It's Not the Prompt. It's the Creator.

An event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of TGM and the amazing fandom that has formed around it (18+)

[tgm-all4one]

On May 27, 2022, Top Gun: Maverick was released exclusively into theaters. Almost overnight, it became a cultural phenomenon with a fandom of individuals from all over the globe who loved the movie and its characters.

One of the fantastic things about the TG and TGM fandom is the diverse and innovative creators who have used these movies as inspiration for their art. Whether that be in the form of writing, fanart, GIFs, moodboards, edits, etc, we have all taken the same 4 hours and 1 minute of film to create unbelievably varied and original content. And that is what this challenge is about.

What is the "It's not the prompt. It's the creator." challenge?

The idea behind the "It's not the prompt. It's the creator." challenge is to show that even though we might all use similar tropes or AUs, or create GIFs of the same scenes, or use the same moodboard themes, it is our own personal creativity, innovation, and preferences that make our work unique.

So unlike other challenges, everyone will be using the exact same prompt. That's it. One prompt. And an unlimited amount of participants.

And yes, there will probably be art that is similar (either the tropes, themes, characters, etc), however the point is to show that even when two creators have similar independent ideas, their final creation is unique because they put their own original spin on it that only they could do.

What is the prompt?

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Top Gun: Maverick being released, the prompt is:

"Last summer was one no one could ever forget. Now, a year later, character(s) still feel(s) the effects of that time."

Be as creative as you want and feel free to use any characters from Top Gun (1986) and/or Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Also, while the prompt says a year has passed, there is no set time your art has to be set. It can be pre-canon, post-canon, during-canon, and AU setting, etc. Whatever inspires you!

What is allowed?

Whatever you want. It can be SFW, NSFW, slash, reader insert, OC, no relationship, poly, AU, fluff, smut, angst, whump, etc.

You can also use whatever your preferred medium is to fill the prompt. Writing, artworks, GIF sets, edits, moodboards, playlists, Pinterest boards, etc. Or think out of the box and build a scene out of Legos, make a stop-motion video, draw a flipbook. Whatever inspires you and your creativity! If you created it, it counts.

And there are no minimums or maximums limits for words, time, number of GIFs, etc. Just however much or little you want to share, even if it is still a WIP.

There are only three requirements:

TAG YOUR WORK APPROPRIATELY so others can filter out what they might not be comfortable with. Each post will be checked before being reblogged, however, mistakes can be made so please tag them correctly.

You must be 18+ to participate. Due to the freedom of the event and the fact NSFW content is allowed, only those 18 or older may participate. And if your blog does not have any age indicated on it (18+, 20s, over 21, 35, etc.), your post will not be reblogged. I am very sorry to any minors hoping to participate at this time.

No AI resources can be used as part of a submission. While AI can create cool works of art, they aren't your works of art. As that is the point of this challenge, it will not be permitted.

When does the event take place?

The event will start on Saturday, May 27 and run until Saturday, June 4. However, if you can't finish in time and post after that, this blog will try its best to still reblog your work whenever you feel ready to post.

How do we submit our work?

You can do this one of two ways:

Post your work on your blog as usual and tag @tgm-all4one. Also, tag the post with #tgm all4one. It will then be reblogged here throughout the week.

Submit a post to this blog using the "Submit your papers" button in the blog header. As long as it is tagged correctly, the blog will then post it throughout the week.

There is also an AO3 collection if you prefer to share over there. Please check the FAQ page for the link.

Please check out the FAQ page if you have any questions and please feel free to reach out either through an ask or DM if you have any questions! There is also a condensed version of this post here for quick reference.

I am excited to see what everyone comes up with and happy Top Gun: Maverick anniversary!

[tgm-all4one]

Thank You!

Thank you so incredibly much to everyone who participated, shared, liked, or followed during this challenge! The love and support that it received was far greater than I ever hoped to get and there was so much fantastic work created for the prompt! 😍

I'm still going to keep this blog active so please feel free to share any other creations no matter when you complete them! Also, if anyone has any ideas about other prompts or challenges they would like to see in the future, please feel free to share!

But for now let's give a last big Happy 1-Year Anniversary Top Gun: Maverick and let's keep this energy going next year!

[beccaanne814-deactivated2023121]

A Love You Don’t Find Everyday - Part 10

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader

Summary - Last summer was one no one could ever forget.  Now, a year later, Jake still feels the effects of that time.  Take a journey back to see how it all began.

Series Warnings - Cursing, Sexy Fluff, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Drinking, and Angst

Word Count - 1K

Notes - This is my submission for the “It’s not the prompt. It’s the creator” challenge hosted by @tgm-all4one

One Year Later

Jake awoke before the alarm went off and rolled over.  His arm reached across the bed and when he found her side empty, his eyes opened in confusion.  It wasn’t until his gaze fell upon his dress whites hanging from the closet door that he remembered why he was sleeping alone.

Today was the wedding.

Grinning from ear to ear, he happily slid from beneath the sheets and made his way to the coffee pot.  His smile grew wider as the brewer warmed up and he remembered the first time he’d seen her walking into the coffee shop two years ago.  In just a few short hours, she’d be walking towards him once more, and this time, she’d be staying with him for the rest of their lives.

As he looked out the window at the beautiful Southern California day and sipped his coffee, he reflected on the journey they’d been on since that day in the coffee shop.  Every date, every kiss, every night spent in one another’s arms had been pure bliss.  They’d had their ups, and they’d had their downs.  

He didn’t like to think about the fights they’d had over his drinking and pigheadedness concerning his PTSD, or the fact that she’d felt the need to walk away from him.  But he forced himself to remember the rough times so he’d never be tempted to put her—or himself—through that hell ever again.  They still fought, but all couples disagreed from time to time.  The difference now was that he was sober and more willing to own up to his own faults so they could resolve their differences instead of letting them drive a wedge between them.

Once he was out of the shower, he finally gave into the urge that had been eating at him since he’d woken up that morning.  Tradition said he couldn’t see her until she started walking down the aisle, but nowhere did it mention that he couldn’t talk to her.  Grabbing his phone, he typed out a quick text and hit send while he finished getting ready.  “My bed was lonely without you this morning.  I miss you.”

His phone buzzed with an incoming text and he grinned when he read her reply.  “I miss you, too, but I’m kinda busy right now.  You’ll see me in a few hours. . .I think you’ll survive.”

He started typing out a reply when another message popped up.  When he read it, he rolled his eyes and groaned aloud.  “This is Phoenix.  I’ve taken her phone so she can focus on getting ready.  Keep it in your pants until the honeymoon, Bagman!”

Laughing, he put away his phone and finished getting ready himself.  Digging in his toiletry bag, he pulled out a box he didn’t remember packing.  There was a red bow taped to front and a little card with his name written in her handwriting.  Opening the card, he read her message.  “You got lucky the last time you wore this cologne—maybe it’ll work again today, flyboy.”  

He’d never loved her more than he did in that moment.  Dabbing on the cologne, he muttered to himself.  “I might need to start wearing this every day.”

Once he’d put on his whites, he reached for the box containing his hat.  Over the past year, the amount of mementos that he’d collected had grown, but he searched for the original movie ticket stubs as a reminder of how far they’d come in the last two years.  He’d taken her for granted once, and had almost lost her.  Today he was ready to stand up in front of his friends and family and vow to be by her side for as long as he lived.

He’d had the Mustang professionally detailed and the classic car gleamed in the sunshine as he fired it up and started heading toward the venue.  Pulling up the playlist he’d made for today, he listened to their song and a few others that had come to have special meaning for them as he made his way to her.  They’d hired a live band to perform at the reception, but he’d asked Rooster to play the piano and sing their song for them as they shared their first dance.  He hated admitting that Rooster had talent, but he wanted their first dance to be special and Rooster would make sure that happened for them.

Taking a detour once he’d reached the venue, he peeked in to see how the reception hall looked.  She’d insisted on creating an arch for them and just like at Phoenix and Bob’s wedding, the sight of the balloons and candles brought back even more memories of that first summer.  

Last year, he’d used those memories to remind himself why he was fighting so hard to win her back.  He’d eventually told her about his walk down memory lane as he’d gotten ready for Phoenix and Bob’s wedding, so she wasn’t surprised when he’d requested some of the same decorations for theirs.  For him, recreating that day last summer was the most fitting way to bring their story full circle.  But on this day, there was no room for unhappy thoughts, so instead of lingering on the fights that had driven them apart, he instead focused on the past year of love and happiness that had resulted in his proposal and her enthusiastic agreement to make him the happiest man in the world.

This time when he stood at the altar and saw her smiling face as she walked down the aisle toward him, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was the beginning of the rest of their lives together.  

When the officiant pronounced them man and wife and he was finally allowed to hold her in his arms, he felt whole for the first time in his life.  “I love you, Mrs. Seresin.”

Love shone in her eyes as she looked into the eyes of her husband.  “I love you, too, Commander Seresin.”

[nade2308]

'Cause I don't know where it's going

There's a part of me that loves not knowing

Just don't let it end before we begin

— Daughtry, "Start of something good"

@thethistlegirl @malewifebillcage

I was gonna write a fic for the event, but things took a different turn and I made a gifset instead. My entry for the @tgm-all4one event, "It's not the prompt, it's the creator"

The prompt: "Last summer was one no one could ever forget. Now, a year later, character(s) still feel(s) the effects of that time."

[littlestatesman]

I'll Make You Happier [The Soundtrack]

Summary: You have been cordially invited to the wedding of Lt. Jacob “Hangman” Henry Seresin and Dolores “Loli” Aracely Albarado. Everyone, including Rooster, whose endeavors a year prior had made him lose the one he loves. All he knows is that he will regret it for the rest of his life.  

Part One:

Love Is Complicated (Angels Sing) - Labrinth

Never Felt So Alone - Labrinth

Heart - Sleeping At Last

Best Part - H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar

Fooled Around And Fell In Love - Elvin Bishop

Late Night Talking - Harry Styles

The Sound - The 1975

The Night Before The Funeral - The Mary Onettes

Love Of My Life - Harry Styles

Let Me Go [The Soundtrack]

Summary: A year has past since the wedding of Jake Seresin and Loli Albarado and Rooster still trying to reel himself in. So far he's kept his distance, but a tragic accident brings him to face the love and regrets he has in order to help the one he loves.

Part Two:

Push The Sky Away - Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds

The Wisp Sings - Winter Aid

Heart Like Yours - Willamette Stone

I Love You - Billie Eilish

Ghosts - James Vincent McMorrow

Bittersweet Melodies - Feist

Benefits of Being Young - The Mary Onettes

The Moon Song - Karen O.

Tagging Some People Who'd Be Down To Read This:

@tgm-all4one

@missathlete31

@bradshawsweetheart

@a-reader-and-a-writer

@milobyelo

@admiraltitmouse

[beccaanne814-deactivated2023121]

A Love You Don’t Find Everyday - Part 9

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader

Summary - Last summer was one no one could ever forget.  Now, a year later, Jake still feels the effects of that time.  Take a journey back to see how it all began.

Series Warnings - Cursing, Sexy Fluff, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Drinking, and Angst

Word Count - 1.2K

Notes - This is my submission for the “It’s not the prompt. It’s the creator” challenge hosted by @tgm-all4one

Present Day 

Jake took his place in line with the rest of the squad beside Bob and anxiously waited for his first glimpse of her since she’d walked out of his life six months ago.  The carrier had gotten back to port late the evening before, so he’d missed the rehearsal.  He’d wanted a chance to speak to her alone, but with all of the chaos of the wedding, he knew it would be hours before he’d get his chance.

It felt like an eternity as the mothers of the bride and groom were escorted down the aisle, followed by the ring bearer and flower girl.  After what seemed like hours, the bridesmaids started walking toward the altar one at a time.

When he finally spotted her, his heart stopped beating for a moment.  She was even more beautiful than he remembered and as her eyes focused on him, he was certain her smile grew a little brighter.

He looked to his left and counted the number of men behind him before glancing over to Phoenix’s side of the altar and counting the bridesmaids.  He wasn’t sure if she had been the one to ask that the two of them be paired up, or if Phoenix was giving the two of them a nudge, but he was thrilled that he’d get to be the one to walk her back down the aisle once the ceremony was over.  If he got his way, the next time he escorted her down the aisle, she’d be wearing his ring and sharing his name.

As Phoenix made her appearance and started making her way towards Bob, he finally dragged his gaze away from his girl and turned his attention to his friend.  Natasha Trace was a beautiful woman, but today she looked even more stunning.  Jake couldn’t help thinking that Bob was the luckiest man in the world to be marrying the woman he loved.  

Jake had been kicking himself in the ass since she’d left him, but he wasn’t angry with her.  She’d been right to leave him.  He was a complete fucking mess and her walking out on him had been exactly what he’d needed to get him to finally deal with his demons.  He hadn’t been lying to Rooster when he’d told the other man that he hadn’t had a drink since the night she left.  He’d even started therapy to deal with the trauma of that last mission.  The fear was still there—and would probably never go away completely—but it was manageable and he could overcome it while he was in the cockpit without the need to drink himself into oblivion every night.

The officiant pronounced Bob and Phoenix man and wife, and the two newlyweds kissed while their friends and family watched with teary eyes.  Jake waited patiently while the maid of honor and best man walked forward and started making their way down the aisle, followed by the rest of the wedding party ahead of him.  

When it was finally their turn, he stepped up and held out his arm for her so she could loop hers through his.  Her hand brushed along his uniform sleeve and his breath caught in his throat.  Their eyes met and for a moment they both just stood there staring at one another.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered as he forced himself to start leading her back down the aisle to where the rest of the wedding party was waiting.

“Thank you,” she said as she cataloged every feature of his face.  “You look. . .well.”

He wanted to tell her everything, but he knew it wasn’t the right time.  Instead he told what he could in the short amount of time they had.  “I’m better, darlin’—much better.”

The smile that spread across her face was the one he’d been hoping to see.  It was the smile she’d given him the first time they’d met, the smile she’d worn when he’d won her a stuffed bear at the amusement park, the smile she’d given him right before he kissed her for the first time, the smile he never thought he deserved to see again.

Letting her go once they reached the receiving line was like losing a piece of himself.  Without her warmth beside him, without her touch, he felt cold and hollow like a mere shell of himself.  She truly was his other half and he was tired of living without her.

Plastering a smile on his face, he shook hands and hugged the wedding guests as they queued up to offer their congratulations to the bride and groom.  A few of Phoenix’s cousins copped a feel, and Bob’s granny even got a little handsy, but the only woman’s hands he wanted touching him belonged to the woman standing a few feet away from him.  

She’d seen Bob’s granny squeezing his ass and the sound of her laughter was like music to his ears.  But it was the feral look in her eye when one of Phoenix’s cousins had gotten a little too familiar with him that told him she still thought of him as her man.  

He suffered through more photographs and hoped that at least one or two showed him looking at the camera and not gazing longingly at the bridesmaid he couldn’t drag his eyes away from.  He knew Bob wouldn’t care, but Phoenix would have his ass if he ruined her wedding photos, so he made an effort to only look at his girl when the photographer was setting up the shot.

The catering staff brought around trays of hors d'oeuvres and glasses of champagne for the wedding party while the photographer focused on shots of the bride and groom by themselves.  Taking a few bites to eat, he politely refused the alcohol.

“You’re not going to have a glass of champagne to celebrate?” she asked as she walked over to where he was standing off to himself.

He shook his head.  “Haven’t had a drink in six months—not about to start now.”

She looked intrigued.  “Is that so?”

Trying to play it cool, he gave her a lopsided grin.  “You see, there’s this woman. . .”

“Oh, yeah?” she asked, playing along with him.

“Yeah.”  He ducked his head and rubbed the back of his neck.  “I kinda fucked things up, and I’m trying to get her to give me a second chance.”

She gave him a long look before responding.  “Why don’t you try asking her to dance?”  Giving him a wink, she leaned in and whispered conspiratorially.  “Who knows, you might even get lucky and she’ll let you take her home with you tonight—especially since you smell so damn good right now.”

Hope swelled within him.  He’d shown up to the wedding thinking a conversation was the most he could expect from her, but apparently she’d seen through him like she’d always been able to, and knew that he was finally the man she’d fallen in love with last summer.  He didn’t deserve her, and that’s why he vowed to never take her for granted again.

[a-reader-and-a-writer]

Another Year, Another Chance

Fandom: Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, Jake “Hangman” Seresin, Hangster

Summary: One year ago, Bradley took a chance on a new relationship but it quickly fell apart. Now, he is about to come face-to-face with Jake for the first time since he left and he has some questions that need to be answered.

Word Count: 2786

TW: Love Confession, Angst, Fluff, Kissing

Note: This was written as part of @tgm-all4one's "It's not the plane. It's the pilot." challenge as a celebration of the one-year anniversary of the release of Top Gun: Maverick. Thank you to @green-socks and @loverhymeswith for looking this over for me! I love you guys! 💕

It seemed unreal that exactly one year ago the Dagger Squad had gathered for the first time. Standing in The Hard Deck gathered around the pool table, no one could have predicted the friendships they would form or the dangers they would face over the next several weeks. Or that they would all be back in that same spot one year later.

Bradley smiled as he watched more and more people trickle into the bar. He was one of the few guests there who recognized practically every face whether they were those from Mav’s original Top Gun class like Slider, Wolfman, or Hollywood, those from his own Dagger Squad like Bob, Phoenix, or Coyote, or those from command like Cyclone, Warlock, and Hondo. Then of course there were Penny’s friends and family, but he had gotten to know most of them over this past year as well.

Mav and Penny were currently standing near the entrance to the bar as they greeted those arriving. As Mav wrapped his arm around Penny’s waist and kissed her head, he caught Bradley’s eye across the room. His godfather gave him a loving smile before turning back to his guests. It was still crazy to think that one year ago, the two men had just reunited after over a decade of barely speaking to one another. And yet here they were, working alongside each other every day and now Bradley was going to be the best man in Maverick’s wedding tomorrow. He just wished they could have settled their differences before they lost Ice. It would have meant so much to the Admiral to see them this close again. 

He was so lost in thought that he almost didn’t notice as Phoenix walked over to where he was standing and leaned on the wall next to him. Raising her beer to her lips, she muttered, “Have you seen him yet?”

Instantly, his pleasant mood soured. Taking a long drag from his drink, he responded curtly, “Nope.”

He hoped that would put an end to the conversation, but he should have known better. “He’s gonna show up.” Phoenix nudged his shoulder. “If not for you, then for the extensive list of VIPs that are here. Do you really think he’d pass up the opportunity to rub elbows with all of these high-ranking officers?” 

“Yeah, well, if that’s the only reason he’s showing up, then he can just fuck off,” he muttered under his breath. 

“Roo…”

“No!” He pushed himself off the wall and turned to face her. “This is his last chance, Nat. I’m done pretending I’m okay waiting for him to grow up and make up his mind. If he shows up, fine, I’ll hear what he has to say. But if he doesn’t, it’s over.”

“Woah! Someone’s got their panties in a twist!”

Bradley whirled around to see Jake strolling up with that infuriating smug smirk of his and a bouquet of multicolored flowers in his hand. His hair was shorter than the last time Bradley had seen him and he was wearing a tank top that clung to his chest, low-rising board shorts, and a pair of flip-flops. He was seriously underdressed for the evening, but damn, Bradley had to admit he looked good. Not that he was going to tell him that.

Rolling her eyes, Phoenix scoffed. “Really? The invitation said semi-formal, not semi-effort. What are you wearing?”

Jake glared at her. “Oh, bite me, Phoenix. My flight got delayed and I came straight from the airport so I didn’t have time to change. Besides, this is just a rehearsal dinner, not the actual ceremony. And Bradshaw’s in one of those ridiculous Hawaiian shirts. That can’t be up to the dress code.”

Bradley folded his arms across his chest and snapped, “You always have to have an excuse for everything, don’t you, Hangman?”

Jake opened his mouth to speak, but Phoenix cut him off. “Despite the poor choice of wardrobe, we’re glad you could make it. Who are the flowers for?”

His eyes flashed to Bradley, but then Jake refocused on Phoenix. “The bride, but I snuck in the back so I didn’t get a chance to give them to her yet.”

“Then you better hurry. They should be serving food any minute and I doubt Penny will have time to talk to you then.” Bradley grabbed Phoenix’s arm and began to lead her over toward the other side of the bar. “We’ll see you around.”

As they walked away, Bradley could feel the weight of Jake’s eyes on his back but he tried to ignore it and keep walking. When they reached the jukebox, Phoenix shrugged, “Well…. At least he showed up.”

He had. But Bradley still needed to find out why Jake was really here. Was it just for the wedding, or could it be he was here for something– someone –else too…..

After everyone had finished dinner and given their speeches, Bradley slipped out onto the deck. The cool ocean breeze felt refreshing against his skin and helped soothe the chaos currently swirling around in his head. 

He had been so preoccupied with best man duties for the last few hours, he barely had time to glance in Jake’s direction. However, that didn't stop the man from being a constant presence in his mind.  But then again, Jake had barely left his thoughts since the night after the Uranium mission……

Bradley had turned in early, exhausted from the harrowing events of the day. But just as he was on the edge of sleep, the door to his cabin opened and someone walked in. Bradley hadn’t reacted since he assumed it was Hangman heading to bed and he waited for the sounds of the other pilot climbing into the bunk above him. However, they never came. 

Concerned, Bradley groggily rolled over and he found Hangman crouched on the floor across from his bed staring at him. But before Bradley could ask him if he was alright, Hangman surged forward and slammed his lips against his. Completely taken by surprise and still half asleep, Bradley fell backward onto the mattress and Jake followed him, climbing onto the bed to straddle him. His kiss only intensified as his hands slid up to tangle in Bradley’s curls. It was only then that Bradley fully grasped what was going on and he made a decision. 

He kissed Hangman back.

The thought to do so had crossed his mind more than once these last few weeks, but Bradley had always brushed the idea to the side. After all, the two of them hated each other…. right? However, with his tongue down his throat, Bradley realized what he had felt was far from hate. He had just been too scared to admit it to himself. But now there was nothing holding him back. 

He slid his hands under Hangman’s t-shirt, his fingers dancing across the hard lines of his stomach and up to his chest where they swirled through his chest hair. Hangman finally broke off the kiss so Bradley could slip his shirt over his head, and Bradley took the opportunity to ask, “Why now? What changed?”

“You almost fucking died, Roo,” Jake grunted as he wrestled Bradley’s own shirt off of him. Panting slightly, he continued, “I thought I’d lost you. That I didn’t make it there in time. So, I need to feel you. To show myself you’re really still here. That I didn’t miss my chance for this.” And he pressed his lips against Bradley’s once more.

That night had been the first of what started out as a rather solid relationship. Jake seemed different after what happened and, as the weeks passed, Bradley started to let his guard down and truly open himself up to Jake. He should have known better.

“Can I join you?” 

As if summoned by his thoughts of the past, Jake hovered in the doorway behind Bradley waiting for permission to come onto the deck. Part of Bradley wanted to tell Jake to fuck off and leave him alone, but another part longed for him to wrap his arms around him and kiss him like he did that first night in his bunk. Back when everything was new and uncomplicated. 

Bradley nodded and Jake slipped out to stand beside him. 

“I saved one for you.” Jake leaned on the railing next to him and held out a single flower. It was the same shade of yellow as the paint on each of their helmets. “They were… they were actually all for you but I chickened out and said they were for Penny instead.”

“Yeah, well, I never really cared much about flowers,” Bradley muttered, but he took it anyway.

Jake smiled at that. “I’ll keep that in mind.” The two of them stood in silence for a while as they gazed out to the ocean, the only sounds the murmur of the crowd inside and the lapping of the waves on the shore. But finally, Jake spoke up. “I wasn’t sure if you’d even want to see me.”

“I went back and forth about it. At one point, I almost went to Mav to beg him to uninvite you.”

“What changed your mind?”

“I had questions I needed answered and I wanted to see if you’d actually show up or just bail like you usually do.”

Jake flinched but nodded. “Yeah, I guess that’s fair. But I told you last year after the mission, I’ve changed. I’m not that guy anymore.”

Bradley snorted. “Yeah, that’s what you said….. Right before you left me for a new adventure.”

“It’s called a deployment. It’s not like I just left for the fun of it.”

“You had a position here, with me, with our friends. You could have stayed if you wanted to, but you chose to leave.” Bradley looked out into the ocean, hoping Jake couldn’t see the way his lip quivered slightly or how he had to blink away the tears that were forming. “I know we’ve had our differences in the past, but I thought after the mission we moved past that. That month we spent together… I thought it meant something.”

“It did. It meant more than any relationship I’ve ever had. But that’s the problem.” Jake turned away from the railing as he ran his hand through his hair and walked over to the window. Staring at the people inside the bar, he said, “I’ve never been a ‘relationship’ kind of guy. I’m a ‘let’s have fun for a week-or-so’ kind of guy. And being with you…. It was the first time I could see myself thinking beyond that and it scared me. So when I got the opportunity to transfer, I took it and I’m sorry for that.”

Bradley let the silence between them linger for a moment before he whispered, “Did you think about me? About us?”

Jake sighed and Bradley heard his head thump against the window of the Hard Deck. “I tried not to. I thought if I could just put my head down and focus on my next mission, those feelings I had for you would go away. And it worked for a while.”

“And that’s why you stopped answering my calls and texts,” Bradley scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. “I should have known better than to trust you. But no. You said that we could make things work long distance. That what we had was still new but you wanted to keep exploring it. Then after a month, I barely heard from you and when I did, it was all about your latest mission or training exercises. You might have changed at first but the old Hangman came back and you cared more about your career and ego than anything else.” 

The two men stood in silence, their backs to one another. Whatever feelings they had last year were still there, rippling in the air around them. Bradley wanted Jake so much it hurt. But more than that, he needed Jake to want him back just as fiercely. He was no longer willing to settle for anything less. And it seemed as if Jake might have finally understood that.

Taking a deep breath, Jake said, “You’re right. This past year I’ve been trying to chase that high from last summer. To feel that rush and excitement and adrenaline I did when I was here. And it finally hit me last week. I’m not looking for the assignment or the danger that gave me that feeling. I’m looking for the person.” He chuckled dryly, “It’s not the plane. It’s the pilot, right? And I haven’t had the right pilot by my side for a year now. I need my wingman back….. I need you.”

Bradley’s heart skipped a beat, but it still wasn’t enough. Turning so his back was against the railing, he crossed his arms over his chest. “So what? You want me to leave my position at Top Gun and get transferred to your squadron just because all of a sudden you had this great epiphany? Even if I agree to try things with you again– which I haven’t –I’m not leaving all of my friends, family, and a job I love on the off chance you don’t sabotage us again.”

“I’m not asking you to.” Jake turned to face Bradley, but he couldn’t meet his eye. “The real reason I was late tonight is because I was talking to Cyclone. Starting next month, I’m gonna be a Top Gun instructor. Just like you.”

Bradley blinked several times in quick succession. “Wh-what?”

“I’m not asking you to leave everything behind for me. I’m asking you to let me come home to you and try again.” Jake’s eyes lifted slowly until he was staring into Bradley’s eyes. “I messed up but I want to fix it. I want to fix us. And I know it won’t be like it was before, but I’m just asking for a chance. Because I fucking love you, Bradley Bradshaw. And I’m tired of trying to convince myself I don’t.”

Bradley could only stare at Jake with his jaw practically on the floor. He had considered a hundred different ways this conversation would go once he saw Jake again, but Jake confessing he loved him had never once crossed his mind. Even before Jake had left, neither one of them had used the “L” word though Bradley had considered it once or twice. But for Jake to be the first one to say it…..

As Bradley tried to absorb everything Jake had told him, Jake continued to wait, chewing on his lip as his eyes darted across Bradley’s face trying to get some idea of what he was feeling. But when he couldn’t see an answer, his shoulders slumped and he hung his head. Nodding softly, he said, “Yeah, I thought it was a long shot. But I had to try. I’ll see you tomorrow at the wedding, Rooster.”

However, as he turned to leave, Bradley’s hand shot out and grabbed his. Jake’s eyes snapped up to Bradley’s face and the mustachioed man smiled. “I should hate you, you know. I should reject your offer and move on. But I can’t. Because I love you too, Jake.” 

Then he wrapped his arms around Jake’s waist and pulled him into a kiss.

It felt almost like that first time on Bradley’s bunk a year ago. The same desperation and heat fueled their motions. Jake’s hand wrapped around the back of Bradley’s neck and he pulled him even deeper into him while Bradley pushed Jake back against the wall of The Hard Deck. Everyone inside was probably staring at them through the window, but neither man gave a fuck at that moment. Right now, nothing existed besides the two of them.

Jake slipped his lips from Bradley’s and began trailing kisses across his jaw and down his throat. When he began sucking on the side of his neck, Bradley moaned, “Oh god, I’ve missed you.”

Lifting his head, Jake said, “Well, I’m not going anywhere this time. I promise.” He began to lean forward again, but he looked at his watch as it made a soft buzz sound. A grin slowly spread across his face. “Midnight. Which means it’s now the anniversary of the mission. Do you remember what we did that night exactly one year ago?”

Bradley’s grin soon matched Jake’s. “I may not have a bunk handy but the backseat of my Bronco is about the same size.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Jake slid his hand into Bradley’s and began pulling him towards the parking lot. “I want to make this another night you’ll never forget.”

Taglist: @loverhymeswith, @babblydrabbly, @lorecraft, @green-socks, @heart-0n-fire,  @nerdysuperchick, @tavners, @mayhem24-7forever @wildbornsiren, @hederasgarden, @ryebecca, @the-untamed-soul, @inglourious-imagines, @airhogger, @piscesvancouverite, @straightforwardly, @bonnieelizabethparker, @srry-itshockeyszn, @flyinlove, @fandomhopped, @sweetheartlizzie07, @yjwnoot, @wanderdreamer, @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy, @callsign-fox,  @callsign-phoenix, @shanimallina87, @forever-sleepy-sloth, @notroosterbradshaw, @dezthegeek, @blessupblessup, @cherrycola27, @phoenix1389, @nicangelinee, @smells-like-perfect-senses, @boringusername3, @petlaufeyson, @cycbaby, @topguncortez, @footprintsinthesxnd, @fantasticcopeaglepasta,  @fangirlinc, @sparrows-corner, @mads-weasley, @trencher4lyfe, @merlehs, @sunshineflowerchild789, @imjess-themess, @maggie8002sq, @je-suis-prest-rachel, @tellrock35, @mak-32

[greymoonfeelings]

The Best Day

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Fem! reader

Summary: Bradley’s past year has been spent creating lasting memories with you, but tonight is about to be his favorite.

Word Count: 3.7k

Warnings: pregnancy, cheesy ass love, mentions of angsty situations

This is for the @tgm-all4one challenge! The prompt “Last summer was one no one could ever forget. Now, a year later, character(s) still feel(s) the effects of that time” is very fitting as I’m still thirsting over these pilots a year later. Happy anniversary TG:M!

•••

Last summer was one of the best Bradley had experienced in a long time and things had only gotten better. A year later, he’s still feeling the effects of that summer, the endless happiness that it had brought into his life. Not only had he made up with his Mav and made a new family with the permanently stationed Dagger Squad, but the girl he met within the first week in San Diego was about to be his wife.

The first time you and Bradley met, you had been enjoying a rare day off at the beach. The sun was shining bright and the cool temperature of the ocean was a welcomed change to the heat of your stuffy office. You had been getting out of the water after enjoying a nice swim. You thought you were far enough from the group of people playing football in the sand, but you weren’t. As you wiped sand off your torso, something collided with you. You hit the sand hard, but before you could curse out whoever slammed into you, you were met with an outrageously attractive sight. The man profusely apologized, asking how he could make it up to you. The offer of a night of free drinks was enough for you and the events of that night had led you to this moment right here.

“Are you sure about this, Bradley?”

The two of you stand in each other's arms in your shared bedroom. You’re wrapped in a pink fluffy robe and Bradley is still dressed in his sweatpants and ratty old UVA shirt even though it’s nearing 4 pm.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Bradley assures you with a light kiss on your temple, careful not to press too hard on your makeup which you had just spent the better half of an hour perfecting.

“You’re not just doing this because you feel obligated?” You drop your gaze to your growing stomach, suddenly feeling very unsure of yourself. You need Bradley to want to marry you because he wants to spend the rest of his life with you, not just because you’re carrying his child.

Bradley tilts your chin with two fingers bringing your eyes back to him. There’s nothing but adoration swimming in his brown eyes. “The only reason I didn’t drop down on one knee earlier was because I thought two weeks of knowing each other was too soon.”

“Two weeks?” You ask incredulously.

“See, you agree, it would’ve been crazy. But I wanted it, honey. I am not just marrying you because you’re carrying my child, but I took it as a sign.” His large hand joins yours in covering your small bump. “That’s my baby boy in there and I want nothing more than to marry his mommy.”

“Save the sweet talk for your vows, mister.”

“Oh, just wait. I’ll have the whole backyard in tears.”

“Yeah, yeah,” you chide playfully. You fully believe in Bradley’s ability to turn all your guests to mush. For all his playfulness, Bradley Bradshaw is an extremely emotional man and he always knows the perfect words to put you in your feels (not that it’s hard nowadays with your hormones all over the place.) “Get outta here so I can put on my dress. It’s bad luck to see me in it before the altar.”

“Now you’re superstitious? You know it’s also bad luck to see you the day of.”

“I’m not superstitious, but I am a little ‘stitious, so leave.” You shove Bradley towards the bedroom door as he busts out laughing at your response. When you finally get him out of the room, you shut the door and fall against it with a big smile. Hearing that laugh for the rest of your life is going to make you the happiest woman alive.

You spend the next hour getting into your dress and putting the final touches on your look. It's easy to relax knowing that Penny and Mav have everything under control with the guests and backyard set up. Bradley had put your last-minute fears to rest and now the butterflies in your stomach are from pure excitement. Tonight is about to be the best and easiest night of your life.

———

The opening notes of the Bridal March cut through the cooling summer air in your backyard. You take a deep breath and smooth down the fabric of your dress before moving forward. You begin your journey down the path of bright green grass that’s surrounded by white folding chairs on both sides, making your way toward the makeshift altar.

All your closest friends and your parents stand from their seats and watch you with big smiles. Your eyes scan over each of their faces as you walk past. You can’t help the tear that rolls down your cheek as you bask in the love that is palpable in the air. To think, a year ago, you had felt so alone in a new city and now you were surrounded by people you called your family.

Your eyes finally land on your fiancé who stands beside his uncle under a wooden arch decorated with yellow flowers. Bradley watches intently as you travel towards him, looking like a princess in your wedding gown. He immediately tears up at the sight of you illuminated by the canopy of fairy lights strung across the trees.

His chest feels tight from how much love he’s experiencing. Never in a million years did he think he would ever be this happy, not after everything that had happened in his life. You were like a breath of fresh air and the moment he met you, he knew things would never be the same.

You finally come to your spot in front of him and Bradley wants to kiss you right then, but he knows that’s against the rules. Instead, he takes your soft hands in his and presses a kiss to your knuckles.

“You look so beautiful.”

“You clean up nice yourself.” You beam up at Bradley with the most beautiful smile he’s ever seen and he can’t help the wide grin that splits his face. He's never felt this giddy in his life.

Maverick clears his throat before beginning. “Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, commitment, friendship, family, and of two people who are in it for forever. I’ve never been good with words, so I will try to keep this short and sweet. Some people believe that love is determined by fate. They believe that love is a cosmic thing, set by the universe and written in the stars. I’ve always been a skeptic, but Carole Bradshaw believed in it. She believed that she and Goose were meant to be. She would’ve believed the same about you two.

The type of love that I witnessed between Goose and Carole was one that I never thought I’d see again, but I see it here, between the two of you. The love between you is genuine. It’s shown through everything you do for one another, and how you treat each other in good times and bad. You help each other grow and become better people. You encourage each other with patience and kindness. There is no doubt in my mind that your love will last for many years to come. May your lives together be long and filled with many happy memories.”

By the time Maverick is finished, you’re a mess. At the mention of your departed in-laws, you immediately started crying. You loved them so much and you never even met them. You knew just from hearing about them how much they loved each other and knowing that their best friend sees that same love between you and Bradley warms your heart.

Bradley sheds his own tears from thinking about his parents and how they can’t be here in person, but instead of wiping his tears, he dries yours. He never wants to see you cry even if he knows these aren’t bad tears.

“Now, do you, Bradley Bradshaw, take this beautiful woman as your wife? Do you promise to love her unconditionally, offer her your love, support, trust, and respect as you build your future together?”

“I do.”

Maverick turns to you. “Do you take this man as your husband? Do you promise to love him unconditionally, offer him your love, support, trust, and respect as you build your future together?”

“I do,” You promise and the genuine love in your eyes tightens Bradley’s chest.

“You may now exchange your vows.”

“Can I go first? Because I have a feeling after yours, I’ll have too much snot running down my face to speak properly.” You speak, barely above a whisper so only Bradley and Mav, by proximity, can hear. Your question elicits a watery chuckle from Bradley as he nods for you to begin.

“For as long as I can remember, I have waited for my prince charming. From falling for fictional characters to terrible teenage lovers, I eventually came to terms with the idea that the love I wanted didn’t exist. I tried to make peace with the fact that I was likely going to end up all by myself. It was the main reason why I threw myself into work and consequently took the job that brought me to San Diego. The day I first met you, when you knocked into me at the beach, I thought, ‘I am going to castrate this man…’”

Everyone laughs, including Bradley. Your reaction was on par with what they all knew about you.

“But then I looked up and saw a hunky god-like man looking down at me, apologizing and I decided that it would be cruel to deprive the world of your ability to have kids. Now, one year later, I’m the lucky girl who will be gracing this planet with the cutest babies ever.” Your hand finds your stomach as everyone laughs again.

“Bradley, you are so much more than I could have ever dreamed for. You love me in a way I never thought I would experience. You love me on my darkest days when I can’t bring myself to eat and have day-old mascara running down my cheeks. You love me when I obnoxiously belt out old pop songs on the freeway and when I hog all the blankets. You love me so much that you get up at 2 am to get me convenience store pickles because I woke up craving them. I spent so long thinking I was hard to love, but you never make me feel that way. You’re patient and kind. You take everything I throw at you in stride. I love you more than words can express, but I hope I did a good job.”

As you finish, Bradley’s calloused thumb graces your cheek to wipe away tears you didn’t realize had fallen. His eyes are glossy too and a few stray tears make their way down his face.

“That’s gonna be a tough act to follow.” His voice comes out thin, evidence of his emotional state. He then clears his throat before he begins his vows.

“I spent most of my adult life alone. After losing all my loved ones, I was hurt and angry at the world. I never let anyone new get too close because I was afraid I would lose them too. I always seemed like the most popular guy in the room, serenading the whole bar, cracking jokes, and acting like everyone was my best friend, but I would return to my empty room at the barracks feeling like the loneliest guy in the world. When I got called back to Top Gun, I thought it would be another lonely experience, but then I met you that fateful day at the beach and everything changed. I never believed in love at first sight in fact, I never believed that I would find love ever. I knew it existed, I saw the love my mother had for my father even after he was gone, but I didn’t think it was in the cards for me. The minute I laid eyes on you, I knew you were my forever. You made me yearn for a future I never even realized I could have. I felt terrible for body slamming some poor girl, but I felt ten times worse when I saw it was my future wife…”

“You’re laying it on real thick,” you joke even though his speech is causing you to cry like a baby.

“You doubt me, but you’re standing here with me, and I’m about to put a ring on it.” Bradley smiles back before continuing. “I knew that if I wanted to have a shot with you, I would need to tear down the walls I had spent so many years hiding behind. The idea of opening up to you was terrifying, but you made me want to do it so badly. I wanted to get to know you and I wanted you to know me too. You remained by my side, waiting patiently and encouraging me as I slowly learned how to open myself up again. You never pushed me or made me feel like my grief was a burden. You never made me feel bad about battling old ghosts, you even helped me conquer them.

I love you more than I thought a human being was capable of. When I’m without you, I feel lost. You’ve become the best part of my day. You let me lean on you when I’m having a rough time. You never judge my feelings and you always make sure I feel loved even when I don’t feel I deserve it. You make me stronger and happier. I never knew what living meant until I met you. All those years I spent floating through life and feeling bad have disappeared. I never want to know what it’s like to live without you now that I have you. I love you and our baby boy so much. I can’t wait to build this life with you.

“God, I fucking love you.” You cry softly and Bradley squeezes your hands that have been enveloped in his the entire time.

“It's time to exchange your rings.” Maverick prompts and Jake rises from his front-row seat with the tiny silk pillow that holds two silver bands. You each take the respective bands meant for the other.

Bradley holds your left hand delicately in his and as he slips the silver wedding band on your ring finger, he speaks. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love for you. It's a promise that I will always love you no matter what separates us be it land, sea, or sky.” Once the ring is sitting snug on your finger he presses his lips to it.

You repeat the step with Bradley’s hand, bringing the band up to his finger and pronouncing, “With this ring, you will have a reminder close by that you are always in my heart. I love you and I am yours today and forever.”

“I know the two of you have been eager to get to this part, so we won’t make you wait any longer. It's my pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. Bradley, you may now kiss your bride.”

“Thank god!” One of Bradley’s arms snakes around your waist while his free hand comes to caress your cheek. He kisses you with such force it would send you stumbling if it weren’t for his arm steadying you. You throw your hands around his neck, pulling his body flush against yours and kiss him back with just as much passion, cementing your love for your now husband.

You never want to pull away, but you do for the sake of getting enough air to keep you standing upright. Bradley’s lips brush against yours softly as he whispers. “I love you so much.”

Your hands find each other as you turn to face the crowd. A loud round of applause breaks out as you throw your clasped hands in the air as a symbol of unity. The two of you had been going around as a united team for a while now, but this solidifies it.

———

Your first dance with Bradley to The One by Elton John is straight out of a movie. The fairy lights twinkling above you illuminate Bradley’s soft brown eyes which capture yours in a loving gaze. A soft smile has found a permanent place on his face this evening and you have a matching one. The two of you waltz around the dance floor with your arms wrapped around his middle and his holding you tight around your waist.

When the chorus begins, Bradley gently brings your head to rest against his chest. Your ear presses against the soft fabric of his shirt just above his heart. The sound of his steady heartbeat mixes with the very fitting lyrics. Despite all the eyes on you, it still manages to feel like you and he are the only two people in the world as you dance together.

“When stars collide like you and I, no shadows block the sun. You're all I've ever needed. Oh, baby, you're the one.” Bradley sings just loud enough for you to hear and then presses a kiss to the top of your head, letting you know that the words are specifically for you. And they encapsulate your feelings just as well because Bradley is the only one you ever needed, him and now your baby boy.

As the song ends, you pull Bradley down for a lingering kiss, holding onto the collar of his shirt even as the music changes to a more fast pace song. Bradley hums happily against your lips and when he pulls away, he has a giddy smile on his face.

The rest of the night is spent dancing with your loved ones around the backyard. Laughter and off-key singing fills the air as people let loose. It’s no secret that the squad is one of the rowdiest bunches around and this night is a perfect opportunity to have some unforgettable fun. Food is devoured, bets are made on how long it will take Bob to bust out the old sprinkler dance move and shots are taken each time Bradley gets caught staring at you.

When it comes time to cut the cake, everyone watches intently as your hand covers Bradley’s and the two of you cut out the first slice together. You each take a fork full and feed it to the other, resulting in another round of applause from your guests. While Bradley is distracted savoring the spongy cake, you take the opportunity to gather frosting on your fingers and smear it across his face, making sure to get it into his mustache. Before he can do the same to you, you take his face in your hands and like a long stripe across the coarse hairs.

“Mmm,” you hum smugly.

“There are children here!” Bradley gasps, scandalized as if the action hadn’t turned him on a little bit. You cackle in response, but your amusement is cut short when Bradley scoops up a dollop of frosting and spreads it across your face. He licks the light purple frosting off your cheek before kissing you hard.

———

After giving a riveting performance of Baby One More Time at the request of Phoenix, you step away and take a moment to catch your breath. You watch from afar as your friends continue to have the time of their lives.

Jake and Coyote are taking I Wanna Dance With Somebody way too seriously, serenading Fanboy and Bradley who are singing back at them equally as loud. Payback twirls his wife around. Bob seems to have overindulged in the beer, an unusual occurrence because he’s all too confident he can hit the high notes of the song as he jumps around with Phoenix.

It’s impossible to stop the giggles coming from you as you watch the scene unfold. These big, strong, badass fighter pilots look silly dancing around with absolutely zero inhibitions. These idiots are your family and you couldn’t love them anymore. They are exactly the type of people you always wanted in your life. You stand for a few moments longer, simply soaking it all up.

Fanboy, the “DJ” of the night, announces through the speakers that there will be one last song, a slow one for all the couples. You almost can’t believe the night is already over. You feel like you could spend forever stuck in this moment. The joy, fun, love, it’s all so amazing. This night is only the beginning of the rest of your life with Bradley, but it’s been the best night ever.

At Last by Etta James plays. It’s one of Bradley’s favorite songs to dance with you to. You’ve spent many nights together swaying in a dimly lit kitchen while the record plays. You make your way back to the dance floor where you find your husband waiting for you with an outstretched hand.

Bradley’s arms find themselves wrapped around your waist again. There’s a slight chill in the air from the midnight summer wind, but being close to Bradley keeps you warm. Other couples join you on the makeshift dance floor. Your parents along with Mav and Penny. Payback and his wife join. Phoenix drags Jake to dance with her and even with all the alcohol he’s consumed he’s still coordinated enough to dance the way his mama taught him.

“I’m so happy,” you whisper into the air between you and Bradley.

“Me too,” he whispers back as he lets his forehead fall against yours. “I love you.” One hand falls to your belly. The warmth from his large hand radiates through the fabric of your dress.

You press your lips against his softly. “You don’t have to keep saying it. I believe you.”

“I’m going to say it every minute until the day I die. I’ll shout it from the sky. I’m going to make sure the whole world knows.”

“You’re so cheesy,” you shake your head playfully.

“And you still married me.”

“Is it too late to change my mind?”

“That plane took off hours ago.”

“Then I guess it’s a good thing I love you too.”

“Yes, it is. The best thing in the whole world.”

[beccaanne814-deactivated2023121]

A Love You Don’t Find Everyday - Part 8

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader

Summary - Last summer was one no one could ever forget.  Now, a year later, Jake still feels the effects of that time.  Take a journey back to see how it all began.

Series Warnings - Cursing, Sexy Fluff, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Drinking, and Angst

Word Count - 980

Notes - This is my submission for the “It’s not the prompt. It’s the creator” challenge hosted by @tgm-all4one

Present Day

“Are you sure you’re okay, Hangman?”

Jake stopped and turned around.  Reaching out, he pretended to straighten Rooster’s medals.  “I’m doing great.  Why wouldn’t I be?  It’s a beautiful day for a wedding. . .”

“Jake.”

His eyes met Rooster’s.  His friend never called him Jake, so he knew Bradshaw was truly worried.  Letting out a long breath, he nodded back toward the rooms where the bride and her bridesmaids were getting ready.  “Have you seen her?”

Six Months Ago - Last Autumn

“Have you seen her?” Jake asked for the second time.

Rooster sighed and dropped his head.  “She’s with Phoenix and Bob.

“Why is she there?” Jake asked, even though he already knew the answer.  He’d come home from training to find most of her things missing.  He’d known his late nights at the bars were driving a wedge between them, but he’d convinced himself the alcohol was the only thing that kept his demons at bay.

“She needs some time to think, man,” Rooster explained.  “You haven’t exactly made life easy for her the past couple months.”  He gave Jake a chastising look.  “I’m surprised she’s stuck around as long as she has.”

“I can still fix this, right?”  Jake was starting to get frantic.  He needed her—he loved her—and he couldn’t live without her.

“You need to be straight with her.  She still doesn’t have a clue why you’re acting like this.”

Jake dropped his head.  “How do I tell her. . . I can’t let her know. . .”  He looked up at Rooster with fear in his eyes.  “She’ll never look at me the same once she finds out what happened.”

“I don’t know what to tell you.  We’ve all kept the truth from her because you asked for time to explain it yourself, but you’re out of time.”  He gave Jake a sympathetic look.  “She’s our friend, too, and she deserves to know.”

Jake nodded in agreement.  “Okay.  I’ll tell her.  Will you ask her to come back so I can explain.  I don’t want to do this at Phoenix and Bob’s place.”

“I’ll call her and see if she’s willing to hear you out.”  He gave Jake a cautionary look as he turned to leave.  “I’m not promising she’ll come, so be prepared for that possibility.”

Jake spent the next hour pacing the floors and texting Rooster every five minutes for any word from her.  He knew the second he opened the first bottle of beer that it was a mistake, but he told himself he just needed to take the edge off.

By the time Rooster texted that she was on her way to talk, he’d drunk an entire six pack and had started in on the second one.  Popping in a breath mint, he hoped she wouldn’t notice he’d been drinking.

But he wasn’t as sober as he’d thought he was.

“I can’t talk to you when you’re drunk,” she said the moment she opened the door and saw his flushed face and droopy eyelids.

“Darlin’, please,” he begged as he reached for her.  “Just let me explain.”

Pulling her arm from his grasp, she turned for the door.  “I’ll talk to you when you’re sober, Jake.  Don’t call me until you’re ready to grow up and act like a goddamned adult.”

“What do you want from me?”  His pleading tone was gone and replaced with anger intensified by the alcohol coursing through his veins.

“I want Jake back,” she yelled at him.  “I want the man I fell in love with instead of the angry drunk I’ve been living with for months.”

“Well, I’m sorry I can’t be the perfect boyfriend all the time,” he spat at her.  “You have no idea what I’ve been through. . .”

“That’s just it, Jake,” she interrupted, her anger finally letting loose.  “I don’t know what you’ve been through and you won’t tell me.  I can’t help you if you won’t let me.”

“You want to know so bad, huh?  You want another reason to look at me like I’m a failure?  Fine, I’ll tell you.”

She held her breath as she waited for him to continue.

“I got shot down during the last mission.”  He threw his arms wide.  “There, are you happy now?”  He beat a fist against his chest.  “I’m supposed to be the best of the best and I got shot out of the sky like a goddamned bird. . .like. . .”

“Like Rooster did?” she finished for him.  She took another breath before speaking again.  “I’m sorry that happened to you, Jake.  I truly am.  I want to be there for you—to help you deal with your PTSD.  But I can’t do this anymore. You need more help that I’m capable of offering.”  She felt the tears welling up but forced them back down until she’d finished saying what she needed to say.  “Get some help.  Go see a counselor.  Go to AA.  Just find someone who can help you process everything you’re going through.”

“You’re still leaving me?”

She wasn’t sure if she was making the right decision, but she wasn’t qualified to help him overcome his trauma.  “If I stay, nothing will change. But if I leave, I hope it’ll be the wake-up call you need.  I love you, Jake, but I can’t watch you drink yourself to death.”  Her tears couldn’t be contained any longer.  “This isn’t goodbye.  Please understand that.  I’ll be here when you’re ready to come back to me.”

Present Day

“Yeah, I saw her earlier.”  Rooster gave Jake’s shoulder a squeeze.  “She looks beautiful.”

“I look okay, right?” Jake was suddenly feeling self-conscious.

“You look good, Hangman.”

“I am good, Rooster.  I’m very good.” Rooster rolled his eyes as the familiar taunt fell from Jake’s lips, giving him the confidence boost he needed.  “Now let’s go get Bob and Phoenix married.  I’ve got a woman to win back today.”

[roosterforme]

How Could I Forget? | Rooster x Reader

Summary: When Bradley met you in a dive bar in Virginia, he just knew he wasn't going to be able to stop thinking about you. Even a year later, he still remembers your laugh and the way you kissed him.

Warnings: Fluff, drinking and swearing

Length: 2800 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

I wrote this for the 'Its not the prompt. It's the creator' challenge from @tgm-all4one. Check out my masterlist for more!

Bradley flipped through the options in the ancient jukebox while he sipped a cheap beer. This had to be the shittiest bar he'd ever been inside, and that was really saying something, since he was a University of Virginia alumni. 

"Let's see..." he muttered. "Danger Zone? No. Take My Breath Away? Nah. Slow Ride? Absolutely not."

He finally selected Great Balls of Fire and turned to check where his cousins had disappeared off to. But the bar was packed with locals waiting for the fireworks to start over the Chesapeake Bay, and he couldn't spot any of them. 

If they ditched him in this sticky little hellhole on the outskirts of Norfolk, Virginia, he was going to be so pissed. He scanned the bar once more as the song started playing, and his eyes settled on the cutest thing he had seen in a long time. 

You were holding your beer bottle like a microphone and aggressively lip syncing along with Jerry Lee Lewis as his voice blasted from the jukebox. 

Bradley smiled. You were right in the middle of the crowded bar, but nobody else had seemed to notice how you were shimmying along to the song, looking adorable in your own little world. Your eyes were squeezed shut as you mouthed Come on baby, you drive me crazy! Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire!

When Bradley laughed, you opened your eyes, and they met his immediately. You pressed your lips together, suddenly looking shy at being caught rocking out. You covered your mouth with your hand in embarrassment as your eyes went wider while Bradley tried to squeeze through the crowd to get to you. 

He was afraid you were going to try to sneak off, but you didn't. You were just nonchalantly drinking your beer when he reached you. 

"That was quite a performance," he said, and you looked up at him, clearly amused. 

"I don't know what you're talking about," you replied, but your smirk said otherwise. 

"That was my song," he said, nodding toward the jukebox.

"What do you mean?" you asked, pressing the bottle to your lips, and drawing Bradley's eyes down to watch the way you took a sip, the bottle lingering on your bottom lip for a beat.

"I selected it. On the jukebox," he grunted, and you laughed at him. 

"No, you didn't. I did."

Bradley scoffed as you squared your shoulders and jutted out your chin in playful defiance. "I chose it like three minutes ago," Bradley insisted. 

"I picked it like five minutes ago!" Your laugh was infectious, and Bradley just wanted to keep it going.

He shook his head solemnly. "It's still my song."

And you shook your head, imitating him. "If anything, it's Jerry Lee Lewis's song."

"Well, I can't argue with that. I did love your cover version though."

"Thanks." God, your smile was adorable. And your lips on that bottle had him thinking some scandalous things about your mouth. 

He cleared his throat. "Are you from Norfolk?"

You sighed deeply. "Unfortunately. You?"

"Virginia Beach."

You crinkled your nose and made a face that had him laughing again. "That might be even worse. You still live there?"

"For now," he replied. "I'm waiting on a new work assignment."

"Can I tell you a secret?" you asked, and when Bradley nodded, you coaxed him closer with your finger. Gorgeous. You were so pretty, Bradley was afraid he wouldn't be able to comprehend your words this close to your eyelashes and your mouth. "I escaped. I live in San Diego now."

"Bravo," he whispered, but he knew you could still hear him over the jukebox as it played Slow Ride. "What's it like to escape Virginia? I've only ever read about it in works of fiction. I've never met anyone who actually managed to do it."

You laughed again, and Bradley had to fight the urge to kiss you. He didn't even know your fucking name, but he was dying to feel your lips on his. 

"It wasn't easy," you promised. "Oh, no, my friend, it was not easy. My whole family still lives here, in Norfolk. My brother is in the damn Navy, if you can believe that. What a waste of a career, right?" you said with a massive eye roll. Bradley opened his mouth to respond, but you added, "Today is his birthday. Born on the Fourth of July, in the military, model citizen. I come home for his birthday every year and end up in this shitty bar every year." 

Bradley couldn't contain his smile. "I'm in the Navy."

Your eyes went wide. "Oh, shit. The Navy is the best!" you said brightly. "Oh boy, do I ever wish I had joined the Navy!"

Bradley tipped his head back and laughed harder. "I like you. You're brutally honest," he said, still laughing as you bit your lip, unable to stop smiling. 

"I'm so sorry," you said, trying not to laugh. "Come here. Let me buy you another beer to make up for the fact that you're in the Navy, you poor thing."

Bradley just shook his head, but then you took his hand in yours and gently led him to the bar. And you kept your hand linked with his while you ordered two drinks. But when you started to reach into your pocket to pay, Bradley took both of your hands in his larger one, and you looked up at him, surprised. 

"I've got it," he told you, pulling some cash out of his own pocket. "It's not every day you meet a celebrity."

"Celebrity?" you asked, and he pulled you closer by both hands. 

"You escaped Virginia! Buying you a drink would have to give me good karma! Who knows, maybe I'll even get stationed somewhere new." 

Bradley released your hands when the beers arrived, but you didn't move away from him. "Where do you want to get stationed?" you asked, and Bradley couldn't look away from the curve of your lips as you took the first sip from the bottle. 

"Somewhere warm," he told you. "But I guess I could learn how to brave some cold weather if I had to."

When the woman behind you bumped into you, Bradley could feel the warmth from your body through his clothes. You were that close. He wanted you closer. And then you were snug up against the front of him. "Well, I think you're brave," you told him with wide, teasing eyes.

"Because I'm in the Navy?" he asked, taking a sip of his beer as you shook your head. 

"No," you told him with a soft laugh. "Because you dare to sport a mustache. Almost nobody can pull that off." Now you were giggling as he ran his fingers along his facial hair. 

"I think you're having a lot of fun at my expense here tonight," he told you. "I think you like me."

You were quiet for a few seconds, and Bradley's heart beat a little faster when you said, "I think you like me, too."

"What's not to like?" he whispered, and your eyes fluttered closed as he ran his fingers along your cheek. "You stole my song. You hate my job. You made fun of my facial hair. And you managed to hijack my escape from this state, because surely the odds of two of us getting out are just too high."

And then you kissed him. Just a soft brush of your lips to his. But it was perfect. And then the fireworks started outside, but you stayed right there with him, your hand coming to rest on his chest. 

Everyone else rushed out to the deck or down along the water to watch the colorful display, even the bartender. But you didn't move an inch, and now Bradley was setting down his beer. This time he kissed you, and you nibbled on his lower lip as your other hand tangled in his hair. Bradley's hands went to your waist, as he tasted you. Beer and something kind of sweet. 

"What's your name?" Bradley asked between kisses, and when you told him, the sound of it echoed through his mind. He whispered it back to you, against your lips as you dragged your fingernails along his scalp. "I'm Bradley."

"Hi, Bradley," you said with a smile between kisses. "I'm sorry I stole your song. And I actually think your mustache is cute."

He was smiling so much against your neck as he kissed you there. "I'm really happy I came to this shitty bar tonight."

"Me too," you gasped as he sucked on you there before returning his lips to yours. These hurried, needy kisses turned more languid as they slowed down. You had pushed Bradley back onto an empty stool, your palms on his splayed thighs as he stroked your neck and face while you kissed. Every little moan and gasp had him coaxing you closer, and then the fireworks ended. The other patrons started trickling back into the bar as your lips nudged his in one final kiss. 

You pulled away from him, smiling and sliding your hands down to his knees. He leaned a little close to your face, ready to beg for one more kiss as he said, "Please, let me have your phone number."

You leaned in and kissed the corner or his lips before you backed away. Bradley was up out of the stool, chasing the warmth of your body, but you shook your head.

"That's not a good idea," you told him, gently pressing your palm to his chest, and it took you a few beats to meet his eyes. "And make you pine for me from afar?" you asked with a soft, teasing smile. "I couldn't live with that."

Bradley whispered your name about a dozen times in a row until your eyes closed. He kissed you softly and said, "I'm pretty sure I'll be doing that anyway. Pining for you."

You looked up at him, gaze darting between his lips and his eyes, almost like you were about to cave. But you shook your head and said, "You'll forget all about me by tomorrow."

Then someone called your name from the other side of the bar and stole your attention from him. And Bradley felt all the perfect flirtation and banter and kisses slipping through his grasp. 

"I need to go," you told him, and you looked so sad. "I hope you escape Virginia."

He nodded slightly, running his thumb across your soft cheek one more time. "I know this sounds weird, but I'm going to miss you."

And then you kissed him again, as if you understood exactly what he meant. And then you were gone. 

-------------------------------

Bradley thought about you a lot. Sometimes he let your name grace his tongue with the sweet feel of it. Sometimes he would daydream about your laugh. But the moment he opened his mail in late August and read the line detailing the location of his new station, a slew of obscenities flew out of his mouth. 

San Diego. He was going to be stationed in San Diego. 

And he had no idea how to reach you. He only knew your first name. But he spent his first few months there hopeful that he would run into you somewhere. So he visited different grocery stores. He took different running tails. He went to the mall across town once. And each time he did one of those things, he felt ridiculous. Stupid. Idiotic. Until he remembered your smile and the way you made him feel so good while also poking fun at him. 

As the months wore on, he went on dates and kissed other girls, but he still thought about you sometimes. When he listened to Jerry Lee Lewis, he pictured you singing into your beer bottle. When he drank a cheap beer, he could almost hear your laugh. 

You had told him that you go to that same shitty bar every year on your brother's birthday. But just as Bradley purchased tickets for a roundtrip flight from San Diego to Norfolk, he realized you probably didn't even remember him. What was he going to do? Walk into that bar and tell you he missed you? You'd look at him like he was insane. Or worse, like you had no fucking clue who he was. 

He thought about not going. Just letting the tickets go to waste. But at the very least, he would be able to visit his cousins for the night. At the very least, he might just be able to see you again, just for a minute. 

----------------------------

You sat at the bar, across the room from your brother. You didn't know why you still bothered to come home for the weekend every year, but here you were. In Norfolk. Again. 

As politely as you could, you turned down the red headed guy who tried to buy you a drink. And you did the same thing to the blond, too. Because now you associated this shithole bar with wavy, sandy brown hair and big, brown puppy eyes. And you weren't about to override your memories from one year ago with some random loser who wanted to buy you a can of Miller Lite. 

You hoped Bradley was currently stationed somewhere warm, near a beach. It always made you smile to picture him with his feet in the sand, drinking a beer.

Your head swiveled to the jukebox as soon as you heard the opening piano chords of Great Balls of Fire playing, but there was just an older woman standing there snapping her fingers. 

Your heart sank a bit as you settled back into your stool and sipped your beer. It would have been too good to be true, and you were ridiculous for even entertaining the thought. But then that raspy voice was behind you, saying your name and making goosebumps break out all across your skin.

When you turned and met his warm eyes, your mouth fell open. He was here. And he looked so handsome and nervous. And your heart was hammering too hard, making it difficult to talk. 

"I don't know if you remember me," he said softly, looking at your face like you were the most precious thing he had ever seen. "But-"

"Bradley! How could I forget?" you breathed, and you watched his smile grow. "I was hoping you'd escape Virginia."

He laughed, and you wanted to kiss his mustache again. "I did. And I've been looking for you for ten months."

You leaned in a little closer and grinned. "Well I've been in San Diego."

"Me too," he said, and you tilted your head in question, but he just smiled more. "That's where I've been stationed since September."

"Oh!" you gasped. "You escaped to my city!"

"Mmhmm. And you made me come all the way back to shitty Norfolk, Virginia to find you."

You laughed. "You came back here for me?"

He nodded and stroked his fingers across your cheek just the way you remembered. "Yes. All I could think about was the way you told me you come here every year on this day. So I've been waiting months for the chance to try to see you again."

"That's really romantic," you told him, letting your palm come to rest on his chest. 

He covered it with his as he said, "My full name is Bradley Bradshaw. I live in Coronado, California on Pomona Avenue. And if you're single, I'm not leaving here without your phone number."

You were clamoring off your stool before he even finished talking, and he welcomed you into his arms. And then you kissed him, just like you had a year ago, his body warm and perfect against yours. You told him your full name between kisses, running your fingers through his hair and melting into him. "And yes, you can have my phone number, Bradley Bradshaw." 

He sighed against your cheek. "Even though I've been pining for you from afar?"

You laughed, remembering what you'd told him last year. "Apparently you've been pining for me from nearby. And that just won't do. Because I've thought about you... about the guy with the cute mustache who acted like he owns Jerry Lee Lewis's music catalog. About the only guy I ever kissed in the middle of a dive bar before I even knew his name," you whispered.

And then Bradley was kissing you again before he ended up sitting on the bar stool with you perched on his leg. He gave you his phone so you could save your number for him, and you sat like that until last call, just talking and laughing and occasionally kissing with the promise of more to come. 

When you got back to your parents' house with your brother, your phone illuminated with a new text message. 

Bradley Bradshaw: Meet me in San Diego.

------------------------

They were both pining from afar! Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls for putting up with me.

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[beccaanne814-deactivated2023121]

A Love You Don’t Find Everyday - Part 7

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader

Summary - Last summer was one no one could ever forget.  Now, a year later, Jake still feels the effects of that time.  Take a journey back to see how it all began.

Series Warnings - Cursing, Sexy Fluff, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Drinking, and Angst

Word Count - 834

Notes - This is my submission for the “It’s not the prompt. It’s the creator” challenge hosted by @tgm-all4one

Present Day

Checking the time on his watch again, Jake realized he’d spent longer in the reception hall reminiscing than he’d intended to.  Some of the anxiety returned as he hurried from the room in search of the groomsmen getting ready somewhere on the other side of the venue.

Rooster met him in the hallway and threw up his hands in frustration.  “Where in the hell have you been?”

Eight months ago - Last Autumn

“Where in the hell have you been?”

Jake let the keys fall to the ground as he sheepishly looked at the angry woman standing in the doorway glaring daggers at him.  “Me and the squad were getting drinks at the Hard Deck.”

Her nostrils flared as rage built up inside of her.  “Bullshit, Jake.  I texted Nat two hours ago and she said Penny kicked you out for starting a damn bar fight with some Air Force pilots.”  She let out a pained breath.  “I’ve been calling and texting you all night.  Why haven’t you answered me?”

“Coyote and I left the Hard Deck after Penny got her panties in a bunch over a little disagreement with the chair force.”  He stumbled against the doorframe as the world seemed to teeter beneath his feet.

She was tempted to take pity on him, but she was still pissed at him for ignoring her all evening, and even madder that he was so blatantly lying to her.  “I talked to Javy an hour ago and he told me you disappeared when he left to go to the bathroom.”  She took a shaky breath and asked the one question she’d hoped she’d never have to ask.  “Were you with another woman?”

It was his turn to get pissed.  “What kind of question is that?”  Of course I wasn’t with someone else. I’m not a fucking cheater.  I thought you knew me better than that.”

She threw her hands out in front of her in an effort to get him to take a look at himself.  “I thought I knew you, too, Jake.  But how can I trust you when I’ve already caught you in so many lies tonight?”

“I haven’t lied, darlin’. . .”

“Stop it, Jake.”  She closed her eyes for a moment and took another calming breath.  Yelling and screaming would do nothing but make him bull up even more.  “You say you weren’t in a bar fight, but you have a black eye and bruised knuckles.  You say you were at the Hard Deck, but all of your friends told me otherwise.  And I mean all of them, Jake.  I’ve texted the whole squad tonight looking for you.”

For the first time he saw the worry in her eyes that had been masked by her anger up until that moment.  Suddenly feeling like the world’s biggest ass, he fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around her hips.  “I’m so sorry, darlin’.  I’m such a mess right now.”

Her anger disappeared in an instant and was replaced with pity.  She knew something had happened on the mission he’d just returned from, but he wasn’t talking—and neither was anyone else.  She’d begged Nat to tell her what had happened, but her friend had insisted that Jake needed to be the one to tell her when he was ready.  Nat had at least warned her that Jake might not be himself for a few days or weeks, but no amount of warning had prepared her for her complete one-eighty turn in her boyfriend’s personality.

She’d done her best to be understanding and had walked around on eggshells since he’d returned to avoid setting off one of his mood swings.  But tonight had been too much for her as she’d spent hours trying to track him down.  She’d even gone so far as to start making calls to the hospitals and police stations on the off chance something horrible had happened to him.

Seeing Jake broken and battered before her triggered something inside of her.  Reaching down, she ran her fingers through his hair and made calming sounds in an effort to soothe whatever it was inside of him that was making him act so out of character.  Lifting his chin, she met his gaze and her heart broke a little.

“Let’s get you cleaned up and into bed.”  She helped him to his feet and again and led him back towards the bathroom.  She’d known when she’d moved in with him that she was signing up to deal with the aftereffects of his job, but she’d had no idea just how bad things could get.  Right now, Jake needed her love and understanding more than anything and she hoped she’d be strong enough to see him through the worst of it.

Present Day

“You’re not drunk, are you?” Rooster asked when he saw Jake’s eyes go glassy.

Shaking away the memory of his first fight with her, he brushed past his friend.  “You know I haven’t had a drink in six months, Bradshaw.”

[beccaanne814-deactivated2023121]

A Love You Don’t Find Everyday - Part 6

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader

Summary - Last summer was one no one could ever forget.  Now, a year later, Jake still feels the effects of that time.  Take a journey back to see how it all began.

Series Warnings - Cursing, Sexy Fluff, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Drinking, and Angst

Word Count - 879

Notes - This is my submission for the “It’s not the prompt. It’s the creator” challenge hosted by @tgm-all4one

Present Day

Concentrating on his breathing, Jake looked around the room to start grounding himself.  First, he focused on the fairy lights strung high above him.  Then his gaze lowered back to the balloon arch, but he remembered the popping balloon was what had triggered him, so he found another object.  A staff member was walking around turning on the flameless candles and the flickering lights had a smile gracing his face again.  He forgot about all the three step method he was supposed to be doing as his mind took another trip down memory lane.

Eleven Months Ago - Last Summer

He arrived on her doorstep promptly at six o’clock with a bottle of wine and a bouquet of fresh flowers.  It was the first time he’d been invited over and he didn't want to assume, but he’d still taken great pains with his appearance just in case this was the night she invited him to stay.

She was wearing a flowy dress that hit her mid-thigh and Jake was finding it hard not to stare at her legs as she ushered him in and started walking back into the apartment.  As if he was in a trance, he followed behind her like a puppy.  But he drew up short when he saw the small table in the kitchen.

She’d offered to cook him dinner, but he hadn’t been expecting her to go all out.  The table was covered with a crisp linen tablecloth and the place settings were already laid out.  She’d dimmed the lights in the kitchen and drawn the shades, so the candles burning in the center of the table could properly set the romantic mood she’d been aiming for.

“Everything looks amazing,” he said in awe.  “Especially you.”

She beamed with pride at his praise.  She’d worked all afternoon to make sure this dinner would be perfect.  “I made your favorite,” she said as she started pulling dishes from the oven.  “At least Nat said it was your favorite, so I hope she wasn’t pulling one over on me.”

Jake had been pleasantly surprised that the two women had hit it off so well.  He knew he should be happy that his girl got along so well with his friends, but Phoenix wasn’t his biggest fan, so he wouldn’t have been shocked if she’d played a prank on him.  But as the dishes were uncovered, the aroma of his favorite foods engulfed his senses and he vowed to thank Phoenix later.

“It’s perfect,” he assured her as he offered to help finish preparing the meal.

They both seemed to be wound tight with nerves and for the first time, they tripped over their words as the night wore on.  The food was excellent and he made a point of complimenting her on her efforts to make up for the awkwardness of the evening.

When she rose to clear the table once they’d finished, he insisted on handling the clean-up.  “You cooked—I’ll clean.  That’s my mama’s rule back home.”

“Remind me to thank your mama for raising such a gentleman,” she teased as she sat back with her glass of wine and watched him move about her kitchen as though he belonged there.

“She’s going to love you,” Jake assured her.  “She always told me I needed to find a strong woman who could keep me in my place.”

“Is that so?”  Amused, she stood and walked over to the counter.  Leaning back, she watched Jake roll up his sleeves and begin washing dishes.  “And where exactly should I keep you?”

“Walking the straight and narrow, according to my mama.”

“Hmm.”  She doubted Jake had walked the straight and narrow path a day in his life.  He was the kind of man that preferred to blaze his own trail.

Jake rinsed the last plate and dried his hands on the towel folded neatly by the sink.  “So, what’s for dessert?”

With a sultry smile, she sat down her empty wine glass and framed his face with her hands.  “You,” she answered just before she fit her mouth against his in a kiss that melted away any lingering awkwardness.

Not needing to be told twice, Jake lifted her up to sit on the edge of the counter.  Her legs immediately wrapped around his waist as she pulled his hips flush with hers.  His hands were sliding up her thighs, dragging the hem of her dress higher as his mouth continued teasing and tormenting her.

At that moment she couldn’t remember why she’d been so insistent on making him wait this long before inviting him into her bed.  She’d stoked the flames between them for weeks and the fire she’d created threatened to consume her completely as Jake’s hands and lips claimed every inch of her.

Present Day

Jake felt desire start to consume him and forced the memory of that night back into the farthest recesses of his mind.  This was neither the time, nor the place, to allow his desire for her to rise to the surface.

He breathed a sigh of relief that the anxiety and panic had faded, but now he was left longing for the woman he loved.  The woman he’d soon see walking down the aisle in just a few short hours.

[ryebecca-deactivated20251111]

let’s fly away (ft. jake ‘hangman’ seresin) ✈️ ✨

After losing his wingman during a particularly harrowing mission, Jake Seresin made the tough choice to retire from his position as a Naval aviator. Unable to keep away from the skies, he continued his career as an airline pilot - in Texas, far from San Diego. Far from the Navy. And far from you.

You were the one who got away. The almost, but not quite. The one who never crossed that line. The one who was devastated when Jake Seresin left.

Back in San Diego for a Dagger Squad reunion, Jake sets foot in San Diego for the first time in five years. The Hard Deck is still there. So is dogfight football. So are his friends. So are the ghosts of those who are no longer with them. And to his surprise, so are you. Still beautiful. Still strong. But will he ever be able to call you his?

for @tgm-all4one!

[tgm-all4one]

Just a reminder, the challenge is still ongoing until the end of Saturday, June 3! So you still have plenty of time to participate if you want! (and please still share if you don't finish until after Saturday. We would still love to see your work!)

And a huge thank you to everyone who has participated so far! You all have created some amazing work and I'm glad we were able to celebrate the anniversary together!

[lillyrosenight-retired]

Title: A Fox in the Clouds

Read on ao3

Author: lillyrosenight

Rating: GA

Pairing: Jake Seresin & Kat Kazansky (OC)

Fandom(s): Top Gun

Major Tags: (if any) N/A

Word Count: 981

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/47552845

Summary: Jake sees a bull and Kat sees a fox.

This is apart of the @tgm-all4one challenge. I want to write more Kat and the Dagger Squad stories.

[beccaanne814-deactivated2023121]

A Love You Don’t Find Everyday - Part 5

Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader

Summary - Last summer was one no one could ever forget.  Now, a year later, Jake still feels the effects of that time.  Take a journey back to see how it all began.

Series Warnings - Cursing, Sexy Fluff, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Drinking, and Angst

Word Count - 926

Notes - This is my submission for the “It’s not the prompt. It’s the creator” challenge hosted by @tgm-all4one

Present Day

Jogging up the steps of the venue, Jake pulled open the door and looked to his right.  The ceremony would be taking place outside in the flowered courtyard, but the reception that followed would be inside.  Wanting a quick peek, he took a detour to see how everything looked.

The staff was still setting up, but he could tell that it was all going to be perfect.  As his eyes scanned the room, he spotted the wooden arch that would serve as the backdrop for the cake once the caterer delivered it.  He immediately recognized the graceful lines and intricate designs etched into the wood as her work and smiled at how beautifully the piece complimented the setting.  The arch was decorated with a multitude of flowers and balloons and the longer he looked, the more he was reminded of another balloon.

Eleven Months Ago - Last Summer

“We don’t have to do anything special,” she reminded him as he opened the car door for her.  “I mean, one month anniversaries aren’t really a thing.”

“Of course they are,” he said once he was behind the wheel and slipping the key into the ignition.

“Uh-huh.”  She gave him a withering look.  “How many of these have you celebrated before?”

He grimaced and shrugged.

“That’s what I thought.”

“You’re special, darlin’.”

She rolled her eyes.  “I bet you say that to all the women you’ve dated.”

“Would you believe me if I told you I’ve never taken a girl out for our one month anniversary before because you’re the first girlfriend I’ve had for longer than two weeks?”

Her eyes grew wide as she stared at him and shook her head.  “Sadly, I believe it, but I don’t know why.”  She gave him a one-shouldered shrug.  “I get why some women would find you off-putting. . .”

“Oh, you do, do you?” he interrupted with mock indignation.

She cleared her throat and continued as if he hadn’t said a thing.  “As I was saying—I understand why they didn’t last, but what makes me so different?”

He grabbed her hand and gently squeezed it before he was forced to shift gears again.  “I never saw a future with any of the others.”

Easily reading between the lines, she had to take a moment to catch her breath.  She’d enjoyed the last month with Jake and had even entertained a few daydreams featuring the two of them spending the holidays together.  She’d refused to allow herself to imagine anything beyond that, though.  Six months with a guy like Jake—a guy who was used to playing the field and living fast and loose—wasn’t exactly a given.  If she allowed herself to imagine anything more, she’d most likely end up heartbroken and moping around her apartment for months on end wearing pjs and eating ice cream for dinner.

But he’d just confessed to wanting more—to wanting something long-term.  Self-preservation kept her from asking him to elaborate, but now hope was growing deep within her heart and that could be a dangerous thing.

Deciding a change in topic was well-overdue, she plastered a smile on her face and pretended he hadn’t just rocked her entire world.  “So, what has the guy who’s never celebrated a one month anniversary planned for us this evening?”

“You always ask me what’s it like up there,” he said as he gestured toward the sky.  “I can’t take you up in an F-18, but I think I found the next best thing.”

“Are we going for a plane ride?” she asked.  “I’ve been on a plane before, Jake.”

They were finally close enough to their destination, so he directed her attention to the field they were approaching.  “It’s not a plane, darlin’.”

The sight before her was the last thing she’d been expecting.  Tethered to the ground a hundred yards ahead of them was a giant, rainbow-colored hot air balloon.  Rendered almost speechless, all she could manage to say was his name.  “Jake.”

A grin spread across his face once he was sure his surprise was a hit.  A balloon ride was nothing like being in an F-18, but he wanted to show her the skies he loved so much and this outing would give him time to really explain what it was about being so far above the ground, defying gravity to be one with the heavens.

The balloon operator was used to taking up couples, so as soon as they’d gone over the safety briefing and lifted off, he’d put in a set of headphones to give the lovebirds some privacy.  Jake had opted for the sunset flight over the coastline and the sun seemed to be putting on a show for them as it turned the sky the color of sherbet as it began its descent over the horizon.

“I’m almost jealous knowing you get to see views like this on a regular basis,” she said as she stood staring at the sunset wrapped in Jake’s arms.

“Almost?”

“I don’t think I’d like the part where people shoot at me.”

Laughing, he had to agree with her—to a point.  Getting shot at wasn’t fun, but shooting down the enemy was a part of his job.  And he was damn good at his job.

Present Day

The sound of a balloon popping drew Jake’s attention to the far side of the room.  For a brief moment, he’d thought it was gunfire and he felt the stirrings of a panic attack.  Taking a deep breath, he began the exercises he’d been taught to deal with his anxiety.

[enthyrea]

happy one year (and a couple days) top gun maverick :)

this piece is also for @tgm-all4one’s event <3