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warnersister · 2 months

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Personal Space

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x reader

Summary: you love your personal space. Unfortunately, Bradley also loves your personal space.

You never understood why Bradley stuck around. Since the academy you’d preferred to stick to yourself; get your head down and get the job done. Especially with a surname like Mitchell. You didn’t want your father and grandfather’s reputation to negatively proceed you, and by the time people had put two and two together as to whom loins you came from: you’d made your own reputation so Maverick never made much of a difference to it.

But still, having dinner in the mess you’d sat down, when someone came and thudded down next to you and began eating themselves. “I’m Bradley” he said when you finally looked up at him. You raised a brow “Bradshaw?” You ask and he nods: you recognise him from the photos your dad pinned up in your two’s hanger. You hum “and you are?” He asks “not important.” You reply, deciding you’d lost your appetite and stood to clear your plate “good talk!” Bradley said, but you were already walking away.

He’d next encountered you when you were running around the academy, early morning; before any naval training would take place. He hummed and decided it was perfectly acceptable to interrupt your jaunt with his presence. “Hey! Up so early?” He asks as he tries to match your pace from a standstill “could ask you the same.” You reply bluntly “well I wanted to get a run in before-” “well there’s your answer.” You reply, cutting him off. “You run really quick.” He says as you try to keep your pace increasing to shake him off “goodbye, Bradshaw.” You say, pulling your sunglasses over your eyes and taking off at a pace he couldn’t sustain. He just stops and shakes his head smiling, you were funny.

Eventually, you’d both gotten up in the air and were quick to earn your callsigns “Rooster” and “Hen”. Bradley earned his because he was up before the chickens, you’d earned yours because the chicken kept fucking following you around like you were his mother. You were sat on the aircraft carrier, your trainee group learning how to land on a ship deck and you’d finally gotten a moment of peace that evening. You sat on the edge of the deck, feet dangling over the edge as you watched the sunset, not moving when you hear someone slip into the space between the barriers beside you.

“Oh look my chick is back.” You mumble sarcastically and Bradley laughs loudly at you. “You love me really” he says, looking at you as if he wanted to you agree with him “you seem to keep telling yourself that, don’t you?” You hum, turning to watch the sea lap against the grey metal. You can feel him fidgeting beside you, as if antsy to say something. “What?” You ask, finally turning to look at him. “What?” He repeats, looking at you with raised brows “you want to ask me something. You’re fidgeting.” You point out “so ask me or fuck off” you say, turning away again. “Your last name is Mitchell” he says and you roll your eyes “you can read and hear. Two things I’ve learnt today.” You huff, again, with sarcasm. “Are you related to Pete Mitchell?” He asks, looking at you and nearly holding his breath “you finally put two and two together?” You ask and he lets out the breath.

“Yeah, he’s my dad.” You say after a while “I was a whoopsie baby my mother didn’t want anything to do with” you tell him. “He used to fly with my dad.” Bradley almost whispers, voice just a few octaves above. “I know” you nod “he’s practically wallpapered all over our hanger.” You say “so are you” you eye him. “He pulled my papers” he says, again after a few moments of silence “I know” you say “do you know why?” He asks “yes.” You reply, and he could tell you weren’t going to elaborate. “Y’know I’m not a fan of your dad, but I really like you.” He says and you just look at him with a blank face. “Yup” you hum to yourself and he raises a brow “just as Mother Goose was described” you say, and Bradley’s face immediately lights up with a huge grin, stretching and arm around you and pulling you into his side.

“Get off me.” “Yup, yep, sorry.”

For your first deployment, the academy set it up that you’d at least be with one person from your training squadron, and today the list of names were coming out; they were scribbled on the back of a napkin and pinned to a notice board.

“1. Haywood & Solomons, 2. Hughes & Shelley & Omaha, 3. Cooper & Parker & Cromwell & Smith, 4. Bradshaw,” you crossed your fingers as someone read out the names, then yours was read alongside Bradley’s “oh for god’s sake” you grumble, turning to see Bradley practically jumping for joy. “This is great! Me and you, Hen!” Rooster cheers and you just stare at him “should’ve called you leech cause you’re acting like one. Calm down.” You instruct and he tries to chill out, but the cheeky smile on his face was indiminishagble.

He only became more unbearable then, with you every working hour, your wingman on the missions you’d fly, inseparable despite your complaints. “Where’s your boyfriend?” Hawk asked you, as he came to sit with you for lunch. You shush him loudly. “Woah woah I only asked where he was.” “Speak his name and he shows up. I’m trying to hide.” you say in a hushed voice “plus he isn’t my boyfriend” “sure” he scoffs but the daggers being shot into his head silenced him easily.

“Hey Hen! Hawk” Bradley greets as he sits down. You grunt and point an accusatory finger at Hawk “this is your fault, jackass” you say and he laughs at you, him and Bradley engage in conversation as you just eat, having learnt the skill of drowning him out. “What about you, Hen?” Hawk asked, drawing your attention away from your plate and up to the two men alongside you, you raise an eyebrow - letting them know you were insinuating that you weren’t listening to their conversation.

“Do you want a family?” He ask and you just nod “really?” Hawk asks “that’s cute, didn’t take you for a family gal” he jokes and you harshly kick his leg under the table “kids and everything?” He asks after the pain subsides. “Yup.” You say and Bradley hums “I didn’t know that” he says and you just look at him “you never asked.” You reply simply, and that was true: he hadn’t. He was quite prepared to spend the rest of existence chasing after you, whether that meant giving you your first kiss on your deathbeds.

The two of you even went to Top Gun together, training to be the finest naval aviators of them all. And boy, you two fought to be the best; tongue and teeth, blood sweat and tears, everything. The decision came down to one final dogfight. “May the best aviator win” Rooster jokes, sticking out a hand to you. You eye it and internally question if you were insane, before leaning up to peck his cheek. “Prepare to loose, chicken.” You say, leaving him frozen in his place while you head to your plane. That day, Bradley was seriously off his A-game, and you came out on top.

A Mitchell finally Top Gun.

“Congratulations!” Bradley says excitedly on graduation day when you victoriously lifted the trophy above your head. You turned to him and he leant down slightly - you weren’t stupid, you knew what he was intending to do. “Thank you, Brad.” You say, turning to walk over to where your father was stood - knowing that was probably the only time Bradley wouldn’t follow you. That was the first time you’d ever called him anything short of Bradley Bradshaw.

“I’m so proud of you honey” your dad says, hugging you tightly and you embrace him back, smiling widely “thank you, dad” you respond and he looks behind you where Bradley was stood a while back, watching the ordeal. “Is that-” “yes” you tell him and your dad just looks at you “I wouldn’t get all teary he follows me like a lost puppy” you grumble but he just grins “he’s a good kid, hon.” He says and you shake your head “he’s definitely something”

“So how does their relationship work?” Bob asks Hangman, watching Bradley talk your ear off and you just staring ahead into space, blankly. “You see Bobby my boy,” Jake begins “Hen loves her personal space” Bob nods “Rooster also loves Hen’s personal space.” Bob nods again, now understanding. “Haven’t they done everything together though?” He asks “I think it’s more the fact that Hen does something and Rooster just kinda goes with it” Phoenix said and Bob hums, as Bradley continues to converse one-sidedly with you.

“He means well” you hear from beside you as you stare out from the hanger, turning to see your honorary uncle Tom walking towards you, you run towards him as he embraces you tightly “hey Ice” you smile, sweetly. “Hey sweetheart” he croaks. “I mean what I said.” He states and you raise a brow “he means well” he nods towards the man doing his required push ups on the ground with Hondo. “I know, Ice.” You tell him. “No, I don’t think you do” he hums and you raise your eyebrows at him. “The kids in love with you. You’ve either got to let him in or tell him to get out.” He says, “you’re living together for goodness sake”. “It was cheaper” you argue “we both know the accommodation is subsidised.” He states, matter-of-factly, patting your shoulder as he turns to go talk to your dad when he walks into the room.

It was true, you and Bradley were sharing accommodation. “Hey Hen, they’ve offered us shared accommodation back in Miramar” Bradley says, coming over with a pamphlet. “Why?” You ask, taking it out of his hands. ‘Married couple accommodation’ it states and you raise your brows “you getting ahead of yourself, Bradshaw?” You ask and he shakes his head “the guy assumed our callsigns were cause we’re a couple” he tells you and you just hum. “Well I’d rather stay there than in an apartment.” You say simply, giving him back the leaflet and refocusing on the plane you were working on repairing. “Seriously?” He asks, voice overly hopeful. You look at him and shrug “just go get the damn house, Bradshaw. Before I change my mind!” You say and he grins, turning and breaking out into almost a jog to head to confirm your living situation.

You take a moment of hesitation, before loudly groaning and heading out onto the tarmac, getting down and doing push ups alongside Rooster. He turns his head and looks at you and you just raise your brows at him. “Hey honey” he grins “hello Bradley” he nudges your hip with his own. “I’ll drive us home.” You tell him, and he raises his eyebrows “Home?” He asks and you huff “okay, Bradley I will drive the two of us back to our shared accommodation that we accidentally got given.” You say and he laughs loudly “home sounded better.”

Then after the mission, the whole Dagger squad got permanently stationed in San Diego, other than deployment, so they urged the new additions to the base to buy their own properties closer to base rather than on it. You and Bradley were sat in the Hard Deck, a long time before it was open, the rest of the Daggers spending time on the beach while the two of you were scouring Bradley’s laptop for a property. Well, Bradley was.

How about this one? He turns his screen to you. You shake your head “I want grass in the garden. I want to plant flowers” you say as you point at the paved back of the house, explaining that it’s a waste of money to have it ripped out. Bradley nods “Mkay, garden” he says, moving back to look again.

“How about this one? Beach front, close to the running track for you. Only a walk from the Hard Deck. White picket fence, really” he hums, turning the laptop again “garden?” You ask and he nods “garden.” He nods with a grin. “Shall we go look?” You ask and he raises a brow at you. “You said it’s a walk from the hard deck. Let’s go.” You say, putting the address into your phone and immediately recognising the street name, Bradley quickly falling into step with you as you walk towards the property.

You look at it and place your hands on your hips. Bradley was right. Pretty damn perfect. “Can I help you?” A lady asks, walking outside of the house, clipboard in hand. “Oh no, we’d just seen this property online and wanted to take a look.” Bradley tells her. “Well I’ve had a no-show on a viewing. How’d you like to take a look?” She suggests, motioning to the open door. “Okay” you nod, following her into the house.

“Obviously the kitchen, living room, even a deck out back with a huge garden and high fences” she says nodding out the window and you hum. “Out the side there’s an entrance straight to the beach” she motions, then starts heading up the stairs “three bedrooms, attic space, bathroom” she says “I’m guessing it’s just you two at the moment?” She asks “oh we’re not-” Bradley begins “yes, just us.” You confirm, shutting him up. “Okay, so there’s a large room for your bed and then if any new additions are to join, you have the space for them” she smiles and leads you back out front.

“It’s not cheap, it’s California. So I understand if you’re not prepared to pay that much money, do you mind me asking what you do?” She asks “we’re naval aviators.” Bradley says “stationed here?” She asks and you both nod “ah! I get why you’re looking for a property here!” She says and Bradley looks at you. “I really like it, Roo.” You say, and Bradley has to stop his jaw hitting the floor at your nickname. “It’s your call, honey” he says and you look at the lady and smile as she offers her hand “we’ll take it.”

“How shall we split the payment?” You ask Bradley as you walk back to the Hard Deck after organising a meeting with the realtor to actually finalise all the kinks and bumps. “I don’t mind doing the down payment then we’ll take it in turn paying the loan” he suggests “we can get a joint bank account and do it that way” you say and he agrees as you settle back into your seats at the Hard Deck. “Where’ve you two been?” Hangman asks “we bought a house.”

One evening, after you were all moved in and were hanging out at the Hard Deck after a long day or routine flying, you were sat outside with Rooster; watching the sunset. “When are we getting married then?” You ask and he spits out his beer “what?” He asks, eyes wide and getting progressively more giddy. “Well we live together, we have a joint bank account, and Jake keeps telling me we’re practically married. So when are we getting married?” You ask as he hugs you tightly “whenever you want, baby” he says, kissing the top of your head and pulling a ring out of his pocket to get on his knee. “Will you marry me?” He asks and you raise a brow “didn’t I just say that?” You ask bluntly “just say yes, please” he begs and you nod “yes. Yes I will marry you, Bradley Bradshaw.” You confirm as he kisses your lips gently.

“Okay get off of me now.”

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sarahsmi13s · 3 months

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Duckie

Chapter 9

pairing: jake ‘hangman’ seresin x bradshaw!reader; bradley ‘rooster’ bradshaw x twin sister!reader

characters: y/n bradshaw, nick bradshaw, jake seresin, penny benjamin, serenity hart, denver miller

word count: ~10.7k (don't kill me i know the chapter lengths are all over the place, i'm sorry)

warnings: language, parental doubts, canon character deaths mentioned, drinking, thunderstorms, jake being an absolute sweetheart

a/n: i want to apologize that is has been 8 months since i have last updated the main story, i really didn't think it would take that long... but i just wanted to make sure i was proud of the chapter and i really do think i am proud of it. so thank you for your patience and i hope you enjoy 💜

series summary: daughter of goose and carole and twin sister to bradley ‘rooster’ bradshaw, y/n bradshaw also got her papers pulled when she tried to enlist in the Navy. which turned out to not be as bad as she thought.

chapter summary: a week after duckie and jake went on their "not-date" she is seriously regretting not getting jake's number before he left -- considering they haven't seen each other since. though, as fate would have it, that weekend they see each other at the beach and as duckie is walking away jake gets a push from his friends to get her number. little does he know he'll be getting much more than that from her

'duckie' universe

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It had been a hectic week since your ‘not date’ date with Jake and honestly… you were missing him. Nick was missing him too, hugging the cowboy manta ray every afternoon when he napped. You were really kicking yourself for not getting his number, you had no way of talking to him. And you both were busy, you with school stuff and softball practices and Jake with his Top Gun classes. So you just had to bet on the off chance of running into him again.

Late that Saturday morning, you and Nick were walking the beach, occasionally splashing in the surf. You wanted to tire him out so when Serenity came over later to babysit, he wasn’t too much trouble.

At some point when you had been distracted, Nick had run off without you noticing, most likely seeing something he liked or wanted.

When you do notice his absence, it’s because you don’t hear giggling and splashing. You look down next to you and panic shoots through you when you see that your son isn’t right at your feet.

“Nick? Nick! Nicky!”

Your chest heaved with your panicked breathing, thoughts running through your mind a mile and a half a minute as you shouted and ran across the beach like a mad woman – shouting for your son.

How could this happen? How could you not notice that your toddler wasn’t right next to you? What kind of mother gets that distracted that she doesn’t even hear her child run off? How did you not notice? Why didn’t you hear him? Why did you let something else pull your attention away that fast and for that long?

Maybe those middle aged mothers in the store were right? Maybe you were too young to be a decent mom… Maybe you shouldn’t–

“Han’man!”

The small, but excited voice shut your thoughts off in an instant, relief flooding your entire body as you ran in the direction you heard your son – nearly tripping over your own feet in the panic.

You spotted the classic beach volleyball court and saw Jake pick him up, looking equally as confused as he was happy.

“Nick where’s your-”

“Nicholas Jacob!” You called, adrenaline still pumping through your body.

Your son yelped a little and turned into Jake’s neck upon hearing you shout as the pilot cringed. The first and middle name? Never a good sign.

“Oooh, someone’s in trouble,” he mumbled, instinctively rubbing the child’s back in order to keep him calm.

The other aviators noticed this and gave Hangman a confused look. They were in the middle of a volleyball match and then boom a toddler’s running into the pilot's legs. And now he was comforting said child, not something they would expect from him usually.

Nick threw his arms around Jake’s neck, not turning to look at you as you ran over, sliding a little as the sand shifted under your heavy steps. “You can’t just run off like that! Do you know how worried I was?!”

The other pilots probably should have looked away, minded their own business. But now they were very intrigued as you came up to Jake as he held your son.

And by the time you got in arms reach you had calmed down slightly, trying to channel your mother to help you handle this situation.

“Nicky,” you coaxed, as you got closer and reached out to rub his back. He just buried his face into Jake’s shoulder, a small cry coming from his lips as he hugged the pilot tighter. He hates yelling, he doesn’t like it when people are mad at him. You played with his curls, knowing that he thought you were angry, “Baby, I’m not mad… You just worry me when you run off like that. You are too much like your Uncle.”

Nick looked at you finally, but still rested his head on Jake’s shoulder. His eyes were red and you sighed, knowing that he still thought you were mad. “I’m sorry I shouted, Nicky. Mama’s not mad at you. I promise.” He sniffled and reached out for you. You smiled softly and took him into your arms, then he promptly buried his face into your shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, guys,” you apologized, looking around at all the pilots. “I don’t know how he got away from me.” Jake shook his head, waving it off with a flick of his wrist, “It’s okay. I was winnin’ anyway.” You laughed, bouncing Nick instinctively, “Alright, well, we’ll leave you to it.” You adjusted Nick on your hip, smiling at the men before walking away.

Jake watched you walk away before turning back to his classmates, clapping his hands together and ready to start the next match. But he was met with crossed arms and expecting looks. “Okay let’s – What?”

“You’re in so deep, Hangman,” Denver, also known as ‘Ransom’, said with a teasing scoff. “Have you gotten her number yet?”

The blond shook his head, “No but I figured she’d offer it when she was ready.” The other pilot rolled his eyes. “Seresin, since when have you ever waited for her to make the move?” Jake huffed, “She’s different. I don’t want to move too fast. I want her to know that I’m all in first.”

Denver crossed his arms, “Hangman, go ask her. Show her you’re all in. She won’t know if you don’t tell her. And I’m pretty sure she’s a little nervous to ask you. You know… given that she doesn’t know!”

Jake’s eyes widened in realization, making the brunette laugh as Jake jogged after you, “Hey, Y/N, wait up!”

You turned as he called out to you, Nicky looking up as well from his spot on your shoulder. Looking up at him as he slowed down to a stop in front of you, you tilted your head a little, “Yeah?”

He took a few deep breaths, talking with one hand as the other rested on his hip, “First I want to preface, it’s totally cool if you say no. But we’ve been getting to know each other, and I was wondering if I could get your number?”

You looked at Nick then back at Jake, thinking about your response carefully. “I’ll be at the bar tonight. Come by and we’ll talk about it.”

Jake nodded, and smirked, “I look forward to it.” He ruffled Nick’s hair before going back to the group.

You smiled, eyeing him as he walked away – a little more confidence in his step as he walked up to his friend.

You know you were kicking yourself before for not getting his number, but now that he’s asked you… you were hesitant, you felt like you had a lot you needed to tell him before you took this step. Sighing a little, you adjusted Nick on your hip again and made your way back to your car.

During the drive home, Nicky was quiet and played with the shells he had found on the beach.

You knew he was still upset from when you yelled, and you knew that he didn’t quite understand why you were so worried. He was only three after all, and he had so much wonder that it was a miracle he didn’t run off to squash his curiosities more often.

He did need to understand why you had shouted and why you were so worried, it was important that he knew that.

But neither of you were ready to give nor receive that conversation. You were still thrumming with that anxiety from the 90 second eternity it took to find him and he was still upset from when you yelled at him. You just needed to wait for when you got home after you both calmed down.

When you got home, you gave Nicky his bath in near silence as you made sure all the sand was gone and he was clean of salt water.

You had thought through your side of the conversation and decided on how you were going to talk to him.

After getting him bathed and getting some comfy clothes picked out, you knelt in front of him as you helped him dry off.

“Nicky? Can we talk about what happened at the beach?”

He sniffed, nodding his head under the little shark hood of his towel.

You smiled softly at him and gave a gentle squeeze to his arms. “You know Mama isn’t angry right?” “You yelled… people yell when they’re angy…” His voice was soft and timid, he was trying not to cry again.

“Oh baby…” You tilted his head up and cupped his cheek. “Sometimes people yell when they’re angry or mad. But not all the time.” Confusion flashed over his tearfilled eyes and you sighed.

You sat back on your heels, wiping his tears away with your thumb. “People can yell for a lot of different reasons, Nick. Sometimes we yell or shout because we’re excited, we’ve done that before haven’t we? Like when you saw Hangman and shouted because you were so excited to see him.”

He nodded, using the towel to wipe his other eye as you gave him an encouraging smile.

“It all comes down to how we say something, and I know that might not make sense just yet, because you’re three, but it will and we’ll talk more about it then. But I know you don’t like yelling when people sound angry or mean, it’s loud and it can be scary, right?” He nodded again, sniffling a little, “Yeah…”

You nodded, dipping your head a little to look him in the eye. “And Mama’s sorry if she sounded angry or mean, that wasn’t my intention. But you running off like that scared me, it really really scared me. I didn’t know if you were hurt or lost.”

“But I was safe with Han’man… I was okay Mama…”

“I know that now. But in the moment I was really worried about you and I didn’t know where you had run off too. That’s why I shouted.”

You rubbed his arms, making sure to hold eye contact. “You can’t just run off like that without telling me. It makes me worried for your safety.”

The dam finally broke and Nick started sobbing. ��I’m sorry Mama… I-I jus’ saw Han’man an-and wa-wanted to s-say hi…”

“I know, I know baby,” you cooed, wiping his tears as they fell. “And Mama forgives you, I know you didn’t mean to. And I know there will be times where you’re really really curious and you want to explore, but you have to tell me so I, or someone else, can make sure you’re safe. And there will be times I’m gonna yell, but I still love you okay? And I will do better to control my tone in the future.”

He sniffled and hugged you tightly, his little arms wrapping around your neck in a grip that rivaled a grown man. You smiled and adjusted your legs, crossing them before wrapping him tighter in his towel and pulling him into your lap.

You sat on his floor for a while, holding him close and rocking back and forth as you pressed kisses to the side of his head.

It wasn’t too long after that conversation that Serenity was using her spare key to come in, finding you and Nick giggling in the living room as you watched Kung Fu Panda.

“Looks like I’m missing all the fun,” she laughed, sitting her backpack down on the bar.

Nick sat up, a wide smile on his face, “Ren!” She smiled and walked over, her arms out wide for a hug, “Nicky J!” He got off the couch quickly and ran to her, hugging her with a high pitched giggle.

You smiled as you stood up, “Oh I don’t know about missing the fun, just a little late to the party.”

“Well, I guess I have some fun to catch up on,” she said as she ruffled Nicky’s curls. “And Mama can relax a little bit.”

You nodded because now that she was here you could take a shower and get ready to go to the bar. You needed the moment of solitude to collect yourself after your mild panic attack on the beach. Needed to take a second alone to let the parental mask slip and just let yourself feel.

“Yes, and I will be showering and getting ready to go to the bar. You both can finish the movie and give me the rundown when I come back.”

Serenity nodded, “You got it, we’ll take notes. Won’t we buddy?” Nicky nodded, “And we can act it out for you too!” You smiled and played with his hair, “Yes you can, and I look forward to it.” Nick giggled, running back over to climb on the couch and continue watching the movie.

You looked at the college student, brows raised as you let out a breath. She arched her eyebrow inquisitively, “Mama need me time?” You nodded, rubbing your hands on your thighs. “She needs so much me time. Had a bit of a scare at the beach and I need a minute to process it, without him two feet away… God, that sounds so bad doesn’t it?”

She shook her head, grabbing your wrist gently, “Not at all. You need space to breathe, that’s why I’m here – well, and cause I love that little man over there.” You both laughed, glancing over at the couch where Nick was zeroed in on the TV.

Her grip tightened momentarily to gain your attention again. “And you’re doing great, Y/N. Don’t ever question that.”

A rush of tears filled your eyes, a weight you hadn’t realized was sitting on your chest lifting ever so slightly and allowing you to actually breathe again. Biting your lip to keep from crying in front of your son, you hugged Serenity letting out a heavy exhale that released the obsessive thoughts that rattled in your head.

“Thank you…”

Your voice was no louder than a whisper, but your gratitude was nothing short of a scream.

Serenity rubbed your back, “And I will fight anyone that says otherwise. Even you. Understand?” She pulled back only when you did as you nodded and wiped your face. “Good,” she nodded towards your bedroom with a smile. “Now go shower.”

You nodded, squeezing her shoulder in thanks before jogging towards your room.

She smiled after you before turning to your son, clapping her hands as she walked over, “Okay Nicky, let’s make sure we get all the details for Mama.”

After your much needed shower, taking the solitary moment to breathe and let more tears fall to just release the stress, you got dressed in a pair of jeans and an old band t-shirt you had held onto from when you went through your mom’s things. And you added a black jacket because it had clouded over while you were in the shower.

And of course, Nicky gave you the rundown of what you missed of Kung Fu Panda while you got ready before going back to let you finish up.

You took a deep breath as you clasped the guitar pick necklace behind your neck, letting the engraved gold rest against your sternum. Kendall had gotten it for you for graduation, having your favorite lyric of Great Balls of Fire engraved on the front – because he indeed drove you crazy and vice versa. For Christmas, Penny went and had Kendall’s initials engraved on the back, knowing that you’d be giving the necklace to Nicky once he was old enough.

Letting the breath out and calming yourself down, you stepped out of your room and slipped your jacket on as you walked to the door. “Okay, I’m heading out. It looks like it might rain, so just call me if anything happens or you need me to come home, okay?”

Serenity nodded from her spot on the couch, popping a goldfish cracker into her mouth “Got it, go have fun.”

You squatted down and Nicky ran over to give you a hug. “Bye Mama, have fun with Han’man.” You smiled and rubbed his back, “I will. Be good for Ren okay? I won’t be back until after you go to bed, so I love you baby.” You gave him kisses all over his face, “Mwah, I love you sooo much.” He giggled and kissed your temple, “I love you too Mama.”

You shared a smile and he ran back to the couch to curl up in his corner.

“Okay, you know all the numbers Ren. If I don’t answer, call Penny or the bar. Okay, I’m gonna head out now, see if I can beat the rush of pilots that are gonna get grounded soon. I love you both, bye.”

They both waved at you as you grabbed your purse and walked out the door.

About 90 minutes and one Amarello after you arrived, you watched Jake stroll into the bar, his green eyes finding you leaning on the bar immediately despite the crowd in front of him.

“Howdy,” you greeted with a smile as he walked over and leaned on the bar next to you. “Hi, Darlin’,” he replied, grinning down at you.

You glanced around, the bar wasn’t as packed as you thought it would be, but it was still full of pilots since the surprise showers grounded their classes for the rest of the day.

You looked back at Jake, remembering his question from earlier today on the beach. As you drove over and the hour and half you had to yourself at the bar, you had tried your best to prepare your speech, get everything you needed to say in order so you didn’t fuck anything up and miscommunicate your feelings.

Sighing, you closed your eyes, recalling everything you had lined up to tell him. You didn’t look in his eyes, keeping your gaze centered on his chest, knowing his green irises would wipe your memory.

“I’m gonna be honest here Jake…”

He held up his hand, gently interrupting you, “I get it, Y/N. If you still aren’t ready for a relationship, I understand. But I still want to be a friend that you can call, whether it be just to talk to me or if you need help.”

You sighed, relief filling your chest knowing that he was willing to wait, but you still wanted, no needed, to tell him how you were feeling.

You finally looked up in his eyes, swallowing the word vomit of emotions that wanted to escape, “Jake, you have done a lot these past few weeks. You’ve taken the time not only to get to know me but to get to know Nick. That means so much to me, more than you know. And I can tell that Nick already likes you, so I can’t just let you out of our life easily.”

Jake smiled, bashfully looking down at the bar as a chuckle broke through his lips, “I try my best. And I’m a little offended that you thought getting rid of me would ever be easy.”

You rolled your eyes before continuing.

“And I do like you, Jake. I like you a lot. While you are cocky as hell, you’re sweet and a gentleman. It’s just…” You rocked on your feet, thinking of everything you needed to say but couldn’t put into words – your rehearsed lines disappearing into thin air now that Jake was here. Damn those eyes.

You hung your head, trying to see if looking away from him would help re-materialize the pre-coordinated words.

But Jake ducked his head to meet your eyes, showing you he was listening and chasing away your coherent thoughts, “It’s just what, Y/N?”

You glanced at Penny, receiving a reassuring nod from her and sending a short one back. “I’m gonna step outside really quick Pen, watch my drink?” She nodded and gave you a small, encouraging smile.

“Follow me,” you patted Jake's shoulder, and slid your hand down his arm to grab his hand.

You pulled him outside to the covered deck and leaned on the railing, taking a deep breath to inhale the scent of the rain – trying to reign in your racing thoughts.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” Jake’s whiskey smooth voice asked as he leaned on the railing as well, his back facing the clouds.

You cleared your throat, dropping your head to look at the damp sand as you pieced together the puzzle of emotions and words in your head.

“My dad died when I was 4… He left my mom alone to raise 2 kids that were too much like their father. I told myself that I need to stay away from service men, definitely pilots. But you, and your perfect teeth and perfect hair, those damn green eyes…”

Jake was flattered but he could feel how this was going to end. You’d build up his ego to cushion his fall when you turned him down.

“You have become an exception to my one rule.” Okay… Jake certainly wasn’t expecting that. “A rule that I gave myself on my own. I’m just scared, Jake. Nick and I have grown so… close to you and I’m afraid–”

Jake lifted your chin, cutting you off, and quietly spoke to you, noting the thin line of tears in your water line. “Hey… I understand. But I’m a damn good pilot, I ain’t goin’ down easy.” You laughed, shaking your head fondly before smiling up at him, “There’s that ego.”

He chuckled softly, his trademark half-smile flashing a canine, “What can I say? But seriously, I will do whatever it takes to get back to you both safe. If that’s what you want.”

You nodded, stepping closer, unconsciously straightening your back to be closer to him, “I want it, I do.” You bit your lip, a shuddering breath escaping your lips.

His soft gaze hardened slightly, reading your body language, but it softened again as he tilted your chin up. “Then why are you hesitating?” You shrugged, shaking your head subtly, “I don’t know.”

You knew why, deep down you knew why you were holding back. Why you wanted to spray the butterflies in your stomach with vinegar. Your brain knew why. But your heart was pounding on your ribcage, trying to get to your brain to tell you it was okay. That you could love again, and it would all be okay.

Jake leaned down, seeing the fight in your eyes. “Is this okay?” You nodded, your breath mixing with his as you looked from his eyes to his lips and back again.

There was a soft eagerness, a puppy in those green eyes waiting to run around, bouncing as he waited for his command – a command only you could give. It was familiar but completely new at the same time. But it felt safe.

Instead of giving him the words he was looking for, you rested your hand on the side of his neck and pressed your lips to his – letting your heart take the wheel.

The kiss was soft, but it didn’t change the fact that butterflies went wild in both of your stomachs. Jake couldn’t help but smile against your lips as he cupped your jaw and tasted the hint of Amaretto on them.

You pulled away, needing to get air into your lungs but Jake chased your lips, catching them in their minty trap. It was clear he came prepared for anything, not that you minded.

Your free hand fisted in his jacket, wafting his cologne into the air – an all consuming, but not overwhelming scent.

You both finally pulled away from the chaste kiss, light headed and breathless. You stayed close, your noses brushing against each other.

“What’s gonna happen when you leave?”

Jake smirked, his breath still tickling your lips as he pulled out his phone, “Well, I’m not sure, but it’d be a hell of a lot easier with your number.” You laughed and finally looked up at him, stepping back a little to take his phone, “Smooth Lieutenant. Very smooth.”

As you and Jake held eye contact a smile settled across your face before you looked down at his phone, typing in your number and sending a text to yourself.

Jake couldn’t help the blush that darked his tanned cheeks at the sparkle of your smile that not even the rain could dim.

You weren’t like anything he’s ever seen before; a strong, single mother that did everything for the sake of her child and someone that had gone through so much at such a young age.

“You’re amazing…”

Jake hadn’t realized what he said out loud until you giggled and looked down at the deck with pink tinted cheeks.

“I said that out loud, didn't I?” He laughed at the end of his question. You nodded, “You did. But I’m flattered, so thank you.”

You messed with his jacket, “And you’re good, Lieutenant. Maybe too good to be true.”

“You’re stroking my ego, Darlin’.” You giggled and gave him a quick kiss, “I better head back in.” He grabbed your waist, “Do you have to?” “Do you want to have fun or not?” He bit his lip and you patted his chest and walked in.

He watched you walk in and shook his head. Laughing to himself he adjusted his posture and went in and straight to the pool table.

You and Jake hung out at the bar for hours after that, having the time of your life.

You danced to the music that came from the jukebox, played darts and you watched him play pool. You drank and ate, Penny keeping an eye on you both because you had to drive back home to your son and Jake did not need a hangover in the morning.

But you didn’t need the drinks to have a good time. Like right now. Jake had suggested another round of darts, but this time, you added a few spins before your throw. Almost like kids getting ready to hit a pinata at a party.

Jake grinned as he spun you around a few times. “Okay, now that you’re properly dizzy, why don’t you try and get a bullseye?”

“You’re kidding me,” you giggled as you swayed a little on your feet. “I doubt I’m gonna hit the target. I can’t hit it when I’m standing straight, what makes you think I can hit it when I’m dizzy?”

He shook his head and turned you by your shoulders to square up to the board. “Who knows, maybe you’ll be better?” You snorted as you raised the dart, “I highly doubt that.” He scoffed playfully, “Just throw the dart, Y/N.”

You giggled, “Okay okay.”

Your tongue poked out of the seam of your lips as your vision swam a bit and you lined up your shot.

Taking a few balk throws, you finally get ready to actually throw it when there is a harsh crack, followed by a loud, booming sound – loud enough to rattle the windows.

“Oh shit!”

Any attempt you had made to actually aim the dart didn’t matter, because when you jumped at the harsh thunder the dart was sent on its own journey.

You laughed at your reaction to the sudden thunder and leaned back against Jake, “I can blame that horrible throw on the thunder, right?” He looked over your shoulder, seeing the dart about a foot and a half under the board in the wall.

“You sure it was thunder?”

Your jaw dropped and you smacked his chest with the back of your hand, “That was uncalled for Seresin. But I walked into that one.” You both laughed as Jake nodded, “Yeah, I guess I can give you another shot Bradshaw.”

“Well, thank you oh so gracious Hangman,” you sassed a little as you readied another dart. “I’m actually gonna try this time.”

He chuckled and crossed his arms as he watched you repeat your process, his eyes drawn to your lips as your tongue once again pokes out.

You managed to throw the dart just as the lights flickered out.

“Are you fucking serious? The weather really doesn’t want me to hit this board,” you grumbled as you pulled your phone out to use your flashlight.

Jake did the same, him immediately shining it at the dart board.

“Look at what we have here, you actually hit the board,” he teased as he walked up to the board. “Not a bullseye, but you hit it.” You flipped your hair, “Look at me go. Mama’s still got it.”

Jake gave you a look, his face deadpanned and his brow low. You held his eyes, yours playfully squinting.

It was a standoff for about 20 seconds before you both started laughing.

“C’mon Mother Goose, let’s go to the bar,” he chuckled as he grabbed your hand gently.

You froze for a second, confused as to where he got that nickname from – forgetting it was just a nursery rhyme to everyone else at that moment.

He looked at you, frowning in concern, “Hey, sweetheart, you okay?”

You shook it off, swallowing as you nodded, “Yeah, yeah… I’m okay.”

With a furrowed brow, he stepped closer, tilting your chin up with a crooked finger, “You’re not afraid of the dark, are you?”

His light tease pulled you back fully.

“N-No, I’m fine, it’s okay,” you said softly as you shook your head. He cupped your cheek, “Are you sure?” You nodded, “Yeah, yeah, just thought of Nicky… He’s not the best with storms sometimes.”

“Do you wanna check in on him? Make sure he’s doing okay? Especially now that the power’s out.”

You chewed on your lip, your thumb and pinky tapping rhythmically on your thigh. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

Jake nodded, “Of course it is! That’s your baby, do not question if it’s okay. It’s always okay.” You immediately open your contacts, “Thank you.”

He smiled, squeezing your hand, “I’ll be at the bar when you’re ready, if you gotta go home, that’s okay.”

You gave him a smile and mouthed a ‘thank you’ as your phone rang, waiting for Serenity to pick up.

Jake nodded again before going over to the bar.

Penny and Jimmy were turning on battery powered lanterns and setting them up around the bar.

“You guys need some help?” Jake offered as he leaned on the bar.

She looked up at him as she sat a lantern down on the bar, “You don’t think you could get the power back on, could ya?”

Jake laughed lightly, “If my call sign was Sparky, I might be able to give it a shot. Unfortunately, it’s not.” Penny shook her head with a laugh, “It’s alright Hangman, once we get these set up, we’ll hopefully get the generator up and running.”

He nodded, “In the meantime, I’ll take two waters, if you can spare them.” She nodded with a smile, “Coming right up.”

As she got the bottles out of the ice bucket she prepped after looking at the forecast, you came over after finishing up your call.

You sighed a little as you sat down.

“Hey,” Jake greeted as he rubbed your knee. “How’s the little man holdin’ up? He alright?” You nodded, smiling as you rested your hand on his, “Yeah, Serenity said he was snuggled up on the couch with his turtle and his manta ray, watching movies with plenty of goldfish crackers.”

Penny popped up, “You have power?”

“Nope,” you laughed a little awkwardly. “He’s watching it on Serenity’s laptop. Which I told her she didn’t have to let him do that. She’s got stuff to do for summer classes but mine was dead. I just hope she doesn’t get behind.”

She gave you your water, “She’s a good kid, I’m sure she’ll be okay for one night.” You nodded and sipped your drink, “Yeah.”

You looked around noticing that everyone started to mellow out since the place was practically pitch black – save for the lanterns.

“Man… seems the lights weren’t the only thing the storm took out. How long until the generator is up and running?” You asked, leaning on the bar.

Penny shrugged, “I don’t know. It depends, we haven’t used it in a few years. It shouldn’t take too long, I think Jimmy checked on it after the clouds rolled in and the forecast changed.”

You nodded and looked around, “Well, maybe some live music can hold everyone over until then.” Penny and Jake furrowed their brows as you grabbed a lantern and went over to the piano.

“What? Did you seriously think that Bradley was the only one of my father’s kids that could play? C’mon now Penny, you should know better than that,” you teased with a playful wink over your shoulder.

Jake furrowed his brow, “Have you been holding out on me Mother Goose?” His tone was entirely playful as he came over to piano with his phone flashlight on as a fresh toothpick hung from his lips.

Penny blinked and looked up, a rush of nostalgia hitting her, “Wait did you just call her ‘Mother Goose’?” Jake looked up at her and nodded as he rolled the toothpick to the other side of his mouth, “Yes ma’am I did.” She nodded and glanced at you as she wiped down the bar, “And um… w-where did that nickname come from?”

He shrugged, “She’s got a little duck on her keychain and she’s a mama. Just kinda makes sense, I guess. Why do you ask?”

You couldn’t help but smile a little as you tapped the keys.

“Oh I was just-” Penny started but you cut her off gently.

“Goose was my dad’s call sign, Jake. A lot of his friends from the Academy and flight school called him ‘Mother Goose’,” you said, emotion present in your voice but you weren’t sad.

Jake stumbled over his words a little, “Oh I-I had no idea. I can stop if you w-want me too.”

You shook your head, a smile gracing your features as you looked up at him, “No no, it’s okay Jake. It definitely shocked me when you called me that earlier, but it’s… nice.”

He smiled back at you and sat down, “I’ll call you whatever you want, Darlin’.”

A giggle slipped past your lips and you were now thankful that the poor lighting hid the blush on your cheeks as you tested more keys.

You took a breath and readied your fingers on the right keys, “Okay okay, let’s get these people fired up.”

Jake arched his brow but then you played the opening notes to a song he heard non-stop in flight school when the class went out to a bar.

“Jerry Lee Lewis? You really are Bradshaw’s sister,” he laughed, gently nudging your shoulder but not so much as to mess you up.

You just rolled your eyes before jumping into the song. “~You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain!~”

Jake chuckled as people in the bar began to cheer, a few patrons jumping in to sing with you. He looked around, seeing that the flashlights on phones had been turned on and everyone’s moods seemed to flip on dime.

“~You broke my will! Oh what a thrill!~”

“~Goodness gracious great balls of fire!~”

His eyes landed back on you, watching you play the piano like he had only ever seen your brother play. It was lively, bringing an energy to the bar that got zapped out with the electricity. Almost as if the lightning hit you and you soaked up all the energy in the bar, and now you were returning it when it was needed.

He felt himself singing along, unable to escape the way that your infectious voice seemed to latch on to everyone that heard it.

Jake had always fought the urge to ‘feel the music’ when it was your brother. Be the one person in the bar unaffected by him. But here with you, he didn’t fight. He didn’t want to fight it. And he was unashamed to be sitting next to you on that piano bench, singing a song that you were sure your brother had played to death.

He saw you smile at him when you noticed it, feeding off of his energy just as much as he was feeding off of yours.

You found yourself looking only at him to see if he was enjoying himself, using him as a reference point for how the rest of the bar was feeling. That your attempt at entertainment was working.

It felt good to see everyone having fun because of you.

Now you could understand why your dad and Bradley did this so often.

Your smile never left your face as you continued to sing, though you hated how the song was coming to an end so soon.

Jake met your eyes as you started the last verse, his smiling matching yours.

“~I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs!~”

“~Real nervous but it sure is fun!~”

He watched your eyes light up as he sang the words back to you and the blush crawled up your neck. You clearly weren’t expecting him to sing that line to you – telling you how you made him feel through the song.

So, he continued to look at you, holding eye contact as he sang through a wide, infectious smile, using the lyrics to convey what he had trouble putting into words once again.

“~Come on, baby! You’re drivin’ me crazy!~”

His heart fluttered when you seemed like you were at a loss for words, despite them already being written for you – all you could do was smile as your muscle memory continued to play.

“~Goodness, gracious! Great balls of fire!~”

You played the last string of notes, your face dangerously close to Jake’s as the soft glow of the lanterns and phone flashlights illuminated his features almost angelically, the lights creating a halo around him and blurring the crowd like a camera focusing in on the subject of its image. His green eyes, though casted in a shadow, twinkled softly as he looked your face over like you were the only thing in the room – and to him, you were.

He was seeing the same thing. The blues of LEDs and the yellow of the lanterns created a harsh but gorgeous contrast on your face as your chest heaved when you attempted to catch your breath and the light sheen of sweat made your skin shine in a way he never thought about before. Your eyes were illuminated, but they held a shine of their own when you looked him over.

The cheers behind him all melded into one sound, one that Jake could confuse for his own heartbeat if it wasn’t pounding against his ribcage.

There was no hesitation this time as he pulled you close by the nape of your neck and pressed his lips to yours with breathless passion.

Your outside hand fisted in his Henley shirt, the fabric warm but a little rough under your fingertips. His heart was thumping rhythmically against your knuckles, giving the butterflies in your stomach a beat to dance to.

His hand moved down to the side of your neck, his thumb finding your pulse point. The sensation of your heartbeat under his fingertips was mesmerizing.

The kiss felt both like an eternity and not long enough when you finally pulled away, both of your lips damp and as your breath mixed as your foreheads rested against each other.

Around you, the crowd was still buzzing with energy, talking to each other as they started mingling again.

But you and Jake couldn’t hear them, not when you're so consumed with one another right there on the piano bench. You were in your own little world, a small sanctuary in the middle of the bar. Just you and him.

Smiling, you can’t stop the giggle from escaping as you try to smooth out where you had gripped his shirt. “That was um…”

“Electrifying?” Jake offered, his dimple appearing as he smirked playfully.

“That’s one way to put it, yeah,” you said with a light, slightly breathless laugh.

He chuckled and opened his mouth to say something else, but the overhead lights flickered for a split second before they stayed steady and the sound of the jukebox started up again.

You both sat up straight, looking around the bar as the patrons started back up in their games they abandoned.

“Would you look at that – one song and you managed to light up the whole bar, literally,” Jake said as he looked from his surroundings and then back to you, taking in how you smiled at everyone having fun again.

You hummed, turning your head with a playful glint in your eye, “Well, thank goodness it was only one song. I don’t know if I could’ve played another one. Unless Twinkle Twinkle Little Star counts.”

Jake laughed as he stood up, offering you a hand to pull you to your feet. “Well, if Nick was here, I’m pretty sure he would have a blast if you played that.”

“Oh, yeah, he definitely would,” you said with a laugh as you pushed some hair out of your face. “Another drink?”

He nodded, fluffing his shirt a little. “I can go for another.”

You grabbed his hand and pulled him to the bar, “Penny!”

After you got your drinks, you and Jake went to a booth by the windows.

“That was really impressive, Y/N. I knew Rooster was good, but he’s not that good,” Jake complimented as he sipped his fresh beer. The bitter liquid soothed his throat, his voice a little raw after singing.

You shrugged and sipped your Amaretto, the warm liquid warming you up from the chill of the rain outside. “I don’t know about that. He’s been playing since he was little. I started getting into piano in, like, middle school. And then in college I um.. I picked up a little guitar.”

Jake watched you bite your lip, your nails tapping against the glass of your drink. He wasn’t entirely sure what caused that far off look to appear in your eyes, a fogginess he wasn’t familiar with. But one thing he did recognize was that flicker of love, a shine of longing and admiration peaking through the fog – like a lighthouse on the shore.

He didn’t know much about Kendall, just what you had told him. He knew that you had met in college, you had been friends before you began dating, and that Kendall played the guitar – his favorite one tucked into the corner of Nick’s bedroom.

You cleared your throat, blinking the fogginess away and pulling Jake out of his thoughts.

You rubbed your hands on your jeans before resting your elbows on the table to talk with your hands, desperate to keep the conversation flowing.

“But like I was saying, Brad and I are very different when it comes to singing and playing the piano. He definitely channels our dad a little more than I do.”

He chuckled and leaned forward, resting his upper body on his forearms, “Well, I think I’m a little biased when it comes to that. But don’t sell yourself short, Darlin’, you put on quite the performance.” He added an unnecessary wink, but it didn’t stop you from smiling and looking at the table to hide your blush.

You lifted your head and smiled at him, sniffling just a little. “Thank you, Jake. That means a lot.”

Jake reached over and squeezed your hand, “Anytime.” He cleared his throat, “If you don’t mind me asking, that song clearly means a lot to you and Rooster, why-why is that?”

Tears stung your eyes a bit, again, but your smile didn’t falter. “Our dad, he um… he played it all the time. And I mean all the time. I’m surprised our mother stayed sane.” Jake reached up and wiped a tear that slipped through. You leaned into his warm palm slightly, as you continued.

“One of our last memories with him was sitting at the piano as he sang that song. Our mom in his lap singing with him without a care in the world about who was watching…” Your voice was a little heavier as you neared the end of your sentence, the memory making you a little emotional.

He smiled and squeezed your hand again, his thumb rubbing your knuckles, “That’s beautiful.” You gave him a soft smile and squeezed his hand back.

“Can I show you something?” He asked softly, not wanting to disturb the moment too much.

You nodded and sat up a little straighter, wiping your eyes as you spoke, “Of course.”

Jake nodded his head towards the window and your eyes followed the direction.

The glass was a little foggy, sweating as the cold temperature of the rain was meeting the warm air of the bar and the glass acting like a mediator between the two.

Your brow furrowed in immediate confusion though you weren’t going to question Jake just yet. There was certainly much more to it.

And he proved your suspicions by bringing his finger up to draw in the condensation.

It was a quick drawing, a simple sun with a smiley face and a little heart next to it. But the look on Jake’s face told you it was so much more than just a little doodle on a window.

“That’s really cute Jake,” you said softly, as you smile at him.

His grin widened and he shifted in his seat. “When I was little, I was never good with storms. My sister was even worse. She was scared and I was upset because I couldn’t go play in the rain.”

You couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up when he said that, the picture of a young Jake pouting in his room as he watched the rain out of his window in your head – he definitely picked out two droplets to race against each other, maybe even him and his sister picked one and had a competition.

He just smiled at you before continuing.

“My grandma and my mom had this routine with us where they would have us by the bay window in the living room and we would draw in the condensation. And I, of course, rubbed my wet hand on my sister’s face,” he said with a small chuckle.

“That I’m definitely not surprised by. Bradley pestered me too, still does, it’s a brother thing.”

Jake nodded, “Oh yeah, for sure. But aside from that, there was a purpose to why my mom and grandma had us do this. Because as you can see now-” He pointed to the drawing, seeing that it was already dripping and disappearing, more condensation taking its place. “-it’s already going away.”

Your brow furrowed in confusion. You still weren’t exactly sure where Jake was going, but it was clear this was something he held onto and cherished. Especially for him to bring it up now, years later. Plus, he had you roped in now, you were invested in this little smiling sun.

“The whole point of drawing in the fog was because it doesn’t last forever, and neither would the storm outside. Or any storm, really. As I got older, we stopped the window drawings, but my mom kept it up with us for little things. Like when my sister was going through a break up, she drew a sun with a little heart on a note and put it in her backpack. I can bet you that she still has every note, because I know I do.”

Tears pricked your eyes a little bit, “That’s really really beautiful, Jake. Your mom and grandma sound like very wise women.”

Jake nodded, a proud smile pulling at his lips, “They are, I’m lucky to have them.”

You mirrored his smile and you both went back to conversing with each other, planning out ideas for your next ‘not’ date.

“There’s so much to do here, so much it’s like there’s nothing,” you said, laughing as you sipped your drink.

You had listed off a lot of places to go nearby and all the things you could do together, but it all sounded so fun that you were having trouble deciding.

Jake nodded, rubbing his face a little as he laughed, “Yeah, seems like it.” He glanced around, noticing a pool table nearby. “Hey, how about we think on it some more later and just play a game of pool?”

You hummed a little and glanced over your shoulder at the pool table.

A sly smile came over your face as an idea popped into your mind.

You turned back to face him, biting your lip a little, “I um… wow this is embarrassing, I haven’t really ever played pool before.”

Jake squinted at you, almost analyzing you to see if you were just fucking with him. But you just played it up by hiding your face in your hands, hiding the grin that you knew would give you away if he spotted it.

“You’re serious? You’ve never played pool before?”

His tone was inquisitive, but it also had a laugh behind it that he was hiding as best he could and it almost had you laughing.

“No no, I have played before. But it’s just been too long. Last time I played it was maybe 10 years ago when I was in high school, and I was awful.”

Jake’s laugh finally broke through at that.

“Hey! Don’t laugh!” You whined, holding back giggles of your own.

He nodded, trying to stop himself by clearing his throat. “You’re right, you’re right. It’s not funny. It’s… it’s kinda sad actually.”

You dropped your jaw and reached over the table to swat at his shoulder. “Oh shut up!”

He chuckled as he dodged your hand, and you couldn’t help but smile as the corners of his eyes crinkled and his dimples poked through. “Okay okay, I’m sorry. But c'mon let’s play at least one game,” he proposed as he slid out of the booth and stood. He offered you his hand, a wink accompanying his next words, “And I promise I’ll go easy on you.”

You rolled your eyes and took his hand, “Fine, one game.”

A victorious grin crossed Jake’s face as he pulled you to your feet, squeezing your hand as he turned and pulled you to the table. Your lips pulled up in a similar fashion as you stumbled a little when he drug you behind him.

“Okay,” he said as he came to stop at the pool table. “I don’t have to explain the rules, do I?” His brow arched with his question, only using it to further his teasing. You rolled your eyes, hand going on your hip, “No, I know that much, Seresin.” The sass in your tone made Jake laugh, “Alright, Bradshaw, let’s play.”

You nodded and grabbed the two pool cues, “Let’s.”

He chuckled and shook his head playfully as he quickly racked the pool balls. Once they were all in order, he took the triangle off and tossed it on a table as he walked over to you.

His fingers wrapped around the taller cue, his warm hand encapsulating yours.

How had you not realized how large his hand was until now?

“Y/N?”

You shook your head, not having realized that you froze, “Oh um, sorry, sorry.” You let go of the pool cue, clearing your throat as you pushed some hair behind your ear. He chuckled at your sudden shyness, “It’s alright, darlin’. It’s cute when you get all blushy.” You huffed, though a smile pulled at your lips as you shoved his shoulder.

Jake laughed and held his hands up in defense, only slightly jostled by your shove. He gestured to the table and grabbed the cue ball, “Okay, okay, you wanna break?” He punctuated his question by putting the ball on the table with a *clack*.

You bit your lip, still feigning nervousness as best you could. You nodded and walked around to the end of the table beside him.

Tossing the cue up and catching it lower, you leaned over and nearly fell into muscle memory – letting the end come down and rest easy in the dip between your thumb and pointer finger.

You rolled your shoulders a little bit, moving your hand much lower on the stick so you would have less control of the cue. You relaxed your shoulders, letting them drop as your right hand tightened its grip. The maple cue rested on the walnut of the table, using it as the support for the middle of the stick.

Jake tilted his head, taking in your posture. It was… unconventional, and maybe a little awkward. But he wasn’t going to step in just yet, because maybe that stance just worked for you. And the look of concentration on your face was just too cute for him to interrupt.

Much like earlier at the dart board, your brow furrowed and your tongue poked out from between your lips. Jake grinned at the sight, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Nick made the same face when he focused on something. Like if his nose crinkled like yours did when he colored or if he stuck his tongue out when he did a puzzle.

Then his mind wandered a little further.

The image of a little girl appeared in his head, basically a clone of you in your lap as you sat at the piano. You guiding her hand along the keys, then having her repeat the order on her own. Her tongue sticking out as she tries to remember.

But before he can fantasize any longer, he shakes himself out of it once you take your shot.

He watched the tip of the cue whiff the ball as the butt nearly became perpendicular to the floor. “Woah there!”

You covered your mouth with your hand, doing your best to feign embarrassment at your ‘failure’. “Oh.. my.. gosh.. I can’t believe that just happened,” you snorted, laughing at yourself as you looked up at the ceiling, hoping that a blush was covering your cheeks to really sell it.

Jake came over to stand next to you, chuckling just a little. “So um… is that how you held it in high school?” He leaned against the table, the cue snug against his side as he crossed his arms, looking down at his boots as he crossed his ankles before looking up at your profile.

You swallowed as you kept your eyes on the ceiling, and Jake couldn’t help but watch the column of your throat move with the action.

Sighing, you looked at him, “I mean, kinda, like I said, it’s been awhile. But that felt so wrong.” You looked away from him and focused on your cue. “And now I’m embarrassed… because you just saw that.”

He sighed gently, a smile pulling at his lips. While you were embarrassed, he couldn’t help but admire the blush on your skin. He didn’t like the reason, because you shouldn’t be embarrassed, but you looked cute.

He reached out and turned your head to face him, smiling softly at you. “Hey, you don’t have to be embarrassed. It happens, and I guarantee that is not the worst shot I’ve seen.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

He sighed and propped his cue against the wall, “C’mere.” He adjusted the cue ball again and gently pulled you to him when you hesitated to move closer. “I don’t bite, unless you ask,” he whispered the last half of that in your ear, his accent slightly thicker as you felt his lips curl into a smile against the lobe of your ear.

His warm breath raised goosebumps on the skin of your neck, a shiver going down the nerves of your spine. He chuckled, his chest rumbling against your shoulder and making you giggle as a genuine flush covered your face and neck.

“Okay,” Jake said, turning you gently so your back settled against his chest. His hand rested on your hip and everything just felt right. Both of you slotted together like a puzzle piece, it was comfortable.

He looked down at you, “Am I too close?”

Your head shook almost embarrassingly quickly. If anything he wasn’t close enough.

“No no, you’re okay.”

He nodded, smiling at you, “Alright, just let me know, okay?” You swallowed, nodding back, “I will.”

“Alright, now, I’m gonna show you how to properly hold a pool stick. Do what you were doing before.”

You nodded, bending back over and mimicking the stance you had done previously.

Jake looked at you gaging what to adjust. “Okay, so one issue is, your back hand is too low. Don’t shake hands with the bumper.” He took your wrist and tried to slide your hand up but it barely moved. “And you don’t need a death grip on it, it’s not going anywhere unless you move it.” You nodded and relaxed your grip to let him adjust your hand placement.

He moved it to about the middle of the weight and watched your guiding hand adjust itself to a bit more of a natural position.

Smiling, he glanced down at you, “There we go, how does that feel?” You nodded, “A lot better, definitely more comfortable.”

“Perfect, and that’s how you know you’re doing it right. Before you were uncomfortable and it threw off your control. You guide the cue, it doesn’t guide you.”

You snorted a little, hanging your head as you laughed, “You sound like a therapist, or a yoga instructor.” Jake laughed along with you, “Unfortunately I’m neither of those. Not qualified nor flexible enough.”

You arched a brow and looked at him over your shoulder, a cheeky smile on your lips, “Not flexible enough? Oh, that’s a shame.” His eyebrows raised, almost as if he was sizing up a challenge, “Oh is it now? I mean, I’m sure with enough stretching, I’ll be good to go.”

You laughed before shaking your head, “Okay okay, let’s stay on task, Lieutenant, yeah?”

“Right, right, of course.”

Jake cleared his throat as his fingers wrapped around your shoulders, “Okay, being relaxed is fine. But you’re too loose and that makes it awkward.” He slowly pulled them out from their slouched position, straightening your back a little in the process. “That’s better.”

You swallowed a little, the heat of his chest against your back making you both nervous and excited.

“Do you feel more in control?” You nodded at his question, not trusting your voice to be steady. “Good, now, let’s test this.”

Worry shot through you for a moment, afraid he might step back and let you do this on your own – squashing the mini fantasy that you created.

But your worry was smothered when Jake adjusted his own stance, his knees nudging the backs of your thighs. His right hand encased your own as his left hand acted as a stand for yours – keeping your guiding hand steady.

“Loosen your grip, Duckie. It’s not gonna change your power. In pool, the speed determines the power.”

Jake’s voice was steady, but it was raspy as he spoke in your ear again. His breath fanned along your ear lobe and your jaw, raising goosebumps once again.

He felt your wrist and hand relax a little, and he just hoped you couldn’t feel his heart beating against your back.

“Alright, there we go. Now, all you gotta do is bring it back and–”

His sentence fell short as the felt tip collided with the cue ball and he felt a vibrating sensation against his hip.

“See? So much better. And now, if that’s your phone in your pocket, I think you’re getting a call.”

He stepped back and let you stand straight as you pulled your phone out.

Your heart dropped slightly when you saw Serenity’s contact flash across your screen.

Did something happen to Nick? Was he okay? Did something happen to the house? What went wrong?

Jake must have noticed that your face changed on dime, because his face fell into one of concern. “Y/N? What’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

Was it Serenity? Was it Bradley? Was it a chaplain? Or hell an NCIS agent?

“It’s Serenity,” you said as you pressed the green answer button and brought the phone to your ear. “Hey Ren, what’s up?”

Jake sighed in relief, his worst thoughts going off to the wayside in favor of just worried thoughts.

You brought your hand up, chewing on the edges of your nails as she spoke.

“Hey, Y/N, everything’s okay–”

Jake watched your body visibly relax, your hand rubbing at your mouth much like he’d seen Bradley do when he was stressed.

“Nicky’s okay? Nothing’s on fire?”

“No, nothing’s on fire. But Nicky is not wanting to go to bed without you here. I think it's the rain, the storm I should say. He doesn’t want to go to his room. Won’t even get up off the couch.”

You sighed but nodded, “Okay, I’ll be there in a little bit. Get his turtle and his manta ray, then get my body spray and lightly spritz a blanket and let him curl up on the couch until I get there.”

“I’m so sorry Y/N, I know you wanted to have a fun night out… I just didn’t know what to do.”

“Don’t apologize, I’m glad you called. I’ll be home in a little bit.”

You hung up and looked at Jake, “I’m so sorry, Jake. Nicky is–”

He held his hand up, “Nope, no apologies, go be with your baby. We can meet up later. Tell Nicky I said ‘hi’.”

Your heart skipped a few beats as you smiled at him. He smiled back and nodded towards the front door, “Now go Mother Goose, you got a duckling waiting on you.”

The look in his eyes was nothing short of fond, the yellow overhead lighting making his eyes a comforting shade of green.

He wasn’t upset at all, no disdain for your sudden departure on his features. Was he disappointed? Yeah, but you were always going to be a mother first. He couldn’t and would never get in the way of that, or try to change it.

You hugged him, and he didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around your waist in reciprocation.

“Thank you,” you kissed his cheek in thanks as you pulled away from the hug. “You don’t have to thank me, Darlin’. Just text me or call me when you get home safe, okay?” He said with a smile, gently squeezing your shoulders.

You nodded, matching his smile, “Of course, as long as you do the same?” He winked, “You got it.”

He grabbed your purse for you, “Drive safe, Sweetheart.” You nodded, “I will. Bye Jake.” “Bye Y/N.”

You smiled at him again before going over to the bar, patting the top with the palm of your hand. You opened your mouth to get Penny’s attention but she was already smiling at you. “Heading out?” Your head tilted as you nodded, “Yeah, how’d you know?” She shrugged, nodding down to the bag hanging off your shoulder, “Lucky guess.”

Chuckling, you pulled your wallet out, “Nicky won’t go to bed, the storm is keeping him up.” You pulled out a fifty, “For my drinks and Jake’s, the rest is your tip.” Penny shook her head, pushing the money back towards you, “That’s way too much, Duckie. 25 is plenty. Plus, Jake’s tab is open and your drinks are on it.”

“Penny Benjamin–”

“Y/N Bradshaw, don’t argue and go home to your son,” Penny pointed to the door to punctuate her order, the damp towel swaying slightly from her movement.

Huffing out a ‘fine’, you put the fifty away and put a ten on the bar, “I’m still tipping you, because I love you. Not as much as you deserve, but you’re gonna fight me on it.” She smiled gratefully at you, taking the bill, “Thank you, now go home. Text me when you get there.”

You patted the bar again, “Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you later, don’t let Jake get too drunk.”

With that you walked to the door, though Penny stopped you with a shout.

“That was an Oscar worthy performance by the way!”

You rolled your eyes, waving to her as you slipped your jacket on, “Bye Penny!”

phew!

that was a long one huh? but hey, we finally got a kiss! they kissed!! and before hand we got a little peak into duckie's insecurities as a mom. though we can all agree she's pretty great right?

i hope you guys liked this chapter and are ready to see where the next chapter takes duckie, nicky, and jake!

hi darlings i know it's been a long time, too long, but like i said before -- i wanted to make sure this was a chapter i was proud of and lately my creative battery just wouldn't behave and it's been hard to write and like what i write. but i think... i think i did it here.

my ducklings <33:

@roosterscockpit @milesdickpic @luckyladycreator2 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @hisredheadedgoddess28 @malindacath @avengers-fixation @shawnsblue @caitsymichelle13 @classycolorpeach @mamachasesmayhem @bobby-r2d2-floyd @twsssmlmaa

@horseshoegirl @startrekfangirl2233 @babyreads @amatswimming @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @hangmansgbaby @callsignwidow @kmc1989 @goodstuff28 @pjngpp3501 @lunamoonbby @joyfulpandamiracle @craftyinfluencersandwich @averyhotchner @emily-roberts @teenwolf01 @sunderland-6 @bethabear12

@coldmuffinbanditshoe @dempy @djs8891 @ingoaliesitrust @novavida @tigerfan24 @lynnestra44 @lilmonstrjedi @yourlocalloser-core @adventures4ever @onlyheretowastetime @mygyn @buckysvinyl @allyyssaa @clockworksficstoread @elisha-chloe @abaker74

#duckie universe #duckie #duckie bradshaw #nicky bradshaw #duckie and nicky #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #🤠🐤#duckie and jake #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin x bradshaw!reader #jake seresin x bradshaw!reader #bradley bradshaw x sister!reader #bradshaw!reader #top gun maverick #top gun maverick fanfiction #sarahsmi13s

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sebastianstangirl01 · 2 years

Text

Woah Baby

Title: Woah Baby

Pairing: Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x Bradshaw Reader

Warnings: language, descriptions of sex, protective Rooster and Maverick

Summary: After finding out she is pregnant Y/N has to find a way to break the news to her big brother Bradley and her god father Pete, who didn’t know about the secret relationship between Y/N and one of the pilots Hangman.

Authors Note: Carole was pregnant with Y/N when Goose died, Maverick immediately stepped in as the god father and treated her as his own while still making sure that the memory of her actual father lived on.

Secret relationships seem like a good idea in the beginning. The adrenaline spike that sneaking around gives, like your doing something that’s forbidden. But in the end are they ever worth it?

“Fuck.” Y/N mumbled from her spot on the bathroom floor leaning against the bathtub.

Morning sickness had been torturing Y/N for about a week, at first she just put it off as food poisoning. She was on birth control and she and Jake were always safe.

But when she missed her period and her boobs became tender to the touch along with the morning sickness, she just knew something wasn’t right.

“You good in there Honey?” Jake asked from outside the bathroom door, when Y/N woke up wrapped in Jake’s arms this morning she immediately had to jump from bed and run into the bathroom leaving a confused Hangman still laying in bed before getting up and following after her.

Y/N groaned and leaned her head back against the bathtub taking a few deep breaths to get herself together.

“You can some in.” Y/N said closing her eyes, she heard the door creak open and felt as Jake sat down next to her immediately pulling her into his warm naked chest.

“You ok?” Jake asked kissing her forehead

“I think I might be pregnant.” Y/N mumbled and Jake froze wide eyed pulling away slightly so he could look into her glossy eyes

“I thought you were on the pill and we always use a condom.” Jake said confused with his brows furrowed

“I am. I don’t know how this could have happened. Oh god, what about Brad and Pops? Their going to kill me, well they’ll kill you first and then kill me.” Y/N said making Jake chuckle and shake his head

“Before we worry about us dying, we need to get you a test. I can go right now and get some from the pharmacy, you take a shower and rinse off then get back into bed and try to get a little more rest.” Jake said standing up and reaching down to pull Y/N up beside him. “No matter what you’ve always got me, I’m not going anywhere.”

“I love you.” Y/N said leaning against his chest

“I love you too. Now strip.” Jake smirked smacking Y/N’s butt making her squeal

“Stripping is what got us into this situation, now go.” Y/N said pushing Jake towards the bathroom door

“I’m going I’m going. Be back soon, don’t miss me too much.” Jake smirked and Y/N playfully rolled her eyes before shutting the door in his face

Y/N sighed and did as she was told, getting in the shower and washing off the sweat that built up on her body from her violent throwing up episode. Once she got out Y/N changed into a pair of panties and one of Jakes white t shirts then walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water before making her way back into the bedroom and climbing into bed.

By the time Jake got back from the pharmacy Y/N was out of it laying with his pillow wrapped in her arms as she buried her face into it. Jake smiled and took his phone out snapping a picture that would definitely be his new Lock Screen, well if he’s still alive after Maverick and Rooster find out about their predicament.

Jake laid the 4 tests he bought down on the nightstand and sat on the bed beside Y/N reaching up to push a few pieces of hair out of her face before placing a few light kisses to her cheek, then forehead, then each of her eye lids making Y/N smile as she started to stir.

“There she is.” Jake smiled as Y/N turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I bought 4, figured it would be better to be safe than sorry.”

“Thanks, I guess I’ll go take them now.” Y/N sighed sitting up playing with her hands nervously making Jake sigh and grab her hands

“We’re going to be ok. If you’re pregnant then I’m going to love you and this baby more than anything in the entire world, yes Maverick and Rooster will probably be mad but in the end they will get over it and love the baby almost as much as us. If you’re not pregnant then that’s alright too, when you’re ready we can tell them about us and we can let our relationship grow and hopefully have kids someday.” Jake said and Y/N smiled slightly before nodding

“You’re right.” Y/N said and Jake smirked making Y/N roll her eyes. “I’ll be back.”

Jake watched as Y/N got out of bed and grabbed the tests off the nightstand before making her way to the bathroom, she glanced over her shoulder at Jake who blew her a kiss making her smile before closing the door behind her.

“I’m so screwed.” Jake sighed flopping back onto the bed, he obviously doesn’t regret being with Y/N she is the love of his life. But with the relationship he and Rooster have he knew that the news of him getting his baby sister knocked up would make him feral. And Maverick is practically Y/N’s father, since she never got to meet her real father Goose Maverick is the closest she’s ever had to a father.

He wasn’t sure how the two would react to the news, he didn’t want to jeopardize his and Y/N’s relationship.

Y/N read the instructions carefully before peeing on each of the sticks and then cleaning herself up. She placed each of the sticks face down on the counter and washed her hands before setting a timer for 5 minutes and walking back into the bedroom where Jake was still laying.

Y/N chuckled and climbed on top of him laying her head down on his chest and wrapping her arms around his waist, Jake chuckled and wrapped his arms around her body squeezing her tightly to his body.

“It should be done in 5 minutes.” Y/N mumbled and Jake nodded

“You nervous?” Jake asked rubbing up and down her back

“About being pregnant in general not as much as I thought I would be, but for what Brad and Pop are going to think absolutely.” Y/N sighed

“I’m a little nervous too but I love you and although I’ll probably get my ass kicked, I’m actually a little excited about maybe being a dad.” Jake said making Y/N prop her face up with her hands

“Really?” Y/N asked in slight surprise, Jake doesn’t exactly seem like the type of guy to want to settle down and have a family

“Yeah, I mean I didn’t have the best home life growing up. Didn’t have a father worth much of anything and I don’t want my kids to have the same experience that I did. I want to be a good dad.” Jake said with a shy smile making Y/N’s eyes widen, she has never known of Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin to be shy.

“I think you’d make a great dad, even if you are a cocky son of a bitch.” Y/N said and Jake gasped in mock hurt before attacking her sides in tickles making Y/N scream and roll of off him as she laughed

“I’ll show you a cocky son of a bitch.” Jake smirked sitting on top of Y/N’s legs as he tickled her making the girl scream and laugh

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of Y/N’s timer going off in the bathroom, immediately causing both of them to freeze in their spots.

“Here goes nothing. You ready?” Jake asked climbing off of her and sitting beside her

“As I’ll ever be.” Y/N sighed before sitting up Jake rubbed her back before standing up and offering a hand to Y/N that she accepted letting him pull her up

Y/N walked into the bathroom with Jake behind her and stopped at the counter looking down at the tests.

“You flip 2 and I’ll flip 2.” Jake said and Y/N nodded taking a deep breath

“Ok. One, two, three.” Y/N counted down as she and Jake both grabbed the tests and flipped them over, Y/N could feel her eyes water and she let out a shaky breath

Pregnant

“Oh my god.” Y/N mumbled before looking towards Jake to gouge his reaction but he was standing with his head facing the ceiling. “Jake?”

“Oh I’m so dead.” Jake said making Y/N chuckle as she wrapped her arms around his waist making Jake immediately wrap his arms around her kissing her forehead. “But believe it or not, I’m actually excited.”

“What excited to die?” Y/N asked with a smirk making Jake playfully roll his eyes before reaching around to grab the backs of her thighs and picking her up and sitting her on the counter standing between her legs

“No silly. To be a dad, to have a family with you. To watch you grow with my baby.” Jake said with a smile on his face making Y/N smile too

“I’m excited too. Nervous as hell, but I’m excited to be a mom. And no matter what Pop or Brad say, I know they will be happy to be a honorary grandfather and favorite uncle.” Y/N said

“Speaking of, how are we going to tell them?” Jake asked making Y/N sigh and rest her head on his chest

“I could ask them to meet at the bar and get a table, if we’re in public then they are maybe less likely to kill you immediately. Plus Penny won’t tolerate any fighting and since Pop is smitten by her he’ll do whatever she says. But Brad is still a wild card, he wouldn’t be happy finding out we are dating much less that you fucked his baby sister and got her pregnant.” Y/N chuckled as Jake smirked

“Tonight?” Jake asked and Y/N sighed but nodded

“No time like the present.” Y/N said

──────── 🛫 ────────

Y/N decided that it might be best for her to talk to Maverick and Rooster privately before bringing Jake into the conversation, so now Y/N was sitting at a booth snacking on mozzarella sticks and drinking a cherry coke. Penny thought it was weird that Y/N didn’t order a beer like normal but decided to just let it go.

Y/N was just about to take another bite of her food when Maverick walked up to the table with a small smile resting on his face.

“Hey kiddo.” Maverick said and Y/N smiled sliding out of the booth

“Hey Pop, thanks for coming.” Y/N said as he pulled her into a warm hug

“Of course, Bradley around here get?” Maverick asked keeping his arm around Y/N’s shoulders

“Not yet, here sit.” Y/N said gesturing to the booth as they slid in across from each other. “Mozzarella stick?”

“I’m good thanks.” Maverick chuckled as he studied her face. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, yeah everything’s fine.” Y/N nervously chuckled before taking a bite of another mozzarella stick

“You sure?” Maverick asked not believing her lie Y/N was about to make up another excuse before she caught sight of Rooster walking towards them with his aviators on wearing one of their fathers Hawaiian themed shirts

“Would you look at that, here’s Bradley. Come take a seat big brother.” Y/N said gesturing to the seat beside of Maverick ignoring the suspicious looks that she was getting from 2 of the most important men in her life.

“Hey sis, everything alright?” Rooster asked sliding into the booth beside Maverick

“I actually have a few things I wanted to talk to you both about. Some very important things.” Y/N said nervously, subtly glancing over to where Jake was playing pool with Coyote and Bob. He caught her gaze and gave her a wink and supportive smile before turning back to the game

“You can tell us anything. What’s going on?” Maverick asked while Rooster just sat there quietly studying his sisters face and expressions, he knew there was something off he knew Y/N like the back of his hand

“I have a boyfriend. I have for a few months now actually, I was too scared to tell you because of who he is. I didn’t want either of you to be mad at me.” Y/N said making Maverick and Rooster exchange a look

“Boyfriend?” Rooster asked and Y/N nodded, “for how long?”

“8 months.” Y/N said causing the mens eyes to widen

“8 months?!” They both exclaimed making Y/N wince

“I’m sorry.” Y/N apologized when she saw the hurt look on both their faces, since their mom died Maverick has been the only family Y/N and Rooster have and Y/N and Rooster have always been the only family he’s had. They were all always very close so keeping a secret as big as this one was not easy.

“Who is it? Who do I have to kill?” Rooster asked making Y/N roll her eyes

“First of all your not killing him, second of all threatening to kill him isn’t making me want to tell you who he is.” Y/N said crossing her arms

“Ok ok, no one is killing anyone. Yet. Just tell us who he is sweetie.” Maverick said and Y/N took a deep breath

“Jake.” Y/N said making Roosters eyes widen

“Jake as in Hangman?!” Rooster asked and Y/N nodded making his face turn red. “No way! Not happening! He’s not a good guy Y/N, all he cares about is getting laid! He only wants to get in your pants!”

“That’s not true! Look I know that you don’t exactly like Jake, but he treats me good he loves me Brad. And I love him.” Y/N said giving both men a pleading look not to be mad

“I can’t say that I’m exactly happy about this, but if he treats you good and your happy. I guess that’s all that matters.” Maverick said and Y/N gave him a thankful smile before turning to Rooster who had his arms crossed pouting like a child. “Bradley.”

“Fine. If your happy then great. But if he hurts you so help me god I will make him wish he was dead.” Rooster said with a deadly serious face

“Ok, well there’s actually more.” Y/N said making both men look at her expectantly. “I’m pregnant. Surprise.”

Maverick and Rooster sat frozen in front of Y/N with blank looks across their face making Y/N look at them worried.

“Brad? Pop?” Y/N hesitantly asked

“He’s dead.” They said as they jumped out of the booth and quickly made their way towards Jake, who immediately started running out the door when he saw the looks on their face.

“Your so dead Hangman!” Rooster yelled as he chased him out the door

“So dead!” Maverick yelled chasing after them

“Children.” Y/N sighed before shrugging and going back to her mozzarella sticks, looking out the window and watching as Rooster and Maverick chased Jake down the beach.

#top gun maverick #jake hangman seresin #hangman x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x sister reader #pete mitchell #jake seresin x reader

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justabigassnerd · 1 year

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TOP GUN MASTERLIST

(x reader):

Safe and Sound

Queen of my Heart

More Than Friends

Treat You Better

The Perfect Gift

You Are Still My World

Healing Presence

Patience Worn Thin

Worth The Risk

Summer of Love (ongoing series)

(x sister!reader):

Lifeline

Self Discovery

(x daughter!reader):

Secret's Out

Nightmares

Deployments Suck

Not So Little Anymore

First Period

Sick Day

I'm (Not So) Fine

(x reader):

Hold Your Horses

Days Like This

(x sister!reader):

Sneaking Out

So Long Wisdom Teeth

(x daughter!reader):

You're Not Alone

New Best Friend

Replaced - (sequel to 'New Best Friend')

Night Scare

Protected

Hangman Junior Universe

(x sister!reader):

You're Home

(x daughter!reader):

I'm Right Here

Mini Mav

Overprotective Aviators

The Talk - (sequel to ‘Overprotective Aviators')

Midnight Storms

Mitchell Charm

Love and Support

Daddy's Little Girl

I've Got You

Caught

Rough Days

Periods and Mood Swings

Making You Proud

New Home

Playgrounds and Injuries

Hidden Talent

Protective Friend

(x daughter!reader):

Baby on Board's... Baby?

(x sister!reader):

Surprise Arrival

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callsign-dexter · 11 months

Text

Brotherly Love

Request: can I please request a Bradley x baby sister reader

like he has a young baby sister and Bradley wants to leave maverick but he doesn’t want to leave the baby. So he tries to take the baby with him so Mav is freaking out because Bradley is a teenager and he has a baby with him alone. But one night Bradley can’t get his little sister to sleep so he drives back and gives her back to Mav. They discusses what happened and Bradley says he still wants to leave and he is furious with Mav but he understands he can’t care for a child. So he tells Mav the he is still leaving but he will still be involved in his sisters life.

sorry if this is confusing and I love your work

Pairings: Bradley Bradshaw x Sister!Reader

Warnings: angst, mentions of cancer

First Installment: Brotherly Love

Second Installment- The Sibling Connection

Masterlist

Bradley was hurriedly packing Y/N's clothes in her tiny suitcase and the toys in her backpack quietly. Y/N was sleeping soundly in her bed. Maverick and Bradley had just fought about him pulling his papers to the Naval Academy. Bradley had decided that he didn't want to stay with him anymore and didn't want Y/N there either. They both had been staying with Maverick ever since Carole passed away from her cancer when Bradley was 15 and Y/N was 1.

Carole became Y/N's legal guardian and adopted mother when her friend and her husband passed away in an accident. Carole was her godmother. She never remarried since she was still madly in love with Goose and couldn't bear to be with someone else.

Bradley had finished packing when he went over to Y/N and slowly started to rouse her. He was rubbing her back speaking softly to her. It took a minute but she finally woke up still groggy.

"Bubba?" She asked rubbing her eyes and sitting up.

"Hey, Bug. We're going for a ride ok?" Bradley told her and asked her.

"Ok." Y/N said not putting up much of a fight just wanting to go back to sleep. Bradley picked her up and she laid her head on his shoulder and fell back to sleep. He shouldered her backpack and had her suitcase in his hand. He walked out of her room and looked down the hallway toward Maverick's room in disgust. He silently grabbed his keys and walked out to his father's Bronco. He put her stuff in the car next to his stuff that he had already brought out. As Bradley was putting her in her car seat she woke up just a second "Bubba, Mav?" She asked and he knew what she was asking.

"No, Bug Mav is not coming with us." Bradley told her and she nodded not seeing the sneer on his face when he said Maverick's name.

"Ok." She said and went back to sleep considering it was 3 AM. Once she was all buckled in Bradley got into his Bronco started it and drove to the only place he knew where to go, his house. The house was given to him by his mom when she drew up her will and named it his when he turned 18. When he arrived he pulled into the driveway, opened the garage door pulled in, and killed the engine while closing the garage door, he got out and went to get her out he would worry about the luggage later.

"Ok, Bug. Let's go." He told her knowing he wouldn't get a response since she was sound to sleep with her head on his shoulder. Bradley walked to the house and unlocked it with one hand. He walked in and closed the door and up the stairs headed to her room and laid her down. He walked back into the kitchen and locked the front door he checked everything and went to bed. He went to bed thinking of how he was going to care for a toddler but he wanted out of Maverick's house and didn't want her there either.

——————————————————————

Maverick woke up at 6 AM, he got up and got ready for the day. After getting done he went to check on Y/N first and then Bradley, they wouldn't be up for another hour. He was sure to be quiet not to wake them up. He got to Y/N's door and opened it and noticed she wasn't in there. At first, he wasn't worried since she liked to crawl into Bradley's bed now and then. He walked over to Bradley's room and opened it and noticed it was empty now he was freaking out. He walked in and looked around the room to find his backpack gone and opened the closet to find his duffle bag gone. He then went to Y/N's room and did the same thing and got the same result. He started to go around the house looking for them with no luck. He looked outside and noticed the Bronco was gone and his heart dropped. He called the only person he trusted, Ice. He grabbed his phone and called him.

"Ice! They're gone!" Maverick frantically said.

"Hold on just calm down." Ice told his wingman. "They can't have gone far. It hasn't been 48 hrs yet so you can't put a missing person out yet.

"Ok ok ok." Maverick said to nobody in particular more like just to calm him down.

"Call Bradley." Ice said to him.

"He's not going to answer. We fought and he's pissed at me." Maverick told him.

"What was the fight about?" Ice asked.

"About me pulling his papers. He got mad and stormed off after I put Y/N to bed. I guess he packed up and took his stuff and her stuff and left." Maverick told Ice.

"Just call him." Ice said.

"Ok, I will. Thanks, Ice." Maverick thanked him.

"You're welcome. Keep me updated." Ice said to him.

"You know I will." Maverick said and hung up.

Maverick did try to call Bradley but he didn't answer and it got sent straight to voice mail. He thought about it and would just let it go until Bradley cooled down and he would try him later.

——————————————————————

Bradley and Y/N were up at 7 AM going throughout the day. Bradley went and got their luggage from the Bronco and brought them and sat them by the door. The fight was stupid, yes but he was pissed and wanted out of there.

The day was going smoothly. Bradley and Y/N played out in the backyard on the playset, they played tag, they had lunch, and then played some more. When Bradley found out that he was getting a sibling he wasn't thrilled until he met the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed girl and he instantly fell in love. While they were playing together he was thinking of ways that he would need to take care of his baby sister. He was off to college now since he didn't get into the Naval Academy thanks to Maverick. They were still outside and he must've zoned out the voice of his sister bringing him back.

"Bubba? You ok?" Y/N asked while climbing up on his lap and putting her small hand on his cheek.

"Yea, Bug. Bubba is ok." He told her with a smile and made sure she didn't fall. It was nearing supper time which they had around 7 PM. "Hey, Bug?" He asked her.

"Bubba?" She replied and looked at him.

"Are you starting to get hungry?" He asked her and she nodded her head. "Ok let's go see what we have." He picked her up and they headed into the kitchen. He was going through the cabinet until he came across their favorite meal mac n' cheese. "You want mac n' cheese?" He asked turning around to her and she nodded excitedly. He smiled and began cooking it, while also keeping her entertained. Once the food was finished they sat down and ate. "Ok bath time!" He said excitedly and she cheered she always loves her bath time. He finished up with her by drying her off and dressing her in her pajamas. "You wanna watch a movie or cartoons before bedtime?" He asked and she nodded. He picked her up and took her to the couch, he would get the dishes later and the laundry later.

Half-way through the movie he decided to check his phone and saw a number of notifications. He didn't want to call Maverick so he just sent a text.

Bug and I are fine.

He didn't bother waiting for a reply instead turned his attention to his sister after feeling her move. He noticed that she was asleep He quietly got up and picking her up and taking her to bed.

"Goodnight, Bug. I love you and always will." He told her and kissed her head and headed off to bed.

——————————————————————

Maverick almost jumped when his phone went off. He unlocked it to the notification and sighed in relief. He called Ice back and let him know.

He knew he shouldn't have pulled his papers but it's what Carole wanted and he was just respecting her wishes. He wished he could take it all back. He wanted Bradley in his life and knew that Bradley needed Y/N in his life.

Maverick went on with his daily routine missing the laughter of a kid's voice and Bradley’s as they played together. He knew he had to make it right but didn't know how or where to start.

——————————————————————

Everything was going smoothly until one night. Bradley had just finished bathing Y/N when she started to throw a fit. He honestly didn't know what to do, sure he's seen how Maverick handles it and has been able to stop little fits. He didn't want to call Maverick they had spent 3 nights together and he wanted to keep staying with her. Y/N had started with her fit and he picked her up and held her.

"Hey, Bug you're ok." Bradley said to his baby sister but she just kept crying. He tried bouncing her and rocking her nothing was working. "Do you want a snack?" He asked her desperate for anything.

"No!" Y/N said and turned her face away from him. He sighed frustrated. This had been going on for 20 minutes.

"Come on, Bug. Please settle down." He pleaded with her but she still wouldn't settle. He really didn't want to call Maverick or go to him but he was getting desperate and knew he wouldn't be able to take her to college, which he applied for over the 4 days and 3 nights he had her. He loved her with all of his heart but if that meant her staying with Maverick then so be it. Bradley sighed once more "Do you want to go for a ride and see Maverick?" He asked and she quieted down just a little and nodded her head yes. "Ok, Bug. We'll go see him." He said and headed out to the Bronco and leaving her clothes behind. It was 10 PM and it took about 30 minutes to get to Maverick's place.

Bradley put her in her car seat and shut the door, got in while opening the garage door, and turned the car on. He backed out and started the drive to Maverick's place. While driving he had decided that she would live with him but would not be out of her life. It would be best for her and the right thing to do. Along the way he had decided to call Maverick but it wasn't s very long conversation.

——————————————————————

10:30 PM rolls around and the Bronco pulls into Maverick's place, he was standing out there waiting. Maverick wasn't mad at Bradley he probably would've done the same thing. Bradley pulls into the driveway and killed the engine. He got out and went to get Y/N out, once she was out and in his arms he walked up to Maverick.

"I'm still incredibly pissed at you." Bradley began.

"I know." Maverick started but Bradley cut him off.

"Let me finish." He said and Maverick nodded looking at him and Y/N "I will never forgive you for what you did. I didn't want to be around you any longer and I didn't want Bug around you either." When those words were said it stung Maverick he didn't want to lose him or Y/N. "I've applied for the University of Virginia and was accepted." He told him and Maverick was happy but didn't speak. "I can't take Y/N with me so I've decided she'll stay with you as much as I hate it." He said and Maverick nodded. Bradley shifted to get Y/N in a better position she made grabby hands towards Maverick and reluctantly Bradley gave her to him. "I don't want anything to do with you but I want to be her life. Any problems, activities, or teams she's on you let me know. Don't call or text me if it isn't about her." Bradley continued and noticed Y/N slowly falling asleep with her head on Maverick's shoulder. Maverick was heartbroken but understood.

"Bradley-" Maverick started but Bradley stopped him.

"I don't want to hear anything. I'm gonna say bye to my little sister and I'm getting out of here. When she's old enough to have a phone give her my number." He told Maverick who just nodded. He walked over to Y/N and rubbed her back to get her attention.

"Hey there, Bug. Bubba is gonna go away for a while but I'll still be in touch ok?" Bradley said to Y/N and she nodded.

"Where Bubba go?" She asked him and Bradley smiled.

"I'm gonna go to college Buggie." He said and she smiled.

"Ok, Bubba." Y/N said not understanding but was ok with it since he said that he would still be in her life. She made grabby hands for him so that she could hug him and he gladly took her and gave her the biggest hug. "Bubba too tight." She said with a little giggle that Bradley was going to miss.

"I'm sorry, Bug. I'm just gonna miss you so much!" Bradley said and let her go back to Maverick. "You be a good girl ok?" He asked her and she nodded.

"Ok, Bubba!" Y/N she excitedly said and clung to Maverick so she wouldn't fall. Bradley nodded and got back into the Bronco. He started the engine and backed out of the driveway away from his little sister and the man that betrayed him. He was severely going to miss her but it was the right thing to do, right?

——————————————————————

True to his word Bradley stayed in Y/N's life and only texted or contacted Maverick about her and nothing else. Once Y/N got a phone all contact was cut off with Maverick and it was solely focused on her. When Bradley was old enough, 22, he filed for guardianship and got it. He took her away from the man that betrayed him but she continued to contact Maverick, Bradley was ok with that since she had no reason to be mad at him, and she grew up with him most of her life.

When Bradley got into the Navy he would move her with him when he needed, and when he needed to deploy he reluctantly let her stay with Maverick. Other than that she was with Bradley. Those two siblings loved each other and nothing could keep them apart not even Maverick pulling Bradley's papers. They would be together for as long as they could be.

#bradley bradshaw x sister!reader #top gun sister imagines #rooster x sister!reader #top gun fanfiction #top gun x reader #top gun imagine #top gun fandom #top gun fan fiction #top gun fanfic

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fandoms--fluff · 1 month

Note

Hcs for being Natasha “Phoenix’s” sister from top gun?

Being Phoenix's Sister Headcannons

She's five years older than you but holds that over you from time to time

You met Bradley and Jake after her Top Gun class graduation

Bradley treats you as his own little sister

And Hangman annoys you to no end, to which you annoy him right back

You've also got a flying license, you're just not a naval aviator

Nat and Bradley taught you how to fly an F-14 in sligjt combat, that was a week after their top gun grad.

Under no circumstances does Phe let you use the stove or the oven. She barely let's you use the microwave without her watch when she's state side

^Which is fair, considering the amount of fires you've had to extinguish

You live off a bunch if vending machine food at the top gun base

And that's how you met your sister's CO, Pete Mitchell, for the special detachment her, Bradly and jackass (aka Jake) were called back for. He caught you kicking the vending machine since it stopped half way through, not dropping the bag of chips you paid for.

To which you guys had a pretty good conversation together, forgetting to mention you're not an actual aviator.

He didn't learn about who you are until after the suicide mission. He saw you and Nat huh each other tightly after everyone got back state side, on the beach. Everyone was relaxing on the beach after the huge excitement that had happened.

Nat introduced you to him as her little sister, and you chuckled as his mouth gaped in surprise.

Everyone watches as you throw one of the footballs they brought at Hangman after him insulting your sister.

^Bradley giving you a fistbump and Nat sighs while trying to hide her smile.

You, Nat and Halo have a big sleepover movie night, just the three of you girls. Halo taking a liking to you, seeing a lot of Nat in you.

You 'borrow' a bunch of Nat's navy sweaters and wear them around the base and the Hard Deck, seeing how many people will belive that you're in the Navy.

You and Penny become good friends at the bar

^you learn some (a lot of) dirt on Maverick from her

Bradley explains to you about his relationship with Maverick and you may or may not have smacked him upside the head about how he cut connection with the man

^to which he agreed he deserved

The whole dagger squad now treat you as their baby sister and you can't go anywhere without 'protection' aka one of them.

You love your big sister to death, when you were younger you wanted to be just like her. Strong, loyal, pretty and much more.

Amelia and you become good friends, you like a mentor to her and teaching her about different flight maneuvers with model planes, everything you learnt from Nat and Bradley...and maybe....maybe Jake.

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ellieslittleburrow · 4 months

Text

balls of fire

Summary : Rooster finds out you've been talking to Maverick, leading him to question your loyalty towards him.

Warnings : angst, cussing, mentions of the loss of a father.

Pairings : Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x sister reader

A/N : first top gun fic !! Comments are much appreciated 💕

-------

Rooster, your older brother, has been back to town for a secret mission that he assures you he knows "nothing about".

Coincidentally, Pete has also been back in town, causing a little tiny knot to tighten your stomach.

And as both excitement and fear ran through your veins, you wondered if it was going to be different this time. You wondered if Rooster had finally forgiven Pete. And you could finally have the father you never did.

Pool balls clicked together as loud cheers shook the room, snapping you completely out of your thoughts.

Your gaze traveled around the room, down to your 5th cup of coffee and back up when a girl flew by, nudging you with her arm hard enough to send your mug flying a mile away and crumbling into pieces once it hit the ground.

Your shoulders sagged in irritation and you looked up at the girl, only to find her inviting Rooster into her arms.

You smirked, catching your brother's worried glance, who pulled away from the girl to stride over to you.

"Are you okay ?" Rooster yelled into your ear over the deafening music as he nodded at the broken mug.

"Yeah, of course. Don't worry." You squatted down to pick up the pieces before setting them on the counter.

"I'll be over there if you need me." The aviator nodded at the pool table across from you.

You nodded back.

At the pool table, young people dressed in kaki suits circled around the table, chatting and bursting into laughter. And just as your gaze traveled elsewhere, you noticed a set of eyes staring right at you.

Your heart skipped a beat.

Maverick was watching you from afar, completely frozen in place, except for the awe flooding his face, subtly frowning his eyebrows.

Pete... You bite your lip to stop yourself from shouting his name. You missed him. You missed being with him, his presence, the sense of safety only he and Rooster could offer you. But you could only fantasize about that as Rooster refused to accociate himself in any kind of way with Pete. He didn't even want the man's name said around him.

You shook the thoughts away, dropping your gaze down before heading for the door. You couldn't look up. Rooster would notice and you didn't want to have that conversation again. You were tired of it all.

Loud cheers had your shoulders drawn up in surprise, getting louder you before the piano starts playing.

You recognized your brother's voice.

But you ignore it. Now's not the time for Rooster kareoke. So you quickened your pace until the noise fused with a set of waves.

"Honey."

You spun around, your hand pressing against the door to keep it open. "No." you shake your head, ready to walk away. "I will not lose Rooster over this."

"But-"

"No"

Unfortunately for you, it was too late as Rooster suddenly went silent.

Time slowed as you twisted your neck around. He can't find out. And as the crowd danced around, Rooster emerged, contrasting the flaming dynamic with a pained features and a dissapointed shivering upper lip.

Fuck. No. Fuck

The young pilot stormed up, heading for another exit, away from you.

You quickly glanced back at Maverick before running after your brother. "Rooster." You called for him, in hopes of him stopping. Instead, he quickened his pace, marching angrier, louder, and faster. "Bradley please."

"Y/n, i advise you to get the fuck away from me right now." He mutters and you step away. "Or else you'll fucking regret it."

You stopped in your tracks, unfamiliar with the tone he just used. Actually, not so unfamiliar. Just hurt because that is the same tone he spoke to maverick with.

Did he just cut you out of his life???

-----

A few days have gone by. You tried. You fucking tried. But nothing seemed to work. That is until you stood before the acamedy, guards glaring and staring but unable to touch you as you are not stepping into their territory.

And as beeping noise blared and the electric door slid to the side, a bunch of pilots marched out, causing your heart to skip a beat when Bradley appeared in your vision.

His smile dissapeared when he noticed you, tightening your chest in pain. Darting his eyes away, he brushed past you, causing a scoff to unvolintarily leave your lips.

"Would you stop acting like a fucking child and talk to me, Rooster?"

What? No no no....you didn't mean for it to go this way. You-

"What?" Your brother turned around, taking an accusatory step towards you. "I can't believe you just said that to me. After all that we've been through together." Disgust shaped his frowned eyebrows. And you couldn't help but shake your head.

"No, that's n-n-ot what i m-meant to say-i'm so-"

"What exactly is it that you're sorry for? The fact that you're playing family with the guy that ruined my life? Or the fact that you betrayed me for him?"

"Rooster, i-"

"What is it that i haven't done for you? Why can't i be enough?"

Your chin shivered and you almost broke down as his words jabbed into your heart.

"You made your choice. It was him. Now stop crying to me about it."

------

What do we think about this??? Also totally writing a part 2 where one is super drunk and it's even worse but then it might get better idk.

#sister x brothers #sister!reader #daughter!reader #father figure fic #sibling fic #adoptive father troop #daughter x father #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster x reader #rooster x sister!reader #doesn't have to be that #really

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redfurrycat · 11 months

Text

Jake, before he made a bet with Javy:

Jake, after he lost a bet with Javy:

The Bradshaw look: wild hair, moustache, and civvies [jorts and colourful shirt].

Bradley "Fantasy Comes True" Bradshaw:

Javy "You're welcome, man" Machado: That's how you do it, guys, I know-I know, I did a great service to the preserving of our sanity.

Jake "Taking to the Look Effortlessly and Parading Everywhere" Seresin

[Bradley's version]

#hangster #sereshaw #hangaroo #bradley rooster bradshaw x jake hangman seresin #javy coyote machado #The Cowboy Twins #Javy is used to deal with crushes and everything - he has LOTS OF SISTERS #🐈red🐈furry🐈cat🐈tag🐈

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callsign-mongoose · 20 days

Text

Iceman Fic: The Sister Project

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to announce the creation of a Fic that has been coming for a very long time. After brainstorming it a few months ago with some fellow writers, I finally plotted and am writing a awesome, Multi chapter, Heart wrenching yet wonderful, Iceman romance. The love intrest being Caroles younger sister who comes in to help with Bradley and also Nicks funeral. I will keep everybody updated!

Hopefully y'all are excited about this because I am writing it anyway!

Lots of love,

Mongoose

#top gun fandom #top gun #top gun 1986 #tom iceman kazansky #pete maverick mitchell #bradley rooster bradshaw #nick bradshaw #nick goose bradshaw #carole bradshaw #caroles sister #top gun fan fiction #top gun fanfiction #iceman kazansky #iceman x reader #iceman x oc #iceman fan fiction

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plutotcles · 2 years

Text

I DID IT, DAD, ARE YOU PROUD? ━━━ Jake Seresin.

→ back to. . . series masterlist.

PAIRING, Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Malorie "Raven" Bradshaw (OC)

CHAPTER SUMMARY, Malorie knows that her graduation from Top Gun is something that she should look forward to, however knowing that no one would be there for her put a damper on that.

WARNINGS, past abusive relationship!, mentions of drinking, death, absent family and family issues

The day of your graduation was one of the happiest moments in the career of every Top Gun student. — The moment that all the hard work, every restless hour spend sweating into the uncomfortable material of a flight suit and the days and weeks wasted on sea, away from the ones that loved you finally paid off. The best of the best, the elite... there were many words for what they had accomplished but none could compensate for the feeling of standing on the podium, knowing that this was your moment.

As the day of her own graduation arrived on a sunny Friday evening with just the right temperature to be in a stiff uniform, Malorie did not the share excitement that made most of her classmates grin widley and roam around the base as if they were floating. Instead she was nothing but a miserable face, watching her classmate embraced her mother with an aching heart and a grip to her dogtags, her callsign Raven, a homage to her dad's call sign Goose, daintly engraved in them.

Growing up Malorie had always envied the little girls with their fathers, perhaps that was why she barely visited her godfather Ice as time moved forward, the sight of him with his daughters leaving a bitter taste.

Nick Bradshaw had died, years and years ago in an accident. He had been a Top Gun student just like Malorie was — He too had found comfort thousand feet up in the air, G-forces pushing your body in your seat, your vision tunneling, seconds from passing out — Her father had found his life and purpose in a F-14. He also lost it in a F-14.

It had been supposed to be just a training session just like every other day when the plane got caught up in turbulence and came plunging to the ground. When ejecting her father had hit his head on the canopy and had died moments later from the consequences in the arms of his best friend and pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. When his body had been retrieved after the accident they had found two pictures in the inside of his flight suit: a picture of a one year old Bradley wrapped up in his mother Carole's arms and the first ultrasound picture that had been taken of Malorie.

For the years following that it had been Malorie, Bradley and Carole against the world. Pete and his Wingman Tom "Iceman" Kazansky had swooped in to help immediately but no one could ever replace the man that was Nick Bradshaw.

Years later when the grief had settled and the emptiness in the heart was nothing but a subtle ache that followed one everywhere life had finally started to feel like it was alright and the Bradshaw family was finally content again. Until they weren't anymore.

It had come so quick and unexpected, Malorie hadn't even realized what was happening until it was almost over — One day her mother was dancing around the kitchen in a summer dress, giggling and singing and the next she was in a hospital bed, the life nearly entirely drained from her face as he watched her kids with a ghost of a grin, "I love you so much, my babies. I would never leave you.", she had said and Malorie had believed her.

Her mother died the morning after, one hand grasping Malorie's and the other one ruffling Bradley's hair.

It was then that shit truly went down.

For a brief few years Bradley and Malorie, 15 and 13 of age by the time their mother had been buried, had lived with Mav — It had been a chaotic few years. Malorie loved Mav. He was the closest thing to a father, she ever had but he was not cut out to be a family person. He wasn't suited to stay at home and cook at least one meal a day.

When Bradley was 17 he decided to follow their father's footsteps and enter the Naval Academy — He had been overjoyed and even promised to take her for a joyride one day but his excitement was shortlived when he got the call that his papers had been pulled by none other than Maverick.

Malorie didn't even process what was happening, all she knew was that Bradley had left over night and wasn't returning her calls anymore. Another person had left her.

The last remaining piece of family she had was Pete then and when the final moment came for him to leave to, Malorie was already predicting it. She had come so accustomed to people leaving, she didn't even bat an eyelid when he pulled her papers too and she came home that night to the house empty and the few things that solely belonged to Mav gone — He had called her that evening but she hadn't picked up.

She was on her own.

Over the years, Malorie had still stayed in contact with Ice and even visited from time to time, especially when she had entered the Academy in 2008 and Ice had just risen to Rear Admiral. He was the reason, why she had showed up to her graduation in the first place.

As Malorie made her way around the place, she could already see her uncle near the podium alongside the other admirals. He stood proud and tall, stoic as his call sign suggested but Malorie knew the man that stood beneath that cold exterior. He smiled warmly as she spotted her amongst the crowd, waving her over.

"Uncle Ice!", she greeted him, sighing as he gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. He didn't blame her — To Ice there had been nothing better than his graduation from Top Gun, he had spend all day basking in the attention he was getting but Malorie had gone through too much for that.

"Hello darling," he beamed, pulling her into a sweet hug, "How are you holding up?"

"I'm getting by.", Malorie muttered and Ice watched with a heavy heart as her eyes darted around the crowd, hastily searching for someone, "He is not coming, is he?"

He lowered his head, "I don't think so."

Her shoulders slumped but she knew it was her fault for thinking her brother would show up in the first place. Malorie wasn't even sure if he knew that she had followed his example and had joined the Navy.

When Malorie had enlisted in the Academy in 2008, her brother had just entered his last year — Malorie had known that he was there, that she would inevitably one day run into him, still when the moment had come her inital reaction had been to bolt but Bradley hadn't even acknowledged her. He had walked straight past her, not even gifting her the relief of a last glance. Looking back now, Malorie wasn't sure if it was because he had simply deemed her as not his burden anymore or if he genuinely hadn't realized who he had bumped into.

After that incident, Malorie had decided to stay as far away from her brother as possible but that didn't mean that some part of her — The seventeen year old girl that had been left and abandoned to fend for herself all those years ago wished for him to come back and tell her he is proud of her.

"I'm sorry.", Ice muttered, taking her hand in his for a brief moment of comfort, "I know it's not much but I'm proud of you and god knows your dad would be too.", with one hand he brushed the multiple medals that graced her chest, smiling fondly.

Malorie felt her eyes well up with tears. She wished she had met her father.

"Now go and make some acquaintances. Can't have you rely on me for dating advice forever.", he grinned, although his face fell as he broke into a coughing fit.

Malorie frowned, "Are you okay?"

Ice wheezed painfully but nodded, "I've been having this sore throat for a few weeks now but I'm gonna be fine," he relented when he saw her face twist with worry, "Probably just a cough."

Malorie nodded but her frown stayed persistent.

"Go!", he stressed pointedly with a swift motion of his hand. Malorie rolled her eyes but complied.

The ceremony had wrapped up well over an hour ago but the place was still lively with friends and family celebrating all around. Malorie felt herself become frustrated — The chatter and laughing gave her a pounding headache and her body yearned for a strong drink and a cigarette.

She knew she should be packing. Tomorrow she would be reporting to deployment first thing in the morning but that was tomorrow and tonight she could still live.

Just as she was about to leave for her car, a warm hand grasped her arm, not painfully tight but tight enought to make her halt in her movement, "What? You wanna leave without saying hello?", a familiar voice teased.

Malorie's head snapped around to face him with a genuine grin, "Jake!"

Jake Seresin had been in her brother's graduation class — His reputation hurried ahead of him and Malorie had originally made it her mission to keep away from him. She heard the stories — Hangman, they had called him and Jake prided himself with his call sign. He basked in the pleasure of leaving people to hang out to dry for just a slight moment of glory just to himself. Jake Seresin had been everything Malorie was afraid of becoming but that was before, when all she had of Jake were whispers in the halls and brief moments during training.

But things had changed — Jake had changed. At least in Malorie's eyes.

Malorie remembered the night vividly — the dimly lit hall, the sound of pounding footsteps running down the hall, the face of her boyfriend distorted in fury.

Malorie had been in love once. The relationship had started of tender and sweet and she had once even thought that they would last forever. However her carefully build up paradise had crumbled down slowly and tediously just three years later. Malorie had noticed the change in him quite early on — The way he would pry more every night about the people she talked with that day, the way his grip tightened on her ever so slightly whenever she talked with another guy, just tight enough for it feel uncomfortable but not enough to hurt. It was all so painfully oblivious and still when it came down to that very night in the Academy Malorie felt like she walked straight into a wall with no warning.

Her boyfriend had laid his hand on her more than once in their relationship, he had always made it up in the morning with breakfast in bed and a bouquet of her favorite flowers but that could never take back the bruises and the scars and the mornings spend in the bathroom, trying to cover it up. Over the months it had gotten worse and worse and when the time came around for Malorie to leave for the Naval Academy, her boyfriend had reached his breakdown. The thought of Malorie being constantly surrounded by men who were all trained and confident with him being thousand miles away was enough for him to go absolutely crazy.

Every day after school Malorie would open up her phone to hundreds of missed calls and angry messages. She tried to reason with him every day that she was there to focus on her career and that he was the only one she would ever love but to no avail.

Malorie had never expected him to actually show up at the Academy, rapping against her door in the middle of the night. But he was there. Malorie remember stepping inside the hallway with him but she had barely closed the door behind her when he already pounced at her with his fists.

This is how I die, Malorie had thought in that moment — and she had felt at peace with it.

But her boyfriend couldn't even get many hits in when suddenly there were rapid footsteps racing down the hallway and he had been ripped away from her — Jake Seresin, her savior in uniform.

Now he was here, once again a shine of light in a world of darkness. The one to show up when no one else did.

"Raven!", he smiled, pulling her in a tight hug, "I am so proud of you! Man, watching you up there had me almost emotional."

Malorie frowned at his words but melted into his embrace nevertheless, "What are you doing here? Were you that bad that they only let you graduate now?"

"Please", Jake scoffed, detaching himself from her but still keeping a comforting hand on her back, "I'm here for you, you dummy. Need to make sure everyone knows my favorite girl is a badass pilot."

"Your favorite girl, hm?", Malorie hummed, leaning her head against his arm, "Well your favorite girl was just about to get the fuck out of here and get herself a drink."

Jake grinned, showing off a row of perfect teeth, "Now we're talking.", he feigned a bow, extending one arm towards the parking lot, "After you, madame."

Malorie's car — a red Pontiac GTO with white vinyl upholstery was her pride and joy. She had bought it all the way back in 2006 after she had saved up every paycheck she got since her 16th birthday for it. It had been with her through everything: Moving out of her childhood home into her first apartment, moving in with her boyfriend, the Naval Academy. It worked like that too. The car itself was from 1964 but had been remodeled to have an upgraded engine, factory AC and a MP3 radio upgrade just before Malorie bought it. The air conditioning had stopped working in 2010 mid-drive and when you wanted to play a song the only sound that came out of the speakers was rustling and murmuring, it smelled like wine and cigarettes in it but nevertheless Malorie would never sell it even if it was the last thing she would do.

"Your car is still driveable?", Jake exclaimed in disbelief as his eyes fell on the red Pontiac sitting in between a Jeep and an Audi, both obviously a recent purchase, like an outcast.

Malorie nodded proudly, absentmindedly brushing the hood of her car. Jake watched her every movement, his always so cocky, confident exterior melting every so slightly at the girl he had grown so fond of.

"C'mon", he muttered, snapping himself out of his daze, "I'll drive — I think you need that drink more than me."

The bar they went to was stationed right at the beach, it was run down and stiffy but the prices were cheap and the drinks strong so it was a popular choice amongst the Top Gun students. Jake and Malorie sat down in a booth next to the window and immediately ordered a beer each.

"So, Hangman", Malorie started as they were settled, "Aren't you supposed to be in like... Cuba?"

"Spain, actually," he corrected, clearing his throat, "I'm on leave right now. I came home yesterday."

Malorie halted in her movement, "You came home yesterday? What are you doing spending your time in this filthy bar instead of with your family?"

"Wanted to be here for you, 's all.", he murmured under his breath, taking a big swing from his beer, "Had to pull a few strings but I'm here, aren't I?", he stopped, starring at his beer intensely.

"But... why?", Malorie stressed, leaning slightly forward to have a better look at his expression.

Jake visibly hesitated for a moment before he too leaned forward, swallowing deeply, "Your my favorite friend, Mal. I didn't want you to be alone for your big day."

Malorie felt her heart swell at his words — He had driven all this way just for her? Her own brother hadn't even texted her in years and here Jake was trading precious hours with his family solely so that Malorie had someone there for her graduation, "Jake Seresin, you fucker, you're gonna make me cry.", she giggled, bringing the one hand that wasn't occupied to where her heart sat. It thumbed rapidly against her rip cage under her fingertips and Malorie swore it would leap straight out of her chest if Jake continued to look at her with so much care and love.

After that particular night in 2008 Jake and Malorie had spend more and more days and nights together and even after Jake's graduation they had still talked and texted almost everyday. At first it had felt unfamiliar and menacing to have someone love and care for you so deeply after being abandoned on the side by so many. Malorie remembered waking up every morning thinking that that would be the day that Jake finally left her too — But that day never came. Even almost four years and thousand miles later Jake was still there, going above and beyond for her.

"Don't flatter yourself, Raven.", Jake teased, retrieving his hand and Malorie couldn't help but scoff: That was the Hangman, everyone knew.

They stayed in that bar for another three hours, talking and drinking the night away. Malorie knew that things would change when the morning came and she would leave for deployment but for now she could stay in this moment forever — When it was just her and Jake and when for a moment, she found where she belonged.

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sahanaswrld · 2 years

Text

"unattainable" j.h.s

self-indulgent minific (also posted on my group account! @multivrses )

summary: jake told himself that tonight would be a night dedicated to only him and his fellow pilots, but when you walk in, side-by-side with none other than bradley rooster bradshaw, he decides he needs to have you.

or where you are rooster's sister who catches jake hangman seresin's eye

pairing: Jake Hangman Seresin x Y/n Bradshaw

warnings: implied sex, cursing, not proofread

word count: 822

do not repost, translate, or copy my work without my permission.

it's not like Jake Seresin wanted to be known as a playboy, he just wanted to let off some steam with girls who may have thought it was going to lead into something... bigger, something... more permanent. Jake wasn't looking for that. so tonight, he decided no girls, just him and his fellow pilots. that was until he spotted a gorgeous woman walking into the Hard Deck with none other than his "rival" Bradley Rooster Bradshaw.

when Jake first laid his eyes on you, he had to do a quick double take. Bradley could pull? was his first thought, until he noticed the similarities between you two. your noses looked pretty similar, along with the few other things he could spot from this distance.

against his better judgement, he decided to go up to you guys, where you were being swarmed with the whole crew of aviators, Phoenix taking the lead and introducing you to everyone. once phoenix got around to him however, he took matters into his own hands.

"Hangman, darling." he said, holding out his hand with his cheeky (normally) pantie dropping smirk

you, however, looked him up and down, then looked at rooster with a raised eyebrow as if to say who is this guy

"ignore him Y/n, he always thinks he's the shit" phoenix said whilst rolling her eyes, which earned a few chuckles throughout the group

"Y/n, Brad's sister." you said while shaking his hand

before Hangman could say another word thought, you were whisked away by Phoenix taking you over to Penny to get some fresh drinks. hangman made his way back over to the pool table along with Coyote, Bob, Payback, and Fanboy.

you could feel his gaze burning into you even at the bar with your brother and your newest friend, Phoenix, who told you to call her Tash (short for Natasha) you couldn't lie though, he was attractive. though you promised yourself to never date a navy pilot because of the pain you had witnessed first hand from the death of your father, and the fear for your brother whenever he was called on missions, maybe it was okay to give this Hangman guy a shot.

after some ime, you found yourself waiting at the bar alone for your, now, fourth round of drinks for you and the pilots. Penny flashed you an apologetic smile and told yuo that she would be right to you right after she finished up with some other customers. you were twirling Bradley's credit card between your fingers until you felt a presence behind you,

"Did they leave you all alone darling?"

no doubt. it was Hangman. you twirled around coming face to face with his playful smirk

"Well, i guess i'm not alone anymore, hm?" oh he liked that. his smirk grew noticeably wider, this time reaching his twinking green eyes. they were truly captivating.

"I'm down to keep you company all night sweets" he said with a wink

you just rolled your eyes with that comment and turned around to Penny coming right towards you.

"What can i get you Y/n?" she said, giving a confused look as to why Hangman was standing so close. you just brused it off and gave your order, handing the credit card along with her.

Hangman waited with you until you got your drinks and walked back over to your little group with his arm slung around your shoulders.

as you approached the group, Tash gave you the same look that Penny did, that confused and quite concerned look. Rooster however, was more verbal.

"Hangman what the fuck are you doing with my sister."

"Well I was just-" you cut him off before he could anger Rooster

"He was waiting for the drinks with me Brad, he didn't pull any weird shit don't worry. He was actually pretty nice." you said while passing the round of drinks you got over to the aviators, the actions got a few quiet thanks. You could tell Bradley was about to speak again but you just shut him up with a look.

Tash guided Rooster and the others over to the piano, you knew Bradley was good and just loved to show off. surprisingly Hangman didn't join them, instead he walked over to the corner. you thought about going over with bradley, but decided against it. what's the worst thing that could happen witht his Hangman guy?

many things apparantly. how you found yourself tangled in his sheets, completely naked, with an equally naked Hangman lying next to you was a mystery. all you remembered was a few drinks with him, learning his name was Jake, and the drive over to his place. the rest was a blur but you could already figure out what you did.

as you sat up, Jake's eyes started to flutter. once his vision cleared all he said was:

"Shit, Rooster is gonna fuckin kill me."

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warnersister · 2 months

Text

Personal Space (two Bradshaws like it now)

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x Reader

Summary: A sequel in which you love your personal space. Unfortunately, Bradley also loves your personal space. Even more so now you’ve had a baby, apparently.

Can be read as a part 2, but doesn’t have to be. Read Personal Space here

You really didn’t know when it all happened, when you and Bradley became a thing. At first he was just an annoying crew member you couldn’t shake off your tail. Then he was your wingman. Then you got accidentally placed into marriage accommodation and the two of you played it off so you could get better housing. Then you actually bought a house. And then somewhere along the way you got married.

“Where shall we have the wedding?” Bradley asked and you raised a brow “register office” you shrug “what you don’t want a wedding?” He asks, hand on his chest as he feigns offence. “You do?” You ask and he nods vigorously. You huff. “Fine” “so shall we do it on the beach?” He asks “okay” you just go along with it, hardly even entertaining the idea at all.

“So? What do you think?” Nat asks as she makes you pivot in a white gown “I think I look like a roll of toilet paper” you said, crossing your arms “maybe it’s just not the dress for you?” She reasons and you shake your head “just not really into the whole idea of this wedding. I kinda thought we’d just sign papers and get on with it” you said “well you picked Bradshaw, he’s a drama queen at the best of times” she says and you him in agreement; your consultant leading you back to the fitting rooms “let’s try another”.

You’d left with a sleeved dress; hating the idea of having a low cut dress, and begging Nat to just let you leave. Sure, you loved the dress - but you loved the idea of getting out of that suffocating shop more.

“Hey honey” Bradley had said, hearing you walk into the house and set your keys on the kitchen counter. “Hi” you reply shortly, moving to fill your cup with water from the sink. “How was your day?” He asked, moving to rest his head on your shoulder and holding you from behind. “Good. Bought a wedding dress” you say simply “you did what?!”

Then on your wedding day, you’d stared at yourself in the mirror far too long. “You look gorgeous” Penny whispers, squeezing your shoulders comfortingly “I look like a fucking pin up doll” you huff, not necessarily believing yourself - just not used to being such a central perspective of attention. “Wow” your dad says, walking into the room “you look gorgeous” he whispers “is there an echo in here?” You mumble, but smile at him “thank you” you say, wiping the tears from under his eyes. “C’mon, Bradley’s nearly about to come get you himself”

You showed up to the beach-front wedding right on time, completely dead against the idea of being in any way, shape, or form late. Your father gave you away, Bradley in floods of tears at the end of the isle by the time you’d gotten there. “You look incredible” he whispers, lips quivering as he stares at you “shut up you’re going to make me cry.” You grumble, but smile. “It’s okay to cry.” He says, as the ceremony begins. “You may now kiss your bride” and Bradley dipped you and kissed you sweetly, drowning out the cheers of those around you. “I love you, Bradshaw.” You say, smally, “I love you more, sweetheart” he says and kisses your forehead “you’re crying” he points out “shut up”

And then you looked at the two lines on the pregnancy test two years later. You hummed “okay” and looked at yourself in the mirror, knowing nothing else other than the fact that you had to tell Bradley right that second. You marched downstairs, where he was sat playing with some keys on the piano you’d bought him last Christmas, stopping next to him. “Hey baby, y’alright?” He asked, and you just held out the stick to him. “What’s this?” He asks, taking it from you and looking over it once. “You serious?” He asked, looking at you; smile growing from ear to ear “you’re pregnant?” He almost whispers “unless the other four lied.” you say and he jumps up and pulls you into his arms, kissing all over your face until you shouted at him to stop.

He knelt down and looked at your stomach, kissing it gently then moving to put his ear against it “uh huh” he hummed “Bradley what are you-” “shush I’m talking to em” he says and you stand, unimpressed, but let him nonetheless. “Oh yeah baby, I’m excited to meet you too” he coos “yeah, yeah, I’m your dad” and you audibly giggle. He looks up at you, eyes wide “you done?” You ask and he nods “yeah little one was done talking” he smiles, and hugs you close again. “I need to get the baby clothes out of the attic” he mumbles, kissing your temple “the what?” You ask “I bought them when we started renting the house!” He says, dragging you excitedly up the stairs “but we own the house, Brad” you him “no, no, the one we had during the mission!” He says and you gasp internally, realising how long the two of you had been together without even noticing it.

“Hey dad” you say, as you and Bradley head into the hangar he and you owned “hey honey, hey Brad” your dad greets, wiping the oil from his hands to come over and talk to the two of you. He kissed your forehead and hugged you, then your husband before walking back over to the aircraft he was working on. “Thought you needed a new picture for your pinboard” you hum “oh? I just added the wedding photo!” He says, excitedly, showing you the filled gap. “Okay, guess you don’t want the sonogram of your grandchild.” You say, turning to head out before Bradley hurriedly grabbed you and turned you back into the situation, pulling the strip of photos from his breast pocket. Your dad stood with his jaw wide open “you’re-” he breathes “you’re really pregnant?” He asks as his eyes well with tears “well I wouldn’t lie-” you say but he just pulls you into a big bear hug, pinning Baby Bradshaw’s picture onto his board.

You head to go look at the part of the engine your dad couldn’t quite fix while Bradley held back with Maverick. He turns to him and shakes his hand “your dad would’ve been so proud.” He says, smiling at Bradley “I know you are.” Rooster smiles, wordlessly being pulled into a hug with his father-in-law.

Then one evening you were sat up in bed, Bradley sound asleep beside you as you look down at the barely visible bump. Bradley had sort of a sixth sense, somehow knowing you weren’t asleep beside him. “Hey, baby what’s up?” He croaks, immediately moving to sit up with you when he sees his senses were correct. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, Bradley.” You say, staring ahead at the wall “what do you mean?” He asks, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. “I mean I’m a fighter pilot, I was raised by a single father, I never had that maternal instinct, what am I doing?” You whisper, and when Bradley managed to finally pull your face towards him you were crying “oh sweetheart” he hums, pulling you into him gently “you’re gonna be the best momma ever, and the fact that you worry proves that. I love you, okay?” He comforts “I know. I love you too.”

You were stubborn the whole pregnancy. You thought it was ridiculous that people just stopped when they were pregnant, and Bradley was trailing you trying anything to get you to just relax. “Hen, please!” He begs as you head out for your morning run “I’m three months pregnant, Bradley. I’m not incompetent.” You snap, as he begrudgingly pulls on his running shoes and follows you out the door. He pulled you back anytime you went quicker than a 10 minute mile “Bradley, if you slow me down one more time I’m going to pull your arm out of your socket” you snap and he holds his hands up “message received.”

Then one day, at around the sixth month mark you walked into the house and slammed the door so hard it rattled. “What’s up?” Bradley asked, as you practically threw your stuff on the floor. “They’re putting me on the desk.” You grumble, anger evident in your eyes while his soften “oh baby we knew that was gonna happen” he soothes, rubbing your arm reassuringly “no! No we didn’t! I was perfectly fine hiding the bump, but no!” You huff “I’m Bradley Bradshaw and all of California has to know my wife’s pregnant!” You imitate him but he just smirks “oh I’m so sorry that everyone needs to know you’re taken and carrying my baby” he says, smugly. “Don’t you smile at me Bradley-” you wag an accusatory finger at him, but he heaves you over his shoulder, and towards the stairs “c’mon, let’s help you blow off some steam” he reasons “y’know it’s possible to get pregnant while pregnant, right?” You ask and he cheers “woohoo! Two for one deal, sounds great!” He says and you can’t help but smile.

Then came your maternity leave, Bradley picked you up in his bronco. You were quick to head outside, and he kinda hated how well you hid the bump. “I’m done.” You huff, settling into the seat beside him “if that bitch from accounting asks me one more time if I want her herbal teas I’m going to knock her teeth out” you complain and Bradley chuckles “well, just me, you and Baby Bradshaw now” he says and you hum in agreement.

But when you approached your street, you rolled straight past your house and straight to the Hard Deck ‘congratulations on your baby’ banners plastered all over “welcome to our baby shower!” Bradley grins as you pull up “is this really necessary? They aren’t even here yet.” You tell him and he shrugs “thought it might take your mind off maternity leave” you smile at him “thanks, Brad”

And at one point in the evening, you sat Natasha and Bob down separately. “Hey Phoenix, can we borrow you?” Brad asked, pulling her away from her conversation “yeah of course guys!” You took a seat at a table and Bradley forced you to elevate your feet against your will. “What’s up?” She asks “how’d you like to be godmother to little Bradshaw?” Her eyes lit up when Bradley asked and she leant over the table to hug the two of you “oh I’d love too!” She announces, excitedly.

Then you head over to Bob, but Phoenix holds Rooster back “they have a special connection, let her do this”. You sit on the stool next to Bob and he offers you some peanuts which you refuse, and you stay sat in silence for a minute. “Bob can I ask you something?” You ask, as he pulls your calves up to rest in his lap “of course, hen” he says, brushing some crumbs off his top “what’s up?” “Well, the job we’re in isn’t an old job” you say and he laughs and agrees “it’s also dangerous” you say, and again - he nods. “So if anything happens to me and Brad, can you be there for little Bradshaw?” His eyes widen and start to swell with tears “will you be our godfather?” You ask and he nods, moving to miss your cheek “of course I will, hen. I’d be honoured.”

Bradley and you had started putting together your hospital bag at the 8 month mark. You were both premature so had a bit of superstition, especially with only being a few weeks off of the 40 mark. You’d placed the bag by the front door, along with a baby carrier in the middle seat of his Bronco.

It was week 38 when you were both putting together the crib beside your bed, two spare bedrooms and still you only wanted your baby beside you. “Okay all done, baby” your husband said “okay. My water broke three minutes ago” you say as calmly as he had, he nods, then whips his head back round “your water broke?” He asks and looks down, and indeed, your water had broken “oh my god your water broke?!” He announced, picking you up bridal style and carrying you out to the bronco, picking the hospital bag up on the way. “Ready to have a baby?” He asks, giddily. “Am I supposed to be?” You ask and he shakes his head with a smile “no”

You were dead silent during birth and it scared the shit out of Bradley. “Do you want an epidural, honey? They’ve offered-” “no.” “Can I get you more ice?” “No.” And he tried everything, even when it was time to push. You held his hand and your mouth was zipped shut. “Is she supposed to be this quiet?” He asked the doctor who just looked at him nonchalantly “it’s normal, all mothers react differently to birth” he said. “I’m a fighter pilot Bradley. I’ve had worse.” You grit. “Breathe baby” he tells you “I think you need to.” You say “stop being dramatic” you say as you push again “honey-” “either shut up or get out.” You tell him and he glues his mouth shut, at least until the baby comes.

Bradley cuts the chord and they hand you your baby, and your eyes widen as you stare at the baby on your chest “welcome to the world Nick Bradshaw” you coo at the baby and Bradley raised his brows “Nick?” He asks, voice cracking “what? Got a problem with that? You and your stupid dick” you grumble and Bradley laughs and shakes his head, kissing your forehead.

“Hey mom, shall we take baby so you can get some rest?” The nurse asked, leaning to take Nick from your arms “excuse me?” You asked, pulling your baby closer. “So you can sleep?” She suggests “I’ve carried him for nine months and now he’s here you’re taking him away?” You ask “well, some mothers like to sleep” “I can sleep when I’m dead.” You deadpan, and she realised that Nick wouldn’t have been pried from your hands even if you were dead, so she left you all alone.

“Taking you away from mommy? Who does she think she is?” You whisper to baby Nick. “Welcome back to the world, Bradshaw.” You say and Bradley can only smile and hold the two of you close.

You’re going to be just fine in this mommy role.

——————————

Part 2-ish? I know it was really well liked and I enjoyed writing it so hope you enjoy this one too!

-> @rosiahills22 here’s another one!

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sarahsmi13s · 11 months

Text

Duckie

Chapter 8

pairing: bradley ‘rooster’ bradshaw x twin sister!reader; jake ‘hangman’ seresin x bradshaw!reader

characters: y/n bradshaw, nick bradshaw, jake seresin, bradley bradshaw (mentioned) penny benjamin (mentioned), hayden kazansky, serenity hart (hayden’s gf and nick’s baby sitter), random booth workers

word count: ~6.3k

warnings: extremely fluffy, jake being domestic and sweet, nicky being an adorable child, mentions of deployment, just a very very fluffy chapter, mentions of food and desserts, the use of the word ‘smile’ a lot, let me know if i missed any

a/n: i am so sorry it’s been nearly two months since the last update, i got bogged down with school and summer classes, i ended up writing a whole new chapter to dive more into jake and duckie

so despite the wait, i hope you like it

chapter summary: jake as spent weeks trying to get to know nick and duckie, hoping to show her that he was willing to be there for both of them. duckie can see that and she wants to face her fears and dip her toe in the water. so during a morning at the beach that jake stumbled upon, she asks him to go to a farmer’s market with her

duckie universe

ch 7 ch 9

*************

For the next few days, that turned into weeks, Jake talked to you, getting to know you and your son; and both of you getting to know him in return.

He sometimes caught you and Nick at the picnic table and he would go outside, ignoring his friends’ teasing as he did. He then talked exclusively to Nick, getting the kid to laugh and would occasionally catch you watching him.

Jake really wanted to win you over and show you that he was all in, that he wanted to love you and your son.

And you could see that.

********

You, Jake, and Nick were on the beach, sitting on towels and facing each other as Nick sat in between your legs and played in the sand. “So, you run on the beach on your days off?” You asked, replying sunscreen to Nick’s arms and back. Jake nodded and took a sip from the water you had given him, “Yeah, it’s nice. You know, run a few miles, cool off in the ocean, run half the distance and do a cool down walk the last half.”

“And I assume you like the added difficulty because of the sand. You seem to like to challenge yourself.” Jake chuckled and nodded, “Yeah, yeah, I do like to challenge myself.”

You smiled and put the sunscreen away, “Challenge paves the way for change and can make you better. If you know you can do something, you aren’t really challenging yourself are you?”

Jake’s smile matched yours, “No, no you aren’t. But mental challenges and physical challenges are different. Like I know-” He pointed to his head, “-that I can run 8 miles. I’ve done it before, I know I can do it. But is my body going to let me or is it going to try and stop me from finishing my run.”

Before you can speak, Nick gasped as he dug in the sand.

“What did you find bubba?” Jake asked immediately with interested eyes.

You smiled and looked down at Nick’s hands as he held a shell in them. “That’s so cool Nicky!” You said as he showed Jake.

“Look Han’man, a shell!” Jake grinned and held his hand out, “That so neat! Can I hold it?” Nick nodded and put the shell in Jake’s much larger hand, turning what looked like a big shell into a normal sized, or even small, shell.

Nick giggled as Jake carefully held the shell. You played with Nick’s blond hair, “You gonna add it to your collection bubba?” “Can I, Mama?” He asked, looking up at you hopefully. “Of course sweetheart.”

“Oh, wait, hold on…” Jake objected gently. “I don’t think you can add this one Nicky.”

The toddler turned to Jake, pouting, “But.. why?”

Jake felt his heart twist at the pout on the little boy’s face, tears threatening his teal eyes. He didn’t like it when kids cried, especially if he’s the reason.

But he saw this as a learning moment for the 3 year-old.

“Well, come take a look Nicky,” Jake said as he shifted and Nick scooted closer. “Look in there, do you see it?”

Nick tilted his head and leaned in closer to the shell in the pilot’s hands. You leaned as well, curious as to what Jake was talking about.

That’s when you saw the little legs and pinchers curled up inside the shell’s opening. “Oooh, I see. Do you see it baby?” You rubbed Nick’s arms as he looked closer and huffed, “I don’t see anything!”

Then the little hermit crab peaked its head out and started to walk around on Jake’s palm.

Nick squealed and got in your lap, a little scared by the new creature. “It’s okay Nicky. It won’t hurt you,” you reassured him. “What is it?” Nick asked in a hushed whisper, leaning a little closer and becoming more intrigued.

“It’s called a hermit crab,” Jake explained. “Hermit cwab?” Jake nodded, “Yeah, they like to hide in their shells and be alone sometimes. And something that’s really cool is that they get new shells when they outgrow their old ones.”

“Ooooo,” Nick awed as he looked even closer at the little crab.

You smiled as Jake continued to talk to Nick about the sea life in his hand.

Nick loved the water and the beach. He loved to collect shells and give them to people on their birthdays or when he thought they looked sad, because shells made him happy and he figured they would make other people happy too. He loved marine life too, turtles and sharks mostly. But you now had a feeling hermit crabs would be added to the list.

“So, since hermit crabs make some types of shells their homes. You always need to check and make sure that the shell is empty before you take it home,” Jake told your son as he sat the little hermit in the sand and watched it scurry off.

Nick nodded curtly and saluted Jake, “Aye aye, Capan Han’man!” Jake grinned and saluted back. Nick ran over in the hermit and squatted down to watch it scurry and dig in the sand, making you and Jake fall into a fit of giggles.

You calmed down and smiled at Jake again, admiring the way the morning sun made his hair shine and the sweat made his skin glow like Adonis.

“Um, there’s a farmers market just downtown this weekend. Would you want to…” You trailed off feeling a little forward for asking and anticipating the turn down.

But Jake looked at you curiously, wanting you to finish your question.

You smiled nervously and started to lift sand into your hand before letting it fall through your fingers. “Would you want to go with me?”

“It’s totally okay if you don’t! I’m sure you have plans or want to spend time with your pilot buddies. I just wanted to offer,” you spat out after your question before Jake could answer.

You braced yourself for the sympathetic smile before the decline of your offer, but all you received was a genuine smile with a nonchalant shrug. “Sure, sounds like fun,” he smiled at you, his green eyes shining before he covered them with his sunglasses.

Smiling, you let out a relaxed breath before looking back at your son.

“Hey Nicky wanna get in the water now?”

He nodded vigorously, “Yes Mama!”

****

As the morning turned into afternoon, the forecasted rain clouds rolled in.

“I think that’s our cue,” Jake chuckled as he pointed at the sky. He needed to get back to his room and study, since they had to take the day because of the weather, but he loved hanging out with you and Nick and really didn’t want it to end.

“I think our cue was Nick getting fussy at the sand on his feet. He got really tired after lunch, and all the playing and sand castles. So thank you for that, Jake,” you smiled as you started to pack up.

He smiled and helped you, “My pleasure, I’m sure he’ll go down easy for a nap.” You nodded, “Oh he will. As soon as I get him in the bath, I’m sure he’ll be falling asleep.”

Once everything was packed, you slipped your swimsuit cover back on.

“That’s a really nice color on you by the way,” Jake complimented as he shook out your towel and folded it before repeating the process with the other.

You looked down at your yellow cover up and smiled, “Thank you!” He smiled before picking up what he could hold, “You’re welcome. But I mean, you look good in about every color I’ve seen you in.. but yellow just really makes you glow.”

The heat that warmed your cheeks went deeper than the sunburn as you giggled a little.

“This was my mom’s actually. She loved the color yellow,” you smiled as you smoothed over the dress. Jake smiled, “She’s got good taste.”

You smiled wider before unlocking your car. “You can just put it in the back, I’ll be there in just a second.” Jake nodded, “Yes ma’am.” He smirked at the lip bite you tried to hide as you turned around.

“Nicky! Come on bubba, we gotta go home.”

Nick stomped his little foot, “Wanna stay!”

You crossed your arms, “Nick, we gotta go. It’s gonna rain.” He continued to play in the sand, “I like rain Mama.”

You sighed and hung your head before going to him.

“Okay, you get two options,” you held up two fingers. “We go home and we can have a movie day for the rest of the day. Or we go home and we can read by the window. But we are going home, it’s not safe to be on the beach in a storm.”

He pouted and continued to dig in the sand, “Don’t wanna go home…”

You knelt in the sand and gently made him look at you, “Why don’t you wanna go home?” “My hermit cwab…” Nick said, tears pooling as his lip quivered.

“Oooh,” you nodded, realizing why he was so upset. “You don’t wanna leave your buddy, do you?” He shook his head and sniffled, “Wanna take him home…”

You sighed. You understood how he felt. When you were his age, maybe younger, you watched ducklings in a pond at the park and when one let you pick it up, you didn’t want to put it down.

Then your parents told you that you had to leave the park, you cried and cried because you didn’t want to leave your new friend. But your dad found a way to make you feel a bit better.

“Hey, Nicky?” He wiped his eyes as he sniffled and looked at you. “How about I take a picture of you and your hermit crab? That way you have him with you?”

His eyes lit up, “Reawy?” You nodded and pulled out your dad’s polaroid that you had brought with you, “Yeah bub, let’s find him.”

You and Nick dug in the sand for a little bit and you found the little crab. “I found him bubba!” Nick gasped and giggled, “Bootles!”

Your brow furrowed as you laughed, “Bootles?” Nick nodded, “His name is Bootles!” You smiled, “That’s a very good name baby.”

“Okay, hold your hands out. And remember, be gentle,” you instructed as you placed the small crab in his hands. “Okay, say hermit crab!”

“Hermit cwaaaaab!”

He grinned and held the crab by his face as you snapped the photo.

You pulled out your phone and snapped a few more photos while the polaroid developed. “Okay baby, we need to head home.”

Nick nodded, “Bye Bootles!” He placed a little kiss to the shell before sitting the crab down and watching the creature scurry off.

He ran over to you as you put the camera away and looked at the developed photo, “Let’s go home Mama.” You smiled, “Alright baby.”

You smiled at the photo and put it in your bag before standing and holding your hand out, “C’mon Nicky.” He pouted a bit before making grabby hands at you, “Don’ wanna walk.” You sighed and rolled your eyes playfully, “Okay baby.” You grunted a little as you picked him up, “Let’s go home.”

Adjusting your bag, you trekked up the sand back to your vehicle, keeping Nick up on your hip.

By the time you get to your car, Nick was fast asleep on your shoulder.

“Little man all tuckered out?” Jake asked as he put the last of your things in the back of your vehicle.

You giggled, “Yes, very tuckered out. I’m really considering just a movie so he can sleep through it.” Jake smiled and opened the back door for you, “That way you can have a nap too.”

“Oh no, I have so much to do today,” you said as you put Nick in his carseat. Jake nodded, “So, this was your desired outcome?”

You looked at him over your shoulder and giggled a bit, “Is that bad?”

Jake shook his head as he gently shut the door, “No, it’s strategic. Take him to the beach, tucker the little guy out, get home and make sure he’s asleep, and then boom, you’ve got him out of your hair for a little bit to do what you need to do.”

“I feel like he might catch on eventually, but I will milk this strategy until then,” you laughed as you got in the driver’s seat. Jake laughed as well as he leaned on the top of the car and the door, “A mama’s gotta do what a mama’s gotta do.”

You smiled and nodded, looking at Nick sleeping in the rearview mirror.

Looking back up at Jake, you found him already smiling at you. “Thank you for today Jake,” you said softly, your cheeks heating up a bit. “Nick had a lot of fun.”

“What about you?” Jake asked, with a hint of hopefulness in his tone.

You nodded. You had had fun today, Jake was making you laugh and blush, and you started feeling something you hadn’t felt in years.

And if you were completely honest, it was starting to scare you. But there was just something about this that you couldn’t let go of; no matter how scared you were. However, you had to go slow and be careful, for both the sake of your heart and the sake of your son’s heart.

“I had a lot of fun today Jake. Thank you,” you smiled up at him. “Though, I am sorry that you had to stop your run.”

He shook his head, “Don’t worry about that. I can go to the gym on base and hit the treadmill. Maybe the stairmaster.”

You giggled, “Well, I hope you have fun with that.”

“What time should I pick you up this weekend?”

You blinked at him confused for a second before you remembered, “Oh right right! Um, does 0830 sound good?” He nodded and smiled, “Sounds perfect. I’ll see you then.”

“Here let me get you my address,” you said before digging in the console for a pen and sticky notes.

Once you found them and wrote down your address, you gave the sticky note to Jake.

“I’ll see you then?” Jake nodded and smiled, “See you then.”

You nodded back and smiled, “Alright, have a good rest of your day Lieutenant.” “You too, mama.”

He closed your door and watched you drive off before looking down at the yellow sticky note, “I need to find out what flowers she likes…”

**********

A few days later you’re getting ready for your trip to the farmer’s market with Jake.

Now this wasn’t a date, no not at all. Just an outing between friends. Time for you to get to know Jake when he wasn’t around Nick. But it was not a date.

****

You applied your mascara in the floor length mirror in your room, humming a song to yourself as you did so.

“Maaamaaa?” Your toddler called from your bed.

“Yeees Nicky?” You asked as you screwed the lid back onto your mascara.

“Why can’t I go wiff you and Han’man?” He asked as he bounced on your bed.

You sighed a bit and caught him, “Because, mama and Hangman are going to be walking about in the heat and sweating, it wouldn’t be fun for you baby.” You grinned and began to tickle him, “I think Hayden and Serenity have a lot of fun things planned for today.”

He giggled and curled up to escape your hands, “Ah! Mama!” You laughed and continued to tickle him as he flopped onto the bed. You kissed all over his face, “Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!”

You pulled back and took a breath, “Okay baby, Mama has to finish getting ready.” Nick giggled and starfished in the middle of the bed and you went to your bathroom. “You wanna help mama brush her hair?”

Nick nodded, “Yeah!” He rolled onto his stomach and slid into the floor before going into the bathroom.

****

“Duckie, you look good. You sure this isn’t a date?”

“Yes, Hayden, I’m very sure this isn’t a date. I actually have a list of things to look for,” you said, matter of factly.

Hayden put his hands up, “Okay, okay… But I mean you look-” “Hayden, you’re pressing,” Serenity said as she played with Nick.

“Right, sorry. But still, you look great, Duckie.”

You smiled and ruffled his hair, “Thank you Hayden.” You slipped on your shoes and clipped your hair up with a claw clip.

“Okay, I’ve still got fifteen min-” Your sentence is cut short by tires in your driveway. You chuckled, “Military man, should have guessed he’d be early.”

You waited for a honk or something but one never came.

But, then there was a gentle knock on your door.

Your heart rate elevated and you couldn’t hide the grin as you went to open the door.

“Jake,” you said a little breathlessly, smiling as you took in his appearance.

His blond hair wasn’t gelled, allowing it to fluff and rest against his forehead. The green checkered shirt he was wearing matched his eyes and showed off his biceps and tanned arms. His light wash jeans hugged the tops of his thighs but were loose the rest of the way down and bunched around his ankles, brandishing his brown cowboy boots with the contrast.

“You look… good,” you smiled, eyes trailing back up to his eyes.

He chuckled, smiling to show off his forming smile lines, “So do you, Y/N.”

You felt the heat on your face as you bit your lip and looked at your shoes bashfully

“Han’man?”

You turned as Jake looked around you and inside.

“Nicky, hey buddy,” Jake smiled as Nick ran over. Nick wrapped his arms around Jake’s leg, “G’moorrnniing!”

Jake squatted down to give him a proper hug, “Good mornin’ little man!”

Nick put his hands on Jake’s shoulders, “Have fun wiff Mama today! I not going cause Mama said I would get too hot and I wouldn’t have fun. So, I’m playing with Hay and Ren today!”

“Well that sounds fun, and I promise your mom and I will have fun. I’ll make sure she gets home safe.”

Nick nodded before running back to the living room as Jake stood back up.

You smiled and looked at the floor before looking up at Jake, catching the flowers in his hand. “You-you brought me flowers?”

He furrowed his brow before looking at the bouquet in his hand, “Oh! Yeah, yeah, I did. I hope that’s okay. I know this isn’t r-really a date, but-”

“Jake, Jake!” He looked back up at you and you smiled softly, “They’re lovely, thank you.” You gently took them from him, your hands brushing together and making you both blush.

“Would you like to come in for some coffee? We’ve got about thirteen minutes before we need to leave,” you offered, holding the flowers to your chest. He smiled, “Sure, that sounds great. Thank you.” You smiled and led him into your home, “Kitchen’s this way.”

“Where do you keep your vases?” Jake asked once you got to the kitchen. “Oh, um, I think they’re under the sink.” Jake nodded and looked under the sink, “Ah-ha! Gotcha!”

He stood up, “This one okay?” You turned from the drawer you were digging in to see the tall mason jar. “Oh yeah that’s perfect.” He nodded and stood to rinse it out and filled it before sitting it on the island.

“Thank you, Jake,” you said as you smiled, putting the cut stems into the water.

You turned to the cabinet, “Iced coffee or hot coffee?” “Hot if you got it.” You nodded and grabbed a mug and poured him a cup.

“Here you go, there’s sugar and dry creamer, liquid creamer is in the fridge, if you want it,” you told him before grabbing your mason jar glass and opening the fridge.

He thanked you before adding a little bit of sugar. “So, have they done this farmer’s market before? Or is this like a new thing?”

“Oh they’ve done it before, started back when I was a kid. They took off for a while, started it back up a few years ago. Actually the year before I moved back.”

He nodded and sipped his coffee as you sirred yours.

“And a lot of the booths are military families.”

“Oh really? That’s cool.”

“I think there’s a care package booth too. They… They um,” you smiled a little to yourself. “They put it together right there in front of you. My mom would get one made for my uncle every year if he was deployed when we went.”

Jake smiled, “You said your brother was on deployment right?” You nodded back, “Mhmm.” “Well we need to make sure we stop by that booth.”

You looked up at him, “Wait really?” He nodded and sat his mug down, “Of course. I can tell that you and your brother are close, even though I may or may not know him.”

You snorted a bit, “Right, I haven’t told you about him. Honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t ask Penny about him.” He crossed his arms and shrugged, “I won’t lie, I did want to ask. Buuuut, I figured you’ll tell me when you want me to know. I’m not entitled to that information.”

And there were the butterflies again.

Yeah, he did the bare minimum and didn’t try to find out more about you through other people. But the fact he was willing to admit it and be upfront with you was something you really liked, especially after being with Chad.

“Thank you,” you said before sipping your coffee. Maybe today you should tell him; just let him know in case there is any tension between them and if that’s a turn off to being friends, or more.

“Of course.”

You both smiled and continued to drink your coffee and talk for the next fifteen-ish minutes.

“We should probably get going, it opens at 0900 and it takes about 30-45 minutes to get there,” you said when you noticed the time on the microwave.

Jake nodded and rinsed his cup out, “Where do you want this?” You blinked for a second, a little surprised he didn’t just leave it in the sink. “Oh um,” you checked the dishwasher and saw that it was full. “You can just leave it in the sink, I’ll wash it when I get home.”

“Nonsense,” he waved you off and pointed to your glass. “Are you done?” You looked down, “Oh yeah.” You dumped out the ice and put the jar in the basin, “I’ll wash it. It’s not a big deal.”

Jake ignored you and grabbed the rag. “Jake, you don’t have to do that.” “It’s not a problem. You invited me in for coffee, it’s the least I could do. And plus, it’s two dishes.”

You smiled gently at him, “Thank you.” He smiled back and watched you go to the living area.

“Nick, come give Mama a hug.”

****

You and Jake walked past the booths, laughing and stopping when you see something that is on your list.

“Hey, isn’t honey on your list?” Jake asked, stopping as he saw a table full of jars of honey. You hummed and looked down at your list. “Oh, yes! Yes it is.”

Jake smiled as you came over, smiling as you looked at the jars.

“Hi, how can I help you?” The lady behind the table asked with a sweet smile.

Jake watched you smile back, just as sweet. “Hi, I was just wondering what flavors you had?” “Oh we have regular, orange blossom, and lemon honey syrup.”

You bit your lip, “Man, I want all of them..” You looked down at your list. “Okay, I’ll take a pint of regular honey and the lemon honey syrup.” She smiled and grabbed the two, “Is that all?” You nodded and pulled out your wallet, “Yes, for now, I may swing by before we leave.”

She nodded as she wrapped them in tissue paper before putting them in a little crate then into a paper bag.

“That’ll be twelve dollars.” You smiled and handed her the cash, “There you go.”

“Thank you, you two have a good day.” “You too thank you.”

You looked back at your list, “Fruits are next and then care package and then roam the crafts.” Jake chuckled and nodded, “Okay, I’ll catch up in a second.”

You smiled at him, “Alright.” You thank the lady again before walking away to the fruit stands.

Jake watched you walk away before turning to the table. “Can I get you anything sir?” “Yes,” he smiled and took out his cash, “I will take two pints of the orange blossom.”

The woman gave him a slightly knowing smile as she did what she did with yours. “Twelve dollars.”

He smiled again and gave her fifteen, “Here ya go ma’am, keep the change.” She smiled as Jake walked away, “Thank you, have a good day!”

Jake found you at a peach stand, “Peaches?”

Your head whipped up and you smiled at him, “Nick loves them, his dad loved them too.” Jake smiled as he saw that glimmer of love in your eye.

You and Jake held eye contact for a moment, just looking at each other with smiles on your faces.

A baby giggling in the booth next to you knocked you both out of your trance.

Jake jumped a bit and shook it off, “Wha-what do you make with the peaches?”

You giggled and picked through the peaches, “My mom had a cobbler recipe that I love and Nick likes it too. I’ll juice them and make tea. Then other times we just eat them.”

“My grandma makes amazing peach cobbler,” his eyes trailed to the apple stand. “Her apple pie however, is what she’s known for.”

You smiled at him, “So are apples your favorite?” He chuckled and shook his head, “No actually. I love oranges. Always have.”

“Any desserts your mom makes with them?” Jake nodded with a huge smile, “She makes a loaf cake, it’s amazing.” You smiled, “That sounds delicious.”

“I’ll have to make it for you sometime.” You nodded and finished picking out your peaches and giving them to the woman to weigh, “I would like that.”

“Thank you,” you said as you traded eight dollars for the fruit. “Okay, just a few more booths. Then we can go to lunch.”

Jake nodded, “We can check out the food trucks.” “Oh, yeah! But if we get snow cones we can’t tell Nick… or Hayden.” You and Jake laughed as he made a zipper motion over his lips, “My lips are sealed.”

You nodded, “Thank you.” You grabbed his hand, “C’mon let’s go.” He grinned as you pulled him along, fruit stand to fruit stand.

****

“Okay, let’s go get that care-”

“Miss Bradshaw!”

You turned over your shoulder, “Oh Cheyenne! Hi, how are you?” “Good, I’m good. How are you?” You nodded and smiled as you walked over to her booth, Jake right behind you, “I’m good, Cheyenne.”

“Nicky not with you today?” She asked as she stood up. “Oh no, he’s with Hayden and Serenity today. He would have gotten too hot or run around.” She nodded, “I can understand that. Max is the same way. Except he’s seven.”

You and Jake laughed as she huffed with a grin, “Which is why he is at our dad’s house today.”

Then Cheyenne noticed Jake, “Ohh, who is this?” You blushed and looked up at him, “This-This is um, Jake. He’s a pilot for the Navy.” She nodded, “Oh, and he’s your friend right?” Her emphasis on ‘friend’ making you and Jake blush.

You and Jake looked down at the table. “Oh, did you make these?” Jake asked, trying to change the subject.

“I did, and Miss. Bradshaw, I made this for you to send to Bradley.” She held out a crocheted rooster to you. “Oh my goodness, Cheyenne! It’s so cute, he’s gonna love it. Thank you!”

She smiled, “You’re welcome.” You looked up at her, “How much do I owe you?” “Oh, no, Miss. Bradshaw, it’s free.” “Are you sure? You must have spent days on this.” She nodded, “I’m sure.”

You smiled at her again, “Thank you.” Cheyenne nodded back with a smile.

You looked down at the table and saw something, “Awe Nick would love that… but he has so many stuffed animals already.” You bit your lip and bounced on your toes.

After the internal argument you groaned. You wanted to get it for him but you still needed to get Bradley’s care package squared away. “I’ll come back and see if it’s still here.”

Jake watched you walk away and looked at the table. “I think you know what I’m about to ask.”

She laughed, “For little Nick Bradshaw? Five dollars.” “No, don’t do that. How much, actually?” “Ten.” He nodded, “That’s better.” He held out a ten and she put the crocheted animal in a bag.

“Here you go Jake.” “Thank you, have a good day,” he smiled and walked toward the care package booth.

“Jake?” Cheyenne said as she came up to him.

“Yes?”

“She likes you. A lot. I can tell in the way she looks at you.”

Jake smiled and looked over at you, “I like her a lot too.” Cheyenne smiled and nodded before going back to her booth.

He chuckled and shook his head, his heart feeling a little lighter that he wasn’t seeing things when you looked at him.

He made it to the booth as you were finishing up.

“Bradley is going to love this, Y/N!” You nodded with a smile, “I know and can you put this in there? It’s from Nick.” “Oh of course, I bet Rooster loves getting these shells from his nephew.” You smiled again, “Yeah, he sends some back from Virginia Beach sometimes. Or wherever they’ve docked.”

The woman behind the table smiled, “That’s so sweet. Let me get this totalled up for you, I’ll be right back.”

You nodded and turned as you saw Jake approach.

“Got it all sorted?” You nodded, “Sure did.”

He smiled down at you, his hand moving to rest on your lower back, but he forced it down. “So, roaming the crafts is next?”

You nodded, “Yes! And then lunch.” “Sounds fantastic,” he grinned at you as you smiled up at him.

“Thank you for coming with me today Jake.”

“Of course, I’m having a lot of fun actually.”

You nodded and smiled wider to match his smile, “I’m having a lot of fun too.”

****

“Okay I have a question,” Jake proposed as he sat down with his burger and fries.

You froze a bit, before nodding as you sat next to him, “What’s up?”

“Well, it’s not so much of a question as it is like a statement that could wind up being a question,” he rambled with a fry in his hand.

You giggled, “What is it, Jake?”

“I think I know your brother.” You stayed silent but nodded. “Now here’s the question, is it Bradley Bradshaw, a.k.a Rooster?”

You sighed and nodded, “Yeah, that’s my brother.”

He nodded, “We were in flight school together.” “Really?” He nodded again and took a bite of his burger, “He wasn’t the biggest fan of me to be honest.”

You shifted a little as you brushed salt off your pretzel, “Oh…” You cleared your throat, “Does that- does that change-” You point between you and Jake, “This?”

“No, no not at all. I don’t care how your brother feels about me, I care about how you feel about me.”

You nodded again and opened your mouth to speak but he continued.

“And I totally understand if his opinion matters to you and you-”

“Jake, stop.” You cut him off and held your hands up, making him stop talking. “Take a breath.” He nodded and inhaled.

You giggled, “Okay, now yes, my brother’s opinion matters to me. But I’m also a big girl and can make my own choices. From what I’ve seen, from what you’ve shown me, you’re a good guy, Jake. A great guy. That matters more.”

“Really?”

“Yes! Jake, in flight school, you and my brother were basically rivals. No one is a fan of their rival.”

“I guess that’s true,” Jake smiled.

“And as long as you two don’t fight in front of my son and keep the jabs and smartass comments to a minimum around me, I think we can make it work.”

He nodded, “For you, I can do that.”

You smiled and nodded, “Good. Now let’s eat.”

****

Jake parked his truck in your driveway, “Let me walk you to the door.”

You smiled and unbuckled, the door opening as your hand reached for the handle. “Thank you Jake.” “Of course.”

You grabbed your bags and Jake walked with you to the door.

You sat your bags down and pulled out your keys.

“Is that a duck key chain?” Jake asked, his head tilted with a smile gracing his lips. You nodded and smiled at him, “Yes, it is.” He held it in his hand, a small twinkle in his eye, “It’s adorable.”

“Thank you, my uh… my nickname has been Duckie ever since I was two. My dad had gotten me a duck stuffed animal and I would not let go of that thing,” you said with a light laugh.

Jake smiled at you, “That’s really sweet.” You nodded and unlocked your door.

You opened it and turned back to Jake, “I had fun today.” He blushed and smiled, “I had fun today too.”

“Mama!”

You and Jake looked down as Nick ran to you.

You bend down and pick him up, “Nicky baby! Did you have fun with Hayden and Serenity today?” He nodded and looked at Jake, “I did Mama! Did you and Han’man have fun?”

Jake chuckled and tickled Nick’s ribs, “We did little man! And I brought you something back.”

Nick gasped and your brow furrowed as Jake pulled something out of the bag you hadn’t realized he was holding.

Your jaw dropped when he pulled out the crocheted manta ray with a little cowboy hat; the one you saw and wanted to get Nick but was gone when you had gone back by the table.

“Jake-”

“That’s for me?” Nick gasped as Jake nodded and smiled. “It is Nick!” “I wove it! Thank you Han’man!” Nick stretched out of your arms to hug Jake, which Jake gladly did with his free arm. “You’re welcome, Nicky.”

Jake put him down and Nick looked up at you, “I’m gonna put this on my bed, Mama! With my turtle!” You smiled and ran a hand through his curls, “Alright baby, have you had lunch yet?” He nodded, “Okay. I’ll be in in a minute and we can Octopus.” “Okay!”

You and Jake chuckled as he ran in and to his bedroom.

You looked up at Jake, “Jake, you didn’t have to get that for him.” He nodded and looked at the bag, “I know I didn’t. But I wanted to.”

“Well, thank you Jake. He’s gonna cherish that little cowboy manta ray.” Jake blushed and looked through the door, “You think so?” “He’s putting it on his bed with his turtle, the turtle his dad had when he was a kid,” you said, tearing up slightly as you smiled.

Jake’s heart clenched at your tears but it fluttered because Nick thought of him so highly.

“So yeah, I think he’ll cherish it,” you smiled softly as you messed with his shirt a little.

“I got you something too,” he said as he reached into the bag and pulled out the jar of orange blossom honey.

You smiled and took the jar gently, “Jake…”

“You said you wanted to get all of them, and I wanted to get some orange blossom honey-” You looked up at him, the smile still on your face, “‘Cause you love oranges.” He nodded, a smile matching yours, “Yeah, and I really think you’ll like it.”

“Thank you, Jake. And it’s a good thing I went back to that booth, cause I remember you asking about the syrup…” You pulled out the jar, “So I got you some.”

He took the jar and smiled, “Thank you, Y/N.” You nodded, “You’re welcome. It works great in teas and even water. Maybe whiskey, but you didn’t hear that from me. It’ll help with sore throat as well, works with Nick great.”

Jake chuckled, “Ever wanna know if something works, you ask a mother.” You nodded and held the jar close to you.

“Thank you again Jake, for coming with me today.”

He smiled and nodded, mirroring your actions with his jar, “Thank you for inviting me. It probably sounds a little silly but… it felt like I was back home for a few hours.”

You shook your head, “That doesn’t sound silly at all.” You smiled softly at him, “It sounds really sweet.”

“Thank you,” he said softly with a grin on his face.

You went on your tip-toes and kissed his cheek, “Have a good afternoon Jake. Thank you for today. We should do this again.” He nodded and watched your lips as you went back to your flat feet, “We should. I’ll figure something out and we can talk about it.”

You nodded, “That sounds great. I’ll see you later, Jake.” “See you later, Y/N.”

You and Jake smiled at each other for a moment before you shook yourself out of it and went inside, waving bye again as you closed the door.

Jake smiled and looked at the jar before walking to his truck.

****

Once you closed the door you leaned against it.

You sighed and looked at your jar, smiling like a fool with your heart fluttering like you were a teenage girl before groaning as you heard his truck leave.

“Shit… I forgot to get his number…”

*************

duckie and jake got to spend a day with out nick. it wasn’t a date, just a nice friendly hang- who is duckie kidding, it was totally a date

and jake got to learn who her brother was, but that doesn’t matter to him. what matters is how duckie feels and how nick feels about him, not bradley.

so now they’re planning another ‘hangout’ and let’s see if they can finally cross that path into being more than friends

my ducklings <33: @roosterscockpit @milesdickpic @luckyladycreator2 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @hisredheadedgoddess28 @malindacath @avengers-fixation @shawnsblue @caitsymichelle13 @classycolorpeach @mayhemmanaged @startrekfangirl2233 @bobby-r2d2-floyd @twsssmlmaa @horseshoegirl @babyreads @amatswimming @callsign-athena @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @cassiemitchell @callsignwidow @kmc1989 @goodstuff28 @pjngpp3501 @lunamoonbby @joyfulpandamiracle @craftyinfluencersandwich @averyhotchner @emily-roberts @teenwolf01 @sunderland-6 @bethabear12 @coldmuffinbanditshoe @dempy @djs8891 @ingoaliesitrust @novavida @tigerfan24 @lynnestra44 @lilmonstrjedi

apologize if i missed anyone! go to the duckie universe masterlist and comment or reblog if you would like to be tagged!

i’ll put the ones that didn’t work in the comments!

#duckie universe #duckie #duckie bradshaw #nicky bradshaw #nick bradshaw #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x twin!reader #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin x bradshaw!reader #bradley bradshaw x sister!reader #bradshaw!reader #top gun maverick #top gun fic #sarahsmi13s

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