#jake seresin 40s au

[blackwidownat2814]

This was beautiful!! I can't wait to read more of their story and how it goes along with what we all know is coming. I hope most if not all our boys make it.

Excellent excellent work!

We Picked A Time Like This To Fall In Love

☸︎ Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Goin' Steady Universe

☸︎ Top Gun 1940s Au

☸︎ Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Nurse!Reader

☸︎ Word Count: 10.1 K

☸︎ Warnings: WWII Time Period, Talk of War, Alcohol Consumption, Boxing, Fluff, Cute!Jake, Flirty!Jake, Slightly Handsy!Jake

☸︎ A/n: Oh my gosh, I'm so excited about this one. I loved writing this. Writer's block was a bitch, but after I got passed it... wow. I hope you love it!

☸︎ Libray

Saturday, June 14th, 1941

San Diego, California

Your kitten heels, click against the Broadway sidewalk, the night life surrounding you. Everyone out for a night on the town, ships were shipping out Monday and everybody wanting to get one last hurrah in before parting with their sweethearts.

The hand clasped in your own tugs slightly, but keeps your pace. You glance back at Caroline and the other girls, you were all a part of the same nursing unit and had just gotten your deployment details yesterday. Your eyes still watching the group of girls, and you catch sight of Millie as she almost slips. Though Natasha is grasping at her and pulling her along, to follow you all. Your eyes catch Natasha’s and you’re silently thanking her. You tug on Caroline, farther down the walk, to the dance hall you’d be meeting the boys at.

The fleury of dresses, swinging along your hips, must seemed rushed to the outside eyes. The six of you, each in your best dresses, took over the sidewalk. Passersby quickly stepped out of your way, gawking at the ferocity with which you kept pace. Few made passes at the lot of you, though the occasional whistle could be heard. To which you were happy to be in such a rush, or Natasha would no doubt be casting reprimands over the gentleman.

“You’re just in a hurry, because you want to see your pilot.” Caroline teases you, “Six whole weeks she’s been away from him, girls.”

The girls giggle at her antics, the back of her hand rests on her forehead as she pretends to feel faint. You glance from her to the girls, who are all smirking at you, and can’t help the blush that spreads over your cheeks. Trying to cool your cheeks before you see him, your eyes follow along the sparkling lights of the night. Your sight settles on the sign of the hall your supposed to be meeting at, and your eyes drop down to the sidewalk.

You can’t stop the smile that breaks across your lips as you see him, looking dapper as ever in the dress uniform, the green matching that of his eyes. His cap tucked under his arm, hair perfectly styled, not a hair out of place. How he always looked so effortlessly perfect was beyond you, having stood in front of the mirror for a good half hour double-checking your appearance. You release Caroline’s hand without a word and dash toward the handsome pilot.

His own eye’s catching you, and not once leaving you as you run into his arms. They wrap around you, as your heels leave the pavement for a moment before you’re placed back down.

“Lieutenant y/l/n.” The smile he gives you as he says it, has a blush coating your cheeks again.

“Lieutenant Seresin.”

Though before the final syllable of his name leaves your mouth, his arms are around you again. Your own falling around his neck as he lifts you again, and spins. A giggle slips from you, lips barely brushing the side of his neck where you had been tucked into, you’d missed him terribly.

Your heels touch down once again, though it feels like you’re still floating as his lips gently press against your own. Six weeks apart, fading away into nothing; time was inconsequential when you were in his arms.

You break apart slowly, foreheads resting against each other, your eyes never leaving one another. Not even as the girls, arrive next to you and his friends make an appearance at his side.

“Hi, Doll.”

“Hi, Jake.”

His stare is never faltering and makes your knees a tad bit weak. How you’d gotten so lucky in finding Jacob Grant Seresin was beyond you. He watches you with such love and affection, that you want more than anything to kiss him again.

Though the little cough noise from behind you, causes your gaze to leave one another. You clasp Jake's hand in your own, not wanting to let go of him ever again, as you turn towards the girls. Their sights settled behind you, causing you to look over at the group of pilots. The five of them, plus Jake, making up the well know Terrors of the Sky flight squadron.

Caroline gives you a teasing smile, before reaching out to shake Jake's hand.

“Hi; Caroline, I also go by Callie though.” She pauses momentarily glancing between the girls and the pilots. “We wanna go dancin’, any of your boys interested?” The sublet nod she gives, has you laughing. You grasp her hand in yours once again and give it a squeeze.

Jake's laugh sounds slightly stunned at her forwardness, and he’s quick to step aside for the group of girls.

“Take your pick, girls.”

A round of giggles erupts from the girls, each of them hurries forward, passing you and Jake to grab a pilot. You and Jake are once again in your own world, soft eyes glancing at each other, Jake’s hand rests against your cheek and moves a bit of hair from your lashes.

Your thumb gently comes up to rest on his bottom lip, wiping away the smudge of red lipstick from his mouth. His mouth falls to the palm of your hand and gives it a delicate kiss.

“Did you get even more beautiful in the last six weeks?” His gaze is wonderous and makes you feel undeniably special. He places another soft kiss upon your brow, “We might just be the best-looking couple on the island.”

The revelation has you gasping, pulling back from Jake to look him in the eyes. A teasing smile rests easy on his lip, as your hands grasp at his arms.

“You’re coming to Pearl?” You bounce slightly on the balls of your heels, patiently waiting for the confirmation.

“You think I’d leave my best girl, on a beach surrounded by a bunch of Squidies, to gas up my gal?”

Jake says it all so easily as if him coming to Pearl Harbor with you wasn’t some major feat.

“How in the world did you manage that?”

The astonishment in your tone, is clearly pleasing to the pilot, as his smile shifts to a sly smirk.

“I’m not just good looks and a class A pilot honey. I can be quite charming too.”

A laugh escapes your lips, hand rising to pat Jake's chest. “Oh, don’t I know it. So, what poor girl did you swindle, into changing your location?” 

A quick glance over Jake's shoulder eases your mind. Each of the girls chatting with their own boy, well Callie was full-on flirting with Javy, but that’s beside the point.

She’d made a bee line straight for him, no doubt claiming him for her own. You were quite fond of Javy, you’d had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, considering he was Jake’s best friend, and he was beyond sweet.

Millie fell into a shy sweet rhythm with Robert, who you had only heard Jake talk about. Vera and Valerie, together like always, as twin sisters do. Staked claim over, who you believe are Reuben and Mickey. You would have to double-check with Jake on their names again, but that could wait.

Jake’s grip on your waist tightens, drawing your gaze back to him. “Honey I would never, you’re the only girl for me.” His voice is sweet as honey, and you wish you could bathe in it. “I did, however, have Brad sweet talk the office girl.”

You shake your head at his antics, you’d come to learn that Jake always had something up his sleeve.

A blur out of the corner of your eye has both you and Jake looking as the scene unfolds.

Natasha had stayed behind you, only slightly moving past you and Jake after each couple paired off. Her eyes watched the last pilot closely, gauging how their night would go together.

Bradley and Natasha had an interesting relationship. They both claimed to hold no interest for the other, though always found one another in a crowd. The both of them, too headstrong to ever admit that they might be, could be, more.

Their gazes locked on each other, waiting for the other to falter. Though it's Bradley that concedes first, his long strides land him in front of Natasha in a few steps. You’re sure that you hear her gasp, though she hides it well.

Natasha was the strict one in the unit, one for procedure and accuracy. So, when she came with you to visit Jake those six weeks ago, you weren’t expecting Jake’s wingman to ruffle her feathers so easily. For those four days you visited, Bradley had managed to tease and poke at Natasha on every single occasion. Though you knew that there was something else, like this unspoken sense of tension.

The teasing and poking hadn’t stopped after leaving, over the past six weeks the two had written countless letters. The few that you had the pleasure of seeing had you raging in laughter, endless lines of bickering, always ending with a “stay safe, yours always.” How the two of them denied each other was exhausting, and you weren’t even the one in the “relationship.”

“You look good, Nat.”

The gasp that falls from her this time is very noticeable, and you quickly turn into Jake's chest, not wanting to be caught staring. Bradley was the only person that called Natasha, Nat, it wasn’t a name she loved, and Bradly knew.

A girl had called her it once when you were still in school, and she’d broken out into a fit of tears. Barley able to console her, she’d eventually told you that it was a name reserved for her daddy, who had passed some years ago. You’d each called her Natasha or Tasha from then on, and you made sure that each of the girls knew not to call her it.

She’d never stopped Bradley from calling her it though, oddly enough it seemed to have some calming effect on her when it came from his lips.

Jake’s chest rumbles, his laugh shaking your head slightly, as his hand trace up and down your spine.

“Well, I should hope so.” she holds the pause, watching Bradley. “We’ve had four days off, then ship out Monday.”

You hear the groan Bradley gives, clearly displeased with the current topic.

“No work talk tonight. Kay, Toots.” He gives her a cutting glance. Though before she can reply, Bradley’s own hand entwines with Natasha’s, and he is pulling her into the jazz hall.

The exit of the two has the rest of the group following, leaving you and Jake. Still embraced in each other’s arms, the warm San Diageo breeze washes over you.

“As I was saying, before that…” His hand moves from your waist, and gestures over to the spot Bradley and Natasha had occupied. “Brad got the information, and I ever so subtly mentioned it to General Doolittle. Who had mentioned before that the Navy was looking to send out a new squadron to Pearl, and well…I’m just lucky.”

“You and I both know that you create your own luck.”

The sly smirk creeps back onto his face when you say it. His hand moved down to your hip and turned you towards the revolving doors, a gentle kiss placed on your temple.

“That my darlin’, is why I love you.”

Your gaze fleets up to his, a silent ‘why’ passing between the two of you, as you enter the building. It’s like another world when you enter; the band in full swing, cheers echoing off the vaulted ceiling, and flashes of lights igniting the hall. Though your eyes never leave Jake, enveloped in your own love for the man.

“Doll, I love you, because you are my luck.”

Your heart swells slightly. Though still wanting a clearer answer, that you never get, as a tray of coupes carrying champagne is thrust towards you. Bradley holds the stem of the glasses, as Natasha holds, what appears to be his glass.

“Come on now. I’m looking to jive tonight, and toots over here said that you’d best be dancin’ too.” The nod of his head towards Natasha, has you glancing at her.

A small shrug as she downs the champagne, has you laughing. Looking up towards Jake in question. The both of you had made a habit of going dancing at least once, every time you were together. It was a piece of your relationship that you both valued and loved, getting to be in each other’s arms and lose yourselves in the music.

Jake gives you a teasing smile and his hand on your hip, squeezes you just light enough that your toes curl. You turn to tell them yes, though before you can Natasha already has her hand clasped around Bradley’s wrist, as she leads him to the bustling hall.

…

Three coupes of champagne in, has you feeling light and giddy. The band plays melodies of Glenn Miller and Bob Crosby, that are meant for jiven’. The base of the trumpets echoes through the hall, upbeat and pullin’.

Couple after couple spinning and dipping, skirts flying high, peaks of slips getting exposed to any on-lookers. The whirl of the dance floor is elating and one of the reasons you loved dancing so much.

A small scream falls from your lips as Jake pulls you into his chest, both your feet rising from the ground, as he swings you from one hip to the other. Your arms rest around his neck, clutching onto him just a bit tighter.

“I got you, doll.”

The words are whispered into your ear, as he spins you out once again. Hands grasping at each other, as he swings you around his back and clasps onto you once again. Another small, excited shriek, tumbles from your lips as Jake grabs onto the back of your neck and dips you to where you’re almost touching the floor. His own laugh bubbling out over the beating drums, as he lifts you back into his arms.

You’d been dancin’ before, many times, though the lightness in his steps always stunned you. He’d told you that it was just another excellent trait of his, followed up by a quick peck on the cheek, while on your first date.

The tempo slightly picks up, as does Jake, and you catch sight of Bradley and Natasha. The couple mid-spin, just as you and Jake were.

Jake catches Brad's eyes, giving a silent nod to both you and Natasha, to which Brad grins.

“Hey Brad, mind holden’ my girl for a second.”

You can’t process the words before you’re spinning out of Jake’s hold, both you and Natasha passing each other, landing in one another’s partner's arms. Bradley’s laughter has you looking up, then glancing to Jake who is holding onto a bewildered Natasha.

“Let’s jive, y/n.”

The both of you slip into a rhythm with the music, smiling at the antics of Jake’s wingman. He doesn’t dance nearly as graceful as Jake, though he holds an airy humor around him that has you laughing as you spin.

Hand in the air, and hips on a swivel as Bradley holds your hand. The two of you move around the floor, catching sight of a flustered Natasha, who glares at a laughing Jake. You nod your head to Bradley, the two of you moving toward them as you dance. It’s the change of beat, to a slow sultry toon, that has Natasha moving for Bradley.

“I want mine back.” Glancing over her shoulder to Jake, who holds his hands up in defeat.

“I was just swinging her like I do you.”

The defense has you laughing and moving towards Jake, past Natasha as she mutters that Jake could have dropped her. You pull him in to slow dance, his hand falls to your waist and brings you to rest against his chest.

“Not everyone likes dancing like we do baby.”

A huff leaves him, making you laugh and bury farther into his chest.

“I thought I was being nice.”

Pulling back from him, you glance towards him. A small frown casts over his features, rising on your toes you plant a kiss on his lips. The frown, breaking into a smile, then kissing you back. The pair of you fall into a comfortable flow, your head resting against Jake's chest as he places gentle kisses into your hair.

Your eyes close, and you swear that it’s only you and Jake, drifting farther into the soft beat of the music. The trumpet plays in a soft lull, the lyrics slipping from your lips as you sing only for you and Jake to hear.

You'll never know how many dreams I've dreamed about you Or just how empty they all seemed without you

You fall deeper into Jake's chest, hand clasping onto the lapel of his uniform, trying to cement yourself in the current moment. The rumble of Jake's chest against your ear is soothing, his humming matching your singing. You nuzzle just a bit deeper, and you feel Jake’s hold tighten, the both of you knowing that this peace can’t last.

The impending doom of when America would eventually be dragged into the war, a topic that laid heavy on your heart. The both of you understood the reality of your jobs, though it didn’t make it any easier when thinking about the truth that either of you could be gone in an instant.

As the song ends, you pull away from his chest, your eyes a bit glazed over with unshed tears.

“Come on, honey.”

His own eyes, sad and no longer full of life. Jake ushers you in front of him, hand resting on the small of your back. The both of you forget your group of friends, as Jake pushes you gently back towards the revolving doors; the hand not on your back, clasped in your own.

The air has slightly cooled since you went in, and you welcome it. The flush of your cheeks and the stuffiness of the club no longer suffocating you.

“Let’s talk a walk, doll.”

You give Jake a small nod, falling into step with him. Easy silence surrounds the air, the night slightly dying down the closer you get to the waterfront. The silence between the two of you, is natural and comfortable. Like you were meant to be like this with Jake. Your relationship, always perfect, never holding an ounce of doubt.

The quiet times, loud ones, calm ones, excited ones, frustrated ones, sad ones, every single time was perfect so long as it was spent with Jake.

The crash of the waves against the shore is soothing, as you relax against the rail guard. Casting a glance back towards Jake over your shoulder, catching him as he stares at you with such thought and intent.

You silently reach a hand out towards him, beckoning him closer. His arms fit around you perfectly, as you lean back into his chest, his hands resting on the bar at the sides of you. The warmth of his body surrounds you and is a warm welcome to the slight chill of the night air.

You can feel Jake lay kisses upon the crown of your head, before he leans down and rests his chin on your shoulder. You glance to the side of you and are caught with an award-winning smile and mischievous green eyes. 

“Will you dance with me, honey?”

Turning around in his arms, you glance around your surroundings and see the walk vacant.

“With no music?”

Jake moves from his position against the rail and pulls you with him. His smile and eyes were no longer completely sad, but loving and worried. The silent wonder of if you’ll get that future together that you’d planned. The one you’d always talked about, with kids and a white picket fence. On a farm in Texas, close to his family, but still far enough that he could live his own life.

“Lack of music never stopped us before.”

You smile gently and fall into a soft sway with him, as he quietly hums a toon for the both of you to follow. The cast of the moonlight over his features is one you’ll never forget; the look he gives you as he looks down upon you, filled with love and a slight cocky nature that is Jacob Grant Seresin.

The both of you meet in the middle, lips pressing against each other, soft and sweet. Though filled with so much need and love, that if you weren’t here with him in this moment you might have cried. Looking back on it you’re sure you will. You’re pulling apart only to gasp for air, the both of you more than content with suffocating in each other’s embrace.

Jake's arms are wrapped around you tightly, as if he would lose you just by loosening slightly. Your hand moves to rest against his cheek, as you each sway together. No longer caring that there was no music, you were each other's music.

“I love you.”

It falls so softly from your lips, that if you weren’t surrounded by silence, you’d be worried Jake wouldn’t hear you. Though you know he does, at the way his eye twinkle and how he kisses your palm once again.

“I love you, more than you could ever possibly know, honey.”

His words warm your heart, and you could care less about the party you’d left.

Your head falls back against Jake's chest, as he sways you slightly once again. The stillness of the night makes you feel like, you might just be stuck in a picture-perfect moment in time. Holding on to one another, as you spin off into eternity, fading away with the moonlight.

…

Tuesday, June 16th, 1941

Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii

“I’m just happy they changed their minds and flew us in. Can you imagine this dress on a ship.” Callie’s rambling has you rolling your eyes, she’d all but called the President when you found out the Navy was flying you into the Big Island. Then you’d be taken a boat a little boat to Oahu. The Navy’s definition of a little boat was clearly different than your own, though it did look small, in comparison to the large battleships at anchor in the bay.

“I just don’t think I could have handled two weeks of motion sickness.” Millie replies quietly, coming to rest along the railing on the boat with you. She leans her head against your shoulder, being the youngest in the group, everyone had taken to looking after the girl.

She was just barely eighteen when she signed up for the Navy in April, claiming that it was a way to leave the small town she grew up in.

“The boys should be in soon too.” Your eyes travel down to the girl as you say it, giving her a teasing smile. “You and Robert seemed to get on well.”

A light shade of pink covers her pale skin, the pink color almost matching the shade of the summer dress she donned. She leans farther into your side, hiding in your shoulder, and quietly mutters.

The other girls had made their way to the side of the ship; Callie, Vera, and Valerie were all waving to sailors as you passed. Some hooting and hollering off the side of the carriers, clearing lacking any recent attention from a woman.

Tasha had made her way back into the hull of the ship, stating that she was more than ready to get off the boat. The confined space made her uneasy, another reason you were glad they changed your way of travel to a plane. A few hours of a tense Tasha were much easier to calm, than the week on a ship would have been.

You hum at the girl tucked into your shoulder, giving her a nudge.

“Bobby and I are just talkin’.”

She’d pulled away and spoken just that bit louder, so that you could hear her clearly.

“Oh, it’s Bobby? Thank you for correcting me.”

The comment has her groaning and you laughing. Your hand clasps the one of hers grasping the rail. Leaning down so that you’re close to her ear, telling her a secret meant just for her.

“Don’t worry sweetheart, I call Jake, Jakey too.” A smile graces your lips as you tell her; followed by a wink, that has her smiling now.

The both of your attention is abruptly pulled away from the conversation, when you hear the high-pitched squeal of Callie.

“Javy!”

The slight giddiness of her stance and the way she bounces on the balls of her feet, has you wondering just how close her, and Javy had gotten. The thought only lingering slightly, as you follow her gaze and find the Terrors waiting at the dock for you. Millie must have found Robert, the way she’d perked up at your side and given a little wave told you as much.

Your eyes search the group of pilots for Jake, but come up empty-handed. Instead, your gaze settles on Bradley who gives you a wave, followed by a shoulder shrug.

Tasha reemerges from the hull, the six of you gathering at the front of the ship, watching and waiting as you dock. 

“How’d they get in before us?”

You glance at Tasha though her eyes are directly trained on Bradley. Looking back towards the dock, you notice the fresh clothes they have on and the relaxed state they’re in.

“I was wondering the same thing Tash.”

Clearly having been here for at least half a day, given that it was already nearing 5 pm, but still, they looked well rested.

“They were supposed to be coming a couple days after us.” The speculation is her tone is unnerving.

“Yeah, makes you wonder what old Uncle Sam knows that we don’t.”

The docking of the ship is easy enough, the six of you staying out of the way of the crew and letting them rig the walkway. It doesn’t take long and before the boats completely settled at anchor, you’re making your way off the ship.

Javy is preoccupied with Callie, leaving you to ask Bradley where in the world his wingman is. You catch a glimpse of Mille and Robert hugging, and the simple kiss that he places on her cheek.

Bradley is already waiting for you and Natasha, looking towards you first before giving Tasha a smirk. The beach shirt he wears makes you laugh, and the lack of formal wear clearly meaning they had the day off to get settled.

“Let me guess, he’s already up in a plane?”

The question makes Bradley laugh and gives you a smile. You fan yourself slightly, pulling off the scarf that rested around your head, and push your sunglasses to set atop your head. The heat was defiantly a change, San Diego was hot and dry. Whereas the Islands were hot and humid, making your clothes stick to you like a second skin.

“We got in this morning around 3, he was up in the air by 5.” He pauses, slightly glances around the three of you, and sees that the rest of the group is clearly preoccupied.

“He's been at it all day, test runs, trial, and error. Fixes something on the plane, then is back up. I don’t know, y/n. He’s stressed about something.”

The revelation makes you worry slightly, the hand that’d been holding your scarf, starts to twiddle with it. A nervous habit of yours that you rarely noticed, though Natasha is quick to see it and goes to grab your discarded bag from the pavement.

“Do the boys know where our bungalow is?” She asks Bradley, though you barely notice the conversation, as your eyes move about the port. Checking and then double-checking for anything that you might need to be worried about. 

Your attention is pulled back to the pair, when you hear Tasha tell Bradley ‘Perfect’ before giving you a smile and heading to the girls. You see that she has your bag and note that you’d need to thank her later.

“How about we go see lover boy?”

The familiarity of Bradley comforts you; he had always been around during the year-and-a-half-long duration of your relationship and you’d grown quite fond of him.

“I guess we best be going.”

Bradley motions you to follow him, leading you to a standard Naval base-issued jeep. The both of you settle into the seats before Bradley is ripping out onto the gravel. The speed makes you grip onto the handle, though the wind through your hair is a welcomed experience in the heat.

You had never visited any of the Islands before and getting to see them, in all their grand nature was truly special. You speed along the road, by passing sailors and pilots along the way. Each of them gave you an award-winning smile, once they noticed you were a lady.

Your eyes don’t settle on the array of men though, you can’t stop the way the natural beauty makes your breath catch. The mountains lining the background of the base, the foliage, and trees bringing so much color and life. You’d never seen a place so beautiful, and you can’t help but think being stationed here might have been your own little piece of heaven.

“So, you have no idea what’s got him riled?”

The question pulls Bradley’s attention, though he just gives you a shake of the head, as he pulls up to the hangers and runway.

You gracefully, well gracefully as you can, hop out of the jeep. Your heel catches in the pavement slightly but you're quick to right yourself. You brush down the strands of hair that had gone wild with the wind, and check that your dress is still in impeccable fashion. Pleased with your current status, you move ahead of Bradley.

Catching sight of a familiar blonde head of hair in hanger one, the white t-shirt stained with oil and soaked in sweat. The flight suit tied tightly around his waist, as he chats to what appears to be another pilot and mechanic.

…

The slight tick that the engine still had on take-off, had stumped Jake. He’d been here all day trying to ease his mind and racing thoughts. The best way for him to do that was in the sky, it always had been the place he was most comfortable in.

Having only had 2 hours of sleep was rough, though Jake didn’t feel like sleeping just yet and the pot of coffee Red kept in the shop, had kept him going. Wiping at his brow, the sweat pouring down him, he glances back to the P-40 in contemplation of taking her back up one more time.

Though the whistle that leaves Red’s lips, has Jake turning in the direction Red has locked his gaze on. The sight of you, in your floral dress, perfectly placed heels, and the scarf that was now tied around your wrist about made his heart stop.

“She with the new nursing unit?” With a glance back over his shoulders, Jake catches Red nudging one of his guys. “Think I can get her to take care of me.”

“Not a chance boys,” the harsh glance he gives them, shuts em’ up. “That’s my girl.”

…

Making your way over to Jake, you check behind you and see that Bradley has in fact gone missing. Jake atomically reaches out for you; he’d wiped the grease from his hands when he saw you and truthfully could care less about ruining your dress.

“Honey, I’ll buy you a new dress if I ruin it. But come here.”

“You don’t need to be buying me anything.”

His hands fall easily around your waist pulling you in and burying his face into your neck. He squeezes you tight, the both of you more than content with staying in each other’s arms. You’d only been apart for 2 and a half days, though you knew that so much had happened within the small time frame.

You’re the first to pull away, taking an actual look into Jake's eyes and seeing a vacant space of unknowing. Your free hand comes up to rest on his cheek, and rising up onto your toes, you plant a delicate kiss on his lips.

The taste of mint and coffee fills your senses, the two smells are almost overrun by the smell of grease and jet fuel. Though those two you’d become used to, they were like a permanent part of Jake.

You glance around the hanger, finding it vacant, meaning that everyone had either dispersed upon your arrival or noticed how single-minded you both got in each other’s presence and skedaddled.

“What’s going on baby?”

A small sigh leaves his body, as he sinks back into you. Once again hiding in your neck, wanting to have the topic off his mind once again. Though he knows how much you tend to worry and doesn’t ever want to be the cause of it.

“I’m getting promoted.” He mutters it in your neck, though you still hear it and feel that way his body slightly tense against your body.

“Baby that’s great! I’m so proud of you.”

He nods slightly into your neck, maintaining his tight hold on you. Clutching you as if you would drift away easily. Your hand rubs at the base of his neck, scratching gently at the hairline and trying to comfort him.

Jake loved being a Naval Aviator and was always proud of his growth. To see him like this had you worried, and you can’t help but wonder if it has anything to do with his father.

“When I came home from that stint with the BEF 3 months ago, I knew that I was one of the only pilots my age that had first-hand experience in the air. The commander has mentioned, that if I proved myself, I would be moving up the ranks.” A deep sigh is released from his lips, as Jake pulls away from your neck and holds you at arm’s length to talk now. “I get wanting to provide a strong regime, to have assists across the board. But I found out last night, right before we flew out.”

You nod your head in understanding, the pause he gives has you caressing his forearm and letting him know that you were listening.

“Well, they told me and all I could think about was you.”

You give him a small smile, absolutely in love with the man. Though wondering why he could only think of you at such an exciting time.

“I thought about how excited you be, and how you'd celebrate with me. How all of my goals were falling into place; the guys, my career, the perfect girl.”

As he says it, one of his hands comes up to brush a hair from your face and gives you a soft smile.

“But then I also remembered what I saw, and how bad this war was overseas. It's gonna come to a point, that I'm gonna have to go over there again and leave you alone to worry about the man you love.”

A sad smile falls onto your face, and you can’t do much more than hug the man. You and Jake had always been open about your career paths, and how the potential for danger was ever-growing.

“The only thing that comforts me, is knowing that you're safe here. Pearl is one of the safest places you could have got stationed at, and knowing that for the time being, I get to spend as much possible time with you, is all that matters.”

…

Monday, July 7th, 1941

Aiea Naval Hospital Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii

The hiss that the sailor gives you as you lay wet washcloths over his back, makes you want to chuckle.

“Maybe next time, you won’t drink so much that you fall asleep on the beach and wake up with such a bad sunburn Officer Wallace.”

The burn had run all the way up his back, and down the backs of his legs. Cold rags alongside some aloe, was all that you could do for the young officer.

“Yes, ma’am.”

You shake your head, before laying the last rag on his shoulders and tell him that you’ll be right back. You’re gaze moves along the empty wing of the hospital, sunburns were a part of your weekly routine. None of the men apparently knew how to wear sunscreen, and you had at least two a week that you had to fix up.

You grab the clipboard that you’d rested against the empty bed, and scan through the small list of current patients. Slightly adjusting the apron on the front of your dress uniform, the bow had loosened slightly throughout the day, causing the apron to hang loosely around your waist.

You read through the list, as you tighten the bow once again and add in Officer Wallace.

Morning Shift: Unit One

Petty Officer Reynolds – Broken Rib – Lieutenant Natasha Trace & Second Lieutenant Mildred Anderson – Unit One

Second Lieutenant Michelle – Sprained Ankle – Lieutenant Natasha Trace & Second Lieutenant Mildred Anderson – Unit One

Shift Change: Unit One

Lieutenant Caroline Bassett & Second Lieutenant Valerie Douglas – Unit One

Morning Shift: Unit Two

Petty Officer Wallace – Sunburn – Lieutenant Y/n Y/l/n & Second Lieutenant Vera Douglas – Unit Two

Shift Change: Unit Two

TBA – On Call Lieutenant Natasha Trace & Lieutenant Y/n Y/l/n – Unit One & Two

(Hold Over – Unit Three)

Vera had left you to handle the young officer, while she finished up the needed paperwork for him. You glance back at the officer, placing the clipboard back on the designated wall hook, and see that he has fallen asleep.

Commotion from the unit doors pulls your attention, the rowdy male voices echo through the vacant halls. You immediately pick up the voice of Jake, as well as a few other familiar ones. You move from the officer’s bedside and walk to the unit doors, only to find Bradley, Javy, Jake, and Robert. The latter two sporting black eyes and dryed bloody noses, while Jake sports a cut lip and bruised knuckles, and Robert seems perfectly fine. Though you do catch sight of the spilt on his left set of knuckles. 

“What in the world, happened to you four?”

Your hands settle on your hips, as you watch the four men come to an abrupt halt in the hallway. Their laughs and fun-poking voices die on their lips, as they notice the disapproving look you give them.

“Now honey, it was all in good fun.”

Jake eases from the group of men, moving to reach out for your form. Though comes to a halt, as your eyebrow slightly raises in question. His own hands fall to rest on his hips, mimicking your own stature.

“Doll don’t give me that look, especially not when I just won in a boxing match.”

…

Two Hours Ago

“You're tellin’ me that Brad and Javy, the two idiots, decided to enter in a boxin’ match on the Arizona?”

Bob only nods in affirmation to Jake’s statement. He’d been working on the p-40 this morning, greasing her up and making sure the engine purred just right, when Bob showed up. The news of his best friend and his wingman, going out to gamble their dignity placed a sudden halt on his plans for the day.

“They couldn’t fight against a toddler, Bob.” He throws the grease-filled rag into the toolbox, slipping the greased-up shirt off and pulling a clean white one over his chest. They’d had the day off, everyone on base still recovering from the Fourth of July celebration that had been going on all weekend.

Jake had planned on working on the plane this morning, then taking you out tonight on a simple beach date. He knew that you had a shift this morning and that you were on call tonight. That’s why he had decided a simple beach picnic would be best, close enough to the hospital that you would be easy enough to find.

Though with the new information he had been given, Jake wasn’t sure just how his afternoon would pan out.

“You know how to fight, right Bobby.”

The firm pat Jake lays on Bobs, shoulder has the quiet pilot muttering out a simple ‘yes’. Jake knew that Bob could fight, it was a topic the two of them had bonded over when they first met.

Both of the pilots had grown up in harsh situations, their fathers taking to the occasional beatings when the boys were younger.

Well, it was Jake’s stepfather, who is mother remarried after his father died in WWI. His father was drafted when Jake was only four, though even as a young boy Jake and his father had an amazing relationship. His father was the reason he’d become a pilot, and Jake wanted to follow in the family legacy.

Both Jake and Bob had learned how to fight early on in life to protect themselves and their family. A skill that was about to come in handy, no doubt that the two pilots would have to step in and prove to the squidies that aviation was still the better choice in the Navy.

Deciding that the both of them better hurry over to the docks before Javy and Brad embarrassed themselves too much, Jake motioned over to the jeep climbing in to drive, as Bob followed.

The crowd was packed on the deck of the Arizona, and every sailor cramped into the small area. Pushing and pulling to get a better look at the fight taking place in the ring, Jake moved through the crowd.

Bob followed close behind him, as he pushed sailors out of his way. Each of them hooting and hollering, shoving money at a group of gentlemen taking bets on the current fight. Jake catches the sight of the familiar mustache in the middle of the ring, shaking his head as he sees Brad’s opponent lay a punch to his gut.

Jake and Bob eventually make it to the side of the ring, catching sight of Javy leaning on the outside of the ring. Making their way over to him, they catch sight of the rag pushed up against his nose stopping the bleeding.

“Who the hell, beat you?”

Javy subtly glares at Jake, before nodding across the ring to a sailor currently cheering on Brad's opponent. Glancing from the sour Javy and back to the clearly pleased sailor, Jake looks back to Bob who only nods to him.

Jake is moving past Javy and around the ring to the sailor without a second thought, tapping him on the shoulder lightly before giving the sailor a small smirk.

“Well seems you just beat me friend over there,” a nod to Javy, has the sailor looking and then giving Jake a smile. “and well, we just can’t have that.”

The surrounding crowd casts glances at the pair when they hear Jake’s words. The fight between Brad and the other sailor finishes up, with a final blow to Brad.

“What are you gonna do about it fly boy?”

The silent laugh the sailor gives, causes Jake to laugh as well. Looking back to Javy and Bob, laughing lightly, before rearing his fist back and dealing a sharp jab to the sailor’s face.

At the action, the crowd spreads out automatically, a new round of bets being placed on the unsanctioned fight. The sailor quickly gains his barring and delivers his own sharp jab at Jake, just missing him, when Jake backsteps.

Jake rapidly moves on the sailor, the cocky smile never slipping as he lays on a jab, cross, left jab, and a cross.  The way he bounces on his feet is light and airy, almost as if he’s teasing his opponent.

Brad and the other sailor make their way over, Bradley crowded by Javy and Bob. While the sailors huddle and watch as Jake moves on his opponent. He’s quick, but Jake misses the back step as his opponent lands an uppercut, splitting his lip.

The surrounding crowd cheers at the appearance of blood. The sailor smiles back at Jake, clearly pleased with himself. Jake’s tongue runs over the split, blood collecting in his mouth before he spits it out on the deck.

The harsh sting of his lip makes Jake smile, a clear driving force in what’s about to happen. The two circle each other, bouncing on the balls of their feet waiting for the other to react.

“You shouldn’t have done that, squidy.”

The demeaning term clearly pissed the sailor off, gaining Jake the exact reaction he wanted. The sailor moves fast, pushing forward with rushed punches that aren’t thought out. The movement forward works against the sailor, getting over-centered and almost falling onto Jake.

Jake sidesteps and the sailor slightly falls into the crowd. The smile never leaves Jake's face as he readies to make his move. A harsh one-two-one sends the sailor spiraling, Jake continuing to move forward unrelentless.

If Jake wasn’t fighting the sailor, he would be impressed with his stamina. Though Jake is fighting him and the only thing that matters is proving who the best really is.

The surrounding crowd slowly starts to realize that the fight is no longer in their favor, and Bob watches as the man who was fighting Brad, readies to step forward.

Bob moves before anyone else notices the second sailor’s movement, heading straight for Jake as he lays the first sailor out. He lands on the deck with a harsh thud, Jake's eyes moving up to meet the guys. Though comes face to face with the other sailor. Before he can punch at Jake,

Bob lands a harsh left hook onto the side of his jaw. The sailor lands harshly on the deck, the single punch from Bob knocking him out.

The once loud crowd falls silent, as they stare at Bob and Jake who only shake hands and head back to their two friends. Jake glances between Javy and Brad, who both look like moody children.

“Did you at least get the chance to bet on me?” The shake of their heads tells Jake enough, his head nodding to leave. “Damn, I would’ve made us a pretty penny.”

Giving the three pilot’s a glance over his shoulder as he walks through the dispersing crowd, “Nice punch Bobby. Now let’s go have the girls check out, idiot one and two.”

…

“So, you see honey, I was just defending the boys.”

You nod at Jake as you clean up his knuckles. Natasha, Millie, and Vera had heard the commotion of the boys, and had each taken one of them to clean up.

“So, proving that pilots are far superior to sailors, had nothing to do with it?”

He gives you a mischievous grin, removing his hands from your own, and wraps them around your waist pulling you into his chest. He grips at the side of your dress, bunching the fabric slightly and you can’t help but to give him a teasing smile back.

“Gotta make sure they stay in their place, doll. Prove, just how elite of a pilot I am.”

He gives you a cheeky wink that has you biting your lip, before pressing a quick kiss to his own. He releases a small hiss as you touch the slip, causing you to pull back fast.

“Uh-uh”

The grip that was once on your hips, moves up to your face and pulls you into Jake once more. A hot, needy kiss passes between the two of you. One hand slips to the small of your back and pulls you in closer. Your thighs press against the side of the hospital bed, settled right in-between Jake's legs as your hands wrap around his neck. Enjoying the feeling of his lips against your own, as your hands tangle in the back of his hair and give a small tug.

A groan leaves Jake's lips, and you press your thighs together as heat pools in your core. You’d taken Jake to a back room when he’d shown up, thankful that you weren’t in the open unit with the sunburnt officer.

The bite that Jake delivers to your bottom lips has you moaning, the sounds loud and lewd. The both of you pulling back from each other, before anything more can happen. You’d had sex in semi-public places before, though the thought of your supervisor or one of the doctors walking in on you, quickly stopped you from going farther.

“My pretty gal, making such pretty fuckin’ noises.”

The curse word makes you blush and causes your eyes to widen. Jake’s thumb traces at your bottom lip, and he laughs at your expression. Jake rarely cursed in front of you, but for some reason, it always happened when you looked so drawn out and needy for him.

His hands settle back at your waist, his expression changing from one of want, back to one of pure love. It causes you to smile, as you see the shift, and place a short gentle kiss on his lips.

“I know you’re on call tonight honey, but I’ve got something planned for us. And don’t tell me you can’t, I already talked to Natasha. She said, so long as I stay within base limits, you could be mine for the night.”

“It’s a bit presumptuous of you to think, I wanna be yours all night.”

You give him a teasing smirk, leaning even farther into his body.

“Honey you’re mine, all the time.”

“And you’re mine?”

Jake’s smirk transforms into the full-blown smile that you love, arms wrapping around your uniform.

“Yes, ma’am. I am.”

…

Saturday, August 16th, 1941

Southern Side, Pearl Harbor Oahu, Hawaii

“Where are you taking me?” The giddiness in your tone makes your voice light and airy. The makeshift, scarf blindfold slightly moves, and your unoccupied hand comes up to hold in over your eyes.

“Can’t tell you honey, or it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

Jake's hand squeezes yours lightly, as you blindly follow the pilot. When Jake picked you up tonight for your date, his gaze fleeted over your outfit. Taking in the white and navy dress that fell gently over your hips, the matching peep-toe heels, and the navy scarf that you carried. You had planned on tying it over your hair if you went on a drive, not wanting to mess up the pin curls. Though when Jake saw the scarf, he immediately took it from your hands and made a twirling motion with his finger. Easily conceding you turned for the man; knowing that if he had a plan, then it was going to happen.

He tied the scarf gently, but still firmly over your eyes and led you to the jeep. Taking you on a short ride, all while holding your hand, before helping you out of the jeep. You’d been walking hand in hand for only a short while, though it seemed to drag on, with you worried about falling.

“We’re almost there, doll.”

You hum in agreement, silently focusing on the placement of your steps and the gentle breeze of dusk setting in. You feel Jake come to a stop, his hand stopping you as well, then moving behind you.

His hands rest on your hips momentarily, as he stands behind you. You feel his breath across your neck as he leans in, then the almost nonexistent brush of his lips against your ear, which causes you to shiver.

“You trust me, honey?”

You can hear the grin in his voice, teasing you as he says it. Jake knew that you trusted him, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to hear you say it.

“Of course.”

“So, before I take this blindfold off, I need you to agree to whatever happens after its removed.”

You pause slightly, excitement and slight worry burning in your gut. Your hands resting in front of you start to fidget without you noticing, though Jake does, and he wraps his own hands around yours.

“I’ve got you, doll. Just say yes.” As he says it a gentle kiss is placed along your neck, the shiver that racks through your body has Jake let out a small chuckle.

“Yes.”

The word falls from your lips with a deep breath, and before you know it the blindfold is falling away. You blink a few times, eyes adjusting to the change in lighting before you focus on Jake’s p-40. The plane is settled just to the side of the runway, the setting sun lighting up the sky in the background.

Your hands clutch at the ones holding your own, before turning in Jake's arms to give him a questioning look. You have a feeling that you know what his plan is, though you want to hear it straight from his mouth before you make assumptions.

“Have you watched the setting sun, as it casts over Pearl?”

The question not what you were expecting, has you giggling slightly.

“Yes, of course.”

“Have you ever seen it from the air?”

There it is, you pause slightly taking in Jake's smile, then look back to the plane. Your stomach fills with anxiety for a moment, though as Jake's hands give you a reassuring squeeze it vanishes.

“Lieutenant Commander Seresin, is this a sanctioned operation?”

Jake had gotten the promotion at the end of last month, and had settled into the role smoothly. Everyone on the Terrors more than happy for him and each of them stated that Jake deserved the recognition. You’d had a small get together that night after he got it officially, all twelve of you got together at a bar just off base.

It was a nice little night, having you all together. It was rare that everyone was on the same schedule, so having the time together was much welcomed. Millie and Robert had officially begun dating. While Javy and Callie weren’t official, but could never keep their hands off each other. The twins had developed a close relationship with Micky and Reuben, though the four had told the group, that friendship is all they ever wanted to have with each other. Bradley and Natasha still argued all the time, though they were also with each other every day.

You and Jake, well you were coming up on your 2-year anniversary in October and your relationship couldn’t have been going any better. Your relationship was stronger than it had ever been, and you knew that Jake was the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. You were sure that Jake felt the same way, and now you were just waiting on him to pop the question.

“It’s sanctioned if you don’t tell anyone, doll.”

The kiss on your cheek pulls your attention back to Jake, as he gives you a smirk followed by a wink. You roll your eyes at the man, though you can’t help the bit of excitement that bubbles in your middle. You give him an apprehensive smile, followed by a nod of your head.

A massive smile breaks out across Jake’s face, as he pulls you towards the plane. Helping you climb up the ladder, and following behind you. His hand rests on your hips, though dips lower for a moment.

You reach back and whack his hand, a laugh falls from both of you, as you climb up into the seat of the plane. You lean forward slightly in the enclosed space, and glance behind you at Jake as he pulls you to rest on his lap.

“Are you sure about this?”

Your voice betrays you and does a poor job of hiding your anxiety, as you clutch onto Jake’s forearms that are placing the buckle around you both. You glance around you, making sure that there is no one in the hangers. While you were slightly scared, you were more worried about Jake getting in trouble.

“Don’t you worry about a thing, doll. You’re flying with the best pilot, that the United State Navy has ever seen.”

The joke eases you, as a laugh bubbles up from your chest. You settle back into Jake's chest, his arms wrapping around you, and in full control of the plane. He flicks on the engine, and the rumble of the turbine makes you jump slightly. The rumble from Jake’s chest as he laughs at you matches the rumble of the engine and comforts you.

The movement of the plane down the runway has you covering your eyes. Jake laughs at you but says nothing as he focuses on getting her off the ground. You feel the shift of weight, as the tires of the plane leave the ground and you peek out between you fingers slightly.

Though as you catch sight of the orange sky expanding out in front of you, your hands drop, taking in the beauty surrounding you.

“Oh, Jake.”

The scarf around your hair keeps it from blowing in either of your faces. Jake only kisses at the back of your head in reply, before taking a sharp turn and making you gasp. Though this time the gasp is one of pure excitement, as you lean up against the side of the wings and look down. The base below you is so small in comparison, and in that moment, you understand why Jake loved flying so much.

In the air, it was only you, Jake, and the plane. Nothing else mattered for the time being.

“You like it, honey?”

You glance behind your shoulder, catching the glimmer in his green eyes as he watches you. The warmth from his body surrounds you in the cockpit, and even with it being exposed you don’t feel an ounce of cold air.

“It’s the best thing you’ve very given me Jake.”

The smiles that pass between the two of you, is more than enough. The two of you are content in each other’s arms, as you watch the sunset over the Pacific. A small black and white square catches your attention along the dash of the plane, and your eyes move from the landscape to the photo.

Your eyes move from the photo and back to Jake, who has yet to notice what you’ve found. Leaning beside the gages, sat a small photograph of the two of you on your first date. It was one of your favorite photos. You can still feel the warmth of the fall day in Charleston, October was beautiful in the Carolinas. You’d met Jake only a week prior to your first date, you were working at a nursing station and he and Bradley had made an unexpected stop in the infirmary.  

The events of the day had all happened so fast; though even with a slightly bruised ego, Jake had gotten you to agree to a first date. He’d taken you out to a carnival, followed up by a walk on the pier. There had been a band playing, and he wasn’t hesitant at all when he asked you to dance. The photo had been one that the photographer captured mid-dance, wide smiles painted both your faces as you gazed up at Jake.

You pull your eyes back from the photo, looking back up to Jake whose eyes were already on you.

“Why?”

“Cause honey, like I told you, you’re my luck.”

Your heart warms at the realization, turning just slightly to place a kiss against his cheek. The sun’s rays cast over the two of you, highlighting the glee and love in both your eyes. You slightly shake your head at the pilot, as a soft laugh bubbles from your chest.

“I love you.”

“I love you, honey.”

The echo of the words cast out across the sky, past the bay, and into the never-ending Pacific. You settle back into Jake's chest, wrapping yourself tighter in the leather bomber jacket he wears. The echo of his heartbeat casts through your mind, and for once you gladly accept the free fall.

“Hold on honey.”

As the words leave his mouth, Jake sends the plane into a barrel roll. A slight squeal leaves your lips, though you’re soothed as Jake whispers sweet nothings into your ear. The spin has you in a literal feel fall, though fear escapes you. As the sun sets over Pearl Harbor’s landscape, you’re met with the realization that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.

That the safety you found in Jake's arms would always be enough.

[annepsilvaauthor]

Hannix AU 40s ✨🖤🤍

Lieutenant Jake Seresin & Teacher Natasha Trace

Let me know what you think about this moodboard and this AU, and maybe I'll develop a draft around it ❤️‍🔥

[indynerdgirl]

I know I've said I'm going to make a massive mutli-fandom fanfic rec post, but that is taking much longer to put together than I anticipated.

In the meantime, here are some Top Gun: Maverick fics that I've been following lately that I think deserve more love!

What is a Legacy? by sleeping_maple WIP - currently four chapters at 23,338 words Rating: Teen & Up Summary: What if Bob was actually Rooster's little brother?

A few months after Goose's death, Carole Bradshaw finds out that she's pregnant with a miracle baby. Her little Bobby. Maverick steps up and tries to be a father to both Bobby and Bradley, which feeds fuel to the fire until it all explodes when Maverick pulls Bradley's papers and Bobby choses to stay behind. And now, years later, they're all back in Miramar for the uranium facility mission.

What could possibly go wrong?

Lost Boy by sleeping_maple COMPLETED - Words: 132,687 Chapters: 25/25 Rating: Teen & Up Summary: Jake Seresin was just trying to enjoy an evening with his squad mates before their leave. He was definitely not trying to dive too deep into his very layered and very painful past. And he was definitely not trying to learn the identity of his biological father. But the universe had different plans for him in mind, apparently.

Never Leave You All Alone by sleeping_maple WIP - currently five chapters at 19,202 words Rating: Teen & Up Summary: Hangman and Rooster have a history, but not what everyone thinks.

In this alternate universe, Jake Mitchell, or Jake "Hangman" Blackwood in the Navy, is Maverick and Charlie's son. After Charlie's untimely death, Maverick raised Jake with Carole's help and alongside Bradley. Jake and Bradley were brothers, not unlike Maverick and Goose. Up until Carole died, Maverick pulled Bradley's papers to the Naval Academy, and Bradley blamed Jake for it.

This story uses TG:M as a template for what would have happened if Jake was Maverick's son and raised beside Bradley.

Based off my previous fic "Lost Boy."

From The Ashes by @myshipsaresunk Jake Seresin x Natasha Trace, musician AU WIP - 33/40 chapters, updates twice a week, currently at 141,134 words (I know for an absolute fact that this one will be completed! I was lucky enough to be her beta reader for this one so I've already read the whole thing, she's just pacing out the chapters.) Rating: Teen & Up Summary: Jake Seresin is a washed-out rockstar one public scandal away from losing everything. Natasha Trace is fresh off her success rehabilitating rising star Bradley Bradshaw when she gets a job offer from Jake's record label. The money is too good to turn down - but she should have known they were desperate for a reason.

Signed Away by @seresinhangmanjake Jake Seresin x Reader WIP - currently at 15/17 chapters, plus an epilogue Summary: You find out about the contractual marriage your parents arranged with Jake’s when you were a baby. You’re plenty angered by it, but Jake doesn’t seem too bothered. He might even be happy. Notes/Warnings: cursing, fluff, eventual smut, angst, contract marriage, loss of rights, feelings of being trapped, poor parent/child relationships. Seeing Red by @call-sign-jinx Jake Seresin x ex-wife!Reader (Call sign: Red Queen) WIP - currently at 51+ parts, it's a mix of written chapters & pics of group chats Rating/Tags: It starts out Teen & Up, but definitely moves to Mature in later chapters, tags & warnings on each chapter. Summary: According to the Red Queen hypothesis, a species needs to evolve and adapt in order to survive because its competitors are doing the same.

Or how a young woman who wanted to be a lawyer ended up being a well-known naval aviator, hiding a big secret. Remember You Even When I Don't by @beyondthesefourwalls Bradley Bradshawx Reader (no use of y/n, so can be read as unnamed oc) WIP - currently 3 chapters Rating: None listed Warnings: angst, hospitals, memory loss, language. Summary: A training accident, the doctor had told him. A nasty one that led him here, laying in a hospital bed with a splitting headache and an inability to remember the woman sitting beside him. What he did know, though, was that you were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and you felt important to him. That, as it turns out, would become an understatement.

My Girl by @ereardon Jake Seresin x OC [Lawyer Natalie West] COMPLETED - 18 chapters Ratings & Tags on each chapter Summary: Jake Seresin could be the answer to all of your dating woes. He’s the full package: steady job, mature, dependable, attractive to a fault. The polar opposite of every guy your age and he’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a partner. But there’s one roadblock: he’s a single father to four-year-old Ellie. Jake is looking for a level of commitment you’re not quite sure you’re ready to give, and he’s not willing to bring someone into his daughter’s life who isn’t there for the long haul. And even if you are stepmom material, is Jake ready to let someone back in his life while still mourning the recent loss of his late wife? 

Sweet Nothings by @sweetlittlegingy Jake Seresin x Wife Reader (nee Mitchell) [use of y/n] WIP - 3/13 chapters Rating: None listed General Series Warnings: Infertility, Adoption, Dad!Jake, Teacher/Mom!Reader, Kindergarteners (also has chapter specific warnings listed) Summary: No summary listed but I can tell you that this series, while having some angsty bits, is overall sweet & fluffy. And the Dad!Jake vibes are immaculate!

[norabrice1701]

Twist My Heart - Ch. 2

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Jake “Hangman” Seresin

- A TG:M Twister AU -

Series Main List

Also on AO3

Ch. 2 Warnings: Language; discussion of canon character death; tornado chasing drama

Even with guaranteed nationwide wi-fi service, the rural counties still prove a constant challenge. Squinting against hazy sunlight that shafts through the windshield, Bradley stares at the progress bar on his laptop, willing the radar image to update. The supercell to the south has finally started to display favorable indications for a hook echo… but then his internet connection blipped.

He sighs, resting back against the passenger seat headrest as the image continues to load. His eyes drift closed but the release of a semitruck’s air brakes jar his attention. The midday beehive activity of gas stations make them Bradley’s least favorite place to wait out oncoming storms, but their SUV did need refueling. 

Another disappointing glance at his computer screen confirms the ongoing wi-fi struggle, and he looks out the windshield instead. His gaze lands immediately on Hangman’s swaggering form, impossible to miss as he exits the convenience store. A plastic bag swings next to his legs clad in casually well-fitting jeans and his Dagger Labs polo shirt highlights the strong build of his chest. Sunglasses shield his eyes and complement all the attractive angles of his face beneath his stylish blonde hair. He passes a woman who offers him a bashful smile, and he dials his answering grin up to full brilliance. It brings out the dimples that never fail to lend him an air of boyish charm, and… fuck.

“Where the fuck are we?” Fanboy’s voice sounded over the CB radio with distinct displeasure. “Come on, Bob.” 

“You’re on County Road 31 - or should be, at least. Half a mile out, Dagger 3.” Bob responded with calm ease. 

“Tornado is on the ground!” Payback hollered, his excitement palpable through the radio static. “It’s going about 35 mph. North-northeast.” 

Bradley’s heart jumped in his chest as he pressed harder on the gas pedal. Just over the low hill ahead, he watched the black, angry funnel taking violent shape, and the sight made his blood rush. 

Hangman popped the lens cover off his camera in the passenger seat. “Don’t get too close, now. You’ll ruin the shot.” 

“Heaven forbid I come between you and your art.” 

“Damn straight.” 

Bradley turned to cast a passing glance out the passenger window, just able to make out the flashing yellow lights of Dagger 2 approaching from the west. His smile widened as the Dagger Labs team continued to move into position, each fulfilling their field assignments, and Bradley turned his gaze back out out the front windshield. Over the roar of wind and the blaring team radio calls, he heeded the sat nav directions and cranked the wheel on the next road towards Bob’s tracking coordinates. 

“Oh, man,” Fanboy chuckled with raw wonder. “We have an EF2, possibly EF3 with a very large rope on the ground!”

“Shear is 90 knots. Rotation increasing.” Nat reported, all business and calm coolness. “50 outbound, 40 inbound.” 

Bradley’s smile grew as the digital shutter on Hangman’s camera started clicking away. It was an artform that Bradley never understood, but Hangman always found a way to capture breathtaking images no matter how fast Bradley drove. 

“Axis has gone vertical!” Fanboy whooped with joy. “This sucker’s really gaining strength and we’re getting into prime position!”

The promise of victory - of good data capture - rushed a thrill through Bradley as he made the next turn onto a dirt road, tracking the twister’s visual progress relative to the target coordinates. He lived for these moments - with his hair on fire and adrenaline electrifying his senses as the power of mother nature reigned supreme, ripe for scientific exploration. 

The SUV bounced over the uneven, rutted road jarring them both in their seats. Hangman glared over, bracing one hand against the dashboard and trying to steady his camera with the other. “Where the fuck did you turn?” 

“Where’s Bob’s directions said…” 

Hangman turned his gaze out the window suspiciously, staring down at the ground as they jounced. “Are you sure this even qualifies as a road?” 

“It’s got to be.” Bradley answered as he fought the wheel to keep the SUV moving forward in a steady, straight line. “It's probably called something like… ‘Bob’s Road’.”

Hangman barked a sharp laugh that carried a genuine note of amusement as he looked over at Bradley. His cheeks held the flush of excitement and his eyes shone with bright energy as he shot Bradley a smile. “I’ll be sure to tell him that.” 

Bradley glanced over, blood singing in his veins as the perfect beauty of the moment took his breath away.

Bradley sighs again, pushing the memory aside and hoping to expel more than one type of frustration as he looks back at his computer. The driver door opens, ushering in a gust of gasoline fumes and dust as Hangman retakes his seat. Bradley stays content to ignore him, focusing instead on the progress bar of his radar update. At least until a bag of sour gummy worms lands on his laptop keys.

He’s long stopped being flattered when his coworkers - especially Hangman - remember his snack preferences. It comes with the territory after so many years on the road together.

“I keep thinking that one day you’ll outgrow those, you know.” Hangman’s words deform around the corner of a plastic wrapper clenched between his teeth as he tears it open. “Or do you actually like getting cavities? Or diabetes much?”

Bradley rips the bag open as he glances over at Hangman. The blonde gnaws a bite of beef jerky, and Bradly just arches an incredulous brow before speaking. “And what about you? Hypertension much? Colon cancer?”

The corner of Hangman’s mouth lifts as he waves the snack for emphasis. “At least this has protein in it. Something redeeming.”

There’s plenty redeeming in the gummy candy's sweet and sour flavors that burst on Bradley's tongue, but they're none of Hangman’s business. He doesn’t need to know how they were Goose’s favorite. How Bradley could always find a bag stashed in his desk – sometimes half-eaten, sometimes stale, sometimes unopened – and his dad would always let him have some, even if it was before dinner. He offers a shrug as he pulls more gummy worms out of the bag. “Vice of choice.” 

Hangman chuckles. “And you’re how old? 10?” 

“Beer’s a close second.” 

“Really livin’ on the edge there, Roo.” Hangman deadpans, words distorted as he chews another bite of jerky.

Bradley blinks down at the radar image that’s nearly uploaded before turning back towards Hangman. His elbow rests on the window ledge and the visible swell of muscle has no right to be so appealing. Bradley’s no slouch in the gym, either - the job demands a certain physicality - but something about Hangman’s has always made Bradley’s heart race. “What’s yours, then?” He asks, licking stray sugar from his lips. “What vice makes you so high and mighty?” 

A shit-eating grin grows on Hangman’s face. “Now what’s the fun in just telling you?” 

Bradley shakes his head, swallowing a wave of irritation. “You don’t have to tell me - I can only assume there’s a reason Coyote has lots of tequila stories about you.” And they absolutely, resolutely don’t make Bradley jealous. Not the stories themselves, but Coyote and Hangman’s relationship going back so many years before working together at Dagger Labs. He still doesn't know how or why Mav hired them both - or if they came as a package deal - but they’ve only helped add to Dagger Labs’ prestigious reputation. 

“Stories are just that,” Hangman answers, clearly unimpressed. “Easy to fabricate and easy to exaggerate.” 

He can’t resist arching a teasing brow. “Oh, I’m sure Coyote has photos, though. No self-respecting friend wouldn’t want that sort of embarrassing fodder for a 40th birthday or wedding rehearsal dinner show’n tell.” 

Disgusted disbelief wrinkles Hangman’s face. “If that’s your idea of what being a friend means, Bradshaw, then count me out.”  

“Well, then," he says, hoping his voice isn't suddenly too tight. "Good thing we’re just coworkers.” 

A silence falls in the SUV, broken only by their quiet chewing and the muffled sounds of the gas station around them. The plastic wrapper of the jerky stick crinkles as Hangman polishes off the last bite. “How’s Doppler looking?” 

At least the weather forecast information has finally refreshed. Bradley swipes his finger over the touchscreen. “Looks like that cell south of us has dropped in intensity. Not likely to spawn anything now.” 

“I never hung my hat on that system, anyway.” Hangman says, almost bored. “Not enough stability for the upper wind rotations to form.” 

Bradley doesn’t quite roll his eyes. “You never even saw the data, man.” 

“Didn’t need to.” He shoots an adoring look at Bradley over the top of his shades. “Not when you use your words so well, saying such pretty things.” 

Bradley just shakes his head, refusing to look over and hoping that Hangman doesn’t see the tightening muscles of his jaw. In these moments, he hates that he doesn’t have the same instincts. That he’s more data dependent, more prone to think than to act. While it hasn’t failed him yet - in fact, it’s saved his ass on more than one occasion - even Mav has told him that he needs to not think quite so much. 

Maybe he just comes by it too honestly. 

He takes a last mouthful of gummy worms and rolls up the bag, stuffing it into the glove box. With another scan of the forecast data, he glances down at the notebook resting next to the center console and picks it up. If there’s one surefire way to get Hangman to shut up, this is it. 

Nibbling his bottom lip, he starts inking out representative lines for each letter of the word that he's chosen. No matter how many times he’s played Hangman with… well, Hangman, it never fails to transport him back to his grade school days despite the mobile lab equipment around him. 

Hangman chuckles softly as he watches Bradley sketch out a scaffold. “You didn’t even ask me if I wanted to play.” 

“Well, I’m done listening to you talk, and you can do what you do best.” 

“Impress you?”

“Win.” Bradley states it like the fact that it is. It’s long stopped being a competition, but Bradley refuses to admit that Hangman’s mastery of the game does impress him. He glances up at Hangman and holds the notebook out for him to study. 

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

A toothpick materializes in the corner of Hangman’s mouth, another of his many talents. “You’re missing the category hint.” 

Bradley mentally kicks himself. He should have remembered that but like hell will he admit it. “That’s not a firm rule, is it?” 

Hangman cuts him with a sly gaze over his sunglasses. “Of course it is. Stop trying to cheat.” 

The corner of his mouth lifts without permission. “Alright - category is ‘thing’.” 

Hangman’s eyes fix on the notebook. “‘T’.” 

Bradley scratches the pen on the page, filling in the blank. 

__ __ __ __ T __ __ __

Hangman’s tongue darts out to tease the toothpick as he cocks his head. “A risk, but one I think’ll pay off – ‘C’.”

Bradley tries to hide his disappointment as he writes out the letter.

__ __ C __ T __ __ __

A triumphant smile brightens Hangman’s face. “You really picked ‘vacation’ as the word? Come on, at least make it a challenge!”

Bradley’s mouth gapes open before he can stop it, staring at the page. “How in the hell? There’s nothing obvious about that!”

“A master never reveals his secrets.” Hangman plucks the toothpick and points it towards the notebook. “Come on, write it out – prove me right.”

With gentle scoff, Bradley shakes his head and moves the pen over the paper.

V A C A T I O N

Despite the fact that Hangman is called Hangman for this exact reason, despite the fact that Bradley has seen Hangman do this countless times, and despite the fact that he’ll never stump Hangman at his own game, it still stirs the competitive part of him. Bradley stares at the blank page for the space of a breath as he tries to summon something clever. Something unusual, something harder - something with two words. 

Carrier pigeon. 

Liking his odds, he inks out lines for the thirteen letters. “Two words, this time,” he clarifies, glancing back at Hangman and holding out the notebook. “Still category ‘thing’.”

Hangman huffs a breathy laugh, scanning around the gas station parking lot before turning his attention back down to the page. “Okay, let’s start with ‘R’.”

Bradley writes out the three R’s on the page and holds his face neutral. Hangman brings the toothpick back to his mouth, rolling the wooden stick between his lips. A grin of recognition starts creeping across his face. “Let’s see if I got it – N.”

With sinking dread and absolute bafflement, Bradley writes the offending letter in the last blank.

Hangman smiles in victory with that damnably obnoxious toothpick pinched between too many teeth. “Carrier pigeon.”

“There’s no… no fucking way.” Bradley shakes his head in disbelief, motioning at the notebook. “There’s just… there’s nothing there…”

“Just because you don’t know the strategy doesn’t mean that there isn’t one.”

Bradley writes out the solution just because he can with another incredulous shake of his head. “Were you a spelling bee whiz kid in school? You must have been, to be so good at this now.”

Hangman’s nose wrinkles in disgust. “God, no. That’s a whole other level of teacher’s pet brown-nosing, do-gooding.”

Truthfully, Bradley can’t ever imagine a young Jake Seresin standing on some stage with a first-place spelling bee ribbon, but it’s something he’s always wondered about. How did the man get so freakishly good at this game? 

Hangman’s eyes meet his even behind the sunglasses, and he misses none of the contemplation happening behind Bradley’s eyes. His brows pinch together with piqued interest. “Wait…” Hangman says slowly, plucking the toothpick from his lips. “Does that mean that you… oh, god, you’re one of them, aren’t you?” 

“What?” Bradley’s face screws with disbelief. “No - I don’t even remember ever participating in a spelling bee.” Quickly, he tries to think of something else to hide the trajectory of his thoughts. “No, I… I was just thinking about the origin of the name ‘spelling bee’.”

“You mean it’s not named after some bee who’s good at spelling?” Hangman’s trademark teasing grin sounds in his voice.

Bradley ignores his stupidly obvious joke. “’Bee’ used to be the common term for a communal gathering – like a quilting bee or an apple bee.”

Silence falls for a beat before Hangman cocks his head in curious thought. “So, then… by that logic, is that seriously how the restaurant chain got its name?”

The image of Applebee’s Bar & Grill logo flashes in Bradley’s mind. His brows furrow as he shakes his head. “Well, it… you know, I have no idea.”

“Dagger 1, come in.” Nat’s voice sounds over the SUV speakers and anticipation bursts in Bradley’s chest. He reaches to unmute the team voice chat. 

“Copy that, Dagger 2.” A smile lifts the corner of his mouth. “Good to hear from you, Phoenix.” 

“Figured someone might need to give you two a break by now.” 

Hangman scoffs indignantly. “Ye of little faith, Phoenix. Things were just starting to get good.” 

“A twenty says you’re wrong.” 

Bradley knows better than to take that bet against Natasha Trace. “Whatcha got?” 

“Major action,” Bob’s voice comes over the speakers. “The cap is breaking. Tower’s going up 30 miles up the dry line.” 

Bradley’s heart leaps in his chest. Nothing else has even come close today. “Where are you?” 

“Near Burns Flat.” 

He reaches for his seatbelt on instinct, hearing Hangman’s also click into place. “And that’s where? North? South?” 

Nat’s voice sounds again. “Bob’s already sent you GPS coordinates.” 

Hangman’s smile widens as the SUV engine roars to life. “That shit gets me hard, Bob.” 

Bradley stares up at the speakers in the ceiling as if seeking forgiveness. “What he means is thank you and we’re on our way. We’ll catch you on CB when we get within range.” 

“Copy that.” 

The chat line mutes as Hangman shifts the SUV into gear, not quite peeling out of the parking space but coming pretty damn close. Bradley jostles in his seat, pulling up the vehicle's sat nav and Bob's coordinates. He arches a disapproving brow over at Hangman as they leave the gas station behind. “No call to be so crude.” 

Hangman doesn’t glance over, focused on the road ahead. “And no call for you to be such a prude.” 

“Not a prude.” Bradley corrects as he pulls up the latest data. “Just not rude. Especially when you know it makes Bob uncomfortable.” 

“He’ll never grow if he’s not pushed outside of his comfort zone, dear.” Hangman sing-songs with a mocking edge. “Though that sounds like someone else we both know, doesn’t it?” 

The barb digs under Bradley’s skin but he pushes it aside. Glancing at the sat nav directions to confirm distance to target, he glances up at the darkening sky. “Just drive or we’ll miss it entirely.” 

Series Main List

Tag List: @redfurrycat

[oh-surprise-its-me]

Okay so for your Chris seresin x slider au, I have a request. Well a couple but feel free to chose.

1. The daggers meeting Chris and Ron after the mission

2. The flyboy uncles and Jakes dads reacting to him getting in to top gun the first time then later on winning the trophy like his dad and Uncle ice.

3. Just anything fluffy you want to write about Chris and Ron.

I love this au so much. I check your tumblr daily to see if there’s anything new for it ❤️❤️❤️

AH I’m so happy you love them. I’m going to break these up into three different posts because I will write anything for them. 🩷

1. Daggers meeting Chris and Ron

They’re all at the hard deck. Mav is leaning against the bar when he hears Jake shout, he sees the blond take off across the room and slam into his dads and Tom.

All of the daggers and staring. Bradley slams his head into the bar when he sees Ron and Tom standing together. Everyone starts quietly whispering as to why the fuck Jake just slammed into hugging Admiral Kerner, the goddamn commander of the pacific fleet and some random blond.

Javy is the only one besides Bradley who isn’t confused.

Phoenix is the first to react to their ranks. She slams into stance. Once everyone sees her do it they all scramble to join. Mav has to laugh, because Jake just doesn’t care about ranks when it comes to his dad and uncles.

Tom laughs, not unkindly and walks over to Mav. “At ease sailors. You all are fine relax.”

Everyone drops from the salutes.

Ron raises his eyebrow, “I never said y’all could stop.” Jake and Chris both smack Ron. He lets out a laugh and kisses Jake’s head before going over and hugging Mav.

“Hangman you wanna explain some things?”

Weirdly it’s Bob that speaks first. Jake smiles, Chris is still holding onto his waist. “Y’all meet my dads.”

There’s a beat of silence before everyone starts talking, “hey Chris-!” “Hang what the fuc-?” “hey Ron-” “as in Ron kerner is your dad-?” “Who’s the blond-?”

“Woah!” Jake sticks his hands out to stop everyone from talking, he points at Phoenix, “you first.”

She tilts her head, “how long have you kept this a secret from us?”

Jake blushes a little, “uh the whole time. Mav and Javy obviously knew, Roo knew a bit. But yeah. I’ve never really announced it.”

She blinks at him. “How long have they been together?” Chris answers this one. “40 years.”

There’s a round of chatter before Ron pipes up. “Hey Mav and Ice have been together for 36.” Tom smacks Ron from where they are leaning. Payback raises his hand, Chris laughs, “you can just talk kiddo.”

Payback nods, “what kinda unit did you come from sir?”

Tom and Ron start giggling, Chris rolls his eyes. “Ignore them. I didn’t, I was a firefighter, I’m a mechanic now that we live in California.”

Everyone nods, Bradley raises his hand. Ron points at him “shoot birdy.” Bradley rolls his eyes. “Y’all forgive me for being stupid when I was younger?”

Chris let’s go of Jake, he walks over and hugs Bradley. “Yeah. Just forgive Mav for the stupid things he’s done. Next time don’t take it out on Tommy.”

Mav winces from where he’s drifted into Tom’s arms. He gets a squeeze around his waist “sorry Bradley.” Jake is leaning against Ron’s side, “y’all don’t do this here go outside.”

Mav tilts his head and Bradley nods. They leave.

Tom loops his arm around Jake, “glad you’re safe kiddo. Thank you for bringing my husband home. I’m Glad all of you are safe.”

Halo takes a swing of her beer, “can you guys give us stories of Jake when he was little?”

Chris laughs. “He collects animals like Snow White.”

“Oh fuck off dad you do the exact same thing.”

Bob leans over to Coyote, “he just said Snow White right?” Javy laughs but before he can answer Ron cuts him off. “Y’all know why Coyote has his name? They picked up a pup when they were 15.”

Jake and Javy both glance at each other. “Jake lit multiple trash cans on fire in schools.”

“Uncle Tom!”

“He what??”

Jake smacks Tom, he knows he probably shouldn’t based off the gasps he got, but fuck it, it’s a bar not the base he can smack his uncle.

“You’re a nepo baby Jake.” Jake blushes, “shut up Nat, so is Bradley.”

Chris laughs, he kisses Tom’s cheek. “You’re evil. Love it.”

Bradley and Mav wonder in, they both look like they’ve been crying. Bradley looks at Jake “wanna get beat in pool?” Jake hugs his dads again and then nods. “You’re goin down Bradshaw.”

Javy leans next to Chris, “they’ve been like this the whole time. Shoot me now.”

Tom laughs and says something in polish to Ron. “Please don’t say that about our kids. I don’t need that memory of you and Mav.”

Mav laughs “you should’ve seen them when Bradley was playing piano, it was crazy.”

Everyone eventually drags Chris and Ron into talking about their lives. It’s a good night. An even better one when they seen Bradley and Jake talking casually at the bar later.

Maybe they’ll have a full family reunion this year.

[stcverogers-reblog]

CURRENT TOP GUN READS

ROOSTER

Where do you go?

NAVY READER

Callsign Cherry

are we still friends?

Oops

Pick Your Battles

BARTENDER READER

Steady

THE F&F UNIVERSE

You know I hate it when you cry

COLLEGE BRADLEY

The Trial Run

BOYFRIEND BRADLEY

Something ‘bout you

I ain't worried bout it

MC BRADLEY AU

But this is love I just can’t live without

BASEBALL BRADLEY AU

Take me out to the ballgame

ROOMMATE BRADLEY

And They Were Roommates

EX BRADLEY

old habits die hard

Always Been You

Mamma Mia

medicines

PRESIDENTIAL BRADLEY AU

Red, White, and Rooster

CHEF BRADLEY AU

mise en place

HANGMAN

SINGLE DAD JAKE

AMELIA

SINGLE MOM READER

The Good, The Bad, and The Working on It

Roses and Thorns

Better Man Universe

NAVY READER

Scared to love you

A Diamond in the Rough

Little Wonder

Puzzle Pieces

NEW GIRL JAKE AU

The Douche Bag Jar

EX JAKE

What To Expect

Home Is Where the Heart Is

DAD JAKE

let me go

Flyboy

Opposites Attract

Worlds Collide

the seresin family

Spitfire universe masterlist

Perfect Accidents

HUSBAND JAKE

Sweet Nothings

BEST FRIEND JAKE

Silver Springs

real friends

Sleepy baby

The Only Thing

BOYFRIEND JAKE

more hearts than mine

sunsets and fighter jets

The Invisible Woman

Maroon

Dream of Me

Church Encounters

Beyond the Hills

Out of Bounds

Mr Seresin and I

Met you at the sea

Contract Spouse

Bad Medicine

Bigger than the whole Sky

Learn to Fly

I will always be here for you

all you had to do was stay

The Comeback Kid

pulchritudinous

Diamonds, Candlelight, and a Question

One New Voicemail

BOB

The Killjoy

My Type

Team Prime

40s BOB AU

Letters to my love

ROYAL BOB AU

Royal Flush

MAVERICK

SINGLE DAD MAV

EMMA

CYCLONE

NAVY READER

When Duty Calls

Cyclone

COYOTE

NAVY READER

Your love is the love I need

If it’s worth your time

OLYMPIAN READER

Ridin’ the Waves

[mercurygray]

Could I pls request 'possessive sex' from the Tagged Inappropriately meme for Laura and Hangman, the 40s AU if you wish👀

Mildly NSFW below the cut.

The whole thing made her angry.

True, it was probably time for dinner, but he and his smiles were on her last nerve today, and she really didn't want to go out and have to deal with the further ingratiating smiles of the hostess and the waitress and the group of moms at the next table over, all smiling and fawning over him like the golden boy he was.

A whole day at this airshow, and she didn't think they'd spoken twice.

"Something on your mind?" Jake asked, coming out of the bathroom to find something in his suitcase, nearly naked in his boxers and undershirt.

"Oh, would you like to hear what I have to say now? I thought you were still ignoring me."

Jake rolled his eyes. "Laura, you know that wasn't -"

"No, Jake, I don't know," Laura spat back. "Please, tell me. She has two advanced degrees and she's working on a third but don't ask her any questions, girls, I am Jake Seresin and I'll flirt like hell with you while I answer them."

"Laura!"

She turned to look at him, hands on hips, fully aware that she wasn't fully dressed and not particularly caring at the moment. She'd spent the whole day in a flight suit and she wanted to feel powerful again, desirable. No one wanted to talk to a woman at an airshow unless she was wearing a short skirt, and after a whole day of that, she'd had it. She was a pilot, and a scientist, and she wasn't just part of the furniture. "We were out there for ten hours, Jake - ten hours to talk about that project, and you talked to every single woman under thirty." And while you were doing that, I got ignored and talked over All. Damn. Day.

"Laura, that's the job, that's -"

Oh, no, you don't. "Yeah, well, the job isn't trying to make them laugh."

He scoffed. "Are you jealous?"

"I don't know, Jake, should I be?"

"No. Laura - fuck." He threw his hands up and turned around once, trying to collect his thoughts. "What do you want me to say?"

"I want you say you're not going to trade me in!" Because it was starting to feel like that, wasn't it, after being ignored and passed over for ten hours straight. That's Laura Simpson - and she's just…too much, you know?

He stared. "You …really think I would do that? That's my girlfriend, guys. She has two advanced degrees, she's working on a third, she's smarter than three of us together and an astronaut candidate and on top of that she's gorgeous. Frankly, I'm amazed she's taking a chance on me. I'm not trading her in for anything."

Easy to say that - but she thought he meant it, from where he was standing. "You're mine, Jake. Mine, and I don't share well."

Jake snorted. "I don't share well either." He exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair, and sat down heavily on the room's couch, looking at her again for a minute with a little smile creeping into his expression. "Gotta say, you look hot as hell standing there in your undies getting angry with me."

You're goddamn right, I do. And he looked hot, too, sitting there in his boxers and his t-shirt with his legs spread, leaning back to observe her. Well, fuck. "That isn't an apology," she declared, climbing over where he was sat on the couch with one hand on each of his shoulders and settling into his lap.

"Didn't mean it as one," Jake said, leaning up a little to catch her for a kiss, his teeth grazing her bottom lip, hands heavy on her waist. "You gonna give me something to remember this by tomorrow?" he asked, his pinkie tracing the waistband of her panties.

She ground her hips down into his pelvis, eliciting an appreciative groan. "Damn right I am." Something that only you and I will know is there, hold your hand over when that next smiling face tries to convince you you want what she's got. "And you're going to do better tomorrow."

Jake groaned again, his smile wide as anything, ready to say whatever it took. "Yes, ma'am."

If you liked Laura, you can read more about here here on tumblr at her tag and on AO3 in One Minor Detail .

[mrsbradshaw-seresin01]

Please feel free to be as vague or detailed as you would like. I'm trying to write more so these will be posted alongside a main story. That will be coming soon.

Characters I will write:

Top Gun:

1. Jake "Hangman" Seresin

2. Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

3. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell

4. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky

5. Nick "Goose" Bradshaw

More to be added

Types

1. Smut

2. Fluff

3. Angst

4. One of my stories

5. Soulmate au

6. Supernatural au

7. x Reader

8. x New OC

9. x one of my existing OCs

Dialogue Prompts

1. "I don't think so."

2. "I wasn't sure you remembered me."

3. "No, it's really not that complicated."

4. "We need to talk."

5. "I missed you."

6. "Is this your first time here?"

7. "Kiss me, you piece of shit."

8. "Hey, stupid."

9. "I can't keep doing this."

10. "I never got to say goodbye."

11. "Take a deep breath."

12. "You made me touch starved!"

13. "You make me so unbelievably happy."

14. "He was right!"

15. "I told you not to touch that."

16. "How did you know?"

17. "You can't come back here again."

18. "I have never heard a bigger lie."

19. "Where did you find it?"

20. "I've told you a dozen times and I'll tell you again: it's not possible!"

21. "I'm tired of answering that question."

22. "Why didn't they come?"

23. "I'm sorry, I just don't think this will work out."

24. "I never thought I'd see you again."

25. "I don't know how to tell you this, but..."

26. "I'm not sure I can do this."

27. "I'm not sure what I'm doing with my life."

28. "I'm so sick of pretending like everything is okay."

29. "Why can't things just be simple?"

30. "Apologize. Right now."

40. "Let the game begin!"

41. "Watch where you're going!"

42. "Don't move."

43. "I'm your biggest fan!"

44. "There's no point running."

45. "Hey, look at me."

46. "Quick! Act surprised!"

47. "Truth or dare."

48. "Right, I'm leaving now."

49. "Don't do that."

50. "Well don't just stand there! Do something!"

51. "So that's what you are..."

52. "Are you there?"

53. "Do you remember that night in Paris?"

54. "I can't believe you told them I stole baby Jesus!"

55. "The police said they never found the suspect."

56. "I'm in love with a sociopath."

57. "This is the second time this week I've spilt coffee on my shirt."

58. "Your mother wants to come down for Christmas."

59. "Do you know what today is?"

60. "Why do you have that look on your face?"

61. "You'll never guess what ____ told me last night."

62. "Did you ask ___?"

63. "That was my favorite cup."

64. "Is there a problem here, gentlemen?"

65. "What on Earth happened in here?"

66. "Ma'am I'm afraid I've got some bad news. Sit down."

67. "Let's hear your side of the story."

68. "Get in the car!"

69. "Actually, I think this is the wrong way..."

70. "Well this is new."

71. "There's blood everywhere."

72. "It's taken me fifty years to get here. I'm sure as hell not giving up now!"

73. "I'm sorry. That sounds awful."

74. "Is that seriously your password?"

75. "Did you get my note?"

76. "You gonna eat that?"

77. "Hello, ma'am we're here about your son."

78. "The dog or me. Your choice."

79. "You won't believe what happened to me today."

80. "You know ... You really don't have to."

81. "When she looked back at me, I thought, in that moment, that everything could be okay."

82. "Did you really think you'd get a second chance?"

83. "Ugh! It's like I'm cursed or something!"

84. "Hey stupid. He likes you."

85. "Hmm, well, I guess that's broken."

86. "... Do you think it's dead?"

87. "He was right! We have to apologize!"

88. "I'll never be able to look at roses the same way again."

89. "No we'll never make it in time. We're too late."

90. "Whatever you do, don't push that button!"

91. "Don't you worry about a thing! I'm a pro at this!"

92. "I like her. Like I really like her. But... she scares me a little."

93. "Okay, that's .... A fun ... Idea. But here's another idea! How about we don't do that."

94. "You need to stop. People are going to think you're weird or something."

95. "What he don't know... won't hurt him. You can keep a secret can't you?"

96. "Sir... I don't understand. Why are you doing this?"

97. "What makes her so special? What does she have that I don't?"

98. "I don't want to ask them! You go ask them."

99. "Sometimes, life deals you a bad hand, but just like with poker, you can still play your cards right and win."

100. "Wait, you can hear me?"

101. "We have to hurry. They're coming."

102. "Hey... We need to talk. Can you come down? Please...?"

103. "I have to say... You look different in person."

104. "But... I thought you were dead."

105. "You are no longer useful to me."

106. "It's time for you to repay that debt you owe me."

107. "Did you eat your breakfast?" "...No." "Get over yourself. You can't avoid taking care of yourself forever." "Yes I can."

108. "I don't think you understand the gravity of this situation." "Dude, I don't think I understand anything."

109. "Took you long enough." "Sorry, I had some .... Loose ends to tie up first."

110. "You can't get rid of me that easily!" "Oh, but I'm not trying to get rid of you. I have other plans for you..."

[indynerdgirl]

*cracks knuckles* My time has come! 😆 I hope you enjoy these as much as I have! 😊 Jake Seresin Fics

the echo (or the answer) by @anniesocsandgeneralstore Pairing: Jake Seresin x Bradshaw Female OC Rating: Mature for Ch 1-5, Explicit for Ch. 6 (final chapter) Word Count: 48,752 Warnings: language, violence, blood/gore, parental death mention, gun/knife mention, kidnapping, making out/heavy petting, explicit sexual content Tags: Werewolf AU, yearning/pining, slight love triangle, hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending Summary: A forest fire forces two feuding werewolf packs to meet, and Ronnie Bradshaw is caught in the middle of it all. Will she stay loyal to her Alpha brother, Bradley - or will the opposing Alpha, Jake seduce her to the other side?

From The Ashes by @myshipsaresunk Pairing: Jake Seresin x Natasha Trace Rating: Teen & Up (via AO3’s rating system) Word Count: 170,977 (40 chapters) Warnings: Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Implied/Referenced Suicide Tags: Rockstar AU, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Angst with a Happy Ending, Recovery from Alcoholism, Working Through Mental Health Issues Summary:  Jake Seresin is a washed-out rockstar one public scandal away from losing everything. Natasha Trace is fresh off her success rehabilitating rising star Bradley Bradshaw when she gets a job offer from Jake's record label. The money is too good to turn down - but she should have known they were desperate for a reason.

Sugar and Spice by @wombtotombx Pairing: Jake Seresin x Female OC Rating: Author didn’t use a rating, but I would say Teen & Up. Word Count: 67,000+ Warnings: Explicit language; Pining; Angst; Some Fluff; References to war; Sexual References/Innuendos (not quite smut); Medical Procedures Summary: Grace “Doc” Parker graduated at the top of her class at the Naval Academy nearly a decade ago, and was selected for the Navy’s prestigious Medical Corps. But now that she’s completed medical school and a surgical residency, she’s been thrown head-first into her first assignment as an aircraft carrier’s ship surgeon - on the brink of a major deployment amid growing global tensions. She’s got plenty of friends on the ship to help her learn about life at sea - if she can survive eight months with the one guy she hates most

Flyboy by @kryptonitejelly Pairing: Jake Seresin x Female Reader (no use of Y/N) Rating: Explicit Word Count: 37,900+ Warnings: Explicit sexual content, Sexual References/Innuendos, Mentions of alcohol/getting drunk, mentions of cheating in a past relationship (reader being cheated on by past boyfriend), mentions of violence, mentions of unwanted physical advances, general cursing Tags: romance, fluff, angst, pining, best friends to loversSummary: Jake gets called back to TOPGUN the same time you’ve been granted a sabbatical from work. He invites you, his purely platonic best friend of years, to live with him for 6 months and you accept. Just two best friends kicking it back for 6 months in San Diego, Fightertown USA, right?

Signed Away by @seresinhangmanjake Pairing: Jake Seresin x Female Reader (use of Y/N) Rating: Teen & Up in the beginning, later chapters Explicit Word Count: N/A Warnings: cursing, eventual smut, loss of rights, feelings of being trapped, poor parent/child relationships, verbal/emotional abuse by a parent Tags: Fluff, Contract Marriage, Non-Pilot AU, angst Summary: You find out about the contractual marriage your parents arranged with Jake’s when you were a baby. You’re plenty angered by it, but Jake doesn’t seem too bothered. He might even be happy.

My Girl by @ereardon Pairing: Jake Seresin x OC [Lawyer Natalie West] Summary: Jake Seresin could be the answer to all of your dating woes. He’s the full package: steady job, mature, dependable, attractive to a fault. The polar opposite of every guy your age and he’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a partner. But there’s one roadblock: he’s a single father to four-year-old Ellie. Jake is looking for a level of commitment you’re not quite sure you’re ready to give, and he’s not willing to bring someone into his daughter’s life who isn’t there for the long haul. And even if you are stepmom material, is Jake ready to let someone back in his life while still mourning the recent loss of his late wife? Bad Medicine by @topguncortez Pairing: Jake Seresin x reader WARNINGS: drugs, guns, stripping, violence, abuse, fighting, prostitution, blood, alcohol usage, mentions of sexual assault, torture, death, cops, stalking. Summary: A wealthy Italian mobster sets up his daughter to marry the head of one of the last remaining mafias in California. The union was supposed to create and heal the damage between two families, but all it does is cause more harm than good. Lost Boy by sleeping_maple Words: 132,687 Chapters: 25 Summary: Jake Seresin was just trying to enjoy an evening with his squad mates before their leave. He was definitely not trying to dive too deep into his very layered and very painful past. And he was definitely not trying to learn the identity of his biological father. But the universe had different plans for him in mind, apparently.

Seeing Red by @callsignmeiga Pairing: Jake Seresin x ex-wife!Reader (Call sign: Red Queen) Wordcount: 46.7k Summary: According to the Red Queen hypothesis, a species needs to evolve and adapt in order to survive because its competitors are doing the same. Or how a young woman who wanted to be a lawyer ended up being a well-known naval aviator, hiding a big secret.

Bradley Bradshaw Fics

Tasting the Ashes by @callsignmeiga Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x pregnant!WSO!reader (Call Sign: Ashes) Summary: Before she became fire, she was water. Quenching the thirst of every dying creature. She gave and she gave until she turned from sea to desert. But instead of dying of the heat, the sadness, the heartache, she took all of her pain and from her own ashes became fire.

Je te Laisserai Des Mots by @jupitercomet Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x reader Warnings: arranged marriage au, heavily inspired by Greta Gerwig’s Little Women because that movie has a choke hold on me, angst, gender stereotypes, somewhat toxic family, chapter specific Summary: Getting married was supposed to be the best day of your life, the day you promised to spend forever with the person you loved. Though you knew very little about love, you’d always been excited for it, playing dress up with your sisters and dreaming of the day you would know love like the back of your hand. Now you were finally getting married and you knew two things for certain: you knew nothing of love and Bradley Bradshaw did not love you.

Swipe Left for Love by @beccaanne814 Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Reader Warnings: Cursing, Sexual Innuendos, and Allusions to Sexytimes Summary: Bored with the bar scene at the Hard Deck, you start scrolling through Tinder, rejecting every guy that pops up. What happens when the guy you just swiped left on catches you in the act? The Younger Kind by @roosterforme Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Reader Summary: As a single dad trying to start dating again, Bradley feels like he's constantly running in circles. Hiring a twenty-four year old student to babysit should have made things easier, but no matter how hard he fights it, you're too irresistible to stay away from. That’s A Problem? by @archivallyfound09 Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Single Mom Reader Running by lcahwriter Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x female reader Word Count: 5.2k Warnings: Anxiety, past abuse, stalking, mentions of sex but no actual smut. Summary: You ran across the country to the place you knew you’d be the safest- with Maverick on a Navy base somewhere in California. Your plan was to lay low until the coast was clear - but then you met Bradley Bradshaw. Will you be able to escape the man who was determined to find you? Will you be able to keep Bradley safe? To fall in love again?

Of Geese and Ghosts by A_Lee Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Mitchell Daughter OC Words: 23,331 Chapters: 11 Summary: Julie Mitchell loves Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw and her father, Pete "Maverick" Michell, more than anything - she just wished they were both less stubborn and weren't self-sacrificial idiots.

Bradley isn't happy that Maverick has showed up to Top Gun for the same special mission as him, it's hard enough to avoid the man when Bradley's dating Maverick's daughter.

The rest of the team is just confused.

Fic Recommendation Request!

I’ll be stuck in the car all day tomorrow and then all day on Monday (ERAS TOUR HERE I COME!!!🎉) and am planning on passing the time reading as much as possible (and jamming to T-Swift, because obviously). I have a few things on my list already, but I’d love some fic recommendations if anyone has them! I read predominately Bradley, but Jake has been creeping up on me lately, and I’m always a sucker for Javy and the rest of the Daggers, too. Basically, I'm open for anything lol.

Feel free to drop them in the comments so others can see them, or DM me if you'd rather! Thanks in advance💚

(I should clarify that I will read as much as possible so long as the dramamine and zofran don't let me down and I don't get car sick)

[honkytonk-hangman]

SNEAK PEEK – TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS

40s!Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x Reader

Summary: The last time you met Lieutenant Jake Seresin, the war was still ongoing and you'd been in a floundering engagement. Back then you'd seen the possibility for more in his eyes, and now? Well, now you could explore it.

Notes: hello comrades, its me, el presidente of the Jake Seresin Professional Baby Girl Club :) vibes wise, this is partially based on the potato movie and a little bit of what we've seen in trailers for Devotion. Mostly because sweetcheeks looks so good in both. I hope you enjoy this little sneak peek, please send an ask or comment if you would like to be tagged when it comes out!!! <3

Reader has a nickname– Duckie, but its just so that it's easier to write dialogue lol pls dont b mad uwu thank u to @ussgallifrey @natrace @bvckysmoon for being very devious and sending me lots of pictures of mr handsome when i should be finishing my other wips <3 love u all never change <3

Words: 1.8k

UPDATE: FULL FIC AVAILABLE HERE!

1946

You can’t help but let out a laugh as you’re guided through the busy dance hall, barely missing a waiter with a large tray of drinks as you go. You try to call back an apology, but the hand wrapped around your wrist is already dragging you away, weaving in and out of the crowds of dancers and party-goers.

You’d almost forgotten what the atmosphere in a place like this could be like, exuberant and daring, and now that the war was officially over, lacking in any sort of melancholy.

Bea, your well meaning, but a little over-excited friend, finally seems to be slowing down, though she has one last surprise in stall for you, using your momentum to swing you around to her side with a strength such a small woman certainly shouldn’t possess.

“There she is!” a male voice, deep and pleasant, greets from somewhere in front of you, and you give your head a quick shake, attempting to get your bearings now.

“Sorry we’re late, sugar! Had a lipstick emergency!” Bea says only half truthfully, stepping away from your side momentarily to allow a handsome moustachioed man to lean down and kiss her cheek.

You can’t help but smile at the sweet display. Bea had been telling you all about Bradley Bradshaw for weeks now, and if even half of what she’d told you was true, you already liked him immensely for treating your friend so well.

“And this must be the famous Duckie I’ve heard all about,” honey coloured eyes swivel away from Bea and land on you, making you remember yourself.

“It’s so good to meet you at last, Lieutenant Bradshaw!” you shake his offered hand warmly.

“Please just call me Bradley– or Rooster!” he gently corrects you, before he hums, and shoots Bea a suspicious look.

“Do you think she’s adding us birds to some sort of collection?” he asks conspiratorially, the question making you laugh genuinely at the absurdity.

Bea huffs, shakes her head, and smacks his arm, trying her best to fight off the grin on her lips.

“All I’ll say Rooster, is that you’d best treat her right, or she will hunt you for sport,” you lean in and reply, receiving your own smack for your trouble. Rooster’s face turns bright and he laughs, pulling Bea near with his arm around her.

“I can believe that, yes ma’am,” they look at each other with barely concealed adoration, and it makes your heart clench a little in your chest. You’re quickly distracted though, with the sudden and rowdy approach of six other people, all dressed to the nines like everyone else around you. Rooster seems unfazed by their appearance, though he tears his eyes away from Bea to glance around at the now much larger group you were in.

“Fellas, you all know Bea already, and this is Bea’s friend, Duckie,” he easily introduces you to the six newcomers, all men except for a tall, beautiful brunette woman who looked like she could eat every single one of them for breakfast. A flurry of handshakes and names are exchanged, and you’re surprised by just how quickly you feel totally absorbed by the group of Naval Aviators, like you’d known them all for years and were just catching up again.

“I’m spotting a free table, north west!” the man who held the youngest looking features of the group, Fanboy you believe he’d introduced himself as, pipes up, pointing over everyone's heads to the large round table that was currently being cleaned up. Before you can even process it, the entire group is migrating casually toward the table, Rooster catching the arm of the waiter before he leaves, putting a round in, you assume.

You find yourself next to Bob, who sends you an adorably awkward little grin as he pulls out your chair for you, and you thank him sincerely. Despite the gentlemanly gesture, the moment you’re comfortable, he’s taking his own seat, and once more totally absorbed by the woman you’d learn was named Phoenix, or Nat. You hadn’t noticed it earlier, too distracted by all the new faces, and their excitable personalities, but Bob was clearly, utterly enamoured by Phoenix, and it looked like the feeling was returned, if perhaps a little less socially awkward.

“Hey, Javy, where’s Hangman?” Bea is sat a few places down from you, her hand wrapped through Rooster’s arm. A man on the opposite side of the table waves his hand over his shoulder.

“He’s coming, probably caught his reflection in a glass,” Javy snorts.

“I wanted to introduce him to Ducky!” Bea pouts, and her words make you frown.

“Pardon?” you say pointedly, leaning around Bob and Phoenix to look at Bea with a frown. Rooster seems to be matching your expression, and he cocks his head at his partner.

“Ducky is far too nice for him,” Rooster says, but you get the feeling he doesn’t really mean it.

“Oh come off it, Ducks, you could do with meeting someone new!” Bea rolls her eyes, but her voice is imploring.

Your frown deepens just a little bit, but you aren’t too angry. It wasn’t as if she’d tricked you into a double date or anything. There were plenty of other seemingly solo people around that you’re sure any awkwardness could easily be avoided if you managed to stick by Bob and Phoenix.

“I’m afraid that I won’t be able to help you there, Honey Bea,” A smooth male voice purrs from behind you, and you almost jump at the hand that comes to rest on the back of your chair. You turn quickly in no small amount of surprise at the person apparently so close behind you, but any further thought is cut off when your eyes land on the handsome face smirking coquettishly down at you.

You’re so surprised, you gasp daintily, moving to stand so that you can greet the familiar man properly.

“Lieutenant Seresin!” you welcome him excitedly, gratefully accepting the hand he offers to help you to your feet.

“Jake,” he corrects, and you feel foolish for laughing.

“Jake!” you repeat warmly.

“You two already know each other?” Bea sounds put out, but intrigued, and you tear your gaze away from Jake for a few moments to focus on her.

“Oh Ducky and I are good ol’ friends,” Jake tells her, and you cock your head at him with a small shake, but look back at your friend.

“We met in Paris, during the war,” you explain to her, opening your mouth to continue on that he had been a friend of your fiance’s, but you stop yourself.

“My favourite nurse,” Jake adds, and brings your hand that you realise he’s still holding to his lips. Your chest flutters, but you’re distracted from the butterflies by the odd look on his face, paired with the brief flicker of his eyes down to your hand.

“Where is the old man, then?” Jake tilts his head at you, and then quickly around at the crowded club, and you suck in a breath, realising now what he’d been confused by.

You take your left hand back from him with only a small amount of effort, and smooth down your frock primly. Suddenly his closeness was nerve wracking.

“Probably with his new wife, I haven’t exactly been keeping up,” you scold yourself for the sass and bitterness. Jake’s head whips back to face you, and for several moments he stares down at you, before a tiny crease pulls between his brows, and his lips purse.

“I never liked him, anyway,” Jake says the words, and you know it’s supposed to be a joke, but his taut expression and humourless voice say otherwise. You look down at your skirt and shrug.

“Well, it’s probably for the best,” you shake off any residual foul mood, and straighten, letting your lips curl back into a smile.

“It’s so good to see you again,” you say happily, and Jake’s face softens. He takes back your hand, and kisses it once more.

“I imagine,” he bounces an eyebrow at you, and you scoff, rolling your eyes.

“You’re supposed to say ‘you too’!” you grumble with no conviction, as Jake rounds your seat, only releasing your hand when he has to, to help you back into your chair, before he takes the empty space beside you. He simply shrugs, before his eyes flick past you to Rooster and Bea.

“Sorry to ruin your setup,” he doesn’t sound very sorry at all, though you doubt Bea was feeling too upset right now, with the way she was looking between you and Jake with glee in her eyes.

“Hey, wasn’t my plan. I think she’s too good for you,” Rooster chortles, catching the fist Bea attempts to sock him with, and kisses it instead.

Jake cuts his gaze down at you, and leans in so only you’ll hear him.

“How long have you been in San Diego?” he asks, and you’re forced to lean away so you can look up at him without your faces being much too near.

“Six months now. I met Bea on the boat coming home from London, she convinced me not to go back to New York after… everything.” you tell him equally as quietly, but realising what a stroke of luck it was that you had just so happened to run into one another here, when you so easily could have never seen him again.

“I’m glad.” he says, pinning you in place with an almost curious stare, but you figure he was just taking in your face for the first time in two years. Part of you wishes you hadn’t moved back, but if you’d remained in place and simply turned your head, you’re almost certain your lips might’ve been close enough to touch when you spoke.

The thought makes your face boil, and you avert your gaze, and reach for the glass of water that had been poured for you earlier.

“Oh, Duckie,” Jake hums in an almost sing-song, leaning away from you at last, and once again speaking at a normal volume. You turn to look at him with a questioning frown, but he only continues to watch you in amusement, cheshire grin pulling at his lips.

“My little sitting Duckie,” he continues, smile only continuing to grow. You shake your head at him good-naturedly, but can’t help but feel there's some truth in his teasing.

You know you should probably feel more trepidation, but the only thing that you feel pumping through your veins is the exhilarating thrill at the thought of Jake calling you ‘his’ anything.

The way he was looking at you felt positively predatory, and under his blistering stare, you really were a sitting duck.

[eviesaurusrex]

ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʜᴜᴍʙʟᴇ ᴡʀɪᴛᴇʀ

ᴍᴇ, ᴍʏꜱᴇʟꜰ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ

Hi! Thanks for discovering my little writing nook where I live with my 40+ character crushes and trying to live my best life. My name is Elle; I’m 22, a passionate writer, and a typical poor university student. I’m a lover of many fandoms (and many characters) and a huge mythology nerd. Escapism and hyper-fixations are my cup of tea, and that’s why I practically live in this app.

ʀᴇQᴜᴇꜱᴛꜱ

I accept requests for the following fandoms/persons:

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Criminal Minds (limited to Aaron Hotchner for now)

Top Gun: Maverick (limited to Jake “Hangman” Seresin and Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw for now; Javy “Coyote” Machado is a possible candidate for the future)

Harry Styles Social Media Au's + One Shots

Sebastian Stan Social Media Au's + One Shots

Chris Evans Social Media Au's + One Shots

Tom Holland Social Media Au’s + One Shots

Henry Cavill Social Media Au’s + One Shots

House of the Dragon | Game of Thrones (limited to a variety of characters which I will disclose later on, but Daemon Targaryen is one of them!)

The Sandman (currently limited to Morpheus|Dream)

Harry Potter Fandom

I'm writing for the following MCU characters:

Bucky Barnes

Steve Rogers

Doctor Strange

Tony Stark

Clint Barton

Natasha Romanoff

Peter Parker

Shang-Chi

Matt Murdock

But you can always ask me for other characters, and I will decide spontaneously. The span of fandoms and characters I write for will/can increase (or decrease) over time due to my tendencies of hyper fixation.

I am currently not writing any smut!

ᴛɪᴍᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ʀᴇQᴜᴇꜱᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜰɪɴɪꜱʜᴇᴅ ᴛᴇxᴛ

Please keep in mind that I'm a full-time university student, and sometimes requests take longer than other times. If I don't reject your request, I will write it, but please don't bother me with constant dms to ask about the progress - this will immediately result in me rejecting your request! This is a hobby, while university is my full-time job. Just treat writers (and people in general) with kindness and be patient &lt;3

ɴᴀᴠɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ

Masterlist Posts

ꜱᴇɴᴅ ᴍᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴍᴘᴛꜱ [thank you to the wonderful people who are so creative to write prompts]

header are not mine!

[sweetlittlegingy]

Also, yes, the 1940s are totally a kink, thank you, I will not be taking criticism. 😌

DUDE YES!!!!! When I tell you that I almost collapsed when this image was released.....

IT'S SUCH A FUCKING KINK

[justalonelyslytherin]

[WIP / Upcoming Plans]

100 Follower Celebration

Happy Father's Day Series - (collection for multiple ce characters)

Drabbles & Blurbs (collection for all the characters)

Marvel

Avengers Olympics AU (Coming soon)

Little Spiderbro Series (series) (Peter Parker x sister!Reader, Steve Rogers x Reader)

My Kingdom, Your Kingdom (series) (King!Steve Rogers x heir apparent!Reader of a enemy kingdom)

Affection - Skinny!Steve Rogers x Reader, 40s au

Happy Father's Day - Skinny!Steve Rogers, 40s au

Happy Birthday to you and me - Steve Rogers x Reader, soulmate au

Happy Father's Day - Nomad!Steve Rogers

Nursing Our Hearts Back Together - dragon!shifter Steve Rogers x witch!Reader

Ransom Drysdale

Happy Father's Day

Birthday Sweater

Sicknesses

Apologies are hard - Sequel to Sicknesses

Wearing each other's clothes - flufftober2022

You kept this? - flufftober2022

A Place to Come Home To - tabby!shifter Ransom x Fae!Reader

Ari Levinson

Happy Father's Day

Spelling Mistakes

Braids

Oh So Tempting

Home Sweet Home

Blankets - flufftober2022

Reunion - flufftober 2022

Top Gun Maverick

Legacies (series, ongoing) - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Kazansky!OC

The Competition never ends (series)

Hold Me Close - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Reader

It's You - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Reader, sequel to Hold Me Close

Nightly Confessions - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Reader, childhood best friends to lovers

Ring Engagement Process - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Reader, proposal

Game Day - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Reader, flufftober2022

Secret Family Recipe - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Reader, flufftober

Headcanons:

Convincing Hangman to get a cat even though he is a dog person

Hangman as a dad of two

Thigh squeezes with Hangman

Charmant extroverted Hangman with a shy girl

Peaky Blinders

A Heartfelt Talk

Ada and Tommy's bond had always been a special one. So what happens when Ada gets engaged and Tommy realizes that his little sister isn't so little anymore.

When Tommy suddenly vanishes at the little engagement party the Shelbys are throwing Ada goes to investigate and has a heartfelt talk with her older brother.

Headcanons

The Shelbys coming out of anesthesia

The shelbys and the gifts of their blood

what magic and little gifts the members of the family have inherited

Marvel

Nick Gant (Push)

Fanart for the Lucky Charms AU by the fantastic @drabblewithfrannybarnesfics

Crappy Jersey

Relations Chart

Bug's 'Team Literally Anyone Else' shirt

Pucks for Paws shirt (+ baby Mary's onesie)

Pucks for Paws all the Player's Numbers

Peaky Blinders

Fotosize series

A series of 10x15cm (4"x6") sized art pieces. It's my love letter to the show, which has been one of my favorites since I discovered it.

Linda Shelby - disheveled

Michael Gray - (wedding) suit

Polly Gray - The Queen of Peaky Blinders

John Shelby

In the kitchen

In the kitchen w. background

Ada Thorne

Scolding

Tommy Shelby

pouty bts

Michael Grey

Smoking

(Wedding) Suit

[typical-simplelove]

Masterlist

Who I Write For

Stardust Reblog Challenge: September & October

Imagine the 40s... a 40s AU Series (Hockey)

Kelsea Ballerini Series (Hockey)

Labor Day Blurb Weekend 2k21 Masterlist (Hockey)

Good Things: a Dan+Shay Album Series (multi)

12 Days of December 2k21 (multi)

The Peter Pan Universe (Jacob Markstrom & Matthew Tkachuk Love Triangle)

Happiness Begins: an Album Series (multi)

August x Betty x Cardigan (Top Gun: Maverick)

Frederik Andersen

Bucky Barnes

Mathew Barzal

Anthony Beauvillier

JT Compher

Dylan Cozens

Kirby Dach

Leon Draisaitl

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Ryan Graves

Jay Halstead

Will Halstead

Roope Hintz

Tyson Jost

Anders Lee

Richard Madden

Cale Makar

Jacob Markstrom

Matt Martin

Jamie Oleksiak

Peter Parker

Elias Pettersson

Mikko Rantanen

Jake Seresin

Ronald Spiers

Kelly Severide

Jeff Skinner

Andrei Svechnikov

Matthew Tkachuk

[princessofglitterland]

I just collapsed. This might actually be too much for me to physically handle. I am excited.

NEW SEREIS

☸︎ Top Gun 1940s

☸︎ Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Nurse!Reader

☸︎ Coming Soon

[sweetlittlegingy]

Haven't Felt Like This My Dear, Since Can't Remember When

☸︎ Next Chapter | Goin' Steady Universe

☸︎ Top Gun 1940s Au

☸︎ Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Nurse!Reader

☸︎ Word Count: 4K

☸︎ Warnings: Cute!Jake, Flirty!Jake, Pure Fluff, Risky Flying

☸︎ A/n: I kind of love them.... I hope you do too. Day 4 Also, yes I know there are Pearl Harbor movie references and some quotes.

☸︎ Libray

Friday, October 20th, 1939

Joint Base, Charleston, South Carolina

Weather in the Carolinas was always hot and humid, though that Friday temperatures seem to be rising. The boys had been going at it for the better half of the day, the afternoon sun high in the sky wearing on each of the Terrors. Jake and Brad had both gone up for another flight practice round. By this point in the day, the pair was flying for the fun of it, more than out of the actual need to train. The rest of the Terrors, spun out, lay on the side of the tarmac, and gazed up towards the skies waiting for Jake and Brad to reappear.

…

“What do you say we play some chicken?”

“Jake, I’m not doing it this time. It was too damn close last time, and I don’t feel like getting my ass chewed by the Major again.”

Slight humming can be heard through the headset, Jake silently nodding along to Bradley. They were about to round the flight tower, and if they didn’t plan it right, a fatal crash was sure to ensue.

“Now don’t be a baby, I’ll tell you wh– .”

“I’m not doin’ it, Jake.”

“Well, I’m playing. So, you can turn, or you can hit me. What’ll it be?”

“God damn it, Jake. Why do you do this to me?” The pause in the speakers, crackling over the airwaves with anticipation. “Which way you goin’?”

“Well, I guess I’ll go right. No, uh, left. I’ll go left.”

“Okay we’re going left. Right?”

“Ri–uh, right, Right?”

“Wait right like we’re going right, or right like we’re going left?”

The distance between the two planes shrinks significantly, as each pilot catches sight of their wingman around the tower.

“Well damn it Brad I don’t know, now you got me all mixed up.”

 “You’re the one that wanted to play. Make up your mind!”

The tension clearly building, as the onlooking Terrors hear the rumble of the two plane engines. The group of pilots’ eyes bounced from one plane to the other. Waiting in anticipation, to see if a head-on collision was bound to happen.

“Alright, we’re going right. Righty-tighty Brad, righty-tighty.”

Both planes round the tower, noses aimed at each other. Though with the last second, both pilots rip their individual yolks to the right. Planes turning on their side, bellies almost grazing, and just missing each other. The cheers of all the Terrors echo throughout the airstrip and hangars, though it comes to an immediate stop as Major Dolittle makes an appearance.

“What hell do they think they’re doing?”

The group of Terrors stands at attention in silence, though it’s Bob that breaks the awkward moment.

“Yes, sir, an entirely inappropriate use of military aircraft, sir.”

The Terrors all stand at attention, holding off on their laughter. As Major Doolittle silently glares at Bob, his slicked-back hair no longer up to standard. The force of the p-40s having blown it off. 

“Get my hat, Floyd.”

Which nod and a sharp ‘Sir.’ Bob hurries to locate the Major’s missing hat. The rest of the Terrors stood by waiting for further commands. Placing the hat back into the Major’s palm, as he lets out a final demand.

“When those hedge-hoppers land, you send them to my damn office.”

The group of Terrors remains at attention, and in unison repeat a sharp ‘Yes Sir.’

…

Both pilots stand at attention, as Major Doolittle paces back and forth in front of them. His harsh yelling echoes through the office, and down into the side corridors of the building. This wasn’t the first time the pair had been yelled at, constantly testing just how far they could go in the sky. Jake and Brad quickly glance at each other, as the major paces behind his desk. Both of their gazes settled on straightforward, looking out the window, not meeting the Major’s direct gaze.

“What kind of stunt was that? Do you think that that $45,000 aircraft is there for your amusement?”

The statement is clearly directed at Jake, as Doolittle rounds his desk to stand face-to-face with the pilot.

“That’s not your aircraft, that belongs to the taxpayers of America. What were you even trying to do?”

Jake subtly shifts on his feet, straightening his back and meeting the Major’s gaze briefly.

“I was honing my edge, sir.”

A sharp laugh falls from the Major’s chest, eye’s falling from Jake to Brad, silently shaking his head at the pair.

“That’s not training Seresin. That’s a stunt.”

The tone of his voice is sharp, a clear indication that they had royally screwed up.

“One that’s reckless and irresponsible. Haven’t you boys learned anything in the past two years?”

The Major slowly circles the pair, clicking his teeth as he tries to figure out what to do with them.

The not so sublet a deep breath falls from Jake’s lips, clearly frustrated with the fact that they were getting in trouble. His eyes remain off the Major, looking in every direction that he is not. Before long his eyes settle on the slew of trophies, littering the Major’s shelves. Trophies for flight stunts, alike those that the pair had just flown.

“Major, how can you preach that, when you're famous for those exact stunts.”

“Don’t you get cute with me, son.”

“No, sir, I mean no disrespect.  And it would be reckless and irresponsible if we were just doing it to be a showoff.”

Jake's voice only wavers slightly, as he catches sight of Brad out of the corner of his eye. A silent ‘watch what you say,’ from the wingman to Jake.

“But, sir, I was trying to inspire the men. Like you’ve inspired me, throughout your prominent career.” Jake's back stiffens as if a metal rod had been cast through him. “The French have a word for it, sir, when the men get together and honor their leaders. They call it an homage, sir.”

A soft shake of the head can be seen, as Brad's eyes widen and fully comprehend the crap that Jake spews out to the Major.  The quiet mutter falls from his lips “Really?”

The Major glances between the two pilots, unaware if he should laugh or yell.

“A what?”

“An homage, sir.” Jake says it a second time with even more uncalled-for confidence.

“That’s bullshit, Seresin.” The Major’s tone harsh and nowhere near easy going. He rounds the two pilots once more, before landing at the side of Jake and clicks his teeth in though. “But it’s very good bullshit.”

The comment makes Jake smile subtly, glancing over his shoulder to Brad as Major Doolittle round his desk once again to sit.

“Thank you, sir.”

Both pilots finally relax slightly, as the Major lets out a faint laugh with the cock of his head. He settles back in his chair, hands folded in his lap, as he silently watches the pilots. A sharp click of his tongue echoes through the small room.

“You too, are two of the best pilots that the United States Navy has ever produced. But that doesn’t mean, that you can go around doing jack all. Expectations need to be met, and managed.”

Both pilots’ gazes now settled on the Major, instead of the back window. Each of them gave him a firm nod. Though a soft smile followed by a shake of the head is all they get in return before he casts them out of the office. 

“The pair of you, get hell out of my office. I’m tired of looking at you half-witted dingbats.”

Both pilots stand at attention, releasing a firm ‘Sir.’ Making their exit to the locker room, to dress down for the day.

…

Jake half-heartly listens as Brad, chews him out for landin’ them in the Major’s office yet again. His mind had been elsewhere after finishing up for the day. No, Jake wasn’t listening to a word Bradley said. The only thoughts coursing through his mind were of you and the date he been waitin’ on for a week.

Slipping into the green dress uniform, Jake checks his features over in the mirror. Hand ranking back through his hair, to make sure it was perfectly styled. The action catches Brad's gaze, and the pilot slowly turns and leans against his own locker.

“What’s got you all duded up?”

Jake gives his wingmen a sideways glance, before grabbing the uniform jacket and hat, slipping both of them on.

“I got that date tonight.”

Once perched against his locker, a laugh falls from Brad's lips as he grasps at Jake’s shoulder.

“She’s actually lettin’ you take her out?”

Scoffing quietly, Jake heads out the locker room door. Brad was on his heels, digging for more information. Speed walking to catch up with Jack’s long, direct strides.

“I’m just saying, she’s a pretty nurse and you’re…. well, you’re an asshole.”

Brad continues to poke at Jake, trying to get a rise from him. Though Jake barely acknowledges him, jumping in the naval grade jeep that was taking him to the train station, where he was meeting you.

“Are you even listening to me?”

The tone of Brad’s voice sounds slightly hurt, and Jake can’t stop the laugh that leaves his chest.

“Nope.”

Fixing the sunglasses that rest on the tip of his nose, Jack settles into the passenger seat of the jeep. Glancing back to Brad, who waits at the side of the jeep. His expression matches the one of a child, who’d just been told they had to stay home.

“Where are you even taken her?’

“Carnivals in town.” The cheeky smile spreads across his lips, as Jake glance to his side at Brad.

The jeep starts up and is driving off before the wingman can say anything else. Though as Jake glances back, he can see Brad's lips moving, as he kicks at the ground. A sharp laugh falls from him; righting his form, Jake settles back in his seat more than excited to see you.

…

You fiddle slightly with the lace fabric of your dress, the golden material falling around your hips. The matching bolero wraps around your shoulders, the look completed by the sunhat resting atop your head. You’d had an early shift this morning, and the whole time your mind continually wandered to the handsome pilot you had met just last week.

You had been stunned by how forward he was in asking you out. You were used to overly zealous men in uniform, given that you were a second lieutenant, in a naval nursing unit. But something about Jake was different, he had given you butterflies from the moment he said hello.

You and the girls were in the process of moving around bases. Last week you had ended up in Joint Base, running through the nursing station there as they were short on hands.

Jake had shown up to the infirmity with his wingman, who somehow had gotten a bloody nose. Jake saw you and was at your side, like a bee to honey. Asking you questions and outright flirting with you, as you gauzed up his friend’s nose.

By the time you finished, Jake had learned your name, whether you were rationed (you were not), and had swindled you into agreeing to him calling on you. Which landed you here, all dolled up, patiently waiting on his train to arrive. You hadn't planned to be early, but your anxiety kicked in and had you leaving your quarters just after three. You and Jake have been planning to meet around 4:30, but you caught the early train and got in at 4:10. The 20 minutes in between had increasingly worsened your anxiety.

“Well, if you aren’t the prettiest dame, I’ve ever seen.”

The voice slightly jars you, though as you turn, you’re met with the sweet smile of Lieutenant Jake Seresin. The red blush that settles on your cheeks is prominent, and you silently wish that the pilot didn’t have such a strong effect on you.

 “Lieutenant,” The greeting is lost upon you, as your eyes scale the formal uniform he sports. A cheeky grin sits on his lips when your eyes finally reach his face again.

“I am to please, doll. Am I up to par, with your well-honed standards?”

A gentle laugh escapes you, as a soft smile creases your lips. Glee and mischief glimmer through both your, and Jake’s eyes.

“You’ll do.”

With a slight turn on his heel, Jake faces toward the outside of the train station, arm out and waiting for you to wrap your gloved hand around it. Your hand settles in the crook of his elbow naturally, and it’s almost as if the two of you had been going together forever.

“Where are we goin’?”

Jake looks to you with a quick glance and gives you a smirk. You notice that the look is almost permanently etched on his face, and you decide then that the look is enterally Jake. That if anyone else ever looked at you again, with that smirk and sly eyes, it would never be right.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, now would it honey?”

From anyone else’s mouth, the name might have sounded deeming. Though when Jake said it, all you could hear was playful banter and alike teasing.

…

World Carnival, Charleston County, South Carolina

The rows of lights and sounds of gleeful laughter, gave it away before you could even see the Ferris wheel. Just the peak of it peeking out against the Charleston skyline, and the sight of the rotating ride has excitement bubbling in the pit of your stomach. Jake laughs slightly as the hand tucked in the crook of his elbow gives a slight tug in excitement. Your eyes move from the carnival rides and back to him, the once sweet smile, a full-blown grin that rests upon your face.

“You excited?” the teasing tone in his voice, causes you to laugh.

“What do you think?!” You're practically bouncing on the balls of your feet as you say it, silently waiting for Jake to give you the go-ahead.

Your step size slightly quickens and anticipation as you reach the carnival. Your eyes grow wide as you take in its grand size, and Jake can't take his eyes off of you. enthralled with the look in your eyes and how happy you seem. He's quick to pay for both of your tickets, ushering you through the entrance gate with a hand resting on your back.

“Where to first, honey?”

It seems like an easy question, should be an easy question, but with so many attractions in front of you, you can't help but to be unsure which one to pick first. Your eyes bounce from the bottle toss to the Ferris wheel, and then to the merry-go-round, slightly overwhelmed with the number of options.

“Long as we go on the Ferris wheel last, when it's all lit up, I’m fine with starting wherever.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

…

You’d made it through a round of fun fair games, Jake helping you throughout. The two of you now settle in front of the baseball toss, the clown faces daunting on the pins that needed knocked over. You played every game except for this one, the stuffed bear you'd seen when you first came in, still sits at the top right corner of the game tent. 

Jake's hand had since then moved to settle around your waist, a comforting gesture as the sky grew darker, and the carnival lights grew brighter.

“Which one do you want, doll?”

Jake had been sweet on you all night, never looking at any other girls. You’d had Jake’s full attention; whether it was calling you darling pet names, the fact that he was always touching you in some way, or the way that he was undeniably kind and sweet to you.

Jacob Grant Seresin was enamored with you.

“I was kinda hoping for the little teddy. If that’s okay?”

Jake's line of sight follows the direction in which your finger is pointing, spotting the brown bear, before looking back at you.

“Not a problem, honey.”

The statement is followed by a sly smirk and a quick wink, that has you blushing and grinning like a ditzy doll. Jake's arm falls from around your waist, reaching out to give the man controlling the booth two tickets, before being handed three baseballs. Your hands rest in front of you as you watch in wonder, and slight appreciation, of the man before you.

You weren’t usually one to fall victim to the male physic, but something about Jake made you feel all sorts of things, that your momma would have classified as sin had she known. You miss the first ball being thrown, too lost in thought of how handsome Jake looked. The final two you catch though, each of them landing perfectly on their designated target.

Jake had made the game look like it was made for a child, knocking over the five different clown-faced pins, with only three throws. How he’d done it was beyond you, though you wouldn’t have minded watching the action again.

“The brown one, right honey?”

You catch the sight of both the worker and Jake looking back at you, a small smirk rests upon Jake's lips, while the worker looked less than thrilled with his current job. You’re nodding in answer before the words can form, finally muttering a quiet ‘yes please.’

…

The crowd of the night is slowly dying down and as the night grows later you can’t help but not want the date to end. Your sun hat rests in Jake's left hand, he’d instead on carrying it for you, while his right hand is once again wrapped around you. Tucking you in close to his side, the placement pleasing the both of you.

You pick away at the bright pink cotton candy that Jake had bought you earlier, walking step for step with him to the ferries wheel. You pop a piece of the sugary delight into your mouth, before looking up at Jake and seeing his own mouth open while looking down at you.

Without a second thought, you pluck up a piece of the treat and gently place it in his awaiting mouth. Bringing your own fingers back to your lips, and suck off the sugary remnants. Either of your eyes leave the other until Jake's eyes dip down to your lips as you lick the sugar from them.

He glances back at you, shakes his head, then squeezes your hip gently, pulling you in closer to his side.

“Oh sugar, your trouble.”

The words heat your cheeks, and you glance away from Jake quickly, eyes focusing on the awaiting Ferris Wheel. Though you don’t miss the delicate kiss that Jake places to the crown of your head.

…

The click of the bar across your and Jake's lap signals the worker to start the Ferris Wheel, the sound of the machines starting, is followed by a harsh jolt that knocks you back against the seat. Though it has your seat rising in the air, the lights from the ride light up the night sky. Your hand clasps onto Jakes as you look out over the Charleston skyline, you couldn’t be more pleased with how your night went.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah, it is.”

The softness of his tone in reply to your comment has your eyes glimpsing in Jake’s direction. Expecting him to be looking at the night sky as well, though you find his gaze directly on you. A soft smile resting on his lips as he looks at you like he was taking in every square inch of you.

Realization of his comment has you blushing once again, though this time you hide yourself again Jakes shoulder. Partially tucked in his neck, your mind registers your position only after you did it. You stiffen slightly, worried that you might have gotten too close, that you were taking too many liberties in thinking that Jake liked you. Though he doesn’t, instead the arm you’re leaning against moves easily and wraps around you. Pulling you in, to lean farther into Jake's chest.

The two of you sit, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the seat sways slightly with the breeze. Enjoying the comfort that you’ve both found in each other’s hold.

…

“I know it’s late, but if it’s okay, there’s one last place I wanna take you to, honey.”

The carnival had closed entirely just after the two of you had gotten off the Ferris Wheel. The lights shut down around you, as the pair of you walked out of the entrance hand in hand. You in no way were ready for the night to end, and by the look in his eyes, you were sure Jake was going to take you somewhere special.

“Lead the way, Lieutenant.” The pitch in your voice is light and airy.

Jake only laughs at you, a smirk making its way back onto his face, as he guides you along the path that follows the bay.

“You keep calling me Lieutenant, honey, and I’m gonna have to start addressing you the same way.”

You glance up from the dark water that had captured your attention, briefly look into Jake's eyes, and give him a cheeky smile of your own.

“Maybe we’ll make it into our own little game.”

The both of you laughing, though for different reasons. You thought the idea was cute and simple, a little tease between the two of you. Though Jake couldn’t stop his mind from wandering off into the fact that he would more than love to play any game with you, so long as it was for the rest of his life.

The silence of the night is disturbed, by the soft melody of a band playing in the background. You round the corner of the walk, feet coming to a halt as you gaze upon a pier. Lit up by a single lamp post and the stars of the midnight sky, a group of musicians is stationed in the middle of the dock as sweet tunes and melodies drift from their instruments. You glance up at Jake in clear wonder and fascination.

“I ran into them a couple months ago. I came out here to clear my mind and found them instead.”

The soft melody pulls you in, as you and Jake drift closer. Your eyes never leave the group of musicians, as they each play their instruments so gracefully. The pair of you drifted out to the dock, no longer caring that it was the middle of the night or that you most definitely had work in the morning.

 No, all that mattered was being in this moment.

Here and now.

“May I have this dance, my dear?” The formality in his tone makes you giggle slightly, as Jake reaches out a hand and bows in dramatic fashion.

“Most certainly, kind sir.” The posh accent you put on makes Jake laugh as well, as he grasps onto your hand and then brings you close to his chest.

One of your hands is settled in his own, as the other clasps onto Jake's shoulder. Jake's own hand rests delicately at your waist, as he leads the both of you in a midnight dance among the stars. the music drifting and encasing around the two of you, as you rest your head upon his chest. The tune a welcomed one, as the familiar lyrics fall from your lips.

So, kiss me once, then kiss me twice Then kiss me once again It's been a long, long time

The final lyrics slip from your mouth, your eyes never leaving the other. Not even the flash in the background could separate your fixated gazes from one another.

“Honey, you’re too special for me to go kissing on the first date.”

Instead, Jake placed a delicate kiss upon your cheek, before continuing to sway with you as the band started up a new song.