Top Gun Imagines

35. Kiss Me (Hangman - Jake Seresin)

(Published July 28, 2023)

   A gentle breeze drifted over us as we walked up my driveway.  Jake's hand clasped mine tightly and his grip seemed to tighten with each step towards the door.  It tipped me off that something was wrong.  I waited until we were both standing on the porch under the warm yellow light so I could look at him when I questioned it.  
   "What's wrong, Jake?" I inquired, turning to face him.  
   "Nothing," He gave me a small grin.  It lacked his typical arrogance, though, giving me yet another hint that something was bothering him.  
   "I call bull," I narrowed my eyes playfully with a small grin of my own.  "Don't make me kiss it out of you, now." 
   At this, he sighed and moved his hands to my waist.  Gently pulling me towards him, he pressed his lips against my forehead.  I wrapped my arms around his neck, falling silent.  I wanted to give him the time he needed to think about what he was going to say, rather than push and make him say the wrong thing.  
   "I've been thinking about my life a lot these days," He began, resting his chin on the top of my head which worked due to our height difference.  "You know  I reenlisted in February, right?" 
   "Mhm," I answered.  
   "At the time, it seemed like a good idea.  I figured I'd just make the Navy my career.  Keep trying to be the best pilot, work my way through some ranks, and get some more kills in.  That means nothing now to me." 
   "What changed your mind?" I was terrified of the answer because I had a feeling I already knew.  
   "You." 
   I fell silent at that.  I didn't know what to say.  When we had gotten together, I told myself that I wouldn't change him.  Sure, I wasn't fond of his arrogance and playboy ways, but I knew that if he changed for me, he could very easily end up resenting me for it.  I didn't want that to happen.  
   Pulling away, I gently tugged at his hand as a gesture for him to follow me.  I led him to the wooden porch swing so we could sit and hopefully finish the discussion in a happier manner.  He followed, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as we settled onto the seat.  He sighed again, gazing out at the quiet road in front of my home.  
   "I've never been good about planning ahead.  Never really had a career goal, to be honest.  I just figured the Navy would be a way to do something good and still come out with something to show for myself.  But then I met you..." He trailed off, turning his thoughtful eyes to me.  "I know we've only been together six months, but I really care about you, Julia.  I want to be there for you.  And instead all we get is my short vacations before I'm sent back out into the middle of the ocean.  Then you're lonely.  And I'm lonely.  And I've got another three years of this.  It's not fair to you." 
   "Or you," I agreed softly.  
   "I guess I just...  I feel like I've royally messed this up." 
   I grasped his hand in both of mine.  "You can't blame yourself, Jake.  You reenlisted before you met me.  This was how it was supposed to play out." 
   "Is it?" He didn't seem convinced.  
   "Everything happens for a reason, right?" I pointed out with a small half smile.  
   "You seem to think so." He smirked at that.  
   "We just have to wait for the reason to present itself." I shrugged, trying to look happier than I felt.  I didn't want to think of what the reasons could be, because not all of them would end happily.  "We just have to see where our love fits into this design." 
   "And that's another reason I love you," He chuckled, pulling me into a sideways hug.  "You always look on the bright side of things."  
   "I try," I said simply.  
   My smile faltered a little now that he couldn't see my face.  When he pulled back to look at me again, though, I grinned brightly up at him.  Looking into his affectionate gaze started to help my uneasiness melt away, and I didn't have to force the smile.  For whatever amount of time I had him to myself, I would be grateful.  He really did make me happy and I would do the same for him as long as he was mine.  
   "What?" He asked, lifting an eyebrow. 
   "What what?" I replied cheekily.  
   "You're staring at me."  
   "And you're staring at me.  I think we're even." 
   "Darling." 
   "Sweetheart." 
   "Kiss me." 
   I obliged, leaning in to capture his lips with mine.  I brought my hand up to his cheek as I let my lips move gently with his.  After a moment, he pulled back and squinted at me.  
   "What?" It was my turn to ask.  
   "Kiss me one more time with everything you've got." He whispered, his expression softening.  "I need something to get me through the next six months away from you." 
   Unable to keep from sighing sadly at the reminder, I shifted in my seat to face him.  He dropped his arm, watching me with solemn eyes.  I leaned closer slowly and he closed his eyes.  Instead of going straight for his expectant mouth, I pressed a soft kiss to his eyebrow.  His lips quirked up in a grin as I then pressed a kiss to the edge of his jaw.  Torturously slow, I moved my lips to the corner of his mouth.  He let out a small playful growl and turned his head so his lips met mine.  I couldn't help but laugh a little against his mouth.  
   Then I turned serious and began to kiss him like I meant it.  Our mouths danced hungrily, his hands moving to my hair and mine finding places on his t-shirt covered chest.  He let out a soft, contented hum, making my heart stutter.  After a minute, he ran his tongue across my bottom lip, asking for entrance.  I granted it to him, letting my tongue meet his eagerly.  We continued making out, completely lost in each other.  I tried to memorize his movements and how he felt, knowing I'd need it during the next few months.  I was going to miss him like crazy.  
   After what felt like a long time, he finally pulled back.  Resting his forehead on mine, he let out a small sigh.  
   "I wish I could kiss you every night on this porch." He mumbled.  
   "You'll be back." I reminded him.  
   "Not soon enough."
   "True." I couldn't argue with that.  
   "You know I love you." It sounded more like a statement than a question.  
   I sat up, looking him in the eye.  "I know you do." 
   "You know I'll still love you when I get back." 
   I dropped my gaze, unable to answer this time.  He was a playboy.  How could I be certain?  
   "Jules," He hooked a finger under my chin and lifted it so I was looking at him again.  "I promise.  I promise you I will." 
   "Don't promise," I whispered.  "Show me.  Come back and show me." 
   He smirked, shaking his head.  "Oh, darling.  I will."  
   "Good.  I'll be waiting." I returned his smirk.