Dress
A/N: Hello again yall happy one month to the first part - Magic Jake! I honestly don’t know how the rest of you do it always putting out content consistently I applaud you all! For those of you have been following or listening to me ramble about this fic forever, thank you for waiting and its finally here!! It went through a couple of rewrites and changes but we made it. I would like to thank my writing friends for always writing with me, listening to my TGM rambles and hyping me up for this fic @hptriviachamp (an iconic beta reader a girl can ask for!) @jeanvanjer (who yall can thank for some of the most wholesome and fluffy scenes in this fic) @sophiamariabeckett (a bestie for life). To all my Top Gun mutuals and new friends thank you so much for welcoming me into the fandom and always engaging back whenever I interact with yalls’ posts - you guys are the best!! Special shout out to @magneticghouls my Top Gun bestie. @rad-topgunn @tgmavericklover @jakeseresins @pegxcarter @mavswife [Do let me know if yall wanna be added or removed from my taglist!]
[Fic Notes: I’m a dumbass and made the Young Guns 20 somethings in the first fic so Jake is celebrating his 25th birthday in this one. While the MC has a name, this can be read a dark WoC!Reader fic]
So without further ado, I present Dress! Happy Reading - support and hype a girl by screaming to me about this in reblogged tags and comments thank you!! :D
Part 1 - Magic Jake Based on This Song | Playlist I Made For The Vibes
Our secret moments in your crowded room They've got no idea about me and you There is an indentation in the shape of you Made your mark on me, a golden tattoo
It had been exactly 7 months since she had met Hangman in that fateful Go-Go bar on her birthday. Funnily enough, it was his birthday today. As she prepared for his surprise party with his friends at the Hard Deck, she replayed the last few months back in her mind. Of course, it always goes back to the first night they spent together. She smiled thinking of the first time they kissed at the back of the taxi. She had made the first move grabbing his collar and she was glad she did. It was everything she had hoped for.
All the pent tension from the strip tease exploded in that single kiss. Sahara swore she felt fireworks going off at the back of her head. She remembered how his lips felt on hers. They were soft but he was nowhere gentle at all. Jake couldn't get enough of her.
"Sahara, you good?" A voice broke through her thoughts. She looked up to see Coyote. "Hm, yeah I'm fine. What's up?" "You're looking a little red there." At the mention of her blushing, she turned even more red. God, she was embarrassing. "I'm alright, just hot." She brushed it off casually and fanned herself to sell the ruse. Then she glanced at him curiously, "How else can I help?" "We're pretty much done." He gestured to the Hard Deck being all decked out with birthday decorations. He then rubbed the back of his neck, kind of nervous for a moment. "I was actually wondering if you'd like to bring out the cake with me when Hangman walks in."
She blinked at him in surprise. She figured he would do it since they were so close. She knew it was no big deal but also being the person who brings out the cake at these things was usually close to the birthday person. She had known him for less than a year.
"Really, me?" "Yes, you." Coyote laughed heartily. She couldn't help but smile, he had the most contagious laugh. "I'm sure Hangman would want you to." "Alright then, just let me know when." She smiled at him and then went back to finishing up putting up the last of the streamers. She did a round of the bar, greeting the other Young Guns and making sure everything was perfect.
Just as she was about to go find Coyote, he found everyone.
"YO everyone!! Rooster just texted, they're on their way." He announced to the room as everyone took cover in their hiding spots. Coyote gestured to Sahara to follow and they both headed to the pantry to get his cake.
She had a small smile as she entered the room. It was safe to say that over the last 7 months, Hangman and her had pretty much christened most of the Hard Deck with their late night quickies. It was probably their best kept secret from the crew.
"I knew you'd like the cake." Coyote said excitedly when he caught her smile. She raised her eyebrows for a moment before looking down at the cake, her grin growing wider. It was perfect and she knew he was going to love it. The cake itself was the navy blue of his helmet and the words "Happy Birthday, Hangman!" read in mustard yellow. It was a nice touch for Coyote to incorporate the birthday boy's favourite colours. At the top was a fondant F-18 hanging by the cliff held on by a noose.
"You designed this?" She asked. "Yes, ma'am." "He's going to love it, Coyote!" He smiled, proud of himself. He prided himself on knowing Hangman best. "Thank you, thank you. Glad I didn't let Phoenix order it for me."
"The words would be reading 'Happy Birthday Bagman' right now." She giggled remembering how Jake hated being called Bagman by Phoenix. Then they heard voices outside. The two of them fell silent to listen to them. Sahara smiled, recognising Jake's voice and of course Rooster teasing him. Coyote had a small grin make its way to his face when he saw Sahara's face hearing Hangman's voice. If he was going to trust his best friend with anyone else, it would be her.
~
Rooster really couldn't give Hangman a break, not even on his birthday. As Hangman was led to the Hard Deck, his frenemy kept pushing his buttons.
Hangman had made the mistake of relaying his plans for his birthday and had a dreamy smile when he mentioned calling Sahara for a night in. Rooster poked him playfully,
“Calling Sahara now, are you?" He wore the same smirk Hangman wore most days. Jake wasn't sure if he liked being on the other side of it. “What about it?” Hangman pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes at his rival. Rooster couldn’t help but chuckle at how defensive he was getting already. “Oh, come on. You really don’t see it? You like this girl.” Rooster pointed out. He was being a little shit by teasing Hangman who froze at the mention of liking her. “What makes you say that?” He asked incredulously. He was Jake Seresin. He doesn’t like anyone. Sahara and him were just having fun and they both knew that.
“You haven’t slept with anyone else in the last half a year.” “How-” Hangman’s jaw dropped at his observation, “How the fuck do you know that?” “We all know Hang. You’ve only ever been taking Sahara home every night. Not that we’re complaining. It’s nice to see you settle down.” Rooster was purposefully picking his words. He knew all the commitment buzzwords were going to set Hangman off. And it did. Jake liked Sahara enough but they were not settling down. Rooster was being ridiculous and getting on his nerves. Hangman clenched his jaw and glared at his frenemy. “Settle down?? I am not. Fuck off, Bradshaw.” Hangman hissed as they walked into the dark and empty bar. He frowned at the scene. This was not the lively Friday night at the bar he was usually used to.
“Where is everybody? Did Penny close up early?” He asked Rooster quizzically as the latter turned on the lights with a playful grin. Immediately, everyone jumped out of their places and yelled in perfect unison, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANGMAN!!”
Hangman just about fell back in shock. He figured it would be a quiet birthday; a few birthday drinks between him and the crew, then having dinner with Coyote before calling up Sahara for a late night in. This was not at all what he was expecting. He was touched. All their friends had come together to celebrate him. Then to put the cherry on top, out came his two favourite people with the cake in hand leading the birthday song. Everyone in the bar rallied together to sing to him in their loudest voice.
His eyes lit up as Sahara and Coyote brought the cake to him. It meant a lot that it was the two of them. Coyote let her hold the cake as he came around Hangman’s side to clap his back. “WOOO Happy Birthday, pal!!” He yelled at the top of his lungs in a celebratory manner. Sahara held up the cake to him with the widest grin. “Make a wish, Jake.”
When she said his name like that, he became undone. He kept it together and matched her grin. Closing his eyes, he made his wish. Though there wasn’t much to ask for. He already had the perfect birthday so far. Then he opened his eyes, looked deep into her eyes and blew out the candles. The whole room cheered.
“Didn’t really need to wish for anything else now that you’re here, sugar.” He smirked flirtily at her. She just laughed as the blush dusted her cheeks pink. While she knew all of his flirty lines, every time he pulled them on her, her heart still raced. Being around him always feels like the first time they met. She set down the cake on the table and handed him the knife for him to cut into it.
Jake wrapped his hand around hers as he took the knife from her. He shot her a wink before snaking his other arm around her waist. She smiled as he pulled her to his side and kissed her temple. He bumped Coyote by the shoulders affectionately. "Thanks so much for this, y'all." He said to everyone but really he was looking gratefully at Coyote and Sahara. They beamed back at him. His grin grew wider as he cut into the cake.
As per tradition, he had to feed the person he loved the most. Everyone knew who it was. He faked feeding himself as everyone groaned and both Coyote and Sahara playfully punched his sides.
"Okay okay, wow someone is touchy." He raised his hands defensively, teasing Coyote's pout. He then goes to feed his best friend before completely rubbing the piece of cake all over his face. Coyote yelled before grabbing the cream off the top of the cake and retaliating. Now they were both covered in chocolate. Their crew burst out laughing while Sahara shook her head at their shenanigans. She grabbed a couple of napkins to pass it to them when Jake came over to her with a sly grin. Immediately, she stepped back - knowing what was coming.
All of this silence and patience, pining in anticipation My hands are shaking from holding back from you (ah, ah, ah) All of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting My hands are shaking from holding back from all this (ha, ha, ha, ha)
“Jake Hangman Seresin, no. This is my best foundation, I will kill you if you mess it up.” She just kept going back until she hit a wall. His smirk just grew wider once she was trapped. “Awe come on, sweetheart, a little kiss for the Birthday Boy.” He leaned towards her. His bright eyes shining with mischief as he placed his arm by her head boxing her into the corner. She rolled her eyes playfully at his tactic. "You're ridiculous and you owe me, Birthday Boy." She chuckled. Then she brought her hand up to his neck, her fingers wrapping around the nape pulling him close to her. She closed the gap between them and kissed him. Instinctively, his other hand went to caress her cheek, his fingers laced within her hair seconds later.
They both think they'll never get tired of kissing each other. He adored how she was always so gentle with him and her kisses. He loved how soft and warm her lips were against his. How she played and tugged at his hair at the nape of his neck to make him moan. At his moan, Sahara smiled against his lips, allowing him access. She relished in how he always kissed her like he couldn't get enough of her. Like he couldn't breathe and she was his lifeline. As he slipped his tongue past her lips, his arms slid down the curve of her body. They circled her waist and tugged her flush against him. She sighed into his mouth with pleasure before following his lead and pressed herself against him.
At this point, Coyote was done giving out the cake to all the guests and he was confused to find the Birthday Boy and his partner in crime for the party missing. Their crew spotted him looking around and went up to him. Rooster was the first one to point them out in their little corner.
"God, they're like teenagers on prom night." He snickered while Phoenix made a face. "I think they're adorable." Fanboy said and Bob echoed the sentiment. "Babe, you find all the couples adorable." Payback grinned at his boyfriend as he walked up to him and slung his arm around Fanboy's shoulder. "Roost, you're the cockblocker, mind interrupting them? I have their cake." Coyote held up the last two plates of his cake. One of them had the plane by its noose. He figured that's the piece Hangman would have wanted.
While their friends were pushing each other towards the two of them, Hangman and Sahara were lost in their own world. The birthday boy in particular was annoyed by their clothes acting as a barrier. A playful smile formed on his face as an idea came to him. He started to slip his hands up the skirt of her dress and dragged his fingers higher up her thighs. He was extremely satisfied when it earned a gasp from Sahara.
“Jake!” She whisper-shrieked against his lips. She pulled back from him. “It’s not as if we haven’t done it here, darlin’.” His damming smirk made its way to his face as his hand left her thighs to rest on her waist to keep her close. He used the thumb of his other hand to firmly wipe off the blue frosting that now coated her lips. He gave her a quick peck and grinned, "You taste delicious." She just shook her head at him amused. Just as she was just about to suggest that they return to his party, Coyote came up to them.
Coyote had his eyebrows furrowed slightly in annoyance. Not at them but the fact that the crew had physically pushed him towards them to interrupt. Coyote was just happy they stopped themselves. Unlike some people, he wasn’t a cockblock. He just held up their plates of cake with a smile. “We kept the last two pieces for you two.”
Sahara cooed at him gratefully taking her plate. “Thank you, Coyote, that’s so sweet!” Then realising he had probably handed it all out on his own when she was supposed to help, she dipped her head apologetically. “Sorry I didn’t help.” “It’s alright, Sahara.” Coyote waved her off casually while Hangman had a smug smile. “It’s okay, sweetheart, you were busy with making birthday wishes come true. A noble cause, really.” Hangman nuzzled his face into the curve of her neck, pressing a soft kiss against her skin.
His best friend couldn’t help but roll his eyes at how cheesy they were. “Whipped!” He coughed subtly. Immediately, Hangman’s head snapped up and he glared at Coyote. “I am not!” He insisted. What the hell was up with everyone giving him shit about their relationship today? Coyote gave him a knowing look. “Sure, Hang.” Coyote then passed the Birthday Boy his cake and walked back to the crew.
Sahara nudged Jake by the shoulder to follow suit. He whined softly. “No, I want you.” “It’s your party, Jake.” She countered, already tugging him to their group of friends. Honestly, she was starting to feel bad for taking up his time. Not to mention his insistence of not being whipped rubbed her off the wrong way. It just confirmed to her that they were nothing more than fuck buddies. She pushed the thought of her mind. She knew exactly what she was getting into when they met. Jake Hangman Seresin was not the relationship type. They were just having fun. She was the one who had to cap her feelings and expectations.
Jake sensed something was off but since she was putting on a smile and more than happy to be involved in the party, he let it go. He could always ask her later.
“Fineee.” He dragged out the word like a child then gave her a sweet look, “Anything for you, sweets.” He then tucked his hand around her waist into her back pocket as he followed her along to join their friends.
He was admiring his cake while the crew was talking amongst each other. Coyote slid up next to him and Hangman grinned, gesturing to the cake. “You did a great job, pal, I love it.” He complimented his best friend. Coyote smiled and clapped his hand on his back before giving him a side hug. “I knew you would.” He said then watched as Hangman had a dreamy look watching Sahara. He nudged his best friend, “I hope I didn’t freak you out earlier. Don’t go all ‘Jake’ on her.” Hangman snapped out of looking at her like a puppy and frowned at Coyote. “What are you on about, Coyote?”
Coyote rubbed his eyes tiredly. They both knew Hangman was the best and knew everything there is about planes and fighter jets. But this boy was DUMB when it came to his personal life. “Jake, I know you aren’t this stupid.” Hangman was even more confused because Coyote never used his name, especially not after they broke up. “Javy, I honestly have no idea what you are talking about.”
“Don’t freak out on her because you’re scared of committing. Not every one of your relationships is going to crash and burn like ours.” Coyote chuckled drily. The two of them were honestly good now but that didn’t mean they were immune from the heartache that followed the messy breakup of best friends turned romantic partners. It took them a while but they were closer than ever. Coyote saw firsthand how the fallout of that affected Hangman. He never really dated anyone after that.
“We did not crash and burn.” Hangman scoffed while Coyote gave him a look. Jake didn’t like to admit it but their relationship was his one failure in life. He took it as a personal failure in a life where he was pretty much the best and perfect at everything. He conceded with a small shake of his head, “We’re fine now, aren’t we?”
“Yes, which is why I’m telling you not to ruin whatever is going on with Sahara.” “There’s nothing going on!” “Do you want something to?” Coyote was on a roll today. After all, no one else knew Hangman better and he wouldn’t want it any other way. He looked over at Sahara pensively. He could never tire of staring at her. The way her hair shined in the light, it was so soft and ethereal. He loved weaving his fingers through it. When she laughed - as she was doing so right now with the rest of the crew - it was like bells and it was so contagious. He realised it had slowly become his favourite sound in the world. He especially adored how her eyes light up when she laughed or was just happy that day. His heart raced as he watched how well she fit in with the crew. How well she had integrated into his life in the last 7 months.
“I don’t know, man.” He sighed softly, unsure what to do with these feelings he had been suppressing for so long.
~
A couple of feet away, Sahara was distracting herself from her feelings with the crew. They always made her laugh and that always put her in a better mood. They all went around sharing their favourite less-than-perfect Hangman moments. She loved hanging out with them. They had the best stories about Jake for her and were always welcoming of her.
Payback was animatedly describing the time Mav had shot down Hangman after he had tried to pull the usual shit where he left Phoenix and Bob hanging and was being an asshole in the sky. Sahara was pretty surprised to hear of this. She knew he could be cocky and too sarcastic for his own good but she didn’t realise how competitive he got in the sky.
“And my favourite part was when he got Phoenix and Bob killed and then had the audacity to ask them for help and Phoenix drops the most badass line:" Fanboy finished his boyfriend's story and pointed to Phoenix to say her line. "I'm dead, dickhead." She delivered it perfectly. Sahara couldn't help but laugh out loud. Instinctively, she turned to look at Jake who seemed to be deep in conversation with Coyote. Her eyebrows dipped ever so slightly at how intense Jake seemed to be. Moments later, she turned back to the crew, not wanting to disturb him.
Phoenix caught on to her look and nudged her with a knowing grin. "You know you should just tell him." Sahara blinked at her friend and raised her eyebrow ever so slightly. "I don't know what you mean." She decided to play dumb. The last thing she needed was for Jake to overhear them and freak out. The rest of them overheard and started to laugh in unison. Now she was even more confused. Rooster raised a beer at her. “The two of you seriously need to make it official, already.” “Hey, you’re not allowed to interfere with them!” Payback said sternly as the rest of them exchanged looks. She felt extremely out of the loop and narrowed her eyes at them suspiciously.
“What do you mean he’s ‘not allowed to interfere’ with us?” She pointedly asked Payback. Everyone started to look guilty and no one said a word. It took a moment but it clicked. “You guys bet on us?!” It was the kind of frustration that was so calm, the crew knew they were in trouble. They all hung their heads low like children being reprimanded. She sighed softly, not wanting to make them feel bad.
“I’m sorry.” came the chorus of apologies and she just shook her head, now more amused by how in sync they all were. “It’s fine.” She shook it off, “I should have known. Now tell me, what are your timelines?” She rested her elbow against the table and leaned into the crew, genuinely interested to hear their theories.
Rooster - 7 months and proclaimed he could get them together. Which is why he was being so pushy today. Phoenix - Never. She didn’t have any faith in Hangman changing his ways Payback - 5 years Fanboy - 10 years Coyote - 7 months without interfering Bob - In their own time
Sahara smiled at Bob’s sweet answer, “That’s really thoughtful, Bob.” “It’s a cop out.” Payback teased him while the rest of them smacked him lightly on the chest. Then Sahara grabbed her wallet and took out a couple of ten-dollar bills, handing them over to Payback. He glanced at her curiously, waiting for an explanation. “I’m with Phoenix. He’s not the committing type.” It was hard for the crew to see her so resigned. They all rallied around her to comfort her. “You guys it’s fine. I like him as he is. I know what I signed up for.” She told them reassuringly. Still, they weren’t fans of how it was making her feel.
“Hey, if it makes you feel better, he’s only been taking you home the last few months. That’s gotta count for something right.” Payback supplied while his boyfriend continued, “He could like you too!” Fanboy’s optimism never failed to cheer her up. They all cheered with their drinks as a smile came back onto her face.
The comforting and cheering didn’t go unnoticed by Hangman. Their fanfare was loud enough to drag him over to see what the fuss was about. He wrapped up his conversation with Coyote and they went to investigate. He came up behind Sahara and wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on her shoulder with his cheek pressed against hers.
“What’s all this celebration without the Birthday Boy!” He playfully frowned at them.
Sahara relished in his warm embrace. She never pegged him for the affectionate type but lately he had been so cuddly with her. She thought back to the last couple of months. It's how he would want to spend time with her outside of their hookups. Sometimes they'd grab dinner at The Hard Deck and he would play with her hair while he told her about his day over drinks. It was endearing to see him go from pulling at her hair in private to gently twirling them between his fingers at dinner. Every time he played pool and she was leaning against the empty table across from his, without fail, he would find a way to drag his fingers along her waist when he brushed past her. It always tickled and she would tell him to stop. He would just wink and smirk, "You're my lucky charm, sugar."
It was just these little things that added up. The one memory that stuck out to her was a couple weeks ago.
~
It was one of those lazy off days and the crew decided to have a rematch of their beach game. Sahara sat on a lounging chair with his spare aviators she had stolen from him, watching them run around shirtless. It was an eye candy fest and she definitely wasn't immune. After a couple of quarters, the game ended and everyone jogged to the benches to grab their things.
Jake made his way right to Sahara with a wide grin.
"Couldn't stay away from me, could you, sweetheart?" His devilish smirk made its way onto his face. She shook her head, amused. That was Jake-speak for 'You came!' "Of course, I came. You asked me to." She teased him and he gave her a flat look. He then dropped to her lap and without realising, laced his fingers with hers. "Shhh," He pressed his index tenderly against her lips, "I have a reputation to uphold you know." He couldn't help but admire how soft her hands were and started to play with them absentmindedly. It was one of the rare times he was holding her hand and they both decided right there and then, it was their favourite thing to do.
And of course, just on cue Rooster interrupted them. He looked down at their interlaced hands then back at Hangman as if he couldn’t believe it. Jake noticed the looks and stared him down. “What are you looking at, Bradshaw?” “Nothing, you guys are cute.” Rooster had a knowing grin as he gestured to their hands. On instinct, Jake pulled away. Rooster headed to the rest of the team, chuckling to himself. Sahara frowned at the interaction. She never did understand their odd tense rivalry-friendship dynamic they had going on. How easy it was for them to get under each other’s skins so easily.
“You know you don’t always have to let him get to you.” She said gently, grabbing his hand again. “And I think we’re very cute.” She leaned in and softly brushed her lips against his. After that day on the beach, Jake felt more reassured being touchy with her. She certainly wasn’t complaining, it was a nice change.
~
Coming back to the present, she kept a small smile for him while she looked at the rest of them to keep their latest discussion under wraps. She didn’t want to scare him off. She knew deep down if they confronted him with feelings, he would run off without a second thought. Her hands shook ever so slightly, hesitating. Then realised she was being ridiculous. Him being stuck to her like an octopus was a sign he was fine with her being touchy. Finally, she wrapped her arms around his.
"They were just telling me how you left them hanging in the sky and how Phoenix told you off." She relayed the story she was told earlier. He huffed at his classmate. "You always take the opportunity to put me down with my dates, don't you Phoenix?" He narrowed his eyes. "You do that all by yourself." Both Phoenix and Sahara spoke at the same time. They chuckled before high-fiving. He reluctantly removed his arm from her waist to swat away the high five. "You're supposed to be on my side!" He poked her side, making her chuckle. “I am on your side." She turned her head to kiss his cheek and he cheekily turned his head to kiss her lips. Before it could turn into another make out, Rooster decided to be a little shit and coughed teasingly. "Get a room!" He was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Sahara blushed at the comment while Hangman rolled his eyes. He detached himself from her for a moment to hold her hand and started to walk away.
"Well don't mind if we do." He said so matter of factly, it didn't even register what was happening to Sahara until she was being dragged away to the exit. She just smiled at everyone, waving and calling out goodbyes as they left the bar.
Say my name and everything just stops I don't want you like a best friend Only bought this dress so you could take it off Take it off (ha, ha, ha)
Carve your name into my bedpost 'Cause I don't want you like a best friend Only bought this dress so you could take it off Take it off (ha, ha, ha, ha)
The moment he had parked the car, he made a beeline for her lips. He couldn't keep his hands off her. He went from caressing her face to roaming his hands all over her body and finally holding her waist to pull her over to his lap. She squealed in surprise into his mouth as he did that. It gave him access to slip his tongue in. He moaned in pure ecstasy when she pulled his hair in response. He had been waiting hours for this. Sure, the party was fun but really all he had wanted to do that day was stay in with Sahara. He could somewhat admit it to himself now. He hadn’t fucked anyone else in the last 6 months. He liked her. She was his happy place. There was no where he felt more safe than in her arms. Though usually, he had her arms pinned above her head.
They started making their way back to his apartment, their lips still connected. As they reached his door, he turned her around and kept kissing her while he had his back to the door to unlock it. By some miracle, he managed to open it and dragged her in. She kicked the door closed with a back kick and moaned into his mouth as he nibbled at her bottom lip. Her hands started to roam under his shirt while his fingers were tangled in her hair. He started to guide her towards the bed as if they hadn’t done this every other night for the last few months. She giggled against his lips as he pulled her down with him as he fell onto the bed. They broke apart for a moment as she landed on his chest.
"Hi." She said, looking up at him and her eyes were shining. There she was. He sat up and tugged her over to his lap, making her straddle him. He reached out and tucked her hair back gently. "Hi." He echoed as brought his hand down to cup her cheek, his thumb caressing her jaw. "Are you feeling better now?"
She frowned slightly as she got comfortable loosely wrapping her legs around his waist. "What do you mean?" "You had on a fake smile for half the night." He ran his thumb over her lips. She didn’t realise how well he knew her, it came as a pleasant surprise. She quirked an eyebrow, "So you know all my smiles now, do you Hangman?" She teased him, not quite answering the question. Now it was his turn to frown, deeply. He didn't realise when or how it had changed but he didn't like being called Hangman by her.
"First of all, who's Hangman? I'm Jake to you, darlin'. Second, of course I know all your smiles. I know you, Sahara."
Everything seemed to stop when he called her by her name. She stiffened ever so slightly at her name. Now, that was a first. It surprised her. He never called her that. It was always a cheesy pet name. She always assumed it's so he wouldn't get her and the other girls' names mixed up. Tonight felt different. It was the way he said it too. Soft and gentle. Like an intimate secret between the two. She started to heat up, blush creeping up her cheeks - loving the way her name rolled off his tongue. She buried her face into his neck, desperately trying to hide her shock and the effect it had on her. She started to trail kisses from the column of his throat, slowly making her way up his jaw. Hopefully it was distracting enough to keep the questions off her.
"I know you too, Jake. You seemed upset with Coyote." She mumbled in between kisses. Jake groaned, unable to concentrate on anything but her lips on him. She grinned at how well it worked. She finally found her way to his lips and gave him a deep kiss before brushing his hair back gently. "What were the two of you brooding about?" "It was nothing." He waved her off, letting out an impatient huff when she pulled away. Immediately, he remedied that by bringing her face back to him. She giggled at his eagerness. "Fine, pillow talk later." She obliged him, threading her fingers through his hair and kissing him. The birthday pilot smiled contently. He reached behind her to unzip her dress carefully.
She frowned ever so slightly. "You always rip my dresses off, what gives?" "Isn't this your favourite dress?" "No, it's similar because I know you liked it so much when we first met but you ripped it." She tried to look annoyed but honestly, him ruining that dress was the hottest thing he'd ever done. Favouritism be damned. She then leaned down to his ear, her breath fanning against the shell of it, "So I bought another one for today, just so you could take it off."
He almost came in his pants right there at her seductive tone. He grinned and gave her an excited look, 'This, just for me?' She nodded to confirm and he gleefully tore it off before dragging her down under the sheets with him.
Inescapable, I'm not even gonna try And if I get burned, at least we were electrified I'm spilling wine in the bathtub, you kiss my face and we're both drunk Everyone thinks that they know us, but they know nothing about
She couldn’t help but beam up at him after they were done. There was something different about tonight. They could both feel it. It didn’t feel so disconnected and everything felt so much more magnified. Their emotions were running high and intense. If her crescent nail marks on his bedpost were anything to go by. It felt like they put everything on the line. She turned to his nightstand and opened up the drawer where she kept warm towelettes for them to clean up. She passed him a roll while she undid hers to clean herself up. Before she could bring it down, Jake pressed his towel against her. “Here, let me. Just relax.” He had her rest against the pillows. He worked his way down her thighs and started wiping down the mess they made. God, what a beautiful mess it was.
She was moved by the gesture. Usually he would just clean himself up, they’d get a glass of water separately and she’d head home. Tonight really was a first for many things. She then took her towel and started to clean him up. Just as she wiped him down gently, Jake shot her a dangerous look, “Careful now, we wouldn’t want to start Round 3.”
She rolled her eyes at how horny he always seemed to be. “Oh hush and let me do this for you.” She continued, taking as much care as she usually does with everything she does. Now it was his turn to lie back down and watch her intently. There was an intimacy to their ritual tonight that wasn’t there before. Jake can’t say he didn’t enjoy it.
Once they were done, like clockwork, Sahara went to get them glasses of water. He didn’t know what came over him but he had the idea to run a bath for them. He grabbed his favourite bath bombs from his Lush drawer and headed to the bathroom. He drew the bath and picked out the galaxy bath bomb, dropping it in. He then heard Sahara’s melodic voice break through the room. “Jake, where did you go?” “In here, sweetheart!” He called out to her and poked his head out with a delicious smile. He then gestured for her to come in.
She raised an eyebrow at him being in the bathroom. She didn’t know why he needed her there when he was probably peeing but he’s the birthday boy, she was going to indulge him. She gingerly stepped into the bathroom and gaped at the sight before her. Her eyes immediately glowed with warm affection. The bubbles glowed in the dim light and he was already submerged in the tub, looking so deliciously inviting.
“Isn’t it your birthday? I’m supposed to be pulling out all the stops. You’re making me look bad, Hangman.” She teased as she walked over to the edge of the tub. He glared at the use of his callsign. “Jake.” He practically growled, correcting her. “I love how that always gets you hot and bothered.” She stuck her tongue out at him. His glare and annoyance disappeared quickly at her teasing. God, he loved her. He really did. He felt it earlier in bed. They went to another plane of existence when riding their highs. “You want to see hot and bothered, Sahara darlin’?” His usual mischievous grin replaced his gloomy pout from moments ago. She knew that look. It had gotten her into trouble before. Before she could react, he pulled her into the bathtub.
“JAKE!” She screamed as she fell into the tub with a splash. He was laughing at her all wet. “All wet and screaming all for me, just the way I like it.” He smirked as she came up for air. She just rolled her eyes and splashed him. “That was FOUL, Hangman.” “Call me that again.” He threatened, his tone light as he grabbed her waist and pulled her against his chest. Without prompting, she curled her arms around his neck. “What are you going to do about it?” She taunted him. Her legs were already locking his in between her thighs. She was rubbing against his length. Out of habit, he gripped her thighs as he gasped. She hummed in satisfaction at the sound.
“When - when did you get so good at teasing?” He could barely get the words out. “Learnt from the best.” She sent him a smirk to rival his. He had created a monster and he adored her. She closed the gap between them and kissed him passionately. She had her fingers laced through his soft hair, her other hand stroking the nape of his neck and bit on his bottom lip just the way he liked it. He moaned with pleasure into her mouth, allowing her tongue to slip in as she deepened the kiss.
It was all heightened tonight between them. They could have sworn electricity passed through them in that kiss. Sahara put everything on the line. She wanted him to know how she felt without saying it. That she felt the same and he shouldn’t be scared to tell her.
He was feeling all of it. His body worked to catch up with the intensity of the moment. His arms around her waist tightened, bringing her close to him until there wasn't an atom between them. His hands roamed her back before making his way to her soft and silky hair. He couldn't quite explain it but he could feel her emotions. He definitely got the message. He never realised how in tune with each other they had become until this moment. It was bound to happen. He was bringing her home basically every night.
All of this silence and patience, pining in anticipation My hands are shaking from holding back from you (ah, ah, ah) All of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting My hands are shaking from holding back from all this (ha, ha, ha, ha)
Say my name and everything just stops I don't want you like a best friend Only bought this dress so you could take it off Take it off (ha, ha, ha) Carve your name into my bedpost 'Cause I don't want you like a best friend
They came up for air a few minutes later, reluctantly pulling away from each other. Their arms were comfortably around the other, still connecting them. They didn't know what to say. The kiss had quite literally taken their breath away.
They can't remember which one of them leaned in first but soon enough their foreheads were resting against the other's. They just sat there in silence for a few minutes, just taking in each other and thinking how they ended up here.
Sahara knew she couldn't do this anymore. She was in too deep with her feelings. Never mind if Jake potentially felt the same. If he couldn't say it soon, she can't just stay wasting her time waiting. She was only going to get hurt. She had to tell him. Her hands were trembling again. How much she desperately pinned for this man was ridiculous. He didn't even feel the same way! She parted her lips to tell him. To finally let him go. She was even going to use the godawful line, 'We still can be friends. You've become my best friend in the last few months.' But she didn't want that. She didn't want to be his stupid fucking friend.
Then he said the one thing she never expected to fall from his lips.
"Sahara," He said with such care and tenderness as he deliberated his next words. Her world finally felt like it stopped spinning. It was powerful how he grounded her so easily with her name.
"I love you."
Flashback when you met me Even in my worst times, you could see the best of me Flashback to my mistakes My rebounds, my earthquakes Even in my worst lies, you saw the truth of me
Jake Seresin never really believed in love. At least not for himself. Some people just weren't meant for the white picket fence life. He knew that early on in his life. He was always meant to be in the sky. He bore all the risks. That's why it was so easy being with Javy. They were both in the same field, they were best friends and understood each other and their life. Then Jake just had to go fuck that up. He couldn't handle the commitment. Javy eventually wanted to settle down. He wasn't ready.
Now he knew better. Javy was his first love. Sahara? She was his forever.
The last few months that had been building up to this even if he didn't know it. His love for her creeped up on him when he least expected it. He should have known. He should have realised when he went from just admiring her physicality, he found himself enamoured by the little things.
How she lit up whenever she talked about the things she loved and her day, the way her nose scrunched when she was annoyed with something or allergy season was starting to kick in. It's the way she knew him better than anyone else, anticipating his moods, wants and needs. How he could do the exact same for her. She saw past all the bells and whistles of being Hangman. She found Jake and loved him unconditionally. It's how they saw each other beyond their reputations when no one else did.
He loved her. It all came down to this moment and he had to tell her. He edged back ever so slightly to get her reaction. He hoped she felt the same but knew better than to expect it.
I love you. The words were echoing through her mind. She couldn't believe he actually said it. She simply stared back at him, gaping at him ever so slightly.
"You know a picture lasts longer." Jake couldn't handle the serious silence and just had to break the tension. She splashed at him. "Don't ruin it! Give me a moment." She sounded exasperated but really pleased at the confession. His hands cupped her jaw and caressed it gently. "I really do mean it, Sahara. I think I might have loved you from that first lap dance." He winked playfully and she rolled her eyes at his flirting.
She thought back to all those moments she could feel something between them but never entertained. All because he just wasn't the commitment guy. He was never one for words either way. It was the way he always put her first and was there for her. Be it him always ordering her favourite drink first, or saving her a seat. Somehow, always managing to find her in a crowded room. He was always there to lend a listening ear and be there for her. She had never felt more in tune and in love with anyone else.
This was one of the rare times he couldn't read her. Only because he was so nervous about her reaction, it was clouding his usually clear judgement. At her deep-in-thought expression, he was quick to reassure her with a soft nudge, "You don't have to say it back if you're not ready. I just wanted you to know."
The quiet seriousness of his tone broke her heart. She could tell how scared he was. The way the sea foam eyes she loved so much were searching hers for any indication she felt the same. For some semblance of why being vulnerable was worth it. Her arms hanging loosely from his neck left to snake up his arms. Her hands tenderly held his wrists as her thumbs ran over the back of his hands soothing him.
"Of course, I love you too. Maybe not from the first lap dance," She chuckled softly as she rested her forehead against his, "but I adore you, Jake Seresin. I can barely remember life without you. I don't think I've ever met anyone who sees and cares for me the way you do. You, yourself sir, are a wonder and I'm lucky to love you. She carded her fingers through his hair.
His smile was wide enough to split his face in half. Scooping her up in his arms, he started to pepper kisses all over her face. In between breathless kisses, he whispered to her, "Say it again."
"I love you, Jake." She giggled against his lips. "I love you too, Sahara." They enjoyed the rest of their bath, giggling away at their new found relationship status.
And I woke up just in time Now I wake up by your side My one and only, my lifeline I woke up just in time Now I wake up by your side
That night was the best sleep either of them had gotten in months. They were where they belonged: wrapped up in each other. Jake had his arms securely wrapped around Sahara - one holding her waist while the other resting across her chest, his hand lazily cupping her boob. She had her head tucked perfectly under his chin and their legs were comfortably tangled together.
Jake was the first to wake up, he happily hummed in a soft tone so as not to wake his girlfriend up. He grinned at the title that popped into his head. His girlfriend. He liked that a little too much for someone who spent his adult life running from relationship labels. He hugged her gently, making sure she was real and wouldn't disappear anytime soon. His hand moved from her boob to brush her hair from her face. He was content to watch her till she woke up.
Soon, she started to stir ever so slightly and feeling his gaze on her, she decided to tease him. Her eyes were still closed as she spoke in a sleepy tone that Jake found just absolutely adorable. "It's a little hard to sleep with you staring, creep." His smile widened and flirted, “Well I’m a little hard staring at you, sweets.” He pressed his length against her to show off. She couldn’t help but laugh at his cheesy joke. She turned around to face him, her legs wrapping around his waist and her arms around his neck in their favourite position.
“It’s 9am, Jake, too early for this.” She rested her forehead against his, breathing him in for a moment before leaning down to kiss him. He kissed her back hungrily, causing her to grip his shoulders and moan. As they held on close to each other, they couldn’t help but feel extremely lucky.
Neither of them ever thought they’d end up here.
Jake with his emotional baggage and not so stellar reputation as a team player. He was also never one to commit. He never saw himself settling down, until her. Now he could picture a whole future.
Sahara had her fair share of long term partners and they were all lovely but this moment right here was perfect. No one understood her like he did. He knew every one of her idiocracies, he knew how to set her entire body on fire with a single touch and she knew him just as well. No one had ever come close to the way she felt about him.
"I love you." She said softly as they pulled away for air. He gripped her tighter, never wanting to let go.
"I love you too."
There is an indentation In the shape of you Only bought this dress so you could take it off You made your mark on me, golden tattoo Only bought this dress so you could take it off
