#Top Gun Drabbles

[katewritesss]

Songs that are Icemav coded

Okay, so you'll have to hear me out, but the song "Tightrope" from The Greatest Showman is so Icemav-coded; every time I listen to it, it's all I can think of.

"Hand in my hand, and we promised to never let go" would so be Ice's hope that they would always be wingmen and how he doesn't want to lose Maverick.

"Will you catch me if I should fall?" is so Maverick worrying if Ice will still want him when he's at worst (or when Bradley leaves after the whole paper-pulling mess).

"And I risk it all for this life we choose" describes both of their worries with the risks their relationship poses (fuck DADT) and how they're both risking their entire careers and lives to be together in secret.

Also, I think the whole "we're walking the tightrope" applies to their relationship because they go from being in a safe place but the next move they make, they could end up on the ground.

[oncasette]

LOVED the bed shopping drabble, but on the same line of thought: best husband rooster who Loves His Wife So Much and is not afraid to let everyone know it. buys “i ❤️ my hot wife” shirts and mugs and shit. always brings you up as “my wife,” literally will be at the grocery store checking out and tell the cashier unprompted that those chocolates are for his wife bc he loves saying those words. his brand is just loving his wife. that’s all.

- 🪷

hehehe i love rooster. he would be so so so whipped for his woman & i just need him to marry me rn, actually.

the second, and i mean the second you get married, it’s all he can talk about.

“my beautiful wife” this and “my lovely wife” that. everyone else is past sick of it, already having had to hear about it before you were even married. they thought engaged rooster was bad. well! married rooster is their worse nightmare.

he’s got a picture of you from your honeymoon as your contact photo & another one from the same night as his lockscreen that he shows… just about everyone.

and god forbid if anyone asks about the shirt. he’s like!! yes!! my wife!! my lovely amazing beautiful wife!! do you wanna see how beautiful she looked at our wedding!! immediately whipping the photo out of his wallet.

[js4440]

Thinking about Bradley drives Jake crazy. They were love interests once, but now they are caught in a web of heartache and uncertainty. Jake's mind constantly circles back to the moments they shared, replaying them like a broken record. It torments him, like a puzzle he cannot solve.

As he sits in his dimly lit apartment, Jake stares out the window, trying to find solace in the nighttime skyline, but all he sees are flickering memories of Bradley's smile, his touch, and the way he made Jake feel alive.

Why did it have to end like this? Jake thinks aloud, his voice heavy with despair. We had something special, something real. The words escape his lips, resonating in the empty room. He wishes he could rewind time and relive those moments, savoring every second and whispered promise.

Jake's thoughts form a storm of emotions. Doubt, insecurity, and regret swirl together, trapping him in their wake. He cannot help wondering if Bradley thinks of him too, if he feels the same ache deep within his heart. Perhaps this was just a one-sided love, the possibility weighs on Jake's soul.

His mind rages with questions which begged for answers: Was it me? Did I not give enough? Was I not good enough? Why can't I get Bradley out of my head? The doubts threaten to consume him whole.

Jake closes his eyes, trying to find a moment of reprieve from the endless torture. Memories of Bradley flash before him – their first meeting, the intensity and the passion they once shared: How did it all go wrong? he whispers to his deflated heart.

His mind starts zigzagging between despair and hope. The familiar battle has become a routine – hope offers a glimpse of light, while despair relentlessly snuffs it out. Perhaps one day Bradley will come back to me, Jake mutters softly, clinging to the faintest flicker of possibility. He longs for a chance to make things right, to reignite their love. Yet, the uncertainty of his own desires haunt him.

As the night grows deeper, Jake's introspection intensifies. His thoughts transform into a monologue that echoes through his troubled mind, demanding resolution. Tears well up in his eyes as he faced the painful truth: His love for has left him broken and scarred.

I will tell him I was good, he promises to himself. I'm very good, and I'll always be.

[be-my-wingman-anytime]

Requesting Flyby

Callsign Updog. So when people ask 'What's updog?' I can say 'Nothing, what's up with you?'. This is likely the reason why I've not been accepted into Top Gun. Being accepted on Tumblr is a close second.

// REQUESTING FLYBYS \\

SHIPPING: Open For: Top Gun [1986], Top Gun: Maverick, Band of Brothers, Generation Kill, Saving Private Ryan Opening Soon: The Pacific, Masters of the Air

(please include)

Fandom (please specify, including which Top Gun timeline. If you write 'Top Gun' without stating 1986 or 2022/Maverick, I'll take it as writers choice!)

A general 'About Me' paragraph. (And/Or follow the list below)

Gender/Pronouns

Sexuality/Gender Preference

Appearance (helps but optional)

Hobbies

Flaws

Main Traits

Insecurities

Personality type (optional)

Starsign (optional)

NSFW included or not || (Minors DNI with NSFW) ||

Let me know if there's someone who you definitely don't want to be shipped with.

What you'll receive: Gif of your match-up with some headcanons and ideas on how I perceive your ship. Possible moodboard if inspiration strikes (no promises will be made but you can happily request one!)

DRABBLES: ( x readers) Open for: Top Gun [1986] and Top Gun: Maverick only

Send in a small prompt request.

Specify which character (Optional timeline too)

Specify a Genre otherwise it'll be writers choice!

I mainly write for Iceman because who doesn't love the future Admiral but I'll write for anyone.

Turnaround time will depend on numerous outside factors. I will do my best to whip something up for you as soon as possible.

Aviator Updates: Inbox (6); Top Gun: Maverick Ship Request (2) BoB Ship Request (2) Gen Kill Ship Request (2) Custom (1)

[bradshawsbaby]

I have a little bit more work to get done tonight, and then I’m going to try to work on some other small drabble requests. Feel free to send them in! (Could be fluffy or smutty 😂)

[tongue-like-a-razor]

Request for Rooster please :) basically fluff, not sure if you have something like this already but something along the line of y/n being a pilot as well, Rooster falling for them and trying to potentially impress them? Trying to confess before his chance is loss because he sees hangman around y/n time to time but Rooster doesn’t find out (immediately) that hangman and y/n are siblings so Rooster is torn between confessing or not (he does end up confessing)

Ahh thank you for the super cute request! I have a thing for writing sisters, you know ;)

Worst Day Ever

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Seresin Sister!Reader

CW: Just a lil drabble, nothing fancy. A little cheesy. A bit fluffy. A lot goofy. The star of this show is Nat XD

WC: ~1100

“This is the worst day ever.”

Natasha looks over at Bradley as he moodily packs up his things at the end of the briefing. She grins in amusement. “You sound like a toddler.”

Bradley exhales gloomily and directs his gaze toward the front of the room where you stand, chatting with Bagman. “What does she see in that dirtbag?” he makes a face of disgust.

“I guess she sees his abs.” Natasha shrugs.

Bradley gives her a flat look. “Not you too.”

“What?” she exclaims with a laugh. “I’m not denying that he’s got a shit personality.” She glances over at you and Jake. “But he’s easy on the eyes, what can I say?”

“Maybe I should challenge him to a push up contest,” Bradley muses.

“Dude, we’re in the military.” Natasha shakes her head. “Push ups are not going to impress her.”

“But his abs did the trick?”

Natasha purses her lips. “Have you seen him flex?”

“Maybe you should bag him,” Bradley proposes sourly. Then, he adds, “Actually, that’s not a half bad idea!”

“No,” Natasha responds curtly and starts for the door.

“C’mon, Trace. I will owe you.” Bradley trails after her. “I will pay you.”

Natasha stops just short of the door. “To do what?”

“We’ll invite them to the Hard Deck. You distract Bagman –”

“No,” Natasha repeats, exiting the room.

“I thought you had my back!” Bradley calls after her as the rest of the aviators assigned to the mission start filing out into the hallway.

“Someone leave you hangin’, Rooster?” Jake asks playfully as he walks by.

Bradley flashes an annoyed look in his direction and sees that you’re walking alongside him. He locks eyes with you briefly – for the first time ever – and then glances back at Jake irritably. “Don’t worry, Bagman. That’s still your undisputed domain.”

Jake scoffs while you drop your head to hide a smile.

“Hey Bagman!” Natasha calls from down the hall.

Bradley looks up to see her doubling back.

“You guys want to join us at the Hard Deck tonight?” she asks casually.

Jake raises his eyebrows in surprise, so shocked at the invitation that he doesn’t respond right away.

That’s when you say, “Sure! We’ll be there!”

…

“Drink as much as you want, Phoenix,” Bradley says giddily. “It’s on me.”

“You bet your ass it is,” Natasha says, taking a swig of beer. “I’m going to need it.”

Bradley doesn’t have a chance to laugh because that’s when you and Jake enter the bar.

The two of you make your way over to Bradley and Natasha’s table. Jake is scowling but your smile is bright enough for the both of you.

“Hey!” Bradley says, rising from his seat to greet you.

Jake gives him a dirty look and Bradley squares his shoulders to appear a little taller. Jake might have gotten to you first but that doesn't mean that Bradley can't, at least, try.

“How’s it going?” you say as you take a seat and Bradley could swear they’re the three sweetest words he’s ever heard in his life.

“Great,” he responds, beaming at you like an idiot.

“So good,” Natasha responds absently, downing the remainder of her beer. “I need a refill.”

Jake, who is just about to sit down, rises again with an irritable sigh. “What’re you drinking?” he asks.

Natasha grimaces at him. “I can get my own beer,” she responds, also getting up.

Jake gives her a phony grin. “I guess you’re used to it,” he bites back.

You elbow Jake aggressively in his leg and he nearly loses his balance. “Be nice,” you warn him.

Bradley watches Natasha and Jake head to the bar together, surprised that you’re familiar enough with Jake to physically assault him considering the briefing this morning was only the third time you’ve met. Bradley wonders if maybe you know Jake from before; that would explain your allegiance.

“I’m glad you guys came,” Bradley says to you, not really sure how else to start a conversation with a girl who’s more or less spoken for.

You smile at him. “Yeah, thanks for the invite!”

“Of course,” Bradley responds. He decides not to mention that the entire night was orchestrated just so he could spend time with you.

“Jake’s pretty excited.”

Bradley lifts his eyebrows dubiously and looks over at Jake who’s at the bar with Natasha. “He’s got a weird way of showing it.”

You laugh. “Oh, he’s far too ‘badass’ to show it.”

Bradley snorts and looks back at you with a grin. “I like you,” he says before he can stop himself.

You chuckle slightly and lower you gaze without responding.

“I mean it,” he says.

You shift slightly in your seat and change the subject. “Your low altitude pass yesterday was pretty awesome,” you say.

Bradley grins and straightens his posture proudly. “You saw that?”

“It was hard to miss.” You cringe slightly. “Cyclone was so mad, I'm surprised you didn't hear him yelling from the cockpit.”

Bradley winces. “Yeah, I may have gotten into some trouble. But hey, if it means you noticed me, it was worth it.” He lets out a chuckle.

You smile, your eyes resting on his. "I noticed you," you admit.

Bradley keeps his gaze on you, releasing a guilty sigh. What's he doing flirting with you when Jake has clearly already shown interest? He hangs his head sullenly and says, "Look, I don’t know what you and Bagman have going on –”

“Umm,” you interject, holding up a hand. Bradley looks up at you, already nauseated because he’s fairly certain you’re about to tell him off. Instead, you proceed to say, “You know he’s my brother, right?”

Bradley blinks at you in awe. After several lengthy seconds, he says, “Shut the fuck up.”

You start laughing. “What did you think?”

Bradley drops his face in his hands, embarrassed and relieved in equal measure. “That’s why you like him.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” you mutter sarcastically.

Bradley nearly chokes. “You’re hilarious,” he says.

You lean into the table toward him. “And you’re cute.”

Bradley stares at you in amazement and then grins sheepishly. “I’m so glad you think so.”

“Alright kids,” Bradley hears Jake’s voice and realizes that he and Natasha have approached the table. “We’re gonna call it a night.”

“What? Already?” Bradley exclaims, looking up at them. He instantly observes that Jake is holding Natasha’s hand. “Oh,” Bradley adds, meeting Natasha’s gaze with an amused grin. “Well, this is turning out to be an alright day.”

Natasha shoots him a threatening look but says not a word.

“Bradshaw,” Jake says, narrowing his eyes as he glances between you and Bradley pointedly. “Keep your hands to yourself.”

Bradley solutes him with a nod and a smirk and then says, “You have yourself a good night, Seresin.”

Rooster Tag List:

The rest of the list will be in the comments.

@rosiahills22

@olliepig

@xoxabs88xox

@callsignvenus

@atarmychick007

@shanimallina87

@wkndwlff

@ijustwantedplums

@Elenavampire21

@SometimesAnAlice

@risingtripletaurus

@desert-fern

@sarcasm-n-insomnia

@graciereads

@pono-pura-vida

@ltfirecracker

@rascallyrascals

@kitty-moonflower-blog

@Melody-death

@bellaireland1981

@justlurkingplsignore

@rhettsluvr

@mandyppp

@eloquentdreamer

@topherwrites

@jessicab1991

@seitmai

@novastories

@stoneyggirl2

@roosterandme

@julielightwood

@primroseluna

@diorrfairy

@fandom-princess-forevermore

@dontletthemtakeyoualive

@schreksdoubledeckerhomechecker

@memoriesat30

@igotmajordaddyissues

@widemiffyhappy

@queerqueenlynn

@hizzielover

@ttokkisbee

@justmymindandstuff

@jrdyn

@callsign-mayhem

@og-baby-ob14

@chewymoustachio

@itsizzythebell

@marvelshoney

@sarcastic-sourwolf

[fandomlit]

sleep clothes (bradley bradshaw x reader)

summary a power outage allows rooster (and unfortunately, the other men on base) to see you in your sleep clothes.

warnings swearing, suggestion toward adult themes, rooster has a staring problem

a/n so guess who went and saw top gun (rqs are open <3)

gif cred belongs to @bykryx​

the squadron had been getting ready for bed when the lights suddenly went out and the usual background thrum of the bunkhouse went silent. rooster looked to the switch to see no one standing by it just as payback let out a groan.

“the power did not just go out,” he huffed, digging through one of his drawers for his emergency flashlight.

“i think it did,” rooster replied as the other men in the bunkroom began to curse. hangman hopped out of bed, not bothering to pull a shirt on as he headed for the door.

“where are you going?” coyote called to him.

“to see if anyone else’s went out or if rooster just left his curling iron on too long,” hangman replied with a cynical smile. and as much as rooster wanted to put him in his smug jaw, he, payback, and coyote all followed.

the backup generator must have been some piece of work, for it only somewhat worked in the hallway, filling it with eerily faint light. some other men were out of their bunks already, milling about the hall with tired grumbles and groans as they talked amongst themselves. “guess it wasn’t just us,” rooster offered with a tired sigh. 

“guess it got the girls, too,” payback spoke before moving past rooster. “hey phoenix, c/s!” rooster followed after him to see the silhouetted figures of the two girls of their squadron were in fact hovering near the entranceway of their hall. his heart nearly stopped as he got close enough to catch sight of you in the dim lights.

rooster had seen you in many shapes and forms; workout clothes, dresswear, uniform, even swimwear. but never in sleep clothes.

he thanked what ever god for blessing him with that sight.

“enjoying some mood lighting, boys?” you joked with a tired smile, tilting your head in a way that nearly had rooster swooning. man, he knew he had it bad for you, but this was a whole new level. 

you stood in pair of lazily picked out socks and a way too big sleep shirt that left too much and not enough to the imagination, just barely stopping at your mid thigh with no implication of shorts underneath. he prayed the same dim lighting that revealed your adorably tired features to him hid the way his eyes greedily drank in the sight of your beautifully bare legs and the large shirt slipping off of your shoulder in the slightest, exposing your bare collarbone to his prying eyes. he forced his eyes away after a few long moments, cursing just barely under his breath. he couldn’t help the intrusive thought of you wearing his too big shirt, looking up at him with those doey, tired eyes, and, god, he was in public right now.

while you had taken a more lighthearted approach to the situation, phoenix was less than so. “none of you thought to put on shirts? not a single one of you?”

“c’mon, c/s’s not even wearing pants right now!” hangman retorted with a snicker. rooster didn’t know when he had joined their group, but his blood boiled at the thought of hangman’s gaze replacing where his had just been, thinking worse and more perverted thoughts than his own. that stupidly familiar burn in his chest only lessened when he heard you scoff.

“i’m wearing shorts, dipshit,” you huffed and rooster’s eyes followed selfishly as you lifted the hem of your shirt, revealing the pair of spandex that sat even further up on your thighs. he looked away quickly this time, before his mind could get too carried away. “i’m officially the second most clothed person here.” phoenix, who stood in a tee and sweatpants, just shrugged.

“i don’t know about that,” hangman tutted under his breath and rooster had never wanted him to shut up more. luckily, the admiral saved any further debate and intrusive thoughts.

“admiral on deck!”

everyone fell to attention immediately, lining up against the walls. when the hall was completely silent and devoid of shuffling noises, the admiral stepped toward the center. he scanned the hall before commanding, “at ease, but listen up.” everyone relaxed their attention and that’s when rooster realized that you had snuck your way beside him in the brief rush. you caught his eye when he glanced down at you and shot him a jovial, heart-stopping wink before focusing back on the admiral. he couldn’t help but bite his lip to prevent a goofy smile.

“we’ve got mechanics searching for the source of the outage now,” the admiral explained, pacing further down the hall. “lights out will be extended by an hour to accommodate for those whose showers were cut off or cut short. y’all smell terrible. you need that shower.” chuckles arose down the hall. “until we get up and running again, a few reminders: you are still not allowed to mingle in each other’s dorms, you are still required to wake at the same time tomorrow, you are still..”

as the admiral droned on, rooster snuck another glance down at you. you caught his gaze after a moment and the two of you shared an exaggerated look. he leaned closer to you and spoke quietly, “where’d you even get a shirt that big?”

that clearly wasn’t what you were expecting him to say judging by the breathy chuckle you let out. “some laundry mix up a few weeks ago. don’t really know what happened or who did it, but it doesn’t matter. it’s my shirt now. it smells like me and everything.”

rooster let out a quiet chuckle as if the thought of you scenting a shirt didn’t nearly make him shiver. the admiral swept his gaze through the part of the hallway your smiling duo stood and rooster quickly fixed his smile into a hardened expression. when the admiral’s eyes were gone, he whispered to you with a skipping heart, “looks good on you. ‘m sure it smells good, too.”

he looked toward you to see a silent laugh shake through you as you caught his eyes, “thanks.” his gaze flitted away from you after a moment, just as you added, “would rather it be one of your shirts, though.”

his heart stopped. his fervent eyes were back on you within the millisecond. “what?”

“what?” you repeated back to him. but the feeble lighting was just vivid enough that he could see the knowing, provocative look in your eyes as you tilted your head at him and holy shit you were going to be the death of him.

“dismissed,” the admiral called before rooster could even think of a response to you. 

you shot rooster a smile that only told him that you were proud of yourself before speaking sweetly, “goodnight, bradley.”

fuck, did you have to say his name?

his veins were on fire. he let out a chuckle that only told you how flustered you had made the usually-cocky pilot. “goodnight, y/n.” he stared after you for a moment, gaze on the hem of your shirt as it just barely rose to the top of your thighs with your pace. the sight of your spandex settled just under the curve of your ass was like a reward.

and though some of the boys jostled and teased him like teenagers when you disappeared back to the girls rooms, rooster’s only thoughts were how to cause another laundry mix up in his favor.

[sebsxphia]

admiral jake when you’re wearing a sundress..

i can picture this on a sunday morning. you’re getting ready to visit admiral cyclone and his family. since jake became an admiral himself, a far greater respect had been built up between the two.

jake was tying your little girls shoes as he asked, “where’s your mama, hm?” she squealed in response as she saw you come through the doorway, your barely one year old boy attached to your hip.

“here i am!” you cheerfully replied.

jake looked up and immediately his throat went dry. he licked at his bottom lip to try and gather some salvia as he took in the breathtaking sight of you. suddenly, he was back in the hard deck when he met you and you were wearing a sundress.

it was the first time you’d worn one this year and jake could feel himself twitch. it hugged and covered every inch and curve of your body. it wasn’t revealing by any means, but jake thought you might as well have worn his favourite set of lingerie.

once ready to leave, jake gave you a soft kiss on your lips and caught your ear.

“do you remember what happened when you wore that last?”

“mhm, he’s right here.” you chided with an all knowing smirk and squeezing your little boy on your hip.

jake let out a low grunt and squeezed at your ass through your sundress. you had to bite down hard on your bottom lip to stop the squeal escaping you.

the day had gone by in a flurry and went off without a hitch. jake now had your hair fisted in his palm and another gripping onto your hip, scrunching up your sundress material into his knuckles as he fucked you deeply from behind on your shared bed, kids fast asleep.

“so fucking pretty for your admiral, aren’t you sweets? you goin’ to give your admiral permission to breed you again?”

the allusion of family dad, admiral jake, was shattered. this was admiral jake fucking you within an inch of your life.

eheh thank you so much for this incredible thot dear anon! 💌

[ddejavvu]

idk if you've wrote this type of blurb before but if not maybe some hangman x reader were they aren't dating but friends and reader visits him and they go to a bar together and it's all very southern but reader doesn't know shit abt southern tradition and surprise surprise she puts on jakes cowboy hat as a joke 🤭🤭 the rest is up to you (just no angst please :') )

(If you wear a cowboy hat, you have to ride the cowboy)

Jake had tried briefing you on the way over. Don't get too cocky about the mechanical bull. You'll fall eventually. Careful not to step on anyone's toes, you might scuff their dancing boots. If you're going to dance, stick to the middle, that way there's always someone in front of you when the group turns to follow along with.

He'd just forgotten one minor detail, and you hadn't thought twice about snatching up his discarded cowboy hat as he wiped his brow of sweat. Perhaps you should have been deterred by that, the fact that the brim is slightly damp with his perspiration, but you didn't let it phase you, excited to look as southern as everyone else did.

You don't see his eyes widen until the hat is already securely on your head, and you grin at him, smug that you've managed to steal his look.

"What, Seresin? Pissed I look better than you?" You quip, but your smirk fades into confusion when his eyes trail down your front.

"Oh my god, are you getting turned on by this, or something? We should roleplay," You tease, slapping his chest, "I'll be the sexy cowgirl."

"Well darlin'," Jake finally finds his voice, laughing bashfully, "That ain't too far off from what you've just set yourself up for."

"Oh yeah?" You raise a brow curiously, "And what's that, Jake?"

"Well, there's this southern tradition," He explains, his typical cocky smirk flitting over his face as he leans sideways against the bar beside you, "That if you wear a man's cowboy hat, you've gotta ride the cowboy you stole it off of."

Your jaw drops for a quick second before you contain yourself, staring bewildered at him, "You- what? And you didn't warn me before I put it on? That's a stupid rule."

"It's not stupid," He grins, "It's perfect. And hey, think of it this way. You're savin' a horse."

[birdy-bat-writes]

Coffee for Mrs. Seresin?

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Fem!Reader

Content warnings: Pining, fluff, and uh.... caffeine? Mild swears, Maybe some banter. I have no clue what qualifies as a warning anymore, I'm so sorry, y'all:') Also, sorry for the spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

A/n: Should I be doing math right now? Should I actually be sleeping right now? Yes and yes, BUT no one can blame me. I was reading an adorable Jake Seresin Fanfic by @roosterbruiser (everyone go read Millie's work, it's gold) and I got an idea and I had to write it somewhere so here:D

You were pretty used to people assuming you and Jake were an item. When an attractive guy and an attractive girl have been friends since college and spend as much time together as you both do, you suppose it's a fair conclusion for people to draw, but an incorrect one, nonetheless. And you really wish people would stop asking because every time you had to explain to someone how you were "just friends," it ate you a little more inside.

The fact of the matter was this: you were in love with your best friend. And it sucked.

You stepped out of your car and strode along the stone walkway amidst the grass up to Rooster's door and rang the bell. It was a cute little townhouse with a blue exterior and you often poked fun at him for how much it resembled a little wooden birdhouse with its colorful walls and white wood-rimmed windows. You suppose it's fitting since Rooster lives there and yes, he hates that gag. It also serves as your group's prime hang-out spot, which is why you're here now.

The door opened to reveal Natasha, wrapped up in an oversized sweatshirt with her hair thrown up in a claw clip. "Yes, you brought chips!"

"Yeah, you didn't really specify which flavor so I just got them all." You said, walking in. "Guests should start coming in an hour, right?"

"Mmm-hmm." The 7 of you were throwing a casual party to celebrate Jake's promotion to Lieutenant-Commander. You saw Nat lift her eyes and smirk. "And there he is, the man of the hour." You turned around to see Jake at the end of the staircase.

"Well, hello, Mr. Man-of-the-hour," you teased, setting down the numerous bags of chips you were holding.

"Glad you're finally here, N/N. I was starting to think you were going to leave me here to fend for myself against Rooster's ABBA medley." Jake wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pulled you into his side. It was always like this. Him giving you butterflies you had to ignore because there was inevitably some other girl.

"Oh please, I would never leave you to fend for yourself against Rooster. I would join him and together, we'd overpower you and make you listen to ABBA forever." You grinned up at him and he narrowed his eyes, lips quirking up at the corners.

"Betrayal never comes from an enemy, I see," he shook his head at you. "I will leave you, lovely ladies, to yourselves. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen." You watched Jake walk away and disappear around the corner. When you turned back, Natasha was still wearing that smug smile she always did when she saw you two. You knew it was coming.

"Nix, I'm telling you, if you say it, I'm salting your coffee." She knew you were messing with her but one of these days, you might just do it.

"All I'm saying is, shoot your shot! Come on, just once before you go settle for this rando."

"Mark is not a rando. We know him from accounting!"

"Exactly, Y/N, we know him from accounting. You don't even like the guy, heck you hardly know him."

"Exactly. That's why we're going to get to know each other at this party. I need to get over this crush, now. I can't keep pining for a guy who has no interest in me," you saw Natasha's mouth open as if to say something and you quickly jumped in, "And don't say he's interested. He's been with other girls multiple times and never once looked at me like that."

"True, I won't argue there. He's never looked at any of those girls the way he was just looking at you either." She took her hair out of her claw clip and it fell onto her shoulders in soft waves. "And ever since we all got back from that mission 3 months ago, he hasn't been with anyone. I really think he's got a thing for you but you're right. You should give this Mark guy a shot if you think he'd be good for you."

You smiled softly. You met Jake's friends when you were in San Diego a few years back. About a year ago, you were permanently stationed here and luckily for you, Jake was too. He settled here about 4 months before you. All his friends became your friends, and you've truly never known a better group of people. And they'd never known someone who could wrangle Hangman, so you were quite quickly welcomed to the group.

You and Pheonix tossed your sweatshirts upstairs and fixed up the last bits of your outfits just in time for guests to start arriving. You even managed to slip in a game of cards with Fanboy, Bob, and Payback before you joined a crowd in the living room. You barely felt the tap on your shoulder. If it wasn't followed by your name, you surely would have missed it. You turned on your heel to see Mark from accounting, facing you with a hand in his pocket.

"Mark, hi!"

"Hey. How are you?" His voice was almost monotone. His eyes roamed the room rather than meeting yours. He had just gotten here and he already sounded like he wanted to be somewhere else. You could have sworn he sounded more lively when you met.

"I'm good. I thought you weren't coming till later."

"I got off work early."

"Ah, well that's great." This guy really wasn't giving you much to work with. "Can I get you something to drink? There are drinks and food in the kitchen." That actually went somewhere. You headed to the kitchen where the conversation just barely picked up.

In the distance, Jake noticed your prolonged absence. As silly as it was, Jake liked knowing you were near him. You didn't have to be attached at the hip but he liked knowing he could saunter over to you and escape into your laugh when you came up in his mind. Which was a lot.

He scanned the room for you and stopped when he caught your frame in the kitchen...with some guy? Who the hell was that?

"Damn, if looks could kill...," Rooster muttered. "Do you not like that dude or something?"

"I don't even know who he is," Jake said through gritted teeth. "What's his name?"

"No clue. Pheonix?"

As if on cue, Natasha spoke up. "That, my friends, is Mark from accounting." Both the boys looked at her with questioning eyes.

"Okay, but who is he?" Something in Jake's voice was different now. Both of them looked at him.

"Careful there, Bagman, you almost sound jealous. He's some guy Y/N knows and I think she likes him." Phoenix was searching Jake's face for any sign that she was right about his feelings for you, and he never noticed because his eyes were trained on you like a hawk.

"I'm not jealous, Pheonix."

"You kinda sound jealous, Hangman," Rooster added, earning a glare from Jake.

"Okay, when we first met and you told me about her, you sounded so lovesick, I thought she was your wife. Cut to, you introduce us all and it turns out you're not married, or dating, but friends? I'm sorry, I do not believe that you two don't have feelings for each other." Natasha's remark sparked something in Jake. She watched the corners of his mouth twitch into a smirk so small, she almost missed it.

"I'll be right back." Jake stated, already pacing away. Rooster and Pheonix watched Jake make his way into the kitchen.

"She likes him too right?" Rooster asked.

"Oh, absolutely," Pheonix responded.

"You know, Fanboy has a betting pool on them."

"What? Get me on this, I have a feeling we'll make some money tonight."

Jake entered the kitchen to see you sitting alone at the table. "Got room for one more?"

"I don't see why not. Shouldn't you be mingling with everyone out there?"

"Well, the person I want to mingle with is in here." You smiled at him. There it was again, that smile that always left him utterly defenseless. "Who's the guy?"

You don't know why you felt your cheeks heat up when Jake asked about him. "His name's Mark. I met him when I was sorting reports last week."

"Okay. So, why do you sound so upset?"

"Because he said he was going to get us drinks 5 minutes ago and I just saw him leave with Commander Reeves' daughter." Honestly, you weren't upset because he left. You were upset because you were glad he did. He was boring you out of your mind and you two absolutely did not click, but it was still disheartening to know that this is what it was going to be like. No guy was going to measure up to the one you wished you were with. The one who was at this table with you now.

Jake was seething. What kind of idiot comes to a party and leaves you for some other girl? "You wanna get out of here?"

"What?"

"Let's leave. I'm bored."

"It's your party, you dork, you can't just leave!" You were giggling at a feeling somewhere in between confusion and disbelief.

"Yeah, it is my party so I say, you and I get out of here." He took you by the hand and walked you out through the back door to his car. And you let him. The chilly air swept you both up.

The drive was pretty calm. You didn't know where Jake was going but you didn't care either. This reminded you of when you two were younger. The long quiet rides in the car with no one but each other for company. He'd put on some cheesy 80's power ballad and you'd both laugh at it until you'd give in and belt it out at the top of your lungs.

"If you don't mind my asking, what did you see in him?"

"I don't really even remember. I think I just wanted to try and get myself out there. I haven't been on a date in literally years."

Jake hesitated before he asked. "So... what made you want to start now?" You felt the words catch in your throat.

"I'm not sure." you lied. You. I'm in love with you and I can't take it.

You felt the car slow down. You were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't even see where Jake parked. A cute little coffee shop and patisserie. Jake got out of his car and rounded the front to open the door for you. He already had you head over heels for him and he didn't even know it. Did he have to be such a gentleman? You weren't sure that you could fall even harder for this man but you really didn't want to find out.

"Why don't you get us a table and I'll get us something to drink. Don't worry, I remember what you like." You nodded and found a two-seat table by the french windows overlooking the city. On the left, in the distance, the last light of sunset was hitting the water and the top of the sky had started to go dark. Little stars twinkled above you. You wondered what it would be like to always be like this? Evenings with you and Jake, running off alone together from places and people you didn't really want to see. Taking comfort in each other's presence because it felt like home. Just then, Jake sat down in front of you. It almost hurt knowing he was right in front of you and you couldn't have him.

"Screw stupid Mark from accounting. He was not worth your time."

"Thanks. It's fine really, I'll find someone else. Someone less boring." When you met Jake's eyes, he looked as if he had something to say. Something he was holding back. "What is it?"

"Don't find someone else."

Did he just- Did you hear him right?

"What? Why?"

"Because-"

"I have a coffee and a latte for Mr. and Mrs. Seresin?" The barista called. You actually felt your heart skip a beat. Your eyebrows scrunched together and you looked to Jake for answers.

"Well, I think that's us." He blurted like it answered all your questions, a smile heard in his voice.

"Mr. and Mrs. Seresin?" You queried, rising out of your seat in tandem with him. "Why'd you tell her we were 'Mr. and Mrs. Seresin?!'"

"Because you looked so down and I thought I'd get a reaction from you! And it's not all my fault, Pheonix gave me the idea." Jake stated, matter-of-factly. How could he say that so casually?! "And you're still looking red so I guess it worked."

You both grabbed your coffees and sat down once again. It was dark out now. Once your laughs and giggles over your reaction were out, you remembered where your last conversation left off.

"Jake, why'd you tell me not to find someone?" You didn't force the question too hard into the conversation. You asked softly, not knowing how or if he would answer. He sighed before he spoke like he was preparing himself.

"Because...because I can't ask you out if you're dating someone else." The emotions hit you like a bombshell.

"You want to ask me out?" You weren't sure this was real. You were really about to pinch yourself before he stopped you in your tracks.

"I've been meaning to for months. Y/N, we've been friends forever, and I didn't want to ruin what we have. I know I should have told you before because I've liked you for as long as- Why are you smiling?"

"Because, you big dummy, I like you too." You couldn't hold it back. You were beaming. You felt butterflies and fireworks all at once just because the man of your dreams just made it all a reality. Jake held your eyes in his and smiled ear-to-ear. You swore you saw his ears go red but if you asked him, you doubt he’d admit it. "I'm really happy right now but I have no clue what to do next."

"I've got it from here," Jake reaches out and takes your hand in both of his. It feels like electricity is coursing through your veins. "Y/N L/N, would you do me the honor of going on a date with me?"

It took everything in you not to squeal in this coffee shop. "Yes, I will do you that honor, Bagman." You responded. He chuckled at you.

"Every now and again, I feel like introducing you to Pheonix was a mistake."

"Speaking of which, I really want to tell her about this but she'll get all smug because she was right."

"You're right. As far as people we don't have to tell yet go, Fanboy and Rooster have been betting on us. We can just keep it from them for now too."

"Deal." A laugh bubbled out of you as you thought about how the squad would react. And then a knock sounded directly next to you on the french window.

"Aww, cute," Rooster noted, his voice muffled by the glass, but still clear enough for you to hear his teasing tone.

"Left your own party so soon?" There stood Pheonix. Along with the rest of the squad leaning against Bradley's bronco.

"Shit." you commented.

"So much for keeping it secret."

———————————————————————

Tag list:

@glorified-red

[kryptonitejelly]

just a tiny jake seresin x you drabble because it has been a while. set in the flyboy!universe in the flyboy!era because i miss them sm (and i’m currently obsessed with this outfit), but readable alone.

-

Jake hears a sudden, series of loud whistles and cheers - the ruckus enough to make him pause the conversation he is engaged in with Javy and Bradley, his head craning towards the commotion. His brows furrow slightly as he tries to make sense of what it could be, only for the space between his eyebrows to smoothen out once he understands.

“Wow,” Javy’s voice and low whistle fills the space beside Jake.

“Girl looks good, Hangman,” Bradley affirms, throwing a glance back across the table at Jake before taking a swig from his beer bottle.

“You mean hot?” Natasha’s voice slices in, as she leads both her charge and yours over to the group table. “You’re welcome, by the way,” she adds pointedly in Jake’s direction.

Jake ignores her, choosing instead to take in the outfit you have on - straight jeans hanging from hips, an oversized blazer covering your shoulders, and beneath the pièce de résistance of the outfit that made all the difference today, a lacy black bra peeking out.

“Hey,” you say, about to take the empty seat on the other side of Jake, only for him to tug you onto his lap instead where you end up sitting side ways, body angled towards him.

“Already?” You hear Reuben’s voice, which Jake ignores, choosing instead to slide a hand under the blazer, fingers pressing themselves onto your side.

You grin at him, words unspoken but your question clear.

“I fucking love it,” he says, as his other hand rises to tug your face towards him lightly.

“Really?” You ask, your lips inches from his.

“You think?” He murmurs back as you shift on his lap. Jake can feel his pants tightening, like he was 18 years old again, and he knows so can you. It makes you chuckle as you let your lips connect with his briefly. Pulling away to a combination of groans and a chorus of yells to get a room and one “not again?”, you lean your lips towards Jake’s ear, voice soft.

“Well, I can take care of that.”

[topguncommentbingo]

[hangster] groceries gone wrong

written for @urmomsonfire by @paulmezcal (find it on ao3 here!)

“Here, got your marshmallows.”

Bradley looks up from the fruit display to frown at his boyfriend.

“What are those?”

“Marshmallows,” Jake says, holding up a bag as he leans against the cart.

“Why are we getting marshmallows? Do we even eat those?”

“I don’t know, man, I know better than to question your grocery list.”

“I never wrote in marshmallows.”

Jake frowns, snatching the paper out of Bradley’s hand. “Look right here!” He huffs, indignant, and shows Bradley.

“That says macaroni.”

“It clearly says marshmallow.”

“It clearly says macaroni.”

“It unclearly says macaroni. Jesus. Who taught you how to write?”

[luveline]

you're writing for bradley!! i am so so excited!! could i request just some domestic fluff with shy!reader and bradley? maybe her coming home from a long day and he's just the perfect boyfriend with a glass of wine and a hug ready for her? love u gorgeous 💗

thank you for requesting, babe, I absolutely adored writing this and him, let me known if you have any more!! —bradley helps you feel better after a bad, long day with wine and a multitude of hugs. fem!reader 1k

You push into your apartment, a ground floor slotting of sandblown terracotta tiles and wooden shutters weakened by termites, and pause. There's something wrong, a humming sound. 

You take a step back toward the door and slide your phone from your pocket. 

Hi Bradley, where are you? I think somebody has been in my apartment. Should I worry? you text him. You've continued a streak of politeness with him even now, too shy to dip into the familiarity you feel when he's holding you close over the phone. You follow it up quickly. Don't worry, I'm sure it's okay. Do you know what time you'll be coming over? Any time is OK.

"It's me!" Bradley calls with an easy chuckle. Couch springs creak as he jumps up, and a second later he appears in the living room doorway with a frankly breathtaking grin, shoving his cell into his pocket. "I'm coming over right now. Holy shit, would you look at you?" 

You hold your bag closer to your side, hair not nearly as neat as it started that morning, the day's chaos etched into the small wrinkles either side of your eyes. "Me?" 

When he smiles, it's all white top teeth and joy. For someone who's been through so much, and who works so hard, he's a shaken bottle of fizzy happiness whenever the moment allows —you barely have time to put your bag next to the rack of shoes (and there, his shoes you must've missed toed off and perfectly aligned with your sandy flip flops) when he's crossing the hall in quick strides and pulling you into an ecstatic embrace. 

"Hey," he says, kissing your cheek, moustache not scratchy but far from soft. It rubs a wonky trail as he kisses without goal. Kiss on your nose, your cheek, close enough to your eye to make you cringe and back away. 

"Hi, Brad," you say breathlessly. 

You need time to prepare yourself for seeing him usually, his sudden closeness catching you off guard. You struggle to make any sense of how much he likes you, but you've given up denying his attention. You want it too badly. 

He doesn't stall at your obvious (embarrassing) flustering; he doubles down. His arms like steel cords behind your shoulders, Bradley noses at the side of your face, his breath warm on your cheek as he says, "Sorry, I thought surprising you might be nice, but I didn't think about your nerves." 

"My nerves," you say. 

"Your bad nerves. You're flighty." He gives it another press, the straight line of his nose digging into your cheek before he pulls away. 

Bradley doesn't give you time to miss his arms around you. He makes for the kitchen, notices you aren't following, and grabs your hand. Tugging, he takes you into the kitchen and elbows open your refrigerator, revealing a better sight than what you'd seen this morning. 

"I had to go out again when I saw your fridge," he says, ducking down to push aside what looks like the makings of your favourite meal to unearth a pretty bottle of red. "Sweetheart, when you said you had a shitty breakfast, I was picturing, like, half a grapefruit. Did you eat anything?" 

He only knows what you'd texted him, shitty breakfast code for the found half of a cereal bar in your jacket. 

You don't like to text Bradley too much in case you put him off, but today was bad, and you know he doesn't mind. He'd told you so only a few days ago. His hand full of your stomach, hot under the collar, you can't remember what you'd been talking about initially, your memory intricately busy remembering the planes of his tightly muscled torso and the feeling of his weight atop you, but suddenly he'd been leaning down, brown eyes pleading. "You can talk to me," he'd said. "About anything. I want to hear it. You know that, right?"

So you texted him somewhere around lunch time and had been delighted to find him puttering around doing a whole lot of nothing. He's been keeping himself busy on leave, staying fit, helping your elderly upstairs neighbour put together her new chest of drawers between half marathons and surfing, regular dreamboat stuff. 

I think I'm having a bad day, you'd said. What are you up to, Brad? Can I still see you tonight? 

Why do you act like I'm not obsessed with you? he'd text back immediately. Kidding. Kind of. What's wrong? Can I bring you lunch? 

Raincheck on lunch? I don't think I'll have time. I'll explain later if that's OK. Miss you. 

Miss you too, baby. I wanna hear all about it tonight.

You blink up from his hands to find him staring at you worriedly. You're in your own head, exhausted and a little muddled after such a long day, and he clearly doesn't like it. 

"Is wine gonna make you feel worse?" he asks, tapping your thigh with his knuckles. 

"Definitely not," you say.

"Before dinner?" 

Your smile turns sheepish. You want the wine much more than the dinner, but if you get both, you won't complain. 

He leans back against the fridge, arms crossed, the neck of the wine bottle held precariously in a confident hand. "Sure you're okay?" he asks. 

"I will be." You take a brave step forward and look up into his face. It's difficult to grasp what it is he sees in you when he's like something out of a movie, all brains, brawn, and bleeding heart. You don't get it, but he wants you, and he's here. "Thanks for coming over, Bradley." 

"This shtick again?" he asks, raising his brows. 

"This shtick again," you repeat, grinning at the implication. 

He hooks your ankle with his. "Thanking me for coming over is like thanking a fish for swimming. Couldn't stop myself if I wanted to." 

Your laugh is a wheeze. Brad does you the generosity of pretending you've made a more intelligible sound and pulls you in for a one-armed hug, rubbing a rough up and down into your side. It's such a nice feeling to be tucked up under his arm that you can almost forget how badly you want a glass of wine. 

"Want the big glasses from the top shelf?" Bradley asks knowingly. 

"Yes. Please." 

[whohasthecards]

What if, Hangman plays around a lot with the Daggers and Mav because he never really got the chance too. The guy is a top naval aviator, especially with the air-to-air kill, the Navy probably had high expectations for him, and so he acted the way people expected him to act. Confident, cocky, competent, the Navy's golden boy. The Hangman.

His home life isn't the best, shitty parents, if they were there at all. Heck, he could have siblings older or younger than him, and being the responsible breadwinner/caretaker fell on his shoulders, so he always had to work hard and keep a level head. Keep whatever family he had and himself upfloat.

However, once he was with the Dagger squad, he didn't feel the need to be Hangman, the Navy's Golden boy, cocky smile and no mistakes. He wasn't Jacob Seresin, tired and level-headed, a soft smile for his nieces and nephews. A hard face if his parents ever decides to show their faces again.

He was just Jake.

Jake who crows in victory whenever he beats Phoenix at pool. Phoenix rolling her eyes as she lightly hit Jake with a cue stick, Jake dancing away gasping dramatically as if she had a knife.

Jake who playfully steals Bob's peanuts, laughing as the other man scowls at him and lightly shoves his shoulder to get it back. (One time Jake tried to eat the whole cup worth of peanuts as fast as possible, and Bob and him had a mini wrestling fight, Jake gave it back, and got him a new one.)

Jake who Coyote always brings desert for. Coming by his desk and holding the treat above his head, making sure to keep the treat out of Jake's reach. Making Jake pout and whine as he tries to grab it. Javy always does the bit, making Jake say please for it, before conceding and giving it to him. Javy always finds something new for Jake to try.

Jake who Bradley finds always on his right. Bothering him. Teasing him, yet always there, talking about anything and everything. Bradley smiled fondly, as he ruffled the younger man's hair after a particularly funny story about the shenanigans he partook in.

Jake who Mav knows likes his bacon slightly burned and eggs over easy, from the many nights he stayed overnight in his house, and smiles brightly at breakfast. Who has grease streaked across his face as Mav taught him how to do maintenance on motorcycles.

Jake with messy hair, bright eyes, and a relaxed smile. Who would tease, pout, and groan dramatically, but would always be there.

They didn't realized how much of a privilege knowing Jake is, until they saw Jacob "Hangman" Seresin take front and center, once more.

[bradshawsbaby]

“you’re freezing, come here.”

I can totally see this as Bradley or Jake. Maybe more Jake. I'm always cold and wear sweatshirts ���

Woohoo, I got through all of them! This was the last of the prompt requests I received!

It was that time of year where the weather could be cruelly deceptive. You’d be baking in the sun all day, comfortable in a sundress or shorts, but as soon as the sun started to go down, a chill crept into your bones, a reminder that the bite of winter hadn’t yet disappeared completely.

Despite knowing this, you still weren’t prepared for the cold breeze that blew in off the water as you sat around a bonfire on the beach with your fiancé and your friends. In all fairness, it had been a rather impromptu get-together, but you were still kicking yourself for not having a sweatshirt in the car.

You’d been attempting to inch yourself closer to the fire, surreptitiously rubbing away the goosebumps that were rising on your arms. Clad in only a T-shirt and a flimsy pair of leggings, you were growing colder and colder the longer you sat there.

“Want to go for a walk, honey?” Bradley whispered against your ear, his strong arm sliding around your waist as he sat down beside you. His body felt so warm that you instinctively cuddled up closer to him.

You bit your bottom lip as you contemplated leaving the warmth of the fire, but the thought of sharing a little alone time with your soon-to-be-husband was too good to pass up. “Okay,” you nodded, slipping your hands into Bradley’s and smiling as he lifted you up off the ground.

With your hands intertwined, you and Bradley broke away from the rest of the group and began strolling along the shoreline, dipping your bare toes into the water as you talked softly about your plans for the future.

You were trying very hard to focus on what Bradley was saying, but this close to the water, the chill that had settled over you earlier sank deeper into your bones until your back ached from trying to contain your trembling.

“Honey, are you alright?” Bradley asked, stopping you both in your tracks and turning to look at you.

“Hm? Yeah, I’m fine,” you fibbed, reluctantly dropping his hand so that you could cross your arms over your chest.

He looked you up and down slowly, then chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Baby, you’re freezing. Come here,” he murmured, spreading his arms wide so that you could walk right into them.

You had never been more thankful for the fact that your fiancé was a space heater in human form.

“Why didn’t you say something?” he demanded, dropping a kiss on your forehead and turning so that you were headed back in the direction of the bonfire, and away from the water.

You shrugged, snuggling up closer against his side. “I don’t know, I guess I was just trying to ignore it,” you admitted.

“I left one of my hoodies in the Bronco. Let’s go grab it,” he told you, rubbing one large hand up and down your arm.

Sighing happily, you rested your head against his shoulder. “You’re the best.”

late night prompts

[tongue-like-a-razor]

Congratulations on 4k, babe! 🎉

How about “You’re an Idiot,” “I wish I was your idiot” “What” with Hangman?

Ahh thank you!! Since some of you expressed interest in these two, here's another drabble with brother's best friend, Hangman <3

4k Celebration Drabbles

Brother's Best Friend - Part 2

Jake Seresin x Reader

“Do you have to do this right now?” Jake asks, putting his hands on his hips as he stands before the kitchen table.

You give him a flat look before returning your attention to the laptop you’ve got set up in front of you. “It’s due tomorrow,” you say. “Don’t you have anyone else to play with?” you add sarcastically.

Jake groans, plopping down into a chair to your left. He looks exceptionally bored. “Bradshaw’s got a date,” he says with an exaggerated scowl.

“I do?” you respond with a smile.

Jake grimaces at you. “The other Bradshaw.”

You purse your lips. “Maybe next time.”

Jake leans into the table, eyeing you suspiciously. “Who’re you gonna date?”

You glance at him over your screen. “What do you care?”

He shrugs indifferently, leaning back into his seat. “Just curious.”

Although you’ve been crushing on your brother’s best friend for as long as you can remember, you’re also quite accustomed to his frequent company, and his present pestering behavior is nothing new. Still, you want to know why Jake Seresin is curious about your dating life. Of course, you ask nothing of the sort and, instead, say, “Beat it, Jake. I haven’t written a sentence in over ten minutes.”

Jake throws you a mischievous smirk. “Am I distracting you?” he asks playfully, sliding his chair closer to you so he could nudge you on the shoulder.

You exhale sharply and slam your laptop shut. “Seresin!” you roar. “Do you mind?”

Jake grins at you widely. “Oh!” he says in mock surprise, pointing to your closed laptop. “Are you done already?”

You seethe. “I’m going to kill you,” you growl.

“Come on!” Jake exclaims. “Entertain me!”

You let out a frustrated sigh, burying your face in your hands as you rest your elbows into the table. “Jake, why don’t you just go on a date?” you whine, glancing over at him pleadingly. He’s adorable but if you don’t finish your paper by 9AM, you’re screwed.

Jake lets out a chuckle that seems to fizzle out the moment it leaves his mouth. “Because you’re busy?” he says.

You roll your eyes and open your laptop back up. If only he knew how much you wish those words were true. “Just sit quietly,” you say resignedly.

Jake spins around in his seat and inclines backward, resting his head on your lap with a sigh. “’Kay, but, do I have to sit?” he asks, raising his legs up onto an adjacent chair so that he’s sprawled between your lap and two other chairs.

“How is this comfortable?” you ask, glancing down at his smiling face.

“Actually,” he replies, adjusting his shoulders and head while your stomach endures a whirlwind of emotions in response to his proximity, “This is quite nice.”

You shake your head. “We have a couch,” you remind him, placing your hands back on the keyboard, ready to return to work.

“This is better,” he says, closing his eyes.

You snort. “You’re an idiot,” you remark.

“I wish I was your idiot,” Jake mutters, keeping his eyes closed.

Your hands freeze and your heart leaps into your throat. You lower the screen of your laptop once more. “What?” you say breathlessly. Surely he’s joking. Or dreaming. Or –

Jake opens his eyes to meet your gaze. “Sorry,” he says. “I’ll stop talking now.”

Read Part 3