Bubba slam and that is your slam of the night as we now take you to Kenny at our interview table with the number one contenders City Hall.

Thank you Gordon, City Hall come on in here, very impressive tonight as you guys get ready to face the CBWA Tag Team Champions Roberto Gibson and Auzztin, your thoughts going into The Great Bogota Bash?

Kenny, The Mayor has declared Sunday - City Hall Day in Bogota. That’s the day when we get to claim what is rightfully ours.

The Z-Man and myself are ready to take what is rightfully ours and Gibson your receipt is coming and pal I have a lot of them saved up waiting to be cashed on, well Bob you shouldn’t worry about Goldberg you should worry about this foot up your ass.

Now before you guys leave I would like to go back to last week when you reference some “associates” care to clear up the air?

Interview over chump!

Well guys it looks like City Hall is in ready for The Great Bogota Bash but what about the champs, I’m going to try to get an interview with them later on and report back to you guys.

Thank you Kenny we’ll definitely keep our ears open for that, well I’m being told, The BS Service is heading out here. 

It looks as though that is the case, stay tuned folks this should get interested.

And welcome back folks to CBWA Super Estrella and almost right on Que here comes The BS Service and Mr. John Schneider.

Last week if you remember folks the contract signing got a bit out of hand to put it lightly and Mr. Schneider did not look very happy as Gibson, Goldberg and AuZZtin held off The BS Service.

Mr. Schneider now has the mic in his hand.

We are officially on the road to The Great Bogota Bash and I can’t wait, I guarantee you this will be the worse night of Roberto Gibson’s life and if you think for a second that you are getting the night off tonight you’re wrong pal, because in this very ring tonight it will be the tag champions of Gibson and AuZZtin against BS Service members, The CBWA South American Champion The Miz and The Tribal Chief Raman Reigns.

Now as a favor to City Hall the Tag Team Titles are not on the line.

Now as far as your big night ahead of you at The Great Bogota Bash Mr. Gibson, I wanna make sure you lose fairly so I have let our head referee Nicholas Patrick, that he will not be the referee in your match against Goldberg. I personally have appointed a special guest referee for the main event and let me introduce him now.

Well Gordon, this is huge who could this be as Mr. Schneider is directing the entrance ramp.

Whoever it is Jimmy, he has to be huge, as we all know Mr. Schneider has deep pockets.

Well Gordon no one is coming out maybe Roberto found out who it is and took him out?

Bolin what the hell is going on? I thought you said he is here?

I did Mr. Schneider let me go back there and get him.

You know what, I’ll  go back there with you and confront this son of a bitch for making us look like a fool, everybody just stay right here we’ll be right back.

Well this is the damndest thing I’ve ever seen Gordon who could be the special referee for the Championship match? 

I don’t know Jimmy but whoever it is they are not off to a great relationship with the boss

Well here they come back looking baffled, I can’t wait to hear this explanation -- we’ll be right back folks. 

And welcome back folks, I believe we are ready for the official announcement - here’s the boss.

 Well it seems to be a little mix up here but it’s all fixed now, ladies and gentleman please look up at the big screen -- the special guest referee………..is me. 

Well son of a bitch, he tricked us the entire time and Gordon, he has on a damn referee shirt on for crying out loud…

Roberto’s chances have just gone to zero after this shocker Jimmy, Folks, we need to take another quick break and we’ll be right back, my God, what a night - and we’re just getting started. 

And welcome back to Super Estrella

If you are just joining us Mr. John Schneider just dropped a bombshell and has appointed himself as the special guest referee for the CBWA Championship Match at The Great Bogota Bash between the champion Goldberg and Roberto Gibson.

On top of all that, Gibson and AuZZtin will go against The Miz and Reigns tonight. Gibson is on the highway to hell if you ask me as we now take it to Kenny who is with the tag champs, Kenny.

Thanks Gordon.

Roberto you heard what Mr. Schneider said…

Let me stop you right there Kenny, first off his name is John, not Mr. Schneider, so I heard what John said and it doesn’t surprise me, he’s had it in for me from the start, so John stack all the cards against me, I don’t give a damn because at The Great Bogota Bash you will fall at your feet and your worst nightmare will come true. And for the 6th time, the CBWA World Heavyweight Champion.

As far as your hand pick number one contender, that Samoan Bitch boy, tonight I will give you just a little taste of what it’s going to be like at Wrestle Rock at Sea 4 -- the PPV that I own the rights too, did you know that Kenneth -- that’s my damn show. 

And let me say something Kenny, as far as that little bastard The Miz goes, Miz I want you to shine that South American title up real nice but most importantly shine those lips up because by this time next week after I kick your ass you will be kissing my ass.

You heard the hall of famer, back to you guys.

 Thank you Kenny, it looks like Roberto is not one bit phased over Mr. Schneider’s decision, as we now take you up to the Fink

The next contest is scheduled for one fall with a 10 minute time limit, currently in the ring weighing in a 427LBS, here is The Colombian Booger.

His opponent weighing in at 257LBS,  CBWA Hall of Famer Steve POWERHOUSE Ryder

Ryder is looking jacked Gordon as he is going against the Booger man. Baston looks like he gained another 10LBS just standing there JR.

You may be right on that one Gordon as the bell rings and Ryder charges Booger with a Ryder line, the big man is reeling, Ryder goes off the ropes and nails him again with a Ryder line and Booger goes down, no way Gordon he is signaling for the PileRyder.

There is no way he can get him up JR.

Well Ryder is going for it and my god he has him up. This is very impressive JR

And down goes Booger good god what strength this man has, 1,2,3 ring that bell.

What a very impressive victory for Ryder as we take you now to Kenny at the interview desk.

Thank you Jimmy, Steve Ryder come on in a very dominant victory tonight.

Shut it Kenny, that was just a taste of what the genetic freak can do and last week those pansy boys AJ and Dragon declared themselves in the battle royal, well I did the math and the stats are in favor of Steve Ryder and I’m throwing my name in the hat in the Battle Royal and Main Eventing Drugs Wars 5.

I’m coming to get back my CBWA World Heavyweight title and all my freaks in the sheets will be riding the Ryder train all night long and Kenny after it’s all said and done I’ll even let you sniff my fingers…

Well there you have it and to be honest I have a new favorite to win the battle royal, back to you guys.

I bet you do Kenny, well there you have it Steve Ryder is now in the Battle Royal at The Great Bogota Bash.

Speaking of The Great Bogota Bash The CBWA Intercontinental Championship will be on the line in a 2 out of 3 falls match between the challenger Foot Von Erich and the champion Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert.

Now this rivalry turned personal last week while during his match with Harry Borwitz Foot Von Erich came down to ringside and got into it with the champ which resulted in a apparent knee injury to Hot Stuff, now Gordon we now have an update for the CBWA fans out there on the champion, following Super Estrella last week, Hot Stuff went to the local hospital in Bogota and the MRI resulted in a torn ACL but we are told the champion will be ready for his title defense at the Bash we shall see as we take you to the Fink

The following contest scheduled for one fall with a 10 minute time limit, currently in the ring weighing in at 234LBS, Jim Neidhart and his opponent weighing in at 256LBS here is Ox Baker

Well Ox is back in the ring as the bell rings and Ox is all over Kendall my god he is unstoppable and holy crap a devastating heart punch and wait a minute Gordon here’s Boltsy storming the ring and he is all over Ox.

This is going to be a DQ for sure as Nicholas Patrick can’t control these two

Boltsy can not wait for the Death Match at The Great Bogota Bash and here comes the big guy.

The former Heavyweight Champion Frank Converse is separating these two and I don’t think he can control this Gordon.  

Frank sure is giving it his best JR.

My god what is it going to be like at The Bash this Sunday when these two finally get it on in the Death Match -- folks, we’ll be right back. 

Welcome back to CBWA Super Estrella folks glad you can join us here tonight.

This Sunday is The Great Bogota Bash live on Pay Per View, this is going to be one you will not wanna miss as a matter of fact lets run down the card for this spectacular. 

That’s right JR it will be a night to remember as we just saw Boltsy will go one on one with Ox Baker in a Bogota Death Match.

That’s going to be something but this one I’m really looking forward to Gordon. The CBWA Intercontinental Championship in a 2 out of 3 falls it will be Hot Stuff against the challenger Foot Von Erich.

The rivalry continues between Bogota OX and Boltsy when they face off in a Colombian Death Match.

For the CBWA Tag Team Titles it will be City Hall against the champions Gibson and AuZZtin in what will be both men’s first match of the night.

That’s right Gordon because for The CBWA South American Title, it will be a kiss my ass match where the loser has to kiss the winners ass when The Miz defends the title against AuZZtin and the key factor of this match will be the condition of the challenger.

This one is going to be epic a 20 man battle royal to determine the #1 contender and a spot to main event the biggest event of the year Drug Wars 5, we have 3 confirmed names and rumor has it a lot of surprises are going to happen in this match, I can’t wait.

 And I can’t wait for this one Gordon, the main event for the CBWA World Heavyweight Title and we just found out that Mr. Schneider will be the special referee when Roberto Gibson will face the World Heavyweight Champion, the man Goldberg.

If Roberto loses and the odds are stacked against him, he will be Mr. Schneider’s and The BS Service’s personal assistant for 30 days and if he does not comply he is out of the CBWA for life.

Whatever you do folks, I urge you to call your local cable provider, don’t you miss this spectacular that everybody will be talking about, order The Great Bogota Bash this Sunday as we now take you to the ring and the Fink

The following contest set for one fall is a 2 on 1 handicap match, currently in the ring at a total combined weight of 332LBS here are David Arquette and Mario Lopez, SCREAM BY THE BELL.

Their opponent, weighing in on 425LBS. Here is Blaster Lashley.

Boy JR Lashley is huge.

That he is Gordon, he must be sneaking a few bites of those Uber Eats Deliveries.   

We all know that Lopez is a former state champion in amateur wrestling and Arquette is a former WCW champion.

As the bell rings, Lopez and Arquette double dropkick Lashley but it doesn’t effect the big man.

Lopez and Arquette going at a full charge on Lashley and the big man knocks them both with a shoulder takedown both men are down.

Lashley now going for the big splash and my god what a maneuver, this one is over folks, 1,2,3 Lashley with the win.

WINNER: BLASTER LASHLEY 

Very impressive win for Lashley as we take you now to Kenny.

Thanks Gordon, Mr. Bolin, Lashley come on in, with The Great Bogota Bash this Sunday what do you have in store for the Bs Service.

Kenny, my boys are primed and ready for this Sunday, I have been training my boys, Cena is now in peak shape, this man right here Lashley is hungry and ready for battle.

The BS Service will be a part of the Battle Royal and I promise you a member of The BS Service will become the Number 1 contender and go and main event Drug Wars 5 I can promise you that, lets go Lashley!

There you go Mr. Bolin promises a winner in the Battle Royal will be a BS Service member, that remains to be seen back to you guys.

Thank you Kenny and who will be able to get the big man Lashley over the top Gordon? It looks like The BS Service will be represented well in the battle royal this Sunday

You may be right about that one Jimmy.

Well folks coming up next, it’s main event time don’t you dare touch that dial we’ll be right back.

And welcome back to CBWA Super Estrella, its main event time as we take you to the Fink

The following contest scheduled for one fall is a tag team match with tv time remaining, introducing first representing the Bs Service at a total combined weight of……….

Oh wait a minute Gibson and AuZZtin attacking Miz and Reigns from behind.

This is chaotic, Gibson is bringing Reigns to the ring and the bell rings and we are under way in this huge main event, Gibson whips Reigns to the corner now tags in AuZZtin and ZZ is stomping a mudhole in his ass and walking it dry.

WAIT a minute from behind, here comes The Miz, but ZZ see’s him and its ZZ and Miz going at and from behind Reigns with a clothesline, referee has got to get this under control.

Reigns now tags in The Miz, The CBWA South American champion, now that ZZ is down of course he starts showboating.

That’s right Jimmy, The Bogota Miz is full of himself…

Now Miz looks like he is going for the skull crushing finale and ZZ hip blocks him, look at Gibson he is getting this crowd pump, he is ready for the tag, ZZ is so close here its comes, but wait just a damn minute Reigns knocks Roberto off the apron, but look at Gibson he has had enough, oh come on referee Patrick stops Roberto

Meanwhile look at the other corner as Reigns and Miz are double teaming ZZ

Why do I have a feeling Patrick has been bought and only being told to see stuff Gordon.

Gibson is chomping at the bit to get in, the Miz now taunting Roberto and now ZZ with a closeline, both men are down ZZ is crawling for the tag.

Gibson is stretching and..he made the tag and here comes the number one contender and he is on fire Gordon.

Dropkick to The Miz, dropkick on Reigns, looks like he is going for a huricurana but Miz cuts him off and ZZ is back up and is all over The Miz.

My god this is chaotic, I wish you could be here folks to experience this live, wait just a damn minute Reigns has a chair but wait here’s the champ Goldberg.

Goldberg is ready for a spear on Reigns.

Here it comes and….. oh my god Reigns moved and Goldberg speared Gibson.

Reigns with the cover 1,2,3 you gotta be kidding me.

Gibson is holding his ribs in pain. ZZ is now in the ring and would you look at this, ZZ and Goldberg, ZZ is asking what the hell?

I don’t think Goldberg speared Gibson on purpose Gordon.

Definitely not Jimmy. 

Gibson shrugs Goldberg off now and this looks like it’s about to explode.

Gibson and Goldberg are arguing on what exactly happened, boy Gordon this does not look good and wait Gibson just superkicked Goldberg what the hell was that about?

I don’t know what is going on in Gibson’s head Jimmy. I don’t know either but look who’s on the ramp enjoying this, it’s Mr. John Schneider.

Mr. Schneider indeed, folks we are out of time please join us this Sunday at The Great Bogota Bash, don’t miss it this Sunday, goodnight folks we will see you at The Bash!

[dreddymd]

How to Navigate Nutrition Facts and Food Labels

Source: How to Navigate Nutrition Facts and Food Labels

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM 

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, curb your sugar intake, eat organic, non-GMO foods, or you’re simply health-conscious, food labels and Nutrition Facts are information resources that can help you make healthy, informed decisions about your diet. In July 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the governing body that provides nutritional analysis for the public, will require food manufacturers to use an updated Nutrition Facts label, the first time since 1990. While the new labels will look similar, they will include important changes that we’ll explain here.

What Is a Food Label?

The Nutrition Facts label is the black and white, rectangular-shaped label found on packaged food products. Because it specifies serving sizes, number of calories, ingredients, and the food’s nutritional breakdown, it’s a tool you can use to make informed decisions about the food you eat.

Although fresh fruits and vegetables, unless packaged in bulk, generally don’t have a Nutrition Facts label, they are typically labeled with price look-up (PLU) codes, which are the small stickers affixed to apples, bananas, and the like. It requires some know-how, but PLU code stickers can tell you whether produce is organic or conventionally grown. The USDA also has a food nutrition database and food nutrition chart that is helpful when evaluating foods.[1]

Why Is It Important To Read Food Labels?

Since food labels provide vital information about ingredients, serving sizes, calories, nutritional information, and food allergens, reading them should be the first step when you’re deciding which foods to purchase. The amount and type of food you eat have a tremendous impact on your overall wellness, so whether you’re trying to maintain good health or improve your health, food labels provide the information necessary to help you compare products and make smart dietary choices. They’re also designed to be clear and easy-to-read, which means that with a little know-how and context, you can be an expert at understanding and analyzing the labels.[2]

How Do I Read the Nutrition Facts Labels?

The Nutrition Facts label is made up of 5 sections.[3]

Serving Size

Starting from the top, below the phrase “Nutrition Facts,” you’ll find the serving size for the food and its measurement, which is often in grams, ounces, or cups. You’ll also see the number of servings in the container. Understanding serving sizes will help you decide how much you should eat. As I write this, I just happen to have a half-eaten bag of Cacao Goji Power Snacks on my desk, so I’m going to use that as an example. Based on the level below, one serving of the goji snacks equals about three pieces. If you eat half of the bag in one sitting, about 12 pieces, you quadruple the number of calories and other nutrients shown on the label.

Calories Per Serving

The next section lists calories per serving on the left side, and calories from fat on the right side. According to the FDA, foods with 40 calories or less are low-calorie foods, foods with 100 calories are moderate, and high-calorie foods are those with 400 calories or more.

Macronutrients, Sodium, and Cholesterol

Following the calories, you’ll find a breakdown of the macronutrients: fat, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as a few other important substances – namely salt (sodium) and cholesterol.

First listed is total fat, which is broken out further as saturated fat and trans fat. Next comes cholesterol, which is not a form of fat, but rather a compound produced in the liver, and found in meat and milk products. Next comes sodium, followed by total carbohydrates, which are categorized as dietary fiber and sugars, then the next macronutrient, protein. Listed on the right side of the column is the % Daily Value for each, which is explained below.

Vitamins and Minerals

Underneath the macronutrient section, the label has a thick line, followed by a listing of % Daily Value of certain vitamins and minerals which vary by food. Only vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium are required to be listed on every label, but this will change in the new nutrition label. Some foods may contain more vitamins and minerals than what is required to be listed on the label.

Footnote

In the footnote, the FDA requires this statement “%DVs are based on a 2,000 calorie diet” – although the phrasing will be changing in the new food label. Additionally, some labels may have an optional section that lists the recommended amount of fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrates based on both a 2,000- and a 2,500-calorie diet. The FDA does not require this if the label is too small.

What About the Ingredients?

Ingredients are usually listed below the Nutrition Facts label, in order of decreasing quantity. In other words, the first item listed is the most abundant, followed by the second most abundant, and so on. For example, if a label for packaged guacamole lists the first ingredient as avocado, the product is made up mostly of avocado. Of course, the same goes for products that contain high fructose corn syrup in the first few ingredients.

What Does Daily Value (DV) and % Daily Value Mean?

Daily Value is the Recommended Daily amount of a substance that the FDA recommends an average person on a 2,000-calorie diet should consume. It follows that % Daily Value (%DV) means the percentage of the Recommended Daily Value this particular food contains.

The Nutrition Facts label includes a “% Daily Value (%DV)” column on the right side of the label, and you can find the % of each nutrient in that food, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. From this information, you can determine if a particular food has too much sodium or cholesterol for your needs, or has a healthy amount of dietary fiber, for example.

Some people may consume fewer or more calories each day than the 2,000 or even the 2,500 listed in the footnote, but use the % Daily Value as a guide to help them figure out how much of a particular nutrient the food has versus how much they want.

When reading Nutrition Facts labels, 5% DV or less is considered low for a nutrient while 20% DV or more is high. It’s a good idea to read these numbers carefully because fiber and iron, for example, are essential nutrients, while things like cholesterol or sugar are best limited.

You’ll notice that protein, sugar, and trans fat do not have a %DV. Although a diet high in trans fat and sugar has been linked to weight gain, high cholesterol, and heart disease, the FDA doesn’t include a %DV because they had not established official guidelines for how much people should consume for a healthy diet – although this is changing in the new food labels.[4]

When it comes to protein, a food manufacturer is only required to list %DV if the product makes a health claim such as “high in protein,” or something similar, or the food is meant for children under four.

A Brand New Food Label as of July 2018

The last time the Nutrition Facts label was fully updated was in 1993. Since then, health experts have learned a lot more about the specific nutrients we need, ingredients we should avoid, and how much a typical person consumes.

The FDA requires manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales to use the new food label by July 26, 2018, and smaller food manufacturers by July 26, 2019. However, a proposed rule extends the deadlines to January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers and January 1, 2021, for small ones. These labeling requirements will affect imported foods, as well.

How Will the New Food Label Be Different?

The FDA requires that all food and drink manufacturers use the new Nutrition Facts label. The new label is based on new science, research about nutrition and public health, updated recommendations from health experts, and consumer feedback.

Slight Change in Design But Keeping the Look

The Nutrition Facts labels keep the same overall look, but font size will increase for calories, servings per container, and serving size. The number of calories and serving size will both now be in a bold font.

Different Minerals and Nutrients Required

Food manufacturers must now include both the actual amount in grams plus the %Daily Value for vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, but it will now be optional for them to include the amount or %DV for vitamins A, C, and other vitamins and minerals.[5]

These changes came about because Americans fall short when it comes to getting enough vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium in their diets. Vitamin D is important for bone health, and potassium plays a role in keeping blood pressure lowered. On the other hand, most people now get enough vitamin A and C.

New Footnote Explanation

The footnote section will state: “The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.”

A New Line For Added Sugar

Food labels will soon be required to include an additional line for added sugar, which is sugar that was not a natural part of the food but was added. The added sugar will be listed in both grams and as % Daily Value.

All major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Institute of Medicine (IOM), American Heart Association (AHA) and The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), agree that added sugar should be reduced in our diets.The FDA states: “…it is difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie requirements if you consume more than 10 percent of your total daily calories from added sugars.”[5] Personally, I fully believe that, with a little knowledge and planning, you can obtain the calories and nutrients you need without added sugar.

Changes to the Fats Section

Information about total fat and saturated and trans fats will continue to be a part of the Nutrition Facts label but “calories from fat” will no longer be included. The FDA and other authorities have determined that it is not the total amount of fat eaten but the type of fat that has the most effect on overall nutrition and health.

Serving Sizes and Package Sizes

The serving sizes that most Americans eat have doubled or even tripled since the last serving size requirements were published in 1993.[5] Old serving sizes often did not reflect how much people actually would eat in one sitting – such as a small bag of potato chips or a full can of soda. The new serving sizes will be updated to reflect the amount people tend to eat.

In the past, snack food packages or soda bottles would state that they contained several servings, but most people eat the entire package or drink a can or bottle at one sitting, which means they’re getting double or triple the calories, sodium, and fat listed in the serving size. Now, the FDA will require small snack packages to be labeled as one serving.

If the food contains more than a single serving but might be consumed in one sitting – like a large bag of potato chips – food manufacturers will include a “dual column” to include the calories and nutrients that are in one serving as well as the entire package or unit. So, if you do eat that entire bag of chips, you’ll know how many calories you’re consuming, without having to do your own calculations.

Other Changes to Food Labels

There are a couple of other changes that will affect food labels, although separate from the Nutrition Facts label.

Partially Hydrogenated Oils Are No Longer Allowed

As of June 18, 2018, the FDA will not allow partially hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats, in human food with the exception of specifically approved items that require permission from the FDA.[6] The FDA has given food manufacturers three years to get to full compliance, but some companies started phasing out trans fats as early as 2006 when the FDA first required trans fat to be listed on Nutrition Facts labels.

Scientists have linked trans fats to heart disease and the accumulation of plaque in arteries, and, thus, have determined that they are no longer “generally regarded as safe” in any food. Trans fats still occur naturally in meat and dairy products, and in some oils as a result of the manufacturing process.

New GMO Labels

In July 2016, President Obama signed The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law that requires labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for the first time.[7, 8] GMO-containing foods should be labeled by July 2018, but with the federal governmental transition, they are behind schedule though attempting to stay on track for 2018.[9]

The new law requires most food products to have a label, symbol, or QR code that can be scanned by your smartphone to tell you if the food contains GMOs. The package may even contain an 800 number that you can call to find out.[10]

How Do You Know If Your Food Has GMOs?

Between 70 and 80 percent of foods in the United States contain GMOs. Just reading the ingredients or the Nutrition Facts label won’t necessarily tell you if your food has GMOs. Until the new GMO labels fully take effect, here are suggestions to ensure the foods you buy do not contain GMOs.

Look for the Non-GMO Verified Seal

Organic foods that carry the USDA’s 100 percent organic seal shouldn’t contain GMOs, but it’s important to know that the USDA also doesn’t test products for GMOs. The best way to ensure the foods you purchase are non-GMO is to look for the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal. This organization verifies foods contain no more than 0.9 percent GMOs. Consumer Reports tested foods that carried non-GMO certifications and found that the foods didn’t contain GMOs. However, a few products that claimed to be GMO-free without certification did contain more than 1% GMOs. Additionally, products labeled natural – which 60 percent of people think means non-GMO – contained GMOs.[11]

Avoid Canola, Corn, Soy and Sugar and Their Derivatives

Unless the package carries the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, it’s safe to assume that all food products made with corn and soy also contain GMOs and should be avoided. Ingredients derived from canola, corn, soy, and sugar typically contain GMOs. This includes baking powder, cellulose, corn starch, lactic acid, lecithin, riboflavin, miso, soybean oil, soy protein, soy sauce, vitamin E (tocopherol), and xanthan gum.[11]

When it comes to sugar, avoid food that lists “sugar” on the label, as it usually comes from sugar beets, which are genetically modified. Although cane sugar, molasses, agave, and turbinado sugar are non-GMO, I believe that natural, raw honey is the best sweetener.

Do You Read Food Labels?

Do food labels and ingredient lists influence your food-purchasing decisions? Do you think the new labeling requirements will help people make good decisions? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.

Quick Guide to Food Labels

Length: 2 minutes

References (11)

“USDA Food Composition Databases.” Accessed 14 Mar. 2018.

“A Food Labeling Guide.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. January 2013. Accessed 14 Mar. 2018.

“How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label.” FDA.org. 3 Jan. 2018. Accessed January 29, 2018.

“Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label.” 6 Mar. 2018. Accessed January 29, 2018.

“Larger Portion Sizes Contribute to U.S. Obesity Problem.” 13 Feb. 2013. Accessed January 29, 2018.

“FDA Cuts Trans Fat in Processed Foods.” 23 Jan. 2018. Accessed 14 Mar. 2018.

“GMO Disclosure & Labeling.” Accessed 14 Mar. 2018.

Jalonick, MC. “Obama signs bill requiring labeling of GMO foods.” 29 Jul. 2016. Accessed January 29, 2018.

Poinski M. “USDA on GMO labeling law: ‘Still on track, but a little behind.” 7 Jun. 2017. Accessed 14 Mar. 2018.

“5 Ways to Help You Know if There Are GMOs in Food.” 29 Jul, 2016. Accessed January 29, 2018.

“Where GMOs hide in your food.” Oct 2014. Accessed 14 Mar. 2018.

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[jansen1107]

How the Mighty Have Fallen

I started 2017 unemployed. I’m now on my third week. It feels strange to be writing that, especially where the national unemployment rate in the U.S. stands at 4.7% as of now. Almost everyone I know has a job. So, what happened with me?

The last job I had was a three-month gig working freelance for $55 an hour at my former ad agency, which I had left full-time in June after four years. They were nice enough to have me back to help out with some projects. My gig was supposed to go through to this year with the possibility of going full-time on a new account, but my manager spoke to HR and HR spoke to the Finance department. Finance came back with a resounding “No!” And here I am.

From 2014 to 2015, and shortly after I moved to New York City, I would receive as many as 3 recruiters a week bombarding my LinkedIn in box with invitations to interview for other companies. Sometimes they’d get really ballsy and write to my work email. The ad agency I worked for had just moved me to their New York office at the end of summer 2013, so I ignored the offers coming in. There was a clause with my agency where if you left within a year of being transferred, you had to pay back all of the moving fees. In some cases, companies that hire you will pay the fee. I saw this happen with a guy who was moved to the New York office from North Carolina and who left after eight months. He and I would end up at the same agency later… and I would leave that agency in flames.

Within the first couple years of moving to New York, I received some heady offers to interview with companies that were all outside of the city. It seemed like just having “New York” stamped on my resume suddenly made me desirable to companies in other regions. One recruiter asked if I’d be interested in interviewing as a medical editor for an ad agency in San Diego. Another asked if I’d be interested in running my own editorial department for a new agency in Denver. It was so tempting, but I turned them down. I had just gone through the stress of moving all my shit (and I have A LOT of shit) and my cat to New York. Why would I want to go through that again so soon?

This morning, when I logged in to Facebook, I was taunted by one of those flashback posts from two years ago today. In that post, I humble bragged about being offered an interview with an agency in Raleigh, North Carolina. Although I didn’t want it, I asked if any of my friends would be interested. I believe in sharing the wealth, and if I have good fortune and don’t need it, I’m certainly okay with passing it along to someone who might.

Those were good times. I definitely felt like a rock star back then, and I said to myself, ��I hope these job offers are still coming in when I’ll need them.” Famous last words.

Back in June of 2016, I finally heeded the siren call of the job recruiters. Big mistake. The recruiter offered me the biggest salary yet. With my rent going up another $100 in September, I really needed to find a job that would pay. This place seemed like it would fit the bill, no pun intended.

The agency (I’ll call them Beige) was not the right fit for me from go, and a little voice inside my head told me to turn back. I should have listened, but I overrode my instincts and went ahead with the interview. The recruiters were really gunning for me to take the job. I found out during several phone calls I had with them that they were getting a huge fee for placing me, based on my salary. They assured me that this place was all about work/life balance and I wouldn’t be expected to stay late like so many other agencies. (“You’ll be able to get home in time to have dinner and hang out with your cat.”) During the onsite interview, the woman who would end up being my boss very sweetly told me that Beige didn’t believe in overworking its editors. I wouldn’t be expected to work more than 40 hours a week because I needed to be fresh to do my job, she said. While work/life balance had never been an issue at my old agency, everyone I talked to was making this place sound like a country club with great pay. How could I say no? And, believe me, I did stall right up until the eleventh hour because of that nagging voice in my head. But pressure from the recruiters and Beige caused me to give in. (Or, I chose to give in. I have to take responsibility for this.)

Basically, the fuckers lied to me.

Within the first few weeks of being crammed into what felt like an open-air market with impeccably dressed people, I soon discovered that I was actually working in a sweatshop. A typical workday never went below 9 hours and 11 to 12 hours was not unusual or even questioned. I worked three Saturdays in a row because the account managers couldn’t say no to a bullying client that demanded the world on a silver platter. (We were constantly being reminded that our competitors were always showing the client how they could do things better.)

I’ve gone on at length about this experience in an earlier blog entry, if you care to read it, so I’m not going to beat this dead horse anymore. Suffice it to say, Beige was a shit show of an agency. I felt like I had been shanghaied to work on a pirate ship and that I could stick it out or walk the plank. One Monday morning, after my boss called me to her desk to deliver some sugar-coated criticism, I decided to walk the plank. It was probably the best thing I did for my health. But for my career? Not so much.

When I updated my resume on LinkedIn following this debacle, it seemed like the emails from recruiters dried up almost immediately. There was one who showed interest, and I agreed to let her place my resume with an agency that I had turned down a couple years before. Days went by after she submitted it, and there was no call. I’ve always been used to things happening very quickly. I have a lot of great experience. When I submit a resume, I almost always get a call the next day for an interview, and I usually have a new job by the following Monday. Not this time.

My mother asked me if I thought I had been blacklisted. While I don’t think Beige is wasting their time putting out the word about what a dud I was (that would be highly illegal, I imagine), I do think that the three scant months now appearing on my resume is giving some potential employers pause. The recruiter I mentioned earlier told me one potential employer was pleased that Beige was on my resume, but then I didn’t hear a word after that. I imagine the recruiter played up the fact that I worked at Beige, but then when the potential employer had the resume in hand, they looked at the timeline and asked, “What happened here?”

So, do I lie on my resume? Should I delete that bit of time and just say in an interview (if I get one) that I took the summer off to write a novel? Or take care of my elderly grandmother? Or to find myself? It’s tempting to just wipe it out, but then it becomes a lie by omission. And there’s always the danger of ending up at another agency with someone who remembers me from Beige and then tells my manager, who can’t seem to recall Beige ever being on my resume. It’s a real conundrum.

At times like these, I think about the hoops some of my ancestors had to jump through to find work. In the 1920s, my great-grandmother had just divorced my alcoholic great-grandfather at a time when divorce was taboo. On top of that, she had a three-year-old son (my grandfather) whom she had to cart off to relatives just so she could pass herself off as an unmarried woman and get a teaching job. It’s sad to think now.

On my father’s side, my Native American ancestors oftentimes had to pass themselves off as white just so they could get jobs and housing. As a result of the horrible bigotry they faced, they went deep into the racial closet, and we have no idea what tribe we’re descended from. And we’d like to know. (My parents both just did the DNA spit test, so I’m hoping we’ll have some answers soon.)

The point of all this is that the times have changed but the bullshit remains the same. Talented people with great experience are discriminated against for circumstances beyond their control. For me, ageism is a very real issue I have to contend with. My mother says it doesn’t hit until one is in his/her 50s, but I’ve already felt the sting in my 40s. I could also be denied a government job simply for the fact that I’m gay and because my orientation doesn’t jive with a Christian doing the hiring. Gaps in employment are scrutinized and can cost you a job. And if I do take a job, and it sucks, and I leave after three months—an employer is going to look at me, out of context, like I’m a quitter, regardless of the names and years of experience I have to show. I’m dead in the water.

As of this writing, I’ve sent out close to 10 resumes during the past couple weeks. Of those, I’ve only spoken to one recruiter who is trying to place me with one of several agencies within her domain. I’m hopeful, but I know the reality is that I could end up like so many executives who found themselves without a job and are now working as greeters at Walmart—and wondering what the hell went wrong. I say that will never happen to me, but will it?

I’ve applied for unemployment at the urging of my friend Julie and stand to gain a whopping $430 a week in benefits, if I’m even accepted. (That doesn’t go far in NYC, believe me.) My student loans have been put on hold for three months as a hardship forbearance. Luckily, my Obamacare health insurance is paid through March 1. (Small blessings.) I’ve already started to extract some toys from my toy collection to sell on eBay. (I did this back in 2005 during a work downturn and managed to pay my utilities this way for several months.) And I’m contemplating cashing in one smallish 401k account that would allow me to pay my rent and utilities for six months while I look. (This is fine for the short-term, but my 80-year-old self might suffer from it.) That would be a last-ditch effort following two months without a job offer. The gears are always turning, and I’m trying to be resourceful and keep my head above water. Hopefully, something will happen before then.

Sigh… Welcome to 21st-century America. It’s true what they say: The more things change, the more they stay the same. It isn’t doing much to help us, let me tell ya.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qc0Fi8kxnE

[flighty37-blog]

Martyn and Cornelia the Saga Continues

Warnings: Mature theme

Slight sex scene. 

Also usage of Swedish endearments I found on the internet. Sorry for the horrible spelling.

Disclaimer: Martyn and Cornelia do not belong to me.

Rating: R-T (for theme.

Summary: I'm feeling in a Martyn/Cornelia mood. I feel like there are fanfics lacking for just them. Dan and Phil will make an appearance. As will Catherine and Nigel. Let's see where this takes us. Shall we?

Present Day:

Cornelia draped an arm across the pillow next to her. It was warm, but there was no head there. Likewise she felt the wrinkled sheets beside her, and there was no body there either. Her eyes sprung open. Where was Martyn? She cocked her head to one side, and then she smiled. It sounded like he was on an important call.

She pulled on a dressing gown and she padded to the lounge. He was seated with his back to her, in a straight back chair. She went to stand behind him, and ruffled his hair. He briefly looked up from his call and smiled at her. He blew her a kiss and then finished off the call.

"Hey Beautiful," he trilled as he stood up from the chair. She grinned at him.

"Good morning Handsome. I missed you. The bed was big and lonely," She mock pouted at him.

"Sorry Love. I had to go over 'business' stuff with our 'associates'," Martyn said, and engulfed her in a giant sized hug.

She hugged him back almost cracking some bones. She might have been tiny, but she was strong. He grimaced, but didn't let go, until they'd kissed.

"Ugh! Morning Breath!" But they didn't mind really. They let go of each other and had breakfast, then they brushed their teeth side by side.

"So how are Dan and Phil this morning?" Cornelia asked.

"Edinburgh's breathtaking, Phil got ill on the way there. The usual," Martyn answered, as he finished shaving and dried his face.

"How many selfies did they take before one, or both, fell on their asses?" Cornelia asked.

"Dan stopped Phil from falling off a cliff," Martyn smacked her ass and then jauntily walked out of the bathroom.

She followed him out and returned the favour. Okay enough talking about the babies of the family. Time to focus on them. She pulled a docket from a nearby desk. Yes, sometimes you had to have paper, and she snagged her laptop, and phone just in case.

"Serious Business?" Martyn quirked an eyebrow at her, from his perch on the chair.

"Online store, the IRL store here in town. The usual," Cornelia ran through the paper docket. Then she pulled out charts and graphs from her files on her phone and laptop.

"Increased sales here and here, but decreased sales, here and there," Cornelia pointed out.

"Mmhmm, well we can lower the prices a fraction of a few pounds and cents," Martyn spoke aloud.

"Good idea. We can have a flash sale. We'll have to run it by the boys first, but I think we can manage," Cornelia said.

"Absolutely," Martyn nodded.

"Morning business is finished," Cornelia launched herself onto Martyn's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him, and he returned the favour.

"God I love you. How many times can I say that without becoming boring?" He asked, as she just as, if not more, emphatically kissed him on more places than just his mouth. Her eyes closed, and she was feather light in his lap. He had his hands around her tiny waist, and her feet were swinging off the side of his legs....Life was grand.

"As many times as you like. I'll never tire of hearing those words," Cornelia assured him, as she cuddled closer. Inhaling the cologne on his neck.  She spoke fluently to him in Swedish, and he leaned closer so he could take in her scent and hear the words.

Though he was still learning, yes even after seven and a half years....He loved when all she spoke was Swedish to him. Even when she was so angry at him that she couldn't articulate in English and punctuated her words by throwing small things at him.

Those moments he treasured as well. She was his everything. They had had fights. Especially during 2012. Both had opted not to take sides in that year, but both had been equally hurt. Phil being Martyn's biological brother, and Dan being the closest to a brother that Cornelia had. It had been a heartbreaking year and half. But they had pulled through.

"Your mind is far away my Sweet Unicorn," she placed a hand on his cheek and looked deeply into his eyes.

"Sorry Fairy Light," he whispered, and focused on her. They stared deep into each other's eyes and smiled demurely at the other. They did this every morning, to renew their feelings. To make sure nothing was amiss.

Phil called it scary, Dan just looked the other way. But they were their own couple. Things that didn't make sense to others, made perfect sense to Cornelia and Martyn. Marnelia, Cortyn, they had fun thinking of ways to meld their names together as one.

"Martenia?" Martyn asked, as he pressed a kiss against her throat.

"Cortyn?" Cornelia questioned as she nibbled on his earlobe.

"Mornelia?" Cornelia smiled as they gave each other eskimo kisses with their noses, and butterfly kisses with their eyelashes.

"Those are good! Write those down," Martyn implored, as Cornelia wrote them in her 'notes' section of the phone she held in her hand.

"If we're free until the afternoon....Let's go back to bed," Cornelia said in her best ASMR voice. She rubbed Martyn's cheek with the end of her long thumbnail.

"Anything for you," Martyn stood and still holding on to her, he went to their room and laid her gently down on the bed. With a slight 'floomp', and a bit of bump, Cornelia was now lying board straight on the bed, and looking at Martyn with what looked to be 'bedroom eyes'.

"Take me!" Cornelia's voice went softer, and Martyn had to lean in to hear her.

"Okay," Martyn said, just as his phone vibrated, and he sighed.

He answered, "Hello? If this can wait, please let it wait. I have a sexy woman in my bed."

"MARTYN!!!!" Two disgusted voices yelped out.

"Hello Boys!" Cornelia called out still not moving, and giving Martyn her best 'sexy eyes'. Which wasn't hard to do, because she knew just how to melt Martyn's butter.  

"This better be good," Martyn huffed out, as he laid next to Cornelia, and lifted her shirt, drawing circles on her stomach with his finger.

"It can wait," Phil said.

"Yeah....Sorry for interrupting," Dan was chastened as well.

"Great....Bye," Martyn hung up on them before they could respond.

"M'lady," Martyn said, and he kissed her, and took off her shirt. No bra, this would make it easier access for him. She gave in and started taking off her trousers.

"Karaste (sher-a-steh)," Cornelia said, and reached for Martyn's shirt. He helped pull it above his head, and soon he was topless.

"Raring!" Martyn kissed her lips again, as she kissed his chest, and wrapped her legs around his torso.

"Hjartat," Martyn murmured. (Yair taht meaning the heart)

"The heart of what?" Cornelia asked. Though she had an inkling.

"Hjartat of our relationship....The fire that keeps us burning," Martyn answered, as he felt himself start to rise.

"Let go of your trousers and trainers and socks," Cornelia advised as she helped him unzip.

He continued to explore her body, cupping his hands under her breasts, and then he entered her. She gasped, as he went in. But she tightened her grip and she arched her back.

They had prepared for this moment, condoms and lube, safe sex. Always safe sex. Besides she was on 'the pill' as well. But all that aside, they enjoyed every inch of their bodies being explored by the other.

She screamed out, "Du ar javlight vacker!"

He answered in English, "No you're beautiful!"

They didn't care about the neighbours. They didn't register their volume. They enjoyed each other.

Martyn spoke a phrase he'd been taught early on: "Jag ar en passionerad ung man. Kyss mig odmjukt sotnos!"  (translation: "I am a passionate young boy, Kiss me tenderly darling.")

She replied in kind, "Kat." (Horny.)

He said, "Snygg hack." (Nice arse)

She said, "Sjyssta spiror." (Nice legs)

He chuckled at one point and stated, "Sot." (Cute)

She said, "Du ar min sjals frande." (You're my soulmate.)

He replied, "Du ar sa vacker." (You're so beautiful)

She said, "Jag alskar dig sa mycket!" (I Love You So Much!)

He grinned and responded, "Jag gillar dig." (I fancy you.)

She said, "Kyss mig." (Kiss me.)

He replied, "With pleasure."

She stopped kissing him and whispered in his ear, "Du ger mig rysninger av vallust." (You give me shivers of pleasure.)

He said, "Du ar den enda for mig." (You are the only one for me.)

She said, "Du ar perfekt." (You are perfect.)

He  responded, "Du ar den basta kvinnan i varlden." (You are the greatest woman in the world.)

She chuckled lovingly against his bare chest, and she kissed him.

The she threw him a phrase he had to translate. It was cheesy when he'd translated it in his mind. But he loved it anyway.

She whispered, as she trailed fingers down his spine, "Jag hoppas du inte gjorde dig illa nar du foll fran himlen min angel." (I hope you didn't hit yourself as you fell down from they sky, my angel.)

He laughed as he kissed her, and then added, "Jag vill kyssa dig." (I want to kiss you.)

She breathed out, "What's stopping you?" (In English this time)

He said, "Jag alskar dig." (I love you.)

She answered, "Jag alskar dig mer (I love you more)

He played with the tendrils of her hair as he said, "Jag alskar dig mest." (I love you the most.)

They were kissing, and prodding, and jabbing and scratching, and kissing again, and clawing a bit. And mussing up their hair, and just generally enjoying their day, as Martyn finished, he lay on top of her, holding her arms back, and above her head. His eyes half-lidded and he was smouldering. He reached for her again.

He said, "Sag att du alskar mig." (Tell me you love me.)

She answered in English, "A million times, a million times a million....I Love You!!!!" Her scream pierced the air, as he pierced her. She was shaking, but it wasn't out of fear. No. She loved him with every fiber of her being.

She whispered against him again, "Hej sotnos." (Hey sweetie.)

He grinned and finished once more, "Du ar sa haftig." (You're cool!)

She felt him release, and he was spread eagle on top of her, their fingers entwined, they were sweating, but they didn't mind.  They kissed again. Fervently. Her Martyn, his Cornelia. He spoke, still catching his breath, "Du ar javligt vacker." (You're fucking beautiful.)

She smiled, "You're so wrong on many levels my love."

He shook his head, and grinned down at her. Just before round three could happen. Martyn's phone went off. He seized it and shook it, and declined the call.

"Shower?" She asked.

He nodded, and they headed for the bathroom, completely unclothed. He turned on the tap and soon it was steamy.

She wrapped her arms around his back, as high as she could reach; murmuring against him, "Alskling" (Darling/Sweetie.)

He returned, "Du har vackra ogon." (You have beautiful eyes.)

She blushed. She always loved his eyes. She chuckled against him, sending shivers of pleasure down his spine.

She repeated, "Du har en snygg rov." (You have a great arse.)

He softly added, "Jag laskar dig." (I love you.)

She kissed his lower back.

He helped her into the shower.

"My darling...." They helped wash each other, and then they made love in the shower, then they washed each other again, and kissed all the way into the bedroom. Reluctantly they dressed, because their alarm they'd set for 'business hours' was going off, and Martyn's phone was buzzing, Cornelia's phone was ringing. Time to get busy with work.

"Tomorrow morning?" She fluttered her eyes at him.

"You can count on it," Martyn tucked his shirt in, getting ready for a meeting.

She put on her best outfit, ready to Skype with someone important.

"Let the day begin," Martyn took the opportunity to admire Cornelia from top to bottom.

She took the opportunity to squeeze his arse. They quickly kissed again, and went their separate ways. She went to their office, he went to find his Oyster card. Normally he would be driving, but it would be near suicide in the London traffic. She came back from the office, and stood next to him in the lounge.

"Good luck. Safe travels," she said, and blew him a kiss. He 'caught' it and placed it next to his heart.

"Always my Swedish Flower. Thief of my heart," He put on one of his many hats, and went out the door. His phone started vibrating again.

She endured her Skype meeting. Afterwards her own phone's shrill ringtone sounded. She looked at the incoming call. Her practically mother in law. Catherine.

"Good day Catherine," Cornelia's eyes sparkled.

She continued, "He just left. He's got a meeting or two to attend to in person. I know they're in Scotland. They arrived safely. I don't think there have been any accidents. Well, Phil did try and fall off a cliff. Not on purpose...."

She laughed, they exchanged recipes. Boring things, but stuff that made Cornelia feel special. She was indeed part of this crazy family, and she loved every minute of it. Nothing she said was ever said against her. And living with Martyn, sharing his life, well it couldn't have been better.

"Sorry Catherine, I've got another call," she said into the receiver.

They said their goodbyes and she picked up the other line, "Hi Phil, I was just on the phone to your mum...."

"I've got some ideas for our merchandise. I just took some pics," Phil started.

"Was this before or after your near plummet off a cliff?" Cornelia asked, slightly amused.

"You heard about that?" Phil was non-plussed and also slightly amused.

"Well you know that Dan tells us everything. Us and Twitter. I'm surprised you didn't stalk his Twitter page," Cornelia said, as she examined herself in the mirror, and wondered what she should cook for dinner. That is if Martyn would let her cook....

"I'm sending them over to you now," Phil said, dragging her mind back to the present conversation.

"I'm Stalking Your Twitter Page!" Phil yelled over his shoulder at someone. Cornelia stifled a laugh.

"Like You Don't Do That Already!" Came the ready reply.

"You two," Cornelia said.

"Yeah we're weirdoes," Phil affirmed.

"You're my brothers, I love you, but go on and do what you need to do. I'm awaiting that interview with Sue Perkins," Cornelia spoke up.

"We're getting ready for it right now. Well I'm ready, Dan's procrastinating....Anyway did you get the pics?" Phil asked.

"Yes, and tell Dan if he doesn't hurry up a very angry Swedish sister, will reach through the phone and slap the back of his head," Cornelia replied.

Phil relayed the message and gave her the reply although censored, "He says frick you."

"I'll frick him alright," Cornelia said.

"She said she'll, 'frick' you alright," Phil said.

"I'm Not Buying Her Anything From Here," Dan yelped.

"We'll bring you some souvies, don't worry," Phil smoothed over.

"You're my favourite brother Phil!" Cornelia smiled.

"Awww I knew it! Dan says he's the favourite. But I told him that no he isn't. Because you two are so much alike, and it's opposites that attract. I knew you forgave me for 'eating' your gingerbread house that one year," Phil rambled.

"Get off the phone you silly man. I'll see you guys later," Cornelia got off the phone, as the two youngests argued.

She shook her head. When did she become the older sister? Oh right. When she'd gotten together with Martyn, and had had the pleasure of meeting Phil and Dan. Now to find some ingredients. Just as she turned to put the things on the cutting board, she yelped as her arse was grabbed. She turned and met Martyn's face.

"Hey Beautiful," he greeted.

"Who's beautiful? I don't see any beautiful....I see miles of handsome though," Cornelia pretended to look around for any 'beautiful people'.

"So how was your afternoon?" Martyn asked, as he stood beside her, and watched as she chopped up ingredients for a Swedish stew.

"The usual, Phil sent me amazing pics from Edinburgh, I threatened Dan...." Her voice trailed off.

"Why'd you threaten Dan?" Martyn was genuinely curious as he opened a jar of pickles and chopped up some lettuce for salad, and Cornelia got busy on the cooker and started to add the veggies for sauteeing and she grinned over at him.

"He was procrastinating getting dressed and Phil was dressed already to go to their interview with Sue Perkins," Cornelia explained.

"Did you threaten to hit the back of his head?" Martyn knew her very well.

"How did you know?" Cornelia batted her eyes at him, as she finished turning the gas on low.

"Because that's how you make him toe the line. And it's your favourite threat as of late. Did he get dressed then?" Martyn spoke.

"I don't know. He said he wasn't buying us any souvenirs," Cornelia shrugged as a smile lit her face. Martyn had kissed her cheek.

"Phil will pull through. He always does. He likes to give us presents. Even if they're not 'normal' pressies. Remember the raccoon penis bone?" Martyn spoke again, and grinned as she kissed the top of his hand.

"I remember the penis bone. We have to continually hide it from your mother every time she comes for a visit," Cornelia acknowledged.

"And the weird face banks?" Martyn asked.

"I gave ours to charity," Cornelia confirmed.

"But we don't tell Phil that. Do we?" Martyn continued the conversation.

"Definitely not," Cornelia affirmed.

They finished dinner prep, and went to wait in the lounge. They cuddled together and watched a bit of television. Then they went on Twitter and outlined the new layout for the online IRL store, and Dan and Phil's shop, as well as Jack and Dean's shop and then they looked at the Game Grumps merchandise, and JackSepticeye's merchandise as well.

"Markiplier has new merch too!" Cornelia smiled.

"Everyone's coming out with new merch. School's starting soon," Martyn said, as he went to Amazon to look at any new accessories for DJs.

"Well yes, but we have nice notebooks," Cornelia said.

"Dan and Phil's ideas of course," Martyn said.

"They're too smart for their own good," Cornelia shook her head.

"We are too. We're business savvy, and besides you're a singer. I've got the whole package," Martyn pulled her onto his lap, and she snuggled against him.

"Let dinner burn. Let the whole flat fall down in flames....I don't care. As long as I'm with you," Cornelia murmured against his chest.

He held her tighter and kissed her hair, "When I'm with you nothing else matters.

Her eyes teared up and she looked up at him. He shook his head and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Are you sad?" He asked.

"Not in the least," She answered.

"Good," He replied, and kissed her cheek.

"My love for you knows no bounds," Cornelia was going sappy.

"Turn that into a song!" Martyn encouraged.

"You're my song," Cornelia said.

"Ohhh another good title," Martyn smiled at her.

Just then....

"SMOKE!" Cornelia jumped off his lap and raced to the kitchen.

"SHIT!" He yelped.

Martyn got the extinguisher, and they put out the fire before it could spread. Even the salad got some fire extinguisher fluid in it.

"So much for a home cooked meal," Cornelia said.

"We'll order take away," Martyn soothed, as he tweeted about the disasterous dinner.

"Pizza?" She questioned.

"Veggie lovers?" He questioned back.

"What else?" She ordered online.

She ordered pizza, salad, and some breadsticks. Even some diet soda. Even though it wasn't that healthy of an option. She shrugged. Let them live a little. She was excited when the Sue Perkins interview came on BBC1.

"MARTYN! GET YOUR SEXY ASS IN HERE!" She yelled.

"I'm In The Bathroom!" Martyn hollered back.

"Our Brothers Are On The Telly!" She replied.

"COMING!!!!" He loped into the lounge, and they snuggled together.

The interview wasn't 'funny' per se, but the two made it very entertaining. Making the mature audience members laugh. Complimenting the target audience that was mingled in with them. It was a perfect interview. When was it never a perfect interview with those two? They were so clever. Clever boys turning a clever idea into clever and sweet YouTube channels. They were family most of all. She thanked her lucky stars that she had landed among this group of individuals.

"They're so nervous. Look at Phil! He never blinks," Cornelia said.

"And Dan's leading the chat as usual. He's very articulate," Martyn observed.

"They're hardly fidgeting; I'm so proud of them," Cornelia said.

"Me too," Martyn breathed out as he sniffed her hair.

She smirked at him, "I smell like smoke and fire extinguisher fluid.

"You smell like roses," Martyn differed.

"I love you," She said.

"Ditto," He grinned at her.

"Are you quoting 'Ghost' to me?" She asked.

"Duh," He grinned at her.

The interview ended, the telly channels were turned, and she stretched a little.

She tried it this time, "I love you...."

He grinned, "I know."

"You're the Han Solo to my Princess Leia," Cornelia smirked.

"I need a Chewbacca," Martyn said.

"You've got Phil, he's close enough," Cornelia returned.

"Dan's taller," Martyn mused.

"He's a Storm Trooper. He's definitely on the 'Dark Side'," Cornelia said.

"You do not know the power of the Dark Side," Martyn imitated Darth Vader.

"Soulless," Martyn continued.

"Like me. I'd rather be on the Dark Side. They've got bickies," Cornelia said.

"The Light Side has levitating powers and Yoda," Martyn said.

"I'd rather biscuits," Cornelia said.

"That's it, I'm defecting," Martyn decided.

"You'd be a traitor?" Cornelia pretended to be shocked.

"Yup! You're there and I love biscuits," Martyn nodded decisively.

"That means you're abandoning your brother," Cornelia said.

Martyn looked conflicted for a moment.

"It's okay, he'll befriend the lone Storm Trooper and they'll be the best of friends, proving that conflicts can be forgotten," Martyn answered.

"But then you've sold your soul to the Dark Side," Cornelia pointed out.

"Nuh-uh. I've got a loop hole, I steal you away and we go live in the hills fighting off the Jawas," Martyn answered.

"Hmmm I like that idea," she nodded.

"Reckon we could cosplay in Star Wars costumes?" Martyn asked.

"As amusing as this conversation is; let's do something else," Cornelia suggested.

"What other disaster needs our protection?" Martyn questioned.

"That made absolutely no sense," Cornelia admonished.

Martyn shrugged his shoulders.

"Have I ever made sense?" Martyn wondered.

"Not since I've met you. Although you did make me jealous of Kimberly the Yoga Instructor," Cornelia answered, as she turned the telly off.

"I meant to do that. There was never any 'Kimberly'," Martyn said.

"You lied to me?!" She feigned shock and she punched his shoulder, whilst he laughed.

Then she ended up laughing as well.

She put her whole self in his lap. Her legs across his lap, and she had her head on a cushion.

She fell asleep like that. She was presently carried to their room, and tucked in, Martyn lay beside her, and watched her sleep. He was like Phil, a nightowl. He watched her easy breathing and soft sleepy smile, she almost always had a 'sleepy smile' on her face when she was in deep sleep. He played with her curls. She smiled wider, and her eyes fluttered. He turned to his side, and steadied himself with his elbow, so he could properly play with her hair.

He then kissed the nape of her neck. She fluttered her eyes again, moaned a little. She turned to face him, and her eyes fully opened.

"Yes my handsome prince?" She was semi sarcastic when she'd said it.

"Ahhh True Love's kiss has awakened thee," He grinned at her.

She sleepily smiled back at him.

He drew circles on her stomach, until she sighed blissfully and went back to sleep. She was content. She was happy. Therefore he was contently watching her sleep. Guarding her. Watching over her.

"Lay beside me Martyn," She sleepily slurred.

"Okay," He did as he was bid and held her close against his body.

"That's better," she said and drifted off into heavier sleep.

"Shh...." his own eyes closed.

They slept very peacefully.

The End.