#why would you name your haulage company this?

[tobacconist]

this was quite troubling to see

[pfhwrittes]

hey p this is nobody you know but do you have thoughts about depot mouse seeing something they shouldn't have seen? 😇

hello friend! (who i definitely don't know, no siree) i waffled over this and my search results are now full of dubiously legal activities that i definitely haven't ever seen in practice, not even once mr/ms/mx GCHQ person checking online traffic. (i also got distracted by portakabin set ups, but that's a separate issue.) and then my brain spat this out for the tradieverse.

does it answer the prompt? eh, vaguely. but i hope you'll be pleased with it.

tags/tw: non-sexual semi-nudity, russian pet names (pchelka = little bee, myshka = mouse, milaya = darling/sweetie/dearest), light angst at the end, and a very brief mention of choking.

author's note: barely skimmed for typos and bad grammar as always and a patented (by @/391780) abrupt ending because i couldn't figure out how to end it and it was getting away from me.

at this point, you're certain nikolai thinks it's funny to have you running around after him. flitting from your office to the driver's "lounge" (another portakabin, this time outfitted with a row of lockers, a sagging sofa, a table and set of scattered chairs, and a small kitchenette area), you yank open the door and your waspish comments die on your tongue.

nikolai is leaning against the counter of the kitchenette. in his pants. in just his pants.

unbidden your eyes skate over his broad shoulders, down over a glimmering gold chain that is nestled in thick, dark hair that spreads wildly over his chest to a soft stomach, to land on the tightest pair of black briefs you've ever seen.

"hello, myshka." nik's voice snaps you out of your staring and you feel heat flooding your cheeks as you tear your gaze away from his... underwear to meet his amused brown eyes.

"i, um, i was looking for you." you absolutely do not let your eyes drop below his neck as nik redistributes his weight as he laughs.

"and now you have found me." nik grins, a flash of surprisingly white teeth considering the amount of black tea and cigarettes he imbibes.

"yes, i wanted to - sorry, but why exactly are you in your pants?" you blurt out.

nik shrugs his broad shoulders and you drag your gaze up to look just past his left ear where a damp lock of black hair curls lazily.

"my clothes are wet." he says simply, like that explains everything. it probably does, knowing the very little you do know about nik.

there's a beat of silence where nik continues to grin and you ignore the way your neck and face are blazing with heat.

"right." you clear your throat uncomfortably. "anyway, i need your receipts."

"it's no problem, i've already handed them to farah." nik waves your words off with a lazy flap of his hand.

"yes, it is a problem! you can't just hand your receipts off to the head of the company, nikolai!" you huff irritably and nikolai interrupts you with a loud boisterous laugh.

"ah, pchelka." he sighs fondly, "always so busy running around, you miss what's right in front of your nose."

that brings you up short and you scowl furiously at him. of course he would think that, all he has to worry about to getting from the depot to the job site and back again. he isn't having to chase wayward drivers around for scraps of paper, or answering the phone to a disgruntled jonathan price when he can't get hold of nikolai, or answering emails with the subject line "how much 4 hardcore??" that you hope to god have come from a bot and not some sad, lonely weirdo thinking that a haulage company offers pornography.

the grin on nik's face flickers slightly and you see his eyes are no longer amused, but soft, almost apologetic.

"sweetness, i'm sorry. i didn't mean to imply-"

"it's fine." you interrupt him, your tone has gone flat and professional despite the way frustration burns at your lungs, urging you to unload all of your irritation on the man. "i'll just go ask farah for the receipts."

nik takes a step towards you.

"milaya -"

"no, really nik." you turn away to push at the door, "thank you for your help as always." you shove open the door and stomp across the dirt to the office you share with farah, leaving nik behind you in his underpants.

(later in the afternoon, after you had emailed farah to send you copies of nikolai's receipts, you lean back in your chair and refuse to let your mind drift back to the glittering gold chain resting on nik's collarbone.

and if you do, it's only because you're thinking about wrapping it around your fist to strangle the insufferable man with it, honest. )

[smolbeandrabbles]

My Oh My - Johnnie x Reader (Prime Mover)

End Up With You

@wltz-bby​ @happyskywhale​ #MendoTagSquad

Author’s Note: We might actually, genuinely, end up getting through all 26 of them by the time all this is over. Anyway, here’s another hottie from Team 2009! 😏 My Oh My - Camila Cabello Disclaimer: Prime Mover characters not mine / lyrics not mine / that cap is! Premise: Back from another long haul trip at a truck stop bar party, you reminisce a little on meeting him in this very same bar... Words: 1809 Warnings: sexual references/connotations

______ They say he likes a good time (My, oh my) He comes alive at midnight (Every night) My mama doesn't trust him (My, oh my) He's only here for one thing But (so am I) Yeah A little bit older A black leather jacket A bad reputation Insatiable habits He was onto me, one look and I couldn't breathe Yeah, I said, "If you kiss me I might let it happen" I swear on my life that I've been a good girl Tonight, I don't wanna be her ---

There was nearly always a party going on in the truck stop bar – especially when nearly all the drivers were back in town. It didn’t happen often, a couple of times every few months, probably. When it got pretty rowdy and no one really cared – usually it ended with a bar fight, but that was all part of the supposed ‘fun’ and you always tried to make sure you’d dragged your partner out of the bar by then. That didn’t always work, sometimes he was the one starting the fight – and then you had to try to prize him out of it, never easy when he was drunk. But you were pretty tough and had the amazing ability to shout him down from time to time, only to end up sitting on your kitchen counter chiding him and cleaning up cuts. Johnnie was eventually going to get himself into a lot of trouble, and you usually started with; “This is the last time I save you-!” But you always did. Part of you just couldn’t help it, he was away from you enough – you didn’t need any more of that. Especially if he was going to get into so much of it that he’d end up being away for years and not months. You’d skipped out on the last few of these nights because he’d been away, and that didn’t bother you. You rather be home, and cuddle up, and get to call him. But tonight he was back, and these evenings held a special significance for you anyway. You’d met him at one of these. It was a long time ago, and you had already heard a lot about him – you’d caught a lot of gossip about many of the drivers as you worked on their trucks, but no news you learned about Johnnie was ever particularly good. So, when he was the only one who paid you any attention at the bar, you were pleasantly surprised. Although at the time every joke out of his mouth was about female mechanics, he was always good natured and sweet about it. You were the first one he’d turn to, or get anyone else to turn to, if his truck needed a fix. That wasn’t just because you were seeing him – but your skill. What you did have to remind him, from time to time, was that you weren’t going to be his live in mechanic.

You wouldn’t get to see him before you headed over to the party, and it wasn’t a formal event. Still, you wore your nicest pair of skin tight jeans, with an equally form fitting shirt and heeled boots. You forwent the jacket, because you’d only end up wearing his. And as you pulled into the parking lot, the biggest smile appeared on your face at the sight of the gleaming red truck, with its painted silver and white letters of his haulage company name. Your heart always beat that little bit quicker when you knew you’d get to see him again – it was a serious business, a long-distance relationship. But it made loving on him when he was back here significantly better. And a hell of a lot more interesting! You parked up and entered the bar. It was already pretty packed as you weaved your way to a barstool. Johnnie wasn’t hard to pick out, he didn’t have the quietest of voices, and as you were served your drink you swivelled around to face the majority of patrons. He was in the middle with a bunch of his friends, beer in his hand and laughing – in your favourite leather jacket and a good pair of black jeans. It took you back to the very first time you saw him, curiosity about the bad boy getting you to ask someone to point him out, and once they did you never really looked back. He had a look and a way of carrying himself that meant you couldn’t tear your eyes away from him. Johnnie dressed pretty well – for a driver, anyway – and everything from the way he ran his hands through his hair to the way he smiled was effortlessly cool; and damn, the way he caught your eyes from time to time. The first time he hardly paid attention to you, but the smirk when he realised you were captivated by him had heat rushing places you really wished it didn’t, and you panicking. But eventually, with you peeling beer bottle labels, turned away from everyone – and very much alone – he approached you. He didn’t start with flirting, just by casually enquiring as to who you were – and knowing you were new. But in a way that was kinda sweet, that he wanted you to get involved with ‘tradition’. Bad boy reputation he might well have had, but here you were, and no one else had been as nice to you as him. Having said that, it might as well have been for his own means – BUT, this was a long-term relationship now, so he certainly wasn’t using you.

When he spotted you tonight, however, instead of playing hard to get Johnnie excused himself from his conversation and was straight across to you. “Baby-!” You grinned and put your bottle down to accept his kiss, body between your legs as he cupped your face in his hands. You pulled him to you by his jacket, back forced against the bar, arms around shoulders; you certainly didn’t care. And could anyone blame you? You broke the kiss only to tell him that you missed him, and he grinned, knowing that. He slipped from your arms and onto the stool next to you, hand in yours; “Did I miss anything when I was gone?” “Uh. What goes on around here?” You sipped your drink again, “Not much. I mean Mum came to stay for a little bit, so I wasn’t completely alone.” He grimaced, making you chuckle, “Yeah, she still doesn’t like you.” Actually you thought she’d referred to him as a ‘waste of space’ and told you how much he was wasting your time, but you mostly ignored her. You supposed you understood her sentiment - unfortunately, she’d heard about Johnnie’s bad reputation by doing a little too much digging. And any time they were in the same room it always ended in an uncomfortable glaring stand-off, that you were in the middle of – which is why you only let her come and see you when he was away on one of his much longer trips. She was only protecting you, you did know that; you were her only child and she just wanted to watch out for you. But you still felt that you were firmly in control of this situation, and him. You knew all the places you could run and hide if you ever needed to. Your mum should know by now that she would be your first point of call should this man ever dare break your heart.  

Being the only couple that worked in and around the industry as your full-time jobs, it was also like being the King and Queen here – or at least a celebrity couple. Oh, yeah, everyone knew who you both were – a little hard for them not to, given the way he was with you. You at least made it your mission to look after all the wives and girlfriends, especially of the younger truck drivers. And Johnnie tried, from time to time. But he was better when you were making sure he was on his best behaviour. Everyone knew that his first few days back was your time off – because all that mattered to you then was his body all over yours; PDA probably didn’t even cover it. You’d never quite had actual sex on a club dancefloor, but you’d been pretty close more than once. And there was only one way tonight was gonna go too. “I see you’re getting your tattoos out for me.” Johnnie smirked, referring to your lack of jacket, but also the fact your entire body was covered in them. You looked across to him innocently, “For you? Oh, baby, by the end of the night maybe I’ll let you see my new one.” “New one?” He raised an eyebrow, eyes tracing your body as he bit his lip. You gave a nod, placing your hands on his thighs and leaning in to tease him with a kiss. “Mhm…” You kept your lips close to his; “Though you might have to get me naked to find it…” He chuckled, and couldn’t help pulling you onto his lap, kissing your neck and jaw, arm around your waist and hand on your inner thigh. “I think I can do that.” Johnnie kept his voice at a low growl that had you smirking, even though a shiver ran through you. “Well, I damn hope so…” “Good things come to those who wait.” “Wait-!?” You turned back to him, “Like I didn’t for three months?” “Mmmm… were you good whilst I was gone?” You nearly chuckled, again batting your eyelashes innocently; “Am I ever anything else?” “No.” He brushed his lips to yours again hand moving up a little higher than you thought was appropriate, causing you to shudder again; “But I should check, right?” You giggled, “Doesn’t mean I wanna be good tonight.” Johnnie growled again, as your kisses once again became teasing; “I would damn well hope not…” Although his first thought after that was not getting out of here, so you knew he was going to drag this out for the long haul. You didn’t mind too much, because you got to sit quietly with him, occasionally pressing kisses into your shoulder, his arms around you, your fingers threaded with his. It might have been agony, but it was sweet agony, and you were happy to be here watching everyone else have a good time. Eventually even Johnnie wasn’t going to sit around waiting. He tugged your hand and slipped off the stool, suggesting you say goodbye to your friends and call it a night. Then draped that leather jacket around you as you left the bar and walked to your car to take him home, heart beating just as fast as it had been when you’d arrived. As it had been when he’d kissed you for the very first time in that very same bar. But it smelled like him, and you shivered again when you breathed in, causing you to hum in pleasure. It was only a short drive, then you’d get to relieve him of the rest of his clothing and have him right back where he belonged with you. He noticed this, and smirked again, eyebrow raised; “You gonna be okay driving home?” All you did was nod, biting your lip again – but no promises that hands wouldn’t go wandering on the short drive either. It wasn’t like you could trust him to keep his to himself. Nope. Tonight you certainly weren’t going to be a good girl.

--- Thank you for reading! 😁

[lopithecusfanfiction]

Take it All Away: Chapter One

Author: Lopithecus Pairing: Aaron Dingle/Robert Sugden Rating: Mature Word Count: 4548 Alternate: AO3 Summary: When Robert goes out to a club, he doesn’t expect what happens. He should have been more careful, should have paid more attention. Now his life is flipped upside down all because of one stupid mistake. Warnings:

Rape/Non-Con

Non-Consensual Drug Use

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD

Blackouts

Memory Loss

Implied/Referenced Self-Harm

Self-Harm

Panic Attacks

Other Additional Tags to Be Added (I will update this post when more are added)

Author’s Note: This is a “what happens if Robert is the one to get assaulted instead of Victoria” fic. I wrote this mainly because I wanted more hurt Robert (because I’m cruel and I like to see characters I love suffer.) I wasn’t planning on posting this until I was done with it but I wanted to post it before Ryan leaves the show and that is, unfortunately, coming up fast. I do have Chapter 2 and 3 done but that’s it. Updates will most likely be slow but I never abandon a story, so I’ve got that going for you. Also, my brother’s name is Aron so I’m not used to writing the name with two A’s (I actually often times forget that most people do spell it with two) so if you see at any time during the story I’ve spelt the name with one A, just let me know so I can fix it. This is my first fic in the Emmerdale fandom. I also live in America so I might get the slang they use on the show/things that are called differently here than in the UK, wrong. Hopefully I’ve obsessively watched the storyline enough times to pick up a few things, lol! I’m also not going to be able to remember to change the spelling of words that are spelt differently here than in the UK nor would I know all the words that are spelt differently (i.e. z vs s) so I’m probably going to just use the American spelling. I’m sorry if this bothers you. This is set around the time Robert, Aaron, Ellis, and Victoria go to that club except it doesn’t play out in this like it did on the show. Please enjoy!

Robert saunters down the stairs, fixing his tie around his neck. He can smell the toast Aaron has made and it makes his mouth water, stomach growling with hunger. Once at the bottom, he approaches Aaron and Liv, where they are sat at the kitchen table, eating cereal for breakfast.

“Good morning,” he says, leaning down to kiss the top of Aaron’s head. He sits down and takes a piece of toast, taking a big bite out of it.

“Mornin’,” Aaron replies, mouth full of food. Liv gives him a smile but says nothing.

“I have a bunch of meetings today and then I have that late dinner celebration I told you about with a few of the new investors,” Robert comments.

Aaron nods. “Yeah, I remember.”

“So you’ll be home extra late then?” Liv asks, getting up from the table and grabbing her school bag.

“Probably,” Robert answers.

“Well maybe, Aaron, you could have tea with Chas then.” Liv shrugs on her bag. “Then I can have Gabby over without my annoying older brother hovering over us the whole time.”

“Aren’t you going to be late for college?” Aaron quips, giving Liv a playful look.

Liv laughs. “I’m just saying.”

Robert watches the scene play out in front of him, his own smile of amusement on his face. He’s always loved seeing the playful banter between Aaron and his sister. It often reminds him of how he and Victoria are sometimes. There’s just something gratifying about picking on your younger sibling.

Liv says her goodbyes and leaves The Mill. Aaron watches after her, a wistful smile playing at his lips. “What?” Robert asks him.

Aaron takes a deep breath and finally goes back to eating his cereal. “I’m just glad to see she seems to be moving on from that whole Jacob stuff.” He slurps his cereal as he drinks the milk from the bowl.

Robert makes a face at the sound. “She’s a strong kid. She can get through almost anything.”

“Well, she does have the perfect role models when it comes to getting through tough times,” Aaron says with a small, playful smile.

Robert chuckles. “If you say so.” He stands then, leaning over to give Aaron another kiss on the top of his head, grabbing a couple pieces of toast on his way. “I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

*~~~*

Robert sits in a booth in the back of the Woolpack. He isn’t really looking forward to this dinner. He would rather be at home, curled up on the sofa with Aaron while they watch some corny film Liv picked out. He really hopes this doesn’t take long and comes up with a plan on how to make this whole thing go by as fast as possible while he waits. All he really has to do is eat a small meal while he schmoozes the guests of honor and buy them a few drinks. It should be easy.

That’s why Robert isn’t sure what to think when the children of the investors arrive instead of the men themselves. Two men and a woman who are probably about nine years younger than he is, approach him with wide smiles. He looks back at them in confusion, eyebrows knitting together. One of the men holds out his hand for a shake and Robert takes it. “Nice to meet you Mister Sugden-Dingle. I’m Lucas.”

The other man shakes Robert’s hand next. “Name’s Trevor.”

“And I’m Meghan,” the woman says, not offering her hand.

“Please, call me Robert.” Robert looks from one to the other. “Sorry, but I thought I was meeting-”

Lucas cuts him off. “Our fathers?” He chuckles. “Yeah, they thought we would have more fun instead.”

“But they’re the ones who made the deal,” Robert comments, incredulous. He’s starting to feel a little frustrated now. He didn’t come out tonight to entertain a bunch of young adults and if he’s being quite honest, it’s really unprofessional of the investors to send these three in place of them. “Sorry but,” Robert stands, “they really should have come out themselves.” He scoots out of the booth, grabbing his jacket. “It was nice meeting you but I think I’ll be off.”

“Woah, hold it.” Lucas steps in front of him. “We were promised a good time tonight; food, drink, the lot.” He smirks. “You wouldn’t want us to tell our dads that you skimped out on us, would ya?”

Robert isn’t sure what to say. He can’t lose these business deals, not if he wants the money from them. He and Aaron are trying to have a baby and they can’t do that if the new haulage company doesn’t work out. They’re desperate to make money, even if it means Robert has to entertain a bunch of children.

He sighs. “No, I wouldn’t.”

Lucas’ smile grows bigger. “Good! C’mon, let’s go.”

Robert stops them. “I thought we were only going to have a few drinks and some food?”

Trevor scoffs and looks around the Woolpack. “Not here.”

At that, the three of them turn and begin leaving the pub. Robert sighs again, heavier this time, and shakes his head, following behind.

*~~~*

Robert gets even more confused when the taxi pulls up next to a club. He gets out and turns to the group, asking, “Weren’t we just going to another pub or a bar?”

Meghan walks up to him and runs her hand over his shoulder. “And where’s the fun in that?”

Trevor smirks at him, wrapping an arm around Meghan’s middle. “Come on, Rob, lighten up a little. It’ll be fun.”

Robert bites his tongue, deciding that snapping at the little git wouldn’t do him any favors. Instead he says, “It’s Robert and this isn’t what I had in mind when I agreed to this.”

Trevor and Meghan laugh at him and start walking away to the queue while Lucas pats him on the back, leaving his hand at the nape of his neck. “It’s what our fathers want, Rob; for you to show us a good time and this is how it’s going to happen.”

He shrugs the man’s hand off. “I don’t really care what your fathers want. This is unprofessional to send you instead of coming themselves.” He looks the kid up and down in bewilderment. “I don’t really understand why they thought this would be okay.”

Lucas laughs, loud and obnoxious. “Because they’re too good for you, Rob. You’re some poor little pillock while our fathers are rich and powerful. Don’t you see, mate, they’re having fun at your expense.”

“They’re winding me up then?”

Lucas shrugs, walking away. “And the best part is, is you’re going to deal with it because you can’t lose this deal from what I’ve heard.”

Robert takes a deep breath in, trying to calm himself. This whole thing is ridiculous but he knows Lucas is right. He is going to deal with it. He has to. His and Aaron’s future depends on it. So with another quick, calming breath, he follows along and joins the queue at the entrance to the club. It’s quick moving, so it doesn’t take them long to get in, the three of his companions being ID’d. Robert heads straight for the bar and groans when he feels Trevor’s hand on his shoulder.

“You’re buying us all drinks, mate, and trust me, Meghan can put them back like you wouldn’t believe.” Trevor laughs and orders the three of them drinks. Robert pays reluctantly, glaring at them the whole time, and sighs in relief when they decide to leave him alone for a while to head out onto the dance floor, drinks in hand.

Robert turns back to the bartender and orders himself a beer, pulling out his mobile. He quickly navigates to Aaron’s name and starts typing out a text, wishing he could call him just to hear his voice which he knows will instantly calm him down, but the music is too loud to do such a thing.

To Aaron: sent 19:24

Save me

From Aaron: received 19:25

Sorry, can’t. Got Liv and Gabby drama to deal with. I’ll tell you later. What happened?

Robert sighs to himself again and begins explaining to Aaron what is going on. He finishes his beer by the time he’s done typing it all out and sending it, finding himself ordering another one. He tacks on one last message, wanting to get across just how irritated he is.

To Aaron: sent 19:36

It’s frustrating and unprofessional. They’re treating me as if I’m some chav who doesn’t know what he’s doing

From Aaron: received 19:37

I don’t get it, if it’s that bad then why don’t you just drop ‘em

To Aaron: sent 19:37

Because we need this money, Aaron. It’s for our baby

From Aaron: received 19:39

But is it really worth it?

To Aaron: sent 19:40

Yes it is. Anything is for our baby

From Aaron: received 19:41

Anything? Because we’ve been there before, Rob, and look where it’s gotten you

Robert rolls his eyes at that, annoyance building up in him for Aaron’s use of his past to have a go at him again.

To Aaron: sent 19:42

This isn’t like last time. This is legit

Robert can practically hear Aaron’s scoff as he waits for a reply.

From Aaron: received 19:42

Yeah okay. All I’m saying is don’t do too many things you’re uncomfortable with just for this

To Aaron: sent 19:43

I won’t. Promise

From Aaron: received 19:43

I’ve got to go. Try to have at least a little fun, yeah?

To Aaron: sent 19:43

Impossible without you

Robert smirks as he puts his phone back in his pocket, knowing Aaron scoffs again as he shakes his head, chuckling slightly at Robert’s comment. He turns around and leans against the bar, watching the crowd as they dance wildly to the music that is playing. He shakes his head in amusement. There are so many people that are willing to make fools of themselves once a little bit of drink is in them.

Within fifteen minutes, Robert is well and truly bored. He hasn’t left the bar and he finished his second beer ages ago. He debates getting another but he’s not really fancying the idea of getting plastered tonight so decides to forgo it. The problem is, now, he’s stood by the bar with nothing to do but people watching and he doesn’t even have anything to occupy his hands with. Robert scans the crowd for Trevor, Lucas, and Meghan and spots them in a frenzied dance, looking as if they are having a brilliant time.

Rubbing at his eyes, Robert turns back around to face the bar and orders another drink, relenting to the fact that he needs to do something to get through this night. He wonders how long he has to stay for it to be appropriate to leave, and figures he’ll probably have to buy his “mates” for the night a couple more rounds. As if in answer, Meghan comes up to him and leans in close to his ear, speaking loudly to be heard over the music, and hand snaking its way around his waist. “‘Nother round on you, aye?”

Robert nods with an eye roll and waits for the bartender to come his way before getting his attention. He orders them a couple more drinks, handing over a few more quid than necessary to pay for any future drinks they might get. She walks away with a flirtatious smirk and wink and Robert feels his face turn into a grimace before he can stop himself. Megan throws her head back and laughs, the sound lost in the noise of the music.

He’s stood there for another thirty minutes before he decides enough is enough. This whole night was a waste of time and he’s tired, agitated, and just wants to go home to Aaron where he can snuggle up next to him in bed. Robert sets his beer bottle down on the bar and pushes off it, ready to go tell Lucas that he’s leaving when someone bumps into him, spilling half their drink on his shirt. Robert has to bite his tongue to stop the retort that wants to come out, his mood becoming even more sour. He likes this shirt.

“So sorry, mate!” Robert looks up from his soaked shirt to a bloke who is about his age. The man reaches out to wipe at the liquid staining Robert’s shirt before realizing that he doesn’t actually have anything to wipe it up with. He pulls his hand back, frowning. “Shit, I didn’t see you there.”

Robert has to take a deep breath before speaking. “It’s alright.” He turns in the direction of the toilets.

“Oi, let me help you,” the man says, walking beside Robert.

Robert holds his hands out, dismissing him. “I’ve got it, thanks.”

“Look, it’s my fault. Just,” the man puts a hand on his shoulder, stopping Robert from walking away, “I want to help.”

Robert resists the urge to roll his eyes. “Fine.”

They both head into the toilets where the music quiets to a low thump, Robert’s ears ringing slightly. He grabs a handful of paper towels and starts to dab at his shirt. “You’ve got to get the towel wet first.” Robert’s eyes snap up to the mysterious bloke who spilled his drink on him.

“Look, I’m just trying to dry it. I was on my way home.”

“But you don’t want it to stain,” the man says as he grabs more paper towels and wets them under the tap. “Here.” He reaches over and starts to wipe at Robert’s shirt.

Robert stands there, not really knowing what to do. He can feel the heat beginning to crawl up his neck at the other man invading his space, getting uncomfortable at the proximity. The only person who isn’t blood related to him (besides Diane, of course, but she’s like blood) who has been this close to him recently is Aaron. He grabs a hold of the man’s hand. “I can do it.”

The man shrugs, taking a step back and handing over the paper towel. “Suit yourself.”

Robert eyes him before looking back down at his shirt. It couldn’t have just been a beer that was spilt on him. No, it had to be some fancy, colorful drink that is surely going to leave a blotch of red on his shirt. He sighs in defeat, throwing the paper towel in the bin. “It’s no use.” When Robert looks back up, the man is biting his bottom lip and Robert has to roll his eyes at the sight. “Don’t worry ‘bout it.”

“Well, at least let me buy you a drink to make up for it.”

Robert’s shaking his head before the bloke even finishes his sentence. “No need. I was going home.”

“Just one drink.” The man is smiling at him.

“I’m married,” Robert says, pointedly.

The man chuckles. “I noticed, I saw the ring.” His smile grows, playful like. “Come on, it’s a harmless drink. Just to say sorry.”

Robert stares at him, debating. One drink won’t hurt, will it? It’ll please this man and it’ll give his shirt a little time to dry before going home. Sure he’ll still smell like a boozer but at least he won’t have to ride home in a taxi with a sopping wet shirt. “Alright, go on then.”

The man’s smile grows impossibly wide and he leads the way back out into the club. They push their way over to the bar where Robert leans down on it, arms crossed, and waiting for the bartender to make his way to them. “Name’s Theo.” The man, Theo , says, leaning a little closer to be heard.

Robert gives him a nod in acknowledgement. “Robert.”

Theo purses his lips, nods in approval, and turns back to the bar, the bartender asking for their order. Theo orders for the both of them and Robert quirks one of his eyebrows in question. “What?”

Robert shakes his head. “Nothin’. Just don’t want one of those fancy drinks.”

“You mean the ones with lots of colors and weird names?” Theo teases, laughing at him. “Don’t worry, it’s not.”

They don’t have to wait long before Robert spots the bartender coming over with their drinks. He’s about to reach out for his when he hears his name being called. He’s never rolled his eyes so many times in one night. Turning around, he faces Lucas who is perfectly bladdered. “Mate!” He wraps an arm around Robert’s shoulders, leaning into him. Robert suspects if he moved, Lucas would collapse to the floor by how much he was holding himself up on him. “We thought you had left.”

“Yeah, mate , I was just having one more drink then leaving.” Robert tries to push him off but he holds on firmly.

“You haven’t danced with us yet,” Lucas slurs, resting his head on Robert’s shoulder.

Robert groans in annoyance, pushing harder. Lucas stumbles back off him. “I’ll pass, thanks.”

Lucas waves him off, sticking his tongue out at Robert, and Robert stares after him in uncontained disbelief. “Friends of yours?”

Robert turns back to Theo who is holding out his drink. It’s some blue liquid with one of those mini umbrellas in it and an olive, all contained in a cocktail glass. Robert hesitantly grabs for it, frowning. “No, thank God. I was just someone who could pay out on their drinks.”

Theo chuckles. “Then it’s a good thing I bought you yours.”

Robert’s eyes travel back down to his drink. “What in hell is it?”

“Just try it,” Theo says, smile playing at his mouth in amusement. “If you don’t like it then I’ll buy you a beer instead.”

“Didn’t I tell you I was going home?” Robert brings the glass to his lips.

He doesn’t miss the way Theo’s eyes travel the length of his body. “You did and that you’re also married.”

Robert licks his lips. “I don’t cheat.”

“I never asked you too.” Theo gives him a quick nod, directed at the glass still by Robert’s mouth. “Drink.”

Robert shakes his head and sips at the liquid, swallowing thoughtfully. He gives it a second, dragging it out just to annoy Theo who looks at him expectantly. Finally, he shrugs. “It’s not bad.”

Theo nudges him. “See, I told you you’d like it.” The man takes a sip from his own drink, another one of those colorful ones.

“This,” Robert gestures between the two of them, “me drinking this thing, stays between us, yeah?”

“Mate, I’m probably never going to see you again after tonight. Your secret is safe.”

Robert huffs, shaking his head, and drinking more of the blue liquid. Theo watches him from the corners of his eyes, smiling flirtatiously at Robert every once in a while. By the time Robert is done with the whole thing, he’s a little more than just tipsy. He carefully sets the glass down with shaking hands. “How… how much alcohol was in that thing?” Theo shrugs and Robert frowns at him.

“You alright, mate?” Theo asks him, hand landing on Robert’s shoulder.

Robert almost falls to the ground, losing his balance as the room starts to spin. “I…”

He hears Theo laugh beside him, the sound almost distant. “You’re completely pissed.” He puts one of Robert’s arms over his own shoulder, helping Robert keep balance. “Let me help you to a taxi.”

Robert stumbles along as the room continues to spin out of control, leaning onto Theo. His stomach is doing flips and he seriously starts to think he’s going to be sick all over himself when the next thing he knows, he’s in a taxi sat next to Theo. His eyebrows furrow in confusion as his body starts to relax into the seat. “Did I tell you where I live?”

Theo watches him but Robert can’t focus. “Of course, you did. That’s where we’re headed.”

Robert shakes his head, his movement feeling sluggish. “I don’t… I don’t remember telling you.”

When he blinks next, he’s in some kind of lobby, sitting in a chair. He looks around, confused, sweat covering his entire body as he shakes uncontrollably. He’s having a hard time focusing on things, his vision blurry and unfocused. Every once in a while the room will sway and it’ll make his stomach feel like it’s doing somersaults. Robert looks around the room for a bin he can be sick into just in case, but can’t find one.

Theo strides up next to him, lifts his arm, slinging it over his shoulder once more, and helping Robert out of the chair. “Come on.”

He’s cold, that’s why he’s shivering. He’s naked and he’s cold and where is he? Robert looks around again, limbs feeling heavy, and he’s in a room, a hotel room by the looks of it - he doesn’t remember how he got there - with Theo sitting on the edge of the bed, back towards him and fumbling with his… his trainers?

“Wasn’t I going home?” He’s confused. Robert meant to go home. Why is he here? Did Robert tell the taxi driver to bring them here? No, no Robert wouldn’t cheat on Aaron. Not again. Not ever again.

Right?

“Theo…”

Theo turns to him, pulling his shirt over his head. He leans over, kissing Robert softly. “Shh, it’s fine.”

Robert blinks and groans as his heart pounds in his ears. His head feels like there is a hammer inside of it and his body is sticky with sweat. He’s lying on his stomach and Robert groans, the light overhead making his eyes hurt. He tries to bury his face into the pillow but grimaces when his face is met with wetness and the stench of vomit. Turning his head back to the side, his eyes roam over the room. He was expecting to see his bedroom, Aaron next to him, but is confused when he sees unfamiliar wallpaper. Where the hell is he?

Swallowing, he makes to get up, arms feeling weak as he tries to push up. When he bends his right leg to get leverage, fiery hot pain shoots up from his back. He hisses and immediately lies back down, breathing hard. That’s when he realizes it doesn’t just feel like sweat that has made his body sticky. There’s another semi-dry substance on his back and between his cheeks. His stomach churns and Robert has to swallow multiple times to try and keep from being sick, something he has obviously already done but can’t remember doing so.

Did he really get drunk and bring a stranger to a hotel room? No… no, he only had a few drinks. Definitely not enough to get shit faced. No, something else… Theo, Theo had gotten him a drink. Did he get drunk from that one? He couldn’t have. It didn’t taste very strong and besides, he wouldn’t have slept with some random bloke. He doesn’t do that anymore. He knows he doesn’t. Then… then the only explanation is…

Robert groans again, feels the bile rise up his throat, and jumps out of bed to try and make it to the toilet in time. He doesn’t and he ends up vomiting on the floor, pain shooting throughout his entire body. His legs shake with the effort of keeping himself up, one hand supporting his weight on the nightstand. He can feel something dripping down the inside of his thighs and Robert really needs to get out of there.

Frantically, he searches the room for his clothes and when he finds them, he pulls them back on with great effort, trying to ignore the pain his body is in. When fully clothed, he stumbles out of the room and makes his way slowly to the front desk where he tries not to show his discomfort. “Hi, checking out.”

“Name?” the receptionist asks him.

Robert hesitates, not knowing what name Theo put the room under. “Uh, I don’t know what it’s under.”

The receptionist frowns at him and Robert feels his face grow hot in embarrassment. “What room number was it?”

Robert shakes his head. “I-I don’t know.”

Her frown grows more prominent. “Do you have the card key? I can’t check you out if-”

Robert’s stomach flips again. “Just never mind.” He pushes off the counter and heads to the front doors, ignoring the woman’s calls. They’ll just have to figure it out themselves.

When he exits the building, he isn’t expecting it to be pitch black out. Screwing up his eyebrows, he looks at the time on his watch and groans in dismay. It’s half past one in the morning. Aaron is going to be freaking out. Robert quickly gets a taxi and tells the driver where to go, wishing he would drive faster as Robert pulls out his mobile. He has a few texts from Aaron.

From Aaron: received 23:02

Where are you?

From Aaron: received 00:24

When I said to have fun, I didn’t mean stay out this late, Robert

From Aaron: received 01:13

If you think I’m waiting up for you any longer, then you’re wrong

Shit. How is he going to explain this to Aaron? When he said he was going to be home late earlier, he had meant ten maybe eleven at the latest. Not almost two in the morning. Aaron is going to kill him and then when he finds out why Robert was so late, he’s going to resurrect him just to kill him again . Robert has to come up with an excuse and it has to be one that Aaron will believe. Aaron can never know he cheated again.

No, wait, he didn’t cheat. He… he can’t remember but he knows he didn’t cheat. That’s right, he already came to that conclusion earlier in the hotel room. Robert lays his aching head on the window, getting confused again. No, Theo… Theo gave him a drink. That’s when he started to feel weird, after he had drank it. So something… the drink. The drink had something to do with what happened. He can’t remember.

With a pain filled moan, he rubs at his face tiredly. The taxi driver is saying something to him, something about getting out and paying him. Robert lifts his head and looks out the window, eyebrows furrowing. He can’t be home yet. He doesn’t even remember half the drive there.

The drink must not be entirely out of his system yet.

Whatever was in the drink must not be out of his system yet.

Robert struggles out of the taxi and pulls out his wallet and pays the taxi driver. He stumbles up the drive, to The Mill, and fumbles with the keys for almost two minutes before he finally gets his coordination correct to unlock the door. When he enters, everything is quiet and Aaron is nowhere in sight. Glancing at the stairs, he contemplates attempting to climb them but his legs are shaky again and the room is spinning once more.

He barely makes it to the sofa before he collapses on top of it and passes back out.

———————————————————————————————————–

A/N: I haven’t written in months and I feel like the beginning of this chapter shows it, but hopefully it got better as it went.

I have so many British Slang/words links saved that it’s ridiculous.

Also, yes, I know how unrealistic it is for investors to send their kids to the dinner celebration. That’s the wonderful thing about writing. I can have anything happen even though in reality it would probably never happen, lol!

Thank you for reading! I hope you stick around even though I know nothing about the UK and how you all talk. If you want to give me any pointers, please feel free. Am I using too much slang? Should I use arse instead of ass? Let me know! I’m always willing to learn. ^_^

[commercialtruckinginsuranceypcw9]

What Does How Much Is Full Coverage For A Truck? Do?

It's a legal requirement to insure your automobile. This can be a headache if you're a company owner with multiple vehicles as you might have to juggle different insurance policies. There is a simpler method of insuring though. Fleet insurance covers a fleet of cars (semi truck insurance). These can be registered in the name of a business, a partner or director of the business, permitting one policy to cover your whole service.

The quantity of vehicles that insurance providers class as a fleet differs in between business. However many will set out a minimum and optimum. Normally the minimum amount is 2, although only professionals tend to cover this quantity. The maximum can be in the thousands. Once again, this is set out by your insurance provider as not all fleet insurance plan are the exact same.

A range of company usages are covered, including haulage, personal hire, carrier and other transport functions. You can also cover a mix of vehicles although, if an insurance provider https://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/4/prweb8341743.htm has an 'any lorry' policy, it's worth examining what specific vehicles are covered. Periodically lorries like motorbikes, forklift trucks and excavators can be omitted.

Why Is Commercial Truck Insurance So Expensive? Things To Know Before You Buy

With only one renewal date, one of the primary pros is that you'll conserve time on admin. A service might likewise get a discount rate as you're bulk purchasing from a single provider. There's likewise the chance to guarantee all drivers on every vehicle with what's called an 'any motorist' policy.

The premiums of all cars might be affected if one motorist is particularly accident-prone. However the odd bump should not affect your premium excessive. If you do have a particularly accident-prone chauffeur however, it's probably worth putting them on a separate policy. Typically with fleets, automobiles come and go. If you do not update your policy and you require to make a claim, it might be void.

3rd party is the legal minimum quantity of cover. This policy helps to protect other individuals if an accident was yours or among your motorist's fault. What isn't covered is damage to your own vehicles or any injuries you might suffer. Comprehensive will cover any damage to your own cars.

Some Ideas on Why Do Truckers Need General Liability Insurance? You Need To Know

Electric or hybrid cars might reduce premiums. The engines on these cars normally have less power than routine automobiles which can indicate they're considered much safer by insurance companies. Their CO2 emissions are lower too. Use drivers with tidy records that are over the age of 25 as premiums are lower. Having a younger driver is sometimes inescapable.

Sending your drivers on a training course will make them knowledgeable about dangers and will settle any possibly unsafe habits. These courses will assist improve elements of driving like fuel effectiveness, driving in bad climate condition and https://www.washingtonpost.com/newssearch/?query=truck insurance threat understanding. Routine maintenance is very important for any automobile. Motivating day-to-day look at tire pressures, oil, brake pads and keeping a regular service record will keep your vehicles in great condition.

This would motivate safe driving. You could also incentivise this by introducing a benefit for your personnel if they don't make a claim. Offering security alternatives for your lorries overnight, like a CCTV kept track of vehicle park, or locked garages might reduce your insurance expenses. Immobilizers inside the vehicle will also assist, even if the preliminary investment is costly.

The Best Guide To What Insurance Do Owner Operators Need?

A telematics gadget, also called a black box, can evaluate each private chauffeur to see how securely they drive and change their premiums appropriately. Dashboard cams (dashcams) are also a helpful tool, as they tape-record whatever that happens on the roadway (commercial truck insurance). These can be fitted in the https://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/09/prweb2957554.htm front and back of the vehicle, and are excellent for offering proof if there is an accident.

Instead of guarantee all of your service vehicles separately, you can use fleet insurance to cover them all at the exact same time. This business vehicle insurance coverage item can cover a large number of vehicles or a small number (six or less is typically a small fleet). It covers any type of automobile where a license is required, including vehicles, trucks and vans.

Fleet insurance, a kind of business insurance coverage, offers insurance protection for a company's automobile. You can choose to have actually all automobiles covered with the very same kinds of coverage or a variety, all depending upon your requirements. The most total protection is comprehensive and standard liability insurance coverage. This will cover repair work and medical for accidents that might occur involving your cars and your drivers (thorough) along with the other injured celebration (liability).

The smart Trick of What Are The Cheapest Trucks To Insure? That Nobody is Discussing

You will discover that premiums will cost more on this type of policy, but depending upon how the automobiles are utilized, it may be worth it in the long run. You can elect to buy insurance coverage on your fleet that covers simply the other party in an accident (liability just).

[procure-blog]

The number one challenge in 2017 when bringing more HGV vehicles into a transport fleet

Entrepreneurship is risky, but without risks are there are no rewards. Even experienced entrepreneurs find times of change and expansion daunting. 

It is an exciting time of growth and opportunity for the haulage industry. If you are looking to maximise on this and expand operations in this sector there are some common pitfalls. Growth in any sector has similar challenges. Examples include, not having the finance for growth, or adapting processes to suit the changing business. 

As well as the challenges facing all growing businesses, there are some niche to this sector. Human resource problems that are unparalleled in any other industry. For any of the 44,565 freight companies or freelancers, operating in the UK, who look to expand this is 2017’s biggest challenge.

Shortage of drivers in the industry.

As outlines staffing issues are the number one challenge for freight sector entrepreneurs. And the number one challenge to be encountered is the shortage of HGV drivers in the lorry trade. This has made headline news nationally and the story has spread beyond just industry press. 

The UK is reliant on the road trade haulage industry. In 2016 goods listed by HGVs increased by 15% to 1.89 billion tonnes. But the Road Haulage Association suggested that by the end of the year, there will be a deficit of 100,000 drivers, needed to fulfil demand, of  companies trying to operate in this sphere.

Further to this little is being done to resolve this challenge. With the UK government hoping that the rules of supply and demand will push up the wages of the profession and encourage more into this industry. When looking to employee a first full time employee, do not underestimate the importance of choosing the right person. It can be a deciding factor on the future success of a business.

More potential employees are aspiring to be freelancers.

However it is not just shortage that is causing staffing difficulties. Other market conditions make it harder to jump from self-employment to an enterprise in the haulage industry. It is necessary to gain a loyal employee but also to keep profit margins wide, but it can be hard to offer wages higher than the industry standard. 

With an average wage of £26,000 many truck drivers are becoming increasing dissatisfied  and are aspiring to become owner drivers too. Many owner drivers in this sector, looking to expand their business find this can be a major obstacle. Familiar with the benefits of working for themselves, they can start to understand why self-employment is appealing.

However not all workers in this sector want to be responsible for truck maintenance and organising their own truck fleet insurance. They would prefer the security of a regular income than the ups and downs of a less predictable income. 

Being an attractive proposition to potential employees.

It can be hard to compete again some of the larger well established haulage companies and their packages that include security. Although it is not unheard of that staff move from a bigger competitor to a smaller family run business. It is important that entrepreneurs are able to offer something that their larger rivals can’t. For example a more hands on role in staffs personal development, or more autonomy over working hours. Sometimes staff becomes dissatisfied by the impersonal nature of a larger enterprise.

One way that companies can do this is by offering training and development to its drivers. This is something that increasingly being offered to cover the cost of training as a driver. This is a great way of getting raw talent at an affordable price. However it may be more important to have someone with experience to support your goals.

This can be particularly appealing to younger employees who would struggle to get the finance for their own vehicle and get truck fleet insurance under their own name. Often companies with larger fleets will find it easier to secure better value HGV fleet insurance for lorry drivers under 25. To find out more information go to   http://www.truckinsurancecomparison.co.uk/ and gain a better understanding.

Is is possible to overcome these HR challenges and grow a HGV fleet?

Some of Britain’s fastest growing businesses are fleet based businesses. For example Mick George whose services include haulage have seen a 55% increase in profit in the last three years. They started in 1978 with a single tipper truck and now have a fleet of over 300 vehicles. And the UK haulage business Panther have just made it onto the list of Europe’s fastest growing firms . 

Many businesses, even small ones are able to secure the talent they need to help their aspirations to thrive. But entrepreneurs need to always tackle growth with a detailed plan, and not overlook challenges like staffing issues, HGV insurance costs and vehicle maintenance in the excitement of taking on a new contract.

There are certainly advantages to a slow and steady approach, and often the fable is right and companies with this culture win the race.