#told them

Grayson sat on the couch, trying his best to flip through the channels and find something to watch. He had been tasked with keeping Kennedy occupied while his parents talked in the other room.

He wasn’t quite sure what his mom and dad were talking about, but apparently it was very much an adult conversation – given that they told him to take his sister to the living room and turn on the TV. The volume was turned up loud enough that it muffled the sounds of the conversation, but didn’t totally drown it out.

While he had been raised to respect privacy and not eavesdrop on conversations, Grayson couldn’t help it this time. When Y/N told him to take Kennedy to the living room, her voice sounded tired and strained. It roused a fear in his stomach, an unsettling churning somewhere in him that told him he needed to pay attention to this one.

Eavesdropping one time wouldn’t be the end of the world.

“Jake, all that I’m asking is that you stay home! I know you’ve been working late, I know that. But one night, that’s all I’m asking.” His mom’s voice was desperate – pleading even.

And she was right, Jake had been working late. He was coming home well after dinner completely exhausted. Y/N was staying up after bathtime, putting Kennedy to bed and sending Grayson to his room to wind down before bed.

“Y/N, it’ll just be one drink. I should be back in time for bedtime,” Jake said, his tone bordering on dismissive. It made Grayson ear twitch, his fingers making quick work to turn the volume down.

“The kids miss you, Jake – I miss you.” There were tears in his mother’s voice as she spoke, a punch to his gut. He hates that sound, the sound of his mom hurting.

Grayson’s stomach dropped in anticipation, straining his ear to hear what his dad had to say. Jake had always been good with conversations, at least that Grayson is aware of. So surely his dad wouldn’t say anything to make his mom feel worse.

Right?

“You miss me?”

The tone in his father's voice made Grayson sit up straight. He didn’t like that.

“Yes! Of course I miss you! You’re my husband for God’s sake. I’m not trying to control you or saying I don’t trust you. I just want you at home.”

“Then I need you to show me. Because to be honest, home doesn’t feel much like home lately.”

“I do show you, Jake. Every night, I’m waiting for you to get home so you can have dinner. I sit with you even though I am exhausted because I love you and I want to hear about your day. If I didn’t miss you, I wouldn’t do that,” Y/N drew in a shaky inhale, tears closing her throat as she tried not to sob out the last sentence. “And you’re right, home doesn’t feel like home – because you’re not here.”

If his mama’s broken, tearfilled voice didn’t push him off the couch, what Jake tried to pull next certainly would have.

“Oh, so it’s my fault now? You know damn well-”

“Don’t talk to my mom like that.”

Both of his parents looked at him, watching his moves carefully as he put his 12 year-old frame in front of his mother’s. 

“Gray-”

“No, Mama, he doesn’t get to talk to you like that,” Grayson said, feeling bad for interrupting her but knowing that he couldn’t let his dad get away with the tone he used.

Grayson fixated his eyes on Jake’s, the similar shades of green meeting each other in a battle.

“You may be the adult here, Dad,” he almost spit the name out, almost mocking the authority it held. “But I’m the son that isn’t letting anyone disrespect his mom, especially not her husband. Not the man that’s supposed to love her.”

Despite the anger in his throat, a twinge of anxiety roused in his chest. He wasn’t worried about anything getting physical, even now he knew his dad would never raise a hand to him. But he didn’t want a verbal argument to ensue, scaring his mom and his baby sister. 

But, all Jake did was cross his arms, nodding for Grayson to continue.

It didn’t quell the anxiety, but it helped Grayson to stand up straighter and hold his ground a little firmer.

“I’m here every night. I’ve sat at that table every night for the last eight months and stared at an empty chair. I watched Mom check her phone habitually, waiting for a text or a call from you. Do you know how often she checked the door? Praying a chaplain wasn’t about to ring the bell? How many times I got to the mailbox first so she didn’t have to be the first one to see the letter telling her you weren’t coming home?”

Tears stung Grayson’s eyes and he clicked his jaw as he shook his head. “No one is saying you not being home is your fault. We understand that this is your job. But please, be in the chair, Dad. One night, please.” 

Grayson’s vision was slightly blurry, tears clouding his vision as he looked his dad over. He wasn’t sure what to expect from him now. 

Jake’s jaw flexed before he cleared his throat. He looked at the floor, hiding his face as his eyes began watering as well. He sniffled, his arms uncrossing so he could put his hands on his hips.

“Okay…”

A weight lifted off of Grayson’s chest and he let the tears fall. He nodded, not bothering to hide his feelings as his voice cracked. “Thank you…” 

And, while he was glad he was able to get through to Jake, the issue wasn’t resolved yet.

“Please apologize.”

Jake nodded and patted Grayson on the shoulder, letting him know it was okay to stand down. Grayson took the hint and stepped to the side, his arms now crossing over his chest as he watched his parents interact. He wasn’t going to leave until he knew his mom was okay.

Y/N looked up at Jake, a waiting but patient look on her face. Her arms stayed wrapped around her stomach, clearly still upset.

“Sweetheart, I’m sorry. I know that doesn’t fix it and I can’t make excuses. Grayson’s right. I shouldn’t talk to you like that. Not when you do so much for me, for this family. I was out of line, accusing you like that. I’m sorry, I’ll work on it. I love you.” 

Y/N nodded, sniffling as they pulled each other into a hug. “Thank you, Honey. I love you, too.” Jake kissed her head, holding his lips there with his fingers in her hair. “Why don’t you go pick out a movie? I want to talk to Grayson for a minute, we’ll be in there in a moment.” She nodded again and pecked his chest before turning to her son.

“I love you, Gray,” she said softly before hugging him and kissing his head. He wrapped his arms around her, smiling against her shoulder. “I love you too, Mama.” 

She walked away, shaking out the tension in her hands before wiping her tears and walking to the living room. “Oh, hi baby girl…” Her cheery, motherly tone eased Grayson’s anxieties significantly as he looked at his dad.

Grayson stood up straight, his chest puffing out a little in pride. He didn’t know what Jake was about to say to him, but he would walk away knowing he did the right thing.

Jake leaned against the counter, arms crossed again as he looked at his boots. “That must have been a lot, hearing me talk to your mom like that…” Grayson nodded, his arms crossing as well, “Yes sir. You shouldn’t talk to someone you love that way. Even in arguments.” 

His dad nodded, looking up at him. “You’re right, they shouldn’t. Thank you for reminding me of that.” Jake rubbed his jaw, sniffling a little. “I know you know that life won’t always work out that way, and me and your mom won’t always say the kindest things to each other – it doesn’t mean we love each other any less. I’ll spare you that talk, for now.” 

“I know,” Grayson said softly, an airy sigh behind his words. “But I don’t like it when she cries. And you shouldn’t be the one making her cry, Dad.” 

“You’re right. And I’ll work on it. I’m tired and I’m stressed, but that’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have used that tone, I was only making us both more stressed.”

Jake stood up straight, grunting a little as he clapped a hand down on Grayson’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. “I’m proud of you, son. For standing up to me like that, standing up for your mother like that.”

Grayson felt the emotions surge in his chest, his arms falling to his side as he swallowed the lump. “I learned from the best.” 

Jake gave him a watery smile before pulling him into a hug. “I love you, kid.” 

He hugged him back, tightly. “I love you too, Dad.”

it's been awhile since i posted something related to this series! it was really fun jumping back into it! i hope you all enjoyed and i'm so sorry if i missed any tags!

thank you again @tia--2323 for the request! this was so fun to write!

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*****

It’d been a few hours since everyone had eaten and Reuben was currently chasing around Kennedy, finally catching her and flipping her upside down. “Got ya!” Kennedy squealed and laughed as she hung there.

“Her shirt is absolutely adorable. Where did you get it?” Penny asked, turning to Y/N with a smile. “It was actually mine my freshman year of high school and I just kept it around even after I grew out of it. My mom found a way to turn it into a kid’s shirt and asked if she could do it with that one for Kennedy. I knew I was never gonna wear it again, so she turned it into a kid’s shirt but left room to grow.”

“What does it say?” Beau asked, squinting a little trying to read it from a distance. “Hang-girl,” Y/N told him with a laugh. “It’s no secret that that girl loves her daddy.”

The group laughed as Jake sat up proudly at the statement his wife made.

Reuben jogged over and dramatically fell onto the deck. “I never thought I would be this tired from chasing a five year old.” Jake chuckled and sipped his beer, “Kennedy will do that to you. She’s chased chickens for a good portion of her life.”

Mav tilted his head, “Don’t you mean chase by chickens.” Jake shook his head, “No.” “Oh yeah, ever since she could walk she’d boss us around at practice and chase us around the track,” Grayson said. 

He tilted his head back, “Ain’t that right sister?” “Uh-huh!”

They watched her plop down in the grass and roll around. 

“Oh, sweet girl don’t-” “I think it’s a little late, Darlin’.” Y/N covered her mouth as she giggled, “Jake, she’s gonna get all itchy.” He laughed and pointed to his right, “We’ve got a hose.” “You’re ridiculous.”

The adults, and Grayson, talked a little more. Mostly family questions now, just getting to know each other a little better.

Y/N was snug under Jake’s arm. He’d place kisses to the part in her hair and she’d look up at him every time he spoke, him doing the same with her.

“So, I told the client that- Kennedy Hazel what do you have in your hand?” Y/N pointedly said to her daughter.

Jake’s eyes flashed to where his daughter was showing something to Grayson and Bradley. Everyone else tensed a little at the use of the child’s middle name.

The little girl’s eyes met her mother’s matching ones and a smile broke out on her face. 

“Come look at what I found Mama!” Y/N pushed off the wicker loveseat and went over to her daughter.

From where Jake and the rest of the squad were seated, they couldn’t see what was in her hands. Both had also reduced their voices to a whisper so they couldn’t hear either.

Then Y/N stood up and just walked over to Jake and sat back down. 

“Everything okay?” Jake asked his arm naturally falling around her again. Y/N nodded, “Yeah, it was just a really cool rock.” She sent a subtle wink to her son and Rooster. Kennedy giggled and climbed into Bradley’s lap.

“What was I saying?” “You were talking about some client that was rude,” Javy reminded. She snapped her fingers, “Yes, thank you.”

She sat up, talking with her hands, “No okay, so this lady really had the nerve to say I was trying to ‘seduce’ her boyfriend because I wore a dress to work. So I told her that she could watch me do his hair, and then we literally talked about how he wanted to propose to her. Shut her up real quick.”

Bob sat up, “Did she not know that you were married?” Y/N laughed, “Oh, she knew. Literally everyone in town knew Jake and I were married. We’d been married for like ten years at that point.” “And she was pregnant with Kennedy at the time. Hence why she wore the dress.” 

Natasha covered her mouth as she laughed, “I can’t begin to understand how women think sometimes. I’m a woman and I don’t even understand my own thoughts.” “I know right, it’s crazy.”

“Y/N, what’s in your pocket?” Mav asked, leaning forward to get a better look. 

His question made everyone look at Y/N’s chest pocket on her overalls. 

Kennedy giggled from her spot on Rooster’s lap as Bradley and Grayson shared a knowing look.

As she opened her mouth to speak, a little head poked out of the pocket.

Jake’s eyebrows pinched together, “Is that a baby raccoon?” Jake whipped his head to look at his daughter, who was all giggles, much like his wife as she pulled it out of the pocket. “Sure is!” Jake laughed and shook his head, “How did I not see that when you sat down?”

Y/N arched a teasing brow, “Jacob, are you admitting you always look at my boobs?” “I didn’t think that was a secret,” he smirked and kissed her jaw. “Gross, stop,” Grayson groaned as he cringed at his parents, making everyone laugh.

Jake looked at his daughter again, “Princess, where’d you find this little guy?” “He was under my slide, he looked scared.” “Were there other babies around?” Mickey asked, glancing over to the slide. She shook her head, “Just that one.” The group nodded.

“Okay,” Jake said as he looked at how his wife was holding the kit. She held it just like you would any other animal. 

“How are you so comfortable holding it?” Bradley asked curiously. Y/N shrugged, “We grew up in Texas. We’d find all sorts of animals. It was kind of a natural occurrence to just pick up a random animal.” 

“Do you remember when Javy found a kitten outside of the field house and carried it around all day?” Javy laughed, “Oh my gosh I forgot about that!” 

Natasha shook her head, “Wait, the teachers just let you carry a cat around all day?” “Sure did! It was so funny, he wouldn’t let go of that thing! The teachers really didn’t care all that much, as long as he didn’t let it go to the bathroom in the building,” Y/N explained.

“Was that the one that became the school's barn cat?” Jake asked Javy. “I think so, yeah.” Grayson laughed, “She had kittens right before we left. I almost convinced Mom to bring one home, I was so close.”

“Oh! Do you remember when I found a baby fox in my barn?” Jake asked, turning to Y/N. “Yes, oh my gosh, it was the cutest little thing! I named him Todd.” Fanboy chuckled, “Like the fox from Fox and the Hound?” “Yes, I loved that movie.”

The group laughed before a comfortable silence fell as they each held the raccoon.

When it got to Grayson, Kennedy spoke up, “What are we gonna do with him Mama?” Y/N sighed and looked at Jake, before looking back at Kennedy, “I’m not sure, baby.” 

The little girl teared up a bit, “We can’t keep him, can we?” Jake shook his head, “No, Princess, I don’t think we can.” She sniffled and buried her head into Bradley’s chest, tears lining her eyes.

Jake quickly moved to squat down next to Bradley’s chair and gently brush her hair out of her face, “Oh my sweet girl, I know you wanna keep him and love on him. But we can’t give him the proper care he needs.” Kennedy just sniffled again and pressed further into Bradley’s chest.

Bradley rubbed up and down her back as Jake’s thumb wiped the visible tears off her face.

“How about we hold onto him for a few days and look up some nice sanctuaries for him, that way he can be with people that know how to take care of him and you can visit him?” Grayson offered as he held the kit close to his chest.

Kennedy looked at her brother, “Anytime I want?” He nodded, “Anytime you want, sister.” 

She looked at Jake and then Y/N, who had come over to comfort her daughter as well. Y/N nodded, a small smile on her face, “I think it’s a great idea. But we need to get a crate to keep him in while he’s here.”

Beau stood up, “I’ve actually got a small one in the back of my truck, you guys can use it. You can have it actually.” 

Jake looked up at him, “Are you sure, sir? If you need it-” “Our puppy grew out of it weeks ago,” he waved Jake's concern off. “I’ve been meaning to find someone to give it to. Comes with a small bed too.” Jake smiled and kissed Kennedy’s forehead before standing, “Thank you.”

They went in and through the house to go get both of those things and get it set up.

“Hey, Ma?” Y/N looked to Grayson, “Yeah baby?” “I think when they get back I’m gonna head to bed,” he glanced at everyone before explaining himself. 

“I know it’s a little early-” “Hey, you’re fine, Grayson. We get it. Sleep helps with recovery.” He nodded, giving the group a thankful smile. 

“Did you take your meds? I know it takes a bit for them to kick in,” Y/N asked gently rubbing his shin. He nodded, “Yeah, I took them when I went to the bathroom earlier.”

Jake and Beau came back outside, “Okay, we’ve got the crate set up.” Y/N stood and gently took the animal from Grayson. 

Kennedy slid from Bradley’s lap to give her brother a kiss on the cheek, “Goodnight Gray.” “G’night sister.” 

Bob and Mickey helped Grayson up and onto his crutches. “Thanks guys.”

Y/N followed Grayson inside while holding the raccoon to her chest. Jake decided now would be a good time for that conversation. He slipped in behind her and shut the door.

Kennedy went to play some more and the dagger squad started conversing.

“Who knew Hangman could be such a great dad?” Natasha said as she watched Kennedy. Javy raised his hand, “I did. But that’s mainly because I’ve known them both since middle school.” “Well, you don’t count.”

“No, but seriously, I’ve never seen him like this before. It’s relieving,” Bradley said, sipping his beer. “He’s so carefree and it’s obvious he’d do absolutely anything for them.” The group nodded and then just watched Kennedy play.

A few minutes later the couple came back out and sat down.

Kennedy changed focus real quick and ran up to Jake, “Daddy, I’m tired.” He chuckled and hoisted her into his lap, where she nuzzled into his chest immediately.

It didn’t take her long to fall asleep. And after she did, they went back to getting to know each other.

They talked about the dating lives of everyone, their family lives. They talked about high school, just about anything they could think of.

They even got into Pete’s catalog of a love life, jokingly asking when he and Penny were gonna get married.

That’s when they asked Jake and Y/N about their wedding. Natasha and Penny wanted to see pictures of Y/N in her dress and Jake all dressed up.

“Actually, we didn’t have a wedding. We just went to the courthouse with our parents and did it there,” Jake told them. Y/N nodded, “As much as we wanted one, we just didn’t have the time. Grayson was 16 months old and Jake was about to go to the academy.”

Penny finally asked the question that the Seresins had prepared for all night, “How old were you when Grayson was born?”

While earlier Y/N would have been nervous and a little self conscious, now she felt comfortable around the squad after getting to know them.

“I actually had him nearly right after graduation. We graduated on the 16th of May and I had him on the 28th,” she said with only a small bit of nervousness in her tone.

The squad was silent for a moment before Phoenix spoke up.

“You went your entire senior year carrying a baby? That’s seriously impressive. Was it stressful?” Y/N nodded, “A little bit. Mainly because it was a small town and people like to gossip but I had a pretty great support system.” She squeezed Jake’s hand and looked over at Javy, giving him a smile.

“Not like you were gonna get it from that deadbeat-“ Javy clamped a hand over his mouth. “I’m so sorry…” Javy hung his head in shame and everyone glanced between him and the couple with wide eyes.

But, much to their surprise, Y/N and Jake just chuckled, “It’s okay Jav.” They looked at the group, sighing a little bit before explaining.

“The summer before junior year, I had to move. I hated it, but I didn’t have a choice,” Y/N started. “We’d been dating for two years at that point. But we didn’t want to risk long distance so we broke up.”

Jake chuckled, “Not like it did much. We didn’t really date during the time we were broken up. We still talked like nothing changed. Since we had been best friends for so long, nothing really had.”

“Yeah, that’s true, but the summer before senior year I went to a party and they spiked the punch. Now I didn’t know it was spiked until it was too late. I had a lapse in judgment and I slept with one of the guy friends I had. A week later I was told we were moving back to Texas. The guy I slept with was upset I was leaving but I was honest with him and told him I didn’t see us going very far anyway,” she said with a shrug.

“But a few weeks after being in Texas I didn’t feel good and my period was late. So I told my mom and we got a few tests from the store, they were all positive.”

“Did you tell him?” Bradley asked, sitting up. Y/N nodded, “Of course. Even though we weren’t going to be together, at least not in my mind, he deserved to know.”

Jake snorted before shaking his head. “He was an asshole about it though.”

“Yeah, he questioned if the baby was his, basically insinuating that I slept with other people before or after him, and said he wanted nothing to do with the baby. But, hey, I tried right? His parents wanted us to get married but my parents and I shut that down real quick.”

Jake spoke up, “We had gotten back together after she found out. When Grayson was born we took the bastard to court, got a confirmed match on a paternity test, and he signed away his parental rights voluntarily and I adopted Grayson like the next day.”

Beau patted Jake on the shoulder, “Sounds like you’ve been his dad from the beginning.” 

Y/N nodded, “He really has. He came with me to every appointment, drove me to and from school, carried my things. We were at each other’s houses all the time, he helped me through it all.”

“Even if we weren’t absolutely head over heels for each other, I wouldn’t have done anything different. This girl has been my best friend since she was born,” he kissed her temple.

“You know,” he chuckled at the memory. “I proposed in the delivery room.”

“Oh my gosh you did not!” Mickey exclaimed, hand covering his mouth. “Did he really?” Bob asked, leaning forward, an amused twinkle in his eye. 

Y/N nodded, “He sure did. I was exhausted and he was holding Grayson, doing skin to skin and he just asked me. I mean, to be able to adopt him without me giving up my parental rights, we needed to be engaged or married.”

******

They changed topics and talked for about another hour before Kennedy got restless. 

“Come on sweet girl, let’s get you to bed. We can get you a bath in the morning.” Jake passed her off to Y/N.

Kennedy had opened her eyes but kept her head on her mom’s shoulder. “Do you want to say goodnight to everybody?” The little girl just waved to everyone and they all waved back, sending a version of ‘goodnight’ her way. 

Y/N took her in after Jake pressed a kiss to Kennedy’s head and told Y/N they’d get everything cleaned up.

*******

After the deck was cleaned, leftovers were put in the fridge or in a container to go home with a pilot. Payback of course had a hearty helping of cobbler to be sent home with him.

Y/N came downstairs not too long after, going right to Jake’s side. 

“She out?” “Like a light. Hit the pillow and she was gone.” He chuckled and kissed her head.

Both turned to the group that was in the kitchen. 

“Thank you guys for coming over,” Y/N said with a smile on her face. “Thank you for having us. It was absolutely amazing,” Pete said, kissing her on the cheek.

The squad nodded in agreement. 

“I wish Jake would have brought you and the kids around sooner. We need to have a girls day with me, you, Ken, Penny, and Amelia,” Natasha said, bringing Y/N in for a hug. “Oh definitely!” 

Jake waved his hand and shook his head, “Oh no, you too can’t be friends.” “Oh I think we’re definitely friends,” Y/N laughed, pulling back to look at Phoenix who nodded. “Oh for sure.” Jake groaned, “Lord help me.”

Coyote clapped Jake on the shoulder, “Now you can bring Grayson around for Saturday football.” “You’re so right.”

*****

Everyone slowly made their way out, Beau leaving first and Mav and Penny not too long after.

“I’ve got a question,” Rooster started as they all had a final drink in the kitchen. 

Jake swallowed the sip of whiskey in his mouth, “I might have an answer.” Y/N rolled her eyes and gently swatted her husband on the ribs. “What’s up, Chicken?” 

Bradley ignored that and asked his question, “Why didn’t you tell us about your family before the mission? Why wait?”

Jake sighed and downed his drink before answering. 

“I’ve never told previous squadrons, just my COs knew. Mainly because I never really created a bond with them. Not like I have with this one. Sure, I flew with them and trusted them in the air, but when it came to taking care of my family if something happened to me I wasn’t sure if they would step up to do it.”

Jake glance around at the group, “I’ve flown with y’all for two months and we went on a suicide mission and we all came back. I have no doubt that if I burn in you would be here for them, and not let them push you away. Especially you, Bradshaw.”

Bradley swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. He brought Jake in for a ‘bro hug’ before hugging Y/N.

******

After everyone finished their drinks they talked on the way to the door then out to the driveway.

“Y’all drive safe okay?” Y/n said with a motherly tone before hugging all of them. “And please, don’t hesitate to stop by at all. I’m sure we’ll be having more get-togethers in the future.” 

The squad nodded, “For sure Mrs. S.” “If y’all ever need us to babysit or anything, don’t hesitate,” Bob said, as he backed out of the driveway. The Seresins nodded as both groups pulled out of the drive and down the road.

******

Jake and Y/N went straight to their room. Y/N stripped and got comfy before going to the bathroom to do her routine and take down her hair, starting with brushing her teeth.

Meanwhile, Jake did the same, stripping down to his boxers and turning the TV on. He went into the bathroom and wrapped his arms around his wife’s torso. “That went well.” 

She nodded, rubbing the makeup remover over her face, “It did. I hope the kids had fun.” Jake scoffed, “Did you see Kenni? She was having a fucking blast. All these new uncles and aunts, that girl will be spoiled.” “Like she isn’t already?” “I do not spoil her.” She rose a brow. “Okay, maybe I spoil her, but that’s not the point.”

She sighed, “I hope Grayson had fun. I know he couldn’t do much, but I still hope he had fun.” “What do you mean? He got to talk about sports and no one brought up the accident or his injuries. When you went to get him some water I made sure to talk to him about it and he said he had a good time,” Jake reassured as he reached down to get cotton rounds from under the sink.

He wiped the remover off her face before getting her cleanser and finishing her routine for her. He topped it off with a warm rag dabbed her face before she splashed it with cold to close her pores.

He watched her gently take out her braids and fluff them to relieve some of the tension as he brushed his teeth. 

Jake reached out to twirl a lock in his hand, “Your hair looks so cute this.” She hummed tiredly, “Thank you Honey.” He could see that she was decompressing and was getting tired, “Come on pretty girl, let’s get you to bed.” 

He picked her up and she clung to him like a koala. He just chuckled and turned off the bathroom light before going to the switch in the bedroom to do the same.

Jake managed to get into bed with her hanging on him, and she shifted to the side when he laid down. 

“You can go right to sleep, Darlin’. I’m just gonna watch some reruns.” She nodded and nuzzled into his neck, placing a small kiss there. “I love you Jake.” “I love you too Y/N.”

************

hiiiii! i’m happy you’re here! thank you for reading!

this is the final part!!! i hope you enjoyed it!

how about that twist with jake not being grayson biological dad? i bet you were expecting that! or maybe you were? idk.

but regardless i sincerly hope you enjoyed it

now, i’m very tempted (and VERY willing) to expand this universe and dive more into this family. maybe get to know grayson and kennedy a little more? or maybe get some angst with grayson’s biological father?

let me know! :)

if you want to be notified of up coming parts comment and i can add you to the tag list! and if you want to be added to top gun tag list lmk! <33

top gun tags <33: @roosterscockpit @luckyladycreator2 @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @sebsxphia @milesdickpic @wkndwlff @emma8895eb @blackwidownat2814​ @ireadthensuetheauthors​ @adaydreamaway08​ @starkleila​​

********

The doorbell ringing startled Y/N as she seasoned the handmade burger patties.

“You good?” Jake laughed as he walked past her, just having come in from prepping the grill. “Shut it.” She rinsed her hands and wiped them on the towel by the sink before following Jake to the door.

Jake smiled down at her before opening the door. 

“Admiral Simpson, glad you could make it,” Y/N smiled as Cyclone and Jake shook hands. “Please, Mrs. Seresin, call me Cyclone.” She rolled her eyes, “We aren’t too keen on call signs while at home Admiral, and you can call me Y/N.” He chuckled, “Of course, call me Beau.” Y/N and Jake stepped to the side to let him in.

“How’s Grayson?” Jake closed the door, “Uh, he’s sore. But the medicine helps. Frustrated to say the least.” 

Beau nodded. “Also, something came up and Warlock won’t be able to make it. Is, uh, anyone else here?” “That’s okay and you’re the first one actually, I’m still setting up in the kitchen. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

Jake and Beau went into the living room. “Kennedy, Grayson, you remember Cyclone right?” 

Both kids looked up, Kennedy nodding and waving at him. Cyclone smiled and waved back. Grayson shifted to stand and shake the admiral's hand. 

“Grayson, you don’t have to do that,” Beau held up his hands to keep Grayson seated, but still shook the boy’s hand.

The doorbell rang again and Y/N answered it. 

“Pete, Penny, hi!” They greeted with hugs. “Y/N,” Penny smiled as she hugged her before taking the two six packs from Mav. “I know we’re early, anything you need help with?” “Yes, please. I’m still trying to get the ice chest filled, and I could use an extra set of hands.”

“Darlin’, who’s here?” Jake’s voice rang out from the living room. “Pete and Penny!” 

She turned to the couple, “Pete, Jake and Beau are in the living room, Kennedy and Grayson are too. Make yourself comfortable.” Penny and Y/N went to the kitchen and Mav went to the living room.

About 10 minutes later, someone just walked in. 

“Seresins, the party has arrived,” Javy voice and laughter rang out in the house.

“Uncle Cy!” Kennedy launched herself off the couch and ran to the door. “Princess, be careful!” Jake tried to scold, but couldn’t stop the smile on his face. 

Javy came into the room, Kennedy on his hip. “Admiral, Captain,” he greeted the two with a nod. 

“Hey, Uncle J,” Grayson waved a little. “Hey G, how you feelin’?” “Better, thanks.”

Javy turned to Jake, “Where’s the missus?” Jake gestured over his shoulder, “Kitchen with Penny. I think they’re just talking now.” Javy nodded and set Kennedy down so she could settle in by her brother while they watched Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

“Hey, Javy, anyone comin’ in behind you?” “I think Rooster, Phoenix, and Bob were. Not sure though.” Jake nodded and pushed out of his chair. “I’ll be back.”

Jake went into the kitchen, Y/N was in deep conversation with Penny. “Hey, Sweetheart?” 

She glanced at him, and held a finger up while nodding to what Penny was saying. “Yeah, that sounds fun. I’m glad Amelia has a path she wants to follow. But I will say, she needs to be prepared for anything. And that it’s okay for plans to change.”

She turned to Jake, “Yes, Honey?” Jake smiled, “We got new faces showing up, figured you want to be with me when they got here.” Y/N nodded and smiled, “Of course, yeah. We just got all the drinks into these coolers, they probably should go outside before everyone gets here.” Jake nodded, “Okay, I will-”

The doorbell cut him off. 

“Guess they’re here.” Y/N looked to Penny, “Go make yourself comfortable in the living room.”

As Y/N and Jake went to the door he put his hand on the small of her back to relax her nerves. 

He pulled open the door to reveal Payback and Fanboy, instead of the other three he thought would be there. “Hey, guys.” “Hey, Hangman.” “Hey.” 

“Payback, Fanboy, this is my wife Y/N; Doll, this is Reuben and Mickey,” Jake introduced, a proud smile on his face.

She smiled back and opened her arms for a hug, which the two accepted, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you guys. Jake tells me a lot about you.” “Really?” “Yeah, all the time. Mainly when you bet 200 push-ups during an exercise, he wouldn’t stop complaining.” 

Payback cringed, “Yeah, not our brightest moment.” “Our? You said it. I just went along with it.” Y/N laughed and gestured for them to come inside.

Jake closed the door and followed behind them to the living room. 

“Grayson, will you pause the movie?” “Yes ma’am.” As he did so, he noticed the two new faces in the room and he got a little anxious.

“Kennedy, Grayson, this is Reuben and Mickey. They fly with your dad,” she said, nerves hidden to the untrained ear. 

Grayson carefully leaned forward to shake their hands. Kennedy sat up and tilted her head, “Mickey? Like the mouse?” Fanboy chuckled and nodded, “Yeah Kennedy, like the mouse.” “That’s so cool.”

Mickey chuckled at the five year old and caught the paused scene behind him. “Wait, are you watching Captain America?” Grayson nodded, “Yeah, it’s one of her favorites, Mom’s too.” “I love that one!”

Y/N smiled, “So, that’s why they call you ‘Fanboy’?” Mickey nodded, “Yeah.” She nodded and gestured to the furniture, “Feel free to sit wherever. As soon as the others get here we’ll probably move outside.” Reuben and Mickey found a seat and Grayson unpaused the movie.

Y/N pushed Jake to the kitchen so they could get the ice-chests. “Which has what?” Jake asked. “The big one’s got beer, a few ciders, and water. This one got sodas, water, and Kool-Aid.” Jake nodded and bent over to move the cooler.

“Uh, no sir. Do not try to carry that by yourself,” Y/N scolded, rolling the small one to the patio door. 

Jake straightened his back a little before reaching over and grabbing the handle. “And do not drag it over my hardwood floor!” Y/N’s voice called from around the corner. Jake huffed but laughed, “Yes ma’am.” 

She came back and grabbed the other handle, “Let’s go, cowboy.” They lifted it together and took it outside.

They came back in and went to the living room.

“So, Grayson, how old are you?” Jake and Y/N stopped when they heard Payback ask. “Oh, I’m 16, turned 16 back in May.”

Y/N held her breath a little bit and Jake squeezed her hand and whispered in her ear, “It’ll be okay.”

“Oh, that’s cool. So, you’ll be a junior?” Y/N let out the breath and Jake rubbed the back of her hand.

They walked the rest of the way into the living room. 

“Yeah, I’m ready for school to start.” “Really?” Pete asked. Grayson nodded, “Yeah, sitting around with nothing to do is really hard for me. I’m always doing sports or something.” The group nodded and the doorbell rang.

“If you guys want to head out back, we’ll be out there in just a minute,” Jake told them, gesturing to the sliding glass door. 

He placed his hand on the small of Y/N’s back and guided her to the door.

Y/N took a deep breath as Jake opened the door, revealing three people. 

“Hey guys.” “Hey Hangman. We weren’t sure what to bring so we brought assorted chips,” Rooster chuckled as he held up the bag. Y/N smiled and took the bag, “Thank you, you didn’t have to. But it’ll certainly help.” 

Jake smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, “Rooster, Phoenix, Bob, this is my lovely wife Y/N; Y/N this is Bradley, Natasha, and Bob.” 

Y/N smiled and hugged them, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you guys! I’ve heard a lot about you. You specifically Bob.” A light dusting of pink splayed over his face as he hugged her.

“Well, we haven’t heard a lot about you. But I’m definitely excited to do so,” Phoenix teased, wrapping her arms around Y/N. Y/N smiled, “Well, let’s hope I don’t disappoint.” She turned to Rooster, who actually embraced her first.

“Come in, come in,” Y/N said when she pulled away from the hug and waved for them to follow her. 

They passed the empty living room. 

“Living room got a little full, everyone’s outside,” she explained, feeling the confusion of the three behind her. They nodded and followed her outside.

Y/N got her kids attention, and brought the three new guests over. 

“Kids, this is Bradley, Natasha, and Bob. They also fly with your dad.” Grayson once again leaned forward to shake their hands, “Nice to meet you.” They nodded at him, “Nice to meet you too, Grayson.”

Kennedy smiled and gave them a small wave, acting a little more shy now. 

Phoenix knelt down in front of her, “Hi, Kennedy. I’m Natasha.” Kennedy’s eyes lit up, “Natasha? Like Black Widow?” Y/N chuckled a little, “Black Widow is one of her favorites.” Phoenix laughed, “Well, in that case. Yes, exactly like Black Widow.” She tapped Kennedy’s nose, making her laugh, before standing.

“Hey, that’s an unfair advantage!” Rooster joked, laughing. “Don’t worry Bradshaw, Kenni loves everyone. I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Jake called over from where he was getting the grill started. 

Bradley chuckled and nodded as everyone watched Kennedy run off to go play with a tiny basketball. 

“He’s right. It might take her a minute, but she’ll be crawlin’ in your lap before the night is over I’m sure of it,” Y/N smiled and patted his arm.

Y/N went to start setting up the ‘set-up’ table and everyone started making conversation.

“Grayson, you said you play sports?” Payback asked. Grayson nodded, carefully shifting to get more comfortable in the deck chair, “Yeah, helps keep me busy.” The aviators nodded. 

“What sports do you play?” Rooster asked, leaning back in his chair.

Grayson chuckled a little bit, “Pretty much any that I can. But football, basketball, and baseball are by goto’s. I tried soccer when I was 10 but there was only fall and spring, which took time away from football and baseball. But I gave it a shot.”

The aviators took notice that Grayson wasn’t really talking about his injuries. Like right now he could have brought them up in relation to sports, how he wasn’t going to get to play or that he may never play again. 

But he didn’t, he talked as if he was perfectly fine.

So, they didn’t bring them up unless it was brought up by him or his parents first.

Bradley nodded, “I loved baseball in high school. What position do you play?” “Catcher, usually, I may play outfield every once in a while. My mom was a catcher in high school and dad…” Grayson paused trying to remember. “Hey, Dad? What position did you play in baseball?” 

Jake did look up from the grill when he answered, “Firstbase, I could pitch if needed though.” Grayson nodded, “Right, yeah.”

The group nodded and Fanboy spoke up. “What about basketball?” 

“Oh, uh,” he scratched the back of his neck. “It really depends, I guess. Back in Texas I was usually a point guard or a forward. I was not the tallest on the team.” 

“How tall are you?” Bob asked, he assumed since Jake was tall, Grayson was tall. “About 6’1 – 6’2, just hit a growth spurt this past year. Get my height from my uncle, he’s like 6'4.”

Y/N chuckled when she heard that as she stepped outside to hand Jake the patties and hotdogs. 

“Yeah, Jake’s not very happy that he has to look up at him,” she tiptoed to kiss her husband’s cheek. “But I’m sure Kennedy is gonna be taller than me, so he won’t be alone.” Jake laughed, “Yeah, my sisters are a little above average height.”

Speaking of Kennedy, she ran up to Y/N, pulling on the green over shirt gently. “Mama?” “What Princess?” “Can I have a Kool-Aid?” “Sure, baby.”

The aviators watched the simple interaction and smiled. 

Bradley looked over at Jake and saw Jake’s expression. It was the softest he had ever seen him. It reminded him of his own dad, oddly enough. Just the pure love in his eyes was what he saw directed at his mother. He glanced at Mav who obviously saw the same thing.

Bradley jumped when he felt something cold hit his knee, he looked up to see Kennedy holding the blue Kool-Aid out to him. 

“Uncle Bradley, can you open this, please?” He smiled, “Course.” She placed it into his open palm. He easily twisted it off and handed the now open bottle to her. “There ya go, Ken.” “Thank you!” She smiled and went over to Mickey, crawling up beside him to sit down and drink her Kool-Aid.

“So, Y/N, what do you do for work?” Y/N opened the assorted bag of chips and dumped them onto the table. “I’m a hairstylist. I mainly focus on coloring and stuff like that, but I do cater to the military community when needed.” 

Jake pointed to her with his spatula, “She was booked out the ass in Texas.” “Language,” Kennedy said from her spot. “Right, sorry, princess.”

The aviators laughed. Mickey looked down at Kennedy, “Where’d you hear that?” “Captain America said it, in the one where they fight the big robot,” she said, drinking her Kool-Aid. “You and I are gonna be great friends, Ken.”

They all fell back into an easy flowing conversation, everyone making jokes. Bob, Bradley and Javy offered their help but Y/N just waved them off.

Kennedy had finished her drink and had been playing in the yard. 

“Kennedy, sweetie, come on. Let’s go wash your hands.” “Okay, Mama!” The little girl slid down the slide on her play set.

Y/N chased her into the house, washing her hands at the kitchen sink. Then she remembered something.

She opened the kitchen window. 

“Grayson!” She tried to get her son’s attention but he was so caught up in the conversation he was having with Rooster that he didn’t hear her. 

“Gray- Oh my goodness.” “I don’t think he can hear you Mama.” “Me either baby.”

But Bob heard her and turned, using his thumb to point to Grayson making sure he heard right. She nodded at him and he nodded, turning to get the teen’s attention.

“No, but this guy was seriously thinking he was better than the senior catcher as a freshman. It was-” “Hey, Grayson, your mom’s trying to get your attention,” Bob cut in.

The 16 year old perked up and looked for his mom, finally spotting her in the kitchen window. 

“Yes ma’am?” “How you feelin’? Do you need your pain meds?” “I’m all good right now, Mom. Thank you!” He winced a little bit, “Actually, could I get some ice?” “You got it.” “Thank you.”

Once Y/N and Kennedy came back outside and gave Grayson his ice pack, the feast began.

********

Reuben and Javy set up a folding table next to the normal glass patio table the Seresins usually ate at and they all sat down to eat.

Their plates were full and not much later so were their stomachs, but they still went in for seconds. And of course had room for dessert.

“This peach cobbler is sooo good,” Payback complimented, taking a huge bite. “Yeah, this is delicious Mom.” 

Y/N smiled, “Thank you. It’s actually my grandma’s recipe, she used to make it all the time when Jake and I were kids.”

Jake nodded, “Oh yeah, her house always smelled like some kind of dessert. But you’ve got to try her cousin’s dirt cake.” He did a chef’s kiss. Y/N nodded along with her husband, “Oh yeah, when we have any family get togethers when people get a plate of food, they usually get a bowl of her dirt cake. I’ve tried to make it, but it’s never the same.”

“Wait, you said when you and Jake were kids?” Natasha asked, her arm wrapped around Kennedy who had seated herself in the pilot's lap after she finished dessert. “He said you’d been married for 15 years but I didn’t know you’d known each other that long.”

Both nodded, “Yeah, our parents became friends in college.” “I was born in October the year my parents graduated and she was born the next year.” “It was inevitable that we would be best friends. And everyone in the neighborhood had a bet going if we would end up together.”

Jake grabbed her hand, “Yeah, nothing could really take us apart. We never let girlfriends or boyfriends try to tell us not to be friends. I think deep down we both knew we were it for the other person.” 

He brought Y/N’s wrist to his lips and kissed the tattooed ‘JS’ that resided there.

If the squad’s hearts hadn’t already melted before, they sure were now. They had never seen Jake so relaxed before.

The moment was disrupted by Kennedy slipping down from Natasha’s lap. “Uncle Bob, can you push me on the swing?” Bob smiled at her. “Of course, let’s go.”

************

hiiiii! i’m happy you’re here! thank you for reading!

i hope you enjoyed this part three! well part two of part 3! the other parts are up now!!

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