#Natasha Trace x sibling!reader

[marie-swriting]

Just Live - Natasha "Phoenix" Trace

Top Gun Maverick Masterlist

Summary : You always feel like you have to work harder to be recognised as your own person, instead of just Natasha's sibling.

Warnings : Trace!sibling reader, reader is one year younger, use of they/them pronouns, set during the movie with some canon deviant elements, angst, mention of plane crash, happy ending, maybe some grammatical mistakes as English is not my first language, tell me if you see some or if I missed any warnings.

Word count : 2k

French version

Request : made by anonymous, here's the link to the request. To whoever requested it, I hope you'll like what I wrote and again, sorry for taking so long to write it 🫶🏻

You’re with Payback, Fanboy, and your sister Natasha when you’re arriving in the Hard Deck so you can find the other pilots you’re going to work with for a new mission. You almost have no information about it, you just know you’ve all been called back to TopGun.

The second you step foot in the bar, you hear Hangman's arrogant voice near the pool table where he’s with his friend and fellow pilot Coyote. As if he felt you coming, Jake looks up towards you and catches Javy’s attention.

“What do we have here? If it ain’t Phoenix! And here I thought we were special, Coyote.” he exclaims with a cocky smile. “Turns out the invite went to anyone. Oh, there’s even Phoenix Number Two,” Jake adds, seeing you, “So, you’ve finally reached your sister’s level?”

At the mention of the nickname ‘Phoenix Number Two’ - which is, obviously, not your callsign -, you can’t help but be annoyed. Hangman always knows how to get under your skin. You’re about to reply when Natasha beats you to it. 

“Fellas, this here’s Bagman.”

“Hangman.” the concerned person corrects.

“Whatever. You’re looking at the only naval aviator on active duty with a confirmed air-to-air kill.”

“Stop!” 

“Mind you,” you start, looking him up and down, “the other guy was in a museum piece from the Korean War.”

“Cold War.” Coyote rectifies.

“Different wars, same century.” Payback specifies.

“Not this one.” Fanboy adds.

“Who are your friends ?” Javy asks.

You decide to not participate in the conversation any longer and go to ask for a beer. The assignment hasn’t started yet and you’re already sick of it. Sure, for once, you didn’t get more than one comment comparing you and your sister but it’s still a sore subject.

You’re only a year younger than Natasha and yet, those twelve months are enough for the entire world to use your big sister as a comparison. Even before getting in the Navy, you received a lot of remarks explaining how you should be more like Natasha; and this happened only when people were noticing what you were doing. In general, when you were a kid, your achievements were whisked away.

By choosing to be a naval aviator, you thought you’d finally detached yourself from Natasha as you’d be doing a job that is out of the ordinary. At that time, your sister was already in the army, she just didn’t know what she wanted to be in particular. A year before you officially became a pilot, Phoenix proudly announced that she wanted to be one, too. Your parents were immediately proud of her; they didn’t show as much joy when you had told them - as for you, you were irritated. Being a pilot was your dream, it was supposed to be the thing that differenciate you from Natasha, it was supposed to help you show who you truly are and now, it’s just one more thing that you share with your sister.

Your callsign, Griffin, is also another common point with Natasha. People from your year racked their brains to find another mythological creature so you could have a link with your sister. They meant well, you know it, but the fact is that even in the Academy without your sister, you lived in her shadow, in spite of yourself. With years, it drew you and Phoenix apart. You still get along and you’d do anything for her, though you can’t help but be bitter. You know it’s ridiculous, you’re mad at yourself for being this resentful towards her; after all, it’s not her fault, Natasha has always made sure people would see you for who you are, though it doesn’t change the way you feel. With time, you’ve learned to be discreet about this pain that is eating you from the inside. However, from time to time, like tonight, the pain and the anger that comes with it find a way to the surface. So, during the evening, you stay on your own, your beer in hand, conversing with people just enough so they remember you’re here but not enough to be the main topic. 

The mission you’ve been assigned to is the most dangerous one you’ve ever had. You all agree to say it’s almost impossible to complete it. Even Hangman is not cocky enough to pretend he’s confident about it. You’ve always given yourself fully for your work, however this time, you work twice as hard. It’s not only about your own survival but also for the other ones, including your sister. You might train every single day, it still doesn’t seem enough. In training,  no one has succeeded to complete this mission, except Rooster if we forget the fact he arrived at the target too late. Besides Bradley, you’re the one who did best before ‘colliding’ in the mountain just when you were about to hit the spot where the uranium would be. You could have succeeded if you hadn’t been distracted by Natasha and Bob’s plane behind you.

“Why are you dead?” Maverick questions, tensed.

“I didn’t communicate correctly and I didn’t notice they needed help.” you reply with a neutral tone.

“Exactly so, stop playing solo and learn to pay attention to your wingmen. Besides that, you had good technique. Phoenix, as for you, you know how to communicate but you have to be a bit more careful when you fly.”

Reluctantly, you accept Maverick’s critic. He’s not wrong, communication has never been your strong suit. You’re a very lonely person and though sometimes, this might be a strength, when you’re a naval aviator, it is not. You have to do better, you have to do like Natasha. It is not easy for you to admit it but you can’t deny Maverick is correct so you take it upon yourself to learn from his critics so you can be a better pilot, hoping you’ll be able to make it if you’re chosen for the assignment. 

Once the day of the mission has come, anxiety is at its climax while you’re getting ready to fly. Maverick is the team leader and you’re his wingman, Rooster is with Payback and finally Phoenix is with Bob. You do not feel at ease at the thought of your sister flying with you; you are scared something might happen to her. You try not to think of the worst case scenario and instead focus on what you have to do. If you want to keep your squad safe, you have to stay focused on your mission, not on your fear of losing Natasha.

In the air, you all do everything perfectly, completing the two miracles necessary for this mission. Now, enemy missiles are coming from everywhere and you do everything to avoid them. The flares you used to avoid them fly left and right while you keep each other updated on every new threat. There is no end, every time a missile is destroyed, four new ones seem to appear in the sky.

Adrenaline is running through your veins while black smokes surround all of you. In spite of yourself, you look in Natasha’s direction in case she might need help. Though, a missile going right to Bradley and Payback’s plane catches your attention and you fly in their direction to help them, except your plane gets hit in the process and you can’t do anything but fall down as Natasha screams in fear in your ears. 

The second you come back to yourself, you find yourself laying on the snowy ground. Thanks to your third unplanned miracle, you’re not hurt or your adrenaline is still high enough so you can’t feel the pain in your body. You barely avoid an enemy aircraft coming your way thanks to Maverick’s intervention who came to your rescue while crashing his own plane. Together, you find a plane for two before leaving enemy territory and going home.

After a landing more or less wonky, people present on the carrier cheer for you and Maverick as they know you’re safe and sound. You just have time to catch your breath before someone grabs you from behind and makes you walk to a room. Once the door is closed, you find Natasha in front of you and she hugs you, sighing in relief before taking a step back and looking at you with a severe expression. 

“What got into you? It was reckless to pull a stunt like that!”

“Reckless? I saved Rooster and Payback’s life.” you retort, outraged she’s mad.

“And you could have lost yours in the process.”

“I didn’t. I knew what I was doing.”

“No, you didn’t. You were ready to sacrifice yourself and for what? To prove something? To prove you’re a damn good pilot?” Natasha asks, knowing you too well. “Breaking new, you already are! That’s why you were chosen for this mission.”

“This has nothing to do with that.”

“Really?” Natasha questions rhetorically. “Y/N, I don’t know what you need to realise you’ve got nothing to prove.”

“Easy for you to say.” you reply, avoiding her gaze for a second.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Everyone has always seen your talents. I have always had to fight to have a bit of recognition. No matter what I do, I’m only Natasha’s little sibling or ‘Phoenix Number Two’, I’m never just me. So, yeah, maybe I came to Rooster and Payback’s rescue to show I’m strong but what do you want me to say? Years of being invisible mess with your head.” you defend yourself, tearing up.

“That doesn’t mean you should sacrifice yourself at any given occasion. There are other ways to show your talent as a naval aviator. How would you think we’d react if you were to die after acting like you did? Sure, maybe people would recognize your achievements but we would be devastated, I would be devastated.” Natasha exclaims, her voice breaking. “And now you must think I’m insensitive because I’m making this situation about me and maybe I am, but if that’s what it takes for you to understand how dangerous and stupid what you did was then so be it.”

“I’m just tired of working harder just to not be seen.”

“Y/N, it’s not the case anymore.” she affirms, taking a step forward. “We’re not kids anymore. If people didn’t see you, you wouldn’t have been called back to TopGun and you wouldn’t have been Maverick’s wingman and yet, you were. It’s probably easier said than done, however you have to realise the child version of you who was never taken seriously has grown up and showed they had guts. I’m not saying people will stop comparing us but they don’t see you as an extension of me anymore, they see the real you now.”

“You’re probably right.” you end up saying, wiping a single tear on your cheek. “I’m sorry I scared you.”

“You better not do that ever again or this time, I’d be faster than Maverick and find you so I could kick your ass.”

You lightly chuckle before taking your sister in your arms again. Slowly, you feel the adrenaline leaving your body as you integrate the words you’ve exchanged with Natasha. She’s right, you have to realise things aren’t like they used to. Maybe one day you’ll finally be able to do it. Maybe you’ll finally let go of this idea you have to fight to be seen for you and you only, maybe one day, you’ll finally be able to just live.

Top Gun Maverick Masterlist

[tongue-like-a-razor]

Request for Rooster please :) basically fluff, not sure if you have something like this already but something along the line of y/n being a pilot as well, Rooster falling for them and trying to potentially impress them? Trying to confess before his chance is loss because he sees hangman around y/n time to time but Rooster doesn’t find out (immediately) that hangman and y/n are siblings so Rooster is torn between confessing or not (he does end up confessing)

Ahh thank you for the super cute request! I have a thing for writing sisters, you know ;)

Worst Day Ever

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Seresin Sister!Reader

CW: Just a lil drabble, nothing fancy. A little cheesy. A bit fluffy. A lot goofy. The star of this show is Nat XD

WC: ~1100

“This is the worst day ever.”

Natasha looks over at Bradley as he moodily packs up his things at the end of the briefing. She grins in amusement. “You sound like a toddler.”

Bradley exhales gloomily and directs his gaze toward the front of the room where you stand, chatting with Bagman. “What does she see in that dirtbag?” he makes a face of disgust.

“I guess she sees his abs.” Natasha shrugs.

Bradley gives her a flat look. “Not you too.”

“What?” she exclaims with a laugh. “I’m not denying that he’s got a shit personality.” She glances over at you and Jake. “But he’s easy on the eyes, what can I say?”

“Maybe I should challenge him to a push up contest,” Bradley muses.

“Dude, we’re in the military.” Natasha shakes her head. “Push ups are not going to impress her.”

“But his abs did the trick?”

Natasha purses her lips. “Have you seen him flex?”

“Maybe you should bag him,” Bradley proposes sourly. Then, he adds, “Actually, that’s not a half bad idea!”

“No,” Natasha responds curtly and starts for the door.

“C’mon, Trace. I will owe you.” Bradley trails after her. “I will pay you.”

Natasha stops just short of the door. “To do what?”

“We’ll invite them to the Hard Deck. You distract Bagman –”

“No,” Natasha repeats, exiting the room.

“I thought you had my back!” Bradley calls after her as the rest of the aviators assigned to the mission start filing out into the hallway.

“Someone leave you hangin’, Rooster?” Jake asks playfully as he walks by.

Bradley flashes an annoyed look in his direction and sees that you’re walking alongside him. He locks eyes with you briefly – for the first time ever – and then glances back at Jake irritably. “Don’t worry, Bagman. That’s still your undisputed domain.”

Jake scoffs while you drop your head to hide a smile.

“Hey Bagman!” Natasha calls from down the hall.

Bradley looks up to see her doubling back.

“You guys want to join us at the Hard Deck tonight?” she asks casually.

Jake raises his eyebrows in surprise, so shocked at the invitation that he doesn’t respond right away.

That’s when you say, “Sure! We’ll be there!”

…

“Drink as much as you want, Phoenix,” Bradley says giddily. “It’s on me.”

“You bet your ass it is,” Natasha says, taking a swig of beer. “I’m going to need it.”

Bradley doesn’t have a chance to laugh because that’s when you and Jake enter the bar.

The two of you make your way over to Bradley and Natasha’s table. Jake is scowling but your smile is bright enough for the both of you.

“Hey!” Bradley says, rising from his seat to greet you.

Jake gives him a dirty look and Bradley squares his shoulders to appear a little taller. Jake might have gotten to you first but that doesn't mean that Bradley can't, at least, try.

“How’s it going?” you say as you take a seat and Bradley could swear they’re the three sweetest words he’s ever heard in his life.

“Great,” he responds, beaming at you like an idiot.

“So good,” Natasha responds absently, downing the remainder of her beer. “I need a refill.”

Jake, who is just about to sit down, rises again with an irritable sigh. “What’re you drinking?” he asks.

Natasha grimaces at him. “I can get my own beer,” she responds, also getting up.

Jake gives her a phony grin. “I guess you’re used to it,” he bites back.

You elbow Jake aggressively in his leg and he nearly loses his balance. “Be nice,” you warn him.

Bradley watches Natasha and Jake head to the bar together, surprised that you’re familiar enough with Jake to physically assault him considering the briefing this morning was only the third time you’ve met. Bradley wonders if maybe you know Jake from before; that would explain your allegiance.

“I’m glad you guys came,” Bradley says to you, not really sure how else to start a conversation with a girl who’s more or less spoken for.

You smile at him. “Yeah, thanks for the invite!”

“Of course,” Bradley responds. He decides not to mention that the entire night was orchestrated just so he could spend time with you.

“Jake’s pretty excited.”

Bradley lifts his eyebrows dubiously and looks over at Jake who’s at the bar with Natasha. “He’s got a weird way of showing it.”

You laugh. “Oh, he’s far too ‘badass’ to show it.”

Bradley snorts and looks back at you with a grin. “I like you,” he says before he can stop himself.

You chuckle slightly and lower you gaze without responding.

“I mean it,” he says.

You shift slightly in your seat and change the subject. “Your low altitude pass yesterday was pretty awesome,” you say.

Bradley grins and straightens his posture proudly. “You saw that?”

“It was hard to miss.” You cringe slightly. “Cyclone was so mad, I'm surprised you didn't hear him yelling from the cockpit.”

Bradley winces. “Yeah, I may have gotten into some trouble. But hey, if it means you noticed me, it was worth it.” He lets out a chuckle.

You smile, your eyes resting on his. "I noticed you," you admit.

Bradley keeps his gaze on you, releasing a guilty sigh. What's he doing flirting with you when Jake has clearly already shown interest? He hangs his head sullenly and says, "Look, I don’t know what you and Bagman have going on –”

“Umm,” you interject, holding up a hand. Bradley looks up at you, already nauseated because he’s fairly certain you’re about to tell him off. Instead, you proceed to say, “You know he’s my brother, right?”

Bradley blinks at you in awe. After several lengthy seconds, he says, “Shut the fuck up.”

You start laughing. “What did you think?”

Bradley drops his face in his hands, embarrassed and relieved in equal measure. “That’s why you like him.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” you mutter sarcastically.

Bradley nearly chokes. “You’re hilarious,” he says.

You lean into the table toward him. “And you’re cute.”

Bradley stares at you in amazement and then grins sheepishly. “I’m so glad you think so.”

“Alright kids,” Bradley hears Jake’s voice and realizes that he and Natasha have approached the table. “We’re gonna call it a night.”

“What? Already?” Bradley exclaims, looking up at them. He instantly observes that Jake is holding Natasha’s hand. “Oh,” Bradley adds, meeting Natasha’s gaze with an amused grin. “Well, this is turning out to be an alright day.”

Natasha shoots him a threatening look but says not a word.

“Bradshaw,” Jake says, narrowing his eyes as he glances between you and Bradley pointedly. “Keep your hands to yourself.”

Bradley solutes him with a nod and a smirk and then says, “You have yourself a good night, Seresin.”

Rooster Tag List:

The rest of the list will be in the comments.

@rosiahills22

@olliepig

@xoxabs88xox

@callsignvenus

@atarmychick007

@shanimallina87

@wkndwlff

@ijustwantedplums

@Elenavampire21

@SometimesAnAlice

@risingtripletaurus

@desert-fern

@sarcasm-n-insomnia

@graciereads

@pono-pura-vida

@ltfirecracker

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@roosterandme

@julielightwood

@primroseluna

@diorrfairy

@fandom-princess-forevermore

@dontletthemtakeyoualive

@schreksdoubledeckerhomechecker

@memoriesat30

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@queerqueenlynn

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@jrdyn

@callsign-mayhem

@og-baby-ob14

@chewymoustachio

@itsizzythebell

@marvelshoney

@sarcastic-sourwolf

[awaywith-thefaeries]

YOU MIGHT WANT TO STEP ASIDE | j.seresin

pairing: jake “hangman” seresin x floyd!reader

summary: two times your boyfriend and twin brother had to stand up for you, and the one time you shocked them by doing it yourself

warnings: anxiety, shy reader, protective Hangman, protective Bob, insecure reader, self doubt.

a/n: this idea came about when @cherieann-2001 and I were discussing the dagger squad with twin siblings, and we came up with Bob’s twin sis. @cherieann-2001 i’m sorry this took me so long! I hope you like 😊.

word count: 4K

masterlist

the time where your brother introduces you to his friends…

The noise coming from the beachfront bar makes you pause as you follow behind your twin brother. Your hand reaches up unconsciously to grab at the back of Robert's uniform, tugging just hard enough to make your brother pause and turn around to see your eyes shooting from side to side, one of your clear tells when you're nervous.

"You're ok, y/n/n," Robert says gently, bringing his hands up to rest on your shoulder's, knowing from experience that the weight of it brings you comfort when you start to get anxious.

"I...I d....don't think I w...want to g...go in there, Robbie," you say, tripping over your words as your breathing starts to get heavy.

"It's gonna be okay, y/n/n, you're gonna be just fine," Robert says again, pulling you into a tight hug in which you manage to get your breathing under control, "it's just gonna be Nat and some of my squad, we'll have our own table and you don't have to talk to anyone else for the entire night if you want."

Robert can see the exact moment when you make the decision to come into the bar, the spark of curiosity lighting in your eyes at the mention of your brother's co-pilot. You had met Natasha "Phoenix" Trace shortly after your brother's squadron had been permanently assigned to the San Diego base, where you had been working as a kindergarten teacher for the on-base school for the past two years. Being so close to your brother again has been so fun, with the two of you hanging out in every spare moment you had.

The two of you had grown up very close, with Robert being the protective older brother (by three minutes, you had always been quick to whisper sarcastically under your breath whenever he had tried to pull rank) to your quiet, unconfrontational manner.

"Are you ready to go in, or do you need a minute?" Robert asks, hand coming up to rest on the top of your head.

"I...I'm ready," you say, reaching out to tug on your brother's arm and follow after him as he puts his arm around your shoulders and steers you toward the entrance to the bar, under the shining sign reading THE HARD DECK.

Immediately, the noise of the bar makes you flinch and Robert's arm around your shoulders squeezes slightly, and you turn to look at him, finding him already looking at you, asking you if you're okay with his eyes.

You nod at him and tap on his hand, which he lets fall off of your shoulder as he nods towards a booth near the back of the bar, situated right by a pool table. You drop slightly behind him as you follow, preferring to take in your new surroundings from your slightly hidden vantage point behind your brother.

"Bob!" A voice calls from the direction of the table, and you peek slightly around your brother's shoulder to watch as a tall blonde man with the most beautiful smile you've ever seen saunters up to Robert and swings an arm around his shoulders, pulling him forward into a light headlock. You watch, slightly frozen as your brother laughs and fake punches the new man in the stomach, causing him to release Robert, and take a step back, hands going to his hips, stance relaxed as he smiles.

You're so entranced with watching your brother and his pretty friend that you don't notice Natasha coming up on your right, holding a glass of sparkling water in one hand.

"Hey, Y/n," she says softly, just loud enough for you to hear, but not so loud as to startle you.

You turn to look at her, and the first real smile of the night graces your lips.

"Hi Nat," you say, voice quiet as she smiles. She gently holds out the glass of sparkling water to you.

"For you!"

You look down and take the drink from her, thanking her shyly as she smiles at you and tips her head towards the booth, inviting you to go sit with her.

You glance at your brother, finding him already watching you, the tiniest gleam of pride in his eyes as he nods encouragingly. You smile and as you’re turning back to Nat, your eyes meet those of the man who had greeted your brother. He’s looking at you, not staring so much as just observing, and you shiver a little under the the intensity of his green eyed gaze.

Taking a tiny leap of faith, that has your stomach whooshing from the unfamiliarity of it all, you shoot the stranger a shy smile, before quickly ducking your head and sitting down next to your friend.

Much later, you’ve loosened up enough to laugh a little with Nat, who has been sitting with you at the table since you’d arrived. You have even met some of your brothers other pilot friends, including the first guy who had approached the two of you. You’ve learned that his name was Jake, but everyone calls him Hangman. You haven’t had the courage to ask why they call him that, but you noticed your eyes straying to the tall blonde more times than you care to admit. He just has this aura around him that makes you gravitate towards him, although your anxiety won’t let you do more than watch from afar.

“Hey, I’m gonna run to the ladies room, are you good here for a bit?” Nat asks you, scooting out of the booth and standing, waiting near the head of the table. You smile, nodding as you wave her away, scooting out of the booth as well.

“Yeah, I’m gonna g…go get another drink, I think,” you say and Nat nods, before heading towards the back of the bar.

You watch her go for a second, then glance around to spot your brother in the middle of a game of pool with one of his friends, Coyote, you remember.

You steal yourself and then make your way through the crowded space, ducking between people until you stand at an open space at the bar.

You watch as the pretty bartender, smiles at the brown haired man she was talking to, who you remember is called Maverick, before making her way over to you.

“Hey, can I grab you a refill?” The woman asks, nodding to the empty glass in your hand.

“Um y…yes pl….please,” you say, stuttering through your words.

The woman’s smile puts you a little bit more at ease, as she asks what you’re drinking.

“Just sp…sparkling w….water.”

The woman nods at you and takes the cup from you. As she uses the soda spout to refill your glass, she introduces herself as Penny, the owner of the Hard Deck.

“We don’t usually get a lot of new customers this time of year,” she says, pushing the newly full glass back towards you, “are you new to town, or just passing through?”

Something about the way she seems so at ease puts you immediately at ease, and you only trip over your words once as you answer, voice getting a little stronger with each word.

“I live about t…ten minutes away, and my brother is in the Navy, he was just recently assigned here. I don’t usually go out by myself, but he asked me to meet some of his friends here tonight.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, who’s your brother?” Penny inquires.

“Um Robert Floyd? You’d probably know him as Bob.”

You wave a hand in the direction of your brother. Penny nods, turning back to you with a smile.

“Well you are always welcome at the Hard Deck! I didn’t catch your name, dear.”

You give your name, and Penny smiles at you once more, before heading off to help another customer.

You look down at your glass to hide the small smile that plays across your lips at the idea that you just met someone without the buffer of your brother.

You’re so caught up in your own head as you make your way back through the tables, you don’t notice the man until it’s too late.

A body slams into yours from the front, causing your water to splash over your hands and down your front as you stumble backwards. Just as you feel yourself falling, a warm presence appears at your back, steadying you with an arm around your shoulders as another pushes out in front of you. The tan hand shoves the man who had hit you, sending him away from you with such a force that he staggers before righting himself.

You look up at the person who saved you, only slightly surprised to see Jake already staring down at you, concern apparent in his gorgeous green eyes.

“What the fuck man?!” The man who had shoved you says loudly, causing you to jump slightly and subconsciously move in closer to Jake’s side.

“Watch where you’re going!” Jake’s voice holds the slightest hint of anger and you instinctively deflate a bit as you open your mouth to apologize.

“Not you, sweets,” Jake says, unknowingly making your heart flutter wildly in your chest at the name, “you did nothing wrong.”

Jake’s hand smooths over your shoulder, as he glares at the other man. The guy scoffs and looks around, as if making sure he doesn’t have an audience, before swinging his glare back to you and Jake.

“Um, I didn’t do anything wrong here! She was the one not looking where she was going!” He accuses, gesturing at you and making you shrink even further into Jake’s side, shame rising when you feel your eyes start to burn with tears.

“You’re gonna want to watch how you speak to her, jackass.”

Jake’s voice is so hard that the guy visibly blanches, and not so subtly takes a step back and away from the angry pilot at your side.

“Apologize to her for spilling her drink, and then fuck right off.” Jake commands, and the guy mutters the quietist apology you’ve ever heard and then disappears into the crowd.

Jake’s hand strokes over your shoulder one more time and then it’s gone. You turn to look up at the man who had come to your rescue, and Jake gently smiles down at you.

“You alright, y/n?” He asks, gaze sweeping quickly over the front of your dress, clearly soaked through from your spilled water, before flicking back up to your face.

“I….I’m o…okay,” you stutter, shame rising at the idea of this handsome man seeing you so humiliated, “th…thank y…you for rescuing m…me.”

“It’s no trouble, sweets,” Jake says easily, swinging his big green jacket off of his shoulders and draping it over your form.

“What do you need?” He asks, once you’ve settled into the material, hiding your soaked dress, noticing your eyes darting around quickly.

Jake’s niece is a shy little thing who has many of the same tendencies that Jake has recognized in you throughout the evening as he watched you sitting with Phoenix. He saw the way your natural tendency is to roll your shoulders forward slightly and curl in on yourself, your hair falling forward to hide that beautiful face from the world.

You stand staring at him in shock for a few seconds, before mentally shaking yourself.

“I’m o…okay, just maybe to sit back down,” you say, and Jake nods, guiding you back over to the booth.

“Wait right here, I’m gonna go grab you another soda water, and then we’ll just sit here until everyone’s ready to go, okay?” Jake asks as you sit down. You nod at him, playing with your fingers as you wait. Once you hear him walk away, you glance up and survey the bar, spotting Nat and your brother engaged in a pool game with Coyote and Rooster watching on.

You shuffle yourself a little deeper into Jake’s jacket, and close your eyes for a few moments, breathing deeply to let the shocking encounter roll off your shoulders.

“You doing okay, y/n/n?” Robert asks as he slides into the booth next to you. You smile up at him, letting your head fall on his shoulder as his arm comes up to rest over your shoulders.

“Yeah, I’m good.” You feel your lips pull up into a smile as you watch Jake lean against the bar and chat with Penny and Maverick, while Penny pours another sparkling water.

“Good.” Your brother is smiling at you when you turn your head to look at him. You grin back, and then let your head drop back onto his shoulder, waiting for Jake to come back with your drink and letting yourself relax into the evening. You might have been anxious going into this evening, but you feel perfectly at ease right now, with your brothers arm around your shoulders and your new (and ridiculously handsome) friend sinking down into the other side of the booth and sliding a fresh glass across the table to you, eyes bright as he settles into a comfortable conversation with your brother.

✯✯✯✯

the time where someone makes the mistake of cutting in front of jake’s girlfriend in line…

The sun is glistening brightly over the ocean as you sit back against your boyfriend’s chest, a soft beach towel beneath you and a book in hand.

The waves lapping against the sand, and the familiar feel of Jake’s fingers combing through your hair lull you comfortably towards sleep, and you close your book, setting it beside you on the towel as you lay your head back against Jake’s shoulder. You eyes are closed as you feel your boyfriend’s arm come up to drape across your chest, caging you into his embrace.

“What are you doing, sweets?” Jake’s voice brings you back from the edge of sleep, his lips brushing across your forehead as his arm across your chest squeezes gently, his fingers drawing small nonsensical patterns on you collar bone.

“Just taking in the moment,” you sigh, shifting to meet his eyes, head still resting on his shoulder. His green eyes gleam with mischief as he meets your gaze.

“But I want to know who she picks,” he says, gesturing to the novel you had put down.

Embarrassment flushes through you as you think about the romance book you had been reading, with its drama filled love triangle.

“Y…you were r…reading it?” You ask, tripping over a few of your words, face burning as you turned your head back to the ocean, away from Jake.

“Hey,” Jake drops his face to your neck, nuzzling you and pressing kisses to the sensitive skin there, “don’t be embarrassed. It was quite an interesting story.”

“Y…you really think so?”

“Of course, y/n/n! I like everything you read.”

“O…okay,” you smile, getting distracted by the attention your boyfriend is lavishing on your neck. You squirm in his grasp as he blows into your neck, causing the two of you to start laughing, as you shake him off and then immediately curl back into his chest, yawning as you snuggle into him.

“What do you wanna do for the afternoon then, Sweets?” Jake asks, fingers going back to trace across your collarbone.

“I don’t know, but I know I’m going to need a coffee for it if it involves being awake,” you say, the heat of the day and the general sense of comfort you feel around your boyfriend contributing to your sleepiness.

“Alright then, baby, let’s get you caffeinated!” Jake says, putting your book into the tote bag lying next to him, before helping you up and shaking out your towel, “Call me selfish, but I’m definitely gonna be wanting your sweet company for a lot longer today.”

You giggle as you hold the bag open for him to deposit the now folded towel in, grinning as Jake uses the opportunity to brush a kiss over your nose. He grins back at you, taking the tote from your hands and slinging it over his shoulder, crooking his elbow so that you can hold his arm.

You snuggle in as close to his side as possible while walking, letting him lead you toward the beaches parking lot and his truck.

You climb into the passenger side after Jake opens the door for you, settling into the well worn leather seat, as your boyfriend starts the engine, pulling out of the beachside parking lot, through a neighborhood, and onto the little high street of your seaside town.

A few minutes later, you’re standing in line outside your favorite coffee truck. Jake has run to the restroom in the shop across the street, leaving you to keep your place in the line, which due to the popularity of the truck, wraps quite far down the sidewalk. You are standing quietly, content to just observe the going’s on of the little high street, when you feel more than see a body push in front of you in line, knocking you back and off balance. You stumble, bumping into the woman behind you, who kindly steadies you, smiling as you stutter out an apology, face flushing in embarrassment.

“No worries, my dear, it wasn’t your fault,” she says, shooting a dirty look over your shoulder at the line cutter, before smiling at you once more and going back to reading the magazine she’s holding.

You turn back to face the man now standing in front of you, as if he’d been waiting in line like the rest of you. You start to think about just letting him stay in the line in front of you, before thinking fuck it and clearing your throat loudly.

The stranger turns around, and the look in his eyes makes you wish you had just let him cut the line. But you’ve come this far and you can hear your brother’s voice in your head telling you to stand up for yourself and not let anyone push you around, so you lift your chin, and ball your hands to stop them from shaking.

“Yes?” The stranger grunts, glowering at you as if you were the one in the wrong.

“Y..you just c..cut in the line. It actually starts b..back there,” you say, pointing down the sidewalk to where the last person in line is standing. You’re trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, wanting to believe that he had just accidentally just into the line.

The guy just stares at you for a long moment, and you grow more and more uncomfortable by the second. You eventually drop your arm, and wait for him to step back out of the line.

“I…i…i…is it r…r…really,” he scoffs, exaggerating the stutter he puts on as he takes a step closer to you, staring down at you with a mena glint in his eye. “What are you going to do about it, huh?”

Your stomach drops as he crowds you, eyes welling with unwanted tears, which you try furiously to not let escape. You take a deep breath, something which he notices and smirks at, eyes portraying that he’s fully confident in his victory.

Just as you open your mouth to say something, you feel a familiar presence at you back, as your boyfriend slings an arm around your chest, pulling you back into his.

“Here’s what you’re gonna do, buddy,” Jake’s voice is all authority, as he stares down the other man, while simultaneously providing you comfort by letting his fingers stroke over your shoulder as his arm across your chest acts as a protective, comforting barrier, “you’re gonna back the fuck off from my girl, you’re gonna apologize, and then you’re gonna march yourself right to the back of the line and wait, just like everyone else is.

The two men seem locked in a stare down for a few tense moments, as your hands come up to grip Jake’s forearm. The line cutter holds strong for a solid five seconds longer before blinking and taking a step back.

“Fine, whatever.” You and Jake watch him as he walks away, not even in the direction of the end of the line.

You feel Jake’s arm tighten briefly across your front, before it fell away, one hand gripping your hand, spinning you around and into his arms. You hands land on his chest, and you stare up at him, struck breathless from the clear adoration in your boyfriends eyes.

“You okay, Sweets?” He asks, on hand coming up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear.

“Yeah,” you sigh, and he searches your eyes for a few moments, no doubt making ure you were being truthful, before dropping his head to brush his lips against yours.

“Well aren’t you two just the sweetest.”

You pull away from Jake and look towards the voice, seeing the woman who you’d stumbled into. She was smiling, the skin around her eyes crinkling as she does. You smile back, slightly apologetically.

“I’m sorry again for knocking into you,” you say, still feeling guilty despite knowing that it hadn’t really been your fault. The woman waves you off.

“It’s no problem at all, dear,” she says, before glancing between you and Jake. Jake nods at her, silently thanking her for helping you out. She smiles back, eyes glazing over for a second.

“You two have a beautiful day, alright,” she says, before gesturing to the coffee truck’s open window, which you hadn’t even realized had gotten closer, till you were the next people in line.

“You too, Ma’am,” Jake says, hooking an arm around your waist, “now, let’s get you caffeinated, baby.”

✯✯✯✯

the time where someone makes the mistake of hitting on Jake in front of his girl…

🎶Slow Ride. Take it Easy🎶

You laugh, bright and open as you and Jake walk in to THE HARD DECK to the first strains of “Slow Ride” coming from the jukebox in the corner. When you look over towards the music corner, you laugh even harder as you spot your brother and Rooster grinning back at you, and the man next to you.

“Of course, it was them,” Jake laughs, and guides you towards the group of pilots who had quickly become your friends after Bob introduced you that first night at the Hard Deck.

When you reach the table, you sit next to Phoenix and Jake scoots in after you.

“How has everyone been?” You asks, shifting into Jake’s side as his arm takes up its usual spot around your shoulders. Your brother scoots into the booth across from you, and pushes your favorite drink towards you.

“Thanks Robbie,” you smile, raising the drink to your lips and taking a sip.

Much later, you and Natasha are coming back from the bathroom together, where you both had been freshening up after an intense match of darts between Jake and Bradley had left you both crying with laughter, which subsequently caused your mascara to run.

“Omg, look y/n/n,” Nat says, pointing towards the bar, where a fake busty blonde is currently trying to shove her boobs into your boyfriends face.

“Not again,” you complain, which causes Nat to laugh and loop her arm through yours, as you make your way through the throngs of bar patrons to your table. You keep you eyes on the blonde currently chatting up your Jake, although he remains completely un-responsive to her advances.

It’s only when she starts to brush her hand along Jake’s arm, and leans in the closest she’s ever attempted that you and Nat both stand up, and Natasha looks to you for a moment.

“You want me to deal with her?” She asks, rolling her shoulders as if preparing to physically remove the woman from the bar. You love your friend for being so ready to come to your aid, but based on the fact that regardless of Jake’s repeated dismissal of the blonde, this is the third week in a row that she has tried, even you and your non confrontational nature are getting frustrated. Natasha and Bob have dealt with distracting the woman away from Jake every other time she has attempted to put the moves on, but this time, you shake your head at your friend and motion for her to sit down again.

“No, thank you Nat, but I think I’m going to go over there tonight,” you say, the two drinks you had had earlier giving you a courage you normally didn’t possess as you push your hair away from your face and turn to walk over to the blonde to hopefully, finally get this woman to back off from your man, leaving Nat cackling gleefully in your wake.

Meanwhile, Jake drums his fingers in a nonsensical pattern on the bar as he keeps his gaze firmly off of the woman on his right, currently crossing her arms under her breasts, so that her tiny top strains to keep her breasts in.

Penny smiles at him as she slides his beer over to him.

“There you are, soldier.” She says, and Jake laughs at her, shooting her his signature grin as he lifts the pint to his lips ad takes a swig.

“Thanks a million, Penny Pie,” Jake says, jokingly using the nickname that the squad had given Penny when she and Maverick had announced to them that they were getting married.

As Penny walks away, the blonde, Jake thinks her name was Jessica?, moves closer to Jake, brushing his arm with her chest and blinking her heavily lined eyes up at him.

“Oh, the bartenders taken, stud,” she says, in a tone which suggests she thinks that she is saving Jake from a horrible heartbreak. He shifts away from her again and is about to ask her to please leave him alone, when someone beats him to it.

“So is he.”

A grin immediately finds its way onto Jake’s face at the sound of your voice and he turns around, immediately spotting you a few feet away, arms crossed over your chest, eyes glaring at Jessica and an adorable pout on your lips.

“Hi, baby,” he says, opening his free arm for you. You move towards him and wrap your arms around his middle, leaning against him. You kept your glare on Jessica, as the blonde looked between you and Jake, mouth slightly agape.

“Really?” She asks, tone biting and frankly mean, “this is who a stud like you is with?”

Jake frowns, arm tightening around you, as he opens his mouth to defend you. But again, for the second time that night, you beat him to it.

“Yeah, I am,” you say, smiling at the blonde who glares back at you, “and I’m also the person who he’s going to continue to be with, so you might wanna step aside and take your desperate attempts elsewhere.”

You flick your hand at her, still riding the high of your drinks from earlier and then once she leaves, you turn your head you look up at your boyfriend. Jake is gazing down at you, the look in his eyes heated.

“Baby…” he trails off, hand coming up to brush across your cheek, “that was…”

You smile a little sheepishly up at him.

“A little out of character I know,” you say, feeling a little dramatic and self-conscious for what you just did.

“…extremely hot.” Jake finishes his sentence, grinning as he brings you in for a kiss.

“I love you, Jake,” you whisper against his lips.

“I love you too, baby.”

a/n: thank you so much for reading! My requests are open, so if there is anything you’d like to see me write, please check my rules and feel free to ask! I should be able to get to a lot more because I’m free from college for the summer! I always love to chat and appreciate every reblog, comment and like. Happy Reading!

[illdowhatiwantthanks]

Masterlist & Request Guidelines

Requests are closed right now, but the Masterlist is always open! 🫶🏻

MASTERLIST

Olivia Benson (Law & Order: SVU)

Can You Stay?

Texts from Olivia Benson

Eyes Open

When Worlds Collide (x daughter!reader)

Alex Blake (Criminal Minds)

What You Want (18+)

Inside Your Head

Texts from Alex Blake

Haircut

Alex Cabot (Law & Order: SVU)

Alex Cabot x Reader Headcanons

After General Anesthesia

Alex Cabot x Casey Novak x Reader SFW Headcanons

What You Give

Texts from Alex Cabot (18+)

Carol Danvers (Marvel)

Forgetting

Find Your People (x sibling!reader)

Rosa Diaz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

A Hard Day

Just Playing

Headcanons: Coming Out to Rosa Diaz as Transmasc

Passenger Princess

A Little Lunch

Penelope Garcia (Criminal Minds)

N/A

Lee Harker (Longlegs)

Cocooned

The Halloween Party

Jennifer Jareau (Criminal Minds)

The Dogs

The Intruder

Fight or Flight (x daughter!reader)

Texts from Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (18+)

The Aftermath

Johanna Mason (The Hunger Games)

Home Again

Casey Novak (Law & Order: SVU)

Clueless

Someone Will See

First Time (18+)

Sunday Mornings

She Likes You Anyway

Empty House (18+)

You're Safe Now

Home for the Holidays

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (18+)

I Need You To

Your Brother's Wedding

Casey Novak x Reader Headcanons

After General Anesthesia

Panic! At the DA's Office

Alex Cabot x Casey Novak x Reader SFW Headcanons

May the Fourth Be With You

Changes

With the Crack of a Bat

Just One Kiss

Texts from Casey Novak

They Go Low

Getting Older, Too

Interrogations

When Worlds Collide

Frozen Oranges

Maggie Pierce (Grey's Anatomy)

Just as Friends

Emily Prentiss (Criminal Minds)

The Surprise Series Masterlist

Coming Out

Let Me Keep You Safe (18+)

Emily Prentiss x Reader Headcanons

Shelter from the Storm

Don't Lie to Me

Burning (18+)

Tracing You

Tiny (x daughter!reader)

Doxxed

Control (18+)

The World's Largest Box of Condoms (x daughter!reader)

Touchy (18+)

Texts from Emily Prentiss (18+)

White Fang

Arizona Robbins (Grey's Anatomy)

N/A

Natasha Romanoff (Marvel)

N/A

Amelia Shepherd (Grey's Anatomy)

Sick Call

Aces

Tea for Two

Strap Up (18+)

Postpartum (18+)

Playing It Safe (18+)

You're Mine (18+)

The R Word

Left Unsaid (18+)

Texts from Amelia Shepherd (18+)

Callie Torres (Grey's Anatomy)

N/A

Cristina Yang (Grey's Anatomy)

N/A

REQUEST GUIDELINES

If you have requests for characters outside of the above, please feel free to send them on anyway! The above are just characters I've written for before. If I'm familiar with the character/source material and the request meets my parameters, I'll be happy to give it a shot!

PARAMETERS:

I only write for characters who are women. No men here. Sorry, folks.

I only write x reader. I don't really enjoy writing about already-existing relationships or character ships. I've done a couple of x daughter!reader and x sibling!reader fics, and I'm happy to do them, but to be honest I very much prefer romantic fics.

I only write for readers and characters with v*lvas. I absolutely welcome non-binary/gender non-conforming characters/readers. Just be aware that, where smut is concerned, I only feel confident writing about humans with v*ginas.

I don't feel comfortable writing dark!characters or smut that's degrading. Kinks and other smut-related requests I take on a case-by-case basis. But I absolutely will not write anything that even gets close to the line of non-consensual. No shade to you if the above are things you enjoy reading/writing, they're just personally not for me.

Autistic readers are so welcome! I love reading and writing x autistic!reader fics!

I do feel comfortable writing about the aftermath of trauma (sexual or otherwise), most mental illnesses, etc. I enjoy a good hurt/comfort fic and, as someone who's dealt with both of the above, I know it can be very comforting to read something that makes you feel like you're cared for and safe.

I also really enjoy writing headcanons, so feel free to request those as well! The same rules apply for headcanons that apply for fics.

Send those requests on, bbs!

[startrekfangirl2233-writes]

Nothing Comes Close to the Golden Coast

Description: You're on the beach because it's what your little sister wanted for her bachelorette party. One day, you can manage, right? You're not expecting to stumble right into the woman who could can change your outlook on beaches that day. But with Natasha Trace, maybe you're starting to see nothing comes close to the golden coast.

Warnings: Female! Reader, Flirting, Beaches, Mild Cursing, Natasha is too flirty for words and possibly a little dangerous

A/N: Hiya lovelies! This is a fic I wrote for @bellaireland1981 's 1K Pool Party celebration. Congratulations on 1K followers Bella! It's my first time writing a long form Phoenix x Reader fic and I hope I did Nix justice. All my love to @horseshoegirl for beta-ing this fic for me and making sure I wasn't 1) using too many commas (yes I have a problem) and 2) that this fic was flirty and fun and summery enough!

Word Count: 3617

Cross-posted to AO3 here!

Cross-posted to Wattpad here!

You like going to the beach as much as any other girl. But unlike other girls, you tend to prefer quiet, calm, clear beaches to lie on. The kind of beach where you can hear the tide coming in and the seagulls wheeling in the clear summer sky. The kind of beach where the sand is clear, and you never have to fight to find a spot to lay down your towel and where you can read without a beach ball smashing into your face. Of course, finding the clear beaches you love is far from easy. It seems like the minute the calendar hits Memorial Day, everyone in the Greater San Diego area books it to the beach for the summer. You’ve even seen people taking meetings out on the beach. But to put it bluntly, you're not one of those people.

So why are you out on this congested, loud beach today? There's only one reason: your baby sister's Bachelorette party. It was an obligation you couldn’t get out of. You love your sister, but you’re less than happy to be spending time with her and her friends. When it’s just the two of you, it feels like you’re the closest pair of siblings on the planet. But when she’s with her friends, it feels like there is a colossal, ever-widening, yawning gulf between you. Everyone calls her the pretty one while you're the practical one. In the eyes of your entire extended family, it is one of the many reasons why she's getting married at 22 when you're still single at 28. To keep the peace, you’ve been pasting a smile on your face and literally grinning and bearing it for everything she’s asked of you. Because you love her and in only a week’s time you can get a bit of a break from her (or really, from her best friend).

To make matters worse, you’re the only girl in the group wearing a one-piece suit, something flattering yet mostly covered, without showing off your cleavage or too much of your ass.

“God, do you have to wear that old lady suit?” She'd scoffed when you walked out of your house that morning, a sunhat on your head and a sarong tied around your waist to complement the deep maroon one-piece you’d pulled out to wear. “Please tell me you have a bikini you can go wear instead. If you'd told me, I would have brought you one of mine!”

As if you'd have ever worn a bikini of hers. Your younger sister is thin, model thin, with a narrow waist and perfectly perky A-cups, which look fantastic in the hot pink bikini she's wearing today. She's got the physique that makes men look a little stupid. Already, there is a pack of unfairly pretty men who have gone a little cross-eyed when your sister and her friends walked by. In contrast, you're shorter and curvier, your hair dark where hers is blonde, and the ultimate introvert to her bubbly extrovert.

You aren't even her maid of honor at her wedding - that particular honor belongs to her best friend - yes, the aforementioned obnoxious Sally herself. It's not as if anyone has even noticed you're not having the time of your life in the water. After all, why would they? Who wants the babysitter hanging around you when you're trying to have fun? It's the role you've been playing since your sister was born, and you're sure you'll play it again once your sister has kids. For now, all you can do is stay secluded under your umbrella and try to read a little despite the noise. At least it is a little emptier on the beach now as the sun sinks slowly across the sky.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?”

The voice is male, filled with all the surety of a man who knows what he wants and has never failed to get it. Your eyes are rolling before your head rises from your book. Your sister and Sally are under the umbrella next to you, and unsurprisingly, that comment was targeted at the two of them. You're pretty sure they are two of the group who were tossing around not one but two footballs on the beach.

“Two pretty things like you look like you could use a drink.”

It's the blonde, tall with green eyes, and a shit-eating grin, who makes the offer. And to your disbelief, it looks like your sister is going to take these guys up on their offer.

“We'd love to!”

Is she thinking at all? Before you can stop yourself, you're speaking.

“Can I talk to you, Vicky?”

“The fuck do you need to talk to her for?”

Sally's growling at you, her arms crossed under her chest in a way that accentuates the cleavage already threatening to break free of her string bikini. Your cheeks flush as the two men glance between you and her, discerning gazes flip-flopping between you and her at heated words.

“You're her sister, not the fucking morality police. We're having drinks with them. Either you can join us, or you can glare disapprovingly. But don't you dare tell us what we can and cannot do.”

“You're such a fucking stick in the mud. I don’t get why the hell you came with us. Why are you always coming out with us, anyway? I mean, I’d have had a life by the time I was your age, but well, I guess you're even too boring for that.”

You're left gaping at Sally and your sister as they walk away. The words don't hurt, not really. You've been hearing a version of them for years, ever since Sally and Vicky decided they didn't like having you shadow them. Of course, they don't believe you when you say you'd rather do anything other than join them while they get up to all the bullshit they do. Once upon a time, Vicky used to defend you. Obviously, those days are long gone.

It doesn't mean you won't still watch out for your sister, though. Call it some sort of sickening nostalgia for the days when you and her were close once, chasing each other around playing unicorns in your backyard. Call it affection for the little girl who used to follow along behind you, repeating everything you said with a lisp. Call it love for your sister who you would once do anything for - would still do anything for.

Of course, you immediately realize the situation is far different than you thought it would be. Because there aren't just two incredibly hot men, but ten. Before you can blink, they're all over Vicky, Sally and their other friends. Somebody has sparked up a bonfire, and you gravitate to the hot flames despite yourself. You're a little chilled after being out in the hot sun all day. As the sun sets over the sea, one of them nestles a Bluetooth speaker into the sand and turns the music up. 

California Gurls, we're unforgettable,

Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top

Whoever made this playlist needs better taste in music. Or at least they need to pick something which you haven't heard on the radio every day of the summer in 2010. As it is, it will be stuck in your head for days.

“This song sucks, huh?”

You jump at the voice near your ear, stumbling and nearly face-planting in the sand. You have the kind of face which shows your emotions plainly, you've always been told so. Now someone has noticed, and you hope this person won’t throw you under the bus like all of Vicky’s friends. You pretend it’s just the song as you turn around with a smile pasted across your face.

“It's the worst!”

You're sure you have other things to say, but they disappear from your head like smoke when you see the woman who is talking to you. She's gorgeous, whiskey eyes flickering gold with the bonfire's flames. She's absolutely beautiful, and it feels a little like you're in an alternate universe. There's a cool breeze coming off the water, and in addition to the salt from the sea, you can smell hibiscus in the air. It has to be from her perfume, you note vacantly.

There's humor in her eyes as she stands beside you, surveying the others around the bonfire just like you are. You can see your sister in the distance, dancing with the blonde who asked if she wanted a drink. She looks like she’s well on her way to becoming completely drunk, but you don’t care. Vicky’s an adult. She made her own decisions, and she can stand by them. All of your attention is on the brunette in front of you. She holds out a bottle to you, condensation dripping over her fingers.

“I thought you could use a drink.”

“Thanks.”

The drink in question is a bottle of soda, ice cold.

“I, uhh…” She looks a little sheepish, some of her confidence draining away as you look inquiringly at her. “I wasn’t sure how else to get you to talk to me.”

“W-why wouldn’t I talk to you?” 

She grins ruefully, “Because you've been glaring at Bagman and your friends since you walked over here?”

“And, you don't look like you're having much fun.”

“Fun…” You sigh, "is a word for it. And we're not friends.”

“Younger sister?”

You laugh, “Is it that obvious?”

“You're a good sister, coming out with her and her friends like this.” 

Her innocent words touch your heart a little bit.

“I've got two just like her. They're so sure they're grown up, but they could still need somebody to watch out for them.”

You turn excitedly, “Yes! Yes. That’s it! She's getting married next week, but there's still so much she doesn’t know yet! And she and her best friend hate that I'm here. Call it her need to be seen and treated like an adult. I'm in her bridal party and she doesn’t even want to celebrate with me. Guess everybody would pick Bagman over there over me.”

“I don't hate that you're here, you know?”

You startle a little at the frank openness of this beautiful stranger's voice.

“Why not? You don't know a single thing about me.”

“I know you’re a big sister. I know you hate Katy Perry’s California Gurls, not because the song itself is horrible, but because you’ve probably heard it a million times.”

She tugs at your hand, and you follow her as she leads you away from the bonfire, the song still blaring away. You shouldn’t follow her, you know you shouldn’t. But despite yourself,you’re curious. There’s something about her you need to know more of. Away from the bonfire, the air is cool, and crisp. The beach feels swept clean the further you walk.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you planned this.” 

You crack open the soda and take a sip, pretending not to feel dark eyes on the side of your face.

“I didn’t plan it.” She chuckles a little, playing with your fingers. “All I wanted was to keep talking. I think I owe you a few more things I know about you, anyways.”

Your heart warms as she shrugs out of the hoodie and lays it over the sand. She sprawls down with a grace you couldn't emulate if you tried, all long, lean muscles exuding strength and power. You feel awkward in contrast, self-conscious as you try to sit on as much of the hoodie as you can without sprawling in her lap in a way that would have you mortified and her uncomfortable. But you can still feel her, warm and solid, as she retakes your hand. It’s comforting, the light touch, the calluses at her fingertips making goosebumps rise over your arms. Her perfume smells different this close, the light scent of summer hibiscus melting into roses and morning dew. It’s addicting.

“Y-you mentioned there were a couple more things you knew about me?” 

The words leave you in a whisper, tripping over each other as they drop off your tongue.

Her laugh is husky and warm, and for one moment, all you want is for her to make that wondrous sound again. But you quell that particular impulse. After all, no matter how weak you are for this woman, you barely know her. You won't be making a fool of yourself tonight.

“I think you're smart, smarter than anyone gives you credit for being. You're strong and single-minded.” She leans in conspiratorially, a smirk on her lips. “Some people would call you stubborn, but I think they're just afraid you'll leave them behind in your quest for world domination.”

“How do you know I'm gunning for world domination?” You're smiling from ear-to-ear as you ask the question.

“All the prettiest girls are. Especially the girls who bring a book to the beach for family when they'd probably rather be curled up on a window seat with a cup of tea handy.”

Your cheeks have to be crimson by now. Of all the days for an unfairly pretty woman to come up to you and flirt, she has to pick today. She’s so confident, so pretty and vivacious and all the things you never could be. In comparison, you just feel dull, like a piece of fabric bleached by the sun, until there are only the faintest hints of color left. It’s also been a really long time since anyone’s even looked twice at you.

“I-I do like reading at a window seat while it rains.” Your smile is halfway genuine now, you think. You can’t keep volunteering bits of information about yourself without getting some info from her in turn.

“What do you like doing in your spare time?”

Maybe you picked the wrong question to ask because her easy smile drops faster than you can blink. The small wrinkles at the corners of her eyes flatten out, and the dimples are so deep you’ve been wanting to kiss them since you saw them disappear as her smile does. The silence between you isn’t comfortable anymore. It’s awkward, a discordantly awkward tone spoiling the harmony of the moments before.

“I don’t have much spare time. Or hobbies.”

“I’m sorry.”

You’re babbling before the apology has left your lips, mind speeding at a hundred miles per hour at the thought you’ve somehow managed to insult the one person who’s wanted to talk to you all night. You’re standing and turning to head back to the bonfire before she hops up next to you.

“Whoa, whoa.” Her hands are hot as they make contact with your upper arms. “I’m not angry at you. I dunno if you heard what those meatheads were saying when they were posturing to your sister and her friends earlier, but I’m a Naval Aviator.”

“It doesn’t leave a lot of time for hobbies.”

“So, what do you do with your free time?” 

She’s so close you can feel the heat of her skin.

“Most of my free time is spent at the gym. It takes hard work to look this good.” 

You giggle a little as she tugs your hands until they’re flat against her toned stomach. The muscles twitch under your fingers a little, and you feel light-headed. Is she really flirting with you? You? 

“Not everyone can read books and look as good as you do.”

“What else do you do?” Your voice is weak, barely audible over the rushing waves, but she hears you anyway.

“Sleep. Try to read. Though it’s harder to concentrate when you’re surrounded by hundreds of lonely, horny men than when you’re sitting in a window seat.”

She smirks a little, leaning closer then. 

“And I definitely spend a lot of time daydreaming about a pretty bookworm in my bed to keep me warm at night.”

“O-oh.”

Your face has to be crimson by now. It feels so hot. The dark ocean seems way too alluring, if only for a cold reality check. There’s no way this gorgeous, smart, sexy woman is hitting on you. There’s no way. Maybe if you keep saying it over and over, it will be a reality instead of what your delusional mind is coming up with.

“Sadly, there hasn’t been a pretty bookworm in my bed in a while.” 

The smile on her face falls, the motes of color swirling in her hypnotic eyes, fracturing into crystals at the words. 

“None of them can take the long days away, no dates, little contact. Maybe one day I’ll find the right bookworm for me. Unless…”

Her arm has found its way around your shoulders, the warm lines of her body searing into you.

“Well, this is a silly question, but would you maybe like to grab a coffee sometime? Get to know each other better?”

You want to say yes. More than anything you want to. But you can’t bring yourself to accept her invitation, not when you have more questions than answers.

“W-why me?”

Her lips are warm even through the material of your half-damp swimsuit as she presses a kiss to your shoulder.

“You’re different from the other girls I talk to.” 

You’re unsure how to respond, half afraid she will go on and on about how boring and dull you are. All of the others you’ve dated certainly have. They expect one of the standard sexy-librarian types when they meet you and find out you like to read. They’re always disappointed when the truth they come to see couldn’t be any further from what they imagine. 

“You’re so beautiful,” she sighs. “I swear I nearly got hit on the head with one of the footballs when I saw you walk out onto the beach and sit under your umbrella.”

“You missed it, I'm sure, but those goofballs in my squadron were laughing at me for hours.” 

There's a slight pink tinge to her cheeks as she leans back. You miss her the minute you lose her warmth.

“I um…” She runs a hand, long-fingered and pretty (why the hell are even her hands so pretty), through her hair. “I'm pretty sure that's why those two walked up to your sister and her friend.”

“They wanted me to come to the bonfire tonight?”

You're pretty sure your mouth is wide open at this point. 

“Yeah. Though I should say, I wanted an excuse to talk to the prettiest woman I've ever seen. And maybe flirt with her a little. And maybe get her to agree to go out with me.”

“How is this clever plan of yours working for you?” 

Your voice is a whisper again as you peer over your shoulder at her. 

“You don’t know my name. You don't even know if you're my type.” 

It takes every bit of courage to banter lightly with her.

“I think it's going pretty well. After all, I've got you sitting here with me instead of out there with those idiots. And I'd very much like your name.”

You smile despite yourself as you tell her your name, getting hers in turn: Natasha Trace, callsign Phoenix. Her callsign fits her fierce and confident personality.

“So what do you say about getting coffee with me sometime?”

Just before you're about to respond, you hear your name called from the bonfire. It's one of Vicky's friends calling for you and pointing at your sister. She's drunk, and you can tell she's minutes away from courting an indecent exposure charge. She's sitting on Bagman's lap and doing her best to eat his face right off. He seems like a more than willing participant. Your concerns have more to do with how her bikini is moving, how she’s only moments away from an indecent exposure charge.

“Fuck.” 

You turn to Natasha and smile. “I'm really sorry, but I have to…”

You make a vague gesture in your sister's direction.

“I understand. She needs you right now.”

You nod and begin to walk away, pulling your coverup out of your bag. But your feet don't let you move very far. What kind of person would you be if you let the best thing that's ever happened to you slip through your fingers so easily? You can't let her slip away. So you rummage in your bag for one of the notebooks you always carry with you and scrawl your phone number down on it, ripping the page away.

She looks surprised to see you again when you catapult yourself into her arms and kiss her soft lips. She tastes like the beer she was drinking earlier, and as her arms wrap around your waist, you sink into the kiss a little bit more. You feel like you never want to leave. Yet you know the longer you stay here kissing Natasha, the more time your sister has to make situations worse. Her friends may be cheering her on, but her fiancé won't be quite so magnanimous.

When you pull away, her cheeks are the same pink as earlier. Her lips are kiss-swollen, and her eyes are bright. You're sure yours are the same.

“Let's get that coffee, Natasha.”

You press the paper into her hands and hurry back up to the beach to take care of your sister. In the hilarity of pulling her away from Bagman and wrestling her into your coverup, you can feel eyes on you. They track you until you drive away.

There's a text on your phone when you get home.

Let's get that coffee tomorrow morning. Do you know Madison's Cafe? I'd very much like to kiss you again.

I DO NOT CONSENT TO HAVE MY WORK POSTED, TRANSLATED, OR PUBLISHED ON ANY SITES OTHER THAN ON AO3, ON WATTPAD, OR ON TUMBLR BY ME. IF YOU SEE MY WORKS ANYWHERE OTHER THAN AO3, ON WATTPAD, OR TUMBLR, THEN THEY HAVE BEEN POSTED WITHOUT MY PERMISSION AND I WILL BE WORKING TO TAKE THEM DOWN.

Taglist:

@desert-fern @horseshoegirl @dakotakazansky @sarahsmi13s @teacupsandtopgun

@roosterforme @cherrycola27 @thedroneranger @chaoticassidy

@kmc1989

[redroomreflections]

The Lucky Ones

Teen Reader x Teen Natasha!Romanoff (though this is mostly Natasha and Yelena)

Based on The Last of Us

Summary: In a world ravaged by chaos and uncertainty, two siblings must navigate an apocalyptic landscape.

Note: I have been looking back at this story and i think I'm going to continue it soo but for now its a one shot!

In the quiet peacefulness of an ordinary day, a sense of foreboding stirred, unseen and unfelt by those going about their seemingly mundane lives. Natasha Romanoff, a young teen with a resolute stride, walked down the crowded streets. Her headphones were securely nestled in her ears, Led Zeppelin weaving through her thoughts, offering a temporary escape from the world around her. She’s on her way to pick up her younger sister from elementary school. A task she takes seriously.

As Natasha strolled along, she noticed subtle differences in the city. There was an air of quiet tension. People moved with purpose, their expressions carrying traces of weariness and vigilance. Yet, amidst the unease, life continued.

The familiar school building came into view, its doors welcoming the influx of students eager to embrace the freedom of the day's end. Natasha's steps quickened, anticipation bubbling within her. She navigated through the sea of children and parents until her eyes met Yelena's.

Yelena, a bundle of energy, bounced on her toes as she chatted animatedly with her friends on the school steps. Her sparkling eyes danced with excitement, and her bouncy golden curls framed her cherubic face. She gestured with enthusiasm, her small hands punctuating her words with childlike energy.

"Guess what, guys?" Yelena exclaimed. "My big sister, Natasha, is going to take me to my favorite toy store for my birthday today. Then my Mama’s going to make me a cake. Natasha’s the best. She’s a high schooler. She even has a boyfriend too.”

Her friends gathered around, captivated by Yelena's tales of her awe-inspiring sibling. Their eyes widened in awe as Yelena recounted stories of her sister.

"She can drive a car too sometimes," Yelena continued, her voice rising with each word. "She doesn’t have a license though. She can climb walls and…”

Yelena's friends exchanged wide-eyed glances, their fascination evident as they absorbed every word she shared. They bombarded her with questions, eager to learn more about Natasha's remarkable adventures.

"My big brother plays football,” Jonny Cash, a kid from Yelena’s first-grade class began to brag about his sibling.

“Natasha could do that too if she wanted,” Yelena turned her nose up at the boy. She turns her gaze to Natasha standing a few feet away. The older girl waves at her and Yelena smiles.

She bid her friends bid her goodbye. Yelena beamed with pride, her heart full of love for her extraordinary sister.

With a skip in her step, Yelena made her way over to Natasha, a clear smile on her face. She couldn't wait to share more stories of Natasha's bravery, inspiring her friends with the wonder and magic that surrounded her incredible sibling. Tomorrow she’d have more stories to tell.

“Hi, Nattie,” Yelena bounces.

"Hey, how was your day?" Natasha asked, her voice filled with warmth and genuine interest.

Yelena's eyes sparkled with youthful energy as she launched into a whirlwind of stories and anecdotes, recounting the adventures of the day. Natasha listened intently, her heart swelling with love for her spirited sibling.

As they walked side by side through the familiar neighborhood, Natasha's eyes subtly scanned their surroundings. Buildings held remains of graffiti and posters.

Yelena clung to Natasha's hand as they walked. She leaned in looking up to Natasha. "Nattie, are we going to the bakery and the toy store like you promised?”

Natasha paused for a moment a confused look on her face. “I never promised both.”

“But I want both,” Yelena argued. “It’s my birthday. We have to.”

“I don’t have enough for it,” Natasha sighed. “Mom’s supposed to be home tonight. She’s baking you one or something.”

“For real this time?” Yelena’s eyes lit up. Their mother’s busy schedule as a waitress barely left room for the three of them to spend time together. She worked double shifts several days a week just to make ends meet. This often left Natasha in charge of her younger sister. Natasha wouldn’t tell Yelena that she had no faith that her mother would be there. She’s used to it by now.

"Let’s stop by the diner," Natasha suggested at Yelena’s excitement. “Maybe Mom will have something waiting for you.”

“Yes, please,” Yelena gripped Natasha’s hand a little tighter as they crossed the street. Her sister’s happy spirit was contagious and she found herself laughing at all of Yelena’s jokes.

As Natasha and Yelena walked down streets toward the diner, a delicious smell wafted through the air, drawing their attention to a small, quaint building nestled among the busy streets. Yelena's eyes lit up with recognition, and she tugged excitedly at Natasha's sleeve.

"Natasha, we’re here,” Yelena cheered.

“I see,” Natasha muttered.

She smiled at her younger sister's eagerness, Yelena could always make her happy. She trailed behind as she allowed Yelena to lead the way.

The diner's neon sign flickered with a gentle hum as Natasha and Yelena stepped through the entrance, their presence immediately enveloped by a wave of familiarity. The sounds of cheerful chatter and clinking dishes mingled with soft melodies playing from an old-school jukebox in the corner.

Their mother, Melina, a picture of grace and warmth, moved swiftly among the tables, her smile radiating genuine care for the customers she served. As her eyes met Natasha and Yelena's, a glow of joy and surprise illuminated her features.

"Natasha! Yelena!" Melina exclaimed, momentarily abandoning her duties to embrace her daughters. "What a wonderful surprise!"

Yelena beamed, her excitement contagious. "Mommy, we came to say hello. Aren’t you glad to see us?”

“I’m so happy to see you,” Melina kissed Natasha before she kneeled to kiss Yelena on the cheek. “How are you today? My birthday girl.”

“I’m so good,” Yelena grinned. “We did a birthday song at school today. My teacher also let me be the leader for clean-up time. I like being the boss.”

“Is that so?” Melina questioned as she smiled proudly. Melina's laughter filled the air as she guided Natasha and Yelena to an empty booth. She slipped out of her waitress apron and joined them, their presence creating a brief respite from the busy world outside.

Melina's eyes shimmered with maternal pride as she listened to Yelena's animated tales of school and friendships. Natasha chimed in occasionally, adding her anecdotes and laughter to the mix. The bond between the three girls radiated with love and support, creating a sanctuary within the bustling diner. Soon enough, Melina would have to go back to working bussing tables and filling coffees. Ever so often she would glance at the tv displayed high on a wall in the back of the diner. The news was on but she wasn’t paying much attention to it.

Suddenly, the tinkling of the entrance bell drew their attention, and their conversation halted momentarily. A figure stepped from the doorway, tall and robust. It was Alexei, Yelena's father, and Melina's estranged husband.

Natasha's expression tightened slightly as she caught sight of him, her guard instinctively rising. Memories of his absence and broken promises flooded her mind, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. However, she remained composed, and determined to protect her family.

Alexei stood tall, a commanding presence in the room, his broad shoulders emphasizing his physical strength. A few days' worths of scruff adorned his square jaw, adding a rugged edge to his otherwise clean-cut appearance. His weathered features spoke of a life filled with experiences, both triumphant and challenging.

There was an air of rugged masculinity that surrounded him, an aura that hinted at a life lived on the edge. Despite the roughness around the edges, there was a flicker of vulnerability in his gaze, a vulnerability that hinted at the fractures within his soul.

Alexei's voice, deep and resonant, held a magnetic quality that drew attention. “There are my girls!” He bellowed. Yelena looked up, her eyes widening in surprise before she climbed over Natasha’s lap to jump into his arms. He planted kisses all over her face, causing her to belly laugh, as he slid into the booth beside Melina. On the outside, they looked like the picture-perfect family but Natasha knew better. Alexei was a complex figure, a man defined by his past actions yet yearning for redemption. His presence in the diner stirred emotions, leaving a palpable sense of unease and curiosity in the air.

“Yelena, happy birthday," Alexei greeted with a voice that held a tinge of remorse and hope. His eyes scanned the booth, searching for acknowledgment. He kissed Melina’s cheek before he turned his attention to Natasha. “Hello, Natasha.”

Melina's face softened, a mixture of surprise and wariness etched on her features. Yelena's eyes widened, torn between excitement and uncertainty as she looked over to Natasha for approval. Natasha, her gaze fixed on Alexei, maintained a composed yet distant demeanor.

“Hey,” She said quietly. She would rather be anywhere but here right now.

"Thank you, Alexei," Melina responded cautiously, her tone laced with lingering pain. "It's been a while."

As Alexei sat at the edge of the booth, his presence was a reminder of both the love lost and the complexities of family ties. He attempted to break the ice, his voice filled with a mix of regret and longing.

"I've missed so much, haven't I? You’re so big," Alexei smiled as he tickled Yelena. She giggled, tucking her chin into her chest, as she moved in his lap.

“I’m six now,” Yelena held up six fingers for him to see. “I’m so glad you could come, Daddy.”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t miss your birthday for the world.”

Natasha's jaw tightened, her eyes piercing as she met his gaze. "Really? I can count a few you did.”

“Natasha,” Melina scolded her daughter. Natasha rolled her eyes.

Yelena's brows furrowed as she looked between her sister and father, sensing the tension. Her voice, filled with childlike innocence, pierced the moment.

"But it's my birthday. Can't we all just be happy for once?"

Melina sighed, torn between protecting her daughters and the yearning for a sense of wholeness. She reached out, her hand gently resting on Yelena's, her touch offering reassurance.

"Natasha, come with me,” Melina left no room for argument. She waited for Alexei to slip out of the booth to stand. Natasha reluctantly stood too.

“Daddy, Natasha’s going to take me to the toy store,” Yelena began to speak animatedly. She told him about all of the things she wanted and what they were going to get.

Across the diner, Melina leads Natasha to the kitchen where she hands her a few freshly made plates.

“These go to table three,” Melina instructed as she balanced a few plates in her hand.

“Mom, we need to talk about Alexei,” Natasha began. Melina didn’t seem to be hearing her. She followed her mother to table three where they placed the dishes in front of their respective customer. “Would you like ketchup or anything with that?”

“Ma?” Natasha begged.

At the guest's denial, Melina kept moving, picking up dishes, taking them to the kitchen, and returning to the counter where two cakes were. No doubt they were from this morning, having sat out in the glass containers all day.

“Mom, you can’t be serious,” Natasha gestured over to where her sister and Alexei were having a thumb war. If she didn’t know any better she would say they were having fun.

“Natasha, please,” Melina opened the container. Her voice filled with exasperation and annoyance. “It’s her birthday. He’s her dad. Yours too.”

“He’s only my dad because you don’t know who mine is,” Natasha points out and Melina looks at her with a disapproving stare. “Okay, fine. It’s whatever. You might want to remind him he’s her father when he’s not answering her calls every night. I have to deal with her crying not you.”

“Alexei is trying, Natasha.” Melina sighs. “Take it for what it is and give him a chance. Do you want cake?” She asks as she cuts two slices of vanilla cake with white frosting.

“Sure,” Natasha shrugs. “Promise me when he leaves again you won’t fall apart.”

“This slice is incredibly big compared to the other one,” Melina distractedly surveys the cake slices. She pauses, looking at Natasha, and sighing. “I promise baby. I won’t fall apart. I’m stronger than that.” She kisses Natasha’s forehead. “You worry too much. You’re barely sixteen.”

“You don’t worry enough,” Natasha rolls her eyes. “Are you going to be home in time for cake?”

“I get off in an hour,” Melina finds clean forks for them. “I’m coming straight home. Have the oven ready for me.”

“Did you already buy the cake stuff?” Natasha questions. “You’re giving her double cake. She’s going to have a sugar rush.”

“I’ll buy it on the way home.” Melina waves her off.

“Can Steve come over?” Natasha tries. “He’ll sleep in the living room I promise.” It’s not like she asked any other time but with her mother home earlier than usual she would need to.

“Are you having sex with this boy?” Melina narrows her eyes. “Do I need to put you on birth control?”

“What? Mom, no,” Natasha pushes the hair behind her ears. “Steve and I are in the most platonic relationship I’ve ever seen. Trust me.”

“Kids these days,” Melina shakes her head. She grabs both slices of cake and walks back to the table where Yelena is waiting. “Don’t touch it yet I have to get candles!” Melina instructs the girls as she disappears behind the counter again. Natasha sits reluctantly across from her sister and surrogate father. She remembers being that age and Alexei holding her like that. She hates to admit that she misses it. She hates to admit that she’s missed him.

“So, I take it your mom told you I’m moving back in?” Alexei asked. Yelena lets out a gasp. Natasha frowns.

“You’re moving back in?” Yelena questioned. Natasha’s jaw ticks in anger. She can’t believe this.

“I’m leaving,” Natasha stands just as Melina comes back with the candles. She gathers up her backpack, her jacket, and her headphones. “Let’s go, Yelena.” She instructs.

“What? Nattie, I want cake.” Yelena pouts.

“Fine, you can have cake but I’m going straight home,” Natasha warns her. Which would mean no toy store. Yelena deflates.

“I could take her,” Alexei offers.

“No,” Natasha shakes her head.

“Yeah sorry Daddy, it’s my thing with Natasha,” Yelene slides from her father’s lap. “We’re going to have cake at home right?”

“Yeah,” Natasha sighs. She’s not purposely being this mean on her sister’s birthday. She just needs to get out of here.

“Bye, Daddy,” Yelena waves to her father. Alexei looks to Melina for help but she says nothing. She knows their bond is oftentimes worth more than her authority. If Natasha was leaving, so was Yelena.

"I love you girls," Melina calls to them.

"Love you too," Natasha replies automatically.

********************************** As Natasha and Yelena strolled through the city streets once again, their destination led them to a vibrant toy store adorned with colorful displays and joyful music that made Natasha want to puke. Yelena's eyes danced with excitement as she tugged at Natasha's hand, eager to explore the aisles of wonder that awaited them.

The atmosphere inside the store buzzed with laughter and playful chatter. Children's laughter echoed through the aisles, blending harmoniously with the tinkling sound of toys being tested and admired.

Yet, amidst the cheerful ambiance, a shadow cast over Natasha's features as she thought of the recent encounter with Alexei. She doesn’t understand why she allowed him to make her so mad and get under her skin. He was an idiot who cheated on her mom and left her with two young kids. He’s an asshole in her book and she never wanted to see him again.

The memories of broken promises and shattered trust surged within Natasha's mind, fueling the flames of her anger. She felt the weight of disappointment press upon her, as the wounds of abandonment resurfaced. At that moment, the joyful surroundings of the toy store seemed to blur, eclipsed by the storm brewing within her.

Yelena's infectious excitement filled the air as she tugged at Natasha's hand, oblivious to the emotional turmoil brewing within her sister. Her voice filled with enthusiasm, eager to share her latest toy discovery.

"Nattie, look! They have all sorts of dolls here. Can we get them, please?" Yelena pleaded, her eyes sparkling with innocent delight.

Natasha's gaze shifted from a random shelf to Yelena to Yelena, her features softening momentarily as she met her sister's gaze. She struggled to contain her emotions, recognizing the need to shield Yelena from the anger that gripped her heart.

"Of course, Yelena," Natasha replied, her voice strained yet gentle. "Let's find your favorite doll. Which one do you like.”

Yelena's eyes sparkled with delight as she perused the colorful shelves, her small fingers carefully grazing each toy as she sought out the perfect one. Her attention was drawn to a particular doll, nestled among the rows of plush companions and action figures.

The doll Yelena selected stood out from the rest, radiating an air of enchantment. It had a delicate porcelain face with rosy cheeks, framed by cascading curls of golden hair. The doll wore an elegant, flowing dress adorned with intricate lace and shimmering ribbons. Its eyes, painted with meticulous detail, seemed to hold a touch of magic as if they whispered secrets known only to those who believed.

As Yelena cradled the doll in her hands, a smile of pure joy graced her lips. She felt an immediate connection to this ethereal toy, captivated by its beauty and the endless possibilities it represented. It was more than just a doll—it was a vessel for dreams, a companion to share whispered secrets with, and a source of comfort during even the darkest of nights.

The doll's presence seemed to exude a gentle warmth as if it possessed a soul that longed to be cherished and loved. Yelena imagined the adventures they would embark upon together, the stories they would create, and the bond that would grow stronger with each passing day.

With tender reverence, Yelena cradled the doll close to her chest, a symbol of the innocence and wonder that resided within her. She knew that this doll would become her steadfast companion, a source of solace and joy in a world that often felt uncertain.

As Yelena turned to Natasha, her eyes gleamed with excitement, her voice filled with anticipation. "Natasha, look! Isn't she beautiful? She's the one!”

Natasha's gaze softened as she observed the doll in Yelena's arms. She recognized the significance it held for her sister—the promise of imagination and companionship that transcended the hardships they faced. With a warm smile, she nodded, affirming Yelena's choice.

"Okay," Natasha replied, her voice gentle yet filled with sisterly affection. "Let’s take her home.”

Despite her efforts to suppress her anger, a flicker of pain flashed across Natasha's eyes as she watched Yelena's joyous exploration of the toy store. The presence of Alexei loomed in the back of her mind, a constant reminder of the void he had left in their lives.

As they moved through the aisles, Natasha's grip on Yelena's hand tightened, a silent pledge to protect her younger sister from the disappointment and heartache that had plagued their past. She resolved to shield Yelena's innocence, determined to create a haven of love and stability amidst the chaos that life had thrust upon them.

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

The girls arrived in their neighborhood just before sundown. As Natasha and Yelena approached their home, nestled in a cozy suburb of New York City, their steps slowed as they spotted their neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, standing in their front yard. Mrs. Schmidt, a kind-hearted woman with silver-streaked hair, waved at them with a warm smile.

"Natasha, Yelena, welcome back! How was your day?" Mrs. Schmidt called out, her voice carrying the genuine affection she held for the two sisters.

Yelena's eyes lit up at the sight of their neighbors, and she tugged at Natasha's hand, urging her to stop and chat. Fanny, the Schmidts' energetic golden retriever, bounded toward them with a wagging tail, her excitement evident as she barked happily.

"Hi, Mrs. Schmidt! We had a great day! Look at the doll I got! Isn't she pretty?" Yelena exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm as she proudly displayed the doll she had carefully chosen.

Mrs. Schmidt's eyes twinkled as she marveled at the doll. "Oh, Yelena, she's absolutely beautiful! You have such great taste. I'm sure she'll be the perfect companion for all your adventures."

Natasha, standing by Yelena's side, observed the warm interaction with a hint of a smile. She appreciated Mrs. Schmidt's genuine interest in their lives and the sense of community they shared.

“Sit, Fanny,” Yelena commanded as the energetic animal bounced around her. Almost on cue, Fanny sits patiently at Yelena’s feet though her tail never stops wagging.

Mr. Schmidt, a tall and gentle man with a kind face, joined the conversation, his voice resonating with warmth. "Yelena, you always have a way of making her listen. Maybe we should let her live with you half the time.”

“Oh, I would love that.” Yelena clapped excitedly.

“Mom would never let us.” Natasha chuckles.

“You could convince her,” Yelena shrugs. “Fanny’s my best friend in the whole world. Besides you Natasha. Isn't that right?”

Before Yelena could finish her sentence, Fanny, the exuberant golden retriever, bounded forward, her tail wagging furiously. Yelena dropped to her knees, giggling with delight as Fanny showered her with slobbery kisses, her excitement matching Yelena's infectious energy.

Natasha watched the joyful scene unfold, her heart warmed by the familiar sights and sounds that greeted them.

“Would you guys like to stay for dinner? We’re having pot pie?”Mrs. Schmidt offered.

“Oh, no thank you,” Natasha declines. “My mom’s going to be home soon and I think she’s bringing food for us.”

“It’s my birthday, remember?”

“Oh, I remember, I have a gift for you actually,” Mrs. Schmidt rushes into the house to bring back a small, sparkly piece of jewelry. Yelena’s eyes widened in surprise. The charm bracelet designed for a child was a delicate treasure, crafted with care and whimsy. Each link of the bracelet was made of polished silver, shimmering in the light and exuding a sense of playfulness.

Dangling from the bracelet were an array of tiny, enchanting charms, each representing a unique memory or aspiration. Among the charms, there was a miniature star, sparkling with tiny rhinestones, symbolizing dreams and the limitless possibilities that lay ahead.

“Thank you,” Yelena cheered as she held out her wrist for the woman to put it on. It was a few inches too big for her and it slid up her forearm just slightly. “This is such a cool present, thank you, Mrs. Schmidt.” Yelena moved forward to hug the woman.

She has had an incredible birthday so far.

“Okay, Yelena, say goodbye to Fanny and the Schmidts,” Natasha instructs. They all say their goodbyes before the girls head into the house.

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

As the evening wore on, Natasha's concern deepened when her repeated calls to their mom, went unanswered. The woman had mysteriously gone silent, leaving a growing sense of unease in Natasha's heart. The clock ticked closer to Yelena's bedtime, and Natasha knew they couldn't afford to wait any longer.

With a furrowed brow, she reached for her phone once again, fingers trembling slightly as she dialed their mom's number. The anticipation built with each ringing tone, only to be met with the disheartening sound of voicemail once more. It was as if their mom had disappeared into thin air.

“Fuck,” Natasha cursed under her breath, “Don’t do this now Mom.” Natasha breathed into the phone before slamming it down onto the counter.

Yelena, perched on the couch nearby, sensed Natasha's growing worry and looked up with wide, questioning eyes. "Natasha, where's Mom? Why isn't she answering?"

Natasha forced a reassuring smile, masking her apprehension. "Don't worry, Yelena. Mom probably just got caught up at work. Let's give her a little more time, okay?"

But deep down, Natasha's instincts told her that something wasn't right. As the minutes stretched on, Natasha felt her annoyance grow. For one night she needed her parents to act like parents.

“I want cake,” Yelena sighed.

“I’m sorry, sunshine,” Natasha began to look through the cabinets. “I know I promised you cake. We don’t have anything here that even resembles a cake.” She turned to look at Yelena’s pouting face.

Just as she contemplated her next move, a soft knock sounded at the door. Natasha's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of hope and uncertainty flooding her senses. With cautious steps, she made her way to the entrance and peeked through the peephole, finding a familiar face on the other side.

It was Steve. Natasha hesitated for a moment, then opened the door to let him in. She forgot she’d invited him over.

"Hey, I’m here for the birthday girl,” Steve smiled widely. He kissed Natasha on the lips before stepping around her to greet Yelena.

"I guess I’m chopped liver,” Natasha muttered as she watched Steve pick Yelena up and toss her in the air. Yelena’s loud and excited shrieks warmed her heart.

“I got you something,” Steve smiles mischievously as he sets Yelena down on her feet.

“What is it?” Yelena bounces excitedly.

“Skittles,” Steve passes her her very own bag of Skittles. “Happy Birthday.”

“Cool,” Yelena nods. She takes the bag and walks over to the couch to sit. “I’m glad you brought me something, Steve.”

“Thank you,” Natasha expresses her gratitude.

“Where is everyone?” Steve looks around.

“You’re looking at them,” Natasha shrugs. “Mom is late as always. Which means I have to feed and get this little one to bed all on my own.”

“Not on your own, you have me,” Steve walks towards the kitchen. “I’m a great cook. I’ll make anything you like.”

“Spaghetti?” Yelena raises a brow. “I like that.”

“Spaghetti it is then.” Steve washes his hands. Natasha watches him, a hint of amusement on her face, as the boy entertains Yelena and listens to all of her stories. He’s a great friend.

The night goes on without a hitch. They eat dinner together like a family. Natasha doesn’t even worry about Melina and what she’s doing. She would make the best night for Yelena. After the little girl’s bath, they read her books and send her off to bed.

Natasha watches cartoons with Steve until they crawl into her bed together. She lies her head on Steve’s chest, tracing patterns over his stomach, as she talks.

“I want better for her,” Natasha sighs. “I’ll be in college in a few years and Yelena will be stuck with them. I want her to stay with me somehow. My mom is taken absent-minded to take care of her.”

“I think you’re a great big sister,” Steve nods. “She’s lucky to have you.”

“Sometimes I think I'm the lucky one,” Natasha mutters. She falls asleep on Steve’s chest with a promise to herself that she would do right by Yelena.

*********************************************** Natasha's eyes fluttered open in the darkness of her bedroom, her senses immediately heightened by the disarray that surrounded her. The piercing sound of Fanny's frantic barking echoed through the stillness of the night, piercing the air with a sense of urgency. The persistent howls tugged at Natasha's heart, urging her to action. She sat up, her hands rustling through the tangled sheets for her phone. It’s not here. She taps on Steve’s shoulder beside her. He groans in annoyance but opens her eyes when she doesn’t stop.

“What’s going on?” Steve breathed. He blinked to adjust to the darkness, eyeing her figure, before looking towards the window.

With a mixture of concern and confusion, Natasha swung her legs over the edge of the bed and hurriedly made her way to the window. “I don’t know,” Natasha replied softly. As she peered outside, her breath caught in her throat. The scene that greeted her was one of chaos and foreboding.

The broken streetlight cast eerie shadows, its flickering glow struggling to penetrate the darkness. It created a disjointed mosaic of light and shadow that seemed to dance ominously on the deserted streets. The absence of illumination left Natasha with a growing sense of unease as if a cloak of uncertainty had descended upon their once familiar neighborhood.

“Why is Fanny outside?” She questioned aloud.

“She's probably just taking a late-night potty break,” Steve offered. It didn’t make Natasha feel any better. Something was wrong. She moves to slip on a sweater and her sneakers. She leaves the room, stopping at Yelena’s room first to see the little girl still fast asleep. She walks through the house, noting all of the lights are still off, and no signs of life, as she makes her way down the stairs. Her mom hasn’t come home. Natasha follows the barking to find a surprising sight. She opens the front door, utterly confused, as Fanny stands in the front yard.

Fanny, the loyal golden retriever, stood just outside the front door, her fur bristling and tail held high, barking incessantly into the night. Her protective instincts were on full display, sensing a threat that Natasha couldn't yet comprehend.

As Natasha's eyes scanned the surroundings, she noticed the signs of disturbance. Abandoned bicycles lay strewn haphazardly on the sidewalks, their wheels spinning aimlessly as if left in haste. A scattering of fallen leaves and scattered debris hinted at a commotion that had recently taken place.

The distant echoes of sirens wailed through the air, signaling a heightened state of emergency. It was as if the tranquility of their once peaceful neighborhood had been shattered, replaced by an unsettling sense of vulnerability and fear.

Natasha's heart pounded in her chest as she took in the chaotic scene unfolding before her. She couldn't shake the nagging worry that something had gone wrong, that danger lurked in the shadows just beyond her reach. With every passing second, her concern for her mom deepened, amplifying the urgency of the situation. “Fanny, Fanny, come,” Natasha instructed the dog. Fanny, ever the loyal companion, stops her barking to come to stand by Natasha’s side. Natasha kneels, feeling the unease radiating from the panting dog, and she pulls her gently by the collar to come inside with them. “Why are you outside? Where are your parents?” Natasha asked rhetorically. She looks behind her to see Yelena’s now awake too.

“Nattie? Why is Fanny here?” Yelena bounds down the stairs with Steve in tow.

“I don’t know but I’m going to go and see what’s wrong,” Natasha sighs. “Maybe she broke out of the backyard and they’re looking for her.” Natasha hopes this would be quick. This night was getting weirder by the second. “You’re supposed to be back in bed. We still have school tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Yelena says as she sits on the couch. She was too wired to fall asleep now. Natasha walks over to the junk drawer, finding an old leash from her days of walking Fanny, to clip it onto the dog’s collar. She instructs Steve to stay with Yelena as she walks through the grass to the other house.

As Natasha guided Fanny on a leash, the air was thick with anticipation, carrying a sense of urgency that fueled her steps. The dimly lit street seemed unusually quiet, amplifying the unease that nestled within her chest. The flickering glow of the broken streetlight cast eerie shadows along the deserted sidewalk, adding an eerie touch to the scene.

Approaching the Schmidt's house, Natasha's pace quickened, her heart pounding in her ears. But as she reached the familiar porch, a sinking feeling settled within her as she realized something was amiss. The house stood dark and empty, devoid of the warmth and life it usually exuded.

A sense of foreboding washed over Natasha, her grip on Fanny's leash tightening instinctively. She glanced around, searching for any signs of life, but all she found was an unsettling silence that seemed to wrap itself around her like a suffocating shroud.

She tentatively stepped forward, calling out, "Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt? Is anyone home?" Her voice hung in the air, carried away by the stillness that enveloped the neighborhood.

Fanny, ever perceptive, let out a low whine, her tail drooping in sync with Natasha's growing unease. The absence of familiar greetings and friendly faces gnawed at Natasha's core, filling her mind with unanswered questions.

Natasha cautiously approached the front door, her hand trembling as she reached for the doorknob. It yielded easily under her touch, granting her access to the silent emptiness beyond.

As Natasha stepped into the house, a chill crawled up her spine. The living room lay deserted, devoid of the vibrant energy that typically infused the space. The absence of Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt's comforting presence heightened her concern, their absence echoing through the walls.

A sudden gust of wind rustled the curtains, causing Natasha to startle. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for any clues, any indication of what might have transpired. But all she found was an eerie stillness, broken only by the sound of her racing heartbeat.

Natasha's mind raced, her thoughts swirling with worry and possibilities. What had happened to the Schmidts? Where had they gone? Questions tumbled through her mind, each more urgent than the last.

Gathering her resolve, Natasha took a deep breath and whispered to Fanny, "Come on, girl." With Fanny at her side, she ventured further into the house, determined to unravel the mystery that lay before her, and praying that she would find the Schmidts safe and sound.

Amidst the eerie stillness of the Schmidt's darkened house, Natasha cautiously made her way through the silent rooms, her heart pounding in her chest. With each step, the sense of unease grew, as if the very air held its breath, waiting for something to be revealed.

As she approached the kitchen, a faint shuffling sound caught her attention. Natasha's breath hitched, and she instinctively tightened her grip on a nearby broomstick, using it as a makeshift weapon. Her senses sharpened, every nerve on edge.

Pushing open the creaking door, Natasha's eyes widened at the sight that greeted her. Mrs. Schmidt crouched in a corner of the room, blood pooled around her, as she bit into the flesh of her husband.

Fear and sorrow welled up within Natasha as she realized the truth. She gasped, covering her mouth to keep quiet, but Fanny’s barking alerted the woman, or monster, to their presence.

But even in the face of this gruesome reality, Natasha reminded herself to stay composed. She needed to focus on survival, on finding a way out of this nightmarish scenario.

Her mind raced, contemplating her options and the next course of action. Her heart ached at the thought of leaving Mrs. Schmidt behind, but she knew there was no saving her. She backed away slowly, eyeing the woman’s emotionless expression, before she dropped Fanny’s leash.

Her heart pounded into her chest as she raced for the door, the dog hot on her tail, and Mrs. Schmidt too. Natasha can practically feel the woman’s hands at her back before she hears a loud, banging noise and hot air whip past her. She opens her eyes, not realizing she’s closed them, to see Alexei with a 5.5 mm shotgun pointed at her.

“Alexei?” Natasha breathes. She raises her hands in surrender. She dares to look behind her, finding Mrs. Schmidt dead at her feet. “Oh, my god.” Natasha cried out. She backed away, practically falling over her feet, as she looked at the body of the woman she once knew. “You shot her. You killed her.”

“She was already gone, Natasha,” Alexei warns her. “Where’s your sister? We have to get your sister.” He yells.

“She’s inside with Steve,” Natasha points out.

“We have to go now,” Alexei demanded.

“What? Why? Where’s mom?” Natasha begged as she chased after him. Inside the house, Yelena stood up, as Steve looked at them with a question on his tongue.

“What’s that noise?” Yelena questioned as she held her doll close to her chest.

“Where’s mom?” Natasha asked.

“What's going on?”

“We have to go now,” Alexei began to rummage through the drawers. “Natasha, go put your sister's shoes on.”

“No, not until you tell-”

“Dammit, listen to me,” Alexei’s voice reaches a new height he’s never used before. Yelena backs into Natasha, her fingers gripping Fanny’s fur as the dog sits next to her. “Listen, I will tell you everything in the car. Just, go and put your shoes on and pack a bag. As fast as you can.”

Natasha says nothing. She simply takes Yelena’s hand and walks with her up the stairs to her bedroom. Fanny moves to sit on the bed, keeping watch over the sisters, as Natasha grabs a backpack and begins to throw clothes into them. Beside her, Yelena begins to cry as she doesn’t know what’s happening.

“Nattie, I’m scared.” Yelena whines. “Where’s Mommy?”

“I know, baby, just put your shoes on,” Natasha finds a pair of light-up princess shoes Yelena got for school earlier in the year. “We’ll get Mom later.” She helps Yelena put them on one by one before grabbing her a jacket. She races to her room to grab a few things. She drops to her knees, finding her phone on the other side of the bed, before she hears a loud screeching sound. She pauses. What was that?

Deciding to leave the phone, Natasha grabs Yelena, holding her in her arms, before she races downstairs. The sight they’re met with startles her. Someone is heading for the front door, a neighbor she recognizes as Mr. Yang, and before she can even react Alexei shoots the man point-blank in the head. She gasps again, shielding Yelena’s eyes from all of the blood as she looks at Alexei.

“He’s a zombie,” Alexei announces. “There’s an outbreak or something. I don’t know what the hell it is but we have to find your Mom. She stayed at the diner to help. Let’s go.”

“I have to go home,” Steve realizes. “My parents.”

“Boy, I can’t promise your parents are still there.” Alexei holds his gun out in front of them as he walks out to his pickup truck. He ignores the sound of Yelena’s crying as he helps the girls into the truck.

“Bucky, my brother, he was home alone,” Steve shakes his head.

“Steve,” Natasha calls out to him but he’s already in his car. She doesn’t get a chance to say goodbye. Alexei jumps into the driver’s seat and starts the engine when Yelena yells out. “Don’t leave Fanny.” She crawls over to her door to open it. Calling for the dog.

“Come, Fanny,” Yelena calls. It’s then they notice someone standing on the other side of the street. There's no telling if it’s a turned zombie or a real person. Fanny races to the car, tongue out of her mouth as she pants, climbing into the car to sit next to Yelena. Natasha reaches across them to close the door just in time. The figure, now recognized as a zombie, taps at the glass incessantly. Alexei shifts the car into drive and peels off before they can find out the lengths one of these things can go to.

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

Alexei gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white as he maneuvered the car through the chaotic streets. Natasha and Yelena sat in the backseat, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and curiosity. The distant sounds of sirens echoed through the air, mingling with the clamor of panicked voices and the occasional screech of tires.

Natasha leaned forward, her voice laced with worry as she asked, "Where are we going? What's happening? Are we going to get Mom?"

Alexei glanced at his daughters through the rearview mirror. "I don't know, girls. Something's gone wrong. Your mom should still be where I left her, but things aren't normal out there. We need to find her and make sure she's safe."

Yelena's voice trembled as she chimed in, "I'm scared, Daddy. What are those things?"

Alexei tried to steady his voice, offering reassurance amidst the unfolding uncertainty. "I know it's scary, but we'll stick together. We'll find your mom, and we'll get through this, I promise."

As they continued driving, the scenes outside the car window painted a grim picture of the chaos gripping the town. Smoke billowed in the distance, mingling with the red-orange glow of flames. Abandoned vehicles littered the streets, their doors hanging open as if their occupants had fled in a frenzy.

Natasha's eyes darted from one scene to another, her heart sinking with each passing moment. "Alexei, look! They’re breaking into the stores.”

Alexei's grip on the steering wheel tightened further, his voice steady but heavy with concern. "It's not safe here, girls. Something terrible is happening, but we'll keep going, keep looking for your mom. We have to stay focused. There’s an army base a few miles down. If we get there we should be safe."

As they navigated through the chaos, their search became a quest for answers and safety. The girls' questions filled the car, their voices a mix of fear and longing for their mother's presence. The streets unfolded before them, revealing scenes of destruction and desperation that only fueled their determination to reunite with their missing loved one.

Amidst the turmoil, Alexei's resolve remained unyielding, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He knew that finding their mom would require courage and persistence, but he also knew that he would do whatever it took to protect his daughters and keep their families intact.

As the car screeched to a halt in front of the diner, a wave of horror washed over Natasha, Yelena, and Alexei. Flames licked hungrily at the building, engulfing it in a fiery inferno that consumed everything in its path. Smoke billowed into the night sky, casting a thick veil of darkness over the scene.

Yelena gasped, her voice trembling with disbelief. "Daddy, the diner! It's... it's on fire!”

Alexei's face contorted with a mixture of anguish and frustration. "Stay in the car, both of you. It's not safe."

As the girls watched from the car, their eyes transfixed on the raging flames, Natasha's heart sank. The diner had been their mother's sanctuary, a place where she worked tirelessly to provide for them. Now, it was reduced to a charred skeleton, the embodiment of destruction and loss.

Natasha's voice trembled as she whispered, "Mom... Where is she? Where could she be?" Natasha detangled herself from Yelena’s tight grip to get out of the car.

“No, don’t leave,” Yelena begged.

“I’m just going to see,” Natasha promised. With each step closer to the truth, Natasha could feel her heart sink. “Mom was in there.”

“No,” Alexei shakes his head in disbelief. “No, no, no.” He begins to sob.

Natasha wants to desperately break down there too. She wants to run inside the building and find her. The angry flames light their faces in an array of orange and red. She’s in shock. She can’t believe what she’s seeing and feeling but she can’t stay here. She can’t see this.

“Alexei, we have to go,” Natasha called for him. “Alexei,” She begged, tugging at his arms, to pull him back to the truck. He finally comes to his senses and gets into the driver’s seat once again.

The car raced through the desolate streets, Natasha, Yelena, and Alexei clinging to a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. The distant sounds of sirens and the clamor of panicked voices grew louder as they approached a gathering crowd near the middle of the town. Desperation filled the air, and people jostled against one another, seeking safety and answers.

Alexei's hands tightened around the steering wheel, his eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of a possible way through. Natasha's voice quivered with both fear and anticipation. "Alexei, we have to get to the military base.”

With a determined nod, Alexei skillfully maneuvered the car, inching closer to the teeming mass of people. The air buzzed with uncertainty, mingled with cries for help and the occasional sound of shattering glass.

As they neared the crowd, their hearts pounded with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. The atmosphere was tense, charged with a raw energy that crackled through the air. But just as they were on the cusp of reaching their destination, chaos erupted.

A sudden collision with another vehicle jolted them, sending the car spinning out of control. Metal screeched, glass shattered, and the world turned into a whirlwind of confusion and panic. The impact knocked the breath out of them, leaving them dazed and disoriented.

Through the haze, Natasha could hear Yelena's frightened voice, "Natasha, Dad, are you okay?"

Natasha's vision blurred as she turned to her sister, her voice shaky but filled with determination. "Yelena, stay with me. We'll be okay. Alexei, are you alright?"

Alexei's voice came strained and filled with pain. "I'm... I'm fine. Just a bit banged up. We need to get out of here. It's not safe."

“I’m stuck,” Yelena complained as she tugged at her seat belt. She looks to Fanny, the dog in a state of confusion and panic, as she paces the seat beside them.

Natasha, with a head-numbing headache, begins to climb into the backseat to help her sister.

Fear welled up inside Yelena as she struggled against her seatbelt, her heart pounding in her chest. The distant sounds of chaos and desperation reverberated around them, leaving them feeling helpless.

But then, a voice pierced through the chaos, cutting through the haze of their panic. "Hey, are you okay?" the voice called out, filled with concern and determination. Natasha turned to you, her eyes meeting those of a teenager with disheveled hair and a determined gaze.

"I can help you. Just hold on," you said, your voice steady and filled with an air of confidence. You swiftly moved towards them, your hands deftly working to release Yelena from the confines of her seatbelt.

As she felt the weight of the seatbelt loosened, a wave of relief washed over her. You took a deep breath, steadying yourself. Natasha into your eyes, she found a glimmer of hope.

"Thank you," She managed to say, her voice trembling with gratitude.

You offered a reassuring smile. "No problem. We need to get out of here. It's not safe. Follow me."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Natasha nodded and followed your lead. You navigated through the chaotic scene with agility, skillfully maneuvering through the throngs of panicked people. Their presence instilled a sense of trust and determination within you as if they were a guiding light amid the darkness.

Together, you forged ahead, pushing through the chaos, and finding a path toward safety.

As you hurriedly made your way through the chaotic streets, finding a grassy path behind buildings, a soldier clad in military gear suddenly appeared before you, blocking your path. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting suspiciously between Natasha, you, Alexei, and Yelena. The soldier's stern expression and the grip on his weapon sent a shiver down your spine.

"Hold on a minute. Where do you think you're going?" the soldier demanded, his voice laced with skepticism.

Natasha stepped forward, her voice firm but filled with urgency. "We need to get to safety. Our family is missing, and we're trying to find them." She still had a glimmer of hope that her mother made it to the base.

The soldier's eyes narrowed, his suspicion evident. "And why should I believe you? There's chaos out here, and I can't let just anyone pass."

Alexei, his voice tinged with desperation, pleaded, "Please, sir. We're not a threat. We're just trying to find our loved ones and get to safety."

Yelena, her eyes filled with fear, clung to her father’s shirt, seeking comfort amid uncertainty. "Please, mister. Let us go.”

Your voice steady and unwavering, added, "We're just trying to survive, like everyone else. We're not your enemies."

The soldier studied each of your faces, seemingly torn between duty and compassion. After a moment of tense silence, he sighed heavily. "Sir, I have four civilians here.” He spoke through the earpiece in his ear. The trepidation and tension ran through the air as you waited.

“But sir? There’s a little girl,” He whispered into the mic. Something about that statement made your blood run cold. Suddenly, before you’re even understanding what he's doing, he raises his weapon and shoots blindly. Only, you’re a tad bit quicker, and the gun you’ve been hiding in your back pocket is pulled as you send a bullet into his throat.

The scene before you is heartbreaking and utterly devastating as Alexei falls to the ground. His grip on Yelena never loosens until he’s down. Yelena moves to the side, her eyes wide in panic, as she shakes her father.

“Daddy,” Yelena cries.

“Dad?” Natasha drops to her knees. She uses her hands to put pressure on the wound she can’t find as Alexei struggles to breathe. You stand back, unsure of what to do, as you watch the girls lose their father. “Dad, come on, don’t do this. Don’t do this to us.” Natasha pleads with the man. “I’m sorry. Daddy, I’m sorry. Please, don’t leave us.” Natasha sobs as Alexei coughs.

All you can hear are their pleas and cries for mercy as the light in their father’s eyes fades. What would they do now?

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

Exhausted and fearful, Natasha and Yelena found themselves confined to small huts within the military base. The air was thick with tension, and the dim lighting cast long shadows across the room. Huddled together, they clung to each other for comfort and support, seeking solace in their shared vulnerability.

Natasha's eyes were heavy with weariness, her voice tinged with worry as she spoke to Yelena. "I’m sorry, baby,” She kissed Yelena’s head, the small girl clinging to her. She’s the only person Yelena has in the world now. You watch from beside them, a look of longing on your face, you don’t know how to help them.

Yelena nodded, her small frame trembling with fatigue. "I want Mommy.” She whimpered. She’s lost everything in a matter of hours. It’s too much for her young mind to process.

Just then, the persistent golden retriever, Fanny, padded over to you and began nudging them with her snout, a concerned whine escaping her throat. You weakly patted the dog's head, trying to soothe her. "Hey, Fanny. I'm okay, girl."

Natasha, her gaze shifting between you and Fanny, noticed the worry etched on R's face. "Are you alright, you? You don't look well."

You smile grimly before raising the sleeve of your t-shirt to reveal a small white device attached to your arm. . a small device that serves as a lifeline—a continuous glucose monitor that monitors your blood sugar levels.

The sensor is a discreet, circular patch that adheres to your arm, housing a tiny filament that delicately penetrates your skin to measure glucose levels. It is designed to be comfortable and inconspicuous, blending with your skin tone.

Your voice was shaky, and your words slurred slightly. "I... I have diabetes. My blood sugar is low. I need something to eat or drink."

Concern flooded Natasha's features as she quickly scanned the surroundings, searching for any available supplies. "Stay here.I'll see if I can find something for you." Natasha carried Yelena out onto the base. There are several military guards around and she doesn’t know who to talk to for help.

Natasha approached one of the military personnel, her voice filled with urgency. "Excuse me, sir. We have a friend who needs help. They have diabetes, and their blood sugar is low. Is there anything we can do?"

The soldier, albeit stern-faced, showed a hint of compassion. "Wait here," he replied curtly before disappearing momentarily.

Moments later, he returned with a small bottle of orange juice and a granola bar. Natasha's relief was palpable as she hurried back to you, holding out the provisions. "Here. This should help raise your blood sugar."

You managed a weak smile, accepting the offering and quickly consuming it. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

Yelena, her voice filled with concern, added, "You'll feel better soon, right?” She asked.

“I hope so,” You shrug. “Hopefully this doesn’t last long.” You sigh.

“So many people died out there,” Natasha’s voice drifts.

“I guess we’re one of the lucky ones,” You reply.

[fandoms--fluff]

Could I request a Natasha Phoenix (top gun) x reader sibling reader who has a panic attack about nat going on mission?

Scary Thought

Little Sister reader x Natasha "Phoenix" Trace

Warnings: panic attack?

A/n: I hope you enjoy this <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, Roo, have you seen Y/n/n anywhere?" Phoenix walks over to her best friend who's lounging against the kitchen bar table.

"Uh, no, not recently. Why? Is something wrong?" Bradley's eyes flash with concern. "No, nothing's wrong, just curious. I'm gonna try to find her though. See you later" Nat steps out of the room, in search of her younger sister, which so happens to be you.

You're crouched down on the ground, back against the wall of the bathroom. Out of no where you're breathing started to pick up. The training your sister was telling you about went to your head 100 miles a second the moment you stepped in there. The fail rate of the mission and death that could result to whoever was chosen for it scared you more than you let on when Nat and Bradley explained the aspects of what they were doing at work.

Tears are pooled in your eyes while your heart beats so fast you can hear it booming in your ears. You shakily lift your hand up to where your heart is and tap your hand restlessly against it trying to get it to slow down. With no surprise, it doesn't work.

Nat has looked in the living room, kitchen, your room, her room, and Bradley's room, and she still hasn't had any luck. That is until she pauses outside the downstairs bathroom door. Pressing her ear against the door, she gasps.

She crashes into the bathroom as soon as she hears the erratic breathing coming from the other side of the door. Her eyes flash around the small room, searching, then her eyes finally land on your huddled up form right next to the sink. If you were a mere inch closer to the left of the sink, the door would have hit you when she made her presence known.

She immediately kneels down in front of you and rests her hands on the tops of your knees. She picks up on your rigged breathing and overflowing panic flowing out of you and gets straight to work to help you.

Her thumbs start to rub soothing circles on your kneecaps, making you look up at her from the tiled ground. "Nat" Your whimper is muffled by the incessant works of your lungs making themselves known that they're not done pumping more breath up through your throat and out of your mouth.

"Yeah, yeah it's me. I'm here now, what happened to cause this?" Concern laces your big sister's voice. It makes you feel guilty, knowing she's got so much on her plate already with the training for the suicide mission and now she has to deal with your stupid panic attack that you can't even get rid of on your own.

You shake your head in response to her, tears still flowing down your cheeks. You don't want her to know about what made you have a panic attack in the bathroom of all places. She doesn't need to feel bad about doing her damn job just because you aren't taking the news very well. What kind of sister does that? You're eighteen now for god's sake, not some 7 year old who misses her sister anymore.

And here it comes again, your breathing picks up, now having more to worry about. Why can't your dang thoughts just shut up for one second?! Sobs start to make their way up, but get caught in your throat. It burns. It burns really bad. Which of course makes more tears to glisten down your red, hot cheeks and down your chin.

"Hey, I need you to listen to me carefully, y/n/n. Okay?" Nat says. Her eyes widen at how bad you're becoming, you've never had a panic attack this bad before. Or at least that she knows of.

You do the best you can at nodding, barely hearing her through the voices in your head yelling at you for how much of a baby you're being and the sounds of you hyperventilating.

"Alright, good." She moves her hands down to your own clutched by your heart and brings them into hers. She squeezes them in a soft rhythm, catching your attention.

Your gaze makes it down to where your hands are currently engulfed in your big sister's, and you just focus on the compression patterns. It slowly draws your mind away from the thoughts running through your head about the suicide mission and instead redirects them to the new soothing your sister guides.

"Now, can you tell me how many times you pranked Jake this week?" She asks, drawing your mind away from the panic attack more. "Umm, four times" You mumble, thinking about one of the memories of him chasing you after a bucket of green goop fell on him when he stepped outside after your lead.

"That's a lot. Okay, how about how much ice cream did you have while we've been at work?" She smirks, knowing your love of the treat.

Your mind breaks away, giggling. "A lot, can't remember how much." Nat chuckles, "Why am I not surprised one bit?"

"Cause you know me so well" You jab back, a smile on your face. "Yeah, I do" She releases her hold on your hands and brings hers up to your face and wipes away all the tear streaks.

"You want to talk about it?" She asks, demeanor a hundred percent caring. You gulp and your eyes dart away from her. "Hey, it's okay if you don't want to right now, but know that I'm always here to talk if you need or want to. Same goes with Bradley. We're always here for you. I'm always here for you, you're my baby sister." She leans down and places a kiss on your forehead.

Your eyes are glistening again, but in a good way. You lean forward and crash into Nat's chest, hugging her. She wraps her arms around your neck, returning the hug. "I love you" She whispers into your hair.

"I love you too. I'm, um, not ready to you know talk. But, uh, I can let your know when I'm ready. Right?" You pull away and look up at her. "Of course you can, y/n/n. I'm always here for you" She smiles softly.

"We should probably get out of here before Bradley sends a search party out for us" Your big sister whispers as if it's a top undercover secret. "Good idea" You smile back up at her, whispering as well.

You follow her out of the bathroom and to the living room on the old, grey couch. "Everything okay?" Bradley walks into the room, a bowl of popcorn in hand.

"Yeah, I think it is" You answer quietly, tucked into your sister's side. You may be almost an adult now, but it doesn't mean you can't have the occasional cuddle with your sister. As long as it stays between the two of you and Bradley. But he wouldn't say anything anyways.

[arriansarchive]

Regular Request Rules + NSFW Request Rules

Regular (non-smut) Requests Basic Rules

Request in the ask box

I am allowed to not answer (shouldn't have to be said but it is)

Do not request the same thing twice

I might add/change more rules and characters as time goes on because I'm forgetful

Just Notes

Why is my Miles Morales shit post getting reblogged pleeease pick anything other than that

Reader Rules (non-smut)

I will preferably do male reader

I might do gn reader

I won't do female reader so don't ask

I will accept reader being a characters sibling

Character Rules (non-smut)

I will do romantic female characters

I will do romantic male characters

Reader Rules (smut)

I will do dom!top!reader

I will do sub!top!reader

I will not do sub!bottom!reader

Kink Rules (obviously smut)

I will do degradation

I will not do praise (I'm horrible at it sorry)

I will not do pet names of any kind

I might do other kinks if you specify

Character Rules (smut)

I would preferably do m/m

I will try to do gn/m

I will not do gn/f

I will do m/f

Fandoms I Will Do

Spiderman Into/Across The Spiderverse

Miles Morales

Peter B. Parker

Miguel O'Hara

Pavitr Prabhakar

Hobie Brown

Gwen Stacy

Harry Potter

Harry Potter

Ron Weasley

Hermione Granger

Neville Longbottom

Luna Lovegood

Ginny Weasley

(depends) Draco Malfoy

Nymphadora Tonks

Harry/Ron

Hermione/Harry

Hermione/Ron

Neville/Harry

Neville/Luna

Shameless

Fiona Gallagher

Lip Gallagher

Ian Gallagher

Carl Gallagher

Mickey Milkovich

Mandy Milkovich

Veronica Fisher

Kevin Ball

Possibly others if you mention them

Young Sheldon

Georgie Cooper

Mary Cooper

IT Chapter 1/2

Richie Tozier

Eddie Kaspbrack

Bill Debsbrough

Stanley Uris

Beverly Marsh

Ben Hanscom

Mike Hanlon

Eddie/Richie (movie/book)

Ben/Bill (book)

Bill/Stan (movie/book)

Stranger Things

Mike Wheeler

Will Byers (male reader only)

Dustin Henderson

Lucas Sinclair

Eleven

Max Mayfield

Steve Harrington

Nancy Wheeler

Jonathan Byers

Jason Carver

Eddie Munson

El/Mike

Max/Lucas

Will/Mike

Nancy/Jonathan

Dustin/Lucas

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (book)

Alma LeFay Peregrine

Caul Bentham

Jacob Portman

Emma Bloom

Fiona Frauenfeld

Hugh Apiston

Noor Pradesh

Millard Nullings

Enorace

Jillard

Joor

Jemma

Nuwho

Eleventh doctor

Twelfth doctor

Clara Oswald

Amy Pond

Rory Williams

River song

12/Clara

Fear Street

Kate Schmidt

Simon Kalivoda

Josh Johnson

Ziggy Berman

Cindy Berman

Sally Face

Sal Fisher

Larry Johnson

Ashley Campell

Todd Morrison

Travis Phelps

Sal/Travis

Top Gun: Maverick

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

Jake 'Hangman' Seresin

Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace

Heartstopper

Nick Nelson

Charlie Spring (x m!reader only)

Tao Xu

Harry Greene

Elle Argent

James McEwan (x m!reader only)

Imogen Heanley

Nick/Charlie

Elle/Tao

The Fosters

Mariana Foster

Jesus Foster

Callie Adams-Foster

Jude Adams-Foster (x m!reader only)

Brandon Foster

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Ari/Dante

Darius the Great Deserves Better

Darius/Chip

The 13th Reality

Atticus "Tick" Higginbottom

Sofia Pacini

Paul (insert last name here since I forgot)

Tick/Sofia

Tick/Paul

Sofia/Paul

[nickeverdeen]

All requests

All requests I have will be written here along with those that I deleted ‘cause I was uncomfortable with them or had no idea how to do them and whenever a new one comes I’ll write it down here so you’d know if I got your request or not and whenever the request will be posted it will be off the list

————————————————————

So shortly colors rules:

Red - deleted

Orange - on hold

Green - accepted and probably done just waiting to be posted

————————————————————

In my drafts:

The Last Drop | Powder x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Our Secret | Ginny Weasley x Granger fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Solved | Platonic!Caitlyn Kiramman x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Fuck It | Ellie Williams x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Smitten | Ekko x fem!reader (imagine - requested)

Outlaws | Cowboy!Adora x fem!reader (x Cowboy!Catra) (imagine - not requested)

Muffin | Teen!Vi x Teen!fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Little Traitor | Platonic!Vi x mute!fem!reader x sister!Caitlyn (imagine - not requested)

First Place | Car racer!Vi x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Marked by You | Vi x tattoo artist!fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

“Sick” Day | Vi x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Under the Mask | Spider-Man!Vi x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

One Bus at a Time | Spider-Man!Vi x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Longing For You | Vi x fem!reader (imagine - requested)

Complicated | Kit Tanthalos x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Deserved Care | Kit Tanthalos x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Unspoken Battles | Ava Silva x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Her Warmth | Katniss Everdeen x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Kitty Cat | Raya x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

You’ve Bled | Katniss Everdeen x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Bright Enough | Platonic!Violet Sorrengail x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Runner | Ava Silva x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

You’re…? | Kate Bishop x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Sleepy Heads | Wife!Vi x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Just Rest | Caitlyn Kiramman x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Aftercare | Ellie Williams x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Edibles | Coriolanus Snow x gn!reader (imagine - requested)

Roomates | Platonic!Katniss x gn!reader x Platonic!Peeta (imagine - requested)

Yer Dafty | Young!haymitch x male!reader (imagine - requested)

My Girl | Kit Tanthalos x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Birdie | Sister!Natasha Trace x fem!reader (imagine - requested)

Deja Vu | Hermione Granger x gn!reader (imagine - requested)

Small Steps | Korra x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

In Your Arms | Vi x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

She-Ra (masterlist - not requested)

Victor | Platonic!Johanna Mason x gn!reader (imagine - requested)

Survivors | Lucy Gray Baird x sibling!reader (imagine - requested)

Arcane characters with sunshine partner (preferences - requested)

Fractured | Maddie x fem!reader x sister!Caitlyn (imagine - not requested)

In The Rain | Platonic!Vi x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Suits (masterlist - not requested)

No More Close Calls | Beatrice x fem!reader (imagine - not requested)

Birthdays:

Brother | Platonic!Rafe Cameron x younger!reader (hcs, imagine - requested)

On hold:

Tomb Raider masterlist (not requested - gonna post it when I’ll play the game done)

The Good Doctor masterlist (not requested - gonna post it when I’ll watch it done)

Pirates of the Caribbean masterlist (masterlist - gonna post it when I’ll rewatch it)

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag masterlist (masterlist - gonna post it when I’ll play it done)

Bound by the Seas and Secrets | James Kidd/Mary Read x fem!reader (imagine - gonna post it when Black Flag masterlist is out)

Crooked Kingdom (masterlist - gonna post it when I’ll read it done)

Deteled:

Victor Cato x victor reader soulmate au with the red string (imagine - requested)

Amity reacting to her partner being a sweet tooth (hcs - requested)

Georgie Cooper x black reader (hcs -requested)

Korra eating out older fem!reader (smut - requested), why = Reader is older

[thedroneranger]

The Drone Ranger's Be Kind Rewind ⏪ indynerdgirl Edition!

A rec reblog series dedicated to the fics that we love so much, we've re-read them!

@indynerdgirl's Rewind is here! I'll be taking a few recs off the list, and I hope you will, too!

While we continue to churn out amazing new content, let's be kind and rewind to look at some of the OG content we love! And don't forget to reblog when you re-read! Continue to show your comfort fics and favorite creators some love. It helps keep the fresh content coming :)

Let's keep this going throughout the summer, so if you're interested in participating in the Be Kind Rewind, message me. The more, the merrier!

If you want to know when a new Rewind drops, join the tag list, and check out previous Rewinds!

fics below the cut (listed in alphabetical order by title)

Flyboy, Jake Seresin, @kryptonitejelly This friends to lovers fic is just *chef’s kiss*. Jake is just so swoon worthy in this fic that everytime I reread it, I get just a little bit upset that he’s not real.

From The Ashes, Jake Seresin x Natasha Trace, @myshipsaresunk This Hannix rock star au will put you through the emotional ringer but it will be so worth it! I was lucky enough to beta read this one as it was being written and the endings of some of the chapters had me literally shouting at my computer screen due to some of the characters’ life choices.

Je te Laisserai Des Mots, Bradley Bradshaw, @jupitercomet This is an arranged marriage au but it’s also what I would call a period piece au. The writer says she was heavily inspired by Greta Gerwig’s Little Women but it also gives off some regency era vibes as well. Whatever era it’s supposed to be, this fic is another one that I wish never ended because I would love to stay in the world forever.

Mamma Mia, Bob Floyd/Jake Seresin/Bradley Bradshaw, @perpetuelledaydreaming Take the plot of Mamma Mia, set it in the world of Top Gun, and you have this absolutely amazing fic! And I love how it’s tied into TGM by having the reader run into all three of them again when they’re back at Top Gun for the special detachment.

My Girl, Jake Seresin, @ereardon This fic just hits all of the right spots for me when it comes to the single dad trope. And it’s also one of those fics that I wish just never ended because I just adore this little family.

Oh, Baby, Jake Seresin, @seresinhangmanjake This is the first in a super sweet series and the emotions that come through this one had me tearing up a few times the first time I read it.

Sugar and Spice, Jake Seresin, @wombtotombx This is a fantastic fic and the way SB describes things makes you feel like you’re right there in the fic with the characters. And with how knowledgeable she is when it comes to all things Navy, there are a ton of little things in this fic that just give it that extra touch. She also has a really fantastic dad!Jake series that I highly recommend!

That's a Problem?, Bradley Bradshaw, @archivallyfound09 Another super sweet fic that does the single parent trope well! Bug and his love of his ‘Ooster and Dino snacks will absolutely melt your heart!

the echo (or the answer), Jake Seresin, @anniesocsandgeneralstore I still can’t believe that I almost skipped over this werewolf au when if first showed up on my dash but I am so glad I decided to give it a go. It quickly became one of my favorites and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read it. 

The Princess and The Pilot, Jake Seresin, @perfectprettypisces I am a sucker for a good ‘dating the admiral’s daughter’ fic, especially when said daughter is the only girl with over protective brothers and this one ticks both of those boxes! And the sibling dynamics in this are top notch and very believable!

Creator's Own I Heard From The Heavens, Bradley Bradshaw Not only was this the very first Top Gun fic I ever wrote, but it was the first fic I had written in six years when I posted it last year. It’s also very personal to me. One of my younger brothers is a fighter pilot in the Air Force and while I am incredibly proud of him, I still can’t help but worry about him as an older sister is wont to do so this fic was me channeling those worries and fears I sometimes have in regards to my brother.

Tag list and friends: @petcr3 @desert-fern @Sagittarius-Lovewitch @mygyn @sweetwhispersofchaos @horseshoegirl @the-annoying-fan @dingochef @moon42flight @thecitysgraveyard @ereardon @roosterforme @cherrycola27 @galaxy-of-stories @taytaylala12 @malindacath @violyn20 @awildewit @potato-girl99981 @shanimallina87 @blue-aconite @djs8891 @linkpk88 @furiousladyking @daggerspare-standingby @princess76179 @jstarr86 @hecate-steps-on-me @darkheartcherry @soulmates8 @roosters-girl @dempy @roosterisdaddy36 @hangmanscoming @s-u-t @mavrellover91 @chicomonks @averyhotchner 

A kind reminder, this is a 18+ blog. While not all stories in the recommendation list are 18+, please respect boundaries and do not interact unless you are 18 years of age or older.

[foreverrandomwritings]

What’s In The Vows?-Part 4/5

Summary: It’s finally yours and Natashas wedding day. Will everything go to plan? Will tears be shed? 

Pairing: Natasha “Phoenix” Trace x afab!Reader

Warnings: Super fluff, sex mentioned at the end, mentions of alcohol and drinking. I don’t think theres anything else though. 

Word count: 1719

Masterlist   Series Masterlist

A/N: This can be read as a stand alone but will probably make more sense reading the other parts first. “What’s In The Envelope/Box/Plane?” The venue in this story is actually a venue I found doing research. 

You and Natasha had planned your wedding quickly after you had proposed to her. You had both realized she could be called away for a mission anyday and wanted to plan everything together. By some miracle there was an opening at Darlington House and you had booked it for June 3rd. 

The ceremony would be outside and the reception a mix of inside and outside. The florist, DJ and baker were all found quickly. The venue included catering. There would be an open bar. Penny knew someone that did photography and had availability. Natasha had decided against dress whites. The both of you found your dresses and had them sent for adjustments within a week of the planning starting. 

Phoenix had asked Bradley, Bob, her younger brother and sister to all be a part of her wedding party. You had asked your chosen 4 as well. Pete would be officiating the wedding. Jake and Javy were going to be flowermen and ushers. The whole squad had somehow gotten approved for that day off. Meaning no one could be sent on a mission that would overlap with the day. The both of you wanted to be sure they could all attend as they were practically family. 

The bridal shower, engagement party and bachelorette parties were all on one day and combined. Neither of you wanted to do your own things for the Bachelorette party and also wanted her younger siblings to be able to enjoy it. So it was basically just everyone involved in the parties hanging out watching movies eating junk food.

As the day approached you were both growing jittery. Not at all nervous as the both of you were excited to spend the rest of your lives together. But you both wanted everything to go to plan. You had decided to stay the night before and night of at a nice bed and breakfast close to the venue. 

You had whispered sweet nothings to each other as you laid in bed together the night before. Tangled in the sheets and each other. Soaking in the calmness of the night together, the buzz of the wine from the rehearsal dinner still vibrating through your bodies. Until the two of you fell into a blissful slumber nothing but a mess of limbs and even breaths. 

The morning of the wedding was spent peppering each other’s bodies in lazy kisses. Embracing the peace of your quiet room before the rushed hours to follow. There was an early breakfast in bed feeding each other various foods in between your giddy giggles. Looks of love and adoration were shared. 

Then Bradley came knocking on the door saying your time was up and he needed Nat to start getting ready. So the two of you reluctantly separated, a final kiss planted upon each other's lips as she slipped out of the room. Bradley took his job as man of honor very seriously and had already made sure Bob and her younger siblings were in the bronco before pushing her out the front door of the quaint bed and breakfast. 

You were whisked away to the venue shortly after with your entourage in tow. The both of you had packed everything you’d need in the trunks of your respective cars the night before. It was easy to get set up in your rooms and before you knew it you were heading out the door for your first look. 

The both of you had decided to do the first look in one of the many gardens the Darlington House had. You both had tears in your eyes as you saw each other. She had on a form fitting white dress that accentuated every curve of her body nicely. There were pearls and lace placed in the perfect places. The back was cut low exposing most of the skin underneath. The neckline was just low enough to expose her collarbones and worked into lacy sleeves along her arms.

Her hair was in a messy styled updo with occasional strands of hair hanging out. She had on a subtle makeup look. She had forgone jewelry except for a pair of pearl earrings her grandmother had gifted her. She looked utterly radiant. 

“You look absolutely stunning, baby girl.” She had whispered to you as she held your hips in her hands staring into your eyes. You rested your forehead against hers as you resisted the urge to kiss her just yet. 

“I have never seen a sight as breathtaking as you sweetheart.” You said breathlessly as you brought your hands to rest on her cheeks. Then you were kissing her, slow and sweet. Wanting to mark your last kiss as Fiancés as memorable as your first kiss as Wives would be. You pulled away and rested your forehead against hers once again. 

“Let's get married, Nat.” You spoke to her as you finally pulled your hands away from her face. She gave you a final peck on the lips before parting ways with you. 

She was walked down the aisle first by both of her parents. Then you were walked down next by your respective people. Seeing her standing at the altar had your heart fluttering. You had dreamt of this day as soon as you saw her in that bar all those years ago. You just never imagined it would be as amazing as you’d hoped. 

You joined hands with her as you passed your bouquet off. You wore matching smiles on your face. Full of love and hope and trust. It was a feeling like no other when your eyes connected with hers. Tears springing forwards once again. But you held them back, desperately wanting to see her clearly. 

“We are gathered here today to join these two wonderful women in matrimony.” Pete began the ceremony.

“They have decided to speak their own vows, Natasha will go first.” He gestured towards the woman standing across from you. You squeezed her hands as she took a deep and shaky breath. 

“Growing up I was always certain of one thing. I was going to be a pilot in the navy. After I finally achieved that I wasn’t certain about anything anymore. I had never thought about life beyond flying a super hornet. That was until the day I met you. I was confident then that I was going to marry you. As I stand before you today I am now confident that I will spend the rest of my life fighting to get home to you. You will always be something, someone I am confident in. You have been an unwavering support in my life for so long now. I will love and cherish you for the rest of my days, baby girl.” Tears were steady along your cheeks as she finished her words. She brought one hand up to wipe them away giving you a smile that meant so many things; reassurance, commitment and unconditional love. With a squeeze of your hand that was still connected to hers you began to speak. 

“I have feared many things in my life. I have feared the unknown of what the future would hold for me. I have feared heights and I have feared not having you come home to me. But the one thing I have never feared is loving you. I know with you by my side I will never have to fear again. I will not fear the future because I know it holds you. I will not fear heights because it is something you crave and find peace in. I will not fear you not coming home because I know you will fight with everything you have to come home to me. Sweetheart, I will love and support you for as long as forever lasts.” Then it was your turn to reach up and wipe at her tear stained cheeks. You stared at each other like it was the day at the bar all those years ago. You were completely entranced by each other that the world around you came to a halt. It took Pete loudly clearing his throat for your eyes to separate. 

“May I please have the rings?” He turned to Bradley who quickly reached into his pocket and handed them towards the captain. You steadily slipped the rings onto each other's fingers as he went over the meaning of the rings. Then you waited with bated breath to finally have her lips on hers. 

“You may now kiss the bride.” He spoke out and that’s all it took for the both of you to surge forward. 

Your lips crashed upon one another as steady as waves crashing upon the shore. Your hands wove around her neck as hers cradled your cheeks. The kiss was confidence and happiness. Once you pulled back from each other lightheaded and blissed you let out a quiet giggle. She smirked at you as she pulled you back towards her, giving you another slow kiss. Lips making promises of your future together. 

After what felt like only a moment you were twirling around the dance floor enjoying your first dance as a married couple. You had picked a song that had been on in the bar the night you first met. You hadn’t needed dancing lessons as you both decided to just wing it. It was full of laughs and stolen kisses. 

Then came the time for speeches. They started out as Bradley cracking a joke and then crying towards the end at the thought of his best friend being married. Bob came up and wished the two of you luck. Then it was her siblings who were laughing through the whole thing. Her parents gave a brief sentimental one. It worked quickly through your party. 

Before you knew it the night was coming to a close and you were both climbing into the back of one of Petes' many restored cars. He whisked you away as the crowd cheered and roared behind you. You held each other's hands trying to keep them off each other until you could get into your room at the bed and breakfast. You had both gotten breathtaking lingerie pieces for the night and couldn’t wait to see the other adorning them. You both looked forward to the honeymoon awaiting you Monday morning.

A/N: The Honeymoon part will be coming up soon. That part will most likely include smut.

Tags(open): @wkndwlff & @sylviebell​

[callsign-dexter]

Top Gun x Sister!Reader Masterlist

Bradley Bradshaw

Brotherly Love (Bradley Bradshaw x Sister!Reader)

The Sibling Connection (Bradley Bradshaw x Sister!Reader)

Jake Seresin

Together Against the World (Jake Seresin x Sister!Reader)

Heart to Break (Jake Seresin x Sister!Reader)

Natasha Trace

Mission Accomplished, Heart at Ease (Natasha Trace x Sister!Reader)

[averagewriter-inthedark]

Bigger Than The Whole Sky ☁️ | Top Gun Maverick Imagine

Takes place after the events of TGM

TGM Masterlist

Characters & Pairings: pilot!reader (call sign: Cloud) x Dagger Squad (platonic), Best friend!Natasha Trace x reader

Content Warnings; major angst, major character death. Description of car accidents caused by drunk driving, blood, and fatal injuries. Sudden miscarriage. Mention of teenage pregnancy & dysfunctional family dynamics. Emotional with no happy ending—read at your own risk. Profanity. | female reader (she/her) | wc: 7.5k+

Premise: It was supposed to be a happy reunion, instead it ended in tragedy. Saying goodbye to friends was not uncommon for their job, but never did it get easy. For the members of the 2019 Top Gun detachment, the last thing they expected was for a senseless accident to take away one of their own. In their grief they relive memories of the woman who, in their eyes, was bigger than the whole sky.

Note: I’m sorry.

—————————————

Gray clouds painted the sky. A fitting yet cruel joke for those who stood below on the grass, staring ahead past the hills as though they could not see the caskets before them. One of which had the American flag draped over the white painted wood. Light rain dripped down from the skies, mixing with the tears cascading down the cheeks of every guest. Off to the side stood six servicemen holding rifles, awaiting their time for the 21 gun salute.

A final send off to their sister in arms.

Dressed in their Dress Whites, members of the uranium enrichment plant mission stood behind the family of Lieutenant Y/n ‘Cloud’ L/n.

Cloud. ‘What an odd call sign’ many of them thought when they first met her in October of 2019. Soon they realized it was perfect for the pilot who always appeared like she was on Cloud 9. Never had they met someone with so much optimism and bliss. Even after getting to know Y/n and discovering all she had gone through in her life, they could not believe she lived everyday with a smile.

From the beginning, Y/n was dealt with a challenging life. Father wasn’t in the picture, mother working two, sometimes three jobs to keep them afloat leaving Y/n to take care of her siblings. A social life was none existent, therefore Y/n put all her focus into caring for her family and school. She worked her ass off in school in hopes of getting a scholarship to college for it was her dream to become a fighter pilot. Having done Navy JROTC all four years in high school, Y/n learned the beauty of aviation, taking school trips to air shows and museums which made the desire grow. At seventeen her dreams were nearly put on hold when she fell pregnant to her high school boyfriend the summer going into senior year. The relationship with her boyfriend didn’t last once the news broke, leaving Y/n to face the reality her own mother went through.

Determined to achieve her dream and give her baby the life they deserved, Y/n got a job as a hotel receptionist while finishing high school. Instead of going to prom, she was in the hospital where she gave birth in March of 2005 to a baby boy she named Atlas. A healthy and perfect baby who stole her heart in ways only a mother would know. Atlas gave Y/n hope. He was her motivation to do better. Being his mother gave Y/n an endless state of bliss, always starting her day with a smile, with the goal of bringing nothing but happiness to Atlas’ life. He would never know hardships like she did. And although his father wasn’t in the picture, Y/n would be both mom and dad.

Good news and bad news came with the birth of Atlas. The good news was Y/n received a full ride to Boston University through their Navy ROTC program after Y/n’s successful interview. The bad, unfortunately, meant Y/n would have to waive her parental rights and give her mother custody at some point before commissioning, as she could not have dependents when coming into the Navy. Until then, Y/n could have her son with her through college. She and her best friend, who also was attending BU, found a little apartment close to campus and coordinated their schedules so her best friend could watch Atlas during Y/n’s morning PT and ROTC classes since her other professors for her major allowed her to bring the baby with her to class. Atlas loved going to Y/n’s classes, sleeping in his carrier or playing with his toys. Sometimes if he got fussy her professors would hold him which made the students' hearts melt.

Much like high school the young woman didn’t have a social life. It was hard to have one, being a full-time student and single mother to an infant. Though her college was paid for, Y/n found a part-time job on campus as a desk assistant for one of the dorms. Doing so allowed her to have Atlas with her while she studied and brought a paycheck to care for him. It was an easy job that pretty much consisted of her watching the lobby and making sure residents were safe. It gave Y/n all the time in the world to get her homework done. All four years she kept the job and split the money between savings and depositing into a trust fund for Atlas.

Commissioned to the rank of Ensign upon graduation from Boston University, Y/n waived her parental rights to her mother, who now had a well paying job and could care for Atlas until Y/n finished flight school and was assigned a squadron. It took a few years, with Y/n seeing her son only for holidays and once in a blue moon but just before Atlas’ eighth birthday Y/n was re-granted custody. She was assigned to the VFA-41, more commonly known as the Black Aces from NAS Lemoore, Atlas became her dependent, the two found a nice home off base to rent. Atlas was enrolled in the base elementary school, and at the end of the school day he’d go to the base youth center where Y/n would pick up after work.

With the Black Aces, Y/n, now known to her fellow aviators as ‘Cloud’ due to constant state of happiness like she was on Cloud Nine 24/7, met Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace. A woman who would become one of Y/n’s best friends. Together they made up the small percentage of female aviators at Lemoore, becoming so close they actually decided to be roommates with Natasha moving into the spare bedroom of Y/n’s home. Nat was surprised to learn Y/n had a child when they first met, but grew to see Atlas like a surrogate nephew, the boy always asking Nat to tell him stories and play games whenever Y/n was busy. “Aunt Tasha, can we play Just Dance?”

“I don’t think that’s fair since you always win, little man,” she teases, causing him to pout, “Oh alright. This time I get to pick the first song.”

A year after Natasha was selected to attend Top Gun, Y/n received the same invitation at 27 and therefore Atlas remained at Lemoore with Nat as his temporary guardian. Upon returning life seemed to be hectic with Y/n running mission after mission to the point she considered sending Atlas back to his grandmother. He was now ten and had trouble with the idea of moving. A momma’s boy through and through, the two were very close considering it was only them at one point in life. “No!” He protested, causing her to frown. “I wanna stay here with you. With aunt Tasha and my friends. Please don’t make me go back to grandma’s, momma.”

“Baby, I don’t want you to leave either,” she tells him, pushing away the hair on his forehead. “But I have to go off shore and aunt Tasha might be coming too.”

“Then please ask Jason’s mom if I can stay with them.” Hesitant to ask such a huge favor, Y/n does so for the sake of her son’s happiness. Jason’s mother was an angel, thank God, having no problem with Atlas staying with them whenever both Y/n and Natasha were on assignments. “I owe you big, Gwenyth. I can’t thank you enough for doing this. You’re an absolute lifesaver.”

And so for the next few years Atlas would stay with Jason or another friend’s family during times Y/n and Nat were on missions. It only happened a few times a year, the longest in 2019 when both pilots were called back to Top Gun for a special detachment. Atlas wanted to come with Y/n to San Diego but unfortunately it was in the middle of October during Atlas’ freshmen year of high school. She’d be gone roughly a month with three weeks for training and possibly one for the mission itself. Kissing her son goodbye, promising to call him everyday, Y/n and Nat left for Fightertown.

Coming into the Hard Deck was like deja vu. Dressed in their Service khakis Cloud and Phoenix led Fanboy and Payback into the bar where they met up with Hangman and Coyote, met Natasha’s new backseater, Bob, and reunited with Rooster and Halo. Of all the aviators besides Nat, Y/n only knew Halo coming into the detachment. She only knew Hangman by reputation and Rooster by name through Phoenix. It was the first time meeting everyone else.

When Y/n strolled up to the bar she was met with a bright smile from Penny. “Y/n!” She came around the bar to hug the aviator, “How are you? Gosh it’s been a while—Are you here for the same reason this place is swimming with Top Gun alum?”

Unaware of the Captain sitting at the bar, Y/n smiled back at Penny, “It’s great to see you again, Penny. And yeah, it looks to be that way,” she nods to the group, “Wasn’t told much details, but it must be something big to call that many of us back.”

“How’s your boy? Atlas is fourteen now, right?” At Penny’s question, Maverick’s hand paused as it was bringing his beer glass to his lips. He didn’t know much about his students besides the basics, so this was the first he was hearing one of them had children.

“Yup, God I can’t believe it sometimes. Feels like yesterday he was starting first grade. Now he’s in high school—plans to try out in spring for baseball. He wanted to come with me but it’s currently the middle of the school year.”

Glancing briefly, Mav didn’t find a ring on Cloud’s finger, causing his head to fall. Stress now consumed him tenfold, knowing the details of the mission could very easily have a flag draped coffin as the outcome. Later that night, after getting kicked out of the bar, Mav looked into Y/n’s file to find she was 31, unwed with a teenage son, and had given up parental rights at the beginning of her career before retaining them years later. Doing the math wasn’t hard, Mav piecing together the pilot had her child young. Right there his worst nightmare would be having to face Cloud’s son to tell him his mother died in action.

What should have been a three weeks of training, turned out to be two when the Pentagon received word the uranium plant would be operational earlier than planned. Brutal was the best way to describe the two weeks Y/n endured. Having to push her limits further than anything she’d ever done. At least she could say she pulled 10Gs and survived to say it. In the end she was part of the reserves, going out with Hangman to save Mav and Rooster from a fifth generation fighter.

“Thanks for the backup, Cloud,” Hangman snickered into the coms. “I guess I wouldn't mind having you as my wingman.”

The woman scoffed, but smirked not nemesis, “Please, you were my backup, Seresin.”

“Good eyes up there, Cloud,” Mav complimented. “I owe you big time.”

“Just doing my job, Captain. I’ll see you boys back on deck. And Hangman, I have a three mission rule before accepting candidates for the position of wingman.”

Arriving back to shore, Y/n was shocked to hear a familiar voice calling out, “Mom!” Immediately her eyes landed on Atlas running across the parking lot.

“Atlas?” She grunted when he slammed into her. The 14 year old was nearly as tall as her and full of straight muscle from all the years of sports Y/n had placed him in. Body already sore from the week she had, the impact made her stumble before steadying. Hugging him first, sighing in relief knowing she made it back to him, the pilot pulls away with a look of incredulous, “wha-what are you doing here? Who brought you here?” Before he could answer she looked up to find his best friend Isaac and his parents walking toward them.

“We’re so sorry to show up without warning,” Issac’s father Brian says, nodding to Atlas, “but he grew really worried—we all did, when we couldn’t get a hold of you the last few days. We called the commanding officer and he said you were off shore with the Pacific fleet.”

Y/n mentally cursed, bringing a hand to her nose while apologizing, “I’m so sorry, the cell service on board isn’t good and every time I tried to use the phone on deck there was a line. I’m so sorry for worrying you.”

“We’re just glad you’re okay,” Julie, Issac’s mother told her, smiling softly at Atlas curled into Y/n’s side.

“Thank you for coming all this way—bringing him to me. I’ll compensate you for the gas and time. Gosh, again I’m so sorry.” The couple politely declined, saying it was no trouble at all and to not worry about it. Still, Cloud made a mental note to make it up to them. While Y/n made the arrangements with Issac’s parents to take Atlas back home with her, the teenager sneaked off to find Natasha.

“Aunt Tasha!” The pilot spun around in surprise, a grin forming as she opened up her arms for a hug.

“Hey, little man!” They did their secret handshake after pulling away. “Wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“Well you and mom didn’t answer my calls. I thought something bad happened to you two.” His expression indicated he was a little upset. The anxiety the past couple days was nauseating for Atlas, unable to sleep thinking his mom and surrogate aunt by choice were dead.

Nat ruffled his hair, much to his displeasure, “Awe buddy, I’m glad you care about me that much.” Behind the pilot, the guys—minus Mav—appeared as though they suddenly grew two heads, looking between each other as the same questions popped in their mind: ‘Cloud’s got a kid?’

“Will you clowns stop staring and come over here?” Nat rolled her eyes, throwing an arm around Atlas’ shoulder. “Kid I’d like to meet the greatest pilots the Navy has ever seen,” she then lists them off by callsign, “Fellas, this is Atlas L/n. Cloud’s son.” There was an immediate bond between the dagger squad following the mission, and the discovery their colleague had a child—who she had at 17 and the father bailed—resulted in the guys becoming very protective of the two. That night when they celebrated at the hard deck, Y/n found the guys teaching Atlas to play pool and darts while also answering any questions the teenager had. It made her heart sink a bit, longing for Atlas to have that father figure in his life. For 14 years she was both mom and dad. The two amigos against the world.

The men of the dagger squad, including Maverick, became that ‘father figure’ for Atlas, though he referred to them as uncles like Nat was his ‘aunt’. Whenever he needed advice on something Y/n could not give him, one of the guys would be right there for him. Rooster and Atlas bonded over baseball, the two on each other’s team when the whole squad played a game, which was one of the best days the whole group had with each other. “Let’s go, Atlas. Let’s go, my man,” Rooster clapped, edging off of third base as Atlas came up to bat, “Bring me home. You got this.” Y/n was pitcher, giving a mock glare to her son before throwing the ball which Atlas his dead out of the field in a home run. Rooster ran home in glee as he cheered with their team, all waiting for Atlas to arrive back where the pilot lifted him onto his shoulders. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

Hangman, much to Y/n’s annoyance, gave Atlas tips on how to pick up women for when he gets older. “The key is to swoon them. Make them feel like they are the only girl in the entire world. Once you do that, you just gotta keep the charm up.”

“Jake, you better not be having my son become a playboy. I will not have it.”

Bob, Fanboy, Payback, and Coyote loved to play games with Atlas, making it a tradition every Saturday night to reserve a few hours to hop online and join Atlas in whatever game they were currently loving. Sometimes it was Call of Duty, other times it was Fortnight (Which mostly occurred during the pandemic), once in a blue moon they would play Among Us for the hell of it or Friday the 13th. On Among Us nights the others, including Y/n, would join in and they’d all use their call signs for their names. Bob and Atlas were an unstoppable imposter duo, always winning whenever they were paired.

“Dammit, not again!”

“Hey, watch the language, Mickey.”

“I still don’t understand what I’m doing.”

“Mav, you gotta just stay alive and defend yourself if you get accused of being the killer.”

2020 was a hard year. One where the team did not meet up in person until nearly a year after lockdown. In the months leading to New Year’s they decided to get together to ring in 2021 together, taking days off and planning in advance. Luckily it worked out, with the team and their partners/families having a blast as they said ‘fuck you, 2020,’ and ‘hello, 2021.’ That night Mav and Y/n were chilling on the back porch of the hard deck while everyone else was dancing and having a good time. The cool breeze was comforting, the two basking in the relaxing tune of the ocean waves.

“I don’t know how you managed to do it,” Maverick said, making Y/n turn to him confused. “Being a single mom so young, getting through college and flight school all on your own and having to make the difficult decision to not have your son with you for four years. I don’t think I could’ve done it. The kid’s lucky to have you, Cloud. You’re an amazing mom and I don’t think you get told that enough.”

Glancing to her feet, Y/n softly smiled, “you know when I found out I was pregnant I was scared out of my mind. Then the man who I thought loved me and would love him walked out, leaving me alone. It felt like I was that little girl again when my dad left and my mom had to pick up the pieces with so many of us,” she paused as the memories flashed in her mind. “My greatest fear was disappointing him—I could’ve never forgiven myself if I did. The first time I held him, and he stared at me with those baby doe eyes, I said, ‘I guess it’s just you and me buddy. You and I against the world.’” In the window she spotted Atlas playing pool with Hangman and Coyote, smiling at the sight. “I used to go through life like it was a constant weight on my shoulders. Then he came along and I felt an endless bliss that never ended—like I was always walking on Cloud Nine. It’s why I named him Atlas, you know,” she turned back to Mav, “after the Greek Titan who holds the heavens and skies. I’m lucky to be his mom. He’s had to sacrifice a lot, had to adapt to things, but managed to stay happy. I’m so grateful everyday he’s never had to deal with what I went through as a kid. He’s happy, and that’s all a mother could ask for.”

Throughout 2021, meet ups with everyone from the dagger squad were roughly every other month. Usually it would be two or three, but not once since the New Year’s party did all of them find themselves under a single roof. They’d all returned to their squadrons or received new assignments. Phoenix and Bob became Top Gun instructors, leaving Y/n in Lemoore. Hangman was still with the Vigilantes, who were also located in Lemoore, and so was Coyote so Y/n saw them the most throughout the year. They came to Atlas’ baseball games and even house sitted when Y/n was on missions. Fanboy, Payback, and Rooster were back in Virginia, but often called to check in every once in a while. The team also had a group chat which was great when planning get togethers.

2022 was to be a big year. Atlas was turning 17 and would graduate high school with a full ride to UCLA in the fall. Y/n was beyond proud, literally on cloud 9 when he told her the news. She also finally allowed herself to open her heart to someone near the end of 2021, connecting with a nice man who was a civilian contractor. For months they saw each other before making it official. Not long after, about halfway through April, both were rendered speachless by the results of a certain test. Y/n was scared shitless again, but this time she didn’t have to worry about him walking out on her because he was more excited than her, spinning her around with joy. Atlas happened to walk in at that moment, saw the test, and nonchalantly said, “I hope it’s a boy. I’ve always wanted a brother,” playfully giving a disappointed look to Y/n, he added, “Thanks for waiting till I’m about to leave to do so.”

Nat was the first person she called, the pilot screaming into the phone, “Oh my God! Oh my God, Cloud! This is amazing—I’m so happy for you! Holy shit!”

“Don’t tell anyone!” Y/n laughed over her screams. “I wanna tell them when we’re all together next month!” To celebrate Atlas’ impending graduation, the team had all planned to meet in Fightertown to have a pre-celebration. Everyone was excited, taking leave just to travel for the weekend.

Never did they anticipate the tragedy that laid ahead.

On a warm late spring evening in San Diego, just as the sun was starting to set, Phoenix, Bob, Payback, Fanboy, Hangman, Coyote, and even Hondo gathered in their usual corner exchanging hugs and greetings before starting the night with a round of beers.

“When are the others getting here?” Payback asked, settling on a stool while Bob and Mickey racked up a game of pool.

“Cloud and Atlas are staying in TLF on base,” Phoenix explained, “They got in about an hour ago and said they’d be on their way once they settled in. Rooster’s picking up Mav—he texted me he’d be leaving in fifteen or so.”

And so they waited. The bar wasn’t too crowded yet, however some people were already pissed drunk. Many of course were servicemen, including the new Top Gun students. One guy was kicked out and another Penny had to take his keys, telling him to call an Uber.

Unfortunately, those at the bar missed how he took them back when Penny was occupied with a customer…….A grave and ill-fated mistake.

Thirty minutes later and still the four the group were waiting for hadn't shown. Checking her phone, Phoenix saw Cloud had messaged her at about 7:55 saying she was on the way with Atlas. Rooster’s message was just five minutes before saying he got Mav and should be there in ten. The bar wasn’t too far from base, so hypothetically all of them should have arrived. Dialing Y/n, Phoenix waited for her to answer, but it went to voicemail after several rings. She then dialed Atlas. Again, no answer. Next was Rooster and Mav. No answer.

Not wanting to jump to conclusions, Phoenix decided to try again in a few minutes in case they were just around the corner. Maybe they got all the red lights. Maybe Y/n had to stop for gas. Maybe Rooster wasn’t in the mood for bar food and got fast food on the way. Nat didn’t want to worry herself, so she put her phone back down on the table and watched the game.

Ten minutes later Pheonix feels her stomach start to flip, “Something doesn't feel right.” The words aloud strengthened her intuition, the air around became unsettling. Dialing Y/n again and trying to keep a calm demeanor, Nat cursed when it went to voicemail again.

“What are you talking about, Trace?” Jake said, standing straight after taking his turn on the pool table. By now everyone’s attention was on the former Black Ace.

“It’s been over half an hour, and they’re still not here,” tapping Atlas’s contact, she pressed the phone to her ear, each ring making her nerves rise. “And no one’s answering,” she dropped the phone to the table, Atlas not answering the call.

Bob came over, dialing Rooster on behalf of Nat, “Maybe the car broke down. I’m sure they are almost here. Let’s not think ahead of ourselves.”

“I don’t—,” Nat waves a hand in front of her, closing her eyes to calm her breathing, “I don’t want to think of the worst…but they should've already walked through the door. None of them are answering—Cloud always answers and if she can’t she texts me to let me know and calls me back the second she can. I-I—-.” The words fall flat when Nat opens her eyes to see Penny, pale-faced and clutching her belly, approach the team. “Penny.”

The guys turn to see the woman, inhaling deeply as they take in her state. Blue green eyes were glossy, her hands were shaking as they hovered over her stomach.

Payback stood from his seat, breaking the silence no one seemed to want to do, “What’s going on, Penny?”

Her voice was low, cracking as she said, “Y-You guys need to come outside. Right now. Mav a-and Rooster are waiting for you.” Relief came at the news Mav and Rooster were there, but did nothing to settle the unease regarding Cloud and Atlas.

Nat was the first on her feet, practically racing out the door and not missing the fact a police officer entered looking completely distressed. The anxiety was nearly crippling, becoming numb as Nat threw open the doors of the Hard Deck—the others following behind, where they all froze at the sight of Mav and Rooster beside the police car in a state of agony.

Like they’d just witnessed someone die.

Nat felt the bile surface in her mouth, swallowing it with a loud gulp as she pointed an accusatory finger at the pilots, “What is that?” No one could miss the large dark red stains painting Mav’s white tee, Rooster’s Hawaiian shirt, their jeans and hands. If it even remotely belonged to them, they’d be hauling ass to the hospital.

But they weren’t injured. And it wasn’t their blood.

Nat made a pained sound, water lining her eyes at their reaction. Behind her Bob’s knees buckled, as did Fanboy’s and they lowered themselves to the ground. Hondo covered his mouth, Hangman grasped his hair while Coyote and Payback seemed to shake their heads like they didn’t want to accept the silent answer.

They were only missing two people.

“Bradshaw,” Nat hissed, anger now in her tone. She didn’t know why she was angry, but it was the first emotion she felt. “Who’s. blood. is. that?” She took a step with each word, still pointing at his stained shirt, daring Rooster to tell the truth. Deep down she wished it could be a lie, but alarm bells took over her entire body. “Tell me right now.”

Knowing Rooster was in no state to talk, Mav gently came in front of Phoenix, willing himself to stay composed. “There’s been an accident….Y-Y/n and Atlas are en route to UC San Diego,” he pauses to take a shaky breath, making Nat’s stomach plummet. “I won’t lie to you—to any of you. It-it doesn’t look good, o-okay. Rooster and I w-were coming around the corner and saw it happen—we think it was a drunk driver. They were struck head on. We got them o-out and stayed until the ambulance came.”

Now it made sense why a cop was at the bar. If it was a drunk driver who hit them, it was likely they came from the Hard Deck. Phoenix vaguely remembered seeing Penny take away a guy's key cause he was plastered. Never would she allow someone to drink at her bar and get behind the wheel.

Nat’s breath caught in her throat, tears slowly falling down her cheeks, “How bad, Mav? How bad is it?” Judging by his reaction, he didn’t want to say—a haunted look in his eyes. It only made Nat angry.

“How about we go to the hospital, okay? That way the doctors can tell us—.”

“Goddammit, Mav, she’s pregnant!” The only ones who didn’t react with absolute shock were Mav and Rooster, meaning Y/n had to have told them. She had to have been awake when they pulled her out. Her voice cracked again, “S-she’s pregnant. She was planning to tell everyone tonight,” she ended the sentence with a sob. “Oh God, don’t tell me they’re dead. N-No!”

Letting his own tears fall, Mav gently pulled Phoenix into a hug, careful not to let any of the blood stain her clothes. While the two were embraced, Hangman pleaded to Maverick, “Just please tell us right now they were alive when you pulled them out.” Rooster is the one to give the answer, finally speaking after staying silent for so long.

“Cloud passed out right when the ambulance pulled up,” he pauses to let them take it in…before giving the devastating news. “Atlas wasn’t breathing.”

“Oh my God,” Bob hurried to the trash can, feeling like he was about to spill his guts. Nat let out a muffled scream into Mav’s chest, already feeling the loss of her nephew. In tears Fanboy muttered, “Fuck,” as did Coyote. Hangman sank to his knees, while Hondo and Payback looked to the sky in a silent prayer.

“The paramedics were working to get it back,” Mav assured, but it was to no avail. “Let’s all go to the hospital and be there for them. That’s all we can do now.”

No one was in the right mind to drive themselves so Ubers were called. The whole way everyone was quiet or silently crying. Mav had the difficult job of calling Cyclone, who would in turn get in touch with Y/n’s commanding officer, who would then relay the news to her family.

Rooster couldn’t stop replaying the crash.

He’d just picked up Mav, the two catching up as they drove to the bar when they approached a red light in a four-way intersection. They would have turned left once they got the green light, so they waited patiently for it to change. Both had turned forward just in time to witness a silver Hyundai Sonata get completely rammed head on by a speeding black Ford truck as they were coming into the clear intersection. The force of the impact crushed their hood, pushing the poor little Sonata back until it spun away and rolled once over.

“Holy shit!” Without hesitation Rooster and Mav flung the doors of the Bronco open, racing to the Sonata as fast as they could. They could see gas spilling from the car, a tell tale sign it could explode given it was still running. The windshield was destroyed, the front bumper nonexistent. As Rooster used all his strength to get the driver’s door open, the two were met with a gruesome discovery when it finally opened to reveal the bloody and bruised face of their friend they were just minutes from seeing at the bar. “Oh—oh my God,” Bradley furiously worked to unbuckle her seatbelt, “Oh God, Cloud.”

The entire left side of Y/n’s face was covered in blood, spilling from the nasty contusion on her temple. Judging by the crack on the driver’s window they put it together her head collided with it. The other half they could make out pieces of glass from the windshield embedded into her skin. Burns from the airbag and seatbelt were visible on her neck. Her right arm was at a bad angle, so was her left leg which was being crushed due to the hood caving in. And that was only what they could initially see, not counting what internal injuries she sustained.

Coughing, which came out more like a wheeze because her chest was on fire, Y/n put all her energy into saying, “G-get him o-out. M-Mav-M-av…Atlas—get A-atlas out. Please.” The Captain cursed, remembering the boy was with her. The shock from discovering it was Cloud in the car made his entire being blank. Now adrenaline kicked in and he was rushing around the car to get the boy out. With the car running and gas spilling it could blow at any second. They needed to get them out fast and far away from the vehicle.

Rooster hated having to cause pain to Cloud, but her legs were broken and stuck so he had to do what was needed for her to have a chance at surviving. “Baby, put your arm around me okay—I’m gonna drag you out. It’s gonna hurt but I promise I’m gonna make it quick. On the count of three,” Weak and pushing herself to stay awake, Y/n put her good arm around Bradley’s neck, leaning into him when his own went under her thighs and around her back. A light scream escaped her followed by a choked gasp. Rooster apologized, “I know, I know, baby. I’m sorry. On the count of three, Cloud—okay, one…..two….three!” All his strength and adrenaline combined helped him get Y/n out of the vehicle, the woman screaming in his ear. He ran all the way to the Bronco, noticing more people had stopped to help. Some guys in flight suits were attending to the driver of the truck and another man was with Mav, taking a crowbar to open the door to Atlas.

Setting Y/n down as gently as he could, Rooster hurried to get his phone from the car, dialing 9-1-1 in a flash. Y/n was shaking from the pain, Rooster unable to imagine what she was going through. He took her hand in his, kneeling beside her as the operator answered, “9-1-1, what is your emergency?”

“My-my friend and her son have been in an accident. They were crossing the intersection just off the freeway heading away from NAS Fallon. We’re about two miles from the Hard Deck bar,” Rooster looked up to find Maverick and the good samaritan dragging Atlas’ limp body toward them. “A black truck was speeding and crashed straight into them. I don’t know about the other driver—bu-but my friend and her son are badly hurt. We need an ambulance here immediately.” Y/n squeezed Rooster’s hand, gasping for air, causing him to look back at her. It broke his heart to see her so scared. “Help is coming, Cloud. Just hang in there.”

Glancing over his shoulder, Rooster’s stomach dropped at the sight of Maverick performing chest compressions on Atlas. “What’s happening, Mav?”

The teenager looked worse than his mother. Nearly unrecognizable by the injuries sustained to his face, The airbag no doubt broke his nose, glass coated his skin, both his legs were bent awkwardly, and a small piece of metal impaled his side. Then Mav gave a grim look, shaking his head, “he’s not breathing.”

“W-what?” Y/n wheezed, pulling Rooster’s attention again. She saw the blood drain from his face, the man pushing her cheek so she couldn’t view the scene behind him. “He—h-he’s not..breathing? Roo—.”

“Cloud, keep your eyes on me,” he gently cradled her cheek, not caring blood was getting all over him. Rooster didn’t want his friend to see the state of her son, especially when it wasn’t looking good for him. Y/n kept calling for Atlas, sobbing when he didn’t answer her. Rooster was having difficulty keeping composure, “Mav is with him—he won’t leave his side. I promise you. Just stay focused on me.”

“Is her son not breathing, sir?” the operator’s worried tone made him blink, forgetting he was on the phone with 9-1-1.

“N-no, no he’s not. My Godfather is currently doing CPR.”

“Paramedics are enroute, have him keep doing compressions until they take over.” Rooster relays the information, all while trying to calm Y/n as she starts to cry.

“My b-baby,” she groans as a new wave of excruciating pain consumes her body. “Roo—ba-baby.”

Thinking she was referring to Atlas, Bradley shushes her, “Your baby is right here, Y/n. Mav is with him—he’s not going anywhere.”

“C’mon kid,” he heard Mav grunt between compressions, “Stay with us. Breath, Atlas. Breath, kid, c’mon!” In the distance sirens could be heard.

“N-no!” Y/n cries suddenly, good hand going to her stomach at the feeling of her womb being torn to shreds, followed by the feeling of moisture in her underwear. Rooster saw the action, look of horror on his face as Y/n kept repeating, “Ba-by. My bab-y. It hurts. Roo it hu-rts.”

“Fuck,” he pulled the phone away, tears springing his eyes. “Oh God.” Hand shaking so bad, he didn’t know how he managed to bring the phone back to his mouth, “My friend just told me she’s pregnant and she’s having pain in her lower abdomen.” The sirens were getting louder, and Y/n’s eyes started to flutter causing Rooster to panic.

“Cloud, stay awake. Don’t close your eyes yet, the paramedics are almost here,” he lightly slapped her cheek, the pilot groaning.

“M-my head hur-urts, Roo. Ev-everything hurts,” Clouds good hand went to her temple, coating it in blood as she winced and shivered. “I feel…I feel tired Roo. My-my head hurts so bad.”

Rooster’s swallowed, holding back the tears threatening to fall. Words could not describe the agony consuming him that his friend, who likely just lost her baby, was dying and her son was too. “I-I know, baby. I know it hurts—but Y/n you gotta stay awake. You gotta stay strong for Atlas,” her eyes were still fluttering, but at the mention of her son she took in a choked breath. Rooster could tell she was fighting back the urge to fall asleep. “That’s it, Cloud. Just keep your eyes open. We’re gonna get you and Atlas to the hospital and you two are gonna be okay.”

As the ambulances pulled up, Rooster stayed by Y/n’s side while they worked to get Atlas on the stretcher. Mav came over to them when the paramedics took over, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder while they encouraged her to stay awake. “It’s gonna be okay, Cloud. You guys are going to be in good hands.”

An oxygen mask was placed over Y/n’s nose, the EMT’s strapping her to the stretcher. Rooster continued to hold her hand until they were ready to place her in the ambulance, bending down to leave a gentle kiss on her forehead not covered by glass or blood. “We'll be right behind you, Cloud. We’re gonna go get the others and be right by your side.” The second Rooster finished his sentence, Y/n succumbed to exhaustion. Letting the sleep finally take over.

It unnerved Rooster and Maverick when she did lose consciousness, fear surfacing at the possibility she would never wake up. It lingered the entire time they were at the Hard Deck delivering the news and when they arrived at the hospital. By the time they arrived, Warlock and Cyclone were already there and the entire former detachment was escorted into a private room. Penny arrived roughly ten minutes later and the waiting game commenced.

In the corner Maverick was talking with the Admirals, Cyclone telling him, “I got in touch with her commanding officer. He’s on his way from Lemoore and her mother is on a flight to SAN and should be arriving around two-thirty close to three. I’ll send someone to pick her up and bring her straight here.”

Everyone was restless. It was pushing 10 pm and they hadn’t heard anything. They weren’t sure to see that as a good or bad thing. Jake and Javy were kind enough to bring coffee for everyone from the cafeteria, but hardly anyone smiled in thanks.

At around midnight the entire room stood from their seats when the doors opened, a doctor, a nurse, and a lady dressed in a suit. All three wore solemn expressions, enough to make Nat and Penny lose it right there while the Admirals dropped their heads, and the guys lost it after the heartbreaking news was announced.

“I’ve been told you all are here for Lieutenant Y/n L/n and her son Atlas on behalf of her family who are currently traveling from out of state. I’m so sorry to be the one to tell you this. The boy was pronounced dead on arrival—the blood loss and the impact alone was too severe. In regards to Lieutenant L/n…we did everything we could, but the injury to her head was catastrophic. There’s no brain activity. I’m so sorry.”

Nat doesn’t remember screaming and collapsing into Rueben’s arms, the two sinking to the ground as she pleads it was a lie and her best friend and nephew were alive. “NO! No-no-nooo!!!” She rammed a first against paybacks chest, the man a complete mess as he let, “Oh God, please no—not them!” But she did.

Bob doesn’t remember sinking to his knees, letting out a broken sob as the doctor continued to say Y/n was on life support and they were awaiting her mother to sign off on pulling the plug. But he did.

Mickey doesn’t remember sliding down the wall, curling into a ball on the ground while silently praying it was all a dream. But he did.

Bradley doesn’t remember kicking a chair into a wall and throwing a cup of coffee against another, “Fuck!!” He just kept cursing. But he did.

Jake doesn’t remember asking about the driver who caused the accident and was pulled away by Maverick, Hondo and Coyote when he attempted to go after him after discovering he was alive and well, “that bastard gets to breath while Cloud and her kids are in the fucking ground!? Dammit let me go! He fucking deserves to be dead-not them!” But he did.

Three lives. Three lives were taken by a senseless tragedy. All because some idiot decided to steal back his keys when he knew he shouldn’t have been driving.

Y/n would never get to have her baby. Never would she be able to share the immense love like she had for Atlas with them.

Her baby, who they discovered was going to be a boy, would never live the life he was supposed to have.

And Atlas would never make it to his high school graduation. Never experience college or fall in love. His life was cut short at the young age of 17. The same age his mother was when she brought him into the world.

For hours they stayed at the hospital and grieved together until Y/n’s heart stopped beating. Her mother arrived, broken and in despair, signing the papers with shaky hands. While her mother remained in the room, holding Y/n’s hand, the squad and admirals plus Penny stayed outside. Nat, Jake, Maverick, Rooster, and Cyclone were the only ones to look through the window at Y/n’s sleeping figure. The others couldn't bring themselves to face the scene, but the door was open for them to hear the steady beep of her slowing heart until only silence was heard.

Using all her strength to be composed, Nat came into the room and stood beside Y/n’s bed. The others watched as she leaned down to kiss her bandaged forehead. Nat’s lips quivered, but she mustered the ability to whisper, “you’re safe now, Y/n, go be with them okay?” Nat stoked her best friends hair, “Atlas is waiting for you in the clouds. We’ll take it from here.”

The day of the funeral the sky was covered in gray clouds, a light drizzle pouring down and mixing with the tears of those in attendance. Three white caskets laid ahead; one draped with an American flag, another covered in black sharpie writing with farewell messages from classmates and friends, and the last smallest in size.

Friends and teammates of Atlas’ high school baseball team were his pallbearers. Y/n’s boyfriend, Maverick, Fanboy, Bob, Coyote, Hangman, Payback, and Rooster carried her casket. And Nat, Halo, Y/n’s childhood best friend, and sister held the baby’s.

Y/n’s portrait of her in her Dress Whites stood in front of her casket, as did Atlas’ senior portrait in front of his. A lone teddy bear Y/n had picked out the day after discovering she was pregnant was placed on top of the tiny casket reserved for her unborn baby.

Nat held it together when it came time for her to pin Y/n’s wings into the casket, but the second she lifted her hand to salute as the guns fired off in the distance, the tears flowed at the sight of the sun breaking through the cloundbank. Earth’s atmosphere clearing to allow safe passage for the souls waiting to crossover at the right time. The rain seized, a rainbow in its wake as the clouds turned from gray to white before slowly dispersing into a clear blue sky.

A small smile formed on Phoenix’s lips, a weight lifting off her shoulders. She knew it was all going to be okay.

They were all together. In a place that was bigger than the whole sky.

………………..

TGM Tag List: @avaleineandafryingpan, @caitsymichelle13, @poppyalice2001

[callsignhoney]

being phoenix’s back seater ➤

pairing ➤ platonic!natasha "phoenix" trace x reader

genre ➤ angst, fluff

———

you and phoenix hail from the same squadron

the black aces

she hasn’t known you for long

you’re pretty young for a wso, all things considered

it was kind of a combination of your youth and your sometimes annoying but mostly endearing curiosity that led phoenix to adoring you as she does now

however, this affection was not immediate

for a while you were convinced she hated you

and maybe she did a little bit

you were replacing her former back seater who had been with her since flight school all those years ago but was leaving the navy to start a family

in came you: fresh out of tech school and way too eager

you didn’t know her routines, her patterns

you had little to no field experience and hadn’t even been in a plane all that much prior to getting stationed with her

you were lacking in every department except for theoretical knowledge

you were not her partner

for a long time the two of you upheld this kind of grumpy senior officer, overeager newbie type relationship

you struggled fitting in with the others at first

you were nerdy and awkward and talked too much but you really meant well and were always willing to learn

that had to count for something, right?

you were the comic relief for your squadron

you were happy to be

you didn’t care if they laughed at you, at least you made them smile

the bullying wasn’t actual bullying

it was teasing at best

like giving your siblings crap for just existing

your team saw and appreciated that you really were trying

to learn to do your job

to learn how to work as a team

to be their friend

to be phoenix’s friend

you thought she was the coolest person you’d ever met

so calm, so level headed, so precise and succinct and talented

she’d been to top gun!!

she was so cool and you would have done anything for her to just like you

but phoenix

she genuinely held disdain for you

you thought it was all just a joke and that made her dislike you even more

she was ranting about you one night a couple months after you had joined the squadron

it was later on in the evening and you’d heard some of your squad was drinking in the common room

you were barely old enough to drink but you finally could, so you decided to join them

you arrived just in time to hear phoenix ranting about you and how incapable and annoying you were

(phoenix) they just don’t know how to do anything, they’re practically useless. they think everything’s a joke. they never stop talking just on and on and on like they don’t know how to shut up and just do their fucking job. i get a migraine just thinking about them half the time

you did not join them for a drink

in fact, you did not join them for anything after hearing what phoenix had to say about you and the murmur of half-drunk agreements given by your cohorts

you let the distance between yourself and the others grow back to what it once was, no longer fighting a one-sided battle to cross that gap and be accepted by them all

you stopped talking

and

to be completely honest

it terrified phoenix

there was radio silence from you unless you were telling her a trajectory or a location or some useful piece of info

she thought she’d be relieved the day you finally stopped chattering away the entire time you two were in the air but really it was unsettling

it was too quiet

she didn’t like the deafening silence without you filling it with pointless stories and anecdotes, little comments about how pretty the sky was or how cool a maneuver she’d just done was

she thought you might be sick with how suddenly your demeanor changed

she asked you about it once you were back on the ground from patrol

(phoenix) hey, are you sick or something?

(you) what? no, why?

(phoenix) you’re just weirdly quiet today. i’m not used to being able to hear myself think

this continued for several days

after months of nonstop chatter and excitement from you

after all of the energy and passion you had, all the life you had given this team

the squad felt desolate when you withdrew

like something had scooped out the core of the unit and left it hollow

the whole squadron was worried about you

you had just gotten….. quiet

very quickly, phoenix realized just how much she actually loved your personality

you weren’t always the most serious, but you could make anyone laugh

you were this light that burned so brightly and could make anyone’s day a thousand times better

you weren’t the best at your job, but you were still new and you were trying

you were trying

and she had hated you for it

that wasn’t fair to you, and she was incredibly ashamed of how she had treated you

she didn't know how to address it for a while

she hadn't realized you'd heard her that night and was incredibly concerned that smth had happened to you to make you this quiet and withdrawn

idk maybe a family member died or you were struggling w mental health, she really had no idea

she just knew that she was worried about you

she cared about you

she had tried to keep a distance between you two bc she didn't want to replace someone who had been her best friend

she didn't want to move on from what had been so comfortable with her last wso but yet here you were

weaseling into a little place in her heart and doing your goddamn best

the others were just as worried as she was

whenever she brought you up to them they had no answers; no one knew what happened to make you start acting like this

she started by being gentler with you

she didn't demand or expect things of you that you wouldn't know

not because you were incapable, but because you were learning

she tried to be more helpful, explain things more patiently

she started spending some time with you while off duty, being more friendly in general

she wanted you to know she was reaching out a hand

and you were confused as all hell

hadn’t phoenix just said that she couldn’t stand you and now she was being nice??

it didn’t add up

you let it go for a while

then she was asking to get a drink with you on a night off like it was totally normal for the two of you to go out together

(you) are you feeling okay?

(phoenix) yeah, why?

(you) you’ve just been… really nice lately

(phoenix, laughing) what? is it that weird that i want to grab a drink together? am i not allowed to be nice to you?

(you) it’s just kind of weird considering….

(phoenix) considering what?

you mumbled out a little confession of eavesdropping that night

phoneix’s face just dropped

she hadn’t really meant that

she wasn’t really annoyed at you, she was annoyed at losing her friend

she was holding a grudge for something that was not your fault and she shouldn’t have been upset about

you just happened to be the easiest thing to make a scapegoat

and you thought she hated you

(phoenix) god shit i’m so stupid. i am so dumb. i didn’t— i’m sorry you heard that i was just—

(you) you were just speaking your mind but it’s fine. i know i’m loud and annoying and overeager—

(phoenix) no! no. those are literally everyone’s favorite things about you!

(you) people like…. that i’m annoying??

(phoenix) yes, to be honest. it’s endearing in a weird way that i still don’t understand. but how talkative you are and how curious you are and how fucking smart you are, it just makes you an amazing person. i’m sorry it took me so long to see it

you went out to drink with her

there were a couple others from the squadron there too

one of them shot a text to the group chat without you in it (y/n supporters anonymous) along with a picture of you beaming while a group of people laughed at something you said

[21:41] they’re back, ladies and gents

you went back to your normal self

your playful banter while up in the air was a sound for sore ears

you made hours long flights so much more bearable

yes, you were genuinely annoying sometimes but you were still one of the funniest, most welcoming, friendliest people phoenix had ever known

you

well

you became phoenix’s best friend

in an “agent of chaos” x “mom friend” kind of say

anyone looking at the two of you would think that phoenix can’t stand you

but she can, she does, and she will continue to

anyone who has a problem with you can go through her

you are her pain in the ass

no one else gets to say anything about it

a prime example:

hangman

hangman happened to be coming through the base your squadron was calling home for a couple months

you ran into him and went on one of your ramblings about how the double seater f18’s had to be engineered to be able to keep up with the single seat planes during missions despite the extra weight and size of having to fit a second person in the cockpit

he was later complaining to phoenix about “some smart ass kid who wasted ten minutes of my time talking to me about some engineering bullshit for the f/a-18f that i couldn’t care less about”

in walks you from afar

(hangman) god, hide me, i cannot deal with this annoying kid again

(phoenix) i know you’re not talking about y/c/s. i know damn well you’re not talking about my back seater

she shut that down real fast

then stuck hangman with you for a considerably longer tangent about some other nerdy engineering thing you know about f18’s just to make him suffer

hey

being annoying comes in handy sometimes

especially if it irritates hangman

you went to top gun yourself eventually

you were paired with a wso-less pilot and spent your time working together as a team

you’re still good friends with beluga but he just doesn’t compare to flying w phoenix

eventually phoenix gets called back to top gun, along with 11 other graduates

you are not among those chosen

phoenix tells you the details she can, including that she’s been assigned a new back seater for whatever mission they’re training for

(phoenix) his name’s bob. literally just bob. like his actual name is his call sign. he’s hilarious, a little shy but sweet. i think i can make it work

you were immediately terrified of getting replaced

she got along so well with bob right off the bat

you had to fight for months for her to just tolerate your presence

she spoke of him so highly, how he was able to so quickly fall into rhythm with her

he was literally everything you weren’t when you first got assigned to the black aces

capable, talented, easy to get along with

the best of the best

you hadn’t even met the guy and you felt like you would never be able to compare to him

phoenix got chosen to fly the mission

you never doubted that she wouldn’t

she came home safe and eventually flew back to the squadron

the black aces went out the night she came back, celebrating her return at a bar your squad often frequented

you felt so out of place

you were happy for her, proud of her

of course you were

and you were elated to have her back

but

you’d gotten it in your head that you weren’t good enough

good enough to be pheonix’s back seater

good enough to be a wso

to be in your squad

to do what you do

who are you to do these things and to have people rely on you when you could so easily let them down? when there are so many better options?

phoenix noticed your change in demeanor the second you hesitated to hug her while picking her up from the airport

that is not y/n behavior

you should have been skidding to a stop, throwing the car in park, jumping out of the driver’s seat, and racing to tackle her in a hug

maybe she’d become a little greedy with your affection

maybe she’d gotten too used to your undying admiration

but she knew something was going on

she cornered you at the bar when you wandered away from the group

(phoenix) what’s wrong?

(you) what? nothing’s wrong. why would anything be wrong????

(phoenix) y/c/s

that was really all it took for you to spill your guts and all your insecurities to her

she had this internal conflict of deciding whether to laugh bc of how absurd you sounded or to let her heart shatter a little at how easily you believed she’d replace you

instead she did the good thing and gave you the assurance you desperately needed

anyone else, she would not have been as gentle

but this is you we’re talking about

that soft spot she’d developed wouldn’t let her react any differently

(phoenix) i’m not gonna replace you. you’re my back seater, y/c/s. you are. and that’s not gonna change just bc i was stationed somewhere else for two weeks. we’re a team, y/n. you understand?

(you) yeah,,,,,,, it’s weird hearing you call me by my first name

(phoenix) and i will never be doing it again

phoenix is all tough love but there’s an emphasis on the love part

she rarely if ever will tell you how much you mean to her and how much she cares about you

it’s really through her actions that you’ll see it

the little things

coffee just how you like it

tickets for a movie you’ve been excited about

calm reminders for things you’re still learning

patience and understanding

she still acts like she can’t stand you (and sometimes she can’t but a little suffering is worth keeping you around in the long run) but anyone who knows her isn’t fooled

you are her weakest point, her softest spot

but she’ll be damned before she admits it

especially to you bc there would be no living that down

be as annoying as you want because phoenix’s affection for you is undying at this point

nothing you could do could change that or make her want to get rid of you

you’re her ride or die

literally

you are her best friend

and she wouldn’t have it any other way

[sailorsolar12]

The group meeting Phoenix’s twin sister and she’s a chef or maybe a professional sister. Immediately Hangman is like 😍 and Phoenix is like 🔪🔪

Oh my god! Why did I totally laugh at this for a solid ten minutes straight? Hehe okay let's do this...be warned reader insert is not my specialty. I will try my best.

Title: Don't Leave me Hangin'

Rating: T+

Pairing: Hangman x TraceReader, Phoenix x TraceReader (SIbling)

Words: 791

Summary: As the twin sister of Lt. Natasha "Phoenix" Trace, you gravitated towards the kitchen instead of the sky like Nat. When Nat gets called back to Top Gun, you are opening your second restaurant in Fightertown U.S.A. However, once you meet the pilots your sister will be training with, can you resist the urge to be left hanging by a certain Lt. Jake Seresin?

A/N: Also, sorry for the late post. Work is crazy and hellish right now. I also might make a part 2.

You had fallen in love with cooking at a young age. While your sister - Natasha - fantasized about flying planes and fighter jets, you were in the kitchen with your grandmother and mother learning the ins and outs of cooking. Now here you were years later, your sister was a Top Gun Graduate, and you had just opened your second restaurant in Miramar, CA aka Fightertown, U.S.A. while your first one was in the heart of Los Angeles.

You had gotten wind of your sister being called back to Top Gun for some kind of mission. You didn't know what kind, but you knew you were going to make sure to have her and all the other pilots come to your restaurant for a celebration. You hadn't told Natasha you were opening a second restaurant, so surprising her sister on her first night in town at the popular Navy bar The Hard Deck was the perfect surprise that would bring about chaos and shenanigans. Smiling, you got out of your simple car and looked at the bar with determination. However, the voice from the truck next to you made you blink as you realized that this man knew your sister.

"Phoenix? I haven't seen you with your hair down in a long time," the man said. He had aviators on with an open Hawaiian shirt.

A smirk that was exactly like one your sister would give graced your lips as you accepted the hug the man offered. "I needed the change even if for one night, Rooster." You had recognized the man from photos your sister had sent you and hoped that he wouldn't realize that you were not Natasha. She walked in with Rooster and watched as the pilot blinked seeing your identical twin sister who was dressed in her uniform. Your smirk turned into a full blown grin as Nat hugged Rooster before going wide eyed while seeing you. "Natasha," you greeted lghtly.

"(Y/N)! What? When did you get here?!" Natasha exclaimed completely forgetting her friends and fellow pilots who looked on in utter confusion at seeing two Natashas. The pilot was excited to see her sister but also knew that Hangman would flirt so much with her.

"I have friends in high places so to speak, so i knew you were gonna be here. It did work out though because I officially have my grand opening tomorrow," you answered simply making Natasha go wide eyed in shock.

"Hold on what is going on here?" Rooster asked, completely baffled at the sight before him. He glanced at Hangman who wouldn't look away from Phoenix's supposed twin sister.

"Guys, this is my twin sister, (Y/N) Trace. (Y/N), these are Rooster, Fritz, Coyote, Bob, Halo, Omaha, Harvard, Yale, Fanboy, Payback, and Bagman," Natasha introduced the pilots that had been called back to Top Gun.

"Hangman," Hangman corrected Phoenix with a slightly flirtatious smirk towards (Y/N). He lightly took the hand that she held out to him for him to shake and gave a playful wink as he shook it. The pilot took it as a win when he saw (Y/N) blush faintly and try to hide her flushed cheeks from him. Jake backed up slightly holding his now free hand up in surrender as Phoenix glared and seemed to become an overprotective mama bear with her sister. "But you can call me Jake, beautiful," he said to (Y/N) dodging the whack from the pool stick that seemed to appear magically in Natasha's hands.

(Y/N). bit her lip lightly trying not to be flushed and amused at the situation that was unfolding before you. Natasha had always been very overprotective as they grew up. Now though, (Y/N) did find Hangman quite attractive and didn't want to tell her sister that you weren't as innocent as Natasha thought you were. "Nat, it's okay. Really. He's a flirt and knows he can get into most girls' pants," (Y/N) said with an equally sarcastic smirk at the blonde pilot.

The night continued on with (Y/N) having fun with your sister and her coworkers. Throughout the night, you couldn't stop stealing glances at Hangman - or Jake as you decided to call him - without your sister looking. When Rooster unplugged the Jukebox and began playing piano with almost all the pilots by him, you elected to stay behind and actually challenge Jake to a game of pool...which you ended up winning. By the end of the night, (Y/N) left The Hard Deck with Jake's number in her phone, a date planned for three days later, and the picture of Natasha beating Jake again with a pool stick for trying to "steal her sister away."

[persesphonestears]

About me, Rules, Guidelines

SUBMISSIONS/REQUESTS ARE OPEN!!

About me ig:

Names I'm comfortable with people using- Percy, Perc(Purse), Persephone

⎈ Masculine Agender ⎈ It/It's Neo/Xneo pronouns (Will be blocked if she/fem pronouns used.) ⎈ Mixed - Indian and White(Australian) ⎈ 20 ⎈ Androsexual ⎈ I suffer with multiple mental health issues and disabilities - that being said, any talk of topics like them being ablest or talk of them from someone without them will be blocked. ⎈ 

@/persephone-reblogs is going to be my reblog account because I got a request asking for my blog to just be my posts which I agree makes it easier!!

Blank blogs (No reblogs, No posts, No pfp, No bio) will be blocked for the assumption of them being bots.

Do not spam like my work please, I appreciate people liking my work but spam liking my things doesn't help me reach anyone. 

If you do wish to like my posts please at least reblog them, If you like and don't reblog I won't block you unless you've done it before and more then once already.

I will gladly take requests from people unless said otherwise or if they are closed. Though if you have never interacted with my account I will not be answering your requests.

I do not write for female/fem readers though I do reblog female/fem readers x character

More information about my personal rules and my guidelines for requests and just in general.

Rules and Guidelines.

Main basics:

I will be doing 18+/smut requests and my own ideas. Any posts made with the 18+/Smut/NSFW are forcefully for adults and people over the age of 18. If you are not of that age DO NOT INTERACT. You will be blocked immediately.

I will be writing ‘x reader’ fanfictions. All posts will not be targeted at Fem/Female aligned people as there's thousands out there already. If written ‘Fem!/Female/She/Her uses DNI’ Don't interact. I write for masculine and gender neutral readers.

Requests asked by PM’s will not be answered unless I have become close with you over tumblr or know you personally.

What I will not write. No changes. (any requests with these will have you blocked)

fem/female readers (Feminine male/nb readers are fine^^)

she/her readers 

insect (adopted or step siblings aren't allowed either)

pedophillia of any kind

dub-con/non consensual/rape

hard cnc(consent-non-consent) - I will be okay with writing things with cnc if it's light and just a kink between the character and reader)

anything overly stalkerish or along the lines of yandere’s

any sort of glorification of mental illness

any sort of glorification of self harm or self destruction

beastiality

hard degradation

full on exhibition 

piss/scat kinks

female pet names (eg, baby girl, princess)

age regression (I have nothing wrong with it, I am just not comfortable writing it.)

OC’s x reader. Self explanatory.

physical appearance of reader|y/n, things like, eye color, hair color, skins color/tone. To show these I will use things like e/c, h/c, s/c. I will also not be writing any black! reader as I myself am not black and I'm not in any right to write for another race.

Characters I am writing for atm:

Call of Duty - 

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley

John ‘Soap’ MacTavish

Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick

John ‘Bravo Six’ Price

Alejandro Vagras

Rodolfo ‘Rudy’ Parra

Valeria ‘El sin Nombre’ Garza

Operator König

Alex Keller

Keegan P. Russ

Farah Ahmed Karim

Gary 'Roach" Sanderson

Top Gun: Maverick

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

Jake 'Hangman' Seresin

Robert 'Bob' Floyd

Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace

Javy 'Coyote' Machado

Mickey 'Fanboy' Garcia

Reuben "Payback" Fitch

Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell [Preferably platonic]