#bradley bradshaw x hangman's sister! reader | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sarahsmi13s · 3 months

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Duckie

Chapter 9

pairing: jake ‘hangman’ seresin x bradshaw!reader; bradley ‘rooster’ bradshaw x twin sister!reader

characters: y/n bradshaw, nick bradshaw, jake seresin, penny benjamin, serenity hart, denver miller

word count: ~10.7k (don't kill me i know the chapter lengths are all over the place, i'm sorry)

warnings: language, parental doubts, canon character deaths mentioned, drinking, thunderstorms, jake being an absolute sweetheart

a/n: i want to apologize that is has been 8 months since i have last updated the main story, i really didn't think it would take that long... but i just wanted to make sure i was proud of the chapter and i really do think i am proud of it. so thank you for your patience and i hope you enjoy 💜

series summary: daughter of goose and carole and twin sister to bradley ‘rooster’ bradshaw, y/n bradshaw also got her papers pulled when she tried to enlist in the Navy. which turned out to not be as bad as she thought.

chapter summary: a week after duckie and jake went on their "not-date" she is seriously regretting not getting jake's number before he left -- considering they haven't seen each other since. though, as fate would have it, that weekend they see each other at the beach and as duckie is walking away jake gets a push from his friends to get her number. little does he know he'll be getting much more than that from her

'duckie' universe

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It had been a hectic week since your ‘not date’ date with Jake and honestly… you were missing him. Nick was missing him too, hugging the cowboy manta ray every afternoon when he napped. You were really kicking yourself for not getting his number, you had no way of talking to him. And you both were busy, you with school stuff and softball practices and Jake with his Top Gun classes. So you just had to bet on the off chance of running into him again.

Late that Saturday morning, you and Nick were walking the beach, occasionally splashing in the surf. You wanted to tire him out so when Serenity came over later to babysit, he wasn’t too much trouble.

At some point when you had been distracted, Nick had run off without you noticing, most likely seeing something he liked or wanted.

When you do notice his absence, it’s because you don’t hear giggling and splashing. You look down next to you and panic shoots through you when you see that your son isn’t right at your feet.

“Nick? Nick! Nicky!”

Your chest heaved with your panicked breathing, thoughts running through your mind a mile and a half a minute as you shouted and ran across the beach like a mad woman – shouting for your son.

How could this happen? How could you not notice that your toddler wasn’t right next to you? What kind of mother gets that distracted that she doesn’t even hear her child run off? How did you not notice? Why didn’t you hear him? Why did you let something else pull your attention away that fast and for that long?

Maybe those middle aged mothers in the store were right? Maybe you were too young to be a decent mom… Maybe you shouldn’t–

“Han’man!”

The small, but excited voice shut your thoughts off in an instant, relief flooding your entire body as you ran in the direction you heard your son – nearly tripping over your own feet in the panic.

You spotted the classic beach volleyball court and saw Jake pick him up, looking equally as confused as he was happy.

“Nick where’s your-”

“Nicholas Jacob!” You called, adrenaline still pumping through your body.

Your son yelped a little and turned into Jake’s neck upon hearing you shout as the pilot cringed. The first and middle name? Never a good sign.

“Oooh, someone’s in trouble,” he mumbled, instinctively rubbing the child’s back in order to keep him calm.

The other aviators noticed this and gave Hangman a confused look. They were in the middle of a volleyball match and then boom a toddler’s running into the pilot's legs. And now he was comforting said child, not something they would expect from him usually.

Nick threw his arms around Jake’s neck, not turning to look at you as you ran over, sliding a little as the sand shifted under your heavy steps. “You can’t just run off like that! Do you know how worried I was?!”

The other pilots probably should have looked away, minded their own business. But now they were very intrigued as you came up to Jake as he held your son.

And by the time you got in arms reach you had calmed down slightly, trying to channel your mother to help you handle this situation.

“Nicky,” you coaxed, as you got closer and reached out to rub his back. He just buried his face into Jake’s shoulder, a small cry coming from his lips as he hugged the pilot tighter. He hates yelling, he doesn’t like it when people are mad at him. You played with his curls, knowing that he thought you were angry, “Baby, I’m not mad… You just worry me when you run off like that. You are too much like your Uncle.”

Nick looked at you finally, but still rested his head on Jake’s shoulder. His eyes were red and you sighed, knowing that he still thought you were mad. “I’m sorry I shouted, Nicky. Mama’s not mad at you. I promise.” He sniffled and reached out for you. You smiled softly and took him into your arms, then he promptly buried his face into your shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, guys,” you apologized, looking around at all the pilots. “I don’t know how he got away from me.” Jake shook his head, waving it off with a flick of his wrist, “It’s okay. I was winnin’ anyway.” You laughed, bouncing Nick instinctively, “Alright, well, we’ll leave you to it.” You adjusted Nick on your hip, smiling at the men before walking away.

Jake watched you walk away before turning back to his classmates, clapping his hands together and ready to start the next match. But he was met with crossed arms and expecting looks. “Okay let’s – What?”

“You’re in so deep, Hangman,” Denver, also known as ‘Ransom’, said with a teasing scoff. “Have you gotten her number yet?”

The blond shook his head, “No but I figured she’d offer it when she was ready.” The other pilot rolled his eyes. “Seresin, since when have you ever waited for her to make the move?” Jake huffed, “She’s different. I don’t want to move too fast. I want her to know that I’m all in first.”

Denver crossed his arms, “Hangman, go ask her. Show her you’re all in. She won’t know if you don’t tell her. And I’m pretty sure she’s a little nervous to ask you. You know… given that she doesn’t know!”

Jake’s eyes widened in realization, making the brunette laugh as Jake jogged after you, “Hey, Y/N, wait up!”

You turned as he called out to you, Nicky looking up as well from his spot on your shoulder. Looking up at him as he slowed down to a stop in front of you, you tilted your head a little, “Yeah?”

He took a few deep breaths, talking with one hand as the other rested on his hip, “First I want to preface, it’s totally cool if you say no. But we’ve been getting to know each other, and I was wondering if I could get your number?”

You looked at Nick then back at Jake, thinking about your response carefully. “I’ll be at the bar tonight. Come by and we’ll talk about it.”

Jake nodded, and smirked, “I look forward to it.” He ruffled Nick’s hair before going back to the group.

You smiled, eyeing him as he walked away – a little more confidence in his step as he walked up to his friend.

You know you were kicking yourself before for not getting his number, but now that he’s asked you… you were hesitant, you felt like you had a lot you needed to tell him before you took this step. Sighing a little, you adjusted Nick on your hip again and made your way back to your car.

During the drive home, Nicky was quiet and played with the shells he had found on the beach.

You knew he was still upset from when you yelled, and you knew that he didn’t quite understand why you were so worried. He was only three after all, and he had so much wonder that it was a miracle he didn’t run off to squash his curiosities more often.

He did need to understand why you had shouted and why you were so worried, it was important that he knew that.

But neither of you were ready to give nor receive that conversation. You were still thrumming with that anxiety from the 90 second eternity it took to find him and he was still upset from when you yelled at him. You just needed to wait for when you got home after you both calmed down.

When you got home, you gave Nicky his bath in near silence as you made sure all the sand was gone and he was clean of salt water.

You had thought through your side of the conversation and decided on how you were going to talk to him.

After getting him bathed and getting some comfy clothes picked out, you knelt in front of him as you helped him dry off.

“Nicky? Can we talk about what happened at the beach?”

He sniffed, nodding his head under the little shark hood of his towel.

You smiled softly at him and gave a gentle squeeze to his arms. “You know Mama isn’t angry right?” “You yelled… people yell when they’re angy…” His voice was soft and timid, he was trying not to cry again.

“Oh baby…” You tilted his head up and cupped his cheek. “Sometimes people yell when they’re angry or mad. But not all the time.” Confusion flashed over his tearfilled eyes and you sighed.

You sat back on your heels, wiping his tears away with your thumb. “People can yell for a lot of different reasons, Nick. Sometimes we yell or shout because we’re excited, we’ve done that before haven’t we? Like when you saw Hangman and shouted because you were so excited to see him.”

He nodded, using the towel to wipe his other eye as you gave him an encouraging smile.

“It all comes down to how we say something, and I know that might not make sense just yet, because you’re three, but it will and we’ll talk more about it then. But I know you don’t like yelling when people sound angry or mean, it’s loud and it can be scary, right?” He nodded again, sniffling a little, “Yeah…”

You nodded, dipping your head a little to look him in the eye. “And Mama’s sorry if she sounded angry or mean, that wasn’t my intention. But you running off like that scared me, it really really scared me. I didn’t know if you were hurt or lost.”

“But I was safe with Han’man… I was okay Mama…”

“I know that now. But in the moment I was really worried about you and I didn’t know where you had run off too. That’s why I shouted.”

You rubbed his arms, making sure to hold eye contact. “You can’t just run off like that without telling me. It makes me worried for your safety.”

The dam finally broke and Nick started sobbing. “I’m sorry Mama… I-I jus’ saw Han’man an-and wa-wanted to s-say hi…”

“I know, I know baby,” you cooed, wiping his tears as they fell. “And Mama forgives you, I know you didn’t mean to. And I know there will be times where you’re really really curious and you want to explore, but you have to tell me so I, or someone else, can make sure you’re safe. And there will be times I’m gonna yell, but I still love you okay? And I will do better to control my tone in the future.”

He sniffled and hugged you tightly, his little arms wrapping around your neck in a grip that rivaled a grown man. You smiled and adjusted your legs, crossing them before wrapping him tighter in his towel and pulling him into your lap.

You sat on his floor for a while, holding him close and rocking back and forth as you pressed kisses to the side of his head.

It wasn’t too long after that conversation that Serenity was using her spare key to come in, finding you and Nick giggling in the living room as you watched Kung Fu Panda.

“Looks like I’m missing all the fun,” she laughed, sitting her backpack down on the bar.

Nick sat up, a wide smile on his face, “Ren!” She smiled and walked over, her arms out wide for a hug, “Nicky J!” He got off the couch quickly and ran to her, hugging her with a high pitched giggle.

You smiled as you stood up, “Oh I don’t know about missing the fun, just a little late to the party.”

“Well, I guess I have some fun to catch up on,” she said as she ruffled Nicky’s curls. “And Mama can relax a little bit.”

You nodded because now that she was here you could take a shower and get ready to go to the bar. You needed the moment of solitude to collect yourself after your mild panic attack on the beach. Needed to take a second alone to let the parental mask slip and just let yourself feel.

“Yes, and I will be showering and getting ready to go to the bar. You both can finish the movie and give me the rundown when I come back.”

Serenity nodded, “You got it, we’ll take notes. Won’t we buddy?” Nicky nodded, “And we can act it out for you too!” You smiled and played with his hair, “Yes you can, and I look forward to it.” Nick giggled, running back over to climb on the couch and continue watching the movie.

You looked at the college student, brows raised as you let out a breath. She arched her eyebrow inquisitively, “Mama need me time?” You nodded, rubbing your hands on your thighs. “She needs so much me time. Had a bit of a scare at the beach and I need a minute to process it, without him two feet away… God, that sounds so bad doesn’t it?”

She shook her head, grabbing your wrist gently, “Not at all. You need space to breathe, that’s why I’m here – well, and cause I love that little man over there.” You both laughed, glancing over at the couch where Nick was zeroed in on the TV.

Her grip tightened momentarily to gain your attention again. “And you’re doing great, Y/N. Don’t ever question that.”

A rush of tears filled your eyes, a weight you hadn’t realized was sitting on your chest lifting ever so slightly and allowing you to actually breathe again. Biting your lip to keep from crying in front of your son, you hugged Serenity letting out a heavy exhale that released the obsessive thoughts that rattled in your head.

“Thank you…”

Your voice was no louder than a whisper, but your gratitude was nothing short of a scream.

Serenity rubbed your back, “And I will fight anyone that says otherwise. Even you. Understand?” She pulled back only when you did as you nodded and wiped your face. “Good,” she nodded towards your bedroom with a smile. “Now go shower.”

You nodded, squeezing her shoulder in thanks before jogging towards your room.

She smiled after you before turning to your son, clapping her hands as she walked over, “Okay Nicky, let’s make sure we get all the details for Mama.”

After your much needed shower, taking the solitary moment to breathe and let more tears fall to just release the stress, you got dressed in a pair of jeans and an old band t-shirt you had held onto from when you went through your mom’s things. And you added a black jacket because it had clouded over while you were in the shower.

And of course, Nicky gave you the rundown of what you missed of Kung Fu Panda while you got ready before going back to let you finish up.

You took a deep breath as you clasped the guitar pick necklace behind your neck, letting the engraved gold rest against your sternum. Kendall had gotten it for you for graduation, having your favorite lyric of Great Balls of Fire engraved on the front – because he indeed drove you crazy and vice versa. For Christmas, Penny went and had Kendall’s initials engraved on the back, knowing that you’d be giving the necklace to Nicky once he was old enough.

Letting the breath out and calming yourself down, you stepped out of your room and slipped your jacket on as you walked to the door. “Okay, I’m heading out. It looks like it might rain, so just call me if anything happens or you need me to come home, okay?”

Serenity nodded from her spot on the couch, popping a goldfish cracker into her mouth “Got it, go have fun.”

You squatted down and Nicky ran over to give you a hug. “Bye Mama, have fun with Han’man.” You smiled and rubbed his back, “I will. Be good for Ren okay? I won’t be back until after you go to bed, so I love you baby.” You gave him kisses all over his face, “Mwah, I love you sooo much.” He giggled and kissed your temple, “I love you too Mama.”

You shared a smile and he ran back to the couch to curl up in his corner.

“Okay, you know all the numbers Ren. If I don’t answer, call Penny or the bar. Okay, I’m gonna head out now, see if I can beat the rush of pilots that are gonna get grounded soon. I love you both, bye.”

They both waved at you as you grabbed your purse and walked out the door.

About 90 minutes and one Amarello after you arrived, you watched Jake stroll into the bar, his green eyes finding you leaning on the bar immediately despite the crowd in front of him.

“Howdy,” you greeted with a smile as he walked over and leaned on the bar next to you. “Hi, Darlin’,” he replied, grinning down at you.

You glanced around, the bar wasn’t as packed as you thought it would be, but it was still full of pilots since the surprise showers grounded their classes for the rest of the day.

You looked back at Jake, remembering his question from earlier today on the beach. As you drove over and the hour and half you had to yourself at the bar, you had tried your best to prepare your speech, get everything you needed to say in order so you didn’t fuck anything up and miscommunicate your feelings.

Sighing, you closed your eyes, recalling everything you had lined up to tell him. You didn’t look in his eyes, keeping your gaze centered on his chest, knowing his green irises would wipe your memory.

“I’m gonna be honest here Jake…”

He held up his hand, gently interrupting you, “I get it, Y/N. If you still aren’t ready for a relationship, I understand. But I still want to be a friend that you can call, whether it be just to talk to me or if you need help.”

You sighed, relief filling your chest knowing that he was willing to wait, but you still wanted, no needed, to tell him how you were feeling.

You finally looked up in his eyes, swallowing the word vomit of emotions that wanted to escape, “Jake, you have done a lot these past few weeks. You’ve taken the time not only to get to know me but to get to know Nick. That means so much to me, more than you know. And I can tell that Nick already likes you, so I can’t just let you out of our life easily.”

Jake smiled, bashfully looking down at the bar as a chuckle broke through his lips, “I try my best. And I’m a little offended that you thought getting rid of me would ever be easy.”

You rolled your eyes before continuing.

“And I do like you, Jake. I like you a lot. While you are cocky as hell, you’re sweet and a gentleman. It’s just…” You rocked on your feet, thinking of everything you needed to say but couldn’t put into words – your rehearsed lines disappearing into thin air now that Jake was here. Damn those eyes.

You hung your head, trying to see if looking away from him would help re-materialize the pre-coordinated words.

But Jake ducked his head to meet your eyes, showing you he was listening and chasing away your coherent thoughts, “It’s just what, Y/N?”

You glanced at Penny, receiving a reassuring nod from her and sending a short one back. “I’m gonna step outside really quick Pen, watch my drink?” She nodded and gave you a small, encouraging smile.

“Follow me,” you patted Jake's shoulder, and slid your hand down his arm to grab his hand.

You pulled him outside to the covered deck and leaned on the railing, taking a deep breath to inhale the scent of the rain – trying to reign in your racing thoughts.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” Jake’s whiskey smooth voice asked as he leaned on the railing as well, his back facing the clouds.

You cleared your throat, dropping your head to look at the damp sand as you pieced together the puzzle of emotions and words in your head.

“My dad died when I was 4… He left my mom alone to raise 2 kids that were too much like their father. I told myself that I need to stay away from service men, definitely pilots. But you, and your perfect teeth and perfect hair, those damn green eyes…”

Jake was flattered but he could feel how this was going to end. You’d build up his ego to cushion his fall when you turned him down.

“You have become an exception to my one rule.” Okay… Jake certainly wasn’t expecting that. “A rule that I gave myself on my own. I’m just scared, Jake. Nick and I have grown so… close to you and I’m afraid–”

Jake lifted your chin, cutting you off, and quietly spoke to you, noting the thin line of tears in your water line. “Hey… I understand. But I’m a damn good pilot, I ain’t goin’ down easy.” You laughed, shaking your head fondly before smiling up at him, “There’s that ego.”

He chuckled softly, his trademark half-smile flashing a canine, “What can I say? But seriously, I will do whatever it takes to get back to you both safe. If that’s what you want.”

You nodded, stepping closer, unconsciously straightening your back to be closer to him, “I want it, I do.” You bit your lip, a shuddering breath escaping your lips.

His soft gaze hardened slightly, reading your body language, but it softened again as he tilted your chin up. “Then why are you hesitating?” You shrugged, shaking your head subtly, “I don’t know.”

You knew why, deep down you knew why you were holding back. Why you wanted to spray the butterflies in your stomach with vinegar. Your brain knew why. But your heart was pounding on your ribcage, trying to get to your brain to tell you it was okay. That you could love again, and it would all be okay.

Jake leaned down, seeing the fight in your eyes. “Is this okay?” You nodded, your breath mixing with his as you looked from his eyes to his lips and back again.

There was a soft eagerness, a puppy in those green eyes waiting to run around, bouncing as he waited for his command – a command only you could give. It was familiar but completely new at the same time. But it felt safe.

Instead of giving him the words he was looking for, you rested your hand on the side of his neck and pressed your lips to his – letting your heart take the wheel.

The kiss was soft, but it didn’t change the fact that butterflies went wild in both of your stomachs. Jake couldn’t help but smile against your lips as he cupped your jaw and tasted the hint of Amaretto on them.

You pulled away, needing to get air into your lungs but Jake chased your lips, catching them in their minty trap. It was clear he came prepared for anything, not that you minded.

Your free hand fisted in his jacket, wafting his cologne into the air – an all consuming, but not overwhelming scent.

You both finally pulled away from the chaste kiss, light headed and breathless. You stayed close, your noses brushing against each other.

“What’s gonna happen when you leave?”

Jake smirked, his breath still tickling your lips as he pulled out his phone, “Well, I’m not sure, but it’d be a hell of a lot easier with your number.” You laughed and finally looked up at him, stepping back a little to take his phone, “Smooth Lieutenant. Very smooth.”

As you and Jake held eye contact a smile settled across your face before you looked down at his phone, typing in your number and sending a text to yourself.

Jake couldn’t help the blush that darked his tanned cheeks at the sparkle of your smile that not even the rain could dim.

You weren’t like anything he’s ever seen before; a strong, single mother that did everything for the sake of her child and someone that had gone through so much at such a young age.

“You’re amazing…”

Jake hadn’t realized what he said out loud until you giggled and looked down at the deck with pink tinted cheeks.

“I said that out loud, didn't I?” He laughed at the end of his question. You nodded, “You did. But I’m flattered, so thank you.”

You messed with his jacket, “And you’re good, Lieutenant. Maybe too good to be true.”

“You’re stroking my ego, Darlin’.” You giggled and gave him a quick kiss, “I better head back in.” He grabbed your waist, “Do you have to?” “Do you want to have fun or not?” He bit his lip and you patted his chest and walked in.

He watched you walk in and shook his head. Laughing to himself he adjusted his posture and went in and straight to the pool table.

You and Jake hung out at the bar for hours after that, having the time of your life.

You danced to the music that came from the jukebox, played darts and you watched him play pool. You drank and ate, Penny keeping an eye on you both because you had to drive back home to your son and Jake did not need a hangover in the morning.

But you didn’t need the drinks to have a good time. Like right now. Jake had suggested another round of darts, but this time, you added a few spins before your throw. Almost like kids getting ready to hit a pinata at a party.

Jake grinned as he spun you around a few times. “Okay, now that you’re properly dizzy, why don’t you try and get a bullseye?”

“You’re kidding me,” you giggled as you swayed a little on your feet. “I doubt I’m gonna hit the target. I can’t hit it when I’m standing straight, what makes you think I can hit it when I’m dizzy?”

He shook his head and turned you by your shoulders to square up to the board. “Who knows, maybe you’ll be better?” You snorted as you raised the dart, “I highly doubt that.” He scoffed playfully, “Just throw the dart, Y/N.”

You giggled, “Okay okay.”

Your tongue poked out of the seam of your lips as your vision swam a bit and you lined up your shot.

Taking a few balk throws, you finally get ready to actually throw it when there is a harsh crack, followed by a loud, booming sound – loud enough to rattle the windows.

“Oh shit!”

Any attempt you had made to actually aim the dart didn’t matter, because when you jumped at the harsh thunder the dart was sent on its own journey.

You laughed at your reaction to the sudden thunder and leaned back against Jake, “I can blame that horrible throw on the thunder, right?” He looked over your shoulder, seeing the dart about a foot and a half under the board in the wall.

“You sure it was thunder?”

Your jaw dropped and you smacked his chest with the back of your hand, “That was uncalled for Seresin. But I walked into that one.” You both laughed as Jake nodded, “Yeah, I guess I can give you another shot Bradshaw.”

“Well, thank you oh so gracious Hangman,” you sassed a little as you readied another dart. “I’m actually gonna try this time.”

He chuckled and crossed his arms as he watched you repeat your process, his eyes drawn to your lips as your tongue once again pokes out.

You managed to throw the dart just as the lights flickered out.

“Are you fucking serious? The weather really doesn’t want me to hit this board,” you grumbled as you pulled your phone out to use your flashlight.

Jake did the same, him immediately shining it at the dart board.

“Look at what we have here, you actually hit the board,” he teased as he walked up to the board. “Not a bullseye, but you hit it.” You flipped your hair, “Look at me go. Mama’s still got it.”

Jake gave you a look, his face deadpanned and his brow low. You held his eyes, yours playfully squinting.

It was a standoff for about 20 seconds before you both started laughing.

“C’mon Mother Goose, let’s go to the bar,” he chuckled as he grabbed your hand gently.

You froze for a second, confused as to where he got that nickname from – forgetting it was just a nursery rhyme to everyone else at that moment.

He looked at you, frowning in concern, “Hey, sweetheart, you okay?”

You shook it off, swallowing as you nodded, “Yeah, yeah… I’m okay.”

With a furrowed brow, he stepped closer, tilting your chin up with a crooked finger, “You’re not afraid of the dark, are you?”

His light tease pulled you back fully.

“N-No, I’m fine, it’s okay,” you said softly as you shook your head. He cupped your cheek, “Are you sure?” You nodded, “Yeah, yeah, just thought of Nicky… He’s not the best with storms sometimes.”

“Do you wanna check in on him? Make sure he’s doing okay? Especially now that the power’s out.”

You chewed on your lip, your thumb and pinky tapping rhythmically on your thigh. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

Jake nodded, “Of course it is! That’s your baby, do not question if it’s okay. It’s always okay.” You immediately open your contacts, “Thank you.”

He smiled, squeezing your hand, “I’ll be at the bar when you’re ready, if you gotta go home, that’s okay.”

You gave him a smile and mouthed a ‘thank you’ as your phone rang, waiting for Serenity to pick up.

Jake nodded again before going over to the bar.

Penny and Jimmy were turning on battery powered lanterns and setting them up around the bar.

“You guys need some help?” Jake offered as he leaned on the bar.

She looked up at him as she sat a lantern down on the bar, “You don’t think you could get the power back on, could ya?”

Jake laughed lightly, “If my call sign was Sparky, I might be able to give it a shot. Unfortunately, it’s not.” Penny shook her head with a laugh, “It’s alright Hangman, once we get these set up, we’ll hopefully get the generator up and running.”

He nodded, “In the meantime, I’ll take two waters, if you can spare them.” She nodded with a smile, “Coming right up.”

As she got the bottles out of the ice bucket she prepped after looking at the forecast, you came over after finishing up your call.

You sighed a little as you sat down.

“Hey,” Jake greeted as he rubbed your knee. “How’s the little man holdin’ up? He alright?” You nodded, smiling as you rested your hand on his, “Yeah, Serenity said he was snuggled up on the couch with his turtle and his manta ray, watching movies with plenty of goldfish crackers.”

Penny popped up, “You have power?”

“Nope,” you laughed a little awkwardly. “He’s watching it on Serenity’s laptop. Which I told her she didn’t have to let him do that. She’s got stuff to do for summer classes but mine was dead. I just hope she doesn’t get behind.”

She gave you your water, “She’s a good kid, I’m sure she’ll be okay for one night.” You nodded and sipped your drink, “Yeah.”

You looked around noticing that everyone started to mellow out since the place was practically pitch black – save for the lanterns.

“Man… seems the lights weren’t the only thing the storm took out. How long until the generator is up and running?” You asked, leaning on the bar.

Penny shrugged, “I don’t know. It depends, we haven’t used it in a few years. It shouldn’t take too long, I think Jimmy checked on it after the clouds rolled in and the forecast changed.”

You nodded and looked around, “Well, maybe some live music can hold everyone over until then.” Penny and Jake furrowed their brows as you grabbed a lantern and went over to the piano.

“What? Did you seriously think that Bradley was the only one of my father’s kids that could play? C’mon now Penny, you should know better than that,” you teased with a playful wink over your shoulder.

Jake furrowed his brow, “Have you been holding out on me Mother Goose?” His tone was entirely playful as he came over to piano with his phone flashlight on as a fresh toothpick hung from his lips.

Penny blinked and looked up, a rush of nostalgia hitting her, “Wait did you just call her ‘Mother Goose’?” Jake looked up at her and nodded as he rolled the toothpick to the other side of his mouth, “Yes ma’am I did.” She nodded and glanced at you as she wiped down the bar, “And um… w-where did that nickname come from?”

He shrugged, “She’s got a little duck on her keychain and she’s a mama. Just kinda makes sense, I guess. Why do you ask?”

You couldn’t help but smile a little as you tapped the keys.

“Oh I was just-” Penny started but you cut her off gently.

“Goose was my dad’s call sign, Jake. A lot of his friends from the Academy and flight school called him ‘Mother Goose’,” you said, emotion present in your voice but you weren’t sad.

Jake stumbled over his words a little, “Oh I-I had no idea. I can stop if you w-want me too.”

You shook your head, a smile gracing your features as you looked up at him, “No no, it’s okay Jake. It definitely shocked me when you called me that earlier, but it’s… nice.”

He smiled back at you and sat down, “I’ll call you whatever you want, Darlin’.”

A giggle slipped past your lips and you were now thankful that the poor lighting hid the blush on your cheeks as you tested more keys.

You took a breath and readied your fingers on the right keys, “Okay okay, let’s get these people fired up.”

Jake arched his brow but then you played the opening notes to a song he heard non-stop in flight school when the class went out to a bar.

“Jerry Lee Lewis? You really are Bradshaw’s sister,” he laughed, gently nudging your shoulder but not so much as to mess you up.

You just rolled your eyes before jumping into the song. “~You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain!~”

Jake chuckled as people in the bar began to cheer, a few patrons jumping in to sing with you. He looked around, seeing that the flashlights on phones had been turned on and everyone’s moods seemed to flip on dime.

“~You broke my will! Oh what a thrill!~”

“~Goodness gracious great balls of fire!~”

His eyes landed back on you, watching you play the piano like he had only ever seen your brother play. It was lively, bringing an energy to the bar that got zapped out with the electricity. Almost as if the lightning hit you and you soaked up all the energy in the bar, and now you were returning it when it was needed.

He felt himself singing along, unable to escape the way that your infectious voice seemed to latch on to everyone that heard it.

Jake had always fought the urge to ‘feel the music’ when it was your brother. Be the one person in the bar unaffected by him. But here with you, he didn’t fight. He didn’t want to fight it. And he was unashamed to be sitting next to you on that piano bench, singing a song that you were sure your brother had played to death.

He saw you smile at him when you noticed it, feeding off of his energy just as much as he was feeding off of yours.

You found yourself looking only at him to see if he was enjoying himself, using him as a reference point for how the rest of the bar was feeling. That your attempt at entertainment was working.

It felt good to see everyone having fun because of you.

Now you could understand why your dad and Bradley did this so often.

Your smile never left your face as you continued to sing, though you hated how the song was coming to an end so soon.

Jake met your eyes as you started the last verse, his smiling matching yours.

“~I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs!~”

“~Real nervous but it sure is fun!~”

He watched your eyes light up as he sang the words back to you and the blush crawled up your neck. You clearly weren’t expecting him to sing that line to you – telling you how you made him feel through the song.

So, he continued to look at you, holding eye contact as he sang through a wide, infectious smile, using the lyrics to convey what he had trouble putting into words once again.

“~Come on, baby! You’re drivin’ me crazy!~”

His heart fluttered when you seemed like you were at a loss for words, despite them already being written for you – all you could do was smile as your muscle memory continued to play.

“~Goodness, gracious! Great balls of fire!~”

You played the last string of notes, your face dangerously close to Jake’s as the soft glow of the lanterns and phone flashlights illuminated his features almost angelically, the lights creating a halo around him and blurring the crowd like a camera focusing in on the subject of its image. His green eyes, though casted in a shadow, twinkled softly as he looked your face over like you were the only thing in the room – and to him, you were.

He was seeing the same thing. The blues of LEDs and the yellow of the lanterns created a harsh but gorgeous contrast on your face as your chest heaved when you attempted to catch your breath and the light sheen of sweat made your skin shine in a way he never thought about before. Your eyes were illuminated, but they held a shine of their own when you looked him over.

The cheers behind him all melded into one sound, one that Jake could confuse for his own heartbeat if it wasn’t pounding against his ribcage.

There was no hesitation this time as he pulled you close by the nape of your neck and pressed his lips to yours with breathless passion.

Your outside hand fisted in his Henley shirt, the fabric warm but a little rough under your fingertips. His heart was thumping rhythmically against your knuckles, giving the butterflies in your stomach a beat to dance to.

His hand moved down to the side of your neck, his thumb finding your pulse point. The sensation of your heartbeat under his fingertips was mesmerizing.

The kiss felt both like an eternity and not long enough when you finally pulled away, both of your lips damp and as your breath mixed as your foreheads rested against each other.

Around you, the crowd was still buzzing with energy, talking to each other as they started mingling again.

But you and Jake couldn’t hear them, not when you're so consumed with one another right there on the piano bench. You were in your own little world, a small sanctuary in the middle of the bar. Just you and him.

Smiling, you can’t stop the giggle from escaping as you try to smooth out where you had gripped his shirt. “That was um…”

“Electrifying?” Jake offered, his dimple appearing as he smirked playfully.

“That’s one way to put it, yeah,” you said with a light, slightly breathless laugh.

He chuckled and opened his mouth to say something else, but the overhead lights flickered for a split second before they stayed steady and the sound of the jukebox started up again.

You both sat up straight, looking around the bar as the patrons started back up in their games they abandoned.

“Would you look at that – one song and you managed to light up the whole bar, literally,” Jake said as he looked from his surroundings and then back to you, taking in how you smiled at everyone having fun again.

You hummed, turning your head with a playful glint in your eye, “Well, thank goodness it was only one song. I don’t know if I could’ve played another one. Unless Twinkle Twinkle Little Star counts.”

Jake laughed as he stood up, offering you a hand to pull you to your feet. “Well, if Nick was here, I’m pretty sure he would have a blast if you played that.”

“Oh, yeah, he definitely would,” you said with a laugh as you pushed some hair out of your face. “Another drink?”

He nodded, fluffing his shirt a little. “I can go for another.”

You grabbed his hand and pulled him to the bar, “Penny!”

After you got your drinks, you and Jake went to a booth by the windows.

“That was really impressive, Y/N. I knew Rooster was good, but he’s not that good,” Jake complimented as he sipped his fresh beer. The bitter liquid soothed his throat, his voice a little raw after singing.

You shrugged and sipped your Amaretto, the warm liquid warming you up from the chill of the rain outside. “I don’t know about that. He’s been playing since he was little. I started getting into piano in, like, middle school. And then in college I um.. I picked up a little guitar.”

Jake watched you bite your lip, your nails tapping against the glass of your drink. He wasn’t entirely sure what caused that far off look to appear in your eyes, a fogginess he wasn’t familiar with. But one thing he did recognize was that flicker of love, a shine of longing and admiration peaking through the fog – like a lighthouse on the shore.

He didn’t know much about Kendall, just what you had told him. He knew that you had met in college, you had been friends before you began dating, and that Kendall played the guitar – his favorite one tucked into the corner of Nick’s bedroom.

You cleared your throat, blinking the fogginess away and pulling Jake out of his thoughts.

You rubbed your hands on your jeans before resting your elbows on the table to talk with your hands, desperate to keep the conversation flowing.

“But like I was saying, Brad and I are very different when it comes to singing and playing the piano. He definitely channels our dad a little more than I do.”

He chuckled and leaned forward, resting his upper body on his forearms, “Well, I think I’m a little biased when it comes to that. But don’t sell yourself short, Darlin’, you put on quite the performance.” He added an unnecessary wink, but it didn’t stop you from smiling and looking at the table to hide your blush.

You lifted your head and smiled at him, sniffling just a little. “Thank you, Jake. That means a lot.”

Jake reached over and squeezed your hand, “Anytime.” He cleared his throat, “If you don’t mind me asking, that song clearly means a lot to you and Rooster, why-why is that?”

Tears stung your eyes a bit, again, but your smile didn’t falter. “Our dad, he um… he played it all the time. And I mean all the time. I’m surprised our mother stayed sane.” Jake reached up and wiped a tear that slipped through. You leaned into his warm palm slightly, as you continued.

“One of our last memories with him was sitting at the piano as he sang that song. Our mom in his lap singing with him without a care in the world about who was watching…” Your voice was a little heavier as you neared the end of your sentence, the memory making you a little emotional.

He smiled and squeezed your hand again, his thumb rubbing your knuckles, “That’s beautiful.” You gave him a soft smile and squeezed his hand back.

“Can I show you something?” He asked softly, not wanting to disturb the moment too much.

You nodded and sat up a little straighter, wiping your eyes as you spoke, “Of course.”

Jake nodded his head towards the window and your eyes followed the direction.

The glass was a little foggy, sweating as the cold temperature of the rain was meeting the warm air of the bar and the glass acting like a mediator between the two.

Your brow furrowed in immediate confusion though you weren’t going to question Jake just yet. There was certainly much more to it.

And he proved your suspicions by bringing his finger up to draw in the condensation.

It was a quick drawing, a simple sun with a smiley face and a little heart next to it. But the look on Jake’s face told you it was so much more than just a little doodle on a window.

“That’s really cute Jake,” you said softly, as you smile at him.

His grin widened and he shifted in his seat. “When I was little, I was never good with storms. My sister was even worse. She was scared and I was upset because I couldn’t go play in the rain.”

You couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up when he said that, the picture of a young Jake pouting in his room as he watched the rain out of his window in your head – he definitely picked out two droplets to race against each other, maybe even him and his sister picked one and had a competition.

He just smiled at you before continuing.

“My grandma and my mom had this routine with us where they would have us by the bay window in the living room and we would draw in the condensation. And I, of course, rubbed my wet hand on my sister’s face,” he said with a small chuckle.

“That I’m definitely not surprised by. Bradley pestered me too, still does, it’s a brother thing.”

Jake nodded, “Oh yeah, for sure. But aside from that, there was a purpose to why my mom and grandma had us do this. Because as you can see now-” He pointed to the drawing, seeing that it was already dripping and disappearing, more condensation taking its place. “-it’s already going away.”

Your brow furrowed in confusion. You still weren’t exactly sure where Jake was going, but it was clear this was something he held onto and cherished. Especially for him to bring it up now, years later. Plus, he had you roped in now, you were invested in this little smiling sun.

“The whole point of drawing in the fog was because it doesn’t last forever, and neither would the storm outside. Or any storm, really. As I got older, we stopped the window drawings, but my mom kept it up with us for little things. Like when my sister was going through a break up, she drew a sun with a little heart on a note and put it in her backpack. I can bet you that she still has every note, because I know I do.”

Tears pricked your eyes a little bit, “That’s really really beautiful, Jake. Your mom and grandma sound like very wise women.”

Jake nodded, a proud smile pulling at his lips, “They are, I’m lucky to have them.”

You mirrored his smile and you both went back to conversing with each other, planning out ideas for your next ‘not’ date.

“There’s so much to do here, so much it’s like there’s nothing,” you said, laughing as you sipped your drink.

You had listed off a lot of places to go nearby and all the things you could do together, but it all sounded so fun that you were having trouble deciding.

Jake nodded, rubbing his face a little as he laughed, “Yeah, seems like it.” He glanced around, noticing a pool table nearby. “Hey, how about we think on it some more later and just play a game of pool?”

You hummed a little and glanced over your shoulder at the pool table.

A sly smile came over your face as an idea popped into your mind.

You turned back to face him, biting your lip a little, “I um… wow this is embarrassing, I haven’t really ever played pool before.”

Jake squinted at you, almost analyzing you to see if you were just fucking with him. But you just played it up by hiding your face in your hands, hiding the grin that you knew would give you away if he spotted it.

“You’re serious? You’ve never played pool before?”

His tone was inquisitive, but it also had a laugh behind it that he was hiding as best he could and it almost had you laughing.

“No no, I have played before. But it’s just been too long. Last time I played it was maybe 10 years ago when I was in high school, and I was awful.”

Jake’s laugh finally broke through at that.

“Hey! Don’t laugh!” You whined, holding back giggles of your own.

He nodded, trying to stop himself by clearing his throat. “You’re right, you’re right. It’s not funny. It’s… it’s kinda sad actually.”

You dropped your jaw and reached over the table to swat at his shoulder. “Oh shut up!”

He chuckled as he dodged your hand, and you couldn’t help but smile as the corners of his eyes crinkled and his dimples poked through. “Okay okay, I’m sorry. But c'mon let’s play at least one game,” he proposed as he slid out of the booth and stood. He offered you his hand, a wink accompanying his next words, “And I promise I’ll go easy on you.”

You rolled your eyes and took his hand, “Fine, one game.”

A victorious grin crossed Jake’s face as he pulled you to your feet, squeezing your hand as he turned and pulled you to the table. Your lips pulled up in a similar fashion as you stumbled a little when he drug you behind him.

“Okay,” he said as he came to stop at the pool table. “I don’t have to explain the rules, do I?” His brow arched with his question, only using it to further his teasing. You rolled your eyes, hand going on your hip, “No, I know that much, Seresin.” The sass in your tone made Jake laugh, “Alright, Bradshaw, let’s play.”

You nodded and grabbed the two pool cues, “Let’s.”

He chuckled and shook his head playfully as he quickly racked the pool balls. Once they were all in order, he took the triangle off and tossed it on a table as he walked over to you.

His fingers wrapped around the taller cue, his warm hand encapsulating yours.

How had you not realized how large his hand was until now?

“Y/N?”

You shook your head, not having realized that you froze, “Oh um, sorry, sorry.” You let go of the pool cue, clearing your throat as you pushed some hair behind your ear. He chuckled at your sudden shyness, “It’s alright, darlin’. It’s cute when you get all blushy.” You huffed, though a smile pulled at your lips as you shoved his shoulder.

Jake laughed and held his hands up in defense, only slightly jostled by your shove. He gestured to the table and grabbed the cue ball, “Okay, okay, you wanna break?” He punctuated his question by putting the ball on the table with a *clack*.

You bit your lip, still feigning nervousness as best you could. You nodded and walked around to the end of the table beside him.

Tossing the cue up and catching it lower, you leaned over and nearly fell into muscle memory – letting the end come down and rest easy in the dip between your thumb and pointer finger.

You rolled your shoulders a little bit, moving your hand much lower on the stick so you would have less control of the cue. You relaxed your shoulders, letting them drop as your right hand tightened its grip. The maple cue rested on the walnut of the table, using it as the support for the middle of the stick.

Jake tilted his head, taking in your posture. It was… unconventional, and maybe a little awkward. But he wasn’t going to step in just yet, because maybe that stance just worked for you. And the look of concentration on your face was just too cute for him to interrupt.

Much like earlier at the dart board, your brow furrowed and your tongue poked out from between your lips. Jake grinned at the sight, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Nick made the same face when he focused on something. Like if his nose crinkled like yours did when he colored or if he stuck his tongue out when he did a puzzle.

Then his mind wandered a little further.

The image of a little girl appeared in his head, basically a clone of you in your lap as you sat at the piano. You guiding her hand along the keys, then having her repeat the order on her own. Her tongue sticking out as she tries to remember.

But before he can fantasize any longer, he shakes himself out of it once you take your shot.

He watched the tip of the cue whiff the ball as the butt nearly became perpendicular to the floor. “Woah there!”

You covered your mouth with your hand, doing your best to feign embarrassment at your ‘failure’. “Oh.. my.. gosh.. I can’t believe that just happened,” you snorted, laughing at yourself as you looked up at the ceiling, hoping that a blush was covering your cheeks to really sell it.

Jake came over to stand next to you, chuckling just a little. “So um… is that how you held it in high school?” He leaned against the table, the cue snug against his side as he crossed his arms, looking down at his boots as he crossed his ankles before looking up at your profile.

You swallowed as you kept your eyes on the ceiling, and Jake couldn’t help but watch the column of your throat move with the action.

Sighing, you looked at him, “I mean, kinda, like I said, it’s been awhile. But that felt so wrong.” You looked away from him and focused on your cue. “And now I’m embarrassed… because you just saw that.”

He sighed gently, a smile pulling at his lips. While you were embarrassed, he couldn’t help but admire the blush on your skin. He didn’t like the reason, because you shouldn’t be embarrassed, but you looked cute.

He reached out and turned your head to face him, smiling softly at you. “Hey, you don’t have to be embarrassed. It happens, and I guarantee that is not the worst shot I’ve seen.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

He sighed and propped his cue against the wall, “C’mere.” He adjusted the cue ball again and gently pulled you to him when you hesitated to move closer. “I don’t bite, unless you ask,” he whispered the last half of that in your ear, his accent slightly thicker as you felt his lips curl into a smile against the lobe of your ear.

His warm breath raised goosebumps on the skin of your neck, a shiver going down the nerves of your spine. He chuckled, his chest rumbling against your shoulder and making you giggle as a genuine flush covered your face and neck.

“Okay,” Jake said, turning you gently so your back settled against his chest. His hand rested on your hip and everything just felt right. Both of you slotted together like a puzzle piece, it was comfortable.

He looked down at you, “Am I too close?”

Your head shook almost embarrassingly quickly. If anything he wasn’t close enough.

“No no, you’re okay.”

He nodded, smiling at you, “Alright, just let me know, okay?” You swallowed, nodding back, “I will.”

“Alright, now, I’m gonna show you how to properly hold a pool stick. Do what you were doing before.”

You nodded, bending back over and mimicking the stance you had done previously.

Jake looked at you gaging what to adjust. “Okay, so one issue is, your back hand is too low. Don’t shake hands with the bumper.” He took your wrist and tried to slide your hand up but it barely moved. “And you don’t need a death grip on it, it’s not going anywhere unless you move it.” You nodded and relaxed your grip to let him adjust your hand placement.

He moved it to about the middle of the weight and watched your guiding hand adjust itself to a bit more of a natural position.

Smiling, he glanced down at you, “There we go, how does that feel?” You nodded, “A lot better, definitely more comfortable.”

“Perfect, and that’s how you know you’re doing it right. Before you were uncomfortable and it threw off your control. You guide the cue, it doesn’t guide you.”

You snorted a little, hanging your head as you laughed, “You sound like a therapist, or a yoga instructor.” Jake laughed along with you, “Unfortunately I’m neither of those. Not qualified nor flexible enough.”

You arched a brow and looked at him over your shoulder, a cheeky smile on your lips, “Not flexible enough? Oh, that’s a shame.” His eyebrows raised, almost as if he was sizing up a challenge, “Oh is it now? I mean, I’m sure with enough stretching, I’ll be good to go.”

You laughed before shaking your head, “Okay okay, let’s stay on task, Lieutenant, yeah?”

“Right, right, of course.”

Jake cleared his throat as his fingers wrapped around your shoulders, “Okay, being relaxed is fine. But you’re too loose and that makes it awkward.” He slowly pulled them out from their slouched position, straightening your back a little in the process. “That’s better.”

You swallowed a little, the heat of his chest against your back making you both nervous and excited.

“Do you feel more in control?” You nodded at his question, not trusting your voice to be steady. “Good, now, let’s test this.”

Worry shot through you for a moment, afraid he might step back and let you do this on your own – squashing the mini fantasy that you created.

But your worry was smothered when Jake adjusted his own stance, his knees nudging the backs of your thighs. His right hand encased your own as his left hand acted as a stand for yours – keeping your guiding hand steady.

“Loosen your grip, Duckie. It’s not gonna change your power. In pool, the speed determines the power.”

Jake’s voice was steady, but it was raspy as he spoke in your ear again. His breath fanned along your ear lobe and your jaw, raising goosebumps once again.

He felt your wrist and hand relax a little, and he just hoped you couldn’t feel his heart beating against your back.

“Alright, there we go. Now, all you gotta do is bring it back and–”

His sentence fell short as the felt tip collided with the cue ball and he felt a vibrating sensation against his hip.

“See? So much better. And now, if that’s your phone in your pocket, I think you’re getting a call.”

He stepped back and let you stand straight as you pulled your phone out.

Your heart dropped slightly when you saw Serenity’s contact flash across your screen.

Did something happen to Nick? Was he okay? Did something happen to the house? What went wrong?

Jake must have noticed that your face changed on dime, because his face fell into one of concern. “Y/N? What’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

Was it Serenity? Was it Bradley? Was it a chaplain? Or hell an NCIS agent?

“It’s Serenity,” you said as you pressed the green answer button and brought the phone to your ear. “Hey Ren, what’s up?”

Jake sighed in relief, his worst thoughts going off to the wayside in favor of just worried thoughts.

You brought your hand up, chewing on the edges of your nails as she spoke.

“Hey, Y/N, everything’s okay–”

Jake watched your body visibly relax, your hand rubbing at your mouth much like he’d seen Bradley do when he was stressed.

“Nicky’s okay? Nothing’s on fire?”

“No, nothing’s on fire. But Nicky is not wanting to go to bed without you here. I think it's the rain, the storm I should say. He doesn’t want to go to his room. Won’t even get up off the couch.”

You sighed but nodded, “Okay, I’ll be there in a little bit. Get his turtle and his manta ray, then get my body spray and lightly spritz a blanket and let him curl up on the couch until I get there.”

“I’m so sorry Y/N, I know you wanted to have a fun night out… I just didn’t know what to do.”

“Don’t apologize, I’m glad you called. I’ll be home in a little bit.”

You hung up and looked at Jake, “I’m so sorry, Jake. Nicky is–”

He held his hand up, “Nope, no apologies, go be with your baby. We can meet up later. Tell Nicky I said ‘hi’.”

Your heart skipped a few beats as you smiled at him. He smiled back and nodded towards the front door, “Now go Mother Goose, you got a duckling waiting on you.”

The look in his eyes was nothing short of fond, the yellow overhead lighting making his eyes a comforting shade of green.

He wasn’t upset at all, no disdain for your sudden departure on his features. Was he disappointed? Yeah, but you were always going to be a mother first. He couldn’t and would never get in the way of that, or try to change it.

You hugged him, and he didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around your waist in reciprocation.

“Thank you,” you kissed his cheek in thanks as you pulled away from the hug. “You don’t have to thank me, Darlin’. Just text me or call me when you get home safe, okay?” He said with a smile, gently squeezing your shoulders.

You nodded, matching his smile, “Of course, as long as you do the same?” He winked, “You got it.”

He grabbed your purse for you, “Drive safe, Sweetheart.” You nodded, “I will. Bye Jake.” “Bye Y/N.”

You smiled at him again before going over to the bar, patting the top with the palm of your hand. You opened your mouth to get Penny’s attention but she was already smiling at you. “Heading out?” Your head tilted as you nodded, “Yeah, how’d you know?” She shrugged, nodding down to the bag hanging off your shoulder, “Lucky guess.”

Chuckling, you pulled your wallet out, “Nicky won’t go to bed, the storm is keeping him up.” You pulled out a fifty, “For my drinks and Jake’s, the rest is your tip.” Penny shook her head, pushing the money back towards you, “That’s way too much, Duckie. 25 is plenty. Plus, Jake’s tab is open and your drinks are on it.”

“Penny Benjamin–”

“Y/N Bradshaw, don’t argue and go home to your son,” Penny pointed to the door to punctuate her order, the damp towel swaying slightly from her movement.

Huffing out a ‘fine’, you put the fifty away and put a ten on the bar, “I’m still tipping you, because I love you. Not as much as you deserve, but you’re gonna fight me on it.” She smiled gratefully at you, taking the bill, “Thank you, now go home. Text me when you get there.”

You patted the bar again, “Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you later, don’t let Jake get too drunk.”

With that you walked to the door, though Penny stopped you with a shout.

“That was an Oscar worthy performance by the way!”

You rolled your eyes, waving to her as you slipped your jacket on, “Bye Penny!”

phew!

that was a long one huh? but hey, we finally got a kiss! they kissed!! and before hand we got a little peak into duckie's insecurities as a mom. though we can all agree she's pretty great right?

i hope you guys liked this chapter and are ready to see where the next chapter takes duckie, nicky, and jake!

hi darlings i know it's been a long time, too long, but like i said before -- i wanted to make sure this was a chapter i was proud of and lately my creative battery just wouldn't behave and it's been hard to write and like what i write. but i think... i think i did it here.

my ducklings <33:

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@horseshoegirl @startrekfangirl2233 @babyreads @amatswimming @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @hangmansgbaby @callsignwidow @kmc1989 @goodstuff28 @pjngpp3501 @lunamoonbby @joyfulpandamiracle @craftyinfluencersandwich @averyhotchner @emily-roberts @teenwolf01 @sunderland-6 @bethabear12

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#duckie universe #duckie #duckie bradshaw #nicky bradshaw #duckie and nicky #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #🤠🐤#duckie and jake #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin x bradshaw!reader #jake seresin x bradshaw!reader #bradley bradshaw x sister!reader #bradshaw!reader #top gun maverick #top gun maverick fanfiction #sarahsmi13s

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sebastianstangirl01 · 2 years

Text

Woah Baby

Title: Woah Baby

Pairing: Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x Bradshaw Reader

Warnings: language, descriptions of sex, protective Rooster and Maverick

Summary: After finding out she is pregnant Y/N has to find a way to break the news to her big brother Bradley and her god father Pete, who didn’t know about the secret relationship between Y/N and one of the pilots Hangman.

Authors Note: Carole was pregnant with Y/N when Goose died, Maverick immediately stepped in as the god father and treated her as his own while still making sure that the memory of her actual father lived on.

Secret relationships seem like a good idea in the beginning. The adrenaline spike that sneaking around gives, like your doing something that’s forbidden. But in the end are they ever worth it?

“Fuck.” Y/N mumbled from her spot on the bathroom floor leaning against the bathtub.

Morning sickness had been torturing Y/N for about a week, at first she just put it off as food poisoning. She was on birth control and she and Jake were always safe.

But when she missed her period and her boobs became tender to the touch along with the morning sickness, she just knew something wasn’t right.

“You good in there Honey?” Jake asked from outside the bathroom door, when Y/N woke up wrapped in Jake’s arms this morning she immediately had to jump from bed and run into the bathroom leaving a confused Hangman still laying in bed before getting up and following after her.

Y/N groaned and leaned her head back against the bathtub taking a few deep breaths to get herself together.

“You can some in.” Y/N said closing her eyes, she heard the door creak open and felt as Jake sat down next to her immediately pulling her into his warm naked chest.

“You ok?” Jake asked kissing her forehead

“I think I might be pregnant.” Y/N mumbled and Jake froze wide eyed pulling away slightly so he could look into her glossy eyes

“I thought you were on the pill and we always use a condom.” Jake said confused with his brows furrowed

“I am. I don’t know how this could have happened. Oh god, what about Brad and Pops? Their going to kill me, well they’ll kill you first and then kill me.” Y/N said making Jake chuckle and shake his head

“Before we worry about us dying, we need to get you a test. I can go right now and get some from the pharmacy, you take a shower and rinse off then get back into bed and try to get a little more rest.” Jake said standing up and reaching down to pull Y/N up beside him. “No matter what you’ve always got me, I’m not going anywhere.”

“I love you.” Y/N said leaning against his chest

“I love you too. Now strip.” Jake smirked smacking Y/N’s butt making her squeal

“Stripping is what got us into this situation, now go.” Y/N said pushing Jake towards the bathroom door

“I’m going I’m going. Be back soon, don’t miss me too much.” Jake smirked and Y/N playfully rolled her eyes before shutting the door in his face

Y/N sighed and did as she was told, getting in the shower and washing off the sweat that built up on her body from her violent throwing up episode. Once she got out Y/N changed into a pair of panties and one of Jakes white t shirts then walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water before making her way back into the bedroom and climbing into bed.

By the time Jake got back from the pharmacy Y/N was out of it laying with his pillow wrapped in her arms as she buried her face into it. Jake smiled and took his phone out snapping a picture that would definitely be his new Lock Screen, well if he’s still alive after Maverick and Rooster find out about their predicament.

Jake laid the 4 tests he bought down on the nightstand and sat on the bed beside Y/N reaching up to push a few pieces of hair out of her face before placing a few light kisses to her cheek, then forehead, then each of her eye lids making Y/N smile as she started to stir.

“There she is.” Jake smiled as Y/N turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I bought 4, figured it would be better to be safe than sorry.”

“Thanks, I guess I’ll go take them now.” Y/N sighed sitting up playing with her hands nervously making Jake sigh and grab her hands

“We’re going to be ok. If you’re pregnant then I’m going to love you and this baby more than anything in the entire world, yes Maverick and Rooster will probably be mad but in the end they will get over it and love the baby almost as much as us. If you’re not pregnant then that’s alright too, when you’re ready we can tell them about us and we can let our relationship grow and hopefully have kids someday.” Jake said and Y/N smiled slightly before nodding

“You’re right.” Y/N said and Jake smirked making Y/N roll her eyes. “I’ll be back.”

Jake watched as Y/N got out of bed and grabbed the tests off the nightstand before making her way to the bathroom, she glanced over her shoulder at Jake who blew her a kiss making her smile before closing the door behind her.

“I’m so screwed.” Jake sighed flopping back onto the bed, he obviously doesn’t regret being with Y/N she is the love of his life. But with the relationship he and Rooster have he knew that the news of him getting his baby sister knocked up would make him feral. And Maverick is practically Y/N’s father, since she never got to meet her real father Goose Maverick is the closest she’s ever had to a father.

He wasn’t sure how the two would react to the news, he didn’t want to jeopardize his and Y/N’s relationship.

Y/N read the instructions carefully before peeing on each of the sticks and then cleaning herself up. She placed each of the sticks face down on the counter and washed her hands before setting a timer for 5 minutes and walking back into the bedroom where Jake was still laying.

Y/N chuckled and climbed on top of him laying her head down on his chest and wrapping her arms around his waist, Jake chuckled and wrapped his arms around her body squeezing her tightly to his body.

“It should be done in 5 minutes.” Y/N mumbled and Jake nodded

“You nervous?” Jake asked rubbing up and down her back

“About being pregnant in general not as much as I thought I would be, but for what Brad and Pop are going to think absolutely.” Y/N sighed

“I’m a little nervous too but I love you and although I’ll probably get my ass kicked, I’m actually a little excited about maybe being a dad.” Jake said making Y/N prop her face up with her hands

“Really?” Y/N asked in slight surprise, Jake doesn’t exactly seem like the type of guy to want to settle down and have a family

“Yeah, I mean I didn’t have the best home life growing up. Didn’t have a father worth much of anything and I don’t want my kids to have the same experience that I did. I want to be a good dad.” Jake said with a shy smile making Y/N’s eyes widen, she has never known of Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin to be shy.

“I think you’d make a great dad, even if you are a cocky son of a bitch.” Y/N said and Jake gasped in mock hurt before attacking her sides in tickles making Y/N scream and roll of off him as she laughed

“I’ll show you a cocky son of a bitch.” Jake smirked sitting on top of Y/N’s legs as he tickled her making the girl scream and laugh

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of Y/N’s timer going off in the bathroom, immediately causing both of them to freeze in their spots.

“Here goes nothing. You ready?” Jake asked climbing off of her and sitting beside her

“As I’ll ever be.” Y/N sighed before sitting up Jake rubbed her back before standing up and offering a hand to Y/N that she accepted letting him pull her up

Y/N walked into the bathroom with Jake behind her and stopped at the counter looking down at the tests.

“You flip 2 and I’ll flip 2.” Jake said and Y/N nodded taking a deep breath

“Ok. One, two, three.” Y/N counted down as she and Jake both grabbed the tests and flipped them over, Y/N could feel her eyes water and she let out a shaky breath

Pregnant

“Oh my god.” Y/N mumbled before looking towards Jake to gouge his reaction but he was standing with his head facing the ceiling. “Jake?”

“Oh I’m so dead.” Jake said making Y/N chuckle as she wrapped her arms around his waist making Jake immediately wrap his arms around her kissing her forehead. “But believe it or not, I’m actually excited.”

“What excited to die?” Y/N asked with a smirk making Jake playfully roll his eyes before reaching around to grab the backs of her thighs and picking her up and sitting her on the counter standing between her legs

“No silly. To be a dad, to have a family with you. To watch you grow with my baby.” Jake said with a smile on his face making Y/N smile too

“I’m excited too. Nervous as hell, but I’m excited to be a mom. And no matter what Pop or Brad say, I know they will be happy to be a honorary grandfather and favorite uncle.” Y/N said

“Speaking of, how are we going to tell them?” Jake asked making Y/N sigh and rest her head on his chest

“I could ask them to meet at the bar and get a table, if we’re in public then they are maybe less likely to kill you immediately. Plus Penny won’t tolerate any fighting and since Pop is smitten by her he’ll do whatever she says. But Brad is still a wild card, he wouldn’t be happy finding out we are dating much less that you fucked his baby sister and got her pregnant.” Y/N chuckled as Jake smirked

“Tonight?” Jake asked and Y/N sighed but nodded

“No time like the present.” Y/N said

──────── 🛫 ────────

Y/N decided that it might be best for her to talk to Maverick and Rooster privately before bringing Jake into the conversation, so now Y/N was sitting at a booth snacking on mozzarella sticks and drinking a cherry coke. Penny thought it was weird that Y/N didn’t order a beer like normal but decided to just let it go.

Y/N was just about to take another bite of her food when Maverick walked up to the table with a small smile resting on his face.

“Hey kiddo.” Maverick said and Y/N smiled sliding out of the booth

“Hey Pop, thanks for coming.” Y/N said as he pulled her into a warm hug

“Of course, Bradley around here get?” Maverick asked keeping his arm around Y/N’s shoulders

“Not yet, here sit.” Y/N said gesturing to the booth as they slid in across from each other. “Mozzarella stick?”

“I’m good thanks.” Maverick chuckled as he studied her face. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, yeah everything’s fine.” Y/N nervously chuckled before taking a bite of another mozzarella stick

“You sure?” Maverick asked not believing her lie Y/N was about to make up another excuse before she caught sight of Rooster walking towards them with his aviators on wearing one of their fathers Hawaiian themed shirts

“Would you look at that, here’s Bradley. Come take a seat big brother.” Y/N said gesturing to the seat beside of Maverick ignoring the suspicious looks that she was getting from 2 of the most important men in her life.

“Hey sis, everything alright?” Rooster asked sliding into the booth beside Maverick

“I actually have a few things I wanted to talk to you both about. Some very important things.” Y/N said nervously, subtly glancing over to where Jake was playing pool with Coyote and Bob. He caught her gaze and gave her a wink and supportive smile before turning back to the game

“You can tell us anything. What’s going on?” Maverick asked while Rooster just sat there quietly studying his sisters face and expressions, he knew there was something off he knew Y/N like the back of his hand

“I have a boyfriend. I have for a few months now actually, I was too scared to tell you because of who he is. I didn’t want either of you to be mad at me.” Y/N said making Maverick and Rooster exchange a look

“Boyfriend?” Rooster asked and Y/N nodded, “for how long?”

“8 months.” Y/N said causing the mens eyes to widen

“8 months?!” They both exclaimed making Y/N wince

“I’m sorry.” Y/N apologized when she saw the hurt look on both their faces, since their mom died Maverick has been the only family Y/N and Rooster have and Y/N and Rooster have always been the only family he’s had. They were all always very close so keeping a secret as big as this one was not easy.

“Who is it? Who do I have to kill?” Rooster asked making Y/N roll her eyes

“First of all your not killing him, second of all threatening to kill him isn’t making me want to tell you who he is.” Y/N said crossing her arms

“Ok ok, no one is killing anyone. Yet. Just tell us who he is sweetie.” Maverick said and Y/N took a deep breath

“Jake.” Y/N said making Roosters eyes widen

“Jake as in Hangman?!” Rooster asked and Y/N nodded making his face turn red. “No way! Not happening! He’s not a good guy Y/N, all he cares about is getting laid! He only wants to get in your pants!”

“That’s not true! Look I know that you don’t exactly like Jake, but he treats me good he loves me Brad. And I love him.” Y/N said giving both men a pleading look not to be mad

“I can’t say that I’m exactly happy about this, but if he treats you good and your happy. I guess that’s all that matters.” Maverick said and Y/N gave him a thankful smile before turning to Rooster who had his arms crossed pouting like a child. “Bradley.”

“Fine. If your happy then great. But if he hurts you so help me god I will make him wish he was dead.” Rooster said with a deadly serious face

“Ok, well there’s actually more.” Y/N said making both men look at her expectantly. “I’m pregnant. Surprise.”

Maverick and Rooster sat frozen in front of Y/N with blank looks across their face making Y/N look at them worried.

“Brad? Pop?” Y/N hesitantly asked

“He’s dead.” They said as they jumped out of the booth and quickly made their way towards Jake, who immediately started running out the door when he saw the looks on their face.

“Your so dead Hangman!” Rooster yelled as he chased him out the door

“So dead!” Maverick yelled chasing after them

“Children.” Y/N sighed before shrugging and going back to her mozzarella sticks, looking out the window and watching as Rooster and Maverick chased Jake down the beach.

#top gun maverick #jake hangman seresin #hangman x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x sister reader #pete mitchell #jake seresin x reader

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justabigassnerd · 1 year

Text

TOP GUN MASTERLIST

(x reader):

Safe and Sound

Queen of my Heart

More Than Friends

Treat You Better

The Perfect Gift

You Are Still My World

Healing Presence

Patience Worn Thin

Worth The Risk

Summer of Love (ongoing series)

(x sister!reader):

Lifeline

Self Discovery

(x daughter!reader):

Secret's Out

Nightmares

Deployments Suck

Not So Little Anymore

First Period

Sick Day

I'm (Not So) Fine

(x reader):

Hold Your Horses

Days Like This

(x sister!reader):

Sneaking Out

So Long Wisdom Teeth

(x daughter!reader):

You're Not Alone

New Best Friend

Replaced - (sequel to 'New Best Friend')

Night Scare

Protected

Hangman Junior Universe

(x sister!reader):

You're Home

(x daughter!reader):

I'm Right Here

Mini Mav

Overprotective Aviators

The Talk - (sequel to ‘Overprotective Aviators')

Midnight Storms

Mitchell Charm

Love and Support

Daddy's Little Girl

I've Got You

Caught

Rough Days

Periods and Mood Swings

Making You Proud

New Home

Playgrounds and Injuries

Hidden Talent

Protective Friend

(x daughter!reader):

Baby on Board's... Baby?

(x sister!reader):

Surprise Arrival

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fandoms--fluff · 1 month

Note

Hcs for being Natasha “Phoenix’s” sister from top gun?

Being Phoenix's Sister Headcannons

She's five years older than you but holds that over you from time to time

You met Bradley and Jake after her Top Gun class graduation

Bradley treats you as his own little sister

And Hangman annoys you to no end, to which you annoy him right back

You've also got a flying license, you're just not a naval aviator

Nat and Bradley taught you how to fly an F-14 in sligjt combat, that was a week after their top gun grad.

Under no circumstances does Phe let you use the stove or the oven. She barely let's you use the microwave without her watch when she's state side

^Which is fair, considering the amount of fires you've had to extinguish

You live off a bunch if vending machine food at the top gun base

And that's how you met your sister's CO, Pete Mitchell, for the special detachment her, Bradly and jackass (aka Jake) were called back for. He caught you kicking the vending machine since it stopped half way through, not dropping the bag of chips you paid for.

To which you guys had a pretty good conversation together, forgetting to mention you're not an actual aviator.

He didn't learn about who you are until after the suicide mission. He saw you and Nat huh each other tightly after everyone got back state side, on the beach. Everyone was relaxing on the beach after the huge excitement that had happened.

Nat introduced you to him as her little sister, and you chuckled as his mouth gaped in surprise.

Everyone watches as you throw one of the footballs they brought at Hangman after him insulting your sister.

^Bradley giving you a fistbump and Nat sighs while trying to hide her smile.

You, Nat and Halo have a big sleepover movie night, just the three of you girls. Halo taking a liking to you, seeing a lot of Nat in you.

You 'borrow' a bunch of Nat's navy sweaters and wear them around the base and the Hard Deck, seeing how many people will belive that you're in the Navy.

You and Penny become good friends at the bar

^you learn some (a lot of) dirt on Maverick from her

Bradley explains to you about his relationship with Maverick and you may or may not have smacked him upside the head about how he cut connection with the man

^to which he agreed he deserved

The whole dagger squad now treat you as their baby sister and you can't go anywhere without 'protection' aka one of them.

You love your big sister to death, when you were younger you wanted to be just like her. Strong, loyal, pretty and much more.

Amelia and you become good friends, you like a mentor to her and teaching her about different flight maneuvers with model planes, everything you learnt from Nat and Bradley...and maybe....maybe Jake.

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sahanaswrld · 2 years

Text

"unattainable" j.h.s

self-indulgent minific (also posted on my group account! @multivrses )

summary: jake told himself that tonight would be a night dedicated to only him and his fellow pilots, but when you walk in, side-by-side with none other than bradley rooster bradshaw, he decides he needs to have you.

or where you are rooster's sister who catches jake hangman seresin's eye

pairing: Jake Hangman Seresin x Y/n Bradshaw

warnings: implied sex, cursing, not proofread

word count: 822

do not repost, translate, or copy my work without my permission.

it's not like Jake Seresin wanted to be known as a playboy, he just wanted to let off some steam with girls who may have thought it was going to lead into something... bigger, something... more permanent. Jake wasn't looking for that. so tonight, he decided no girls, just him and his fellow pilots. that was until he spotted a gorgeous woman walking into the Hard Deck with none other than his "rival" Bradley Rooster Bradshaw.

when Jake first laid his eyes on you, he had to do a quick double take. Bradley could pull? was his first thought, until he noticed the similarities between you two. your noses looked pretty similar, along with the few other things he could spot from this distance.

against his better judgement, he decided to go up to you guys, where you were being swarmed with the whole crew of aviators, Phoenix taking the lead and introducing you to everyone. once phoenix got around to him however, he took matters into his own hands.

"Hangman, darling." he said, holding out his hand with his cheeky (normally) pantie dropping smirk

you, however, looked him up and down, then looked at rooster with a raised eyebrow as if to say who is this guy

"ignore him Y/n, he always thinks he's the shit" phoenix said whilst rolling her eyes, which earned a few chuckles throughout the group

"Y/n, Brad's sister." you said while shaking his hand

before Hangman could say another word thought, you were whisked away by Phoenix taking you over to Penny to get some fresh drinks. hangman made his way back over to the pool table along with Coyote, Bob, Payback, and Fanboy.

you could feel his gaze burning into you even at the bar with your brother and your newest friend, Phoenix, who told you to call her Tash (short for Natasha) you couldn't lie though, he was attractive. though you promised yourself to never date a navy pilot because of the pain you had witnessed first hand from the death of your father, and the fear for your brother whenever he was called on missions, maybe it was okay to give this Hangman guy a shot.

after some ime, you found yourself waiting at the bar alone for your, now, fourth round of drinks for you and the pilots. Penny flashed you an apologetic smile and told yuo that she would be right to you right after she finished up with some other customers. you were twirling Bradley's credit card between your fingers until you felt a presence behind you,

"Did they leave you all alone darling?"

no doubt. it was Hangman. you twirled around coming face to face with his playful smirk

"Well, i guess i'm not alone anymore, hm?" oh he liked that. his smirk grew noticeably wider, this time reaching his twinking green eyes. they were truly captivating.

"I'm down to keep you company all night sweets" he said with a wink

you just rolled your eyes with that comment and turned around to Penny coming right towards you.

"What can i get you Y/n?" she said, giving a confused look as to why Hangman was standing so close. you just brused it off and gave your order, handing the credit card along with her.

Hangman waited with you until you got your drinks and walked back over to your little group with his arm slung around your shoulders.

as you approached the group, Tash gave you the same look that Penny did, that confused and quite concerned look. Rooster however, was more verbal.

"Hangman what the fuck are you doing with my sister."

"Well I was just-" you cut him off before he could anger Rooster

"He was waiting for the drinks with me Brad, he didn't pull any weird shit don't worry. He was actually pretty nice." you said while passing the round of drinks you got over to the aviators, the actions got a few quiet thanks. You could tell Bradley was about to speak again but you just shut him up with a look.

Tash guided Rooster and the others over to the piano, you knew Bradley was good and just loved to show off. surprisingly Hangman didn't join them, instead he walked over to the corner. you thought about going over with bradley, but decided against it. what's the worst thing that could happen witht his Hangman guy?

many things apparantly. how you found yourself tangled in his sheets, completely naked, with an equally naked Hangman lying next to you was a mystery. all you remembered was a few drinks with him, learning his name was Jake, and the drive over to his place. the rest was a blur but you could already figure out what you did.

as you sat up, Jake's eyes started to flutter. once his vision cleared all he said was:

"Shit, Rooster is gonna fuckin kill me."

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daughterofthereaper02 · 2 years

Note

What if reader was Rooster’s little sister so he’s super protective over her, but she’s also in the navy and was called back to Top Gun. You can decide if she’s involved with anyone! Anyway during the mission Mav goes down, but what if instead of Rooster going back it’s reader. His original reaction to Mav going down was so sad, imagine his reaction when it’s also his sister. Not just him, everyone would be shocked and upset, including Cyclone and Hondo.

A/n: My heart anon! I’m just going to write as I go and see what happens. This will be a Jake Hangman Seresin x Bradshaw! Reader ;)

Warnings: Angst, cursing

1.4k words

You stood in an empty classroom, the building eerily quiet besides the two of you talking. You two have been on the brink of fighting every day because of how your older brother hovered and that he saw you and Maverick were still close. Today it all boiled over after training and you were the only one to pass the course, “I am not a child anymore Bradley! Stop being so fucking overprotective!” You screamed at your brother after he pulled you into the room and told you to stop trying to go on the mission. He kept trying to hold you back, not wanting you to be picked for the mission.

Your older brother glared at you and it reminded you eerily of your mother when she would be mad at you for doing something stupid, this was fueling your fire, “You’re not ready! And I can’t lose you too Y/n!” He snapped. Your glare grew harder, “That’s rich coming from you. The one who runs out of fuel for never taking the shot. And the only one you have? Can’t lose anyone else? You cut everyone else out! Maverick, Iceman, Slider, Wolfman, Hollywood! You cut them out. I know you’re mad about what Maverick did, he did it to me! But I didn’t sulk and I chose a different way! Also, have you ever put your feelings to the side and used that fucking brain mom gave you? No? Because I have and I figured out why he did it. The pain on his face. Jesus, that’s why I still talk to him- Eh! Don’t cut me off!” you yelled when he tried to butt in. “If you haven’t figured it out smartass, you won’t! And I sure as hell will not be giving you any hints” You said with a roll of your eyes. You turned and stormed off, that was the last time you both talked before the mission. He was angry before you both left and tried to talk to Mav but wouldn’t look at you. You still wished him the best of luck like you always did.

Now you were in the skies and you were so proud of your brother, he finally jumped off that perch. You had just started the dogfight and you really thought you would all come home. “Dagger five defending!” You yelled, then heard that Rooster was out. You felt your heart plummet, you couldn’t lose him, not without apologizing. You watched helplessly as the missile moved closer, you couldn’t make it in time to block it even at full speed. Suddenly, Maverick blocked it and got shot down, “DAGGER ONE HAS BEEN HIT!” You screamed, panic overwhelming your body as you all continued to defend against the missiles. You barely felt the trembling in your limbs as your entire body ran ice cold, you watched the man who raised you go down in flames.

“Daggers return to the carrier,” You were ordered, “We have to help him!” You and Rooster yelled. “Rooster, Frosty, there is nothing you can do for him,” Phoenix told you both sadly. You heard Rooster sigh, “Fuck that,” You hissed under your breath, “Reprimand me later, no man left behind,” You said, turning your F-18 around and going after Maverick.

You ignored people yelling orders at you, you saw the black helicopter shooting at a tiny figure. You used your missile and shot it down, not even thirty seconds later you felt your aircraft get hit, “Mayday! Mayday!” You yelled, ejecting moments later.

You didn’t know your brother could see everything, he watched the other person in his life just get shot down. There was overwhelming guilt that took over him, so much he should have said. For years, he pushed you away from him but kept protecting you also, he saw you as the little girl that had pigtails that just wanted to play with him. Now it opened his eyes to see the incredible woman you had become, following him to serve your country. You both only ever wanted to protect people just like your father did, you were both some of the good ones who did it out of the goodness of your hearts, not for some glory others seek. He also realized that while Maverick was cocky and seemed to be that way, he was in for the same reason. Now the man who raised him like his own and his baby sister were both gone, gone in minutes. “NO!” His voice broke through in a scream, everyone else felt their hearts plummet into their stomachs, the scream of someone who lost so much already.

Back on the carrier, Hangman was trying to get permission to go after you both, his heart being ripped out of his chest. You both had only been dating for a year but he was madly in love with you, you were what it felt like to have a soulmate. You both hid the relationship so no one held back your careers, the ‘flirting’ outside was all for show and neither of you took it seriously when it was to others. You preferred to do it to each other and banter. He felt tears welling up in his eyes as he thought back to you both meeting on the beach in your dress whites, your hearts aching at the possibility of never seeing each other. Now you were gone, his heart was ripped out and he felt so alone in the world.

The rest of the daggers watched in horror as you went down too. Bob and Phoenix were your best friends, they found friendship in each other on the mission and learned that you were best friends with them both. Now they watched their closest confidant go down, and nearly screamed too. You would never laugh with them again, dance to stupid music to make them happy, or be their best cheerleader when they needed a pick me up. Coyote, Payback, and Fanboy felt sick knowing they lost someone who had become a fast friend, you were there for everyone with a big smile and helping hand. They all thought Frosty was a joke but they saw how cold you went in the sky and how cold you were to anyone who screwed with those you cared about.

In the command center, Cyclone, Warlock, and Hondo all hung their heads. You were a talented aviator and a massive asset to the Navy. Not only that but you were respectful to all jobs, you also took them both seriously. There was something different about you as ‘Baby Bradshaw’ that drew people to you immediately. Now they all believed that was gone, the Navy would feel that blow now.

Everyone was mourning both the loss of Maverick and yourself when your name popped up. Of course, the two unstoppable forces beat death, in an ancient plane like the F-14 no less.

Rooster was even back seated with Hangman when he took off to save you both, you nearly cried when you saw Hangman. “Hangman, you look good!” You chuckled, looking at the man you loved more than anything. “I am good, Frosty. I am very good,” He joked and you let out a wet chuckle. You both felt the complete relief filling your bodies, “What about me, Munchkin? Don’t I look good?” Your older brother joked and your heart swell to know he was no longer angry at you, “Yeah, Roo, you do,” you smiled. “Didn’t recognize you, trying out being a WSO? You can be my backseater any time, Goober!” You laughed. Maverick cut in, “Nah Frosty, you’re my backseater now,” He joked and you rolled your eyes playfully. “Two Bradshaw's back seating like their old man,” He said with a shake of his head. You, Bradley, and Maverick all looked up briefly and thought, ‘Thank you Dad/Goose’ when they realized they were safe.

When you and Maverick were back on the carrier, you pulled them both into a hug. You felt that your little family was back together again and you could begin a new chapter.

As soon as you turned to Jake and looked into his green eyes, you couldn’t hold back and neither could he. You both kissed deeply, a deep shock going through the crowd as he dipped you. “Never leave me again, Bradshaw,” He told you. “Never, Seresin,” you murmured, kissing him again.

Everything was right in the world again, at least until the next mission.

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plutotcles · 2 years

Text

I DID IT, DAD, ARE YOU PROUD? ━━━ Jake Seresin.

→ back to. . . series masterlist.

PAIRING, Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Malorie "Raven" Bradshaw (OC)

CHAPTER SUMMARY, Malorie knows that her graduation from Top Gun is something that she should look forward to, however knowing that no one would be there for her put a damper on that.

WARNINGS, past abusive relationship!, mentions of drinking, death, absent family and family issues

The day of your graduation was one of the happiest moments in the career of every Top Gun student. — The moment that all the hard work, every restless hour spend sweating into the uncomfortable material of a flight suit and the days and weeks wasted on sea, away from the ones that loved you finally paid off. The best of the best, the elite... there were many words for what they had accomplished but none could compensate for the feeling of standing on the podium, knowing that this was your moment.

As the day of her own graduation arrived on a sunny Friday evening with just the right temperature to be in a stiff uniform, Malorie did not the share excitement that made most of her classmates grin widley and roam around the base as if they were floating. Instead she was nothing but a miserable face, watching her classmate embraced her mother with an aching heart and a grip to her dogtags, her callsign Raven, a homage to her dad's call sign Goose, daintly engraved in them.

Growing up Malorie had always envied the little girls with their fathers, perhaps that was why she barely visited her godfather Ice as time moved forward, the sight of him with his daughters leaving a bitter taste.

Nick Bradshaw had died, years and years ago in an accident. He had been a Top Gun student just like Malorie was — He too had found comfort thousand feet up in the air, G-forces pushing your body in your seat, your vision tunneling, seconds from passing out — Her father had found his life and purpose in a F-14. He also lost it in a F-14.

It had been supposed to be just a training session just like every other day when the plane got caught up in turbulence and came plunging to the ground. When ejecting her father had hit his head on the canopy and had died moments later from the consequences in the arms of his best friend and pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. When his body had been retrieved after the accident they had found two pictures in the inside of his flight suit: a picture of a one year old Bradley wrapped up in his mother Carole's arms and the first ultrasound picture that had been taken of Malorie.

For the years following that it had been Malorie, Bradley and Carole against the world. Pete and his Wingman Tom "Iceman" Kazansky had swooped in to help immediately but no one could ever replace the man that was Nick Bradshaw.

Years later when the grief had settled and the emptiness in the heart was nothing but a subtle ache that followed one everywhere life had finally started to feel like it was alright and the Bradshaw family was finally content again. Until they weren't anymore.

It had come so quick and unexpected, Malorie hadn't even realized what was happening until it was almost over — One day her mother was dancing around the kitchen in a summer dress, giggling and singing and the next she was in a hospital bed, the life nearly entirely drained from her face as he watched her kids with a ghost of a grin, "I love you so much, my babies. I would never leave you.", she had said and Malorie had believed her.

Her mother died the morning after, one hand grasping Malorie's and the other one ruffling Bradley's hair.

It was then that shit truly went down.

For a brief few years Bradley and Malorie, 15 and 13 of age by the time their mother had been buried, had lived with Mav — It had been a chaotic few years. Malorie loved Mav. He was the closest thing to a father, she ever had but he was not cut out to be a family person. He wasn't suited to stay at home and cook at least one meal a day.

When Bradley was 17 he decided to follow their father's footsteps and enter the Naval Academy — He had been overjoyed and even promised to take her for a joyride one day but his excitement was shortlived when he got the call that his papers had been pulled by none other than Maverick.

Malorie didn't even process what was happening, all she knew was that Bradley had left over night and wasn't returning her calls anymore. Another person had left her.

The last remaining piece of family she had was Pete then and when the final moment came for him to leave to, Malorie was already predicting it. She had come so accustomed to people leaving, she didn't even bat an eyelid when he pulled her papers too and she came home that night to the house empty and the few things that solely belonged to Mav gone — He had called her that evening but she hadn't picked up.

She was on her own.

Over the years, Malorie had still stayed in contact with Ice and even visited from time to time, especially when she had entered the Academy in 2008 and Ice had just risen to Rear Admiral. He was the reason, why she had showed up to her graduation in the first place.

As Malorie made her way around the place, she could already see her uncle near the podium alongside the other admirals. He stood proud and tall, stoic as his call sign suggested but Malorie knew the man that stood beneath that cold exterior. He smiled warmly as she spotted her amongst the crowd, waving her over.

"Uncle Ice!", she greeted him, sighing as he gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. He didn't blame her — To Ice there had been nothing better than his graduation from Top Gun, he had spend all day basking in the attention he was getting but Malorie had gone through too much for that.

"Hello darling," he beamed, pulling her into a sweet hug, "How are you holding up?"

"I'm getting by.", Malorie muttered and Ice watched with a heavy heart as her eyes darted around the crowd, hastily searching for someone, "He is not coming, is he?"

He lowered his head, "I don't think so."

Her shoulders slumped but she knew it was her fault for thinking her brother would show up in the first place. Malorie wasn't even sure if he knew that she had followed his example and had joined the Navy.

When Malorie had enlisted in the Academy in 2008, her brother had just entered his last year — Malorie had known that he was there, that she would inevitably one day run into him, still when the moment had come her inital reaction had been to bolt but Bradley hadn't even acknowledged her. He had walked straight past her, not even gifting her the relief of a last glance. Looking back now, Malorie wasn't sure if it was because he had simply deemed her as not his burden anymore or if he genuinely hadn't realized who he had bumped into.

After that incident, Malorie had decided to stay as far away from her brother as possible but that didn't mean that some part of her — The seventeen year old girl that had been left and abandoned to fend for herself all those years ago wished for him to come back and tell her he is proud of her.

"I'm sorry.", Ice muttered, taking her hand in his for a brief moment of comfort, "I know it's not much but I'm proud of you and god knows your dad would be too.", with one hand he brushed the multiple medals that graced her chest, smiling fondly.

Malorie felt her eyes well up with tears. She wished she had met her father.

"Now go and make some acquaintances. Can't have you rely on me for dating advice forever.", he grinned, although his face fell as he broke into a coughing fit.

Malorie frowned, "Are you okay?"

Ice wheezed painfully but nodded, "I've been having this sore throat for a few weeks now but I'm gonna be fine," he relented when he saw her face twist with worry, "Probably just a cough."

Malorie nodded but her frown stayed persistent.

"Go!", he stressed pointedly with a swift motion of his hand. Malorie rolled her eyes but complied.

The ceremony had wrapped up well over an hour ago but the place was still lively with friends and family celebrating all around. Malorie felt herself become frustrated — The chatter and laughing gave her a pounding headache and her body yearned for a strong drink and a cigarette.

She knew she should be packing. Tomorrow she would be reporting to deployment first thing in the morning but that was tomorrow and tonight she could still live.

Just as she was about to leave for her car, a warm hand grasped her arm, not painfully tight but tight enought to make her halt in her movement, "What? You wanna leave without saying hello?", a familiar voice teased.

Malorie's head snapped around to face him with a genuine grin, "Jake!"

Jake Seresin had been in her brother's graduation class — His reputation hurried ahead of him and Malorie had originally made it her mission to keep away from him. She heard the stories — Hangman, they had called him and Jake prided himself with his call sign. He basked in the pleasure of leaving people to hang out to dry for just a slight moment of glory just to himself. Jake Seresin had been everything Malorie was afraid of becoming but that was before, when all she had of Jake were whispers in the halls and brief moments during training.

But things had changed — Jake had changed. At least in Malorie's eyes.

Malorie remembered the night vividly — the dimly lit hall, the sound of pounding footsteps running down the hall, the face of her boyfriend distorted in fury.

Malorie had been in love once. The relationship had started of tender and sweet and she had once even thought that they would last forever. However her carefully build up paradise had crumbled down slowly and tediously just three years later. Malorie had noticed the change in him quite early on — The way he would pry more every night about the people she talked with that day, the way his grip tightened on her ever so slightly whenever she talked with another guy, just tight enough for it feel uncomfortable but not enough to hurt. It was all so painfully oblivious and still when it came down to that very night in the Academy Malorie felt like she walked straight into a wall with no warning.

Her boyfriend had laid his hand on her more than once in their relationship, he had always made it up in the morning with breakfast in bed and a bouquet of her favorite flowers but that could never take back the bruises and the scars and the mornings spend in the bathroom, trying to cover it up. Over the months it had gotten worse and worse and when the time came around for Malorie to leave for the Naval Academy, her boyfriend had reached his breakdown. The thought of Malorie being constantly surrounded by men who were all trained and confident with him being thousand miles away was enough for him to go absolutely crazy.

Every day after school Malorie would open up her phone to hundreds of missed calls and angry messages. She tried to reason with him every day that she was there to focus on her career and that he was the only one she would ever love but to no avail.

Malorie had never expected him to actually show up at the Academy, rapping against her door in the middle of the night. But he was there. Malorie remember stepping inside the hallway with him but she had barely closed the door behind her when he already pounced at her with his fists.

This is how I die, Malorie had thought in that moment — and she had felt at peace with it.

But her boyfriend couldn't even get many hits in when suddenly there were rapid footsteps racing down the hallway and he had been ripped away from her — Jake Seresin, her savior in uniform.

Now he was here, once again a shine of light in a world of darkness. The one to show up when no one else did.

"Raven!", he smiled, pulling her in a tight hug, "I am so proud of you! Man, watching you up there had me almost emotional."

Malorie frowned at his words but melted into his embrace nevertheless, "What are you doing here? Were you that bad that they only let you graduate now?"

"Please", Jake scoffed, detaching himself from her but still keeping a comforting hand on her back, "I'm here for you, you dummy. Need to make sure everyone knows my favorite girl is a badass pilot."

"Your favorite girl, hm?", Malorie hummed, leaning her head against his arm, "Well your favorite girl was just about to get the fuck out of here and get herself a drink."

Jake grinned, showing off a row of perfect teeth, "Now we're talking.", he feigned a bow, extending one arm towards the parking lot, "After you, madame."

Malorie's car — a red Pontiac GTO with white vinyl upholstery was her pride and joy. She had bought it all the way back in 2006 after she had saved up every paycheck she got since her 16th birthday for it. It had been with her through everything: Moving out of her childhood home into her first apartment, moving in with her boyfriend, the Naval Academy. It worked like that too. The car itself was from 1964 but had been remodeled to have an upgraded engine, factory AC and a MP3 radio upgrade just before Malorie bought it. The air conditioning had stopped working in 2010 mid-drive and when you wanted to play a song the only sound that came out of the speakers was rustling and murmuring, it smelled like wine and cigarettes in it but nevertheless Malorie would never sell it even if it was the last thing she would do.

"Your car is still driveable?", Jake exclaimed in disbelief as his eyes fell on the red Pontiac sitting in between a Jeep and an Audi, both obviously a recent purchase, like an outcast.

Malorie nodded proudly, absentmindedly brushing the hood of her car. Jake watched her every movement, his always so cocky, confident exterior melting every so slightly at the girl he had grown so fond of.

"C'mon", he muttered, snapping himself out of his daze, "I'll drive — I think you need that drink more than me."

The bar they went to was stationed right at the beach, it was run down and stiffy but the prices were cheap and the drinks strong so it was a popular choice amongst the Top Gun students. Jake and Malorie sat down in a booth next to the window and immediately ordered a beer each.

"So, Hangman", Malorie started as they were settled, "Aren't you supposed to be in like... Cuba?"

"Spain, actually," he corrected, clearing his throat, "I'm on leave right now. I came home yesterday."

Malorie halted in her movement, "You came home yesterday? What are you doing spending your time in this filthy bar instead of with your family?"

"Wanted to be here for you, 's all.", he murmured under his breath, taking a big swing from his beer, "Had to pull a few strings but I'm here, aren't I?", he stopped, starring at his beer intensely.

"But... why?", Malorie stressed, leaning slightly forward to have a better look at his expression.

Jake visibly hesitated for a moment before he too leaned forward, swallowing deeply, "Your my favorite friend, Mal. I didn't want you to be alone for your big day."

Malorie felt her heart swell at his words — He had driven all this way just for her? Her own brother hadn't even texted her in years and here Jake was trading precious hours with his family solely so that Malorie had someone there for her graduation, "Jake Seresin, you fucker, you're gonna make me cry.", she giggled, bringing the one hand that wasn't occupied to where her heart sat. It thumbed rapidly against her rip cage under her fingertips and Malorie swore it would leap straight out of her chest if Jake continued to look at her with so much care and love.

After that particular night in 2008 Jake and Malorie had spend more and more days and nights together and even after Jake's graduation they had still talked and texted almost everyday. At first it had felt unfamiliar and menacing to have someone love and care for you so deeply after being abandoned on the side by so many. Malorie remembered waking up every morning thinking that that would be the day that Jake finally left her too — But that day never came. Even almost four years and thousand miles later Jake was still there, going above and beyond for her.

"Don't flatter yourself, Raven.", Jake teased, retrieving his hand and Malorie couldn't help but scoff: That was the Hangman, everyone knew.

They stayed in that bar for another three hours, talking and drinking the night away. Malorie knew that things would change when the morning came and she would leave for deployment but for now she could stay in this moment forever — When it was just her and Jake and when for a moment, she found where she belonged.

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warnersister · 2 months

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I’ll try to do all three, but I need to know which to do first🙏🙏

+ please comment if you want to be added to a tag list

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ereardon · 4 months

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Before I Knew [Masterlist] — Full Length Series

A Jake Seresin unexpected pregnancy fic

Overview: On your first night after moving to San Diego to spend more time with your brother Bob, you unknowingly have a one night stand with his teammate Jake Seresin. For the first time in his whole life, Bob has a closely knit friend group and you’re desperate not to rock the boat. But an unexpected and unplanned pregnancy upends your world, forcing you and Jake closer together, against Bob’s wishes. What will happen when you find yourself actually falling for the father of your unborn child?

Pairing: Jake Seresin x Reader; Bob Floyd x Sister!Reader

Overview:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

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specialbrewbutterbeer · 2 years

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Hi again, sorry for another request but I was reading what you would write and I thought of either hangman or rooster with sister reader (could have an age gap but it’s up to you) and she wanted to be a fighter pilot like her older brother when she grew up. They could be talking to the others and he tells them she died (it’s up to you, ignore this is your uncomfortable :)

Sister!Reader Who Wants To Be A Pilot Like Her Older Brother (Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw & Jake 'Hangman' Seresin)

TW: Angst! Super Angsty! Mentions death of a sibling, death of a parent, dangerous situations, hospital environments and sudden/unexpected deaths and greif

AN: I tried out this as a new format, not sure how it went but quite liked it- I'd love some feedback on how you found it and if you enjoyed it?

REQUESTS

MASTERLIST

--------------------

Jake 'Hangman' Seresin

- Jake is pretty open about his family

- And I mean OPEN

- If he tried to say that the guys haven't heard every story about how annoying it was growing up as the second eldest of four sons, he'd be lying

- Usually it was when everyone was swapping stories in the bar

- Lighthearted memories of being told he was gonna be a big brother again

- Screaming and crying about it

- Water fights in summer

- Him and his older brother chasing the others round with the hosepipe and a super soaker

- Launching baseballs at eachother's heads

- How he once threw one at his youngest brother

- How he'd dodged it

- How it'd gone through the kitchen window

- How angry his Mom had been when it landed in the sink whilst she did the dishes

- About how much his brothers sulked when he joined the Navy

- How his parents sent updates on all his siblings when he was away

- Pictures of them going to senior prom

- When his youngest brother made capitain of the school basketball team

- A picture of the second youngest brother in hospital with a broken arm

- Because he'd driven Jake's car (which he'd given to him with strict instructions not to damage it) into a ditch

- How his eldest brother was a real estate agent but how none of them would let him forget that he watched Practical Magic on VHS over and over in 2000 and told everyone he wanted to be a witch when he grew up

- It was clear that they were very typical

- Very happy

- But if you got him drunk enough

- And it were the right time of year

- He'd slip up

- 'Oh yeah- all five of us!'

- 'Joey, me, Ronnie, Cole and- and... That's us!'

- No one payed much attention to it

- He was being drunk

- Miscounting

- Forgetting

- Slurring his words a little

- Until finally

- One night

- Someone asked

- 'So- got other family in the military?'

- And he went awful quiet

- Sat back in his chair

- And all the words came tumbling out of his mouth

- 'Well- I did.'

- 'My baby sister.'

- 'I don't talk about her but, she was born when I was about seven, she was my favourite- well I was her favourite. She never left me alone.'

- 'She was real smart, a real sweetie and her favourite thing in the whole world was our grandma's cherry pie.'

- He'd laughed

- He was in his own nostalgic world now

- The others just wondered how she'd never come up before

- But they listened patiently

- No one dared interrupt, in case he stopped

- '(Y/n) should have gone to an Ivy league school- but no.'

- 'She told me she wanted to be a pilot, just like I was.'

- 'She told me she looked up to me, and she really did wanna do it.'

- 'God knows why- why she looked up at me, not Joey the valedictorian or Cole the sports star or even Ronnie! I know Mom busted him selling weed to his friends from the treehouse in our yard- but- damn! He at least made pretty good money doing that!'

- 'But I sat down, and I helped her fill everything out and we dropped it off at the mailbox at the end of the street. And she got in.'

- 'I never saw her more excited than that. And she was pretty well pumped up when she was voted prom queen.'

- It was then that Jake went quite again for a few minutes.

- 'She was real good.'

- 'She was real good at everything she did.'

- 'Hell- I hate to say it but she was probably better than me, certainly better than I was straight out of the academy.'

- 'Umm- She was unlucky though.'

- 'Just, about a week before she should have been done with all her training- I don't know. Something went wrong.'

- The look on his face was of some kind of latent sadness.

- He wasn't a vulnerable man.

- To see him this way, hear him talk honestly- without showboating, properly with guard down

- That was a rare and privileged experience

- And everyone sat around the table knew it

- 'Within 24 hours the whole family were there. and she was awake- talking- fine and perky as ever.'

- 'She just kept saying how she was bored in hospital, she was so worried she wasn't gonna be able to complete training.'

- 'I didn't really know what was going on, none of us kids knew how serious it was. We thought cos she was talking, awake and everything she was gonna be fine. No one told us what was goin on.'

- That last sentence was said with real anger and followed by the sound of his fist banging on the table.

- 'We just laughed at her and tried to be like normal. We thought she was gonna be fine.'

- 'But I remember Mom telling her that she'd had surgery to take fragments of her skull out of her brain.'

- 'I think maybe I knew then that it wasn't gonna be fine.'

- 'It wasn't gonna be fine like they said.'

- 'I didn't know she was gonna have a bleed on the brain and die in the OR as they tried to stop it though.'

- 'I didn't think it was gonna be that bad.'

- 'She probably knew nothing about it either."

- His heart sank.

- Speaking those words, in such a blunt way. That was the only way he could say them.

- It got it over with quickly

- He ground his teeth as he sat there

- Like he'd finally spilled a secret

- He almost wished they hadn't let him go on

- But he'd said it now

- And felt weird about it

- 'I'd headed back to work. When it happened.'

- 'I only got a few days leave- and since she seemed... Alright- I left.'

- 'I was the only one not in the room.'

- 'I was the one who put her there though.'

- 'Never should have let her do it.'

- 'I guess stupidity is in the genes though. She shouldn't have looked up to me- of all folk.'

- 'I miss her.'

- '(Y/n) was my baby sister, my responsibility.'

- 'And she would have beat all you suckers in a dogfight any day of the week!"

- He laughed.

- He was the only one who did.

- After that, there was some scrap of thought spared for Hangman, some mild sympathy.

- That callsign suddenly seemed slightly morbid

- Considering his need to take the blame.

- Maybe even some respect for having told the story too

- But (Y/n) came up in stories after that

- Like the missing link she filled the gaps

- How she got her brothers back by filling a super soaker with koolaid that stained them all blue for days

- How it had been her baby bottles their Mom had been cleaning in the sink

- How she'd sobbed and sobbed on the morning he left

- How he and his brothers had managed to make some calls around their small town to their old classmates, to ensure that their classmates younger siblings voted (Y/n) prom queen

- How she and Cole had had fallen out in highschool so badly that she had quit the cheer squad because they were refusing to talk and seeing eachother at every game whilst he was capitain annoyed her

- How Ronnie had put the car in a ditch going to pick (Y/n) up from a house party she wasn't supposed to be at

- How bitterly Joey had complained when their Dad made him remove his VHS copy of Practical Magic from the player and replace it with a Sesame Street tape for (Y/n)

- And how they'd all been so relieved when they had a sister, not another brother.

- She was all of their favorites.

- Even with her flaws.

- She was cocky and arrogant

- Argumentative

- Witty

- Sharp

- She was great

- She was all too much like her brothers

- And that's why they liked her.

- All of the guys,

- Rooster, Bob, Phoenix, Coyote and the rest,

- Decided that they were glad he'd told them about her

- He was happy when he talked about his family

--------------------------

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

- Bradley constantly talked about his family.

- Mom, Dad, Sister

- She was born just before her Dad had died

- They were close siblings

- Very close

- He lived and breathed for them

- His family

- He talked about how the receptionist in the foyer wore the same hairspray that his Mom had

- How he could tell by the smell of it

- It reminded him of sitting on her lap when she did her hair and make up in the morning.

- He talked about how he bought a Ford Bronco because his Dad had one

- How he had taken a picture of his Dad's to the dealership and the salesman had helped him figure out which colour matched the best

- It reminded him of being a kid, before it broke down and was scrapped

- He talked about his sister

- How great she was

- It didn't remind him of anything

- He spoke about her often

- And as if she were still alive

- No one ever guessed that wasn't the truth

- Even those who had known him before her death

- Who had even met her in passing

- Once or twice worked with her

- News like that usually travelled fast

- But it had been a bit hush hush because it had to be investigated by a panel of experts to see who's wrong doing it had been

- It had been a year

- Just over

- The report had been issued a few months before

- He could speak about it quite freely now

- But he couldn't find it in himself to do so

- So he just talked like she was still around

- To the extent that he made up a deployment overseas for her to be on

- It wasn't until Maverick overheard him talking about her one evening

- And just looked at him

- 'Bradley?'

- He'd spoken with total empathy and near enough pity

- He didn't know this was what Bradley had been doing

- It was then that his face fell

- He knew he had to give the game away

- Quietly he spoke

- Almost forgetting the friends he was surrounded by

- 'Mav, I don't know how else to deal with it-'

- His godfather just look at him.

- 'All my life I've had to deal with talking about my family, in the past tense.'

- 'She was the last one I had left.'

- 'I can't hear anymore 'I'm sorry's. I don't want anymore condolence cards.'

- 'I don't want that Mav.'

- Then he sighed

- And looked up

- 'Last September, she crashed.'

- 'Into the ocean just off of the coast of Cuba.'

- He stopped there

- Just thinking

- 'Nose dived right into the water.'

- 'Her WSO ejected, survived.'

- He paused, glance for almost a full beat at Maverick, then spoke as it transpired that Pete couldn't hold the eye contact.

- 'She didn't.'

- The silence in the room was tangible.

- Mav sat down beside his godson

- He knew every detail

- He'd made sure he'd known every detail

- He and Ice had pawed for days over every report before they were even released

- It was yet another illegal favour Tom gifted Pete.

- He relived her father's death through hers, and Bradley was experiencing it first hand for the first time

- Both felt intense guilt

- Another Bradshaw plunged into the freezing cold water

- Another one pulled out with no life left in em

- Another Bradshaw dead

- Fullstop

- She was gone

- Just like that

- 'They said she was coming into land on a carrier, went wrong.'

- 'It was probably instant.'

- 'I don't know if they just told me that to make me feel better or if it's true.'

- 'I hope it's true.'

- 'They said it was probably her mistake, and she almost definitely knew it was her own mistake, because she didn't eject.'

- 'She was fighting it all the way down.'

- 'It was a stupid thing to do.'

- 'Her WSO broke their back, probably won't walk again- but they'll live.'

- 'And they'll live a good, proper life.'

- 'She was just- Stubborn.'

- 'I don't know.'

- He finally felt like he was done talking.

- No-one quite knew what to say.

- A couple hearts were particularly heavy,

- Those that'd worked with her enough to know she was a good woman.

- But mostly the outpouring was for him.

- The fact that he'd never spoken about it.

- His relationship with Maverick was still healing, and yet was the only vent for the matter.

- That, they all knew, couldn't have been easy.

- 'She was a good pilot.'

- Mav spoke to fill in the silence.

- 'Really good.'

- 'Quick, technical.'

- 'And she loved it. Probably more than most people.'

- 'She just loved the flying- would have suited air shows, acrobatic stuff- more than the Navy.'

- Bradley gave a laugh and nodded.

- 'She was too clever and a show off.'

- 'She always liked the stories stupid stuff you and Dad used to get up to.'

- 'She wanted that.'

- Mav looked up at his Godson, a bittersweet sense of pride that his Goddaughter had thought his and her Father's relationship was something good enough to aspire to.

- A very different attitude from her brother.

- They had kept in contact.

- Not as much as she would have liked to

- And more than her brother thought Mav deserved

- But he wouldn't stop her

- And she kept enough distance as not to upset her brother

- And after they did make things up again

- They didn't get the chance before the crash to be together as a family again

- After all that Bradley and Pete had been through on that mission

- All the times they could have been killed out there in a far off land

- The multitudes of opportunities for them to be the ones to ruin the chance at playing at happy families

- To ruin the chance of coming home to their girl

- And she crashes and dies

- In what should have been a survivable accident

- on a routine exercise just miles off of the coast of her home

- 'She always thought she'd get to have that kind of fun, those kinds of friends for life.'

- 'I was the serious one.'

- Bradley smiled.

- 'I just-'

- The smile quickly faded.

- He wasn't ready to think back fondly yet.

- 'I don't understand why she didn't eject.'

- He spoke quietly.

- 'I don't know why she'd keep trying to save the thing'

- Mav sat there looking at his boy.

- A large, handsome man

- Who had come to regard as a son

- And who now reminded him of a boy again

- As he sat there

- Nursing a bottle of beer

- He'd seen reports that Bradley hadn't

- He knew that the WSO involved had given statements that said she'd told them to eject

- They'd expected her to follow

- But she didn't

- That the examination of the wreckage showed no signs of her even attempting to

- It couldn't even be put down to a failed ejection

- It was just...

- A fatal miscalculation?

- A misdiagnosis that she thought she could solve?

- But she knew it was dangerous.

- She knew it and told her WSO to eject

- The words he'd told his RIO all those years ago

- He'd seen her records

- He knew she had a history of hesitancy when it came to mock ejection tests

- She'd failed some of those tests three times over before she finally got the nerve

- He didn't want to tell Bradley that

- And he knew Bradley didn't want to dig that deep into the official verdict

- Bradley just knew it was 'pilot error'

- He didn't need to know more

- He didn't want Bradley to think that his baby sisters last thoughts were probably abject terror

- Images of her Father's fate

- Too scared too eject

- Maybe even too proud to admit she'd made a mistake that was going to be terminal for her jet

- Maybe she really did think she could save it

- And maybe Pete felt guilty more than ever before

- That all those years ago

- A Bradshaw ejecting from a stricken jet and dying, had killed another by making her too fearful of doing the same.

- And if Goose was his fault

- By extension so was she

- But there had to be some comfort to be had

- Maybe that she was with her Mother and Father

- Up there

- Forever in the sky she loved

- Neither of the two men were religious

- But to think they were all three together

- And one day they'd meet them all again

- That was a comfort

- And there was always a prayer, to whatever God that might hear them, that history never repeat itself again

- And there was always a thought spared for her and her parents

- And Bradley would eventually feel freed to speak about her

- And Pete would eventually feel freed to speak about Goose

- Even though it would take many years before either of them could speak with pride again about Goose or (Y/n)

- And somehow there was healing to be had and to be had together

---------------------

TAGLIST:

@gh0strr @sarahstar11 @sparrows-corner @piscesvancouverite @n3ssm0nique @sydneejean @20th-centu-fairy-girl @chaoticassidy @yjwnoot @hockeyboysarehot @inglourious-imagines @everyonehasanindividuality @callalily2000 @startterfly @roosterschanelslut @thespeeder @idfkwhyimhere4357 @annluca @dempy @vadinaleme @americaarse @bradshawsdarlin @foreverchasingtime @fangirlinc @luckyladycreator2

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sarahsmi13s · 10 months

Text

Duckie

Chapter 8

pairing: bradley ‘rooster’ bradshaw x twin sister!reader; jake ‘hangman’ seresin x bradshaw!reader

characters: y/n bradshaw, nick bradshaw, jake seresin, bradley bradshaw (mentioned) penny benjamin (mentioned), hayden kazansky, serenity hart (hayden’s gf and nick’s baby sitter), random booth workers

word count: ~6.3k

warnings: extremely fluffy, jake being domestic and sweet, nicky being an adorable child, mentions of deployment, just a very very fluffy chapter, mentions of food and desserts, the use of the word ‘smile’ a lot, let me know if i missed any

a/n: i am so sorry it’s been nearly two months since the last update, i got bogged down with school and summer classes, i ended up writing a whole new chapter to dive more into jake and duckie

so despite the wait, i hope you like it

chapter summary: jake as spent weeks trying to get to know nick and duckie, hoping to show her that he was willing to be there for both of them. duckie can see that and she wants to face her fears and dip her toe in the water. so during a morning at the beach that jake stumbled upon, she asks him to go to a farmer’s market with her

duckie universe

ch 7 ch 9

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

For the next few days, that turned into weeks, Jake talked to you, getting to know you and your son; and both of you getting to know him in return.

He sometimes caught you and Nick at the picnic table and he would go outside, ignoring his friends’ teasing as he did. He then talked exclusively to Nick, getting the kid to laugh and would occasionally catch you watching him.

Jake really wanted to win you over and show you that he was all in, that he wanted to love you and your son.

And you could see that.

********

You, Jake, and Nick were on the beach, sitting on towels and facing each other as Nick sat in between your legs and played in the sand. “So, you run on the beach on your days off?” You asked, replying sunscreen to Nick’s arms and back. Jake nodded and took a sip from the water you had given him, “Yeah, it’s nice. You know, run a few miles, cool off in the ocean, run half the distance and do a cool down walk the last half.”

“And I assume you like the added difficulty because of the sand. You seem to like to challenge yourself.” Jake chuckled and nodded, “Yeah, yeah, I do like to challenge myself.”

You smiled and put the sunscreen away, “Challenge paves the way for change and can make you better. If you know you can do something, you aren’t really challenging yourself are you?”

Jake’s smile matched yours, “No, no you aren’t. But mental challenges and physical challenges are different. Like I know-” He pointed to his head, “-that I can run 8 miles. I’ve done it before, I know I can do it. But is my body going to let me or is it going to try and stop me from finishing my run.”

Before you can speak, Nick gasped as he dug in the sand.

“What did you find bubba?” Jake asked immediately with interested eyes.

You smiled and looked down at Nick’s hands as he held a shell in them. “That’s so cool Nicky!” You said as he showed Jake.

“Look Han’man, a shell!” Jake grinned and held his hand out, “That so neat! Can I hold it?” Nick nodded and put the shell in Jake’s much larger hand, turning what looked like a big shell into a normal sized, or even small, shell.

Nick giggled as Jake carefully held the shell. You played with Nick’s blond hair, “You gonna add it to your collection bubba?” “Can I, Mama?” He asked, looking up at you hopefully. “Of course sweetheart.”

“Oh, wait, hold on…” Jake objected gently. “I don’t think you can add this one Nicky.”

The toddler turned to Jake, pouting, “But.. why?”

Jake felt his heart twist at the pout on the little boy’s face, tears threatening his teal eyes. He didn’t like it when kids cried, especially if he’s the reason.

But he saw this as a learning moment for the 3 year-old.

“Well, come take a look Nicky,” Jake said as he shifted and Nick scooted closer. “Look in there, do you see it?”

Nick tilted his head and leaned in closer to the shell in the pilot’s hands. You leaned as well, curious as to what Jake was talking about.

That’s when you saw the little legs and pinchers curled up inside the shell’s opening. “Oooh, I see. Do you see it baby?” You rubbed Nick’s arms as he looked closer and huffed, “I don’t see anything!”

Then the little hermit crab peaked its head out and started to walk around on Jake’s palm.

Nick squealed and got in your lap, a little scared by the new creature. “It’s okay Nicky. It won’t hurt you,” you reassured him. “What is it?” Nick asked in a hushed whisper, leaning a little closer and becoming more intrigued.

“It’s called a hermit crab,” Jake explained. “Hermit cwab?” Jake nodded, “Yeah, they like to hide in their shells and be alone sometimes. And something that’s really cool is that they get new shells when they outgrow their old ones.”

“Ooooo,” Nick awed as he looked even closer at the little crab.

You smiled as Jake continued to talk to Nick about the sea life in his hand.

Nick loved the water and the beach. He loved to collect shells and give them to people on their birthdays or when he thought they looked sad, because shells made him happy and he figured they would make other people happy too. He loved marine life too, turtles and sharks mostly. But you now had a feeling hermit crabs would be added to the list.

“So, since hermit crabs make some types of shells their homes. You always need to check and make sure that the shell is empty before you take it home,” Jake told your son as he sat the little hermit in the sand and watched it scurry off.

Nick nodded curtly and saluted Jake, “Aye aye, Capan Han’man!” Jake grinned and saluted back. Nick ran over in the hermit and squatted down to watch it scurry and dig in the sand, making you and Jake fall into a fit of giggles.

You calmed down and smiled at Jake again, admiring the way the morning sun made his hair shine and the sweat made his skin glow like Adonis.

“Um, there’s a farmers market just downtown this weekend. Would you want to…” You trailed off feeling a little forward for asking and anticipating the turn down.

But Jake looked at you curiously, wanting you to finish your question.

You smiled nervously and started to lift sand into your hand before letting it fall through your fingers. “Would you want to go with me?”

“It’s totally okay if you don’t! I’m sure you have plans or want to spend time with your pilot buddies. I just wanted to offer,” you spat out after your question before Jake could answer.

You braced yourself for the sympathetic smile before the decline of your offer, but all you received was a genuine smile with a nonchalant shrug. “Sure, sounds like fun,” he smiled at you, his green eyes shining before he covered them with his sunglasses.

Smiling, you let out a relaxed breath before looking back at your son.

“Hey Nicky wanna get in the water now?”

He nodded vigorously, “Yes Mama!”

****

As the morning turned into afternoon, the forecasted rain clouds rolled in.

“I think that’s our cue,” Jake chuckled as he pointed at the sky. He needed to get back to his room and study, since they had to take the day because of the weather, but he loved hanging out with you and Nick and really didn’t want it to end.

“I think our cue was Nick getting fussy at the sand on his feet. He got really tired after lunch, and all the playing and sand castles. So thank you for that, Jake,” you smiled as you started to pack up.

He smiled and helped you, “My pleasure, I’m sure he’ll go down easy for a nap.” You nodded, “Oh he will. As soon as I get him in the bath, I’m sure he’ll be falling asleep.”

Once everything was packed, you slipped your swimsuit cover back on.

“That’s a really nice color on you by the way,” Jake complimented as he shook out your towel and folded it before repeating the process with the other.

You looked down at your yellow cover up and smiled, “Thank you!” He smiled before picking up what he could hold, “You’re welcome. But I mean, you look good in about every color I’ve seen you in.. but yellow just really makes you glow.”

The heat that warmed your cheeks went deeper than the sunburn as you giggled a little.

“This was my mom’s actually. She loved the color yellow,” you smiled as you smoothed over the dress. Jake smiled, “She’s got good taste.”

You smiled wider before unlocking your car. “You can just put it in the back, I’ll be there in just a second.” Jake nodded, “Yes ma’am.” He smirked at the lip bite you tried to hide as you turned around.

“Nicky! Come on bubba, we gotta go home.”

Nick stomped his little foot, “Wanna stay!”

You crossed your arms, “Nick, we gotta go. It’s gonna rain.” He continued to play in the sand, “I like rain Mama.”

You sighed and hung your head before going to him.

“Okay, you get two options,” you held up two fingers. “We go home and we can have a movie day for the rest of the day. Or we go home and we can read by the window. But we are going home, it’s not safe to be on the beach in a storm.”

He pouted and continued to dig in the sand, “Don’t wanna go home…”

You knelt in the sand and gently made him look at you, “Why don’t you wanna go home?” “My hermit cwab…” Nick said, tears pooling as his lip quivered.

“Oooh,” you nodded, realizing why he was so upset. “You don’t wanna leave your buddy, do you?” He shook his head and sniffled, “Wanna take him home…”

You sighed. You understood how he felt. When you were his age, maybe younger, you watched ducklings in a pond at the park and when one let you pick it up, you didn’t want to put it down.

Then your parents told you that you had to leave the park, you cried and cried because you didn’t want to leave your new friend. But your dad found a way to make you feel a bit better.

“Hey, Nicky?” He wiped his eyes as he sniffled and looked at you. “How about I take a picture of you and your hermit crab? That way you have him with you?”

His eyes lit up, “Reawy?” You nodded and pulled out your dad’s polaroid that you had brought with you, “Yeah bub, let’s find him.”

You and Nick dug in the sand for a little bit and you found the little crab. “I found him bubba!” Nick gasped and giggled, “Bootles!”

Your brow furrowed as you laughed, “Bootles?” Nick nodded, “His name is Bootles!” You smiled, “That’s a very good name baby.”

“Okay, hold your hands out. And remember, be gentle,” you instructed as you placed the small crab in his hands. “Okay, say hermit crab!”

“Hermit cwaaaaab!”

He grinned and held the crab by his face as you snapped the photo.

You pulled out your phone and snapped a few more photos while the polaroid developed. “Okay baby, we need to head home.”

Nick nodded, “Bye Bootles!” He placed a little kiss to the shell before sitting the crab down and watching the creature scurry off.

He ran over to you as you put the camera away and looked at the developed photo, “Let’s go home Mama.” You smiled, “Alright baby.”

You smiled at the photo and put it in your bag before standing and holding your hand out, “C’mon Nicky.” He pouted a bit before making grabby hands at you, “Don’ wanna walk.” You sighed and rolled your eyes playfully, “Okay baby.” You grunted a little as you picked him up, “Let’s go home.”

Adjusting your bag, you trekked up the sand back to your vehicle, keeping Nick up on your hip.

By the time you get to your car, Nick was fast asleep on your shoulder.

“Little man all tuckered out?” Jake asked as he put the last of your things in the back of your vehicle.

You giggled, “Yes, very tuckered out. I’m really considering just a movie so he can sleep through it.” Jake smiled and opened the back door for you, “That way you can have a nap too.”

“Oh no, I have so much to do today,” you said as you put Nick in his carseat. Jake nodded, “So, this was your desired outcome?”

You looked at him over your shoulder and giggled a bit, “Is that bad?”

Jake shook his head as he gently shut the door, “No, it’s strategic. Take him to the beach, tucker the little guy out, get home and make sure he’s asleep, and then boom, you’ve got him out of your hair for a little bit to do what you need to do.”

“I feel like he might catch on eventually, but I will milk this strategy until then,” you laughed as you got in the driver’s seat. Jake laughed as well as he leaned on the top of the car and the door, “A mama’s gotta do what a mama’s gotta do.”

You smiled and nodded, looking at Nick sleeping in the rearview mirror.

Looking back up at Jake, you found him already smiling at you. “Thank you for today Jake,” you said softly, your cheeks heating up a bit. “Nick had a lot of fun.”

“What about you?” Jake asked, with a hint of hopefulness in his tone.

You nodded. You had had fun today, Jake was making you laugh and blush, and you started feeling something you hadn’t felt in years.

And if you were completely honest, it was starting to scare you. But there was just something about this that you couldn’t let go of; no matter how scared you were. However, you had to go slow and be careful, for both the sake of your heart and the sake of your son’s heart.

“I had a lot of fun today Jake. Thank you,” you smiled up at him. “Though, I am sorry that you had to stop your run.”

He shook his head, “Don’t worry about that. I can go to the gym on base and hit the treadmill. Maybe the stairmaster.”

You giggled, “Well, I hope you have fun with that.”

“What time should I pick you up this weekend?”

You blinked at him confused for a second before you remembered, “Oh right right! Um, does 0830 sound good?” He nodded and smiled, “Sounds perfect. I’ll see you then.”

“Here let me get you my address,” you said before digging in the console for a pen and sticky notes.

Once you found them and wrote down your address, you gave the sticky note to Jake.

“I’ll see you then?” Jake nodded and smiled, “See you then.”

You nodded back and smiled, “Alright, have a good rest of your day Lieutenant.” “You too, mama.”

He closed your door and watched you drive off before looking down at the yellow sticky note, “I need to find out what flowers she likes…”

**********

A few days later you’re getting ready for your trip to the farmer’s market with Jake.

Now this wasn’t a date, no not at all. Just an outing between friends. Time for you to get to know Jake when he wasn’t around Nick. But it was not a date.

****

You applied your mascara in the floor length mirror in your room, humming a song to yourself as you did so.

“Maaamaaa?” Your toddler called from your bed.

“Yeees Nicky?” You asked as you screwed the lid back onto your mascara.

“Why can’t I go wiff you and Han’man?” He asked as he bounced on your bed.

You sighed a bit and caught him, “Because, mama and Hangman are going to be walking about in the heat and sweating, it wouldn’t be fun for you baby.” You grinned and began to tickle him, “I think Hayden and Serenity have a lot of fun things planned for today.”

He giggled and curled up to escape your hands, “Ah! Mama!” You laughed and continued to tickle him as he flopped onto the bed. You kissed all over his face, “Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!”

You pulled back and took a breath, “Okay baby, Mama has to finish getting ready.” Nick giggled and starfished in the middle of the bed and you went to your bathroom. “You wanna help mama brush her hair?”

Nick nodded, “Yeah!” He rolled onto his stomach and slid into the floor before going into the bathroom.

****

“Duckie, you look good. You sure this isn’t a date?”

“Yes, Hayden, I’m very sure this isn’t a date. I actually have a list of things to look for,” you said, matter of factly.

Hayden put his hands up, “Okay, okay… But I mean you look-” “Hayden, you’re pressing,” Serenity said as she played with Nick.

“Right, sorry. But still, you look great, Duckie.”

You smiled and ruffled his hair, “Thank you Hayden.” You slipped on your shoes and clipped your hair up with a claw clip.

“Okay, I’ve still got fifteen min-” Your sentence is cut short by tires in your driveway. You chuckled, “Military man, should have guessed he’d be early.”

You waited for a honk or something but one never came.

But, then there was a gentle knock on your door.

Your heart rate elevated and you couldn’t hide the grin as you went to open the door.

“Jake,” you said a little breathlessly, smiling as you took in his appearance.

His blond hair wasn’t gelled, allowing it to fluff and rest against his forehead. The green checkered shirt he was wearing matched his eyes and showed off his biceps and tanned arms. His light wash jeans hugged the tops of his thighs but were loose the rest of the way down and bunched around his ankles, brandishing his brown cowboy boots with the contrast.

“You look… good,” you smiled, eyes trailing back up to his eyes.

He chuckled, smiling to show off his forming smile lines, “So do you, Y/N.”

You felt the heat on your face as you bit your lip and looked at your shoes bashfully

“Han’man?”

You turned as Jake looked around you and inside.

“Nicky, hey buddy,” Jake smiled as Nick ran over. Nick wrapped his arms around Jake’s leg, “G’moorrnniing!”

Jake squatted down to give him a proper hug, “Good mornin’ little man!”

Nick put his hands on Jake’s shoulders, “Have fun wiff Mama today! I not going cause Mama said I would get too hot and I wouldn’t have fun. So, I’m playing with Hay and Ren today!”

“Well that sounds fun, and I promise your mom and I will have fun. I’ll make sure she gets home safe.”

Nick nodded before running back to the living room as Jake stood back up.

You smiled and looked at the floor before looking up at Jake, catching the flowers in his hand. “You-you brought me flowers?”

He furrowed his brow before looking at the bouquet in his hand, “Oh! Yeah, yeah, I did. I hope that’s okay. I know this isn’t r-really a date, but-”

“Jake, Jake!” He looked back up at you and you smiled softly, “They’re lovely, thank you.” You gently took them from him, your hands brushing together and making you both blush.

“Would you like to come in for some coffee? We’ve got about thirteen minutes before we need to leave,” you offered, holding the flowers to your chest. He smiled, “Sure, that sounds great. Thank you.” You smiled and led him into your home, “Kitchen’s this way.”

“Where do you keep your vases?” Jake asked once you got to the kitchen. “Oh, um, I think they’re under the sink.” Jake nodded and looked under the sink, “Ah-ha! Gotcha!”

He stood up, “This one okay?” You turned from the drawer you were digging in to see the tall mason jar. “Oh yeah that’s perfect.” He nodded and stood to rinse it out and filled it before sitting it on the island.

“Thank you, Jake,” you said as you smiled, putting the cut stems into the water.

You turned to the cabinet, “Iced coffee or hot coffee?” “Hot if you got it.” You nodded and grabbed a mug and poured him a cup.

“Here you go, there’s sugar and dry creamer, liquid creamer is in the fridge, if you want it,” you told him before grabbing your mason jar glass and opening the fridge.

He thanked you before adding a little bit of sugar. “So, have they done this farmer’s market before? Or is this like a new thing?”

“Oh they’ve done it before, started back when I was a kid. They took off for a while, started it back up a few years ago. Actually the year before I moved back.”

He nodded and sipped his coffee as you sirred yours.

“And a lot of the booths are military families.”

“Oh really? That’s cool.”

“I think there’s a care package booth too. They… They um,” you smiled a little to yourself. “They put it together right there in front of you. My mom would get one made for my uncle every year if he was deployed when we went.”

Jake smiled, “You said your brother was on deployment right?” You nodded back, “Mhmm.” “Well we need to make sure we stop by that booth.”

You looked up at him, “Wait really?” He nodded and sat his mug down, “Of course. I can tell that you and your brother are close, even though I may or may not know him.”

You snorted a bit, “Right, I haven’t told you about him. Honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t ask Penny about him.” He crossed his arms and shrugged, “I won’t lie, I did want to ask. Buuuut, I figured you’ll tell me when you want me to know. I’m not entitled to that information.”

And there were the butterflies again.

Yeah, he did the bare minimum and didn’t try to find out more about you through other people. But the fact he was willing to admit it and be upfront with you was something you really liked, especially after being with Chad.

“Thank you,” you said before sipping your coffee. Maybe today you should tell him; just let him know in case there is any tension between them and if that’s a turn off to being friends, or more.

“Of course.”

You both smiled and continued to drink your coffee and talk for the next fifteen-ish minutes.

“We should probably get going, it opens at 0900 and it takes about 30-45 minutes to get there,” you said when you noticed the time on the microwave.

Jake nodded and rinsed his cup out, “Where do you want this?” You blinked for a second, a little surprised he didn’t just leave it in the sink. “Oh um,” you checked the dishwasher and saw that it was full. “You can just leave it in the sink, I’ll wash it when I get home.”

“Nonsense,” he waved you off and pointed to your glass. “Are you done?” You looked down, “Oh yeah.” You dumped out the ice and put the jar in the basin, “I’ll wash it. It’s not a big deal.”

Jake ignored you and grabbed the rag. “Jake, you don’t have to do that.” “It’s not a problem. You invited me in for coffee, it’s the least I could do. And plus, it’s two dishes.”

You smiled gently at him, “Thank you.” He smiled back and watched you go to the living area.

“Nick, come give Mama a hug.”

****

You and Jake walked past the booths, laughing and stopping when you see something that is on your list.

“Hey, isn’t honey on your list?” Jake asked, stopping as he saw a table full of jars of honey. You hummed and looked down at your list. “Oh, yes! Yes it is.”

Jake smiled as you came over, smiling as you looked at the jars.

“Hi, how can I help you?” The lady behind the table asked with a sweet smile.

Jake watched you smile back, just as sweet. “Hi, I was just wondering what flavors you had?” “Oh we have regular, orange blossom, and lemon honey syrup.”

You bit your lip, “Man, I want all of them..” You looked down at your list. “Okay, I’ll take a pint of regular honey and the lemon honey syrup.” She smiled and grabbed the two, “Is that all?” You nodded and pulled out your wallet, “Yes, for now, I may swing by before we leave.”

She nodded as she wrapped them in tissue paper before putting them in a little crate then into a paper bag.

“That’ll be twelve dollars.” You smiled and handed her the cash, “There you go.”

“Thank you, you two have a good day.” “You too thank you.”

You looked back at your list, “Fruits are next and then care package and then roam the crafts.” Jake chuckled and nodded, “Okay, I’ll catch up in a second.”

You smiled at him, “Alright.” You thank the lady again before walking away to the fruit stands.

Jake watched you walk away before turning to the table. “Can I get you anything sir?” “Yes,” he smiled and took out his cash, “I will take two pints of the orange blossom.”

The woman gave him a slightly knowing smile as she did what she did with yours. “Twelve dollars.”

He smiled again and gave her fifteen, “Here ya go ma’am, keep the change.” She smiled as Jake walked away, “Thank you, have a good day!”

Jake found you at a peach stand, “Peaches?”

Your head whipped up and you smiled at him, “Nick loves them, his dad loved them too.” Jake smiled as he saw that glimmer of love in your eye.

You and Jake held eye contact for a moment, just looking at each other with smiles on your faces.

A baby giggling in the booth next to you knocked you both out of your trance.

Jake jumped a bit and shook it off, “Wha-what do you make with the peaches?”

You giggled and picked through the peaches, “My mom had a cobbler recipe that I love and Nick likes it too. I’ll juice them and make tea. Then other times we just eat them.”

“My grandma makes amazing peach cobbler,” his eyes trailed to the apple stand. “Her apple pie however, is what she’s known for.”

You smiled at him, “So are apples your favorite?” He chuckled and shook his head, “No actually. I love oranges. Always have.”

“Any desserts your mom makes with them?” Jake nodded with a huge smile, “She makes a loaf cake, it’s amazing.” You smiled, “That sounds delicious.”

“I’ll have to make it for you sometime.” You nodded and finished picking out your peaches and giving them to the woman to weigh, “I would like that.”

“Thank you,” you said as you traded eight dollars for the fruit. “Okay, just a few more booths. Then we can go to lunch.”

Jake nodded, “We can check out the food trucks.” “Oh, yeah! But if we get snow cones we can’t tell Nick… or Hayden.” You and Jake laughed as he made a zipper motion over his lips, “My lips are sealed.”

You nodded, “Thank you.” You grabbed his hand, “C’mon let’s go.” He grinned as you pulled him along, fruit stand to fruit stand.

****

“Okay, let’s go get that care-”

“Miss Bradshaw!”

You turned over your shoulder, “Oh Cheyenne! Hi, how are you?” “Good, I’m good. How are you?” You nodded and smiled as you walked over to her booth, Jake right behind you, “I’m good, Cheyenne.”

“Nicky not with you today?” She asked as she stood up. “Oh no, he’s with Hayden and Serenity today. He would have gotten too hot or run around.” She nodded, “I can understand that. Max is the same way. Except he’s seven.”

You and Jake laughed as she huffed with a grin, “Which is why he is at our dad’s house today.”

Then Cheyenne noticed Jake, “Ohh, who is this?” You blushed and looked up at him, “This-This is um, Jake. He’s a pilot for the Navy.” She nodded, “Oh, and he’s your friend right?” Her emphasis on ‘friend’ making you and Jake blush.

You and Jake looked down at the table. “Oh, did you make these?” Jake asked, trying to change the subject.

“I did, and Miss. Bradshaw, I made this for you to send to Bradley.” She held out a crocheted rooster to you. “Oh my goodness, Cheyenne! It’s so cute, he’s gonna love it. Thank you!”

She smiled, “You’re welcome.” You looked up at her, “How much do I owe you?” “Oh, no, Miss. Bradshaw, it’s free.” “Are you sure? You must have spent days on this.” She nodded, “I’m sure.”

You smiled at her again, “Thank you.” Cheyenne nodded back with a smile.

You looked down at the table and saw something, “Awe Nick would love that… but he has so many stuffed animals already.” You bit your lip and bounced on your toes.

After the internal argument you groaned. You wanted to get it for him but you still needed to get Bradley’s care package squared away. “I’ll come back and see if it’s still here.”

Jake watched you walk away and looked at the table. “I think you know what I’m about to ask.”

She laughed, “For little Nick Bradshaw? Five dollars.” “No, don’t do that. How much, actually?” “Ten.” He nodded, “That’s better.” He held out a ten and she put the crocheted animal in a bag.

“Here you go Jake.” “Thank you, have a good day,” he smiled and walked toward the care package booth.

“Jake?” Cheyenne said as she came up to him.

“Yes?”

“She likes you. A lot. I can tell in the way she looks at you.”

Jake smiled and looked over at you, “I like her a lot too.” Cheyenne smiled and nodded before going back to her booth.

He chuckled and shook his head, his heart feeling a little lighter that he wasn’t seeing things when you looked at him.

He made it to the booth as you were finishing up.

“Bradley is going to love this, Y/N!” You nodded with a smile, “I know and can you put this in there? It’s from Nick.” “Oh of course, I bet Rooster loves getting these shells from his nephew.” You smiled again, “Yeah, he sends some back from Virginia Beach sometimes. Or wherever they’ve docked.”

The woman behind the table smiled, “That’s so sweet. Let me get this totalled up for you, I’ll be right back.”

You nodded and turned as you saw Jake approach.

“Got it all sorted?” You nodded, “Sure did.”

He smiled down at you, his hand moving to rest on your lower back, but he forced it down. “So, roaming the crafts is next?”

You nodded, “Yes! And then lunch.” “Sounds fantastic,” he grinned at you as you smiled up at him.

“Thank you for coming with me today Jake.”

“Of course, I’m having a lot of fun actually.”

You nodded and smiled wider to match his smile, “I’m having a lot of fun too.”

****

“Okay I have a question,” Jake proposed as he sat down with his burger and fries.

You froze a bit, before nodding as you sat next to him, “What’s up?”

“Well, it’s not so much of a question as it is like a statement that could wind up being a question,” he rambled with a fry in his hand.

You giggled, “What is it, Jake?”

“I think I know your brother.” You stayed silent but nodded. “Now here’s the question, is it Bradley Bradshaw, a.k.a Rooster?”

You sighed and nodded, “Yeah, that’s my brother.”

He nodded, “We were in flight school together.” “Really?” He nodded again and took a bite of his burger, “He wasn’t the biggest fan of me to be honest.”

You shifted a little as you brushed salt off your pretzel, “Oh…” You cleared your throat, “Does that- does that change-” You point between you and Jake, “This?”

“No, no not at all. I don’t care how your brother feels about me, I care about how you feel about me.”

You nodded again and opened your mouth to speak but he continued.

“And I totally understand if his opinion matters to you and you-”

“Jake, stop.” You cut him off and held your hands up, making him stop talking. “Take a breath.” He nodded and inhaled.

You giggled, “Okay, now yes, my brother’s opinion matters to me. But I’m also a big girl and can make my own choices. From what I’ve seen, from what you’ve shown me, you’re a good guy, Jake. A great guy. That matters more.”

“Really?”

“Yes! Jake, in flight school, you and my brother were basically rivals. No one is a fan of their rival.”

“I guess that’s true,” Jake smiled.

“And as long as you two don’t fight in front of my son and keep the jabs and smartass comments to a minimum around me, I think we can make it work.”

He nodded, “For you, I can do that.”

You smiled and nodded, “Good. Now let’s eat.”

****

Jake parked his truck in your driveway, “Let me walk you to the door.”

You smiled and unbuckled, the door opening as your hand reached for the handle. “Thank you Jake.” “Of course.”

You grabbed your bags and Jake walked with you to the door.

You sat your bags down and pulled out your keys.

“Is that a duck key chain?” Jake asked, his head tilted with a smile gracing his lips. You nodded and smiled at him, “Yes, it is.” He held it in his hand, a small twinkle in his eye, “It’s adorable.”

“Thank you, my uh… my nickname has been Duckie ever since I was two. My dad had gotten me a duck stuffed animal and I would not let go of that thing,” you said with a light laugh.

Jake smiled at you, “That’s really sweet.” You nodded and unlocked your door.

You opened it and turned back to Jake, “I had fun today.” He blushed and smiled, “I had fun today too.”

“Mama!”

You and Jake looked down as Nick ran to you.

You bend down and pick him up, “Nicky baby! Did you have fun with Hayden and Serenity today?” He nodded and looked at Jake, “I did Mama! Did you and Han’man have fun?”

Jake chuckled and tickled Nick’s ribs, “We did little man! And I brought you something back.”

Nick gasped and your brow furrowed as Jake pulled something out of the bag you hadn’t realized he was holding.

Your jaw dropped when he pulled out the crocheted manta ray with a little cowboy hat; the one you saw and wanted to get Nick but was gone when you had gone back by the table.

“Jake-”

“That’s for me?” Nick gasped as Jake nodded and smiled. “It is Nick!” “I wove it! Thank you Han’man!” Nick stretched out of your arms to hug Jake, which Jake gladly did with his free arm. “You’re welcome, Nicky.”

Jake put him down and Nick looked up at you, “I’m gonna put this on my bed, Mama! With my turtle!” You smiled and ran a hand through his curls, “Alright baby, have you had lunch yet?” He nodded, “Okay. I’ll be in in a minute and we can Octopus.” “Okay!”

You and Jake chuckled as he ran in and to his bedroom.

You looked up at Jake, “Jake, you didn’t have to get that for him.” He nodded and looked at the bag, “I know I didn’t. But I wanted to.”

“Well, thank you Jake. He’s gonna cherish that little cowboy manta ray.” Jake blushed and looked through the door, “You think so?” “He’s putting it on his bed with his turtle, the turtle his dad had when he was a kid,” you said, tearing up slightly as you smiled.

Jake’s heart clenched at your tears but it fluttered because Nick thought of him so highly.

“So yeah, I think he’ll cherish it,” you smiled softly as you messed with his shirt a little.

“I got you something too,” he said as he reached into the bag and pulled out the jar of orange blossom honey.

You smiled and took the jar gently, “Jake…”

“You said you wanted to get all of them, and I wanted to get some orange blossom honey-” You looked up at him, the smile still on your face, “‘Cause you love oranges.” He nodded, a smile matching yours, “Yeah, and I really think you’ll like it.”

“Thank you, Jake. And it’s a good thing I went back to that booth, cause I remember you asking about the syrup…” You pulled out the jar, “So I got you some.”

He took the jar and smiled, “Thank you, Y/N.” You nodded, “You’re welcome. It works great in teas and even water. Maybe whiskey, but you didn’t hear that from me. It’ll help with sore throat as well, works with Nick great.”

Jake chuckled, “Ever wanna know if something works, you ask a mother.” You nodded and held the jar close to you.

“Thank you again Jake, for coming with me today.”

He smiled and nodded, mirroring your actions with his jar, “Thank you for inviting me. It probably sounds a little silly but… it felt like I was back home for a few hours.”

You shook your head, “That doesn’t sound silly at all.” You smiled softly at him, “It sounds really sweet.”

“Thank you,” he said softly with a grin on his face.

You went on your tip-toes and kissed his cheek, “Have a good afternoon Jake. Thank you for today. We should do this again.” He nodded and watched your lips as you went back to your flat feet, “We should. I’ll figure something out and we can talk about it.”

You nodded, “That sounds great. I’ll see you later, Jake.” “See you later, Y/N.”

You and Jake smiled at each other for a moment before you shook yourself out of it and went inside, waving bye again as you closed the door.

Jake smiled and looked at the jar before walking to his truck.

****

Once you closed the door you leaned against it.

You sighed and looked at your jar, smiling like a fool with your heart fluttering like you were a teenage girl before groaning as you heard his truck leave.

“Shit… I forgot to get his number…”

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

duckie and jake got to spend a day with out nick. it wasn’t a date, just a nice friendly hang- who is duckie kidding, it was totally a date

and jake got to learn who her brother was, but that doesn’t matter to him. what matters is how duckie feels and how nick feels about him, not bradley.

so now they’re planning another ‘hangout’ and let’s see if they can finally cross that path into being more than friends

my ducklings <33: @roosterscockpit @milesdickpic @luckyladycreator2 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @hisredheadedgoddess28 @malindacath @avengers-fixation @shawnsblue @caitsymichelle13 @classycolorpeach @mayhemmanaged @startrekfangirl2233 @bobby-r2d2-floyd @twsssmlmaa @horseshoegirl @babyreads @amatswimming @callsign-athena @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @cassiemitchell @callsignwidow @kmc1989 @goodstuff28 @pjngpp3501 @lunamoonbby @joyfulpandamiracle @craftyinfluencersandwich @averyhotchner @emily-roberts @teenwolf01 @sunderland-6 @bethabear12 @coldmuffinbanditshoe @dempy @djs8891 @ingoaliesitrust @novavida @tigerfan24 @lynnestra44 @lilmonstrjedi

apologize if i missed anyone! go to the duckie universe masterlist and comment or reblog if you would like to be tagged!

i’ll put the ones that didn’t work in the comments!

#duckie universe #duckie #duckie bradshaw #nicky bradshaw #nick bradshaw #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x twin!reader #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin x bradshaw!reader #bradley bradshaw x sister!reader #bradshaw!reader #top gun maverick #top gun fic #sarahsmi13s

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sebastianstangirl01 · 2 years

Note

Could you do a Hangman x fem!reader where they are in a secret relationship and it's just fluffy and nice, I eat that stuff up lol

Our Little Secret

Title: Our Little Secret

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Floyd!Reader

Summary: You didn’t expect to fall for your brothers friend, it just happened.

Warnings: language, fluff, allusions to sex

When you decided to move down to fighter town to live with your big brother you never thought you would find yourself in a scandalous relationship with one of his fellow aviators.

But here you were.

Sweet little Y/N Floyd who wouldn’t hurt a fly.

In a secret relationship with the cocky pilot Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin.

You didn’t mean for it to happen but in the end you couldn’t resist that cocky smile and green eyes.

When you woke up this morning to strong arms around your small frame you couldn’t wipe the smile off your face. Last night you went out to the bar with Bob and your friends and ended the night tangled up in bed with Jake. Bob actually ended up going home with a pretty girl from the bar leaving your house empty.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” Jake’s raspy southern drawl asked making you flush

“Nothing.” You mumbled before squealing as Jake dug his face into your neck and smothered it with kisses.

“Nothing huh?” Jake asked with a chuckle before pulling you flush against him, your warm naked bodies pressed together

“Can we go to the beach today?” You asked relaxing back into his hold

“Sure baby. I’ll never give up the chance to see you in a little bikini.” Jake smirked making you blush. “Aw is my girl shy?”

“Shut up.” You laughed shaking your head

“Why don’t we take a shower and then I’ll make us some breakfast then we can go to the beach.” Jake suggested

“We have to be quick. We don’t want Bob to come home while we’re here.” You said not being able to imagine the look on your brothers face if he knew what was going on between you and his co worker.

Bob is a sweetheart and everyone knows that, but when it comes to you his baby sister he’s a completely different person. His protective instincts as a brother out way his shy personality.

You and Jake hurried into the bathroom and after waking up a little more Jake went into the kitchen to make a picnic while you got dressed in a black bikini set that you knew will drive Jake crazy. It hugged the curve of your hips perfectly while accentuating your slim but muscular figure making your tan pop.

You put your hair up in a messy bun and grabbed your aviators and phone before sliding on your pair of Birkenstocks and making your way into the kitchen. Jake stood there in a pair of swimming trunks that belonged to Bob, without a shirt showcasing his muscular tan figure making you swoon. You walked up behind him and wrapped your arms around his slim waist kissing his shoulder blade as you ran your fingers up and down his abs.

“If you want to leave this house darling, I’d suggest you stop that.” Jake spoke in his husky Texan accent making you blush and shove your head into his back.

“Stop that.” You giggled making Jake smile as he turned around and whistled looking you up and down

“Damn baby you look stunning. Give me a spin, come on.” Jake said grabbing your shoulders and spinning you around, he smacked your ass making you squeal as he groaned. “So stunning.”

“Jakey.” You whined burrowing into his chest making him chuckle as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead

“Ok baby. You ready to go?” Jake asked and you enthusiastically nodded making him laugh. “I made us some food, we can have a romantic breakfast picnic.”

“Who knew Jake Seresin could be such a romantic?” You wiggled your eyebrows making him roll his eyes before pecking you on the lips.

When you and Jake got to the beach it wasn’t very crowded, there was a couple close to your age with their kids and an elderly couple but that was about it. You and Jake laid back together on the beach towel and ate the breakfast Jake made, tossing strawberries and blueberries into each other’s mouths before stopping to take a quick make out break.

“Now I’m all sticky!” You exclaimed after getting into a massive food fight when you nailed Jake in the eye with a grape

“I know what will help with that.” Jake smirked making you furrow your brows before screaming as he pounced towards you and threw you over his shoulder and then running towards the water

“Jake!” You laughed and squealed as the cold water splashed up into your feet

Before you knew it you were underwater and then arms wrapped around your waist and pulled you out of the water and into a chest.

“That better?” Jake asked with a deep chuckle, his damp dirty blonde hair stuck to his forehead and his green eyes sparkled with a big grin on his face

“Now I’m cold.” You playfully pouted making Jake look at you with fake sympathy

“My poor baby. I guess that means I’ll have to warm you up.” Jake said before pulling your face to let your lips meet in a passionate kiss

Your legs wrapped around his waist as his hands settled on your ass before one traveled up your back and gripped the back of your head as your arms wrapped around his neck.

You were both so into the moment that you didn’t hear the commotion of Naval Aviators on the beach.

“Woah. Is that Hangman?” Coyote asked gaining the rest of the dagger teams attention

“I’ll be damned. He’s really going at it, I wonder who the girl is.” Rooster chuckled

“Alright guys come on, we’re all adults here.” Maverick said trying to play the ‘dad’ of the group

You and Hangman pulled apart making the others gasp and look towards Bob who was red faced, not with embarrassment but with a rare look of anger.

“Uh oh.” Phoenix mumbled, she knew how overprotective Bob is of you. Especially when it comes to boys.

“Hangman! Get off my sister!” Bob yelled making you both snap your heads over to their direction

“Oh shit.” You and Jake said as he lowered you back to the sand

You both started wading through the water and up to the sand towards the group, you clung to Jake’s arm with a red face looking anywhere but your friends.

“Hey guys. Uh- what a small world.” Jake nervously chuckled

“You have exactly 5 seconds to step away from my baby sister and haul ass before I kick it.” Bob said with a glare

Jake nervously chuckled before quickly kissing your forehead and taking off down the beach making the others chuckle.

“Don’t kill him Bobby. I really like him.” You sighed knowing how your brother felt about you having boyfriends

“No promises.” Bob said before taking off after Jake

“So you and Hangman huh?” Payback asked with a smirk as the others looked at you amused

“Oh shut up.” You blushed waving them off

Taglist:

@daughterofthereaper02

@luckyladycreator2

@calpurniatypes

@littlebadariell

@qnfluvr

@raefoxiegirl

@maverick-wingman

@avada-kedrava-bitch

#top gun maverick #jake hangman seresin #hangman x reader #jake seresin x reader #bob floyd #bob floyd x sister reader #pete mitchell #top gun #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw

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ereardonlibrary · 1 month

Text

Before I Knew [Jake "Hangman Seresin x Reader] Ch. 9

Full chapter here

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suck4angststory · 2 years

Text

Top Gun: Maverick

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw X Floyd!Fem!Reader

Warning: Allusion to sex, English is my second language. Sorry for the grammar mistakes. Feel free to correct me in the comment.

Author note: btw if you want to be tagged just let me know in the comment. I can't reply to any of your comments because is sideblog. But I really thankful for your comments and responds.

Part 1

Italic means flashback

"This is your office. We arranged everything you need to work with this project" One of the Top Gun Civilian Contractors in Pacific Fleet open the glass door for Captain Floyd. She steps in and looks around the room.

The office is medium-sized with glass doors and walls. In the middle of it, there's two grey couch with a glass table between them. There's a desk with computer and a stack of papers already composed on the desk. Behind the desk is a rolling chair in black colour.

The windows are made from glass with a white blind drape covering the windows. From the window, you can see the tarmac and jets in through them. A cabinet with glass doors is planted on the wall beside the window. It was filled with an old document. There are not so many decorations in the office, but it's just for four weeks and the great thing is, she still has a couch where she can lay down during her break.

She then turned to the employee who still looked at her on the doors

"It's nice. Thanks.." She lift her eyebrows stared at him waiting for his name. He's looks young with black hair and hazel eyes. He remains her with her brother.

"A.. Thomas Ma'am. Aa... Thomas or Tommy. But you can also call me Tom" He alters his posture. He then rests his arm in the door handle with an awkward gestured. He clears his throat because he's flustered at how she looks at him.

"Thank you Thomas" She gives him a small smile and wink. Thomas smile widen slightly.

She then turns her head to look around the room again until Tom calls her.

"Is there anything you need Ma'am?" He asked her still in his previous positions.

"No... it's perfect" she shakes her head and waved her hand for rejection.

"Okay. Let me know if you need anything Ma'am" He gives her a salute, (Y/N)gives him small smile in return. Thomas then walked away from her office.

****

After she rearranged her office in Fightertown, she collect her belongings and drive back to her home. In San Diego, she lives in a house near the beach that she shares with her husband.

She and her husband met when they were still in college back in Virginia. They meet during one of the Conference Seminars their college held. They sat next to each other and when the boring guest lecturer begin to explain his subject matter, she started a conversation with the man beside her.

"He's full of shit, isn't he?" She whispered to the man next to her.

This man really attracted her. He's so handsome. With his dark blonde hair, a thin moustache decorates his face.

She saw him when she was looking for a seat. Despite her friends' waving for her to sit down with them. But this moustache man already attracted her. She then saw an empty side beside him, she didn't wasted her chance to get to know this man.

"Huh?" The man who had a boring look at the lecturer with his hand balled in a fist and rests it on the side of his face turn his gaze to the girl beside him.

"Professor Davis, he's full of shit. People say he's the best of the best in his field. But he's just an egoistic and narcissistic asshole. He doesn't like when people correct him when he's wrong. And gave the students who corrected him an F in his class. He always thinks he's the right person and the best of the best" attracted to this girl ramble, the man turns his attention to the girl beside him. This girl hot too, so he didn't missed his chance to get to know her.

"Oh really? Can you tell me more about this Professor Davis?" He gives her a smirk and she begins to ramble about Professor Davis. And the one-sided conversation begins to turn into two sides. They begin to talk about their less favourite professors in their class or the most hated professors in their major. This conversation really brings joy to them. Their bored with this conference is gone because talking about people behind their back is a nice conversation. Especially with someone who has similar experiences, is a match in heaven.

"Students in row 25, do you have something to share with the class?" Their eyes are wide when the lecturer said their seat number. they just give him a tight smile.

"No Sir" they answer it in simultaneously.

They stared at each other. (Y/N) pursed her lips to hold her laughter, he mimics her. But they can't contain it and snorts escaped a bit from their lips. But their snorts are enough to make everyone's attention in the room shift to them.

"Mr Bradshaw and Miss Floyd. If you disturb the conference again with another noise. I will expel you both from this room" this time the Professor from her class scolded them. Their face changes to serious now, and many students give them dirty looks for their behaviour.

"Ugh, he looks like Leonardo when he's angry" (Y/N) whispers to Bradley beside her.

Bradley raises his eyebrow "Leonardo?"

"Leonardo the Ninja Turtle" And that's the last straw for them. Now they found themselves in the hallway outside of the event hall. They stared at each other and begin to burst out laughing.

After that day, the begin to be friends and now they're married.

****

She parked her car in the garage and close the garage door. She then load the grocery she buys earlier in the nearby supermarket.

The house has never been occupied for five weeks. Her husband worked as a naval aviator and got stationed in Oceana, Virginia and her work as a Naval Information Warfare Systems Command in San Diego make them rarely see each other.

Their field of work especially her husband makes them rarely see each other as a person, especially when they have to get shipped or get sent off to some places for a mission.

Her husband is more often to get shipped than she. She just gets shipped if something important happens and needs her help. Despite their lack of meetings, their relationship is progressing so great. And now they've been married for two years.

Sometimes her husband will visit her in San Diego when he has months off after getting shipped. And sometimes she visited her husband in Oceana when she has months off after getting shipped too. But San Diego is their favourite place to meet. Their home is here. Her husband was born here, their house is here, and they spent their life in San Diego quite often than in any other place.

She's one year earlier than her husband to graduate from college, and after that, she got her master's degree in Caltech. They lost contact after that because Bradley joined the Naval Academy and never had time to contact her. She tried to send a letter to Annapolis but never got a response back. For a month, she never absent to sent him letters, but after never got any response back, she focused on finishing her degree and trying to find him in another way.

After six years of lost contact, they meet again in the navy at the carrier that'll gonna carry them to the war zone.

"Wow, (Y/N) Floyd. As I live and breath" Bradley approaches her when the meetings about the mission they're gonna do are over. His cocky smirk is never gone when he walks towards her.

"Bradley Bradshaw didn't see you as a sailor type" she mirrored his smirk.

"Sorry to disappoint you sweetheart, but I'm a pilot" he fix his hair and he gives her his signature cocky smirk. Her eyes widen at his statement.

"Holy shit you got it!!" She then without hesitation hugged Bradley. Bradley laughed at her reaction and return the hug. In college, he always talks about getting to the Navy and continuing his father's legacy.

She lifts her head from his shoulder and looks at him from head to toe. She slides her hand to his biceps.

"Wow Bradley, I can't believe it. Wow, you talk about being a pilot every time we met. And here you are now"The cocky smirk on Bradley's face never leaved. She examined his features now, his hair is brown and his moustache is denser. And God's, He's taller than she remembers.

"But you went MIA for Six years," she said it with gritted teeth and hit his chest. Bradley let out groans at how hard she hitting him.

"Okay, I deserved that" he rubs his chest where she just hit her up and down. "I just didn't want to bother you, sweetheart. I mean, you're in Caltech. So I think you're gonna be so busy about your master's degree" He grabs her arm with two hands and looks at her with puppy dog eyes.

"You're an asshole you know that. You left me." She hit his chest again and hug him. Her voice is cracking and silent tears stream down her cheek. Happy tears and missed tears. She rests her head on his shoulder.

"I know. I'm sorry. I miss you. Please don't cry sweetheart" he circles her shoulder with his arm. He gives her a shoulder squeeze and she responds by tightening her arm around his waist. He inhales and breathes in her scent.

Her smell is still the same as six years ago. The smell he always dreamed of for the past six years.

"So what do they call you now," she asked him, her head still rest on his shoulder.

"Rooster" he said softly.

A snort escaped her lips and the snort turns into a laugh. Her body shakes from the impact.

"What?" Bradley shot her a look when she lifts her head from his shoulder. She still giggled in his grip. Bradley placed his hands on her shoulder. He looked at her with raised eyebrows. She then contain her giggle when she sees someone approach them behind Bradley's shoulder.

A young warrant officer then walks toward them. (Y/N) release her grip from Bradley and stood beside him. Bradley turn around so now he and (Y/N) stand side to side. The young officer gives them a salute before he talked.

"Lieutenant Floyd, they need you inside"

"I'll be there in a second" She gives him a small smile. The Warrant Officer nod and gives her a salute before he walks away. She then her head towards Bradley.

"Okay, I got a job to do" She kiss him on the cheek. "Talk to you later, Rooster" she purred his call sign and give him a wink. She follows where the young officer just walked.

Bradley just stood and freeze at his feet. He touches his cheek and his eyes don't her feature she begins to walk away from him. He watches her until she gets through one of the doors. She still has that effect on him

****

The "I miss you"s is the most common word in their relationship. Sometimes they never see each other for 3 months. There are face times, but it's not enough. They've to face when they'll not see each other faces because one of them is in the middle of the ocean and the lost signal will prevent them from seeing each other faces or hearing each other voices. This thing can be for days or weeks. And it tortures them sometimes.

Many people see it exhausting and think their relationship never gonna work because one of them will get bored with how often they drift apart. People always say to them, 'you can't be apart from your loved ones'.

But for (Y/N) Floyd and Bradley Bradshaw, their apart is not eternally. There's the reunion. Their favourite thing to do when they'd not see each other for a long time.

The make-up time is always gonna be their favourite. They'll spend their time alone, in their house in San Diego or in their shares apartment in Virginia. Or sometimes they'll going on vacations.

They called it The Make-up Times. The make-up times means fewer clothes at each other embrace. Up all night long, tangled together without interruption, kissing and cuddling. Spending time together in bed.

(Y/N) Thinking about their make-up times make her leg clench together.

****

When she entered the house, it was so quiet. The sound of waves hitting the sand can be heard outside. The ocean wind passed through the windowsill and sent the curtain to move slightly.

She begins to clean the house and arrange the furniture. She loaded the groceries she had just brought and put them in the fridge.

When she finishes cleaning, the sun begins to go down. She walks to the patio with a mug in her hand. She spots the lazy chair and rests on it. She put the mug on the table beside her. She watches the sun begin to colour the sky with orange colour. After a few minutes of watching the sun, her phone rang. She picks up her phone from the table beside her and sees the caller ID.

Face Time

Hubby 🐓

Without hesitation, she picks up the phone call. Her tired face of husband was displayed on screen. He smiles seeing his wife's face which he hasn't seen directly for 3 weeks.

"Hello, my gorgeous wife..." His voice is a bit raspy but it just makes him sexier.

"Hello to you too my beautiful husband.." she greets him with a wave of her hand. He stared at her a little too long. She tap her screen phone thinking she lost the signal.

"Baby.." she speaks slowly with raised eyebrows.

"Wow, you are so gorgeous. That sunset light on your face makes you glamorous. I'm mortified" there's a spark in his eyes when he talks about her. The sunset light shines on the entire Patio.

She blushed and give him a shy smile. "Thank you" she bit her lower lip. Habit she's doing when she's nervous or feeling overwhelmed

She clears her throat when she sees what her husband still wearing "Where are you? Are you still on the base?" She asked him with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah, it's been a long day" Bradley brought his hand to his hair and comb with it. He then rests his head on the couch arms him.

"Aw.. poor baby. I wish I was there with you" she pouted and jutted her lips

"Don't be sad baby. Your voice is enough to charge my energy. It makes me calm and relaxes." Despite the tiredness on his face, he still gives her his signature cocky smirk. She calls it the Rooster Smirk.

She blushes again hearing his word, her heart beating fast and there's a butterfly in her stomach. "You're such a sap, Bradley Bradshaw"

"Ohh, full name. Am I in trouble Ma'am ?" He used a playful tone and his smirk grow wider.

"Yes, you're in big trouble Lieutenant. Because you and your dorky word make me miss you more" she pointed her finger at her phone and give him a sad smile. Tears tried to spill down from her eyes.

"I miss you too baby." He let out a sad sigh. "How long has been?" His voice grew quiet.

"Three weeks" she gives him a sad smile. She moves her position to her right side.

"It's like three years for me" he gives her a dramatic sigh.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't take this job. Now we have four more weeks before our reunion" the lone tears stream down her cheek. He straightened his position and stared at his sad wife

"Hey, never apologise for something you like to do. I know how passionate you are about working at your job now. You always talk about making something and making a new system for the navy. And now you got what you desired. And don't forget about your title as a captain now." His words is full of concerns" How long has you've been a captain now?" He gives her a pointed look.

"A month," she said weakly. It makes her miss him more. She loves how always supportive he is to her.

"A month? That long? I thought it's been two months" His eyes widen jerk his body slightly. He then make a surprise face which she found funny because she saw his moustache twitch a bit. She giggles at his expression. Bradley then smiles seeing his wife happy and not sad again.

"There's now my gorgeous wife. Don't be sad honey, it's not the first time we do not see each other like this. Our record is still in three months. And this what? just a month" he gives her a reassuring look. Bradley then looks at her wife directly.

"We're gonna through this. And when our reunion comes, I promise you to provide you a never forgotten make-up time in our relationship" his cocky smirk appeared on his face.

"Ohh... I'm counting on it, Rooster" she purred at him and mirror his smirk.

There stared at each other in silence until Bradley remember something he's been meaning to tell her about. "Hey, I've been meaning to tell you about your brother."

"What he'd doing again now?" She let out a sigh. Her brother is a sweet guy. But he can get awkward with people he rarely sees, including Bradley and when he acts awkward he gets clumsy. When Bradley tries to make a chat with him it never ended in a good way. Once that time when Bradley want him to send the pictures of their vacation with (Y/N), he sent the pictures but he accidentally included his mirror selfie in half naked. He was so embarrassed and make Bradley promise to never bring that again. But Bradley is Bradley, after that little incident he straight to tell (Y/N) after that.

****

The morning after, Vice Admiral Simpson, Admiral Bates, Captain Floyd, and Thomas the Civilian Contractor that escorted her yesterday held a meeting in Admiral Simpson's office. (Y/N) prepare her presentation and begin to illustrate their mission with a screen that attached to the walls.

"The target we're looking for is here" The project of the mountain with a deep valley appears on the screen. There's a radioactive sign in the middle of it.

"It's so small" Thomas chimed.

"That's why the best option to destroy it is using a laser-guided attack with an F-18" Bates give her a pointed look waiting for an explanation.

"Because the GPS is not working in there. And the F-35s in silent mode cannot use in here." She stared at them. Bates and Simpson nodded and tell her to continue. She shifts her gaze to the screen.

"After the laser, the second jet can drop two bombs right on the target."

"Minimum." Simpson chimed to remained her

"Yes, of course, thank you, Admiral. And we need 4 planes flying in pairs. But there's a quite ramp to get out of here. The pilot can clear the missiles at the summit. But when they get outside, there's a dogfight until they get home." The hard look pictures on Simpson and Bates's faces when she finished her presentation. This seems an impossible mission and has something to sacrifice.

"How many succession rates do we have for this mission" Bates pointed his finger to the screen.

"My calculation is 47 per cent" a solemn look planted on their faces. Simpson let out a sigh. He shares a look with Bates that have the same expression as him. Simpson clear his throat

"Um.. we have a few names of pilots that are capable on this mission. We'll call them and..." (Y/N) interrupted Simpson

"I'm sorry Admiral, but we don't want your old pilot, we want you to make something" Simpson raises his eyebrows at her. Bates and Thomas shift their attention to her because of her statement.

"Let's say in the future, we have to face a threat like this again. And our pilot is not ready to face it because there are not many left pilots with a special abilities. And the new pilot have can't manage to take care of it because of their less experience. And we don't want our enemy one step ahead of us. So we need a team who can manage threats like this, who's ready to face the threats like this again." She said it sternly and bends slightly to the table

"We need you to BUILD a team," she finishes her statement with a finger pointing to the table.

Simpson and Bates shared a look and let out sighs. Simpson then tells Thomas to collect all of the Top Gun graduates for him to bring here.

And they spent two hours to find any names that can fit with this mission. Simpson and Bates have already given their recommendations and now is (Y/N) turn.

"I have some recommendations for the pilot who I was worked with" she sorted files in front of her. She begins to slide files one by one to Thomas who sits opposite of her with Simpson and Bates.

"Lieutenant Jacob Seresin, Call sign Hangman" she slides Jacob's file to Thomas.

"Lieutenant Natasha Trace, Call sign Phoenix" she doing the same with Natasha's file.

"And Lieutenant Callie Basset, Call sign Halo"

Thomas begins to collect her file and put it with the rest of the file in front of him.

"And..." Admiral Simpson raises his eyebrows. Waiting for her to continue talking.

"I'm sorry sir?" She purse her lips, a nervous smile planted on her face. She confused about what Simpson is waiting for her.

"You said yourself, Captain, this mission is dangerous and needs the best of the best pilot. We need WSOs and Pilots who have a record of dogfighting in the air. But you give us recommendations of Top Gun Pilot who you don't really know clearly" Admiral Bates stared at her with a stoic expression and shrug of his shoulder.

"I.." her voice trembling a bit. She didn't know what to say. She know what he means, and that terrified her.

Simpson then takes two files in the stack of files in front of him and gives one of them to Bates. They open the files.

"Lieutenant Bradley Bradshaw. Call sign Rooster. From Golden Warriors 87. Achievements two Navy Commendation Medal, one Navy/Marine Achievement Corp medal, and three National Defense Service Medal. Have you ever worked with your husband Captain?" Simpson looked at her. He closed the file in his hand and put it back on the table.

"Husband?" Thomas muttered to himself.

"Once, in Iraq, Admiral" her voice is steady and gives them a stoic looked. This is it, the thing that really terrified her. Send her own family to his graves.

"Robert Floyd. Call sign Bob. Achievements Two Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Two Sea Service Deployment Ribbon" Bates read the file in his hand and shift his gaze to her when he read her brother achievements. (Y/N) just give them an unexpressive expression, waiting for them to finish.

"I know you don't want them to join this mission. But your husband and brother are the best options we have. I put my hope in them and I think they'll capable to join this mission. When they become a Navy, they're a soldier. Soldiers have to serve their country. And this is the time when they have to serve it, and whatever that cost for them to serve it. Do you understand Captain?" Simpson said sternly with a pointed finger to the table. He looks straight at her when he speaks.

"Yes, I understand Admiral" she looks at them still with no expression. Her voice is quiet.

"Good, Thomas you call all of the pilots in that file. Give their squadrons a ring. I want them here tomorrow. We want this mission to be over as soon as possible" Simpson's then stand up followed by Bates and Thomas.

" What about the teacher Sir?" Thomas asks when Simpson begin to walk away.

"I'll tell you soon" Simpson gives (Y/N) one last look. She still avoided eye contact. He then walks out towards the exit with Bates hot in his tail. Thomas watches them disappear behind the door and turn his head to the file. He then begin to sort out the file on the table. He shifts his gaze to (Y/N) when he see her not moving in her seat.

"You okay Ma'am?" Thomas asks (Y/N) who is now sitting down and is deep in thoughts. Thomas's voice startled her and she shot her head towards him. She gives him a small smile and nod of her head.

"Yeah. I'm okay, just... thinking" She pursed her lips and shrug her shoulder. Her voice crack a bit in the end.

"Oh" Thomas clear his throat. There's silence before Thomas speak again.

"I-I.. don't know you're married." His hands still working to sort out the file and he looked at her slightly.

"Yeah. People always think that because I don't wear any ring" she waved his left hand to Thomas and Thomas see her finger is bare without any ring. She lowered her hand to the table and stared at them. She then begins to fidget with his ring finger like there's some kind of imaginary ring on it.

"My husband is clumsy and he always forgets when the last time he put the rings. Afraid he's gonna lost it, I suggest him to wear it as a necklace, and so do I" she pulls a necklace behind his uniform. She lift the necklace that was attached with a dog tag to her face so Thomas can look at it.

"Oh.. congratulations... for.. your married" his stammer a bit and his voice is quiet. He nodded his head towards the necklace in her hand.

"You're two years late for that. But I appreciate it. Thank you Thomas" she gives him breathy laughs and looks at him with a small smile. She stands up and walks toward Thomas.

"I have to make some calls. See you again, Thomas" she patted Thomas's arm and walk towards the door. His eyes follow her. Before she closed the door she gives him a small smile and closed the door in front of her. She then begins to walk toward her office.

Thomas let out a sigh and give her a sad smile even when she can't see it. He let out a long disappointed sigh and collect the file on the table.

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