#like I have this whole layout of Jamie’s house in my mind but it’s not based on anything

[jamiemackenziefraser]

All That Was Fair

Chapter 14: Unexpected Visitors

Summary: Visitors disrupt the Fraser household.

Read on AO3

Read chapter 14 on tumblr below the cut

Previous, master list, next

Chapter 14: Unexpected Visitors 

***

The next morning, Claire’s perfect tranquility was interrupted by a terrifying brring-brong. 

She jerked wildly around from her place on the “couch”, her heart racing in her chest, before she remembered the last time she’d heard that sound and Jamie had explained that it simply indicated there was someone outside. With cautious steps, she made her way toward the door and pressed her ear against it, listening. No sound of anything threatening at least. But also no sign of Jamie— who was upstairs in the shower.

Claire remembered the other day when there had been a man with something to give Jamie. It was probably that again, and if it was something important, she didn’t want him to miss it. 

Fumbling the odd shaped thing that opened the door, she tugged at it, but it wouldn’t budge. Then she spotted the problem and freed the sliding bit. After struggling with the oddities humans had for securing their place, Claire finally managed to free the door and it swung open. 

She was greeted by blue eyes— Jamie’s eyes— staring at her in astonishment. His sister. Claire had only gotten a glimpse of her the other day but there was no mistaking the fierce dark-haired woman that shared many features with her Jamie. 

“Who are you, then?” Jenny demanded. 

Claire was momentarily struck dumb. Thoughts of the last conversation— or rather, confrontation— that Jenny had with Jamie whirled in her head and made her feel dizzy. He hadn’t wanted his sister to know about her. But obviously that stone had been turned over, because here she stood in front of the woman, mute and motionless. She wished she could just disappear.

This whole being-seen-by-humans thing had its drawbacks. 

“Cat got yer tongue? Answer me! Who are ye, and what are ye doin’ answerin’ my brother’s door?” 

The expression Jenny was wearing could safely be classified as accusatory. Her eyes were narrowed, hands rested on her hips. Claire had to take a gulp of air. 

“Cat…?” Claire echoed. She glanced behind her to where Adso the cat was basking in the morning light— who very clearly did not have her tongue. Bewildered, she placed a hand to her mouth and shook her head, brows furrowed. 

She knew Jenny had said more after that strange human expression, but Claire was buzzing with anxiety so strongly that she couldn’t quite seem to remember. 

“Who are ye?” Jenny demanded, more slowly this time, clearly agitated by Claire’s befuddlement. 

A swallow. “Claire,” she managed, but she was unequal to the task of providing her with any more information.

Where was Jamie?

All of a sudden, Jenny shouldered her way past Claire and inside unceremoniously. It was only then that Claire realized a man was standing behind her. Ian, she surmised, based on what Jamie had told her after the last visit. He walked closer a few steps and held out his hand, saying in a pleasant tone, “I’m Ian. Nice tae meet ya.” 

Claire had no idea what to do with the proffered hand. She wasn’t inclined to touch strange humans and took a hesitant step back with her gaze fixed on it. She glanced back up at Ian and helplessly offered, “I’m Claire.” 

He gave her an odd look and then slowly lowered the hand. 

“Nice tae meet ye, Claire. Ye’ll have tae excuse my wife, she doesna seem to have any manners when it comes tae her brother.” 

Claire gave a shaky nod, unsure how exactly to proceed, and then simply stepped aside to allow Ian past her. 

Jenny was waiting for them, hands on her hips. 

“So I suppose ye’re the trollop then? The one from the fittin’ room? Ye’re the reason he’s been missin’ all this work?” 

Claire shot a glance over her shoulder, hoping beyond hope that Jamie would choose this moment to appear. But no one came to her aid, and Jenny was inclined to continue. 

“Well…” Claire wasn’t sure what a trollop was, but she understood the last part well enough, “I suppose. But-” 

“-I kent my brother was a fool, but to bring his little play thing into his home…” 

“Dinna speak of her that way,” came a low, menacing voice. 

Claire felt a wash of relief as Jamie appeared across the room behind his sister, already glaring daggers and squaring up for a fight. 

“Jamie!” Jenny exclaimed, whirling around to face him, “What are ye thinkin’? Do ye even ken this lass?” 

Jenny seemed to grow red, and— sensing the burgeoning conflict— Claire needed a retreat. She inched her way across the room warily, slipping around Jenny, and then pressed herself to Jamie’s side. He was also thrumming with tension, his gaze never leaving his sister and his full height utilized, but as Claire slipped her hand into his, he seemed to calm a bit. The red energy around him began to ease in the slightest. 

“Aye, I ken Claire. And if ye didna come in here rarin’ for a fight, maybe ye could get tae know her too,” he said evenly. 

Claire wasn’t sure she was quite inclined to get to know this aggressive woman. Jenny was still bristling, occasionally shooting her a dark-eyed glance. Still, anything that was important to Jamie was important to Claire, and he’d told her how much he loved his sister and her family. She resolved to give this woman a chance, but she still wouldn’t make a move away from Jamie. His hand was warm and solid around hers, and it calmed her spirit. 

“Aye,” Jenny acquiesced after a tense silence, throwing her hands up, “explain yerself then.” 

No one made any move for a long second. 

“What would ye like to ken?” Jamie asked, and Claire could tell he was trying to keep his voice even and light despite the obvious frustration humming through him.  

“What is she to you?” Jenny demanded. 

Jamie floundered at this. His face went red, and he glanced toward Claire, back at Jenny, then to the ground. “She’s…” he started as he looked toward Claire again, but he obviously wasn’t sure how exactly to explain the relationship. 

“He’s mine,” Claire stated simply to save him the trouble. 

Because how else could it be explained better than that? 

Jamie’s face went impossibly redder, and his sister’s mouth fell open. Jenny glanced toward Ian, and Claire felt like she was caught in the middle of a spider’s web of gazes. What was with these people and their non-verbal communication? Just say something already! 

“Well then, I’d better sit down,” Jenny said begrudgingly. 

She promptly sat down on the couch, and Ian followed, sitting down next to her. Jamie, in turn, walked over to the chair across from them. Claire trailed after him before setting herself straight down on his lap. 

Jamie jerked in surprise as she situated herself as always, twining her arms around his neck and curling up. She saw as his eyes went wide and the tips of his ears (having only just now faded from her last words) flared deep red again. She liked his blush ever-so much but wasn’t sure exactly why he was reacting this way. She’d sat with him plenty of times like this. 

“Maybe find yer own chair for now, lass?” Jamie whispered into her ear. 

She felt confusion and something like disappointment rise up in her. Jamie was hers, and she didn’t understand why he was embarrassed. But she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable, so she quickly slipped off his lap. Grabbing a nearby chair, she couldn’t resist the urge to scoot it closer to Jamie’s. She needed him within arm’s reach. Finally, all was settled, and the only thing left was to begin the conversation.

The air felt heavy around them, and Claire’s apprehension grew. There was a pressure on her shoulders— she realized. His family’s opinion meant everything to Jamie, and Claire was suddenly overwhelmed by the prospect that Jenny’s disapproval could drive them apart. 

Needing the reassurance of his touch, she reached out and took ahold of Jamie’s hand. 

***

When Jamie had come down the stairs to find Jenny facing off with Claire (well, facing off wasna exactly the right term, because his puir faerie was practically trembling in the face of Jenny’s confrontation) and heard the things his sister was saying about her, irritation and something even deeper flared within him, and he quickly jumped to Claire’s defense. 

But the lass certainly hadn’t made things easy. First she’d declared him to be “hers” to Jenny, proudly and possessively, and then she’d sat straight down on his lap— making his sister’s eyes bulge and mouth gape. Jamie loved Claire dearly but needed to keep the situation in hand, so he’d quickly shifted her off of him with only a slight twinge of regret. 

Now, he sat with her hand in hand, ready for Jenny to launch in, as clearly his sister was ready to do. As much as he knew that holding Claire’s hand in front of Jenny would only increase his sister’s ire, he couldn’t dream of withholding that comfort from the faerie. Jenny had been studying their clasped hands for a long second, but then let out a sigh and turned to Claire.  

“How do you two know each other?” she asked, the veil of politeness over her voice quite obviously a front. 

Claire looked toward Jamie, looking unsure about what he would want her to say, and he hastily jumped in. 

“I met Claire at university in Paris. We kept in touch, and she decided tae come for a visit. She got in on Saturday.” 

Jenny and Ian nodded at this, and Jamie felt a sense of relief. 

“And since I’m certain ye’ll ask… the airline lost all her luggage, which is why we were at Mrs. Fitz’s. And no, we werena doin’ anything, I was jes’ helping her do up a zipper.” 

Jenny gave an eyeroll at this, but didn’t otherwise comment. 

“And how is it that you have come to be spending the weekend in sin?” she accused bluntly. 

“We’re no’ livin’ in sin, Janet,” Jamie sighed. His exasperation had almost exceeded tolerant levels. 

“What about what ye said last time?” 

“Last time I let ye believe that simply to make ye shut yer gab. I didna say I was sleepin’ wi’ her, because I am verra much no’. Claire is only stayin’ wi’ me.” Jamie was about a second and a half from kicking Jenny and Ian off of his property and not speaking to his loud-mouth, rude, intolerable sister for a good couple years until she’d learned some manners. 

While all these thoughts were rolling around in Jamie’s head, Jenny was looking pointedly at their clasped hands, obviously not believing that they weren’t sleeping together. 

“Well,” Ian jumped into the conversation before Jenny could make another ill-advised comment, “Claire. What is it ye do for a livin’ then?” he asked politely. 

Claire’s eyes widened like a cornered fawn, the poor lass. She’d never heard that phrase before, let alone was she prepared to come up with an answer of a suitable profession. Jamie quickly jumped to her rescue. 

“She’s a botanist,” he said as he gave her hand a squeeze. He could feel the flutter of her rapid heartbeat in her wrist and hoped the whole ordeal wasn’t too much for her. Stretching his thumb, he ran the tip gently over her pulse point in reassurance. 

“Still tongue-tied, lassie?” Jenny asked with a hint of a sneer. 

“Lay off, Janet,” he growled. 

His sister raised her hands in exasperation. “The lass has said barely a word since we’ve arrived.” As if that explained why she was so hostile toward her. 

“If ye continue to speak so disrespectfully I willna allow ye to stay in my home another minute,” Jamie said in a firm, severe voice. 

“It’s alright, Jamie,” Claire broke in, giving his hand a squeeze. She turned toward Jenny and gave her one of her mega-watt smiles that made Jamie’s knees weak every time. Astonishingly, it did not have the same effect on Jenny. His sister just sat there, cold as ice, gaze locked on Claire’s, without giving a single inch. “I know I’ve been quiet. I’m just nervous about making a good impression on Jamie’s family. I know how much you mean to him.” 

Jamie wanted to throw his arms around his clever lass. Never once had she been in a situation like this, and yet she was so quick on her feet to say the right thing in a tense situation. 

Ian smiled at this, looking back and forth between him and Claire, obviously seeing the palpable connection between them. 

Jenny, on the other hand, was not impressed. 

“Ye shouldna worry about makin’ an impression, lass. Ye willna be around long,” she said dismissively, even going as far as to give a derogatory wave of the hand. 

Jamie’s mouth fell open in incredulity. Jenny had been hostile before, downright rude, but this was on another level of animosity. He let go of Claire’s hand and stood with surprising force, scooting his chair back a couple centimeters with a loud skidding sound. 

“This is you comin’ over tae apologize, Janet?” he roared, “No! I willna have it. Ye’ve said more than enough. Get out. Ye may return when I invite ye and no sooner, and that will only be when ye’ve managed to pull yerself together and apologize tae Claire.” 

Jenny was standing now too. Instead of the deep red of shame that she should have been wearing, though, Jenny was just as riled up as he was. 

Things were escalating far out of hand. 

“Ye bring this lass intae yer life and disappear wi’ out a word, and ye jes’ expect me tae take it as if it’s the most normal thing?” 

“Yes!” he exclaimed in exasperation, “that’s exactly what I expect ye tae do! I’m 29, Jenny, and ye’re actin’ like I’m some 12 year old who brought a girl home askin’ if she could spend the night. I make my own decisions!” 

Jenny’s shoulders seemed to slump. Not in defeat, but in acceptance of the fact that Jamie would be doing whatever he wanted and she didn’t have the power to stop him. 

And she said as much. 

“Fine. Ruin yer life wi’ this trollop. I’ll see myself out. And dinna worry about me comin’ back uninvited, I’ll no’ be gracin’ yer stoop for a long while, that’s for certain.” 

Poor Ian had been sitting motionless the whole time, gaping up at his wife in horror. He occasionally shot glances toward Jamie and behind him to Claire, but mostly Ian’s brain was churning with the conflict he was being dragged along with, forced to be on Jenny’s side. As the brazen besom turned toward the door, Ian rose from the couch. He looked helplessly at Jamie, his brown eyes wide with apology, and then followed after his wife. Jamie didn’t even make to shut the door, simply listened for it to bang close behind them. 

The second they were gone, he turned to Claire, ready to face a teary-eyed faerie horrified by the vile that had just spewed from his sister, ready to offer comfort and apologies, but— to his surprise— he was met with completely calm honey eyes. 

“Are you alright, Jamie?” she asked before he could. She reached out to run a soothing hand up his bicep. 

“Am I alright? Christ! Are you alright? I’m sae sorry ye hadta endure that.” 

“It’s not your fault, Jamie. She was being unfair to you,” she said softly. 

Jamie shook his head back and forth, “she was bein’ unfair tae you! Listen to me, mo nighean donn. I’m sure she didna mean it. She’s angry and hurt because she thinks I’m keepin’ secrets, and she’s protective and brazen and rude. But I ken one day she’ll come around.” 

Claire looked a little heartbroken then. “I’m not sure…”

Taking a step closer, he took her gently by the shoulders, his hands dwarfing the dainty curves of them. His voice lowered to a tone of incredibly gentleness, “are ye really alright, Sassenach?” 

Her eyes lowered. “She just.. scared me,” she admitted with a shrug. 

Jamie’s wame clenched. Jenny was making his worst fears come to fruition. He hated the thought that Claire felt she didn’t belong in this strange world, especially in his life (where he wanted her to stay forever), and here his sister was saying those things to her face. The puir lass was completely cut off from her home, and now even his own family was trying to drive her away from the one shred of security she had. 

He could only imagine the homesickness she must have been feeling at that moment. The longing for the acceptance of her people— her family. 

Unlike his, who was making her hate the human world. 

“I’m sorry,” he breathed, “nothin’ she said was true. And I’m verra glad ye’re in my life, no matter what my pig-heided sister says.” 

Claire was staring at him deeply, emotion reflected in her eyes. A mutual understanding passed between them, greater than any words. 

Then, abruptly breaking the surreal moment, Claire asked, “what’s ‘pig-heided?” in a terrible mimicry of his accent. 

Jamie burst out laughing, doubling over in half-surprise and half-mirth. A stitch quickly formed in his side as his air ran out. Tears were pricking at the corners of his eyes as he laughed, a release of all the pent up emotion. 

“Have— do ye ken what a pig is, then?” he asked breathlessly, still heaving with laughter. 

To his delight and relief, Claire was laughing softly along with him (or maybe at him) and didn’t take offense to his hilarity. 

With a smile, she shook her head, answering helplessly, “no...” She let out a chuckle. 

“It’s a fat animal that spends its days rollin’ in mud. I’ll show ye one sometime,” he explained, his hands still rested on his knees in his doubled over position. 

Claire nodded in acceptance of his answer and reached out for him. Her wee hands slid down his forearms, raising goosebumps in their wake, until she grasped his hands and pulled him upright. 

He wasn’t quite expecting this, and the force of her tug sent him up and stumbling into her. 

Their bodies collided, and in an effort to keep her from going over, his hands grabbed her around the waist. He stomped his free foot down to regain balance and pulled her flush against him. He must have overcompensated, though, because they both went stumbling a step in the opposite direction this time, their bodies pressed completely together. 

They ended this odd dance with a fit of giggles, clinging tightly to one another as they finally regained balance. 

“Sorry,” she laughed. 

“No, I am,” Jamie chuckled, “but I think we needed a good laugh.” 

“We did,” Claire agreed, more softly this time. They were settling now, Claire looking up with him with big, soft eyes, and the mood shifted starkly from hilarity to something… intimate. One of her hands was pressed to his chest, the other holding on to his tricep, and he could feel nearly every inch of her against him. 

The silence spoke louder than anything, and he couldn't seem to the break eye contact that was quickly becoming dangerous. Every bone in his body screamed at him to kiss her. 

Letting go of her abruptly and taking a step back, he plunged them both back into reality.  

“Come now, lass,” he said hollowly, “I’m hungry. Care tae help me prepare some food?”

***

a/n: I forget if I added this note to tumblr last week, but there’s two more chapters to go in arc I-- ahh!!! I’m so excited (and nervous) for you guys to read them. Hopefully arc II will follow shortly :). Thanks so much for reading, lovely tumblr folks!

Next

[myhockeyworld87]

Choices - Tyler Seguin/Jamie Benn - Part 18

Word Count: 2,558

POV: Reader

Warnings: NSFW, Smut, Language

Notes: Here we are at part 18 already! I seriously can’t believe it. At any rate, please make sure to vote. You have 48 hours, so drop your vote in the comments or in my ask box. Happy Reading!

Choices Masterlist

For a minute, you felt disoriented waking up in bed without Jamie beside you. You were tired, that was obvious, but you never slept that soundly. Your eyes drifted around the room looking for any signs of Jamie, but there were none. Straining your ears, you tried to listen and see if he was in the bathroom, but nothing again. The covers were warm and part of you want to snuggle back down into them, but instead, you got up in search of Jamie.

"Jame, babe, where are you?" There was no reply, and it made you nervous that he might have fallen or worse. You padded across the dimly lit bedroom, as night had fallen. Opening the door, you found the living room basking in the glow of candlelight. The open concept layout of the house, let you see that Jamie was standing over by the kitchen table, which had been set up for what seemed to be a romantic dinner. His back was to you, so you called out his name one last time. "Jamie?"

 "Oh shit, you're awake. I wasn't quite ready." He swiveled around on his crutches to look at you and it was then that you noticed a beautiful arrangement of roses in the middle of the table.

 "Did you do this?" He nodded. "But how?" It was a valid question, considering you were there to take care of him and not the other way around.

 "Well I didn't do it by myself, but it was my idea." You walked closer to him so that he wouldn't have to hobble over to you on his crutches. "I called Bish and he and Andrea helped me set this all up. Dinner is staying warm in the oven. I just wanted to thank you for everything that you've done for me."

 "Jame, you didn't have to do this." You went up on your tiptoes and kissed him. The fact that he would even be thinking about doing something this special for you while he was the one in pain, made you love him even more.

 "I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. I love you, (Y/N) and I should show you more often, that I do. Now, I can't get the food out of the oven, but if you..."

 "Of course, sit down. I'll get it." He took a seat and then opened a bottle of wine for the two of you to have with the meal. Dinner looked amazing as you brought it out of the oven. You dished it out on plates for the both of you and then brought it over to the table for you and Jamie to have. "Jamie, this looks amazing."

 "Thanks, I tried to order some of both our favorites." There was beef tenderloin in a wine reduction sauce that you knew was one of Jamie's favorite. He'd also ordered an au gratin styled potato that he knew you loved when you were splurging. There were also french styled green beans which you both enjoyed. All in all, it wasn't super elaborate but it was something that you both enjoyed.

 "There's also dessert in the fridge."

 "You really thought of everything didn't you?" He blushed a little, something that made him look young and boyish, and had you falling for him all over again.

 "I tried." Reaching over you took his hand and interlaced your fingers with his.

 "Thank you, Jame. Thank you so much."

 "Sweetheart, you don't have to thank me. I love you and I want to spoil you." He kissed your entwined hand. "And as much as this injury sucks, I'm glad that I have this time to spend with you." A pang of guilt went through you, as you thought of leaving him tomorrow to go be with Tyler. You shook it away, now was not the time to be thinking of him.

 "Alright let's eat before this gets cold." The meal was perfect. Jamie and you chatted about everything and anything, and it was just like old times. The two of you sharing a meal and just enjoying each other's company. It reminded you of all the good times you had together. After dinner, you got out the dessert Jamie had ordered, a magnificent raspberry torte. "I love you, Jame, but my thighs do not appreciate that you bought the whole damn cake. It's heavenly. I'll probably have another piece before bed, even though I shouldn't."

 "(Y/N) you could eat fifty cakes and I wouldn't care. You'll always be the most beautiful girl in any room." When he said things like this to you, he made your heart flutter. You were almost halfway through your piece and noticed Jamie hadn't even taken a bite. He was literally just staring at you.

 "What? Did I get some on me?" Self-consciously you took your napkin and swiped at your face.

 "No, you don't have anything on you. You're just so gorgeous I can't take my eyes off you."

 "Stop, Jame, you're making me blush." You took a forkful of cake and fed it to him. "It's delicious isn't it?"

 "Yeah, it's good, but…" You quirked a brow at him, for the torte had to be one of the best desserts you'd ever tasted. "Well, I'd rather have you instead."

 "Oh!" It wasn't shocking that he had sex in mind, for it seemed like that's all he wanted lately. Though it wasn't like it was a hardship. "Well…let me clean this up and then."

 "Leave it. We'll get it in the morning." He got up then and hobbled over to you, bending down and capturing your lips. The kiss was soft and gentle, not demanding anything from you, but he ended it too soon. "I wish I could just pick you up and carry you off to the bedroom right now."

 You smiled up at him, as you rose from the chair. "Well you might not be able to do that, but you can follow me." You sauntered out of the kitchen, pulling the sweatshirt off your body and leaving it on the couch. When you noticed him a few steps behind you, you glided your legging off and tossed them as well. You turned around to catch his reaction. "Enjoying the show?" His face told you he was without him saying a word. Slipping the shirt off, you headed down the hallway towards your room. You were hiding behind the corner, as you unhooked your bra and let it dangle between your fingers. Holding the bra out, you taunted Jamie with it as you covered your breasts with your other hand. "Only one last item remaining." You dropped the bra at the doorway of your bedroom.

 By the time Jamie enter the room, you were lying on the bed completely naked. You flicked your panties at him and they smacked him right in the chest. "Fuck sweetheart, the things you do to me." He stood there on one foot and shucked off his t-shirt, then stripped off his shorts and boxers in one move. You realized that you weren't going to be able to remain lying down, with Jamie's bad knee, so you got up and kneeled on the bed.

 "Come lay down on the bed Jame." He did as you said, sitting down next to you. Your lips immediately connected, both of you suddenly needy for the other. His hands roamed your body, cupping your breasts and tweaking your nipples. Letting your hand wander down Jamie's chest, you found him the length of him and started to glide your hand up and down his shaft.

 "Fuck baby, that feels so good." You slid off the bed and dropped down to your knees. Flicking your tongue out, you lick the head of his cock once, before taking him as deep as you could in your mouth. He hissed out his pleasure. Your nails raked along the inside of his thighs and you sucked him in and out of your warm moist mouth. His fingers threaded through your hair, urging you on as your head bobbed up and down on him. "That's my princess. You're so fucking good to me." Reaching down you cupped his balls, and as you looked up you saw his head go back. His hands in your hair tightened and you sped up sucking him in and out of your mouth. You felt his balls tighten, and knew he was close, but just then Jamie pulled you off of him. "Not yet, babe, I want to taste you."

 "Jame, I don't think…"

 "Sit on my face baby." You couldn't help the little flutter that moved through you at the thought. It wasn't something that you and Jamie did often. When he went down on you, it was usually as you lay back on the bed and he was between your legs. He scooted back against the pillows, and you crawled over top of him. Scooching up so that you were straddling his face, you placed your hands on the headboard to brace yourself, as Jamie held your thighs.

 His nose nudged you first, rubbing your slit and just that brief contact made you tingle. Though that was nothing compared to when his tongue licked you. A flood of moisture pooled in your core and it had nothing to do with Jamie's wet mouth. You gripped the headboard harder, as he continued his assault on your pussy. He alternated between long slow licks on your slit, to just sucking your clit. It was driving you mad and you felt your legs starting to tremble. You tensed a bit afraid that when your orgasm hit, you'd end up suffocating Jamie in the process. He must have felt it. "Baby, just let go. I got you." He went to town on you then, shoving his tongue deep inside you. When he moved to your clit this time, you just couldn't stop your orgasm as it came rolling through your body. Your legs shook, and you threw your head back and moaned so loud.

 "Oh my god, Jamie!" He held you above him as you came down off your high, then slowly lowered you down, so you could move off him. You were still trying to catch your breath when you finally looked at him, your juices all over his mouth and beard. His hand reached over to grab the back of your neck and pull you in for a hard kiss. It was so un-Jamie-like. His lips were demanding as he literally devoured you. His teeth nipped at your bottom lip and you were half afraid that he would draw blood.

 His hand snuck down to throw your leg over the top of his body, and you could feel his hard-erect cock against you. That you expected. What you didn't see coming was when his hand landed smack on your bottom, as he spanked you. You yelped into his mouth, as he landed another blow to your ass. This was a side of Jamie you'd never seen. He'd never once been even a tad rough with you before, though you couldn't say that you didn't like it. When he smacked you a third time you knew there would be a mark later. His hand made soothing caresses over where he had slapped you. Involuntarily you grinded up on him, seeking more. "Did you like that baby girl?" You whimpered a weak yes, not really letting yourself admit that you did.

 He slid his cock inside you then, and you groaned with pleasure at being filled so full. "Is that what my girl wanted?" His hips started to thrust into you as you both lay on your side and you met him each time. Your leg was wrapped around his hip and he grabbed your waist to drive deeper inside your pussy. "God baby you feel so tight." Jamie moaned out. You kissed him then, unable to control yourself as your tongue slid inside to entwine with his. Your nails raked down his back when his cock hit your g-spot perfectly. It had you breaking apart from him to cry out with pleasure. "Yeah, right there huh babe."

 "Yes Jame, yes!" You begged him and he hit that same spot again. A few more thrusts and he had you spiraling in an intense orgasm. Your pussy spasmed around him and with a few last grunts, Jamie pushed deep inside you and came. He held your body tight to his, as his hot cum filled you.

 "Fuck babe I needed that." He finally breathed out. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" His face was full of concern, as he pulled back to look at you.

 "No Jame, it was actually kinda…hot." Which it totally was. You weren't sure if it was the whole spanking thing or the fact that it was something out of the ordinary with Jamie.

 He pecked your lips then. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. We might have to try something else tomorrow?"

 Ugh, just the mention of tomorrow had you thinking of Tyler and you weren't sure if you were ready for all this dating two people. Especially when one of them had no knowledge that you were dating the other, but only because of his amnesia. You tried to focus on the man in front of you, as you nuzzled closer into his side. "Yeah, maybe we should."

 He stroked your hair and soon you were falling asleep in his arms. Neither of you woke until the next morning, where both you and Jamie pretty much went about your usual day. In the afternoon, Guri and Janny called to say they would be over to visit with Jamie that night. "That's perfect," you remarked to Jamie. "I need to head over to my place and get some stuff. This way you won't be bored without me here."

 "Babe, you've got all kinds of stuff here. There's no reason to go to your place."

 "Jame, I need some more clothes, and none of my makeup is here. I could go on and on." He was frowning at you, and while most of what you were saying was true it wouldn't take you that long to get it; though you were trying to get some time with Tyler.

 "But I don't like it when you leave, baby."

 "It would just be for a couple of hours."

 "A couple of hours? Seriously?" He was grabbing at you from his spot on the couch. "Can't you just stay with me instead? I'll miss you too much if you're gone that long."

 "You know I'm eventually going to have to go out of this house to get groceries and other things. I'm literally just going to my place for a little bit." It didn't feel completely right lying to Jamie. "Besides the guys will be here if you need anything."

 "I know you're right. I just like having you here with me. Please stay?"

  *****************************************************************************************

 Time to make some choices….

 A)     Tell Jamie, that if he lets you go, you'll be sure to "Thank him" properly when you come home.

 B)     Tell Jamie, you actually need some alone time, and still meet Tyler.

 C)      Cancel with Tyler but still, go and get your stuff, only leaving Jamie for a short amount of time.

[buttonholedlife]

10 House & Techno Artists to Enjoy in 2020|EDM Identification

Photos Credit: Addiction Digital Photography As home as well as techno remain to reign as being one of the prevailing powers in the setting, climbing stars are actually creating an

effect with new audios and also remarkable sets.There's certainly that the development of your home as well as techno setting over the previous few years has actually performed what seems to be to be actually an ever-increasing growth to the top. Leading the charge are actually renowned artists as well as renowned tags that have recorded the hearts of many around the entire world and also changed more en route. While the standard-bearers of the setting remain to drive your house and also techno sound ahead in a relentless method, rising artists have sculpted out their very own allotment of the setting with unique designs and takes as well.Now, with the brand-new year grabbing heavy steam it is actually time to make some forecasts on who with the rising ability is going to be making a primary effect on our home as well as techno setting in 2020 (as well as hopefully past). Band in as well as begin scrolling to locate out that we experience you ought to be maintaining a close ear tuned to this year!

10 Home & & Techno Artists to Watch in 2020

Barraging coming from the creatively wealthy setting of The big apple Metropolitan Area, Tyler Morris aka Westend shown up with a blazing internal fire as well as an all-natural skill that would certainly make a quite excellent smudge on the tech-house scene. Along with the early as well as on-going support of labels like Container Of Cats and also Audiophile XXL, it ought to happen as no shock that he will rapidly be actually gathered up due to the loved Dirtybird brand discharging dance flooring heating systems that consist of "Do not Cease," "Nakey," and also "Detonate" with John Summit.Dim Mak as well as Club Nightclub have actually even come to be privy to his natural potential to provide people what they really want, setting him up for an amazing breakout year along with club-ready paths that include" Friend Area "(CCD), and "Goin Up" (Dim Mak ). What helps make Westend's popular music therefore delectable to our home songs masses is actually surely due to the modest feelings combined with enjoyable and cool beats making him a supporter favorite to record at occasions like the annual Dirtybird Campout.In enhancement, he recently ruled the remarkable Avant Gardner stage with Martin Ikin as well as Fisherman, additional solidifying his task as a mainstay in our valuable home songs area. Along with the that's that of the market precisely promoting this much more than worthy celebrity, you may wager that our experts have merely yet started to view what Westend invites establishment for the future!-- Maria Qrion is just one of the best faces on the proficient roster of Anjuna musicians but has actually quickly strengthened her place in the centers of several in the Anjunafamily. Knowing to play popular music at a very early grow older while being actually brought up in Sapporo, Japan, she has because moved to the Gulf Location and also her occupation has actually truly taken off ever since.Something that brings in Qrion's songs stick out from other musicians in our home and techno setting is her ability in developing sensational soundscapes by layering organic and digital factors together. Capturing listeners off their shoes with each authentic release and also remix, she is actually found the perfect formula to yank at our heartstrings time and also time again.Last year was actually a truly massive one for Qrion on the launch face with EPs like Sine Surge Party

but it is difficult to overlook her performances at well-known shows also. She took show business at Team Treatment Weekender, ABGT350, and also very most lately participated in a number of bent on Groove Voyage Miami to start the years off in the greatest means achievable. Don't reconsider Qrion this year, she'll most definitely blow your mind.-- Grant Rebūke What do you obtain when you blend future-forward residence as well as techno along with music elements tweezed straight from the early '90s rave age? The solution can be found in the type

of Rebūke. Taking a sound that initially stole the gaze of house and techno legend Jamie Jones with the launch of"Along Came Polly"in 2018, future would certainly enable the monitor to become called the last Crucial New Tune for Pete Tong on Broadcast 1. From that minute on, the Irish multiplied Rebūke has been actually invited along with open upper arms as well as has ended up being one of the field's most promising stars.With what several would certainly describe as an unusual as well as nonconformist design, our team see something thus refreshing putting out in almost the only thing that he makes. Rebūke is actually simply impossible to disregard. That being actually mentioned, Drumcode as well as Dirtybird are no morons when it comes to seeing star premium, and also soon Rebūke would certainly create but one more opinion along with Jump Ship(Dirtybird )featuring stick out path "The Water pipes"and Discompose( Drumcode), a three-track astonishment that warps the thoughts with excitable technicians and downing basslines.If you have however to record this guy in activity, possess no concern due to the fact that Rebūke's Rave Broadcast has actually obtained you dealt with. Including a number of his greatest events to date, Rebūke shows off his capabilities while verifying that being different is the essential to unlocking results and level of popularity. Communicating coming from private experience, I had the terrific option to

catch him opening for Veggie Velour in Atlanta georgia and I left behind a dedicated follower, moved due to the raw and also sideways creative thinking that maintained my mandible on the flooring the whole time.-- Maria If you have not presently began listening to the noises stemming from Codes You best start today. This New York-based musician delivers his years of adventure as a DJ to the phase no matter where he goes as well as could be consistently found cutting out live during the course of his collections that are actually teeming with strongly curated tracks.We have actually been actually transfixed and also embeded an effective groove ever before considering that we heard his Bumps EP on Psycho Disco back in 2016. Ever since he is actually beautified labels like Dirtybird, IN/ ROTATION, and Country Nightclub with some keep tracks of that our company just can not obtain sufficient of like "one hundred %Skill-sets"and the cash EP.Additionally, Codes has likewise packed the dancefloors at festivities like Beyond Paradise SoCal and also Launch procedure NYE to reveal off his unique stylings. And also if Codes 'songs as well as performances weren't enough to satiate you, then his capabilities as a tastemaker are going to give up also more appetizing tunes along with his label Holy Molé that released in 2013. It is actually very clear additional than ever before that it is actually Codes' opportunity to sparkle, thus be sure to find him in 2020 given that you won't regret it!-- Give Some of our favored discovers in 2015 was progressive master Dezza who took us to a state of electronic bliss with his stunning audio layout. While he might have meddled other closely associated categories like hypnotic trance, it was his releases in your house music realm that definitely protruded as one thing unique like "Natural honey," "Cold weather Outside "with Julian Gray, as well as" Hope Weaver" along with My Friend.Adding to the mix, Dezza took the reins of the guest mix on Above & Beyond's Group Therapy Radio to display his skill-sets as a tastemaker along with one on ASOT as effectively. He also crossed the pool to take the phase at

ASOT 900 in Utrecht as well as made his United States debut in Chicago at Trance Identification 10 that left a lasting impression.Riding the surge of excellence into the brand new decade, Dezza has proceeded to improve his impressive catalog of songs by returning to Colorize with the launch of" Close Your Eyes "previously this month. If you perform the quest for a clean face in the dynamic property world to acquire down to on the dancefloor in 2020, look no more than Dezza as he'll certainly supply.-- Grant In 2014 saw the increase of a number of musicians

in the bass property scene however couple of stole our centers very like Wenzday carried out. Birthed as well as increased in the Bay Area she polished her skill-sets behind the decks as an accessible style DJ before strengthening her unique style of house songs. Those years have since returned as her functionalities have actually become well-known for taking crowds on an enthusiastic trip through an assortment of styles.While her vibrant sets have brought in dancefloors move she's backed it up with an arsenal of contagious songs too. Wenzday's Heartbreak Property EP was a standout release on Insomniac Records 'IN/ ROTATION and also she adhered to that up with the Demons Dancing EP that "Daily"that actually aided close out the decade right.When Wenzday isn't responsible for the decks at festivals like Nocturnal Heaven, Lost Lands, or even a Room Yacht-hosted program, she is actually working nonstop along with her brother Dack Janiels on their cumulative 40ozCult. If 2019 specified show business of what was in outlet in the new decade coming from her, expect this increasing superstar to remain to create an influence in the bass house scene for years to follow.-- Grant John Summit has actually been among the hottest titles in our home popular music scene in recent months. With roots in house popular music's neighborhood of Chicago, John Top's music possesses a certain groove as well as percussive drive that has received

him observed through a few of the biggest gamers in the industry.His rise began when Dirtybird included"Touch off"along with Westend on the Dirtybird BBQ: Obtain Roasted compilation in 2019. Ever since, John

Peak has collaborated with tags like Toolroom, Repopulate Mars, Solotoko, This Ain't Bristol, as well as Farris Wheel. His design of residence matches effectively along with all of all of them; it's a special dancefloor-ready tech home vibe.After completing 2019 with the release of his Activate EP on Repopulate Mars as well as a New Year 's Eve set at Spybar in Chicago, factors are going to merely be actually much bigger and much better for John Top in 2020. Anticipate even more tour times as well as more groovy technician house from some of the scene's most thrilling up as well as happening artists.-- Michael Los Angeles-based artist RYBO has actually been actually one of the performers we've been actually keeping our ear tuned to for a few years currently after initial hearing his audios that were lost on Desert Hearts. Along with a

lot of releases under his belt on the tag, he's also a constant skin at their standalone celebrations as well as showcases where he is actually become prominent for taking some major energy to the dancefloor.Additionally, RYBO likewise aided co-found Percomaniacs which has been a home for his keep tracks of like "Something New"along with Anabel Englund,"Mi Casa"

along with Lubelski, and"Take Me Away "that was actually another astonishment. He's additionally taken a trip far and wide to play evaluate festivals Northern Nights, Electric Woodland, Ocaso Underground Music Event, and also plenty more.Now, with the brand-new year in complete swing, he is actually wanting to carry much more power to dancefloors with upcoming evaluate festivals like Beyond Paradise SoCal and

group evenings in metropolitan areas consisting of Reno as well as Denver. Stay tuned for his honest release"Someone Like You "with Lubelski and also SOHMI as well as look at several of his top tracks below!-- Give One of the artists who has actually been actually shining brighter than ever as of late is actually Meadow bright. Birthed in the UK today located out of the United States, he has actually been actually grabbing some significant momentum over the past

couple of years along with releases on labels

like Silk Music and also Anjunadeep. Capturing audiences away into the stunning modern soundscapes he generates in the center, tracks like"1992, ""Possibility"along with Nox Vahn, and"Heart "all left behind an enduring impact and also maintained our team returning for even more in an infectious manner.But Marsh isn't just excellent as a result of his studio job, as he has actually likewise stretched his abilities from responsible for the decks also with unforgettable functionalities

. A constant skin at Anjunadeep showcases, he is actually played in metropolitan areas like Goa, London, Chicago, as well as Miami while likewise being selected to play at

Team Treatment Weekender as well as Anjunadeep Explorations as well.Already using higher in the brand new many years with the current release of his most current EP Eu Topos that was only gone down on Anjunadeep, it's crystal clear right now especially that Marsh will be actually one of the driving interject the scene moving ahead. Take a pay attention to some of his

best keep tracks of listed below and don't rest on his collection when he properties in an area near you.-- Give Final, yet most undoubtedly not the very least is actually a dynamic tech residence duo coming from Glasgow that has actually been actually getting some gigantic energy over the past couple of years: Illyus & Barrientos. First collaborating in 2014 over a common interest for house popular music, they promptly attacked a stride along with very early help from tags like Toolroom, Glasgow Underground, as well as Suara.2019 observed Illyus & Barrientos discharge paths like "Scream,""The One,"as well as"Still Defeating"that remain to find their method in to our turnings to now. They also showcased their audio along with a Vital Mix on BBC Broadcast 1 that had plenty of delicious tunes and showed their potentials as tastemakers in the property songs realm.A recurring face in Ibiza throughout the Toolroom Residency last year at Paradise, they were actually an appreciated attraction to see when announced to play in urban areas like San Diego, Chicago, Greater london, as well as Brisbane. Currently, Illyus & Barrientos are steering onward into the new years and we are actually sure they are actually

going to attract also more followers along with each passing time.-- Grant Which property as well as techno musicians do you presume will burst in 2019? Allow our company understand in the opinions!

This content was originally published here.

[bestbabyinc]

Adorable Play Mats That Won't Wreak Havoc on Your Decor

We all know those primary-colored, puzzle-shaped floor mats that you see in daycares and schools. While these may make sense in those locations, I knew that I wouldn't be able to bring myself to decorate my own home with one. Baby toys and gadgets have already taken over our house enough! However, when my increasingly active baby kept bopping her head on the floor, I was beginning to think I might have to cave in. But after shopping around some, I realized I wouldn't have to sacrifice what was left of my adult home decor; baby companies have seriously stepped up their game and now there's a ton of options for adorable play mats that will protect your baby's head and compliment your home's interior design. 

We've assembled our top choices for cute play mats to help you in your search. These are just mats though. If you are looking for an activity mat, go here for our top picks. What's the difference? These play mats are simply a padded floor covering, while an activity mat is more of an activity center - it still has the padded mat, but the focus is more on the toys and activities that hang overhead than on the mat itself. These mats can be used for all ages - they can serve as a comfortable place for adults, padding for stationary newborns, cushioning for clumsy crawlers and walkers, or as a functional play space for toddlers and up. 

What to Look For

When searching for playmats (or any baby products in general), it's important to take into consideration the safety features first and foremost. Safety is always #1, no matter how cute or functional the product may be. While playmats don't typically come with any choking hazards, they might have other safety features (or lack thereof) that need to be taken into consideration, such as the composition of the materials used. 

Hypoallergenic. All mats should be free of any potentially harmful materials such as BPA, EVA, phthalates, plasticizers, lead, latex, and formaldehyde (among a list of hundreds of other potentially harmful chemicals...).

Waterproof/water resistant. Everyone knows that the second a baby on a fabric they can't spill on, they will automatically spill whatever they're holding. It's one of the known laws of the universe. Any mat should be some type of water resistant or waterproof so that spills are no big deal and are easy to clean up.

Cushioned. The whole point of getting a baby mat (versus just using the floor) is to provide extra padding to protect your baby as they crawl, tumble, and topple over. Whatever mat you get, it needs to provide an adequate amount of padding so it can protect your baby. 

Size. Envision the space you're planning on filling with your mat. Mats vary greatly in size and shape, so you need to take into consideration the size of the space.

Non-Slip. Both the top of the mat and bottom should be non-slip - meaning that the entire mat itself shouldn't move and the play surface shouldn't be slippery so your baby's feet will have better grip.

Quick Picks: Best Play Mat

Baby Care Play Mat - Haute Collection

Baby Mushroom Baby Bello Organic Play Mat

Cusphorn Grey Kids Teepee Mat

YAY! Mats Extra Large Play Mat

Skip Hop Playspot Foam Play Mat

Puzzle Pieces vs One Piece Design

There are two main design types you will encounter when shopping for play mats: puzzle piece and one piece. Both designs have their pros and cons, so ultimately it's up to you to decide what is best for your situation. 

Puzzle piece mats play off the classic primary colored foam mats that we mentioned earlier. Same idea, but different designs that look better in a house setting. Most of these even come with edge pieces so you can give your mat some clean edges instead of the jagged puzzle edges. The nice thing about these is that they are adjustable to the room size - simply order more for a larger space. Plus, you can customize the design on the rug by changing up the layout of the pieces. The downside is that they require assembly, and there are more crevices to clean because of the ridges between the pieces. 

One piece mats look more like a rug of sorts and typically roll up for storage and transportation. This makes them easier to transport since you just roll it up instead of having to disassemble the pieces. They tend to be easier to clean with a simply wipe down (or some even have removable, machine-washable covers!) and most of them have really cute, printed designs and/or are double-sided. The con is that you are limited to the size in which the rug is available, so if your space is more compact or over-sized, the mat may not be the right size for the space. 

Our Top Picks- Best Play Mats for 2019

Baby Care Play Mat - Haute Collection (Large, Sea Petals - Grey) - Our Favorite

" I couldn’t be happier with this mat. It is amazing and a must have for babies." -Melissa

The grey, floral design on this play mat immediately caught my eye. It resembled a cute carpet that I definitely wouldn't mind having in my house! Perhaps one of the best design aspects of this mat is that it's double-sided - one side is has an elegant, floral, grey design, while the other has a fun pattern with various shapes and numbers. Its innovative cushioning is next level; the manufacturer claims you can drop an egg from 10ft and it wouldn't break (I have not personally test this - if anyone has, please share!). It's non-toxic and free from phthalate, BPA, lead, latex, formaldehyde, and EVA. The mat is waterproof, which means spills are easy to wipe up and the mat is easy to clean with baby wipes. The one-piece mat design (versus puzzle pieces) means there's no assembly and the mats just roll up for storage and transportation. It also comes in 13 other designs, so there's sure to be one that fits your home decor!

Check Price on Amazon

Baby Mushroom Baby Bello Organic Play Mat, Ivory - 100% Organic

"I absolutely love this mat for our family!"-Jamie

This organic, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic play mat is made of eco friendly materials and has a removable and machine-washable 100% organic non-dyed, USDA certified cotton cover. The removable cover is what separates this mat from the rest on this list - it's super easy to clean because you can just remove it and stick it in the wash machine instead of having to bend over and wipe everything down. The plushly padded mat rolls up for easy storage and the cover has a protective, waterproof layer for spill protection.  The cover is made of vinyl and is made of PVC-free, non-toxic, medical-grade stretch knit fabric and the mat is a plant based foam. Plus, made in the USA so each purchase supports American jobs. 

Check Price on Amazon

Cusphorn Grey Kids Teepee Mat - Machine Washable

"Love this play mat! It’s nice and thick - we use it on our travertine floors and it’s perfect." -Lindsay

This super cute play mat comes in a variety of designs ranging from zoo themed and outer space, to lions and elephants - there's 14 different designs so there's sure to be one you love. It's made of 100% polyester, and the whole mat is machine-washable (by itself, delicate cycle). Cleaning couldn't be any easier since you just stick the whole thing in the wash! It's non-toxic, durable, and has a nonslip bottom. It's quite plush and measures about 1 inch thick, making it a great cushion for hardwood and concrete floors. The only downside is that it is a bit smaller than most other play mats, but it does still provide enough space for your baby to play and topple over safely. 

Check Price on Amazon

YAY! Mats Extra Large Play Mat (Blue) - Top Puzzle Mat

"We love it! Super simple, and goes great in our home." -Terri

This mat is a puzzle piece mat that uses 24x24 puzzle squares to create a rectangular play mat with a cool, modern design. Because it's a puzzle mat, you can seamlessly expand the total area by purchasing more sets and there's even edge pieces so you have seamless sides instead of jagged edges. . The larger squares mean there's less squares for assembly/disassembly, making them easier to pack up and clean. The mat is 100% waterproof so you simply wipe away messes with a wet cloth (plus some mild detergent if necessary). The foam is high-density, hypoallergenic foam that is 100% non-toxic and is free from lead, BPAs and phthalates. Yay! Mats believes in stylish, beautiful, and practical mats that are safe for baby while also accentuating your home's decor. 

Check Price on Amazon

Skip Hop Playspot Foam Play Mat - Grey/Peach - For The Creative Parent

"This is a must buy for all babies! I absolutely am 100% satisfied with my purchase." -Danielle

This mat is another great example of a puzzle mat but it's slightly more complex than the Yay! Mats play mat. There's 40 foam interlocking pieces and 32 edge tiles so you can create a wide range of different designs. The pro is that this makes it super customizable (for size and design), but the downside is that it takes some serious assembly time and frequent disassembly for transport isn't logical. That being said, all these tiles make a large, completely customizable play space that is easy to clean with baby wipes. 

Check Price on Amazon

Let's Review

There's tons of play mats out there, all in a variety of sizes, colors, complexity, and designs. Our favorite is the Baby Care Play Mat - it's super adorable designs are perfect for both baby and parent and their 14 design options means there's sure to be a design that fits your style. We like how the mat is cleaned just by getting wiped down and there's no crevices from puzzle pieces that can collect dust and crumbs. That being said, each mat on this list can be a great option for you depending on what you're looking for. Whatever you decide, we hope our list helps you find the perfect baby play mat!

The post Adorable Play Mats That Won't Wreak Havoc on Your Decor appeared first on Best Baby Inc..

[trpg-dingusmaster]

NEVERMIND- where the plot was replaced by a chicken

Everything, more or less, that happened in the last adventure in 90lbs FineCoal was retconned. 

I’m not sure why though, I’m pretty sure he wanted these things to happen later and but the parties antics screwed up the time table, but what I do know is that the dm of OfficialEvent was just eating up the utter chaos that ensued. “Now you know what it feels like!” he exclaimed quite joyously at one point.

So, what the event was replaced with was this:

-a town meeting meeting but not mandatory, rather than outlawing this that and the other it was just a royal decree that that a curfew would be put in place starting at the end of the week, giving enough time for everyone to make arrangements to comply with that. 

---what about people who work late? they better call a cab or their employer better have a room set a side for people to crash in until the morning/designated time

---what if you are a cab driver? you’ll have a licence to be out late which will be checked and you better have it.

---what is all of this for? because the party and also their rival gang have blown up A LOT of things, nobody knows it was us for sure but thats probably part of the problem. we’ve had lots of opportunity to have stealth missions but so far have turned all of them into a bloodbath, turns out that has repercussions. and also i guess those feral children that we released from a textile mill we never did go round them up. so who knows what they got up to

after the meeting bruce the cabby came up to the party and asked us to do him a favor: get schematics for a ‘battle wagon’ and bring them to him. He told us where to go- some sort of  wainwright factory? and we were hoping for a smash and grab but the dude we met at the who I’m pretty sure was a templar? I never saw the insignia that the party leader was shown so I only have the reaction she gave when she saw it. but I’m like, 99% sure based on that, and also the fact that they knew a bunch of stuff they had no reason to know.

once the party leader realized that the people we were dealing with were out of our league they tried a different approach.

“we want schematics for a battle wagon, how can we make this happen?”,very civilized and straight forward, novel for us. 

the probably templar gave us these choices: buy it for 400 coppers, buy it for 100 coppers and the deed to some land we stole from another gang, buy it for the deed and manual labor assistance when they build... whatever they are going to build there.

mind you- my character didn’t go to the town meeting and probably didn’t go to this either, Hugo stayed home and worked on gathering supplies and materials for the various things everyone wants to do but cant because I have yet to build the things they need so I probably should have stayed quiet, and mostly I did, but when the party leaders player asked the group for thoughts out of character I chimed in a bit.

mostly nobody wanted to take part of any of it beyond, A- steal it anyway even though BAD IDEA, or B- do other jobs and get the money to pay for it because the deed is probably worth more than this offer for some reason.

however some of us reasoned that if they really wanted that deed they would get it and maybe we shouldnt make an enemy of these guys just yet. 

the leader reasoned we should take the third offer- help build the thing the templars want to build and pay nothing, because were poor and need money to survive. 

the one handed girls player complained about the disussion because none of it mattered, that faction was getting the deed no matter what so why bother discusing? this interaction was meaningless and served only to fix something the dm did wrong. I think he was just being a weenie because his character wasnt getting any spotlight and he and the dm had gotten into an argument earlier that day or something. He didn’t really have a preference to which offer we took just was salty in general about everything and seemed to really want everyone to know he wasn’t into any of this.

I agreed with the party leader: we should take the third offer, but for different reasons, if we help build the thing we’ll know more about it. well have seen the blue prints have walked the rooms and hallways and that should give us a pretty good idea about what its for and how to get in and out later. the gnome/new guy agreed.

the one handed girl player, argued? but wasnt really arguing? they were just restating what I said but really passive aggressively? as if what I said was wrong and different from what they were saying? but it was the same thing? I dunno, dude was just being a weenie I think because he didn’t think of that first? but also kept saying how this whole thing was pointless and dumb? but party leader is a face character they pretty much were built for healing and talking, they can fight but thats not what theyre good at so... come on let them have some action.

I dunno if the party leader or anyone else heard any of this exchange but either way, thats what the offer we took. it was descided that the two characters whos players dont show up because they dont like these rules loose games will be doing the construction mostly. the rubble from that property would be delivered to the cabin within the week because they dont want it anyway and we were going gather it off screen ourselves anyway to build shit with.

after, the gnome and... jamie? went to sneak into a casino to rob the place, but it didn’t really go down like that. gnome got on jamies shoulders and I gave them one of hugos long coats so they looked like one normal sized but terribly proportioned person and they went off. which begs the question, what IS jamie? we just don’t know.

they learned the layout of the first (slots and roulette), second (cards ad dice) and seventh floors of the casino and discovered that floor seven had dog fighting.... which lead to the gnome- who had his ears cut much like elves do- arranging an agreement for a child to fight the dog champion Mama Fluffy, win or loose payment would be given to jamie to bring back to the party (there was concern that gnome might die either from the dog or from the casino security) because “holy shit this gnomes gotta fight that dog and win thats my goal”, said the new guy. 

the contract was signed and he and jamie revealed their selves, gnome successfully passed himself off as a child, and the fight commenced, mostly naked gnome vs angry hungry dog. it went pretty well but he lost the fight he did get a whole gold piece for the effort though. as a joke the dm mentioned that if they had stopped on the fifth or sixth floor  (I forget) there would have been a chicken fight. so the gnome player10000x more excited about this encounter payed to get himself healed and signed up to fight a “monstrous chicken”. which may have been more like a cassowary but with coloration like a chicken? the party leader ooc commented that a chicken matching the description the dm gave wasnt a thing and was probably not possible  so what is it doing in this setting? just comic relief? why was this happening? his only explanation was a that look dms give, “hush pls I know what I’m doing, just go with it in time you may understand” and just carrying on with the encounter. we suspect comic relief but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was some sort of mad science-ing. we may or may not find out.

the gnome tamed the chicken, during the course of the glorious battle and rode it home, he didn’t pick up his winnings though he just left right way and they may have been forfeited because of that. it has taken over our kitchen table. if his character dies the chicken is to be willed to Hugo because I agreed to build it its own house.

the dm had actual plot for after the deed was signed over but we never got to it.

the one handed girl went to the library all day to learn about black smithing? instead of trying to apprentice at a black smith? where actual interactions and things could happen? or trying to find ways to take advantage of the skills he already has for his character? and the player left the table but stayed at the shop when gnome and jamie went to the casino figuring I guess his character wasnt getting any screen time this adventure? i dunno. he sure did miss a pretty great series of events.