I'm going to start doing imagines, one shots and ships. If you want one just message me and get them done as soon as possible. Masterlist 1. Masterlist 2. Masterlist 3. I'm 26.
Ok so I decided to make a update schedule. The schedule doesn't necessarily mean I'll be updating everyday but it means that certain stories will be updated on certain days. Because if I try to push out updates every day I'm going to get burned out very quickly. Anyways let me show you the schedule.
Sunday's update: Can't we be seventeen or It's in his DNA or Where is the real me
Monday's update: The hunter and the dauntless leader or too young too dumb to know things like love or Cause there is no guarantee that this life is easy
Tuesday's update: I tried to be where you are or I need a gangsta to love me better or Don't you worry child
Wednesday's update: Give me a sign or He is not one of us or If only I knew what my heart was telling me
Thursday's update: The devil within or You can't wake up this is not a dream or Hold on to me cause I'm a little unsteady
Friday's update: Can you hear me screaming please don't leave me or I'm not afraid anymore or You will be found
Saturday's update: You should be scared of me or and I will pick you up when your whole world shatters or How can we rewrite the stars
Stories that are on hold: Echos of the shots ring out
Updates whenever: My thoughts will echo your name and never wanted you to hate me
Since Stephen King is confirmed to exist in the bluey universe that also technically means so does cannibalism and the donner party. In you didn't know in the episode grannymoblie Stephen King's book cujo is seen.
Can you know who stop popping back up. I'm not necessarily blaming him for this but literally almost every episode he's been in I've gotten sick or not felt so great. If it was a one time thing I wouldn't say anything but it's just about every episode. I literally almost always get a stomach bug. But I'm saying it's sus timing.
Pairing: Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x OFC Samantha Kazansky, OMC Captain Bodhi 'Sunshine' Denson x OFC Samantha Kazansky
Rating: Explicit (MDNI!)
Warnings: All kinds in this one! We've got heavy alcohol comsumption, SMUT, protected!piv, typical fighter pilot violence, AN ACTUAL FIGHT with blood and punching (and one cheap shot) mentions of death and cancer treatment
A/N: This one is gonna hurt. And it's not Jake this time. (Well maybe a tiny bit)I told y'all Bodhi was important. This is all flashbacks but they're super important and it's kind of wrapping up some plot points and connecting some things. As always, comments, likes, reblogs are most appreciated! Check out the other two parts of this story by heading over the the Masterlist for Twisters/TopGun Crossover!
Sam never thought she'd see Bodhi again after that night, but she did. A couple of weeks later, it was spring break, and she'd come home, and to the realization that her father might not make it to her graduation. He was currently undergoing a round of chemotherapy, which seemed to be helping significantly. So, they wanted to keep it up until he was at a comfortable place, but there was no way he could get on a plane in his condition, with his destroyed immune system.
Sam went to a bar that night, not even one she knew, and had too many drinks. She was about to text her mother to come get her, which was the most embarrassing thing ever, when she felt a hand at her back. It equally startled and comforted her.
“Samantha.” It was Bodhi. His smile was warm and inviting and Sam nearly fell into him. She giggled and he took a hold of her, steadying her.
“Too much to drink again, honey?” He mused.
“Hi Sunshine, what brings you here?” Sam hadn't put together just how drunk she was until she heard herself slur her words. This was bad.
“Well, sweet girl, I think I might be here to save you from yourself.” Bodhi said, as he guided her away from the bar and threw some cash toward the bartender. He gave him a thumbs up and shooed them away. An easy smile crossed Bodhi’s lips as he helped her onto the sidewalk. “I’ll drive you home, honey.”
He ushered her carefully to his truck and the whole way, Sam was laughing and telling him how sick her father was, how good she was doing in school, and how terribly sad she was that her father was probably going to miss her graduation.
“I’m sure he’ll figure a way to get there. If I know anythin’ about Iceman, it’s that he’s always reliable.” Bodhi said, as they got to his truck. Sam turned in his arms, letting her lips fall toward his. It shocked him and then he eased her away for a moment.
“Honey...not like this. You’re way too drunk.” He said softly, running a hand over her cheek. There was a sadness in her eyes that he hated to see there. He wanted to make it better but he knew he couldn’t do a damn thing.
“Take me to your place.” She slurred and Bodhi sighed. His place was closer. He helped her up into the truck and then drove. Back to his tiny studio apartment. It was the third floor, and had a great view of the ocean. Bodhi helped Sam up the stairs, careful to not let her trip. Once they were inside, he settled her on the couch.
“Can I see your phone? I'll text whoever you need me to.” He said and Sam very willingly handed her phone over.
“Just text my mom and tell her I went home with Nat. She'll know who that is.” Sam said, laying down on her side. She coughed and heaved, causing Bodhi’s eyes to widen and run to the kitchen. He grabbed a large pot, figuring if she was going to throw up, at least she could have something to catch it in. He was in for a rough night. He sent a text to her mother.
Sam: staying at Nat’s tonight
It took a few minutes but her mother responded with no more than an ‘okay’ and that was enough acknowledgement for Bodhi. He gave Sam her phone back, and then he sat down next to her. She smirked and sat up, reaching for him.
“Ohhh Sunshine...Sunshiiiine.” She chimed, making him chuckle. He shook his head as she latched onto him and leaned in to kiss him.
“Honey, we can't.” He said softly, running his knuckles over her cheek as her mouth connected with his messily. He allowed the kiss but when she let her fingers drift down to his belt, he stopped her.
“Sweet girl...if you really want me that bad, you can have me in the mornin’ when you’re not drunk. I ain’t takin’ you like this.” He pulled her against him and she struggled for a moment, clawing at his shirt. She just wanted to have sex. Meaningless sex, and he wasn’t having it, and she wasn’t understanding why through the shroud of alcohol, but she’d come to her senses in the morning.
She fell asleep sprawled on top of him.
Halfway through the night, she woke up, puking in the bucket, which then woke Bodhi up. He took her to the bathroom and held her hair as she vomited several more times. He wiped her mouth and chin off. He helped her out of the pretty dress she had been in and into one of his old t-shirts. He got her water and brought her to his bed and tucked her under the covers. He dumped the bucket in the toilet and then washed it out and placed it by the side of the bed. He climbed under the covers next to her and rubbed her back until she fell asleep again.
When the sun shone through the windows in the morning, Sam had a ripping headache and her throat hurt. She rolled to face the handsome pilot. He did not stir, only breathed softly next to her, an arm draped over her. She was dizzy and she decided to crawl out of bed and find the bathroom. The studio was small, so that wasn’t hard.
After she found some mouthwash and took a quick shower, she headed back to the bedroom, where Bodhi was still asleep. She cuddled up to him under the covers and after a little while, he awoke. He shifted and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
“You’re not burning up anymore.” He whispered and she cocked a brow.
“What do you mean?” She asked, her voice raspy.
“You were so drunk. You were pouring sweat in your sleep. I had put a cool cloth over your forehead to help.” Bodhi explained as his arms came to wrap around her.
“Did we...” She asked, and Bodhi, seeing the worry in her eyes, comfortingly rubbed her back.
“No honey. I wouldn't do that to you.” He said softly, bringing tears to Sam's eyes. She tentatively stretched towards him and he closed the rest of the distance to kiss her.
“Like I said last night, if you still feel the same, you can have me now, since you're not drunk anymore.” He mused, his voice taking on a slightly husky quality whether he meant it no or not. It sent a jolt straight through her core, her abs tightening with the thought of him inside her again. She did want him. She wanted his musky, mature scent caging her in on all sides. His muscular, lean body protecting her, and moving against her. She wanted his breath heavy in her ears, whispering sweet nothings to linger in the space between them.
“Oh Captain...my Captain.” She sighed, pulling him in for a torrid kiss that set both their bodies ablaze. Bodhi climbed over her, fumbling in his bedside table for a condom. He was quick to roll it on, slow to slide inside of her, and even slower to fuck her. She whimpered beneath him, her nails grazing over his chest, rapidly pressing him toward a point of no return.
It was not long before she sighed, his callsign slipping from her mouth, which in turn sent Bodhi over the edge. And as they fell asleep, Bodhi whispered ‘think I might love you a little bit, honey’ without realizing it.
That was the last time Sam would ever be that drunk again. However it was not the last time she would see Bodhi. In fact, she would see him several more times. They would have ‘meaningless sex’ several more times. Sam kept telling him ‘can’t have feelings’ and ‘can’t keep doing this’ but she kept going back for more. Bodhi treated her all the same though.
His lingering touches when they were together, his gentle presence beside her, made her feel protected. Even though the feelings weren’t reciprocated in the moment, Sam could maybe admit there was something there, between them. To Bodhi, it was all the same. Whether she loved him or not, he treated her the way a man should treat a woman. With respect. With reverence. And he showed her what she could have, if she would just let her guard down. If she would just let him in. If it had been another time, another place, maybe it could’ve worked. But all he hoped for was that in time, she would find the right man, and she could shake off her armor and let him in.
And then, Bodhi’s jet would have mechanical failure and he would go down somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. The funeral was quiet, some of his squadron and Samantha, Maverick, and her father. That was when she realized just how little Bodhi mattered to anyone. But he’d been important to Sam.
And Samantha would realize that she should’ve loved him. She should’ve given him more of herself. She should’ve stopped telling him she didn’t have feelings for him, because she had. She should’ve admitted to him and herself the feelings that she had, because they were more than just liking him. She had loved Bodhi, just too little and too late.
So when she sat at the Hard Deck that evening, and Jake Seresin made his intentions very clear right then and there, she decided to give him a chance. She gave him the chance that she didn’t give Bodhi. For the memory of Bodhi, for her Sunshine, she would love Jake Seresin in all the ways she wouldn’t let herself love Bodhi. It was what he would’ve wanted. If it wasn’t going to be him, Bodhi would’ve wanted her to find someone to love and to heal. In some ways, she thought maybe Bodhi had sent Jake to her. Maybe she saw just a little of Bodhi in Jake.
🛩⚓️🛩
Several months before the incident between Sam and Rooster...
“Delta One inbound. Missiles locked. Standing by for go.” Jake said through the comms.
“Delta Two on your left. Weapons envelope. Missiles locked. Defer to Delta One.” Austin said, his gaze shooting toward Jake’s jet.
Austin Arin, callsign ‘Pope’, had been Jake’s wingman for a while now and the two had a great bond. Jake, who was hesitant to trust anyone other than himself, trusted Austin implicitly. They’d been sent overseas, somewhere in the Pacific for a mission. A strike on a carrier connected to nefarious sources in the Middle East that was prohibiting supplies from being brought into the ports closest to where US bases resupplied from.
It was going to be a dogfight. Jake knew that. Austin knew that. And it was as if Bradley didn’t. Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw was flying as a third, behind Austin. It was the first time Rooster was flying a dual F-18. For Charlie, his backseater, this was the first time they’d flown together. It had been a last minute decision from the boat, having had two pilots come down with illnesses unrelated to each other. One pilot was headed home and the other was manageable on the boat, but there was no way he’d be flying this mission.
“Delta Three Weapons Locked. Defer to Delta One.” Rooster said and the boot acknowledged all three planes.
“Delta you are a go for attack. Fire at will.” The Commander said and Jake punched it, heading toward the battle zone in the air. There were several enemy fighters.
“Bandit on your nose Delta Two. Evade!” Jake said, successfully warning Austin, who dove out of the way. Rooster followed and Jake took out one bandit, Austin taking out the other. There was one more, but it seemed to skip in and out of radar. It came up behind them and Rooster evaded. Their goal was to destroy the carrier deck of the enemy boat so they couldn’t launch any more planes.
As they got closer, more fighters were launched in quick succession. Jake, Austin, and Bradley called for back up and their commander sent another team out.
“Delta Three head to target we’ve got this.” Jake said, with Austin posting up beside him, their wing tips close. They glanced over at each other and saluted then dipped away from each other. Rooster flew toward the enemy carrier evading several bandits as he went. He fired a missile, blowing a huge hole in the deck of the carrier. It wasn’t enough though, because as soon as his second volley of missiles was launched, they catapulted what looked to be some of the last of their fighters.
Austin was taking out planes left and right. Jake would slide in at the last second and distract them while Austin dove down below them or above them and fired. The other team had arrived in time to help get rid of the majority of the bandits, but as Austin got out of Jake’s range, it was now on Rooster to help him.
“All Deltas flow to carrier. Target is destroyed.” There was cheering that could be heard over the comms, and everyone complied. The spare team headed back first and successfully landed on the carrier one by one. Then Jake touched down and just as he was about to exit his jet, there was chatter over the radios.
“Delta Two defending! I need help! Delta Three where are you!” He heard Austin’s voice over the radio and his heart stopped. He saw flares and only saw one jet but as he looked closer, there was another jet behind Austin.
“On my way Delta Two, Still five miles out. Evade!” Bradley said and Jake’s heart sank.
“Delta Three where the fuck are you! Get here now!”
“Delta Three! Delta!”
Static.
Then silence.
Jake looked up in the distance just in time to see the explosion before anyone heard it. In a ball of fire and smoke, Austin ‘Pope’ Arin died for his country. Jake watched as Delta Four launched and took out the bandit, just as Rooster showed up. Both jets landed a few moments later and as soon as Bradley stepped down from the ladder, Jake was on him.
“WHERE THE FUCK WHERE YOU?” Jake yelled, pushing Bradley. He fell to the ground and got right back up, grabbing Jake’s flight suit and pushing him against the ladder.
“I was on my fucking way! We had an engine issue and I couldn’t push the jet!”
“THAT’S BULLSHIT ROOSTER. YOU FUCKIN’ KILLED MY WINGMAN CAUSE YOU JUST PERCHED ON THAT GODDAMN TRIGGER. YOU WERE LATE. YOU’RE ALWAYS FASHIONABLY LATE!” Jake’s rage could not be contained and he jumped toward Rooster, his hand connecting with the other man’s face hard enough to draw blood. Rooster drew back and got a few punches in before Jake had him on the ground again. He kicked Rooster in the ribs and then pulled him up by his collar and threw him against the nose of the nearest jet. Rooster wobbled as he stood, landing one more good punch to Jake’s gut, but it was Jake who landed the knockout blow. He hit Rooster square in the jaw and Roos saw stars and fell to the ground, blood dripping from his mouth and nose.
“I swear to fuckin’ god, Rooster, the court martial is worth it. You killed my best friend, you ignorant fuck. You’d better stay the fuck outta my way from now the fuck on.” Jake’s voice had evened out. It was almost calm as he wiped the blood from his own mouth. He rubbed his stomach and groaned as he headed toward medical.
No one helped Rooster up immediately. Because they sort of knew Jake was right. Bradley had gotten there too late and left Austin open without help. Jake had every right to do what he did. And Rooster was the only one who thought otherwise.
Back home, Austin’s funeral was hard for Jake. He met Austin’s mother, giving her the folded flag. He punched his wings into his best friend’s casket. Jake was given a service medal. He didn’t want it though. He didn’t feel like he deserved it.
🛩⚓️🛩
Samantha needed to talk to someone. She found herself driving to the cemetery. Her legs carried her down the rows to the small stone set in the ground, where there was no body buried. They’d never found him.
She knelt down and placed her fingers over the cold stone, tracing the words etched there.
“Sunshine...Sunshiiine...” She sung softly, tears stinging her eyes. “I should’ve loved you better. But I know you’d be happy to see me with Jake. If I could ask one more thing of you...please protect him and bring him back to me...”
A gentle breeze blew, caressing Sam’s cheek and she let her eyes flutter shut. She swore for a moment that the scent of Bodhi’s cologne, a musky, woody warmth, floating to her nostrils, as if his spirit accepted her request. The breeze rustled the leaves above and a few fell, one landing on top of Sam’s hand.
“Thank you for sending me Jake. I know it was you. It was your last act of service. Rest well knowing he’ll take care of me just like you would’ve. I loved you, Bodhi. I always will.” She kissed her fingertips and then touched the stone. She took the leaf that had fallen and placed it on the dashboard when she got into her father’s truck. She wiped the tears from her cheeks, and glanced back at the dogs sleeping in the back seat. Only Rocco stirred, giving a small whine and a wag of his tail.
She then drove back to Jake’s, laid back in his bed, and waited for a miracle.
Pairing: Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x OFC Samantha Kazansky
Rating: Explicit (MDNI!)
Warnings: Fully fleshed out emotional trauma, Mentions of Dubious Consent, a certain R word, and Jake's capture/torture
A/N: I have no effing idea where this chapter came from but its damn heavy and it needed to be here. There's a shitload of trauma dumping here between Sam and Jake, with mentions of dubious consent (not by Jake, though he does say a certain word that begins with R) and he begins to unpack his capture. I know I've made Rooster the villain here, but I PROMISE he will get redemption at some point. Just not right now. Also I know I'm skipping a lot of time but the next thing coming up is going to be the Navy Ball and then the first chapter of the crossover so I had to. I will still be writing chapters for Delicate and Lightning concurrently with the 3rd part too so just be aware of that! As always, likes, comments, reblogs are the most appreciated. Thank y'all for showing this story as much love as you have.
This was wild to write but I loved every fucking second of it.
Jake decided the best place to meet Maverick would be on base. It would be the first time he was stepping on base since the mission. He’d also decided that he needed to try to do this without Sam, so while he really wasn’t supposed to be driving, he promised he’d be careful, and went alone. He needed to do something by himself. It wasn’t that he didn’t want Sam to help him, but it was a matter of his own pride, his own ego, that needed a boost. Sam would wait with bubbling anxiety until he got home.
He pulled into the base parking lot and hopped out of his truck. It felt good to drive his own vehicle. He had begun his physical therapy, but he still had to wear the sling during the day. He’d felt much better about his body within the first appointment. He had been extremely sore the next day, but he appreciated the soreness. It meant he was getting better.
As he walked toward the main building, he noticed Nat leaving. She smiled at him and approached.
“Hi, Jake. How are you feeling?” She asked, pulling him into a hug. He accepted warmly and hugged her back.
“I’m okay. Just trying to get better. I’m here to see Mav. I wanna talk with him about Rooster.” Jake said and Nat nodded.
“Sam told me what happened. Rooster is pretty broken up about it. He didn’t mean to scare her. He wanted to talk to you when he got back.” Nat explained and Jake tilted his head.
“Where’d he go?” He asked and Nat’s brows furrowed.
“You didn’t hear? He asked to go back to Virginia. He’s deployed on a short mission.” She said and Jake took a breath in disbelief. He pursed his lips and then smiled at Nat, patting her on the shoulder before returning his hands to his pockets.
“Good to see you, Nat.” He said as they parted ways. He continued into the building, and headed to Cyclone’s office first. He knocked on the door and heard Cyclone’s voice say ‘come in’. Jake entered and found Maverick and Warlock there as well.
“Lieutenant. Have a seat. Good to see you.” Cyclone said, and Jake did exactly that. He pulled a chair from across the room and sat diagonally to Maverick. He folded his arms across his lap. “You’re out of your sling?”
“Just for a few hours during the day and to sleep. I’m supposed to put it back on if my shoulder starts to hurt or feel fatigued, per the doctor. I don’t particularly want to put it back on at all, but Sam is keeping me honest, so we’re rotating how long it stays on.” Jake explained and all three of the other men smiled wide, knowing all too well that Jake was being a stubborn patient, and they weren't the least bit surprised by it either.
“So, you wanted to discuss Rooster? We were just talking about him coming back after his current deployment.” Maverick said, cutting right to the chase.
“Yeah. I didn’t realize he’d requested another deployment so soon.” Jake said and Mav swallowed hard.
“He’s running away from his problems, as usual.” He said and Jake’s brows furrowed. Maverick continued. “He’s pretty fairly broken up about Samantha. He’s always been in love with her. They met when they were teenagers, just through Ice and I being friends and wingmen. Bradley was less bitter about his dad then too. And then his mom passed and I pulled his papers. That pissed him off and when he finally graduated, he tried to be as far away from me as he could so Oceana base was where he settled. A few years ago, Ice and I ended up needing to attend a funeral for a friend and fellow pilot down there, and Sam had come down to visit her dad from college in that same week. While Ice, our friends, and I were out reminiscing, Bradley was trying to romance Sam. It worked for about two days and then Sam headed back home and the next time she saw Bradley, it was like nothing had ever happened. You can imagine how much that pissed Bradley off.” Maverick explained and Jake stayed silent as he disgusted everything that he’d been told. Sam had told him some of this but not all of it.
“Sam can be harsh, especially if a guy is being a jerk. It doesn’t come from a place of entitlement either. She wants respect. She demands it. But I think guys see all that she gets, and don’t get me wrong she’s worked her ass off to get where she is in her job, but I don’t know how many pilots have found out that she’s Ice’s daughter and they just try to make a play at her because of it. She’s developed an armor over her heart because of that. I’m surprised she let you in, honestly. But the bigger issue with Rooster is he tried, and succeeded in getting a night with her so now he thinks he’s entitled to it again. He sees you and knows you’re getting everything that he thinks he deserves. What he doesn’t see is what I assume is all the work you put in to get her. And the way in which you went about it.” Maverick’s analysis was spot on to what Jake was thinking. He knew that Rooster was jealous because he had Sam’s heart. And when looking in from the outside, it didn’t seem like Jake had done much to get it, but he had. All the texting, sweet talking, buying her breakfast, lunch and dinners, and it helped immensely that Rocco immediately liked Jake.
“I want to try to iron things out with Rooster. I know it’s never going to be completely smooth sailing, but I’d like to coexist at the least without having to have Sam be stressed the fuck out every time he’s around. We’re all friends with the same pilots.” Jake said softly and Maverick reached over and squeezed his shoulder.
“Well, now you have some insight on Rooster. A lot of his problem is me and he and I are trying to work everything out, but it’s going to take time, like anything that needs fixing. You know that all too well. I can’t say fixing our relationship will fix everything between you and him and Sam, but I do think it’ll smooth some of the sharp edges that are there.” Maverick said and he smiled at Jake. “I’m sure when he comes back, he’ll have had enough time to think about things and he’ll come apologize. He always apologizes. He’s not all bad, he’s just in his head too much. But let him come to you. If you try to approach him, it’ll just make it worse.”
“Noted. Thank you for telling me. I just feel like he’s trying to compete with me and with Sam it’s not a game. At least I don’t see it that way. I haven’t ever been interested in settling down, but with her, I have this overwhelming need to do anything and everything for her. I feel like that’s more a life purpose than a game. I’ve played the game long enough. I tap out.” Jake explained and all three of the other men chuckled and nodded in agreement.
“I can see why your fellow pilots said you’ve grown outside of work as well. It’s funny when you figure out that you can fly not only for yourself, but someone else as well.” Cyclone added and Jake smiled. There was a comfortable silence that fell over the room then, and suddenly Jake felt like he’d grown up. He wasn’t the little kid in his bedroom playing with model planes and pretending he was flying a jet in the back yard with his brother. He wasn’t the kid who thought he was invincible driving fast down route 57 in Arkansas, racing his brother. He wasn’t the young man flirting in the bar after his first air to air kill with every pretty girl that came along. He wasn’t the man who unknowingly fell for the Fleet Commander’s daughter at first sight. In that moment, in that room, he’d become a man whose purpose was now to build a family with the woman he loved. He had something more than himself to live for.
While Jake was at the base, Warlock elected to show him the office that they had prepared for Jake when he was ready to come back to work. He and Sam were planning to go down to Oklahoma for Christmas, immediately after the Navy Birthday Ball, which was in a few weeks time. Jake was doing everything he could to be out of his sling by then because he was absolutely not accepting his Navy Cross in a fucking sling. After setting foot in his office, which was small, just enough room for the desk and the shelves that were there, as well as a couple chairs, he glanced out the window, which overlooked the taxiway. It was a nice view. Jake thanked Warlock and when he left, he stood for a few moments in the front lobby.
There was a memorial board of Iceman that people had tacked their favorite pictures on. There were old pictures of him and the pilots from his and Maverick’s squadron. There were pictures of him and pilots shaking his hand at their graduation from Top Gun and from the Naval Academy. And at the bottom, there was a picture that only one person could’ve put up. It was of Ice, Mav, Rooster, and Sam from that funeral. Just the four of them, but Jake’s brows furrowed at the way Rooster’s hand was wound tightly around Sam’s waist. Jake shook his head. He understood all too well why Rooster was so willing to help Sam when she needed it and to protect her when he thought she needed it. It wasn’t Sam’s fault for reciprocating the one time. Jake figured she’d thought it was okay to give him a chance, and she probably regretted it a hundred fold now, because it had backfired on her in such a spectacular way. She was probably kicking herself every now and again for letting Rooster in that one time.
Jake walked out to his truck and stopped for a moment, taking a heavy breath before climbing in. He didn’t want to know at first but now he needed to. He needed to ask Sam what happened between her and Rooster, because he was getting the feeling that something wasn’t lining up the way it should. Something about the whole thing wasn’t right.
Arriving at home, he found Sam comfortably napping on the couch, the dogs all around her. Of course, they had come to greet him at the door, but they’d immediately went right back to laying in the vicinity of Sam. Javy and Maisy were out again and he shot Javy a quick text, asking when they’d be back. A couple of hours had been his response. Jake went to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water and sat at the small island. He then heard the shaking of tags on collars and soft footsteps on the carpeted floor. Samantha appeared, yawning and stretching. She stepped behind Jake and wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her chin on his good shoulder, pressing her lips to his neck then.
“You came back in one piece.” She mused and he turned in his seat and pulled her between his legs.
“”I did. Hey...listen...I wanna talk about something.” Jake said, averting his eyes for a moment. This was going to kill him to ask.
“Sure, is everything okay?” She asked, placing her hands on either side of his neck. That was good. He could keep her close in case she got emotional. He was banking on it.
“I don’t know, you tell me.” He said, his tone with an accusatory edge that made Sam pull back. “I know I said I didn’t want to know, but now I need to. Tell me what happened with you and Roos all those years back, please.” He demanded and Sam’s eyes drifted shut for a moment before she took a shaky breath.
“I told you. We had sex. It was shit. I wasn’t interested in going further than the one night with him and that pissed him off.” Sam said, her gaze drawn down to Jake’s chest. Her fingers lingered on his neck but they stilled and Jake could tell she wasn’t telling him everything.
“Run me through that night.” He said, his tone softening significantly, reaching up to cup her cheeks with his hands. Her face contorted into a painful grimace and she bit her lip.
“Only if you tell me what happened when you got captured.” Sam said, hoping that he would give something up too. His lips thinned and he glanced away for a moment before his thumbs rubbed along her cheekbones.
“Okay. But...it’s going to scare you, so remember that you asked.” He whispered, poking his nose toward her. She met it with her own and her fingers clawed at his shirt.
“My story is going to make you want to kill Rooster, so...I guess we’ll be equal in some aspect.” Her eyes fluttered shut and she pulled away slightly with a heavy sigh. She leaned against one of his thighs and the side of the counter before beginning her story. “So...we’d gone to a funeral that afternoon for a friend of my dad’s. Then we all went to dinner that night and some of his friends stayed at the restaurant and some of them wanted to head to a bar. Rooster was all sorts of mad at Maverick and I was trying to be a good friend and went to the bar with him. We had some drinks, we danced, had some more drinks, and then he got a little handsy which I remember at the time I wasn’t having. And of course as Rooster does, he apologized, telling me he was just mad and he really needed a friend right now. I told him maybe we should go back to my room or his.”
Jake swallowed hard and his brows knitted. It was hard for him to hear, but it was because he loved Sam as much as he did. He couldn't stand the thought of another man having her, even though it had already happened, but as he understood Rooster more, he thought less of him as an enemy and he just felt plain sorry for him. Sam searched Jake’s face for a signal to continue then. She took the gentle caress of his fingers across her jawline as exactly that.
“Rooster and I went back to his apartment, which was just off base. It wasn’t terribly late and he asked if I wanted anything else to drink and I said sure. We were already pretty buzzed at that point so I remember him handing me a glass of tequila or whiskey, something like that, and saying what a terrible idea that was. We sat on his couch, drank, and listened to music. At some point he...decided that he wanted to kiss me. I...allowed it once...and then pushed him away. I told him he was being stupid. We sat there for a while and then he tried again, the same thing and I got kind of pissed at him because he just wasn’t getting it and obviously we were drunk so I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. I pushed him away and then he walked away. Of course I felt bad. I went looking for him and he’d gone into his room. I remember leaning against the door frame...and he stood up and I went to leave but he grabbed me. He kissed me and I tried to push him away...” Sam hadn’t realized that she had tears running down her cheeks and that was when Jake stopped her, his stare hard, his nostrils flared.
“Did he force you...did he...?” Jake couldn’t bring himself to say it, but Sam knew what he was asking.
“I let my pity for him get the better of me. He...kept pulling me toward the bed and I tried to stop but he kept telling me he just needed a friend right now’ and that I was ‘being such a good friend’ and I just didn’t understand what exactly was going on. I felt bad for him...so I just let it happen. We were so drunk, Jake...I just...didn’t know what to do...and I wanted to help him because we’d been friends for so long. I think I felt obligated...” Sam explained and Jake’s hands steadied her at the sides of her head.
“You should never feel like you need to do that. Even for me. Sam...he coerced you to have sex with him. That’s not something a friend does. That’s borderline...rape.” Jake said, his lips tight. His jaw tensed and he searched Sam’s eyes then, seeing in them understanding for what he was saying. She knew the whole exchange hadn’t felt right but she believed that Rooster wasn’t intentionally trying to hurt her. His basal instincts took over and he wanted connection, which for him, the only way he knew to do that was through sex, and Sam being drunk, was all too willing to give in that night. Sam became bubbly and overly nice when she was drunk. She hated that part of herself.
“That’s not how I thought of it...at least not at the time. We’ve never talked about it...Roos and I...” Sam sounded apologetic and Jake’s brows furrowed and his tone became edged with anger.
“Don’t you do that. Don’t you be sorry for him acting like a shitty friend. Don’t you ever feel sorry for that.” Jake growled and Sam took in a sharp breath at his words. “And you have every right to be an asshole to him. I get that you were both drunk but even then he shouldn’t have been begging to fuck you. If he was a good friend he should’ve respected you. He can’t even respect you now. I just needed to know how deep the disrespect runs because it’ll inform my interactions with him from now on. You won’t be alone with him ever again. That’s on me.”
“Are you mad?” She asked and Jake shook his head.
“No. I feel sorry for him. He’s so angry and conflicted inside because of his parents and Maverick.” Jake said. He pulled Sam into a hug and all he could do for Rooster was to forgive him. There was nothing that could be done. It wouldn’t help Sam for Jake to go and beat the shit out of Rooster. It wouldn’t help Jake to hang onto a grudge. Jake had his fair share of drunk hookups. Jake would probably want to hit Rooster the next time he saw him, but knowing that Sam was trusting Jake with an experience so raw softened that urge.
“I left in the morning. I felt like that said enough. Rooster and I never spoke about it again. I’ve never told anyone else about it, not even Nat. At least not the truth.” Sam said.
“And that’s the whole truth? You swear?” Jake asked and Sam nodded.
“I wouldn’t lie to you about something like that, Jake.” Sam said and she realized just how mature Jake was in that moment. Most guys would run off and try to kill someone that did something like that to their girl in the past. Jake was cool and calculating, sagacious in a way that she wasn’t expecting. She didn’t know why though, because she’d come to know that Jake was consistently this way. He was observant and watchful, and everything he did was planned, even if it didn’t look like it was on the outside. He thought a million ways to one how to make things work. His hands dropped down to her waist and then his eyes became apprehensive.
“I don’t know how much I can offer...but let me start with my nightmare the other night. You did so good telling me...so I want to give you something like you asked.” Jake said, tone unsteady. Sam leaned closer, her hips meeting his. He intertwined his fingers around her back and the sage of his eyes held distress as she watched his thoughts grow dark. There was a shroud that washed over him, his muscles tensing as he shared what he felt he could. “When I tell you the only goal they had in mind was to make me suffer, Samantha, I’m being serious. These men did not care whether I lived or died. I was starved. They withheld water as long as they could. They taunted me. And you know how I can’t help making a smartass remark, but there were things they said to me that made me stay quiet. I’ve never been so scared. The worst part was the pain. Not just from the broken bones, but my whole body ached from dehydration and starvation. And they had the ability to take that away, but they wouldn’t.”
“Jake, you don’t have to tell me anymore, right now. I get the gist of it. And I know you’re probably never going to want to tell me all of it.” Sam said softly. Jake brushed his cheek against her cheek.
“That’s the thing, Sam. I do wanna tell you. But I’m still sorting it all out in my head. I need you to know it all, but I’m fucking terrified to tell you, not because of what you’ll think, but because it scares me how much my love for you and my need to get back to you made me shatter myself to pieces. I would destroy every part of me to love you.” Jake murmured. Sam didn’t know what to say, only that she couldn’t put anything quite that eloquently, so she wasn’t even going to try. She couldn’t even begin to.
I was finishing up cleaning the kitchen when I heard my phone start to ring. I dried off my hands and picked it up to see it was dad. I smiled as I answered it. “Hi daddy.” I said. “Hey how are my girls?” Dad asked. “Well Minnie is napping. She just getting over the stomach bug.” I said. “Awe my poor little mouse.” Dad said. “Yeah she been just miserable but she finally started to feel better today.” I said. “Well looks like I’m coming home for awhile.” Dad said. “Really?” I asked. “Yeah they want me to be a teacher for some pilots for an up coming mission.” Dad said. “That great that your going to be home for awhile. Do you know how long?” I asked. “I don’t sweetie you’re have to go ask your godfather on that one.” Dad said. “When will you be home?” I asked. “I’m about to head that way now so probably sometime tonight.” Dad said. “Okay I won’t tell Minnie so you can surprise her. You should also know that Bradley is back from his deployment.” I said. “Thanks for the heads up sweetie.” Dad said. “You need to tell him eventually daddy. I know you never told me because you know I will tell him but please think about telling him soon for the both of us.” I said. Dad let out a sigh. “I know. I know sweetie I guess I’m just waiting for the right time.” Dad said. “When will be the right time daddy?” I asked. “I’ll figure it out I’ll see you girls soon. I love you two.” Dad said. “I know daddy we love you too see you soon.” I said and hung up. I let out a sigh as I grabbed my phone and went to watch some TV while I waited for Bradley to come by before he went to the Hard Deck.
I smiled to myself when I heard the sounds of his jeep pull up in the driveway and turned off. I got up from the couch and ran outside jumping into his arms. “Welcome home.” I said. “Good to be home now where’s my favorite little peanut.” Bradley said. I laughed a little as I playfully pushed. “Napping finally getting over a stomach bug.” I said. “Awe poor peanut.” Bradley said as we both walked inside the house. “I know you probably want to go wake her up but I need to tell you something first.” I said. “Uh oh are you pregnant again. If you are please tell me I’m getting a nephew this time.” Bradley said. “If I was I would hope it’s another girl just to make you suffer having to come to more tea parties. But no I’m not pregnant again I’m not even thinking about dating at the moment. My dad is coming home for a awhile to be a teacher for some mission. No he still hasn’t told me.” I said. I saw Bradley’s mood change. “Okay thanks for the heads up.” Bradley said. “Don’t tell Minnie that dad’s coming home I want it to be a surprise.” I said. “I won’t tell anything to little peanut.” Bradley said. “Thanks.” I said. Bradley nodded and went to Minnie’s room to wake her up. I sat on the couch when I heard minnie excitedly yelled. “Uncle Roo.” Minnie yelled. I laughed as I shook my head.
Bradley walked back into the living room carrying Minnie. “Mommy Uncle Roo is home!” Minnie yelled. “Little mouse inside voice remember.” I said. Minnie giggled as she nuzzled into her face into his neck. “Aw come on now she just missed her uncle roo.” Bradley said. “And she just got over the stomach bug and do you want her yelling possibly taking the chance that she might throw up on you.” I said smirking. “Listening to mommy for now little peanut no yelling inside.” Bradley said. “Aw.” Minnie said. “Okay now what does little mouse feel like for dinner?” I asked. “Anything?” Minnie asked. “Mommy did promise that once you were completely over your stomach bug you could have anything.” I said. “I want pizza.” Minnie said. “Will uncle roo be joining us?” I asked. “Please uncle roo.” Minnie said looking up at him. “Okay I’ll stay for dinner.” Bradley said. Minnie giggled again as I ordered the pizzas for us.
As we waited on the pizzas Minnie was talking Bradley’s ear off as she caught him up on everything that he missed since he left. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them. The three of us ate dinner together then Bradley had to leave. “Now I have to go see my other friends but I’ll come to see you soon okay little peanut.” Bradley said. “Promise?” Minnie asked. “Now have I ever lied to you.” Bradley said. Minnie shook her. Bradley kissed her on the cheek and gave me a hug. “I’ll see my favorite girls later.” Bradley said. “What are you going to say when you get a girlfriend.” I said laughing a little. “Well if she truly loves me then she’ll understand that it’s true.” Bradley said. “Oh now that’s going to be a tough ask.” I said. “What you know that it’s going to be the same when you find a boyfriend I’m your favorite guy and you know it.” Bradley said. “If that helps you sleep better at night.” I said laughing a little. “Oh I definitely didn’t miss this.” Bradley said. “Lair.” I said. Bradley laughed then left. “Come on little mouse it’s bath time.” I said. “But I don’t wanna.” Minnie said. “But you got to little mouse now come on go pick your jammies.” I said. Minnie nodded and rushed off to her room to pick out what pajamas she wanted to wear while I went to get her bath ready.
“Okay mommy I picked out my jammies.” Minnie said rushing into the bathroom. I smiled as I took them placing them on the counter. I undressed minnie and got her in the tub. I cleaned and washed her hair. “Mommy?” Minnie asked. “Yes little mouse.” I said. “When can we see pa-pa again?” Minnie asked. “You miss your pa-pa don’t you.” I said. Minnie nodded as she looked at me. “Soon little mouse I promise.” I said. “Okay mommy.” Minnie said. I finished up her bath as I picked her up out of the tub as I started to dry her off. As I was getting her in her jammies I heard dad’s motorcycle. “Is that pa-pa?” Minnie asked. “I don’t think so little mouse he would have told me if he was going to come to see his girls.” I said. Then I heard the door open then close. “Where are my girls at?” Dad asked. Minnie bolted out of the bathroom. “Pa-pa.” Minnie said as she ran into his arms. I laughed as I started to clean up the bathroom from Minnie’s bath. Once I was done I went back out to the living room to see Minnie doing to same to dad talking his ear off. “She happy now she got to see her two favorite people today.” I said sitting down on the couch next to dad. “There’s my other favorite princess.” Dad said and kissed my head. “Mommy can pa-pa read to me tonight please?” Minnie asked clinging to dad. “Yeah pa-pa can read to you tonight.” I said. “Can he come with us to the park tomorrow too?” Minnie asked. “Little mouse I got a class to teach for awhile because your grandpa frosty wanted me to. But I promise I will take you to the park while I’m home.” Dad said. “Okay pa-pa.” Minnie said snuggling into dad’s chest as she yawned. “Uh oh looks like a certain little mouse is getting tired.” Dad said “No I’m not.” Minnie said rubbing her eyes. “You are just like your mom when she was your age.” Dad said laughing a little bit. “I still do that now.” I said. “Well I’m going to go put our little mouse to bed.” Dad said getting up and taking Minnie to her room.
It was about thirty minutes later that he walked out of her room leaving it open just a bit then came to sit back down next to me. “So how’s my favorite girl been. Dating anyone?” Dad asked. “Bradley asked the same thing. No I haven’t started to date been busy with work and minnie.” I said. “How’s Ice been really I know you’re able to go see him more than I’ve been able to.” Dad said. “He’s gotten worse I always try to take minnie to see him once a week if he feels up to it.” I said. “He always did joke that she became one of the best medicines for him.” Dad said which made me smile a little. “He still does. He still tries to actually say it to her. Momma Sarah and I both tell him not to over work himself like that but he doesn’t listen to us.” I said. “Because it makes Minnie giggle her adorable little giggle and she feels like she is the best medicine for him.” Dad said. “It’s going to absolutely crush her when it does happen. Every time after we leave the first question she asks in the car is that was the last time she’s going to see her grandpa frosty.” I said. “Poor little mouse it will break her little heart.” Dad said. “Are you hoping to be home for awhile?” I asked. “I’m hoping it’s been too long since I’ve spent a decent amount of time with my girls.” Dad said. “I know minnie would love it to spend time with both you and Bradley.” I said. “I saw him when I was at the Hard Deck earlier.” Dad said. “You did?” I asked. Dad nodded. “I saw him but he didn’t see me. God he looks so much like goose.” Dad said. “I keep telling him to shave the mustache.” I said laughing a little which made dad laugh. “I’ve had a long day sweetie I’m going to go turn in for the night.” Dad said as he kissed my head getting up. “Night daddy.” I said. “I love you sweetie.” Dad said. “I love you too daddy.” I said and dad went to his room. I got up from the couch and turned off the lights in the living room as I went to take a bath. After my bath I got ready for bed myself.
I was woken up to Minnie jumping on my bed. “Mommy wake up! Wake up!” Minnie said happily. “Okay. Okay little mouse I’m up.” I said smiling as I sat up pulling her to me. “Can we go to the park now?” Minnie asked. “Not yet little mouse we still got the eat breakfast. I’m guess pa-pa already left.” I said. “Yeah pa-pa is gone I looked in his room.” Minnie said. “Alright let’s go have some breakfast then we’ll get dressed then I’ll take you to the park. What do you want for breakfast?” I asked. “I want waffle please.” Minnie said. “Okay come on lets go.” I said getting up from my bed and helping Minnie down. “Now do you want home made waffle or eggos?” I asked. “I want fruity pebbles waffles please mommy.” Minnie said looking up at me. “Okay let go little mouse.” I said taking her hand as we walked to the kitchen. I picked her help place her in her chair as I got her some juice and put some waffles in the toaster. “Thank you mommy.” Minnie said sipping on her juice. “You’re welcome little mouse.” I said and kissed her head. I went back over to the toaster when I heard the waffles pop up. I got a plate out and put them on it as I cut them up and made them just how Minnie likes them and I put some more in for me. I grabbed a fork and took it to Minnie. “Yay thank you mommy.” Minnie said as she started to happily eat. I smiled as I shook my head as I went to fix my breakfast.
After breakfast I helped Minnie picked out an outfit then brushed her hair as she brushed her teeth. “Okay can you be a good girl while mommy gets dressed and ready.” I said. “Can I go watch Bluey while I wait?” Minnie asked. “Yeah go watch bluey little mouse.” I said. Minnie ran to the living room giggling.
I spent about fifteen minutes getting ready. Then I went to the kitchen to get some snacks and some drinks for the two of us. I got them packed up. “Alright little mouse time to go put on your shoes please.” I said. “Okay mommy.” Minnie said turning off the tv and went to the front door and started to put on her shoes. I slipped mine on and opened the door. Minnie happily started to skipped out as I closed the door. “Mommy can I take my stuffie?” Minnie asked. “Your lucky I haven’t locked the door yet little mouse. Go get it.” I said opening the door again. Minnie rushed backed in the house and back out holding her favorite stuffed animal. I opened the back door of my car and helped Minnie in and got her in her car seat. I placed the bags in the back seat as I closed the door and got in the drivers seat getting buckled in and started my car. I played some music for Minnie then started to drive to her favorite park.
Once we got to the park I found a parking spot. I turned off my car unbuckled and got out going to help Minnie out grabbing the bags too. “Now when you go play mommy has to hold your stuffie so it you don’t get it dirty or another kid takes it okay.” I said as we started to walk to the playground. “Okay mommy.” Minnie said. I found a bench to sit down on as Minnie handed me her stuffie as she ran off to play. I put her stuffie in my bag as I watched her play.
Twenty minutes later Minnie came back over to me saying she was thirsty. I grabbed the bag of snacks and drinks pulling out a small bottle of water and gave it to her. She took a drink from it then handed it back to me rushing off to go back to play. She started to climb around on the jungle gym. “Little mouse careful.” I said to her. “I know mommy.” Minnie said. I made sure to keep a close eye on her while she was on the jungle gym. She was climbing down when she slipped and fell down. I ran over to her. She was crying and holding her arm. “Mommy my arm hurts.” Minnie said crying. “Let mommy look.” I said softly trying to gently grab her arm. “No! Mommy it hurts!” Minnie said protecting her arm. “Okay. Okay come on little mouse lets go to the hospital then to get your arm looked at.” I said softly helping her up. “I want pa-pa.” Minnie said as we walked back over to the bench to grab my stuff. “I promise I will take you to him after we get your arm looked at.” I said as we walked to the car. I carefully got her back in the car and in her car seat without touching her arm.
After spending hours in the ER trying to keep Minnie calm I finally pulled up to the building at the navy base that dad was in. Minnie was still sniffling. Poor little mouse broke her arm and was currently in a soft cast for a few days. They had to put her under for a bit to rebreak where it was broken to get align the bones better. I parked my car got out and went to get Minnie out. “Do you want mommy to carry you little mouse?” I asked. Minnie nodded still holding her stuffie. “Lets blow your nose first.” I said handing her a tissue. She blew her nose and threw the tissue away in the mini trash can I have in my car. Then she wrapped her arms around my neck as I picked her up and closed the car door as I walked inside. “Y/n.” I heard and saw uncle Beau. “Hey uncle Beau is it okay if we go see dad someone had a rough day and if she has to wait any long for cuddles from her pa-pa she will have another meltdown.” I said. “What happened to her?” Uncle Beau asked. “Slipped off the jungle gym at the park and broke her arm.” I said. “Yeah of course do you want me to take you two to the room he’s using?” Uncle Beau asked. “No it’s fine can you just let me know how to get there.” I said Uncle Beau nodded and told me how to get to dad’s classroom.
"I want pa-pa." Minnie said clinging to me finally stopped crying. "I know little mouse we're walking to his classroom right now." I said walking to dad's classroom. When I finally found it I knocked on the door not knowing if he class was over yet. "Come in." Dad said. I opened it and walked in to see his class wasn't over yet. "Oh sorry I thought you would be done by now dad." I said. "It's fine. What do we owe this visit." Dad said. "Well there was a little mishap when we went to the park. Little mouse fell just right and broke her arm. We just got done at the ER. She's has a soft cast for a few days and the first thing she wanted when we got done was her pa-pa." I said walking to the front of the classroom. Minnie gave a small wave muttering a small hi when she saw Bradley. "My poor girl." Dad said taking minnie for me.
I sat down in a random seat while Dad went back to finish his class holding minnie. By the time he was done Minnie was sleeping in his arms. I got up walking over to dad. "Sorry again daddy I thought you were done." I said. "No need to apologize sweetie." Dad said handing me Minnie. "Hey how is she?" Bradley asked walking over to us. "Well she didn't like when they had to move her arm to get an xray." I said. "Oh poor little peanut." Bradley said gently rubbing a hand up and down minnie's back. "I didn't know you had a daughter maverick. Not to mention an adorable granddaughter." A guy said. I looked at the name tag that read Seresin. "Well its not any of your business." I said. "Oh feisty." Seresin said stepping closer. "Leave them alone hangman. Bradley can you please walk Y/n and minnie to her car." Dad said. Bradley nodded and walked with us out of the classroom. "Just ignore him. Bagman is all talk. But he was right about your daughter being adorable." A girl said as her and another guy with glasses walking with us. "What's her name?" The guy with glasses asked. "Her name is minnie. My dad and I uses the nickname little mouse. Bradley uses little peanut. Bradley is very protective of his nickname for her." I said. "Am not." Bradley said. "Oh that is a lie if I ever heard one." I said. I heard minnie start to whine. "Mommy my arm hurts." Minnie said. "Okay. Okay little mouse we're go get your medicine and I'll give you it when we get home." I said. "Hey little peanut." Bradley said. "Hi uncle Roo." Minnie said softly. "You doing okay besides your arm hurting?" Bradley asked. Minnie just nodded. "Mommy?" Minnie asked. "What little mouse." I said. "Who are they?" Minnie asked. "Well little peanut that Phoenix and bob." Bradley said. "Hi." Minnie said softly waving with soft cast arm. "You are just the cutest." Phoenix said. "Pa-pa says I'm his little princess." Minnie said. "I bet he does sweetie. I bet you have him wrapped your little finger." Phoenix said. Minnie smiled and nodded. "Mommy can we go home now?" Minnie asked. "Okay little mouse. Say goodbye to uncle Roo, Phoenix and Bob." I said. "Bye." Minnie said waving bye. The three of waved back as I carried minnie to my car. I unlocked one of the back doors and got her in her car seat. "Mommy where's my stuffie?" Minnie asked. That's when I noticed her favorite stuffed animal was now gone.
I quickly looked in my bag and it wasn't there. "I'll text pa-pa and uncle Roo to let them know to be on the look out." I said. "But Mommy I want it." Minnie said starting to pout as her eyes filled up with tears. "Well I'm glad I was able to catch you ladies before you left. I saw this on the classroom floor and immediately you it belong to you little lady." Seresin said walking over to me handing minnie back her stuffed animal. "Thanks. I didn't need another thing to go wrong today." I said. "Don't mention it I saw how she was clinging to that even dead asleep." Seresin said. "Thank you bagman." Minnie said clinging to her stuffie. "It's actually hangman little lady." Seresin said. "But Mommy Phoenix said bagman." Minnie said. "Well that explains it." Seresin said. I couldn't help but laugh a little. "Maybe you can answer this question for me." Seresin said. "Depends on what it is hangman." I said. "Actually the name is Jake. On each side of your old man's helmet I've noticed two little hand prints. Same with on his name on his plane." Jake said. "Oh those are mine and little mouse here from when we were first born. For awhile he just had mine but after I had her he updated his helmet and had them add her handprint to his plane. To make sure his girls are with him on every flight." I said. "I always heard these stories about your dad. But being that sentimental wasn't one of them." Jake said. "He loves his girls. He always says we're the most important girls in his life." I said. "Can I ask what her name is?" Jake asked. "Her name is minnie." I said. "That explains the little mouse nickname." Jake said. "That's what my dad and I mainly call her that." I said. "Her dad?" Jake asked. "Not in the picture." I said. "She is extremely cute." Jake said. "Thanks I really go to go I still got to go get her medicine." I said. "No I completely get it. Hopefully I'll see you around." Jake said. "Hopefully. Thanks again for bringing her stuffie back before we left." I said. Jake nodded and walked away as I got in my car driving to the pharmacy then home.
The next few days minnie and I stayed home to make sure she didn't hurt her arm further. We were eating breakfast when dad joined us. "Are you sure you don't need me to come with? I’m sure that they would be okay with me coming a little late today." Dad asked. "No it's fine I can manage." I said. "Can you come to the base when you get done. I'm having the recruits do trail runs and little mouse is a perfect part of the punishment." Dad said. "Which is?" I asked. "They do 200 push ups with her on their backs." Dad said. "Can I dress up like a mouse pa-pa?" Minnie asked. "I think that's a great idea little mouse. Ready to be a little mischievous mouse." Dad said. Which made minnie put her hands to her face giggling. "Well let me go get what she'll need." I said getting up. While I went go get her stuff in a bag. "Come on little mouse time to get ready." I said. "Coming mommy." Minnie said. Minnie came running to me. I got her dressed in her favorite shirt from Bradley. Which said little peanut with a cartoon peanut with a bowtie and shorts that had daisy's on them. Then I took her to the bathroom to brush her hair and teeth. "Okay little mouse go watch cartoons while I get ready." I said. "Okay mommy love you." Minnie said. " I love you too little mouse." I said kissing her head. I quickly got ready. I grabbed my bag and Minnie’s bag. I put my phone in my back pocket. “Okay little mouse time to go. Do you want me to grab your stuffie for you?” I said. “Yes please mommy. I need help with my shoes please.” Minnie said. “Okay I’ll come and help after I grab your stuffie.” I said going to her room grabbing her stuffie and walked back to the living room. “Here you go little mouse.” I said handing her stuffie to her then went to grab her shoes. I walked back over to the couch and got her shoes on for her. “Have you decided on a color for your cast yet little mouse?” I asked. “Red because it’s on both pa-pa and uncle Roo helmets.” Minnie said proudly. “Well mommy also put a different color sharpies in her bag so pa-pa and uncle Roo can be the first the sign your cast.” I said. “Thank you mommy.” Minnie said hugging me. I kissed her head and helped her off the couch turning off the TV. Then we left the house and headed to her appointment.
An hour and a half some ice cream later Minnie was proudly looking at her cast. I had promise if she didn’t cry much during the process I would get her some ice cream as a treat. I texted dad to let him know that we were on our way. Once we got to the base I parked and went to help Minnie put her costume on. I added whiskers and a little pink nose. “Now look at this cute little mischievous mouse.” I said tickling her tummy which made her giggle. I helped her down as I grabbed my bag then her noncasted hand as we walked inside and went to Dad’s classroom. “Now look at you little mouse.” Dad said picking Minnie up has she ran into the room. “Pa-pa look at my cast. I got red because that the same color you and uncle Roo both have on your helmets.” Minnie said showing dad her cast. “Wow now would you look at that. I was worried that you and your mom weren’t going to making it back before the recruits got back from lunch.” Dad said. “Well looks like we just made it then.” I said. “Now little mouse I’m going to need you to hide behind the podium okay.” Dad said putting her down. “Now try not to giggle or you might spoil the surprise.” I said. “Okay mommy.” Minnie said as she went behind the podium as I went to sit down in a seat near the front. By the time I did everyone else slowly started to come back into the room from lunch. Jake was the first to notice me as he sat down next to me confused. “You joining to watch your old man torture us? Wait where’s little mouse?” Jake asked. “You’ll see. Play along.” I said whispering the last bit. Jake understood and nodded. “Well cadets I hoped that all of you didn’t have a big lunch because you have more practice dog fights this afternoon.” Dad said but stopped when we could hear Minnie softly giggling. Dad was trying not to crack a smile. “As I was saying the punishment if I kill you will still be the 200 push ups but this time there’s going to be a catch. If more than one of you die in a single round then for one of you not only will you be doing the 200 push ups but you’ll be doing them with a little mischievous mouse on your back.” Dad said as Minnie hopped out from behind the podium. “Awe come on Maverick that’s just cruel if rooster dies she’s not going to pick him.” Phoenix said. “Uh that’s were your wrong phoenix she may look all cute and innocent but one thing she definitely got from her mom is being an evil mastermind.” Bradley said. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well he’s not wrong.” I said as minnie ran over to me climbing into my seat with me. “I didn’t giggle mommy.” Minnie said. “I guess it was your mommy I heard giggling then.” Jake said to Minnie smiling at her. Which made her giggle as she leaned into me. “Woah made it was actually you because you and your mom sound just a like when you laugh.” Jake said. “Okay everyone go get suited up girls go to the rec room.” Dad said. I nodded as I lifted minnie off my lap and on to the floor as I got up grabbing my bag and Minnie’s hand as we walked to the rec room.
I was finishing up cleaning the kitchen when I heard my phone start to ring. I dried off my hands and picked it up to see it was dad. I smiled as I answered it. “Hi daddy.” I said. “Hey how are my girls?” Dad asked. “Well Minnie is napping. She just getting over the stomach bug.” I said. “Awe my poor little mouse.” Dad said. “Yeah she been just miserable but she finally started to feel better today.” I said. “Well looks like I’m coming home for awhile.” Dad said. “Really?” I asked. “Yeah they want me to be a teacher for some pilots for an up coming mission.” Dad said. “That great that your going to be home for awhile. Do you know how long?” I asked. “I don’t sweetie you’re have to go ask your godfather on that one.” Dad said. “When will you be home?” I asked. “I’m about to head that way now so probably sometime tonight.” Dad said. “Okay I won’t tell Minnie so you can surprise her. You should also know that Bradley is back from his deployment.” I said. “Thanks for the heads up sweetie.” Dad said. “You need to tell him eventually daddy. I know you never told me because you know I will tell him but please think about telling him soon for the both of us.” I said. Dad let out a sigh. “I know. I know sweetie I guess I’m just waiting for the right time.” Dad said. “When will be the right time daddy?” I asked. “I’ll figure it out I’ll see you girls soon. I love you two.” Dad said. “I know daddy we love you too see you soon.” I said and hung up. I let out a sigh as I grabbed my phone and went to watch some TV while I waited for Bradley to come by before he went to the Hard Deck.
I smiled to myself when I heard the sounds of his jeep pull up in the driveway and turned off. I got up from the couch and ran outside jumping into his arms. “Welcome home.” I said. “Good to be home now where’s my favorite little peanut.” Bradley said. I laughed a little as I playfully pushed. “Napping finally getting over a stomach bug.” I said. “Awe poor peanut.” Bradley said as we both walked inside the house. “I know you probably want to go wake her up but I need to tell you something first.” I said. “Uh oh are you pregnant again. If you are please tell me I’m getting a nephew this time.” Bradley said. “If I was I would hope it’s another girl just to make you suffer having to come to more tea parties. But no I’m not pregnant again I’m not even thinking about dating at the moment. My dad is coming home for a awhile to be a teacher for some mission. No he still hasn’t told me.” I said. I saw Bradley’s mood change. “Okay thanks for the heads up.” Bradley said. “Don’t tell Minnie that dad’s coming home I want it to be a surprise.” I said. “I won’t tell anything to little peanut.” Bradley said. “Thanks.” I said. Bradley nodded and went to Minnie’s room to wake her up. I sat on the couch when I heard minnie excitedly yelled. “Uncle Roo.” Minnie yelled. I laughed as I shook my head.
Bradley walked back into the living room carrying Minnie. “Mommy Uncle Roo is home!” Minnie yelled. “Little mouse inside voice remember.” I said. Minnie giggled as she nuzzled into her face into his neck. “Aw come on now she just missed her uncle roo.” Bradley said. “And she just got over the stomach bug and do you want her yelling possibly taking the chance that she might throw up on you.” I said smirking. “Listening to mommy for now little peanut no yelling inside.” Bradley said. “Aw.” Minnie said. “Okay now what does little mouse feel like for dinner?” I asked. “Anything?” Minnie asked. “Mommy did promise that once you were completely over your stomach bug you could have anything.” I said. “I want pizza.” Minnie said. “Will uncle roo be joining us?” I asked. “Please uncle roo.” Minnie said looking up at him. “Okay I’ll stay for dinner.” Bradley said. Minnie giggled again as I ordered the pizzas for us.
As we waited on the pizzas Minnie was talking Bradley’s ear off as she caught him up on everything that he missed since he left. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them. The three of us ate dinner together then Bradley had to leave. “Now I have to go see my other friends but I’ll come to see you soon okay little peanut.” Bradley said. “Promise?” Minnie asked. “Now have I ever lied to you.” Bradley said. Minnie shook her. Bradley kissed her on the cheek and gave me a hug. “I’ll see my favorite girls later.” Bradley said. “What are you going to say when you get a girlfriend.” I said laughing a little. “Well if she truly loves me then she’ll understand that it’s true.” Bradley said. “Oh now that’s going to be a tough ask.” I said. “What you know that it’s going to be the same when you find a boyfriend I’m your favorite guy and you know it.” Bradley said. “If that helps you sleep better at night.” I said laughing a little. “Oh I definitely didn’t miss this.” Bradley said. “Lair.” I said. Bradley laughed then left. “Come on little mouse it’s bath time.” I said. “But I don’t wanna.” Minnie said. “But you got to little mouse now come on go pick your jammies.” I said. Minnie nodded and rushed off to her room to pick out what pajamas she wanted to wear while I went to get her bath ready.
“Okay mommy I picked out my jammies.” Minnie said rushing into the bathroom. I smiled as I took them placing them on the counter. I undressed minnie and got her in the tub. I cleaned and washed her hair. “Mommy?” Minnie asked. “Yes little mouse.” I said. “When can we see pa-pa again?” Minnie asked. “You miss your pa-pa don’t you.” I said. Minnie nodded as she looked at me. “Soon little mouse I promise.” I said. “Okay mommy.” Minnie said. I finished up her bath as I picked her up out of the tub as I started to dry her off. As I was getting her in her jammies I heard dad’s motorcycle. “Is that pa-pa?” Minnie asked. “I don’t think so little mouse he would have told me if he was going to come to see his girls.” I said. Then I heard the door open then close. “Where are my girls at?” Dad asked. Minnie bolted out of the bathroom. “Pa-pa.” Minnie said as she ran into his arms. I laughed as I started to clean up the bathroom from Minnie’s bath. Once I was done I went back out to the living room to see Minnie doing to same to dad talking his ear off. “She happy now she got to see her two favorite people today.” I said sitting down on the couch next to dad. “There’s my other favorite princess.” Dad said and kissed my head. “Mommy can pa-pa read to me tonight please?” Minnie asked clinging to dad. “Yeah pa-pa can read to you tonight.” I said. “Can he come with us to the park tomorrow too?” Minnie asked. “Little mouse I got a class to teach for awhile because your grandpa frosty wanted me to. But I promise I will take you to the park while I’m home.” Dad said. “Okay pa-pa.” Minnie said snuggling into dad’s chest as she yawned. “Uh oh looks like a certain little mouse is getting tired.” Dad said “No I’m not.” Minnie said rubbing her eyes. “You are just like your mom when she was your age.” Dad said laughing a little bit. “I still do that now.” I said. “Well I’m going to go put our little mouse to bed.” Dad said getting up and taking Minnie to her room.
It was about thirty minutes later that he walked out of her room leaving it open just a bit then came to sit back down next to me. “So how’s my favorite girl been. Dating anyone?” Dad asked. “Bradley asked the same thing. No I haven’t started to date been busy with work and minnie.” I said. “How’s Ice been really I know you’re able to go see him more than I’ve been able to.” Dad said. “He’s gotten worse I always try to take minnie to see him once a week if he feels up to it.” I said. “He always did joke that she became one of the best medicines for him.” Dad said which made me smile a little. “He still does. He still tries to actually say it to her. Momma Sarah and I both tell him not to over work himself like that but he doesn’t listen to us.” I said. “Because it makes Minnie giggle her adorable little giggle and she feels like she is the best medicine for him.” Dad said. “It’s going to absolutely crush her when it does happen. Every time after we leave the first question she asks in the car is that was the last time she’s going to see her grandpa frosty.” I said. “Poor little mouse it will break her little heart.” Dad said. “Are you hoping to be home for awhile?” I asked. “I’m hoping it’s been too long since I’ve spent a decent amount of time with my girls.” Dad said. “I know minnie would love it to spend time with both you and Bradley.” I said. “I saw him when I was at the Hard Deck earlier.” Dad said. “You did?” I asked. Dad nodded. “I saw him but he didn’t see me. God he looks so much like goose.” Dad said. “I keep telling him to shave the mustache.” I said laughing a little which made dad laugh. “I’ve had a long day sweetie I’m going to go turn in for the night.” Dad said as he kissed my head getting up. “Night daddy.” I said. “I love you sweetie.” Dad said. “I love you too daddy.” I said and dad went to his room. I got up from the couch and turned off the lights in the living room as I went to take a bath. After my bath I got ready for bed myself.
I was woken up to Minnie jumping on my bed. “Mommy wake up! Wake up!” Minnie said happily. “Okay. Okay little mouse I’m up.” I said smiling as I sat up pulling her to me. “Can we go to the park now?” Minnie asked. “Not yet little mouse we still got the eat breakfast. I’m guess pa-pa already left.” I said. “Yeah pa-pa is gone I looked in his room.” Minnie said. “Alright let’s go have some breakfast then we’ll get dressed then I’ll take you to the park. What do you want for breakfast?” I asked. “I want waffle please.” Minnie said. “Okay come on lets go.” I said getting up from my bed and helping Minnie down. “Now do you want home made waffle or eggos?” I asked. “I want fruity pebbles waffles please mommy.” Minnie said looking up at me. “Okay let go little mouse.” I said taking her hand as we walked to the kitchen. I picked her help place her in her chair as I got her some juice and put some waffles in the toaster. “Thank you mommy.” Minnie said sipping on her juice. “You’re welcome little mouse.” I said and kissed her head. I went back over to the toaster when I heard the waffles pop up. I got a plate out and put them on it as I cut them up and made them just how Minnie likes them and I put some more in for me. I grabbed a fork and took it to Minnie. “Yay thank you mommy.” Minnie said as she started to happily eat. I smiled as I shook my head as I went to fix my breakfast.
After breakfast I helped Minnie picked out an outfit then brushed her hair as she brushed her teeth. “Okay can you be a good girl while mommy gets dressed and ready.” I said. “Can I go watch Bluey while I wait?” Minnie asked. “Yeah go watch bluey little mouse.” I said. Minnie ran to the living room giggling.
I spent about fifteen minutes getting ready. Then I went to the kitchen to get some snacks and some drinks for the two of us. I got them packed up. “Alright little mouse time to go put on your shoes please.” I said. “Okay mommy.” Minnie said turning off the tv and went to the front door and started to put on her shoes. I slipped mine on and opened the door. Minnie happily started to skipped out as I closed the door. “Mommy can I take my stuffie?” Minnie asked. “Your lucky I haven’t locked the door yet little mouse. Go get it.” I said opening the door again. Minnie rushed backed in the house and back out holding her favorite stuffed animal. I opened the back door of my car and helped Minnie in and got her in her car seat. I placed the bags in the back seat as I closed the door and got in the drivers seat getting buckled in and started my car. I played some music for Minnie then started to drive to her favorite park.
Once we got to the park I found a parking spot. I turned off my car unbuckled and got out going to help Minnie out grabbing the bags too. “Now when you go play mommy has to hold your stuffie so it you don’t get it dirty or another kid takes it okay.” I said as we started to walk to the playground. “Okay mommy.” Minnie said. I found a bench to sit down on as Minnie handed me her stuffie as she ran off to play. I put her stuffie in my bag as I watched her play.
Twenty minutes later Minnie came back over to me saying she was thirsty. I grabbed the bag of snacks and drinks pulling out a small bottle of water and gave it to her. She took a drink from it then handed it back to me rushing off to go back to play. She started to climb around on the jungle gym. “Little mouse careful.” I said to her. “I know mommy.” Minnie said. I made sure to keep a close eye on her while she was on the jungle gym. She was climbing down when she slipped and fell down. I ran over to her. She was crying and holding her arm. “Mommy my arm hurts.” Minnie said crying. “Let mommy look.” I said softly trying to gently grab her arm. “No! Mommy it hurts!” Minnie said protecting her arm. “Okay. Okay come on little mouse lets go to the hospital then to get your arm looked at.” I said softly helping her up. “I want pa-pa.” Minnie said as we walked back over to the bench to grab my stuff. “I promise I will take you to him after we get your arm looked at.” I said as we walked to the car. I carefully got her back in the car and in her car seat without touching her arm.
After spending hours in the ER trying to keep Minnie calm I finally pulled up to the building at the navy base that dad was in. Minnie was still sniffling. Poor little mouse broke her arm and was currently in a soft cast for a few days. They had to put her under for a bit to rebreak where it was broken to get align the bones better. I parked my car got out and went to get Minnie out. “Do you want mommy to carry you little mouse?” I asked. Minnie nodded still holding her stuffie. “Lets blow your nose first.” I said handing her a tissue. She blew her nose and threw the tissue away in the mini trash can I have in my car. Then she wrapped her arms around my neck as I picked her up and closed the car door as I walked inside. “Y/n.” I heard and saw uncle Beau. “Hey uncle Beau is it okay if we go see dad someone had a rough day and if she has to wait any long for cuddles from her pa-pa she will have another meltdown.” I said. “What happened to her?” Uncle Beau asked. “Slipped off the jungle gym at the park and broke her arm.” I said. “Yeah of course do you want me to take you two to the room he’s using?” Uncle Beau asked. “No it’s fine can you just let me know how to get there.” I said Uncle Beau nodded and told me how to get to dad’s classroom.
"I want pa-pa." Minnie said clinging to me finally stopped crying. "I know little mouse we're walking to his classroom right now." I said walking to dad's classroom. When I finally found it I knocked on the door not knowing if he class was over yet. "Come in." Dad said. I opened it and walked in to see his class wasn't over yet. "Oh sorry I thought you would be done by now dad." I said. "It's fine. What do we owe this visit." Dad said. "Well there was a little mishap when we went to the park. Little mouse fell just right and broke her arm. We just got done at the ER. She's has a soft cast for a few days and the first thing she wanted when we got done was her pa-pa." I said walking to the front of the classroom. Minnie gave a small wave muttering a small hi when she saw Bradley. "My poor girl." Dad said taking minnie for me.
I sat down in a random seat while Dad went back to finish his class holding minnie. By the time he was done Minnie was sleeping in his arms. I got up walking over to dad. "Sorry again daddy I thought you were done." I said. "No need to apologize sweetie." Dad said handing me Minnie. "Hey how is she?" Bradley asked walking over to us. "Well she didn't like when they had to move her arm to get an xray." I said. "Oh poor little peanut." Bradley said gently rubbing a hand up and down minnie's back. "I didn't know you had a daughter maverick. Not to mention an adorable granddaughter." A guy said. I looked at the name tag that read Seresin. "Well its not any of your business." I said. "Oh feisty." Seresin said stepping closer. "Leave them alone hangman. Bradley can you please walk Y/n and minnie to her car." Dad said. Bradley nodded and walked with us out of the classroom. "Just ignore him. Bagman is all talk. But he was right about your daughter being adorable." A girl said as her and another guy with glasses walking with us. "What's her name?" The guy with glasses asked. "Her name is minnie. My dad and I uses the nickname little mouse. Bradley uses little peanut. Bradley is very protective of his nickname for her." I said. "Am not." Bradley said. "Oh that is a lie if I ever heard one." I said. I heard minnie start to whine. "Mommy my arm hurts." Minnie said. "Okay. Okay little mouse we're go get your medicine and I'll give you it when we get home." I said. "Hey little peanut." Bradley said. "Hi uncle Roo." Minnie said softly. "You doing okay besides your arm hurting?" Bradley asked. Minnie just nodded. "Mommy?" Minnie asked. "What little mouse." I said. "Who are they?" Minnie asked. "Well little peanut that Phoenix and bob." Bradley said. "Hi." Minnie said softly waving with soft cast arm. "You are just the cutest." Phoenix said. "Pa-pa says I'm his little princess." Minnie said. "I bet he does sweetie. I bet you have him wrapped your little finger." Phoenix said. Minnie smiled and nodded. "Mommy can we go home now?" Minnie asked. "Okay little mouse. Say goodbye to uncle Roo, Phoenix and Bob." I said. "Bye." Minnie said waving bye. The three of waved back as I carried minnie to my car. I unlocked one of the back doors and got her in her car seat. "Mommy where's my stuffie?" Minnie asked. That's when I noticed her favorite stuffed animal was now gone.
I quickly looked in my bag and it wasn't there. "I'll text pa-pa and uncle Roo to let them know to be on the look out." I said. "But Mommy I want it." Minnie said starting to pout as her eyes filled up with tears. "Well I'm glad I was able to catch you ladies before you left. I saw this on the classroom floor and immediately you it belong to you little lady." Seresin said walking over to me handing minnie back her stuffed animal. "Thanks. I didn't need another thing to go wrong today." I said. "Don't mention it I saw how she was clinging to that even dead asleep." Seresin said. "Thank you bagman." Minnie said clinging to her stuffie. "It's actually hangman little lady." Seresin said. "But Mommy Phoenix said bagman." Minnie said. "Well that explains it." Seresin said. I couldn't help but laugh a little. "Maybe you can answer this question for me." Seresin said. "Depends on what it is hangman." I said. "Actually the name is Jake. On each side of your old man's helmet I've noticed two little hand prints. Same with on his name on his plane." Jake said. "Oh those are mine and little mouse here from when we were first born. For awhile he just had mine but after I had her he updated his helmet and had them add her handprint to his plane. To make sure his girls are with him on every flight." I said. "I always heard these stories about your dad. But being that sentimental wasn't one of them." Jake said. "He loves his girls. He always says we're the most important girls in his life." I said. "Can I ask what her name is?" Jake asked. "Her name is minnie." I said. "That explains the little mouse nickname." Jake said. "That's what my dad and I mainly call her that." I said. "Her dad?" Jake asked. "Not in the picture." I said. "She is extremely cute." Jake said. "Thanks I really go to go I still got to go get her medicine." I said. "No I completely get it. Hopefully I'll see you around." Jake said. "Hopefully. Thanks again for bringing her stuffie back before we left." I said. Jake nodded and walked away as I got in my car driving to the pharmacy then home.
The next few days minnie and I stayed home to make sure she didn't hurt her arm further. We were eating breakfast when dad joined us. "Are you sure you don't need me to come with? I’m sure that they would be okay with me coming a little late today." Dad asked. "No it's fine I can manage." I said. "Can you come to the base when you get done. I'm having the recruits do trail runs and little mouse is a perfect part of the punishment." Dad said. "Which is?" I asked. "They do 200 push ups with her on their backs." Dad said. "Can I dress up like a mouse pa-pa?" Minnie asked. "I think that's a great idea little mouse. Ready to be a little mischievous mouse." Dad said. Which made minnie put her hands to her face giggling. "Well let me go get what she'll need." I said getting up. While I went go get her stuff in a bag. "Come on little mouse time to get ready." I said. "Coming mommy." Minnie said. Minnie came running to me. I got her dressed in her favorite shirt from Bradley. Which said little peanut with a cartoon peanut with a bowtie and shorts that had daisy's on them. Then I took her to the bathroom to brush her hair and teeth. "Okay little mouse go watch cartoons while I get ready." I said. "Okay mommy love you." Minnie said. " I love you too little mouse." I said kissing her head. I quickly got ready. I grabbed my bag and Minnie’s bag. I put my phone in my back pocket. “Okay little mouse time to go. Do you want me to grab your stuffie for you?” I said. “Yes please mommy. I need help with my shoes please.” Minnie said. “Okay I’ll come and help after I grab your stuffie.” I said going to her room grabbing her stuffie and walked back to the living room. “Here you go little mouse.” I said handing her stuffie to her then went to grab her shoes. I walked back over to the couch and got her shoes on for her. “Have you decided on a color for your cast yet little mouse?” I asked. “Red because it’s on both pa-pa and uncle Roo helmets.” Minnie said proudly. “Well mommy also put a different color sharpies in her bag so pa-pa and uncle Roo can be the first the sign your cast.” I said. “Thank you mommy.” Minnie said hugging me. I kissed her head and helped her off the couch turning off the TV. Then we left the house and headed to her appointment.
An hour and a half some ice cream later Minnie was proudly looking at her cast. I had promise if she didn’t cry much during the process I would get her some ice cream as a treat. I texted dad to let him know that we were on our way. Once we got to the base I parked and went to help Minnie put her costume on. I added whiskers and a little pink nose. “Now look at this cute little mischievous mouse.” I said tickling her tummy which made her giggle. I helped her down as I grabbed my bag then her noncasted hand as we walked inside and went to Dad’s classroom. “Now look at you little mouse.” Dad said picking Minnie up has she ran into the room. “Pa-pa look at my cast. I got red because that the same color you and uncle Roo both have on your helmets.” Minnie said showing dad her cast. “Wow now would you look at that. I was worried that you and your mom weren’t going to making it back before the recruits got back from lunch.” Dad said. “Well looks like we just made it then.” I said. “Now little mouse I’m going to need you to hide behind the podium okay.” Dad said putting her down. “Now try not to giggle or you might spoil the surprise.” I said. “Okay mommy.” Minnie said as she went behind the podium as I went to sit down in a seat near the front. By the time I did everyone else slowly started to come back into the room from lunch. Jake was the first to notice me as he sat down next to me confused. “You joining to watch your old man torture us? Wait where’s little mouse?” Jake asked. “You’ll see. Play along.” I said whispering the last bit. Jake understood and nodded. “Well cadets I hoped that all of you didn’t have a big lunch because you have more practice dog fights this afternoon.” Dad said but stopped when we could hear Minnie softly giggling. Dad was trying not to crack a smile. “As I was saying the punishment if I kill you will still be the 200 push ups but this time there’s going to be a catch. If more than one of you die in a single round then for one of you not only will you be doing the 200 push ups but you’ll be doing them with a little mischievous mouse on your back.” Dad said as Minnie hopped out from behind the podium. “Awe come on Maverick that’s just cruel if rooster dies she’s not going to pick him.” Phoenix said. “Uh that’s were your wrong phoenix she may look all cute and innocent but one thing she definitely got from her mom is being an evil mastermind.” Bradley said. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well he’s not wrong.” I said as minnie ran over to me climbing into my seat with me. “I didn’t giggle mommy.” Minnie said. “I guess it was your mommy I heard giggling then.” Jake said to Minnie smiling at her. Which made her giggle as she leaned into me. “Woah made it was actually you because you and your mom sound just a like when you laugh.” Jake said. “Okay everyone go get suited up girls go to the rec room.” Dad said. I nodded as I lifted minnie off my lap and on to the floor as I got up grabbing my bag and Minnie’s hand as we walked to the rec room.
