#tenant and landlord board

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

“The Kingston Community Legal Clinic is warning residents after a Landlord and Tenant Board adjudicator decided a landlord was wrongfully attempting to evict their tenant.

“The landlord seeks possession of the rental unit so his mother can live there,” adjudicator Laura Hartslief wrote in her June 28 decision on the fate of Jason Martin’s home in the basement unit of 151 Fraser St. “I am not satisfied that it is more likely than not that she genuinely intends to live there.”

Jordan Morelli, a physics professor at Queen’s University who owns the rental unit, said he is devastated by Hartslief’s decision.

“It’s a complete outrage that we’ve lost this thing because I’ve been trying to get my parents here for two years,” Morelli said. “I really want my parents to be living in there.”

John Done of the Kingston Community Legal Clinic represented Martin at the Landlord and Tenant Board hearing. He said his clinic has seen a significant increase in evictions for landlords to renovate units or to use for their own use — which is what Morelli applied for. In many of those cases, but not all, landlords evict a tenant who is paying a lower rent, renovate the unit, and rent it out again for sometimes double the cost.

Done said that, at first, Martin was resigned to moving out, but when Done saw Martin’s case, he urged him to push back against Morelli.

“These are situations we see all of the time in a Landlord’s Own Use application, and our view is (that) once we start putting these under the microscope, a lot of them don’t have merit,” Done said. “Once Mr. Martin said he would accept our help, then there were, indeed, some things that sort of leaped off the page. … There were the hallmarks of these (types of) landlords’ applications that I don’t think they could show good faith.”

Martin, who on Wednesday said he still couldn’t believe he was successful, said Done worked wonders. Martin said, the stress of the case, which was drawn out over two years due to a scheduling overflow caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has caused Martin to lose five jobs over the two years.

“When I got that decision, I actually had to leave work,” Martin, who has been working steadily at a local fishing tackle manufacturing company since the end of May, said excitedly. “I couldn’t believe it, and I was overwhelmed. I was shaking, I couldn’t talk, my brain went to mush. I’m very happy with the decision.”

Morelli owns a total of 10 units within five properties in Kingston. He said he wanted to use Martin’s apartment as a new home for his mother, Henriette Morelli, who currently lives in a two-bedroom condominium with her husband, Edwin Morelli, in Saskatoon.”

- Steph Crosier, “Tenant wins at board hearing,” Kingston Whig-Standard. Jul 11, 2022. This was a front page story in the print edition.

///

We are happy that this story is now out in the open for all to see. It won't be the last word on the matter, that's for sure. But it clearly demonstrates why Queen's University professor and faculty association president (as well as former president of the Kingston NDP riding association) Jordan Morelli's N12 eviction notice was thrown out at the LTB. In our opinion, what this stories reveals is that Morelli is willing to exploit the housing crisis for his own financial gain. 

Prior to this instance, there was two previous times where he claimed family members were moving in to units when they never did. He paid these tenants a meagre $3000, money which they quickly burned through with their rent prices hundreds of dollars a month higher. Meanwhile, he charged higher rents to the people moving in: one unit went from $409 to $1150 a month, while another went from $670 to $1200. He made that money back within months. 

Morelli wants to claim he is a victim in all this, and actually goes so far as saying that the landlord tenant laws works well for tenants. But the facts speak for themselves: The LTB rejected his case because they do not believe his story. Additionally, close to 90 percent of tenants at the LTB have no legal representation, and if it weren't for KUT and KCLC supporting Morelli's tenant, Morelli would most likely have someone living in Martin's unit's at double the rent. 

Tenants can win when they stand up and fight. Get to know your neighbours and organize with them! In Martin's case, former tenants stood with Martin to explain what had happened to them after moving out. This sort of solidarity led to Martin staying in his apartment at a rent price he can afford. KUT stands with tenants across the city and will do what we can to help.

- official statement of the Kingston / Katarokwi Union of Tenants, July 12, 2022 (Martin is a member)

/// The tenant union had helped several other tenants of Morelli, who had also been told they would have to move out of his own properties for the same reason of family need, and the communication between tenants allowed them to learn he was using the same line on several tenants - allowing the tenants to resist his efforts or negotiate for better accommodation to leave. Martin’s is the first official victory against this particular landlord, but likely won’t be the last. Of course, Morelli is a self-pitying landlord in all of this, being quoted in the article as saying: “Somehow I’m the bad guy in all of this; they’re trying to paint me as a villain.”  Morelli is hardly the worst landlord in Kingston, Ontario, and nowhere near as powerful as a rental company like Homestead. His tactics are typical of landlords everywhere. The reason why he acts the way he does, and can act the way he does, is at base a structural issue, in which housing is an investment and a means of accumulation rather than a basic right. But Kingston is a smallish town, with a proportionately smallish, vague, fragmented, and often dysfunctional ‘left’, so Morelli’s role has been controversial and increasingly divisive. Notably, it was discovered by the tenant union that his mother, who he has been claiming he was going to move into one of these vacated units, is a retired university professor who likely doesn’t want to live in a tiny basement apartment! 

As the press release from KUT notes, Morelli is a major player in the local political scene, as former riding president for the federal NDP, as secretary of the Kingston and District Labour Council (and had the temerity to send this article to other council members, even after the Council passed a pro-tenant motion!) and at Queen’s University, where he is a professor and head of the faculty association. In those roles, he is a bad faith opponent of tenant rights, student activism, grassroots unionism, and the left-wing of the NDP (as well as the small, overlapping and fractious autonomist, anarchist, communist and decolonial groups in the area). For instance, this was his response to the Ontario government, controlled by Conservatives, capping rent increases!

If there was any justice in the world or social democracy and labour unionism was not so pathetically degenerated, this kind of coverage should get him kicked out of the KDLC or NDP.

[newsfromstolenland]

"Ontario's delay-ridden Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) is prioritizing applications from landlords asking for above guideline rent increases until the end of the year, according to a memo obtained by CBC Toronto. 

An LTB spokesperson confirmed the plan to focus on above guideline rent increases (AGIs) and previously adjourned matters because they make up a large proportion of the board's aging caseload. 

"Focusing on these applications will help ensure that the oldest applications get scheduled and heard as a priority, as the LTB continues to find solutions to address service delays," said Janet Deline, in a statement.

Stakeholders on both sides of the landlord-tenant relationship are criticizing the move. They told CBC Toronto prioritizing AGIs puts the interests of corporate landlords ahead of tenants already facing sky high rents, and small landlords in debt from unpaid rent because of months-long delays at the LTB.

'It makes corporations richer,' tenant says

"You're pushing through stuff for corporations, instead of pushing through stuff for people," said Sharlene Henry, a tenant in Toronto's Weston neighbourhood. 

"It makes corporations richer, while people — be it they're poor, they're working class, they live on fixed income — struggle more.""

Full article

tagging: @allthecanadianpolitics

[localgays2]

My apartment complex blows leaves EVERY day in addition to paying for a landscaper to do whatever they do every week. Yet the rent raise is because of inflation??

[lighthousedann]

State of Affairs for the Residents of David Weiss' Life On Queen Apartments

(The following is a follow up to my previous podcast and blog.) How has this social disaster come to be? Can it be undone? My previous podcast regarding the deplorable conditions David Weiss’ “Life On Queen” tenants are living with, shows how tenant rights and accountability from the landlords are almost nonexistent. I can assure you that Westwood Holdings are not the only culprits. Ontario…

[timeisacephalopod]

Actually might pop up to the neighbor above me and tell him whatever he's smelling it's not me and then ask him when he told Brian about the bugs because I KNOW he did. I suspect one other tenant ALSO did but I won't bother him because he's not technically already involved. And if Neighbors story doesn't match Brian's then I guess I'll have a little ammo for the next chat I'm SURE I'll have to have with this shit stain. Cannot believe he tried to convince me NO ONE complained about bugs but someone complained SO MUCH about the SMELL of smoke that I get THREE messages about it in less than two weeks. No fucking WAY could that even be REMOTELY true, guy clearly thinks I was born yesterday and dropped on my head repeatedly if he thinks I'm likely to believe such a ridiculous story.

And if I find out my neighbor DIDNT complain about me OHHH BOY will Brian have MY wild hair up his ass.

[feminist-space]

"Two landlord lobbying groups are petitioning the Supreme Court to overturn New York City’s rent stabilization law, which would allow further countrywide challenges to rent control. Real estate billionaires friendly with court justices are backing the move.

...

Samuel Stein, a housing policy analyst at the Community Service Society, an anti-poverty organization in New York, said that if the Supreme Court were to overturn the rent stabilization law, “It’s the end of New York City.”

“Rents would go up significantly around the city,” he continued. “There will be a tremendous amount of displacement. You will have a lot of people leaving New York City, you will have a lot of homelessness, you’ll have a lot of overcrowding.”

A high court ruling wouldn’t just reshape New York, but would also pave the way for legal challenges to the dozens of rent control laws that exist around the country, and many more currently being considered. For example, in 2024, Californians will vote on a ballot measure to repeal the state’s ban on rent control.

At least one group petitioning the court to take the case has substantial ties to both Harlan Crow, the GOP megadonor and Justice Clarence Thomas benefactor, and Paul Singer, the hedge fund billionaire who provided an undisclosed private jet flight to Justice Samuel Alito.

...

The challenge to New York’s rent stabilization law was brought by two major New York landlord lobbying groups: the Rent Stabilization Association (RSA) and the Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP).

The two organizations spent a combined $4.7 million lobbying as they pushed to block the passage of a sweeping tenant protection law in 2019. The law, which expanded rent stabilization from just New York City to any locality in the state that chooses to opt in, made it more difficult for landlords to remove units from rent stabilization and added new protections to rent-stabilized units.

Just after the law passed, the groups sued the city and state, arguing that the new law and New York City’s existing 1969 rent stabilization law are unconstitutional.

The lawsuit from RSA and CHIP was dismissed by lower courts, most recently the federal Second Circuit Court of Appeals. But the groups claimed that their intention was always to reach the Supreme Court.

...

O Over the summer, a flurry of corporate lobbying groups and conservative think tanks submitted amicus briefs urging the Supreme Court to take the case. One of these think tanks has close financial ties to the Supreme Court’s billionaire benefactors.

The ties to Crow, a Texas real estate mogul, are salient as Congress urges the Justice Department to investigate Thomas’s alleged repeated violations of federal ethics laws, in part by accepting a series of undisclosed luxury gifts from Crow over two decades.

...

CHIP and RSA themselves represent major corporate landlords in New York, even as they have often claimed to be the voice of mom-and-pop landlords. (The two groups are reportedly considering merging.)

Major real estate and corporate lobbying groups are urging the high court to hear the case, including the California Business Roundtable, the Real Estate Board of New York, the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Apartment Association.

The Supreme Court will decide on the petition on September 26. If they accept it, justices will decide the case during their 2023–2024 term."

[allthecanadianpolitics]

When Mohamad Khalil Aldroubi heard that his landlord would be increasing the rent by up to 5.5 per cent starting last May, he started knocking on his neighbours’ doors. 

Aldroubi’s family has lived at an apartment complex at 71 Thorncliffe Park Dr., Toronto, since 2015. He has five kids. Like him, other tenants at other apartment complexes at 71, 75, and 79 Thorncliffe Park were already struggling to manage previous rate hikes. 

Ontario’s rent control guidelines set by the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) cap yearly rent rate increases in line with inflation, which is 2.5 per cent year-over-year for 2023 and 2024 respectively. But landlords can apply to the LTB for Above Guideline Increases (AGIs) for reasons such as construction and maintenance expenses.

Aldroubi and his neighbours say this AGI is unjustifiable. 

“We met in the lobby multiple times. We started very little, a shy group. Then we built trust between each other,” Aldroubi said. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada, @vague-humanoid

[thetragicallynerdy]

Hey Ontario folks, since we're in the time of year when the temperature is dropping but a lot of landlords haven't bothered to turn the heat on yet, the Landlord Tenant Board requires that rental units in Ontario be heated to 20 degrees C from Sept 1 - June 15. Your local municipality might set the requirement higher - for example, in mine it's 21 degrees C throughout the year.

Please note that this only applies to units where your landlord provides heat - so, for example, in an apartment where the heat is controlled by the landlord, not in a house you rent where you can turn the heat up and down. (Also worth noting that if you live in the same unit as your landlord - for example, renting a room in your landlord's house - LTB regulations do not apply to you.)

But yeah if it's fucking cold in your apartment or rental unit and you don't control the heat, ask your landlord to turn it on - and if they're an asshole about it, and the LTB covers you, call them on it or file a complaint.

And if you're not sure about how cold/warm your place is, buy one of those cheap outdoor thermometers and keep it somewhere. I bought one last year just so I could call my landlord on keeping the place like 4 degrees below the requirement.

I can't speak for other places, but most will have similar heat requirements, so check your local tenancy laws!!

[clonerightsagenda]

Getting Involved Locally

Every time I see a post implying the only two politically relevant actions you can take in America are voting or not voting in federal elections, I tell myself I will make this post, so now I am finally doing it.

As an American, it can be frustrating and dispiriting to feel like we're being held hostage by our politicians while the United States continues to be one of the biggest forces for suffering on a global scale. This post is not about what we can do on that scale but instead suggests that, if you're feeling powerless and depressed about your national/international impact, you can take action on the local level. I got involved with a local activist group a few years ago, and we've been able to tangibly help people in our community, get genuine policy passed, and net some legislative wins. It's much easier to influence a smaller system, and a lot more rewarding than doomscrolling on social media.

Disclaimer: I am an American who lives on the outskirts of a fairly large city. This post reflects my experience and not everything in it may be applicable to yours. Take what is useful and leave the rest.

What's out there?

There are a variety of ways to get involved locally depending on your preferences. I'm going to lump them into a few categories:

Local government. City council, school boards, library boards, etc. Many of these orgs have open meetings and allow public comment. They're often sparsely attended and members are frequently elected by small margins, so they're far more likely to listen to what you have to say than federal legislators. Check out your home's website to see if you can find minutes and agendas to learn what they're discussing and how you can weigh in. Great choice if you want to develop a first name basis nemesishood with a local politician.

Volunteering. If you have low bandwidth and just want someone to tell you what to do, but would like to know your actions immediately benefit real people, volunteering gigs might be for you. Lots of organizations need help! Community kitchens, greenspace cleanups, giving immigrants rides to appointments, phonebanking, tutoring, supporting cultural centers, etc. Find orgs connected to something you're interested in and see what they need.

Organizing. Organizing involves long term work to build groups of people who can push for change. Outside of labor unions, there are tenant unions (renters pushing their landlords for better conditions) and groups organizing around a specific issue. (Off the top of my head, in my area I'm aware of multiple groups organizing around abolition/decarceration, minimum wage, environmental justice, transit, and reproductive justice.) These groups require more commitment, but that also means you'll have more input than showing up to volunteer for a nonprofit a few times a month.

(The group I'm currently involved with is organizing-focused, so if you're curious I'm happy to share more details of what that's like, I just don't want this post to be even longer.)

How can I learn about opportunities?

Word of mouth

Local government websites

Library, college, and community center bulletin boards

Local events (I tabled at a music festival last summer)

Protests and rallies

Local news outlets (might be covering actions, etc.)

Social media

Google (try 'mutual aid' and your location)

Start getting involved. I cannot express how much I've learned about the activist landscape in my city just from joining one org. Between partnerships, solidarity requests, etc., so many groups are now on my radar that weren't before. As I said before, I'm in/near a fairly big city, but you might be surprised by how much is going on where you are!

A note on self-interest

Something we talk about in organizing is self-interest. Why are you passionate about this cause? Why are you in this fight? Identifying your self-interest is important for a few reasons. First, it helps you convince other people to care. Second, it keeps you engaged. If you start volunteering out of a vague sense that you're 'helping', it's much easier to lose interest. If you recognize how winning this fight makes your life better, you're more likely to stick with it. I'm not saying you should only get involved in causes that immediately materially benefit you, but it's worth thinking about your personal stake so that you can return to that when you think 'ugh I don't want to get out of bed for this meeting'. You may have seen the quote credited to Lilla Watson and a group of other Aboriginal Rights activists: "If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."

In conclusion

This is work. I've spent weekends in campaign retreats and driven 45 minutes across the city to make care packages. I am doing group projects and not even getting paid for it. But when you're frustrated with the state of the world, it's nice to be able to roll up your sleeves and make a visible impact on something you can control. It's also a great way to meet people irl who care about the same things as you and learn ways we can support each other when larger structures let us down.

As yet another American election season draws near with its avalanche of posts about voting, whether you intend to vote or post on tumblr about how much voting sucks or are a long-suffering non-American cursed to always see this shit, I challenge you to take a step* into your community and tackle a problem there. Who knows? You might even help solve it.

*Virtually if necessary. Many orgs try to be accessible. I attend many of my org's meetings on zoom!

[uhhidkkenny]

Complex.

Synopsis: Taking over your parents old apartment building didn’t seems so bad. It would definitely need some work to get it into shape but what about the “problem” tenant?

Pairing: Toji Fushiguro x fem reader

Word Count :5,626

CW: smut, voyeurism?, sub/dom dynamics, pussy slapping, degrading, oral (m&f), use of daddy, spit kink, explicit language, creampie, dirty talk, let me know if I forgot anything.

Minors DNI

A/n~ first fic so please let me know what you think. Constructive criticism is welcome!🖤

Taking over your parents old apartment building was a lot to deal with. It was a small apartment building. It was only one story and it was inside like a hotel. It definitely had a couple of problems. From fixing up old units, finding some people who would keep up with the maintenance, marketing, getting a contractor to fix the busted up parking lot, it would take some TLC to get the building looking great again for sure. But the worst task was needing to introduce yourself to all the current tenants. Out of the 10 apartments in the building, 7 were already filled. 2 units were occupied by older couples who sent a check in on time every month and didn’t want to be bothered. 1 unit was shared by multiple college girls who are either too drunk to bother anyone or to busy throwing a party to care about anyone else. Another unit is occupied by a younger male who was always out working or traveling. 2 more units were occupied by couples, one was a younger pair that seemed to hate each other, and the others being close to mid thirties who seemed desperate to be inside each others skin. You would soon be occupying one to save yourself money, but it seems that you were going to be neighbors with the man who seemed to leave quite the impression on your parents.

Standing outside of the last apartment, you look at your clip board to read the summary your parents gave you and see that the man who lives here seems to be trouble. Ranging from altercations, not paying rent on time, or just complaining about everything it definitely seemed like he wouldn’t be your favorite. Knocking on his door nervously you begin to wonder if he’s a scary and old man or if he’s some young kid who comes from daddy’s money that just likes chaos. After waiting for what felt like maybe 2 minutes, you turn on your heels to walk away and just deal with the cranky man when he makes trouble again. That is until the door unlocks. Once it creeks open you hear “Can I help you?” Spinning back around you meet the tall, built, beautiful, belligerent man named Toji Fushiguro. Maybe being neighbors with an asshole wouldn’t be so bad.

“Hi I’m y/n. I’m the new landlord and I wanted to introduce myself to the tenants.” you say with a smile holding your hand out. His large hand grabs yours firmly but is gentle as he shakes it. “Toji” he says with a big smirk across his scarred lips. You’re hoping he can’t feel your hands sweating as your eyes meet. “I didn’t think a little girl like you would want to take over this dump” he says finally releasing your hand, leaning his shoulder on the door frame. “Well my parents weren’t able to keep up with the place anymore so I offered to take over.” You say taking a few steps back trying to keep your eyes on his and not rake them over his body. “Well it was nice to meet you y/n. Can’t wait to see you again” He says with that big smirk on his face still as he shuts his door.

You feel a sigh feeling relief roll from your lips. Things went better than planned and now you just have to plan on how to fill the remaining units. It’s only September 3rd so you’ve got time. As you’re walking down the long hall of the building you realize it’s pretty quiet. This is something you hoped for; the apartment building isn’t in terrible shape, the tenants seem decent, and now you’re the owner who can decorate the building however you want. You’ve got a cute little office in the front you can’t wait to mess with and you need to buy new furniture for the apartment you’re about to take for yourself. You wanted to feel control over your own life. You were ready for some simplicity in your life. Your 24 now. You’re too old to party every night but too young to be tied down at home with kids. You were fresh out of college so this felt like a good transition stage with less partying and more working. It was the best time in your life to keep yourself busy and learn how to fully live life on your own. Everything was going perfect. Things were gonna be good right?

It’s the 5th of October and everything was going amazing. Everything is decorated and furnished, including your new apartment. The 2 remaining units were remodeled and you have multiple applications from people trying to rent them. The outside of the building look clean. The parking lot had no potholes remaining. You haven’t had anyone call or come to the office with any complaints. Everything seemed fine. Your parents were probably just being a little judgmental. That was until you were looking on your laptop that sits in your office and you notice a certain someone is late on rent. That certain someone is also your new neighbor. That certain someone is also the fine ass man that you can barely keep eye contact with. Aka Toji.

Ever since you moved into the apartment fully, you saw Toji a handful of more times. He even offered to help you move a few pieces of furniture while the movers had taken a break. You declined the offer but made small talk about how long he’s been there and how he liked what you had done with the building. Since then most of what was exchanged was simple greetings or how are you doings then going about your lives. He had a weird schedule though. Sometimes you were going into the office at 9am and he was just coming home, sometimes when you went to your apartment for lunch at 1pm he was just leaving, sometimes at 2am you could hear him singing in the shower. There were random times in your apartment when you could hear some “things” at night. There was also a night or where you swore you could hear thumping on the wall along with a higher pitched voice, a womans voice. You could tell that Toji was being respectful and trying to keep it down but he seemed to know how women liked it. You were definitely not jealous of whoever was in the apartment that one time. Not at all. You obviously weren’t envisioning that it was you. Most nights though there was no thumping on the wall, just grunts. You couldn’t help but lean a little closer to the way and slip your hand in your panties to toy with your clit. Listening to him through the walls. He wasn’t just beautiful, his grunts and moans sounded just as pretty as he looked. You just hoped that he couldn’t hear you too.

It doesn’t matter though because you’re his landlord and he is your tenant. Your little crush can’t get in the way of you making money. You have to show him you mean business. Building up the courage to acknowledge his rent being past due you feel you feet moving towards his door to slide a note under that says “Hey! Rent was due on the 3rd. Please let me know when you will be able to pay it before late fees add on. -y/n :)” Running back to the office to act like it wasn’t you who left it, even though your the owner.

Confrontation wasn’t your strong point. You didn’t find Toji scary so much as you found him intimidating. The man could break you if he wanted to and you weren’t sure if you liked that or not. The next day you went in your office to find a note was slipped under the door for you that said

“Sorry sweets, I will pay it on the 7th. Ps just knock next time - Toji”

After blushing like a preteen in middle school you went about your day making calls and listing the apartments on other websites to keep yourself busy.

A few days had gone by since you had seen or heard Toji. It’s currently 4 pm and you’re adding some last minute decor and furniture to one of the vacant units for a tour coming up tomorrow with potential tenants. You have your head phones in, humming along as you move things around the apartment. Placing things in set ways to make sure it looks presentable when feel like something is behind you. “Holy shit” you yell dropping the picture from your hands as you turn around and notice Toji at the door. He starts laughing and you pout. “You scared the shit out of me” you admit crossing your arms over your chest. You’re blushing hard from embarrassment and the fact that he is dressed in a tight shirt with sweats. “Can I help you?” “I just wanted to come apologize for the rent but I didn’t wanna interrupt your creativity” he laughs again taking a step into the apartment looking around “It looks nice in here” you smile at the compliment. “Aw thanks. I’m hoping the people who want to rent it think the same” you sigh. “I think anyone would rent from a cutie like you” he says once he’s done looking around and focuses his eyes on you. “I was wanting to see if I could make you dinner to make up for the rent situation” he says eyeing you up and down. “That’s ok Toji. You don’t need to do that.” your eyes are trying to look anywhere that is not him. Nobody has ever made you this nervous, especially not a man but Toji made you feel things. Especially between your thighs. “I want to make up for it sweets, why don’t you come to my place tonight… I don’t bite.” He smirks taking a few more steps inside. “I-I don’t know. I don’t want to be a bother” you say feeling yourself heat up as he gets closer. “It’s only me you’ll be able to bother” he chuckles, “Be there at 7 please. I don’t wanna leave a bad impression” he says bending down to pick up the picture from floor handing it to you. His fingers graze yours as you reach for it and you feel electricity shoot through your fingertips. Your eyes meeting his. “I’ll be there” he releases the photo and walks away “Great, don’t forget that pretty face” is the last thing you heard before he is fully out of the unit. You can’t help but roll your eyes at the butterflies you feel in your stomach.

7 o’clock rolls around and you’ve gone through what feels like a million different outfits after your shower. You keep reminding yourself it’s not a date but you can’t let this gorgeous man see you looking bad. You thought about a dress but that was too fancy. Maybe a t shirt and biker shirt? Too casual. You ended up settling for a pair of brown flare yoga pants with a crème cropped turtle neck. Your hair was in its naturally curly state but with the help of a few products it looked extra bouncy. You felt hot and hopefully Toji would at least find you presentable. You keep mentally telling yourself to chill the fuck out and it’s not a date so who care what he thinks, but you know who cares. You care. Grabbing your keys and phone you walk out of your door just to walk up to his. It’s about 7:13 at this point but you were nervous. Taking a deep breath in you finally knock and wait to see what the man has in store for the night.

The door creeks open just like last time and you make a mental note to offer to fix it someday. He stands there in black jeans and a white sweater but his muscles are still peeking though his attire. “Like what you see?” You can hear his smirk before your eyes meet his. You didn’t even realize you were eye fucking him while he was watching. “Sorrysorrysorry. You look nice” You smile, desperately trying to recover from the embarrassment. He steps back out of the doorway extending his arm toward the inside of his apartment to invite you in. You walk in and his apartment it surprisingly clean. It’s got some basic decor, a few pictures around, the apartment has been painted a light grey but it was nice. “You were late. I thought I was gonna have to slip a note under your door.” He’s the first to speak up with a slight chuckle in his tone. It makes you let out a small laugh too. “I’m sorry I was late there was traffic.” You joke making your way to the island that sits outside the kitchen to have a seat. “What do you want to drink pretty girl” he asked stepping in the kitchen with his back faced to you. “Water is fine” Toji definitely made you feel more comfortable as the time passed. While he was cooking you guys made small talk about you taking over building for your parents and how you finished school for interior design but this sounded more fun. He also told you about himself and how he does contract type work and odd jobs which is why he is coming and going at random times.

When the food was done you both made it to the comfy couch in the living room to eat. He made a simple meal of chicken and rice but it was really tasty. There wasn’t much conversation during the meal but it was a comfortable silence. When you both finished up you were the first to stand, taking your plate into his kitchen and walking over to the sink. “What are you doing?” He question making his way into the kitchen behind you. You already had your sleeves rolled up with the water running in the sink. “You cooked for me so I’ll clean the dishes.” You say as you begin washing your dishes when Toji sets his in the sink next to yours. “You didn’t need to do that. I cooked to make it up to you about rent. Now I’m gonna owe you again” he says with a smile as he leans agains the counter by you, watching you do the dishes. “Well the food was good so I wouldn’t mind if you made something else for me” you admit. Finishing up the dishes, your hands were soaked and you secretly wanted to look in a mirror to fix your self up, if need be. You ask for the bathroom and he directs you to it. The bathroom is just as clean as the rest of the apartment. You dry off and go to meet Toji in the living room.

He’s sitting on the couch so you make your way over and sit on the opposite side. “What would you like to do?” He’s relaxed on the couch, his legs manspread, an arm thrown over the back of the couch shifting his head to look at you. He just looks so good you can’t help but let your mind run wild. “It’s only 9:30 so you can stay a little longer right? You only live next door.” You internally debate for about two seconds before agreeing. “It’s not my bedtime yet so I guess we could find something to do or watch something.” You say with a chuckle turning your face toward his but you notice his eyes aren’t meeting yours and he’s no longer smiling. His eyes are all over your body from the top of your head all the way down to where your feet meet the floor. “What about some dessert?” He asks with that smirk finally coming back as his green orbs lock on yours. You feel yourself turn red from his stare. You don’t trust yourself not to stutter so you just nod your head and keep eye contact to see what he has in mind. He keeps his gaze on yours as he starts to move closer. You feel your breath get stuck in your throat as he set his hand on your knee and leans into your ear. “I know I should let you pick what’s for dessert,” you feel his hand dragging up your thigh while the other one finds its place behind your neck “but let me eat this pussy instead, ok pretty girl?” You feel yourself shiver. Thank god you agreed to dinner.

Toji pulled back to connect his lips to yours. You melt into the kiss, allowing him to devour your mouth with his as he slips his tongue past your lips. His hands are now at your waist pulling you onto his lap to straddle him. Your hands have finally made their way into his hair and on the back of his neck. Your lips briefly fought with his for dominance, but he easily over powered you. His hands were now running down your back and gripping your ass. You feel yourself moan into the kiss and his hands start to rock you against his bulge directly beneath you. You haven’t seen his cock yet but you can feel that it’s huge. You feel yourself practically dripping into your panties. You pull away from the kiss to catch your breath. “Fuck pretty girl, can you feel what you do to me?” He asks grinding his hips up to meet yours with a harsh but slow thrust. “Haven’t stopped thinking about you since you knocked on my door that day.” He admits letting out a small grunt. You whine “Can’t stop thinking about y-you either” his lips are pressing against your jaw as his hands are pulling up the sweater your wearing. “Yeah? You think about me when you touch yourself? I can hear you moaning like a slut through the walls.” Your movements halt for a moment. He could hear you this whole time? How embarrassing. He smacks your ass “I want you to use your words pretty. You think about me?” You felt so small but so good it didn’t even matter. “I think about you all the time” you admit. His arms finish taking off your sweater and are now wrapping around your waist picking you up and walking you to assumably his bedroom.

Your shirt was left in the living room and your bra was taken off in the hallway all while Toji kept his lip on yours. You feel yourself getting thrown onto his mattress. His bed smelled amazing. Like sunflowers and musk. You hope this isn’t your only time in here. Within moments his shirts off and he pounces on you. Kissing your lips once more before kissing down your throat and making his way to your hardened nipples. “Look at that. So cute.” He says as he leans down to start flicking his tongue on one nipple and twist the other between his fingers. All his touches are sending shockwaves straight to your clit. You feel so whiney from the slightest bit of foreplay and it’s not even the best part. Toji tugs at one of your nipples gently with his teeth as you feel his hands sliding down to the waistband of your pants. He manages to take them off successfully with one hand which left you in only the lacy lilac panties you were hoping he could see on you. You feel like an absolute mess. Your hands as gripping his shoulders like your life depends on it as he keeps moving his lips lower and lower. You breath is coming out in pants from anticipation. He finally makes it to the waist line if your panties before pulling away and using his hands to spread your thighs. “Look at that. You wore these just for me?” He asks teasingly as he drags his middle finger over your clothed core, feeling the wet spot in the center. “Mhmm” you nod in agreement. He slaps your pussy, displeased with the lack of words and you quickly correct yourself “Yes s-sir” Your beet red. How does a stranger have this much control over you. You feel like if he said to cum you would cum on the spot. “Good girl, now just lay there and let me make things up to you”

Toji was being a tease. He took his sweet ass time kissing up and down both of your thighs, dragging his tongue along the insides of your legs until he finally places one sweet kiss on your clothed clit. You couldn’t even contain the moan that leaves your mouth. He starts to lick at your wet mound through the panties. “T-toji please” you beg wanting to actually feel him use his mouth. “Please what pretty girl? You want me to take them off?” He asked while toying with the waist band, leaving more kisses to your clothed pussy. “Yes please. Wan feel your mouth.” You practically beg looking down at the man between your thighs.

He places on last kiss on your panties before slipping them to the side and licking a long stripe up from your hole to your clit. You feel any breath in your lungs leave at the sensation. Toji is relentless. He keeps licking at your hole like he’s a starved man. He is switching from sucking to slurping to licking to flicking in the perfect way. You moans are uncontrollable at this point. Your legs keep trying to close around his head but his strong hands are keeping them pried open while your back remains arched off the bed. Your hands are on the back of his head keeping him there as he laps at your clit. You couldn’t bring yourself to do anything but lay there and take it. His mouth is all over your pussy and you feel your clit twitching waiting to release. Toji could feel you getting closer to your release and decides to slip a finger in your hole. He pumps his finger in 2 times before you’re shaking and spasming around his finger. Your eyes have tears building in your lash line from the intensity of the orgasm you just had wash over you but Toji was far from done. He sits up on his elbows to look at you from between your thighs with his finger still curling upwards inside you. “Who told you to cum? -I don’t think I allowed you too slut.” He pulls his finger out momentarily to slap your pussy before shoving 2 fingers back in.

Your whining as Toji fingers you through your orgasm. The pace his fingers are pumping in and out of you is making the most lewd noises of squelching. You’re trying to apologize but you feel like there’s no air in the room. The only thing on your mind is Toji. He slows his pace and finally pulls his fingers out only to sit up on his knees and grab you by the hair in your head, pulling you up to your knees on the bed into a heated kiss. You can taste yourself on his tongue as he prods at your mouth. “You gonna be a good girl and choke on this dick or do I need to make you?” he says grabbing your face to where your cheeks are squeezed close enough together your lips pucker. You nod your head unable to give a verbal response and he allows it this time. You automatically move to the end of the bed when Toji releases your face and lies down. You get on your hands and knees between his legs and start to unbuckle his pants. He’s moving his hand to cup your jaw and drag his finger over your lip. “Look at you. You look like a mess already. Gonna make a mess on my cock pretty girl?” He asks. “Yes sir” you whimper. After pulling his pants down you start to palm at his bulge through his boxers. He grabs you by your hair again and pulls your face down onto his lap. He then grinds his hard bulge up onto your cheek, like a pet rubbing their face on their owner. “Open” is all he says before pulling his cock out to which you gladly oblige. He pulls you up by your hair and places your open mouth over his tip. One thing you were confident in was sucking some dick. Toji keeps his hand in your hair but lets move as you wish, like a dog on a leash. You place a chaste kiss on the tip before sticking your tongue out and dropping your mouth down onto his length before closing your lips around it and sucking. Moaning around his length at the feeling of him in your mouth. You bob your head slowly to take as much of him as you can. You could hear his breathing falter the farther you went down. “Fuck. Takin me so well” he said gently guiding your head up and down at a bit of a faster pace. His cock was big, but the girth is where you were struggling. Once he started hitting the back of your throat you were gagging. You moved your hand to grab his balls while you were taking his cock down your throat. You can feel the spit just sliding down your mouth to his balls. He lets out a low grunt as you feel him shift his legs. He plants his feet on the mattress with his knees bent. He starts to buck his hips up at a steadily increasing pace until he fucking your mouth. You can feel your drool all over your mouth, your neck, his lap, and he isn’t letting up. You just keep gagging, trying to breathe through your nose as you look up at him with runny mascara and wet cheeks from the spit and tears. You can’t help but moan from how good you feel. Toji looks so good fucking your mouth, you just keep imagining how he would look pounding you into the mattress. “Just like that pretty girl. Take it like a good little slut.” You moan around his cock. You want nothing more than to please this man right now. His pace keeps up for a little bit longer before his hips stutter “F-fuck you better swallow what I give you or I won’t let you cum again.” And with that he brings your nose to his pelvis one more time before releasing down your throat. You can barely even taste it he had you pulled so far down. You choke a little bit but you swallow every drop. You didn’t want him to be done yet, no matter how tired and fucked out you were.

He pulls you off of his cock by your hair and brings your face to his. “Show me your tongue.” You open your mouth with your tongue sticking out so he can see that you did what you were told and swallowed. He didn’t say it but he thought you looked so fucking gorgeous. Your eyes were glossy from the tears, mascara running down your face, cheeks were pink and wet from the slobber, lips red and swollen from him fucking your face, you just looked so fucked out and desperate he could’ve came again just from the sight. “Look at how pathetic you are.” He spits into your mouth and then brings you in for a sloppy kiss. It’s basically all tongue. All your doing it’s tasting each other. Swapping spit and sucking each others tongues while you both catch your breath. “All that just from a little bit of cock hm? You think you can take some more?” “Yes please” you whimper.

He rolls you onto your back spreading your legs again. His cock is already hard again as he’s sliding it up and down your folds. “Beg for it” he smirks making sure the tip is rubbing on your clit. “Please fuck me toji.” You say blushing again basically whispering what you want from the man. “You just let me fuck your throat and now you wanna act shy? Beg for it or I can help you get dressed.” He says slapping your thigh while still rubbing his hardened member through your folds. Your wetness keeps building up as he teases your cunt. It’s getting sloppier and wetter by the second. “Please fuck me sir. I want your cock so bad. I can’t stop thinking about it since I took over here” you admit whining from the friction but desperate for more. “Aw is my little landlord desperate for me? You want me to fill you up with my cock?” He teases with that smirk. “Yes sir I want it so bad. Wanna feel you inside me daddy please?” You beg and he delivers. Pulling back one last time to thrust his cock into you. He give you a moment to adjust to the size. You feel like your legs have gone numb. He lowers his forehead to rest on yours with his arms caging around your head as he starts to slowly thrust in and out of you. Short and shallow thrusts slowly progress to fast and deep thrust. “F-fuck this lil pussy is just sucking me in. You like that? You like getting fucked by your tenant?” Your moans are loud and breathy. Your hands are gripping his shoulders again. You feel like he’s knocking the wind out of you with every thrust. “Yes feels sgood” you manage to say while whining. Your able to open your eyes every few seconds before Toji manages to hit that spongy spot inside you that sends your eyes rolling in the back of your head “Yea? You look so dumb right now. Your gettin fucked stupid on daddy’s dick aren’t you?” He says grunting. His words, his moans, the wet slaps you keep hearing, it’s all adding to the heat in your stomach that keeps building. Toji can feel you clenching around his cock. He took your legs and pushed them into your chest as he starts relentlessly pounding into you. “If you wanna cum you better use your words.” His hips don’t falter. He keeps up his brutal pace waiting for your response. “C-can I cum please” you beg as best as you can. Unable to really speak without stuttering. “Thank me, say thank you daddy and I’ll let you cum.” “T-thank you daddyyy feels ssgood please let me cum” he reaches his hand down to you clit. Rubbing harsh circles as he keeps pounding into you but his hips are starting to stutter as he reaches his release too. “Cum with me baby, cum on my cock.” That was all he had to say as you let out a silent scream, clenching around his cock as your body shakes with an even more intense orgasm. Your eyes fly open with your mouth in the shape of an “o” as Toji releases inside you. Letting out the prettiest moan you’ve heard. His hips slow down as he fucks you through your orgasm until he hissed from the sensitivity and pulled out collapsing on top of you.

You’re both out of breath, sticky, and tired. You let your fingers gently glide along his back for a few minutes before he gets up from on top of you. “Wait here” he goes and gets a wet rag to clean you up where you need it most. He’s still catching his breath as he starts going through his drawers. You finally get a good look at his bedroom and it’s lovely. Your head is still spinning about what’s just happened. Eventually Toji has put some new boxers on and your still left naked on his bed. You feel yourself blush assuming it’s your time to get dressed and leave. You start to sit up when something soft hits your chest. “It’ll probably be too big but it’ll work right princess?” He asks grabbing one more thing before turning to face you. You pick up what was thrown at you and it was one of his T shirts. You look up at him with a smile and nod. He gets back in the bed with you after you’ve put the big shirt on. He pulls you into his chest as you guys begin to talk about life. What it was like growing up, hobbies, embarrassing stories, it’s sweet. It’s almost like he didn’t just re-arrange your guts but it’s nice. Eventually you drift asleep while in his arms.

You wake up to the alarm that was set on your phone. Sitting up you remember the events of last night but you don’t see Toji anywhere. You need to head back to your apartment for fresh clothes and a shower. You have to get to your office to print out some pamphlets before giving a few apartment tours. You’re a little sad as you get up to do the walk of shame that’s about 12 feet to your apartment. When you reach his door to leave you notice there’s a note taped to the door.

“Sorry sweets, had a job early this morning and didn’t wanna wake you. I know you have a master key so can you lock my door? Don’t be mad at me. Let me make it up to you tonight? ;)

Ps have a good day <3

xxx-xxx-xxxx -Toji”

You couldn’t be more thrilled to have a shitty tenant.

🖤🖤AHHAHHAAH FIRST FIC KINDA NERVOUS. Please let me know any requests. I’m still trying to figure out how to post and things of that nature. Please do not repost my work elsewhere without my permission. 🖤🖤

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"The release of the Ontario Ombudsman’s new report on the province’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) warrants reflection on the primary role of the tribunal: evictions.

The Ombudsman wrote that tenants and landlords share a common interest in making the LTB run smoothly. In truth, a more efficient approach to processing cases at the LTB will only further speed up evictions and serve to facilitate the profit-making of landlords who can raise rents on vacant units once sitting tenants have been removed.

Despite the LTB’s many internal issues, the main reason the tribunal is overwhelmed is due to the sheer volume of eviction cases landlords file against tenants. Tribunals Ontario reported that in 2021-2022, 88 per cent of all applications received by the LTB were filed by landlords against tenants, and in 89 per cent of those applications (more than 48,500), landlords sought to evict tenants.

Landlords also added to the much-discussed backlog of cases at the LTB throughout the entirety of the pandemic, as the Ontario government allowed them to continue to file for eviction against tenants uninterrupted. In fact, the Ombudsman reported that during the first pandemic lockdown in March 2020, when eviction hearings were paused for a short time, the LTB still struggled to process the high number of applications it continued to receive.

The discussion surrounding the problems at the LTB often neglects to mention the political history of the tribunal. In 1997, the Mike Harris Conservative government enacted the Tenant Protection Act, which eliminated rent control on vacant units between tenants, instituting what is known as vacancy decontrol. At the same time, the law removed landlord-tenant cases from the provincial court system and created the precursor to the LTB to handle them, the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal.

During the legislative debate at the time, the minister of housing said that his government’s goal was to create favourable conditions for investment in housing. In reality, his government made it more potentially profitable for landlords to evict tenants, and failed to encourage the construction of any significant amount of new, purpose-built rental housing."

////

A friend added this:

"According to this article and the Ombudsman's report, in 2021-22, 88 percent of applications to LTB were by landlords against tenants. Of that 88 percent, 89 percent were landlords seeking evictions. In other words, 78 percent of all LTB applications are for evictions!

I can hear the cries now: "If tenants have problems, they can also file with the LTB!" The vast majority of tenant problems are immediate problems, like shit that needs fixing and harassment and illegal behaviour by landlords. Most tenant problems are not solved by the LTB and often not even solved by landlords. Many tenants fix their own problems because waiting for the landlord is a hassle. The LTB is a virtual non-factor in the lives of tenants, but the landlord's means of getting rid of tenants they don't want or who stand in the way of a profitable new redevelopment.

The above numbers put into perspective the grievance of landlords that the LTB has too long a backlog. It is the volume of eviction applications that is the source of the backlog. And by pure coincidence we've been pelted with news story after story since the start of the pandemic of the worst possible tenants living rent-free for many months while the poor landlord's family is caught in the lurch while establishing their little neo-feudal exploitation scheme. You don't even need to read the press. The Terrorizing Tenant is a story you'll hear often enough.

Are the landlords calling for the LTB to be expanded to meet needs? No, their intimate collaborators in government are seeking efficiencies! You see, the the backlog is a problem to be solved by efficiency! Never mind the avalanche of eviction applications from landlords!

How many of these evictions are the disgusting and widely-abused practice of renovictions? Aren't renovictions an unnecessary burden to the LTB? And if the LTB is so burdened, why isn't it the LTB expanded to meet the demand? None of it makes sense because what's really at play here is setting up a public institution to fail because it insufficiently serves the interests of those parasitically profiting off other people's wages and basic need for shelter.

The pattern is pretty similar in healthcare and education and numerous other public institutions that are starved into failure, populated with wrecker-managers, and then reorganized (or contracted out) in the interests of profit-seeking sections of the business class.

Combined with a raft of new developer-demanded rules on housing (the end of municipal oversight in the development of new buildings of 12 or fewer units; the end of environmental protection and conservation), the renoviction blitzkrieg will only continue to throw thousands of people out of their homes while spoiling the environment - all for the profit and power of people who are driving this province to hell.

The landowning class won decisive battles in the 1990s and now we live in the aftermath of their class war victory. A new and restored publicly-financed co-operative and public housing program is decades overdue. The abolition of landlordism is centuries overdue."

[shinelikethunder]

Shelter is a toxic asset

Cory Doctorow:

Housing is a human right and a human necessity.

Housing is also the designated path to intergenerational wealth accumulation and class mobility (it used to be housing and labor rights, but America got rid of those in the Reagan years).

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/06/the-rents-too-damned-high/

Housing can't be both an essential speculative asset and a human right. If the way you provide a better life for your kids is to buy a house and wait for its value to go up, then you require one of the essentials of human existence to get much more expensive.

This has an immediate effect: people who don't have houses can't afford them, and the people who do have houses vote for policies that make houses more valuable, including eroding tenants' rights.

The fewer rights tenants have, the more rights landlords have, and the more a home is worth to a landlord, which means that house valuations go up across the board.

Landlords' and homeowners' interests aren't always aligned. Landlords favor lax zoning rules, because the market will value a home not just on how much rent can be extracted from it today, but also on how much the same land could generate if it sported an apartment building.

Whereas owner-occupiers tend to be NIMBYs, with an inchoate but near-religious certainty that allowing more homes to be built in their neighborhoods will "change its character" and "lower property values."

Taken together, this results in a perfect storm of terribleness. By the time the owner-occupier's kids are ready to find their own place, they enter a market of vastly overpriced housing, sky-high rents, and shocking undersupply of new homes.

[mbsc2010]

Heads up with the Sims 4 For Rent Expansion Pack

Just a heads up to those that might have light sensitivity like me (due to migraines and epilepsy). In For Rent, if you are a tenant or landlord and there is an electrical failure, there are random flashing lights. Every electronic piece seems to break and there's the random flashing lights from every light source. You can fix it your self or call your landlord. Either way this takes a long time to fix. There is no option currently in the Game Pack Options to turn it off. I have said something on the EA discussion boards about this.

[crashtestjeffy]

This morning I read about a new trend in my province. It comes from landlords being so quick to evict people so they can re-rent at a higher amount. It's heinous. They say they are renovating or they need the premises for family or personal use. But are not. So what can happen is they then have to evict via the Landlord Tenant Board. And they will have to prove renovations or that they are now residing in the unit, or their immediate family. Which is where they get caught up. But still also end up succeeding 95% of the time.

Plus this eviction for profit scheme is so common our LTB court is so far behind in it's cases that some landlords are stuck in the process for a year to two years. Plus the tenant will simply stop paying in many cases. And a smart or informed tenant can make it a long and difficult process.

For landlords it's a bitch if the tenant is as shady as they are.

BUT! That is not the trend I learned about.

This is the trend.

Cash-for-keys.

Tenants are now saying "If you want me out you can go through the eviction process and it will cost you and I may win more than just the minimum. So instead...You give me money and I will just leave". Tenants are getting upwards of $50K for cash-for-keys. Enough to move and cover all costs and then some. And I love it! Look, I know there are a few decent people who happen to rent a property or are landlords as an investment and they are honest and understand, it's not just dollars and cents. It's people and their security and their lives and well-being. But they are few and far between. There are far, far, far, more dishonest, greedy and cruel landlords. Some of the worst are stock bros who buy property as speculation and then rent it out and post their lives of vacations and nice cars on IG. While their tenants take the bus and haven't been able to afford a vacation in years. But also the older Red voting cocksuckers who care about nothing but what works for them and what gives them every last dime. Landlords are not good people. They horde property and it costs us all. Without for-profit landlords there would easily be enough room for everyone and at an affordable rate. No one benefits from their endeavours but themselves. There isn't even a ripple effect to their money making. It's entirely selfish. Doing nothing for the community or society. So this is fucking beautiful! Tenants making landlords feel a bit of their dread. And you bet I would do it too. I mean cash-for-keys...Not be a landlord. Unless it was like for non-profit housing.

[andydrysdalerogers]

Aurora ~ Part One

Pairings: Andy Barber vs Lloyd Hansen; Andy Barber x OFC Aurora "Rory" Thatcher

Summary: Rory has opened a new bakery in town. And the local mafia boss has taken an interest...

Work Count:4.6K

Warnings: Mafia! Andy Barber, assault, fluff, mentions of parental death, this is a multi-verse of mixed characters

This work is 18+ only. Please heed the warnings and walk away as this story does get violent as it goes on...

Banner by @justawriterand

Mood board and dividers by @firefly-graphics

Series Masterlist ~ Main Masterlist

Welcome to Newton.  A sleepy town outside of Boston.  Where kids can play with their friends and shop owners advertise with signs on the street.  It’s a quiet town.  An unassuming town.  A town where one-man rules and no one forgets it.  This town, Newton, is Andy Barber’s town. 

Aurora Thatcher wiped the sweat from her brow as she placed the last table in her shop.  Her shop.  The bakery that Rory always dreamed about.  The Sweetest Things. It took two years, one loan from her grandparents but it was here. The décor was Parisian, black, white and pink.  The displays would be filled with her treats.  The checkerboard floor was polished, the white tables and chairs ready for customers to sit and enjoy their treats. Rory smiled. Everything was perfect. 

The bell over the door rang, startling you from your thoughts. A man with dark hair, scruff on his shin stood in the doorway. “Miss Thatcher?”

“Yes? Sorry, we are closed.”

“I know Miss Thatcher. My name is Nick, Nick Fowler. I work for Mr. Barber.” He offer what she assumed to be a gentle smile, trying not to scare her.

She froze. Mr. Andrew Barber, the notorious mob boss. He ran this town and everyone in it. She had been made aware of this early on and while Rory knew he wouldn’t hurt her, she still feared him. “Hello Mr. Fowler. How can I help you?”

Nick Fowler smiled at the pretty young thing standing in from of him. She was petite, with dark hair pulled into braids and a bun, large doe eyes that alluded to the innocence of her. She was beautiful but she also didn’t realize it.  Her shirt was tight to her body covered by an apron.  Nick licked his lips at the girl, adjusting his jeans subtly, not wanting to scare her. “I’m sure you are aware Miss Thatcher that there is a certain, let’s call it, leasing fee, that comes with owning a shop in this town.”

Rory gulped. “Yes Mr. Fowler. My landlord made me aware.” She shuffled to the register and pulled the envelope full of cash for him. “I was advised the leasing fee was two.”

Nick opened the envelope full of $20 bills. He looked up at her with a smirk. “To start Miss Thatcher. Depending on how profitable you are, that may change. Do you understand?”

Rory nodded, trying not to cry.  She watched as Nick sniffed the air. “You got any samples?” She nodded again and moved to package up some treats she had made.  A couple of croissants, some Danishes, cookies, and her signature red velvet cupcakes.  Nick pulled out his wallet to pay but Rory waved him off. 

“If you like them, you can just send customers my way.” 

“Thank you, Miss Thatcher. Have a nice evening.” 

Rory watched him leave and then sag against the counter, the tears she fought so hard to hide finally falling. 

Nick walked back into the office, munching on one of the heavenly cookies Rory had given him.  He swallows as he saw his boss reviewing some documents, his third in command, Sam Wilson, reviewing the monitors for the casino. “Hey Boss!”

“Fowler.  How’d it go?” Andy never looked up from what he was reading. 

“Smoothly.  The owner was ready for us.”  He tossed the envelope on the desk.  “She was sweet but scared. Killer body. Amazing baker.”  He put the box of treats down carefully. 

“Good to know my tenants warn the new people.”  Andy looked up at Nick with a smirk. “You have something,” pointing to the side of Nick’s mouth, a smear of chocolate on his lip.

“Shit, sorry boss.”  He took out a napkin to wipe his face. 

“Was that from the baker?” Andy looked at the box. 

“Yeah, Miss. Thatcher. Sweet thing.  She gave them to me.  Said that if we liked them to send her customers.  By the way, I will.  She’s that good.” 

“Hmm, red velvet. My favorite.”  Andy plucked the cupcake out of the box and took a bite.  He couldn’t help the moan that escaped his mouth.  “Fucking Christ, that’s good.” 

“Told ya. Wilson, you have to try these.” 

The men munched on the treats as Andy put the money away.  “So, Miss Thatcher was amiable?” 

“Very.  Wouldn’t mind going back and visiting with her.  Get to know her… personally.” Nick smirked at the thought.

“You will do no such thing Nick.”  Andy frowned.  He had never met the girl, but he knew Rory’s grandparents and was doing them a favor by charging such low rent. “She’s innocent.  So just do your job and that’s it.” 

A couple of months had passed, and the bakery was a hit on the block.  The rate of growth left Rory happy but unsettled.  Nick has been back as promised, once a month to collect rent.  He could see the growth but didn’t charge her more.  Every time he stopped by Rory had a box of treats for him, especially saving a couple of red velvet cupcakes after Nick mentioned that Mr. Barber liked them. 

It was nearly closing time when the doorbell rang.  Rory looked up from her sweeping to see a gruff dark hair man enter with a lankier man.  She went to the register and smiled.  “May I help you?”

“I’ve come to collect the rent,” he replied.  She paled. 

“I’m sorry, M-Mr. Fowler already came by to pick it up.  I’m sorry.” 

The man leered at Rory.  “Stupid bitch,” he growled. “This is my block.”  He came around the counter. Rory froze as he stalked towards her. “Guess, you’ll have to pay me another way.”  He twirled a tendril that had fallen from her ponytail, the smile on his face sadistic. 

Andy was in desperate need of caffeine. After wiping the blood from his bruised knuckles and taking care of the issue with the casino behind the antique store, he heard his stomach rumble. “Work” had left him tired and hungry.  He spotted the new little bakery and decided to visit and meet the Thatcher’s granddaughter.  He walked across the street and peered in the window.  He watched as a young woman pushed Rumlow away from herself and Rumlow reach back and slap her, the force pushed her to the floor.  He raced into the shop. “The fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Brock looked up to see his boss standing in the doorway with a look of fury.  “Mr. Barber, sir, I’m just collecting…”

“I told you, I already paid Nick two days ago,” Rory whispered from the floor, holding her cheek. 

“Rumlow, she’s on Fowler’s list. Leave now and never come back here again.” 

“But sir…”

“GET THE FUCK OUT!”

Brock scurried like the rat he is and left, taking Ward with him. 

Andy walked around the counter and kneeled beside Rory. “Are you alright?”

Rory was still holding her cheek, a single tear falling down her face.  “I’m fine.” 

Andy’s heart cracked. “No, you’re not.” He stood up and went to the back.  She heard the freezer open and close.  He returned to her with ice wrapped in a towel.  “Here,” he gently pressed the towel to her face. She winces and he brushes a strand of hair from her face. “My name is Andy.” 

She knew who he was. “Rory. Uh, Aurora,” she whispered.  He could feel the tremble through her body. 

“That’s a beautiful name.” She maintained her eyes casted down. “I’m not going to hurt you,” he reassured. He could still see the fear in her posture.  Rory refused to look at him, keeping her eyes casted down. She didn’t want to make the mobster mad, but Andy studied her.  She was beautiful, even as she was covered in flour, tear tracks and a red mark covering her face.

Rory’s voice quivered as she spoke.  “I’m sorry Mr. Barber.  I didn’t mean to talk to your man that way or shove him.”  She stood up.  “I – I can pay if you need me too.”  She went to the register, still refusing to meet his eyes. 

The buzz of the register brings Andy out of whatever trance her body had put him in. “If you say you paid Nick, then I believe you.”  She nodded. But Andy wanted to see her face. “Look at me.” She froze, her heart begins to pound. She was sure he can hear it thumping against her rib cage, wanting to escape. “I said, look at me.”  He grasped her chin and tilted her head to meet his eyes.  Their height difference was significant.  He was easily over six feet while she was just over five. Soft brown eyes meet his blue green ones, and she was lost.  Rory could see every line in his irises, like a map that she wanted to study. 

Andy tried not to lose himself in her eyes.  “You are under my protection.  No harm will come to you ever again.  Do you understand sweetheart?” Rory nodded, unable to let go of his gaze. “Good. Now, what time do you close?”

“In an hour and then I have to prep for tomorrow,” she whispered. She never took her eyes off of him. She took in the rich texture of his suit, the dark blue complimenting his eyes, his full beard accentuating his full lips.  But then she saw it.  A speck of blood on the collar of his white shirt. She locked eyes with him again and she swallowed. 

Finally breaking the stare down, Andy looks at his watch. “I’ll be by in a couple of hours to take you home.  I’ll send Nick to watch over you.” 

“You don’t have to do that Mr. Barber. I can take care of myself.”

“No, I do.” He gently caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes at his touch. “Finish up sweetheart. Go on. I’ll wait for Nick.” 

Rory offered a small smile as she went back to her cleaning and organizing.  Andy called Nick over and five minutes later the man himself strolled in.  “Hey Rory! Any cookies left?”

“Hi Nick. Yeah, in the back. Help yourself.” 

“Hey boss.” Nick nodded to Andy. “What’s going on?”

“Rumlow was here, claiming to be collecting the rent but I think he was after something more.”  His eyes moved to Rory as she wiped down the ovens. 

“Shit. Ok, what’s the plan?”

“I want protection for her at all times. Get Parker or Lang to watch her.  I need to take care of somethings with Barton but I’ll be back.  We’ll discuss how to handle Rumlow later.” 

“You got it boss.” 

“And Fowler, if anything happens to her, I’ll consider it your fault.”  Andy turned and found Rory stocking ingredients. He observes her as she straightens the boxes and bags, her curves more defined when not hidden by her apron.  He wants to run his hands over her back and down her backside to grasp the globes of her ass while he holds Rory tight to him.  He clears his throat to bring his mind back from dirty thoughts and catch her attention.  “Sweetheart, I have business to finish but I’ll be back. Please, don’t go anywhere without Nick.”  

“Yes, Mr. Barber.” Rory chewed on her lip. 

Andy took a few steps towards her.  He cupped her chin and using this thumb pulled to release her bottom lip. “What I wouldn’t give to bite that lip,” he whispered. Rory sucked in a breath and closed her eyes.  “I hope I get that chance soon,” he breathed in her ear and placed a small kiss on her cheek, the whiskers of his beard tickling her face. “Soon, beautiful.” And then he was gone. 

Rory took a moment to calm herself.  Having never met the man before today, the emotions and attractions were new.  Andrew Barber was sex walking in her eyes.  His height was perfect, allowing her to still study him when she locked eyes with him. Those eyes, the eyes that allowed you to get lost in the deepest of oceans and yet still see the sky. His face, after it let go of the fury, was kind.  He looked at Rory, not with anger, but with longing or dare she say it, lust.  Rory’s body clenched at the thought of Andy’s hands on her and she shook her head to clear her thoughts.  Rory went back to work and chatted with Nick.

“You ok cupcake?”

She tilted your head. “Cupcake?”

“Would have called your kitten but I don’t think the boss would have liked that,” Nick replied as he leaned on the door frame.  He was no slouch either, with his blue sweater bring out the blue in his eyes. 

He seemed angry earlier. Rory got on her tip toes to get a canister onto a higher shelf. Nick got behind her to help, placing the canister with ease. 

“Boss doesn’t like it when an innocent is hurt.” Nick tilted her face to see the small bruise forming on her cheek.  “Rumlow crossed a line. Did you put ice on this?”

“Andy gave me some.” Rory blush at saying his name. It felt good to say his given name. But then the thought of Rumlow entered back into her mind.  “He isn’t going to come back, is he?”

Nick clenched his jaw.  “Not if we have any say. Rory, you are on my list so your protection is my responsibility, and the boss will make sure of that.  Don’t worry cupcake. We’ll take care of you.”

Rory and Nick continue to work, she was prepping and Nick finishing the cleaning.  As she placed the last of the doughs in the fridge, the bell tingles again, making her jump and coward behind the shelf, her breathing becoming more rapid. This little piece of metal was now making sounds that terrified her. Rory sinks down to the floor, wondering what was happening to her. 

“Sweetheart? Are you here?”

The sweetest voice calls for her. Rory stood up and peek her head around the shelf. “Hi.” 

“Rory? What’s the matter?” Andy can see her body is tense, her eyes round with fear. She shakes her head, knowing she was being ridiculous.  She headed to her office, but Andy stops her.  “Talk to me.”  

“The bell.” Rory looked down.  “I don’t like the bell anymore. It scares me,” she says in a small voice, ashamed that the offensive, non-descript piece of metal is messing with her psyche. 

Andy gathered her in his arms, holding her tights. “Won’t let anything happen to you.  Promise.”  He let go and followed her into the office.  Rory grabbed her bag and keys and walked out with Andy and Nick.  Nick cleared his throat. 

“So Rory, I have a friend who is looking for work.  Good kid, hard worker.  Maybe you should hire him to help you out?”

Andy hid his smile, knowing what Nick was doing. Planting Parker as a worker would be perfect. 

Rory smiled.  “I could use the extra help.  Send him my way.” 

Andy took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm, and he walked to the car. Nick opened the door and Andy helped her in.  “Where to?”

“I’m about ten blocks away but I can walk, really.” 

Andy cocked an eyebrow towards her, and she stopped.  Nick pulled into traffic and a few minutes later they were parked in front of her building. Andy stopped her as she climbed out of the car.  “Have dinner with me.” 

There was no point in trying to refuse.  This was Andy Barber and he always got what he wanted.  Rory nodded. “Ok.” 

“Tomorrow night.  I’ll be by.”  He kissed her hand and let her go. 

When Rory woke up the next morning, she could have sworn that last night was a dream.  Andy Barber did not ask her out on a date, that Rumlow guy hadn’t attacked her.  She got up and got ready for the day.  She saw a dress that she had purchased on a whim.  It was white with blue flowers, empire waisted, boat neck, sleeveless.  The dress fell to her knees.  Maybe it wasn’t a dream.  She pulled the dress out along with some blue heels, just in case. Rory grabbed her bag and headed out into the crisp morning.  She missed the sedan that was following her. 

Rory got to the shop and there was a young man sitting on the stoop.  She froze and he jumped up.  “Hi, are you Miss Thatcher?”

“Yes?” She looked at him warily. 

“My name is Peter.  Peter Parker. Mr. Barber and Mr. Fowler said I should come by about a job.”

Rory swallowed hard.  Yesterday was not a dream.  She remembered everything.  Nick and Andy promised to take care of her.  Peter could see the hesitation.  “Oh sorry.  Here.”  He handed her a note. 

Cupcake, 

This is the guy I asked you about.  He’s a good kid and a hard worker.  Call me if you have any questions.  He’s also there to protect you if you need it. 

In your service, 

Nick

She looked at Peter.  She offered him a smile.  “Hi Peter.  It says here that you are a hard worker.” 

Peter smiled, his face nothing but positive. “Yes ma’am, ready to learn and help where I can.” 

“Ew, don’t call me ma’am.” Peter let out a chuckle. “Its Rory. Let me show you inside.”  She got him an apron and walked him through the store.   He was a quick learner, and his strength helped a lot.  He got all the tables set up and straightened, the heavy coffee pots moved and set without a sweat. Nick was right. Peter was strong and it helped calmer her nerves, you know, just in case someone unsavory showed back up to the shop. 

About an hour before closing, Nick strode in with a box.  “Hey cupcake!”

“I see we are sticking with the nickname.”  She rolled her eyes but smiled.  “Hi Nick.  What’s with the box?”

“Boss asked me to install a new security system for you and close the shop. But don’t worry, the only thing I’ll take are any leftovers.”  He winked at her. 

“But…”

“No buts. He said, and I quote, ‘I need my sweetheart to have time to get ready.’ So out with you. Parker and I can handle this.  You’re closed tomorrow anyways so no prep.” Nick took her keys from her.  “Wilson will take you home.” 

“Wilson?”

A kind looking man was outside. He turned at the sound of his name and nodded at her. Nick handed Rory her bag and guided her outside.  “Wilson, this is Miss Rory Thatcher. Take care of her.”  He turned to you.  “Have fun cupcake.”  Sam led her to the car and started to drive. 

“How do you know where I live?”

“Mr. Barber told me.”  He pulled in front of the building just a few minutes later.  “I’ll be outside, on watch.” 

“Ok.”  The thought of someone watching her building was enough to send her in a panic. Rory locked the door after rushing in and sank to the floor.  How was this your life?  Was it wise to go on a date with Andy Barber? Her thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing. She smiled as she read the caller ID.  “Hi Nana.” 

“Hello my darling! How are you?”

“I’m good Nana.  Business is booming.” 

“That’s wonderful my darling. Any plans this evening.” 

Rory hesitated.  She might as well come clean since it would probably get out sooner than later.  “I’m going to dinner with Andrew Barber.”  The silence on the other end of the phone was deafening. “Nana?”

“Did he threaten you?”

“No! He helped me with a difficult… umm… customer and then he asked me to dinner.  He was a perfect gentleman.” 

Her grandmother was in a peculiar state: quiet.  She was concerned at Rory’s defense of the man. “Rory, just, make sure the man is respectful.” 

“I will Nana. I have to get ready.  I’ll call you tomorrow.” 

“Have fun my darling.” 

Rory hung up and got ready.  A shower, hair done, makeup on, she pulled on her dress, stockings and heels.  As she was sliding earrings on, the doorbell rang. 

Andy has always been a confident man.  Nothing has ever made him nervous or scared. Until he looked into her eyes.  Her big, innocent, doe eyes, the beautiful color enrapturing him to his very soul.  They were eyes that could see right through him, haunting him as he tried to sleep.  How had he not made the effort before to come and see her? No matter.  Now he was standing on Rory’s stoop, a bouquet of pink roses in his hands, waiting for her to open the door.  Andy never felt the need to have a partner in life after Laurie, a wife to make his queen. Until he saw her. 

When she opened the door, Andy was at a loss for words.  Her innocence shined through in her appearance and yet his thoughts were of nothing but how to get her naked as fast as humanly possible. “Sweetheart, wow,” he said.  Then he heard the sweetest sound...

Her giggle. 

“Thank you, Mr. Barber,” Rory’s cheeks faintly pink, eyes cast down. 

“Andy, sweetheart. Call me Andy.” He offered the flowers to her. I” thought these would match your beauty, but I can see now that only you are that beautiful.” 

Rory blushed again.  “I’m sure that’s not true but thank you.”  She kept her eyes downcast. 

Andy grasped her chin and tilted her head to force her to look at him. “If I say something, I mean it. You are gorgeous Miss Thatcher.  Do you understand?”  

“Yes,” she whispered. 

“Yes what?”

“Yes, sir.”  Her submission was surprising.  She moved to put the flowers in a vase, her mind racing.   She always considered herself independent, self-sufficient, in need of no man.  But here she was, submitting to Andy Barber without thinking twice.  How did he have a hold of her so quickly. His deep commanding voice brought her out of her thoughts.

“I thought dinner and then a stroll, my dear.  Is Chinese ok?”

“Yes, I love Chinese.”  She gave him a genuine smile and it warmed Andy’s heart.  He offered his arm after she closed her door.  He guided her to the car and once in, his driver pulled away.

Once at the restaurant, she waited for her door to be opened as Andy had gripped her hand when she went to open it. She saw Nick approach the door and open it, “Hi Rory.” 

“Hi Nick,” as she climbed out with Andy’s helps. It was dawning on Rory that this was how Andy was treated when he was out and about in his city.  He was treated like the King he is.  As he climbed out, Nick gave him a subtle nod, as if answering an unasked question.  Andy placed a hand on her back and guided her onto the restaurant.  When she looked around, the place was deserted save a man holding a bottle of wine. “Andy?”

“I don’t want people to know my business until I am ready for them to know. So I bought out the restaurant for the evening.” He had the hostess lead them to a table. It had fresh roses and little tea candles.  Rory looked around and saw that the entire restaurant was glowing from candles.  Andy pulled out a chair for her to sit. 

The waiter didn’t ask but immediately poured wine into the glasses. “Plum wine to start miss, sir. Pairs well with the moo-shi appetizer.” Another waiter brought out a plate of food. 

Rory picked up the chop stick to start eating and she notice Andy was struggling, frowning and frustrated.  “May I show you?”

Andy snapped his head up as she rose from her seat.  Rory stood behind him and placed her hand over his, her face close to his.  He was enthralled. He could smell her perfume, the scent of her shampoo. He could almost taste her skin, the creaminess entrancing him.  Her small delicate hand was soft but firm from years of kneading dough.  She softly formed his fingers into the right position.  As she withdrew, her hand grazed his knuckles ever so gently that it raised goosebumps.  “There,” she pronounced, “try it.” 

Andy tried and succeeded grasping the food.  Rory smiled and moved to sit when Andy grabbed her hand.  She gasped at the sudden movement, a tremble moving through her body, Andy could feel the fear racing through her.  He gently pulled her hand and brought it to his lips.  He placed a gentle kiss to her knuckles.  “Thank you, sweetheart.” 

She blushed at the gesture.  “You’re welcome.”  She sat back down.

“Tell me about yourself.” Andy wanted to know everything about her. 

“Well, I grew up a few blocks from the bakery.  My grandparents took me in after my parents died.” 

“I’m sorry to hear that.” 

“It’s ok. I was ten when that happened.  I started baking as a way to meet friends and it just grew from there.” 

“I do have to complement your bakery.  That red velvet cupcake is divine.” 

Rory giggled.  “That’s my specialty.  It’s my favorite flavor.” 

Andy looks at her with adoration.  “Mine too.” 

The conversation flowed for the rest of the mean with Andy asking question after question, absorbing everything he could.  Turns out, pink roses were Rory’s favorite.  She toys with her wine glass.  “So, will I get to learn more about you Mr. Barber?”  Her tone is flirty. 

The question took him back.  He signaled the waiter and paid before leading her out.  “Let’s take a stroll.”  He walked next to Rory, contemplating what to say.  He cleared his throat. “I built my standing from the ground up.  The people in this town needed protection from a devil of a man.  I did everything in my power to first, protect my neighborhood and then eventually the town.  I did have a woman, Laurie and she had my child, Jacob.” His eyes had sorrow at the mention of his son.  “But they both died in an accident many years ago when he was just a baby.  Since then, I focused on my business.  I made it strong, brutal even.  I had no reason to look at life differently.  Until I saw you. 

“Me?”

“You.  You were like a breath of fresh air. So beautiful, so innocent. I just… I just wanted to know you.” 

“I’m no one special Mr. Barber. Just a girl trying to make her way in the world.”  Rory stopped to look at the sky.  “It’s so pretty here.” 

Andy stood behind her, running his nose by her neck, hearing her breath hitch in surprise but noting how she closed her eyes, as if she was holding back her desire. “It’s because you are trying to make your way in the world that draws me to you.”  She looked back at him. “May I kiss you Miss. Thatcher?” She nodded and he pressed his lips to her. 

His lips are full, soft and sweet.  One would think that his beard would be harsh but it’s not.  It’s soft, brushing against her face.  He pulls back and sees her slightly swollen lips, her eyes still closed.  He smiles but kisses her again, a little harder this time but not forceful.  Her lips meld to his, heating her very core. 

Kissing Andy Barber has to be her new favorite thing in the whole wide world. 

**