#jake sersin

Jake’s parents picked you up from your shared home just off base that’d been eerily quiet in his absence. They didn’t want you driving in your hyper-fixated state. They never wanted you driving when it came to these kinds of events. They knew how much it tore you up when he was gone on deployment. If you didn’t fly down to Texas they made sure to fly to you. Just to keep you company. You hadn’t a clue how you’d gotten so lucky to have them in your life. And hopefully in the future as family. You never pushed it though. You didn’t want him to panic and ran. And truth be told you’d be fine never marrying him so long as he was like this in your life. Your best friend and love wrapped up in one.

“Are you excited?” His mom asked seeing you nearly bouncing out of the backseat once the car rolled onto base.

“Oh Nancy,” you could only nod your head in confirmation, “I’m more than excited.” Your cheeks were starting to burn from the big cheesy grin you were wearing.

His dad, David, spoke up, “I know Jake is just as excited.” He smiled just feeling the excitement in the air. These days were truly the best. Six months was a long time to be away. The longest deployment he’d been on in years.

The three of you made small talk as David drove to the base. Once parked, you happily led the older couple over to where the sailors would stand before they waited to be dismissed. You watched as the hundred or so men and women aboard the ship departed to their designated formation. Your eyes scanned for your loved one. Your Jake.

Finally spotting him you waited anxiously as the rest of the crew lined up. You just had to wait it out another ten minutes or so. They had to officially be dismissed before they could break for the family reunions. These last few minutes always seemed to draw on for decades trying to be as patient as possible.

You kept your eyes on him as he kept his forward. You hadn’t a clue that he already spotted you moments before you did him. But he had to keep his attention forward. No matter how anxious he was to see his favorite girl again.

They second they were dismissed Jake made a beeline right for you. Your face lit up in surprise as he headed right at you. Your body responding by moving forward you jumped right into his arms once he got close enough. He was more than ready. He wrapped his arms right around you securing you tightly to his chest while your feet locked behind him.

“Jakey.” You grinned hugging him tightly, afraid he’d be gone from your arms again you cherished every second like this. It made you realize how much you really did love the man you were holding so tightly. How much you craved him, everything about him. You’d rather not have had him gone for six months though. That was far too long for your liking. As if you had any say.

“Honey.” He cooed gently rocking you side to side. One arm snaked around your waist, one arm gently cradling your head in his hands, “You’re so fucking pretty. How’d you get even more beautiful? God I missed your face.” Jake leaned down capturing your lips in his. As gentle as he normally was with you this was hungrier. He really had missed you. Giving your hip as squeeze you felt him smile into the kiss as you squirmed away from his grasp.

Once you stopped giggling you looked right into his eyes smiling dopily, “And I missed yours, handsome man.” You gave him a wicked smirk before doing the unthinkable. Jake had warned you time and time again how he couldn’t show visible marks on the skin, or the Navy could have his ass. And maybe even yours if they were angry enough. You’d known they were empty threats, but you’d never dreamed of potentially hurting his flying in anyway. So, you’d never leave any marks.

Sliding his collar to the side you decided to throw caution to the wind seeing everybody lost in their own world with their own families. Jake’s parents were even admiring all the reunions around them instead of having their eyes fixated on the two of you. They loved watching all the joy every time. Nancy always made sure that every sailor was feeling the love. That was just one of the reasons you’d fallen in love not only with Jake but his entire family. His mom was as sweet as they came. His dad just as caring but even more tough. It was no wonder Jake was the way he was. Albeit a little more of an asshole than either of them even combined.

“Ma’am. That is abhorrent.” A vaguely familiar voice made you focus on your surroundings once more, “This is Destruction of Government Property.” You heard a cough from behind Jake drawing you away from your boyfriends neck. The look you sent could’ve killed him if it were at all possible. Bradley fucking Bradshaw. Was he actually serious right now?

You felt Jake’s laughter in his chest before you heard it. Flicking your eyes up momentarily at him you kissed him on his cheek before flipping Bradley off, “I don’t care Bradley.” You continued flipping him off while Jake held you tightly to his chest.

“Sweetheart…” Jake tried to warn you. The government really did own his ass. But his Commanding Officer was cool. He wasn’t expected to be back on base for another few weeks… what did a few hickies hurt? You knew the drill, but it didn’t seem to matter as you clung to him like he was about to vanish at any second. He looked down at your doe eyed expression, “I missed you.” He finished realizing just how hard deployment really was on you. The two of you were going on year five together. He’d been a pilot for all of them. He’d flown his hardest missions during that time. Your support never wavered. But seeing you like this? Like you’d never see him again… it hurt him. It hurt knowing you were feeling like that.

“You’ll care when there are Naval Officers on your doorstep.” Bradley tried. He really did. But you really didn’t care. You missed him more than anything. You didn’t care that his parents were there watching. You just missed him. Missed his corny ass jokes and the soft touches he always threw your way. You missed the sweet smiles and laughter that came with being around him. 

“So be it. Worth it.” You giggled as Jake pinched your sides again bringing your attention back to the man you’d dreamed about every day.

“Eyes over here darling.” He made sure to flip Bradley off before holding you back in his arms once again. He wouldn’t let you drop your hold on him. He wanted you close. He didn’t care either. He’d craved you for those months. He’d forgotten just how bad deployment got. Bradley mumbled some incoherent words before disappearing off into the crowd.

Kissing his cheek once more you nodded, “Sorry Jakey.” Brushing your hands through his hair it felt like it really was just the two of you there. Like nobody else was around.

“No need to apologize.” He whispered in your ear sending immediate chills down your spine, “You didn’t answer my question though. How’d you seem to get even more beautiful while I was gone?”

You truly felt like a little schoolgirl was a nasty crush on a boy way out of your league. He was so sweet to you and only you. Not having a clue why. You loved watching him interact with everyone else. He was so different than the man who came home to you every night. But that was Jake. Tough as they come. Sweet as can be. The biggest fight the two of you had was when he came home and told you about the six month long deployment a year ago. You didn’t even fight you were just sad. Sad that he volunteered to go. Volunteered and didn’t tell you. The two of you worked through it though. You always did.

“Shush. You’ve just been trapped on a big boat for so long I’d be offended if you didn’t think I was pretty.” You wanted to kiss him so bad. You didn’t even remember the kiss you gave him once you spotted him walk off the ship. You blacked out, truly.

“Never ever.” He grinned, “I’ll never stop complementing my beautiful girl.”

You squeezed your arms around him pulling him so much closer. You’d melt into him if you could, “You’re too sweet to me Mr. Seresin.”

He shook his head, “Not enough, I’d say.” He took the lead this time leaning down to give you a soft, sweet kiss that was far too short for your liking.

“I love you.” You whispered to him feeling oh so happy. So beyond excited he was holding you in his arms once again. You tried to step away to give his parents a chance to say hello, but he only held you tighter. Shaking his head.

“Love you too, gorgeous girl.” He hummed placing a soft kiss on your forehead, “That was it, by the way.”

You scrunched your eyes together in confusion, “What?”

He nodded his head with that larger than life smile on his face, “You’re looking at Captain Jake Seresin. Command Ground Officer.” He emphasized ground with wide eyes.

“Jake! Congrats. You didn’t tell me! Does this mean you’re here? Permanently?” Looking at him expectedly. It hit you just how good it could really get once you knew he’d be sleeping by your side every night.

He nodded his head in excitement, “At least for this job. I’ll still be flying but more on the leadership side. Training. Preparing them.”

You didn’t think your heart could swell any larger in love. But there it went. Only Jake could do that. You knew it. He knew it, “You’re not kidding right? Like you’re being serious?”

“Yes sweetheart. So serious.” He kissed your nose this time. He missed you more than you could’ve imagined. It was an impossible six months. He didn’t want to do that anymore. He couldn’t be away from you anymore. Lucky for him he had options. They let him choose. He choose to ground himself from missions. It was time to grow up and move on. He’d accomplished everything he sought out to and more already in the air. Now he was on a mission to rise to the top. Admiral Jake Seresin had a ring to it. 

You wanted to squeal but knew you had eyes all over you. Anybody could’ve been watching, “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a while J.”

“Just you wait.” He grinned ear to ear leaning down once more, whispering into your ear, “Won’t even be the best news you’ve heard all day.” Leaning all the way down he kissed you with a little bit more but keeping it PG. His parents were standing there a little annoyed that he’d chosen to be with you for so long before he even acknowledged them. But they knew. They knew the raw power of love. How much it could sway and dissuade. How deeply Jake was in love with you and how much you were with him.

“Oh? Do tell.” You pulled away looking at him curiously.

“You’ll see.” He wiggled his eyebrows just to egg you on.

You narrowed your eyebrows in on the man you loved so dearly, “You know how much I hate surprises.”

He laughed gleefully, “Oh darling, I know.” He pulled you back into him momentarily, “Promise, it’ll be worth the wait.”

“Promise?” You knew he’d keep true to his word, but you wanted to hear him confirm it.

“I promise you darling. Just you wait.” Squeezing your hand, he finally walked over to his parents bringing you right along with him. Only dropping your hand as he went in for the hug with his mom.

You hadn’t meant to sleep in, though without Maty jumping on you this morning, you hadn’t gotten your early wake-up call. Your rub the sleep from your eye and push up to cress Jake’s side of the bed, his absence evident, given the cold sheets that surrounded you.

Jake’s t-shirt rests on your frame, slipping off your shoulder as you rise from the bed, in search of your shorts before heading out to find your boys. Your grab your scrunchy from the dresser as you leave your room and throw your hair up into a messy bun.

The sound of music drifts through the house, an old country song that you’re sure Jake has played for you before. You follow the twang of the guitar, before both Jake and Mathew’s voices ring out through the house.

We like fixing things and holding mama's hand Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad?

Your breath catches at the word, you and Jake had never specifically talked about Mathew ever calling him dad and you can’t help the anxiety when it rises up in your gut. You knew Jake would never want to hurt Mathew, though you weren’t sure if that was a title Jake wanted to be called.

I wanna do everything you do So I've been watching you

Their singing continues and only grows louder as you reach the doorway. Your hip settles on the kitchen doorframe, and your gaze is met with a sight that you would happily welcome into your life forever. A shirtless Jake, with Mathew on his hip as they both sing along to the song, well Mathew yells out random words that he knows, but the smile resting on Jake’s face has butterflies erupting in your stomach.

They had always been amazing together, Jake had taken every meltdown, nightmare, or just bad day in stride, and certainly amazed you most of the time. Sure, Bradley and your father were good with Mathew, but Jake was a wonder of the world. Not only had he always taken your thoughts and opinions into account, but Jake loved Mathew the way you always hoped a man in your life would.  From that first meeting, the pair had formed an instant bond, that rivaled the one you had with Mathew as his mother.

The pair don’t notice you as they work on the ever-growing stack of pancakes.

“Daddy, make Mickey! Please?”

Hearing the name fall from Mathew’s lips, compared to a song has a silent gasp falling from your lips. The tightness in your chest grows slightly in anticipation of Jake’s sour reaction to the name. Maty wasn’t his child, why would Jake want to be called such an emotional, love-filled, life-altering title.

“You’re sure you want Mickey, buddy?”

“Mickey, daddy!”

Jake tickles at Mathew’s tummy and an eruption of giggle falls from your sweet boy, as his arms wrap tighter around Jake’s neck. As he readjusts his grip, the familiar blue material of Mathew’s blanky peeks at you over Jake’s shoulder and you almost laugh. From the moment Jake had given Maty the blanket, it was never far from reach. Mathew’s need for it only grew while Jake was deployed, and every car ride, whether it be to the beach, store, or your parent’s house, the blanky came.

“Alrighty, let daddy go to work!”

The second not-so-silent gasp that falls from your lips, is what gains Maty’s attention. His bright green eyes, which match that of Jake’s, land on you instantly as a high-pitch squeal yells out ‘momma.’

Both of your boys spin around easily, smiles resting easy on their faces, happy to see you for the first time this morning. Though Jake's face quickly becomes one of concern, as he takes in your expression. You hadn’t known that tears were falling from your eyes, though Mathew is quick to fill you in on the reason for the sudden change in Jake’s face.

“Momma sad? Why are you crying?”

Your hand instantly rises to your face, fingertips coming in contact with your tear-stricken face and a small laugh falls from your lips before you’re pushing off the frame and moving to them both.

“No baby, they’re happy tears. I promise.”

Your hand reaches up to stroke through Mathew’s unruly hair before you lean up and kiss him on the forehead. His own hands reach out from Jake and cover your cheeks, whipping the stray tears you had missed.  Your head settles on Jake’s shoulder, leaning into the pair enjoying the moment, and the sweet smell of vanilla drifting from the stack of pancakes on the counter.

“Alright buddy, you go get situated at the table. Momma and I will bring the pancakes to you!”

Jake sets the small boy down and gives him a wink, before sending him off to the dining room. You gently remain leaning against Jake’s shoulder, though his body shifts slightly and the arms just holding Mathew are now holding you. You nuzzle into his bare chest and enjoy the quiet thud of Jake’s heart echoing through your ear.

“Darlin’”

The arms wrapped around you move to pull you back by the shoulders, and the small whine emitted from you as you try and nuzzle deeper into Jake’s chest, has him laughing at you. Your hand finally releases their hold, and you let Jake pull you back. His hand rises to cup your cheek and get you to look at him, as his thumb stroke gently back and forth across your cheek.

“Hi, Sweets.”

“Hi, Jakey.”

A soft smile graces his face as he watches you, taking in your every breath, movement, or slight shift. The green in his eyes is prominent against the sun shining through the kitchen window, and the quick thought once again crosses through your mind, of how Mathew and he could have identical eyes.

“Did you not hear, darlin’? That’s not my name anymore.”

You don’t miss the unease tone in his voice, the slight questioning in the statement. Your own eyes search his, expecting to see some form of distaste for the name. Mathew had never called anyone that name, not even Adam. Given that Mathew was so little, but also the fact that Adam didn’t claim him, the name never came up. Sure, you’d tried to explain what a dad was to Mathew when he asked, but he always just nodded along completely understanding. Looking back now though, your description could have been the reason Jake got the title.

“I never meant for him to throw this at you, Jake.” Your hands resting at your side, raise, clasping together, then unclasping, over and over. “I can go talk to him now if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“Hey darlin’, look at me.”

His other hand rises and gently grips your cheek, forcing you to stare directly into his eyes and not waver away like you had been.

“I’ll tell you this every single day for the rest of our lives if I have to, but baby, you and Maty are it for me.” A shuddered breath creeps it way up your chest, and you can stop the sliver line of tears from forming at your water line.

“So, you wanna be–” You push a breath out, annoyed at the quiver in your voice. “You wanna be Mathew’s daddy?” You nibble at your top lip, the need to make sure that Jake wants you as well, scares you and you’re terrified of being unwanted all over again.

“And you want me?”

Your question comes out choked and the hands cradling your face, move you and pull you back into Jake’s chest. Though your anxiety ticks away at your chest and has you pulling away to look back up into his eyes.

“Sweetheart, I’ve wanted you from the first moment I saw you.” The smile Jake gives you is breathtaking, and one of your favorite looks on him. “Someday, if you’ll have me, I would like to make it official for both you and Maty.  People already think he’s mine and well, you’re too beautiful to not be a Seresin.”  

A soft blush covers your cheeks, as the tension in your chest releases, and a delicate laugh falls from you. Your head instantly drops forward, with the relaxation in your neck, and finds home back against Jake’s chest. Your eyes fall shut, as you take in the confirmation that Jake saw the same future for you three, as you had grown to not only want but need. You place a soft kiss against the center of Jake’s chest before you pull back to look into Jake’s eyes.

“I love you, and I would love that.”

“I love you, darlin’.”

The both of you find each other, lips slotting against one another, in a slow, passion-filled kiss. The loving moment is quickly broken, as you hear a high-pitched laugh, followed by a small figure colliding into your legs. Breaking away from one another, you both look down between the two of you and find Mathew. Looking back at the two of you, before a wide smile spreads across his face and he’s grabbing one of each of your legs and hugging.

“Did you make Mickey, daddy?”

Both you and Jake share a look, before he is reaching down and settling Mathew in between the two of you.

“I was just about to, but momma here was distracting me.”

Both Maty and Jake look to you, waiting for an explanation. The smirk Jake gives you, has you given him an ‘oh really' look. You quickly grab Mathew from Jake’s arms and rest him against your lap.

“Daddy just couldn’t stop talking about, how he wanted to make you a big brother.”

You give Jake an identical smirk back hoping to see him backpedal, though your tactic falls completely as a wide smile forms on his face. Before he’s grabbing Maty back from you and moves out of the kitchen.

“Momma you finish making Pancakes, Maty and I have some terms to go over for the new baby!”