Bar on Gromet's Plaza Archive

The Cinderella Game

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Shelley was not going to like this, not one little bit. But there was nothing he could do about it, if Brian was wise. He had to be there.

It was the end of his first month at his brand-new job. The guys at the law firm where he worked wanted to do a “boys’ night out” with a client’s lawyer who had been with them the last week, at a bar on the other side of the large metropolis where they lived and near the offices and the visitor’s hotel. Brian knew it was more than a chance at a good-bye party for Ethan, the visitor. It was an opportunity for the other guys in his workgroup to scope Brian out somewhere casual and outside of the law firm. He was 27 and very early in his legal career. This was his second job and his first real one. He needed every break, ever advantage to help him get to where the real money and life was as soon as possible. For both him and Shelley. Surely his girlfriend of almost five years would understand that.

Transparent Like Glass

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

It was nearing 2 AM, closing Time. Sunday nights are usually the slowest time to tend bar, unless there’s a holiday on Monday and nobody has to work. So I’d spent the night washing glasses and keeping the place clean so that I could make a quick getaway after closing.

“Kind of slow, isn’t it?” asked a woman customer seated on a barstool right in front of me.

“Yeah,” I answered, drying a glass.

Funbox

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I have always been an engineer at heart. But I quickly realized that there was no fun or money in it. So. I opened a strip club in the Philippines. There wasn’t much money in it either, but it was a lot of fun. The club girls gave me some headaches, but I was lucky enough to have two good mamasans working for me to keep the girls in line. I partied every night for about a year. I had girlfriends and sometimes an effeminate boyfriend. Then a pandemic happened, and business took a nosedive. Tourists stopped coming in, and the bills started to pile up. So, one day while I sat at home playing on my phone, I went to a webcam site that featured girls that performed acts for a monetary amount. I noticed that the girls were making money like crazy. It got me thinking about how I could find something close to the same thing.

Working for Halloween

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Chapter 3

My phone rang and I saw it was Brad from the Costumes ’n’ More shop where I’d been working recently, and playing, if we’re being honest. I answered excitedly hoping he was ready for me to come down again, so to speak.

“Hey, uh… Tom, it’s Brad,” he said somewhat hesitantly. I wondered why he was hesitant, I debated answering in my femme voice since I’d been practicing it like Anna had taught me, but I didn’t want to confuse him, not at first anyway.

Gina Goes Topless

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

“Gina Goes Topless” by mailto:sfmaster@att.net

It had been one of those dates that you always hope for in a relationship. Gina and I had gone out Saturday night for dinner, then a movie, and finally for drinks at a local bar before returning to her apartment for a night of torrid lovemaking.

First we had passionate, mattress pounding sex that left us both sweating together. Next, I followed that with slow lovemaking that lasted until the early hours. Nice, leisurely climaxes that left us both breathless. Finally, we both drifted off to sleep together, in each other’s arms.

Hoofbeats

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Michael St, John felt good about the interview. He would show up Monday to see if he got the job. The Miami gold coast strip was everything he thought it would be, he was staying at a cheap motel inland but had the weekend. Might as well make the most of it. He was new in town and after the third bar. Hit it off with a smoking hot red head in a red mini dress that suggested everything and hid nothing. She had small gold chain necklace with a horseshoe. He was chatting her up and she took an interest in him. He thought he hit the jackpot when she invited him over to her place a few block away.

Swim Fin

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Orlando Scot. Future CPA of Gold Coast Accounting. It had a nice ring to it. He looked out his motel room window at the Atlantic ocean. He started his first day on Monday. But this weekend he was going to enjoy the Miami night life. As he did the bar hopping scene taking in everything. It was on his forth bar. He found her. Red hair, curly, shoulder length. Blue dress. A nice tight little plunging neckline number. Matching shoes. As he got closer. He noticed a necklace with a fish fin on it and a blue gem at its center. A swimmer no doubt. It was time to employ the old Scot Irish charm.

Misery's Company

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Chapter 1 - Joe’s Truck

“Axel’s Auto,” Joe Axel said into the shop phone.

“Hey Joe, it’s Kristal.”

“Hey Sis. Are you in town?”

“No. Which is why I’m calling.”

“What’s the problem?” Joe asked. When Kristal called, there was usually a problem. He frowned as Kristal launched into a complicated explanation of the events that had left her friend Amanda stranded in Nashville, her luggage destroyed, and unable to obtain a rental car.

Fuck-Doll Fantasy

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A while ago, I was a waiter at a restaurant. There were only 3 guy waiters among 20 or so girl waitresses. After work one day, me and a bunch of co-workers were having some drinks. As the evening wore on, many of us, including me, got fairly tipsy. In the end, it was just me and this other waitress left at the bar. Jessi was a very pretty girl, with long, platinum-blonde hair, nice, quite huge tits, thickly rimmed black glasses, and a gorgeous, friendly smile. She had a wonderful, shapely ass, and her figure was very trim. It was nice to see her out of her waitress uniform (which was a tight short-sleeved shirt and short skirt) for once. She had on jeans and a long-sleeved tight white shirt undone at the top few buttons. Also, she usually wore her hair up while working, but she had let it down now. She looked great. Somehow, the conversation had gotten around to our sexual fantasies. She told me she had been the bartender at a strip club, and she seemed to be quite well acquainted with the kinkier side of life. She said she swallowed, did anal, liked some costume play, and so on. I told her I sometimes liked a girl to wear a schoolgirl outfit, I loved anal, and so on. After too many drinks, and our conversation about sex, I was fucking horny! We were getting really friendly with each other, I might even say flirting. I wound up deciding drunkenly that I would get a hooker after I finished hanging out with Jessi, because I was so horny, and I actually told her this! Normally, I wouldn’t either get a hooker or tell anyone about it if I did, but I was pretty drunk. But instead of telling me off for it, Jessi said that there was no need to call a prostitute. She could ‘service’ me, if I liked. Whoah, snap! It was totally unexpected, and my answer was like, “Fuck yes!” We sipped our drinks. I was pretty excited about sleeping with Jessi and I confided to her, “Jessi, I’ve never been with a hooker in my life! But I had in mind something that I normally wouldn’t know how to ask a girl, and I probably wouldn’t…” “OK,” she smiled confused, playfully. “Well, I kinda want her to do something a bit special for me… I want her to be my real live fuck-doll for the evening!” “Go on…” “I guess I’d like her to dress up sexy and basically just hold still as I fuck her or whatever. I know it sounds a little weird… It’s just something I’ve wanted to try.” After a slight, pensive pause, Jessi said, “Mister, you’ve got yourself a fuck-doll. Let’s go!” I paid the tab, my cock nearly bursting outa my pants, and we grabbed a cab back to hers. “Make yourself at home, I’m just gonna go get changed,” she said inside. The place wasn’t too big, but it was nice; cozy. Actually, I was too drunk and horny to look around much, so I just sat down and stroked my hard cock through my pants. … The next thing I knew, it was morning, and I was laying by myself on Jessi’s couch with a blanket over me! ‘Oh god!’ I was thinking, ‘how fucking embarrassing… I must’ve passed out!’ I was roused by the delicious smells of eggs and coffee so I got up. In the kitchen in the next room (which I hadn’t seen the night before) Jessi was making breakfast… wearing a sexy schoolgirl outfit! “Oh, hello,” she said musically, smiling. “Thanks for puttin’ the blanket over me last night… Man, I’m so embarrassed!” But she cut me off, “No worries, we’d both had quite a bit to drink! How do you feel?” “Great, I mean, I must’ve slept well. And you?” “Fine… Horny.” “Horny? Well, I might be able to help you there…” “That’s just what I was hoping. Do you like sex in the morning? What do you think of this outfit?” “You look fucking hot,” I said, my dick getting harder in my pants by the moment. “Breakfast can wait. You still remember that little fantasy you told me about last night?” “Yeah sure, I think so…” She came over to me slowly, swaying her hips. She had on the typical short, red-plaid schoolgirl sex-outfit skirt, a skimpy white top tied together between her tits in a loose knot, her hair in two, gorgeously cute pigtails, white socks up to her knees, shiny, black platform shoes with buckles and the heels raised, and her sexy black glasses. She smiled at me seductively as she knelt before me undoing my fly. “Oooh!” she said in mock surprise as my lengthening snake uncoiled from within my pants in her slender, exploring, hands. Her fingernails were tiny pink shiny candies. She took my cock in her hands, and then straight into her hot, wet, schoolgirl’s mouth; an early-morning blow job. I was still waking up and it was all a bit too wonderful to believe. I had often jerked-off imagining my gorgeous co-worker in just this exact position, and wondered momentarily if I might, in fact, be dreaming. She sucked my now rock-hard cock like a pro, kneading my balls as she sucked my shaft. Her dark red lipstick came off onto my rod as she sucked me hungrily. Looking down at her looking back up at me, I realized how much trouble she’d gone to for me this morning, and it made me horny as hell. She had on lots of makeup and looked just like a gorgeous super-realistic rubber fuck-doll. After sucking my cock for some time she popped it out of her mouth and said, “OK, you seem ready now. You just tell me what position you want me in.” It was fucking incredible! I told her, and she stood up with her palms on the wall, her ass out-thrust towards me as I’d asked.

Whose Alimony?

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

story continued from part one

Part 2

Friday morning, Ochsianna finds herself in the glossing booth. Holding up her hands, the nozzles give below her waist an even coat. A series of tiny blow dryers even it out, making her skin look smooth, unblemished, and glossy. As it moves to the next section, two suction cups are placed over her nipples, matching her skin tone. She is then glossed over, leaving her breasts looking like plastic mounds, nipple-less. Nearly done, she checks her nose plugs, before getting her arms and neck and head glossed. The booth door opens, revealing a moving, breathing mannequin. She carefully steps out to find Betsy waiting on her. “Ochs, got you a new assignment today.” Betsy stops to breathe, so Ochsianna can say, “Good morning to you too, Betsy.” Betsy says good morning then goes on, “One of the idiots over in transfers messed up, and now we got to cover her mistake.” Ochsianna would make a face, but hers is quite stiff at the moment. “As you know, the mall has several stores owned by our vice president and his son. Since they are connected, we share mannequins to them all, since we have the facilities.” Ochsianna was familiar with this, and had been “swapped” to another store for a day during a big sale or something. “Well,” Betsy continues, “the costume store on the other end needs another female, and evidently we promised them one, but we never actually told anyone.” Betsy says every ‘we’ with emphasis and sarcasm, leaving no doubt it was not her fault. “anyway, I need you to be at Clara’s Costumes for the day.” Ochsianna would protest, but it is hard to talk and it would do no good. Ah well, she thinks, at least it is Friday. The mall opens later than the department store, so her trip through the mall was uneventful. There were people around, but all workers trying to get the stores open for the day. She saw other humannequins being moved around from store to store, all naked like her. She arrives at Clara’s, as the mannemover stops just inside the door. Her costume shop is quite expansive, with costumes for all shapes and sizes. With Halloween coming, her store will get much business. And since she is Mr Baxter’s girlfriend (or maybe mistress), she gets whatever she wants. Ochsianna has no idea her pose or costume, so she waits on the mannemover, locked into it anyway. “Hey, Clara,” a female voice yells, “your mannequin is here.” Clara comes down the center aisle. She is wearing some type of witch’s outfit, complete with a hat. She is rather short, maybe a little overweight, but not unattractively so. Her blonde curly hair makes her look 10 years younger. She walks up to Ochsianna and runs her hand down her stiff arm. “Oh boy,” she squeals, “She is perfect.” Ochsianna really cannot dress herself once she had been glossed. Any large movements can crack the coating, damaging the whole reason behind it. Clara pulls out her cellphone, looking for something on it. Tapping the screen, the mannemover takes off again towards the center of the store. Ochsianna can see two other mannequins there, one on either side of an opening (probably for me). So to her left, there will be Dracula and to her right, Little Bo Peep. Hmmm, she ponders, I wonder what I will be.

The Beachfront Bar

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Gay, Transgender, Non-consensual, Oral, Anal

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Tracey gets the job of his dreams.

Sometimes it takes a little push to help someone become what they always wished they had the guts to be. In this Gay fantasy, Tracey gets that push.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Sex Dolly Factory

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

(story continues from The Sex Dolly Factory 3)

Part 4a: The Criminals Part 1

The town was becoming more populated as the decades went by, with more people entering and being born than leaving or dying. In a few more years, the town could be reclassified as an actual city, which is what the local politicians want more than anything. There were now more than 200,000 people living within the town’s borders. New building construction inside the center of town has begun on buildings that were over ten stories tall. Public transportation now included over 60 busses. The new city hall is schedeuled to open next year with over fifty offices, not including the mayor’s office, ten criminal courtrooms, holding cells, a bail bondsman on site, a fully stocked cafeteria, and a daycare center for the town’s employees who can’t afford a sitter. The only problem with this growth spurt is the inherent rise in crime that goes along with it.

My New Boobs

Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Chapter 1

My new tits look wonderful. They are still a little tender as the job was only done a month ago but they are now full, round and a generous E cup which helps balance my wide male shoulders. I do not need to wear a bra as they are perfect and high but they look so much better framed in a low-cut bra which holds them together and provides a better cleavage. Something I did not even contemplate before they were made is that I can no longer see my cock, except in the mirror. Even before, it had been difficult as the hormones that had given me small boobs had also shrunk my cock but, now, unless I felt down to find it, my mind could pretend that it did not exist.

I Had A Ball, I Was The Ball

Sat, 12 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

True story with bondage, first submission to another woman, some bdsm, consensual

Not too long ago at a ladies night party in Ybor City (Tampa) I met Dottie. She was with another woman (Sandy) and I was sitting at the bar next to them. After my drink was served (water with lemon) Dottie turned to me and asked if I always drank the hard stuff. Laughing, I told her I would have asked for it “neat” but I was driving.

Nancy

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

With a few minor changes that do not affect the storyline, this is a true story.

Sometime in 2004, I was living in Scottsdale, AZ., a place not lacking in great looking women, many of whom were quite adventurous and sexy as hell.

I happened to meet Nancy in a trendy night spot called Barcelona in a rather affluent section of Scottsdale. I spotted her sitting at a table with a couple of her lady friends and our eyes briefly met as I entered and took my seat at the bar.

Bob

Sun, 25 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I’d worked with Bob for nearly a year. We ran heavy equipment, excavating for new construction, roadways, anything involving moving a lot of earth. Bob was short, maybe five-foot-seven and kind of slightly built. Bob was definitely one of the guys though; loud, sexist, foul-mouthed and always on time with a filthy joke or observation. Bob loved girls and could spot something wiggling along in a pair of yoga pants a mile away.

New Profession

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Woman to Sexdoll TF

It had been a crazy last couple of weeks around London for me as the first of two business conferences finally died down. After nearly two straight weeks of mind-numbing work I was finally able to go out and relax at this nice bar my friend I was currently staying with had recommended me before leaving for her own conference in a town close by. My name is Jayden Watts, a 23-year old business manager for a rather large company based in Seattle, Washington. I was currently in London, England for a period of three months so that I could attend the two largest conferences that my bosses were involved in and then work with a pair of local companies on a deal that would benefit all parties. My job was fun but rather dull in the friendly people department so I pulled my long, light brown hair out of the bun it had been in for far too long before stripping out of the grey and blue business dress I was wearing. I quickly slipped a much more appealing pair of matching red lace undergarments over my plump rear and C-Cup breasts before selecting a very tight and fitting black party dress with similarly colored heels to wear on my night out. The bar was just a hop around the corner from my friend’s place so it wasn’t long before I was sitting at a rather crowded bar with people sitting around talking, laughing or watching the big soccer game on the larger TV in the back. It was refreshing really to be in such a friendly environment compared to the drab and grey rooms I had been in the past few weeks. I was just finishing the third of my house beers when a man that looked relatively close to my age with short black hair and a handsome face took the empty seat next to me and ordered two of the places famous drinks, a very bitter beer with copious other things tossed in that made it sweeter. Moments later there was another drink in my hand and a question coming from the man’s lips. “Haven’t seen you around before. You a tourist or someone knew to the area?” He asked in a friendly tone with a very clearly British accent. Smiling lightly, I turned my head to face him and nodded. “Business actually. My company is interested in some deals with a few companies around the area so I was sent to attend all of the boring meetings and things that are happening over the next few months.” He grinned into the slowly draining mug as he took a swig. “Seems like someone as beautiful as you are wasting away in those dull meeting rooms. You would be better served as a model with that body.” I raised a finely plucked eyebrow at that comment. “What? You feel as if I can’t handle myself in the rough world of marketing?” I ask feeling a little saddened and angry that this man I thought nicely of was putting me down. He shook his head as he polished of his drink. “On the contrary. I feel like it suits you just fine. Merely observing that you could do other work too. Where exactly is your company based?” he asked while getting a refill. After taking a long moment to savor the bitter and tasty drink I responded. “Seattle, Washington. About as far into the city as you can get. The traffic is killer.” I stated simply. “Ah I have been there once for my own business. I own a large chain of stores that span both England and the United States, just a novelty store really. Focusing on books, movies and other hobbies that people have,” he answered the last part as if knowing I was about to ask his specialty. We continued to talk like that for hours, drinking, laughing and learning more about one-another. By the time we finished our chat both of us were deep in on the drinks and I could just barely stand under my own power as he placed an arm around me and helped me walk away. He paid for both of our tabs and as we stood at the now closed bar’s door waiting for his ride to come and get us. We spent that time in light conversation before he finally asked the question I knew was coming. “Well then Jayden, how about you come to my home? I don’t need to be at work tomorrow and would love to get to know you bett-” I didn’t let the man finish as I crushed my lips against his and we both melted into the moment. We didn’t break apart even as the limousine arrived and we fell on top of each other in the back seat and continued our playful makeout session all the way to his large bedroom. The playing escalated and before we knew it, the world just vanished as we pleasured each other with many kinds of sexual acts. Normally after sex I was used to being left alone in the bed, but unlike the other men I had stayed with, Henry, which is this wonderful man’s name by the way, cuddled with me afterwards as our bodies remained glued together under the sheets. I drifted off into my drunken lulled sleep with a goofy grin on my face as I snuggled closer into his chest. The next morning Henry woke me up with gentle prodding and told me he was going to get dressed and make us some breakfast downstairs. He left me a white bath robe on a chair and said to take my time. I did just that and showered, using one of his razors to make sure I was bare of hair, which he appreciated during our long night of passion, before I grabbed the robe and headed to meet him. Breakfast was just as enjoyable as the night before, we sat at his table and ate a nice simple breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast while conversing. We talked about last night and how much we both enjoyed it and he even offered to house me for the remainder of my trip if I would be willing to have some more fun, to which my response was another passionate kiss that led the two of us having another round right there on the floor of the kitchen. After we finished and recomposed ourselves I was still in shock that he wanted to see more of me, but it just made me happy to have met him. As we cleaned up our mess he started to give me a tour of his large almost mansion-like home. Our first stop was the large backyard with a pool that he said I was free to use at any time. The living room was large and furnished with comfortable furniture and a homey feel. We went through multiple rooms around the house, avoiding a few he said were specifically for personal projects that he worked on in his spare time for his company. On the way back to the living room to lounge around and enjoy more of each other’s company I spotted something through a lightly cracked door. Curious, I split off from Henry and opened the door all of the way very quietly. When I entered the room, I gasped at the thing I saw. Laying perfectly still on the bed was another woman, dressed in a pink sundress with a floral pattern. Her long blonde hair was laying behind her head and she appeared to be sleeping. As I took a step closer, Henry appeared behind me, curious as to where I had gone and what I was up to. “Oh sorry Henry. I thought I saw something and then I found her laying here asleep…” I trailed off, saddened that he would knowingly two-time on someone else, let-alone with me. He scoffed at that and walked over to the woman. Roughly he turned her over towards me and my mouth dropped open. I was staring at vacant yet realistic eyes that seemed to gaze deep into my soul. This wasn’t a woman at all, it was a very realistic doll. “I had hoped to avoid you finding her… this is one of the many products my company produces, a lifelike doll with all of the features of a normal woman…” he said while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. Walking closer, I reached out and poked the breast of the doll, gasping a little as I felt the realistic movement of the fake flesh below the dress. I kept messing with her and giggled aloud, which caught the British man off-guard. He watched me with wide eyes as I turned to him. “So is she yours or…” I trialed off as I stood back up and we stood still. “Uhm… I do collect them yes. Her name is Kennedy.” “Wait? You have more of them?!” I asked excitedly as I got into his personal space. He jumped a little bit but nodded quietly, a slow blush dusting his cheeks. “Can… can I see them?”

Hustled

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

“Any plans for the big day?” his girlfriend asked.

“I don’t know,” Ted answered, “the guys wouldn’t say.”

“Oh, that’s reassuring.”

“It won’t be that bad.”

“Jeff’s still getting glitter out of his ass.”

Ted tried not to but he had to snicker at the memory.

“Stop,” Maddison said slapping his shoulder.

She was having trouble keeping a straight face too, though.

“I’m the last guy in the group to turn 21. We’re probably just going to go around hitting bars and getting wasted. Maybe even chocolate wasted.”

Mind Fuck

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = A short story about what really goes on upstairs at Jack’s Place.

Be careful going upstairs at Jack’s Place. You may not be able to handle “the real stuff.” And no one will believe you afterwards.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = * * * * * * * * * * * *

Fifty Shades of Gay

Mon, 15 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Sitting at a bar in Los Vegas, Sarah is sitting down, shooting tequila faster than John Wayne’s pistol in an old western. Her soft blonde hair done up in her adorable curls was a hit, although tight tits, and curvy ass, barely constrained by her tight red cocktail dress, and her fairly short height accentuated by her three-inch stiletto heels certainly didn’t hurt her chances at going home with someone else tonight. She hadn’t even bothered with panties or a bra.

Hotels - An Encounter

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Hotels, they all seem so similar. Hyatt, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Hilton, all with the gentle piped music in the public areas and the lifts. The sterile reception areas sitting on glossy marble floors.

And there’s the plush bar area. That inevitable place where people mingle in subdued lighting. The bored reps at just another hotel stop over, the conference attendees enjoying loud and inconsequential chatter, the occasional lady of the night looking for business. The couple so closely entwined their relationship must be illicit, but oh what joy they exude.

Shackles

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

An original story by “C. C.” - Edited by Switchman (switchman2002@yahoo.com)

I’d heard about a new night spot in the heart of the Olde Towne district: “Shackles” - ultra-chic, ultra-kinky and ultra-in. My job as the highest-ranking female executive at HQ didn’t give me much time for leisure though, and none of my dates ever had the courage to take me there. So, I never went into the place… until the night my car broke down right outside.

Glory Hole

Sat, 21 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

It was only my third night in this sleepy little town and I had already run bored with little new to do. I had only been to our Kansas office twice in the last five years for cursory check-ins but now this branch was falling apart and they sent me in for an extended stay to clean up the mess. The only place to stay within in a reasonable distance to the office was a second rate motel just outside of town. I had stayed here on my previous trips and it was certainly nothing extraordinary to write home about. Just a place to lay my head down each night with the sound of traffic buzzing on a busy street. It had been another day of pulling people into my temporary office for fact finding interviews and people assesment. The work was emotionally draining and I needed some deeper intellectual stimulation not related to my work. Most of the people in the office disliked me on account I was there to course correct their actions so I needed another outlet. Back in the room I flipped on the television and surfed the channels looking for anything of substance. Nothing captured my attention so I flipped it back off. There was a tavern a couple of blocks down I had seen, “Lucy’s” I think, so I decided to venture out in search of real people to engage with. It was a Wednesday night so as expected I was not overwhelmed when I opened the red door with “Lucy’s” in angled script painted in black on its face. Two men were playing pool and drinking beers under a single hanging bulb in the back of the room, a couple was sharing a plate of cheese deprived nachos in the front corner, an empty table with half a glass of white wine, an open book flipped upside down and a single pulled out chair was in the middle of the room and lastly a bearded biker with his head resting on his forearm and four empty shot glasses perfectly lined up in front of him was seated at the far end of the bar. A still full shot clutched in his right fist as he strummed his fingers on its side as if he were fighting the demons telling him just one more wouldn’t hurt. No one looked up as I entered. I pulled out the bar stool furthest from the biker drowning his sorrows and sat down. Not a likely candidate for intelligent conversation I thought. The bartender, a female with short dark hair medium build wearing a Lucy’s logo T-shirt, just like the front door, tied in a knot at her waist above the waistband of her jeans approached and said “Welcome to Lucy’s, stranger. What will you have?” Just as I opened my mouth to answer the man at the opposite end of the bar threw his head back and launched his waiting shot down his throat as he yelled “Arrrrgh”. He slammed his shot glass down on the bar in perfect succession with the other four and returned his head to his forearm and his now empty waiting fist to its former position as if the glass were still there. “Maybe you should take care of him first. Looks like he needs another and I don’t want to get in his way. " The bartender scoffed and told me that “Butch” would be fine as long as she had another shot in his waiting fist by the half hour mark as she pointed to the clock behind her head. Six was usually his limit on exact fifteen minute intervals. “OCD” she whispered with the back of her hand up to her cheek as if to sheild her whisper from his ears. “Bourbon on the rocks then. And I’ll try to pace myself so you don’t wind up with bookends at your bar keeping your remaining stools empty the rest of the night.” “Go wild sweetie! Don’t hold back on my account” she said as she added two bar straws to my drink and handed it to me. I took the drink and thanked her. I had noticed movement in the bar in my peripheral vision and rotated my stool around to again survey the place without much hope of finding anyone to talk to based on my initial surveyance. I brought my forward face to the television hanging in the corner switched to ESPN as to not be so obvious. A woman had returned from presumably the bathroom to the waiting wine glass and book at the empty table. Early forties, died red short bobbed hair with a highlighted streak, thin build and a nice smile. This I saw when she looked in my direction and saw that I was looking in hers as she sat. After I smiled back I casually brought my eyes back to todays sports highlights and duefully nursed my bourbon. The woman picked up her book and continued reading as she drank the rest of her wine between pages occasionally glancing towards the bar. What type of a woman goes to a bar to read I asked myself. “One that is looking to meet someone” I rhetorically answered. So I decided she was my best shot at any sort of intelligent conversation in this place. No one else had come in. I finished my drink and swiveled back to face the bar. The bartender had been directly behind me so I said “Maybe I will go wild. Another bourbon and a glass of Chardonnay please.” I got a surprised look from her but no response outside of a smirk and a nod. She served the drinks and I stood to approach the lone woman with drinks in hand. “Hi, mind if I join you with a hospitality offering?” “Oh! …please” she said. I sat, introduced myself and struck up conversation. A few minutes in and “Arrrrrrgh” from the bar and the sound of the shot glass slamming into the worn mahogany of the bar. I looked at my watch. Half past on the nose I noticed. The conversation was great and we were both laughing a lot. There was definitely chemistry happening between us. I had lost track of time but the man at the bar had not moved an inch and three others were now seated where I had been at the farther end, the nacho couple were now throwing darts and three new men were playing pool in the back and another three were seated at a table nearby. The bartender came over and stood next to Amy. “Hi Amy. Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun over here? I’m on a break and was curious if I could get in on Mr. Bourbon’s hilarity for a bit? Does Mr. Bourbon have a name?” “Oh, hi Lucy.” said Amy as she looked up at her. “Sure, have a seat. Mr. Bourbon’s name is Christopher. Chris is in from Atlanta on a business trip and is staying at “The Shady Lady” for a month. He is going stir crazy and needs some intellectual release before he goes mad. He is very funny.” “Lucy, nice to officially meet you” I said as I stood and extended my hand for a shake. “I had no idea you were the name sake on the building?”

New Year's Eve Gift

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

“I have a very special gift for you for New Year’s” my wife told me. “I will be yourslave for the evening: no-limits, no safe-word, just your absolute and complete slave.” “Are you sure?” I asked.“You realize we will be going out?” She shivered a bit, averted eye contact with me, and said “yes, I am sure.”

Now we had previously had numerous evenings of “slave-training” and she was always a most willing participant; however, her hard limits included both no other participants and that we remain in our own home at all times. Apparently she was ready to take the next step.

A Special Gift for Christmas

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Wife and Husband Give Special Christmas / Anniversary Gifts. Their fifth anniversary was Christmas Eve. What can two economically struggling young people give each other for such a special Christmas when they can’t afford any “special presents?”

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

It had not been a good year for the Albrights. When they were married on Christmas Eve day five years ago, their plan had been to have a house by their third anniversary and a family by their fifth. It was coming up on their fifth anniversary but things were not going as planned.

Miniscule Matters

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION

“Man, it is live in here tonight. Damn the bitches here tonight fine as hell,” Kevin said. There was so much noise in the club that Dennis had the hardest time hearing Kevin. It was just as difficult to make out what he was saying, but Dennis caught this particular statement. He certainly agreed with it. “You aint lying! What’s so special about tonight Kevin? Did we miss something,” Dennis asked.

CFS, Inc

Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

story continued from A Curious Fashion Statement

Monica had no clue as to what to expect from her treatment of Jon. This experience was fueled by her longtime anger, the urge to obtain revenge for the loss of her sister Dawn so many years ago. But passion in many forms can sublimate, evolve to take on a character unexpected. Such was the case as Jon flailed helplessly, pounding on Monica’s firm rubber ass, desperately struggling to escape her suffocating deathtrap. On the other end of the bizarre physical connection between the two, Monica was finding the sucking feeling of Jon’s attempts to inhale, & the squirming of his face & head against her buttocks & crotch to be unexpectedly erotic, stimulating, & empowering.

A Curious Fashion Statement

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Jon was confident that the stage was set for a successful Friday night out. He’d made enough casual acquaintances in a variety of bars around San Francisco so that he could easily make a comfortable entrance, greeting a few folks as he surveyed the scene for attractive & approachable unattached women. His practice had usually enabled him to enjoy a satisfying one night stand on a fairly regular basis, but he seldom took the same girl home more than once, avoiding long term commitments at all costs. His sexual preferences were fairly tame by Bay area standards, but he’d had his occasional flirtations with kink in the past.

Diary of a Pain Slut - Week 3

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

story continued from part two

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = This is week three of that diary. There are five weeks, each more or less stands on its own, but makes more sense if you have read the previous weeks. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Diary of a Pain Slut

Sun, 20 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = When Maddi Miller gets caught doing naked self-bondage under an interstate bridge, the police take her to the psych ward of the local hospital. She is released but has to keep a diary as part of her thirty day evaluation and submit it to her therapist at the end of each week.

Entering Rubber Society 4: The Streets

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

story continued from part three Part 4: The Streets

Katherine proceeded down the street slowly, each tiny step taking her only a few centimeters along her way. The rain was not strong, it seldom was in the city, but constant, providing a softening and blurriness to the distance. The damp streets and pavements could have been treacherous but she found her balance improving as she walked and the pavement did not seem to be slickened by the rain. She was thankful for the improved surface materials of the day and for the lack of oil and grease. She recalled that only a few decades before, cars and buses disgorged vast amounts of grimy filth into the air and onto every horizontal surface. She thought she remembered reading about terrible fogs, but that may have been from an even earlier time.

Justine Pays

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Although this is a non consensual story, it’s not in any way cruel or heavy. It’s based on a simple idea from slave Kandi (you know who you are) and not to be taken too seriously. Please feel free to comment or email to gramangazer@hotmail.co.uk

Justine walked into the deserted country park, at least she hoped it was deserted, it was approaching dusk and any visitors should have left by now. She felt so exposed and didn’t want to meet any strangers, certainly not the kind who hung around parklands in the dark, and especially not the way she was dressed, or undressed would be more accurate; she wore just her sexiest underwear; matching light blue silk bra and panties, her thigh high stockings and four inch heels, Oh and a leather collar with a custom made tag. She really didn’t want to be there, she was scared and had no idea what was to happen, but she knew she had no choice but to follow the instructions that she had been given.

Unplanned Evening

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Last night started innocently enough. Honest. My brother came over for the first half of a football game. We had some dinner. My wife served us drinks. The conversation was good. At halftime my brother had to run to the airport to pick up some relatives to take to his house, so he left. So I told my wife/slave that I was horny and that she was officially in slave mode. She seemed a little pouty as we moved upstairs to our play space. I put on the big screen and told her to get naked. It was then, to my utter and complete surprise, that she said, “I don’t want to be a slave tonight”.

New in Town

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

My name is Ashley and I just finished college in Boston with a degree in finance and moved to Austin, Texas to take a job in the banking industry. After unpacking all week, getting settled in to my apartment and all of the b/s of the first week on the job I sure was ready to party and let loose this weekend. Not really knowing anybody in town I started chatting up Lauren who works in our office, she was a few years older than me maybe 27 but was a real beauty about 5 foot 6 brunette, big tits and great long legs.

Penance

Tue, 03 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

“But Miss Rourke, I… I need this job. My husband has been out of work for almost a year and we have a baby.”

“Mrs. Donaldson, they’re moving some departments in this division to Chicago and-”

“I can go to Chicago. My husband doesn’t have a job. We can move.”

“I’m sorry, but the decision has been made. There’s nothing I can do.”

That wasn’t true, of course. Miranda, while young at 27, was for all intents and purposes COO and while her boss made the final decision in these matters, he pretty much rubber-stamped her recommendations.

Table For One

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Erika squatted over the toilet and purged the quart of warm, soapy water. She pushed the nozzle back in and emptied the bag. She held it while she slid the second nozzle into her pussy and squeezed the bottle. She removed the nozzles and bore down, holding the liquids in her pussy and ass as long as she could.

In the tub she dialed the shower head to something resembling a heavy mist and soaped herself once all over, quickly. Then she shaved under her arms, shaved her legs, soaped up again, but at a more leisurely pace. The soap, the warm mist, it made Erika purr. They say that while guys focus on their dicks, a girl’s body is one, big erogenous zone. That may be true most days, but at this time of month Erika was having a hard time keeping her hand from going between her legs and her nipples were driving her crazy. She washed her pussy, resisted the urge to do what she most desperately needed, to find relief. But she wanted to stoke the fire, not douse it. She hadn’t diddled herself in three days. Normally it was part of her morning routine, even during her period. Someone had told her that orgasms cure cramps. Whether that was true or not, well, like they say - it can’t hurt.

Hotel Fantasy

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve been having some “me” time recently & to pass the time, I’ve put together what would be, my ultimate fantasy fulfilled. The guys are invented, one a bondage playmate I’d met just once before, the other is a complete stranger to me but a friend of my playmate. Let me know what you think.

I travelled down to Norwich by train, the station’s right across the road from the hotel. I checked into reception, collected my key & headed for the room.

Blind Rage

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You wound me deeply, finding some kind of perverse pleasure in it, and I am thinking of all the things I want to say… do, while you stand there in the doorway, lazily smoking your cigarette.

There’s a self satisfied smirk twisting your lips and I close my eyes, picturing myself slapping it from your face, hearing the resounding crack, letting it echo through the halls of my mind, and feeling the fulfillment of my hand connecting with your cheek.

The Vampires' Slave

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Part One

Jake felt a presence enter the room, unable to see who through the black cloth covering his eyes, and shortly after he heard shuffling of feet moving towards him and suddenly felt fangs sink deep into his neck. He cried out in pain, but all sound was stopped dead by the underwear shoved in his mouth and held tightly in place by a strip of duct tape. He struggled in agony against the rope holding him spread eagle on the bed, but all it did was cause his somehow erect cock to bounce a little, much to the amusement of the rooms other occupant. Jake had been there for so long he had lost all track of time. As the fangs slid out from his skin, he heard a contented sigh escape the vampire’s lips before she stepped quickly out of the room and shut the door. As the quiet began to smother him again, he started to think of the events leading to this point….

Halloween Witch

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A Halloween Special 2009 Tale

‘You’re a witch girl, and you’ve gone too far cause you know it don’t matter anyway….’ Halloween on a Saturday night! Party time! I just love Halloween, the babes in tight little costumes, legs up to here, cleavage down to there, the drinks flying, inhibitions tossed to the wind. Love it! I was starting out in the early evening at one of my favorite watering holes, a little hole in the wall called Off The Wagon. It wasn’t much to look at, and I’m not sure I would even go in the men’s room, much less use it. But the beer was cheap, the company alright - for the most part - so it was my first stop. Now, let me explain how the bar is set up, because, it’s important, it’s how I met Zooey. Rather than a long, rectangular bar against one wall, this place had a round one in the middle of the room, with seats all the way around it. Over the top of the bar was a similar shaped set of cabinets and shelfs. They hung the beer glasses from it, kept the liquor up there, and they also had a series of TV’s every few yards. So you could sit at the bar, have a drink!", stare straight across, and up a little and watch the games. Currently there was a boring college football on, but it kept my attention, as the place was almost empty. “What the hell are you staring at!?!” I looked around to see if a fight might be breaking out - known to happen from time to time - but I didn’t see anything. “Hey asshole, why don’t you take a picture, it lasts longer!” Then I saw, sitting directly across from me, was a young women, not bad looking, staring at me, with fire in her eyes. And what eyes they were. Very intense, very blue, almost like cobalt, they were riveting. She also happen to have smoke coming out of her ears, she was royally pissed, and apparently at me. While I was deducing the situation she yelled a third time “Hey buddy, fuck you, who are you staring at!” I just pointed up to the TV over my head, then pointed at the TV over her head, she looked up, saw it, turned several shades of red, hung her head, and hid behind he long dark brown hair. I felt bad for her, so I had the bar tender mix up what ever she was drinking, and put it on my tab. When he delivered it, she looked at me, still blushing brightly, she nodded and mouthed a thank you, then went back to hiding her face. I waited a respectful amount of time checking her out. Her eyes were very beautiful, very different, I don’t think I’d ever seen that shade of blue before. She had on a gray sweater, or dress, or a blouse, I couldn’t tell, she was behind the bar. Her skin was very pale, and the and the gray was the perfect contrast between her complexion and her eyes. Oh, and she had a witches hat on her head, well, it was Halloween. Then I decided what the hell, either I’d get lucky, or at least I’d get that first rejection of the evening over, so I stood up, grabbed my beer, and did my best amble over to where she was sitting. She looked at me, blushed again, smiled a little, I asked if any one were sitting here (of course I knew there wasn’t, but I always lead with politeness). She whispered no, so I sat down. Then she promptly went back to staring at her drink. Not very social I thought to myself. But I did get the chance to check out the rest of her witch costume, which was a form fitting short sweater dress, matching gray tights, and matching gray ankle boots. Very nice legs, and she was showing them off wonderfully. I’m a leg guy, I was hooked. I especially like a women in nylons, so close, yet just out of reach. It’s like a pretty girl, all gift wrapped. So I started on the small talk, “Hi, I’m Phil, having a bad night?”

Happy Halloween!

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

How often does Halloween show up on a weekend, perfect for partying? From time to time. And this was one of them. Friday night, and the party scene was hopping. I was hopping too, bars that is. I didn’t have much money, so I mostly hung out at the bar, surveying the room, checking out the ladies in their cute, sexy, costumes. And this year it was a jackpot. I’d just arrived at a new place I decided to check out, and the place was packed with short skirts, skin tight spandex, fish net tights, you name it, it was here. Not that I had any intention of hitting on any of them. This place was classy enough to dwarf what little cash I had. I was still waiting for my big break as a teacher at a college or university. In the mean time, I was stumbling from odd job to odder job. They didn’t pay very well, but it was enough for a fairly decent, if tiny apartment, gas for my beat up old car, food on the table, and occasionally enough left over for an occasional night out. And this was one of them.

Sticky Mess

Fri, 01 Sep 2000 00:00:00 +0000

I wheeled the shopping cart through the supermarket aisle and the idea hit me. Like a ton of bricks knocking my thoughts into my next self-bondage ordeal. I hurried pushing the cart through aisle after aisle until I reached my destination. There towering above me on the shelf was my next item I would use in captivity. I quickly and carefully grabbed four gallon bottles of the thick clear shiny fluid and placed them in the shopping cart and off I went to the check out lanes. The ideas were popping in and out of my head like fireworks on the fourth of July. I raced to the car and hurried home as all my plans were becoming crystal clear.

Accidental Inheritance

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Little did I know what I was in for. I do not regret it, but it was a bit of a surprise.

It all started one Friday night, I had been out with a couple of girls from work. At this one bar there stood a man in his thirties waiting for a drink. He was not exactly the best looking man in the room, but he was definitely not the worst either. About 5'10" to 6’ in height, a little overweight, close-cropped dark blond or light brown hair and he wore glasses. He was dressed business casual, dark dress pants, a Polo shirt, and black dress shoes. Something about him had peaked my interest.

Billy 8

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

(story continues from Billy 7)

Part 8

“Mind if we join you?”

Billie glanced up toward the voice, then shot a quick look over to Jackie. To her relief, Jackie just smiled and said, “Sure.”

Smoothly, Jackie slid to the back of the booth, and Billie quickly joined her. The two guys settled in, one on either side of them.

“Ok,” Billie said, “you both look familiar. What are your names?”

“I’m Jim,” said the guy sitting next to her. “And that’s Ron.”

Four Corners 3: Neil/Nell

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

(story continues from Four Corners 2: Steve/Stephanie)

Part 3: Neil/Nell

Settling into a booth, Neil was glad of his choice of clothing. Though tight, the black leather pants were supple enough to allow freedom of movement. He wasn’t sure about the zipper, which went all the way to the waistband in back, but it wasn’t really a big concern.

The sleeveless top, however, he was less sure about. The collar fastened together with two snaps, while three snaps held the bottom together. Between these was a large circular opening that showed entirely too much of his new female chest. Neil still wasn’t sure why he’d chosen this particular top, but now he was stuck with it.

Four Corners 4: Taylor/Taylor

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

(story continues from Four Corners 3: Neil/Nell)

Part 4: Taylor/Taylor

Sliding into a booth, Taylor nervously smoothed his gown across his hips. Glancing around as if to make sure his friend couldn’t see him, he ordered a glass of wine. He’d never really been fond of beer, he admitted to himself, drinking it only because his friends preferred it. Now, secure in his privacy, he sipped the drink he’d always loved.

Four Corners 5: Andrew/Andrea

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

(story continues from Four Corners 4: Taylor/Taylor)

Part 5: Andrew/Andrea

Rather than hiding in a booth, Andrew settled onto a stool at the bar. He felt extremely self-conscious in this body, and felt he could best hide himself in the middle of the crowd. He also decided to splurge with a hefty snifter of brandy, which he sipped slowly.

Glancing around, he watched the swirl of humanity, men and women in constant motion. He wondered what they would say if they knew that he was both. A woman physically, but still a man on the inside, in spite of actions he couldn’t deny were feminine. Seeing what the others wore made him less uncomfortable about his own dress, until the light, soft feel of the cloth against his skin felt almost natural.

Helen's Journey 2: Therapy Begins

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

(story continues from Helen’s Journey)

Part 2: Therapy Begins

“Nervous?”

“Terrified, actually.”

Bradley Scott nodded, gesturing toward a chair placed next to his door. “You know,” he said softly, “we don’t have to do this.”

Helen Adler sighed softly as she slowly took a seat, her eyes measuring the distance between her chair and the one Brad now occupied on the other side of the room. Seemingly satisfied with what she saw, she shook her head. “Yes,” she said softly, “we do.”

Kiss the Girl

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

“Don’t look, but I think that girl over there likes you. She keeps glancing over here, checking you out.”

I already knew who Tamlyn was talking about and I looked across the bar in the woman’s direction.

“What the hell, Ella? I said don’t look!” Tamlyn whispered with her hand cupped around her mouth.

Oops. Luckily, the woman was looking down through a collection of magazines or journals of some sort that were strewn haphazardly across the table of the booth she was occupying. She had a computer open and a stack of sticky notes. There was a wooden pencil that she placed in her mouth like a horse’s bit while she typed. Her brunette hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she wore thick plastic rimmed glasses. I thought that she was beautiful.

Never Dick With A Goddess

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

For Richard, it started out as a normal Friday night. Sitting on his usual stool at the bar, knocking back drinks with his friends, and checking out the action. Basically, the same as every Friday night before. Until they came in.

“They” were a couple Richard had never seen before. The man was nothing special, at least in Richard’s eyes. Tall, muscular, with a face some women might find attractive. Still, he’d seen a hundred others just like the guy. Richard dismissed him after a single glance.

Pretenders 2

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

(story continues from Pretenders)

Chapter 2

Sunday evening, Cassie was shattered. Gabe been out of bondage all day, and he hadn’t let up on her. It had been one mad passionate pounding assault after another. She was a doll that had been picked up and shaken, her joints aching. Her ribs were murder. Her hips felt like they were coming apart. She couldn’t let him see how exhausted she was. If he saw through her acting he might feel guilty. It would ruin everything for him, and that wouldn’t be right or fair.

Pretenders 3

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

(story continues from Pretenders 2)

Chapter 3

The mystery guy made Cassie wait while he opened the hotel mini-bar and poured a generous nip of gin into a cut-glass tumbler that looked like it would hold a liter without filling it. Like the rest of the room it had an ambiance of dated luxury.

“Drink. You need to relax a bit.”

“I’m not on edge. I just need to cum.” Her wrists were sore in the cuffs. It was an act of willpower not to squirm in an attempt to make them more comfortable.

Self Bondage Story

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have practiced self-bondage for years and came across your site. I am 27 years old, 5-11" female with blonde hair and green eyes, dark complexion size 34-25-32. Considered attractive by most.

I started my self bondage one day, deciding I needed some good strict disciplining bondage. I stripped to my b-day suit, and made my preparations. Out to the garage I went and laid down on the oil stained concrete. I took the long clothes hanger dowel from the closet and had holes drilled for the neck position, wrist in back and ankles. I was going to plan one long posture bar that would make movement completely impossible.

The Process 1: Alice's Story

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

This story contains elements of an adult nature. If you are not 18 or stumbled upon this by accident, please move along as there is nothing to see here. Those that are of age, please enjoy. Story contains NC, Abduction, Body mod, BE, Penis growth, Sex doll, Mild gore

Part 1: Alice’s Story

Chapter 1

I hated this shit hole. The hours were terrible, it stank of smoke and working the bar didn’t have the allure that it used to. Not to mention getting hit on by severely drunken guys had lost it’s appeal. I wasn’t the best looking girl and knew that their compliments and rude advances had nothing to do with my looks, though, everything to do with the alcohol that seemed to consume them. At least some days were better than others.