#this thought ran across the room and decked me in the face so hard-

[equestriagirl16]

MALLYUU HOWLS MOVING CASTLE AU

MC BEING THE: “Find me in the future!”

TO MALLEUS’: Sorry I kept you waiting.~”

UUUUUUUAAAAAAGHHHHHASACBANSJSKS-

[starsofang]

CALL OF THE SEA / PART FOURTEEN

pirate poly!141 x f!reader tw: NSFW, MDNI, idk how to label this one so as always be warned? masterlist a/n: this is a more chill chapter w some drama ooo. next chapter i will try to make longer because we have a lot about to happen and a lot of progress that's being made but needs to move faster :,) i work two jobs now and work 14 hour days so thank you for being patient with me as i navigate through that. this story's lowkey falling off and not as many people seem to be into it which is fine but as always ily <3

When a group of unhinged pirates invade your small village, you're whisked away from your peaceful home and thrown on to a voyage out at sea. Forced to obtain a new role as their medic, you have no choice but to accept your fate as you join their forces and aid them in their treacherous travels.

You woke with a heavy heart riddled with anxiety. The room was empty and dim, the sun fighting to peek through the small window without much victory. The air felt unusually gloomy, more than it normally did majority of the time.

You weren’t sure where Soap and Gaz ran off to, but you were more than grateful to have the time to yourself. Last night had you in a chokehold, and you knew it was the reason your heart felt like a thick lump in your chest.

Giving the telescope to Gaz. Sitting under a wishful sky together. Feeling his finger graze your cheek in a way that had your heart fighting against your rib cage.

Was he going to kiss you? Is that what that was? The mood of it all, it was so foreign you could barely grasp the concept, but it was the only theory you could come up with.

The mere thought had your mind in shambles, but your soul erupting a fire. You didn’t know what that meant, nor did you know if it was what you wanted to happen.

The Captain wouldn’t be too happy if his crew were messing around with you, would he? Why were you so worried about what he would think?

You could feel the tension in your head building to the point it was near explosive. With a groan, you stood from the bed, trying your hardest to shake it off for long enough. You didn’t want to seem like you were avoiding Gaz, or like you were having an inner battle with yourself. You wanted to appear absolutely normal.

You couldn’t help but glance in the direction of your dresses, where they were folded neatly on top of the desk. You had yet to wear them, and the many shirts you’d borrowed from them up until this point were beginning to bring you a sense of dread every time you’d be forced into a new one.

It wasn’t hard to make up your mind on which one. You had mostly muted colors as not to stick out like a sore thumb, so you picked the one that’d keep you most hidden, even if it was just the five of you on a ship to nowhere.

Preparing yourself for departure, you crept down the deck of the ship. The weather outside was unhappy, the sun tucked away behind gray clouds that looked ready to boil over any minute. The waves weren’t the calming serenity they were last night, replaced by ones that angrily kissed the sides of the wooden ship and rocked you off balance.

The breeze carried the scent of seawater, and you inhaled greedily, using it to calm your nerves. Why were you nervous, anyway? It was silly to even ask yourself, but maybe you were overthinking Gaz’s intentions. A lack in judgment, something you were worried you made.

You lifted a hand, grazing across the cheek he’d touched just hours ago. If you focused really hard, you could still feel it, and you did your best to ignore the somersaults in your stomach.

Entering the food hall, you were greeted with the sight of the men sitting around one another, feasting on breakfast just as they had done the first time you ate with them. They looked like animals that had never seen food in their life.

How long had it been since you all properly sat down and ate as one? You couldn’t remember.

“Dove!” Soap called out, a smile instantly brightening his face. You cringed at the mess surrounding his mouth.

You failed to notice Ghost stiffening in his seat, as well as Gaz sitting up straighter at light speed. The Captain turned his head to you, greeting you with a warm smile.

“Mornin’, dove,” he said, and you offered a nod, stepping up to the table.

Before Price could offer you a seat, Soap patted the empty one beside him, greedily taking up the attention.

“Yer wearin’ one of the dresses,” Soap awed, taking in the simple details stitched into the fabric.

Having a moment of self consciousness, you awkwardly plucked at one of the stitches, nodding. “It’s not too much, is it?”

“Not at all,” he assured, beaming. “Right, Cap?”

You looked up to meet Price’s eye, who cleared his throat, nodding uncomfortably. He took a swig of his drink before placing it back down, hand lingering around the cup. “Mm. S’nice.”

You shooed away the brief flicker of disappointment that threatened its way in. You were going crazy. Why did you have the urge to seek approval anyway? It was absurd.

Soap was quick to his feet, claiming to grab you some food before he’d be right back. There was an awkward gap in between you and Gaz and when you looked at him, he beat you to it, eyes raking down from your face to take in the dress.

You felt your skin turn warm to the touch.

You quickly averted your attention to Ghost, praying to have a bit of normalcy but he was avoiding you rather than looking at you like Gaz was. His shoulders were tense, gaze laser focused on his bowl of breakfast. You could sense the furrow of his eyebrows, even beneath the mask. There was something about him that seemed lost, deep in thought.

Ghost always looked like that. Today, however, felt different.

“Good morning, Ghost,” you greeted kindly. To your surprise, he said nothing, only giving you a low grunt of acknowledgement that was tinged with a slight bitterness that made your ears hurt.

Frowning, you plucked at the stitch on your dress harder, only stopping when Soap returned with a hefty bowl of fresh breakfast, enough for a family.

“Soap, I do not think I need that much,” you worried, watching him set it down in front of you before plopping next to you.

“Nonsense, bonnie, ye gotta eat up,” he encouraged, pushing the bowl closer to you. “Ye look nice, by the way. I told ye the dresses were pretty.”

“You said pretty?” Gaz asked, raising an eyebrow.

Soap scoffed, waving him away. “Droolin’ like a dog, mind ye. Wipe yer mouth.”

Gaz sputtered, grumbling to himself and finally tearing his eyes away. You grew embarrassed for him.

Reluctantly, you began eating, taking small bites at a time. Soap watched you like a hawk, enough to where Gaz kicked him under the table, muttering a, “who’s droolin’ now?”

“Dove,” Price said, and you perked up. “I’d like to discuss a few things with you later. Would that be alright?”

“Ach, Cap, let the lass eat,” Soap scolded, and quickly slumped down like a kicked puppy when Price threw him a look of warning.

“That will be alright,” you assured, smiling politely. “Is it to do with Graves again?”

Before Price could reply, Ghost slammed his hands flat on the table, pushing himself to a stand. He gave none of you a second glance before he was stomping out of the dining hall, slamming the door aggressively on his way out.

The sound and sight made you recoil, visibly wincing. Ghost had been on edge, and you knew it was slowly building. Graves must have been driving him mad.

Guilt tugged at your heartstrings.

“I’ll go check on ‘im,” Soap mumbled, pulling himself out of his seat and following after Ghost mindlessly.

It wasn’t until it was only you, Price, and Gaz that the tense silence was broken.

“Poor lad,” Gaz murmured to himself, shaking his head and stabbing at his food with his fork.

“What’s happening with him?” you asked, worried.

Price tapped his fingers along the table, lips pursed and eyes stuck on the door. “Nothin’, dove,” he sighed.

You frowned at him. “No. You’re doing it again, Price.”

He turned away from the door and at you, cocking his head. Price frowned back at you before nodding slowly in understanding. “Right,” he muttered. “He is… rather guilty of everythin’ happenin’ with you. Killin’ himself about it, really.”

The irony. Ghost was practically undead until Graves decided otherwise.

“Guilty?” you repeated in surprise. “What is he guilty for?”

Gaz sighed heavily, appearing more tired than he did before. “He thinks you’re cursed ‘cause of him,” he explained. “If you hadn’t been with him that day in the town, Graves never would’ve seen you. He blames himself.”

Your eyes went wide the more he spoke, and you felt your own harboring guilt only grow. You felt sick. Not once had you considered Ghost to be the enemy, the reason for your misfortune. Graves was the only one to blame in the game.

“That is nonsense,” you wavered. “He is not to blame.”

“He thinks so,” Price replied glumly. “Do not take it to heart, dove. He has care for you as we do. He simply struggles with it more.”

You knew Ghost cared in his own strange way. He was emotionally constipated, unable to express himself the way a normal person should. You understood why.

“Should I talk to him about it?” you asked, more so to yourself. You weren’t sure how Ghost would take it. He was a firecracker.

“I think that would be nice, birdie,” Gaz agreed with a warm smile that made you stumble for words. “Don’t expect to get very far, though. He’s a stubborn bastard.”

Price snorted quietly, nodding. You couldn’t help but agree as well. You learned that the hard way.

“We do not have to talk until later,” the captain explained. “Finish up eatin’ and talk to him. See where it goes.”

With that, you made quick work of scarfing down the food Soap graciously piled up for you, eating as much as you can. Price dismissed you, giving you an encouraging smile. Gaz nodded to you as you left, hurrying out of the dining hall to find the doomed man where he hid.

You weren’t sure where to start, but the first you assumed was his room. He often resided in there by himself, hiding away like an urchin, quiet as a mouse. You’d never been to his quarters, so the thought of entering had you nervous.

The closer you got, the more your heart pounded. At least Soap would be there to ease the tension, perhaps he could even be helpful in opening Ghost up.

Ghost’s quarters were on the other side of the ship, away from Soap and Gaz’s, so when you stepped into the small hall leading to it, you paused when you noticed the door opened.

Faint murmurs could be heard from beyond the doorway, but it wasn’t loud enough to make out.

Creeping up to the door, you peeked your head in, darting your eyes around before they landed on Soap. Then Ghost.

You had to hold back a noise of surprise when you saw Ghost being coddled by Soap, the Scot’s arms encasing him with his lips to Ghost’s ear, speaking softly to him. The embrace was something passionate, almost as if being held by a lover.

The thing you noticed was Ghost free of his mask, the skull token sitting on the floor as if thrown off. The balaclava beneath it was next to it, and you saw the tufts of blonde hair poking out wickedly on Ghost’s head.

His face was marred, littered with brutal scarring and faint black veins that traveled up his neck and to his jaw. His nose was crooked, as if somebody had bashed it in and it never healed it properly. A nasty scar crossed on his mouth, starting from his top lip and finishing at the bottom.

You were looking at Simon. The one who hid beneath the mask as Ghost. And he didn’t even know you saw.

The guilt became only worse when Soap curled a hand under Ghost’s chin, his thumb stroking his textured cheek before leaning in.

You quickly pulled back from the doorway, heart racing. You looked away before you saw anything more, but you knew what was about to happen.

Had this been going on the whole time? Were you oblivious? Did the others know?

Images of them embracing flashing repeatedly in your mind, and you felt trickles of envy. The softness of the moment, to have such intimacy and care shared between one another… It was something you longed for and never knew you wanted.

You longed for a hug. You yearned for affection.

When living in the village, it was something you never desired. You despised the idea of settling down with another and spending your life loving them. Now, you realized that it wasn’t the idea you hated — it was that you never saw anybody in that light.

The realization began to hit you fast and hard. And it didn’t feel as great as you wanted it to.

Just as you were beginning to feel at ease with your place in life, you were lost all over again.

You don’t know how long you stood there. You were in a trance, and just as you snapped out of it to rush out of the hall, Soap stepped out, Ghost trailing behind him. Both of them paused in the doorway.

“Dove?” Soap asked in surprise. “Are ye alright? What are ye doin’ here?”

You startled, forcing yourself to act indifferent. You didn’t want to seem strange, as if you’d been lurking. You didn’t even mean to.

“I just got here,” you lied with a forced smile. “I knew you were speaking, so I was waiting outside until it was okay. I was going to speak to Ghost, if that was alright.”

You risked a glance at Ghost. His mask was back on his face, covering the trauma beneath.

“We’ve got a couple of things to do around the ship,” Soap said apologetically. “Lookin’ like a storm’s comin’ soon. Gotta set everythin’ up so we don’t tip over and drown, aye?”

Soap nudged your shoulder with a snicker. You couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed and isolated.

“That’s alright,” you murmured quietly.

Ghost eyed you, narrowing in like he didn’t believe you. You swallowed.

“C’mon, lass. Let’s get ye back, aye?” Soap hummed, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. He began to guide you out of the hall.

“Price wanted to speak with me,” you said. “I will just go to his quarters.”

Soap’s eyebrows raised and he let his arm drop, giving you a nod. “Alright, dove. Ye feel okay? Ye look a bit tired. Didn’t sleep well?”

You dismissed it with a hand, forcing a reassuring smile. “I’m quite alright. No stress.”

Soap looked skeptical and he glanced at Ghost, who merely looked away. “Okay,” he huffed, not quite believing you but trusting you regardless. “Go on then.”

You gave the two a farewell, going your separate ways while you walked back to Price’s room. The walk felt slow, your shoes dragging along the old wooden floors. Your anxiety gnawed at you like a pest, your fingers finding that now familiar stitch on your dress to once again pick at.

Your mind was in shambles and you didn’t want Price to notice. How were you to explain what you saw? What if he wasn’t aware of the affair happening between his crew and you ruined it by asking?

You were so engrossed in your own mind that you failed to notice you were already at the door to Price’s. You briefly wondered if he had even returned from the dining hall. He was expecting you to arrive later.

A couple knocks on the door later, Price opened the door. He looked puzzled when he saw you, ushering you inside.

“I take it you didn’t get to talk to Ghost?” he frowned. You shook your head solemnly. “That’s alright. Did somethin’ happen? You look unwell. Was it breakfast? Did it not taste well to you?”

“What? No, breakfast was perfect. Thank you,” you assured. His gaze flickered over your face, studying you. “Ghost and Soap are handling the ship for the storm. The clouds look rather angry, don’t they?”

He knew you were bluffing. He could tell from the way you rambled about the weather of all things.

“Yes, they do,” he agreed suspiciously. Nevertheless, he encouraged you to take a seat at his desk, joining you on his side. A lone cigar sat in his ashtray, unlit, and he grabbed it with nimble fingers to hold it to his mouth and light it with a match.

You watched silently as the smoke began to pour out of his mouth, swirling into wisps in the air.

“The weather always makes me feel a bit uneasy,” he hummed, holding the cigar with two fingers and letting his arm rest on the chair. “Gives me nasty headaches. You got anythin’ that helps with that?”

“Back in my quarters, yes,” you explained. “I still have quite a few balms from my village. I have been meaning to make more. Perhaps I can show you how.”

Price huffed out a laugh, a faint smile hidden in his heard. He took another heavy hit from the cigar, dabbing the excess ash off in the tray. “That would be useful,” he agreed. “I’ve been curious about your skill since you stitched me up so long ago.”

You couldn’t help but smile. The memory at the time was one you weren’t fond of, but now that you look back on it, it wasn’t so bad. You were just scared.

“I have told you from the beginning that I am not a trained medic,” you teased.

“Ach, your stitchin’ job barely left a scar. No need to be so humble.”

You shared quiet laughs before falling into comfortable silence. You allowed him to nurse the cigar until he was ready to speak, but the silence made your mind drift back to what you’d seen moments ago. Curiosity got the best of you.

“Sir?”

“Hm?”

“Are Soap and Ghost… together?”

Price paused, cigar hanging from his mouth. He cocked his head curiously, taking in your question. “Why do you ask?”

You fumbled, wringing your hands in your lap awkwardly. “I am just… wondering.”

He stared at you as if could see right through your deception. “Define, together.”

“I think you know what I mean, sir.”

Price snorted, resting his cheek on his hand. “Does that bother you, dove? Or perhaps you want to join them?”

Your eyes widened and you quickly sputtered out an explanation, shaking your head. “No, not at all!”

Price barked out a laugh, eyes crinkling with it. You chewed on your bottom lip until it felt raw, wishing you hadn’t even asked.

“I am simply teasin’ you. Relax,” he mused, tapping out the cigar. “It is a complicated relationship. Much more complicated than you could assume.”

“Is that so?” you murmured to yourself, wondering. “Complicated how?”

Price’s eyebrows raised and he remained quiet for a moment. “I did not take you to be the type to gossip about love of all things, dove.”

“Please do not jest me.”

Price smiled in amusement. “My apologies, princess,” he taunted. You scowled. “Curiosity killed the cat, don’t you know that?”

“Of course I know that,” you uttered in annoyance at Price’s inconspicuous mockery.

“Unless it is Soap you wish to be with,” he continued.

“I—” You hated how the thought made your heart jump. “It is not!”

“Good,” he said with a smile. You shut your mouth, frowning at him in disapproval. “I was goin’ to speak more with you about Graves, but perhaps Soap was right. You need a break from it for the day. Rather, would you like to show me that medicine makin’ that you mentioned?”

Medicine making? The Captain was a strange man. The strangest of them all. He gave Soap a run for his money.

“I’d much prefer that,” you grumbled, standing so you could return to your quarters to collect things needed to create jars of herbal medicine.

As you walked out with plans of returning, Price called out once more, “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

You let out an annoyed groan, slamming the door on your way out. It wasn’t enough to silence his snickering.

[roostersbby69]

0.3 For old times sake

Summary: Bradley hasn’t gotten any action with his wife. They didn’t have kids, not because of their jobs, but because she just didn’t want to anymore. Bradley had a very high sex drive, and his maid that his wife hired might just give him a memory refresh of how good sex is.

Warnings: age gap (reader is 25, Bradley is 36), alcohol, language

Word count: too dang many

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x maid!reader

For old times sake masterlist. Full masterlist.

“I don’t see why it’s a problem, Isabelle.” Bradley groaned as he shoved his face in his hands on the edge of the bed.

“It’s because it gets fucking tiring, you always asking me to have sex.” She got up and crossed her arms over her chest.

Pilates was really working on her, her arms became more toned, her abs more defined, and her shoulders wider.

“Is it a crime to want to have sex with my wife?” He stood up now, getting angrier and angrier by the second. This was the third time this week he’s tried to pursue something with her. And nothing has gotten anywhere.

“No, but it should be a crime to want to do it every fucking night.” She scoffed and made her way to the bathroom.

All he wanted was some action, anything would do, a handjob, some head, hell even a kiss on the cheek would make him cum at this point.

He huffed and stormed out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, he grabbed a beer and cracked it open. His face was hot as it traveled down to his neck, he grabbed his phone and walked out to the porch to make a phone call.

He pressed the contact he was looking for and placed the phone to his ear.

“What’s up?” A female voice came from the other end.

“I’m not sure why I called, I just need someone to listen.” He beat himself up for being so vulnerable right now.

She sighed, “Go on, what did she do this time?”

“She doesn’t want to do anything with me.” Bradley tried to make it PG for her.

“What do you mean, Rooster?”

“Anything, in bed.” He almost muttered the last part, shamefully.

He expected Natasha to throw out an ‘Ew’ or a ‘gross’ but this time she didn’t, “Rooster, dump her.”

“I can’t, Nat, we’re married.”

“Divorce her.” She corrected herself, “All women want is sex, at least thats what my girlfriend tells me, I don’t know man maybe you’re just getting old.”

“Natasha, I didn’t call to get a sex education lesson,” He ran his hand along his face, “She’s always been like this, we used to be physical but, somethings changes. Ever since she got these new friends, this new job and started a stupid workout class. She just doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

Phoenix sighed from the other end, “I don’t know what to tell you Bradley, other than divorce her or have a good talk with her.”

“She even hired this maid…” oops, didnt mean to blurt that out.

“A maid?” Nat questioned, “You mean like an old lady who goes around and cleans your house?”

He rolled his eyes, “No, Nat, a maid that destroys the house. Yes a maid that cleans the house.”

“Damn, is she hot?”

Bradley shouldn’t be talking about this. Not while his wife was in the house.

“Yes.” Too late now.

“Damn, Bradshaw. You’re a dead man.” She laughed humorously.

“Yeah, I know.” He shook his head and sighed.

-

Turns out, Isabelle ran out of the house after their argument and went to her dumb class that she goes to all the time.

So Bradley didn’t see why it wasn’t okay for him to go to the Hard Deck tonight for a couple of drinks and his friends.

He pulled up in the parking lot and turned the engine off. He grabbed his wallet and made his way to the front door which was open and buzzing with people and music.

The first thing he saw was his friends shooting pool and handing out beers to each other.

This already lifted his mood as he made his way towards them and folded his sunglasses on his shirt.

“Rooster!” Coyote hollered across the room and got Bradley’s attention, Bradley made his way to him and shook his hand, “Didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

“Yeah, just thought I’d drop by.” He nodded and smiled at Nat who was shooting pool.

She was the only person who knew exactly why he “dropped by”.

“Nice to see you again.” She looked to him then back to the pool table. She squinted her eyes then jabbed the ball with the stick and made it into the pocket.

“You too, Nat.” He walked over to Fanboy who was talking to Bob.

“Bradshaw!” He patted Bradleys shoulder and.

“Hey, guys.” He sat down at the table with them and watched the rest of the team mess around.

Hangman walked towards them, juggling three beers in his hand, and smirked once he saw Bradley.

“Here, you look like you need one of these.” He slid a bottle to bradley.

“Thanks.” Bradley mumbled and took a sip of it. He really did need one.

“There’s this super hot chick I might bring home tonight.” Hangman bragged and jerked a thumb back towards the bar.

“Who is it?” Fanboy asked, looking over Hangman’s shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of said girl.

“The cute chick in the blue sundress.” Hangman said as he handed out the beers and took one for himself.

Out of curiosity, Bradley peered behind his shoulder to see the “blue sundress” girl. His eyes widened once he noticed who it was.

-

“A spicy margarita, please.” You took out your wallet and slid your ID to the bartender. She nodded and took it before approving it and giving it back to you.

“So, you come here often?” A guy in a khaki uniform asked as he stood next to you with a smile on his face.

“Um, no, not really. I’m too busy with school and a job.”

He nodded, “You’re in school?”

“Yeah, on my last year of college.” You nodded.

He smirked, he liked school girls. Penny slid his beers to him and told him that these were his last ones for the night. She seemed like she was playing with him but he winked at her and said ‘no promises’.

-

“Some school chick.” Hangman bragged, “Might do a little role play, ill be the student shes tutoring and shell be the naughty teacher who gives me a lesson.” He smirked as Fanboy ‘oohed’.

Bradleys Jaw clenched as he listened to them talk about you with such filth. But he didn’t say anything, to save his reputation.

“You’ve been awful quiet, Rooster.” Bob pitched in as he noticed Bradley staring at you.

Bradley averted his eyes from your figure and turned to Bob who had gotten everyone’s attention on him. Bradley cleared his throat, “Just, had a long day.”

Bob just simply nodded and dropped the subject, and Bradley was thankful for that.

He wanted to walk up to you since you were sitting by yourself, but he knew it wasn’t the right thing to do. He had a damn wife, a shitty one at that.

He shook his head and muttered a soft, “Fuck it.” Before getting up and making his way towards you.

You sat staring down at your drink as the ice shifted causing bubbles to rise to the top. You had finished one already and were on your second one when a man sat down next to you.

“Hey, stranger.” He said. You recognized that voice, you turned your head to him and your face went red as you realized who it was that was sitting by you.

“Oh my gosh, Mr. Bradshaw.” You slid your drink behind your purse and widened your eyes.

He laughed at your shyness, “Don’t stress, I’m here for the same thing you are.” He really wasn’t here for that reason, he was here because of his wife. And he was sure you didn’t have a wife.

“I’m so sorry.” You scrambled as you revealed your drink once again.

“Don’t be, you’re old enough to drink, I don’t see the problem.” He shook his head and sipped his beer.

“I didn’t know you came here.” Your eyes never left his broad frame as his elbows rested against the bar top and his shirt was snug against his biceps.

“I could say the same things about you.” He turned to you and smirked.

“I don’t usually come here, I just wanted a drink tonight.” You shrugged and swirled your drink with its straw.

“No problem with that.” He shrugged and turned to face forward again.

“How’s Mrs. Bradshaw?” You asked and noticed as his jaw clenched and his mustache twitched.

“She’s good.” Bradley nodded and decided not to share too much.

“She doesn’t come here?” You asked as you sipped your drink.

He shook his head and looked down at his bottle, “No, she doesn’t really like this place. Not fancy enough or something.”

You nodded and set your glass down after you finished a long sip, “It’s the only place I can afford.” You laughed.

He snorted, “Yeah, same here.” He looked over to you and noticed your cup was now empty. “You want another one of those?” He pointed his bottle towards your cup.

You raised an eyebrow at him and smirked, “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

He smirked back, “Maybe.”

“Mr. Bradshaw.” You teased and smiled, Penny came over with a smile on her face as she took your glass.

“Another one, dear?”

“Please.” You nodded your head.

Bradley smiled as he watched you play with your bracelet on your wrist, he felt awful for acting like this towards another woman. His mother always taught him to be respectful of women. But she also taught him to give the same energy back that they gave him.

“You don’t really look the type to drink.” He looked forwards and lifted his bottle to his lips.

“And you don’t look the type to sit by a lonely girl at a bar when you have a wife.” You teased and smirked at him.

Shit. He had been caught. “It’s complicated.” He mumbled and quickly finished his beer. He probably shouldn’t have said that, yet he did anyways. He decided to blame it on the alcohol.

“Really?” You turned and raised an eyebrow at him.

He nodded and hummed.

“How come?” You pushed and almost regretted it immediately.

“She doesn’t like to do anything in bed.” He shrugged and thanked penny once she brought your drinks out.

You almost choked on air at his blunt statement, “All women want to do stuff in bed.”

Maybe what Nat said was true. Maybe something was up with Isabelle. And it wasn’t just him that was causing it.

“Oh really? And how do you know that?” He chuckled as your face went red and you tried to hide it behind your cup as you brought it up to your lips.

“Because I’m a woman.” You shrugged and tried to hold back a smile.

He hummed and went back to his beer, he felt his dick tightening in his jeans as he caught sight of your thighs exposed from your short sundress, your breasts were deliciously on display and it made his mouth water.

His shirt clung to his biceps and you noticed the veins running up his hands as they held onto his beer bottle. You knew this was wrong, thinking about him like this. He has a wife. But you couldn’t help but admire him, the way his mustache was neatly trimmed, his brown eyes that seemed lighter with the lights over the two of you, his jeans that hugged his big thighs, and his lips that curved up into a smile every now and then as you talked.

This was wrong, but yet you found yourself doing the things you knew you shouldn’t.

And it was exhilarating.

—————————————————————

Authors note: They’re getting closerr. This is going to be good!

[bradshawshawaiianshirt]

Stuck on the Past | Part 8

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw x Ex-girlfriend!Reader

Summary: You never thought you'd see Bradley Bradshaw again, especially the way things ended between the two of you. So what happens when he's suddenly back for a special mission and is determined to win you back too?

Warnings: Angst (ish), adult language, drinking

Length: 1.8k

Stuck on the Past masterlist

"We need to talk."

Bradley stood in front of you, his heart pounding and slightly breathless from jogging up the stairs to your door. As soon as he'd docked, he'd sped towards your apartment, probably running a few red lights along the way. He knew he probably looked tired and he was still in his flight suit, but you were the only thing on his mind. He didn't have time to waste. He didn't know what he was going to say or do, he just knew he had to see you and the right words would find him. Hopefully.

When he pulled up outside your building, his first thought was that you wouldn't buzz him in, so he couldn't believe his luck when April opened the the main entrance at the same time he'd been walking towards it.

She saw him immediately and had held the door open tentatively, almost guarding the building, looking him up and down, before sighing, "Great timing, she's upstairs." He nodded quickly and moved to walk in, but she stopped him, her voice stern, "Don't fuck it up this time, Bradshaw."

"I wont." he said quickly, as he held her stare. Eventually, April nodded, and stood aside to let him in. "Thank you." he said, before jogging in the direction of your door.

Once he was stood outside, he wasted no time in knocking. But when you answered almost instantly, he realised he still hadn't thought of what he was going to say, so he settled on, "We need to talk."

Your breath caught in your throat as you saw him, "Bradley?"

"I'm here." he huffed, "Can I come in? Please?"

You bit your lip nervously and nodded, cautiously letting him inside. He walked into your living room and frowned as he saw the boxes scattered across the floor. His eyes flicked from box to box as you said, "Ignore all the boxes, I'm-"

"Are you moving?" he quickly turned to face you.

You nodded, unable to meet his eyes, "It's a long story-"

"But you didn't write the article?" Bradley took a few steps towards you, his head spinning as he hoped you were just moving to a new place somewhere close by.

You shook your head, "No. I didn't write it." You watched as Bradley glanced at all the boxes again, "I got another job... In Washington. My flight leaves tomorrow."

His eyes met yours once again. He paused, before shaking his head, "No. You're not leaving."

You frowned, "Bradley, I'm sorry about what happened but-"

"No." he said, taking another step towards you, "You're not leaving. You can't." he paused, "I almost died out there. I almost died so I can't... I won't waste anymore time on- on running, running from us, from... being happy." he ran a hand through his hair, "You make me happy. That's the bottom line. I want that for the rest of my life and I know you do too."

"Bradley..." you sighed.

"I've been in love with you since the minute I saw you," he continued, "and you know what? Through all the deployments and moving, that's the only constant thing in my life. Whether we're together or we're not, it doesn't matter because I love you." he rambled, "When I first saw you, at the Hard Deck, I couldn't believe my luck. It's like I was being given another chance to do things right. I thought... it was like, fate or something."

You felt a lump in your throat as he continued, "And when- when I found out about the article, I was upset, you know, I was pissed." he huffed, "But I was more angry with myself. I was angry because I screwed us up, you were right, okay? I ran." he stepped forward and gently placed his hand on your cheek, "But I'm not that person anymore, I'm not scared anymore, I want you. All of you. I want cheesy movies and late night talking, I want you to beat me at pool every single time we play." he chuckled, tucking a stray hair behind your ear, "I love you. I always have and sweetheart, that's just the way it's always going to be. So you're not leaving. You can't."

Bradley let out a tense breath and watched you closely as he waited for you to say something. He didn't think he'd been that honest with anyone in years, but there was no way in hell he could lose you a second time.

Your eyes drifted from his and towards the floor, "Bradley.." you sighed and finally met his eyes, "You were the love of my life and I... I think about you all the time, but-"

"No," he muttered, "No buts, please-"

You shook your head and took a step back from him, "You and I... We don't work. We might have worked for a little while back then, but that was years ago. Things are different now, I'm different and I can't-" you took a breath, holding back the tears that were threatening to spill, "I can't put myself through loving you again. Not when it's bound to end the same way."

"Sweetheart-"

"I think you should leave." you crossed your arms, wanting to look strong, clam and collected, when really all you wanted was to run to him and tell him everything was fine. You knew, however, that you couldn't, that you needed a fresh start, that it was the rational thing to do.

Bradley said nothing. The most he could do was give you a small and curt nod, before quietly leaving your apartment.

That was when you let the tears come.

It was the next morning, while waiting to board your flight, that he called you. You'd spent all night second guessing your decision, going to call him and then switching your phone off, you'd practically forced yourself through the airport. It was times like these when you wished you had some sort of angel or something to tell you what to do, whether you should make the smart decision or the reckless one. You watched as he called, deciding ultimately not to pick up, since it was almost boarding time anyways, but you couldn't resist listening to the voicemail he'd left you.

You found a quiet corner of the airport and pressed play.

Hey, uh, I was just going to call to say that I hope you have a safe flight.

There was a pause.

Okay, no, I know that's what I should be saying but-

You heard him groan.

If by some miracle you listen to this before you get on the plane, could you just do one thing for me? Switch off your brain for a second. You've always been smart, way smarter than me, but I need you to just.. not be, just for a minute.

You closed your eyes, taking a deep breath as you carried on listening.

I want you to listen to your heart for a sec. I know it sounds cheesy sweetheart, but I need you to think about how you feel. If you don't love me, go ahead and get on that plane, and I promise you, I will never bother you again. But if you do...

You heard him sigh.

I'm gonna be waiting for you tonight at the Hard Deck. If you don't come by 11... then I'll know, and I'll try to move on, even though my heart is and will always be yours. Goodbye sweetheart.

The line cut off and you stared at your phone screen for what felt like forever, until a voice echoed through the airport.

"Flight 731 to Washington is now boarding. All passengers on flight 731 to Washington, your flight is now boarding."

-

Bradley sat at the bar of the Hard Deck and checked his watch for the eighth time, 10.46. He sighed and glanced around the bar again, feeling stupid, because for all he knew, you hadn't even got the voicemail and had maybe even already landed in Washington.

He tapped his fingers against the bar top, quickly turning when he felt a hand on his shoulder, but sighing when it was only Mav. He sat down on the stool next to him, clearing his throat, "You okay?"

Although the two men had spoken a bit about their past and were on their way to mending things, it was still slightly awkward between them. Bradley shrugged a little and took a sip of his beer, "I'm, uh, I'm waiting for someone, who I'm not sure is even gonna show up." he grunted.

Mav grinned a little, "Is this 'someone' a girl, by any chance?" Bradley nodded as he continued, "Well, I've never had the best luck with women," he chuckled, "but you want my advice? Trust the universe."

Bradley snorted, "Never took you for a spiritual guy, Mav."

Mav grinned and shrugged, patting Bradley's back as he stood, "I'm not, but in my experience, the universe always has a plan." He began to walk away but paused, "Why don't you help me fix up a plane I've been working on this weekend? Keep ya busy."

Bradley slowly began to nod, "Sure, we can do that."

Maverick smiled, giving him another pat before walking away. Bradley noticed Penny hadn't been around the bar in a while, and it dawned on him that Mav may have been there waiting for someone to show up too.

He shook his head and chugged the rest of his beer, checking his watch again, 10.59. He sighed, standing up and leaving the bar, strolling towards his bronco, ready to head home and sleep off his sadness. When he looked up to see his car in the distance, he noticed something.

Someone was leaning against the passenger door.

His footsteps quickened and once he was a few steps away he let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding.

There you were, effortlessly beautiful in jeans and white t-shirt, hair down and moving with the breeze, and your eyes were on him. Exactly the way Bradley knew it should be.

As he got closer he grinned, "You're late."

You smiled and took a few steps towards him, "Shut up and kiss me Bradley."

You could deny it all you wanted but realistically, you knew. As soon as you saw him at your doorstep, hell, from the night you'd seen him at the Hard Deck, he had you. So, even if it wasn't the smart thing to do, or maybe it was, you didn't care. Bradley reached forward and grabbed your waist, his lips quickly finding yours as your hands made their way up to his hair. The kiss was gentle yet passionate, full of words that neither of you had the guts to say over the years you'd been apart. It was right then, as he kissed you against the backdrop of the sea, that you knew you'd done the right thing.

It almost felt like you were both young again, because nothing had changed. Not really.

When you both pulled away for air, he rested his forehead against yours. Of course there were conversations you both needed to have with each other, things to work out, but for now that could wait.

"I love you. So much." Bradley muttered against your lips.

You knew any important conversations didn't matter, because you'd both chosen each other and right now, that was enough.

"I love you too, Bradley."

---

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! I might do an epilogue for these two but I'm not sure yet - let me know if its something you'd wanna read!

[callsign-magnolia]

Undiagnosed // Ch. 5

Mature Content 18+

Jake Seresin x Neurodivergent OC

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

Warnings: Emotional abuse, trauma response, abusive parents.

Word Count: 7.0k

Chapter 4 | Masterlist

After his apology, Jake was a little more eager to hang out with me while I study. His presence became calming almost. Any time Coop came in the room, one glare from Jake and he was turning around and leaving. It filled me with joy to see him running with his tail tucked between his legs. “Katie!” I whirled around in my seat to see Jake rushing over, a sly grin on his face. “What?” I asked and he motioned me to follow him. I stood, following him to the window where he yanked the blinds up. I never realized you could see the tarmac from here. “Okay… I see jets.” He laughed, pointing down towards the right corner. “Look down there.” I leaned over, looking and I saw two bodies by the jets, with another small body standing in front of them. I adjusted my glasses and realized it was Blake and Coop, with Maverick standing before them. Maverick’s mouth was moving but I obviously couldn’t hear anything. “Two hundred and fifty burpees. Mav is not taking this lightly.” I observed as they jumped in the air before dropping to the ground and going into a push up. “Why though?” I asked. “They screwed up. Left Bob and Phoenix to fend for themselves against Maverick. Then he got tone on them.” I nodded. “So you all have to do burpees if you mess up?” He shook his head. “No. Everyone else has to do two hundred pushups. It’s hard but not as hard as two hundred and fifty burpees.” I chuckled, watching them struggle. “I shouldn’t be laughing.” I said, turning back to the table. 

“I think you have every right to laugh.” He said as I sat down, looking up at him over the rim of my glasses. “What they did was wrong on so many levels. So go ahead and laugh at their pain.” I giggled at him as he sat across from me. He smiled and stared at me for a minute. “What?” I asked. “You wanna go out on Saturday?” My smile dropped as I looked at him. “Are you fucking serious? You have a fucking girlfriend.” He sat back, wide eyed and shaking his head. “No! No, no! Dammit.” He ran his hands down his face before taking a deep breath. “I meant, do you want to go out with the team and I on Saturday? We’re all going to the Hard Deck for drinks.” I let out the breath I was holding. “Sorry. I was just caught off guard. Um, I think my parents and I have plans this weekend.” He nodded and proceeded to help me study. “Medical law really is boring.” I nodded in agreement. “What would you be doing if you didn’t have to do this to please your parents?” I didn’t even have to think about it. “Nursing school. I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl.” He smiled at me. “I think you’d be a good nurse.” I smiled at him. “Thanks. I’ve never had someone tell me they thought I’d be good at something.” 

“You mean, your parents never told you that they thought you’d be good at something?” I shook my head. “Well, my mom had me in pageants as a kid and my talent was usually gymnastics. She told me I was good at it, but then I went and broke my leg.” He chuckled as he leaned back in his seat, fingers tapping the table. “It’s not like you did it on purpose. How’d it happen?” I sighed, setting my pencil down. “My mom set up the little balance beam we had. She had placed the mats down next to it so if I fell I didn’t hurt myself. But she didn’t secure them and I messed up once so they shifted. I went into a back handspring and I went sideways. We’re still not completely sure how it happened but I snapped my femur in half.” He looked at me wide eyed. “How old were you?” I shrugged. “Seven I think. Mom yelled at me the entire ambulance ride and I was grounded for three months for ruining my chances at winning.” His jaw dropped. If this were a cartoon it would’ve broken through the table with the way he looked. “Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell me that you snapped the strongest bone in your body at seven years old, and you were in trouble. You realize that’s technically her fault and not yours.” I sighed, shoulders dropping. “It’s in the past now, Jake. Let’s just drop it.” He could tell I didn’t want to talk about it anymore. “You realize there’s a pattern right?” I nodded. “Is this how it’s been your whole childhood?” I huffed in anger, slamming my book shut. “Yes, are you happy? Is that what you wanted to hear?” I raised my voice as I stood. He stood as well, coming around the table and standing mere inches from me as he leaned one hand on the table. “No, darlin’. Of course not. I just-it’s wrong.”

My face flushed at the nickname, not used to being called anything other than Katie. I cleared my throat, stepping back from him as he looked at me in confusion. “I should get back to studying. I have my last exam before finals coming up.” He nodded, moving so I could sit back down and once again I buried my nose in my book. The air in the room changed after that and we went silent, only speaking when he left and told me goodbye. He bugged me on Saturday, asking if I was sure I couldn’t come out. It’s not because I didn’t want to. I’d love to go out with other people and have fun, but it’s just not something I’m able to do. But ever since then, every Friday and Saturday night I would get a text from Jake, asking the same thing.

Wanna join us for drinks tonight?

I had to explain that it wasn’t because I didn’t want to, but more on the lines of convincing my parents to let me out unsupervised. He of course sent the eye roll emoji but in the end told me he understood. But that didn’t deter him from asking. Which made me feel good, like maybe my answers hadn’t annoyed him to the point he just stopped trying. But I planted the bug in my parents ear after the first time he asked and for weeks I’ve been dropping hints. “Hey mom?” I asked, sitting her drink next to her as she read her book in the family room. “What?” She snapped. “While I was in class today-” “Speak up! God, Katie. When are you going to learn that no one can hear you when you mumble!” I took a step back as a reflex before clearing my throat. “While I was in class, Professor Dunlap mentioned that the Hard Deck was doing a true crime trivia night this next Saturday, and they’ll have a lot of law questions. So if I go, I can get extra credit.” She scoffed at my question and I started pulling on my thumbs behind my back, trying to keep myself calm. “It’s also supporting a local charity.” She looked up from her book, raising a brow at me. “What’s it for?” She asked and I had to bite back the smile that was growing on my face. “Childhood cancer.” My mother is always doing events for various charities but her biggest one is childhood cancer. It’s a good cause but mom does it solely to show people, ‘how giving we are.’ In reality she doesn’t care, it’s all about image, just like everything else in our lives. 

“You always say I should be more involved in charity, this would be good for me.” She seemed to think about it for a minute. “Let me discuss it with your father.” I nodded, turning and going up to my room where I felt like my chest was going to explode with excitement. For the next two weeks I’ve been kicking ass at studying, even allowing my parents to quiz me and showing them that I’ve done the work. I also went out of my way to do things without being asked, thinking maybe if I show some responsibility and maturity they’ll let me go. I was in the middle of studying when my mom came into my room Friday night. “What are you doing?” She asked. “I’m studying chapter thirty-six.” She raised a brow. “I thought you were on chapter thirty-three.” I nodded. “We are. But I finished it and I feel confident about it, so I worked ahead. Which means I’ve done the next two weeks' assignments.” She seemed impressed, looking around my room. “Your room needs a little work.” I nodded. “Yeah I need to wash my laundry and my bedding.” She nodded, turning to leave. “You need to dust and vacuum too. Your father and I were invited to a formal luncheon tomorrow and it’s just your father and I. We’ll have to leave you here… so if you can get this room straight, you can go to the Hard Deck.” She dipped out of the room after that and I grinned, excitedly reaching for my phone, shooting Jake a text. 

Got plans tomorrow night?

I buried my nose into my textbooks, working hard to keep my mind busy. But I kept picking up my phone, hoping he replied. After twenty minutes his reply came through.

Same plans as every weekend, darlin’. Why?

How would you feel about adding one more person to your plans?

I didn’t even have to wait for a reply, as if he sat there and stared at his phone, waiting. 

You’re not messing with me are you? This isn’t some cruel joke?

I had to cover my mouth to hold back my laugh, not wanting to alert my parents to anything.

No joke. My parents have plans and for some reason, they’ve allowed me to leave the house unsupervised.

Awesome, we’ll be there around seven!

I was so excited to go out! So much so I barely slept that night. The next morning I got up, stripping my bed and tossing everything into the washer. By twelve my parents left for their luncheon, giving me strict instructions on what I could and could not do. I was putting my sheets back on my bed when my phone rang. “Hello?” I asked, holding the phone between my cheek and shoulder. “Hey, darlin’.” The southern accent greeted me. “Hi, Jake.” I said, tucking my fitted sheet over the corner of my mattress. “You’re not gonna bail on us are you?” He asked and I giggled, shaking my head. “No. I just have a few things to do before I go.” He hummed. “Like what?” He asked. “Uh, I need to dry my comforter, wash and dry my clothes and put them away, then I need to clean my fish tank.” I could hear rustling on the other side. “How long is that gonna take?” I looked at the clock, seeing it said twelve-forty five. I did the math in my head. “About four and a half hours.” It went silent for a moment and I thought maybe the call dropped. “Jake?” I asked. “Four and a half hours for laundry and your fish tank?” I nodded. “Yeah, an hour to wash my clothes while my comforter dries, an hour to dry my clothes and maybe fifteen minutes to fold all of it. Then I need about two hours for my fish tank. But after that I have to shower and get ready.”

“What if I came over and helped you?” I was caught off guard by the question. “Um, I don’t know.” I ran my hands through my hair. “Come on, Katie. I’m sure that fish tank is heavy too.” I huffed, looking at the tank. It was twenty gallons and it was heavy, empty and full. “Okay. But you need to get here fast and you have to be gone before three-thirty. My parents will be back at four.” I heard him jump to his feet. “Send me the address, darlin’. I’m on my way.” I bit my lip, fighting back a grin at the name he seems to have given me. “Okay.” My voice was airy as we said goodbye and hung up. I text him my address, leaning against my door as I did so. My parents would literally kill me if they found out I had a male in general in the house without them here. But for Jake to be under my father’s command? That was a whole other realm of problems, especially considering the rumors that flew months ago. Maybe I should call him and tell him not to come? That would be the best thing to do. I broke away from my thoughts to grab my phone, but I was interrupted by the doorbell going off. 

I made my way downstairs, peeking out the window next to the door, swinging it open when I saw the familiar head of blonde hair. Jake smiled at me as he leaned on the door frame. His hair wasn’t perfectly fixed, hanging messily in front of his eyes. He had on a black shirt with some blue gym shorts slung low on his waist, and damn, have his arms always been that big. “It’s weird seeing you in casual clothing.” He said and that’s when I realized I was in a baggy shirt and shorts. “Sorry. I didn’t see the point in dressing up just to clean.” I said as I stepped back. “Come in.” He did and I shut the door behind him. “Want anything to drink?” I asked as he looked around. My house was by no means small, and my mother wanted to show off to anyone and everyone, so it always looked grand. “I’ll take a water.” I nodded, walking to the kitchen as he followed me. I grabbed a glass from the cabinet, filling it with water and handing it to him. He chuckled, looking at the glass. “No bottles?” I laughed, filling my own glass. “No, we’re too good for bottles according to my mother.” He chuckled. “How long did it take you to get here?” He shrugged, setting the glass down. “Like twenty minutes.”

I sat on my floor, against my bedroom door for twenty minutes? I shook the thought off, motioning him to follow me. “You can sit here while I toss my clothes in the washer, then we’ll tackle the fish tank.” He looked around my room before turning back to me. “I can help.” I laughed as I grabbed the basket full of clothes. “It’s putting laundry in the washer. It’s kind of a one person job.” He flashed me a smile, and I laughed. “I’ll be right back.” As I was tossing my clothes in, I was grateful that he didn’t insist on helping me. That would mean he would’ve seen my panties, and for some reason, that made redness flare across my cheeks. I never thought  things like that would make me blush. Every woman wears panties. Right? I shook the thoughts away and went back upstairs. I walked into my room to see Jake looking at all the pageant trophies my mother kept on display. “This was really you?” I nodded. “That hard to believe?” He shook his head. “No, you just look so young but so mature at the same time.” I nodded. “Lots of makeup, lots of spray tan.”

“So who's who?” He asked, leaning down to look into the tank. “You wanna know their names?” He nodded. “I mean, I’m about to remove them from their home, figured I’d know their names first.” I laughed at his words. “The two goldfish are Splish & Splash, I actually bought them together.” He nodded. “How can you tell them apart?” I pointed at Splish as she swam by. “That’s Splish. Not long after I got her, Georgie, the guppy with the veil shaped tail over there attacked her. They were still little at the time and he damaged her left fin. She’s fine but I really thought I was gonna have to separate them into separate tanks.” He nodded. “So Splash is this other one that’s next to her?” I nodded. “Georgie was the very first one I got, my parents got him for me. But then I got Splish and Splash. Simon is my angelfish over there and after him I got Ripley.” “She’s a neon tetra right?” I nodded. “Most people don’t know their species names.” He chuckled, standing up straight. “My nephew has a fish tank and it’s full of them.” I smiled at him. “Fish tanks are very relaxing, and I’ve learned alot from having them.” He raised a brow. “Like what?” He asked and I went into the bathroom, grabbing the container I put them in when I cleaned their tank. “Like goldfish have no stomach and can live to be forty years old.” “Forty years?” I nodded. “They also have short memories, but not as short as people think. It goes about three months and they can recognize people's faces.” 

He seemed surprised as I climbed onto the small step stool I keep in my room, placing the container in the water. “Hand me that net?” I asked, pointing to the other side of the tank. He handed it to me and watched as I corralled them into the container before I pulled it out. “You just herded them like cattle.” I laughed and nodded. “It’s routine now. They know when they see the net to move towards the container.” I said as I went into the bathroom, setting the container back onto the counter so they didn’t get knocked around. I used another container to empty more water until there was virtually none left. “Okay, just grab an end and lift.” He held his hand out, grabbing the tank long ways and just lifting it off the table. I couldn’t help but stare for a moment as the muscles in his arms rippled. “Jake! Please be careful! Please don’t spill any of it!” He carried it as if there was no problem. “Where do you want it?” He asked. “In the tub.” He nodded, carefully setting it down. “Thank you, but I would’ve helped you carry that.” He shook his head. “You carry that on your own?” I nodded. “No one helps you?” I shook my head. “They’re my fish, my responsibility. Why would anyone help me?” I asked, pulling out all my supplies. I could feel the tension in the air and his eyes on my back, but when I turned back around he just smiled at me. 

We got to cleaning out the tank. I stood in the large tub on one side of the tank and he sat on the edge on the other side. We were halfway done when he decided to splash water in my face. “I know you did not.” He laughed, looking up at me. “You said you needed a shower anyway. Figured I’d help you get started.” I splashed water back in his face. That started us tossing water at each other. “Stop!” I squealed as he soaked my glasses. I took them off, shaking them out. “And now I'm blind.” I joked, handing him my glasses to set on the counter behind him. As he did I looked past him, catching a tall form in the doorway. Even without my glasses I could tell it was my father, and I could tell he was mad. “Daddy.” The words escaped my mouth as I backed into the shower wall, wanting as much distance between us as possible. It helped that Jake was between us, but I was still scared. Jake looked up at me, seeing the fear on my face and looked behind him, standing as he saw my parents in the doorway. “Commander.” “Why are you in my house Lieutenant?” My father didn’t miss a beat in asking him. 

Jake opened his mouth to answer. “I asked him to come. I really wanted to go to the Hard Deck tonight and asked if he would help me finish everything so I could go.” My dad’s jaw ticked as Jake looked back at me, but I barely shook my head, telling him to keep his mouth shut. “You need to leave, Lieutenant.” My heart thudded in my chest as he looked back at me before stepping over the edge of the tub and making his way out downstairs. I couldn’t hear anything except my blood rushing in my ears, but when I heard the front door shut everything caught up with me. My mother took off to the left towards her room and my father surged forwards. “NO!” I screamed, attempting to duck away from him but he caught my hair that was piled in a bun on top of my head. I screamed as he pulled it, causing me to trip over the edge of the tub and crash to the stone tiled floors below. “GET UP!”

 I pushed myself up but he was faster, grabbing my hair again and pulling me up as a scream escaped my lips. I couldn’t get my feet under me as he literally tossed me out of the bathroom. I couldn’t get my hands out in front of me fast enough and landed face first on the carpet, blood immediately pouring out of my nose. I sat up as I heard something metal behind me, but as I went to turn and face my father I caught sight of the front door that was at the bottom of the stairs. Green eyes met my own as an angry look overtook Jake’s face. He took his hand off the doorknob and turned for the stairs, but the pleading look on my face made him stop. He couldn’t get involved, not now. “YOU’RE A FUCKING WHORE!” My dad yelled, bringing his belt down on my bare thigh making me close my eyes and scream. When I opened them I saw Jake was gone and I curled into the fetal position as my dad continued to bring his belt down. Once he left me lying on the hallway floor, I managed to get up, my entire body aching as I did so. I finished the tank and got my fish back in before I crawled into the hot shower. My back and legs stung as I gently washed my body, spotting a whelps that was lightly bleeding. He’s never been that angry, he’s never hit me with his belt. I shook at the memory, curling up on the shower floor for a minute, letting the scalding hot water wash over my body. 

I only got out when Mom banged on the bathroom door, telling me to get out. Once I was dry and in my pajamas, I went into my room, closing the door. I fed my fish and then crawled into my bed, not caring that it was only six o’clock, my muscles screamed at me as I pulled the covers up to my chin. Tears soaked my face as I listened to my phone buzz for the thousandth time. I knew Jake was blowing up my phone, and probably Natasha and Bradley as well. But after what happened earlier, I just didn’t wanna talk to anyone. I should’ve anticipated them coming home early. We could've avoided this. Eventually, I dozed off listening to the filter in the fish tank, but I was woken up not long later when my bedroom light turned on. “Get up!” I screamed as my dad grabbed the back of my shirt, yanking me out of bed. He dragged me over to my desk before slamming me down in the chair. “If you’re going to be a whore, you’ll at least be an educated one.” He said before walking out of the room and slamming my door shut behind him. Tears dripped onto my textbook as I cried. You knew better. You knew the repercussions of inviting him over. I attempted to shake the thoughts away but it was no use. Just admit it. You’re desperate for friends, desperate to not be alone. 

I cried the rest of the night and well into Sunday. By Monday I was too numb to cry, I couldn’t feel anything and I wore a long dress to cover my legs and the whelps that covered them. I don’t remember much of the day, only really comprehending anything until Natasha sat across from me, placing her hand on mine. I jumped from my chair, staring down at her for a second before I relaxed, only to jump again when a hand touched my back. I turned, tripping over my chair as Bradley grabbed my arms. “Katie. Hey?” He stood me up and bent down to look me in the face. “You okay?” I didn’t say anything, I just nodded and sat in the chair, tucking my hands between my thighs hoping the pressure would keep me from drifting off in my own head. “Katie we heard what happened.” Natasha got up, opting to take the chair next to me. I dropped my head, looking at the floral patterned dress that covered my thigh. “Katie, Jake was so pissed he called out today. He said he was sick, but really if he saw Commander Blair he might’ve lost it.” Bradley said as he squatted down next to my chair. I didn’t say anything, I didn’t know what to say. “What happened, Katie?” Natasha asked and I shook my head. “It was my fault.” 

“How was it your fault?” Bradley asked. “I shouldn’t have let him come over. If I had just told him to stay home it wouldn’t have happened.” Natasha grabbed my hands from between my legs, taking them both in hers. “This is not your fault, Katie. It doesn't matter what you did, no one deserves… oh my god.” I realized my dress had shifted, the slit on the side revealing one of the whelps. “Oh-” I went to stop her but she moved my dress, revealing part of my thighs, the whelps becoming even more visible. “Katie.” Her voice sounded so sad and Bradley looked livid. “You have to get out of there.” He said as he towered over me. He’s never hurt me before but he scared me hovering like that. “Sit down.” Natasha said quietly and he did, sitting in the chair at the end of the table. “Katie-” “I have to figure this out on my own. If anything happens, I don’t want anyone else tangled up in my mess.” They seemed stunned. For months since we met, I’ve been saying I don’t need help, but now I know I do. “If my dad finds out that Jake knows, this whole thing will take a turn and I don’t know if it’ll be for better or worse. So I need to do this myself.” I said as my eyes trained on this one spot on the table in front of me. Natasha sighed, but Bradley nodded. “I get it. But if you need help,” I nodded. “I’ll call if I really need help.” He nodded as my phone buzzed. I looked at it and gasped. “Fuck! My dad texted me five minutes ago to meet him in front of his office!” I quickly gathered my things. “God, he’s gonna kill me!” I said as I made my way to the door. “Katie! You’re not serious are you?” Bradley yelled. But I didn’t turn around and answer, mainly because I wasn’t so sure if he would or not.

That night after dinner I sat up in my room, my parents wanted me to be studying but I’ve done so much of it I’m five chapters ahead. I can slack off some, so I did. I sat in my bed, curled up with another Stephen King book, this time it was The Stand. I had dived into the picture of the world this book painted but was startled out of it when my door slammed open, the door knob putting a hole in the wall. “Why the fuck are you not studying?!” My dad yelled as he saw me, and I shook in my bed. “I’m five chapters ahead and I’ve done the work for the next four weeks.” He was red in the face and let out a loud yell before he swiped all the pageant trophies off my dresser. I didn’t really care about them but I was terrified, backed against my headboard as I watched him. “I’m sick of having a lazy good for nothing daughter who can’t even do the simplest things she’s asked! God! It’s like you’re stupid or something! Where the hell did we go wrong with you?!” He smashed everything as he screamed. My stack of CD’s, he tipped my bookshelf over and even yanked my comforter off my bed. “You are so ungrateful! We’ve given you everything! And you sit there as if you don’t owe us anything for it! YOU WOULD BE NOTHING WITHOUT US!” He screamed as he got in my face. “I don’t need you!” I screamed back.

I yelled out as his nail scratched my face as he ripped my glasses off. “I guess if you aren’t gonna use these to study,” He said as he sat my glasses on my desk, grabbing my fattest textbook. “YOU MUST NOT NEED THEM AT ALL!” “Daddy! Stop!” I jumped up, attempting to grab the book from him. But I was too late. He slammed the book on my glasses, crushing the lenses and destroying my wire frames. I grabbed his arm and he slung me around until I fell over, crashing into the table with my fish tank. “And these fucking fish! I’m so sick of them!” My heart stopped as he launched the book at my tank, glass shattering and water pouring into the floor. “NO!” I screamed. All five fish lay flopping on the floor, gasping for breath. I jumped up, rushing into the bathroom to grab the container I use when I clean their tank. I opened the tap in the sink and filled it with water. It felt like it took ages to fill up but when I finally had enough I left the water on and rushed back to my room, not caring if I spilled water in the hallway. I dropped to my knees, sobbing as I picked them up one by one and put them in the container. “Come on, guys.” I said as I picked up Georgie, gently setting him in the container. “Come on!” I yelled as my dad stood over me. None of them moved, laying on the bottom of the container. He lightly kicked my hip from where he was standing, making me look up and glare at him. “Get the hell  over it.” He growled out as he walked over towards my bedroom door. “And clean this shit up.” 

He shut my door and looked back down at the bowl, crying when I realized none of them moved. My body shook with sobs as I took my finger, nudging Ripley in hops he would move but he didn’t. “You can’t be dead.” I whispered as I sat back, pulling my knees up to my chest, sobbing. I can’t do this anymore. I should’ve left before now, maybe then they would still be alive. I eventually dragged myself up from the floor, grabbing the bowl and setting it on my desk, next to my crushed glasses. I went into the bathroom, grabbing the broom from there and sweeping up as much glass from my carpet as possible. My parents went to bed already, their closed bedroom door making it obvious. If I cut the vacuum on, who the hell knows what’d happen next. I got up what I could before going back to my room. Everything else could wait until tomorrow morning. I was too scared to lay in my bed, scared he’d come back in and do something to me. So I moved my chair to the other side of my desk so I could see the door and I crossed my arms in front of me, laying my head on them. I stared at the container in hopes it was just stress or the water parameters keeping them on the bottom. I would give them till the morning. My eyes shifting over to my glasses, my bent frames looking like a bent up metal sculpture. I couldn’t hold back anymore tears, letting them fall down my cheeks until they soaked my arms and desk. The next morning was hell. I stepped on a piece of glass, slicing my foot wide open. I was yelled at for missing my first two classes because I had to clean my floors, get up the glass and water, and none of my fish survived. Just like the day before I felt numb, barely remembering how I got to class, and to base. Let alone how I saw to get anywhere, I didn’t even remember walking into the rec room. But I stared at my papers anyway.

“Why are you struggling so hard?” Jake asked when he saw me squinting at the papers in front of me. “Where’s your glasses?” My body froze at his question, my chest getting heavy. “Hey, what is going on?” He asked, squatting down in front of me so he could look up at my face. My hands were between my thighs, the pressure grounding me. “Nothing. I’m fine.” He shook his head, standing and looking at me. “No, you’re not. I know you well enough now to know you’re not okay. So, what is it?” He asked. I took a deep breath, trying my hardest to not dump everything on him. You always run your mouth, at least try to keep this to yourself this time. I shook my head. I don’t run my mouth, and someone should know about the way they treat me. “Um...” I started but immediately stopped. If I start carrying on about this, he'll think I’m weird, he’ll walk away like everyone else. “You know you can tell me, right?” I sighed. “He broke my glasses last night.” It was a whisper. My voice not able to be any louder. “What? Your dad broke your glasses?” I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. “I just- He was yelling at me, and I snapped back. He yanked them off my face and slammed them into my desk before taking my textbook and smashing them.”

I started crying at the memory, he was so angry. The yelling always set me off. “There’s no excuse for him to do that, darlin’.” I shook my head. “No. I wasn’t focused like I should’ve been. I have to pass the bar and I couldn’t keep my nose out of this book I was reading.” I said as my arms crossed over my chest, squeezing myself. “He took them, saying if I wasn’t going to use them to study, I must not need them.” I choked out. “That’s not right. No, That’s not right. He can’t just do that.” I shook my head. “He pays for them, so he can-“ “That is not how that works, no matter what he tells you.” I shrugged. “What else did he do?” I furrowed my brows. “What makes you think he did something else?” He sighed, sitting on the desk in front of me as I started picking around my nails. “Usually once you get something off your chest. You get mad. You’re still upset.” I sighed as he gently gripped my chin, tilting my head up so he could look me in the eyes. God, those beautiful green eyes. “What is it?” I sighed, more tears streaming down my cheeks. “He broke my fish tank.” I choked out. His face immediately fell, and I turned my eyes back to my lap.

“Honey, I’m so sorry. Did any of them-“ I cut him off with a sniffle and a shake of my head. “None of them survived.” I said as I started crying. He pulled me into him, my head resting on his chest as he rubbed my back. “I’m so sorry, darlin’.” After a few minutes I sat back, wiping my tears. My eyes locked onto the small chip on the table in front of me as I spoke. “I’m sorry. This is all so stupid. They were just fish.” I said, trying to play it off like no big deal in hopes he wouldn’t find me weird. “No, it's not stupid. They were your pets; some you’ve had for years.” I felt better, knowing he didn’t find it stupid. Now I felt like I could be upset about it without feeling like I had to keep it all in. But I still furrowed my brows. “You remember that?” He nodded. “Of course, I do. You would go on and on about how much you loved them and the set up you had for them.” I was shocked, I never expected him to remember all those times I talked about them within the last few months. We sat there for a moment, me still crying a little.

“I’m going to say something to him.” He said as he got up, walking out the door. “No! No! No! Bad idea!” I said as I ran in front of him. “What are you going to say anyway? To your fleet commander no less, your new one at that!” “I’m gonna tell him that you don’t deserve this.” I shook my head. “Jake, I’m going to have to ask you to not get involved in this.” I said holding up my hand, but I was shocked when he grabbed it, holding it between both his hands. “And I’m going to have to deny that request.” He said firmly, looking into my eyes. “Why?” He chuckled, looking at my hand, his thumb rubbing my knuckles. “Would you believe me if I said it’s because I care about you?” He asked, taking a step closer. I was shocked, my breathing getting heavier and heavier. “I really do. You have pulled me in with these cute little things you do. Like when you pull on your thumbs, when you scrunch your nose. That little eyebrow quirk-Yeah, that one!” He said as my brow went up. “The way you get excited about little things, and you can’t help but wave your hands around and you do this little dance. I want to do this, because I care about you, Scarlett. I care about you a lot, and I hope you care about me too.”

“I do Jake, I never thought you’d become one of my best friends, but you did. I’m glad you care, but I can’t have anyone else involved with this. I have to figure out how to get out of this on my own.” He shook his head. “I’m done, letting you deal with this alone. You need help.” He said, running his hands through his hair. “Jake, I know. But I have to lay low and be complacent for a while. I just have to let them keep doing this until I find my opening to leave. I’m watched like a hawk twenty-four seven.” His face seemed to turn red in anger. “Be complacent? Be complacent?!” He yelled. I backed into the wall and immediately tears streamed down my face. A reaction I’ve gained over the years. "They don't get to treat you like that!" He yelled as I slid down the wall, tears coating my cheeks. "They're my parents, Jake! They have me trapped financially; I can't do shit about it!" I yelled back, tossing my head back into the wall. “I have to have somewhere to go, Jake. In case you haven’t noticed, I have no life skills! I can’t just leave!” He immediately calmed down, turning to face me. “I have a three bedroom house.” I furrowed my brows, standing from my spot, looking at him. “Jake-” “Come stay with me. I have the room and your parents would never guess, you’d be completely hidden away from them.” It almost sounded too good to be true. “Katie. Seriously, this is your chance and if you don’t take it,” He stopped, standing tall and looking down at me. “I’m just gonna have to force you to go with me.” 

This was it. My one chance. One that would probably never come again. Someone who was willing to let me live with them and not tell anyone. “Katie-” “Okay.” I said and immediately my heart started pounding in my chest. “Seriously?” I nodded. “When can you leave?” I asked. “Now. Mav let us out early.” I nodded, pulling my laptop and keys out of my bag, leaving them on the table, tossing my phone in between them. “What are you doing?” He asked as I hoisted my bag onto my shoulder. “My parents can and will track me with my phone and laptop. If I take the car, they’ll report it stolen. Better to just leave it all here.” I said as I turned, motioning him towards the door. “Won’t you need your phone?” He asked and I shook my head. “Better to start over.” I said and he nodded. “God, how are we gonna get out of here without passing my dad’s office?” I asked and he smirked at me, twirling his keys. “I park out by the hangar, all the way on the other side of the base.” I smiled at him. “You’re a genius.” I said and he led the way, rushing through the halls until we got out to the hangar. We rushed towards a black Chevy Silverado, Jake unlocked the doors, helping me into the passenger side before he jumped into the driver's seat. My heart beat thrummed in my ears and I felt lightheaded from the adrenaline as Jake backed out. “You okay?” He asked as I had my eyes locked on one of the jets. “I think so. This is weird and in all honesty I'm scared.” He chuckled, stretching his arm along the back of my seat before he looked at me. “You’ll be fine. I promise.” And for the first time ever. I felt like I could truly trust somebody.

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

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[smaptain-smerica]

A/N: I only intended for this to be a one shot/imagine but due to the overwhelming support and interactions with my last post, I will turn this into a mini series. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. In honor of this becoming a multi-part series I have given it a proper name. I hope you continue to enjoy as much as I enjoy to entertain. 💜

Summary - Jealousy creates a divide and conflict between friends and love interests.

Pairing - Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Female!Reader (Single Mother Reader)

Masterlist

Roses and Thorns - Part II

Y/n slowly opened the front door of Bradley’s house, taking her shoes off at the door. She walked down the hall, a white light flickering across the living room as she approached. Bradley sat on the couch, focusing on the tv.

“Hey B.” Y/n greeted, walking over to the couch. Bradley turned around quickly, his face lighting up as soon as he saw her.

“Y/n, how’d it go?” He asked eagerly.

Y/n hummed a chuckle, plopping down on the couch next to him. Y/n looked over at him and smiled. “Really good actually. I really enjoyed his company.”

Bradley huffed out a chuckle of disbelief. “Now that’s unexpected.”

Y/n punched him in the shoulder gently. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?”

Bradley flinched lightly as the flat part of her fist made connection with his shoulder. The sound was louder than it actually hurt. It was all for dramatic effect. “I’m just saying I know Jake. The women he meets aren’t exactly the ‘dating’ type if you know what I’m saying.”

Y/n rolled her eyes. Bradley had always been over protective of her. She can’t even begin to count the amount of times he probably scared off a boy who liked her. She couldn’t be too upset with him though, He was an excellent judge of character, predicting every breakup she had. He was always there to pick up the pieces when they happened, and she did the same for him. Bradley always hated Rose’s dad from the beginning. He always said he never got the right vibe from the guy. In all, he was good until she brought up the pregnancy. Y/n told Bradley first, and just as he had predicted, rose’s father ran for the hills.

“Are you saying I’m not the dating type?” Y/n commented to provoke an answer.

Bradley violently shook his head back and forth. “No no no, you most definitely are.” He made a face after saying that, as though he was confused or disgusted by what he had just blurted out.

Y/n smirked a little, turning her attention back towards the TV. “Where’s Rose?”

“Passed out in the guest room.” He spoke. Bradley shifted his weight to look at y/n, placing a hand on her shoulder to get her attention.

“Please stay here. I can’t stand the thought of you being in a hotel when there’s a perfectly good bed here. For free.” Bradley squeezed y/n’s shoulder and shook her gently to emphasize the last two words even more.

Y/n waved her hand dismissively at her friend and shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly impose.”

“I insist,” Bradley said more eagerly. “Having Rose around is nothing but a good time. Please.”

Y/n looked at him, raising an eyebrow quizzically. When Bradley poked out his bottom lip in a pout, she knew it was over.

“Alright!” She threw her hands up in surrender. “But you’re coming with me to get my bags.”

“Deal.” Bradley jumped up, grabbing y/n by the arm and dragging her through the house, the both of them laughing wildly.

Jake had arraigned for him and Bradley to meet at The Hard Deck to go over todays students notes. It had become somewhat of a tradition for the two, meeting there almost every night. Although, tonight Bradley was late and couldn’t figure out why. As he drank a beer, notebook in hand and observing his handwriting, he heard a chair scoot beside him. His attention was brought up to a blonde. Big curly hair, full plump lips and eyes so light blue they almost looked grey. She batted her eyelashes at him and gave him a gentle smile.

“I’ve not seen you around here before.” She commented, taking a drink from her own drink she electively brought over.

“Odd, because I’m here every night.” He commented, raising his eyebrow and his lips curling into a smirk. Old habits die hard he supposed, he flirted with the woman. This time, he had no underlying intention to take her to bed. But Jake Seresin wouldn’t be Jake Seresin if he turned down flirting.

The woman sucked on her teeth with her tongue, purposely leaning more into the table to accentuate her breasts in the low cut shirt. “Well maybe I just wanted an excuse to come talk to you then. I’m Megan.”

“Jake. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Her entire persona was radiating flirtatious tendencies. She had come over here on a mission, sober or not. And soon, Jake would find out why.

“I couldn’t help but notice the uniform, are you in the military?” She twirled her hair around her finger. Jake watched the yellow hair that was already curled stiffly move in between her fingers.

Jake took a drink of his beer and nodded at the woman's comment. "I am. Navy, I fly aircrafts."

"But the navy is the water, right? Ships and stuff? Because their mascot is a seal?" There comes a point in a date - or even just a conversation with a new person - where everything is going good up until they say that one thing. The one thing that twists your gut the wrong way or instantly causes you to become uninterested. Maybe its insensitive towards a minority or belittles an experience that you went through, but its the point of no return. Unfortunately, that had just happened to Jake. Whatever intentions this woman had with him were now unobtainable.

"That's not all that the Navy does." He said in a flat and monotoned voice, now very uninterested in where this conversation was leading. The Hard Deck was quiet tonight. A slow Tuesday evening with the few regulars chatting with Penny at the bar. Even the music wasn't at the level it usually was at. This was the reason that Jake was able to notice the bell on the door ringing, in walking Y/n, Bradley, and Maverick. Rose was on top of Bradley's shoulders, ducking her head way down as instructed when they walked through the door.

Jake felt his gut turn. He couldn't quite tell if it was jealousy or disappointment that he was feeling upon seeing Rose looking so happy while she sat high atop Bradley's shoulders. Bradley took his hands behind his head and lifted Rose up to remove her from the high perch. Penny happily rushed around the bar to greet the little girl who was now running on the ground towards the older woman. Jake wished that it was him walking into the establishment with the girl on his shoulders. He had never felt this way before, about anything.

"So what other things does the navy do?" Megan asked, breaking Jake from his trance.

"Huh?" He questioned, not fully hearing what he had said and now turning his attention towards her for a moment.

Just as she was about to speak again, her attention turned to the distance. Jake followed it, seeing Bradley and Y/n approaching the table. In between them, Rose had a hold of both their hands with either of hers. Bradley sat down next to Megan at the round table, leaving Y/n a spot across from Jake. She sat down, giving him a heartwarming smile. "Hi." She said plainly.

"Hi." He replied back sheepishly.

"Oh my god. She is so stinking cute." Megan raved from beside Jake, leaning down to look at Rose who had climbed in Bradley's lap. "What's your name, sweetie?" Megan asked.

Rose looked up at the woman. Jake could see the weariness in her big blue eyes as she scanned the woman's face. Rose didn't answer, instead she wrapped her little arms around Bradley's and hid her face. Bradley took his free hand and rubbed Rose on the back. "Hey you're okay kiddo."

Megan straightened her back out and looked up at Bradley. "Aw, what a good Dad."

From across the table Y/n let out a noise that sounded like a choke more than a scoff. She laughed and shook her head back and forth. Jake had never felt more jealousy in his entire life than he did in that moment. He didn't think it was possible to be jealous of Bradley Bradshaw, but in this moment, he was jealous monster. He wanted to be the one getting that kind of attention. If it were him, he would have said yes, whether he was the father or not.

"Definitely not the Dad." Bradley corrected her.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" Y/n asked Megan in a challenging tone, her gaze flipping back and forth between the woman and Jake.

"I'm Megan." She chirped happily.

"And are you a friend of Jakes?" Bradley asked.

Jake finally gathered up the courage to speak his mind. "No." He said in a rather flat and rude tone. "She was just leaving." Jake gave her a sideways glance, waiting on her to take the hint. After a moment of staring, Megan rolled her eyes, dramatically getting up from the seat and briskly walking away. Once she was gone, Bradley placed Rose in the empty seat between them.

“Nice side piece, Jake.” Bradley teased his friend. Jakes gut turned sour. He looked over at y/n who wasn’t paying attention to the conversation as she looked over the drink menu. On a normal day, he wouldn’t mind Bradley’s banter. In fact it wouldn’t be far from the truth. But with y/n sitting right next to him he felt the need to lash out and defend himself. He didn’t have an interest in that woman and wanted desperately for y/n to know that.

“Not a side piece.” He grumbled at Bradley.

“French fries!” Rose piped up from her seat. Jake looked over at her and smiled. She looked up at him and batted her long, black eyelashes.

“We’re eating at Uncle Mavericks house baby, no French fries.” Y/n informed her daughter. Rose pouted her lip at her mother and looked up at jake. His heart melted, he looked desperately between the two other adults that were at the table. They didn’t seem to pay attention to Roses pouting lip. Jake hadn’t spent a lot of time around kids, not ones as cute as her anyway. Bradley and y/n had developed an immunity. Jake was completely and utterly vulnerable.

“I’m gonna go get one more beer before we get started.” Jake announced, standing up from his chair and walking over to the bar. He leaned over the counter, waiting to catch penny’s attention.

“What can I get for you Jake?” She asked, a kind and charming smile on her face.

“A Budweiser and a basket of fries please, Penny Dear.”

Penny smirked a little as she reached for a glass. She popped the keg and poured it for him. “The fries for Rose?” Penny asked. Jake felt his heart skip a beat and his face get red with embarrassment.

“As far as we’re concerned, they’re for me.” He gave her a playful wink.

Penny hummed a chuckle and set his beer down on the counter for him.

“You know, Bradley told us about your date with Y/n. We’re having dinner tonight, you should come.”

Jakes heart lifted at the opportunity to spend more time with y/n. “Really? I wouldn’t want to impose.”

Penny shook her head. “I insist. We will eat around 8.”

Jake smiled at Penny gratefully. He took his beer and his basket of French fries and returned to the table, plopping down next to Rose. This caught the others’ attention, which was drawn to the fries. Y/n smirked a little, looking between jake and the food on the table.

“Those wouldn’t be for Rose, would they?” She asked.

Jake smirked a little, popping a French fry into his mouth. “Nope. They’re all for me. Every single one.” Jake took a French fry from the basket and brought it under the table. His hand glided towards Rose. She looked at the fry then up at the man. Jake brought a finger to his lips in a shushing motion. Rose erupted into quiet giggles as she took the fry from his hand and shoved it into her mouth.

Jake looked back at y/n, who had a fond smile on her face. She shook her head at Jake, still with a wide smile. Jake smiled back at her, feeling a flutter in his heart.

Jake was nervous beyond belief pulling up to Maverick and Penny's shared home. He wondered if Penny had told the others that he was coming. He really hoped that was the case, it would be awkward otherwise.

He approached the door and slowly raised his hand to knock, thinking for a brief moment if he should turn around and leave. Nobody would miss him if he didn't show up. He listened to the voices that could be heard inside. The voices were muffled, it was hard to distinguish who was who, except for one. Rose let out a scream that turned into loud laughter.

That alone was enough to make Jake bring his hand back up and knock on the door. There were some voices and shuffling from inside the house before the door handle twisted and then swung open. Jake was met with the smiling face of penny, her hair pulled back into a low ponytail. He assumed she was still cooking considering he arrived a little early.

"I'm so glad you could make it." She said breathily, almost in relief. "You think I'd miss it?" Jake retorted.

"Jake!" Rose's voice exclaimed excitedly and he saw the tiny human running over to him. He knelt down and held his arms open to her. Rose tried to do the same thing her mom did that day on the beach, ducking her shoulder to tackle him. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jake caught her in the air, flipping her around so she now hung upside-down in his arms up in the air. She let out a string of high pitched giggles which warmed Jakes heart.

"What's up, Kiddo?"

In-between laughs she managed to say, "Come play with us." Jake looked over to where Y/n and Bradley sat on the living room floor, the coffee table pushed aside and disregarded so there was more room. Jake walked over, dramatically swaying Rose from side to side before throwing her down on the couch.

Jake sat down on the floor next to Y/n and met her gaze. They shared a smile and Jake kept his gaze with her until she broke it. Y/n leaned in to whisper in his ear, sending shivers down his spine. "She's been asking to see you since earlier today when you secretly bought her those fries."

"Really?" Jake exclaimed, almost too eagerly. The thought of the little girl wanting to see him again triggered something inside of him that could only be described as paternal.

"Oh yeah, it's been driving Bradley up the wall." Jake glanced over at Bradley with a smirk on his face. Bradley responded by rolling his eyes and picking up a stuffed animal off the floor.

Rose jumped down from the couch and walked over to the stuffed animal that Bradley had in his hands and took it from him. She walked over to Jake and handed him the toy that was previously in Bradley's. "You can be the Zebra."

"Rosie I thought I was the zebra." Bradley protested.

Rose looked over her shoulder at him and said "Not anymore." With as much emotion as a rock. Y/n's hands flew to her mouth as she snorted out a laugh. She looked like she was trying very hard not to laugh.

"Dinner's Ready!" Penny called. Which was probably good for Bradley, he looked like he was about to explode from jealousy. He got up quickly and went into the kitchen, leaving Jake and Y/n on the floor. They looked over at each other only for a brief moment before bursting into laughter.

Dinner was pleasant, the food was amazing, conversations flowed easily. Despite how many times Jake tried, Bradley would hardly look his direction. And when he, did it was in a scowl. Jake thought this behavior was odd. Bradley was normally such a passive and easygoing guy, so this sudden change of character was noticeable. At least it was to Jake.

Now, the 5 adults sat on the couch and in armchairs all talking, having a few drinks. Rose was playing with her various stuffed animals on the floor. It was 10 o'clock now, way past her bedtime assumably. A large yawn escaped her lips and she stood up, wobbling over to the couch. Rose grabbed onto her mothers pant leg and tugged a little. Y/n, still amidst conversation, picked Rose up and plopped her down in the space between her and Jake. He watched as the little girl swayed side to side, fighting off sleep before finally succumbing to it. Her little body flopped over into Jake's shoulder, out like a light. Jake smiled, moving her head from his shoulder and slowly lowering her down into his leg. He looked down at her sleeping body, little limbs spread out wildly. His heart warmed, that warmth spreading all over his body. Love, this feeling was love. But it wasn't the kind of love he was familiar with. It was new, warmer, lighter, it was as though a hidden cave was uncovered in his chest.

"Someone's wiped." Y/n speaking caught Jakes attention. He met her eyes, soft, motherly eyes and a gentle smile. She was even more beautiful now with her hair tossed up lazily and her mascara slowly wearing off of her face. If they were alone, he would have kissed her then and there. "I can take her." Y/n began to put her hands around the small girls torso.

"No need, I don't mind. I promise." Jake reassured her. Y/n gave him a smile that warmed him almost as much as Rose falling asleep on him. He didn't partake in much conversation after that, he mostly paid attention to the sleeping child. He brushed his fingers lightly over her soft h/c hair.

Unfortunately, all good thing must come to an end. It was time for them to depart. Jake offered to carry Rose out to the car. He walked out the door with Y/n in front of him and Bradley trailing behind. Jake took on the challenge of putting Rose in the car seat. It took a couple tries of Y/n laughing quietly at him. Once she was fastened in the car door was shut quietly.

"Thank you for your help with her. She's really taken a liking to you."

Jake smirked, leaning with one arm against the car and leaning into Y/n's face slightly. "That's good, because I've taken a liking to her."

Y/n raised an eyebrow, looking at him expectedly. "And?" She asked.

"And her mother just so happens to be a very beautiful, sexy woman who I also happen to like." He put on the charm, the largest smirk plastered on his face.

Y/n rolled her eyes with a large grin plastered on her face. She rolled up onto her toes and placed a kiss on his cheek before returning to her flat feet. "Goodnight Jake."

"Goodnight Y/n."

Jake walked around to his car, about to open the driver side door when he was stopped by Bradley. There was something off, his energy seemed hostile and angry. That feeling was proven when he spoke. "Where do you get off playing Dad, huh?"

"Excuse me?" Jake was flabbergasted by the outburst.

"You've never once mentioned anything about wanting a family, and your actions with women sure as hell have never exemplified that."

Jake squared off his shoulders and narrowed his eyebrows at Bradley. "Oh so you can parade around getting asked if you're the father but I can't enjoy spending time around a happy little kid?"

"Oh please we both know you're not interested in Rose, you just want to sleep with Y/n."

It took every ounce of strength inside of Jake not to lay Bradley out on the pavement. He didn't want Y/n to see that side of him. No matter how desperately he wanted to show it. Instead Jake smiled, clapping a hand roughly on Bradley's shoulder which caused the other male to jump slightly.

"Have a good night, Brad."

With that, Jake got into his truck, slamming the door shut and whipping furiously out of the drive.

Tag List @m-rae23 @golden-stilinski @alana4610 @emilyniamh3679-blog @emorychase @topgunruinedme @abaker74 @itsmytimetoodream

[makethatelevenrings]

Angel by the Wing - Thirty-Six

chapter warnings: Jake being Jake, discussion of child abuse and domestic abuse

Series Masterlist (Mobile Masterlist)

A/N: my tag lists are only tagging the first few people and I think this is happening to everyone so...ugh if you aren't tagged, that's why

Jake adjusted the collar of his flight suit as he walked across base to meet his new squadron. After the success of Bradley’s mission, the higher ups decided that more people did need to learn how to pilot, even with the presence of drones. Which is how he, Nat, and Bradley got assigned their own little gaggle of greenies.

Good. Fresh meat. Something to get his mind off of things.

He ran his hand over his hair to ensure it was smoothed down by gel. Who would have thought that he’d get his own team? His own office? His-

“Fucking shit, Rooster,” he exclaimed as the taller man yanked him into one of the rooms that lined the hallway. The brunet slammed the door shut and turned to look at him, his dark eyes flashing with that storm Jake had seen time and time again.

“Can you pick literally any other day to yell at me?” Jake snapped.

“No. Shut the fuck up and listen. She hasn’t been sleeping, Jake. She blames herself. She thinks that you left because you hate her.” Bradley’s hands curled around the lapels of his jacket and dragged him closer. Jake swallowed against the sudden dryness in his throat at his words but pushed away from Rooster and let out a scoff.

“Give it time. She’ll forget me soon enough and you two can go have your happy little nuclear family.” He ignored the look of hurt that flashed across Bradley’s face and instead focused on the wall in front of him. You weren’t the only one struggling with sleep and an exhaustion that was more than just physical seemed to weigh him down these days.

“Did you know her mom would walk out on her? Threaten to leave if she wasn’t a good enough kid and then walk out and be gone for days at a time?” Bradley said quietly. “That’s why she’s so scared of people leaving her. And you just walked right out. You did the thing you promised her you wouldn’t do.”

An ache spread across his chest but he pushed it aside in favor of shrugging, letting a blase expression settle across his face. Bradley’s brows twisted in frustration and then he pushed out a deep breath from his lungs and let his hands fall from his hips.

“Frankie’s death wasn’t your fault,” the brunet said quietly.

And there you have it, Bradshaw. He hit the one spot that Jake guarded the most harshly. He moved to storm out of the room, but Bradley grabbed his arm. The warmth of his calloused palm bled through the fabric of his uniform and Jake shuddered at the touch.

“Jake. It wasn’t your fault. It’s easy to blame yourself for things like that, but no one can anticipate an engine failure like that. I’m sorry for making you feel like you had anything to do with it.”

The ever noble Bradley Bradshaw. Jake grit his teeth and yanked his arm out of his hold. He needed to get a grasp on his mind right now. Everyone knew you couldn’t go up into a plane with a troubled mind. He needed to stay focused. He needed-

He missed you. He missed Bradley. He missed-

No.

“Fuck you, Bradshaw,” he said quietly and then stalked out of the room.

He was still keyed up when he left work and the last thing he wanted to do was come back to his mom’s place with energy thrumming through his veins and end up displacing it on Jennifer. Jake sent her a quick text and then parked at the beach, laced up his sneakers, and went for a run. The steady rhythm and cadence of his gait soothed some part of his mind. He ran along the boardwalks and sidewalks until his lungs ached, which was a feat for someone who kept in peak physical shape.

His steps slowed as he approached the one spot on the beach that housed the Hard Deck. Someone was sitting out on the picnic tables and he knew in his heart it was you. He came a bit closer just so he could see that you were okay. A voice called for you from inside the bar and you stood, casting one last glance at the ocean, and then turned to head in. The setting sun over the ocean highlighted the curve of your body and he felt his breath catch as your hand smoothed the dark fabric of your shirt over the slight bump that you sported.

Jake stayed until he was sure you were back inside and then he turned and made his way back to his truck. The drive was silent and he didn’t make an attempt to turn on the radio. He needed this. He needed the emptiness.

Jennifer’s AirBnB was a classic beach house that oozed the classic San Diego beach vibe. The stairs groaned and creaked as he climbed them, warped from the sea salt that infused itself into the wood. He stopped at the door, his hand resting on the small plastic bag that hung from aged knob, and found that he couldn’t open it. If he opened this door, he would face his mother and he would have to keep his mind on right and he couldn’t promise her that right now. He couldn’t be the son she needed. The son she deserved.

“Jake?” her warm voice called from inside. “I made pesto pasta for dinner. I met a really nice lady at the grocery store who recommended this… Jake?”

Tears dripped down his cheeks as he opened the bag and pulled out a tiny little onesie that had a Texas longhorn logo emblazoned across it. A small slip of paper fluttered to the ground and he grabbed it, flipping it over to see your scrawled handwriting across the lines. He could barely read through the gathering tears.

We find out the gender in four days. 2pm.

I want you there.

Please.

“Jake?” Jennifer opened the door and cast her eyes down to look at the tiny scrap of fabric clutched in his hands. Holy shit, is this how small the baby would be? He tried to imagine cradling something so light and fragile.

“Oh honey,” his mom whispered. An ugly sob tore past his lips and he tried to rein it in, but she cupped the back of his head and pulled him into a hug, cradling his huge body against hers. He crumpled into his mom like he was nine again and Jennifer easily took on his weight. They stumbled into the house and she shut the door behind them before letting him slump down on the couch.

“I don’t want to end up like him,” he sobbed. “I can’t do that to them, mom. I c.. I can’t.”

“What are you talking about Jake?” Worry coated her voice and he knew he must sound unhinged right now. He ran a hand over his face and tried to gather the words together to express what he was trying to say.

“What if I end up like dad? You said he was fine until after you got married. What if I trap them in a relationship with me and then I fucking ruin them?”

Her eyes widened and she grabbed his shoulders so she could force him to face her. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“I should have gotten you and Liz out sooner. I should have done more to save Frankie. I should have…I should have never kissed them, mom. Because all I’ve done is hurt them both.”

Jennifer pulled him closer and he curled into her side. His mom kissed his head and sighed. Her kind, selfless Jacob. Her brave boy.

“It’s not your fault,” she murmured. “It was never your fault. You deserve to be loved, Jake, and they…they love you. And I know that can be scary, but you are not your father. You are the opposite of Daniel. I should have never put you in that position to feel like you had to save us.”

She smoothed down the ruffled blond strands of hair that stuck up in every direction. “You were a child, Jake. You were a child and it was my duty to protect you and I failed. And now I try to compensate for it, but I’m telling you that it will only hurt worse if you keep pulling away from them.”

Did you know her mom would walk out on her? You did the thing you promised her you wouldn’t do. Don’t you worry, baby. Roo and I would never let anything happen to you two.

The words rattled through his head like dice clacking against a table. He looked at the paper in his hands once more and read over the words again.

“The baby isn’t mine,” he whispered.

“Do they care about that?”

“They say they don’t.”

“Do you care about that?”

He smoothed out the little onesie in his hands and pictured a baby wearing it once more. A baby cradled in his arms. Something so small and fragile would be safe in his arms. And his angel… he could see you now with that wicked grin and bright eyes as Bradley kissed you and then the baby and then…and then him.

“I’ll ruin them.”

“No, Jake. You’ll have arguments and fights and say things you shouldn’t, but that’s just what being a relationship is like. You could never hurt someone the way Daniel hurt us. I don’t think you’re even capable of doing that.”

“I left her. I left them. I-”

“And now you have a chance to make it up to them and apologize. They want you in their lives, Jake. It’s up to you now.” Jennifer smiled against his hair and squeezed his shoulders. “When I first got the call that you were dating two people and got a girl pregnant, I thought you were going off the deep end. But I’ve met them and seen the way they look at you. Jake, there’s just so much of you to love that it took two people. And oh my god, I finally have a grandkid! Liz is going to spoil this kid rotten.”

“You don’t care?”

Jennifer tugged his ear and he frowned which reminded her so much of when he was nine and pouted all the time, dragging his feet and complaining about having to go to school before football practice.

“Your father never looked at me the way the three of you look at each other,” she assured him. “All I’ve ever wanted was for you and Liz to be happy.”

Four days. He had four days to attempt to get his shit together. And it would start with a call to Sofia Trace.

Tag List:

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[vivalas-vega]

move on / jake ‘hangman’ seresin x reader / part two

I’m back !!! I took a little writing hiatus while I dealt w some personal stuff, hopefully not taking anymore writing breaks soon :) I decided I had more story to tell with these two -- lmk what you think!

move on / jake ‘hangman’ seresin x reader / part two

add yourself to my taglist

read part one

word count: 3.1k

warnings: some angst, some sadness, best friend rooster!!! (or maybe... 👀 hehe no I’m kidding, unless 👀) seriously we all deserve a roo in our lives. I’ve given reader a callsign in this one, meet birdy!!

The Hard Deck roared with life just as it usually did on a weekend, various Navy personnel and civilians alike celebrating the conclusion of another week but the chatter and music didn’t quite reach your ears as you sat sandwiched between Rooster and Bob nursing a lukewarm cider as your mind was somewhere entirely different. Somewhere softer and sweeter, a moment you had replayed probably a thousand times over the last two weeks. 

“Jake, I’m serious, cut it out!” you squealed, grabbing a pillow to defend yourself from his ruthless attacks but it was no use, it was tossed aside before you could even attempt to hit him as his fingers continued tickling into your sides and pulling giggles from your lips that were like music to his ears. They were so pure and unfiltered, a sound of amused joy though you were doing your best to convey otherwise. He finally rested, giving you a moment to catch your breath and he couldn’t help but chuckle as you immediately tensed below him feeling his hands snake across your waist to pull you closer.

“I come in peace, I promise.” he whispered into your hair, pressing kisses along your collarbone and you sighed in content. 

“You’re a pain in my ass,” your words were entirely convincing as he looked up to see the smile tugging at the corners of your mouth and you looked at him as if he’d hung all the stars in the sky.

“Yeah, but you love me anyways.” He continued kissing along the expanse of your exposed skin.

“Unfortunately.” Though it wasn’t unfortunate at all. He made his way up to your face, brushing your hair back that had been left awry after your unsuccessful attempts to squirm away from his attacks to lay kisses along your cheekbones.

“I love you too, Birdy.”

And then when you awoke, he was gone. No note, no trace, and your logical explanation had been he decided to hit the gym before meeting you on base. Something that happened so frequently you didn’t even question it as you went about your morning. Suspicion didn’t creep in until he wasn’t there in the locker room to greet you, no quip about you slacking on your workouts and leaving you in the dust, and certainly no teasing in your ear as you ran drills in the air all day. But this could be explained, right? When you arrived home and noticed that there were in fact some of his things missing, essential things like toothbrushes and his favorite tee shirts you thought something must have happened back home, an emergency that left him running to the airport without time to even wake you, he’d call you just as soon as he could to tell you everything… but that never came. So now here you were, two weeks later in the Hard Deck as you grappled with the fact that he wasn’t ever coming back. There was no explanation.

Rooster and Bob were having a silent conversation that you didn’t pick up on until suddenly Rooster’s hand on your knee broke you from your thoughts. “So uh, have you heard from Jake yet?” He grunted as Bob reached behind you to hit him in the arm, clearly that wasn’t what Bob had in mind when he encouraged him to engage you in some kind of conversation to get you out of your head… a place they both could only assume wasn’t really a good place to be right now.

“What do you think?” you replied, setting down your glass.

“I’m sorry.”

“No sense in apologizing for something you didn’t do, Rooster.” You got up rather suddenly, muttering something about the cider being useless as you went to seek out Penny at the bar who greeted you with a bright smile.

“Hey sweetheart, what can I get you?” 

“Something strong,” you sighed and she quickly rimmed a shot glass with salt before pouring top shelf tequila and topping it off with a lime wedge.

“Might as well be efficient, right?” You gave her a smile before throwing it back, welcoming the burn as it slid down your throat. The burn reminded you that you were in fact here and alive, and the alcohol coursing through your veins helped you return back to your old self even if only a little bit. Maverick watched with worry in his eyes, shooting Penny a look that she nodded away. Penny had been everything you needed her to be these last two weeks. She was no stranger to being left hanging by cocky flyboys, but what she wouldn’t tell you is what Jake had done far surpassed anything Maverick had ever pulled with her… at least Maverick would give her a heads up, even if only a brief email or phone call. This was something else entirely but she chose to ignore that, and showed up in all the right ways. She always poured exactly what you asked for, knowing the right moment to make you a mocktail with a drop of alcohol in the straw and she never asked you about anything you didn’t provide to her first. Everyone else walked on eggshells around you, not sure of how to act or what to say, and always somehow asked the wrong questions at the wrong times but you couldn’t even blame them. You knew they were trying their best and you don’t know what you would do if the roles were reversed. 

You returned to your friends, arranging the pool table for a new round and Coyote offered to play with you. You tried to hide your grimace, you felt bad for the cold shoulder you’d been giving him. It wasn’t Coyote’s fault, he was just as shocked as you had been but it didn’t change the fact that you knew he’d talked to him, knew where he was and maybe even knew the reason. They were facts that were difficult to reconcile but you gave him a forced smile anyways as Rooster made his way down to the bar to talk with Penny in hushed tones as he often found himself doing these days.

“I don’t want to hear it, Bradley, she’s fine.”

“She’s not fine, Penny. I’m honestly getting scared, she’s either here drinking herself half to death or she’s locked away in her room in the pitch black refusing to speak with anyone.”

“It’s been two weeks, she only really accepted things a few days ago. Give her time.” He looked over to see you lining up your shot as you leaned over the table, smiling as he saw a glimpse of the old you… someone so bright and vibrant, the life of every room you walked into, drawing people to you like moths to a flame. But it was extinguished just as soon as it appeared as you sank your ball and looked up to realize it wasn’t your usual opponent on the other side of the table.

“Cyclone and I talked about grounding her, she’s a risk to herself right now.”

“Do that and you might as well put the final nail in the coffin, Mav.” Penny said, sliding a glass down the bar and shaking her head as the two men looked at her horrified. “I’m serious. There were two things in this world that got Birdy out of bed: flying and Jake Seresin. She already lost one, don’t take away the other. Just give her time, things will turn around.”

But the thing was… they didn’t. Weeks turned into months and everyone watched as you became just a shell of the girl you once were, moments where your laughter would have rang out above everyone else’s were silent and bets amongst teammates were all but ignored. You were as good as you always were in the air, not wanting to give anyone any room to take something else away from you, though you were a little more ruthless. The first deployment had everyone on edge as you put yourself into danger within the first few minutes of the mission, pulling out unnecessary maneuvers that should have ended with you and your aircraft in a million little pieces, and you didn’t even get the reprimand everyone had been hoping for when you arrived back to base because it was that behavior that made the mission a success and you went without the reality check they desperately thought you needed. Nobody knew what to do, and even Penny had reached the point where she was starting to get a little concerned. At month seven there was a knock on your door in the late evening hours that quickened your pace and got your hopes up though logically you knew you would only be disappointed when you opened the door to reveal Rooster.

You wordlessly stepped aside to allow him in as you resumed your previous position on the couch. There was a glass of water in front of you and nothing playing on the TV and Rooster had to take a deep breath to calm his reaction to seeing you this way. He set a beer in front of you and flicked on ESPN to watch game highlights just as the two of you had done every night the last few months. Rooster was at a loss and was showing up in the only way he knew how to. His heart was completely broken seeing you this way, his best friend he once considered the strongest person he had ever met so thoroughly broken by Jake Seresin. It filled him with anger and made him sick to his stomach but he would never show you that. He would wait until you finished your beer, taking the empty bottle to the kitchen and turning off the TV and all of the lights, gently pulling you up and down the hall where the two of you would brush your teeth in your bathroom before he would help you into bed and take up his spot on the couch. Tonight was different though.

“Roo?” It was the first word you’d spoken since he arrived an hour ago and at first he thought he was imagining it as he pulled the covers over you but he knew he wasn’t once he saw you looking up expectantly at him.

“Yeah, Birdy?” 

“Can you uh… I’m sorry, nevermind.” You shook your head as you went to settle in but he placed a hand over yours, eager to do whatever it was you were about to ask of him. You hadn’t asked him or anyone else for anything since Jake had left and he was ready to chip away at this crack you had revealed to him.

“Come on, what is it?” he asked gently and when you looked back to him he could see the fine mist coating your eyes and sending pangs through his heart.

“Can you stay? I haven’t- I can’t sleep and I just… I really want to sleep.” Your voice broke on the last word and before his brain could fully catch up he was kicking off his jeans and sliding into the other side of the bed, careful to keep enough distance to not spook you but that was thrown to the wind when you reached for him. He was quick to pull you into his side and hold you as close as he could. You had dodged everyone's attempts at physical contact with you and he silently wondered when the last time you had this kind of comfort was. The realization it was likely the last night Jake was in this bed with you had him squeezing tighter. You wrapped an arm around him and nuzzled into his chest when he heard it, the sniffles you were trying to conceal.

“Birdy, please talk to me,” he whispered as he pressed a kiss to your forehead, “come on, you can’t keep bottling this up.” 

“That last night was perfect.” you said, and he stayed silent, deciding to let you get it out at your own pace and in your own time. “We spent the night with you guys at the bar, we came home and made terrible microwave nachos, and then we stumbled to bed and had sex, honestly really bad drunk giggly sex but that’s what made it good, and then we stayed up talking about nothing in particular. He told me he loved me and we fell asleep and then just like that he was gone. I mean, how do you go from that to vanishing into thin air?” You had never told anyone this, what happened that night when you two left had been a silent question of the entire group but no one wanted to ask you. Because you were right, the night had been perfect. Everyone had an amazing time at the bar and when you yelled out that you wanted nachos Jake was quick to sweep you off your feet and get you home so you could have them. Watching you leave they all thought to themselves they wanted something like that, they wanted the kind of love that flowed so generously between the two of you. 

“I wish I could tell you, Birdy.” he sighed, rubbing reassuring circles into your waist as your fist balled up the fabric of his shirt. He felt your frame begin to shake as you finally let out what you had been holding in this whole time, sobs wracking your body and Rooster just held on tight, whispering reassurances in your ear and telling you to let it all go. 

“I just don’t know why I wasn’t enough to make him stay,” you whimpered and Rooster’s heart cracked wide open. He shifted, sitting up slightly and pulling you with him as cradled your face and wiped the tears that showed no signs of stopping.

“No. Birdy, you are enough. You are everything and if he didn’t see that it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with him. This is not your failure, it’s his.” 

You shook your head, “I just… I keep replaying all these moments, trying to pinpoint where it went wrong, when he made his decision and I can’t- I can’t find it. There are supposed to be warning signs, it just doesn’t make sense.” Another sob overtook you and Rooster pulled you back in, letting you drape your weight across him and wishing he could do more. He adjusted the both of you back into a lying position and enveloped you in his arms, and when your sobs quieted and your breathing evened out he carefully snagged his phone from the nightstand and texted Maverick, telling him he finally got through and the two of you wouldn’t be on base tomorrow, he wanted to make sure you had plenty of time to catch up on sleep. 

Things did finally start getting better. Rooster took a mile with the inch you gave him and you spent your nights wrapped up under covers with him as you finally let him in and the days held glimpses of your old self. Smiles became more genuine, you weren’t as reckless in the air, and you even laughed at Fanboy’s dumb jokes once in a while. It wasn’t perfect, not by a longshot. Rooster held you tight each and every night so you could finally get the first peaceful sleep you’ve had in months, gently shaking you awake when a nightmare rattled your frame but night by night it got better. He eventually returned to his place on the couch, and then one day something changed and you didn’t need him in the house at all. Everyone knew you were still healing, still recovering but you had turned the corner. 

And when Jake suddenly reappeared at the Hard Deck just as suddenly as he had left you took it in stride. Everyone subtly watched as your two figures sat on the beach just beyond the window and waited for you to break, but that moment never came. When you returned and took Rooster’s beer from his hand they thought you would be angry, maybe at least cry, but you didn’t. You went right back to heckling Pheonix at the pool table as if it had never happened, but Rooster knew. When he drove you back to your place he sensed the silent turmoil waging a war on your mind, and walking into the foyer of your home you didn’t even need to ask. He followed you down the hall, where the pair of you settled into bed and you crawled into the arms that had grown to feel like a second home to you. 

“He said he was sorry,” you finally said, breaking the silence. 

“Do you believe him?”

You shrugged against him, “I don’t know. He said he still loves me.”

“Did he say why he left?”

“I didn’t ask.” You nuzzled your face further into his chest, eyes growing heavy as he rubbed your back.

“I’m really proud of you, Birdy.” You looked up at this, giving him a soft smile as he looked down at you.

“I don’t know if I’ve told you this or not, but thank you.”

“What for?” He raised an eyebrow at you.

“For this. For being here, for giving up several months of your life to constantly be here.”

“Nowhere else I’d be, Birdy.” You laid your head back down and absentmindedly rubbed your thumb along his chest.

“I promise you one day you won’t have to sleep at my place.”

“I mean it, Birdy, there’s nowhere else for me to be until you don’t need me here.”

“You’re my best friend, you know that?” 

“I’d sure hope so,” he chuckled and you laughed with him. “What are you going to do?”

“There’s not much I can do. He’s restationed with us so… I guess figure out how to coexist. I just… I don’t get it. He leaves, I don’t hear from him for a year, then he just shows up saying he’s back and that he still loves me.”

You felt him shake his head above you, “I don’t get it either, and don’t hurt me for saying this but I think you should talk to him.”

“Seriously? What happened to all that ‘him leaving is explanation enough and you don’t need him’ shit you’ve been telling me?”

“Seriously. I know you, Birdy, you can’t be around him without getting to the bottom of it. If you don’t ask him why he left, all the progress you’ve made the last few months is going to go out the window.” 

You sighed, “I know.”

“Plus, I’m fully invested right now, I also need to know.” he teased and you playfully swatted his chest.

“Go to sleep before I push you off this bed, Bradshaw.” you laughed. 

“Goodnight, Birdy.”

[darkness-and-books]

The Things We Do For The Fleet

Chapter 2: Little Run Ins

💙 Eventual Leonard McCoy x fem!reader 💙

⚠️: hint at low self esteem if you squint, little bit of language, uhh intimation that reader has past trauma

word count: 1,697

<-Previous-Next->

Y/N’s alarm finally went off. “Okay” she told herself as she sat up and felt the sheets fall away from her body, “Time to conquer the day!” She said cheerily before beginning to stretch. or at least not let it conquer you, she thought and a frown came across her face, but only for a moment before she pushed that thought away and got out of bed. Y/N swayed into the bathroom, where she stopped to look at herself in the mirror. “Hello, gorgeous!” She falsely chirped to her reflection. Nope, still don’t believe it, but we’ll try again tomorrow, she thought with a soft sigh before moving to turn on the shower. Y/N went to her closet to grab her uniform for today while the water warmed up for her. “Computer” she called out into the room, “Play my morning mix at 65% volume, please” she requested and the soft, but happy music began to play almost instantly. 65% seemed sort of oddly specific, but it was the perfect volume, it wasn’t deafening, but she would still be able to hear it when she got under the running water. As soon as Y/N saw the steam coming from the shower she quickly stripped and tossed her pyjamas into the pale blue hamper before hopping into the shower. “A dream is a wish your heart makes…” Y/N trailed off as she squeezed lavender shampoo into her hand. She continued singing as she scrubbed the product into her scalp. Once Y/N had finished washing up, she turned off the hot water with a refreshed sigh. Her stomach growled as she reached for her towel, “Oh, dear me!” Y/N exclaimed softly and continued to hurry to dry off and get dressed. “Computer, please stop my music” Y/N asked in a bubbly tone before almost skipping out the down and down the hall to the turbo lift. “Mess deck” Y/N called out lightly when she got into the turbo lift. “Oh, hi!” Y/N greeted when Uhura stepped into the turbo lift with her. “Good morning, Y/N” Uhura said through a stifled yawn. “How are you so awake this early?” She asked, stretching as best she could in her uniform. “Easy, there was some loose nut down the hall who was screaming about a half an hour before my alarm went off, so I’ve been awake since then,” Y/N rambled on in the closest thing to an angry that Uhura had heard from her in all the time they’d been friends. “Really, I didn’t hear it, I must of been sleeping too hard” Uhura laughed it off in the hopes that the sound would lighten the admittedly fairly light mood. “Anyway” Uhura began changing the subject, “Do you have anything fun planned down in the botany lab for today?” She asked with an intent smile. “Yeah actually!” Y/N wiggled a bit as she said it, “We picked up this really pretty pink and blue flower, and when I say pink and blue I mean you have to come see it after breakfast! It’s like… Cotton candy pink and blue!” Y/N exclaimed. “And you know what’s even crazier?!?” Y/N asked rhetorically, “It smells just like cotton candy too!!” She said waving her hands for more effect. “Really?!?” Uhura asked, “Will you show me after we eat, we’ll have to be quick so I can still be on time but I need to see that!” Uhura rushed just as the turbo lift door opened up to reveal the mess deck. “Of course it’s really amazing!” Y/N agreed as they stepped out into the mess deck. “What about you, Uhura?” Y/N asked her in return, “Nothing reall, I don’t have the kind of position that you make plans for. I’m going to go up to the bridge and follow orders,” She said with a smile. Y/N and Uhura continued to chatter as they walked up to the replicators. With a dull thud, Y/N ran directly into someone’s chest. “Oh I’m sorry!” Y/N exclaimed, “Oh” she finally looked up at a rather stern looking man in medical uniform. “No, no, it takes two to tango” The man said in something that resembled an apology, but still looked rather annoyed that the interaction was taking place at all. “Oh, okay” Y/N said in quiet acceptance before skittering away without her breakfast. Uhura gave the man a short glare before following behind her.

Leonard grumbled on his way out the door. He met with Kirk on his way down the hall. Not mad at him, not mad at him, not-, “Did you really need to wake me up with that?” Leonard did his best not to sound angry, but he was failing miserably. “You don’t need to rip me to shreds so early in the day” Kirk defended himself, putting his hands up momentarily as his stride slowed to keep pace with Leonard. “Fine” He muttered, making a motion his arms that seemed to indicate him physically letting go of his anger. “Alright, good, let’s chow” Kirk encouraged and began walking faster to the mess deck. “Race you there!” Kirk shouted, leaving Leonard behind. “I am not doing that!” Leonard yelled back and kept his own pace the rest of the way up to the mess deck. I’m done with this day already, I haven’t even been into medbay, good god, he thought as he came up on the mess entryway, where Kirk was waiting for him. “Ah, you made it!” Kirk exclaimed in exaggerated relief. “Alright, so give me all the details on this rooming thing” Leonard ordered in an actually exasperated manner. “Well, what do you wanna know?” Kirk prompted, “Where is this Y/N girl’s quarters?” He asked a bit distracted, as he was trying to navigate the breakfast crowd while also side eyeing Jim. “Well I dunno, but-,” Kirk was interrupted by a thud and looked over just in time to see a timid looking science officer, flustered and apologising. “Oh, I’m sorry!” The girl was quick to amend, Jim smirked a little as he saw Leonard looking down at her a little longer than he would normally. Usually he would move past these kinds of people without further regard, and just mutter to himself angrily about how nobody paid any attention these days. Leonard did something entirely different though, “No, no, it takes two to tango,” he had stated, without any real sincerity in his tone, but the fact that he bothered to say something at all was enough for Kirk to raise an eyebrow. “Oh” the girl said in embarrassment and then scurried off as quickly as she had appeared.

“Ooh, you like her, don’t you?” Kirk jabbed as he dug an elbow into Leonard’s ribs. “No, I was just being polite to a girl who clearly wasn’t in need of more abuse” He hissed in a low tone, “And if you would keep from making your elbow too chummy with my ribs, that’d be great” Leonard gritted. Poor girl, she seemed so scared, I admit I’m not the friendliest face this early in the morning, or ever really, but she seemed… I dunno, frightened that I’d hit her or something. Leonard furrowed his brow at the thought, but was quickly pulled away by the icy look Uhura gave him. His eyes widened only a little before he returned his attention to Jim. “- and then I got hit with a phaser” Kirk explained while pulling his hand into his gut as if to demonstrate the phaser’s impact on him. “What?!?” Leonard asked in alarm, “I knew you weren’t listening to me” Jim whined as he lightly hit Leonard’s shoulder. “I was just thinkin’, tha’s all'' He responded, “Yeah” Jim snorted, “Thinking about the way that girl’s body felt against yours?” Kirk jabbed as he punched in some orders for the replicator in front of him. Admittedly that thought had briefly crossed his mind, but it was extremely brief, not worth mentioning really. “No, I was just thinking about the fact that I don’t know where this Y/N’s quarters are to be able to break the news to her that we’re rooming together” Leonard corrected in a reprimanding voice. “Ah, well, about that. I’m not actually sure” Jim paused slightly at the pointed look that he was being given by Leonard, “but,” He emphasised before continuing on, “I will check files after breakfast and get that information to you as soon as possible” Kirk explained while waiting for Leonard to get his food. “You’d better” Leonard grumbled, “You know, you should really work on speaking up or people won’t be sure if you’re talking to them or yourself,” Jim pretended to lecture, “And you should really work on not being an ass” Leonard bit back as he grabbed his tray and they went to find a place to sit. The two ate breakfast together without much in the way of real conversation, just the occasional comment on what they would be doing today. When Leonard finished his breakfast, which he knew was less than it should have been, he said goodbye to Jim and headed to the medbay to see what today’s damage was.

Y/N and Uhura sat quietly for a few moments, out of sight of the replicators. Uhura finally broke their little bubble of silence, “Are you alright? Bones can kind of be an asshole, and generally in a foul mood” She smiled, trying to encourage Y/N to do the same from within her newly acquired air of gloom. “Yeah, he just scared me,” Y/N replied in a small voice. “Look they aren’t at the replicators anymore if you still want some food” Uhura cheered, pointing in the direction of the, now mostly deserted replicators.

“Okay” Y/N smiled weakly as she stood. They walked to the replicators, where Uhura picked out some fruit and oatmeal, Y/N had picked a cookie and some fruit of her own. “Sooo,” Uhura drawled, “Did I see you blush?” She prodded with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, but I’m allowed to be embarrassed when I run into strangers” Y/N defended, “Alright,” Uhura gave in as they took their seats.

Formatting took an eternity 😮‍💨

[warnersister]

Chapter 16 - A final goodbye and a first hello

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 15 | Epilogue

Penny and Natasha had set up a lovely ceremony in the fields you’d once ploughed. Aged chairs lined in rows, all plucked from the infamous bar of The Hard Deck. There was an arch at the end of the aisle, wrapped in gorgeous local flowers; myriads of colour popping through the petals. Jake ran ahead down the aisle while Natasha dragged you away and into the hard deck.

Penny had grabbed your mother’s wedding dress from the room you refused to enter - helping you pull it over your head while Phoenix dealt with your knotted hair, threading small flowers through the waves as she wrapped it into an intricate weave. “I need-” Penny cut you off. “Your dress is something old, the flowers are something new” she says, “this” she took her necklace from around her neck “is something borrowed” “and this” Phoenix began, showing you a small blue ribbon before tying it into your hair “is something blue.” She said, before smiling at you and stepping away so they both could admire their handy work.

“Hey, hey!” Hondo announced as he entered the saloon, hands behind his back before he unveils a gorgeous bouquet “just put it together this morning” he says, smiling at you and you grin, taking it from him and giving him a big hug “thank you, Hondo” you coo before turning to Phoenix, giving her the similar treatment. “Ya gon’ make me cry, babe” she says, laughing and wiping the area beneath her eyes. “Y’look so beautiful” she says “just like our scrapbook” she comments, recalling the scraps the two of you had made of your dream weddings, you’d cut out pictures from magazines travellers were selling, often trading an apple or a button for a paper - and the travellers would usually entertain the trade, happy to interact with such giddy youngsters. “Well, he ain’t no Billy the kid” you say, jokingly “I doubt Billy the kid had a six pack like that” she replies, raising her brows “and it certainly ain’t Italy” she says “naw,” you reply with a shrug “it’s better. It’s perfect.”

Then finally you turn to Penny, who’s already crying, she just grabs you and kisses your face over and over again, holding you tight as if not wanting to let go. She steps back and holds you out to have a good look at you, shutting her mouth tight to try prevent her sob. “Oh my darlin’ girl. All grown up and married” she says, unable to comprehend the image of you all dolled up in a wedding dress. It was your turn to hold her in your arms, rubbing her back as she gasped through choked breaths “thank you, mom” you whisper gently and she gasps loudly, looking at you with wide eyes.

“Y’all ready?” A voice asked as maverick emerged through the door, blown away himself at the sheer sight of you, “y’look gorgeous, baby” he says, taking your hand in his “your daddy’s right up front, all ready f’ya.” He says and you look at your party, Penny and Phoenix heading out before you to take their place as your bridesmaids and you soon followed suit, hand in Mavericks as he held you tight.

When Jake saw you his breath caught in his throat. He couldn’t breathe. You were beautiful on your worst days, but hell he thought he’d died and God had given him a chance up above. He couldn’t hold it together, bursting into floors of tears as you walked across the grass that held such fond and intricate memories. Rooster pat his back in consolation, but turning to look at his ensemble; the other three were just as much a mess as he were. He knew he’d picked the right gal.

Maverick reached the end of the isle, shook Jake’s hand and handed you over with a kiss on the cheek “when he goes, I’m her new father. Hurt her and I’ll finish the job.” Pete warns him, but the mischievous glint in his eyes tells Jake not to worry so much “I promise I’ll never hurt her sir,” he looks at you “never” before looking to your father who had a tired smile on his face as they shared a nod. “God you look incredible.” Jake said as you giggle appreciatively. “Cant believe y’finally all mine.” He sobs, allowing the reverend to begin “dearly beloved..”

The ceremony went smoothly and crickets sang when any objections were to be had and your father barked for him to continue. “You may now kiss y’bride” the officiant said, and Jake spun you and dipped you into the biggest kiss he could muster, before collecting you and the obnoxious train in his hands, bridely taking off in a sprint down the isle.

The evening was flowing, drinks were drank and songs were sung; especially when rooster was let loose on the piano, and Jake took great pleasure blessing your sheets that evening and was obsessed calling you his wife as he rutted into you at a lovingly leisurely pace.

And the next morning, when you woke up in his arms and offered him a sweet kiss, peeled out of his grip and across the hall to check on your father, your daddy had gone.

You didn’t panic, nor scream. He had gone during the night. Sepsis mixing with underlying causes, Doctor Bates had said. Went painlessly and wouldn’t have felt a thing. It was comforting almost, knowing you’d seen him go in a happy and relaxed way. Knowing you’d settled this almost decade-long conflict and were now happily married. It was peaceful. It was nice.

As was his burial, Coyote and Rooster offered to cover his grave. The whole town had shown up and shed a tear for their beloved Sheriff. His grave was neat and respectable, and they say that even now in the twenty-first century, now that Miramar was torn down and turned into a naval base, you can still see the outline of his headstone in the field.

‘Beau Simpson

Beloved Sheriff, husband and daddy

Did his duty proud and will be welcomed by God to join his wife’

It had read and you were quite happy with it, it said what had needed to be said. You all stayed in Miramar for a few days while to adrenaline wore off, and you hadn’t seen much of a reason to stay much longer, collecting your things and getting back on the road.

“Goodbye mom, goodbye dad” you say, as maverick and Penny give you a big family hug “send us a postcard from Sacramento?” Penny requests and you agree, smiling satisfied as you watch your husband saddle up his horse. “I don’t like that look, darlin’.” Mav states. “It’s the only one I got.” You reply.

“What’re ya gonna do now then, kid?” He asks and you shrug “well we’re building a house back in California. Might travel around for a bit.” You him “you’ll visit won’t ya?” You ask, hopefully and they smile and agree “you? Always” Penny agrees as you hop onto lighting and head back along the trail.

Ghost riders with no true final destination in mind.

Chapter 15 | Epilogue

[galactic-star-bruiser]

Protected pt. 2

continuation of Mando x princess!reader request!

find the first part: here

@angel-with-a-heart

enjoy!

Pt 2.

Another party and another dress that swept the floor with my every step. 

“Do I look alright?” I asked without a thought of what it may seem like I was insinuating. 

“...yes” the Mandalorian answered  as she shifted in place, gloved hand resting innocently on his blaster. 

I couldn’t help the blush that crept up my neck or the smile on my lips as I haphazardly pinned my hair in place.

He followed like a guard dog, patient and stern, scanning for threats. 

“Why did you take this stupid job anyways” I asked earnestly, “you seem too important for this.”

“Business is business.” He answered, his hand now on the small of my back, guiding me forward into a large room decked out in gold, shimmering bunting and filled with the sound of clinking glasses and pouring sounds.

“Ah, there you are” my father called to me, arms outstretched in a way I could only imagine to be what he looked like going in for a hug. Not like I’d know. 

Completely ignoring the armored help he had hired behind me, he put his hand on my back and the mandalorians’ hand fell to my dismay. 

“This is my daughter, princess of our planet” He said as a sort of introduction to the young man and what seemed to be his own father in front of me. Their teeth shone like sharks; predators. 

I almost caught myself wanting to look back at the stoic man behind me, but I resisted the urge. 

I gave a small nod in the direction of the two strangers in front of me. My father only introduced me when he wanted something... how I hoped he wasn’t going to force me into something here. 

“Cillian” The younger one reached a hand out to me, his father smiling even wider now. 

I shook his hand politely and shot my father a confused look, but his eyes were trained on the other mans, eyes glinting as if they had a shared secret that I had no knowledge of. 

“How about you two get to know each other a bit better... you, mandalorian, leave her be for a bit”

A look of pure shock and confusion flashed across my embarrassingly flushed face as I turned to see my bodyguard nodding his head and slinking off to some dark corner of the party. 

Cillian motioned for me to walk ahead of him and he led us out into the night, garden scents and star light flooding my senses. 

“Do you have ay idea why our parents wanted so badly for us to meet, princess?”

He walked with his hands behind his back, a crushed velvet midnight blue suit hugging his admittedly large and toned frame. His eyes were complimented by the color, a dark green, and dark brown hair that swept across his brow.

“No, I don’t” I admitted to the man.

He just chuckled without answering my question, his hands were now on my hips, turning me to face his chest. 

He was handsome, beautiful in a way even... but something felt so predatory about him. 

I put my hands against his chest, pushing away gently, trying to save face. I was a political and royal figure and any bad press right now would get me into even deeper trouble than I already usually was with my parents.

I laughed slightly, trying to diffuse whatever was happening, “Cillian, it was very nice to meet you... but I think I should probably get back to the party-“

“Youre not going anywhere princes” he flashed his shark tooth grin again and pulled me in once more, this time with fingers digging so hard into me that it was sure to leave bruises for me to find in the morning. 

“Hey” I pushed against him harder now, looking for any way out of this without breaking something on him, “you’re making a mistake.”

“A mistake? With my future wife?” With these words his lips crashed against mine, messy and hungry. 

wife? Future wife?

“I’d never marry you, asshole” I spat and slapped him clean across his face leaving a pink palm print.

A malicious chuckle ran through him, “try telling our parents that, princess”

His hands left my body in order to sooth the mark I had made against his skin and I took that as a chance to turn and run, even if I wanted more answers to whatever deluded story he was telling me. 

As soon as I turned, I came only inches from a beskar chest plate and two strong hands held me from crashing. 

Without a single word, the armored man cornered Cillian, “touch her again and you’ll deal with me, boy.” His modulated voice was dripping with pure power.

“What’s this? Your guard dog?” The smaller man remarked, looking past the mandalorian to make eye contact with me. That was a mistake. 

His face was now in the grasp of the mandalorians large gloved hand, Cillians jaw was moved to stare into his visor. 

“Want to see me bite?” 

With that and one fell swoop, a fist connected with flesh. Dragged by the collar, Cillian was dropped at the foot of my father.

 “Just doing my job, sir, keeping the princess safe” he answered, taking my fathers slack jaw and wide eyes as a question of ‘what the fuck?’

[desolateddreamur]

Not to me

Leslie x Reader

Gender neutral reader

Requested? No!

You sigh softly as you rest your head on your arms, staring across to the other side of the table where Leslie was. You were brought here as you were the editor to Jimmy's school newspaper and were told to try and get information from Leslie.

She smiled to you- gently, caringly, despite the situation. She knew damn well what she was and her goal but even as an ad- she was sentient; she had feelings. And right now her feelings were contentment and love.

You were the only one that didn't try to pull information out of her with significance. You pulled out what information you wanted to hear. Favorite color, favorite animal, favorite candy- and she liked it because it made her think. It stretched the limits of her programming. It made her more... Human.

"Hey Les." You chirp. "If you had to pick between apples and oranges, what would you pick?"

Leslie smiled and tilted her head. "I think I would pick oranges. I love oranges."

You nod, humming to yourself before perking up. "Oh, yeah! I brought something with me!"

She gave you a funny look as you pull a deck of cards from your pocket. You stand and grab your chair, pulling it to be on the longer side of the table. Leslie curiously does the same, the two metal folding chairs side-by-side. As you lay the cards out she began to unravel what your idea was. You wanted to play a game of solitaire together. It melted her heart a little to play such a game with you. Strategy and puzzle games were her favorites.

The two of you enjoyed your time, playing solitaire the rest of the day and laughing until one point Leslie placed her hand on top of yours and looked into your eyes.

"Y/n, I don't have much time to say any of this but I love you so much. You were the only person that didn't treat me as just an ad or thought with their dick. You treated me as a person. I want to run away together, just the two of us. We can start fresh in a different state! Or even a different country!"

You stare in disbelief... Were you hearing this right? Did she actually love you and want to run away together? She's already tricked Jimmy and Kyle, what if she was tricking you? It hurt to think about it as hard as you were. So, you answered from your heart with honesty. "Yes... Yeah, fuck this tiny little mountain town! It's nothing but chaos!"

Leslie smiled delightedly and nodded. "Great. When the footage comes back on just smile and nod." She instructs. Within a few moments you here a whir of the camera in the room and she spoke. "I see your point but we need to add another row. If we do that we're more likely to find the seven we need."

You smile and nod, catching on immediately. "Yeah, but we can get an extra move in if we stack the four onto the five."

Under the table, the two of you held hands- pale grasping s/c tightly like a lifeline. The only thing that mattered was that the two of you loved each other.

* Timeskip *

A ravenette ran through the spruce cabin, her yellow dress billowing slightly. She was rather tall and matured, her hair done up into a ponytail and a ring on her finger.

She tightly held the feather duster as she laughed and weaved through the furniture.

A mature Y/n was in quick pursuit, h/c locks now d/h/l and wearing a f/c flannel and jeans. They had a ring on their finger as they laughed and shouted.

"Leslie, get back here! How dare you wake me from my nap!"

"You were sleeping in, you would've ruined your sleep schedule!"

They tackle their wife down onto the sofa and the quilt laid across it, forcing Leslie to drop the feather duster. They both were breathing heavily from the running, smiles on their faces. You stare down into her eyes as she looks up into yours and instinctively you press a kiss to her lips. Leslie smiles wider than previously and leaned into the kiss with a sigh.

As you separate she spoke softly to you. "Thank you... After all these years, N/n. Even though I'm not human you've made me feel that way... You don't know just how much I love you.."

You nod and lay on top of her, head to her chest. There wasn't a heartbeat, just the sound of soft whirring. A sound you grew to adore and relax to. Eventually, you reply. "Les... You were always human to me. It doesn't matter that you're not; I love you for you."

How corny.... A runaway romance. It was just as grand as you imagined. But you wouldn't have it any other way.

[queenpiranhadon]

A/N: Ooooh only one chapter left before things get juicy 👀 Let's see what Apex is up to now heh. This chapter is written by the lovely Nyota (@labaguetteisdabest) :D. You can find the masterlist here

Warning(s): None worth mentioning

Pairing(s): Kaepex

5 days. 

5 days I’ve been on this horrible boat. 

5 miserable days avoiding Princess Kaeda. 

5 miserable days... 

And they’re almost over. 

You would think, with the constant sound of waves hitting the hull of our ship, that I would be peaceful.  

But no. 

Worst time of my life. 

The constant joy emanating from Cari as she gazed at the deep blue waters and reaching over (almost falling more on more than one occasion) to be closer almost gave me a heart attack. 

The girl is reckless. I like that about her, but sometimes it’s too much.  

Someone knocks on my door, and I reluctantly get up. 

It's a member of the crew. He looks at me with piercing eyes, saying, “We’ll be docking in one hour, Princess.” 

“Thank you,” I tell him. But I’m not really as thankful as I paint for the espyns on this ship. 

Don’t get me wrong, I miss my brothers. But my parents are really hard on me – too hard.  

I don’t even know if I really want to be queen in the first place! 

After the crew member shuts the door, I go to my bag. I picked out a deep red dress with intricate golden details to wear at the dock. 

Another knock comes from my door, and I groan quietly, but go to open it. 

Cari stands before me, tanned hand in her brown hair and sea green eyes seeming to be lost in thought. 

“Cari?” I ask. She whips her head over to me and manages a small smile. 

“Ready to go home?” she questions. 

“Never been more ready,” I reply instantly. “What about you?” 

She pauses. “I... I’m not sure.” 

And it’s just our luck that Little Miss Flawless walks behind the water princess. 

“Have fun in your icy wasteland,” I call over to her. 

Kaeda tosses her jet-black hair over her shoulder and shouts back, “Have fun in your fire-ravaged badlands!” 

Cari pulls me into my room and slams the door. She lifts a hand and summons a ball of water from Vohona knows where and tosses it at me. 

I create a blaze, careful not to let it touch the wooden walls, and evaporate the water instantly. 

“What-” Cari exclaims. 

I smirk. “I’ve gotten better, you know. Practice does that.” 

Cari hesitates before replying. “...The boat’s slowing down.” 

“What?” 

“The boat’s slowing down,” she repeats. “I think we’re almost at Minsare.” 

“Really?” I want to leap out to the deck, but I know I wouldn’t even make it halfway. 

And the boat suddenly comes to a stop. Cari and I glance at each other, and she sprints out of the room to grab her stuff. 

A wild grin spreads across my face as I gather my stuff and shove it in my bag. I ran out of the room and made my way to the deck. For once, I don’t mind the salty air. 

The small white buildings of the seaside town of Mariport bring my bliss to a whole new level. 

“I haven’t seen Dodomi in ages,” I breathe. Two pairs of footsteps come from behind me. I know they belong to Cari and Kaeda, but I don’t make a snarky comment. I just look at the mainland in longing. 

“Princesses!” one of the crew members says. The three of us simultaneously turn to face him. “Come this way. Your carriages are waiting.” 

We walk, Kaeda in front of me and Cari. We walk in silence, in awe of setting foot on the mainland after so long. 

When the three of us walked off the ship, carrying our heavy bags, we all let out a small breath. 

I’m almost home. 

Three carriages, one adorned with snowflakes, one with water droplets, and the third with flames, pulled up in front of us on the road.  

Kaeda walks up to her carriage and doesn’t look back. 

Cari hesitates. She turns and hugs me, saying, “Bye. Write letters?” 

I hugged her back. “I will. I promise.” 

Cari Acquarone smiles at me, then, with a swish of her soft blue skirt, she steps inside her carriage. 

I walk up to my carriage and climb in. I settle myself, putting my bag beside me. 

“Are you ready, Princess?” a familiar voice says. 

My teal eyes widen. 

“Avior?” 

“The one and only.” 

Avior was not a noble, but his family was going to send him off to training to be a knight. Training started the day I left Dodomi, and I hadn’t seen him since. We tried to send letters, but he rarely had time to respond and mine took forever to deliver. 

So, we gave up on contact, basically. But I don’t think either of us forgot. 

“You’re an actual knight now?” I asked Avior. 

“Yep!” I can hear the grin in his voice. 

The carriage starts to move, and I stay quiet. 

~~~ 

It’s barely been 10 minutes and I’m already bored out of my mind. 

Gods help me, I think. 

Maybe if I read it’ll be better. 

I reach into my bulky bag and pull out the book on top. It’s some old mythology book my parents got me for my 10th birthday, back when my interest in the deities of our world was the highest. 

May as well research them. 

The first page I flip to starts the chapter on Thanirrh, the patron god of Hydeau. Thanirrh is the one who blessed Cari with her Reya – or however it works. I don’t remember anymore. 

I begin to read. 

Thanirrh has a twin brother, Glacon, who controls ice and snow. 

Wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. 

Glacon is the patron god of Khaenpanii. Little Miss Flawless is from Khaenpanii. 

Cari and Kaeda probably would have gotten along... 

What if they did? 

What if Cari was merely faking hating Kaeda and they were really friends? 

...What if my best friend was never really my best friend at all? 

No. 

Cari’s too sweet and honest to do that to me. 

No. 

I've told her too much, too many secrets, for her to do that to me. 

No. 

I shake the thoughts from my head. 

And I only have three and a half days alone with my thoughts, I think miserably. 

Three and a half days because Fujimura is on the other side of the continent. 

We have to pass through Khaenpanii to reach Asraxvale. This fact is not loved by many of the citizens of Fujimura because the number of them that are extremely zealous over the two royal families’ feuds is... obnoxious. They physically cannot travel anywhere without going through the land of their greatest enemies. 

It's funny, really, because my parents have a fairly decent relationship with the Cynets, the royal family of Khaenpanii. Key word – decent. It’s not anywhere near perfect, and there is still a noticeable dislike from my parents of the Cynets. 

It's better than my hatred for Kaeda, though. That cannot be beaten. 

Suddenly, the carriage wobbles. 

It wobbles again. 

Then, the back left side of the carriage plummets to the ground, and after a bit of insistent pulling from the horses pulling the carriage, we stop completely. 

Avior steps off the front to go inspect the wheel. I open the door to assist. 

And even though I haven’t seen him in years, it feels like he never changed at all. 

He has the same messy blond hair, the same deep brown eyes, the same... everything, really. 

His behavior hasn't changed, either. 

He looks up at me, and for a split second, a look of shock crosses his face. 

I realize that the news of my... accident must have never traveled to the commoners. Why else wouldn’t Avior know? 

I self-consciously fiddle with my red hair. 

“What happened?” he asks. 

“I burned myself when I was eight,” I explain. He doesn’t look satisfied, but I think he can tell I’d rather not talk about it, because he nods and goes to the back of the carriage. 

Once he comes back, he says, “So. The wheel loosened. But it also must have broken, or cracked, something similar to that, because I can’t put it back on. Luckily, I prepared for this.” 

Avior heaves a new wheel up and sets it beside the broken one. He tries to balance it on the muddy ground while simultaneously trying to remove the broken wheel. 

Obviously, he fails miserably. 

I hop out and grab the new wheel from his hands. He looks up at me gratefully and, this time, successfully removes the broken wheel. 

Placing the new wheel in its place, I tighten it to the carriage while Avior takes the broken wheel and throws it in the trees. 

I climb back into the carriage and Avior sits in the front with the horses. 

After a moment or two, we start moving again. 

Three days... 

[just-horrible-things]

Just pointless cruelty to chewtoy. Some noncon elements in this one, nothing graphic.

Verse: Resistance AU: Chewtoy Timeline: Ari is Riven's chewtoy

Cuffs and Chains

Ariadne fucked up restraining a prisoner this morning. She failed to properly close the ratchet that holds the ceiling chain in place. It held while she was working it, lifting the witch’s cuffed hands until she was up on her toes. But when the whip came down and the skinny bitch started thrashing in earnest, the ratchet slipped and the chain ran freely, abruptly giving the girl plenty of room to move.

The useless bitch didn’t even manage to hurt Riven. She flung herself at him head on and he knocked her down with ease. It didn’t matter that Ari fucked up. But of course that doesn’t make a difference to Riven.

“I’m sorry, sir.” Ari recites dully on her knees. “I should have been more careful.” “I thought even you couldn’t fail at something so simple,” Riven sneers down at her. “But I guess I was wrong. Seems like you need a refresher on how to use basic equipment, huh?” “Whatever you say, sir,” she agrees.

He whipped her only a week ago. She’s still dumping bloodied sheets in the laundry every morning. Despair sits hot and heavy in her throat, leaking its heavy ache into her chest cavity to pool at the bottom of her lungs.

“Cuffs,” Riven says, tossing them carelessly at her knees. They’re the anti-magic kind, wider and heavier with whatever internal mechanism makes them work. Hesitant, Ari starts to reach for them. “Don’t move,” Riven snaps. Then, “Hands.”

Ari scowls up at him. He tsks his tongue at her and reluctantly she lifts her hands. The metal knocks against the yellowing bruises from last week as he clicks them closed.

“They lock here, and here,” he explains, affecting the tone you’d use with a child. “They connect here, and it locks like this.” “Seriously?” Ari gripes, “Are we play-acting now? Is this really how you want to spend your evening, teaching me how to turn a key in a lock?” “You’re in a hurry today, huh?”

I just want to go home and sleep, she thinks. She doesn’t say it, because he could very easily choose to deny her that.

“I just don’t really see the point of the foreplay,” she responds instead. Riven tilts his head, looking down at her. “Alright,” he shrugs, and kicks her squarely in the chest.

Ari’s done this enough times to know to move with the impact, let it knock her backwards. She sprawls on the concrete, gasping through the sharpest part of the pain. 

“Maybe you’re right,” he says. “Maybe we’ll cut straight to the object lesson.”

He grabs her cuffed wrists, and she hisses as the metal bites into the bruises. She twists as he drags her so that it’s the front of her that slides across the concrete, not her torn-up back. Even though avoiding a little bit of extra pain won’t make a blind bit of difference in the face of what’s to come.

Bleak, helpless fury starts to rise.

She twists, yanking hard against the cuffs to shake his balance, and throws herself against the back of his knees. It’s not enough. He laughs, and stamps hard on the nearest part of her – his boot comes down on her shin and she yells in pain.

She tries again, but she’s uncoordinated. She achieves nothing, just flops like a fish. Riven yanks the ceiling chain down and clips it to her wrists. The second he lets go of her she throws herself at him again. He decks her across the face and the world goes white. She staggers, and when she can see again he’s out of reach.

“You’re giving a great demonstration of the importance of restraints,” he mocks, dangling a pair of leg irons from one finger.

Ariadne pants, squaring her feet. She takes the chain in her hands like a weapon, and glares daggers at Riven. He just smirks.

There’s no hurry in his approach. Why would there be? His reach is longer than hers, even without the cuffs. He’s heavier. He’s not in constant, gnawing pain. 

If he wanted to, he could skirt round the edge of her reach to the control box, and crank the chain tight until she was on her toes. He doesn’t have to approach her at all. He’s only doing it to prove how helpless she is, how fucking useless.

Rage floods her body with heat, colors her vision, fills her mouth like blood. She snarls, and Riven laughs at her.

She ducks under his first punch, and jumps forwards. He clips her in the ribs but it lacks the force to knock her back. She comes up swinging with both hands – it has to be with both hands – but only catches him in the chest. He hits her in the stomach hard enough to knock the breath from her but she doesn’t fucking care. She tries to catch his arms with the chain.

Then he swipes her feet out from under her and she goes down hard. He drives a kick into her stomach, redoubling the pain and forcing tears to her eyes. She kicks out at him in return, ignoring the flash of pain through her foot as it connects. He grabs her ankle. She kicks at his hand with her other foot, but he yanks her leg up and she gasps as her back drags across the floor.

She squirms. On a useless impulse she tries to hit him in the ankles with the chain, but of course it does nothing. The cuff clicks closed around her ankle. She kicks at his legs, trying frantically to keep her other leg out of his grip. He kicks her again. It connects with her ribs and she sees stars. Another kick, this one to her hip bone. He tries to stand on her arm but she’s thrashing too hard, he fails to pin her.

He stoops to get his hands on her and she manages to kick him in the face. He growls at her and retaliates by stamping on her hands. She howls. He kicks her in the side of the head. Before she knows it, he has her ankles locked together. She sucks in another difficult breath and screams out her futile rage.

Riven steps back, wiping blood from his lip, and lets her scream until she runs out of breath.

Then he strolls unhurriedly to the wall, and starts cranking the ceiling chain tight, lifting Ari’s wrists steadily higher and higher.

She refuses to get her feet under her. She just dangles sullenly from her wrists, panting, even as her arms reach maximum extension above her head and her ass starts to lift from the floor.

“I was going to let you stand,” Riven remarks, “but if you don’t want to…”

They glower at each other as the chain lifts and lifts. The pain in Ari’s wrists is sharp. It would be more sensible to pull her feet under her and try to take some of her own weight. But she lets them drag across the floor until finally they come off it altogether.

It was going to end this way anyway.

She pants raggedly, feeling her pulse throb in every new bruise he just gave her.

“A few hours of this and I think your manners would get a lot better, don’t you?” She knows he’s right. She bares her teeth. 

There are still little lights dancing in the edges of her vision.

“Why do you do this?” Riven asks. “You know it only gets you hurt worse.” “I – hate you,” Ari spits. “Of course you do.” Riven’s smile is all condescension. “But it doesn’t help you, does it?” He steps towards her, and she flinches. His smile broadens. “Poor thing,” he mocks. “All helpless now.”

When he gets close, she tries to kick out at him. To her abject humiliation, she lacks the strength. She can barely get her knees up. Her boots knock feebly against Riven’s knee pads. He laughs at her, and crouches to lock her ankles to the ring below her with a second length of chain.

“Better,” he smiles. “Now you’re helpless.”

He hits her, now that she can’t even twist away from it. Measured, deliberate blows to ribs and gut and taut shoulders until every punch is knocking a yelp of pain from her throat.

When he stops she can’t muster a real glare anymore. Fear and pain are starting to swamp her anger, and it’s hard to look fierce while gasping for breath.

She hates herself for how pathetic she is.

Riven runs his hands down her taut arms and over her burning ribs. Ari snarls weakly, but there’s no way to pull away. Her clothes cling to her sweat-soaked skin.

A sly smirk creeps across his face, and Ari’s heart hammers in her skull wondering what thought he’s just had. He walks around her, trailing fingers along her lowest ribs as he goes, and rests his hands on the back of her shoulders where he’ll be able to feel the heat of her stripes. Ari squirms. Riven’s chuckle is warm with satisfaction.

“Changed your mind about standing yet?” Riven asks, mocking. “If I let you down, will you stand up for me?”

Yes sir, she thinks. Her wrists are killing her, metal biting deep into the bones. She doesn’t want to say it. If he leaves her like this much longer, he’ll do nerve damage. He won’t want that, right?

“Let’s find out,” he decides. Ari can’t help a shivery breath of relief. 

He lets her down gradually, and sure enough as soon as her boots touch the concrete she starts trying to take her own weight. He leaves her on her toes for a long several seconds, watching her strain, then lets her down onto flat feet, and even gives her a little bit of extra slack.

Her arms are shaking, and she can’t quite hold them up, they still dangle from the cuffs. But it’s so much better than taking all her weight there. Humiliation flushes hot across her skin. “Good girl,” Riven smirks.

Ari lets her head hang, but she watches from the corner of her eye as Riven takes a knife from his pocket and flicks it open. “I was only going to leave you chained up a while,” he tells her. “But now you’ve gone and fought back…”

It’s a lie, Ari tries to tell herself. He was always going to do whatever he felt like. He’s only saying it to hurt her.

He takes the hem of her shirt, and she knows what comes next. “Do you have to destroy my clothes?” she complains weakly. “I’d let you take them off, but you’d fight me if I let your arms down.” Ari just glares. The first itches of returning sensation are creeping into her hands, and they’re going to start hurting like hell in a few seconds.

Riven pauses with the knife at the bottom of the shirt’s side seam. “You could still mend your manners,” he suggests. “If you want to keep the shirt so badly, you could ask for it.”

She thinks about it, she really does. But bitter hate clogs her mouth and keeps her silent.

His hands move with professional efficiency as he cuts the clothes off her. First the uniform shirt, then the turtleneck she wears under it. Ari focuses on her burning hands and tries to ignore the cold blade against her skin. She can’t suppress a gasp as he pulls the fabric away from her scabbed back.

Nor can she ignore it when he slips the tip of the knife under her sports bra to cut that away too.

She almost asks what he’s doing. But it’s fucking obvious, isn’t it. She glowers, trying not to give away quite how much she hates the exposure, but his smirk tells her that he knows.

“If I uncuff your feet, will you step out of your pants, or do I have to cut those apart too?”

Fear thunders in Ari’s ribcage. Fresh sweat breaks out, and she feels every scar across her skin itching. She thought she was getting a regular whipping. She could handle that, just barely. She can’t handle it if he whips her head to toe, not again. A whimper rises in her chest, and she tries to swallow it.

“Well?” Riven taps on her stomach with the tip of the blade. “I’ll – cooperate, sir.” The waver in her voice makes Riven grin. “Good.”

She stands still as he uncuffs her ankles and unties her boots. She lifts her feet to let him bare them, holding onto the chain above her with still-tingling fingers to keep her balance. Her breath rasps in her throat, and her ribs twinge with every inhalation.

“Please sir,” she almost-whispers as he unzips her fly. “Please, don’t whip me.” “You should have thought about that before you kicked me, shouldn’t you?” “I’m sorry, sir.” He makes sure to catch her underpants as well as he slides her pants down her legs. She steps out of them without a fuss, like she said she would. The air is cold on damp, naked skin. “Beg me,” he commands. “Please,” she repeats obediently. “Please, please, sir, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please have mercy –”

She tries to go to her knees and the chain stops her short. She gasps as it catches her by the wrists, and Riven chuckles.

“On your feet,” he reminds her. One finger trails up her throat, over the bruises there, to under her chin. “Please,” she whimpers again, as pitiful as she knows how. “Do you know what happens,” he asks, “when you aren’t careful restraining prisoners?” Nothing fucking happens, she thinks. You proved it today.“No sir,” she whispers.

He walks round her again. Every inch of her is goosebumps despite the heat of her skin.

“Sometimes,” his hands trail down her back, light enough to set every scab itching afresh, “they get the upper hand.” Ari shudders. She can hear her own heartbeat, even over the steady hum of the air con. “It would be a shame,” Riven purrs close by her ear, “if a few of our guests in the cells were to overpower you and get you chained up like this. Who knows what they’d do to you?”

“They’d kill me,” Ari rasps. He doesn’t want that, if he wanted her dead he’d do it himself– “You don’t know that.” He pulls her back against his body, one arm across her waist in a parody of affection. “Maybe they’d take their time with you, getting a little revenge.” Ari lets her head tip her head back against his shoulder, and gets a chuckle for her trouble. “They’d kill me,” she argues desperately, “no one’s gonna care about revenge more than about – tryna get out of here.”

Riven hums. Fingers tap idly against her stomach, every touch lighting up the afterimage of his fist, where she’ll bruise by tomorrow. “Maybe I’d keep an eye on them. I’m sure some of our fresh little fighters would jump at the chance to let out some frustration, even if I kept them on a leash.” Another violent shiver she can’t suppress. She can picture it too clearly. “Do you really think they’d be able to resist, with you all naked and helpless like this?” His hand slides up her body, and punctuates his words with a flick to the underside of a breast. “No sir,” Ari whispers. Her skin is crawling.

It doesn’t matter how hard she struggles. He always finds something to break her resolve with. She always folds, she always buckles under his hands.

Hate flickers inside her ribcage, a candle flame against the floodwaters of dread.

She can’t kick anymore, her bare feet would achieve precisely nothing. She thinks about slamming her head back into his stupid face, pictures it so clearly that she can almost feel the sharp pain of impact, the place where his teeth would cut her scalp –

Riven’s hands roam across her aching flesh, tracing scars, filling her head with flash images of all the things he – or an angry warlock – could do to her shaking body. 

Disgust courses through her and she struggles – not cleverly, not with any plan, just trying to jerk away from his teasing, possessive hands. Riven responds by shoving her, setting her stumbling. The chain pulls her up short, yanking on her cuffed wrists.

“Cranky today,” he remarks, as casual as if commenting on the weather. Humiliation is heat across Ari’s skin. She still feels his hands, even though he’s stopped touching her. Her breath is sharp and choppy. She hates him. She’s scared.

“Please, sir,” she tries, hating how tight her voice is. “What do you want me to do?” Another click of his tongue, faux disapproval. “I want you to learn a lesson from this.” “I fucked up,” she admits, “I fucked up, sir, and I’m sorry.” “That’s right you did.”

He’s at the crank again now, hands on the controls. Ari hopes unwillingly for mercy, but she isn’t surprised when the chain lifts her hands instead. Up over her head, up to the limit of her reach so she has to shuffle her feet to try and alleviate the tension. Then further, lifting her onto her toes, making her groan as the cuffs dig in again.

He holds it there, watching her wobble as she tries and fails to find any balance on her toes. Pain stabs through the bones of her feet, rivaling the pressure at her wrists. She ought to be used to this by now. This is nothing. It’s going to get so much worse when the whipping starts. 

Then Riven gives her a little more slack, enough that her feet are flat on the concrete again. Ari takes deeper breaths. Her arms are still held high above her head, right at the limit of her reach.

“What do you say?” Riven prompts. Go to hell, sir. Her eyes stray yet again to the whip on his belt. “Th-thank you, sir.”

“Y’know, I think you do need some time to think about your position. How about I come back in a few hours to see how you’re feeling?” Ari says nothing. Her input isn’t wanted or required. “And who knows,” he grins, “Maybe I’ll bring some company.”

And he lets himself out.

He’s bluffing. Like he was bluffing about leaving her hanging with the cuffs biting deep enough to destroy her wrists. They’ll ache like hell from this, but her hands will probably be okay. Probably. 

He doesn’t want to hurt her so bad that she can’t work, or so bad that he’d have to take her to medical. Letting prisoners at her would be a massive risk. Or, if he watched them closely, he wouldn’t let them do anything worse than he already does to her. 

There’s no need to be any more scared than she always is.

But it’s hard to keep out thoughts of the hate that simmers in their eyes, all day every day, the same hate she feels for Riven. It’s hard not to be constantly, acutely aware of how terribly exposed she is, how open to angry, hungry hands that would roam across her body, grabbing, groping, pinching, bruising, hitting. 

Hard not to picture Riven’s smirk, watching it happen. Maybe handing over a whip and encouraging them to try it out.

She shudders. All her new bruises throb in time with the scabs across her back. Her arms already ache from trying to keep them up so they don’t just hang from the cuffs. She already feels things grinding in her feet every time she shifts her weight the inch or two that she has available.

After a few hours of this, she’s going to be a pathetic, desperate mess, just like he knows she will.

And then he’ll start hurting her for real.

She could scream. But he’d hear, and it would make his day. She won’t give him that.

[scratchandplaster]

Stack The Deck - PART 8

CW: toxic relationship, abuse of various kinds, misogyny, stalking, manipulation, injury, Carewhumper, reluctant Whumper

PART 7 ⇽ [Masterlist] ⇾ PART 9

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

[2 WEEKS AGO]

They didn't sleep a lot this night, an event Morris never complained about. Flitting across the room, Amber was busy to collect the few clothes she carried on her body the day before. Her hair seemed a bit more dull than usual, wild and sprinkled with the smell of cheap vodka. She jumped into her oversized jeans. Hopping on one leg, clearly trying to keep her balance, yesterday's excess still weighing her down. He adored her so much, his heart stopping its beat for just a second.

"Whatcha looking at?" She turned to face him, an eyebrow playfully raised. Teasing.

"Just you," he whispered, sleep sticking to his voice, making it sound rough and hungry, "do you need to leave already? I thought we could spend the day together?"

Sharing a knowing smile with Morris, she continued to dress herself haphazardly, throwing pieces of fabric over herself to fight the freezing cold outside. She appeared more hectic than usual.

In a few hours, this nervousness would turn into itches burrowed directly under her skin, crawling their way inside her bones. They would be together by then, Morris hoped, always ready to allay her pain. That's what he wanted, what he was here for.

"Can't," she finally revealed, "'m busy with work." You don't work.

"Oh, alright!", he retorted instead, forgiving her quick lie without thinking anything by it, ""What about tonight? We could watch a movie..."

"I'm busy."

"Well, how about-"

"Planned the whole week, sorry." She didn't, he checked thoroughly.

"What about yesterday? You had enough time for me there."

Something was wrong, he could feel it, they usually didn't take long breaks from each other. She called him whenever her stash ran short, knowing that she doesn't get anything better than what Morris has to offer. A little extra, just for you, Amber.

Her expression soured, emerald eyes pressing together to form thin slits: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Morris didn't mean to fight, honestly trying his best to mediate the rising tension between them. Nevertheless, Amber made it hard to stay calm. He sat himself up to get a better look at her, distracted by zipping up her boots. As if he wasn't even in the room.

"I just think we should spend more time together, that's all!"

She was fully dressed by now and ready to leave, more fidgety than normal, it couldn't be the beginning withdrawal that made her so on edge. Twitching uncomfortable, she continued to face him.

"And what do you want to do with all that?"

He usually found her jokes to be cute, but this was different. Malicious even.

"This!" he stated bewildered, not knowing how else to respond, "This is all I'd ever want. You, me...us."

"This?" Amber sounded agitated, no, offended, like he just insulted her mother. "This is nothing, everyday living. One day you wake up, and your whole life is spent in what? Routine?"

She probably was just irritated, he had to track her cycle again, to avoid conflict. Whatever hormones she was suffering under currently, it didn't give her the right to-

She interrupted his sympathetic line of reasoning, more than angry: "What exactly do you think we are, huh?" 

What a question.

"Amber, this is serious...We-we talked about this months ago!"

"When I feel like it is, sure. Once you got the 'yes' I hoped you would stop being so fucking clingy."

He was standing at last, his hair tousled in all directions, it gave his confusion an even more convincing look. 

"See, I need to go. I call you after work." He probably should have let it go by then, but that wasn't his manner.

"Yeah? After the work you quit six weeks ago because you don't have to finance your little habit anymore; you can just tap me any time of day, right?!"

In disgust, she stopped looking for her purse to scowl at Morris, caught in her own little scheme, still never going to admit it. He knew her better than anyone else could.

"Whatever you think to know about my business, you have no fucking idea what you're talking about. Pathetic."

None of them realized how quickly it escalated, him storming towards her and halting just inches apart. Tall enough to look down on her, he spoke with the most collected tone he could muster in this situation.

"I take care of you, give you everything you want and that's how you talk to me?"

"A lot of people do these days," she spat in his face, taking every sliver of kindness out of the air between them, "and I'll replace you in a second, if you force me to."

Morris clenched his teeth to the point of nearly bursting his enamel, planting himself in front of her to take as much space as possible.

She doesn't mean it, but that doesn't give her the right to treat me like that!

Convinced that he did nothing wrong, he remained in this sorry excuse of a threatening posture.

Amber wouldn't budge an inch. She knew exactly how to handle men like Morris, she met them often enough and every time, it turned out the same.

"I'm leaving," she spoke with an unknown malice to her self-proclaimed boyfriend, "don't expect me to come back."

With that, she turned towards the door, trying to get out of the bedroom and to the one separating them from the hallway, hopefully without any disturbance. Morris turned with her, blocking the exit. She couldn't just leave like this, he needed her to listen!

"I'll scream, Chris!" her voice now a few pitches higher, fright clawing its way up her spine, "one call and the police will drag you back where you belong."

With that, she quickly squeezed past him and leaped down the stairs, leaving the door to hang open.

His vision white with anger but too frozen to do anything about it, Morris tried to sort his racing thoughts. He had known her to be less than loyal, sure, having fun was nothing to be ashamed of. But nobody just lets him stand in the dark like an idiot. Whatever poor soul she replaced him with - he couldn't bear the idea of it, thinking about it more like a quick change in scenery - he would be ready to forgive that slip-up too. He was patient enough for that, for her. She would learn that soon enough.

He had nothing to worry about, her imprudence would work in his favor. A few days at best, and she lays right where she belongs.

"You will crawl back to me, begging for my forgiveness!“ he screamed down the abandoned stairway, "Just you wait!"

--------

Elliot wondered if he would know anything besides unconsciousness. It felt more familiar by now, not that it bothered him: he preferred the thoughtless drifting over the waking world.

He understood nothing while laying in the stinted niche, his whole arm pulsating in heat. It had spread from his last two digits towards his elbow and further to the back of his neck. Wet and shaky, the limb continued to lay uselessly on the towel, blood-soaked, like everything else around him.

Elliot didn't want to recognize the familiar pressure next to him, like a shadow waiting to be seen. His captor hadn't moved in quite a while, impossible to pass even when asleep. The door leading to the garage and outside probably wasn't locked, he was practically free to go. 

Yeah, sure. 

God knows what Morris would rip out of him, if he dared to even look in the wrong direction. So he didn't.

The empty can was placed neatly on the mattress. Deep inside, he hoped Morris would just drug him up, let him forget the heat, the deep pain, the fact he would never sit at a piano again... Maybe he should cut that thing off, make it all go away.

Don't think about that, don't...

Tiny sniffles made their way up his nose. He would wake him up, he would come to and just make everything worse, Elliot was sure. The quiet weeping made him unaware of the silhouette shifting beside him, only a little, to place its meaty paw onto his shoulder.

"Don't cry, it's alright." 

It patted along the giant jacket enclosing Elliot, making his nerves flare up in agony once again. Screaming and crying: not fun, so shut the fuck up, come on...

"I've torn a ligament in my knee once, physical therapy really did its wonders." He ought to curse Morris out by now, but couldn't find a single spark of anger anymore, he was drained. "Your insurance should cover that, I hope."

No response came to guarantee Morris his incapacitated playmate was still up for a round. Trying wouldn't kill him, though.

"You wanna go back to the living room while we wait? It's warmer anyway, but if you still need to throw up, I can stay here."

Nothing. Playing hard to get, Morris assumed, he could handle that.

"She must really hate me, huh?" Elliot whispered instead. 

Please don't hurt my family. He thought of Ginkgo too, and how she would only survive for a week without him, like he deserved it for being always so fucking useless to everyone...

Morris dug through his back pocket, pulling out the stack of cards, nicked and smeared with what had swept out of him hours ago. It was time again if he wanted to or not.

I bore him, Elliot grasped, wanting to burst out laughing, like a bad episode he just wants to skip.

Quickly shuffling through the stack, he dealt them out as before, not being satisfied with solitaire or building a simple house of cards. Morris had spent so much energy to not hate the unfamiliar man, someone who had no fault regarding his experience with Amber. It used to feel like it, in a way, but not anymore. They were the same.

"You can start whenever you like!", he offered friendly, shifting to face Elliot, who still laid on his side.

Am I going to lose a foot if I decline? Or will you beg for my attention again?

"I never know what's the matter with you..." Elliot said instead, way too loud and not even meant to leave his head.

"I just want to make this easy for us - for you. Like yesterday, it went so well, better than I had expected."

Proud of managing his first-ever job without any assistance, Morris forgot for a second how everything after their boozy session went downhill. He wanted to hear about Elliot again, his hobbies, his life. We should start on common ground.

So he asked about the only thing really catching his attention:

„How did you meet Amber? You seem like a killjoy to me, not somebody she would drag around the nightlife."

"Houseparty of a mutual friend, Sarah, you know her? Contralto."

Of course, Morris knew her, she gave him a displeased look or two during their time together. Because he didn't belong to them, without Kant and Doc Martens. So he pretended to, just like right now, planning to google that word later in the day.

Elliot was turning absent again, he just parroted back the small talk.

"What about you?" A little meet-cute at the crack house? Wait-

"I don't think you wanna hear this," Morris continued, a bit quieter than normal. He shoved a few loose cards towards him.

No, nononono-

Through the fevered heat that started to crawl up his nape, he could finally see clear. He paid with two of his fingers to get the answer he was searching for.

"We met online and had a few drinks, nothing special." LIAR.

"Before or after?" he asked, nearly impossible to snuff out painful laughter. Morris just looked back at him with confusion. "Did she fuck you before or after you sold her weed?"

No answer to that, not that Elliot was in need of one. Twice in a year, this man ruined his life, and it took him way longer than expected to realize it.

"She always told me about a pharmacist," Elliot spoke to the ceiling above, to anyone who would listen, "and about how he would treat her so much better than I do, how ungrateful I was."

Morris didn't say a word, back to his stoic self. A lot more crest-fallen, admittedly, collecting the playing cards again.

"She loves this, her little fairy tales. Needs it. And when you're not worth the attention anymore, you get replaced, rebranded."

Morris knew it was a cocktail of the spreading infection paired with an old wound ripped open, he just wished back the Elliot who treated him with respect, like an actual human being. 

"You don't just break up with her like that, Elliot."

"Fuck, I sure did. If she cheats, what else are you supposed to do? Be alone, Morris, better alone than trapped."

"I have to do this. I have to. That's the last chance I get," Morris tried to convince Elliot, or maybe just himself.

"Nobody's making you do this. It's just you, always has been... Crippling me because a girl ghosts you, do you even hear yourself?"

His fleeting politeness didn't linger to aid his survival. Morris sounded like a toddler by now, unbelievable that this would be the man to ultimately end his life. Killed by a butthurt man-child, what a way to go. Elliot took it personally, though, he had every right to.

Morris would lose his calm any second to jump on top of him: strangling, stabbing, slicing. It was just a matter of time.

"I need to change that," he murmured, pointing to the dirty gauze and letting his mind drift far away from the accusations Elliot threw at him.

If it's delivered, her phone's on. And when it's on, she uses it. There was no other explanation, right? 

"Don't! I don't want your help!" 

Still, Elliot had no strength to resist the force with which his hand was taken from him, gently turned to be inspected.

"Look away!" he was told, while the jacket draped over his head to obscure the sight.

Please, I need to see, I need to know how bad it is. 

No matter how much he had insulted him just moments prior, Morris was so careful with his limb. A limb that was still attached to the rest of the infection-stricken man.

He didn't cut them off, Elliot realized, he didn't cut them off because he likes me.

He was correct with that assumption. Morris found joy in his captive, making the sight even harder when he pulled down the bandages. The whole upper part of Elliot's fingers were tinted in a cold blue, dark and unnatural to the sight. Tissue around the cuts was soft, providing no resistance when held. Like Play-Doh.

Morris thought of the medical dramas Amber forced him to watch more than once, but this was different. Squirming in the grasp, it was apparent that Elliot tried his best to stay still. Further up the digits, another agitator fell into his gaze: What had been white bloodless spots evolved into blisters.

Not blisters really, wet and open circles of infection, beginning to turn black in the middle. Morris thought of the bogman they pulled out of his grandmother's moorland when he was just about five. A hiker, the police told the villagers. It also smelled like it, decay tainting the bathroom.

"Does it look alright?" a thin voice came forward. No, it didn't.

"Sure, just as I said. A few screws and you're good as new." Morris needed to get more pills into his system, anything to help him overcome this. Amber should call any minute now, he hoped, claiming her to be sick for leading them on for such a long time.

------

I'm sorry, please call back. We can make this work.

Why don't you answer? I just want to explain myself!

Did you get a new number? Don't ignore me.

Are you with him again?

I have ways of making you talk to me, I'll make you regret your stubbornness.

Don't force me to do this.

After that, he had sent the first picture. Elliot in the stuffy trunk, bound like a birthday present and smeared with blood all over his face, blissfully unaware of the days to come. She had to have witness that, at least. Morris imagined her sitting together with her friends, laughing about how desperately he tried to get anywhere with her. Pathetic fit him.

He should have accepted Elliot's advice, snatch up one of those shallow leeches to mistreat instead. Rhys, that annoying prick always trying to start shit about current politics or Liz, dumb as a rock and twice as bland. Or Sahra, always at the butt of the joke.

Why not, actually, she didn't seem to be one to enjoy Amber. Sometimes, at least. Rummaging through Elliot's contacts, he quickly found what he was looking for. He couldn't fuck this up even more, so what was left to lose?

"Hello?" a confused voice answered, probably annoyed about being disturbed on a Sunday morning.

"Hey, Sahra. It's Chris!" Don't you dare hang up, don't complicate this further! "I just wanted to ask how you're doing!"

Silence.

"If you're searching for Amber, she not with me right now."

Short and brutal, she explained what he already knew. After the standstill on her socials, Amber didn't even visit her favorite bars or clubs, not even Sahra. He checked that.

"And she's still pissed about your fight, so don't expect anything from me."

Morris tried to take her gossiping lightly, wanting to get more information.

"Yeah, I know. It didn't go as planned, I tried to make amends, but she just went AWOL everywhere. Can't blame her for avoiding me." Hoping she would take the bait, Morris waited a second to let his desperation seep through the speaker. "By the way, how is your practice going?"

"What do you care?"

Bitch. With a glimpse towards the bathroom door, Morris walked up and down the living room, keeping the chit-chat going. What was the word again?

"I wanted to get us both tickets, Amber and me, for the show. You perform this Christmas, don't you? Wanted to bring on the advent spirit, just a little." Come on.

"Oh yeah, that's true," she admitted, a bit more gentle now. "I didn't know you kept that in mind."

"Contralto, right? I just want to make it up to her, but she ignores me ever since. I guess that's what I deserve..."

A sigh could be heard at the end of the line, he could practically hear her chewing her lip.

"Listen, Chris, that's sweet of you. But I don't think she will be able to go, even if she wanted." A horrible accident was the only acceptable reason for her behavior. He could visit her, bring her flowers, tuck her back into bed...

"Oh my god," he gasped instead, "please don't tell me it's something bad. I always told her to drive slower, I couldn't-"

"No, no, don't worry," came the hectic answer, "Well, maybe worry a little. I don't know if you should-"

"I just want to know if she's hurt! Please, Sahra, I agonized over this for two weeks!" Swallow that whole, you fucking cunt.

"You didn't hear that from me, okay?"

"I didn't hear anything!" He was close, so close.

"Fuck, Chris, she's in rehab."

For a second, Morris thought of nothing, like every plan and problem he juggled for the past weeks had left him for good. Rehab? No, she doesn't need that. He could take care of her, he could make it better... She didn't need that!

"Bought impure stuff. Some bastard cut it with heroin."

"Oh," he said flatly, "fucking hell."

Her information was still wrong, Amber didn't buy it.

"Yeah, but the outcome is nice, I suppose. Vegan buffet, aquarobics and all that bullshit. I just hope she's doing fine. It's some alternative place her parents picked out, no Wi-Fi and all that, they don't even allow them phone calls. I tried to reach her too, but no chance. You know, I always suspected-"

He let her tell the stories of Ayurveda treatments and deep cleansing methods in between therapy sessions and how long that might take. Weeks, she suspected. Time neither Morris nor Elliot had left, especially not here.

She hadn't seen any of it, any of the things he did for her.

Why didn't he call earlier, why did he give into the fantasies of getting back at her through hurting a man - hurting Elliot? Silently, he called himself every insult in the book, his self-image being drowned in shame. Morris had never been idiotic, though, the truth was considerably more wearing. Jealous, that's all he was.

"Chris?" It's been him, it has always been him. "Why did you argue?"

"She hurt someone," he answered automatically, his mouth as dry as the now blood-stained grout, "Our mutual...friend. It's bad, Sahra, I don't know what to do."

"Well, that's nothing new with her, right?" she whispered, taking a deep breath before marking the end of the pleasantries, "Please don't call me again."

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Thanks for reading 🤍 [Febuwhump 2023 Masterlist]

@febuwhump

[starset21]

Angel |Jake Seresin|

Standard disclaimer: I only own my original characters, I've done some research but there will likely be navy inaccuracies, and I do not consent to the posting, translating, or publishing of my work to any 3rd party site, the only place it may be found is tumblr and Wattpad under @.itswildflower

warnings: N/A

summary: Back in Miramar an aviator with the call sign Artemis is greeted by old and new friends. First day of training.

word count: 3,567

Previous Part ------- Next Part

Fighter Town U.S.A

Evangeline looked up at the Hard Deck sign as she got out of her red 1971 Mach 1, taking a moment to adjust the sleeves of her worn jean jacket before heading inside. The bar was an old yacht club that was converted into a ramshackle shrine to wild nights and Naval history. She greeted her favorite bartender with a smile. "What can I get you, Eve? Blue moon?" Penny asked. Evangeline smiles, "you know it, Penny." Penny hands her the beer and she places a $10 bill on the counter. "The old man is buying for everyone, Eve, he placed his phone on the counter." Evangeline dipped her head at the man in an aviator jacket, recognizing him immediately. "Keep the $10 anyways," she said, glancing around the room. "Penny, my dear, I'll have four more on the old-timer," a voice that she would never forget says from across the bar. Eve allowed the hair that was tucked behind an ear to cover her face from his view as Penny went and served him. Eve watched him walk away. 

When Bradley pulled up to the Hard Deck in his old Ford bronco and spotted a familiar red mustang he almost couldn't believe it, she was supposed to be in Florida. He made his way inside, taking his shades off and allowing his eyes to adjust. "Bradshaw! Is that you? This is how I find out you're stateside?" Phoenix calls out. "Yeah, I just thought I'd surprise you," he said as a way of greeting as he scanned the crowd for that familiar blonde hair. Eve watched him walk over to the pool tables where a bunch of pilots in uniform were talking. Phoenix walked around the pool table, lining up a shot before drawing the stick back into Brad's stomach causing him to hunch over and groan. "I guess I surprised you back," she says with a smirk. "It's good to see you," he said as he straightened out, a lopsided smile on his face. "You too, Rooster." Eve made her way through the crowd of service members until she was right behind Bradley. She placed a hand on Brad's shoulder causing him to turn and look down at the shorter woman. "Eve!" The two best friends since childhood took each other in for a moment. Bradley's hand gently reached for the silvery pink scar on her forehead and ran a finger over it before he brought her into a tight hug. "I heard what happened," he murmured. "M' alright Brad, I'm alive, the munchkin is happy and that's all that matters," she told him. "I tried to get leave to come to see you after your dad told me you were stateside, but it never worked out..." he trailed off as Phoenix cleared her throat. Bradley stepped to the side revealing Eve to the others. "Who's your friend Rooster?" Phoenix asked. "Bradshaw. Evangeline. As I live and breathe," that familiar voice from earlier called out. His green eyes met her blue ones as she finally looked at the man she hadn't seen in almost 4 years.

"Hangman. You look..." Bradley trailed off. "Good," he drawled, finally deciding on a word. "Well, I am good, Rooster. I'm very good. In fact, I am too good to be true." Eve rolled her eyes at the man when he winked at her. She turned to Phoenix and held out her hand. "Evangeline, callsign Artemis," she introduced herself. "Natasha, callsign Phoenix." Eve smiled, "I know, Brad's talked about you before. It's nice to finally meet you." Natasha shook her hand. "So, anybody knows what this special detachment is all about?" Reuben 'Payback' Fitch asked. "No, a mission's a mission. What I want to know is who's gonna be the team leader?" Jake 'Hangman' Seresin said as he hit the white pool ball into the others. "And which one of y'all has what it takes to follow me?" he added. Eve downed the rest of her drink as Mickey 'Fanboy' Garcia, another close friend of hers, made his way over to her and gave her a hug. "Hangman, the only place you'll lead anyone is an early grave," Bradley states. Mickey snickered but Eve watched as Coyote's face fell and Jake's throat bobbed before he replied. "Well, anyone who follows you is just gonna run out of fuel. But that's just you, ain't it, Rooster? You're snug on that perch, waiting for just the right moment... that never comes," Jake retorted. "I love this song!" He exclaimed as he strutted away while Slow Ride by Foghat played through the jukebox. "Well, he hasn't changed," Nat mutters. "Nope. Sure hasn't," Brad added. Eve frowned, her eyes following the man back over to the bar. "Check it out. More patches," Mick says, pointing towards the door with his beer. All of them look. "That's Harvard, Yale, Omaha. Shit, that's Fritz. What the hell kind of mission is this?" Payback asks. "That's not the question we should be asking. Everyone here is the best there is. Who the hell are they gonna get to teach us?" Nat asks. Bradley walked over to the jukebox and unplugged it, earning some grumbling from the other patron before he sat down at the piano and began tapping out some Jazz tunes. "Hey, guys. Come on," Nat says nodding her head over in the direction of the piano. Penny's bell rang out again and the crowd clapped, beginning to chant, "Overboard! Overboard! Overboard!" Coyote, Payback, and Hangman threw the man out into the sand just outside of the Hard Deck which was followed by a round of applause. Bradley begins playing an all too familiar song causing Eve to grin as she sat down beside him, bumping his shoulder lightly as the whole bar joined in on singing the song.

"Goodness gracious great balls of fire..."

Before the day's briefing was to start Eve was called into Admiral Simpson's office. "You requested my presence, Admiral?" The Admiral nodded and leaned forward in his seat. "Were you cleared for flight Artemis?" he asked getting to the point straight away. She had a doctor's appointment the other afternoon before she had gone to the Hard Deck, all tests were cleared, and she could get in a jet. "Yes sir," she replied stiffly. Cyclone leaned back in his chair again, "Good, you are one of my top picks for this mission. Your skills will be invaluable." Eve swallowed and nodded before saying, "Thank you, sir." The Admiral waved his hand, "That was all, you're dismissed." Bradley was waiting for her in the hallway. "You're a Lieutenant Commander now Eve?" Bradley asked in a teasing way, a brow raised as he motioned to the updated name patch on her flight suit as they walked out of the office buildings and towards the hangar that would serve as their 'classroom.' Eve smacked his arm lightly, "it happened after the accident ok." Bradley pouted, feigning pain for a moment before straightening up. "In all seriousness, I'm surprised it wasn't more after what you went through," he told her. "I'm glad it wasn't," was all she muttered as they came to their destination. The aviators all lingered around, standing, talking, and laughing. Eve hardly even glanced at Hangman and simply claimed her chair next to Bradley when "Attention on deck!" was called.

All of the aviators stood, their chairs scraping against the ground. The Admirals walked down the center aisle and up to the podium. "Morning. Welcome to your special training detachment. Be seated." They all sat down. "I'm Admiral Bates, NAWDC commander. You're all top gun graduates. The elite. The best of the best." A few of the aviators smirked at that. "You've all spent your careers flying close air support for troops on the ground with little to no air-to-air threat. That was yesterday. The enemy's new fifth-generation fighter has leveled the playing field." Those who had smirked now looked grim as he paused for effect. "Details are few, but you can be sure we no longer possess the technological advantage. Success, now more than ever, comes down to the man or woman in the box." Hangman looked back at Phoenix and Artemis with a smirk. Phoenix just subtly flipped him off and Artemis rolled her eyes. "Half of you will make the cut. One of you will be named mission leader. The other half will remain in reserve. Your instructor is a top gun graduate with real-world experience in every mission aspect you will be expected to master. His exploits are legendary. And he's considered to be one of the finest pilots this program has ever produced. What he has to teach you may very well mean the difference between life and death. I give you captain Pete Mitchell. Call sign: "Maverick." They all looked to the back when they heard boots on the ground. Hangman and Coyote sunk down in their chairs a little when they realized just who they had thrown out of the Hard Deck last night. Bradley's expression turned icy after hearing the name. Eve shoots him a concerned glance. She understands the significance of this moment. He had Bradley's papers pulled from the academy, without explanation, which ended up setting him back 4 years. Maverick steps to the podium. "Good morning," he said holding up a handbook.

"The F-18 natops. It contains everything they want you to know about your aircraft. I'm assuming you know the book inside and out." A chorus of, "Damn right. Damn straight. And You got it," came from the aviators. "So does your enemy." Mav threw the book in the trash. Cyclone glowers and throws a look at Warlock. "And we're off," Eve muttered to herself. "But what the enemy doesn't know is your limits. I intend to find them, test them, and push beyond them. Today we'll start with what you only think you know. You show me what you're made of," Maverick finished. The aviators stood splitting off into their groups for the exercise. "Rooster," Mav called out as they walked down the hallway. "Bradley." Brad ignored the man, glancing sideways at Eve. "Lieutenant Bradshaw!" Bradley's nostrils flared as he stopped nodding his head for Eve to continue on. "Don't say something that could get you in trouble," she warned, hesitating for a moment but continuing on when Bradley had turned to face his superior. "Yes, sir," he replied. "Let's not do it like this," Mav tries. "You gonna wash me out?" Bradley asks. "That'll be up to you, not me," Pete says. Bradley narrows his eyes. "Am I dismissed?" he asks. Mav looks down at the concrete before nodding and Bradley walks away, making his way over to his jet for preflight checks.

"Good morning, aviators. This is your captain speaking. Welcome to basic fighter maneuvers. As briefed, today's exercise is dog fighting. Guns only, no missiles. We do not go below the hard deck of 5,000 feet. Working as a team, you have to shoot me down, or else," Maverick's voice came through the radio loud and clear. "Or else what, sir?" Payback asks. "Or else I shoot back. If I shoot either one of you down, you both lose," Mav replied. "This guy needs an ego check," Hangman mutters as he plays with a model F-18. "Says you," Eve scoffed. "We'll see to it," Omaha and Fritz say as they high-five. Payback's voice comes over the radio, "What say we put some skin in the game?" Eve sat down on the couch across from Hangman with a groan. "What do you have in mind?" he asks. "Whoever gets shot down first has to do 200 push-ups," Fanboy suggests. "Guys. That's a lot of push-ups," Mav replies. "They don't call it an exercise for nothing, sir," Fanboy counters. "You got yourself a deal, gentlemen. The fight's on. Let's turn and burn," Mav kicks his jet into gear before moving to where they couldn't see him. "Fanboy, you see him?" Payback asks. "Nothing on radar up ahead. He must be somewhere behind us." Mav came around. "Tally, tally, tally! Maverick's coming in! Break left!" Fanboy yells. "Breaking left," Payback responds. "Payback, where's your wingman?" Maverick asks. "Rooster, where are you?" Payback calls out. "I got your back. I'm coming. Hang in there. Hang in there!" Rooster responds. "Hurry up, man! Hurry up!" Fanboy yells. "Payback, break right," Rooster calls. "Breaking right." Maverick smirked, "Rooster just saved your life, fellas. But it's gonna cost him." Mav moved in behind Rooster. "Not this time, old man," Rooster replied nose-diving down before Mav could get a lock. "Rooster, you're too low! Pull up! You're hitting the hard deck!" Payback calls. "Oh, shit." Rooster pulls up. "That's a kill," Mav said after getting tone. The class waited in silence. Phoenix stares out the window and Hangman paces. Rooster, Payback, and Fanboy landed, leaving Rooster to begin his pushups. "That should be us down there," Fanboy mutters watching him outside. Eve walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "But it's not. And now you know a little something about Rooster." A voice came over the intercom, "Fritz, Harvard, Yale... You're up." They nod to one another, psyching themselves up for their flight.

"Artemis, Payback, Fanboy," was the next team called out over the intercom. Eve ran through all her preflight checks with ease but as she reached for the control stick to begin taxiing a tremor ran through her hand. She looked at the picture of her daughter she had taped up again and swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. Pushing aside the memories of her last time in a jet she took a few deep breaths and with one small self-pep talk later she was in the air with Payback and Fanboy. "Hey Artemis, how did you get your callsign, Fanboy never told me." She'd been in flight school with him when she got it but it kind of surprised her that he hadn't told his pilot about it, it had been one of his favorite stories to tell. "Artemis is the greek goddess of the hunt. I'm damn good in a dogfight," she told him the simplified version. "Prove it, Artemis," Maverick called out as he flew out from under them to right between them, causing Artemis and Payback to barrel roll out of the way as he flipped around in pursuit of them. "Evasive maneuvers," Artemis called out immediately. "Keep him occupied Payback, I got this!" She slowed down so Maverick shot past her. Maverick caught on to what she was doing and broke from chasing Payback to come after her. "Shit, Payback!" she called out zig-zagging and trying to avoid tone. "I'm coming Artemis!" She headed up into the sun's glare to try and lose him. "Where's he at Fanboy?" Artemis called out. "He followed you," Fanboy confirmed for her. Eve smirked from beneath her mask. "Perfect." She flipped around and dove again, using the sun in Maverick's eyes as cover. "You can't hide from me, Artemis," Mav taunted, even though he could no longer see her. "Wanna bet," she grinned as she got tone on him. "That's a kill." Maverick couldn't help but smile, pride for his friend's daughter shooting through him. "Well done Artemis, let's head back to base, I have some pushups to do."

Back on the ground, the other aviators were stunned into silence as Payback and Fanboy cheered for her through the radio. "Who the hell is this woman?" Omaha asked after a moment, clearly never having heard much about the aviator. "She's a Kazanksy," Rooster said as if that was explanation enough. "She's got at least 2 air-to-air kills last time I checked," Hangman spoke up. "It's 4 now," Rooster corrected. Several of the aviator's eyes widened. "How did you guys not know, her name is literally on her flight suit," Hangman asked with a raised brow. They landed and Maverick completed his pushups. The trio walked into the lounge and while Payback went to grab them water from the fridge in the corner the other two collapsed on the couch. The remaining aviators were looking at Eve like she was an anomaly and it was starting to irritate her. "Alright what is it," she asks. "You're the daughter of Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky? A 4-star Admiral, and the commander of the pacific fleet?" Fritz says. "And? What's your point?" she asks, an eyebrow raised. "How are you not a higher rank with 4 kills? That's more than Maverick and he's a captain," he questioned. Eve's brows knit together. Maverick also has like 30 years of experience to her 10, not to mention he's highly decorated for being a captain. "I'm a Lieutenant Commander, which is higher than you. My rank is none of your goddamn business unless you are addressing me directly, do you understand me, Lieutenant," she snapped. She was tired of getting accused of nepotism. "Yes, Ma'am," Fritz responded immediately. Fanboy placed a hand on her shoulder as he glared at them. Eve let out a deep breath before simply leaning back again, staring up at the ceiling, her jaw clenched. "Phoenix, Bob, Hangman. Your turn," was called over the intercom. "With him?" Phoenix groans. Phoenix and Hangman shared a look. Neither one wants to fly with the other. "With her?" Hangman mocks.

"Say, Phoenix. How about we tell everybody 'Bob' stands for something?" Hangman calls out as he flies along her left side. "Other than Robert, I mean," he adds. "Don't take the bait, Bob. Want to know why we call him Hangman?" Phoenix asks. "I got it. 'Baby on board.'" He chuckles to himself. "Shit!" he yells as Maverick flies between them making them veer out of the way. "Greetings, aviators. The fight's on," the captain calls out. "All right, Phoenix, let's take this guy out!" Hangman yells. "Watch your back, Phoenix," Bradley mutters as he leans against the counter listening to them. "Break right!" Bob calls out. "Breaking right," she responds. "Where's he going?" Bob asks. "That's why we call him Hangman. He'll always hang you out to dry," Phoenix replies dryly. "Leaving your wingman. There's a strategy I haven't seen in a while," Mav says, though it's more to himself rather than the other pilots. "He called you a man, Phoenix. You gonna take that?" Hangman asks. "So long as he doesn't call you a man," she replied. Eve held in a laugh at that. "Talk to me, Bob. Where's Maverick?" she asks. "Jesus, his nose is already coming around!" Bob exclaims. "Get him off me, Hangman!" Phoenix yells. "For all you folks at home, this is how you Bury a fossil," Hangman says. "All right, Hangman. Time to teach you a lesson," Mav smirks, "You're out, Phoenix." Phoenix gripped her stick tighter. "Son of a bitch!" she exclaimed. "Let's go, Mav. Let's see what you got," Hangman calls out. "Come get me," Maverick tells him. "Evil be gone. Hangman's coming." Eve rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you're good. I'll give you that," Mav says moving his jet around and behind him. "Shit. Phoenix, I can't see him. How close am I? Phoenix?" Hangman called. "I'm dead, dickhead," she replied. "See you in the afterlife, bag man," Bob adds. "Where is he? Where is he?" Hangman's head was on a swivel looking for the man. The tone sounded before Mav's voice rang out, "That's a kill." Omaha, Halo, and Coyote went next and were also taken out almost immediately.

Last out for the day was Hangman, Rooster, and Artemis all flying side by side. "So, Rooster, mind if I ask you a personal question?" Hangman starts. "Would it matter if I did?" Rooster asked. "What's the story with you and Maverick? It seems like he's got you rattled," Hangman states. "That's none of your business. Now where the hell is he?" Rooster asks. "Been here the whole time," Maverick says as he moves to invert over Rooster. "Holy shit," Hangman says. "You see me now? Come on, let's get it over with," Maverick says. "Fight's on!" Rooster yells. "What is with these two?" Hangman asks. Eve doesn't say anything, just keeps her eyes on them as they spiral around. "All right, you put us here. How are you gonna get yourself out?" Mav asked. "You can bail out anytime," Rooster yells. "How low you want to go, Rooster?" Mav asks. "I can go as low as you, sir! And that's saying something." Eve shook her head at the two idiots. "What's past is past. For both of us," Mav said. "You'd like to believe that, wouldn't you?" Rooster asked. "Hard deck is 5,000 feet, fellas. You are running out of room," Hangman called out. "Your strategy is about to run us into the ground. What's your move?" Mav asks. "Damnit guys pull up!" Artemis called. They listened and Rooster ended up behind Mav, a clear shot if he'd only take it. "Come on, Rooster, you got him! Drop down and take the shot!" Hangman exclaimed. "It's too low," Rooster says. Oh, now it's too low for him. Eve sighed and shook her head. "Too late. You had your chance." Mav hit the brakes and flipped around so he was behind Rooster. "That's a kill. Knock it off," he said. "Damn it!" Rooster yelled. "Same old Rooster," Hangman teased. "Go see Hondo about your push-ups," Mav said before signaling it was time to head in.