Dale Denton | The Legacy | Senior Year

[James]

Texas

[The JZA]

AI run the world

djp73,

man gtfo lmao

Soapy, What tickles your fancy?

Texas

James,

[The JZA]

Chapter II: Five Heartbeats

It’d been a few weeks since Dale touched down in Texas, but the rhythm of the South still felt foreign under his feet. The air was heavier, thick with lukewarm heat and swagger, and the nights buzzed with a hum that didn’t quite die down. Spring training loomed on the horizon like a sunrise—bright, inevitable, and loud. Dale could feel it in his bones, that old itch clawing its way up his chest. The field was calling, and his body was ready to answer. But beneath the excitement was something else—finality.

This was it. The last dance before the pros.

He’d chosen to stay in college for one more season, not because he had to, but because he needed to. One more test. One more grind. One last time to prove to himself that all the sweat, all the bruises, meant something. When he wasn’t buried in the team's playbook or film study from last year, he found solace where the noise couldn’t reach him—in the PS5 chat with his boy, Zeke. The two of them had shared blood, sweat, and tears at the University of Washington. Now, Zeke was the new face of the Huskies, running the show.

“Yeeerrrr!” Dale sounded off as he hopped into the chat, voice echoing with that signature smirk. “What it be like, Big Zeke? How we living up top?”

“Yo, what’s cracking, Dale?!” Zeke’s booming voice filled the headset, his energy contagious. “I’m chillin’, man. You know me—same grind, different day. Gym, drills, film, repeat. The work don’t stop!”

Dale grinned, kicking back in his chair. “Same here. Been chillin’ mostly, fam. Getting myself situated. Spring training right around the corner, so I’m enjoying what little freedom I got left. Which is why I’m here—to cut ass with you on GTA 6. What’s up? We doing missions or what?”

“Hell yeah! Lobby your ass up!” Zeke said excitingly as the menu screens flickered to life. Before long, he two linked up in GTA Online. As they loaded into a mission, Zeke dropped the real question. “So, what’s the real reason you left, Dale? We had something hot here, bro. You ain’t even say a word. No text, no call, no nothing. What’s up?”

Dale sighed, eyes fixed on the TV, thumb idly circling the analog stick. “My fault, gang. Shit happened fast. Window was small, I just went for it. Needed something different. A new challenge.” He paused, then smirked. “But you about to be the star of the show this season. I know you happy I ain’t around hogging all the rushing yards.”

Zeke barked out a laugh. “Shit, you right, you right! I swear, last year you was running rampant for no damn reason. Like you had a personal vendetta!”

Dale sucked his teeth. “Man, that o-line was ass. I got bodied fifty times easy. I been running for my life more than I wanted to... But I did had something to prove though.”

“True that,” Zeke said, voice softening. “Gonna be different without you out there. Especially since it’s our senior year. Shit, time really flew.”

“Mhm.” Dale hummed, chuckling. “Who you telling? Still feel like yesterday I was saving your ass every second down ‘cause you kept getting ate up behind the line.”

Zeke threw his head back laughing. “Ahhh, fuck you, man! Old news! Ancient history!” he said between chuckles. “With you out the way, I’m running this bitch up! Ain’t nobody stopping me!”

“That’s the spirit,” Dale said with a grin. “Just don’t trip over your own ego before kickoff.”

Zeke laughed again, but his tone shifted, a note of nostalgia creeping in. “For real though, those games with you and Trey? We balled out. Straight up unstoppable, bro. We was lightning and thunder.”

“Yeah, you can say that for us,” Dale said, his tone flattening. “But Trey? That’s a different story. Peace talk with dude wasn’t so peaceful last time I ran into him.”

Zeke frowned, genuine concern cutting through the static. “Word? Damn, that’s wild. I knew things was tense, but I figured y’all would’ve worked that shit out. What happened?”

Dale let out a deep sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Man, I don’t even know no more. Pulled up on him one day, tried to talk, be cordial. He was with his crew, still on that Addy bullshit. Tried to bait me into a fight right there in the lot. But I peeped the play-action. Let him have it.” He shook his head, bitterness creeping into his tone. “But that’s your boy—I met him through you.”

Zeke chuckled lightly, though there was guilt in it. “Yeah, that’s on me. Trey my boy from way back—Bellevue days, same school, same streets. But yeah, he be wildin’ sometimes. I don't know what he be tweaking on lately."

“That’s your boy, but me personally? Fuck him. I ain’t got time to waste on folks who don’t want to elevate. I tried, twice. He let that shit slide.”

“Real talk,” Zeke agreed. “We got our own paths. If he wanna stew, let him stew.” Zeke’s voice cut through the brief hum again. “So my boy, I know you got something lined up down there in cowboy land. What she lookin’ like?”

Dale’s lips curled into a smirk. Even without seeing his face, Zeke could feel the grin through the mic.

“So… remember when I told you Nadia Starr slid in my DMs after I liked her pic? The one you wouldn’t stop clowning me about? Yeah, we linked up a little while ago. She mad chill.”

Zeke’s car swerved into another car. “Hold up—WAIT. A. DAMN. MINUTE!” he hollered. “You mean to tell me you actually clapped Nadia Starr’s cheeks?! The fine-ass porn star you used to drool over? Boy, I thought you was playing! You really out here running plays off the field too?!”

Dale started laughing dismissively through the slight embarrassment. “Man, shut up! It ain’t like that! We just met up, got some food, kicked it. Chill night, that’s all.” He paused, smirking. “But I ain’t gon’ lie… she badder in person. Her vids don’t even do her justice.”

Zeke whistled low, softly chuckling. “Damn, bro. You got the juice for real! I’m impressed! My boy got recruited to OnlyFans! I thought Addy was your biggest W, but nah, this one different.”

“Shut the fuck up!” Dale laughed, shaking his head. “You talk too damn much!”

Still howling, Zeke leaned back in his chair. “Aww shit, I bet she already sweet on your young ass, huh? You just tell Mama Nadia that you prime-cut, baby!”

“Pause!” Dale said, laughing. “Wildly outta pocket for that one.”

Zeke threw his hands up, still grinning. “Aight, aight, my bad! But for real, if you ever decide to leave a lil’ spunk sample somewhere, ya boy won’t say a word!”

Dale stopped mid-laugh, shaking his head. “Nah, I’m done, fam. I’m logging out. You OD’ing!”

Zeke’s laughter filled the headset, uncontrollable and infectious. “Aight, alright, I’m chill! But for real—if she make you happy, that’s what matters. Just… be careful with these industry chicks. They be on to the next quick.”

Dale smirked, standing up from his chair, headset still dangling from his neck. “Yeah, yeah, I hear you, bruv. But you violated, for real. I’m out.”

“Peace, my boy!” Zeke said between chuckles.

Dale shook his head, still smiling as he shut the console off. The room fell quiet, save for the Texas wind whispering through the open window.

Spring training was tomorrow. New city. New team. New season. And if Layla played her cards right, for Dale, maybe a new reason...


———————————————————————————————————————————


The night in Austin had that kind of hum you could feel in your bones — not loud, not quiet, just a steady vibration that let you know something was in the air. The streets were alive, everything bathed in a glow of neon and laughter. You could smell barbecue smoke mixing with perfume and weed drifting from open car windows. It was a Texas night that didn’t need to try; it was just doing what it do.

Dale and Layla had made plans to link up again. Once Dale had got cleaned up putting on a crisp pair of black denim jeans that laid over on his butter Timbs, the burnt orange tee stretched across his chest, and he tugged at it again like it was choking him. He’d rocked purple and gold his whole damn college life — Washington Husky pride in his veins. Seeing himself in Longhorn colors was like looking at a stranger. “Man…” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head, a low chuckle sliding out. “Ain’t no way I’m ever gettin’ used to this burnt orange shit.”

Once ready and picked up in the Uber Layla had ordered, he made a stop over to Layla's place, picking her up. “Hey, handsome,” she purred. “Couldn’t wait to see me again, huh?”

Dale half cocks a smile, "Don't act like you weren't the one trying to drag me off of campus." Dale rebutted.

With the driver taking off, taking us to our destination, the tension seem to quickly thicken in the backseat. “Mhm,” she hummed, stepping closer, her scent wrapping around him like flavored smoke. “Touché. I wasn’t doin’ anything, so I figured… why not catch a vibe? Pick up where we left off.”

Dale’s hand found her thigh, his thumb tracing lazy circles against her bare skin. Her breath hitched, but she didn’t pull away — just bit her lip and leaned in closer. “Then let’s catch a vibe,” he said, voice low. “Where we headed?”

“Palazio,” she answered, eyes glinting with mischief.

When the car pulled up, Dale clocked the sign. The lights. The music. The energy. “A strip club?” he asked, arching a brow.

Layla’s grin widened. “What, you thought I was takin’ you to some bougie warehouse club with overpriced drinks? Come on, let’s have some fun.”

Inside, the world turned electric. Gold and burgundy aesthetics, lights pulsing like heartbeats, perfume and money scenting the air. Every table was a story waiting to unfold. Bottle girls in white lace weaving through the crowd like angels in bad habits. The place was lit and nearly packed. After checking the scenery, Layla caught his hand, dragging him to a corner booth. But before he could sit, she pushed him against the wall—music thumping through their bodies like shared blood.

“Work” by Rihanna dropped, and Layla began to move to the infectious rhythm, hips undulating sensually. She stepped closer to Dale, hands roaming his chest as she spoke over the thumping bass."Mmm, I love this song!" A wicked grin spread across her face. "Stick close now, handsome. I'm gonna show you some real work." Turning, Layla bent at the waist, presenting her toned plump ass inches from Dale's groin as she glanced back coyly over her shoulder. Her body flowed like liquid gold as she twerked and grinded in time with the music, putting her signature porn star assets on full display.

Dale couldn't help but be enthralled by her languid movements, her seductive teasing. "You better chill before you start a fire with all this friction." Dale warns her but his hands betrays his intentions as he grips her hypnotic hips, slow winding with her.

Layla smirked and grounded her onto him, determined to stoke the flames licking at their restraint."Oh, we're way past 'chill' territory now, baby..." Spinning in his arms, Layla draped her arms around Dale's neck, pressing her ample bosom flush against his chest as she captured his gaze with hooded eyes. "We working with some fire tonight. Question is, are you man enough to handle getting burned?" The air crackled with tension as her tongue darted out to wet her lips.

Just when things were heating up between Layla and Dale, a new voice to Dale's ears pierced through their shared aura, sauntering over, her hips swaying, eyeing Dale like a snake about to strike.

"Well, well, well, looks like someone's trying to steal my girl away."

Zara. Tall, fierce, with eyes sharp enough to slice through ego.

She slinked up, wrapping an arm around Layla’s waist possessively."Careful, pretty boy, this one's a handful. I ought to know. I'm the only one who can keep up with her... appetite." Her gaze raked critically over Dale.

Layla rolled her eyes, laughing. “Ignore her, Dale. This is Zara—my best friend, my sister, my headache." She winks at Zara. " We go way back. She's like the sister I never had. The complete package - gorgeous, smart, and can kick most guys' asses in a fight." Layla grins at Zara. "Isn't that right, Z?"

Zara instantly smirks at the gratification, agreeing with a bit of arrogance. "Mhmm, and she knows damn well not to trust smooth-talkers who think they can charm their pants off." Zara smirked. “So this is the Dale I’ve been hearing about? The Heisman hero from Washington?” Her gaze dragged over him, unimpressed but curious. “Huh. I was expectin’ taller.”

Dale smirked right back. “Hey, yo... Respectfully, 6'1" with no heels.”

“Touché,” Zara said, crossing her arms.

Dale extended his hand out to her to shake. "Nice to meet you, Zara? If I heard correctly? It's a little loud in here."

Zara hesitated for a beat before accepting Dale's handshake, her grip firm and deliberate. "Zara. Yes, that's correct." She released his hand abruptly, her gaze never leaving his face as she continued, "Listen, Dale, I hope you understand where I'm coming from. Layla means a lot to me, and I can't help but be protective of her—especially when it comes to guys who are clearly looking for one thing." Zara makes her stance known as her eyes flicked meaningfully, raking over Dale before snapping back up to his face. "So forgive me if I seem a little... skeptical of your intentions. I'm just trying to watch out for my girl."

Dale nods in understanding.Trust, I get you. I'd keep that edge too for my best friend. But you don't gotta sweat me. Shit, I almost thought she was catfishing me when she reached out to me." Dale gives a smirk to Layla before returning his eyes to Zara. "How about I get us some drinks and I'll let y'all talk for a minute." Dale gives Layla hand a firm squeeze before stepping past Zara, heading off to the bar.

As Dale walks away, Zara turns her attention fully to Layla, arms crossed and eyes narrowed. "I guess your fake fanclub pages almost cost you a hottie, huh?" She gestures vaguely in Dale's direction. "Lay, do you really know this guy? Like, have you really vet this guy to be up on him like that? For all we know, he could be some creep prowling for easy lays!" Despite her harsh words, there's a note of concern in Zara's voice.

Layla rolls her eyes as she smirked. "Oh relax, Zara. It's not like that. Dale and I have been talking for months on Instagram, he liked my pic and I took a chance and hit him up. I get thousands of DMs from wannabe players and shit for giggles, but I looked at him and saw something different. There's actually a real connection here, beyond just physical stuff." Her expression softened. "I know you worry, but please just give him a chance. For me?"

Zara lays her hand on her shoulder, selling her grip on reality. "Fine, whatever. But I need you to promise me you'll be careful, okay? Don't go rushing into anything just because he's hot and you've got blue balls from sexting. Let's pump the brakes and really vet this dude before you hop on his dick."

Layla bit her plump lower lip as she watched Dale return with drinks, his muscular form cutting through the crowd effortlessly. She accepted the cocktail he offered, fingers brushing against his in a fleeting touch that sent tingles up her arm. "Thanks, babe. You're so thoughtful"

Zara scoffed beside her yet, still accepting the free cocktail.

Layla ignores her, instead focusing on Dale with a coquettish smile. "So, where were we before we got so...interrupted?"

Zara snorted derisively, shaking her head. "Okay, I'm going to leave you two alone to get 'familiar'." She air quoted mockingly. "But I swear, if you so as much harm a hair on my girl, I will hunt your ass down myself. Got it, Dale?" Without waiting for a reply, Zara flounced off, leaving a smirking Layla and an amused Dale in her wake.

Looking at Zara walking off into the crowd, Dale takes a swig of his Modelo before before breaking the silent discord with Layla. "... Man, is she like this all the time? I can't imagine how aggy she gets in the summer time." Dale shook his head casually. "But y'all two seem tight, I respect that she looks out for you, even if she comes off strong with it. She need to get laid, for real."

Layla laughs softly and shakes head. "Unfortunately yes, that's just Zara for you. Loyal to a fault and doesn't mince words. But she means well deep down." She takes a sip of her cocktail, eyes smoldering as they meet Dale's.

"I feel it... I got a shorty back in Washington, best friend type-shit. Met her on campus and we started clicking over my academics. She went through some traumatic shit with her ex-boyfriend and I was there for her, ever since then we just had a deep bond." Dale takes another swig of his beer, savoring the crisp flavor on his palette. "But she got a man though, I don't want you thinking I'm stunting or some shit. She's mad cool. About your age if a little younger."

Layla listened intently, nodding understandingly as Dale shared about his close female friend. She could sense the genuine care and platonic bond they shared. "Awe, that's really sweet of you to be there for her like that. It says a lot about your character, Dale." She placed a comforting hand on his forearm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "And don't worry, I don't think you're stunting or anything. I'm glad you have such a supportive friendship with her." She leans in a bit closer, tracing her fingertips lightly along Dale's jawline, her voice lowering seductively. "Besides, I'm much more interested in exploring 'our' connection tonight." She wet her plump lips unconsciously, holding his darkened gaze with her own fiery intensity.

"Likewise, Mami." Dale gives a genuine smirk, his eyes boring into hers. "As much as I want to rearrange your guts, we gotta take it slow. I may be here for a year, but I still wanna see where this goes, on some real shit."

Layla's breath hitched from his intense gaze sending shivers down her spine. "Slow, huh? You really want to tease me like that, Dale?" Her tongue darted out to wet her bottom lip, eyes gleaming with mischief and barely restrained desire. "I've dreamt of wrapping my lips around this sexy mouth of yours for months, want to explore every inch of your gorgeous body with my tongue..." She trailed off, letting the dirty images hang in the air. "But I see your point. Good things come to those who wait. "Layla smiled sultrily, trailing her fingers down Dale's chest.

"Trust, I'm not teasing cause I'm going against my own desires to take you to a hotel and dick you down." Dale retorted. "But a little slow-burn don't kill nobody."

Layla gently smiled at him. "You right Dale, so how about this - we spend tonight getting to know each other properly. Lets vibe out, shake some ass for some change, see if the spark translates to something." Dale nodded in agreement. "Sounds perfect. Just give us a bit more time. I like you, can't front on that part."

Layla felt a flutter in her chest at Dale's sincere words, touched by his desire to take things slow and build a genuine connection. "Wow, Dale... I like you too. More than I probably should this early on," she admitted softly, smiling up at him." It's refreshing to meet a man who wants to get to know me properly instead of just rushing straight to the bedroom." She took his hand, interlacing their fingers as she gazed into his eyes."Okay, fuck it. Lets vibe out! I'ma need another drink, baby, I'm tryna' get twisted!" Layla sang as she twirled around, hypnotically shaking her ass on him.

If they weren't dancing, they were drinking. If they weren't drinking, they were topping dancers off with dollar bills. Dale and Layla laughed and smiled till the night blurred at the edges. Austin spun around them, bright and loud and alive. And for that moment—just that one electric, golden moment—Dale forgot about Heismans, trophies, or the weight of tomorrow. He was just a man, caught up in the rhythm of the night, vibing with a woman who made the world slow down.

Watching from afar, Zara couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease mixed with begrudging admiration. She hated to admit it, but there did seem to be a real spark between them. Against her better judgment, Dale appeared to genuinely like Layla for her, not just the porn star persona. Still, Zara wasn't ready to completely give Dale the seal of approval just yet. She wanted to keep a close eye on him to ensure he didn't hurt her dearest friend. This was still his chance to prove he was different than the rest, and not just wanting to cut & run.

A storm was brewing between them. And all three of them knew it...

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[redsox907]

roster looks solid - would have liked a true #1, but lots of young guys who will be hungry.

Shame no Georgia on the schedule, but hopefully a SEC CCG matchup

[Captain Canada]

That's one hell of a schedule. Might only manage 60 touchdowns this year

[Scars]

time for Dale to get his receiving numbers up

[The JZA]

dead post

[Agent]

sticking around for a 4th year? Blud risking going #1 for potential negative exposure in his senior year & falling below the top draft pick. Considering the game is CFB I respect it