Showing posts with label play. Show all posts
Showing posts with label play. Show all posts

25 January 2015

Nothing butt...

Our first proper session happened on 3rd January 2015, an appropriate way to start the New Year.  I didn’t expect my hussy to be as prepared as she normally would, simply because this wasn’t something that had been planned or discussed in advance.  That didn’t concern me, though it might have worried her.  I set the time for our session in the late afternoon to allow my hussy time to freshen up and mentally adjust to being back in the zone.

I donned my “uniform” black spotted tunic dress, black satin knickers, black lace top holdups and high heels.  I picked up my fan and waited for the signal my hussy was ready to enter my boudoir.  There was a heightened sense of anticipation as I waited.  I was determined not to repeat my past mistakes and put pressure on myself to “perform”.  I wanted it to be about reconnecting.

My hussy entered after knocking and settled in her familiar position, kneeling at my feet.  I let her kneel in silence for a while just to get used to being in my presence again.  I admit that my heart was beating fast and I had to calm and centre myself mentally before starting.  Even dominants have nerves.

I spoke with my hussy for a few minutes just to settle things for both of us.  I knew she would be excited and nervous with adrenalin building.  I stroked her hair and I felt her lean into my hand.  This is where she wanted to be.  I allowed her to kneel beside me and rest her head on my lap.  I felt her sigh and become calm.

First I made her stand and remove her outer clothing so she was standing in her underwear.  She had changed into pretty bra & panty set which pleased me.  I then inspected her as was my right.  Walking around her, creating tension and a frisson of excitement.  I yanked my hussy’s long hair, twisting the strands around my fingers, pulling her face up to mine.  I whispered in her ear, told her who owned her.  Then I pulled the bra cups down to expose her ripe, pale breasts so I could indulge in one of my favourite pastimes.  Nipple clamps.  Mine are purple with bells on the end.  I caressed and teased her breasts first, heightening her senses before applying the clamps.  She breathed in deep as the prongs made themselves felt upon her skin.  Then I took my flogger and flayed her breasts.  I enjoy hearing the bells jingle as her breasts move and jolt to the flogger.  Sometimes the flogger tails got caught in the clamps tugging at her nipples which caused my hussy to mew at the pain.  Her skin became red from the swipe of the flogger.  Again I teased her with words, telling her about Clover clamps and what I could do with them.  It seemed to have the desired effect.

I then made her bend over.  She placed her hands on the bed to steady herself.  I yanked her panties down exposing her beautiful, round bottom.  It was pale and pristine, waiting my ministrations.  I set to work on her plump bottom, hitting her sharply with the flogger.  I love to spank.  I love the thrill it gives me and that I have taught my hussy to love it too.  It arouses her, the heady mixture of pleasure and pain.  And I love doing it.

I swiped the flogger across her pale skin.  Hard and fast, softer and slower.  Dragged the tassels across her sore skin so my hussy inhaled deeply through her nose.  She was mine to do as I pleased.  I slapped her arse with my hand, sound hand smacks that echoed through my boudoir.  Added to this, her breasts hung down with the nipple clamps still attached.  My hussy had more than one pain centre vying for her attention.  I used my riding crop too but most of all, I dragged my fingers across her sore skin to bring pleasure to the pain.  I also rubbed my body against her bottom, pushing the fabric against her.  I heard my hussy gasp at the contact.

I ordered her to stand, remove her underwear and lie on the bed.  Now it was time for some serious work.  I bound her wrists to the bed with my restraints and then blindfolded her with an eye mask.  She was now helpless.  I spent time flogging her body concentrating on her pussy.  Pussy smacking with bare hands is so much fun.  And with my hussy blind to my actions, every touch of my hand or flogger on her body was a surprise.  I swapped the flogger for my riding crop which I flicked across her body, whipping it across her nipples still squashed in the clamps.  Then smacked her pussy sharply with the crop.  I smiled with contentment.  When I was satisfied I’d warmed her up, I turned my attentions elsewhere.

I spread my hussy’s legs wide, knees up exposing her most intimate part to me.  I would relish this moment immensely.  She was already wet, not soaked just musky and aroused.  First I snapped on a pair of latex gloves.  My hussy flinched at the sound and her breath became heavy.  Just the sound is enough to alert her to my intentions.  I picked up my hussy’s toy box and took out the first toy.  Her silver jewelled butt plug.  It had been a long time since I had indulged in anal play.  I always use lube but the cold metal made my hussy gasp with surprise as I pressed it against her anus.  It didn’t take long for her anus to swallow it.  It’s a wondrous thing when it happens.  I was also delighted that her body seemed quite happy to get back into the groove again.  I twisted and moved it around, causing my hussy to moan out loud.  I smiled knowing I was working my magic.  In between I would just gaze at the pink jewel nestled between her butt cheeks.  A wondrous sight.

After a few minutes I removed it and changed it over to the medium rubber butt plug which my hussy felt it keenly.  But it wasn’t long before she was moaning as I pushed and pulled and twisted the plug from inside her.  I often pulled it out to its widest part and held it there to stretch her rim.  Finally I swapped it for a medium sized penis ribbed butt plug.  It’s naturally curved and remains in place, even if standing up and walking around.  My hussy gasped as I inserted it.  She felt this one even more keenly because of its shape, size and contours.  And I wanted to her to feel it, know who was doing it to her and want it to happen.

By then my own pussy was screaming at me.  I was wet beyond belief and I could smell my own arousal.  I had promised my hussy that if she was a good girl, she would get her reward.  Considering how long she hadn’t done anal play, her body had responded better than expected.  I removed the plug and set all the used items aside ready for my hussy to clean them afterwards.  I removed my latex gloves with very audible snaps.  Then I released my hussy from her bonds and slowly removed the blindfold.  As her eyes adjust to the low light, I removed the nipple clamps.  The rush of blood was immense as she mewed and tried to ignore the onslaught on her senses.  I rubbed her nipples hard to encourage blood flow which is bitter sweet as the heat helps but the increased blood flow doesn’t.  It was then that I ordered her to move off the bed and wait.

I stood up and removed my dress, took off my shoes and finally my wet satin knickers.  My hussy kept her eyes firmly locked onto the carpet.  Wearing only my holdups, I lay down on the bed.  “Now it’s time for your reward hussy” I whispered.  My hussy walked around the bed so she could ease up beside me.  I pointed to where she could start.  Diligently she set to work on my breasts, worshipping them with her lips, tongue and fingers.   I was soon writhing on the bed.  I was a coiled spring just about ready to break but I wanted to enjoy this, make it last as long as I could and give my hussy her just reward.

Gradually, my hussy worked her way down my body until she reached my stomach.  Then she paused, waiting for permission.  I eased up the bed slightly and spread my legs apart.  I nodded to her and my hussy lowered her eyes in deference.  I was allowing her the ultimate honour of worshipping my pussy.  My hussy settled down between my thighs and I rested on my legs over her shoulder.  That first touch from her tongue was electrifying.  I was soon lost in a wave of sensations as my pussy was eaten.  I laced my fingers into my hussy’s long hair, moving her head to my satisfaction.  I bade her to slow down so that I didn’t come too soon.

However that’s easier said than done.  My hussy’s ministrations are excellent and I couldn’t hold out any longer.  When I orgasm, I am very vocal.  My body was taken over by one orgasm after another.  My hussy kept going, almost having to follow me up the bed as I writhed and arched my back in ecstasy.  She doesn’t stop doing something until I tell her otherwise.  I was so lost in my orgasms that I didn’t tell her to stop, or couldn’t.  I don’t remember how many orgasms I had.  I vaguely remember at least three of them.  After that it was a bit of a blur.  I reached a point where my body and pussy couldn’t take any more.  I moved my body and bade my hussy to stop.

I lay on the bed panting heavily.  I had to catch my breath, settle down.  Adrenalin flooded my body causing me to shake hard.  Sometimes it gets so bad I lose control and sob.  I wanted to maintain my demeanour so I closed my eyes and rode the crest of the adrenalin wave.  It took a little while.  My hussy waited patiently kneeling on the bed at my side, eyes cast down.  When I felt able, I turned to her and simply held out my arms to her.  Silently my hussy lay down beside me and snuggled into my waiting arms.  We lay together for a while, her head resting on my breast.  I lay content in the wondrous post orgasmic glow, holding my cherished hussy and felt at peace.  I turned to my hussy and kissed her forehead.  I thanked her for her service.  She thanked me for coming back to her.  I smiled.

We rested for a while before getting up.  I kissed her passionately, not just as my sub but as my lover.  Before ending our scene, I ordered her to clean the toys and pack them away.  I lifted my hand and my hussy dropped to her knees to kiss it.  This was the formal ending of our scene, our signal that all was well.  Together we made the bed respectable and we both redressed.  I put back on my normal clothes as my hussy went to the bathroom to tidy up.  I packed away my toys and knew that this was the start of another chapter of our journey together.  My pussy continued to throb between my legs as I smiled again.  It felt good.

15 January 2015

The Lady is back part deux...

I lay out my instruments on my bed prior to our session.  Most have been my staple since our first session almost 6 years ago.  Slowly I have added to the collection but I don’t have a vast array of play toys.  My hussy has her own play box which she looks after.  Her box houses the array of anal sex toys that I use and abuse.  But my toys probably hold the most respect for my hussy, especially the ones that I have used in nearly every session.

I suspect that the one thing she has most respect for is the nipple clamps - lovely purple ones with bells on the end.  My hussy had a fear her nipples would not respond after having a breast reduction operation several years ago.  Sometimes this kind of surgery reduces sensation.  I was able to prove her surgeon wrong.  Her nipples are very responsive and she loves and fears the nipple clamps equally.  I love to see them jingle and jangle on her nipples.  When I flog her lovely breasts she is enveloped with the bitter sweet pain of the flogger and nipple clamps tugging at her breasts.  I can (and have) played with them for a long time.  Longer than she ever imagined possible.


The rubber flogger and leather riding crop came later but are part of my trademark.  I use the riding crop to torture and tease as I please.  I only need to flick my wrist and the sting on skin is evident.  The fan has been with me since day 1.  It is the first thing my hussy sees as I sit with it across my face, hand extended to be kissed in reverence.  I also use it to tease and tickle.  As my hussy is incredibly ticklish, I have to make sure she’s tortured accordingly…
Similarly the eye mask has been used since day 1.  An incredibly simple article that affords the loss of one sense, making others heightened.  One should never underestimate the power of a blindfold.  The element of surprise is always on your side.  I love the way my hussy gasps and writhes when the unexpected touch or smack ignites her skin and her senses.  It could be something gentle and soft or harsh and stinging.  It’s a powerful aspect of play.
The hairbrush is a more recent addition.  I love to corrupt everyday objects such as wooden spoons, brushes, ruler or wooden coat hanger.  The multi use of the hairbrush is admired and feared.  That wonderful sound as it hits the skin reddening my hussy’s ample bottom is music to my ears.  Then I simply turn it over and drag the bristles across the sore skin to even greater affect.  Pleasure and pain in one.  I have used it to punish.  The wide wooden paddle is a keen punisher.  The bristles equally brutal.  My hussy knows when she’s been punished by it.
The bondage tape is also a later addition.  I have used it but still prefer the old fashioned way of tying up or using my other restraints.  I have a set of 4 bed restraints in the photo so I can bind wrists or ankles or all of them.  A lovely image to behold as my hussy is spread-eagled on the bed, ready for my whims.

So, just my basis play toys.  My instruments that inflict pleasure and pain at my hands, as I want, when I want.  I am the one who holds them and wields them.  I respect what they can do and they command respect from my hussy.  But most of all, my hussy respects the one who holds them in her hands.

16 May 2011

Business as usual

Another weekend, another session.  Six weeks apart meant that I was (quite literally) climbing the walls.  Mentally I was more than ready for her arrival.  P admitted she was quite nervous before her visit.  We talked about this, even I was a little nervous.  It had been a while since we'd last had a proper session.  We needed to reconnect as D/s, I needed to reclaim her.  I emailed P her regular visit instructions which help her to focus, get back into the mind set.

On Friday, it was all about being together again as human beings.  How much I had missed her scent, her touch.  Just holding her in my arms was enough to bring light and love to my soul.  I did check she had followed my no panty rule and was rewarded with being able to feel her smooth skin through her cotton skirt as I rubbed her bum.  Yummy.  I did press her into service later in the evening.  I love foot massages and she loves to give them to me.  So I watched her massage warm oils into my feet and ankles, relaxing me as her fingers pressed in the right places.  Then she applied soothing moisturiser to make my skin smooth and silky.  Later she gave me a head massage.  Something I also adore.  Very relaxing and de-stressing.

On Saturday we went shopping.  Again it was more of a chance for us to be together, walk with fingers entwined, share time and space together.  The simple things are the sweetest.  Having lunch, browsing shops.  I was treated to a new bullet vibrator.   A bright pink one.  Yummy yummy!  All the time I would give her sly looks, looks she knew only too well.  A twinkle in my eyes, a wry smile.  The smile of knowing.  A hand down her back, a brief caress of her bum to let her know what was to come.  And inside I was nervous, excited, filled with anticipation.

Back home we chilled for a while together sipping tea.  I smoked.  I checked the time.  I always allow P 15-20 minutes to change and prepare.  I gave her warning of the time I wanted her to be ready and come to my chamber.  Now the butterflies take hold for both of us.  I prepared my chamber, changed my clothes, made sure all was perfect.  My way of mental preparation.  Getting into the blessed zone.  A zone which had been sleeping for a while.  But as I sat and waited on my bed, I was very much back in that zone.  I knew exactly what I wanted, what I needed, what P needed.  At the appointed time, there was a knock at my door.  I bade her to enter.

She came to me, dropped to her knees.  She kissed my hand as is the protocol.  And so it began.  Touching, stroking, teasing. This time I undressed her, slowing unbuttoning, unzipping, removing, revealing.  Time to inspect.  A chance to be intimate with my hussy before drawing her across my lap, trapping her legs between mine to keep her still.  I spank, warming up her pale skin, watching the skin turn red.  I switched from using my hand - pure skin on skin to a slipper.  P mewed and bucked on occasion when I hit a sweet or tender spot.  She wriggled across my lap.  Mentally and physically she is now attuned to spanking, it makes her pussy wet, she gets excited.  Even when I picked up the dreaded hair brush.  It is more intense, and once it connected with her already tender skin, P was really mewing and writhing.  But her body betrays everything.  I teased her over this and her silence confirmed her answer.

I bade her to stand.  Time for nipple play.  Something I love.  She stood quite still while I removed her bra, her last item of clothing.  Her large, firm breasts beckoned.  I fondled them first, got them and her aroused.  Then I applied my favourite nipple clamps. They are pink and have a bell on the end.  So when she jigs up and down, she tinkles.  The pincers are long and envelop the nipple, squashing it exquisitely.  When they were secured, I slapped her breasts, squeezed them, roughed them up making the bells sound.  I watched her reaction, her sharp intake of breath as the clamps bit home.  I love being able to control her in this way.  I know her limits and like to push them just a little bit more each time.  So I watch for when the signs are visible, the nipples getting angry, heavier breathing, sometimes a mew or a moan.  As I do so, I make her tell me she's a hussy and a slut, my hussy and slut.  Hussys love this, sluts love this.  P has trouble saying these words and I want her to say them out loud.  Repeat them like a mantra.  To reaffirm what she is and accept it.  To know what her submissive soul is.  A true hussy and true slut.  I keep going for longer than usual until I decide to go to the next stage.

I remove the nipple clamps.  The rush of blood to the nipples gives P the all too familiar pain/pleasure sensation.  Time to complete the reconnection.  She lays on her back on the bed and I put on my favourite latex gloves.  I get out the anal toys.  I know how much the snap of the latex glove on my hand sends her into overdrive.  Lube, glove, fingers.  I reclaim her properly.  From fingers to plugs.  Small then medium.  I twist, thrust, push and pull - using her anus how I want it.  The last plug to be used is penis shaped and about the same size as the middle smooth plug.  It also stays in.  P is still on her back, clasping her knees up to her chest.  Fully exposed for my pleasure.  I quickly insert the new plug.  Playing with this one gives different sensations.  It fills her in a different way with its curves and ripples.  It also stays in place without help.  I use this opportunity to spank her while she is plugged.  Yummy.  She reacted totally to the spanking.  I used the hair brush over her tightened, still sore skin and watched her yelp and gasp.  Her body bucked on the bed as I spanked and continued to use the plug until I knew the time to remove it.

Afterwards I cleared the anal toys away.  She drank some water and began to shake.  The emotion of the play was surfacing.  It does if there has been some intense play.  I cuddled her, stroked her hair and soothed her.  Aftercare is important and helps to make our bond stronger, show her how much I care.  I take the opportunity to ask P what she would like to do to me that would make me happy.  Something she enjoys doing.  I wanted to give her a chance to enjoy the last part of our session as much as me.  Without hesitation she replied that she loved to worship me.  Which instantly makes me wet.  P doesn't need to be told twice.  I let her worship me starting at my breasts before she works her way down.  The first time her lips touch my pussy, I buck and writhe as I am already aroused after our session.  I grab her hair and push her head where I want it, where I need it.  She loves to be used in this way.  Her dream is to make me cum with oral and though mostly I enjoy it, only once or twice has it ever been more than that.  Once in the shower and when I went to stay with her in March it was particularly good.  Last Saturday was the best yet in terms of arousal.  Her technique has improved but also my body is clearly reacting more to the stimulation.  Eventually P had to concede that the bullet would be the only way for me to gain blessed relief.  She dutifully gave me her bullet and I bade her to lay in my arms while I set the vibrator to work.  My orgasm was hard and wonderful.  And even more wonderful was curling up with P afterwards, both of us glowing from the excitement, adrenalin and sheer euphoria of session.  And when we're like that, that's when we're as close as two people can be.

05 February 2011

28 January 2011

Left my home 09:06
Arrived at P's house 13:10
Settled in, ate lunch which she had kindly provided for me
Had a secret bath
Scrubbed, shaved, cleansed, moisturised
Prepare bedroom for romantic surprise
P arrives home 15:35
Allow her to wind down, drink tea, chat about her day
Cuddle with her cats on the sofa
Lots of kisses
17:15 take her upstairs
Bed covered in scented rose petals, light candles, close curtains
**use your own imagination for the next two and a half hours**
19:45 go back downstairs for dinner
Watch TV
Eat fish finger sandwiches, potato wedges and mayo
Drink tea
I smoke
Another bath
My hussy serves me while I bath
Drink Bucks Fizz in the bath, how decadent
Allow my hussy a glass of Bucks Fizz for being a good girl
Leave bath
She helps me dry, put on bath robe
Go downstairs
Chill out and relax
Plan our next day
I smoke
We go to bed
Drink the rest of the Bucks Fizz in bed while snuggled up under the duvet
Turn out lights
Spoon together in bed
Bliss...

07 December 2010

How do I control thee?

Let me count the ways.

Okay I'll stop with the massacre of Shakespeare and get on with the article.  But at least you know what it's going to be about.   There are many ways to control within a D/s relationship.  Over the course of my journey with P, I have been able to exert more and more control over her as time goes on.  And of course, some of it has been trial and error.  What works for us might not work for someone else.  We also have the added difficulty of having a long distance relationship so everything we do has to backed up with absolute trust.  I trust P that when I tell her to do something, she does it.  And visa versa if needs be.

For me, I can place my control mechanisms into two camps.  Mental control and physical control.  The mental control can be subtle, gentle, applied over time.  Other times it can be as subtle as a brick, in your face, made obvious.  Physical control is often used during sessions, when I am able to be with her or see her such as when we do an e-session via Skype.  One thing I have discovered is that both sides often merge so that the control can be both mental and physical.  So let's try and separate them first and start with mental control.

I like to get inside P's mind, know what makes her tick, her likes and dislikes.  I have done that through her many diaries that she sends me.  Gradually I have invaded her mind, almost like being inside it.  Often in the past, P has told me that she will think of me at random times of the day.  Especially when it nears the time for a visit or e-session.  I fill her thoughts completely.  Anticipation and a certain healthy amount of trepidation help to accelerate this.  I like being there.  For one it's a little bit slutty!  I have been able to open up her inner most thoughts, something she has found difficult to do in the past.  A lot of the mental control I have over P now is the result of all the previous months and sessions we've spent together.  It's been a learning curve for both of us.  I know I can flick her internal 'switch'.  Play sessions have enabled me to gauge her reactions, know her limits.  How far can I push or punish her?  The biggest thing mentally is that she knows she's there for my pleasure, my enjoyment.  She's my toy.  And her will to submit to me hasn't diminished.  In fact it has grown.  I have been able to exert more control over her.  Now I have started to train her to serve me, do things for me, pamper me.  This is a different kind of control.  No bondage or pain is required.  It is all about my needs and her wish to please me.  I know that quite often, she is thinking of me, of my dominance over her.  My words are just as effect as any of my actions.  I have reprimanded her, praised her, teased and denied her with equal affect.  Sometimes I now don't even need to say anything.  I can just give her one look and she understands what it means.  That is very pleasing for me.  To have that amount of mental control over her.  She knows by my reaction whether she has pleased me or not.  It's almost like remote control sometimes.  P has told me it's rather like Big Brother, someone is always watching her.

Physical control is more hands on.  In its basic form it comprises of bondage and restraint.  In whatever degree I wish.  Sometimes it's just her wrists, other times it's all appendages so she is completely helpless.  I like to control her senses, deprive her of one of them heightening the others.  The most common way is blindfold.  Unable to see, I have the element of surprise at my disposal.  I can see her reactions and be fluid in how I decide to use and play with her.  Even without restraint, I can control her to do as I wish.  Kneel, lay down, kiss my shoe or boot, stand still, stand in the corner and face the wall.  This one I use for punishment and combines both elements of physical and mental.  And with servitude, I control her every move.  Fetch this, do that, kneel here, wait, massage my feet.  Or just be there for me to pet every now and again and if you're very good, you can rest your head on my lap while I stroke your hair.

One of my favourite control mechanisms is the touching ban.  Physically frustrating for anyone with a hint of a sex drive, mentally devastating.  Usually I impose this a couple of days prior to a visit and a day before an e-session.  It helps to concentrate her mind on what is to come.   I have also used it for punishment.  I think the longest she was banned was almost a week.  That was very difficult for her, but she knew why it was imposed (along with a few other things) and it worked.  Now she hasn't got to the begging stage during a ban, but I'm sure in her mind she has.  Begging.  P is uncomfortable begging.  I love to hear it.  I make her beg to ask me to cum.  She has to beg badly (or good) enough for me to grant it.  And depending on how I feel, I might allow it and then again I might not.

I wasn't expecting this to be quite so long and I don't think I've covered every aspect of control between us.  But it does give you an idea of what happens within a D/s dynamic.  May be it even gives you a few ideas to use for your own D/s.  It's only when you try and write it down, that you realise just how much goes into a D/s on both sides.  Ultimately she trusts me and puts herself in my hands.  To give that level of submission must be the ultimate symbol of my control over her.

13 July 2009

Boundaries

As P had never given over to her submissiveness so totally before, it was important that she knew what her hard and soft boundaries were. I knew that if P said she had no boundaries that it was a recipe for disaster. I instructed P to think about her boundaries, research the different play scenes she might encounter, and see what she was attracted to as well as what turned her off. Without those boundaries, I could not engage in any kind of secure play. Soft boundaries could be explored, discussed and stretched as she became more aware of her body and her desires. Hard boundaries would be complete 'red' zones for her and I would respect them always.

P was honest with me. Through our many online chats, she admitted that she had no idea what would be soft and hard boundaries. Being instructed to establish them gave her an additional purpose and responsibility towards her Lady. If I instigated a play scene which she later realised was a hard boundary, it might be too late before real pain and damage had been inflicted. We owed it to each other to be completely open and honest. It was a two way street. As her Lady, I had to know where the boundaries lay otherwise I could not ensure her welfare at all times.

Researching the different plays, the ways a D and s interact was something P embraced. I didn't expect to get any answers overnight but as long as I had something to go on before our first session, I would be happy. It would enable me to plan our first session with confidence, knowing I wouldn't hurt her intentionally. It took a couple of weeks but P informed me she had made her decision and we had a long chat about her hard and soft boundaries. The hard ones were also ones that I didn't have an interest in so we found ourselves well matched in that respect. There wasn't something that I craved to do which P wouldn't do. The soft boundaries of course, she realised she relinquished to me. P was already aware that I was getting inside her psyche, pushing her buttons. This was all part of the process. There were things dear to me which I wanted to introduce P to, and she knew what they were. She admitted she had no idea how she would react to them. Whether she would embrace them or fear them. Either way she knew it would ultimately be for my pleasure as well as hers. And that was at the heart of her submissiveness. To please her Lady.

So boundaries were set, and I was more secure with that knowledge. Hard boundaries protect, hard boundaries provide security. Soft boundaries can also be stretched, pushed and explored. I realised I had lots of buttons at my disposal and when P realised this, the excitement was all to clear for both of us.