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imawkwardlysoc · 1 year

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you wonder how he got his call sign

Song: Don't Blame Me by Taylor Swift

Paring: mickey garcia x reader (afab)

Warning(s): None, just pure fluff!

Word Count: 2,767

Summary: A little story on how Mickey got his call sign.

Call signs. No matter if you’re in the Marines, Navy, or Air Force, you get a call sign. Some badass ones like Iceman and Maverick may have a cool background if you assume, but in reality, most of them come from pretty embarrassing things. Like Payback for example and the amount of bets that he lost. Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia, on the other hand, has another story.

The first of artists covering other artists' songs first came out in the 1950s. Soon over half a decade later, cover videos started to come out more on YouTube. Singers like Sam Tsui, Christina Grimmie, Conor Maynard, and many others have risen to fame with their covers coming out in the late 2000s/early 2010s. Some have also got the chance to be signed to record labels and winning awards like Y/N L/N. To Mickey though, he doesn’t think of Grammy Award winner Y/N L/N, he thinks of Y/N L/N who he used to help record her cover videos in her bedroom or the backyard of her house.

Every Friday since meeting each other freshman year of high school, Y/N would drag Mickey out of their last period class and out of their high school in Miami to her house to start recording cover videos. As she uploaded her videos onto YouTube, her views went from a few hundred to a few thousand until one day.

“Mickey! Mickey!” The junior yelled her best friend’s name as she ran down the school hallway. “Where are you?”

“Yo! What’s going on?” Mickey closed his locker after grabbing everything he needed.

He turned to face the singer whose face was all red from the running as the screen of her BlackBerry Bold was in his line of sight. Squinting his eyes a little, he looked at the screen which showed one of the recent covers she uploaded.

“Holy shit!” He exclaimed. “One hundred thousand?”

“I know right!” The two of them started to jump together in celebration, ignoring the looks they’re getting.

“This is crazy!” Y/N said, still not believing that her cover of Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood reached that many views.

“You know what this means?” Mickey’s eyebrow was raised. “The chance of you getting signed to a record label.”

“Yeah, not happening,” Y/N let out a laugh. “Never in a million years.”

“Hey,” he gently squeezed her shoulder. “It’s going to happen. I have a good feeling.”

Y/N shook her head at her friend’s nonsense and dragged him to their first class of the day.

Years passed and their friendship grew even more. They shared homecoming and prom dances together. They had many all nighters studying for the AP tests they signed up for and working on college applications. The both of them dated people but their relationships only lasted for three to four months max because they both were missing something. Mickey still continued to help Y/N post her covers on her channel which grew after that one day.

Towards the end of the summer break after they graduated, the duo had to head their separate ways for college. They still kept in contact though by the emails they sent each other and visiting each other in Miami during breaks. With every visit, their feelings grew more without them realizing it.

Mickey had achieved his dream of getting into the Naval Academy and became a weapons system officer, getting the callsign Fanboy from his classmates seeing him geek out and watch Y/N’s covers. Y/N continued uploading her covers onto YouTube while studying literature at the University of Miami. It wasn’t until her senior year of college she got the best news of her life.

The sound of her sandals slapping the concrete sidewalk boomed as she ran down the concrete path which led to the park her and Mickey would sometimes hang out at. With his back facing against her, she leaped on his back which took Mickey out a little.

“Hey, you missed me that much?” Mickey laughed.

“Yeah, but I have some news,” Y/N answered.

“Which is?” He asked.

She didn’t verbally answer but she handed him the small stack of papers. Going through the papers, she saw the look on Mickey’s face as his face lit up with each page.

“No, you’re joking.” Mickey pulled her into a hug.

“I’m not,” she confirmed. “You’re looking at the newest artist signed with Atlantic Records.”

“You’re not going to forget me when you become famous right?” Mickey joked.

“Are you kidding? I won’t forget my best friend.” Y/N lightly punched his shoulder.

“Yeah, best friend,” Mickey sighed.

“What? Are you okay?” A quizzed look formed on her face.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Mickey brushed off his emotions.

“Hey Mick, tell me what’s up.” Y/N held his hand which sent sparks through the both of them.

“You’re going to hate me when I do this,” he said.

“Do wh-” Y/N was interrupted when Mickey’s lips touched hers.

Butterflies and fireworks exploded inside them as their lips moved in sync. Detaching their lips from each other to catch their breath, they looked each other in the eyes questioning what just happened.

“Did that just?”

“Yeah.”

Kissing each other again, they confirmed that their feelings for each other were true. After the second kiss, Mickey decided to take Y/N for an early dinner to celebrate her getting a record deal and have a pre-first date date.

More years have passed with the both of them graduating with their degrees. Their relationship grew more as they became official. Mickey was out doing the five years required to serve after he graduated after the academy. Y/N on the other hand was busy writing and recording her first album. Constant filming for her music videos and traveling to promote her album.

Despite them being hundreds or thousands of miles apart, they managed to keep their relationship alive. They had many video calls together and if she toured in an area where Mickey was at, he would watch her concerts with Reuben “Payback” Finch, who is the only person that knows her and Mickey are together other than close friends and family. When Y/N started to become more well known, she wanted to keep her personal life private. She did post pictures of her and Mickey together on her social media accounts but they didn’t show Mickey’s face.

On the eve of Mickey’s last deployment, she came back home with the living room of their shared house decorated with flowers and lit candles. In the space where their coffee table used to be, Mickey was on one knee holding a velvet box in his hand. With a short and sweet speech as tears ran down their faces, Y/N nodded her head saying yes to his proposal. A few months after Mickey came back from his deployment, the two had a small private ceremony with their close friends and family in a cabin up in the Santa Cruz mountains. Reuben as Mickey’s best man and Y/N’s college roommate as her maid of honor.

Luckily for Y/N, she could travel and stay anywhere with her job. With Mickey being moved from base to base because of his job, she would follow him while still making music while renting a house off base. From time to time she would have to travel and stay in New York for a little bit for meetings and to record her music. Thankfully when Mickey got called back to Top Gun, they resided permanently in a house that was only a fifteen minute drive away from base after the Dagger Squadron was made permanent in San Diego. Many dinners with her, Mickey, and Reuben were shared as they told stories of the other squadron members they met for the mission. Y/N continued to make music and released her next album which caused her to be away from Mickey to promote it and tour around Europe and North America.

After a day of training, the Dagger Squad decided to head to the Hard Deck for some drinks.

“Amelia has been depressed since the LA tickets for Y/N sold out,” Rooster said before taking a sip of his beer.

“Really?” Mickey raised his eyebrow.

“Yeah, Y/N is one of her favorite singers. Ever since those tickets sold out the first day, she’s been blasting her music in her room and headphones,” the aviator answered.

The WSO nodded his head and excused himself. Taking his phone out, he checked the time to see that Y/N wasn’t on stage yet. Calling her and waiting for a few rings, she answered her husband’s call.

“Hey baby, what’s up?” She asked. “How was work?”

“It was good, got our asses handed by Maverick but that’s normal,” he chuckled. “How are you?”

“I’m good, just two hours before we head onto stage,” she replied. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too, but hey can I ask for a favor?” He asked.

“What is it?” She said.

“You know Rooster right?” Y/N hummed in confirmation. “Well, his little sister wants to see you in LA but the tickets sold out immediately. Is there any way you can get a ticket for her?”

“I’ll check, give me a minute,” she told him. “Stay on the line.”

Taking a sip of his drink, he waited for his wife while admiring the cooling winds of San Diego while the sun setted.

“Hey, you’re still there?” Y/N voice popped into his ear.

“Yeah, so what’s the verdict?” He replied, mentally crossing his fingers.

“Yeah, how many tickets do you need?” The singer asked. “Twelve plus your captain, his girlfriend, and daughter, that would be fifteen. Is that good?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, we have more than enough tickets. Just tell everyone and I’ll send you the info. Also, all of y’all need a break from training.”

“Wow, I’ll tell everyone. Thank you for doing this. I love you.”

“I love you too. You can thank me later when you get to LA.” Mickey could already imagine the smirk on his wife’s face.

Hanging up the phone with a grin on his face, Mickey headed back into the bar and stood next to Rooster.

“I managed to get a ticket for Amelia,” he told the pilot.

“Wait, how?” The pilot questioned.

“I know someone who’s one of the guitar techs on her tour. I managed to get all of us plus Maverick and Penny a ticket,” he told everyone.

“Wait, we’re seeing Y/N in LA?” Phoenix started to fangirl a little. “Don’t mess with me Fanboy.”

“I’m not, I’ll text you the information into the group chat,” he confirmed.

“We’re going to see Y/N baby!” Coyote cheered.

While everyone celebrated, Reuben sent his WSO a smirk knowing who gave them the tickets.

*Concert Day*

“Mick, are you sure we’re supposed to park here?” Maverick asked as he got out of Rooster’s Bronco.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Mickey answered his captain.

“Because we’re by where Y/N L/N’s tour bus is,” Rooster added.

“Trust me, we can be here,” Mickey reassured them while pulling out his phone.

Making the call, they waited for a few more minutes before Y/N’s manager came out of the Forum with VIP passes in hand. Mickey greeted the manager and they handed Mickey the passes. All of the members were shocked when they saw the passes they got, questioning how Mickey managed to get these. All of them thought they were getting tickets up in the nosebleeds, but they were mistaken.

“Mickey!” The singer jumped into her husband’s arms when she saw him.

“Hello my love,” the Navy man mumbled before kissing her.

Everyone except for Reuben was shocked at the sight they were seeing. They couldn’t believe that one of their WSO’s was kissing the singer they would soberly and drunkenly sing out the lyrics while doing karaoke.

“I missed you,” the singer wrapped her arms around Mickey’s neck.

“Me too, four weeks is too long.” Mickey moved a strand of hair out of Y/N’s face. “Everyone’s here already.”

Y/N moved away from Mickey and saw his pilot standing there with a grin on his face. “Ru-Ru, it’s good to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you again too,” the pilot returned her hug.

Letting go of the hug, Y/N looked at the rest of her husband’s squadron who had shocked expressions on their faces. “Hi, you must be Mickey’s squadron and you must be Amelia, is that right?”

“Y-Yeah,” Amelia stuttered as her idol stood in front of her.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Y/N smiled at her and looked at Maverick who stood behind her. “You must be Captain Mitchell. Mickey and Reuben have been telling me great things about you.”

“It’s a pleasure meeting you m’am. Thank you for inviting us,” Maverick said.

“Anything for Mickey's adopted family,” Y/N smiled. “Also, call me Y/N.”

“I will if you call me Pete or Maverick,” Pete smiled.

“That’s a deal,” Y/N chuckled and faced the squad again. “Mickey, wanna introduce me to your team members?”

Mickey nodded his head and introduced his wife to the rest of the Dagger Squad. After the introductions, everyone headed to the greenroom.

“So, you’re telling me that Reuben knew that Fanboy over here is dating Y/N?” Hangman asked. “The same Y/N who won a Grammy and many Billboard Music awards?”

“Not dating, we’re married,” Y/N corrected the Texan.

“What!” Everyone yelled/exclaimed.

“Married for almost five years.” Mickey and Y/N looked at each other in admiration.

“You knew that already didn’t you?” Halo asked Reuben.

“He should, he was my best man,” Mickey answered for his pilot. “Also, who do you think Don’t Blame Me is about?”

“And I thought Bob over here had secrets we don’t know about,” Omaha chuckled.

“Nah, she’s the only secret that I have.” Mickey tenderly pressed his lips onto his wife’s.

Soon after that, the topic of conversation changed, promising them the couple would host dinner to get to know Y/N more.

After spending an hour or so in the greenroom, Y/N had to start getting ready for the show. Giving his wife one last kiss, he met up with the squad following one of the assistants to the VIP booth Y/N set them in. The booth provided food, snacks, and drinks for them while giving them a view close to the stage.

The lights in the venue started to dim down as the crowd’s cheers started to rise. The band started playing the introduction and the cheers from the audience elevated as Y/N rose into the stage.

Throughout the concert, the energy was amazing. Everyone was screaming and jamming out to the lyrics. All of the Dagger Squad and Penny and Amelia were enjoying the time they were having and thanking Mickey for the tickets. Mickey was pretty sure he saw Hangman and Coyote doing the choreography to I Did Something Bad.

“Alright, before we do this next song, how is everyone doing?” Y/N asked the audience as they replied with cheers. “That’s good. Fun fact, the person that I wrote this next song about is in the crowd tonight with his friends. This song is dedicated to him. Love you darling.”

Y/N sent him a wink and he winked back at her. The band started to play Don’t Blame me and everyone was taken to church by the way she performed it. The singer got down on her knees, belting out the high note which caused Mickey to form a proud smile on his face.

After a few songs and the encore, the last show of the tour was finished. Mickey and the gang headed backstage to see Y/N in a pair of sweat shorts and one of Mickey’s old t-shirts.

“You were amazing.” Mickey picked her up and spun her around.

“Thanks,” she laughed. “So, what did you guys think?”

Everyone started to compliment her performance at the same time. Y/N blushed because she wasn’t used to compliments they were giving her and let out a laugh.

“So, instead of driving back to San Diego this late, my producer is out of town and allowed us to use her house to sleepover,” Y/N told them. “What do y’all think?”

Everyone nodded their heads in approval and started to leave the venue.

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fandoms--fluff · 9 days

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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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crazyk-imagine · 1 year

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Call Sign Crack

Dagger Squad members x GN!Reader

A/N: Some parts will have members of the Dagger Squad as Boyfriends, Girlfriends, Fiancees, and/ or best friends but you can read it however you want to. I just wanted to spice things up. Also, some parts the reader knows the squad while some parts they don’t.

This is absolute crack; I have been working on this for months and I have no regrets for what you are about to read but do please enjoy!

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His call sign Hangman…

“You know how he’ll joke about his name being hungman instead of his actual call sign?” You ask.

“Yeah?” The one you learned to be Phoenix, with Bob and Fanboy beside her, all look at you with a weary expression.

“Well,” you lean in.

They have a feeling on where this conversation is going, and they’re still not prepared for it.

“He’s not wrong,” you bite your lip to keep your giggles to yourself.

“Gross,” she groans.

Fanboy tosses his head back finishing his drink, wanting the alcohol to remove this conversation from his memory.

Bob drops his head down onto the table.

Jake notices this going down as he walks back with more drinks (which are most definitely going to be needed). “What’d you do?”

“What?” You turn to him, sticking your bottom lip out ever so slightly.

He narrows his eyes at you, “don’t give me that look. I know that look and it screams trouble.”

“You exaggerate.”

“No, no,” Javy interjects. “He’s right. I’ve seen that look; it just screams trouble.”

“Well, why don’t I just tell the other where you got that nickname of yours, huh?”

He blinks once before patting his friend’s shoulder, “have fun you too.”

“That’s what I thought, Javy!” You shout, leaning up in your chair.

“Shut up!”

“They told us about your made-up call sign,” Natasha groans.

“Oh, is that all?”

The three groan and leave you two alone, they can’t handle this topic anymore.

His call sign Bob…

“Why do you call him Bobby pin?” Asks the one with the mustache, you think his name started with a B. Oh, you got it, Bradley. He always texts you from Bob’s phone but he uses his call sign… and you can’t remember that right now either.

‘Maybe it’s time to start drinking water,’ you think. You get out of your head and realize they’re waiting for an answer.

“Because,” you give your boyfriend a sweet smile before turning back towards the others, “Bobby can pin me anywhere, any time he wants.”

You want to say the cocky one’s name is Wesley… that can’t be right, but he spits out his drink, slapping his chest to keep him from choking, any more than he already is.

The man (who always stands beside him, clearly the blond’s friend) pats his back.

Natasha shakes her head, sipping her drink. She knows how you can be; she’s heard some calls and read the letters; and she thinks (but has yet to tell you) you’re even better in person.

“Couldn’t have given me a little warning, Baby on Board?” Jake whispers.

“He can’t deny it. He knows it’s true.”

Bob shakes his head, chuckling before taking a sip.

His call sign Rooster…

“Cock fighter!” You shout less than a foot away from your boyfriend.

Bradley sighs, “yeah?”

“Here you are,” you smile at him, kissing his cheek.

“Did they just call you cock fighter?” A tall man in his khaki navy outfit asks.

You glance over at him, wondering why he seems familiar. Oh, now you know, it’s Jake.

Bradley sighs, “I wish I could deny it but no.”

“I’m afraid to ask why,” Natasha, the only female sitting with a few of the others at the moment says.

You remember her more than the others, she’s always so nice when you call (and the only person you like talking to who’s in the same squad as Bradley, you have yet to actually get to know any of the others).

“You should be,” he jokes.

You smack his chest. “Shut up.”

He gives you his dazzling smile. “I love it though,” he assures you, pecking your jaw.

“You’re such a bad liar Bradley.”

“Chicken’s being sweet and it’s making me nauseous.” Jake walks away.

“Do you have any more embarrassing nicknames for Brad?” asks Natasha.

You smirk, “tons.”

His call sign Fanboy…

“Boy he sure is a fan, of me.” Reuben shakes his head.

Mickeys warned him about the bad jokes and puns you can make but he was not expecting them to be this bad.

“Please, tell me I didn’t hear that,” Jason (that doesn’t sound right as you try to think of his name after only meeting him once) says.

“You did and I only have a minor regret about it. But he got his call sign because of his love for Star Trek.”

“That I could I see,” the one with the flaming bird name… PHOENIX, yeah that’s her call sign, adds.

“Of course, they named him after his nerdiness.”

You pout, pulling your fiancé (of seven months) in for a hug, “don’t be mean, birdy.”

She raises her hands in a defensive manner even though she knows your joking.

“Besides it’s only the font that would show you his nerdiness, as you like to say.” You can feel the vibrations of his chuckle against you.

He pecks your cheek, “thanks for the defense, babe.”

You give him one of your dazzling million-dollar smiles, “always.”

“Is there anything else we should know about his call sign?” Natasha asks, having fun talking to you.

You nod, “so much. And I mean it, like you don’t even know.”

His call sign Fritz

“Hi Ritzy,” you greet him with a smile.

“Hey, you made it.” He hands the pool cue to one of his navy buddy’s so he can hug you.

“Of course, I did.”

He invited you to come and hangout with his buddies, there was no way you’d miss that. It’s always good to get out of the house once in a while.

“Ritzy?” Neil asks.

You turn towards him. “That’s just his cute nickname.”

“So, he has a dirty one?” Some blond pilot asks.

You’re still working on learning their names. You shrug, “not really.”

“That sounds like a definitely,” the same cocky blond says.

“Okay, this is stupid, but you know ritz crackers.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh God,” Billy mumbles to himself, covering his face.

You shush him. “His all-time favorite snacks are the crackers, right.”

“Okay. What about the F?” One of the others asks.

Your silence speaks volumes.

“Oh, gross,” says the blond.

Callie groans, shivering in disgust.

You scoff, “I’m sure you’ve already gotten like five girls’ numbers and one pair of panties to go with it.”

“What about the Z?” the girl, beside the adorable guy with glasses, asks.

You shrug, “it makes it fun.”

His call sign Coyote

“Hey, Wile e coyote,” you hold your fist up.

He fists bumps you before handing you, his drink.

“Like the cartoon?” Jake questions with his brows knit together.

“Yep,” you nod. “It’s fun.”

“And childish.” Well look who’s mister judgey.

“We all need to have a little fun and something to remind us of our childhood sometimes. It’s a good thing.”

Jake raises his hands, “I’m- I’m not judging-”

The one with the mustache and the other with the glasses, fake cough into their hands and say, “liar.”

“Hey! No one asked you two. You’re not even a part of this conversation.”

“We’re helping you face your fears,” the one named after a chicken says.

You blame Jake for the false call sign you think of.

“And my fear is?”

“Being proven wrong,” Bob murmurs, munching on his snacks.

“Oh, shut up. No one asked you.”

“You did,” you and Javy say.

His friend walks away and you two chuckle.

His call sign Payback

“This is why your nickname- sorry, call sign,” you correct yourself.

“You remembered,” Reuben’s lips tug to the side into a smirk.

You smile, “I did. Anyway, back to what I was saying. This is why your call sign is Payback.”

He hums, “and why is that?”

Mickey takes a seat beside his friend, “what are we talking about?”

You rip the wrapper off your straw and take a sip of your drink before talking.

“About how bad he,” you point to your fiancé, “is at paying someone back.”

“Oh, God. Are they doing their speech about his call sign again?” Natasha asks Jake, who hands Bob and Bradley their drinks.

He nods, taking a seat beside her with his arm resting across the back of her chair. “Yep.”

“Does everyone know?”

“You don’t ever not say it,” Bradley points out.

“Bite me, Bradshaw.”

“I don’t think your fiancé would approve.”

Reuben interrupts the almost fight with a dry, fake laugh. “Ha ha. Thank you for that Rooster.” He turns to you, “ignore him. And he paid for drinks today.”

“Yeah,” Bradley chuckles, leaning back in the chair until the words process in his mind. “Wait- what?” He frantically searches his pockets for his wallet.

“This reminds me of the time Maverick couldn’t pay for bill the night before your mission,” you comment.

“You weren’t there,” Billy points out.

“You don’t know that.”

No one says anything.

“Okay, fine. But I was there in spirit, and it feels like I was there whenever I hear the story.”

Her call sign Phoenix…

You enter the bar and walk over towards the back, where Natasha told you she’d most likely be. You smile and stand behind her, resting your hand on her back so she knows it’s you.

You thought it would be smart if you two had some kind of signal so she wouldn’t do anything she’d feel bad about later.

“Hey, hottie,” you tease her, knowing it would piss one of the guys off. You just couldn’t remember who it was she was complaining about.

Just as you predicted, one of the pilots (the cocky one) scoffs. “She can call you that but one time I make a joke and you get defensive. How is that fair?”

“Maybe because I’m her partner and you’re not.”

Mickey, Reuben, and Bob chuckle.

“Burn.”

“Coyote! You’re my friend.”

He shrugs, “it was a good burn.”

“Mine was good,” he mumbles.

“Your’s sucked, Bagman,” Natasha teases him.

“I’m going to get more beer,” he grumbles as he walks away.

“Your friends are fun.”

“Wait, till they’ve had a few drinks,” she tells you.

You hum, “can’t wait.”

His call sign Omaha

“Do you know how he got his name?” Brigham asks, occupying the empty seat across from you.

You tilt your head, “maybe. Why do you ask?”

He shrugs, “I was curious if you knew, I’ve overheard a couple of the other stories. Guess, I wanted to know if his landed more on the embarrassing side or not.”

“Ah, gotcha.”

“If he doesn’t have a story, that’s cool too but I’m bored. No one’s here yet.”

You sigh, “fine, fine. I’ll tell you. It isn’t much of a story anyway it’s just about something he likes.”

He shrugs, “okay then what does he like?”

Neil grabs your drinks and starts heading back to your “special” table.

“He likes football.”

“Oh, no,” Neil mumbles to himself once he hears what the two of you are talking about.

“What? He told me he didn’t like football when I asked him if he wanted to come to the game with me.”

“Blame them,” your caring boyfriend points to you.

“I was going to say that you punk.” You smack his shoulder. “We were taking a mini vacation trip away and the whole weekend plan was non-refundable.”

Brigham takes a sip of his drink. “Fine, I’ll accept that answer but only because I have someone to give me all the dirt on you.”

You three laugh until a few of the others from their squad come over and drag the boys away, leaving you alone but not for long because the girls drag you over to play pool with them.

Her call sign Halo

“I’ve always wanted to hear the story about how you two met,” Logan says, picking through the nachos.

Jake raises a brow. “Seriously?”

“What?” The man asks with a full mouth.

“Don’t judge him. Ignore him,” you tell Logan as you shove Jake’s shoulder. “I’ll tell you because I can remember it as clear as day. I was riding my- God- what was it?”

“You said you remembered it as clear as day,” Billy points out taking a sip of his drink.

“And I rode my scooter and bike around a lot. Anyway, I decide that I’m gonna move off the sidewalk because too many neighbors are out walking their dogs and expect me to move so I go into the street, not too far away from the curb though. And then all of a sudden, I’m on the ground-”

“Did you get hit by a car?”

“Did you trip over a rock?”

“Were there any annoying little brats laughing their asses off?”

You furrow your brows at Bob’s question. “No, you clearly need some therapy, but we’ll talk more about that later. All of a sudden, there’s a person in front of me and the first thing I think is-”

“She’s an angel,” Callie finishes.

“Exactly but the only reason I said thought that was because I saw a halo.”

“That was an oddly touching story,” Neil tells you, stealing the nachos away from Logan.

“You sound so impressed.”

“Believe me, I am.”

“That’d be a great way to get some numbers,” Jake theorizes.

“Oh God. What did I start?”

His call sign Harvard

“You know I’ve always been curious about something,” Javy says, setting his napkin down.

“How did you get your call sign Harvard?”

“Has no one ever heard this story?” You ask before turning to your boyfriend. “Is it even a story? I feel like it might be more of a fact than anything.”

He thinks about it for a minute, “yeah, I guess you’re right but this- this isn’t the time to talk about it. I mean, we’re having dinner right now. Maybe some other time.”

“We’ve never asked before.”

“Come one, we want to know.”

“We won’t make fun of you.” The others comment and reassure him.

He’s still a little hesitant to say anything.

“It can’t be that bad.”

“Maybe he thinks you’re gonna be a jerk and make fun of him, Bagman,” Natasha says, with a snarky tone as she snatches the bowl of biscuits from him.

The man lets out a dry laugh. “Kind as always Princess Phoenix.”

“It was his dream school if he wasn’t able to become a pilot,” you explain, not wanting to listen to the two arguing.

“That’s nice,” Bob tells him.

Brigham nervously chuckles.

“Better than mine,” Bagman, nope. Ah, Hangman says.

Everyone chuckles before digging into their meals.

His call sign Yale

“How’s my goat?”

Everyone except for Callie and Billy turn towards you.

“I’m sorry-” Neil starts.

“Did you say goat?” Bradley finishes.

“Is that a new sex thing?” asks Jake.

Bob scoffs, “you would know.”

Jake points to the WSO with glasses. “Can it, Baby on Board.”

The man raises his hands, “I’m just being honest.”

“Oh, that’s it.” Who knew Bob was so fast?

“Okay, first off. It’s not a sex thing, I swear. Second, it’s because Logan was really into mythology as a kid and had like a thousand books about it and we were looking up random things one night. I happened to look up yale because that’s the school everyone in his family had gone to and actually managed to get successful careers out of what they studied, not that that’s important. What was I saying?”

Mickey shrugs, “you lost me at the sex part.”

“It wasn’t a sex thing,” you groan.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Oh, right. Yale plus mythology equals goat.”

“Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”

Jake has his hands on his knees as he pants. “Hide me.”

“You’re the chaser,” Callie points out.

“Get back here Baby on Board!”

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fandomqueen6754 · 2 years

Text

Has anyone wrote an Incredibles AU of Top Gun? Because I just might.

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fanboyswhore9 · 2 months

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This Girl

Moodboard by: @mshistorylover

Pairing: Pairing: Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia x Fem!Aviator!Reader, based on the song, This Girl by Hunter Hayes.

Summary: Mickey and Y/N have been dating for eight months but haven’t expressed their love in those famous three words. They confide in friends for advice and courage, culminating in Mickey dedicating a song to Y/N during a karaoke night.

Sequel to “Addicted to Love”

—————————————————————————

Eight months into their relationship, Mickey Garcia and Y/N had formed a bond that neither of them could deny. They were deeply in love, but the words they longed to say remained unspoken, hanging in the air between them like a sweet, tantalizing secret.

Mickey, known for his charismatic personality and unwavering dedication to flying, had found someone who captured his heart in ways he couldn’t have imagined. Y/N, with her infectious laughter and unwavering support, had become the missing piece to Mickey’s adventurous life.

One sunny afternoon at the Top Gun Academy, Mickey found himself in the company of his close friends from the Dagger Squad, including Rooster, Hangman, Coyote, Bob, and Payback. They had gathered on the Academy’s rooftop, a quiet and serene spot overlooking the airstrips. The clear blue skies stretched endlessly before them, offering a sense of peace amidst the rigorous training and challenges they faced.

Mickey took a deep breath, looking out at the horizon as his friends sat in a circle, sipping on their beverages. He couldn’t help but let out a sigh, prompting Rooster to raise an eyebrow. “Everything okay, Mickey?” Hel shifted his gaze to his friends, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. “You guys know I’ve been with Y/N for a while now,” he began, his voice tinged with emotion. “But I haven’t told her that I love her, and it’s driving me crazy. I don’t want her to think it’s too soon or that I’m not serious.” His friends exchanged knowing glances, realizing the weight of Mickey’s unspoken words. Jake leaned forward, his voice supportive. “Dude, you’ve got to tell her how you feel. It’s the only way she’ll know.”

Meanwhile, not far from the rooftop gathering, Y/N found herself sharing her thoughts with her closest friends since their Academy days, Natasha “Phoenix” Trace and Callie “Halo” Bassett. They sat under the shade of a tree near the dock, the gentle rustling of leaves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Y/N spoke softly, her eyes reflecting the vulnerability she felt. “You know, I care about Mickey so much,” she confessed. “But I’m scared to say it. What if it’s too soon, or what if he doesn’t feel the same way?” Natasha and Callie exchanged understanding glances, their support unwavering. Natasha offered comforting words. “Sometimes, Y/N, you have to take a chance and let your heart speak. You’ll regret it if you never tell him.”

As the sun cast a warm glow over the Academy, both Mickey and Y/N carried the weight of their unspoken feelings, unsure of when and how to bridge the gap between their hearts. Despite their shared love and deep connection, Mickey and Y/N had yet to find the right moment to express their feelings. Each passing day only intensified their longing, and they began to seek solace in the advice of their friends.

———————————————————————————

As the weeks went by, a unique opportunity presented itself at the Top Gun Academy. It was a warm summer evening, and the Hard Deck, the iconic bar owned by Penny Benjamin, was hosting a lively gathering. This was a rare moment of respite for the pilots, a chance to relax and unwind in a setting that held a special place in their hearts. The Hard Deck buzzed with laughter and camaraderie. The bar’s rustic charm, adorned with aviation memorabilia, added to the atmosphere. Penny, a familiar face to all, greeted everyone with a warm smile and a sense of belonging.

The Dagger Squad and Y/N’s friends from the Academy found themselves together at a corner table, enjoying the vibrant ambiance. As the evening progressed, Mickey couldn’t help but glance at Y/N, who sat across from him, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she shared stories with Natasha and Callie. Payback, sensing his friend’s internal struggle, leaned in and nudged Mickey gently. “Tonight’s the night, buddy,” he whispered. “You’ve got to tell her.” Mickey nodded, his determination growing. “You’re right. I can’t let fear hold me back.” Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Y/N sat amidst her friends, feeling Mickey’s presence as a comforting beacon. She took a deep breath and glanced at Natasha and Callie, who exchanged encouraging smiles.

As the night went on, Penny decided to host a karaoke competition, a surprise twist to the evening’s festivities. The crowd erupted with excitement, and friends egged each other on to participate. Mickey’s heart raced as he realized this could be the perfect opportunity. He leaned over to his friends, a determined look on his face. “I’m going up there,” he declared. Rooster, Hangman, Coyote, Bob, and Payback exchanged knowing glances and offered Mickey their full support. “Go for it, dude!” they chorused.

On the small stage, Mickey took a moment to compose himself, his heart pounding with anticipation. The spotlight bathed him in its warm glow as he looked out at the audience. He cleared his throat and adjusted the microphone, feeling the weight of the moment. Before he began singing “This Girl” by Hunter Hayes, Mickey spoke into the microphone, his voice filled with emotion. “I want to dedicate this song to someone very special. To the one who’s stolen my heart and made every moment unforgettable. Y/N, this one’s for you. Hopefully this song tells you how I feel about you.”

His heartfelt dedication hung in the air, reaching Y/N like a warm embrace from across the room. Her heart skipped a beat as she gazed at him, feeling a rush of love and gratitude. With that dedication, Mickey poured his heart and soul into the song, making it a truly unforgettable moment for both of them.

He began to sing the familiar lyrics of “This Girl” by her favorite artist, Hunter Hayes, pouring his heart into every word. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only Mickey and his heartfelt message.

🎶 “I love this girl watching that throwback movie with a glass of wine,

My real deal girl with her hair up, guard down

Telling me what’s on her mind

Call me crazy, but I don’t think I’m

Ever gonna have a hard time learning how to love this girl.” 🎶

As he sang, Mickey’s eyes locked onto Y/N’s, and she couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. The connection between them felt stronger than ever as the room filled with the sincerity of his words.

🎶 “My paradise is that bedhead beauty with the sleepy eyes

My best night is anyone that ends with her

Yeah, I swear that I’d trade everything I’d change

You could take it all away

Long as I get to love this girl.” 🎶

Mickey’s voice soared through the room, and as the final notes hung in the air, he stepped down from the stage, his heart pounding with hope and anticipation. The applause that followed Mickey’s performance was thunderous, and his friends from the Dagger Squad cheered for him with pride. Mickey, however, had only one person on his mind as he navigated through the crowd to where his girlfriend stood in the crowd. He couldn’t wait any longer to express what had been in his heart for so long.

Reaching her side, Mickey gently took her hand and looked deeply into her eyes. The world around them seemed to blur as he began to speak, his voice filled with emotion. “I love you, Y/N.” Her eyes welled up with tears of joy as a radiant smile spread across her face. She had been waiting to hear those words for what felt like an eternity. With a voice choked with emotion, she whispered, “I love you too, Mickey.”

In that tender moment, their unspoken words had finally found their voice. Their love was now out in the open, stronger than ever. Without hesitation, Mickey cupped Y/N’s face in his hands, and they shared a passionate kiss, sealing their love with a promise of a future filled with adventure, support, and boundless affection. Their friends couldn’t have been happier for them. The room erupted in applause once again, with their fellow pilots and Academy friends celebrating their newfound happiness. As the night continued at the Hard Deck, Mickey and Y/N danced together, reveling in the newfound freedom to express their love openly. The Dagger Squad and their friends watched with affectionate smiles, knowing that this was a moment to cherish.

#Spotify #danny ramirez #mickey fanboy garcia × reader #mickey fanboy garcia #mickey garcia #mickey garcia x reader #fanboy top gun #fanboy x reader #fanboy imagine #fanboy garcia x reader #fanboy x you #top gun fanboy #fanboy #top gun maverick cast #top gun fanfiction #top gun maverick #top gun fandom

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make-me-imagine · 1 year

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Top Gun Scenario Game - Valentines Day Addition

(Link to Scenario Games Masterlist)

Rules/What you do: Just match the month/day/letter to yourself and you got yourself a cute little scenario to imagine lol. I know these come off as a data farming thing, but I don't want your data lol. So don't even bother reblogging with your own info if you don't want to, but reblogs are still appreciated, so others can play along as well.

A/N: I also take these scenarios as writing requests as well (only when requests are open obviously- and it depends on the character). Also, there are only like 4 female characters in these movies, so I just put them in randomly lol.

*words in (parentheses) are alternate options/additions.

Your Birth Month:

January: Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

February: Your Choice

March: Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw /or/ Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace

April: Ron 'Slider' Kerner

May: Jake 'Hangman' Seresin

June: Mickey 'Fanboy' Garcia /or/ Penny Benjamin

July: Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky

August: Javy 'Coyote' Machado /or/ Callie 'Halo' Bassett

September: Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell

October: Robert 'Bob' Floyd

November: Beau 'Cyclone' Simpson /or/ Charlie Blackwood

December: Reuben 'Payback' Fitch

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Your Date of Birth:

1: Takes you on a picnic. 2: Buys you your favorite flowers. 3: Surprises you after being gone. 4: Takes you to a fair. 5: Makes you dinner. 6: Buys you a giant stuffed animal. 7: Gets you your favorite chocolates/candy. 8: Gives you hand-picked flowers. 9: Takes you to mini golf (or bowling) 10: Writes you a love letter. 11: Takes you to a fancy restaurant. 12: Takes you stargazing. 13: Sets up a pillow fort for a movie night. 14: Gives you random gifts throughout the day. 15: Dances with you around the house /or/ takes you out dancing 16: Takes you to a museum. 17: Gives you a handmade gift. 18: Takes you to the beach (or takes you sailing) 19: Takes you to the (drive-in) movies. 20: Gives you a promise ring. 21: Takes you on a trip. 22: Gives you homemade chocolates/cookies/etc. 23: Writes you an anonymous love letter. 24: Takes you to an arcade. 25: Gives you a necklace/ring/bracelet/earrings. 26: Cooks dinner with you. 27: Takes you to an aquarium. 28: Surprises you with breakfast. 29: Takes you to an observatory. 30: Leaves you cute notes randomly throughout the day. 31: Surprises you with a weekend away.

------

First Letter of Your Username (Or Name):

Bonus: 'And...''

A-G: It is your first Valentines Day as a couple.

H-M: They ask you to be their s/o

O-U: It is also your anniversary.

V-Z: They propose to you

-----

I apologize if your combo/matchup does not make sense, it is hard to make sure that every single combination does.

I know these come off as a data farming thing, but I don't want your data lol. So don't even bother reblogging with your own info if you don't want to, but reblogs are still appreciated, so other can play along.

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @imaginesfire, @rexit-mo, @onuen, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry

Top Gun Taglist: @malindacath, @hotch-meeeeeuppppp, @sarcastic-sourwolf, @stargirl-05, @persephonesportal, @springflwer07, @pockyandme, @iceman-kazansky, @soultrysworld, @averyhotchner, @linkxneptune, @creativitybeware, @callsignmaverick5, @phoenix1389, @writerfulltime,

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zablife · 1 year

Note

Hi! Can I request a fluffy, funny and maybe steamy, but mainly just funny Jake Seresin fic?

Here's the prompt:

That's it 😅 *faints dramatically*

(I was going to write a fic "Not my type" and this would have been the "Were you always this hot?" moment but my brain goes empty every time this or the training vid gifs come up 🙈)

Not My Type

“Who is that?” Halo asked, craning her neck to get a better look at the blonde serviceman by the pool table. Your eyes followed her gaze and you let out a groan as you realized who else had been called back to Top Gun.

You shook your head with a small smile. You should have known he would be on this mission. “That’s Jake Seresin. He’s the only naval aviator on active duty with a confirmed air-to-air kill,” you informed her.

“Holy shit, that’s impressive,” she exclaimed. Catching Jake’s eye, he waved at you and you raised your beer bottle toward him.

“Yeah, and he knows it too,” you replied, watching Hangman stride toward you.

“He’s coming over here. Do I look, okay?” Halo asked, smoothing her hair.

“You look great. Don’t get too excited though, he’s not that good looking, trust me,” you assured her. It had been a few years since you trained together, but you remembered that his ego was far bigger than his muscles.

Jake approached slowly, greeting you both in his charming Southern drawl. “Y/n, should have known you’d be here with the Navy’s best. Who’s your friend?”

“Jake, this is my friend and fellow aviator, Lt. Callie Bassett, call sign Halo. Halo, this is Lt. Jake Seresin, but you can call him Bagman,” you said with a wink.

“Hangman,” he corrected you with slight irritation in his voice.

“Whatever,” you replied, taking a sip of your beer.

“Now don’t act like you don’t remember, darlin’. I know you’ve always had a little crush on me,” he teased.

“Sorry to let you down, but you're not my type, Seresin,” you shrugged. His face fell for a moment and you wondered if you’d managed to wound his pride.

However, as a new song began playing on the jukebox, Jake’s wide grin returned and he declared, “I love this song! Halo, wanna dance, sweetheart?” he asked extending a hand to her. She accepted and you watched them together for a moment before closing your tab with Penny.

————————————————-

The next day everyone was on base for physical training. You secured your hair away from your face as Halo entered the locker room. “How was last night?” you asked, playfully jabbing her in the ribs.

“We had one drink and then I left. Jake’s fun, but he’s way too into himself,” she said with a laugh.

You couldn’t help but chuckle. Where did he get that confidence? Sauntering out into the gym, you began your warm up, letting your mind wander. The space was enormous and it was already crowded despite the early hour. Halo took the treadmill near you and popped in her earphones, oblivious to the sound of weights dropping behind you with a harsh clang.

You turned to see a shirtless Jake, clad only in black shorts, toweling off the sweat that ran down his toned chest. Your eyes traversed the planes of his pecs, taking in the sight of taut muscle under dark blonde chest hair. His stomach was unbelievable, a perfect six pack that looked as though it were carved out of marble. And you were practically salivating at the thought of reaching your fingertips out to trace his v-cuts visible above his low slung shorts.

“Y/n?” Jake called. He must have been calling to you for some time because his tone was amused and self-assured as though he knew you were preoccupied by the sight of him.

Gulping, you tried to meet his gaze, but your eyes clung to his body. Here he was half naked before you and you couldn’t help but imagine what was concealed beneath his shorts. Realizing you were in dangerous waters, you flicked your eyes up to his just as he slung his towel over his shoulder. His large hands and the veins protruding from his wide forearms nearly distracted you again, but he captured your attention when he spoke. “Not your type, huh?” he said with mock seriousness.

“I…I don’t think I said it like that,” you stammered.

“You wouldn’t be lyin’ to me, would you sweetheart?” he said with a smirk, green eyes dancing with mischief.

You wanted to reply, but your throat felt dry. “Were you always this hot?” you practically whispered, mind blanking on an appropriate response.

“Well look who’s changing her tune,” he said, turning to hit the showers with a cocky strut.

#Top Gun Maverick fanfic #Top Gun Maverick imagine #Jake Hangman Seresin #Jake Seresin fanfic #Jake seresin imagine #Jake Seresin x you #Jake Seresin x y/n #Jake x Seresin x reader

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topgunreacts · 2 years

Text

~Top Gun Imagines~ *Mission Candidates First Dates*

Phoenix / Natasha Trace

She would take you to Phoenix, Arizona. It’s a little cliche, but she’s a quirky girl who likes to have fun. She would fly you there in her Cessna Citation X.

Rooster / Bradley Bradshaw

Rooster would take you to see something really low-key, like an underground cockfighting ring. You blink your blue eyes and toss back your long, feminine hair as you ask him why, and he tells you that it just feels right. It just feels so masculine and powerful.

Hangman / Jake Seresin

Hangman would cook you something at his house. You didn’t know he could cook! But he can cook, and he does it so well. He would make you all of your favorite foods, which includes chicken enchiladas. While you eat the chicken enchiladas, that’s when he’d get out his ukulele and sing you Stairway to Heaven.

Payback / Reuben Fitch

Payback would pull out all the stops. I’m talking buy you a Ferrari he can’t afford. I’m talking Michelin stars. I’m talking would fuck you and ghost.

Fanboy / Mickey Garcia

Fanboy would read you Wuthering Heights, and then Pride and Prejudice, and then Twilight, in that order. All of this would happen on state park grounds.

Coyote / Javy Machado

Coyote would take you to a wildlife preserve and tell you that you are so beautiful and perfect, like a swan. He would dance with you, and kiss you in the moonlight after hours.

Fritz / Billy Avalone

Fritz would write poetry for you. So much poetry. He’s really into cinquains because he doesn’t want his love to sound derivative.

Omaha / Neil Vikander

Nebraska.

Harvard / Brigham Lennox

Harvard would take you to Salt Lake City and let you shop all day, buying you whatever you want (you want hair extensions) while being passionate about Salt Lake City. He knows its history, its motto, and can even draw the flag from memory. He’s so smart!

Yale / Logan Lee

Yale would take you to his favorite mattress store and walk around with you pretending like you’re married and are about to buy a mattress. You ask him why, while biting your lower lip, and he says he’s “practicing.”

Halo / Callie Bassett

She would take you to a roller coaster park and let you pick what order you want to ride. At the very top of the tallest coaster, she points out towards the shoreline (you’re close to the ocean because she’s in the Navy) and says that she’ll build you a house there one day, once she saves up the money.

That’s everybody! HMU in my inbox if you want more!

#top gun maverick #top gun: maverick #top gun imagines #top gun phoenix #top gun bradley #top gun rooster #x reader #top gun hangman #top gun payback #bradley bradshaw #top gun bradley bradshaw #top gun fritz

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callsignspark · 7 months

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soft-tober announcement

soft October - part of the Dagger, Sword & Shield universe

by callsignspark

October is my favorite month of fall. It’s just the right blend of warm days and chilly nights. Apple picking, hay rides, pumpkin carving, corn mazes, and trick-or-treating to end the month. It’s filled with soft memories of fun times spent with loved ones. I’m taking inspiration from these fond memories of mine and creating soft-tober!

Sixteen days of warm, cozy, and sweet fall-related prompts for all of my Dagger, Sword & Shield universe couples! (Plus a few extras!) Starting October 1st, I’ll be posting a short one-shot of each DSS couple based on a prompt from one of these three lists.

The masterlist for soft-tober can be found here! And on my main masterlist and the DSS universe masterlist! All posts relating to soft-tober can be found here!

If you'd like to be tagged for soft-tober, please send an ask!

callsignspark disclaimer: my blog is an 18+ space; minors do not interact - you will be blocked. I do not consent to my work being copied, run through an AI generator, translated, or posted elsewhere. I do have an AO3, where I eventually will be cross-posting my works.

01. Javy & Erin - “Do you want some hot chocolate?”

03. Callie & Kelly - “Do you like cinnamon?”

05. Jake & Flora - “Trick or treat?” “…Depends on if you’re the treat.”

07. Logan & Kristina - “It’s Halloween, why are you already putting up Christmas decorations?”

09. Bradley & Mary - “Is this costume too revealing?”

11. Billy & Aaron - “I don’t like scary movies.” “I’ll keep you safe.”

13. Warlock & Betty - “Here, take my sweater.”

15. Mav & Penny - “It’s never too early for Halloween music!”

17. Mickey & Carlee - “Quit trying to scare me! I know that’s you!”

19. Hondo & Cara - “Isn’t this stuff for kids?”

21. Cyclone & Linda - “Halloween is for children.”

23. Neil & Laura - “Candy corn is the best candy.”

25. Reuben & Danielle - “I forgot how cold it could get.”

27. Natasha & Calvin - “Do you like my costume?"

29. Brigham & Catherine - “Hey, where’s your costume?”

31. Bob & Elaine - “We should carve pumpkins!”

tagging some friends and people who might be interested!

divider credit here

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callsignspark · 7 months

Text

soft-tober

soft October by callsignspark

If you'd like to be tagged for soft-tober, please send an ask!

main masterlist | DSS universe masterlist | soft-tober tag

prompt lists used: (one) (two) (three) | divider credit here

soft-tober

01. Javy & Erin - “Do you want some hot chocolate?”

03. Callie & Kelly - “Do you like cinnamon?”

05. Jake & Flora - “Trick or treat?” “…Depends on if you’re the treat.”

07. Logan & Kristina - “It’s Halloween, why are you already putting up Christmas decorations?”

09. Bradley & Mary - “Is this costume too revealing?”

11. Billy & Aaron - “I don’t like scary movies.” “I’ll keep you safe.”

13. Warlock & Betty - “Here, take my sweater.”

15. Mav & Penny - “It’s never too early for Halloween music!”

17. Mickey & Carlee - “Quit trying to scare me! I know that’s you!”

19. Hondo & Cara - “Isn’t this stuff for kids?”

21. Cyclone & Linda - “Halloween is for children.”

23. Neil & Laura - “Candy corn is the best candy.”

25. Reuben & Danielle - “I forgot how cold it could get.”

27. Natasha & Calvin - “Do you like my costume?"

29. Brigham & Catherine - “Hey, where’s your costume?”

31. Bob & Elaine - “We should carve pumpkins!”

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crazyk-imagine · 2 years

Text

The Good, The Bad, and The Working on It

Pairing: (Stepdad) Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Mom!Reader

Characters: (Stepdad) Jake “Hangman” Seresin, Mom!Reader, Edwin and Maryanne (the kiddos), Penny Benjamin, Amelia Benjamin, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Natasha "Phoenix" Trace, Robert "Bob" Floyd, Reuben "Payback" Fitch, Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia, Javy "Coyote" Machado, Billy "Fritz" Avalone, Callie "Halo" Bassett, Neil "Omaha" Vikander, Bringham "Harvard" Lennox, Logan "Yale" Lee, Marty and Cody (the other bartenders)

Warnings: Fluff, minor angst, not enough communication (always communicate with your partner), minor cursing (very brief), drama, nicknames (gorgeous, darlin’, etc.), Fanboy is the man when it comes to photography, Bob is the best guy for the job of being a DJ, Javy "Coyote" Machado is a good friend, Jake being a softie, Penny acts as a protective mother figure over reader, Bradley judges our favorite cocky pilot, everyone teases Jake, Cute quick Penny and Pete moment.

Word Count: 11,575

A/N: This can easily become a series, still thinking about it though (even though I have notes and drafts all revolving around this imagine and I made a header for it not even 10 min ago)

Answers to TGTBATWOI

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Three and a half years ago…

After the father of your kids decided that he had enough of being tied down and left with little to no goodbye, it was safe to say you didn’t think or care about dating after that shitty experience.

So, you can fully admit (as well as Jake and his pilot buddies) that it was no surprise when you met said pilot at the Hard Deck.

You work there a little more than part time, being a bartender there is your “out of the house” job (as you like to say) and you do a type of telemarketing at home when the company you’ve been emailing with asks you too.

Luckily it doesn’t happen all the time but sometimes it can be pretty inconvenient on days when your babies have a part in a play and they’re the lead star or when they have their first soccer game (it was a bit of a hassle to accomplish but you did it).

And then again, it was no surprise when Jake was a jackass when you two first met.

You (and anyone else, yes, including Bradley and Pete) can admit that it was nice when he actually started to act like a human being with emotions and not some douche with a huge ego.

Today however, will be the test to see how everything will be if you and Jake decide to take your relationship (or pining) a step further… even though he hasn’t officially asked you out.

“Are you sure you can’t watch them for another three-ish hours?” You ask your babysitter and get a lame excuse saying she can’t because she has to study when she actually has plans to go out with her friends and her boyfriend (the kids told you yesterday about all this).

You sigh, hanging up your phone before shoving it into your pocket. You rest your hands on the edge of the bar top, closing your eyes with your head down to the floor.

“You, okay?” Penny asks.

You quickly straighten your posture, “yep, all good.”

“Your babysitter cancel on you?”

You avert your gaze, “maybe.”

“You get off early tonight, why not bring them here? Pete and the others will be here. They could go swimming.”

“I don’t have any of their swim things and no sunscreen. Plus, I need them to focus on their homework right now. I don’t want to have another meeting with their teachers over something as minor as homework.”

She nods, “alright. We can have them sit over at one of the tables until the lunch rush shows. And, before you say anything, breath. We’ll be fine. I’ve got Marty and Cody coming in for their shifts in an hour which will give you more than enough time to go pick them up and come back here… even though we won’t need you.”

“I’m gonna ignore that last part because we both know it’s not true. Thank you.”

You check the clock on the wall, “crap. I gotta go. I’ll be back soon.”

“Looks like your girlfriends not here,” Javy comments.

“She’s not- shut up, man.” Jake shoves his buddy away from him as he enters the bar, immediately aiming for the center station. He can’t take these conversations seriously without a drink.

“Where’s the only sensible woman Bagman hasn’t managed to sink his claws into?” Natasha asks, standing behind him.

“He’s in one of his moods,” Javy says before leaning down to “whisper”, “she’s not here. Her car wasn’t in the parking lot.”

“Guess she came to her senses,” she pats him on the shoulder.

Logan, Billy, and Callie wave her over, pointing to the pool table.

She walks away from the two, wanting to place some bets (knowing she’ll make a quick buck or two).

“She’s gonna be here soon, you know. Don’t pout, man.” Javy pats Jake’s shoulder, not wanting to have to console the dude for something so minor but willing to do so anyway.

“Would you stop saying that? I don’t care, alright?”

His friend makes an attempt to respond but doesn’t because he starts coughing, choking on his saliva.

“You good?”

His buddy shakes his head, covering his mouth with a clenched fist, using his free hand to point over at you.

The blonde turns, his eyes widen ever so slightly. “She has kids?” He mutters to himself, wondering who else may have known and if this is why you continue to turn him down.

He thinks back to the times when he’s asked you out and if you wear a wedding ring or have mentioned having a boyfriend, but the answer is no.

“Alright, today we can focus on your homework a little more because Pen has a couple extra hands. We ready?”

“Do we have to?” Edwin, Ed (or Eddie) asks with a whining tone.

“Don’t give me that pouty lip, Mister. If we can get this done before we go home, I know for a fact you would feel better.”

“What if I don’t want to feel better?”

“You should.”

You turn to your daughter, Maryanne, who’s older by three years looks back down at her own work. “Thank you, sweetheart, but I don’t need you to chime in with your insightful thoughts.”

“But he needs to focus. He’s already gotten a warning from his teacher.”

“He’s what?” You turn to look at your son, “Edwin, is this true?”

He looks down, not saying anything.

“Why did you get a warning?”

“She wouldn’t let me ask my friend for help.”

“Were you talking to your friend during class time when you know you’re not supposed to?”

He purses his lips, “that’s ervelant.”

“Irrelevant, sweetheart. How long ago did you get your warning?”

“He got it on his first day and we’re on our third day of school now.”

You turn to your daughter, “do you know if it was a verbal warning or is there something I need to sign?”

She shakes your head, “the first one. It’s okay though. His teacher tells me what I need to tell you when I’m waiting for him in his class after school.”

Your son is upset that you two are talking about and “acting” like he’s not even there. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here!”

“Eddie, I need you to calm down-”

“No!”

You open your mouth to say his name again when he hops off the chair and runs off. Your eyes widen. “Sweetheart, you’re coming with me. Hold my hand.”

“Mom,” she groans.

“There is a small crowd already. I will not lose both of my children in it.”

She lets out a dramatic, long sigh, “fine.”

You grab her hand, “thank you.”

Javy opens the bathroom door, stopping when something bounces off his legs. He freezes when he sees a little boy sitting on his butt, looking up at him, ready to cry. “Oh no.”

“Hey, what’re you doing? Get out of the doorway, man,” Jake says.

“There’s a tearful kid in the way.”

“What?” He looks over his buddy’s shoulder to find Edwin sitting there with a wobbly lip.

“What do I do?”

“Pick the kid- move out of my way.” Jake scoffs, “Coyote.” The blond bends down, holding his hand out for the little boy to take.

Edwin hesitantly reaches up for the man’s hand.

Jake helps him off the ground, giving him a gentle smile. “Atta boy, you’re looking better already. Is your mom or dad here?”

He nods.

“You want to point me in their direction-”

“Eddie! Edw-” Maryanne stops you, pointing to Jake.

You rush over to the two, kneeling beside Jake. “Edwin, I’ve told you too many times, not to run off like that.”

He sniffs, nodding his head.

You sigh, wiping his cheeks before turning to find- “Jake.”

“My favorite,” he glances between the two, “b-a-r-t-e-n-d-e-r.”

“I can spell,” Maryanne says with slight attitude.

“Maryanne.”

“Sorry mama.”

“These two are yours?”

“Obviously.”

“I’m really sorry,” Javy starts to apologize. “I didn’t see him and then he-”

You smile, “Javy, it’s okay. I know you didn’t do anything on purpose. He just got upset and ran off.”

“I’m still really sorry.”

“We accept your apology.” You stand up, “why don’t you two go join the rest of your crew. We’ve got some work to do.”

Your daughter pouts, leaning against you.

He stands up. “You go,” Jake whispers to Javy.

“Dude.”

“Just go.”

“Alright, alright.”

“So, what kind of homework do we have to do?”

You shake your head, holding both of your kids’ hands, “no, Jake. You go join your friends. You don’t want to stay and help out with homework, that’s not what you came here to do.”

“I came here to talk to some people, and I’d certainly enjoy talking to you three.”

You scoff through your nose, shaking your head to hide the fact that your cheeks are on fire.

“Let me carry little man and don’t tell me I don’t need to. I want to, gorgeous.” He lifts Edwin into his arms, holding the boy against his hip.

Maryanne starts walking ahead, pulling you with her.

You all settle into your seats, Jake across from you with the kids on each side of you.

“I finished my writing assignment before we went looking for Ed.”

You give her a small smile, “that’s good, what else do you have to do?”

She pouts, “math.”

You nod, “okay.”

“I can help,” Jake offers.

“You can?” You ask.

“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that attitude and say yes.”

“Since when were you a math whiz?”

“Since I actually put in the effort to pass.”

“That’s always nice to hear...” You smirk, resting your head on your palm, “were you being threatened with detention?”

“Worse.”

“No car?”

“Bingo.”

“I bet it would have been hilarious to see teen, skinny armed, pasty Jake riding his bike through the neighborhood.”

“Oh, yeah. So, funny.” He turns to Maryanne, glancing down at her work, “you need help with math?”

“Yeah… can you help me?”

“Sure, I can. What are we doing today?”

“Is he actually being nice to kids?” Bradley mutters.

“He’s obviously doing it to impress her,” Reuben adds.

“I don’t think so. He’s actually good with kids. You should see him with his nieces and nephews,” says Javy.

“There’s more of him? There are little bagman’s running around out in the world?” Natasha asks, catching the last little bit of the conversation.

Javy dry laughs, “ha ha. Yeah, kind of. He just doesn’t want you all to see him as a softie.”

“I feel like I’m watching a rom com,” Mickey says.

“But it’s actually decent and well worth watching,” adds Bob.

“How long have you been there?” Reuben asks.

“A few minutes. I’m waiting on my soda.”

“Anyone want to play pool?” Javy asks.

“Or darts? Maybe next to them?” Natasha offers.

Javy smirks, “let’s go.” He wraps his arm around her shoulders, pulling her with him.

Mickey and Bob trail behind them, shaking their heads, not liking what the two may be planning.

Reuben runs over to the bar to grab their drinks.

“And how are we today?” Javy asks, wrapping his arm around is buddy’s shoulders. He turns to Edwin, “sorry about running into you little dude.”

“It’s okay and we’re good. Jake’s helping Maryanne with her math,” you tell him.

“You’ve got the best guy to help her.”

“How come we never met your mini me’s?” Mickey asks, pulling Javy away so he and Natasha can start their game of darts.

“My babysitter canceled.”

“That sucks. Why? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“She’s in high school, has a boyfriend. Need I say more.”

“Ah,” he nods, “got it. Well, if you ever need a babysitter, I’d happily offer my services.”

“Well, aren’t you sweet.”

Jake furrows his brows; he knows the kid isn’t hitting on you, but he can’t help but feel a little jealous very jealous. “Alright, that’s enough. Your partner in crime is calling you over to play darts.”

Mickey snickers as he walks away.

“You good, Seresin?” You ask with a raised brow.

“Always,” he smirks before helping Maryanne with her homework.

You smile, letting yourself daydream about a future with him and how nice it would be to be able to share a life with him, having family outings, potentially expanding your family, and growing old together… You shake your head, ridding your mind of these thoughts. You don’t want to get your hopes up (anymore, then you already have).

He glances over at you and smiles.

You fight the urge to smile for a second before you give up and give in, smiling with just as much, if not a skosh more happiness.

After about an hour or so, Maryanne was able to successfully finish her homework.

“You know if she gets a good grade on her homework, I’m gonna ask you to help her again. I can barely help her when she asks me. If it was me, I would have still been on problem two.”

Jake chuckles, “I’d be happy to help her out as long as I get to take you out.”

A nervous chuckle escapes you, “you mean like a- like a date?”

“If you wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

You bite the inside of your cheek, “I’ll see if I can find the time.”

He shakes his head.

You check your phone, seeing that it’s dinner time and you’ve been off your shift since- wow three hours ago. “Looks like it’s time to go home. I’ve still got to make dinner and figure out when I need to go grocery shopping. Do I need gas?” You push your chair in, helping the kids get ready.

Jake getting out of his seat makes you realize you, kind of, forgot about him for a second. “Oh, sorry, I got too into my head.”

“It’s alright, my sister is the same way.”

“Oh, how is everyone? I’ve been meaning to ask but every time I want to someone else needs a drink.”

“It’s okay. Maybe on our date we can talk more about things you’ve been wanting to ask me and… I can do the same.”

“Yeah?”

He nods, giving you a genuine smile, enjoying how he gets to see you all excited and jittery (and hopefully because of him, in a good way, of course), “yeah.”

“Can we go now?” Edwin asks, rubbing his eyes.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“I’ll walk you all out.”

“I’ll call you.”

“You don’t have my number,” you point out.

“Did you forget, I’m good with numbers.”

You’re not impressed right now. “Just give me your phone.”

“So bossy,” he teases, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

“You love it, don’t lie.”

“Maybe I do but, I think that’s more of a later date thing.”

You return his phone back to him, “you think we’ll be going on more than one date?”

He nods. “I know we will.”

You shake your head, “goodnight, Jake.”

He leans in, giving you time to push him away; you don’t. He pecks your cheek.

You close your eyes, inhaling his cologne (something else you’ve grown to like about him).

He pulls back, opening the car door for you.

You shake your head, remembering what you have to do.

“Text me when you get home,” he says, leaning against the car and door.

“Only if you do them same.”

“’Course I will. Goodnight, gorgeous.”

“Night, Jake.”

After that night, he officially asked you out for a proper date and the two of you hit it off.

He didn’t take you to a fancy restaurant (since he asked the others and Penny for a few different ideas on where you’d like to go). Jake did NOT want to screw up (what felt like) his one chance to take you out.

The two of you found yourselves in his truck, laying in the back watching the stars, talking about whatever came to mind while you ate fast food.

“This has to be the best date I’ve been on in- well, ever honestly,” you admit, staring up at the night sky.

He turns his head, studying your side profile, “really?”

“Without a shadow of a doubt.”

He gulps, unsure if he should ask this now or ever. “I know this is too soon to ask and I might be overstepping some boundaries but, what happened with Maryanne and Edwin’s dad? Is he going to come back into their lives at any point in the future?”

You scoff, leaning up to rest on your elbow with your head angled down towards him. “I can assure you that he will never come back into their lives until they turn eighteen then they can make the decision, but I will take the role of a bad guy if it means I keep that asshole away from them and out of their lives.”

You sigh, resting on your back once more, “he decided that when Edwin was three months old, and Maryanne was close two and a half that he wasn’t cut out for the life of being a dad or being tied down, so he left, and I haven’t looked back since. He hasn’t called or texted since then so why should I go looking for him. He made his choice.”

“And you made yours.”

“What’s that?”

Jake shuffles closer to you, cupping your cheek with his thumb brushing across your cheekbone every so often as he stares into your eyes. “You are raising two amazing kids all by yourself and you look damn good doing it.”

You let out a quiet playful laugh.

“I’m not gonna lie, a part of me wishes that they were mine.”

“Yeah? What about the other part of you?”

“Which one? I’ve got two more.”

You raise your hand, placing it against the base of his neck, brushing your thumb back and forth against the edge of his hair, “what’s the second part of you say?”

“How much I want to ask you to marry me even though it might be too soon.”

“And the other?”

“If it’d be stupid of me to ask if you’d be my gorgeous girl and let me in, help you raise those two troublemakers.”

You sink your teeth into your bottom lip, preventing yourself from getting too emotional. “Seems to me like you just want to get in my house to see my bedroom.”

“That would certainly be a plus, wouldn’t it?”

“For you maybe.”

“Damn straight.” He leans down, whispering in your ear, “I’d get to see what you wear underneath your pretty little clothes without asking you to strip for me.”

You scoff, slapping your hands against his chest.

He chuckles, pulling back to see you relaxed and happy, something he doesn’t think he’s ever seen before. “There’s another part of me that wants to do something.”

“Like what?”

“Kiss you.”

You don’t realize it until a second later, but your lips tugged upwards, and you know you’re smiling. “Do it,” you whisper.

He hums, blinking owlishly at you clearly coming out of his thoughts.

You lean up and lightly brush your lips against his before pulling back. You switch from staring one eye to the next, waiting to see panic or disgust, only to find the stars twinkling in his eyes. “Kiss me.”

“Are you sure? Because I don’t think I’ll be able to stop once I start.”

You both lean into one another sharing a passionate first kiss (with many more to come).

Two years later...

“Do you think she’s gonna say yes?” asks Jake, to his friend who has a bored look on his face.

“I hope so. I’m tired of hearing you complain and whine about “if she says no” and how you’ll “die” with whatever answer she does give you,” Javy slaps his hands on the blond man’s shoulders, “shut up. She’s gonna say yes.”

Jake says nothing as he purses his lips, “I hear you but what if-”

“Shut up,” Javy hands him a handful of darts, “and play. Have a drink, just do something- anything to calm your nerves… please. And you hear that? I’m asking you nicely.”

He stares at Javy with a deadpan expression. “I’m talking to you in confidence. You’re supposed to boost me up and help me feel better.”

“I am.”

“You’re not being honest with me,” Jake complains.

“I am.” He sees the look his fellow pilot is giving him out of the corner of his eye while he throws the dart at the dartboard, it lands, and he turns around. “Look, you’re an asshole-”

“Thank you, keep telling me things I need to hear,” the blond says with sass.

“But you’re an asshole in love and you’re,” Javy pokes his chest, “just too scared to admit it.”

“Yeah,” he nods, until he repeats what his friend said in his head and glares at Javy. “I hate you sometimes,” he throws a dart at the dart board, it lands way off base from the center.

“Yeah, yeah.”

Bob walks over to the two, glancing over Jake with a concerned expression. “Is he okay?”

“Him? Oh, yeah. He’s fine.”

“He’s nervous she’s gonna say no, huh?”

Jake spins around, using a dart to point at Bob. “No, I’m not.”

Javy leans closer to the WSO, “he’s in the denial stage.”

“I can see that.”

“You two are messing up my concentration. Go gossip about me somewhere else.”

“You know,” Javy pats his shoulder, “it’s okay to be scared.”

“I’m not scared,” he denies.

“Lying is only gonna make this worse.”

“Can it, Baby on Board.”

Bob raises his hands, staring at the ground with a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Your girl’s here,” Billy says, handing Javy a drink and Bob his beer nuts.

Jake spins around just as the dart hits the center of the dart board. A boyish grin tugs at the corner of his mouth, “yes, she is.” He hands Bob the third dart, “have fun boys. Oh, and use protection, especially you,” he points to the WSO before talking off.

“What?”

“Ignore him. He’s in love, you know, it makes people do and say crazy things,” Javy assures Bob.

“Hey, gorgeous,” he greets you, placing a hand on your lower back.

“Hey.” You turn around, leaning into him. You see the guys standing there, watching the two of you. “Are we gonna go say hi?”

He shakes his head, “nope. Come on.” He leads you towards the walls, wanting to get away from the crowd, not lose you in it.

“Where are we going?”

“I want to go outside and see how much more beautiful you can look tonight.”

You scoff, smacking his shoulder, “you can be such an adorable suck up.”

“Only for you,” he pecks your lips, “did it work?”

You roll your eyes, “shut up.” You grab his hand, pulling him along behind you. You happily wave over at the three, who return “cool” waves, except for Bob (he always waves back with just as much enthusiasm as you do to him).

Jake shoves you out the door, letting it slam shut behind him.

He pulls you back, spinning you around once, and wraps his arms around your waist. “Hi.”

You can’t resist his charm and smile back at him, “hi.”

“Let’s walk along the beach, yeah?”

You nod, “if that’s what you want to do.”

“Come on,” he tucks you into his side and starts walking.

You begin to wonder what he has planned. Jake usually doesn’t like to walk along the beach at night (he can’t see your gorgeous face as he likes to say whenever you ask… which is always).

You turn to look at him, he’s nervous but you can’t tell why. You know there’s nothing important coming up such as birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries. The kids haven’t been giving him too much of a hard time (it’s a tough process but they do seem to act like they like him when he comes over or when you all go out).

You’re left even more confused than when you first exited the bar.

He stops, staring out into the ocean.

You watch him, curious as to what’s floating around in his head, “are you okay?”

He turns his head looking at you, wondering how he got so lucky to have meet you and hoping you’ll say yes because he wants the married life with you and to be another parent figure that Maryanne and Edwin can look up too. He knows he wants to live out the rest of his life with you and the kids. Jake gulps, “you should ring me?”

You jerk your head back, blinking owlishly at him, “what?”

“We should rings.” He closes his eyes with a clenched jaw, shaking his head.

You tilt your head, “are you feeling okay?” You place your hand on the back of his forehead.

He nods, reaching into his pocket, pulling the box out of his pocket, practically shoving it in his face.

You grab his wrist pulling it down, out of your face and look down, realizing what he’s planning to do. “Jake?”

“I don’t know how to say it.”

“What- uh- what do you want to do?”

“I think it’s pretty obvious what I want to do.”

“Okay, smart ass. Get down on one knee and ask me.”

“That’s the thing. I can’t figure out how to ask you.” He bends down on one knee, “I’ve got too much running through my head. and I don’t know what to say. Then before I know words just start spewing out of my mouth.”

You take a deep breath, placing your hands on his shoulders, “what’s the first thing that pops into your head when you think about wanting to marry me?”

“I don’t want to marry you. I am gonna marry you. So,” he reaches for your left hand, placing a gentle kiss on top, “you can’t get rid of me easily.”

An emotional chuckle escapes you, “what a sap you are.”

“The first thing that pops into my head when I think about us being married is how there isn’t going to much of a difference because we’re already a family. But there is one thing I do know and that’s wanting to grow old with you. You know, I want us to be the older fun couple who still act like they did their first year of dating and I want to listen to your old lady problems.”

You smack his shoulder.

He chuckles, “while you listen to my old man issues.”

“Something tells me there’s gonna be a lot.”

“Let me finish then we can add the commentary later… I also want to be able to help with the kids more.”

“You already do so much.”

“I know but, I think it’s best if we don’t have a lunch issue 2.0.”

You nod, wiping your cheeks, “that’s very true. You almost got kicked out. They called me to make sure you were who you said you were.”

“I told them not to.”

“Oh, yeah because that always goes well when a strange man they hadn’t actually seen before says “don’t call their mom”. Really, Jake? I mean honestly.”

“Ask her already!” Javy, Bob, Natasha, Bradley, Pete, and Penny shout.

You two turn to see some of the gang standing there, waiting for Jake to pop the question.

“If you don’t do it tonight, you’re doing all my paperwork,” Pete shouts.

“I already do.”

“Yeah, well… then you’ll have more.”

“Can you guys turn towards me a little?” Mickey asks, holding up his phone. “You’re gonna regret it, if you don’t.”

You two do as he asked.

“Perfect, thank you! And… propose.”

“What are we in a movie or something? Geez,” you roll your eyes.

“I’m gonna ask you now.”

“Okay, shutting up now.”

“Will you marry me?”

“Can I think about it?”

“What?” He asks with his eyes nearly popping out of his head.

“I’m joking, you idiot. Of course, I will!” You throw your arms around his neck causing the two of you to fall back.

The two of you start laughing.

You push yourself off him, opting to lay on your side.

“Oh shit.”

“What?”

“Where’s the ring?”

“Right here,” answers Bradley, holding the ring box up for him.

“Give it to me.”

“No.”

“Give it to me, chicken.”

“See that, that right there is exactly why I won’t.”

“I swear to-”

“Shut up,” Natasha snatches the box from him and hands it to Jake. “Don’t be an idiot.”

“I wasn’t,” Bradley pouts.

“Sure, you weren’t.”

Jake lifts your hand up and slides the ring on, kissing your knuckles.

You give him an excited smile, wondering how you got so lucky and he’s doing the same.

Your scooped up before you know it, squealing until you find yourself taller than everyone else. “Guys,” you giggle, “put me down.”

“Nope,” a certain mustached man responds.

“Nat? Help?”

“Mickey’s getting a good shot of you up there,” she says, looking over said pilot’s shoulder.

“We can do a better photoshoot tomorrow. Put me down.”

“Can I have my fiancée back?”

“After the old timer,” Penny pats Pete’s shoulder, “buys a round for everybody.”

You all holler, shouting excitedly.

“Not the whole bar, right?” Pete asks his girl.

She smirks, “no, only a lucky few. I promise… as long as your phone doesn’t wind up on the bar top.”

“You’re a cruel, cruel woman.”

“I’ve gotta be stern when running a bar.”

“I was hoping that wouldn’t apply to me.”

“Alright, one round on the old man then we’re outta here,” Jake announces.

Numerous “aw’s” and “boo’s” come his way.

“We gotta go home and get the kids ready for school.”

“Who knew Bagman could be such a softie?” Natasha adds.

“You couldn’t have done this on a Saturday?”

“Shut up, chicken.”

“I’m just saying, you should have planned better.”

“And we’re out of here.”

You let out a soft chuckle, squeezing his hand as you two exit the bar. “Jake, I wanted to say by to everyone.”

“I did too, but they pissed me off.”

“You’re such an old man.”

He lightly pushes you against the car door, “hey, I’m your old man, gorgeous.”

You smirk, “that makes me your old lady?”

“Or if you prefer, my gorgeous.” He kisses your cheek.

“That’s a bit of an open ending, don’t you think?”

“No because you can add anything you want to it.”

“You’re such a sappy suck up,” you tell him before reaching up to peck his cheek.

“Only for you.”

“I don’t know how they’re gonna react.” You glance over at the front door of your shared home.

"We don’t have to get married right away.”

You look over at him, “Jake…”

“No,” he shakes his head. “It’s not just because of Maryanne and Edwin, alright. I want us to take our time and plan it. Invite the people we actually want to be there because I can tell you no one from my family would actually come. I mean, my sister might but… I want to make this a special day for us.”

“I don’t want to argue about this, even though all I have to say is that I know whenever or wherever we have this wedding it will be special.”

“Now who’s a sappy suck up,” he reaches over the middle console to cup your cheek.

“What are we gonna do if the kids don’t accept this?”

“We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

“I don’t want you to be the one who’s hurt.”

He shakes his head, “I won’t be. If I can be a part of their life in any other way, I’ll do it. And I get their hesitancy towards me. I do.”

“I know you do and that’s so, so nice of you but you don’t deserve to be treated like this.” He rests his forehead against yours, “like I told you, I would do anything to be in their lives.” He pecks the corner of your mouth, “and yours.”

Jake pulls back, staring into your eyes. His thumb brushes back and forth against your cheekbone. “Let’s go inside, yeah?” He knows he can only distract you from your worries for so long.

You nod, not wanting to worry about this anymore. “Okay.”

A month and a half ago…

The credits play across the screen. The sound is off because he muted the TV, wanting to talk to you.

"It happened again," Jake sighs.

You quietly groan to yourself, rubbing your face with both hands before slapping your thighs. You scoot yourself into an upright position, legs still resting in his lap, "I'm sorry, honey. I can talk to them again or-"

"No, it's okay. I- uh-” He gulps, “I was thinking maybe I should go stay somewhere else for a few days."

You shake your head, "no. No, absolutely not."

He doesn’t say anything for a few minutes. "Our kids don’t care about me."

You scoff through your nose, "they do. How could you ever think otherwise?" Your chest puffs out with every breath you take, your vision blurs as tears pool in your water line.

He cups your cheeks, "they're not going to warm up to me because they think I'm trying to replace their deadbeat dumbass of a father, or they think I’m gonna be exactly like him and leave. They’re not ready to trust me."

"They know you’re not trying to replace him," you weakly argue.

"You could be right, but they won't listen to you because you’re mom."

You sniff, "please, don’t leave."

"I'm doing this to save yours and the kids relationship."

"You staying here and being a part of the kids’ lives hasn't changed that."

"But it will."

This is it. It feels like it’s the end of your relationship, but you know it’s not. You refuse to believe that you two won’t find your way back to one another and have a better improved relationship with yourself and the kids. His bag falls to the ground.

You take a step forward and rest your head on his shoulder, silently crying into his shirt, bunching it in your clenched fists, "Jake…"

He shushes you, wrapping his arms around you, pulling you closer. His hand finds its way up to its rightful resting place, cupping your cheek, "hey, look at me. Look at me please.”

You lift your head up, with wet cheeks.

His thumb sweeps across your cheek, wiping away your tears, “you know I love you, right?"

You don’t think you’ve ever heard him sound so emotional (except for when he told you about his past and his family, the day he asked to marry you, when he repeated what you said about moving in, and the first time he said I love you). "Course I do.” You lean in closer, whispering, “I love you so much."

It feels like you’re sharing a secret (which you are about Jake’s departure… from the kids for the time being).

"I'll text you when I make it to my place."

You nod, "okay."

Jake leans down, kissing you, reminding you of how much he loves you. He takes a step back, one hand on your back as he leans over to grab his bag.

You two stare at one another with tears in your eyes (yes, even Jake’s on the verge of crying- or maybe he already is but your own tear-filled eyes blur your vision, preventing you from seeing so).

His hand slides off your back after he opens the door. He steps outside, feeling like a stranger on the porch of his own home. Jake tries to walk away before things could get even more depressing.

You reach out, hand squeezing his bicep, silently pleading for him to stay. “Be careful?”

The corner of his lips tug upward into a farewell cocky smirk, “always am, gorgeous. Always am.”

You watch as he gets in his car and wave him off (breaking your hearts into a million pieces).

Jake disappears from you view and you stand there for a few seconds, unwilling to move because if you do, you’ll be home alone… you’ll be alone.

You close the door, resting your forehead on the wooden frame. Your shoulders shake as you struggle to keep your cries quiet. You raise your hand, covering your mouth; whimpers escape you before you can even try and stop them.

As much as you don’t want to, you make your way to your bedroom. You swear you hear your heart break when you walk in. It doesn’t look like much has changed but you know if you open your dresser drawers and check the closet, his clothes won’t be there. You won’t be able to admire his uniform or shake your head at the way he organizes his sock and underwear drawer.

You try to not to think about the little things you’ll miss while taking of your shoes. You lay down on your side, bending your legs, curling into yourself.

After about an hour of laying down, you text Penny.

SoonToBeMrs.S

Hey Pen Sent Read 1:58pm

PickaPenny

Are you alright? You only say my name when something’s happened Sent Read 2:00pm

SoonToBeMrs.S

All good here. Can you pick up Maryanne and Edwin? Sent Read 2:00pm

PickaPenny

You got it. Sent Read 2:01pm

PickaPenny typing…

“What are you doing here?”

Jake turns around, his shoulders sag, “needed a drink.”

“Why am I getting a text from your fiancé about picking up the kids?” asks Penny.

He gulps, “I- uh- I’m gonna be out of the house for a while.”

“Oh, I didn’t hear you were deployed.”

“I’m not.”

The bar owner looks back at him after giving another customer her drink. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Did you break it off with her?”

“No, God no. Penny I-”

“You what?”

“I’m doing this to save the family relationship.”

“What do you mean?”

“The kids don’t like me.”

“I don’t think that’s true.”

“They don’t listen to a thing I say and when I pick them up from school, they don’t talk to me.”

“Have you tried talking to them?”

“Of course, I have.”

“No, no. Not ask them questions, talk to them about the whole situation?”

“I’ve tried but they won’t put in the effort to listen. And, yeah, I know they’re kids and that’s how they are, but I want them to know that I’m not trying to replace their bio dad and I want them to stop thinking I’ll leave ‘em just like he did. I just- I can’t get through to them. And I’m not going to be the reason they hate their mom for marrying someone they don’t like. I grew up that way. My mom married someone we weren’t all huge fans of, and he didn’t care. He never tried to talk to us, not even after mom died.”

“Jake-”

He takes out his wallet, setting a few bills down. “Don’t tell her you saw me.”

“Fine,” she sighs. “Can you at least tell me where you’re staying?”

“I’ll be crashing on Coyote’s couch for a few days.”

“And then?” He shrugs, “see you around Penny.”

You open your eyes, glancing over your shoulder to see Penny standing there, and jolt. “Jeez!”

“Sorry, hon. I tried to be gentle, but you wouldn’t budge.”

You push yourself up, “sorry. I take it since you’re here, you picked the kids up?”

“No, I left them to run the bar.”

“You’ve been hanging out with Pete for too long. His- whatever is rubbing off on you.”

She scoffs, “oh, please. If anything, it’s me making him less of an old man.” She sits down beside your legs, rubbing your knee in a comforting manner. “I saw him earlier.”

You don’t say anything, your eyes shift downwards.

“He looked really upset.”

“Did he?”

“He already misses you and the kids.”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t give me that fake “I don’t care attitude”. I know you’re upset he’s gone but it’s not like you won’t see him. He just doesn’t want to come between you, Maryanne, or Edwin but he still cares about all of you and wants to help out.”

You wrap your arms around your abdomen, “I know that.”

“Why can’t you two talk it out?”

“I’ve tried to have us talk but no one wants to listen.”

“Okay, okay. Breathe.”

“I am but- it’s all gotten so complicated.”

Penny leaves before dinner time.

You finish preparing their plates, setting them on the dining table. “You two start eating, I’ve got to make sure my makeshift office space is ready after dinner.”

“Where’s Jake? We always have dinner together,” says Edwin.

You freeze, handing the two their utensils. “Oh- um- he’s got- he got caught up with work and won’t be here for a little while.”

“Is he gonna be, okay?” Maryanne asks.

You slowly stand up, giving them a sad smile, “yeah, yeah, he is.” You exit the kitchen.

“Is mama not gonna eat with us since Jake’s gone?” Edwin asks his sister.

“I don’t know, Eddie. I don’t like this.”

“Same.”

“After dinner we can watch a movie. Maybe mama won’t be so busy.”

He nods, “okay.”

“Go pick a movie.” Maryanne pushes her brother towards the living room and realizes what she said. “No Ice Age!”

“Ice Age is a good movie!”

A knock on your door gets you moving faster, you pat your face dry, hoping the bloodshot look will go away soon. “Come in, Maryanne.”

“How did you know it was me?”

“You and your brother have very different knocks.”

“Obviously if you can tell who’s who when we knock. Do you want- were you crying?”

“No, what makes you say that?”

“Your eyes are puffy. Is it because of Jake? Did he make you cry?”

You chuckle, “no, sweetheart.”

“Well, then where is he?”

“I told you; he has a few work things he needs to do.”

“If he’s leaving like dad just tell me, I can handle it.”

You swoop her into a hug after seeing the way her bottom lip quivers. You take a step back, sitting on the edge of your bed. “No, no, no. He’s not leaving. He’s just- he doesn’t want to- he says he wants us to have a better relationship with one another.”

“We already do.”

“You think so?”

She nods.

You sweep the hair covering her eyes out of her way, “what do you think of him?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you like him?”

“I… yeah.”

“Do you not like, Jake?”

“He’s nice and tries...”

“Can I ask you why you two are hesitant on letting him into our life?”

She doesn’t say anything.

“Do you think he’s gonna be like your dad?”

“I don’t want him to leave,” says Edwin from your bedroom door.

You open your other arm, giving him room to squeeze in. “Did you like him?”

“We both do.”

“Eddie!”

“I’m tired of you not telling mama what you mean. We both like him.”

“You do?”

He nods, “uh-huh. But we don’t want him to be like dad.”

“Oh, he wouldn’t-”

“Where is he now?”

“...He’s giving us space because he thinks you don’t like him.”

“We do!” He bounces around, “we do! Call him. Make him come home.”

“We can’t make him come home, if he doesn’t want to,” Maryanne points out. “Can we call him tomorrow?”

“We’ll see.”

“Can we watch Ice Age now?” You chuckle, “I’m not leaving you alone with Jake again. He’s corrupted your movie likes and dislikes.”

The kids run out of your room.

You change into something a little comfier before exiting the room.

Maybe there is light at the end of this tunnel.

Edwin was the first to fall asleep, you went out next, leaving your little girl to be the sole survivor.

She grabs her phone off the side table, going to her camera app. She angles herself closer and takes a selfie with the three of you.

LittleDarlin

*image* Miss you Sent Read 8:39pm.

Jake puts his shirt on, checking his phone before winding down for bed. His heart starts to race a little when he sees it’s from his little girl. He opens the message and his heart melts.

SouthernSavior

Miss you too, darlin Sent Read 8:41pm.

Shouldn’t you be asleep? Sent Read 8:42pm.

LittleDarlin

Eddie put Ice Age on Sent Read 8:42pm.

SouthernSavior

Not a good excuse. Go to bed Sent Read 8:43pm.

LittleDarlin typing… Can you come home? Deleted

LittleDarlin

Night Jake Sent Read 8:45pm.

SouthernSavior

Night darlin Sent Read 8:45pm.

Before Jake turns his phone off and puts it on the charger, he sets the photo as his lockscreen.

Three days later…

A knock on the front door alerts you.

You’re confused until you realize it’s a school day and pop out of bed, running out of your room. You check their rooms, finding neither of them there. “Not in the living room or kitchen,” you gasp. “The kitchen.”

You run in, seeing your kids putting their dishes in the sink. “Was no one going to wake me up?”

“You know Jake takes us to school,” Maryanne argues.

“He does but with everything that’s going on, I didn’t know what we were gonna do.”

“I’m still on school duty.”

You scream, jumping just about ten feet in the air. You bring your hand up, placing it on your chest, “don’t. Do. That.”

“I have to get your heart pumping somehow,” he answers you with that damn cocky smirk you’ve grown to love.

“Yeah, and I can send you to work with a foot up your a-s-s.”

“We can spell,” your daughters chimes in.

“Pretend you can’t.”

“Come on, d- Jake. Let’s go before we’re late.”

The two try to walk past you, until you clear your throat.

“What?”

“Hug your mother, kids,” he says, standing beside you.

Edwin rolls his eyes and sighs in a joking way before launching himself into your arms.

Maryanne walks over to give you a quick hug before dragging her brother outside behind her.

Jake hesitates to place his hand on your lower back.

You turn, almost automatically curling into him. “Hey there, sailor.”

“Still not a sailor but, hello to you too, gorgeous.”

“Can we talk later?”

“Is it a good talk or a bad talk?”

“Depends, are you gonna listen to me or not?”

“When don’t I listen to you?”

You arch your brow.

“Fine, I’ll listen.” He walks to the door when you remember something.

“Oh, wait! Edwin has early day today.”

“What time?”

“Like Thursday.”

He quietly groans to himself, “I won’t be able to pick him up.”

“It’s okay. I planned on picking him up anyway. I just wanted you to know so you’re not sitting and waiting at the school for too long.”

“Are you always this thoughtful?”

There it is again. You give him a sarcastic smile, “are you always a pain in my ass?”

“I’d like to think otherwise.”

“In other words, yes.”

“If that’s what you want to call me then fine.”

A car honk alerts the two of you.

“I gotta go. I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“You can count on it. Bye, Jake.” You lean up and peck him on the lips. You aim to head back into the kitchen when you’re pulled back.

He cups your cheek, pulling you closer, “is this, okay?”

“I’d say it’s more than okay.”

The corner of his mouth tugs upwards, “knew you could never resist me.”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

“Yes ma’am.” His other hand wraps around your waist, bringing you closer to him.

You place your hands on his arms, one hand slides along his shoulders, stopping at the base of his neck. You scratch the back of his neck near the edge of his hairline.

He slightly shivers pulling back; he pecks your pink, wet, and swollen lips. “I gotta go drop them off,” his voice comes out hoarse and quiet.

You nod, “mmhmm.”

“You can kiss later! We’ve gotta go or we’ll be late!”

You cover your mouth, hiding your laughter. “You heard the girl.”

“Hey, I didn’t start this whole thing.”

“Neither did I.”

“Let’s call it a truce and you go take the kids to school.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, hon.”

“Bye, gorgeous.”

You and Edwin do his homework before you put on a movie (yes, Ice Age) for him. You turn your head to see the mess in the backyard.

You sigh, getting up off the couch to clean it up. You were doing good, making a lot of progress until you didn’t.

You fall, landing on your shoulder. You know you’re screwed, the pain radiating in your arm is too much, but you can’t freak out because your baby boy will freak out which won’t solve anything.

You push yourself off the ground (with great difficulty) and enter the house.

“Eds,” you whisper, sitting beside him with your arm close to you.

“Yeah?” he asks, slightly distracted by the movie.

“Can you call Aunt Penny for me and hold the phone to my ear?”

“Why?”

“I fell.”

“Are you okay?!”

You shush him, “breathe, sweetheart. Breathe.”

“Where’s your phone? Where’s your phone?”

“Look at the table beside you.”

“Okay, Penny… Penny… Aunt Penny? Mom wants to talk to you.” He holds the phone against your ear.

“Pen? Hey… can you come over and drive me to the emergency room? I fell and broke something.”

Jake rushes into the emergency center, frantically searching for you with Maryanne holding his left hand. He stops when he sees Penny waving, letting him know where you and Edwin are.

He rushes over to the two of you while the poor little girl is being yanked over to your bed. He makes sure Maryanne can hold your hand and get close to you before he sets his hand on top of your head. “Are you okay?”

“I will be if I can get out of here.”

He checks over you, stopping when he sees your arm resting across your stomach, “what happened?”

“I was in the backyard cleaning up-”

“I told you I would do it.”

“Yeah, and that was before you…” you trail off unsure of how to say it without making it sound mean, ‘before you left,’ yeah, not the nicest thing to say ever.

“You could have called me. No, you should have called me.”

You open your mouth to respond when Penny moves the kids away from the bed, having them sit in the seats (she grabbed earlier) giving you two more room to talk.

He reaches down for your hand without looking, letting you squeeze his hand, knowing you aren’t taking any of the morphine or other pain medication (because you don’t like how you feel afterwards). He leans down, letting you turn your head into his chest, “why didn’t you call me?”

“I didn’t know.”

“Didn’t know what?”

You look up at him through your wet lashes, blinking repeatedly so you can see him. “I didn’t know how we were. After this morning-”

“Hey, hey.” He brushes the few loose strands that cover your face back, “we are never gonna change.” He pecks your forehead before turning around.

He takes a step closer to Penny, whispering, “can you take them somewhere else? Ice cream? Hospital cafeteria? Wherever. I don’t want them to see their mom in anymore pain. I know, Eddie is gonna have a hard time when we get home but I’m not letting them see any more of this.” He pulls out his wallet.

She places her hands on his stopping him, “you don’t need to do that. I’ve got it besides I’ve been wanting to show them a few shells I found the other day.”

He lets out a breath of relief, “thank you.”

“You can thank me by taking care of your wife.” She turns around, facing the two. “Come on, kids. We’re gonna go back to Aunt Penny’s place and look at the few seashells I found, and we can prank Pete. How’s that sound?”

“We don’t want to leave our mom, Aunt Penny,” Maryanne whispers to the older woman.

“I know but Jake thinks it would be smart if you two aren’t stuck in the emergency center for hours.”

The young girl glances over at the two of you, watching how Jake is consoling you and trying to distract you from the pain. She looks back at Penny and nods, “okay. Can we text Jake and ask him when we can go home?”

“Of course, we can,” she holds her hands out for the two to hold.

Maryanne looks back to see nothing but love between the two of you. Maybe she was wrong, maybe Jake won’t be like her dad.

He came just seconds after Penny called him and made sure that both of them could see and touch you.

She feels bad for how she’s been treating him and knows what she needs to do.

“You should have called me,” he whispers into your hair.

“I wanted to.”

“Why didn’t you? You know I would have been there in a second. Well, maybe not a second but,” he smirks but you can see the worry on his face.

You scoff, rolling your eyes, “don’t make me hit you.”

He hums, “it seems to me like you can’t.”

“I can do other things.”

“Oh, yeah. Like what?”

“Well, if I tell you then it won’t be a surprise.”

He sticks his bottom lip out, “come on, you know you want to tell me.”

“No, I really don’t.”

Jake hasn’t removed his arm from around your waist since you were released (after texting Penny).

“You can let go now.”

“I gotta make sure my girl is taken care of.”

“You are by making sure I can get to my car.”

“That was never the plan because that’s a, dangerous and b, penny took your car remember. Seems like you’re stuck with me, gorgeous.”

“Jake,” you start, ready to complain.

“No, no. Don’t give me that attitude. I’m making sure you get home back to the kids safely. End of story.”

You say nothing as he opens the door for you, letting you take your time getting the car.

Once your seated, he helps you with your seatbelt before running to the back, grabbing a pillow to place under your arm (that’s in a secure sling) but that doesn’t stop him.

The drive back to the house was quiet, at least, between the two of you, there was music softly playing filling some of the silence.

He jogs around to the other side of car, opening the door. He reaches in to unbuckle the seatbelt.

You scoot to the edge of the seat, swinging your legs out of the car. Jake holds his hand out for you to take. You slap your hand on his, “I’m gonna need a little help getting out. Take the pillow, first.”

He carefully removes the pillow, tossing it to the driver’s seat. He lets you push yourself out before he wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you closer.

You take a deep breath, staring at his collarbone (since your eye level with it), your eyes slowly trail up his neck, past his jawline and cheekbone.

It feels like you’ve lost your breath as you stare into his eyes, reminding you of when you two first started dating.

He moves your hand onto his shoulder before sliding his other arm to your waist, pulling you closer to hug you. He rests his head on your shoulder before tucking his head into the crook of your neck.

You slide your hand across his shoulder, stopping at his neck, brushing your thumb vertically against the base of his hair, feeling the top of his spinal cord.

The two of you wet the others shoulder with your salty, relief ridden tears.

He pulls back, staring at you without wiping his cheeks.

You reach up and wipe away his tears.

He does the same for you. “Let’s get you inside, yeah?” He removes one arm to close the car door, locking it right after.

He unlocks the front door, gently shoving you inside, following after you.

You let out a quiet breath of relief, you were scared he was going to leave after hugging you.

The kids run out of the living room, stopping in front of you.

You bend down, letting them hug your good side with Jake telling them to be careful and not tug your neck.

Maryanne steps away from you, telling Jake to bend down. She wraps her arms around his neck, giving him a hug.

Edwin does the same.

You wipe your cheeks, not wanting to cry even though this is what you’ve been waiting for.

Three months later...

Maryanne stands in front of you, “mama?”

“Yeah, baby?” You turn to look at her, seeing how she looks down at the ground. You furrow your brows, “what’s wrong? Are you feeling, okay?” You place the back of your hand on her forehead. She pulls your hand away from her forehead and shakes her head. “Did you break something?”

“No... I want to do something for Jake.”

You nod, smiling (happy to know no one’s hurt or sick). “Okay, like what?”

“I- we want to do something for him for… Father’s Day.”

The smile slowly falls from your face, “oh,” you gulp. “Did you two have something in mind? And know that just because we’re getting married doesn’t mean that you have to do anything. I know we’ve had a hard time adjusting with one another,” you move the few strands of hair that fell off her face. “He would be happy with anything whether we do something or not.”

She pouts, “I know but we want him to know that we like him and- and that we want him to be our dad.”

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

“Can he adopt us?”

You lift your hand up, covering your mouth, shocked at her surprising request.

“Mama?”

You shake your head, blinking your eyes rapidly to prevent the tears from falling. You wrap your arms around her shoulders pulling her in for a tight hug. “Oh, my sweet girl.” You detach yourself from her, holding her by her shoulders, “that is more than okay, sweetheart. And you’re sure this is something you and Edwin want?”

She nods as a smile tugs at the corners of her lips.

“We should start now if we want it ready by then huh?”

The wedding was a small one with only Jake’s fellow pilots, WSO’s, and other navy members invited. You both invited his sister, but she was pregnant with baby number four and was unable to fly over.

She was kind enough to call and say that she and her husband would drive over, but it’d take too long for them to arrive. You assured her that it was okay, and she would be missed (you were so close to getting to hear embarrassing stories about pre-pilot Jake).

You didn’t let Jake see you before the wedding (much to his displeasure).

You walk down the aisle with Penny and Amelia walking you down the aisle. When you asked the girls, it easily became one of the most emotional moments when it came to planning the wedding, but you have no regrets (even if the few photos of you three walking down the aisle were of the Benjamin girls crying the entire time).

It was something else when you two were married by Pete.

And, of course, Maryanne was the most adorable flower girl ever making sure used all the petals in her basket and Edwin was a handsome ring bearer.

Thank God you didn’t assign anyone with this task because when Mickey and Logan were asking you a while ago, they showed you the website where you could rent a bear. Of course, this was a joke… you hoped anyway but they did redeem themselves by helping out with all the guy’s suits (after giving them the “mom” look).

Almost everyone- that’s a lie, everyone was crying, no matter how hard you tried not to, you did.

The water works got worse when Jake gave his vows. The man may be cocky as hell, but the man knows when to put his heart and soul into something.

Jake could barely keep his hands to himself when Pete said, “you may now kiss the bride.”

“More like devour the bride,” Bradley mutters. Jake pulls back, needing air, knowing you need the same.

“Can it chicken, you’re just jealous.”

The mustache man scoffs, prepared to say something else when Javy pulls him off to the side, handing him a drink. “To the happy couple!”

Javy and Bradley are the first to raise a glass. “To the happy couple!”

“To my stunning and gorgeous wife,” he whispers in your ear.

“And to my charmingly cocky husband.”

“I see how it is. I compliment you and you insult me.”

“It’s all part of my charm.”

“You weren’t this mean when we first started going out.”

“I didn’t want to show you my dark side.”

“Sure, you didn’t.”

“Okay, enough you two,” Penny takes your drinks from you two, “it’s time for the first dance.”

You let out a dramatic sigh, “if we must.”

“Prepare to have your heels knocked off your feet.”

You place your hand on his shoulder, “play on the usual phrase, I see you’ve been studying with Edwin.”

He smirks, “’course I have. I wanted to impress you.”

“Oh,” you chuckle, “impress me? I see.”

“No more talking, more dancing.”

The song ends and you feel light tugging and look down to find your babies standing there.

“Looks like it’s time for family’s first dance,” DJ Bob announces, adding airhorns.

“I’m never letting baby on board DJ for us again.”

“Oh, c’mon, he’s doing good. Leave him be,” you tell your husband.

“This is a special request coming from the shortest guy here this evening and no, I’m not talking about Fanboy.”

Reuben, Natasha, and Billy cover their mouths to prevent them from spitting out their drinks.

Pete, Penny, Amelia, and Callie shake their heads.

Logan and Bradley shake their heads.

Javy and Bringham hold Mickey back from going after a power-hungry DJ Bob and Neil grabs the camera before the photographer of the evening, can drop it.

An Ice Age remix comes through the speakers and you three look down at Edwin, who innocently shrugs, “what?”

You and Jake glance back at one another and shake your heads, dancing until your feet begin to hurt.

Javy and Bob help back the car with wedding presents while Jake puts the kids in the back, letting them get comfortable and fall asleep.

“Thank you, boys.”

Javy gives you a rare, sweet smile, “anything for the newly Mrs. Seresin.”

Your lips quickly tug into an upward smile, “I haven’t heard that yet.”

“It feel weird?” “You know what? It doesn’t.”

“What doesn’t?” The man of the hour asks.

“Nothing.”

“And… we’re done. You two ready to go?” Bob interrupts.

“We are. Are one of you driving the car back to our place?”

“No, we’re gonna leave it here for the racoons to rip open and bring to you later tomorrow.”

“Just because you’re Jake’s friend, doesn’t mean that I won’t hesitate to kick your ass, Machado.”

Your husband wraps an arm around your waist pulling you back, “okay and that’s enough excitement for one day.”

“We’ll see you two there.”

Bob waves to you with his usual, adorable smile dancing across his lips.

You wave back before Jake holds you against the passenger door. “How do you feel?”

“Like I’m walking on air, husband of mine.”

“Glad to know I’m not the only one. Let’s go home.”

The day after the wedding…

You and Jake sit beside one another on the couch, looking through your wedding album, taking a break from opening presets.

“Aw,” you point to the photo Maryanne sent him a while ago. “When did we take this?”

“Our little darlin’ sent me this when we were- uh-” Jake scratches the back of his head, “away from each other.”

“Oh… why didn’t you ever show me this? Send it to me.”

“Can I never have a cute family photo for myself?”

You sigh, “I suppose you can.”

He shakes his head, “don’t you be trying to guilt trip me now, gorgeous.”

“Me? Guilt trip you, never.” You flip to another page, “wow!”

“Guess the kid is as good with a camera on the ground like he is in the air.”

“Yeah, I’ll say. We are so using him for the kid’s birthdays.”

You can feel the vibrations of him chuckling behind you.

“Guess that means we save a few bucks.”

“Don’t tell me now that we’re married, you’re going cheap on me.”

He scoffs, “never… I just didn’t expect Fanboy to be so good.”

“Wow, no wonder he was hesitant to ask me.” You shake your head, setting the album on the table and see the last gift on the table is the big one. “This one is from the kids, but we have to wait until they wake up.”

“What?” Jake whines.

“Please,” you plead.

“Fine, fine. Stop giving me those “sex” eyes.”

You scoff, “I am not giving you “sex” eyes. If anyone is giving those eyes, it’s you.”

“Wow!”

“I know, it sucks when your words come back to bite you in the ass, right?”

“I know something else that can bite you in the ass.”

“God! We just got married and it’s like you’ve become ten times hornier within twenty-four hours.”

“You just have that effect on me, gorgeous.”

“Did he open it yet?” Maryanne asks, scaring the shit out of you two.

You and Jake scream, the latter lets out an oof. “What happened? Are you okay?”

He shakes his head, holding his stomach, “no.”

You cringe, realizing what you did. “Oh, honey. I’m sorry, are you okay?”

“My poor, beautiful abs.”

You scoff, smacking his arm, “you’re fine.” You turn to look at the kids, “and no he did not. I wanted you two to be here with us.”

They run over to the couch, sitting on each side of him.

You grab the rectangular, thin box, handing it to him.

“You not gonna help me with this one?”

You shake your head, trying to hide your smile, “no, this one’s all you, honey.”

He narrows his eyes at you before looking back at the gift, ripping the gift open. He tosses the box to the side, holding a large manilla envelope. He stares at it with furrowed brows, “what-”

“Just open it,” you tell him.

He carefully opens it, pulling out the document. He starts to read it, “what-” his voice cracks. Jake scoots forward, setting everything on the coffee table so he can cover his eyes.

“Aw, honey,” you start.

The kids stare at you with wide eyes, unsure if this is a good reaction or not. They scoot off the couch, standing in front of him, wrapping their arms around his shoulders.

He returns the gesture. “I know we had a hard time gettin to know each other in the beginning,” he lifts his head, staring back and forth between the two, “but did you two really have to make a grown man cry?”

“We made you cry?” Your daughter asks.

“You should have been worried if I didn’t cry.”

“Fair point.”

You rub the back of his shoulder.

He looks back at you, “how long have you known about this?”

“Too long. I’m just happy your late/ early Father’s Day gift finally made its way to you."

“This is a- okay, new rule, give the old man a little warning so I have time to prepare myself.”

“Nah,” you shake your head, “this is better. We get the raw emotions.”

“Shut up,” he shoves your thigh.

You smile, leaning back against the couch.

“Let’s a movie… not Ice Age,” he pulls Edwin closer, “whispering”, “we’ll watch it when the girls aren’t here.”

The young boy nods, giggling, “okay.”

Maryanne settles in on your side with Jake on your left, an arm wrapped around your shoulders and Edwin on his left.

“Oh, wait. We need popcorn,” says your daughter.

“Let’s go.” Edwin pulls her into the kitchen, preparing the movie snacks.

He pulls you closer.

“I told you they like you.”

He doesn’t say anything for a few seconds, “okay, maybe you were right.”

“I was so right, darlin.”

“Look at you trying to copy my accent.”

“Honey, I pull that accent off better than you.”

“Oh, is that how we’re playing it?”

“You bet.”

“How about we cut this competition short?”

“Oh, yeah. How’s that-”

He cups your cheek, pulling you in for a kiss.

“We’re done- ew!”

You can’t help but smile as you two part from one another.

“Alright, kids. Settle in,” he tells them.

They return to their previous seats.

You rest your head against his shoulder.

This is exactly how you pictured it, the family life with Jake.

Prev // Next

TGTBATWOI Master List

Taglist: @abaker74 @ebonyhogan24 @shanimallina87 @starkleila @kurtkunkle17

487 notes · View notes

crazyk-imagine · 2 years

Text

Tug at the Heart Strings

Pairing: Natasha “Phoenix” Trace x Pilot!fem!reader x Robert “Bob” Floyd, Pilot!fem!reader x Jake “Hangman” Seresin (they go out once but are friends)

Characters: Pilot!fem!reader, Natasha “Phoenix” Trace, Robert “Bob” Floyd, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, Jake "Hangman" Seresin, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Callie "Halo" Bassett, Bringham "Harvard" Lennox, Logan "Yale" Lee, Reuben "Payback" Fitch, Javy "Coyote" Machado, Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia, Neil "Omaha" Vikander, Billy "Fritz" Avalone, Beau "Cyclone" Simpson, Doris (the sweet old lady next door), Henry (Doris’ “friend”), Diane (the nurse)

Warnings: Angst, fluff, happy ending, cursing, flirting, Jake and Javy don’t realize they made innuendos about the gym (no regrets), Javy shouts something he shouldn’t have (still talking about the gym), drinking, drinking and driving (big no no), heartbreak, tears, drama, friends fighting, close call with death, Rooster and Coyote activate their big brother modes

Word Count: 10,553

*Reader’s callsign is Blue

Requested on Ao3: Can you please do another Phoenix/reader/Bob, where Phoenix and Bob like the reader, but the reader is oblivious. Then Hangman is trying to steal the reader from them, hence a lot of tension. But in the end Phoenix and Bob win. Thank you so much :D And they’re scared of being rejected, forgot to add that

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You turn around to pick up your noisy phone off the edge of your bed. You regret putting the sound on.

Princess Phoenix calling… Answer □ Decline □

You smile, shaking your head at your previous (absurd) thought. “Hey, Natasha. What’s up?” You put her on speaker, setting your phone back on the bed as you look for a shirt in your closet.

She sighs, “I’ve told you, call me Nat.”

“I know,” you pout, “but you have such a pretty name.” You imagine a smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

“I guess I should say thank you then.”

“I think that would be appreciated,” you joke.

A faint whisper comes through, you know it’s Bob talking to her.

“Uh- hang on.” She puts herself on mute.

“Okay,” you whisper, figuring that neither one of the two are listening, too engrossed in their conversation.

“What is it?” She asks, watching Bob struggle with the buttons of his shirt.

“Are you-”

She shakes her head, “no, I’m not going to ask her over the phone.” She steps in front of him, buttoning his shirt for him. “Besides we don’t even know if she likes us and I’m not going to put us through that mess and potential heartbreak. If she likes us then- she- we can-”

He watches her become flustered and wipes her hands on his pecks, straightening his shirt. He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, “I- uh- I was going to ask if you were going to get dressed soon,” his voice lowers down an octave, he whispers, “you’re still in your towel. It’s been an hour since you took a shower.”

She removes her hands off him, “oh.” She looks down to see he was right, she’s still in her towel. She nods, gulping, “I’ll start getting ready now.”

Bob adjusts his pants, zipping up his fly.

Natasha tries to go to the bathroom when Bob stops her. “You’re still on the phone with her.”

“Crap!” She runs back to her phone, pressing the unmute button, “are you still there?”

You let out a quick scream, throwing your arm out to catch yourself before you fall over.

Natasha raises a brow, glancing over at Bob who’s picking out a pair of socks for the two of them.

He turns around at the sound of your scream.

The two raise a brow, concerned about you. “Are you… okay?”

You huff, pulling up your jeans, adjusting your pant legs, “yeah, yeah. I’m fine. I was- oh crap- I’m trying to pull on,” you grunt, “my jeans and I forgot we were on the phone.”

“Oh.” They zone out for a second, imaging you in a more… romantic and sultry scenario.

You pull up your zipper, sighing in relief. “Yeah, sorry. Uh- why you call?”

She clears her throat, shaking her head, ridding her mind of any inappropriate thoughts she just had. She stands in front of hers and Bob’s shared closet. “I wanted to see if you wanted Bob and I to pick you up?” She grabs the outfit left hanging the closet, courtesy of Bob.

“I think Jake’s picking me up.” Natasha bites her tongue with a clenched jaw. She turns around, tossing her clothes on the bed.

He gestures for her to keep talking.

“Bagman’s picking you up?”

You nod, grabbing your purse, “yeah. He doesn’t live too far from here and thought it would save me from gas if we carpooled.”

“He said he wanted you to save gas? He actually said that?”

“Yeah… Should I have said no?” You ask, confused by her weird behavior.

Bob takes the phone out of her grasp, “no, no that’s- that’s nice of him.”

“Hi, Billy Bob,” you greet him with a smile.

He chuckles, “hey, pretty girl.”

“What happened to Natasha?” He turns, glancing over at the half-closed bathroom door, knowing she’s annoyed.

“She’s- uh- she still has to get ready.”

“Oh, right.” Your phone dings, “hang on.” You pull your phone away from your ear, checking to see who’s texting you, it’s Jake.

Toothpick Punk

“Five-minute warning” 5:24pm Sent. Read.

“Ah, crap.” You bring your phone back to your ear, “hey, I gotta go. Jake’s almost here.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Bye, I’ll see you two soon, right?”

“Yeah, we’ll see you soon pretty girl.”

He sets her phone on the dresser before heading towards the bathroom. He pushes open the door, leaning against the doorway, watching her.

“Is she on her way to the bar?” Natasha asks, spraying on her perfume (gifted to her by you on her birthday a few months ago).

Bob shrugs, “I assume so, she said he’s on his way to her place.”

She grinds her teeth, preventing herself from saying anything bad about Jake.

The WSO sighs, walking behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “At least we know she’ll get there safely.”

She scoffs, “she’s gonna be in a car with Bagman. All he’s gonna do is flirt with her on the way there.”

“Yes, but she won’t know he is.”

“You can’t think she’s that oblivious to his flirting.”

He rests his chin on her shoulder, staring at her in the mirror, “she doesn’t seem to notice when we do it.”

“You mean when I do it.”

He averts his gaze, finding the sink to be more interesting. “I- I flirt.”

She raises a brow.

“I try, at least,” he mumbles.

She doesn’t say anything.

“Okay, I want to flirt but I end up saying the opposite of what I think.”

She reaches up, patting his warm cheek, “it’s okay. It’s cute.” She pecks his cheek, removing his hands from her waist.

He walks out of the room, searching for his shoes.

Natasha finishes what she needs to do in the bathroom and walks out as he slips his shoes on.

“Were you half-dressed the whole time?”

She chuckles, shaking her head, “you just now noticed? Now you’re wondering how much time we have left, huh?”

“N- no,” he denies.

“You’re such a liar.”

“I’m not.”

“Really? Tell that to the bulge in your pants.”

He mutters something under his breath as he makes his way to the bathroom.

You lock your front door and jog towards the car, knowing Jake would pull away if you didn’t make it to the car on time.

You’ll never forget when he did that when he picked you up for everyone’s birthday (except for Bradley, Jake, Natasha, Bob, and Javy because you drove them).

The door opens. You slip in, closing the door as Jake greets you.

“Hey, sweetheart.”

You buckle your seatbelt, “hi!” You glance back over your shoulder, “Hey Javy.”

He leans forward, resting his chin on the part of the seat near your shoulder, “hey, sweetheart.”

Jake shakes his head, “no, no. That’s my nickname for her. Find your own.”

“Find your own,” Javy mimics as he leans back into the seat.

You cover your mouth to hide your laughter.

And now you’re on your way to the Hard Deck.

Jakes fills the silence, “You find that funny, don’t you sweetheart.”

You snort through your nose, “shut up.”

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

“I think everyone would.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

Javy shakes his head and opens the message app on his phone to text Jake.

Big Bad Coyote

“You sound like an idiot” 5:32pm Sent. Read.

Big Bad Coyote typing…

“She doesn’t” Deleted. “You don’t” Deleted.

Javy shakes his head knowing none of this will end well when Jake talks to you later. All he can do right now, is hope no one gets hurt… too bad. He knows there’s a high possibility that something’s gonna happen, he prays it won’t affect the relationships that have been made, platonic and not. He smiles, listening to your banter, it took the two a while, but they finally got you to open up and it’s been great.

You don’t wait for either of the men to open the car door for you, much to the blond toothpick lover’s annoyance.

“How many times have I told you to wait for someone to open the door for you?”

“And how many times have I replied with a “I’m a big girl who can open a door that clearly gets too impatient to wait on your ass”? Huh?”

He takes large strides, wanting to get closer to you as fast as he could. His eyebrows rise closer to his hairline in confusion, “that’s the first time you’ve said that.”

You nod, realizing that this is the case. “Yeah, well, now you know.”

Another car door slams shut.

“Don’t you walk away from me.”

“I can’t hear you,” you say before swinging the front door of the bar open.

“Hurry up.”

“I can only move so fast,” Javy complains to Jake.

“Well, then move faster.”

“I would if you didn’t make me do more than I could handle yesterday. My thighs and ass are sore man.” “You weren’t complaining yesterday.”

“That’s because I didn’t realize how bad it was gonna be later.”

Jake rolls his eyes, locking his car.

“Don’t you walk away from me. My ass is on fire because of you!” Javy shouts the last part as the blond opened the door.

Half of the customers in the bar turn to see what’s going on.

Jake turns to Javy with a clenched jaw.

The latter snickers when he realized what he did, he pushes past his friend.

“Hey, you guys,” you greet Callie, Logan, and Brigham, setting down the drinks you got onto your usual table.

The three wave back, saying their “hello’s” and return to their game of darts.

The two finally make it over to you (after passing through a crowd of whistler’s),

Jake immediately snatches a beer off the table.

“So, are you two,” you cover your mouth as you snicker, “lovers on the down low?”

The blond had barely swallowed his first sip as he glares at you.

You bump your elbow with Javy’s.

“Yeah, and my name is Theodore K. Mullins and Jake is my lover on the down low.”

“I didn’t come here early just to hear you two fangirl and quote “New Girl”.”

You roll your eyes, “whatever.” You interlock your arm with Javy’s, “c’mon.”

“Now where are you two going?” Jake asks.

“We’re going to play pool before you get too cocky and steal the cue stick from people.”

“I don’t do that.”

“Liar. You do it to Billy Bob all the time.”

He scoffs, shaking his head trying to deny the truth.

Javy’s lips tug upwards, he turns, looking over his shoulder to give Jake a confident smirk before turning back to you. “I think I’m the one who should be worried. You forget, I’ve seen you trick people.”

You shake your head with a quiet scoff, “I don’t trick people. I win bets, those who play against me never ask if I’m good or not, they just assume. So, I win and that seems to shut them right up.”

He shakes his head, racking up the pool balls.

You take the cue stick from Jake, who smiles. “Thanks.”

“Where’s mine?” Javy asks.

The man closest to you turns with a frown and furrowed brows, “get your own.”

“Oh, c’mon.”

You don’t notice when another one of your friends (and fellow pilot) enters the bar, watching the three of you (specifically the way Bagman is being all sweet on you).

He pulls out his phone, dialing his best friend’s number.

Natasha and Bob are barely getting into their car when her phone starts buzzing. She holds her phone up to see it’s Rooster calling.

Bob answers, holding the phone to put him on speaker.

“Are you guys on your way?”

“Yeah, I’m pulling out now,” Natasha answers him.

“You better hurry.”

“Why?”

“Bagman is trying to flirt with your girl.”

Bob lowers his gaze, checking his own phone to distract him from what he hears.

She clenches her jaw. “Who?”

“We’re playing that game tonight. Seriously? I already know how you two feel about her, stop denying it.”

“I’m,” she sighs, “is she flirting back?”

“Does she flirt back when you do it to her?”

“No, but-”

“But nothing! She likes you, she just- she sucks at understanding when someone flirts with her.” She smirks (already knowing the story because you’ve told her), “why do you sound like you know from experience?”

“… it was different. I did it for you guys.”

“Sure, you did.”

“I was trying to figure out what made you two like her so much.”

“And did you?”

“Kind of. She’s kicking Javy’s ass at pool right now. Oh,” he groans.

“What?”

“I don’t want to say.”

“Is Bagman staring her ass?”

“… no?”

“We’re almost there.” She tells Bob to hang up.

You pull your phone out of your back pocket, curious to see if anyone texted you and to keep you from getting bored.

Whenever you get closer towards the end of a game with Javy, he takes (what feels like hours) to take his shot.

You turn on your phone and smile.

Billy Bob

We’re on our way there. Save us a game? 6:05pm Sent. Read.

Pretty Girl

Always. I expect to see YOU play tonight 6:05pm Sent. Read.

Billy Bob

As long as no one takes the cue from me 6:06pm Sent. Read.

Pretty Girl

Don’t worry about that *insert winky face here* 6:07pm Sent. Read.

He chuckles, shaking his head, turning off his phone.

“What was that?” Natasha asks with a playful tone.

“Nothing.”

“What’d she say?”

“She wants me to play a game of pool tonight.”

“That sounds like it could be fun.”

“If I don’t get the cue stick taken away.”

“That won’t happen.”

He glances over at her with a raised brow, “what did you do?”

“Wha- me!? I didn’t do anything. I’m just saying, if she wants you to play, she will. She can be very persuasive when she wants to be.”

“I see the new “it” couple has arrived.”

You perk up at Javy’s words, tilting your head to see past his bicep as Bob and Natasha barely entering the bar. You look up seeing him watching them walk towards you guys and smirk, using this distraction to your advantage, sinking the eight ball into the corner pocket, “ha ha! Suck it, Javy.”

He turns around and raises his arms up, “woah, woah. I have been nothing but nice.”

Too into your head about your victory you don’t notice when Natasha shoves her shoulder into Jake’s as she and Bob pass him.

“You’re such a liar,” Natasha says, resting her hand on your lower back.

Javy nods, “you’re right.”

You two share a smile that holds no tension.

Now this is why you like hanging out with Javy, you two can be as competitive as you want but it’s all in good fun, there’s no real competition.

You lean into her side ever so slightly.

She leans down, whispering, “I see you’ve been winning all on your own.”

“Am I? I didn’t notice.”

“You’ve got one too many tricks up your sleeve, huh?”

You shake your head, “I wouldn’t call them tricks.”

She tilts her head, a hint of amusement twinkles in her expression, “then what would you call them?”

You turn to Bob, “what would you say I’m doing? Am I tricking people?”

“I don’t want to pick sides.”

“You wouldn’t be picking sides.”

“I’m gonna go get a few more drinks. I’ll be back.”

You pout.

“Don’t pout, you’ll get wrinkles.”

“Of course, you’d worry about that, Bagman,” Natasha sneers.

He raises his arms in a defensive manner, “I’m just saying. Don’t you to lose your pretty looks, sweetheart,” he winks at you.

“Really, Jake?” You give him a deadpan expression.

You don’t notice but when you said his name, the gorgeous woman behind you slides her hand along your lower back to rest her hand on your hip as she pushes herself against you, not too much for you to look back though.

Bob returns, setting the drinks and his peanuts down on the table. He turns to find the tension between Natasha and Jake increased in the short time he was gone.

“Let’s play,” Jake says with a smirk.

“You’re on.”

You hand Natasha the cue stick you were using before you step out of their way.

Bob comes to your rescue and guides you over to where he’s sitting.

“Thanks.”

He smiles, “it was nothing.”

“Have you watched anymore?”

He shakes his head, “I’m trying.”

“Where’d you stop at?”

He scratches the back of his head, “I’m still on season one but- uh- I think it was episode twelve?”

“Okay, perfect.” You take your phone out of your back pocket and take the stool out of Bob’s grasp, setting it closer to him. “Come closer. We’re watching it now.”

“How?”

“I downloaded the first season. When I told you and Natasha about it, I found myself wanting to watch “New Girl” again.” You wrap a napkin around his soda before setting your phone against it. You turn to ask, “you ready?”

He looks into your eyes, finding himself getting lost in them, the same way he does when he looks at his girlfriend.

“Bob?”

He blinks, once, twice, “yeah, yeah. I’m- I’m ready.”

You smile while pressing play, “good. This one is a funny one.”

Natasha is quick to end the game with Jake, obviously winning. She smirks, walking behind him to hand Javy the cue stick. “How’s it feel to lose to a woman?”

“I don’t know,” he places a toothpick in mouth, “tell me when you find one.”

She squints her eyes at him. “Whatever.” She turns around, looking for her boyfriend only to find the two of you cuddled beside one another.

The sight warms her heart and makes her forget about the insecurities she and Bob share when they think about asking you out, just the thought of you rejecting them is- it tears them down and puts them in a slump.

She sets the cue stick on the pool table, stepping towards the two of you when the blond, toothpick punk beats her to you.

Jake leans in, resting his hand on your back. “Can I talk to you?”

You pause the show, exiting the app so you can turn off your phone. You turn in your seat, your knee nudges his hip, “yeah, sure.”

“Come with me,” he holds your hand, pulling you away from WSO.

You quickly turn your head to Bob, “I’ll be back in a minute.”

He nods, his small smile turns into a pout as you get dragged outside.

Natasha takes the seat you previously occupied, “what was that about?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do either of you know what that was about?” Bradley asks, sitting in front of the two of them, taking a sip of his beer.

She turns to look at him with a raised brow, “why do you sound like you know something?”

He stops, slowly lowering his drink from his mouth. He nervously licks his lips once, “uh- why- uh- why would you say that?”

“You do know something. What is it?”

“I don’t want to say.”

“What are you gossiping hens talking about?” Reuben asks.

“Funny,” Bradley mumbles, looking down at the suddenly interesting table.

“Rooster, here, was just about to tell us why Bagman dragged Blue out of here?”

“You don’t think it has anything to do with their date, do you?”

The couple don’t move for a few seconds.

“Their what?” she asks.

“I feel like I shouldn’t have said anything,” Reuben says, noticing the looks on their faces.

“You think?” Bradley adds.

“They went on a date?” Bob asks with a sad tone and a frown.

“What did you want to talk about?” You ask him, staring at the ocean before glancing over at him.

He sighs, you can see the way his shoulders sag.

“Are you okay?” You place your hand on his bicep.

Jake stares at you and leans in.

Your heartbeat speeds up, you start panicking internally. You shove his shoulders.

He jumps, taking a step back, not at all expecting this to be your reaction. “What just happened?”

You open your mouth to respond but find yourself tongue tied.

“I thought last night went well. Did you not-”

“I’m sorry!” Your eyes widen, you cover your mouth to prevent yourself from shouting out another response.

“I feel like I should be the one apologizing.”

“No, no you were- it was- God, why is this so hard? I mean I had fun. I did have a nice time, it was… different.”

“But?”

“It doesn’t feel right.”

“What doesn’t feel right?”

You cover your face, let out a quiet whine, “I don’t know.”

He won’t admit it (out loud) but, he doesn’t like the sight of you crying or losing your mind- whatever is going on with you, he doesn’t like it, end of story. Jakes takes a step forward, carefully reaching for you, bringing your hands down away from your face. He offers you a small anxious smile, “hey there.” He cups your cheek, rubbing his thumb against your cheekbone.

You look into his eyes; this really doesn’t feel right. You take a deep breath.

He leans down, closing his eyes, moving his head closer to you.

You softly call out his name- his real name, not his call sign or the nickname’s you have for him; you’ve done this before but your tone this time isn’t something he ever wants to hear again.

He opens eyes, he knows what you’re going to tell him. He shakes his head, “don’t say it- just- don’t say it, sweetheart. I,” he sighs.

You blink faster than you normally due, trying to prevent the tears pooling in your waterline from falling. You take a deep breath.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

“That’s it, pretty girl. Keep breathing like that, okay?”

You shake your head when you think of them, you don’t like that he called you by this nickname.

He rests his forehead on yours, closing his eyes. “Please,” he begs.

“I can’t- I can’t do this to you. It’s not fair. I shouldn’t string you along and give you hope that I like you and want to keep going out with you. It’s not right. I would rather I hurt you with the truth than kiss you with a lie.”

You feel horrible. You close your eyes, tears trickle down your cheeks, landing on his thumbs.

Even though you’re hurting him, he’s still willing to help you and wipes away your tears.

You reluctantly open your eyes and sniff your nose twice.

He’s crying too.

You reach up to remove his hands from your cheeks. “I can’t be with someone I don’t have feelings for, and I am not going to try and force myself into liking you. You shouldn’t have to be miserable in a loveless relationship.” You wipe his cheeks.

His eyes open wide, “it wouldn’t be loveless.”

You nod, resting your hand on his cheek, “it would be because I don’t love you and I don’t have feelings for you in a romantic way.”

There’s a fire in his eyes, he shoves your arm away from him as if your touch burned him; he angrily takes a step back. “Then why did you go out with me last night? Huh!” He runs a hand through his hair, “I mean, why did you- why would you go out with me when you know you feel nothing for me?”

Your lips quiver, you see more than one Jake. “I don’t know,” you cry out. “I don’t know, and I hate myself for it! I know I said I didn’t want to hurt you, but it looks like I did anyway!” You take a deep breath, sucking in as much air as you could with a snot filled nose, “I didn’t think.”

“That’s all you can say?! You didn’t think?”

“Stop yelling at me.”

“NO! You used me!”

“What? I didn’t-”

“Did you just go out with me so you wouldn’t be alone?”

“Why are you putting words in my mouth?”

“Why aren’t you being honest with me?!”

“Because I don’t know what’s wrong with me! I don’t know why I say the wrong things and I don’t know why I agreed to go out with you. I don’t even know why you like me.” You stand still, realizing why you went out with him.

He huffs, turning away from you so he can walk in the direction of his car. He stops when you continue.

You snap your eyes shut, “I went out with you because I care about you, as a friend. I wanted to see you happy because you deserve to be happy, Jake. I know lying underneath that hard exterior you have, you’re a good guy and anyone would be lucky to see that. I just- I- I never realized that you were flirting with me every chance you got, and I never put two and two together on the fact that you like me. I never never wanted to hurt you.”

He nods, staring back at you with a clenched jaw, “yeah, well? Consider this an end to a friendship. I hope you’re happy and find someone just as selfish as you.”

Your mouth drops open. There’s nothing you can do except blink, staring mindlessly at the ground.

The back door opens, your quick to wipe your cheeks and step around to the other side, opposite of where Jake went.

You cover your mouth when your backs hit the wall. You pull your phone out of your pocket and slide down, taking deep breathes to hide the fact that you’re crying. Your body bounces when you sit, crossing your legs, feeling the need to curl up.

‘Someone just as selfish as you. Selfish as you. Selfish as you.’

‘Am I really?’

Bradley steps away from the, now, depressed couple. He sighs, this isn’t how he wanted anyone to spend their night. He catches something moving in the corner of his eyes, he turns his head finding Jake speed into the bar, the door slamming behind him.

He moves to the bar, a few women that had been ogling him earlier immediately flock to him. He doesn’t push them off and wraps his arms around the two but, there’s something missing.

Where the hell-

“I gotta go,” Bradley says, setting down his drink. He briskly walks outside, searching for you. He looks to the side, holding onto the wall as he searches for you in the dark.

The hard sniffles tell him he might be in the right area.

He steps past the corner, squatting beside you. His lips thin, he sighs, reaching for you.

You let out a quiet scream, smacking his shoulder.

He falls and your quick to spit out your apologies.

“Oh, man. I’m sorry, Bradley.”

He pushes himself up with a chuckle, wiping his shoulders, he sits beside you.

You scoot closer, resting your head on his shoulder.

“You wanna go home?”

You nod, “but, I don’t have my keys.”

“Never fear, Bradley is here.”

You let out a quiet snort.

He pushes himself off the ground and reaches for you.

You stare up at him with your bloodshot eyes and tilt your head, as if to say, “I can’t go back in there”.

He nods, holding his hand closer to you, “I’ll get your purse,” he rummages through his pocket, “you can sit in my car.”

“How many have you had?”

“I didn’t finish my first drink if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.”

You grip his hand tight as he hauls you up. You two walk to his car, he opens the door, closing it once you settle in the front seat.

He puts his keys in the ignition, rolling the windows down before he jogs back to the bar in search of your purse.

He’s quick to pass Jake, who’s still entertaining a couple of women plus their friends.

Natasha and Bob are playing darts beside Callie, Logan, and Brigham looking like they’re all having fun. He walks by the table and grabs your purse when

Javy steps in front of him. “You taking her home?”

Bradley nods, “yeah.”

“Keep her safe, yeah?”

“Of course.”

“I’m putting a lot of trust into you right now-”

“Wha-”

“She thinks of you like a brother, and I know you’re a good guy. I do. But I also know you and Jake haven’t had a good friendship ever. I’m sure you know, this is gonna be when people choose who they want to stay with, I need you to stay with her. I can’t because he’ll feel like everyone is against him and we need his head in the game.”

“What about Blue?”

“If she has her brother by her side, I know she’ll be able to get through this.” Bradley nods.

Javy steps to the side, giving him room to pass by.

He closes the car door and hands you your purse.

You take it, setting it on the ground as you sniffle.

He turns on the radio, putting it on a low volume knowing you need something to help distract you.

He parks the car in your designated parking spot.

The radios off and your quiet sniffles are the only thing he can hear other than the crickets chirping in the night. “Are you gonna be okay?”

“No.”

“… I meant if you were left alone.”

“Still no but, I’ll manage.”

“You don’t need to do this.”

“Do what?”

“Shut people out.”

“It’d be safer if I did.” You open the door and hop out, leaning in, “thank you for driving me home.” The door slams shut. You turn, walking towards your building.

“Hey, wait- oh god- I’m fine. I’m fine.”

The car beeps, letting the two of you know it’s locked.

“You need some place to crash, right?”

He matches your pace, bumping his arm against yours, “yeah. You know anybody I could ask?” He jokes.

“I know this nice group of older ladies, who meet up for book club every Thursday, and I know for a fact that Doris would take you for a ride.”

You open your purse, pulling out your keys. “Speaking of,” you mutter, hearing the familiar creek of her door opening. “Hi, Doris.”

“Hello, dear. Who’s your scrumptious friend?”

“He’d break too easily for you.”

“At least, he would have fun. Are you alright?”

You turn to her, offering the weakest smile you can make, “I’m fine. Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

“It’s never too late to have fun.”

An older man exits her room, bidding her a goodnight with a peck on the cheek.

“Goodnight, Henry.”

“Goodnight indeed.”

“You two get some sleep. And you,” Doris points to Bradley, who freezes, “you take care of her. She’s well liked here. If anyone of us hear that you or someone else hurt her-”

“Goodnight, Doris!” You quickly walk into your dark apartment. You reach for the light switch on the wall, squinting when the lights turn on.

Doris pulls Bradley down, holding onto his forearm, “you’ve got nice arms, young man.”

“Uh- thank you?”

“Never mind that. You watch out for her, alright? She’s a sweet girl who needs someone to take care of her.”

“We’re not-”

“I know. I know. You are the one she calls her brother. I need you to take care of her.”

He nods, “I will ma’am, I promise.”

She scoffs, “ma’am, so polite but makes me sound old. Anyway,” she pats his arms. “You go in there and lock the door, alright.”

“Yes…”

“Say it.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Doris releases her grip on Bradley and walks into her own apartment, not before she gives him a hard look, so he knows she means business.

He closes the door and locks it, stepping into the living room. “She’s uh- she’s something.”

“Yeah, I know.” You walk down the short hallway, grabbing a shirt and sweatpants. You hold the items for him to take, “here.”

He glances back and forth at you and the clothes. “Take the clothes and go to sleep.”

“I’m not leaving you alone. No more tears are gonna be shed tonight, alright?”

You purse your lips at him and sniff, “fine.”

“Good… I know I just said I don’t want you to be alone, but I’ve got to wash off whatever I sat in when I found you.”

You roll your eyes and smile, “you know where everything is. I’ll grab your clothes and do laundry after.”

“You’re the best,” he pecks the top of your head and runs to the bathroom.

‘Selfish.’

You gulp, turning to look at the TV. “Maybe I can find something stupid to watch.” You grab the remote and search through your numerous streaming devices. You stop browsing, “this could work.”

“I don’t know where to put these.”

You nearly jump out of your skin, “Jesus- fucking- Rooster! You asshole.” You snatch the clothes from him, “your ass is grass.”

“My ass is what?”

“I’m gonna shower, I’ll be back.”

“If I’m asleep by the time you come back, don’t be surprised.”

“I am not gonna take that long.”

“Okay, our stuff is in the washing machine so, now we can watch a movie.”

“What you find?” He asks, stuffing his face with popcorn.

You raise a brow, “glad to see you helped yourself.”

“Me too. What’d you pick?”

“Footloose.”

“The new one or the old one?”

“The old one obviously. Why would I choose the new one? It sucks.”

“I beg to differ.”

“We can agree to disagree. Plus, you got good ol’ Kevin Bacon and his magical gymnastics scene.”

“Yeah, he looks good there.”

You stare at him from the corner of your eye before turning your head in his direction, “I didn’t comment on his looks.”

He briefly pauses mid-bite, “it was implied.”

“Okay… I can’t believe you find him hot.” You giggle as he tosses a handful of popcorn at you.

Once he stops, you start eating whatever landed on your shirt.

“You better clean this up.”

“I am. I am.”

His phone lights up, a text notification, you can’t see who it is and honestly, you don’t want to think about it right now.

You didn’t even bring your phone out with you.

Javy drags Jake out of his friend’s car. “You couldn’t have eased up on the drinks?”

The blond shakes his head.

Javy’s lucky he was able to get Jake in bed before he fell asleep. The man sighs, shaking his head as walks into his room, settling in his bed. He pulls his phone off the nightstand, opening your chat. He knows you won’t want to hear this but it’s all he can do right now.

Big Bad Coyote

“I’m sorry for what he did tonight.” 10:49pm Sent. Read.

“I’m here for you, if you want to complain about Jake.” Deleted.

He sets his phone on the nightstand and rubs his hand over his face. “I hate this.”

Jake isn’t as tired as Javy thought and struggles to pull his phone out of his pocket.

He dials your number. “Hey, it’s- it’s Jake. I didn’t mean it… any of it. I am sorry. I am an idiot and I- oh god.”

He drops his phone and runs into the bathroom.

The remainder of the message contains him groaning and asking if he’s dying.

The next few days were okay.

You were lucky (not really) that you were able to ignore those you’re close to, at Top Gun and on your phone.

You thanked God every day that Rooster stuck by your side (even though you’re sure he’s been telling the others what’s going on).

Today was a rare day when Maverick wanted to do a little one on one even though you’ll be up in the sky with a few of the others.

It seems as though he’s in a great mode and that means you’re his first victim.

It wasn’t bad, everything was actually going pretty well.

You were flying around, practicing a couple of moves you could never quite right. You felt good, better than before. You felt like you were doing pretty good, you’re actually smiling and joking around with Fanboy, Omaha, and Fritz.

Once you successfully completed those moves, Maverick moved onto Fanboy.

You were feeling cocky and thought you could do it again, both engines blow out. You’re doing everything you can to prevent yourself from crashing but, it’s kind of hard when you have people screaming.

“Eject! Eject Blue!” Maverick shouts. “You can’t save it.”

Dammit! You know he’s right.

“Pull it!” The others scream.

You reach up, “I’m…trying!” Your radio starts cutting in an out.

“Pull the ejection handle!”

“I’m… try- stop… me… won’t… scared.” You’re praying for a miracle.

You yank one last time with all that you’ve got: the fear of dying, the adrenaline that’s keeping you going, the anger of you ignoring everyone, the sadness of never seeing anyone again. You don’t open your eyes… you hope you’re still breathing when you touch the ground.

Pete has to stop Bradley from doing something stupid.

“I can’t leave her out there alone.” He shoves his shoulders, “you’ve got to let me go.”

The older man shakes his head, “I can’t do that.”

“You need to move before I do something we’ll both regret.” Pete can see the tears welling up in the young man’s waterline. He sighs, “we’ve already got someone going out there to find her. She needs you here, not running off into danger.”

Bradley grips Pete’s flight suit tightly between his shaking, clenched fists.

The man pulls him into a hug. The older man glances over his shoulder, finding Cyclone standing there.

The two nod at one another.

Pete pats Bradley’s back, “let’s go see her.”

The pilot with the nostalgic mustache enters first, wanting to see you before anyone- other than Cyclone- wait Cyclone?!

“Sir?” Bradley whispers.

The Admiral doesn’t move and continues to sit by your side.

“I’ll talk to you later,” he pats your forearm and pushes himself out of his seat. He leans forward to kiss the top of your head.

“Bye, dad.”

Cyclone stops in front of Bradley, “I expect you to take care of her and watch her back, you hear?”

“Please go,” you whine.

“I need to know my daughter is safe up in the air. I can’t get to you but we both know the risks that come with the job.”

“The risks that come with the job,” you say at the same time.

He nods, “exactly.”

And he’s gone.

“That’s your dad? Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

You give him a deadpan expression.

He glances over at the table beside your bed.

“I didn’t want anyone to judge me based on who my dad is,” you mutter, picking at the blanket.

Javy and Natasha run towards the nurse’s station.

The head nurse, Diane, glances up from her clipboard with a raised brow.

“Where’s Blue?”

“You two know I can’t do that. It’s against regulation.”

Natasha slams her hand on the desk, “screw regulation! Tell us where she is… please?”

Diane sighs, “I know you two want to know where she is and how she’s doing but, I can’t do that.”

Javy gulps, “can you- can you at least tell us if she-”

“She didn’t sustain any life-threatening injuries.”

The two let sighs of relief.

“Can she have any visitors?”

“What did I just tell you?”

“Hey, hey,” Bradley interrupts. “It’s okay. I’ll take it from here.”

Diane narrows her eyes at him, “I told you five minutes.”

“Yeah, but you can’t resist me, admit it.”

“You three have until four, that’s when I switch shifts.”

The three say their thanks and briskly walk to your room.

The door opens, you expect to find Bradley with your water but, it’s Jake.

He awkwardly stands in front of the door after closing it. He reminds you of a little kid getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

“I think you’re in the wrong room.”

He shakes his head, “no.”

“Well- you can see I’m clearly fine now you can turn around and pretend you never saw me, okay?”

“I can’t do that.”

“It’s worked well for everyone else.”

“That’s because you pulled away and stopped talking to all of us.”

“So, I wouldn’t hurt you or anyone else.”

“And you thought pulling away was better?”

You lift your up, covering your eyes like you would if you were protecting your eyes from the sun. “I can’t do this right now.”

“No, you don’t get to do that now-”

“I know!” Your hand flies off your face. The tears stream down your cheeks. “I know! I fucked up but it was better that I be honest with you now than break your heart more later.”

He nods, “you’re right.”

You sniff, “I am?”

“Yeah.”

He moves to sit in the chair closest to the bed, “I’ll admit I didn’t react in the most… respectful way.”

You open your mouth to respond, he holds his hand up to stop you.

“Just- let me say what I need to say, okay?”

You nod.

“I was hurt, it really hit me deep with what you said. I didn’t think it was going to end that way but, I’m glad it did.”

“What?”

He shushes you. “You were right. I just- I don’t know how but I got confused.”

“Confused about what?”

“I- honestly, I don’t know but, I had some time to think about it and you were right. It was better for you to be honest with me and not lead me on and make me think we have something special when we really don’t.”

“Oh.”

“I also said some… things that weren’t entirely directed at you but more so myself.”

“How- what?”

“I said you were selfish but that isn’t true. You told me the cold honest truth and I got pissed… I was- I was scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Losing you.”

“How would you lose me?”

“To those two lovesick idiots.”

“Who?”

“Don’t tell me you don’t know that Baby on Board and Princess Phoenix are in love with you.”

You shake your head with furrowed brows, “n- no they’re not.”

He nods, smirking, “oh, believe me, they are.” He takes note of you expression, “you don’t know.”

“I never- I didn’t. Oh my god. Oh my god.”

“If it would make you feel better, I could say I wasn’t being serious.”

You smack him, “no that wouldn’t help.”

He deflects your hand. “Don’t hit the face.”

You slump back, “I can’t believe it.”

The door opens.

You two look to find Bradley, Javy, and Natasha entering the room.

They rush towards you; the latter grabs your hands. She stares at you with wide eyes as she pets your head, pulling you closer to hug you.

One of the guys lets out an ‘oof’.

You peek over her bicep to see Bob adjusting his glasses. He turns to you and looks relieved.

Jake grabs Bradley and Javy’s necks, forcing them out the door. “We’ll leave you three alone.”

Natasha pulls back, not letting go of your hands.

“Are you- are you okay?” Bob asks, sitting in the chair Jake sat in before.

“I’m… fine.”

“Fine isn’t good. Are you in pain? Do I need to get the nurse?”

You glance over at Bob, pleading him for help with your eyes.

He nods, pushing himself out of the chair, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. He gets her to sit down, moving the bring his chair closer to her. “Breathe.”

“I am breathing,” she says with a clenched jaw.

“If you two want to leave I’d understand.”

Natasha turns to you, an upset expression now present on her face, “and why would we want to leave?”

“So, you two wouldn’t have to sit here feeling uncomfortable.”

“Why would we be uncomfortable?”

“I don’t know,” you whisper, closing your eyes to prevent the tears from falling.

“No, tell me what you mean?”

“I don’t know.”

“I don’t know isn’t good enough. Why did you stop talking to us? To everyone?”

“Nat,” Bob pleads quietly, latching onto her wrist.

She shrugs him off, “no, I need to know. We deserve an answer.”

You clench the blanket between your shaking fists, sucking in as much air as your body would let you. You exhale a cry before fully sobbing, you struggle to breath which leads to you hyperventilating.

Bob is quick to push himself out of the chair, moving beside her so he can pull you into him, resting your head on his chest. He wraps an arm around your shoulders, petting your hair. He looks back at his girlfriend who looks at you with a sense of worry and guilt, when he catches her gaze, he gestures for her to move around your other side.

She crawls in behind you, pulling one hand into hers, squeezing your hand every so often.

Your cries seem to have dwindled, now you realize your smushed between the two. You don’t know what to do.

“Scoot over,” Bob lightly orders, unwrapping his from you.

You pull back with your head down, you don’t want to look either of them in the eye. Natasha moves, resting her head on your shoulder. You bring your knees up, giving the two room to stretch out a little better. Bob settles on the other side of you, he hesitantly places his hand on your thigh. You rest your head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry,” you whisper.

“You shouldn’t be sorry. I am I-”

You cut her off, “I don’t mean about now. I’m,” you sigh. “I’m sorry for what’s been going on between me and everyone.”

“It’s okay," Bob adds.

“You shouldn’t try to diffuse the situation just because.”

“It’s not just because,” he argues. “Yeah, it sucked with you not talking to a lot of us but what was worse was the fact that we didn’t know you had gotten into an accident. Maverick’s been working us in all these different directions and we- we were really scared about you, okay?”

“Okay,” you nod.

“What made you stop talking to us?” Natasha whispers.

“Jake said somethings and I thought they might be true.”

“You listened to Bagman?”

“Nat,” he starts to say.

“I’m sorry but, if we’re gonna be listening to stupid people then we shouldn’t be up in the air.”

You chuckle through your nose, “that’s a thought.”

“Whatever he said isn’t important and not true at all, right?” Bob directs his gaze to Natasha.

“Yeah, you shouldn’t listen to him anyway.”

“He did bring something else up that made me realize something.”

“If it’s something bad about you-”

“Nothing like that,” you shake your head, squeezing her hand. “Promise.”

She nods.

“He said there were a couple of people here who are… in love with me?”

They pause their movements, suddenly scared of how this conversation will end. “And… then… I- uh- I realized I- I feel the same way.”

“You do?” Bob questions, wanting to make sure he and Natasha are understanding you correctly.

“I really do, I just- I never realized it before… even though it was pretty obvious.”

“I take it back; you can listen to Bagman on a rare occasion.”

You hide your face in his arm to hide your laughter.

“Does this mean after you get discharged, we can take you out on a date?” asks Bob.

“If that’s what you two want to do.”

She pushes herself off you, cupping your chin between her thumb and first two fingers, “when you’re given the okay, we’re going on the best date you’ve ever been on. One that tops whatever you think your best date was and then we’re going to ask if you’ll be our pretty girl, okay?” She nods with a certain dominant way.

You immediately nod, staring at her with a slight dazed expression, “yes, ma’am.”

She leans into closer, studying you before she pecks your lips twice, settling beside you once again.

You pout, “that wasn’t fair.”

“Don’t be greedy.”

You turn to Bob and offer him your most pathetic pitiful expressions. “She’s mean.”

“You stayed away from us and didn’t let us see your pretty face.”

Your jaw drops.

“Let’s watch something before nurse buzzkill comes back and tells us to leave,” says Natasha.

You reach over him and grab your phone, opening Netflix so you can continue watch New Girl.

“Did we already watch this?”

You and he shush her. “Can’t we watch a different episode?” You two shush her again.

The nurse opens the door, prepared to tell the two it’s time to pack it up and stop whatever it is your doing but, she can’t.

She rolls her eyes, “kids.”

The door clicks shut, and a tired, groggy Bob sets your phone on the table.

You’re being discharged today, and everyone was practically fighting on who would take you home. You don’t need a babysitter or someone watching over you but that doesn’t stop them from trying.

Pete called for the others and of course, they were reluctant to go, the only one that wasn’t called in was Jake.

Beau enters the room, watching as Jake worries over you and you pushing him away. “Let me,” he steps in, helping you out of bed.

“I can help her from her, sir,” Jake assures your father.

“I hear you but, I’d rather help my daughter as much as I can right now.”

The blond’s brows furrow, “daughter? Where?” He turns to you.

You give him a sheepish grin and a small shrug.

He shakes his head, “no.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“… yes.”

“Seriously?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Afraid so?” Beau chimes in.

“You’re no prize. Everyone here is afraid of you, not counting Maverick.”

“That’s because he’s stupid.”

“Or he has a lot of balls.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Do I though?”

You push his hands away from you, “I can walk on my own.”

“You’re related?”

“Is he still on that?” Beau asks you.

You nod, “he probably won’t shut up about it.”

“I don’t know if I should be concerned with my decision on bringing him here.”

“You definitely should be,” you joke.

“Let me take you home.”

“You have to work.”

“I can take the afternoon off.”

“We both know that won’t happen. I love you dad but, you can’t leave. We can have dinner or something.”

He sighs, “fine but if he,” he points to a flabbergasted Jake, “tries anything you let me know.”

“He won’t but thank you.”

He pulls you in for a hug, squeezing you tight. He leans down, whispering in your ear, “I expect to meet the other two when we have dinner.”

You pull back, “who?”

He raises a brow, “the two that were asleep in your bed.”

You feel hot all of a sudden. “Who- who- there was- uh- no one there- with- with me.”

“I just want to meet them, that’s it.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s your dad?”

You whirl around, poking him with your index finger, “would you shut up.”

“When have you ever known me to shut up?”

You groan.

“We’re gonna be having a party at your place tonight.”

“My place? A party- woah- what?” “Don’t say anything just be there, okay?”

You pout, “do I have to?”

“Yeah, you have to.”

“But do I really?”

“Your lovers will be there.”

Your cheeks feel hot, “don’t say lovers.”

He smirks and whispers, “lovers.”

You squint at him.

He can tell there’s something off with you and takes off running.

“Get back here!” You chase after him.

“No!” He shouts over his shoulder, “you’ll try and hit me. I can’t have you ruining the money maker.”

“But that’s exactly why I need you to stop.”

“Hey there, Mrs. D.”

You sigh, “please don’t make chit chat with my neighbors.”

“What can I say? The ladies love me,” Jake throws a wink in Doris’ direction.

“He’s right, dear. He’s got the moves, let him use them, even if it’s on an old lady.”

“You are anything but old, Doris Day.”

She chuckles, “you two have fun with your small party.”

“Thank you, Doris. You have a good rest of you day.”

“You know I will, good looking.”

You close your door and spin around, surprised to see everyone casually sitting or cooking in your kitchen.

“She’s here,” Javy announces. “Hey, how are you?”

You shake your head, “don’t give me that sympathetic tone. I’m fine. I’m good. We’re here to hangout not have a pity party.”

Javy raises his hands, “fine, fine. No more sympathy.” He glances over at a cocky looking Jake. “Why’s he so smug?”

“Doris-”

“I love her.”

“Everyone does. Anyway, Doris fed into his ego and now he’s lost his mind.”

He nods, “ah.”

“Yep.”

Natasha and Bob move towards Javy, offering small smiles.

Your lips stretch into a wide smile, “hey you two.”

Bradley groans.

“What?” You ask.

“You three are gonna be all sweet and lovey dovey and ugh.”

Natasha smirks, shoving Jake to the side, wrapping an arm around your waist. “You jealous?”

He grumbles with his head down as he walks away.

Jake snickers as he follows after him.

Javy shakes his head, “I’m happy you’re okay.”

You wave him off, “yeah, yeah. Me too, Javy.”

He smiles, turning his head when he hears groaning. Javy sighs, watching as Jake holds his stomach and Bradley stands there smiling like a little kid eating a piece of candy.

“Should we help him?” Bob asks you two.

Natasha shakes her head, “no.” She applies to slightest amount of pressure to your waist, guiding you towards the couch, “let’s sit.”

“I’m not a dog,” you complain.

“I didn’t give you a command,” she leans in closer, whispering, “unless you want me to.”

You hum, “looks like someone’s caught Jake’s cocky bug.”

“I take offense to that.”

Natasha sits on your right, Bob on your left.

“What exactly are we doing here?” You ask.

Mickey and Reuben make themselves comfortable on the floor beside your legs. “Movie night,” the former answers with a mouth full of pasta.

The latter smacks his shoulder, “dude, don’t talk with your mouth full.”

“She asked.”

“Chew your food before you talk.”

“Maybe I don’t want to chew my food before I-” Mickey takes a deep breath, choking on the small amount of food left in his mouth.

His floor buddy slaps his back trying to help him.

You reach forward and raise his arms.

Once he catches his breath and takes a sip of water. “I’m just gonna sit here and not talk,” Mickey says with a raspy voice.

“Here you go,” Bradley holds out a bowl of pasta in front of you, slightly leaning on the couch.

You throw your head back, giving him a wide smile before you start inhaling eating your pasta.

Javy hands Bob and Natasha their bowls before settling down on one of the chairs near the TV.

Bradley and Jake fight over the other open chair.

You snort, watching the two act like children.

“Are you two ever going to stop,” Natasha waves her hand at the two, “whatever that is?”

“I will when Chicken gives me the seat.”

“Like hell I will.”

“Leave them be. They’ll tire themselves out sooner or later,” you tell her. “Oh hey, where are the others?” You ask out loud.

“Halo went to go visit her family,” Reuben answers.

“Fritz and Omaha went out on a double date.”

“Double date? Good for them. What about the other two?”

“Harvard has a bad headache and stayed home, and Yale wanted to go grocery shopping, said this was the best and only time he could go.”

Javy shushes you two, “the movies starting.”

You and Natasha groan. “Why are we watching this crap?” You ask.

“The new footloose is amazing. Do not tarnish its good name,” Bradley says, sitting beside Jake’s legs. “Oh, and Bob picked it.”

“Are you for real?” He nods, taking a bite of his pasta.

You turn to Bob, peck his cheek, and say, “you made an excellent choice, Billy Bob.”

“What if I said I chose it?” Jake chimes in.

“I’d beat you with your bowl.”

“That’s a little harsh, don’t you think?”

“Nope,” you rest your head against Bob’s shoulder.

“It’s starting.”

Numerous complaints echo around the room, all telling Mickey to shut up.

Everyone’s fallen asleep or fighting the urge to close their eyes.

You manage to escape Bob and Natasha’s hold so you can get blankets for everyone.

Javy and Reuben immediately cuddle into their blankets.

Mickey smacks his floor buddy when to steal his blanket.

You set a pillow between the two, hoping that it will stop them from fighting.

You move onto Bradley and Jake, setting their blankets on top of them but you have to angle the former another way or else he’s gonna be kicked in the face.

You set a blanket on Natasha first, watching as she snuggles into it before setting your last blanket on Bob. You grab the pile of bowls and set it in the sink, letting them soak for the night. You try to sneak between the two once again when you see Bob crack one eye open. “Hey,” you whisper, settling in the empty space.

“Where’s your blanket?”

You curl your arms around yourself, “I’m fine.”

He pulls you closer to him, tossing some of his blanket onto you.

Natasha curls into your side, throwing a little bit of her blanket onto you.

“I feel like we should move.”

“What makes you say that?” His breath tickles against your ear.

“Besides the fact that we’re scrunched up on the couch, nothing.”

“Should we?”

“We can. If you want to?”

“Do you?”

A hand grasps yours and Bob’s wrists, pulling you into your room.

You turn around, staring at Natasha. “Get in bed. It’ll be better for us to get some sleep in here.”

You two nod.

“Who’s gonna be in the middle?” You ask, pulling the sheets back.

“You,” she answers.

You three settle into the bed with Bob and Natasha snuggling into you.

Once everyone was awake and their brains were functioning enough, they decided to head home to get ready for a night out.

“Well, well, well,” Jake says, checking you out up and down. “Someone’s dressed to impress.”

You look down, checking out your outfit, finding yourself wearing your usual jeans and shirt combo.

With the heat during summer, it’s best to wear no layers.

You shake your head, preparing to take your shot (after snatching the cue stick from him).

“I’m not dressed to impress anyone. I’m comfortable. And you just lost.”

“Is he hitting on her?” Natasha asks out loud, not aiming her question to anyone specifically.

“He’s just trying to get under your skin,” Bradley says. “Don’t focus on that now.”

She scoffs, “how can I not?”

Bob returns, setting another round down before he starts munching on his snack of the night.

“Do you see this?” She asks him.

“This is their friendship… and he can’t turn it off.”

Bradley snickers into his hand.

Jake loses his smile, his eyes going back and forth between the corner pocket and where you stand. “How- wait- did you take my shot?”

“No, I didn’t.” You walk away, standing before the two with a wide smile. “Hi, you two.”

Throat clearing sounds come from your left, you turn to them with annoyed expression, “and hi, dumbass one and dumbass two.”

“We prefer hunky Hawaiian shirt with a porn stache’ and the sexy Coyote,” Javy replies.

Bradley turns to him with an offended expression. “Why are you hating on my mustache?”

“I’m not but, you honestly can’t blame me for saying that,” Javy tries to defend himself.

“Yeah, I can. I’ve gotten more numbers than you so far, I’d say it’s working like a charm.”

“What do you think would happen to that confidence if I shaved it?” Jake interrupts.

Bradley pushes himself out of the chair, “woah! Woah! Nobody and I mean nobody is shaving it.”

Jake and Javy glance at each other while Bradley runs away.

“Ignore them. How are you two?” You ask.

Natasha grins, pulling you and Bob closer.

You try to pull back, so you don’t smush yourself into him, but she is relentless. You grab both of their wrists and pull them outside, unlocking Bob’s car with his keys (which you stole to put in your purse or else he would have lost them, again).

You open the trunk, making them sit on the blanket you set in the back.

Natasha hums when you settle in between the two, “so this is why you wanted the car?”

“Partly, but I also thought we could leave early and watch a movie back here or maybe we could just stay here until everyone’s done and then we go home, or we could-” You expected her to cut you off from your rambling when you realize your head is turned in Bob’s direction and his (very) kissable lips are moving against yours. You copy his actions, feeling yourself losing your breath. You swear you melt inside.

“Don’t hog her,” Natasha teases as she drags her fingertips against your arm.

He pulls back, “I’m not,” he says against your lips.

You take a moment before you open your eyes, staring up at the two, who are watching you look at them dazed expression. “What was I saying?” You whisper.

Natasha shakes her head, “it’s not important.”

A loud smacking makes the two of you break eye contact with her.

She tilts her head, “did you steal her gum?”

He pauses, staring at her through his lashes (his attempt at an innocent/ puppy dog look), “no?”

“You’re such a liar.”

“I didn’t go searching for it.”

She shakes her head, “whatever.” She turns to look at you, “what’s got you so smiley?”

You shake your head, “nothing just,” you exhale, “I’m really happy.”

She smiles, bending down, pecking your lips, “good.”

“Can we watch more “New Girl”?” he asks.

“You’ve got him obsessed with that show.”

“It’s a good show,” you argue.

“Turn it on.”

Her and Bob settle on either side of you, “ready?”

Bob reaches forward and presses play.

When Bradley and Javy exit the bar in search of you three, they look through the window and find the three of you snuggled together.

Javy nods to his new sidekick.

The door opens, scaring you and Bob.

“What the hell?!” You sit up, smacking the two.

“What?” asks Javy, who’s laughing his ass off.

“We wanted to pop in. Say hi,” Bradley answers, pulling away from you, not wanting to be smacked.

“So much for a quiet night,” you mumble.

“You knew this was going to happen,” Natasha says, still laying down.

“I hoped it wouldn’t have.”

“At least we got to watch a couple more episodes,” Bob adds with a small smile.

You shake your head, hiding your smile.

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