Dennis Baker Masterlist

One Shots / Drabbles

• coming soon

Dad is late and Laura wants to make my life hell (chapter 1)

Ever since I could remember I've had the name Bernard practically engraved onto my wrist. Elegant strokes had seemed to dance joyfully across my skin, silver glittery writing that practically glows. I've never met anyone with only a first name. In fact I've never met anyone with a tattoo on them since birth.

Today was Christmas Eve and Laura was dropping Charlie off at me and dads house. Neil, his stepdad, decided to drive them there.

I see them pull into the driveway and open the door wide as Charlie runs to me with open arms. I pick him up and spin around once and set him back down as he giggles. I stand back up and hug Laura .

"I see your father couldn't even be here to greet Charlie. Not that I'm surprised." Laura snarks.

"He just got caught up at work for a little more than he thought. He called me and said he'll be here within the hour." I retort.

Even if she is my step mom she doesn't deserve to be able to talk shit about dad. He's never been the same since their divorce. My mom died when I was around 11. It was on Christmas Day that she died and I've never liked it since. I remember asking Santa to have her survive that year. I had rushed down the stairs hoping to see my mom and dad on the couch, mom checked out from the hospital and all better. Instead I got a dad with glassy eyes and every present I had ever wanted over the years, but no mom. Ever since then I stopped believing in Santa and the whole Christmas shtick. I'm now 22 and work as a baker living in my childhood home with my dad. He could never do it alone and I could never imagine what he would do alone. He's planning to make Christmas dinner so I've already made a reservation for Dennys seeing as it's the only thing open late on Christmas Eve. As I was silently praying that I don't have to spend any more time than necessary with this woman Charlie's voice breaks my concentration on keeping a fake smile on.

"There's not any Christmas lights outside sissy! Can we put some up to surprise dad when he comes home?!" Charlie pleads with the biggest puppy eyes he could muster.

Sighing I nod and kiss his head.

"Sure bud but I'm gonna have to get them from the attic so stay here in the living room until I get back."

He nods his little head and pulls his mom onto the couch where he sits.

I trudge up the stairs to the attic and open the pull latter. All are Christmas decor is still in boxes because dad knows it's a sore subject. But I'd probably kill someone if Charlie asked. So I suffer bringing down the cardboard box labeled *X-MAS LIGHTS*. I make my way back down to the living room and Laura has this annoyed look on her face. As if I'm not fit to watch my brother even though I'm 22. I literally have a successful bakery in downtown Chicago for christs sake!

Charlie notices my presence and runs over to me with the biggest grin he could muster.

"Sissy (y/n)! Let's go decorate the house!" He gently pulls on my sweater sleeve as he guide me out the door. Laura gets up with crossed arms and follows us out.

"So (y/n), you ever get that little idea of yours off the ground? Because if not I'm sure your dad can give you a job scrubbing toilets at his company." Laura asks rather smugly.

Oh how I hate that bitch. I force a smile on my face and turn to her.

"Actually I have a shop in downtown Chicago on Michigan avenue. Thanks for asking Laura!" I rub in her face and get back to lifting Charlie into the air to put the lights on the roof.

"Well how do you afford that. I mean you can't be making that much money off of cookies alone. Are you running a drug ring in the back?" Laura whispers the last bit into my ear as to block Charlie from hearing it.

I bite my lip and take a deep breath before setting Charlie back down and turning to her.

"Charlie it's getting a little cold, why don't you run along inside and I'll be inside in a minute." I smile at him.

"Ok sissy (y/n)!" Charlie skips inside shutting the door behind him.

"How dare you. I've been very cordial seeing as your a massive bitch and all you can say is that I have got to be a drug dealer because I'm making enough money to afford my dream." I snap at her.

Looking dumbfounded she begins sputtering as dad rolls into the driveway.

"Hey guys! Sorry I'm late. Hope I haven't kept you waiting to long!" Dad smiles at us not realizing how tense things just were.

"There's Christmas lights up!

(y/n), I didn't think you wanted them up this year." Dad looks at me confused

"Charlie wanted to surprise you. You know I can't say no to his little face!" I defend myself laughing a bit.

"Your daughter just called me a bitch just so you know Scott." Laura tells dad.

Dad frowns at me "(y/n), now why would do that? All she did was drop Charlie off."

"She said that I was a drug dealer!" I defend myself.

"I did no such thing!" Laura lies.

"(y/n) apologize to your stepmom now!" Dad practically seethes.

"That's bullshit and you know it. She's lying. And she's not even my stepmom anymore!" I turn and go into the house slamming the door behind me.

"Why do you and mom always have to fight?" Charlie surprises me by popping up in front of me.

"We weren't fighting sport. We were singing! But your moms singing kinda sounds like cats fighting. So that's what you heard honey!" I try to reassure him. I don't think he buys it but doesn't ask further.

Dad soon comes inside and Charlie rushes over to him. Dad whisks him into his arms.

"Why are there no presents under the tree?" Charlie asks dad.

"Well Santa has to come yet buddy!" I reassure him.

"Neil and mom said that Santa's not real. Believing is for babies!" Charlie shakes his head.

Of course the fucking did. Can't the kid enjoy anything?

"Well I believe in Santa and I'm not a baby." Dad tells him, hoping to save the spirit. I quickly agree "I agree and I'm not a baby either!"

"Well sport! I'm gonna start on our delicious Christmas turkey!" Dad strides into the kitchen.

"So we have to eat it? Can't we go out to eat sissy (y/n)?" Charlie whisper asks to me.

"Don't worry sport. I already called Dennys and made a reservation for 8." I encourage him.

"But I don't like Dennys!" Charlie cries.

"I know but it's the only thing that's open on Christmas sport!" I disclose to him.

*TIME SKIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURNT TURKEY*

Smoke billows out of the kitchen entrance. It envelopes dad and his extinguisher as he fights the fire. Charlie and I are sitting at the dining table and I give him a knowing look.

"Dad, let's just go to Dennys. I already called them so I know they're open." I call out into the smoke.

Dad steps from the smoke with ash covering him from just about head to toe.

"Yeah. I guess that's okay. I really wanted to make Christmas special for you again but looks like I failed again." He glumly agrees.

"You didn't fail anything. We are here as a family and that's all I could ever want!" I say as my eyes water, somewhat from the smoke and somewhat from the sentiment.

I pick up Charlie and we both hug dad, not caring to get dirty.

"Come on guys! Let's have a Christmas dinner at Dennys. It's an American institution!" Dad scoots is out as we put on our winter coats and scarves.

We load into the car and buckle up. Soon we are at Dennys.

"Are you with Hatsutashi?" The lady with a name tag reading (JUDY) asked us.

Dad starts to open his mouth but I cut him off.

"No actually I made a reservation earlier under Calvin." I inform her.

"Party of three," she begins pulling out the menus, " follow me" she says beckoning us to the right side of the resultant into a booth.

We sit down and dad starts to order egg nog as Charlie sits with a disgusted look on his face.

"We're out." Judy says flatly.

"I guess we will take coffee, decaf though please. And he'll take a chocolate milk please." I tell her.

"We're out."

"Plain milk's fine then!" I tell her and she walks away.

"At least we know they got hot apple pie." Dad tries to lighten the mood.

Judy shouts from somewhere behind the counter "We did".

This is just great!

It Happens

Pairing: Dennis Baker & Reader

Summary: Dennis has never had much luck in his worthless life. Sleepwalking through his miserable days and lonely nights… until he met her.

Warnings: smut, misunderstandings, dating, dumb choices, fluff, angst, talks of divorce and cheating, bitchy ex-wife, Dennis being Dennis

A/N: This is a revised copy of my oc fic. It is still written in 3rd person. 18+ only due to smut. No stealing, no reposts, no translations, no feeding to AIs. Comments, reblogs and likes are always welcome and appreciated. 

Main Masterlist

Staring morosely into the mirror, the brunette straightened his glasses. Hair combed, beard trimmed, clean polo and khakis, he looked ready for work, even though he lost his job six months ago. Same time his wife left him for another man and sent him the divorce papers. At least it meant it was quiet, Gina wasn't yelling at him constantly. Reminding him what a pathetic failure he was and how repulsive she found him. 

His eyes flickered down to his left hand, debating if he should take the ring off. It’s not like she was coming back. He reached for it but hesitated once his fingertips met gold. He couldn't do it… He should do it… He shouldn’t... He needed to. Well, if nothing else, he was good at giving up. The man slipped the band off his finger and sighed. Resolved to live the rest of his miserable life alone. Rock bottom, meet Dennis.

---------------

Bypassing his former place of employment, Dennis headed straight to 'Back to The Grind' coffee kiosk. Standing awkwardly to the side of the queue, avoiding eye contact with the other customers, he awaited the arrival of his coffee buddy, Y/N. For the past two years, Monday through Friday, they would meet here in the pursuit of caffeine and conversation. Sometimes she had to run, but mostly they’d sit and chat until their cups were empty. Dennis enjoyed her company so much he kept showing up day after day, long after he no longer worked around there. It was all he had, all he lived for anymore. Just those few precious minutes of human connection.

Dennis checked his watch, 7:37 a.m., she was running late. Joining the line, he ordered for both of them, then sat at one of the nearby benches to wait. Ten more minutes went by with no sign of Y/N. You're a loser Dennis, she's not coming. With a defeated exhale, he stared at the sidewalk and took a large angry bite of his donut.

“Hey coffee buddy.”

Shit, she was here. Dennis looked up at her beautiful face, his eyes as big as saucers. Swallowing the large bite, he coughed out a greeting.

Y/N smiled at him. “I see you started without me.” She gestured to the corner of his mouth, “You have a little…” 

Dennis wiped his face on his arm. “Thanks.” He handed her a cup and a wrapped pastry. “I got your usual, medium caramel iced coffee. They were out of croissants though, so I ordered you a blueberry danish.” 

“Oh no,” she frowned, “blueberries and I do not agree.”

“Shit, I’m so sorry. I messed up your breakfast. I should have asked, I’m so stupid.” Dennis became visibly upset and continued to over apologize. Promising to get her something else and refusing to finish his donut. 

“It's ok, D, really. It’s not a big deal.”

He buried his face in his hands, “I suck, I'm sorry.” 

“Well I think you're pretty great, Dennis.” She smiled at him again, even though he couldn’t see it. “Hey, seeing as neither of us are having breakfast, how about an early lunch? Are you free?”

Dennis’ head whipped up, “For lunch? You want to have lunch with me?”

“Yeah.” Y/N checked the time on her phone, “Shit! I got to go, but can you meet me here at eleven? We can walk up the street to Charley’s, their food is awesome. Real burgers, not the microwave crap I know you favor.” 

Dennis nodded, “I’d love to.” Saying their goodbyes, he watched Y/N rush off to work. He knew she must see him as a charity case. Who wouldn’t. He was broken and worthless and felt bad for wasting her time everyday. It was selfish of him. Still, he could feel butterflies flapping in his belly, knowing he’d get to spend more time with her. Having nothing else to do, he sat in his car and waited.

---------------

Y/N slid into the booth, staring eagerly at the man across from her. Eyes tracking his hands as he picked up his food and took a bite. Smirking as his eyes practically rolled into his head, “Good huh?”

“So good,” he groaned out before continuing to chomp on his burger. 

Chuckling, she began eating her own meal. “So how have you been, D? What ya been up to?”

Dennis shrugged, not wanting the conversation focused on him. “Not much… not anything really.” Making the mistake of looking at her expectant face, he found himself blurting out the things he tried to hide from her. “It’s true though, I wasted my entire life. Nothing to show for my 37 pointless years of existence. No job, no kids, no wife. I’m a big fat nothing.” He closed his eyes, waiting for the blowback of his confession. Startled when a soft hand enclosed his, giving a gentle squeeze. 

“I'm sorry. I had no idea.”

She sounded so sincere, Dennis couldn’t process it. “It’s okay. It’s, uh, been a few months now.” 

Y/N regretted bringing it up, but couldn’t help how her interest peaked. Her coffee buddy had never talked about himself this much. She wanted him to open up more. “How long were you guys married?” 

Taking a deep breath, he spilled his soul. If she wasn’t laughing before, she would now. “Sixteen very long years… haven’t had sex in the last seven. Not that we did it often before that.”

Her eyebrows shot up, “Wait, you and your wife haven’t had sex in seven years.”

“Well… I haven't,” he let the rest of his words die on his tongue.

“Ohhhhhhh,” Y/N cringed, “Sorry I brought it up.”

“That's alright. It wasn’t much of a marriage. I think she was faithful for maybe the first three years. That or I was too in love to notice. After our 10th anniversary she didn’t even bother hiding it. Spent our special day in someone else’s bed and facetimed me.”

“What a bitch. You didn't deserve to be treated like that, Dennis.” She rubbed his hand before going back to eating. After a few minutes, a thought occurred to her. “I know it’s not my place, but I think you should take this as an opportunity to start over. Find a new job, new girlfriend. I could help you, if you want.”

Even the thought of trying depressed him. “I don’t think anyone out there will hire me, or date me for that matter.”

Y/N tilted her head, “Love the enthusiasm.” She took a sip of her water before continuing, “I think you’re a catch, D. You just need some practice. You’ll get your life back on track in no time.” Dennis could only offer half a smile. “Okay, first up, a place to work. I know your old job was in sales, but you never told me what you sold.”

His voice lowered as he admitted it was the sale and rental of porta potties. He worked there for 15 years and hated every moment of it. 

“So something not involving toilets, then. There are lots of different types of sales jobs.”

Dennis shook his head, “Nobody wants to buy anything from me, not even shitters.”

She nodded, “No sales, got it. Umm, my department is hiring, logistics for big rigs.” 

“Maybe. I’d hate to invade your space though.” With a weary sigh, Dennis finished the last bite of his delicious burger. 

“Hmm,” she pondered over any positions that would suit him. “Oh hey, I know of an opening at a warehouse? Does something like that interest you?” 

“Maybe.”

---------------

No one was more surprised than Dennis when he landed the warehouse gig. He took to it like a duck to water. His strength and organization skills put to good use. Memorizing where everything went on his first day. His coworkers were friendly and his manager was fair. He actually looked forward to going into work. But mostly, he loved continuing to have his daily coffee with Y/N.  

They were hanging out more often now, not just for coffee or lunch. Calling and texting at all hours, seeing each other after work and on the weekends. He talked to her about everything, and she to him, even gave him tips for reentering the dating pool. He wasn’t sad or lonely with her around. He forgot what that felt like. 

Dennis was familiar with the term touch starved, and oh, how it fit him. He couldn’t remember the last time someone touched him on purpose. His wife hadn't let him near her in years, recoiled at his every attempt to show affection. But Y/N touched him willingly, openly, without reservations. He was undeserving of it, he knew, but he craved it so. Every hug, every handhold, every fistbump, he wanted it all from her. 

Dennis was currently pacing through his kitchen. Y/N was on her way over to celebrate his divorce being finalized. She cheered that he was finally free from Gina’s horrible treatment and was better off without her abusive, cheating ass. He could feel the flop sweat start. Taking a paper towel, he began wiping his face and armpits. Just as he was wondering if he had time to shower, the bell rang.

When he opened the door, he was greeted with Y/N’s charming smile, her arms full with his favorite beer and chips. Helping her set her load on the kitchen island, he watched her grab two bottles, twisting off both tops, handing him one.

“Congrats on the permanent dissolvement of that bitch’s claws from your life.” She clinked her beer with his. Both of them took long pulls of their drink. Y/N looked him up and down, tsking at his stiff attire. “You aren’t really dressed for movie watching. Why don’t you go change into comfy clothes, I’ll set up the movie.” 

A few minutes later, Dennis walked into the living room wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt, “I feel naked.”

“Well I think you look great. Although I’m sure you’d look just as good actually naked.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him.

His whole face turned bright red. It was just a joke, he told himself. She couldn’t possibly be flirting with him. He sat down on the couch next to her. Popping a chip into his mouth before turning his attention to the television. Oh no, she picked a horror movie. Dennis did not do well with scary movies. He was going to make a fool of himself. 

Rubbing his hands on his pants, his leg muscles painfully tight, Dennis did his best to put on a brave face. It lasted all of 20 minutes. The first jump scare had him releasing a blood curdling scream. Completely flushed, his chips thrown everywhere, any shred of dignity he feigned now gone. He was mortified.

Y/N stared at him with wide eyes, her hand over her heart. “You scared the crap out of me,” she roared before breaking into a fit of laughter. “Didn’t know there’d be 4D effects. Way to give me a heart attack.” 

Wordlessly, Dennis fell to his knees and began cleaning up the mess. Waiting for a scolding that never came. He declined her offer to help him. He was just grateful she found the situation amusing. She was so forgiving of him. Once finished, he sat back with his feet perched on the coffee table. 

“You sure you’re okay, D?” Seeing as how he only nodded in affirmation, Y/N decided he needed some comfort. As the movie continued, she cuddled up to his side, her feet leaning on his. Her white socks with black stripes next to his black socks with white dots. She began rubbing her feet on his, “Guess opposites really do attract.”  

Dennis couldn’t take his eyes off the game of footsie. Feeling brave, he put his arm around Y/N’s shoulder. She tucked her head into the crook of his neck, her arm resting on his chest, sending his heart rate into overdrive. Dennis was a cuddler, but couldn't recall the last time he was with somebody like this without being shoved away. He felt comfortable, content. The movie was forgotten as her hand slipped inside his shirt, her fingers combing his dark chest hair. Gina always made him wax, it hurt, he hated it. 

Looking down at his coffee buddy, he met her gaze with a fond smile. To his surprise, she leaned up and kissed him. He felt his brain short circuit as Y/N’s soft cherry flavored lips glided with his chapped ones. She slowly pulled away, leaving him with closed eyes and puckered lips. 

“Do you think you’re ready to start dating? We can go someplace fancy, really wine and dine it.”

“Definitely.” Oh yes, Dennis was looking forward to this practice date.

---------------

Dennis' stomach growled as he loaded his prizes into the freezer. He’d never won anything before, but scored big at the meat raffle with Y/N. His freezer was stuffed with burgers, steaks, pork chops, ribs, lobster tail, and the fridge stocked with his favorite beer. He made changes around the home as well. Threw out the million stupid throw pillows that Gina insisted they needed. Replaced the furniture he disliked, bought a giant beanbag simply because he’d always wanted one. Rearranged the rooms how he preferred, did anything he desired to make his house his. Anything of his ex-wife's left behind got put into a box and thrown in the basement. 

The raffle was his second fake date with Y/N. Dennis was appreciative of her help and that she gave him a second chance. Their first date started out a disaster. He was so nervous he spilled wine all over her dress before their food arrived. She ran to the ladies room as the waiters cleaned the table. Dennis was inconsolable for those few minutes, certain Y/N would never want to see him again. He was shocked when she sat back down like nothing happened, only the deep red stain as a reminder. He thought he was in the clear, until he ended up choking on his dinner. The heimlich wasn’t needed, but the gagging and panicked noises he made trying to dislodge the food had the unwanted attention of the other patrons on them for a second time. It was decided it was best to skip dessert. 

After embarrassing her twice, Dennis was sure that was the end of the practice dates. Y/N didn't want to go home though. They drove to an arcade where they binged on candy and she whooped him at every game they tried. Hopped up on sugar, they ended the night making out in the car like teenagers. Dennis was having fun for the first time in his adult life. Beyond thankful for her assistance and attention, he cherished every word and every kiss, wishing with all his might that it was real. 

---------------

“Woooo,” the enthusiastic couple practically kicked in the door to her apartment. Hooting and guffawing as they verbally replayed the events of the wrestling match they returned from. Bantering back and forth, “Your guy totally cheated.” “Nuh-uh.” “Mmhm.” “You’re crazy, you’re out of your mind. It was a fair fight.” “Cheater cheater pumpkin eater and I hate to tell ya, you are guilty by association.” 

Cheeks hurting from all the laughter, holding onto each other for balance, Y/N felt the air shift. She began running her hand over his arm and onto his chest. “So D, it’s your first time at your girlfriend's place. What shall we do, hmm?”

Even though Dennis knew she was only pretending when she called herself his girlfriend, he loved hearing her say it. He decided to knock her socks off by grabbing her face and kissing her with a passion that even surprised himself. Y/N responded in kind, opening her mouth, allowing him to explore. She tasted like cherries, ale and heaven. 

Y/N broke the kiss, grabbing his shirt and pulling him into the bedroom. “Ready to wrestle?” She bit her lip seductively and began to strip off her clothes. Dennis was hypnotized watching more and more flesh be revealed to him. He’d fantasized about this so many times, but never imagined it would happen. When she stood before him naked, he gulped, she was gorgeous. He couldn’t get his shirt, socks and pants off fast enough, but then he hesitated, deciding to keep his underwear on. 

She yelped as he lifted her up a little too aggressively. “D, I swear to god if you actually bodyslam me…” 

Dennis froze and gently set her down on her bed. “No! I- I’m sorry. I was trying to be sexy.”

“You're very sexy, Dennis.” She pressed her lips to his and tugged at the waistband of his white briefs, “Join me up here.”

As he climbed on the bed, he asked her to lie down. ”I want to worship you.” When she acquiesced, his heated gaze roamed her body. Fingers danced along her skin, marveling at all the places he wanted to touch, wanted to kiss. Like a siren’s call, her hardened nipples drew him in. Swirling his tongue around her peak, he sucked it into his mouth. Making a wet pop as he released it. Massaging the breast, and checking Y/N’s face to confirm her enjoyment, he continued licking, sucking and fondling her left side.

The heat of Dennis’ mouth made her other breast feel cold and lonely, it wanted attention too. She quietly mentioned to him that the other one was getting jealous. Dennis, embarrassed by his blunder, repeated his actions on the right boob before beginning to kiss down her body. He had to do this right. It had to be good for her. Shit, his hands were too clammy, his body was too sweaty. She was going to push him away, she was going to laugh at him. Dennis began second guessing himself, too afraid of making the wrong move, he rested his head on her stomach. 

After a minute of no movement, Y/N ran her fingers through his hair. “You okay?” Troubled by his silence, she continued trying to sooth him, “Where’s your head at, D?” 

He expected to get scolded. His mind playing through the times with his ex. She would yell at him if he wasn't doing something right, or didn’t get hard fast enough. Telling him he couldn’t make her cum with an instruction manual stapled to his head. Taking a deep shuddering breath, he braved a look at Y/N. “I just… I want to do this right.” 

She smiled so sweetly, “We got all night.”

Encouraged, he picked up where he left off. As he kissed down her leg, he remembered his prior error and copied what he did to the other side. Reaching her core, he closed his eyes, nuzzling her thigh with his cheek before flattening his tongue, giving her entire womanhood a big fat lick. Grinning to himself at her surprised squeak, he turned his head to kiss at her other thigh before licking his lips and burying his face in her cunt.

It was as if he was possessed by someone with far more confidence than he. Dennis became an animal, sucking and licking her folds, eating her from the outside in. His tongue roamed over her, up and down and side to side, making frequent stops to circle her clit. She made the sweetest noises for him, mewling and moaning as she writhed in his hold. She had a firm grip on his hair, gently guiding him where she needed him to be.

Dennis was open to instruction, so he let her move him as she pleased. The taste of her sweet honey working him up so much he rutted against the bed. His hands trailed up her torso to cup her breasts, before one slid back down to play with her soaked entrance. He inserted a finger, realizing she was more than ready, he added another. Pumping his fingers in tantum with his licks, he could feel her tremble.

“Oh fuck, oh god,” Y/N cried out as she climaxed around his skillful digits. 

Drunk off the greatest praise, her orgasm, Dennis looked up from between her legs, a dopey grin plastered on his face. He eagerly asked if he could do it again.

Y/N looked down at him through hooded eyes, “Ya, go for it.”

It wasn’t long until her legs were shaking again, Dennis held her hips down, not stopping until she spasmed and screamed in ecstasy. He was proud of himself. “Holy shit, that worked.” Out of breath, heart pounding, she told him that was incredible, especially whatever he did at the end. Blushing ear to ear, Dennis admitted that he spelled his name with his tongue. Chuckling, he asks her to guess what he spelled next. Diving back down he traced his message.

“Umm, peace out? 

He shook his head, “It was thank you.” 

“I should be the one thanking you.” She wiggled out of his grasp and took a condom out of her nightstand. “But, hey, the night’s not over yet.” She handed the packet to a terrified Dennis. He looked like he was going to pass out, and wouldn't meet her eyes. “Do you not want to?” She’d be lying to say her feelings wouldn’t be hurt if he said no.

Head down, rubbing the back of his neck, Dennis mumbled his secret, “I have a bad penis.” 

“A bad… um, does that mean ED or like performance anxiety?” Y/N had to know if this was something they could work around.

“I'm.. I’m not sure. It just doesn't work like it’s supposed to.” 

“Do you have any problems on your own?'' He shook his head no. Y/N caressed her boyfriend’s nervous face. “Maybe there isn’t a problem.” She waited until he looked at her. “No pressure here, but I'd like to try if you do. If it goes wrong, we can just try again.” 

Why was she so patient with him? He didn’t deserve her friendship. He didn’t deserve her at all. Dennis took his briefs off, kneeling on the bed, bare to her and awaiting judgment.

“Damn Dennis. Wow, that, I mean, it looks like a good dick to me.” She watched him with unbridled desire, wrapping her hand around his length, ducking down to lick the swollen head. “Thick and veiny and standing proud. I don't know if my mouth or my pussy want it more.” 

Her compliments spurred him on. Dennis removed her hand, pushing her back on the bed. Crawling over her, he stroked himself twice before rolling the condom on. He was terrified of disappointing her and it must have shown on his face because she pulled him down for a reassuring kiss, “Don’t overthink it, just be here with me. I want you to fuck me, Dennis.”

He lined himself up and kissed her once more before slowly entering her. Already breathing heavy, he barely had control of himself when he bottomed out. “I can’t believe I’m inside you.” Y/N giggled and told him how good he felt, begging him to move. Closing his eyes in concentration, Dennis pulled almost all the way out before pushing back in with a groan. “Fuck, you’re squeezing me so tight.” 

Dennis snapped his hips as she rolled hers to meet each thrust. It didn’t take long to find a rhythm that suited them. Sweat dripped down their bodies as they chased their carnal highs. The sounds of skin on skin and their moans filled the room. The tension in her stomach unbearable, Y/N opened her legs wider, angling them up so he could go deeper. His cock hitting all the right spots. It was all it took for her to cum a third time.

Feeling her walls fluttering and gripping him hard as she came, had Dennis at his end. When he told her he was close, she asked him to come on her tits. Hissing as he pulled out, Dennis straddled Y/N’s chest, pulling off the condom just before he released. He made sure every drop landed on her breasts before collapsing next to her.

After a few minutes of catching their breaths, Y/N giggled, “I got some d from D.” Finding her joke hilarious, she continued laughing.

“Was it good?”

“It was great.” She kissed him, “See, there’s nothing wrong with you.” She pecked his lips again, “Promise.” Holding her chest as she rose to keep his cum from running down her, she walked to the bathroom to clean up. 

Dennis stretched and hummed, allowing himself to be happy at a job well done. He could satisfy a woman after all. When she returned, Dennis was almost redressed. 

“You can stay, if you want to.”

“Stay?” He desperately wanted to, but couldn't believe she wanted him to.

Y/N walked over, carefully taking his glasses off his face and setting them on her nightstand, “Please.”

Dennis removed the clothing he put on and followed her into bed. He couldn’t remember the last time he shared a bed with someone, Gina banished him to the guestroom five years ago. Look at him now, a beautiful woman in his arms that actually wanted him to be there. Him and Y/N shared a few more kisses as they cuddled and talked. Determining his issue was due to stress and his marital problems. He could have confidence going forward. 

He couldn’t take his eyes off Y/N as she slept. His best friend, his only friend, his lover. Dennis didn't know it could be like this, he wished so badly that it was real. What a beautiful life they would have together. They'd be happy, she made him happy. He didn't think it was possible to feel good anymore, but here he was practically jumping for joy. There was no doubt in his mind that he was in love with her. He'd go down on her every night, expecting nothing in return, if it meant he could stay with her forever. If only it were possible. Instead he would take these pretend moments and commit them to his memory forever. A shining light in his bleak life.

Morning arrived too fast. Dennis yawned, wrenching his eyes and started to get out of bed. “I can make us breakfast.”

Y/N grabbed his arm, pulling him back to her. “Orrrrr, how about I order some eggs benny and we can spend longer in bed.”

“You’re brilliant.”

---------------

“What does a fish say when it runs into a brick wall?”

 “I don’t know, what?”

Dennis slapped his hand on the table, “Dam!”  He threw his head back, braying and wheezing.

Y/N snorted at the bad joke, smiling at how his face lit up with the punchline. Their fish frys were huge, so her boyfriend had been making awful puns and one-liners all night. She threw her lemon at him, which he promptly caught and ate without breaking his cocky grin. He was turning into quite the cheeky bastard. 

The shrill of his phone interrupted the merriment. His ex-wife’s name flashing on the screen. Rolling his eyes, Dennis declined the call, only for her to call back. He ignored her again to no avail, his phone continued going off. She clearly wasn't getting the hint. Huffing, he answered. 

All Y/N could hear was non stop shouting, poor Dennis not even getting a word in. He grew paler, biting the inside of his cheek. She was about to take the phone from him and tell that horrible woman off, when he quickly said goodbye and hung up. He made a face she had never seen on him before. 

“Gina wants her stuff from the house. Says she’ll be by tomorrow and demands I have her things in clearly labeled boxes just inside the door. She doesn't want to step foot into my house again.”

She smirked at Dennis, looking very much like the cat that ate the canary. “I think a better plan would be to show that cheating whore what she's missing.” 

---------------

Dennis couldn’t stop giggling thinking of the plan. He looked over at his coffee buddy, her short pink sundress making her look like a yummy treat. His fingers began twitching; he so badly wanted to unwrap and devour her. He walked up behind her, winding his arms around her middle. Whispering in her ear, “I’m dying to taste your juicy cunt.”

Her knees wobbled at his dirty words, whimpering as she felt herself getting wet. Y/N glanced at the time, it was too early, he wasn’t playing fair. He began nibbling on her ear while groping her chest, making her clench around nothing, she felt so empty. Well… it wasn’t terribly early. No harm in pregaming. She allowed Dennis to reach under her dress and slide her panties down her legs. 

“Wait,” she reached down to grab the piece of fabric, throwing it to the floor on the other side of the kitchen island near the box labeled ‘the bitches crap.’

Dennis didn’t have time to ponder why she did that because his pants were currently being undone by nimble fingers. His eyes followed her beautiful face as she fell to her knees in front of him. He gripped the counter behind him as she removed his semi hard cock from his pants, her other hand cupping his balls, giving him a smile too innocent for what her naughty hands were up too. 

Leaning forward, Y/N licked at his testicles, gently rolling each in her mouth. She dragged her tongue along the underside of his length, satisfied hearing him gasp and his body jerk. Her ravenous gaze never faltered as she watched him watching her with lust blown eyes. Placing a kiss on his tip, Y/N sucked him fully into her mouth. She swallowed him a few times before allowing his dick out to glide along her cheek. Her tongue gave it a kitten lick and another kiss.

“Fuck,” Dennis gave a needy moan, “please, Y/N.”

Gripping his thighs, her mouth reclaimed his cock, taking him as deeply as she could. Her own arousal drenching her as she continued blowing him. Sparing a peak at the clock, she leaned back, causing Dennis to practically sob. 

He wasn’t disappointed for long as she turned around and pulled up her dress. Putting on the condom he had in his pocket, he grabbed the back of Y/N’s neck, bent her over the kitchen island and buried himself to the hilt. The lewd squelch of his cock dragging in and out of her dripping heat drove him into a frenzy. Both began moaning louder as he continued to fuck her. It was almost time.

Gina let herself in, not bothering to knock or ring the bell. Seeing no boxes, she marched into the home yelling, “God damn it, Dennis. I told you to have the boxes ready by the door. Why can’t you do anything right? You are hopeless. You…” She paused at the kitchen entryway, mouth hung open. Blinking a few times in shock. Her ex-husband was screwing some chic from behind, how disgusting. “What the fuck is the meaning of this, Dennis? How dare you, in our fucking kitchen?”

Dennis looked up when his ex started screaming, seeing the offended look on her face, he had to stifle a laugh. “Shut the fuck up, get your shit and get out. My girlfriend and I are busy.” Turning his attention back to the woman under him, he vigorously pounded into her.

Gina couldn’t believe her ears, he had never spoken to her like that. And he certainly never made her make those noises. Avoiding the tossed panties, she grabbed the single box on the floor and hurried out of there, slamming the door behind her. 

The sound of his ex shrieking all the way to her car had the couple in stitches. Dennis couldn’t believe it worked. Y/N was a genius. Pulling out, he turned her body to him, kissing her forehead, nose and lips. “Want to fuck in another room?”

“Ha! Yes, in every room. Give my pussy the tour.”

---------------

A week later, Y/N waited at the coffee kiosk, order in hand. Dennis was late, he had never been late before. To make matters worse, he hasn't responded to her messages for the last two days. She was concerned, but didn’t want to be ‘that’ girlfriend. She didn’t want to smother him if he needed space.

It was almost 8 a.m. when he showed up, giving Y/N a big hug and kissing her cheek. “I’m sorry I’m late and that I haven’t been responsive. Been really busy. I hope you’re not mad.” He took his coffee and donut from her.

“I forgive you, but I have to tell you, D, I was really worried. I thought you were sick, or maybe hurt, or that I must have done something wrong.” 

Dennis’ eyes twinkled in amusement, “Oh no, everythings great thanks to you.” He gave Y/N another bone crushing hug, careful not to spill their coffees. “It worked.”

Her eyebrows drew together, “What worked.”

“Gina came over Saturday morning, begging for another chance, promising to be better. We made love all weekend. I got to show her all the new moves you taught me. She's moving back in as we speak. I’m getting my life back thanks to you. I can't thank you enough for your help.” His excited eyes met Y/N’s as they turned from confused to cold. She threw her drink in his face, called him an asshole and stormed off. 

Dennis was stunned, wiping the iced coffee from his face, he ran to catch up to her. “Y/N, what's wrong? Why did you do that? Hey!” 

She turned on her heel and sneered at him. “What did you expect, a high five for telling me you fucked your ex-wife and are back together with her.” 

Confusion danced across his face, “I don't understand, the plan worked. Gina was so jealous she came crawling back to me…”

“THE PLAN?!” Y/N shouted. “The plan was to show that bitch how you were living your best life without her. Expertly banging YOUR girlfriend,” she patted her chest, “so she regrets the way she treated you. NOT to get her back. NOT to throw me to the side for someone that was so cruel to you your whole life.” 

Dennis was flabbergasted, “Wait, you were my girlfriend? MY girlfriend? Like my real girlfriend, my real actual girlfriend?” He couldn’t wrap his head around it. Why would someone as amazing as her want to be with him? He never would have given his ex a second thought if he knew he had her.

Y/N shook her head, “Not anymore.”

He couldn’t breathe, “N-n-no, wait…” 

“Goodbye, Dennis. Hope you have a wonderful life with that tramp.”

---------------

Dennis walked into his house, spotting Gina’s blonde hair at the fridge. She was throwing out his meat, and beer. She didn’t eat that stuff and wouldn’t allow him to. He was preparing himself to say something when a dark haired man bumped into him. The guy apologized and continued on his way, bringing boxes up the stairs. “Who was that?”

Gina spoke without bothering to face him, “That’s just Vinny, he’ll be staying with us for a few days. The poor dear got evicted. Don't worry, he knows we're working on our marriage. He won't be a problem, I promise.”

Oh lovely, the man Gina left him for will be living with them. “Okay,” he agreed defeatedly, walking into the living room. Dennis knew she’d be cheating on him again before sundown, in his house this time, and he will pretend he doesn't know. He’ll pretend everything is fine. 

Seems rock bottom had a basement. Dennis was in hell, he was sure of it. He lost the woman he loved, the only person that ever thought he was worth anything. He couldn't break further, there was nothing left. Dennis sighed and collapsed face down on the floor. Lying there in his own misery, daydreaming of what could have been.

The End

A/N: Oh Dennis…

A/N: Thank you to everyone that has read. I appreciate you all. I’d love to know your thoughts.

Sequel: It Could Have Been Love (coming soon)

Stitching

Spencer Reid x Reader (female)

A/N- Much like Adam Driver, I have been a huge fan of Matthew Gray Gubler and criminal minds for years. With quarantine, I decided to re-watch the show from the beginning and I had some inspiration. My writing tends to take a while but if you have any requests or idea for Spencer Reid, please send them my way.

Word Count- 6286 words

Warning- Angst, mentions of violence and torture, fluff, tears, and the usual criminal minds details.

If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge? -William Shakespeare.

QUANTICO, VIRGINIA

“Good morning my lover and friends. As of 8:45 am, yesterday morning, four bodies have been found across the Washington State area. Locations confirmed to be Pomeroy, Baker City, Salem, and Mill Creek. All victims were very similar in physical appearance; Caucasian, red hair, brown eyes, approximately 5ft 4’.”

Garcia swiped her tablet to display family photographs of the victims on the screen. The team watched, in the debriefing room, as they scanned through their own tablets; reading through the details. Spencer’s eyes flittered over the images as his fingers scanned across the words in his paper file; still adamant on not working with technology like the rest of his team.

“What about the cause of death? How were they found?”

Garcia shivered at Rossi’s question.

“It’s not a pretty image. Each victim was dismembered at the elbows, knees, neck, and stomach. Further cuts were made vertically down the stomach and across the face, arms, and legs. Not deep enough to cut through bone, but deep enough to bleed out. Where the unsub cut our victims, he then sewed them back together.”

Emily looked up at Garcia.

“Are you saying the lacerations were made before the victim’s died?”

“Precisely. Each autopsy report came back the same with the cause of death pointing to the direction of blood loss; specifically, from the throat.”

The team looked at the new images before them. Multiple pictures appeared on the screen, showing the bodies of the victims. The pictures showing the women laid out in the same pose, thick thread holding together the pieces of their corpses. All had their eyes closed, except one.

“Garcia, the last victim, zoom into her face.”

Garcia did as Spencer asked.

“Her eyes are closed.”

Spencer nodded, glancing towards JJ as she spoke.

“Meaning that he felt remorse for this murder.”

Derek scrolled through the pictures on his tablet.

“The other three victim’s eyes are open, indicating that he wanted them to look. To watch what he was doing, whatever it may have been.”

Spencer looked across the table at the questioning faces.

“So, what changed between the third and the fourth victim?”

Hotch stood from his seat, indicating the others to grab their belonging.

“We can discuss further on jet. Wheels up in thirty.”

WASHINGTON STATE

Being greeted by the local police department in Clagstone, Spencer and the team began their investigation into the murders. Spencer did not know what it was, but the stitching on the bodies felt familiar. Like he had seen them before.

Looking up from his files, Spencer watched as Derek walked into the room, ending a call with who he could only presume to be Garcia.

“Garcia has just completed background checks on our latest victim. Lily Trent visited local film screenings at the Southview Centre religiously, to watch horror movies in particular. Seems like the girl loved anything horror and Halloween; according to her roommate and her computer history. It seems that are other victims did also.”

Spencer stood from his seat and walked towards the whiteboard at the back of the room. Writing down the details Derek stated, his brain began to filter through the relevant information needed.

“Halloween is ranked the ninth most celebrated holiday in the world. With different interpretations of the holiday occurring according to country and culture. Wearing costumes at Halloween did not even become an occurrence until 1585, with the first instance recorded in Scotland.”

Derek chuckled at Reid’s excitement. He knew the boy loved Halloween.

“Well it all looks like they were pretty huge fans of the holiday and horror films. Maybe our unsub was too.”

Spencer looked down at the photos in his hand, scanning his memory for any correlation.

“Maybe, it’s not just horror, but a particular film. If all the victims were presented in a certain way, maybe the unsub is trying to replicate what happened to a character in a particular film.”

Derek crossed his arms over his chest.

“I’ll call Garcia to search through all the victims search history to see if any particular horror films come up in each one. Do you know of any films that the unsub could have replicated?”

Spencer shook his head.

“I can collate his actions to hundreds of films but, the method of torture and look of the victims, I can’t think of one horror feature that pinpoints all that the unsub has done.”

A thought unexpectedly popped into Spencer’s mind. Derek cocked his head at the sudden halt from the resident genius.

“But I know someone who might.”

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

“The importance of genre in film alters many of the other aspects. The characters and their narrative arcs, the music score, cinematography, the edit, and so much more. Sometimes genre even dictates the director who signs onto the project. Dennis Dugan would not have a directing career if Adam Sandler stopped making comedy movies. Because that is what he directs. He doesn’t direct comedies; he directs Adam Sandler comedies. Which, in my opinion, are a whole genre on their own.”

The class chuckled.

“Genre plays a part in everyday life. Sometimes, your day will be led by romance, or grief, or action. There may be drama, or comedy, or even silence.”

The class looked on in concentration as Y/N walked across the floor. If someone who did not attend the college walked past the classroom, they could’ve presumed that she was a student. She looked young enough.

“It controls the way the characters talk, act, and move. How the plot thickens and pushes forward and…”

The doors at the back of the auditorium opened. Y/N looked up at the sound of the intrusion to see figures that she could not recognise, and one that she did.

Clearing her throat, she continued.

“And how it even ends. We shall leave it at that today. What I want you to do in the meantime is research a genre in particular and come up with examples that counteract the stereotypes that have been enforced upon the genre itself. Hand it in to your professor first thing Monday morning. Thank you.”

Y/N watched as the students collected their things and filtered out of the room. The figures waiting till she was only left before they walked down the steps.

Coming to a stop in front of her desk, Y/N crossed her arms and waited. Spencer stepped forward with a crooked smile on his face.

“Hi Y/N.”

Y/N couldn’t help but giggle.

“Long time no see stranger.”

Spencer’s cheeks burned at Y/N’s words. The team shared looks between them at the unfamiliar display. They had seen Spencer blush at people before, but not for a long time.

Spencer cleared his throat, preparing himself to act professional.

“This is Dr Y/F/N Y/L/N. Y/N travels across the country to guest speak at different universities on her topic at hand. She specialises in film studies, more importantly the focus of characters and genres. If I can’t connect the unsub’s actions to a film, Y/N most definitely can.”

Y/N smiled at Spencer’s praise.

“Nice to meet you all. So, what are you here to talk to me about Doc? Obviously, you’re here on a case and if you are asking for my help, I’m guessing it’s going to be pretty gruesome.”

Spencer blushed at the nickname; caught off guard by the word slipping of her tongue.

Sending a raised look towards Reid, Hotch began to explain why they were there.

“Were looking into a case of connected murders. All victims were found to have been mutilated and tortured in the same way. As well as showing resemblances in their physical appearances. With research, we’ve found that each victim was particularly fond of horror films and Halloween. We would just like for you to take a look and see if you could recognise if the ways in which they were harmed stemmed from a film in particular.”

Y/N nodded her head.

“Of course, anything to help.”

She reached for the files from Spencer’s hands, ignoring the tablet pushed in her direction by JJ.

“Sorry, I prefer to use paper. I only really use technology for my lectures or to watch films if they cannot be purchased in physical form.”

Derek smirked, shooting looks to his team, as his eyes landed on Spencer. He never thought he would meet a technophobe like Reid.

Y/N scanned through the pictures and documents, looking in detail at the lacerations at hand. She identified the similarities between the victims, as her mind swirled through the images and characters from the films, she knew held similarities.

“What were the names of all the victims?”

Emily looked towards the woman.

“That information is classified.”

Y/N did not blink at her abrasiveness.

“Were any of them called Sally?”

The team looked perplexed at her question.

“No. Why that name in particular?”

Y/N continued to scan the pages as Rossi questioned her.

“Because the unsub isn’t replicating anything from a horror movie. The unsub is replicating the physical appearance and staging of a character from an animated movie. A Disney one to be more specific.”

A light bulb flickered in Spencer’s mind as he stared at Y/N in realisation. The hair colours. The stitches. It made sense now.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT

“The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 American stop-motion animated musical Halloween-Christmas fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced and conceived by Tim Burton. It became a cult classic during the early 2000s with orchestral concerts occurring every year to celebrate the spectacle of the film.”

Spencer indicated for JJ to change the monitor as he and Y/N stood in front of the team to explain the information.

“Originally, the story began as a poem written by Tim Burton. Both narratives follow the protagonist, Jack Skellington, into his journey to Christmastown, and how he tries to make Christmas his own. The character in question that your unsub is replicating is the love interest of our protagonist. Created by Dr Finkelstein, Sally is a ragdoll-esque character whose body is covered with stitches to keep her together. The form in which all the women were found is identical to this scene in the movie.”

The screen changes to show the scene in question; paused at the precise moment to prover her point.

“All red haired, all Caucasian, all eerily the same. The stitches are exactly the same and the pose in which they are in the pictures are also.”

“We now know which film our unsub is mimicking, but how can we produce a distinguished profile of our unsub? All we can say is that between his third and fourth victim, he suddenly began to feel remorseful of his crimes.”

Y/N looked towards Spencer, waiting for him to speak as he knew more details about the case.

“Garcia checked into the victim’s computer histories and found that all four victims attended a horror convention in the Washington state area over the course of the past month. The convention in particular runs every other weekend, focusing on different horror films to highlight. However, they always make an exception for one film; The Nightmare Before Christmas. Whilst reviewing receipts for the tickets, they were all brought through the convention’s website, which is run by its board of organisation every year. Up until recently, the board has held the same members.”

Derek tapped on his tablet to the convention’s website.

“Last month, the website released details stating that a distinguish member was no longer part of the board due to unforeseen circumstances.”

It suddenly dawned on Y/N who Derek was talking about.

“Dean Faulkner.”

Spencer whipped around towards Y/N.

All eyes laid on her as her breath increased.

“You know him?”

Y/N nodded at Hotch.

“I guest spoke at a panel with him a few years back at a separate university. We were both there, amongst others, to talk about the works of a genre that are expertise were in. I was there to basically provide loose ends for what they could not answer. Dean’s specialised area was horror. The whole time he spoke about what he described as the true villains of horror and of the world.”

Y/N gulped, her mouth going dry.

“Women.”

The wheels began to turn in the team’s heads.

Spencer stepped closer towards Y/N in assurance, seeing that her thoughts were becoming overwhelmed. He quickly stepped back after he realised what he had done.

“He went on a raging tangent about the damsel in distress and the final girl. Going on and on and on about how women are weak and would never be the last one standing if faced against the monsters in real life. How they manipulated the men and made the monsters seem worse than they truly were. The only time he spoke positively about women was when we finally calmed him down and, during a Q&A session, a student asked him who the perfect horror movie character was. He said Sally because she was forgiving and would do anything for Jack; even if that meant falling apart and being sewn back together. I tried to justify that the film does not necessarily fall into the genre of horror. But he rebutted saying that it most definitely did, because of the fact that Jack’s dream did not come true.”

The room was silent for a second, taking in the information.

Suddenly, Y/N grasped the pen from Spencer’s hands. Her finger scribbling across the whiteboard.

“I need to know the names of the victims. Get Penelope on the phone and tell me the names.”

The team shocked at her erratic movements, sat in silence.

“Do you want to capture this guy?”

Spencer licked his lips and repeated the victim’s names.

“Susanna Cole, Alice Dawes, Liberty May, and Lily Trent.”

Y/N swiftly wrote the names on the boards. Each name below the other. Underneath the last name she wrote the letter Y.

“Can you ask Penelope to track any females with the first name beginning with Y who have purchased a ticket to the next convention?”

Derek quickly began to type to her. The rest of the team looking on in disbelief.

“There were twenty-three purchases, but with cross referencing with the similarities in the other victims, one matched. Her name is Yasmine Driver.”

Y/N wrote the name on the board. Circling all the first letters of each name, it became clear there was another connection with the victims.

“Their initials spell Sally.”

Y/N nodded at JJ’s disbelief.

“Reid, when is the next convention being held?”

Spencer diverted his attention to Emily.

“Their schedule every two weeks, so that would make it… tomorrow.”

The team swiftly moved into action.

“JJ bring together the police force for a debrief. Derek and Rossi, go to the convention centre and question the board about Dean. Ask them how often he visited and if they have any knowledge of the victims visits to the convention. Spencer and Emily, contact Penelope for Faulkner’s address. Once you have visited the home, if he is there, bring him in. We’re going to try and catch him before he gets close to his goal. I will locate Yasmine and bring her to the station for safety. We don’t know how far he is going to go and what the end goal of his fantasy is. But we are going to stop him.”

The team swiftly did as they were told, leaving the room with only Spencer and Y/N behind. Just before the door shot, Hotch leaned back in.

“Thank you, Dr Y/L/N, for all your help. If possible, could you stay here with JJ and look through the documents? You know this guy more than we do, so any more information that comes to mind, please let us know.”

Y/N and Spencer watched as Hotch left the room, the door shutting behind him.

As the silence engulfed them, Y/N and Spencer were hyper aware that they were now alone and had been for the first time in weeks.

Spencer swiftly walked towards Y/N and embraced her in a tight hold. Wrapping her arms around the slender man, Y/N breathed in his scent.

“I’ve missed you.”

Y/N chuckled at Spencer’s muffled words, as his head rested on top of her own. Pulling back, Y/N slowly released Spencer, letting her hands drop to her sides.

“I’ve missed you too Doc. We can catch up later, I will be waiting right here. Now, go and save the girl.”

Spencer chuckled at her words but did as Y/N said. Throwing her a smile, Spencer quickly walked out the room, leaving Y/N behind.

Y/N sat in the room, looking over the files as the time passed, waiting to see Spencer return with the rest of the team. A knock on the door startled her from her search.

Looking up at the door, Y/N saw JJ walk into the room with two cups of coffee in her hands. JJ outstretched the one hand, placing the cup in front of Y/N, as she took a seat and began to sip at her own.

“I didn’t know how many sugars you took so I estimated.”

Y/N smiled at the woman’s kindness.

“Thank you. Have you heard anything from the others?”

JJ sat up in her seat as she watched Y/N look over the documents. Her fingers moving across the pages ever so quickly. Her hand that wasn’t tapped continuously on the table in a rhythm.

“Spencer and Emily located Faulkner’s home, but it was vacant. They’re looking around the premises for clues for where he may be; as we speak. Hotch and Derek just called saying they are on their way down with Yasmine now.”

Y/N nodded at her words. Glad to hear that the girl was safe, but the main priority now would be to locate Faulkner. She wanted to truly help them, before anyone else could get hurt.

JJ grabbed her tablet and began to search through the files for any missed out information. Silence befell across the pair, until JJ could not help but ask what they had all been dying to know.

“How did you and Spencer meet?”

Y/N had been waiting for the question. She had seen the looks the team had shared throughout the day. The questioning gazes towards the pair.

“Spencer and I were both guests speaking at the University of California a few months ago. He must have finished his lecture early as he was wondering the halls when he came across the class I was teaching. I was stood on the desk, encouraging the students to do the same. Spencer thought I was a student causing trouble whilst the professor had left the room. He ran in sprouting facts about the percentage of people who fall and severely hurt themselves whilst standing on tables. Telling me that I should get down before he reports me to my professor.”

JJ chuckled at Y/N’s story.

“Sounds like Spence alright.”

Y/N giggled in agreement. As she spoke, Y/N couldn’t help but smile at the memory of their first encounter. JJ noticed the smile on the woman’s face. She knew what that smile meant.

“So, I told him that he better stay there to catch me, just in case I fell, as I was trying to teach my students about the importance of character actions, and how doing something as simple as standing on a desk can amplify the tone of the scene. Like in the film Dead Poet’s Society. Spencer finally realised that I was also a guest speaker and he actually stood there for the next 40 minutes of my lecture. I didn’t need to stand on the desk that long, but I wanted to see if he would stay. Once the lecture had finished, he apologised for jumping to conclusions. I apologised for making him wait for 40 minutes in case I fell. He told me I didn’t make him wait; he chose to. We’ve been in contact ever since.”

Just as Y/N finished her story, the door to the conference room opened once more. Looking towards the door, Y/N watched as Hotch entered, followed by Yasmine. The young woman looked scared, but unharmed.

Y/N stood from her seat, unsure of what to do as Hotch insisted for Yasmine to take a seat.

“Do you want me to leave?”

Hotch nodded his head.

“We shouldn’t be long. The rest of the team are outside in the bullpen. You can go ahead and join them. JJ and I will take it from here.”

Y/N nodded her head, leaving the room. She watched as Hotch and JJ questioned spoke to Yasmine through the glass, before she turned and walked down the corridor to find Spencer and his friends.

Turning the corner, Y/N failed to stop herself before bumping into a tall figure. Looking up to apologise, her eyes suddenly widened at the familiar face. Before a sound could leave her lips, a blunt force knocked her out cold.

Spencer and the team discussed where Faulkner could be when Hotch strode into the bull pen.

“How did it go?”

Hotch walked towards his team, ready to answer Derek’s question.

“It seems that Faulkner had been stalking the victims for some time. Yasmine detailed seeing him turn up at the conventions, even though he was no longer allowed. She had previously complained about his behaviour to the board before his dismissal. Stating that Faulkner had sexually harassed her. Rossi, did anyone at the convention mention anything about Faulkner that we don’t know?”

“It seems that Yasmine wasn’t the only one. The other board members went into detail about why he was fired. It turned out that all of our victims, including Yasmine, had filed lawsuits against Faulkner for sexual harassment. The charges were ultimately dropped and never recorded to keep the convention’s reputation clear. But they fired Faulkner and banned him from being able to attend any further conventions. Taking away the Nightmare Before Christmas dedicated stand was just a coincidence. They felt that the convention needed something new as they had been celebrating the film for over eight years.”

Just as Hotch was about to declare what the next step would be in finding Faulkner, JJ burst through the ball pen.

“Guys, you have to come quick.”

The team, in shock, watched as JJ ran back towards the conference room. All quickly on her heels. Entering the room, she took control of the laptop, streaming the image to the projector.

Spencer could no longer breathe as he looked at the image on the screen.

“Y/N.”

The screen showed Y/N tied to a chair and bent forward; clearly in pain. Her surroundings empty and dark.

Suddenly a voice was heard.

“I sense there's something in the wind. That seems like tragedy's at hand isn’t there Dr Y/F/N Y/L/N.”

The team watched in horror as Dean Faulkner yanked Y/N’s head back, her body letting out a strangled cry at the pain caused by his actions.

Spencer felt sick, he felt like he was watching himself when Tobias Hankel had held him captive.

“Emily, call Garcia to track his location. We don’t have much time.”

Emily did as Hotch told her to. Talking as quickly as she could on the phone.

“She can’t track it; he’s re-routing the IP address every thirty seconds.”

“She needs to track it. She needs to find her now!”

They all jumped at Spencer’s outburst, watching as tears filled his vision and his hands began to shake.

“Spencer, you need to calm down, we are going to find her. He can’t have taken her far.”

Spencer took in Derek’s words. Taking a breath, he looked back at the screen as he tried to distinguish any recognisable features of where she may be.

Faulkner moved his face to rest against Y/N’s hair, smelling the tresses. She tried to pull away only for him to yank her back again.

“Why did you kill them Dean?”

Faulkner let go of Y/N’s hair. Walking to her side, he grabbed her face in a vicious grip. Yanking her to look at him.

“Why? They ruined my life, everything I ever worked hard for. You all did.”

Y/N looked at him in confusion.

“I did nothing to you.”

Y/N’s breath increased at the vicious look he sent her way. Her eyes flickered to the camera, knowing that Faulkner was streaming what was happening to Spencer and his team. She had to find a way to tell them where she was.

“You made them question my authority. My position. My integrity as a member of the board. You ruined my reputation by belittling me in California.”.

“That’s because you know nothing about horror Dean. You think you know everything about it, but you don’t.”

Spencer couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Why was Y/N taunting him?

“Garcia’s looking to see if there’s any abandoned properties around the area that he could have taken her to.”

Spencer didn’t even acknowledge Emily’s words.

Faulkner reeled back at Y/N’s taunt.

“I know everything there is to know about horror. I’ve seen it all. I’ve lived it. I’ve created it. Ask me anything about it, I know the right answers.”

“But you don’t. You have an idea of horror, your own idea, that is wrong. You believe that women are the reason you lost your job and became the monster that you are. But they’re not. The reason you’re a monster is because of your sick and twisted fantasies. You made those girls feel small and weak, didn’t you?”

“Shut the fuck up.”

The team watched in apprehension.

“Garcia, the location, we need it now.”

Rossi looked between the screen and the phone in Derek’s hand.

“I can get the area he’s holding her, but not the specific building. The whole town is basically abandoned. She could be anywhere from a shop to a house.”

“Keep looking.”

Spencer chewed on his lips. He had to think rationally. If the unsub was upset about the changes and losing his job, what could have been the last straw?

“Derek what was the film they replaced Nightmare Before Christmas with at the convention.”

Derek and Spencer shared a look.

“Cabin in the Woods.”

Spencer ran across the rooms to the files at hand.

“In the location that Garcia has tracked her too, there are three cabins, all within a walking distance of the other.”

The team began to rush out the room, transferring the livestream to a tablet so they could monitor Faulkner and Y/N.

“You’re weak Dean. You’re just like all the horror movie villains. Ghostface, pinhead, jigsaw, all of them. You feed of fear and feeling in control. But the only thing you have in common with them is that you’re not going to win.”

Faulkner scream in rage. Pulling Y/N’s head back, he punched her in the jaw. Striding to the camera, he pushed his face to the lens.

“The party’s over!”

Spencer watched in horror as the feed went off.

“Hotch we have to hurry!”

Hotch sped up the car. Quickly arriving to the location, the team split up into pairs, taking a cabin each to inspect. Hotch and Derek, Rossi and JJ, and Spencer and Emily veered off to their targeted locations. Spencer followed Emily, trying to stay calm, as he slowly walked into the cabin to find it empty, when suddenly a gun shot was heard. Looking in the direction, the pair ran to the cabin that Derek and Hotch had been assigned. The rest of the team already there, looking into the cabin in shock.

“No, no, no, no. Y/N.”

Spencer pushed in front of them, tears pooling in his eyes as he a waited to see the horror before him. He looked in disbelief as Y/N stood from her position on the floor, the gun dropping from her hand as they shook. Faulkner laid a few feet away, in a pool of blood, no longer breathing.

Y/N looked towards the team. Raising her shaking hands towards Spencer.

“I didn’t want to kill him but he was going to shoot whoever walked through the door.”

Spencer rushed forward, grabbing her in a bone crushing hug. His hands stroking her hair as he soother her cries. Leading her out of the cabin, he allowed his team to sort out the rest as he continued to calm Y/N down.

The movement of the team were a blur as ambulances and police cars came. Taking them to the hospital as they sat in the waiting room as Y/N was checked over.

Spencer sat in the waiting room, his leg bouncing up and down with nerves.

Derek excused himself from the groups conversation as he went and sat next to Spencer. Clapping him on the back, Derek squeezed Spencer’s shoulder in re-assurance.

“She’s going to be fine pretty boy.”

“Physically, she has a concussion, bruising along her jawline, and needs stitches on her forehead. Mentally, I don’t know how she is going to handle this. When I suggested asking for her help in the case, I didn’t presume the risk of her being hurt. I should have.”

“Spencer, listen to me. We would have done everything to make sure she lived okay. She not only saved herself but she also helped save Yasmine and this team. Any one of us could have been shot if she had not thought fast and got the gun out of his hands. You know, better than anyone, how to help her deal with this.”

Spencer took in Derek’s words, nodding his head in appreciation, as he leaned against his friend in a comforting hug.

“Probably wasn’t the ideal way to introduce your girlfriend to the team though.”

Spencer stuttered at Derek’s teasing.

“We’re profilers Spencer. We’ve all noticed how you’ve been happier these past few months and seeing how persistent you were for us to consult Y/N, it gave us all an idea why. Seeing you together only confirmed our suspicions. So, how long has pretty boy had his pretty girl?”

Spencer chuckled at Derek’s words. Ringing his hands together as he spoke to Derek.

“Tomorrow is actually our six-month anniversary. She was going to be flying back today so we could celebrate; unless I got called on a case.”

“We can still celebrate.”

Spencer looked up as Y/N walked through the waiting room, fresh stitches on her forehead and an ice pack resting in her hands.

“The nurse said that there was no internal damage. That my body will just be sore for a few weeks. My concussion is light, so I am alright to travel home.”

The team gathered around to check on her. But her eyes could not leave Spencer’s as he rose from his seat. Spencer walked forward slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. Carefully he cupped her face in his hands, and to the surprise of Y/N and his team, Spencer bowed his head and placed a careful kiss on Y/N’s lips. Slow, protective, and full of love.

Pulling back, Spencer wrapped his arms around her as he looked at the beaming smiles of his teammates. Y/N couldn’t help the blush across her cheeks or the giggle that followed. Soon, everyone was chuckling at the pair.

“I would like to thank you Y/N. From the entire team. Your actions saved a young woman’s life, and what could have been one of our own.”

Y/N smiled in appreciation at Rossi’s words.

“You’re Spencer’s family. I would do it all again if I had to.”

“Statistically speaking, around 2,000 people a day are reported missing in the US. Approximately, 600 of those would be reported or considered kidnappings. It is highly unlikely for you to be put in a situation like that again.”

Y/N looked up at her boyfriend.

“I never thought I would say this, but your talk about me being kidnapped again is really attractive.”

The team laughed at the girl’s statement, seeing Spencer become physically embarrassed.

“Just to inform everyone, the jet will be ready to depart in forty-five minutes. As I was informed that today you would have been heading home, Y/N we have sent for your belongings to be collected; you can fly back with us.”

Spencer smiled at Hotch in gratitude, the older man knowing he would have only worried if she had flown home alone.

“Thank you, Mr Hotchner.”

Hotch let out a brief smile.

“Call me Hotch. Your part of Spencer’s life, that means your part of this family.”

BAU JET

It had been an exhausting few days for the team, and it showed, as they all were sporadically asleep throughout the jet. Silence encompassed the steel capsule, with only the sound of sleep filled breaths being heard.

Y/N laid fast asleep, with her head on Spencer’s shoulder, as the boy genius sat up wide awake. Looking down at the woman next to him, all Spencer could imagine was what could have happened if they weren’t quick enough. How many days he would have lost with her. All the things he wanted to tell her.

As though she could sense his deep thoughts, Y/N slowly awoke, rubbing her eyes as a yawn escaped her mouth. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she waited till she was fully conscious before she spoke.

“What time is it Doc?”

Spencer jostled out of his thoughts to check the watch on his wrist.

“It’s 2:36 am. You’ve been asleep for approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes.”

Y/N quickly sat up in her seat, wide awake.

Spencer turned towards her in worry, wondering what had made her so alert.

“What wrong? Are you feeling nauseous? Do you need some painkillers, as your due to have…”

Y/N grabbed Spencer’s face and placed her lips flush against his own. Their mouths moved in unison, as Spencer’s own hands moved to circle around her waist, bringing their bodies as close as they could be in the small space they had. They hadn’t kissed since the hospital, and before then it had been weeks. Spencer never realised until then, how much he truly missed her touch, her taste, her as a whole.

Coming to a point where they both lacked breathe, the pair pulled apart. Their eyes fluttering open as Y/N’s hands caressed Spencer’s face. Her one hand travelled to his hair, feeling the tresses that had grown since she had last seen him. She looked at him in a way no one had before. Spencer shared the same expression.

“Happy six-month anniversary Spencer. I love you.”

Spencer looked at Y/N in disbelief.

“Before you start spouting of facts about transference and how I am probably only saying this because you saved my life, you’re wrong. Because then I would be telling Hotch and Morgan the same thing.”

Spencer couldn’t help the watery smile that graced his face. For the second time in the past day, his eyes filled with tears. But this time, they were good.

“I’ve known I have loved you for a long time. For five months actually. I knew I loved you when we made pizza in your apartment and we ended up burning it, so we ordered one instead.”

Spencer laughed at the memory. It was the first time Spencer had initiated their make out. He had watched her cooking, in his apartment, and he had never found her more attractive than he did seeing her in his home.

“I knew that whilst you were spouting of facts about the invention of the pizza that I loved you and that I could listen to you forever. I love you Spencer.”

Spencer pulled Y/N closer to him as he rested his forehead against her own. The pair basked in each other’s presence.

“Past surveys show that men wait just 88 days to say those three little words to their partner for the first time, and 39 percent say them within the first month. Women, on the other hand, take an average 134 days. You knew after 31 days that you loved me. I knew after our first date that the way I felt when I was with you is a feeling that I could not even describe with my vast vocabulary. I knew after 8 days that the way I felt was stronger than liking you and that was a frightening thought. But its scarier to think what could have happened to you yesterday. That I could have lost you without you ever knowing. I made that mistake before. I will never make it again. I love you too.”

Y/N couldn’t help the smile and giggle that overtook her. Spencer, feeling high of the serotonin that was coursing through his body, couldn’t help his laugh either. Soon the pair were a giggling mess, unaware of the team who had all begun to awaken whilst the pair were talking.

The team congregated to the back of the jet, allowing the couple to stay in their own bubble.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen him truly happy.”

The group nodded at Emily’s words.

JJ smiled as she watched her best friend rattle of the possible movies that he and his girlfriend could spend their anniversary watching as she recovered. Her smile growing even wider at Y/N’s enthusiasm to watch the film’s in their original language. None of them could miss the look of adoration beaming between the pair.

“Yeah, it really has.”

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. -Lao Tzu

A/N- It isn’t the best but I really enjoyed writing this one.

MASTERPOST

Categorías:

Dibujo

Pintura

Escultura

Cine

Arquitectura

Animación

Concept art

Ilustración

A

Tomma Abts

Lawrence Abu Hamdan

Franz Ackermann

Richard Aldrich

Brian Alfred

Francis Alys

Kai Althoff

Yoshitaka Amano

Ghada Amer

Even Amundsen

Hurvin Anderson

Richard Anderson

Wes Anderson

Tadao Ando

Ida Applebroog

Juan Araujo

Tauba Auerbach

Laurel Austin

Michael J. Austin

B

Andrew Baker

John Baldessari

Antonio Ballester Moreno

Matthew Barney

Darren Bartley

Georg Baselitz

James Baxter

Carole Benzaken

Cesar Biojo

Benjamin Björklund

Aaron Blaise

Rob Bliss

Michael Borremans

Lisa Brice

Cecily Brown

Glenn Brown

Borja Buces Renard

Bernard Buffet

Rafal Bujnowski

C

Ricardo Cabral

Varda Caivano

Francisco Calvelo

Brian Calvin

Helen Cammock

Gonzalo Cárcamo

Gillian Carnegie

Merlin Carpenter

Maurizio Cattelan

Gigi Cavenago

Vija Celmins

Zeen Chin

Chuck Close

James Coleman

Philipp Comarella

Iris Compiet

Sarah Crowner

Ángela de la Cruz

John Currin

Amy Cutler

D

Henry Darger

Ian Davenport

Noah Davis

Philippe Decrauzat

Benjamin Degen

Dominik Derow

Rineke Dijkstra

John Dilworth

Markus Döbeli

Peter Doig

Kaye Donachie

Pierre Dorion

Vladimir Dubossarsky

Marlene Dumas

Geirrod Van Dyke

E

Cecilia Edefalk

Thomas Eggerer

Tim Eitel

Franz Erhard Walther

Marco Espinosa

F

Helmut Federle

Roberto Ferri

Eric Fischl

Tom Fox

Moby Francke

Lucian Freud

Bernard Frize

Michael Fullerton

G

Julio Galan

Jorge Galindo

Ellen Gallagher

Fran Garcés

Mario García Torres

Tim Gardner

Jennifer Gennari

Nikolay Georgiev

Kim Jung Gi

Geng Gianyi

Ari Gibson

Wanjin Gim

Wayne Gonzales

Katharina Grosse

Mark Grothan

James Gurney

Wade Guyton

H

Peter Halley

Josephine Halvorson

James B. Ham

Peter Han

N. S. Harsha

Eberhard Havekost

Mary Heilmann

Sophie von Hellerman

Lubaina Himid

Mah Hirano

Damien Hirst

Howard Hodgkin

Gary Hume

Jackqueline Humphries

Steve Huston

I

Callum Innes

Toyo Ito

Eliza Ivanova

J

James Jean

Ruan Jia

Chantal Joffe

Chris Johanson

Jama Jurabaev

Yishai Jusidman

K

Johannes Kahrs

Alex Kaneuski

Jacob Kassay

Alex Katz

Kurt Kauper

Anselm Kiefer

Karen Kilimnik

Martin Kippenberger

R. B. Kitaj

Martin Kobe

Jutta Koether

Ayami Kojima

Satoshi Kon

Peter Konig

Alex Konstad

Karl Kopinski

Kekai Kotaki

Elke Krystufek

Kengo Kuma

Stefan Kürten

L

Studio Laika

Jim Lambie

Maria Lassnig

Sol LeWitt

Songsong Li

Wanjie Li

Fang Lijun

Michael Lin

Dela Longfish

Rael Lyra

M

Jorge Macchi

Marcin Maciejowski

Elizabeth Magill

Michael Majerus

Victor Man

Finnian MacManus

Margherita Manzelli

Marta Marcé

Louis de Masi

I Nyoman Masriadi

Gbariele di Matteo

Leonard McComb

Crash McCreery

Ian McKeever

Lucy McKenzie

Jonathan Meese

Julie Mehretu

Beatriz Milhazes

Yue Minjun

Steve Mitchell

Moebius

Dianna Molzan

Baran Mong

Guillermo Mora

Sarah Morris

Justin Mortimer

Olivier Mosset

Hamoudi Moussa

Craig Mullins

Muntean/Rosenblum

Haruki Murakami

Oscar Murillo

Catherine Murphy

Ishbel Myerscough

N

Yutaka Nakamura

Yusuke Nakano

Yoshitomo Nara

Shirin Neshat

Ernesto Neto

Yasushi Nirasawa

Guillaume Normand

Kazuya Nuri

O

Albert Oelhen

Kazuo Oga

Julien Opie

Silke Otto-Knapp

Karla Ortiz

P

Blinky Palermo

Philip Pearlstein

Stuart Pearson Wright

Enoc Perez

Burno Perramant

Raymond Pettibon

Elizabeth Peyton

Richard Philipps

Lari Pitman

Sigmar Polke

Richard Powell

Richard Prince

Charlotte Prodger

Vitaly Pushnitsky

Q

R. H. Quaytman

Joe Quesada

R

Neo Rauch

Blake Rayne

Paula Rego

Carol Rhodes

Daniel Richter

Gerhard Richter

Matthew Ritchie

Paul Robertson

Scott Robertson

Clare Rojas

Georges Rousse

Royal Art Lodge

Nick Runge

Robert Ryman

S

Vyacheslav Safronov

Andrew Salgado

David Salle

Dennis Sarazhin

Juliao Sarmento

Wilhelm Sasnal

Jenny Saville

Adrian Schiess

David Schnell

Maaike Schoorel

Max Schulz

Sean Sevestre

Tai Shani

George Shaw

Kate Shepherd

Mª José Sicilia

Shazia Sikander

Amy Sillman

Dirk Skreber

Sylvia Sleigh

Matt Smith

Glenn Sorensen

SPA Studios

Hito Steyerl

Sturtevant

Ken Sugimori

T

Tatsuyuki Tanaka

Furio Tedeschi

Mark Tennant

Francisco Toledo

Robbie Trevino

James Turrell

Luc Tuymans

U

Nicolás Uribe

V

Adriana Varejao

Max Verehin

Ángel Vergara

Pieter Vermeersch

Jack Vettriano

Glenn Vilppu

Bill Viola

W

Takumi Wada

Kara Walker

Corinne Wasmuht

Steve Wang

Jonathan Wateridge

Alison Watt

Jeff Watts

Robert Watts

Matthias Weischer

Morgan Weistling

Wendy White

Terryl Whitlatch

Richard Williams

Sue Williams

Christopher Wool

X

Zhang Xiaogang

Y

Santiago Ydañez

Lynette Yiadom-Boakye

Yoh Yoshinari

Donglu Yu

Liang Yuanwei

Lisa Yuskavage

Z

Luiz Zerbini

Su Zhang

Feng Zhu

22 Of The Coolest Events Happening In Southern California This Weekend

The Skirball's galleries stay open late on Friday for a party and a chance to catch the 'Notorious RBG' exhibition. (Image: Timothy Norris/Facebook)

Choose from Día de los Muertos celebrations, fall art events and a bunch of off-the-beaten path happenings, like a Scent Fair and a concert at the Triforum. Plus, the holiday marketplace season begins with a Poketo pop-up and a cache of kinky gear. Film picks include "The Phantom of the Opera" (with live accompaniment) and stop-motion treasure "Jason and the Argonauts."

FRIDAY, NOV. 2; 7 - 9 p.m. 2nd Biennial Scent Fair LA: Preview Party Craft & Folk Art Museum — 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire Devendra Banhart DJs a party where you can smell olfactory offerings before the Scent Fair opens this weekend. The fair celebrates independent and experimental scent practices. The first 30 attendees receive five sample fragrances from participating exhibitors. COST: $20; MORE INFO

Hollywood Forever Cemetery's Day of the Dead Festival (Photo by Bob Kent via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

FRIDAY, NOV. 2; 6 - 10 p.m. 12th Annual Día de los Muertos Street Festival 24th Street Theatre — 1117 W. 24th St., University Park The community festival includes performances by Louie Cruz Beltran, Space Sanchos, Jarochelo, Tierra Blanca Arts Center, Ballet Folklorico Sol de Fuego, Chinelos, Danzantes Aztecas, Mariachi Corazón de Magnolia, Mariachi & Calaca Guapachosa and Ella. The nearby Velaslavasay Panorama also features performances from the Bob Baker Marionettes and demos by Magnolia Tintype Co. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Check out a bunch more Day of the Dead events in our Where To Celebrate Día De Los Muertos In Los Angeles guide.

FRIDAY, NOV. 2, 6 - 9 p.m. Poketo x JOIN Holiday Market Opening Reception Poketo Project Space — 777 Alameda St., #134, downtown L.A. Poketo teams with JOIN Design to get a jump-start on the holiday shopping season. The pop-up marketplace, located at ROW DTLA, features the work of 20 designers who are making housewares, accessories, gifts and tchotkes. The market remains open through Jan. 1, 2019. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

The Triforium sculpture, created by Joseph Young, seen in downtown L.A. in 2012, decades after it was installed in 1975. (Britta Gustafson/Flickr Creative Commons)

FRIDAY, NOV. 2; 6 - 10 p.m. Triforium Fridays Night 3 Triforium — Temple and Main St., downtown Los Angeles The Joseph Young-designed public sculpture opened in 1975 as a monumental musical instrument. The six-story, 60-ton structure has fallen into disrepair but this series of "Polyphonoptic Parties," curated by the band YACHT, allows the public to see, hear and experience the work as the artist intended. The final installment features THAO (of the Get Down Stay Down), TAIKOPROJECT, Molly Lewis and Restless Nites DJs. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, NOV. 2; 6 - 10 p.m. Late Night! Notorious RBG Skirball Cultural Center — 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood If you haven't had a chance to check out the exhibition "Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg," now's your chance. The galleries stay open late as dublab's Mamabear provides the soundtrack. In honor of the Supreme Court justice, the Skirball has invited a number of women-owned food trucks to the event including Mandoline Grill, Dina's Dumpling and Sugo Italian. COST: $5; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, NOV. 2 - SUNDAY, NOV. 11 AxS Festival: City as Wunderkammer Throughout Pasadena and the greater L.A. area The festival's 12 programs incorporate the concept of the "wunderkammer" or "cabinet of curiosities" to explore the intersection of art and science. Highlights include Australian artist Lawrence English's site-specific public sound artwork that re-appropriates the decommissioned Los Angeles Civil Defense System; a two-gallery exhibition of light works by Phillip K. Smith III at Claremont Graduate University; and an Election Day Parade: Grand Buddha Marching Band. The festival's opening reception is being held at the Armory in Pasadena from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday. COST: Most programs are free; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Grand Ave Arts: All Access Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Arts and culture organizations open their doors for family-friendly activities, interactive workshops and tours during a day-long celebration. Go on a scavenger hunt at The Broad. Take part in musical activities at the Colburn School. Listen to the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Participate in other diversions at the Los Angeles Public Library, L.A. Opera, L.A. Phil, MOCA, The Music Center and REDCAT. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

The Orange County Museum of Art opens its temporary space with a party this weekend in Santa Ana. (Image: Courtesy of OCMA)

SATURDAY, NOV. 3; 12 - 5 p.m. OCMAEXPAND-Santa Ana Open House South Coast Plaza Village — 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana The Orange County Museum of Art throws a party to celebrate its temporary digs. (The museum's new permanent home, at the nearby Segerstrom Center for the Arts, is slated to open in 2021.) Meet exhibiting artists Rodrigo Valenzuela, Mariángeles Soto-Díaz, Valentina Jager, Alan Nakagawa and Kathryn Garcia. You can also listen to gallery talks and presentations while you enjoy live sets by local bands The Aquadolls & VENEER. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3; 8 p.m. The Los Angeles Pancakes & Booze Art Show Catch One — 4067 W. Pico Blvd., Arlington Heights The pop-up art event showcases more than 500 works by more than 150 artists. In addition to the art, there are free pancakes as well as craft beers and cocktails (cash bar). Live music and DJs help you get into the spirit of the season with a zombie fashion show. This event is 21+ only. COST: $10 - $15; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3; 10:30 a.m. Jason and the Argonauts Vista Theatre — 4473 Sunset Blvd., Los Feliz The Secret Movie Club screens the 1963 adventure fantasy film in 35mm. Watch the Greek hero and his band of adventurers on their quest to find the Golden Fleece. Better yet, watch it for the stop-motion magic of the great Ray Harryhausen. COST: $12.75 - $20; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3 - SUNDAY, NOV. 4; 8 p.m. Beastie Boys Book: Live & Direct with Adam Horovitz and Michael Diamond The Montalban Theatre — 1615 Vine St., Hollywood Tickets are scarce for these two shows but totally worth it if you can get them. Both events feature a live score provided by Mix Master Mike, readings and a conversation between Mike D, Ad-Rock and a guest moderator, followed by a Q&A. Fans can also check out a new Beastie Boys exhibit at the Montalban, curated by the band and Beyond the Streets. COST: $75 (includes book); MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3 - SUNDAY, NOV. 4; 11 a.m. (doors open) Tropicália Music & Taco Fest The Queen Mary — 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach The festival's A+ lineup includes Morrissey, Mazzy Star, Kali Uchis, Toro y Moi, Albert Hammond Jr., Kero Kero Bonito (among many other acts) on Saturday and Cardi B, Mac Demarco, Chicano Batman, Allah-las, La Sonora Dinomita and Ronnie Spector on Sunday. No word on the taco lineup. The festival is all ages. COST: Single-day passes start at $150; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sanctuary Marketplace 2018 Sanctuary LAX — 10914 S. La Cienega Blvd., Lennox For the fifth year in a row, the adult entertainment studio hosts a marketplace with dozens of BDSM, kink-focused artisans and vendors. A stage show will be hosted by comedian and podcaster Sir Gear. COST: $10 admission; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3 - SATURDAY, DEC. 8 Remembrance, The Faces & Places Historic Southwest Museum (Mt. Washington Campus) — 234 Museum Drive, Mt. Washington The pop-up exhibition from the Arroyo Arts Collective features the work of 20 artists who are creating altars in the niche spaces of the portal tunnel and Sprague Hall. The works explore death, grief, love and loss, as well as the rituals of Halloween and Día de los Muertos. There are a number of exhibition-related programs throughout the run, including an opening artists' reception on Saturday at 2 p.m. with traditional African ancestral chants and a drum and dance salute/libation by Nzingha Camara and Rene Fisher-Mims. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3; 8 p.m. The Phantom of the Opera Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) — 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge The performing arts center at CSUN screens the 1925 classic film starring Lon Chaney accompanied by a live score. Richard Kaufman conducts the New West Symphony, which features guest artists Dennis James on organ and soprano Kristi Holden. COST: Tickets start at $34; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3; 5 - 8 p.m. Art Salon Chinatown presents Kristina Wong Realm — 425 Gin Ling Way, Chinatown The Ministry of Culture art collective presents the sixth edition of Art Salon Chinatown with L.A.-based performance artist Kristina Wong. As part of her campaign/show, "Kristina Wong for Public Office," she'll make her final campaign appearance before the 2018 midterm elections and the gallery will transform into her campaign HQ. The accompanying exhibition will be on view through Dec. 10. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, NOV. 3; 2 - 11 p.m. HARD Day of the Dead Los Angeles State Historic Park — 1245 N. Spring St., downtown L.A. The music festival returns to the park after a six-year hiatus with headliners Justice, Die Antwoord and Knife Party. This festival is 21+. COST: $79.99 - $159.99; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, Nov. 3; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Over L.A.: Aerial Accounts USC's Doheny Memorial Library — 3550 Trousdale Parkway, University Park Explore Southern California from an overhead perspective while keeping your feet on the ground. There ae panel discussions, interviews and presentations examining everything from Southland sunlight and the region's biodiversity to the relationship between helicopters andarchitecture. COST: FREE, but RSVPs requested; MORE INFO

SUNDAY, NOV. 4; 3 - 4:30 p.m. CAAM Reads! Parable of the Sower California African American Museum — 600 State Dr., Exposition Park The museum's monthly book club continues with Octavia Butler's "Parable of the Sower," a sci-fi novel set in a dystopia where society has collapsed due to climate change, inequality and corporate greed. Research librarian Denise L. McIver will moderate the discussion. Titles are selected in conjunction with the exhibition, "Robert Pruitt: Devotion," which investigates the intersection of black identity, spiritual traditions and technology. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Iron Triangle Brewing believes that beer makes things better—even studying ballot propositions on a Sunday afternoon. (Image: Iron Triangle/Facebook)

SUNDAY, NOV. 4; 5 - 8 p.m. Pints and Props Night Iron Triangle Brewing — 1581 Industrial St., downtown L.A. Are you registered to vote in Tuesday's midterm elections but not sure what's on the ballot? Learn more about the props and measures at a civilized debate — while drinking beer. The brewery is selling $5 beers all day long for anyone who promises to vote when they order a beer. COST: FREE admission (beer tab's on you); MORE INFO

SUNDAY, NOV. 4; 12 - 5 p.m. Arts of Africa Festival Fowler Museum at UCLA — 308 Charles E. Young Dr. W., Westwood The all-ages festival presents an afternoon of African-inspired food, music, storytelling, gallery talks and conversations. View the works in "Striking Iron" through the eyes of contemporary blacksmiths, who discuss the technical details and artistic expression of certain objects, and stick around for a live forging demonstration. Partake in a Mbira-Making workshop that shows you how to build your own five-note thumb piano. Then, learn how to compose and play short songs with world music educator Dr. Craig Woodson. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Abbi Jacobson speaks onstage during Netflix TCA 2018 on July 29, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Netflix)

SUNDAY, NOV. 4; 7:30 - 9 p.m. Abbi Jacobson in Conversation Garrison Theater at Scripps College — 241 E. 10th St., Claremont The actor, writer, producer and illustrator Abbi Jacobson is best known as co-creator and co-star of Broad City but she also released a book, "I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff." The debut collection was inspired by a solo cross-country road trip. Each ticket includes a copy of the book. Waitlist only. COST: $25 - $35; MORE INFO

You made it! Congrats, you read the entire story, you gorgeous human. This story was made possible by generous people like you. Independent, local journalism costs $$$$$. And now that LAist is part of KPCC, we rely on that support. So if you aren't already, be one of us! Help us help you live your best life in Southern California. Donate now.

Source: http://www.laist.com/2018/11/01/22_of_the_coolest_events_happening_in_southern_california_this_weekend.php

Entry Lists Released for U.S. Short Track Nationals at Bristol

The expected entry lists for Bristol Motor Speedway’s U.S. Short Track Nationals have been released.  To no one’s surprise the lists are massive, with over 500 drivers ready to attack the historic facility May 19-21.

The divisions involved are Super Late Models (co-sanctioned by CRA, CARS, and the Southern Super Series), Pro Late Models (sanctioned by CRA), Late Model Stocks (sanctioned by CARS), Modifieds (sanctioned by the National Short Track Racing Alliance), Street Stocks (sanctioned by CRA), and Sport Compacts (sanctioned by Vores Cup)

Just a few weeks ago Bristol requested the participating sanctioning bodies limit each division to a certain number of entrants.  The maximum number set by the Speedway are: 80 Super Late Models, 80 Pro/Crate Late Models, 60 Late Model Stocks, 80 Modifieds, 110 Street Stocks, and 110 Compacts.  The numbers have been exceeded in all but two divisions.

Bristol is now asking those who may not compete to contact their corresponding sanctioning bodies.

For more information visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com

U.S. Short Track Nationals Entries as of 3/27/17

Super Late Models (CRA/CARS/Southern Super Series # DRIVER CITY ST 1 C Keith Cahela Boaz AL 1 J Cody Coughlin Delaware OH 1 S Derek Scott Franklin TX 1 Jake Crum Taylorsville NC 2 J Kyle Jones Germantown OH 2 L Robby Lyons Seminole FL 2 N Trevor Noles Fuquay-Varina NC 2 W Donnie Wilson Oklahoma City OK 4 A Dalton Armstrong Alexandria IN 4 M Rob Maynor Hartland WI 4 N TBA 4 P Kyle Plott Mareitta GA 4 R Cory Roper Baytown TX 4 X Ben Rowe Turner ME 5 B John Beale Verona WI 5 D Nathan Davis Dora AL 5 S Will Sahutske Northville MI 6 R Logan Runyon Cambridge OH 6 S Brandon Setzer Newton NC 7 C Tyler Church Concord NC 7 D Erik Darnell Huntersville NC 7 E Doug Elliott New Smyrna FL 7 G Weston Griffith Jr Crown Point IN 8 F Tate Fogleman Durham NC 8 N John Hunter Nemechek Mooresville NC 9 C Jeff Choquette Orange Park FL 9 T Jason Timmerman Hicksville OH 12 Harrison Burton Huntersville NC 14 D Chris Davidson Pearland TX 14 G Cale Gale Athens GA 14 O Connor Okrzesik Grand Bay AL 15 H Roy Hayes Concord NC 15 M Joey Miller Lakeville MN 16 Lucas Jones Mooresville NC 17 B Josh Brock Corbin KY 17 M Eddie McDonald Rowley MA 23 S Thomas Skiles Indianapolis IN 23 V Eddie VanMeter Indianapolis IN 26 B Bill Burba Germantown OH 26 P Bubba Pollard Senoia GA 26 S Chandler Smith Jasper GA 26 T Rick Turner Yorktown IN 26 X Travis Braden Wheeling WV 27 Gatlin Lance Morristown TN 29 D Spencer Davis Dawsonville GA 29 S Tommy St.John Indianapolis IN 30 Joshua James Saukville WI 34 Nolan Pope Harrisonville MO 35 Derek Ramstrom Worcester MA 41 B Brandon Johnson Mooresville NC 41 J Hunter Jack Auburn IN 41 L Nick Leitz Chesapeake VA 43 Dennis Schoenfeld Van Buren AR 45 Joey Mucciacciaro Wolcott CT 47 C Brian Campbell Wyoming MI 47 K Allen Karnes Sharpsburg GA 47 S Dakota Stroup Owensboro KY 49 Jeff Batten Nashville NC 51 G Noah Gragson Las Vegas NV 51 N Stephen Nasse Largo FL 51 O Brandon Oakley Dayton OH 51 R Cole Rouse Fort Smith AR 53 J Boris Jurkovic Manhattan IL 53 W Jerry White Concord NC 54 Matt Craig Kannapolis NC 55 TBA 56 Robert Ford Lake City FL 57 C John Coffman Live Oak FL 57 T Cole Timm Mooresville NC 58 A Tyler Ankrum Colton CA 58 F Jeff Firestine Venice FL 62 Cassten Everidge Hudson IN 66 B Logan Beardan Leander TX 66 W Steve Wallace Mooresville NC 71 John VanDoorn Fruitport MI 76 Bubba Wallace Forest City NC 79 Kyle Bryant Navarre FL 81 F Jared Fryar Trinity NC 81 X TBA 83 Joey Padgett Concord NC 87 Mike Mazzagatti Clinton OH 88 Garrett Jones Mooresville NC 93 Dave Russell Clarence NY 96 Blake Jones Sevierville TN 97 Chase Purdy Huntersville NC 98 K Paul Kelly Pendergrass GA 98 M Mason Mingus Nashville TN 99 H Fred Hopkins New Castle IN 99 L Raphael Lessard St-Joseph CAN 99 O Justin Oertel Lincolnshire IL 112 Augie Grill Hayden AL 158 Daniel Webster Polk City FL 354 Chris Nash Portage MI JEGS/CRA ALL STARS TOUR # DRIVER CITY ST 0 Brandon Curron McCalla AL 1 C Cody Coughlin Delaware OH 1 D Dave Duncan Cicero IN 1 L Brandon Johnson Mooresville NC 1 S Jon Beach Watervliet MI 2 John Bolen Jasper AL 4 H Matt Hall Newport MI 4 X TBA 4 Phil Bozell Portage MI 5 C Michael Clancy Jr Ortonville MI 5 H Tyler Hufford Schoolcraft MI 5 L Eric Lee Macomb MI 6 Cody Quarrick Uniontown PA 7 B Jackson Boone Franklin TN 7 C TBA 7 D Cole Daffron Pell City AL 7 P Joey Pontbriand Norway MI 7 X TBA 8 H Hope Hornish Defiance OH 8 N John Hunter Nemechek Mooresville NC 8 T Scott Tomasik Avon IN 9 Jeff Choquette Orange Park FL 11 A Dustin Ash Las Vegas NV 11 C Stacy Crain Brentwood TN 12 B Brandon Brilliant Atlanta GA 12 L Dan Leeck Birch Run MI 14 D Corey Deuser Lanesville IN 14 H Carson Hocevar Portage MI 15 C Trey Craig Louisville KY 15 J Colt James Newton NC 15 T Kevyn Terry Citra FL 17 B Josh Brock Corbin KY 17 S Keith Sterkowitz Cedar Lake IN 20 Jack Dossey Indianapolis IN 22 Jamie Cox Dorcehster ONT 23 C Mandy Chick De Soto KS 23 G Dalton Grindle Flowery Branch GA 23 K Chris Koslek Grand Rapids MI 23 V Billy Van Meter Indianapolis IN 26 A Willie Allen Centerville TN 26 B Bill Burba Germantown OH 26 X Travis Braden Wheeling WV 27 Joe Ross Kansas City MO 28 Jack Smith Clyde OH 29 D Spencer Davis Dawsonville GA 29 K Austin Kunert Batavia IL 30 Memphis Villarreal Corpus Christi TX 32 Kent Baledge Alexandria IN 33 O Dillion Oliver Bowling Green KY 33 S Carter Stokes New Smyrna FL 40 Jordan Miller Breezewood PA 43 Justin South Leeds AL 44 Steve Laking Guelph CAN 46 Cole Williams Borden IN 47 C Brian Campbell Wyoming MI 47 S Dakota Stroup Owensboro KY 48 B Dwayne Baker Stayner CAN 48 C Kent Crane Independence MO 51 F Eddie Fatscher East Northport NY 51 N TBA 51 O Brandon Oakley Dayton OH 53 Kyle Ivey Nashville TN 54 H David Hite Apopka FL 54 T Brandon Thomson Seminole FL 56 Jerry Andrews Kalamazoo MI 66 Nate Walton Hudsonville MI 67 Ben Welch Spring Lake MI 81 Bob Varney Richmond MI 83 Andy Bozell Portage MI 88 Roger Reuse Alabaster AL 89 Bobby Reuse Alabaster AL 96 Marc Jacobs London ONT 97 I Robbie Iverness Escanaba MI 97 J Jaxson Jacobs London ONT 99 Harrison Hall Circleville OH 114 Sterling Marlin Columbia TN 127 David Strode Independence MO 145 Bill Melvin Trussville AL 407 Jason Vail Clermont FL CARS TOUR LATE MODEL STOCK CARS # NAME CITY ST 2 Paul Nogradi Knoxville, TN 2 Myatt Snider Charlotte, NC 2 Cody Haskins Marietta, GA 3 Taylor Jorgenson Stockbridge, GA 4 Mike Chambers Timberlake, NC 5 Jeremy Burns Simpsonville, SC 7 Bradley McCaskill Wendell, NC 7 Justin Crider Statesville, NC 7 Brandon Rogers Canton, NC 4 A Anthony Alfredo Mooresville, NC 8 Deac McCaskill Raleigh, NC 8 Trevor Rizzo Bluffton, SC 11 Jeff Oakley Manquin, VA 12 Ryan Wilson Randleman, NC 12 Paul Wark Winston-Salem, NC 12 Austin McDaniel Harrisburg, NC 12 Ryan Gray Raleigh, NC 14 Ryan Repko Denver, NC 15 Bryson Dennis Chuckey, TN 15 Sheflon Clay Asheville, NC 16 Colby Howard Simpsonville, SC 18 Evan Swilling Cohutta, GA 18 Ty Gibbs Huntersville, NC 21 Tim Allensworth Wallace, NC 21 Travis Swaim High Point NC 23 Zachary Dabbs Mooresville, NC 24 Kevyn Terry Citra, FL 26 Joey Trent Gray, TN 27 Tommy Lemons Troy, NC 29 Jake Ruggles Kannapolis, NC 30 Taylor Coffman Bean Station TN 32 Jerry Miracle Indian Trail NC 32 Brandon Grosso Belle Mead NJ 37 Joel Courage Dublin, CA 38 Hunter Byrd Clarksville, TN 38 J Ricky Jones Angier, NC 39 Grayson Massey Dryfork, VA 42 Craig Stallard Jenkins, KY 44 Justin Johnson Troy, NC 44 M Nate Monteith Bluff City TN 57 Justin Carroll Concord, NC 66 Austin Peters Kingsport, TN 74 Ronald Hill Rougemont, NC 77 Logan Jones Fredericksburg, VA 81 Jared Fryar Trinity, NC 87 Hayden Woods Piney Flats TN 88 Chris Davis Hillsborough, NC 88 B Josh Berry Mooresville, NC 96 Danny O’Quinn Abingdon, VA 97 Dylan Garner Yorba Linda CA 97 William Lester Lexington, NC 98 Stefan Parsons Cornelius, NC 99 Layne Riggs Bahama, NC TOP SPEED MODIFIEDS # NAME CITY ST 0 Tony Dager Grabill, IN 0 R Lucas Ripley Ulrichsville, OH 1 Wayne Jefferson Pinellas Park FL 1 Bill Prietzel West Allis WI 1 B Dan Burden North Canton OH 1 W Wayne Parker Mount Dora FL 1 W Rick Wiecorek Mount Morris MI 3 Kyle Bookmiller Riverview, FL 4 Mike Hadley Jr Greenwood, IN 5 H Bobby Heyink Eaton Rapids MI 5 Al Berry Auburn, IN 5 Greg Fullarton Howell, MI 7 S Bob Sibila Massillon, OH 7 Matt Dimit Huntington, IN 8 Scotty Tomasik Avon, IN 8 Jamie Sites Tipp City OH 9 Cory Nuttle Yoder, IN 9 N RJ Norton III Indianapolis, IN 11 Brian Nester Hamilton, IN 12 Chad Poole Springfield, OH 12 J Josh Nester Edon, OH 12 N Dave Nester Edon, OH 12 X Michael Occhipinti Dearborn, MI 13 Kevyn Terry Citra, FL 13 Kyle Purvis Marion, OH 13 M Sean McPherson Riley, MI 14 Mike Maddox Tupelo, MS 14 Tim Burkett Hamilton, IN 15 Scott Jones Marysville, OH 16 Bill Melvin Trussville, AL 16 Stephen Klinect West Salem OH 17 Chris Cotto Milton, FL 19 Andy Shutts Orient, OH 21 Ross Klingelhofer Quincy, OH 24 Buddy Gray Petoskey, MI 26 Jeff Lane Knightstown, IN 28 Dameron Taylor Indianapolis, IN 30 Y Brad Yunker Swanton, OH 30 Jonathan Martin Fort Wayne IN 31 Parker Pugh Madison, AL 31 L Chad Lemmerman Streetsboro, OH 31 Doug Meyer North Canton OH 32 D Danny McGowan Huntington, WV 33 Jason Morman Seabrook, TX 33 Jeremy Menninger Pataskala, OH 35 Evan Foster Clarkston, MI 36 Darrin Bowman Ambia, IN 39 Dave Christensen Clio, MI 40 Chris Stark Lewiston, MI 43 Billy Marcoux Goulais River Canada 44 Robert Babb Chesapeake, VA 45 Todd Gearhart Montpelier, OH 46 Doug Moff Fort Myers FL 51 Ryan Tamburro Worthington, OH 53 David Dobbins Hartville, OH 53 Z Eldon Zacek Jr Concord, NC 54 Clayton Green Marble Falls TX 57 Tim Moore Pinellas Park FL 57 N Tyler Nuckles Groveport, OH 57 Blake Rowe Ortonville, MI 58 Dan LaRocco Strongsville, OH 60 Brian Brewer Galena, OH 60 Bobby Gery Carrollton, VA 60 Sam Bigham New Franklin OH 61 Tyler Shullick Vermillion, OH 68 Stu Robinson Jr Beaverton, Canada 70 Mark Bott Port Austin MI 71 William Skaggs North Fort Myers FL 71 Johnny Brazier Hazel Green AL 71 Brett Hahne Brighton, MI 72 Gary Zink Jr Orient, OH 76 Mark Timmerman Fort Laramie OH 77 Hunter Slayton Richmond, VA 77 Kevin Doran Lebanon, OH 78 Travis Eddy Beaverton, MI 82 John Hansel Columbus, OH 82 Rick Sibila Mineral City, 84 Bubba Brooks Kalamazoo, MI 86 John Long Niles, MI 88 Travis Stepp Star City IN 88 E Ethan Mullet Hilliard, OH 93 Doug 1 Dowagiac, MI 95 Dave Stacy Enron, OH 111 George Perkins Fort Wayne IN 131 Jeff Letson Madison, AL 141 Rocky Rogers Jasper, AL TBA Mike Rush Powell, OH X Damon Breedlove Greenfield, IN CRA STREET STOCKS  # DRIVER CITY ST 00 B Bruce Burch Greenbrier TN 00 G Cliff Gaumond Midland NC 00 H Brett Hudson Owensboro KY 00 W Gordon Watson Tipp City OH 0 Ricky Young Beavercreek OH 1 D Brandon Tregembo Ray MI 1 W Jamie Whitt Wise VA 1 Jerry Zordan Bangor MI 2 B Jim Boyle East Windsor CT 2 F Bill Fisbie Jr. West Danby NY 2 S Paul Schloss Palm Coast FL 2 Mark Ross Jr Highland IN 3 M Jacob McElfresh Elwood IN 3 P Jeremy Pletz Dowagiac ME 03 E Kevin Eby Lenoir NC 03 S Ricky Stamber Bowling Green KY 03 W Matt Wilson Richfield OH 4 H John Heck Indianapolis IN 4 P Clynis Phillips Clintwood VA 4 X Matt Maurer Granger IN 5 B Chuck Barnes Sr Louisville KY 7 P Ryan Paul Richmond VA 6 HA Chris Harmon Brooks KY 6 HI Blake Hillard Owensboro KY 6 M Jeff Melton Concord NC 6 S Bryce Schaefer Niles MI 7 Jerry Lewis Waynetown IN 8 Brian McDonald Louisville KY 9 Jake Hinton Markle IN 10 B Dan Banker Des Moines IA 10 S Tom Stone Linden MI 11 Jimmy Kirby Indianapolis IN 14 H Aaron Abbott Reynolds Station KY 14 W Quentin White Greenwood IN 16 C T. J. Cochrane Buffalo NY 16 G Heath Helton Philpot KY 16 W Zach Westdorp Kalamazoo MI 16 Z Brandon Zachary Paw Paw MI 17 B James Brown Elkhart IN 17 PL Tim Pletz Sodus MI 17 PO David Powell Greenville IN 17 SC Bobby Schisler Cromwell IN 17 SH Stephen Shelpman Pittsburgh PA 18 Steve Bickett Whitesville KY 21 C Denver Carte Barberton OH 21 L Jeff Lane Knightstown IN 22 CR Skeeter Crum Jeffersonville IN 22 CU John Curtis Christiansburg VA 22 K James Kirby Indianapolis IN 22 L Brian Lewis Fairland IN 23 G Kenny Gibson Venice FL 23 I Larry Isenhower Greensboro NC 24 D Dennis Deese Piney Flats TN 24 W Jeremie Wiggins Elyria OH 25 B Louis Botti Irwin PA 25 C Jesse Collinge Swartz Creek MI 25 L Tory Lutz Wakarusa IN 25 R Kyle Ribble Delton MI 25 S Steven Schultz Drums PA 25 T Christopher Titcomb Amesbury MA 26 B Jeff Berg Louisville KY 26 H Jordan Hahn Wanamaker IN 27 Josh Poore Anderson IN 28 A Shawn Amor Walkerton IN 28 P Clark Perry Amherstdale WV 28 SH Jeffrey Shackelford Indianapolis IN 28 SI Dayton Sidner Pensacola FL 28 V Josh Varney Leeds ME 29 F Donny Fink Orlando FL 29 K Mason Keller Indianapolis IN 29 S Ken Schraufnagel Slinger WI 29 T Mike Todd Pleasant Hill IA 32 B David Bayens Borden IN 32 L Rich Lavallee Dixon CA 32 S Greg Schramm Wellington OH 33 Kimmie Greig Indianapolis IN 35 Bill Ashton Hopwood PA 36 Corey Hutchings Salem CT 39 Christopher Douton Waterford CT 40 G Rodney Glass Belhaven NC 40 M Toby Montgomery Vicksburg MI 40 P Royce Peters Kingsport TN 42 PE Curtis Peeples Round-o SC 42 PR Nick Pressler Buchanan MI 43 Douglas Post Radcliff KY 44 B Chuck Barnes Jr Louisville KY 44 H Scott Holbert Louisville KY 44 L Colby Lane New Castle IN 48 Eric Brown Springville NY 52 B Duke Bare Meadowview VA 52 S Bob Sibila Jr Independence OH 54 C Tony Conway Louisville KY 54 G Nathan Greene Muncie IN 55 J Phil Jenkins Greenfield IN 55 S Lee Slaton Constantine MI 56 Mike Short Auburn ME 57 Danny Adams Indianapolis IN 58 Larry Lathan Bedford KY 59 Corey Adams Indianapolis IN 64 Joe Mancuso Buffalo NY 65 Billy Williams Bowling Green KY 68 A Scott Adams Lake Ariel PA 68 S J.J. Schafer Bremen IN 68 V Trenten Vogts Churubusco IN 70 G Jeremy Gerstner Wesley Chapel FL 70 L Bob Lusetti Broadview Heights OH 71 Wayne Abner Heidrick KY 72A Bradley Abner Heidrick KY 72K Mike Abner Heidrick KY 72N TBA 74 BA Austin Baum Shepherdsville KY 74 BR Josh Brading New Albany IN 74 D Todd Duff Kingsport TN 75 K Mark Kalata Almond WI 75 W Ryan Waterman Danielson CT 76 Benny Bender Mobile AL 77 D Jason Drummond Gibsonburg OH 77 G Eric Greer Utica KY 78 F Robert Fink Sheatown PA 78 H Joe Holp Uniontown PA 79 Heath Bronkema Kalamazoo MI 83 Brandon Mefford Spiceland IN 84 Andrew Teepe Indianapolis IN 86 S Shawn Smith Louisville KY 86 W Geoff Wood Whittemore MI 88 Jeff Johnson Indianapolis IN 89 Josh Sage Piqua OH 90 Joe Quinn North Royalton OH 91 Rich Segvich Frankfort IN 95 Brian Hopkins New Castle IN 96 Donnie Woodard Charlestown IN 98 Jeff Caudell Scottsburg IN 99 Brian Bayer Birdseye IN 112 Mark Lushes Uniontown OH 131 Ron Ritcher Akron NY 311 Keith Bissinger Bloomsburg PA 333 Jonathan Ziegler Lafayette IN VORE’S COMPACTS # NAME CITY ST 0 Tom Gossar Markleville IN 0 Kamden Creek Anderson IN 1 A Mike Richardson Valparaiso IN 1 CT Chuck McDonald Groton CT 1 X Mark Mason Ft. Wayne IN 1 David Mehl Fairland IN 2 Brad Chandler Cedar Rapids IA 4 D Jamie Drook Maineville OH 4 Terry Eaton Jr Quincy OH 5 B Brett Duane Smith Richmond IN 5 JT Jesse Henry Jones IV Newport News VA 5 Lynn Waller Richland NC 6 H Billy Hillard Owensboro KY 6 Chris Jennings Richmond IN 7 P Paul Bittle South Bend IN 7 C Ron Masters Machanicsburg OH 7 Don Rufener III Uhrichsville OH 7 Steve Vore Ft. Recovery OH 8 Joe Jennings Richmond IN 9 T Nicholas Meade West Carrrolton OH 9 X Josh Richardson Ft. Wayne IN 9 Steve Vore Ft. Recovery OH 9 Wesley Ennis The Plains OH 10 Jake Albright Dover OH 11 Zachary Smizer Stafford VA 12 N Charlie Nickel Chili WI 12 James Scott Pierson Ona WV 13 Mark Jennings Centerville IN 14 Joseph Jennings Centerville IN 15 Andy Jennings Richmond IN 16 Michael Brewer Fairborn OH 17 Bill Honious Miamisburg OH 18 D Derek Davis South Bend IN 18 Gary Eaton Jr West Liberty OH 19 H John Handeland Belleville WI 19 RI Dylan Cabral Richmond RI 19 Joe Workman Milton WV 20 John Denny Erie PA 21 David Gilliland Harrison TN 22 Kevin Broski Cleveland OH 24 T Aaron Teegarden New Weston OH 24 Nicole DeVos Allendale MI 24 Cole Roelofs Dove MI 25 A Christopher Brown Cottontown TN 25 B Ben Belanger Whitefield NH 25 Tim Durfy Lockport NY 27 I Dan Irvine Valparaiso IN 27 Bo Hoelscher Riverside OH 28 BJ Honious Dayton OH 29 Josh Easto Cedar Lake IN 31 X John Isaac Davis Cookeville TN 31 JR Vester Muncie IN 33 X Thomas Kapish Mountain Top PA 33 Justin Brown Boggstown IN 35 Gary Stark Jr Ft Atkinson WI 37 Darek Morris New Castle IN 38 X Ryan Spillers Ft Wayne IN 39 Kelly Lilie Port Clinton OH 42 Johney Greer III Indianapolis IN 44 X Josh Brown Cottontown TN 44 Brooks Horseman Lebanon OH 46 Andy Manes Indianapolis IN 47 Kory Appleby Greenwood IN 49 B Derick Bradshaw Mount Washington KY 49 TBA/Hoffman Demotte IN 50 Craig Frase New Lenox IL 51 G Christopher Gammon Portland TN 51 Keith Watson Salt Rock WV 53 D Tim Dilg Cincinnati OH 53 Jr Lemasters Indianapolis IN 54 JT John Trimble Scott Depot WV 54 Chip Heintzelman Ft. Wayne IN 55 Kyle Byrd Greenfield IN 56 Sean Frederick Goodlettsville TN 57 Ricky Wilson Frankfort IL 58 Johnathan Waldrop Chesterfield VA 59 Kodi Bater Landis NC 61 Matthew Jackson New Carlisle OH 62 Mike Sabina Ft Wayne IN 63 Larry Hatfield Indianapolis IN 64 Derek Smith Clarksville IN 67 Rob Rehm Indianapolis IN 69 X Jeff Isbell Lebanon OH 69 Jeff Striegel Lanesville IN 70 Levi Hill Dayton OH 71 Trent Gossar Markleville IN 72 Bobby Sanders McCordsville IN 78 Michael Hughart Saint Albans WV 79 Todd Metz Jr Charlotte MI 81 Dalton Cox Versailles KY 82 Harvey Yoder Kenton OH 85 Phil Iliff Portland IN 87 Scott Kerley Elizabethton TN 88 X Steven Brock Elizabeth IN 88 Joshua Foltz Medway OH 91 Cameron Cruise Bradenton FL 92 TBA/Hoffman Demotte IN 93 Tim Cassidy Wayne WV 95 A Daniel Harper Portland TN 95 David Yoder Kenton OH 96 Jim Granzow Hobbart IN 97 M Matthew Morris Louisville KY 99 M Travis Lea Miller Jacksonville NC 99 Chris Clark New Haven IN 111 Devon Dixon Janesville WI 117 Ryan Hoffman Demotte IN 119 Brandon De Lacy Stunghton WI 126 Harry O’Neill Wapwallopen PA 133 Jess Drook Maineville OH 151 John Hunn Rolla MO 181 Daniel Herron Newcomerstown OH 192 Kyle Stark Marshall WI 223 Greg Garrison Bloomington IN 410 Steven Tito Drums PA

    The post Entry Lists Released for U.S. Short Track Nationals at Bristol appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

from Hot Rod Network http://www.hotrod.com/articles/entry-lists-released-u-s-short-track-nationals-bristol/ via IFTTT

Scientists renamed human genes because of Microsoft Excel by Grant Currin

Vincent, J. (2020, August 6). Scientists rename human genes to stop Microsoft Excel from misreading them as dates. The Verge; The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/6/21355674/human-genes-rename-microsoft-excel-misreading-dates

Ziemann, M., Eren, Y., & El-Osta, A. (2016). Gene name errors are widespread in the scientific literature. Genome Biology, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-016-1044-7

Bruford, E. A., Braschi, B., Denny, P., Jones, T. E. M., Seal, R. L., & Tweedie, S. (2020). Guidelines for human gene nomenclature. Nature Genetics, 52(8), 754–758. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-020-0669-3 

A new study finds that the person you choose isn't as important as the relationship you build by Kelsey Donk

Betuel, E. (2020, July 27). Landmark study on 11,196 couples pinpoints what dating apps get so wrong. Inverse; Inverse. https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/dating-study-predicts-happy-relationships 

Joel, S., Eastwick, P. W., Allison, C. J., Arriaga, X. B., Baker, Z. G., Bar-Kalifa, E., Bergeron, S., Birnbaum, G. E., Brock, R. L., Brumbaugh, C. C., Carmichael, C. L., Chen, S., Clarke, J., Cobb, R. J., Coolsen, M. K., Davis, J., de Jong, D. C., Debrot, A., DeHaas, E. C., … Wolf, S. (2020). Machine learning uncovers the most robust self-report predictors of relationship quality across 43 longitudinal couples studies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(32), 19061–19071. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1917036117 

Why don't we sneeze or burp in our sleep? by Ashley Hamer (Listener question from Natalie)

Shieh, M. (2017). Is it possible to sneeze while you are sleeping? Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/sneeze-sleep/ 

Villazon, L. (2019). Can you sneeze in your sleep? BBC Science Focus Magazine; BBC Science Focus Magazine. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/can-you-sneeze-in-your-sleep/ 

‌Do people sneeze in their sleep without waking up? (2008, July 31). Mentalfloss.Com. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/19227/do-people-sneeze-their-sleep-without-waking 

‌Repasky, D. (2019, January 3). Swallowing Air with CPAP (Aerophagia): Causes and Solutions | CPAP.com Blog. CPAP.Com Blog. https://www.cpap.com/blog/swallowing-air-with-cpap-aerophagia/ 

‌Karamanolis, G., Triantafyllou, K., Tsiamoulos, Z., Polymeros, D., Kalli, T., Misailidis, N., Liakakos, T., & Ladas, S. D. (2009). Effect of Sleep on Excessive Belching. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 1. https://doi.org/10.1097/mcg.0b013e3181bd885e 

‌Bredenoord, A. J. (2013). Management of Belching, Hiccups, and Aerophagia. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 11(1), 6–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2012.09.006

‌Imran Khawaja, Spurling, B. C., & Shantanu Singh. (2020, July 19). REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Nih.Gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534239/ 

‌Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Nih.Gov. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/patient-caregiver-education/understanding-sleep#2 

Subscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Ashley Hamer and Natalia Reagan (filling in for Cody Gough). You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.