#date me so that i can go to auctions but have the partner on the FaceTime call

[fazcinatingblog]

Went to my brother's auction today to realise that my dream of buying a 2 bedroom apartment at an auction is probably dead

[world0fmadness]

BLACK AND WHITE BEAUTY

toto wolff x vintage fashion! model! wife! reader

♡ general married headcanons for toto with a vintage fashion model partner!

୨୧ finally got around to making headcanons related to the smau <3

♡ related smau available here | view my formula 1 masterlist here

reading music recommendations: hug me kiss me love me by helen kane - red hot by billy the kid emerson - a fine romance by marilyn monroe

♡ toto is just the absolute best husband to have as a vintage loving woman!

୨୧ he’s very old time romantic, he lives just to spoil you and take you on expensive but romantic dates

♡ but those aren’t the only type of dates he takes you on! oh no!

୨୧ he loves taking you to history museums and art galleries! you guys walk through them hand in hand, pointing to things and holding quiet conversations about them after reading the attached information plaque, he always leaves these dates recommending the place to all of his friends, telling them how much his wife loved it

♡ speaking of spoiling, he buys you anything and everything you could ever want!

୨୧ oh what’s that? a pair of gorgeous vintage diamond earrings are going for auction? well, you better take his card!

♡ he’s always surprising you with new jewellery, clothes and other knick knacks, often leaving them wrapped beautifully in a box on your shared bed for you to find <3

“ ah, that! yes, i saw it in a store today and i thought you would like it, do you? no, it wasn’t too expensive, don’t worry about that, schön! ” ( it was absolutely too expensive but he won’t tell you that and nothing is actually too expensive to him if it means he gets to see your smile )

୨୧ i can see toto really getting into watching old movies with you too! he really immerses into the plot line and characters

♡ you often watch movies together in the living room, you’re curled up into his side with one of his arms thrown around you and his chin resting on your head whilst your eyes are glued to the screen

୨୧ if you mention wanting to go grab a drink or some snacks, don’t you even dare try to get up! he’ll go and get it for you, just be sure to pause the movie because he doesn’t want to miss anything…

♡ if you wear hair curlers to bed so that your hair will be full in the morning, he absolutely helps you with them!

୨୧ he’ll stand behind you as you sit at your vanity, helping you hold and part your hair correctly whilst sending you a cheeky smile and a wink in the mirror when you meet his eyes

♡ he helps you take them out in the morning too, i just know he’d be SO gentle with it, pulling them slowly and making sure they don’t pull painfully and none of your hair is tangled

୨୧ after like, two years of you guys dating, he surprises you with a vintage car you’d been dreaming of owning since you were a kid but could never purchase because even as a model it was just a little out of your price range and pretty hard to come across

♡ but toto found it, he’d find anything if it would make you happy and he’d get to see your beaming smile

୨୧ he’ll never tell you how he found it and managed to snag it but you take a guess that it’s because of his connections in the car industry…

♡ and when you guys got married, the “ just married ” drive off was in that same car <3

୨୧ speaking of your guys’ wedding, oh my god was that a dream

♡ he went all OUT for your wedding, wanting you to have the dream wedding, the wedding you’d fantasised about having for years

୨୧ everything you wanted at your wedding was there, no matter how expensive!

♡ a lot of your wedding was very reminiscent of rich vintage weddings, a beautiful wedding dress with a short train, your hair done perfectly and your makeup as bright as your smile

୨୧ but toto does not do the infamous cake face smash, absolutely not! he can tell you’re extremely happy with your hair and makeup, he doesn’t want to ruin that for you and respects you

♡ so he simply dips his finger in the icing and smears a tiny bit on your nose as you giggle and do the same to him before sharing another kiss

୨୧ when he’s as rich as he is, why wouldn’t he give his liebling her perfect wedding day?

♡ toto will come with you to photoshoots whenever he can, always standing with his arms crossed and a boyish smirk on his face as he admires you performing different poses

୨୧ when you ask for his opinion on an outfit for a shoot, he’s sooo… god, i don’t even know how to explain it! he’s almost completely mesmerised by you, speaking quietly as he just can’t stop running his eyes across your body and face, still finding it hard to believe this is the beauty he gets to call his wife

“ you look amazing, schön… you always look so beautiful, you know this, yes? my beauty ” ( with the amount of compliments he sends you every minute of every day? yes, you definitely know )

♡ the amount of photos that exist of him where he’s standing in the mercedes’ staff area with a big lipstick mark on his cheek is insane…

୨୧ there’s SO many of them circulating on social media! sometimes because he simply doesn’t realise the print is there and other times because he simply doesn’t care to remove it, wearing it almost like a mark of pride

♡ and people notice that whenever you’re in the paddock, he’s much less easily angered!

୨୧ he does not like losing control of his anger in front of you at all and will always suppress it the best he can, being settled by your soft hands massaging his shoulder-blades and your voice whispering assuring words to him

“ thank you, schön… yes, i’m okay… don’t worry, you want to go and get some lunch? a tea, maybe? come, let’s go ” ( he lets out a deep chuckle when watching you drink, admiring how to drink so carefully as to not ruin your perfect lipstick )

♡ the number of flower bouquets you get from toto is enough to rival a flower shop! he gives you one nearly every single day and you have so many vases in your home due to it

୨୧ he just knows you really love how romantic flowers are and when your eyes light up as they land upon the new bouquet he’s extending towards you, it fills his heart with the strongest sense of love

♡ due to you almost always wearing heels, toto is very attentive when it comes to pampering you!

୨୧ he’ll give you a foot massage any day, just give him the word! or don’t, he’ll probably still massage your feet for you without even having to ask

♡ you become pretty close with basically the whole mercedes team! always baking them cookies and other treats, either taking them to them yourself when you can join toto or making toto take them and promise you he won’t eat them all himself in his office

୨୧ lewis and george are especially big fans of you and your cookies! you’ve stopped toto from raging out on them more times than they can count which they’re already more than thankful for but your baked goods too? you’re an angel to them, sent straight from the highest peak in heaven to feed them well and save them from your husbands wrath

♡ toto absolutely ADORES how minimal your makeup is! always going with very neutral tones and calm colours <3

୨୧ he honestly just loves watching you get ready, sitting on the bed and fixing the cuffs of his neat white button up shirt whilst his soft eyes follow you as you perform your usual morning routine around the bedroom

♡ you’ll always know he’s watching, feeling his big brown eyes on you and ask him for his opinion on how you should have your hair and what type of eyeshadow you should do today before he comes up to you for a better look at the options

୨୧ this man is the BIGGEST fan of dancing with you whilst you try to bake in the kitchen, he’ll put on some jazz and come up behind you, snaking his arms around your waist, swaying softly before gently pulling you away from some cookie dough and taking your hand in his

♡ toto loves spinning and dipping you, leaning down for a soft kiss when you’re dipped back against his arm, it makes you laugh a lot and to him that’s the most heavenly sound in the world…

[yourlittlettoy]

FIRST “NEST” HIGHLIGHTS ✨

Just for the sake of using this blog like an actual blogging space 💁🏻‍♀️✨ let me tell you about how my first NEST went!!

For those of you that aren’t familiar, NEST is one of the biggest fetish gatherings in North America for us t-word enthusiasts! I’ve known about it since forever ago, and this may it was my first time actually attending. It was: everything I’d hoped it would be (˘▽˘ʃƪ)・ﾟ✧♡ here are some highlights!

This gathering was probably one of the biggest I’ve ever been to in terms of the amount of friends I saw alone! There were pals from our Tumblr community, friends from Japan, everyone from my gathering friend groups, and lots of friends from my local community as well. It was really heaven to just be with all of my favourite people all at once and in one place (˘▽˘ʃƪ)・ﾟ✧♡

The events were REALLY COOL! Definitely a gathering with one of the most comprehensive schedules I’ve ever experienced! I participated in as much as I could, but notably the squid games, auctions, and t-word-theatre (which is a big public t-word show where someone get’s got in front of an audience in a very theatrical way!) was super cool! Having said that…

I GOT KIDNAPPED!! Well, “napped” 😅 don’t worry, no real felonies here hahaha. When I applied to be ‘napped like back in the beginning of the year, I didn’t hear anything back at all about the process of how that was going. Knowing not every applicant ends up getting chosen, I didn’t let myself keep my hopes up. Long story short.. after I excitedly went to the t-word theatre event all pumped to watch someone get got… to my great surprise, that person was gonna be me lmao ‼️😱 I was kinda *taken* from my seat and tied to a chair in front of everyone, then a game show-dating show scenario played out with 3 bachelors behind a curtain answering questions (really funny and witty answers, might I add) that the show host threw their way 😆. Of course, then the host eventually asks the question “our bachelorette loves to laugh, how would you make her laugh?” … and basically I watched as all of them came through the curtain to come get me 😱 one by one…. And then !!! OF COURSE ALL THREE HAD TO COME AT ONCE 😱💀😵!!! And I couldn’t take it right so I was yelling “help meeee” hahaha ya know cause pooOOooOoOor meeeee 🤪😇. And the host was like… “sure I’ll help them” AND JOINED IN ON THE LERS SIDE 💀💀💀! ANYWAYYYY despite how extremely evil that was 😜🥺, it was 10/10 one of the coolest experiences of my life, I got an “I got napped” certificate AND it made me really happy when people approached me later saying they liked my scene (˘▽˘ʃƪ)・ﾟ✧♡ THANK U NEST FOR CHOOSING MEEEE! 🩷

This was the first gathering I been to with a partner and he was beyond lovely and supportive and we didn’t struggle with feeling any kind of restrictions due to each other .. and this means a lot because I intend on going to gatherings for as long as I can and the fact that that won’t interfere with my love life is truly a dream come true for me :)

Oh, and I experienced getting t-worded by one of my most sadistic gal pals in a fully nylon body suit and 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 I think my soul left my body that day lmaoooo RIP ME

Those are the highlights!!! This post really is a summary but happy to share more details if there are any questions 😁 thank you for reading and for following along this lil journey with me <3 I adore and appreciate all of you here with me right now! We’ve come a long way 🥰 maybe see some of you next year!!! 👀😙 that would be amazing!

[shunin-gumis]

As Master Joe Wishes - Track EP

Seasonal Team Event - L4mps

Thank you Myun for handling this chapter!

Location: Tokyo Metropolis International Airport – Arrivals Terminal

Samejima: Thank you all so much for your assistance. 

Samejima: Thanks to you all, I was able to cover up my blunders in this operation.

Hiramei: Joe is safe and the Anonymous members were taken into police custody!! The dignity of JPN’s police force, and my career, are safe and sound!!

Daniel: Treat us to some of the good stuff this time.

Netaro: But, didn’t the guy dressed up as Sammy get away~?

Samejima: Who, and what now? I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Yodaka: Samejima-san, do you have a moment?

Toi: Master, we’ll definitely meet again, so when the time comes we’ll serve you once more.

Joe: Very well, then~! 

Toi: Ah, but I won’t let you have Ani-sama!

Joe: Ufufu, how unfortunate.

Nagi: Master, please call us anytime you feel lonely. Also, anytime you might need your laundry done, Flower Laundry offers overseas delivery.

Joe: You have done well as my laundry maid, Nagi. 

Joe: I will most certainly be in touch.

Ryui: …..

Ryui: Ahh, sorry. For real. 

Joe: ? Whatever for?

Ryui: I left you behind in the bedroom. Sorry.

Joe: … Ryui.

Joe: Look…

Ryui: Hm? Oh, it’s that candy-themed pin badge.

Ryui: You didn’t throw it out?

Joe: Could I ask you to put it on my ear, please?

Ryui: ……

Ryui: … Yeah, sure.

Toi: ……

Nagi: Toi, do you want me to help you pierce your ears sometime? 

Toi: Nagi-kun, you’re younger than me.

Nagi: Oh, right. Sorry, you’re right. 

Ryui: — There ya go. It’s a little crooked, though. 

Joe: Ryui, I owe you an apology as well for all my rudeness. 

Joe: I’m terribly sorry. Furthermore, thank you very much for saving me.

Ryui: (.....) 

~~~(Flashback)

Sakujiro: When a person senses that they are not being valued, that is when they experience true anger. The duty of a servant is to find the true meaning hidden within their master’s demands, and act accordingly.

Location: Tokyo Metropolis International Airport – Arrival Terminal

Ryui: Joe, if you don’t wanna go to Germany, I’ll help, if there’s something I can do.

Joe: Ryui… Thank you.

Joe: I see you worry about me dancing along to my new owner’s tune. But there’s no need for such things.

Ryui: You’ll be fine?

Yodaka: Joe-sama, sorry to keep you waiting. We were talking with the detective.

Toi: Danny-san and Samejima-san, too.

Nagi: What were you talking about?

Yodaka: Joe-sama’s owner has changed to a new individual. The details were arranged by me, and fully discussed behind-the-scenes.

Yodaka: Just now, we’ve settled on various agreements after scoping out the new owner’s management system. It’s now been made official that Joe-sama will be sent to this new party.

Joe: Rather than an “owner”, “partner” is much more fitting.

Joe: It was myself, after all, who scoured the auction sites and dating apps in search of a companion.

Samejima: This would've been impossible to achieve if it weren't for JPN’s relative leniency surrounding AI rights. I’m glad it got taken care of just in time.

Ryui: You’re saying she’s not gonna be locked up in some safety box? 

Netaro: Eeeeexactly!

Ryui: (I see. Thank god.)

Joe: Once again, thank you. Everyone… No, you are all honorary members of the Senba Family. 

Location: HAMA House – Kitchen

Ryui: (Time to make some tea…)

Sakujiro: Oya, are you perhaps taking a tea break?

Ryui: Yeah, I guess.

Sakujiro: These tea leaves should be steamed for precisely 40 seconds to maximize their flavor.

Ryui: Yeah, yeah. Whatever.

Ryui: I’m not officially a servant anymore.

Sakujiro: Indeed so.

Ryui: …But.

Ryui: I guess I learned a lot. 

Sakujiro: Oya. Oyaoyaoya…!

Sakujiro: Rules of the Oguro Family’s butlers, “Butler Oblige –108 Commandments” —  Pledge, “one must be willing to sacrifice themselves!”

Ryui: Can you fuck off–!?

Location: HAMA House – Living Room

Sakujiro: I implore you to stop! Pledge, “one must not speak!”

Ten: Eh, a PeChat… 

Ten: Ugh, how does this guy have my contact info?

Kuguri: Oya? Could it be a stalker?

Ten: Who knows~

Ten: "Get a load of this treasure I got recently."  Eh, don't really care… into the trash, aaand blocked.

Location:  HAMA House – Boar Room

Ryui: Toi, I made tea.

Toi: Yaay♪ I’ll open the cookies I bought earlier. 

Toi: Netaro-san, do you wanna have some with us?

Netaro: I bet there’s no tea for little old me~

Ryui: Take it. 

Netaro: Ohh~! Ryui, you’ve finally decided to quit your rebellious phase and become a good, upstanding boy~!

Ryui: Fuck off, it's as thanks for the jelly ok? The jelly!

Toi: His jelly-bullet saved you, after all.

Netaro: Yupp~. It was suuuper sticky. 

Ryui: Just this once. I made you tea. 

Ryui: And? What were the results of your fortune-telling?

Toi: Oh, yeah!

Toi: It said that somewhere a bit to the west from here, she would have a chance meeting with a wonderful partner.

Netaro: Joe seemed so happy. Isn’t that great, Ryui!

Ryui: Yeah, I guess. 

Ryui: Eh- Oi! Don’t fucking drink my tea!!

Netaro: I want a refill. Reeefillll.

Ryui: Don’t care. Get it yourself.

Toi: Ah. I’m thirsty too, I drank all of mine.

Ryui: I’ll go make more. Wait here and eat your cookies. 

Netaro: What blatant favoritism~~~!

Ryui: …Shut up… 

Ryui: (But I guess making someone happy outta your own will every once in a while isn’t all that bad.)

Ryui: (Though, nobody matters as much as Toi.)

[rebirthgarments]

Hi friends! We have a couple of updates to share. 

Firstly, Seraj needs more than $3,300 to pull off his final Ramadan project before Eid. He wants to distribute it on the last day of Ramadan, which is in 3 days, so we need to get to $20k ASAP! 

contribute at bit.ly/serajfund

The financial situation in Rah Fah continues to decline, with intermediaries taking a 15-17% cut when people get cash out. He is so hopeful that this project will work out! Helping others and bringing smiles to faces–especially those of children–is clearly one of Seraj’s passions. 

Here are the project details, all thought up by Seraj himself. He has amazing ideas! 125-130 cash envelopes containing either 50 or 100 shekels each. Seraj will distribute them based on how large each family is. Seraj will also make 40 envelopes for kids, each containing 20 shekels. 

Currently, Seraj’s plan is to distribute his envelopes on the last day of Ramadan, before Eid al-Fitr. Last time he tried to print something, the printer had no electricity. He has a plan this time for checking in early to make sure he has a chance to print. 

Working with Seraj on his mutual aid projects has been such a tangible reminder that we reject the notion of charity (which is very rooted in the white savior complex and pity of Black and Brown folx), and even allyship (not enough action)  instead are partners and collaborators with Seraj self directing, leading us, and constantly motivating us to to get to the next goal so he can achieve his vision! 

 Because Seraj and his family have managed to survive, he’s been able to give back. No NGOs or governments, just a 21-year-old young man helping as many of his neighbors as he can. In his words, “This is my duty, sisters, as long as I can help! Why don't I do that!”

Seraj is genuinely a superstar to everyone on our team. His generosity is humbling to us. We have so much to learn from Pale-eh -steinians. 

Secondly, we have a date for our upcoming virtual dance party! Mark your calendars for Monday, April 29th in the evening (Pacific time). Sky is hosting this event to hype up our virtual auction for Seraj. Follow Sky on Instagram for more details @rebirthgarments or @radicalvisibilitycollective

If you’d still like to contribute items to the auction, go to bit.ly/fundraiserforseraj ! Seraj’s Support Soirée would like to offer an item or service for every budget. And we encourage a wide variety of dough-nation types! While many of them will be creative objects, they do not have to be.

Some examples:

a book you love or wrote

a framed photograph

a massage (local area bidders only)

a meditation session

a piñata

a tarot reading

a t-shirt you love or designed

stickers

a virtual lesson on social media marketing

visual art

a virtual dance lesson

Your items will be listed this week on Give Butter! (stay tuned for details!) 

Our support soiree dance party will hype up the auction featuring selections from the archives of Rebirth Garments fashion performances while you can dance with Sky!

Thank you so much for being here for Seraj. He and his family are so deeply grateful for all of the ways folks have supported them and partnered with them to help others. And our team is so thankful for how you all have stepped up. Please share and contribute! 

-Written by my team member Bex with additions by me!

[image Description: a flyer featuring a photo by Seraj of a small little kid with a blue plastic bag full of fresh fruits and vegetables. The kiddo has a heart emoji over their face and is smiling really big. They are wearing a red shirt that says “sleep time” with a sleeping bear on it. They are standing on a sandy ground in front of a tent. Text to the right of the photo on a red background reads: Gaza Sky Seraj’s mutual aid project for Ramadan in Rah-fah For part 2 of Seraj’s Ramadan project, he gave out 32 food parcels for 32 families around him in the displacement camps. Send support to his family + others! bit.ly/serajfund “ Underneath is a QR code with the link. ]

[daintylovers]

Champagne Coast

1.4 The Debut

Seth Cohen x OC (Hailey Atwood)

"You're going to need bedding, and maybe we can hang some lace curtains! Oh, and of course, you'll need a vanity. You probably don't want to share a bathroom with Seth, especially once school comes around." Mrs. Cohen said.

Seth peeked around the corner of the guest room- my room now, "Don't forget a 72-inch flatscreen and a second closet for all the clothes she's gonna accumulate."

"Very funny Seth, thank you." His mom said, rolling her eyes at her son's non-stop commentary.

Chiming in, I said, "Seth, you forgot about the huge sign that will be outside my door that says you aren't allowed in here."

"That's a great idea, Hailey," Mrs. Cohen laughed. I felt on top of the world at that show of likeness.

"Wait, Mom, what will she do about cotilion?" Cotilion?

****

Cotillion- an event that everyone has heard of, besides me. Where girls get together and are auctioned off in front of their loved ones. How sweet...

It's not that I detested the idea, it could be fun given the right circumstances. But I only know Ryan, Seth, and Marissa's boyfriend. Oh, and Mr. Cohen, of course, but I doubt Mrs. Cohen will share.

Yet, she still took it upon herself to sign me up. I protested, giving 101 reasons why it's a bad idea, but she insisted. Talking about how this is a chance to make friends before school and meet boys. But what she overlooked was that every available boy had a date. Hell, even Ryan managed to get partnered with Summer. Seth was... well he should have been beyond pissed. If anything, it was just mild disappointment that crossed his features.

But then even Seth got someone, another new girl named Anna. She was pretty, of course she was all the girls here were. But that left me, a stowaway in case one of the girls got sick or something.

Summer offered to help me find a dress, but Marissa was too caught up in the drama with my brother to give her best friend the attention she craved. Not that I minded, Summer and I just clicked like puzzle pieces.

I wanted to hate her just a little. But how could I when she was so sweet and smelled so good and helped me out when she didn't need to.

"This one's cute!" she said, pulling a gown off the rack, but after a glance at my height, she put it back. "I forget, not everyone's as tall as Marissa,"

"No worries, and seriously, thanks for helping me. I probably just would have picked the first one I saw,"

"Which is why I am your savior. You can't show up to the deb ball in just any dress. It has to be perfect."

I didn't know the first thing about dresses. I wanted to, of course. But given my previous situation, dresses and overall fashion wasn't something I had time to bother with.

'This one! This one! This one!" Summer exclaimed, throwing a dress my way. "Try it on!" she said, thrusting me toward the dressing room.

The girl had a lot of strength for being so lithe. I locked the door behind me and put the dress up to my body in the mirror.

It was chiffon with light straps. The bodice was fit to be almost corset-like, snug to my body until it opened into the skirt, which was flowy. Very fairy princess-esque. I put it on and smiled at the mirror, no matter how cliche. It was the first time I had ever been in a dress like this. First and last, seeing as I don't think I'll ever get married.

"Do you hate it?" Summer popped her head inside. The girl had zero sense of personal privacy.

"Summer!' Get out!" I squealed, but she squeezed her way inside.

"Wow, girl,"

"What? Is it bad?"

"Is it- are you kidding? If you were having trouble finding a date, you sure as hell won't be now. I mean seriously I think I might feel a little jealousy creeping in."

"Shut up," I giggled, pushing on her shoulder a bit, "As if you aren't a model and friends with other models."

"Good, so we are friends!" she smiled, stepping out of the room.

I heard her call for Mrs. Cohen, so I walked out.

What I didn't expect was for Ryan and Seth to round the corner as well.

"Wow," Seth breathed out, while his mom was much more vocal.

"Hailey! Darling, you look stunning! Doesn't she look beautiful?" she says, walking behind me and squeezing my shoulders, showing me off like I was her own.

Ryan chimed in first, "You look like you belong in a forest, playing in the trees," That was the best I was going to get from him.

I breathed in before answering, "Thanks, I think..."

Seth just stood with his mouth slightly open, staring with wide eyes. Feeling flustered, I turned in Mrs. Cohen's grasp. "You like it?"

"Oh, sweetheart, I love it!"

****

The next day, we came back to the country club for practice. What Mrs. Cohen neglected to tell Ryan and me, was that it was dance practice.

Ryan was so screwed. I, on the other hand, was just lonely. Standing off to the side like unwanted cake. With the way Ryan kept fumbling, it might just be better for me to become Summer's escort. I could dance better.

Seth and Anna seemed to be getting along fairly well. Good for her, he was a nice kid.

I had been sitting alone for about ten minutes until a different guy walked in. I hadn't seen him before.

"Sorry I'm late," he interrupted the class. The teacher looked unphased while Marissa left Luke to speak to the new kid. I saw her point in my direction and then walk back to Luke.

"You must be Hailey, right? I'm Issac," the boy, Issac, said, offering his hand to help me up.

I took it and answered, "Yeah, I'm Hailey. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, I've been tasked with being your escort to this ball," Oh god

"Excuse me?" I questioned, making sure I wasn't hearing things. I looked over to Seth and Ryan, and Seth had already been looking at me.

"Yeah, Marissa told me that she had a girl who needed a date. So, here I am, your white knight," He joked, but I didn't laugh.

I couldn't figure out what was more pathetic. Not having a date or having your date be bribed to bring you.

"You don't have to do this, you know," I say as he brings me onto the dance floor. We started copying everyone else, and I had look down at my feet to not trip up.

"Good thing I want to do this. Marissa said you were pretty, but sometimes she's too nice. Good thing this time she was honest,"

"Thanks, I think?"

"Anytime doll,"

We practiced the dances until the teacher called for a break. I went back over to my stuff while Issac followed.

"You like the curly-haired one or something?"

I practically spit out my water, "What?"

"If you weren't looking at your feet, you were glancing over your shoulder at him. Or is it the blonde you like? Can never be too sure around here,"

"No- I, I don't even know her. And as for Seth, 'cause he has a name, he just told me he couldn't dance is all, so I was waiting for him to trip up or something," I stuttered out.

"Whatever you say, doll,"

We sat in silence until the teacher started up again. This time I made sure to keep my eyes on my date, not anyone else's.

****

"Three hours of dancing? I'm going to dream about the moves tonight in some weird freaky flashmob scenario," I said, walking out with Ryan and Seth.

"Should have warned you," Seth mumbled. He was weird, but I didn't want to be the only one who noticed. "Who was that guy you were dancing with?"

Ryan shot his head toward Seth, "Why man, you don't know him?"

"Never seen him before,"

I chimed in, "His name is Issac. Marissa called him for me so I wasn't dateless,"

Seth fired back, "How old is he?"

"Not sure, but probably our age,"

"Does he go to school around here?"

"I don't know, I didn't ask," I answered, getting a little agitated.

"Do you know anything about him?"

"Oh my god, why? Do you want to fuck him or something?"

That got him to shut up, looking appalled at the insinuation. "No, No of course not. I was just curious. And worried, you never know. He could be an axe murderer,"

Ryan laughed, "Guess she won't know until she's axe murdered then,"

"That's not funny! That happens!"

"Not in this town," I said.

****

After that, we went home, but later on, the boys went out to a party. I stayed home, wanting some much-needed rest before the big day.

Instead, I learned to never skip a party. Luke and Ryan fought again, and Ryan decided that he wouldn't go to the ball. Which left Summer, dateless.

When we arrived at the venue, she was close to tears, "Hailey, this can't be happening! This is a dream for me. For my parents, what am I gonna do!"

I brought her in for a hug and thought about it. I wasn't supposed to be here anyways and this was totally unfair for her. Why should I debut, but she shouldn't? "Take my escort,"

She pulled away immediately, "What?'

"I'm serious, take Issac. He's super sweet and cute. You deserve this. I'm sorry my brother is the most dramatic guy in town," I laughed, trying to lighten her mood.

"But what about you? What about your dress and your debut?"

"I'll live. Go, introduce yourself,"

"Are you sure about this?" she sniffled one last time.

"I've never been more sure about something,"

She launched herself in my arms again, a slew of thanks spilling from her lips, before she bounded away, off to find her prince charming.

A little while later, Luke walked in, fuming. Shouting about how Marissa wasn't coming. A pit formed in my stomach, anyone but him.

I looked at Seth, who was busy talking with Anna. I was so screwed.

I kept my head down, hoping Luke wouldn't find out that I was available. Not like he would want me, but this thing was important.

I heard footsteps make their way over and my heart started racing. Someone tapped me on the shoulder, I reluctantly looked up.

To my surprise, a head of curls was in place of the spiky blonde I was expecting to see, "Seth?"

'I heard that you gave Summer your date,"

I nodded, wanting him to continue, "I let Anna go to Luke. She said her parents would like it better if she debuted with someone who had more status,"

"Oh," was all I could say. I felt bad for him. "You seemed to be getting along so well though,"

"Yeah, I tend to be a very good friend to girls. Nothing more though,"

"Sorry. Your mom is going to be so disappointed," I said looking down.

"Not if we go together,"

My head shot back up, "You would want to go with me? Like, be my date?"

"Doesn't look like I have another option,"

"Right..."

"Sorry, that came out wrong. Just that, of course, I would like to be your escort, if you'll have me," he said, getting down on one knee, more level with me.

I smiled at him, "But you don't even want to be here,"

"Yeah and you swore the same, yet here you are. With a little disappointed pout on your face. It's okay to want this, you know?"

"You'll be my date?"

He grabbed my hand, "Of course."

****

A/N: wow!!! I haven't updated this story in forever. To be fair, I didn't think anyone would really read it. But apparently, people are?? which is awesome! so here's part four! let me know your thoughts and if you want this to be continued <3

[2000sgossip]

you  smell  that  ?love  is  in  the  air  !  cupid  is  shooting  his  arrows  into  anyone  around  and  people  are  heart  eyes  towards  their  crushes,  praying  for  that  text  message  to  come  through  that  they’d  love  to  have  you  as  their  valentines.  restaurants  are  booked  to  the  masses,  stocking  up  on  their  staff  and  appetizers  while  bakeries  are  preparing  for  the  heart  shaped  cakes  and  strawberries  dipped  in  chocolate;  hotels  rushing  to  get  themselves  prepared  for  the  reservations  that’ll  be  coming  in.

however,  there’s  one  hater  out  there  —  and  it’s  me,  emily.  valentines  day  continues  to  be  the  stupidest  and  worst  holiday  ever  created;  if  you  need  a  single  day  to  vow  your  love  to  your  significant  other  or  a  day  to  feel  relevant  in  your  relationship,  then  babe,  i  feel  sorry  for  you.  but  apparently,  here  at  2000sgossip,  we’re  supposed  to  support  this  godforsaken  holiday.  

to  make  ourselves  feel  better  on  your  behalf,  we  have  decided  to  throw  a  fun  little  auction  —  organized  blind  dates  by  yours  truly  !  simply  throw  in  your  name  and  we’ll  make  sure  to  mark  you  down  for  a  fun  blind  date  with  one  of  the  many  approachable  singles  within  your  area,  and  only  with  the  small  price  of  a  cash  donation  upon  entering.  however,  there’s  a  catch.  you  must  go  on  your  dates  for  the  donations  to  be  acceptable,  there  is  no  dipping  out  simply  because  you  don’t  like  your  dates  and  do  you  really  want  to  disappoint  us  ?  you’ve  all  seen  what  myself  and  aria  could  be  like.  

so  make  sure  to  send  us  your  names  and  you  will  be  given  a  confirmation  as  well  as  a  link  to  provide  us  with  your  donation.  c’mon,  don’t  you  want  to  thank  myself  and  aria  for  finding  your  one  true  love  ?

ooc  information:

this  is  an  interactive  plotdrop  that  focuses  on  interactions  through  characters  that  may  have  never  had  the  chance  to  interact,  or  to  even  explore  more  dynamics  of  chaos  or  fluff. 

this  is  not  a  mandatory  plotdrop,  your  muses  do  not  have  to  participate  or  you  can  pick  and  choose  which  of  your  muses  will  be  participating,  although  it’s  highly  encouraged  for  individuals  to  participate.

steps  are  easy,  just  send  the  names  of  the  characters  you  want  involved  to  the  gossip  blog  and  we  will  make  a  list  of  those  who  will  want  to  be  involved.  please  make  sure  to  send  in  the  names  by  tuesday,  february  13th,  as  the  pairings  will  be  posted  on  valentines  day  (february  14th)

names  will  be  put  into  a  generator  to  make  sure  that  everyone  is  randomized,  there  will  be  no  hand  picking  by  either  of  the  admins  and  the  dates  will  be  completely  random.  if  there  is  an  uneven  number  within  the  groups,  some  dates  may  have  3  individuals  involved  instead  of  2.

of  course,  this  does  not  mean  that  your  characters  have  to  get  along  or  hit  it  off,  we  encourage  ic  drama  so  take  this  plotdrop  and  definitely  have  fun  with  it  !

“donations”  will  be  $100  for  entry,  which  will  automatically  be  assumed  when  you  send  in  the  characters  names,  and  this  will  be  used  for  a  future  event  or  even  a  future  plotdrop  that  will  technically  be  thanked  by  those  participating.

we  will  be  pairing  in  two  groups.  those  that  are  within  they’re  20s  and  then  those  that  are  over  the  age  of  30.  this  will  make  sure  that  someone  who  is  40+  isnt  paired  with  someone  in  their  young  20s.

there  is  no  deadline  for  these  threads,  however  please  make  sure  to  tag  them  accordingly  so  that  we  can  make  sure  that  people  are  interacting  with  their  partners

overall,  have  fun  with  it  !  and  if  you  have  any  questions,  please  reach  out  to  admins  via  the  discord  channel  or  dms  on  the  main  !

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for getting revenge on a guy by using his bureau's name to commit crimes (and various other things) after he drugged and locked me in a house for 3 days?

I (28M) was working peacefully at the local temple when someone tried to assassinate me. This guy (28M) stopped the assassin but arrested me due to being a suspect in an ongoing investigation of a murder/theft that occurred on the outskirts of town.

He's second in command of a bureau that works directly under the Emperor, so he had the power to do this. In an attempt to get a confession or information out of me, he drugged me and locked me in a house for 3 days.

For context, I've always been sickly due to failed poisoning attempts on my mother while she was pregnant with me. So, as you can imagine, being drugged and having no food or water for 3 days almost killed me.

Of course, I didn't kill those people or steal that artefact, so he eventually had to let me out since I wasn't admitting to anything. The real reason he let me out, though, was that he suspected I was working for another bureau controlled by the Empress.

Unlike the one controlled by the Emperor, the one under the Empress worked much more secretively and wasn't public with their members. He thought that the other bureau would be investigating the same case, as it was rather high profile, and wanted to get information out of me from that angle.

Immediately, he started acting overly friendly with me. At least he started feeding me actual food though. I was getting withdrawal symptoms from the drugs, so he offered me more, which I turned down, as it was obviously an attempt to control me.

He asked me to leave my job and join his Bureau, offering me a position. I called him a motherfucker who didn't let me eat for 3 days and now he wants me to work for him? Absolutely not.

He dragged me to an auction house where he suspected the stolen artefact may be sold, asking me for details/profiles on as many people as he could. I have a photographic memory, so those were pretty easy to provide. He also pretended we were dating to get some other guy with a crush on him off his back, which I was pissed about. The audacity to use me as his fake lover after everything he's done.

So I took a mouthful of mulberry juice and dramatically spat it out as if it was blood. I've always been sickly, so I already looked the part. I yelled at him for sleeping with my sister (didn't happen) and having violent bdsm sex with us both (also didn't happen). I also slapped him at some point. I pretended to cry and break up with him, saying I couldn't take it anymore. I was causing a scene on purpose and was going for maximum humiliation points. He was pretty well known/respected, so hopefully that caused some damage to his reputation.

This is the first of many things I have done in revenge against this guy.

The next was when a group of assassins tried to kill him. I watched, of course, until he was dangling off the edge of a cliff. Obviously, I seized this opportunity to grab him by the hand and told him to call me daddy three times, or I'd drop him off the cliff. He gave in, but the assassins circled back around, so we both ended up hiding in a caved in ledge on the side of the cliff.

He tried to do the same thing to me and asked me to call him daddy, or he wouldn't pull me up. I told him my dad was dead (semi lie), and he apologised and dropped it.

Some time later, after we'd pretty much finished the investigation for that case (we found the girl that did it, she sold out her partner in crime so he offered her a job under him at the Emperors bureau), I asked him for his token. Basically, every high-ranking official has a token they can give to someone to allow them to give orders in their place, and those orders would have the same authority as if they had come from the person who's token it was.

He gave his to me, and I immediately started doing crimes in his name. Like going to peoples houses and demanding to see the bodies of their recently deceased. Every time someone protested, I told them to take it up with the Emperor's bureau. I was doing this to quickly get access to evidence/information for another case I was working on. I basically had infinite no warrenty required searches, and all the backlash would fall on him. Some of his subordinates came with me, and they tried to stop me, but they couldn't since I had his token and he outranked them.

In my defence, I'm pretty sure he was well aware that I wasn't going to be doing anything good with his token, given my entire attitude towards him for the past few weeks. He definitely gave it with the acception/expectation that I'd be up to something. He's not that stupid.

He's also germaphobic, so I forced him to touch some dead bodies. Or sometimes I touched him after touching dead bodies. I chose all these times to be when we were on undercover missions, so he couldn't react without drawing unwanted attention. I could tell he was freaking out and screaming internally, though.

Here's where I might be the asshole. So he originally suspected me of being a member of the Empress' bureau. He was correct, as I'm actually the first in command of it. I planned this entire thing from the start, like the fact that I was at the temple that day and being suspicious enough for him to arrest and lock in a house.

I had several motivations for doing this. The first was that the Empress' bureau is understaffed. Since we prefer to keep our operations more secret, less staff is our operating strategy. This comes with the obvious drawback. By staying with the Emperor's bureau, I was able to split my two subordinates into another team.

I was communicating with my subordinates by leaving messages at locations our bureau had already secretly turned into a base, like restaurants and teahouses. This brings me to my second reason, I wanted to obtain information from their bureau. I took whatever findings/leads they had and communicated it to my subordinates to investigate. It was useful having an entire other organisation doing a lot of the work.

The third reason is that I knew the guy I've been talking about was responsible for a peace negotiation with a neighbouring settlement. It was an important negotiation, so both bureaus had sent a representative. I was the one from mine of course. I didn't trust the other not to fuck it up, so I needed to accompany him and gain his trust so that he'd listen to me and let me handle the talk.

The building ended up collapsing, but I was fine since my subordinates were able to protect me. It was funny to see how worried his face was, though. I wonder if I should have played dead just to mess with him a little more.

Anyways, the talk didn't go anywhere since the delegate the settlement sent didn't hold any actual political power, but she promised a talk with their leader. So we began travelling with her there.

For some reason, he insisted on disguising himself as my wife. Let me stress, there was absolutely no need for him to do that. He was just being fussy as he said disguising himself as a peasant man wasn't showing enough of his "natural beauty" or something, so he insisted he should at least be a mid maintenance wife. He just couldn't stand having dirt in his hair. Did I mention he's a huge narcissist? That and his obsession with his appearance and the germaphobia really makes for a terrible combination. Everytime we've stopped at an inn so far, he insists that all the bedding and sheets be changed, and he refuses to eat from a bowl even if it's been washed, so he buys a new one each time. And he has the money to actually do it, too. He's from a wealthy family, so he's never had the reality check of a financial limit. Truly ridiculous.

Like I said earlier, I used this to force him to touch more dead bodies. He retaliated by getting further into the wife roleplay.

Lot's more happened, but I'll just go through the key points.

He stabbed me in the neck on a mission at some point. He was working as a double agent and had to prove to the other group that he really was loyal to them. He was smart enough to miss all the major arteries though, but I still almost died since I'm physically weak, so he spent a lot of time at my bedside healing me.

One of my subordinates spent her time getting me 3 rare medicine pills. She hates the guy, by the way. I gave her a job when she was on the streets with no one else to turn to, so she might be overly protective due to that. The guy managed to get himself possessed by a cursed artefact and almost died, so I gave him the pills. She was pissed about it, he basically offered to marry me, and so on.

Remember the girl who killed people and stole an artefact from the first case? She was given a job for him, so we had her disguise herself as him for a mission to throw off the enemy. After that mission was done, she tried pranking me by pretending to be him. It didn't work. Then, some rich houses were caught embezzling government provided rice from public relief funds, but refusing to admit it, so I called them all into a room and asked her to just start killing everyone who denied it (she was still dressed as him). The rest confessed and revealed where the rice was stored. Another problem quickly solved while simultaneously dragging his reputation through the mud.

He got accused of treason, so I arrange for actual human waste to be placed in his cell. This forces him to cut his long hair off since the smell wouldn't come out, which he was mad about since he's so obsessed with his hair.

And the most recent thing I've done, he sent me a poem about his heart or something, so I sent him an actual pigs heart, still covered in blood. Wish I could've seen his reaction, but I imagine it's quite funny.

Oh I almost forgot, I commissioned gay porn in his name.

So did I go too far? AITA?

[thecryptidenthusiast]

Hi <3 From the OTP asks, 14, 22 and 30 for a pairing of your choice? (This is me not being able to decide for whom to ask, haha. Abby and Nate would be wonderful, but I'd also love to get to know your other pairings better)

Thank you for the ask!!! Since you gave me free choice I’ll do one for each TWC pairing since I don’t talk about Sam and Kira much!

Sam/Farah:

14. How do their personalities compliment each other? How do they clash?

- Sam and Farah have opposite levels of energy, but in a way that works well for them! Farah is the high energy one, and Sam is laid back when it comes to literally everything. So any date idea Farah comes up with, or wild idea she gets about something she wants to try, and Sam is happy to tag along. Their favorite thing is seeing Farah happy so they’re happy to go along with anything.

- That laid back attitude kind of works against them though because that also means they aren’t always the best at picking up subtle signs that something might be bothering Farah. They’re always ready to cheer her up or get her out of her head if something is stressing her! They’re just, good at missing those signs early on. It takes a lot to rile them up, and they tend to forget not everybody is like that.

Abby/Nate:

22. What reminds each of their partner?

- Too much. There’s too much that reminds Abby of Nate - the bakery, her favorite bookstore. The reading nook in her living room. There’s very few spaces she can exist where there isn’t something that brings Nate to her mind. She’s heard enough about his impassioned stance on stationary though that’s it’s forever altered how she views office supplies though.

- For Nate, as much as he might detest having to use technology, it manages to make him smile now because it reminds him of Abby. Phone problems? Ask Abby. Can’t figure out the speaker Farah insisted on having at the Warehouse? He’ll get Abby to help. Most of the time it’s less about actually needing help, and more about getting to watch Abby explain what she’s doing. Is any of the information sticking in his head? Absolutely not, but he gets to see her animatedly talk about something she knows, so it’s a win.

Kira/Mason:

30. Your OTP gets to pick out each other’s outfits; what is each wearing?

- Besides the very Mason-answer of ‘nothing’? The situation was bad and stressful, so he didn’t get to properly enjoy seeing Kira formally dressed when she had to infiltrate the auction. He’d enjoy getting the chance to properly appreciate her dressing up to the nines (partly because of how good she looks, and partly because he enjoys seeing her feel good about herself).

- Kira was a theater kid in school, and one of the bigger plays she had a part in was Grease in high school. She would NEVER be brace enough to admit it but you know the typical Greaser guy outfit? The jeans, white shirt, leather jacket etc? She would love to see Mason in something like that

[we-pay-for-everything]

I'm rewatching Nancy Drew season 1 and I have so many thoughts (surprise, surprise!).

Now that I'm paying attention, Lucy does indeed look pregnant.

Carson is insane this season. He read his daughter's texts?? Fucking creepy.

Idk what the fuck is wrong with Nancy. Suspecting your dad of murder, even if he's shady, is hardcore.

Nick and Nancy were not a great match. He was insecure about Owen and between Nancy being super closed off and prioritizing Lucy's death over Tiffany's, they were never going to last.

I know everyone thought that Nancy was just being stubborn and putting everyone at risk because of her obsession with Lucy, and they had every right to, but she's not to blame for them almost getting killed at that fancy auction party. Nick was acting partially out of jealousy and because George convinced him to, George was acting on her feelings for Nick, Bess wanted to go to a glamorous party and steal stuff, and Ace was being Ace (he wanted to get info for the Chief and also help his friends Ig). Their plan was terrible and they had no right to act like it was Nancy's fault it failed. She told them not to do it and she didn't even know what they were planning. George accused Nancy like it was her fault. I genuinely hate saying this about a woman, but she's really annoying. I hate that she and Nancy are my least favorite characters.

Lisbeth is a weird character. Her storyline didn't have a proper conclusion, and why would an undercover agent ask someone out? And introduce them to her parents?? Her parents lived in the town where she was working undercover? Was she born there lmao. Bess is better with her current girlfriend, though I prefer Odette!

Laura is another weird character. She feels pretty unnecessary.

Bess doesn't make much sense. I know they explained why she went around calling herself a Marvin, but in that small town no one ever called her out on it, really? And did she steal all her designer clothes lmao.

Nancy has a very complicated personality. When she figured out Ace was working for the Chief, he wanted to tell her what he had learned about Laura but she just looked at him in disdain and said "Why should I trust you?". Like, give him a chance? Even if he's lying, his lies might be useful to you. Get off your high horse. That was OOC too, because Nancy usually listens to people when she confronts them. She doesn't just walk away.

Owen has been ruined for me. Now that I know the show's MO, it's hard to care about him. The show doesn't know what to do with its characters. They're all discarded as soon as the season is over.

This season is way worse than I remembered it lmao.

It's amazing how you can get so attached to shows you have a million complaints about.

I've been noticing some Nace parallels: they both suspected their partner of murdering Tiffany, they both discovered a life changing secret (this one is a bit of a reach, but Nancy being adopted and Ace finding out he had a brother, and what those secrets did to their respective families, counts as a parallel), they dated siblings lmao, and they are both great at uncovering stuff (detective and hacker).

Victoria is pretty cool. I wish she showed up more.

Anyway, I'll keep you guys posted on my rewatch! I'm sure I'll have lots more to complain about haha.

[storiesofsvu]

Journey to the Past Ch 12

Bryan Kneef x reader Warnings; language, alcohol, smut, daddy kink, semi-public sex. Also dont worry, there will be a direct follow up to this in the next chapter, it was just getting long so I split it lololol

You were glad that STR had high quality coffee and a decent catering room, because you’d been spending almost as much time there as you were at your actual firm. And unfortunately, it wasn’t because of Bryan. Your top partner had watched how well you’d worked with Diane and a couple of the other attorneys and thus sent you over to be liaison between the two firms when you worked through cases with the same clients, or similar type situations. You didn’t mind it, it was a nice distraction from sitting in your office all day, your case load was pretty small at the moment anyways, but it certainly wasn’t helping your commute.

You were in a boardroom, waiting for everything to wrap up as everyone said their closing remarks and finally a decision was made, signifying the end of the meeting. Despite Bryan’s reservations when it came to Diane you’d found yourself getting along rather well with her, she was at least the one who you knew you could catch her gaze from across the room in a joint eye roll when someone said something ridiculously stupid. Or like in the moment right now, where things had already been dragged out twenty minutes longer than they needed to.

“Someone needs to get off his fucking soapbox.” She muttered and you chuckled as the two of you packed up your things.

“At least he finally shut up.” You huffed out a breath as you pushed back your chair to stand.

“It’s like he doesn’t understand some of us have places to be and weekend plans.”

“Yeah, you got something exciting going on?” You asked with a laugh, following Diane out the door.

“Shouldn’t you?” She asked with a chuckle, glancing over her shoulder as you fell in pace beside her, “and I’d say more dreadful than exciting.”

“You’ve lost me, did I zone out at something important in there?”

“No.” She laughed once again, “I just assumed you be going to the Archibald silent auction dinner Friday.”

“Fuuuccckk.” You groaned, “yeah, I am, I just completely fucking forgot. My weekends have been reserved for… other things recently.”

“Yeah, what’s his name?” She smirked and you let out a laugh, not wanting to bring that up quite yet and you were happy she immediately dropped it, letting out a little sigh before she spoke again. “And of course it’s black fucking tie, you think they’d let us have at least one of these things be casual for once.”

“You’ve gotta be one of the top wins for the year to get invited to those ones, and let me tell you, the one in Turks and Caicos is worth the amount of ass kissing you end up doing.”

“Oh now you’re just bragging.” She teased with a laugh, stalling in her step as she reached the door to her office, swinging it open and heading inside. “Sunshine and white sand beaches beats four course meals and an open bar any day.”

“Hey, at least you’re married, you’ve got a permanent date to these things.” You huffed, leaning against the door frame and she glanced up at you with a small grin.

“Just bring that new weekend friend, he won’t know how treacherously boring these things can be.”

You let out a little laugh, ever thankful for her phone ringing and interrupting the conversation as she picked it up, giving you a little wave that you returned before leaving the doorway. You wandered through the firm, checking a couple of things on your phone while you thought about the upcoming gala. You abruptly halted when you passed Bryan’s office, realizing he was inside and the door was open, circling back you propped yourself on the door frame,

“Do you have plans Friday?”

“What?” He glanced up at the sound of your voice, brow furrowed, not even realizing you were at the firm.

“Stupid question, why am I even asking. You’re going to the silent auction, right?”

“Fuck…” He muttered, glancing down to his calendar to confirm that he was supposed to be in attendance, “yeah.”

“I completely forgot about it.”

“If you don’t have a ticket you can be my plus one.” He offered and you laughed, stepping into the office while your voice lowered, grin still on your face.

“Really!?” You barked out a laugh, “your plus one? That’s it?”

“That’s what the ticket says.” He defended and you laughed once again, shaking your head.

“I have my own ticket but thank you. I was more hoping that I would have some company, Kim tends to disappear at these things long before they’re over and I hate having to do all the schmoozing myself.”

“Okay, so…how about instead of plus one, you can be my date?”

“Mmm…” you murmured, pretending to think about it for a moment, “that does sound a lot nicer.” You let out a small giggle, “thank you.”

“I promise not to leave your side if you promise not to leave mine.”

“I feel like we’re about to make a pinky swear.” You teased and he chuckled.

“You said you forgot about it, you have something to wear?”

“No.” You grumbled, “I meant to go shopping with Kim on Tuesday and she got pulled into court early. I’ll have to go tomorrow.”

“Well, why don’t you take this...” He reached into a desk drawer, pulling out a black credit card from his wallet, “get yourself something nice, and something even nicer to go underneath.” He grinned as you took the card from him with a small laugh.

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Hell, take Kim with you, hit up the spa, you girls deserve a break.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” He cast you a small smile, feeling that warmth in his chest again, “hey… how’s the whole Catrina thing going?”

“Is that why you’re spoiling me?” You did your best not to roll your eyes as you slid the card into your wallet.

“I’m spoiling you because I want to.” He replied with a smirk, reaching out to squeeze at your hand, “and because I can.”

“And you really claim you don’t want to be a sugar daddy?” You teased and it was his turn to roll his eyes as you let out a small sigh. “It’s going. From what I know he still doesn’t have a lawyer, big surprise, the first step in dragging everything out as long as possible and making it as expensive as possible for her.”

“Did you take it pro-bono?”

“I’m still on the fence about taking it at all.” You shrugged, “if I don’t end up having to leave the city, I’ll probably give her a pretty big discount. At this point all I’ve done is give her a couple of names for good lawyers out there and processed the order of protection.”

“Keep me updated, okay? And please let me know if that piece of shit tries to contact you at all.”

“Bry…” you practically warned with a soft smile.

“I’m just saying.” He defended and you leant over to leave a kiss on his cheek.

“You’re cute when you’re worried.” You picked up your bag, “and thank you. However… it appears I’ve got some shopping to do.”

“Do me a favour and don’t max it out.”

“Oh please.” You laughed, letting out a quiet squeak when Bryan stood, pulling you back to him for a more intimate, deeper kiss.

“I’ll pick you up Friday?”

“Sounds great.”

**

Bryan was punctual as ever on Friday, knocking on your apartment door right on time and he practically had the life kicked out of him when the door swung open. You were in a stunning floor length black gown with a slit up to the middle of your thigh, it was off the shoulder and you’d pulled your hair up into an elaborate updo, a gorgeous diamond necklace around your neck.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” Bryan swore and you let out a little giggle.

“I take it you like what you see?” You raised a brow, scooping up your purse as you stepped into your heels.

“Let’s just say now I’m wishing I was early so I had time to savour every inch of you.” He murmured, his hand sliding around your waist to pull you to him, lips meeting yours gently yet with a fire behind them. His tongue slid across your lower lip and you parted yours, letting him into your mouth, groaning as his tongue danced with yours before you reluctantly broke the kiss.

“Like you said, not enough time.” You muttered, “but maybe if you behave tonight I’ll let you fuck me in the bathroom at the Ritz. And I do have a special surprise for you.”

“Oh… well then I suppose I’ll be on my best behaviour.” He smirked, wrapping an arm around your waist, waiting for you to quickly lock your door before escorting you down to the car.

The ride over to the Ritz Carlton was rather uneventful, mainly because Bryan wanted to keep on your good side in order to find out what your surprise was. You caught each other up on your weeks and helped prep each other for the evening ahead, breaking out the sides of you that were ready for mingling, schmoozing and self promoting.

Bryan escorted you inside the hotel, hand on the small of your back as you made your way upstairs. The event was being held in one of the more private, chic ballrooms on the top floor, extending onto the outdoor terrace for the cocktail hour and after dinner. The space was set up elegantly, the hallway leading up to it acting as a lobby, tables against the walls filled with items for the silent auction. Inside the main room were round tables scattered through the space, a stage at the opposite end set up for some speeches later on, and most importantly, a very fully stocked bar running along the side of the room.

“Red or white?” Bryan asked.

“At a place like this? Bubbly to start.”

“Good call.” He winked, leaning in to kiss your cheek before sneaking across the room. You caught Kim’s eye and she very quickly wrapped up the conversation she was having and made her way over to you.

“Oh thank god, I was beginning to think you’d abandoned me.” She greeted with a quick hug and peck on the cheek.

“Were you not shopping with me yesterday?”

“Yeah but with how good you look it’s a shocker you guys even got out of the house.” She replied and you let out a laugh.

“I specifically told him to save that for later.”

“I’m kind of surprised you even brought him.” She muttered over a sip of her drink and you raised a brow.

“I mean he was already on the guest list.”

“Yeah but you don’t mix work and pleasure.”

“Kim, when have I had pleasure to mix with business before?”

“Way too fucking long ago, that’s for sure.” She shifted back into her almost work mode as Bryan returned, handing you a champagne flute.

“You must be Kim.” He greeted with a warm smile, “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Likewise.” She accepted his handshake, “and I must thank you for the girl’s day, can’t say I’ve ever had someone else’s date do that for me.”

“Well I’ve gotta keep my girl happy, don’t I?” He replied with a grin, his arm resting on your back, hand lightly tickling at your skin through your dress as the conversation continued.

The three of you ended up in back in the entry ray, wandering through the silent auction, putting a bid down on things here and there. You spent some time chatting with other coworkers, potential new clients and socialites through the city. Bryan was lightning fast to refill your drink and brought one back for Kim too, you were nearly finished it when a man you didn’t know but recognized from STR came up to Bryan, clapping him on the back.

“Well if it isn’t Kneef showing up with two dates, always gotta uphold that reputation, don’t you?” The man let out a boisterous laugh before he disappeared into the crowd. Bryan glanced over at you and you raised a brow, but there was still a grin on your cheeks as you sipped your champagne so he didn’t bother trying to explain his way out of it.

It wasn’t much longer after that that champagne was replaced with wine and you were seated for dinner. Courses of butternut squash soup, beet and goat cheese salads, roasted salmon or filet mignon were served between speeches and some fun little awards. Bryan’s hand stayed on your bare thigh every moment it could, tickling higher and higher at the slit in your dress, drawing random patterns on your skin that left you shivering in anticipation. By the time dessert was served the drinks had been steadily flowing and the conversation was doing just that as well. Laughter and teasing jabs shot across the table, some guests in much deeper conversation that were more work related. People started to wander easily between tables, the bar, the silent auction and the terrace. A classy yet upbeat playlist of music echoed through the space. Bryan leant in, leaving a kiss on the side of your neck as he muttered something about changing out your drinks for scotch and you nodded, watching him wander away to the bar before you got pulled into a debate with Kim and another table mate.

Bryan sauntered his way up to the bar, nodding a greeting to a few people here and there before settling against the wood, ordering two high end scotches from the bartender. While he was waiting, the man from earlier, Ronald came up along with another one of his drinking buddies Ben, someone who Bryan could actually stand and went out with on the regular. Ron nodded at him, clasping at his shoulder as they settled in to the bar.

“You really bring two dates tonight Kneef?”

“No.” He chuckled.

“So which one is it?” Ben asked, glancing over towards the table, “cause I was at the Turks conference and you should see Kennedy in a bikini.” The men chuckled darkly and Bryan felt a surge shoot through him.

“I don’t need to see her in a bikini if I’ve already seen her naked.” He muttered into the rim of his glass and the men burst into a chorus of small cheers and laughs, “and believe me, you’re the ones missing out.”

“What, you’re saying you’ll share?” Ben asked with a wicked grin and Bryan scoffed out a laugh.

“Not this time.”

“Yeah, Kneef you usually bring bimbos to these things.” Ron noted, “and Kennedy, she’s far from a bimbo. She’s a fucking shark.”

“Just because she’s a shark in the courtroom doesn’t mean she’s one in the bedroom.” Bryan continued to speak softly, not wanting the comments to be heard over the music by anyone else, then again, this was the normal kind of guy talk that happened at these events.

“Shame she’s not on the auction block then.” Ben’s gaze drifted over towards your table and Bryan felt that surge again as the other man’s eyes dragged up your form, lingering a little too long on the swell of your breast. “Something tells me she gives great head…”

“Oh she probably takes it so fucking well, doesn’t she Kneef?”

“I think it’s about time you two start bringing your own dates to these things.” Bryan muttered in return, taking a hefty swig of his drink.

“Why? Looks like yours is on the prowl anyways?” Ben chuckled, taking a sip of his own drink and when Bryan looked up you were sauntering through the room towards the bar.

“Sorry to interrupt boys.” You greeted, lips pursed as you leant between the two of them to pluck your drink off the bar from in front of Bryan, “hope you’re not trying to steal my date.” You teased, pulling laughter and muted comments from the two of them, and just enough time for you to lean in, kissing Bryan’s neck and husking into his ear, “you have four minutes to meet me in the back bathroom.”

Shooting him a wink you nodded to the other men and wandered away through the room, ducking into a back hallway. The bathroom back there was as lavish as the rest of them, but most importantly, private, and not a lot of people knew about it. You had just enough time to down the rest of your drink, the alcohol warming through your entire body, feeling the tingles of arousal shooting through you after Bryan’s teasing touches and filthy words. The door swung open and you turned toward it with a smirk on your lips, watching the way Bryan swiftly locked it before he pounced on you.

“Do you have any fucking idea how absolutely gorgeous you look tonight?” He growled against your lips, hands gliding around your body, squeezing at your ass.

“I think I caught onto a hint or two.” You muttered back, surging toward him for a deep kiss, a hand slipping between your bodies to palm at his hardening cock through his tux. He’d already rid himself of his jacket, rolling up his sleeves before dessert to prepare for exactly this.

“Yeah?” He groaned, lips trailing across your chin and down your neck, teeth scraping at your skin, “you gonna tell me what my surprise is yet?”

“You’re almost there already.” You replied, a grin on your lips as he squeezed at your ass again. Your free hand moved behind you, shifting one of his hands so his fingers were tickling between your cheeks. They brushed up against the plug and you let out a little gasp, pulling a chuckle from Bryan.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“You know it is.” You murmured back, letting out a small moan as he pushed against it, “figured you can fuck my pussy right now, then take me home and fuck my ass after.”

“Fuck!” He grunted, rocking into the hand you had on his cock, “you’re so fucking perfect.”

You didn’t have the chance to reply as Bryan’s lips stole your breath for another kiss, this one deeper and more passionate than the last as he backed you into the wall. Your hands easily wound around him, one of his pinned between you and the door as he continued to squeeze at your ass, toying with the plug through your dress, the other resting on your hip. The kiss got more heated, his tongue surging into your mouth and massaging against your own as you moaned into the kiss, your breath swallowed down by Bryan.  Your fingers began to cling into his body, the leg exposed by the slit in your dress coming to wrap around his waist.

“You that needy kitten?” He chuckled against your lips, his mouth tracing down your neck once again.

“Why don’t you find out daddy?” You husked back, gasping as his beard scraped against your skin.

Bryan’s hand sunk from your hip, delving under the slit in your skirt to cup your heat and you let out a quiet whine, your head dropping back against the wall as he started to massage you through the delicate lace of your panties. He flung back the material of your dress, pinning it between you and the door and exposing the pristine white of your lingerie, the patch between your legs already darkened with your wetness. He chuckled darkly looking at it before kissing you again and one of your hands shifted up, scratching into his hair, holding him tightly to you as you whined into the kiss.

The hand he hand between your legs slid your panties to the side, trailing through your folds and you gasped into the kiss, your hips rocking forward to the touch. He simply teased you, fingers toying with you, spreading your juices around as you whimpered against his lips until he broke the kiss, lips meeting your skin between each of his words.

“Is my baby girl needy? Does she remember who this pussy belongs to?” He spanked at your clit at the end of his sentence and you gasped.

“You daddy.” You moaned softly.

“That’s right.” He sucked two of his fingers into his mouth in response, his eyes on you as he did so, watching the way you were watching him, the way your eyes darkened while you watched his lips wrap around the digits before popping them out.

His spit slicked fingers dove south, sliding through your wet cunt before they sunk in and you let out a moan, your pussy fluttering around them already. Bryan’s mouth was quick to return to your neck, biting and sucking at your skin, determined to mark you as his as his fingers pumped and curled within you. Your body was already on fire, skin prickling with pleasure with each thrust of his hand,

“Hurry, we don’t have much time.” You managed between pants, “want your cock daddy.” You let out a little whimper as his fingers crooked within you before scissoring, stretching you out, “now!”

“So fucking needy.” He growled, his hand sliding out of you, grabbing at your chin for a messy fiery kiss all tongue and teeth, pinning you to the wall.

Your hands sunk between your bodies, easily undoing his belt and pants, pulling his cock out, hard and heavy in your hand. Bryan couldn’t help the groan as you began to squeeze at him, teasing his balls. He reached into the back pocket of his pants, pulling out a condom, nipping at your lips as he did so. You heard the telltale sound of the wrapper ripping before he tossed it towards the trash, pulling the condom towards his throbbing cock. Your head fell back against the wall, already panting for breath as he went to slide it on.

“Shit. Fuck!” He growled.

“What?” Your eyes barely cracked open; hands still loosely clasped behind his shoulders.

“Fucking ripped it, I don’t have another one.”

“I don’t fucking care.” You replied, surging forward to steal his lips in another kiss, breathing your words against them, “I want to feel you.” Your voice had drifted into that dreamy tone and Bryan felt his entire body throb with desire at your words, “fill me up.”

“Yeah?” He grinned, “you want daddy’s cum spilling out into these pathetic things you call panties for the rest of the night? A nice little reminder of who you belong to?”

“I do.” You nodded, “and once we’re home I want you to fill my ass too.”

“Jesus Christ sweetheart.” Bryan couldn’t help but laugh, “you really are perfect. Are you sure?”

“Are you gonna keep talking or are you going to fuck me?!”

Bryan chose not to waste anymore time, his hand lining up his cock with your dripping pussy, sliding it in bare and you both let out a wanton moan of pleasure. Your head dropped forward onto his shoulder, whimpers echoing directly beside his ear as he set a steady rhythm fucking you against the wall.

“Oh my god..” you whined.

“You’re so fucking wet princess.” He groaned back, “such a fucking good pussy.”

“Fuck…” You moaned, “feels so good.”

Bryan picked up the pace, hips meeting yours with vigour as you did your best to control your moans. You could feel every ridge and vein of his cock and it was driving you absolutely wild, you wanted, him you needed him. Your hands clawed at his back, one of them managing to wrap around his neck, directing his lips back up to yours for a breathless kiss as his cock thrusted deeper into you.

“Oh fuck Bry!” You cried out as you broke the kiss and he chuckled, feeling his cock twitch inside your warmth.

“Quiet princess, we can’t have anyone knowing what’s going on in here.”

His hand cupped around your mouth to silence your moans and whines while he pounded you into the wall. Your hands grabbing at his body, meeting his hips with just as much power as he fucked you. You felt the fire shooting through you and couldn’t help but gasp when his free hand wrapped around you, grasping at the plug as he started to ease it in and out of your ass. The double stimulation was almost too much and you whimpered, feeling the tears pricking into your eyes. Bryan could feel your cunt pulsing around him, his hand vanishing from your mouth to rub at your clit while he fucked you.

“That’s it princess, I know you’re close, I can feel it, come for daddy.” He grunted between thrusts. You bit down on your lip, doing your best to hold back as the pleasure rocketed through your body, a small cry escaping your lips as your orgasm shot through you and you clung to Bryan. He let out a series of grunts as you shivered in his arms before you felt his cum shoot through you, filling you as his hips slowed.

“Holy fuck…” you muttered breathlessly and he let out a little chuckle.

“You really like that, don’t you?

“Mmhmm.” You replied and he stilled against you, kissing up your bare shoulder, up your neck and across your chin before finally finding your lips smiling back at him and he kissed you gently. This series of kisses were tender, his hand coming up to cup your cheek as he softened within you. He slipped out with ease, sliding your panties back into place to catch all of his cum, carefully wiping up any mess on your thighs, laying a soft kiss on one of them before coming up to standing.

“You alright?” He asked with a laugh.

“I will be when we get out of here.” You replied with a grin, swatting at his arm, “but go, go schmooze so we can leave early.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.” He grinned back, stealing another kiss before washing his hands and vanishing from the room.

You took another few moments to collect yourself and freshen up making sure your hair and makeup was properly in place before finally returning to the event. All things considered, your first destination was the bar, you needed a fresh drink after all.

__________________ @detective-giggles @plaidbooks @thatesqcrush @witches-unruly-heart @beccabarba @bisexual-dreamer02 @amelia-song-pond @madamsnape921 @whimsicallymad @mrsrafaelbarba @mysticfalls01 @ssaic-jareau @caracalwithchips @barbasbodaciousbeard @alwaysachorusgirll @beardedbarba @michael-rooker @rafivadafreddy @lustvolle-liebe @anlin2058 @fandom-princess-forevermore @tinyboxxtink @alexusonfire @xovalliegirlxo @nobody-important1212 @somethingimaginative17 @momlifebehard @misscharlielulu @fighterkimburgess

[toadallytickles]

Hey Toad! Hope you are doing okay!

I had a question if you don't mind! I was interested in possibly attending NEST the next time it comes around! But I don't know what it's like or how it's structured. Do you mind describing what it's like and if it's worthwhile to go?

Hello! I’ve been really well! Thank you! I hope you are too! :)

I’ll start by sharing what gatherings are! Gatherings are in-person, weekend-long meetups for tickle-lovers to meet new people, make new friends, get involved in the in-person community, socialize, reunite with good friends and partners, and of course, tickle play! Most tickle gatherings are held in a hotel for a weekend (usually Friday to Sunday), where one hotel room is the main room for hanging out, snacks, napping, or playing in the bedrooms! Attendees get their own hotel room; it’s common for people to split the room cost by sharing their room with partners, friends, or people they just met! Some people open their hotel room as a board game room or quiet room! It’s really common for people to set up their play equipment in their room for private tickle sessions! There are no obligations at these gatherings, just be yourself and attend the activities and events that you’re interested in, or do your own thing!

NEST is the largest North American tickle gathering, held in the Philadelphia area the first weekend of May! A little under 200 people attend! For comparison, the other gatherings usually have 40 to 80 attendees. NEST is described as a convention-style gathering, as Friday and Saturday are scheduled with activities like ice breakers, demos, kink discussion and education workshops, tickle games, and the Tickle Auction! (There are the NEST ‘Nappings too! Public ‘nappings were made into a scheduled event this year!) The only event you have to attend is the mandatory consent meeting + orientation to go over the rules at NEST, what consent is, and how to get consent. This is what you attend after you check-in! Other than that you’re free to use your time at NEST however you like!

Instead of a hotel room, NEST reserves the hotel conference rooms / ballrooms for public play spaces, where most of the scheduled events are held, and as a quiet hang out space! These are divided so you don’t have to see play if you don’t want to!

Not into public play, that’s what people’s hotel rooms are for~! Ah, the intimacy of a private session~. It’s very common to set up play dates with other attendees throughout the weekend! Lots of play happens at gatherings! Play isn’t guaranteed at any gathering, though there are people open to pick-up-play after getting to know you a little!

Or maybe you’re someone like me who isn’t a big pick-up-player! Or play isn’t your focus! I like going to NEST for the demos, workshops, socializing, voyeuring on public scenes, and reuniting with long distance friends! Since I only make connections in-person, NEST and the other gatherings give me the opportunity to meet other tickle lovers, and hopefully that connection grows into something more, like play partners!

This may be a silly way to describe it, but NEST is like the Big Brother house, or a clubhouse for you to do what you’d like! There really is no obligation (besides the mandatory consent meeting)- you can attend any scheduled event you want, or socialize, or go play, or stick to your friend group! It’s just one big tickle hang out! And honestly, to me it feels like home. Being surrounded by other tickle kinksters who get this whole silly tickle kink, y’know?

If it’s worthwhile- I’d like to say so! It’s a lot of fun, it’s the largest tickle gathering, and it’s so surreal when you’re there! I personally really enjoy NEST and would get fomo if I missed it, haha~. Clay and I feel everyone should go at least once! And if you really want play experience, or want to try certain bondage or toys, or meet certain people, it may likely happen there!

For your first gathering, it’s tough to say because NEST 2019 was my very first gathering, and it helped that I went with Clay, and we met Tumblr friends there too! It was a lot of people for me, being socially anxious too, though it was nice to have friends to hang out with, and retreat back to a hotel room for space. If you’re gonna go, it may help to make connections and friends who are going too just so you have a group to lean back on! Also tickling is everywhere, people say the “t-word” everywhere, this can be overwhelming for newbies! NEST can also be a pretty pricy event!

If you join the NEST Server, you can still see the rough schedule and event discussions from when NEST happened earlier in May; this may help give you extra information on what to expect! You can also join the Server to start making connections with NEST attendees, ask the hosts questions, and get information on the smaller gatherings if you want to attend one of those first!

Clay and I are attending AUNT / the Super Bowl tickle gathering next year, and you can find information there! + It’s a good beginner one if the host will have you!

Clay also wrote a few posts about NEST!

NEST QnA

My first time at NEST

NEST on a budget

More NEST details

Thoughts on tickle gatherings

You can check out my NEST tags for my posts!

#NEST

#NEST2019

#NEST2022

NEST Discord Server

[wandaluvstacos]

THE ONLY SECONDS THAT MATTER

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE IS UP!

Genre: Contemporary Romance Rating: 18+

Includes: Extensive horse nerdery + cowboys, mxm romance (1 trans + 1 cis), some discussion child abuse, some instances of trans/homophobia (it is rural Oklahoma, y'all), depression, occasional sex scene (but it’s a slow burn for sure)

Victor Ortiz-Bennett had some reservations about moving to Oklahoma, but his late aunt willed him a 70-acre horse farm, and he decides to fulfill his dream of running and operating his own training facility. Victor’s been around the reining horse show circuit for a while, and he’s ready to settle down, travel less, and spend more time with the horses he loves and away from the people he can do without. That is, until he picks up a horse at an auction with a bucking problem he can’t fix, and he has to take her to the one guy who can ride anything– Johnny Stearns, a retired professional rodeo rider.

Johnny Stearns is loud, chatty, eccentric, and fears nothing, exactly Victor’s opposite. However, Victor finds himself sinking into an odd friendship with this new foul-mouthed cowboy without a filter, diving deeper into the mess that is Johnny’s life until there’s no way to extract himself from it. Johnny may talk a tough game, but there’s more to him than he’ll let most people see. Victor knows getting in too deep will mean a rough ride, but if there’s anything Johnny’s taught him, it’s how to stay in the saddle.

Excerpt:

“Who was that person—guy—from last night?”

“What guy?” When Victor saw Johnny’s dead-eyed expression, he continued, “Oh, right, that guy. Just a date. Nothing serious.”

“What do you mean, nothing serious?”

“Well, he lives in Forth Worth and I live in Oklahoma, so—”

“How long have you known him?”

“Less than a week. Why, are you jealous?”

“No. Just wonderin’.”

“Hmm.”

“Seemed kinda…” Johnny rolled his tongue against his cheek a moment.

“Kinda what?”

“Oh, you know.”

Victor raised an eyebrow.

Johnny lifted a hand and let it go limp at the wrist.

“What’s wrong with that?” Victor asked.

“Nothin’. Just didn’t think you were into that sort. I thought he was a girl. Looked like one, too.”

“You have no clue what I’m into.”

“You were into me.”

“And how did that go? God, Johnny, I just wanted one night of uncomplicated fun. Don’t read more into it than there is.”

“You have sex?”

“That’s none of your business. Should I remind you that you were seeing and sleeping with Daisy for two months and you didn’t say a thing to me?”

“We only slept with each other, like…” Johnny had to take a moment to think about it, “twice, and she talked me into it both times. I have a hard time sayin’ no to her. It wasn’t my idea.”

Victor had to laugh a little, even if it came from a place of helplessness. “Right, you just tripped and fell into her vagina, I’m sure.”

“It beats drinkin’.”

“Why are you here?” Victor had to ask, because this conversation was going nowhere.

“I told ya, I felt like drinkin’ so—”

“Seems like it’s partially you wanting to ask me about my date from last night, which you have no right to know about. So if all you want is information on who I fuck in my free time, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“All I’m wonderin’ is why you can run around with this stranger but when I suggested we casually mess around, you acted like I slapped you across the face.”

“Because I know you. It’s completely different.”

“I don’t see it that way.”

“Good for you. I don’t.”

“Sorry, but you were askin’ for way too much. I know you’re a Californian boy and you think that the whole world is cool with the queers now, but small town Oklahoma is still livin’ in the 1930s. If you wanted to have a cute lil public gay life with a partner, you shoulda moved to Massachusetts.”

[firthbetterorfirthworse]

Pride, Prejudice, & Mistletoe (2018)

I am watching a Christmas Hallmark movie in September, because I love all of you (and also hate you enough to subject you to it)

Our main character lady is Darcy Fitzwilliam, Nyc investor. She is kind, as we know because she knows her regular coffee vendor and about his family - his son just got early entry to Stanford!

Her mom is last minute throwing the Pemberley League holiday auction because the other people dropped out last minute, so they've gotta throw this together in 7 days. What's the bet she's going to a small town for the holidays? (if you bet against me on this, you lose. Pemberley, Ohio.)

(Also twice now in the first 5 minutes they've brought up that the firm has high investment minimums and Darcy does not agree with that. First with coffee man and second with one of the other partners who started the firm with her, who's like don't worry just go enjoy your vacation. I sense this will have absolutely zero terrible repercussions down the line.)

Her ex of a month, Carl, works for her dad - who cleared his schedule and ordered him to pick her up from the airport. He believes they are meant to be together and is willing to wait. She is like yeahhhhhhhh no but we can be friends?

3 months ago someone bought out a local restaurant, is new to the catering scene but his food is amazing. Mom just hired him for the thing and he's gonna come by the house tomorrow. Is he the love interest? (I can't tell just from the photo because they're all generic white men)

Her best friend(?) is dating Jim Bennett, brother of Luke Bennett - caterer guy - who it's revealed Darcy had a silly high school rivalry with. I'm so good at this. When they meet for dinner there is banter. Not mean, just kinda... bantery. She's like "he hasn't changed" because they love to correct each other?

Dad wants Darcy to work at his company, but she wants to do things on her own.

Darcy just found out Luke will be working together - mom didn't realize they knew each other but they were on the debate team together.

Luke is trying to provide a great vision that he has. Darcy interrupts because she wants to implement her vision. Mom says great, work together.

Darcy is like look I know what I'm doing and you don't. Luke is like, uh, we're equally skilled in other capacities but new to applying it in this situation, chill out.

Carl meets them on the street and both men kind of puff out their chests. [eyeroll]

Darcy has been decorating, but her parents are like go to the party tonight, have fun. Darcy's assistant calls and tells her there's a secret partner meeting she specifically wasn't invited to, so Darcy is like don't tell anyone I know but if you could patch me in via videoconference that would be fantastic.

She does admit to Luke at the party that stuff is going on at work and he's like hey, I'm a good listener. There's stuff going on at your company, there's that guy who works for your dad....maybe I can help. "I don't need help" she insists. [eyeroll] But on the way out they are both under the mistletoe (oooOOOOooooh) He tries to convince her to bend to tradition but she leaves.

Brother's wife announced pregnancy! He has the perfect life. Darcy is like hmm. "My life doesn't seem to be progressing. Maybe I'll just never be satisfied." Her wise brother says "Maybe you're just looking for satisfaction in all the wrong places."

The custom tree designer dropped out. The local lot donated some trees. Mom called Luke to help her pick them up with his truck. Darcy insists she can do everything on her own and doesn't need help. Luke is like uh are you sure? as she tries to pick up a tree bigger than her by herself. She insists she does not need help. [eyeroll] After making a disaster of the lot and knocking everything over, she accepts his help.

Finally, they are talking about how they were always jealous of the other person because it seemed like they had it so easy, but they both felt they had to work twice as hard to prove they deserved the benefits they got.

Darcy patched into the video conference room and is like "hey everyone!" The rest of the partners are awkwardly looking at each other. Everyone else agrees that the investment minimum needs to stay, and either get on board or get out. She is not going to sell her shares in the company. "Understood," says the other partner, and says they'll table it until after the new year.

Darcy found a new designer for the trees and this time, she didn't hesitate to call Luke for help [hooray! growth! thank goodness I'm not forced to hate her]. Luke asks her to take a break and go enjoy a caroling event, and she agrees!

They are reminiscing about the late Mr. Bennet, who was a good guy and they always had a dream to open a restaurant together. Luke is talking about how it has forced him to reevaluate and seize opportunities. Darcy admits that feeling is why she broke things up with Carl. "I knew it, I knew there was something about that guy!" "Did the crippling awkwardness give it away?" she asks. "Could've been the daggers he's been staring at me." She admits he's a good guy, frankly the perfect guy on paper. He admits that's what his last relationship was too. She's like that's why I took a step back this week. "The question is - do you really want to step back in?" They're under the mistletoe again! They have A Moment where she says he's every ounce the man his dad was, and kisses him on the cheek.

After a long day of decorating, the family invites Luke to stay for cocoa. Ticket sales are worrying low. Now when Luke is helping problem solve, Darcy is seconding his ideas. They have Another Moment when they light the family tree and she says "so pretty" while Luke can't tear her eyes away from her.

The other partner at the firm is poaching Darcy's best client. She's upset that the one time she didn't do something alone she's getting betrayed. Luke is like hey it's okay to trust people, some of us still know your worth.

Luke offers to waive his catering fee. They are having all sorts of lovely times, including an impromptu snowball fight. Good job Hallmark, I'm actually rooting for these two

Uh oh. Another call from her assistant. The other partner is poaching her clients left and right. She's having a late night heart to heart with her dad about what to do next.

She's helping Luke in the kitchen as much as she can, and it involves dancing to holiday music. She says that he's lucky because he knows what he wants, and can work for it. She isn't sure what she wants - she cares less about the money and more about the clients behind the money. She believes she can make a difference, if her company would let her. He assures her she's making a difference in other ways.

Darcy is confiding that she knows she can never get back with Carl and needs to tell him. Her friend is like is it Luke? I bet it's Luke. Darcy waves away the idea but she's like yeahhhhh I have eyes. "It'll never work, we live in two different cities." "Darcy you haven't been happy for a while now. Maybe it's time to change things up."

Oh no! It's last minute and the extra servers were double booked and won't be there. The family is going to help out! And some kids showed up because they're gonna be singing but want to help out setting up. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Darcy asks Luke. "I hope so," he replies, "because my idea is brilliant."

The party has started and Darcy took Luke's breath away. Guess who's at the party - her best client! He had been off the grid for a few days and tells her that he would never jump ship because he didn't trust the other partner's integrity after she left messages spreading lies. She tells him she might leave the firm due to their different visions, and he assures her he'll follow her to a different firm.

Luke has someone who wants to invest in his restaurant. Everything is going well and Darcy and Luke are dancing. Darcy is going to confess that she's made a big decision about something she wants - but Carl cuts in and says Mom needs to talk to her.

Carl takes her to the kitchen and is like hey. We fit. We make sense. Luke shows up in the doorway and stands, listening to Carl talk about how she would never be happy with Luke. "Carl, you are such a good man," she begins, and Luke leaves [eyeroll] before he can overhear Darcy tell Carl it's not enough and that they both deserve better - they deserve real love. Carl actually is a good guy because he accepts this and wishes her the best. (I'm a sucker for the secondary love interest)

Luke is like hey I need some air, Darcy just got back together with her ex. Her friend is like bullshit lemme go find her, but Luke is like I saw it happen, and goes outside.

Darcy is talking to her dad, who the whole time has been wishing she would join his company, and agrees that she will if she can run a branch of it the way she wants - with no investor minimums, a special branch for low income people or companies, and open a charitable foundation. He agrees, of course. She's so happy!

She tells her brother she's thinking about staying in town. He's excited. She goes outside looking for Luke, and finds her friend who is like Luke said he saw you and Carl get back together and then got really upset - we can't find him anywhere. His phone is off.

His brother offers her his car so she can go find him, and there Luke is! He was talking to that investor. She sets him straight about Carl, and admits that her heart belongs to him. The news she wanted to tell him was that she was moving back to Pemberley. They're under the mistletoe again and this time, they finally kiss. A bunch. The end.

I'm noticing that these Hallmark movies end with the kiss. No epilogue, no scenes of them happy together, just kiss.

I guess this follows the premise of they are both proud and have a bit of prejudice, but in the same way as

[naturecoaster]

You are Invited to the Nature Coast Celebration April 6 for Art, Food, Wine & Music for a Great Cause

Let’s gather to celebrate 10 years of NatureCoaster.com and enjoy a beautiful day on the Upicktopia Farm/Masaryk Winery from 2-9 pm on April 6, 2024. Proceeds will benefit the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation while we enjoy art, food, wine, and music in a rural, relaxing setting. "I was talking to a friend and we realized that I started NatureCoaster.com in April of 2014 while recovering from a life-changing trauma," said Diane Bedard, "She said that I had to celebrate because ten years in business is quite an accomplishment, and so the party planning began." I wanted to invite all of our customers and partners from the years without them having to work, so we are foregoing the vendor part of a festival – in fact, this is not a festival – just a celebration of what we have accomplished together and the opportunity to help protect what we value by donating to a great cause. "Maybe we could benefit an organization that helps us keep the nature in Nature Coast with a silent auction so the customers could still get some promotion while we do good, and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation came to mind," Diane continued When I told Autum Proctor, owner of Traveling Art Parties, she said, “Why don’t we have a paint party and take donations for the Corridor? I’ll donate my time, supplies, and talent. You buy the canvas.” And we just have to have live music. One of my favorite musicians and a friend of over 30 years came to mind: Sarasota Slim. I reached out and he gave me several dates to choose from. We settled on a date and time and now you are invited. VIP tickets include the paint party, music and dancing, a BBQ dinner box with dessert and water or iced tea, and an event T-shirt for a $75 or greater donation – or go a la carte to meet your schedule! Let's Make Art Together Join the painting party under the pavilion from 2-4 pm where we will be led in each creating our own Nature Coast painting to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation by Autum Proctor of Traveling Art Parties. Autum has created an original painting, in the style of the Highwaymen, to support the Corridor’s work and celebrate 10 years of NatureCoaster.com connecting people to the best of Florida’s Nature Coast. A donation of $25 or more and an RSVP is requested to join the paint party. You can RSVP here. Enjoy Outdoor Games and Pick Berries and Veggies We plan to have outdoor games, like cornhole and Giant Jenga, hula hoops, and more while the painting is going on for picnic-style fun. Do you prefer to pick fresh berries and vegetables on the farm? Get out there and pick strawberries, blueberries, and veggies to your heart’s content. All you pay for is what you pick. Upicktopia is a 50+ acre farm where you can pick your own fresh berries and veggies. Image courtesy of Upicktopia. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes, hats, appropriate clothing (maybe long sleeves/pants), water, and bring bug spray for your comfort while participating in farm activities. Live Blues and Dancing with Sarasota Slim Band At 4 or so, we will enjoy the amazing blues music of the Sarasota Slim Band until 6 pm, with an open dance floor under the pavilion roof, or maybe you prefer boogying out in the fields. Sarasota Slim began playing the blues in the 1970s, with international fame in the 1990s when he made several records (CDs) for the Appaloosa Label in Italy and toured throughout Europe and the southeastern U.S. Sarasota Slim band will be entertaining guests with their incredible musicianship and engaging showmanship. He is a Florida native with a love for people, the blues, and the beauty of natural Florida. His musical influences vary wildly from current Latin pop to the old-school blues greats. While playing with local bluesmen James and Lucky Peterson, Slim had the door opened to many opening act opportunities – including Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton, Gatemouth Brown, Etta James, Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, and Gregg Allman. Food and Drink are Available Onsite Stop into the air-conditioned Suzy’s Kitchen or the Masaryk Winery onsite for great food and wine. Masaryk Winery offers free wine tastings to guests (two types of wine for free, or $8 to try them all) and Suzy’s Kitchen creates food crafted from fresh-grown produce from the farm (don’t skip dessert). Both are available any time during the event! See the Florida Wildlife Corridor’s Latest Documentary Film and Find out More with a Panel Q & A At 6:30, we will learn more about the Florida Wildlife Corridor and see the latest short documentary film, O2O: Path to Connection, followed by a panel Q&A. Diane Bedard is expected to share the story of how she got involved with the Corridor and why she continues to work spreading the word. The 2023 expedition featured three veterans from three branches of the military who undertook a 57-mile exploration of the Florida Wildlife Corridor from the Ocala to the Osceola National Forests. The core of the Expedition involved a 4-day journey which included paddling a section of the Ocklawaha River as well as biking/hiking segments through the Florida National Scenic Trail. The Expedition highlights the health and wellness opportunities of the Corridor as well as the importance of working lands, state lands, and military installations to statewide connectivity. ⁠ Then we will learn a bit more about how we can help establish and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Silent Auction Donations are Requested If you have a business or organization on the Nature Coast and would like to donate items to our silent auction, please reach out to diane@naturecoaster.com and we will make arrangements to pick them up and ensure your organization is given credit. We will run the Silent Auction throughout the event, with final bids closing by 8:00 pm. VIP Tickets Support the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and include the Paint Party, Event T-shirt, Food, Drink, and More The Silent Auction to benefit the Corridor Foundation is open to all guests, and VIP tickets are available that include the paint party, music and dancing, a bbq dinner box with dessert and water or iced tea, and an event T-shirt for a $75 or greater donation. A $10 general admission donation includes outdoor games, live music by the Sarasota Slim Band, and a donation to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Food and drink are available for purchase during the entire event in the Masaryk Café onsite. $5 tickets will be sold for a Pontoon Cruise for six donated by the Freedom Boat Club ($450 value). You do not have to be present to win the Pontoon Cruise. Bring a lawn chair for your comfort and convenience. No pets, coolers, or offsite food or drink are allowed. Call 352-428-2143 with questions. You can get your tickets in advance at https://naturecoaster.com/event/naturecoaster-com-10th-anniversary-celebration/ Read the full article

[alaffy]

Nancy Drew, Ep. 1x06 – The Mystery of Blackwood Lodge

Okay, it’s taken six episodes; but I’m hooked.  I mean, I still am not invested in the relationships and such (although Bess and Lisbeth are kind of sweet).  But I do like the quirky nature of the show and the mystery is quite good.

Ball, Pegasus, Kraken, Medusa.  Nancy is trying to find out the connection between Lucy and Ryan based on a poem Lucy wrote.  Those words are brought up.  They will be important.  Nancy goes to Ryan’s house and, because he didn’t answer the door after three seconds, Nancy figures that means she has permission to just walk inside.  

Inside, she finds an overturned dining chair.  We have a quick Lucy appearance.  And then she finds an invitation with a bird on it. It’s the same bird that can be found drawn on Lucy’s poem.  Then, Nancy flashes back to Karen talking about how Lucy changed after going to an underground party.  The invitation itself says “The Velvet Mask,” and “dusk.”  

Meanwhile, at The Claw, Bess is obsessing about her first date with Lisbeth.  George just wants her to shut up and get to work.  Nick asks if Nancy is at The Claw because he found more information on Owen (let me guess, we’re going to find out Owen was helping Tiffany at some point?).  Nancy comes in and we get exposition about The Velvet Mask; that it is an underground party held by rich people every five years.  It’s always held in a different location.  That townies who go to the party, end up being…hunted?  (Sure the last one is probably an urban legend, but who knows with this show).  

Nick talks to Nancy about Owen, and reminds the audience that Tiffany was digging up information on the Hudson’s.  Still, Owen’s name keeps popping up and the Hudson’s and the Marvin’s do do business together.  Nancy says she’ll talk to Owen.  

Nancy meets up with Owen and she asks if he and Ryan are business partners or mortal enemies.  He tells her they’re both.  He then asks if this question comes from Nick, as he’s noticed him following him around.  Nancy then asks about The Velvet Mask, specifically where and when.  Nick says he’s happy to talk to her tomorrow over dinner. Nancy deduces this means he has plans that night; which, given his look, is a yes.  So, the invite must be for tonight.  Then, he invites Nancy to go sailing with him sometime.

Nancy goes home.  As soon as she steps inside, someone slams the door behind her.  It’s Ryan who “didn’t mean to scare her?”  (Really, dude?).  He thinks someone is trying to kill him.  Okay, info dump time.  Ryan is there because he needs Carson, but apparently is willing to tell Nancy his story. Ryan thinks someone is trying to kill him.  The night before he heard someone rummaging through his house and he went to sleep in a motel.  The thing is Ryan owes money to some bad people and he can’t pay them because he’s been cut off by his father because his father found out about the kiss at the fundraiser.  He, oh geez this is lame, just so happens to have these Roman Coins that he can sell at an underground auction tonight; except he can’t get to them because they’re in his family’s storage facility.  He was hoping Carson could pull some strings.  Of course, Carson is in Boston; but it’s a good thing that Nancy is a master at B&E. She’ll get the coins, if Ryan takes her to The Velvet Mask.  We don’t get his answer her, but you know he’s going to do it.  Also, Nick calls during this scene and Nancy rejects the call. This is the second time this has happened, which usually spells bad things in Teen Dramas.  I’ve got a feeling they won’t last (and, uh, I kind of know what happens between her and Ace later).  

Meanwhile, Bess has decided she and Lisbeth will have a late lunch at The Claw.  Ace coaches Bess in the ways of dating, as she doesn’t date much. It’s a nice scene.  Lisbeth comes to The Claw that afternoon and it’s an awkward cute date.  However, Lisbeth has to leave early because of a family emergency; which Bess thinks was just her trying to get away from a bad date.    

At the same time, Nick and George are looking through the files; trying to figure out why Tiffany was also looking at the Marvin’s.  Nick isn’t sure what all of these documents are; but George knows that they are a shipping manifest (her family has been in fishing industry for three generations). George asks if Nancy got information out of Owen.  Nick tells her Nancy hasn’t called back, to which George makes a face.  

Back at Nancy’s, Nancy asks Ryan about Lucy Sable and if she was at The Velvet Mask the year before she died.  But before this conversation goes on, there is a knock at the door.  Nancy opens it to find Nick and George standing there.  So, they’re wondering what’s going on and Nancy tries to make an excuse, but she opens the door too far and they see Ryan in the house.  Nancy steps on to the porch and shuts the door.  Nick and George are trying to figure out why Nancy seems to be helping Ryan, until Nancy mentions that she thinks Ryan killed Lucy.  When that confuses her friends even more, Nancy finally admits to being haunted by Lucy.  And if she’s bringing it up this soon, my guess is that Ryan may not have anything to do with Lucy’s death.  Eh, scratch that, he may not have killed Lucy, doesn’t mean he doesn’t know anything about it.  

Anyway, Nancy tells Nick and George she thinks that something may have happened to Lucy at the party.  At which point, George and Nick wonder why Nancy has never brought up any of this before; like she didn’t trust them.  (To be fair, though, neither of you two believed in ghosts until, like, yesterday, so….).  Anyway, she tells them she’s hoping to find out information about what happened to Lucy (by going to a party, 20 years later?).  Nick asks “what about Tiffany?” to which Nancy says she’s put some calls out to the person she sent the blood sample too.  Nancy asks if they’re good, Nick says “100%.”  They were, in fact, not good.  

Nick and George goes back to his truck, where Gorge calls him out on his bs.  However, Nick looks through the shipping manifest and finds something about Roman coins.  It must be the same ones, but “what are the chances?” he asks.  It’s called plot contrivance, Nick.  But George asks the important question, why are they important? But they’re going to find out because George knows someone.  

And (Good Lord George!) she apparently gets the guy, who used to date her mom, to The Claw by pretending that Victoria wanted to speak to him.  She apologizes for Victoria not being able to make it, then Nick asks the man if he could look at something for them.  Real smooth, guys.  Uh…turns out it’s a shipping manifest of a ship that sank 18 years ago.  All of it’s crew and cargo was lost.  So, the coins are burial coins, the 12 coins of Charon.

Which Nancy has just stolen from the…That’s the secure storage facility?!  It has a chain on the door!  

Anyway, the man leaves and Nick and George discuss.  It seems in Tiffany’s files there are several copies of cashed insurance checks.  If the Hudson’s put in a claim for those coins, well obviously insurance fraud.  But the more important thing is that, for them to have the coins, it is quite possible that they stole their own cargo and sank the ship/killed the crew to cover up their crimes.  If Ryan is trying to sell them, he must not know the whole story.  They figure that that’s why someone is trying to kill Ryan. Which is possible, but wouldn’t it be easier to just unfreeze the assets?  Or move the coins to a location that Ryan doesn’t know about?  I mean, I could totally see Ryan’s father able to kill his son, but….

Ok, so, back at Nancy’s home; Ryan is wondering where Nancy could be.  Ryan drops his wedding ring and he stoops down to retrieve it.  He hears creaking behind him, and he turns around. Lucy is there and he can see her. Furthermore, Lucy is able to grab Ryan’s arm.  As she does so, the metal on his ring starts to glow red.  Nancy comes into the room, she doesn’t see Lucy it seems, but she does see the burning ring on his hand and it’s clear something has his arm. Suddenly, Ryan is let go and he asks what that was.  Nancy says it was Lucy.  

Ryan thinks, at first, that Lucy is haunting the house; but Nancy lets him know that the sounds at Ryan’s place was Lucy too.  Which means, was Lucy haunting him before Tiffany’s death?  Tiffany heard sounds too.  Nancy’s phone rings and she doesn’t answer.  Instead, she gives Ryan the poem.  Nancy believes Ryan is the Prince and he took Nancy to The Velvet Mask.  Ryan says that they had a summer fling and that was it; afterwards she ended up getting killed.  

Nick calls again and Nancy goes into another room to answer.  Long story short, Nick doesn’t want Nancy to give the coins to Ryan as it is important to Tiffany’s investigation.  Nancy says that the coins won’t help solve Tiffany’s death (how would she know?  She doesn’t even know why their important).  Besides, she needs to give them to Ryan to solve Lucy’s murder and she hangs up.  Nick is understandably upset and doesn’t understand why Nancy is so single minded.  George points out that this has always been Nancy’s nature.  If they want the coins, they’re going to have to go to the party.  And the only way in, is if they go as the guest of someone who’s rich; like Laura Tandy.  

Nick talks with Ace and sees if he can talk to Laura.  Now, while this is going on George is talking to Bess (this is right after the date) and asks if she wants a new dress and a chance to steal something at a party full of rich people.  

Cut to the party and...where have I seen that staircase before?  Wait, is that the Sisters of Quiet Mercy?!  Fitting they used the same location.  So, Ryan and Nancy go in.  Ace, dressed as a Chofer, lets out Nick, George, and Bess.  Nick tells the guard they’re guests of Laura Tandy.  Nancy sees them arrive.  

The three decide that they need to get masks before they go to the auction, where they plan to steal the coins.  Meanwhile, Nancy has ditched Ryan and is looking for the other items in Lucy’s poem (but if the location is always different, why would she expect to find them?). Well, Nancy finds two of the clues in the shape of masks hanging on the wall.  “I watched Medusa embrace the Kraken, but not her husband the King.” Ryan is the Prince, so the King is his father.  Which would make Medusa his mother.  Oh look, here’s Owen with more exposition.  The Kraken was his Uncle Sabastian and he wore that mask every year until he died. It’s looking less like Ryan murdered Lucy, but his family…and Carson worked for the Hudson’s.  Is that why the dress was there?  Is he involved somehow?  

Anyway, Nancy asks if Owen knows anything about Ryan brining Lucy to the party 20 years ago.  But he doesn’t.  However, he is interested in those coins.  See, the ship was a venture between the two families.  If Ryan has the coins, it’s proof the Hudsons double crossed the Marvins.  One of the people on the boat was Sabastian, who was a rival of Everett Hudson.  Nancy tells him she doesn’t have the coins. Owen tries to convince her to leave and she agrees to, if he can tell her where to find a Pegasus.  

Meanwhile, Ryan runs into his mother, who is doing everything possible to get Ryan not to sell the coins.  She even says that if Ryan gives her the coins, she’ll get the father to change his mind.  Ryan refuses.

Nancy is lead toward the Pegasus, when they run into Nick.  Owen reminds her to remember their agreement and tells her which room to go to.  Then, he leaves Nick and Nancy alone.  Nick follows Nancy, who hopes he isn’t here to steal the coins.  Wishful thinking.  Nancy’s says there’s too many of them there and they will all be thrown out before any of their goals are accomplished.  Look, this is basically set up so the Nick asks Nancy to let him in and she turns him down.  The problem is, she did tell him why she’s here; she’s being haunted by Lucy and she thinks that this party has something to do with her death.    

We cut to George and Bess, who see Lisbeth working at the party.  She works for the Hudson’s, but there’s clearly something else going on. Bess is frustrated and Lisbeth is…quite possibly turned on.

Cut to Nancy, where she finds the Pegasus on a piece of furniture.  So, to put it together; Lucy was unhappy at the party and so she hid. From her hiding spot, she saw Sabastian and Ryan’s mother, Celia, together.  But it seems that maybe Celia caught Lucy?  She definitely catches Nancy.  The mother tries to be all sweet towards Nancy, until Nancy tells her about her suspicions (oh, she and Betty Cooper would work together so well).  At which point, the mother not-so-vaguely threatens Nancy.  But she expects Nancy can be discrete, just like her father.  Oh boy.  

At the auction, Owen tries to convince Nick to work with him.  That would be a no.  Bess and Lisbeth flirt.  The auction for the coin starts, George screams, Ace turns off the power (how’d he get back there), and in the dark, Bess and Lisbeth kiss.  Then Bess remembers the plan and tries to grab the coins, but the lights come back on and she’s caught red handed.  It looks like Bess is in trouble, but Owen vouches for them and promises they won’t speak a word.  Nancy sees the three escorted out.

Ryan, at this point, sees a younger version of Lucy, who he calls Luce.  He goes into the room were she is.  Meanwhile, Nancy sees leaves on the floor, blowing in the wind. She goes back into the room and sees Ryan kissing Lucy; who’s back into her ghostly form.  Lucy grabs his arm and his wedding ring starts to burn him again. Nancy realizes that Lucy is upset about the ring.  On the ring, Lucy has engraved her name and an arrow pointing to Tiffany’s name. Lucy is trying to tell them her death lead to Tiffany’s.  Ryan understands how bad this looks, but he didn’t kill Lucy.  At the time, he was away a boarding school when Lucy was murdered. Ryan’s dad forbade his son to ever talk about Lucy again. 

The truth is, Ryan did love Lucy and he took her to the party to impress her.  He knows something bad happened that night, but she wouldn’t tell him what.  Then, his parents wouldn’t let him talk to her and they told them they took care of Lucy. Nancy asks how and Ryan replies through Carson Drew.  

Nancy goes home, afraid of what she learned.  However, she gets some good news from the person she sent the samples to. Tiffany’s results aren’t back yet, but there’s information on Lucy.  Turns out there were two different hair strands on the crown; Lucy’s and the killer. Furthermore, those hair stands belonged to a woman; which means Carson isn’t the killer.  Maybe.  Unless there’s another explanation for the hair.

At The Claw, the group is upset that their plan didn’t go so well (except Bess, she’s happy). Nick apologizes for getting the others in trouble.  Nancy comes in and everyone is upset with her for not helping out.  Even when Nancy shows them that she switched out the coins. (Um, three episodes ago, most of these people would have happily let Nick take the fall so they weren’t suspects anymore; so maybe not be so judgy against the person who’s currently being haunted.)  Nancy’s tells Nick she hopes that this gives him the chance to do what he wants, to turn the coins over to the police.  Nick’s response is that he hopes Nancy got what she want and…did he just break up with her? That just felt so final.  

Nancy begins to tell the others that Tiffany’s and Lucy’s death may be connected, when they hear a car pull up to The Claw.  It’s Owen, who won the auction.  Owen is fine with loosing the coins as he knows that the reason Nick wants the coins to prove the Hudson’s were involved is some pretty immoral things.  And he just so happens to have the number to an FBI agent, who he’s willing to give to Nancy in case she finds the coins.  Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.  

Meanwhile, Nick is watching from the window.  George suggests violence, but Nick says he’s good.  It’s clear to Nick that it may not work out with Nancy.  Meanwhile, Lisbeth comes by with pizza and so she and Bess seem to be working it out for now.  Owen asks Nancy out, but she says her heart belongs to Nick (yeah, about that…).  Nick is still watching and puts his head in his hands.  The camera focuses on the coins, that are starting to stand on their ends.