#Texas Navy uniforms

[andreeacroitor]

Soldier kissing his girlfriend.

Maryland. 1934 May 31. Harris & Ewing, Library of Congress

[mariacallous]

 Our Nation has made tremendous progress in advancing the cause of equality for LGBTQI+ Americans, including in the military.  Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Many of these patriotic Americans were subject to a court-martial.  While my Administration has taken meaningful action to remedy these problems, the impact of that historical injustice remains.  As Commander in Chief, I am committed to maintaining the finest fighting force in the world.  That means making sure that every member of our military feels safe and respected.

     Accordingly, acting pursuant to the grant of authority in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of the United States, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., do hereby grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to persons convicted of unaggravated offenses based on consensual, private conduct with persons age 18 and older under former Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), as previously codified at 10 U.S.C. 925, as well as attempts, conspiracies, and solicitations to commit such acts under Articles 80, 81, and 82, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. 880, 881, 882.  This proclamation applies to convictions during the period from Article 125’s effective date of May 31, 1951, through the December 26, 2013, enactment of section 1707 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113-66).

     The purpose of this proclamation is to pardon only offenses based on consensual, private conduct between individuals 18 and older that do not involve any aggravating factor, including:  

     (1)  conduct that would violate 10 U.S.C. 893a, prohibiting activities with military recruits or trainees by a person in a position of special trust;      (2)  conduct that was committed with an individual who was coerced or, because of status, might not have felt able to refuse consent;      (3)  conduct on the part of the applicant constituting fraternization under Article 134 of the UCMJ;      (4)  conduct committed with the spouse of another military member; or      (5)  any factors other than those listed above that were identified by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in United States v. Marcum as being outside the scope of Lawrence v. Texas as applied in the military context, 60 M.J. 198, 207–08 (2004).

     The Military Departments (Army, Navy, or Air Force), or in the case of the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, shall provide information about and publicize application procedures for certificates of pardon.  An applicant for a certificate of pardon under this proclamation is to submit an application to the Military Department (Army, Navy, or Air Force) that conducted the court-martial or, in the case of a Coast Guard court-martial, to the Department of Homeland Security.  If the relevant Department determines that the applicant satisfies the criteria under this proclamation, following a review of relevant military justice records, the Department shall submit that determination to the Attorney General, acting through the Pardon Attorney, who shall then issue a certificate of pardon along with information on the process to apply for an upgrade of military discharge.  My Administration strongly encourages veterans who receive a certificate of pardon to apply for an upgrade of military discharge.  

     Although the pardon under this proclamation applies only to the convictions described above, there are other LGBTQI+ individuals who served our Nation and were convicted of other crimes because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  It is the policy of my Administration to expeditiously consider and to make final pardon determinations with respect to such individuals.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

[hardlyinteresting]

On The Beach

Jake Seresin x Reader

 “Jake Seresin! You better not be doing what I think you’re doing!” Shirtless he backs towards the ocean continuing to remove his shoes, socks and pants, “And what do you think I’m doing, Sugar?”

Warnings: The reader is referred to as she/her, with no physical description, nudity, idiots in love, (please let me know if you'd like me to tag anything please),I grew up in an Army household so some of my Navy knowledge may be slightly off base (no pun intended)

This one-shot will exist in the same universe as other one-shots I have planned. But, they can all be read entirely independently.

Word count: 2K Masterlist | talk to me about Jake and Tyler

July had been unforgiving with heat; sweltering days, broken up by occasional rains that cooled the air but left behind intolerable humidity. August was built up as a promise of relief but instead, she steamrolled the record-setting temperatures of July with her own. 

95°F felt like some kind of cruel trick already, but the air conditioning at The Hard Deck cutting out halfway through a shift was a new kind of torture entirely. 

She’d been quick to help Penny to open up all the doors and windows to all the mild relief of the ocean breeze blowing through, bringing in a flood of daylight so uncommonly seen inside the cozy bar. 

The ice machine set to work overtime, fresh kegs of beer ready to pour by the time the usual crowd of regulars began to pile in. Stripped down to a tank top and shorts she ties her hair up to keep it off the back of her neck, desperate to get through this shift in one piece. With just the two of them behind the bar, she does her best to keep up with the seemingly endless pile of orders, reminding the pilots and veterans to take a glass of ice water as well. 

“Hey Sugar,” Hangman flirts leaning against the counter. It’s not fair that he looks so cool and collected, his khaki uniform still perfectly pressed, his hair neatly styled while she thinks she might be melting with the feeling of sweat on her back. She’s sure she looks a mess, but Hangman doesn’t take his eyes off of her as he waits for her to take his order. 

Jake is certain that despite the shower he took on base, he still smells like jet fuel. The hottest day of the year might not have been so bad under the shade of a big tree back home, a soft breeeze blowing through the branches of sweet-olive trees. He'd spent enough summers in Texas to know how to muck through the dog days. But on base, the heat radiates up from the black top tarmac, threatening to melt the soles of their issued boots. Up in the air, the glass canopy of the cockpit feels like a magnifying glass; doubling both the discomfort of intense flight training, and the intensity of the sun's contributions to the torrid day. 

Stripping off his flight suit and stepping into a cold shower had been a relief, matched only by the promise of a beer at The Hard Deck to end the week. 

The doors and windows were open when he arrived, a wall of humid and stagnant heat rolling from inside the establishment nearly had him turning around to head home before he spotted her. Sugar, with her hair pulled back, sweat gathering across her collarbone and chest, white tank top clinging to her in ways he previously could only imagine. She's a sight for sore eyes, and now leaning against the bar he has no intention of going anywhere else tonight. 

“Beer?” she asks him. 

He nods his confirmation, “bottle please,” he adds. “It’s hot in here today”. 

“AC broke,” she sighs, “Mav is up on the roof trying to fix it now”. 

“I’m not sure there’s much he can’t do,” he shrugs, “Drink some water. I can’t have you passing out, Sugar”. 

She does her best to ignore the flirtatious wink he throws her way. She knows he's a relentless philanderer, she's seen how quickly he can manage to find a date for the night. He's handsome beyond a doubt, and by far one of the kindest patrons she has, but she's not looking to be heartbroken. And friendship has suited the two of them just fine for the last few months, no reason to mess with a good thing. 

After two weeks of working at The Hard Deck, she'd finally given in to The Dagger Squad’s insistence that she join them at the pool table after her shift. Hangman had been a surprisingly gracious loser when she ran him out of 50 bucks. A few weeks later Jake and Bradley had thrown a drunk guy out of the bar when he'd given her a hard time and refused to pay his own tab let alone the rounds ordered at the sound of the bell. 

She had tried to thank him but he'd only given her a curt nod, “Nothing to thank me for, Sugar”. 

So she smiles back at his teasing grins, laughs at his jokes, and blows kisses and he playfully pretends they knock him over. It’s easy, it’s fun. “I know you’re just trying to keep your heart in one piece,” Penny tells her, “but don’t break his either”. 

No one sticks around too long, too tired, and far too warm to take up their usual challenges at the pool table. The sun has gone down by the time Mav comes in to let Penny know he had no luck fixing the AC unit before stopping by the table Bob, Coyote, and Hangman have settled at. Hangman has stripped down to his white undershirt, the T-shirt clinging to his chest and back, the sleeves drawing her attention to his arms that she's caught herself staring at too often to count. 

“Heading out?” She asks when Hangman comes up to the bar, getting ready to close out his tab, “You only had one beer tonight”. 

He nods, “Well, it'd be irresponsible for me to have more. I'm giving you a drive home”. 

She grins, slipping the bill across the counter, “I don't remember you asking me”. 

“Mav’s orders,” he answers easily, with a seriousness that makes her think he really isn't just joking with her. 

“Penny's actually, I was just the messenger,” Maverick holds up his hands in innocence. 

Penny calls last call early, before dismissing her for the night, “cool off. Go home,” she instructs leaving no room for argument. 

The night air feels lighter, though not as refreshing as expected, the breeze cooling the tack of sweat against her balmy skin. The sound of the ocean meeting the beachside echoes in the uncharacteristic quiet. She breathes out a sigh her head tilted back and arms out trying to make the best of the gust of wind blowing by. 

“C’mon,” Jake laughs, “I'll crank the AC for you”. 

She pouts a little in return. The glow from the fluorescent light inside the bar floods out across the deck patio, casting shadows out in front of them. He’s standing a good five feet behind her, but his bedimmed counterpart stretches out next to her own, overlapping as he steps closer. The moonlight shines brightly over the white sand below and it strikes her that despite working beachside all summer, she’s yet to step foot on the beach. Jake smirks, his head tilted towards the beach that's captured her attention. “Let’s go cool off,” his words a playful mimicry of Penny’s instructions.

Without protest, she follows him. His grin grows impossibly bigger, clearly pleased with himself as he watches her shuffle out of her socks and shoes, her footsteps so much smaller than his own, she struggles to keep up, but he never lets her fall too far behind. He moves quickly in the dark, the sand still warm underfoot. Nearing the water's edge he slows his pace. She’s gorgeous in the moonlight. She’s always pretty. His usual coquetry shrinks on the tip of his tongue; lost to thoughts and curiosities about her favourite bands, and what might make her laugh. He’s found himself growing somewhat softer as he thinks back to the night he met her, watching her glide through the room oblivious to the attention she’d managed to capture. Her smile lit up the room as she danced with her friends. Her laughter was loud and uproarious, very near infectious. 

His white shirt hits the sand in an unceremonious pile by her feet. 

“Jake Seresin! You better not be doing what I think you’re doing!”

Shirtless he backs towards the ocean continuing to remove his shoes, socks and pants, “And what do you think I’m doing, Sugar?” “I think you're trying to get me to go skinny dipping with you!” He laughs, “I ain't trying. I'm succeeding”. 

There's not an ounce of shame, nor an ounce of clothing on him as he wades into the water, not turning around to look at her again until his in up past his waist. “C’mon,” he calls to her, “the waters lovely!” 

She's always considered herself to be pretty easy going. But the idea of stripping naked to join Hangman on this oceanic side quest leaves her stomach tied in knots. She's seen enough of him playing football with the squad that she's not shocked by his broad shoulders, nor the expanse of his chest. She knows that standing on the beach, in a tank top a shorts that cling to her the way they do, she has little to hide her own form. But joining Jake in the water will surely only add to the tension they've allowed to build between them. How different is the ocean from an expanse of bedsheets when you're standing naked with Jake Seresin? 

“You have to promise you won't look!” She calls to him, pulling her top up over her head. 

“I promise,” he says, “scouts honour !” 

“Boy scouts? I'm sure you sold a lot of cookies with all that charm of yours”.

She shimmies out of her shorts, hesitating in her bra and underwear. Jake stands with his back to her holding up his end of the deal. 

“Cookies are the Girl Scouts, Sugar,” he corrects, but she can practically hear him grinning, “but I did earn my fundraising activity badge selling tins of popcorn”. 

Bare, she makes a mad dash into the water, splashing as she works to cover as much of herself as possible. 

“So,” she smiles, “you come here often?”

Her voice is quiet as she hopes that the joke lands, her knees bent to keep her top half under the cover of the unlit water. She tries to play cool. Jake, to his credit, plays along without missing a beat. “I can't say I do, Sugar. The dress code is too loose for my taste”.

“Ah, yes, of course. I forgot you're known for being a prude, Hangman”.

A gentle, yet unexpected wave pushes into the shoreline, knocking her sideways. Jake is quick to wrap his hand around her upper arm, not letting her get too far. This close, it’s impossible to hide from the gaze of his warm green eyes. He smells like cedar and amber. Warm and clean. Beneath it, the smell of jet fuel lingers. She knows how hard he must try to scrub it from himself at the end of each day, and she wonders if it might just be in his blood at this point. Another wave pushes them closer together once more. 

He clears his throat, trying hard not to think about how close circumstance has brought them; he weighs the validity of fate but pushes it down deep inside certain that one day these unlabelled feelings might just explode in his chest. For now, he startles when a sudden splash of water is directed towards his face. Sugar feigns innocence, but starts to paddle away from him as he blinks away the water from his eyes. 

“Sugar,” he warns, “don’t start something you don’t want to finish”. His own hands, larger than hers cup more of the ocean's surface propelling it in her direction with a great slosh, the sound echoing on the empty beach.

Up on the deck, Penny and Maverick watch the two distant figures throwing water, their laughter audible even when their words aren’t.

“Do you think they know there are sharks in that water?” 

Penny shrugs, “Do you think they know they’re half in love with each other yet?”

[muxshwriting]

history is written by the winners

Jake Seresin x reader

summary: sure, there's a lot of history between you two but that doesn't mean anything bad. it's only what you make it || word count: 1841 || masterlist

You’d grown up in a small rural town in Texas, surrounded by farms and cattle ranches. There was only ever one boy, the one for you. He was perfect in every way, caring and kind. It was perfect, but perfection never lasts. He joined the navy as a pilot and one day, he was just gone with a kiss to your cheek and a sweet smile.

You were lost on where your life was heading, wandering the great expanse of the future alone. Eventually, you find yourself in San Diego, enrolled in college and working at a small beachside bar, spending all your free time basking in the sunshine and soaking up the warmth. You’d finally found your rhythm when life decided to throw another player into the melody.

It had been a busy night, patrons filtering in and out, groups of naval officers inhabiting corners and ordering ring round after round. You were clearing a round of bottles near the pool table when a familiar Texan twang made you turn. And there he stood, smartly dressed in his naval uniform, laughing with his friends and telling them a story about some plane he flew.

"As I live and breathe, is that Jake Seresin?" Your voice seemed to cut through the buzz as he span to see you, face going slack in disbelief.

"Y/N?" He laughed in disbelief, rushing to hug you tightly, relishing in your touch. You almost didn't want him to let you go but he did, stepping away to look at you properly.

"Who’s this?" One of his fellow pilots asked.

"This is Y/N, we’re old-"

"We grew up together," you interrupt. "Back in Texas."

A low whistle echoed through the tension between the two of you as Jake simply laughed it off and held you closer to him. "What have you been up to? What are you doing here in San Diego?"

"I'm here for college." You answer slowly. "Life doesn't end after high school, doesn't end when people move away or leave you behind." You know it's cruel, throwing Jake's choices in his face but you'd never been able to release your hurt before. It finally made you feel free, but you couldn't stop the pangs in your heart as you saw Jake's face fall. "Tell you what," You offered a compromise. "Meet me after my shift and we can grab a couple drinks and catch up?"

Jake flashes his signature smile that makes you feel weak in the knees. "I'll be waiting for you."

True to his word, Jake is waiting at the entrance to the bar when you clock out, jacket in hand. Silently, you lead him over to your car, driving him back to your condo. When you turn the engine off, he lean over you to stop you from getting out, his face ending up inches away from yours.

"I'm sorry."

You can feel his breath on your cheek, warming your skin. Or maybe that's the blood rushing to the surface.

"I'm sorry."

He says it again, his lips brushing against the side of your face. He's intoxicating, an addiction you'll never be clean from.

"I'm sorry for leaving. Please say something."

It takes all you power not to give in and let yourself belong to Jake Seresin in that instance. "I forgive you, I always did." You whisper back. "I can't be mad at you Jakie, not when you're so happy here."

Jake pulls away and sucks all the air out of your lungs as he does. He says nothing and does nothing, which infuriates you. Part of you was expecting him to blow up at you, or do anything else.

"Do you want to come inside?"

"Share a couple drinks?"

"Like old times?"

Jake smirks. "Like old old times or…?"

Playfully, you push his slightly, opening your car door and getting out. "No Jake Seresin. We’re not there yet, get your mind out of the gutter."

A couple of beers later, your feet are tucked under you as you lean against Jake on the couch. Things were probably moving to quickly but you couldn’t find it in you to care.

"What if we tried again..." The suggestion was unexpected as he turned to face you.

"Tried again?" You ask him in disbelief.

"Yeah. I could take you out for a couple dates, see how things are."

"Us? Try dating again?" You wanted to make sure. Was he being serious?

"Yeah..." Jake trailed off, not sure if your reaction were positive or negative.

A small smile appeared on your lips as you shuffled closer. "Alright Jake Seresin, we can try this again but you better have some exquisite dates planned for us."

"Only the best for you ma'am."

You couldn't stop the smile growing on your face. "And you better keep up with the ma'am, yes Jakie?"

Jake swallowed the lump in his throat. "Yes ma'am."

The days dragged on and the pair of you were steady. It worked, like it always had. Perhaps fate had been waiting for the two of you to reunite. It seemed strange, that you could find your soulmate in the first boy you ever kissed, the boy you would always run back to. No one else was worth it, no one else made you feel that way, only him.

Jake finally convinced you to come to the bar with him and his friends on your day off, promising you wouldn’t be dragged in to work. It felt weird, walking through the door for pleasure and not to serve old folks and naval officers all night. What didn’t feel weird, was to walk through the doors hanging off Jake Seresin’s arm.

"You just had to break out the old cowboy hat, huh?"

He’s looking down at you, beneath the brim of his stupid cowboy hat and can’t hide his smile. "Only for you."

You smirk, reaching up to his head and plucking the hat from his. You waved it in the air for a moment before pushing it onto your own and silently challenging Jake with your stare. "Well?"

"You're treading dangerous waters Y/L/N."

"Fight me Seresin."

"Oh, I plan to."

[jungle-angel]

Home Again To The Sea (Hangman x Reader)

Summary: You and Jake never thought you'd have to see the day when his grandfather returned to the sea

Warnings: Mentions of death, war, religion, angst with a happy ending etc.

Tagging: @bradleybeachbabe I didn't wanna write this just yet but I figured I might as well

Pearl Harbor Memorial

Hawaii, November 11

It had been the toughest three weeks of your life.

And now it all led to here.

You never forgot the look on Jake's face when the VA hospital had called and told him that Grandpa Seresin had passed away in his sleep. Jake wasn't usually one to crack, but he had. He had been so close with his grandfather, the man having practically raised Jake and his siblings while his father had been on deployment and Jake's mother having to go with him. Jake's best memories had been with his grandfather on the ranch in Texas, walking the fence, learning the lost cowboy trades and of course his Navy graduation. You never forgot when Grandpa Seresin had stood there in his vest and baseball cap with all the patches, saluting his grandson who had just graduated from Top Gun.

You and Jake were saddened beyond words that Grandpa Seresin was no longer walking the earth, but deep down you were glad that he was in a much better place and with Jake's grandma again. The man had lived to be a hundred, something no one had expected due to the ungodly amount of cigarettes the man had smoked over the years.

You squeezed Jake's hand when his parents had pulled to a stop in the parking lot. "I don't know if I can do this," he croaked.

"You can," you told him. "It's what Grandpa Seresin would've wanted."

Jake sniffed away the tears, holding onto both your hand and the silver urn containing his grandfather's ashes. Already, so many people had arrived, Tom and Sarah Kazansky with their brood of kids and grandkids, Mav and Penny with Amelia and the boys. Rooster and the rest of the Daggers were there too along with Bob and Mary and the rest of the Floyd clan.

Val and Maria, your two little girls were eager and excited to see everyone despite the heaviness of the morning. You and Jake shook hands with all the higher ranking officers and people you knew. Cole and Natasha were both in the dress uniforms and their son Gabe in his best dress suit. Jake's brothers and sisters had all showed up with the nieces and nephews, his older brother Eric having gotten leave from Camp Pendleton to come and attend.

It was hard having to stand near the end of the dock while Father Sasigawa gave the short funeral mass, the urn sitting on top of the flag draped over the stand. Bob and Mary stood with you, Jake and the girls along with Jake's father, Michael, Joe Floyd, Tom Kazansky and Mav.

Michael, Joe, Ice and Mav stepped forward when Father Sasigawa had finished. The sound of TAPS being played close by, echoed across the harbor, a ghostly voice from the past having come back to haunt the grounds where the USS Arizona had once been docked. The four of them folded up the flag, corner to corner and edge to edge until it was perfectly folded into a triangle.

You and Jake were called forward before Mav handed him the flag, the two of them saluting each other with tears in their eyes. Jake completely broke, his shoulders shuddering as the memories of Grandpa Seresin flooded back to him.

Bob, Mary and Jake's brother Eric, helped Val and Maria carry the urn to the edge of the dock. All was silent until somewhere in the distance, a long bagpiper had begun to play "Amazing Grace", the music whispering in the breeze that rustled the palms and the waves that lapped at the dock. The guns fired in the distance with it, a final salute to Jake's grandfather.

"Bye bye gate gampy," Maria chirped, blowing a kiss and waving with her tiny little hand as the urn sank into the water.

And down to the sea he went, Grandpa Seresin joining his brothers he had once been so close with, some still enshrined behind the walls of rust and steel and where they would rest for many years to come.

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

The air was a bit more cheerful at the bar that night with hundreds of Navy families having gathered to celebrate Grandpa Seresin's life and the memories people had made over the years.

"Aw look at this one," Bob chuckled, holding up a rather embarrassing photo of Jake as a baby, his grandfather holding him up with a cigarette between his lips.

"That's Grampy for you," Jake laughed. "Cigarette in his hand and a drink in the other."

"Man sure loved his whiskey," Natasha half laughed.

"You have no idea," Jake told her.

All of them laughed when they found the photo of Grandpa Seresin as a young man in his Navy denim, once again with a cigarette in his mouth and both middle fingers held up for all the world to see. The bottom had been marked in fresh black ink, Leyte Gulf, October '44.

"Hey Nancy, is this one your dad?" Bob asked, showing the bartender the photo.

"AUE!" Nancy Kuakini gasped. "Yup that's him and Jake's grandpa alright! I dunno if it's in there but see if you can find the one where they got the tattoos, that ones hysterical."

As they sifted through the photo albums and through other memorabilia, Val came waddle running through the crowd and tugged on the sleeve of her father's dress blacks.

"Daddy Mommy says you gotta come quick," she told him.

Jake followed her right outside where you and Mary were both seated at the picnic table. It had grown dark, the waves crashing on the shores and the black field above dotted with stars. You breathed through the pain that tore through your body, but you weren't sure it was real or false pains just yet.

"Babes you good?" Jake asked, kneeling next to you.

"Oh God baby wants out," you groaned. "Yup.........yup he definitely wants out."

"Aw shit!" Jake blurted out. "Ok ok......gimme a sec and I'll go get the truck."

In no time at all, Jake was back with the truck and helping you in while Bob and Mary took care of Val and Maria. As soon as you had gotten to the Navy hospital and were wheeled in, Jake promptly sent a message to the Daggers, his parents and his siblings.

It didn't take long at all and by morning, John Michael Seresin had finally graced your family with his presence. The Daggers and everyone in your family could hardly stay away, wanting to come and visit and see the newest addition to the family. The girls were eager to step into their big sister roles and for a moment, you and Jake know that John Michael is a gift from Grandpa Seresin. And as you and Jake rest that night, you know deep down that Grandpa Seresin is still with you, watching over you all, just as he did all those years.

[ythankucaptainmccoy]

The Cowgirl and The Aviator Ch11

Alright guys this chapter hurt my brain and heart to write, but here it is I hope you all love the angst! WARNINGS: Stalker Behavior, Unwanted Advances, Heartbreak and MAJOR ANGST!

A couple weeks have gone by since you and Jake had gotten back from Texas. His sister Evelynn sends updates almost every other day on the kids. Jake has been training and doing “pilot shit” as Bradley says. No missions is a blessing, but you know it won’t take long before the Navy will send him on another deployment of some sort. Jake’s appetite for sex doesn’t slow down either, but you were not complaining as there have been days at the Hard Deck where you are surprised you could walk.

Sure enough within another week Jake is being deployed and he is going to be gone for a couple months this time. You’re not worried since it’s a routine deployment, but you are upset that he will be gone for that long. “I wish you didn’t have to go”, you whisper. Jake and you had just gotten done with lazy morning sex as you kissed his chest. “I know, but maybe when I get back I can finally wear the uniform for you”, he sighs.

“Have I ever told you how much I love you”, you confess. “Only every day. I love you too darlin’ “, he replies. The rest of the day is spent in bed as Jake leaves tomorrow. “Want to drop me off tomorrow?”, Jake asks. “Of course I will”, you reply. That night Jake holds you to him as he wishes he didn’t have to leave. He had never felt like this before as he was usually more than ready to be on deployment, but now he had something worth staying home for. 

He watched your breathing even out as you fell asleep. He must have fallen asleep because when he woke up you already had breakfast made. “I figured you would want a decent meal before getting on the ship”, you smile. “Thanks sweetheart. You spoil me”, he jokes. “Only the best for you honey”, you respond. He smiles at the new nickname as he digs into the food.

Jake opened one of the drawers and that’s where he found the photo of you he had gotten on the last mission, but this one had something written on the back. His blood ran cold when he read the message on the back. “Darlin come ‘ere a minute”, he called. You came into the kitchen and then realized what he was holding. “Jake I can explain”, you said. “Who sent this to you?!”, he asks angrily. “My ex. He found out I was staying here and left it in front of the door. I swear it’s the last we will see of him”, you explain.

“Darlin’ why haven’t you gone to the police. This is wrong and I don’t like the fact of how threatening this note on it sounds”, Jake seethed. “Jake I… I couldn’t. Do you know how that will make me look in the eyes of the police? They will see that photo and think I’m some kind of whore and won’t take this seriously. Besides the last time he showed up I put a gun in his face. I think he got the message this time”, you rush out. “You had to point a gun in his face?! (Y/N) you shouldn’t have had to do that”, he says.

“If it makes you feel better I did put him on police’s radar and I can go make a report for stalking, but please don’t make me take that photo to the police”, you begged. Jake could tell that you were telling the truth about reporting the stalking issue to the police. “Why didn’t you tell me?”, he questioned. “I didn’t want to worry you, and everything was going great. I didn't want you to leave me over it”, you sniffle trying to keep the tears back. Jake walked over and pulled you to him, wrapping you into a hug.

“Darlin’ all I ask of you is to be honest with me and tell me these things. In successful relationships communication and honesty are needed”, he says. “I know I just didn’t want you to think I wasn’t strong enough for you”, you begin to cry. “Oh sweetheart don’t ever think you’re not strong enough or not enough for me. We all have our strengths and weaknesses that’s why we balance each other out”, he tells you. “I hate to cut this short but I do have to be at base”, he whispers as you nod. 

Jake puts his duffle bag into his truck as you give him a confused look. “I thought I was dropping you off”, you say. “You are. I figured you could drive my truck”, he states. “You want me to drive your truck?”, you question. “Yeah why? I trust you to take care of it”, he replies. “It’s just my ex never let me drive his truck. He said it would lose value for me to drive it”, you respond. “Darlin’ nothing will ever lose value when you’re involved”, Jake assured. He handed you the keys as you both got in. 

Jake notices right away that you're shaking as you put the keys in the ignition and start it. You jump when he lightly grabs your wrist. “It’s okay I trust you”, he explains. You relax a little more and start driving him to the base. Jake watches as you fully relax towards the end of the drive and the smile on your face. He loves when you smile like that and he prays he gets to continue seeing it. When you pull into the same parking space as last time he gets out and grabs his bag. 

He pulls you into him to kiss you breathless until he pulls away. “Wait for me darlin’?”, he asked. “Always”, you reply. Jake wipes a tear away from your cheek before turning to leave you standing there. He hates to say goodbye to you but his duty to his country is as strong as his love for you. When he makes it inside he opens his cellphone and calls a number he never thought he would call. Five rings and finally an answer. “Rooster it’s Hangman I wouldn’t have called you if I didn’t think this was important but I have a request”, Jake says. 

“A request and why would I take a request from you”, Bradley huffs. “It’s more for (Y/N) than me. Her ex has been stalking her since that last mission we went on”, Jake explains. “WHAT?!”, Rooster shouts down the phone. “I just found out today he sent her a threatening note and she had to point a gun in his face to get him to leave last time. I just ask that you keep an eye on her while I’m gone. I know she is your friend, but she means more to me than you know. Please keep her safe”, Jake pleads.

“I can do that”, Bradley replies. Jake thanks him and hangs up as he makes his way to the ship he would be stationed on for the next two months. You did exactly as Jake had said and went to the police station to file a report. You also told them you wanted to file a restraining order and they had you fill out all the paperwork. They explained that a judge would have to approve the restraining order, but they were certain that the judge would sign it. 

You left the police station feeling better as you went back to the apartment and wrote Jake a letter informing him that you had done as he asked. You placed it in a mailbox and went to get ready for the rest of the day. The Hard Deck was nice since Bradley, Nat, Bob, Fanboy and Payback were there to keep you smiling. Work helps you stay busy and you tell Penny you are willing to work extra hours so you can keep busy. Penny is glad you’re willing to work extra and lets you know which days you can work the extra shifts. The first month goes by really well until a banging on the apartment door startles you.

You open the door only for your ex to be standing there. “I thought I told you to get lost”, you seethe. “Look, the cops told me you put a restraining order against me. I just wanted to come by and say I’m sorry for what I’ve done and that I’m going back home”, he says. “I don’t care where you go, just get out of here and never come back”, you seethe. He turns to go but before he does he pulls you in close and kisses you. 

You panic as you thought he was going to hit you at first. Bradley had just exited his apartment when he recognized your ex. You tried to push Jackson away, but he held tight until he was ripped away by Bradley. “Get the fuck off her and get lost. I better not see you come back or me and my squad will deal with you”, Bradley hisses. Jackson held up his hands and scampered towards a parked car that he got in the passenger side of. 

You saw a woman in the front seat and wondered who he could have been with, but then all the events came flooding back as you let out a sob. Bradley wasted no time in ushering you to his apartment and holding you as you sobbed into his shirt. “It’s okay (Y/N)”, Bradley hushed. “It’s not. I let him kiss me. Oh my God what do I tell Jake”, you wail. “(Y/N) it didn’t mean anything and he knows that you would never do that to him”, he soothed. He held you until you stopped crying.

Bradley called Penny to let her know what happened and that you would be a little late for your shift. That night you stayed at Bradleys apartment afraid to be alone. You were getting more and more cheerful as the day Jake was getting home got closer, but you had no idea your perfect world was about to come crashing down. Jake had received an anonymous letter and opened it to find a letter in handwriting he didn’t recognize. It simply read, ‘Your girlfriend said not to worry about her ex, but doesn’t look like it from these pictures’. 

There in the envelope were several pictures of who he assumed was your ex kissing you in front of his apartment. Jake’s hearing left him as he felt like he wasn’t part of the world anymore. How could you have lied to him? Then his fathers words sounded in his head ‘Don’t think that your slut of a girlfriend won’t leave like the last one’. There was no way you would do this right, but pictures didn’t lie as he tried to figure things out. Right now he was angry and he had to be in the air soon. 

The day you were supposed to pick up Jake Penny had asked you to come in early. You had texted Jake about it and he only responded with a text that said, ‘fine’. You figured he would get a ride from Coyote as you went to the Hard Deck for your shift. You didn’t see Jake at all during your shift, but when you got done you said goodbye to Bradley happy to go home to Jake. When you arrived at the apartment there was a box in front of Jake’s door. Upon further inspection it was all of your stuff with a note.

‘Don’t bother coming in, we're over’ was scrawled in Jake’s handwriting. You panicked as you read the note several more times, but knocked on the door. Jake answered obviously drunk as he leaned against the door. “Jake what’s going on?”, you questioned. “Seriously you’re a great actress (Y/N)”, he said. “What are you talking about?”, you implored. “Oh don’t act like you don’t know what you did”, he replied. You only stood there in silence until he tossed something onto the box.

Your confusion vanished in an instance when you saw what he had thrown. Several pictures of Jackson kissing you felt like a slap to your face. “Jake I didn’t I swear…”, you begin, but he cuts you off. “You didn't mean to kiss him. Tell it to someone who cares (Y/N). My dad was right, you are a whore”, he says closing the door. You don’t move for several minutes as you sit and cry against Jakes’s door. Bradley sees you when he gets back from the Hard Deck and immediately comes to your aid. “You were right”, you whispered. 

“What?”, Bradley asked. “He would hang me out to dry and I didn’t listen”, you sobbed. “What happened?”, Bradley questioned. You showed him the pictures and what had happened between you and Jake. Bradley made you a coffee that you guzzled down. Bradley had training in the morning and decided to go to sleep. You sat thinking then had an idea as you dialed a number. Two rings and there was an answer. “You told me I could call you if anything happened”, you spoke into the phone. 

After your phone call you wrote a note to Bradley then grabbed your box of clothes. You started your truck and headed out of the parking lot to hit the main highway. You had been on the road for twenty hours straight and had so many missed calls from Bradley you pulled off at a rest stop to call him back. “(Y/N) where are you?! Are you okay?!”, Bradley worried. “Bradley I’m fine I’m almost to my destination. I’ll text you when I get there alright?”, you placated. “Is this because of what happened?”, Bradley questioned.

“Bradley I promise I will text you when I’m safe and sound”, you replied as you hung up. Right now you were running on caffeine and little sleep. Another two hours and you made your destination automatically texting Bradley you were okay. You knocked on the door and when Evelynn answered it she pulled you into a hug. “I’m sorry my brother is such an ignorant jackass”, she said. “He wouldn’t even let me explain what had happened”, you shuddered. Evelynn could tell you were trying not to cry as she ushered you inside.

“You can stay in the guest house”, Evelynn tells you. “No I’ll stay in the barn”, you respond. Evelynn understood that memories can linger in a house for years and sometimes forever. “I can work here on the ranch that way I can earn my keep. Oh shit I have to let Penny know what’s happening”, you cry. Evelynn excuses herself as you call Penny and explain what is going on and that you are somewhere safe now. She was understanding and told you she understood if you didn’t come back, but you had a job if you did come back. 

You had several texts from Bradley and Nat asking if you were safe. You replied that you were fine and needed time to figure out your next move. After making sure the texts were sent you took your small box of belongings to the barn. Colton had given you a cot and you set it up and instantly collapsed into it falling into a coma like sleep. The next month goes by smoothly on the ranch as the ranch hands had accepted you into their fold. They taught you how to rope and you were enjoying it. 

Rebel was deemed your mount and within a month the ranch hands were proud of your work. One of the older ranch hands, nicknamed Bull, who reminded you of your father listened to your story and made sure that the guys were respectful. You woke one morning to get ready for the day when Bull told you to pack a saddlebag of food. The next couple days and nights would be spent under the stars and you couldn’t wait. 

You were starting to feel like your old self, but Evelynn could tell how much hurt Jake had caused. She had found you several times staring at one of his photos on the wall in his uniform with tears in your eyes. She wanted so badly to slap her brother upside the head and explain why he was a fucking idiot, but as much as she wanted to he was too far away and her kids needed her. Evelynn handed you some special treats as you got your horse ready for the week.

“Stay safe out there”, Evelynn told you. You thanked her for the treats and mounted Rebel as the others got onto their horses. Bull wanted you up front with him so you rode up and you all headed out to find the cattle. Jake was having a hard time as he had been sent back out on deployment a week after he ended things with you, but no matter how much he wanted to hate you it was your picture he carried with him and placed in his cockpit. 

Once back home things had gone back to the way they were. Rooster, Phoenix, Bob, Payback and Fanboy would glare at him from across the bar, but every time it seemed Rooster was going to confront him Phoenix would make him sit back down. He went to the burger place he had taken you to for your first non date. The waitress that had caused problems was there and came sashaying over. “Oh, no girlfriend today?”, she smiled.

“No”, he responded. He didn’t like the way she smiled as if she knew something he didn’t. “Did you all break up?”, she questioned too sweetly. “None of your business”, he snapped. “I’ll take that as a yes. Well I can take her off your mind”, she said. “I’m only going to tell you this once. I will never go out with you or sleep with you. I just want my usual”, he replied. “I don’t see what you saw in that bitch I mean she kissed her ex while you were away!”, she seethed. “How did you know about that?”, Jake asked.

“Oh well I just figured that’s what happened”, she tried. “No, you specifically said that she was kissing her ex. You would only know that if you were there. TELL ME HOW YOU WOULD KNOW THAT. I can call some investigative buddies down here if you don’t want to tell me”, Jake fumed. The woman shrank a little, but Jake wasn’t backing down now. “Her ex staged the whole thing and I helped him. He came in one day and was talking about his ex dating a pilot and when he described her I knew it was your new girlfriend. He told me if he staged the kiss and I took the photo to send to you that you would dump her then I could have you all to myself”, she spilled.

Jake felt like a bucket of ice water was poured over him as he ran for his truck. Rooster would know where you were and right about now he would be at the Hard Deck. He ran stop signs and lights to get there as fast as he possibly could. Bradley was at the pool table when Jake practically ran into him and grabbed his arms. “Rooster where’s (Y/N)” Jake said. “I’m not telling you shit. You broke her heart you fucking prick”, Bradley hissed. “You’re right I did break her heart”, Jake admitted. 

That’s all it took for Bradley to give him a right hook. Jake took the hit and stumbled backwards as Bradley swung at him again connecting with his stomach. Jake went to his knees as Bradley grabbed him by the shirt and hoisted him back up to hit him again. “LIEUTENANT BRADSHAW!”, Maverick yelled out. Maverick pulled them apart as he looked between the two. “What the hell is going on?”, Maverick asked. “This piece of shit hurt (Y/N) and now he thinks I’m going to tell him where she went”, Rooster sneered.

Maverick looked at Jake and knew that there was no way he would have taken those hits from Bradley if Jake wasn’t sorry. “Calm down Bradley, let's hear him out”, Phoenix said. Jake explained what the waitress had told him. “You would have known that (Y/N) didn’t have any part in it if you had let her explain before tossing her out and breaking up with her”, Bradley growled. “Look, I know I was wrong and I need to go after her. I love her damn it! I haven’t stopped thinking about her since that night!”, he shouted.

Bradley could tell that this Hangman was not the Hangman he knew a couple years ago. “I wish I could tell you where she is”, Bradley sighed. “What do you mean?”, Jake asked. “It means she left and has only called and text to let me know she is safe. No one knows where she went”, Bradley explained. “I know where she is”, Penny said from behind Jake. Jake turned to look at her and pleaded for her to tell him where (Y/N) had gone. 

“Hello”, Jackson answered his phone. “I accidently let slip about the photo and the kiss. He is looking for her so if you're going to get her you better find out where she is”, the woman explained. “It doesn’t matter, I know exactly where the bitch is and I’m on my way to get her. She will either leave with me or there are going to be consequences”, Jackson said before hanging up. He was determined that you would go back home with him once he showed you what he was capable of.

[edelfan]

Jake is leaning back against the wall of his room - probably more of a cell though as he’s locked in and all he has in it is a bed and a toilet tucked away in a corner. At least it is heated. In other holding places in the past that wasn't always the case and it could get really cold when you're not even allowed clothes.

He can barely remember his life before this, when he still had a family. His parents used to have a farm in rural Texas before everything turned to shit.

Before Jake can sink too deep into his memories though, he hears his door being unlocked. He gets up on his feet to stand in the middle of the room like it has been drilled into him over the years.

His guard steps inside. Jake doesn't even know his name, has never spoken a single word with him. He lets him shackle his wrists in front of him before he is being led into the hallway.

After they pass several rooms - other cells, Jake knows, even though he has no contact to the others - they stop in front of a door and he realizes what is waiting for him.

The guard opens the door and pushes Jake through. He stumbles through a curtain into a small spotlight before dropping to his knees.

“This is a fine object. HM8821… As you can see, fine body and very well trained. It would be an honor to provide him as an award to a hero of the Navy.”

Award? The word makes Jake look up even though he knows he isn't supposed to. Besides his slave trader there are two men in dress blues in front of him - the older one with dark hair and a sleek face, the younger sporting a moustache.

He’s not being sold? Given away as a gift? Jake doesn't understand. The younger man comes closer, crouching in front of Jake. His hand is shaking ever so slightly as he reaches for Jake's arm, but the touch never comes. His fingers linger in the air over Jake's skin for a long moment before he pulls back again.

“Lieutenant Bradshaw?”

The younger man turns around to the other one in uniform.

“What do you say? Will you take this one? You definitely earned it with this mission…”

Jake looks up again and for one second their eyes meet.

“Yeah, Admiral. I will take him.”

I might write more in this universe...

[thewulf]

Commander || Jake "Hangman" Seresin

Summary: Request - Did you see that pose about swim call in the Navy? Could you do a Hangman x Reader drabble while theyre deployed or something like that? super fluffy! You're so good at fluffy hangman haha. thanks!

A/N: Love a good Hangman fluff. Hope you enjoy reading! :)

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Y/N

Word Count: 3,200+

“It’s too hot. I can’t take it anymore. How much longer do we have of this?” Jake whined leaning on the railing that overlooked the Arabian Sea.

You stopped with him shrugging off your button-up uniform from your shoulders leaving you just in your tank top, “You complain a lot Lieutenant Seresin. Only a few more days. Think you can make it?” Tying the top around your waist you leaned forward mimicking him. You weren’t really supposed to be doing that with your uniform, but you really couldn’t seem to care. He was right after all. It was blisteringly hot. July in the Middle East was no joke. You knew the worst that could happen was a slap on the wrist, a small reprimand if you were to get caught.

Jake rolled his eyes only subtly hiding the smile that was dancing on his lips. Even you had to acknowledge how damn good he looked as the setting sun framed his face for golden hour flawlessly, “Just because you’re a Commander now doesn’t mean you get to bully me Y/N.”

You shrugged, “Actually, I think it does Hangman. It’s exactly what a Commander gets to do. Command.” Giggling you turned your body to him. It was always so easy to be yourself around him. You had run ins with Jake all throughout your Naval carrier. First as students in Top Gun then on missions as coworkers. The two of you always seemingly dancing the line between friends and more than but both too afraid to take that step over.

He huffed knowing you quite literally had him there. He thought he had you somewhere else though, the air, “Now that you’re a big bad Commander you’ll never see the inside of the cockpit again.” It was the only thing he had. He knew you loved flying more than anything in the world. But you were born to lead. Having an uncanny ability to predict enemy strategies and to form defenses and offensive strategies was your strong suit. Not many had that gift. The killer instinct as Admiral Kazansky always told you.

“You know that’s not true Jake. Did we not just get back from flying with Captain Mitchell?” Raising your eyebrow, you waited for his retort. It took him a second too long to respond though. You knew you’d managed to get the upper hand, for this conversation at least.

“Need I remind you where your callsign came from, Salsa?” You had to admire his ability to steer the conversation in the direction he wanted. You’d even compliment it if it didn’t annoy you too much. But this was Hangman we were talking about.

You continued to stare at him eyebrows raised, “No, Jake, I don’t need you to remind me.”

“Student Aviator Lacking Situational Awareness.” He smirked remembering the time your Captain at Top Gun unfortunately giving you the nickname. Brilliant in the air and on the books didn’t mean you were so graceful when it came to common sense. All too often you’d ask the most basic questions after solving the most complex problems. Earning you the call sign Salsa. You didn’t hate it. But you didn’t really love it either.

You laughed it off, “And who’s the Commander now Jake?”

He bowed his head chuckling right along with you, “Fair. But even you have to admit… it’s hot as hell out here.” Jake tossed you a fake pout changing the conversation yet again in the span of a few moments. You’d roll with it. That’s what’s always worked.

“You’re telling me! I’m from Ohio! I’m used to ninety-degree summers with moderate humidity, not this shit. You’re from Texas, you should be used to it!” Leaning on the railing you embraced the wind blowing off the carrier. It was hot but at least it was moving, not stagnant like it was on land.

“I haven’t really lived there in years though sweetheart.” He defended himself throwing out that damn word that made you literally weak at the knees. He had to have known what he was doing to you.

You’d always found the man handsome as hell. But his personality put you off all too often. However, the more you got to know him the more you found out the personality was all just a front. He was actually a good guy with a kind heart who had been burned far too many times. Living the life as a nomad made it hard to settle and it was his defense mechanism. Was it tiring? Beyond. Was it working? Jake thought so.

“Fair.” You mimicked him again. It wasn’t your fault he’d chosen such words to send your brain into overdrive.

You smiled taking in his features. He was truly such a handsome guy that made you feel very strong feelings. You knew it was him. It was always him. It was always going to be him, and you were quite frankly tired of pretending it wasn’t.

“That all you got to say darling?” He tapped his fingertips on the railing as he waited your response.

“Jake.” You sighed not having a clue what to do or to say. It was like you were actually short circuiting. You’d love to take a next step with him, but you were horrified of the consequences. Were you even allowed?

You’d worked so fucking hard to get promoted as fast as you did. You’d proven to countless commanders, captains, and admirals your capabilities in strategy as often as you could. You’d made fast friends with Pete Mitchell as he was one of your instructors when you went through Top Gun all those years ago. Apparently, that was his first and only year of teaching. In turn, Admiral Kazansky had taken a quick liking to you as he held Pete in such high regard. One thing led to another, and you’d been promoted through the ranks much faster than anticipated. But you earned it. Always proving you were ready for the next step. Was it worth it to risk all that hard work?

“Yes?” He continued that damn Jake Seresin smirk that he wore so well.

“I was going to tell you top secret information about what may or may not be occurring at 0100 tomorrow.” You sighed removing your arms from the guard rail pretending you were walking away, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to freshen up.”

“Woah there, Y/N! You didn’t say anything about top secret information.” He grabbed your arm lightly as if to let you know he’d drop it the second you asked him to. Of course, you never would, you loved his touch.

“I don’t think I should tell you. You’re being awfully mean to your commander.” You frowned playfully loving the game you were always playing with him. Things were only serious if they needed to be. Things were fun most of the time. Making it so damn easy to be your full and complete self around the man. You’d developed such a deep crush that bordered on love for the blonde-haired pilot.

“What would please my commander then?” He winked taking a step closer to you. Closing off any distance you’d had between the two of you. So much for the heat?

You smiled a wicked one towards Jake, “Grovel for my forgiveness.”

He couldn’t contain his laughter. The way his face lit up as he laughed, the way his eyes crinkled and the way his lips drew in. You were sure you could watch this over and over again. He was so beautiful to you. You joined in on the laughter not being able to continue whatever charade the two of you had gotten into at that moment.

“You’re awfully pretty when you laugh like that.” Jake spoke up after the shared laughter between the two of you had died down a little.

Biting your cheek, you couldn’t stop the instant reddening of your cheeks. Jake was always good for that. Making you blush like mad but then doing absolutely nothing about it, “Are you flirting with me Jake?”

He nodded his head confidently, “Always am Y/N. Always will.” Shooting you another wink he squeezed your arm once more before dropping his hand from it.

Shaking your head, you decided to finally answer his question, “The top-secret information might be that we’re having a swim call tomorrow. As long as the weather holds up.”

Grinning ear to ear he grasped your shoulders, “You’re being serious?”

“As a heart attack.” You nodded your head. You knew why he was so excited. It wasn’t that often that these came around. You had to be lucky to be given a swim call. Some sailors were luckier than others getting to have a swim call on a few deployments. Some were unlucky as they never got one.

It just so happened that Admiral Simpson was feeling particularly kind that afternoon at the senior staff was meeting. Another captain offered it up as a reward and he’d agreed. He decided on tomorrow since there were no scheduled missions or training flights. What better way to relieve stress? He knew this deployment was longer and a little more brutal with the heat. He needed to make sure everybody was still levelheaded. What better way to reward the crew?

“Oh, hell yeah! The guys are going to be so happy.” His grin stretched even further if that was possible.

“You’re sworn to secrecy.” You shook your head, “The admiral would like surprise everyone tomorrow.”

His grin turned down into a devious smirk, “And you told me Y/N?” You were really feeling the heat now. Especially when he was looking at you like that.

“Don’t let it get to your big ass head Seresin.” You smiled right on back to him. Just one of the many things he adored about you. Your ability to throw it right back at him. You never backed down from the challenge. Even when you were backed into a corner you would continue to fight. Your tenacity was like nothing he’d ever seen before. Apparently, the Navy agreed as you soared up the rankings. Jake was sure you’d be a captain within a few years. Then an admiral not long after that. You just had it. Few did. You did.

“You’d never let it get too large.” He dropped his hands from your shoulders. You were about to protest but he did something he’d never done before. Something that caught you so off guard you weren’t sure if your heard had stopped or not for second. He wrapped you up in a hug. Gently he squeezed you into his chest taking a few deep breaths before he continued.

“You know how much I like you right?” Jake whispered so close to your ear you could feel his warm breath as it fell down your neck. God, why did he have to do this to you now? It was already hard to come up with words and now? Now it felt like an impossible task. He was pulling out all of the stops to send your brain into overdrive. You’d probably forget even your own name if he asked.

“Sure.” You hadn’t a clue what he meant. Like you as a friend? Like you more than a friend? You prayed for the latter but who knew? It could be the former.

As he chuckled you could feel the vibrations as they reverberated off his body onto yours. You could surely get used to hugs like this. Where you were completely wrapped up in his embrace. Where you felt so utterly protected, “I like you, Y/N. Like like you.” He nodded while grinning after seeing your utterly shocked face.

Yeah, your heart definitely stopped as you processed his words. It’s like he read your mind. Like he knew you were too much of a chicken shit to question his words. You could stand up to admiral and politely tell him to fuck off, but this felt more than daunting to you. This was your life, and you didn’t want to fuck it up with him. You’d had so many chances, what if’s, run ins with each other over the years. Was it happening this time? Were your craziest dreams actually becoming a reality?

“Wait really?” Was all you managed to spit out as your brain went through every emotion. Every scenario to this confession.

“Yes, really. Have for years darling.” He broke apart from the embrace observing you carefully, “I’m tired of waiting on a right time. There’s never going to be a right time. Especially when you’re you. Getting promoted every other year and shit.” He grinned pulling you right back into his chest.

“Not every other year.” You shook your head hiding it away in embarrassment.

He couldn’t really believe his own eyes. You so effortlessly standing in his embrace seemingly accepting his admission. He was tired of dancing the fine line. He was ready. So more than ready to take a leap with you. He was tired of being labeled the playboy, the flirt, the no-good boyfriend. He knew he could be great for someone. For you. It was time.

“So was do you say sweetheart?”

You pulled away from him this time giving him a soft smile, “About?”

“A date. A real date when we get off this boat in a few days. How does that sound?” He grabbed a hand stroking his thumb along your fingertips softly.

Nodding your head softly, “That sounds perfect Jake.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” You squeezed his hand once more before beginning your exit, “Now go shower Lieutenant. No offense… but you smell.”

Shocked he strode forward towards you, “I smell? You’re getting it now. Time for a big hug.”

You giggled running from him, “Gotta catch me first!”

Shaking his head, he could only smile as you darted off towards your dorm. Oh, how he knew he’d fall in love with you quickly. He always knew he would once he let himself.

“Did you know about it Commander?” A woman you’d seen a few times around the carrier asked as you changed into your swimsuits.

“The swim call?” You played dumb. Of course, you knew what she was asking but it was much more fun to get hyped up about the whole thing over again. Morale was at a low point as the deployment neared its end. This was always the hardest time. When everybody just wanted to be home.

“Yeah.” She nodded while pulling a strap over her shoulder.

“Maybe a little. But Admiral Simpson just decided yesterday. Captain Flagstaff actually convinced him. It was a sight to see.” You smiled reminiscing on the friendly banter.

“It’s so cool that you’re a Commander and you’re like, our age.” Another girl spoke up from around the corner.

You smiled taking notice of her, “Right time, right place I suppose.”

“Bullshit.” The first girl laughed, “Your kind of a legend. What you and Mav pulled in Iran last year was insane!

You felt lucky to be alive. You probably shouldn’t be, but you never dwelled on it. You’d been given a chance and you ran with it. Ruthless and precise, never missing a beat. You were a commander after all, you had to prove your worth.

“Take calculated risks.” You offered up some advice for the young women who looked up to you. It was flattering albeit a little odd, “Now let’s go, we only get so much time in the water!” Grabbing a towel, you led the group out. You spotted Jake further off in the distance looking handsome as ever without a shirt on.

“Look at you.” You winked at him lowering your sunglasses. You’d always been overly flirty with the man but now? Now it meant something. Years of practice came in handy even as your nerves kicked it up a notch as his eyes traced your figure.

He shook his head, “You’re joking right? Look at you.” Throwing you a wink he desperately wanted to grab your hand, but he knew better. Not in front of all the Navy guys. It was probably already scandalous that the two of you were standing there alone.

“What? In this gorgeous Navy issued one piece?” You thought everybody looked fine in them. Not horrible not good. Just fine. But it definitely wasn’t flattering per say.

He shrugged, “You look good in everything sweetheart.” He whispered as a few people walked on by, “Always looking beautiful.”

“Hush, you’re making me blush.”

He laughed beginning to walk away, “That’s my job now darling. Now let’s go jump in the sea while we have the chance.”

“Lead the way.” You followed him towards the edge of the aircraft carrier. With a few railings removed you peered over the side letting people jump beside you. It was a long way down, but you’d done it before. Done it many times in training. Didn’t mean you necessarily enjoyed it though.

“Come on Y/L/N. Scared?” Jake threw you one last wink before jumping right off the side. He’d one upped you yet again. Dammit. You waited for the all clear before jumping right after him.

Resurfacing you quickly found the guy you were looking for smiling right at you only a little distance away. He certainly wasn’t being shy about it. The two of you had yet to really talk about what the other wanted but it felt right. It felt so right being around him. Like he was the other part of your magnet pulling you right into him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” You asked once you reached him. Splashing him lightly. God the two of you were being so fucking obvious. But lucky for you nobody seemed to notice. Everybody too caught up in their own story, their own joy.

“I already told you. You’re so fucking pretty.”

“Don’t overdo it now Mr. Seresin.” You were smiling an unusual amount. You were usually so stoic and tight lipped. You weren’t doing your best hiding the new rush of emotions that were always sitting there waiting to burst right on open. Boy did they burst right on open the second Jake admitted that he actually liked you. You didn’t think you could hide the stupid little smile that didn’t want to drop.

“What? I can’t compliment my girl?” He gave you a devilish smile, knowing exactly what he was doing.

Your heart definitely skipped a beat in the water, “Is that what I am?” Raising an eyebrow your curiously looked at him as he pulled you in a little closer. You were sure it didn’t look good. Surely it looked suspicious.

“If that’s what you want to be. My girlfriend?”

You nodded, “I’d like that.” You whispered. God how you wanted to swim right over and kiss him. Why’d this have to happen in the middle of the swim call? Why not when you were on shore and could find a secluded spot away from the rest of the crew. There was one thing you were certain of. This’d be the most memorable swim call you’d ever have.

“Me too, sweetheart. Me too.” Giving your hand a squeeze, he made sure to keep an appropriate distance until you could get away on that date. It was hard but it was worth it. Anything was worth making you happy. Jake decided that then and there as he watched you smile swimming around in the sea.

[sorchathered]

Sweet Home Texas pt 1.

Summary- it’s here! Chapter one of my new series/ my submission for my birthday Rom-Com challenge! I am straying from the plot of Sweet Home Alabama a bit but I hope you all love it!

Pairing-Jake “Hangman” Seresin x oc (Ella Mcree Seresin), Bradley Bradshaw x oc (Ella Mcree Seresin)

Warnings- language, drinking, eventual smut

Stepping out of her shitty rental car into the dimly lit honky tonk parking lot Ella Mccree can already feel the pain of a headache forming behind her eyes. She flew out from San Diego on a red eye to get to this shithole, filled with enough anger to fly the damn plane herself. She swore when she was here the last time that she would never set foot in this damn town again and yet here she is, pushing through the sweaty bodies of horn dog cowboys and navy pilots to find the bane of her existence.

He’s here of course, holding court by the pool tables, looking every bit the cocky asshole he presents himself to be. He’s always been a bit of a douche, that was part of his appeal; well until it wasn’t. She couldn't help the way her stomach flipped as she looked at him, the memories flooding her mind would make anyone blush. First kiss, first time, her first everything had been with Jake Seresin, he was supposed to be the only one, but that hadn’t worked out as planned. Nothing had where they were concerned.

She squared her shoulders, his pretty boy looks didn’t work on her anymore and she was here in this tacky bar for a reason, he wouldn’t distract her. In her ridiculously expensive pumps and form fitting black suit she marched over to him and dropped her briefcase in the middle of the pool table, a chorus of what the hells ringing out as she rounds on him, perfectly manicured finger poking him in the chest, shock clearly written all over his face before he schools his features. She’d caught him by surprise; good, maybe this time he’d actually listen.

“Jake! You stubborn redneck hick, I swear to God if I have to cut your damn hand off and sign these papers myself I will.” If he was phased by her colorful vocabulary he didn’t show it, simply throwing back the rest of his beer and sitting it on the corner of the nearest table as he looked her over, the mischief in his eyes evident in his gaze.

“Hey baby, it’s been a while. How’re things at home?” He said with a grin, knowing it would absolutely irritate the shit out of her, he loved riling her up, it was almost like he had a death wish sometimes but then again being an ex fighter pilot just confirmed that.

“Hey. Baby?! Are you kidding me right now?! Oooh!! You are the most annoying person on the planet!” She said shaking her head jerkily and balling her hands into fists, she needed to get it together. There was a reason to be here, get it done and get the hell out of this town, don’t let him distract you Ella you’re better than this.

Someone behind her said something to the extent of damn I like this girl and out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of a brunette woman sending impressed looks her way. Well at least someone was entertained, she thought.

She leaned across him to grab the papers from her briefcase, his body stiffening under her and she knew despite his cool exterior she had him rattled. She ran a hand across his uniform top, noticing the falter in his grin as he blinked at her and slammed the stack of papers into his chest.

“I have sent these damn papers through your lawyer 4 times in the past 6 months and they keep coming back unsigned, if you are so incompetent that you can’t use a pen, maybe you shouldn’t be allowed to fly a jet, given your lack of a brain. Sign the damn papers Jake, it’s been 3 years. You very clearly aren’t interested in being a husband so why the hell won't you just divorce me?”

Everyone around them seems to go quiet at this, none of his coworkers even knew he had been in a serious relationship, let alone married.

He sticks a toothpick between his lips and pretends to mull over her words as she taps her heel on the sticky bar floor. She already knows what he’s going to say, the same bullshit line he’s given her their entire life. “You know damn well why Ella Bella, because I promised to love you til the day you die and as far as I can tell you’re still breathin’ so we’re still married.”

She rakes a hand through her wavy red hair and gives him a look that could burn the world down. “If I could go back knowing what I know now I’d have never made that damn promise. Stop holding me hostage and sign the damn papers, I’m not leaving town until you do.” She yanks up her bag and stomps out towards the exit, everyone in the group parting like the Red Sea to let her out. Meanwhile Jake still seems cool as a cucumber, completely unbothered as he lines up his next shot and chuckles as he watches her walk out of the bar.

“Uh you planning on giving us an explanation Hangman?” Natasha Trace is the first to speak up, she does enjoy seeing him brought down a peg from time to time but she’s pretty sure she’s seen him more upset over what was for lunch at the dining facility than he is right now.

“Oh that? Eh she’ll be alright, Ella is all bark and no bite. She knows how much I love her, just gotta remind her is all, she and I will be just fine when she comes to her senses.” He seems awfully sure of himself, but she’d noticed something he clearly didn’t. A big ass diamond ring on her ring finger, no wedding band in sight. She has a thought to say something but thinks better of it; let him crash and burn all on his own and maybe invite the girl out for lunch and some gossip if she can find out her number. Jake’s hometown is just a few miles out from the Kingsville Navy base they’re stationed at, maybe an old friend of his has her info, she files that away for tomorrow’s problems and grabs another drink.

Ella is heated, she clumsily fumbles her keys by her car door as she curses, she knew he wouldn’t go for it but damnit if she didn’t hope he’d come to his senses. They’d been split for almost three years?! What was keeping him from letting her go? Pride? Idiocy?! She didn’t have time for this, she had plans of her own and they didn’t include begging her delusional husband for a divorce for the millionth time.

Her phone began to buzz in her pocket as she finally got the car unlocked and settled into the seat. She heaved a sigh out and put on her brightest smile, answering the face time call with fake enthusiasm.

“Well? How’d he take it?” the raspy voice on the other side of the line says, tan skin and bronze hair and those puppy dog eyes she loves so much gazes at her over the screen, and he can tell she’s pissed. “About as well as I thought. I’m gonna be here a few more days I reckon, maybe I can get one of them to get him to pull his head out of his ass, because it definitely didn’t work like I hoped.” She says the last words with a waver in her voice, she hates that she’s tearing up over this.

Bradley Bradshaw sighs over the screen and runs his hand over his face, he knew it wasn’t going to be as easy as she thought. “Need me to come down there? I can hop a flight? We can order a pizza and get trashed.”

As good as that sounds, his presence would only make it worse, and they both know it.

“No baby, it’s ok. I’ll see you soon alright? I just need to go to my hotel and sleep, I’ll try again tomorrow. Maybe call Natasha and see if she can help me with some intel though? She seemed pretty interested in what was going on, and might be an ally.”

He knows Natasha Trace well, and she definitely would be very helpful if he asked, so he nods his head in agreement and ends the call with I love yous and promises of a back rub when she gets home.

He knows the bomb that’s going to go off as soon as Seresin finds out everything, but he also knows the real reason Jake won’t give Ella what she wants. It’s guilt plain and simple, and Bradley isn’t interested in watching his fiancée get hurt by his former rival anymore. Only Ella knows the whole truth, but are either men ready for it?

A/N- this is gonna be a doozy y’all, prepare for these three to be put through the ringer! Next week we’ll get some more on Jake and Ella’s backstory and why they fell apart, hope you enjoyed chapter one!

🏷️ tagging- @attapullman @seitmai @bobgasm @sailor-aviator @jessicab1991 @roosterforme @bradshawssugarbaby @mynameismckenziemae

[50calmadeuce]

Ch. 17: An Evening At The Hard Deck

Warning: Mention of miscarriage. Some chapters have sex.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Top Gun: Maverick world, trademarked by Paramount Pictures Corporation. I do not claim ownership of the characters and the world that I am borrowing.

The story and situation I am creating are a work of my imagination and I do not ascribe them to official story canon. This work is for entertainment only and is not a part of the storyline.

I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story, but I do hope it gives you happy thoughts.

These stories are my own, so please do not take them and use them for yourself without my permission. If you see them somewhere else, please let me know. :)

Before leaving, you informed Penny's bartender, Jimmy, about your plan to head down to the beach to await Jake's arrival. With that settled, you began your leisurely stroll along the water's edge, savoring the pleasant warmth of the sun and the stunning scenic view. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing softly against the shore, combined with the gentle caress of the sea breeze, created a serene atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the moment.

As you walked, your thoughts naturally drifted towards the possibility of making a life here while Jake was deployed. However, this place was undeniably urban, a far cry from the rural settings where your professional skills as a large animal veterinarian would be in demand. The absence of cows, horses, and other large animals in the cityscape made you question how useful or fulfilled you could be in such an environment. With a sigh, you found yourself weighing the pros and cons of establishing roots in Wisconsin, Texas, or California. Each location offered its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, not just for your career but also for your personal life and your relationship with Jake. The decision loomed large, a complex puzzle of geographical and emotional factors to consider.

Pausing in your tracks, you found yourself gazing out at the expansive ocean stretching endlessly before you. As the wind picked up, a stray piece of hair brushed across your face. Instinctively, you reached up, tucking the rogue strand behind your ear, allowing you an unobstructed view of the horizon. The vastness of the sea, with its rolling waves and the soothing sound they produced, offered a moment of reflection and calm. It was a stark reminder of the wide-open possibilities that lay ahead, both daunting and liberating in equal measure.

As you stood there lost in thought, a male voice suddenly broke the tranquility. "Excuse me, Ma'am. You shouldn't be out here alone," he said, just as arms wrapped around you from behind, bringing an immediate and unexpected closeness. His head positioned itself next to yours, a gesture that was meant to be reassuring but was startling given the surprise. This intimate encounter was a stark contrast to the solitude and introspection of just moments before, shifting the atmosphere completely.

Your initial surprise softened into a smile as you recognized the familiarity of the moment. "Hi, flyboy," you greeted warmly, the affection in your voice unmistakable.

"Hi, darlin'," Jake replied, his voice carrying a blend of affection and relief. Following his greeting, he gently kissed your cheek and then, with a careful motion, turned you around to face him, ensuring that you were now looking directly into each other's eyes. "The squad wants to meet you. They still can't believe I'm married."

Jake's actions and words brought a moment of intimacy amidst the vastness of the beach and the roar of the ocean. His statement about the squad's disbelief at his marital status added a layer of communal intrigue to your personal narrative.

Observing him now in his Navy khaki uniform added a tangible reminder of the life and responsibilities he carried beyond the personal realm you both shared. "That seems to be the story around here," you responded, your voice carrying a hint of amusement mixed with a touch of resignation. It was a nuanced acknowledgment of the unusual circumstances surrounding your relationship—private moments and decisions that had unfolded away from the eyes of the world, now beginning to emerge into the broader context of Jake's life and community.

"Hey. The Navy knew, and that was all that mattered," Jake responded, his tone light yet underscored with sincerity. As he slipped his arms around your waist, a gesture of closeness and comfort, you instinctively placed your arms behind his neck, drawing yourselves closer together.

The kiss you shared was a beautiful amalgamation of passion, gentleness, and sweetness. It was a moment that seemed to pause time itself, allowing the two of you to exist in a world of your own. As the kiss ended and you slightly pulled apart, your foreheads remained touching, a silent exchange of understanding and affection passing between you.

"I guess," you responded softly, the words carrying more than just agreement—a recognition of the complexities and compromises your unique situation demanded.

Eventually, you both stepped back from this intimate embrace, yet the connection remained unbroken as you joined hands. Together, you began walking towards The Hard Deck, your steps in harmony, symbolizing the unity and partnership you shared.

"So, let me get this straight. You've been married to him," Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace said, pointing an incredulous finger towards Jake. "For four years, and we had no idea about it?" Her tone was a mix of surprise and disbelief, echoing the sentiment that seemed to be shared among the group gathered at The Hard Deck. The revelation of your long-standing marriage to Jake, something so significant yet unknown to his closest colleagues, added an air of astonishment to the conversation.

"Yup," you confirmed with a simple affirmation, taking a sip of your water to punctuate the statement.

Phoenix shrugged, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I guess that makes sense on why he was such an ass a lot of the time."

Your laughter followed her comment, a light-hearted acknowledgment of her attempt to make sense of Jake's past behavior.

Phoenix leaned in closer, her curiosity evident in her expression. "How do you deal with him when he gets so cocky?" she asked in a slight whisper, acknowledging the occasional challenge of managing Jake's confidence.

You reciprocated the whisper, sharing your secret with a knowing smile. "Honestly, I just roll my eyes."

Phoenix nodded in understanding, her own expression reflecting a mixture of amusement and agreement. "I can see that," she remarked, acknowledging the simplicity of your approach to handling Jake's occasional bouts of overconfidence. This exchange underscored the bonds of camaraderie and shared experiences within the group, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of navigating relationships amidst the challenges of military life.

"What are you two whispering about over there?" Jake asked from the pool table, his tone playfully curious. He couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness seeing how well you were integrating with his squad. His question, light-hearted and tinged with amusement, reflected his contentment in witnessing the budding friendship and understanding developing between you and his closest companions. It was clear that your connection with the group, particularly with Phoenix, added a new layer of familial warmth to the bonds that tied them all together.

"Phoenix was just asking for pointers on how to deal with you when your head goes too far up your ass," you retorted playfully, your words light but pointed, causing a ripple of amusement to spread through the group.

A chorus of "ooo's" echoed around you, the playful burn directed at your husband eliciting reactions ranging from surprise to delight among his squad mates.

"Damn, Hangman. For not knowing about her for four years, she knows you pretty damn well," Mickey 'Fanboy' Garcia chimed in, his comment drawing a round of laughter and nods of agreement from the others. His statement underscored the ironic humor of the situation—despite the squad's long history with Jake, it was clear you had an insightful and profound understanding of him, one that resonated with his friends and highlighted the depth of your connection.

Jake gave you a teasing glance. "She's the expert here," he said with a smirk. Leaning across the pool table, he lined up and executed his shot.

After his turn, you approached the table, only for him to encircle you with his arm, drawing you in for a swift kiss. "Grab me another beer, would you, darlin'?" he asked.

"Sure," you answered, circling back around the pool table.

"Headed to the ladies' room?" Phoenix inquired.

"No, just off to get a beer," you responded.

Phoenix jumped down from her seat. "I'll come with you."

As you both made your way to the bar, Penny caught your eye. "Let me guess, another beer for Hangman?" she said with a knowing look.

"That's right," you confirmed.

Then, turning her attention to Phoenix, she asked, "How about you, Phoenix? Can I get you anything?"

"Yeah, I'll have one too," Phoenix replied.

"Add it to my tab, Penny. Actually," you said, reaching back to retrieve your phone from your pocket and placing it on the bar, "I'm covering the next round."

Penny flashed a smile, walked over, and rang the bell. A wave of cheers and grateful shouts of 'Thank you' echoed throughout the bar.

The unique rules of The Hard Deck brought a smile to your face, though you found them entirely reasonable: 'Disrespect a lady, the Navy, or place your cell phone on my bar, and you're buying a round.' It seemed only fair to treat these pilots to a drink.

Shortly after, Penny returned with your and Phoenix's drinks in hand. "Here you go."

"Thanks, Penny," you both echoed, grateful for her quick service. With your drinks in hand, you made your way back to the group gathered around the pool table.

You passed Jake his beer, and he gave you a quizzical look. "Darlin', did you just buy the whole bar a round?"

"I did," you confirmed with a smile.

He shrugged, a hint of amusement in his expression. "Okay, then."

After delivering Jake his beer, you returned to where Phoenix was seated and began engaging in conversation with her, picking up where you left off or perhaps diving into a new topic of discussion.

Coyote approached Jake right after he completed his pool shot and gave him a nudge. "So, have you mentioned anything to Y/N about Sierra?"

Jake glanced at him before positioning himself for another shot over the pool table. "There's nothing to mention," he replied, focusing on his game as he executed the shot.

"You'd better hope that's true, because look who just walked in." Coyote tilted his beer in the direction of the bar's entrance, indicating someone's arrival.

Jake followed Coyote's gesture, turning his gaze towards the bar's entrance to see who had just walked in.

"Shit," Phoenix muttered, her attention fixed towards the bar.

"What?" you inquired, turning your gaze in the same direction.

There, a tall woman with bronzed skin, her curly hair cascading in a blend of blonde, brown, and red streaks, was making her presence known. Dressed in a blue jean skirt, a white tank top, and sandals, she seemed to navigate the bar with a purpose, her trajectory unmistakably aimed at Jake.

"Did Jake ever mention Sierra to you?" Phoenix asked, turning her gaze back to you, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

Meeting her question with a puzzled look, you remained silent.

Taking your silence as an answer, Phoenix said, "I'm going to take that as a no."

"So, who is she?"

"Some girl who was after Jake, wanting more than he was willing to give. He kept turning her down, but she wouldn't let up, fabricating stories about them being an item," Phoenix explained, shedding light on the situation.

"Oh, really?" You responded, your curiosity piqued. Taking a sip of your water, you turned your attention to the unfolding scene as the woman made her way towards your husband. With a hint of anticipation, you leaned back in your chair. "This should be interesting," you mused, ready to observe how the situation would unfold.

Jake straightened up after completing his shot at the pool table, turning to face Sierra as she approached and halted beside him.

"Hiya, Hangman," she greeted, punctuating her words with a pop of her gum.

"Sierra," he acknowledged with a nod, maintaining his composure. Without further engagement, he maneuvered around her to line up his next shot. Unperturbed, Sierra mirrored his movements, continuing to follow him around the table.

As Jake leaned over to take his next shot, Sierra's gaze zeroed in on the wedding ring adorning his finger.

"You're married?" she asked, her tone laced with disbelief, as she snapped her gum.

Completing his shot, Jake straightened up and faced her. "Yes. I've been married for four years," he affirmed, his voice steady.

Sierra, undeterred, reached out to place her hand on Jake's chest, her demeanor shifting to a feigned sweetness. "Is this just to get back at me?" she inquired, looking up at him.

From his peripheral vision, Jake noticed you rising from your chair, alert to the unfolding interaction.

"Y/N. She's not worth it," Phoenix cautioned as she saw you stand, sensing the tension.

"I got this," you assured her confidently, dismissing the concern with a calm resolve. With that, you began making your way towards Jake and Sierra, prepared to handle the situation.

Jake swiftly took Sierra's hand and gently but firmly pushed it away from his chest. "Sierra, I've always been clear with you. I'm not interested in you. I never have been, and I never will be," he stated decisively, making his stance unmistakably clear.

Sierra laughed. "Jake stop. You know that's not true."

Jake's expression hardened, his patience evidently wearing thin. "No, Sierra, it's very true. You need to respect my feelings and my marriage," he responded, his voice firm yet composed, aiming to put an end to any misunderstandings once and for all.

Sierra scoffed, disbelief painting her features. "Your marriage. You've never mentioned it before," she challenged, skepticism lacing her tone. As she went to raise her hand, likely aiming to touch Jake once more in a familiar gesture, he was quicker. Jake reached out, his movements decisive, and firmly stopped her advance.

"Stop, Sierra," Jake said, his voice stern and commanding. The firmness in his tone left no room for misunderstanding. He set a clear boundary, signaling an end to any perceived intimacy or advances from her part.

Your approach didn't go unnoticed, and as you reached their side, Jake gave you a look that mixed relief with a touch of annoyance at the situation. Turning to face Sierra, your presence added weight to Jake's words.

"Can I help you?" You interjected, stepping into the conversation with a poised demeanor.

Sierra sized you up with a quick glance, her expression one of skepticism. "And who might you be?" she asked, her tone edged with curiosity and defiance.

With calm assurance, you responded, "I would be his wife," establishing your relationship to Jake and your presence in the situation.

Sierra's eyebrows shot up, surprise etching her features for a moment before she managed to mask it with a sly smile. "Oh, the wife," she said, dragging out the words as if tasting them for the first time. Sierra turned her attention back to Jake, her demeanor now tinged with accusation. "You really planned this all out?" she queried, her voice carrying a mix of disbelief and indignation, implying a sense of betrayal.

Jake met Sierra's incredulous gaze with a level one of his own. "I didn't plan anything, Sierra, just like I never gave you any indication that I was interested in you," he clarified firmly, hoping to dispel any misconceptions she harbored about their past interactions.

Sierra, still clinging to her disbelief, let out a another scoff, her eyes darting between you and Jake. "Well, this is quite the surprise. Never thought I'd see the day," she muttered under her breath, her tone laced with sarcasm and a hint of bitterness.

"It's not about a day. We've been married for four years now," you chimed in, reinforcing Jake's commitment to you and emphasizing the duration and seriousness of your relationship to Sierra, hoping to underscore the finality of the situation.

"Oh, really? Then why wasn't I ever aware of you?" Sierra challenged, skepticism coloring her tone, seeking to find a crack in your assertion.

Unfazed, you took a step closer, meeting her gaze with unwavering confidence. "That's on a need-to-know basis, and you, quite frankly, don't need to know," you replied, asserting your position while subtly indicating that her involvement in your and Jake's life was neither required nor desired.

Sierra, finally showing signs of relenting, turned her attention back to Jake with one last attempt to salvage her pride. "So, I wasn't spunky enough for you, is that it?" She then shifted her gaze to you, a mix of defiance and resignation in her eyes. "You can have him. I've seen better," she declared, attempting to mask her defeat with indifference. With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the confrontation behind.

Jake's face lit up with a smile of pride as he watched Sierra leave. "Darlin', that was great!" he exclaimed, clearly impressed by how you handled the situation.

You, however, kept a stone-faced expression, not ready to share in his relief just yet. "Outside, now," you commanded, making it clear there was still a matter to be addressed between the two of you. Without waiting for a response, you turned and headed towards the door leading to the back patio, leaving no room for argument. Jake, sensing the seriousness in your tone, quickly followed behind you.

Outside, the cool air contrasted with the tension between you as you leaned against the railing, waiting for Jake to reach you.

"Darlin', let me explain," he began, earnestness in his voice.

You turned to face him, the frustration evident. "You could've warned me, Jake."

He sighed, a hint of regret in his expression. "I hadn't seen her in months, thought she had moved on."

"That's not the point, Jake. I've been open with you about my past."

"I know, I know," he rushed to assure you, "but I didn't do anything with her. I never kissed her or anything."

"So, it's back to me again?" Your voice carried a mix of disbelief and hurt, feeling as if the focus was wrongly being shifted onto your actions or past rather than addressing the current issue directly.

"Y/N, I didn't say that," Jake quickly clarified, trying to steer the conversation away from any misinterpretation.

"You didn't have to," you said, the disappointment in your voice clear as you began walking towards the door, distancing yourself from the conversation and the tension.

"Where are you going?" Jake's voice carried a note of concern, unsure of your intentions in the moment.

Pausing, you turned to face him, the complexity of your feelings reflected in your eyes. "I'd say home, but it's not, so I guess back to your place," you replied. The distinction you made between 'home' and 'his place' underscored the unsettled feelings and the need for some resolution or comfort in the wake of the evening's events.

As you reentered the bar, making your way back to where Phoenix was seated, her concern was immediately evident.

"You okay?" she inquired, her eyes searching yours for the truth.

"I'm good. I'm leaving," you managed to say, trying to maintain your composure amidst the swirling emotions.

Without hesitation, Phoenix reached for her phone. "What's your number?" she asked, understanding the importance of staying connected.

After you provided your number, you watched her fingers move quickly over the screen, sending a text to ensure you had a way to reach out.

"If you need anything…" she began, her offer hanging in the air, a testament to her willingness to support you.

Feeling your phone vibrate in your pocket as her text came through, you reached out to give Phoenix a hug, grateful for her immediate show of solidarity and friendship.

"Thanks," you said, pulling away from the embrace. With a heavy heart but a sense of resolve, you made your way to the bar to settle your tab. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Jake reenter from outside. Without another word, you left, stepping into the night, leaving behind the bar, the confrontation, and the unresolved feelings, at least for now.

Tags: @buckysteveloki-me @bellyliveslife @tgmreader @callsign-barbell @86laura11 @dizzybee03 @kmc1989 @guacam011y @nerdgirljen @hookslove1592 @dempy @djs8891

[sweetwhispersofchaos]

Red, White, & Blue

A Rooster x Phoenix one-shot Warnings: Smut, angst, fluff, oh and lots of smut. Explicit. Minors DNI! Word count: 7240 Story and Cover Image Edit by me Prompt #74 from @creativepromptsforwriting @creativepromptfills (Feel free to reblog) A day late and a dollar short, this is my Fourth of July story.

Description: Rooster isn't a fan of the fourth, it was too close to the anniversary of his dads death. Phoenix tries to help him make new, happy memories.

After the Dagger squad completed their mission they dispersed back into the wind, separating to their four corners of the world to continue with their original units. Rooster found himself back in Japan to complete another five months of service there before being moved again. When his orders came down for San Diego, he wasn’t sad at all. He spent the last 5 months reconnecting with Maverick via facetime and now they could catch up on the years they missed with each other. There was a bonus to this assignment as well. Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote were all stationed there as well.

Rooster moved in April and by May was settled into his small apartment and with his new unit. He spent his days flying and nights banging on the piano at the hard deck with his friends. Maverick had retired finally and was helping Penny run the bar while consulting for the NAVY, so it was another way to spend time with his long-lost family. Things were going well, and he couldn’t complain.

Then his least favorite time of the year rolled around. July 4th was an important day for the country he served proudly, it was Americas birthday. Rooster, however, never felt much like celebrating. His dad had died just a few days prior to the holiday. His first fourth without his father was spent snuggling in his mother’s lap, watching fireworks from their backyard in Corpus Christi, Texas, while she sobbed uncontrollably. They never really celebrated the holiday; it was just too painful for his mother. She told Rooster one time when he was in high school and asked, about how July 4th was his father’s favorite holiday. He and Mav would have cookouts for their pilot friends that included at least one of them getting burned while running from fireworks and lots of singing americana themed songs off key. She looked so sad as she recalled these memories to him, and he decided to never bring it up again.

The fact that his father was a military man added insult to injury. Everything about the holiday was pomp and circumstance surrounding those who sacrificed for freedom. Rooster always struggled to see all the uniforms, military vehicles in parades, and fly overs on that day, so he decided to just ignore it, never going anywhere, never participating when asked, or celebrating at all.

When Mav and Penny invited him and his fellow aviators out to Mavericks hangar for a huge get together, Rooster panicked. He was getting along so well with the older pilot, and this might throw a wrench in everything. He didn’t want to be rude but how would he let the man down gently without telling him why he would be sitting on his couch with a beer and ignoring the outside world that day?

He tried. Several excuses later Penny had sweet talked him into making an appearance, especially after Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote had all enthusiastically accepted their invitations. Rooster was disgruntled to say the least. The thought of Maverick wanting to celebrate during this time of year really rubbed him the wrong way, and Phoenix must have picked up on that notion. The day after the invitation conversation at the Hard Deck, she cornered him at work before their hops.

“What’s up your ass, Bradshaw?” she asked from behind him as he walked towards the hangar door.

Rooster stopped in his tracks, swearing under his breath. He was hoping she wouldn’t bug him about it, but that woman never missed anything when it came to Rooster and his emotions. He turned around and found her standing with her arms crossed, an eyebrow inclined to the roof, waiting for an answer.

He sighed then tried to play it cool. “Nothing. Why do you ask?”

“Bullshit” she immediately spat. “You couldn’t get out of the July 4th invitation fast enough last night. What gives? Don’t like us anymore?” she smirked.

“Depending on how much you continue to bug me about this, I might not.” He said completely dry.

Phoenix took a few steps forward, closing the gap between them. “I’m coming over after work to get one of your shitty beers and you’re going to tell me.” Then she lightly shoved his shoulder with her helmet before walking around him and heading for her jet.

Rooster turned and watched her go, rubbing his face with his free hand in exasperation before walking out into the California heat. He never thought he would have to have this conversation with anyone, especially Phoenix. They had always had a thing of sorts, although they never made a move past being best friends. They were close and had been since they met at Top Gun 8 years ago. They told each other everything and travelled around each other’s orbit, but he always kept her at arm’s length, not wanting to bring anyone into his personal shit nor start something he wasn’t sure he could see all the way through. It had been a few years since they had seen each other in person when they were both called back for the special detachment and Rooster began to feel all sorts of feelings again. But he still wasn’t sure he wanted to bring her all the way into his bubble.

Guess she was going to push her way in whether he wanted her to or not.

After work he tried to slip out before she could catch him but no such luck. Phoenix was already leaning against her jeep parked next to his Bronco. Rooster let out an exasperated breath as he approached her, having half a mind to remove his shades so she could see his irritation on full display, but it wouldn’t have mattered, a satisfied smirk on her face already.

“Would you believe me if I told you I already have plans this evening?” he asked as he stopped at the front of the Bronco to address her.

She stood up and grabbed her backpack from the ground “Not in the least. Start driving Bradshaw, I’m right behind you.” Then she practically skipped to her driver’s side door and hopped into the jeep. Rooster just shook his head then trudged to his own door, taking his time getting in and turning everything on, hoping it would deter her, but knowing better. Damn that woman, if he didn’t like her, he’d hate her. She never took his crap, or anyone else’s, he had to give her credit for that.

Once they pulled into his complex, they both walked silently up to his door but before he could unlock it, he turned to face her. “Look. I’d rather be alone right now.” Was all he said.

Her smile became a little crestfallen as her eyes dropped from his. She took a slow breath then looked up at him. “Listen, I can respect that if it wasn’t so obvious that you’re in pain over something. How long do we have to be best friends before you let me in? We went eight years without me knowing about the whole Maverick situation. You don’t have to hold all this shit in, you know? I want to be here for you, not just as coworkers and drinking buddies.” Then her eyes drifted down to her hands that were fiddling nervously with the strap from her backpack. It wasn’t often she dropped her tough exterior but when she did, it was usually with him and he found it beautiful.

Rooster contemplated for a minute. How long was he going to keep her pushed out of his heart. If he was honest with himself, he had let her in a long time ago, he was just scared, for so many reasons. They were coworkers, which was a weird grey area to begin with, then the thought of doing to her what his dad had done to his mom, leaving her broken and alone, just about killed him to think about. Then there was all his personal bullshit. She had her own issues in life to worry about, why should he bog her down with his own misery?

Was he being fair though? She was a big girl, maybe he should let her decide for herself if he was worth the trouble, she was obviously willing to put herself through on his behalf. For years he had been her go-to person, why couldn’t he finally let her be that for him? He steeled his resolve, turned back to the door, unlocked it, then held it open, using his other hand to wave her into his place.

She looked up at him quizzically at first then a meek smile crossed her face, and she breezed past him. The apartment was sparse, and she had been there plenty of times that it was a second home for Phoenix at this point. She dropped her backpack in the closet by the door, toeing off her sneakers, then walked into the kitchen without a word. Rooster did the same, dropping his bag and shoes into the closet before flopping into his recliner, already exhausted from the conversation he was about to have. He heard the pop of two beer bottles then she brought him one before tucking her legs under her on the end of the couch closest to him.

They sat in silence drinking from their beers for a while. He was starting to think maybe she had changed her mind when she spoke up.

“I’m not sure what to ask to get this conversation started.”

He exhaled “It’s pretty cut and dry. My dad died 33 years ago on June 30th, 1986.

Her eyes went big. “Rooster, that’s tomorrow.” she all but whispered.

He only shook his head in slow affirmative then took a long draw from his beer.

“My mom loved that man deeper than any love that ever existed, I think. When he was killed,” he took a ragged breath, trying to hold it together, “it liked to have killed her too. The fourth became more of a day of mourning than a happy occasion for us. Mom didn’t feel much up to doing anything that day.” He paused for another drink.

“Sure, that makes sense.” Was all she said before taking a swig of her own beer.

“That woman was such a character. You would have loved her. She was hard not to love. I mean, I’ve told you some of the wild and wacky stuff we did when I was growing up. Holidays were always a big deal, except the fourth. The only place we ever went was to the cemetery sometimes but as I got older, I just couldn’t go and watch her lay on that patch of grass and sob for hours in the Texas sun. “A few tears escaped his eyes, much to his protests. Before he could wipe them though, a small, calloused hand reached up and swiped his cheek gently. He looked at her, her eyes watery and filled with compassion.

“Rooster, this is nothing to be ashamed of. You’re allowed to hurt. You’re allowed to grieve however you feel is best. If that means holed up here on the fourth, then do it. I don’t mind covering for you.” She hesitated, “or I could come hole up here with you. So, you’re not alone?”

He let loose a soft smile “I’d like that.” He said with a rasp in his voice before he could stop himself. Was this the clutch his mom had on his dads’ heart? Is this what it felt like? He didn’t deserve this tough, hardheaded, yet gentle woman. She suddenly made what felt like the world’s worst day into something to look forward to.

“Do me a favor? Talk to Mav. I know he might try to talk you into going to the party but give him a chance to prove you wrong. He deserves to know what’s on your mind.”

Rooster just nodded then finished off his bottle. She chased hers until it was empty and then stood and reached for his bottle. Phoenix threw them away then moved to the closet to put her shoes back on and grab her bag. He stood and walked to the entry way, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall watching her.

She spoke over her shoulder “I hate to chat and run but I’m meeting up with a couple of girlfriends at the gym.” She turned and almost ran into him as she closed the closet door. She was so close he could feel her breath on his crossed arms. Her eyes drifted up to his and he smirked.

“So, what are we going to do Sunday for the fourth?” he asked cheekily.

She only stared at him then exhaled into a smile. “Whatever you want Lieutenant.” S stepped back, opened the door and disappeared.

Rooster wasn’t sure what to make of that comment but suddenly the fourth didn’t seem so scary.

The next day after work, Rooster went to dinner at Penny’s house like he did most Wednesdays. This was a somber meal considering the day, and Mav struggled to get through his toast to Goose. Rooster hadn’t seen Mav on this anniversary in many years and he could tell it aged the man more and more as the years passed. He would probably always blame himself for what happened, no matter what anyone said. Rooster wondered if he would ever have to go through something like that. Hazard of the job and all.

After Amelia went to her room to work on homework, he had the dreaded conversation with Penny and Mav. He was pleasantly surprised when they were both extremely understanding, even Mav. Rooster could tell it stung a little, under the circumstances, but they agreed he should do what he needed to do and that he was always welcome if he changed his mind.

Rooster helped Penny carry a stack of dishes to the kitchen and began to rinse them while she toweled them off and placed them in the dishwasher.

“So, do you mind if I ask what you plan to do for the fourth?” she asked calmly.

“I don’t mind. Phoenix is coming over.”

He caught the eyebrow raise and intrigued look she gave him out of the corner of his eye, but she didn’t press, and he didn’t say more.

Maybe he and Phoenix could make some new memories to replace the bad ones? Suddenly, for the first time since he was three years old, he was looking forward to the fourth of July.

The rest of the week at work seemed to drag and there was an obvious tension between Phoenix and himself, but in the best possible way. They used their flying as flirting, and it bordered on foreplay in the air. They pushed each other, goading the other on and passing smart ass remarks back and forth to each other. Even Coyote made a sideways comment that Friday about it.

“Could you two and your planes get a room please?” He cracked as they walked back to the hangar from their jets.

Bob choked on a snort, Phoenix just made a taunting face at him, and Rooster looked away trying to hide the blush he could feel crawling across his cheeks.

Phoenix shot back “Only if you and your ego get one first.” Everyone laughed and then parted ways for their weekend festivities. When Rooster made it out to the parking lot, he found Phoenix once again leaning against her jeep right next to his Bronco.

“So” she said once he was close enough to hear.

“So” he replied, nonchalantly, as he tossed his gear into the back of the Bronco.

“So, I’ll see you Sunday?”

“Yeah, if you still want?”

She snorted her reply, her face looking skeptical. “Change your mind Bradshaw? I could always go over to Mavs with the rest of them?” her eyebrow raised in amusement as he came to stand in front of her, dangerously close again, looking down on her from behind his aviator shades. She was playing coy and he kind of liked it. Oh no, he had decided once and for all that this cat and mouse game was done and his fourth was going to be the best one in the history of his fourths.

He slid his glasses down his nose, looking over the top of them as a Cheshire cat grin crossed his face. “Two pm, don’t be late.” Then he winked and slid his glasses back up.

She shook her head with a chuckle and they both jumped into their cars and drove away.

At 1:45PM Sunday July 4th Rooster was a nervous wreck. He had secretly thought of this moment for a very long time. Was he getting ahead of himself? Maybe all she wanted was to flirt and keep things platonic otherwise? Only one way to find out, he figured. Anything to distract him from how he normally felt on this day.

He took one last look at himself in the mirror, sporting a patriotic Hawaiian shirt over his usual white tank and a pair of khaki shorts. He could hear the sarcastic remarks already. He hoped the surprises he had for her would be appreciated, at least for the effort. He decided the only way to move forward was to take a page out of Carole Bradshaw’s book of unconventional fun. Even though she never did anything entertaining for the fourth, he used his imagination based on every other holiday they had celebrated together and went to work.

At two o’clock on the dot he heard a knock at his door before it swung open. He quickly grabbed a white beard and patriotic top hat and threw them on before exiting his bedroom “Bradshaw, come help me” She called out, her smaller frame bent over trying to pick up a few grocery bags. He had to smile at the visual. She was wearing a tiny red tank top and very short denim shorts, her own pair of aviator shades covering her eyes, and her car keys were hanging out of her mouth while she struggled with the bags. He smiled at the sight.

Phoenix raised her head to look at him and froze on the spot, her car keys slamming to the ground as her jaw slid open. He put his arms out as if to say “ta-da” and she began laughing hysterically. She was laughing so hard she began to grab her side and used her other hand to clutch the door frame.

“What” she laughed more, trying to breath “are you wearing Colonel Sanders?”

He scoffed then walked to the door and scooped up all the bags in dramatic fashion. “I’m Uncle Sam, thank-you-very-much.” Then he winked and made his way to the kitchen, listening to her continue to cackle and gasp for air.

“You’re letting out all the bought air, get in here, would you?” he called from the kitchen as he began pulling items from the bags. There was a considerable amount of alcohol, some junk food, and a bakery carton of red, white and blue sprinkled cookies. The door closed and she finally appeared in the doorway, immediately busting out into another fit of laughter as soon as she saw him. She was wiping tears from her eyes and clutching her side still.

“You have GOT to take that off or I’ll pee myself.”

“Aw come on, where’s your sense of fun?” he asked.

“You look like Santa came to visit for the fourth.” She giggled.

“Ok, that did it.” He said flatly and removed the items.

“That’s better” she said and moved into the kitchen to give him a hug, raising up on her tiptoes so she could wrap her arms around his neck. Something was instantly different about this hug. Sure, they had hugged plenty over the years. Being in many near death situations will do that to you. But this was a different hug. They weren’t pulling apart. No one moved or let go. They just stood in the middle of the kitchen, her arms around his neck, his strong arms wrapped around her middle, very still.

“Glad you could come” he said barely above a whisper into the side of her head.

With that she pulled back some, a shy smile on her face as they continued to hold each other.

“I wouldn’t have missed Santa Sam for the world.” She said with a grin, and he poked her side, knowing full well she was extremely ticklish. She released a very unladylike snort and turned around to run, shouting behind her “Ok now I do have to pee.” The bathroom door closed, and he waited just a couple of seconds before he heard a loud “Oh shit” from the lavatory.

She found another one of his surprises.

A few minutes later she came running back into the living room where Rooster sat on the couch waiting for her. She launched herself at him, landing with her legs straddling his lap, her hands attempting to get to his neck, but he held her wrists firm, laughing deeply at the feigned angry look on her face.

“Seriously Bradshaw, a fucking Uncle Sam inside the toilet lid? You about gave me a heart attack!” She continued wrestling with him, trying to get free.

All Rooster could do was laugh much in the same way she did when she first arrived. Her position hadn’t been lost on him either. This was not a position they had been in before and he was starting to sweat through his laughter.

“Oh, come on, that was funny you gotta admit.” He said and then with his hands still firmly wrapped around her wrists he maneuvered her arms behind her back and held her there, a prisoner. His prisoner. She stopped squirming in his lap, thankfully, and just stared at him with wide eyes.

“I’m not admitting anything” she said low, and he just gave her a small, pursed lip smile before he did it. He made his move. Rooster sat up, held her wrists, and brushed his lips briefly across hers. He immediately opened his eyes, hoping she wasn’t pissed, but all he saw was a beautiful flush across her cheeks, her eyes still closed. She sunk a little and wiggled her arms trying to go free, so he released her wrists. Her hands moved to his chest and her lids slowly fluttered open. Their eyes met and he almost dissipated under the warmth of the melting chocolate staring back at him.

He brought his hands up to cover hers on his chest, rubbing small circles on the back of them with his thumbs. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that without asking.” He said, genuinely sorry that he took advantage of the situation. A rueful smile played across her face and then without warning she was on him.

Her hands slid up his chest, across his shoulders, wrapping around the back of his neck as she leaned in. His eyes were open in shock at first as she began kissing him, but this time it was deep and needy. His hands moved to her hips, gripping them tighter than he probably should, and he pulled her closer until she was resting against him. She slid her tongue across his bottom lip, and he was all too happy to part them for her. Their tongues began to dance, and a small moan escaped her that sent a chill all the way down his spine.

No sooner had it started, she was pulling away from his face, flustered but smiling a genuine and radiant smile.

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask for a very long time. Glad you decided to skip the asking and just get to the good stuff.”

He was gob smacked. Natasha Trace does not throw caution to the wind, quite literally. This almost feral and lackadaisical version of his best friend had him more confused than he was before their talk the other day. Why didn’t she ever say anything?

Before he could ask, she lifted herself from him and reached her hands out to pull him up.

“C’mon Colonel, any other surprises?” she asked.

His mind went down a wicked path and it must have shown on his face because she lightly smacked him on the chest with the back of her hand. “For the fourth you pig.”

He chucked then took her hand in his and lead her to the small dining table near the kitchen. The table and walls were covered in cheap dollar store decorations including plastic patriotic plates, cups, and cutlery.

“You really had fun with this didn’t you?” She asked him.

“Just wait, there’s games and everything. My mother would be so proud.” He said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Of course, there is.” And she just rolled her eyes.

An hour later the table was covered in various snack packages and discarded beer bottles. Papers for name that patriotic tune and a fourth of July crossword sat discarded next to a small Bluetooth speaker. They had moved their chairs closer together and were looking at a piece of paper together.

“Rooster, some of these are just gross.”

“That’s the point of the game This or That. Gotta find the lesser of two evils.”

“Fine, but I refuse to go through with anything actually on this sheet.”

“Not a requirement.” He said with a smile.

“Ok I’m going first then.” And she snatched the paper from his hands. “Let’s see” she said as she poured over the options. “How about this. Wear a mullet forever or have red, white and blue hair forever?”

He sucked air through his teeth as if this was the toughest decision he’s ever had to make. “You know, I rocked a mullet for most of second and third grade. Wasn’t pretty but at least it would be closer to regs than colorful hair so, mullet it is.”

Phoenix laughed as she passed the paper. “I want to see those pictures!”

“No way.” he shook his head and picked up his drink. “I’m pretty sure I burned those pictures.”

“Liar. Now ask me one.”

“Patience mam. I’m working on it.” He took a drink and put his bottle back down. He looked down the list and asked, “Would you rather drink ketchup through a straw or eat mayo with a spoon?”

She immediately acted as if she was gagging. “I don’t like either of those.”

“That’s not the point of the game Phee, you gotta choose.”

She shot him a dirty look and grunted “Fine. Sucking a condiment through a straw, regardless of what it is, just sounds shitty so I’ll go mayo with a spoon.” And her body shuddered in disgust.

He laughed then passed the paper back to her.

She skimmed her finger down the list and made comments as she went. “That one is gross too. I don’t want to know the answer to this one. I already know the answer to that one.”

“Whoa whoa whoa know it all, ask it anyway. I might surprise you.”

She looked at him annoyed. “Trust me you won’t. Not on this one.”

He sat back and crossed his arms, daring her to ask with his expression. She rolled her eyes again and spoke in a very sarcastic tone. “Would you rather sing all night or dance all night?” Then she tossed the paper down in front of him, sure of what was coming next.

Rooster contemplated his answer though then an idea hit him. He pushed his chair back and stood up, Phoenix looking all together confused. Rooster fiddled with his phone for a minute then hit the power button on the small speaker. A Jason Aldean song started up and he held his hand out to her.

“If the answer involves you then the answer is dancing all night.”

She looked stunned as she reached her hand up to meet him. The next thing he knew they were in front of his couch, her right hand enclosed in his left as he held her close, their bodies swaying to the music.

Rooster started singing the words to the song quietly into the top of her head.

“I think technically its cheating if you sing while dancing, per your insistence that you have to choose one or the other for the game.”

He chuckled “Ok, dancing only.” Then the arm he had around her lower back pulled her in closer and she turned her head sideways to rest it on his chest. They continued to sway through the end of the song and then all the way through another song before she spoke again.

“Rooster?”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s dance all night.”

The implications of her statement hung thick in the air and his swaying faltered. He looked down as she looked up at him, something desperate sparkling in her eyes. There was no going back from something like this. He warred with himself for a split second before he made his decision.

Rooster slid both of his hands under her ass and lifted her up suddenly, causing her to let out a tiny squeak. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, and they began kissing. These weren’t small, meek kisses. These kisses were intrusive. Tongues dipped in and out and her teeth grazed his bottom lip, causing him to squeeze her ass. Rooster began walking towards his room, barely able to see as they continued to kiss hard and furiously.

Once in the room, he used his foot to close the door before turning and pressing her back to it. He stood holding her against his bedroom door but pulled his lips away to look at her one more time.

Between ragged breaths she asked “what?”

Rooster swallowed hard, touching his forehead to hers. “This will change everything. I don’t want to do anything you don’t want.”

He felt her lips place a light kiss on his forehead.

“Rooster, look at me.” And he did. “I want everything to change. Now please, change it.”

He didn’t need to hear anymore. His lips crashed into hers and the race was on. His mustache created chill bumps on her skin as his lips worked their way down her neck until he was lightly sucking on a sensitive spot near her collarbone. Her nails were starting to dig into his back, and it made him suck harder, eliciting pants from Phoenix that were like music to his ears. Her body was writhing against him, clearly searching for more.

Rooster slowly lowered her to the ground until she was standing and grazed his lips lightly across her collarbone and shoulder as he turned her to face the door. With her hands resting on the door in front of her, he gently slid some of her hair out of the way and sucked on the back of her neck. She moaned her approval.

His hands slid up her sides until they were resting on her breasts, slowly needing them through her tank top and bra. She moved his hands and yanked her shirt over her head, momentarily pushing his lips away from her neck. When his hands moved back to her breasts, he realized something amazing, her bra was a front clasp.

His fingers made quick work of the small hooks and as the cups fell away his warm hands covered both breasts, another moan escaping her pretty mouth. He began rolling her nipples with his fingers and her ass grazed his dick, making him jump. Roosters’ hands moved to her shoulders and slid the red lacy bra down her arms until it hit the floor.

Phoenix turned around and crushed her lips to his, frantically removing both of his shirts. As they skimmed lips, she traced her tiny fingers over each curve of his abdomen then he felt her pert breasts pushing against him as she wrapped her arms around his midsection.

Rooster wasn’t sure how much more he could take; his brain was screaming. His cock was screaming. He wanted her to scream.

They began moving towards the bed, never ending the waltz their tongues were dancing together. Rooster unbuttoned his shorts and let them drop to the ground before he unbuttoned hers. Before he could lower them though, she stepped back, panting and flushed. He was worried that she had changed her mind but then she gave him the sexiest grin. She turned around and hooked her thumbs into the top of her shorts. What happened next almost dissolved Rooster on the spot.

Phoenix bent over slowly, and as she did, she pushed her shorts down gradually, revealing a thin pair of red lace panties. There she was, her ass in the air, and she wiggled it ever so slightly, teasing him. He was done playing. Eight years of sexual tension was a huge itch, and he was about to scratch it so good she just might cry.

He gave her right ass cheek a small spank and she gasped. Before she could react further though, he grabbed her hips and turned her as she stood back up. Then, with his eyes connected to hers, he lowered himself to his knees. His fingers skimmed the outside of her legs as he placed a small kiss to her stomach. He slid his fingers deliberately up her thighs until he hooked his thumb into the single string holding up the panties on either side. Then he was lowering them, smoothly crawling his fingers across her skin as he did.

He wanted to worship her. She deserved nothing less. This was an enormous gift she was giving him, and he didn’t want to waste it.

She stepped out of her panties and then ran her hands through the tufts of his brown curls. When she tugged on it, he growled then leaned in and swooped his tongue across the outside of her heat. He could smell her arousal and his cock throbbed painfully. She tugged again and he raised his head to look at her. She looked at him through hooded eyes, lust radiating from her skin.

Rooster used his hands on her hips to move her until the backs of her legs hit the bed and she sat. Staring straight into her soul, he placed his hands on her knees then pulled them apart, spreading her wide. Without warning he buried his face between her soft thigs and ran his tongue from her vagina to her clit, producing the most beautiful cry from her as she threw her head back.

He smirked to himself then slid his arms under her thighs, wrapping them all the way around and gripping them tight. He blew a light breath onto her wet slick, and she shuddered. Then he began lapping at her opening as if it were the best ice cream he had ever tasted. His tongue pushed into her, and she whimpered. His tongue moved north and began a beautiful assault of her clit. He started slow, savoring the movement of her body against his face and the tiny noises she began to make. He circled her then sucked gently, gradually picking up the pace. She moved her hips in rhythm with his tongue, a barrage of obscenities pouring from her mouth. She was getting close, and he could tell.

Rooster removed one of his arms from her leg and she made a noise of protest until two of his fingers entered her wet folds and she cried out. He hooked his fingers and thrust them quickly while his tongue struck her mound faster and faster. This tempo unraveled her forcefully, her pelvis grinding into his face and fingers as she threw her head back and let out a shriek, he was sure the neighbors had to of heard. She twisted and pressed against him as she rode her wave and her movements slowed as his did. He slowly skimmed her slit with his tongue as he removed his fingers, her pants shooting straight to his core.

He stood and looked down at her, naked and open to him. She was a vision of beauty and he felt so overwhelmed by this scene his stomach tightened.

Phoenix let her head roll to the side, her eyes opening to meet his as her breath finally slowed. She reached out to his swollen dick, trapped in his boxer briefs, and ran her hand from base to tip. His whole body jumped, and an unattractive noise escaped his mouth. Her lips curved into the sexiest smile and without hesitation she gently pulled the waistband away from his cock then yanked the underwear all the way down in one swift movement.

Before Rooster could react, her tongue was on him, grazing the underside of his cock until it reached the tip. She licked the precum away then took him whole, filling her pretty mouth with all of him. Animalistic noises echoed from his mouth as she hollowed out her checks to suck him hard. Her hands were cradling his balls and the base of his penis as she slid her mouth up and down in agile movements. He was seeing stars and getting close. As much as he would love to see her mouth take his cum, he had other ideas of where he wanted it to go.

Rooster ran his hands through her raven hair then gently pulled her back until her mouth was empty of him. She looked at him with innocence, knowing full well how naughty she was being. He looked at her hungerly and his voice came out extremely husky when he told her to move back. She obliged, using her feet to push herself further onto the bed.

He crawled across the bed with her and as she lowered herself back onto her elbows, he placed his hands on either side of her and dropped down for a deep kiss. When she pulled away, he gazed into her eyes before wrapping his arms around her and laying her all the way onto the bed smoothly. His eyes searched hers the whole time, looking for any ounce of doubt or fear before he crossed the last precipice of their relationship. Knowing where his mind was, she reached out to stroke his cheek with her hand. A beautiful smile grew, and she said the one word he needed to hear. “Please.” She almost whispered. He only nodded his head and moved in closer between her legs.

He placed his lips on hers, languid kisses shared between them as he aligned his cock to her entrance. With her arms wrapped around his neck he slid in, and she inhaled sharply, her chin lifting to the ceiling. Rooster peppered her jaw line with light kisses as he began to move, gradually at first.  They had waited eight years for this moment, he wanted both to savor it. His lips moved down as he rocked into her and took first one nipple and then the other into his mouth, his tongue circling each one until she was begging for more. Her pleading made him brave. Before she even had time to register what was happening, he had grabbed her around her waist and rolled over, his back landing on a stack of pillows, Phoenix still connected and now, on top of him.

She placed her hands on his chest, steadying herself, before a dangerous look crossed her face. Whatever happened next, he knew he was going to enjoy it immensely.

Bracing herself she began rocking back and forth, grinding her sensitive bud against his pelvis. Her head rolled and lulled with the movements, his hips swaying to meet her. She sat up as she continued to rub against him and raised her hands into her hair, putting her exquisite breasts on full display for him. He reached up and pinched her nipples between his fingers as she let out moans in time with her movements.

Rooster brought one of his thumbs to her mouth, beckoning for her to suck on it, which she did like a good girl. Then he brought his thumb to her clit and began slow circles that had her calling for God. The harder he pressed the more she pushed down, her actions becoming more erratic as she reached behind her and grabbed his inner thighs for support. Seconds later she was falling apart again, a cry erupting from her mouth that ripped right through his body, awakening something feral and needy in him. Before she could come down from her high, he had rolled them over again and was burying himself so deep in her that he thought he might shatter immediately.

His mouth was sucking at her collarbone while her hands clawed at his shoulder blades. He pounded into her with all the force he could muster, her cries growing louder with each thrust. Suddenly he realized she wasn’t just wailing incoherently. His name was pouring from her mouth. Not his callsign, but his name.

“Bradley, oh god Bradley” she yelled over and over as he crashed into her. Something about his name on her lips had his mind and body spiraling. With two more fast and hard plows he blew his load into her as he called her name into the void.

“Oh Natasha, holy shit.” His cock exploding forcefully into her body.

He stilled buried to the hilt, both breathing intensely, tiny whimpers escaping her mouth with each heave of her chest. As his mind came back to earth, he regained some of his bearings and eased the tension of his body from against hers. His lips met hers in a tender kiss that she reciprocated as best as she could between heavy breaths.

His heart almost burst when she smiled at him, her cheeks flushed, a sheen touching her brow. She was stunning and it made his heart clench. This was it for him. No more shutting her out. He wanted all of her like this, over and over again, for eternity. He had found his happiness.

As he softened, he slid out of her and sat back on his heels, watching her regain composure as her breaths became steadier. She raised her hand for help, and he grabbed it, sitting her up gingerly. She bent her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Her chin came to rest on the top of her knees, and she gave him a gorgeous mega watt smile.

Rooster moved next to her and laid back on the stack of pillows. He rubbed circles lazily on her bare back, connecting the scars he could see.  Into the dark she suddenly spoke, pulling him out of his trance.

“Bradley?”

“Yeah baby?”

She peered over her shoulder at him with her eyebrow raised, wearing a smirk.

“Can we do this every Fourth of July?”

He chuckled then opened his arms, beckoning her to join him. She laid back and nestled herself to his side while he wrapped his arms around her. He placed a peck to the tip of her nose and the corners of his mouth raised.

“Let freedom ring, baby.” And they both fell into a heap of laughter and bliss.

Just like that the Fourth of July became his favorite holiday, year after year.

[therealslimshakespeare]

Johnny & Ella vibez

Engaged in just such a foil with Mrs. Roberts who started the fund for St. Jude’s, Ella spies a commotion out the corner of her eye. A flock of peacocks, or young men in varying stages of military fatigues, swagger through the open french doors and help themselves to the punch and ignore the water. She finds them intriguing only because they’re not in dress uniform and they’re under sixty years of age which makes them entirely unique besides herself at this venue. They also have broad shoulders under navy cloth and Ella has recently undergone a series of unpromising school dates that have ended in nothing but miserable dissatisfaction and Ella finds herself watching handsome, established, working age men with the resigned dreaminess of a soon to be nun.

Still, it’s bad manners to have shown up in fatigues. One tall one, blonde and with biceps untempered by his navy broadcloth is honest to god wearing boots at this venue. She wouldn’t consider herself a snob, but Ella is also keenly aware of the governor a few seats over from Mrs. Rubens.

With that stunning statement the man proceeds to dig in the inside pocket of his jacket, pulling it away from his body so that Ella can see a crisp dress shirt beneath molded to muscle by the damp of sweat. Finding what he was fishing for her withdraws his hand and without fuss presents a check to her with a startling amount of zeros.

“Oh, heavens.” Ella absorbs her miscalculation with sickened shame at letting her temper her the better of her manners, “I am, -Lieutenant, I am so very sorry. Mistake on my part, absolute prejudice I-I really do apologize sir, please don’t think-“

“Pretty rough night, hmm?” he waves her off with a shrug and an easy smile, smiles do come easy to his face and she enjoys watching them flit on and off in the glow of the inside lights, “My offer for the ice still stands.”

“Well don’t tell the people at Killeen Texas that.” John replies in sweet warning, leaning towards her just a tad as their elbows draw closer on the marble countertop, “They’ll be real sad to have their fame taken from them and -I don’t think those sorta folks could handle the notion of such a productive first night.”

It’s 1976 and the way his eyebrows waggle shouldn’t turn Ella’s pink cheeks positively crimson but they do. Only her mama’s instilled propriety keeps her capable of keeping eye contact with him, although her eyes burn from the heat of her own blush.

[penwieldingdreamer]

The 2nd time around

I'm sorry, this took me ages to write but it's finally here. Let me know what you think about this. I’m going to update my taglist, so if you want to join just click on the link in my BIO and you’ll be able to tag yourself

Summary: Jake takes you on a 2nd date and invites you to the Navy Ball [2.4k, smut, 18+, Minors DNI, PiV, cursing, unprotected sex]

Previous Part | Masterlist | Next Part

(gif by @unicornships)

“I’m still sorry about ruining our date.” 

They were sitting in a ranch style restaurant overlooking a flock of sheep that reminded Jake of his home back in Texas.

You leaned your head on your hands, elbows on the table in a secluded corner of the porch part with a smile. “That why you brought me here to dine on fancy food? You’re feeling guilty?”

“Fucking hell, you always have to kick a guy when he’s down? I already have to live down my loopy side, nurse Clara told me all about that episode, how she thought I was really sweet when I’m on drugs.”

"Don't forget the cast." Giggling as you thought back to that episode, you watched his eyebrows furrow. “Also, you were really sweet. And stop apologizing for last time, I'm just messing with you. It was an accident… I do hope there won't be a repeat of that, I couldn't live that down."

Reaching out, Jake held out his hand for you to hold on. “I can’t make that promise but I will try my damndest to get back to you. Every time, no matter what."

"I'll hold you to that, Lieutenant." You told him, trying to sound serious yet you felt your throat constrict at the thought of never seeing him again. "It would be an awfully long time being alone. After all, you told Coyote you'd marry me."

Groaning, he grabbed your hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Next time I see Javy I’m gonna kick his ass. He was supposed to keep his mouth shut.” He knew it was only a matter of time before he had told her himself but he would have liked to do it himself instead of his friend telling it to the world. “Also, on a different topic: Can you dance?”

“I, well I think I can dance, why?”

Jake sent you a soft smile, his thumb absentmindedly running over the back of your hand. “Will you be my date to the next Navy Ball?”

“What about your leg? It's still healing." 

He had been grounded for a few weeks now, the fracture in his leg - albeit a clean break - was healing slowly. Too slow for him and the only upside besides getting out for physical therapy was having more time with you when pushing papers. “The cast is going to come off next week, the ball is in three. So until then I’ll be able to sweep you off your feet on the dance floor.”

“What am I going to wear? I don’t even have a formal dress.” 

Three weeks later you found yourself fidgeting in your hotel room. The Navy Birthday Ball took place in Washington and Jake had booked two rooms for them, insisting, even though you had officially started dating and had been on a few dates already, he was going to be a gentleman and take it slow with you.

You felt yourself conflicted: you wanted him to be a gentleman, wanted to take it slow. But then he sent you messages with pictures in his flightsuit or nightouts with Javy in their khakis and you wondered how long you could keep your hands to yourself before Jake stopped being the gentleman his mom raised him to be. Or before you forgot yourself and just gave in to your primal urges.

A knock on your door pulled you out of your thoughts. Walking over, you opened the door to find Jake dressed up in his Service Dress Blues. He swallowed seeing your navy blue midi dress accentuating your curves and going well with his own formal uniform. "Ma dear, our carriage awaits."

He held out his arm for you to take. Smiling softly, you put on your jacket -the weather in D.C. definitely colder than California in October- grabbed your purse and the key card. Placing your hand in the crook of his arm, you felt the muscles twitch underneath the layers of clothing. "You ready to get this show on the road?"

"Honestly, I'd much rather enjoy a date night at home with you where it's warm instead of freezing here and having to listen to all of those speeches." Jake leaned over and kissed your temple, a smile on his lips.

Giggling, you leaned your head on his upper arm, making your way out of the hotel and into the cab. Your fingers worked their way between his own, his large hands keeping yours warm, even when you were walking inside the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center where the ball was held. Even during all the speeches and introductions. 

You had read up on the etiquette of how to act at the gala - the last thing you wanted to do was embarrassing Jake while he was talking to his commanding officers and admirals that attended as well. The rules were simple to follow and nothing that was too out of the way of a normal human interaction: Don't talk during the speeches and listen attentively, don't overindulge at the buffet or the bar, don't dress slutty, wear sensible heels so you can stay on your feet without them hurting and most of all - don't make it about yourself when introduced to officers of higher ranks.

Jake had kept you close to him. With Javy being deployed, you were the only thing grounding him when he wanted to do nothing more than leave.

"Ah, Lieutenant Seresin, finally we get to talk some more." Turning around you were greeted with the sight of Admiral Kazansky you had met some time earlier.

Jake straightened, saluting him. "Sir!"

A smile tugged at the older man's lips, clapping his hand on his shoulder. "At ease, son. You'll be back to this soon enough with the upcoming deployment."

You could see him stiffen, turning to you with a guilty expression. Deployment? His leg was just about healed, now he was going to be gone for who knows how long. In potential danger. Reaching out, Jake clasped your hand. Giving it a light squeeze he turned back to the admiral. "Are you prepared to get back to flying in three weeks?"

"Definitely, sir. I started training a few days ago, so I'll be up and ready to fly."

Nodding his head, Tom Kazansky turned to you. He could read the anxiety on your face like an open book. "You seem familiar, have we met before?"

"No, sir." You shook your head. "I don't believe we have. This is the first time I'm enjoying a night such as this."

He frowned, his fingers lightly running along his chin as if he was deep in thought. "I could have sworn…never mind, I do hope I'll see you more often with the Lieutenant. I'd like to know what makes you special that the Lieutenant finally brought someone that wasn't his wingman."

Putting your free hand on Jake’s arm, squeezing his hand that was holding onto yours, you nodded with confidence. "I think this won't be the last time you'll see me at a gala like this."

There. You kept it simple and didn't make it about you, only telling him what he wanted to hear. 

You stayed until all formal parts of the gala were over with some dancing before Jake said good-bye to his COs and the admirals attending the ball. He grabbed your coat and helped you put it on before leading you out into the cold night.

“When were you going to tell me you are leaving.”

Jake sucked in a deep breath, his hand squeezing yours as he led you down the stairs to the sidewalk, hoping to catch a cab back to the hotel. “I got the papers a few days ago. I…I was going to tell you darlin’.”

Biting your lip, you stopped him. "Are you going to be in a lot of danger?" 

"I'll be gone overseas, Afghanistan for about thirty days but that's all I can tell you." He reached up, brushing his fingers along your cheek and along your jaw. "I'm coming back. I told you, I will be marrying you."

Standing on your tiptoes you leaned up and closed the gap, your lips covering his own. All thoughts about Jake being a gentleman and taking it slow were thrown out the window. Your need to feel him and have him close to you, overwhelming your senses. No matter how easy the mission or how confident he was in his abilities, there was always a speck of danger sitting on his shoulders, a part of your brain telling you that he wasn't going to come home to you.

"Take me to bed, Lieutenant." You spoke softly, your warm breath brushing over the shell of his ear making him shiver and close his eyes.

His tongue darted out, wetting his suddenly dry lips. He could taste the wine you had with dinner and something that was just you. Swallowing, he grabbed your hand without another word and hailed a cab - thankfully one was just on the way over or he couldn't have guaranteed that he'd still be a gentleman and dragged you back inside to the bathroom.

Your head thrown back against the pillows, Jake let his lips caress the skin of your neck leaving love bites along the column of your throat, down to your breasts. His hand found its way into your hair holding tightly, like he wanted to anchor himself and make sure that you wouldn’t vanish underneath him. Wanting to take something with him before he left. 

Breathing harshly with each movement of his hips against your own, the pilot looked into your face, your expressions an open book to him. “I love you.” He whispered, his lips finding yours in a heated kiss.

Your lids fluttered closed in pleasure, arching your back to give him access to your body. Jake leaned down and kissed the side of your neck, eliciting another moan from you, while his fingers played with your hard nipples.

Turning over, he pulled you on top of him, straddling his legs with his cock still buried deep inside. His hands held onto your hips, moving them back and forth with the rhythm you had established. Jake trailed his hands from your waist to your neck, pulling your head down to his face, sealing your lips with his, the muscles in your thighs trembling from the exertion. “Your pussy is so hot, baby. I’m goin’ to miss it while I’m gone.” he growled, putting his hands in your hair and pulling at the strands. 

“Fuck, uh, Jake!” you cried, leaning your forehead against his, feeling the coil in your belly tighten, along with your muscles, squeezing his dick. “Don’t stop.”

One hand moved down where your bodies met, brushing his thumb against your clit, causing you to cry out again. “I want you to come, baby.” he breathed, pushing his pelvis against you. 

Goosebumps broke out all over your skin, the sweat cooling on your heated body as you felt the flutter in your belly, the knot tightening, before you cried out, throwing your head back, using your hands on his broad chest as leverage. “Fuck!” Your hips still moving, trying to chase that feeling again, as Jake tightened his grip, his fingers digging into your skin. 

Chest heaving, he watched you bounce on top of him, filled with pleasure and love. His cock pulsed, his orgasm finding him with full force, shooting his seed inside your cavern and coating your walls with a loud cry. He put his hands back to your neck, pulling you down to his mouth and sealing your lips with his.

Trying to get your breathing back to normal, you looked down into his sea green eyes, seeing everything you needed to know. The trust, the passion and most of all the unconditional love he gave you ever since you met. “I love you so much, baby.” you whispered against his lips, his stubble lightly scratching your skin as you felt your racing heart slow down again. 

"I'll see you in a month." His words pulled you out of your thoughts from the night before. 

Humming, you leaned into Jake’s embrace.

He chuckled, pulling you tighter into his arms. “Where’s your head at?”

“Hm, last night. The upcoming weeks. Don’t really know, it’s too early.”

Jake leaned down, laying a kiss on your temple and breathing in the scent of your body wash and perfume. When he had packed, you smuggled one of your shirts in his bag just so he’d have something of yours just like you grabbed one of his before he got them all in his duffle. 

“Last night was incredible, I’ll be missing it once I’m overseas.”

“Maybe you’ll find a few minutes for yourself on the carrier, I’ll send you something to help you along.” You joked, but your arms tightened, not wanting to let him go.

“You little minx.” He grinned, his hand squeezing your ass at the thought of you completely naked. It was going to be long thirty days if you were sending him dirty pics every day.

A horn blasted across the pier signaling the call to board the carrier. “I need to go, darlin’.”

“I don’t want you to go. I tried to be strong but right now I really hate it.” Your eyes turned glossy at the thought of having to let him go, sleeping alone again after he had spent most of his off days with you. “I know it’s your job and I’m so fucking proud, but it sucks.”

Jake brushed his hands along your cheeks, catching a stray tear that had escaped your eyes with his thumb. “I’ll be back before you know it and then I’ll be on leave for a few weeks. We could visit my folks back in Texas.”

Nodding your head you leaned on your tiptoes and sealed your lips with his one last time until he really had to leave. One last call and he was grabbing his duffel, making his way to the gangway. “I’ll meet you here in a month, Lieutenant!” You earned a few sympathetic looks from the other military spouses crowding the pier and sending their loved ones off.

“See ya in a month, darlin’!” He called back, blowing you a kiss and saluting you before he disappeared inside the ship. Your heart aching at the thought of not waking up next to him, making love or enjoying a night in front of the TV, you commenting on the game he watched and Jake stating his opinion on the movie that was playing.

Hell, it was going to be a month. You’d survive this and the next one as well, it would just help you grow stronger together.

Divider © by @top-hhun

@potato-girl99981 @novagreen04 @fortheloveoffanfic @emorychase @emma8895eb

[topguncortez]

OH, I HAVE A WHOLE LIST G.

bradley painting his little girl's nails and then she paints his because "Daddy needs to look pretty too!"

bobby's baby boy getting glasses.

GIRL DAD JAKE SERESIN TAKING HIS BABY HORSEBACK RIDING.

Bradley would tell his little girl that nail polish isn't allowed in the Navy, but would still let her do it anyone. He tries to remind himself to ask you for nail polish remover after little girl goes to bed, but forgets so the next morning he gets a talking to from Mav about uniform basics and how bright pink nail polish isn't allowed.

Bob cries when his son gets glasses. Bob was young when he got glasses for the first time, and was hoping that his kids wouldn't have the same bad eyesight genes as him, and sadly, they did. But when Bob puts those tiny little glasses on his son for the first time, he cries.

Jake goes all out for baby girl's first time going to Texas. Cowboy boots, chaps, cowboy hat, the whole bit. you think its a tad ridiculous that a three year old got two hundred dollar cowboy hat that she's just going to out grow, but Jake says "nothing but the best for my girl". The first time he takes her on a horse, he's got a death grip on her as he saddles up with her. He takes the best horse they got on the ranch, and they go slowly around the arena because Jake is absolutely terrified of something bad happening. but baby girl seresin is like "I wanna go faster!" and Jake just shakes his head laughing.

[conradscrime]

The Stolen Identity of Joseph Newton Chandler III

October 28, 2024

Robert Ivan Nichols, who went by the alias Joseph Newton Chandler III was born on September 12, 1926 in New Albany, Indiana.

On July 23, 2002, Robert Ivan Nichols committed suicide by a gunshot wound to the head in Eastlake, Ohio at the age of 75. After his death, investigators tried to locate his family and friends but to no avail. It was later found that Robert had been using the name Joseph Newton Chandler III for decades as a false identity, and that the real Joseph was an 8 year old boy who died in a car crash in 1945.

The real Joseph Newton Chandler III was born on March 11, 1937 in Buffalo, New York. On December 21, 1945, Joseph, his father Joseph Newton Chandler Jr., and his mother, Billie, were killed instantly in a car accident close by to Sherman, Texas.

The Chandler family had been on their way to see the boy's grandmother in Weatherford, Texas for the holidays. Their car had been in a head on collision with a truck driven by a man named L.C. Black of De Queen, Arkansas who left the scene uninjured.

Robert Nicholas joined the US Navy in World War II and served as a firefighter on the USS Aaron Ward which ended up being bombed by the Japanese in May 1945 off Okinawa. Robert was wounded in the back and hip and awarded the Purple Heart. He burned his uniforms after the war.

Robert married a woman named Laverne Kort in 1947. They had three sons and Robert worked as a draftsman for an electric company. In 1964, he left his wife and family and filed for divorce.

He moved to Dearborn, Michigan, where he told his parents he worked in the automobile industry. By March 1965, he wrote to his parents that he was now living in Richmond, California, while also sending a letter to his son Phil from Napa, California.

After this, Robert's family never heard from him again and later reported in missing in the same year. The family hired detectives to try to find Robert in both California and Indiana, but were unable to find any trace of him or anyone who knew him in those areas.

It is noted that Robert used his real name to work until around 1976.

Robert stole Joseph's identity in September 1978 in Rapid City, South Dakota, after applying for a social security card. He then moved to Cleveland, and worked a number of jobs. Robert had eventually become laid off in 1997.

It was also said that he claimed to have a sister named Mary Wilson, who lived in Columbus, Ohio, however the address he provided for her was made up and did not exist there. It was revealed later that Robert had used that address that he was born at in New Albany.

It was reported that Robert living under Joseph's identity, was a hermit who only left his house to work and eat. His co-workers reported that he rarely spoke to anyone and had no friends.

He also engaged in strange behaviour such as listening to white noise for hours, and one time drove 700 miles to an L.L. Bean store in Maine, only to leave when he got there because there was no spots available to park.

In 1992, he dressed up as a gangster and went to a Halloween party however the people there claimed he never spoke to anyone the entire night.

In 1989, Robert showed up to a local hospital with lacerations on his penis, claiming he got them from a vacuum. He also made homemade electronic devices a lot. He had a computer he used sometimes, and investigators found searches such as "Nazism" and "plastic explosives."

Robert's body was discovered in his apartment on July 30, 2002, about a week after he died. He shot himself in the mouth with a revolver he had purchased months before. On his calendar he had marked down the days until his suicide, and before doing it had closed his blinds and turned off his air conditioning. He had recently been diagnosed with colon cancer which may have been part or his reasoning for his death.

He had $82,000 in his bank account and had listed co-workers as his emergency contacts. Police could not find any of his relatives and that is what led them to realize he was living under a false name and identity. Authorities could not use fingerprints to assist in identification but were able to get a DNA sample from a hospital Robert had visited in 2000.

So why had Robert been living under the false identity of Joseph Newton Chandler III who had died almost 60 years prior and what was his real name?

Authorities speculated that Robert was a fugitive of some kind, either on the run after committing violent crimes or hiding from something. No theories have ever been confirmed.

Internet sleuths suggest he may have been the unidentified Zodiac killer as he resembled police sketches and was known to live in California. Some believed he was a fugitive named Steven Campbell, who was wanted for attempted murder. Authorities also thought he may have been a German soldier or Nazi official from World War II who had fled to the US to escape prosecution for war crimes.

Robert's name was not identified until 2018, 16 years after he died. In 2014, the case was reopened, and using DNA extracted from a tissue sample from his hospital visit, a CODIS profile was created, but no hits were found.

In 2016, there was a match found that indicated his possible surname was either Nicholas or Nichols. In 2018, the DNA Doe Project identified him as Robert Ivan Nichols. A CODIS match with Phil Nichols, Robert's son, confirmed his identification.

The reason for why Robert Nicholas stole the identity of an 8 year old boy who died in 1945, and lived under the identity since 1978 remains a mystery.