#soft!Jake Seresin
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D-Day by TrickPhotography | Chapter 18
Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x female!reader
Word count: 8.2k (sorry, it's a long one)
Synopsis: After finding out his girlfriend is pregnant, Jake is ready to move in and get married. The last thing he expected was to be hit with a six-month deployment at sea and missing the birth of his first child.
18+, minors DNI
Chapter 17 | Series Master List | Ao3
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Chapter 18
Jake grabbed the curtain surrounding his berth and tugged it into place. He had the room to himself for what felt like the first time in forever, with Rooster and Fritz finally out at the same time. Fritz was doing nighttime refueling training, and they were doing a horror movie night since it was Halloween, but Jake backed out at the last minute, saying he was tired. The look Rooster gave him let Jake know the other pilot knew he was full of shit.
After slipping his headphones on, he pulled up his phone photo album and tapped on the protected folder, typing in the password. At the top was the video he’d requested and hadn’t had a chance to watch yet, just above the dirty photos you’d texted him on his 36th birthday. His hand rested low on his stomach as he held the phone up and tapped to start the video.
“A bet’s a bet,” you sighed, lifting the camera to show yourself in the bathroom mirror. You wore his blue service jacket, sleeves bunched around your wrists and buttons straining against your stomach. Taking a step back, you put his cap on your head, turning to the side and smirking at the mirror. “This what you had in mind, Tex? Or…” your fingers moved to undo the buttons, and the material fell away to show your rounded stomach.
“Fuck,” Jake breathed, palm itching to run over your skin. His own was a poor substitution as he rucked up his shirt, running his fingers along the waistband of his sweats and wishing he felt your touch.
“Hope you don’t mind,” you purred, nuzzling the jacket collar. “But I sprayed some of your fancy cologne on this so I can pretend you’re here.” With a hand resting on your stomach, you turned back to face the mirror, and he spied the red toy between your legs. Biting back a groan, Jake remembered how the advertisement said it would hit your g-spot just right while sucking your clit.
He’d never been jealous of a hunk of silicone before.
After 2.5 months at sea, he had a harder time remembering your rich taste on his tongue. Jake could have sworn that it was etched into his core memories, but the longer he was away from you, the harder it was to remember. But he comforted himself with the knowledge that he would have to redouble his efforts when he was home to make sure that it was permanently seared into his brain.
He also wondered if you tasted different now that you were six months pregnant.
Jake watched as you peeled his jacket back to show your breasts, his mouth watering at the sight. They were so much bigger than the last time he’d seen them. Touched them. Tasted them.
You were gorgeous. So pretty and growing big with his baby. When your hand lifted to circle your nipple before pinching it, his hand slipped into his boxers to grip his cock. He wanted it to be his touch that made you bite your lip. A smirk crossed your mouth as you slid a hand into the coat pocket and pulled out a small remote. Cocking an eyebrow, you chuckled, “So this might be one of my favorite thing you’ve … ”
The smirk fell from your mouth, replaced with a look of confusion as your hand dropped to your stomach. After tossing the remote onto the sink, you flipped the camera and propped it against the mirror, shaking back the sleeves of his jacket to press both hands to your stomach.
“I could have…” you said softly. Jake sat up, nearly banging his head on the top bunk as he watched your expression turn to one of awe. Moving both hands to the left side of your stomach, you beamed at the camera. “Babe, I think Sloane just kicked!”
Jake laughed, running a hand through his hair. You’d told him that you felt little flutters and small movements but had been getting worried about not feeling her move as much. Dr. Shearer had assured you that it was normal to take longer to recognize the movements in your first pregnancy, but that had done little to quiet that fear.
And now, just when Mama was about to have some fun and let Daddy see, Sloane had decided to make her presence known.
“I, uh…” you said, brushing tears from your cheeks. “I’m gonna owe you a video because I feel awkward doing this now. Love you, babe.” When you stepped closer to the camera, he could see your chin wobbling, and his smile dropped. But you grinned, the emotion not quite meeting your eyes, and blew a kiss at the camera before turning it off.
Jolting awake, you choked on a sob. Tears dampened your pregnancy pillow as you reached for the empty side of the bed, fingers curling in the cold sheets.
“Fuck,” you gasped. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!” You forced your eyes open, afraid to close them, and slip back into sleep.
For the last few days, you’d been having vivid dreams. At first, it had been weird but pleasant - there’d been a couple of dreams about Jake being home and setting up the nursery. Another one was hanging out at the beach with your parents. But after seeing a video on TikTok about a neighbor running to support her friend when she was notified of her husband dying in a training accident, you’d had nothing but nightmares of that very scenario.
Of sitting on the couch and reading. The doorbell ringing. Opening the door to Javy standing beside a Chaplin, tears streaking his face. Hearing him say your name softly. “I’m so sorry. He’s gone.”
And, without fail, you would wake up when your knees hit the floor, Javy’s arms gently guiding and trying to protect you.
After one of those dreams, you didn’t want to sleep. So, instead, you’d pace the house or go into the nursery. Your parents had sent you a gliding chair that Phoenix and Payback had moved for you, and it was becoming your unofficial second bed. Being surrounded by the things that Jake had touched - had gotten ready for your daughter - helped to soothe some of the anxiety. And while you might wake up sore and stiff from sleeping in the chair, it was better than lying awake in an empty bed.
Lifting the arm of the pillow, you sat up and swung your legs over the side of the bed. A glance at your phone showed that it was after 3:00AM - three hours before your alarm was set to go off. Sighing, you stood and retreated to the bathroom, pausing to grab a sweater that Jake had left, and you’d officially stretched out too much to return to him when he got back. After spritzing his cologne on it and splashing water on your face, you grabbed your phone and walked to the nursery.
The nightlight projected galaxies on the ceiling as you settled into the glider, hand resting on your stomach. Sloane was quiet, apparently sleeping after putting on a show for her aunt and uncles over lunch. The Daggers had dragged her to the base food court with a bribe of French Fries soaked in malt vinegar from Charlie’s. When you’d felt Sloane move, there’d been some light-hearted shoving of one another to see if they, too, could feel her. Eating with two hands on your belly was awkward, but Sloane had apparently been feeling the love. She had made sure that her family felt every wiggle and kick.
You tried not to think too hard about Jake missing all of it, but it was hard. Not only was he missing out on seeing his daughter grow, but things were getting more challenging to handle alone. Grocery shopping was a pain, as bending to get anything from a lower shelf was difficult. It seemed like you couldn’t go outside without some well-intentioned stranger giving you advice or - creepily - wanting to touch your stomach. Even taking a bath was getting harder due to the struggle of getting out of the tub, which sucked because a lukewarm one - pregnancy had robbed you of your scalding hot water - was one of the few things that helped with insomnia.
Pulling up your phone, you scrolled through social media before flipping to the news. When it was nothing but negative stuff, you locked the screen and placed it on the window sill, folding your hands over your stomach. Forcing away the lingering images from your dream, you instead pictured Jake pacing the living room, gently bouncing Sloane. Of standing side-by-side and struggling to give her a bath in the sink. Slathering sunscreen on chubby cheeks and spending a day at the beach.
For as much as he was missing, you thought, there was so much more that he would be there for.
But even that thought was cold comfort tonight as an image from a previous dream of attending Jake’s funeral intruded. Tears trailed down your cheeks as you rocked, wishing Sloane would move and distract you.
But instead, it was your phone that lit up.
I know it’s late but I just got to watch your video. You looked sexy as hell, darling. So glad you caught our little girl moving, though. Love you so much, and I’ll talk to you soon.
The screen dimmed, and you quickly snatched up your phone to type back I love you too. The message was marked as read instantly, and three dots appeared.
You’re up early. Is everything okay?
Fingers hovering over the screen, you hesitated. And then the screen lit up again with an incoming call. Jake’s grinning face made tears spring to your eyes again. Answering it, you quickly put the call on speaker and softly said, “Hello?”
“Hey, darlin’. Why is my sleepy girl up so early?” His voice, with a gently teasing tone, made you inhale sharply. Halfway across the world, Jake sat up - again narrowly avoiding hitting his head - and frowned. The teasing was gone when he said your name. “What’s going on, sweetheart?”
“N-nothing. Just had a nightmare,” you croaked, pausing to clear your throat. “I’m fine. We’re fine.”
“What kind of nightmare?”
“The bad kind.” Jake’s hand flexed in his sheets, swallowing hard as he heard a plane landing overhead. He made an inquiring sound, and you tried to keep the anxiety from your voice as you asked, “You’re okay? Nothing’s wrong?”
“Me?” he sounded surprised. “Yeah, I’m fine. Is that… is that what you dreamed about?” When you hummed a response, he sighed. “Darlin’, don’t you worry about me. I’m completely fine, other than missin’ you and Sloane like crazy.”
“You better stay that way, Jacob Michael,” you sniffled, hearing his groan.
“Don’t cry, baby. I promise you, I’m okay. And I’m being careful.” And he was - to the extent that Rooster had made a crack about sitting on the perch during their last dog fight. But after watching a call that was too close between young pilots trying to show off, Jake wasn’t willing to take the risk. The safety briefing that afternoon had been a review of the basics. He may have accidentally, on purpose, kicked the chair of the idiot pilots when they groaned and pretended to doze, nodding and flipping a toothpick in his mouth when they turned to glare at him. If they weren’t going to take the war game dress rehearsals seriously, they would be the first ones shot down.
He’d already talked to Mav to ensure he and Rooster were in the air with the idiots next time. A little humbling would be good for them. With his wingman watching his six, it’d be easily accomplished while keeping a safer distance.
“You better be,” you mumbled. “How have you been?”
“Not bad,” he replied, updating you on bouncing around the Pacific. They’d steamed past the Korean coast and were headed back out to sea and would be docking in Yokosuka, Japan in a few weeks, just in time for Thanksgiving. After months on the carrier, he looked forward to standing on dry land again, especially with the promise of six days in port with liberty.
There was silence on the other end of the line, and he wondered if you’d fallen back asleep. But then, you spoke. “Sloane’s moving. I think she can hear her daddy.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Your tone was bittersweet, and he let out a breath.
“Wish I could feel her.”
“Me too, babe.” There was a long pause before you asked, “Do you know how much liberty you’ll have in Yokosuka?”
“At least four days. Why? Want me to pick something up for you?” There was another long silence.
“I have a doctor’s appointment coming up.” Jake frowned at the change of topic.
“Yeah? Everything good?”
“It’s the glucose test and a check-up. But…” He heard you blow out a shuttering breath. “How would you feel about me asking if I could fly out to see you?”
Jake grunted in pain when he hit his head on the overhead berth. Scrubbing a hand over what he knew would be a knot, he asked, “Are you serious? Would it even be safe for you to fly?”
“I don’t know, but I can ask.”
“Darlin’ - ” Jake choked on the word, trying to hold back the wave of hope and happiness, not wanting to feel it in case the doc said it was too dangerous. “I miss you. I want you here if it’s safe.”
“Yeah?”
“Always want you with me, darlin’.” Swallowing against the lump in his throat, he quickly swiped away the tear that slid down his cheek. He couldn’t get his hopes up that he would see his wife. That he would get to have some small part in this pregnancy. He could feel his baby move.
“I always want you with me, too, babe.”
Gathering your hair in one hand, you fanned the back of your neck while walking the flight line. The temperature was creeping over 70 degrees, and you were sweating while walking between the hangers with some of the mechanics. They were auditing their tools to order replacements now that the new fiscal year had begun. Already on the top of the list were new trucks for the depot. There, you’d gotten an earful on issues with the new plane towing machine, meaning you needed to call the contractor to come back and inspect it.
Overhead, a jet flew, lowering the landing gear. Sloane moved, and you couldn’t help but smile. She was usually active when you were on the flight line, and you knew that Jake would love that fact.
Knowing you’d see him in two weeks made things easier. When you’d broached the topic with Dr. Shearer, she’d cautioned that you were tiptoeing the edge of the safe times to travel internationally while pregnant. Generally, women were warned not to travel overseas from 28 to 35 weeks pregnant, and you’d be right at 28 weeks when you flew out. But after reviewing your labs, talking for a while, and a few tears, she’d agreed that your mental health was an important factor in allowing you to go. After giving you a list of precautions to take, including bringing a copy of your medical records in case anything happened while you were in Japan, she agreed to sign off on the trip.
However, Jake had been more cautious when you relayed the news. As excited as he was, he didn’t want to put any additional stress on you or Sloane by having you travel almost 20 hours one-way. When he’d pointed out that you’d be traveling about 40 hours for only 4 days, you’d told him to kindly shut the hell up while fighting back tears. Yes, it wouldn’t be the most comfortable time to travel, but you were frustrated with him trying to move the goalpost - Dr. Shearer cleared you, and you wanted to see him.
“Do you even want me to come?” you demanded, unable to keep the hurt and frustration from your voice.
“Of course, darlin’. I just want to make sure that you’re okay.”
“I wasn’t aware that you became an OB in the last three months, Dr. Seresin.” He’d sighed your name at that.
“I’m just worried about you coming all this way for just four days.”
“Worst case scenario, I go into labor there, and you actually get to see your daughter born.”
“Don’t joke about that,” Jake said.
“Fine. But Dr. Shearer said I can go as long as I don’t have any issues between now and flying out, and as long as you’re still getting off that ship, I’m going to be there.”
So you were taking Dr. Shearer’s advice - and requirement - to stay healthy to receive the medical clearance and for Jake’s peace of mind. As much as you wanted to go home and sleep after work, you’d started walking around the neighborhood again. Thankfully, your diabetes test had been negative. However, you were still carefully watching what you ate and made sure to cut back on how many runs you were making for salty french fries at night, no matter how much Sloane wanted them. And you’d increased your water intake, which had the added benefit of making you pee more frequently. It was inconvenient, given how often you were out on the flight line.
Blowing out a breath, you let your hair drop and shifted, feeling the familiar need to head back inside to the nearest bathroom. When Sloane shifted again, you felt a twinge in your back and dug your thumb into it. As much as you wanted to head back inside, you needed to complete the audit. One of the perks of working for the federal government was the number of holidays - and therefore days off - that occurred between September and February, but it was hell on getting contracts done. And with your due date in February, you wanted to ensure you had all your ducks in a row for when you went on maternity leave.
But staring down a three-day weekend for Veteran’s Day, you were looking forward to relaxing away from the heat and work stress. Javy would come over on Saturday to mow the lawn, and there were tentative plans to go to a movie with Bob on Sunday. Mostly, you just wanted to relax. Insomnia was taking a toll on you, and you were ready to curl up on the couch while watching television and napping. Jake had mentioned possibly doing a video call this weekend, which would have been an added bonus.
But those plans disappeared when you turned your husband’s truck into the neighborhood and saw a strange car in your driveway. Unfortunately, it was right in front of where you needed to go to park in the garage. A peculiar sense of deja vu hit you as you stopped beside them and glanced into the passenger seat, spotting your mother-in-law.
“Fuck,” you hissed, forcing a smile when she turned to look at you. Lifting a hand, you waved before turning off the ignition. Resting on your leg was a small, silver piece of confetti shaped like a bell - even months after the Daggers had dumped them in Jake’s truck after the wedding, you’d found one in the cab. It was almost like the universe knew that you needed some small reminder of your husband on a day like today. Shoving it into your pocket, you unbuckled yourself and reached for your work bag in the passenger seat.
Sarah was standing outside of the truck, waiting impatiently. But the person who circled the car wasn’t who you’d expected. He was tall and slim, with brown hair that had lightened with age. The slope of his shoulders was familiar, as was the cleft in his chin.
Even though you’d never met him, you recognized your father-in-law from the few photos Jake kept of him.
The ready room erupted in noise as the officers were dismissed from the strategy meeting on Saturday morning. Jake closed his notebook and sat back, pressing his pen cap to his lip as he studied the whiteboard. With the war games officially kicking off in early December, the higher-ups were fine-tuning the plans and wanted updates on training. As TOPGUN instructors, Mav and Rooster were officially in charge of ensuring the pilots were up to the task, but he’d also been pulled in as an unofficial trainer.
Jake tried not to overthink Rooster's comment a few weeks ago when they’d been talking about buying houses. Rooster had been working with a realtor in San Diego but couldn’t find anything he liked before they deployed, and his stuff was sitting in storage. And as much as Jake liked the rental, he liked the idea of owning the house you’d raise your kids in even more. If promoted to Lt. Commander, he’d probably have more leeway in ensuring they stayed in Lemoore, extending with the Vigilantes or moving to a different squadron. He knew he was due for orders in the next year or so and that he needed to update his dream sheet ASAP.
But in his gut, Jake felt he’d get orders to PCS sooner rather than later. Cyclone had told Rooster that two instructor positions were opening in Miramar in the summer. Warlock was tasked with compiling the list of graduates he wanted to recall, and Jake was pretty sure his name was there. The WSO instructor position had already been filled. Fanboy had already texted the Dagger chat to let everyone know he was headed out West during PCS season.
Not to mention the vague comment Mav, finally up for promotion to Rear Admiral, had made about a permanent squadron being built up at TOPGUN for specialized missions. Who knew how long it would take to establish it, but… if he was reading the signals right, it looked like there might be a move south in his future.
Before, that wouldn’t have been an issue. Even with his first marriage, his wife had said she was ready for anything. Finding a new job in her career wasn’t an issue. And it had just been the two of them. But now? Now, it would be a bit harder for that to happen. There were only so many contracting jobs on base, and military spouses weren’t guaranteed anything. In the worst-case scenario, you could return to private contracting - there were always offices around bases. An overseas posting would be more complicated. While he knew the two of you could manage it, he knew you liked being stateside and having your parents a short plane ride away - especially with Sloane.
As the room emptied, Jake pushed to his feet and ran a hand through his hair. Thankfully, this meeting was the last thing he had to do today for work. He already had plans to hit the barber and do laundry, and he mentally added printing out a copy of his dream sheet. With you coming in a few weeks, he knew he needed to update it ASAP. Lemoore would be his top choice, pulling the international postings. As fun as being overseas would be, he had to put his family first now. Deployments would be enough.
Tugging down the arm of his khaki shirt - they were tighter than usual due to having nothing but time to work out - Jake couldn’t keep the smirk from his mouth as he walked the hallway back to his room. He couldn’t wait to see you in two weeks, even though he worried about you traveling. But he knew better than to voice his concerns after you’d snapped at him. So he’d done everything he could to make sure that the trip was safe. After you’d sent him the tickets you were eyeing, he’d bought them and upgraded the seat so you’d be comfortable. The last-minute tickets were expensive but absolutely worth it - you’d already agreed that this would be both of your Christmas gifts. And he’d booked a room at the Yokosuka Navy Lodge, so you’d be on base and close to the hospital if you needed anything.
Fritz nodded at him when he stepped inside, turning his attention back to the show he was watching on his laptop. After tossing his notebook onto the small desk, Jake quickly undid the buttons of his shirt while toeing off his shoes. Once he changed into his civvies, he’d hit the barber and then go for a run. The weekend was the worst time to do laundry, but he was running out of undershirts and socks.
The safe door clicked open when the dial reached the last number. Jake retrieved his wedding ring, swapping the black silicone band on his hand for the white gold now that he was officially off duty. It already had a couple of scratches on the metal, but he didn’t mind - just meant that time had passed since you’d slid it onto his finger four months ago. After placing the silicone band in the safe, he grabbed his phone and powered it on. It took a minute to connect to the wifi, so he shoved it into his pocket and grabbed his wallet.
With another nod to Fritz, he stepped back into the hallway and stopped dead when he checked his phone and saw two misspelled texts you’d sent.
Prents here
U
“Sorry, it’s a bit of a mess,” you said, standing awkwardly in your kitchen as your in-laws looked around. You caught her critical glance at the dirty dishes in the sink - at least you’d remembered to run the dishwasher while at work - and the pillow and blanket on the couch. “Can I get you anything to drink? I have water, sparkling water, soda, juice, and milk if you’d prefer.”
“A beer,” Mark barked, his green eyes running the length of you before the corner of his mouth twitched. To his credit, he was conventionally attractive. You could see how he could attract women - traces of Jake were clearly present in his features - but you couldn’t figure out how he kept them once he opened his mouth. Placing a protective hand on your stomach, you forced a smile.
“I don’t actually have any beer,” you said. These days, the house was pretty much BYOB if people wanted alcohol while hanging out. “I’m pretty sure there’s some whiskey and rum if you’d prefer a cocktail.”
“I’ll go get some,” Sarah said softly, looking between you. Mark glanced at his wife and nodded.
“Fine. I’ll have a sweet tea while I’m waiting.”
“I have tea bags, but I don’t have sweet tea on hand.”
“I can make some.” Huffing, Mark invited himself into the living room and threw the blanket on the couch onto the floor before grabbing the television remote. Taking a steeling breath, you turned to face Sarah. She straightened slightly with her husband across the house, lifting her chin as though daring you to say something. This wasn’t the woman who had paraded into your house over a year ago and called you Jake’s roommate or had made pointed comments about your wedding.
“It’s nice to see you again. How long are you here for?”
“The weekend. Mark wanted to meet you and make sure that you were doing alright with the deployment and…” she motioned to your stomach, fingers twitching as though she wanted to touch. Shuffling back a step, you nodded.
“Where are you staying?”
“Here,” Mark called from the living room, clearly listening in. “Where’s that tea?” Sarah walked to the pantry and started searching, ignoring your outraged expression.
“You’re staying here?” you asked.
“No use spending money when my son’s got the room.” Mark smiled in what you assumed he meant to be a charming way but really looked sleazy and winked. “Want to keep an eye on my daughter-in-law, too.”
Forcing your expression to remain neutral, you picked up your work bag. “I’m going to change. Make yourself comfortable.” The sarcastic remark was unnecessary, as his booted feet were kicked onto your coffee table.
You could feel the bag vibrating against your leg as you retreated to your bedroom, loathed to leave the two unsupervised in your house but needing a moment to regroup. As soon as the door was closed, you reached into the bag and retrieved your phone, seeing that there were already four missed calls from Jake. Before you could call him back, it rang again. “What do you mean, ‘u’?” he asked as soon as you picked up.
Tossing your bag onto the bed, you retreated to the bathroom. “Your parents are here.”
“My - ” The shock in his voice was unmistakable. “My parents are there?”
“Your father currently has his shoes on my coffee table and wants a beer, and your mother is in the pantry making him sweet tea as a substitute until she goes out to get some.”
There was a long silence before he spoke again, his anger barely contained. “Did he say why they came?”
“He said he wanted to keep an eye on me, and - ”
“That son of a bitch,” he snapped. You inhaled sharply, surprised at the venom in his voice.
“Jake?”
“Put him on the phone.”
“I’m in our bathroom. Talk to me.”
“I can’t believe… how long are they staying?”
“The weekend, apparently. And they’re expecting to stay here.”
“Absolutely not. I told him he wouldn’t step foot in our house, and he waited for me to be out of the fuckin’ country to do it.”
“You - ”
“I want you to call Coyote and get him there - now. And then you’re gonna call me back and stay on the phone until he gets there.”
“Jake, you’re scaring me. Tell me what’s going on?”
“I don’t want him near you, not when I’m not there. I don’t trust him.” Taking a deep breath, you leaned against the counter and dropped your head into your hand. Unwelcome tears sprang to your eyes, but you forced your breath to be even. Right now, there was only room for one Seresin to freak out.
“Babe, I understand you’re upset, but I don’t need Javy here to help manage this. I can - ” He hissed your name.
“You don’t know him. He’s not a good person.”
“I know that, Jake. From the little you’ve told me about him, I know that he’s an asshole and that your mother is not my biggest fan. But I need you to please take a breath and tell me the context of why you told him he wouldn’t be in our house.” Across the globe, he forced himself to take a deep breath and then another as you did the same. You heard voices in the background and then a door opening and closing. “You still there?”
“Yeah, tryin’ to find somewhere private. Hold on.” Closing your eyes, you felt the baby move.
“Sloane’s moving,” you said softly. When he grunted a response, you sighed - clearly, he wasn’t willing to be distracted. So, instead, you moved deeper into the bathroom and pulled back the shower curtain to sit on the tub's rim. Eventually, Jake spoke again.
“Darlin’?”
“Yeah?”
“Can’t wait until I’m off this goddamn ship and can get some privacy.” It was on the tip of your tongue to say that he would have that in a couple of weeks, but you stayed quiet. When you closed your eyes, you could picture him running a hand through his hair and pacing. The silence stretched, and you refused to break it. “Do you trust me?” his voice was cautious, and you blew out a breath.
“Of course I do. Jake, if you don’t want them in our home, I’ll have them leave. I just… I need to have information so I can approach this the right way.”
“The right way is with Coyote there.”
“Why?” you demanded. “Why do I need your best friend here? Is your father going to be violent when I ask him to leave?”
“He better not be,” Jake growled. Closing your eyes, you tried to push down your frustration at him for not telling you what was happening, knowing he needed a moment to gather himself. Your husband was a man of action and instinct, and you knew his not being there to handle this personally had to be hard for him. But you were more deliberate and planned, and you wanted to approach every situation with plans and backups in place. And to do that, you needed information.
It had been like this once before when you’d had your first fight about moving in together. Jake wanted it to happen immediately, while you wanted a more established timeline. But now, unlike then, other variables were in the mix - his parents. For as little as you knew about Sarah Seresin, you had at least interacted with her a handful of times. You knew some of her quirks and how she would try to get under your skin. How she’d try to manipulate the situation. But Mark? Your father-in-law was an unknown quantity. You knew he had a temper, was a frequent cheater, and was a horrible parent who emotionally abused his son. Still, you had no data on how to interact with him.
Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes. “Babe, please, I need you to focus because we have a situation, and I need to handle it in a minute. And to do that, I need you to be very honest with me right now about your concerns about me interacting with your father and answer a few questions for me.” Jake felt slightly annoyed when he clocked your tone - the one you used when working with a particularly difficult person. “First, why did you tell him he couldn’t step foot in our home?”
“Because he doesn’t deserve it. He doesn’t deserve to know you after what he said.”
“And what did he say?”
“I don’t - ”
“Jacob.”
“You heard him call you a tag chaser,” he said after a moment. You nodded, remembering that phone call where you’d first heard Mark’s voice when you’d called to invite them to the wedding and let his parents know about the pregnancy. “You didn’t hear him say…he said some pretty terrible things about you.” There was a sinking feeling in your stomach, but you forced your voice to be even when you asked him to clarify. Reluctantly, he did. “He said the baby probably wasn’t mine and that you’d cheat on me the moment you had the chance if you hadn’t already. And that… that you would leave me as soon as you got tired of military life, just like my ex did.”
“I…” you stared but couldn’t speak around the lump in your throat. A confusing mixture of anger, resentment, and hurt choked you. While the rational part of your brain knew that Mark Seresin’s opinion was worth less than the dirt on the sole of your shoe, the emotional part hated that your father-in-law would believe that about you. Clearing your throat, you nodded again. “W-what are your concerns with me confronting him alone?”
“Darlin’,” Jake groaned. When you hummed, he cursed under his breath. “I never saw him hit ma, but it was close. And I don’t… I can’t have that happen. Not with you.”
“Alright,” you said, pulling the phone from your ear and putting it on speaker. Pulling up your text thread with Javy, you quickly typed a message.
911 - Seresins here. Jake wants you here when I kick them out. Can you come?
The message was marked as read immediately, and the response came right away - OMW
“Javy’s on his way,” you sighed. “I won’t do anything until he gets here. Do I need to find a way to keep your mom away from him?” He was quiet for a long moment before sighing.
“I…I want to say yes, but you're my priority if it’s between you and her. Fuck!” Jake pulled at his hair, hating that you were being forced to deal with the situation. “Promise me you’ll call the cops if he does anything.”
“Of course.” Swiping away a rogue tear, you cleared your throat again. “I love you.”
“I love you too, darlin’. I’m so sorry that - ”
“This isn’t on you,” you said, toeing off your shoes. “We can handle this. I’m gonna go check the mail to make sure that the door’s open for when Javy gets here. Do you want me to call you back when - ”
“Stay on the phone.” Grabbing your shoes, you closed your eyes and pushed to your feet. “Please, darlin’, don’t hang up.”
“I won’t.” After tossing your shoes into the closet, you glanced at yourself in the mirror and quickly fixed your makeup to ensure you didn’t look like you were crying. Exiting your bedroom, you glanced at where Mark was watching TV and didn’t see Sarah anymore. A glass of sweet tea sweat on the coffee table, having ignored the stack of coasters.
Mark’s eyes narrowed briefly before his eyebrow rose as you walked through the living room. Forcing a smile, you tilted your head toward the door. “That my son on the phone?” he asked.
“It is. He says hi.” You heard Jake snort, and Mark’s lips curled in a fake smile.
“Tell him I said hello, and he needs to call his mama more.”
“I will. I’m gonna go grab the mail.” Their rental car wasn’t in the driveway as you walked to the mailbox, the cement warm under your bare feet. There was a box from your parents sitting on the front porch. “Did you hear that?”
“Fuckin’ asshole,” was Jake’s response. Taking a breath, you cradled the phone between your shoulder and ear while grabbing the stack of magazines and envelopes. Slowly, you walked back to the house, mentally preparing to be civil to a man you hated with every fiber of your being and nearly dropping your phone when you tried to juggle it, the mail, and the box.
“I’m gonna put my phone in my pocket for a second,” you said. Before he could respond, you did just that and pushed the door open, leaving it unlocked. Mark watched you walk toward the kitchen and smirked.
“The yard looks like shit, and the house doesn't look much better. Your mama clearly didn’t teach you how to keep a house for your husband, but don’t worry - Sarah’ll get you right before we leave.”
You froze, hearing Jake’s tinny voice in your pocket. The television covered the noise by the couch, as Mark didn’t seem to notice it. “Excuse me?”
“My son obviously didn’t marry you for your housekeepin’ skills,” the older man leered, and you shifted the box to more fully cover your stomach. “But a man should be able to leave on deployment and know that his woman’s takin’ care of his home. Sarah knew that, and she’ll make sure you learn.”
“I’ll have you know that I was also raised in the military, so I’m not a civilian going through their first deployment. I know how this works because my dad deployed a lot when I was growing up, and it was just my mom and me,” you snapped without thinking. “And my house is not perfect, but I had no idea I’d have guests coming, I work full time, and I’m pregnant. So when it comes to dividing my time, I will pick my career and take care of myself over doing housework, especially when I’m mostly here by myself. And Jake knew how I cleaned before we got married.”
Turning your back on the man, you stormed toward the kitchen and slammed the box onto the counter, the mail falling to the floor. Jake was talking as you bent to retrieve the post, hand sliding into your pocket to retrieve the phone. “You’ve got more fire than the last tag chaser, I’ll give ya that.” Mark leaned against the wall, grinning down at you. Grasping the counter's edge, you pulled yourself to your feet and tossed envelopes next to the box, crossing your arms over your chest.
“I am not, and never have been, a tag chaser, so I’d appreciate it if you stopped calling me that. If anything, I married your son despite him being in the military.”
“Is that right?” he asked, pushing off the wall.
“Tricare’s just not worth it,” you shrugged.
“You got a smart mouth on you, you know that?” That Texas drawl you found so charming on your husband made your skin crawl as he stepped closer.
“It’s one of the things Jake loves about me.” The counter dug into your back as he moved into your personal space.
“Your daddy shoulda tanned your hide for that and taught you some manners.”
“We’ll agree to disagree on that.” When you tried to push past him, his hand shot out and wrapped around your upper arm, pulling you to a stop. Glancing at it, you forced your eyes up to meet his angry green gaze and felt a shot of fear go through you. “Take your hand off of me. Now.” You could clearly hear Jake yelling in the quiet kitchen, but the words were muffled. Mark glanced down at your leg. “I didn’t get a chance to hang up, so Jake’s heard all this.”
Sneering, the elder Seresin chuckled. “An’ what’s he gonna do for you when you’re here all alone? Clearly, you need a man to teach you a lesson, and if my son isn’t up to the task - ”
When his hand rose, you lifted your chin as you wrenched yourself out of his grasp. “Do it and pull back a bloody stump,” you hissed. Adrenaline flooded your system, and anger at him daring to threaten you in your own home overrode any fear. “I’ll make sure you spend the nice, long holiday weekend in jail, and I’m pretty sure those assault charges would have more consequences since I’m pregnant.”
“You little bit - ”
There was a knock at the front door, and you refused to take your eyes off the man in front of you as you yelled, “Come in!” You heard Javy call your name. “We’re in the kitchen.”
Mark lowered his hands when he heard Javy’s quick footsteps, and he paused in the doorway. “Everything alright?” he demanded, glancing between you.
“Everything’s fine,” you replied, keeping your voice even. “He was just going to wait outside for his wife to come back and then find a hotel for the weekend.”
“You can’t kick me out of my son’s house,” Mark snapped. Javy quickly moved to stand beside you, and you smiled sweetly.
“This is my house just as much as it’s Jake’s. And if you don’t leave, I’ll call the police and have them remove you.”
“Let’s not get the cops involved if we don’t have to,” Javy said, attempting to play the peacekeeper. “Mr. Se - ”
“Chief Petty Officer Seresin, to you, boy.” At that, Javy’s eyes flashed, and his shoulders pulled back.
“Then it’s Lieutenant Machado to you. Now, she said to get out, so let’s go.” When Mark raised his hand again to point in your face, Javy stepped between you. “Back up.”
“You and my pussy of a son deserve each other.”
“Get. The fuck. Out of my house,” you ordered through clenched teeth, your palm itching to slap the man. Smirking, he took a step back and spit on the floor. Javy moved fast, grabbing the older man by the collar and walking him out of the kitchen and toward the door.
Ears ringing, you were unable to hear the words the two exchanged. The door slammed shut, seeming to shake the walls, and then Javy was back. “You okay?” he asked, pulling you into his arms. Shaking, you leaned into him, fingers digging into his back.
“I’m okay,” you breathed, unable to keep tears from falling. “How’d you get here so fast?”
“Jake texted me.”
“Jake!” you sobbed, quickly pulling away and reaching for your phone. You could feel that you were starting to get light-headed, and the room spun, so you grabbed Javy’s arm, using it to help you onto the floor. Leaning back against the cabinet, you brought the phone up to your ear and heard your husband’s ragged breathing. “Jake?”
“Fuck, darlin’, are you okay?” he demanded.
“I’m okay,” you answered. Looking up at Javy, you mouthed the word ‘water.’ He nodded and quickly grabbed a glass from over your head.
“I can’t believe that fuckin’ asshole touched you. I’m gonna kill him.”
“I’m okay,” you repeated, hearing how worked up he was getting. Putting the phone on speaker, you accepted the water Javy handed you and mouthed your thanks. Forcing yourself to take slow sips, you could feel the room stop spinning. Crouching down in front of you, Javy studied your face.
“She’s a little pale but looks good, Hangman.”
“Jesus, Javy - I…” Jake seemed to choke on his words. “Thank you, man. I - ”
“No thanks necessary; I'm just glad you texted me. Payback’s outside keeping an eye on the situation.”
“Reuben’s here?” you asked.
“We were at the bar when I got the texts. Pheonix and Bob are en route.” As if on cue, there was a knocking on the door before it opened.
“Just me!” Nat called. Javy stood, glancing at the other pilot when she entered the kitchen. “All clear?”
“Yeah,” he nodded. “You mind staying here while I go back up Payback?”
“Bob’s five minutes out,” she said. Her gaze drifted to you. “You want to go get checked out?”
“No.”
“Yes.”
Jake grunted in frustration. “Go get checked out, darlin’. Make sure you and Sloane are okay.”
“I’m fine,” you countered. “The worst I’ll have is a bruise on my arm. He didn’t touch me.”
“If he left a bruise, he did,” Jake countered. “Please, darlin’? For me?”
“But…” you sniffled, hearing his noise of concern. “But what if they tell me I can’t come see you?” He breathed your name, and you hung your head.
“I’d rather know that you and Sloane will be okay than see you in two weeks. That’s all that matters.” Tears streamed down your face as you silently cursed your in-laws.
“Fine,” you whispered.
“I’ll take you,” Nat offered, and you nodded.
Two hours later, you sat on the couch between Bob and Payback, a mug of ice cream settled on your stomach. Urgent Care had quickly cleared you but cautioned against any more stress when you’d admitted to feeling faint.
Jake had made you promise to call him back during the exam, and Nat had held the phone for you. Only after hearing Sloane’s strong heartbeat did he feel comfortable hanging up.
By the time you’d gotten back, the Seresins were gone. When the Daggers made it clear that they wouldn’t leave you alone that night, you quickly ordered some pizzas while Javy ran home to pack an overnight bag, and Payback went to pick up some beers. When you’d tried to pick up the house a bit, Bob and Nat had made you sit on the couch and relax, keeping your feet elevated like the PA had told you to.
After midnight, you woke to the hushed sounds of the aviators getting ready to leave. You hugged Nat, Reuben, and Bob before they left while Javy cleaned up the kitchen and took out the trash.
“You don’t have to do that,” you yawned when he came back into the kitchen through the garage.
“It’s no problem. I’m gonna crash in the spare bedroom if that’s cool.”
“It’s all yours. And thanks, again, for everything this afternoon.”
Javy shrugged, a sad smile tugging at his mouth before he turned to wash his hands. “I’m always gonna have your back. Chief Petty Officer Seresin” - his tone was mocking - “has been an asshole since I’ve known him. But you and Jake don’t deserve that.”
Rather than respond, you waited for him to finish before hugging him. “I’m glad you got stuck with Jake at the Academy. And that you put up with him for this long.”
“It has not been easy,” he chuckled.
“At least you’re getting a goddaughter out of it.” He stiffened in your embrace, and you did as well.
“I’m what?”
“Please tell me that Jake has already had that conversation with you.”
“I’m gonna be her godfather?”
Groaning, you stepped back and buried your face in your hands. “Ignore what I said. Please - I didn’t… Jake was supposed to talk to you about this WEEKS ago!”
“I’m gonna be a godfather!” Javy crowed, wiggling his shoulders in a celebratory dance.
“You have to pretend I didn’t say anything when he asks you,” you begged. When his hands hovered over your stomach, you smiled and guided them to where Sloane was moving.
“Hey, baby girl, it’s your Uncle Coyote. Gonna be the best godfather ever,” he promised.
This time, the tears that slipped down your cheeks were from happiness and gratitude for the family that Jake had already given you.
----------------------------------------------
Author's Note: I am SO SORRY for the delay in updating this story. I got very caught up in my other Jake fic ('tis the damn season) which is set around Christmas. Jake and Darlin' unfortunately took a back seat. However, it gave me some time to mentally rework the chapter, as it - and the story as a whole - originally didn't include any Darlin' going to visit Jake, but just focused on the interaction with her in-laws. As always, thank you to @mamachasesmayhem for letting me bounce ideas off of her during the writing process.
And now you've met CPO Seresin, who is a piece of work... (in my experience) veterans who want to continue to be addressed by their rank tend to be. A couple military terms were used in this chapter - PCS is Permanent Change of Station, where you move bases; PCS season is usually in the summer. Generally, you PCS every 2-4 years -- the longest we ever stayed somewhere was 5 when Dad was able to extend. Due to the constant change, it is very hard for military spouses to build their own careers. One of my best friend's husband left the Air Force because she refused to prioritize his career over hers (she works in fashion, and he now works in finance), and my other best friend's husband also left when she became a director in her company. My mom wasn't able to have a career until my dad retired after 26 years.
Tricare is the military health insurance. Dream sheets are the list of bases that you'd like to be stationed at. The military will look at the list and where there's need, and then let you know where you're going. You are not guaranteed a base on your dream sheet, and it's important to keep them updated. My parents forgot to redo the international one, which is how we ended up moving from Japan to Spain when my parents were ready to come stateside.
Thank you so much for being patient with me updating - I appreciate you 🥺
Tag list: @mamachasesmayhem; @memeorydotcom; @alldaysdreamers; @kmc1989; @djs8891; @caitsymichelle13; @dempy; @midnightmagpiemama; @lovelyladymayyyy; @caidi-paris; @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby; @bellaireland1981; @lethargicluv; @tenderclio; @lucypaulette; @abaker74; @trhett21; @misshoneypaper; @schreksdoubledeckerhomechecker; @eternallyvenus; @mavrellover91; @chloeforde; @thatbitcily; @rest-of-brazilian-wax; @percysaidnever; @harperdoodle; @hardballoonlove; @maeleeme; @emma8895eb; @xoxabs88xox; @queenslandlover-93; @memoriesat30; @queerqueenlynn; @capswife; @regsg18; @boisewaffles; @fudge13; @starkleila
#hangman seresin x reader#jake seresin x reader#top gun fic#top gun maverick#jake seresin#Hangman top gun#soft!Jake Seresin#hangman smut#hangman fic#D-Day fic#jake hangman seresin
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Just Come Home
✦Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Better Man Universe
✦Pairing: Father Figure Jake x Y/N Son
✦Word Count: 1.1K
✦Warnings: Light angst, fluffy Jake, nightmares, child crying
✦A/n: I loved writing this, Jake is super soft and I'm a sucker for dad!Jake.
✦Library (Follow for updates! I no longer have a taglist.)
An alarming cry jolted Jake from his sleep, waking him from the peaceful dream state that always consumed him whenever he had you in his arms. Listening out the silences of the house was calming, though as another cry is heard Jake knows that it’s Mathew.
You slowly stir awake, going to get up, though before you can Jake pulls you by the waist back to the bed.
“I’ve got him darlin’” He places a kiss on your head, and you can’t help the sleep-filled smile that settles across your lips. “You need your sleep.”
You go to protest, knowing that he needs his sleep just as much, if not more, than you do. But he is already up, pulling his sweats and t-shirt on. Sleep overtakes you again, as the silent form of Jake heads out the Mathews bedroom. Your heart fills with love, this past year with Jake had been a dream and you couldn’t imagine a better father-figure for Maty.
Jake hears Mathew’s quiet whimpers as he nears the child’s room, the darkness of the night incases the house as Jake passes the kitchen and a bright 2:13 am blinks in red.
He wipes the sleep from his eyes, yawning as his body is still wrecked from the pass week. He’s thankful that it’s a Friday night, the past five days the Dagger Squadron had been running drills with a new set of recruits. Each of the team member switching off teaching positions, depending on the days needed skill set.
Mathew’s door is slightly ajar and the light from his moon lamp, seeps into the hallway. Pushing the door open slowly, as to not scare the child, Jake sees Mathew sat up clutching on to the blanket that Jake had gotten him before going on a mission last month.
The light blue material, littered with planes, had easily become Mathews favorite comfort item. Jake couldn’t have been happier when he saw how much Mathew loved it, always having it during their nightly calls. It didn’t matter that Jake was on carrier in the middle of the ocean, every night they called and read a bedtime story. Though two weeks didn’t seem all that long, it had been a rough two weeks for all three of you.
Jake had officially moved in, and Maty was used to his presence every day, and those 14 days were hell. Maty was constantly worrying about Jake and was afraid that he wouldn’t come home.
In the last two weeks that Jake had been home, Mathew was attached to his hip. Wanting Jake to do everything with him, school drop-offs (which worked perfectly, as Maty was now going to school on base), nightly homework, and you even lost the privilege of bedtime stories.
Jake couldn’t have been happier that Mathew wanted to spend so much time with him and grew to love their newly formed routine.
Slowly walking over to the side of Mathew's bed, Jake softly sat down not wanting to startle him. Jake realized that Mathew's eyes were still closed, and he was in fact still dreaming. Jake slowly reached out for the boy, moving to bring Mathew’s shuttering form to his lap.
Rocking Mathew ever so gently, Jake slowly pushed back the hair on his head. Quietly muttering sweet nothings, hoping to calm the child, or slowly ease him from his dream state.
Mathew slowly started to wake up, his body going ridge, until he realized that it was Jake holding him. Rubbing at his eyes Mathew slowly looked up and found a smiling Jake staring back at him.
“Hey buddy, you okay?” Jake quietly questioned, still afraid of startling him.
His little head nodded, giving Jake a silent answer. Which only meant one of two things; Mathew was still half-asleep, or he’d been having a horrible nightmare. Jake had a gut instinct that it was the latter.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Another silent nod without a reply, Jake new that Mathew would open up in his own time. Moving the five-year-old off his lap, caused a silent whimper and tiny hands to clutch onto Jake’s shirt.
“I’m not going anywhere bud. Let’s just lay down, I won’t leave you bubba.”
Mathew’s body instantly relaxed and moved over as much as possible to make room for Jake to fit into his small bed.
Once they were both comfortable, with Jake laying down and Mathew laying on top of his chest listening to his heartbeat, Jake slowly started to fall back asleep.
Though he was quickly awoken by Mathews small voice.
“You didn’t come home.”
Confusion painted Jakes face, unsure of what Mathew was referring to. Lazily stroking the child’s head, Jake urged him to continue.
“In my dream, you didn’t come home.”
Jake patiently waited for Mathew to continue, still not understanding fully.
“You never got off the big ship. You died and me and momma were all alone again.” Though his sniffles and whimpers had subsided, Jake didn’t miss the one that came from the small body as he talked.
It broke Jakes heart to hear that he was the reason that Mathew was crying, he hated that his little 5 year old boy could have such fears. That the thought of losing Jake, had caused him so much pain and that there was an actual chance that one day Jake wouldn’t come home.
He couldn’t tell Mathew that, he would do everything in his power to come home. To be here with you two, even if that one day meant retiring from flying.
“Buddy, I will always come home to you. That’s something that you don’t ever have to worry about.” The little hands clutching Jakes shirt released slightly, though Jake could still tell that Mathew wasn’t full relaxed.
“I’m never going to leave you and your momma, Mathew. I promise.” Jake held up his pinky finger for Mathew, to which the little boy wrapped his own pinky around.
The duo had started doing pinky promises, a promise that could never be broken, or so Jake had told Mathew. It became their silent code and comfort language when Mathew got worried or stressed.
With their pinkies wrap around each other, Mathew brought their hands together to tuck under his head, resting peacefully against Jakes chest.
As Jake started to drift off to sleep, cradling Mathew, he heard the boy let out a last whisper, before falling asleep.
“We’re never gonna leave you either daddy.”
Jake's heart stopped for a moment, like a bucket of water to the face, he realized that maybe it was time to hang up his wings.
#jake seresin#jake seresin fluff#Soft!Jake Seresin#dad!jake seresin#jake hangman seresin#jake seresin x reader#jake hangman x reader#jake seresin blurb#jake seresin fic#top gun fluff#top gun maverick#hangman#jake hangman imagine#jake hangman x you#jake hangman fic#hangman fluff#hangman x reader#tgm#pure fluff
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Compromise
** Part Two of “Where I’m From” **
Top Gun: Maverick - Hangman x f!reader [no use of y/n]
2k || Jake never thought he would fall in love with the woman who cried on the first date he ever took her on, but here he was months later standing in her kitchen even more in love than ever.
===
Genre: Fluff, slight angst
CW: swearing, kissing, relationship insecurity, mentions of past relationships (neglect)
Author’s Note: I just love this version of soft jake so much. And yes, this completely self-indulgent I am not sorry || cross-posted on ao3
Part One
===
===
“I hate Valentine’s Day.”
Jake’s posture didn’t change as his statement filled your kitchen alongside the sizzle of uncooked batter hitting the pan. You wished you could say the same for yours. Smile slipping and shoulders slumping as you realized you had been getting your hopes up for someone like Jake, as chivalrous and kind as he had been these few months, to be as much of a hopeless romantic as you were. As if to accent your thoughts he added a damning, “It’s a consumer holiday.”
You swallowed a disappointed ‘oh.’ Then stepped around the breakfast counter into the kitchen to start setting the table. Jake gave the barest of a glance over his shoulder, but you made sure to turn your face away from him. Ever since the mess of a first date - or, rather, second date - where you broke down in tears at dinner, Jake had been the model of a perfect boyfriend. Sure he had an ego and would flirt with you at inappropriate times, but there was no denying that Jake was a gentleman at heart. He would bring flowers home just because. Every time the two of you went out he paid. Unless you put your foot down, then he would let you take the check. It opened the door to make that same joke about confidence being a good look on you.
A point you had begun to agree with. Having Jake Seresin in your life helped you grasp at the most basic staples in the concept of self-worth, particularly when it came down to relationships. Compromise did not mean turning a blind eye to your own wishes. Honest and open conversations were possible. Even more so, they were expected with Jake.
“I find it hard to believe,” Jake had said to you one night after a long day at work where the only time the two of you really had to talk was his impromptu sleepover. “That a woman like you spent so much time in a relationship and didn’t once stand her ground.” It wasn’t supposed to come off as rude as it had. That was just Jake. Blunt, coarse, and completely well-intentioned. That latter point was what you’d chosen to focus on.
“I don’t know what it is,” you had responded, tucking yourself in between his arms as far as you possibly could. “When I get into a relationship, I forget that I can be my own person. I try too hard to be the perfect partner. Like I’m only allowed to be an extension of whoever I’m dating.”
Jake had merely brought a hand up to trace your face with his fingertips and said, “I love you, but I would rather break up with you than ever let you feel as though you were nothing more than an extension of me.”
And that’s how Jake Seresin first told you that he loved you. In the late hours of a night where, just a few hours before he’d shown up, you had been crying over not knowing why someone would date you in the first place. Feelings of doubt and inferiority clawing at your skin, desperately trying to find a way to burrow in deep. How could someone who had been proven to be unloveable time and time again suddenly get so lucky? Of course, you didn’t miss the way Jake had used the words ‘break up,’ but the fact was that you hadn’t gone into a spiraling mess of negative thoughts. Instead, you let yourself cling to the knowledge that you were loved by someone you felt truly inclined to believe for the first time in your life.
A love that could last you through a lifetime of pancake breakfasts, you thought as you reached up in the cabinets to start pulling down plates, but your mind still lingered in the after hours of that first ‘I love you.’ The only thing that brought you back to reality was Jake sliding up behind you, one arm wrapped around your waist and the other reaching out to grab the plates you were fumbling with.
“What’s wrong, darlin’?” He asked.
A dismissive hum escaped you. Force of habit. Hey, do you mind if I skip this intensive dinner you made to hang out with the guys? Hum. We can’t go out because work is so weird about us dating and without that paperwork from HR it’ll be hell to deal with. Hum. Thanks for giving me head, but I’m actually pretty tired now. I think I’ll just go to bed. Hum. Easier to avoid the conversation to confrontation pipeline. You had never been on the winning end of one in a relationship anyway. Jake had attempted to convince you otherwise but biting loneliness in comparison to a tenuous companionship felt like too much of a step in the wrong direction.
Jake said your name softly. Your eyes fluttered closed at the gentleness in his voice. “Hey,” he said, and you heard the clinking of plates being set on the counter next to you. “Talk to me.”
Arms opened; Jake used that to his advantage to swing you around to face him. You cracked an eye open. The hardest part about dating Jake was the talking. “Doll, if I did something, I want to know.”
Maybe because he always said shit like that. You felt the pressure of his thumb draw circles on your hip. This man had seen you naked. He had sat on the toilet while you took a bath just to talk. He’d mopped sweat from your brow and cleaned up puke when you had a stomach bug a few weeks ago. Yet nothing ever prepared you for the nervousness that kept creeping up during domestic moments like this where you were in his arms, and he stared down at you with the look of a lovesick puppy.
No one had ever looked at you like you were their entire world. You could feel the entire weight of it on your shoulders.
“Valentine’s Day.”
He quirked his head. “What about it?”
“I’ve never celebrated it before.”
Before you could turn your face away, Jake repositioned so that his forehead was pressed against yours and his fingers were massaging the skin on your waist. “Doll, look at me.” He waited for you to meet his eye then prompted, “And?”
“It’s stupid, never mind.”
“It’s never stupid if it means something to you, darlin’,” he said with that accent that made you weak in your knees. It was a good thing Jake was holding you up or you’d be nothing more than a puddle on the floor.
You bit down on your bottom lip. Embarrassment creeped up the back of your neck. “No one has ever done anything for me for Valentine’s Day.” You let out a sigh, but winced because it made you sound like more of a whiny high school girl. “I don’t know. I just thought - I’ve always wanted a cliche Valentine’s Day… gifts, chocolate, going out for dinner that’s way too expensive. With my other relationships there wasn’t much to celebrate… but with you, Jake, I want to.”
Jake smiled at you. That dazzling smile that made you nervous when you went out in public because it made you want to say something stupid.
“Okay,” he said then, at the confusion on your face, added, “We’ll go all out for Valentine’s Day this year.”
Guilt gnawed at your gut. He had sounded so adamant earlier in his dislike for the holiday. “But you said-”
He cut you off. “I say lots of stupid shit, doll. You really should know better than to listen to me by now.”
“I don’t want to make you do something you don’t want to though, Jake.”
“I want to make you happy.” Jake leaned in to press a kiss to your lips. When he pulled away you asked, “Are you sure you’re okay with it?”
“Of course, I am. Where I’m from we go all out. Bigger the better in Texas.” You rolled your eyes at the cocky grin that settled onto his face. “It’s a compromise, darlin’. This year we go out and do every cliche imaginable. If it’s too much for me, I’ll say something. If it’s not what you imagined, you’ll say something. Then, next year, we can pick and choose whichever parts we liked and change what we don’t like. We’ll start a tradition that’s perfect for us. Sound good?”
You nod, matching his wide smile. “I would really appreciate that, Jake.”
“Plus, when would I pass up the opportunity to celebrate my girl?” He took a step back so your back pushed against the counter and he laid flush against you. “I like taking you. It gives me a chance to show everyone how much better I have it.”
You let out a laugh. “Jake!”
“I’m serious,” he said, kissing your cheek. Then trailed them across your jaw and down your neck. You weren’t paying attention too closely, too distracted by his tongue on your skin, but you could have sworn he ground gently into you. “I’ll celebrate you every day if you let, doll.”
You tilted your head to the side. Jake jumped at the chance to press more kisses to the exposed skin on your neck. “I love you,” you told him, your voice between a breathy mound and a dreamy sigh.
In shock Jake jerked away from you.
And that’s how you first told Jake Seresin you loved him. And the moment you realized the pancakes on the stove had burned to a crisp. Jake had too many stars in his eyes to pull the pan from the stove. Not that you minded. Cleaning up the mess was the least you could do after he went through all the trouble - no, not trouble. He cooked, you cleaned.
A compromise. The hallmark of a healthy relationship. Something you did for someone you loved, and you really loved Jake Seresin.
Bonus:
“What the hell are you doing?” You glanced over to the other end of the counter at Jake. It was taking longer than expected to scrape the burnt bits of batter from the pan, which should have given him plenty of time to make a new breakfast plan. Except for the fact that he looked elbow deep in a crime scene.
“I’m making pancakes.” The batter in the glass bowl was a bright red. Alarmingly red, but Jake spoke as though you were supposed to know exactly what he was doing. “They’re going to be shaped like hearts.”
You shook your head at him, going back to scrubbing. “Try not to burn these ones then. That would be a bad omen.”
“Try not to distract me by being so damn beautiful.”
“Can’t promise anything.” You could feel his eyes on you.
“God,” he said, “You’re so fucking hot when you’re confident.”
You turned to look at him, catching his eye, and let a mimic of his smug smirk settle on your lips. “Focus on not burning my breakfast this time flyboy.”
He scoffed at the nickname but set his focus back on intensely stirring out the streaks of red dye in the batter. You didn’t even realize that you had food dye in your kitchen.
“Jake? You do realize Valentine’s Day is next week, right?”
“It’s not every day the love of your life tells you that they love you too. And if Valentine’s Day is celebrating your relationship, then every day is Valentine’s Day for me.”
“God, you’re so fucking hot when you use those cheesy lines like that on me.”
His eyes were on you again. Hotter this time. “Should we forget breakfast,” he asked. You slid your gaze back over to him. The pan splashed into the sink, splashing water up onto your his shirt.
“I have to go change this shirt,” you said in response.
Jake dropped the spoon. Globs of red batter splattered in all directions, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. You were too busy racing him to the bedroom laughing in pure joy the entire way there.
===
taglist: @potato-girl99981 @milani-marie @gizmodear
#Jake 'Hangman" Seresin#jake hangman seresin#jake hangman x you#Jake hangman seresin x reader#jake seresin x reader#top gun#top gun maverick#top gun fic#hangman top gun#top gun x reader#top gun hangman#top gun imagine#jake seresin fluff#fluff#soft!jake seresin#top gun maverick fic#tgm fic#tg fic#domestic fluff#where i'm from
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😗
#just some soft stuff bc I'm tired lol#my art#hangster#sereshaw#tgm#bradley ‘rooster’ bradshaw#jake ‘hangman’ seresin
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Incoming soft hangster headcanon:
Bradley’s love language is physical touch and Jake’s is quality time, which works out perfectly for their relationship.
Jake loves that Bradley is always attached to him because it means they’re always spending time together, even if it’s just a lazy day around the house. Bradley loves that he and Jake are always hugging, kissing, cuddling, or stealing innocent touches, and that his boyfriend never seems to mind🥰
#love langauges#feeling very soft for them right now#as per usual#hangster#sereshaw#bradley rooster bradshaw#jake hangman seresin#top gun maverick#headcanons#might turn this into a short character study on ao3 at some point
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Thinking about Bradley's two most common pet names for Jake being 'sweetheart' because it's what his Uncle Maverick calls his Uncle Tom and 'honey' because it's what his mama always used to call his daddy.
#anxiety going bonkers so brain is making soft thoughts around them like an oyster making a pearl#icemav#hangster#top gun#tgm#tg86#bradley bradshaw#rooster#jake seresin#hangman#maverick#iceman
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Adore You
Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x reader
Word Count: 1875
Warnings: none, this is just incredibly soft Jake
Requested by anonymous
A/N: I was going to post this yesterday, but it was a really long day. so you're getting it today. I adore writing soft Jake Seresin, so I hope you enjoy reading it!
Jake was sick, and though it wasn’t the worst he’d ever felt, it ranked up there. Mostly because he very rarely caught anything.
The one bright spot for you in his whining was that he finally let you dote on him. Usually, he insisted on taking care of you. While it always made you feel special, you sometimes wished he would let you do the same for him without turning it around. You knew it stemmed from his discomfort with genuine, focused attention, but that didn’t stop your desire to just love on him.
When he was sick, everything flipped on its head. He was so soft and clingy, and you had even managed to get him to lay with his head on your lap.
Both of you had long since stopped paying attention to whatever show played on the TV--Jake because he had fallen asleep and you because you couldn’t stop looking at him.
Your fingers combed through his hair, scratching lightly at his scalp. He hadn’t ever let you touch his hair before, always claiming he had spent too much time styling it. His golden locks stuck to your fingers, sweaty from his slight fever, but you could still tell how soft it was. You scanned his face, noting happily how the flush was fading from his skin at last.
“You don’t have to stay,” he murmured, shifting his head to press his face against your thigh.
“I like being here with you,” you replied softly, brushing a few strands of hair back from his face.
He hummed, tipping his head into your hand when your movement stalled. “Keep going, please? Feels good.”
You obliged, and he drifted back to peaceful sleep.
A week later, you still couldn’t get the feel of his hair out of your mind. He had recovered quickly after that one day and hadn’t let you touch his hair since then. Not that you had asked. You were too nervous to ask and you weren’t sure why.
Tonight, however, it looked like you might get to anyways. Jake came to your apartment from a long day of flight maneuvers and plopped down on the couch, dropping his head onto your lap with a grunt. You leaned down to kiss the side of his head.
“Hey, handsome,” you greeted him quietly.
“Hey, darlin’,” he returned, the words muffled by your shorts.
“Long day?”
Jake grumbled an affirmative as he shifted around to find a comfortable position. You smiled softly at him, though he couldn’t see it. In an effort to comfort him, you squeezed his shoulder then traced your hand up and down his spine.
Internally, you debated whether you actually dared to muss his hair. He still seemed disgruntled, shifting around every few seconds. It was possible that he would only get more upset if you messed with his carefully styled hair. On the other hand, he might actually relax like he had when he was sick. And it was already a little messed up from how he flopped down…
Coming to a decision, you let your fingers slide up his neck and into his hair. You took a moment to revel in being right about how soft his hair was. Something about the slow, steady movement set you even more at ease than you had been, and it did the same for him. Jake took only moments to settle, the tension finally bleeding out of him.
You allowed yourself a triumphant grin as you massaged his scalp. He was nearly purring in your hands. While you had expected him to relax, you had not expected him to enjoy it quite this much.
You were glad he was letting you fiddle with his hair. You hadn’t had the best of days either, and between his warmth and the steady weight of his head in your lap, you were unwinding there on the couch too.
Eventually, you both needed to go to bed, and you had to shake him gently awake to move. Jake was always holding you when you were in bed, but tonight he was even cuddlier than normal. It was like playing with his hair unlocked the softest side of him. He nuzzled into your neck as you fell asleep together.
You weren’t sure if he was even aware of the extra soft side. So instead, you just took advantage of every opportunity to play with his hair without pointing it out to him.
Those opportunities seemed to come at an ever-increasing rate when you moved in together. Tonight, for example, you had come home to find Jake in the kitchen making dinner. You had offered to help, but he just chuckled and lifted you onto the counter.
“I’m almost done,” he had told you, pressing a kiss to your lips before moving back to the stove.
You might have grumbled more if you weren’t so happy to just observe him in the golden light of the early evening. The light complemented his bright grin so perfectly and you couldn’t help but think that he was sunshine personified.
It seemed especially true when he paused every few minutes to kiss you silly. He started to pull away to go to the fridge, but you pulled him back to steal one more kiss. You swallowed his laugh gladly, giggling yourself when you let him go at last.
“You’re lucky you’re cute,” he teased, shaking his head at you as he opened the fridge.
“Wait, you think I’m cute? So embarrassing,” you returned. “For you, I mean.”
“Sometimes I wonder why I love you.”
“Wonder all you want.” You shrugged, hiding a sly grin. “You’re stuck with me now.”
He stopped by you again on his way back to the stove, resting a hand on your thigh. “And I thank my lucky stars for it every day, gorgeous.”
You couldn’t resist the urge to lift your hand to his hair, brushing a lock back from his face. It was rather fitting, you thought, that his hair matched the golden light that he brought into your life. Jake’s grin softened, though it was no less bright.
“I love when you do that,” he said quietly, sliding one arm around you to pull himself closer. “I don’t want you to stop, but I really need to stir that pan before it burns.”
“Good thing I’ll still be here when you finish with that.” You combed your fingers through his hair one more time, nudging him to tilt his head down so you could kiss his forehead. You sighed as the warmth of his arm left you. “You told me once that you didn’t like people touching your hair.”
“I… yeah, I was wrong.” Jake looked over at you. “But I only like it when it’s you. It’s relaxing.”
“I’ve noticed. You are the softest man I’ve ever seen when I play with your hair,” you admitted. He looked a little bashful, so you hurried to reassure him, saying simply, “I love your secret soft side. I adore you, Jake Seresin.”
He pulled the pan from the stove and turned the burner off, crossing the distance between you in a few long strides to hold your face in his hands. “It’s too early for me to propose, isn’t it?”
“Maybe just a smidge,” you said, ducking your head a little to hide a laugh, “but I think we’re on the same page about going in that direction.”
“I love you so damn much,” he said, then cut off any reply with his lips on yours.
You returned the affection eagerly, winding your arms around his neck to hold him to you. Not that he needed any convincing to stay close. Jake’s hand moved to your thigh, his grip tightening to mirror your fingers tugging in his hair.
“Dinner’s getting cold,” you mumbled when you parted to breathe.
He recaptured your lips briefly before responding. “Don’t care. We can reheat it.”
You kissed him twice more. “But you put so much work into it.”
“But I wanna kiss you,” he pouted for a second, nudging your nose.
Your hand in his hair tugged him back just enough to really look at each other. The sight of him was something you didn’t think you could ever tire of, especially like this. His hair was messy from your fingers and everything about him emanated warmth and love. You hoped he could see just how much you loved him too.
Time away from Jake was always hard on both of you, whether you were separated for a day of work or for weeks or months of deployment and assignments. Jake especially found it hard to sleep without you playing with his hair.
Naturally, that meant that he shuddered in your arms when you hugged him and your hand found its way into his hair. You just smiled into his shoulder and held him tighter. Neither of you mentioned any damp patches that may or may not have appeared on your shirts.
Late in the evening, in the privacy of your own bed, you lay on your side, facing each other. His arms were warm and secure around you, holding you to his chest. You tilted your head closer to him, tracing the side of his face.
You could see him fighting to keep his eyes open as he watched you. On one of the rare occasions he had gotten to call you, he’d mentioned he had trouble falling asleep, so it made you happy to see him relaxing so quickly. It also was difficult not to smile just from having him in your bed again. Your hand traced higher up his face, up to brush back some of his hair.
“Would you marry me if I asked?” The words slipped out of him, barely a whisper.
Stunned, your mouth opened and shut a few times soundlessly before you finally responded. “Do you mean that?” You were almost afraid it was just a side effect of post-deployment exhaustion.
“I mean it, sweets,” he huffed a soft laugh, curling his arm tighter around you. “I have a ring, and I’m still going to officially propose later. But I can’t wait any longer to know, so what would you say?”
“Yes.” The answer to his question was so undeniably simple. You loved him so much that there was no other answer. “Yes, Jake. Yes!”
His lips were on yours in a heartbeat in an excited, albeit sleepy, kiss. You tasted his smile, tangled your fingers in his hair, and pulled him closer. You kissed lazily, slowly processing everything that had just happened.
He murmured your name when you pulled apart at last. “I have no idea what I did to deserve you.”
“You’re pretty special, Seresin,” you replied softly, nudging his nose with your own.
His thumb rubbed slow circles on your hip, and you could feel by the rhythm that he was starting to fall asleep again. “Love you,” he mumbled, fading fast.
You played with his hair a little longer, just until his breathing evened out, then shifted to set your arm around his middle. Your final thought as you drifted off was that you couldn’t wait to spend forever with your sweet sunshine of a man.
Top Gun Taglist:
@malindacath @army24--7 @mads-weasley
#jake seresin x reader#jake seresin#jake hangman seresin x reader#jake hangman seresin#hangman x reader#hangman#top gun#top gun maverick#soft jake#seriously i just want 10 minutes to play with Glen's hair#it looks so soft
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part 1/add on
Fic Idea
Goose finally gets Jake to more or less accept that he was always welcome in Goose's home, and they get closer, and start bonding more. Jake comes over so often that a lot of his stuff gets mixed in with Goose's and Bradley's belongings. Jake and Bradley start to get closer to, they still annoy the heck out of each other, but in a more playful manner.
However, Jake starts coming over less and less, and slowly stops replying to Goose's messages. Goose starts counting the days. 12 days since he last saw Jake. 9 days since the last call. 6 days since the last decent text conversation. 3 days since the last small talk text reply.
The only reason why he refrained from acting was because of Bradley who mentioned how there were admirals on base, and although everyone was on high alert and busy, Hangman was called on more than others. The admirals seem to highly value his opinion, and the only time he really sees the other man is during hops. Most of the time he sees Hangman speed walking to various meetings or working on multiple stacks of paperwork.
It worried Goose, but Jake was an adult, and work is important to him.
However, it was 3 days since the last small talk text exchange, and it's been 3 hours since he sent another text, which was seemed to be left unread.
It was supposed to be an off day today.
Jake, like many in the younger generation is very tech-savvy, and with promptness instilled by the military, usually replies very quickly.
Goose managed to cook a 3 course dinner and Jake still hasn't responded.
Goose decides, fuck it, and goes to visit the younger aviator's house and knocks on the door.
He hears a lot of concerning thuds and crashes before Jake opens the door. Hair messy, dark circles around his eyes, wearing thick clothes, and
"Goose-?" Jake croaked out in a scratchy voice.
“Come here, kiddo,” Goose said softly beckoning Jake to step closer and press his palm against his forehead, frowning at the warmth radiating off him. “You’re warm, buddy, how are you feeling?”
“Exhausted,” Jake croaked, shrugging as he shoved his hands in his pockets and looked down, swaying forward. Goose put a hand on the younger man’s shoulder to steady him, and tensed when Jake moved closer and rested his forehead on his shoulder.
Alarm bells were ringing in Goose’s mind as he instinctively wrapped an arm around him, and stroked a hand through his hair. He let them stand there for a bit as he felt Jake take deep and shaky breaths, while he rubbed circles on the boy’s back.
He squeezed the nape of the boy’s neck gently to bring him to attention, as he pressed his lips on the boy’s head, “Hey, son, why don’t we move to the couch, yeah?” Goose asked.
“Okay,” Jake mumbled, as he stood up, stepping back before Goose pulled him back to his side and guided him back inside to rest at the couch.
He managed to find out that Jake has been forced to overwork himself due to certain admirals who was holding the permanent status of the Dagger Squad against him to get him to do multiple tasks. He was doing way too much for one man. Overworked himself, until body just crashed on him. Jake felt horrible, everything felt heavy and achy, he couldn't breathe properly, and he was very much, exhausted.
Goose was angry for the boy, and begins to dote on him. Feed him, get him Gatorade, snacks, hugs, and manages to pack him a bag and before Jake realizes what was happening, he was bundled up in Goose's car to stay at the Bradshaw household to recuperate.
Goose brings Jake to the house with Bradley helping Jake into the guest room and arranged the pillows and blankets to be set around Jake like a hybrid of a nest or a cocoon. Goose comes back up with actual food on hand, and feeds Jake. Goose and Bradley basically take care of Jake the whole time. At one point, Bradley have to briefly carry the other man.
Goose also calls Mav and Iceman to tell them about Hangman and the admirals situation, and Ice said he'll deal with it, while both ask for updates about the young aviator.
Iceman and Maverick visit and they spoil Jake with treats.
They also give Jake the next few days off as a reminder to never overwork. Jake is "grounded".
"Grounded", meaning that he is not allowed to work.
He can play video games, use his phone, watch TV, but he's just not allowed to work.
Goose distracts him by spending time with the younger man. Jogging with him. Playing catch. Solving jigsaw puzzles. Diamond art. Comics. Movie marathon. And more.
#fanfic#top gun maverick#jake hangman seresin#jake seresin#pete maverick mitchell#top gun#top gun fandom#mavdad#tom iceman kazansky#bradley rooster bradshaw#nick goose bradshaw#mother goose#top gun 1986#fluff#dadmiral#was thinking of writing something longer but didn't feel like it so have this idea instead because I have no attention span to write fics#i like thinking about how soft Goose would be to the naval aviators#and his kindness makes everyone respect him the most
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soft-tober | 05 | Jake Seresin
soft-tober is about experiencing the joys of October with loved ones. each day is a fall-related one-shot for one of the couples from my Dagger, Sword & Shield universe, plus a few extras! today is Jake and Flora with “Trick or treat?” “…Depends on if you’re the treat or not.” from this prompt list.
If you’d like to be tagged for soft-tober, please send an ask!
word count: 1.4k
soft-tober masterlist | main masterlist | divider credit here
warnings: extreme fluff, Jake being a sweetheart, lots of kissing
callsignspark disclaimer: my blog is an 18+ space; minors do not interact - you will be blocked. I do not consent to my work being copied, run through an AI generator, translated, or posted elsewhere. I do have an AO3, where I eventually will be cross-posting my works.
05. “Trick or treat?” “…Depends on if you’re the treat or not.”
“A little to the left… no, right. Left. Right. Don’t you know how to center something, Jake?!”
The blonde man turns on the ladder, eyebrows raised in amusement. “It is centered, Flora. You’re just standing at an angle.”
Her heart drops as she looks around, realizing she is off-center. A couple scoots to the left tells her that Jake does have the wreath perfectly centered on the balcony.
“I’m sorry.” The apology is muffled as she rubs at her eyes. Flora knows she’s being ridiculous, putting way too much effort into decorating for the shop-or-treat the business of Madison Ave are hosting during the fall block party. Staying open later than usual to hand out candy to costumed children while their parents patronize the shops.
She’s trying her hardest to appeal to kids so they’ll drag their parents inside. A florist isn’t exciting to little ones, not when there’s a bakery three doors down and a comic book store across the street. So the décor - a strategic blend of fall and Halloween - is going to be doing the heavy lifting to get people to stay for longer than it takes to put a Snickers in a pumpkin bucket.
Jake climbs down the ladder after securing the wreath in place, wrapping his arms around Flora and pulling her into his chest.
“I’m sorry.” She apologizes again, her face pressed against his strong chest.
“It’s okay.” He reassures her, his warm hands rubbing her back. “I know you’re stressed, but you don’t have to worry about Studio Cacti taking over.”
Studio Cacti. Another florist shop that opened up over the summer only two blocks away. Owned by some snobby girl who was paying the bills with Daddy’s money. Flora felt hypocritical saying that, considering how she paid for the shop’s remodel and the new flower cooler, but she had started all on her own. Scrimping and saving, pouring every available cent into her shop. During that first year, she had even slept on an air mattress in her office, unable to afford the store mortgage and her apartment rent at the same time.
“Yes, I do, Jake. She’s got more money at her disposal than I’ll make in my entire life. When push comes to shove, she’ll win because she can afford it.”
“Trust me, I have a few ideas, and if I can get everything into place, you’ll be the most successful florist in the city, maybe even the county.”
Flora pulls away, tucking her hair behind her ears as she stares at Jake. The smug look on his face should make her wary - should turn her off - but it doesn’t. It makes her feel giddy whenever she sees it; she’s pretty sure he Pavloved her with his bright smile.
“And am I allowed to know about these plans?”
“Nope, just worry about shop-or-treat for now.”
“It’s my shop, Jacob.”
“God, I love when you call me that.”
“Focus.”
The undignified noise that escapes as he squats down and wraps her legs around his waist makes her cheeks burn. Usually, she hates when men try to pick her up, but she never hates when Jake does it. Flora is taken off guard again when he plops her on the counter next to the register, using the distraction to ignore the voice telling her it’s okay when Jake does it because she likes him.
“I am focused, Phillips. C’mere.”
He kisses her just like he did the first time, like he’s done every time. Gentle at first, simply pressing their lips together as he cups her neck, then he tugs her closer, intensity increasing as he tests the waters to see if she wants to go further.
Normally, she’s all in for a good makeout session, one where his big hands will roam and caress her body in just the right way that will lead to them being naked later on, but tonight, she pulls back.
“Can we do a test run?”
“A test- of what?”
“Of shop-or-treat. You go out and come in pretending to be a kid. Use fresh eyes; look for anything that needs improving.”
“You want me to pretend to be a ten-year-old boy?”
“It should be easy; that’s how mature you are.” She regrets the snipe as soon as it leaves her mouth, Jake immediately attacking her sides. Flora holds out for about five seconds, laughter bubbling out as she gives in. “Uncle! Uncle!”
“I just want to put it on record that I think this is a dumb idea because everything is already great, but I’m doing this anyway. For you.”
She hates the way her heart flutters at his wink. They had agreed to be friends-with-benefits, nothing more. Heart thumping was definitely not within the bounds of their agreement. Maybe it was time to end the arrangement.
The bells ring as Jake walks back in, doing exactly what she asked and interrupting her thoughts. Green eyes big and round as he looks around the store like a kid in a candy shop. His eyebrows furrow slightly at different points in the room, and Flora knows he’s making mental notes on what needs to be changed.
She lets him go on for a few minutes, swinging her legs and admiring how his gray t-shirt stretches across his broad shoulders. Shoulders that probably still have marks where her nails dug into him a few days ago.
“Aren’t you going to say it?”
“Say what?” He asks as he finishes his examination, standing a few feet in front of her.
“Trick or treat?”
“Well… depends on if you’re the treat or not.” He laughs as she whines his name. “Everything is great. The only thing that’s going to make it better is us finishing what you already had planned.”
“Really?”
“Even the most sticky, snotty-nose brat will want to come into the flower shop with the pretty lady behind the counter.”
Flora’s breath hitches as he crowds into her space, hands tugging her hips closer as their lips meet. She melts into the kiss, sinking her hands into his hair. It’s getting a bit long; he’ll need to get a trim soon so he’s up to regulations, but she loves how it feels between her fingers. He’s the only man she didn’t have to introduce to conditioner, his sisters taking care of that lesson back in high school.
“Excuse me, are you open?”
Her internal debate about whether to hook her legs around him here or pull him up to her office and put the couch to good use is interrupted as they break apart.
“What?” Flora pants, brain still scrambled from how Jake was grabbing at her thighs.
“Are you open?”
“No, ma’am; I’m sorry, we’re not open right now.”
“Oh, that’s too bad! I wanted to get flowers for my daughter, she just gave birth! Lilies are her favorite, and I saw your case through the window. You have the most beautiful options.”
“I’m sorry if you want to come back-”
“Is it your first grandchild?” Jake interrupts, sliding Flora off the counter.
“It is! A little girl!”
“Congratulations!” He smiles, turning to Flora. “Take the sale; I’ll finish decorating.”
A kiss on her forehead, and he’s making his way up the stairs, unraveling leaf garland to wrap around the banister.
She’s only slightly distracted as she puts together a bouquet filled with white lilies, baby’s breath, and eucalyptus for the new grandmother, Jake constantly on her mind. And after cashing out her newest customer and locking the door, Flora makes her way upstairs. Her heart soft as she watches Jake carefully string twinkle lights along the railing he just finished decorating, his tongue poking out in concentration.
“Hey, Jake?”
“Yeah, darlin'?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?” His pretty green eyes blink up at her in confusion, and she realizes she’s not quite sure how to answer.
Thank you for helping decorate.
Thank you for understanding about how much I work.
Thank you for accepting that I can only do friends-with-benefits with you.
“Just… for everything.”
“Of course, whatever you need, Flora. You know that.”
She feels herself weakening as he stands up and saunters over to her, his smile so big that his eyes crinkle and his dimples show. This time, Flora doesn’t make a noise when he lifts her; just wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him. The two of them giggling when Jake drops her onto the couch and climbs on top of her, hooking her legs over his hips.
The decorating is so not getting finished tonight… oh well.
@gretagerwigsmuse | @hangmanapologist | @hangmanbrainrot | @princessphilly | @hangmanssunnies | @thesewordsareallihavetogive | @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby | @katieshook02 | @hellojameshowyadoin | @aristotles-butthole | @atarmychick007 | @whatislovevavy | @kmc1989 | @sometimesanalice | @laracrofted | @yuckosworld | @mika-darling | @bradshawsbaddie | @bobblebobsbae | @ohtobeleah | @withahappyrefrain
#elle’s soft october#top gun maverick fic#top gun maverick au#top gun maverick imagine#top gun fic#top gun au#top gun imagine#DSS universe#jake hangman seresin fic#jake seresin fic#jake hangman seresin x oc#jake seresin x oc#jake seresin imagine#hangman imagine#Xs and Os fic#X&O fic#elle writes
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For the Jake blurb!!
I'm a sucker for a good ol' hurt/comfort, pls don't blame me there isn't many out there w Jake 🤨.
Anyways, how would he react to finding u asleep on the couch with his hoodie ? Not only bcs it had always been ur source of comfort, but also bcs Jake wasn't around atm. You were having a bad day and u couldn't sleep, so his beloved hoodie will do.
Could be platonic or romantic it's up to u :)
VERY SPECIFIC IK BUT PLS I HAD A VERY WEIRD DREAM ABOUT THIS AND I CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT IT
Thanks!! <3
i hope this is what you had in mind <3 i long to dream about this stuff <3
-
Jake hadn’t expected to find you asleep on the couch, dressed only in his hoodie and a pair of socks, legs curled up into your chest, hands tucked under your head as a makeshift pillow, when he had slipped into the house at 3am in the morning.
He drops his bags quietly onto the floor, before moving silently, picking his way past a few cushions that you had pushed off the couch in your sleep to come to a crouch beside your sleeping form. He takes you in, watches as your chest rises and falls with each breath you take, content to just watch you for a while, because god he has missed you, before he reaches out gently to brush a knuckle against the side of your face.
“Baby,” he says softly, carefully as you stir, wanting to rouse you gently instead of all at once.
“Jake?” Your eyes flutter open as consiousness starts to overtake your senses. You pull your hands from under your head, reaching them forward to fumble for Jake. He moves from his crouch to slot himself, seated on the couch beside you and catches you in his arms as you struggle to a seated position to throw your arms around his neck.
“I’ve got you,” you hear his voice in your ear, as you bury your face in his shoulder. Jake slots his arms firmly around your body. He allows you to settle into his arm, lets his lips brush against the top of your head. “Is that my hoodie?” His fingers skim down your back, rubbing across the soft fabric.
You respond only with a hum into his shoulder, and Jake is content to let you stay silent until you are ready.
“I missed you,” is what you finally say as you turn your head, resting your cheek on his shoulder. Jake can feel the soft flutter of your eyelashes against his neck. “Couldn’t sleep, wanted something that smells like you.” You continue, and Jake feels a tug on the strings of his heart.
“I’m here now.” He murmurs, feeling the soft sag in your body as you calm, and the soft exhale of your breath against his neck as you still, letting sleep claim you.
#soft jake#jake seresin x reader#jake seresin x you#jake seresin x y/n#jake hangman seresin#jake seresin blurb#jake seresin imagine#jake seresin fanfiction#jake seresin fanfic#asks#not cm#top gun maverick#hangman seresin#jake hangman seresin x y/n#jake hangman seresin x reader#jake hangman seresin x you
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D-Day by TrickPhotography | Chapter 18 - Jake's POV
Thank you for the prompt @beyondthesefourwalls. Here's 4.8K words of Jake's POV - it got way more angsty than anticipated...
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“Pick up,” Jake growled. “Pick up, pick up. Damn it!” When the call rolled to voicemail again, he hung up before you’d even finished saying, ‘Hi, you’ve reached - ’
Walking the halls in the carrier wasn’t the smartest thing to do when making a call. There were dead spots everywhere, not to mention the higher-ranking officers he’d have to stop and salute. But it didn’t matter. Jake needed to talk to you somewhere he wouldn’t be interrupted. With Fritz hanging out in the room, his best bet was to find an empty lounge or meeting room.
Those two texts had nearly made his heart stop.
Prents here
U
What did the ‘U’ mean? His parents? Did he need to call ASAP? Did you just accidentally hit a button? Fuck. If it was your parents visiting, all the better. He could hear in your voice that you were tired, as much as you tried to hide it. And it killed him not to be there to help you more. Jake knew how much you were looking forward to having a long weekend to relax, and he wanted you to be as well-rested as possible for your trip to see him.
Guilt still gnawed at him at the thought of you flying 40 hours round trip to see him, but he wanted to see you so badly.
The next call went to voicemail as he walked into the officer lounge and saw a group loudly laughing. Biting back a growl of frustration, he shut the door and continued down the hall. Of course, this would happen when most people were off-duty, and it’d be hard to find somewhere quiet.
When his fifth call went to voicemail, Jake had to stop himself from turning and punching the wall. Not only would that hurt him more than do any damage, but he couldn’t end up at Captain’s Mast for something stupid when he was so close to getting liberty. He wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize seeing you.
On the sixth call, you finally picked up. Before you could say a word, he asked, “What do you mean, ‘u’?”
“Your parents are here.”
“My - ” Shock rooted him to the spot. “My parents are there?”
“Your father currently has his shoes on my coffee table and wants a beer, and your mother is in the pantry making him sweet tea as a substitute until she goes out to get some.” Your voice was stressed, and Jake hated it.
The idea of his parents being anywhere near you pissed him off and terrified him. He’d made it clear to his family that being around you and the baby was on his terms.
And, to be honest, he was pissed at himself for not realizing this would happen. After Lina had gotten on his case about not calling his parents once during the deployment, he’d finally caved and called Mama. While she’d been happy to hear from him, Jake had also gotten an earful from his father about waiting over two months to call. Knowing it wouldn't do any good, it had taken all his self-control not to hang up.
But now, knowing that they’d made the effort to go from Texas to California, Jake wished he’d paid more attention to that one fucking sentence his father had said. Should have known it hadn’t only been meant for him - “A man’s gotta keep tabs on his family, and you’re doing a piss poor job of it.”
When it came to Mark Seresin, he’d always been suspicious of his family. For a man who cared so little about his own marriage vows or how his constant infidelity would impact his family, he was always suspicious of people stepping out on him.
“Did he say why they came?” He tried to keep his tone even but knew he failed spectacularly.
“He said he wanted to keep an eye on me, and - ”
“That son of a bitch,” he snapped. Two men looked at him, and he glared back while looking into another occupied meeting room. You inhaled sharply, and he felt a spike of regret that was quickly smothered by rage.
“Jake?”
“Put him on the phone.” He would tell them to leave - they weren’t welcome in his home. Jake was nearing the commissary and spun on his heel. He didn’t want to be near anyone right now.
“I’m in our bathroom. Talk to me.”
“I can’t believe… how long are they staying?”
“The weekend, apparently. And they’re expecting to stay here.” He stopped walking, thrusting a hand into his hair and tugging.
“Absolutely not.” Jake knew he shouldn’t be taking his anger out on you, but it was hard to contain. When someone called his name, he glanced over his shoulder to see Rooster coming out of the store, a plastic bag swinging from his hand. Holding up a finger to the other man, he hissed, “I told him he wouldn’t step foot in our house, and he waited for me to be out of the fuckin’ country to do it.”
“You - ”
“I want you to call Coyote and get him there - now. And then you’re gonna call me back and stay on the phone until he gets there.”
Rooster’s eyebrows shot up, mouthing, “Everything okay?” He shook his head.
“Jake, you’re scaring me,” you said, and he hated that. He didn’t want to scare you, but he couldn’t have you near his father without someone to keep the other man in line. His mama wouldn’t do it. “Tell me what’s going on?”
“I don’t want him near you, not when I’m not there. I don’t trust him.” A phone was thrust into his face, and Jake looked up to see Rooster frowning at him. It was unlocked and opened to the Dagger text thread. Their eyes met momentarily before Jake held his phone against his shoulder and typed out a quick message as he heard you exhale.
Need someone to go to my house ASAP - H
“Babe,” you said, voice even as he returned the phone. “I understand you’re upset, but I don’t need Javy here to help manage this. I can - ”
He hissed your name, ignoring the look Rooster gave him. “You don’t know him. He’s not a good person.” When he turned away, he felt a tug at his elbow. Rooster nodded down the hall, and Jake followed.
“I know that, Jake. From the little you’ve told me about him, I know that he’s an asshole and that your mother is not my biggest fan. But I need you to please take a breath and tell me the context of why you told him he wouldn’t be in our house.” Forcing himself to take a deep breath, he heard you do the same. Rooster opened one of the classrooms and shut it. “You still there?” you asked.
“Yeah, tryin’ to find somewhere private. Hold on.” Rooster continued down the hall, checking rooms and glancing at his phone before handing it back to him. Jake glanced down at the texts from the Daggers — Javy confirmed that he was on his way with Payback, Phoenix was leaving the gym, and Bob the grocery store. Fanboy asked to be kept in the loop. Mav texted, asking where he was. Quickly, he typed that they were trying to find somewhere quiet.
“Sloane’s moving.” Your soft voice tried to distract him. As much as he appreciated it, he didn’t want that. He needed to be clear-headed right now — he needed to be Hangman when you clearly wanted Jake.
And, at that moment, he felt like he was failing at both.
Glancing down at the phone in his hand, he saw a new text from Mav on Rooster’s screen that was only two words: Ready room. Tapping his wingman on the shoulder, he handed the phone back to him. “Darlin’?”
“Yeah?”
“Can’t wait until I’m off this goddamn ship and can get some privacy.” The two men quickly changed direction, pushing through the crowded hallways and ignoring the people celebrating being off duty for the weekend. They were silent for a long time, Jake trying to push down his rising panic at his parents being there with the knowledge that his squad would arrive soon. “Do you trust me?” he asked, ignoring the look that Rooster shot him.
“Of course I do. Jake,” you sighed, exasperation sneaking into your tone. “If you don’t want them in our home, I’ll have them leave. I just… I need to have information so I can approach this the right way.”
“The right way is with Coyote there.”
“Why?” you demanded. “Why do I need your best friend here? Is your father going to be violent when I ask him to leave?”
“He better not be,” Jake growled. Unwanted memories of having to step between his parents when his father was drunk and angry threatened to swallow him. His tongue darted out, tasting the phantom coppery blood from a sucker punch he’d taken as a teen. Mark Seresin had always been a dictator in his home, and Jake had counted down the days until he could leave. He could take the yelling and name-calling - Jake had been told he was worthless more times than he could count - but as soon as he stood up and pushed back against his father, that was it. Mark expected to be the king in his castle and didn’t care if knocking around his sixteen-year-old son was the cost of enforcing that. After the school counselor called him in to ask about a black eye once, Mark had been careful to hit Jake where it wouldn’t show - where the bruises could be explained away with a rough football practice. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, it fucking hurt. Not only hearing his mama crying and promising that it wouldn’t happen again but knowing that he couldn’t trust a word that came out of her mouth.
It was a relief anytime Mark deployed. Not having to tiptoe around the house was almost worth the pain in his mama’s eyes, knowing her husband was probably unfaithful again. It was worth not hiding the marks from Lina, who grew up in blissful ignorance of the monster that lived down the hall from them. When he’d gotten into the Academy, Jake had hesitated a moment before accepting, afraid of what would happen if he left the house and wasn’t there to protect mama. But she was the one who told him he had to go - things would calm down once he was out of the house, she assured him.
Unwilling to examine the lie too closely, Jake went to Annapolis with freedom at his fingertips and never looked back.
Outside the Ready Room, Mav waited, the door already propped open for them. The older aviator dipped his chin and raised his eyebrows, silently asking if Jake was okay. He shook his head, ducking into the room as you sighed.
“Babe, please, I need you to focus because we have a situation, and I need to handle it in a minute. And to do that, I need you to be very honest with me right now about your concerns about me interacting with your father and answer a few questions for me.” He felt a flicker of annoyance at your tone - the one you used when working with a particularly difficult person. “First, why did you tell him he couldn’t step foot in our home?”
“Because he doesn’t deserve it. He doesn’t deserve to know you after what he said.” The two pilots stood at the back of the room, allowing him some privacy as they whispered. But he knew they could hear every word, and he didn’t want to face their pitying looks if they knew how he’d grown up.
“And what did he say?” you asked.
“I don’t - ”
“Jacob.”
“You heard him call you a tag chaser,” he said after a moment. “You didn’t hear him say…he said some pretty terrible things about you.” Running a hand down his face, he paced the front of the classroom, remembering the disgusting accusations Mark had thrown when he’d called to let his parents know that you were getting married and having a baby. Mama had cried when Jake finally yelled back that he would be damned if Mark Seresin ever laid eyes on his daughter-in-law or grandkid, which had only made the man laugh. “He said the baby probably wasn’t mine and that you’d cheat on me the moment you had the chance if you hadn’t already. And that… that you would leave me as soon as you got tired of military life, just like my ex did.”
“I…” Jake knew the words hurt and hated himself for sharing them. But you had to know what you were facing. Clearing your throat, you asked, “W-what are your concerns with me confronting him alone?”
“Darlin’,” Jake groaned. When you hummed, he cursed under his breath. “I never saw him hit ma, but it was close. And I don’t… I can’t have that happen. Not with you.” He could feel eyes on him. Ignoring them, he pulled up one of the desks and collapsed into the chair, dropping his head into a hand.
After a moment, you sighed, “Javy’s on his way. I won’t do anything until he gets here. Do I need to find a way to keep your mom away from him?”
Mama would take the brunt of this, and he wasn’t there to protect her. “I…I want to say yes, but you're my priority if it’s between you and her. Fuck!” Jake pulled at his hair, hating that you were being forced to deal with the situation. “Promise me you’ll call the cops if he does anything.”
“Of course. I love you.” There was movement in front of him, and he looked up to see Mav crouching, phone held out in front of him. Police? was typed into a note. Jake stared at it for a long moment before meeting the older man’s steady gaze. Slowly, he shook his head before lowering it and swiping at his eyes. Mav stood, squeezing his shoulder.
“I love you too, darlin’. I’m so sorry that - ”
“This isn’t on you. We can handle this. I’m gonna go check the mail to make sure that the door’s open for when Javy gets here. Do you want me to call you back when - ”
“Stay on the phone. Please, darlin’, don’t hang up.”
“I won’t.”
“Coyote and Payback are almost there,” Rooster said softly, and Jake turned to see both men watching him with concerned expressions. Nodding, he turned away from them.
His father’s voice nearly made him crack his phone with how tightly he held it. He was too far to hear what he said but snorted when you replied, “It is. He says hi.” He wanted to say many things to Mark, but 'hello' wasn’t it.
He’d apparently raised his voice to ensure he heard what he said. “Tell him I said hello, and he needs to call his mama more.” Jake bit his tongue. As much as he wanted to say something back, his wife would have to relay the message, and he didn’t want her to talk to his father more than necessary.
“I will. I’m gonna go grab the mail.” There was the sound of a door closing; he breathed a sigh of relief that you were out of the house. “Did you hear that?”
“Fuckin’ asshole,” he grunted. He could feel eyes on him but chose not to look.
“I’m gonna put my phone in my pocket for a second.”
“Darlin’, don’t - ” he said, but the line was muffled. “Darlin’, I need to hear what’s goin’ on. Pick up your phone.” But when he heard you speak next, the disbelief in your voice was unmistakable.
“Excuse me?” Jake felt his hackles rise, pushing to his feet and pacing the front of the classroom. His heart dropped to the floor when you spoke again. “I’ll have you know that I was also raised in the military, so I’m not a civilian going through their first deployment. I know how this works because my dad deployed a lot when I was growing up, and it was just my mom and me,” you snapped. “And my house is not perfect, but I had no idea I’d have guests coming, I work full time, and I’m pregnant. So when it comes to dividing my time, I will pick my career and take care of myself over doing housework, especially when I’m mostly here by myself. And Jake knew how I cleaned before we got married.”
“Don’t push him, baby,” he groaned, tugging at his hair as he pressed his phone tightly against his ear to try and hear better. “Be smart, darlin’.” He fell silent when he heard his father speak.
“I am not, and never have been, a tag chaser, so I’d appreciate it if you stopped calling me that. If anything, I married your son despite him being in the military.” You paused, then said, “Tricare’s just not worth it.”
At any other time, Jake would find that funny. But not when his father was close enough for him to finally hear what he said. “You got a smart mouth on you, you know that?”
“Get away from her,” he growled.
“It’s one of the things Jake loves about me.”
“Your daddy shoulda tanned your hide for that and taught you some manners.” He knew that tone and felt the blood leaving his face.
“We’ll agree to disagree on that.”
“Stop, darlin’. Don’t say anything.”
“Take your hand off of me. Now.”
Rage blinded him. “Take your fucking hands off my wife!” Jake yelled, balling his fist. He felt so useless, halfway across the world and unable to do anything. “I’ll fuckin’ kill you if you touch her, you bastard!”
Someone touched his shoulder, and Jake whirled to see Mav standing behind him, hands raised. “It’s just me,” he said, and it took Jake a heartbeat to realize he’d raised his fist to the other man. Quickly, he dropped his arm, unable to keep the stricken look from his face.
“Coyote’s almost there,” Rooster called from the door, phone pressed to his ear.
“Tell him to hurry,” Mav said, not removing his eyes from Jake’s face. “I need you to focus, Hangman.”
But Jake was past hearing him when his father’s voice was clearer. “An’ what’s he gonna do for you when you’re here all alone? Clearly, you need a man to teach you a lesson, and if my son isn’t up to the task - ”
“Do it and pull back a bloody stump.”
“Don’t fucking touch her!” Jake yelled.
“They’re pulling in, Jake.”
“I’ll make sure you spend the nice, long holiday weekend in jail, and I’m pretty sure those assault charges would have more consequences since I’m pregnant.”
Jake loved you to the point that it sometimes hurt, but he wanted nothing more than to cover your mouth at that moment. He could imagine Mark Seresin’s look, the fury at being challenged like that.
“You little bit - ”
He braced himself, muscles tensing futilely to throw himself in front of the blow. There was nothing he could do to protect you. Fury and horror nearly choked him as he gripped his phone and tugged at his hair, swallowing his screams to try and hear what was going on.
“Come in! We’re in the kitchen.” Jake collapsed at the sound of his best friend’s voice, knees slamming into the steel floor. “Everything’s fine,” you said. “He was just going to wait outside for his wife to come back and then find a hotel for the weekend.”
A hand rested on his shoulder, squeezing tightly. “You can’t kick me out of my son’s house,” Mark snapped, and his mouth moved wordlessly to tell him to get the fuck out.
“This is my house just as much as it’s Jake’s,” you said. “And if you don’t leave, I’ll call the police and have them remove you.”
“Let’s not get the cops involved if we don’t have to,” Javy said, attempting to play the peacekeeper.
“Call them,” Jake managed to croak. The phone was hot against his ear, and he felt disgusted when his father tried to pull rank.
“Then it’s Lieutenant Machado to you. Now, she said to get out, so let’s go.” A heartbeat later, he growled, “Back up.”
A small part of Jake wanted Mark to push. Wanted to have a reason to have Javy lay the man out - if he wasn’t there to defend his wife, he knew his best friend would do it. “You and my pussy of a son deserve each other.”
“Get. The fuck. Out of my house,” you ordered, and Jake heard a scuffle.
“Darlin’? What’s happening?” he demanded. “Talk to me, please, baby.”
Rooster hurried down the classroom steps, holding his phone up with the call on speaker. “ - inside if I don’t - ” Payback cut himself off.
“You wanna lay hands on a woman?” Jake heard Javy snarl, looking up as he listened to your ragged breathing.
“Get your hands off me, boy,” Mark hissed.
“Oh, hell no,” Payback snapped.
“Watch him. I’ve got her,” Javy ordered.
“Try something. I’m begging you,” Payback said, and Jake turned his attention back to your call, pressing a hand to his ear to try and block out everything but your breathing.
Finally, after an eternity, you sobbed his name into the phone. “Fuck, darlin’, are you okay?” he demanded, voice rough with swallowed tears. When you said you were, he squeezed his eyes shut. “I can’t believe that fuckin’ asshole touched you. I’m gonna kill him.
“I’m okay,” you promised.
“She’s a little pale but looks good, Hangman.”
“Jesus, Javy - I…” Jake seemed to choke on his words. “Thank you, man. I - ”
“No thanks necessary; I'm just glad you texted me. Payback’s outside keeping an eye on the situation.” Jake glanced up at his spot from the floor, eyes darting to where Rooster was collapsed in one of the chairs, phone cradled between his knees.
“Nat’s there,” he said, noticing his wingman looking at him. “They’ve got her, man.”
Jake could hear you fighting against crying when Nat offered to take you to the hospital and would have traded anything to be there to hold you. To be the one to take you and make sure that you and the baby were alright. Knowing that someone had bruised you made him want to burn the world down.
But the hardest part, which almost succeeded in shattering him, was hearing your heartbreak while asking, “But what if they tell me I can’t come to see you?”
Breathing your name, he felt his stomach drop. He wanted to see you, to hold you tight and promise that nothing like this would ever happen again. But that wasn’t the priority right now. “I’d rather know that you and Sloane will be okay than see you in two weeks. That’s all that matters.”
Mav pulled Jake to his feet and gently pushed him into one of the desk chairs, collapsing beside him. The older pilot rested a hand on Jake’s shoulder as he listened to you crying softly when Phoenix drove you to the hospital. Sloane hadn’t moved in a while, but he did his best to assure you everything would be okay.
Jake’s phone was about to die, and he had to hang up while you waited to be seen. Rooster left to retrieve a power bank and charging cord, leaving Jake with Mav. “Are you alright, kid?” he asked.
“Not really,” Jake admitted, clutching his phone tightly and feeling how warm it was.
“Your dad’s - ”
“Dead to me.” Nodding, Mav stretched out in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach. The silence stretched for a long time before he cleared his throat.
“My dad was an aviator. Shot down in Vietnam. And my mom… well,” he huffed, smiling without humor. “She picked some real winners after he died. One of the worst, though… he’d get drunk and knock her around. I was too young to do much about it, and she told me to stay out of the way because I was making it worse.”
When Jake glanced at Mav, the other man was staring up at the ceiling, expression tense. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. Unfortunately, he stuck around. And no matter how much I tried to tell Mom he needed to go, she wouldn’t listen. And when I turned 18, he kicked me out of the house. A couple of my friends' parents let me stay with them until I graduated high school, and they helped me figure things out when I was turned down from the Academy. She ended up staying with him right up until he dropped dead of a heart attack. Couldn’t’ve happened to a better person,” he chuckled darkly. “Didn’t really have a family until Goose, Carole, and Bradley.”
“So you’re sayin’ I can’t help my mama until Mark drops dead?”
“I’m saying that you can’t help someone who doesn’t want help, Jake.” Their eyes met, and Mav could see the argument in the younger man’s eyes. “You’ve got a wife and a kid on the way to think about now. All you can do is be there whenever your mom needs help, but you need to focus on your family.”
Jake was saved from replying when the door opened, and Rooster walked back in, kicking the door closed behind him. After handing him the power bank, he glanced at Mav before twisting off a beer bottle cap. “You don’t see shit, Captain.” Jake raised an eyebrow, accepting the room-temperature beer.
Smirking, Mav held up his hands. “Not gonna question how you got contraband alcohol outside of beer day.”
“Good,” Rooster smirked back, handing his godfather his bottle before collapsing into the chair on Jake’s other side. Resting his beer on his stomach, he sighed. “You got everything set up for liberty, Hangman?”
“Plane tickets and hotel are booked. Don’t have many other plans for when she gets there… if she gets there.”
“She will,” Mav assured him. “You been to Yokosuka before?”
“Not in a couple years. Her family was stationed outside Tokyo for a few years when she was a kid, so she’s excited to come back for a little while.”
“Any suggestions on shit to do?” Rooster asked, peeling the label from his bottle. While Jake knew they were trying to distract him, he couldn’t help but feel thankful for it as he watched his phone battery level rise. Finally, you texted that you were being brought back to an exam room.
When Jake put his phone on speaker, he bit the inside of his cheek when he heard Sloane’s strong heartbeat. “Everything looks good,” the PA said. “Baby’s heartbeat sounds good; Mom’s blood pressure is slightly elevated but is headed back to normal range.”
“They’re both okay?” Jake asked, wishing the internet signal in the classroom was strong enough to do a video call.
“Yes. Just watch the stress levels and take it easy for a bit.” After you agreed to do that, Jake reluctantly hung up after promising a video call tomorrow.
Later, Jake stood in the shower, his head tilted back so the spray hit his face and washed away his tears. He could hear Rooster and Fritz talking in the room and knew that they would soon be headed to the mess for dinner. He’d decided against going with them, needing some time alone.
Two knocks on the bathroom door let him know they were leaving and the room was empty. He waited another minute before getting out, quickly dressed in basketball shorts, and retreated to his bunk.
Lina had called, probably in response to the text he’d sent before showering. But he didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. He’d made it clear to his mama and sister - he was done with Mark. If he so much as looked at his wife or kid, Jake would end him. He was not going to stand for raising a hand to his wife. And if they wanted anything to do with Jake or his family, they wouldn’t mention Mark or bring him anywhere near them. If they did, they would be just as dead to Jake as Mark was.
Ignoring Lina's text demanding a call, Jake retrieved his laptop and pulled up your flight itinerary. With a few clicks, he upgraded your tickets to Japan and back home. He knew you wouldn’t be happy to see the price on the next credit card statement, but it didn’t matter. He would deal with your upset if it meant that you were comfortable while flying.
Two weeks, Jake thought, setting aside his laptop and turning in his small bunk. Two weeks until he could stretch out on a proper bed with his wife by his side. Two weeks until he could feel his daughter move.
Two weeks until he had the only family that mattered.
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Author's Note: Not technically a chapter, but including the tag list because this provides a lot of backstory for Jake. And I am definitely in agreement with the comparison of Hangman being Mav, and Rooster being Ice.
Tag list: @mamachasesmayhem; @memeorydotcom; @alldaysdreamers; @kmc1989; @djs8891; @caitsymichelle13; @dempy; @midnightmagpiemama; @lovelyladymayyyy; @caidi-paris; @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby; @bellaireland1981; @lethargicluv; @tenderclio; @lucypaulette; @abaker74; @trhett21; @misshoneypaper; @schreksdoubledeckerhomechecker; @eternallyvenus; @mavrellover91; @chloeforde; @thatbitcily; @rest-of-brazilian-wax; @percysaidnever; @harperdoodle; @hardballoonlove; @maeleeme; @emma8895eb; @xoxabs88xox; @queenslandlover-93; @memoriesat30; @queerqueenlynn; @capswife; @regsg18; @boisewaffles; @fudge13; @starkleila
#hangman seresin x reader#jake seresin x reader#top gun fic#top gun maverick#jake seresin#Hangman top gun#soft!Jake Seresin#hangman smut#hangman fic#D-Day fic#jake hangman seresin
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birdie!! my beloved, my light, my sweet!! <33
thinking about these and thinking about the beach scene. firstly because he looks fucking incredible and so delicious, but secondly, i can’t help but think about lying on his chest or being curled up into his side later that evening on the beach.
when you all play dog fight football and you watch from the side, you watch jake run around and tackle people to the ground, screaming and yelling with all the testosterone he can muster. but you know a far softer side to jake. one that after they’re finished playing, he’ll come running up to you and swoop you up into his strong arms and seek your approval like a little kid.
“did you see me out there baby? wasn’t i amazing?” he asks with his infamous grin and sunglasses sliding down his nose. when the high fades from dog fighting, he’s placing you back down on the ground and dotting all over you. “you okay? you need some more water? sunscreen? let me put some on you anyway. have you eaten? let’s go get something.”
he loves you and he truly cares about you and he’s not afraid to show it off or get all sappy on you, the rest of the team be damned.
in the evening you’re pressed up into his chest wearing one of his old button up shirts, while you all sit around the fire and continue drinking your beers and laughing about dumb manoeuvres everyone’s pulled. you’re mindlessly playing with his class ring and feeling the deep rumble of his chest when he laughs at something javy said.
every so often he leans down to your ear and asks you softly, “you okay?” giving your hand and hip a reassuring squeeze. if it gets really cold, you’re wearing his hoodie that smells just like him. you’re already wrapped up in his arms, but you just feel so safe, so protected. like nothing could hurt you or will ever hurt you again.
SEB. AHHH. Just dropping this one like this in the night?? I can’t stop looking
Of course you go watch him and his friends play dogfight football. Of course you offer to rub in his sunscreen. Watching him drip sweat and exude testosterone from a towel in the beach with a cold drink is the perfect afternoon activity. When they call it quits he jogs towards you with a big smirk on his lips as you stand up and he sees you in your swimsuit. Next thing you know he’s picking you and spinning you around. The both of you laughing.
“Did you see me out there baby?” Of course you did! How could you not stare at your attractive boyfriend running on the beach. Chest on display. But his self centered ness and need of approval from you stops there and. He shifts his entire attention on you. “You look so good in this suit baby. Mm your sunscreen smells so good. Roosters havin a bonfire tonight if your up to going”
Your plopped in his lap. Leaning against his chest as his arm is around you. Phoenix has already snapped some photos of him snuggling up to you. He’s just so in love with you and it really shows. The team welcomes the softer image of Jake that you bring out. He absolutely adores you and loves seeing you I. His button ups or sweaters looking all cozy and soft. Your touch comforts him and he’s gonna hold you close until you don’t want him to anymore. He just wants to make sure you feel safe and comfortable around his friends and teammates. He knows he can be a lot sometimes but you bring the best version of himself out, even in the still intimate moments.
#I AM SO SOFT#FUCK#AHHHH#THIS IS ALL I WANT IN MY LIFE#thank you for this wonderful thought#i love you so much#hangman x reader#top gun maverick#jake hangman seresin#jake seresin x reader#my writing#jake seresin#jake hangman seresin x reader#jake seresin headcanon#jake seresin fluff#hangman headcanons#hangman fanfiction#hangman fluff
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[Coyote is trying to pry more information about Hangman and Rooster from Phoenix]
Coyote: Come on, Phoenix!!
Phoenix: Coyote, I told you everything I knew last night! Look, it's not that big of a deal, so Hangman and Rooster are doing it.
Coyote: I can't believe you would say that!
Phoenix: Sorry. Hangman and Rooster are...
Phoenix: *doing air quotes* ..."making love".
Coyote: No! I mean, come on! This is a huge deal!
Coyote: *sitting on the couch* Fine, I want...I need more details, who-who initiated the first kiss?
Phoenix: *thinking*...I don't know.
Coyote: Is Rooster romantic with Jake?
Phoenix: I don't know.
Coyote: Are they in love?
Phoenix: *thinking* I don't know.
Coyote: You don't know anything.
Phoenix: Ohh, I know one thing!
Coyote: What?
Phoenix: *pointing to where Coyote's sitting* They did it right there on the couch.
Coyote: *jumps up quickly*
Phoenix: *grins*
#headcanon that coyote is soft and phoenix hard-boiled#javy is the best friend jake could ever ask for#hangster#phoenix and coyote#incorrect quotes#source: friends#sereshaw#Hangaroo#bradley rooster bradshaw#jake hangman seresin#javy coyote machado#natasha phoenix trace#rooster#hangman#coyote#phoenix#hangman x rooster#rooster x hangman#bradley bradshaw x jake seresin#jake seresin x bradley bradshaw#top gun: maverick#tgm#top gun#roohang#rooshang#jake seresin#natasha trace#bradley bradshaw#javy machado#incorrect tgm
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Alright here me out!
Soft cuddly Jake, like he had a long day of training and he is completely exhausted, mentally, physically.
So you make him his favorite for dinner, after a hot shower you both just curl up in bed. Jake’s favorite place to be, is having his head resting on your boobs. Your fingers gently running through his soft hair, you reading your book quietly to him. Him whining when you stop running your fingers through his hair.
Just soft and adorable Jake.
SOFT JAKE 🥹🥹🥹
he texts you “ready to come home,” around midday and you know it’s just been bad today. you’re finishing up dinner when comes through the door. he immediately wraps his arms around your waist and sags into you, some of the tension already releasing from his body.
“dinner’s almost ready, hon. go wash up and i’ll set the table,” he places a kiss to your cheek before going to wash up and change. you talk about your day while he listens, chiming in here and there. jake likes hearing all of the office gossip.
you shower together, washing each other off. jake nearly melts into you when you wash his hair. you help each other dry off, knocking your hips into each other as you brush your teeth.
“read to me?” jake asks, looking up with puppy dog eyes, before nestling into your chest. he’s almost asleep ten pages in and you take your hand out of his hair to readjust. he just lets out the smallest whiny sound when you stop.
“don’t stop, please,” he says into your chest. as you continue reading and playing with his hair, his breathing becomes labored and you eventually fall asleep yourself.
jake is so thankful to have someone like you that helps him forget and relax after the rough days.
#SOFT JAKE SOFT JAKE SOFT JAKE#asks#bluearchersstuff#jake seresin#hangman#jake seresin x reader#hangman x reader#jake seresin fluff
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Thinking about Bradley having a rough day at work because of *insert reason here* so Jake comes home with flowers and a bottle of Bradley’s favorite wine to cheer his husband up. Bradley gets teary eyed because his whole day has been shitty, but here comes his husband, swooping in and saving the day with wine, flowers, a much needed hug, and a steady supply of forehead kisses for the rest of the night. He’s the luckiest man alive to call Jake his own.
#feeling very soft for them right now#but what else is new?#i love them so much#married hangster#married hangster my beloved#sereshaw#hangster#bradley rooster bradshaw#jake hangman seresin#top gun maverick
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bradley is the type of soon-to-be dad that sleeps through most of the contractions until it’s time for you to push
jake is the type of soon-to-be dad who complains about the food and will smuggle in snacks for you
bob is the type of soon-to-be dad who hovers the whole time and never leaves your side.
#bradley bradshaw#jake seresin#bob floyd#rooster#hangman#bob#soft thoughts with g#pls send me soft thougbts im ovulating and wanting
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