ouroborus-momento-mori

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

In the Air Tonight - Chapter One, Someday

Word count: 8,990 Link to AO3: Here.

Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x Reader

18+. Does contain explicit sexual scenes. Please do not interact if you are a minor.

The fics corresponding Spotify playlist: Hangman

Glen Powell’s Hangman’s playlist: Hangman’s Direct Hits

***

Life likes to throw curveballs at you. You had become all too familiar with this fact, as it often meant that you couldn’t plan your life too far ahead. So, you’ve trained yourself to live in the now. To take everything you can out of the moment. Because in your experience, you could never predict what the future had in store for you.

Fourteen years ago, having freshly turned eighteen, you enlisted yourself in the Navy. You started your career at the Naval Academy, studying to take your post as an Intelligence Officer. Those first four years were some of the toughest of your life. The gruelling training haven taken you from being an as green as grass civilian to a pragmatic and astute military officer. 

Some parts of you wished that you hadn't chosen this life for yourself. Nearly every other path you could have walked would likely have been easier. But you tried not to blame your younger self, for she was a slightly naive girl with stars in her eyes when signing those papers. 

You couldn’t really blame her, especially not after all those charming and alluring words the recruiter had slipped into her mind back in high school. Now, it was your duty to yourself and to her to try to make the best out of the life you had. 

You had made yourself a vow near the end of your time with the military. One that you had yet to forsake. That vow was that you would do everything possible to protect yourself, your feelings, and your own peace. 

This vow had come into place after you had tragically lost one of your best friends, Tiana. She had been the most beautiful soul you had ever known, a jubilant person who spread love and joy wherever she went. She had joined the Navy as a Nurse, wanting to sail around the world while helping people. 

She had been killed in an explosion. Your ship had been docked in a foreign harbour, giving your shipmates a chance to go on land and stretch their legs. Tiana had been a part of a team to volunteer to bring supplies and gifts to a local hospital. 

On the way there, the convoy had been a victim of an Improvised Explosive Device. Tiana’s vehicle had been the worst hit. She had bled out while working to stop the bleeding on one of her fellow passengers. 

Her death still haunts you to this day. It had spun your own life completely around. How could someone so pure and kindhearted have been the victim of such a horrific act? 

You had grieved her for months and you still missed her everyday. A few months after her death your eight year service contract with the Navy had been up for renewal. You couldn’t bring yourself to sign those papers again. So, just like that , you had been honourably discharged from the Navy. 

You had spent a few months floating around the country as a civilian, seeking the thrill of life again. But your heart longed for you to do more, to help people, to seek to protect innocents again. 

So you picked yourself up and moved to Washington D.C., finding a part time job at a local Veterans Affairs centre, helping veterans like yourself find new purpose in their civilian life while you still searched for yours.

Previously, you had envisioned yourself as a career officer . Intending for your whole working life to be dedicated to your service in the military. The first major curveball in your life had been Tiana’s death, it had made you come to an almost complete stop and had forced you to change directions. 

The second major curveball had been a complete unfathomable surprise to you, as curveballs often are. While you had been searching for a new career and purpose in life, it turns out someone ( something ) had taken notice of you. 

It had been a grey foggy morning, you had been in your office, when your office’s assistant had notified you that you had a meeting. An unscheduled meeting. 

Thus began a long road of you being recruited by the CIA. They had scouted you after you had left the service having had an exemplary, but cut short , career.  

That had been nearly two years ago. And it’s what brought you to where you are right now. 

Presently, you were getting yourself all dolled up for the evening. You took great pride in yourself and your appearance. 

Sure , some may call it vain. But you knew the power you held, and everytime you stepped out in public, for everyone to see, you liked to look your very best. 

Especially for evenings like tonight. 

Early on in your career you had learned just how powerful really femininity is. How something so seemingly simple as a slight doe eyed look or a well fitted dress could so easily become a weapon . 

You have learned to use your god given assets to your advantage. And that is exactly what you intended to do tonight. 

Tomorrow afternoon you were to ship off with your team of operatives to begin gathering intel in a hostile foreign country. You knew the stakes were high for the mission ahead, just like how you knew tensions would be running high.

You needed to let yourself go tonight, to let off some steam.  

There would be very little to no opportunities to do so on your deployment, and you were eager to let go of everything you had built up. So that tomorrow when you left, you had a near clean slate to build on again.

You sauntered over to your closet, bare feet padding lightly on the hardwood floors.

Thankfully for you, a friend you had made while working with the VA had invited you along to some fancy congressman’s charity event. A very high ranking friend, Rear Admiral Grant, deputy commander of the United Sates Second Fleet. 

You had said yes of course, not only to see your friend before having to leave, but also because you were all too familiar with events like these. And all too familiar with the kind of men who attended them.

Part of you felt like you were on the prowl tonight, searching for your next victim to sink your teeth into. 

Not that you would ever say that aloud. It sounded a little too similar to the kind of bodice ripper smut you used to consume when you were younger.

Reaching your closet, you gently pried the doors open. You let your hand glide over the dresses you had picked out as candidates for the evening. You stopped when you reached your favourite, taking time to let the satin glide between your fingers. Yes, you were feeling like wearing redtonight. 

Having made your decision, you let your robe fall off of your body, before slipping in to dress. 

You enjoyed the way it hugged your body. The dress has a built in boning lining the bodice, creating the perfect hidden corset to highlight everything you wanted to show off tonight.

Taking a minute, you admired yourself in the mirror. You had done well.

Your hair had been perfectly curled into soft voluminous waves, then perfectly piled into a soft updo - perfect for oncoming done later. 

Your makeup was flawless imperfect, with chiselled contour, lifted brows, fox eye makeup, cheeks perfectly flushed and a pouty lip to match.

You looked devastating. It was perfect.

***

Stepping out of your Uber you took pleasure in the soft clicking of your heels on the marble stairs, heading up towards the hotel’s ballroom. 

You had to admit, you were impressed. The event was very well done, the whole grand ballroom decked out in full glamour. The room had dimmed lighting and was filled with dark wood, leather and deep jewel tones. 

It reminded you of an old WW2 era officers club, which was fitting for the occasion. The congressman throwing the gala was donating all proceeds to the Air Warrior Courage Foundation, a charity you were more than happy to donate some funds to.

Your eyes swept over the room as you walked towards the bar, scanning with two intentions. 

The first was to locate the good admiral, Oliver Grant. You were looking forward to catching up with him and his wife this evening.

The second you took far more glee in. Your eyes scanned the crowd, taking stock of the men in the room. There were plenty of dashing and ambitious men in the room. Your eyes lingered on a few that peaked your interest, even catching eyes with a couple. 

As you waited for your first glass of red wine for the evening, you let your gaze linger on an almost-obscenely handsome aviator. He was standing with other sharply dressed men in uniform, friends or colleagues of his.

As if he could feel your eyes on him, his eyes turned to meet yours, stopping you both in your tracks for a moment. Target in sight.

Even from far away you could tell his eyes were a striking blue-green colour. You held his gaze with a sly smile, not shy to admit to him that you had been admiring him. From the slow grin that grew on his face, you could tell he was appreciative. 

You positioned yourself slightly tilted away from him, flicking your eyes towards the bartender as he handed you your drink. Turning your eyes back over your shoulder towards the blonde, you caught him slowly lowering his gaze clearly checking you out. 

You felt a warm shiver run down your spine, a heat settling into your centre. Your first of hopefully many thrills this evening. 

You smiled demurely at him once he caught your gaze again, nodding slightly to him. He nodded to you as well, with what you were sure was his signature wink, acknowledging your attention with a slight raise of his beer towards you. 

Making sure his gaze was still on you, you started to walk away towards a crowd of people intent on finding your friend. You made sure to add an extra little sway to your hips as you walked away. 

You made your way over to where you knew Oliver and his wife, Sherry, would be. The two of them always had a crowd around them, as was typical of a couple of their status. Oliver was the highest ranking officer in the room tonight.

“Oh! There you are my sweet little, Cherry.” A soft euphoric voice flowed over in your direction. It was Sherry, who was quite possibly one of your most favourite people.

She’s a shorter, slightly plump, older woman with the most impeccable style. She was looking glamorous tonight, dressed in a floor length light pink gown, her red hair piled on top of her head in a bundle of curls. 

Sherry and Oliver had become like a second set of parents to you here in D.C.. Sherry volunteered frequently with various veterans organisations, you had met her and her husband through your brief stint with the VA. 

When you had confessed to Sherry about your past, she had warmly welcomed you, adopting you into her life.

“Sherry!” You laughed lightly, walking into her open arms as she embraced you in a warm motherly hug, giving you a kiss on the cheek. 

“Cherry!” Oliver laughed as well, patting you on your shoulder as you pulled away from Sherry. 

Sherry had presented you with your long lasting nickname after the one single time you had worn a certain cherry-printed sundress in her presence. She had thought it was adorable and ever since she and Oliver had referred to you as Cherry. Sometimes you playfully acted exasperated at the nickname, but in reality it warmed you.

Sherry & Cherry. An unlikely symbolic tie between you and your would-be adopted mother. 

“How’s the prep going, kid?” Oliver prompted kindly. He and Sherry both knew you were shipping out tomorrow, but only Oliver knew what waited for you overseas. Sherry wasn’t aware of what your mission pertained too, but with all her diligent work with veterans, she held an empathy within her for what you were about to face.

“All finished. Everything is packed and by the door waiting for me. Now all that’s left is one last hurrah and a night of rest.” You smiled reassuringly towards them, not wanting to worry them. 

You weren’t overly worried for yourself, you tried not to linger on the what-ifs of the future. Best to live in the now.

“Oh sweetie, I’m gonna miss you.” Sherry hugged your side, smiling sadly up towards you.

“I know, darlin’. I’ll be home before you know it.” You tightly squeezed her hand. 

“You let me know if you need anything over there, kid. I can get almost anything delivered to the nearest military outpost for ya.” Oliver nodded towards you, a proud fatherly smile on his face. 

He had a good idea of what your mission was, you were sure of it. He had likely tapped into his own intel channels within the fleet to see what various objectives in your area were going to be.

You went to thank him, but were abruptly cut off by the man of the hour, Congressman Rodriguez as he started his “many thanks” speech of the evening.

Everyone in the room had turned their eyes towards him, listening to his far too long speech. Men in politics had a tendency to speak too much about themselves and their accomplishments, always a re-election speech, instead of focusing on the charity you were all here to really support tonight. 

You felt your eyes starting to drift again, fixating on a set of empty chairs near the centre of the room. Set between them was an oddly beautiful  game of Battleship, it was gleaming in the dimmed lighting. Glancing around you could see various other military themed board games around the room, they were commonly used as icebreakers.   

You smirked to yourself, having formulated a plan for how you were going to really catch the attention of that aviator from earlier. You hadn’t seen a wedding ring on his finger, nor was there a beautiful woman on his arm this evening. You were going to make sure he was yours for the night, and only for the night. 

The last thing you needed right now was to get tangled into something with the lifestyle you were currently living. While you loved your work with the CIA, it often meant being quite secretive and often having to leave for long periods of time. Not exactly the best conditions to get into any kindof relationship besides short hookups.

A sudden shiver went down your spine, there were eyes on you. Which, to be completely honest, was not unusual. Especially with the way you looked tonight. But this was different, their gaze was warm, and intentional. 

Turning subtly to the side, you playfully let your eyes glide over the crowds of people. Searching for a set of newly familiar blue-green eyes you were certain were the ones watching you now.

Locking eyes, you were only slightly surprised with how heated his gaze was. Well that settles that . You knew exactly how your night was going to end. You were looking forward to the build up the two of you were going to have over the course of the evening. 

You playfully looked through your lashes at him, giving him a cheeky wink your own. Target acquired .

When the congressman had finally finished his speech you turned your attention once more towards Oliver, nodding towards the chairs and board game. 

“What do you say, old man? One last game before I ship out?” You joked lightly with him, a cocky grin on your face.

“You know I can never say no to a challenge. You're on, Cherry.” He grinned mischievously at you. Sherry couldn’t help but chuckle at both of your antics.

As the three of you made your way over to the table, you turned your gaze backwards once again locking eyes with your target of the night. You made sure to add a seductive sway to your steps and put on a taunting smile as you nodded towards the table, making sure he would know where to watch for you.

You saw his eyes widen slightly as you took your place at the table, choosing your lucky side of the game. 

He was most likely surprised and impressed with who you were about to beat in a game of Battleship. If you were to take a guess, Oliver was most likely the deputy commander of his fleet. 

“Ready to put on a show?” You jokingly asked of Oliver, observing the crowd that was now gathering around you and the admiral.

“Ready as ever, Cherry.”

The two of you began the not so delicate dance that was the game of Battleship. Each taking turns to sink each other's ships. 

You chanced a glance over to your aviator, only to him more fixated on the game board instead of the game player . You don’t know why this irritated you slightly. You were feeling greedy. You wanted his eyes on you .

“The Hangman caught your eye?” Oliver quietly asked you, a devilish grin on his face as he sunk a hit on one of your ships. 

You huffed as you made your next move. “The who?”

“The Hangman. Lieutenant Jake Seresin. The blonde aviator you’ve been making eyes with all night?” Oliver looked downright tickled as your cheeks turned rosey. That bastard.

You glared playfully up at the man as you chose to remain quiet, concentrating on your strategy. You wanted to win. You called out your next shot, effectively sinking one of his patrol boats. 

“He’s one of my fleet's top pilots. In fact, he’s one of the best amongst his gen. He’d probably be well worth your time getting to know .” Oliver was jokingly wiggling his eyebrows at you. 

You laughed while shaking your head with a wide smile on your face. If there wasn’t a crowd watching you would have playfully reached over to smack his arm.

“Oh come on, Cherry. Sherry and I don’t have any children. You're our best bet at giving us any semblance of grand babies. Even if they’re the furry kind. You know we’d help you with anything.”

“Little soon to be bringing up Hangman and I’s prospective babies, isn’t it Ollie? I haven’t even met the man yet.” You smiled in disbelief, chancing another glance over to your aviator - Jake . 

You sucked in a breath as you made eye contact with the man. Yup. You definitely wouldn’t mind having his babies. Good lord. You were sure he had an ego that lived up to both his reputation and his looks.

Oliver started laughing again, pulling you out of your heated staring match. You were getting close to the end of your game now, both of you toe to toe with only a couple ships left.

“I’m definitely introducing you two.”

“That's alright. I think I’ve got how tonight’s going to go down all figured out.” You winked to the man, reassuring him that you had everything under control.

The two of you were getting down to the last few strikes you needed to win the game, you could feel a sense of anticipation even in the crowd. Like a magnet you felt your drawn up to behind Oliver, where your blonde aviator ( Jake ) was standing. 

He offered you a slightly awed smile and a wink as the two of you made eye contact. You felt a grin on your face, appreciating the encouragement he was offering you in this ever so trying time of yours.

Feeling a sense of warmth coming over you at the knowledge you had at least one - actually, now that you caught sight of her, Sherry was definitelyrooting for you too - so at least two supporters in the crowd, you called out your hopefully last strike. 

“3F.” In an instant you heard the onset of groans from Oliver and those behind him, signalling your win. 

You couldn’t help the triumphant grin that made its way onto your lips, laughing at the playful disbelief on Oliver's face. The both of you standing up, you shook hands, you pulled Oliver in for a hug. 

“How could you embarrass me like this, Cherry? My men are never going to let me live this down.” Oliver smiled sheepishly at you, a laugh on his lips. 

Sherry pried you away from him, pulling you into her own arms for a side hug. The night was getting later now. They would soon likely be leaving for the evening. Time to say your see you laters .

“Thankfully for you, Ollie - most of your men have likely drunk too much to remember the outcome of your game.” Sherry laughed, patting her husband's chest good naturedly.

You smiled wistfully at the two of them. They had been together for nearly thirty years and they were still so in love. 

Oliver smiled sadly at you, recognizing how late in the evening it was, and what that meant for the three of you.

“I think it’s time we say goodnight, don’t you think Sherry? Cherry here needs to rest up. She’s got a big day ahead of her tomorrow.” 

Sherry’s eyes started to go glassy as she looked up to you, once again pulling you into another hug. You roped Oliver in too, giving him a kiss on the cheek and Sherry a kiss on the forehead. 

“I’ll see you both in no time at all. I promise . It’ll be like a blink and I’ll be back here stateside once again.” You stayed strong, unwilling to give in to your emotions. 

“We’ll see you soon, Cherry. We both love you, so very much .” Sherry let herself shed a tear, reaching up to pat your cheek. She knew your penchant for never saying goodbye.

“Love you guys too. I’ll see you soon.” You smiled towards them, pulling them in for one more short hug before waving them off. You watched them make their way out of the room, having to say about a dozen other goodbyes before they were left for the evening.

You rolled your shoulders slightly, clenching your jaw a few times blinking your eyes. Game time . You only had a few hours left of the evening to accomplish your goal for the night.

Turning around you scanned the crowd once again searching for a certain someone. Thankfully, he hadn’t moved positions too much from his last known location. Target locked in sight .

You quickly judged your angle of attack, before deciding on your path of flight. “Hangman” ( what a callsign ) was standing about twenty feet from the bar, giving you the perfect opportunity.

Putting an extra swing in your hips you began your journey towards the bar, aiming to buzz past the aviator. Closing in . You set your gaze directly on him now, your eyes calling his up towards yours. 

You gave him a coy smile, holding his gaze as you brushed right past him on your way to the bar. You held his gaze over your shoulder for a moment before fixating on the bar, pulling up in a spot where there were few people, an opening on either side of you for someone to take.

You ordered yourself an old fashioned, needing the burn of the whiskey to ease the last remaining nerves you had.

Feeling your breathing and pulse both quicken slightly, you registered the fact there was someone gliding up to your side. You were leaning as casually as possible on the bar when he pulled up on your side, his left arm brushing against yours. He was considerably taller than you, his presence even going as far to cast a shadow over your figure. You didn’t mind.

You glanced over towards him through your eyelashes, aiming a doe eyed look in his direction as you captured his eyes in your gaze. 

“You know, little red ” He started softly, smiling down conspiratorially at you, “you’re the kind of woman to make a man think he may be religious. You might just be the answer to all my prayers tonight.” He bumped you lightly on your shoulder. 

You let out a barking laugh at the absurdness of it. Oh shit . He’s one of those pick up artists.

“That the best you got in your roster, fly guy?” You turned a taunting smile his way, turning front on to him, standing closer. After all, if what seemed like it was in the air tonight was actually true, you wouldn’t need to hear very much from him.

“Well shit, ma’am. I had a few more lines waiting to be used, but I’m hoping I can demonstrate just how useful I can really be to you this evening.” 

“You better slow down before you get ahead of yourself, Lieutenant . Wouldn’t want you to crash and burn too early in the night. We haven’t even exchanged names yet.” You grinned up at him, stepping half a step closer. You could see all the swirling shades in his eyes from this close, the blue and green seemingly at war with each other for dominance.

“Lieutenant Jake Seresin at your service , ma’am.” He was openly gazing at you with brazen lust in his  eyes. You felt a heat settling into your centre, your breathing starting to deepen. “Figured Admiral Grant would have told you that though. Quite the show you put on there.”

“I saw you watching us, I appreciated your support. I was hoping…” You trailed off, glancing up towards him then over to the exit of the ball room. “I was hoping you might let me express my absolute gratitude ?” 

You were playful now, reaching up near his collar to swipe a non-existent piece of lint, using the excuse to lay your hand on him briefly.

“You seem to have the upperhand on me here, Red .” He smirked down at you, referencing the colour of your dress,“You didn’t give me your name.” 

You leaned towards him, placing your hand on his resting on the bar. 

“You can keep calling me Red.” You squeezed his hand gently, intertwining your fingers. The two of you naturally gravitated towards each other, your chests deliciously now touching. “Or ma’am . Whatever you prefer.” 

“Why the secrecy, Red? You some kind of top secret agent or something?” He was joking, but you couldn’t help the little giggle that escaped you.

“Something of the sort. I’m shipping out tomorrow.” His brows raised in understanding. He was military. He knew exactly what you were after tonight. He also had the sense not to push you any further. He knew you wanted him.

“So what do you say, fly guy? Can you give me a nice send off? Something to think about on those long hot nights in the desert.” You crooned to him, eyes shining mischievously, smiling that coy little smile of yours up towards him.

“I can definitely send you off with something to remember, Red.” He secured your hand in the small of his elbow, leading you towards the exit to begin the main event of the evening. 

***

The two of you could barely make it to the elevator in time before nearly jumping each other. Thankfully Jake had a suite booked upstairs. 

The walk to the elevator had been painstakingly long, even more so as you waited for that damned elevator, both silently praying to your god of choice that no one else would come up behind you to join you in your wait.

Once that elevator door digned open you both rushed in, stuck to each other's sides. Jake quickly slammed his hand on the floor level and close door button as you caught sight of another couple rushing to try and catch a ride with you. 

The door had barely closed when you felt Jake cup your waist with one hand, your face in his other. “This okay with you, Red?” You nodded at him, eyes fixated on his lips, inching closer towards him. “You speak up if I do anything you don’t like, ma’am. I won’t mind.”

Ma’am . His husky tone sent a warm jolt through your core. The casual way he calls you by it, unknowing of your military past. His charm works its way on you, sending a warm fuzzy feeling between your thighs. 

You reached for his belt loops, tugging him towards you. “Likewise, fly guy.” 

He takes a sharp breath in before slamming his lips down hungrily upon yours, his kiss earnest and fierce. The two of you moulded perfectly together, panting in between rushed kisses and hurried grasps as he backed you up against the cool metal wall of the elevator. 

You let out a hiss as the cold metal hit your bare back. You once again reached for his belt loops, using them to manoeuvre him so he was the one pushed against the elevator wall. 

He opened his eyes, his pupils fully blown with lust, eyes near black in the dim lighting. He gazed down at you with an awed half smile, an inquisitive look in his expression. 

You leaned upwards, kissing along his jaw and ear as you pushed your centre against his growing erection. He let out a breathy moan. “Hope you don’t mind, Hangman . Any objections?” He didn’t question how you knew his callsign.

You continued your attack on his jugular as you waited for his response, leaving wet kisses along his neck. 

“Not at all, ma’am. I’m all yours to do as you please.” You grinned up wolfishly at him as the elevator door signed open. 

“Lead the way, Lieutenant.” You purred. 

He led you quickly down the hall with his hand at the small of you pack, petting the material. You reached your hand to lead him further down to grasp at the curve of your ass. He gave you a light smack.

Before you knew it you were in front of his door, Jake fumbling around in his pocket to try and pull out his room card. You giggled slightly as he clearly struggled to find it, ever aware of the growing hard on he has.

Once he finally found the card the two of you were dragging each other through the door before slamming and locking it shut again.

The two of you battled for dominance with your lips, breathy moans and sighs releasing as you tried your best to tear the many unfortunate layers of Jake's dress uniform off of him, careful not to rip anything. Those uniforms were fucking expensive .

You finally managed to unbutton and pull his outer layers off, leaving him only in his base button down shirt and pants. You reached for his belt, looking up into his eyes for reassurance. “This alright, Jake?” You made sure to use his name, pulling him back to earth for a moment. 

“Sure is, Red. I’ll let you know if anything changes.” His eyes were warm on you, not just with lust, but with what you thought appreciation too. Consent was always important to you, you were glad he held the same value. 

With glee, you started to undo his standard issue belt, him starting to unbutton his dress shirt. You tried to muffle the groan you wanted to release upon seeing just how in shape the man before you is. It was clear from most of your interactions this evening he had an ego, you did not need to feed into it.

But god , you really couldn’t help yourself. You loved to please your partners. Their ecstasy adding to yours. You were going to take significantpleasure in bringing this practical Adonis to release tonight.

Jake kicked off his dress shoes, leaving him only in his socks and pants. You, however, were still fully dressed. Jake clearly thought this was unfair.

With a predatory intent he backed you up towards the wall before lightly turning you around, pushing you up against the wall. He trailed wet hot kisses down the trail of your neck down, focusing his attention on the joint of your neck and shoulders. 

Fuck. You were definitely going to have hickeys tomorrow. You mentally pushed aside the thought of your teammates giving you the gears about it tomorrow.

Both of your hands rested against the wall in front of you, as Jake pushed his growing erection against you. His hands were trailing lightly up and down your sides. 

“Quit being such a tease and undress me.” You huffed out to him, grinning at his languid expression. “ Please .” You added, for good measure.

He kissed the base of your neck before bringing one hand up to your zipper, the other slipping down to your lower abdomen, pushing down with just the right pressure . At this rate you might just pass away. You just wanted him to touch you .

He unzipped your dress tauntingly slow, his breath warm fanning across your back. His fingers glided down the centre of your back as he unzipped you, sending shivers down your spine with how light his touch was on your back. When your dress was all the way undone he lightly let it fall to the ground. 

You stepped out of the dress, chucking your heels off to the side of the room, before once more grabbing him by his belt loops. You flip the two of you around, pushing him up against the wall, beginning to undo his pants. You glance up towards him seeking permission. 

He dips his lips down to yours, pulling you in by your hips for a heated kiss. His tongue flicked into your mouth. You opened for him, tasting whiskey on his tongue. He sighed in pleasure. 

You began tugging his pants down his waist, your mouth leaving his to press light kisses down his delicious front. Good lord . Fuck. He was absolutely shredded. His six pack looked like it was carved in marble, and the tantalising v of his waist leading your gaze down towards his bulging cock. 

You were certain you were drenched. You continued your trail down his front as he watched on in awe of you. His cock twitched as you started to lightly tease his lower abdomen, right where his underwear started.

“Thought tonight was all about you, Red? You’re the one shipping out tomorrow.” Jake breathed down out, but wasn’t protesting your actions. 

“I like to spoil my partners. You don’t mind, do you?” You smiled coyly up towards him, giving him a taunting doe eyed look as you cupped his erection, laying light kisses over his underwear. 

“ Fuck .” He bucked lightly into your touch, clearly enjoying your attention.

“You gonna answer me, baby?” 

“Fu- no. Yes. Please. Continue.” Jake let out a light wanton whimper as you began pulling his underwear down, giving him the same treatment he gave you. You adored rendering powerful men like him speechless with just your touch. It made you feel powerful. 

He was huge. Now you understood why he had such an air of an ego about him. He was by far the biggest of anyone you had ever been with. Fuckhe was pretty too. His Hollywood charm encompassed every aspect of him. You would have been pissed off about it if you weren’t about to have his cock in your mouth. 

You stroked him firmly, cupping his balls in your other hand. His hips rocking up into your grip, you had a steady rhythm going between the two of you.

“You want my mouth on you?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” He groaned out, eyes shining down at you with some unreadable emotion in them. 

You took him in your mouth slowly, needing to take some time to adjust, careful not to scrape him with your teeth. 

His hands reached down to grasp your face and neck, settling into your hair. His grip made your up-do start to come undone. You didn’t mind too much.

You groaned as the taste of precum hit your tongue, enjoying the tangy saltiness of it. You started bobbing your head lightly, Jake was trying his best to remain still so as not to overwhelm you. 

His pulling on your hair was driving you wild, and one of your hands left cupping his ball in favour of trailing down your own abdomen, your clit near begging for attention.

You pushed your own panties to the side so you could touch yourself, putting the perfect amount of pressure you liked. You moaned around his cock, making him tug on your hair harder - shivering in pleasure as he moaned.

“Fuck. You’re gorgeous. Have I told you that tonight? You are an absolute - fuck - a fucking goddess, Red.” Your thighs clenched together at his words, they were music to your ears and food for your own ego. This is why you loved pleasuring your partners.

He was full on panting now as you swirled your tongue around his tip, paying extra attention to lap up the leaking precum. “You keep this up and you’re going to have me cumming in no time, ma’am. Can’t have that. I've been wanting to sink into you all night.”

He lightly tugged on your hair to bring you off his cock, tugging your lips up towards his own. He kissed you fiercely, tasting himself on your lips. Your tongues battled for dominance, seeking to show each other who was in charge. 

His hands slid down your sides to your thighs,leaning down slightly without breaking your kiss to pick you up, wrapping your legs around his waist. You let out a little squeal of delight, giggling at how easy it was for him to pick you up. 

Only now were you realising the two of you hadn’t even made it out of the entryway of his hotel room. He held you steady in his arms as he manoeuvred through the hotel room towards the bedroom. 

He threw you down on your back on to the plush bed, taking care to brace your head and neck. Without pause he started kissing down the valley of your breasts, reaching up to tweak your nipples from the outer layer of your bra. 

“You still good, Red?” He breathed into your skin, glancing up at you from behind his lashes. Fuck you loved his eyes. You could spend eternity staring into their depths.

“You gonna answer me, baby?” He asked, repeating your line from before back to you.

“More than good, Jake. You gonna show me what that mouth of yours can do?” You raised your brow with a sly smile, presenting him with a challenge.

“I’m gonna ruin you for everyone else. Hope you know that.” 

“You’re talking big game for someone who hasn’t even found my clit yet.” You giggled at his expression.

“Give me a minute, baby. I’m not used to flying blind.” 

He came swooping back up to kiss you. It was a hungry kiss, tongue and all, but there was something different about this one. You enjoyed his attention, and his kisses. Come to think of it, you’ve been just enjoying him . His presence too. You meshed well together. 

You didn’t linger on that thought. 

His hand trailed down, cupping you at your core. He worked both his hands to pull your underwear down, leaving you open and exposed to the cool room's air. You weren’t left uncovered for long. 

He once again cupped you at your core, supporting your arching back with his other hand as he began trailing his way down your front leaving a blazing hot trail of wet open mouthed kisses. He eventually found your clit after some light probing. Bulls eye .

Fuck he was good with his hands too .

When his mouth had finally reached your core he took the time to hook one of your thighs over his shoulder, leaning to press a lasting kiss to the inside of your thigh. He latched himself directly on to your clit, lapping languidly seeming to genuinely take pleasure in the way you tasted.

He groaned into your centre causing you to let out a moan at the vibrations that wracked through you. One of his hand was holding your thigh on his shoulder, the other beginning to finger you. 

One, then two fingers entered you, scissoring you to prepare you for his massive cock. 

“You’re so fucking wet for me, Red.” He squeezed the thigh he was holding. “Don’t be afraid to let out a little noise. I love the sounds you’re making.”

“Fuck, Jake .” You whimpered out as he began his targeted assault on both your g-spot and clit, his fingers curving up into you. “You’re so good to me. You weren’t fucking lying either. You’re gonna be a tough one to beat.”

He paused in his ministrations, his hand squeezing your thigh much harder now. He let out a low throaty laugh, almost a growl. You glanced down at him wondering what was the matter, only to find him gazing up at you, his gaze dark and clouded.

“Oh, Red.” He began, before crawling his way back up to you, his significantly larger frame looming over you. “There’s going to be no beating me, I’m the best. Your best. I can remind you of that fact at any point in the future. Preferably near future.” 

You could only gulp in response, lost for words. Your entire body was humming with a thrill. Was he - was he jealous of prospective future partners of yours?

You’ve gotta be shitting me.

You simply decided to stop that train of thought for both of you with a kiss, hooking one of your legs up over his waist, pushing his core down towards you. He began rutting lightly, his cock held firmly between you. The pressure was delicious but you desired more. 

Using the leverage you had with your leg hooked around his waist, you flipped the two of you over, you planted proudly on top of him.

“I think after tonight you’re going to find I’m going to be tough to beat too, baby. Enjoy me while you still can.” You smirked down at him, grinding your wet folds over his fully hardened cock. “You got a condom anywhere?”

He actually let out a little whimper , that awed look back in his eyes as he smirked up at you, his eyes practically twinkling. He nodded towards the bedside table to his left. 

You scrambled off him to grab one, coming back to straddle his thick thighs. You ripped open the packet, throwing it to the side. You slowly rolled the condom down his cock, leaning down to give it a kiss once it was securely in place.

“You’re gonna kill me, baby.” He huffed out, a smiling grin on his lips. You briefly thought to yourself about how much you liked his smile.

You held yourself above him, straddling him, as you grasped his cock lining it up with your entrance. You slowly lowered yourself down on to him, taking pleasure in how well he stretched you. You had to pause twice on your way down just to adjust to him, before he was fully inside you. 

You looked at eachother with half-lidded gazes. The lust in his eyes was not hidden at all as he began to unconsciously slowly rut into you, your teasing unmoving state starting to drive him wild.

“You gonna show me how a real man fucks, baby?” You taunted down to him, wanting to jeer him on slightly more.

With one strong movement of his hips he snapped up into you, burying himself to the hilt, his cock twitching inside of you as he groaned at the hot tightness of your walls surrounding him.

He reached up to grab a fistful of your hair, bringing you down to meet his lips halfway in a forceful kiss, your tongue entwining with his. “ So fucking good to me, Red .” He breathed into you, a small bite to your tongue sending a shiver down your body.

The two of you began a relentless rhythm, both working towards making the other cum hard. The pounding of his hips up into yours caused your breasts to bounce, one of his large hands coming up to grasp one, tweaking your nipple. He watched you through half-lidded eyes, continuing his amazingly brutal pace. You moaned into his mouth. 

“Fuck! I’m so close.” You panted, your eyes rolling into the back of your head. You began to reach your hand down to where you two were joined, intent on helping yourself to finish. 

His hand slapped yours lightly away, taking its place to stimulate your clit for himself.

“Let me know if the pressure is okay, Red.” 

“ Such a gentleman, Jake . Little harder please.” He obeyed your wishes, stroking your clit with your prefered side to side, up and down with just the right pressure.

Wrapping his other arm around your back, his strength was impressive as kept the war up on two fronts, chasing both of your highs. He kept pounding up into you, all his inhibitions lost, as his cock pumped in to you. 

It was by far the most intense sexual experience you have ever had, the man arching up off the bed into you until you were a mess of moans, whimpers, tingles and screams. 

Your climax hit you like a dozen exploding rockets behind the lids of your eyes .

“Fuck. Fuck!” Was all Jake could manage to say as he spilled into the condom inside you, your walls milking him as you both ran out your highs, his hips still stuttering up into your core.

You came down before he did, melting completely into him, resting on his chest. You placed absent minded kisses on his chest, your hands rubbing his chest lazily, unwilling to let go of him just yet. 

The two of you just laid there on the bed holding each other, catching up on your breaths. When you turned your eyes to him you found him watching you, a curious expression you couldn’t quite make out on his face. 

You hummed at him, not quite understanding what his eyes were trying to convey. You ran your fingers through his hair and pressed gentle kisses up and down his jaw. 

“Don’t suppose you have enough energy for a round two?” You smiled down at him. His eyes immediately lit up, his cock twitching with interest - still buried inside you. You couldn’t help but giggle.

***

Your fun ran well into the early hours of the next morning. Rounds two and three being just as good as the first. You continued exploring each other's bodies for hours, bits of small talk strewn and water breaks strewn between them.

Eventually the sun started to shine through the curtains - your tell-tale sign that you absolutely couldn’t delay any longer. You had a flight to catch . Unfortunately. 

Even though you had settled on the fact you didn’t want a relationship with anyone , you couldn’t help but wish you had more time to spend with Jake. He was caring, able to thoroughly fuck you, and funny. 

You didn’t have time to consider that though. In less than forty eight hours you would be touching down in a desert, where you couldn’t afford to have any distractions. 

That included the butterflies you got when you thought about the would-be lover you were laying in bed with. You hadn’t intended to stay this long with him. You hadn’t slept, but you had meant to leave after all the sex was over. 

You blamed the fact you were resting in his arms on your sore thighs and legs. You started to get up from his grasp only for Jake to gently pull you back in. You didn’t fight him on it.

Your hand continued to absentmindedly rub up and down his chest, finding the skin to skin contact comforting. 

“What time does your flight leave?” He was avoiding your gaze.

“Early this afternoon.” You gulped, trying to catch his eyes. “I’ll have to leave soon. I gotta make it back to my apartment to freshen up.”

He finally met your stare, his expression closed off from you - far different from how he had been the entire time prior.

You had half the mind to apologise, but you didn’t have a real reason to. He knew from the very start you were deploying today. That you couldn’t stay. 

“Can’t share anything about where you’re going?” He asked hesitantly, an unsure look in his eyes. 

“I’m sorry, Jake. I can’t divulge any details. You know how it is.” You shrugged, that was something you could apologise for. Something you were used to apologising for to people in your life.

You covered yourself in the sheet, feeling exposed for the first time since undressing. 

He nodded his head, a sad smile on his lips. “I know, Red. I’m sorry for asking.” He looked into your eyes, that unreadable emotion back again. “It must be tough for you. Not being able to talk about it.”

You were struck by how sincere he was.

“It can be. I’m a little too used to it now.” You smiled a half-hearted smile, shrugging again. “You just get used to it. It’s a part of the job.” Not one you enjoyed, though.

It was then you realised that you hadn’t shared your name with him. As you started to get up, you grasped his hand - giving it a gentle, comforting squeeze. 

You said your full name, aloud for him to hear, while looking into his eyes. He raised his brows in surprise.

“What?” He asked softly, eyes searching yours.

“My name, fly guy .” You repeated your name, watching as a light started to shine in his eyes again. You caught yourself grinning with him again.

You forced yourself to break your gaze, forcing yourself to get out of bed, groaning at how sore you were. You busied yourself with finding your dress and panties, groaning once again at realising the inevitable walk of shame you would have to do. 

“Here.” Jake spoke to you, he was now up and getting dressed himself. He got up and picked out some standard issue navy sweatpants and sweatshirt. “You can wear these. I’ll just get a new  set issued to me next time I’m on base.” He smiled comfortingly, saving you from having to wear your gown again.

You stole the sweats right out of his hands, not being shy about throwing them on. Fuck you had missed these . Nothing beat the comfort of military issued sweats. 

He started to laugh at you and your eagerness before stopping in his tracks, gulping loudly, staring at you in his clothes.

You caught his gaze and felt a rush of hea- nope . Nope! You are out of time . Pull yourself together.

“You look good, Red.” He complimented you, voice both heavy from the nights activities and his morning raspiness. You wished you could for longer with him just to hear him talk for longer. 

“Still calling me Red?”

“It suits you. You mind?” 

“This is likely the last time we’ll see each other, Jake. I don’t mind. I’m sorry, I genuinely wish I could stay for longer.” You tried to smile apologetically, eyes searching for his to show him the warmth and genuine feeling you had. 

He had a hard time meeting your gaze. 

“Right. Top secret agent shit. Sorry.” He mumbled, his apology genuine. 

You gathered your gown in your arms, readying to leave. You turned to face him one more time. You don't know what came over you but you leaned up, steadying yourself on his shoulder. His eyes searched yours, inquisitive. You leaned up on your tippy toes to press a warm lingering kiss to his cheek.

“I really am sorry, Jake.” You whispered to him. Leaning back slightly you looked into his eyes. “Who knows. We run in similar circles, maybe we’ll run into each other again someday.”

“Someday.” He agreed, holding your gaze. 

You lingered for a moment longer, before nodding to him, excusing yourself from his room. Leaving him there alone in the early hours of the morning. 

Someday.

*** 

Within forty eight hours you found yourself touching down in Afghanistan for your first foreign field mission with your team of CIA operatives.

Upon getting home the day prior, you had discovered that you had accidentally left your panties in Jake's hotel room. You didn’t know what to think of that. 

On the other hand though, you had indeed worn the pair of his sweats he had given you on your flight here to Afghanistan. They were now a part of your wardrobe for the next few months.

You didn’t know what the future held in store for you. Despite your vow to live in the now, you couldn’t help but think about the potential for someday that might come. In the suffocating heat of the Middle East, it was something you thought of often.

Authors note: It’s finally here! Thank you to everyone who waited so patiently for this first chapter to drop. It’s been so busy at work that I barely had time to sit down and write this. 

Next chapter will be dropping hopefully within the next two weeks. 

Super excited to work on this fic. The first half of this story takes place before the main plot of Top Gun: Maverick. This chapter is set about two and a half years prior to the movie. 

Please let me know what you think! This was also my first time writing smut so please be kind, lol. Comments, likes and reblogs are always appreciated and totally act as fuel for me the writer to get the next chapter out :)

Tag List: @marauderskeeper @the-untamed-soul @wanderdreamer @camidalet @exo-wayv @serrendiipty @keziainafreakland @ivy-miranda-2390 @bradleybradshawsgirlfriend @jonginvlog @srry-itshockeyszn @et-homephone @lclove2012-blog @maverooster @zofps @dempy

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

i am so excited for in the air tonight!!!

Thank you, my love!! I just have to edit the chapter a little more, it will be up either tonight or tomorrow!

Apologies to all my readers, thank you so much for your patience.

I work in a museum and this is the first time in a few years (because of COVID) that we’ve really had huge crowds of tourists come in. We’re a little short staff so it’s been all hands on deck for everyone. I haven’t been able to take my weekends and as a result I haven’t had time for writing.

Good news is that I’m off for the next couple days to rest so I’ll be able to finish Chapter One of In the Air Tonight and Chapter Four of Destination Unknown.

Looking forward to you all being able to read them! ☺️✨

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

Destination Unknown - Chapter 3, Just Like Old Times

Word count: 3,934

Chapters: Summary 1 2

AO3

Your morning was painstakingly long. Particularly after your brief, long awaited, conversation with Rooster.

He had mentioned that he had some questions for you. He wasn’t alone in that fact. You in return, also had some questions for him. Quite a few in fact. 

So many that you were now quickly jotting the ones you didn’t want to forget in your notebook. You find these kinds of conversations easier when you prepare beforehand. 

This morning's meeting had been a breeze. An incredibly long drawn out breeze, but a breeze nonetheless. The team of Admirals having been nothing but pleasant and eager to tell you their many stories from their decades of devoted service. You had plenty of material to continue working on your exhibition. 

Cyclone and Warlock had left early to have a meeting with a team of CIA Operatives who would be aiding in whatever mission it was that they were training for here. It’s all been quite hush hush, but you were sure it would all be okay. 

Maverick may not exactly be the best teacher, but one thing you could always count on him for was getting the job done. He had his record to prove it. 

You were interrupted when Warrant Officer Bernie “Hondo” Coleman came to collect you for lunch. 

“Fox. You ready? Mave is waiting in the mess. I can not wait for you to hear about the class faces from his point of view.” He was full on chuckling as he helped you gather your things.  You couldn’t help but giggle along with him, his enthusiasm infectious. 

“ Especially after that night you two had at the Hard Deck. The fact half of Mave’s class were the ones to throw him out last night is just too fucking good.” 

And there goes your giggles. You could still feel a residual ache in your head from your hangover.

“ All right , pack it up Hondo. You gotta save some of the story for Mave to tell.” You smiled at him, hurriedly shoving all of your many papers into your bag. 

“You got it, Fox. C’mon - we gotta get a move on. I’m starved .” 

“I keep forgetting how good you guys have it here, a whole mess keeping you all fueled and fed.” You had always loved this part of being on base, the mess staff always did such a great job with the meals. It was ridiculously convenient too. 

“Yeah. Just wish the cooks could learn how to properly season that bland ass chicken they always insist on.” 

He has a point. 

***

The two of you arrived at the mess in no time. 

You scanned the huge room taking stock of who was here, and where they were. The room was one huge open concept room, the quick service meals down at the back of the room and the rest taken up by various long lunch-room style tables.

Like it was nothing, your eyes landed on Bradley. He was sitting with the bulk of his classmates, the two groups sitting at different tables. 

Conveniently for you , they just so happened to be sitting at the very front of the room. 

Not so conveniently for you , Maverick was sitting at the very back at a table with the Admirals and who you presumed to be the government officials overseeing their mission. 

You steeled yourself glancing in Bradley’s direction as you and Hondo began the way too long of a walk to the back of the room. 

“Hey Hondo! Who’s this?” You tore your eyes away from Bradley’s form, swinging over to the handsome blonde you had seen the night before who was - oh wow - standing right in front of you now.

God he’s tall. And hot. Like Hollywood hot. Almost like a fucking ken doll. 

“You look incredibly familiar to me.” Oh? His blue-green eyes were twinkling, his lips curving into a smirk. “Did we ever take a class together? I could have sworn we had chemistry.” 

You snorted. Like actually snorted. 

Out of the corner of your eye you spotted a devastatingly gorgeous woman dressed in a sharply cut suit. Was she glaring at you? Yup, she was definitely glaring at you. You briefly acknowledged the fact that she is seated next to Cyclone, marking her as one of the operatives.

“She’s not interested, Hangman.” Your eyes flew towards the figure now standing and walking towards you - Bradley. His eyes were flashing with some masked emotion, as he stalked towards this “Hangman” like he was his prey. 

Ever coming to my rescue, you mused.

Hondo was standing bemusedly by your side still, taking it all in. The damned bastard was clearly enjoying this. You were sure he wished he had some popcorn in his hands. 

To be fair - you did now have two fully grown men standing in front of flashing their imaginary feathers in some kind of primal testosterone dance.

“I’m sure I would have remembered you, Hangman , was it?” You flashed a winning grin in his direction, only edging on whatever Bradley was feeling. Both men turned to look at you with completely different expressions.

“That's me, sweetheart. Lt. Jake Seresin, at your service.” He held out his hand, his dazzling too white teeth almost blinding you with his full smile. 

You took his hand in yours, grasping it in a tight military style handshake just like your dear old father taught you years ago. You knew how to deal with men like this. You’ve been dealing with hot shot pilots too cocky for their own good practically your entire life. 

You caught Bradley’s eyes in yours as you held Hangman's hand, seeing his eyes narrow and his nose slightly flared. You felt a flash of heat run right through you, game on.  

You flicked your eyes back to Hangman’s as you took a step closer to him, giving him a doe eyed look up through your lashes, smiling sacheringly sweet up at him.

“No, I definitely would have remembered a man like you.” Briefly, you acknowledged the fact that Hangman eyes flicked towards the back, clearly trying to see if someone else ( not Bradley? ) was watching your exchange. “What with your, hm- how should I put this? Overly eager enthusiasm to greet a woman you just met and your presumed imagining that every woman you meet is here to fall at your feet?”

You smirked as you dropped his hand stepping back, him giving you a bashful smile in response. You were full on grinning at the fact you had the tables of pilots in front of you snickering as you scorning Hangman. 

Your eyes flashed over to Bradley, catching his gaze once more. That warm ooeey gooey heat you had missed was back again, him openly admiring you now. You felt a shiver run down your back and a heat start in your lower abdomen as he nodded at you with a small smirk. 

You could stand up for yourself now. You were no longer a damsel in distress. Before your mind could wander off about how you would, however, very much like to be swept off your feet by a dashing pilot - you were rather quite rudely interrupted.

Hondo cleared his throat,  bringing you back to reality.

“Well, guess I should introduce you to everyone here.” He spoke up loudly, gaining all the Top Gun graduates attention.“You can take your seats again gentlemen.”

You couldn’t help but let out a little snicker, Hondo giving you a smirk as he gave you a sideways glance.

“This here is Fox, Admiral Kazansky’s daughter. She works for the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum as their  Assistant Curator of Contemporary Military Aviation History. She’s here on a special project gathering information for a special exhibition featuring the likes of Top Gun graduates - elite naval aviators. She’s got quite a long list of credentials, so I want you to treat her with the utmost respect.” He turned to look at you, “But as Fox herself just demonstrated, she has absolutely no problem at all putting you back in your place.”

“Thanks for giving me the opportunity for a demo, Hangman. ” You caught his eye with a good natured wink, watching as Coyote clapped him on the back, the whole table all of a sudden coming down with half-suppressed laughs.  

“Wait a minute.” You heard a small voice speak up. “Are you the author of that recent article about conserving cultural heritage zones in sites of conflict zones? The one that was featured in the Washington Post?” You were finally able to pin the speaker, it was a personable man with glasses that were too large for his face and his hair slicked back.

You laughed gently. “The one and only. That was a part of my final thesis for my masters, just rehashed to fit what is currently happening overseas. It’s important to remind the public about what’s at stake.”

“I think I’ve quoted you before,” he spoke in a dazed voice. “In one of my own papers, I mean. I mean- I’m a huge fan. I love to read your columns.” His eyes were wide, and now Bradley had a new found, though also misplaced target, to turn his stare on. 

“ A fan? Well I’ll be damned. Never knew I had any.” It was true. Apart from your colleagues and friends in academia you could count on both hands how many people you had met in real life who had read your work. 

“I’m a fan too.” Bradley spoke abruptly.

“Are you now?” You huffed out a laugh. “Guess I’m gonna have to quiz you later.” You through a wink his way, watching as a hint of a blush bloomed on his cheeks.

You glanced down at your fans name tag, it read “Floyd.”

“Oh! I’m Bob.” He gestured to himself, having seen your gaze dip down to his chest. 

“Callsign?” You asked him.

“It’s Bob.” There was an awkward pause. Huh .

“ Alll- righty then , ” Hondo cut in. “I’ve been listening to this chatter for long enough. We all gotta eat at some point. That includes me. Let’s get a move on, Fox.”

“Nice to meet you all. See you around base, feel free to drop in to my office if I’m in. I’d love to meet you all.” You nodded towards them, before taking long strides to catch up with Hondo who had apparently decided to abandon you. 

You pointedly ignored Bradley’s eyes on you once more. You were sure you’d be seeing plenty of him later. 

As you caught up to Hondo again you spotted that sharp dressed woman glancing in your direction. It could just be you imagining it but it appeared that she was sizing you up. You knuged Hondo.

“Hey, who’s that woman over there? The one sitting next to Cyclone.”

“Hm. I was wondering if you saw her staring you down earlier.” He hummed in thought, mulling over his words. 

“That right there is Red . She works for the CIA, used to be former naval intelligence. She’s helping to oversee the mission at hand.” He hummed once more, giving you a sideways glance as you grabbed your trays to pick up some food. He leaned in towards you, conspiratorially. 

“Far as I gather, she’s got some kind of thing going on with Hangman.” He smirked, “Kind of like whatever you got going on with Rooster.”

You started sputtering. “W-what?” Your eyes, you tried to lessen how wide they were. You couldn’t hide your surprise. 

“Oh yeah. What? You didn't think I would notice those looks you keep flashing at each other? Puh -lease. You underestimate me, Fox.”

You could only cringe and nod in embarrassment as you walked over with your bland ass chicken to sit with Maverick.

He immediately set into recounting his morning to you.

“Fox, you should have seen their faces. You would have actually died right there in a fit of laughter at the disbelief shown on Rooster's face.”

*** 

Your lunch break went faster than you had wanted it too, filled with laughter and smiles as Maverick went over the morning’s events. 

The Admirals had much more of a serious tone about them today, you figured it was because the gravity of the mission at hand was setting in for them.

It made you wonder what the mission was all about. What the risks were. Who the pilots who were going to be carrying it out were. 

Far too soon you found yourself saying goodbye to the rest of the table, having to get back to your own work and research. 

You tried to catch Rooster’s eyes on your way out of the mess, only to find him and his class had already left. Maverick had mentioned they were going to start in-air training this afternoon.

Even though you knew you had a tough conversation ahead, you found yourself disappointed that you didn’t get the chance to see him again before the afternoon. 

***

With all of the commotion over the past couple days, it had completely skipped your mind that today’s Friday. You could actually get some rest over the next two days. 

You decided that you were going to treat yourself to a very well deserved spa night. 

You glanced down at your watch, catching sight of the smaller hand nearing the five. You had worked plenty hard today, and had been here a couple hours early. 

You could definitely go home a little early. Wasn’t like you had a supervisor watching your every move here anyway. 

Briefly, you thought of searching for Bradley. Your interactions with him today, while slightly nerve wrecking, had been quite positive. You were almost eager to speak to him again, to get the tough things out of the way so you could resume your bond. 

It had been decided in your mind then. You did, in fact, miss Bradley. 

You had forgotten how pleasantly bright his smile was, how he had this suave charm about him that pulled you in. 

You missed his eyes, probably the warmest pair of eyes you had ever seen. 

You missed all the inside jokes you had shared growing up. 

Most of all though, you missed the friendship the two of you shared. The ability to confess to each other all your secrets. The unconditional support system the two of you had once shared. 

You hoped more than anything the two of you could find common ground once again, and to build the bond you shared back to what it had been all those years ago. 

Stepping outside had answered your unspoken query however. The sound of jets flying overhead told you everything you needed to know - they were training. You strained your eyes trying to pick out the individual jets in the sky but it was near impossible for your naked eyes.

You’d have to wait then - likely until next week to see him again.

You tried not to think too hard about the small ache you felt at that thought.

***

You had spent the majority of your evening catching up with your family, sitting around the dinner table giggling and poking fun at each other. You had enjoyed it tremendously. 

However, your tired mind was beginning to catch up to you, and you wanted nothing more to change out of your stuffy suit into something more comfortable. 

Once you had retired to your room you had changed into a soft fluffy bathrobe, drawing yourself a bubble bath. You got to work piling your hair into a messy bun on top of your head to prevent your hair from getting wet.

You set up your laptop in the bathroom to turn on a couple old episodes of you favorite show - something you didn’t have to think about. 

Stripping down you slipped into the luxury of the warm water and bubbles, taking pleasure in how luxurious it felt. 

You hadn’t had the chance to relax like this in quite some time. It was late at night and the sun had gone to sleep, all the stars had risen up to the sky.

You breathed a sigh of relief.

Losing track of time, you nearly fell asleep in the water. It had simply melted all your worries and stress away, leaving you to lay languidly in the water, a glass of wine in your hand.

Clink.   

Huh? You briefly acknowledged that something hit your window, perhaps it had started to rain. 

Clink. 

Clink. Clink.

Nope, You thought. That was definitely a deliberate sound. 

Groaning, you placed your wine down and pulled yourself begrudgingly from the water. You heard the distinct sound start to pick up pace, someone was trying to get your attention. 

You huried to barely dry yourself off before slipping into your red satin nightgown and robe. The clinking continued, though now it was slightly more aggressive in its nature.

You hurried out to your room, trying to locate where the sound was coming from. You eventually identified it as coming from the french window doors, which opened up onto your small balcony. 

Yep, that's a pile of pebbles in front of your window. You sucked in a breath. 

This had been a habit of his, from back in high school. Way back when you were teenagers and would have to sneak out. 

Cracking the door open, you had to quickly dodge to the side to avoid being pelted in the face with an incoming pebble. 

Whoosh. In the background you barely registered Merlin as he began to play with the pebble that had flown into your room.

Rushing to the balcony’s edge you leaned over the edge, eyes adjusting to the dark. You had to hold up a hand to cover your modesty as you leaned down, eyes searching for the figure that stood in your backyard.

There, standing in all of his vintage Hawaiian dad shirt and jean combo was the one and only Bradley Bradshaw. 

You couldn’t help the jubilant laugh that escaped you, a wide smile breaking out on your face as you made eye contact. God, you two had done this so many times before… 

“Bradley Bradshaw!” You whisper-yelled. “You trying to get me grounded? What’re you going to do if my parents see us like this?” 

He let out a disbelieving laugh, a smile wide on his face too.

“I’ve come to break you out!” He whisper-yelled in return. “Just like old times, Fox. Thought we could catch up a bit.”

You couldn’t help the fact that you were giggly. It had to be the wine warming your system. 

“Only way I’m leaving this room is if you can manage to scale your way up here, Rooster. Just like old times .” You grinned down mischievously at him, letting your hand trail down your chest, abandoning your sake of modesty. 

You felt a thrill run through you as you saw his gaze follow the trail of your hand, stopping on the dangerously low neckline you had on, displaying almost your entire chest to the open air. 

Your breathing quickened as he met your gaze again, raising his brows in an acceptance of your challenge. 

“Game on, Fox.” He huffed out, making his way over to the side of your house. You watched as his eyes scanned the terrain, mapping out his old path up the vines and lattice fence. 

You watched him as he flexed and made his way up, occasionally glancing up to catch his gaze as he climbed. You backed up slowly towards the side of the house, preparing to help him onto your cramped balcony. 

With a few more grunts, some hand and footwork later, he was preparing to fully climb on to the balcony now. You held up your hands for him to grip on to as he clambered over the balcony wall. 

His grasp was tight and firm as he accepted your help, his eyes hot on yours as he made his last push to hop on your balcony. 

The two of you had your hands locked and eyes watching each other, as he lost his balance slightly in making his way onto the balcony. 

The two of you stumbled backwards towards the wall, Bradley’s hands rushing down to grab your waist - nope, those were your hips - to prevent you from slamming into the wall. 

In the hurry of it all he had pulled you towards him to keep you both steady, yourself having thrown you hands up; one finding a home on his chest and the other wrapped around his bicep. 

Once your feet had found their proper grounding, you both looked up to each other's eyes, slightly out of breath. It was clear you both had lust unhidden in your gazes as you breathed in each other's presence. 

You couldn’t help but flex your hands slightly, feeling the muscle beneath your palms. You felt Bradley do the same.

His hands flexed on your hips, feeling the weight of them in his hands as you wordlessly gazed at each other. Occasionally looking down at the others lips. 

His hands slipped down to grasp your bottom, feeling the luxuriously silky feeling of your nightgown’s material. His eyes searched yours, looking to see if it was okay. 

You nodded ever so slightly, enjoying the feeling of his hands once more on you. 

With bated breath you felt your eyes slowly slipping closed, leaning up towards Bradley. Only one intention in your mind.

You leaned up towards his ear, your hands trailing down his slowly to grip his wrists.

"Not so fast, fly guy. As much as I’m enjoying this, we gotta talk some things over.” You gently pried his hands off of you, stepping back a bit, letting your lips trail slightly over his ear and cheek. 

You smiled gently up at his awed gaze, trying to convey as much warmth as possible in your gaze.

“Ever the responsible one, Fox.” He mumbled, returning your warm warm smile. He squeezed your hands gently one more time before letting go. 

“Let me get changed into something a little more practical. Then we can head out just like we used to.” You slowly trailed backwards into your room and he chuckled out a muffled groan, eyes trailing over your still damp legs that were on display.

You slipped into your closet grabbing an old wife-beater tank and a pair of baggy sweatpants. You convinced itself it was the wine making your decisions, but you decided to for-go wearing a bra. You were feeling a little risky tonight.

You slowly made your way back out to the balcony, right after slipping on your old converse.

“You ready, Rooster?” 

“Think I’m always going to be ready for you, Fox.”

***

Authors note: Thank you so much to everyone for all the wonderful comments! They truly mean the world to me and they help encourage me in writing the next chapter. Sorry I’m a day late with this one, I had to catch up on my IRL work.

So there were a few new characters introduced in this chapter - most notably Red , our new intelligence officer. Red is also a reader insert character, and her and Hangman’s story In The Air Tonight will be premiering hopefully sometime on Monday. Keep an eye out for it, it’s going to be hot and steamy right off the bat. Read the summary for it here: In The Air Tonight Preview

Fourth chapter will be dropping about a week from now! This chapter marked our halfway mark to the fist chapter of smut. For all those very patiently waiting. 

Hope you keep reading!

Tag list: @n3ssm0nique @linkedwiththemusic @wonderlandlovelove @serrendiipty @hockeyboysarehot @blossomreed @in-themountains @levylovegood @evans-dejong @flower-child2021 @1-800-simpingcowbaby @sparrows-corner @myname144244 @sarahstar116 @jonginvlog @littlewhiterose @blessupbless @ancabifi @nobody7102 @shadowvera @katek21-blog @marauderskeeper @dandywinchesterbras @katies-reading-space @roosterismyfav @percysaidnever @i-sneeze-to-appease @dimonds-heart @storyteller-le @blindedbyyourgrace17 @fangirlinc @emmapotato88 @camidalet @csmt-m @averytiredfanfictionwriter @callalily2000 @paulina1998 @marchingicenotes7 @redhoodedtoad @everythingblogs-stuff @tiger-coffee @callsignsmiley @callistoluvssleep @imagineadream @callsignhoney @wanderdreamer @nik2write @i-sneeze-to-appease

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

So I went to see Top Gun: Maverick for a second time last night and I ended up completely falling for Hangman’s charm the second time around. That combined with the fact Glen Powell made an entire Spotify soundtrack for the character from his perspective - I’m now 100% completely in love with Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin.

So here’s a sneak peek into the new series I have planned for him.

First Chapter. - Someday

Glen’s Spotify playlist: Hangman’s Direct Hits

***

Life likes to throw curveballs at you. Somehow, despite your very best efforts, you keep encountering Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin throughout your career. You’re convinced someone up in the heavens has it out for you.

You’re a former intelligence officer with the Navy, however after one of those aforementioned curveballs - you now work as an operative with the CIA.

When you and your team uncover a plan that could potentially threaten the safety of the USA and its ally’s, you get sent to the very last place you want to be. Straight back in to the orbit of none other than the “Hangman.”

***

Super excited to get to work on this fic. It will be rated mature and the first chapter will be a deep dive into the smut as well as yours and Hangman’s past. Half the story will take place before the movies plot and the other half/end will be set during the movie.

This fic will include; One bed trope, enthusiastic consent, rough sex, a hate sex to lovemaking type beat, experienced!reader, hookup to friends-with-benefits to lovers. Reader is a total boss and that never fails to turn Hangman on.

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

Destination Unknown

Chapter two - The Hard Deck

Chapter one is here. Chapter three is here.

Word count - 5488

It’s been two months since you arrived back in sunny California. Coming home had been hard, but it was something you needed to do. Coming to terms with your fathers illness and mortality however, was completely devastating.

Your father, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky was the closest you’d get in real life to meeting superman in your eyes, and he had been since you were a little girl. He had always seemed unbeatable, having flown hundreds of times in dozens of fighter jets. He belonged in the skies and had always seemed like some other worldly immortal being. Now, you were faced with the truth.

It wasn’t an enemy jet that was going to take him down, nor was it a failed flight in a groundbreaking new aircraft. It was his own body that was failing him. Throat cancer.

Accepting it was difficult. That this titan of a man, your personal hero, is going to die soon. You spent all of your free time with him, along with the rest of your family. Your mother Sarah and brothers had been grateful to welcome you home. Along with the newest addition to the house, your fuzzy baby Merlin.

Your mother had been right, Merlin was a little blessing in the house. His friendly aloofness had brought a tremendous amount of joy to your father and family. His cuddles did wonders. He often spent the days when you were gone curled up on your father's lap in his office.

Now your father was barely able to speak, having to carry around an Ipad so he could type out what he wanted to say. Or else he would have to strain his voice, causing himself tremendous pain.

You thought of all this, as you often have, while you were getting dressed for the day. You had settled into a routine of leaving for Top Gun early in the morning, so you could still work your 9-5 Monday to Friday. Occasionally you found yourself sleeping on base, having to work late in the night to clue up your thoughts. Thankfully your fathers old office had a plush leather couch in the back, though no matter what position you slept in you would always have a bad back in the morning.

You had a lot on your schedule today, and you were already tired, even though it was only a Monday.

When you were all dressed you bounded down the stairs towards the kitchen to quickly grab a bite to eat and your morning coffee before heading out for work.

“Mornin’, honey.” Your mother sang out to you in a sleepy voice.

She was sitting at the kitchen table with your father, both of them sipping their coffees while reading. Merlin, the little dork, was curled happily on the kitchen table basking in the early morning rays of sun. Your parents let that cat get away with anything he wanted, a completely different approach to how they had raised their three kids.

“Good morning to the two of you too.” you sang out, rushing over to kiss them both on their cheeks.

Your father grinned widely, picking up his tablet to type something out.

You are going to have a good day.

“That a statement or are you wishing me well, dad?” You said with a half smile, slightly confused, pouring some creamer into your to-go coffee cup.

He just sat there and chuckled to himself, ever the mystery. You paused, glancing over to your mother. She was avoiding your gaze, but was smiling gently pretending to read her newspaper.

Somethings up, you thought. They both had an air of amusement around them. Neither of your brothers were awake yet either, so you couldn’t quiz them about it. Not that you had the time to.

You glanced down at your watch. Shit. You were a little later this morning than you had wanted to be.

“Alright you two goofs, I gotta head out.” You said, hurrying to pack away several pre-packaged snacks into your bag.

“You enjoy yourself today. I’ll venmo you some money, honey.” Your mother finally looked you in the eyes, a mischievous twinkling in them.

Oh no, what did they do? What do they know?

Visit Penny, enjoy your night. Your father had typed out.

Yup, that's way too specific. The two had been conspiring behind your back. Guess I’ll find out just what it is by the end of the day.

“I’ll see her soon, I promise. I’ll be home for supper later. You two have a good day!” And just like that, you were rushing to the door.

Visit Penny? Your father often did this. He planned things perfectly and set everything up for you, and you were usually the last to know about it. You couldn’t help but feel like you were in for an even longer day today then you had previously thought.

Your parents had seemed in good spirits about whatever it was though, so you knew it was something they at least thought would be something you’d enjoy.

***

You arrived at Top Gun, exactly 23 minutes behind what you had planned.

Parking your Bronco as close as you could, you practically flew out of your vehicle and into the building. You had thought of several things over the weekend and needed to get them on to paper asap, lest you forget them.

After a few hours of frantic typing, you were finally satisfied with your work for the morning. You needed to stretch your legs.

God, you thought, all this hunching over a laptop is going to permanently leave me a hunchback someday.

You grabbed your bag and water bottle and headed out the door, walking down the halls past various photos towards the lounge. Glancing out a window towards the parking lot, you had to pause and take another look.

Parked in the parking lot was a very familiar motorcycle. One you had seen countless times when you were younger.

I can’t believe the old man still rides that thing.

Your heart was racing now at the thought of seeing one of your oldest friends and mentors. A man you considered a part of your family.

You hurried along, keeping an ear out for the tell tale charming voice of his, that or for the sound of him trying to one up one of the admirals.

Sure enough, on your way to the lounge you were stopped by Solomon.

“Hey kid.” He was exasperated, you could tell. He still had a smile on his face for you though. “Think there’s someone here you might wanna see.”

“Is it who I think it is?” You asked in anticipation.

“Why don’t you see for yourself. He’s in there with Cyclone.” He waved you into the head office's boardroom.

You sucked in a breath, trying to calm your heart rate. You hadn’t personally seen him in years. There had been many facetimes, emails and texts. But it wasn’t the same.

Your eyes scanned the room, finally locating him at the far end of the room speaking fast to an exasperated Cyclone.

What the hell is he doing back at Top Gun? Didn’t matter, you had so much to catch up with him on.

“Maverick!” You cried out with a face splitting grin. You dashed over to him.

“FOX!” He laughed as you tackled him into a hug, wrapping his arms around you to keep the both of you steady.

You leant back and slapped his arm.

“When were you going to tell me you were back here? Does dad know?” You let go of him, stepping back. Your cheeks were starting to hurt, you still had such a strong smile on your face.

“Your father is the reason why he’s here.” Cyclone butted into the conversation.

So that’s what dad meant. “You are going to enjoy today.”

“That devil of a man. What brings you back here though?” You mused, trying to figure it out.

You had spoken to him only two weeks prior for your exhibition’s research. Last you knew he was testing air crafts in the Mojave desert. He didn’t even hint towards coming here to Top Gun.

“I’m here to teach.” Maverick stated with a proud, slightly amused smile.

You couldn’t help it. You busted out laughing.

“No really, why are you here?”

“He’s stating the truth. Our dear fleet commander believes Maverick to be the only one who can teach some of our finest pilots for an upcoming mission.”

Oh. So he wasn’t joking. You looked blankly over to Maverick. He looked just as amused as you had been.

“I’m going to have to say some prayers for those poor pilots. They have no idea just what they are in for.” You attempted to placate your nerves, it wasn’t like you were one of Mavericks students.

But boy, do you ever feel for them. Maverick doesn’t exactly have the best reputation of being able to follow rules and regulations, especially not when it comes to instructing, well , anything really. Especially flying maneuvers.

“Nope.” Maverick said, popping the p. “No they do not, Fox.”

Maverick swung his arm around your shoulders.

“Time for me to catch up with an old friend. I’ll see you two Admirals in an hour, so we can go over the details of the mission.”

“Maverick. We don’t have a whole lot of time-” Cyclone started.

“I’m entitled to my lunch breaks, aren’t I?” Maverick was smirking now.

Cyclone rolled his eyes, Solomon was trying to suppress a grin.

“I’ll make sure he stays on schedule.” You winked at Solomon, practically skipping out of the room with Maverick.

You headed towards the lounge eager to eat your lunch and to catch up. The both of you sat down, Maverick snatching one of your snack bags before heading over to the vending machine to grab a drink. You glared at him playfully.

“Talk to me, Fox.” He spoke over his shoulder. “How are you?”

“I’ve been good-” You paused when you saw Maverick shaking his head.

“Not what I meant. How are you actually doing?”

“Straight to the point then. I’ve, uh, been coping.” You glanced sheepishly up towards him.

He looked expectantly at you with raised brows, nodding at you to continue as he sat down and tore open the bag to start eating.

“It’s been really hard, honestly. Trying to focus on work while also spending time with the family. It’s been odd too, the feeling of grieving while someone is still living.” You gulped in some air, starting to fiddle with the packaging on a random health bar you had picked out of your purse.

“Trying your best to stay happy and in the present while you know what’s coming your way. I can't even imagine what it’s like for dad. We’ve all been doing our best, asking him what he needs. Spending as much time with him as possible. Smothering him with love.” You smiled sadly, it’s difficult for you to explain with words.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Fox. For what it’s worth, your old man Ice is always telling me how much he loves you and how proud he is of you. He doesn’t want you to stop your whole life for him. He told me he’s happy your home with him.” Maverick smiled softly at you, reaching over to pat your knee.

You nodded lost in thought.

You were pulled out of it by your phone buzzing. Glancing down you could see it was one of your colleagues calling from Washington.

“Shit. I’m sorry, Mave. I gotta take this.” You hurried to grab your things, smiling apologetically to him.

“It’s okay, Fox. I know you’ve got a whole career built. For what it’s worth though - I’m proud of you too.” He smiled genuinely to you, nodding for you to go.

You answered the phone and started out the door.

“Oh! Fox. Just one more thing.” You turned to Maverick in the entryway, trying to listen to him while simultaneously listening to your colleague rambling about the layout of the gallery chosen for your exhibition.

“We still need to catch up. I gotta tell you all about the top of the line jets I’ve been flying. And how the old P-51 is coming along. Let me treat you to a beer or two at the Hard Deck after five.”

You could only smile and nod at him. You rushed out the door and back to your ( dads ) office.

So much for my lunch break. Time differences will do that for you.

***

Five o’clock comes sooner than you want it too.

Soon enough you have Maverick at your office door.

“Nice to see a bit of life breathed back into this place.” He remarked, hands on his hips, swinging to look around. “Would you look at that,” He started whistling, going for the photos on your desk.

Nope , you thought. Not doing this again. Not after Solomon's reviewing of the photos not so long ago.

“Not today, Maverick.” You sidestepped him, blocking his path.

“What, Fox? There something you don’t want little old me to see?” He joked with you, eyes twinkling. He knew very well what photos still sat on that desk.

“I need a drink.” You said bluntly with a wry smile. “And you promised to treat me.”

You started to walk out, Maverick pausing behind you.

“I’m driving. Don’t want any of your need for speed bullshit.” You smirked over your shoulder at him.

“I’m gonna make sure by the end of the night you at least loosen up a little, Fox. You need to remember what it’s like to have fun again.”

You chose to ignore that last statement.

Soon enough you found yourself sitting next to Maverick at the bar. You were ( not so ) patiently waiting for Maverick to notice the ( not so ) new owner of the bar, who just so happened to be bartending this delightful evening.

This was going to be fun.

“Pete Mitchell.” Penny smiled.

“Penny Benjamin?” You internally laughed at the look that had glazed over Mavericks face, bewilderment and awe. Two former lovers reunited.

The two of them started to dance around each other with words, bantering back and forth about how Maverick shouldn’t look at her like that or something or another.

Your attention however was fixated on the various young pilots that had started to gather within the bar. They were all dressed in their prim, well kept khaki uniforms.

The various ribbons proudly displayed on their chests told you all you needed to know - these were likely the best pilots of their time. Likely Top Gun graduates that had been called back.

You recognized a couple of them from your time in DC, namely Payback and Fanboy. They had attended a few galas you had also been present for.

You knew enough about them to know that they graduated at the top of their respective classes, and that they were extremely well regarded by their aviation peers.

They must be a part of Mavericks class then , You thought while taking the rest in. Wonder just what kind of mission this is?

Still sipping on your first beer you turned back to Penny and Maverick just in time for Penny to nod at you, smirking with glee. She took a few steps back before ringing the bell.

A loud cry of cheers erupted at the bar, an aviator passing by Maveric slapped him on the shoulder.

“Thanks, Pal.”

“What the hell did you do?” You laughed at the two of them while ordering another round.

Maverick held up his phone before shoving it back in his pocket, laughing guiltily to himself.

“You’re lucky it's early.” Penny nodded at Maverick, while he grinned slightly embarrassed at her.

A handsome blonde pilot walked up to the bar, asking for four more rounds from Penny. Courtesy of Maverick.

“And here you thought you were only going to be buying a couple beers for me.” You joked with him, knocking your shoulder into his.

“It’s a hidden talent of mine, you know. Getting into messes like this.” Maverick was still cringing slightly into himself, but seemed in good spirits.

“Well, I don't know about it being hidden… ” You started before finishing off with a laugh at Mavericks face.

“That insubordination I hear, Fox?”

“I’m not one of your pilots, Mave. I don’t gotta watch my tone with you. That's part of why we get along so well, Captain .” You put an emphasis on his rank. Everyone and their mother knew Maverick deserved to be an Admiral, if only it weren’t for his stubborn need to be in the sky.

It was something you largely respected him for though. The man knew where he wanted to be, and took every action possible to insure he stayed there. It was a trait you liked to think you had picked up from him.

Then all of a sudden, there was a brief lull in the crowd. Eyes turned to look toward the door as another walked into the bar.

For you - it was like time had slowed down. Like there was a magnetic force that pulled at you to look towards the door.

Swaggering in with all his glory, Hawaiian shirt undone and aviators on, was none other than Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw. He walked with confidence and ease, not even glancing in your or Mavericks direction.

You could feel a pit forming in your stomach and your throat started to constrict.

Was it hot in here? When did that unbearable heat come in? Your face was flushed and you hurried to steady your breathing. Now was not the time for a panic attack.

You should have anticipated this. Yet you hadn’t.

Though you haven’t heard, seen, or spoken to Bradley in years - you had kept tabs on him. How couldn’t you? You had grown up together. A part of you still longed to be near him. To know him. Yet apparently he didn’t feel the same.

You knew he had eventually (rightfully) gone to the Naval Academy and that he had followed in his fathers footsteps, becoming a Naval Aviator. You had found out too that he was a Top Gun graduate, and had multiple accreditations under his belt.

You cowered in on yourself, trying your best to shrink down low.

“You okay, sweetie?” Penny prompted you gently, smiling down at you.

Maverick had noticed Rooster too, both of you glancing at each other. Both of your energies had considerably changed, both of you were sensitive about the same thing ( man ), though for incredibly different reasons.

“I’m alright, Penny. I would love another beer and a shot of whiskey though, kudos to Mave here.” You tried to smile. If you had a mirror you were sure you would have seen it as more of a grimace.

“Sure thing, sweetie. Coming right up.”

You gulped both of them down quickly.

“Woah - you should really pace yourself there, Fox.” Maverick tried to say to you.

The room was spinning, you tried to steady your mind. You not so subtly looked over towards the pool tables, where Rooster had taken up with the rest of the pilots.

Looking at him again now, you could see just how he had matured. He had grown out of being the slightly awkward lanky baby faced kid you had loved and had grown up to be a man. Like an actual man. 70’s porn ‘stache and all. You like it. Liked him - wait.

No. You couldn’t think like that. The two of you were near strangers again. It had to be nearly ten years since you had last spoken to each other.

You were lost in your thoughts as you ordered yourself another beer. Penny gave it to you with a nervous glance.

Maverick decided to engage her once again in conversation.

You can’t decide if you want to run up to him and hug him. No - confront him. Why did he never respond to you? Never get back to you? Never reach out to you?

You were pulled out of your thoughts once again at Penny’s words.

“Sorry, Pete. That's not going to cover it.” Her sweet face grinned mischievously before stepping back and ringing a second bell.

“Over-board! Over-board!” The crowd chanted as various men came over to Maverick.

Wait, what? What did you miss?

“Aw, come on.” Mave smiled ruefully, letting himself be picked up and thrown out of the bar. Like literally thrown out of the bar.

You glanced back at Penny and she just smiled at you while shrugging.

“I’ll make sure you get home safe, sweetie. Don’t need your daddy shutting my bar down.” She patted your hand.

You continued to nurse your beer, that pit in your stomach starting to churn around and make you feel even more uneasy.

Just as you started to relax and tune in to the music again, it shut off.

Like you were in a trance, you swung your gaze over to where the piano was. A familiar tune started to play with a familiar pilot being the musician.

He was magnetic to you, your gaze kept sweeping over to him, unbelieving that finally after all these years here you were. In the same room together once more.

He was wearing his shades, his gaze scanning across the bar. He was smart, you had to give him credit. He was using his talent to disarm everyone in the rooms, belting out his favorite song from when you were kids.

You could tell he was sizing everyone up from behind his glasses, checking out exactly who it was that he was being put up against.

You had half the mind to sing along, in fact your heart was urging you too. But you couldn’t, you were too dizzy and still in shock. You didn’t think you’d be able to get any of the words out.

Taking a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and steady yourself, you brought your gaze up to look at him once again. Like magnets, the two of you locked eyes. Time seemed to slow down for you, watching as his brows shot up into his hairline. His singing and music stuttered, just for the briefest of moments.

You wished you could see his eyes. You felt tears well up in yours, as memories came flooding back to you. All those years - all those years had passed and you hadn’t seen him. Spoken to him. You realized in that moment just how much you had missed him.

How much you wanted to know him again.

You could see from his face just how much he had changed. Evolved. You were sure he could see it on you too. That and the suit you were still wearing. You had changed significantly too.

As the moment shifted once again and Rooster caught up to himself, he resumed his playing. Although a little shakier than he had been just moments before. What had felt like minutes to you was in reality only a brief few seconds in time.

When your gazes broke you felt yourself let out a long rushing breath, not having realized you had held it in. That pit that had been forming in your stomach had suddenly erupted into a horde of butterflies, all frantically flying around your insides.

You felt sick. You were going to be sick.

You frantically reached in your purse and pulled out a twenty, slapping it down on the counter for Penny.

You gathered yourself and made a mad dash for the back door, not realizing that you had a pair of eyes following your frantic exit.

When you were finally outside you rushed over to the nearest garbage can and leaned over it, puking the entirety of your guts out.

You had barely eaten all day, you should not have drank that much.

You felt a pair of hands pulling your hair back from your face, a fatherly hand soothing your back as you whimpered.

“I know, Fox. I Know.” Maverick whispered to you, trying to calm you down.

You looked up to him pitifully.

“Don’t look at me like that.” He said. “You didn’t know he would be here. I’m sorry. I should have told you.”

“I’m so sorry, Maverick. I have no idea what just happened.” You whimpered out, taking the bottle of water he offered you.

“A decade of emotions just came down on you, and you had way too much to drink. You never have been able to handle it have you? You’ve always been such a light hearted light weight.” He tried to joke with you, you took the bait, smiling back at him and laughing lightly.

“Come on, Fox. We can both deal with our pasts tomorrow. I’m going to take you home. Now, where’s those keys of yours?”

***

Good god, your head hurts. What’s that blaring sound?

You blearily blinked your eyes open, and swung your hand out to snatch your phone up, turning off your alarm.

You definitely had the hangover of the century, quite possibly one of the worst you’ve had in your life. To be fair - you weren’t exactly twenty one anymore.

Shit. Why did you set your alarm for so early? You didn’t need to be on base for another three hours. You wracked your mind trying to think of the reason, carefully glossing over the bar and its misdeeds from last night.

Nope. Can’t think of any reason. The sun was already up though, and you guessed now so were you too. You must have just hit the wrong time on your alarm last night while in your drunken upset stupor.

Taking your time to get ready you put on your makeup and curled your hair into soft waves. It had been a while since you had had time to pay attention to your appearance. With how gross you felt this morning you felt it was extra important.

You picked out your favorite suit and heels to wear. You had a big meeting late this morning. There was another Admiral driving in with his command team to speak to you about your exhibition, and what objects he could loan to you from his personal collection.

Going downstairs you spied both your parents sitting once more at the dining table. Not an uncommon occurrence but it was much earlier than their usual.

“Mornin’ you two, you have a fun night last night?” You called out to them, fetching yourself your morning coffee to take on the drive to work.

“We did, honey! Watched almost half a season of X-Files. You know how we all used to watch that show when you were growing up.”

You hummed in response, prepping yourself a bowl of fruit to eat for breakfast.

“How about you, honey? How’s Penny doing?”

“Penny’s doing really well for herself, bar couldn't have been busier and it was only a Monday night.” You swung your gaze over to your father who was holding up his Ipad, a small grin on his face.

Have fun?

“Oh yeah, dad. A whole fleet full of fun. Saw a few familiar faces yesterday.” You said, with a tense smile. They didn’t know what had happened to you and Bradley. Why you had lost touch. You’d prefer to keep it that way.

He chuckled to himself.

“Anyways… You know how it is. I gotta run.” You went over and kissed them both on their cheeks. “Love you both.”

Love you too.

***

You got to the base nearly two hours too early. You took your time getting out of your Bronco, choosing this day to park on the far side of the building. You didn’t mind walking a bit this morning. After last night, you could use the fresh air.

You started your walk to the main hangar where your office resided, when you heard the pounding of footsteps behind you. This was a military base after all, it certainly wasn’t uncommon for there to be runners. Especially early in the morning before the sun got hot and the day became long.

“Fox.” You stopped dead in your tracks, hesitantly putting your phone in your pockets. The voice sounded breathy, he must have been the runner.

Steeling yourself, you turned around. Your entire face lit on fire. You wished you could turn back around, maybe even run away.

Here, standing in front of you, was Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw.

In all his sweaty, muscular glory. God it should really be illegal for him to wear shorts that tight.

“Bradley Bradshaw, that you?” You nearly choked on your words. Play it cool, Fox, play it cool.

You saw him bristle at his full name being used. Good.

“Yeah, it’s me. Saw you last night at the bar. Almost didn’t believe it was you. It’s not like you to run away. Though I don't know if I should be surprised.” He was gazing at you now, no shades to hide behind anymore.

You winced. He was right, you could probably count on one hand how many times you had run away from something, though now two of those incidents involved him.

“Already taking shots at me, Rooster? I thought we made it past this when we were kids.” You threw him a bone, calling him by his call sign. The same very one you had used when the two of you were kids.

You gazed into his eyes, a challenge present. You were shocked by the heat you saw in his, as you saw him slowly lower his gaze with a cocky smile, not at all subtlety checking you out. You felt a shiver run down your spine as he met your gaze again, taking a step - no, two steps closer to you. He was in your personal space now.

“You and I, Fox - we’ve never made it past this. You know that. I don’t think we ever will. It’s too much fun.” He was taunting you.

His eyes left yours again, scanning once back over your body. He seemed to grow nervous for a second.

“You look… different. I- uh, I mean good. You look good. Great even. I meant that as a compliment.”

Aha. There’s your Rooster again.

“Thanks, Fly Guy. You two. You’ve certainly grown since I last saw you.” You smirked, sizing him up yourself. You slowly dragged your eyes over his body, giving him the same treatment. Your gaze lingered on his strong thighs and broad chest. You got a thrill out of seeing him squirm.

There goes your nerves.

“Yeah?” He breathed, smirking at you, taking half a step closer.

“Yeah. You look good. Big fan of the ‘stache.”

“Thought you’d like it. I still remember the Burt Reynolds poster you had in your room as a teen.”

“Don’t you dare bring that up around here, someone might hear you!” You laughed. It was easy between the two of you. You had missed this. Missed him.

He was close to you again now. You could smell his musk (cedarwood?) and could see the beads of sweat glistening on his face. He licked his lips, you couldn’t help but glance down at them. If you were just a little closer-

“Kazansky!”

Fucking Cyclone.

You and Rooster flew back from each other, snapped out of your trance and away from the gravity that pulled the two of you together.

You blinked rapidly, eyes swinging around to see where the Admiral was. When your gaze locked on to his, you swore. He had another Admiral trailing behind him, the one you were to meet with today. He must have come early.

“You ready to get the day started?” Cyclone asked as he approached you.

You glanced back to Rooster, who was looking the other way towards the weapons school. Now avoiding your gaze.

“Guess I’ll see you around?” You said to him, his gaze flying back to yours.

“Yeah, I got some questions for you. I’ll catch you later.” Rooster rushed out, glancing once more at you before jogging off again, nodding at the Admirals.

“Come on, kid. We got a long day ahead of us.”

Sighing, you agreed.

Catch you later, Rooster.

Authors note: Thank you so much to everyone who has commented and gave me kudos! I really appreciate it, the comments help to fuel me.

I had to make a slight change in the last chapter to even out the timeline a little. The reader has now spent a little over a decade in DC, about 13 years. She is now 32.

Rooster finally made his first appearance! Things will be heating up in the next chapter, though the first smut will be in chapter six. I’m looking forward to building the tension up!

Next chapter should be out before Thursday. Please let me know what you think! Cheers.

Tag list: @n3ssm0nique @linkedwiththemusic @wonderlandlovelove @serrendiipty @hockeyboysarehot @blossomreed @in-themountains @levylovegood @evans-dejong @flower-child2021 @1-800-simpingcowbaby @sparrows-corner @myname144244 @sarahstar11 @jonginvlog @littlewhiterose @blessupbless @ancabifi @nobody7102 @shadowvera @katek21 @marauderskeeper @dandywinchesterbras @katies-reading-space @roosterismyfav @percysaidnever @i-sneeze-to-appease @dimonds-heart

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

I think I figured out the story behind Bob’s call sign!

One of the most popular songs by the band Outkast is called B.O.B. - Bombs over Baghdad.

Bob’s trade in the movie is a Weapons System Officer! Makes total sense that his call sign would be a reference to B.O.B. Especially since in the movie he is the one dropping the bombs during the final mission.

Totally a badass call sign name too.

PS. How many of you folks would be interested in a Bob one shot (smut included)? I have so many ideas floating in my head and if there’s any interest I would be happy to type it out to share with you. 💖

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

Authors note - wow! I’m so blown away by the interest in my fic. This is my first attempt at fan fiction and a reader insert so please be gentle. It’s starting off a little slow but I really had to build where the reader is at in her life before we can really dive in. It’ll pick up in the next chapter which should be out before Sunday. Feedback is appreciated. Enjoy!

Corresponding Spotify: Destination Unknown

Link to AO3: Destination Unknown

Word count: 3,865

Find Chapter two - here.

Destination Unknown

Chapter One - The Long Drive

***

In your defence, you never meant to stay on the East Coast for this long. It started with you wanting to make a name for yourself, to get out from underneath your father’s shadow.

Almost a decade ago you moved out to Washington D.C. to start your university education at Georgetown University. One Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters of Museum Studies later, you had earned your current position as Assistant Curator for Contemporary Military Aviation History at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum.

You had a little help along the way with your father being an Admiral, but most people in this city had at least a little nepotism to help get them where they are.

You had certainly worked for it too, sacrificing countless nights out on the town, friendships, hell even your last relationship or two. All because you were addicted to the drive to do better. Be better. To work with the best. To be the best. To have people know you because of what you’ve accomplished on your own.

Not because of the last name that was gifted to you in your very first hours of existing.

Kazansky.

Your whole life you’ve had to bear the heavy weight of your name, and all the expectations and assumptions that came with it. It was both a blessing and a grievance. You loved your family dearly, but with the weight of your fathers rank and reputation you had grown up feeling smothered by it.

Your whole adolescent life you had felt pressure to enlist and rise through the ranks like your father. Your whole life you had dozens of people reminding you of how alike the two of you were. But that wasn’t what you wanted. It had nearly torn you apart in your senior year, having applied to civilian universities and the Naval Academy with your childhood best friend Bradley.

Ultimately you chose to move across the country to study as a civilian. Washington D.C. was safe enough as it allowed for plenty of visits with your parents when your father was sent for meetings at the nearby Pentagon or the White House. It also allowed for your father to keep close tabs on you, having plenty of connections in the city.

It hurt beyond belief at first to be so far away. But it got better with time. Over the past decade you have successfully built yourself a life of your own. Now at 29 you had an outstanding career, several publications and accreditations to your name, a well loved (albeit small and very expensive) apartment, and a fluffy black cat by the name of Merlin.

A loud sound interrupted your train of thought.

It was like your heart was ripped out of your chest when you heard your phone ringing, the blaring of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” signalling that it was your mother calling. You had been pacing your apartment all morning waiting for this. With a deep soothing breath, you picked up the phone.

“Mom?”

You heard a watery sob. “Oh honey. It’s even worse than we thought.”

You struggled to hold back tears. “How long do they think we have left with him?”

“Dr. Thompson says six months at best.” She inhaled another breath, you could hear her trying to hold back her cries. “Your father and I had a talk last night. We really want you home sometime soon. Now preferably. We just want to hold you again, have a few months with the family all together again. You think you’ll be able to make it?”

You had known this was coming for a while now. This past Christmas your father had started to show some signs of his failing health. Coughing up blood. Trying to hide it. Blaming his hoarse throat on all the talking he does. Or that it was a simple head cold. After urging him to get tests done, you had to pack up and leave sunny California for the East Coast once again.

When you had returned in January you submitted an exhibition proposal to your Director, centering around wanting to tell the unheard stories of contemporary elite naval aviators and their amazing accomplishments. You mainly wanted something that would allow you to move back to the west coast for several months, so you could be close to your family without having to give up your career.

With a couple months worth of check ups and tests on your fathers end, and a series of tweaking and resubmitting proposals and outlines on your end - you finally got the stamp of approval. Not only were they letting you curate your first solo exhibition, but they were also giving you a grant so you could publish a book to correspond with it.

The project would allow you to spend several months with your family. Splitting your time between the nearby naval aviators school for research in their archives and the command bases surrounding town where your family still resides.

“Yes. I’ll be home soon. I just need to get things situated. One of my colleagues will sublease my apartment while I’m gone. I’m taking Merlin with me.” You sighed into the phone, gazing across the apartment.

Merlin was lounging outstretched in the sun, absentmindedly pushing your papers around on your desk. He mewled at you when he noticed your attention. He plopped down and subsequently started pawing at the cupboard where you kept his treats.

“Oh goody… I can’t wait to meet my only grand-fur baby. He looks so soft in all those photos you send of him. I think he would really help your father too. Might soothe him, you know? I think it would do him some good. Petting Merlin and all.” She was rambling. She did this when her anxiety was flaring up.

“Mom. Will you be okay until next week? I’m going to drive home, it would be easier to pack everything into the car.”

“Yes, just get here as soon as you can, okay? I- We need you… Your father needs you here. Just come home soon. We all miss you.”

“I love you, mom. Tell dad and the boys I love them too. I’ll text you when I leave here on Friday.” You took a shuddering breath. “I’ll see you soon.”

“I love you too, honey. Your dad and your brothers do as well. You know that. We’ll see you soon.”

Immediately after your mother hung up you fired off a text to your two brothers, making sure they knew they could call or text you should they need any help. And to make sure they would take all the housework and cooking off your mom’s to do list. She had enough on her plate right now looking after your father.

You fired off a text to your father too, trying to express to him how much you loved him and how you were looking forward to seeing him and spending time with him.

***

You spent the next day packing everything into your old ‘69 baby blue Ford Bronco, a car you had fixed up in high school with your father, his friend (your would-be uncle, really) Pete, and your childhood friend Bradley.

You went into your office too, picking up some last minute essentials and saying farewells to your colleagues. You would be seeing a few of them in a few months when they flew out to collect the objects you’re going to be gathering for your exhibition.

Amelia, one of your best friends and colleagues, had agreed to sublease your apartment while you’re gone. She had recently broken off her engagement to her unfaithful fiancé. You gave her a more than fair price, and offered her the entire place to try to mend her broken heart.

You left a bouquet of flowers, several bottles of wine, a nice bottle of whiskey, an assortment of Ben & Jerry’s in the freezer, and your infamous collection of cheesy RomComs for her to revel with while you were away.

Looking around you tried to spot the little (large) fluff ball that lived (thought he owned) in your apartment with you.

“Pstpstpst… Merlin! Come here, you absolute rascal.” You scooped Merlin up, his black fur flying into the air. He was a massive cat, you were pretty certain he had Maine Coone genetics somewhere in him. You had named him after one of your father’s friends callsign.

Placing Merlin in his carrier and heading to your door, you took one last look around your apartment. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but this pit that resided in your stomach made you feel like this was the closing of a chapter for you. You shoved that thought away. No time to think of that now. Your family needed you.

***

You sent off a quick text to your mom, and just like that you were off on a cross country journey.

You silently thanked god your pay was decent, the sheer amount of gas you would need for this trip was stupidly astronomical.

With a few stops across the country to rest at pet friendly motels, you had finally made it to California in just under a week.

You decided to stop first at the US Navy’s Fighter Weapons School, Top Gun (as literally every naval aviator referred to it as in your youth), to drop off your research materials and hordes of guide and reference books.

Laughing gently, you couldn’t stop yourself from gazing at the school instead of the road ahead.

Holy shit, you thought. Where did the time go?

You had spent an absurd amount of time here as a kid growing up. You definitely didn’t have a normal childhood.

Pulling in, you started off loading everything you needed. Merlin started mewling from his carrier.

“You need the litter box, sweetheart? Just a moment, let mommy do this first.” You grumbled trying to haul everything you needed out. Getting frustrated with the weight of it all, you just dropped your boxes on the ground. Poor sweet little Merlin needed your attention. You hooked up his harness and his leash. Carrying him over to the surprisingly green grass next to the parking lot.

“Holy mother of god! Is that you, Kazansky?! The boss man told me you’d be making your way here again. Thought he was fibbing.”

Swirling around you had to lift your hand up to shield your eyes against the blinding sun.

“I really don’t think this is the best place to be letting your scruff-ball of a cat take a shit.” The blurry figure said.

Straining your eyes, you could just barely make out the face that was coming toward you. You could never forget that voice though, considering he was one of the pilots who practically raised you here on base.

“Solomon Bates. How’ve you been?” You couldn’t help the wide grin that stretched across your face. This was the first of many reunions you had to look forward to. Or in some (one) case, dread.

You rushed over, dragging Merlin behind you, to hug the man.

“I’ve been good, kid. Better now that you’re here. Your father has us all worried, not that you should ever tell him that. He’d whoop all our asses if he ever heard such a thing.” You both let out barking laughs. You were thankful for Warlock’s sense of humour.

“I know. Dad won’t let any of us worry over him. His pride is still just as strong as it was when he first started at this Academy, I’m sure of it.”

“Ahh you gotta give the man some credit. He didn’t get to where he is today without having a strong will and sense of who he is. His sense of pride has been well earned. You and your mother will have to use some of that charm you have, get him to rest and take it easy.”

You gave the man a small smile, “We’ll do our best, don't you worry about that.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Now,” He glared down at your cat, then swung his gaze over towards your Bronco. “I’m going to take a guess. You’re gonna need help with those boxes?”

“That would actually be amazing, Bates.” He laughed as he saw you let out a sigh, you let out a small chuckle too. It was a huge relief knowing you wouldn’t have to carry them all on your own.

You placed Merlin back in his carrier, rolling down the windows to let the wind run through the vehicle.

Bates helped you carry in the boxes leading you down the familiar halls you used to haunt as a kid.

You arrived at an all too familiar door. Your father’s old office, the one away from home and his previous office before his time at fleet command.

“You guys never gave this space to some other poor paper-pushing Admiral?” You had to admit, you were quite surprised. You used to spend time here as a kid reading or doodling. Your father would take you into work to hang out with the other naval aviators children.

The kids were almost always taken here when their fathers wanted to give their mothers a well earned break and they simultaneously needed to catch up on some paperwork or reading.

“Nah. Your dad’s always been welcome here, we never wanted him to leave in the first place. This complex has got so many rooms we figured we could leave this one be. Now it's yours for the next, what? Several months or so?”

“Give or take. Hopefully give. I don’t want to wish any time away.” You grimaced. That came out awkward. You still weren’t used to the impending, well… whatever would be coming down the line for you and your family.

“I know, kid. I know.” He nodded. “Now… time to let the old memories come alive, hey?” He flung open the door to your fathers old office and sauntered in.

You took a deep breath before following him in, your eyes scanning the room. Just like you remembered it. There was a grand oak desk to the far left with a leather executive chair at its helm. The rest of the room was occupied by dozens of photos from years long gone, grand bookshelves holding trophies, awards and books. There was also a long oval oak conference table, with several leather chairs seated. Everything was painted in dark moody tones, common to old officers clubs built during the Second World War.

When you were younger and first started getting into history and myths, you would often refer to your father as King (Admiral) Arthur and at his table would be the fabled knights (officers) of the round table.

You and Bates both dropped your boxes onto the large oval table. You would set up your work space at a later date.

You glanced at Bates as he meandered around the office to stop in front of your fathers old desk, picking up a photo that had a layer of dust. He wiped it off with his hand.

“You know… I can still remember this day like it was yesterday.” He hummed a smile, eyes twinkling at you.

You narrowed your eyes, having a sneaking suspicion at what photo he has taken up. You walked over and playfully snatched it out of his hands, glancing down at it for yourself.

Sure enough, you had guessed correctly. The photo was of a young freshman year pair, you and your old friend Bradley. You were both covered in silly string, laughing your asses off at the mess the two of you had caused.

Bates had been the man behind the camera that fateful day, and had taken glee in also capturing your frantic mother in the back of the photo. She had been desperate to clean you both up in time for the family photo, a yearly tradition the entire staff had at the weapons school here.

You smiled and took the photo over to the wall with dozens more, holding it up to the photo with dozens of figures all smiling and dressed in their Sunday best. If you looked closely enough, you could spot both you and Bradley in the front.

Both your white sundress and his white shirt had been stained from the silly string. Just above you was your father, your mother, Bradley’s mother, and your all but blood related uncle Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.

They were all holding in a laugh at how the two of you looked, dishevelled and stained, even after both your mom’s had tried desperately to clean you up for the photo. Still to this day no one had any idea where the two of you had gotten the silly string. That was a secret you and Bradley had pinky sworn to never tell. You always kept your promises.

“You two used to have so much fun together.” Bates mused, smiling to himself, his eyes glazed over in memories.

“Whatever happened to your friendship? You two ever stay in touch after you, uh, picked up and left?” You snapped out of your smile, turning your eyes to look at him.

“That, uh, came out wrong. Sorry” Bates grimaced. No shit, Warlock you thought to yourself.

“We, um, lost touch with each other.” You tried to find a way to phrase it for him. “After he found out he had been rejected from the Naval Academy, I decided to forge my own path. The civilian route. So… I moved to Washington.”

You took a moment to collect your thoughts.

“Bradley… I think he took it hard. The Academy was the only thing he wanted to do after graduation. He didn’t have any other plans. He’s a smart guy, he had all the right grades. He had all the right extra curriculars. Hell, he even had the legacy with Goose being a graduate. It’s always been a mystery to everyone why he got rejected.”

You took a breath, glancing at Bates. He nodded with a soft smile, urging you to continue.

“We saw each other a few times after I left, but it was never, uh, really the same. I guess we just grew apart.” Your mouth twisted around the words awkwardly. You knew why it was never the same, not that you would ever tell Bates this.

How would you ever go about telling, well, anyone that you had hooked up with and lost your virginity to your childhood best friend the night before leaving for the other side of the country for four years? Four years that had now turned into ten.

“I tried to reach out to him after his mother had passed away. It was right when I was finishing my end of term exams… I wasn’t able to make it to the funeral. He never replied to any of my messages or the package and letter I sent him.” Bates was openly looking at you now, he had a neutral expression on his face. You could tell though, he was trying to get a read on what you were feeling.

“I, um. I took it to mean he probably didn’t want to hear from me. After a couple months of trying to reach out to him then, I haven’t spoken to him since. It’s been years now since I’ve seen or heard from him.” You glanced down at your hands, the photo still in them, picking at your nails to avoid his gaze.

“Do you miss him?” Your eyes immediately swung back up to meet his gaze. What?

“What?” You blurt out, having to take a moment to actually speak the phrase.

“Do you miss him? The two of you grew up together. All of us older folk thought your bond was unbreakable. Hell I mean…” He trailed off, glancing back to the photo now forgotten in your hand. He gently took the frame in his putting it on the table, facing the two of you. “To be honest most of us thought the two of you would be married by now, having popped out half a dozen kids.”

Your face was bright red. You felt like you might actually melt into the ground now at this very moment.

Thankfully, Bates let out a barking laugh and slapped the table. “Holy shit, Kazansky. I wish I had a mirror to show you your face right now.”

You laughed along with him, clearly embarrassed.

He took one last look at the old photo, grinning.

“I gotta get back to work now, it’s soon time to head off for the day. Louise is making some kind of stir fry for dinner. She’s on some kind of health kick or another. You’ll have to drop by sometime. I’m sure she’d be thrilled to see you again, and to hear all your sure-to-be swanky tales from the Capitol.” He smiled and nodded to you.

“Here’s the keys to the office. I hope you get at least a fraction of use out of this old office as your old Iceman did. I’m sure with the looks of those books you got there it won’t be an issue for you.” He turned as he was heading out the door, a devious smirk on his face.

“Oh, and don’t ever let me catch you allowing your cat take a shit on my perfect green grass again. Or else I’ll be calling over my favourite drill sergeant to get you to do an asinine amount of pushups, just like any other recruit here would.” He gave you a cheeky wink and then he was off on his way.

You playfully rolled your eyes at his back, your smile returning as you looked down.

You picked up the photo frame one more time, looking to the base of it. On the bottom in your father’s handwriting there was a small written inscription “The fox and her rooster.” You returned the photo to its proper home on your father’s old desk.

You took one last glance around the rooms before leaving and locking the door, heading for the outside once more.

Once arriving at your well loved Ford Bronco, you made sure to check up on Merlin once more. He was happily taking a nap in the warm sun, it was the end of February so the heat hadn’t really started yet.

You sighed as you got into the driver's seat, flipping on the AC and flipping through your CD collection to find what you were looking for. The downside of your vintage beauty was that there was no bluetooth or plug in for your phone. You didn’t mind it though. It added to its charm.

Windows rolled all the way down and your hair thrown up in a claw clip, you put your aviators back on shielding your eyes from the glare of the sun on the road. Popping in your Journeys Frontiers CD, belting your heart out to the music as you started down the drive to the place you once called home. A place where if you’re being honest, your heart still longed for.

I’ll be there soon.

Tag list: @n3ssm0nique @linkedwiththemusic @wonderlandlovelove @serrendiipty @hockeyboysarehot @blossomreed @in-themountains @levylovegood

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

Hi everyone! Here’s a little sneak peek into the fic I’ll be starting soon. I just need to work out a few more details about the plot. It will be rated mature, a little slow burn with tension at first and then diving into a nice bit of angst and smut. First chapter will be dropping sometime this week.

Update! Here’s the first chapter: The Long Drive

Corresponding Spotify Playlist: Destination Unknown

* * *

You moved away from the West Coast almost a decade ago, to try to make a name for yourself apart from you fathers prestigious reputation. Now after having made a home and career for yourself in Washington DC, you get a desperate plea from your family to come home and spend the last remaining time with your rapidly ailing father.

You submit a proposal to your museums divisions director to curate an exhibition about contemporary elite naval pilots and to write a book that corresponds with it. It’s quick to get the stamp of approval. Now you find yourself driving across the country back to the small town you used to call home.

Little do you know that your meddling Guardian Angel made his request at just the right time, so you can reunite with your childhood friend and former one night lover. Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw.

[ouroborus-momento-mori]

Okay but can we talk about the parallel between Christine telling Strange to face his fears, the Clea showing up asking Strange if he’s afraid?

When redhead Christine from another universe was saying goodbye to Stephen and him confessing that he was scared to have someone love him/care for him, Christine specifically told Stephen to face his fears.

At the end when Clea comes to gather Stephen to fix an incursion she asks Stephen to come along with her, unless he’s afraid! Then Stephen proceeds to say that he isn’t afraid in the least!

I think Stephen repairing the broken watch face then putting it away in a box was in part symbolism showing he had gotten his closure with Christine in this movie.

I absolutely adore Christine and Stephen but I think the MCU having a couple that loved each other but weren’t able to overcome their obstacles is so real and grounding. It’s the case for plenty of relationships and is a very real thing that happens all the time.

It’s also refreshing when a character has more than one relationship in their story as they evolve and grow as a person.

I’m hoping for a slow burn romance with Clea and Stephen in the MCU, although I don’t know how the writers are ever going to top I love you in every universe.

Super excited to see what the MCU and Charlize Theron do with Clea - it’s amazing that we finally have her in live action. 💜✨

Photo is Doctor Strange and Clea by Paul Smith.

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June 22, 2021 :: I had visited Pompeii three times, but never Herculaneum. This time I made it a priority to stop at this ongoing excavation site. Recent discoveries have unearthed ancient fast food joints and loads of skeletons in the cellars. At first archaeologists thought people had escaped, but it turns out that they hid in the cellars where many were robbed. Yes, you heard that right. Evidence suggests that thugs barricaded basement doors and let in fleeing families only when they gave over their money and jewels. Humans!!! * eyeroll * 

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Decoration of the Baths of the Forum, Pompeii, very popular in its time, as they had a cheap entry price. It is also known that the busiest bath time was in the early afternoon.

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Beautiful necklace and crown of princess KHENMET (12th Dynasty)

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Silver-gilt Sasanian ewers dating back to the 7th-8th century CE prior to the fall of Ctesiphon, the Imperial Capital of the Sasanian Empire near modern-day Baghdad. Freer and Sackler Galleries of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.

Photo by Babylon Chronicle