#JakeSeresin

[inkdrinkerworld]

hi honey!! if you’re still taking requests for your holiday event, can I get ⟼ Cranberry and Peppermint Honey cake with shy!reader and jake seresin pls? love u sm x

Hi baby! They’re still very open!! I hope this is okay, it’s been a while since I wrote for Jake!

“Darlin’ you gonna come out so I can see it?” Jake’s on the other side of your changing stall, a couple of pants options thrown over his forearm as he waits.

You’ve been in there trying on a pair of thick linen blue trousers- something that you’d been eyeing on the stores website.

“I’m not sure if I like it,” you say through the door, though you know Jake is gonna want to see it for himself.

“Can i be the judge of that, pretty thing?” He flirts, listening to the door unlatch and then stepping back so he can see you fully.

The pants look amazing on you and Jake doesn’t hold back from letting you know.

“Babydoll, are these painted on?” He hangs the rest of the pants on the rack of the door and lets his hands hover over the curve and dip of your hips. “Gimme a spin, god damn you look good.”

When you spin, Jake does a low whistle that has you hitting his chest before hiding your face between the muscles of his chest.

“Stop it,” you murmur, completely embarrassed as you clench your eyes shut.

“But these look amazing on you, little lady.” He’s busting out all his southern charm and it’s hard to stay mad when his Texan accent gets all the more thicker for it.

“Jake,” you try for stern but he knows you’re just getting more and more flustered.

“Babydoll,” he says with less ‘vitriol’ and more fondness. “Do you think I’d lie to ya? No I wouldn’t, now go try it with this low cut top,” he produces a top from the selection hanging on the door. “Its gonna be perfect.”

He stamps a kiss to your lips before you can close the door and chuckles when he hears you muttering about ‘southern charm’ and ‘that damn dimple.”

[shirtlessmoviestv]

Glen Powell : Men's Health Magazine Photoshoot

[floydsglasses]

I'm more of a Bob Girlie but this song fits this man so well 💜

Follow me on TikTok @ Floydsglasses

[footprintsinthesxnd]

Scared to love you

Pairings: Jake Seresin x reader

Warnings: mentions of sex, unstable upbringing

This was a lovely request from two very lovely people @callsignmaverick5 and @emma8895eb. Both had lovely Jake x reader requests so I thought I’d combine them as they went so well together. Hope you enjoy. Thank you to @callsign-phoenix for proofreading for me.

The sun was growing low on the horizon when Jake pulled up to the base, casting an orange glow across the evening sky. He parked the car and turned to you, watching as your knee bounced nervously.

“Hey, it’s going to be ok. Nothing is gonna happen, Baby.” He reassured you, bringing you in for a sweet kiss. You melted into his lips and instantly felt a little better.

“I know. I’m just nervous, I’ve never been in your plane before.”

“Well, this is a perfect time. It’s normally quiet in the evenings so there won’t be many people to catch us.” He gave you his signature cheeky smirk, before jumping out of the car.

You followed after him quickly, his long legs striding across the tarmac and towards the locker room. Natasha had said that you could borrow one of the female flight suits, she let on that Jake had been planning to take you up in his F18 since you’d met. Your heart swelled in your chest at that thought. You loved Jake Seresin with all your heart and although he was reluctant to say those three words back, you told him every day. You knew that he loved you, from his actions and the way he kissed you. You understood why he was afraid. Jake’s family hadn’t exactly been the most stable and loving and so he’d grown up knowing that emotions were a weakness so you’d take it slow, building up the trust between you. In the back of your mind, you knew that one day he would say it when he was ready.

You changed into one of the flight suits quickly, glancing occasionally over to your boyfriend as you watched him change, the muscles of his back rippling under his tanned skin. Once you were ready Jake set you up with a helmet and your oxygen, ensuring that you were all ready before he did his own. He grabbed your hand, smiling as he eagerly pulled you towards the hanger. Once inside he pulled you toward the plane furthest away and as you approached you couldn’t help but smile proudly. On the side of the plane in dark grey letters read “Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin”.

“Pretty cool, huh?” You could see the excitement on Jake’s face as he waved his hand towards the plane.

“Very cool,” you admitted, and it was true. You might not have been into planes but this was something else. You felt a great sense of pride knowing that your boyfriend was protecting his country.

“Unfortunately we both can’t fly it because it’s a F/A-18E.” You looked at him, utterly confused but he quickly corrected himself, realizing that he was talking a completely different language to you.

“It means it’s a single, but Phoenix said we could borrow her and Bob’s plane, as long as we didn’t have sex in it.” He laughed as he watched your face contort in horror, “don’t worry, Darlin’ we won’t and anyway you know how much room I need when I make love to you.” You cringed inwardly at Jake’s awful attempt to seduce you. Honestly, this man always had sex on the brain. He helped you climb up into Bob’s seat before hopping into the seat in front of you. You picked at the ends of your gloves nervously as the plane began to move. Once you were out on the hangar Jake put the canopy down and you could hear his voice come through on the radio.

“Are you ok back there, Baby?”

“Yep, all good,” you tried not to sound too nervous, after all, you were excited to be in a plane with Jake. He’d told you so many times about the amazing sunsets and views so you were excited to see them for yourself.

You could feel your stomach churning as the plane picked up speed and you had to suppress a scream as you felt the ground disappear beneath you. You climbed higher and faster before you eventually levelled out. You could see the base far below you as you cruised above the clouds. Jake’s voice echoed in your ears but you barely heard him, too enthralled by the view.

“Jake this is incredible,” you whispered and could hear Jake laughing lightly.

“I told you it was worth it.”

The colours danced past you as you placed your hand up the glass in complete awe.

“I’ve always loved this view. It’s one of my favourite parts of the day, except for coming home to you, Baby.” He added and you could tell he was smiling.

“I love it, Jake.”

“I knew you would. I wanted you to be a part of something I love so much because… well… I love you, (y/n). It’s always been you. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to say it and I know now I seem like an idiot because it was so easy to say but… I was just scared. I was scared that after I said it that would be it and the magic would be gone and you’d want to leave.” You could tell Jake was starting to tear up slightly and you leaned forward the best you could, trying to gently touch his shoulder. Jake very rarely showed his emotions so this was a real breakthrough for him. He nodded as you reassured him and soon regained his composure. The rest of the flight was smooth, you finished your circuit of North Island before descending and back to base. You held your breath as the plane touched down and finally sighed with relief once Jake had parked it back in the hangar.

As the canopy opened, Jake hopped out, helping you down. As soon as your feet touched the tarmac you wrapped your arms tightly around his neck, hugging him. “I love you, Jake Seresin. Thank you for sharing your world with me.”

Jake chuckled, placing a delicate kiss on your forehead.

“You’re welcome, Darlin’. Thank you for being in my world. I love you so much.” You wove your fingers into the hair at the base of his neck, pulling him down into a delicate kiss. Your lips met passionately and Jake’s hand trailed up your stomach, unzipping your flight suits.

“Seresin? Is that you?” You jumped away from Jake quickly, trying to compose yourself.

“Shit! It’s Cyclone. Quick. Quick. Go! Go! Go!” Jake pushed you out of the hangar, grabbing your hand as you raced towards Jake’s car, your clothes forgotten. Once inside the car you burst into a fit of giggles, nervously looking out the window to see Cyclone looking around the empty hangar.

“That was too close,” you whispered but Jake just hummed, his lips already attacking your neck. You tried to push him away. “No, Jake, we can’t. Phoenix said I could borrow one of the flight suits, not have sex in it,” you groaned.

Jake pulled away briefly, “she said we couldn’t have sex in her plane, she never mentioned anything about the uniform.” It was safe to say that you washed the flight suit three times before giving it back to Natasha, rather embarrassed, luckily she was none the wiser putting it back in the pile with the other spares, although knowing Jake’s big mouth you soon wouldn’t be able to look her in the eye.

Tag list: @callsign-phoenix @imjess-themess @blue-aconite @averyhotchner @mayhem24-7forever @green-socks @alexxavicry @a-reader-and-a-writer @topguncortez @maggiescarborough @callsignmaverick5 @ssprayberrythings @smoothdogsgirl @xoxabs88xox @luckyladycreator2 @abaker74 @elenavampire21 @classyunknownlover @okiegirl24 @flashyourgreeneyesatme @sunlightmurdock @basiccortez @airedale17

[luminouslywriting]

SUPER SUPER PROUD TO SHARE THAT I’M ALMOST DONE WITH THIS FIC :) SO GO CHECK IT OUT SINCE I ONLY HAVE 2 CHAPTERS TO GO!

Atlas: A Top Gun: Maverick Fanfiction (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/story/345760002-atlas-a-top-gun-maverick-fanfiction?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_myworks&wp_uname=blueviolingirl28 Kelsey Ryan is the younger sister of Bradley Bradshaw. The only father she's ever known is Captain Pete Mitchell, the notorious wanderer. After her mother's death, Kelsey decides to do something totally radical. She takes off and travels the globe. Coming face to face with her own worst fear-falling in love-Kelsey must navigate the tumultuous waters of adulthood, all the while balancing the fact that she's dating a pilot, something she swore never to do. Now that her boyfriend has been called back to Top Gun for a top secret mission, Kelsey will come face to face with family. With what seems like the whole world on her shoulders, Kelsey's going to need to make some hard decisions. Decisions concerning her future, her health, and the fate of the people she loves most.

[moony35]

i love the smile? yes 

[swan-lily13]

was not mentally prepared for glen this morning

[itsthestutterforme]

“No, Fuck That” 1/2 (Jake “Hangman” Seresin x black!reader)

Prompt credit: @thelonelyempath : “What are you trying to say?” “Hate me if you want but you know I’m right,” “Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not your boyfriend. We’re just fucking. And if you give me any more attitude, tomorrow I might fuck someone else.”

Summary: Jake was your sneaky link and the inevitable happens, one of you caught feelings.

Notes: GIF is not mine, all mistakes are my own, mentions of sex, attempted assault

—

“What’s your problem?” Jake asks, hopping out of his truck when he sees you pull up to your apartment. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” You brush passed him to walk into the lobby. “You’ve been moping around all day,” “And why do you care if I’m moping,”

“I don’t.” You tap your key fob to the elevator before pressing the up button. “Then why are you here?” The two of you watched the arrow above the elevator glow as the door opened. “You know why,” “Are you going in? Or..” he adds, motioning to the elevator. You waited for the door to closed to face, crossing your arms. “Thought you would be with the blondie from the bar.” You taunt.

“That’s what this is about?” He said with a scoff, watching as the elevator closes. “We’re not together, Y/N.” “I’m aware of that, Jake. I don’t need you to remind me of that.” You grumbled, tapping the key fob on pad with a little more force. “So what? You wanna call it.”

“That’s the smart choice, yes. But I know myself… you need the burn the bridge completely so there’s no chance of doing this again.” “So lay it on me, and be brutal about it.” “I’m not going to give the satisfaction you need. No, fuck that.” His cerulean eyes cut daggers at you as he closed the gap between you.

“You fucked up a good thing.” “I fucked it up?” “Yes, you just had to catch feelings, didn’t you?” “Oh fuck you,” you move to tap the key fob again and he held your arm tightly. “You knew what you were getting into when we started messing around. Let me guess, you wanted to change me, right?”

“Let go of me, Jake.” “Hate me if you want but you know I’m right. You fucked it up, not me.” “You’ve said enough. Just go.” “Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not your boyfriend. We’re just fucking. And if you don’t clean up whatever shit is going on with you, tomorrow I might fuck someone else.”

There it was. The burning of the bridge, and the flames were roaring. Now it was your turn to get in his face. “Then go! There’s nothing keeping you here besides your stubbornness. You’re such an asshole!” You shove his chest with enough force to make him stumble a few steps back.

The elevator dinged, opening to three people. “Sorry,” you mumbled, stepping to the side to let them pass. You walked into the elevator, letting out a shaky breath when he met his gaze. He almost looked… conflicted. But that was no longer your problem. He was no long your problem.

So why were you crying? “God, can you please close already?” You tell the elevator. You pushed the fourth floor button feverishly until the door began to close. Before he even realized what was happening, Jake’s hand stops the doors from closing.

“What are you doing?” You hiss. “I..” “No, you don’t get to say anything after the bullshit you just pulled.” He makes a move to step into the elevator. “Get. Out.” You said, venom dripping from your voice. He met your gaze, his face softening when he saw more tears steaming down your face despite the confidence of your head lifted high, your chest heaving with anger.

“Okay,” he said softly, letting the elevator close. A sob escaped you and you ran a hand over your face. You tried to take deep breaths to calm yourself, wiping the tears away before someone saw you.

**

You further snuggled your pillow in your arms, grumbling at Phoenix’s voice. “You think he’s in here, crying and sleeping all day?” She asked. “No, he doesn’t give a shit. That’s the problem. He doesn’t give a shit, and I do. So just let me deal with it in peace.” You groaned into the pillows.

“But you’re not dealing with it, Y/N. You’re letting it consume you. You haven’t showered in days. You’ve barely eaten.” She sits at the edge of your bed and you turned your body the other way. “I know you care for that asshole but there’s no better time than the present to get over him. Just take it one day at a time, baby doll.” She adds.

“Do you want a hug?” She asked after a few moments of silence. “Yes,” you croak, sitting up in bed and leaned into her open arms. “He doesn’t deserve your tears. Now how about you come with me to go on some errands. And then we go to a party later at night?” She consoles and smooths a hand over your frizzed hair.

“Okay,” you said with a nod. She waited patiently in your living room while you showered, washed your hair and got dressed. She took you out for breakfast before you went on errands with Phoenix like she promised. She saved her errands at the air base last, leaving you in the car so you didn’t cross paths with Jake.

She wore her jumper to the party because there were going to be fellas from the Army and the Marines showing up at the party. After all, it was her buddy in the Army that was throwing the party. And if there are going to be people from other branches, you can count on Jake being there to stir up some trouble.

By the time you and Phoenix arrive at the party, Jake, Coyote, Payback, Bob, Rooster and Fanboy were there playing pool and darts. The air was thick with fumes from the vapes and weed. “Hey Phoenix! Y/N!” Rooster yells over the music. You gave him a small smile, scanning the room for the drink table. You spot a bottle and a couple red cups in the kitchen.

A hand catches yours and Phoenix asks, “Where you going?” “I refuse to go through tonight sober.” She gives you a worried look. “Don’t worry. I know my limits.” You reassure, weeding through the crowd until you got to the kitchen. You opened the cabinet in search for a shot glass when you found a new bottle of Royal Crown.

“Now we’re talking,” you poured yourself a shot and knocked it back without a second though. You let out a long breath before pouring another one. You brought the rim to your lips when a familiar scent filled your nose, cologne and fucking pine.

“Do you know where the beers are?” Jake asks you. “How am I suppose to know, Seresin? I just got here.” “You seem to know where the Royal Crown was. You’ve been in this house before, Y/L/N?” He prods. “Fuck off,” you snark before knocking back the shot.

“I just want to talk,” you put the lid back on the bottle and put the bottle back in the satin bag. Setting the shot glass in the sink, you opened the fridge to cases of beer. “The beer is in here,” you day, taking two from the fridge and walking passed him to meet Phoenix.

“Did you hear what I said?” “I did. I just chose to ignore it.” You pushed your way through the crowd once again. “There you are. I was about to go find you.” Phoenix says, gracefully taking the beer from your hands. “Did a little pregame,” you smiled as Rooster approached you with open arms.

“You doing okay?” He asks, wrapping his arms around you. “Always,” he booped his nose into yours, making your nose crinkle. “You’re breaking, Y/N/N.” He hands you a pool stick and you caught Jake’s gaze from the kitchen. You brushed off his stare and racked the balls into the triangle, pulling it back until it was straight.

Jake watched as you played pool with Rooster and Phoenix. Your two body guards, he thought to himself. You were beginning to enjoying yourself when you noticed an unconscious woman asleep on the couch and two men dressed in Army uniforms picking her up and dragging her up the stairs.

You beelined through the crowd to get to the woman before anything happened. Little did you know, Jake was following behind you because he noticed the same thing. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” You call after the guys. “Mind your damn business,” one man snarks, barely able to get the words out without slurring.

“Put her down you fucking rapists,” you spit. One men held the unconscious woman in his arms while the other made his way to you. “I said, mind your-“ you landed a solid punch to his nose, relieved when you felt the crack on your knuckles. “You fucking bitch,” the man dropped the woman and charged towards you.

Jake grappled him, picking the man up and throwing him on his back. He threw punch after punch until the man fell unconscious. Meanwhile, the man whose nose you broke was livid. He back handed you across the face and gripped your neck as he shoved you into the wall.

You lifted your entire arm and brought it down to his inner elbows, causing his arm to bend. He leant forward from the pressure of your arm locked around his and you took the opportunity to elbow him in his face. His eyes watered as he fell to his knees and Jake choked him out from behind.

“You alright?” He asked as he was catching his breath. Before you could open your mouth to say anything, someone asks, “What the hell happened up here?” When you looked up, it was some more Army men. They looked at two of their own knocked out on the floor.

Some men strided towards Jake and you stood in front of him. “This must be some misunderstanding. These men were trying to take her upstairs and into that room. We had no idea what their intentions were.” You explained. “Do any of you know this woman?” You add, their eyes fell to the woman’s sleeping form.

“No, we don’t.” “Then we should ask around until someone knows,” you sighed in relief them they agreed and went back downstairs. “Why did you follow me?” You asked Jake once you two were finally alone. “I don’t know,” “Yes you do,” you turned to face him.

“And if you say something stupid like ‘I’m afraid how you make me feel’, I will walk.” “We should talk after we get her home safe.” You waited a moment before nodding in agreement.

[flintstill]

thank you @jakeseresins for the tag!

i’m over 5'5 / i wear glasses or contacts / i have blonde hair / i often wear sweatshirts / i prefer loose clothing over tight clothes* / i have one or two piercings / i have at least one tattoo / i have blue eyes* / i have dyed or highlighted my hair* / i have or have had braces / i have freckles / i paint my nails* / i typically wear makeup / i don’t often smile* / resting bitch face / i play sports* / i play an instrument / i know more than one language / i can cook or bake / i like writing / i like to read / i can multitask / i’ve never dated anyone* / i have a best friend i’ve known for over five years* / i am an only child

and because i'm prone to over-explanation: *honestly neither but in between *started blue at least *only ever semi-permanent *sometimes/rarely but yes *wtf is considered often? I wouldnt say rarely but neither often *more like played but would again

*as in never been in a relationship *known each other just about 5yrs, I'd consider him my best friend prob the past 3-4

(No pressure) tagging @nervous-queer, @dulciecollins, @bearsbeetsbeskar, @theyhaveacavetroll, @tsilvy, @nomen-isst-omen, @skinnyscottishbloke, and @blueboxandbuttons, and anyone else who wants to!

[horseshoegirl]

Short Change Hero?! 👀👀👀👀

Star! <3

So Short Change Hero is a Western!Sheriff Jake oneshot. It actually came about when my mom and I were listening to old country music, like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. What really sold the idea was when my Grandfather started to rewatch his favourite Western Movies shortly after that, and my brain went do it!

The interesting thing about this one, though, cause of my writing style; I'm actually writing an OFC with the name Emily. It's a little self-fulfilling, considering my name is actually Emily, but there are hardly any fan fics out there with the name. I wanted to change that with this one.

@sarahsmi13s Sent in an ask about this one, too! So the snippet for it will be in hers!

[sweetlittlegingy]

I absolutely love your “Better Man” universe. It’s so well thought out and I love the way you tell the stories. That being said, I was wondering if you’d be willing to write when the reader and Jake finally get together officially, when the reader hears Matty call Jake “daddy” for the first time, or maybe the proposal bc I feel like Jake asking Matty would be so cute! Of course it’s completely up to you and I know I just threw a lot into this. Can’t wait to see what you do next 💙💙

It took me a hot minute Darling and I’m so sorry, but I hope you love it!!!

The Best Thing That’s Ever Been Mine

(takes place right after Mathew has the nightmare and Jake comfort him)

I decided to do Sweets hearing Maty call Jake daddy for the first time, and a little talk of them officially becoming a family!!  I really loved this, so thank you for sending it in and if you have any other ideas or things that you want to see let me know!! 🤍🤍🤍

[inkdrinkerworld]

Hello hello my love <3 I thought maybe I could request something where reader has never really been comforted when crying throughout her life but one time Jake walks in on her crying and just comforts her. She doesn’t expect that and it’s all just a bunch of fluff! I love your writing so much thank you for putting your work out for people to enjoy <3

Xoxo

thank you for reading &lt;3

there's something rooted deeply in your body that tells you crying is something to feel shameful about.

in your mind, you know it's not true- there's nothing shameful in being able to let your emotions out. but when you've been left to cry alone, it can get warped and the divide between your head and what your body feels is a lot to bridge.

you didn't expect jake to return from flight training so early.

you're sobbing on the bed, eyes swollen and puffy as your tears soak your pillow.

jake stumbles through your home on edge till he finds you. "suga'," he coos, boots and flight suit pulled off in record time as he comes to lay beside you.

"jake," you gasp, turning away from him as he gets close to you. "sorry," you whisper and your southern boyfriend frowns.

"for what?" he tries to lift your chin, but you keep it tucked protectively to your chest.

"crying." your voice is clogged with tears, head pounding as you withhold some of them.

"ain't nothing to be sorry for." jake says, drawing your body back into his as you remain faced away from him. "if you need t'cry, you cry suga. i ain't stopping you."

"really?" jake feels his heart break for the little you that had to cry on your own. he feels the splinters in his heart at your insecurity about it.

"look at me," he implores, voice calm and steady. you turn slowly, building up the courage to look at him. when you do he gives you a little smile.

"you don't have to feel any shame for crying. it's okay to cry and have other people see you cry; i promise."

you give him a messy nod and jake presses kisses to your sticky cheeks, holding you till all the tears are dry and you're yawning on his chest.

[footprintsinthesxnd]

Operation Death Wish | Chapter 4

Masterlist

Synopsis: Jake Seresin knew what it was like to lose people he loved, he’d been losing them his whole life. Yet in the midst of chaos as the world as he knew it ended Jake found somebody he never wanted to lose. But what if he’d already lost her. Warnings: swearing, dystopian descriptions, gore, death, violence, alien descriptions, fighting, sexual images, 18+ (minors dni), angst, some fluff at times.

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

Nat pulled the truck into a lay-by in Winterhaven by the California Arizona border. She got out of the truck, bending over and stretching her legs. She’d been driving for 2 ½ hours and she was already feeling the exhaustion taking over. She’d been on her own in the front with little to distract her from the death and destruction outside. Each town you had passed was abandoned, a shell of what it had once been in recumbent serenity. Natasha stood, soaking in the moment of silence. Plants uprooted the pavements, houses without roofs or walls or both, cars abandoned but what hit Nat most was a small child’s bicycle that sat parallel to her, it was soaked in dark red blood and as Nat moved closer she could see the small hunched body beside it, glassy eyes staring wildly back at her. Nats' gut wrenched and she doubled over, gagging and vomiting on the sidewalk. The acid burned her throat as she tried to compose herself, stomach churning. All she could think about was Sophie and the baby, it could have so easily been their bodies that littered the streets.

“Hey Phoenix, you good?” Jake called, hanging out the side of the truck.

“Yeah I’m fine,” Nat croaked back, moving back towards the truck but keeping a hand on her stomach in the hope that it would calm her slightly.

“Do you want me to drive the next part?” Jake was sat on the bonnet as she approached and she simply nodded at her, climbing into the back of the truck. The others had all gotten out to stretch their legs but you followed him round to the passengers side.

“Mind if I ride shotgun?” You’d asked, looking up at him through the window.

“Course not,” Jake lent over, throwing the door open for you. “You can be my wingman anytime.” You hopped in beside him, giving him a small smirk. He had his aviators on and was looking incredibly cool as he took the wheel, pushing the keys into the ignition and the engine hummed to life. With the windows down and Jake humming along to a random CD he put on everything seemed normal. For a moment you felt as though you could relax, like it was a normal summer's day and you and your boyfriend were driving to the beach but nothing about this situation was normal. You could feel your engagement ring hanging heavily on the chain around your neck and you turned your gaze from Jake, looking out of the passenger window as the world passed by absentmindedly. Why was this so difficult? Before all this Bradley had been your world, you’d spent all your free time with him and when you were apart you called and texted every night. Bradley had been your rock through so much so how was there a question? But then Jake came along and somehow you thought about Bradley less and less, Jake was exciting and adventurous and he made you feel things that Bradley never had. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You must have drifted off to sleep again because the next thing you remembered was the truck jolting forward and Jake cursing loudly. The engine was smoking and the truck was juddering along the road before finally coming to a screeching halt.

“FUCK!” Jake slammed his hands into the steering wheel before looking over at you apologetically.

“Jake, stop fucking around!” Coyote shouted from the back and Jake turned, glaring at the green canvas separating the compartments.

“I’m not, Dipshit, the fucking radiator’s gone.” Jake threw open his door, climbing out and popping the bonnet to survey the damage. The others all followed suit, climbing out of the truck and crowding behind Jake to get a better view.

“It’s shot,” Nat declared, “there’s no coming back from this, not without a proper mechanic and tools.”

Everyone groaned. “Where the hell is Bob when you need him,” Fanboy grumbled and instantly regretted it from the glare Nat sent his way.

“Bob’s at home with his family, which is exactly where I should be. So while you lot can stand around moaning I’m going to find my wife.” Phoenix grabbed her bag and marched off triumphantly.

“She has a point,” you said, looking up at Jake. “If there’s nothing we can do then there’s no point hanging around here in the open. We’ll be sitting ducks.”

Jake and the others agreed, even if a little reluctantly, grabbing their bags and following Nat down the road.

“We need to find cover as soon as we can,” Natasha informed you, as you hurried to catch up with her. “You ever seen one of those things?”

“What things?” You asked, watching as Natasha’s face wrinkled into a grin.

“Those alien things. The enemy. I don’t know what to call them.”

“The fuckers that ruined the world.” Mickey chimed in, causing you all to laugh.

“That sounds about right,” Jake laughed, his eyes reached yours from over your shoulder and you couldn’t help but stare back at him, he smirked at you causing the colour to flood your cheeks. You turned back around to Natasha. “No, I’ve never seen one. I’ve seen their ships and I’ve seen pictures of them but never one in real life.”

Nat gave you a reassuring smile, “well then you’re in for a treat. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.”

“How long do you think it will take us to walk there?” You asked, turning to Jake. He tried to give you a reassuring smile but you could see it was pained, he didn’t have that normal smirk and his lips were set in a thin straight line.

“Well, we’ve got over 2,000 miles to go so I’m guessing about 30 days at a minimum and that’s without detours or stops.”

“Right,” you said, “well we better pick up the pace.”

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

The group continued in silence with only the odd comment pointing out different things you passed. You began to see signs for Phoenix, which everyone except Nat found funny. You reached the outskirts of Tucson by nightfall. The town was eerily quiet, with no street lamps to guide you. The only sound was the group of heavy combat boots thudding against the tarmac and the occasional whispers. There was an abandoned warehouse that didn’t look remotely inviting, with doors screeching noisily and broken windows. It was the last place you wanted to spend the night.

“Fanboy and Payback you take the east side, Phoenix and Coyote you take the North and we will take the south,” Jake said, turning to meet your gaze. “Shout if you see or hear anything. We’ll meet back here in 15.” Everyone nodded before forming groups of 2 and heading off into the darkness. You stuck to Jake’s side like glue, wanting to reach out and grab his hand for comfort but you resisted the urge. You watched as he walked, broad shoulders taunt and stiff, his walk slow and he looked from side to side. He was in full soldier mode, ready to protect you from the slightest thing. Although you were nervous you were still in the Navy, a point that you thought Jake had forgotten. A rustling from your left caused Jake to stop, raising his hand in a fist. You waited with bated breath as something moved in the shadows, lurking. It moved slowly, stumbling over its own legs that creaked and groaned, sounding like a chain being dragged across the concrete floor. Its breathing was heavy, muffled in the darkness as it snuffled about. Your heart stopped as it came into the dim light, its pale form seeming to shine in the moonlight. It had a small head with a beady black eye, sunken into the side of its head and a long nose with a large jaw lined with hundreds of sharp teeth. Its body was thin, each bone protruding sharply out of its flesh, looking almost painful.

Jake’s hand pressed firmly but slowly against your chest, pushing you back towards the door, without even looking at you. Your steps were in slow motion and you tried to control your ragged breathing. As you reached the door Jake hurried out behind you, closing the door as quietly as he could and letting out the breath he’d been holding.

“We have to warn the others…” you began, moving to follow where you’d last seen Nat disappearing into the dark but Jake grabbed your arm, strong fingers digging into your flesh.

“Not a chance in hell are you going back in there,” he said firmly.

“But Jake, they're our friends. I care about them, we have to.”

“And I care about you,” you could see the pain behind his eyes as he spoke, “I care about you a lot actually and I’m not letting you risk your life. My only goal here is to protect you and that’s what I’m going to do.” Jake had moved closer to you and his large form towered over you. You took a sharp breath, trying to fight the urge to reach up and kiss him. Jake leaned a little further forward. His soft pink lips were within touching distance when the sound of heavy boots appeared behind you. You both pulled away quickly, Jake clearing his throat and watching to see who was coming.

Natasha and Coyote came running around the corner, closely followed by Payback and Fanboy.

“RUN!” Nat shouted, her voice closely accompanied by what could only be described as an animalistic scream. Payback and Fanboy were firing at something behind them, the gunfire lighting up the creature in the darkness. Only this time there were two of them.

“Run!” Jake shouted, grabbing hold of your arm and dragging you after him and you ran. You watched as the others scattered, running into the dark. You completely lost your bearings, tripping over more than once but Jake’s firm hold of you stopped you from tumbling.

Jake pushed you forward before turning to fire a few rounds at the creatures.

“KEEP RUNNING!” Jake shouted and you did as he said, turning back to watch as the creatures approached him. You ran until your lungs were on fire and your muscles burned. You didn’t know where you were running to, you only knew you had to keep running. You’d lost sight of the others and you couldn’t hear their voices anymore, only the sound of gunfire and the creatures' screams filled the night.

When you finally stopped running you collapsed against a tree, gasping for the oxygen that your lungs desperately craved. Your vision was blurred and the only sound you heard was your heart hammering in your ears.

“Jake?” You called out breathlessness but there was no answer.

“Phoenix? Payback? Fanboy? Coyote? Anyone?” You scrambled to your feet, head spinning but you ignored it, desperately trying to gain your bearings.

“Hello?” You kept calling and calling, stumbling around in the darkness. This was the last thing you needed. You held on tightly to your gun, checking the safety was off and raising it slightly, ready to fire at the slightest movement. You crept forward, cautiously avoiding the tree roots as you followed the narrow path. You didn’t know if you were going further in the forest or not, but all you knew is you had to keep moving. A sudden crack beside you caused you to jump, swinging your gun around to face the noise. You went to call out but thought better of it. If it was one of those creatures you’d be dead before the words even left your mouth. You stepped forward cautiously into the gloom as the figure came closer, it wasn’t the creature, no this figure was human. The figure moved forward, shoulders slouched, into the clearing, the moonlight illuminating their face.

“Jake?”

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

Taglist: @wkndwlff @a-reader-and-a-writer @callsign-phoenix @imjess-themess @averyhotchner @basiccortez @mayhem24-7forever @sunlightmurdock @callsignmaverick5 @ssprayberrythings @smoothdogsgirl @xoxabs88xox @luckyladycreator2 @abaker74 @elenavampire21 @classyunknownlover @okiegirl24 @flashyourgreeneyesatme @airedale17 @shadowolf993 @flyboyjake @topguncultleader @callmemana @marchingicenotes7 @t-nd-rfoot @bradshawseresinbabe @amortentiadrops

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[oskea93]

Kansas Anymore (2)

Tyler Owens x OC

Summary: In which Riley Owens, the ex-wife of the infamous Tornado Wrangler, has 36 hours to come to terms if moving to a whole new country with their small daughter is something she truly wants to do.

Warnings: Cursing, angst, suggested smut, fluff. ✶ Chapter One ✶

■ Italics = Flashback ■ A/N: You guys are amazing! I just want to say thank you so much for loving this story and follwing the tale of Riley and Tyler ❤️ ■ Taglist is available - just drop a comment! Would love to hear your thoughts, questions, or maybe just drop by to say hello! Can't wait to hear from y'all

TL:  @ellesmythe @18lkpeters @hookslove1592, @djs8891, @smoothdogsgirl @queenslandlover-93 @imjustamehbleh @love2write2626 @lt-jakeseresin @starcrossedtrek

“You know when you said that we were going to a show, I didn’t expect it to involve horses and mud.”

I let out a frustrated sigh, my heels sinking into the soggy ground with each step. I had been in Arkansas for less than a month – choosing to attend the college that my father spoke so highly of growing up. As each day passed, it was getting harder and harder to fight the urge to pack all my things and head back home.

My roommate Sarah, who had grown up in the area, laughed as she turned to face me. "Welcome to the South! This is what we call a rodeo. Trust me, you'll have fun."

I glanced around at the bustling fairground. Families gathered around food stalls, the smell of popcorn and barbecue hanging in the air. Children ran past us, their boots splashing in puddles, their laughter ringing out above the distant sounds of country music. Cowboys in worn jeans and hats moved with purpose, leading majestic horses by the reins.

"Fun, huh?" I muttered, trying to pull my heel out of yet another patch of mud. "It looks like a real blast.” Sarah grinned and tugged at my arm, leading me toward the main arena. "Oh, come on! You haven't even seen the best parts yet. The bull riding, barrel racing, and don't forget the rodeo clowns. They’re hilarious!"

As we walked, I noticed the vibrant colors of the stands selling cowboy hats, boots, and all sorts of Western memorabilia. There was an infectious energy in the air. People greeted each other with wide smiles and friendly nods, embodying the warmth of Southern hospitality that Sarah had talked about.

We passed a group of teenagers gathered around a mechanical bull. They cheered each other on, daring one another to take a ride. Sarah nudged me, "Think you could last eight seconds on that thing?"

I shook my head, laughing. "No way! I'd be thrown off in a heartbeat."

A mischievous smirk broke across her face. “Never know till you try.” I rolled my eyes and started to walk away, but her grip on my arm stopped me. “Just once.” Her eyes widened with a playful challenge. “Have a little fun, Riley.”

My eyes glanced between her and the machinery behind her, taking in the sight as a teenage boy was thrown from the contraption, his friends commending his effort with hoots and hollers. The boy, though dusting himself off, wore a wide grin as he rejoined his group, their camaraderie infectious.

I sighed, feeling a mix of reluctance and curiosity. “I’m not wearing the right clothes for that thing,” I said, the excuse as flimsy as it sounded. “Plus, I could break a bone or som—”

“You riding or not, darlin’?” came a loud voice from behind me.

Sarah’s eyes shifted to the voice, and I turned to meet the face of the commenter. He was a tall fucker – had to be over six foot with an overinflated ego. His boots were dusty, and his hat cast a shadow over his eyes, but I could still see the arrogance etched in his smirk. “Excuse me?” I replied, my tone a bit harsher than intended.

“You heard me,” he said, leaning casually against the gate. “You gonna give it a go or just stand there making excuses?” His cocky smile shone bright, and I could practically taste the mockery in his voice. “Too scared you're gonna break a nail?”

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, not out of embarrassment but anger. I clenched my fists and took a step forward, feeling the rough texture of the ground beneath my boots. “Listen, cowboy,” I said, my voice steady despite the irritation bubbling inside. “I’m not here to play games or prove anything to you.”

Sarah shifted uncomfortably beside me, her eyes darting between us. I could sense her unease, but I wasn’t about to back down. The man’s smirk widened, clearly enjoying the tension he was stoking.

“Prove something to me?” he chuckled, pushing off the gate and taking a step closer. “Sweetheart, you don’t need to prove anything to me.” His eyes slowly moved up my body, lingering in a way that made my skin flush. “Just to yourself.”

The guy raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk centered on his chiseled face. Clearly, he thought he had me all figured out.

I turned back to Sarah, her eyes showing concern as I handed off my purse and coat. “You really don’t have to do this, Riley.” Her tone shadowed her eyes. “Tyler’s just being an asshole. He’s like that with all the girls in town—” She paused shortly. “You’re just the only one who’s ever talked to him like that.”

“Let’s see what you got, city girl!” The Tyler guy hooped, causing those close enough to center their attention on the situation.

Rolling my eyes, I hastily removed my purse, pushing the bag into Sarah’s arms. “You really don’t have to do this, Riley,” Sarah's voice now hesitant as she looked at me with concern. “We can just go somewhere else and have fun, forget about that guy.”

I shook my head in protest, my resolve hardening as I cast one last glance at the idiot across the room. His smirk fueled my determination. “No way. I’m not gonna give that jerkoff the satisfaction of watching me wuss out,” I declared, my voice tinged with defiance.

As I pushed up the sleeves of my designer shirt, a small act of rebellion that would have my mother clutching her inherited pearls in horror, I felt a surge of adrenaline. This was my moment to show that I was not someone to be pushed around, not someone to be intimidated by an urban cowboy fool at a fucking rodeo.

I confidently approached the bull, climbing onto the steel, gripping the handle with white-knuckled determination.

"Hold on tight, darlin," the elderly operator smiled warmly, his weathered face lined with experience and mischief. With a practiced hand, he flipped the switch, setting the mechanical bull into motion.

As the bull lurched forward, the world around me seemed to blur into a whirlwind of colors and sounds. The contraption bucked and spun with unpredictable ferocity, testing every ounce of my balance and resolve. I clenched the reins tightly, my muscles straining as I fought to stay atop the bucking beast. Sarah’s cheers blended with the roar of the crowd, a chorus of encouragement that spurred me on.

Seconds stretched into what felt like minutes, my focus narrowing to the rhythmic movements of the mechanical beast. Just as I started to think I might actually last the full eight seconds, the bull gave a particularly violent twist, sending me flying into the padded arena.

I let out a groan of both relief and exhaustion, feeling the adrenaline slowly ebb away as I managed to flip myself onto my back. As I lay there, breathing heavily, the cool night sky spread out above me like a vast, dark canvas adorned with twinkling stars.

Sarah's figure quickly loomed over me, her expression a mix of concern and relief etched across her features. With a swift movement, she crouched down beside me, her eyes scanning me from head to toe as if checking for any signs of injury.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine worry and care as she assessed my well-being.

I slowly nodded my head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I think so," I replied, my sentence trailing off momentarily as I gathered my thoughts. "Was that okay?" I inquired, seeking reassurance after the whirlwind of the mechanical bull ride.

Sarah's expression shifted from slight confusion at my question to a mischievous smile that lit up her face. "Are you kidding me, Riley?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with pride and excitement. "That was more than okay. You had Tyler Owens, the reigning rodeo champion, dropping his jaw so far to the ground that he's gonna need some help putting it back in place."

We shared a laugh as she helped me off the mat, my black slacks now dotted with dust and dirt.

"You did good, little girl," the older man remarked with a warm smile as we exited the gates of the rodeo arena. I shyly thanked him, feeling a surge of pride at his encouraging words, but my smile quickly faded as a tall stranger approached us, his hands casually tucked into his denim pockets.

"Wasn't expecting you to last a second, city girl," he remarked with a smirk that seemed to gleam in the dim light of the night. "Gotta hand it to you though, you make riding a bull look easy."

I met his gaze with a mixture of defiance and amusement, my own smirk playing at the corners of my lips. "Yeah, well," I retorted, taking a step closer to him, the adrenaline of the ride still coursing through my veins. "It's all in the hips, really."

My words hung in the air between us, a playful challenge laced with a hint of confidence. “Is that right?” His voice dropping an octave, sending a shiver down my spine. “Gonna have to teach me your ways then.”

A flicker of a smile danced across my lips, “Me teach you-“ I took a step back. “From what I hear you’re a world-renowned bull rider, probably the best in the county, maybe even the state.” My words boosting his overstrung ego. “I’m sure a bull made of steel is no match for-“ I paused, tilting my head. “What’s your name again?”

“You know my name, darlin.” His words igniting a burn in my stomach.

He arched an eyebrow as I drew near, clearly taken aback by my sudden boldness. His cronies and Sarah exchanged glances, unsure of what was unfolding before them. I could almost taste the tension in the air, thick and crackling with anticipation.

Without a word, I stood before him, my gaze unwavering. The hint of a smirk played on his lips, a challenge in his eyes. But I held my ground, a silent defiance radiating from every fiber of my being. My hand slowly trailing up his flannel covered front, his breath hitching with each touch.

In one swift motion, I reached out and plucked the Stetson hat from his head, the symbol of his false bravado. Placing the hat atop my head, my smile smug as I looked up at him, almost daring him to take it back.

“You shouldn’t let strangers get too close to you, Tyler Owens,” I remarked coolly, the gravel crunching under my heels as I took a step back. “That’s a lesson us city girls learn at a young age.”

10:54am (2.21 hrs since arrival)

“I can’t believe it's been over a year since we’ve seen you and the little bean,” Lilly smiled warmly over her coffee cup, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and longing. “I mean, we get to talk to her on video chat, but it’s just not the same.”

I nodded in agreement, a tinge of guilt flickering in my chest. “Yeah, work has been so hectic, and I never know where you guys are gonna be, especially during the season. Tyler’s like a butterfly – floating wherever the wind blows.”

Lilly chuckled softly, the sound carrying a hint of understanding. “I know he misses her a lot –” Her sentence paused, a moment of hesitation flitting across her features. “Misses you a lot too.” Her gaze met mine, her eyes reflecting a mix of empathy and unspoken truths. “He still has that picture of the two of you nestled in his visor.”

The photograph that Lilly had taken two weeks after I found out I was pregnant with Caroline. The storm clouds black as night loomed behind us, a stark contrast to the brightness of our smiles that shone as radiant as the sun in the sky.

Tyler had insisted on capturing the moment, his easy laugh filling the air as he playfully teased about becoming parents. Despite the uncertainty and fear that lingered in the depths of my heart, his unwavering support and infectious optimism had been a beacon of light in the midst of the looming storm.

The diner's door suddenly swung open, and in walked Boone, a towering figure with my four-year-old daughter, Caroline, perched high on his shoulders. "Here she comes, Ms. America!" Boone's southern twang echoed through the small space, causing a few of the older folks to turn their heads in mild disapproval. Caroline's infectious giggle, so reminiscent of her father's, rang out as she played along with the theatrics, her smile radiant as ever.

I watched as the two of them made their way through the diner, drawing smiles and curious glances from the other patrons. Caroline's tiny hand waved enthusiastically at the strangers, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Boone, ever the playful uncle, hammed it up for her, making exaggerated gestures and funny faces that elicited peals of laughter from the little girl perched on his shoulders.

As Boone approached our table, I made space for him in the booth, eagerly awaiting Caroline's arrival. Her tiny hands reached out for me as I gently lifted her off his shoulders, her eyes alight with excitement. "Mommy, Daddy said I could go with him and Uncle Booney when the 'nado comes," she announced proudly. "Daddy said there's gonna be one real soon."

My eyes immediately darted to where Boone still stood, his gaze evading mine as he focused intently on the intricate pattern of the floor tiles. "No," I said firmly, my hand instinctively reaching out to gently grasp Caroline's pigtailed braid. "Sweetheart, it's far too dangerous to go with Daddy and Uncle Boone. You need to stay here with me where it's safe."

Caroline's face began to crumple into a disappointed pout, her lower lip trembling slightly. Her eyes, usually bright with curiosity and mischief, now filled with a mixture of defiance and longing. "No, Mommy," she protested, her voice rising in a blend of frustration and determination. "I want to go with Daddy!"

Her attitude shifted suddenly, like a fault line in an earthquake, her small arms crossing over her chest in a display of stubborn defiance. The tension in the room seemed to thicken as her words hung in the air, charged with the raw energy of a child's unwavering will.

I let out a frustrated sigh, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me. My eyes flicked over to Lilly, her expression a mixture of concern and understanding.

"Caroline, I'm not having this argument with you," I said firmly, my voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. The tears that had been threatening to spill over now glistened in Caroline's wide green eyes, her lower lip quivering with unshed emotion.

"You're not going, and that's final," I stated, my tone leaving no room for further negotiation. The air in the room seemed to thicken with the weight of my words, the tension between us palpable.

Caroline's shoulders slumped in defeat, her small form trembling with suppressed emotion. A single tear escaped her eye, trailing down her cheek in a silent testament to her disappointment.

Lilly sat forward, her presence a comforting anchor. "Caroline, honey, Mommy is just trying to keep you safe. Sometimes we have to trust that the grown-ups know what's best for us, even when it's hard to understand."

“But you go with daddy to the nados.” Caroline's matter-of-fact statement catching Lilly off guard, her surprise evident in the way her brow furrowed slightly.

"Well," Lilly began, her voice gentle yet tinged with a sense of hesitation. "It's my job to go with your dad and help with the tornadoes. But if my mom told me not to, then I would listen to her and stay behind." Lilly and I shared a knowing glance, a silent acknowledgment passing between us.

We both knew her words were a facade, a carefully constructed lie meant to shield Caroline from the harsh realities of the world. Lilly's mother's disapproval of her association with Tyler and the gang was no secret, a source of tension that simmered beneath the surface of their relationship.

The chimes above the door sounded again as Tyler stepped across the threshold. His smile on display as he greeted those in the restaurant, sparking a conversation with the random patrons. “Daddy!” Caroline quickly stood on the booth’s seat, her arms waving in the air to get Tyler’s attention.

Tyler waved goodbye to his admirers, his smile growing even wider as he approached our booth. As he drew closer, I could already anticipate the first thing that would escape Caroline's lips—the reminder of how I had told her she couldn't go with him on a chase, a trait she had undoubtedly inherited from me.

"Hey there, sweet pea," Tyler greeted Caroline, his voice brimming with affection as he stepped behind the booth. Caroline's arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as he lifted her out of the seat with practiced ease. "Have you gotten something to eat yet?"

Caroline nestled her head against Tyler's shoulder, her small frame shaking with soft sniffles. Concern etched across his face, Tyler gently pressed, "What's wrong, baby?" He reached up to wipe away a stray tear that was making its way down her cheek.

"Mommy won't let me go with you and Uncle Booney for the nado chase," Caroline whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of disappointment and longing.

 Tyler's gaze, the same shade of green as Caroline, locked onto mine with a mix of curiosity and concern. "What's the deal, Riley?" he inquired, his voice gentle but probing.

My face betrayed my emotions before I could even formulate a response. A wave of unease and protectiveness washed over me as I struggled to find the right words to convey my concerns.

"The deal, Tyler, is that she's just a baby," I began, my voice tinged with a blend of firmness and vulnerability. "She doesn't need to be out in the truck, spinning around in a tornado. It's not safe for you and the guys, and it's definitely not safe for a 4-year-old child."

"I'm not a baby, mommy!" Caroline quipped, her voice filled with a mix of defiance and determination, catching me off guard.

My eyebrows raised in surprise at her unexpected retort. "Well, you're my baby, little girl, and like I said, it’s too dangerous to be out there with daddy. Maybe when you're a little older – say twenty –“

“Twenty!” Tyler exclaimed. “You can’t have her living in a bubble all her life, Riley.”

The atmosphere in the room grew tense as my jaw slacked in immediate anger, my eyes narrowing as Tyler stared back at me. "Excuse me?" I retorted; my voice edged with frustration. "Like you have any control of that, since I'm the primary parent here and you're just someone who comes and goes like the fucking wind you chase!"

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed as Boone and Lilly stepped forward, "Hey, little bean—" Lilly approached Tyler and Caroline, who was actually crying at this point. My frustration with Tyler causing me to forget that she was right in front of me in his arms.

"Why don’t you come with us and help us sell some t-shirts?" Lilly suggested, her warm smile aimed at Caroline, who sniffled and wiped away her tears.

Boone stepped lightly behind me, his easygoing demeanor a calming presence. "Yeah, who's gonna turn down an adorable kid?" he added with a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood.

I hastily ran a hand through my hair as Caroline climbed into Lilly's arms, her giggles filling the room and momentarily easing the tension. Tyler's face remained stoic as he sent glares my way, the unspoken emotions between us hanging heavy in the air.

Feeling the weight of his gaze, I met his eyes with a mix of defiance and weariness. The complexities of our relationship, the unresolved issues simmering beneath the surface, were laid bare in that moment of silent confrontation.

Tyler's voice was low and filled with hurt as he spoke, "That was a really shitty thing to do, Riley. To bring that up in front of Caroline – make me look like a bad dad. Real nice."

I lowered my head in frustration as Tyler stormed past me, his steps purposeful and heavy. The hushed whispers of those around us mingled with the clinking of cutlery, casting a spotlight on our tense exchange. With a heavy sigh, I gathered my composure, steeling myself against the onslaught of prying eyes and whispered conversations. The weight of their scrutiny bore down on me, a reminder of the fragility of our private struggles in a very public setting.

[sappy-seresin]

Little Insomniac (J. Seresin)

Pairing: Jake Seresin x roommate!reader

Summary: You're dealing with an ongoing struggle to sleep, and Jake wants to help. Volume Two

Warnings: nothing really, just fluff.

Word Count: 3k

MY WORK IS ORIGNIAL AND IS NOT TO BE COPIED OR REPOSTED ELSEWHERE. Be kind and don't steal other people's writing, thank you.

Gif creds: @jakeseresins

Jake stirs awake before his alarm has the chance to go off. Yawning, he wipes the sleep from his eyes before groggily reaching for his phone to check the time. 5:45, it reads, though he has to squint to make sure because his eyes are still bleary from just waking up. He lets himself yawn one more time before moving to sit at the edge of his bed, a gentle grunt falls from his lips as he enjoys his first big stretch of the day, preparing his muscles for his usual morning run.

Knowing that he’ll have plenty of time to get ready once he’s back, he swaps his sweatpants out for a pair of running shorts and slips on a coordinating shirt. He turns toward his bedside table to grab his headphones, immediately sticking them into his ears and scrolling through his phone to find his playlist, “Run Like Hell.” His head gently bobs to the best of the music once he’d hit shuffle as he finishes getting ready by sliding his running shoes on.

He makes sure to walk quietly as he passes your room. You won’t be waking up for another hour, at least, and he’s not keen on giving you a wake up call sooner than you have planned. He accidentally woke you up one morning shortly after the two of you signed this lease and it resulted in a rather heated reprimand from a rather hungover, half asleep, version of you that came stumbling out of your room with a baseball bat thinking someone broke in. Since then, he’s intentionally light on his feet, careful not to cause another scene.

Jake smiles at the memory of your disheveled state. You were slightly tipsy from the night before with pillow lines on your face and an unruly bun knotted on top of your head as you incoherently scolded him for nearly giving you a heart attack. In that moment, all he could do was blink at you like a deer in the headlights, trying not to focus too much on the fact that all you were wearing was an oversized shirt that covered everything above your mid thighs, leaving your toned legs on full display.

His trip to memory lane is clouded with confusion when he notices light radiating through the hallway from the living room. He got home after you did last night and swore he shut the lamp off before retreating to his bedroom. His feet carry him toward the light, stopping in the tracks when he notices your form on the couch. You’re seated comfortably with your feet splayed on the coffee table balancing your laptop on your knees, wearing that same damn t-shirt.

“What’re you doing up? You never beat me,” he questions, pulling one earphone out and adjusting the volume on his phone so he can hear you. His presence had gone unnoticed by you, so the sudden question made you jump in, your head snapping toward him in shock.

“Jesus Jake,” your hand flies to your heart in an attempt to ease its rapid beating, a quiet “whew” falling from your lips as you compose yourself, tilting the screen of your laptop down so you can see him better. “Why do move so quiet? You scared me half to death!”

“Sorry darlin’, I didn’t mean to scare you. Just surprised to see you awake so early. Like I said, you never beat me,” there’s an apologetic smile etched onto Jake’s soft features. He scratches the back of his head sheepishly, his eyes never leaving you when he moves into the kitchen to grab a water bottle, promptly opening it and taking a swig. He stalks back to the living room, wordlessly offering you the water, which you gladly accept.

“Can you actually categorize it as beating you if I haven’t slept?” you ask after gulping the cool liquid down. You hand the bottle back to him, nuzzling deeper into your position on the couch when he moves to sit next to you, pulling his other earbud out so that you know you have his full attention.

He stares at you in confusion after processing what you said. Sure, your sleeping patterns have always been odd to him, but a night of not seeming at all raises several questions, “You didn’t sleep?”

“No,” you sigh, completely closing your computer and discarding it onto the coffee table in front of you.

“Why not? I thought you said that you're ahead at work and don't have to stress about extra planning?" He slings his arm over the back of the couch, his fingers barely brushing across the fabric of your t-shirt. He ignores the temptation to drop his hand from the coach so that it rests fully on your shoulder, knowing it's not the time to tease the butterflies awakening in his stomach at the faint smell of your perfume.

"I am," you affirm looking over at him, his close proximity has you feeling at ease with a hint of bashfulness. "It's not work. It's nothing like that really. I just-I don't know, I can spend the entire day exhausted but I'm wide awake as soon as my head hits a pillow."

Jake nods, pulling his attention away from you to ponder if there's anything he can do. After a few seconds of comfortable silence, he returns his gaze to you, taking notice of the prominent bags under your eyes. Your exhaustion coats your features, coating you with a dreamlike state while you zone out on nothing. He bumps your shoulder gently, stealing your attention back. "Is there something bothering you?"

Your head shakes in response, an involuntary yawn falling from your parted lips. You pull your legs up to your chest, hooking your arms around them to hold them in place, and it takes everything in Jake's power to not focus on the fact that the movement made your oversized t-shirt rise up. He clears his throat, returning his thoughts back to the conversation rather than continuing to mentally admire your effortless beauty.

"Okay," he hums, "Well, can you at least take the day off to let yourself rest? I'm sure you'd crash if you got in bed now."

"I can't," you groan, running a hand over your face in frustration. "We have a major meeting today, and I'm running it because ninety-five percent of the team can't manage to do their jobs." There's a sympathetic look sent your way which only adds to the helplessness embedding itself in your entire being. All your impending schedule brings you is an unshakable dread due to how desperately sleep deprived you already feel.

"Okay," he repeats, standing from the couch. "Well, since you can't get out of it today, what do you say we go grab breakfast at that coffee shop you like downtown? My treat. It's not sleep, but it's the best I can do unless you're willing to let me call your boss and telling him to postpone the meeting."

You blink at him, a lazy smile twitching at the edge of your lips. "You know you don't have to do that right? I'm a big girl and can caffeinate myself."

"I know, but I want to. Besides, there's no way in hell I'm letting your sleep deprived ass drive yourself around town today. The last thing this town needs is a delirious Y/n Y/l/n operating a vehicle. Now, how about you go put some pants on so you don't catch a public indecency charge?" He's shooting you his signature 'Seresin smirk' now, which you can't refuse, so you take his outstretched hand and let him help you up.

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

A few days later, you're parked in that same position on the couch with your legs strewn over Jake's lap as the two of you watch the latest episode of 'The Rookie." There's been a comfortable silence in the room for awhile now, both of you fully engrossed in what's playing on the screen. Jake's fingers periodically draw circles against your clothed shins, a mindless habit of his that you've grown to love, while he makes a few side comments about Tim and Lucy's relationship Which you, being a lover of the slow burning couple, always agree with.

The episode comes to a close, leaving you both with anticipation for the shows continuation next week. Watching the Rookie became a weekly tradition when you became roommates after Jake came home from the bar one night, interrupting your peaceful binge watching. He made fun of the show at first, but forced you to restart it completely because he wanted to be completely caught up on everything it had to offer before deciphering whether or not he liked it. It took measly three episodes and he was hooked, which he denied by telling you he only watches it to bond with you. The way he lost himself in the screen, laughing and cracking jokes, was a tell-tale sign that he was hooked.

“It's late, I’m gonna head to bed,” Jake tells you after several unspoken moments, standing from his comfortable position and carefully repositioning your legs on the cushions. He stretches with a hefty yawn, running a hand over his face. You wordlessly watch him, enjoying the extra gravel to his voice that always comes when he's tired. “Want me to turn the lights off?”

“I'll get them. I think I’m going to be up awhile," you decline, straightening up to reach for the journal you left on the table before he came home.

“Still not sleeping?” He yawns again, watching as you get situated in a manner that tells him you are gearing for a long night.

You scoff, shaking your head in response to his question. One glance his way fills you in on the fact that he wants more of an explanation than that. "I've averaged maybe eight hours total this week, if you can count the baby naps my assistant lets me take during breaks. I swear I could run a marathon and still not be exhausted enough to encourage my body to rest."

“What about this? How about you let me take you to bed and we’ll try something new to help you sleep," he offers. Hope fills his green eyes momentarily before draining when you snort comically.

"Hangman, are you using my sleep deprivation as an excuse to get in my pants? I know I'm undeniably attractive, but that's a new level of low, even for Jake 'the heartbreaker' Seresin," you hadn't meant for the words to spill from your lips and regret them almost immediately. Yet, your raised eyebrows challenge him rather than showing any sign of lighthearted remorse.

“I’m going to blame your hostility on sleep deprivation instead of taking what you just said personally,” there’s a playful grin curved onto his cheeks as he peers down at the disdained expression you’re directing at him. “Now, come on grumpy, let’s get you some sleep,” You groan when he grabs your hands, shifting his weight so he can pull you off the couch. You fight against him, not wanting to let go of the comfortable position you’d fallen into. “Jesus, would you stop being a brat.” He can’t help but laugh as you continue making yourself dead weight to lessen his chances of dragging you off the couch. “Fine, two can play at this game.”

“What-JAKE,” an involuntarily squeal of surprise bubbles from your chest when he bends down, both his hands on your hips, and slings you over his shoulder effortlessly. He laughs as you smack against his back while he flicks the lights off, guiding the two of you toward your room.

“Put me down peasant,” you chant through your own fit of giggles. He simply shakes his head at your antics, carefully weaving through your bedroom before dropping you on top of your bed in a heap. Your giggles die down the longer you admire his lighthearted expression. You cough to try to keep yourself from ogling him like an idiot. It’s hard not to when he’s staring at you like you’re the creator of the jet planes he loves so much. “Couldn’t have given me a gentler landing?”

Jake rolls his eyes, feigning a scoff. “You asked me to put you down, and I put you down. Don’t go giving me a bad yelp review because you weren’t more specific, princess.” There’s a slight twinkle in his eye as the nickname flows off his tongue, smooth as silk. You mentally curse the involuntary heat rushing to your cheeks at the pet name, unable to suppress a bashful smile.

“Fair point,” you reply simply, fighting to keep yourself from spiraling at the sight of your roommate still towering over your splayed figure. He’d showered about an hour ago so his normally styled hair is laying against his forehead comfortably, the scent of his body wash ghosts your nostrils as he scratches the back of his neck, making it even harder not to swoon because he smells so good. “Are you going to tell me what your master plan to help me sleep is, or should I go ahead and preorder extra shots of espresso to keep me functioning tomorrow?”

Jake straightens up at the realization that he’d gotten sidetracked from his initial plan, a dubious grin plasters itself on his face as he moves to turn my bedroom light off, carefully making his way back to my bed in the dark.

“Jake, I hate to break it to you but simply putting me into bed isn’t going to help me sleep, if that’s all it took-what’re you doing?” Your question is left unanswered as he pulls the covers back on the side of the bed you’re not laying on, pausing to stare at you through the dark.

“I’m climbing in bed,” he states like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, fully situating himself under the covers. You stare at him like he’s got two heads, not understanding how his master plan to get you to sleep involves him fully being in bed with you. You’ve had daydreams about curling up in bed with him, falling asleep to the even rhythm of his heart beat, but those were simply fantasies about the man you have a complicated crush on because, well, he’s your roommate. Of course, the two of you are close enough that you’ve fallen asleep on his shoulder on more than one occasion but it’s never been intention and those moments definitely haven’t occurred in a bed.

“You’re in my bed,” you observe, still frozen in place on top of the covers.

“Yes, Y/n, I’m in your bed. Now, would you stop being difficult? Get your ass up here and let me do my job,” his voice is gentle but holds a certain demand that has you obliging immediately. Climbing up next to him, you allow him to lift the covers so that you can slide under them. You leave a comfortable amount of space between the two of you, though it feels awkward with the heat radiating from his body. “What the hell are you doing?”

“What? You told me to climb in with you, so I climbed in with you?” An exasperated groan sounds from his side of the bed, earning an embarrassed blush from you, completely at a loss as to what you did wrong. “It’s not my fault that you’ve managed to leave out legitimately every detail of your master plan.”

In response, Jake’s arms wrap around your waist, immediately tugging you closer to him until you’re practically laying on top of him. “Get comfortable, sweetheart,” he murmurs simply, as if him holding you in your bed is a normal occurrence that shouldn’t have a fit of butterflies going rampant in your stomach. “Stop overthinking it and get situated.” His request comes after a few beats of you remaining frozen in the awkward position he pulled you into. You lift your head to meet his eyes, looking for affirmation that you’re hearing him right. When his hand trails over your face to brush your hair from your eyes, you suck in an audible breath, the gentle touch sending shivers down your spine as he leans his head close enough to yours that his breath fans against your face. “Let me hold you tonight."

"Okay," you breathe, carefully rolling onto your stomach. You shift yourself just enough to comfortably rest your head against his chest, fully allowing yourself relax into him as the faint sound of his heartbeat greets your ears. Jake's arms find a home around your waist again, a content sigh falling from his lips at the fact that you're fully nuzzled into him.

"Comfy?" His question is hopeful as he mindlessly draws comforting circles on your back, the simple movement paired with the comfort of his arms already causing your eyes to grow heavy.

"So comfy," you yawn, melting into him further. One of your hands fist his t-shirt while his find a spot in your hair, gently massaging your scalp.

"Good," he kisses the crown of your head, secretly feeling pleased by the way you're already fighting to keep your eyes open after seeming confident that he couldn't do anything to cure your insomnia. "Get some rest, sweetheart." You don't need his permission to sleep, but his words are the final thing you remember before slipping into a sweet slumber.

Jake knows you're out by the way your body grows a little heavier. Light snores fall from your lips every so often, warming his chest at the fact that you feel safe enough to let him assist you. While tiredness scratches the back of his eyes, he can't keep himself from observing your sleeping figure, a soft smile curves onto his lips at the adorable sight. As your roommate, he doesn't want to admit it, but he's dreamed of a moment like this from the second the two of you signed the lease for this place. Neither of you had been each others first choice in the roommate department, but after so long of roommates falling through, he proposed the idea and you accepted. You were friends back then, but weren't close enough for sharing an apartment to feel normal. Yet, when the time came to move in, your lives melted together seamlessly.

Jake's hand continues weaving through your hair, the act making him feel soft while you sleep soundly on his chest. He can't help but admire your peaceful features now that all signs of stress and exhaustion are erased from your face. You've always been attractive to Jake but right now, while you're snoring softly on his chest, he swears you're the most beautiful sight he's ever laid eyes on.

It's harder for him to continue fighting his own sleep the longer the peace of the night weighs on his eyelids so he carefully shifts the two of you into a more comfortable position. He holds his breath when you stir, but releases it when your head lulls back to place on his chest.

"Sweet dreams, pretty girl," he finds himself whispering, giving you one last glance before letting his eyes flutter shut. They snap back open when you mumble incoherently in your sleep, a sigh rolling from your parted lips.

"I love you Jake," the words are slightly slurred when they roll from your tongue, but Jake hears them clear as day. His eyes widen in surprise, never having heard you utter those words. He feels humbled by the unconscious confession, his heart swelling at the thought of the words holding an unshakeable truth.

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

A/n: Another Jake fic while I continue working on Fawn Volume 2! I'm hoping to have the second part of Fawn posted before the week ends, I'm just finding that I'm pressuring myself with it a little because I love the storyline in my head so much that I'm scared to mess it up :')

Part Two

[blue-aconite]

☆ it's time ☆

-- i'm going to keep this short because i'm too tired right now. this year has had its ups and downs, as always. all in all, it's been a pretty good 2023 for me, so i'm wishing 2024 will be as well. thank you to everyone who has been with me even when i haven't been around as much myself, who has supported me and my writing. i hope 2024 brings you happiness and peace!

☆ @demxters elle, loml, thank you for your endless support and always being there for me. thank you for the love and letting me be a bother and ramble on all the time. your constant support is why i haven't deleted my entire writing folder. you make me feel like i'm actually good. i love you so much, you're the best part and my favourite part of 2023 ♥️

☆ @bobfloydsbabe helena, my love, i cannot express enough words to convey how grateful i am for you. you've been there for me, no matter what. your continued support, love and general shenanigans keeps me motivated and happy, always. i love you. thank you for sticking around, being my friend and supporting me.

☆ @hangmanssunnies coley, my darling, i am so happy i finally gathered enough courage to reach out to you. it resulted in the best possible way imaginable. i've gained an amazing friend, whom i've come to love very much. thank you for everything , for being there for me and supporting me.

☆ @seresinsweetie sofi, my love, your friendship is so treasured to me and i'm glad i've got you in my corner. you've helped me grow as a writer and person, which i am endlessly thankful for. we haven't talked as consistently as we have but when we do, it's like we've never stopped. i love you.

☆ @a-reader-and-a-writer vee, darling, we're not that good at staying in consistently touch but i know i've always got you in my corner. being your friend is one of the best things and i'm so happy i've found you. your constant support, encouragement and guidance means more than you know. you keep me writing, even when i don't want to. i am so thankful for you.

☆ @writercole @wildbornsiren @antiquitea @imjess-themess @ryebecca @reels-and-wheels @hederasgarden @never--doubt thank you for being my coven, my constant support and letting me just be me. thank you for letting me vent and rant when i need to, always supporting me. i am forever grateful to have found you, ily.

☆ @joaquinwhorres @rae-gar-targaryen @veetlegeuse thank you for welcoming me and being so wonderful. i am very grateful for you all.

☆ @yanna-banana @teacupsandtopgun @withahappyrefrain @sailor-aviator @roosterforme @roosterbruiser @top-hhun @thedroneranger @green-socks @ereardon @desert-fern @seresinhangmanjake @notroosterbradshaw @jupitercomet @luminousnotmatter @jakeseresins @anniesocsandgeneralstore thank you all for being wonderful.

and thank you to everyone who has supported me and my writing this year, i always see you in my notes and i appreciate you so much. it's for you that i keep on going. if you ever liked, reblogged and commented on my work, thank you. thank you for being a part of my life.

love,

fe ♥️