#ex-tassy

[hangmanssunnies]

The Hangman Special

Summary: On a night out with your friends at a fancy cocktail bar, you are just trying to keep your head down and ignore the girl that your ex cheated on you with. The night only seems like it's going to get worse when you are dared to kiss a stranger at the bar. However, it seems like the odds might finally be in your favor when you notice a familiar set of broad shoulders. If you can be convincing, you think you might just be able to get your brother's friend Jake "Hangman" Seresin to help you out with your little problem.

Pairings: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Word count: 7k

AO3 Link

Warnings: 18+ only, kissing, hot and heavy make-outs, exs, truth or dare, bad friends.

Author's note: Dreaming about kissing Jake in a bar. Thanks to everyone who looked at earlier drafts of this. I hope you enjoy this if you take a chance to read. My inbox is always open if you want to let me know your thoughts. Reblogs with your thoughts, opinions, and tags are gold to me. I love reading through them.

The bar is buzzing with the loud chatter of patrons, the clinking of glasses, and the rhythmic beat of music. You are sitting at a corner table with your friends, a group with an eclectic mix of personalities. You are known for being more on the shy and reserved side, but tonight, you are even more withdrawn than usual. No one had mentioned that Tassie had also been invited to the evening's hang out at the bar. An oversight you felt was probably intentional since everyone knew Tassie had started dating your ex only a week after your breakup. She went so far as to post a picture of them together on her Instagram. It had been a few months since that happened, and until now, you had managed to avoid running into her. However, it seemed like luck had run out.

"Hey, I've got an idea that would spice up the night," Cece says after the first round of drinks. She is one of your bold and outspoken friends, and you aren't sure you like how she is eyeing you with a mischievous glint. "Let's play truth or dare." 

The whole group groans at the suggestion, and one of your friends vaguely wonders if you're all still in middle school playing that kind of game. Despite the initial lack of enthusiasm, after another round of drinks, the group is laughing and entrenched in the game. 

When Cece sings your name when she finishes her turn, you are nervous by the sly smile she is wearing as she formulates an option for you when you hesitantly concede to doing a dare. "You're the only one of us still single, so I dare you to go over to the bar and give somebody a kiss." 

"What?!" 

"Just a quick one, nothing too scandalous," Cece says placatingly. "Come on, live a little! It's just a bit of fun. What's the worst that could happen?"

"I bet they won't do it. They're too chicken for this kind of thing, not one to step out of their comfort zone," Tassie says. It makes your blood freeze in your veins because you know those words. You have heard that criticism thrown at you in the past, but not from her, from your ex. 

Your eyes narrow at her, and you ask, "Too chicken? Seriously?"

"Yeah. Please, prove us wrong. Show us you can do something spontaneous," Tassie taunts, grinning. You feel a surge of defiance welling up. Even though you're reserved, you are not one to back down from a challenge, especially not when the woman who cheated with your boyfriend is acting like you're the one who should be ashamed. Acting like she is better than you. 

"Fine, watch this," You declare, feeling hot with a mixture of embarrassment and determination. As you stand up, your friends exchange amused glances, convinced that you are about to back out of the dare. 

With absolutely no intention of  backing down, though, you scan the bar. After a moment of examination your heart soars because you realize you have this dare in the bag. You have the advantage even, because there is a familiar tall, broad-shouldered blonde at the bar that you know all too well. Jake Seresin, or Hangman, is one of your brother's best friends, and he is looking just as delectable tonight as he always does. The group would undeniably be impressed with you kissing someone so handsome, and you knew one way or another you could convince Jake to help you out. 

"Cece, I'll even let you pick since you made the dare. Point out the hottest man in the bar, and I'll kiss him." You say confidently. There is no doubt that Jake is the most attractive person there, and he is just Cece's type, too. She falls right into what you want, pointing Hangman out for you. The rest of your friend group hoots, making even more comments that you aren't going to follow through with the dare and approach someone who is that drop-dead gorgeous. 

Ignoring their taunts, you square your shoulders and walk with as much confidence as you can summon into sashaying across the bar. Putting mental effort into trying to project some form of hotness onto yourself not only for the confidence boost but also the bit of spite burning in you. 

Reaching the bartop area, the hesitation starts to set in as you admire Jake's profile. He is sitting on a bar stool leaning against the counter, patiently waiting for the bartender in the crowd that is starting to grow. Taking one last breath to steady yourself, you reach out and delicately set a hand on his bulging bicep. 

"Hangman!" You say brightly as if you're surprised to have run into him. Jake turns to face you at your touch, and an easy wide grin spreads across his face. 

"Fancy seeing you here, my dear! How are you?" He asks as his eyes trace you slowly from head to toe and back again, the grin on his face not slipping once. 

"Oh, I’m fine, and I am so glad I ran into you." 

"Most people are," Jake says, winking at you. You are nearly distracted by his handsome face and flirty tone. He looks like he has put on even more muscle since you saw him last. The green button-down he is wearing appears close to bursting at the seams with how it clings to him. "So, what have you been up to these days?" 

"Are you still single?" You blurt quickly, ignoring his question, not wanting to lose your steam. 

"Yes, Ma'am. Last I checked. Why?" 

"Perfect, can you do me a huge favor?" You ask. 

"I'm always happy to help out a friend," Jake says, sounding increasingly suspicious. The smile hasn't dropped from his face, but his eyes have narrowed slightly, examining you. 

Quickly standing on your tip toes, you loop an arm around Jake's neck, appreciating that he is sitting on a stool, helping level your height difference. Wasting no time, you pull him down to meet you in a quick kiss. Once his lips brush yours, you let go of him, stepping back, not even taking a moment to savor the feeling or enjoy having Jake this close. 

With your mission accomplished, you have every intention of making a hasty retreat back to your friends and hoping that you will be able to forget this. You are going to erase knowing you've kissed Jake Seresin from your brain, and then the next time you see him, you're going to pretend this fiasco never happened. It feels like the best and only course of action for you to take. 

However, you don't even get to make a full step away from Jake before large hands and thick arms circle around your waist, pulling you back towards him. He tugs until you are standing between his spread thighs, his hands maintaining their position on your waist. 

"Woah now, where do you think you're going?" He asks, eyes darting around your face, studying you closely. 

Embarrassment at having to explain your actions rushes through you, turning your stomach and overriding or maybe enhancing the butterflies there. You glance away from Jake towards your friends and see them watching with rapt attention. Then his thumb moves in a slow soothing circle, drawing you back towards him. 

"I'm sorry! My friends dared me to kiss someone at the bar, and when I saw you, well, I knew it wasn't a lost cause because you're not a complete stranger." 

You refuse to believe that the frown that flashes on Jake's face is one of disappointment. However, it's hard to ignore when his eyebrows are scrunched together, and his hands are so warm you feel it bleeding through your clothing. 

"You could at least buy someone a drink before stealing a kiss, you know. That's just some common decency." 

"I'm so sorry, Jake," you apologize again. "Let me buy you a beer for your troubles." 

"Naw, you don't got to." 

"Well, now I have to because you made me feel bad," you say, waving your arm to try and flag down a bartender. 

"I didn't take you for one to just kiss someone on a dare," he says conversationally. You try not to wriggle uncomfortably in his hold, but without even trying, he seems to have pulled you even closer. 

"I normally wouldn't be," you agree. "But the girl who I highly suspect of cheating with my ex while we were still together is here. I'm sure she thinks she's better than me and that I'm a boring prude."

"She clearly has never been around when you drink tequila," Jake laughs. You can't believe he would still remember the camping trip from years ago, where you were drinking tequila. Definitely notable because it was probably the last time you had dared have any of the liquor. 

"Can you please forget about that? And tonight, too?" You request. Jake pretends to think it over, humming lightly before shaking his head. 

"Sorry, no can do. It's already burned into my eidetic memory." You huff at his response, avoiding eye contact with him to try and catch sight of the bartender again. "You know, if you just asked me first, I would have given you the friends and family discount." 

"And what is that?" 

"Pretty similar to buy one get one free," he says, his voice dropping a little lower. Your mouth falls open in surprise, but you can't find any words. "Could have given you more than a quick peck, something that would really wow your friends." 

Trying very hard not to imagine what kind of kiss Jake would consider wowing, you decide to deflect. Jokingly saying, "Didn't think you were from one of those kinda southern states. Do you make a habit of kissing family members?" 

Jake throws his head back and laughs full-bellied at you. "The friends and family of my friends discount then," he amends. 

"I already hate being in this situation. I don't want more of a pity handout than I've already taken."

"Darlin," he sighs, shaking his head at you. "I would have even given you the Hangman special. Which is a deal, bargain, and steal. Comes with a kiss that's guaranteed to impress friends, people who cheated with your atrocious ex, everyone in this bar, and has even been known to, on occasion, inspire a standing ovation." 

"Ha.Ha. You're so funny," you say dryly, rolling your eyes. 

"I am, thank you for noticing," Jake says. "However, I think you deserve that kind of kiss to prove a point to your friends over there." 

"They didn't even think I would be able to make it over here to talk to you." You admit to him, glancing over at your friends again, a little displeased that they are still obviously observing your interaction.

"That them over there?" He asks, following the direction you're looking. You hum in acknowledgment. "Which one's the cheater?" He breathes, his lips ghosting the shell of your ear, sending a shudder down your spine. 

You describe Tassie a bit to him, finding yourself shifting closer into his embrace, enjoying how he is somehow able to help most of the chaotic bar disappear from your senses. It's hard to think about the noise or the increasing number of people starting to press in when Jake's touching you. When he picks out who she is, Jake grunts a little. He lowers his face and nearly kisses your neck over the pulse point. His hot breath tickles the spot, causing shivers again as he declares, "I don't see the appeal." 

"Wish my ex felt that way," you sigh. 

"Fuck him," Jake says with conviction. Drawing a bit back from you to make eye contact again. His green eyes are clear, and in the dimmed mood light around you, they seem to shine even brighter than usual. 

"You sure you don't mind me having kissed you to prove a point?" 

"My dear," he laughs like you told him a funny joke. "I can't imagine a situation where I would mind you kissing me. Let alone one where I get to help you out." 

Sliding your hand up his chest to casually rest on his shoulder, you wonder, "Is the Hangman Special still available?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Guaranteed to be wowing?" You check. 

"Got a warranty for you and everything," Jake says lowly. 

Your hand curls around Jake's neck again, and you attempt to tug him closer to you. He doesn't even budge, though. One of his hands slowly traces up your side from your waist until he is cupping your cheek. Then Jake leans close, his breath ghosting over your lips, where he lingers for a moment. Your eyes flutter closed, and as soon as they do, his lips press to yours. This time, it's not a quick peck. 

He is slow and deliberate in how he kisses you. Tilting his head to the side to get a slightly better angle, Jake uses his hand on your face to urge your lips to align better with his. Pliable to his touch, you open your mouth to him, seeking even more, and rewarded when Jake's tongue brushes against your own. You never doubted that Jake would be a good kisser, but knowing firsthand is something you know you won't be able to erase from your memory. When the kiss starts to border on indecent, he pulls away. 

You linger in the moment, keeping your eyes closed until your heart doesn't feel like it's going to burst from your chest. While you are in that limbo spot, his thumb slowly strokes your cheekbone. Sea glass green is the first thing you see when opening them again, Jake not making any effort to veil how he is admiring you. His lips are slightly pinker now than they just were, and you can't help but imagine how pink and swollen they would get if you had the opportunity to get this man alone on a couch. 

Just as you consider requesting that he kiss you again, just to really really solidify how good you are to your friends, because obviously, three kisses are much better than the one they dared you to get, you are suddenly bumped from behind. The motion roughly shoves you against Jake's solid chest. Both his hands automatically return to your waist, tightening as he steadies you there. Glaring over your shoulder at whoever bumped you, he asks, "Are you okay?" 

"Yeah, I'm okay," you breathe. Being this close to him, the woodsy scent of his cologne tickles your nose. And you suddenly wonder why exactly he is in this upscale cocktail bar dressed so nicely. 

"I'm glad you decided to kiss me and not any of these other assholes," he mutters darkly, still glaring over your shoulder. 

"Well, it wasn't really a choice." You reveal, which has his eyes snapping back to you in an instant and a frown pulling at his lips. One of his thumbs that's resumed making circles on your waist stops, and the other falls off your waist entirely now. He doesn't move otherwise, but his presence feels less consuming. Tersely, he responds, "I see." 

"I may have skewed the odds. Told my friends to pick the hottest man they could find. What would you know? They picked you." You explain quickly.

"That's some good luck on your part." 

"It wasn't luck, not really."

"How do you mean?" He wonders. 

"I knew they would pick you." 

"What made you so confident?"

"Because, Jake, you are, hands down, the most attractive person here," you reveal to him shyly. Your fingers curling into his silky shirt, where they have found themselves on his chest after being pushed. 

"See now, I don't think that's true," he says, his eyebrows pulling together. The frown is gone though, the edges of his lips quirking up again. 

"Oh please, Jake. Do not pretend you don't know how handsome you are."

"I'm aware. However, that doesn't change the fact that you're the most attractive person in this bar tonight." 

"You're a flirt," you accuse him. 

"I am," he agrees with no argument. "But that don't make me dishonest or mean I'm not genuine. I haven't been flirting with you just for the sake of it." 

Warmth blooms in your center at his words, and you nearly forget all about trying to escape away from him. Right now, you just want to get closer, as close as he will let you. However, you are pulled out of the fantasy when you look away from Jake's intense gaze to see your friends and how most of the table seems shocked and scandalized. Wryly, you notice Cece giving you two thumbs up. It's like you could almost forget that this was just him being flirty and imagine he was kissing you for more than just helping prove a point. "Well, I appreciate your help with the Hangman Special. I know they will all be impressed and jealous when I head back over there." 

"Now, wait a moment. You can't just sneak away. The Hangman Special not only comes with mind-blowing kisses but also a free night out, all expenses paid, and dinner at any restaurant you choose. "

"You just give that away to any random person who asks?"

"No, only the pretty ones I've had my eye on for a long while," Jake says, his eyes intense, the hand still on your waist flexing tighter for a moment.

"You have?" You ask, completely surprised. 

"Yes, Ma'am," he replies with no hesitation. Before you can respond, the bartender finally makes his way over to you two, asking for your order. Jake instantly defers to you before ordering, asking, "What do you want, my dear?" 

"I thought I already told you I'm taking one of the Hangman specials." You say, after taking a moment to think it over. The grin that lights up Jake's face is sunny and bright, and if you weren't being supported by his strong body, you would have probably fallen over swooning. 

Turning back to the bartender, Jake requests two bottles of water and both of your tabs. As you peek over his shoulder while he signs, you see the bill consists of just one beer, the water, and the two drinks you've had tonight. 

"So you want the full experience?" He asks you when you've taken a sip of water, and he has downed half of his in the same time. 

"From what I know about you, Jake, I don't think you're someone who does things by halves," you answer, fiddling with one of the buttons on his silky green shirt. Then you are pushing a bit on his chest, trying to step away. When you do, Jake's hands find themselves on your hips again pulling you closer to him. 

"Where you going?" He pouts. 

"I just need to grab my purse." 

"Whatcha you need your purse for, sweetheart? Don't you know I ain't going to let you pay for nothing?" Jake drawls. 

"I'm sure you want that to come off gentlemanly, but you're close to flirting with misogynistic." You say, playfully poking a finger into his chest.

"No." Grabbing your hand and bringing it up to his lips, Jake brushes a kiss on your pulse point, saying, "I know exactly who I'm flirting with, and that is you, my dear." 

The laugh you let out is slightly involuntary, but it makes Jake look like he won a prize, so you can't be too displeased, especially not when he has resumed drawing circles on your skin, and it feels like some sort of hypnosis you never want to end. "I'll be right back, and you can keep flirting with me for as long as you like." 

"That a promise?" Jake asks.

"Sure thing," you agree, but Jake still hasn't let go of you. 

"Do you want some company?" 

"You don't have to." 

"Little worried you're going to try and sneak away," he admits. 

"But Jake, I am sneaking away," you say in a fake whisper as if sharing a secret. "Sneaking away with you from my friends and this bar." It makes him smile again, just like you were hoping it would. "Just wait here for me. Okay?"

"Okay," he reluctantly agrees. Despite agreeing, the hold he has on your hand actually slightly tightens. "One more kiss?"

"I'm starting to get the feeling that you're always going to want one more kiss."

"You already know me so well," Jake grins. You press your lips against his again in a quick kiss, careful not to get caught up in it, before slipping out of his grasp. When free, you practically skip away from Jake to grab your things. 

Arriving back to your friends, you're greeted with loud whooping and even some clapping thrown in. Cece is practically giggling as she says, "I really didn't think you had that in you." 

"What were you talking about for so long?" Another one of the group asks.

"Was that kiss as hot as he is?" Someone else wonders, and then questions are coming from every direction before you can answer any of them. 

"It was great, he's great." You manage to get in. When they start to flood you with even more questions, you cut them off. "I would love to talk all about it, but I'm sorry y'all, I'm actually just over here to grab my purse." 

"There is no way you are leaving with that guy," Tassie says incredulously. 

Irritation and anger flares up in you as you turn to glare at her. "Really, there's no way? And why would that be Tassie?" 

"Come on," she says, clearly surprised that you've decided to call her out. "You're just not the kind of person to go home with someone from the bar, and he doesn't really seem like your type." 

"I don't know how tall, handsome, funny, and phenomenal kisser could not be someone's type," You say harshly, snatching your purse and jacket from where you had been sitting. 

"I'm just trying to look out for you," she responds sharply. 

"I don't think that's true," you snap back. 

"Hey now, why don't we all chill out," your friend Marv cuts in placatingly. 

"Sorry to interrupt," a familiar southern drawl says from behind as a warm arm wraps around your shoulder. You nearly sag into Jake. The urge to explode on your friends, more specifically Tassie, instantly absorbed by his presence. "But I was promised I could take this one out on a date tonight." 

"We can't let our friend just leave with a stranger," Cece says, and you turn to narrow your eyes at her, frowning that she is butting in when she is the one who set all this into motion in the first place. 

"While I respect that, I don't think you get to make that decision," Jake says lightly and a lot nicer than you would have in that moment. 

"You could be a crazy serial killer or something," Tassie says. 

"While I am a killer, that's normally just how people describe me in bed," he answers in a flirty, exaggerated way. That has you nearly coughing, you suck in air so hard. He gently pats your back and continues on. "If you're really worried though, you can look me up on Instagram. That's at LT.H_ANGM_N. I hope y'all have a good night. I know we will be," Jake punctuates the sentence with a kiss to the side of your head. 

Stuck between laughing and balking you glance around at everyone’s surprised faces at Jake’s boldness. You know exactly what Jake's last Instagram post was, having spent several minutes the other day debating whether you should like the shirtless picture of him on the beach. 

"Are you ready, sweetheart?" Jake asks you, practically muttering the words in your ear. All he needs is your nod before he confidently starts to turn you and lead you out the door. You manage to throw your friends a small wave goodbye, but it only takes a few steps for them to be out of your mind. 

"Did you drive?" Jake asks you as the fresh evening air rushes over you both. 

"No.” And you’re glad you didn’t when it means Hangman will be driving you home.  

"Good," he grins, "do you mind me driving?" 

"I don't," you answer easily, completely content to follow Jake to wherever he is going to lead you. 

He stops in front of a Jeep Gladiator, and you aren't overly surprised by his taste in vehicles. He goes to open the passenger side door for you, but you don't immediately take his offered hand to get inside. Instead, you tug it as you lean against the side of the truck. Jake follows the motion easily, not hesitating to bend down and mold his lips to yours. 

Jake looms over you, one of his hands balancing his weight against the side of the truck just over your head. The other on your side pulling you a bit closer to him. Looping your arm around his neck for some leverage, you let Jake take over your senses. The softness of his tongue paired with how he nibbles at your lower lip pulls a little whine from you.

When you have to pull away for a ragged breath, Jake groans low in his throat as you press teasing kisses down the column of his neck to the V of skin his shirt shows off. The hand on your waist slides up to cup your cheek and pulls you back to his lips. Kissing Jake is easy, he doesn't leave enough room for you to question if he's enjoying it. Nor do you have the capacity to overthink it as Jake's lips move surely and confidently with your own. All there is is him, his warm strong body, soft lips, and the calluses of his fingers. 

Leaning backward, you pull Jake with you wanting to have him pressed flush because even though you're tasting him, caged in, surrounded by him it still isn't close enough. However, the motion presses one of the Jeep’s jutting door hinges sharply into your back. You can't help but gasp a small "ow" as you try to shift. Concern creases Jake's features, and he pulls you away from his truck into his chest, glowering at the vehicle as if it had somehow betrayed him. 

"You okay, darlin?" He asks, his hands tracing down your back checking for injury. You lean more into his chest even though you don't really need the support, it's just nice to be in his arms. 

"I'm fine," you reassure him. 

"Let's get you out of harms way." He says pulling open the passenger side door. As you start to heave yourself into the tall truck Jake is practically picking you up and easily setting you in the seat. You blink at him in surprise at his show of strength. He remains there, standing in the open door, leaning closer and placing his hand just above your knee, his thumb drawing circles there. Then he asks, "So, where would you like to grab some dinner, my dear?" 

"I've heard of this really great restaurant I've been dying to go to."

"Yeah? Let's make it happen then." 

"Mhmm," you hum in confirmation. "It's called Hangman's House." 

Jake's thumb immediately stops moving and the smile on his face seems to shift. The genuine glint there slipping away, to something hard for you to really identify, practiced or guarded. Whatever the change was you don't find yourself liking it and immediately wonder where you misstepped. 

"So, Hangman's House, that's a pretty exclusive place. They don't usually do unplanned reservations," Jake says after what's nearly an awkward silence. 

"That's too bad. I heard that they have great service." You say a little dejected but glad he told you no in a casual manner that you can play off. 

"You're in luck though, my dear, because I know the owner. I think he would be willing to make an exception for us sometime, but they are better known for their breakfast menu." Jake responds upbeat again. 

"I like breakfast." You mutter in what you think is a flirty way. However, it's obvious that you've missed the mark when Jake's hand drops off your leg completely now. 

"Listen, if this is just a one-night thing, just some making out and fun stuff, where you are going to leave in the morning and pretend it never happened next time we see each other," he says seriously. Pausing, he runs a hand through his hair taking a measured breath, and you watch as the muscle in his jaw flexes. "That's fine, but I need to know it now." 

As you study his face intently it occurs to you that maybe even men like Jake Seresin have insecurities. Maybe he was used to interacting with people where more often than not they only saw him as a handsome face with a nice body. People who were ready to leave the next morning. The realization that a one night stand isn’t the series of events he is interested in with regards to you twists a pit of uncertainty in your stomach. You feel a little uneasy not sure exactly where you stand or what he wants with you. 

Reaching to catch Jake's lost hand and tangling your fingers, you start playing with the big class ring he is wearing. He allows the movement and relaxes his hand further, giving you additional leeway. The distraction of Jake's fingers gives you the courage to say, "I guess maybe I misunderstood that this was going to just be a nice fun night with you. Is that not what you were looking for?" 

"I do want that," Jake says adamantly. " However, I don't just want that." 

"What do you mean?" 

"I want to bring you flowers, dance with you, write you love letters. I want to explore every inch of your body and heart until I know what makes you tick. I want you to forget that any other man besides me even exists." Jake presses himself close to you again, and he turns his hand to thread your fingers tightly together. "Now I'm good, and I mean really good my dear, but those aren't goals I can make happen in one evening. So I want to start with tonight, taking you out and giving you a good time. And then I want to do the same thing tomorrow or whenever you have free time. I want to do that for as long as you will let me." 

"Oh wow," you breathe, taken aback by his declaration. "That's kind of a lot." 

"I know, but I don't want my intentions to be unclear. I wasn't lying when I said I've had my eye on you for a while. I'm happy to go at whatever pace you need; I'll do whatever you want. However, if this was all just getting back at your ex and proving a point. If you can't see yourself wanting anything more with me past tonight again, I need to know." Now, Jake takes his turn playing with your fingers as he breaks eye contact to stare at where you're intertwined. "I'll happily let you break my heart, but I don't want to be blindsided by it. 

Surging forward, you pull Jake in to kiss you again. It's an awkward angle, and the way the truck makes you taller than him feels odd. However, none of that matters when his lips are so pliable against yours. 

"I don't want to break your heart," you tell him between kisses. "I want to go on dates with you, and I want to go home with you. I want to go to bed with you and do it more than once if we find out we are compatible." 

"Are you doubting our compatibility?" Jake asks, raising an eyebrow. 

"Not really, but you know it's better to make sure with these things. Have to double check, I think." 

"That makes sense," he concedes. 

"Now let's get some food so you can take me home and then to bed. Show me these killer skills you mentioned earlier." 

"We can do a lot tonight, but we can't sleep together," Jake says mournfully.

"Why not?" You ask confused. 

"Everyone knows you don't sleep together until the third date," Jake drawls.

"That's a cliche. Plus, why does it really matter?" 

"Because I've been dreaming about forever with you, and when you want forever with someone, you don't want to skip any steps." Jake answers, dead serious and earnestly. It makes you wish you weren't in such an awkward position in the truck. If you were still outside pressed against it, or in the bar even, it would be so much easier to show him the appreciation and affection burning inside. 

"We've got to be somewhere near the third date by now. We have tonight and that camping trip we went on. Oh, and that one time that everyone went bowling. Plus, there was that bonfire a few months ago!" You say, trying to think of occasions you and Jake had spent a good amount of time together. While considering it, you also realize he has nearly always gravitated to your side during group interactions, and going off tonight, that clearly wasn't as coincidental as you had previously thought. 

"You deserve real dates," Jake responds with conviction, and the look in his eye really isn't something you can or even want to argue with. There isn't anything wrong with someone wanting to act like a gentleman with you; it's actually flattering, especially when it's clear Jake isn't going to play any guessing games with you concerning his feelings. 

"Well, then we are wasting time when we could be on our first date," you say, pressing another peck to his lips and lightly pushing him away from you. 

"One last kiss," Jake whispers as he lurches close again for another peck. Then, he gently closes your door and jogs over to the driver's seat, asking where you want to get a bite to eat. 

The two of you end up at a fancy Italian restaurant where you share an appetizer, bottle of wine, and dessert. During dessert, Jake insists you pose for a picture. Despite your initial resistance, he convinces you, and then, nearly as soon as he takes it, your phone lights up with a notification telling you that you’ve tagged you in his story. He tells you before you even ask that he hopes your friends looked him up on Instagram but requests that you repost it on your own just in case they didn't. He claimed it's so they know he's not kidnapped you, but you suspect that it's more likely he wants to prove a point. And it's something you don't mind one bit, especially when he easily lets you post a picture of him on your own story. 

After the restaurant, Jake drives you both out of town a bit to where the sky is much clearer and the stars are visible. The evening isn't warm enough to cuddle in the truck bed like he wanted, so instead, you end up in the backseat with the moon roof completely rolled back. You manage to pretend to be looking at the stars for about three whole minutes before crawlingl into Jake's lap to kiss him. 

Before the making out can get too heated, Jake grips your chin, urging your face upwards to look through the moonroof. Gruffly, he mutters into your ear, telling you to behave. Words that only make you squirm in your newfound place sitting on his lap. He lets you stay there, though, his hands steady on your hips, and his lips leisurely brushing yours or your neck whenever inspiration strikes. 

"What were you doing out tonight looking so nice?" You wonder absentmindedly, unbuttoning the top button of Jake's shirt. It's not with an ulterior motive. Really, it's because Jake's shirt is so soft, and the top of it is hiding his dog tags from you, which you have suddenly decided is unacceptable. The new skin exposed to you is just an added benefit. 

"Ah, nothing to worry about darlin'." 

"Common, you can tell me," you say, pressing a kiss to the underside of his jaw. 

"You know, whinnies?" 

It takes you a moment to place the restaurant and remember that it's across the street from the bar where you met up with your friends. "The wine bar?" 

"Yeah," Jake confirms. "Well, I was on a date there." 

"Oh." When Jake doesn't say anything, you decide you have to push the conversation forward. "So, what happened to your date? Were they not nice?"

"No, she was real sweet," Jake says, and you feel your stomach drop as if you aren't in the back of his truck and sitting in his lap right now.

"So why did you end up at Gem's?" 

"I was checking Instagram before she got there, and I saw you post that you were at Gems, right across the street. And no matter how nice she was, I knew it wasn't fair that I was thinking of a different person the whole time. So, we didn't even make it through appetizers before I had to be honest with her about that, and then I swung by Gems, hoping I would bump into you." 

"You were at the bar just to see me?"

"Sure was. So imagine my surprise when you found and approached me first."

"How would it have gone if you had approached me first?" You wonder. 

"For one, I would have offered to buy you a drink before stealing a kiss," Jake says teasingly. 

"You're not going to let that go, are you?" 

"Probably not for a while," he tells you. You groan and hide your face in his neck as if that will save you from some of the embarrassment. Feeling his chuckles in his throat and rumble in his chest is soothing, and you pepper more kisses to his neck and collarbone as if you were tracing the sound.

"You wouldn't have left without a kiss, though?" 

"I wouldn't have left without seeing you, and I would have done everything to try and convince you to give me one," Jake promises. 

"How would you have kissed me for the first time?" 

"Are you asking for another demonstration?" he wonders. As soon as you nod in affirmation, he pulls you close, repositioning you on his lap so you're straddling him. The darkness of the truck makes it so you can't quite see how green his eyes are, despite that they are still somehow bright.  He holds eye contact with you for a long moment. His hand cups your cheek, and like earlier in the night, he pauses, not closing the gap, observing you close. When you try to lean forward and seal your lips, he backs his head away. Then he chastises you while wearing a smirk, "I'm goin' to kiss you, baby. Now, let me do it how I want." 

Anticipation tingles in you as Jake leans close; however, at the last minute, he swerves, pressing a kiss to your cheek, then the other cheek, your forehead, and your nose. Finally, his lips meet yours firmly. Closing your eyes, you sigh into the kiss. The feeling of being intimately connected to Jake again is nearly the same as relief. When your mouth opens, Jake licks into you, searching out your tongue with his own. 

There no longer seems to be any will in Jake to tamper down the heat of your kissing. He allows you each time you push the envelope of the moment being just the soft sweet first date kissing he initially claimed to want. As he sucks on the sweet spot, her discovers on your neck, the way you grind downwards is involuntary and completely by accident. A low moan comes from Jake, and you like the way it sounds. So, the next time you grind down on him, it's completely intentional. 

The dark slacks he is wearing don't do much to conceal his hardened length. After a few more rolls of your hips, Jake's hands tightly grip your waist helping you grind against him. He urges you into a rhythm that has whimpers, moans, and gasps passing from both your mouths between hot kisses. As you try to speed up, frantic lust beating so loud you can hear it in your ear, he doesn't let you. Though you are on top of him, there is no doubt that Jake is in complete control. 

Just from this night, it's not difficult to imagine how he will be in the bedroom. Strong,  consuming, and in control. You can picture how he will confidently lead you exactly where you want to go, and you will get there because just a back of the car's make-out shouldn’t cause someone to be as turned on as you are right now. You unbutton his shirt and let your hands roam over his chest. Dragging your nails along his abs causes a full body shudder and Jake to grip your ass so hard you think you might bruise. It doesn't bother you, though, because how can anything that gets you closer to his cock be a bad thing? 

“Jake,” you say in a sudden moment of clarity. He hums his acknowledgment but keeps kissing at your neck and squeezing at your ass. A particularly hard thrust upwards from him nearly has your brain going fuzzy as you desperately try to hold yourself together.  “Jake,” you repeat more forcefully, “we need to stop.” 

“What’s wrong?” He asks concerned, detaching his lips from your skin and losing his hold so he is barely touching you. 

“If we keep at this I'm going to beg you to fuck me right here right now,” you answer. He makes a strangled groan. With his swollen lips, lust filled eyes, and hard dick you're sure he wouldn't actually mind. “Which would be amazing but you told me about a three date rule and I agreed.” 

“I did say three dates,” he responds and looks like he hates himself for it. 

“But if it doesn't actually matter I would like to suck your cock at least once before we fuck.” You boldly tell him, twisting his dog tags in your fingers pulling them taut against Jake’s neck until the release beads give away. The chain falls into your grasp, and you use the warm metal to distract yourself. 

“Fuck me,” he breathes throwing an arm over his eyes and leaning back. “You're perfect, you know that?” 

“I'm not.” 

“You are. So perfect, so hot.” He kisses you like he's about to ignore what you just said. Hot and a little sloppy with tongue and a bit at your lower lip. When he pulls away he rests his forehead against yours saying, “We are going to stop now  because I don't want there to ever be a doubt in your mind that I'll keep the promises I make to you.”

Your stomach flips with affection, and you sag, leaning heavily into Jake, just hugging him tightly, waiting for the lust that's sparked to cool. The two of you even manage to get some actual stargazing in where hands roam but in more so in an exploratory way than sexual. 

Holding hands driving back into the city you can’t stop staring at Jake’s profile, or admiring his fingers or tracing the veins of his forearms. You are focusing on trying to convince yourself that this isn’t a dream, you're definitely going to wake up with hickies in the morning, and another date with Jake Seresin scheduled tomorrow. It’s something that if you had been told at the start of your evening, you would have laughed at the absurdity of the idea. 

"I know it's really soon, but do you think that if you asked me again in a few weeks if I'm still single, we'll be able to change my answer?" Jake asks you after a bit breaking the comfortable silence you two had been in. 

"I think that's possible. What do you think about that?" You wonder. 

"I would change my answer tonight if you wanted me to."

"Jake..."

"Listen, I really like you, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. So as soon as you give me the okay, I will bring you flowers with a promise ring and ask if you want to go steady with me." Jake's thumb rubs along your pulse affectionately, "I'll change my Facebook relationship status. I'll get a nice little charm with your name on it for my dog tags. I'll take you to meet my friends and brag about how amazing you are." Jake leans over at a red light to press a soft kiss to your lips. "The whole shebang." 

"That sounds nice. Does that deal have a special name, too?" 

"Yeah, we can call it the Jake special. It is a whole package, long-term, all-inclusive deal." 

"Extended warranty?" You check jokingly.

"It actually has a no-return, no-refund policy," Jake answers.

"That's a pretty big commitment," you whisper back, even though the idea of keeping Jake all to yourself sounds nothing but appealing. 

"It's not something that expires. So how about tonight, we just worry about getting you home where you're going to let me walk you to your front door and give you a kiss goodnight."

"Just one kiss?" You ask in a pretend pout. 

"Let's shoot for two, but don't be surprised if it's three, maybe even four." 

"I want five," you declare stubbornly.

"Then I'll give you six," he easily offers. 

You try to hide your smile but don't quite manage it. It's a permanent fixture the whole drive home and during all seven of the goodnight kisses you get. They aren't the best kisses in the world because Jake is smiling through them, too. It's okay, though, because you both know there's going to be more in the future, a lot more. 

[mieyez0nly]

Hello & Welcome

Bad times lately. Been dumped. This may be a tad overdramatic. I feel quite devastated regardless. Beyond embarrassing to go into a serious chat with an ex -expecting, at worst, some clearer boundaries about your current weird relationship- ready to explain why you are so perfect for each other and should get back together (:)), only to be humbled with the “we have to stay broken up” a very very long hug and an uber home with no change of heart.

So here’s a list of things I’ve done lately (in the past few months) that I’ve enjoyed:

- Bought 2x kinda crazy Jeffrey Campbell heels (2012, Lady Gaga)

- Redesigning my bedroom (2012, Lady Gaga)

- Sitting on the balcony in the sun in the apartment I will live in soon

- Hearing The Weeknd live (voice of an angel, patient zero male manipulator)

- Fraser Island (highly underrated)

- Many nice times with friends

- Any times at all with Una (my girl!(cat))

And here’s some things that I have to look forward to:

- Ho Chi Minh (again!) & Japan November

- Mk.Gee immediately when I get back

- End of the year (busy szn for strippers) party szn! Summer time!

- Thailand in March

- Cousins wedding in Tassie in April (can’t wait to do some solo hiking/reconnecting)

- THE BIG MOVE!! Goodbye Brisbane n hello Melbourne (my NYC fantasy)

This is a self reminder more than anything else.

The re-break-up has come at a strange time. In some ways a great time, despite the devastation it is a lot easier the sixth or so time than the first, sadly this one does feel pretty final. The irony is that we are both probably in the best possible place individually than we have been in the past 4 1/2 years, and therefore are in the best possible place to be together, however a symptom of being mentally well is (finally) knowing when to walk away from something historically unhealthy. 

I actually feel good. I feel sad, but I feel good. So much to look forward to, so much to be thankful for. I’m taking care of myself, I’m transforming into the woman I want to be, the truest version of myself, every moment over and over again. 

xoxox Annaleise

[cac-deadlyrang]

On the topic of Blueyverse Tassie tigers, I headcanon Bosco (Frisky's ex-boyfriend) as a thylacine.

I had an extra Bingo figure so I spent today turning it into a thylacine! I painstakingly scraped off all the old painted markings, whittled down the ears, and carved a new tail (that can still rotate!) from a piece of another figure. Not perfect but I like it!

[cstewart8]

Funding of a major sports venue

In the previous months there has been a debate of funding for a stadium in both the AFL and the NRL. 12 months ago, the AFL announced the 19th team to be placed in Tasmania, however, there has been one talking point when it comes to the new team is who is paying for the stadium and how much will it cost the government and public in Tasmania. (Siegfried & Zimbalist, 2000) stated “local sport venue will give benefits to local fans and residents and give them a worth to their own community.” The media turned the new Tasmania stadium into a massive debate between the labour and liberal government and also the community of Tasmania and the AFL in general and lead to a premier election in which Labor did win.

ABC News

Jacqui Lambie in a media press conference stated, “Small business are just as important, however with this $715 million dollar stadium we risk losing the small business.” The media interpreted that the reason for all of the debate was because of how much the state and government would have to put into the stadium by the AFL. This is where it got messy because the governments were arguing each other on the issue it lost backing of the 19th AFL team in Tasmania not going forward, however now liberal and about government and the AFL have come to an agreement on how much the cost for the stadium and how much the government will need to put in.

(Jacqui Lambie Blasts Proposed AFL Stadium as a “Slap in the Face to Tasmanians,” n.d.)

Leichhardt oval has been part of the NRL since 1934 and moved from north of Sydney to west of Sydney to be the West Tigers home ground from 1980. This year however could be bittersweet for the Tigers fans because they want to upgrade the ground, but in order to get the ground redeveloped the tigers will need to fund it all of it without any backing from the New South Wales government. Swindell, D., & Rosentraub, M. S. (1998). Stated “Funding a stadium for upgrades will give joy to the fans and the club, however it effects everyone else because there is not enough funding for other important assets.”

ABC News.

Former West Tigers player Dene Halatau said on the ABC Sport’s Broadcast said, “It's not modern, it doesn't have all the trimmings, but when a fan comes to Leichhardt, they overlook a lot of the rest of that stuff." The West Tigers wanted $100 Million Dollar upgrade, however, was declined by the New South Wales government because of the government being $180 million dollars in debt. NSW premier Chris Minns stated, “We got to consider the hospital, education and public transport system before any redevelopment on sporting stadiums.” This is making the West Tigers more annoyed because their rivals Penrith Panthers are getting a $309 Million dollar stadium built and this is now making it a double standard.

References

Jacqui Lambie blasts proposed AFL stadium as a “slap in the face to Tasmanians.” (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SgkGXwgB18&ab_channel=SkyNewsAustralia

Lambie demands integrity measures, rethink on Tassie AFL stadium. (2024, March 24). Australian Financial Review. https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/lambie-demands-integrity-measures-rethink-on-tassie-afl-stadium-20240325-p5fexe

Leichhardt Oval – Inner West Council. (n.d.). Www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved May 14, 2024, from https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/parks-sport-and-recreation/sporting-grounds/leichhardt-oval

Liberals give big Hobart stadium idea from ex-Labor premier the boot. (2023, October 18). ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news / 2023-10-18/tas-new-afl-stadium-proposal-rejected-by-state-government/102989688   

‌NSW Premier rules out government funding upgrade to Wests Tigers’ Leichhardt Oval. (2024, March 26). ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-26/leichhardt-oval-upgrade-ruled-out-by-nsw-premier/103634124

Siegfried, J., & Zimbalist, A. (2000). The Economics of Sports Facilities and Their Communities. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 14(3), 95–114. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.14.3.95

Swindell, D., & Rosentraub, M. S. (1998). Who benefits from the presence of professional sports teams? The implications for public funding of stadiums and arenas. Public Administration Review, 58(1), 11-20. https://login.ezproxy.holmesglen.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/who-benefits-presence-professional-sports-teams/docview/197169158/se-2

[giardinoweb]

Il Bosco di Smerillo; segreti e meraviglie

Benvenuti, appassionati di natura e avventura! Oggi vi guiderò alla scoperta di un autentico gioiello naturalistico nel cuore dell'Appennino italiano: il Bosco di Smerillo. Situato tra i comuni di Smerillo e Montefalcone Appennino, questo bosco è un vero scrigno di biodiversità e bellezze paesaggistiche. Dominato dal maestoso Monte Falcone, offre panorami mozzafiato che si estendono dalle cime degli imponenti Sibillini fino alla splendida costa adriatica. Fin dagli anni '70, il Bosco di Smerillo è stato riconosciuto come area floristica protetta, con la prospettiva di diventare una Riserva Naturale. La sua composizione geologica unica e le diverse condizioni climatiche favoriscono una straordinaria varietà di specie vegetali, alcune delle quali estremamente rare, tipiche della fascia di transizione tra collina e montagna. Ma non è solo un paradiso per la flora: anche la fauna qui è ricca e variegata. Tra le ombre degli alberi si nascondono tassi, gatti selvatici, volpi, donnole, scoiattoli, lepri e numerosi uccelli rapaci come gufi, civette e falchi, solo per citarne alcuni. Negli anni '90, il Bosco di Smerillo è stato riconosciuto come Sito di Interesse Comunitario (SIC) dalle direttive europee, ampliando ulteriormente la sua protezione. Questo riconoscimento è dovuto non solo alla sua straordinaria bellezza paesaggistica, ma anche alla presenza di molte specie vegetali e animali, alcune delle quali a rischio di estinzione. Ma le meraviglie del Bosco di Smerillo non finiscono qui. Per promuovere la conoscenza e la tutela di questo prezioso ecosistema, è stato istituito un Centro per l'Educazione Ambientale, ospitato negli edifici della ex scuola elementare. Qui è possibile immergersi nella storia naturale del bosco attraverso il Museo dei Fossili e dei Minerali, e ammirare opere d'arte contemporanea nella Pinacoteca. Il Centro per l'Educazione Ambientale offre anche una serie di servizi, tra cui una biblioteca, un laboratorio didattico, una sala proiezioni multimediali e una foresteria con numerosi posti letto. Inoltre, è attiva una scuola di orienteering, che permette ai visitatori di esplorare il bosco in modo divertente e educativo. Il Bosco di Smerillo è molto più di un semplice polmone verde: è un luogo straordinario dove natura, cultura ed educazione si fondono armoniosamente, offrendo un'esperienza indimenticabile per tutti coloro che desiderano avventurarsi tra i suoi sentieri. Venite a scoprirlo con i vostri occhi e lasciatevi incantare dalla sua bellezza senza tempo. Vi aspettiamo! Read the full article

[lamilanomagazine]

Ex Ilva, il Consiglio dei ministri approva un decreto con interventi per i creditori

Ex Ilva, il Consiglio dei ministri approva un decreto con interventi per i creditori. Approvato in Consiglio dei ministri un decreto legge, su proposta del ministro delle Imprese e del Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, con interventi a favore delle aziende creditrici dell'indotto ex Ilva. Sono previste misure per agevolare l'accesso al Fondo di garanzia Pmi, oltre che disposizioni per contenere i tassi di interesse sui finanziamenti. "A seguito dell'approvazione del decreto legge, e in forza della disposizione che prevede la prededuzione dei crediti verso Acciaierie d'Italia - si legge in una nota -, il Consiglio di Amministrazione di Sace ha deliberato oggi la concessione di una garanzia finanziaria a condizioni di mercato, fino al 70% di un importo massimo di crediti pari a 150 milioni di euro, a favore di istituti finanziari cessionari di tali crediti. Questo creerà le condizioni di mercato per sostenere la filiera di Adi (Acciaierie d’Italia)”. “Può essere altresì richiesto un contributo a fondo perduto finalizzato ad abbattere il tasso di interesse, ai sensi e nei limiti della disciplina europea sugli aiuti di importanza minore (“de minimis”) e pari al valore complessivo, attualizzato, della differenza tra interessi calcolati nell’arco dell’intera durata dell’operazione, al tasso contrattuale, e gli interessi determinati applicando un tasso pari al 50 per cento del contrattuale. I crediti vantati dalle imprese o dai cessionari nei confronti di imprese committenti ammesse alla procedura di amministrazione straordinaria sopra definiti sono prededucibili ai sensi dell'articolo 6 del codice della crisi e dell’insolvenza, ove riferiti a prestazioni di beni e servizi, anche di autotrasporto e movimentazione di attrezzature, beni, prodotti e personale, strumentali a consentire la funzionalità produttiva degli impianti”. Recita così una nota di Palazzo Chigi.... #notizie #news #breakingnews #cronaca #politica #eventi #sport #moda Read the full article

[scienza-magia]

Nessun meccanismo di supporto per le banche italiane

No MES Meloni: impatto su banche, BTP ex Bce, spread. No MES dall’Italia di Meloni: l’ironia della sorte è che la bocciatura della ratifica della riforma del Meccanismo europeo di stabilità da parte della Camera potrebbe secondo qualcuno mettere in difficoltà proprio quelle banche che fonti di Palazzo Chigi hanno citato, ieri, a commento del voto dell’Aula. Non solo: esperti ed economisti parlano anche dell’effetto che quel no potrebbe avere sui titoli di stato italiani, dunque sui BTP e sullo spread. Riforma MES: il no di Meloni al backstop del Fondo di risoluzione unico All’indomani del voto della Camera, che ha spiazzato in primis chi credeva che alla fine la maggioranza avrebbe comunque ratificato la riforma del MES, nonostante l’opposizione manifestata più volte dal governo Meloni e dalla maggioranza, diverse sono le analisi su cosa potrebbe accadere ora all’Italia. Nel dire no al MES, l’Italia si conferma tuttora unico paese dell’Europa a non aver ratificato una riforma che viene considerata cruciale per mettere in sicurezza il sistema bancario europeo. A rimetterci, dunque, con quel voto alla Camera, è tutta l’Europa. Lo dice espressamente Bankitalia nella pagina dedicata a fugare tutti i dubbi su questo strumento, contro cui gli esponenti del governo Meloni, da tempo, hanno lanciato una vera e propria crociata: “La riforma attribuirebbe al MES una nuova funzione, quella di fornire una rete di sicurezza finanziaria (backstop) al Fondo di risoluzione unico (Single Resolution Fund, SRF) nell’ambito del sistema di gestione delle crisi bancarie”, spiega Palazzo Koch. L’Italia intanto si spacca tra chi plaude al voto della Camera e chi, invece, mette in evidenza una scelta suicida, che avrà gravi conseguenze per il paese, le sue banche e il suo debito. Per ora buy BTP, il sostegno dalle scommesse su tassi Bce Per ora, va detto, non c’è nessun effetto sui BTP e sullo spread BTP-Bund a 10 anni. La prospettiva di imminenti tagli dei tassi da parte della Bce di Christine Lagarde continua a sostenere i titoli di stato dell’area euro, che continuano a essere inondati di buy. Nella giornata di ieri, i tassi dei BTP a 10 anni sono scesi fino al 3,55%, al livello minimo dalla fine di agosto del 2022. Il risultato degli ultimi buy sui BTP (con contestuale discesa dei rendimenti), stando a quanto riporta Reuters, è che i titoli di stato a 10 anni si apprestano a terminare il mese di dicembre con il tonfo mensile dei tassi più forte dal 2013, pari a ben 64 punti base. Buy anche sui Bund tedeschi, con i rendimenti decennali che, nella sessione di ieri, sono capitolati al valore pià basso degli ultimi nove mesi, scendendo fino all’1,94%. Reuters ha ricordato che le aspettative di tassi di interesse più bassi, con l’arrivo di tagli da parte della Bce, si stanno “confermando un balsamo per l’Italia, alle prese con una mole di debito pubblico che si aggira attorno al 140% del Pil”. No MES e l’effetto su banche, ABI: ‘Con crisi useremo risorse nazionali’ Detto questo, cosa succederà ai BTP ma anche alle banche italiane con la decisione della Camera di dire no alla ratifica della riforma del MES? Antonio Patuelli, numero uno dell’ABI, ha spiegato che la conseguenza è che “senza il nuovo MES useremo le risorse nazionali per affrontare le crisi bancarie“. Cosa che tra l’altro è successo fino a oggi: “La questione non è entrare o meno nel Mes. Anche con il voto della Camera l’Italia continua a rimanere nel vecchio MES con tutti gli altri Paesi”, ha ricordato il numero uno dell’Associazione bancaria italiana. Patuelli ha fatto notare che il dibattito sul Meccanismo europeo di stabilità, in Italia, “si è caricato di eccessivi significati politici ed è per questo che non ci siamo mai pronunciati sul tema, nemmeno in occasione della nostra assemblea annuale”. In ogni caso, ha continuato il numero uno dell’ABI, “tutte le crisi bancarie dal 2015 a oggi sono state affrontate con risorse nazionali. Quella del Montepaschi con risorse di Stato e le altre con risorse delle banche concorrenti. Per fortuna adesso nessuno paventa più crisi bancarie, ma nei momenti più difficili, e in vigenza del vecchio MES, abbiamo fatto da noi. Abbiamo persino salvato la Popolare di Bari, che poi è andata allo Stato”. La frase  fa capire dunque che, allo stato attuale delle cose, in caso di crisi bancarie l’Italia continuerà a far uso di risorse nazionali. E certo non si può dire che questa sia una buona notizia per i contribuenti italiani, che hanno già salvato il Monte di Stato Mps Monte dei Paschi di Siena, esempio citato tra l’altro proprio da Patuelli. No MES: scelta in vista delle elezioni europee 2024 Su Il Sole 24 Ore, nell’articolo “MES e Patto di stabilità: miopia istituzionale e incroci pericolosi“ Francesco Renne, commercialista e revisore, faculty member CUOA Business School, formatore in materie finanziarie e fiscali, commenta il no al MES mettendo in rilievo che “la partita ‘vera’, sotto il piano tecnico, non può che spostarsi dunque sul cd. MES ‘bancario’, cioè la vera novità del trattato in questione, che prevederebbe la possibilità di attivare i fondi in caso di crisi sistemiche bancarie, affiancandosi ai metodi ordinari europei (i.e. ‘bail in’) di risoluzione delle crisi bancarie stesse”. “In tal caso, in linea teorica, potrebbe ravvisarsi un segnale di ‘impossibilità finanziaria’ del singolo Paese nell’intervenire autonomamente, causando un rialzo del rischio percepito sul proprio debito pubblico”. Ma Renne scrive nella sua analisi, anche, che con il NO al MES “ci si dimentica che l’implementazione di un meccanismo ‘salva-banche’ europeo era una necessità (europea) per il completamento del quadro delle regole cd. di ‘unione bancaria’, teso alla definitiva creazione di un framework regolamentare finanziario comune (e condiviso) e, in tal senso, necessario anche alle nostre Banche nella competizione europea stessa”. Insomma, “il MES ‘condivisibile’ sacrificato sull’altare delle elezioni”, ha fatto notare l’esperto. Con No MES attenti a doom loop banche-BTP Il pericolo No MES per i BTP e dunque il rischio che senza lo strumento pensato per sostenere il Fondo di risoluzione unico i titoli di stato italiani finiscano sotto attacco è stato messo in evidenza in un articolo pubblicato su Domani anche dall‘economista Alessandro Penati. Penati ha ricordato il fenomeno del doom loop, ovvero l’abbraccio mortale tra i BTP e le banche. Queste ultime, per chi non lo ricordasse, detengono infatti in pancia una bella mole del debito pubblico italiano. “A chi ha votato in Parlamento rammento che le nostre banche detengono 665 miliardi di debito pubblico, a fronte di un patrimonio netto complessivo di 358 miliardi”, scrive Penati nell’articolo pubblicato su Domani “L’azzardo dei sovranisti fa crescere i rischi sui Btp”. Un fattore che rende le banche italiane vulnerabili a eventuali crisi del debito italiano. Penati spiega di fatto che, “in caso di crisi del nostro debito, il suo valore crollerebbe e trascinerebbe le banche italiane”. La crisi del debito infetterebbe le banche italiane, proprio a causa di quell’abbraccio mortale o anche relazione tossica, che esiste tra i BTP e gli istituti di credito. Relazione tossica ormai storica, che ha fatto scattare più volte sull’attenti il mondo degli investitori internazionali. Ma se una eventuale crisi del debito pubblico finisse per travolgere gli istituti di credito italiani, si chiede l’economista, “senza il MES, chi ricapitalizzerebbe le banche in crisi?” Niente crisi del debito pubblico, per ora, così sembra. Ma, nel caso dell’Italia con casse dello Stato perennemente in affanno, Penati ha  ricordato che gli investitori stranieri detengono 763 dei 2.844 miliardi di debito pubblico. E che, nel caso in cui l’area euro finisse per scivolare in recessione, questi investitori potrebbero orientare i loro buy su asset più sicuri, a fronte del riemergere del “problema della sostenibilità del debito pubblico dell’Italia”. Che dire inoltre di quegli istituzionali italiani, che detengono 345 miliardi di euro di debito pubblico? Come si può pensare che, in caso di crisi, la loro priorità sarebbe quella di blindare i BTP? Penati ricorda a tal proposito che “loro dovere è salvaguardare il risparmio dei clienti, non dare l’oro alla patria”. Stessa cosa le banche, con i loro bilanci intasati da 665 miliardi di debito, che, più che tutelare le casse dello Stato, devono “tutelare gli interessi degli azionisti, in prevalenza stranieri”. Dunque? In caso di crisi chi farebbe davvero da scudo ai BTP (e di conseguenza, a causa del doom loop), alle banche italiane? D’altronde i BTP, dunque i titoli di stato italiani, sono stati  mollati ulteriormente dalla Bce di Christine Lagarde che, nel suo ultimo atto del 2023, ha annunciato la tempistica con cui manderà definitivamente in soffitta il PEPP, ovvero QE pandemico, dopo avere staccato già la spina al QE tradizionale. Read the full article

[giancarlonicoli]

Estratto dell’articolo di Fabrizio Goria,Manuel Follis per “la Stampa”

La tassa sugli extraprofitti degli istituti di credito continua a non piacere. Da Roma a Francoforte il coro è a senso unico. Non ha raccolto il favore di Abi (Associazione bancaria italiana) e Federcasse, che ieri in audizione al Senato hanno messo in evidenza tutti i problemi legati alla misura. Non ha trovato il supporto dell'Antitrust che, pur condividendo lo spirito di fondo dell'iniziativa, ha messo in guardia dai «potenziali effetti distorsivi sul mercato».

Non ha gradito nemmeno la Bce, di cui si attende un parere legale che dovrebbe essere pubblicato già oggi, che secondo quanto risulta a La Stampa con tutta probabilità criticherà nella sostanza la tassa, come già fatto in maniera ufficiale con la Spagna e la Lituania.

[…] Andrea Enria, presidente del Consiglio di vigilanza della Banca Centrale Europea […] ha fatto esplicito riferimento alla posizione tenuta dalla Bce nei confronti della legge spagnola spiegando che a Francoforte c'è il timore che un'imposta una tantum finisca per colpire le banche nel momento del ciclo di rialzo dei tassi, ma appena prima che il passaggio ai depositi eroda questo effetto temporaneo. In più, la Bce è da sempre preoccupata della stabilità finanziaria del sistema creditizio e una tassa sui margini di interesse potrebbe spingere gli istituti a fare minori accantonamenti. Non solo.

Come fanno notare fonti interne dell'istituzione europea «un'imposta del genere potrebbe avere contraccolpi anche sullo stacco dei dividendi». Elemento che potrebbe ridurre lo spazio operativo per la corretta trasmissione della politica monetaria.

C'è poi per Francoforte un problema di fondo, espresso in maniera chiara da Enria e cioè che «dare l'impressione che ogni volta che le banche europee realizzano profitti, c'è qualcuno che interviene e li riduce potrebbe ridurre l'attrattiva degli investimenti nelle banche». Considerando anche i mal di pancia all'interno della maggioranza e le posizioni critiche sul tema espresse nei giorni scorsi dal vicepremier Antonio Tajani sembra proprio che questa tassa sugli extraprofitti così com'è non s'ha da fare.

Un concetto che Abi e Federcasse hanno espresso in maniera chiara ieri in Senato. Oltre ai profili di incostituzionalità della norma, emersi fin da subito, il dg dell'Abi Giovanni Sabatini ha spiegato che la tassa ha come effetto quello di minare la fiducia del mercato, va a colpire un settore che è interessato da una grande concorrenza e soggetto a una tassazione già elevata, e che comunque andava sottoposta al parere preventivo della Bce, che invece come detto interverrà già oggi, ma ex post. È evidente che arrivati a questo punto il settore bancario si aspetti l'introduzione di qualche correttivo. […]

[notiziariofinanziario]

Le dichiarazioni di Waller e Barkin hanno depresso la borsa di New York venerdì

Dopo le riunioni di Fed e della Banca Centrale Europea, l'attenzione dei mercati resta puntata sulle Banche centrali. In settimana sono infatti previsti i meeting di Bank of England, Banca centrale svizzera e turca. Le prime due dovrebbero rialzare i tassi di 25 punti base, lasciando le porte aperte per ulteriori ritocchi al rialzo in prospettiva. Per quanto riguarda la Banca centrale turca, dopo il cambio al vertice, dovrebbe aumentare i tassi al 20%, dal precedente 8,5%. Attesa anche per l'intervento del presidente della Fed Jerome Powell al Congresso Usa. Il numero uno della banca centrale Usa interverrà mercoledì alla Camera e giovedì al Senato per la consueta audizione semestrale davanti ai parlamentari americani. Le audizioni non dovrebbero discostarsi molto da quanto detto mercoledì al termine del Fomc. Dopo 10 rialzi dei tassi consecutivi, l'istituto si è fermato riservandosi tuttavia di valutare almeno altre due strette entro la fine dell'anno. Le dichiarazioni di Waller e Barkin hanno depresso Wall Street venerdì. Il governatore della Fed Christopher Waller ha avvertito che "l'inflazione di base non sta scendendo come pensavo" mentre il presidente della Fed di Richmond, Thomas Barkin, si è detto "a suo agio" con ulteriori aumenti dei tassi, dato che l'inflazione non è ancora tornata al 2%. In ogni caso, lo S&P500 è riuscito a chiudere la quinta settimana consecutiva di rialzi e ora - ha ricostruito la Bloomberg - tratta a ivelli superiori rispetto al 16 marzo 2022, il giorno in cui la Fed ha avviato il ciclo di rialzi più aggressivo da quarant'anni. Non solo le azioni americane, ma anche indicatori (l'agenzia Usa cita tra gli altri il dollaro e la volatilità del mercato dei bond) sono tornati ai livelli antecedenti i 500 punti di rialzo dei tassi. La sensazione raccolta dagli analisti è che la Fed nei prossimi 6-12 mesi sarà un po' meno determinante nell'andamento dei mercati, con fattori quali la valutazione dello stato di salute delle aziende ma anche trend come l'invasione dell'Ia nei modelli operativi che potranno determinare il successo o meno dei titoli. Tra gli eventi attesi in settimana dagli investitori, venerdì usciranno gli indici Pmi delle principali economie, che forniranno importanti indicazioni sullo stato di salute del settore manifatturiero, atteso in contrazione ovunque (Usa, Eurozona, Regno Unito). I Pmi servizi dovrebbero invece mantenersi su livelli elevati pur confermando il rallentamento degli ultimi mesi. Ecco gli eventi previsti in settimana, nell'agenda Agi. LUNEDI' 19 GIUGNO- Turismo:  Convegno "Il Turismo in Italia. Patrimonio valoriale e leva di sviluppo per la Nazione", con ministro Santanchè e Attilio Fontana- Assicurazioni: Relazione annuale Ivass.- Imprese: Convegno EY, 'Economia reale: Il valore degli investimenti privati a supporto del Sistema Paese' con il sottosegretario Freni- Mimit: Conferenza stampa di presentazione della quarta edizione di Phygital Sustainability Expo, con ministro Urso.- Mimit: Tavoli con i sindacati su automotive, elettrodomestici ed ex Ilva- Bce: capo economista Philip Lane interviene all'assegnazione del premio German Bernacer- Bce: Isabel Schnabel partecipa a conferenza "Nuove sfide per l'Unione economica e monetaria nel contesto post-crisi"; il vicepresidente Luis de Guindos interviene alla cerimonia di premiazione del giornalismo economico.- Fisco: Luiss organizza convegno su 'Il Sistema Sanzionatorio nella Riforma Tributaria', con Vice Ministro Maurizio Leo e conclusioni del Ministro della Giustizia, Carlo Nordio - Il Messaggero: celebrazioni dei 145 anni, partecipano il presidente, Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone, i ministri dei Trasporti Matteo Salvini, dell'Economia, Giancarlo Giorgetti, del Lavoro Marina Calderone, della Cultura, Gennaro Sangiuliano, l'ad di Cdp Dario Scannapieco, Orcel ad Unicredit - Lega: il vicepremier e ministro dei Trasporti, Matteo Salvini, partecipa ad un evento con i ministri della Lega.- Camere di Commercio: assemblea annuale dell'American Chamber of Commerce in Italy, con ministro Giorgetti (AGI)Gin (Segue) MARTEDI' 20 GIUGNO- Banche: Evento del Sole 24 Ore "UTP & NPL Summit 2023" con Stefano Cappiello, dg Sistema Bancario e Finanziario-Affari Legali del Ministero dell'Economia; Luigi Lovaglio, ad Mps; Giuseppe Siani, Capo del Dipartimento Vigilanza Bancaria e Finanziaria di Banca d'Italia- Bce: Andrea Enria e Elizabeth McCaul intervengono alla conferenza sul rischio di credito di controparte - Previdenza: assemblea annuale Assoprevidenza - Armatori: Assarmatori Annual Meeting 2023 con il presidente di Assarmatori, Messina e i ministri Salvini, Santanchè, Musumeci e Fitto- Abi: conference call con vice direttore generale vicario Torriero su rapporto mensile Abi di giugno - Upb: Ufficio parlamentare di Bilancio presenta il Rapporto sulla politica di bilancio, con Lilia Cavallari, presidente dell'Ufficio parlamentare di bilancio- Istat: Conferenza stampa di presentazione della VI edizione del Rapporto sui Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gli Obiettivi di Sviluppo Sostenibile dell'Agenda 2030 delle Nazioni Unite "Informazioni statistiche per l' Agenda 2030 in Italia" - Anfia: assemblea pubblica dell'Anfia, partecipa il ministro Urso- Assocostieri: assemblea "La logistica energetica, asset strategico nel Mediterraneo", con Sangalli, ministro Fitto, viceministro Leo- Tim: 'Tim premia l'innovazione a supporto della Cybersecurity 'Made in Italy, intervengono Raffaele Fitto, Guido Crosetto, Adolfo Urso, Carlo Bonomi, Andrea Illy- Electrolux: tavolo tecnico- Bce: Elizabeth McCaul interviene al Workshop annuale del Consiglio per gli Stati Uniti e l'Italia "Il futuro della globalizzazione: politica, affari, stile di vita, marchi".- Confindustria: Bonomi partecipa al "Martin Luther King Jr.Memorial Library DCPL", a Washington per l'inaugurazione della mostra "Imagining the future. Leonardo da Vinci: in the mind of an Italian genius", organizzata da Confindustria.- Camera: Commissione ambiente, audizione su dl emergenza alluvionati con dg Abi Sabatini- Abi: conferimento premio Einaudi al presidente Abi, Antonio Patuelli- EY: presentazione EY Italy Outlook 2023 con Fitto, Crosetto, Urso.- Senato: commissione Finanze - Audizioni di rappresentanti di Consob, Mef e Ania sul disegno di legge Competitività dei capitali. MERCOLEDI 21 GIUGNO- Gb: inflazione maggio- Inps: 'Tutto regolare? Colf, badanti e baby sitter in Italia', con Marina Calderone, ministro del Lavoro - Istat: produzione nelle costruzioni aprile - Ance: assemblea pubblica 2023 con Salvini - Copasir: audizione ad Eni Descalzi- Guardia Costiera: Salvini presenta alla stampa il Rapporto Annuale Guardia Costiera- Bce: discorso Schnabel e Nagel a Berlino su inflazione - Bce: Schnabel interviene alla tavola rotonda "60 anni dell'Advisory Council per la valutazione dello sviluppo economico complessivo".- Fed: audizione Powell alla Commissione servizi finanziari della Camera- Confindustria: inaugurazione della Sede di Confindustria a Washington, con Carlo Bonomi- Camera: commissione Ambiente - audizione Confindustria, nell'ambito dell'esame del decreto recante interventi urgenti per fronteggiare l'emergenza provocata dagli eventi alluvionali. GIOVEDI 22 GIUGNO- Anita: assemblea annuale, partecipa ministro dei Trasporti Salvini.- Banca d'Italia: Convegno "Le donne, il lavoro e la crescita economica", con Perrazzelli, Vice Direttrice Generale e ministra Roccella.- Sace: rapporto Export 2023 (Milano ore 16:30) - Bce: Panetta interviene alla conferenza della Bundesbank, della Bce e della Federal Reserve Bank di Chicago sulla gestione del rischio delle CCP- Gb: decisione tassi BoE- Usa: nuove richieste sussidi disoccupazione - Fed: audizione Powell alla Commissione bancaria del Senato - Assonime: assemblea biennale con viceministro Leo e commissario Ue Gentiloni. VENERDI 23 GIUGNO- Istat: prezzi delle abitazioni I trimestre 23 - Francia: Pmi manifatturiero e servizi giugno - Germania: Pmi servizi e manifatturiero giugno - Gb: Pmi servizi e manifatturiero giugno - Usa: Pmi servizi e manifatturiero giugno - Bri: Fabio Panetta partecipa alla tavola rotonda sul futuro delle criptovalute alla 22ma conferenza annuale della Bri - Confindustria:  52/o Convegno dei Giovani Imprenditori di Confindustria dal titolo "Nuova frontiera. Direzione 5.0"SABATO 24 GIUGNO- Cgil: manifestazione nazionale di Cgil e associazioni "Insieme per la Costituzione", per la difesa e il rilancio del Servizio sanitario nazionale e la salute e sicurezza sul lavoro.Partecipa Maurizio Landini- Confindustria: Convegno dei Giovani Imprenditori con Carlo Bonomi presidente di Confindustria. Read the full article

[delectablywaywardbeard-blog]

Borse caute, attesa per l'inflazione Usa

Apertura cauta, ma in territorio positivo per le Borse europee (Milano intorno a +0,4%) in attesa del dato sull’inflazione Statunitense e, soprattutto, domani, della decisione sui tassi della Fed. Anche oggi a Piazza Affari attenzione  ai titoli della galassia Fininvest. Le azioni ex Mediaset, che ora si chiamano Media for Europe, dopo la fiammata della vigilia, crescono ma in maniera…

[zikllop]

Bevor ich mit den Falschen hänge, bleibe ich einsam

Richter – Solang ich ein Mic hab

[head1ntheclouds]

Ich lernte alles auf die harte Tour Entscheidest du dich für die Straße oder Abitur? Doch wir bleiben auf der geraden Spur Mama, ich bin auserwählt - Deutschrap Excalibur

Richter ~ Excalibur

[nachtinspiriert]

Geh’ und renn’ zu deinen Freunden, doch sie werden mich verstehen.

Richter

[raptast]

Entstanden unter Druck, wie ein verdammter Diamant.

Richter Richter - Ex-Tassy Family

[tinygamertris]

Yoooooooooooo also a Tassie here and goddamn I feel for the tiny Summerset Isles. We're the state handling COVID best and do you think anyone acknowledges that? Do they fairy cakes!

Did You Know: The cartographers of Tamriel keep forgetting about the smaller islands in the Summerset Isles? There’s about a 50/50 chance that a map that includes the Isles will feature them.