#Living the Longhorn Life

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Hogg Memorial Auditorium Makes a Comeback

Student performers on stage at the Hogg Showcase on Nov. 29, 2023

We’re giving you a front row seat to listen to the live music, performances and fun events that marked Hogg Memorial Auditorium’s comeback as a vibrant student life space.

Let the sounds take you there for all the action – a concert headlined by a well-known, hometown musician, movie screenings, a showcase of student, faculty and staff talent, and more. Throughout October and November, the grand re-opening festivities showcased how the auditorium is now a premier destination for performing arts, live music and student events. It’s a major turning point for the intentionally-designed space in the heart of campus.

The auditorium’s rich history spans decades and its transformation is 10 years in the making. Student leaders partnered with the Division of Student Affairs – the hub of student life and well-being – to make it happen.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly, President Jay Hartzell and Ashley Baker Hayes (2011-2012 Student Government vice president) at the grand re-opening celebration on Nov. 3, 2023

“If there's something you're advocating for, keep working on it, you might not see the benefits while you're on campus, but you're helping to make the Forty Acres a place for future students to be able to utilize and be excited about. Who knows what will happen in 10 years from the little seed you helped plant?” said Ashley Baker Hayes, BA ’12 and 2011-2012 Student Government vice president.

Click play on this three-minute story to envision the possibilities of how future generations of students will live the Longhorn life there, or find the Living the Longhorn Life Podcast on Spotify, Apple or Google.

[nowheresville-dakota]

(The Town of) Scenic, South Dakota

[roosterforme]

Adult Education Part 10 | Hangman x OC

Summary: The rest of the weekend at Jake's place felt like a dream, but Jessica's fraternity fundraiser was quickly approaching. She crashes back to reality on Monday when she has to face Brian again. But just maybe she finally has the right people on her side. 

Warnings: Fluff, smut, angst, swearing, 18+

Length: 4500 words

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Female OC

This story is part of the Beer Boy and Sugar universe but can be read on its own! Adult Education masterlist

Seriously, who let Jake on my masterlist!? Banner by @mak-32

Jessica took a few minutes to get cleaned up in Jake's bathroom. She felt flushed and warm, and when she looked in the mirror, her cheeks were bright pink. Even after taking off her glasses and splashing some water on her face, she looked flustered. 

She sat on the closed toilet lid for a moment. She was completely naked, and she could hear Jake in the kitchen, and she didn't know what she was supposed to do. "Oh god," she moaned, running her fingers through her messy hair. Was she supposed to change back into her clothes from earlier? Or dress in her nightie even though it was only mid afternoon? What had Jake changed into after she ducked in here?

After a few deep breaths, she opened the door and walked out into the living room and peeked into the kitchen where Jake was arranging things on the counter. She took in his broad shoulders and the fact that he was only wearing his underwear. "Can I borrow a shirt?" she asked, and he spun to face her with a huge smile. 

Maybe she should have been a little self conscious with the way he was looking at her. This was honestly the first time she's been exclusive with a guy before sleeping with him, and now she felt a little foolish for walking around his condo completely nude. "Of course," he replied softly. "Don't want you getting cold. Plus maybe you'll let me take it off of you later."

Okay. So he still thought she was desirable after they had sex and when her hair and makeup were a mess. "There's a good possibility," she whispered, thinking about his body above and beneath hers. 

Jake kissed her cheek and took her by the hand, leading her back into his bedroom. "Help yourself to whatever you want," he told her, opening a few of his dresser drawers. "Undershirts. Shorts. Longhorns shirts."

She laughed as he squeezed her hand. "You have a whole drawer full of Longhorns shirts? Seems kind of crazy you didn't even want to watch the game earlier." She reached into the drawer and pulled out an orange tee shirt as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah, well... you were on my lap. Rubbing on my dick. What the hell else was I supposed to be focused on?" He looked a little flushed too as she pulled the shirt over her head and then adjusted her glasses. 

"Nothing else," she said softly. "Just me."

With his hand wrapped around her waist and his lips close to her ear, Jake showed her everything in the remaining drawers and his closet. "You can wear anything you want, whenever you want. And you don't have to ask me again. You just go ahead and take it."

"Okay," she replied, looking up at him. She noticed all of his expertly pressed uniforms hanging up, and she was a little curious how the blue and white ones would look on him. She was about to mention them when he pulled her a little closer. And then he kissed her, and it was soft and sweet as she wrapped her arms around his waist. She felt good when she was with him, like she could take a break from worrying about Brian and tenure and failing students. Like Jake was someone who wasn't going to make her life harder.

"Wanna check out that Super Hornet spec sheet with me?" he asked, and she knew she must look ridiculously excited. 

"Yes," she sighed. And if she thought that was all he had in store, she was very wrong. A minute later she was perched on one of the stools at the kitchen island, and she grinned as Jake slid a single sheet of paper across the granite. It was upside down, and he kept his palm on top of it as she tried to turn it over.

"Not so fast," he drawled. "This is top secret, highly sensitive information I'm about to show you. Do you promise you won't turn me in and get me court-martialed?"

"Jake," she whispered as she looked at his pretty green eyes. "I'm a little turned on just thinking about the math. Please. I won't tell a soul."

"Fuck," he groaned, flipping the paper over for her. "I can't say no to you when you tell me that."

She gasped as she looked at the schematics of his aircraft along with some information she never dreamed she would get access to. There were a few redacted bits of information, but it was still exciting. "Oh my god," she moaned as Jake held out a sharpened pencil and a graphing calculator for her. "Where did you get this?" she asked, completely stunned as she opened the calculator that cost several hundred dollars. It was exactly like the one she kept in her desk drawer in her office.

"Bradshaw's wife told me which one to buy," he muttered, but she cut off his words as she pulled him closer with her hands around his waist. She felt the desire to take him back to his bed now that both of them seemed to have got past the jitters from earlier. But as she kissed him, she realized he made it a point to bring home exactly what she wanted, and he even bought her favorite kind of calculator. More sex could wait until after this foreplay.

"You're so sweet," she said against his lips as she spread her legs wide, letting him stand between them. 

He was drawing little circles on her bare thighs with both hands as he smiled against her lips before pulling back a few inches. He kept one hand on her leg and tapped the page with his index finger. "You're gonna need the new velocity values right here and right here," he said, moving his finger down the page to the redacted parts. "Lucky for you, I'm a little quicker than the Admirals. I memorized them from the projected lecture notes."

She liked it when he sounded a little cocky and smirked as if he was too good to be true. Maybe he was. As he continued to rub along the top of her thigh, Jessica asked, "Will you tell me? So I can work out the math?"

He licked his lips. Why was she so turned on? He kissed her, and she wanted him to take her on the kitchen island. "Yeah, I'll tell you, Smart Girl," he promised, his voice sounding a little harsh as he whispered two different numbers to her. 

Jessica scribbled them down and whimpered softly. When she opened the calculator and started to solve some elaborate formulas, Jake stood behind her and watched with his chin resting on her shoulder. She filled the margins with her calculations, and the occasional brush of his lips on her neck left her needing to recheck her math. 

After working at it a bit, she was close to solving for the maximum speed of the aircraft versus the speed of sound. And Jake's kisses were growing more persistent along the collar of the Longhorns shirt. "Oh," she sighed softly. 

"You almost done, Reedy?" he whispered. "As much fun as this is to watch, I'd like to get my hands on you again."

Her eyes fluttered closed before she could enter her final calculation and solve everything. "Are you turned on right now?" she asked him.

Jake grunted, his hands soft on her shoulders as his lips found the shell of her ear. "Been a little turned on since I first saw you in a pair of high heels being smarter than everyone else in a lecture hall full of physicists."

All she could feel was the clench of desire when his lips barely moved along her skin. Her limbs felt too heavy, and everything was moving in slow motion as her brain finally figured out what to type into the calculator. "Mach 2.0587," she moaned. "That's how fast you'll safely be able to go with the new interface updates."

Jake spun the stool around, and she had to brace her hands on his abs while he devoured her mouth. She wasn't nervous now, and he wasn't hesitating this time as she slid off the stool, her body rubbing along his erection. In an instant she had her hands inside his briefs, still amazed by how thick he was, and her lips brushed his chest hair. 

The sound she made left her blushing as she tugged down his underwear. Jake stepped out of them and got his hands underneath the Longhorns shirt and on her butt. She had to grip his shoulders as he easily lifted her up. "On the couch?" he asked. 

"Yeah," she agreed with a needy moan as her clit pressed snug against his cock.

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

With Jessica's knees planted on the couch cushion and her hands on the arm, Jake could fully appreciate the freedom afforded by skipping a condom. He was kissing along her ass and lower back, his Longhorns shirt pushed up nearly to her shoulders. "Please," she whined, leaning further over the couch arm and wiggling her rear end enticingly. 

He bit her gently, and she squeaked for him before turning her head and gasping. He'd been thinking about a horny couch quickie for a week, and now he was about to get it. Well, maybe not too quick. 

"Jake," she whined when he ran his fingers through her slick and then coated up his cock.

His hand was wet and sticky as he placed it on her lower back and slid himself slowly inside her tight, little pussy. "Wouldn't have taken you for the impatient type," he muttered as her back arched beautifully for him. He went slow, watching the way she gripped his length and listening for her gasp of breath when he bottomed out. "Shit." He pushed a little harder and then stayed put, brushing his fingers along her ass. She took him so well, her hands scrambling on the couch upholstery for purchase as he asked, "Ready?"

"Yes," she whispered, her voice already sounding broken as he leaned over top of her and braced his hands next to hers. 

With a soft kiss to her cheek, he murmured, "Okay, Baby," and then he withdrew a few inches and thrust hard. The snap of his hips had her arching her back again, the back of her head pressed to his shoulder. He rocked into her a few more times just like that, pleased when she got louder. 

He fucked her hard, gasping and moaning her name, and she didn't back down at all. Her body met his each time. At first, he thought this was something he needed to get out of his system, but her body was made for this. Made to be bent over the couch or her desk or his truck tailgate. Taking him hard. He could imagine it everywhere, always feeling this good as he fucked her with his lips on her ear. 

"A little harder?" he managed to ask when his balls started to grow tight. He knew he could make it sweet later, but she was responding beautifully to this. 

"Yeah," she grunted, and he caught her swaying breasts in both hands. The feel of them in his palms, bouncing in time with his quick thrusts left him with a smile on his face as Jessica came for him. Her face was buried in her folded arms, and her pussy was clenching. 

"Holy shit." he pushed himself deep and let her milk him until he was shaking and grabbing her tits a little harder. She whimpered, still fluttering around him as she lifted her head and looked at him. Her glasses were crooked, she looked shocked, and he was about to be rewarded with another pretty creampie to look at. He could get used to Saturdays like this.

He withdrew, his cock still hard as she panted to catch her breath, and he watched his cum ooze and drip, catching it with his hand. "Jessica," he whispered, bringing his palm up to meet her pussy and rubbing gently. She bucked and made a sound. "So pretty." 

He could tell that her body was still a little sensitive as she curled up on his lap with her cheek on his shoulder. He rubbed his sticky hand along her thigh as she played with his chest hair. When she kissed his neck, he whispered, "I hope I wasn't too rough."

"No. Not at all. It felt good."

He let his head tip back. "Been thinking about that for a week, and my imagination must fucking suck. Or you're just that good for me."

She laughed softly. "I'm probably just very good."

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

Jessica had never had bruschetta chicken before. When Jake pulled it out of the oven, she tried to eat it right away, but he told her to wait while he grated cheese on the top. He'd been catering to her all afternoon and evening though, so they ended up eating it right out of the casserole dish while standing at the counter after she said she was hungry. 

"It's so good," she moaned between mouthfuls. 

"I'll send the rest home with you tomorrow. You can take it for lunch on Monday."

The weekend wasn't even over yet, but it was getting a little late as she ate another bite of dinner. She wanted to know if their routine would keep going. "Are you planning on stopping by my office hours this week?"

Jake tipped her chin up and kissed her lips softly. "How else am I gonna get new journals to read and visit my girlfriend at the same time? Or are you going to be too busy skateboarding?"

She kissed him back. "Luca wants me to go surfing next."

"Luca wants to see you in a bathing suit," he replied with a grin. 

"No! I'm his favorite teacher!" she protested with a laugh. 

"Yeah. I'm sure you're his favorite teacher for a whole variety of reasons, Baby." He ran his hands up and down her body as she ate another bite of dinner. "You're a good teacher and you're fucking hot as sin."

Jake was trying to playfully lure her away from the casserole dish, but she kept slipping out of his grasp to take another bite. "As soon as I learned you could cook, you were golden," she murmured as she took one more bite before he carried her to the bedroom over his shoulder. "I haven't had a boyfriend in so long, because what's the point if you're not getting fed after getting fucked?"

"That's a valid question," he said, taking her into his bathroom. He turned on the shower and walked around collecting fresh towels with her draped casually over his bicep. "But I will say, there's an excellent chance that I'll cook you anything you want for breakfast tomorrow. Even if we don't fuck again. You could probably even get a midnight snack out of me."

He set her down gently and patted her butt before she handed him her glasses and stepped under the warm shower spray with a little shiver. "You want me to get something out for you to wear to bed?" he asked, but she shook her head and reached for him. 

Jessica pulled him in the shower with her as she said, "No, I want you in here." With soapy hands, they explored each other's bodies, and it didn't feel overly sexual. Sure, Jake's hands were everywhere, and his cock was halfway at attention, but his hands weren't rough like when they had sex on the couch. And he wasn't pushing for more. She just made out with him and then let him wash her hair. 

"Feel good?" he asked, massaging his strong fingers along her scalp as she melted back against him. 

"Yeah," she whispered in the softest voice, afraid to break the spell they were under where he kept kissing her and calling her his Smart Girl. Once they were finally out of the shower, only because it was starting to turn cold, Jake wrapped her up in a towel. 

"Sure you don't want something to sleep in, Jess? It's a little chilly in here."

"I brought pajamas," she murmured, kneeling to dig in her overnight bag. "Pick a color: blue or pink." When he didn't answer right away, she turned to look up at him as she wrapped her towel around herself a little tighter. "Do you have a preference?" 

He looked like he was in a daze as he watched her fingers glide along the two lace and silk options in her bag. "Blue," he whispered, and she stood with the royal blue nightie in her hands. Jake watched her every movement as she towel dried her hair and then slipped into her pajamas for the night. "Can I see the pink, too?" he asked, his voice strained. 

"Maybe next time," she replied with a smile. 

"Did you pack those just for me?"

She threw her towel at him and climbed into bed. "I always wear things like this to sleep."

"You do?" His cheeks looked pink as he tossed his towel and hers into the hamper. Then he was in bed with her, pinning her wrists above her head in one big hand. "And they all look like this? With little bows and lace all over?"

"Yeah," she whispered, turning her head to the side when he nudged her cheek with his nose. 

"I thought you just bought that little green set to hide under your work clothes and tease me with." He kissed her ear as she sighed. 

"Well, I kind of did, but I collect lingerie," she replied, and instantly Jake was flat on his back next to her with his hands over his eyes. "What?" she asked, sitting up as she laughed. "Is that weird?"

"Weird?" he croaked. "No, weird isn't the right word for it." He rubbed his eyes and groaned before peeking through his fingers. "I won't survive this."

She looked down at the soft blue lace and then looked back at him. "Why not?"

Jake tugged on her arm until she was laying on top of him. He rubbed his hands up and down her back and over her butt. "Because it's like wrapping paper, Baby. It's like the gift I've always wanted to receive is all wrapped up in the prettiest paper and then given to me to unwrap and enjoy."

She looked down at him with one raised eyebrow and softly parted lips. Nobody had ever described her like that before, not in such a beautiful way. Her closet was filled with lace, satin, silk, leather and chiffon, but she hadn't really shown it off before. Not like she wanted to right now. She wanted to let Jake dress her up how he liked, and then she wanted to take absolute control over him. He ran his fingers through her damp hair and looked up at her, his pupils blown wide, and she sat back on his cock to find him hard.

"Again?" she asked softly. 

When he nodded, she positioned herself to take him while he started to unwrap his present.

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

Monday morning came too early, and when it did, Jessica woke up alone in her bed and sighed. Jake dropped her off late last night. Like very late. And after spending the night in his warm bed with him on Saturday, last night had been a restless sleep. She wanted to invite him in to play dress up in her closet, but she knew they both needed some sleep for the work week. So he only came inside long enough for a tour of her apartment and a hot little makeout before he filled her refrigerator with individual containers of leftovers. And then she sent him home with the containers from last week's food that she'd washed and set aside for him. 

But she knew she wouldn't see him again until Tuesday, so she phoned in her hair and make up on Monday morning. What was the point? She was already dreading her agenda for the day. There was a faculty meeting run by Brian and then another damn meeting about alumni weekend which was just a few days away. And then she had to finalize everything for the fundraiser by making five phone calls.

Once she dropped her things in her office, she made her way to the faculty meeting with one minute to spare. She could tell that Brian desperately wanted to call her out for being late, but when Dr. Leeland came hustling in right behind her, out of breath and sweating, Brian turned away from her. 

"Morning, Benson," she said to Dr. Leeland in a pleasant voice as she held the door open for him. 

"Jessica," he grunted with a half smile as he headed for a seat in the front. Jessica slipped into the back row and sipped her coffee while forcing herself to focus on Brian's words instead of daydreaming about Jake. She couldn't afford to draw too much attention to herself since she had the second meeting about alumni weekend with Brian right after this one. 

She just sat very still, and whenever his eyes landed on hers, she braced herself for him to make a comment about skateboarding with Luca and professionalism in the workplace. But it never came. She let out a sigh of relief as the meeting ended and everyone else filed out. She remained in her seat, waiting for everyone else from the science department who was involved in alumni weekend to filter in.

Brian was pretending to ignore her as she flipped through the red notebook of lecture notes she brought with her. He was standing at the podium silently when the door opened up and one of his teaching assistants rushed in. Jessica recognized her from the classrooms and the occasional meeting, and right now she was calling out Brian's name and running right to his arms. 

"Not right now," Jessica heard Brian say, his piercing eyes landing on her as he pushed his TA away from him. 

"But my lab is about to start, and I'm not going to see you later," the younger woman whined playfully as Brian tried to back away from her. Jessica felt sick as she loudly cleared her throat. Then she had two sets of eyes focused on her and her red notebook. The other woman looked a little frantic, but Jessica kept her expression completely neutral. There were already enough rumors circulating about her, and she certainly didn't want to propagate any more by stirring Brian up. 

"We can discuss your lab schedule later, Miss Turner." Brian's voice was filled with so much finality, the other woman left the room without another word. 

Jessica literally had to bite her tongue as she looked at him, and just when Brian opened his mouth to say something, Dr. Jenkins from the biology department walked in wearing one of his hideous sweater vests, and she couldn't have been happier to see him. 

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

On Tuesday, Jessica took a deep breath as she held her lunch container filled with bruschetta chicken in one hand and her fork and water bottle in the other. She thought it was okay to just stop by, but maybe she should have texted first? She knocked on the door before she could change her mind. Then she heard clamoring inside followed by more than once voice, and it sounded like someone was dragging furniture across the floor. 

When the door opened a few inches, and she saw her friend's startled eyes, Jessica said, "If you're busy, I can come back."

"Oh. It's you," Advanced Calculus sighed deeply with a look of instant relief on her face. Then she opened the door wider and glanced behind her, and Jessica's gaze shifted to the interior of her office where Bradley was quickly tucking his uniform shirt into his uniform pants. His cheeks were flushed, but he had a grin on his face. 

"Hey, Jessica," he murmured, grabbing his keys and phone from the desk. "I was just leaving," he added before bending to give his wife a filthy kiss. "I'll pick you up after your last lecture, Sugar."

"Bye," she replied softly, gently pushing her husband through the door as he nodded at Jessica. 

"I'm so sorry, I had no idea I was interrupting-"

"You weren't," the other woman said as she tried to hide her smile. "He just had his lunch hour free today and.... wanted to visit."

Jessica still stood frozen, unsure what she should do. She gestured behind her and said, "I could just go back to my office."

Her friend scoffed. "We're done now, so you might as well just come in."

"Okay," Jessica replied with a smile of her own. "I just didn't know I was going to be interrupting a quickie. I'll text you next time."

Instead of responding, Advanced Calculus just sat down with a coy smile and asked, "What did Jake make you for lunch today?"

Jessica held up the container that she just heated up in her office. "It's the bruschetta chicken from Saturday night."

She laughed and held up a container of her own. "Bradley made the same thing. Should we compare recipes?"

"Oh! Absolutely," Jessica agreed right away. A few bites in, and both of them were looking from container to container, unsure which one was the winner. "I like both of them."

"Me too," she replied, taking another bite of Jake's. "Does he use panko breadcrumbs?"

"I think so. Does Bradley use oregano and rosemary?"

"Probably. I can't really tell them apart." 

They both erupted into laughter. 

"So are you ready for your fundraiser on Saturday night?"

Jessica finished the last bite of lunch and sighed. "Almost. I'm going to the fraternity house to meet with the boys tomorrow night. They rented the tuxedos. The culinary students are making the food. Bradley's bringing the kegs. Dev emailed me and said he'd donate things for the silent auction. I'm just nervous."

"You shouldn't be," she replied. "It'll be perfect. You spent a lot of time on this."

Jessica shook her head. "I just feel like my future at this school depends on it. Like if I fuck this up, I'll never get tenure."

And then Jessica felt a bit like she was under a microscope. "And Brian Conley is in charge of your tenure?"

"Yes," she replied softly as she looked up at the other woman's gaze.

But she was only met with kindness in the form of sympathetic eyes and a soft smile. "So what's the deal with you and him anyway?"

Jessica knew there had been rumors circulating for months, but maybe now she finally had people in her life who would believe her when she told them what happened. "How much time do you have?"

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

She's confiding in Sugar! And both girls had the quickie of their dreams with their dream guys. Thanks to @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 11

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[hopelesslyromanticshark]

HII okay so ik this is a bit of a weird request (or maybe im js rlly anxious rn for some reason??) BUT i was wondering if u could do like little head canons of Leo and a female reader who has like, a really deep country accent IYKWIM?? PLS N THANK U dont rush or anything js a small request🫶🫶

✮⋆˙ howdys, yeehaws, and cowgirls; leo valdez x western! daughter of apollo! reader blurb

content: leo valdez x western! daughter of apollo! reader blurb warning: lanauage and stereotyping (?) of texans but it's okay yall will get over it author's note: as someone from rural california (yes ive been trying to gaslight you guys into thinking i live on the beach when really it's three hours away stfu) and literally just went to a school sanctioned line dance that is quite literally more anticipated than prom, i feel more than qualified to answer this prompt lmao. ive seen a pair of cowboys more than once everyday my whole life. for FUN kids i know raise pigs and cows and lambs and shit and then sell them off at fairs. also do not stress bby, this wasn't a weird request at all! in fact it was so good i made a whole blurb lmao. ALEXA play my childhood country playlist, thank you miss girl. 10 year old me knew good music when she heard it okay, stfu. OH AND PLAY COWBOY CARTER WHILE YOUR AT IT YALL COULD NEVER MAKE ME HATE BEYOUNCE LEAVE MY GIRL ALONE FRFR you just dont wanna admit the albums good smh

to say leo missed texas, would be a lie. there was a deep ache in his chest to just go home. it was a strange feeling, considering he couldn't remember the last time he was in that state, as the foster system was eager to drag him all over the country. he missed the sticky and dry heat, he missed the longhorn cows that always seemed to be in the roads, and what he missed most of all was whattaburger. him and will mourned the loss of the beloved food chain weekly, if not daily. but, he only ever mentioned these feelings around will and simply in passing. he didn't think people would understand why he missed the state who's accent he tried his best to rid himself of.

which is why, when news spread of a new camper from texas, leo was buzzing to meet them. what was failed to be mentioned in the rumors, though, was the fact that you were a girl and also drop dead gorgeous. he was staring at you in a way that would have his mother smacking him upside the head, cursing him out in spanish. it took a bit for him to introduce himself, his nerves allowing his accent to slip through occationally.

"are ya from texas?" you asked, eagerly, your eyes brightening in a way that had leo's knees buckling. your voice, oh gods, your voice-

"yeah," he breathed out, bordering on a coo as you cheered.

"finally! and here i thought there were no cowboys left in new york," you teased, poking his chest with a finger before someone from the hermes cabin was calling you over. you flashed him a smile brigther than the sun on a hot texas day and scampered off, your cowgirl booties with bows clanking to the beat of leo's heart as you went.

from that day forwards, it was hard to see you without leo close by. finally, someone else to talk to about texas. sure, will was great, but he was a busy guy with all his medical stuff and boyfriend. and your voice left leo like a fly to honey. it was sexy and got him hot and heavy. but, it was also a comforting dialect that had him thinking of childhood, sweet tea, and sweltering heat.

and then you were claimed by apollo, only a few days after your arrival. i guess apollo has a thing for cowgirls, and leo couldn't relate to the god more if he tried. leo was slightly worried that you'd turn out just like will, locked up inside the infirmary, destined only to share passing comments of missing real texan barbeque. but, then you came up to leo during lunch, blushing as you admitted that you fainted when kayla pressed the scalpel into your hand. and leo laughed, and silently thanked his lucky lone star.

then the more musically talented apollo kids caught wind of the fact that you sang in your church's choir as a kid and nearly blew the whole camp up in excitement. something about wanting to do a country performance for camp but never having a lead singer with the accent as they'd rather jump into the sea of monsters in speedos then listen to will attempt to sing. naturally, you were more than happy to sing, excitedly telling leo about the country songs you were picking out, even letting him request a few of his childhood favorites.

and as you were prancing around on that slapdash stage with your siblings, singing proudly into a mic with your accent clear as day, leo fell a little bit more in love with you every note. and he fell back in love with texas, too, and everything it meant to him - everything he knew it meant to his mom. every twang of your voice and every playful tip of your cowboy hat had him thinking of how much his mother would have loved you or how he had wished the two of you could have met. nevertheless, he was laughing and singing along, front and center with will, there arms thrown around each other. they both wore barely thrown together western outfits, thought will had a hat, that despite leo's begging, he wouldn't give up.

at some point in the show, you were singing of coca cola and tight shirts, kneeling near the edge of the stage. leo was entranced as you locked eyes with him, just barely computing that you took your hat off and set it on his curls before jumping back up to your feet, singing about wanting to be wherever your boy was, throwing a wink to leo over your shoulder.

and gods, you were hotter than the blazing texas sun in the middle of summer, that much leo valdez was sure.

[bethanythebogwitch]

When they say "be there or be square", today's Wet Beast Wednesday subject chose "square". I am referring to boxfish. Also known as cowfish, trunkfish, and cofferfish, these real-life Minecraft fish are bony fish in the family Ostraciidae, sometimes called Ostraciontidae. This makes them close relatives of pufferfish and file fish in the order Tetraodontiformes. While all the Tetraodontiformes are weird-looking fish, the cowfish are easily the strangest, they don't even really look that much like fish.

(image: the yellow boxfish Ostracion cubicum. They literally named it "cube")

The squarish shape of the boxfish comes from their unique skeleton. They have a carapace made of overlapping, hexagonal plates called dermal scutes that are the equivalent of scales in other fish. Each plate is composed of a soft and bendable collagen layer and mineralized surface layer. This carapace is very sturdy, with holes in it to allow for the eyes, mouth, fins, and cloaca to pass through. In game terminology, the cowfishes are stone walls. Because of the composition of the carapace, boxfish are fully rigid and cannot bend their bodies in any direction. This, combined with their not-overly hydrodynamic shapes, makes them slow and weak swimmers. When they filled out their character sheets they went all-in on defense and neglected speed and offense. A boxfish won't be winning any races, but the carapace is extremely hard to bite through or puncture, giving an effective defense. Despite their small sizes (the largest species can get up to 50 cm/20 in long, and most species are much smaller), adult boxfish have almost no natural predators. It's worth noting that while boxfish are slow swimmers, they are very maneuverable. They have the ability to create small vortices around their bodies to help maneuver.

(image: a boxfish skeleton)

(image: a boxfish with its hexagonal carapace visible through its skin)

Not satisfied with having an impenetrable shell, many species of boxfish developed another defense mechanism. When stressed, they can release poison into the water. These poisons are surfactants, substances that break up surface tension, that can damage the cell membranes of other animals. While each species has their own specific chemical and not every species is poisonous, these toxins are collectively called pahutoxins. Poison is a pretty common thing in the Tetraodontiformes. Famously, pufferfish, close relatives of boxfish, are highly poisonous. Most poisonous boxfish species are brightly colored. This is called aposematism and is used as a warning to potential predators that the animal is dangerous. A famous example of aposematism is the brightly-colored poison dart frogs. Young boxfish are typically more colorful than older ones.

(image: a longhorn cowfish Lactoria cornuta)

Boxfish are voracious omnivores that will eat just about anything that can fit in their tiny mouths. The majority of boxfish species live in coral reefs and their diet consists largely of algae that they scrape off of coral. Additional foods include sponges, tube worms, mollusks, and small fish and invertebrates. Some species can spit out water to blow aside sand and search for buried food.

(image: Ostracion meleagris, the spotted boxfish)

Boxfish are typically solitary, but occasionally come together in small groups. These groups typically consist of one male and a few females. Scientists speculate these groups are formed for reproduction. They are known to reproduce by swimming to the surface of the water, releasing their gametes, and quickly swimming away.

(Aracana ornata, the ornate boxfish)

Because of their unique appearances, boxfish are popular in aquariums. They are recommended for experts only because of their ability to release poison. Boxfish are easily stressed and can kill themselves and other tank-mates by releasing toxin. Aquarists usually say they should be kept in solo tanks or with smaller, mild-mannered tank-mates. In addition, they need to be in tanks with minimal water flow as even the current of a decently-sized filter can blow them around uncontrollably. People who keep boxfish have called them shy, but highly inquisitive and even playful. They have been reported spitting water and their handlers, apparently in an attempt to get attention.

(image: Lactoria forasini, the thornback boxfish)

[louthestarspeaker]

[ID: A collection of six images of Jurassic World: Chaos Theory promo material. The images are in the style of a magazine, with a cover and interviews from each of the Nublar Six, minus Brooklynn.

The cover has all of the Nublar Six lined up on the docks in Costa Rica, just after they made it back to the mainland. Yaz and Sammy are holding hands, Kenji has a hand on Brooklynn's shoulder. All the kids are smiling nicely, with the exception of Darius whose smile is kind of awkward and looks a little uncomfortable on camera. The title of the magazine, The Dino Times, is splashed across the top of the page. Just below it is the subtitle "Who are the Nublar Six?". Below the photo of the campers is text that reads, "Meet the miraculous survivors of the Jurassic World catastrophe in this exclusive, celebrating the anniversary of their return."

Each of the interviews has a picture of each of the Nublar Six as a young adult, their name printed large, and a little logo for The Dino Times in the corner. A transcript of the text of each interview reads as folllows:

Darius: Dino Nerd Turned Hero

Darius Bowman never would've expected a shy, nerdy kid from Oakland could become the leader of the Nublar survivors.

"Back at Camp Cretaceous I had to learn to trust myself and my friends to make it through. It was a terrifying experience, but what they were doing to those dinosaurs at that facility just wasn't right. Somebody had to do something."

Since his return, Bowman has traveled all over the country giving talks about dinosaur conservation, and has worked with the Department of Prehistoric Wildlife.

Ben: Brave Soul Against All Odds

Ben Pincus had perhaps the most dramatic metamorphosis as a result of his experiences at Nublar.

"I was terrified of pretty much everything," he said. "Germs. The dark. Non-organic snacks. And then all of a sudden we were up against actual dinosaurs."

Luckily, Pincus found an unlikely ally in a baby Ankylosaurus he named Bumpy.

"Bumpy is my best friend. She helped me face my fears and see how much I had to contribute to the group."

We'll have to see if the campus office can make an exception for Bumpy as Ben gets ready for college in the fall.

Sammy: Cattle Rancher, Dino Wrangler

Sammy Gutierrez lived with her parents on a Texas ranch before Camp Cretaceous. Ever the optimist she remarked, "At least I was already used to big animals before that whole fiasco! There;s really not much difference between a longhorn and a Triceratops if you think about it."

Back at home, Gutierrez maintained that positive attitude by staying busy.

"I have my own ranch, now. And my girlfriend, Yaz. And tons of pies to bake! We don't have time to keep worrying about all that running for our lives stuff!"

Yaz: A Track Star and Her Team

Yasmina Fadoula went from national track star to Nublar Six survivor in the span of months, and the aftermath hit her particularly hard.

"I wasn't used to feeling helpless. Before, I would just push through to the finish line no matter what. Nublar made me realize you can't win all your races alone."

She credits her relationship with fellow survivor Sammy Gutierrez as a major source of support.

"I've been going through a lot of anxiety since coming back, and Sammy's been there constantly. I want to show her I can be the strong person she sees in me."

Kenji: Cool Kid Finds New Family

Kenji Kon has declined to comment on his father's incarceration.

"All that matters is my new family. They're the ones who always had my back."

The Nublar Six have been instrumental in Kenji's return to normal life, from his relationship with Brooklynn, to his best friend Darius.

"All I wanna do is chill, you know? I've moved out somewhere peaceful. Started my climbing school. All is good in Casa de Kenji."

End Transcript. The page of Kenji's interview has a ragged edge, like the page next to it has been torn out. There is no interview for Brooklynn. End ID]

[onenicebugperday]

@crypt1dcorv1dae submitted: Just found this tiny lil friend (only about MAYBE a half inch long) in [removed] (pls remove location), any idea what this little buddy is? And what I should do with them? It's very cold out right now, I don't wanna just shoo the poor lil guy outside into the snow :(

What a cute little dude. It's a cedar longhorn beetle, Semanotus ligneus. Larvae bore in dead, dying, and stressed cedar trees and logs. They pupate in the wood and adults will emerge from the bore hole. It's possible you had some cut cedar in your house they emerged from?

I don't know enough about their life cycle to say whether it's the adults or larvae that over winter - my guess would be the larvae or pupae spend the winter cozy inside their chosen tree or cut/fallen log home.

I don't think there's much you can do for this fella - either let them live their probably brief life inside your home, or find a nice cozy wood pile or something similar to deposit them on outside and hope for the best.

[the-blind-assassin-12]

Survivor Blues

DEAD WOOD: JOEL'S POV

A/N: After far too long, this one is back in action! I have missed writing this story so darn much and it feels great to be back with these characters. This interlude has been living in my wip folder for a damn year, and I am really exciting to finally be sharing it. It takes place immediately following the events of Part Five, and it marks the first time that we get to see things through Joel's eyes in this universe. (It also alludes to some things that I haven't expanded on within this story yet, but that I am so SO excited to.)

Series Masterlist

Word count: 4.4k

Warnings: language, mention of character death, loss, grief, trauma, brief description of injury, Ellie is a snarky teenager, PLOT SPOILERS FOR TLOU, feel free to message me if you have questions (it's actually a lot more hopeful than the title makes it sound)

Summary: Home from the supply run, Joel contemplates how far he's come since arriving in Jackson... and hopes that it will be the same for you. Tommy and Ellie - of course - have thoughts and opinions on things, too.

By the time Joel got home after a quick stop at the clinic, it was past seven, the house - and Ellie’s garage - both standing dark and empty against the beginnings of night. 

She must be out with friends. Good. 

It had taken a few years, but he was finally in a place where her absence didn’t immediately put him on edge. When they first settled into the house on Rancher Street, Joel would insist that Ellie stay at Tommy and Maria’s anytime he was gone overnight. Even the walls and the close knit community couldn’t fully satisfy that need to know that she was safe then. But now a note stuck to the refrigerator with a magnet telling him where she’d gone was more than sufficient. 

Which was exactly what he found when he entered the kitchen. Plucking the piece of paper from the fridge door and leaning against the counter, he read the girl’s hastily scrawled words. 

Joel, 

Not sure when you’re getting back but I might not be here when you do. Staying with some friends tonight and tomorrow. I’ll be home on Tuesday. Movie night - don’t forget!

-Ellie 

He chuckled to himself and shook his head. Like I’d ever forget movie night, kiddo. 

Getting that back - that time with her where they could just be a family, laughing together and watching some movie that was made fifteen years before she was born, that time that both of them desperately craved where they could put down all the things they carried and all the things they’d gone through even if only for 120 minutes at a time - that was a gift he would never take for granted. Her eventual forgiveness and understanding, once he’d finally explained his reasoning for the choices he made, was everything to Joel. And it was still fresh. The two of them were still awkwardly trying to find their way back to the kind of relationship they had before the lie came to light. But it was a chance that Joel never imagined he’d get, and it wasn’t one he would ever squander. 

He raised his hand to stick Ellie’s note back on the refrigerator door for now, but paused before using the same faded orange Longhorns magnet that she had used to secure it. Instead, he dug into his back pocket and pulled out a new one. Turning it over in his palm, Joel glanced down at the yellow letters spelling out Wyoming and remembered the look on your face when he handed you one identical to it that morning. 

It wasn’t really a smile, more like the framework of one, a hint of what it would look like fully fleshed out. It was different from the ones he’d seen you wear while working in the bakery or waving to someone on the street. Those were pleasantries that you were refamiliarizing yourself with. This one touched your eyes, softening them for a few seconds. It made Joel wonder what he unearthed with that small gesture - what part of your former life he’d been able to reach and awaken, at least partially. He didn’t bother with wondering what it meant that he’d taken an identical magnet for himself. 

With a sigh, he used the gas station souvenir to tack up Ellie’s note where he’d found it. Keeping his injured arm down at his side, he reached to open the cupboard next to the fridge and pulled down a glass and the bottle he kept there. He let out a grunt as he twisted the cap off, needing to use both hands to do so and being punished for the miniscule movement with a throb of discomfort through his bicep. Shit, that hurts. 

Though your work had held up just fine all the way back to Jackson, the wound had still garnered a hiss and a wince from the nurse on duty at the clinic. Using a cloth and clear grain alcohol, she’d carefully cleaned between and around the stitches, telling him that he was lucky he had someone with him who knew what they were doing, because the cut was deep and without closing it properly, he would have lost a lot more blood than he did. Slathering the area with an antiseptic cream, she re-wrapped his arm and sent him on his way, recommending that he not get the stitches wet for a good two days. 

Gonna have to stick my arm outta the shower I guess. First thing’s first, though. 

But before he could finish making himself a drink, he was interrupted by the call of his name. “Joel?” Tommy’s voice joined the stomp of his boots as he climbed the porch stairs and let himself through the front door. “Hey, Joel? Where-” 

I shoulda known he’d be over. 

Holly, the nurse at the clinic, was close friends with Maria. There was no way that she didn’t radio over to let Maria know that she’d just taken care of her brother-in-law. And that meant that Tommy knew, too. 

“Kitchen,” Joel answered, cutting his brother’s question short and reaching into the cupboard for a second glass. Setting it on the counter, he opened the freezer and scooped a few ice cubes into his palm before dividing them between the two tumblers. They clinked against the cut glass but fell silent as Joel poured a few fingers of whiskey in each, turning around in time to see Tommy appear in the doorway. “Hey, little brother.”

Tommy’s eyes were alert as he gave Joel the once over, his heightened focus settling on the bandage on his arm. “Shit, you alright? Holly said-” 

“M’fine, Tommy.” He picked up one of the glasses and handed it over, the younger man accepting it with visible relief. “Just a cut. Fell into some broken glass.”

Tommy raised one eyebrow. “You fell, huh?” 

Joel rolled his eyes with a gruff groan. “Couple’a infected caught us by surprise at the eye doctor. Nothin’ we couldn’t handle.” He leaned back against the counter and lifted his glass to his lips, taking a swig.

“Jesus.” Tommy took a drink, too, bending forward to rest his elbows on the island in the center of the kitchen. He set his glass down but kept his fingers around it, forehead furrowing as he spoke your name in the form of a question. “She’s alright, too? Holly didn’t say anything about-” 

Joel shook his head. “She’s fine, Tommy. Didn’t even have to stop at the clinic, so Holly didn’t see her.” He took another small drink, letting the rich amber liquid coat his tongue before swallowing. “She went straight back to her place from the stables.”

“Good.” Tommy nodded and blew out a breath, the last of the worry leaving his expression. “That’s good.” He cleared his throat and swirled the contents of his glass, watching the ice slide around the sides. “And uh… she did alright?” His eyes came back up then. “I mean, dealin’ with the infected and all?”  

Joel recalled the way you snapped immediately into action, shifting seamlessly from defense to attack, muscle memory taking over and guiding your blade exactly where it needed to go without hesitation. 

Alright’s an understatement. 

You’d had a moment of panic in the aftermath, but though Joel was certain that was what Tommy was asking about with the addition of “and all”, he decided not to consider it in his response. Your explanation was solid. No harm had been done, and he didn’t think it warranted mentioning. Nor did the fact that he had only been knocked through the glass display case because he’d glanced in your direction first to make sure you didn’t need help. 

We’re both fine. No point in worryin’ him over nothin’. She’s no more of a liability on a run than I am. She just… she needs time. Like we all did. 

“Yeah,” he answered, brows pinched together as he took another drink. He shrugged his bandaged arm out in front of him. “She even patched me up once we were in the clear.”

Tommy’s eyes widened. “Well, shit.” The tiniest twitch of his mustache gave away a hidden smirk, and he used the hand holding his glass to point at Joel. “You mean you actually let someone take care of you?” 

Joel rolled his eyes again. “Shut it, Tommy.” 

That got a laugh out of him, the younger man setting his glass on the island to lift both hands in a gesture of surrender. “I’m just messin’ with you, big brother.” He smiled, a smaller chuckle slipping through it as his hands dropped to the counter. “Really, though.” He nodded. “I’m glad you’re both okay.” 

“Yeah.” Your near-smile flashed in Joel’s memory again as his eyes shifted to the magnet on the refrigerator. “Me too.” The kitchen fell silent for a handful of seconds, both men finishing their drinks before Joel spoke again. “Hey, do… do you remember that time you gave me a hand takin’ down the old oak tree in the yard?” 

Tommy blinked, clearly surprised by the question, but didn’t ask why Joel had brought it up. Instead, he tilted his head, brow furrowed as he sorted through his memories. The moment he dug the right one from its hiding spot, his expression changed. The creases in his forehead smoothed out and gave way to curved lines around his mouth as he broke into a smile. 

“Yeah.” He let out a huff of laughter, hanging his head and letting it shake from side to side before lifting it again. When he did he was still smiling, though there was a bittersweet shadow behind it. I know. You miss her too. “I remember us catchin’ hell for it.” 

We sure did. Joel tipped the bottle to fill both glasses with a half measure, then screwed the cap back on and put the bottle back in the cabinet it came from. 

The tree in question had been Sarah’s favorite. A swing hung from one of its branches, and Joel had tacked scraps of wood into the trunk that she used as footholds to scamper up so she could sit in the Y-shaped split in the center. And though she was only seven at the time, she had put up quite a fight when it came to taking it down. Joel could still picture the determined scowl on her face as she sat against the trunk. She had her scrawny arms crossed over her chest as she informed her father and her uncle that she wouldn’t let them kill her tree. What she didn’t know was that the tree was diseased, and that if left alone, not only would it become a safety hazard, but it ran the risk of infecting other nearby trees. 

He matched Tommy’s smile. “That girl all but tied herself to that damn trunk.” Joel always had the suspicion that if she had the time and an accomplice to help her with the knots, she would have. “She could be persistent, huh?” 

Tommy hummed. “Wonder where she got that from. What is it they say about apples again?” He laughed, but then curiosity got the better of him. “What…” He coughed to clear his throat. “What made you think’a that?” 

I’m gettin’ to it. “You remember how I had to prove to her that the tree was sick? Took my pocket knife and scratched the bark so she could see it was already dyin’ underneath?” She had gasped when the scratch test revealed a grayish, ashy underlayer, her eyes going wide and her bottom lip quivering, tears threatening to spill as her outrage instantly turned to fear for the other trees in the yard. “I had to scrape ‘em all, show her the rest of ‘em were still green and alive, even though they all looked the same on the outside.”

Tommy’s eyes narrowed and he swallowed. “Yeah… Where you goin’ with this, Joel?” 

“I been thinkin’ about how it’s like that for people, too. It was like that for me. It was like that for me for a long time, Tommy.” Tilting the glass in his hand, he watched the amber liquid collect in the corner of it, shining gold through the cut crystal where the overhead light struck. “Scratch test came up gray for years. Thought I’d never really feel anything again… Thought I was done.” 

Straightening the glass, he let its contents slosh back to cover the bottom before bringing it to his lips and taking a sip. Honey and malt slid over his tongue, a subtle layer of smoke and spice following as he swallowed. Back in Boston, drinking wasn’t something he did for enjoyment or relaxation. It wasn’t for savoring or even tasting, really. Then he drank to forget. To sleep. To turn it all off. Here in Jackson though, he could share a drink with his brother and remember. 

Remember what life tasted and looked and felt like. Remember his daughter. Remember who he was beneath all the dead wood around his heart.  

“Yeah.” Tommy’s eyes were on his own glass, a frown pulling at his mouth and etching creases between his eyebrows again. “I know.” He cleared his throat and took a long swig, finishing his drink with a wince that cracked into a fool’s gold grin - one that Joel knew was covering feelings of guilt and empathy and other things Tommy still felt compelled to atone for even though Joel had tried his best to lay those things to rest in the years since their reunion. We were no good to each other like that, little brother. We would have just broken each other. I don’t blame you for leavin’. Not anymore. Tommy reached over, grin still stretched across his face but growing more genuine as he clapped Joel on the shoulder of his good arm. “But you ain’t done, you old fucker. Not yet.” 

That was thanks almost entirely to Ellie and they both knew it. The girl was determined, borderline relentless, same as Sarah had been with the tree. She had been the one to keep scratching, keep digging, keep checking for the hint of green under all that twisted, lifeless gray. And when she found it, all the things that he thought had disappeared started coming out of their dormancy.

Things like jokes and laughter. Memories. The capacity to care deeply for others again. Things like movie nights. The things that made surviving the worst worthwhile. 

It was also thanks in part to Jackson - and to Tommy and Maria for welcoming him and Ellie into their lives. Some days it terrified him, allowing himself to have so much to lose again. There were still times he worried that he had peeled back too many of those hardened layers. That he’d let his guard down too much, exposed his heart to happiness for too long and that it would all be lost to blight. But even on those days he knew what Tommy had just said to be true - that he wasn’t done yet. 

And neither is she. 

Joel spoke your name then, nodding solemnly. “I think it’s been like that for her for a long time, too.” 

Tommy sighed. “Yeah.” He finished his drink and walked over to set the empty glass in the sink. “I got that impression, too.” Turning around, he tilted his head to one side. “You said she was alright on the trip though. Somethin’ happen?” 

Joel took a breath in through his nose, letting it back out slowly. “Just…” He tapped his pointer finger absently against the glass he still held. “I think I saw that  in her. The green underneath. I think… bein’ here is… it’s helpin’ her.” Even if she’s got a long way to go. “It’s… she’s still in there.”  

You were. And Joel realized, for the first time since meeting Tess all those years ago in Boston, that he wanted to know that person - the person who showed him the hint of a genuine smile, the person who carefully and gently patched him up, the person who shared a coveted instant coffee packet with him to pass the time and stay warm on a chilly night. And that scares the hell outta me.  

“Well that’s-” Tommy’s smile had nothing but warmth behind it that time. “That’s real good to hear.” He stepped away from the counter and towards the kitchen door then, bringing his hands together. “Well, I’ll get outta here so you can get yourself cleaned up and all. Just had to make sure you were good after we heard from Holly.” 

Joel nodded, following him out into the living room. “Yeah. How’d you put it? Thanks for still givin’ a shit about me?” He heard his brother snort out a laugh before turning around to face him again. 

“Yeah, exactly.” He paused then, the joking smile falling away to reveal something more serious yet still full of relief and warmth. When he spoke again his words were quiet, but they made a big impact. “It’s real good to hear you talk about Sarah again, too.” 

With that, he left, and Joel was left to respond to the empty room. “Yeah. It is.” 

–  –  – 

Twenty minutes later he was drying off from the shower when he heard the sound of the back door opening, followed by the call of his name. 

“Joel? You home?” Ellie’s voice was muffled by the closed door and the towel that he was dragging over his hair. 

Ellie? Thought she was stayin’ out tonight? 

He called back. “Yeah. Gimme five minutes, I’ll be right down.”  

Moving from the bathroom into his bedroom, Joel pulled clean clothes and underwear from his dresser - a pair of thick navy blue sweatpants along with a dark gray t- shirt and a pair of wool socks. Easing the shirt carefully over his wrapped bicep, he sighed, knowing that as soon as Ellie saw it she would react. She hated seeing him injured, as anyone would hate to see someone they cared about get hurt. But Joel knew that in her case, it was more than that. In her case, it reminded her of those dark days in Colorado, when she did all she could to keep him alive and still wasn’t sure he would make it through the night. 

It won’t always be like that, though. ‘Least I hope not. For her sake. 

The  thought of covering it up with a loose fitting flannel or long sleeved shirt didn’t even occur to him, though. After coming clean about everything that happened in Salt Lake City with the Fireflies and the doctor they were working with, Joel made a solemn vow to himself that he’d never withhold the truth from her again. Even when it might hurt. Especially when it might hurt. Because he knew that nothing he’d done in that hospital had hurt her more than the lie he told her on the outskirts of Jackson. 

And I’ll never do that to her again. 

As he made his way down the stairs, he heard her moving around in the kitchen, the sound of plates being set on the counter meeting his ears. “I’m making sandwiches,” she yelled when the fourth step from the bottom creaked under his weight. “You want one?” 

“Sure, kiddo.”  What happened to stayin’ with your friends? Everything alright?” He wasn’t trying to distract her by keeping her talking before she saw his arm, but Joel wanted her to hear it in his voice that he was okay. 

She groaned. “Kat and Dina are having some kind of stupid drama and I didn’t wanna get sucked into it so I decided to come home. You know, they’re both important to me but sometimes they can just - Fuck! Joel! What the?” 

He’d walked into the kitchen at the same time that she looked up from the slices of bread that she was piling with leftover chicken, the sight of him making her stop what she was doing and scramble around the island to stand in front of him. 

“Hey, hey, it’s…” He held up both hands, only wincing a little at the pull of his stitches when he lifted his arm. “I’m fine, Ellie. Just a cut.” 

“Well …” Her eyes were wide but she tore  them from the bandage to look up at him. “Well, what happened? I thought it was supposed to be an easy run?” 

“It was. But you know as well as I do that easy runs can turn, yeah?” He reached forward, placing his hand on her shoulder and tilting his head to the side. “Hey. I’m okay, kiddo.” Giving her a light squeeze, he waited for her to nod and accept what he was saying, and then he shot a glance at the half-finished sandwiches. “C’mon, I’m starvin’. Let’s eat and I’ll fill you in.” 

Just like he did the night that he and Tommy brought you into town, Joel sat down and told her everything that happened at the optometrist’s office - how the pair of infected had seemingly come from nowhere and were suddenly on the two of you, how the one that lunged at him managed to knock him backwards and through a glass case, how you had made sure that the wound was cleaned and tended to as best as you could. And though she had been concerned and rattled at the beginning of his story, Ellie was wearing something close to a smirk as he finished. 

“Oh.” She bit off a mouthful of her sandwich, raising her eyebrows as she chewed and speaking again before she swallowed. “So you like… really trust this chick, huh?” 

Joel clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. Her too? First Tommy and now- “That’s your comment? Not ‘Well I’m glad you had someone there to help you, Joel’?” 

Ellie rolled her eyes right back. “Yeah, yeah that too. But I mean…” She gave a casual, one-shouldered shrug. “First you let her take care of you, then you decide to both sleep at the same time instead of taking shifts?” She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him. “You never do that unless it’s me or Tommy.” Something dawned on her then, and she turned mid-chew toward the sink, gesturing towards it with the hand that still held what was left of her sandwich. “Wait. Is that why there’s two glasses in there? Did she come over when you got back to town?” 

“What? No. Ellie…” He sighed, and shook his head. “No. There’s two glasses in the sink because Tommy was here earlier, not-” 

“Well you should invite her over for dinner then. As a thank you-” She emphasized her intention to silence his protest. “- for sewing you up, you know?” 

Joel took a bite of his food, chewing it slowly to buy himself more time before answering. The idea of having you in his home, sharing a meal, talking and laughing - he’d be lying to himself if he said he didn’t like it. But I don’t know if she… 

He thought back to his own first few months in Jackson and how skittish he was every time someone would try to include him in anything that wasn’t directly related to security or survival. It all still seemed so impractical. Cookouts and movie nights and holidays while the world outside the walls continued to crumble? And then there was the guilt. That grating, shredding near-constant feeling that he shouldn’t be there - shouldn’t be safe, shouldn’t be happy or comfortable or even alive - not when Tess didn’t get to be there too. Not when Sarah never had a chance to. You hadn’t said much about the things you’d been through or the people you’d lost, other than that you’d recently lost your nephew. But Joel knew from experience that while those devastating wounds never fully healed, they did become less raw when they were given some time.   

I’d like it. But I don’t know if she’s ready for somethin’ like that. He swallowed and brought a hand up to wipe his mouth. Yet. 

“Maybe when the weather’s nicer an’ we can cook outside.” He got up from the table and took his plate with him, setting it in the sink next to the two glasses. 

The scrape of chair legs on the floor told him that Ellie had gotten up, too, the girl appearing at his elbow to stack her plate atop his. “What does the weather have to do with-” He shot her a look then and she rolled her eyes. “Alright, fine. But we’re circling back to this in June.” 

Joel leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. “Speakin’ of circling back, you said somethin’ about your friends fightin’? You wanna talk about that?” He lifted one eyebrow as she shot him a look of her own. 

“I do not.” 

Joel snorted a laugh. “Alright, then. Just try not to go breakin’ too many hearts, yeah? You don’t-” 

Without missing a beat, Ellie grabbed the dish towel that was hanging on the oven handle, balling it up and throwing it at his face. “Shut up.” She was laughing too, though, bending down to pick up the towel after Joel had batted it away. “So stupid.” Straightening back up with an exaggerated sigh, she whipped the towel onto the countertop. “On that note, I’m gonna get outta here.” She glanced at his arm, mouth dipping into a quick frown that was gone by the time she looked back up at his face. “I’m glad you’re home, Joel. Have a good night.” 

He smiled, chest warming as he did. “G’night, kiddo. I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

With that she turned and was nearly out the door when something caught her eye and she stopped in front of the refrigerator. “Hey, you got a new magnet.” She pointed at the note she’d left him, now stuck up with the square-ish shape of Wyoming. “I used the cowhead one but this one’s-” She looked over her shoulder, a smirk beginning to grow. “You brought home a souvenir from your trip, huh? So you could remember it? Any reason for that?” 

Joel narrowed his eyes at her, but all it did was pull a laugh out of her. “Good night, Ellie.”  She laughed all the way down the back porch steps but Joel didn’t mind. She ain’t wrong.

Thank you for reading! If you would like to be added to or removed from the tags for this or any of my stories, please feel free to let me know! You can also fill out the form on my masterlist!

Tags: @something-tofightfor  @littlemisspascal @mishasminion360 @nyctophiliiiiaaa @practicalghost @amb11 @mindidjarin @jk7789 @tentacruels @cannedsoupsucks @harriedandharassed @marauderskeeper @joelmillerscoffee @woodlandmouth @swtaura @grfields @valkblue​ @stealyourblorbos @sleepylunarwolf @trickstersp8 @imtryingmybeskar @wildmoonflower @mswarriorbabe80 @theredwritingwitch @silverstarsandsuns @competentpotato @pedro-pedrito-pascalito @mumma-moonchild @jedi-in-crocs @hannahkatharine @anoverwhelmingdin @chiyo13 @myloveistoolittle @Noisynightmarepoetry

[signedmio]

Omg I love you Hazbin matchups!! If I could get one I'd be blessed. Pun intended.

About me!

My name is Venus, and I'm a single/teen(18-19) mom. I'm 5'2 and really punky. I've got lots of piercings including an eyebrow, my septum, a nostril, and 00g ears. I plan on getting more and I hope to devour my arms in tattoos. I've been reading since I was 8 as a form of escapism till I left my parents house and got into a safe and healthy environment and now use it just as a hobby. I'm a woman, or fem/leaning enby using mostly she/they pronouns. I am Demisexual and pansexual. I was diagnosed with PTSD and Tourrests syndrome with Echolalia and coperalia. I was diagnosed with depression ages ago but has successfully overcome it and was taken off my antidepressants. I went to 5 middle schools and I've lived in 8-14 diffrent places. I lost count.

Some of my unique traits include

Charisma and people skills (which I don't like people but like- I can't be a menace to society no matter now much I wanna.

Passion for all things animal. I'm in school to be a vet and I also live on a farm and hunt!

I'm a practicing pagan(witchcraft) and I use alot of nature related things

Sometimes I go into a "god complex state" and just think I'm God's greatest gift (narcissistic I know)

I'm piss poor with sarcasm and yet I try to use it constantly and just look like an idiot.

I do Dino arms when I get exited. I also snort when I laugh and my eyebrows flex when I'm talking passionately.

I bought 50 dollars worth of jelly beans not too long ago by accident and I don't even wanna explain how that happened.

Likes

My daughter is the most important thing in my life.

My favorite colour is olive green and forest green. one of my favorite foods is chicken. I drink an absurd amount of peach tea from cracker barrel. (You can buy it by the half gallon) I take a special interest in rocks and collect them. I also love to garden! Art is one of my passions. I make playlists for every mood and I even have a special playlist that I dace to with my 6 month old daughter.

Blue ppl avatar and avatar the last Airbender are litterslly Fandom that have absorbed me. Avatar was one if my big escapism places.

Horse riding, Cow calf care, and goats that break into my car.

My favorite animals are a wolf, lions, longhorns, most well bread dogs/cats, and snakes

I love photography and the mountains!

Dislikes

I'm very much not a people person. I have a hard time tolerating 80% of people and the people I do enjoy my company with took awhile to get used to. It takes persistence. I've also got a bone to pick with people who I relate to to much and tend to veer away from them. Sometimes I stg I have a "I can fix them" complex which I do not like. I've got a fear of needles.

this was a hard call, but in the end, i went with…

Alastor !!

Alastor admires your charisma and people skills, despite the fact that you hate people, which he gets it, he’s like that too

He can see how much your daughter means to you so as much as he’s not too into kids he will defend her whether he admits it or not and he does try to have a bond with her

Without a doubt, he enjoys the fact that you practice witchcraft, he wouldn’t mind learning a thing or two from you, and he definitely asks you a couple questions here and there

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Food Trucks Spice Up Campus Dining

Tacos from the University Housing and Dining-operated food truck

With a rotation of more than a dozen food trucks at locations across campus, we’re making it easier for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors to spice up their next meal on-the-go. Food trucks have become a staple in the Austin dining scene – and now there’s a bustling clientele on the Forty Acres too. It’s a campus vibe embracing and enriching the spirit of growth in Austin ... and giving students more ways to live the Longhorn life. Meet some of the campus customers and truck owners — and hear how University Union has grown the program since it started in 2017.

Listen to the latest episode of our Living the Longhorn Life podcast featuring sophomores Rotem Cohen, a business and economics major from Dallas and Carlos Gonzalez, a neuroscience and public health major from Laredo; University Unions’ David Anthony, who manages the contracts; and food truck owners Lee Rowland, It’s a Rap, and Romel Viray, Wetzel’s Pretzels.

Students at the Four Brothers Venezuelan Kitchen food truck

You can also listen to our stories anytime, anywhere on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts.

[dingochef]

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin & Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Warnings: Swearing, Smut (MDNI 18+ Only), Oral (Male receiving), hand jobs, cum play,

Word Count: 4.2k

Summary: When Bama and Texas face off in football, Jake and Bradley make a bet that makes them face their feelings for each other.

A little fun one shot in honor of Pride month. 🏳️‍🌈

Hook 'Em

Hangman considers three things sacred in his life and will move heaven and earth to honor them accordingly. In no particular order those three things are his family, the company of his horse, Dolly, and Texas Longhorns football.

Being that he is cast around the globe at the whim of the US Navy, he has an easier time catching football games than being at home in Texas to attend to the other two. This day's worship comes early, the time difference between Texas and California meaning that the noon home game in Texas is at ten in the morning.

In the spirit of team building, he has invited the Dagger squad, a now permanent detachment out of North Island, to his humble abode to experience the glory of Texas football and have a socially acceptable reason to day drink. Today's particular game is Alabama at Texas. The invite that went out to the Dagger Squad group chat was brief but adequate.

Hangman: Texas vs. Alabama, my place starting at 9 am, kickoff is at 10 am, Bloody Marys and Mimosas on the house, bring snacks and anything else you'd like to drink. Wear orange and Go Longhorns!

Phoenix and Bob are the first to arrive, ever the devoted duo.

"I'd thought your house would be douchier. Like more bikini posters and mirrors," she says as she looks around the living room.

"Sorry to disappoint your unreasonably low expectations," Hangman answers as he accepts a six pack of Shiner Bock from Bob.

"It was the only vaguely Texan beer I could find at the shitty convenience store by apartment," Bob offers. Hangman is still a Southern boy and a good host and graciously accepts the mid-rate beer.

"Thanks, Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar is in the kitchen, help yourselves."

Coyote arrives and gives Hangman a pat on the back and heads to the kitchen with chips and dip. Payback and Fanboy are the next to arrive (do you have to go everywhere with your WSO?). Fanboy has a predictable fanboy moment over the signed Pulp Fiction movie poster in the hall by the bathroom.

The rest of the squad has filtered in by 9:45 am except for Rooster. His absence is questioned by Hangman and somehow it magically summons him to appear on the porch dressed like an abomination. Rooster appears in the doorway wearing an Alabama hat, a Roll Tide hoodie, and crimson pants that are adorned with little Alabama logos including elephants. Hangman does a once over of Rooster's ensemble and promptly renders out a verdict, a resounding,

"Nope, you're not walking into my house that offensively and obscenely dressed. Since when do you root for Bama?"

"My dad was from Alabama. Really Hangman? Are you threatened by the presence of a little bit of crimson?" Rooster jokes as he sweeps a hand up and down his outfit.

Hangman shakes his head back and forth,

"My retinas are offended on behalf of humanity for your outfit. Where the hell did you get Bama dress pants?"

Rooster responds with an eye roll of epic proportions,

"This is Alabama formal, as good as a tux and perfect for all occasions." Hangman snickers,

"You're not helping the stereotype."

Rooster looks at his watch, knowing that kickoff is quickly approaching,

"Are you going to let me in or not?"

Hangman considers for a quick second,

"You have to get rid of some of this crimson monstrosity before I allow you in."

"Fine, I'll ditch the hoodie and hat. Enough?"

"Deal, just know you're in Longhorn country now," Hangman responds, flashing the longhorn hand gesture. Rooster sprints to his Bronco and chucks the hat and hoodie on the front seat and books it back to the house. He grabs a beer and twists off the cap and finds the only open seat next to Hangman. Rooster plops down on the couch next to him and jams his bulky frame into the remaining space. Hangman looks over and rolls his eyes at the Alabama t-shirt that Rooster was hiding under the hoodie.

It might be the two Bloody Marys in Hangman's stomach, but it's likely more of his insane ego and confidence that leads him to say the next thing,

"Should we make a wager on the game?"

Rooster grins, knowing the record between the two teams in the past 10 years is heavily tilted toward the Crimson Tide,

"Sure, but you know Texas is going to lose. What's the bet? 50 bucks?" He's expecting a sum of money like usual and is slightly surprised by Hangman when he offers,

"Nah, I feel like this is my opportunity to better the world by getting rid of your pants. Texas wins, I get every piece of Bama gear you have on to do with whatever I please."

Rooster grins even wider,

"Whatever, Hangman. There is no way that Texas is going to win over Bama, so yes, I'll take your bet and the same applies to you, any Texas thing you have on is mine. One stipulation, the shirt is off limits, it was my dad's."

Jake's eyes soften for a moment, and he quickly agrees,

"Deal."

They quickly shake hands and turn their attention to the opening kickoff.

Jake tries to ignore the warmth radiating from Rooster along his body and focus on the game. He definitely tries to ignore Rooster's arm on the back of the couch, placed there after he stood up to cheer for the Alabama field goal in the first quarter.

Texas answers back with a field goal before Alabama finishes out the quarter with a touchdown. The Alabama touchdown is quickly answered by a Longhorn touchdown. Jake pumps his fist and yells,

"Horn's up!' along with the longhorn hand gesture, his exuberance sloshing Rooster's beer. Rooster rolls his eyes,

"Tone it down, cowboy, you're making me spill over here."

Jake just winks at Rooster and gives him an affectionate elbow to the side.

The Texas touchdown is the most exciting part of the second quarter, the rest of the time spent trading punts and Texas missing a field goal. The game is tied, 10-10 at the half. Everyone hops up to get more drinks and snacks.

As Jake returns to find his seat, he finds Rooster's legs sprawled out into his seat.

"Roo, scooch over, games coming back on," Jake barks.

Rooster's only response is to smirk and pat his thigh. Jake sighs and sits down on Rooster's thigh, ready to watch the game. Coyote raises an eyebrow to Jake as he stays there through the first drive, Jake shrugs him off. Rooster finally pulls his leg in, now that Jake has called his bluff. Texas adds another field goal and pulls ahead of Alabama.

It's the 4th quarter where things start to get interesting. Texas scores another field goal and Jake is using the opportunity to razz Rooster,

"Those pants are going to be mine, bird boy."

"Don't count your chickens before they're hatched, Bagman," he volleys back. Rooster has a smirk on his face when Alabama scores a touchdown and pulls ahead making the score 17 to Texas's 16. The touchdown is answered back with a Texas field goal. The game clock is ticking down and Alabama has the opportunity to pull ahead and likely win if they make the field goal they are setting up for as Rooster leans over his knees. He holds his breath as the kick sails through the air and goes wide.

"Fuck!" he swears, the sound of his curse drowned out by Jake's cheering. Texas has won the game 19 to 17. Jake looks down to Rooster where he sits defeated on the couch,

"Those pants are mine, Bradshaw! Hook 'em!" Jake is strutting around the living room as the last seconds of the game slip away.

"Alright, Roos, time to pay up," he says, the request accompanied by gimme hands. Rooster blushes and demurs,

"Yeah, yeah give me a minute." Jake shrugs knowing Rooster will eventually pay up.

The rest of the squad starts to filter out thanking Hangman for the drinks and hospitality. There is an announcement that people are invited over to Phoenix and Halo's place to watch the Navy- Army game tonight if they're interested, this being a rare year the game is played at night on the west coast. Everybody leaves to go sleep off their buzz, everyone except Rooster, as he still has to make good on the bet.

It might be the uncounted mimosas and beer in his bloodstream but there is something in his gut that is telling Rooster to take a shot. To acknowledge this dance he and Hangman, Jake, have been in since the uranium mission and if he's truthful, years before that. Jake has picked up a few empty beer bottles and heads to the kitchen, as he passes the doorway he calls out to Bradley,

"Time's up! Got to make good on the bet."

Bradley smirks and stands in the doorway to the kitchen and watches as Jake tidies up.

"You said every piece of Bama gear, right?"

he asks, a hint of mischief in his voice. Jake turns around, looking almost exasperated,

"Yes, everything, except the shirt. I wouldn't put it past your incredible lack of taste to have some ugly ass socks with elephants on them or something."

He turns back to scraping the chip dip into a container. Bradley toes off his shoes and pulls a sock off and tosses it towards Jake so it flies through the edge of his vision. Jake snorts,

"See, you don't even surprise me anymore Bradshaw. Of course you have Bama socks, you have a Bama Hawaiian shirt, too?"

The other sock sails past and lands on the floor near the other one. Jake continues to tidy up.

"Unsurprisingly, I do,"

Bradley. answers smirking behind Jake as he unzips knowing what is coming next. The pants don't fly as far as the socks but they slide close to the rapidly forming pile of discarded clothes on the floor.

"Finally, now I can get around to burning that crime against fashion," Jake leans down to pick up the pants and socks. He is wholly unprepared for the next piece of fabric that soars through the air and lands on his face as stands up. He grabs the offending article and pulls it away from himself, trying to identify what it is. A few seconds later, it registers that these are Rooster's boxers, and as awful as they look, crimson with Alabama logos in white, that means he is naked. Jake drops the clothing he is holding in his other hand. He whips his head around to look for Rooster. Rooster is sitting in one of his kitchen chairs. His hands resting on the back of his head, his arms flexed in a way he knows shows them off. Although he's pretty certain that sight is not what has caused Jake's jaw to drop. Bradley has a moment of confidence and is sitting with his legs spread, naked below the waist, and his erect cock and balls on full display for Jake, a shit eating grin on his face as he watches the emotions change on Jake's face like a slot machine while Jake's brain catches up. The look that settles on Jake's face is slightly predatory. He walks over to Bradley slowly, not breaking eye contact.

"Getting off that perch, Rooster?" he teases, voice low and husky. Bradley tries to deny to his brain that his cock twitched at the sound of Jake's voice, but for sure as shit Jake saw it and is smirking.

"I'm off the perch, but you look like you need somewhere to sit, darling," Bradley drawls, voice smooth like honey, as he pats his thighs.

Hangman is a man of decisive action, sometimes called impulsive, but now he is so sure and ready for this he's surprised they hadn't fallen into each other before now. It feels inevitable, destined even. It's that confidence that lets Jake take a seat in Bradley's lap and cradle his face as he gives him, what he hopes, is a life changing kiss. Bradley groans, low and guttural, a combination of the kiss and the friction as his dick is trapped between his stomach and the rough denim covering Jake's own hard and ready cock. Jake slips his tongue into Bradley's groaning mouth and grinds his own hard on against Bradley's.

It's Jake's turn to groan as Bradley's hands slide down his back and into jeans and under his boxer briefs to knead the flesh of his ass and pull him closer. Bradley's lips are sliding down Jake's neck, eliciting a deep sigh of pleasure. Jake is starting to feel overheated and reaches down to pull off his own UT shirt and drop it to the floor.

Bradley leans back as far as he can to get a look at Jake's chest. He brings his large hands up to skim his palms over the chest hair and circles his fingers around Jake's nipples. Leaning forward he kisses Jake's sternum and starts to suck a bruise there while he gently pinches each nipple. There is a breathy sigh of pleasure that emits forth from Jake's mouth from above where he is watching Bradley worship his chest. Just when he thought he couldn't get more turned and aching for relief Bradley's lips and tongue move on from the now apparent hickey on Jake's chest and out to lavish their attention on Jake's nipple. The wet contact on his nipple sends a zing of pleasure down Jake's spine and his cock twitches in response. Jake has his hands on the back of Bradley's head and is carding through the brunette curls at the base of his neck. With an almost pornographic slurp sound Bradley pulls off Jake's nipple, causing Jake to honest to God whines at the loss of contact, Bradley huffs out a soft laugh at Jake's neediness.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to play with your tits," he whispers out his dark brown eyes looking up into Jake's jade green ones. That confession earns Bradley another hard grind from Jake's hips. Bradley's eyes flutter closed at the contact as Jake responds,

"You've been thinking about my tits, Roo? You think about me when you jerk off?"

"All the time, think about cumming on your tits and it sends me over the edge," Bradley answers, his eyes open and meeting Jake's heavy lidded gaze down.

"Fuck," Jake is grinding his hips in a constant rythym now, "I–," he stutters as Bradley works his other nipple between tongue and teeth, "I want you to."

"Want me to do what, darling?" Bradley asks before returning his attention to sucking a hickey next to Jake's nipple. He looks upward as a hot red flush creeps up Jake's neck to his face, Jake closes his eyes and says almost too quietly,

"Cum on me, on my tits."

Bradley moans long and hard at the thought.

"We'll get there, sweetheart. First, I need to get your dick in my mouth," Bradley rasps, his face still buried between Jake's pecs. He slides his hands to Jake's hips and gives him a gentle pull to stand up. Bradley stands up with him and they continue kissing and making out for a brief moment before Bradley spins them so Jake is standing in front of the chair. Bradley slowly drops to his knees and kisses down the golden treasure trail to Jake's belt buckle. He notices it for the first time and lets out a laugh,

"You cannot give me shit for my Bama gear, when you gave a literal Texas belt buckle. It's like the worst shaped state ever for a belt buckle, can't be comfortable."

Jake is far too turned on and horny to come up with a witty retort and all he can muster up is,

"It's good luck,"

especially when Bradley nuzzles his nose and face into the hair just above the offending belt buckle.

"Lucky, indeed,"

Bradley murmurs as he undoes Jake's belt and slides his jeans and underwear down in one motion. Jake's cock springs free of the fabric and Bradley eagerly swipes at precome pooling at the slit with his finger before sliding it in his mouth. Bradley's eyes close at the taste, and he pulls the finger out of his mouth with a loud pop. Jake's eyes go wide and he sits heavily down in the chair, overwhelmed.

"Rooster," Jake whines, drawing out the o sound. Bradley huffs out a small laugh in the crease of Jake's thigh,

"You need something, baby?"

He distracts Jake even more by running tongue down his abs, one by one.

"Need you to touch me, anything," Jake pants, his hands lightly on Bradley's hair. Bradley laughs,

"I got you baby, enjoy the scenery," he is staring at Jake's cock like it's the Mona Lisa, he looks up to Jake's pleading face, "I am."

Without any warning Bradley takes Jake's entire length in one motion, the head easily slipping down his throat, his nose nestling into the curls at the root.

"Jesus fucking Christ,"

Jake pants, his chest heaving at the intensity.

"Warn a guy next time,"

he squeaks out his brain having gone haywire at the sensation and the knowledge that Bradley fucking Bradshaw is on his knees in Jake's kitchen deep throating his dick like a pro. Bradley pulls back and begins to suck Jake's cock in earnest, his hands coming up to gently cup Jake's balls in one hand the other wrapping around his dick. He settles into a rhythm, not too fast nor excruciatingly slow. As he looks up he takes in the sight of Jake's chest heaving as he pants out praise to Bradley,

"Fuck, you are too good that."

Bradley moans, the words turning him even more, Jake picks up on it.

"You like that, hearing how fucking, oh my God, how," Jake stutters out, his own words faltering as he barrells towards his climax,

"How good you are at sucking my cock. Fuck, Bradley."

The fact that Jake has called him Bradley settles in the back of his brain, something he will think about later, not now because he has Jake's cock in his mouth, finally.

"You were made to suck cock, fuck," Jake breath hitches, "I'm going to cum."

Bradley takes the warning as a sign to suck harder and he's rewarded with Jake flooding his mouth as he cums, above Bradley Jake shouts out a long moan mixed with curse words, his head going slack and tipping back over the chair. Bradley holds Jake's cock in his mouth as he swallows Jake's cum. Jake's head snaps back up,

"Did you just swallow?" he asks, face in shock.

A hot flush blooms on Bradley's face, he gently pulls off Jake's sensitive cock.

"I did, I'm nice," is all he can think of to say, a memory of a sticker from his teenage years, "Mean People Spit, Nice People Swallow", coming to his mind at the moment for some unknown reason. He holds his breath for Jake's reaction. Jake laughs,

"Forget nice, you're a walking wet dream."

Bradley lets the breath out as he stands up. Jake snags his hand and pulls him so that Bradley is standing over him, Jake's leg in between Bradley's.

Jake leans over to and takes Bradley's dick in his hand. He starts stroking it in a soft slow rhythm,

"You're dripping, baby. So ready to cum, aren't you?"

Bradley pathetically whines from the sensation and the sudden switch of the dynamic between them,

"Yes, please."

Jake huffs out a gentle laugh, not in a derisive way, but with a sympathetic tone. He leans down and takes Bradley's dick into his mouth and Bradley has to remind himself to breathe, the pleasure overwhelming even his base reflexes. Jake bobs up and down a few times more, concentrating on getting Bradley's dick wet enough to stroke him. When he's satisfied with his progress he pulls off Bradley's cock in a long slow slide. Bradley's words have devolved into moans and other sounds.

Jake's hand immediately fills in the spot that his mouth left vacant around Bradley. He starts to jerk off him rapidly and he starts talking,

"So good for me, Bradley, I've never had anyone suck my cock as good as you did."

The praise and its effects causes Bradley's brain and breath to hitch.

"Can't wait to see how good you fuck me, think you can cum on my tits like you've dreamed about, sweetheart?"

Jake practically coos to Bradley. It's the heady combination of the promise of a next time, the praise, the term of endearment, and the fulfillment of one of his dirty fantasies that sends Bradley over the edge. He forces his eyes open to watch as his long ropes of white cum land on Jake's chest hair. The downy softness of his chest hair absorbs the cum and Bradley stares, mind hazy from the orgasm, as Jake runs a finger over his nipple, collecting some of it on his finger. Bradley's eyes go wide when Jake presses the finger to his tongue and moans,

"You taste so good, next time you can cum in my mouth."

He winks at Bradley and Bradley's brain is trying to catch up to the moment Jake Seresin became a porn star, because this feels so surreal.

When Jake laughs as he stands, asking,

"Roo, you still with me?" Bradley comes back online.

"Yeah, still here," he rasps out, the enormity of what they have just done hitting him like a ton of bricks. His eyes must give him away, because Jake reaches out to take his hands in his.

"Hey, are you okay?" Jake asks kind and soft and Bradley adds "Nice Jake" to the rapidly growing pile of shit he has to figure out.

"I should go," is all Bradley can think to say, he stoops to collect his clothing pulling his hands away from Jake's, the panic rising. Jake grabs his shoulder, grounding him for the moment.

"We should talk about this, us," Jake says as he gestures to the space between them.

"Yeah, later, later," Bradley babbles out, still holding his clothing.

Jake's other hand lands on his other shoulder,

"I can hear you panicking, Bradley. You think you've fucked up…us. You –we haven't."

Bradley nods and Jake continues,

"I'd give you a hug to reassure you that is not the case, but obviously," he sweeps a hand over his come covered chest and Bradley can feel himself getting hard again as he laughs, sounding a little unhinged. He shakes his head trying to clear the thought. Jake's hands move to frame Bradley's face his thumb gently tracing the scar on Bradley's face.

"I think we both knew this was a long time coming. I really like you and I'd like to date you, like properly."

Bradley's brain flatlines, he can almost hear the unchanging tone, "What? Like a relationship?" he squeaks, his voice going high at the end.

"Yes, can I take you out to dinner?" Bradley dumbly nods again, brain still on overdrive.

"I need words, Bradley."

Bradley's breath flows out of him, relief flooding in so fast he visibly sags. He leans into Jake's hand on his face and covers it with his own,

"Yes, I'd like that a lot," he gulps some air in, "Sorry, had a little freak out."

Jake chuckles,

"I noticed. Here," he takes the clothes out of Bradley's hands and puts them on the chair.

"Come take a shower with me," he says as he looks down at his chest, "The least you can do is to help me clean up after the mess you made." Jake starts to step towards the bathroom, presumably. There is a fondness to his voice that Bradley notices and it soothes the rough edges of his brain where the panic is holding on.

"I suppose," he responds and takes a few steps and wraps his arms around Jake, bringing the blond's back to his chest. He kisses the side of Jake's neck and says into his skin,

"I really like you, too."

Jake spins around, a giant smile across his face.

"That's a good start, let's get to that shower," Jake grabs his hands and pulls him along, with a laugh. Bradley is smiling wide at the thought of something real with Jake. He has a few moments of daydreaming as Jake gets the shower ready, what a future with Jake at his side would look like. He's brought back to the present when Jake shakes some water at him. Bradley laughs and takes off his t-shirt to step into the shower. He wraps his arms around Jake and sinks into the moment and the heady high of the promise of something, together. His poetic moment is crashed in true Jake fashion, when Jake mumbles from Bradley's shoulder,

"I'm still burning those pants. Dating or not."

Bradley's only response is to laugh and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

[seresinsbabe]

Conveniently Yours

Pairing: Jake Seresin x fem!reader

Synopsis: In a desperate attempt to pay for your mom's cancer treatment you take a job as a dancer at one of NYC's prestigious strip clubs where you meet Jake Seresin who just happens to need a wife.

Warnings: Allusions to cancer and cancer treatment, alcohol consumption. This is another easy chapter

Word count: 2.6k

THIS BLOG AND ITS FICS ARE 18+! MINORS DNI!

A/N: I know I said I'd have this out yesterday but then tequila happened sooooo

I do not consent to having any of my work shared on any other platform. If you see any rendition of my works on another site know that it has been posted without my permission.

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Jake Seresin. 

CEO Seresin Software

555.456.7788

You fiddled with the card in your hands. Reading the shiny black printed words over and over and then flipping it to the back.

Think about it. -J

555.345.6543

It had been a week since that night and you’d stared at that card what felt like a million times. What the fuck were you going to do? This wasn’t some simple passing opportunity. This would affect the entire trajectory of your life. This was an actual legal, binding marriage to a man you only knew through tabloids and media outlets. Which was another scary aspect to all of this. If you accepted this offer your entire life would be picked clean through by the media. 

You didn’t have any dirty, life altering secrets, but that didn’t mean you wanted everything about you to be put on display for the whole world to see. And you knew that you wouldn’t be able to be a wife in hiding. The whole issue was Jake’s debauchery with women. He needed you to show your face and make it look like someone had finally tamed him.

It was laughable. The idea that someone as meek and mild as you could tame the likes of Jake Seresin. He’d been attracted to your stripper persona. Sapphire was a different person than you. Sapphire wore a blue wig, skimpy clothes and was confident in what she did. Hell, you were still developing Sapphire as a whole. Sure, maybe once he pulled that wig off you were no longer Sapphire, but you were still in the club. You were still working. Whether or not you were spilling your guts and laughing with him.

With a sigh you grabbed your old laptop and fired it up. The thing was on its final days, evidenced by the loud hum it constantly made and the way it got hot real fast. Still it worked well enough for you to search Jake. It was eerie how you were able to find basically his whole life story in a few searches.

He was born October 21,1989 in Austin, Texas. Where the family lived up until he was about fifteen. When the company really started to take off and his father moved the family out to New York. He went back to Texas for both his Undergrad and his masters. 

“So he’s a Longhorns fan…” you mused silently. Remembering how your dad had been an Oklahoma Sooners fan. He hated the Longhorns with a passion. 

Jake had three sisters, all of whom were as equally beautiful as Jake himself was. The family had some damn good genes. The two eldest ones looked a little…bitchy. The youngest one looked sweet. Her smile was genuine as she clung to the man you could only assume was her husband or fiancé. His mother didn’t look very agreeable, her smile was forced and you were certain if you went through with this she would hate you. His dad you couldn’t get a read on. Certainly if his mother hated you, his father would too.

From there the info was centered on his antics. Picture after picture of him with models and heiresses. Women that were of his caliber. Beautiful, rich, had probably never lifted a finger in their life or ever had to consider stripping for money. He was hardly ever spotted with the same woman more than a few times. If even more than once. Why hadn’t he just asked one of these women to be his wife? Surely they would jump at the bit, no questions asked.

You let out a defeated groan and collapsed back on your bed. Inside your head felt like a war zone between the side that wanted you to tell him yes and the side that wanted nothing to do with him.

The sound of your phone going off made you jump from your confused daze. It was probably Nat wanting to go get dinner or drinks or something. You didn’t answer, knowing she would just text you about it instead. Only instead of the familiar ding of a text alert your phone just started ringing again. You sat up, immediately worried that something was wrong. Which was only exacerbated when you noticed it wasn’t Natasha calling you.

“Hello?” You answered.

“Y/N?” Jake’s voice came through the speaker and your eyes shot open wide.

How did he get your number? “How did you get my number?” You knew why he was calling. He wanted to know if you had an answer.

“I have my ways.” God that sounded creepy. It was creepy, but he was rich. He probably had ways of getting anything he wanted. “So…have you decided?” 

You swallowed hard. 

“Not yet,” he let out a sigh on the other end of the receiver. “But I will have it for you tomorrow night.” Where that had come from you weren’t sure, but now that you’d said it you knew you’d have to follow through with it. 

“Perfect, we’ll meet for dinner. I’ll send a car for you at 6:30.” Your stomach did a somersault. The way he spoke sounded so sure that you were going to say yes. Otherwise he wouldn’t need a dinner, just a call or a text. 

Another call started coming through. This time it was Nat. “Nat is calling me, I have to go.”

“The one that got you the job at the club?” The fact he’d remembered that little tidbit took you by surprise. Then again he did seem incredibly smart, perhaps he just had a good memory.

“Uh yeah. Her. 6:30?” You asked. Natasha’s call had come and went.

“6:30. See you then.” And the line clicked silent. Your phone dinged with a text from Nat asking to meet for some drinks.

About an hour later you found yourself at some corner bar, sitting in a back booth with a gin and tonic recounting the story to Nat. You weren’t sure you should actually share it with her, but he hadn’t explicitly told you not to. Even if Natasha told someone they wouldn’t believe her. 

You still weren’t entirely sure you believed this was all happening. Maybe you just ate some bad food and this was some food poisoning induced hallucination. You would come out of it as soon as you vomited and shit all the bad food out. Except you weren’t that capable of convincing yourself this wasn’t real. It was all too real and you didn’t know what to do about it.

“How did it feel sitting in his lap? Is he as hot in person as he is in pictures? Did you fuck him? Does he have a nice cock?” Nat hit you with a barrage of questions and the last one had you nearly choking on your drink. 

“Christ Nat!” You managed once you finished your coughing fit.

She just shrugged at you innocently as if those were perfectly normal questions to ask about someone. “What? I’ve never actually seen him at the club. I know he’s been but he usually already has a private room booked before he arrives.” Of course he did. That didn’t surprise you. You were sure he had a few of the girls that were his favorites.

“Anyway…he’s even hotter and I wouldn’t know about little Seresin because I didn’t fuck him! That’s against the rules!” The dark haired beauty gave you a pointed look. The No Sex rule had never really stopped anyone before. Especially not when the customers were fronting as much money as they were. You followed the rule. It wasn’t that you didn’t fuck, but you definitely weren’t about to cross that line into what was basically prostitution. 

Then again you were contemplating marrying some uber rich man to pay for your mom's chemo. So were you really any better?

“What should I do though? I mean this is a big fucking deal Nat!” You sunk back into the booth, wrapping your arms around yourself as you felt the anxiety of it all start to settle in.

Natasha’s features softened as she realized just how much you were needing her in that moment. “Okay I mean I’ll be honest, I don’t really see the downfall of the situation. He’s hot, he’s rich, it’s mutually beneficial. No feelings are involved and you’ll get a clean divorce? Maybe he’ll even give you a good amount in the divorce settlement to live off. Or maybe you can finally finish school while you’re married. Seriously, what’s holding you back?” Nat pushed her empty glass to the side, having finished her whiskey sour.

“I mean the fact that it’s an actual fucking marriage?”

“Is there anyone in your life that a marriage would jeopardize your chances with?”

“No.” 

There wasn’t a single man in your life that you had any sort of romantic feelings for. When your mom got sick you had kind of pushed any focus on a relationship to the side to focus on her.

“Okay so it’s a legal marriage, but marriages between people who thought they were in love end in divorce all the time. At least you won’t have to experience heartbreak with this one.” That much was true. You couldn’t see yourself falling for Jake and you were sure he would continue his debauchery in secret. You were just the cover up. The one that would make him look good in front of the media and to his company. And there was no way you could fall for a man watching him act like that all the time. 

You grabbed your gin and tonic, sucking down a decent amount of it. Your eyes stared so hard at the grain on the table you might as well have committed the pattern to memory.

“What about actually having to act like his wife? All the media and the pressure to make it believable?” You weren’t sure you could actually pull that aspect of the plan off.

“Just pretend it’s like the club. You have to act like everything those guys want when you’re on their lap.” This all seemed like too much. You were quickly becoming overwhelmed. Nat was making good points. “And…you likely won’t ever have to step foot in Birdie again. I know you hate working there. It’s not who you are, it’s what you had to become. It’s unorthodox, but it’s your best shot at getting out.” Fuck. She was right and you hated it.

If you didn’t agree to this you would be stuck working at Birdie for the foreseeable future.

Natasha watched your face as you went through the five stages of grief until finally landing on acceptance. 

“Holy shit. My best friend is marrying Jake Seresin!” She said a little too loudly and you immediately had to shush her. Luckily no one was paying attention or at least it seemed like it. “Okay, it’s still early, we need to get you a dress to wear to this proposal dinner tomorrow.” Natasha was way more excited about this than you were and if it weren’t for her boyfriend, Bob, you’d try to convince Jake to ask Natasha to be his wife instead.

Your stomach was in your ass the next night as you waited for the car to arrive. It felt like time was passing so slow. The navy blue dress you had on was far more posh than anything you’d worn before. Much pricier as well. Nat had been the one to talk you into buying it. She said it made you look like the million bucks you were about to be worth. Though, you weren’t so sure about that, it did look good on you.

It had a sweetheart neckline that accentuated the natural swell of your breasts. It hugged your curves tastefully. And with the French twist you’d put your hair in, a few pieces left out to frame your face, the tasteful makeup and diamond jewelry you had to admit you looked expensive. The diamond necklace and earrings had been a gift from your parents when you graduated high school and wearing them seemed to help you feel a little better about this all. 

“Sweetheart, are you sure you want to do this?” Your mothers sweet voice spoke from the doorway of your room. When you’d gotten home last night you’d broken down and told her what was going on. Not that you ever had the intent of not telling her, but you had wanted to wait until it was all set after your dinner with Jake. Ellen had been able to tell something was off and you cracked easily when it came to your mother.

Slipping your feet into a pair of nude heels you looked up at her. “Yes, mama,” you smiled weakly at her. “It’s not ideal but it’s better than working at Birdie.” Your mom let out a sigh. She couldn’t argue with that. 

This was never something she’d envisioned for either of you, but especially not for her daughter. A knock came at the front door of your townhouse — they were here. “I’m doing this for both of us.” You gave her a kiss on the cheek before moving around her and towards the door.

A man in a nice suit with kind eyes stood at the door. “Miss Byers?” His voice was just as kind as his eyes. You nodded with a soft smile. “I’m Charlie, I’ll be your chauffeur to Mr. Seresin’s tonight.” He informed you as he led you out to the car. 

It was a sleek car, all black with way tinted windows. On the inside it had all the bells and whistles. The exact kind of car you’d imagine a tech giant would own.

Charlie was sweet, keeping polite conversation the entire drive. He reminded you a lot of your father. Still you couldn’t shake the notion that you weren’t dining out at some ultra expensive restaurant. You were going to Jake’s place.

It took you a few moments but you finally brought it up. “You said you’re taking me to Mr. Seresin’s?” You phrased the question so that Charlie would understand it was in fact a question.

“Yes, Miss Byers. Mr. Seresin thought it best to have dinner at his place.” Your eyes went wide momentarily. Going to Jake’s place? That felt too intimate, then again maybe he didn’t want to be seen with you until he knew you were going to agree.

You watched all the buildings pass on the drive, trying your hardest not to pick at the fresh polish on your nails. A nervous habit you had picked up long ago. Keeping any sort of polish on your nails was nearly impossible unless you had gone to a salon. Whatever they used was nearly unmovable without acetone.

The knot that had started forming in your stomach only grew more when your eyes took in the massive building Charlie pulled into. It was all glass windows in the Lincoln Square part of Manhattan. You didn’t even want to know what the price tag of even one of the standard rentable apartments was in the building. 

Charlie walked with you, leading you into the elevator. Your steady steps in the heels exuded a level of confidence that you didn’t actually have at the moment. He punched in a special code on the elevator panel and seconds later you felt it start to rise. Your fingers drummed nervously on your thigh as the elevator took you up. Floor after floor after floor. Of course he had to live on the highest floor. It was Jake Fucking Seresin.

Just as your anxiety over the whole situation started to peak and you were contemplating leaving the elevator dinged. 

As the doors opened you were met with that same green gaze, the one that was about to make or break your future.

@love2write2626 @cherrycola27 @chaoticversion @3in1shampooconditionerbodywash @alldaysdreamers @sexytholland @mishala005 @a-serene-place-to-be @emma8895eb @aemondssiut @averyhotchner @blairfox04 @realdirectionx @rintheemolion @xoxabs88xox @clancycucumber230 @inky-sun @ilovewhalesharks444 @gigisimsonmars @imnotcreativeenoughforthisblog @bl6o6dy @potato-girl99981 @emorychase @hangmandruigandmav

[writingsbyren]

God Blessed Texas | J.S.

Pairing: Jake Seresin x fem!reader

Warning(s): 18+ due to explicit unprotected sexual intercourse (p in v), oral sex (m receiving), dirty talk, light choking, exhibitionism, established relationship - Minors, do NOT interact

Summary: Jake and reader have always had a healthy, active sex life during the course of their relationship. But when she gets turned on, she can’t stop herself from getting her hands on him, despite his entire squad in attendance.

A/N: Feels so good to be back! Finally managed to break out of my writer’s block by putting this little piece together after falling head over heels for Hangman. Let’s just hope y’all can see it and I don’t get shadowbanned.

Between the television on full blast and the group of aviators in her living room, the unmistakable sound of college football filled the entire house. It seemed as though the majority of the Dagger squad surrounded the TV, eyes glued to the screen as they watched her boyfriend’s beloved Texas Longhorns play. It didn’t matter how hard she tried, it was impossible for her to take her eyes off of him. Even in that gawdy rust orange that she secretly had grown to love (though she would never admit it), he did things to her that she couldn’t explain. Little things caught her attention and drove her wild, like the way he nervously licked his lips while his team played defense or his boisterous voice when they secured the first down. When he threw his hands up, celebrating the first Longhorns touchdown of the game, she mustered up every ounce of self control to keep herself from lunging forward at the mere sight of his exposed stomach. Even if it was the smallest glimpse for a nanosecond. She was parched, absolutely thirsty for the man.

The worst part was, he damn well knew it.

In an effort to distract herself, she disappeared into the kitchen to prepare more food, despite the the finger foods that already covered every square inch of their dining room table. Absentmindedly, she opened a bag of chips and poured them into a serving bowl before she made her way into the living room without a word. She placed the bowl in the center of the coffee table, which seemed to distract the rest of the squad, who immediately went for it as she walked around to the back of the couch. Bending down, she ran her fingers through the sandy blonde hair at the nape of his neck before her lips pressed against the shell of Jake’s ear. Attempting to be as quiet as possible, she whispered, “I know you’re busy right now but whenever you get a sec, I’d love to have your cock down my throat.” With a sweet peck to his cheek, she disappeared, heading in the direction of their shared bedroom with a bright smile and rose tinted cheeks. That was a first for her. Usually, he was the one with the filthy mouth, whispering naughty things to rile her up or to help push her over the edge. Part of her wished she could be in the other room, so she could witness the expression on his handsome face firsthand.

As she perched herself on the edge of the mattress, Jake slipped through the door, wearing a proud smile. “You dirty little thing,” he drawled, locking the door behind him. Strolling over to her, green eyes raked over her body. From head to toe, he drank her in. She smiled triumphantly, gaze locked with his as he slotted himself between her legs. They shared a heated look for a short moment before his mouth found hers. He cupped her face in his palms, wasting no time, slipping his tongue into her awaiting mouth, eliciting a soft moan from her throat. She slipped her hands underneath his jersey, fingertips tracing the ridges of his abdomen. He broke their kiss, pulling back enough to look into her eyes with a devilish grin. “I believe there was something you wanted,” he teased, tracing her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. Keeping her eyes locked with his, she nodded, licking her lips. Her hands fell to his belt, where she quickly went to work undoing the buckle. Turning her head, her lips parted briefly before wrapping around his thumb, gently sucking it into her mouth as she worked on the zipper of his jeans. “Fuck,” he groaned, voice thick with arousal. She released his thumb with a smile, tugging at the edge of his shirt. “I need to see you,” she whispered breathlessly. He wasted no time giving her what she wanted, reaching over his head and fisting a hand in the material before pulling it off his body completely. He didn’t have time to toss the fabric to the floor before her mouth was on him. She trailed wet, open mouth kisses down his chest until she pushed him back, just enough to allow her room to drop to her knees in front of him. With her eyes locked with his, she tugged down his jeans until they were pooled around his ankles. “Shit, baby,” he hissed when she mouthed his painfully hard cock through his boxer-briefs. Thankfully, she pulled the thin fabric down, allowing it to join his jeans as his erection sprung free.

Grabbing him by the base, she looked up at him through hooded eyes, her tongue connecting with his red, swollen tip. “Oh fuck,” he groaned, making her smile. The only thing that turned her on more than her boyfriend’s painfully good looks or his unbelievable body? The sounds he made during sex. As soon as she wrapped her lips around him, Jake’s hands tangled in her hair at the crown of her head. His jaw went slack, watching as he guided her to take the rest of him into her mouth. Although she gagged when he first touched the back of her throat, she closed her eyes and relaxed, taking a quick breath through her nostrils before going to work. “Baby, you look so damn pretty with my cock in your mouth,” he drawled, fighting the urge to rock his hips and fuck her face. He was usually the one in control. Therefore, on rare occasions where she took the lead, he happily followed.

She pulled back, removing just enough of him from her mouth to circle her tongue around his tip before sliding the rest of him back inside. He tugged at her roots and she moaned, the vibrations causing a grunt to fall from his parted lips. She squeezed her thighs together, searching for any kind of friction against her neglected clit. Going down on Jake was always something she enjoyed but there was something about him towering over her while she was on her knees that drove her wild. The roughness of his hands in her hair, the feel of his meaty thighs flexing under her palms, the wispy blonde hairs that he kept perfectly trimmed tickling her nose when she took every inch of him into her mouth. He dominated all of her senses and she could never get enough.

As she lost herself in him, his own resolve shattered in record time. “Fuck, let me look at you,” he demanded as he pulled her off of his cock with one hand, caressing her cheek with the other. In a matter of minutes, she went from looking perfectly dolled up to absolutely wrecked. Eyes watering, lips red and swollen, spit evident on her chin. There wasn’t a single doubt in his mind, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Then she smiled, still kneeling in front of him, looking at him like he hung the stars in the sky. His trademark smile lit up his face as he studied her face, whispering a quiet, “I love you.” He didn’t wait for her to respond before crashing his lips to hers.

Before she knew it, he was depositing her on the bed, easily maneuvering her body so she was lying on her stomach against the mattress with him behind her. The soft moment from before was long gone, replaced by a needy Hangman that physically ached to be inside of his girl. “Fuck me, Jake,” she begged, gasping as he yanked down shorts, the tiny pair of underwear she had on going with them. “Yes ma’am,” he murmured, Texas accent on full display as he grasped her hip with one hand, guiding his cock into her entrance sigh the other. By the grace of all things holy, her wetness allowed him to slide into home with one single thrust. He moaned, fully sheathed inside of her sweet cunt. “Oh shit,” she cried out at the sudden fullness, dropping her forehead against the bed as she gripped the comforter. “You feel so good, baby,” he stated, peppering kisses along her shoulder blades as he teased her with long, languid thrusts. He held her hip tight, fingertips digging into her flesh, keeping her ass flush against his hips as he reached forward, placing his hand over the back of hers and interlocking their fingers. With every push and pull of his hips, she could feel his muscles flex against her back, his warm breath ghosting the shell of her ear as he fucked her nice and slow. She squeezed his fingers, turning her head in search of his lips. He pulled back, shaking his head as he chucked quietly. “So desperate. You need more, honey?” She nodded, clenching around him.

Slowly, he increased the speed of his hips, still focusing on depth as he gave in, kissing her with every ounce of love he could muster, drinking in her little sounds. He released her hip, dragging his hand up her body before curling his fingers around her neck. She mewled under his touch and he smirked, fucking her with reckless abandon.

He knew they didn’t have long. By how, everyone was most likely aware the couple had slipped out for a quickie. But something about making his girl cum, while his coworkers sat in the other room spurred him on. “Goddamn, baby. I’m gonna cum,” he warned, continuing the perfect rhythm he had created. He knew she was close by the way she clenched around him, so when he applied just the slightest pressure to her neck, it was no surprise that she fell apart. “Jake,” she whined against his lips, body shaking underneath him as he held her close, spilling deep inside of her.

The sound of heavy breaths filled the air as the couple collapsed onto the bed. A content sigh escaped her lips, while he smiled from one ear to the other. Reluctantly, he pulled out and rolled off of her, disappearing into the bathroom and emerging with a warm, wet wash cloth. Jake Seresin knew all about aftercare.

After cleaning her up and helping her dress, he decided to do the same for himself. While he stepped onto his jeans, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. She stood in front of the vanity, brushing her hair in an attempt to put herself back together. He didn’t have the heart to tell her the freshly fucked glow, which she didn’t have before, would quickly give their secret away. Instead, he just smiled, tugging the jersey back over his head.

The loud sound of jeers mixed with a string of curse words caught their attention. Having completely forgotten about the game, Jake opened the bedroom door and sprinted to the living room, green eyes wide before settling on the television. “What happened?”

Coyote rolled his eyes, unable to hold back a laugh. Beside him, Bradshaw reached for his wallet, mumbling something under his breath.

“Longhorns won,” Natasha elaborated as Rooster, who looked like a wounded puppy, handed over a twenty-dollar bill to Payback. Everyone else seemed to be devouring the remainder of the food in the dining room.

Shaking his head, Jake took a seat, watching a replay of the last few plays that he missed while he was preoccupied. Y/N crawled onto his lap, offering him an ice-cold beer and a heart-stopping smile. “What’s gotten into you?” He asked, lifting the bottle to his lips, downing half the liquid in seconds. She shrugged, eyes flickering down his jersey before meeting his eyes. “God blessed Texas,” she grinned, quoting one of his favorite songs that he sang all the time.

[hogletthe2nd]

omg srry this took a bit life got me, anyways small headcanon list for Kinoverse let’s GOOO

CTubbo was originally a bull hybrid, he was a longhorn I believe. I think I planned on changing the horns a bit because they reminded me to much of Tavros horns.

CRanboo is a mix between an end enderman and white water Enderman which FUN FACT, the white water enderman was inspired off that whole white enderman thing that happened a long time ago.

— Adding onto this, CRanboos childhood literally sucked. He probably has scars all over his body from other enderman biting, clawing, hurting him because he looked different. He also basically had no group/pack because of the fact that he couldn’t blend in to either of the environments.

CTommy use to have wings, CDream cut them off.

CWilburs wings are abnormally large, not in a cool way either. He can’t really lift them much anymore or fly with them. They tend to drag against the ground, and get dirty very quickly. Doesn’t take care of them either so..

— it gets so bad that they sometimes get stuck in the ground. Since he lives in a marsh type area. Later on they are cut off because they are way too messed up and damaged. They also impacted his life way too much.

CTechnoblade is the biggest hermit ever. After Phil dies, Wilbur and Tommy run away(both at different times) he becomes a shut in. He definitely won’t admit it though tbh.

CQuackity is a call duck hybrid, he also can’t fly. Maybe he can fall slowly like origins Tommy or something.

CSapnap is a failed antichrist.

CBBH is a cult leader, of what who knows I don’t yet.

Okay I’m gonna stop for now before it gets to long, ur turn @emeralds-and-piglins

[hangmanbradshaw]

I know you’ve probably seen this but I need you to see it again and know how important it is to me that he was looking this good and answering this question while he was less than 1 hour away from me… breathing the same Arizona air I breathe every day of my life… https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3MoX-AuRoN/?igsh=aGd6cmx2cXhmZnNt (I will excuse myself now)

god that really is such a good look on him. Miles Teller and his long drink hat are now in competition with that black longhorns hate Glen is obsessed with lmao. Also his little 'I'm not gonna answer' I wanna squeeze him hahaha (also ummm hi Arizona!!! I lived in Phoenix for a while! Still have family in Sedona area.)

[8one6]

Ever since I was in high school (in the before times, in the long, long ago) I had dreamed of taking road trip. Just me, my car (in high school it was a Cadillac Hearse that got absolutely awful gas mileage and high school me used to bitch about gas when it went over a $1 a gallon), and the open road, but I never managed to do it. Sometimes it was money, sometimes it was lack of opportunity, sometimes it was just the fear of doing something new.

In my mid-30s I finally did it and let me tell you it was one of the best experiences of my life.

A few years ago (2022 to be exact) my boss made me take a vacation in the spring (mostly because I had two years of pto from not using it during the lockdown years, but also because he was legitimately concerned with my stress levels, but anyway) and that year I decided to take two weeks to see all three Meow Wolf locations in one big trip. (Convergence Station is the coolest one btw, with Omega-Mart a close second.)

I70 through Kansas is a zen experience if you make the drive at night. Endless fields of stars and farmland, accompanied by whatever podcast you queued up for the drive.

Visited family in Denver, spent a day at Convergence Station, and the drive to Santa Fe was like driving through a postcard!

The House of Eternal Return was neat (IMO it relies a little too much on backstory you can only really get from sitting down and reading a lot of the SCP-style documents lying around the house, but unless you rented the entire place for the day you're competing with dozens of other people who are also trying to read the same thing.), I stayed at this cool, fully restored Route 66 vintage motel called the El Rey Court (A++, would stay again), and then I was off to Las Vegas.

There's a trick i40 plays on you. You'll be driving through some incredibly beautiful but still harsh desert wasteland (I passed more than one husk of an abandoned building on that stretch of highway) and then all of a sudden you're in a lush green forest. It was seriously as close to passing from one Minecraft biome to another as you can get in real life. (I also stopped at Meteor Crater National Landmark. It was cool.)

Just outside of Vegas I got two incredibly singular experiences. The first was seeing a tumbleweed in real life for the first time. I swear, I was alone in my car and I said out loud "Holy shit they're real!!!" The second was driving through an actual sand storm. In hindsight I should have pulled over and let it pass, but no one else on the road was doing it, so I just crawled through it at 30mph.

I spent a few nights in Las Vegas. Visited Omega-Mart (super cool, I recommend it), watched Blue Man Group (also very cool, also highly recommend), got to see a Penn & Teller show live (a fucking dream of mine since I was a little kid!!!), and had the best meal of my life.

Honestly, before that trip if you told me there was a difference between a $20 steak from Longhorn and a $100 steak from an actual steak restaurant I'd have called bullshit. I was in Las Vegas, I figured "This is likely the last time I'll take a trip like this, fuck it, why not splurge."

Oh my sweet raptor christ! The $100 steak was worth every cent!

What followed was a day of driving through beautiful parts of Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, including the most nerve-wracking stretch of highway through the mountains (literally through them in one spot. The Eisenhower tunnel is a little more than a mile and a half of tunnel bored straight through the spine of the Americas). A brief stop to sleep, and then 14 hours straight on home.

It was a fantastic trip. Two weeks away from home, from work, from any responsibility, the first time off since 2019. Two weeks of moving to my own schedule and crossing things off of the bucket list.