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#natasha 'phoenix' trace fluff
croimilis · 1 year
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2+2
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title: 2+2 
characters: natasha ‘phoenix’ trace  x gf!reader (callsign: dove)
rating: 13+
words: 3k
theme: established relationship, not so secret relationship, and they were roomates, just gals being pals
warnings: fluff, silliness, the dagger squad are idiots, mentions of homophobia, cursing, drinking
summary: 'secret relationship is that which is known to them but unknown to people'
how long does it take a team of aviators to put 2+2 together and figure out their friends are dating?
a/n: just something a little sweet and silly while i work on the other parts of the fly me to the moon series. 
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When you and Natasha first got together, it was long before top gun and even before the two of you joined the navy, you were high school sweethearts falling for one another in freshman year but neither of you brave enough to make a move until senior year after you had both come out to your friend circle, At that point you decided to keep it among your friend group, the pair of you not sure how your conservative military family members would react. 
And then you both enlisted into the navy and saw first hand how being gay and out in the military was not necessarily safe after another member of your basic camp was basically run out due to homophobic bullying, and you both realised that it might be better if you keep your relationship between the two of you and the decision followed you through your time at Top Gun and throughout all of your deployments. 
Including the uranium mission and after when you both got permanent assignments at Top Gun, you as a full time instructor and Natasha splitting her time between instructing and dagger squad missions. It wasn’t deliberately a secret at this point, just a habit you had fallen into after many years of fear of what would happen if you were to be out in the navy and it wasn’t that you didn’t trust the rest of the squad, the two of you trusted them completely but you had just got so used to keeping it between the two of you that it was hard to break. But ever so slowly, the habit started to break and one by one the members of the squad began to figure it out. 
Bob was the first one to find out about a month after the uranium mission, and it was a complete accident how he found out. He and Phoenix had a rough training session and had to eject from their plane which resulted in a quick visit to the doctor on base to make sure they were okay, after he had been checked on and was given the all clear he headed over to Phoenix’s  room to see how she was. 
He was expecting a nurse or two to be lingering about, taking notes and fussing as they usually did, what he was not expecting was for you to be in the room with Phoenix and he certainly was expecting to see the two of you in a gentle embrace, one of Natasha’s hands on your waist while the other held your cheek gently and your arms wrapped around her shoulder to pull her as close to your body as possible as you shared a kiss. 
Thankfully, the two of you are so wrapped up in each other you don’t notice Bob enter, or leave as he quietly slinks out of the room with wide eyes and a flush on his face with his heartbeat drumming in his ears as embarrassment from walking in such a private moment fills his entire being. He decided to leave the medical wing and allow the two of you the time alone. 
It was the next day, as Bob and Natasha sat listening to the other pilots as they went through the training exercise for their next mission in a few weeks time, the pair grounded until the next day on the doctor’s orders, that Bob let’s Natasha know that he saw and he promises that he won’t tell anyone. It isn’t his secret to tell and he was not about to out the two of you when you weren’t ready.
 Natasha is shocked, alarm bells ringing her mind (something she is sure is a trauma response after her family didn’t respond well to finding out she was a lesbian) and fear settles in her stomach as she turns to Bob with wide eyes. A feeling that quickly settles as Bob promises to keep your secret. Over the next few weeks, she finds it nice to actually have someone to talk to about your relationship, about how happy you make her and her plans to marry you one day. 
The next person to find out is Rooster, almost a full month after Bob. It happens late one night when he’s a little drunk and you and Natasha are helping him into your home to put him to bed in your guest room. It wasn’t the first time he had been to your home, he had been over many times for drinks and pizza nights, the three of you enjoying a movie night at least once a month that included wine and a bitching sessions because, despite how much he denied it, Rooster was one of the biggest gossips in the dagger squad. But it was the first time he was actually spending the night. 
He had never considered your sleeping arrangements, seeing as you lived in a 2 bedroom he just assumed one was Natasha’s room and the other yours but when he hears you muttering the word ‘guest room’ to Natasha as you both discuss what to do with drunk giant who was stumbling around the living room of your shared home, it sends his mind reeling for a second. Guest room? That meant you and Natasha shared a room. Why would you and Natasha share a room?
And then the realization hit him like a ton of bricks and suddenly a lot of things started to make sense, how the two of you were attached at the hip, how you were a little touchy with each other, hands always finding some part of the other to rest on, how your eyes always found each other no matter where you were in the room, the fact that you were fucking living together. Everyone, including him, thought you were just friends, best friends and nothing more but now it made sense to him. 
As the pair of you guide him into the guest room, he throws his hands around your shoulders and he whips his head between the two of you, a goofy smile plastered across his face. 
“I’m happy for you guys and I promise not to tell” You roll your eyes at him but a smile makes its way onto your face, one that Natasha matches and the two of you know that even though he’s drunk, he’s telling the truth.
The next ones to figure it out are Payback and Fanboy, with Mickey figuring it out when he spotted the two of you out on a coffee date on one of your days off and there was just something about the way the two of you were sat so close together, practically in each others laps, with Natasha’s hand resting on your thigh that screamed more than friends.
Now, Fanboy wouldn’t consider himself a gossip, wouldn’t be one to go around starting or fuelling rumors, but Payback was his best friend and as Fanboy watched you and Natasha interact around the base and at the hard deck he was simply starting to burst at the seams needing to tell someone what he saw. So a week after he saw, when it’s just him and Payback in the locker room (something he double and triple checked) he asked the question that had been burning at the forefront of his mind, “Do you think Phoenix and Dove are a couple?” 
Payback turns to his back seater and best friend, a questioning look on his face and one eyebrow raised, as he halts the action of putting his t-shirt on, “What makes you ask that?” 
Now, Payback had his own suspicions, he was one of the most observant people in the group and had noticed the way Natasha’s hand would linger on your lower back when you were walking through a crowd or when you were standing at the bar at the hard deck, almost as if she was creating a barrier between you and the people around, he had noticed the way your eyes would linger on Natasha as she maneuvered through the hard deck on a busy night, watching to make sure she was okay and that no one tried to touch her, your body tense and ready to step in at any second if there was any indication that she was in trouble. 
He had noticed the way the two of you looked at each other, eyes full of nothing but loving and gentleness, even as you argued with one another, noticed the way each of you would smile as the other walked into the room as if the two of you shared a secret the rest of the world couldn’t know. It was obvious to anyone who paid attention that there was something more there, but Payback just assumed you were really close friends, practically family seeing as he knew the two of you didn’t have the best relationship with your parents but now that Fanboy has suggested it might be romantic the puzzles pieces seem to fit into place and he can suddenly see the pure love that radiates from the two of you. 
“Saw them on a date the other day, seemed real close.” 
Fanboy says it casually and Payback knows he has no issues with the two of you being together, no one in the squad would, but they’re both well aware of the implications it could have on your careers and how others on the base treated the two of you. Payback shrugs his shirt on and turns to his friend, “If they are, it’s not our place to out them” 
Fanboy nods his head as he leans against his locker with his arms crossed over his chest, “Not our place. But we should at least let them know we know.” 
Payback agrees with his friend and the next day, the two of them approach you as you’re doing some maintenance on your plane. Payback hs a shy smile on his face and Fanboy looks like the cat that ate the canary as they enquire about your relationship with Phoenix and you don’t have to say anything for them to get their answer, the way your face lights up and a soft smile forms on your lips tells them all they need to know and they promise to keep your secret until you’re ready. 
Next to find out is Coyote almost 4 months after the uranium mission during a small get together at Rooster’s place to celebrate his promotion to Lieutenant Commander, the entire squad was there (minus Hangman who had traveled home to see his parents for their anniversary). Everyone is scattered throughout the small living room, Payback and Fanboy are standing in the corner, Coyote is sitting on the couch with Natasha at the other side while Rooster and Bob set up the game of beer bong Bradley insisted they play while you get yourself another beer from the kitchen. You were planning on sitting in between Natasha and Coyote, but Fanboy had planted himself down before you could but you simply shrug your shoulders and decide to sit on your darling girlfriend's lap. 
Coyote chokes on his beer at the sight of you bending down to place a kiss to Natasha’s lips before slipping onto her lap with your back against her chest where she slips a hand round to rest on your thigh and places a kiss against the groove where your neck and shoulder meet. 
Your turn to look at Coyote, wondering if he was okay before your eyes widened ad you cringed letting a “Fuck” slip past your lips as you suddenly remember not everyone in the room knows about your relationship with Natasha and bury your hands in your hair, but Natasha simply smiles and places a small kiss to the corner of your hair, “It’s okay dove, he was bound to find out eventually.”
Coyote’s look of confusion turns into a smile as he regards the two of you, you looked happy together and he couldn’t fault you for wanting to keep it secret so he let the fact that you kept it quiet go and instead asks the one question going through his mind, “How long has this been going on?” 
You smile sheepishly as you lean further against Natasha’s back, her chin placed on your shoulder, “Senior year high school” You bring your beer to your lips as you feel Natasha turn and place a soft kiss to your cheek that has you flushing. You were used to Natasha’s affection, she loved to pepper your face with kisses, but it was new to have it done in front of other people, especially the team. But it was nice to finally be able to show affection in front of the people who mean the world to you.
“And the rest of you know?” Coyote points his beer accusingly at the other men in the room with a raised eyebrow, they all nod sheepishly and rub at their necks awkwardly as they all explain how they figured it out. 
“Wait, wait, is Hangman the only one who doesn’t know now?”  Rooster looks around the room, watching the faces of the other pilots as the realization comes over him that their missing friend had no idea about the two of you as a couple.
“Oh we can make this fun, how long do we think it’s going to take him to figure it out?” Coyote loves his best friend, truly he does, but he was not going to miss the opportunity to mess with him and so the bet started on how long it would take Hangman to figure it out and or/find out, 
It's a whole year after the uranium mission, and eight months after Coyote finds out that Hangman finally finds out that you and Phoenix are dating, he’s the last of the squad to know and since Coyote found out there has been a running bet on how long it will take. Payback had lost long ago, saying he would figure it out 2 months after Coyote did and Bob and Rooster are currently leading with their bets of a year and they say that Hangman won’t actually figure it out (or believe it) until you’re walking down the aisle. 
They were half right, while it is a year later that Hangman finally finds out, it isn’t you walking down the aisle that gives it away but rather the pair of you walking in with pretty silver bands decorated with jewels on your ring fingers, the two of having proposed at the same time the night before. 
He has to do a double take and almost chokes on his beer at the sight before him, head whipping around to take in the faces of the other pilots around him expecting their faces to mirror his own but they were all just looking at him with amusement in their eyes.
“Okay what the fuck is going on?” The two of your have joined the group at your usual spot, nestled into the corner with the pool table, and you meet Hangman's gaze with a questioning look as you cock your head to the side. He uses his beer to gesture between you and Natasha frantically. 
“You two! What is going on?” 
Natasha rolls her eyes at the dramatics, pulling you into her side and wrapping her arm around you shoulders as yours wrapped around her waist and she placed a kiss to your hairline, “We’re engaged Bagman.” You gently hit Natasha’s chest and glared at her slightly letting out a quiet ‘be nice’ that causes her to let out a small chuckle and look to Hangman once again, “We’ve been a couple since senior year of high school, we kept it quiet because our families didn’t react well and we saw things when we first joined the navy that we knew it would compromise our safety if we were to come out.” 
Hangman nods his head in understanding, dropping his arm so it now rested on his side but his eyes watch the other pilots, remembering their reaction when he first saw the two of you and how they weren’t reacting to the news.
“You guys knew!?” The disbelief is clear in Hangmans voice and his annoyance is obvious as he glares at the other pilots around him who are all nodding. Hangman felt a little betrayed if he was being honest, believing that you had told the other pilots about the relationship and had just decided to keep him in dark for whatever reason. You're quick to see the sadness in Jake's eyes and are even quicker to respond. 
“We didn’t tell them if that’s what you're thinking, for the most part they figured it out or saw something they shouldn’t have. We weren’t keeping it from you because we didn’t trust you, we do trust you. I wanted to tell you after Coyote found out but the rest of them,” Your eyes narrow as the rest of the guys shrink away from your gaze, “Wanted to see when you would figure it out.”
“Oh we all had a bet going on how long it would take you to figure it out” Coyote sips from his beer as he sees some of the annoyance and tension drop from Hangmans shoulders at your reassurance that you weren’t deliberately keeping him out of the loop, “Pretty sure Rooster and Bob win.” 
Hangman turns his glare strictly to Coyote, who barks out a laugh at the look, “Even you Javy?” Coyote places a hand to chest and pretends to be hurt before letting out a laugh at his best friend's reaction. 
“Oh come man, how many bets have you made against me before?” Hangman rolls his eyes but he has to agree with his friend, he had made many a bet against Coyote in the past so it was only fair he had made one against him in return. 
Hangman turns back to you and Phoenix and smiles at the two of you,you had the purest smiles on your face and looked just so in love and perfect for one another that he would drop the bet for now. Hangman raises his beer in a small toast that the rest of the aviators follow.
“To Phoenix and Dove, may forever treat you well”
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thedaredevilsgirl · 2 years
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Heyyy bestie, since ur not tired of me yet. I have another request for cowboy/farm boy bob. Also would like to mention that when I think of cowboy bob, Rhett abbot is exactly what Bob would be like hands down 100% u can’t change my mind.
Bob being a successful bull rider and the team seeing pictures of his growing up and riding a bull after they visit his childhood farmhouse. Also some pictures with his gf, and she has a very similar hat on to what bob had on pictures prior, and maybe some of the team asking why Jake’s smirking bc he knows the cowboy hat rule and obviously, they don’t. Which they get the explanation later in the night after a few beers.
Hi hi bestie! I will never get tired of you and your wonderful ideas about our dear Bob 💗🦋 I totally agree that Bob when he returns to his hometown is just like Rhett.
Bob's mother is that kind of mother who likes to leave the achievement of all her children well displayed for any visitor to see while in her house.
There are several awards from his sisters and Bob's awards, first place in the math and physics olympiad, first place in the science fair (from when he made his model volcano really explode) and of course awards from when he rode bulls in his teens. There are several pictures of him riding the bulls and holding his awards, and several more with you by his side.
Phoenix takes one and says how cute she thinks the two of you are, everyone agrees but Jake laughs as soon as he sees the picture in question and realizes that you were wearing Bob's hat.
"Baby on board, I would never think that of you, I thought you were just a cute nerd but look at that" Jake comments before taking another sip of his beer and the rest of the team doesn't seem to understand "Did she follow the rule?" He asks.
"A lady never counts" you reply which makes you, Jake and Bob laugh and the squadron even more confused.
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birdy-bat-writes · 1 year
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Coffee for Mrs. Seresin?
Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Fem!Reader
Content warnings: Pining, fluff, and uh.... caffeine? Mild swears, Maybe some banter. I have no clue what qualifies as a warning anymore, I'm so sorry, y'all:') Also, sorry for the spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
A/n: Should I be doing math right now? Should I actually be sleeping right now? Yes and yes, BUT no one can blame me. I was reading an adorable Jake Seresin Fanfic by @roosterbruiser (everyone go read Millie's work, it's gold) and I got an idea and I had to write it somewhere so here:D
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You were pretty used to people assuming you and Jake were an item. When an attractive guy and an attractive girl have been friends since college and spend as much time together as you both do, you suppose it's a fair conclusion for people to draw, but an incorrect one, nonetheless. And you really wish people would stop asking because every time you had to explain to someone how you were "just friends," it ate you a little more inside.
The fact of the matter was this: you were in love with your best friend. And it sucked.
You stepped out of your car and strode along the stone walkway amidst the grass up to Rooster's door and rang the bell. It was a cute little townhouse with a blue exterior and you often poked fun at him for how much it resembled a little wooden birdhouse with its colorful walls and white wood-rimmed windows. You suppose it's fitting since Rooster lives there and yes, he hates that gag. It also serves as your group's prime hang-out spot, which is why you're here now.
The door opened to reveal Natasha, wrapped up in an oversized sweatshirt with her hair thrown up in a claw clip. "Yes, you brought chips!"
"Yeah, you didn't really specify which flavor so I just got them all." You said, walking in. "Guests should start coming in an hour, right?"
"Mmm-hmm." The 7 of you were throwing a casual party to celebrate Jake's promotion to Lieutenant-Commander. You saw Nat lift her eyes and smirk. "And there he is, the man of the hour." You turned around to see Jake at the end of the staircase.
"Well, hello, Mr. Man-of-the-hour," you teased, setting down the numerous bags of chips you were holding.
"Glad you're finally here, N/N. I was starting to think you were going to leave me here to fend for myself against Rooster's ABBA medley." Jake wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pulled you into his side. It was always like this. Him giving you butterflies you had to ignore because there was inevitably some other girl.
"Oh please, I would never leave you to fend for yourself against Rooster. I would join him and together, we'd overpower you and make you listen to ABBA forever." You grinned up at him and he narrowed his eyes, lips quirking up at the corners.
"Betrayal never comes from an enemy, I see," he shook his head at you. "I will leave you, lovely ladies, to yourselves. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen." You watched Jake walk away and disappear around the corner. When you turned back, Natasha was still wearing that smug smile she always did when she saw you two. You knew it was coming.
"Nix, I'm telling you, if you say it, I'm salting your coffee." She knew you were messing with her but one of these days, you might just do it.
"All I'm saying is, shoot your shot! Come on, just once before you go settle for this rando."
"Mark is not a rando. We know him from accounting!"
"Exactly, Y/N, we know him from accounting. You don't even like the guy, heck you hardly know him."
"Exactly. That's why we're going to get to know each other at this party. I need to get over this crush, now. I can't keep pining for a guy who has no interest in me," you saw Natasha's mouth open as if to say something and you quickly jumped in, "And don't say he's interested. He's been with other girls multiple times and never once looked at me like that."
"True, I won't argue there. He's never looked at any of those girls the way he was just looking at you either." She took her hair out of her claw clip and it fell onto her shoulders in soft waves. "And ever since we all got back from that mission 3 months ago, he hasn't been with anyone. I really think he's got a thing for you but you're right. You should give this Mark guy a shot if you think he'd be good for you."
You smiled softly. You met Jake's friends when you were in San Diego a few years back. About a year ago, you were permanently stationed here and luckily for you, Jake was too. He settled here about 4 months before you. All his friends became your friends, and you've truly never known a better group of people. And they'd never known someone who could wrangle Hangman, so you were quite quickly welcomed to the group.
You and Pheonix tossed your sweatshirts upstairs and fixed up the last bits of your outfits just in time for guests to start arriving. You even managed to slip in a game of cards with Fanboy, Bob, and Payback before you joined a crowd in the living room. You barely felt the tap on your shoulder. If it wasn't followed by your name, you surely would have missed it. You turned on your heel to see Mark from accounting, facing you with a hand in his pocket.
"Mark, hi!"
"Hey. How are you?" His voice was almost monotone. His eyes roamed the room rather than meeting yours. He had just gotten here and he already sounded like he wanted to be somewhere else. You could have sworn he sounded more lively when you met.
"I'm good. I thought you weren't coming till later."
"I got off work early."
"Ah, well that's great." This guy really wasn't giving you much to work with. "Can I get you something to drink? There are drinks and food in the kitchen." That actually went somewhere. You headed to the kitchen where the conversation just barely picked up.
In the distance, Jake noticed your prolonged absence. As silly as it was, Jake liked knowing you were near him. You didn't have to be attached at the hip but he liked knowing he could saunter over to you and escape into your laugh when you came up in his mind. Which was a lot.
He scanned the room for you and stopped when he caught your frame in the kitchen...with some guy? Who the hell was that?
"Damn, if looks could kill...," Rooster muttered. "Do you not like that dude or something?"
"I don't even know who he is," Jake said through gritted teeth. "What's his name?"
"No clue. Pheonix?"
As if on cue, Natasha spoke up. "That, my friends, is Mark from accounting." Both the boys looked at her with questioning eyes.
"Okay, but who is he?" Something in Jake's voice was different now. Both of them looked at him.
"Careful there, Bagman, you almost sound jealous. He's some guy Y/N knows and I think she likes him." Phoenix was searching Jake's face for any sign that she was right about his feelings for you, and he never noticed because his eyes were trained on you like a hawk.
"I'm not jealous, Pheonix."
"You kinda sound jealous, Hangman," Rooster added, earning a glare from Jake.
"Okay, when we first met and you told me about her, you sounded so lovesick, I thought she was your wife. Cut to, you introduce us all and it turns out you're not married, or dating, but friends? I'm sorry, I do not believe that you two don't have feelings for each other." Natasha's remark sparked something in Jake. She watched the corners of his mouth twitch into a smirk so small, she almost missed it.
"I'll be right back." Jake stated, already pacing away. Rooster and Pheonix watched Jake make his way into the kitchen.
"She likes him too right?" Rooster asked.
"Oh, absolutely," Pheonix responded.
"You know, Fanboy has a betting pool on them."
"What? Get me on this, I have a feeling we'll make some money tonight."
Jake entered the kitchen to see you sitting alone at the table. "Got room for one more?"
"I don't see why not. Shouldn't you be mingling with everyone out there?"
"Well, the person I want to mingle with is in here." You smiled at him. There it was again, that smile that always left him utterly defenseless. "Who's the guy?"
You don't know why you felt your cheeks heat up when Jake asked about him. "His name's Mark. I met him when I was sorting reports last week."
"Okay. So, why do you sound so upset?"
"Because he said he was going to get us drinks 5 minutes ago and I just saw him leave with Commander Reeves' daughter." Honestly, you weren't upset because he left. You were upset because you were glad he did. He was boring you out of your mind and you two absolutely did not click, but it was still disheartening to know that this is what it was going to be like. No guy was going to measure up to the one you wished you were with. The one who was at this table with you now.
Jake was seething. What kind of idiot comes to a party and leaves you for some other girl? "You wanna get out of here?"
"What?"
"Let's leave. I'm bored."
"It's your party, you dork, you can't just leave!" You were giggling at a feeling somewhere in between confusion and disbelief.
"Yeah, it is my party so I say, you and I get out of here." He took you by the hand and walked you out through the back door to his car. And you let him. The chilly air swept you both up.
The drive was pretty calm. You didn't know where Jake was going but you didn't care either. This reminded you of when you two were younger. The long quiet rides in the car with no one but each other for company. He'd put on some cheesy 80's power ballad and you'd both laugh at it until you'd give in and belt it out at the top of your lungs.
"If you don't mind my asking, what did you see in him?"
"I don't really even remember. I think I just wanted to try and get myself out there. I haven't been on a date in literally years."
Jake hesitated before he asked. "So... what made you want to start now?" You felt the words catch in your throat.
"I'm not sure." you lied. You. I'm in love with you and I can't take it.
You felt the car slow down. You were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't even see where Jake parked. A cute little coffee shop and patisserie. Jake got out of his car and rounded the front to open the door for you. He already had you head over heels for him and he didn't even know it. Did he have to be such a gentleman? You weren't sure that you could fall even harder for this man but you really didn't want to find out.
"Why don't you get us a table and I'll get us something to drink. Don't worry, I remember what you like." You nodded and found a two-seat table by the french windows overlooking the city. On the left, in the distance, the last light of sunset was hitting the water and the top of the sky had started to go dark. Little stars twinkled above you. You wondered what it would be like to always be like this? Evenings with you and Jake, running off alone together from places and people you didn't really want to see. Taking comfort in each other's presence because it felt like home. Just then, Jake sat down in front of you. It almost hurt knowing he was right in front of you and you couldn't have him.
"Screw stupid Mark from accounting. He was not worth your time."
"Thanks. It's fine really, I'll find someone else. Someone less boring." When you met Jake's eyes, he looked as if he had something to say. Something he was holding back. "What is it?"
"Don't find someone else."
Did he just- Did you hear him right?
"What? Why?"
"Because-"
"I have a coffee and a latte for Mr. and Mrs. Seresin?" The barista called. You actually felt your heart skip a beat. Your eyebrows scrunched together and you looked to Jake for answers.
"Well, I think that's us." He blurted like it answered all your questions, a smile heard in his voice.
"Mr. and Mrs. Seresin?" You queried, rising out of your seat in tandem with him. "Why'd you tell her we were 'Mr. and Mrs. Seresin?!'"
"Because you looked so down and I thought I'd get a reaction from you! And it's not all my fault, Pheonix gave me the idea." Jake stated, matter-of-factly. How could he say that so casually?! "And you're still looking red so I guess it worked."
You both grabbed your coffees and sat down once again. It was dark out now. Once your laughs and giggles over your reaction were out, you remembered where your last conversation left off.
"Jake, why'd you tell me not to find someone?" You didn't force the question too hard into the conversation. You asked softly, not knowing how or if he would answer. He sighed before he spoke like he was preparing himself.
"Because...because I can't ask you out if you're dating someone else." The emotions hit you like a bombshell.
"You want to ask me out?" You weren't sure this was real. You were really about to pinch yourself before he stopped you in your tracks.
"I've been meaning to for months. Y/N, we've been friends forever, and I didn't want to ruin what we have. I know I should have told you before because I've liked you for as long as- Why are you smiling?"
"Because, you big dummy, I like you too." You couldn't hold it back. You were beaming. You felt butterflies and fireworks all at once just because the man of your dreams just made it all a reality. Jake held your eyes in his and smiled ear-to-ear. You swore you saw his ears go red but if you asked him, you doubt he’d admit it. "I'm really happy right now but I have no clue what to do next."
"I've got it from here," Jake reaches out and takes your hand in both of his. It feels like electricity is coursing through your veins. "Y/N L/N, would you do me the honor of going on a date with me?"
It took everything in you not to squeal in this coffee shop. "Yes, I will do you that honor, Bagman." You responded. He chuckled at you.
"Every now and again, I feel like introducing you to Pheonix was a mistake."
"Speaking of which, I really want to tell her about this but she'll get all smug because she was right."
"You're right. As far as people we don't have to tell yet go, Fanboy and Rooster have been betting on us. We can just keep it from them for now too."
"Deal." A laugh bubbled out of you as you thought about how the squad would react. And then a knock sounded directly next to you on the french window.
"Aww, cute," Rooster noted, his voice muffled by the glass, but still clear enough for you to hear his teasing tone.
"Left your own party so soon?" There stood Pheonix. Along with the rest of the squad leaning against Bradley's bronco.
"Shit." you commented.
"So much for keeping it secret."
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@glorified-red
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ereardon · 8 months
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More Than Enough [Bob Floyd x Reader]
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A Single Dad Bob Fic
Summary: The first two times Bob Floyd ends up in your emergency room he’s a mess. You never expected him to return a third time. But when he does, it changes everything.
Pairing: Robert “Bob” Floyd x OC 
Warnings: Medical setting, blood and needles, cursing Word count: 4.4K 
Bob Floyd masterlist here
“We’ve got another one.” 
You sighed, lifting the hair from the back of your neck and fanning it before clipping your hair up and straightening your scrubs. “Be there in a second, Liz.” 
Your charge nurse nodded, waddling away from the desk and you pushed back from your chair, wandering down the hall, knocking lightly before walking through the door on the right. 
“Hi,” you said, grabbing the chart from the folder on the wall and stepping further into the room. “I’m Y/N, I’ll be your nurse today.” 
“Hi.” You looked up. His voice was deep and gravely and insanely sexy despite the fluorescent lights of the ER and the sterile aesthetics of the triage room. The patient on the bed had sandy blond hair that was combed back neatly and a pair of wire glasses that slid down his pert nose. His pink lips were curled up in a delicate, shy smile, large hands spread out on either side of his body. “How are you?” 
You laughed, skimming the clipboard chart one more time before setting it down near the sink. “Better than you, Mr. Floyd, by the looks of it. Says here you have a hook in your foot.” 
The man nodded, lifting his left leg and you saw it immediately: an old fishing hook sunken into the flesh toward his ankle. You grimaced while putting on a pair of gloves. 
“And how did this happen?” 
“Playing football on the beach,” he said as you poked at the skin around the hook. “Just stepped somewhere I shouldn’t have, apparently.” 
You nodded. “Well, Mr. Floyd–”
“Bob,” he said. 
You smiled. “Bob. I’m going to give you a shot for tetanus. We’re not sure where this hook has been, so better safe than sorry.” 
Bob winced as he watched you dip the syringe into the glass vial of medicine. 
You sat down on the rolling stool and reached out, pushing up the sleeve of his shirt from his upper arm, rubbing a circle spot with an alcohol swab. “So beach football. That sounds fun.” 
“I, um, I play with my team.” Bob closed his eyes as you slid the needle into his skin, pressing the depressor slowly. 
When you pulled it out, covering it with a fresh cotton ball, reaching for a band-aid, he kept his eyes closed. You patted his arm softly. “Mr. Floyd, you’re doing just fine.” 
His eyes shot open and he smiled, embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m a major wuss when it comes to needles.” 
“Most people are,” you said, examining his foot. “What kind of team? Like a rec league?” 
“Oh, no,” Bob said as you cleaned around the entrance of the metal hook on his foot. “My squadron. I’m in the Navy.” 
“Really?” You pressed down on the top of his foot, looking up at Bob. He caught your eye.
He nodded. “Aviator, ma’am.” 
“What’s that like?” you asked. Just as Bob opened his mouth to reply, you yanked on the hook, eliciting a sharp grunt from him. You shook your head with a sad smile. “Sorry, better not to see it coming.” 
“Think you’re right about that,” Bob said, his voice a little higher than before. 
You smiled sweetly up at him, pressing against the wound with cotton to stop the bleeding. Bob laid back against the bed, looking a little more pale than before. “Mr. Floyd?” 
“Bob,” he gasped. 
“Bob,” you repeated. “Are you feeling dizzy?” 
“Not a fan of blood, either,” he muttered and you looked down to see that blood had soaked through the cotton you were holding. You quickly switched it out.  
“Lay back for me,” you said softly, “and close your eyes.” Bob did as he was told and you wrapped his foot gently once the blood had stopped flowing from the wound. You ran the sink with cold water, dampening a towel and folding it up, placing it gently on Bob’s forehead. He sighed audibly. “There. Just try to relax, OK?” 
He chuckled. “Not a very good first impression, huh?” 
You smiled even though he couldn’t see you. “I’ve had worse.” 
Just as you were about to open your mouth and ask about his personal life, the door swung open and a beautiful brunette entered the room with a little girl on her hip. Your heart sank in your chest as she set the toddler down and watched as the toddler rushed to the bed. “Daddy!” 
Bob’s eyes fluttered open and he smiled brightly. “Hi Sugar.” 
“She insisted we follow you,” the brunette said. She was gloriously tan and chiseled, wearing just a black sports bra and a pair of small athletic shorts. She turned to you with a grin. “How’s our boy doing?” 
“He’ll be just fine,” you said, trying your hardest not to be jealous of this perfectly kind stranger who just happened to be the wife of your patient. But you also wanted to claw her eyes out and claim him as your own. 
“Daddy, you fainted.” The little girl had her hands on the sheets where she could reach and Bob leaned over, trying to scoop her up, but couldn’t quite reach her. 
“Here.” You crouched down next to the little girl. “Want me to help you get on your daddy’s bed?” 
She nodded enthusiastically and you smiled, lifting under her arms, plopping her against the sheets and Bob’s waiting arms. You watched as Bob enveloped her in his embrace, veins and muscles on his arms rippling as he held her tight. 
The brunette cleared her throat. “Floyd, I can take Andie home, depending on how long you’ll be here?” 
Bob turned to you. “Y/N?” he asked and you liked the way he said your name instead of nurse or hey you or even ma’am. “How long do you think?” 
“I just want to keep you here another fifteen minutes or so, make sure you’re reacting OK to the vaccination and you’re no longer a fainting threat, and then we can get your discharge papers completed. Won’t be more than an hour.” 
Bob nodded. “I’ll take her home, Nix, don’t worry about it.” 
The brunette put one hand on her hip. “You sure?” 
“Yeah, I’m sure. You want to stay with me, Sugar? Or do you want Auntie Phoenix to take you home?” 
Andie clung to Bob’s side. “I want to stay with you, daddy!” 
You caught the auntie part of the conversation. As you swapped out his gauze for a bandage you looked quickly. 
No wedding ring. 
Things were looking up. You smiled as the brunette leaned over, kissing the top of Andie’s head. “OK sweetheart, you can stay with your daddy. Floyd, I’ll check on you later. Bradshaw will drive you home, OK? He’s in the waiting room.” 
Bob nodded. “Thanks. Tell him we’ll be out soon.” Bob turned to you as Andie settled in his arms, her gaze already on the TV in the corner. “Sorry, that’s my pilot, Natasha.” 
“She’s pretty.” 
Bob flushed. “I, um, I was going to say the same thing about you.” 
You loved that he was flustered. In his arms, Andie stirred. “Daddy? How much longer?” 
“Just a little bit, honey,” he said. “Do you want to wait with Uncle Bradley?” 
She shook her head. “No, daddy, want to be with you!” 
“OK Sugar,” he said, looking up at you sheepishly. “Sorry, she’s three and a little antsy.” 
You waved one hand in the air. “Don’t worry about it. She’s adorable.” You finished your note on his chart. “Well, Mr. Floyd, you’re going to be just fine. In about fifteen minutes, the floor nurse will come in and get you the discharge papers and you two will be free to go.” 
Just as you were about to turn on your heel, Bob’s voice caught you. “Y/N?” 
You turned. “Yes?” 
He looked down at Andie’s blonde head and then back up at you and sighed. “Um, thanks. For everything.” 
You smiled but it was thin. “Of course, it’s my job.” You waved. “Bye sweetheart.” 
“Bye!” Andie’s sugary voice rang out in the sterile room. 
You turned on one heel, flattening yourself to the hallway after shutting the door, letting out a breath. For a moment, you had thought he was going to ask you out. But of course he wasn’t. Who were you kidding? A gorgeous pilot with a daughter? He was surely off the market, even if he wasn’t wearing a ring. 
You opened your eyes just in time to see an incredibly beefy guy slide down the hallway, his brown eyes landing on yours. He grinned, white teeth, slightly crooked smile. Fuck, he was beautiful, too. What was going on? 
“Hi,” he said, stopping in front of you. “I, uh, I’m looking for Bob Floyd’s room?” 
You hooked a thumb to your left. “Right there,” you said. 
He grinned. “Thanks.” He didn’t make a move to leave. 
You pushed yourself off of the wall and nodded. “Anytime.” 
The mustache man followed you with your eyes as you walked away from the room, as far as you could get from the tiny little corner of the hospital that was inhabited by the most beautiful people you had ever laid eyes on within a ten minute span. 
Back at the nurse’s station, you collapsed into your chair. 
“I know that look,” Liz said, eyebrow raised. 
“What look?” 
She shook her head, grabbing for her water bottle. “Watch out, sweetie. There’s only one reason you could possibly look like that?” 
“And how do I look?” 
“Fucked.” 
***
You hadn’t been able to get Bob Floyd out of your head. That’s why, two weeks later, when he rushed into the ER in the middle of the night, you blinked rapidly, convinced that the night shift was melding with your subconscious somehow. 
“Hello?” he called out into the hallway and you rushed forward, noticing that he had Andie in his arms, her face pink with anguish. “She won’t stop crying and throwing up and oh my God, I don’t know what’s happening.” 
“Put her down here,” you said, leading them to a bed and drawing the drapes tightly. Andie rolled onto her side, clutching her abdomen. “Hi honey. I’m just going to take a look at your belly, OK?” She nodded, but continued to cry as you lifted up the hem of her pajama top, touching her distended belly gently as she cried out. You looked up at Bob. “It’s most likely appendicitis but we’ll need a CT scan to confirm.” 
Bob ran a hand through his hair. He looked much more disheveled this time and you almost wanted to sling an arm around him, pull him into a hug. He looked like he needed it. 
“Let me call down to radiology, we should be able to get her in immediately.” 
You stepped toward the phone on the wall, speaking quickly, eyes on Bob as he hovered near Andie’s bed, whispering softly in her ear. 
“Another nurse will come and take her down in a minute,” you said gently. 
Bob looked up. “Can I go with?” 
You shook your head and his face fell. “I’m sorry. But you’ll get to see her before she goes into surgery.” 
“Is there anything you can give her for the pain?” he pleaded. “I just, I don't know what to do.”
You nodded. “We’ll give her some medicine before the procedure and after.” 
A knock on the door stole both of your attention. “Mr. Floyd? I’m here to take Andie down to radiology.” A short nurse with her hair tied back smiled at the door. “Are we all set?” 
“Yes.” You looked at Bob and Andie. “It’ll only be twenty minutes, I promise.” 
He nodded, leaning over and kissing Andie’s head. “I’ll be right here, baby, I promise. Be good for me, Sugar.” 
“Daddy!” she cried and you saw how it gutted him. 
He swallowed the pain. “It’s OK, honey. You’ll feel better soon.” 
And then they were wheeling Andie’s bed out of the room and Bob collapsed onto the chair near the wall, head in his hands. You waited a moment before walking over, squatting down and pressing one hand to his knee gently. “Hey. She’s going to be OK, I promise.” 
Bob looked up and you saw tears in his blue eyes. He wiped at them. “I’m sorry. There’s nothing scarier as a parent than rushing your kid to the ER in the middle of the night.” 
“Don’t be sorry,” you said softly. “I can’t even imagine.” 
“Do you have kids?”
You shook your head. “I don’t.” 
Bob sighed. “I never thought I wanted kids,” he whispered, like a confession. “And then Andie came along and she changed everything.” He paused. “She’s my entire world. I can’t explain how helpless I feel watching her in pain knowing it’s out of my control.” 
Your hand was still pressed against his knee. “She’s going to be alright,” you said. “I promise, nothing bad is going to happen.” 
“Thank you.” The two of you hovered there for a moment, eyes locked on each other. And then the door swung open and you stood up quickly. 
“It’s a ruptured appy,” the nurse said. “We’re taking her down to OR two.” 
“You have to let him talk to her first,” you said and Bob looked at you, surprised. “He has to tell her it’s going to be OK. She’s scared.” 
The nurse nodded hastily. “Fine, but do it quickly. Dr. Roberts is already scrubbing in.” 
The three of you trailed down the hallway to where Andie laid in a bed near the elevator, another nurse speaking with her quietly. Her eyes flicked to Bob immediately, widening with recognition and comfort. He reached out, stroking her hair. “Hi Sugar,” he whispered and you could hear in the pits of his voice how much he was holding back. “Listen, the doctors are going to make you better and when you’re done with your nap, I’ll be waiting for you.” 
“With a toy?” she asked, her voice light and soft.
Bob smiled. “Yeah, honey, with a toy.”
“Promise, daddy?” 
Bob nodded. “I promise. Be right here when you’re done, OK?” 
Andie smiled and Bob pressed a kiss to her forehead before she was wheeled down the corridor, through the double doors at the end of the hallway. He turned to you with sad, wide eyes. You were an ER nurse – technically, you needed to hand over Andie as your patient to the surgical team. You would go to the nurses station and finish the chart, have it signed off by the attendings who completed her surgery after it was done. But something about the frazzled way that Bob looked and how his leg had felt beneath your palm made you throw everything else to the side.   
“Come on,” you said, putting one hand on his arm gently. “Let’s get a coffee. It’ll be an hour or two.” 
He frowned. “You don’t need to see more patients?” 
You shrugged. It was three in the morning on a Tuesday. Only one bed was filled. “It’s quiet. They’ll cover for me.” 
“Are you sure?” 
You nodded. You didn’t want him to be alone. “Besides, I know where the good coffee is.” 
That’s how you and Bob ended up on the third floor doctor’s lounge sipping out of mismatched mugs, the sun still asleep beneath the blanket of the horizon. 
“So a pilot, huh?” you asked. “That must be exciting.” 
Bob smiled but it was quick. Tight. “Yeah.” He took a sip of coffee and looked up. “Actually, can I tell you the truth?” 
“Of course.” 
“People always say that and I always respond the same. Yeah, it’s exciting. Yeah, it’s cool. But the truth is, it’s fucking terrifying. Going up in jets every day not knowing if I’m going to be able to pick my daughter up from daycare later or not.” 
“So why do you do it?”
“Only thing I’ve ever been good at,” he replied. 
“That can’t be true.” Your eyes wandered over Bob’s strong hands, the way the coffee mug was engulfed by them. The wire glasses slipping down his nose. The way he carried himself. Like he was too much of a burden to compete for space in the room, even though there was no one in there besides the two of you. 
“Being a dad,” he said softly. “I’m good at that. I think.” 
“You are.” He lit up. “The way Andie looks at you? You’re her hero.” 
Bob put his coffee cup down. “You’re just saying that.” 
“You don’t know me,” you said, “but I don’t really make a habit of lying just to make people feel good about themselves.” 
He laughed. “So that’s why you became a nurse, huh?” 
“That and an oppressive need for academic validation. Plus I look cute in the uniform.” 
Bob smiled at you. “True.”
You blushed. In the dim light of the lounge, you could see Bob’s profile and he was even more beautiful than you had made him to be in your head. “So, Andie’s mom?” 
He shook his head. “She’s not in the picture.” 
“Sorry to hear that.” 
“I am, too,” he said quietly. “For Andie, not for me. We were never good together. Right now, I’m just trying to be enough. I’m doing everything I can, but I know that one day she’s going to grow up. And I am going to be useless when she comes home asking me to buy her a miniskirt or what dress to wear to prom or how to put her hair in French braids for some costume party.” He smiled at you sadly. “I just know that I won’t be enough.” 
“The fact that you’re already thinking of that tells me you’re more than enough,” you replied. “She’s lucky. And I’m not just saying that.” 
Bob chuckled lightly. His voice was deep and silky. “Do you give all your patient’s parents the VIP treatment?” 
“Nope,” you said, setting down your coffee cup and turning to where he sat in the leather chair next to you. “You’re special.” 
“Oh yeah?” Bob murmured, leaning forward over the arm of his chair, his face dangerously close to yours. “Why is that?” 
“Because–” Just then, your pager beeped. You leaned back and pulled it off your waistband. “It’s Andie’s surgery. She’s in recovery.” 
Bob jumped up, cheeks flushed. “And?” 
You smiled. “No warnings. It must have gone perfectly.” 
“Oh, thank God.” The relief coming from his voice could sooth a thousand wounds. 
You grinned. “I’ll take you down to her room.” 
As you turned to head out toward the hallway, Bob stopped you, his hand on your wrist, fingers circling yours. “Y/N, I–”
“I know,” you said softly, letting his hand slide into your own. “We should go, Andie’s waiting.” 
You understood what people meant when they said their ovaries were going to explode the second you saw Andie and Bob reunite in the post-op room. Her tiny face lit up as she watched Bob walk through the door, her little arms reaching for him instinctively. The way he cradled her head to his chest, patting her back softly, kissing her temple. There was a warmth spilling out into the room, radiating off of the two of them like an aura. You stood in the doorway as the sun crawled over the horizon and watched father and daughter reunite. 
After a while, you stepped up to the bed. “Hi sweetheart, heard you did great in there,” you said softly and Andie beamed. “I’m going to let you and your daddy get some rest, OK? Someone will be back in a bit to check on you.” 
“Bye!” Her small voice was like a thousand little violins. 
Bob turned to you, one hand still touching Andie, making sure she was there. She was safe. “I can’t thank you enough,” he said quietly. “Is this the end of your shift?” 
You checked your watch. It was six thirty. You had been off for thirty minutes. “Yeah, it is.” 
“I, um.” He looked down at Andie, her baby blue eyes tracking him. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow if we’re still here.” 
You smiled. “You two will be released by then, I’m sure.” 
“Oh.” There was something dejected about the way he said it. You shuffled from foot to foot. “It was nice seeing you again. Bob.” The way his name felt on your tongue. It was fuzzy and soft and you wanted to hold onto it for as long as you could. 
“You too, Y/N,” he said softly. 
You turned, heading for the door, before spinning back around, digging in your pocket, pulling out a tiny stuffed penguin on a keychain. Your niece had given it to you a few months ago for your thirty-first birthday and you had almost forgotten it was still in your pocket from where you had scooped it up earlier after it fell out of your bag onto the locker room floor as you were rushing for a code. “Bob,” you said quietly and he turned, eyes bright. You slipped the toy into his hand quietly so Andie wouldn’t see. He looked down then back up in surprise. You grinned. “You promised her a toy, remember?” 
His fingers lingered over yours before finally you pulled away, the heat of Bob’s stare warming you from your core like lava. “Thank you.” 
You smiled. “Bye again.” 
This time you did leave, your chest tight as you shut the door softly, turning down the hallway, putting as much space between you and Bob Floyd as you could. Because you knew that if you didn’t, you’d embarrass yourself. You’d run back into the room and beg him to take you out. To kiss you. To talk to you with a fraction of the love that he spoke to Andie with. That would be enough. 
It would be more than enough. 
***
It was the end of a long day. You sat down at the nurse’s station with a sigh, kicking your feet up on the desk, closing your eyes. Only a few seconds passed before someone was tapping your shoulder incessantly. 
Your eyes snapped open and you groaned. “What?” 
“You’re going to want to see this,” Kirsten said. She had one hand on her hip, head tipped toward the lobby area. 
“Bloody?” you asked excitedly. 
She shook her head. “You’re nasty. No, it’s better.” 
“If it’s not a bloody accident I don’t want it.” 
Kirsten rolled her eyes. “It’s better so just shut up, put a smile on that face and maybe puff out your boobs a little, you’re looking saggy.” 
“What?” 
She laughed as you stood up, fiddling with your scrub top, frowning as Kirsten pushed you around the corner toward the lobby doors. You stopped dead in your tracks. 
Bob Floyd stood in the atrium of the hospital, still wearing his green flight suit, blond hair perfectly combed back, wire glasses slightly askew. He had a bouquet of pink roses in his hands and a brilliant white smile when he spotted you. 
“Hi.” His voice wobbled a bit as you approached. 
“Hi back,” you said quietly. “I hope those are for me,” you said, gesturing to the flowers, “because you really need to stop showing up with emergencies, Bob Floyd.” 
He laughed, a throaty sound that eclipsed all other laughs in your memory. Now, anytime you ever thought of a laugh it would be like what Bob Floyd sounded like on a random Thursday evening. “Well it is the ER. Besides, how else would I be able to see you?” 
“You'd see me if you ever asked me on a date.” 
Bob flushed. “Well, that’s why I’m here.” 
“Oh yeah?” 
He nodded, thrusting the flowers out to you. “I, um, I wanted to ask you out the first time we met. But that didn’t really turn out like I planned. Practically fainting in front of you wasn’t what I had in mind.” 
You smelled the flowers. They were clean and crisp and you couldn’t remember the last time a man bought you flowers, let alone went out of his way to see you. You stepped closer. “It was kind of charming,” you admitted. 
Bob laughed again, that sweet chuckle that was quickly imprinting itself in your mind. “I’ll take it. So what do you say, will you go on a date with me?” 
“I don’t know, what can beat stale coffee in a doctor’s break room?” 
“What if I cook you dinner?” Bob offered and your eyebrows shot up. “What’s your favorite dish?” 
“Eggplant parmesan,” you said automatically. It tumbled out of your mouth. 
“Done.”
“So you can cook?” 
“No,” he said and you laughed. “But I can Google it.” 
“You’d go to all that trouble just for me?” 
Bob stepped in closer, reaching out one hand, tucking a chunk of hair behind your ear. His touch was warm and it practically electrocuted you with the fervor that started to course through your veins as his skin brushed against yours. Bob let his hand linger on the side of your neck, cupping you gently. “It’s no trouble,” he murmured. “Besides, Andie keeps asking about the pretty nurse who gave her the penguin doll.” 
You grinned. “Did she like it?” 
“She sleeps with it every night. But apparently, Mr. Penguin has requested that you come by the house to read him a bedtime story. So what do you say? Dinner and a book reading?” he asked. 
You locked eyes with Bob, nodding. “Is it weird to say I’m glad you got a hook in your foot and ended up in my ER?” 
Bob chuckled. “Is it weird to say I’d do it again every day if it meant I got to see you?” 
“Honey,” you whispered. “No need to stab your foot again. I’ll be at dinner any night of the week. Just say the word.” 
He held out one hand. You slipped your fingers into his. It was enough. It was more than enough.
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whohasthecards · 10 months
Text
HC that after the mission and the dagger squad gets closer, Mav ramps up his petnames game as he showers his adopted children with affection. He doesn't even notice he does it. The first few times everyone was embarassed, but leaned to it. However, they realized that Hangman seemed to be affected the most. Constantly blushing or looking down or shutting up whenever Mav gave him a particularly affectionate pet name.
Most commonly used by Mav/Ice to everyone: Buddy, Kiddo, Kid, Son, Baby
Some of the most used petnames for the squad (although he uses the same nicknames for the others, some nicknames stuck more to certain people):
---
The dagger squad stayed over for the night after movie night went on for far too long. Most of them still sprawled around the living room, some on the couch, air mattress, or straight up on the floor. Bob woke up the earliest that day and started up the coffee.
Mav clambered down a moment after, drawn by the scent and Bob handed him a mug.
Mav smiled at him and reached out to ruffle his hair, "Thank you, sunshine."
Mav clambered out the kitchen saying something about ordering breakfast for them, as Bob stood there blinking mouth wide open.
---
Phoenix and Mav were debating strategy regarding case studies of past missions that could be applied in the future. The argument got a bit heated as they couldn't decide on the best solution for one of the sections.
Phoenix sat down with a sigh, "Dammit, both have good points, both have flaws, but the only deciding factor would be the people doing the mission, but it's not like we have detailed information on the personnel for this case study!"
Mav chuckled, "Didn't expect you to get this riled up, how about we put our opinions on what kind of personnel are best suited for each mission, yeah?"
"Sure, Mav," Phoenix muttered. "Hand me that pen?"
"Of course, Firecracker," Mav said smiling as he handed over the pen. "Hey, how about we go on break? There's a bakery nearby I've been meaning to try, and maybe that would reset our minds, yeah?"
Phoenix blinked at the nickname, then started standing up when Mav mentioned a break. "Yeah, let's go, Admiral, you're paying though," Phoenix said smirking at him.
---
"Mav, I need some advice regarding some maintenance on my car, since I know you fix stuff up," Payback said walking beside the older man.
"Sure kid, what's up?"
They started troubleshooting the best course of action, and who to took too to get the plan approved and implemented. This went on for a while until they were both satisfied.
"Thanks, Admiral Mitchell," Payback said smiling shyly as he realized how much of the man's time he took up.
Mav snorted as he clapped a hand around the younger man's shoulder, "Don't start with that Admiral shit when it's just us, kid. Come on Champ, let's get that car of yours fixed up."
---
"--The different seasons of the show have a variety of reviews, personally I found the first season good, and it kind of went a bit downhill from there, but that could just be nostalgia talking--," Fanboy babbled on gesturing wildly as Mav nodded along listening as he got caught up on Pop Culture.
It was very interesting, and as long as Fanbog kept on talking, he'd be able to keep up conversing with the others.
"--and then there's also the movies which are a classic-- oh sorry," Fanboy said suddenly freezing looking down on his lap.
Mav frowned, "What's wrong, kid?"
"I was talking too much and annoying you--"
"No, you weren't," Mav said putting an arm around his shoulder. "Now, come one whiz-zy, tell me more about the movies I should watch."
The smile Fanboy gave him made him realize that he should probably get a Netflix account, now.
---
"8 ball to corner pocket," Coyote said before lining up his shot.
"You got this, kid," Mav said sipping on his beer as the younger man lined his shot up.
Coyote focused on trying to see the angle to bank the cue ball on the rail, to hopefully brush the 8 just enough to push it to the corner. If he messed up, he'd practically be setting Mav up to win.
He took the shot. 8-ball went in.
He gave a small cheer in celebration as he whirled around to look at Mav who gave him a salute with his beer.
"You're buying drinks, old man," Coyote said grinning wildly as he rested his cue stick on the wall.
"Of course, Cub," Mav said patting the younger man's back as he walked to the bar to order one of those fancy craft beers the younger man, liked.
---
Bradley woke up to the white ceilings of the sick-bay, where he was herded to with Mav after that suicide-not-so-suicide, mission.
"You up, buddy?"
Bradley turned his head to his side to see Mav, sitting up on his own bed, munching on, McDonald's?
"How'd you get, McDonald's-?" Bradley croaked out, squinting to see if this was real.
Mav snorted, before eating another fry, "Ice brought us some, here's your share, kiddo," Mav said standing up to hand Bradley his own greasy, McDonald's paper bag.
"Are you supposed to be standing up-? Are we supposed to be eating this?" Bradley said sitting up as he took the food handed to him.
"Hey, do you want the food or not?" Mav said , raising a brow.
"... Thank you, for the food, Mav," Bradley said as he munched on his fries.
Mav gave him a bright smile, before pulling Bradley in for a quick hug and a kiss to the forehead. "Of course, Baby Goose."
Bradley stared up at Mav wide-eyed as the older man pulled away and Mav noticing this, winced.
"Sorry, Rooster, I shouldn't have overstepped-"
"NO! No, it's fine," Bradley said looking down on the food on his lap as he tugged lightly on the older man's shirt. "It's fine, Uncle Mav."
He missed this.
---
Jake felt a hand run through his hair, making him humm in content as he leaned towards the touch.
"Hey, buddy, how are we doing today?" The gentle voice of his Captain said.
Jake blinked his eyes open, wondering why Mav was here sitting on the edge of the bed. Wait. Where is he?
"Mav?" Jake croaked out.
"That's me, buddy, are you feeling better?" Mav said continuing to stroke Jake's haid.
Right, he was sick, Mav noticed, brought him home to sleep in his guest room for a nap..
"Hmmm, not sure, a bit I guess," Jake said. "What time is it?"
"Dinner time, are you up for some soup?" Mav asked as Jake shrugged.
"Not really hungry."
"How about some soup and hot chocolate?" Mav asked, smiling when he saw Jake perk up.
His hot chocolate was one of Dagger Squad's favorites.
"Can I have extra whipped cream?" Jake asked, eyes pleading up at Mav as he nuzzled towards the older man's side.
Mav kept on running his hand through Jake's hair as he pressed a smile to the boy's temple. "Of course, little prince."
---
Later on the Dagger Squad practically combusts when Iceman starts doing the same thing to them.
444 notes · View notes
ohgodnotagainn · 11 months
Text
girl in a coffee shop
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summary → 4 times bob recommended a drink + 1 time he recommended something else.
warnings → swearing, allusions to sex, probably some typos in there, coffee shop au, everyone is like 28ish in this
length → 5.1K
pairing → robert "bob" floyd x fem reader
a/n → this is SO self indulgent, but it's turned into my favorite fic i've written thus far. i hope you all love it as much as i do. i love, adore, and appreciate feedback, but as always, be nice or be gone. if you would like to be added or removed from the taglist let me know.
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“You’d be the pretty girl in a coffee shop, sweet as candy lemon drops, with your favorite pair of Birkenstocks - that’d be you.”
You found Top Brews completely by accident - your apartment was proving to be too distracting to finish editing your last shoot and so, in a fit of frustration, you googled the closest cafe with free internet. Five minutes later, you were pulling into the parking lot with your laptop and a dream. 
The shop was rather quaint - local artwork lined the walls and a variety of couches, armchairs, and tables littered the dark wooden floors. The place was alive with people slaving away on laptops, first dates, and old friends catching up over steaming lattes. You could tell these four walls harbored a community, and you wondered how you had missed it all this time. 
Walking up to the bar you realized that the eclectic vibes weren’t what made this little shop special, it was the staff. A stunning brunette greeted you with a warm smile, and behind her you could see a blonde and a mustached man arguing over the ‘right’ way to do the dishes. 
“Hey there! I haven’t seen you around here before - my name is Nat but you can call me Phoenix. I know the menu is a bit overwhelming, so if you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask!” 
You weren’t sure how she could tell that you were overwhelmed, but you could guess it wasn’t uncommon for how extensive the chalkboard menu was. There were so many drink options you weren’t entirely sure where to start and you hadn’t thought much about what you would want in the short time it took you to slip on a pair of Birkenstocks and make the trek here. 
“This is my first time in, do you have any recommendations?”
The smile on her face grew wider as she smacked the shoulder of a slender man with glasses hidden behind the espresso machine.
“Ahh, if you want recommendations then Bob here is your man. He’s yet to steer someone wrong and makes the best concoctions you’ll ever taste.”
Bob, as Phoenix called him, seemed startled when he looked up from the pitcher he was steaming. Your heart skipped a beat when your eyes met his gentle ones, and you were intrigued by his calm demeanor despite all the hustle and bustle around him. 
“Well then, Bob was it? I guess I’ll trust your reputation - surprise me, I’m not picky.”
You were finishing up paying when you heard Bob curse loudly, “Shit!” You glanced over just in time to see hot milk pouring over the edges of the metal pitcher onto his hands as he frantically turned off the steam wand. His neck and cheeks were painted red, no doubt embarrassed by what happened. 
Words tumbled out of his mouth while he made quick work of wiping down the bar with a wet rag. “I - uh - I promise I know how to do my job, I just get so in the zone sometimes and I got distracted and Rooster is back there squawking so loud I can’t hear myself think and -”
His words and motions came to a halt as he heard you giggling, and though it may have been at his expense, he would do anything to hear it every day. 
You tried to keep a straight face, but you were still in a fit of giggles as you said, “You guys keep a Rooster back there? I’m not sure the health department would appreciate that very much.” 
At your words, the mustached man from the great dish debate whipped around with a hand to his chest and pretend indignation written on his face. “Excuse you! I’ll have you know that inspector Sharon loves me and my keen sense for knowing what needs to be clean and what needs to be dirty.” 
Everyone behind the bar groaned in annoyance as Phoenix pushed him back towards the sink, “You’ve lost your privilege of talking you absolute buffoon, go back to the dishpit and reflect on your life choices,” she looked at the clock, then turned back to you and whispered, “Believe it or not, that’s the longest he’s made it without losing his talking privileges all week.”
“But it’s only 9:30?” you questioned.
A cup of mystery appeared in front of you as Bob cut in with a playful grin, “Yeah, he’s making some big strides. Yesterday he only got to 7:05. We open at 7:00.”
You met his eyes and shook your head laughing. “Sounds like you may have been better off with an actual rooster.” You lifted the cup, eyes widening as soon as the hot beverage hit your tongue. “Holy shit, Bob.”
His eyes widened to match yours as he started to reach for the cup, “Fuck do you not like it? I’m so sorry, I can make you something else -”
“Oh, no!” You were vehemently shaking your head, “I didn’t mean it like that,” You pulled the cup out of his reach, “This is just the best coffee I’ve ever had - where have you been all my life? You have to clue me in to what you made so I can order if you aren’t here.”
His heart was fluttering at your kind remarks and the idea of you coming in here more, but he tamped down the feeling. “It’s, uh, it’s a honey vanilla latte with cinnamon steamed into the oat milk.” With rosey cheeks he looked down at the rag in his hands and continued, “It’s actually my personal favorite.”
“Well, Bob, it might just be my new personal favorite too.” You slipped a $5 bill out of your laptop case and into the tip jar. You looked back at him and raised your cup with a wink, “Thanks again!” 
Bob was stunned into silence and couldn’t help but watch you as you made yourself at home in a big armchair by the fireplace. Where had you been all of his life?
Phoenix once again startled him when she cleared her throat - he was so wrapped up in thoughts of you he forgot she was there. “Dude, what was that? I can’t even remember the last time you burned a pitcher of milk.”
Hangman joined in from the sinks, “Yeah, man, I didn’t think you were even capable of messing up - you must be down bad.”
He groaned at their prodding, “Fuck off, Jake, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He did know what Jake was talking about, but he wouldn’t admit that to the blonde - if his ego got any bigger they’d have to expand into the space next door to fit it all.
Instead, he let your words play on a loop in his head and snuck peaks at you cuddled in that armchair every chance he could. 
He hoped and prayed to every God he could think of.
Please make her a regular.
“I wonder what it’s like to be in love by you, I wondered if I’d ever be in love for you. All these doubts in my head keep me from finding you.”
You couldn’t help yourself. You had to go back to there. You told yourself it was because the coffee had ruined other places for you, but you knew it was Bob. You had stayed in the shop for hours, somehow managing to get a substantial amount of work done between sneaking glances over your screen at the man who rocked glasses better than anyone you’d ever met. Would going back the very next day be weird? Maybe it was, but you didn’t care as you packed up your laptop and laced up your shoes. 
The short journey felt like ages as your heart sped up with your wandering mind. Bob ran rampant through your brain and you found yourself unwilling to even try to stop - stuck on thoughts of him in your kitchen, crafting drinks on your Breville in the morning after a long night together. 
You shouldn’t be thinking of someone you met once in this way. You didn’t even know if he had a partner already! You groaned and let your head hit the wheel - you had to get over it.
If you embarrassed yourself there was no way you could find another comparable shop - the coffee was simply too good and the internet too fast. Why go through all that when you were almost certain he wasn’t interested in you anyways?
Shaking the thoughts from your head, you gathered every ounce of courage in your body and went inside. You could do this. 
Bob had spent his morning in a similar fashion, plagued by thoughts of you. He woke up thirty minutes earlier than usual, allowing himself extra time to get ready just in case you happened to come back.
Each time the little bell above the door rang he couldn’t help but check to see if it was you - and his heart sank a little deeper each time it wasn’t. What if you hated the coffee he made you yesterday and that’s why you didn’t come back? What would he say if you did come in the door? Would you give it to him if he asked for your number? 
Who was he kidding? Even if you were single, he didn’t stand a chance when Rooster, Coyote, Hangman, and Phoenix were there.
Ding, ding.
He didn’t bother looking up this time. 
“Bob! Hi!”
He had to be hearing things, had he officially gone crazy?
But sure enough, when he looked up he was met with your smiling face. Oh no. He had been thinking about you coming in all morning, but he wasn’t prepared for it to actually happen.. 
Say something, say something, say something..
“Oh, uh, hey!” Smooth, Bob. He hoped you didn’t see him cringe as soon as the words left his mouth. “Back again already?” Your smile faltered a bit at his words, and he caught his mistake immediately. “Not that I don’t want to see you again, because I do! I was hoping you’d come back, actually. I mean, not in a creepy way, of course.” He could feel himself rambling again, he had to bring this back before he really scared you off. “I’m sorry, let me try that again. Were you wanting the same coffee or do you want to try something new today?”
Now you were smiling wider than before - his rambling was endearing and your heart was nearly bursting at the fact that he was hoping you’d come in again. 
“Well, I was going to get the same thing, but now that you mention it - I think I want to try something new. Got another ace up your sleeve?”
He couldn’t believe you were trusting him blind again. 
A smile now graced his face too, “I think I’ve got one or two left.”
With an iced raspberry white mocha in hand and butterflies loose in your stomach, you set up camp in the same chair you had the day before. 
Back up at the counter, Jake saddled up next to Bob. 
“Two words - Down. Bad.”
“The glasses that you hardly wear .. and makeup, no you don’t really care"
Top Brews had all but become your office - now a permanent part of your daily routine. It had been two weeks since you first found the place but you couldn’t imagine life without it - the drinks were always stellar, you were friends with everyone on staff, and you were getting through work more efficiently than you ever had. 
You really only had one problem with it - Bob. You suspected that if he was available and interested he would’ve made a move by now, but you couldn’t stop your growing feelings for the quiet barista and the little hearts he always poured on the tops of your lattes. 
He made your mornings a little sweeter - often chatting with you over the red espresso machine while he whipped up your drink of the day. You rarely saw him do this with anybody else, usually too in the zone to make small talk, and you couldn’t help but feel special. He was never in too much of a rush to talk to you, and nobody else had ever made you feel so important before.
Through your chats you learned that he owned the place with Natasha, and overtime they somehow roped all of their friends from college into working there with them. Coyote overheard this and appeared out of thin air to inform you that it took major begging to get him to quit his office job and join the staff.
Bob informed you that it really only took a six pack of Dos Equis and the promise of priority aux privileges. (Coyote took a lot of pride in this, spending hours on Spotify crafting playlists for every occasion).
You also learned that, no, their parents don’t hate them, they just liked having their nicknames adorning their tags. They wanted those who came to know they were part of the squad, that they considered every single person who came through those doors a friend - regardless if they came in once or every day. 
You looked forward to these chats more than you’d like to admit.
This particular morning you were not doing well. You had woken up on the wrong side of the bed, things going awry left and right. Your phone hadn’t been fully plugged in and you woke up late. You got a scathing email from an unhappy client, who demanded they get their non-refundable deposit back from the shoot they didn’t show up to. Another client didn’t make any indication whether they liked their gallery or not, leaving you even more insecure. You ripped your last pair of contacts and had to opt for glasses - that were four years old and out of prescription - instead. To top it off, you were missing one of your most important SD cards. 
If you weren’t so superstitious, you would say that things couldn’t get any worse.
For once you were hoping to not see Bob. You didn’t feel like yourself and you were feeling rather self conscious about your appearance. 
Like everything else that morning, you weren’t so lucky. You saw him the second you entered the building and scurried to your armchair instead of the counter to order like normal. You would have to set up camp first and get your coffee once he went to the bathroom or went on break.
Twenty minutes into working and you were left more frustrated than before. Lightroom was crashing on you every five photos, you were developing a migraine from the lack of caffeine, and Bob still had not moved from his place behind the bar. You could feel his eyes on you every so often and you knew he was probably figuring out how to nicely kick you out.
You were loitering after all. 
Suddenly you felt a presence in front of you and you looked up to see Phoenix smiling down at you. 
Here it comes. 
Without a word, she produced a glass from behind her back and placed it on the little table next to you.
“You must have the wrong person, this can’t be for me - I haven’t ordered yet.” You told her, sheepishly pushing the glass away. 
“No, I’m certain this is for you,” she nodded her head in Bob’s direction, who was currently looking anywhere but at you, “Something about how he could tell you’re having a bad day and could use a pick me up. He’s insisting it be on the house and instructed all of us to refuse letting you pay, so, don’t even try. Also, you cannot tell him I told you this, but he won’t shut up about how much he likes your glasses. I think you could get away with never paying here again if you wore those everyday.”
You were shocked, your mouth agape and unable to form words. 
“Oh! I was also sent on operation pick-me-up to give you this,” she fished your SD card out of her apron pocket and handed it to you, “We found it sweeping yesterday and couldn’t tell if it was yours or not. Bob kept it in his wallet for safe keeping until we saw you today, just in case.”
You flipped the little disc around in your fingers - completely shellshocked now.
“I uh, I don’t even know what to say other than thank you, seriously. Are you sure I can’t pay? I feel bad and it’s really no trouble at all,” you said as you fished around in your laptop case for some cash. 
Shaking her head, she started to walk away from you, yelling over her shoulder, “Don’t even try!”
You could feel your migraine dissipating as you sipped on the lavender cold brew topped with a sweet cold foam. 
Bob had saved your entire day. 
You slipped a $20 bill in the tip jar when no one was looking. 
“Oh, I, could only hope that you would feel it too - if we locked eyes right here in this crowded room for just one second it’d just be us two”
A month had passed since your first visit and the tattered blue armchair by the fireplace was now your spot. Sure, it wasn’t written anywhere, but you were there for hours everyday like clockwork. It was common knowledge and the other regulars respected it as your territory, sometimes even going as far as leaving a jacket in place to make sure it was vacant upon your arrival.
You always sat there because it was the comfiest chair, you liked the warmth that came from the fireplace, and the internet connection in that specific part of the cafe was the strongest. You definitely didn’t always sit there because you had a stellar - and discreet - view of the bar.
Okay, maybe you did. 
But if you couldn’t actually be with Bob, there was no harm in looking, right? How could you resist a few peaks here and there when his hands looked that good moving expertly around the bar?
Yeah, that was going with you to the grave. 
It had been a busy morning and there was not an empty chair or table in sight. The crowd was overtaking your space and you could tell, even through your headphones, how loud it was getting. Even the internet was struggling to keep up with the traffic. 
The most recent batch of photos was in the process of exporting and with how slow it was moving, you knew it was going to be a while.
You didn’t mind much. You could allow yourself generous looks at Bob without worrying so much about being caught - everyone behind the bar too preoccupied with the rush at hand to notice - and there was no guilt around being distracted from your own workload.
Without warning, Bob’s eyes snapped up and met your gaze.
Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit. 
You had been caught red-handed, but your eyes stayed locked on his and you nodded at the freshy vacated chair next to yours in a silent invitation. The only way out of the embarrassment now was through, you had to pretend this was the plan all along.
Bob wanted nothing more than to join you in your corner, but there was a hoard of tickets still waiting to be made and Jake was scheduled to take his break first. With an exaggerated look of  disappointment on his face he held up a cup in one hand and a pitcher in the other, shrugging his shoulders as a way to politely decline your invitation. 
You nodded in understanding, but he didn’t miss the dejected look in your eyes as they dropped back to the laptop screen. 
God damnit. He was grateful that his business was flourishing, but he finally had a chance and he was barred from taking it. 
Unbeknownst to him, Rooster had seen the entire exchange. 
“Hey man, I got bar so you can take your break,” he stated, leaving little room for argument.
“Oh, uh, I actually think Hangman is supposed to break first today,” Bob responded, eyes downcast and sadness laced in his tone.
Jake was quick to interject, “Yeah! I’m starving and I opened so if anyone is going on break its -” 
He was cut off by Bradley’s elbow making sharp contact with his gut.
“Nope! It’s Bob. Here’s a slice of banana bread big enough for two, do with it what you will.” Bradley winked, shoving a plate in Bob’s hands and shooing him away from the counter
Hangman grumbled, still doubled over and cradling his stomach, “We really need an HR department.”
Bob ignored him as he untied his apron and grabbed two forks, making his way over to the fireplace before he could talk himself out of it. 
You thought nothing of it when you felt a presence in the chair beside you - it had been occupied for almost the entire morning - but you were confused when a plastic fork suddenly appeared in front of your eyes.
“Not sure if I can finish this piece of banana bread on my own, interested in sharing?” Bob asked you with a blush on his cheeks. 
You grabbed the fork out his hand and clinked it against his, “I would love nothing more.” You took a big bite and your eyes got large, “I need this recipe, I need it more than I’ve needed anything else in the history of needing things.”
Bob let out a chuckle, “I wish I could give it to you, but unfortunately Rooster has it under lock and key. Believe me when I say we’ve tried to get it from him since freshman year, but It’s his mom’s old recipe that they used to make together before she died.”
You were silent for a moment.
“That’s actually really sweet. Does he do a lot in the kitchen then?” you asked softly.
Laughing, Bob answered, “Oh absolutely not, he’s a master baker but I wouldn’t trust him to make a box of mac n’ cheese. A truly horrid cook.” You laughed this time, and he continued, “He was actually the first one to join the team here, his only request was that he wanted to bake. He says it’s to keep the memory of his parents alive, but truthfully I think it’s when he feels closest to them.”
You hummed in understanding and took another bite, “Well, here’s to Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw then.”
Bob took another bite before raising his fork, “Here, here!”
The conversation stood still for a moment before you turned to Bob with a serious look on your face, “Rooster, Phoenix, Fanboy, Payback, Hangman, Coyote - everyone else has silly nicknames. How come you don’t have one?”
“Bob actually is a nickname, even though it’s a derivative of my real name. I used to go by Robby, but when I was sharing a dorm with Hangman our freshman year he would always use Bob’s Burgers to fall asleep.” 
“That’s absurd! Everyone knows that American Dad is the superior adult cartoon for sleeping purposes!” you quipped.
“That’s what I always said!” Bob agreed before continuing, “Anyways, the opening jingle started to really drive me crazy but I never said anything about it until one fated day when he put it on while we were all hanging out. I heard one note and went ballistic - we got in the biggest fight we’ve ever had and it ended with him saying that I was ‘jealous that I was the inferior Bob.’ The name just stuck after that,” He ended with a shrug. 
You had a hand over your mouth, but you couldn’t stop yourself. You started laughing, and before he knew what was happening, Bob was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes and his stomach was burning.
Wiping away stray tears, he looked down at his watch and a deep frown overtook his features.
“Are you okay?” You asked, suddenly worried that you had offended him by laughing so hard.
“Yeah! Yeah, I’m good. I’m just bummed that my break is almost over, none of those fools,” he pointed to the bar, “keep as good of company as you do.” 
You watched as Rooster and Hangman thumb wrestled, Fanboy and Payback standing to the side, acting as referees, “I don’t know, that looks like a pretty intense match.” Bob just laughed again and shook his head. 
“I enjoyed this too, you know. You should join me on your breaks more often, Robby.” 
“I look forward to it,” he said earnestly, leaving you to enjoy your iced strawberry matcha with a new stampede of elephants taking residence in your stomach. 
“I’m just another boy in a coffee shop, dreaming of a love that’s not .. I’m just dreaming of a girl in a coffee shop”
Another month had come and gone, and Bob didn’t let a day go by without sitting with you on his break. If he sometimes took 25 minutes instead of 15, well, nobody said anything about it. Everyone loved you, and everyone loved how happy you seemed to make Bob. 
Everyone was, however, frustrated beyond belief that neither of you had made a move yet. 
Phoenix was the first to crack, and it was under her supervision that operation intervention staff meeting (everyone thought the name Rooster pitched was stupid, but nobody could come up with something better) was born. 
When Bob arrived at her house, ready to handle all the usual housekeeping, he was surprised to find that everyone was already there and sitting in a circle - he always the first to arrive.
“Bob, dear boy. Come in and sit with us.” Rooster said, trying to act normal yet failing miserably. 
The weird tension in the room was palpable, and Bob was unsure what to do other than oblige, “What’s going on?” he asked, before finding a place to sit between Fanboy and Phoenix.
“We’ve decided, dear boy, that you finally grow a spine and ask her out,” Rooster replied, crossing his arms.
“First of all, stop calling me ‘dear boy’ - it’s really weird. Second of all, ask who out? I don’t know what you guys are on about.” Bob coolly responded. 
Suddenly a hoard of pillows was thrown his way and everyone wore the same displeased look on their faces. They were obviously talking about you, and they knew that Bob knew they were talking about you.
“Okay, okay. Fine. I get it. I can’t ask her out though! I love talking to her everyday, she’s one of my best friends at this point. It would make things weird,” he continued.
Hangman groaned, responding before anyone else could, “You really think that would make it weird? Really? After two months of weird sexual tension that everyone but the two of you can see?”
Now he was on the receiving end of the swarm of throw pillows as a chorus of “not the time” “really Hangman?” and “you’re disgusting” rang out.
Payback, who had been quietly observing up until this point, decided it was time to step in. “Listen, man. If you really don’t want to ask her out, none of us are going to make you do it.” Phoenix looked like she was about to object but he shot her a look, “None of us are going to make you do it.” 
Bob looked relieved for a moment, but Payback wasn’t finished yet, “However, I think you’re doing yourself, and her, a huge injustice if you don’t. She looks at you like you hung the stars, and you look at her like she hung the moon. We won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do, but don’t you want to find out how much sweeter life can be if you stopped selling yourself short?”
 “I don’t know how, and I’m scared.” Bob said quietly.
Everyone seemed to sober at his words, and Phoenix pulled him into a tight hug on the couch. She took hold of his hands and looked him in the eyes, “Then we’ll help you figure it out, and we’ll be there with you every step of the way. You deserve this, Bob, don’t let her pass you by only wondering what could’ve been.”
So, they all spent the rest of the night coming up with a plan - eventually falling asleep sprawled around Phoenix’s living room.
•••••
Everything seemed normal when you arrived at Top Brews, albeit there did seem to be a fair fewer cars in the parking lot. You didn’t think much of it, though, Tuesday’s were generally a pretty slow day at the shop. 
It wasn’t until you walked up to the door and noticed the sign that said your name and to not enter unless it was you that you realized this was not going to be an average Tuesday morning. 
Once inside, you followed a trail of meticulously placed coffee beans to your usual corner, where Bob sat nervously with a coffee mug in one hand and a bouquet of daisies in the other. You could barely hear Billy Joel over the blood rushing to your head, suddenly feeling a wave of nerves and anticipation crash into you.
You had a million questions, but settled on a familiar one instead, “What’s in the cup today, Robby?”
“It’s, uh, it’s a honey vanilla latte with cinnamon steamed into the oat milk. I’m not sure if you remember this or not, but I made it for you the first time you came in,” he stopped for a moment to take a deep breath, “I haven’t stopped thinking about you since that day. I’ve tested a thousand different recipes - not all winners, by the way - to make sure I can always make you something new. I used to hate taking breaks, but since I started sitting with you they are the highlight of my day. I never realized how much I missed being called Robby until you said it. I really don’t want to mess this up with you, you make my life sweeter in every way without even realizing it. If this is weird, and I’m misreading things, feel free to walk out that door and pretend this never happened but I am begging you, if that’s the case, please don’t stop coming -”
He was cut off by your lips making contact with his.
Pulling back, you allowed your eyes to meet his, “I remember every drink you’ve ever made me, I keep them saved to a list on my phone. I came back to this shop because of you. Watching you make drinks and sing whatever song is playing under your breath because you think nobody is looking has become my favorite pastime. I can’t even use my own Breville anymore because all I can think about is you using it instead. You’ve overtaken every inch of my brain and you’ve made the most bitter days sweet again. I could never stop coming through that door because I know you’re on the other side of it. This is by far the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me, and I love it.”
You connected your lips to his again when a sudden roar of cheers and clapping filled the space. 
Bob pulled away this time - laughing softly at your startled expression whilst the others poured out of the kitchen.
“Oh, yeah, I had a little help.”
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lieutenantfloyd · 6 months
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The Little things with Wife! Phoenix ♡
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Wife! Phoenix who drags you into every photobooth she sees
Wife! Phoenix who gets you matching jewelry for each anniversary
Wife! Phoenix who cracks your knuckles ever time she holds your hand
Wife! Phoenix who plays board games with you after dinner each night 
Wife! Phoenix who practically parades you around the Hard Deck whenever she can
Wife! Phoenix who's favorite form of intimacy is when you wash her hair while in the bath together
Wife! Phoenix who only uses wired headphones in hopes you'll ask to share them
Wife! Phoenix who makes breakfast in bed a daily occurrence
Wife! Phoenix who leaves you words of encouragement on post-it notes around the house
Wife! Phoenix who blows you a kiss every time you catch eyes
Wife! Phoenix who spends her free time planning the next date or adventure she'll take you on 
Wife! Phoenix who started looking at engagement rings before she even mustered up the courage to say "I love you"
Wife! Phoenix who adopts every stray animal in the neighborhood
Wife! Phoenix who spends entirely too much money each year mailing Christmas cards to everyone she's been deployed with
Wife! Phoenix who hosts a mandatory family dinner each Sunday for the Dagger Squad 
Wife! Phoenix who insists on going on double dates with Bob and his S/O
Wife! Phoenix who's hand never leaves your thigh while driving
Wife! Phoenix who steals the entire blanket every night
Wife! Phoenix who has an entire pinterest board of couples photos she wants to recreate
Wife! Phoenix who steals every single item of clothing you own
Wife! Phoenix who tells you every detail of the book she's reading then insists you read them it too (even though she spoils the entire thing)
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thewulf · 14 days
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Skies of Concern || Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia
Summary: Request -may i request for top gun maverick with husband!mickey 'fanboy' garcia x civillian maverick's daughter!reader please? when you heard that mav called mickey to join a mission, you kind of mad to your dad cause it is dangerous for mickey (worried)... Read Rest Here
A/N: Eeeeek! This one was fun to write. Super cute and fluffy. Memories are in italics. Hope you enjoy anon!
Pairing: Mickey Fanboy" Garcia x Female Reader
Word Count: 2.6k +
T/W : General TGM warnings
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The sun dipped below the horizon casting a warm, golden glow across the tarmac of the Naval Air Station as you waited for the aircraft carrier to arrive back on base. You stood near the water as the anticipation built with each passing minute. You were anxiously awaiting the return of your father, Maverick, and his trusted wingman and your beloved husband, Mickey Garcia.
But even in the middle of the tension and worry that gripped your heart your mind wandered back to a warmer memory. A moment of serendipity that had brought you into the orbit of the charismatic WSO who would later become your husband much to your fathers dismay. Although he eventually came around and loved Mickey as his own son.
It was a balmy evening at the Hard Deck as you waited for your father to return from a training mission. He’d asked you to meet him there against your better judgement. Although you didn’t frequent the bar that often anymore you had sought solace in the familiar surroundings of the bar, the chatter of fellow Navy personnel providing a comforting backdrop to your thoughts. As you nursed a drink at the counter trying to push aside the nagging worry that always accompanied your father's missions, you noticed him.
Mickey Garcia, with his effortless charm and magnetic presence strode into the bar. His flight suit a testament to the adrenaline-fueled world he inhabited. His gaze briefly met yours and in that fleeting moment, something sparked between you—a connection born in the anonymity of the crowded room. You should’ve run far, far away after the smirk grew on the pilot’s face. But you couldn’t. It’s like that one look had you rooted right into the bar stool.
Unbeknownst to Mickey he had just caught the eye of Maverick's daughter. You had planned to keep your identity hidden. More than content to observe from the shadows as he approached with a casual confidence that belied the danger of his profession.
"Hey there," he greeted you. His smile as warm as the fading sunlight outside. "Haven't seen you around here before. I’d remember a pretty face like yours. You can’t be a regular, no?"
His words were laced with genuine curiosity with a playful demeanor drawing you in despite the weight of your worries. Little did you know that chance encounter would set the stage for a journey fraught with danger and adventure but so much love. Oh, so much love.
As Mickey leaned casually against the bar with that signature mischievous twinkle in his eyes you couldn't help but return his flirtatious banter. "Well,” you replied with a playful smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Maybe I like to keep things interesting. You never know when a new face might turn up." He was right. You often avoided the Hard Dec as it was your father and Penny’s spot.
Mickey chuckled. The sweet sound sent a pleasant shiver down your spine. "I like the way you think," he said. His gaze lingering on you with unmistakable interest. "Name's Mickey, by the way. Mickey Garcia." You nodded. You knew that. Hell, you knew most of your dads pilots even if you hadn’t formally met them. But you had to play dumb to keep up your charade.
You extended your hand. A coy smile playing on your lips. "Nice to meet you, Mickey. I'm... just a girl trying to enjoy her night."
His handshake was firm, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through you. "Well, just a girl, if you ever need someone to show you around this place… you know who to call," he spoke with a confidence only pilots seemed to have.
Before you could respond to him the familiar sound of your fathers voice cut through the air, drawing your attention to the entrance of the bar. Your heart skipped a beat as you watched your father stride in. He looked to be in one piece. Your concern washed away in an instant. His presence commanded the attention of everyone in the room. When he spotted you chatting with one of his pilots at the bar he made a beeline right to you with a less than thrilled look on his face.
"Hey there, sweetheart," Your dad greeted you. His voice was warm with affection as he pulled you into a quick hug. "You holding up okay?"
You nodded. A small smile tugging at your lips as you leaned into his embrace. "Yeah, Dad," you replied oh so grateful for the familiar strength of his arms around you. "Just glad to see you back in one piece."
But as Pete pulled away his gaze fell on Mickey, and you felt a knot of tension coil in the pit of your stomach. There was a shift in the air. A subtle change in your dads demeanor that set your heart racing with apprehension.
"Fanboy," Maverick spoke with an icy tone as he turned his attention to the charming pilot beside you. "Fancy seeing you here."
Mickey's easy grin faltered and was replaced by a look of uncertainty as he met Maverick's gaze. "Hey, Maverick," he replied. His voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Didn't expect to run into you here. You’re not usually here after missions."
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence between them. The air thick with unspoken tension as Maverick's gaze bore into Mickey with an intensity that made you squirm in your barstool. Finally, Pete spoke, his voice low and dangerous. "No funny business with my daughter, Garcia," he said. His words a thinly veiled warning. "Or you'll answer to me."
Mickey swallowed hard. The weight of Maverick's stare bearing down on him like a leaden weight. "Yes, sir," he replied. His voice was barely above a whisper as he nodded in silent acquiescence.
And as Maverick turned away with his arm slipping around your shoulders in a protective gesture. You couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for you with Mickey. The chemistry between the two of you was something you’d never experienced before. There had to be something more. You felt caught between the love of a father and the allure of the skies.
It had been years since that fateful meeting at the Hard Deck, years filled with adventure, love, and the occasional heart-stopping moment as you watched your husband and father take to the skies together. But through it all you had remained steadfast in your support for both of them.
As you stood there the memories of that first encounter with Mickey came flooding back. A bittersweet reminder of how far you had come since that chance meeting. Now, as you awaited their return, your heart swelled with a mixture of pride and worry. You knew all too well the dangers that lurked beyond the clouds. But despite the nagging fear that gnawed at your insides you refused to let it consume you. You had learned to trust in Mickey's skill and your dads experience.
Your thoughts then took to earlier on in the week when you father broke the news he was taking your now husband with him to go fly a mission in Russia. He couldn’t tell you the details, but you knew it was going to be risky. Anything overseas always was. A pit formed in your stomach at the thought of the two most important guys in your life putting their lives in danger once again.
Unable to contain your fears any longer you turned to your father with a pleading look in your eyes. "Dad, you can't do this," you said, your voice trembling with emotion. "You can't take Mickey on this mission. It's too dangerous dad!"
Maverick's expression hardened. His jaw tightening as he met your gaze with a steely resolve. "I have to, sweetheart," he replied with a sorrowful look as his voice firm but tinged with regret. "We're the best chance they've got and Mickey's one of the best damn WSO’s I know."
You shook your head. The frustration and fear bubbling up inside you like a tempest ready to burst. "But it's not fair," you cried out as the words tumbled out in a rush. "Both of you don’t need to go. How about just you? Or him? Not both of you! I can't take it dad. Please" You knew the pleading would likely fall on deaf ears, but you had to try.
Your voice cracked with emotion. Tears welling up in your eyes as the weight of your fear threatened to crush you. You had spent countless nights lying awake dreading this exact moment when the call would come. One that summoned your father and husband into the heart of danger once again but farther away than you thought possible.
This time felt different, the stakes higher than ever before. And as you stood there with anger and despair boiling over inside you, you knew that you couldn't bear the thought of losing them both, not now, not ever.
Maverick's expression softened. A rare flicker of sympathy crossing his features as he reached out to pull you into a comforting embrace. "I know, sweetheart," he murmured. His voice gentle against your ear. "But we have a job to do, and we'll come back to you, I promise."
You clung to him like a scared five-year-old but you really couldn’t care. You were terrified. The weight of his words offering a sliver of solace amidst the storm of uncertainty you prayed with all your heart that his promise would hold true. That both your father and husband would return to you unscathed once more.
The anticipation was palpable as you stood on the base. Your eyes fixed on the horizon where the carrier would soon appear. It had been over a week since you last saw your husband, and your father depart on their mission. Each moment of their absence had felt like an eternity.
But now as the massive silhouette of the carrier emerged from the vast expanse of the ocean your heart leaped with relief. They were back. They were safe. You knew it because you hadn't received that dreaded call. The one that brought news of tragedy and loss. Still, despite the reassurance a knot of anxiety tightened in your stomach as you waited for them to disembark. You couldn't shake the lingering worry, the fear of the unknown that had plagued you since the moment they left.
And then, finally, the gangplank descended, and a surge of relief washed over you as you caught sight of familiar figures making their way down onto the dock. Your heart raced as you scanned the crowd searching for the faces you longed to see.
And there they were.
Your father emerged first with his iconic aviator shades shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun. Beside him, Mickey walked with a confident stride. His tattered flight suit a testament to the adventure they had just returned from.
Without a second thought you rushed forward ignoring the protests from the officers guarding the walkway. Your heart pounded with a mixture of joy and apprehension. They were here. They were safe. But still you needed to see them with your own eyes. To feel the reassuring warmth of their embrace. His embrace. Your husband and beloved.
Without hesitation you rushed forward to you husband. Your arms outstretched as you leaped into his embrace wrapping your legs around his waist. "Babe!" you exclaimed while happily peppering his cheeks with kisses. "Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you? I missed you so much! Don’t go for that long again, please." Your eyes scanned his frame for any sign of distress.
Mickey laughed while wrapping his arms tightly around you and returning your kisses with equal fervor. "I'm fine, honey," he reassured you, his voice filled with affection. "Not a scratch on me. I missed you more than you know pretty lady." He gave you a squeeze as he held you in his arms as the both of you ignored the bewildered captain beside you.
Your attention wholly focused on the man holding you in his strong arms. But when you finally pulled back you couldn't help but notice the grin spreading across your fathers face as he watched the reunion between his daughter and son-in-law.
"Looks like someone's glad to see her husband and not so much her old man," he remarked with amusement twinkling in his eyes.
You flushed with embarrassment realizing you had been so caught up in your reunion with Mickey that you had all but forgotten all about your father. But as you glanced back at him you found nothing but warmth and understanding in his expression.
"Sorry, Dad," you said sheepishly. "I was just... really glad to see Mickey. It’s good to see you too." As you attempted to slip down from Mickey's hold expecting to stand on your own feet again, you felt him tighten his grip around you. He wasn't willing to let you go just yet and a warm sense of contentment washed over you as you remained enveloped in his embrace.
Maverick chuckled. His eyes had a knowing amusement in them as he watched the scene unfold. "I can see that," he replied. His voice tinged with pride. "I see I’ve officially been replaced."
You grinned with your cheeks flushing with affectionate embarrassment at your father's teasing remark. "Well, Dad," you spoke playfully jabbing his shoulder from Mickey’s hold. "I think there's enough love to go around for both of you."
Pete laughed. "I suppose so," His voice filled with warmth as he spoke. "Just don't forget who taught him everything he knows."
You smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude for the two most important men in your life. "I could never forget.”
As Maverick chuckled, shaking his head, and walked away he left just the two of you there to continue on. Mickey still held you close in his arms. His embrace filled with a longing that mirrored your own. With Pete out of sight he seemed to pull you even closer. His touch igniting that usual fire within you.
Feeling his warmth enveloping you, you melted into his embrace. Your body fitting perfectly against his. His lips found yours in a hungry kiss. A silent declaration of his desire and his longing for you. The kiss deepened becoming more passionate as if he couldn't get enough of you after being apart for too long.
When he finally pulled back his breath came out in ragged gasps. He pressed his forehead against yours with eyes dark full of desire. "God, I missed you," he murmured. His voice husky with emotion. A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes as he winked suggestively. His lips curling into a playful grin. And as you stood there wrapped in his embrace surrounded by the sights, and sounds of the base, you knew that the reunion you had been longing for was just beginning.
With a shared smirk Mickey held you a as tight as he could without squeezing you completely. His gaze was filled with promises of the passion to come. "Let's get out of here my love," he whispered. His voice low and intimate. "I want to show you just how much I missed you." The earned a giggle out of you as you knew he meant business when it came to that look.
And with that he carried you effortlessly towards your car. Each step filled with anticipation and desire. With a thrill of excitement coursing through you, you knew that the night ahead held endless possibilities. And you couldn't wait to explore them all with the man you loved.
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Jake Seresin/Top Gun: Permanent Taglist (If you'd like to be added to any or all works please fill out the form here: Taglist Sign Up) @loving-and-dreaming @kmc1989 @memeorydotcom @matisse556 @buckylov3r @taygrls @ah-blossom @mamachasesmayhem @hardballoonlove @rosiahills22 @djs8891 @illisea @jessicab1991 @guacam011y @dempy @hiireadstuff @kenn-spencerswifey @abbersreads @avada-kedavra-bitch-187
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foreverrandomwritings · 11 months
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See Something You Like, Sweets?
Summary: The four times Natasha notices you staring at her arms and the one time she says something. This was all inspired by me thinking about the scene of her doing push ups on the tarmac.
Pairing:Natasha “Phoenix” Trace x afab!Reader
Warnings: Alcohol and slight mentions of smut, if you blink you’ll miss it. I think that’s it??? Let me know if you find one I missed. 
Word count: 2371
Masterlist
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I mean look at those fucking arms, also for some reason the best gif I could find
One
The first time Natasha ever noticed you looking at her arms was actually the first time she had ever met you. You were a new bartender at the Hard Deck. You just so happened to have your first day on one of the hottest afternoons fightertown California has ever seen. The Dagger Squad had all planned on meeting up that Saturday and Natasha seemed to be the first one there.
She strolled up to the bar expecting to see Penny or even Jimmy. To her surprise she saw you instead. You were standing talking to one of the regulars Natashsa saw every time she was in the establishment. She waited patiently for your conversation to be over her eyes scanning the patrons in the bar. She carefully scoped out the pool table to see if she would have to politely shoo anyone away. Fortunately she didn't see anyone around the table so she wasn’t worried. 
“What can I get for you?” she heard from beside her. She looked up and locked eyes on you and her breath was taken away. You were absolutely stunning and had on a really shimmery lip gloss that had her eyes zeroing in on your lips. 
“I’m gonna get a bottle of the Sam Adams Summer Ale please.” she politely replied resting her forearm against the warm bar top. Her other hand pulled her wallet out of her pocket. You nodded her way with a smile before turning to grab the bottle from the cooler behind you. Her eyes briefly flickered over your t-shirt, noticing the words ‘Eat More Candy’ splayed across the back of the tie dye material. She fished her card out as you turned back towards her with the bottle in hand. 
“Here ya go.” You said as you slipped the bottle towards her. She went to hand you her card with the hand that wasn’t resting against the bar but she realized you weren't paying attention to her. She followed your eyes and noticed you were looking directly at her arm. She had on an old Guns and Roses t-shirt and had rolled the sleeves up so her arms were on perfect display. 
“I’m gonna open up a tab, sweets.” She said to you with a knowing smirk on her lips. A blush spread across your already heat reddened cheeks. Your fingers brushed hers as you grabbed the card from her hand. Then she was grabbing her beer and walking towards the pool table. She kept her eyes on you as she waited for everyone else to arrive. As they filed in she was quickly pulled into the chaos that was a Saturday night with the group of aviators. The only interactions she had with you were quick as the bar had picked up and left you extra busy. 
Two
The second time she noticed you looking at her arms was the second time she saw you. She hadn’t been to the Hard Deck since the first time meeting you. Things at work had been hard and she was stuck working extra hours training. Her and Halo had decided on a much needed girls night in. So that Friday they found themselves with mud masks on their face standing in the middle of the corner store by Halos apartment in search of snacks.  
She was searching through the wine selection when she heard the bell above the door chime. She glanced up and to her surprise spotted you walking towards the aisle she was currently in. As you walked past her she inhaled deeply and got the scent of you. You smelled like peaches and vanilla and she decided she would never get enough of that smell. You stopped not far from where she stood and surveyed the shelves before you. 
“Hiya sweets.” Natasha called out to you. You whipped your head around at her words and quickly scanned your eyes over her. You took in her converse, her long legs that lead to her shorts then you were dragging your eyes over her tank top and and to her arms that were once again on full display. She smirked once again as she noticed your stare. 
“Natasha, Right?” You asked her as you tore your eyes away from her arms. She simply hummed in response. Looking at the oversize crewneck and leggings you were wearing.  
“Do you know what red wine is good here?” You asked her as your eyes went back to the shelves. 
“I’d go with the Gato Negro brand. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is really good and super cheap.” She told you as she reached out to pick up a bottle in front of you. She purposely flexed her upper arm as she noticed your eyes dart back towards the muscles. 
“Thank you.” You squeaked out before grabbing the bottle and darting towards the register. She noticed you pick up a king size three musketeer and a bag of sour gummy worms that were on the shelves next to the register. Then you were slipping out the door into the humid night air. 
Three 
The third time she caught you staring at her arms she made sure to give you quite the show. You had once again been behind the bar when she walked into the Hard Deck. She sauntered over to the bar and waited for you to get done cleaning a glass before you were turning towards her and giving her a sickeningly sweet smile. The same shimmery lip gloss adorning your lips as the first time she saw you. This time however you were chewing on a piece of gum. 
“Sam Adams Summer Ale?” You asked her as you slightly cocked your head to the side rolling the gum along the roof of your mouth with your tongue. 
“That would be the one.” She replied, reaching into her khaki uniform pants to pull out her wallet. She gave you her card as you passed her the beer. 
“Thanks, sweets.” She said as you hummed in reply. Then she was turning and heading towards the dart board where Bob, Fritz and Yale were at. She quickly joined the other aviators in the game. 
“Hey Phoenix, that new bartender keeps looking at you.” Bob whispered to her as she went to grab the darts from him. She turned her head and sure enough her eyes landed on you. You were already looking her way. You sheepishly looked away as her eyes caught yours. 
She readied herself to throw the dart and noticed out of her peripheral that you were staring at her again. She brought her hand up, fingers wrapped around the dart before she flexed her bicep and sent the dart soaring towards the board with a skilled flick of her wrist. She landed a bullseye and turned to see you absentmindedly blowing a pink bubble with your gum. The bubble popped as you once again caught her eyes on you. You gave her a small smile before turning to help someone that just walked in. 
She frequently caught your eyes on her arms as she played darts that Monday night. She even noticed them on her arms as she played a round of pool with Harvard, Hangman and Fanboy. She spotted them on her arms while she sang along to a song Rooster played on the piano. Her arms hurt slightly by the end of the night with all the muscles she was flexing trying to get your attention. But it was worth it everytime she would catch your eye and see your reaction. 
Four
The fourth time Natasha saw you staring at her arms was completely unexpected. It was Wednesday afternoon and she was doing push ups on the tarmac after failing to get a tone on Maverick in that day's exercise. Her flight suit was tied around her waist, strings of her hair had fallen from her updo and were framing her sweaty face. Her black t-shirt didn’t help protect her from the sun beating down on her. She could feel sweat over every inch of her body. She was only on push up one hundred and twelve and still had eighty eight to go before she could go and shower. 
As she neared push up one hundred and fifty two she could’ve sworn she caught a whiff of peaches and vanilla. She whipped her head up as the smell entered her nose again. Her eyes landed on you, standing and talking to Warlock. She thought maybe you were a mirage and the sun was finally getting to her until her eyes worked up your form. She took in the sandals adorning your feet, the light colored skinny jeans on your legs and then she spotted your ‘Eat More Candy’ t-shirt. You were facing her direction, Warlocks Khaki covered form barely shielding you from her. 
Her eyes flicked to your face and she saw your glossed lips moving as they formed words she couldn’t hear. There was no way she wasn’t dead, she decided. You looked utterly ethereal standing with the wind blowing through your hair lightly. She had stopped counting her push ups as soon as she caught sight of you so she had no clue what number she was on. But she did spot your eyes racking over her form as you continued your conversation. 
Your tongue came out to slip across your lip before you made eye contact with her. You sent her a bold wink as you turned around and walked away from her. Her eyes went down your back as you walked away swaying your hips. You laughed loudly at something Warlock said, your head tilting back. Then her view of you was blocked as Hondo’s form came between your shrinking frame and her face. 
“Are you distracted or something Phoenix? You passed two hundred about twenty push ups ago.” He questioned her with a concerned look on his face. 
“No Hondo, I'm all good, just been a long day.” She replied as she stood up and looked for you. But you were nowhere in sight and she thought for a second maybe you really were a mirage. She shook her head clear of the thoughts of you as Bob cleared his throat nodding towards the building in a silent question on if she was ready to go and change. Nodding her head in reply they silently made their way to the large building. Her thoughts slipped back towards you as her feet carried her away. 
Five 
The fifth time she caught you looking at her arms she finally decided to say something about it. Maverick had requested a game of dog fight football. In his words “It’s been forever since we played and I think we need to boost morale since work has been so strenuous lately.”. No one argued with that so they all gathered at the Hard Deck Friday morning. They had gotten in a game or two before Coyote threw the ball too far and she went to retrieve it. 
As she got close to the ball she noticed an umbrella and chair set up. But she didn’t see anyone occupying it so she shrugged and went back towards the crowd of rowdy aviators. Another game went by before she saw someone emerge from the water and head towards the chair and umbrella she noticed earlier. As she looked closer she noticed it was you. You wrapped a large beach towel around yourself before sitting down in your chair. You reached into the bag next to the chair and grabbed out a book and some twizzlers.
You pulled a twizzler out of the bag and stuck it between your lips before biting off a piece of it. Opening your book your eyes started to scan the pages. Natasha reluctantly tore her eyes from you as someone yelled her name. She turned around just in time to miss being tackled by Payback. Ducking under his arm she ran towards the other end of the game hoping to catch the ball from one of her teammates. 
“Isn’t that the new bartender down there?” Came Hangman's voice as they all took a much needed water break. 
“I’m pretty sure I saw her on base the other day as well.” piped in Omaha. 
“You are both correct, she was on base visiting Warlock who also happens to be her uncle.” Maverick told the curious aviators, Natasha finally dragged her way down to where you were sitting. Much to her surprise your eyes were already on her form. Looking over your sunglasses you were drinking in her sand and sweat covered body. 
“I’m gonna go say hi.” She spoke to the group before grabbing another water bottle from the cooler and heading your way. You put your bookmark inside your book as you closed it and slipped it back into your bag. 
“See something you like, sweets?” she asked you once she got close enough to hand you the other water she grabbed. You took it with a smile on your face, blushing as you worried your bottom lip between your teeth. She followed the movement with her eyes sucking in a breath as you released the plump flesh. A sweet smile formed on your lips. 
“And what if I did?” You asked her flirtatiously which took her by surprise. She stared at you for a moment, noticing the way your eyes ever so slowly took her in. Clad in shorts and a sports bra she left very little to the imagination. Your eyes focused on her arms before she cleared her throat. 
“How do you feel about getting out of here and getting something to eat, sweets?” She asked you as her hungry eyes took in the hungry look clouding your own. 
“I’d like that very much.” You purred in response, the smile on your face making her knees grow weak. 
“I’ll go grab my stuff and meet you in the parking lot in 5 minutes.” You nodded your head at her statement before standing up to gather your things. As she walked away from you, she was sure that this day was going to end with her getting a taste of just how sweet you were.
A/N:This woman has me in a chokehold. I love her so much. Please make sure to stay hydrated babes!
Tags(Open): @wkndwlff​ & @sylviebell​
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thedaredevilsgirl · 2 years
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The dagger team overhearing a phone call from the r’s mom or dad and hearing the childhood nickname only to call the r the nickname teasingly during training or at The Hard Deck or anytime. I think it would be cute if the nickname was like cricket or something, maybe from a movie.
I love ur writing and I hope u have a fantastic day!
Little R2-D2
A/N: this is by far one of the funniest and cutest Headcanons I have ever written, I loved every part of it.
I guess everyone would have been in the break room when your parents started calling you by video call.
The rest of the squadron wouldn't be paying much attention to the conversation as your parents were just asking routine things, but everyone's attention is turned to you within seconds when your mother lets something interesting slip:
"I hope you are eating right R2-D2" the second your mother says this you realize that they are all looking at you with wide eyes and Hangman flashes a long mischievous grin before he frames himself next to you and starts talking to your parents.
"I'm Hangman, you've probably heard of me, but just to confirm, did you just call her R2-D2? Like the robot from Star Wars?" He would ask while you and Fanboy would say loud and clear that he was not a robot but a Droid.
"Yes, it's her nickname, she was obsessed with Star Wars, she has thousands of plush toys in her room, we ended up nicknaming her that" your mother tells not caring that she is embarrassing her own daughter in front of your second family.
Phoenix is next to enter the conversation and make your parents tell every little thing about your childhood, but your father ends up letting something even more embarrassing out:
"You must be Phoenix, she's always talking about you, I think she has a little crush on you" he says causing you to widen your eyes.
"Not just on her, she's also always sighing about someone named Bob" Bradley and Javy laugh as soon as they hear that "She thinks he's super cute" your mom completes and Bob looks at you shocked and also a little blushing.
"I guess that's a big improvement since she spent her whole teenage years having a crush on Anakin Skywalker" your dad says in closing.
"Ok, that's enough" you say ending everyone's fun "I have to go, bye."
"Bye R2-D2, we'll talk soon" they say before hanging up.
"I hope you know we are going to tease you about this for the rest of your life" Bradley says still laughing.
Bob and Phoenix still looked shocked that you had some crush on them while Javy and Jake laughed.
"Okay, I'm glad to hear you love Star Wars too, but a crush on Anakin? You had a crush on Darth Vader?" Fanboy asks half shocked.
"Have you ever seen Hayden Christensen? Of course I had a crush on Anakin" you say as if it is a valid defense.
Bradley was right, they start calling you R2-D2 every chance they get.
Sometimes Javy even makes robot sounds as soon as you enter a room and Mickey would call you Anakin's girlfriend.
Although a little embarrassing you still found it funny, and they would definitely stop the jokes if you felt uncomfortable.
And even though your mother saying in front of everyone that you liked Nat and Bob was embarrassing, it sort of helped the three of them to become even closer, maybe even evolving into a romantic relationship in the future.
At Christmas that same year everyone would be gathered at the Hard Deck for a small celebration.
Nat would say that they had a surprise for you and would tell you that everyone had gotten together to give you a special present.
Fanboy would put the big box on the table and when you opened it you couldn't stop laughing.
It was a blue helmet with glitter and strict R2-D2 in white, right below it would have a shirt saying 'officially married to Ankin Skywalker'.
"I hate you all" you would say but you had really loved those presents holding them carefully as you drove home with Bob and Phoenix.
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callsigndragon · 1 year
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Valentine's Cards |
Dagger Squad + Ice, Mav and Goose x reader
A/N: I'm one day late, I know. Just thought about this and had to do it.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
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ereardon · 5 months
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The Backup [Masterlist] — Full length series
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Summary: No strings attached sex never works, right? You and Jake Seresin have fallen into a bad pattern of seeking each other out for sex after dates go awry, but a year of being friends with benefits with Jake hasn’t been good for your dating life. Especially when the two of you are hiding your antics from your lifelong best friend Coyote and the rest of your tightly knit friend group. But what happens when you decide to take a step back and end the cycle with Jake to focus on your dating life? And why is it that all of the sudden Jake looks more irresistible than ever when you know he’s off limits? 
Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader
Status: Series is ongoing!
Overview:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
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notroosterbradshaw · 2 years
Text
The Relationship Experience - one
part of: The Boyfriend Experience universe
prologue
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Nothing especially interesting happened between the hours of 4:45am to now, in fact, the whole day had been so slow since Rooster retrieved his dog tags. It was about 6:30pm and you hadn’t heard from him. It wasn’t an entire surprise. He was at work; he didn’t have the luxury of the day off like you.
You were restless, so incredibly listless. After Rooster left, sleep didn’t come easily. Your brain couldn’t stop relaying the moments from the night before. By midday, you were buzzing on coffee and waning adrenaline. Tasks seemed impossible, all you managed was to remove your makeup and eat some bland toast. Everything felt out of flux and made you feel off-kilter, figuratively turned upside down.
You reckoned you had commenced and deleted at least 10 texts to Rooster to thank him again for yesterday, that you couldn’t stop thinking about his kiss, the way he touched you, that you were… absolutely infatuated with him.
What was most tragic was you couldn’t find the nerve to hit ‘send’ on absolutely any of them. In fact, you couldn't find the nerve to text anyone – not Natasha demanding how the night went; not your sister asking how you’d pulled up after such a big day; not the bride and groom thanking you and Bradley for your incredibly thoughtful wedding gift (how was it incredibly thoughtful if it was on a wedding registry, you’d never know but hey. They didn’t hate it) and that you must double date soon. Yeah, okay.
The most common thing you brought yourself back to while everything else spun around you? 
What had Bradley Bradshaw done to you? 
24 hours ago, you were fine, perfectly content with most aspects of your life with your strictly platonic friend, Rooster. And now? Not a single thing seemed to fit in its place.
At 7:01pm, your phone buzzed while you attempted the week’s lesson plans for yourself and your team, but little was coming to fruition. A little too eager, you knocked the phone directly off the bed and into the pile of yesterday’s still damp bridesmaid dress, rocketing you straight back to the dancefloor during the bridal waltz and the electricity of Rooster’s touch as he claimed your first dance together. God, he could move. The way he pulled your body to his, the gentle caress of his hands on your back. You could almost smell his cologne in the air –
Finding your phone, you saw another text from Natasha that simply said, ‘Please don’t make me call you. I hate talking on the phone. Just want to know Rooster didn’t murder you and leave you in a ditch x’
Confronting, you thought to yourself. It was time to give in.
You: I’m alive. Sorry, just working/planning the week’s lessons.
Natasha: Awesome, I’ll be there in 10. I have pizza, wine and I want every fucking detail from last night. Rooster is giving me absolutely nothing. Don’t be like Rooster. See you soon x
“Shit,” you muttered, still in your Lakers tee from this morning. You really should have made some kind of effort, realising if Rooster turned up unannounced – shit, you didn’t want to put that tragedy into the universe. Busting your ass, you ran for the shower and in record time, you’d washed your hair and ridded the rest of the last 36 hours off you as well.
Tossing on jeans and a tee over your bra and undies, you heard Natasha's relentless beating on the door. Dashing to it, you opened it to a very flustered, albeit adorable, Natasha Trace, pizza and wine in hand, as promised.
“You are the cutest delivery service ever,” you smiled, stepping out of the doorway and taking the pizza from her as she wandered in, rolling her deep brown eyes. 
“I was about to smash a window in. You’ve been radio silent all goddamn day, I thought you were dead!” she huffed, casual and not dissimilar to yourself in blue jeans and a white tee, hair in a messy bun. “Respond. To. Texts,” she instructed. “Especially when I’m absolutely desperate to know what happened last night!” she added the last a little hysterically as you bit back a laugh.
"It was okay. My feet are still killing me. You know, I don't mind weddings," you told her, falling on the couch, tossing the pizza box on the coffee table as she went to the kitchen. You put some music on for some background noise. "I just don't like being in them,” you clarified.
“Imagining your wedding day...” Natasha teased.
“Don’t think we have much to worry about there,” you giggled. 
Natasha smiled, wandering back with the glasses as you tuckered eagerly into a slice, not realising how hungry you were after forgoing most meals today. "I'm glad you had a good time; I've never seen anyone dread anything more. Rooster said he enjoyed himself."
His name off someone else’s tongue sent a jolt of electricity through your system. 
"He seemed to," you shrugged, not wanting to talk too much about him for fear everything will come out. She took a seat beside you, unscrewing the wine and pouring a glass each. 
“I’ll just take care of this too, huh?” she muttered as you apologised, a mouth full of cheese and pepperoni.
“Sow-ry,” you replied and swallowed, giving her a greasy smile. “I’m famished and this is so good.”
“I hope to find out myself,” she laughed quietly. “So, tell me everything. And don’t leave a fucking thing out because you are a terrible liar, and I will see right through it.”
Wide-eyed, you nodded, believing her. “Ask me anything, I guess?” you replied, frankly terrified of her for a moment.
"How was his suit? Details, immediately, if not sooner,” she asked calmly. Too calmly.
"Pretty good," you understated.
“Pix?”
“Uhh, no,” you replied. “There was some taken by the photographer, but it sincerely never crossed my mind to get any. Rooster and I didn’t pose for any.”
“You two are fuckin’ killing me!” she exclaimed as you shrugged, meekly. 
From the moment Rooster had sauntered into the reception, you were both so wretchedly lost in each other to consider the small things like pix and you loathed how excited this conversation would be if you were just allowed to be honest. Natasha Trace was your friend, a really fucking good one, she knew you (and Rooster) well and read people even better. “Blue velvet jacket, dark slacks,” you frowned as she did too. “Cute bow tie.”
“Did you dance or, like, be wallflowers all night?” her voice trailed off.
“We danced a few times. He’s a good dancer,” you force-fed yourself more pizza while the wine breathed. How could you overstep the mark if you were stuffing your face? Couldn’t incriminate yourself if you simply couldn’t speak! Logic? Denial. 
“Slow danced?” she wriggled her eyebrows as you laughed gently.
“Yes, we slow danced. He was very respectful, Carole raised him right.”
“Carole?”
“His mother,” you stood up and pointed to the photo on the wall that had Rooster so enamoured the night before.
“She’s really beautiful.”
“So beautiful.”
“Rooster looks nothing like her,” she studied the photo.
“No,” you grinned, plonking back down. “All his old man, even to the mo.”
“I honestly forgot how intrinsically linked you two are,” she said wistfully. “This whole thing of being friends for so long, then the classic fake relationship to save face at a wedding.”
And here it comes. “Nat…”
“You know the writing is clearly on the wall, right?” she told you, pulling at a string of mozzarella between her fingers. You felt completely transparent. She was daring you... and frankly, not having to try too hard.
“What do you mean?” you asked warily.
She plonked the cheese into her mouth and paused. “You know I’m a total romantic at heart.”
“Absolutely. What you’re doing with Bagman is baffling to me.”
“It’s only sex,” she rolled her eyes at you. “I’ve told you the rules.”
“And are you… following the rules?” you asked kindly. “Because initially, fucking Jake was a one-night thing… but now it’s like a weekly booty call on your whim. I cannot remember the last time he tried picking someone up in the bar. You wake up in each other’s beds - ” you reminded her thoughtfully.
“Bitch, you know I can dish it out, but I can’t take it,” she pretended to be sad, before blowing a raspberry and giving you the thumbs down.
“Have you said, ‘I love you’ yet?” you continued. 
“We’re not talking about me, all right?” she cracked. “We’re talking about you and Bradshaw. You’re the goss tonight, not me and Bagman,” she scoffed at the mere mention of Jake’s name.
Giggling quietly, you nodded. “Okay, ask me. You know you want to…”
Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Natasha was so ready for this. You just gave her all the ammo she needed. "Did he... kiss you?" she leaned forward, elbows on knees, so eager. Pouting, you sighed, and her smile grew. "I fucking knew it!" she exclaimed. “He was far too quiet for his usual grandstanding.”
“But you can’t say anything!” you pleaded, pointing at her.
“Then tell me everything I need to know and I’ll make sure to – ” she zipped her lips. “Let’s start again. Suit?”
“It was really fuckin’ good,” you said, a little dreamy in memory, easing back lazily on the couch cushions. “I’ve never seen him sexier. I don’t think I even thought he was sexy before last night.”
“Oh, babe. Rooster is stupidly hot and I say this from a strictly platonic place,” she informed you. "He will lay you so good. How did you never see it?”
“I mean, yeah, he was always handsome. But his suit...”
“Had to be more than a suit.”
“You’re right. It was everything...” 
Natasha’s smile was as dreamy as yours, so happy for you. “Did you sleep with him?”
“No,” you said, quickly. “Trust me when I say I tried. But he wasn’t having it.”
Frowning, maybe a little surprised, she asked, “Rooster? Rooster Bradshaw did not try to sleep with you?”
“No,” you said, subconsciously bringing back the embarrassment of earlier this morning. You still felt a little rejected and humiliated at how you threw yourself at Rooster, but Natasha didn’t seem to notice. Ew, you didn’t enjoy reliving it twice. 
“You did bring the right guy home, right?”
You nodded, solemnly. “Yes. I completely threw myself at him,” you confided.
“And he still didn’t bone you?” she frowned.
“No,” you sipped the wine, barely tasting it. Fuck.
“Holy shit, that big oaf is in love with you,” she prophesied, thrusting her arms in the air in comprehension.
“What?” you shook your head. “Knock it off, Natasha.”
“Nah, he wants to wait, he is considering this,” she pondered aloud, clutching her wine glass to her heart. “He’s gonna take you to a romantic dinner in town, have fuckin’ rose petals strewn everywhere, candles. He’s gonna lay you down and make sweet, sweet love to you – ”
“When did my life turn into a 90’s music video?” you wondered as she laughed.
“Oh, my God, I’m so happy for you guys! I’m so happy for myself because I was right, but oh, wow. He’s in deep! Tell. Me. More,” she exchanged her glass for pizza, taking a satisfying bite. “Don’t leave anything out.”
“Natasha, Rooster was a new person to me last night. He was so charming and funny, and handsome. Oh, my word - so sexy. He took such good care of me. Whenever someone made me uncomfortable, he held my hand, rubbed my back, and played with my hair. Always something. He touched me all night."
“Tactile,” she nodded, impressed.
“So tactile, yes!" you said in revelation, the smell of the pizza calling to you as you chewed another bite. "His hands are amazing. Strong, comforting, you know?"
“I feel I knew Rooster was capable of these things," she admitted, slowly. "But actually hearing it, I still don't completely believe it. Is he a good kisser?" she shimmied, desperate for the answer.
“The best kisser,” you sighed, memories reverberating through your mind of his lips on yours, his tongue pressing against yours -
“And the moustache?” she gave a face that may or may not have said ‘ick’.
“Will take some time, but I didn’t hate it,” you confessed. “Natasha?”
She hummed. “Yes, my love?”
“It was the best night of my life,” you said quietly.
“Holy fuck, you’re in love with him too,” she realised, the pizza falling from her grasp back into the box.
“No, no,” you waved the notion away. You’d never fallen fast in your life, and this certainly wasn’t going to be one of those whimsical rom-com times. “I mean, I had a crush on him in high school, and this feels nothing like it.”
“You had a crush on him in high school?!” she screeched.
“I never mentioned that?” you asked meekly and for good reason - if anyone got a sniff of your teenage crush on Rooster Bradshaw, it would be on for young and old and your soul didn’t need that embarrassment in your life and he probably didn’t either.
“And I’m just learning this now?!.”
“The crush disappeared when he left for college. It’s no big thing,” you told her honestly. 
And it really wasn’t. 
“I didn’t see him for a few years, and then I went to college, and we didn’t see each other for a while until around the time I met you,” you shrugged. While you spent your childhood and teen years in similar circles, you really drifted after Rooster turned 18. Why wouldn’t you? He was growing up and following his dreams. You were too.
Grandpa encouraged you to study over East (Annie had mentioned he didn’t want either of you young, dumb and settled on some Navy dolt who managed to say the right things to you and keep you trapped when there was a whole world to see) and accept a swimming scholarship before you tried to figure your life out. 
You’d swam all your life, competitively, you would teach as your summer job and after realising you weren’t the calibre required to swim professionally, passing your knowledge on seemed the next appropriate step. Swimming was a universal language, so you took a few courses and taught your way around th world for a while. 
It wasn’t a big thing that Rooster fell out of your life.
“I remember the night I met you,” Natasha smiled fondly. “My God, you little cutie patootie. Was it Annie’s hen’s night? Bachelorette?”
“Same same.”
“And Rooster was definitely in town.”
“Yeah, I think he was,” you recalled faintly. “Wow, I haven’t been that drunk in a while,” you admitted. “Thank Christ.” Putting your head in your hands, you recalled only bits and pieces of that night. The rest was a blacked-out mystery. Probably for the best.
“Must be growing up,” she teased, raising her wine glass to you. “I’ve never seen you so happy in our entire friendship and I’m so, so happy for you.”
“Thank you,” you said, taking her free hand and cuddling it to your cheek.
"You know, Rooster’s always been super into you, I can't believe I didn't set you two up earlier. I kind of regret it now."
"Nah,” you frowned, exchanging her cheek for your discarded pizza again.
"True story. I'd catch him watching you every once in a while, that way he immediately moves from his bar stool and ushers you in when you get to the bar. I'm not getting that treatment," she kind of huffed.
Holy shit, he did. Every time, he’d guide you with a gentle hand to your hip and you’d think absolutely nothing of it. 
“He’ll always order you a beer and you’ll drink a mouthful to be polite because you hate it but he always finishes it.”
“It’s a beer bar,” you shrugged. “Wait, what? He finishes it?”
“He’s not going to waste perfectly good beer,” Natasha reasoned as your phone pinged. You pleaded it wasn’t him, this was not the time for Rooster to text. Not with Natasha here. You were already getting grilled, but a text from him would only make matters worse –
“‘Rooster’ and a Rooster, cute,” she smiled, holding up your phone. “‘Missed you today. Did you still wanna catch up or…’” she said verbatim. “And kiss you a little more. Maybe see what comes up,” she gyrated on the couch. “Do you want me to leave?”
“He said he was going to come over, but I haven’t heard from him all day. You were here first.”
“Aww,” she said, almost touched. “It’s okay, text him back. You get yourself laid.”
Rubbing your face, embarrassed, you replied, “Nat, I love you, but you need to calm down.”
She breathed. “You’re right, I do. My two best friends are totally in love and I need to be cool, calm and collected about it,” she smiled, putting the lid on the pizza. “I will go, but I’m taking the pizza with me.”
“Nooo,” you replied, grabby hands for at least another slice. Curious, now knowing Rooster had a few obvious tells about his feelings for you, you dared ask, “Nat, did I do anything?"
“For what?”
“Did I have any tells with Rooster?”
She shook her head with a gentle smile. "Nah, no one can get a read on you, baby," she winked. “But Rooster... He's quieter when you're around. When you're not there, he's one of the boys, a part of the pissing contest, you know?”
“Oh,” you tried to hide the disappointment in your voice. You didn't want him changing himself for you.
"Don't be offended," she continued. "I think it is just more respect, you know? You two have known each other for a long time. It’s sweet."
"Like Jake doesn't have for you?" you teased.
"Exactly. We're only fucking, we're not in a relationship. If he went soft on me, stopped challenging me, stopped trying to make me better, I'd dump his dumb ass."
“Kinda sounds like a relationship…” you dared as she put the cap back on the wine.
“And for that, I’m taking the wine too,” she huffed. “Bagman and I have ground rules,” she reiterated again.
“Of course, of course,” you nodded, playing along.
“The line won’t be crossed.”
“Who are you trying to convince?”
“And on that note, on a night that I was supposed to savage you, you’ve turned it onto me and now I’m just feeling attacked,” she huffed disappointment, her wine and pizza in her arms and heading towards the door.
“I really like him, Nat,” you said dismally as you both stopped at the door. “I don’t know him anymore and I need to know everything now,” you rambled.
Natasha gave a genuine smile, no more of that shit-eating, ‘I was right’ stuff. No more posturing. “I know. And I’m so happy for you. Because I think you and Rooster will be incredible together. You both deserve this,” she surprised you with a hug. “And if he hurts you, I can actually kill him. Goodnight, fuck safe,” she instructed.
“Jesus Christ,” you said, rolling your eyes. “Go fall a little more in love with Bagman,” you sighed, pushing her gently out of the apartment. “Pretend when you head to his room that the pizza and wine was for you guys the whole time.”
She cackled on the way back to her car. “Fuck him, this pizza and wine are mine!”
“Sure,” you called after her, waiting for her to get back to her car. She waved once and drove away. You closed the door, collecting your thoughts. Okay, so you and Rooster had absolutely no idea where you stood but you practically praised the ground he walked on to Natasha, so she knew. Good. You hated secrets. Not that you tried very hard to keep this one. She broke you incredibly quickly.
Wandering back to the couch, you found your phone and sat down, tucking your legs under you, anxious to respond to Rooster and potentially see him soon.
You: I thought you’d forgotten about me… come over anytime x
“No, you fucking loser,” you deleted the text you were about to send and tried again.
You: I’m home.
Hitting send, you added a quick “xx” to the next text to make it seem less cold than you intended. You groaned. “You are such a fucking idiot.”
Rooster 🐓: What about 8? I’m just getting in. Long day.
You: Anytime xx
two.
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masterlist.
a/n: gotta say, party crew, with engagement way down, I’m unlikely to keep a schedule for this series. thank you to those who comment and reblogged, you’re the true mvp’s. know that I see every one of them, and you absolutely move me x 
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sweetlittlegingy · 1 year
Text
I Couldn't Ask For Anything Better
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✦ Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Better Man Universe
✦Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Single!Mother
✦Word Count: 9.3k
✦Warnings: Smut (finally), Daddy kink, unprotected sex, Pure fluff, Dad!Jake, Dagger squad fluff, just adorableness, miscarriage mentioned, angsty ending
✦A/n: Holy Crap! this took forever to write, I hope you guys love it!
✦Library (Follow for updates! I no longer have a taglist.)
You had been working on getting Jake’s cake ready, you and Mathew decorated it last night and now you were just getting it in a portable cake container. It was Jake’s 35th birthday and the whole gang was celebrating on the beach in front of the Hard Deck.
Penny had a grill set up on the deck, which the guys planned on doing a bbq on, while Nat, Penny, and Lacey planned on bringing sides. You had been put in charge of the cake, and thought they hadn’t told you; you took it upon yourself to get the drinks. You’d made sure that every possible drink request and type had been met, an array of sodas and alcohol stay in a cooler, already out in the back of Jake’s truck.
Your parents got called away on a conference, and even with your father retired, the Navy still asked him to make appearances. You had all gone to your parent’s house last week for a small birthday dinner, knowing that they would be missed today, your mother and father were insistent on it. They loved Jake and wanted to still have a special day for him. Plus, the kids were more than happy about getting to celebrate and have cake twice. Even though Josephine was only 13 months, she already had a sweet tooth like her father and Mathew loved anything chocolate in general.
You situate the cake in the container, making sure not to mess up the happy birthday candies that Mathew had placed on it. The brightly colored candies, stick out against the white frosting covering the chocolate cake and spell out Happy Birthday Daddy. Per Jake's request, it was a recipe that his momma had given you the last time you visited and with them not being able to make the trip this year, Jake had specifically asked for this cake. You knew that he hated not seeing them, although you had gone and visited last month for Josephine’s first birthday and celebrated Jake’s as well, it wasn’t the same.
Your attention is quickly taken away from the task at hand, by the high-pitched squeal and sound of tiny feet running down the hallway. Making sure that the cake is stable on the counter, you glance back and see Josephine running towards your legs.
Duck towel on her head, and still wet from the bath, she clutches at your leg and her eyes stay focused on the hallway she’d just ran from. Tiny strawberry blonde curls peek out from beneath the towel, as her body shakes in excitement against your leg.
“Josephine Elizabeth Seresin, I wasn’t done drying you.” 
Moments later Jake appears, T-shirt soaked and slightly panting. The laugh that falls from your lips doesn't help the situation at all. As your daughter glances up at you and sees you laughing, then looks at her father and laughs even more.
“You alright there, Daddy?” Your tone is teasing and has Jake not only coming for Josephine, but for you as well.
His hands make quick work, at grabbing Josephine and wrapping her in the towel, before grasping onto your waist and pinching at your hips. You jump back slightly against the counter, laughing until you hit the cake and it almost falls. Your laugh ceases immediately as you glare at Jake slightly, then turn to push the cake farther on the counter.
 “Don't tickle me around the cake, we worked hard on it.” Your tone is still light and airy, even as you try and put on a hard reprimanding facade for the birthday boy.
Josephine clearly agrees with you, as her little fists pat on Jake’s chest.
“Dada, da da da”
Jake’s gaze casts down at Jos, and his eyes watch her with the most lovesick, heart-wrenching stare, that makes your toes curl. Jake has always been great with Maty, but seeing him with Jos from birth to now, set off a deep need to have at least 10 more babies with the man.
“Yes, baby! You're such a smart girl.”
His finger comes to bop her on the nose as he says it, a gummy smile giggles back at him from the action. You stare at the pair, so happy and in love with the family you've created. The matching green eyes and shade of red hair she got from Jake’s mother, was a telltale sign that she was overwhelmingly an all-around Seresin.
The quietness of the house pauses the sweet moment and has your eyes glancing around in search of Maty. Though you find nothing amiss, and the strange silence can only mean one thing, your 8-year-old was up to something and trying to hide it.
“Honey did you see Maty, when you were taming the monster?”
You bring your hand up and tickle Jos’ belly when you say it. Her little form wiggles in Jake’s arms, as she climbs farther up his torso and wraps her arms tightly around his neck. Jake’s hands find her waist and bring her back down to settle on his hip, completely unfazed by the wiggly toddler.
“Yeah, he's in his room packing a bag, something about him and Amelia playing a trick Mav.”
You eye each other cautiously, waiting for the other to decide whether you're gonna let them have their fun, or if you need to stop the prank. Your head slips side to side, and you bite your bottom lip as you weigh the possible outcomes.
“I mean they're kids, come on, we should just let them have their fun. Right?”
Jake maintains a straight face, not once cracking a smirk while nodding his head along with the plan. Josephine looks between the both of you and starts copying Jake, rigorously nodding her head too.
“Yeah, but if anyone questions us later whether we knew, the answer is no, baby. It's always no.”
The stern facade cracks sightly, Jake no longer being able to hold his laughter and you both end up laughing. Slightly excited about the possible outcome, that an 8-year-old and a 13-year-old were going to pull on the 58-year-old man.
You reach over to grab Josephine from Jake and lean in to give him a quick kiss. Your lips remain resting against his for a minute, though it's long enough for Josephine to start smacking your cheeks. You pull away eyeing the little girl, before over exaggeratingly leaning in, to kiss at her cheeks.
“I shall get the Princess ready in her party dress.” The soft raspberry you blow on her belly, has her laughing incessantly. “While Daddy goes and handles his mini-me.” Your eyebrows raise at Jake, and a teasing smirk rests on your lips.
“I can't help it if he wants to take after his father, who might I add is the best.”
Jake casts a wink your way, with a shake of the head and a laugh, you're walking off down the hallway. Though before you can get far, you feel a harsh smack land on your ass cheek.
“He's got good taste like his Mama.”
You only shake your head, used to his antics, and lean into pepper kisses across Jos’ face.
“Your Daddy is crazy, baby.” your voice raises to a higher octave as you say it, and Josephine pats your cheeks while humming. “Yes, he is. Absolutely crazy!”
You glance at the watch on your wrist, before putting in your earrings and take one final glance in the mirror. Josephine sits on the bathroom counter, clapping while watching you and babbling absolute gibberish. You smile at her, then grab her and sit her on your hip. The both of you glance in the mirror, and the high-pitch shrike she does makes you laugh. Adorning your frames were matching yellow sundresses and white cardigans, that Jake had picked out and requested you wore for his birthday. The matching bows you had placed in Josephine’s hair with her space buns, completed the look and you could help but to snap a few pictures of her.
“Come on my darling, let’s see if daddy and bubba are ready.”
Moving through the master bedroom, you can hear Mathew and Jake talking while in the bathroom.
“– it has to be to the left.”
“I know bud, but mom usually does your hair.”
Your eyebrow quirks at the conversation, and a laugh falls from your lips when you see the duo standing in front of the mirror. The hair gel sits open on the counter and Jake has a comb in his mouth while trying to style Mathew’s hair. His difficulty is clearly on display, as he stares at the massive cowlick in Maty’s hair, making it harder to style.
“Everything okay in here?
Jake huffs at you in reply, his back still turned to you as he works on Maty, clearly not finding the situation as funny as you did. You move closer to the pair, Jos settled in one arm while you reach out for the comb. It only takes a second for you to sweep Mathew’s hair to the left, and tame the few pieces of hair.
“I thought you were the best?” Your tone is teasing as you place the comb back into Jake’s open hand, though the pout resting on his lips has you giving him a kiss.
“Don’t worry baby, I won’t tell anyone.”
“Yeah, you better not, I’m the birthday boy.”
You laugh at the statement and pat Jake's chest, calling out to the pair that it was time to go as you leave the bathroom. You grab the cake, though it is quickly taken from you as Jake sends you out to the truck, to get the kids buckled. You situate Jos in her car seat, while Mathew buckles himself across from her.
“All set?”
You glance back at Jake as he rounds the truck, and Mathew gives him a thumbs up while Josephine giggles as your hands dance across her belly. Jake’s hand settles on your lower back, which slowly starts to dip down and grab your butt, as he places the cake underneath Jos’ car seat.
With a spin, you push the door close and are met with a smirking Jake, whose hand has now moved to clutch at the material flowing over your hips. Though one hand raises slowly, tracing up your torso and across the sweetheart neckline.
“Aren’t you the prettiest little present, I can’t wait to unwrap you.”
The finger tracing your neck plucks at your dress teasingly, and your breath hitches as Jake ghosts his lips across your neck. Though he pulls away just before his lips meet your skin, and gives you a sly wink.
“Come on Sweets. The sooner we get there, the soon I get you home and in bed.”
Before you can even get Josephine out of her car seat, Mathew is out of the car and running for Bradley. The echo of laughter lets you know that he has in fact reached his uncle and that Bradley is already riling him up.
You unfasten the straps of Jos’ car seat and pull her out onto your chest.
“Where’s my babygirl?”
You laugh as you glance over your shoulder and find Lacey making her way to you. Her hands remain facing out, making grabby gestures at Jos. Who in turn starts laughing and reaches for her Auntie.
“What are you gonna do if yours is a girl?” Your tone is teasing as Lacey grabs Josephine, and rests her on her hip. Her small bump peeks out from under the sundress she wears, and you can’t help but smile at how your best friend is glowing. She was officially 4 months last week and the morning sickness had finally subsided.
“I think it’s a boy, but if it’s a girl, who says I can’t have two babygirls.”
“I’m not sure what I think the munchkin is. Though I do think that Bobby as a girl dad, would be adorable.” 
You turn to grab the cake, though before you can even start for the beach Javy is at your side taking it from you. You huff slightly in annoyance and both he and Lacey give to small glares.
“I’m not broken.”
Javy releases a heavy sigh at your comment, before wrapping his free hand around and pulling you into his chest.
“We know that, but the doctor still wants you to take it easy.” You go to interrupt him, though you're quickly shushed. “Don’t even say he didn’t, Jake keeps us updated and we all worry. You don’t know how scared we all were.”
You melt into Javy’s chest as he places a kiss on the top of your head, silent tears roll down your face and Lacey grasps onto to the both of you for a group hug. Planted right in the middle of you three sits Jos, who has now climbed into Javy’s arms.
The hug is broken up when you feel hands wrap around your waist and tug you slightly. Jake's cologne clouds your senses, and you fall back into his arms, as Javy and Lacey head to the group. You turn in Jake's arms and nuzzle into his chest. One hand stays wrapped around your waist, as the other moves to stroke the back of your head. His hand moves slowly, before it’s under your chin and making you look at him. The tears lining your eyes are hard to hide and you feel horrible as you see a silver lining forming on Jake’s water line.
“I wasn’t supposed to cry today, it’s your birthday.”
You try to hide the pain with a small laugh, though it does nothing to cover up the quiver in your lip.
“Sweets, there is no rule that states that you can only mourn at certain times and that you have to hide your emotions at other times.” The hand stroking your cheek brushes the falling tears away, as you nod in answer, and a lone hand brushes against your stomach.
“I just wanted today to be happy, but it feels like a part of us is missing.”
Jake wraps his arms around you tighter as the last word falls from your lips and a choked sob releases from your chest. You can feel the multiple kisses that Jake lays on the crown of your head, and you can’t help but to feel bad. Today was Jake's birthday, it was supposed to be full of celebration. Though seeing Lacey’s sweet little bump and Javy wanting to help was just too much.
It had been two months since you had lost your little angel. The small blip in time from the moment you found out you were pregnant, to losing them at four and half months felt so far away, but also like it was yesterday at the same time. It wasn’t just the pain of losing them that consumed you, but you were terrified of forgetting them. Of your memory faltering and forgetting the small butterfly flutter in your stomach, and how their heartbeat sounded.
The past eight weeks had been hell on you and Jake. You had tried to be there for him whenever he broke down, but it always seemed to trigger your own tears and left him to comfort you. The doctor had put you on an anti-depressant right after the miscarriage, given that you had a history of depression. They helped slightly, but it wasn’t only a chemical imbalance, the loss had taken a piece of your heart.
“It’s going to be okay, Sweets. I promise.”
The statement comforts you and a small smile graces your lips. Jake had never broken a promise to you, in the beginning of your friendship it had been silly promises, but as time went on bigger promises were made. To you, to the kids, and not one of them had ever been broken. Jacob Grant Seresin was nothing if not a man of his word.
With a deep breath you nod, his words on repeat in your head, and when you smile at Jake, it’s not fake or forced. No, this smile was one of love and thankfulness that you had found such an amazing man to father your children and to spend eternity with. Your left-hand rises to rest on Jake’s cheek, the light sparkles off of your wedding ring, as you pull his lips down to meet yours. It’s simple and sweet, but oh so meaningful, and when you pull away your foreheads rest together.
“I love you. Thank you for always healing my heart.”
A delicate kiss is placed once more on your lips, just a peck, before he pulls away. Both of his hands rest on your cheeks, lifting your face to meet his eyes. They stare into your soul, sharing every little piece of pain, depression, love, and joy that has made up your world together. Your hands rise to grasp onto his, a silent gesture that it would always be you and him against to world.
“I love you; I will always love you. Don’t ever forget that baby.”
Jake’s hand slips from your face and creases your arms before linking your fingers together.
“Now come on, I’ve been thinking about that cake since yesterday.”
Your laugh is light and causes Jake to smile as well. His hands tug gently on yours as he turns and pulls you down to the beach.
You wait for the stares of pity from your friends, though find none. Not one of them mentions your tear-stained cheeks, and you're thankful when Penny makes her way over to you and sweeps you away.
“Go man the grill, I don’t trust Bradley to not burn everything.” The demand is thrown over her shoulder at Jake, who only winks at you and lets out a ‘yes ma’am.”
“The cake looks great, and Phoenix has continually been on cake watch. Considering each of the boys has tried to swipe frosting from it.”
You laugh at Penny’s words, though you full-on belly laugh when you see Nat standing, practically on top, of the cake with her arms crossed. Her eyes are set in a glare towards Bradley, though moves to you, and a smile instantly forms.
“I hear you’ve got a pretty tough job.”
She slips at her drink while shrugging her shoulders to you. It’s rare to see Nat in dresses, though the sun dress she wears now fits her perfectly.
“It gave me a reason to smack Roo, so it was a win for me.”
“I’m kind of sad that I missed it.”
You feel a body brush passed you, as little hands reach out to you. Josephine grabs onto you easily and nuzzles into your chest. Your hand moves up and down her back, and the motion brings comfort to the both of you.
“Oh, don’t worry, they’ve been plotting.”
Lacey nods behind you and when you turn, you’re met with the group of seven pilots looking toward the sky, trying to hide the fact that you had just caught them staring. A laugh falls from your chest, though it ceases quickly when a whine comes from a now-sleeping Jos. Your hand gently rubs at the back of her head, while you mutter sweet nothing into her ear. The growing toddler falls back to sleep easily as you sway with her.
“Wanna make a bet?”
Nat and Lacey, both give you questioning looks, though Penny only laughs at your antics. You had always been up for a challenge or bet, especially when you were positive that you would win. You glance back to the pilots one last time, thinking for a moment.
“Give it 20 minutes and it’s gonna be Javy.”
“Why are you so sure?”
The pair of them watch you, trying to figure out what exactly you’re picking up on that they aren’t.
“Bradley already knows you’re on full alert, Bobby is too scared of pregnant Lace,” the comment earns you a small ‘hey’ in protest, though she ends up laughing. “And Jake, well he knows better. Mav, Mick, and Rueben are all bystanders, which leaves Javy.”
All three of you turn to face the boys fully, giving them a smile and wave, with the hand not holding Jos. It’s a small taunt and their reactions only prove that you know how to get under their skin.
“Javy is unofficially my third child, and I know him like the back of my hand, but he also knows me. Meaning that he might tell the boys he’s going to do something, but if he knows somethings going to upset me, he won’t to do.”
The girl's hum as they listen to you, all three sets of eyes never leaving the boys. You wave one last time, then turn back towards Pen, she has Josephine’s baby beach tent set up and ready to go. The soft snores that emit from Jos' signal that she is passed out and that she wouldn’t stir when you laid her down.
Lacey and Nat continue chatting, while you settle on the beach towel with Penny. She wraps an arm around you and lays a kiss on your temple, then clasps your hand in hers and gives you a gentle squeeze. Your sister had always been someone that you leaned on when you were younger, and over the years you had slowly stopped telling her all the traumatic details in fear, that she would see you as a burden.
Though in the last two months, besides Jake, Penny had been your rock and had experienced a good number of your breakdowns. Your parents had been wonderful, helping with Maty and Jos, and being there for both you and Jake. But it wasn’t the same, you had always been the golden girl in their eyes, even when you got pregnant with Mathew and had to leave flight school. Your father had been sad, but never held it against you, and the thought of them seeing you like this. They wouldn’t ever look at you the same if they knew how damaged you were.
“Your one-year anniversary is coming up soon,” She nudges your shoulder as she says it, and a small smile forms on your lips. “I meant it when I said I would watch the kids. I think it would be good for the both of you to get away for the weekend.”
“I know, thank you, you really are the best big sister. We both need a weekend of just us, it's just been hard.”
Penny nods in understanding though doesn’t say anything. She knew that if you talked about it the both of you would cry and she wanted nothing more than for you to have a great day.
“Though speaking of anniversaries, Maty’s adoption one is coming up. Right?”
At the mention of Jake finally adopting Mathew, a full smile breaks out across your face. “Yeah, the first week in July. Which is so weird, because Jake has been his dad since he was two, but he is finally getting to change his name. It felt like all the pieces finally fit together.” You laugh slightly, thinking about Mathew’s request in the whole ordeal. “Jake always knew that Mathew loved him, I mean look at them.” You gesture over to the guys again, though this time a game of dogfight football had broken out. Jake had Mathew thrown over his shoulder and was booking it across the sand to the endzone, while Maty clutched onto the football in his arms. “I think that Mathew asking to have Grant as his middle name, really solidified it for Jake. We named Josephine after mom and Jake’s mother, so to have Mathew asked to be named after Jake, was a full circle moment.”
Your head leans over to rest against Penny, the pair of you content in watching your family. It’s not long before Nat and Lacey find a home on the towel next to you.
“I don’t want to ruin the day,” you glance back towards Penny, who looks apprehensive about whatever she wants to say “But, have you even heard from Adam, you know after you sent the papers off.”
A harsh sigh leaves your mouth, not at Pen but at the mention of your ex. You hated talking about him, but you knew that Penny was just asking out of worry. She had seen you have breakdowns at the thought of Adam, and she never wanted you to feel alone again. Another sigh falls from your lips, and you lay down on the towel. You relax against the sand and tug on both Penny’s and Lacey’s hands, who in turn tugs on Nat’s, and the four of you lie on the sand. Silently waiting for the metaphorical ball to drop.
“I wouldn’t have sent him the papers if the lawyer hadn’t strongly suggested it. Adam didn’t want to be on Mathew’s birth certificate, and his status with Mathew was deemed as abandonment.” Another sigh leaves your lips, both of your hands getting gently squeezed in support. “I guess it’s good that we have all of our bases covered, but I feel like I’m just waiting for him to show up. Like now that I’ve made this big step, he’s going to come back just to tear me down.”
“He’ll be getting his ass kicked if he shows up,” Nat had risen up on her elbows and was now staring at you. “And that’s just me. If the boys get ahold of him, he’s going to be lucky if he doesn’t leave in a body bag.”
Her eyes hold yours; it was her way of promising that you would be protected. That they would never let him put his hands on you again, and if he tried, he would instantly regret it.
“That’s the only fact, that lets me sleep soundly at night.”
The loud gasp, followed by the two high pitch squeals has your head turning from setting up the picnic table. You miss the prank, but you watch as the aftermath unfolds. A soaking-wet Maverick has taken off running after Amelia and Mathew, who both have taken off down the beach. You laugh as Mav comes to a slow jog and then walks, the two kids still running off in the distance. Next to you, Penny is in a fit of laughter, and the glare Mav gives her only makes it worse. His walk lands him in front of the two of you, pointing a figure at the both of you before reaching for a water.
“Both of them are trouble, just like their mothers.”
You stop laughing, really trying to feel bad for the man, though you’re laughing is set off again as Lacey reappears after using the restroom.
“What happened to you?” The question is so innocent, but it’s the icing on the cake. Mav only shakes his head at Lacey, and mutters quietly about the “hooligans.”
“What’d I say?”
“Don’t worry,” Your laughing slows as you motion Lacey over to you, “the kids decided to prank him.” 
An ahh sound of understanding with a nod of the head is only there momentary, as she starts laughing with you. The both of you work hand in hand to set up the tableware, placing the finishing touches as Jake comes over to you.
His sneaky hands wrap around your waist, and he places soft kisses along your neck. You lean back at the motion, resting your head on his shoulder, as he gently sways your bodies side to side.
“How is my birthday boy?”
The question only gets a hum in answer, as a string of kisses up your neck and onto your pulse point makes you giggle slightly. Your eyes had fallen shut, enjoying to small moment with your husband.
“How’s Jos doing?”  The question is whispered against your ear, and it has your eyes opening to glance at the beach tent.
“She perfect, like always. Napping soundly, though we are going to have to wake her up soon to eat.”
“Yeah, I saw that Penny brought some of that jello she ate at your parent's. She seems to do really good with it.”
This time it’s you that hums in acknowledgment, your eyes scanning the surrounding beach noticing the lack of your friends. You glance to the cake quickly, though find that it’s still there in perfect condition.
You turn in Jake's arms, and your eyes squint in questioning of the man, who remains calm and collected. You glance around the beach further and find Nat with Bradley at the grill, Pen and Mav up on the deck, while you see Lacey and Bobby down by the water with the kids. Your eyes fall back on Jake and the small smirk that he gives you is all you need to know that their plan was underway.
“Baby, where’s Javy?” The slight lift of your eyebrow does nothing to unsettle your husband. A small shrug is all you get, followed by a wink and a gentle squeeze on your hips.
“Jacob, I know you’re up to something and I’d suggest you think about this plan and the repercussions it may have.”
His hands only tighten on your hips even more, as his head drops back into a full laugh. “and what might those repercussions be my sweet girl.”
He’s teasing you, poking at that little button, because he knows you won’t really get mad at him on his birthday. Jake pulls you in slightly so that you're pressed near chest to chest and one of your hands rises to tap lightly on his chest. While your other hand comes to trace lightly along the sweetheart's neckline and causes Jake's eyes to drop immediately to your breasts.
“If anything happens to that cake before I get pictures of you blowing out the candles,” The hand resting on his chest slowly rises and tips Jake’s head back so that he is looking at you directly in the eyes. “There will be no unwrapping of your special present.”
Jake’s lips set in a hard line at your declaration and a small pout, forms on his lips. “Swee–”
“Nope, me and Maty worked hard on that cake, and by God, I will watch you blow out 35 candles. Don’t test me, Jacob.”
The harsh tone in your voice has a small sheepish look settling on his face, as his eyes move from the cake resting on the table and back to your breasts multiple times. With a heavy sigh, Jake’s hands fall farther to grab your ass, and his face comes to rest along the top of your breasts. His face nuzzles in and his teeth nip at your chest, as you bring your hands to the back of Jake’s head to stroke his hair and laugh at his antics.  
“I’m supposed to signal when I get you away,” The sentence is mumbled but you still understand.
“What were you planning to do with the cake Jacob.”
The sound of his full name has him pulling away from your chest and staring up into your eyes. His hands tighten on your ass and you normally would chastise him for groping you so freely out in public, though there aren’t any people close enough that you’re worried.
“Sweets, I don’t know. The boys just wanted the cake, and well –”
“You were peer pressured”
Jake scoffs at the words, and his hold has tightened even more. A small squeal leaves your lips, as you jump slightly in his hold and glare at the now-smirking man.
“Baby, I don’t get pressured into things.”
The small smirk you give Jake as he struggles for the correct words doesn’t go unnoticed. The small glare he gives you is adorable something you had expected. What you hadn’t expected was Jake to grab your waist and throw you over his shoulder, like he had been with Maty earlier today.
A shrill scream lips your lips, as your world spins upside down and the only thing you see is Jake’s tan back. Your hands grasp onto his sides, to stable yourself, and stop the sway of your body with every step he takes.
“Jacob Grant Seresin, you put me down right now.”
This laugh rings through the air and the shaking of his chest slightly shakes your body with it.
“No can do, darlin’.”
If only he could see the glare, you were giving him right now, he might change his mind. Though as a harsh smack lands on your ass and causes you to jump, you also think that the glare might have only egged him on even more.
“Your panties seem to be on just a little tight,” His hand ghosts just under the hem of your dress, grabbing at your inner thigh and lightly traces your heat. “don’t worry Sweets, daddy’s gonna fix that problem real quick.”
The sublet heat ignites in your core, and you shift slightly in Jake's hold, causing the hand on your thigh to brush up against your clothed cunt again. The moan that releases from your chest should embarrass you, though the laugh that Jake releases only has your panties damping further. You watch as the sand turns into the wooden deck of the bar, and you caught sight of a laughing Bradley and Natasha.
“Nix, you’re on baby duty. Jos is still sleeping, but me and the Mrs. have some business to attend to.” You hear the door open, the harsh light of the day disappearing, and shifts into the dim light seeping through the window blinds.
“Also, don’t touch that cake, Rooster. No one touches that damn cake while I’m gone.”
You just barely catch the yup from Bradley and the loud laugh that Nat releases, though you can’t help but to smile at Jake’s words. Your hands pinch at his side, grabbing Jake’s attention, before telling him thank you.
Just as quickly as you were thrown over his shoulder, Jake has you back on stable ground. His hands settle on your waist and push you back slightly. Your back bumps back against a wall, and as your chest heaves, you glance around to see where exactly you are.
You’re both tucked in one of the back corners of the Hard Deck, hidden away and out of sight right next to a spare pool table. The heaving of your chest slows, as you look back up at Jake and find his emerald, green eyes, replaced by a dark green with blown pupils that watch every move you make.
“You’re welcome darlin’, you should know that I’d never let anyone mess up something you worked so hard on, especially if it’s for me.” A cheeky wink and smirk grace Jake’s face, and they make you smile, as you nuzzle into his palm that had come to rest against your cheek.
“But since I am the birthday boy,” A finger traces along your cleavage, and brushes gently against the shell of your neck, causing you to tip your head back. “I want to open one of my presents early.”
“Jake –”
Your protest is cut off completely when Jake dips his head down and bites at your neck, smoothing over the nip with a lick of the tongue. A high-pitched whine releases from your lips as Jake slots his leg in between your thighs and brushes up against your pantie-clad heat. The hand tracing your chest moves up your frame and settles under your cardigan. Pushing it slightly off your shoulder, before his lips go back to work on you.
It’s too hot, and with every little movement that Jake makes he presses up again you, catching your clit against the lace of your panties. Your brain is no longer processing, as you pull off the light cardigan and throw it behind Jake. Your hands find purchase on Jake’s shoulders, grabbing on the tan skin as you keen with every nip he places on your neck.
Your chest is heaving as you tug on the back of Jake’s hair and slot your lips against his. It’s hot and needy, tugging and pulling more so than soft and loving. Jake only slightly licks at your lips and has you groaning in need. The moment of needy has Jake’s tongue slipping through your lips, as a soft battle ensues between the two of you.
You pull away gasping for a breath as Jake continues down your jawline, his hand working the skirt of your dress up and over your hips. Giving you the freedom to grind down on his thigh. The motion has you pulling back with a whimper, clit overly sensitive and pulsing. 
“No, no Sweets. Take what you need.”
Jake’s hands fall to your waist, pressing you down against his thigh as another whine slips from your lips. You can’t avoid the pressure though, as Jake moves your hips to his own accord. Pushing and pulling you, forcing you to ride his thigh as you hide away in his neck, nipping on his collarbone.
“Daddy–” your sentence is cut off when Jake sends a particularly hard thrust up, to jut against your weeping cunt.
“There’s my girl, such a pretty baby.”
You can only nod in answer, as one of Jake's hands slips up to cradle your face, and the thumb resting on your cheek slips between your lips. You nip and suck at his thumb, doe eyes focused up on Jake ready to be his good girl in any way that he asks. The look in your eyes sends him spiraling, before you know it his thumb has slipped from your mouth and he’s lifting you in the air.
Your heads dazed and foggy, consumed completely by the man holding you as he lays you on top of the pool table. You go to protest; you were at the Hard Deck and supposed to be celebrating Jake’s birthday of god’s sake. Though the words escape you when Jake’s fingers trace along your slit and rips the cloth from your aching heat.
The gentle trace of his fingers is everything and nothing all at once. Your back arches off the table and your head falls back as a low moan echoes from your chest, as Jake rolls your swollen clit between his fingers.
His laugh pulls you from the momentary bliss, as Jake looks down upon you strung out before him. Small babbles fall from your lips as you beg Jake for anything more, how you had gone from thinking with a clear mind to one that was completely hazy and your only focus was having Jake screw your brains out.
“Tell me what you want darlin’, use your words.”
He’s mocking you, with every shift of your hips trying to push down on the hand that is no longer tracing at your slit but resting heavily against your clit.
“Need you, Jakey.”
“Darlin’” His thumb moves in tight circles as he draws the word out, only pausing when you cry out. “You. Know. That’s. Not. My. Name.” Each word ends in a tap against your clit, that has your hands grasping out on the table looking for anything to hold on to.
“Daa– Daddy, Pleassseee.”
The name is just passed your lips and without any warning, Jake’s fingers fuck into you. Just barely easing in, before plunging knuckle deep and hitting the soft spongy spot that makes you keen.
“You gonna let me fuck you, Sweetheart? With all of our friends just outside.”
You can only nod in response, too focused on the way Jake’s fingers scissor in your heat. A chuckle leaves Jake’s lips again, though this time before you can react, Jake's free hand comes to wrap around the back of your neck and pulls you up to meet his chest. A low moan falls from your lips as Jake’s fingers reach even deeper in the new position and the palm of his hand brushes back and forth over your clit.
“Please” The plea falls from your lips in a mantra, and your hands wrap up around Jake’s neck to pull his lips down to your own. You melt into his touch, as his tongue slides into your mouth, coaxing your mouth in a dance of need and want.
He tastes like whiskey and malt, the crown and coke you made earlier is still potentate on his lips and you wonder if it’s your husband you’re getting drunk on, or the crown coating his tongue. Jake’s free hand cradles the back of your neck, woven into your hair and guiding you exactly how he wants. Your hips rock on their own accord, chasing a high that Jake is content to tease you with.
You lick into his mouth and your breath hitches in despair, as Jake pulls his hand from your weeping cunt. You watch, breathless as Jake brings his slick cover fingers to his mouth, moaning at the taste of your arousal and never breaking eye contact.
Jake had always been cheeky in the bedroom, how could he not, when he knew that just the sight of him shirtless had you panting like a bitch in heat. Though the wink that he gives you now, begging for him to touch you.
To fuck you, in any way that he wants. You would take anything from the man, so long as he touched you. Jake’s eyes fall from your blown ones and fall to your heaving chest. His hand trails down from your neck, to grip onto the top of your dress and yanks it down. The stitching of the fabric sounds like it has torn slightly, and it leaves the material to fall below your breast.
“Jake we still hav–”
Your words are stopped, as Jake’s hand grasps your cheeks and forces you to look up at him.
“Baby, shut up for me.”
The hand that’s not grasping your face works at your bra, pulling the cups down to expose your nipples. You squirm on the green of the pool table, as Jake ducks his head down and licks at one of your nipples, before biting it. His free hand works at your other nipple, and he plays your body like his own personal instrument. Coaxing every whine, moan, and hiss from you of his own accord.
The wanton moan you release as Jake tugs on the pebbled bead has his lips unlatching from your breast.
“Those are the only sounds I want to hear from you, darlin’.” Your eyes are clouded over, hanging on to every word that Jake tells you. “Though I’m not gonna stop you from begging, you always look so pretty when you get whiny and beg for me.”
The sound of the screen door slamming against the side of the wall has both of your eyes snapping in the direction of the bar. You're hidden back enough that you can’t see who comes in, though you hear Bradley’s voice ring out. He’s yelling at someone to get the extra ice from the back, it only takes a moment before the screen door is slamming again and the tension in your shoulders releases.
You were sure that the whole group knew you were fucking, and trusted that they would take care of the kids just fine. If they needed you, they would have already been yelling at you. Though the image of Bradley, Nat, Bob, and Lacey walking in on you and Jake fucking isn’t something you want to do again. It had been just after Jake had gotten home from a deployment when Penny and Maverick at offered to watch Maty for you. You hadn’t gotten pregnant with Jos yet, though you’re suspicious that she was conceived over the long weekend.
Your thoughts are quickly brought back to Jake, as you hear the zipper of his pants being pulled down. The sight of Jake's length has you drooling, the red tip leaks precum and you can help the whine that falls from you. A deep need to feel the weight of him on your tongue, to lick the salty tang off of him and relish in the way he fills your mouth. Your gaze is lethal, never wavering from Jake’s length not even when Jake chuckles. Though the tip of your chin up forces your eyes to leave it and look at into Jake lust filled, emerald eyes.
“Sweets, as much as I would love to have you on your knees, we don’t have the time.”
“Later?” Your hand grazes his cock, and you grasp the length. Your cloudy eyes drop from Jake’s, as you lean forward and spit onto the head. You use the precum and you spit as you stroke him, your grip tightening just slightly as you work around his girth.
“Whatever want baby.” His breath sounds ragged, fucked out by his own need for you. Your hand slips for his cock, as Jake grabs your thighs and yanks you to the edge of the pool table. Wrapping your legs around his waist, as your back falls to meet the green felt.
Your eyes catch sight of the swinging light fixture above you, and you watch it as it moves side to side. The harsh smack of Jake's cock against your clit makes you keen and has your back bowing in need. The arch pushes your cunt down towards Jake's cock, though he teases you, slipping the head along your slit and pushing into you before pulling back out.
“Daddy please need your cock, need you to fuck me.”
“I know baby, daddy’s got you.”
Your eyes roll to the back of your head, as Jake pushes his length into your aching cunt. Small whines and whimper roll off your lips as Jake bottom out, his hips coming flush with your ass. Your heat aches in need, and your hips rock to gain any type of friction.
“Nope baby,” Jake's hands grasp at your hips and stills your hips. “Feel me, Sweets. How well this pretty little pussy takes me, how you clench around me like a fucking vice.”
Jake’s breath turns ragged, as you clench down on him and the hands resting at your hips grasp at you, knuckles turning white and surly leaving fingerprints. The quick pull back from you makes you gasp, followed by a harsh thrust that you swear is in your stomach.
Jake's thrusts are harsh and uncontrolled, the both of you chasing a high, and as you lower one hand to work over your clit, needing the added pressure. Your hand is smacked away before it even touches the bundle of nerves, a protest ready to fall from your lips. Though in its place falls a deep moan, as Jake's thumb comes to rest on you, tight circles with the perfect pressure coaxing you to ecstasy.
“Baby… Daddyyyy”
His hips never falter as your hands grasp at the pool table, finding nothing to ground you. Your head tips back, your body moving against the green, with each of Jake's thrusts. He’s unrelenting as he works you over, a silent demand and need for you to find yours before he ever does.
“I know baby, let go. Come for daddy, like the good girl you are.”
His words send you spiraling and if you cared you might have stopped the moan that bursts from you. You should care as it echoes through the Hard Deck, surely alerting everyone of your pending climax. Though you don’t. The only thing you care about now was the burning heat in your core and the way Jake’s hands feel over your body.
Your eyes open and find Jake’s as a soft hand creases your cheek, the need, and lust ever present, but also a deep love that shines through as your husband watches you. With one final flick across your clit, your tumbling, begging and whining as you finally reach the peak before crashing into the abyss. Jake's hips only stutter slightly, as he works your through, his own release within reach.
“Where do you want it, Sweets?”
“In me Jake, please need to feel you.” The small plea as you clench around him has Jake peaking. His hips slow and he coats your walls, a deep moan falling from the both of you at the feeling of Jake’s cock pulsing within you. Pushing and pulling his cum back into you, fucking it into you, before he pulls out.
Jake's chest heaves as he looks down and your pulsing cunt, clenching around nothing and pushing his cum from your heat. Without a thought, Jake’s fingers scope at the mix of you both and pushes it back into your aching cunt. You’re sensitive and with every drag of his fingers you whine, you lift up onto your elbows so you both can watch as he fucks his cum back into you.
You bite your bottom lip, from not only how sensitive you now are, but also from how much you need Jake again. You could never tire of the man, though when he gets like this, it makes you practically insatiable. 
Though with one last push of the hand, Jake is pulling back from you and wrapping his lips around his cum cover fingers, winking at you before placing a peek against your lips. His hands find a home at your waist, as he pulls you from the pool table. He holds you steady as your legs shake, and places a gentle kiss against your temple.
“Still as sweet as ever, darlin’.”
The words are whispered into your ear and have you blushing. You push up on your toes to kiss Jake, hoping to avoid his gaze. Though the movement causes his cum to drip from your unclothed cunt, and the small squeak your release has Jake smiling in victory.
“You ripped my panties and my dress, Jacob. Everyone is gonna know.”
A harsh laugh falls from his lips before Jake grabs your cardigan and situates it back on your shoulders.
“Darlin’, people back home in Texas know. You’re not the quietest, especially when you climax.”
His words earn him a smack on the shoulder, as you move past him to go to the bathroom and right yourself before seeing everyone again. You glance back at the man, his eyes never leave your backside and the wide smile creasing his face is more than enough for you to not care if the whole world heard the two of you.
“Happy birthday, baby.”
“You best believe, I’m unwrapping the rest of my present when we get home. I still need to get my mouth on that sweet little cunt.”
You hum in response and smirk crossing your own lips as you shake your head that Jake’s words, before continuing to the bathroom.
“Hey Sweets,” the call has you pausing once again, spinning to face Jake and finding nothing but love in his eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you too, honey.”
The pair of you reemerge from the Hard Deck as if nothing happened, though both Nat and Lace give you teasing smiles as you make your way over. A small smirk makes its way to your lips, causing both girls to laugh and a deep blush to cover your cheeks.
Jake had gone over to check on Amelia and Maty when you came out, both Penny and Mav stationed close enough to watch the pair, but also giving them the space to goof off. You glance over to Josephine’s beach tent and find her just waking up. The movement of her little arms has you making your way to her, and as you cloud over her line of sight has a gummy smile marring her features.
“Hello, my beautiful girl.” You pick her up easily and cradle her against your chest, enjoying the way her little hands grab at you. “Did you have a wonderful nap?”
Mumbles fall from her lips and bubbles of spit dribble down her chin, as she answers you.
“Ma ma ma ma.”
You bounce her on your hip lightly as you walk back over to Lace and Nat. Everyone had gathered as Bradley showed up with the food and placed it in the middle of the table. Maty finds you easily and clasps onto your hip to give you a hug. Your free hand brushes the hair from his face before you move down to kiss the crown of his head. 
“Momma I couldn’t find dad’s candles. Auntie Nix helped me look, but they weren’t in the bag.”
Your brows crease in thought, trying to remember where you placed them. You were sure that you put them in the bag, though they could have fallen out in the truck.
“Don’t you worry, my love. I’m sure they are just in the truck.” The three of you make your way back over to Jake, who is now chatting with Javy about the plane they were restoring. Catching sight of her father, Jos starts trying to reach out for him. The high-pitch squeal of your daughter gains Jake’s attention immediately and he’s grasping for her to toss her in the air. You smile at the duo, and overwhelming pride and love fills your chest for your small family.
Javy is quick to grab Maty, flipping him upside down and tickling him. Jake looks at you as you settle at his side and places a kiss on your cheek.
“I’m going to run to the pickup, love. I think your candles feel under the seat.”
“I can go look, Sweets.”
“Nope, you’re the birthday boy and I’ll be quick.”
Jake hums in agreement, before placing a sweet kiss on your lips. You pull away, only to be met with another kiss on the nose.
“I’ll be right back, then we can start eating.”
Jake watches as you make your way to the parking lot, quietly wondering how he had gotten so lucky. Josephine grabbles in his lap, patting at his chest as Javy talks to her in a high-pitched over.
Jake laughs at the pair, Javy and Jos were the best of buddies, the two were on the same wavelength. The number of times that Jake had come back, after asking Javy to watch her for a bit, and they were both asleep was astounding.
Though he couldn’t be more thankful for the extended family, that his own little family had in the Dagger Squad. Jacob Seresin might have been a hard ass, but seeing how much any one of his teammates cared for his children, turned him into a puddle.
“Dad, momma’s still not back.”
Mathew had been patiently waiting, though as time passed, he couldn’t help but grow impatient.
“I’ll go check on her bubba.”
Though before he can hand Jos to Javy, Mathew is protesting. Telling both Jake and Javy that he was a big boy and could help. Jake chuckled at his son, hand ranking through his unruly hair before nodding in answer.
“Go on then.”
A smile broke out across Mathew’s face before he was taking off up the sand to the parking lot.
“Watch for cars.” Jake's voice echoed across the beach, gaining everyone’s attention as Mathew signaled back with a thumbs up, then disappeared.
Jake and Javy both went back to talking with Jos, as Jake bounced her lightly on his hip. The setting California sun casts a warm hue over the beach, and Jake couldn’t help but think of you and how much you loved the beach.
Especially at sunset.
Jake had grown to love it just as much as you had, the comfort from the waves and sea breeze had become a constant in your lives. The four of you were constantly at the beach whenever the family had downtime.
Though that constant sense of safety and calm was ripped right from his chest as a bone-chilling scream echoed out across the beach.
“Daddy!”
Jake was passing Josephine off to Javy without a second thought, and sprinting towards the edge of the beach. Nearly collapsing at the sight of Mathew's tear-stained face, barreling toward him.
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ohgodnotagainn · 10 months
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closing time
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summary → another night closing the shop at top brews
warnings → swearing, probably some typos in there, coffee shop au, everyone is like 28ish in this
length → 1.1K (a short lil guy)
pairing → robert "bob" floyd x fem reader
a/n → before you ask, yes, i did change the name of the coffee shop from "daily brews" to "top brews." nobody question me, i like this name better moving forward in this universe. i've had a hard time writing recently but i'm excited to dig down and get back into this ever expanding coffee shop au. i love, adore, and appreciate feedback, but as always, be nice or be gone. if you would like to be added or removed from the taglist let me know.
this takes place in the same universe as my other fic "girl in a coffee shop". i recommend reading that first, but it isn't necessary to understand this one.
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Closing time, open all the doors and let you out into the world. You heard the opening lyrics begin to fill the space as you took notice of the time - 5:57. It was a nightly tradition at Top Brews for Closing Time to carry over the speakers, acting as a little nudge to the last few stragglers. 
As you slowly packed up your laptop case, you got a kick out of watching Rooster plead with old Ms. Johnson in a losing battle to get her out the door. Finally, he got her to agree to leave, but not without promising that they’d chat about her cats the following day. Offering his elbow, he helped her up and escorted her to the door - waving her off with a bright smile before locking the door. 
When he turned back around his eyes found yours, “Well, well, well,” he began, clicking his tongue at you, “What do we have here? Don’t you know what time it is?”
Just as you were about to respond, Bob came walking out of the backroom lugging a bin of ice in each hand, “Leave her alone, Rooster.”
“Oh, c’mon, man! Bean knows I’m just messing around,” Rooster gestured to you, “Tell him!”
Your heart lit up at the nickname. The last six months had been a whirlwind and you finally felt like you had earned your place in the squad when you got your own silly name to match the rest of them. It was Bob who initially called you Bean, often reminiscing on the day you two finally owned up to your growing feelings and the trail of coffee beans that lead you there. It wasn’t long before the rest of the team adopted the name and you had the growing suspicion that Fanboy had forgotten your legal name, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. 
With a laugh, you stood up and linked your arm through Rooster’s, “No need to worry this time Robby, Tweedle Dum here was only joking.” This time Bob did let out a laugh, shaking his head and beginning to dump the ice into the cooler, “Alright, alright, let’s close this son of a bitch down so we can go home.”
A satisfied grin now sat on your face, only growing wider when you saw the deep frown etching it’s way onto Rooster’s. You unlinked your arms and slapped him on the shoulder, “Oof, better luck next time! I’ll go get the mop while you get started on sweeping - I’ll help you with the lobby since I’m feeling extra nice tonight.” 
As you were walking towards the backroom, you could hear Rooster grumbling, “Oh, sure, I see how it is. I can’t bully Bean but Bean can bully me?” You were tempted to turn around and continue poking the bear, but you thought better of it - the more time you wasted now, the less time you’d have later with Bob. So, you just giggled to yourself and kept on walking. 
You were watching the water filling the mop bin when suddenly you were hit with all the forgotten things you still had to get done tonight. The smile that was on your face dropped off with the realization that you probably wouldn’t have time to stop by Bob’s house as you had originally planned - your to-do list filling up just as fast as the mop bin. You gripped the mop handle a little tighter with a scowl on your face.
Coming back from filling up the cooler, Bob quietly set the ice bins on top of the machine and took in your tense disposition for a moment before softly asking, “What did that mop ever do to you?” Your eyes met his, the stress slipping from your frame and your vice grip easing up. With a straight face and a blunt tone, you quipped back, “It killed my father.” 
The sound of Bob laughing filled the kitchen as he set the mop aside and wrapped you in his arms, letting his chin rest on your head, “God, I love you, Bean.” It was silent between you two for a moment before he continued, “Now do you want to tell me what’s really going on? I helped your dad fix his truck this morning so I’m pretty sure this mop is innocent,” he prodded.
His heart was thrumming against your ear, reminding you that you wouldn’t be falling asleep on his chest to the same sound later that evening. Your heart sank lower as you answered quietly, “I forgot I have a bunch of laundry and other chores I need to do tonight,” with a sigh you continued, “I think I’m going to have to raincheck coming over tonight.” 
Bob was silent again, his eyes fixed on the handwashing signage behind your head. 
“Move in with me.”
His head didn’t move from it’s spot on yours - the nonchalance of it all catching you off guard. 
You pulled back to look him in the eyes, desperate to know if he was being serious or not, “What?”
“Move in with me. Move in with me so that we don’t have to waste anymore nights doing laundry alone when we could’ve been doing it together,” he said, tucking the loose strands of hair behind your ears and running his thumbs along your cheekbones. 
“Okay,” you whispered. “Yeah?” he asked, his own smile growing rapidly. 
“I’d love to, if you’re absolutely sure, I’d love to,” you responded, feeling more sure about the decision with every passing second. 
“I’m absolutely, 100%, sure,” he continued, “In this life, I would really like doing laundry and taxes with you.” You felt butterflies swarm as you responded through a fuzzybrain, “You need to stop watching Everything Everywhere All at Once so much.“
“Not a chance,” he said, before closing the gap between you and letting his lips melt into yours. 
“Bean are you going to help me with the lobby or wha- woah there! Talk about something the health inspector wouldn’t appreciate,” Rooster said as he dramatically threw his hands over his eyes and walked backwards out of the kitchen. 
“I guess we better get back out there, huh?” Bob said. 
“I guess we better, Mr. Boss Man,” you winked at him, “We’ll talk more about the details later - but I’m really looking forward to doing laundry and taxes with you too.” Without another word, you grabbed the mop bucket and began wheeling it out of the kitchen. 
As Bob began counting down the till he couldn’t help but watch as you used the mop handle as a microphone to serenade Rooster - he didn’t even care when he lost his count. Starting from the pennies yet again, he sang under his breath, “I know who I want to take me home.”
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tags:
@wkndwlff @rockbottomphilosophies-blog @starlightstories @aviatorobsessed @accioprocrastination @shanimallina87 @waklman @roosterbruiser @mayhemmanaged @genius2050 @dempy @dakotakazansky @purplevortexx
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lewmagoo · 1 year
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return to me | bob floyd
description: in which there is only one pilot you trust to bring your husband home safely
warnings: mentions of death, brief allusion to mental health struggles, angst with a happy ending, mentions of pregnancy, military/navy inaccuracies
pairing: robert "bob" floyd x wife!reader, platonic natasha "phoenix" trace x reader
notes: this story touches on the aftermath of the bird strike that phoenix and bob went through. i thought it would be interesting to explore what phoenix's feelings might have been after the fact, and show just how much she cares about bob. i didn't expect this to go anywhere but an entire fic was born from the idea, much to my surprise
Natasha’s hands were shaking. 
She hadn’t even realized they were, until the ever-observant Bob pointed it out. She looked down, and sure enough, there was a tremor. Annoyed at his observation, she folded her arms and tucked her hands under them. 
Bob only shook his head, bracing himself on his elbows so he could fully look at her. “You’re thinking too loud,” he mused, “I feel like I can hear what’s going through your mind from here.” 
“I’m fine.”
“We quite literally just hurtled through the sky to our deaths. You’re not fine, ‘Nix.”
“The hurtling through the sky thing isn’t what’s bothering me.”
“I know. My wife is what’s bothering you.”
Natasha narrowed her eyes at him, annoyed that, yet again, he was right. She let out a sigh when he raised his brows at her. “It’s just messed up that the first time I have to meet her is in the hospital after I almost killed her husband. Why couldn’t we have met over dinner at your house or something normal?!”
Bob shook his head. “She understands. She’s not—”
But Natasha cut him off. “Does she? Or are you just saying that?”
He wanted to roll his eyes, but he didn’t. He could see how much she was struggling with this. 
Natasha had taken a liking to Bob from the moment they met. She took him under her wing, and he let her, because he was happy to have someone like her looking out for him. He didn’t talk about his personal life with any other squad members, save for telling Bradley a few details here and there. But with Natasha, he’d opened up to her about a lot more. Such as the fact that he had a wife and two children, not to mention another one on the way. 
Though she’d never voiced it out loud, Bob knew that she felt obligated to protect him, solely because she wanted him to be able to come home safe and sound to his family. She didn’t want to be the reason his children had to grow up without a father. So she vowed to be damn good at her job and always bring him back safely. 
Until today, when she almost failed at that. In her mind, at least. Bob didn’t view it as a failure whatsoever. She’d pulled out and they both made it to the ground with some run-of-the-mill bumps and bruises that came from having to eject from an aircraft that was spiraling through the sky. Neither of them had lost their life that day, and that was what mattered. 
But Natasha couldn’t help but picture the way you must have felt to receive that phone call. She imagined your mind had immediately gone to the worst case scenario. And she would be right about that. 
When your phone rang that day, you were at the park with your two small children. Henry, who was four, and Juliet, who was two. It had started out as a normal day. Bob had kissed you goodbye that morning, hugged the little ones, and headed out the door with the promise of being home for supper that evening. 
You went about the day as usual, but when your phone began vibrating in your pocket as you were watching your little ones play on the playground, you pulled the device, and your heart sank when you recognized what number it was, by the area code. 
Your hand shook as you pressed the phone to your ear, only to hear the words, “is this Mrs. Robert Floyd?”
You answered affirmatively, until you realized no sound came out, because your voice had failed you. So you cleared your throat and tried again. “This is she.”
You were prepared for your world to crumble. Prepared for the life-altering news, informing you that your sweet Robert was dead. 
But to your utter, all-consuming relief, the person on the other end assured you that your husband was very much alive, albeit banged up from a bird strike that had forced him to eject from his aircraft. 
“Thank God,” you breathed, placing a hand over your racing heart. “Can our children and I visit him?”
You were given the all-clear to visit, so you quickly gathered up your kids. Henry seemed to be on the verge of tears when you told him your park trip had to be cut short, but those tears quickly faded at the promise of seeing his father. 
“Daddy got hurt at work, so we’re going to go see him at the hospital,” you assured the little boy, every bit the spitting image of Bob, complete with his own tiny pair of glasses. 
“Did he need a Band-Aid?” Henry asked as you buckled him into his car seat. 
You smiled at his innocence. “He needed a few of them I’m sure. You can ask him all about them when you see him.” 
With the kids safely fastened into the car, you climbed into the driver’s seat and headed for the hospital. Your mind was racing as you drove, and you were thanking your lucky stars that Bobby was okay. It could have been so much worse, you knew. The thought of losing your husband was nearly unbearable. Especially when you imagined raising your little ones alone, or delivering your next babe without him. 
He’d been very involved in the births of Henry and Juliet, and the thought of him being absent for the birth of the one you currently carried was not a thought you wanted to entertain. 
Of course, you knew it was a possibility. Especially now, with him being summoned back to Top Gun for a high-profile mission that he wasn’t allowed to talk about. It could mean him leaving and never coming home again. But you chose not to dwell on that. Instead, you focused on the fact that he was alive here and now, thanks to the quick thinking of his pilot, Natasha Trace. 
You hadn’t met the woman yet, but Bob spoke very highly of her. He informed you that she was always looking out for him, in the sky and on the ground, and just from what you’d heard, you had grown to admire her. 
You would, of course, have to thank her when you saw her at the hospital. She deserved a thank you for bringing your husband home safely. 
Until then, you were thrumming with anxiety, all too eager to be reunited with Bob, and see with your own two eyes that he was, in fact, okay. It felt as if you held your breath the entire drive to the hospital, and you didn’t let it out until you stepped foot in the room and saw your Bobby sitting upright in bed, usually neat hair falling in soft waves, a few loose strands across his forehead. 
He looked up when you walked in, and his face lit up at the sight of you and his babies. “Oh, Bobby,” you breathed, immediately rushing to his side. 
You wrapped your arms around him, and he hummed, instinctively placing a hand over your rounded belly. “I’m okay, darlin’,” he assured you. 
You pulled back only to brush his hair from his forehead. “Thank goodness. You had me worried there for a minute.”
Two little faces peered up at him from beside you, both wide-eyed and very concerned for their father’s well-being. Bob reached out to take Henry’s small hand. “Hey, buddy.”
“Did you need lots of Band-Aids to help you feel better?” the little boy questioned. 
Bob smiled softly. “Just a few. But I’m fine, I promise. Just got some bumps and bruises.”
You noticed a woman seated on the second bed in the room. She was beautiful, with dark hair and striking features. Even in a pair of sweatpants and a stark white shirt, she had an air about her that exuded a certain assuredness. 
You offered her a smile, which she returned, but hers seemed a little forced. You wanted to say something to her, but you were interrupted by Henry asking if you could help him climb into his father’s bed. 
While you helped both children up into the bed, Natasha took that as her moment to slip out of the room. Seeing Bob reunited with his family put everything into perspective for her, and she couldn’t bear to watch the scene any longer. Not when she could have been the reason those sweet children lost their father. 
She rushed out into the hall, needing to be anywhere but that room. She walked so quickly the breeze from her movements blew her hair back over her shoulders. Finally, she found herself at the end of the hall, right by the window, where she decided she was going to remain until you left. 
One particular instance kept replaying in her mind, like a record whose needle had slipped and kept skipping over one part of a song. It wasn’t the bird strike, or the fact that she and Bob had to eject. No, she kept replaying something Maverick had spoken to her just the other day, when he was grilling the team.
“Don’t tell me. Tell it to his family.”
When he said that, she could barely stand to look at Bob, who was seated right beside her, because she was afraid she’d cry. She had never been an overly emotional person, she always knew how to keep things in check. But for whatever reason, she was deeply affected by this.
Natasha already felt responsible for Bob’s safety, and she’d already known about his family. But the Captain’s words truly put it into perspective. While she was well acquainted with the risks their job presented, that didn’t mean she wasn’t allowed to worry about what might happen.
She wasn’t sure if she could face you. And if, God forbid, there ever came a time when she made it out of a situation alive and Bob didn’t, she knew she’d never forgive herself. It made her anxiety about the upcoming mission spike, because the stakes were so much higher. This wasn’t a training exercise. This was life or death.
“Get it together,” she hissed to herself as she gazed out of that hospital window. She was usually able to rationalize things in her mind. She remained cool and collected in most situations. But this time, she felt like she was spiraling out of control, and she hated it.
Back in Bob’s room, you looked at him curiously, questioning Natasha’s sudden departure. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of just how much to reveal. 
“She…she’s struggling a little. She feels responsible for me.”
“Oh,” you quietly hummed in reply. “Maybe I should go talk to her.”
“Give her a few minutes to pull herself together,” he suggested. “I think she needs to be alone.”
You nodded thoughtfully, glancing after her retreating form. However, you soon turned your attention back to your family. Both little ones had nestled themselves against Bob, and he spoke to them softly, calming their worried little minds. 
He was so good with them. He always knew how to soothe them, even from the time they were newborns. Sometimes they even preferred him over you for comfort. But you were okay with it, because it was truly a wondrous sight to witness.
“C’mere,” he told you, reaching for your hand. 
You gave it to him, and let him pull you over to sit on the bed. He could see the faraway look in your eyes, so he reassured you. “I’m okay, I promise.”
“I know. I just…I’m glad you’re here. Glad you made it back safely.”
He smiled softly, though his baby blues were glimmering with unshed tears. “I’ll always come back to you, remember?” 
You squeezed his hand. “I know, Bobby.”
His attention shifted back to your children, who held onto his every word as he described what had happened to him that day. He didn’t go into too much detail, but he explained it in a way that they could understand. That was another thing he was good at. He seemed to know the right thing to say to them at just the right time. 
Despite the stress of the situation, a sense of peace fell over the room. That was just the way it was with your little family. Were there times when you and Bob had spats, or the kids misbehaved? Absolutely. But your family unit as a whole was tranquil, and it was something that you and your husband cherished. You wanted to give your children as calm of a life as possible, especially with the career their father had. 
They already experienced enough in the form of moving from place to place and dealing with interruptions in their routines. Knowing their parents loved them, and each other, no matter what came their way, was the most important thing in the midst of it all.
But there, seated beside your husband in that hospital bed, you couldn’t help but allow your mind to wander to the woman who’d left the room. Who very clearly was grappling with something. And as you enjoyed the peace within your own little family, you felt the need to invite her to be part of it. 
“I’ll be right back,” you murmured, leaning in to kiss Bob gently on the forehead. “The kids need a snack so I’m gonna grab something from the cafeteria. Do you want anything?”
“Just a ginger ale,” he replied with a smile, “the pain meds they gave me kind of made me feel nauseous.”
“You got it, babe.”
You slipped away, leaving your family in the room as you headed out into the hall. What you said wasn’t a lie, you really were heading to the cafeteria. But you planned to check on Natasha first. 
As you stepped into the sterile, white hallway, you glanced around, hoping you’d easily find her. Sure enough, at the end of the hall, there was a window, and she was perched on the sill. You stood there a moment, debating your next move, before you finally began making your way toward her.
Natasha was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear you approach. Your voice made her jump, and her head lifted to look at you, brown eyes wide, and filled with so much emotion.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” you assured her, holding your hands out in surrender. You then motioned to the window sill. “Do you mind if I sit with you for a bit?”
She was silent for a moment, and you feared she might turn you away, until she finally relented with a nod, moving over a little to give you space to sit beside her. As you did, you let out a soft sight, hoping to break the ice gently. 
“I really should thank you for making sure Bobby made it back safely today.”
That was exactly what she was afraid you’d say. “Don’t thank me,” she whispered.
“But I feel like I should. It gives me such peace of mind to know that you’re up there with him. He tells me all the time just how great of a pilot you are, and–”
“Please, just stop.”
Her abruptness made you freeze, and you looked at her, concern written all over your features. When you realized she was crying, your heart ached for her. “I’m sorry, I overstepped. I’m sure you want your space still, so I’ll let you have it.”
But when you rose to leave, her hand came out to grab your wrist. “No, don’t leave,” she said, catching your gaze. “Truth is, I’m the one that should be apologizing. I’m not the hero you think I am. I…I hesitated up there, today. And when you’re flying, you don’t have time to hesitate. But I did, I thought I could save the aircraft, and I put your husband’s life in danger because I couldn’t just pull the ejection handle like I was supposed to, and I–”
“Natasha.”
She went quiet, lifting her tearful eyes to meet yours. You reached out to place your hand over her own. “It’s okay. None of that matters now. The important thing is that both you and Bob are alive. It could’ve been much worse.”
That’s what I’m afraid of! She wanted to exclaim. I’m terrified of it being so much worse. I’m terrified of being the reason you end up a widow! But Natasha wasn’t sure why she was so upset over this. She had years of training under her belt. She’d been prepared for situations like this. Even so, she was grappling with it now.
“I-I don’t mean to be cynical, but please don’t put your faith in me. I will do what it takes to bring me and Bob back home safely every time, but I’m not some master pilot who never makes mistakes. One day, I might…might mess up.”
You realized what this was all about, and you shook your head. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m putting unnecessary pressure on you.” You could slap yourself, really. “Natasha, I need you to know something. We only just met, but I can tell you have my husband’s back. I know you’re not perfect. I know you’re capable of making mistakes up there. And that’s okay. All I ask is that you be careful up there, for both your sakes.”
She took in a breath, closing her eyes for a moment. Her hands rested on the edges of the window sill, gripping tightly. “But what if I end up being the reason you lose your husband?”
“I won’t blame you for it.”
“Why do you say that?”
You let out a soft sigh, deciding to be candid with her. “Years ago, my dad was in a crash where his WSO died, but he survived.”
That got Natasha’s attention, and she lifted her head to look at you. She didn’t say anything, so you took that as your cue to continue. 
“I saw what it did to him. He blamed himself for it, even though it was an accident.” You looked down at your hands, though your vision was blurred from the sudden wave of tears that surfaced in your eyes. Memories of that time were difficult to relive. “It really sent him on a downward spiral. He let it destroy his life. So, I say all that to say, I will not blame you if something should happen to Bob. I would never make you bear that burden. Not after seeing what that kind of guilt does to a person.”
Natasha nodded thoughtfully, letting your words sink in before she finally spoke again. “I’m sorry for dumping this on you. I don’t know why this has me so emotional.”
“You just went through a traumatic experience. It’s normal to be emotional, honey. I’d be concerned if you weren’t.”
“It’s just…I really care about Bob. So by default, I care about you, and your kids, even though I just met you. I just want to make sure I’m doing everything I actively can to bring him home to you.”
You reached out, placing your hand over her own. “Make sure you’re looking out for yourself, too. I want you both to come home safely. Bobby would be devastated if anything happened to you. And so would I, because his hurts are my hurts.”
She managed a smile, despite herself. “I’ll do my best,” she assured you.
“That’s all I could ever ask from you.” After a moment, you rose to your feet, giving Natasha a kind smile. “I’m going to head down to the cafeteria to get some food for my babes. Wanna come with me?”
She considered it before she stood. “I’d like that.”
Together, you headed to the elevator, bound for the cafeteria. 
Natasha finally felt some peace wash over her after your conversation. She had been so deep into her head, expecting you to point your finger at her and berate her for putting Bob in danger. But you’d done nothing of the sort. You’d been warm and understanding. There hadn’t been a judgmental bone in your body. Although she was still struggling with what had happen, and she would always feel that heavy weight of responsibility for Bob, the sting was eased a little by your reassurance. 
And she decided that instead of avoiding you like she initially had attempted, she was going to follow you back to that hospital room, and she was going to meet your sweet children, and get to know the people that Bob loved so deeply. She needed that wholesomeness after the events of the day. She hadn’t allowed herself to fully process it, as it was. She’d been too concerned about her backseater to focus on herself. 
For now, however, she would find joy in the fact that she and Bob were okay.
So, she followed you down to the cafeteria, and she helped gather some things as you described what each of your children liked. Soon, with an armful of food and ginger ale, you both headed back upstairs.
When you made it back to the room, Bob looked up to see you walk through the door together, and he caught your gaze, offering a relieved smile at the sight of Natasha by your side. You must’ve gotten through to her, he thought.
“There you are, Momma!” Henry exclaimed. “You were taking forever!”
You smiled as you set everything down on the table. “I had to stop and talk to a friend, first,” you replied, leaning down to kiss him on the top of the head. Only Bob and Natasha caught what you truly meant.
“Hope you and this friend worked everything out,” Bob mused, glancing between you both.
Natasha smiled then, nodding her head as she glanced at you. “Yeah. Yeah, we did.”
Bob felt himself relax at her admission. The tenseness she held in her shoulders had lessened, and there was a genuine smile on her face. Whatever you’d said to her had made a world of difference. He made a mental note to thank you later for taking the time to reach out to Natasha.
That evening, you all enjoyed a peaceful time in that hospital room. Natasha listened to the story of how you and Bob met, she got to know your children and their vastly different personalities, and she learned that you were expecting another baby girl, and that you hadn’t chosen a name yet.
Spending time with your little family was like a breath of fresh air, and by the time you left that night, Natasha felt a warmth in her chest. She could see how important you and your little ones were to Bob. You were his entire world, and he clearly cherished every moment he had with you. It reminded her that she needed to live in the present, and not spend so much time terrified over what the future might bring. 
She watched you bid him goodnight before you left, and it brought a smile to her face.
You’d just gathered the kids up, after they’d given their father multiple hugs and kisses and begged him to read them a bedtime story. He made one up on the spot, about a brave fighter pilot and her WSO.
Then, he looked at you, blue eyes full of wonder, as if you’d set the very stars in the sky. He reached out for your hand, pulling you in to kiss you sweetly. His warm hand stroked over your cheek, and he let his forehead rest against your own. “I love you, sweetheart,” he earnestly said. 
“Love you too, Bobby. Sleep well.”
As you ushered Henry and Juliet out the door, you turned to Natasha. “Goodnight. Take care of yourself, okay?”
“I will,” she assured you.
Satisfied with her answer, you finally left, and quietness filled the room again. Natasha let out a soft sigh, leaning back in her bed. She glanced over at Bob, and said, “your wife is something else.”
“Isn’t she?” He happily agreed.
Then, she fell serious, her brow furrowing. “I’m sorry for how I was acting earlier. I was just really in my head and this stupid fucking bird ordeal threw me for a loop. Which feels really stupid, because it could have been so much worse. But it just really messed up my head, for some reason.”
“Hey, it’s okay, ‘Nix. I get it. You don’t have anything to apologize for.”
“I’ve got your back, Bob. I want you to know that. No matter what happens in the sky, or on this mission, I’ve got you.”
He nodded. “I know you do.” There was no doubt in his mind. 
All too soon, the events of the bird strike faded into the background, and it was back to business as usual once they were cleared to return to work. The pressure was on, and both Natasha and Bob threw themselves into doing the best that they could, preparing for what would likely be one of the most difficult missions of their lives. 
Bob had a lot on his mind, which was clear to you when he came home to you each night. He was a numbers guy; he’d calculated the odds of this mission in his head, and he had a feeling that someone wasn’t making it back alive. Of course, he didn’t tell you this, but you already knew. 
In the days leading up to that mission, you were a pillar of strength for Bob. He leaned on you for support, and you gave it all to him. He cherished every moment with you, no matter how scarce they were. And the night before he was to ship out, as you lay together in bed, wrapped in each other’s arms, he whispered a promise against your skin.
“I’ll fight to make it back to you.”
“I know you will.”
The goodbye that followed was tearful. But they always were. Whenever he left, you always cried. And so did your babies. Especially Henry, who was beginning to finally grasp the idea that his father was going to be gone for a period of time.
Bob held you close, trying his best to keep his own tears at bay, only because he knew that if he started, he wouldn’t be able to stop. “I love you, darlin’. Always have, always will.”
“I love you too, Bobby. You come back to me, you hear? Come back to your babies.”
He nodded before he leaned in, hands coming up to delicately hold your face as he kissed you deeply, fervently. When he broke away, he bent to leave a kiss against your pregnant belly, before he squeezed your hands and knelt to bid goodbye to Henry and Juliet. 
“I love you, buddy,” he told Henry, kissing the boy’s forehead. “You take care of your momma and sister, okay?”
“I’ll miss you, Daddy,” the boy tearfully confessed. 
It broke Bob’s heart right in two. “I’ll miss you too.”
Then, he moved to craddle little Juliet in his arms. She began to cry as well, because she saw the tears her brother was shedding. It took everything in Bob to force himself to stand. He knew if he remained here, he’d never get on that aircraft carrier. 
“Love you,” he said again, kissing you on the temple before he slipped away like a whisper in the wind. 
You watched him walk away, but when you caught sight of Natasha nearby, you were quick to call out to her. She turned, surprised to find you approaching, your children in tow. When you finally reached her, you touched her hand. 
“I just wanted to tell you to be careful. Bring both of you back home safely.”
She paused, smiling sadly before she nodded. “I’ll do my best,” she whispered. 
“That’s all I ask,” you replied, repeating your words from that day at the hospital.
She allowed you to hug her before she finally set off toward the carrier. You stood there with your children and watched until your husband, and his front seater, were out of sight. Then, you turned around, heading back to your car, silently praying that the love of your life would return home safely. 
You knew he was in good hands. Natasha would look out for him. And he, her. 
The next several days were agonizing. Bob was radio silent, and your anxiety was through the roof. You did what you could to stay busy, and to keep the kids occupied. You tried your best not to let your worry rub off on them, but inevitably, it still did. 
They felt the absence of their father, and they were both restless and more fussy than usual. But the three of you weathered through it, and eventually, there was light at the end of the tunnel. 
When they were close enough to shore, Bob was able to call you. When you saw his contact light up your phone, you lept up from your chair to grab it, interrupting your quiet dinner with the children to receive the call.
“Bobby?!” You exclaimed as soon as you pressed the phone to your ear. 
“Hey there, sweetheart,” he greeted. You could hear the smile in his voice.
“Oh, thank God. I’ve missed you so much.” 
“I missed you too. I’m just calling to let you know I’m coming home.”
Your eyes blurred with tears of happiness, and you couldn’t hide the overjoyed smile that spread across your face. “Let me put you on speaker so the babies can hear.”
You hit the speaker option and brought the phone over to the table. “Say hi to Daddy!” You exclaimed. Henry’s little face lit up, and he jumped up from his seat, rushing to stand beside you and put his face by the phone. 
“Hi Daddy!” He all but shouted into the receiver. 
“Hey, buddy. I missed you!”
Juliet giggled at the sound of her father’s voice through the phone. It was a sweet moment to witness the excitement of your children. Bob continued on to assure them that he would be home very soon, and that he couldn’t wait to hold them in his arms and tell them bedtime stories. 
Finally, you stepped away to finish the call privately. You found yourself in the hallway, listening to Bob speak. “I can’t talk for much longer, but I just want you to know that everybody’s okay. We all made it back in one piece.”
“That’s really, really good to hear,” you whispered in reply, relief evident in your voice. 
He took in a breath before he continued. “I…I’ve gotta go, darlin’. But I’ll see you real soon, alright? I love you more than anything.”
“And I love you, Bobby.”
The line beeped, signaling that the call had ended, and you pulled your phone away from your ear, breathing out a sigh of utter relief. Your Bobby was coming home.
Sure enough, not long after that you were standing amidst a sea of people, eagerly awaiting your husband’s arrival. You were bouncing with happiness, unable to wipe your smile off your face. Around you, other sailors were reuniting with their loved ones, but you hardly cared about that. You just needed to find Bob. 
It took a few moments, but finally, there he was. He looked a little worse for wear, but he was handsome as ever, and when his eyes landed on you, his face lit up into the most beautiful smile you’d ever seen. He took off at a jog, wanting to reach you as quickly as possible. 
Once he did, his arms were around you, and you laughed with joy as he rocked you back and forth. “Oh, I missed you,” he gasped as he pulled back to kiss you. His eyes were shining with tears. 
Abruptly, he dipped down, opening his arms to welcome his babies into a bear hug. He held them close to his chest, kissing the tops of their heads and whispering how much he’d missed them. You couldn’t stop your tears if you tried. 
But while he was talking to Henry and Juliet, you spotted Natasha not too far away. Though you didn’t want to leave your family, you also knew you needed to speak with her. So you began to wave, calling her name.
She heard you over the hum of the crowd, and when she saw you, her face broke into a smile. She wasted no time in weaving through those around her, reaching you quickly. 
“Welcome back!” You exclaimed. You reached out, pulling her into a hug, which she gratefully accepted. 
While you stood there, arms around one another, she leaned close to your ear, and whispered, “I brought him back to you.”
You pulled back to look her fully in the face. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” you told her, your voice raw. 
She nodded, too overwhelmed to say anything more. But she didn’t have to. The silence spoke volumes.
“Would…would you like to join us for dinner tonight?”
She wiped at her eyes and shook her head. “I wouldn’t wan to impose on your family time.”
“You wouldn’t be imposing. Please, come have a home-cooked meal. The kids would love to have you, and so would Bob.”
She relented, her shoulders dropping in surrender. “Okay. I’d like that.”
You looped your arm through hers. “Let’s go then, yeah?”
She smiled. “Yeah.”
And so, off you went, back toward your little family, with Natasha in tow. When Bob learned she was joining you for dinner, he beamed. And as she followed you out to the parking area, she couldn’t help the warm feeling that bloomed within her chest. 
Bob, the unassuming WSO, had managed to change her life in just the short time she’d known him. He’d introduced her to his wife and children, who’d welcomed her with open arms, even after she’d been terrified you wouldn’t. 
The kindness you’d shown to her had made a world of difference in her life. In the end, she was grateful you’d insisted upon talking to her in the hospital that day. It had helped change her perspective, and now that she’d brought your husband home safely, she could look you in the eyes with confidence, knowing she’d done all she could, and succeeded. Just like you’d believed she would.
After all that she’d endured in the last few weeks, she realized that she’d found a family along the way, and that made it all worth it in the end.
-
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