#c: nathaniel hackett

[goodeveningtalos]

3, 5, 12, 20, 25 for Casey!

Answered 3 and 12 already, so I’ll tack on a little bit for another OC, Nate Hackett (son of Steven Hackett)

5. What’s their favourite food?

Casey’s favourite food is definitely cinnamon buns. His mom used to make some killer ones when he was a kid and every now and then, when he misses his family, he’ll sit down on the couch with a tray of warm rolls and watch some corny tv.

20. What would your character’s favourite band(s) be?

Jeez I don’t even know my own favourite band! I think he’d enjoy groups like The Goo Goo Dolls or Fleetwood Mac.

25. How long would they last in a zombie apocalypse?

Not long, if I’m being realistic. He absolutely has the skills to survive for quite some time, but he is absolutely willing to sacrifice himself to save someone less fortunate or his group. He’d have to rely on people who won’t let him do that, and I don’t know if he could find that in the apocalypse. If he were running and gunning with the ME crew he would absolutely survive forever- no way are those guys letting him do that.

3. What type of drunk are they?

Nate’s a goofy drunk, and he can be loud and pushy at times. He comes up with wild ideas and is surprisingly charismatic under the influence, so he generally drags everyone around with him on his antics.

12. If your character was handed a puppy, how would they react?

Nate is not sure what to do with a puppy, honestly. He knows that puppies are cute from afar, but the idea of having another life dependent on him, even for a second is too much. He will uncomfortably hold the puppy in hopes that you take it from him right away. He’s probably holding it out towards you and asking you to take it from him. NOW.

ask me about my OCs!

[blackadamschefter]

This is for me to more put my thoughts out.. because I have alot of takes but no point of “real” reference besides myself and I wanna take more account and see what the results were and all that good jazz... ok. 

So its been a smooth time since the pandemic and I’ve been waaaaay more interested in sport hierarchy and seeing what I like or don’t, thoughts I have that are “justified” or “wrong” and so on... I’ve got traits I find useful, non-useful and meh and this is more geared towards Kellen Moore. I

 like what I’ve seen from Kellen Moore the person/athlete, and his story with me traces waaaay back to late 2010 (back end of his sophomore year?) but specifically when Boise St. faced Georgia in the Georgia Dome in 2011 in the Chick-fil-A opener. That team was in the WAC with C. Petersen as their HC and had Doug Martin & K. Moore who were the big names and they outplayed UGA that night... shit was awful esp. the unis UGA had on too and essentially at home.. nasty work that weekend lol. But he was cuttin’ niggas uppppp called his ass the surgeon or someshit like that, but I’m sure he was up there as a Heisman hopeful (’10: Cam’s year and ‘11 was LaMichael James) and he was known as one of those really really smart guys. I remember the story they ran for him at the Heisman of how he collected playbooks... nigga playbooks fr from all over NFL & college ones but more importantly he had found Boise’s too.. anyway he had a leg up on niggas even though he got redshirted but that’s where I was aware of him. 

As a kid you think alot of niggas are gonna dominate in college then do the same in the league and you realize quickly that often times we are wrong as kids but fuck me if you look at Kiper and them others hit rate but I digress... Above the shoulders I was like he’s solid but physically he wasn’t it. But he went pro wasn’t drafted but had a lil time up there with the big boys I think he backed up Stafford because I think that was the same Lions team that had Stafford and Kris Durham [They were so good together at UGA.. “wow, they were special”]. Womp womp I only cared for the Lions because in fantasy I’d draft Megatron & Stafford shiiit Titus Young and Kris too if I’m not mistaken but I didn’t care about Moore.. 

Now, NFL Moore is where I go woooooah now. Its a much more succinct view of things. Its that to build something sustainable you need to have a plan of some sort and in sports esp. football you come from a tree of someone and I had to look this up just quick to see where he would of come from in a way.. Kellen Moore’s dad was a HS coach in Washington (state).

Kellen played at Boise State under Chris Petersen who coached under Jim Sochor (main connection) but was hired by Dan Hawkins (who also started his career with Sochor) at Boise to be the OC. In the Jim Sochor pool are coaches like: Dan Hawkins, Chris Petersen, Gary Patterson, and one Paul Hackett (dad to future NFL HC Nathaniel) but was from the Walsh school mainly. So when Moore joined the Cowboys in ‘18 as their QB coach then in ‘19 Garrett is fired and he’s promoted to OC.. just like that and that’s where I come to where I am today.

He was promoted by JJones as some tyoe of boy wonder who would galvanize a young core of Dak, Zeke, Amari as that offense was somewhat stagnate and time to move on from Garrett and he inherited 3 Pro Bowl OLmen. For a split second it.. did? buddy was aggressive and had a bunch of pre-snap motions (like those from a particular “tree” have a tendency of) then after the completion of the ‘21 season he got HC interviews and that’s good for him to understand what teams wanted and are looking for, but some of them niggas were fr and willing to hire him before he rejoined the Cowboys [add text screenshot here] and I get a similar feeling now with DQ after he’s backed out of HC opp. for whatever he says but that’s for a different 4:30am ramble lol, but I think he came back with the idea that he’d be there long enough for Mike McCarthy to be pushed out and he’d be the HC there in Dallas and now I think Quinn is in that seat but again I digress lol. 

He came back and to me its much of the same thing Dallas has always been.. beating who they’re supposed to and getting out-coached in must wins. When you hold the 49ers to 19 points as a defense... 23 the year before?  those are game you go and  win esp. with the talent. To me he didn’t have a philosophy that he could fall back on and on a consistent basis was outcoached. 

When I watch games as a nobody I’m about the end of the half, start of the half scoring and when the game is on the line I am counting plays... where I know its money time and we’re giving back the ball to ‘x’ team who won’t give us a chance to win. I think about how Kirby Smart’s timeout against Ohio St. being the real difference when the game was done. I have an issue with how Moore handles pressure, how he is a PLAYCALLER but struggles to manage the game as an offense. If you pay attention to Cleveland for as boo boo they have been one thing Stefanski is good at is his opening script lmao... they find points or move the ball on the opener then after than its shit but once shit isn’t perfect if that Moore has failed over and over. When people kept asking for my thoughts... I’m like buddy shouldn’t even be an OC fr. he needs to get back to the basics and find a coach where he’ll learn how to manage a game. 

I’m disgusted on how he’s been allowed to fail up to end up on the Chargers because WHAT. THE. FUCK lmaoo Broooooooo I’ve been off of Staley after year one. Now put them 2 in the same room that’s fucking disgusting. Staley is supposed to be a defensive wiz and Telesco has gone out and added defensive talent and them niggas have gotten worse but I’ll talk about him later too. What Moore lacks to me is a foundational understanding of what his job is and how to do it outside of calling plays. He never adjusts and struggles in managing the game and that’s not goooood. Good players can only mask whatever is wrong for only so long. I think I’ve said enough and will leave it there, but now *looks at the camera* its on the record. 

[the-record-obituaries]

Feb. 28, 2018: Obituaries

Ricky Pierce, 64

Mr. Ricky Johnson Pierce, age 64 of Millers Creek passed away Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

           Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 28,  at Arbor Grove United Methodist Church with Rev.Dr.Susan Pillsbury-Taylor and Rev. Scott Church officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.    

           Mr. Pierce was born September 7, 1953 in Iredell County to Carl and Dare Johnson Pierce.  He was a member of Arbor Grove United Methodist Church and was co-owner of Pierce Mobile Home Movers.

           In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother; Doug Pierce.

           He is survived by his wife; Gwenda Wolfe Pierce of the home, step-daughter; Shandi Nicole and Daniel of Millers Creek, three grandchildren; Hannah, Ethan and Nathaniel, two brothers; Randy and Donnie Pierce both of Millers Creek, two sisters; Linda Absher and husband Dean of Wilkesboro and Janice Ballard of Millers Creek.          

           Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Humane Society, PO  Box 306, N. Wilkesboro, NC 2865 or Arbor Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Esther Eller, 480 Shepherd River Road, Millers  Creek, NC 28651.  

 Ellagrene Brown, 80

Ellagrene "Jean" Wyatt Brown, age 80, of North Wilkesboro, died Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at her home. She was born March 17, 1937 in Wilkes County to Alfred and Annie Bell Wyatt. Jean was a beloved wife and mother, and a retired real estate agent. She was a member of Pine View Baptist Church in the Mulberry Community. Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Everette Wyatt.

           Surviving are her husband of 57 years, James N. Brown of the home; her daughter, Lisa Brown Jennings and husband Steve of Mulberry; her sons, James N. Brown, Jr., and wife Kelly of Waxhaw; Jason L. Brown and wife Kari of Florence, South Carolina; brothers, Alvin Wyatt and Wayne Wyatt both of Millers Creek, Talmadge Wyatt of Purlear; sisters, Lorene Billings of North Wilkesboro, Katherine Lenderman of Wilkesboro, Susie Felts of McGrady; and five grandchildren.

           Graveside service was held  February 24, at Pine View Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Steve Shumate officiating.

           In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any Wilkes County Hospice Agency or to Pine View Baptist Church, 6435 Sparta Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.   Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Fritz Colbert, Jr., 31

Mr. Fritz (T.J.) Allen Colbert, Jr., age 31 of Boomer passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

           Funeral services were held  February 25,   at Thankful Baptist Church with Rev. Monte Simmons officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.  

           Mr. Colbert was born February 23, 1986 in Caldwell County to Fritz Allen Sr., and Gail Carlton Colbert.  T.J. enjoyed fishing and riding dirt bikes, he had a great passion for animals and will be missed by a host of cousins, aunts and friends.  He graduated from Wilkes Central High School and attended MMI Institute in Florida and Wilkes Community  College, he was employed by Wayne Farms.

           He is survived by his parents and three brothers; Aubree, Tevin and Tevon Colbert all of Boomer, paternal grandparents; Joseph Patterson of Lenoir, Kathleen and Johnnie Harper of Morganton, and David Michaux of Lenoir, Maternal grandparents; Everette and Mary Carlton of Boomer, and one nephew; Aubree (A.J.) Carlton, Jr.

           Flowers will be accepted.

 John Welch, 78

Mr. John Steven Welch, age 78 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at his home.

           Private family services will be held at a later date.

           Mr. Welch was born January 20, 1940 in Ashe County to John W. and Byrl Poe Welch. He was a retired school teacher and worked for Tyson Foods. Mr. Welch was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

           He was preceded in death by his parents.

           Mr. Welch is survived by his wife; Lois Janette Welch of the home, a daughter; Tammy R. Welch of Lansing, a son; Sean E. Welch and wife Theresa of Cummings, GA, three grandchildren; Michelle A. Hicks and husband, Jason of Cove,  AR, Dusty J. Blevins and husband Judson of Jefferson and Ian G. Welch of Cummings, GA, four great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren.

           In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Long Branch Church 117 Welch Road, Lansing, NC 28643

Danny Williams, 44

Danny Gale "Skip" Williams, Jr., age 44, of North Wilkesboro, died Monday, February 19, 2018. He was born October 12, 1973 in Wilkes County to Danny Gale Williams, Sr. and Margie Brown Williams. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandparents, Odell and Verdie Brown; and paternal grandparents, Gale and Grace Williams.

           Surviving are his daughter, Sonnie Williams of Hays; sons, Daniel Travis Williams and wife Crystal of Jonesville, Elijah Paul Williams of North Wilkesboro; mother and step father, Margie Gilreath and husband Rev. Jimmy Gilreath of North Wilkesboro; sister, Misty Higgins and husband Rev. Matthew Higgins of North Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Aubrie Lockhart, Brooklyn Williams, Bailey Williams, Laila Williams, Greyson Williams and Breydon Williams; nephews, Mason and Mattox Higgins; step sister, Robin Correll and husband Rev. Brian Correll of Hickory

           Funeral service was held   February 22, at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Matthew Higgins officiating. Burial  followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  

            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

           Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

  Edsel Wiles, 94

           Mr. Edsel Robert Wiles, age 94 of Traphill passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018 at

           Wake Forest Baptist-Wilkes Medical Center.

           Funeral services were held  February 21, at Christian Home Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Adams officiating.  Burial with military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 was in the church cemetery.                                       Mr. Wiles was born April 4, 1923 in Wilkes County to Lonnie Buiel and Dora Estelle Wood Wiles.  He was a member of Christian Home Baptist Church.

           In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife; Pauline Richardson Wiles.

           He is survived by one daughter; Robin Carol White of Roaring River, three sons; Rickie Phillip Wiles and Barry Lee Wiles both of Traphill and Rev. Robert Harold Wiles and wife Sandy of Ronda, six grandchildren; Michelle Bierlair, Joseph White, Phillip Wiles, Christopher Wiles, Sonya Wiles and Jacob Wiles, three great grandchildren; Devin Bierlair, Bobby Bierlair and Caden Wiles and one sister; Judy Richardson and husband Charlie of Traphill.

           Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Pruitt Health Hospice, 924 Main Street, Suite 100, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

 Jimmy Groce, 66

On February 17, 2018 heaven gained an angel; Jimmy Dale Groce, 66, of State Road was called to his heavenly home.

           Jimmy was a loving, devoted husband, father, papa, and papa G. He served in the Army for 3 years. He was an employee of Chatham Mfg. Company for 9 years. He was a self-employed flooring installer for 30 years. He was a friend to everyone he met. He was a kind hearted and loving man.

           He was preceded in death by his father, Comas Groce.

           He is survived by his soulmate of 33 years, Brenda; mother Lucille; brothers Sammy, Chris, and Seth Groce;   sons, Shawn, Cody and wife, Kayla; four grandchildren: Caible, Saida, Skye, and Coltan; and non-related family members, Anthony Melendez, Dylan Young, and Aaron Bauguess.

           A very heartfelt thank you to Tammy Young, Sharon Collins, and Viola Blevins.

           The service was Tuesday, February 20. The service was at Shoaly Branch Baptist Church, Elkin, NC.

           Burial was in the church cemetery following service.

           Johnson Funeral Home of Elkin is serving the Groce family.

  Owens   Dobbins, Jr., 84

Rev. Owens Spencer Dobbins, Jr., age 84 of Wilkesboro passed away Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Avante at Wilkesboro.

           Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, February 23, 2018 at Poplar Spring Baptist Church with Rev. Willie Jackson officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Thursday evening at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

           Rev. Dobbins was born August 25, 1933 in Premier, West Virginia to Owens Spencer Sr., and Susie Corrinne Hunt Dobbins.  He served as Pastor at Pleasant Union for 9 years and Sandy Creek Missionary for 9        In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife; Mary Frances Dobson Dobbins, a grandson; Timothy Saner, two sisters; Lucy Alease Dobbins, Bertha Mae Ruffin and two brothers; Augustus George Dobbins and Charles Michael Dobbins.

           He is survived by two daughters; Deborah Hackett and husband Thomas of Roaring River and Vickie Wilson and husband Major of North Wilkesboro, three grandchildren; Kenya H. Weldon and husband Travis, Shevon H. Cooper and husband Ed, T.L. Hackett and wife; Leeann, two great grandchildren; Jaylen Hackett and Mackenzie Cooper, one sister; Carolyn D. Adams and husband Albert of Roaring River and three  sister-in-laws; Mary and Bertha Dobbins both of Columbus, OH and Mary Dobson of East Bend, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

           Flowers will be accepted

 Phillip Wilson,  77

Phillip Disotell "P.D." Wilson, age 77, of Ronda, died Friday, February 16, 2018 at his home. He was born March 24, 1940 in Frogmore, Louisiana to Barbon and Edna Taylor Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a US Army Veteran serving two tours in Vietnam; serving in the military for 13 years and was a member of Special Forces. Mr. Wilson was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with V Device Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60 Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Purple Heart. He was also a Shriner; a member and past member of North Wilkesboro Masonic Lodge #407; a member of Wilkes Chapter #42 Order of the Eastern Star and #67 OES where he served as Worthy Patron for seven years and worked for the US Postal Service. Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Rachel J. Wilson.

           Surviving are his wife, Margaret Thompson Dickerson Wilson; sons, Phillip Gregory Wilson and wife Diane of Davidson, Harvey Dickerson and wife Rhonda of Nebraska, Jeremy Dickerson, Patrick Dickerson both of Louisiana; grandsons, Elliott Wilson and wife Lauren of Holly Springs, Andrew Wilson (Freddie) and wife Amanda of Port Orange, Florida, Benjamin Wilson of Davidson; step grandchildren, Blake Dickerson, Alyssa Dickerson both of Springfield, Louisiana, Caleb Dickerson of Albany, Louisiana, Peyten Dickerson, Springfield, Louisiana, Miracle Dickerson of Walker, Louisiana.

           Funeral service was held  February 24, at Mountlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Chaplain Larry Reavis officiating. Entombment with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Post 1142; North Wilkesboro Masonic Rites Lodge #407; and Mt. Pleasant Chapter #67 Order of Eastern Star Rites will follow in Mountlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.  

           Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

Olga Hampton , 88                                            

           Mrs. Olga Sales Knight Hampton, age 88 of Wilkesboro passed away Friday, February 16, 2018 at Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab Center.

           Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Casey Walker and Rev. Willie Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM prior to the service at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

           Mrs. Hampton was born December 25, 1929 in Orange, New Jersey. She was a homemaker and a member of Mountain Valley Baptist Church

           In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons; Tommy Sales, John R. Sales, one granddaughter; Kelly Hamilton Bare and her brothers and sisters.

           She is survived by her husband, Thomas Odell Hampton of the home, one son; Robert Sales of Raleigh and step-son; Scott Satterwhite and wife Barbara of Hudson, fourteen grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren.

 Clarence Stone, Jr

Clarence H. (Pete) Stone, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at home in Madison, TN.   He was born on January 30, 1929 in Salem, VA to Clarence H. Stone, Sr. and Moneta B. Stone.

           Mr. Stone was a retired USDA food inspector and a decorated wounded veteran of the Korean War. He was a former member of Wilkesboro Baptist Church and a member of Dickerson Road Baptist Church in Madison, TN.

           Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Anne H. Stone of the home; his son William (Bill) Stone and wife Lisa of Cookeville, TN; his daughter Connie Stone Chevalier and husband Hugues of Nashville, TN; his sister, Betty Mowbray and husband Guy of Salem, VA; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

           A visitation was held at Maybelle Carter Retirement Center in Madison, TN on February 25, 2018, with a military burial at a later date at the Nashville National Cemetery.

           In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association (PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX  75284-0692) or to Alive Hospice of Nashville (1718 Patterson St, Nashville TN  37203).

[usatrendingsports]

Sorting the Playoff Pile: Here is how the Jags can beat Pats in AFC Championship

Let’s play a sport. I will identify 4 issues and also you inform me which one does not belong. Tom Brady, Nick Foles, Blake Bortles and Case Keenum. Wait, sorry, I did that fallacious. There are three issues that do not belong, as a result of Brady is the one man who ought to be on this group of 4, the G.O.A.T. amid an inventory of men you would not wish to belief in a Tremendous Bowl or a playoff sport. Brady has the identical variety of Tremendous Bowl rings (5) as the opposite three guys on this listing have playoff begins … mixed. 

Having stated all that, it should not be shocking if somebody apart from Brady is hoisting the Lombardi Trophy when all is claimed and completed. The items round these guys are excellent and, as we realized throughout the Divisional Spherical, possibly it is OK to belief Foles, Bortles and Keenum in spite of everything. 

Extra on Keenum and Foles under (together with extra awards from the weekend that was within the NFL), however for now let’s discuss Bortles. As a result of he was GOOD. Blake Bortles was good in a playoff setting. Per week after wanting misplaced within the wind at dwelling towards the Payments, Bortles became Bane and, for the second time this season, (metaphorically) blew up Heinz Discipline. The Jaguars adopted the script completely, letting Bortles throw early. It constructed his confidence and when Jacksonville wanted him in massive spots, he stepped up and transformed some enormous third downs. 

Bortles bought assist, for positive. Leonard Fournette regarded like early-season Fournette for the primary half of this sport, till an ankle harm slowed him. T.J. Yeldon made some enormous performs, particularly within the passing sport. Nathaniel Hackett ran circles across the Steelers defensive coaches. Younger defensive gamers for Jacksonville did what they’ve did all season and made performs: Myles Jack’s interception on the sideline was wideout-level and the strip sack from Yannick Ngakoue that led to a Telvin Smith scoop-and-score helped to increase the Jaguars lead early when the Steelers have been urgent to make a comeback.

The Jags are a brash younger group of proficient gamers and so they consider they’ll win the Tremendous Bowl. Simply ask budding famous person Jalen Ramsey, who let a crowd gathered at Everbank Discipline (after the workforce got here again from Pittsburgh!) know simply how they really feel.

There’s zero chill with this workforce and it is pretty. So, um, can they win the Tremendous Bowl? Certain! Why not? Effectively the reply was truly earlier, within the type of Brady. The Jaguars subsequent problem is available in Foxborough, the place they are going to be 9-point underdogs towards the mighty Patriots. 

Lots of people snicker on the thought of Brady enjoying Marcus Mariota, Bortles and both Keenum or Foles to win a Tremendous Bowl, irritated on the biggest dynasty in trendy NFL historical past getting a stroll within the park towards some questionable quarterbacks. The Jags did the Pats a favor by upsetting the Steelers, as a result of the Pats will steamroll the Jags. 

I am not so positive. Jacksonville has the our bodies and the expertise to win, even when strolling into New England is nearly probably the most tough activity within the NFL. However I’m right here to inform you the Jaguars can beat the Patriots. It is doable. 

Initially, there’s precedent. Underneath Invoice Belichick and with Tom Brady, the Pats have misplaced three dwelling playoff video games in 17 years. (I stated there was precedent, I did not say it was simple.) They’ve fallen to the Jets as soon as and the Ravens twice. 

Staff

Def. DVOA Rank

Factors/Sport Allowed (Rank)

Yards/Sport Allowed (Rank)

2008 Ravens

2nd

16.Three (third)

300.5 (third)

2009 Jets 1st 19.Zero (sixth)  291.5 (third)

2012 Ravens

19th

21.5 (12th)

350.9 (15th)

2017 Jaguars

1st

16.eight (2nd)

286.1 (2nd)

Throw out the second Ravens workforce that went in there and beat the Pats. That was Joe Flacco turning into Joe Montana for a postseason. However have a look at the opposite two groups. They have been high 5 in yards per sport allowed and high 5 in factors per sport allowed, identical to the Jaguars. They have been both first or second in Soccer Outsiders DVOA metric, identical to the Jaguars. 

Pete Prisco urged it on the Decide Six Podcast (new episode already up from the Divisional Spherical video games!) however the play right here for the Jaguars is to place Ramsey on Rob Gronkowski, take away Brady’s finest weapon with out having to make use of a security, slide Calais Campbell inside and rush 4 on Brady. Win towards that offensive line, get Brady uncomfortable and lay wooden on the crossing routes and you’ve got a method for taking the Pats down. We have seen the Seahawks and Falcons do it within the Tremendous Bowl too, they simply did not seal the deal. These video games are 60 minutes.

Offensively, the Jaguars have to attempt to gradual Brady down early, throw on early downs with Bortles and hope Leonard Fournette is wholesome. Feed him the ball, expose the Pats protection and execute within the purple zone. It sounds simple and doubting this workforce’s capability could be an easier means out, however additionally they simply did precisely that in Pittsburgh. Robust place to play towards a seasoned opponent and so they took care of enterprise. 

Do NOT underestimate the Tom Coughlin benefit right here both. Doug Marrone deserves extra recognition for potential Coach of the Yr (anybody who gave his rent a foul grade deserves an F, I will personal it) and he is bought the Jaguars enjoying like a extra mature workforce. He eats bologna, he isn’t the world’s flashiest man, however he is a great soccer coach. Coughlin takes it to a different stage, although, as a result of he is the man who has crushed Belichick not as soon as, however twice within the Tremendous Bowl. That issues. He is not sitting in a recliner telling individuals what to do and when to do it. He is a part of this workforce, an extension of the teaching workers inside the entrance workplace. And he has expertise taking the Patriots down.

New England is a greater workforce. They need to be favored. They’re enjoying of their seventh consecutive AFC Championship Sport. However the Jaguars can beat them. Do not be shocked in the event that they do. 

Thoughts-blowing End of the Week

There was a lot to unpack from the Vikings win over the Saints. So, so, a lot. The precise play itself was unimaginable, in fact — unheralded Case Keenum throwing deep to underrated Stefon Diggs with 10 seconds and no timeouts left, all however assured to be the final play of the sport for the Vikings. The Saints have been arrange on protection to attempt to drive the Vikings into the center of the sector and hold them from getting out of bounds on the sidelines to arrange a Kai Forbath subject objective. 

Lord is aware of the superb individuals of Minnesota already handled sufficient kicker drama of their lives, now they have been going to need to undergo a SECOND pearl-clutching kick to attempt to win the sport? Forbath buried a kick earlier within the sport to present the Vikings a two-point lead with 1:34 left within the sport. It was an excessive amount of time for the Saints, as a result of they’ve Drew Brees, who naturally stormed down the sector to arrange a Wil Lutz subject objective that gave them a one-point lead with 29 second left, an epic comeback of their very own. The Vikings have been most likely toast. After which they weren’t — Diggs caught the move, poor rookie security Marcus Williams missed the sort out, and Diggs was off to the races for the primary walk-off, fourth quarter landing catch in NFL playoff historical past. 

It was mind-blowing to see on TV. Think about catching it from the sideline. 

Oh, whilst you’re right here, make certain and take heed to Paul Allen of KFAN’s name on the Vikings radio community. It doesn’t disappoint both.

Wait another. Take heed to the play set to the Titanic music too. 

The web is a magical place, associates.

Saints-Vikings was presupposed to be the premiere sport of the weekend and it did NOT disappoint. When it was 17-Zero Vikings at halftime, it regarded like we may be catching a Sunday afternoon snoozer, however after the ups-and-downs of the Jaguars-Steelers sport, there was much more ready for an encore. Keenum’s move wasn’t inconceivable, as a result of it occurred. 

However it was shut — the Vikings had lower than a three-percent probability of profitable when he uncorked the throw in Diggs’ course. The win-probability chart reads like a cardiogram. 

I am fairly liable to hyperbole and I am not afraid of indulging in some recency bias, however that was one of many biggest endings to an NFL soccer sport I’ve ever seen. Not that there have not been different nice playoff video games lately — the freaking Tremendous Bowl went to extra time final 12 months — however the stakes and improbability of all of it, the workforce in query, all of it amplified the state of affairs. The Vikings are a dominant protection powered by a passionate fanbase enjoying in a obscenely loud dwelling stadium hoping to host a house workforce within the Tremendous Bowl. The offense has been turbo charged by the unlikeliest of heroes, this 12 months, with Case Keenum stepping in for an injured Sam Bradford (who stepped in for an injured Teddy Bridgewater) and main the Vikings far sufficient that he is now finishing the NFL’s model of the Circle of Life.

Eagles traded N. Foles to Rams for S. Bradford. Foles misplaced his job in St. Louis, C. Keenum takes over. Eagles draft C. Wentz and commerce Bradford to Minn. Vikings signal Keenum, who replaces injured Bradford. Foles returns to Philly, replaces injured Wentz. Now, Foles vs. Keenum.

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) January 15, 2018

“Seven Heaven,” the Vikings identify for the play they referred to as on that ultimate snap — the painful playing kneel of an additional level apart — was a byproduct of Keenum, a sport supervisor with an additional gear, and Diggs, an important route runner with underrated athleticism, and the Saints uncommon choice to play a questionable defensive alignment towards the Vikings on that ultimate play, understanding a sort out inbounds and it is over. Watch the place Subsequent Gen Stats tracked the Saints defenders on this play. The top zone isn’t your buddy, New Orleans.

Shoutout to Adam Thielen for ending the route as the remainder of his teammates are sprinting after Diggs and shedding their minds. Questioning Sean Payton for his choice making late within the sport, or possibly even Dennis Allen, is a viable factor to do, though possibly this was simply a kind of moments that makes soccer the brand new nationwide pastime. The unpredictability and improbability of the whole play took a stadium stuffed with diehard Vikings followers, none of who’ve seen the Vikings win a Tremendous Bowl (Minnesota has NFL Championships, however hasn’t gained because the merger), from hopelessness to sheer pleasure within the blink of an eyes. 

Conversely, Saints followers had the whole lot ripped out of their palms and smashed on the bottom in entrance of them earlier than even realizing it occurred. (NBC executives hoping for a Brees-Brady Tremendous Bowl most likely really feel the identical means.) They’re so shattered there are guys on the market filming themselves throwing 65-inch flat screens out of their home.

Including insult to harm was the NFL’s requirement the Vikings kick the additional level after the landing, which meant not solely did a nation full of people that wagered on the Saints +5.5 (or Vikings -5.5) have to carry their breath and wait to see what would occur (the Vikings took a knee, giving Saints bettors the win), however the Saints needed to be dragged again out on the sector from the locker room and stand there shellshocked as Keenum took a knee. 

Payton and Brees are execs and dealt with it as such. They have been there, within the good moments and unhealthy. However it positive did really feel just like the Saints have been surging, discovering their offense on the proper time and about to actually get sizzling and make a run deeper into the playoffs. After which, sooner than you’ll be able to say “SKOL,” it was over and the Saints have been headed dwelling. 

Underdog Halloween Costume of the Week

Nobody ever gave the Eagles an opportunity to win towards the Falcons — they have been underdogs from the get go and so they knew it. Lane Johnson talked about it throughout the week, saying when Carson Wentz went down the world began treating them just like the Cleveland Browns. Possibly that is a stretch, however there was undoubtedly a pervading sentiment that the Falcons would roll into Philly and deal with enterprise just like how they dealt with issues towards the Rams within the Wild-Card spherical. 

Do not suppose for a second this wasn’t on the minds of the Eagles gamers both. Tight finish Zach Ertz put the so-called specialists on blast for selecting towards Philly.

“I used to be watching ESPN as we speak and all 5 analyists, specialists they name themselves, picked the #Falcons to win. I am glad they don’t seem to be in control of my funds by any means, choosing shares right here and there. If they’ll name us underdogs once more subsequent week I am superb with it” – Zach Ertz

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 14, 2018

The Eagles took this complete underdog factor to coronary heart, particularly the large guys on the strains. Johnson, who was significantly vocal, actually let the world know he was a dwell canine, showing on the sector after the sport in a canine masks.

If you wish to buy the masks, effectively, you are out of luck. Because it seems the masks already bought out on Amazon — however in the event you’re dying to assist your native underdog in Philadelphia this weekend, cruise over to Breaking T and get the t-shirt model they created. 

through BreakingT.com

Enjoying up the canine angle is enjoyable — and the Eagles will get an opportunity to do it once more this week, as they’re Three.5-point underdogs to the Vikings at dwelling within the NFC Championship Sport — however let’s not fake this is not a great Eagles workforce.

Philly wasn’t 10 guys standing round watching Wentz sprinkle magic quarterback mud on everybody else. It is a workforce constructed within the trenches, with a roster method designed for January and February. The line of defense runs six deep and pressured Matt Ryan in massive spots. The offensive line has some horses on it; when push got here to point out the Eagles ran the ball down the Falcons throat, bullying a sooner and extra explosive protection with Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount toting the rock. They shut Atlanta out within the second half en path to a 15-10 win and so they knew precisely what the Falcons tried to do late. 

They’re about to interact in one other rock combat (the over-under is 38 for the Vikings-Falcons sport). It is simple to get the underdog angle, as a result of the Vikings blanked Drew Brees for a full half. Nick Foles is an excellent backup quarterback however he isn’t Drew Brees. Not many quarterbacks are. Doug Pederson deserves a ton of credit score for his utilization of run-pass choice (RPO) performs throughout the Eagles win over Atlanta. Good luck utilizing these towards the skilled Vikings offense. 

Minnesota is a simple choose as a result of they’re extra full on each side of the ball. Counting out the Eagles after what we noticed towards Atlanta could be dumb. They’re embracing the canine mentality and so they’ve been given one other chip this week.  

Disastrous Purple Zone Playcalling of the Week

The Falcons have not been an important red-zone workforce this 12 months, so once they wanted a 4th-and-6 with the sport on the road, there have been most likely some involved soccer followers within the state of Georgia — many nonetheless reeling from Bama’s extra time win within the championship sport towards the Bulldogs — about what Steve Sarkisian may dial up. The priority was warranted, as a result of the Falcons ran a play that not solely lower the sector in half however a play that the Eagles noticed coming from a mile away.

Philly defenders, particularly safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod, stated after the sport when the Falcons broke their huddle, they knew Atlanta was going to dash Matt Ryan out proper. That is how you bought the closely unbalanced numbers that titled the sector within the Eagles favor.

through NFL GamePass

Because the Falcons went to line up for the play, NBC announcer Cris Collinsworth identified that is the spot, on 4th-and-goal from the two-yard line, the place you dial up what’s mainly your “finest two-point conversion play.” The Falcons finest play concerned placing their fullback on the left aspect by himself and having him run a slant whereas reducing off half the sector and compacting the house for Julio Jones to work. You will not consider this, nevertheless it did not work. Falcons coach Dan Quinn largely defended the playcall, though he didn’t it is one thing you see as a defensive coordinator.

“As a former defensive coordinator, I acknowledge that could be a play individuals do make use of. We have been searching for that chance on that match up for that particular play,” Quinn stated after the sport. “That is what we thought was going to be the perfect play referred to as for that point. There was no stress from a time standpoint, we had our timeouts, so that is what we thought was the perfect play to go win the sport. We did not execute it and so they did, and that is the way in which the story is on that play.”

Principally the Falcons have been searching for man-to-man with Jones — and so they bought it — however he fell down earlier than and could not squeeze the ball to safe the landing. 

through NFL GamePass

Jones most likely wasn’t coming down in bounds anyway. And simply wanting on the 4th-down play ignores another points right here. 

After Tevin Coleman picked up sufficient yardage to make it 1st-and-goal, Sark determined to dial up a leap ball / fade to Julio. Superb, no matter, they bought man-on-man protection. Jones was lined and Ryan did not make an important throw.

through NFL GamePass

The second-down play goes to hang-out some individuals. The Falcons introduced of their third-string operating again Terron Ward and had Ryan run a shovel move to him that was, fairly mercifully, incomplete and never a fumble, as a result of the sport would have ended there and Atlanta would have burned to the bottom. 

through NFL GamePass

“What was … that?” Al Michaels requested on the NBC broadcast, with a stage of disgust that muffled any exclamation, talking for each single human being not named Steve Sarkisian. 

The following play was a great play! It was a slant to Julio — after Cris Collinsworth famous Jones was being singled within the purple zone once more — that just about picked up the landing and bought them close to the objective line. That is the play the Falcons ought to have run on first down, to present themselves some choices with goal-to-go in a short-yardage state of affairs. 

As a substitute they have been left with the fourth down that failed and so they have been despatched dwelling. Sark’s second season will go higher than his first, however the lasting picture of the Falcons season will not sit effectively with followers for the subsequent 9 months.

The Different Worst Fourth Down Name of the Week

Being an offensive coordinator is difficult work as a result of you need to modify on the fly, continuously altering your gameplan. It is a chess match, however Todd Haley regarded like he was enjoying checkers on fourth down, assuming you consider Ben Roethlisberger did not take a look at of the performs. 

With the Steelers already surprised by the Jags sizzling begin and trailing 14-Zero, Pittsburgh bought a 4th-and-1 and eschewed letting their quarterback whose nickname is BIG BEN sneak the ball a yard and as an alternative tried to get out on the perimeter towards the quickest protection within the NFL. 

Once more, it was a really low proportion of human beings who thought “Wow what an important toss sweep that was! It simply did not get executed.” That was a horrible play. Simply terrible. This isn’t one thing new for Todd Haley both! He did it within the 2011 NFL playoffs when he was head coach of the Chiefs and KC was internet hosting the Ravens (Charlie Weis was his offensive coordinator nevertheless it was reported he stripped the large man of playcalling within the second half) and making an attempt to actually get again within the sport.

It was was a foul name then, it was a foul name on Sunday and each instances it snuffed out the offense’s momentum.

Making all of this a lot worse? Roethlisberger’s historical past in these conditions.

Ben Roethlisberger on 4th-and-1 rush makes an attempt in his profession, together with playoffs:

19 makes an attempt 18 first downs

Highest success price (94.7 %) of any participant with over 10 makes an attempt since 2004 (together with playoffs)

Steelers on 4th-and-1 as we speak: Zero-for-2 (Bell run, Ben move)

— NFL Analysis (@NFLResearch) January 14, 2018

Whether or not it was Haley’s playcalling there or whether or not Ben was audibiling out of a play is irrelevant. The Steelers had an opportunity to stem the tide within the first half and to set themselves up for a game-tying landing later and determined to push the ball down the sector on 4th-and-short as an alternative of letting Ben sneak it. 

Haley is not the Steelers largest drawback — he is bought Roethlisberger enjoying a number of the finest soccer of his profession. There have been factors on this sport the place Ben was DIALED. The landing move to Antonio Brown on 4th-and-6, the dime to Le’Veon Bell on the wheel route in the long run zone and the fourth down throw to Martavis Bryant. However it saved feeling like nice athletes and expertise have been serving to the the Steelers overcome one thing that felt like an absence of preparation. 

The Jaguars got here into this sport because the extra motivated workforce, the extra ready workforce and so they whipped up on the Steelers for a lot of the day. It was a testomony to Pittsburgh’s skill-position guys they managed to remain within the sport.  

Yet one more grievance: the onside kick after reducing it to 42-35. WHY? The Jaguars have been going to run the ball 3 times, punt in the event that they did not get a primary down and belief their protection. Going for the onside allowed the Jags to get into subject objective vary, which might finally be the distinction within the sport. Social media is enjoyable for armchair guessing, nevertheless it was patently apparent the Steelers ought to have kicked away there and tried to get the ball again in respectable subject place. As a substitute, they went for a ho-hum landing move on the finish of the sport that lined the second-half unfold however ought to depart everybody unfulfilled in regards to the potential of this workforce.

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[goodeveningtalos]

LGBTQ+ Shepards Week: Come In (A Coming Out Story)

A/N: This is really messy, I’m sorry about that. I wrote it late last night and ealry this morning and I didn’t really proofread it just so I could get this out there. It also ended up with some smutty stuff in it so if that makes you uncomfortable I’m sorry about that. It’s also my first time writing anything remotely smutty so don’t cringe too much while reading it.

Ethan sat in front of his terminal, scrolling absent-mindedly through the outline for a research assignment in his Biomedical Engineering course, only a few words registering as he skimmed. Medi-Gel… First Contact… Peer-Review. He excelled in mechanics, chemistry, even advanced calculus, but biology and medicine evaded him, no matter how hard he hit the books. He folded his arms on the desk in front of him and lowered his head in defeat, his forehead resting on his forearms.

The door slid open behind him, and a young man stepped into the room, careful to be quiet and not draw attention to himself. He stepped behind Ethan and placed a hand on his shoulder, “How’s it going?” he asked, bending over Ethan and kissing his head.

“God, how are you so good at BioMed? I have no clue how I’m going to write this paper. Hell, I have no clue what I can even write it on,” Ethan lamented, lifting his head and turning to look at the man behind him.

“It wouldn’t be fair if you were at the top of every class,” he chuckled, placing his hand on Ethan’s cheek and lifting his head. He brushed his lips over Ethan’s, gently biting his lower lip and moving his hand back to run through Ethan’s hair.

Ethan leaned into the kiss briefly and reached a hand up over the other man’s neck. Ethan stood from his chair, moving his other hand around the other man’s back, pulling their bodies close before releasing the kiss with a mournful sigh, “God, you have no idea how much I would love to do this right now, Nate,” he paused, turning his gaze down briefly before the other man, Nate, tipped his chin up, “But I have to at least try to pass BioMed.”

Nate playfully nipped Ethan’s lip and smirked, “Who says I can’t help you? I happen to be pretty good at…” he quickly flicked his eyes down to their bodies, still pressed against each other, “biology.”

With a smile, Ethan shook his head, “You know what, you can teach me all about biology after I’ve finished my first draft and if you’re lucky I might even tutor you in mechanics.” He gave a sly smile as his hand quickly dropped to Nate’s butt and gave a quick squeeze.

“As great as that delivery was, you really missed a great opportunity there. It would’ve been hotter if you said chemistry instead,” Nate chuckled a little, “I don’t know if I can be with someone if they can’t even see such an obvious pickup line!” he lamented, dramatically throwing his arms up.

“I’m nothing if not unpredictable,” Ethan retorted, playfully backhanding Nate’s chest.

“And yet, here you are on a Friday night: in your dorm room, writing a paper.” Nate joked, moving to Ethan’s side and throwing his arm over Ethan’s shoulders.

“Oh, am I? Last I checked my boyfriend had rudely interrupted my honourable effort at academic achievement for a booty call.” Ethan smiled, turning himself around so that he and Nate were face to face again, bodies even tighter this time, if it were even possible. His hands slid down Nate’s back, flirting with his waistband.

“Well, now you’re making me feel bad,” Nate mumbled as Ethan pressed their lips together

“I can think of a few ways you can make it up to me,” Ethan snickered under his breath as he nibbled Nate’s ear, while at the same time, slipping his hands past Nate’s waistband, grasping his butt firmly.

Nate could only grunt in acknowledgment, his mouth once again tied up in a deep kiss. Ethan slowly moved himself and Nate toward the bed, pulling his hands out of Nate’s pants as they hit the bedframe and pushing his boyfriend down onto the crisply folded sheets, releasing the kiss only momentarily so that he could pull his shirt over his head and throw it into a corner somewhere. Ethan straddled Nate’s waist, planting his hands on either side of Nate’s head and leaning down into the kiss again, their tongues quickly finding each other.

Ethan began tugging up Nate’s white tank top, the two of them sitting up in unison to ease the process. They broke their kiss as the hem made its way over Nate’s head and in the interest of reuniting their lips as soon as possible, Ethan hooked the front of the shirt behind Nate’s neck rather than dealing with pulling the shirt over Nate’s head.

Nate’s hands began to play with Ethan’s belt, struggling for any dexterity so far away. Ethan instinctively pulled himself forward to make Nate’s job easier, unfortunately ending the kiss. As Nate’s hands worked the buckle, which he found was deceivingly complex when he was not the one wearing it, Ethan began to massage his chest, gently rubbing his nipples. The flicking and massaging, coupled with the sudden release of pressure as Nate managed to open his pants elicited a moan from deep in his throat.

Nate’s fingers teased the waistband of Ethan’s underwear, dancing along the edge, gently brushing the skin underneath.

“Just fucking do it already,” Ethan moaned, leaning forward, his torso hanging over Nate’s head, his arms splayed over the far end of the bed.

Nate chuckled as he wrapped his fingers around the waistband, slowly pulling back, Ethan’s increasingly hard cock resisting the briefs slow move.

DING DING DING DING

Nate released the waistband in shock at the unusually loud chime from the terminal, snapping it back against Ethan’s body.

“Ow! Shit,” Ethan cried, rubbing his waist. They both turned their heads to the terminal on the other side of the room to investigate the source of the disturbance.

INCOMING CALL: HANNAH SHEPARD

“Fucking hell,” Ethan said, pulling himself off of Nate while rebuckling his pants. Nate pulled himself into a sitting position and pulled his shirt over his head, laughing at Ethan’s frenzied search for his shirt which had somehow disappeared during their makeout.

“You need a ha-” Nate started, hoisting himself off the bed, offering to help Ethan find his shirt before being interrupted,

“I need you to leave.” Ethan said firmly, turning to Nate, and intense stare on his face. Nate’s jaw hung open, unsure about how to respond to his boyfriend of 3 months telling him to leave so abruptly. Ethan sighed, turning back to his search, “My mom doesn’t know about us. She… she doesn’t know about me.” Nate swallowed, still not sure how to respond or how to feel but running to leave nonetheless. Spying his shirt tucked behind a mess of items on his desk, Ethan leaned to grab it, bumping his terminal in the process. Nate had turned back, opening his mouth to say something and say the video call had been answered, unknowingly when Ethan bumped the terminal. Aware of the fact that Ethan didn’t want him to be seen, Nate quickly jumped into the closet, which was closer to him and already opened. The irony was not lost on him.

“Hello? Ethan? Is there a reason all I’m seeing is your bare chest right now?” Hannah’s voice called through the terminal.

Grabbing the shirt and quickly throwing it over his head, Ethan dropped into the chair, “Hey mom! Sorry, I was just finishing some endurance training.”

“In your room?” he saw his mother cock an eyebrow.

“You don’t get top marks for not doing work on your own time.” He smiled, running a nervous hand through his hair.

“I take it your classes are going well.” Hannah smiled

“Yeah, yeah. I have this, uh, paper I have to write for Biomedical Eng that’s looking a little daunting right now but once I figure out a topic it should be good.”

“That seems a little presumptuous. Don’t count your eggs before they hatch, Eth.”

“It’s fine, mom.” Ethan stared at his mother’s image, “Why are you calling? Don’t you leave on a mission in like… 5 hours? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

“I’m a little restless. Besides, you just started your training 2 months ago and you were traveling around Earth for months before that. I figure a check-in with my only child wouldn’t hurt.”

“I visited before training started, mom.”

“For 2 days. It hardly counted, not when I spent 19 years raising you,” Hannah shook her head and laughed at her son, “So, would I know any of your instructors?”

“There’s a couple of old guys here who probably saw the Protheans still breathing that you might recognize from vids about the First Contact War, but it’s a different school than you went to, so I doubt you’d know anyone here.”

“You’re making friends, I hope?”

“How old do you think I am, mom? I don’t exactly need help making friends.”

“I know how you get sometimes. Don’t hole up in your room the entire time your there. Go drinking with other recruits, find a jogging buddy. Just… don’t isolate yourself for the sake of your marks. You’ll do well regardless. But you can get lonely just as easily.”

“I’m not isolated, mom. I was just… training with a friend before you called.”

Hannah relented, raising her hands. After a short silence she spoke again, “So, has anybody special caught your eye?” she grinned, enjoying the opportunity to

“Well, uh,” Ethan began, his eyes flicking in the direction of the closet. Swallowing his reservations and steeling himself, he continued, “I’m seeing someone, actually.”

Hannah’s interest was obviously piqued, her eyebrows raised and her head tilted to the side, “You’re seeing someone? That can’t be all information you’re giving me, Ethan.” Hannah chided jokingly. Ethan could practically feel her elbow nudging him between his ribs.

“Well, it’s a boy. Man. Guy,” he sputtered, his chest tight with apprehension, “I’m- I’m dating a guy, mom.”

Hannah rolled her eyes, “Thank you for the wealth of information, that has really sated my curiosity.”

Ethan struggled to think about how to describe him, “Well, he’s, uhh,”

“Is he a recruit, too? Regs exist for a reason, you know.”

“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been born if some people hadn’t broken regs,” Ethan joked weakly, forcing a bit of a smile. His chest felt a little more at ease, given her overlooking of the confession, but part of him still waited anxiously for the other shoe to drop.

“Do as I say, not as I do,” she smiled, through a tightly drawn mouth, her tone still aiming for friendly and overshooting to cheesy mom from the vids trying to be her kid’s best friend, “Does this boy-guy-man have a name?”

Ethan panicked, not quite ready to confess the full details of his newfound romance, “Uh, Brandon. Brandon Kee. He’s training for science escorts.”

Hannah leaned back in her chair and hummed, a little skeptical given Ethan’s wide eyes and tight shoulders. She sat forward again, brushing her hand along her hairline, a useless gesture given that her hair was in a tight bun, as it had been for almost all of Ethan’s life. “Are you using any labels?”

Ah, the other shoe, Ethan thought adjusting himself in his chair, readying himself for what might happen next.

“I just want to make sure I don’t use the wrong one or make any assumptions when I talk about it. If I talk about it. It’s totally up to you, of course,” she clarified, her voice finally managing to convey the friendliness and caring she had struggled to pinpoint for years.

Ethan was taken by surprise. He had been preparing for battle. Of course, it made no sense for him to, but there was something about the idea of the conversation that gave him doubts and anxiety which he was quick to give into. He was only glad his Tactics and Recon instructor wasn’t grading him on his coming out. His shoulders slowly fell, releasing their tension, his chest loosened, his breath eased, “I, uh… I’m pansexual, actually. I think. I’m still figuring it out. But, I guess you can tell people if you want.”

“Thank you for telling me, Ethan. And I don’t plan to go yelling it across the station. I just want some ammunition next time your Aunt Lucy asks if she can set you up with her friends’ daughters,” Hannah paused, watching the last of the tension release from her son’s body, “You looked scared for a second there, kiddo. You should know that you’re my son and I love you for who you are, not despite it.” Hannah smiled, wishing she could reach through the screen of her terminal to hold her son’s hand.

“I’m sorry, you just hear stories about kids who… who get kicked out or disowned,” Ethan’s voice cracked, trying to quell the tears welling in his eyes, “And the churches still can’t make up their mind about what to preach. I know we’re not exactly religious but it just… makes you doubt it, you know?” A tear managed to escape his eye and trickle down his cheek.

“I do, sweetie. But, you never need to apologize for it. This isn’t an experience I’ve ever had, so I’m in a pretty crappy position to judge the way you do it or your reasons to avoid it.”

“Thanks, mom. I appreciate it.” Ethan mumbled, looking down a little sheepishly.

“Okay, I really should get some sleep before I ship out. Good luck on that paper.” Hannah said, reaching to turn off the terminal.

“Good night, m-”

“Oh, and don’t forget to use a condom!” Hannah interrupted, quickly pulling her hand back from the power button.

“Oh, my god, mom. Goodbye.” Ethan frantically closed the call, eager to avoid what would prove to be an even more awkward conversation with his mother. He collapsed against the back of his chair with a sigh.

After a moment of silence, Ethan turned around suddenly at the sound of the closet door rattling open, seeing Nate step out cautiously, “Brandon Kee? Really?” he joked gingerly, stepping toward Ethan.

Ethan got up and walked toward Nate, standing a few paces away, his hands in his pockets. “I guess you heard all that, then.”

Nate nodded, sucking his lips.

“I’m sorry about earlier. I shouldn’t have… I’m sorry,” Ethan’s eyes pled for forgiveness.

“It’s fine. I’m not about to criticize you for not wanting to come out yet. I’m glad you did though,” Nate accepted the apology with just a little derision that Ethan even thought he needed to apologize in the first place.

Ethan stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Nate’s body, sinking into the embrace and letting himself truly relax for the first time since the call tone.

Nate ran his hands comfortingly over Ethan’s back and head for a few seconds, “Still, Brandon Kee?”

Ethan snorted a laugh, pulling his head back from Nate’s shoulder, where it had been nestled“What, you think I should have told her who you were? ‘Hey mom, this is my boyfriend and lover Nathaniel Hackett, you know like the Alliance legend Rear Admiral Steven Hackett’s son?’ I’m sure that would have gone over well.”

“What, am I too much of a bad boy for Captain Shepard’s taste?” Nate smirked, biting his lip seductively as he pulled Ethan’s hips against his.

“Yeah, because all the bad boys have the highest Biomedical Engineering marks,” Ethan teased, pecking Nate’s lips with a kiss, before slipping his hands down to his waistband again.

“Wait,” Nate said, putting his finger to Ethan’s lips, sticking his other into his pocket, pulling out a condom with a sly grin, “I seem to recall someone saying something about one of these.”

Ethan playfully hit his chest, “There’s something creepy about that, I assure you.”

“Mmhmm,” Nate hummed as he pressed his lips against Ethan’s, pushing him back onto the bed.