Spanked by His Sisters

Transcription

1 Spanked by His Sisters By Peter242 Published on Lush Stories on 22 Apr 2008 This story is fiction and deals with spanking, corporal punishment and sexual acts. If such subjects are offensive, uninteresting or if you are a minor please leave now. This work is copyright by the author and commercial use is prohibited without permission. Jeff is spanked by his younger sisters They sat in the hallway, waiting. Livid. How many times did they have to go through this routine? How many times would he have to be disciplined before he did as he was told? The key was in the latch. The door opened quietly. He tiptoed in and closed the door as quietly as possible. He turned. Kelly was standing there. Staring at him. Jeff stared at her, his mouth open, at his 20 year old sister. There was another movement to Kelly s side. It was Bridget, his 19 year old sister. He was speechless. Jeff is their 22 year old brother. It seemed his main use was to drive them around so they didn t have to worry about lifts, nor about drinking. Kelly moved forward, Bridget followed a little behind her. Kelly stood directly in front of her brother.

2 Kelly is, tall, slim, a pretty face, wearing beige cotton calf length trousers and a pretty white short sleeved cropped vest top with a flowery pattern. Bridget is a bit rounder but still pretty, good with the boys, wearing a very short beige skirt and a white sleeveless vest top. Well? What do you mean by this? We told you to be back by midday. Just a quick game of football in the park and then you would be back you said. It is now 3 O Clock, and no phone call. Well? You know what we said. You must be on time. Well? Jeff tried to be off hand. The game just went on a bit, but I m back now. He smiled, albeit weakly. Kelly stared hard at him, narrowing her eyes. He knew she did not believe him. But she cannot prove it can she? Where was your game Jeff? Right. Yes. Erm it was at the Salton Street park Kelly. So how come no one was there when Tammy walked through four hours ago? Tammy walked through the park? he asked, clearly surprised. Well, erm, not Salton Street in fact, it was at Boyce Street. That s right. OK?

3 Who else was there Jeff? I want to call them. But Kelly, I m telling you the truth. This was not going well at all thought Jeff. OK Jeff, so that s the truth is it? Sure Kelly, the truth. Kelly gave one of her broad smiles. She went over to her brother and put her arms around his neck and lifted up her face so she could kiss his cheek. After all her brother was a good few inches taller than her. He bent his cheek down and waited for the kiss. But there was no kiss. Instead Kelly put her nose next to his cheek and took a deep breath. The smell of beer was all too clear. How many did you have Jeff? she asked quietly. A few he answered, and then froze. Kelly drew herself back. Jeff stared at his sister. He was frightened again. He knew he should have thought much more carefully about his answer. He knew. Now. Tell me what we told you Jeff. Jeff looked at the floor. He stayed silent.

4 Kelly walked around to behind her brother. She tapped him gently on the bottom then came back around to face him again. Well Jeff? The game was up. Very quickly. He said That I must behave or you and Bridget will spank me until I do behave. Listen Kelly. I am so very sorry. He said it as though he meant it. Crikey, he did mean it. He knew he was going to be disciplined. He had better sound as though he did not have to be taught much of a lesson this time. Maybe they would accept he was already very sorry and would not repeat the misbehaviour. Come on Jeff. You know what you have to say. Ask nicely now, or it will be worse for you. He knew what he had to do. It had been this way for several years now. Their Mother was a single Mum and spent whole weeks away from home. She had put Kelly in charge of the household. Their Mother felt strongly that women are the more mature of the sexes and so need to be in control of the household, so she naturally put Kelly in that position. As it turned out that included in charge of discipline as well. And Kelly revelled in it. She loved the power she had over her younger brother. Just like now. Jeff was forced to answer Kelly, Bridget, I am very sorry for lying. I have been very naughty. Please will you both put me across your knee and give me a good hard spanking on my bare bottom to teach me a lesson.

5 He looked with pleading eyes at his 20 year old sister. There she stood, upright, slim, long black hair, a face like thunder though. A very cross face. It was then he remembered they wanted him back by midday because they were supposed to be going over to their friends, Tammy and Claire. The girls enjoyed being with their friends. Four girls together. They laughed all the time. No brothers around to punish. Just a house full of women. Jeff knew he was in trouble. Real trouble. They will be very late now. Maybe too late. Jeff kept looking at the floor. Kelly was 20 years old but so strict. Their Mother didn t know the half of what they did to him, just how often she, and now Bridget as well, disciplined him. He didn t dare tell her because she would have laughed at him. She had set the rules and allowed Kelly to enforce them. Women should control the household, no matter what their age. She had often spanked him with both his sisters watching, and would explain to them how to spank to maximum effect. He had received his first spanking from Kelly when she was 16 years old. She caught him in her room and was furious. But Jeff refused to be spanked. So Kelly phoned their Mum and explained. She ordered Jeff to accept the spanking or promised him worse, much worse, when she was next home. That changed the balance of power in the house, irrevocably. Kelly had put him across her knee and spanked him hard whilst scolding him. He found himself going across Kelly s lap on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes it was because he had done something wrong. Other times she ordered him across her lap simply so she could practice. Kelly got lots of practice. Jeff knew from experience the age of the person spanking him was not important. Once across someone s lap, young or old, well it is just another palm or hairbrush or slipper that is raining down on his bottom. It hurt. It always hurt. He hated being spanked. He dreaded knowing it was going to happen, hated it whilst it was happening, and hated the soreness he was left with after it had

6 happened. He hated it, but Kelly would laugh whilst happily scolding him and spanking him at the same time. She relished it. She thrashed him until his bottom was red and sore, until he sobbed, until he begged her to stop, and when she felt he could not take any more, well she would carry on for a few more minutes just to make sure. It is for your own good Kelly would say. If you can t behave by yourself then I will just have to teach you a lesson until you do behave. You will get one of these every time you misbehave. And just wait until your sister is old enough. She behaves very well thank you very much. She can teach you a thing or two. And by golly she will teach you a lot. For two years then it was Kelly s job to spank him, with Bridget watching, being taught the correct technique. Strength is not important, she said. Quantity and the timing between each spank is the important thing. And Bridget learnt fast. Boy did she learn fast. When it was her turn he really felt the difference in the impact on his poor bare bottom. Jeff started to sweat. He knew what was going to happen. He knew Kelly and Bridget were going to give him an almighty thrashing each. OK Jeff. At least you know you are going to be spanked. And it is just so unnecessary. All you had to do was be on time. Anyway, you know the rules. You choose. You can accept our decision on the discipline to be given or you can call Mum and explain it all to her and let her decide. Which will it be Jeff? Jeff knew what that meant. Only too well. If he accepted a punishment from the girls the choice was there s. They can ground him or remove privileges for up to five days, make him do lines and stand in the corner, smack his legs or spank him. If they spank him they can use their hand and hairbrush. That s all. If he phones Mum she can give them permission to do much more. Jeff knew there was a cane lurking at the back of Mum s cupboard. He knew that was an option if he phoned. So he never did. Only his Mother used that cane on him. It was her sign of authority, swishing the cane so he

7 knew what was to come, very soon. This time he was late, did not call, did not have a good reason, drank beer, and a few glasses by his own admission, and of course lied. Last time his Mother ordered the girls to ground him for a week and for each girl to spank him just before he left for work on the first third fifth and last day to remind him he was under punishment. He knew it too big a risk. He knew he would be spanked anyway. There was nothing to be gained by asking Mum. He kept looking at the floor, and said in a low voice OK Kelly, I will accept your punishment. Ha. Thought so Jeff. Right then. First Jeff it will be a spanking. So get ready. Kelly, I know I have done wrong. Can t you ground me instead? Please Kelly, not a spanking. Please. Kelly looked him in the eye. Jeff, you are late, we have missed going to our friends, you have lied, you have been drinking. That s a terrible list. Sorry Kelly. Really I am. Shall I call your friends and apologise?

8 No need Jeff. I have already. They said they would both come over here. They will be here fairly soon. Jeff went white. He knew what that meant. If he was still being punished when they arrived then they would also watch. He had not been spanked in front of their friends before. Sure they knew it happened. They just hadn t seen it. This is bad. Very bad. Kelly smiled at him. So Jeff, shall we get going? Jeff nodded his head, suddenly eager to get going. Yes, yes please. What shall I do? Kelly kept smiling, biting her lip trying not to laugh. She just found it so funny when eventually her brother knew the spanking was inevitable and wanted to get it over with. She enjoyed it really. Here she was, 20 years old about to spank her 22 year old brother. And he was all worried that it was going to hurt. Well, it sure was going to hurt. She would make sure of that. If he misbehaves then he deserves everything she and Bridget give him. That s the way it had been for years now. OK Jeff. Go upstairs. Bring down my hairbrush, you know the one, it s on my bed. I put it there earlier, after phoning Tammy and Claire. Go on, off you go. Jeff ran upstairs. He grabbed the brush, and ran back downstairs again. He was dreading being spanked, but dreaded even more the thought of being spanked in front of their friends. Particularly Tammy who he had a real soft spot for.

9 OK Jeff, remove your shorts and underpants. You can keep your vest on. Usually he got undressed very slowly, but not today. Not when time was running against him. Ready Kelly he said. Right Jeff, move the chair to the middle of the room. He quickly lifted the chair and placed it exactly where instructed. Kelly sat down and pointed to the floor to her right. Hands on your head as usual please. He moved to that spot, and looked at his sister, waiting for the instruction to bend over. He thought how good looking she was. Even when about to be spanked he had to admit she was attractive. She wore her favourite spanking clothes. Her long hair was drawn back in a single pony tail. She looked strict, and spoke with her stern teacher like voice. Kelly looked at her brother, and more particularly at what was happening to him. He wasn t yet aware, but his penis was quickly standing to attention. At least he wasn t aware until she smiled, he looked quizzically, and Kelly pointed. Then he blushed, a deep crimson, before covering himself. Take those hands away she snapped. Or else she added when he didn t move. Slowly he put his hands back on his head, and felt his face burning.

10 Kelly looked up at him, only partially resisting a brimming smile. Why are you so naughty Jeff? Is it really so difficult to behave? Jeff ignored it as best he could. Sorry Kelly. I promise to be good. I will be ever so good in future. I promise. She was serious again. It s as though you enjoy being spanked Jeff. Is that the case? Do you look forward to being put across my lap? Does it turn you on, like just now? she added sharply. No. I hate them. I really hate them. You and Bridget spank me so hard. So why do you make us spank you so often? Jeff wondered that as well. Not because he wasn t naughty or misbehaved. He was. But because he was much stronger than the girls, and his Mum for that matter. The girls were only 20 and 19. He is 22. He is the brother. They are the younger sisters, and still just girls. He could easily fend them off. He could just as easily take both Kelly and Bridget across his own lap right now and give both the most severe spanking. They would bawl their eyes out. No question. But he wasn t going to do any of those things. He knew he was immature. He knew he misbehaved and caused little but aggravation to his Mum and his sisters. In fact he readily agreed that if it wasn t for being spanked he would be a real tearaway. He knew he deserved to be spanked, and punished in all the ways they punish him. He would then behave for a while, but before long would go back to his old ways. He hated being spanked but kept earning them. He just did not have the courage to say

11 no. Scared of how he would turn out if he broke loose. No, let someone more mature than him have control over him. He knew that was best. For him. Whilst he hated being spanked he at least knew his sisters loved him and would look after him. Being spanked and cared for. That was his lot. Thank goodness they were all prepared to put up with him. They made it clear they would be very different if he refused to be disciplined. So hate it he might do, but fight it he could not. He put up no resistance to them spanking or disciplining him. That is the way it was in this household. The women were very much in charge because the one male was so immature. Kelly gave a sigh. OK Jeff, time for your lesson. Over you go. She tapped her leg, and Jeff bent across her lap. Kelly has thin legs. Her thighs are also thin and he sometimes felt that he would fall off them. But there he was, looking at the carpet again. He looked through the chair and saw his legs on the far side of the chair and Kelly s slim legs as well. Then to the right he saw what he knew were Bridget s legs. He knew he was going to go across her lap afterwards. Here Jeff, hold the hairbrush whilst I spank you. She held out the brush, and Jeff squirmed around and took it from her. A reminder of what was to come. Kelly put her hand on his bottom and slowly rubbed his bottom in circles. He felt her warm hand. He hated the feeling because he knew what would soon follow. The hand lifted away. There was the slightest of movements. The spanking was relentless, as usual. It was quickly stinging and becoming uncomfortable.

12 He knew how strange it was. A 22 year old brother being spanked and scolded by his 20 year old sister. Mind you, by his very strict 20 year old sister. By his very cross 20 year old sister. His 20 year old sister who took her responsibilities very seriously indeed. And he knew he was being thrashed. He knew his bottom was going red. Then to Jeff s horror the doorbell rang. Jeff realised it was the friends. He heard the chattering when the door was answered. Yes, it was definitely them. He dared not look up but knew when Tammy and Claire entered the room. They both stopped for a second when they realised Jeff was lying across Kelly s lap with his red bottom showing. The girls giggled. Kelly spoke first. Well, I told you we did it. Spanked our little brother. Now do you believe us? Sure thing. His poor bottom already looks red so what have we missed? Kelly answered I have spanked him for a bit but there s a lot longer to go. Make yourselves comfortable. The girls sat down and watched as Kelly continued to discipline her brother. The spanking and the scolding continued. All the time Kelly kept scolding him, stepping it up to add some entertainment for her friends. Do as you are told in future. Behave. If I tell you to do something then do it the first time. Don t make

13 me ask you twice, once is enough. Be on time. I will not tolerate your lies. Do you understand Jeff? Jeff would have to say yes or I will or I am sorry to each question or statement It became harder to reply after a while, through his tear filled blurred eyes, and the tears that ran down his face, and the sobbing. Right Jeff, please give me the hairbrush. Jeff passed the brush to his sister. His bottom was already stinging. Without any gap, Kelly tapped his bottom lightly a couple of times. Sixty strokes Jeff. twelve for each hour you were late and twelve each for lying and drinking. Jeff shot a look back to his sister. She had never given him so many before. Surely not now. Before he could say anything Kelly shot at him your choice Jeff. Accept my decision or speak to Mum. Jeff looked back at the floor. He knew the answer to that. The next thing he felt was the awful sting of the brush. He hated being spanked with her open palm. Her hand on his bare bottom. But the sting of that brush was nothing in comparison.

14 Kelly delivered all sixty strokes without any break, other than the normal five seconds between each stroke. It was relentless. Sometimes the brush was splattered around his bottom but often Kelly hit the same spot time after time. Jeff could not stop himself squirming even when Kelly announced stop moving Jeff or I start again. Understand? He understood, but could not help himself squirming within a few more spanks. He didn t see Kelly smile at her friends, knowing she had given him an impossible instruction. By the end he was crying, blubbering, sobbing, all at the same time. His 20 year old sister had made her brother cry. She knew exactly how to do that. Mum had taught her well. OK Jeff, you can get up now. Jeff took a while, but edged himself up, conscious of not taking so long that Kelly would give him some extra smacks. She would do that without hesitation. He knew that. He knew he had to be as quick as possible. Jeff stood in front of his sister. He put his hands on his head. He knew he had to, even without being asked. Kelly looked at his manhood. Not standing to attention now is he? she giggled. Jeff blushed again, even with the pain. Jeff heard Tammy and Claire giggling but dared not look around. Right Jeff, Bridget will take her turn she snapped.

15 Jeff had forgotten about Bridget. His bottom was already stinging. Surely he could not take any more. As he was thinking this, Kelly stood up and Bridget sat down. She had taken the brush from Kelly. He looked at his 19 year old sister. She was slightly heavier built than her sister but was actually stronger. He knew she loved spanking him. Quantity was not the only thing for her. She had a meaner streak than her sister. She didn t stop when she thought he had had enough. No. She stopped only when she wanted to stop. Now Bridget had to be the centre of Jeff s attention. She held the hairbrush. Please Bridget. Can t you do this tomorrow or the next day? Please Bridget. Bridget looked at her Brother. She smiled. Such a young fresh looking face. She looked so pretty sitting there. Her short hair made her look a bit boyish but there was no mistaking she is a girl. OK Jeff, go and stand facing the wall whilst I discuss your request with Kelly. Jeff went to the wall, and stood there with his hands on his head. He knew his vest had ridden up and his red bottom was on show. He knew all four of the women will see his rosy red bottom cheeks. He knew also his request would be denied. He just wanted to have some respite, before the second spanking. He listened to the girls discussing what they should do. He heard Bridget say Hey Kelly, you are such a good spanker. Just look at his red bottom.

16 Thanks. So Kelly, should I wait to spank Jeff tomorrow? I know he will be really sore by then. Kelly said I don t think so Bridget, Mum always says give it all today, because he will probably earn another spanking for something else tomorrow. It was so strange, listening to his 20 and 19 year old sisters discussing the punishment he has already received, and when the next punishment is to be given. Tammy and Claire jumped in with questions and made suggestions as well. It was all so embarrassing for Jeff. After a while he heard Kelly say no, he must be spanked again now. What do you say Tammy? At the very sound of her name Jeff could not stop an erection from beginning. When she spoke he stiffened further. He couldn t stop himself. He found her so attractive, so sexy. I agree. Bridget needs to spank him now, to teach him a lesson. OK, that s decided. We ll have some coffee and then continue. Jeff can stay where he is. So, they had coffee, looking over at Jeff and making comments about how sore his bottom must be. Jeff was deflated. He had to listen to his own sisters discuss his punishment with their friends, also 20 and 19 years old.

17 Then before he knew it he heard his sister say right Bridget, lets get going shall we? Jeff heard Bridget go over to the chair, and the other girls and his sister move their chairs around so they were facing her. Over here Jeff, quickly please said Bridget. Jeff turned around, and saw all those women staring back at him. They were smiling, broad smiles. I ll get him Bridget called out Tammy. Suddenly the 19 year old was coming over to Jeff. He saw her shining black hair, her deep red sleeveless vest top, cropped showing off her flat stomach with the diamond stud in her bellybutton, and her tiny tiny black skirt. There was nothing he could do. His penis stood back up straight as he watched the girl he fantasised about come over. Tammy looked at him, mouth dropping open, beautiful smile. Then she said let s go you little horror but instead of taking his arm she grabbed his penis, wrapping it in her palm, tugging Jeff forward. Jeff couldn t stop himself. He heard all the girls burst out in laughter but he just couldn t help it. Tammy felt the surge as the cum start to shoot up inside his penis. Her mouth dropped open again as the hot sticky gel like mush emptied out in to her hand. She shrieked with laughter as Jeff shuddered and groaned as his load emptied. He felt embarrassed and elated at the same time.

18 Yeeuugghh Tammy said, holding up her hand in front of Jeff s face, the slime running down passed her wrist. Jeff was now humiliated, by the girl he loved. How could she? Then she did something he had dreamt about, in bed, so often. Tammy, his beautiful Tammy, put her clean arm around his neck, and kissed him full on the lips. You naughty naughty boy. You and I need to have a very serious chat young man. Very serious indeed. Tammy dipped her index finger from her other hand in to his mess and plonked a dollop on to his nose. Yes, total humiliation now. He looked at her, so close to him. Her eyes danced. Her teeth shone. She licked her lips. So so sexy. He stiffened again. She held out her hand, but this time she took him by the arm and led him over to Bridget. She made him stand just to her right, then gave him a couple of firm smacks on his bare bottom. Don t forget, we will have a very serious chat very soon she said to Jeff, if you want she added. Jeff was rubbing his bottom whilst ogling Tammy. Suddenly he heard an ahem. It was Bridget. Jeff wanted to kiss Tammy again, but knew he mustn t. It would only annoy Bridget and he did not want to annoy his 19 year old sister any more. Not with that hairbrush in her hand.

19 OK Jeff, over. The glorious moment had gone. Jeff bent forward. He lay across his sisters legs. He had to forget Tammy for a while. He knew she was going to watch as he suffered at the hand of his sister. He immediately knew the difference between Kelly and Bridget. Bridget was fuller with a pear shaped figure. She had a good pair of thighs on her. When he was across her lap he felt the width of her thighs and the strength of her legs. There was something more substantial about her lap. When Bridget placed her left hand on his back he could feel the difference in strength between her and Kelly. Bridget put her open palm on his bare bottom, and rubbed in circles. Very warm Jeff. Do you think I can get it any warmer? He could tell she was smiling. Smiling whilst he waited for his punishment to start. She gave him a couple of light slaps. He knew she was going to make it warmer. Much warmer. He looked around and saw the other girls and his sister. The girls were giggling. They were enjoying themselves. A right little outing for them. It didn t matter that he would be sore for days. He won t be sitting down for quite a while, that s for sure. Then, SMACK. OOwwwwww. That hurt. He looked back down at the carpet. It was blurred. He realised he had tears in his eyes. So what if the other girls were there, watching a 22 year old man being spanked by his 19 year old sister. So what if it looked strange. In this household it wasn t

20 strange at all. Even though he was bent across the legs of this 19 year old girl and being spanked by her on his bare bottom. None of that mattered right now. Only one thing mattered. The pain. How does a 19 year old spank so hard? And he couldn t ever remember being spanked so long and so hard. He didn t know how long the spanking took. He just knew that by the time he stood back up his bottom was burning, and the tops of his legs were stinging. His vision was blurred. He was conscious of a warm body next to his. Then the softness of a girls lips on his cheek. The cool bare arms around his neck. Jeff opened his eyes to see Tammy s face so close to his. Her lips slightly open. He felt her hand on his bottom. OOhh, so warm Jeff. Lovely and warm. He felt her tongue enter his mouth and search out his tongue. Jeff heard Kelly say yeuk Tammy. He s our brother you know. Tammy replied hey, no problem. You three go out. I ll baby-sit the little fella. You sure Tammy? Sure. Go on. Go. Have fun. Kelly Bridget and Claire chatted as they left the room and went out of the front door leaving Tammy

21 and Jeff alone. Tammy turned to Jeff, and again kissed him, her tongue encircling his in his mouth. Jeff again getting an erection. So Jeff, it s time for that serious chat isn t it. Yes yes Tammy. Yes please. Tell me Jeff, will you obey everything I tell you? Must I? Tammy gave him a smack on his bottom. Yes. Your Mother said you must. My Mother? Yes. You don t think you can just stop being disciplined by your sisters and not have a replacement?

22 I don t understand? Once again Jeff, will you do as I tell you, without question, if you are to be my boyfriend that is? Boyfriend? Jeff said, bewildered, but euphoric. In that case yes, of course I will Tammy. Good, now let s get in to a comfortable position to have our chat shall we? Jeff nodded. Tammy took him gently by the arm, walked over to the chair, and sat down. Oh he said. She smiled. He didn t resist as she pulled him down across her lap, nor when she started to spank him, harder and harder, nor when he started to squirm, nor when he started to cry. Don t you ever lie to your sisters again, do you understand she snapped.

23 Whaatt? Jeff stammered. Because you will be answering to me in future and if you lie to them or to me then you will get more of this. She gave Jeff a couple of dozen hard spanks. OK Tammy, I won t ever lie to you. Good. Now, you see this she said sternly while pushing his legs apart and cupping his balls in her hand. These are mine. Understood? Yes yes Tammy. Of course. It hurts. This is also mine as she released his balls, placed her hand on his bottom, and started to spank him again. This time he started to get an erection whilst Tammy spanked him. Understood? she repeated. Yes Tammy. Sure thing he said, again realising his erection was still there, strengthening even. Now kneel between my legs. Jeff did as he was told, his head in a spin.

24 Kiss me Jeff, just there Tammy instructed pointing to between her legs. It was only then that Jeff realised Tammy had removed her knickers and all he saw was her mound of hair, glistening wet, between her silky smooth thighs. He pressed hard against her and was rewarded with a loving groan and her hips gyrating in time to his tongue, holding his head in close. He knew she had come. He had given her an orgasm. He was ecstatic. Now get up and lie on your back on the couch. Tammy watched as he did as she instructed before following him and lying on top of him, her face inches away from his. And this is also mine she said as she kissed him hard, her tongue again in his mouth. Jeff smiled at Tammy as she lay there, looking at him, smiling in return. I saw you in the pub Jeff. So you being disciplined is down to me. How about that mister? Cool Tammy. How come Kelly and Bridget have gone out? They know I fancied you but said they wanted to thrash you one last time, before I take over responsibility.

25 How do you become responsible Tammy? I get a call from either of your sisters and you have to come over and I will thrash you. What do you think about that? Has Kelly spoken to Mum about it? Yes. She agreed last week. She just wanted to make sure a woman controlled your bottom, at least its colour. So once I agreed to take on full responsibility she was fine. Hang on, last week? Yup. You see today was the last time for Kelly and Bridget to actually spank you. It was a set up silly. Oh. Then Jeff asked What about what we have just done? Oh, you do me every single time. I do you when you have been good. So I am really all yours?

26 To have and to thrash. My decision. My whim. You just have to obey me. You happy with that? Yes Tammy. Really happy.