15:34 video
Cinched was moaning on the day bed when I found him. He said his back was hurting and I offered to give him a massage and his body some attention. He agreed that it would be a good plan so we proceeded! I straddled his body as he lay on his tummy so I could give his aching back a rub down. I massaged his sore back, by his shoulder blades and down to his lower back. The moans came out when I got to his lower back so I made sure to give that area extra attention. A massage from me doesn't end at the back though. I made my way down to his tasty glutes and gave those cheeks some attention too! I massaged his hands and fingers and judging by the sounds, he was enjoying all of it! I rubbed his hamstrings and worked my way down to his feet. I took his shoes off and rubbed his sock clad feet before asking him to flip onto his back so I could really give his feet some attention. I pulled his socks off and admired his feet before rubbing them. I gave his toes some kisses before taking them into my mouth and sucking on his toes. He groaned with pleasure as I stuck my tongue between his toes. I rubbed his feet more as I nibbled and took his toes into my mouth causing his legs to twitch. I swapped to his other foot and gave the same loving devotion to his foot and toes as I worshiped them like they deserved. He was soon a happy heap of man so I offered to draw him a bath, make him some food and come back for round two to which he happily agreed!
12:28 video
Cinched came in hot, ready to interrogate me after cuffing me to the book case. I told him I had no plans of telling him what he wanted to know and then it all kicked off! Cinched ripped my blouse open, sending buttons everywhere and exposing my bare breasts! He started to suck and bite my nipples before asking if I was going to talk. I stood firm and told him I wouldn't be talking! He moved on to biting, tickling and tormenting my tummy by putting his tongue in my belly button! I held firm and he moved up my body to tickle my armpits! I haven't been tickled in my armpits in so long that I had forgotten how ticklish I was! I thrashed around and laughed, but med sure not to say anything! Cinched moved to take my shoes off and tickle my feet. My reserve was starting to weaken, but I held fast! I resisted the tickles all over my body as much as I could and though I laughed hysterically, I didn't spill the beans! Cinched wasn't done with the interrogation so he kept it up, making me laugh until I was in tears! Come see how this clip ends if you like giggles, tickles and silliness.
23:34 video
I had kept my partner, Cinched, up all night with my tossing and turning so the following day, he decided to remedy that issue. He put me in a rest sack, zipped and laced it up tight before stuffing a sock in my mouth and securing it with a wrap around tape gag! I whimpered into my gag and he told me I had better keep quiet or he would come in and make things much more difficult for me. I couldn't help but try and wiggle my way out of things and though I wasn't able to do much, it was more than he wanted! Cinched came back in and chastised me for all the ruckus I was causing so he decided that a hood was needed to add another layer to stifle my sounds! He pulled the hood down and tied it up tight and let me know that it would be in my best interest to lay still and be quiet, but I wasn't ready to obey yet so after he left I kept trying to wiggle my way out of my situation. I rolled around, struggled against my encasement, but I still wasn't able to get out!Cinched came in again and told me that I was still being too noisy with my struggling. He grabbed a second body bag and maneuvered me in place before zipping me in. The heat was kicking in, but my desire to resist was still there and he made sure to remind me that this situation is all of my own doing. I was left to my own devices so I struggled and rolled around on the bed, but alas, I was stuck. He came in again to add some straps that buckle the outer encasement nice and tight. I tried to escape, but all I could do was flop around and not even very well since the encasement was so stiff and heating up fast! Cinched made sure that the last time that he came in, I would comply...he added a full leather hood that only had two holes so I could breathe through my nose. I let the lesson sink in as I was deprived of my sensations. I would stay still and spend the night all wrapped up and hope that I would be released in the morning after Cinched had achieved his good nights rest!
29:22 video
I decided it would be a good idea to have some fun with Cinched and my toys. I cuffed myself up with leather wrist and ankle cuffs and was secured by chains but left my legs free while I waited for him to discover me on the bed ready and waiting! He did soon find me struggling lightly in my binds, with a few little toys laid out. Cinched reminded me that playing with bondage alone isn't the best idea and I agreed, but I pointed out that I had planned for him to find me and that's why Id left a butt plug, lube and a hitachi out!Cinched sucked my nipples and slapped my pussy which made me close my legs involuntarily. He commanded me to open my legs and keep them open. He kissed me and teased me more which made my legs close. He said we couldn't me closing my legs like that so he proceeded to secure my cuffed ankles to the chains at the foot of the bed. Cinched tickled my foot and then sucked my toes and I was in heaven! He swapped to my other foot to repeat what he'd done and I moaned with pleasure. He turned the hitachi on and began to vibe me. Quickly, my clit was over stimulated and I squirmed. Cinched continued to torment me with the hitachi before sticking a finger inside me. I was seeing stars! I squirmed and he sucked my toes while fingering my pussy until he abruptly stopped!
Cinched told me I wasn't done and that he had more plans for me. He unchained my wrists and secured them to my waist chain. He added another element to my situation by draping cold chain over my shoulders and on the back of my neck. He pulled it taught and secured it to the chains that had previously held my wrists. Cinched made sure that all I could do with my hands was to hold the hitachi while he went to work on my pussy. He began fingering me before he told me that I wasn't going to be released until I had an orgasm for him. That started to make my orgasm approach. The hitachi vibrated away, his fingers inside me and I asked for permission to cum! Cinched gave me permission and I came so hard that I squirted for the first time in over a decade! I didn't shoot like a faucet, but he showed me that I shot it on his hand and up his wrist as it glistened in the light. I was in tears since I came so hard it wracked my body with pleasure unmatched.I cooed into him as he kissed me and sucked my juices off his fingers. Cinched then let me know that because I had locked myself up without making sure I had the keys, I would be left to my own devices and if I didn't get myself free in an hour, he'd be back for round two!!!
24:27 video
As a new journalist, I was trying to make a name for myself and what better way to accomplish that than going undercover and getting some super secret information about how women seem to be getting mummified and vanishing! I asked a friend to help me infiltrate an underground mummification ring and though he wasn't on board at first, he came around to my idea. I told him the more realistic we make it look, the more likely I was to break the story! He said he would make a call to a friend that dabbled in the kinky arts and would get back to me if he was able to secure the materials and knowledge.I got the heads up that we could go ahead with my plan and so we agreed to get to the mummification immediately! I stripped down to my lingerie as I was told that the thickness of mummification that I was looking for would be toasty as heck! I wriggled into a rest sack before moving onto the multiple blankets that were laid out and waiting for me to be wrapped up in. The multiple layers took time and it had to be secured with tape, but I tried my best to feel comfortable with it. Soon, my mouth was covered with tape and my friend told me the truth...he was the head of the mummification ring and I was one of his intended targets!He moved me to the bedroom and then wrapped me in tape from neck to feet! I could hardly move with all the layers I'd been wrapped in. I struggled, but it was for naught. I couldn't escape, but I wasn't about to give up yet! He moved me from the bedroom to the front room and wrapped my whole head in tape except for my nose and eyes. I made noise, whined and whimpered, but I was still stuck! My ultra thick mummified body was moved yet again and I was powerless while being so very encased!I was left to struggle in my cocoon awaiting my fate at the hands of my captor.
18:00 video
Cinched and I were sitting on the couch when I brought up the idea of him getting some practice with the cane in. After some silly jokes and general playfulness, Cinched was on board and was keen to take the cane to me. I draped myself over his lap for a good and lengthy warm up. We shared some laughs and in no time he had me moaning and groaning for various reasons. Being the glutton for spanks that I am, I could have stayed over his lap all day, but eventually we agreed that it was time to move on to the cane practice! I leaned over a piece of furniture and presented my bare bottom to him and the cane. I know Cinched worries that he isnt good with the cane, but I am not complaining! I was quite happy with his progress and suggested he swing a bit harder since his accuracy is going well. I couldn't keep my dirty, little feet on the floor, but it was because the caning was so yummy and hitting all the right places for me! This is a little peek into some practice/play time between partners more than an earned punishment or discipline, but it was still quite enjoyable and there are no complaints from me!
13:09 video
What happens when you put two puppy girls together? They get rambunctious and have fun! Cinched found a puppy girl friend for me to play with! I was so excited that I was spinning in circles and bouncing on and off the couch. Cara was the cutest little puppy! She panted and wagged her tail in greeting. We sniffed each other, played, shared a squeaky toy and yipped happily! Cinched brought us some water which started well, but then I decided to spill it everywhere and that got my paws all wet. He dried my paws off and refilled our water, but it wasn't long before we spilled it again and knocked it under the couch...oops! Cara and I bounced around some more and Cinched came back with some gags for us and promises of walkies!!!! We opened up for our gags and got in a single file line so we could go out on our walk. I can't wait to get to play with my new puppy pal again soon!
16:20 video
Smitten found herself all taped up and waiting for me. I told her I wanted to have some fun and she was giddy about it. I put a ball gag into her mouth and then disclosed that I'd be taking her boyfriend to the fetish event and would be leaving her taped to the chair until I returned! Smitten was not happy about the new development and began to struggle and whimper behind her gag. Too bad, I wasn't there to hear it! I returned after the event to see Smitten still where I left her. Well, I can be mean, but I am not cruel! I brought a hitachi over and began to vibe her. I told her she wasn't allowed to climax until she begged me and I approved...which, I wouldn't for a while! I wanted to hear her whimper, moan, bed and watch her grind into the hitachi for me. Poor thing was desperate for release but I wasn't done teasing her until I decided to straddle her so we could both enjoy the vibrations at the same time. I made her look me in the eyes as she asked to cum before I granted her permission and an orgasm. This is one of those times that we were both happy and I hadn't even let her loose to suit my needs yet!
16:57 video
I wanted to try an escape challenge of sorts. I dressed in a sexy, shiny, catsuit and approached Cinched, asking him to put me in a straitjacket so I can try to escape. I love being bound, but I also looooove trying to escape and even more than that, succeeding! After some silly banter, he agreed that he'd bind me up, give me some time to try to escape and if I fail, he could do whatever he wants with me. Those are some high stakes!I'm put in a hood, straitjacket and my legs are locked in a frog-tie position with some leather straps. I immediately get to work using my elbows to loosen the thigh straps! I work those straps loose, managed to loosen the strap holding my wrists secured to my body and got my arms moving in the straitjacket until Cinched came in to tighten things up! He pulled all the straps tight again and blindfolded me! I tried my best to do what Id been doing, but losing my sight meant I couldn't do my best work, but that didn't stop me from trying!Cinched returned once again to smack my bottom, unzip the crotch zipper on my catsuit and tickle my feet before he pulled me onto my back. I whimpered as he rubbed my hyper-sensitive clit. My hips bucked and I moaned while me tormented me. He brought the hitachi to my bits and I was already on edge. I whined, wanting to orgasm, but was told not without my asking and being given his permission.I caved into the lust and asked for an orgasm while my words were muffled by the hood. He said no! I cringed and moved away from the intense vibrations to obey his orders. I started to approach my climax again and I begged fore his permission to cum...he granted me release this time! I came guttural and with an intensity that is hard to describe.While I was blissing, Cinched said his plan was to leave me bound and exposed while he went off to see a movie. I protested and whimpered, but we all know that he gets his way with me.
15:15 video
I was being a troublesome little puppygirl today. Cinched wanted to sit and read, but that is so boring to a pup! I stuck my snoot into his book before pawing the book out of his hand making him lose his place. He told me to behave but I was not in the mood for that! I hopped up on the couch (even though I am not allowed) and I sprawled out on top of Cinched and got some scritches. He made me get down and I threw a bit of a tantrum since I wanted to play. I decided to try my luck and climb on the couch again, but I was told to get my paws off the couch. I was done letting Cinched read so I started to chew on his shoelaces. He warned me not to do it again, but I couldn't resist so I did it again! Cinched said he was going to make it so I wouldn't be able to interrupt him and he was telling the truth! Cinched mummified me and put a harness bone gag in to keep me quiet. I tried my best to wriggle free, but I was stuck! He gave me some scritches and watched me roll around helplessly. He teased me with some of my favorite words, like "treat" and "walk" and I whimpered into my gag. I flopped around and wore myself out! Cinched gave me some sweet pets and said he would let me free in a little while and left me to roll around as a mummified pup!
19:42 video
I wanted to try to escape from a tape tie and Cinched was all too willing to help me do that! He taped me up, including my hands, put a hand over my mouth before taping my mouth. He pulled my feet up to suck my toes which made me moan through my tape gag and then he taped the soles of my feet before taping my big toes together. Now that I was bound to his liking, Cinched left me to struggle and attempt my escape. I tried my best while on the couch but moved to the floor to try harder. I was bound as heck and not able to do much more than get the tape off of my toes. I kept working at my restraints, but Cinched came back and made it even harder for me with more tape to my feet. I tried and tried but I wasn't making much progress. Cinched came in to make things more complicated by wrapping my head with some vet wrap. Losing sight meant the struggle was more difficult, but I wasn't giving up! I rolled around on the floor whimpering as I tried to loosen my bonds. Cinched came back and pushed himself up against me, making me moan with desire. He wrapped my head more and added some electrical tape to my head and face. I was thoroughly caught without a way out but I was blissing out. I fought the sub-space that set in, determined to try my best to wriggle free. Cinched wasn't going to let me have it easy as he then wrapped tape from my face to my feet, putting me into a hogtie. I couldn't do much more than whimper, whine and moan! He told me if I was still there in an hour, he'd be back to fuck my ass. I melted hearing that and was torn between wanting to try to escape and wanting him to ravish me. I tried to escape, but it was futile. I was proper stuck and had to await for him to return when he was ready and hope he would do what he said he would. Maybe next time, the last bit of fun will be caught on camera to share!
13:16 video
Oh boy, did I get myself into some trouble this time. You know its bad when I don't even brat or give sass! Cinched and I had been out enjoying the holiday weekend and I got a little out of hand. Okay, I may have gotten very out of hand! I was flirtatious and social with others for a while, but with the crowds growing, I got more and more rude and disrespectful to my partner since I was feeling overwhelmed. Instead of asking to leave, I doubled down on my bad behavior until Cinched dragged me out of there and took me home to deal with me. I looked down at my fingers and chewed my lips as he recapped what I had done. I was embarrassed by my behavior and just wanted his forgiveness. He got me over his lap and realized the panties I was wearing weren't ones that he'd given approval for since I hadn't asked and that just made things worse! He began raining spanks down on my bottom and I apologized and used the title I always do for him, but he stopped me and said that wasn't what he wanted to hear tonight...he wanted to be called Sir. That hurt me and really made me realize how much I'd hurt him. I tried my best to take what he gave without any lip or fuss. Cinched give me swats in sets of five and then awaited an apology for something I had done wrong and we repeated that many times until he felt I was ready to move on to the paddle. I don't like paddles, but I knew I deserved it. I took my place over the arm of the couch and awaited my fate. Cinched gave me 15 strokes and made me count them and repeat a phrase to keep me present and aware of why I was in the position I was in. Once he was done, I was allowed to stand up and rub my bottom until I was sent to bed early. I know I will do better next time because he took the time to correct me!
15:57 video
I haven't been keeping up with my workouts lately and was feeling down about how much more squishy my tummy was feeling. Cinched was lovely enough to tell me how much he loves me and my body and he wanted to show me how much he loves my tummy. He told me to lay down on the little couch, he lifted my shirt to expose my belly and began to touch and kiss my tummy. Cinched quickly discovered that I am ticklish and took full advantage of that, making me laugh and giggle. I began to relax as he softly rubbed and kissed my stomach. It is hard to feel self conscious about that part of myself when it is being worshiped by someone that absolutely loves it. He licked up and down my tummy before sticking his tongue in my belly button causing me to moan. I was in heaven! Cinched, being the goof that he is, decided that blowing some raspberries on my belly was the next step! I laughed as he played my stomach like a musical instrument. Soon, he went back to the sweet attention and I was grateful for his loving attention. I don't let people touch my tummy, but I was so glad that Cinched insisted on spending the time to worship my belly like it deserved to be!
14:11 video
Heehee, I was feeling frisky and slipped into a fun outfit that was gifted to me from my wishlist...a sexy Spider Girl outfit! I walked into the living room to find Cinched reading a book, but he quickly decided that I was worth focusing on. We chatted on the couch before Cinched suggested that we see how this outfit would hold up during a spanking. Who am I to oppose such a wonderful suggestion?! I gave him a kiss and took my position over his lap. Cinched started slow, warming me up with soft swats, making me laugh with silly jokes and commenting on my whimpers. Soon, he ramped things up a bit more causing my whimpers to turn to moans. His hand went to my throat and I melted into his lap. He playfully chastised me for topping from the bottom as the intensity ramped up, making my bottom sting and bounce under his skillful hand. I arched my back and spread my legs, asking for swats to my bits. They ached for his touch and swats would meet that need! He spread my legs further and indulged me with slaps to my pussy as I writhed over his lap. Cinched grabbed my throat again, making me drool happily from my mouth and lady lips. He continued to deliver spanks before suggesting I slip into something more comfortable so he can make me more uncomfortable. UNF!!! I agreed that was a wonderful idea! He told me to stay put and rub my butt first and because I'm his good girl, I obeyed. I cant wait to see what he has planned for me next!
8:49 video
Part two of my mummification and spanking starts off with me leaning over a counter, awaiting my dominants return. Cinched hand spanks my bottom for a warm up. He grabs a strap (my favorite strap at that) and gives me a few stinging swats before he begins to rub my butt and coo sweet nothings into my ear, His words make me melt and my bits tingle in anticipation! He picks up a paddle and begins to swat my bottom as I whimper through my head wrapping and tape gag. Cinched understands that the line of pleasure and pain blur as I crave his touch and more! He pushes his jean clad cock against me and moan, craving more of him. He understands what I need and slides his hand down to my exposed bits, slipping a finger into my wet pussy. I would be embarrassed about how wet with the obvious sound its making, but my primal needs for him and pleasure are far too prominent as guttural moans escape my lips. I gyrate my hips to let him in more, but he removes his finger from me, leaving me wanting more. Cinched commands me to stand on my tippy toes and I do, only wanting to obey him further like his good girl that I am.
24:27 video
I asked Cinched to mummify and have some fun with me and he sure did! We started out laughing, joking and giggling as he wrapped my arms. Soon, he then wrapped my chest, leaving my breasts exposed for both of our enjoyment! Cinched and I kept our playful and teasing nature up as he moved to wrap my tummy and legs. My bottom and bits were left exposed as well as my feet. The fun part really kicked in when Cinched put his hand over my mouth and pushed his body into mine. My eyes rolled and crossed as sub-space started to kick in. He bit my neck and I was gooey. I was a puddle. I was HIS puddle. Cinched wrapped my head, leaving my nose exposed and I moaned through the wrapping. Cinched wasn't done with me yet...he took some tape and wrapped it around my mouth and I slipped further into my happy place. His hands and voice guided me to lean on the counter and I awaited further direction which you can see in part two!
9:34 video
Part 2 of my shiny legging spanking starts with my bare bum on display as I wait for Cinched. I faced the bookshelf, pants down as I hear him approach. Cinched starts to warm my butt up using his hand. We banter and laugh as he moves to my least favorite implement...the paddle! He starts taking the paddle to my backside and worked up to some harder swats. I took the swats but was grateful for the change to canes! The cane landed again and again, some in the crease of my butt and legs which made me whimper. Come see my cheeks color up nicely in this clip!
18:11 video
Oh boy, this was a doozy of a day! Cinched saw me in my brand spanking new shiny leggings, he had to do something about it! I had to model them and then he nibbled my butt, which makes me giggle since my butt is ticklish! He had me drape over his lap and started to warm my bottom up. The spankings were interrupted with lots of foot tickling and I could hardly handle it while I laughed over his lap. Cinched took the slippers that I was wearing (which where his) and he started to slipper my behind! I couldn't help but try my luck at topping from the bottom and no surprise to anyone, it didn't work to my favor! Lots of tickling, laughing and swats later, he said we should move on to more intense impact and I agreed. See what happens to me in part two!
23:27 video
Cinched and I were enjoying an afternoon together and decided to have some fun and play a game. He had a new pack of playing cards and of course we settled on STRIP POKER! We sat across from each other and Cinched came up with the rules: if he loses the hand, he picks what he takes off and if I lose the hand, he chooses what I take off. With those rules established, we set off to get playing! We went back and forth with the first few hands until Cinched started to run away with the game leaving me naked and him only missing his socks, shoes and one of his two shirts! Once I was fully naked, there wasn't much for me to lose so he wagered some spankings for me if I lost the next game. He dealt us both one card each, we flipped them at the same time and he won! I had to drape myself over the table and take the spanks I had coming! My butt had a nice, cherry color and glow by the time he was done. I rubbed my sore bum and he then confessed that he'd cheated to make sure he would win! Silly man, I knew that he was trying to pull a fast one, but I am always happy to get naked around him so I went along with it!
13:24 video
I was reading a book on the couch when my partner surprised me with a soda. I don't have sodas very often so he thought it would be fun to watch me enjoy it and even more fun to get me to burp while I slurped it down. Who am I to decline his request?! I opened it and after the first sip, the burps started. Some were small and others had some gusto as the carbonation caught up with me. We both laughed and joked, enjoying the lighthearted and fun moment shared between partners.
8:30 video
Dahlia Lark is tired of her intern, Katana Thorne, failing to do her job properly! Katana has been misfiling paperwork, forgetting to deliver messages and just slacking on a general basis. Dahlia has given Katana an ultimatum of getting spanked when Katana messes up or she can pack up and go. Katana has bills to pay and needs her job so she agrees to the new terms and conditions, but she wasn't expecting her boss to mean this would be happening right now. Dahlia gets up, pulls up a chair and guides Katana over her lap to get the lesson started. Poor Katana whimpers as Dahlia starts raining swats down on her skirt clad bottom, but it isn't long until that skirt is lifted and she is spanked on her bare butt! Dahlia scolds Katana for her poor performance and Katana promises to be a better employee. Dahlia makes sure that Katana will put in more effort and attention by delivering more swats to the whining interns upturned bottom. Katana's bottom takes on a pink hue as she submits to Dahlia's punishment and by the end she has sworn to be the best employee. Time will tell if that's the case, otherwise, Katana has many more red bottomed sessions in her future!
14:12 video
Being the boss bitch that I am, I made an intern crawl under my desk and massage, lick, suck and worship my feet while I was hard at work. After a full day of being on my feet in high heels, I needed some attention paid to my pantyhose clad feet and what better person to do that than an intern that really wants to keep their job?! The desperate intern sniffed my shoes before tending to my aching feet. After some time of my feet being massaged, I slipped my pantyhose down and made him remove them so he could really get to work. I was glad to have the sweet, submissive man do such a great job massaging my feet and sucking my toes. He was eager to please me and that he did! He may have just worked himself into a permanent position at the firm and at my feet.
18:33 video
Have a sneak peek into a service session between my partner Cinched and I! In this clip, I am called in and told to disrobe before kneeling at Cinched's feet. He told me that since I had been on such good behavior, he had some little gifts for me. Imagine my delight when he pulled out some leather wrist and ankle cuffs. I presented myself to him as he adorned me with my new cuffs. He pulled my hair and gave me a passionate kiss before putting his collar around my neck. Cinched then told me to crawl on hands and knees back and forth in front of him. I felt like his beautiful and prized Princess as I obeyed his orders. He then had me stop before him, drop my forehead to the floor and present my bottom for a bit of his crop. I was both happily lost in a sub space and yet 100% present in the feeling of knowing I was his to do with as he pleased. Cinched's fingers explored my eager bits and I moaned under his skilled hand. He called me back up to kneeling and fed me his finger that was covered in my juices...yum!!! Cinched had me kiss and lick his shoes before I asked permission to rub his feet to show my appreciation and love for him. He then said one of my favorite commands, "nuzzle" which meant my face went straight to his trouser covered member. I kissed, licked, mouthed and worshiped his cock through his pants and it was driving me wild! Cinched had me kneel in front of him while facing away so he could enjoy my body and I could enjoy his touch before he commanded me to be his footrest. I happily took up my new position and was happy to serve his every need from footrest to life partner.
9:31 video
Katana and Dahlia are as close as roommates can be, but Dahlia is tired of Katana raiding her closet without permission, leaving the borrowed clothes in a heap by the door and to top it off, Katana never even washes the clothes she's borrowed! That level of carelessness and disrespect from Katana has pushed Dahlia to the point of needing to teach Katana a lesson! Dahlia pulls Katana over her lap and starts spanking her and realizes that Katana is wearing underwear that belongs to Dahlia! The spanking leaves Katana squealing, squirming and kicking her feet as her bottom is painted red. Katana promises to be more considerate and do the laundry of the items she's borrowed, but Dahlia isn't going to stop until she is sure that the lesson has sunk in. Katana pleads and whimpers throughout her spanking and Dahlia wants it known that Katana's inconsideration comes with a very steep price and her bottom will bear the brunt of the punishment! Katana is eventually let free with a red skirt that matches her bottom to wear to the party she was off to before this whole mess started.