#ch: jake seresin

[lulunothulu]

“A Bullseye to the Heart” (Ch. 1)

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Latina Reader

Blurb: You were once the best female pilot at Top Gun. That was until a mission ended very badly. Now, 3 years later, you're somewhat healed and dating a man who takes advantage of your trauma. Now, you work at Hard Deck, the closest you could allow yourself to Top Gun, when your old friends come back... including a new guy you don't know; and to say he's intrigued by you is an understatement. But when your boyfriend decides to lay hands on you in front of him and your friends, all hell breaks loose.

Contents: Domestic Abuse, Swearing, bar fight, some fluff(??)

Word count: 3,160

I hope you all enjoy! I'll try to update it as much as I can.

Chapter 1

You never thought you would step foot in Hard Deck after everything that happened two years ago, never mind work there. It was oddly comforting and your therapist said it could help with the trauma you endured. So when Penny gave you a job as a bartender and server, you jumped at the opportunity. 

Anything to be close to something you once loved.

You’re in the middle of cleaning out the dirty dishes bin when you hear the creaking of someone walking into the bar. 

“We’re closed,” you say. “Come back at 8.”

“Oh, I’m not here for a drink,” a man’s voice says. “I’m here to see Penny. Is she in?”

You turn toward the voice to see a man in a leather jacket with multiple patches usually worn by naval aviators. His dark hair is perfectly styled and when he takes off a pair of aviator glasses, he exposes his hazel eyes. 

“You must be Pete,” you said with a smile. “She told me you’d be coming around. She’s in the her office if you wanna go back there.”

He nods and makes his way toward the back of the bar. He stops at the entrance before turning to face you with a soft smile. “I’m glad you’re back, Y/L/N.”

Startled, you ask, “How do you know my name?”

“I work at Top Gun. I’ve heard stories and seen your pictures all over the place.” Pete smiles before turning serious and adding, “I really am glad you’re back. Admiral Simpson told me a lot of great things when he was your instructor.”

You take a deep but shaky breath before nodding, lips pulled tight before you say, “Thank you.”

You eye his jacket to see his rank and frown. “Captain?”

“Yeah, Captain.” Pete nods. When your brow lifts, he adds, “It’s a long story.”

“I’ll look forward to hearing it,” you smile. 

“I have a new class starting up today, maybe you’ll see some of my guys,” he says. “You may see some familiar faces.”

And with that, Pete walks into Penny’s office, leaving you reeling and wondering who you’ll see later.

*   *   *

Later that night, Hard Deck is packed with Naval Aviators and civilians. It’s loud, chaotic, and joyful for the most part. People are playing pool, throwing darts, and having a great time getting drunk.

It reminds you of the good old days, back when you weren’t traumatized and living with an abusive man.

You’ve just finished putting a couple of beers in front of a group of civilians when you hear someone call your name. 

“Y/N!” 

You turn just in time to see Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, smiling ear to ear with his signature mustache sitting on his top lip. 

“Rooster!” You exclaim. “I can’t believe you’re here!”

“Yeah, I’ve been assigned here for the next couple of months, some sort of mission. You know how that is,” he drawls, smiling to himself. He looks you up and down before saying, “You look good, y/n.”

You’re wearing a simple black, V-neck shirt with a pair of jeans and Converse. The compliment makes you smile and wave his comment off. “I’m sure you tell all the girls that.”

“Nope,” he smiles. “Just you.”

“So what’re you having, and how many?” you ask. 

“I’ll have seven of your lovely beers,” he chuckles. “You should come over to the pool tables, Phoenix would love to see you.”

“My girl is here?” You ask excitedly.

“Of course. I’ll send her over for the next round,” Rooster says, watching as you expertly open all six of the beers quickly. “What time are you off?”

You check your AppleWatch before saying, “In about two hours.”

“Come meet us over there when you’re off,” Rooster smiles, pointing at the pool table across the way. “And Y/N, I’m glad you’re back in some way. We’ve missed you.”

“Thanks, Roo. I guess I’ve missed you.”

You watch as he walks off, noting the people he approaches. Phoenix practically breaks her neck looking in your direction, Coyote, Fanboy, Payback, and Bob smile and wave; and there’s another guy there you don’t recognize. He has sandy blonde hair, tanned skin, and an award-winning smile. From the bar, you can see his green eyes sliding over your body, checking you out. You cross your arms over your chest and cock a brow in question. When he waves at you with a cocky grin, you have to fight a smile from forming on your face.

It was cute but you’re taken. 

Unfortunately.

You’ve been dating Nick Abernathy for the past year or two and while it was very fun and loving in the beginning, now you can’t stand to look him in the eye. 

Not after what happened the last time you were at Top Gun. And especially not after how he reacted and treated you everyday after.

Speaking of the devil, you hear your boyfriend, call out your name to the left. “Y/N!”

You turn to see Nick, the man you once loved so much, smiling down at you. He’s all blonde hair and dark brown eyes, broad shouldered, and muscules; a naval pilot. 

Your type. Again, unfortunately.

“What’s my favortie lady doing looking at those aviators?” he asks. To the untrained ear, it sounds like he’s being playful. But you know the truth, and you know you’ll hear–and feel–it later.

“Just some old buddies of mine,” you tell him.

“Right,” he says, eyes narrowing. He moves a hand, reaching out to grip your wrist. “I’ll be waiting to take you home after your shift.”

“You don’t have to do that,” you tell him, smiling sweetly to hide the growing dread in your chest. 

“What kind of a man would I be if I didn’t drive my girlfriend home?” Nick seethes, looking beyond you. “Besides, I don’t like the way those aviators are looking at you.”

You turn your head toward where you know Rooster and the rest of the aviator group watch the interaction. Their faces are all hard, ready to defend at your ‘okay’. You send them a small wave and reassuring smile before turning back to Nick who is now practically red in anger.

“They’re just friends,” You tell him, fear begins to prickle all over your body. “I met them when I was at Top Gun.”

Before Nick can say anything, Penny comes into view, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “Hey, can you stay another couple of hours? Pete wants to take me out and I can’t close early tonight.”

Relief fills you immediately when you reply, “Yeah, I can stay until closing.”

“Good,” Penny smiles. Then, as if seeing Nick for the first time, says to him, “Don’t worry about picking her up. I saw her drive here.”

Nick’s jaw clentches before he smiles, drops your arm, and responds, “Oh, I must’ve gotten confused.”

He turns to you before saying, “I’ll see you at home.”

Penny stays by your side until Nick finally leaves before turning you to face her and saying, “Go clock out. I’ll take it from here.”

“I thought you were–”

“I told him that so he would leave you alone,” Penny states, rubbing your shoulder. “Go catch up with Rooster and the gang. Just stay until closing so I can follow you home.”

“Thanks, Penny.”

You turn to leave, smiling to yourself and looking at the ground, when you feel someone’s eyes on you again. You glance in the direction of where Rooster and the rest of them are to find the green-eyed aviator that was checking you out before, staring. 

Creep.

You clock out before grabbing a beer from Penny and making your way toward the group.

“Hey!” Phoenix exclaims at the sight of you walking closer. Then, pulling you into a bear hug, says, “Come here, Bullseye! I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, Nat.” You smile, smoothing her hair when she pulls away.

“Bullseye?” the green-eyed aviator asks, Texan accent drawling and sending shivers down your spine. 

“You’re looking at the most badass female aviator I’ve ever met,” Phoenix tells him. “The best at shooting too.”

“Is that why your call-sign is Bullseye?” he asks you. 

You square your shoulders before smirking and replying, “Yes.”

“I’ll spoil it for you,” Rooster laughs. “She’s terrible at darts.”

“First of all, I was drunk!” you exclaim with a laugh. “I would’ve gotten that bullseye if you hadn’t bumped into me!”

“Mhmm, blame the alcohol,” Rooster teases. 

“So, Y/N, who was that guy you were talking to?” Coyote asks. 

“Yeah, didn’t look like a good conversation,” Bob adds. 

“Um, my boyfriend, Nick,” you respond, feeling Green Eyes stare at you. “Soon-to-be ex.”

“Why soon-to-be?” Fanbooy asks.

“Just,” you trail off. “We fell apart.”

“Didn’t look that way from our angle,” Green Eyes mutters. 

“I’m sorry,” You say, turning toward him. “Who are you?”

Green Eyes grins before outstretching a hand and saying, “Jake Seresin, Hangman. You can choose what you call me.”

“Hangman?” you ask, quirking a brow. “Like the game?”

“The one and only,” he responds coyly. 

“You’re looking at the only naval aviator with one confirmed air-to-air kill,” Phoenix tells you. “He’s also a dickhead.”

“Oh, stop. You’re being too sweet,” Hangman grins. He turns toward the bar and frowns. “Isn’t that your soon-to-be ex?”

Your spine stiffens. You don’t have to turn to know that Nick is standing at the bar, eyeing you from one of the barstools. Your eyes widen when you see him throw back a shot of what you know is whiskey. He turns aggressive when he drinks so this should be fun.

“You okay there, Y/L/N?” Phoenix asks.

“I have to go,” You say, starting to walk toward him. However, you feel a hand on your arm and turn to see Rooster looking down at you, concern written all over his face. 

“You’re not going over there alone,” he tells you. Turning to the group, he tells them, “We’re with her, I don’t like the way he grabbed her the last time he was in here.”

The group give affirming nods, all except Hangman. 

“I’ve got this,” you tell Rooster. “He’s harmless.”

You knew it was a lie as soon as it left your lips and so did Rooster. His dark brown eyes narrow on you before he takes a swig of his beer and says, “We’ll be close by.”

You curtly nod before cracking your neck and handing Phoenix your beer. So much for relaxing. 

You make the short walk to where Nick sits at the bar, feeling Penny’s eyes half on you and on another customer. Behind, you can feel the gaze of your friends as they watch you stand before Nick. 

“What’re you doing?” You ask. 

“I was about to ask the same thing,” he says. “See, I called the Hard Deck line and they told me you had clocked out. But I remember Penny telling me that you were staying until closing.”

“Nick–”

“Don’t,” he orders. “We’re going home. Now.”

“I don’t think so,” You boldly announce.

You’re just as surprised as Nick by the looks of it, so when he aggressively grabs your jaw and brings you close, you lock up completely. 

“That wasn’t a request, Y/N,” Nick tells you darkly. His face is hard, you glance down at his hand by his hips and see that it’s clenched tightly. 

“Nick,” You start. “Let’s just go. Let’s not do this here.”

“Why not? You don't want your buddies to see how much of a cunt you are?” he spits. “Let them see what happens when you try to act like you’re single.” 

“You’re hurting me,” You softly say. Nick scoffs before frowning at something behind you. 

Not something, but a couple of somethings. 

“Let her go,” you hear Hangman say. His Texan charm all the way off and threatening.

“This has nothing of concern to you,” Nick spits.

“How about you let her go, and we won’t beat the shit out of you,” Phoenix says, her hand on your lower back in comfort.

Nick obeys, pushing you to the left and into the bar top harshly before taking a few steps toward Phoenix. You turn, watching as Phoenix stands her ground, not flinching when Nick tries too scare her by flinching forward. Rooster comes between the two of them, almost touching Nick’s nose with his own. The bar falls silent, all eyes on the interaction. 

“Roos,” You start. “It’s fine. I’ll go home with him.”

“No,” Rooster says to you, eyes glued on Nick. “You’re staying with Phoenix until he leaves your apartment.”

“Rooster, I can–”

“That wasn’t a request, Y/n,” he booms. To Nick, he says, “Here’s whats gonna happen. You’re gonna leave and start packing your shit. When she comes home tomorrow, and we’ll be there to confirm, you’ll be out of there and her life for god. Got it?”

Nick smiles before tapping Rooster’s chest, hard. “So you were the one she used to fuck when she was an aviator. Tell me, Rooster, do you think she’ll open her pretty legs for you again?”

Rooster only smiles back before turning to his left where Fanboy and Coyote stand near you. “Get Y/N to the pool tables.”

Before they can grab you, Nick reaches out and squeezes your wrist tight before pulling you close to him. “You’ll have to peel her off me.”

“Let her go, I’ve called the police to remove you,” Penny says from behind the bar. “Your Captain won’t be happy to receive a call from jail.”

Nick clenches his jaw before slowly letting your wrist go and pushing you an arms length away. Before you have time to run into Coyote’s arms, Nick’s fist is flying toward your face in slow motion. When it finally makes contact with your cheek, you stumble, falling into someone’s arms and being dragged back before all hell breaks loose. 

The bar is filled with shouting and the sound of glass shattering. And yet, all you can focus on is the way Rooster, Coyote, and Payback block Nick from rushing toward you. You’re so engrained on the commotion before you, you don’t hear when Hangman calls out your name.

Jake was a lot of things, but a hero was not on his roster. As soon as he saw Nick hit you, he went into full-on hero mode, pulling you into him and rushing you both to the pool tables. The look of shock paints your face as he watches you stare at the commotion before you. 

I’m in deep shit if she wants to go over there because I’m not letting her out of my arms.

“Hey,” Hangman soothes. “Y/N, was it?”

You snap your head toward him and he has to fight to keep from sucking in a breath. Up close, you were gorgeous, even with that shiner growing on your left eye. 

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“I’m fine,” You say, realizing who you’re sitting on and then standing from his lap. “I have to get over there.”

Hangman knew you’d say that so he stands with you, and shakes his head. “No, I don’t think Rooster would like that very much.”

“Well, it’s a good thing Rooster isn’t here,” You tease before breaking for a sprint. Only, you don’t go far because Hangman has his arms around your waist in seconds. 

“You’re a slippery one aren’t you?” 

“I just want to get Nick out of here,” You whisper. 

Hangman searches your eyes, sensing every ounce of truth radiating from them. Matching you, he whispers, “Rooster’s got it handled.”

“Are you okay, Y/N?” You both hear Rooster say it but you don’t dare turn your heads toward him. Hangman’s eyes search yours again, wanting you to say something.

“I can take you to my apartment if you’d like,” Phoenix says to you. 

You finally turn away from Hangman’s intense gaze and push away lightly. “Yeah, I think that would be best.”

“Penny said to leave your car here by the way,” Bob says, looking between you and Hangman. 

“Sounds good,” you respond, turning to walk away with Natasha, arms linked. Before you both completely walk out of Hard Deck, you turn around to see Jake already staring with longing eyes. 

Something about it makes you shiver and pull Nat closer.

*   *   *

Jake watches as you turn back around and smile at something Phoenix said, wondering what it was that made you smile. He turns to Rooster, who’s givinghim the most sly grin he’d ever seen.

“You like, Y/N,” Rooster states. 

“You’re not wrong,” he admits. “She seems so familiar. Have I met her before this?”

“You’ve probably seen her picture all over Top Gun,” Coyote tells him. 

“Wait where?”

“Oh, you know, the main entrance,” Bob says. “Literally in the classrooms�� do you not pay attention to the walls?”

“She’s been through a lot,” Fanboy mutters before taking a sip of his beer. 

“What do you mean by that?” Hangman asks. When he sees the others give warning looks, he adds, “What happened?”

Rooster sighs before taking a swig of his beer. “You remember that aviator that went missing a few years back?”

“The one they found half dead?” Jake asks. “Yeah?”

“That was Bullseye,” Bob quietly tells him. 

“She was–” Jake had to stop himself from speaking. Anger and sadness filled is chest at the thought of what may or may not have happened to you. 

“Yeah man,” Payback says, clapping Jake’s shoulder. “That anger you feel right now? That was us when we found out it was her.”

“She’s never told us what happened, not even Nat.” Rooster tells them. “It’s like she just shut that out. What we do know is that she never stepped foot on a tarmac ever again.”

“She couldn’t bear to sit in the box again either,” Coyote adds. “She had a full panic attack as soon as the glass went down. Rooster here had to carry her out.”

Rooster nods. “So whatever you’re thinking of doing with her, don’t.”

At that, Jake recoiled and frowned. “What makes you think I wanted to–”

“C’mon, Jake. I saw the way you look at her when she and Phoenix walked out,” Rooster drawls. “Y/N is the closest thing I have to a sister, so just please. If you do try to get with her, don’t. And if you manage to actually succeed, don’t push her. She’s strong but she can only take so much.”

Jake only nods. 

His mind is swirling with questions he’s too afraid to ask.

What happened to you that made you so terrified to be in the box? Why were you with that asshole if you had so much trauma? Was Nick just a coping mechanism of sorts? 

When was he going to see you again? And why does the though of seeing you again make his heart warm?

Hangman didn't know the answers, but he damn sure wanted to find out.

Next part

[callsign-magnolia]

Undiagnosed // Ch. 21

Mature Content 18+

Jake Seresin x Neurodivergent OC

Summary: Katie Blair grew up trying to be the perfect daughter. She always struggled to be the prim and proper little girl her parents wanted. Big personality as a kid, but now at 25, she's the shy admiral's daughter who just keeps her head down and tries to get through law school. So what happens when she's had enough and with help from a certain Lieutenant, she gets out.

Warnings: Emotional abuse, trauma response, abusive parents, smut, mentions of thoughts of suicide.

Word Count: 3.6k

Chapter 20 | Masterlist

“Who do you think you are-” “Shut up!” I yelled as I turned to face her. She closed the door a shocked look on her face. “How fucking dare you.” I said as I pointed at her. “How dare I?” I nodded. “Yeah. As I grew up I realized what a shitty mother you were but I never expected this kind of low from you!” She was reeling. “Shitty mother? You should be grateful to us! We raised you with only the best-” “AND I WAS MISERABLE!” I screamed. “You raised me with so much fucking trauma! You want to know why I was so ‘emotional’? Maybe you should read these!” I tossed the papers at her, the paper clip keeping them together. She grabbed them and within a second her face fell. “How did you get these?” She asked. “My doctor gave them to me when I went to see her today. Asked me of I was taking anything for my ADHD and depression.” I’m sure my face was tinged red, showing how angry I am and I hope she understands the severity of this. “You didn’t tell me.” I seethed. “You didn’t tell me when you knew of ways to help me.” I said as I stepped closer. “Instead you let me suffer and struggle and be made fun of and called the weird kid my entire childhood.” I was in her face by the time I finished. “You let me suffer and consider suicide at fucking thirteen years old when I could’ve been in therapy and on medications to make me function better!” “They only gave us this diagnosis to shove pills down your throat! You don’t have any of this! You were and are just a bad misbehaved child! You needed what our parents gave and that was a good ass whooping! I messed up with you because I was too soft on you.” She stepped past me and I was shocked. 

“Too soft on me?! Smacking me in the face was too soft? Daddy beating the hell out of me with a belt was too soft?! You’re sick in the head!” I said and she scoffed. “I did what I had to do-” “No, you did what you thought was easy! Because you couldn’t buck up and be a decent person or a good mother! Because having patience for your child was too hard!” “WE COULDN’T HANDLE YOU!” She screamed in response. “YOU WERE THE WORST BEHAVED CHILD I HAD EVER MET!” It shouldn’t have but it stung. “We couldn’t handle you! I couldn’t stand to be in the same room with you! Especially when you were a baby! You would just cry and cry and I almost just stopped taking care of you all together but I knew if you died your father and I would be in prison!” My chest heaved at her words. It hit me hard how little she truly cared. I walked over and snatched the papers as a coughing fit hit me. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and you’ll drop dead. It’s the least you deserve after all these years of torture and abuse.” She laughed loudly at my words. “I’ll be here good and long after you’re dead. If I’m lucky I’ll watch them lower your casket.” I stopped in my tracks at her words. “No, you won’t. Because now I have a happy life and I’m away from the misery you’ve inflicted on me!” I said as I turned away from her and headed for the door. “Oh by the way, I was at the doctors for a flu diagnosis. Hopefully one of your lungs will collapse and you’ll suffer on the floor.” Her face dropped. My mom rarely got sick but she’s in her sixties so she’s more susceptible. “You little bitch!” She rushed forward and raised her hand but my fingers wrapped around her wrist, effectively stopping her. My free hand came back before my own palm connected with her face and she stumbled back. 

My chest heaved as I looked at her down on the floor, holding her face as she breathed heavily. “It hurts doesn’t it?” I asked and she moved her hand, revealing a red mark. “All the times you and daddy hit me, it didn’t just hurt physically. I sat there and I wondered what I could’ve done to deserve it, what made you hate me. But now I know all I had to do was be born. Don’t worry, you’ll never see or hear from me again. You can start pretending I never existed.” With that I walked out the front door, slamming it on my way out. I got in the truck and immediately left. I picked up my medicine before going home. As soon as I was home I grabbed all my stuff and went inside. When I got the door closed and latched everything hit me at once. I leaned against the door as the sobs hit and sunk down till my knees were against my chest. I almost feel like it would be better if I did something to make them hate me, but simply my mere existence made my mother want to go as far as kill me. Having my mother confirm they never loved me hit hard and I feel like my heart is being split apart. Eventually I got up and took a shower, knowing it may make me feel a little better. Once I was out I dried off, took my medicine and crawled into the spare bed in the guest room. I wanted to do my best to keep Jake from getting sick and that meant sleeping in here for a while. My mind raced with all the thoughts and memories of my parents, how I never truly did anything, they just hated me. Tears ran down my face, soaking my neck and pillow as I cried myself to sleep. 

Fingers ran through my hair and roused me from my sleep. “Hey, darlin’. Why you in here?” Jake whispered, leaning down to kiss my temple. “I didn’t wanna get you sick.” I mumbled. “I appreciate that. What did the doctor say?” Everything came rushing back and tears came to my eyes. I sat straight up, keeping the covers against my chest as I looked away from him. “I-I do have the flu.” I said as I rubbed my eyes. He hummed and kissed my bare shoulder. “I’ll make some soup for dinner.” I shook my head. “You don’t have to. I’m not hungry.” He raised a brow at me. “Are you sure?” I nodded, giving him a small smile. “I’m sure.” He sighed and kissed my head again. “Okay, you’ll holler if you need me right?” I nodded as I laid back down and he stood. “I love you, Jake.” I whispered as he walked towards the door. “I love you too, Katie.” He closed the door behind him and my tears came back. I leaned over to my purse in the chair next to the bed and pulled out my diagnosis papers. I read over them the words depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and autism glared at me from the white paper. If Jake saw this would he change his mind? Would he no longer love me? The thought terrified me. I couldn’t lose him. He’s a big part of me figuring out who I am without my parents, I’m not sure I could turn around and figure out who I am without him. “I won’t tell him. He can’t know.” I said as I stuffed the papers back in my purse, laying down again. “I can’t tell him. “ I muttered, fingers gripping my pillow tightly. 

Two days later I still felt like shit and I haven’t eaten. “Katie darlin’, you have to eat. You’re starving yourself right now.” Jake muttered as he came into the guest room. “Jake, I’m just not hungry.” I was sitting up in bed doing some school work and this was the third time today he’s asked me to eat. I’ve been drinking a bunch of water but I had no appetite. “You’re not going to get any better just sitting there and not eating. You’re only gonna get weaker and it’ll take you longer to get over this.” I huffed, closing my eyes. “Jake. I am not hungry. Now please, stop pestering me about it.” I said. “Katie, you have to eat.” I slammed the lid of my laptop closed. “Jake! I am not hungry! Now for the love of God JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” I yelled and he stepped back in surprise. I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Jake, I'm sorry. I just don’t feel good and I just want to be left alone.” I set my laptop on the table and laid back down, my back to him and the door. He sighed before leaving and closing the door and more tears streamed down my face. Another day passed by, it was almost time for Jake to come home from work and I was in the kitchen finally trying to make myself something to eat. 

I had decided to just do some noodles with a little chicken and tomato sauce. The chicken was already cooked so I just tossed it into the pan with the sauce. I leaned against the counter reading as I waited and when the timer went off for the noodles I heard the front door open. I grabbed the pot and walked it to the sink to drain them but as I went to tilt it I lost my grip and the pot went into the floor spilling noodles and boiling water everywhere. “Katie?” Jake sounded concerned and came into the kitchen. I just stared at my food on the ground and everything within me broke. “Dammit!” I screamed, grabbing the pot and slamming it down onto the counter. “I can’t even just make fucking pasta!” I felt like all of my emotions were just gonna explode out of me. “What dumbass can’t make pasta?!” My hands went into my hair as tears burst from my eyes. I felt like I was having a complete breakdown. “Katie, darlin’. Your feet!” My feet had been covered in boiling water but I honestly couldn’t bring myself to care. Jake rushed over, lifting me till I was sat on the counter. “Oh, Katie, your feet.” They were an ugly shade of red and I could feel them throbbing. Jake cut the sink on and turned me till he could stick my feet under the cool water. “Stay there while I clean this up.” I just stared at my feet in the sink. Jake cleaned up my mess and took my chicken off the stove before turning to me. He cut the water off and grabbed a paper towel to dry my feet. “I’m sorry.” 

He looked at me with raised brows. “Why are you sorry?” He asked as I started to cry. “You just got home and I made a mess and I just let you clean it up. I should’ve stopped you and done it myself. God I’m such an awful person! I can’t even cook for myself without making a huge ass mess and I’ve been so mean to you when all you’ve tried to do is help me and-” I was startled when his large hands gently grabbed my face. “Hey, hey. Where is all this coming from?” He asked as he stared into my eyes and I started sobbing. I was sobbing hard and he just pulled me into him and held me. I clutched to him like a child as my tears soaked his clothes. His hand rubbed my back and he whispered soothing words to me as he held me. “I’m sorry!” I cried into his shoulder. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” He held me for a few more minutes until I calmed down and I sat up and looked him in the eyes. “I went and saw my mother a few days ago.” His eyes widened and his face turned red. “Katie, why would you do that?” He didn’t sound mad, but he looked it. “I-I had to confront her. I couldn’t go the rest of my life without talking to her.” I spit out, hoping to ease his anger but I realized I had brought up a whole other situation with it. “Confront her about what?” He asked, confusion all over his face. I bit my lip, not knowing how to tell him. “Katie, what is going on? Is this part of why you’ve been acting weird the last few days?” He asked as his hands slid from my face to my neck. 

I slid off the counter and walked away, up to my room and he followed close behind. “Katie.” He asked as he stopped in the doorway. I had the paper in my hands and I stared at it. “When I went to the doctor I discovered a few things about myself. Things my parents never told me. N-no matter how you feel about this I’ll respect it. If you want to break up we can, if you want me to leave I will-” “Darlin’.” He walked over and grabbed my hand, pulling me to sit on the bed next to him. “You need to talk to me, Katie.” I sighed, holding the paper out to him. I buried my face in my hands as he read it. I’m not sure how long we sat in silence for but when I sat up his arms were hanging down between his legs as he stared straight ahead. “Jake?” I asked. “I can’t believe this.” He muttered, looking down at the paper again. “Jake, I’m sorry-” “You’re sorry?!” He jumped up and I got scared, he stood over me and I could swear smoke was coming out of his ears. “How can you be sorry when you have nothing to be sorry for?!” He asked and I was confused. “Your parents, the two people who were supposed to love you and take care of you kept something this big from you? Your entire life?” He asked, staring at the paper again. “Yeah.” I muttered, looking down at my hands, not wanting to meet his gaze but I yelped when I was grabbed and he pulled me into him. He squeezed me and I stood still for a second before hugging him back. 

“Katie, I swear to you, your parents will never be able to hurt you again.” I pulled away, meeting his gaze. “Yo-you don’t think I’m weird or want to break up?” I asked and he set the papers down before pulling me into him again, one arm around my waist, the other cradling my face. “Katie, I fell in love with you. Everything about you. Every little quirk in your personality, all of it. Katie, all of this is what makes you you and I fell in love with every bit of it. Now there’s just a name for all of it.” Tears soaked my cheeks as I bit my lip. “I love you, too.” I said before squeezing him to me. He held me as I cried, rubbing my back. “Is this what you confronted your mom about?” I nodded, wiping my eyes. “I was so angry when I found out I barged my way into her house and yelled at her.” He cracked a small smile. “And I hit her.” I confessed and his face fell. “I’m going to assume she hit you first?” I tilted my head side to side. “She attempted but I stopped her and then hit her.” My face burned with a blush. “Well it was self defense.” I hummed as my eyes locked on the door behind him. “I asked her if it hurt. I hope it did. I want them both to hurt like I have my entire life.” Jake’s face fell and he tilted my chin so I was looking at him. “They’ll get what they deserve Katie, but it’s also not good to wish harm on people.” I knew he was right, it would only tank my mental health. “You’re right.” I muttered and he held the back of my neck, pulling me towards him till his lips pressed against my forehead. “Why don’t you go put some burn cream on your feet, crawl in bed with some socks, and I’ll make your food and bring it to you.” I shook my head. “My feet don’t hurt, and I can make my food. You just got home from work-” He stopped me, shaking his head. “I just got home from work and I want to make you food. You’re exhausted from being sick and constantly thinking about what’s on these papers.” He said as he shook said papers. “I want you to relax and finally get some rest.” I sighed, giving in. “Okay.” I said and he smiled. “And you need to go get in our bed, I haven’t been sleeping right with you in here.” I pursed my lips. “Jake, I’m still sick.” I said and he shrugged. “If I haven’t gotten it yet, I won’t now.” I sighed again and nodded. “Okay. Where’s the burn cream?” I asked and he grinned. “Under the cabinet, in the first aid kit.” I nodded, trudging out. 

I did as he asked and put the cream on my feet and slid some fuzzy socks over them  before crawling in bed. I curled up facing Jake’s side, his smell wafting into my nose and I quickly drifted off. “Darlin’.” I immediately woke up, looking up at him as he held a tray. “Sorry, it was so easy to fall asleep.” I said as I sat up. He set the tray next to me and chuckled. “You’re exhausted. I reheated some of that tomato soup you had in the freezer, and made you a grilled cheese.” He said before kissing my temple. “Mm, thank you.” I muttered. I set the tray in my lap as he stood from kneeling on his side of the bed. “I’ll be back, gonna get you something to drink.” I just hummed as I started eating. It was good and I could already tell I was starting to feel better. After a minute Jake came back in with ginger ale and a second tray. “Here.” He sat the drink on my tray and sat next to me before kicking off his shoes. I watched as he wandered around the room, grabbing a pair of sweatpants and kicking off his jeans and longhorn shirt before slipping the sweatpatns on and crawling in bed with me. “Thank you for this, Jake.” I said as I leaned back against the pillows. “You’re welcome, darlin’.” He grabbed my hand, kissing it gently before letting go and grabbing the remote. “Okay, let’s see what movie we can find.” 

The following week I was much better and went back to school although I was shaking on Tuesday for clinicals. “Hey, glad to see your feeling better.” I was startled by Crystal’s voice as I walked into the break room. “Oh, yeah. The flu really kicked my butt.” I pulled out the breakfast sanwich Jake made for me before he went to work and sat across from her. “Last time I had it I didn’t think I was gonna make it out alive.” She said and chuckled. “Thankfully mine wasn’t that bad.” I told her. “Well let me know when you’re done and we can get started.” I furrowed my brows in confusion. “Get started?” She nodded. “Yeah, you’re with me. I was the only one who didn’t get one of you so you’re with me.” She smiled at me and I felt so relieved. “Oh, thank god. I was scared I was going to be paired up with someone mean.” I laughed. I had heard from Starla that the nurse she was paired up with was awful towards her and she left here crying on the second day of clinicals. Crystal chuckled and shook her head. “No, just me. Meet me out at the nurse’s station once your done.” I nodded and continued eating. Soon others filed in including Annie. “I’m so glad you’re back. Brooke and I are studying at her apartment tonight, we wnated to know if you wanted to join?” I nodded. “Let me see how I feel after today and I’ll let you know before we leave.” She gave me a thumbs up before walking out. 

Once I was done I cleaned up and walked out towards the nurse’s station. Most of the rooms were dark and empty as I walked by and rounded the corner to see Crystal in front of a computer. “Okay, have a seat.” She said as she rolled a chair over. “Kim is going to review all of our patients with us.” I nodded and sat down with my notepad and pen. Once we got everything I blinked rapidly. “You okay?” Kim asked and I nodded. “Yeah, it’s just a lot to take in and I already feel like I’ve missed so much.” Kim and Crystal both nodded. “Well better get used to it sweetheart. It’s all fast paced around here.” I nodded and she smiled before standing. “I’m getting out of here. I have the next three days off and I’m only going to use them to sleep.” Crystal and I both said our goodbye’s before she stood. “So, you wanna go check some vitals with me?” I nodded rapidly, excited to get started.

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

Taglist: @graceandpursuit @cherrycola27 @daisydaisygoose @rosiahills22 @deanoheartspie @cornishkat @high-speed-r @fogle97 @mygyn @ohgodnotagainn @emma8895eb @senjoritanana @kmc1989 @sandaltoesocks @dempy @itsdesiree86 @sunderland-6 @jstarr86 @brooke-stinson @rachkon @topguncultleader @bethbunnyy @topgun-imagines @clancycucumber230 @seitmai @kkrenae @djs8891 @shanimallina87 @wildxwidow @eugene-emt-roe @hisredheadedgoddess28 @littlewhiterose @formulapierre @wade-wilsons-chew-toy @bethabear @halstead-severide-fan @gg-trini @memeorydotcom @schreksdoubledeckerhomechecker @inthestars-underthesun @praline357 @fanboyluvr @greaser9902 @felinegrate @lemmons1998 @thegoddessc @lynnevanss @daddyslittlevillain

[50calmadeuce]

Ch. 50: Starting New

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. :)

Jake Seresin Jr. entered the world in the early hours of a crisp March morning. The birth was quick, and Jake was by your side the entire time, holding your hand through every moment. You’d barely realized you were in labor—just a few flutters in your stomach that felt like nothing more than a mild annoyance but they were coming every 10 minutes. Cindy figured out that it was probably labor, and by the time you reached the hospital, you were already 8 centimeters dilated, ready to welcome your son sooner than you’d expected.

A few days later, you lay back in bed, content and at ease, watching as Jake moved gently around the room with your newborn son cradled in his arms. The soft murmur of Jake’s voice filled the space as he spoke to the baby, who was peaceful after just being fed. The sight brought a quiet smile to your face, your heart full at the scene before you.

Jake rocked your son gently, his words barely audible but filled with love as he spoke to the baby. “You’ve got your mom’s stubbornness, little man,” he said with a soft chuckle, glancing over at you. “And her heart, too—if we’re lucky.”

Your smile grew, warmth spreading through you as you watched them. Jake looked completely at ease, his every movement careful and tender, as though he’d been doing this his whole life. The way he gazed down at your son, his expression a mix of awe and adoration, made your chest tighten with emotion.

“He’s got your smile,” you murmured, your voice tinged with a playful lilt. Jake turned to you, his lips quirking into that familiar grin you adored.

“Think he’ll inherit my charm, too?” he teased, walking over to the bed and carefully lowering himself beside you, the baby still nestled safely in his arms.

You leaned your head on his shoulder, resting a hand on your baby’s back. “I don’t know if the world can handle two of you,” you teased back. But your tone softened as you added, “He’s perfect, Jake.”

Jake kissed the top of your head, his voice quiet and filled with sincerity. “He’s got the best mom in the world. How could he not be?”

You felt your heart swell at his words, your eyes brimming with tears as you looked up at him. "And the best dad," you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. "He’s so lucky to have you."

Jake smiled, his green eyes soft and full of love as he glanced down at your son again. "I think we’re the lucky ones," he said quietly, brushing a thumb over the baby’s tiny hand. "I still can’t believe he’s here."

You watched as your son’s little fingers instinctively wrapped around Jake’s thumb, the sight bringing fresh tears to your eyes. "Neither can I," you admitted, the wonder of it all still settling in.

Jake shifted slightly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss on the baby’s forehead before turning to you. "You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted, you know that?" he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

You raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity and amusement in your expression. “Have I now?”

Jake’s gaze softened as he looked at you, his voice steady and sincere. “A home. A family. That’s everything I’ve ever wanted—with you.” He paused. "The day I bumped into you at that bar in Austin. I knew."

“And now?” you asked softly, your eyes searching his.

Jake’s lips curved into a gentle smile, his voice steady and filled with certainty. “I still know.”

Emotion swelled in your chest, his words wrapping around you like a warm embrace. “Jake…” you murmured, your voice barely audible as your eyes brimmed with tears.

He shifted closer, his free hand reaching out to brush a stray tear from your cheek. “You’ve always been it for me, Y/N,” he said, his voice low but firm. “No matter the distance, no matter how long it took to get here—I never stopped knowing.”

You leaned into his touch, your hand resting on his leg, grounding yourself in the moment. “Even after everything we’ve been through?”

“Because of everything we’ve been through,” he replied without hesitation. His gaze dropped briefly to your son, sleeping peacefully between you, before meeting yours again. “We’ve made it through more than most people ever will. And now we’ve got him—a new beginning.”

Your heart swelled as you looked at him, your partner in every sense of the word. “We’ve got each other,” you said softly, your voice laced with conviction.

Jake nodded, leaning in until your foreheads touched. “Always.”

Thank you to all of those who followed me through this story! I can't believe how long it is and how long it took, but it has finally come to an end. Hopefully another pops into my head, so keep an eye out!

Tags: @buckysteveloki-me @bellyliveslife @tgmreader @callsign-barbell @86laura11 @dizzybee03 @kmc1989 @guacam011y @nerdgirljen @hookslove1592 @dempy @djs8891 @smoothdogsgirl @devil-angel-winchester @alwayshave-faith

[callsign-jinx]

A Rebel in my Soul [2023 ver.] | Ch.4: Time to target: three minutes

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x fem!pilot!reader (Call sign: Rebel)

Word count: 5k

Warnings: swearing, flying exercise, worried Jake (that deserves a warning), and also Idiot Jake, mutual pining (even tho nobody seems to notice duh), and maybe i'm forgetting something.

A/N: it's been a whole minute since I posted this, but i still want to rewrite it and get rid of the of version, because it was my first series and has a lot of mistakes, There are a few changes in this version, and a lot more descriptions. Won't be tagging anyone for this but if someone wants to be, let me know on the comments or send an ask!

An hour after Hangman walks out, fed up with watching Rooster flirt with every person who enters the bar, you start to gather your things. Part of you wishes Hangman had stuck around a little longer; it was nice talking to him, almost like discovering a different side of him. That is, until he reverted back to his usual asshole self. As you're saying goodbye to the other aviators, your bike keys dangling from your finger, your phone beeps with a new message. The name on the screen brings a small smile to your face.

Iceman.  

Iceman: Honey, you cannot mop the floor with your father’s ass on the first day. It’s not healthy for the family relationships.  

Reb: I was just doing my job, Uncle Ice. 

Iceman: Breaking the hard deck?  

Reb: You know too much to be on a medical leave, don’t you?

Iceman: I brought you two here; of course I know what you’re up to.  

A smile tugs at your lips. Iceman had recommended both of you to Cyclone when the mission came up, knowing that if anyone could handle it, it would be his nephews. He always called you that. You remember summers spent at Iceman’s house, watching in awe as your father and he bickered over old mission memories, each convinced they were right. He was always the cool uncle. Pun intended.

He was also the one who told you, despite your father’s objections, that you were meant to be a pilot. It was in your blood. And God knows, the world could always use more incredible pilots like Maverick.

Reb: He tried to fix years of resentment in a dogfight, Ice. Can you believe it? 

Iceman: Actually, I can. That’s your father’s style.  

Reb: He almost got us killed.  

Iceman: And yet I heard that he was the one to pull up first.  

Reb: You really know too much.  

Iceman: You need to forgive your father, y/n.  

Only a handful of people called you by your real name instead of your call sign, and Iceman was one of them. It sometimes made you feel like a child again, like he was scolding you for running around the house the way you used to. But for Iceman, calling you by your name was his way of reminding you that you, Y/n Mitchell, would always be his little girl.   

Reb: If he wants me to forgive him, he needs to explain why he did what he did.  

Iceman: He won’t tell you. 

Reb: Do you know why?  

Iceman: Yes, honey. I know why he did it.  

Reb: Could you tell me?  

Iceman: I wish I could... but it has to be him. 

Reb: Yeah... you’re right. How you holding up?  

Iceman: I’m better. I can even talk a little.  

Reb: That’s amazing, Uncle Ice! I’m so so happy for you.  

Iceman: How’s Rooster? Is he doing okay?  

Reb: He’s still too cautious for his own good. He’s having problems following the rest.  

Iceman: He needs to be faster...  

Reb: Yeah... 

Iceman: Be careful out there, okay? And don’t be mean to the other kids.  

Reb: I’m not the mean one?  

Iceman: Do I have to remind you that time you threw Rooster in my pool because he said that you were tiny?  

Reb: He’s the giant.  

Iceman: As I said, don’t be mean to the other kids.  

Reb: Okay, Uncle Ice. See you soon. Love ya. 

Iceman: Love you too, kiddo.  

If only you had the time to visit him. But between the nonstop work and exhaustion, there’s barely enough time to catch your breath. You make a mental note to try and see him next week, before the mission.

As if the day hadn’t already been stressful enough, your bike refuses to start when you sit on it, ready to leave. Not again. It might be old, but it’s your first bike, and it’s special to you. Lately, though, it’s been more trouble than it’s worth.

After several more attempts, the engine finally roars to life. You pull away from the bar quickly, a million thoughts swirling in your mind. Rooster, Maverick, Hangman, and Iceman fill most of them. It never crossed your mind that Iceman might know the reason behind Maverick’s actions. But the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. After Goose’s death, Iceman was the closest thing Maverick had to a best friend. If anyone knew, it would be Admiral Kazansky.

Hours later, after a sleepless night and way too much coffee, you find yourself in the briefing room, ready to finally learn what this mission is really about. The room is empty, just you for now. You take a seat, close your eyes for a few seconds, and silently pray to whatever is listening—that this mission won’t be as suicidal as the rumors suggest. There’s still so much you want to do, so many places you want to go. You’re not ready to give it all up just yet.

All over the base, it feels like everyone knows something you don’t. When you or the other aviators walk into a room, people glance at you with admiration—and sometimes, with a hint of sympathy. They all share some unspoken knowledge, and it’s unsettling.

"Morning, Rebel," you hear Hangman’s voice break the silence.

"Morning."

You keep your eyes closed, focusing on the sound of his footsteps as he approaches. A small part of you wonders which version of Hangman you’ll get today—the usual asshole, or the surprisingly nice guy you met last night at the bar? It’s a little intriguing. He stops beside you, the leather of the seat creaking as he leans over it.

"Are you okay?"

Seems like you're getting nice Hangman for two days in a row.

"Yeah, don’t worry. I’m just a little tense." You open your eyes and find him looking at you with a soft expression, his eyes filled with something almost tender. A reassuring smile crosses his face as his hand moves from the seat, gently patting your shoulder.

"It’ll be okay."

For some reason, his words settle you a little. You nod and smile softly, feeling the tension ease, even if just slightly. You’re about to thank him when Rooster’s voice cuts through the air, making Hangman step back. He takes a seat at the farthest row of chairs, away from you.

Bradley nudges you with his elbow as he sits next to you. "Chin up, Reb."

For a moment, you don’t even care about the mission anymore. Well, that’s not entirely true, but right now, you can’t stop thinking about Hangman. He’s been surprisingly nice to you for the past 24 hours. Can someone really change that quickly? And why, of all people, has he chosen to show you this side?

You glance at him. He’s chatting with Coyote, who had walked in just after Rooster. Hangman’s signature cocky smile is back, probably followed by a few arrogant comments about his skills.

Your thoughts drift back to yesterday. His sweet, almost irresistible smile. The warmth in his laugh, the way his voice lacked its usual narcissistic edge. The feeling of his skin brushing against yours. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t think about it all night. 

He walked into the room and checked on you, as if it weren’t the most unusual thing for Jake Seresin to do.

There’s a rumor that someone once had a crush on Jake when she first saw him back in the Top Gun days. He was young, handsome, and definitely a bit of a ladies' man. But your foolish, young heart didn’t care about any of that. For better or worse, nothing ever came of it, and Hangman quickly proved himself to be nothing more than a charming idiot.

Now, when you look at him, you can't help but wonder—can people actually change?

“Time is your greatest enemy,” Maverick begins, finally outlining the objective of the mission. “Phase one of the mission will be a low-level ingress attacking in two-plane teams. You’ll fly along this narrow canyon to your target. Radar-guided surface-to-air missiles defend the area. These SAMs, they’re lethal. But they were designed to protect the skies above, not the canyon below.” 

Every aviator in the room exchanges uneasy glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. You glance at Rooster, his focus locked on the screen.  

“That’s because the enemy knows no one is insane enough to try and fly below them.” Rooster mutters, voicing the unspoken thought that’s on everyone’s mind. 

“That’s exactly what I’m gonna train you to do.” Maverick replies, his voice unwavering. 

Rooster glances at you, eyebrow raised. Yeah, this is classic Maverick bullshit.

“Great, another suicide mission,” you mutter under your breath.

“On the day of the mission, your altitude will be 100 feet, maximum,” Maverick continues, unfazed. “If you exceed this altitude, radar will spot you, and you’re dead.”

“100 feet?” your friend whispers, disbelief in his voice.

“Roos, this is impossible.”

“Your airspeed will be 660 knots minimum. Time to target: two and a half minutes. That’s because fifth-generation fighters are waiting at a nearby airbase. If you try to engage them head-to-head in your F-18s, you’re dead. That’s why you need to get in, hit the target, and be gone before those planes even have a chance to catch you. Time is your greatest adversary."

You glance at Hangman. He’s smirking, clearly relishing the challenge. He’s probably already planning to be the first one to nail it.

You almost laugh when Maverick says, "Today, we'll be easy."

Max ceiling: 300 feet. Time to target: three minutes.

And that’s supposed to be easy?  

Gradually, all members of the team get a chance to try to make it on time, following the parameters and course that are marked on the screen. To call this mission "almost impossible" would be an understatement. None of your teammates make it to the target on time—some surpass the 300-foot ceiling, others hit an invisible rock wall. You manage to hit the target with only a second to spare, but you know that’s not good enough. If you want to survive on the day, you’ll need to be at least 30 seconds faster. Rooster makes it to the target, but he’s a full minute late. You can already feel Maverick’s gaze on him, knowing exactly what’s coming.

When you all file back into the briefing room after the exercise, you brace yourself for the worst.

Maverick projects a simulation of Coyote, Phoenix, and Bob’s run on the screen. You watch as miscommunication between the team leads them to failure—each mistake compounding the next. Their timing is off, their formation is sloppy, and every second counts. The message is clear. This mission isn’t just about speed; it’s about precision, coordination, and being perfect under pressure.

“Why are they dead?” Maverick asks, his tone cold and cutting once the simulation ends.

“We broke the 300-foot ceiling, and a SAM took us out,” Phoenix explains, her voice tight with the sting of failure.

“No. Why are they dead?” Maverick’s gaze shifts to Coyote, who’s clearly the one who needs to answer.

Coyote exhales, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his mistake. “I slowed down and didn’t give her a warning. It was my fault.”

“Was there a reason you didn’t communicate with your team?” Maverick’s words are sharp, pointed. You can’t help but agree—the exercise would’ve been a success if they had communicated better.

“I was focusing on...” Coyote starts, but Maverick cuts him off, his voice biting.

“One that their family will accept at their funeral.”

Ouch. That one lands hard. Even you wince at the weight of the words.

“None, sir,” Coyote responds, voice barely above a whisper.

Maverick doesn’t pause. He moves to Phoenix, his gaze steely. “Why didn’t you anticipate the turn? You were briefed on the terrain.”

Phoenix opens her mouth to respond, but Maverick doesn’t give her a chance. “Don’t tell me. Tell it to his family.” The room goes dead silent. The tension is palpable as Maverick turns, his eyes scanning the group for the lesson that should’ve been learned by now: this is real.

Maverick shifts to the next simulation: Hangman, Payback, and Fanboy. You’re not even surprised when Hangman goes full throttle, leaving the other two behind. He’s living up to his name, no question about it.

“What happened?” Maverick asks, his eyes narrowing at Hangman.

“Well, I flew as fast as I could. Kinda like my ass depended on it,” Hangman replies, that trademark smug grin plastered on his face. You’re starting to wonder if he has two different personalities—one where he's cocky and reckless, and another where he genuinely thinks he can be a different person.

“And you put your team in danger, and your wingman’s dead,” Rooster jumps in, cutting Hangman off before Maverick can lay into him. His voice is firm, not letting Hangman wiggle out of it.

“They couldn’t keep up,” Hangman shoots back, as if it’s that simple. You roll your eyes. Seriously, two personalities.

“Are you serious?” you mutter, not holding back. Hangman turns to look at you, his smirk widening, but then his gaze shifts back to the screen where Maverick is already prepping your simulation. You focus, mentally preparing yourself. You watch the simulation play out, noting the areas where you need to be more careful and the places where you could push yourself to be faster.

“This is a great example of how it’s done. We just need to be faster here. Good job, Rebel,” Maverick praises you, and you nod awkwardly. The words hit you harder than you expected—good job. You haven’t heard praise like that from your father in years, and it feels… strange. Almost foreign.

The last simulation starts, showing Rooster, Yale, and Harvard making their way through the course. They’re moving slower than required, and even though they hit the target, it’s clear they’ll have to dogfight their way out. The stakes are high.

“Why are you dead?” Maverick asks, his tone sharp. “You’re team leader up there. Why are you, why is your team dead?” The disappointment in his voice is almost tangible. You can feel the weight of his expectations. Maverick, after all, had to be expecting more from Goose’s son.

“Sir, he’s the only one besides Rebel who made it to the target,” Phoenix speaks up, cutting through the tension, trying to give Rooster some credit.

Maverick doesn’t respond right away, but the way his jaw tightens tells you all you need to know. The lesson here isn’t just about hitting the target—it’s about how you do it and when. It’s about leading your team, not just yourself. And coming back home in one piece.

“A minute late. He gave enemy aircraft time to shoot him down,” Maverick states bluntly.

“You don’t know that,” Rooster affirms, defensive. His voice is tight, but there's a certain stubbornness in it—like he's trying to hold onto something.

Well, if the situation were different, and there were actual enemy aircraft on that course, Maverick’s right. A minute is more than enough time for them to close the gap and take you out. You hate to admit it, but Rooster's being reckless.

“You’re not flying fast enough. You don’t have a second to waste,” Hangman chimes in, his voice steady, almost like a mantra. You can almost picture him saying it to himself every morning as he stares into the mirror, trying to convince himself he’s the fastest.

“We made it to the target,” Rooster snaps, his tone dangerous now. He’s fuming, but the anger in his voice is clouding his judgment. His fists are clenched at his sides, and you can see how hard it is for him to swallow the criticism.

“And superior enemy aircraft intercepted you on your way out,” Maverick counters, trying to reason with him, trying to explain why the time delay cost them more than just a minute. It cost them survival.

Rooster doesn’t say anything for a moment, but you can see the internal battle playing out in his eyes. He’s not just fighting the mission, he’s fighting the legacy of what happened to his father.

You hate to admit it, but Maverick’s right—Rooster needs to set aside his resentment and listen. The mission isn't about proving something to everyone else; it’s about surviving.

“Then it’s a dogfight,” Rooster shoots back, his jaw set.

“Against fifth-generation fighters,” Maverick responds, the weight of the situation clear in his voice.

“Yeah. We’d still have a chance.”

“In an F-18,” Maverick adds, almost as if he’s reminding Rooster of the very real limitations.

“It’s not the plane, sir, it’s the pilot,” Rooster retorts, not backing down.

“Exactly!” Maverick nods, a touch of admiration in his tone.

But then Rooster presses on, undeterred. “There’s more than one way to fly this mission.”

“Roos…” you try to intervene, your voice low but firm, sensing the conversation is escalating. Both of them are getting heated, and you know this is the last place for a confrontation like this. The team can’t afford it.

Rooster doesn't listen. “You really don’t get it. On this mission, a man flies like Maverick here, or a man does not come back. No offense intended.”

You glance at Hangman, who’s smirking again, that stupid look plastered across his face. You can tell he’s just itching for a fight. Something in him is shifting, like the real Hangman is back—reckless, arrogant, and determined to push every button he can find.

“Yet somehow, you always manage,” Bob mutters from the side, always quick to throw in a jab when Hangman’s involved.

“Look, I don’t mean to criticize. You’re conservative, that’s all,” Hangman says, his voice dripping with condescension. You know he really means every word. There’s no subtlety in his tone.

“Lieutenant,” Maverick tries again, his voice tight, trying to stop this before it goes any further. But Hangman doesn’t stop.

“We’re going into combat, son, on a level no living pilot’s ever seen. Not even him. There’s no time to be thinking about the past.” Hangman says it, looking straight at Rooster. The words hit hard, and in that moment, something clicks inside you. Hangman knows about Goose. How the hell did he find out? You don’t know, but it’s clear he’s using that information to twist the knife, to get under Rooster’s skin.

Rooster’s jaw tightens, his body rigid as he leans forward. “What’s that supposed to mean?” His voice is controlled, but the anger is simmering just beneath the surface. You can feel it, the way his fists clench at his sides. You know exactly where this is headed, and you’re ready to step in before it completely derails.

“You better stop talking, Hangman,” you warn, your voice low and steady. You’ve seen this play out too many times, and you know Hangman’s about to push all the wrong buttons.

“Rooster.” Maverick tries, his voice low and firm, trying to cut through the tension, but neither of them is backing down. The atmosphere is charged, like it’s moments from exploding.

“I can’t be the only one who knows Maverick flew with his old man,” Hangman continues, his smirk widening. He knows exactly what he’s doing. The room goes deathly quiet, and you can feel the weight of the words hanging in the air. He’s digging at something deep, something raw, and you know it’s hitting harder than anyone realizes.

“Lieutenant, that’s enough,” Maverick’s command is sharp, his voice laced with authority, but Hangman’s not done.

“Or that Maverick was flying when his old man…” Hangman trails off, letting the words hang there, teasing the tension to a breaking point. You can feel Rooster’s body vibrating with rage, and you know—this is it. The dam is about to break.

You brace yourself. It’s about to get ugly, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it now. 

Rooster gets up of his chair and grabs Hangman by the collar, ready to punch him in the face. Luckily, the rest of the team reacts quickly enough to stop them. From the corner of your eye, you see Mickey leap over the chairs in front of him, moving fast to get to Hangman before the situation escalates further. You’ll definitely owe him a drink for that later. Maverick is already between them, his presence commanding as he tries to defuse the chaos. You grab Rooster by the arm, pulling him back, while the others step in, each of them doing their best to separate the two.

“That’s enough,” Maverick shouts. 

“You’re a disgusting piece of shit.” You say getting closer to him, but Bob grabs you before you can do something crazy.  

“You son of a bitch!” Rooster shouts. You’ve never seen him this angry.  

“I’m cool. I'm cool. Hey, hey,” says Hangman, smiling. He’s a complete idiot.  

“That’s enough.” 

“He’s not cut out for this mission,” Hangman says, looking at Maverick with that insufferable, proud smile. “You know it. You know I’m right.”

Maverick’s gaze hardens, but he doesn’t respond. Instead, he gives a sharp command, “You’re all dismissed.”

You leave the room faster than everyone else, your heart racing. You’re almost running now, not caring if anyone notices. You just need space, away from him, away from all that tension.

But then you see it—Hangman, strolling toward the locker room, that same arrogant swagger in his step. Your pulse quickens, and without thinking, you follow him. You don’t stop to second-guess yourself. You walk in right behind him, determined.

"Hangman!" Your voice cuts through the silence, sharp and commanding.

He turns, that ridiculous grin still plastered on his face. “Woah, Reb, what’s up?” he asks, acting like everything’s just fine. It’s a challenge. You can feel it in the way he looks at you. He’s not expecting what’s coming next. The slap on his face leaving him staring, eyes wide, with a look of complete confusion.

“If you just think about Rooster’s father ever again, I swear to God it will be ten times worse the next time.”  

“What are you gonna do? Tell Daddy that some kid is being bad with your friend?” Hangman’s mocking tone hurts more than anything. You feel the disappointment in your heart, twisting it. Did you really think that someone like Hangman could change? How stupid.

“I told you, he might be my father, but he doesn’t want me to be here.” You say it again, like somehow repeating it will make it feel true, will make the ache in your chest go away.

Hangman smirks, not missing a beat. “That doesn’t mean you don’t have privileges, Little Mav. Everyone here’s noticed.”

His words twist in your stomach, heavy and cold. “They... know?” you ask, your voice barely above a whisper, as if hoping he’s wrong.

“Yes. Everyone knows. It’s not that hard to see. The attitude, the way he talks to you, how you do the exact same things. You’re just like your father.”

His words hit you like a slap. They don’t sting at first, but they settle into you, sharp and unforgiving. The room feels smaller, suffocating, and before you can stop it, your throat tightens. "I’m not like him," you say, your voice trembling, and the tears threaten to fall, burning your eyes.

You can’t be like him. You won’t be like him. It’s something you’ve fought against for years, something you’ve buried deep. Maybe you’re reckless, maybe you’ve got the same passion for flying, the same natural skill that comes with the Mitchell name, but you refuse to be anything like Pete Mitchell. You don’t pull rank, you don’t ignore the people who care about you for your own ego. You don’t dismiss someone’s dreams just because you think you know what’s best.

You are nothing like him.   

“You sure? ‘Cause the way I see it, you’re just daddy’s little troublemaker.” Hangman’s words slice through the air, bitter and cruel.

You stand there for a moment, heart pounding, and try to hold onto some semblance of control. How did we get here? Yesterday, everything was different. Yesterday, there was laughter, lightheartedness... today, it feels like a punch to the gut.

“I thought you were different. I thought you were being nice to me because you wanted to be my friend,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper, the hurt seeping through.

He looks at you, but not in the way you want him to. His gaze flicks all over your face, anywhere but into your eyes. His jaw tightens, his posture stiffens. He doesn’t want to let you see how much you’re affecting him. You almost wish he would look you in the eye, to show some kind of emotion. But instead, he just stands there, the distance between you growing with every passing second.

“Thanks, but I don’t need your friendship,” Hangman mutters, his words sharp, like they were meant to hurt.

It’s like a wall between you now. You can feel it—this sudden, impossible distance. You take a step closer, not even thinking about the consequences anymore. For a second, you’re both breathing the same air, so close that you can almost feel the heat of his skin. Your heart aches, but you don’t back down.

How did we end up like this? The question lingers in your mind, unanswered, because you know what’s happening. Yesterday was so different. So good. And now… now, everything feels like it's falling apart.

His eyes finally meet yours, but they’re empty, distant. His walls are up, and you're left with nothing but the echoes of what could have been.

“When you end up alone, and nobody gives a shit about you, you will regret every single decision you’ve ever made. Nobody will ever love you,” you snap, the words leaving your mouth before you can stop them. There’s a coldness in your chest now, something sharp, something that feels like it’s been building up for a while.

His response is quick, flat. “I don’t need love.”

You laugh bitterly, though it’s not a laugh at all. "Yeah... love is for the living people. And you're dead on the inside.” The words hang in the air between you, heavy and final, like the weight of everything you just realized.

Without another word, you turn and walk away. Each step feels like it takes you further from the person you thought he was, and further into something you can’t quite explain. The tears come suddenly, hot and unbidden, streaking down your face before you can stop them. They blur your vision, making everything around you seem fuzzy and distant, like you’re in a dream.

You don’t look back. You don’t need to. You already know that nothing will ever be the same again.

Jake watches as Y/n walks away, her shoulders trembling slightly, and he feels a knot tighten in his chest. She doesn't turn back. The sting of the words he said to her lingers in the air, and for a brief moment, he wishes he could take it all back. But the damage is done. And just like that, his heart sinks further.

He was so wrapped up in the tension with Rooster that he didn't consider how his words would affect her. Y/n and Bradshaw, they were always a package deal. They had been since they were kids, thick as thieves, tied together by something deeper than just friendship. If you hurt one of them, you hurt them both. And Jake just fucked that up in the worst possible way.

He knows he should’ve shut his mouth. He knows that much. But here he is, standing in the wreckage of his own making. He’s been trying to avoid facing the truth, trying to keep his distance, but the truth has a way of catching up with you—like a punch to the gut. His red cheek burns, not just from the slap he deserved, but from the weight of his own guilt.

Jake never meant to hurt her. That’s the kicker. He never meant to push her away or make her cry. But here he is, powerless to fix it. Every time he thinks about going after her, every time he thinks of apologizing, he freezes. There are no simple words, no magic that can make this right. Years of bitterness, resentment, and his own damn pride are between them now. And he doesn't know how to tear down that wall.

When did things get this complicated? When did the world become a minefield? And when did he—Jake Seresin, the guy who couldn’t give a damn about anything—become the kind of man who cares?

When did he fall for her? That’s the question he keeps circling. He’d been in denial about it for so long. It wasn’t supposed to happen. He had a reputation to maintain. But when he walked into the briefing room this morning and saw Y/n sitting there, looking more vulnerable than he’s ever seen her, something inside him snapped. The sharpness of her fear was there, clear as day, and he felt a pull he couldn’t ignore. He wanted to do something. Talk to her. Touch her. Comfort her. Because as much as she acts like she has it all together, he knows better. She’s scared—scared for the mission, scared for Rooster, scared for herself. She doesn’t show it much, but Jake can see it.

He knows what’s coming. Rooster will be leading this mission. Y/n will be flying. The two of them will be out there, facing a world where only the best make it home. And Jake’s mind can’t stop turning. He knows Rooster is a great pilot. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready. He needs to move past the book, past the fear, or someone will die because of it. Y/n doesn’t need that weight on her shoulders. She’s reckless, yeah, but she’s not stupid. She knows what’s at stake, and if Rooster can’t rise to the occasion, she’ll be right there, doing everything she can to save him. And that thought terrifies Jake.

He doesn’t know if he can protect her. But he knows he has to try.  

Jake leans against the wall, his mind racing. He's been so wrapped up in his own issues, so caught up in trying to get under Rooster's skin, that he didn’t even stop to consider the fallout. And now? Now he realizes he might've just crossed a line he can't undo. He’d been trying to get under Rooster’s skin, sure—but if anything, all he did was push Y/n away. And he knows her too well to think she’ll just brush it off.

He needs to fix this. He has to fix this.

Jake's eyes narrow as he thinks back to everything he’s said to her in the past few days, to all the times he made a snide comment about Rooster, to the way he tried to rile him up in the briefing room. All of that—it wasn’t just messing with Rooster anymore. It was messing with her, too. And that, he can't stand. Y/n deserves better. She doesn’t need this. Not from him.

He thinks about how she looked when she walked out, eyes full of hurt, a sharp contrast to the fire she usually carries. That image burns into his mind—her turning away from him, the door slamming behind her. And that's when it hits him: the only reason he’d ever cared enough to get under anyone’s skin, the only reason he’d ever been so reckless in his words, is because somewhere deep down, he’s terrified. Terrified of what Y/n means to him. Terrified of what would happen if he really let himself care.

But it's not just about him anymore. It's about her. It's about fixing this mess he made, even if he doesn't have all the answers. He doesn't know how to make it right, but damn it, he's going to try.

Jake rubs a hand over his face, muttering under his breath. He can’t just keep pretending like he doesn’t care. That’s exactly what he’s been doing—and it’s been a disaster. The mission, the stakes—hell, all of it would be easier if he didn't have to deal with these feelings. But he’s done pretending. If he doesn’t tell her how he feels, how he really feels, before she goes up there—before this mission even starts—he’s going to regret it for the rest of his life.

Y/n’s not just any teammate. He realized long ago that she could be his everything if he allowed it, in a way that scares the hell out of him. But there’s no more running from it. He doesn’t need to be a damn hero on this mission. What he needs is to be honest. About everything. About her. About him. About the way his heart beats a little faster when she’s around, about the way his chest tightens when she’s in danger, about how he’d give anything to make her smile again, to make things right.

He has no idea if she’ll listen. He has no idea if she’ll even want to talk to him after the mess he’s made. But he knows one thing: he can’t let her go up there without telling her how he feels.

Jake stands up straighter, determination setting into his bones. He’s not going to let his girl go into that sky without making it clear that she means everything to him.

The mission is important, yes. But if Y/n doesn’t come back, none of it will matter.

And Jake Seresin isn't about to let that happen without telling her what’s in his heart.

[writing-until-i-drop]

Wildflowers For A Hangman Ch. 19

Summary:

Daisy, a career novelist, moves in with her college best friend Phoenix who has been permanently assigned to Top Gun with Dagger Squad. She finds herself instantly connected with a cocky pilot who's soft only for her and Jake can't help but want to know everything about her. When the past comes knocking at both of their doors, will they stand together or fall apart?

Or: The Dagger Squad can't cook and Jake falls in love with a woman who makes a mean lasagna while they work their personal trauma.

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x writer!femOC | 18+ (eventually) minors dni. Fluff, smut (eventual), idiots in love, past trauma.

A/N: Jake's hiding something and everyone thinks it's a bad idea

AO3 Link

Previous Chapter

Jake had been acting a little bit weird but I figured it was just the thought of spending Christmas without his family, especially since Pop’s surgery was being delayed. I did my best to be silently supportive, spending all the time I could with him. Jason, my agent, had called and said my latest book had been greenlit and the publishing house was looking to have me do a book tour for the release in a year. Jake was excited for me but not excited about the fact I’d be gone for at least two months. But Jason hadn’t just called to give me the good news, no, he had called to see if I had started writing the sequel yet. 

“Cassandra’s getting a love interest?” Jake stage whispered in my ear, I was between his legs on the bed, my back to his chest while I wrote.

“How do you figure?” I leaned back against his chest, relaxing into him. Jake kissed my neck,

“Detective Monroe, he obviously has a thing for Cass,” He pointed at the screen. “He brings her coffee, checks on her after the killer got away, he obviously cares about her.” Huh. He had a point. Detective Monroe was Cassandra’s partner, he had her back and was probably the one person in her life that Cassandra could call a friend. 

“And what makes you think he’s more than just a friend?” I prompted him, wondering what he could see that I couldn’t.

“The way he looks at her and knows what she’s thinking, he pays more attention to her than he should.” It was kind of hot hearing Jake get so riled up about my writing. He had been reading it over my shoulder for the past week, offering his observations and comments, and telling me when I needed to close the laptop and go to bed because I had typed “and” three times in a row while dozing off. “Baby, he’s in love with her.” 

“Isn’t that for me to decide?” I giggled, closing the laptop. Jake huffed,

“Don’t you always say that the characters do what they want?” Again, he had a point. “Whether you like it or not, I think Monroe’s got a crush on his partner.” 

“We’ll see what happens,” I put the laptop on the nightstand, turning so that I was face first in his chest. “How much time do we have until we have to be at Mav’s?” Mav was hosting a team get together at his and Penny’s house and the daggers had insisted that you were included on the guest list, Fanboy had threatened to give you your own embarrassing callsign if you didn’t show up. 

“About an hour, we have a little time, what do you want to do?” He kissed my neck again, massaging my hips with his hands. I hummed, thinking about it. We could do a lot in an hour but we also had to spend time with the whole team for the rest of the evening. I could already feel the exhaustion setting in, I loved the daggers, I did, but that didn’t mean they were exempt from draining my social battery.

“I want…” I reached around blindly for the blanket. Jake chuckled, pulling the blanket over my shoulders, “I want to cuddle until it’s time to get ready and when we do have to get dressed, I want you to tell me it’s okay to wear sleep pants to the party.” 

“I think I can do that, Wildflower,” Jake wrapped his arms around me and I buried my face in his neck. It briefly crossed my mind that I might be a little bit heavy on his chest but that thought quickly faded away as Jake began to hum a song, lulling me to sleep. 

“Matching pajamas, really?” Rooster rolled his eyes, bringing me in for a hug. 

“I think my girl’s onto something, they’re way comfier than jeans,” Jake announced to the room, pulling you out of Rooster’s arms and into his side, arm draped over your shoulder. 

“Dee!” Amelia came around the corner, stealing me away from Jake, her arm looped through mine. “I need advice,” She whispered, “From someone who’s not my mom.” 

“Is this a boy thing?” I whispered back and she nodded, pulling me into the hallway, away from everyone. “I’m not sure I’m the best at relationship advice but I’ll do my best.” Amelia rolled her eyes,

“There’s this guy named Charlie in my math class and he’s super cute.” 

“Like, really cute?” Amelia’s whole face lit up and it warmed my heart. I could see my nieces growing up to be just like her someday, calling me to tell me about their crushes, making me swear up and down not to tell their dad.

“Winter formal is coming up and there’s a tradition that girls ask the guys out,” She was so nervous it was adorable. “I mean, we’re kind of friends, we text but it’s mostly about homework and I don’t know if it’s weird if I ask him to the dance or not.” 

“You said mostly about homework, what else do you talk about?” Her cheeks went pink and she started playing with her hair.

“I mean, we both watch the same show so sometimes we text each other when the new episode airs and talk about what happened.” They were too cute, oh my goodness.

“Then I think it’s a good idea, maybe you can make him a sign or a note with an inside joke or reference to the show?” Amelia perked up,

“That’s perfect! I’m going to go work on that, thanks, Dee!” Amelia gave me a tight hug before running off towards the stairs, giggling the whole way up. I chuckled, making my way to the kitchen to get a drink when I heard Jake and Rooster whispering.

“Have you told her yet?” Rooster asked and I stopped just beyond the doorway, heart thudding in my chest.

“Not yet,” There was a smack, probably Rooster hitting Jake in the chest. “I don’t want to say anything until we know for sure. She’ll cry, hell, I’ll probably cry, and no one wants that.” 

“You’ve got to tell her, the more time she has to prepare, the better. Daisy is an overthinker, you’ll need time to talk her off the ledge.” This was the moment in a movie where everyone is yelling at the screen, telling the main character to stick around and hear the rest of the conversation, and for the first time I understood why they never did. I quietly backed away from the doorway and down the hall, heart feeling like it was going to beat right out of my chest. 

What did Jake have to tell me? And why did Rooster think he was going to have to talk me off a ledge once I found out?

“There you are,” Penny peaked down the hall, smiling. “Amelia find you okay?” 

“Yeah,” I answered softly, clearing my throat, my voice evening out when I responded the second time. “Yeah, I was just about to rejoin the party.” 

“Perfect, let’s get you a drink then.” 

X

Daisy was a little tense, her smile not quite reaching her eyes throughout the night. When I pulled her aside she assured me that we’d talk about it later and to enjoy the party but it was hard to do so when she was sitting on Phoenix’s lap, her head on her shoulder, instead of tucked into my side. 

Maverick pulled me aside when I went to grab a fresh beer, a santa hat on his head.

“I’m guessing you haven’t talked to Daisy yet?” I groaned, first Bradshaw and now Mav.

“How do you know?” 

“Because Penny hasn’t gotten any panicked texts yet and she’s been waiting for them for two days.” I ran a hand over my face, leaning against the counter. Two days. I had been wrestling with the whispers around base and what to tell Daisy. The guys were right, I needed to tell her, but I also didn’t want to burst the happy bubble we had been in since getting back from Texas. 

“Is it so wrong of me not to say anything until we’re certain?” 

“It’s not a bad idea but when she finds out you’ve been holding onto this for a few days, how do you think that’s going to go?” 

“You’ve got a good point, Mav.” He patted my shoulder, passing me to get a new beer,

“Tell her soon, Hangman, that’s an order.”

Taglist: @dizzybee03 @littlezee80 @nervousenemyduck @carolina-on-my-mind03 @mizzzpink @beltzboys2015-blog @writingrose @hookslove1592 @closetspngirl @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @closetspngirl @shanimallina87 @owenniasstars @cevansbaby-dove @caitsymichelle13 @bigstrongblackheart @mrsevans90

Next Chapter

[arcane-vagabond]

Sailor-Aviator's Christmas Writing Challenge

Hello, hello! I wanted to try something a little fun for the holidays, so I figured why not host a little writing challenge! I've never hosted one of these, so this should be fun for all of us! Let's get started!

The Concept

I will have a list of holiday buzzwords with three slots available! Once all three slots are taken, then that's it! No more entries will be allowed for that word/phrase! As much as I love the holidays, I don't want to read twenty fics about the first snow. Just send me a DM/Ask letting me know that you want to participate and which word/phrase you'll be using and with which TGM character!

The Rules

You may sign up for more than one slot as long as there are slots available. However, you can not take up two slots for the same word/phrase.

Tag your fics appropriately! (Angst, smut, fluff, warnings, etc.)

18+ ONLY!

This can be a series, a one-shot, moodboards, or even a collection of drabbles! Just have fun with it!

You MUST use your word/phrase in some way in the fic. For example, if your word is reindeer, you could write about going to feed reindeer, or you could write about dressing up as a reindeer, or you could write about a reindeer sweater, etc.

HAVE FUN!!!

Your fics (with the exception of series) are due by the end of the day on December 25th!! When you are finished (or started the series/collection), you can shoot me the link so I can tag it below. Also, please tag me in the fic and tag the challenge! The more the merrier!

Tagging who I think might be interested: @goldenseresinretriever @bobgasm @hangmansgbaby @jupitercomet @mamachasesmayhem @seresinhangmanjake @blue-aconite @rosedurin but obviously anyone is free to join!

Word/Phrases below the cut!

Santa Claus

@number-0-iz w/ Jake Seresin

-

-

Reindeer

@garfield-mug w/ Jake Seresin

-

-

Sleigh

seresinsbrat w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

-

Cookies - Closed

@seresinhangmanjake w/ Bradley Bradshaw

@shinycupcakebaker w/ The Dagger Squad

@the-aspiring-fanfic-writer w/ Jake Seresin

Presents

@sweetwhispersofchaos w/ Bradley Bradshaw and Jake Seresin

Merry Christmas, Dad by @seresinsbrat w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

Holly

-

-

-

Wreath

-

-

-

Christmas Lights

@goldenseresinretriever w/ Bradley Bradshaw

garfield-mug w/ Bob Floyd

-

Candle

the-aspiring-fanfic-writer w/ The Daggers

@bluezraven w/ Jake Seresin

-

Bow

@mamachasesmayhem w/ Jake Seresin

-

-

Jack Frost

Til the Summer Comes Again by @sailor-aviator w/ Bob Floyd

12 Days of Ficmas by @callsign-phoenix w/ Jake Seresin

-

Christmas Eve

@nicestgirlonline w/ Jake Seresin

Firefigher!Bradley by @jupitercomet w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

Christmas Morning

Merry Christmas, Darlin by seresinsbrat w/ Bob Floyd

-

-

Mistletoe - Closed

goldenseresinretriever w/ Jake Seresin

number-0-iz w/ Bradley Bradshaw

@aworldinsideaperson w/ Bob Floyd

Caroling

-

-

-

Scrooge - Closed

Have a Cup of Cheer by @dingochef w/ Jake Seresin

jupitercomet w/ Jake Seresin

number-0-iz w/ Bob Floyd

Elves

callsign-phoenix w/ Bob Floyd

-

-

Ornaments

callsign-phoenix w/ Jake Seresin

@myfaveficrecs w/ Bob Floyd

-

Bells

Jingle of the Bells by seresinhangmanjake w/ Jake Seresin

-

-

Stocking

@mikpieboo w/ Bob Floyd

-

-

Snowball

@a-reader-and-a-writer w/ The Dagger Squad

-

-

Chimney

a-reader-and-a-writer w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

-

Eggnog

Baby, It's Cold Outside by @killthewhisperingart w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

-

Candy Cane - Closed

@blackwidownat2814 w/ Jake Seresin

Candy Cane Kisses by aworldinsideaperson w/ Jake Seresin

Oh Baby, Baby Merry Christmas @callsigns-haze w/ Jake Seresin

Nutcracker

sailor-aviator w/ Bradley Bradshaw

@sweetwhispersofchaos w/ Natasha Trace and Bob Floyd

-

Gingerbread

the-aspiring-fanfic-writer w/ Bob Floyd

bluezraven w/ Bob Floyd

-

Snow

@alegendoftomorrow w/ Natasha Trace

-

-

Hot Chocolate

@devil-angel-winchester w/ Jake Seresin

@shinycupcakebaker w/ Bob Floyd

-

Snowman

@its-the-pilot w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

-

Nativity

Silent Night, Joyful Hearts by seresinsbrat w/ Jake Seresin

@saltsicklover w/ Bob Floyd

-

Christmas Tree

sailor-aviator w/ Jake Seresin

Oh Christmas Tree by @rockstxr-x w/ Jake Seresin

-

Fireplace

saltsicklover w/ Jake Seresin

Delightful by @roosteraloha w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

-

-

-

Coal

-

-

-

Midnight Mass

If December Never Ends by its-the-pilot w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

-

Advent Calendar

-

-

-

Grinch

-

-

-

Ice Skating - Closed

alegendoftomorrow w/ the Dagger Squad

@goldenseresinretriever w/ Bradley Bradshaw

seresinsbrat w/ Jake Seresin

Pointsettia

-

-

-

Ribbon

-

-

-

Shephard

-

-

-

Sweater

goldenseresinretriever w/ Jake Seresin

-

-

Toys

seresinsbrat w/ Jake Seresin

-

-

Wrapping Paper

-

-

-

Chestnuts

-

-

-

"'Tis the Season"

-

-

-

"Merry Christmas"

alegendoftomorrow w/ Bradley Bradshaw

-

-

"Bah, humbug!"

-

-

-

[ereardon]

Before I Knew ch. 19 sneak peek [Jake Seresin x Reader]

You felt a tear slip down your cheek, Jake’s hands pulling back but instead you tugged them forward, placing them on your bump. He looked up, green eyes locked on yours, as you held his hands, tight, to your stomach. “You’re right here,” you said softly. “I’m right here. Everything else is in the past, alright? You can’t hate yourself forever for something you didn’t mean to do. You have to move on, let yourself live. Because this baby? She needs her daddy. And you can’t be there for her if your mind is always going to be stuck in the past.” 

Masterlist here

[call-sign-shark]

✨ Forget Me Not || Ch. 1✨

Chapter 2 || Chapter 3

Summary: Y/N spends her summer working at her Aunt’s flower shop. There, she meets Jake Seresin for the first time, naval pilot and single dad.  — Or how a flower girl will try to heal a broken heart beyond repair. (Nickname: Poppy) 

Tags: Cuteness overload, tooth-rotting fluff, Dad!Jake, Reader is younger than Jake and no proof reading

Words: 1.8k

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Psss, don’t forget to reblog 💚

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

The pale blue petals of myosotis dance at the wind’s discretion. A peaceful smile stretches your delicate lips, lighting up your entire face with joy. You bury your nose in the beautiful bouquet of blue flowers and close your eyes. In fact, myosotis does not have a specific fragrance but the simple smell of fresh soil and leaves is enough to relieve you from the stress of the day. 

Tonight, your Aunt had to leave earlier so she asked you to close the shop for her, which you agreed to do without the slightest protest. It has been only two weeks since you arrived in town, but you learned the job very quickly, for you found it captivating. The way people would use flowers to replace words was fascinating. You quickly started to guess what your clients wanted to express when buying a flower bouquet. Roses for romance, sunflowers for happiness, wreaths for the passing of a loved one… You had a gift for helping people trade words for flowers, which made your aunt very proud.

You take a quick glance through the shop’s windows to look at the vintage clock on the wall: it is time to clean the workshop. A faint chuckle escapes from your lips, for you had just realized you were daydreaming for five solid minutes. You had just grabbed a second flowerpot when something, or rather someone, plowed into you with the power of a cannonball. Utterly confused and out of balance, you fall. As your butt painfully collapses against the concrete, one of the flowerpots and its myosotis shatters on the ground while the other spills water and soil all over your sweater. 

“Aouch…” Your lips move but no sound comes out.

“I’m sorry Ma’m,” says an utterly sorry little voice, but you do not see its owner, your eyes are too busy looking at the mess you just made.

“I’m- I’m really sorry, are you okay?” She repeats. You finally raise your gaze to discover the source of such a mess and your eyes are welcomed by the sight of a young blonde girl. The kid is probably eight years old and wears a pair of shorts with a football jersey. Her adorable green eyes shift from the broken flower pot to your face before falling to the ground: she does not dare look at you.

“Oh my God Amber! Look what you did!” Cries out an older second voice. A man appears in front of you before you have the time to properly understand what just happened. He is a tall blonde man, clean-shaven, with a hell of a sharp jaw and dazzling green eyes.  He was a pilot —  you noticed the flight jacket he was carrying under his right arm. You blink several times, coming back to your senses at the sight of Mister handsome, “I am so sorry, my daughter was looking behind while she was running. Let me help you. Are you okay?” 

“Hm, yes? I guess?” You stutter, still a bit bewildered by the violence of the impact. The man steps towards you and wraps one of his muscular arms around your waist to help you get up. He lifts your body as if it is a feather, and soon you are back on your feet. A long exhale escapes from your mouth and you shake your head with a little smile on your face.

“What a fall! Your daughter is so strong I thought I would land on Mars before Elon Musk would.” You joke, chuckling. The pilot’s face, first dressed with a panicked expression, relaxes at your adorable laugh. He cracks a smile, his eyes squinting when he does so. For a few seconds, he is completely hypnotized by your splendid grin and your lovely laughter. Girls with a sense of humor never fail to attract him. Then, he shakes his head and looks at his daughter.

“I told you to be careful. Look at the mess you did. Now, we’re going to help that charming lady alright?” He says, one brow raised.

“Yes, dad…” The little girl makes a sorry pout, already leaning over to grab one big piece of broken ceramic. 

“No, don’t worry. I can take care of that myself,” You gently put your warm hand on one of Amber’s shoulders to prevent her from touching the sharp shard, “I’m going to clean, I don’t want you to cut your finger with that. If you want to help me maybe you could go inside the shop and grab some cherry lollipops I hide behind the counter. Can you do that for me, sweety?” 

The little girl’s face lightens up at the word ‘lollipop’, her smile cheerful and displaying her pearly white teeth, but she first looks at her dad to ask for his authorization. The pilot snorts, amused, and nods. It was all it took for the child to run inside the shop. 

“Thank you. This is really nice, I am not sure she deserves it after what she did.” He says, helping you to pick up the ceramic shards. 

“That’s okay, I was worst when I was her age. She straight up apologized, that’s all matters. Don’t be too harsh with her.” You simply say with a soft tone.

“This is very nice, thank you again,” While helping you, Jake cannot help but take discreet looks at you. Your charming trait, your gorgeous smile, and your graceful movements… You were a treat for his eyes. It has been since his awful divorce that he did not look at a woman the way he looks at you now, and to be honest, it kind of unsettles him. Jake shakes his head and throws the sharp bits in the trash bin that was next to the retail table full of flowers, “I’m feeling sorry for the blue flowers you were holding, they were beautiful.”

“The myosotis? That’s their name. But I prefer to call them Forget-me-not.”  You lean against an empty stand, looking at the good-looking pilot with an everlasting captivating smile that made his cold heart gently tingle.

“Forget-me-not?” He asks, slightly surprised.

“That’s another way to call them, and I think it’s really poetic.” Your voice is a sweet and soothing melody to Jake’s ear. He chuckles again at such a weird name.

“And why do people call them Forget-me-not?” He tilts his head to the side, his smile widening so much that he showcases his perfect teeth. You wink as if you are about to tell him a very significant secret.

“A legend says that a knight died trying to get these flowers for the woman of his life. And in his last dying breath, he told her “forget me not”, that’s why it became their name.” You tell him, your gaze shifting to the magnificent sunset behind the pilot. Yellow and orange lights enhancing your beauty, Jake is too busy observing your seductive lips to pay attention to the landscape. You are far more breathtaking than any other sight.

“This is such a beautiful story, I didn’t know that. Oh, wait —” He notices your sweater is full of soil and entirely soaked with muddy water. Without thinking further, Jake takes his own sweater off, his shirt lifting above his shredded abs as he does so. You blush and look away, for you are shy by nature. “Here,” He says, giving you his warm sweater.

“Oh no, that’s-”

“Please, take it. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you, Mister.” 

“Jake. Call me Jake.”

“Thank you, Jake, you can call me Y/N. But my friends call me Poppy.”  You say, gently tightening the warm sweater in your hands. Amber comes back from inside the shop with three lollipops. She buries two of them in her pockets and offers you one with a genuine smile.

“Here! Your lollipop, Ma’m!” 

“Oh thank you, sweety, is the third one for your dad?” You asked, taking the candy. You unwrap it and put the red sugar ball in your mouth. Pushing the candy with your tongue, you place it inside your cheek to still be able to talk.

“Nope, that’s for Shark! She likes lollipops so so much!”  She answers, proud.

“Well, thanks Amber.” Jake retorted, one brow raised.

You cannot help but laugh at her adorable facial expressions. Now that you can compare the two blonde heads in front of you, you notice how much she looks like her dad… You open your mouth to say something but the loud ringing of the shop’s phone snatches you from your attempt.

"Oh sorry I should pick up the phone!" You say, with a bit of reluctance. You have completely forgotten to call the shop's supplier, it is probably him calling you. Even though you would have loved to stay there talking with the Jake and Amber, you could not miss the phonecall otherwise your aunt would have to wait one full month to order new flowers and seeds. 

"Yeah, no problem. Once again sorry for the mess Poppy, and thank you for being so sweet with my daughter. She's nice, isn't she?" He says, looking at his little girl who had just took his father's hand in her while the other is firmily holding her cherry lollipop. Both of them seem like two partners in crime.

"Yuuup, Miss Poppy is super nice! Thanks for the candies!" She giggle, bubbly. She is truly adorable, and finding kids cute is not such a common thing for you. You nod and go back to the shop with a heavy heart. After all, the man was particularly handsome... You shake your head. What are you thinking? He is a father, he is older and probably married anyway. You pick up the phone.

"Hello Mr. Hawk." 

The whole conversation has been relatively short. Less than ten minutes. As soon as Mr. Hawk hangs up, you scamper to the shopwindow to see if Jake and Amber are still there... But of course they are not. Why would they wait? Disappointed but not surprised, you let out a long sigh. Oh well! At least you had a pleasant and entertaining encounter. You go outside to put the last flowerpots inside the shop. Moving one of them, you noticed a white piece of paper someone had slipped under. Curious, you take a closer look to it.

A phone number is written on the piece of paper, right besides the myosotis the mysterious messenger had placed on it. And just below the phone number three words are in capital letters.

Forget Me Not.

[whohasthecards]

Diners and Late Nights (CH 1)

Ch 1/Ch 2 (Work and Distractions)

Hangman slipped out of the crowded bar, leaving the chorus of celebrating aviators behind him, and started walking towards the Boardwalk. It was quiet, no tourists this time of the year, so barely anyone was milling around. Shops closed, light from dying lamp posts, the beach dark.

He got far enough that the bar was a blip in the distance. He reckoned by the time he got back, most of his classma- former classmates would have gone home to wherever. The bar doors closed for the night. 

He leaned his forearms at the railing, hearing the waves crash on the beach, but only see glimpses of the water due to the moon’s reflection. He sighed as he pulled out a new pack of cigarettes, unwrapping them and pulling one out.

He brought one between his teeth and lit it with a lighter, his other hand blocking the wind. He took a slow deep drag, held it in, breath again, 5 seconds, and out. He watched the smoke dissipate in the air, before he brought the cig to his lips again.

He won Top Gun.

After all those weeks of intense training. All these past few years in the Navy. All the years he spent studying, working, and training his ass off. He got the trophy. He should have been elated. He was, he swear he was, but all he felt was, nothing.

When his name was called he felt elated, as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders, relief. He smiled, laughed with Javy as he hooked an arm around his shoulder. Shook hands. Gave a grin and sarcastic remarks to his cohort. 

It died down.

Not the noise. Never the bright lives of the people around him, smiling, laughing, celebrating. From the classrooms, hangar, to the bar. All of them were celebrating, and he was smiling too, but it felt forced. Everything around him felt out of focus, as if he wasn’t fully there. Going through the motions of getting inside his truck and driving to the bar. Ordering a beer, but letting it get cold and stale. 

He won.

He felt relieved.

Then nothing.

He looked up, the sky was devoid of any stars, the moon was bright though.

He pulled out his phone, and opened the messaging app.

He scrolled down and pressed on his Dad’s contact. 

Stilted conversations. Unsolicited advice or criticisms. One word answers. Last message was sent 6 weeks ago.

He closed the chat.

Javy was probably back at the barracks sleeping. He had an early flight tomorrow.

Hell, he was pretty sure everyone else had an upcoming flight.

He took another drag of a cigarette.

He hoped that winning Top Gun would mean they could expedite his deployment. Better to have something to do, right?

He closed his eyes and leaned forward, groaning as he ran a hand through his hair with his other hand. 

“A penny for your thoughts, Lieutenant Seresin?” a voice asked and Jake turned around 

It took him a second to realise who it was, he’d never seen Admiral Simpson in regular clothing.

“Sir,” he said, straightening up, stubbing his cigarette on the railing.

“At ease, Lieutenant,” Cyclone drawled, walking to lean on the railing beside him. “I’m not in uniform, and we’re off the clock. No need for formalities right now.”

Jake hesitantly nodded, throwing the cigarette bud away in a trashcan nearby.

“Didn’t think of you as a smoker,” Cyclone started casually.

“Not usually one, first time in months,” Seresin said, shrugging.

“A celebration for winning Top Gun?”

“Nah, ‘just needed to clear my head.” 

“Hmm, I get that, you’ll be needing a lot of those times when you go up the ranks in the Navy, try not to rely on that thing too much.” 

Jake felt a flash of irritation, “I don’t smoke a lot. Anyways,” Seresin said before giving the older man a smirk, “You think I’ll go up the ranks, Admiral? That seems like a compliment.”

Cyclone simply grunted in response. “That attitude will both help and curse you up the ranks.”

Seresin simply shrugged, “I know.”

“You know, I got your deployment request,” Cyclone started, making Jake stiffen.

“Yeah?” Jake said, trying to play it casually. He wished he didn’t snub out his cigarette, but he wasn’t rude enough to smoke in front of someone who wasn’t smoking.

“Pretty early timeline, don’t you think?”

“Got nothin’ better to do,” Jake said, shrugging. “Top Gun’s over, time to move-on to the next thing, right, sir?”

Cyclone gave him a look that made Jake hunch his shoulders before straightening up, “What?” He said glaring.

“I probably should have expected it, but I did not think you were a workaholic, Lieutenant.” Simpson said coolly.

Seresin shrugged, “I like to keep busy, sir, what else would I do?”

“Hmmm, you like breakfast Lieutenant.”

Jake looked at the admiral with a raised brow, “... Yes-?”

“Do you have anything you have to do tonight?”

“No-”

“Perfect, meet me in this diner, my treat, I need to properly congratulate this year’s Top Gun winner anyways.” Simpson said.

“You gave me my trophy and shook my hand already, though-?”

“Defying orders, Lieutenant?”

“I thought we were off the clock!”

-----

Seresin stood in front of the brightly lit diner. Before stepping inside. Noticing the classic red seats, 80s decorations, and bright neon lights. A little ring from a bell on the door.

“Be there in a sec!” A voice shouted from the back where the kitchen presumably was.

“Seresin,” Cyclone called out from the counter. “Almost thought you weren’t coming.”

He almost didn’t.

“It was a walk to my truck,” Jake answered instead, sitting down next to the man, opening the menu in front of him.

“Order whatever you want, I already ordered,” Cyclone said, sipping from his mug.

“Coffee this late at night, sir?”

“No, hot chocolate, they make theirs themselves, it’s very good.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Jake said, nodding. “How’d you know this place, anyways?”

“You stay around these parts long enough, you start to know where the best 24hr dining option is. Been going here for years. Tastes better at night.”

Jake couldn’t argue with that.

An older lady came out from the back, “What can I get for you, honey?”

“Just the platter, ma’am, bacon and scrambled eggs,” Jake said, smiling. “And a hot chocolate too, please.”

“Aww aren’t you a polite young man,” she said, making Jake flush and duck his head. Barely anyone in the Navy would call him polite. “Beau, bring him around more often.” She said before going back to the kitchen.

“So you can get along with people,” Cyclone mused.

“I know how to get people to like me, I just choose not to, not worth the effort, most of the time,” Jake said, reaching forward for the case of toothpicks, shaking one out to his hand and bringing it to his mouth.

“So, you usually bring your subordinates to diners?”

“No,” Cyclone said simply. “Just the ones that look like they need a warm meal in them.”

“You’re the airboss, maybe you should do something about the slop in the cafeteria.”

Cyclone snorted, “I tried like many before me, and it remains one of my greatest failures,” Cyclone said drily. “Plus, it wouldn’t be the Navy without shitty food, would it?”

“I suppose not, sir.”

[ereardonlibrary]

Before I Knew Ch. 16 [Jake Seresin x Reader]

Full chapter here

[lulunothulu]

“A Bullseye to the Heart” Ch. 10

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Latina Reader

Summary: after Bradley and Nat in vote themselves over and you tell Nat you and Jake almost kissed, Natasha had the great plan of playing spin the bottle. What could possibly go wrong? Other than feelings being caught? 👀

Content: drinking, some swearing, definitely some tom-foolery, mild smut (touching), fingering, fluff

Word Count: who even knows 😂

A/N: just like the last chapter, you don’t have to read the whole “A Bullseye to the Heart” series. This can be read alone! (However I would read the last one bc it adds more to this one) ENJOY!!! 💗🤠

Chapter 10

“I cannot believe you did this,” you whisper to Natasha.

“You thank me later after you and Bagman are getting hot and heavy,” she whispers back, causing you to slap her arm. Natasha chuckles before clearing her throat for Bradley and Jake to listen. “The rules are, you spin the beer bottle, whoever you land on has to choose either kissing you, seven minutes on heaven, or passing. But you only get two passes!”

Jake and Bradley nod.

“So if you land on Jake three times, and you’ve already skipped him twice, you have to kiss him or seven minutes in heaven,” you tell Bradley.

Bradley smiles, taking a swig of his beer and winking at Jake. “Oh, I plan on planting one on him.”

“Gross,” Natasha laughs. “Okay, let’s get started.”

After an intense game of rock, paper, scissors, Bradley gets to be the first one to spin the bottle. Fortunately for Jake, it lands on Natasha who sits across from him.

“What’re you choosing, Nat?” Jake asks, eyes on you.

“Imma choose kiss,” she responds, getting up from her sitting position on the floor and crawling to Bradley who welcomes her with open arms.

With one swift peck on the lips, Natasha laughs. “That tickled. Okay my turn!”

She spins, landing on you.

“Oh miss Y/N,” she sing-songs. “What’re you choosing?”

You smile at her and wink. “I think I’ll kiss you, my love.”

“It’s not like you haven’t before,” she smiles.

“Wait what?” Jake asks.

You move to your left and plant a firm kiss on Natasha’s lips, smiling when she squeezes your left boob.

“Ah just like old times,” she says when you pull away.

“Old times?!” Jake practically squeaks.

“Hush, it’s Y/N’s turn,” Nat says.

To your right, Bradley tells Jake the short but hilarious story of the time you and Natasha got so drunk, you made out. Jake’s eyes widen and he blushes, adjusting himself in his shorts.

You take the time to spin the bottle, watching as it spins for a few seconds before landing between Jake and Bradley.

“Ooo, spinners choice!” Natasha slurs. “Who’s it gonna be, Bullseye?”

You take a swig of your beer, looking between Jake and Bradley.

As much as it would be funny to see Jake get jealous that you’re kissing Bradley, you’d rather not kiss the man who was like a brother to you.

“Jake,” you declare. Jake’s eyes sparkle in delight as you crawl your way to him and ask, “What’re you choosing, Bagman?”

“Kiss,” he says simply before grabbing your face and pressing his lips to yours.

They’re soft, and expertly moving along with yours as you deepen the kiss by pressing yourself into him more.

Around you, Bradley and Natasha whoop and holler, causing you to pull away. You crawl backwards back to your spot on the floor and smile when Jake’s eyes linger on you.

“Alright, Jakey Poo,” Bradley nudges. “Your up.”

———

Three rounds later, two used passes from both you and Jake in order to not kiss Bradley, and one kiss between Bradley and Jake, it’s finally your turn to choose what you want to do with Jake when the bottle finally lands on you again.

“Seven minutes,” you say, a smile forming on your lips .

“We’ll be here.” Natasha winks at you before pulling Bradley’s arm and asking Jake , “Can Bradley borrow some swim trucks? We wanna go for a swim.”

“It’s only seven minutes,” Bradley interjects. Natasha gives him a death glare before he connect the dots and smiles.

“Sure, in the top drawer,” Jake points in his room, eyes solely on you.

You lead Jake into your room, watching as he closes the door behind him and sets a timer on his phone.

“So, Bullseye,” Jake starts, looking up from the phone with a smile before setting it on your drawer.

However, he never gets to finish what he was going to say because your lips are on his, arms wrapped around his neck.

You surprised yourself—Jake too, at that.

You’d fully expected to be shy and wait for him to kiss you, but the moment his eyes landed on yours you felt the warmth and determination fill your veins.

Jake was surprised but he loved that you were being bold. Must’ve been the liquid courage.

He pulls away, blue-green eyes bright and smile wide.

“How long have you been waiting to do that?”

“Since our first kiss,” you breathe.

Jake smiles, bringing your lips to his and body close again.

You couldn’t believe you were in his arms, kissing him, touching him. You snaked am arm to Jake’s chest, feeling his heart beat steady against your palm. You could feel his hard abs on your own, his dick hardening against your hips. Almost as if on cue, you could feel your core moisten—you were ready for him if he wanted you. You moan in to his mouth when his hands slide down your back and land on your ass, his light squeeze sending you straight to the edge but not quite over.

“Jake,” you mutter into his lips.

“Yes?” He responds, pulling away slightly and eyes searching your opened ones.

“Can you touch me?”

Jake breathes a sigh of relief. “I thought you were gonna tell me to stop.”

You laugh, about to say something else when he pulls you into another deep kiss.

This time, however, his hands wander your body. They leave your ass momentarily, trailing up the curves of your waist in a slow and passionate way—like he wanted to take his time with you.

And he did.

Jake wanted to touch every inch of your body—explore it, relish in it—before he even got to taste it. He trailed his hand up to your neck again, pulling you back a bit before walking you to the edge of the bed. “Sit for me.”

You obey, loving the way his eyes darken in lust. Your eyes follow as he squats before you, large hands landing on your thighs and sliding up and down. The motion alone sent chills down your spine.

“Did you purposely wear that shirt?” He asks, looking down at the Texas Longhorns shirt you definitely forgot you were wearing.

You nod, a smile forming on your lips.

“I let you borrow that months ago,” he says, voice gravely and deep. “I love seeing you in my shirt.”

“Yeah?” You ask. The alcohol pushes you to add, “I love seeing the way you react when I wear your shirt.”

“And how is that, Sweetheart?”

Jake’s eyes are practically oozing with need and you know it. The look sends another shiver down your spine, your nipples peaking below the orange cotton fabric. You move your hands over them, suddenly realizing he can probably see them.

He does, his eyes dart from your hands—now trying to hide your nipples—and back up to your eyes.

“Move your hands,” he orders.

You listen, placing them on the bed by your hips.

Jake’s hands wander up your thighs and hips, then linger on the fabric to the base of the shirt. He twitters with it, tugging it lightly and watching how your nipples poke out even more as he pulls the fabric.

“Can I undress you?” He asks.

“Yes,” you breathe, your voice hoarse.

———

Instantly, Jake is tugging his shirt off your body, delight filling his chest and sparking down to the tip of his dick. You’ve just said the magic words and was more than ready to act.

As soon as the t-shirt is over your head and in his fingers, he tosses to the side. His eyes drop to your breasts, full and heavy—perfect. Your nipples are pebbled and perked, just waiting for his mouth to wrap around them.

He stops himself, though. Letting his hands fall back onto your hips and slowly slide up the soft skin of your waist, finally—painfully—landing on the soft mounds of your breasts.

He hears you suck in a breath, smiling when he flicks his gaze to your eyes. Something like wonder flashes behind them and he moves his fingers to your nipples, squeezing them lightly. When you moan, he softly twiddles them between his index finger and thumb, sending another wave of moans straight to his ears.

He was already hard, his dick pressing into the silky material of the athletic shorts he’s wearing. Your moans were enough to make him cum, but he willd himself to wait. He needed to be touched by you or inside you if he was going to release.

Jake goes back to cupping your left breast, watching as you give him a confused look before bringing his lips to the soft skin around your nipple.

He kisses you at first, testing the suctioning to see what you’d do and each time, a soft moan leaves your parted lips. He moves to that peaked nipple, flicking his tongue on the surface at first. When you shudder, he wraps his mouth completely around it, lightly sucking.

“Jesus, Jake,” you lightly moan. He pulls away, doing the same to the other nipple and chuckling when you mutter, “Fuck me.”

He pulls away, leaving your once warmed nipples cold and begging to be touched again. He pulls his shirt off, grabbing the back of the shirt and pulling it forward, before tossing it along with yours.

“I figured it would be fair if I evened the playing field,” he shrugs when you raise a brow. Your laughter fills his ears and sending a warm tang down to his stomach.

Before long, he’s pressing his lips to yours again, laying you gently onto the bed, and lying between your legs. Your bare chest presses against his, warm and soft.

You curl your legs around his torso, pressing his hips into your own and groaning into his mouth when you feel his hardness against you.

Jake feels you take your nails down his back and imagines the scratches you must be forming back there. He wanted everyone who saw him undressed to know you were his.

You didn’t know it yet, but you were.

Kissing down your cheek and neck, Jake makes his way down, softly pecking your collarbone and breasts. When he reaches your stomach you let out a giggle, making him look up from where he’s hovering.

“Are you ticklish?” He asks with a smile.

“No shit,” you giggle.

Your sass makes him smile, nuzzling his nose into the side of your stomach, making you erupt in a snorting laughter.

“I’ll have to come back to that another time,” he says, pressing a kiss to your hip. “I love the sound of your laugh.”

Jake works his way to your shorts, playing with the elastic before looking to you for approval. When you nod, he slowly pulls the silky material down your hips and thighs. When he looks at you again, he finds a lacy black thong waiting for him and leaving not much to the imagination.

Jake was floored. Not only were you gorgeous, but your pussy was as well—from what he could see. He kisses over the spot where your scar is, lingering a little longer than he had with the rest of your body.

“You’re beautiful, Y/N,” he whispers into your skin.

He kisses down your hips to the pelvic area over your clit.

“Everything about you is just how I imagined it,” he continues.

“You’ve imagined it?” You ask, propping yourself in your elbows.

Jake looks up from between you legs, a small nod and a sheepish grin forming. “I’ve been waiting to touch you for three months.”

You only smile, bringing yourself closer to to his face and kissing him softly.

“So touch me then.”

———

You watch as Jake’s eyes gleam in excitement as he lowers himself back to your core, kissing over the flimsy fabric of your thong.

Each kiss sends a ripple through your core and up your spine, your pussy getting wetter by the second.

Jake notices and grins up at you. “You’re so wet I can taste you through the lacy fabric.”

You open your mouth to respond but he stops you by slowly licking over the material, warm and gentle. You suck in a breath, arching your back a bit before your eyes land on his.

His are full of amusement.

He likes this.

“Can I remove these?” He asks you, fingering the waistband of your thong.

“Please do,” you grin.

Without a word, Jake grabs the flimsy waistband and starts to pull it down. You raise your legs to help him pass your ass and he sucks in a breath. At that moment, your pussy—in all its glory—was right in his face.

He fully removes the underwear and tosses it behind him blindly, eyes only on your gleaming folds. Gently, he brings his fingers to your entrance, feeling the warmth and wetness before bring his fingers to his mouth and sucking the taste of you off.

“You taste delicious,” he tells you.

“Thank yo—”

You don’t get to finish because his face is buried in your cunt. Kissing and sucking at first but then lapping and flicking with his tongue. He starts front he bottom of your entrance all the way up to your clit before sucking lightly.

“Oh my god,” you moan.

“You like when I lick your pretty pussy?” He asks.

You nod, unable to speak because he’s lowered his head back onto you, licking and sucking for dear life.

Pleasure rings all over your body, your legs starting to buckle and shake around Jake’s head. You feel his hand roam to your entrance and sigh a moan when a finger enters you.

Jake pumps his finger in and out of you in a rhythmic manner, your walls clenching around him. You feel his pace quicken as he sucks and licks your clit, sending you back to edge you were so close to reaching before.

“I’m so close!” You tell him, bucking your hips to match with his pulsing. “Don’t stop, Jake!”

He pulls his mouth away from you before sneaking a second finger inside you.

“Say what you want, baby,” he instructs. “Call my name.”

He returns to his spot, mouth licking and sucking your clit, fingers deep and pulsing in your clenched cunt.

“Fuck!” You moan, eyes squeezing shut and then opening. You take your fingers into Jake’s hair, pulling slightly and bucking your hips harder into his face. “Please make me cum, Jake!”

Jake hums into you, sending a wave of vibration to your clit and sealing the last deal you needed to finally cum.

Electricity flares through you, stars and planets align, and you swear you heard an angel sing. Your orgasm ripples through you, Jake lapping up every single drop of it. He only stops when you’re a shaking mess under him.

You pull him up by pulling his face to yours and kiss him, tasting yourself on his tongue.

He was right, you were delicious.

You push him back before smiling and saying, “Your turn.”

But when he’s about to speak, his timer goes off.

“Turn it off,” you whine at him.

Jake chuckles before standing from the bed and walking to his phone. He turns the alarm off before walking back to the bed and kissing you.

“Let’s go check on Nat and Bradshaw,” he tells you. Then, with a wink and devastatingly cocky smirk, “You can pay me back later.”

[callsign-magnolia]

Undiagnosed // Ch. 20

Mature Content 18+

Jake Seresin x Neurodivergent OC

Summary: Katie Blair grew up trying to be the perfect daughter. She always struggled to be the prim and proper little girl her parents wanted. Big personality as a kid, but now at 25, she's the shy admiral's daughter who just keeps her head down and tries to get through law school. So what happens when she's had enough and with help from a certain Lieutenant, she gets out.

Warnings: Emotional abuse, trauma response, abusive parents, smut.

Word Count:

Chapter 19 | Masterlist

“Katie? Darlin’ you ready?” Jake yelled out. I was fixing a curl in my mirror when I replied. “I’m coming!” I yelled out, grabbing the small wallet to put in my jeans and walked downstairs. “Why are you rush…ing me?” I stared at Jake who stood in front of me in blue jeans, a large belt buckle, a light blue pearl snap shirt, black stetson and fringed chaps. “Woah.” He muttered. “Yeah, woah.” I said, looking at him. He looked so good. “You okay?” He asked and I nodded, smiling at him once I broke out of my trance. “You got a little drool right there.” I said, pointing to the corner of his lips and he quickly wiped his face. “You look gorgeous.” He said, coming around the couch and taking my waist in his hands. “And you look hot.” I said without thinking and my face grew warm with a blush. He chuckled, his hand coming up and cupping my cheek. “Thank you, darlin’.” He said, leaning forward and kissing my forehead. “Okay, the finishing touch.” Jake said. He walked over to the dining room table and grabbing a box. “Here.” He said, holding out the box towards me. “Take the lid off.” He said. I raised a brow but lifted the lid and gasped at what was inside. “Jake.” I said, pulling the white stetson out. “It’s beautiful.” I said. It was a pure snow white with a light brown leather strap around it. “I figured if you were going to dress as a cowgirl, you need a real cowgirl hat.” He said, setting the box down and gently placing the hat on my head. 

“You look gorgeous.” He said, leaning down and kissing my cheek. “Are you ready?” He asked and I nodded. I slid a small wallet and my phone in my back pocket and followed Jake out, stopping in front of the mirror we had hanging up in the foyer. I admired myself for a minute before a smile grew on my face. “Darlin’?” He asked and I turned, taking his hand and letting him lead me out to the truck. “What do you think everyone else will be dressed as?” I asked him when we were halfway there. He shrugged and squeezed my thigh. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll just have to find out.” He said, grinning at me. It wasn’t long before we pulled up to a house with cars overflowing in the driveway. Jake parked in the road and got out, rushing around to my side. “You okay?” He asked as he took my hand and helped me out. I know that no one like Coop is going to be here, but I still worry.

“Yeah, just a little nervous.” I said and he smiled at me, leaning down and kissing my forehead. “It’ll be okay. But if you ever want to leave just say the words and we’re out.” He said and I nodded, smiling up at him. “Alright.” With that he locked the truck, squeezed my hand and led us to the front door. Once there he rang the doorbell and we waited for a second before it swung open and revealed Mav in front of us in black pants and a black tank top. “Hey guys!” He said before pulling Jake into a hug and reaching for me, catching me off guard. “Hey Mav.” I said and he moved for us to step in. “Glad to see y’all made it!” He was so excited and probably had a few drinks at this point. “Come on, Penny is out back with everyone else.” We followed him out back to find the large back yard lit up, tables set up with lots of food and drinks. “Wow, y’all went all out.” Jake said and Mav nodded. “Go big or go home, right?” He said, laughing. “Help yourself to drinks, there’s plenty for everyone.” With that Mav walked away and Jake turned to me. “What do you want?” He asked, slowly walking us over to the table on the porch. “A beer will be fine.” I told him and he raised a brow at me. “You want a beer?” He asked, reaching in and pulling out a bottle. “Yeah,” I nodded. “Gotta branch out eventually.” He chuckled, popped the top off and handed it to me. “Whatever my girl wants, my girl gets.” He opened his own beer before wrapping a hand around my waist and leading me off the porch into the crowd. It wasn’t a huge crowd, but not small either. 

“Rooster.” Jake called, and a man in a brown leather jacket and khakis turned around to face us. He had a bag slung over his shoulder and a whip attached to his waist. I smirked as we approached and he flicked his hat up. “I always knew someday you'd come walking back through my door.” I said and he chuckled before pulling me into a hug. “Hey, that’s my line!” I turned to see Natasha walking over in a stunning white dress with a white rose on it. “This,” I said, pointing at her Marion Ravenwood costume. “Is scary accurate. You look exactly like her.” I said and she smiled, holding the dress out slightly. “You think?” She asked and Jake nodded. “Rooster could look like Indiana, but he’d have to shave the mustache first.” Rooster immediately covered his mustache. “The mustache goes nowhere. It stays.” He said, making us laugh. Soon a song came on and Jake dragged me into a dance. He pulled my body flush against his, his thigh almost between mine as his hand rested on my back, and my arm slung around his shoulder. “I’m very proud of my costume choices.” He said, smirking down at me, not hiding the fact his eyes drifted across my breasts. “Mhm, I’m sure you are Mr. Seresin.” I said and he roughly tugged me closer. “Say it again.” His voice dropped an octave and I wanted to melt in his arms. “Mr.Seresin.” He leaned down kissing me possessively. “Damn, do I want to take you home right now.” He said and I giggled, kissing his cheek. “But we just got here and I wanna stay.” I said, whining slightly. He just chuckled and smiled at me. “Fine, but you’re all mine later.” He said, and I smiled up at him. “I’m yours every night.” 

“Well don’t you two look cozy.” I looked behind Jake and laughed. Jake raised a brow and turned around and laughed with me. “This is hilarious!” Bob, Payback, Coyote and Fanboy were all dressed up in Ghostbusters costumes. “I think they’re pretty accurate!” Payback said, spinning around. “They are!” I said, tugging on his jumpsuit. “It just matches y’all’s personality so well.” They all grinned and struck a pose, making us laugh. “How about you get me another beer, then we can have another dance.” I said, resting my hand on Jake’s chest and he just smiled at me before nodding and heading for a cooler. “There’s so many people here.” It was a very crowded party. “Mav was very selective about who he invited.” Fanboy said as he stood next to me. “Is that your way of telling me I have nothing to worry about?” I asked and he chuckled. “Yeah. It is.” I smiled as Jake came back and handed me a second beer. “So, about that second dance?” He asked and I laughed, nodding. “Whenever you want.” 

We spent the next few hours dancing and Jake kept a constant rotation of drinks in my hand. “Okay,” I said, fumbling my words slightly. “I have to go pee. I’ll be right back.” I leaned up and kissed him. “Alright, darlin’.” With that I turned and walked away inside the house. I had to stop and think because I couldn’t remember exactly where Penny told me the bathroom was, but thankfully after a minute I found it. I went inside, seeing my mascara gathering under my eyes slightly. I giggled at myself in the mirror before cleaning up my face and using the bathroom. Once I was done, I washed my hands and fixed my hair in the mirror before admiring myself. I swung the bathroom door open, stepping out and starting down the hall. “Hey.” My eyes were a little cloudy as I looked up. While his face wasn’t clear, I knew immediately who it was by the height and the cologne. “What are you doing here?” My voice was steady when I said it, no ounce of fear could be detected, while deep down I was absolutely terrified. “It’s a party isn’t it?” Blake responded. “Besides, I haven’t seen you in a while. Thought we could catch up.” His hands fell to my waist and he stumbled forward as I backed myself into the wall. “Don’t touch me.” I snapped, smacking his hands from my waist but he was persistent. “Oh come on, Katie. We could’ve had so much fun that night on our date.” I scoffed, the adrenaline sobering me up some. “If you consider a broken nose fun then sure.” I said as I side stepped away from him. “Broken bones heal. We could give it one more shot.” He grinned at me. “You need to leave. Now! I have never had an interest in you and I never will. I have a boyfriend and I love him. So leave.” I snapped at him. “Hangman?” He laughed, gripping my wrist tightly. “He doesn’t love you, Katie. He’s too self absorbed to love anyone but himself. He’s only keeping you around because you boost his ego.” I knew he was only trying to get in my head. “You know nothing about him. Now let me go!” I said, lifting my right foot and kicking him in the gut, effectively sending him to the floor. 

His body thudded against the floor just as Natasha came around the corner. “Oh hell no. Bradley!” She said. “It’s okay, Natasha. I’ve got this handled.” I stormed towards him just as he was trying to get up. “Come on.” I hoisted him up and managed to drag him into the living room just as Bradley walked in, Mav and Jake behind him. “Katie-” Natasha stopped him. “She’s got this.” She said and Blake could hardly get his feet under him while I had him by a belt loop and the collar of his shirt. “Alright Blake.” I opened the door and stood him up straight and he turned on me. “I’ll make you regret everything, you little bitch.” He said and I smirked. “I don’t think I will. Bye, Blake.” I gave him a smile and wave, before once again, lifting my foot and literally kicking him out the door before I slammed it. I turned to everyone, a wide grin on my face. “You okay?” Jake asked, eyeing me warily. “I am great!” I said and he smiled, coming over to me and pulling me into his arms. “I love you, and that was so hot.” He whispered the last part because everyone was staring at us. “It’s a party!” I said. “Let’s go back outside and have fun!” I said. Jake grabbed my hand, pulling me back towards the backyard, following everyone else. 

We partied until about two a.m. and Jake carried me back out to the truck. “I had so much fun.” I slurred and he laughed. Jake only had two beers when we got here and quit drinking by ten p.m. “You definitely did, Darlin’.” He set me down long enough to open the door and help me in before buckling my seat belt and kissing my head. The ride home was quiet except for the radio playing quietly and me humming along. As we got home I had sobered up and managed to trudge my way up the stairs. I felt exhausted and just wanted to curl up with Jake and sleep. We got undressed, took a quick shower before crawling into our bed. “I’m proud of you for tossing him out like that.” Jake said as he tossed his arm over my shoulder and pulled me into him. “It felt good to put my foot down.” I responded and we sat in silence for a minute until he opened his mouth to ask what I knew would come up eventually. “Did he-” “Yes he made a pass at me, and I told him no and that I loved you.” I looked up at him, a small smile on my face as his finger brushed across my cheek. “He also tried to get in my head and tell me you didn’t actually love me, but I know better.” He smiled down at me, his nose brushing my own. “I’m so happy that I’ve made it clear how I feel for you, Katie. I don’t ever want you to doubt my feelings for you.” I smiled and kissed him softly. “I won’t Jake. I promise.” He squeezed me closer to him, cradling me as I drifted off to sleep. 

The following Monday was Halloween and I was more than happy when class was over. “Think you and Jake will have a bunch of kids come by for candy?” Annie asked. “I’m not sure. It’s a decent neighborhood but there’s not many kids and I’m sure parents will take their kids to the bigger neighborhoods for better candy.” The sun was very bright in my eyes as we stepped outside and I moved my sunglasses off my head to cover my eyes. “How many bags did you get?” Brooke asked. “We got five of the giant bulk bags just in case.” They laughed at my answer. “That’s so much! What are you going to do with the rest?” Annie asked and I shrugged. “Eat it?” It came out as more of a question. “Well if you do eat it, don’t make yourself sick! Those stomach aches are the worst.” Annie said, turning a little green. “Oh yeah, didn’t you tell me you ate a whole three giant bags of sour candy a few years ago?” Brooke asked and Annie blushed. “I failed a major test and got broken up with on the same day. Cut me some slack!” We all laughed. “Well I’ll let y’all know how tonight turns out. See you tomorrow!” I waved before heading for my truck.

Once I was home I found Jake pulling a sheet pan full of veggies out of the oven. “Oh wow, you’re home early. And cooking?” I asked as I set my bag down. “Well it is four thirty, kids will be coming around real soon. I’m gonna blend these into a sauce and cook some chicken. Why don’t you get dressed?” He asked, leaning over to kiss my lips. “Yes, sir.” I said, giving him a lax salute before wandering upstairs. I took my time changing into the jeans for my costume but I tossed a t-shirt on, not wanting to get anything on the top for my costume. I touched up my hair and did my makeup before going back downstairs, just in time for dinner. “Gorgeous, but where’s your top?” He asked, setting my plate on the table. “I’ll put it on after dinner. Don’t wanna get any of this sauce on it.” He smiled, pulling out my chair and letting me sit down. “So how busy do you think it’ll be tonight?” I asked and he shrugged. “I’m not too sure. I’ve talked to a few neighbors but they say it varies each year.” I nodded. “I hope we get a lot, honestly. I always enjoyed seeing people in our neighborhoods growing up.” He smiled at me. “Me too. I miss seeing my nieces and nephews trick-or-treating.” I smiled at him just as the doorbell went off. “I got it. Go put your costume on.” I said as I got up and made my way to the door. 

After a few kids coming to the door, Jake and I managed to finish our food and make our way outside. “TWICK-OR-TWEAT!” A tiny voice said as a little girl came sprinting up the driveway and to the porch. She has on a pink princess dress and her hair in little pigtails. “Twick-or-Tweat!” She said again as she made it to the porch. “Well aren’t you the cutest princess.” Jake said, kneeling down to her level and holding the bucket of candy out to her. “Thank you.” She said as she stuck her hand in the bowl, grabbing a piece of candy. “Wow.” She said as she turned to me. “You’re da pwettiest cowgorl.” She said and I smiled at her. “Thank you, I really like your dress.” She smiled, twirling a little. “My mommy made it!” She said excitedly. “Lacey! Come on!” She turned to the couple standing in the driveway watching her. “Bye bye!” She waved, rushing off. “She was absolutely adorable!” I said, barely able to contain myself and Jake turned, smiling at me. “Can I ask you something?” He asked as we sat on the steps. “Of course.” I said, taking his hand. “Have you ever-” We were cut off by a ton of kids rushing the house and screaming.

The next morning I was shaking, my nerves eating me alive. “It’ll be okay.” I said to myself in the mirror as I got my scrubs on. It is finally day one of clinicals and I have no idea how I’m going to do it. I made my way downstairs to find my lunch packed with leftovers from last night with a note on top. “You’ve got this darling. I love you and have a great day.” I smiled as I tucked it into my lunch bag before grabbing everything and heading out the door. I drove to Scripps Mercy Hospital which was kind of close to base but I still had about a thirty minute drive to get there. By the time I pulled in, I was half an hour early. I would normally sit in my truck but I was nervous so I decided to get out and make my way inside. I hiked from the back of the parking lot where we were told to park and was glad when I stepped through the door. “Hi.” I said to the security guard at the front desk. “I’m doing clinicals in the ER today.” He nodded. “Can I see your student ID?” I nodded, fishing it out of my bag and handing it to him. “Good.” He said as he hit the button under the desk and the double doors opened. “You can put your stuff in the break room, third door on the right. The charge nurse will meet all of you there.” I nodded and thanked him before wandering through the doors and back where he told me. 

As I walked in there was a girl sitting at the table eating and I smiled at her. “Student?” She asked and I nodded. “Yeah.” I said as my face grew warm. “I showed up an hour early on my first day of clinicals, too. You’ll be fine.” She said before biting into some bacon. I smiled at her and set my bag and lunch box in a corner. “Thank you. I’m Katie.” I said as I sat a few chairs down. “Crystal.” She said in reply. “How long have you been a nurse for?” She chuckled at me. “About fifteen years.” My eyebrows raised. “I’m sorry but you don’t look old enough to have been a nurse that long.” She laughed as she took the last bite of her food. “Well thank you, you just made my day.” I smiled at her. “But yes, fifteen years and man has it felt like fifteen years.” I nodded and the door opened. “Oh thank god! I was scared to be the first here!” Brooke said as she walked in. I laughed as she set her bag down. Soon a few other girls filed in, Annie being last. The class was split up between four different departments here in the hospital and I’m glad I got to start in the ED. We all sat around talking and Crystal went out to start her shift as we waited. “Good morning, ladies.” We turned to see a tall black woman standing in the doorway in royal blue scrubs. “I hope you’re all ready for your day. It’s going to be a lot to take in. I am Mya Woods, the charge nurse here at Scripps Mercy. Tell me yours.” We all went around introducing ourselves. “Alright. Now that we have that out of the way, follow me. We’ll start with a tour of the hospital.” We followed her out the door and she lead us out to a lobby past the ED. She took us to the lab, radiology, cardiology, neurology, surgery, and every other department in the hospital. By the time we got the rundown it was two o’clock and I was starving. “Okay, you have half an hour to eat. When you get back we’ll go over policy and procedure.” We all nodded and I trudged back to the break room and grabbed my lunch. 

“Hey Katie, we’re all gonna go eat outside. Want to join?” Starla, a girl in my class asked as I waited for my food to heat up. I’ve talked to the other girls in class and they’re all nice but we’ve never really spent time together. “Uh, sure.” I replied, grabbing my food and phone before heading outside. There was a large round stone table outside and we all squeezed in. “I feel like we’ve been here for ten hours.” Starla said as she rolled her neck. “If every day is going to be like this, then I don’t know if I can do this.” She said and Brooke replied. “I think Thursday will go over better, we’ll be paired up and we can start actual work, no more SOP’s and all that.” Brooke responded. “I sure hope you’re right.” Starla said and everyone else agreed. After lunch we sat in a conference room and went over all the policies and procedures and it was hard for me to focus or stay awake. So I was relieved when five came and I could leave. I gathered all my stuff and we all trekked out to our cars. “Back to the classroom tomorrow.” Annie said as she got to her car. “Joy.” I muttered as I dragged my feet to my truck. I was exhausted and was ready to sleep. 

I managed to drive home and by the time I hit the drive way I could’ve just slept in my truck but I dragged myself out. I opened the door and could hardly keep my eyes open. “Hi darlin’.” Jake said, grinning at me with his hands behind his back. “Hi.” I murmured. “What are you hiding?” I asked as I gave him a small smile. He pulled out a vase with roses in it and held it out to me. “Aw Jake. You shouldn’t have.” I took the vase as he took my backpack and lunch bag from me. “Well you deserve it. This is a big step and I’m so proud of everything you’ve done.” He pulled me into him, kissing my forehead. “What do you want for dinner?” He asked. “Pizza.” I said and he chuckled. “Go change and I’ll order it.” I nodded and turned, going upstairs to our room. I sat on the bed and untied my shoes, sighing in relief as I wiggled my toes. “A minute wouldn’t hurt.” I muttered to myself, lying back on the bed. But I quickly drifted off to sleep.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Jake asked as he checked my forehead again. “Yes, Jake. I’m not going to class and I have an eight a.m. doctor's appointment. It’s probably just the flu.” I said, my eyes drifting closed. It was currently Thursday and I was missing our second day of clinicals. Rebecca sent me home early yesterday because I was still really fatigued and started getting a fever. Thankfully, Jake was successful at getting my fever down last night. “Well I'll call and check in with you around lunch time okay?” He asked and I nodded. He leaned down and kissed my temple before leaving for work. It was five-thirty so I had plenty of time to go back to sleep. I slept until seven and got up, sliding on some athletic shorts and one of Jake’s t-shirts before making my way out the door. I was early for my appointment so after I filled out the paperwork I sat in the chair, my head lolling to the side. “Blair?” I immediately stood. “Hi.” I muttered as the medical assistant smiled at me. “Oh dear, let’s get you checked out and get you something to make you feel better.” I nodded as she led me back. We got my weight which went up and then she took my vitals. My temperature was back up, but everything else was normal. “Alright, Dr. Downs will be in in just a moment.” I nodded and sat there quietly, anxious to go back home and go to bed. 

A knock sounded on the door and it opened. “Katie. I’m Dr. Downs, nice to meet you.” The woman greeted as she came in. “Nice to meet you too.” She sat down with an ipad and smiled at me. “So, why don’t you tell me a little about what’s going on?” She said. “Well, I’m exhausted and I thought it was just from my first day of clinicals.” “Nursing school?” She asked and I nodded. “Yeah.” “That’s amazing.” I smiled at her. “I obviously have a fever, my body aches and I’m getting a headache. I’m pretty sure it’s the flu.” She nodded. “Well I will get some tests and blood work ordered right away, but you’re probably right. It’s most likely the flu.” I nodded as she typed some stuff in. “You’re not on any medications, right?” I nodded. “Correct.” She nodded. “Not even for your ADHD or depression?” I furrowed my brows at her. “Uh, yes. I have neither of those.” She raised an eyebrow. “Your full name is Katherine Scarlett Blair and your birthday is December thirteenth nineteen ninety eight right?” I nodded. “Parents are Meredith and Richard Blair?” I nodded. 

“Yeah, it says right here you were evaluated at five years old. Child shows clear and obvious signs of attention deficit hyperactive disorder with autistic traits, but does not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with autism. Child also suffers from major depressive disorder-” “Stop. You have the wrong chart. That is not mine.” I said, my hand shaking as I held it up. “Katie. Look…” I walked over and there was a photo of me attached at age five. “I know it’s hard to believe-” “I’ve never been told about this a day in my life. I want a copy of that.” She nodded. “Okay. I’ll get this printed and get your tests ready.” I nodded and sat back down. The nurse came in and drew my blood and swabbed my throat and I waited some more, anxiety eating me alive. “Well, your flu test is positive. I’ll call in an antiviral for you.” I nodded and she handed me a large stack of papers. “That is your entire diagnosis. I’m sorry, Katie.” She said and I sighed, clutching the papers. “If you have any questions, the psychologist you saw is retired, but his partner is still there. You can call them, or you can call here and I’ll help you as best I can.” I nodded, standing. “Thank you, Dr. Downs.” She nodded. “You’re welcome.”

I walked out, paid for the appointment with the credit card Jake left me and got back in the truck. I stared down at the papers in my hands, reading them in detail. Every agonizing detail and tears streaked my face as I looked at it. Once I was done I propped my arm on the window, staring out the window as I scratched a bump on my face. “Fuck it.” I tossed everything on the bench seat and pulled out of the parking lot. I drove in silence, my mind racing with every thought imaginable. It couldn’t be true, but it also makes some sense. My heart rate picked up as I turned down the familiar street and I thought I would pass out as I pulled in the driveway. Before I could lose my nerve I grabbed the papers and my phone before storming up to the front door. I slammed my fist on the door multiple times, making my anger ever so clear. I was about to do it again when the door swung open and I stared my mother in the face. “We need to have a fucking conversation. Right now.” I said before shoving past her and into the house.

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

Taglist: @wkndwlff @alltimereverie @cherrycola27 @daisydaisygoose @rosiahills22 @deanoheartspie @cornishkat @high-speed-r @fogle97 @mygyn @ohgodnotagainn @emma8895eb @senjoritanana @kmc1989 @sandaltoesocks @mamachasesmayhem @dempy @itsdesiree86 @sunderland-6 @jstarr86 @brooke-stinson @rachkon @topguncultleader @bethbunnyy @topgun-imagines @clancycucumber230 @seitmai @kkrenae @djs8891 @shanimallina87 @wildxwidow @eugene-emt-roe @hisredheadedgoddess28 @littlewhiterose @formulapierre @wade-wilsons-chew-toy @bethabear12 @halstead-severide-fan @gg-trini @memeorydotcom @schreksdoubledeckerhomechecker @inthestars-underthesun @praline357 @fanboyluvr @greaser9902 @felinegrate @lemmons1998 @thegoddessc @lynnevanss @daddyslittlevillain

[50calmadeuce]

Ch. 44: Court - Jake

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. :)

After the fifteen-minute break, everyone returned to the courtroom. You watched as Mr. Dunby stood by the judge's clerk, assisting her in setting up the video conference. A few seconds later, Jake's face appeared on the screen, and you couldn’t help but suppress a proud smile at how handsome your husband looked in his flight suit.

“Lieutenant Seresin, can you hear us?” the judge asked.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Jake replied.

“Good. I’ll have my bailiff swear you in so we can get this started,” the judge said.

You watched as the bailiff stepped forward, holding the Bible in front of Jake’s screen. “Please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

Jake nodded, his expression serious. “I do.”

Dunby rose from his seat, a look of determination on his face as he approached the screen. “Lieutenant Seresin, can you please state your full name and rank for the record?”

“Jake Seresin, Lieutenant in the United States Navy,” he replied, his voice steady.

“Thank you, Lieutenant. I know you’re serving on a mission right now, so I’ll keep this brief. Could you describe your relationship with Dr. Y/N Seresin?”

Jake’s gaze softened as he spoke. “Y/N is my wife. We’ve been married for almost five years, and despite the challenges we faced, my commitment to her has never wavered.”

Dunby nodded, encouraging him to continue. “Can you elaborate on those challenges?”

Jake took a deep breath. “We went through a rough patch, especially after we lost our child. I was deployed often, and during that time, we didn’t communicate as much as we should have. But that doesn’t change how much I love her.”

"Were you aware of Dr. Seresin's grant in Wyoming the first time and the book she was working on with Dr. Stryker?"

Jake took a deep breath and let it out. "I knew my wife was in Wyoming working on a grant, but knew nothing about the book."

Dunby nodded, sensing the significance of this information. "And during the time Y/N was working with Dr. Stryker, did you have any concerns about their professional relationship?"

Jake shook his head. "I trusted her judgment. We were having our issues, and I didn’t want to add more stress by questioning her decisions, especially when she was focused on her work."

"Did you ever have the opportunity to discuss these concerns with her?"

“No,” Jake replied firmly. “I didn’t want to interfere. I figured she would tell me if something was wrong. But looking back, I wish I had been more proactive in reaching out to her during that time.”

Dunby nodded, allowing Jake a moment to gather his thoughts. “And when you learned about Dr. Stryker’s inappropriate behavior, how did that affect you?”

Jake's jaw tightened. “I was furious. No one has the right to disrespect my wife like that. She deserved better, especially after everything she was going through. I felt helpless not being there to protect her.”

Dunby glanced at the jury, ensuring they were engaged before continuing. “Lieutenant, can you describe your relationship with Y/N?"

"After the loss of our child about five years ago, we kind of went our separate ways. No fault of my own. I contacted Y/N in regard to financial matters, but that was about it. We recently connected about 8 months ago."

Dunby nodded, taking in Jake's words. "And during those years of separation, how did you cope with the loss of your child and the strain it placed on your marriage?"

Jake's expression grew somber. "It was tough. I threw myself into my work, trying to bury my feelings. I thought I was being strong for her by keeping my distance, but in reality, it just created a larger rift between us. I should have reached out more."

"Do you believe that this emotional distance contributed to Y/N feeling isolated and alone?"

"Absolutely," Jake replied, his voice steady. "I can see that now. I was too focused on my own grief to realize she was suffering too."

Dunby leaned forward slightly. "When you reconnected eight months ago, what steps did you take to rebuild your relationship?"

Jake looked determined. "I made a promise to myself to communicate more openly. We talked about everything—the loss, our feelings, our hopes for the future. I wanted her to know that I was all in, no matter what."

"And how did Y/N respond to that?"

Jake smiled faintly. "She was hesitant at first, understandably. But as we talked more, I could see her walls starting to come down. We’ve been working on things together ever since."

"And the child she is currently pregnant with—is that yours?" Mr. Dunby inquired.

Jake grinned, and you felt a blush creeping up your cheeks. "Oh, definitely."

“How certain are you that this is your child and not Dr. Stryker’s?” Mr. Dunby asked.

“I’m garage and bedroom positive,” Jake replied with a confident grin.

The blush you had been trying to suppress now fully blossomed on your face.

The courtroom erupted in a mix of chuckles and murmurs at Jake's cheeky response, and you could feel the warmth radiating from your cheeks. The tension that had built up during the proceedings seemed to lighten, if only for a moment, as Jake's playful confidence shone through.

Mr. Dunby smiled, appreciating the levity. "That's certainly a definitive answer, Lieutenant. Can you elaborate on why you feel so assured?"

Jake leaned back slightly in his chair, the grin still evident on his face. "Because Y/N and I have been together intimately during the times she got pregnant. Plus, I trust her completely. We've talked about our future together, and this baby is part of that."

Dunby nodded, continuing to draw out Jake’s sentiments. "And this future you envision—how do you plan to be involved as a father?"

Jake's expression shifted to one of sincerity. "I plan to be there every step of the way. I want to be hands-on, to support her through this pregnancy and be the father my child deserves. I missed out on so much before, but I won’t make that mistake again."

"So, when Y/N had to go to Wyoming again, how did you feel?"

Jake took a deep breath and let it out. "I was honestly very hesitant."

"And why was that?"

"While Y/N and I were in Austin for her work convention, Dr. Stryker had approached her and told her that he had feelings for her by stating that he had never stopped thinking of her."

"How did you know this?"

"Y/N told me."

Dunby nodded, taking in Jake’s response. "And how did you react when she told you about Dr. Stryker's confession?"

Jake’s jaw tightened slightly. "I was angry, not at her, but at him. I trusted Y/N, but the fact that Dr. Stryker had the nerve to approach her like that—especially while we were working on our relationship—didn't sit well with me."

Dunby gave him a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. "So, despite your trust in Y/N, you were still hesitant about her returning to Wyoming to work with Dr. Stryker?"

Jake nodded firmly. "Yes, I was. I didn't like the idea of her being around someone who had expressed feelings for her, especially after what we had been through. But Y/N reassured me that it was purely professional, and I had to trust her judgment. I wanted to believe that she could handle the situation."

Dunby glanced at the jury, then back at Jake. "And how did you handle those feelings of hesitation while she was in Wyoming?"

Jake took a deep breath. "Her first meeting with him I went along and watched from a distance."

"And how did Y/N feel about you doing that?"

"She wasn't thrilled, but she accepted it."

"And what was Dr. Stryker's reaction?"

"From what I could tell, he didn't like it. He was surprised to see Y/N and I at the initial meeting and then very upset when we met up with him later at the restaurant at the hotel he was staying at."

Dunby nodded, processing Jake’s response before continuing. "What exactly happened at the restaurant?"

"I sat at the bar and watched my wife and Dr. Stryker work at a small table in the distance. I could tell he was upset because he kept looking at me."

Dunby leaned in, intrigued by Jake's response. "And how did you handle that? Did you approach the table at any point?"

Jake shook his head. "No, I stayed where I was. I didn’t want to interrupt their work or cause a scene. But I could see from his body language that Dr. Stryker was frustrated. He kept glancing over at me, and it was obvious he wasn’t happy that I was there."

Dunby pressed further. "Did Dr. Stryker say anything to Y/N about your presence?"

Jake nodded. "Yeah, he made a comment about how it was difficult to focus with me 'looming' in the background. He tried to make it seem like I was the one causing tension, but Y/N shut him down pretty quickly, told him we were both on the same page, and that I was there to support her, not interfere."

Dunby took a moment to absorb the information before asking, "And how did that interaction end?"

Jake smiled faintly. "Y/N handled it professionally, but after awhile she made the decision to end that days work and come back the next day alone."

"And you were okay with that?"

Jake's expression tightened as he continued. "Of course not," he repeated. "I didn’t like the idea of her going back there alone, especially knowing how Stryker felt about her. But I respected her decision. Y/N wanted to handle the situation professionally, and I had to trust her judgment, even if it didn’t sit right with me."

Dunby nodded. "But you trusted her despite your concerns?"

Jake nodded firmly. "Absolutely. My trust was never in question. It was Dr. Stryker I didn’t trust, not Y/N."

Dunby paused for a moment, allowing the weight of Jake's words to settle with the jury before concluding. "No further questions, Your Honor."

You glanced over at Dorian, catching his hateful glare directed at Jake on the screen. Surprised by the intensity of his expression, you turned back to Jake, eyebrows raised as you processed Dorian’s reaction.

As Dunby took his seat, Mr. Rowe stood up, ready to probe further into Jake's account, his expression sharp and calculating. "Lieutenant Seresin, you said you were hesitant about Y/N working with Dr. Stryker again. Isn’t it possible that your hesitation was a result of insecurities about your own relationship?"

Jake's eyes narrowed slightly, but his voice remained steady. "No. My hesitation was because I knew Dr. Stryker had overstepped professional boundaries before. My concern wasn’t about insecurity—it was about protecting my wife from someone who clearly didn’t respect those boundaries."

Rowe tilted his head slightly, trying a different angle. "But you admit that your communication with your wife had been lacking during the years after your loss. Couldn’t that have played a part in your concerns?"

Jake shook his head. "That was the past. We were in a much better place by the time she went to Wyoming again. I had no doubts about her commitment to me or our relationship."

"Then how come she never told you about Agent Maxwell?"

Jake shrugged. "Because she had fallen head over heels in love with me and didn't think nothing of it. Then when she found out she was pregnant and then we lost the baby, we became distant. We only talked about financial obligations. Nothing else."

Rowe raised an eyebrow, trying to pick apart Jake’s response. "So, despite this distance and limited communication, you weren’t concerned that she didn’t mention someone like Agent Maxwell? A man who clearly played a role in her life during that time?"

Jake met Rowe's gaze with a calm expression. "No, I wasn't concerned. When we reconnected, Y/N was open with me about everything that mattered. Max was a part of her past, someone who helped her professionally and personally when I wasn’t there for her. But our relationship is solid now, and that’s what matters."

Rowe leaned in slightly, pressing further. "But don't you think that the presence of Agent Maxwell, another man close to your wife, could have created complications?"

Jake's jaw tightened, but he remained composed. "No, because Y/N was always faithful to me. She needed someone to lean on during those tough years, but that never changed how she felt about me. She was never interested in anyone else."

"And how can you be so sure of this, Lieutenant?" Rowe pressed.

"Because Y/N never called to tell me she was leaving me," Jake replied, his voice steady. "My wife has always been upfront and honest—enough to tell me how much of a jerk I was for those four years when I barely spoke to her. I saw the calls and texts she sent; I was the one who didn’t respond. She always tried. She never gave up on me."

Jake’s gaze shifted to you, filled with regret. "And I hate myself so much for doing that to her."

A quiet tension filled the courtroom as Jake's words hung in the air. The vulnerability in his voice was evident, and even Rowe seemed to hesitate before continuing. You could feel the weight of his admission, his regret so palpable it tugged at your heart.

Rowe shifted, clearly trying to regain control of the moment. "So, you're saying that despite your absence and lack of communication during those difficult years, you believe Dr. Seresin remained fully committed to you?"

Jake nodded firmly, never breaking his gaze from you. "Yes. She never gave up on me, even when I deserved it. And I’m not giving up on her now."

"And when she was supposedly kidnapped by Dr. Stryker, how did you feel?"

Jake’s expression hardened as his eyes locked onto Dorian, the man responsible for so much pain. His gaze was sharp, filled with a controlled but palpable anger.

"There was nothing ‘supposed’ about it," Jake said, his voice steely. "He took her—against her will—and I wasn’t there to stop it. Knowing she was in danger and I couldn't protect her tore me apart."

Dorian shifted uncomfortably in his seat under the weight of Jake’s stare. The tension in the room thickened as Jake’s words landed with a quiet intensity.

"I’m a fighter pilot," Jake continued, his voice firm. "I’m trained to handle high-pressure situations. But when I found out she was taken, I felt powerless. And that’s not a feeling I handle well when it comes to my wife."

Rowe, sensing the emotional tide in the room, quickly adjusted his approach. "But Lieutenant, you must admit that hearing from Deputies that your wife no longer wanted to be with you was no surprise to you."

Jake looked at the attorney. "It was a lie. As I stated before, Y/N is upfront and honest. She would never leave me with a note or a phone call. She would do it in person."

Rowe pressed further, his tone more insistent. "But you have to acknowledge that your past communication issues could have left room for misunderstandings. It’s not unreasonable to think she might have felt neglected or unhappy."

Jake's brow furrowed, but he stood his ground. "I won’t deny that we had issues. But I also know that when we reconnected, we were on the same page. She never indicated to me that she wanted to leave. In fact, it was quite the opposite. We were working on rebuilding our relationship."

"And how did you feel when your wife's on ranch hand called another man to find her when she was kidnapped?"

Jake's expression darkened, and his jaw clenched at the mention of the ranch hand. "That was a situation I never wanted to be in. I felt frustrated and helpless knowing that someone else was trying to step in when I should have been the one to protect her."

Rowe leaned forward, sensing an opportunity. "So you admit that you were not there for her when she needed you the most?"

"I was there. I just didn't know what to do. I'm a fighter pilot. Not a detective." Jake's eyes narrowed, his frustration boiling beneath the surface. "I can't control how others react to situations. All I know is that Y/N and I had reconnected and were committed to each other. It hurt to think someone else had to intervene, but I trust her judgment. She has always been the one to choose her path, and I believe she chose me."

Rowe smirked slightly, sensing he was getting under Jake's skin. "So, you really believe that she didn’t feel isolated or alone during those years apart?"

"I know she felt alone," Jake admitted, his tone shifting to one of vulnerability. "But she also knew I loved her. We both made mistakes, but we were actively working to fix them. I believe in her and in us."

"Then why didn't you tell anyone that you were married?"

You watched the screen to see Jake's reaction.

Jake's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise mixed with irritation crossing his face. He opened his mouth to respond, clearly taken aback by the question. "I didn't think it was necessary," he replied, his tone steadying. "My marriage to Y/N was a private matter between us. I wasn’t hiding it; I just didn’t feel the need to broadcast it to everyone."

Rowe leaned in, a hint of mockery in his voice. "But wouldn’t you agree that a marriage is something worth mentioning? Especially when you're in a profession where relationships can easily become complicated?"

Jake's jaw tightened, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "Of course, it’s worth mentioning, but my focus has always been on my duties and missions. When you're deployed, you have to keep your head in the game. I never thought my marital status was the most pressing issue at the time."

Rowe pressed further, sensing an opening. "So, you're saying that your commitment to your wife took a backseat to your career?"

Jake shook his head firmly. "No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. My commitment has always been to Y/N. I was focused on my job because it was necessary, but that doesn't mean I love her any less or that our marriage isn't important to me."

Rowe smirked, trying to exploit any weakness. "But with all that time apart, wouldn’t it make sense for you to remind people about your marriage? To prevent any misunderstandings?"

Jake's eyes narrowed as he responded, "I can’t control how others perceive my life. What matters is that Y/N and I know what we mean to each other."

You watched as Rowe walked back to his desk and pick up a piece of paper. "But you had no problems talking with a woman by the name of Sierra," he said as he read from the paper.

Jake's expression shifted, a mix of confusion and irritation flaring in his eyes. "What does Sierra have to do with this?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with tension.

Rowe smirked, enjoying the moment. "Sierra was a friend of yours, correct? You had no issues communicating with her during your separation from Y/N. Wouldn't you agree that the fact you maintained a connection with her raises questions about your commitment to your marriage?"

Jake leaned forward slightly, his jaw tightening. "Sierra is a colleague, and I never pursued anything romantic with her. We were friends, and that's all it was. I’ve always been honest about my feelings for Y/N, even when things were rocky."

Rowe raised an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed. "But if you were so committed to your marriage, why entertain any friendships with women during that time?"

Jake shook his head, his frustration evident. "Friendships don’t undermine my commitment to Y/N. I’m not going to isolate myself from everyone else just because I'm married. If that were true, then I wouldn't work with all the female fighter pilots I do work with."

Rowe pressed on, undeterred. "But wouldn't it be reasonable to think that maintaining friendships with women, especially during a tumultuous period in your marriage, could lead to misunderstandings?"

Jake straightened, his tone firm. "I can't control how others interpret my friendships. My priority has always been Y/N. I would never let anyone else come between us. The relationships I had with my colleagues were professional, and I never crossed any lines."

Rowe leaned in, his voice dripping with skepticism. "So you're saying that your interactions with Sierra were purely platonic? Even after your marriage had already hit some rocky waters?"

Jake’s eyes narrowed, and he responded sharply, "My heart has always belonged to Y/N."

Rowe smirked, sensing an opportunity to exploit Jake's emotions. "But you've admitted that during those rocky years, communication was lacking. Isn't it possible that those unresolved feelings made you more vulnerable to developing connections with someone like Sierra?"

Jake’s jaw tightened. "I won’t deny that there were challenges, but that doesn’t mean I sought comfort elsewhere. I was focused on my job. Did I occasionally go out out? Yes, but who doesn't?"

Rowe seized the moment, pressing further. "So, you're saying that going out with friends was a way to cope with the difficulties in your marriage? Isn’t that just a way of avoiding the real issues between you and Y/N?"

Jake shook his head, a hint of frustration in his voice. "No, I wasn't avoiding anything. I was trying to manage a tough situation the best way I could. Going out with friends doesn’t mean I was looking for something outside my marriage."

Rowe leaned closer, lowering his voice as if trying to draw Jake in. "But don’t you see how that could create distance? You admit that communication was lacking, yet you were spending time with someone like Sierra. Doesn't that contradict your commitment to Y/N?"

Jake's eyes flashed with determination. "It doesn't contradict anything. I was trying to figure out how to navigate my life, and I’ve always prioritized Y/N. She’s the one I love, and nothing changes that."

Rowe smirked again, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "So you’re saying that even while you were maintaining friendships, your focus was solely on Y/N?"

"Yes," Jake replied, his voice steady. "Y/N is my priority, no matter what. I know that I messed up in the past, but I’m committed to making things right. That’s what matters now."

Rowe paused, as if considering his next move. "But wouldn’t it be fair to say that those friendships, especially with women, could lead to misunderstandings or even emotional infidelity?"

Jake’s expression hardened. "I believe in loyalty. I was never unfaithful to Y/N, emotionally or physically. If I had any doubts about my commitment, I wouldn’t have fought so hard to reconnect with her."

Rowe's smirk faded slightly as he assessed Jake's unwavering conviction. "No further questions, Your Honor."

As Rowe returned to his seat, you could see the tension in the room shifting. Jake’s resolve and dedication to you were clear, and it filled you with pride and hope.

The judge looked at Jake on the screen. "Thank you so much, Lieutenant Seresin and may you be safe on your mission."

Jake nodded. "You're welcome, Your Honor."

The screen went blank and the judge looked at Dunby. "Anything else, Mr. Dunby?"

"I'd like to recall Dr. Y/N Seresin to the stand."

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

[writing-until-i-drop]

Wildflowers For A Hangman Ch. 4

Summary:

Daisy, a career novelist, moves in with her college best friend Phoenix who has been permanently assigned to Top Gun with Dagger Squad. She finds herself instantly connected with a cocky pilot who's soft only for her and Jake can't help but want to know everything about her. When the past comes knocking at both of their doors, will they stand together or fall apart?

Or: The Dagger Squad can't cook and Jake falls in love with a woman who makes a mean lasagna while they work their personal trauma.

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x writer!femOC | 18+ (eventually) minors dni. Fluff, smut (eventual), idiots in love, past trauma.

A/N: Cassandra isn't speaking to Daisy and her work suffers but a call from her brother should make everything better, right?

AO3 Link

Previous Chapter

Cassandra wasn’t cooperating today and I knew better than to try and force it. Instead, I tried my hand at writing something overtly and didn’t make it a full page before scrapping the entire project. I’d had a few boyfriends before but none of them had given me the foot-popping, sparks-flying, kind of romance people wrote about. 

In a desperate attempt to get something done, I wrote a few paragraphs more of an abandoned project about a kid detective trying to solve the theft of a neighbor’s lawn gnome. It wasn’t my most inspired piece of work, one of the many reasons Jason had told me to drop it, but it felt good to write something. 

After completely throwing in the towel, I cleaned the apartment and made a double batch of M&M cookies, snacking on the chocolate candies as I went. Once the kitchen was cleaned again, I realized that I had made enough cookies to feed an army without an army to feed. 

Daisy: Movie night at our place with the daggers? 

Daisy: I may have stress baked

After an hour, Natasha responded affirmatively and I decided to run to the store for more snacks. While debating between Dorito flavors, my phone rang, Harvey’s picture flashing on the screen.

“Hey, Harv,” I greeted him, adding both bags of chips to my cart. “How are my girls?” 

“Driving me crazy as usual,” Harvey laughed and I felt a bit lighter inside. There had been a point in our childhoods where I felt resentful that Harvey could be so happy but my therapist and a healthy dose of prescriptions had helped me past that. “How’s life in California?” 

“Hot,” I joked. “The sun’s insufferable but it’s good to be living with Tasha again. She’s got some great friends that I bribed with cookies into accepting me as one of them.” 

“Of course you did, your cookies could broker world peace.” I chuckled, waiting for Harvey to cut to the chase as I continued to throw all the snack foods I could find into the cart including frozen pizzas and chicken wings. “August is coming to an end.” There it was. I sighed but stayed silent, “How are you doing, DeeDee?” 

“I’ve already scheduled the flowers to be sent to their graves and-” 

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” 

“I’m fine, Harv. I’m keeping busy, trying not to think about it.” Something fell behind me and I nearly jumped out of my skin, white-knuckling the cart. It was like a switch flipped, all of my nerves lighting on fire, the acute paranoia I’d worked so hard to rid myself of sprinting to the forefront of my mind. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as Harvey’s voice faded into a soft buzzing. Was someone watching me? No, no one was watching me. I tried to shake off the feeling, moving at a snail’s pace through the aisle. I looked down at my feet and I could have sworn I saw red despite the canvas being black. 

“Daisy?” I heard my name through the fog, “Daisy Louise? DeeDee, you’re okay. You’re okay, everything’s okay, DeeDee.” Harvey. Harvey was calling for me. Where was he? I had to get to him. “I’m okay, DeeDee. I’m safe.” The fog pulled away and I was on the floor of the frozen aisle, my phone beside me. 

“Harvey?” 

“I’m here, I’m alright, DeeDee.” He soothed, “Are you okay?” I grabbed the phone, tucking my head between my knees.

“I’m okay, Harv. I just…”

“I know, it’s okay. It’s normal but you should call Natasha and have her pick you up.” That was completely off of the table. I could handle this by myself, all I needed to do was get to my feet and everything would be okay. “I love you, DeeDee.”

“I love you too, Harvey.” I sat on the floor with my head in my hands for a few seconds after hanging up, evening out my breathing until I didn’t think I was going to pass out anymore. I struggled my way through checkout, my mind drifting and then snapping back to reality with everyone off-kilter sound I heard or thought I heard. But when my hands were shaking too hard to put the keys in the ignition, I put my pride inside and called Tasha. 

“Phoenix’s phone,” Coyote picked up and I nearly ended the call, “Daisy?” 

“Is Tasha there?” Fuck, I sounded like I had been crying. My voice wavered, full of emotion.

“She’s in the air, what’s wrong, Daisy?” Coyote was all business and I appreciated him for it.

“It’s fine, nevermind,” I even failed at convincing myself that things were fine. Coyote sighed then replied in a soft, quiet voice.

“Daisy, Nat told me that sometimes you have anxiety attacks. Is that what happened?” Damn it. Natasha had helped me through more than her fair share of them in college, it only made sense that she would tell someone important to her like Coyote.

“You can’t tell anyone,” I sighed, “I just, I’m at the grocery store and I don’t know if I should be driving home like this.” I heard Jake’s voice in the background and tensed, “Don’t tell Hangman.” Coyote chuckled,

“Yes, ma’am. Alright, there’s two ways this can go. I can ask Mav for permission to come get you or I can call Penny.” Neither option sounded preferable. “Penny’s going to ask a lot of questions because she’s a mom and then she’s going to tell Mav anyways. I will ask no questions because I’ve already got an idea of what’s going on.” 

“As long as Mav’s the only extra person in the loop,” I relented. “And Javy? Thanks.” 

Javy showed up in his flight suit not long after and I was distracted for a second by just how handsome he was. Natasha’s taste in men had gotten a lot better since college.

“Do you want to stop for food on the way back? Sugar will make you feel better after an adrenaline dump like that.” I nodded, thanking him again for showing up. “You’re part of the squad now, Daisy, no thanks necessary.” The sentiment warmed my heart, a soft smile appearing despite the embarrassing situation. 

“Can we get Wendy’s? It’s my favorite.” A spicy chicken nugget and a Dr. Pepper sounded amazing right now. Javy messed my hair like a big brother,

“Whatever you want.” After a few minutes of listening to the radio in silence, Javy glanced over at me. “So, what do you think of Hangman?” 

“What do you think of Tasha?” I shot back, not expecting him to answer but he took me by surprise.

“She’s one hell of a woman and a fantastic pilot.” Javy grinned like a lovesick idiot and I found myself smiling too, “I’m lucky she gives me the time of day if I’m being honest.” He glanced over at me again, still smiling and I rolled my eyes. “Your turn.” 

“Hangman’s a flirtatious ass,” Javy barked with laughter, pulling into the Wendy’s. “But Jake’s nice and he listens to me when I go on my rants about random shit. Like, I swear he probably listened to me talk about Sherlock Holmes for an hour the other night.” 

“Hour and a half,” Javy snickered, “We timed it.” I couldn’t even be mad, laughing with him.

“Not even Tasha would let me go on like that! So yeah, I think Jake’s pretty great.” I brushed my hair into my eyes to hide my blush, “Anyways, I’ll take a spicy number ten with a Dr. Pepper, please.” 

“Do you want a frosty too?” Yep. Natasha’s taste in men had definitely improved.

After cooing over me like a mother hen and calling Harvey to let him know I was okay, Natasha took Harvey to get his car. After taking a shower and finishing the large frosty Javy bought me even when I told him not to, I felt a lot better. Well enough to respond to the texts Jake had been sending me. 

Jake: Everything okay? 

Jake: Coyote told me to mind my business and that you were fine but I want to hear it from you

Jake: Phoenix also told to mind my business

Jake: Honey I need to hear it from you

Jake: If you don’t text me in ten minutes I’m coming over

I rolled my eyes but the butterflies in my stomach took flight, swirling in delight that Jake was concerned for me. 

Daisy: Listen to Javy, pretty boy. I’m fine

Jake: Too late

“If this boy isn’t careful, I’m going to fall in love with him,” I whispered to the empty kitchen, ripping open a packet of M&Ms. 

X

“Hey,” Daisy greeted me with a lazy smile, throwing back a palmful of M&Ms. Something was off about her but I couldn’t put my finger on it just yet. I was going to figure it out though, you could bet on that. 

“Hey, Wildflower. How are you feeling?” She rolled her eyes like she didn’t have a care in the world but her shoulders tensed. Coyote had been tight lipped over why he had left work early but with how both he and Phoenix were acting, I knew it had to be Daisy and that had spun me up into a twister of anxiety that eased a little seeing her.

“I told you I was fine, see?” She gestured down her body. Daisy was in cartoon pajama shorts that showed off her pale thighs and a tank top, her endless curves on display from top to bottom. I swallowed hard, my mind filled with thoughts of running my hands over her hips, spreading her knees, and eating Daisy for dessert on Phoenix’s counter. “I’m perfectly fine.” 

“You look fine as hell, sweetheart,” Daisy blushed hard, her chest and cheeks burning red. “But you know it’s not your body I’m asking about.” I crossed the room, needing to put my hands on her even if I shouldn’t.

“Okay, Hangman,” She grumbled, using my callsign like she always did when I said something flirty. My hands landed softly on her hip and her cheek, forcing her to stay close and look at me. Daisy relaxed, eyes fluttering shut. “I’ll be fine, Jake,” She whispered and I felt myself melt. This girl had no idea that I was putty in her hands.

“Of course you will be,” I promised, “Because I’m going to be right here by your side.” Daisy smiled, eyes still closed, nuzzling her cheek like a cat into my hand.

“You’re laying it on pretty thick again, Hangman.” God this girl. She didn’t believe a word that came out of my mouth if it veered even the slightest bit away from platonic. I had my work cut out for me but when she opened her dark eyes and smiled at me like I hung the stars and the moon, I knew I was up to the task. “Do you want a cookie?” What I wanted was to kiss her forehead but a cookie would work for now. 

The rest of the daggers showed up a little bit later and while Daisy played the role of the perfect hostess, I pulled Coyote off to the side. 

“Should I be worried?” Coyote glanced over my shoulder to where Daisy was and then shrugged.

“I don’t think so, at least, not at the moment anyways.” My heart clenched, needing to know more but he shook his head before I could ask. “Nothing about this situation is my business to share, man. When she’s ready to tell, she’ll tell.” 

“We should watch a horror movie,” Bradley suggested, the loud agreement of the squad interrupting our conversation. Coyote patted me on the shoulder, heading for the kitchen. When she was ready to tell, she would tell me. I had to trust that that would be the case. Right? 

“Hangman, get some food before Bob eats it all!” Rooster shouted for my attention. Bob was blushing with a plate piled high with food, praising Daisy’s homemade mac and cheese so that’s what I scooped up first. I didn’t miss how Phoenix was hovering behind Daisy, watching her like a hawk. I said a little prayer, hoping that Daisy would find the right moment to tell me what was going on sooner rather than later.

With a plate full of snacks, we all scattered around the living room. Daisy came right to me with a blanket, a blush on her cheeks, not looking me in the eyes as she took a seat beside me. She was the one person without a plate of food and turned me down when I offered her some of my chips,

“I’m not hungry,” She whispered, bringing the blanket up to her chin. “Javy got me Wendy’s.” He was Javy to her now? I glanced over at my best friend, who was not so subtly making eyes at Phoenix while she and Rooster argued over what horror movie we were going to watch. Rooster won when he threatened to tell a story that had Phoenix slapping a hand over his mouth.

It ended up being about some demon who was influencing people to murder others but the special effects weren’t all that believable. I much preferred a 90s action flick or, when alone, a Hallmark movie on occasion. With every passing minute, Daisy inched closer to my side, the blanket moving higher up her face. Seizing the opportunity, I dropped my plate on the table and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, bringing her close. 

“Not a fan of horror?” I whisper, she shook her head, eyes locked on the screen as the possessed man picked up a hunting knife. 

“Murder,” She whispered back, her hand tentatively resting on my thigh.

“Aren’t you a crime novelist, sweetheart?” I teased, trying to ignore how good it felt to have her hands on me.

“That’s different,” Daisy insisted, jumping at something on screen but I wasn’t watching the movie anymore, my focus was solely on her. Daisy looked terrified. I shifted sideways and pulled her face into my chest, forcing her attention off of the movie and whatever it was that was scaring her so much. Her hand moved from my thigh to my chest, fingers digging into my shirt. 

“It’s okay, I’ve got you, baby,” I whispered into her hair, kissing her head. “It’s just a movie.” Daisy went limp in my hold and I pulled her sideways onto my lap, Bob looked and quickly looked away but it didn’t seem like anyone else noticed. Not that I would care if they did, if this was what Daisy needed, then it’s what I was going to do. I squeezed her thigh gently and began stroking my thumb back and forth, “I’ve got you.” 

“I know,” Daisy whispered into my shoulder. After a moment she added, “If I’m too heavy-” She stopped when I squeezed her thigh,

“You can sit on my lap whenever you want, Wildflower.” 

“My gentleman,” She sighed and I felt a glimmer of hope. She didn’t call me Hangman.

Next Chapter

[sarahsmi13s]

Duckie

Chapter 8

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

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

word count: ~6.3k 

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

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

so despite the wait, i hope you like it

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

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

duckie universe

ch 7  ch 9

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

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

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

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

And you could see that.

********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Hey Nicky wanna get in the water now?”

He nodded vigorously, “Yes Mama!”

****

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nick stomped his little foot, “Wanna stay!”

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

You sighed and hung your head before going to him. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Hermit cwaaaaab!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

****

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

“Maaamaaa?” Your toddler called from your bed.

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

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

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

He giggled and curled up to escape your hands, “Ah! Mama!” You laughed and continued to tickle him as he flopped onto the bed. You kissed all over his face, “Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!”

You pulled back and took a breath, “Okay baby, Mama has to finish getting ready.” Nick giggled and starfished in the middle of the bed and you went to your bathroom. “You wanna help mama brush her hair?”

Nick nodded, “Yeah!” He rolled onto his stomach and slid into the floor before going into the bathroom.

****

“Duckie, you look good. You sure this isn’t a date?”

“Yes, Hayden, I’m very sure this isn’t a date. I actually have a list of things to look for,” you said, matter of factly.

Hayden put his hands up, “Okay, okay… But I mean you look-” “Hayden, you’re pressing,” Serenity said as she played with Nick.

“Right, sorry. But still, you look great, Duckie.”

You smiled and ruffled his hair, “Thank you Hayden.” You slipped on your shoes and clipped your hair up with a claw clip.

“Okay, I’ve still got fifteen min-” Your sentence is cut short by tires in your driveway. You chuckled, “Military man, should have guessed he’d be early.”

You waited for a honk or something but one never came.

But, then there was a gentle knock on your door.

Your heart rate elevated and you couldn’t hide the grin as you went to open the door.

“Jake,” you said a little breathlessly, smiling as you took in his appearance.

His blond hair wasn’t gelled, allowing it to fluff and rest against his forehead. The green checkered shirt he was wearing matched his eyes and showed off his biceps and tanned arms. His light wash jeans hugged the tops of his thighs but were loose the rest of the way down and bunched around his ankles, brandishing his brown cowboy boots with the contrast.

“You look… good,” you smiled, eyes trailing back up to his eyes.

He chuckled, smiling to show off his forming smile lines, “So do you, Y/N.”

You felt the heat on your face as you bit your lip and looked at your shoes bashfully

“Han’man?”

You turned as Jake looked around you and inside.

“Nicky, hey buddy,” Jake smiled as Nick ran over. Nick wrapped his arms around Jake’s leg, “G’moorrnniing!”

Jake squatted down to give him a proper hug, “Good mornin’ little man!” 

Nick put his hands on Jake’s shoulders, “Have fun wiff Mama today! I not going cause Mama said I would get too hot and I wouldn’t have fun. So, I’m playing with Hay and Ren today!”

“Well that sounds fun, and I promise your mom and I will have fun. I’ll make sure she gets home safe.”

Nick nodded before running back to the living room as Jake stood back up.

You smiled and looked at the floor before looking up at Jake, catching the flowers in his hand. “You-you brought me flowers?”

He furrowed his brow before looking at the bouquet in his hand, “Oh! Yeah, yeah, I did. I hope that’s okay. I know this isn’t r-really a date, but-”

“Jake, Jake!” He looked back up at you and you smiled softly, “They’re lovely, thank you.” You gently took them from him, your hands brushing together and making you both blush.

“Would you like to come in for some coffee? We’ve got about thirteen minutes before we need to leave,” you offered, holding the flowers to your chest. He smiled, “Sure, that sounds great. Thank you.” You smiled and led him into your home, “Kitchen’s this way.”

“Where do you keep your vases?” Jake asked once you got to the kitchen. “Oh, um, I think they’re under the sink.” Jake nodded and looked under the sink, “Ah-ha! Gotcha!”

He stood up, “This one okay?” You turned from the drawer you were digging in to see the tall mason jar. “Oh yeah that’s perfect.” He nodded and stood to rinse it out and filled it before sitting it on the island.

“Thank you, Jake,” you said as you smiled, putting the cut stems into the water.

You turned to the cabinet, “Iced coffee or hot coffee?” “Hot if you got it.” You nodded and grabbed a mug and poured him a cup.

“Here you go, there’s sugar and dry creamer, liquid creamer is in the fridge, if you want it,” you told him before grabbing your mason jar glass and opening the fridge.

He thanked you before adding a little bit of sugar. “So, have they done this farmer’s market before? Or is this like a new thing?”

“Oh they’ve done it before, started back when I was a kid. They took off for a while, started it back up a few years ago. Actually the year before I moved back.”

He nodded and sipped his coffee as you sirred yours.

“And a lot of the booths are military families.”

“Oh really? That’s cool.”

“I think there’s a care package booth too. They… They um,” you smiled a little to yourself. “They put it together right there in front of you. My mom would get one made for my uncle every year if he was deployed when we went.”

Jake smiled, “You said your brother was on deployment right?” You nodded back, “Mhmm.” “Well we need to make sure we stop by that booth.”

You looked up at him, “Wait really?” He nodded and sat his mug down, “Of course. I can tell that you and your brother are close, even though I may or may not know him.”

You snorted a bit, “Right, I haven’t told you about him. Honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t ask Penny about him.” He crossed his arms and shrugged, “I won’t lie, I did want to ask. Buuuut, I figured you’ll tell me when you want me to know. I’m not entitled to that information.”

And there were the butterflies again.

Yeah, he did the bare minimum and didn’t try to find out more about you through other people. But the fact he was willing to admit it and be upfront with you was something you really liked, especially after being with Chad.

“Thank you,” you said before sipping your coffee. Maybe today you should tell him; just let him know in case there is any tension between them and if that’s a turn off to being friends, or more.

“Of course.”

You both smiled and continued to drink your coffee and talk for the next fifteen-ish minutes.

“We should probably get going, it opens at 0900 and it takes about 30-45 minutes to get there,” you said when you noticed the time on the microwave.

Jake nodded and rinsed his cup out, “Where do you want this?” You blinked for a second, a little surprised he didn’t just leave it in the sink. “Oh um,” you checked the dishwasher and saw that it was full. “You can just leave it in the sink, I’ll wash it when I get home.”

“Nonsense,” he waved you off and pointed to your glass. “Are you done?” You looked down, “Oh yeah.” You dumped out the ice and put the jar in the basin, “I’ll wash it. It’s not a big deal.”

Jake ignored you and grabbed the rag. “Jake, you don’t have to do that.” “It’s not a problem. You invited me in for coffee, it’s the least I could do. And plus, it’s two dishes.”

You smiled gently at him, “Thank you.” He smiled back and watched you go to the living area.

“Nick, come give Mama a hug.”

****

You and Jake walked past the booths, laughing and stopping when you see something that is on your list.

“Hey, isn’t honey on your list?” Jake asked, stopping as he saw a table full of jars of honey. You hummed and looked down at your list. “Oh, yes! Yes it is.”

Jake smiled as you came over, smiling as you looked at the jars.

“Hi, how can I help you?” The lady behind the table asked with a sweet smile.

Jake watched you smile back, just as sweet. “Hi, I was just wondering what flavors you had?” “Oh we have regular, orange blossom, and lemon honey syrup.”

You bit your lip, “Man, I want all of them..” You looked down at your list. “Okay, I’ll take a pint of regular honey and the lemon honey syrup.” She smiled and grabbed the two, “Is that all?” You nodded and pulled out your wallet, “Yes, for now, I may swing by before we leave.”

She nodded as she wrapped them in tissue paper before putting them in a little crate then into a paper bag.

“That’ll be twelve dollars.” You smiled and handed her the cash, “There you go.”

“Thank you, you two have a good day.” “You too thank you.”

You looked back at your list, “Fruits are next and then care package and then roam the crafts.” Jake chuckled and nodded, “Okay, I’ll catch up in a second.”

You smiled at him, “Alright.”  You thank the lady again before walking away to the fruit stands.

Jake watched you walk away before turning to the table. “Can I get you anything sir?” “Yes,” he smiled and took out his cash, “I will take two pints of the orange blossom.”

The woman gave him a slightly knowing smile as she did what she did with yours. “Twelve dollars.”

He smiled again and gave her fifteen, “Here ya go ma’am, keep the change.” She smiled as Jake walked away, “Thank you, have a good day!”

Jake found you at a peach stand, “Peaches?”

Your head whipped up and you smiled at him, “Nick loves them, his dad loved them too.” Jake smiled as he saw that glimmer of love in your eye.

You and Jake held eye contact for a moment, just looking at each other with smiles on your faces.

A baby giggling in the booth next to you knocked you both out of your trance.

Jake jumped a bit and shook it off, “Wha-what do you make with the peaches?”

You giggled and picked through the peaches, “My mom had a cobbler recipe that I love and Nick likes it too. I’ll juice them and make tea. Then other times we just eat them.”

“My grandma makes amazing peach cobbler,” his eyes trailed to the apple stand. “Her apple pie however, is what she’s known for.”

You smiled at him, “So are apples your favorite?” He chuckled and shook his head, “No actually. I love oranges. Always have.”

“Any desserts your mom makes with them?” Jake nodded with a huge smile, “She makes a loaf cake, it’s amazing.” You smiled, “That sounds delicious.”

“I’ll have to make it for you sometime.” You nodded and finished picking out your peaches and giving them to the woman to weigh, “I would like that.”

“Thank you,” you said as you traded eight dollars for the fruit. “Okay, just a few more booths. Then we can go to lunch.”

Jake nodded, “We can check out the food trucks.” “Oh, yeah! But if we get snow cones we can’t tell Nick… or Hayden.” You and Jake laughed as he made a zipper motion over his lips, “My lips are sealed.”

You nodded, “Thank you.” You grabbed his hand, “C’mon let’s go.” He grinned as you pulled him along, fruit stand to fruit stand.

****

“Okay, let’s go get that care-”

“Miss Bradshaw!”

You turned over your shoulder, “Oh Cheyenne! Hi, how are you?” “Good, I’m good. How are you?” You nodded and smiled as you walked over to her booth, Jake right behind you, “I’m good, Cheyenne.”

“Nicky not with you today?” She asked as she stood up. “Oh no, he’s with Hayden and Serenity today. He would have gotten too hot or run around.” She nodded, “I can understand that. Max is the same way. Except he’s seven.”

You and Jake laughed as she huffed with a grin, “Which is why he is at our dad’s house today.”

Then Cheyenne noticed Jake, “Ohh, who is this?” You blushed and looked up at him, “This-This is um, Jake. He’s a pilot for the Navy.” She nodded, “Oh, and he’s your friend right?” Her emphasis on ‘friend’ making you and Jake blush.

You and Jake looked down at the table. “Oh, did you make these?” Jake asked, trying to change the subject. 

“I did, and Miss. Bradshaw, I made this for you to send to Bradley.” She held out a crocheted rooster to you. “Oh my goodness, Cheyenne! It’s so cute, he’s gonna love it. Thank you!”

She smiled, “You’re welcome.” You looked up at her, “How much do I owe you?” “Oh, no, Miss. Bradshaw, it’s free.” “Are you sure? You must have spent days on this.” She nodded, “I’m sure.”

You smiled at her again, “Thank you.” Cheyenne nodded back with a smile.

You looked down at the table and saw something, “Awe Nick would love that… but he has so many stuffed animals already.” You bit your lip and bounced on your toes.

After the internal argument you groaned. You wanted to get it for him but you still needed to get Bradley’s care package squared away. “I’ll come back and see if it’s still here.”

Jake watched you walk away and looked at the table. “I think you know what I’m about to ask.”

She laughed, “For little Nick Bradshaw? Five dollars.” “No, don’t do that. How much, actually?” “Ten.” He nodded, “That’s better.” He held out a ten and she put the crocheted animal in a bag.

“Here you go Jake.” “Thank you, have a good day,” he smiled and walked toward the care package booth.

“Jake?” Cheyenne said as she came up to him.

“Yes?”

“She likes you. A lot. I can tell in the way she looks at you.”

Jake smiled and looked over at you, “I like her a lot too.” Cheyenne smiled and nodded before going back to her booth.

He chuckled and shook his head, his heart feeling a little lighter that he wasn’t seeing things when you looked at him.

He made it to the booth as you were finishing up.

“Bradley is going to love this, Y/N!” You nodded with a smile, “I know and can you put this in there? It’s from Nick.” “Oh of course, I bet Rooster loves getting these shells from his nephew.” You smiled again, “Yeah, he sends some back from Virginia Beach sometimes. Or wherever they’ve docked.”

The woman behind the table smiled, “That’s so sweet. Let me get this totalled up for you, I’ll be right back.”

You nodded and turned as you saw Jake approach.

“Got it all sorted?” You nodded, “Sure did.”

He smiled down at you, his hand moving to rest on your lower back, but he forced it down. “So, roaming the crafts is next?”

You nodded, “Yes! And then lunch.” “Sounds fantastic,” he grinned at you as you smiled up at him.

“Thank you for coming with me today Jake.”

“Of course, I’m having a lot of fun actually.”

You nodded and smiled wider to match his smile, “I’m having a lot of fun too.”

****

“Okay I have a question,” Jake proposed as he sat down with his burger and fries.

You froze a bit, before nodding as you sat next to him, “What’s up?”

“Well, it’s not so much of a question as it is like a statement that could wind up being a question,” he rambled with a fry in his hand.

You giggled, “What is it, Jake?”

“I think I know your brother.” You stayed silent but nodded. “Now here’s the question, is it Bradley Bradshaw, a.k.a Rooster?”

You sighed and nodded, “Yeah, that’s my brother.”

He nodded, “We were in flight school together.” “Really?” He nodded again and took a bite of his burger, “He wasn’t the biggest fan of me to be honest.”

You shifted a little as you brushed salt off your pretzel, “Oh…” You cleared your throat, “Does that- does that change-” You point between you and Jake, “This?”

“No, no not at all. I don’t care how your brother feels about me, I care about how you feel about me.”

You nodded again and opened your mouth to speak but he continued.

“And I totally understand if his opinion matters to you and you-”

“Jake, stop.” You cut him off and held your hands up, making him stop talking. “Take a breath.” He nodded and inhaled.

You giggled, “Okay, now yes, my brother’s opinion matters to me. But I’m also a big girl and can make my own choices. From what I’ve seen, from what you’ve shown me, you’re a good guy, Jake. A great guy. That matters more.”

“Really?”

“Yes! Jake, in flight school, you and my brother were basically rivals. No one is a fan of their rival.”

“I guess that’s true,” Jake smiled.

“And as long as you two don’t fight in front of my son and keep the jabs and smartass comments to a minimum around me, I think we can make it work.”

He nodded, “For you, I can do that.”

You smiled and nodded, “Good. Now let’s eat.”

****

Jake parked his truck in your driveway, “Let me walk you to the door.”

You smiled and unbuckled, the door opening as your hand reached for the handle. “Thank you Jake.” “Of course.”

You grabbed your bags and Jake walked with you to the door.

You sat your bags down and pulled out your keys.

“Is that a duck key chain?” Jake asked, his head tilted with a smile gracing his lips. You nodded and smiled at him, “Yes, it is.” He held it in his hand, a small twinkle in his eye, “It’s adorable.”

“Thank you, my uh… my nickname has been Duckie ever since I was two. My dad had gotten me a duck stuffed animal and I would not let go of that thing,” you said with a light laugh.

Jake smiled at you, “That’s really sweet.” You nodded and unlocked your door.

You opened it and turned back to Jake, “I had fun today.” He blushed and smiled, “I had fun today too.”

“Mama!”

You and Jake looked down as Nick ran to you.

You bend down and pick him up, “Nicky baby! Did you have fun with Hayden and Serenity today?” He nodded and looked at Jake, “I did Mama! Did you and Han’man have fun?”

Jake chuckled and tickled Nick’s ribs, “We did little man! And I brought you something back.”

Nick gasped and your brow furrowed as Jake pulled something out of the bag you hadn’t realized he was holding.

Your jaw dropped when he pulled out the crocheted manta ray with a little cowboy hat; the one you saw and wanted to get Nick but was gone when you had gone back by the table.

“Jake-”

“That’s for me?” Nick gasped as Jake nodded and smiled. “It is Nick!” “I wove it! Thank you Han’man!” Nick stretched out of your arms to hug Jake, which Jake gladly did with his free arm. “You’re welcome, Nicky.”

Jake put him down and Nick looked up at you, “I’m gonna put this on my bed, Mama! With my turtle!” You smiled and ran a hand through his curls, “Alright baby, have you had lunch yet?” He nodded, “Okay. I’ll be in in a minute and we can Octopus.” “Okay!”

You and Jake chuckled as he ran in and to his bedroom.

You looked up at Jake, “Jake, you didn’t have to get that for him.” He nodded and looked at the bag, “I know I didn’t. But I wanted to.”

“Well, thank you Jake. He’s gonna cherish that little cowboy manta ray.” Jake blushed and looked through the door, “You think so?” “He’s putting it on his bed with his turtle, the turtle his dad had when he was a kid,” you said, tearing up slightly as you smiled.

Jake’s heart clenched at your tears but it fluttered because Nick thought of him so highly.

“So yeah, I think he’ll cherish it,” you smiled softly as you messed with his shirt a little.

“I got you something too,” he said as he reached into the bag and pulled out the jar of orange blossom honey.

You smiled and took the jar gently, “Jake…” 

“You said you wanted to get all of them, and I wanted to get some orange blossom honey-” You looked up at him, the smile still on your face, “‘Cause you love oranges.” He nodded, a smile matching yours, “Yeah, and I really think you’ll like it.”

“Thank you, Jake. And it’s a good thing I went back to that booth, cause I remember you asking about the syrup…” You pulled out the jar, “So I got you some.”

He took the jar and smiled, “Thank you, Y/N.” You nodded, “You’re welcome. It works great in teas and even water. Maybe whiskey, but you didn’t hear that from me. It’ll help with sore throat as well, works with Nick great.”

Jake chuckled, “Ever wanna know if something works, you ask a mother.” You nodded and held the jar close to you.

“Thank you again Jake, for coming with me today.”

He smiled and nodded, mirroring your actions with his jar, “Thank you for inviting me. It probably sounds a little silly but… it felt like I was back home for a few hours.”

You shook your head, “That doesn’t sound silly at all.” You smiled softly at him, “It sounds really sweet.”

“Thank you,” he said softly with a grin on his face.

You went on your tip-toes and kissed his cheek, “Have a good afternoon Jake. Thank you for today. We should do this again.” He nodded and watched your lips as you went back to your flat feet, “We should. I’ll figure something out and we can talk about it.”

You nodded, “That sounds great. I’ll see you later, Jake.” “See you later, Y/N.”

You and Jake smiled at each other for a moment before you shook yourself out of it and went inside, waving bye again as you closed the door.

Jake smiled and looked at the jar before walking to his truck.

****

Once you closed the door you leaned against it.

You sighed and looked at your jar, smiling like a fool with your heart fluttering like you were a teenage girl before groaning as you heard his truck leave.

“Shit… I forgot to get his number…”

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

duckie and jake got to spend a day with out nick. it wasn’t a date, just a nice friendly hang- who is duckie kidding, it was totally a date

and jake got to learn who her brother was, but that doesn’t matter to him. what matters is how duckie feels and how nick feels about him, not bradley.

so now they’re planning another ‘hangout’ and let’s see if they can finally cross that path into being more than friends

my ducklings <33: @roosterscockpit @milesdickpic @luckyladycreator2 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @hisredheadedgoddess28 @malindacath @avengers-fixation @shawnsblue @caitsymichelle13 @classycolorpeach @mayhemmanaged @startrekfangirl2233 @bobby-r2d2-floyd @twsssmlmaa​ @horseshoegirl​ @babyreads​ @amatswimming @callsign-athena @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @cassiemitchell​ @callsignwidow @kmc1989​   @goodstuff28​ @pjngpp3501​ @lunamoonbby​ @joyfulpandamiracle​ @craftyinfluencersandwich @averyhotchner​ @emily-roberts​ @teenwolf01 @sunderland-6​ @bethabear12​ @coldmuffinbanditshoe​ @dempy​ @djs8891​ @ingoaliesitrust @novavida​ @tigerfan24 @lynnestra44​​ @lilmonstrjedi

apologize if i missed anyone! go to the duckie universe masterlist and comment or reblog if you would like to be tagged!

i’ll put the ones that didn’t work in the comments!

[mxrcusflint]

Rule of Thirds Ch. 6: Homecoming

the finale! the last chapter! the happy ending!

Nineteen days after, Jake is able to try at his routine. He can’t subsist on more of Javy’s cooking – beloved as all the comfort food is, Jake thinks his arteries are going to clog if he eats mac and cheese for another meal. The fresh scent of mist on the vegetables is a relief, teeth aching to bite into an apple. He’s grabbing a bag of coffee when a tall figure turns the corner. 

The end of the aisle next to the filters is the least romantic place for a reunion. Bradley has his aviators on – inside, like a mega asshole – and Jake misses the piece of gum in his mouth, biting down on his cheek so hard he feels the skin split.

“Seresin,” the rise and fall of Bradley’s chest is heavy. “As I live and breathe.”

read more on AO3