Chapter Text
The early morning was calm and the café had a relaxed atmosphere. People came and went, on their way to catch a train, waiting for relatives to arrive or coming from a night out and searching for an open place that served coffee and cakes. The café had its peaks during the 24-hour period it was open, and at the moment, they were just waiting for the storm. Bradley took the chance to refill the coffee machine with beans, while Marion kept cleaning the counter. Their shift wouldn’t end until six in the morning, but they liked to have everything prepared for the morning rush. And Bradley didn’t want to risk staying longer. He had things to do.
At least, no big incidents had happened that night, he had to be glad about that. The most notable customers who were at the tables consisted of three drunk girls drinking coffee as it was their salvation in one of the booths, thirsting over a blond guy seated on one of the small tables near the counter. He couldn’t fault them, the guy, looking a couple of years older than him was handsome. He wore a deep green hoodie and baggy pants as if he was just a regular guy. His hair was cut sharp, and he had a nice tan on him. Bradley hadn’t missed the large tip he had left on the jar after Marion had served him. Also, the duffle bag he was carrying: had no branding but unmistakably good quality. It reminded him of the ones some of his classmates wore, showing status and economic wealth. If that wasn’t enough, the guy had spent the last twenty minutes typing furiously on his Blackberry.
“Can’t wait to be six o’clock,” Marion sighed, looking at the clock on the wall.
“Ditto,” he responded. He started to restock the coffee cups and lids, while Marion baked the new batch of goods. The three girls left, giggling, glancing over the blond, just to check if he was going to return the favour, with no success. Marion and Bradley looked at each other and, in silent agreement, Bradley went to clean up their mess. “Can’t wait to sleep a bit, I have too many things to do.” With only the handsome guy focused more on his mobile than anything else, he felt chatty.
Marion looked over the oven, curious:
“Oh, have you found a room yet? Do you need help with the moving?”
Bradley sighed.
No, he had not.
He had been the last three weeks couch surfing. First at Chelsey’s flat, until one of her roommates complained that her boyfriend wasn’t comfortable with a man living with them, even if said man was gay. Then Brittany, who left him her room the few days she was gone visiting her parents. And now, he was crashing on James’s couch. James had promised he could stay anytime he wanted. But Bradley was reluctant to stay in a place that was party almost 24/7 and he had to pay the same amount of money for using the couch as the ones who had a private room.
“No. We’re in April, I can’t find anything before September,” he said. He had two room viewings for this week, but he had no hope of getting anything decent inside his budget. Chelsey had promised him to keep one of the rooms for him as the one with problems with him was graduating already, but September seemed so far away yet. And his future seemed he would have to be at James’s messy flat through finals and summer. That, or take the advice of the college counsellor and go to a homeless shelter.
“I’m asking around, I promise,” Marion said and Bradley believed her. “But, yeah, until September nothing. I’m leaving for a couple of weeks in July, you can stay there. No need to pay me or anything.”
“Thanks, but I hope I can find something sooner,” he responded, feeling an endless dread to even contemplate that he would be during July in the same situation.
Life loved to throw him curve balls to destabilise him, and being in his second year of university hadn’t changed that.
First, it was when his dad died at Top Gun. Then his mother got cancer. His rejection to attend USNA frustrated his plans to get a degree just on the get-go, join the Navy and become a naval pilot. Then, his mother passed away while any chance for a baseball scholarship was gone, and shortly after, also his grandmother followed her in the same week that he discovered that Maverick, his uncle, the person he had admired the most, had been the reason his application to the Naval Academy had been rejected.
He had managed, somehow, to end up in Boston, attending university. Of course, he had to sell his family home, property taxes too high to pay with just a part-time job, while having to pay for the dorms and his living expenses. He had to sell the car that was left to him, too expensive to maintain, and the small inheritance he got from his grandmother had already run out.
He felt old. He felt behind. And even, a transfer with USNA wasn’t very likely to happen anymore. He already struggled enough to pass his classes as he spent more time working than studying. His dream to fly, to prove that he wasn’t a failure, or… even more simply, to get rid of the hospital bills from his mother’s treatment and pay off his student loans, felt impossible.
He didn’t even feel the need to cry, a constant pressure in his chest forbidding him to do so.
He wanted to ask Maverick for help. Would he be able to send him some money to stay at a hostel or somewhere until September? Maybe Chelsey’s friend could leave the house earlier, maybe he could move in in August. But every time he had tried to e-mail the man, he had felt a cold fever, tachycardia and breathing had felt almost impossible.
Could he ask the man who helped to do the preliminary application to the Academy? The same man that had pulled the rug under him, unceremoniously, without a warning? He didn’t think so. It didn’t seem like a sensible decision, and Maverick was usually outside the country, deployed. He would have to explain why he needed the money. And that probably meant a phone conversation that Bradley had no credit or energy to make.
‘You’re not ready’, echoed in his mind.
Some part of him believed that if he managed to contact the man, he would be asked to explain why he decided to room up with irresponsible people who failed to pay their rent on time, even if they were delayed just one day.
Lack of judgement, lack of character, lack of worth.
Since he had to sell the house he had managed to escape the streets. Well, he had slept in his car a few weeks, but it was because he couldn’t get earlier to his accommodations, not because he lacked one. He was now twenty, he should be able to figure out something.
He finished cleaning the booth, enjoying the repetitive movement that helped to calm his nerves. When he raised his gaze, the handsome man was looking at him.
“Do you need more coffee, sir?” he asked, fearing that he would have to tell the guy to buy another cup because they didn’t do refills and he was tired. He would give him one, but the expensive gear that the man wore put him off.
“If you’re looking for a place to live, I’m looking for someone to take care of my cat and my plants while I’m abroad,” he said. “I have a spare room in my flat, I can give you an affordable rate,” he proposed.
“I…” Bradley's first instant was to reject the offer. But also, he was in desperate need. The least he could do was to listen to him. He eyed Marion who wasn’t against the idea, yet was cautious.“Well, you don’t know me, I don’t know you.”
“I know but my acquaintances are quite useless, and me and my cousin really need someone who could stay the whole year taking care of the house. We are deployed overseas quite often. And you’re a student, right? You need to be here for the majority of the year, right?” he informed. Bradley felt a knot forming in his throat. Deployment. Military. Of course, the haircut, his perfect posture of a Ken doll. He was just fresh serving or he was a privileged kid playing soldiers. Either way, he didn’t like it.
“Which branch?” he asked instead.
“Navy, just to piss off my dad, who is a Colonel in the Army,” he said as he smiled. Bradley took a few seconds to register what he had been told, his smile so blinding.
“Oh, thanks for your service, sir,” he said, suddenly. The man raised his hand towards him, his Naval Academy ring flashing under the white neon lights. Bradley took his hand, a powerful handshake that made him shiver slightly. Navy. The guy was Navy, just like Maverick, just like the people he had lost contact with after their fallout. “Bradley Bradshaw, my father was Navy too,” he said, trying not to come across as rude. He figured that his face wasn’t the kindest. The man raised his eyebrows, surprised.
“Was? Killed during combat?”
“Something like that…” he responded, flatly. He didn’t want to open that can of worms. He didn’t want to talk about the accident or have to defend the man he had so much resentment for to a stranger.
“Sorry to hear that. My name is Jake Seresin, by the way,” he said. “Naval aviator,” he added with a wink.
Bradley frowned just slightly. There were too many similitudes with Maverick. But, yet, he needed a place to stay. Before brushing him off, he should listen to him. He did not have many options, he had to remind himself. The worst that could happen was he could get killed, and, in that case, he wouldn’t have to worry about finding a house, passing his exams or this job. The debt he owed the insurance company would disappear and his student loans wouldn’t be a problem anymore.
“Oh, that’s great,” he said. Jake mirrored his frown.
“You don’t seem very impressed.” Oh, shit, was one of those who needed constant praise. Bradley bit his lower lip. He needed to play this correctly.
“I’ve got to meet a few Naval Aviators before,” he responded. He didn’t want to sound rude, but…. “They were very cocky and arrogant. I guess they could back up their claims and they were good, but, you know, it’s not a novelty? I guess, sorry,” he decided to go for. He could feel Marion looking at him, probably impressed because she knew he never talked about his life before coming to the university.
Jake put a toothpick between his lips, moved it around, suave, capturing Bradley’s attention for a second. When Jake smirked at him, he blushed. Fuck, why he blushed?
“You’re honest, I like that,” he said. “I’m meeting one of my friends before we go to defend the nation. But I prefer to sort it out with you as soon as possible. You said you finish at six, right?”
Bradley nodded.
“Great! Let’s meet in forty minutes, then, and maybe in the afternoon we can figure out everything else.”
Another customer entered the place, a black man, nicely dressed, with a neat haircut. He went straight to the counter and ordered an Iced Coffee, even if the weather wasn’t that hot and the sun wasn’t warm. Bradley mouthed a silent apology to Jake and went behind the counter to start making a drink while Marion charged him.
“Coyote!” Jake said, and he and the man hugged. The complicity between them was palpable. Coyote, most likely a callsign. So, another pilot.
“Hangman, you old dog!” the man answered.
When he finished the drink he served it with the best of his smiles.
“Thanks, man,” the man called Coyote said, dropping a tip, not as large as Jake, but still impressive. At least they were good tippers.
“Hey, can we stay here until six?” Jake asked. “I might have been found a tenant for my flat. And I am meeting him here.”
“Who is going to be the poor soul? Have you checked with one of Natasha’s friends?”
“No, because I don’t want my house trashed,” Jake responded. “No, the poor soul is the great barista here, Bradley,” he said. “He is in a dire situation and I’m going to see if we can help each other.”
Coyote took his drink looking between them. There was something that Coyote was searching on him.
“Yes, I’m the poor soul,” he said, trying to break the tension with his most polite customer-service smile.
Coyote murmured something to Jake, whose answer was hitting his friend with a fist in his arm. But Coyote didn’t seem bothered by it.
“Ok, sure, we can wait. Bradley, right? Nice to meet you, name is Javy Machado.”
Jake Seresin ended up being nothing like Bradley expected and everything that Bradley needed.
The house that Jake was looking to take care of was a flat in the middle of the centre of the city. Beautiful views, great connections, meaning he could go to campus and work in public transport, and it was well taken care of. Jake’s cat was a rescued one, ginger, a bit fat, with the end of its tail damaged. Apparently, it was his ex's cat, but with the breakup, it ended up in the care of Jake.
“I know you’re a broke college kid,” Jake had said. “And I just want you to take care of Miss Saffron Stormae Seresin. As you can see, you aren’t the only one with an alliteration in their name. But we usually call her Mae, isn’t it girl?” The ginger cat looked at her owner and blinked. “She is a bit old but still hates people with the same passion as ever. I have her menu on the fridge, her routines and emergency numbers. Janet is the same age as you, she will be the most likely to pick up the phone but Julia will be the one to call in case of an actual emergency. She makes things happen.”
They moved around the big flat. It had a large kitchen with a dining area, apart from the actual dining room, next to the living room. A big gallery that connected the dining room, the living room and Jake’s office. It was full of plants in diverse degrees of health, most of them, struggling to be alive.
“My plants are in the indoor balcony, so they can have more light,” Jake informed. Bradley followed Jake through the beautiful place, too good to be real. “Instructions are also displayed on the cabinet. My elder sister always kills most of them every time she tries to help, so if you manage not to upset Mae and to keep half of the plants alive, you’re already surpassing my expectations.”
Jake smiled, but Bradley wasn’t sure. Even if Jake made him a special discount for being broke, for helping him to keep his cat and plants alive, there was no way he could afford this place. Not even the room he was being offered. Even if it was the smallest one with no en-suite bathroom.
“Also, because my family is kind of important, I’m afraid you won’t be able to have visitors over. Well, unless it's any sibling or your mother. In that case, just let me know and I’ll give them a pass at reception, no problem. Your mother could stay in Natasha’s room, even. The only thing I’ll have to check with her leave days so…”
“My mother passed away. And I have no siblings so that won’t be a problem.”
“Sorry about that, Bradley,” Jake’s voice softened, empathic.
“It’s, ok, you didn’t know it,” Bradley responded, a bit uncomfortable. He was always so clueless about what he was supposed to say to that. His mother, and his grandmother died and he was alone. That was life.
“Well, if you meet someone important enough, check it first with me, ok? I’ll have to approve them.”
Bradley nodded, but he didn’t know what to say. Except for some kisses here and there, there was nobody who really caught his eye. Everyone had that childish area to them. Innocence and nativity that Bradley wasn’t sure what to do with it. The uncomfortable truth that most of his peers didn’t want to know or deal with the fact that Bradley’s life hadn’t been the easiest.
Jake half smiled, and carried on with the tour:
“This is my room, this is Natasha’s and my office… they are out of limits. You can have a space in the common bathroom, I can clear one of the cabinets for you. And… this is your room, it’s the small one, but I bet you can figure out how to utilise the space, I mean, college kids should be efficient at that, right? But at least it’s not Navy accommodation, I’ll tell you that. But if you need more storage, I can get you some space in the storage room in the attic.”
Bradley glanced inside, the room was the biggest he had ever been. Bigger than his parent’s back in Nevada, in the little house that he had inherited.
“I think it will be enough, thank you.” he looked around, unsure, imagining already how much would be costing him, discount or not.
“Well, let’s talk business, shall we?” Jake said. “Because you’re going to keep an eye on our stuff, take care of Mae and the plants, and also, keep the house safe and tidy, I thought you could only pay for the utilities you’re using. When I’m back, of course, we’ll share the expenses, if Natasha comes here, she will be paying me directly. Think around $200, $300 monthly. Is that a problem?”
Bradley’s mouth went dry. That wasn’t a problem at all, that was paradise. Too good to be true, too. Only that with access to a proper accommodation? Even if he had half of the house off limits and couldn’t invite anyone over, being him and just the cat in silence was great. Jake had said his family was important. Maybe that was something wrong with them? His father was a colonel in the Army, that's for sure. But the rest?
“Hm… I feel like there is a catch somewhere,” he responded.
“Mae likes to bite and scratch people,” Jake answered. “As I said, she hates humanity.” Jake smiled at Mae with fondness and tenderness. “She’ll take over the world one day, I’m sure.”
“Are you aware that I don’t have any petsitting or pet care certificate?” he commented, just to make sure the guy wasn’t expecting anything great from him.
“Well, I thought we could wait until summer to see if both of us are comfortable with each other. If you want to move with one of your friends in September, I’ll understand. If you decide to stay here, I can arrange a course or something. Believe it’s better than just having Julia or one of her minions snoop around.”
Minions. Even if there was obviously a larger story there at play, Bradley ended up signing the contract. It was redacted easy to understand, and the clauses were clear and they seemed fair. And in any case, he would be leaving in September if any problem arose until then.
The two days that Jake and Bradley shared the flat were a bit awkward. Jake had expected Bradley to have more stuff with him and had enlisted Javy for help. And Bradley didn’t know what to say after Javy and Jake had taken one of Bradley’s suitcases followed by him with just a backpack. Jake had let him know that if he needed anything else, furniture, or anything, he could ask without any problem. He had even suggested he could use his computer to study if needed.
It was obvious that Jake and Javy were having some silent conversations between them. Still, a day later, they both left the country on a mission, and Bradley was left living in a completely luxurious flat with a cat that loved to nap and eat cold chicken in the morning and some plants that he definitively forgot to water as often as the instructions said. In less than a week, his life had turned around completely.
It was weird, being there. Like he was in limbo where he wasn’t allowed to think too hard about it. Finals were approaching, and without having to work so hard and so long, he had more time to study. In less than three weeks, he noticed how the lack of stress from being almost homeless and the extra hours, affected positively his performance at class and work.
The year finished and Bradley’s grades were higher than ever. He even had extra cash at the end of the month for the first time since his mother passed away.
“So, what do you know about your landlord?” Chelsey asked when Bradley told her he wouldn’t be needing the room at her flat for September. “I mean, apart from that he is really hot and serves in the Navy. Are you going to stay with him for the rest of the year? I’m asking because Jenny has a few people lined up for the room.”
“I’m probably going to keep the room. He said he could do the deal until I graduated.”
Chelsey nodded.
“That’s good, two more years! I always forget that you’re a year behind us,” she smiled. “But, anyway, so, how is he?” she insisted. Maybe she wasn’t as curious about the room and more about gossip in general.
“He’s twenty-five. He is a naval pilot, He is paying for my pet-sitting certificate,” he told her, none of the details she obviously wanted. It covered not only cat care but also dogs. It was quite complete and demanding, but Bradley figured that it could be a useful skill for the future if the job at the café failed. “So, that’s, why I won’t be able to go to Las Vegas to celebrate summer. Or… meet that often, even if I don’t have classes.”
Chelsey snorted.
“This is going to be our last year together!”
“I still have Brittany!” Chelsey slapped him in the arm.
“And you’re still avoiding my question. Is he kind? Is he funny? Smart?”
Bradley blushed against his will. He knew that Jake was hot. But except he was his landlord and he was absolutely obsessed with Mae (Jake would write him weekly e-mails just to ask for photos of Mae and had purchased a new phone for Bradley so he could take photos of the cat), there wasn’t much to say.
Jake had a strict routine thanks to the Navy, he wasn’t particularly messy, even if Bradley would argue that two days weren’t enough to judge a character, and he was polite and friendly when talking. Out of uniform, he wore expensive and elegant clothes, like half of the people on campus. But also, those people would have never considered enlisting.
“I don’t know, I don’t know him that well. He likes his cat. And he spends more of his time abroad, on a carrier.”
Chelsey rolled his eyes:
“Well, and I was here hopping that you would finally pop that cherry, darling.” Now it was Bradley’s turn to hit her. “Don’t give me that crap that you don’t have time for those things.”
“No, I actually don’t have. I still have to raise my grades, my average has dropped drastically.”
“Duh, we’re at college, not high school. Everything is harder,” Chelsey replied. Bradley sighed, not wanting to get into an argument with her, where she would try to push Bradley to hook up with a guy, any guy who might be gay. Bradley didn’t have the energy for one-night stands. And looking for something more serious when he was still trying to survive… “Hey, Brad, don’t put that face!”
“What face? This… this is my face.” She just laughed it off.
“Forget about your hot landlord. Seems you’re set until graduation. You don’t fucking have to work that hard! You can have some time to actually meet someone, you know? Go on dates or whatever. You aren’t coming to Las Vegas. Cool. But, I don’t know, Brad, live a little.”
“I mean, he could die during service and I'd be screwed over.”
“Brad, honestly, it’s almost like the possibility of something good happening to you is not possible."
He refused to look at her. He was too embarrassed with himself. It wasn’t like he didn’t find anyone attractive. But between his mother falling ill, his grandmother dying, Maverick’s betrayal, his economic situation, his studies… he had no time, and sometimes it was like his libido had disappeared completely.
“We’ll see, Chelsey. Have fun in Las Vegas.”
“I’ll bring you a souvenir, Brad.”
Jake approached him from behind, kissed his neck under his ear, his lips were soft. There was warmth inside him, he wanted more, he wanted to... Jake was on top of him. He was on top of Jake. In any case, Jake was kissing him and his hand travelled, sneaked, into his trousers, losing the belt.
"Bradley, baby..." Jake's voice was low, deep, raspy and sent shivers down Bradley's spine. He felt on edge, about to fall and he tried to hold himself closer to Jake.
"Fuck."
He woke up, hard as a rock.
The night wasn't especially cold, not warm, but he felt like he was running for the last hour. His balls hurt, while his mind was trying to process that he was having a sex dream about his landlord. About a navial aviator. A man who he hadn't seen since the end of April. Even if he had spent the last months sending pictures of his cats via e-mail. Their messages weren't even friendly, except for the mutual agreement about Mae's limitless cuteness. It would make more sense to dream about... Jordan, from his American Foreign Policy Since World War II class. They both were blonde, tall, muscular, rich and wore the same brands.
And still, his brain had decided to make Jake the main character of his fantasies.
He tried to calm down, not willing to take care of himself while his mind was still providing him with sexual images and situations about Jake. But it was no help. If he tried to do that, he was only going to make it worse for himself. He did not want to get horny thinking about Jake. Even, if he was really horny because of a man he barely knew.
"Fuck," he murmured.
He took a sip from the glass of water he maintained on his nightstand.
Maybe it was better to thirst about Jake than Jordan if he wanted to be honest. He had never seen Jordan tip, despite his wealth, and yet, the first thing he noticed about Jake was the generous tip he left.
He took a deep breath, and tentative, he reached to his dick, hard, almost leaking. The thought of someone leaving a tip wasn't enough to get him off, almost lamenting his dream cut off early, unable to see what his mind had prepared for him.
A bit frustrated, he felt how the heat was dissolving slowly. He laid back in the bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind drifting once again towards Jake. Maybe it was that the man had appeared out of nowhere, just a customer at the cafe, waiting for his friend, with a godsend solution from the sky.
He wondered how long it was going to last, to have somewhere to lay and rest a bit. He had managed to pass all his classes with a better grade than he expected. It wasn't enough to transfer to USNA. And because he spent his spare time working or trying to catch up with his studies, he hadn't joined clubs or associations. He had to admit his stronger application was the one he had when he turned eighteen and... And Maverick, still, had deemed him not worth it.
Even after all the preparation that he had put in. All the late nights studying even when his mother was sick. His baseball team, his volunteer at the church group and the Boy Scouts. All the afternoons and evenings he had spent working towards a goal, with Maverick's guidance just...
Just for nothing.
It didn't matter he had tried his best.
His best wasn't enough.
Only when Mae hopped onto his chest, he realised he was sobbing. He let the cat knead, even if sometimes she hurt with her nails. It was almost like permission to cry, to let it go. And he did that, trying to move the less possible, not to disturb Mae in her quest to find a better spot to sleep.
He didn't know how long he stood there, crying, letting his tears wash him. But Mae stood there, with all her weight and hypnotic purr. And finally, he fell asleep again.
Chapter 2
Summary:
Bradley started the new academic year and he had yet to meet the rest of the family, like Natasha Trace, Jake's cousin on his mother's side. She also was a naval aviator and she hoped to follow her cousin's steps and go as well to Top Gun. Bradley, also, learnt a bit more about Jake himself and how different their worlds were.
Notes:
Hey, another chapter!
Thank you so much for the kudos and the comments!!
Hope you like this one too!
Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The second member of the Seresin family that he met was the cousin.
Jake had sent him a brief email with Natasha’s details and the woman had appeared overnight in the house at the beginning of October. On the back of his head, he couldn’t stop wondering why they wouldn’t go directly to their family houses in the South. Why did they have a flat on the East Coast, that they only used when they were on leave and their family was in the South?
At first glance, Natasha Trace and Jake Seresin didn't have much in common. Cousins by their mother's side, Jake was tall, blond, sharp and inquisitive with his gaze. Natasha, on the other hand, was brunette, shorter than Jake, with big expressive eyes and an easy smile. Or maybe it was because Bradley met her as he went to the kitchen, followed by Mae, who had been patiently waiting for Bradley to get up.
"Hi, you must be Bradley," it was the first thing she told him. She was wearing deep burgundy pyjamas and her hair was down. "Oh, you're cute!" she added, with a smile. Then, her gaze focused on Mae, who jumped to the counter, still near Bradley, knowing her food was coming. "And Mae seems to like you. How…? She hates people!” The cat smelled her, but as soon as the woman tried to pet her, Mae hid behind Bradley.
"I don't know, I feed her, we make each other's company. She's a great study partner."
Natasha pouted, upset. She was making herself coffee with the fancy machine that used pods and Bradley, as a barista, hated it with all his heart. He preferred to brew the coffee himself, or simply, drink tea, as he had a stream of free coffee at work.
“Coffee?" she asked, taking a second mug for him.
“I prefer to drink tea," he answered. He started the kettle, Mae jumped around him, rubbing against his legs under the indignant gaze of Natasha.
"This is betrayal, Mae has never been like this with me.”
Bradley took one of the small cans, checking he wasn't repeating the previous day's flavour and served it. Mae meowed and started to eat, while Bradley finished his tea.
Natasha was still looking at him laser-focused. "Mae is a beast, always scratching and biting."
“Really? She’s great, at least with me. We have a mutual understanding.”
Almost on cue, Mae jumped again on the counter and rubbed against Bradley's arm before jumping off and leaving the kitchen. Natasha looked flabbergasted. Then, she laughed.
“So, what are you going to do today?"
"Study, maybe I'll cook something later, then I have a late shift. So a nap after lunch.” Then he frowns. “Jake said you like to throw parties.” Maybe he should go to the library. It was October yet, it wouldn’t be hard to find a spot there. He wasn’t sure about a free computer.
“No, don’t worry. If anything I’ll let you know in advance,” she answered. Then, she smirked. “When Jake told me they found a college student to maintain the house, I was expecting more... craziness, parties and not studying and such," she confessed. Bradley chucked.
"Well, not me. Too busy getting my degree, which has already cost me too much. Plus, Mae doesn't like loud noises so..." And he didn't have a computer or laptop. The ones in the library were always booked and Jake let him use the one he had in his studio, even if that was one of the rooms that initially he wasn't supposed to use. But with Mae sleeping on her bed next to the desk, it felt just right.
"Ok, fair enough."
Natasha let him be, at least, for the first week, then, when the weekend was approaching and Bradley had a night free from work, she asked him if he was going to go out and party. Part of him wanted to say no, as going out meant to spend money and that was something he wasn't comfortable doing, not since he had once had his card declined while doing groceries during his first year. But also, Chelsey and Brittany were texting him, urging him to go with them to a house party on the other side of the city.
"I'm meeting a couple of friends," he said. "Not sure what we're going to do. Maybe a house party. Or do you have another plan?”
“Well, my plan wasn’t exactly set in stone. And I think I’ve never been to a house party. What's like?"
It was just an excuse for people like him who hadn't turned twenty-one to get wasted and find someone to fuck. Except that Bradley wasn't really into that. Because just the thought of losing control freaked him out. He wondered what Natasha could think about it. A lot of people love those types of events. He wondered if Jake could attend one, what Bradley would do in that case.
"Hmm... you can come with us if you want. Check it by yourself," he invited her, trying to shush his thoughts away.
Natasha looked at him before smiling:
"Okay, sure. If you don’t think that I’m imposing.”
Even if the party ended up being a letdown, he discovered that Natasha was a funny girl. Brittany adored her from the get-go. Even Marion was charmed by her. Jake had warned him about Natasha and her friends, but she wasn’t living up to the hype. During the brief time they were alone in the house, and except that Tuesday night, Natasha preferred to stay home and watch a film. Bradley joined a few times.
One of those nights, Mae found her place on top of Bradley’s chest. They were watching the extended version of the Lord of the Rings, and Bradley was having trouble staying awake, the battles too long for his taste. And he had honestly lost the plot mid-way.
“Don’t move,” Natasha announced with a whisper. “I need this to send this to Jake. Fucking wizard, Bradley, you’re a wizard. You had animals before, right?”
He heard the click of the camera and tried to keep his posture. If he moved an inch, Mae would leave.
"Hmm, no, not really. We couldn't have animals, I mean, our house didn't have a fence and mum was scared for them if they jumped into the road."
“Oh, you don’t have the house anymore?”
“No. Hmm… I sold it. I don't have anyone in Nevada,” he answered, a bit embarrassed. The Seresin were a big family. Natasha talked about some cousins, aunts and uncles who were all over the country. It was almost like a massive network of contacts and places to feel safe. Bradley would be lying if he said he didn't envy them for that. "Couldn't pay the taxes and I really needed the money to study. I mean, I had the tuition paid, but I’m a fan of eating and sleeping under a roof." He laughed mostly because Natasha seemed appalled. "It's ok, literary your cousin saved my life offering me the spare room."
"You don't have anyone left?"
He did, technically.
When he had finally dared to send Maverick an e-mail with his new phone number, he had discovered that his inbox was full. After two more tries, in which the last one had been successful, he had not attempted again to contact the man. Maverick had called three weeks later.
Probably when he was stateside. Bradley couldn’t bring himself to pick up the phone.
He had gotten a few more calls after, but Bradley hadn't dared to answer any of them.
He was a coward. No wonder he wasn’t fit for the Navy.
"It's... complicated."
Natasha looked at him, intensely. Bradley's heart started to race too strong. It was uncomfortable, as the woman could read his soul. Mae moved on top of him, starting to kneel with her paws on his pyjamas, purring loudly. Bradley tried to focus on that feeling, letting himself calm down, ignoring as best as he could Natasha's gaze.
"I guess all families are complicated," Natasha ended up saying. "Even when everything feels right... Especially if it is as massive as ours. You know the Seresin usually enlist in the Army? Jake was the first one to go to the Navy. My uncle was pissed."
"Jake mentioned he's a colonel in the Army."
"Jacob Seresin the Second is a colonel in the Army and as soon as Jacob Seresin Senior passes away, he’ll be a Senator. When Jake, enlisted in the Navy, he broke the family pattern. It was a whole deal, mainly because doing so our Jake can’t be controlled by Uncle Jacob that well.” Natasha chuckled.
“And you? Why did you enlist?” By the way, she talked about their family, women enlisting wasn’t something expected of them. Just the men on the Seresin side.
“It seemed fun to be a naval aviator. And I was right. Definitively, a better alternative than going to university to find a proper husband. Julia, Jake’s elder sister, managed to break the curse, being the first woman in the family to handle a business. She even kept her surname after marrying, but that just happened because Jake had been such a disappointment. Even if he is one of the best fighter pilots in the Navy."
"Oh, he has been to TopGun already?" Bradley couldn't stop wondering out loud. She asked with her gaze. "Oh, yeah, my father was a RIO in the Navy. And, well, we used to live near Fallon, so… I kinda know a bit about the lingo and terminology.”
“He was there two years ago,” she informed. “And then stayed to train new recruits for a while.” Bradley’s heart spiked a bit. Two years before? They almost crossed paths then. He wondered if Jake had visited the town of Fallon. If he discovered the burger joint where he had been working in the kitchen until he had left. “I asked for recommendations, but he’s a tool so he couldn’t say anything decent. Do you have any recommendations?”
“Oh, are you going to TopGun too?”
“Of course, I will,” she said, determination in her voice that didn’t let any opening for doubts. He wanted to have her determination.
“Well, there is this burger place I used to work at,” he decided to say. Natasha smiled broadly.
Jake came home looking even better and Bradley had to hide that he was actually turned on by it. His brain took the opportunity to make some wet dreams about him more realistic. And thus, his showers were a bit longer, to hide the fact that he was masturbating thinking about Jake.
Luckily, Jake wasn’t perfect, he had the little things that allowed Bradley to hate him a little bit, and thus, put some distance between them. The guy loved to put music on as soon as everyone was awake. Not a problem, usually, if it weren’t because he only played one song, constantly.
The song in question: ’ Clocks’ by Coldplay.
Bradley didn’t mind the band, he admitted that the group had some solid songs. He felt very drawn to ‘Trouble’, from their first album. But it was like Jake didn’t know other songs but ‘clocks’.
“Jake, for God’s sake,” Natasha said, the third day Jake put on repeat the song. “If you don’t change the song, quit music altogether. I swear, don’t test me.”
Jake obliged, even if sometimes, when Natasha was out, Bradley could swear that he could hear the song through the door.
“An advice about my cousin,” Natasha told him. “You have to be firm and tell him no. He has no self-restraint.”
“I’m suffering throw a breakup here,” Jake shouted from the other side of the flat.
Natasha rolled her eyes.
“Sometimes breakups are… difficult,” he said.
“Speaking from experience, Brad?”
“My friend Chelsey. Last year. She discovered she was the other one. The girlfriend threw a tub of red paint on her on campus.”
“Oh, shit.”
“I guess it’s better to deal with repeating a song. Constantly.”
Natasha snorted.
“That seems horrible.”
“Yeah… the boyfriend is someone’s son, so… of course the one who got in trouble was Chelsey,” he scoffed. “Fucking rich kids… I mean, not you guys. But…”
“No, no, I understand. There are rules different for the rich. As long as you follow the societal rules,” she smiled. “I guess it’s good then that Jake had decided to simply put that song in repeat. Small blessings.”
Jake had also time to inquire him about Fallon, and Bradley didn't know why, he ended up showing him on Google Earth where he used to live. Jake didn't ask much about it, changing the topic towards the music they liked to listen to. Natasha left to visit her family, leaving Jake and Bradley together with Mae.
"If it weren't for the photos I wouldn't believe it. Mae really likes you, isn't it, girl?” Mae just blinked at him, unimpressed.
Bradley blushed, somehow, being on the list of people that Mae liked felt like a huge endorsement.
"I think Natasha and you are too dramatic. She’s fine.” Jake laughed and Bradley felt something warm inside him.
He didn’t know what he could do with that, so he returned his attention to the notes for the toughest classes of that year. The teacher was a tough bone, but at least, he was learning a lot. There was a rumour around the campus that those who survived that class with great grades were going to be recommended the following year to compete for one of the internships that were offered by one of the leading companies in Tech and Advancement. And he was studying hard since the beginning of the year, just in case.
Bradley hadn't decided yet what he was going to do. The Navy seemed further than ever. And nowadays, a master seemed essential to finding a job. Even how much he was reducing the debt that was pending over him, he wasn't sure if he wanted to get in debt again or able to save enough money to course one of those. The internship seemed promising, except that it wasn't paid and he would probably had to stop working to do it. The other option was to join the Navy, hopefully, get a master paid by the Military, and more hopefully, get into the fighter pilot path. Even if there was a chance that he could cross paths with Maverick. Or having the same issue of having his application withdrawn at the last minute.
"You've been looking at that page for ten solid minutes there, everything ok?" the voice of Jake took him out. Bradley looked at the other man.
"Oh, yeah... I don't know. Hmm... just contemplating my options. I guess."
“Why didn’t you try to get into the Naval Academy in the first place?" Jake asked, suddenly.
"Why do you say that?”
"You don't seem impressed by the fact that I'm a Naval Aviator, and still, you know about Top gun…"
"I grew up in Fallon. My father was a RIO.”
“You said that. So it would be quite easy for you to get an acceptance letter from USNA.” Jake conceded. “Sorry, it’s just… I know you have a lot of economic problems, and I know you’re working really hard for your degree. I’m surprised nobody told you that could be an easy, faster and cheaper option.”
Bradley didn’t know what to say because Jake was right. Totally right.
Jake raised his hands:
“I’m sorry, that was so insensitive. I bet you had your reasons. War isn’t pretty. I’ll tell you that. It’s a good thing that you aren’t in that position.”
“But you’re right, it would have been more faster, easier and cheaper. And you have to admit that flying planes is fucking amazing.”
As soon as he said that, he regretted it. Bradley wondered if breathing hard was a result of his anxiety of how charged the air seemed. He exhaled, slowly. Jake frowned slightly.
"Well, if I had done that, who would be taking care of Mae? Poor girl with her reputation slandered, accused of being a human hater. She’s the sweetest.”
Jake let a few seconds before he smiled. He was still tense, Bradley could feel how his sculptured jaw trembled slightly.
“That’s true. Not to mention that my plants are healthier than ever.” Jake sighed, and then, his voice was lower and kinder. ”You could still do it, you know? Enlist. You finish your degree, and you can try for the Navy Fighter Weapons School. Try to be a naval aviator. Like me or Nat. If you have what it's needed, you can still be up in the skies."
He could, except... 'You aren't ready' the voice of Maverick resonated in his head. Except… that Maverick had stroked him down when he was most vulnerable. Who was to say he wouldn’t repeat the move now that Bradley had been ignoring him for almost three years?
"Maybe I should stick for now to what I have," he answered. "After I graduate, I can consider it. As you said, war isn’t pretty.”
Jake nodded.
"Seems sensible.”
Jake liked to go out for runs and for walks early in the morning. He insisted that Bradley should join him. He didn’t have any good excuse to say no, except that he wouldn’t handle seeing Jake in tight clothes hugging his physique. He didn’t want to feed further his brain with inappropriate images of Jake.
“I… I don’t have anything to wear,” he murmured.
“Oh, we can go and buy something.”
“I’m not going to spend…”
“My treat,” Jake cut him. “Or were just bullshiting about considering being a naval aviator after graduation? To get a proper chance, you need to be ready.”
Well, he didn’t have a comeback to that. Still, resisted the urge to accept that easily.
"When it's your birthday? It was now October, right?"
“The 31st of October.”
“Consider it an early birthday gift,” Jake announced with a beautiful smile.
He hated how Jake’s easy smile got into him. And in the afternoon he let Jake drive him to the shopping centre. Two hours later, he had two changes of sportswear, a new hoodie, a jacket for running under bad weather, a couple of accessories and Jake was detailing to him how he should go about training. It was… excessive, but pampered in a way that he had never felt since Maverick bought him his Baseball uniform to compete in the junior league.
"And you should definitively join a club, or do some races in the city. There are some 5K for casual runners, maybe you should start there, a good way to measure where you stand. I mean, cardio isn’t everything, and you should be building muscle, but it’s better than nothing.”
He had so much fun that day with Jake, that until late, when he went to bed, he realised, that maybe he should return the favour. Shouldn’t he? Was now Jake expecting to get a gift as valuable as he had given Bradley on his birthday? Jake knew he was broke. Maybe he should start saving for it.
“Double espresso, a dry regular cappuccino and a macchiato,” Marion called over the noise. He barely had slept the previous night. He had stayed over midnight in Jake’s study, checking some notes he took in one of his programming classes (fucking Professor Harrison and his confusing explanations) and some complementary curses because he felt behind. Jake had come a few times to check on him because Mae had started to meow at him, annoyed by the change of routine.
“Double espresso, dry regular cappuccino and a macchiato,” he called back when he had got the drinks ready. Marion didn’t waste time picking them and called the following order.
“Large white Americano, two small caramel lattes, extra large peppermint tea.”
He glanced at the clock. He had been called last minute as the other barista had called in sick. And because he had only half day of classes, he had accepted. It had been a reflection of just thinking about the money and not letting Marion suffer alone, not when she was going to stay alone with the boss dealing with the lunch rush.
He hoped that Brennan could start earlier because his mind was falling apart. Marion insisted that he was already alerted and on his way. Bradley couldn’t allow himself to hope too much, he didn’t want to feel crushed in case bad news came.
“Large white Americano, small caramel latte, extra large peppermint tea.”
“I’m missing a small caramel latte,” Marion requested.
“Shit, sorry.”
“And also three hazelnut ice coffees with cream.”
Bradley got the small caramel latte and put it in front of Marion, ready to face the asshole who had ordered the three ice coffees.
It was Jake. And Natasha. And Javy.
The three of them at least looked apologetic towards him.
He turned and started to prepare them, pumping hazel syrup into the ice blenders. Marion kept calling drinks.
“Two regular black teas, a regular decaf white Americano.”
“Two regular black teas, a regular decaf white Americano,” he said, pouring the coffee on the ice blenders. He didn’t mind to make the three of them wait. What the hell were they doing there anyways. He glanced at the clock, the rush was going to be likely done in about ten minutes. Marion called another two regular cappuccinos, and he rushed to finish the ice coffee.
“Three three hazelnut ice coffees with cream,” he called, topping the drinks with the wiped cream. Then, started the cappuccinos as Marion called another tea.
“Two regular cappuccinos.”
Ten minutes later, while Marion tended the counter and made the drinks herself, he started to clear the tables. The three of them waited in one of the booths, sipping from the ice coffees.
“At least we order the same drink,” Jake smiled. “I told them to get their order right before coming in.”
“Small blessings,” he murmured, glaring at him. Natasha and Javy looked at each other, amused. “So, what are you doing here?”
“Tomorrow is your birthday,” Jake said.
Bradley took the tray with all the rubbish from the tables, the napkins used and some half-eaten bakery goods. “I know.”
"What are you doing this weekend?"
"You mean apart from working?"
"I've... I've talked with a few of your co-workers. Brennan and Izzy said they could substitute for you and Marion. You could celebrate. You don’t turn twenty-one every year.”
Bradley frowned. He didn't want to impose himself on Brennan, he was a great guy. Bradley always tried to get the worst shifts, a way to make sure he had enough hours every week to be able to pay the rent. There had been a lot of changes in the staff, but he had made it through the six-month mark precisely because he always took the shifts nobody wanted to do.
“I think they had plans…” he said because everyone had plans except him. He only could hop in on the fly, if he had the energy to do so.
"They are willing to change it last minute, of course, if you don't mind covering them during Saint Valentine," Marion informed, taking out a box of empty cups to start storing. Bradley frowned at her while emptying the bin.
"You knew about this?"
"It's your birthday, Bradley. Since I've met you, the only thing you're doing is study and work, study and work. Your friends here want you to have fun for once."
"I..." he needed the money. Maybe his housing situation had improved greatly, but that didn't mean he didn't have still debts to pay. And he wanted to save as much as he could, to pay off as much as possible to get the interest lower. Jake was still staring at him, smiling like a puppy ready to play. "I haven't slept too much."
"You can rest a bit in the flight to Miami," proposed Jake.
“Flight to… Miami? I don't have anything... What are you talking about?"
"My family has a hotel chain," Natasha explained. "They're letting us celebrate your birthday and Halloween. Two for one. Seems fitting.”
"We'll pick up something there to wear," Jake pointed out. "So, when are you finishing?"
"In twenty minutes,” responded Marion from him. “We’ll be ready in twenty-five minutes, right, Brad?”
“I…” he didn’t want to go, he didn’t want to pay anything. He didn’t have the money. Why they couldn’t see it?
“You’re officially been kidnapped,” announced Jake. “So, you actually don’t have a saying. And you don’t have to worry about anything. Luggage, travel, staying, partying… we had everything covered. Just relax and enjoy.”
It didn’t ease his anxiety, but it shut down his worries.
Chelsey, Brittany and Brian arrived ten minutes later It seemed that Natasha had kept their contacts from the time they went out together and with Jake, had decided to organise the party. All of them had a suitcase. Damn, even Marion had hers ready to go, as soon as the shift changed and they went towards the
"I don't have anything to wear," he murmured when Jake grabbed him by the shoulders.
"Do you have your driver's license?" Jake asked.
He took his wallet and checked it. Jake observed it.
"That's good for flying. Let's go. We have a plane to catch."
"But..."
"I've already taken care of Mae. Tomorrow, one of Julia’s minions will check on her, and on Sunday we’ll be back. And don't worry about luggage, we can pick something up at the airport."
He had never flown in a plane, except that couple of times when Maverick took him when he was fifteen and he knew he wanted to be up there in the sky. But that... rushing through check-in, leaving the luggage, rushing through security in the middle of a sea of people was a completely different experience. In the former, it was just him, Maverick and a couple of his friends who had also met his father. In the later, it was Chelsey, Brittany and Brian screaming excited about Halloween, trying to come up with costuming ideas for everyone, Jake and Javy checking that everyone had their tickets and identity cards in order and that the luggage was properly taken care of and Natasha and Marion talking about the exciting things they could do.
"Do... how much is this?" Bradley asked when Jake pushed him outside the group when he saw a large high-end shop with clothes of all seasons. Jake took a few shirts and a pair of trousers. His anxiety wasn’t getting better.
"Birthday present,” Jake responded. A shopping assistant approached them. “Do you have something for Miami but less Hawaiian, Daphne?”
“What’s wrong with my shirt? I like my shirt.”
Daphne, the shopping assistant, and Jake turned to look at him.
“Well, you could try other styles.”
“I like this style, thank you,” he refuted. It had been one of the few things he had managed to salvage from his life in Nevada. One of the few things he kept that belonged to his parents. “And this shirt is special.”
“Sure, no, of course,” Jake said.
“Mr Seresin, there are a few pieces of our collection that could be interesting for Mr…”
“Bradshaw,” he said, blushing. The woman smiled.
“Of course, Mr Bradshaw. Shall I bring them?”
Jake signalled yes with a hand movement.
“What am I? Pretty woman?”
“No, you’re a victim of kidnapping and I’m just trying to get you some undercover disguise,” Jake said, jokingly, in a low tone, probably because it wasn’t a good idea to say you had a victim of a kidnapping in the middle of the airport, even if he was paying with a black card and the shopping assistant knew Jake’s name.
“So I’m a charity case?”
“Why would you say that? I’ve told you, I left you no choice. It would be irresponsible for me to leave you hanging without cover, right?” he answered. And even if Bradley felt it was all bullshit, he let it slide. Still, it was strange. Someone with his status… Jake made no sense at all. It drove him insane, the same way his sex dreams about the man or the song ‘Clocks’ every time he heard it.
“Sorry, no offence, but people like you… why did you enlist?” he asked, trying to make a bit of sense of him.
“Family tradition,” Jake responded. “My father is a colonel in the Army, I’ve told you, right?.”
“Yes, where he could get your father to handle you in a high position without much fuss.”
“And I wanted to know I could do anything without his help,” he smiled. “Prove myself that I’m an independent man.”
“Oh…”
“Oh?”
But he didn’t have time to reply. The shopping assistant showed them two shirts, silk, with an intricate and beautiful pattern. It reminded him of his shirt, only that it had nothing to do. The colours were flashy and still, it had an elegant line to it.
“If I try them are you going to stop buying me clothes?”
“Just do it with the black tight trousers. Don’t put that face, I’m trying clothes too.”
Daphne appeared behind them with a rack with a selection of white linen clothes. Very into Miami style. Jake took off his shirt, leaving his chest bare. Good thing that Jake was too busy trying to decide between two shirts because Bradley took too long to divert his gaze.
Daphne looked at him, amused.
“This way is the fitting rooms, Mr Seresin, Mr Bradshaw.”
Bradley ended up with a new set of trousers three shirts, a jacket and a pack of underwear, and he would have felt more guilty if it weren’t because Jake himself got about ten times more clothes than him. If Bradley had just a bag, Jake was carrying four.
“We’re coming back on Sunday, right?” Bradley asked, a bit worried. If he missed Monday's first period, he would definitively be in trouble with Professor Harrison.
“Yes, of course, why?”
Bradley sighed.
“Those are a crazy amount of dollars that you had spent on clothes… I could eat the whole year just with that.”
“Really? Is that cheap the food?”
“No, it’s…” Bradley frowned. “You said you enlisted in the Navy to prove yourself to be independent. Still, you’re using a black card. And I know for a fact that a naval aviator doesn’t earn enough to get one of those.”
For the first time, Jake seemed almost upset. Confused and upset.
“Look, sorry that came across horriblely. My point is… It’s… sorry, I’m not used to this, it’s unconformable.”
“Uncomfortable? I…” Jake looked around, located the VIP area and pushed Bradley towards there. “I guess you’re right. I still have my family's money. My mother is rich, the same as her sister. And the Seresin might not have as much wealth as them, but they do have power. I joined the Navy because my father despises it. And because I knew people wouldn’t put things easy for me.” He stopped before entering. “I guess… from your point of view seems unfair.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t trying to attack your persona. You seem a very honest and generous guy is… I’ll never be able to repay you.”
“You don’t need to repay me. I give gifts to friends and family all the time. Ask Natasha.”
“But she can do the same for you, right?”
Jake stood in silence for a while.
“I guess you’re right. But…”
“I feel that if you ask me to do anything I’d feel like I had to say yes. And, again, I do think that you’re a good person. It’s just…”
“You don’t owe me anything, Bradley. I’m well aware of your economic situation. My accountant did a credit check on you.”
Bradley blushed, feeling too exposed, too vulnerable. He felt like crying. But he pushed those feelings down.
“Look, I… I like you,” Jake started. “Do you think I asked the first guy in need of a room to stay in my house? I’m a regular at the café. Except that you never saw me before because you were always making coffee. But your coworkers speak very well of you. The only reason Marion takes the late shifts it’s because you’re doing them. And look, they were willing to cover you with just two days of warning. And yes, at the beginning I was expecting you to leave to leave with your friends. But also, you’re like the only person that Mae tolerates except me, so I was really happy. You’re like her papa now.”
“I’m not her papa.”
“She sleeps on top of you. My point… I have a lot of money, yes. And I like to spend it. I’m not expecting you to pay me back. In any capacity. We have a contract that says you’re staying and paying just utilities until you graduate. Me, giving gifts and making parties is just a bonus because I like you. And you’re Mae’s papa.”
“I’m not Mae’s papa.”
“Well, you can’t be Mae’s daddy, that’s me,” he added with a petulant tone.
They stood in silence, the man at the check-in point for the VIP access was trying really hard to keep an eye on them and at the same time not to interfere with their conversation.
“So, you’re not going to ask me to kill someone or lie for you to hide some money laundry scheme.”
Jake started to laugh at that. Well, at least someone was having fun with that conversation.
“I’d never do anything that could put my job at risk. No, I swear. You don’t have to do anything. Just… relax this weekend. It’s your birthday. Let’s eat something before boarding and then have a nap. We’re arriving at Miami in less than six hours. It’s Halloween! Honestly, your birthday is just an excuse to have fun. E”
“I think I’m too tired to sleep or to eat anything,” he responded. Jake handed their boarding passes to the man, who welcomed them to the VIP area and guided them towards the private table where the rest of the group was having lunch. Brittany and Brian had also some shopping bags, not like Jake tho.
“Javy had ordered for us,” Marion announced. “This is so great. Try it before we have to leave for boarding!”
Bradley didn’t feel hungry, but as soon as he took the first bite, his stomach rumbled impatiently. By the time they were boarding in First Class, he was feeling how Morpheus was reclaiming him. He didn’t have time to complain about anything, enjoy the free Champagne glass or listen to any of the conversations of his friends and the three aviators.
He fell asleep in the comfy seat and barely noticed when someone put a blanket over him.
Notes:
Does this chapter count as accidental baby/adoption? Congratulations, Bradley! You're the papa of an old cat that hates humanity, except human 1 (daddy) and human 2 (papa).
Chapter 3
Summary:
A weekend in Miami to celebrate a birthday and Halloween.
Notes:
Is this the equivalent of an Onsen anime episode? I'm not sure if it qualifies... but we have a bit of pinning, so I hope you enjoy it!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
He didn’t wake up when he landed. Only when Jake rocked his shoulder softly, he was aware of
the hubbub in the plane. People getting up, impatient to get out. The voice of his friends, of Brittany, announced with glee that they were in Miami already.
Sleeping for the four hours of the flight did wonders for his mood and appetite. He woke up a bit shaken up and disoriented, but as soon they got off the plane the warmth and humidity from Miami, so different from the one in Boston, it was like was transported to a dream.
A dream he was excited to be part of.
A limousine picked them up. It had the logo of the TRACE Hotels, and they received Natasha and her friends with cordiality. They took all their belongings and offered them cold Champaign and Natasha's words about Jake lacking self-restraint resonate in his head. It seemed that Natasha was exactly like his cousin. When he crossed a glance with Javy, he realised that the man was amused and, also, a bit judgy in his expression.
"This is fucking crazy," Brittany commented to Bradley in a whisper, while the two people were talking about all their shopping bags and luggage. "And we met Phillip. And this is crazier.”
"The easiest way to deal with this family?" Javy grabbed both of them by the shoulder. "Roll with it. And learn how to say no with a stern voice. To both of them."
Bradley chuckled, immediately attracting Jake's attention. The journey to the hotel was full of music, jokes, excitement and sparkling wine that even Brittany, had.
"We need to choose beds and share,” Jake called, as Natasha was talking with the front desk. A VVIP had showed up and they had taken one of the rooms that they were going to use that weekend. While Natasha asked them to put extra Champaign in the room, as compensation, Javy grabbed him by the shoulder again and repeated:
“Just roll with it.”
"So, how many beds are in the room?" asked Brian, trying to get attention from Jake and Natasha. “Is anyone having to sleep on the floor?”
"They could put complementary beds," Marion proposed.
Chelsey looked at Brian when she spoke:
"Maybe we could share beds?"
"There is a California King, a King and two Queen beds in the room," the man in the reception informed, smiling, enjoying the clueless guests that Natasha brought. "But if Miss Tash requires it we can put some supplementary twin beds on the living area. Although to make space we might have to take the sofas out. Let us know soon enough to make any changes."
"We'll manage, thanks a lot, Henry," she answered, and then she guided them towards the lift.
The room wasn’t a room at all, but almost a full flat. It had a living common area with three long sofas, a massive TV screen over a fireplace, a bar area that couldn't qualify as mini with a variety of drinks and snacks, a huge balcony to the views of the city and three doors that were the bedrooms. As Natasha explained, the biggest rooms were the ones with the two Queen beds and the King bed, with a shared bathroom, and then it was left the one with the California King bed and its en-suite bathroom with a private balcony.
The same way that Chelsey and Brian looked at each other, just quietly in the background, not sure what they were supposed to do, Marion was glued to him, clueless. Bradley wasn't sure if he could play the Birthday boy card to claim the best room. Private and quiet. He felt that it was maybe too much. Not after the surprise, not after all the money that their friends had spent on him already. Plus, that was Natasha's family's hotel. Made sense that she made that decision.
He noticed Marion looking at him, as they did many times working late and witnessing a problem that could result in something worse. Brittany next to her, the youngest of them, was hiding behind her. And while the three rich aviators put everything on the tables, the five of them stood in silence. Waiting.
"So... how about rock, paper, scissors?" he asked, trying to avoid any friction between them.
Jake went to the bar and snorted:
"No, you're the Birthday Boy. I suggest you're the one who gets the California King bed, and the rest, we have to fight to earn the pleasure of sharing the bed with you. And not to get cast out to the sofas.”
Jake had that determinate look in his eyes. A man who was used to winning and doing whatever he could to get where he wanted. As thrilling as it could be to see how hard Jake was willing to fight for that spot, he was terrified. Terrified that his dreams would be too loud and Jake could catch on to the fact that he desired him.
"What if I'm not satisfied with the winner?" he asked.
"Oh, well, then we have the sofas. We’re lucky is as bad as in a carrier, I bet any of us can manage the punishment,” Jake palmed the furniture. He didn’t look worried. He was excited as if the possibility of a punishment was something to look forward to. Javy and Natasha nodded along, responding at the challenge. Marion sat in one of the sofas and Brittany followed her.
"They do look comfy," she commented while Brittany nodded.
"You're not going to sleep on the sofa," Bradley told them, making the two girls giggle.
"Oh, interesting," Natasha walked around the occupied sofa. ”So, not all players are going for the same rules. I wonder what makes them special, Bradshaw."
"He knows not to anger me, we work together," Marion answered. “I can make him miserable.”
"I'm little and cute and Bradley will protect me. Also, we're classmates and I occasionally study partners. So... he also knows not to mess with me.”
"Wait, I thought we were fighting for the beds, not trying to avoid the sofa," Brian frowned. Chelsey hit his arm:
"Keep up, Brian. This is the game now. So, Marion and Brittany are safe, isn't it?”
"Do you want to be an exception too?” Bradley dared her. Chelsey was the first person Bradley made friends with when he arrived on campus. A spirited woman who loved a challenge. And chaos.
"Fuck no, I'm not a coward."
"So, we do have our teams established," Javy announced. Brian frowned, confused by the making up the rules on the go, and earned another friendly slap from Chelsey. "How are we going to earn points?”
"Beer pong," Jake answered immediately. Brittany made an uncomfortable sound and whined:
"No, I'm great at beer pong, I could be smashing this! I’d humiliate you all!”
"You can still try, girl," Chelsey challenged her. Brittany looked at Marion, who shook her head.
"Well, I'm back in the game. I know I'm going to smash all of you,” Brittany announced. She got some cheers and Chelsey got closer to Bradley.
“This is a regular Tuesday at any Fraternity House. Just in case you were missing on the experience.”
Bradley snorted, as he took the shopping bags. As he was leaving for the California King bedroom, he could hear Jake starting to prepare the drinks, Javy putting some music and the rest, getting excited and helping around.
Marion followed him.
Out of the ones in the group, she was the most similar to him. She wasn’t rich like Jake, Natasha or Javy. She wasn’t even at the same level as Chelsey, Brittany or Brian. And even when she never had to worry about her next meal, she related the most to Bradley. Both of them were a bit overwhelmed by everything.
“Why do I have to decide anything?” Bradley sighed. “It would be easier to decide by luck.”
“Chelsey wants to sleep with Brian, so she’ll be gunning for the other King bed. And… have you noticed that Natasha and Javy seem to have a thing going on?” Marion commented. “So, what are you going to do? Broke up some of the couples? Sleep with me? Sleep with Jake?” the last question, she wiggled her eyebrows, seductively. “I mean, I could be convinced to sleep with Natasha, and you could put Brittany with Javy.”
Bradley eyed her, smirking.
“So… Natasha? Are you that interested? We don’t even know if they are…” They stood in silence, hearing the noise from the other room. Javy had said something and Natasha was loudly laughing.
“I mean, she definitively gave me the vibes. Maybe she’s bi? Brittany has tried to get his attention during the flight but he just acted as if she didn’t exist,” Marion told him. “I’m not sure about Jake, tho. He seems very bro-ish.”
“My gay radar is shit, so… who knows?” he replied. But he had to agree. Jake had some mannerisms that Jordan, stupid Jordan, had. But also, classifying people by their behaviour wasn’t ideal. For example, Maverick had always been very masculine and he didn’t have any problems sleeping around with men or women. “I have no idea. Also, do I want him to be gay and interested in me? That’s a crazy power imbalance there.”
He didn’t know what was more terrifying, having an actual chance with Jake Seresin, his landlord and a naval aviator, a person who was living his dreams and then getting crushed by the man just looking for a fling. Or Jake Seresin being repulsed by him and his sexuality, and potentially, ending up homeless or worse. Or… Jake Seresin could be bisexual, completely indifferent towards Bradley.
“You can always let the Drunk Games decide your fate,” Marion suggested.
“Yeah, I could.”
It wasn't like Bradley hadn't drunk before. He had, only that his budget didn't allow him to keep up with the rest. And he liked to keep that fine line between tipsy and centred. Carefree enough not to mind being too goofy, but with his head clear enough so if any of the girls wanted, could count on him to get them out of trouble.
Also, he was so used to not get anyone enough time to focus on him. He loved to stay on the move, so no conversation or moment could be too intimate. He always let the music guide his steps and be his getaway. Never letting people get too close.
But that night was different.
They were in a place, the eight of them, where Natasha could ask for help at any second. All of them had it in their best interest to behave and not cross the line too far. None of the active members of the Navy wanted to risk their jobs, Brittany wasn’t yet 21, Chelsey and Brian wanted to be more intimate with each other than drunk and Marion and Bradley didn’t want to embarrass themselves in front of their crushes and friends.
A member of the staff brought them dinner while they were putting up a racetrack with different drinking games, and they all got informed that a First AID team was amiable if they needed it.
“Not our first rodeo,” Javy winked at them, making Brittany giggle. But the man seemed indifferent towards her.
On top of that, Bradley was the centre of attention.
He wore a cheap plastic crown, a bandana and a magic wand, even if he had pointed out that his birthday wasn’t until the next day. His complaints about bringing up bad luck were ignored and at some point, someone put a marker and a whiteboard to give away points and cast judgment on them.
And so, everything was filtered through a hazy texture that made every problem disappear. There were no worries as he saw Jake and Brian engaging in a pillow duel. Brian was holding himself quite well, despite the obvious superiority of Jake and his methodic approach to the fight. Chelsey and Marion were cheering on them, drinks in their hands, and Javy was purposefully trying to boycott whatever Brittany wanted to play in the stereo.
“Here,” Natasha put a bottle of water in his hand. “Make sure to drink some water. You’re still young and the alcohol isn’t that cheap stuff college kids love, but… you know.”
Marion looked at them from the other side of the room, interested. Bradley winked at her. He wasn’t sure if Jake could ever be interested in him, but he could hype up his friend with the person she was into. Maybe… maybe he could pretend he ended up paired up with Jake by accident. Let Marion enjoy the bliss of sharing a bed with Natasha and cast Javy away with Brittany.
“Thank you,” he accepted the bottle. “This is great, you didn’t have to do this, and spend that much money…”
Natasha shook her head.
“No, no, none of that. It’s not just your birthday, it’s Halloween too! And, my uncle likes to have this room busy from time to time, so the word spreads and more people are likely to book it. Plus, it’s one of those few occasions that Javy, Jake and I are free at the same time. We wanted to party hard.”
“Oh, so we are the excuse?”
“If you want to call it like that, yes, you are.” She smiled at them. “Hey, you’re kidnapped, aren’t you? Let the bad people be in charge of logistics. Also, Brian paid for his and Chelsey’s ticket and Brittany got hers. We only had to put money for you and Marion. A bargain, if you ask me.”
Bradley laughed at the same time Jake proclaimed his victory over Brian. Bradley wrote down on the whiteboard another point for him. At this time of the night, Bradley could kid himself into believing that Jake was doing it just to win the privilege of sleeping next to him, not because he was very competitive.
When the sun woke him up, Bradley wasn’t sure how he ended up tangled up with Brittany and Marion on the top of the California King bed, all with their previous day's clothes, no sheets or blanket used. His mouth was thick and the sharp smell of alcohol brought him an unpleasant dizziness that fought the hunger inside him.
Stumbling, he went to the bathroom to wash his face, clear his breath and enjoy for a few seconds the silence only broken by the soft snoring of the rest of the people. When he left the bathroom, he noticed the door open, and a view of a very messy living room welcomed him.
Stepping carefully, he went to get a glass of water. Mid-walk, he discovered that Jake was sleeping on one of the sofas, hugging a cushion and looking absolutely adorable.
He forced himself to take his eyes off the man as he resumed his walk to the bar. It wasn’t crazy early, the sun was already out, but he knew that the previous day they had gone to sleep quite late.
Once he got himself a glass of water, he looked around: the empty bottles of alcohol, the glasses spread around, a few improvised props for the games, napkins, tissues, empty bags of snacks, crumbs… It was a bit disgusting.
He glanced at Jake, who was still sleeping and decided to tidy up a bit. At least, to leave the cleaning staff something a bit more decent than what's there.
After a few minutes, the raspy voice of the man startled him:
“You know that TRACE Hotels have a cleaning squad of very well-trained people, right?.”
“Yeah, but…”
“It’s their job, you’re on your birthday,” Jake said. “What reminds me, happy birthday, Bradley.”
“Thank you,” he responded, blushing just slightly. He carried on tidying up. It was his job at the cafeteria to clean up the tables, but it was always nice when customers cleaned after themselves or, at minimum, didn’t leave a mess with everything dirty, messy and sticky. Like the state of the room.
Seeing that Bradley wasn’t going to stop, Jake joined him.
“You don’t need to do this, it’s just… professional tick?”
“I know… but… just to kill some time, hmm? At least until the rest of the people wakes up.”
“If you insist.”
“Of course, darling.”
Bradley hid his face behind his arm, trying to play it cool that Jake calling him ‘darling’ did not affect him. Even if he could feel his cheeks blush.
They put the things away, at least, to make the process of cleaning and disinfecting faster and more efficient and then, Jake got them two glasses of water. They both sat on the sofa that Jake had no slept on, enjoying the quiet of the morning.
He could feel a muzzled headache at the back of his head, but the silence and the water improved it. He almost fell asleep again, next to Jake, when Marion and Brittany left the room. Both of them went straight to the water fountain.
“Wow, two ladies at the same time?” Jake joked. “Not even me in uniform had achieved that.”
“Shut up,” Bradley grunted, watching how Jake followed Brittany and Marion with his eyes. “Firstly, I don’t believe that. Secondly, It is obvious that we didn’t do anything yesterday.”
“Plus, Bradley is a gentleman,” Brittany pointed out, getting a second glass of water. “He would have bought us dinner first.”
“My cousin technically brought us dinner yesterday, does it mean she has a chance with you two?”
“If she insists,” Marion answered with a wink.
“I’m going for my stuff, I really need to have a shower,” Brittany murmured, disappearing into one of the other rooms. Marion looked at Bradley.
“I…”
“Go first if you want to shower,” Bradley told her. He was very comfortable on the sofa, next to Jake.
“See?” Marion smiled at Jake. “A gentleman.”
Bradley missed Jake’s response, as he was already closing his eyes again and the man didn’t say anything out loud. But he heard perfectly Marion getting into the bathroom and starting the shower.
“You really slept on the sofa,” Bradley commented. Jake moved a bit.
“Yeah, I didn’t want to intrude. Your bed is massive but for four of us… too much. Plus, I left my stuff in the shared bathroom, so…”
“Really?”
“Why do you sound so surprised?”
“I didn’t peg you as someone who gave up before trying,” Bradley chuckled. “Deciding that you weren’t going to win since the very beginning.”
“You wound me, Bradshaw. I’m also a gentleman,” he answered with a soft laugh. “I didn’t want to assume. And that way I didn’t spoil your wild night, did I?”
“Uh-hm… I’m just hearing excuses.”
“I’ll try harder next time. Just for you.” Bradley didn’t have any idea if Jake was being serious, but it didn’t matter. The words had been spoken.
After Marion finished and Brittany went to the bathroom, noise from the other rooms. Within ten minutes, before even Brittany got the chance to finish, Natasha and Javy had already showered. Their Navy efficiency shone trough.
“You want to use the other shower?” Jake asked him.
“I have my stuff in the other bathroom,” Bradley smiled. “But thanks… you’re right, a true gentleman.”
“Always, Bradshaw.”
When it was finally Bradley’s turn, Chelsey and Brian were already waking up. And while they waited for them to be finished, Natasha got them towels and swimsuits from the Hotel Shop to be able to enjoy the pool with no problems.
They barely made for breakfast, but they had prepared a table near the pool, under the shades, with a selection of food and drinks just for them. Everyone went straight towards the coffee. It was good coffee, maybe even better than the one they served at the cafeteria.
Nobody wanted to talk too much, enjoying the moment and the soft breeze that made it easy for the hangover to pass. At least at the beginning. After a while, most of them revived with intensity. Bradley only could think that he should sleep in one of the deck chairs instead of trying to prepare for the actual party, the actual celebration for Halloween.
"Marion is a really nice girl," Jake said, sitting next to him. Or maybe, he could talk to him. Talking to Jake was nice. At least, when he didn’t have to share it with anyone else.
"She is. We're been friends since we started working at the cafe," he agreed.
"Oh, you started at the same time?"
“I’m her senior for two weeks, but, yes, basically the same time.“
"That's... good," he said. "I like her a lot. You should invite her home, any time you want.”
Bradley didn't know how he managed to keep his face neutral, his heart beating so fast. Jake had said the same about him the previous day, but hearing the praise going towards Marion made him feel not unique. Even if he could agree that Marion was a fantastic person, she was one of the reasons he enjoyed the job he did. It made sense that Jake, who was giving off the stronger frat boy vibes of the bunch, noticed her. Marion was beautiful, her black skin, her big brown eyes, her curly maroon hair, and her easygoing attitude. A very sweet person. Also a lesbian. Who was interested in his cousin.
"She's a very good person," he agreed.
"She talks a lot about you too," Jake added. "Yesterday, we talked, when you were beating up Javy and Brian,” Bradley had a vague idea of what he was saying. "We also agree that you're a very good person."
Jake thought he was a very good person. He blushed.
"So, definitively, you have a chance there."
Before he could correct the man, that he was not interested in Marion in any form except friendship, and that she wasn’t his type at all, a person approached the table. Natasha, immediately, straightened her back.
“Uncle!"
"Little Tasha," the man said in a paternalist tone. "How are you and your friends? Are you leaving that forsaken career in the Air Forces instead of following the footstep's of your mother?”
"No, not at all. Still flying planes. For the Navy.”
The man barely paid her attention:
"You know you could work for us, right? You and my daughter could be running the Hotels in the future. It is a secure, lucrative career and you don’t need to, you know, break a sweat.”
“I actually enjoy my job a lot.”
"Or you could run your mother's business, seeing that the Seresins," he glanced at Jake at this point," aren't as trustful as they said. Take over that family side.”
"Good morning, Mr Trace,” Jake greeted with a flat smile. Bradley could swear that wasn’t a very sincere smile.
"Good afternoon would be more accurate, boy.” The man looked at every single one of them and Bradley realised that it wasn't just Natasha who had straightened the posture, but everyone around the table. “Javier Machado, I know you. And, of course, changing again groups of friends. Why you two can't have lasting relationships? Maybe if you hang out with the people we've introduced to you things would be different.”
“We have been friends with Javy for years now, uncle,” Natasha pointed out.
“He only tolerates you because his grandmother used to work for our family and he is too nice to kick you in the arse. Look at that poor soul, you dragged him to the Air Fo… to the Navy too,” the man replied, coldly. Then, he checked his watch. "I have meetings to attend. Have fun. Do not trash the room, like you did last time. Or the previous one.”
They waited until the man left to greet other people.
“So… you like to trash rooms?” Bradley inquired.
"Natasha's friends," Jake rushed to clarify. But seeing how he had reacted that morning to Bradley tidying up the living room, he wasn’t completely sure about that. Jake, still, kept his face apathetic.
"That's not technically correct," Natasha laughed. Then, she stretched. "So, we can nap and then lunch and go for our costumes. Now that we have decided the sleeping arrangements..."
"I'm pretty sure we all passed out before deciding anything about where to sleep," Bradley pointed out.
"Yeah, even poor Jake slept on the sofa," added Marion. Jake looked at her, fast. Bradley felt that the man was fighting a smile. Marion noticed it too. "I mean, unless you like the sofa?"
“It was great to sleep with Marion and Bradley, but I didn’t win the competition. I felt like I cheated my way to the top.”
“Yes, the one who won yesterday was cast to the sofas,” Marion carried on. Jake raised his coffee and Marion and Brittany cheered with him.
“I’m a gentleman, I don’t mind to yield my spot.”
Marion and Brittany laughed. Javy rolled his eyes, amused.
“Are you trying to steal my girls, Seresin?” Bradley dared to tease. Jake snorted.
“Maybe he is trying to hide the fact that he wants to reclaim his price,” Chelsey inquired, with a knowing face. “Are you?”
Jake didn’t bother to respond, just waved his hand, dismissive.
“We should decide what to wear tonight,” Chelsey commented, getting nods in response.
“If we do that, can we relax a bit by the pool?” wondered Bradley. Sleeping off the hangover seemed more important right now.
“Sure, let’s get some sunscreen,” Javy proposed.
Natasha, Jake and Javy, who were already used to the sun that hit the carriers, applied it with efficiency and celerity. On the other hand, Brian and Chesley were taking the chance to be a bit handsy with each other with glee and Brittany and Marion helped each other.
Bradley was resigned to do it himself, avoiding to look at anyone, because there was no chance in hell that he was going to ogle at Jake. It was bad enough that he had been masturbating to Jake's image with regular clothes to add the picture of him dragging cream on his sculptured ads. Jake was his landlord. He had been already very nice to him, very generous. He didn't want to disturb that or offend him in any way. Or worse, provoke him in any way and end up in a terrible position. Not only because he had power over him, the key to a stable accommodation up until graduation, but because Jake was military. His family was military, and even if gay people were widely accepted, some bastions of bigotry resisted the idea of change. And the Military complex was one of them.
It was true that the Navy held the fame of being the gayest of all the branches of the Military. And there was Maverick, one of the best naval aviators, bisexual man, not afraid of having a different partner each week. Or a least, Bradley didn’t remember him with the same person more than once. The chances of Jake being as open as him were slim. And he could end up hurt badly for it.
Or maybe, Jake was exactly his uncle, and he didn’t like to have the same partner twice. And then, what? Could he hock up with Jake just for a brief moment? Would be the man disappointed that he wasn’t experienced? Would it be a problem because Jake could think that Bradley could want more than he could offer? Would he be tired of seeing him after that and invite him to leave the flat?
No, there were too many variables he couldn’t control. Jake wasn’t a good idea.
"You're missing a spot in your back," Jake whispered from his behind, too close. He blushed deeply. He hoped that Jake didn't think too hard, that he ignored his stupid crush, that he believed it was the Miami sun that affected him that much. "Let me, can I?"
"Yes, of course," he barely managed to muster and then, Jake made sure his whole back was covered in the sunscreen with a nice and soft massage. "You have some pretty moles on the back, you have to be extra careful with those. You don't want to get skin cancer."
The heat was unbearable, and before he couldn't say anything, Jake was gone.
But Bradley could still feel where Jake rubbed cream on him, burning. The feeling lasted way past the afternoon, after their lazy lunch, in his back, to the point that he almost avoided touching anything in fear it could be gone. And while he was having that storm inside him, Jake chatted happily, bantered with Natasha and Javy, showed around to the group and led the conversation about plans for the night: celebrating, properly, Bradley's birthday by attending a costume party and, very not likely, winning a contest.
"What do you think?" Jake asked the group, his gaze stopping on Bradley for a few more seconds. The last idea that had been through at the group was going as the TV show 'Mad Men'. It would require for the girls to get a dress and for the men a proper suit. It sounded too hot for the weather and Natasha had already put on a bad face, saying that she did not wish to go shopping.
"I like the aesthetic," Bradley commented. "But I agree with Natasha. And I think being musicians would be more funnier."
Bradley barely heard someone complain about what would lead to a lack of cohesive appearance, Jake's green eyes were on him, demanding his full attention.
"And who would you choose?"
"A pianist," he responded without thinking.
"Like Elton John?" Jake inquired and Bradley felt that Jake was asking something else. The burn from earlier, came back strong, or maybe he was just blushing deeply.
"I actually don't know any of his songs on the piano," Bradley admitted. "I only barely know a few ones." Jake was so intensely looking at him, that Bradley felt the need to break that tension somehow. "If you are going to ask me if I know how to play Clocks, no I don't know that song."
"Coldplay is one of my favourite bands," Jake announced, stepping back, and looking at the rest with a smug expression. Bradley couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes. “And I do love that song.”
“You could find some other songs from the band,” proposed Natasha.
Jake laughed unbothered and then, he put an arm around Bradley's shoulders.
"Okay, piano man, what songs do you know then?"
“Obviously, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," he smiled. "That's a classic. Für Elise, Clair de Lune..." Those were expected, of course. Jake nodded along with him. ”And, well, of course 'Great Balls of Fire'."
"What... What do you mean by ‘Great Balls of Fire’?" Brian asked, confused. Chelsey, Brittany and Marion, who already had listened to it on a few occasions, were quick to tell him that it was a great song to sing along to.
"You're really a military brat, aren't you?" Jake squeezed his shoulder. "When I went to TopGun, they were playing it all the time at the cantina near the station. Tradition from when TopGun used to be in California. Tash, you should learn it." Bradley knew which one. The owner, according to his mother, had had a massive crush on his father and he liked to put it to welcome new pilots. Since he had received the negative from the academy, he had avoided the place like a plague. Plus, he was busy with work. "You learnt it by ear?"
"Something like that," he answered, not willing to dig into the truth at the moment. His head felt a bit dizzy, Jake's cologne burning inside his nose. But he didn't want to push it away, he felt protected from the memories of other years.
"So, that's decided then?" Brittany asked. "Because I really want to go as my namesake," she moved her hips. "I just need to get a snake prop."
Bradley missed on what the rest was deciding. Jake still holding unto him.
"C'mon Jerry Lee Lewis, let's get our costumes," Jake shook him off his stupor.
This was the best birthday he had in ages.
The one when he went with Maverick on a plane up in the sky, before his mother fell ill, was still on the very top. But he didn't remember laughing so hard and so loud since forever. He felt in the middle of a film, those crazy coming-out stories where money was not a problem, everyone was friends with each other and crazy things happened without real consequences. It didn't matter that their group was a mismatch, they were having the time of their lives.
Brittany was dead set on to break Javy and Natasha's combo apart. Not just for selfish reasons to get Javy for herself, but to try to get Natasha and Marion closer. So, it was quite funny to see a Britney Spears look-alike flirting with a sassy version of Jimi Hendrix. That led to two lookalikes of Selena Quintanilla and Beyonce getting closer. Brian and Chelsey had decided to go as Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love and they were pretty spot on.
The outliers in effort and presence were Jake, who just wore a cheap black short wig with a Ramones T-Shirt with jeans and Bradley, who had taken the Hawaiian shirt that Jake had gifted him and some fancy and flashy glasses that they got from the same store as the rest of the props.
"You are boring, guys," Natasha accused them.
"We had limited resources," Jake said, even if a couple of staff members of the hotel had helped them to get everything ready for after the dinner. And with everyone dressed up, they went all out in Miami.
"You need to play your song, Jerry Lee Lewis," Jake called at some point during the night.
"I thought he was Elton John," someone said.
"He can be whatever the fuck he wants," declared Jake, slapping him on the shoulder.
And even with his bro-ish inclinations, the annoying similitude of his frat boy attitude, even if he was older than him, he felt weirdly supported by Jake. It was... refreshing, nostalgic and he wanted to drown in his attention. The attention that the man was giving him, everyone was giving him when he sat on the piano and started that song that his father, his mother, his grandmother knew that well.
It was a dream. Everything aligned. The perfect amount of alcohol in his blood put him in the perfect mood, the lights, and the sudden silence surrendering him as he pressed the first keys of the piano. His head cleared, his breath stabilised, and he felt the ghost of his father next to him, guiding him. He knew at that very moment that he was going to smash that performance, that he would have all of them jumping and dancing even if almost all of them didn't know the song.
By the corner of his eyes, he saw how Jake held a beer in his hands, and put his other arm around someone else. And despite that, he was sure that at that very moment, he had Jake's attention undivided on him. His green eyes were drinking him. His gaze was so pointed that Bradley could feel it all over him.
Bradley felt a shiver travelling down his spine.
'You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain...'
Because Jake, and that very moment, did.
The Sunday arrived and, weirdly, he didn't feel the heaviness of the hangover over him. Maybe it was because he hadn't drunk as much the previous day, or he had felt free and got lost for the first time in ages. Similar to the previous day, he fell asleep on the bed, with his costume still on. But instead of Marion and Brittany, it was Jake with his low-effort Ramones costume on.
"Best birthday ever?" Jake asked, his voice raspy when he finally woke up.
"Second best," he admitted, laughing as he heard Jake's gasp of indignation. "It was great, sorry. But... once, one of my father's friends... took me up in the sky. Unbeatable.”
"That's why you want to be a pilot?" asked Jake.
"Follow my father's footsteps, the thrilling feeling of being in the air, that moment where you fall and your stomach jumps and the shivers..." he recalled, eyes closed and smile on his face. He also wanted so badly to be with Maverick. The person he trusted the most. "But... I know that is quite impossible right now."
“It’s hard work, keeping your grades up to make sure you can go through the correct path… and luck,” Jake said. "I'm... surprised that you didn't apply to the Academy directly. You'd had been accepted with no problems. I mean, you're capable. Smart and hard-working."
Except he wasn't. He wasn't capable enough, smart enough, hardworking enough. Even if he felt he had been building that application for as long as his mother felt sick and he tasted the skies. Maverick, the most amazing naval aviator, had looked at him and said he wasn't worth enough. And his word had weight. Importance. They were devastatingly powerful.
He opened his eyes, catching Jake staring at him.
And he was burning out. Even with his new situation, it felt that it arrived too late for him. He felt behind.
He turned his gaze away, those green eyes too intense to keep looking at.
"I hope you didn't mind I pushed you to perform yesterday," Jake commented, after a while, when it was clear that Bradley wasn't going to carry on with the conversation. Bradley turned his head, again to face him. "I mean, you're always very quiet and shy. You make your presence known, for sure. Saw you in the cafeteria, just with a look you can command a room, but... it’s a calm and quiet presence. You… you bright differently while performing. It was... mesmerising," he admitted.
It was too intense of a declaration and Bradley had to joke a bit, trying to get Jake to smile again.
"Hmm... you want an autograph? I can give you one.”
Jake smiled.
“That would be perfect, darling.”
And they fall into silence again. With the door closed, isolated from the rest, Bradley believed they were the only people who existed at that very moment. His eyelid became heavy again, and his breath fell into a regular pattern.
"I'm leaving," Jake said after a while, calling for his attention. "Deployment."
"It's expected, isn’t it?”
"Blackout operation. Got the order a few days back. That’s why… this trip was very improvised.” He paused. “I don't know the details. I don't know when I'll come back, I don't know..."
"I know," Bradley whispered when Jake left the rest of his fears unsaid. "I know how it goes. Don't worry. Just... make sure to come back. Don’t leave me alone, okay?”
Jake smiled again, briefly.
"You have my sisters' phone numbers. Natasha will probably go to TopGun soon, so she will still be reachable. If anything happens.”
“I know. I’ll take care of Mae in your absence.”
"I know you will," Jake smiled, this time, he looked sadder. "Thanks, Bradley.”
That was part of their deal, Bradley taking care of Mae. But Jake wasn’t saying because of that.
"For what?"
"Wanting me to come back home."
Bradley raised his eyebrows, surprised by the raw choked way that Jake. In no time, Jake stood up, getting rid of his wig, not waiting for a reaction from Bradley and left the room, calling for the others to join them for breakfast. Bradley followed shortly, confused. But when he joined the rest, who were starting to be loud again, Jake was back to his cocky and confident attitude, smiling, laughing, and winking at Bradley as if he was someone to impress.
It was clear that Jake was dealing with something big inside. Something that he didn't want to share with the rest. A feeling he could relate to, too well. So he decided not to push it, just let the man open up at his own pace. After all, they all had to come back to Boston soon, and, well, Jake was leaving.
He only hoped Jake could come back.
Notes:
I'll be updating some tags as the story carries on, if you feel that some of them are missing, let me know!
Chapter 4
Notes:
Sorry for the delay posting!!! Too many things to do: work to make, parties to attend... I was stuck writing a story around pride that I started two years ago and I still can't bring myself to finish and... well, I haven't finished yet, and made me late to writing my current wips. So, sorry about that.
Still, I hope you still have interest in this story, I'll be updating tags soon, adding a few new ones.
I tried my best to catch mistakes, but, as always, English isn't my first language and I'm doing my best.
Enjoy the story!!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Florida felt like a fever dream. In no time, he was back to the chaotic life of Boston: class, work, studies, feeding and cleaning after Mae. A cycle that didn’t allow him much to think. A week passed and he received an e-mail from Maverick with a brief message wishing him a happy birthday. He was surprised to see a thousand-dollar deposit in his bank account later on. 'Happy 21 kiddo' the concept read, and it was obvious that Maverick was the one who had sent it.
He should respond to it, thank that gesture. He should, but the days were happening in rapid succession and the longer he waited, the harder it was. When he remembered it at random times during the day or night, coffee after coffee, chasing a professor to deliver the latest assessment, guilt was stronger.
He knew that it would only take him three minutes tops to write a short message: Open Jake's computer, log in to his e-mail, hit respond, write a sentence or two and send it. And still... it felt harder than facing a week of waking up at six, running a couple of miles, going to class and studying for six hours, going to work, staying there eight hours on a good day and returning home to sleep and start again.
Marion told him that it looked like he was just floating around, a headless chicken.
But, when grades were going up again and his boss had decided to finally fill up the position of Assistant Manager, Bradley had less and less time to stop and think.
And thinking… thinking hurt.
Hurt because he would have to be aware of the fact that his dream of flying with Maverick was the furthest ever. He hadn’t responded to the message yet, probably giving more motives to Maverick that he wasn’t worth it. And… wow, he had top marks in Statistics and a recommendation from the professor to follow up some master class about Business Law. He should be considering applying for some internships. Natasha sent him a photo, winning the TopGun trophy of her class. But also, half of the staff was sick and he had to rearrange all the rotas. And now he had a folder on Jake’s computer full of Mae’s pictures. When did he find extra time to edit them and classify them by themes?
Also, the extra work. He missed some classes to cover up some shifts. But when he saw the payslip at the end of the month, it felt almost worth it. Even people grew more unsettled as the holiday season approached and everyone was in a sugar rush or on a stress high.
Jake was still silent, but that was expected. Still, he wrote him e-mails about Mae, even about his classes. They were short and didn't contain much information, but back in the day, Maverick had said that mail and postcards had helped them when he had come back and saw that people still remembered him.
The thought of Maverick punched him hard in the stomach, and he almost welcomed the mediocre and flat rendition of Jingle Bell Rock that played in the background music of the cafeteria, distracting him.
“Hey, caramel double espresso is here again,” Marion announced quietly, even if the guy hadn’t approached the counter yet. The man had been visiting more often the place, or maybe because Bradley was longer there, he noticed how the usuals frequented the place more often. Bradley plumbed the syrup automatically. He ground the coffee beans with glee, happy the noise covered the music.
Before he started the coffee machine, the guy smiled, timid:
“Just single now, please. A regular caramel espresso.”
“Sure, sir,” Bradley declared as Marion corrected the order on the till.
“Francis,” the man said. “No need to call me sir,” he smiled.
Marion and Bradley glared at each other. They didn’t mind having familiarity with customers, it helped tips-wise to make a connection, and honestly, when there was good rapport with the casuals it was not only easier to conduct business but fun most of the time. It made that shitty place somehow welcoming.
“Sure, here you are, Francis, your coffee,” Bradley answered, his smile bright and wide. Francis stood there, for a while, almost waiting for them to introduce themselves. But when Bradley just looked at him, still smiling, he nodded and left.
“Still hang up on Jake?” Marion teased.
“No, I’m not… he’s…” he wasn’t available. Away, In a similar fashion that Maverick used to do when he was called back for a mission. He remembered his mother worried, and his grandma commenting on that.
“Caramel double espresso, sorry, Francis, it’s cute,” Marion pointed out. Like many men in suits who had to comply with some dress code at the office. They were almost clones of each other. Even if Francis was an Indian ascendant and his accent British, he felt like the rest. “He seems to have a good job, he always tips…” She gave him a pointed look. “He is here, in Boston.”
Where Jake was or wasn’t, wasn’t really a problem for Bradley. He actually preferred that the man wasn’t there. He could let his mind run wild with fantasies about him at night before going to sleep. He could thirst over him without really having to do anything about it.
Jake could be anything he wanted. Not a fighter pilot who reminded him of his failures, but someone who came out of the blue with saving grace. Someone to talk about Mae without interruptions, basically because he couldn’t answer. Someone to think about without having to face them.
“He’s also older than Jake, probably,” Bradley responded automatically, even if that wasn’t something that put him off. “And, dating customers?” Marion made a face, understanding that was probably the biggest con they had about it.
But, he could see the point of what Marion was trying to say.
He needed to go out and do something else. Meet new people.
But, alas… Work, work, studying, physics, exams, maths, running, and the days were darker and the rain annoying. He had gotten used to nap on the sofa, Mae on top of him. It was better than being outside facing the cold. And, surprisingly, a huge amount of places had the same background music as the cafeteria. If he met people, it was some of his classmates, that had invited him to their study groups now that his grades were going back on track.
Mid-December, Julia Seresin called him.
“Bradley Bradshaw? This is Julia Seresin,” the woman introduced herself. Her tone was dry, professional and polite. “Jake had ordered a package. Usually, the front desk would take care of it, but unfortunately, this is large and…” she paused for a second. “Yes, you’ll need to receive it. Monday works for you?”
“I have classes in the morning…” then, he remembered that the whole point of living there at so low cost was to take care of those things. “But I can… I can make an exception.”
Julia didn’t answer for a while.
“It’s okay, Mr Bradshaw if the evening works for you, I can have the company deliver it around six hundred,” she said, talking on military hour, as Jake did. Then he remembered that Jake’s father was in the Army and Julia was married, still keeping her surname. “There is also scheduled for the delivery of a tuning service, so, please Mr Bradshaw, make sure the job is done to the best standards.”
“Sure, of course, Ma’am.”
“And I’m aware of Saffron,” she added, and it took him a moment to realise she was talking about Mae. “It gets scared and can be a bit aggressive.”
“She’s territorial, don’t worry, I’ll take care of her.”
Julia paused again before adding.
“That’s… great. By the way, you can call me Julia, Ma’am ages me crazy.”
“Oh, okay… you can call me Bradley then.”
“Nice to meet you, Bradley,” she cut the call shortly after.
Three days later he had a new bran piano sitting in the living room, ready to play thanks to the pianist who had spent a good amount of the evening tuning it. He had been left with a few instructions to keep it in shape, as well, as his number to follow-ups.
With the piano came as well a bunch of music sheets from different songs, classic and modern, including ‘Clocks’ by Coldplay.
“Fucking Jake,” he murmured when he spotted it. Mae looked at him, from the top of the piano, as her new favourite spot in the living room. “I’m not learning this song, I refuse.”
His smile didn’t face for more than a week, and despite he was not learning ‘Clocks’, he made sure to, at least, try to play around with some of the other songs.
By the time Christmas Day arrived, he was exhausted, welcoming being alone on that date since he lost his grandma. Just him, and Mae. And, being the assistant manager, he was expected to work as much as before. It was great, as January always got low hours and he had always struggled to reach the end of the month without skipping meals.
The only problem was that Mae was moving slower and slower.
It was expected, in a way. She was already quite old, but with the central heating to its full power, had him a bit worried. He noticed also that her breath started to stink, so he rushed her to the vet, worrying about an infection that could reach her heart.
Cats, unlike dogs, didn’t show pain or signs of discomfort, so he made it his top priority. A few hours later, he had eight days of antibiotics to dose her to make sure she could recover.
And the bill... The vet already knew about Saffron Stromae Seresin, so it was already being taken care of. Still, going back home, carrying a terrified Mae back to home, was plagued by thoughts of being detained for leaving without paying.
Stupid thing to think about, he knew, but until he reached home he didn't breathe properly. It was stupid, he knew that.
New Year’s Day passed without much fuss. Many greetings and best wishes from friends and classmates. Bradley crafted a message back with Mae as the protagonist, now that she was feeling much better. He even included Maverick in that e-mail, knowing that he had done wrong the man.
“What happened to your hand, Bradley?” Caramel double espresso asked one of those days that Bradley was opening. The man had returned from his holidays in the British islands, and like many other customers, he was coming back to the routine. Bradley didn't remember his name, and, unfortunately, he was too scared to ask him, because the man clearly remembered his name. So he checked his hand, scratches half healed.
“Oh, my cat, Mae, was sick. Had to take antibiotics for a week. The first days were very easy to do so, The last ones…” he chucked. Caramel double espresso took his coffee.
“Glad to hear that your cat is much better,” he said as a goodbye.
Marion, who had already come back from her parents, looked at him, knowingly.
“So now that your baby girl is better are you going to actually go out and party? Brittany told me that you didn’t go to Jordan’s party?”
“Why would I go to Jordan’s party?” Bradley shot back with a laugh. Even if Jordan had changed his attitude towards Bradley, now he was one of the people who could help him to get better grades (Bradley would only consider it if there was a cash offer in the middle), they were still in two different worlds. Jordan only cared about what he was going to wear or what country he was going to visit on holiday. Bradley worried and had trouble sleeping because after he graduated he wasn't sure if he was going to have a roof to sleep under. "He went to New York or something like that, didn't he?
Marion thought about it for a second.
“Wait, what?”
“I think so. He was with a bunch of people in Time Squares watching the concerts or something like that."
Marion didn't look particularly impressed. A new influx of customers arrived, forcing them to hold their conversation for at least seven minutes. When they got closer again, Marion was again going about parties.
“But you’re coming to Brittany’s birthday party, right?”
“Her birthday is in March, we’re still in January.”
“I know, it’s… since you’re living alone, you’re just… by yourself all the time.”
“I have to get my average up,” Bradley answered. “And… I’ve been busy, Mae was sick. I have more responsibilities at work.” Implementing a new digital system that, so far, just covered to get better in Exel.
“You need to chill out a bit… remember when we got kidnapped by the rich kids? I never seen you so carefree and happy, man.”
Bradley rolled his eyes. He remembered, for a weekend it was like everything faded.
“So, what’s your plan?”
“I don’t know, we could go out, on a Tuesday, or Wednesday. There is an Irish pub not very far away from here. We could try it sometimes. After work. And, I’m telling you in advance so you can’t say ‘Oh, I need to feed Mae or else she gets angsty’, you know?”
Bradley chuckled, a few people ordered and after he answered:
“Sure, sure… so, this Wednesday?”
“You got yourself a deal, Bradshaw!”
They ended up going out on Thursday, as Bradley had to extend his shift, which worked perfectly for Mae because when he arrived, she received him, rubbing against his legs.
In the end, the 2nd of March arrived and Bradley missed Brittany’s party. Not because he didn’t plan for it, he did, he managed to get the evening and the next day off, but because the flu was hitting hard this winter, he spent his time off with a fever, laying in bed. As soon as he felt better, he was back to study and work. So when he managed to meet with Chelsey, Brittany and Marion again, three weeks had already passed. His awful cough stayed, but he didn’t have time or money to buy actual medicine, and a diet of chicken soup and ginger and lemon tea from work wasn’t the end of the world.
“Wait, so you had to take Mae again to the vet?” Chelsey asked as soon as Andrew, Chelsey’s new boyfriend, had gone to the bar to buy them drinks. He had promised to get them a round on him, and all of them hand-jumped to the offer, even if it was at the affordable pub that Bradley and Marion frequented.
“I have to be extra alert,” Bradley confirmed. “Cats don’t show they’re in pain, they just go quiet. And Mae is already fifteen years old. They think. Used to be a stray cat so they aren’t sure.”
“But it’s been already four times in the last two months,” Marion recalled. Brittany brought her hands at her chest, pouting. It didn’t look good. Not at all.
“Oh, no! Have you talked with Jake?” Brittany asked.
“No, he is still deployed. He probably doesn’t have the means to get in contact with anyone.”
“But it’s his cat, isn’t it?” Brittany insisted. Bradley shook his head, realising for the first time, so crystal clear, that his expectations from what Jake could or couldn’t do didn’t match the rest. Instead of having to explain it, he was glad that Andrew interrupted the conversation bringing the drinks, first the ones for Brittany and Chelsey, and then the rest.
“I’ve been writing him updates, so… he’ll know as soon as he’s back. And, no, Brittany, I don’t know when that’s going to happen.” Andrew put his and Marion’s pint in front of them. Brittany was still looking at him, affected. “Julia, Jake’s sister, already told me to consider some other possibilities…” he didn’t finish the sentence, and the girls caught immediately what he meant. He refused to even formulate the idea. He hadn’t known Mae for a year yet, and still, the cat was a great companion.
“That woman is so intimidating,” Andrew commented. Everyone looked at him. “You’re talking about Julia Seresin, right? A self-made millionaire was Forbes’s cover years ago for Forbes’s Under 30.”
“And you know that because…” Chelsey looked at him, half-closing her eyes, menacing.
“She’s hot! And super smart,” Andrew answered without messing a bit. Brittany and Marion interchanged a glance, Bradley suspected that Andrew wasn’t going to be around much longer. “Not as hot and smart as you, babe…” he corrected, and even if Chelsey let him kiss her on the cheek, it wasn’t clear that Andrew had saved the moment.
“Self-millionaire with the help of her daddy and family,” Marion whispered in Bradley’s ear.
“Her husband is also loaded,” pointed out Brittany.
“And still, he was the one changing the surname to Seresin,” Andrew smiled. “A scary woman. Not like my Chelsey, who is the sweetest, isn’t she?”
Chelsey just chuckled but her eyes were icy. Bradley just sipped from his beer, while Brittany laughed along and Marion decided to switch topics.
“Hey, any plans for Spring Break?”
“We could go to Punta Cana,” suggested Brittany. Marion and Bradley looked at each other, knowing full well they wouldn’t be going there anytime soon, but the suggestion was enough to divert the conversation.
“Our mother has requested to have Jake’s birthday present delivered to his home so he can see it as soon as he is back from deployment,” Julia called him as soon as he came back from home. Almost as if she knew his schedule. Probably she did. Andrew had graced them with some fun facts about the woman before Chelsey had decided that she had had enough of it.
It was surprising that Julia was still calling Bradley, instead of using one of her employees, or minions, as he heard Jake and Natasha calling them. She would check about the cleaning service they hired, about the new front desk receptionist the build manager had hired or, mostly, about packages that needed to be personally accepted.
Bradley wasn’t complaining about those tasks, after all, his ridiculous low rent was because he was meant to take care of those things. It just it surprised him that Julia, someone with a huge profile, CEO of her own company, who dominated business and got many people like Andrew to consider her a role model, would take the time to do something that her assistant could do easily.
“Oh, sure,” he responded. Jake’s birthday was on the 1st of May and Bradley had started to look around for a gift for him. He knew there was a new Coldplay album coming up, which prompted him to look for more music sheets from the band, trusting to learn a song from them in hopes of getting a more personal gift.“This week I hope to get Wednesday off in the evening, so after five works for me.”
“Oh, that’s perfect,” Julia answered. She paused before adding: “By the way, I’ve noticed that the vet’s bill has been increasing.”
“Mae has been a bit sick lately,” he responded trying to keep his voice neutral. His heart started to beat fast.
“It is an old cat, told Jake it was no sense to keep it,” Julia sighed. “And Jake is always away. A military man. He has deployments, he can’t take care of those things. Now you’re stuck dealing with it.”
“I… this is why he asked me to take care of her, right?” he responded. Was she going to make him justify every decision he made about Mae now?
Juliet made an appreciative hum.
“Yes, but don’t you have a job, or studies to complete? You’re the same age as Janet, she’s graduating this year, top of her class. That takes time, hard work to study.” She paused again. “What I’m trying to say… it’s that Jake is in the Navy, serving our country and we don’t know when he is going to come back.”
“I understand that.”
“Yes, you are a Navy brat. Your father was also a pilot, right? You understand, to a certain level what Jake’s job entitles…”
“To a certain level?” Bradley couldn’t stop himself. Julia seemed taken aback, and then she laughed. It was brief, but it was genuine.
“Yes, Bradley. Didn’t your father Nicholas Bradshaw pass when you were barely two?” she asked. Taken aback by her directness when addressing his father’s death, Bradley gasped. In hindsight, it shouldn’t have surprised him. The Seresin were a powerful family, Julia Seresin was considered a ruthless woman. It made sense they had made a background check on him. But, damn she didn’t shy away from mentioning it so straightforward. He realised that she was still speaking and he had missed what she was saying. “…so of course, there are some types of decisions that I don’t understand why Jake is waiting for you to make.”
He just hummed, hoping she wasn’t going to follow up with a question about what she just said.
“In any case, I’m telling you, because as I see it she is not improving and eventually, somebody is going to do the call. And it won’t be fair to you to make the decision.”
“What?” he whispered.
Julia sighed.
“Next time you’re in the vet, call me. I’ll talk with her, I’ll take the decision, I’ll deal with my brother when he comes back,” she said. “You don’t have to deal with that mental weight or responsibility. It’s not your cat.”
Bradley’s stomach twirled, uncomfortable. At some level, he knew she was right. It was a tough call, a possibility that had been contemplated by the veterinary if Mae’s health declined. She wasn’t improving, that was given. And having to have to do the tough thing… Julia
“Thank you,” he ended up saying, knowing that Julia was right. Even if he had already gotten attached to the cat. They weren’t even living together for a year, but he had her routine so integrated into his that it felt like losing someone loved all over again. Giving her daily pill for Mae's heart was also just easy to do. Even if she complained, she seemed to understand that it was for her good, and let Bradley take care of her.
Mae brushed against his legs and he petted her behind the ears, softly, carefully.
"I'll let you know if Mae worsens and the vet considers that the best option."
"Of course, Bradley," she added, and her tone wasn't as cold as before. "I'll call you Wednesday late evening to check that the package has been delivered satisfactorily."
Mae's health improved slightly as Spring Breach approached. And even if Julia had promised that she would make the last call if needed, that she would take that responsibility, Bradley felt the need to describe and document Mae's days to Jake. It was a way to justify the decision if it came to be, a way to make sure he enjoyed and honoured Mae as she deserved. Using her as an excuse, Bradley acquired the musical sheets for a piano version of Coldplay's 'Green Eyes', and, at least, he tried once a day to play it. He was rusty and clumsy, but with Mae looking at him, from the top of the piano, where he had put a cardboard lid for her, it felt more like a ritual for both of them than nothing else.
During the week when seemed like every student was set to party as hard as they could, Bradley had more time to work and study. Even his study group had left the city in favour of visiting Costa Rica. Marion had left to visit her parents, and Bradley found himself just going about his life alone, with only Mae as company.
"Damn, girl, you better recover miraculously," he whispered to the animal, after finishing what was one of the first times he managed to complete playing 'Green Eyes' without making any major mistakes. Mae blinked twice, slowly.
And then, the cat stood up, suddenly, alert.
Bradley frowned, and after, he noticed the noise of the lift, and then, the soft sound of the keyboard before the door opened.
Mae reacted before Bradley, who stood and sat on the piano while he heard the door opening.
"Hey, girl," the voice of Jake sounded soft, low. "I'm so happy to see you here."
There were some steps, the door closed, a muffled huff and shortly after, Jake appeared in the living room looking a bit older, the bags under his eyes more evident, and his hair lacked that Hollywood aura. And still, in khakis, he looked dashing. Suddenly, all the magnetic power of uniforms started to affect Bradley.
"You look good," Bradley murmured, blushing immediately at the admission. Jake smiled, broadly, and he didn't look old any more.
"I'm good, Bradshaw," he responded with a wink. "A bit tired, not gonna lie." He picked up Mae and gave her a smooch before the cat fought to be free. Jake left her on the floor, with care. "I've been reading your e-mails. Congrats on your promotion, and your good grades... and thank you for all the pictures of Mae. They are a lot!"
"Oh, sorry about that."
"No, no..." he sat on the couch, next to the piano. "It was good. I don't think I have anyone writing me so much. Felt different." He looked at how Mae returned to her place on the top of the piano. Jake followed her with his gaze. "And... thank you for taking care so well of Mae."
"She's the best," he smiled.
"I have a feeling that if you were going to move out at the end of this year, I'd've been fighting me to take custody. I mean, it would make sense, I'm not here most of the time. Although, I have now four months' leave, can you believe it?" Jake chuckled, but Bradley frowned. Four months leave. That was a long time.
"Are you okay?" he asked, worried that Jake had an accident or something that allowed him to get so much free time. Jake just smiled and waved his hand, dismissing his worries. "Have you eaten? I have some leftovers that I brought from the cafeteria. Focaccia and pain au chocolat. Chocolate makes everything a bit more bearable. Or I can cook something too."
Jake chuckled.
"Okay, sure, I'll let you take care of me," he said. "Just for tonight," he pointed."
Bradley smiled.
"Great."
Jake took his time unpacking and showering. By the time he arrived at the kitchen, dressed in an old Coldplay shirt and some sweatpants, Bradley had reheated the baking goods and prepared a salad.
"Sorry, I... I haven't done groceries lately. If you prefer some snacks, there are a lot."
"No, that's perfect. Something light, before I go to sleep thirty-two hours straight,” Jake smiled, sliding into one of the chairs where Bradley put the food in front of it.
“Have you called your family?” Bradley asked. Jake shook his head as he bit into the pastry.
“No, I mainly read all the pending e-mails I had pending to read. I… my father probably would be notified shortly that I’ve made it back, he has some friends in the Navy. They know I take my time to reseat before I face them. And once I visit my parents, they're going to be sick of me after two weeks,” he sighed, but his playful expression was still on. “Are you doing something special during Spring Break? Not gonna lie, I was expecting you to be drunk somewhere in Florida or similar."
"No, no... I'm studying," Bradley answered. Because Jake's gaze on him felt too intense, he moved position, looking at Mae with half a smile. "I'm taking care of Mae too."
Jake nodded. They ate in silence, just enjoying the soft noise from the appliances and the noise from the cutlery hitting the plates. When they finished, Bradley prepared some lemon balm tea that he had taken from the cafeteria and gave it to Jake, who looked at him, questioning.
"Hmm.. it's good for resting," he explained, blushing a bit. He started to prepare himself one cup of chamomile with honey, to avoid Jake's examining eyes. Suddenly, he was very aware of all the different teas he had been collecting from the cafeteria for the past months: the ginger, the peppermint, turmeric or valerian teas.
"Got addicted to herbal teas this winter," Bradley half smiled. "Thought it might help to sleep."
Jake took the mug to smell the tea, and after a few moments, he smiled.
"Thank you, Bradley," he whispered. Bradley smiled completely like that. He rejoined Jake on the table, letting the drink cold down a bit before they tried. "You know? You look different?"
"Do I? How come?"
"I don't know... more mature?"
Bradley chucked. He didn't mean to laugh at the comment, but he felt clueless as always. He wasn't sure about his studies, even if they were better than he started university. He wasn't sure about his career as a fighter pilot, not when he wasn't sure if he was going to be denied a second time again. He wasn't sure what he could do outside that, all his life focused on getting where his dad had gone, where his childhood hero worked. He hadn't even decided if he was going to take some internships during summer, no when he had to choose between working in the cafeteria or working for free.
There were many impossible choices in front of him, and he wasn't even sure if sacrificing one or the other would be worth it in the end. The fear of having everything broken again was growing. He knew that Jake was going to let him live there until he graduated. But what could happen once Mae passed away? Once he finished his degree? Then what?
He didn't want to work as hard as he did when he was eighteen and nineteen, trying to undo all the damage that his plans for the future took. Thinking about applying to colleges, hoping someone would accept him, figuring out something to pay them, not to mention the insurance and the huge debt he had inherited. Moving states, from one coast to another. Starting almost from scratch.
He tasted the tea, almost burning his tongue. Welcoming the feeling that could pull him out of those thoughts. Maybe he should be glad he had a job where his staff respected him, where his boss had recognised he had potential and had promoted him.
"Must be the assistant manager thing," he ended up saying, noticing that Jake was still staring at him.
"Must be," Jake agreed. "Looks good on you." Because Jake decided to stand up and take his tea with him, he missed Bradley's blushing deeply. "Thank you for the warm welcome, the food, and the tea... I... I'm going to sleep. Rest well, Bradley."
"Likewise, Jake."
Bradley saw Jake leaving the kitchen and when he was sure that he heard Jake's door closing, he grunted, burring his head between his arms. He couldn't keep thirsting after Jake. It was not wise. He was a pilot in the Navy, who spent most of his time away, he was his landlord, the actual owner of Mae.
Maybe he should meet new people.
The only problem it seemed that Jake was going to stay for around four months.
Notes:
The whole reason to have Jake be a Coldplay fan is the song Green Eyes. Not ashamed to recognise that.
Thank you so much for reading!!
Chapter 5
Notes:
Hello!
Finally!!! I have planned out a bit more of this story, so some of the tags have been updated.
I'll try to polish this story a bit more and, hopefully, I'll keep this gust of inspiration for this story because I have a clear idea where I want it to end (yes, I'm looking at a Bradley & Maverick reconciliation). And I hope I don't start another five different WIPs on the meantime.
Thank you to everyone who is still interested, and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Jake didn't stay longer than a week as he went back to his parents' home. With the promise to celebrate his birthday after his youngest sister's graduation, Bradley said to him a warm 'see you later'. It was for the best, as finals were literally happening, and he needed to keep pushing his average high and get a spot in a proper summer internship. He couldn't afford to have distractions at home, even if those distractions were only friendly and nothing more.
He had no time to linger too much during breakfast just because Jake decided to keep the same schedule as him, or crushing on the man in silence as they shared some training sessions in the building's gym, or runs around the nearby park.
And, not only did he have to improve his grades, in hopes of qualifying for the internship and bring his average up. He had to figure out how he was going to balance the internship with his work, as the internship only covered transportation costs. Marion promised him that she would try to cover him as much as she could, as long as she wasn't going back to visit her parents. But any plan he possibly could come out with had no value until he had something secured.
Mae's health was still delicate. Nothing too worrying, luckily. The vet had given them some pills to give her for the rest of her life, and Bradley did so every night before going to sleep. It was something he was still having to pay attention to, the reason he was living almost for free in that house.
Fortunately, there was something positive to look forward to after the exams and the prospect that he was going to have to get as many shifts as he could. It wasn't Jake's birthday. Not yet, at least.
It was the graduation parties that many of the graduating students were holding. It was a great chance to have fun, unwind and drink without spending much money. Or any, at all, if you were invited to the correct one. Even if Bradley didn't have many meaningful relationships on campus, he hoped he could, at least, relax a bit and have some fun. He knew a lot of different people, and at the very least, he could find someone to forget the massive crush he had on his landlord.
"We're going to Jordan's graduation party," Chelsey announced one day, as she stormed into the café. She ordered just a flat white, which Marion charged and decided to occupy one of the tables. Fortunately, it wasn't very busy. Bradley was just restocking behind the counter and getting ready for the next rush.
"Who are we?" Marion asked her. She went to Boston College, only knew Chelsey and Brittany through Bradley, and she had never been to a house or frat party.
"Duh, us? You, Brittany, Bradley, me, Lewis."
Something clicked inside Bradley.
"Lewis as Jordan's best friend?"
"And my boyfriend," smiled Chelsey. Bradley put aside the bag of coffee beans and looked at his friend. "C'mon, Brad. Jordan's parents have booked an entire manor, and they have catering and, open bar. It's the social event of the year, the it party. I've heard that some golden boys from Harvard are coming too."
That was exactly the type of party that it would be ideal to be invited to.
"I don't have anything to wear," Marion commented. Chelsey just waved at her:
"I can lend you some clothes. Bradley? You can't use that excuse, I know Jake had gotten you some cute clothes. Or maybe you could ask him to borrow some?"
"Yeah, no way, I'm going to ask him for his clothes. You imagine if they get ruined? I have no money, girl."
Chelsey just looked at him, impassible:
"C'mon, Bradley, who knows when I'm going to see you all again? After this, I'm heading to DC, starting my internship at the fucking White House," she made a little dance. "And, you could, you know, meet someone. You keep complaining about getting over Jake so..."
The problem was that Jordan's acquittals were... some kind of breed. He looked at Marion, hoping to get her on his side, but she was considering it:
"It's a good idea. If you don't like it, you can claim you don't remember hooking up with them. If you like it, you can suggest that they have to put in the work."
"I love you so much, Marion," Chelsey smiled. "She's right. You could hook up with someone extremely hot."
"I'd love you more if you leave a tip," Marion winked, ignoring completely Bradley's meltdown. He had almost no experience hocking up. He was still a virgin! And losing it at one of Jordan's parties with one of Jordan's buddies? That didn't seem write.
Chelsey laughed and then dropped a few more dollars into the jar. Then, with a low and seductive voice, she said:
"The rest are the stunning clothes you're going to get for the party."
"I don't... I'm not sure."
"Look, think about it, Bradley, it's the time to make mistakes, it's the time to start experimenting. Okay, they're going to be a lot of assholes there and selfish people, but that's great, right? With the excuse of alcohol, you can, you know, try what you like, experiment. So, if you ever make a move on your landlord..."
"Haven't you heard about 'never shit on one's own doorstep'?" he asked but Chelsey just laughed again.
"It doesn't matter. The party will give you anonymity, you won't have to deal with falling over and... Brad, honest to Goddess? You're been super stressed lately. And not just because of Mae and exams and your crush. And if you don't unwind soon... You might explode."
Marion just giggled, and Bradley just grunted.
He could handle the stress just fine. He had been surviving all those years on his own. He could survive a little bit more. But when he finished work and went to the library, and opened his personal e-mail, he received a dagger in his heart in the form of an e-mail.
Dear Bradley,
It has come to my attention that during these weeks, graduations are occurring across the country, and I remember that your class should be graduating too. I do not know where you are studying, and it has been obvious for the last years that you do not want our relationship to keep going, but if you want someone on your side, I will be glad to be that person for you, as I'm currently back on US soil.
I trust that now, you understand my decision and have a better perspective of things and life, and hopefully, we can move past this. I am still open to talking things through, if you want to, as long as it is civilly.
If that's not the case, I wish you all the best for your new adventures and this new chapter in life. And no need to give me the money back, if you decide to go that route
Until we meet again,
Mav x
Yes, graduation week was coming. And he should be finishing his degree, if it weren't because he lost his baseball scholarship, as he was putting all his hopes in the Academy. Back then, he was dealing with the passing of his mother, so he had decided to go for the only thing that he had the best chances of getting in.
Little did he know that Maverick had blocked that option for him. Making it impossible to get a spot in a university in the same year without having to sell a kidney. Forced to take a gap year to save money in a local burger joint, he had to see his grandmother decaying in health rapidly, not willing to spend a dime on the doctor. He didn't know it, of course, his grandmother had hidden it from him. Still, the pressure to find somewhere to study and be able to pay for it was drowning him in stress.
So when Maverick came around, and Bradley asked what he could have possibly done wrong to get rejected from an almost guaranteed acceptance, and the old man confessed what he had done, Bradley lost it.
He was tired, stressed, feeling abandoned, and feeling like a failure already. Maverick's words about Bradley not being ready for what the Navy needed... just... he got aggressive. He got mean and nasty.
A very tiny small part of him was halfway to admitting that he could have handled things differently. Being in customer service and (not just in the kitchen) had given him the tools to handle some difficult conversations and the ability to resist exploding in anger. But, the main part of him felt betrayed and wondered if he really had to go trough his grandmother passing away in their kitchen floor, if he had to attend the funeral with a bunch of people he didn't care about, if he had had to go to the other side of the country, because Northeastern University had been the only one to accept him. And he was just partially sure that they had done so in hopes of bleeding him out in debt.
He didn't care about the money that Maverick sent him. It was pennies compared with the debt he was in. Even after selling his home or his car, he barely survived his first year. Even if he worked every single day of the week.
Did he have a better understanding of life? He believed he did. He knew that people were shallow, that it didn't matter how close they claimed to be, they could stab you in the back and twist the knife and make you feel bad for complaining about the pain.
And he realised that... no, he didn't have anything else to say to Maverick. Nothing that wouldn't end up in a physical altercation. He didn't want Maverick to see that he wasn't yet graduated, still had a year to go. He didn't want him to be witness to his poor situation, that he was barely surviving because a stranger at his work had taken pity on him.
He deleted the message and wrote a quick e-mail to Chelsey. He needed an outlet that wasn't killing someone or digging his grave further by replying with more hurtful words.
I need to forget my shitty life and get over my lame crush, so, count me in. And this is going to be the only time this summer I will be able to smell freedom. I need to be picked up, tho.
The answer didn't take too much to arrive:
Yay! Lewis will pick us up. Marion is coming in the car with us! Just focus on your exams rn, and in two weeks... PARTY!!!!!!
*
"Bradley!!! You look so hot!!" Chelsey screamed from the passenger seat. Marion was already in the back of the car, and Lewis greeted him with a head movement. He had put on one of the shirts that Jake had gifted him, and denim shorts that he had gotten after his oldest pair of jeans had given up. As Marion put it, he looked like a peach ready to be picked. More casual than fancy. But Lewis wasn't wearing something very different from Bradley. The only exception was that Bradley's shirt print was loud and colourful.
"Thanks, ladies. You two look breathtaking, too," he commented. They did, long and tight dresses. They were more formal than the ones that Chelsey packed for their trip to Miami, and Marion looked so different from her usual style, but still, beautiful.
"Lewis, you have to introduce him to some of your friends."
"He knows Jordan already, don't you, Brad?"
"No, not Jordan," Chelsey clicked her tongue. "Your other friends."
Lewis kissed Chelsey on her temple, and when Bradley was at the back, strapped him in with the seat belt.
"Sure, baby," he accepted. "Oh, right, you got in the internship with Professor Kwong, right? I have a couple of people in mind," he informed.
"Yes, we got the news after they published our grades," Bradley answered. Marion had been the first one to know, and they were already planning how Bradley could make it work between the internship and the job. Bradley hoped to train Marion to take over his responsibilities, as their boss kept telling them that a position was going to open soon, and it would be so easy to manage everything if Marion got the job.
"That's great. I know someone who was with him last year, for a project he did at Harvard University. I might be able to introduce you to him if you want to ask him questions."
Before Chelsey could clarify that she meant a hook up, Bradley jumped in:
"Oh, that's fucking great, man! Thanks so much."
"Nah, don't worry, anything for my baby's friends," Lewis responded, with a dumb smile.
The manor where Jordan was holding the party was a known a respectable small palace that was usually used for weddings. Lewis left his car with a valet, and they headed inside the place, where there were already a lot of people, some quite intoxicated and many more tipsy. Phones were placed in security safes by a few members of staff who got them bracelets with colour codes. Lewis made sure they all had the highest tier of benefits: free snack bars, free alcoholic drinks, and even the right to use one of the many bedrooms.
Brittany was already there, also with a purple and gold bracelet and hurried them to introduce them to a group of people. Presentations went fast, and Bradley didn't register their names except that they all were from the same 'class'. A shot of tequila was placed in his hand. And then, another one, and after a beer, some cocktails were made, and another shot...
He stood in silence in front of his building. The sun was getting up, and he was supposed to start working in eight hours. His head was still buzzing, although he felt thirsty. In his hand there was an empty bottle of water that he had just chucked, and on the other hand, a napkin with some writing on it:
· Kwong's TA is the KEY
· check Martharious syllabus for theory yk
· make friends w his wifeee
He had no idea when that list was made, or, actually, he wasn't sure how he got there. Well, someone drove him, not Lewis or Chelsey, for sure. And Marion was already at home. He hoped. Stepping into the building half drunk, half hangover, he realised he was wearing a jacket over him. Big enough that it actually felt a bit loose.
Some flashes came to his mind as he passed the doorman with an awkward smile.
There was a brunette guy with a charming smile, talking to him at some point in the night. He was scribbling things on a napkin. Then, he and Brittany took control of the stage, after the DJ went for a small break. There was a keyboard, and Bradley had decided to play something while Brittany accompanied them.
"Oh, good to see you coming back safely," the voice of Jake slatted him as soon as he stepped inside the house. The lights were switched off and, even if Jake whispered, it felt really loud. The silhouette of Jake was standing in front of him. "Had a fun night?"
"Yeah, I think so," he replied. He wasn't sure what to say. Why was Jake already there?
"Marion called me a couple of hours ago, said that she had lost sight of you. She was pretty drunk. Got worried and you wouldn't pick up your phone."
"I... I had it in silence, and... had it away. We've been to Jordan's party. Chelsey sneaked us in," he said. "What did you say about Marion? Is she home?"
"Yes, she is, she called me from home," he confirmed.
"Cool."
Jake was still in the middle of the hallway. The sun, rising up, allowed him, second by second, to appreciate Jake's expression, slightly confused, a bit tired. Despite the fogginess in his mind, Bradley noticed how Jake traced his chest area with his eyes.
Bradley's face burned as he felt Jake's gaze touching him.
"So, you're working today?" Jake asked.
"I start at two. I've been... working a lot."
"Oh, well, that's a shame. At least you seem you had fun. Got the number of someone and everything."
"Yeah, yeah... what?"
Jake stepped closer to him, and Bradley lost all his train of thought, focusing on how Jake's lips moved. Something in Bradley was screaming at him, telling him to pay attention, but he couldn't, hypnotised by Jake's eyes, his perfume, and his lips moving.
He realised a few moments later that Jake had stopped talking.
"Eh?" he said, embarrassed for having missed whatever Jake had just told him. But when the man giggled so deliciously, a warm feeling spread through his whole body.
"Don't worry, go to sleep. I'll wake you up for lunch. Have a shower and rest some. Don't lose the phone number," and for the first time, Jake touched him. With a finger, he grazed the exposed skin on Bradley's chest. It was just for a brief moment, enough to turn the warm into fire.
"I'm going to have a shower," Bradley stumbled to say as he stepped out directly towards the bathroom. A cold shower was what he needed.
He wasn't woken up by the alarm clock, instead, it was Mae and Jake. With an unrest sleep and with his head still going places it shouldn't go, he let Jake guide him to the kitchen. A light meal and a couple of ibuprofen pills were waiting for him. Also...
"Is this Pedialyte?" he asked.
"Yes, you need electrolytes. It's an old remedy we have in the Navy to deal with a hangover. Drink it up, you'll need it." Jake said. "And... once you finish, I'll drop you off at work."
"You don't have to..."
"No, don't worry, I'll do it. And I'll pick you up when you're finished with your shift. Midnight, right?"
"If everything goes well."
"Well, then it's decided. I don't have to wake up early tomorrow, and you do need more sleep than me."
And as he promised, Jake drove him to work, and then, he appeared just before five minutes the end of his shift. With Marion coming for the night shift, Bradley felt guilty to make him wait, but at the same time, when people realised Jake was waiting for him, he felt desired.
"So, it's safe to say that you haven't gotten over him," Marion smiled as she put on her uniform jacket, and Bradley put on his coat. "So, Logan wasn't enough, right?"
"Who?"
But Marion just laughed.
"How was work today?" Jake asked as soon as they went into his luxury car. Jake handed him a bottle of water. "Here, you need to be hydrated."
"Thanks, Jake."
"Not a problem. Sometimes, on leave, is hard to keep your mind out of..." Jake just hummed and turned on the radio in a movement that paralleled Maverick's when he did not want to talk about work. "When do you start your internship?"
"Next week," he responded. "I have... a few things to deal with."
"Oh, right, you finished your classes and exams, right?"
Bradley nodded.
"Good, maybe we can do something this week, are you up to it?"
Bradley knew Jake wasn't proposing a date, still, he felt like he had hit the jackpot.
"Yeah, of course."
"I mean, before my sister comes to live with us," Jake informed.
"What?"
"Oh, yeah, Natasha... is moving out and Janet wants to do a Master's at Harvard, so... she wants to live with us. Is that okay with you?"
Bradley frowned. Of course, it was okay with him. It was Jake's house, not his. He was there because Mae needed care, not because, well, they were actually friends and he could afford being his flatmate.
"She's your sister, right? Of course, you don't have to ask me for permission."
"Well, I haven't, really," Jake murmured more to himself than to Bradley. "Sorry, I should have told you earlier, is just... Natasha is moving to Norfolk and, well, Julia suggested that it would be better to host her."
"Host her?"
Bradley was too tired, still hungover, to process anything of what Jake was telling him.
"I only accepted because, well, I'll be here for the next three months, so. But, if you don't get along, I'll kick her out."
"You're not going to kick your sister out," Bradley said, hoping that that wouldn't lead to him being the one without a home.
"We'll see. So... what do you think?"
"Honestly? I can't wait to go to sleep."
Before he had to meet Janet at Jake's birthday reprise, he, at least, was able to enjoy the man without having to share it with anyone else. Jake was funny, had endless banter and was able to take a joke. It wasn't just the shared breakfast or the late nights on the sofa, trying to watch a film as Mae slept between them. Jake also joined him on his workout sessions or when Jake decided to pick him from a late shift, Bradley didn't really hide his enthusiasm at his sight.
It was easy to make excuses about why he enjoyed it so much. Jake was a great workout buddy. He always made sure that Bradley executed correctly every routine, and he was a great sport at cheering him up. When Jake showed up at his work, he could tell that people were jealous about it, and Marion, with her knowing smile, didn't help to calm the rumours.
His boss wasn't really pleased with any of the situation, as his irritability had been increasing since Bradley had told him that, instead like other summers or holidays, he had to block some time for his internship. And having Bradley around, being happy, instead of moody due to the long hours and many shifts he was being scheduled before the internship. So, as soon as Jake showed up, having all the team revolving around the man, Bradley's mood increased.
Because his boss had been a pain in the ass and hadn't allowed to give him Saturday night off, Jake had decided that he was going to celebrated his birthday with a Brunch place, with a panoramic overview of the Boston skyline and the harbour waterfront. Ten people, and with a dress code.
A flamingo dress code, whatever that meant.
Bradley had decided he was going to wear some plain trousers and a bright pink jacket, but the day before, Jake had decided that three hours before Bradley started to work, to buy something more "proper" for the party.
And because they were going to be only ten people in total with very expensive tastes, Bradley decided not to fight about it. So, he had ended up with a flashy and fitted flamingo patterned shirt and elegant pale pink palazzo trousers. He did not want to get a tie, even if it was silky and minty colour, so Jake and the shop assistant, whose only purpose was to say 'yes' to whatever idea Jake voiced, managed to get him to agree to aviator glasses with golden pink frames.
He looked... half in costume, half elegant but hot. Through the mirror, he could see how the experienced shop assistant observed him with more than professionalism, and if his levels of delusion weren't high, he probably wouldn't be imagining Jake mirroring an appreciative glare towards him.
"And, what are you going to wear?" challenged Bradley, but Jake just smiled, gave his black card to the assistant and insisted on driving him to work.
"You'll see tomorrow," was the response he had when, later at night, he was picked up by Jake. The man was delighted and his green eyes sparkled as he did. Jake had several of the bags from the same store in the back of the car that he had brought Bradley's outfit. "No, no peaking," Jake giggled as he said it.
"Sure, okay," Bradley responded a bit confused, but if Jake was happy, he would play along with no problem. It was good to see him smiling and having fun, even if the extended leave he was enjoying at the moment didn't suggest a good time in his last mission. Bradley hadn't asked yet, but sometimes he would catch the man staring at nothing with a worried face.
The next day, as he prepared his backpack with a change of clothes for after the party, he purposefully tried not to sneak a peek at Jake's outfit. It wasn't hard, but the hype and expectation were growing high.
He made sure Mae's bowl was full, Jake had woken up earlier than him, still following some of that Navy routine, and then....
Then he sees Jake in pale mint palazzo trousers, a white shirt and a vest with the same pattern as Bradley's shirt. The clothes hugged Jake in the best way and...
"We look amazing together, don't we?" Jake commented as he walked towards him and turned them to face the mirror. They looked great, like a couple coordinating outfits. Jake's smile was wide in the reflection, pushing them closer by the hip. Bradley observed both of them, their similar height, and since last year, he had been growing, wider, more mature. Jake and he were almost the same size. Maybe it was that Jake was expecting him to give him back the clothes. It made sense.
"You... have good style, I'll give you that."
Jake chuckled.
"It helps that we're well built, too," Jake smirked. "Can you play that song before we go? As a treat?"
"Sure, of course."
"Can I record it? When I back... I want to have something to survive with," Jake said as Bradley sat in front of the piano. He nodded. Of course, he could, after all that Jake had been doing for him, it was the minimum. "Thank you, Bradley."
After the first verse, Mae appeared lazy, from Jake's bedroom and jumped on the piano, where Bradley had placed one of her beds, closing her eyes, enjoying the music as he hummed the lyrics, without trying to give away the actual song. Jake had tried several times to guess it. He had already figured out it was a Coldplay song, even if Bradley was still denying it.
When he finished, Jake had a soft expression, and Mae was purring.
"You're not going to tell me what song it is, right?"
"No, sorry... and... we should be going, right?"
"I'm the Birthday Boy, I'm allowed to arrive late, and so you do."
"Okay... do you want me to play another song, then?"
"Sure."
After another two slow songs, rejoicing on Jake's captivated expression, he felt the tension too high for his taste, so he tried to transition the best way possible into 'Greatest Balls of Fire' that had Jake taken aback by surprise, and laughing, to join him singing loud the lyrics to it. Or at least, the chorus.
"That's great, thanks again," Jake clapped as the song finished. Bradley smiled, looking at Jake's pump lips.
"I... yeah," he just said, as he tried to keep his cool. Jake giggled again, and it was as if time stopped.
"Let's go, before I change my mind," Jake said. He petted goodbye to Mae, same as Bradley had, and both went towards the garage.
"My sister has just arrived in Boston," Jake announced as he pulled his phone and set it in the car. "Javy is picking her."
"So, we won't be late."
"Oh, we're taking the boat to the restaurant," Jake said. "I want to show you the city from a different point of view."
"Really?" he smiled.
"Yeah, really."
They got looks at the pier, from tourists and locals. A few people complimented them, called them the hottest couple and Jake, who was behaving like a peacock more than a flamingo, winked, laughed and pulled Bradley closer. Indulgent, Bradley followed his lead, amused by how Jake enjoyed the spotlight, scared to take advantage of Jake. He tried not to be too touchy, but sometimes, his hands would find Jake's, and he would let Jake hug him.
The travel on the boat was colder than he expected, but he didn't mind, as Jake was trying to show him some of the highlights of the city. Bradley barely paid any attention. He had tried, honestly, but with the occasional posing for photos, letting Jake talk with people around and how stunning he looked with his shade and his growing hair, it was hard to concentrate.
The trip was too long and too short, and Bradley's heart jumped a bit when Jake pushed him, gently, out of the boat, towards the building where they were received at the pier by a host and two glasses of Champagne.
"Mr Seresin and Mr Bradshaw, my name is Kristen, and I'll be your host today. Please, this way," the woman guided them towards a private lift that went straight to the rooftop. "Happy Birthday, all your guests are already in your private room with the best views of the Harbour, and we're glad to say that everyone is complying with the dress code. Appetisers are ready to go, sir..."
"Jake is fine, and he's Bradley. Don't worry about formalities with us, Kristen," Jake half interrupted with an apologetic smile. She nodded. "Just... bring us food and drinks and will be fine."
"Of course... Jake, Bradley. We'll manage so everything is up to your standard and you don't get disturbed by logistics."
As Kristen said, the private room had a massive terrace with beautiful views of the skyline of Boston. It was like seeing the city again, so different from the one that Bradley was used to walking and enjoying with his friends.
Before he could ever process the space, heavily decorated with palms, plastic flamingos and flowers, a strong 'Happy Birthday, Jake!' was yelled. Quickly, he joined the group as they started to sign.
"Bradshaw! Good to see you've made it," Javy's voice reached him when the group calmed down. "I see you're still surviving the Seresin love, right?"
"Shut up, Coyote." Jake went straight to hug him. "He's fine, I'm taking care of him." Bradley congratulated himself in silence because he did not react to that comment. "Come, let's introduce you to everyone."
The people at the party were older than him, all around Jake's age or older. First, he was introduced to Amanda, Javy's current partner. When Bradley's surprised expression was obvious, Javy clarified that he and Natasha were just fuck buddies, not an actual couple.
Then, he was introduced to Jake's current squadron, or at least, the three people that could make it to the celebration: Ken, Bones and Fritz. Then, it was the turn of one of Jake's cousins, by his father's side: Rick Seresin and his wife Maddy. And, finally, a young woman, the only one who was Bradley's age, and went straight to hug him:
"Bradley! I'm so happy to finally meet you, I'm Janet, the nicest Seresin sibling," she introduced herself. Rick made a noise and Janet looked at him, dismissive: "C'mon, Rick, everyone adores me. Julia is a bitch and Jake never stays long enough at home."
"I'm a Seresin too."
"Not one of the important ones," Janet laughed as she pulled Bradley to her side. "Now, brother, let me have Bradley for a while, if we're going to be living together, shouldn't we actually know each other?"
Jake bit his lip, and Bones and Ken put a beer in his hand.
"C'mon, let the kids play."
"We're not kids," Janet complained as Bradley just grabbed a beer from Rick's hand.
"She has a point, we should know each other."
With Javy and Jake's squad laughing, Janet and Bradley sat on one of the sofas positioned towards the river. With a glance towards Jake and a nod from him, Bradley sat more comfortably on the sofa. Janet put a cushion between them, and a waiter appeared out of nowhere to give them a taste of caviar tartlets. They also put a tray with an assortment of sweets and savoury pastries.
"You're super hot," Janet said. "And I like you a lot."
"You like me a lot? You don't even know me."
"But, I've heard about you. Like, my brother kept talking about you since he came back. And also Julia. Well, she called you 'sensible' but, coming from Julia, trust me, it's a high praise."
Bradley frowned. What did Janet mean with that?
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Oh, c'mon, you know Jake's friends... they're... something else."
"I've heard of Natasha's friends, not his friends."
Janet giggled.
"Natasha and Jake have the same friends. They might be a few years apart, and they're both the black sheep of the family. Jake only joined the Navy to piss off the family, same as Natasha. Jake could be higher in rank thanks to Dad and Natasha could be learning how to manage the Trace Hotel group. Instead, they're out there, flying planes and risking their life for what?"
"Wouldn't be Jake doing the same in the Army?"
Janet blinked a few times.
"I mean, I guess so..." She drank from her cocktail, and then she said. "You don't bite your tongue, right? You don't have a filter, right?"
"I guess if you consider asking a question having no filter, no, I don't have a filter," he accepted, almost resigned to finding a new place to live. He could say goodbye to the internship already. If he had to pay for rent, there was no way he was going to be able to survive.
"I see why Jake likes you. And Julia." She added.
Their conversation, fortunately, didn't last much longer. Javy, Ken, Bones and Fritz came looking for him, as Rick and Maddy did with Janet. While the Seresin asked the music to be changed to something more summery, he was surrendered by naval pilots.
"Bradley's old man used to be a RIO," Javy revealed.
"Really? Wow, man, that's cool. He's retired?"
"Killed in a training exercise," he answered as Fritz smacked Ken's back of the head. "No, it's okay, I mean, it was when I was very young."
"That's why you didn't go to the Academy?" Now it was Javy who smacked Bone.
"No, well..." he wasn't going to tell them the truth. Maybe they crossed paths with Maverick. Who knew. "Last year of high school I lived with my grandmother, and she got very sick so I paused my studies for a year to take care of her," he half lied. They all nodded.
"You can only be loyal to one love," Ken sighed. "What are you studying now?"
"Trying to be an aerospace engineer," he responded, because it was better to say that he had tried to get a wide range of options in case he could enlist later on or apply to a specially work at the Navy... or any place. He had no way to learn how to fly, and he wasn't sure he was going to be young enough to enter any military program.
"That's cool, you could design the fastest jet."
"I think it would be cooler to fly it, but I don't think I'd be able to do both," he responded with a chuckle.
"I mean, if you do, we'll try to fly for you."
"I think you would be retired by then, Ken. No offence, Bradley."
"None taken."
"But Ken isn't young anymore. And you aren't a real doll, so."
"Fuck you, Bones."
They all laughed. The conversation with the squad wasn't the deepest one, but, he thanked it. It didn't touch any uncomfortable topics, if there was a too long silence Bradley just had to ask one of them about some feature of a jet or something funny about the Academy and the guys would respond in glee with all type of stories and anecdotes.
By the time the cake was brought up, the group reunited again, and Jake stayed by his side all the time. A few of them had brought presents, Ricky, Maddy and Bradley being the exception, and Jake thanked them for their gifts. Several photos were taken, including a group one thanks to Kristen that made sure to get all of them in their best angle.
Only Jake and Javy acknowledged when he had to leave, so, trying not to disturb the party and make a scene, he sneaked towards the restroom to change into something less flashy. Once he was done, he noticed that he was tipsier that he had expected.
"Sorry, Kristen, may I have... a coffee with like four espressos on it? Wherever you can," he asked when he came out of the private loos of the area.
"Of course, Bradley, I'll be right back."
"Thanks a lot."
While waiting, Jake approached him again.
"I'll pick you up from work."
"No, you enjoy with your squad members, friends and family. Don't worry about me. And don't take the car if you have drank. Call a taxi?"
"But... I want to."
"You'll have more chances tomorrow, or the next week."
"Right, you're starting your internship." Jake hummed a bit. "What do you think about Janet?"
"Janet? She seems nice, and very extrovert, she really took the lead before."
"She's the youngest in the family, even Julia had babied her," Jake commented.
"I guess... I never had siblings, so... I don't know how it feels. I might not felt that alone..." Jake looked at him frowning, so Bradley shallowed his words. He wasn't going to bring up his mother and grandmother's death in front of him. On the celebration of his birthday. "Hey, we only talked for like, ten minutes? We'll have more time to know each other and to get along. And even if we don't vibe with each other, we can still live in the same house. Many people do it. I used to do it."
"You lived with people you didn't get along?"
"Well, life is like that. I bet you can't chose your roommates in the Navy."
"No, that's true," Jake laughed. "Okay, see you at home. Don't work too hard!"
"I'll try not to."
*
Notes:
Comments and kudos are really appreciated.
Chapter 6
Summary:
A crazy summer ahead of time, and Janet as their new flatmate, was making Bradley feel a bit insecure. Unfortunatelly, bad things were coming for them.
Notes:
So sorry for the delay of this chapter! It handles a heavy topic (spoiler alert -check tags-: the loss of a pet) so I had a lot of trouble writing it. I pulled from my memories from when one of my last cats passed away and for that reason, I had to take a few breaks from writing. But, apart from that, I hope that you enjoy the chapter.
Thank you to everyone who commented and left kudos!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Janet stayed most of the time out of his way, or maybe it was the impression he had. She joined twice their workout time at the building's gym before stating that their routine wasn't suitable for her. After that, Bradley only managed to see her when she woke up to have breakfast, while Bradley and Jake were leaving so Jake could drive him to the internship.
At first, Bradley felt guilty of relying like that onto Jake. He felt that he was forcing the man to wake up crazy early to work out and have breakfast just so he could have commuting solved. But the need of being able to arrive in a timely hour to meet up with Professor Kwon's TA outweighed the fear of disturbing Jake. The only thing that made him feel better was that Jake insisted that he was more than used to waking up crazy early thanks to this job.
He hated to recognise it, but it saved Bradley a lot of time. He woke up at the same time that he would have to if he had to rely on public transport, with the plus of being able to do some work out and talk to the TA. And, he liked spending that time with Jake. In his car, it was always calm, with soft music in the background, while they updated each other about their lives. A small piece of heaven because after the internship, he went straight to work, so that meant that when he arrived home, it was past midnight, and Jake was already sleeping. The only one waiting to greet him was Mae.
"How are you tonight, Princess?" he whispered as Mae rubbed against him. "Hungry? Did you take your medicines already?"
He went to the kitchen and unloaded from his backpack a few items he got from work. He put one aside for Jake, his favourite, and because he wasn't sure what Janet's favourite was, he decided to give her the option to choose from.
Mae observed him, and he petted her carefully.
"I don't know how you managed to get along with Mae, but it is impressive," Janet said as she entered the room. "How was work? You're not usually that late."
"Long, a couple of employees left, I have to interview a few people," he responded. "I was checking CVs and such." And he only stayed long because the following day it was Saturday, and he could sleep the morning before going to work.
"Oh, right, you're a manager," Janet smiled. "Is one of them for me?" She pointed to one of the ones that Bradley had brought for her and him.
"I wasn't sure what you liked."
"No, this is perfect," she had a big bite, and then, she looked to the one he had placed for Jake. "And my brother's favourite, eh? You like him, right?" She said that so casually that Bradley almost missed it. When he registered the words, he glanced at the kitchen door, closed after Janet.
"What?"
"Don't worry, he isn't home. He has gone drinking with his squadmates. Friday!" Janet said as she giggled. "He's not going to listen to us."
"No, I don't..." he felt his face burning.
"No, it's okay. You seem like a decent guy, you work, like Jake, Mae adores you, and most importantly, he has stopped talking about that man." Bradley wondered if she was referring to the guy who made Jake listen to 'clocks' non-stop.
"I don't know about that guy. I know he had a hard break-up and he was all the time listening to a Coldplay song. All the time. I don't... snoop in your brother's business."
Janet didn't react for a while as she was eating the pastry. Finally, she said:
"Speaking of Coldplay, I've got him tickets to see them in Madison Square Garden for September. If you still find a ticket, join us," she invited. Bradley wasn't sure what to say. He didn't have the spare money to afford the ticket, less the travel and a possible stay. And he couldn't depend on Jake for those types of things.
"I will probably be working or studying," he decided to say instead. "September is a busy month."
"Julia said something like that, but I had to try. In any case, if you change your mind, hey, let me know. It can be a surprise for Jake, too. He would lose his shit," she giggled. "He's so gone for you."
Bradley had no idea how Jake had justified to his family that he was staying in his house, only paying for utilities. Or if they had any idea about it. Probably, Julia knew, she always seemed to be aware of everything that was happening. But Janet was probably under the impression that he was wealthy enough to afford sharing a flat with her brother. And despite he would love to go with Jake to the concert (or anywhere), it wasn't in his capacity. Not to mention that Jake wasn't really gone for him. He was just a great guy who decided to help him, for some reason.
"I... don't think that's true. And I don't think that's my business. To be intruding in his..." he left the sentence half said. Jake could tell him directly, not through his little sister.
Janet, instead of being offended, giggled as she heard his response.
"But my brother's happiness is my business. And I know that since you are both.... how's I say it?" Janet pinched her nose and then. "Well, whatever. He has stopped talking about Spencer. And not to mention that he has moved around his birthday party around your schedule, or that he's always dropping off at your internship... and when I tried to join you two working out, it was clear that you didn't want a third person there."
Bradley just stayed there. Mae stayed next to him, her eyes closed. Janet waited for him to say something, when he didn't, she insisted:
"Hey, okay, you don't want to hock up with him because, I know when you get out of a serious relationship you only want to fuck around and have meaningless sex. But, also, Jake likes you and... if you want, if you really want to go for it, I'll be supporting you."
"Janet... even if I wanted, that I do not want, because I have many things to do, work and the internship and... taking care of Mae, I don't think that's a good idea."
"Well, you know where I'm standing, and..."
She cut herself as the main door opened. Mae jumped from the counter and went towards the entrance. In a few seconds, they heard Jake greeting Mae. Janet made a gesture, fist in the air, as if she were cheering on him. Then, Jake appeared in the kitchen, Mae in his arms.
"Hey, good night, what are you doing so late?"
"Bradley brought pastry goods. He got your favourite."
"Hmm... well, you were lucky that it was left at the end of the shift," Bradley said as he felt his face burning with more intensity. He had baked a few extras, hoping to be able to bring home for Jake.
The man chuckled.
"Oh, that's nice. So, tomorrow we have a special breakfast. Thank you so much, Bradley."
"It's nothing, seriously," he murmured as he felt Janet's smug smile on her and Jake's soft eyes. "I... I've just come from work, if you don't mind... I'm going to have a shower."
"Oh, don't worry, I'll take care of the furry baby," Jake said. "And I wanted to speak to Janet a bit."
"Oh, great, great."
"You need to speak to me?"
"Yes, I do..."
Without wanting to intrude between the siblings, Bradley left the kitchen and went straight to the bathroom that he shared with Janet. He turned the water on as he heard Janet complain about something. And then, it was when it hit him in full force. What did Janet mean by Jake liking him? That couldn't be true. Jake was just... a good friend.
Generous, kind, funny... very mature and calm. He had that charming aura around him. And Bradley loved that he was gentle enough to include him in his world. He was sure that Janet was exaggerating. Jake had said that he and Natasha were the black sheep of the family. And he remembered his own 21st birthday, how Marion had also been invited. How Javy, a good friend of the family, also rode that life because, as he had said, it was what they did.
He bit his lip trying not to think too much about Jake, knowing that if he let his thoughts wander too much, he would end up with his hand on his dick. And he didn't want to take an extra-long shower when Jake and his sister were still in the kitchen. He got into his pyjamas, and when he got out of the bathroom, he was faced with the hallway completely dark and the living room door closed.
There were voices in there, talking. Bradley looked around, looking for Mae. He had to give her the medicines. He wondered if Jake still had her in his embrace. And decided to go to the living room, where the two voices of Jake and Janet intertwined.
Just before he touched the doorknob, he caught Jake's words clearer:
"...drop it, Janet. He had a lot of things going on. He has the internship and his job. He doesn't need you snooping around."
His breath stopped. It seemed that they were talking about him.
"I'm not snooping around!"
"You never worked a damn day in your life..."
"Oh, I'm sorry, but do you think you're better? You joined the Military just like that and..."
"I'm in the Navy, not the Army. I don't get any special treatment for being a Seresin."
"Whatever, same thing for us, the rest."
"Just. Leave. Him. Alone."
"I'm just saying..."
"I don't want to hear it. He doesn't want to hear it."
"You haven't asked him if..."
"Why don't you find a job first, and when you figure out a balanced lifestyle, we can go back to this conversation?"
"Why would I get a job? Dad says I don't have to work while I'm getting my master's. Why don't you find a job?"
"I already have one. I'm just on medical leave."
"Oh, right, sure... how's therapy going?"
Scared to hear anything too personal about Jake, he stepped back. With Mae's medicines in his fist, he directed himself to his room, closing the door after him. He stayed a few seconds in silence, searching for any indication that revealed whether Jake or Janet noticed him eavesdropping. But nothing happened.
Braver, he switched on his nightstand, discovering that Mae was already on his bed, sleeping. She opened her eyes.
"Well, it seems you're getting your medicine tonight, Princess."
And after that, he would go to sleep and hope that Jake didn't start to hate him.
In the following days, Jake's attitude was the same. Still charming, still chill with Bradley. And he couldn't be happier for that. It was the only highlight of endless days blending into each other, with the heat and humidity of the summer. Chelsey had left already for DC, Brittany was backpacking with some friends and cousins in Europe, and Marion was back in her home town. A few times, the people with whom he was doing the internship had invited him to go for drinks or out, but even without the problem of his budget, his full-time job made it impossible for him to spare any time.
"Hey, Coyote is coming this weekend, wanna join us for dinner?" Jake asked.
"Oh, this weekend?" He pulled out his planner. "No, sorry, I'm doing double."
"Double?"
"Well, I couldn't do a cover on Tuesday because I have the internship, so the boss asked me to do double this Saturday."
"Oh... but... your boss knows that you have two jobs, right? That you're doing him a favour..."
"Sorry, I can't backtrack now," Bradley admitted, relieved that Jake had told him with such short notice. He had accepted the double shift mainly because he knew that with his job, he had screwed with the plans for summer. And, deep down, his boss wasn't really a person one could say no to. "And, also, I'm training these new guys."
"I thought they went through it already."
"Yes, just... to make sure they understand our workflows."
"Oh, well, next time," Jake smiled, even if Bradley could tell he was a bit disappointed.
But that was what he had to deal with. Getting up, working out, breakfast, internship, work, dinner with Mae. Mae, who was just so calm, was always waiting for him in his bed. So quiet.
Very quiet.
Bradley took a mental note to check on her, but as the days were becoming an amalgam of fuzziness, he forgot.
Fuck.
"Bradley? Thank God you answered!" the voice of Janet was agitated at the other side of the line.
"Are you okay? Is Jake okay? What's going on?"
He had picked up the phone just by chance. He was about to have some lunch and have a moment before going to work, when he saw the phone ringing. He didn't know the number, but it was clear as soon as he picked.
"Everyone is okay... It's just... Jake doesn't answer because he's in therapy now, Julia doesn't answer, neither her hubby nor her PA and... I'm sorry, I know you have to work and Jake told me not to bother you, but I know you've been taking care of Mae and... she's... she's just there."
"What do you mean?" he asked as he frowned.
"Her food is still untouched from yesterday, and she's still on the piano bed. But she isn't sleeping. She just stares at me. No aggression, no energy, nothing."
Bradley recalled that after he gave her the medicine the previous night, he had left her on the living room, because he had played a bit with the piano, glad to see Jake up. He had put Mae there, and she had closed her eyes, while he played the melody of 'Green eyes'. But, now that he thought about it, she did not attempt to follow them when they left the room. No following to his room or Jake's.
And in the morning, he and Jake had been in such a rush that he had just said goodbye out loud.
"She hasn't eaten anything?"
"I put food near her, she just smelled and... well, good thing, she drank water. But she hadn't gone to her litter box. And... I haven't dared to move her. So sorry, Bradley."
Janet took that as a positive, but Bradley wasn't that sure. Mae's food was usually wet, and inside the flat ,it wasn't really that hot, as Jake and Janet liked to keep a comfortable temperature inside, so she actually hardly ever touched her water bowl.
"Okay, we need to get her to the vet."
If she didn't move and it wasn't sleeping, that could mean that she was in pain. Cats didn't complain about the pain, it was one of the warnings that the veterinary made him aware early that year.
"Okay, where is the pet carrier... or the vet?"
"I'm going home."
"No, no, I know you have to work, Jake is going to kill me if I make you miss out work."
"The pet carrier is on the inner balcony, and her medical card is in Jake's office."
"I... Okay, I've never been there."
"Give me a second, let me figure out something," he said, as he noticed that Janet was completely out of the water. He might get in trouble at his work for arriving late, but the main reason Jake let him stay at his flat was to take care of Mae.
Quickly, he called the other manager, the one who was still on shift until he took over and explained the situation. She quickly reassured her that she was going to find a replacement for him. And with a promise that he would cover for her and the other assistant manager, he took the bus home.
Half way, he called Janet back, who was still looking around for the medical card. Even with his indications, she couldn't find them. Luckily, by the time Bradley arrived to the house, she had found it. As she took Mae's medications and some treats for her, Bradley observed the cat.
She was calm, she was frozen. When Bradley barely touched, she just blinked and looked at him, waiting.
"Reception has ordered us a cab," Janet announced. "I've called everyone again, but..."
"No, it's okay, let's go." He put Mae as gently as he could inside the carrier, which he had padded inside with some clothes and an old cushion. She didn't put up any resistance, letting Bradley accommodate her. And he wished he could have something like a baby wrap to carry her instead.
The journey to the vet was the shortest and the longest. Mae didn't move, didn't complained, just stayed in her carrier, without moving. Bradley put her on his lap, so she could be secure, and even if Janet had told him that he looked very calm, he could feel his heart beating up fast and tears threatening to spill at any moment.
Maurice, Julia's husband, and Jake were the first one of the family to arrive to the veterinary. After Janet got a hold on one of the PAs, and Jake finally answered his phone, both of them went straight there. Bradley didn't see them immediately, as he was inside with Mae, talking to one of the technicians.
As Bradley had suspected, Mae was in pain.
She was very old, she had a lot of medical problems and a few ongoing treatments. Therefore, the next steps needed to take a very important decision.
For that, everyone who was there: Jake, Janet and Maurice, joined him into one of the rooms, where Mae was laying, in the same spot Bradley left her for her examination, as Bradley caressed really softly on her head.
"What do you mean we need to make a decision?"
A decision, because Mae wasn't expected to leave that much. They could do some surgery, modify and raise the dose of her medication. But still, it was not hope for her. Bradley knew deep down that this was probably the last time.
"We could wait for a few days just to see if she improves?" asked Janet, her voice weak. Bradley didn't have to look at the veterinary's face to know that that wasn't going to happen. He kept his gaze fixed on Mae, who was looking back at him. He felt tears running down his cheeks and tried to remind calm. Mae wasn't his cat, it was Jake's.
"You could, but..." The veterinarian didn't sound very hopeful.
"You don't have to make the decision right now," a woman from administration. "We have in our notes that Julia Seresin is meant to make the call."
"What? The call? Mae is my cat, not hers!"
"Sir, if we could talk for a brief moment..."
But they didn't have time for that as Julia Seresin walked through the door.
"Baby, wait for me in the car," she said to her husband.
"Sure, dear."
"And you two... We'll talk."
Julia went through Mae's diagnosis and possibilities and there, hearing everything again, the small request of Janet seemed impossible. And the most obvious and logical thing to do was to put Mae down.
"This is my fault."
He was surprised when Jake spoke, as he thought he hadn't said that out loud.
"No, it's not."
"Well, we can agree on that, Jake," Julia followed. "And, again, we'll talk later. We have more important things to do. And that's to make a very hard decision."
"That's bold of you, Julia."
"Not now," she insisted. "Now... what are we doing?"
Bradley zoomed out as he felt Mae looking at him. She didn't reacted she didn't do much, just stared back and Bradley felt his heart breaking. A part of him refused to acknowledge the truth. He wanted Janet to be more vocal about keeping Mae a few more days. The other part of him felt so selfish even thinking about that. Making Mae suffer longer because he couldn't bare the though of missing her.
"Bradley," Julia spoke softly. "What do you want to do?"
"Me?" He responded, looking at Jake, who had already a sad face. He noticed that Janet was not in the room any more. Jake squeezed his shoulder, and Bradley leaned to the comfort that the proximity that brought the touch. "She's not my cat."
"Of course she is," Jake said. "You've been living with us longer than a year, and it was clear that she loves you so much."
"I... I don't know, I... I just want her not to suffer unnecessary," he responded, weak voice. Jake hugged him in that moment. Bradley let himself enjoy the hug for a brief moment.
"Okay, so, I guess that's decided," Julia said. "We all think that's the best for Mae. You should say goodbye, I'll be waiting outside."
It was surreal, as if someone had put a pressure grid on his head. As Julia exited the room, she was followed by the veterinary and the administrator. Jake pulled two of the stools close to where Mae was so Bradley could sit without bending his back awkwardly.
"You know how I adopted Mae?" Jake asked softly. Bradley shook his head, and then, Jake started talking, softly, lovingly, caring. About a stray cat that was going around USNA that helped him get through drills and Boot Camp, and everything that one could expect of a Military Academy. An ex-girlfriend that was so stubborn to rescue the cat because she knew that Jake liked her. An ex-girlfriend who left in not-so-good terms and the custody battle for the pet had been settled when Mae chose Jake.
Jake narrated the encounters that Mae had with guests, who she hissed at Julia every time that she entered the house, territorial and defensive.
"What a good girl," Bradley praised half jokingly as he felt crying. Jake wasn't better than him; his eyes were glossy and reddened by the tears. "Marking what is hers."
"So, you admit that she's also yours, right?"
"It's... it hurts a lot. It reminds me... my mum, my grandma... I felt so... useless and inadequate and I should have noticed that she was getting worse and you asked me just one thing..."
"Bradley, Bradley... It's not your fault. This is life, and life is rarely fair."
"Amen to that," it was basically his life.
"Honestly, thanks to you, Mae has been around much longer, I'm sure. Vet said that she's probably between sixteen and twenty years old, so... that's good. A good life."
"For sure, when she had been with you."
"And this last year? With you? Damn, Bradley, you made her life much better. She even slept in your bed, what is a crazy thing to do..."
"Is it?" Bradley turned to Mae. "Are you really that crazy, Princess?"
"See? She has a cute nickname and not me..."
"You want me to call you Princess?" Bradley asked, amused by Jake's reaction, who just turned red and laughed silently.
"No, no, that's Mae's nickname, I don't want the same."
"Okay, don't be jealous," Bradley laughed as he shallowed a sob looking at Mae. "It wasn't me who just spill their whole dating history. Am I right, Mae?"
The cat just stared back as if she were confirming his words.
"Well, knowing you and looking at you, I'm sure you have broken your share of hearts, darling."
Bradley just chuckled, unable to tell the truth. It wasn't the moment, and Jake's attention was mostly on Mae, as his was. They both laughed a bit, centring their attention on
"Can I call you Princess, too, or that's just for Bradley, huh?" Jake asked softly as he brushed lovely Mae. Bradley sobbed again, and Jake's other hand pulled him closer from his shoulders, embracing him. Mae blinked at them, almost telling them that she knew.
Bradley and Jake leaned on each other, seeking support.
"I love you, Mae," Jake whispered as Bradley nodded.
"I love you, Princess."
Two minutes later, Janet entered. Her face indicated that she had been crying. She also said her goodbyes, and one by one... it was time.
"Sorry, I can't watch this," Bradley apologised as he left. Jake whispered something about how he could wait in his car, so Bradley took it as the only permission he needed.
Outside the clinic, he noticed Maurice talking on the phone near a very luxurious car, which was probably Julia's. He looked around, saw Jake's parked but he didn't go directly there. Instead, he waited, seated on a small bench, thinking about Mae, about Jake. Glad that he wasn't going to cry anymore.
About what it meant for him.
Was he going to stay with Jake and Janet now that he didn't have a cat to look after? Janet was going to be staying there for two years, more or less, the time she finished her master's. Jake was going to eventually leave.
He took out his phone, a few missed calls from work with several messages from the other two managers assistants. Both of them were reassuring him that they got him and he could take the rest of the day off. It was... strange, foreigner. He had to go back to his life the next day.
Ten minutes later, Jake went towards him.
"It's done," he announced. "Mae... Julia is taking care of everything. I'm sorry you had to be the one who brought it here. And Janet feels terrible for interrupting your work."
"I... I managed to get cover," he said. "And... I had a chance to say goodbye, so. It's okay. She doesn't need to feel bad."
"She's quite spoiled. I mean... I know she's the same age as you, she's actually older than you by some months, but..." he shook his head. "But she feels so childish."
He didn't know Janet that much and he didn't feel like it was his place to talk bad about a person that, in his eyes, wasn't really that spoiled. Bradley was convinced that they were probably right, and Janet had an easy life, but she wasn't different like other people that Bradley knew. Or from the rest of her family herself.
"Don't be hard on her, she was just worried, and when worried, people make mistakes. I know better than anyone."
Jake half-smiled, then nudged him a bit.
"Please, tell me you don't have to work today."
Bradley shook his head.
"No, but I might have to do some covers in the future."
"Well, we'll worry about that. Let's go home, okay?"
Once at home, it was a bit hard to find how much Mae was imprinted in the house. They took all the seven beds that they had placed for her in strategic points where she could be in a high position, warm and comfy, or both.
Jake took all her treats and foods, looked for a shelter to donate every thing. The though of having another cat made Bradley's intestines writhe and he was glad to discover that Jake had the same problem.
"We could get a dog, in the future, maybe," Jake half-joked as he was cleaning the sand litter, and Bradley finished putting all her toys in a box for recollection. "You have your pet sitting certificate. If you are interested in broadening that knowledge... could be a chance for you to train them."
Bradley smiled without heat.
"I don't think I'll have time for that."
"No, of course, not... just..."
Bradley glanced at Jake.
"So, you're okay with me staying here?" He wondered if he was going to be paying more rent, now that his duty of carer of Mae was done.
"Of course, unless you want to leave."
"No, it's just... I mean, I just..."
"Bradley," Jake stood up and put the empty litter in another bag. "You're my friend. I told you you could stay here in my house, in your house, until you graduated. Our terms haven't changed."
"Well, Mae is..." He tried not to get emotional again.
"I know. But, maybe in the future, I mean, a dog?"
"Okay," he responded softly. A huge weight lifted inside him, only to be replaced with the fact that Mae wasn't going to be anywhere anymore.
The flat felt emptier, bigger.
He stopped mid-gesture when he realised that he had been looking for Mae's bowl to fill it up before breakfast. He caught Jake, looking at him, in sad realisation.
They skipped workout that day.
"Look, I'm very sorry, Bradshaw," his boss said through the phone. He had to make a run to a near by coffee shop to get everyone in the office beverages when he felt his phone ringing. "But, you were absent yesterday and I can't tolerate this."
"It was a personal emergency, and I got my shift covered," but his words were totally ignored as his boss kept ranting.
"And I know that you allow the team to take the food that is has to be thrown away, that's not part of the employee benefits, that's stealing, so I'm going to have to let you go."
"Sir..."
"No, no, no... don't show up today to work. I will not have it."
"But..."
And then, the call finished.
Bradley looked at his phone as the barista put the drinks in front of him.
Now, what?
Notes:
Comments and kudos are appreciated!
Chapter 7
Summary:
After losing his job, there was a fallout between the Seresin siblings. With summer coming to and end, new challenges arose.
Chapter Text
Because Janet was living with Jake with no obligation to pay rent, with only her part of the utilities to cover with an allowance from Julia, she was now in trouble. Julia had decided that her call to Bradley it was the root cause of why Bradley was fired. It didn't matter that Bradley was going to skip work that evening to attend to Mae. As Julia said, the Seresin had a reputation to uphold, and Janet had to learn that collateral damage was something that it had to be minimised.
In a very awkward conversation with the three Seresin siblings that he did not wish to be present (and Jake had tried to get out, unsuccessfully), he had learnt that, now, he had a similar status to Javy Machado: Friend of the family, and therefore, he had to be 'taken care of'. Jake's friend and some family relatives knew that Bradley was living with Jake, because they had gone together to his birthday. Letting Bradley down, would set a bad precedent and make people talk.
Bradley insisted he could find a new job, that he had actually, two interviews lined up. But still, Julia was adamant that Janet had to do some type of punishment. Because Janet's choice to study a Master's in Harvard had more to do with the free rent her brother provided, than what she was going to study. Because, Janet Seresin, twenty one year old, had more personal debt than Bradley had ever gotten.
"Wait, you maxed out three credit cards?" Bradley asked, surprised. Janet dismissed it with a hand wave, that infuriated Julia more:
"Do you think this is a joke? We are rich because we don't get money, Janet. If you burn everything now, you won't have anything for the future. Or you like everyone in this damn family is waiting to be bailed out for me once again?"
"I don't want your help."
"Oh, great, so I won't giving you any money any more. Go to Father to bail you out."
"C'mon, Julia," Jake interjected with a soft voice.
"Don't, Jake. I'm the one who is always cleaning up your messes and then, Father is upset with me because I didn't do enough to stop any of you."
"Okay, you know what? I do understand why Jake wants to help Bradley, but you? What are your motives here for helping him?"
"My motives? He is a brilliant student, and hard working person," she stated. "Obviously, he gets along with Jake, so he won't have any problems joining my company, if he wishes, to work for me." She turned towards Bradley. "I offer a very competitive package with a very nice health insurance plan. And you'll have the opportunity to work with great mentors. Make sure to get your CV updated by the end of February."
"So, now you're offering a job to Bradley like he's part of the family? You told me I needed to get a Master's and that's why Dad is paying it!" Janet complained.
"Oh, sorry, you though I was going to get you a good job right from the get-go after you're drowning in debt not because of unforeseen and horrible circumstances, but because you decided to make terrible decisions after decisions," she said, and even if Julia wasn't looking at him, Bradley felt called out. "You haven't worked a day in your life and you don't realise your actions have consequences. I was in Forbes under 30 self made millionaires and you're straight to the other side. I've worked since I'm sixteen, I understand consequences. You, on the other hand? No. and that stops today. You want your allowance back? Get Bradley a new job."
And with that, she left the house.
"Self made millionaire? She can shit on Dad all what she wants, but she wouldn't be there if he didn't let him the money," Janet complained and Bradley had to agree with her in silence.
"And then, she gave it back," Jake responded. "Look, you want to ask father help, do, but I'll take this as a chance to learn."
"Do you think I'm not trying? Everything Julia has given me I used it to my things and paying off debt. And what am I supposed to do now? I need to eat food, I need to buy things... in a week, I'm starting my Master's. I need things."
"Your debt hasn't improved in the last three months. In fact, it has gone worse," Jake pointed out. He took his walled out, and took one of his cards and put in Bradley's hand. "Maybe you should learn form Bradley about how to budget. You shouldn't use your cards. Look, I could lent Bradley my card, and he can buy things for you."
"Uh... I'm not sure that I feel comfortable with that."
"So, I'm fucked," Janet scoffed. "Guys don't understand what a woman wants."
"Just until Julia gives her back her allowance, please?" Jake pleaded to Bradley, and he accepted, reluctant. "I mean, you have already two interviews lined up, right? Should be easy," he turned towards Janet. "Should be easy. He's basically done the job for you. And then, you should just focus in spending less money."
Janet crossed her arms.
"Okay, cool. So... it's okay that I drive Bradley to his internship? So he can buy me at least a coffee?"
"Why don't you have a coffee at home?" Jake replied.
"Okay, still, I'm driving Bradley to work," she decided. "And then, while he's in the internship, I'll find for other opportunities."
"Other opportunities?"
"Oh, c'mon, Jake, you really want him working for Julia?" she challenged. Not a single cousin has being able to stay longer than six months at her company."
"And you were still willing to work for her."
"Well, I'm her sister, right? Dad would ask her not to fire me, right?"
Jake just shrugged. It was clear that Jake and Julia had a different experience with their father than Janet. And it was obvious that Janet didn't realise that. After a few more going back and forth, Jake left them as he received a message from one of his squad members.
"Sorry, I have to get this," he said before leaving.
Bradley looked at Janet, uncomfortable because now it seemed that for the next days he was going to be in charge of her economy. A twenty one year old who had no idea of how the real world worked.
"I know you think I'm stupid," Janet sighted. "Don't worry if you think that. My parents do, my brother and sister do. They basically gave me a task that is going to be successful either way so Julia can justify to Dad that she's doing her part."
"So because everyone thinks that you're stupid you're going to prove them right?" Bradley replied, not having a sense of sympathy of her. "You have everything and still, you got into debt. Not because you are stupid, it's just nobody has told you no before?"
"Okay, I know you're smart and perfect..."
Bradley laughed.
"Sorry, but you're funny. Your family thinks you're stupid when they are willing to lent you the money. You just need to care a bit. But no, it's better to say 'oh, everyone thinks I'm stupid so I won't try'. You have graduated already from Stanford. Me, on the other hand, I had my dreams stripped away because I wasn't enough. And you think I'm perfect?" With a bitter chuckle, Bradley added. "Well, maybe you're stupid if you think that. Because I was too stupid to see that I wasn't enough to be a naval aviator. Because I was too stupid to realise my grandma was sick before it was too late."
Janet looked at him, horror in her eyes.
"You simply don't care, Janet. That's your problem. You don't care because you know you don't have to. While the rest have to work, and have to give everything they have, and still... not enough."
"Bradley..."
"So, pray so I get a job soon, because I won't be buying you anything," he waved Jake's card in her face. "I shouldn't be taking care of someone my age. I have my own problems to worry about."
Being able to give Jake his credit card back was liberating. But, the pressure of having to control someone else's spending habits drove him crazy. Luckily, Janet didn't put much of a fight and Julia gave her back her allowance.
A job as a bartender wasn't exactly what he was looking for. He had no real experience there and there was no health insurance package with hit, but Clint, his manager, had promised him enough hours and a percentage of tips, with proper training.
On the mean time, Janet, somehow, had made good connections with the people of Bradley's internship, making possible that he was invited to the celebratory lunch the last week of the internship.
To be fair, it had more to do that she was the youngest sister of Julia Seresin, than anything. And that was so evident when they insisted for her to be his plus one, and half of the conversation was around Julia being one of the youngest self-made millionaires in the country. The other interns were amazed to discover that he was so well connected, and if they had looked down at him for rejecting joining in their expensive breakfast and lunches, now they were eager to prove that they were friends all along.
He looked at Janet, who knew what to say and when, to make everyone flutter around them.
"Story of my life," Janet told him in a quiet whisper, when one of the most insistent and inquisitive seniors left for a second to go to the loo. "And, look, I'm sure that when you graduate, you'll be able to work for this company with no problem. Better under Julia, that's for sure." Bradley wasn't sure if that was because Janet believed or because she wanted to protect a future job offer. But, it was okay with him. The more options, the better. And being away from the Seresin in general seemed a sensible idea.
"Good strategy, Bradshaw," one of the fellow interns said, loud. "Leaving it for the last moment to show us that you had connections. We though you were one of those poor kids trying to play it cool, with two jobs that worked too hard to try to up us," he laughed. Janet put a hand on his shoulder.
"I mean, he is brilliant, but he was a bit worried that because he's almost part of the family, you'll judge him by his connections."
"Smart, well connected," another senior praised. "You saved us millions when you caught that error on the documentation. Well done. Julia will be very pleased with your work. But, if you want to do your own thing outside the Seresin, you know you have here a permanent position as soon as you graduate."
"Thank you, sir."
"So, are you to engaged?" Asked one of the secretaries. Janet chuckled.
"Oh, no, no... I'm trying to set him up with my brother."
"Julia Seresin has a brother? Never thought about it."
After that, the conversation didn't go much different. When heading back home, Janet apologised.
"I'm sorry about saying about my brother... I didn't want them to hit on you. Well, if you wanted to flirt with any of them, I screwed you over..."
"No, no, it's okay, I had no interest in any of them."
"And, I want you to know that I'm starting to look for a job as well."
"You... okay, what type of job?"
"Well, I'm studying Business Management, so I'm applying to Manager roles. Oh, bad idea? Why that face?"
"No, sorry, I mean, happy for being looking for a job. But, in what industry?"
"Retail, hospitality... you found a job in less than a week, shouldn't be hard, right?"
"I mean, I've been working in hospitality since I'm sixteen," Bradley responded. "I have experience, I've been in all type of roles, and... you want to go straight to management position. But also, you don't have availability. You still have classes to go, hours to spend study?"
"Oh... okay."
"If you really trying to work, I can go over your CV."
"Would you hire me if you had an interview with me?"
"I don't know, I don't know how do you work." Seeing Janet's defeated face, he tried to make it better. "But, if I could, I probably will give you a couple of hours of trial on a hostess stand and see if you listen orders, are open to change, and have organisation skills."
"Oh, well, I'm good with people."
"You have to be also good working with people."
"Right. Cool. How did you get your first job?"
"The owner of the place knew many people on base, and... a few people on base knew my mother and grandma, and they vouched for me. So they gave me a chance in the kitchen. I was a dishwasher, and ended up one of the line cooks. It was great because when I arrived to Boston, it helped a lot to get my first job in the city."
"Really?"
"You survive three years in a kitchen, you can do any job."
"Could you teach me?" Janet said. "I'll pay you."
"You just got your allowance back and you promised your brother and sister that you would lower your expenses."
"But, if you do a job, it's fair to pay you, right?"
Bradley closed his eyes for a moment, and then, said:
"What if... before we start the new year, we have a dinner. We can make dinner, I'll show you the basics of any job: organisation, cleanness and communication. And then, we'll see."
"Thank you so much, Bradley. I owe you so bad."
Sunday evening they decided to prepared the dinner, with Jake as their special guest.
Jake waited, seated in the kitchen table, watching them cook. Janet had no ability in the kitchen, but at least she learnt fast the most important rule of all: 'clean as you go'. She also watched the fries get ready, while Bradley made sure that the burgers were done, with the cheese melted and the correct amount of sauces. He was taking longer than when he was back in Fallon, as he didn't have a grill or half of the kitchen ware he used, but, it was enough with Janet looking impressed and Jake praising them.
When the food was served, they both waited for Jake to give them his verdict, who was positive.
"Damn, that's a burger! It's been a while since I had one that good."
"You're exaggerating," Bradley brushed off, blushing.
"Oh, my dear! I can't believe I had a hand in doing those. I mean, you did most of it, but damn, they're good!"
Bradley hid behind the burger as Jake chuckled.
"If I tell Julia, she won't believe me," Jake said. "But maybe we should."
"No, don't tell her anything," Janet requested. "I don't want her... judging."
"Sure, as you wish. Are you ready for tomorrow? Have you gotten everything you need for the new course?"
Bradley nodded. He had managed to get the majority of the books needed by second hand or being creative. At his side, Janet shook her head:
"I haven't had time, actually. I've been applying for jobs. I have an interview Wednesday afternoon for a club down town," she revealed. Jake chuckled and then, he turned serious.
"Wait, you're not kidding."
"No, I've been talking to Bradley so I'm going to try this new thing call working. Julia did it, right? Well, me too. I figure out that if I'm getting an allowance I can pay off my debt and I don't have to reduce my spending that much if I'm working too, right?"
"I guess that makes sense," Jake nodded. "But, don't give up after a couple of days if it is too much, okay?"
"I'm not going to give up. I swear."
"Okay... just... I'll let you know, that if you don't get fired in the first three months, you'll do better than Julia on her first job."
"Really? She got fired?"
Jake nodded.
"But don't tell her anything... unless, well, you survive three months. Without getting fired, or giving up."
Janet hummed.
"Okay, I can do three months." She looked at Bradley. "I'll do three months."
Jake smiled, and then, he asked:
"Wait... if you find a job before two weeks... you aren't coming with me to Coldplay's concert, right?"
Bradley had to admit that Janet managed to control the emotions that showed in her face. And when she spoke, she did it calmly:
"I... the tickets are already paid. And it was a present. Your birthday present. I... If I'm working I can't risk to lose the job. So... I guess... you should take someone else."
"I can give you the money back for yours," Jake offered.
"Or you could resell yours to a higher price, get some money out of it," Bradley proposed. Somehow, the idea of Jake going with someone who wasn't his sister bother him. Jake hummed, interested in that idea. "Help to pay off that debt."
"I think I like the idea of reselling the ticket, who are you going to invite anyway? Nat is abroad, so is Javy and your squad hasn't returned from... wherever you were."
Jake shrugged.
"I don't know, I'm not sure who's going to accept with such a short notice. Maybe..."
"If you're thinking about Spenser, I'll get Julia to pay for Bradley's trip and ticket."
"I'm having class, I can't miss anything," Bradley let them known, begging for them not to mix him in this issue. He didn't want to think about Jake's mysterious ex, the one that Mae used to hate the most (and with motives, Janet had stated). Or any other person. "I'm sorry. Also, I can't afford to buy the ticket, sorry again, Janet."
"No, okay, I understand. But, still, don't bring Spencer. If you really want to bring Spencer, I'll sell to him the ticket at... $5,000."
"Sure. I wasn't planning to do so, but, if it helps you to get a boost in your finances, I'll talk to him. I'm sure he can afford that. Or double, if you're..."
"I'd rather the ticket to go to waste," she cut.
Jake raised his hands in surrendering and said:
"I'm not calling him back, okay? He is from the past. I have better things to do. Or to pay attention to." Something moved inside Bradley. He didn't like that. He didn't mean the implications of those words. Who was Jake paying attention too? Damn he had checked out that summer completely and missed it. "In any case," Jake carried on. "I hope you find a job and I'll get someone, not Spencer, to come to the concert with me."
"Really? Good, that's good."
"I'll get you a present from New York."
"You're talking as if you're sure I'm getting the job."
"Oh, c'mon, Janet, are you telling me that you don't want to be able to tell Julia that you have lasted more than three months in a job? It's one of the best feelings in the world. When I joined USNA and I survived boot camp she was the first person I told, that I've became 'a real man' and I wanted to make sure that she knew."
The challenge was obvious, laid for there so perfect. But, in Janet's eyes, there was motivation, fire. Bradley actually though if the woman lasted a month in a kitchen she could end up scarred for life or fearless. B
"Three months, right? Well, it's done. I swear." She looked at Bradley. "You'll see."
"I'll be cheering on you too, Janet."
"Thank you!"
After dinner, Janet went straight to her room, ready to read about health safety to 'speed up' the training process, and Bradley helped Jake to clean up everything, even if there wasn't much to do.
"Seresin children run in spite and pettiness," Jake said. "We are simple creatures. The three of us."
"I can relate to that feeling. After high school and before enrolling uni, that was the only thing that got me through."
"Well, let's hope it is enough to get my sister in a good path. I don't know how you done it, but thank you for inspire her."
"I mean, she's convinced that working for Julia is going to be horrible and she has actually helped me to make connections with a couple of companies."
"I'm not going to lie, the turn over for people working directly under Julia is quite high. But many of them have archived great things. I know a few of our cousins and relatives work for her, and they don't do much. But, also, when I told Julia that I've survived boot camp she was so happy for me. She was the only one happy. Janet cried, hated that I was far away from home, Mum though that I was disrespecting Father. Father..." he sighed. "But Julia told me that I was being smart. The first time she told me that. That I was doing well picking my own destiny and working for it. That surviving was proof that I was able to do things."
Bradley nodded, thinking, who he could have told him that he had archived anything? He didn't have many wins under his belt. Well, meeting Jake, that had made his life exponentially better. But apart from that... maybe it was good that neither his mother and grandmother were there to witness his misery.
"Maybe you should told that Janet. She's under impression that she's stupid. Or that everyone thinks she's stupid."
"She's not. It's... Father has always been very lenient with her. Never allowed her to have a 'bad day'. Julia can't really be strict with her, because if she is, Father is going to find out, spoil Janet further and... well Julia and Father's relationship is worse than me and Father, and that's saying something."
"Fuck. And your Mum?"
"Mum... Mum wants the best for the three of us, but I'm under the impression that, sometimes, she doesn't know what's the best."
"I'm sorry."
As alone as he found himself, Bradley was sure that his mother and grandmother would have supported him no matter what. That was why he hurt so much when he knew he couldn't deliver and be up to standard. And then, it was Maverick. He imagined if whatever Maverick felt, was the same his family did. It would have killed him. It almost had killed him.
Bradley hugged Jake, taking the man by complete surprise.
"But, you know, sometimes, we have to take a step back. From what I see here, you're doing great. So are your sisters. And, if spite is enough to give Janet a boost and success, she's going to be winning no matter what."
Jake hugged him back, and Bradley let himself be lost in the moment, enjoying the closeness. He felt how Jake's perfume wrapped him softly.
"Thank you, Bradley," Jake whispered. And then, Bradley, stepped back, trying to keep his cool.
"You're a good person, Jake."
Jake chuckled.
"Ah, I wish that was true. But, I appreciate it."
"How are you?" he asked, softly.
"Me? I'm fine."
"I should have asked before. Sorry about that."
"Don't apologise, Bradley, it's... it's okay."
"It's just... as I finished my exams, time has speed up so fast and... I haven't checked on you before. You came back from deployment and got granted a long leave and then, almost two weeks ago Mae passed away. So, how are you?"
Jake opened his eyes as he took a seat. He chuckled a bit nervous.
"Well, I'm... I miss Mae a lot, that's true. And I'm glad that I haven't jumped yet to get a new pet because... I feel like I need to sit a bit more with that. I... I'm having a bit of inner conflict knowing that in a month I'll probably will be coming back. I don't know to where but..." he stood there for a minute, looking at nowhere. Then, he half smiled. "Don't get it wrong. I love being in the air, I love doing what I do, if that means to protect the people I care. And I take pride for doing it without my father's help."
Bradley could understand that sentiment. The few times he was in the air... he felt amazing. Probably what many considered to be high. He had pictured himself flying with Maverick. A hero, someone who gave everything for his country.
Now, it felt more like a childish dream. Looking back, he was lured into a false sense of security. And Maverick never had the intention of keeping him under his wing.
"I feel like there is a but there," Bradley commented, when he felt that the silence had stretched for too long.
"Well, yes... I guess there is one. It's... Once I'm used to be deployed, it's hard to come back. And... being on leave for so long... it's..." Jake frowned and Bradley waited, patient. "I'm getting used to drive you around, our occasional chats, being able to learn a bit more about Janet and her life... I don't know. I always felt running away from my family, and, for the first time..." he laughed, a bit bitter. "You get me?"
Bradley wasn't sure if he understand that feeling. Now that Jake had said that Jake felt running away from his family, he realises he felt the opposite. Being left behind. Of course his mother and grandma had no fault in that, nobody asked to be sick. But Maverick did.
In any case, he wanted to belong.
And the Navy, with people he knew already, a place forced to cooperate for a common goal, seemed the perfect place.
Now... he wasn't that sure. Even if he knew Jake, he felt... embarrassed. Inadequate.
Not enough.
"Partially, if I'm being honest. Sorry..."
"No, it's okay. Different perspectives in life."
"But you know don't feel that you have to run away?"
Jake smiled, softly.
"Maybe I want to stay to try... new things. And, it would be a shame that they call me with new orders before your birthday, right?"
Bradley chuckled a bit nervous.
"So, are you going to miss it?"
"Depends. I'm still doing rehab, I'll finish in about two weeks. After that... who knows."
"You don't have any idea what's going to come, right?"
"No, I don't... Well..." Jake bit his lower lip. "I was flying, an operation, in a general area I won't disclose. Recon, mainly. And... there was also an operation, friendly one. That interfered with my operations. And..."
"You got hit by friendly fire?"
"By fire? No, no... a loose drone. That wasn't even being piloted by an agent. No... It was a miscalculation."
"You... can tell me that?" Most of Maverick's closeness to talk anything was due to anything he did was 'classified' to some degree and, explaining anything without giving out any detail that they weren't suppose to know was confusing and boring at best.
"I shouldn't. But, that's what I've gatherer. So, those are my opinions. Don't..."
"I won't be divulgence them, don't worry," Bradley offered. "I know."
"Right, you're a Navy brat after all." Jake laughed, and then, he said: "Well, any way, I got lost for a couple of days, but I went back. And then, I got sent back by one Admiral who put me on mandatory therapy. Told me that he was expecting me to get back in the air, that he will cover my six if I did the job."
"And, are you...?"
"Getting better? I don't have any problem to get back to my plane, if you're asking. But my distrust for the higher up has... broaden."
"I guess, if your father was a general in the Army you have different standards."
"Because my father was a general in the Army I precisely know I should distrust the..." Jake pointed up upwards. "That was one of the reasons for not going for the Army. I tried to rebel... in a conservative way. But, still. True colours of some people."
"Oh. No, of course. Makes sense."
"Still want to be the best aviator."
"You aren't yet? Hmmm... shameful."
"Hey, hey... I will, I will. Hard to do when there is a madman in the skies," he replied chuckling. "Not gonna say I'm waiting for him to retire but."
"Well, it's more important if you get back, honestly."
"You got it, Bradley."
They laughed softly and then, Jake sobered up.
"Well, in any case, think about what do you want to do after you graduate. Navy or... well, as you said in my birthday party, built the fastest plane ever."
"Javy told you?"
"I heard you," Jake responded. "And I don't care that are my squad members or friends. If you make that plane, I'm flying it. Not Coyote, not Bone, not Ken. Me."
That made Bradley laugh.
"Right, because I'll have the power to decide that."
Suddenly, the kitchen door opened, Janet appearing on the frame.
"Bradley, I've been applying a few more interviews. I just realised that none of them talk about health insurance."
"Oh, hospitality usually don't offer one," Bradley replied. "Even as a manager. But, you should be fine, you are in your family's plan, right? After you finish your masters and with the experience you can earn now, I bet you won't have any problems to get a job, outside Julia's company, even."
Janet smiled.
"Really? You think so? Well, then I'm applying anyway. Thanks a lot!"
She disappeared again and Bradley looked at Jake, amused. He was about to tell him how invested Janet seemed, but Jake was frowning.
"You don't have health insurance?"
"Heh? Oh, no, I don't. Well, I have a super basic plan because the university kind of ask for it, but it actually covers nothing," he laughed. Jake's frown grew. "Oh, it's not that bad, Jake. If I have something life threatening no plan I can afford is going to cover it. Plus, if I die, I don't have to worry any more about the future."
His laugher died on his throat. Jake wasn't amused, or didn't even find it funny.
"I should be the one with less chances to come back home," Jake stated.
"You're taking it too serious. Look, I'm young. If I get sick, whatever it is, it's going to be three or four days tops suffering. And I don't want to be paying some insurance that is not going to do anything for me. Okay? I have my teas, I'll be fine."
"Sure..."
The moment felt ruined, and Bradley tried to keep his smile on his face.
"I think... I should go sleep. Tomorrow is introductions. I want to follow some advice that Janet gave me about networking."
"Yes, you... your beauty sleep. Even if you don't need it. Well, you need it to be well rested. I mean... Good night, Bradley."
That night, he missed the weight of Mae on his chest while his mind started spiral about the future.
Janet found a job as one of the new members of the team of public relationships of one of the most demanded clubs in Boston. They probably were counting that her surname alone drove public, and still, Bradley advised her to learn any role that was available in the club: from kitchen to front house to management. She took the advice to heart, and in her first week she managed to make friends in the kitchen, behind the bar and, most important, with the person who was in charge of training her.
That also meant that, officially, Jake was not going with her to the concert. One of Jake's ex girlfriends bought the ticket from Janet. It wasn't Spencer, and Janet was happy with that, but the woman in question was Ruby, the girlfriend that adopted Mae to surprise Jake with her. She was also the one who stayed with the cat until they broke up and she decided to travel the world, leaving the cat with Jake.
One of the few people that the Seresin respected. Janet was torn, because she was still convinced that Jake and Bradley should be a couple, of at least, something, before Jake went off again to fly planes for the Navy. But, she had great memories with Ruby.
Bradley could feel his mood getting damper by the day. Even if Jake had brought them brownies to celebrate Janet's first job.
"So, you're bringing Ruby to the concert, then?" Janet asked.
"Well, she's currently living in New York, so that makes her the only person that can attend mid week without having a day off," Jake said. "She's also offering me to stay home, so I don't have to beg for a free room at the Trace Plaza Hotel in New York. Why?"
"I don't know... I wasn't aware you were talking to her."
"Well, she also knew Mae. Since she passed away, I called her to tell her the news, and we've been talking since."
Bradley put a whole brownie inside his mouth to avoid saying anything. He and Jake weren't a thing. Jake was his friend, his landlord. Bradley had no claim over him, and it was obvious that Jake was more likely to connect with his first girlfriend, the one that brought him Mae, that a sad virgin and broke boy. She had a career already, travelled the world, and had culture.
"Well, I'm happy... you found someone. Better than Spencer, am I right?" Janet tried to joke, and Bradley nodded, even if he had no idea what Spencer had done apart from being icky about Mae. "But, I don't know, isn't staying with her for four nights... imposing a lot on her?"
"Is better than having Aunt Estella snooping around."
"Oh, snooping around?" Bradley repeated when he shallowed the brownie. He didn't intend it to say it out loud. Not in any type of tone. But Janet was looking at him, proud, while Jake was surprised.
"Sorry?"
"It's... the expression, caught me off guard," he lied, trying not to blush. He drank a bit of the herbal tea that Jake had prepared for the brownies. "Your families... seem very intense."
"Oh, well, Mum loves gossip, same as her sister, they only two years apart. Not like us, so I guess that's why their relationship is different." Jake informed.
"They're a bit toxic too," Janet added. "Well, I'm going to sleep, I'm beat. Tomorrow I have classes and then I'll probably be working until four in the early morning." She left, saying good night and taking with her mug to the bedroom.
Bradley nodded, not letting Jake say another world. He wasn't sure if he could stomach it.
"I should go to bed too. I don't finish work as late as her, but... still... work."
"No, of course. Good night, Bradley."
"Good night, Jake."
Bradley smiled, his stomach twisting.
Jake was so sweet, so nice. Bringing treats for them, and Bradley could only try to badly conceal a jealousy he wasn't entitled to.
You're not enough.
"Fuck, I'm so off my game, today, I'm sorry Clint."
He hadn't sleep at all, he didn't know what he had dreamed about, it hadn't been that nice. He had only made it to work because Janet started an hour earlier and she had made sure he was waking up before she left.
"Not at all, Sugar. Ohh, cute guy coming to the bar. Let me get it, okay? we don't want to embarrass ourselves." With that, Clint left his side as Bradley started the preparation for the night: cutting limes, filling up the ice, checking the syrups. "I'll give you ten minutes to shaken off whatever is bothering you, and then, we're starting with a classic margarita. Deal?"
"Deal."
The night only got a bit better, and the tips weren't that bad. But when he arrived home and found Janet on the living room, her laptop opened with pictures of the concert displayed on the screen, he just excused himself that he was very tired.
Jake arrived Sunday evening bearing gifts with him. After a busy brunch day, Bradley had spent most of the evening napping and then, studying. Janet, next to him, was also checking her notes. Both of them were planning the following week: classes, study group, library hours and work. And, they were still trying to get half day reserved to meet with some people that Janet insisted would be good for their careers. One of them was a guy from the internship, and the other, two of Janet classmates.
Because during brunch, Bradley was lucky enough to make friends with two old ladies that left a very generous tip for him, he was actually contemplating going to a place slightly better than the usual destiny of broke students.
"Hello, how are my favourite people in the Earth?"
"Oh, look, we exist again, Bradley. After Thursday, no more photos, we almost fill a missing person report, isn't it?"
Jake laughed, clearly in a very good mood. He had a Coldplay hoodie on, and had several shopping bags with him.
"Sorry, I was very busy. Ruby made me do a tour on the city and meet so many people. It's been great to see her again." He put a big box in front of Bradley and another one in front of Janet. "Of course, I got merch for both of you guys, but, during my visit to the city, I found these things and they felt perfect for you two."
Curious, Janet opened her first.
"Patience and Fortitude bookends," Jake said as she took the two lion statues from the box. It wasn't the typical thing one could find on a souvenir shop. They felt heavy, craved on wood, hand-painted with a matte varnish. She smiled, and rushed to give him a hug. "So, did I guessed correctly?"
"Yes, thank you so much! They'll fit so well in my bedroom back in Austin," she declared. "Ahh, I can't wait to tell Mum! She's going to love them too!" Then she looked at Bradley. "What about you? What do you have?"
When Bradley undid the wrapping, a wooden box surprised him. It felt majestic, ancient. He opened it with ease and discovered, inside, properly arranged, a vintage tea set. Bradley unpacked it, in awe. It felt fancy, the type of thing that his grandmother would pass down to his mother. The thing you would put out for guests.
It had four cups and plates, a large teapot with its own ceramic strainer, a small jar for milk, a sugar pourer with dessert plates and matching cutlery. The colours were red, gold and black, very elegant, in a neat wooden box.
"So, Ruby and Maya were filling up things for their registry, sorry, I forgot to mention, Ruby is marrying Maya, a girl she met backpacking in Greece, and they're now engaged. They brought me to this super cute shop, and they were doing the registry list, and... I was lucky enough I saw it first. Do you like it?"
Bradley was speechless for half a minute.
"This... this is... wow, amazing. The colours, the thought, the detail... Thank you so much, Jake, you shouldn't have."
"I'm so glad you like it," Jake replied, looking proud. "It basically screamed your name."
"Yes," agreed Janet. "It really fits you. And you know, you could invite someone over and prepare them a cream tea." Then, she looked at Jake and hit her brother in the arm. "And you didn't say that Ruby is getting married?"
"Oh, I didn't? Well, they haven't invited me to their wedding, but I guess after this weekend, I might go, if I can. You know, maybe I'm deployed. Who know?"
Janet snorted.
"Okay, cool. Well, I'm calling Mum and telling her about this, okay?"
"Thank you," Bradley repeated, a bit overwhelmed.
"Well, I hope you use it. Don't be afraid, if you get sick, you'll need to do your peppermint teas and tisanes somewhere. Maybe I'll try to get you a honey pot to pair."
Bradley chuckled.
"It's okay, this is more than enough."
"You know? One of the reasons Ruby and Maya are getting married is so Maya can have better health insurance. Maybe we should get married and you could use my insurance." Jake suggested as a joke.
"Oh, sure, join Tricare," Bradley raised his hands as Jake started to laugh. "Sir, you aren't asking me marriage before not even asking me for a date or giving my a kiss. That's a clear no from me."
"But think about the health insurance," Jake fake pleaded taking his hands to his heart.
"So we just get married to commit fraud," Bradley laughed and Jake joined.
"Hey, rich people marry for less."
"Shut the fuck up, Jake," he giggled. "You think you're funny but you're not."
"I'm sorry, but you're smiling again. And I'm glad, you were very gloomy before I went to New York."
"It was... stress from a new job, the last year starting," he lied, feeling burning in shame for feeling jealous. "You know."
Jake nodded.
"Well, I'm glad my gift helped."
"Your presence also did," Bradley admitted, low voice. Jake smiled so brightly that, since Mae passed away, he felt the inch of play 'Green eyes' again on the piano. "I'm going to sleep. Go classes tomorrow. Then a few hours at the bar, you know, serving cocktails and such. Manager says I need to come up with a signature drink."
"Oh, that's nice. Have a good rest. Good night, Bradley."
"Good night, Jake."
Notes:
I feel I should apologise because they're talking their sweet time but they have hug already and Bradley is a Family Friend of the Seresin, so, that's good right?
Thank you so much for reading!!
Chapter 8
Summary:
Halloween approached and that meant that Bradley's 22nd birthday was too. Jake, enthusiastic about the date, invited Bradley to a dinner to discuss plans for the party (and the future).
Chapter Text
"Are is joking, aren't you?" Marion said as she looked over to Janet, looking at her first payslip in her life. They were waiting for Marion to finish her shift at her new job, in a bakery, before heading to their usual pub to have a couple of pints. October was turning around, and shops and restaurants were putting up some Halloween themes up.
Bradley had been expecting to work during his birthday, but one of the benefits of his new job was to have his birthday off. Meaning, he would have Saturday off in a very crazy weekend.
Bradley would be fighting to work those days, instead of just taking the weekdays that nobody wanted, if it weren't for Jake.
Jake, who had been called back to duty. Except it was for four days a week during the month of October while he was completing his medical, debriefs and 'stuff he didn't want to talk about because he literary couldn't'. He had heard that Javy and Natasha were also trying to get the Halloween weekend off in the city.
"Why would a be joking? This is a shitty salary." Janet replied as she waved her payslip. "Marion, be real. How is your job here?"
"Pretty much the same, but I like the hours. And managers aren't toxic, so" she responded. "But, didn't you... do the maths when you applied?" inquired Marion again. "I thought you guys were a year older than me. Smarter even."
Janet frowned as Bradley chuckled.
"Let her be, is her first job. She's been on it for almost five weeks. Almost halfway, right?"
"Actually, I was hoping to last at least six months, as an employee who is job hopping isn't really a good thing. And..." she sighed. "That's bullshit, right? Because if you have a shitty job with a shitty boss you're just stuck. Fuck the system."
Marion gave Bradley a nod.
"You devil, turning rich people into anti-capitalists, what have you done?"
"And we haven't even started to read Marx." They both started to laugh as Janet looked between them, confused.
"In any case, it's not fair. Workers should be paid a liveable wage, I can't do anything with this." She shook her head. "Well, let me get the check," she said as Marion brought it.
"I thought you were going to spend less," Bradley said.
"Dad sent me a new credit card," she responded. "He thought that because I wasn't spending much money, I was depressed. So, instead, I'm just spending on my friends. It will make my Christmas better," she informed as Marion charged them way less than she should.
"You put a 250% tip, Janet," Marion informed. "Is that right?"
"Well, it was Dad, so I don't know," Janet replied. She did it so naturally that Bradley believed that it was a normal occurrence for her. "Just accept it."
"Well, thank you very much, Janet. Just give me ten minutes and we can go to the pub," Marion said. "And let's plan your birthday, Bradley, shall we? I need to know when to ask off, if I can."
"Oh, fuck, your birthday, that's true, I'll be likely be working." Janet and Marion nodded.
"Not on Sunday morning, will you, right?" Bradley comment. "Maybe we could be doing something low-key." And then, whatever Jake wanted to do, they could do it on Saturday.
"Yeah, that would be nice."
The evening was good. Marion and Janet mixed well together. In fact, Bradley had noticed that Janet mixed well with any kind of people. She talked her way when people of her same status, naturally, but also, she was comfortable with people like Marion. When he told Brittany, she just laughed:
"Kinda like you, isn't it?" Then, she put on a more serious face. "Why? Are you interested in her?"
He laughed, that was a good joke.
"No, no. We're just friends. I mean, she's Jake's family. So, makes sense that I get along with her."
"It does?" Brittany asked. Then she smiled. "I mean, I guess it does if you're still hung up on him. What is he doing?"
"He's going Monday to Thursday to some type of retraining or whatever, and then... In November, he will be leaving, probably." Then he added. "And... well, yes, I have a crush on him. It's... annoying."
"Annoying? He's a sight for the eyes, so yummy. Not as hot as Coyote, but you get me. I feel that because I haven't been able to make out with him, probably."
"What are you talking about, girl?"
"What? You never felt that? Getting super into one person and then just having sex to feel... it wasn't that deep?"
He had literary no idea what she was talking about.
"Yes," she insisted. "You remember I had this MASSIVE crush on Helena, one of Chelsey's classmates? We had sex, it was great, but then it was... I preferred her as a friend, you know? Luckily, it was mutual. We chat sometimes, distance is good tho. Maybe is what happens with you and Jake. You don't want to try anything because, yes, he's your landlord and yes, he is Navy... but, maybe what you have to actually do is to hook up with him. Just before he goes for deployment. He ain't going to complain about getting some of you. I've seen you looking at yourself."
"Hmm..." he didn't dismiss the idea because, well, even if he had crushes in the past, they had never been intense. And Brittany had experience acting on those crushes, while he always had something else to do. He had always been a coward. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean, Jake is 'safe', isn't he? He takes care of you, you get along with his younger sister, and he is not here most of the year. So, it's good to have a crush on him. A fantasy to keep yourself going, you know? But then, you try the real deal and... sometimes it's great, most time it's great. But after that... it passes."
"It does?"
"I mean, I guess there are people who fall in love at first sight, but who is that lucky?" she snorted, and Bradley wanted to follow her. But he knew that his parents were high school sweethearts. And even if he once Bradley had suggested to his mother to meet someone new, she had discarded that idea: Goose had been it for her.
Also, Bradley knew that he wasn't going to be that lucky.
"Yes, I can see that," he decided to say.
"My suggestion? Be discreet, find a moment before he leaves, check the vibes and... go for it."
"And how do you... Check the vibes?"
"You... just do you, Bradley. Wink at him. Don't overthink it. Go for it. When you're feeling yourself, you have this hot aura... If he still feels like he did last year on your birthday, you've already got it in the bag."
"You make it very simple."
"It's just a fuck, nothing life changing," she just shrugged.
"Why are we here, again?"
"To plan your birthday party," Jake responded, serious. The waiting staff just took the empty plates for the appetisers. The sommelier presented them a new wine just for the first plate and Jake was trying it, approving.
"No, I mean, here in this restaurant... You know I can't afford this."
"It's my invitation, you don't have to worry about the cost," Jake said. "Honestly, we could be at home, but because Janet invited some friends over, she's going to miss your birthday party. It's not fair to dangle it in front of her."
"And... you just happen to get a table here?"
"It's easy when you're a Seresin," Jake chuckled. "So, your birthday."
"A brunch like you did for your birthday would be more than enough."
"But last year we went to Miami! We need to up our game."
"Up our game?" Bradley couldn't help but chuckle. "You kidnapped me last time. I had no say in that whole thing."
"Exactly, that's why I'm consulting you this time. For the guest list, the type of food... those things."
"Brunch, Sunday morning, so everyone can come." He was sure that Marion and even Janet could make it.
"Who is everyone?"
"Marion, Brittany, well, I don't know if Chelsey is going to be able to do so, she's in DC. Your sister will be working on Saturday, but if we do brunch, she could come too, right? And you said that Natasha and Javy were also taking the weekend off."
"I'll probably have to be in base Monday at nine o'clock sharp, if everything goes well these two weeks," Jake announced. "We could party on your actual day, too. As a... farewell sort of thing. You up?"
A glimpse of Brittany telling him to take his chance before Jake could leave crossed his mind. He choked on air and then, blushing, tried to redirect his thoughts.
"Sure, but... why is it so important to celebrate my birthday in a big way?"
"Any birthday," Jake corrected. "Life is worth living, and not enjoying it would be a disservice to those who left us too soon. You don't celebrate your birthday?"
"The last time I had a proper celebration was when I was fifteen before..." his mother got diagnosed after that, and he put all his energies into school, extracurriculars and spending the maximum amount of time with his mother. A party with friends wasn't on his mind; he just enjoyed a quiet afternoon with his mother and grandmother. After his grandmother passed, he had nobody to celebrate it. Yes, he would meet for some drinks, but that was it.
"Ah, right, when you flew. Your best birthday ever. Last year, your second best and this year... are we aiming for the second spot?"
"I..." Bradley hummed. "I think there is no point in comparing birthdays. If I get to laugh a lot, it's going to be great. And well, when I was fifteen, I had many unrealistic dreams. Can I ever be a naval aviator?" Was any point to it?
"It's hard to know," Jake admitted. "But there are other ways to fly. Not just in an F-18 being in danger and... well, dropping bombs where the bosses decide to."
Bradley observed Jake, who had a frown on his forehead, and his usually green eyes turned cold steel. But it wasn't rage, it was fear. Then Jake blinked, and his face returned to the warmth Bradley was used to.
"Sorry, that was out of line. I know my job is necessary. And that you were dreaming of following your father's st..."
"That was a childish dream," Bradley cut. "Life is not fair, I know. And I have a lot of things to sort out. And I'm not sure that I'll pass the physicals..."
"You'll pass the physicals, no doubt about that," now it was Jake interrupting. "But, it's not just being about physically competent."
Bradley nodded as his fears were confirmed. Maverick had been right all along. Jake thought the same.
"I feel that you're under so much pressure now. So, I'll focus on your grades. You're in STEM, and your degree would be useful. Then, you'll have to attend Officer Candidate School. The better grades you get there, the higher the chances that you end up where you want. And then take the Aviation Selection Test Battery before even attending Flight school. Done."
"Sees simple."
"You said you might want to do it, right? I had to check it. I went through USNA, so..." Jake poured them another glass of wine. "You'll get a pay equivalent to an E-5. Although... Do you have savings? There are some expenses that you'll have to cover. And since you don't have dependents..." Jake made a gesture. "Well, don't worry, I'll help you with anything you need."
Bradley paused and looked at Jake, who looked serious. But why? Why was Jake so willing to help him out? Maverick didn't bet on him, and he was more knowledgeable... now that he thought about it. Jake had said that he wasn't yet the best aviator, that someone was at the top, someone who Jake was waiting to be retired. Maverick... should be forty-four years old. How long until he was going to be there, up, able to watch Bradley making it?
And, what if he didn't get the grades he needed? While in middle and high school, he had a perfect record, but university was another story. The gap year he had to take had forced him to slow down. He had to put more effort into learning things. It was true that his grades had improved drastically since he was living with Jake, but...
What if he didn't make it? Was Jake going to ask him for the money back? It was more likely. After all, if he succeeded, he could have a decent starting salary. He could work out, somehow, pay off his debt and Jake back. But if he didn't... he would have spent, what? A year? Two? for nothing. Just to be in a worse position.
"Bradley?" Jake called.
"Yes?"
"If you think too much about what you're going to do, you're going to miss your shot. You have to decide what you want to do. Soon. Can't be in that perch forever. You have to go all in or nothing."
"Hmm."
He disagreed with Jake on that. All in or nothing? The last time he had decided with so much intensity and passion, he ended up with no future. He put all his energy and plans into a single thing just to get fucked over.
What he needed was to keep his options open. Trying to save money, even if it was hard as hell. And when the time arrived... he could apply for OCS, maybe trying to apply for a job in the company where he did the internship. Both of them, to see what he could get first.
Jake was still staring at him, so he diverted the conversation, once again:
"Jake... don't go overboard with my birthday."
Jake smirked:
"Well, I won't, but I also have to make you a present, right?"
"Jake... what are you actually planning?" he asked, feeling that this whole dinner was just a rouse to get permission to get something crazy cleared out.
"A surprise party, of course. That's my gift."
"You know I will never be able to pay you back."
"I don't want you to pay me back. That's why is a gift. I have money, I want to use it on my loved ones... and friends."
"Ah, yeah, Javy warned me about the Seresin love. That I had to just accept it." The comment, even made with a deadpan tone, made Jake laugh.
"Coyote has his moments, I must admit. I trust him with my life."
"I'm going to guess it's mutual."
"I hope so! So, I won't go overboard, but... Do you know what time you'll be working on Sunday?"
"I think I have closing. From seven o'clock. That's why I was thinking about a brunch. And I'm letting you organise something on Saturday. Low-key."
"Whatever will do on Saturday, will stay on Saturday. And we can have a brunch, if anyone is not coming on Saturday, sure."
"Seems like a good compromise, sure."
It didn't feel like a compromise, but Jake's smile was so warm and blinding that Bradley didn't mind. At all.
"Oh, shit, tell me we're going party to celebrate your birthday because I managed to convince Julia to get me a day off at work."
Julia and Jake could talk about being independent and trying not to indulge Janet as their parents had. But when Julia heard about the birthday party and that Janet missed the Coldplay concert due to a job, she quickly called her job to ask her to give her a day off so she could attend a family event.
Bradley wanted to laugh, but he couldn't. His whole body was hurting.
"Why are you asking that?"
"You look horrible."
"Wow, thanks. I had a bad night's sleep."
"No, I mean, that you look sick. Pale, glassy eyes, red nose." She came closer to him and her hand felt cold on his forehead. "You have some temperature."
"I'm going to be late for class, Janet."
"No, you have to rest. If you don't rest, you won't be able to go party this weekend."
"My priority is my job, that is, study and my actual job. Not partying."
"But it is your birthday!"
He just turned away, prepared himself a tea. His stomach couldn't handle anything solid, but he made himself some sandwiches for midday. Fortunately, he didn't have to go to work that day. But, still, he felt like shit at the end of the day.
"You should go to the doctor."
"I had chicken soup and took some ibuprofen, I'll be fine."
He was not fine, as on Tuesday, he almost fainted on campus and the manager sent him home as soon as he saw him going through the door.
"I don't know how things were in your previous job, but go home. Call me tomorrow to update how you are. No need to bring a doc's note."
"Thank you."
On Wednesday, he didn't even get up from the bed.
Bradley was woken up when the main door of the house closed. He looked at the watch on his nightstand. It was too early for Janet to come back from her study group. He had gone to work, but because it was a quiet night, he and Clint were sent home. So, Bradley had welcomed the extra sleep hours gladly, hoping that by Friday, he could be much better, so he wouldn't feel guilty about missing Saturday.
Even if his manager had reassured him that it was okay for him to enjoy his birthday.
Then, he noticed some steps in the corridor, and someone opened the door. Bradley recognised the silhouette immediately.
"Jake?"
"How are you? Janet made it sound like you're at the doors of Death."
"I was on Tuesday. But I'm better. I was sent home, it was quiet, so I decided to nap a bit."
Jake hummed, looked around.
"Do you want some tea? I can prepare some," Jake offered. Taking it as an invitation to get up, Bradley nodded.
"Oh, thank you. I'll meet you in the kitchen."
Two minutes after, Jake had on the kitchen counter two ready red berry tea.
"You still look a bit pale. If you need us to cancel this weekend..."
"No, no, I'll be fine." Then, his eyes went towards an open envelope with the Navy logo. It was so familiar that for a moment, Bradley was transported to his former house with his mother and grandmother going around, and Maverick telling them that he was leaving. Once again. "Orders?"
"Monday, I have to be at seven sharp at base. And... well, I've been told to put my house in order."
"Oh, that's... fuck, that's a lot."
"I know. I know... But it's my job and I'll do as best of my abilities."
"You better come back, Jake."
"I swear I will."
Bradley had another dose of paracetamol when they finally finished working. They had to stay an hour longer as a large group of girls and boys who had recently turned twenty-one had to be escorted by security. The group had left very generous tips to the staff, but still, it was a bother to be working extra when he had to wake up early the following day per Jake's instructions.
He checked his watch. Maybe he could get to Janet's job before she finished her shift. Maybe he could accompany her now that she had started to use her car less.
When she saw him, she felt relieved.
"Thank you so much, Bradley. I'm having a terrible night, I'm glad I'm not going back home alone."
"Any problems?"
"Security took care of it. I... I wanted to text you, but I wasn't sure if you had your phone on."
"No, sorry, I've left it at home," he barely topped up money on it, so he saw no use in carrying it with him.
"I swear, people turn during Halloween," she complained. "Thanks for coming to pick me up. I wasn't really up to taking the public transit alone."
"You didn't bring your car?"
"No, I'm following your lead," she said, smiling, proud. "Saving on parking and parking tickets and such. Did you know that our family chauffeur used to drive Julia to work? I mean, okay, she was sixteen but..." she glanced. "You drove yourself to work, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I did," Bradley said. "But, you're doing great. You went from totally spoiled to owning your decisions. Not many can make that switch. Fewer people succeed.
"I will."
"If you are stubborn like your brother, you'll probably do."
"Thanks."
"For what?"
"Believing in me. Even if is very likely I'll fail because I'm fucking struggling to keep my grades up and not fucking die at work. And, I'm thinking, fuck, I just working four nights a week and you used to do it full time."
"Don't compare yourself to me, Janet. You're doing better than you did yesterday, that's enough."
"But, I mean, even if you don't mean it, like, it's good to hear from you that I'll do it."
"I mean it, Janet."
She half smiled.
"So, for that, thank you."
They arrived home much later than expected, as buses were delayed with the city starting to enjoy the weekend. Janet had texted his brother, who told them to go party, to start the weekend on a high note, but both of them were already beat. Bradley managed to get Janet a seat, so she could stay for a bit without her shoes.
"We can celebrate tomorrow, don't worry," Janet said.
"I'm also super tired, so, yes, let's save energy."
When they arrived at their building, the doorman warned Janet that her father was there to visit. He also commented that a couple of neighbours had complained, and she told him that she would talk to him. But Bradley could tell that she had a cold smile. Bradley frowned. Janet was the baby of the family, the one coddled by every single member. The only one who referred to their father as Dad.
"You okay?" he asked, once they were in the lift.
"I just don't want Jake to get into trouble," she responded, getting off the lift. "It's fine, don't worry."
But faced with the main door, they could hear the yells of a man. Janet just stepped back and sat on the stairs. Bradley got closer, trying to discern the words.
"...you understand I can't protect you...!!"
"You mean control me?!"
"You just need to fall in line, how is that so hard?! Shut the fuck up and sit."
After that, there was silence. Bradley huffed, looking at Janet, who just explained:
"Dad hates that Jake is in the Navy," Janet responded. "Just..."
Bradley shook his head.
"Okay, but he doesn't get to treat Jake like that," he responded. "Who is the actual owner of this house?"
"Jake's. Mum bought it for him as a birthday present when he turned eighteen. I think she was expecting that Jake would not enlist."
"Okay, good enough for me."
He opened the door, noticing that they hadn't really stopped talking, but it was just now a man talking, lecturing. Janet followed him, almost hiding, and she audibly gasped when Bradley stormed into the living room, where Jake was on the sofa, looking smaller than usual, and in front of him, it was Jacob Seresin the Second with his colonel uniform on.
He was an older, way less handsome and with a bitter skin.
"Hi, sir, I'm sorry to inform you, but we have received several complaints about your voice level from neighbours. If you could control your tone, it would be highly appreciated. If not, I'll suggest that you get out."
He only realised what he had just said because Jake looked at him as if he were crazy from the sofa, and Janet made a small whine behind him.
"Excuse me, do you know who I am?" Bradley raised one eyebrow. The man was intimidating, and he was wearing his uniform. But, somehow, that made Bradley not take him so seriously. He remembered Iceman, one of Maverick's friends, how he was always so calm, collected. How he imposed his authority and used to mock in a quiet and elegant manner those who swaggered in their authority as if they were trying to appear bigger than they actually were.
Bradley advanced again, taking up space, almost mirroring his memories of Iceman while Maverick quietly laughed in the background.
"Someone who is screaming at almost three am?" Bradley stated in a lower tone. He should not be escalating this, he knew, but he also resisted that urge to comply.
"Who do you think you are, boy?"
"One of the people who lives here and tries to go to sleep after a hard day of work, clearly," Bradley responded in the same tone.
"Daddy," Janet said behind him. Then, she stepped out and got closer to him. "Sorry, we just came back from work, we're pretty tired. He's Bradley, my friend. Close friend."
"He is your friend like the asshole you brought home on Christmas that stole one of your credit cards?" The man said, still coldly, but with his tone softened.
"No, no, no..." she started to say. "We're just friends. And Ricco didn't steal anything."
"And what do you mean by work?" The man ignored Janet completely. "You don't have to pay for others' mistakes, Janet." He looked back at Jake: "You let a nobody live with you, and you don't help your sister? Shame, Junior, shame."
Jake didn't move.
"Daddy," Janet tried again. "He's just my friend, and he is..."
"Come home, Janet, you don't have to... work," he glanced at Bradley, who stood still, almost in attention, as if he were now in the Navy.
"I like it here. Besides, I'm doing my master's. You know that Julia is going to give me a director role with one of those."
The man took a deep breath, glanced again at Jake:
"At least your big sister isn't useless, like you. If you want to kill yourself with your stupid job, be my guest, and you," he pointed at Bradley.
"I will accompany you to the door, sir. Thank you so much for your visit. Next time, warn us ahead of time, so we can properly prepare."
"You'll regret talking to me like that..."
"Sir," Jake stood up, ready to jump, but the man left before, slamming the door in his way out.
For a minute, there was silence in the flat, as if they were trying to hear that the lift was leaving to the ground floor.
"I don't think anyone has spoken to Dad like that before," Janet said, breaking the silence.
"Fuck, he's going to be so pissed, I'm fucking glad that I'm fucking leaving. I should warn Julia about this. He's going to be in a mood." Then Jake looked at Bradley. "I mean, you're fucking crazy man, but that was so fucking hot."
"Was it?" Bradley just shrugged, but then, he felt his knees giving out as the realisation of what he had done rained over him. "Fuck, he's going to be mad."
"He can't kick you out," Jake reassured. "This is my flat. And Mum used her money from her company to buy it. And she won't kick you out."
"You're my friend," Janet responded. "And you haven't actually hurt me, so... you should be fine."
"I should... Okay, okay... I mean... " In a way, nobody was going to hurt him as much as Maverick had done. "If he gets me kill, I don't have to pay off my debt, so... that's not bad?"
"He's not going to get you killed," Janet laughed. "Right?"
"Let's go to sleep," Jake said, shaking his head. "We have a flight tomorrow morning. I've done both of your luggage, we can get whatever we're missing as soon as we arrive."
"Wait, we're not staying in Boston? What do you mean by a flight?"
"Yes, and we have a flight back at ten in the morning. You should be fine to get to work on time, I've got a car booked from the airport."
"I'm working too," Janet said.
"Yes, you have another for you, don't worry."
"Wait, wait, Jake," Bradley stopped the man. "Where are we going?"
"Oh, I thought it was clear. Las Vegas."
"Las Vegas."
"Yes, Javy and Natasha had arrived tonight," he responded. "We're staying at the Trace hotel. But, I don't think we're going to be sleeping."
"Jake, what about brunch with Marion?"
"Oh, Marion and Brittany are coming too. We'll see them tomorrow at the airport. Now, go to rest a bit."
Jake laughed, but he wasn't his usual self.
"Okay, we will have fun tomorrow."
"Your rich friends are absolutely nuts," Marion told him as she took her backpack through TSA. "Not complaining, free trip to Las Vegas, but... still."
"I told him a brunch was good with me, I swear."
"I believe you."
Brittany and Janet, who were already on the other side of the line, were clearly giggling and talking. Jake had sent them first, as he was at the airline counter, dealing with some problems.
"But..." Marion said as they put their shoes back on. "What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas, right?"
"What?"
"I've been talking to Brittany. And Janet. We will be out of your way."
"What do you mean?"
"He's leaving, right? It's your birthday. Treat yourself."
"Marion."
"Oh, here he comes, I'm joining the girls," she winked. "Have fun."
Bradley turned around, saw Jake passing through the scans. He waited, his heart beating fast. Could he? He wanted, Jake looked absolutely stunning. Breathtaking.
"So hot," he murmured.
"What? We haven't reached the desert yet," Jake smiled as he approached. He took Bradley's luggage. "Let me help you."
"Thanks, Jake, you're very kind."
"Shall we join the girls?" Jake said as they walked through the lobby, following the three women. Janet turned, and then she pointed to a shop. The three women just giggled and disappeared Women'Secret. Jake and Bradley stopped in their tracks. "I don't want to follow them."
"No shit," Bradley chuckled. "Maybe... we can get a coffee before boarding. You and me, just us?"
That made Jake turn around, focusing all his attention on Bradley. He felt burning under the intensity of the glare.
"Can it be my treat?"
"Actually, I got some pretty good tips yesterday, maybe that's why I was feeling extra confident talking to your... father, I assume."
"Yes, yes..." Jake laughed. "By the way, I've been talking to Julia, we're sure he's not going to do anything against you. It was in petit comité. But if he does, Julia is on it and you can call her any time."
"That's... not really reassuring."
"I know, I'm sorry. But..." he sighed. "Look, good thing he thinks you're a nobody, so he isn't going to waste his time making your life impossible. And even if he is the head of the family and my Mum agrees with him half of the time, is Julia the one managing resources. She will catch anything suspicious."
"Okay... good..." he looked around, uncomfortable and spotted a coffee place. "Oh, they have nice pancakes there. Do you fancy some? My treat."
"Sure, lead the way," Jake smiled and Bradley felt his heart racing. Was he going to do that? Be honest with the man? How honest should he be? Maybe he should just let him know that he thought he was hot, because that was the truth. Maybe it wouldn't make a difference. "What's your favourite?"
"Bacon and maple syrup," Bradley responded immediately. "Yours?"
"That and extra avocado."
"Oh, I've never tried that one... There is a first time for everything."
"Of course," Jake giggled. "Hey, Bradley."
"Yeah?"
"Happy birthday. I hope you enjoy your day, even if tomorrow you're going to be destroyed."
"Am I?"
"Yes, I planned everything. We're going straight to the Hotel, change into something more comfortable and fancy, get to visit the strip, we can have lunch there, and then, we can have the afternoon partying and... well, I'm not a fan of the casinos..."
"Me neither."
"Oh, well, maybe we can visit some clubs. And have dinner with a show."
"That sounds great," Bradley smiled back, and pushing himself, he dared to reach to Jake's hand. "I'll try it," he said, brushing their fingers. The moment felt electrifiying, as Jake blinked, surprised.
Before he could change his mind, Jake grabbed his hand. Pulled him softly.
"You can do whatever you want, Bradley," Jake promised. Bradley looked at the man, then, behind him, towards the gate, that was still close. Marion, Brittany and Janet nowhere to be seen.
"I want to enjoy Las Vegas," he said. "I want to have breakfast with you. I want to..." kiss you, he finished in his mind. Jake's smile was soft and wide.
"I'd love to have breakfast with you, Bradley."
That was perfect for him.
And whatever happened in Las Vegas, it would stay in Las Vegas.
Notes:
✅ 'Romantic' dinner talking about the future
✅ Meeting half of the inlaws
☑️ Kiss
☑️ Marriage proposal??Just kidding
I'm going next week on holiday, I'll try to get a chapter up before that, but I can't promise it.
Thank you so much for reading!!!
Chapter 9
Summary:
What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.
Encouraged by his friends, Bradley decided to taste the waters with Jake. After all, for good or for bad, Jake was leaving and their paths were going to part again.
Notes:
So, I went on holdiay and I had much (needed) fun. I also got quite drunk and I had a terrible hangover, so that's why I took a bit more than expected to update. I also might be inspired by my time off. But I really hope you like this chapter.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Jake kept his distance close to him and it was mostly what Bradley could focus on. A few times he got a glimpse of Brittany looking at him, smug on her face, Marion cheerfully flashed her thumbs up and Janet happy claps. Before the flight, Marion and Janet both had distracted Jake and Brittany had sneaked a string of condoms inside his luggage.
"Just in case," Brittany winked. "Have your treat, you deserve it, Brad."
He doubted about that. And he felt embarrassed and naked. How he could be so obvious? But once Jake spoke to him again, everything seemed to fade again. He got to sit in a comfortable first class seat next to him, taste a bit of Champagne, and then, fall asleep in the almost six hours flight.
"Have you had a good rest on flight?" Jake inquired as they landed in Las Vegas.
"Yes, I have."
At first, it wasn't. Jake's touch was so electrifying that it made Bradley's head dizzy. The touches and brushes that Jake gave him were precise, and reached Bradley's lizards brain with an accuracy that rocked him. It made his mind bounce from wanted to launch and kiss him in the open to be terrified about its implication.
Where he could do it? They were going to spend a day together, with more people that was going to celebrate Bradley's birthday. He would be rude if he ditch them. Even if Brittany had taken upon herself to 'gift' him some condoms. What about the rest? He knew that Jake was paying for the plane tickets, that Natasha said that she would take care of the hotel accommodation, but... the point was celebrating all together, wasn't it?
But as soon as they exit arrivals and saw Natasha, Javy and Chelsey, waiting for them, he had no more time to think.
"Happy birthday, Brad!" Chelsey yelled as she went straight to hug him. Then she turned towards Jake. "Oh, my god, fucking finally!! I'm so happy." Then introduce her to Janet. The two women stared at each other for a moment, before Chelsey broke the silence:
"So, you me and Bradley are from the same year, right? That's cool. You're doing your Master's in Business management in Harvard, right?"
"Yes, I am. What about you?"
"Applied Finances at George Washington University," she replied. Janet nodded, approving. "It's very... well, it has its highs and lows."
"Oh, we should totally exchange numbers," Janet said as they both giggled. Brittany and Marion looked at each other. Natasha got between them.
"So, I'm driving the gals," Natasha said. "Coyote..."
"Guys, you're with me," Javy announced.
The drive to the Trace Palace Las Vegas Hotel was short, with Javy updating them about what they had done the previous day: they had gone to pick up Chelsey, they had dinner in the stripe and then, had gone home quiet early.
"Warning," he also said. "Chelsey apparently had been talking to Brittany and they both want to go shopping, so I'm guess that Janet will love that too."
"Natasha doesn't?"
"When have you seen Nat enjoying shopping, Jake?"
"I was thinking to take Bradley to go through the strip, then we have a reservation..."
"Oh, no, we can definitively do that, but... you know, shopping spree."
"Oh, I wanted to visit the city," Bradley murmured. He wasn't sure if he was going to be ever going to come back to Las Vegas. "Or the strip. Whatever is... I don't know." He said the last words very quietly, he wasn't sure that the men heard him.
"We can still do that," reassured Jake. "Marion haven't visited the city either so she can join us."
"Sure, of course."
"I..." Javy sighted. "Natasha is going to join you, probably."
"You aren't coming." Jake didn't ask it, it was a statement. Javy sighed.
"Dude, if we're going to be partying after lunch, I want to nap and spend time in the Spa. Your aunt gifted me a pass that I'm definitely using before being shipped... you know where."
"Well, Marion will love to have Natasha with her," Bradley said as he tried to keep his cool. He glanced at Jake's rear mirror and caught his green eyes, observing him. "We could do the four of us, and then meet up for lunch... what's exactly the plan?"
"Party, party, party, right Jake?"
"Yes, unless you want to try anything different."
"No, party is great." Despite he had grow up in Nevada, he had never gone to Las Vegas. He had heard stories in the dinner, but most of them felt exaggerated or made up completely.
They started to drink as soon as they arrived to the hotel. One of the managers handled Bradley one bottle of sparkling wine from the restaurant Bodega with a congratulations. It is cold, ready to be open, and as soon as they got into the rooms with Bradley sharing with Jake and Javy, Natasha with Janet and lastly, Brittany, Chelsey and Marion in the last one.
The three rooms weren't as glamorous as the one they stayed in Miami, because those ones were currently occupied, but still, all of them had their own living room with sofa, table a massive TV and minibar, and a huge bathroom to share.
The bottle of wine didn't last long as they all shared a glass.
"Happy birthday, Bradley!" they all sang and drank the wine. Then, the women, except Natasha, went to change clothes, and while they were waiting, they opened a few beers.
"You sure you don't want to join us?" Jake asked.
"Spa life is for me. I'll meet you... what time? One o'clock, right?"
"But Javy," Janet complained. "Join us... pretty please?"
"No, ma'am, not a chance. I'm going to chill. See you latter, don't buy the whole floor," Javy said as he took his duffle bag and left the room. "And have fun!" And with that, he left. Bradley looked over to Jake, as he couldn't wait to have some time alone.
Even if he wasn't sure what he was going to do.
The Strip wasn't really something out of the ordinary except that everything looked so extra: lights, sounds, enthusiast. He could easily get lost, except that Jake held hands with him, making everything so muted and calm around them.
Somewhere, a bit forward, Natasha and Marion were probably talking, but they had lost sight of them. Jake commented something about as long as they all showed up on time to the restaurant, it was good. And Bradley agreed to that sentiment. He wanted to be alone with Jake. And now, the urge to hold hands with him was very strong. If only he could do it...
"So, what do you think?" Jake asked.
Fuck.
He was so in his head that he missed what Jake had said. He looked at the man, studying his expression: excited, his green eyes shinning and his smile warm and welcome.
"Hmm... sure."
Jake raised an eyebrow and then just giggled.
"What are you thinking that you aren't here with me? I'm going to start feeling jealous."
Bradley's face burned up.
"Oh, I was just.. I mean... Sorry, I was distracted by... everything is... too much I guess. And..." Maybe he should say it out loud, rip the bandage already. "Sorry, I was just... thinking about, holding hands."
"With who?"
Bradley frowned. Okay, so, maybe he read the sings badly. Same as Brittany and Janet, who were sure that Jake did all of those things for him because he had 'a thing'. Maybe it was just Jake was careless with money. Like the rest of the family. Maybe that would explain why Julia was in a bad mood all the time. It would explain how a rich girl like Janet had ended up in debt, if she didn't have good role models.
He had already a crippling debt, he didn't need more drama. He crossed his arms, annoyed.
"Sorry, I'm being a dick," Jake said. Bradley looked at him, expecting to carry on. "I was asking, if you wanted to go to a gondola trip. That I know that it looks like a date, but, it could be fun."
Bradley frowned again.
"You... want do something that looks like a date?" he asked. His heartbeat was so loud in his hears that he barely concentrated. "But no an actual date," he murmured, feeling a bit deflated. He tried to remind calm and rationalised it. Of course Jake wouldn't do an actual date. He knew how his history was, how his deployments had erased the romance, familiarity... how Jake's family was too much. Jake was leaving for a mission, highly classified, it seemed. And could understand why Jake wouldn't want him to put him in that position.
And Bradley would have understand if Jake wanted only to hock up. Bradley was ready just to try it, knowing their situations. Honestly, it would have hurt less that Jake proposing a mockery of a date. Making fun of that concept.
"Well, it's your birthday, and an excuse to party before... being shipped to a black out operation. Also, even if I paid for the tickets or half of the entertainment, doesn't mean that you have to roll with anything I said. Or propose."
"An excuse?"
"Are you being obtuse on purpose?" Jake asked, but he didn't sound accusatory. Even if the words felt like it. Jake was confused, looked genuinely confused and that was the only reason that Bradley didn't explode in that moment. Bradley made an effort not to let his temper take over him. He thanked his six years in the hospitality industry because his voice didn't shudder.
"No, I'm asking. Because if you want to hock up, let's hock up. I understand you don't want to date me, but if you're just doing it just because, feels like mockery."
"I..." Jake blinked a few times. "I want to date you, if it were possible. But it's not."
"Is not? Or your just taking the decision for me?" And that felt worse. Worse because, then, Jake would be doing the same to him that Maverick did. He turned away. "Never mind. It's not like..."
"Bradley," Jake called. And then grabbed his hand. Bradley felt a lighting bolt shaking him, when he turned, Jake's green eyes were piercing. "I want to go on a date with you. I... like you. A lot. But, I'm leaving."
"I'm a Navy brat," Bradley responded. "I know what that entitles."
"Didn't your dad died when you were a kid? I don't know if..."
"I grew up in Fallon. My Godfather was Navy too."
"Your Godfather?"
"He passed away when I was seventeen," he lied, avoiding Jake's gaze, embarrassed. "I know. Don't decide for me."
"Okay, I won't."
Jake let him go and then, he squared up. "So, Bradley Bradshaw, would you like to go on a date with me?"
Oh, shit. Jake was serious.
So serious that it really seemed almost like a proposal.
In the middle of the street. With people looking at them.
He felt burning, a weak 'okay' escaped his lips while trying to hide at the same time.
"Sorry, I didn't hear you, what?" Jake asked, but he was giggling, so Bradley guessed Jake received his message. He took a deep breath, feeling so out of the water, not knowing what to do at that moment. But he tried. For good or for bad, Jake and Bradley were going to be separated for who knew how long.
"I said," he tried to speak a bit louder. "That, okay to the date. But, you have to hold my hand. And we might hock up. Deal?"
"Deal? You think I sleep on my first date, Bradshaw?"
"You're leaving. I'm not waiting for a second date who knows when," Bradley resorted. Jake smiled to that, and it was enough for Bradley to feel better. Jake reached for him again, offering his hand.
"Okay, we'll see where the day leads then."
"Good."
"So, Gondolas and then ice-cream?"
"Gondolas and ice-cream."
Being able to hold Jake's hand was everything and more of what Bradley could ask for. It anchored him to the ground, because it felt like a dream. A good dream, where Jake reciprocate some of his feelings, where he wanted to spend time alone. He felt a bit bad for doubting about it, but, Jake had framed it so poorly.
It didn't matter, he refused to overthinking it. It was happening. In less than twenty four hours it was going to be over. He better enjoyed it.
"You know?" Jake spoke and Bradley turned his head so fast and wondered if Jake had always had that magnetic effect on him. Maybe that was why Brittany, Marion and Janet were so fast to clock him. "Sometimes, you're very hard to read. When you're surrendered by people is like only the bubbly and outgoing version of yourself. So bright and unreachable." Jake made a gesture, trying to make it dramatic. Then he said. "And when were close, you're just... so mysterious."
"Me? Mysterious?" Bradley smiled. "I'm an open book, I can't lie for shit and I have very poor poker face."
"Well, you hardly ever talk about yourself and... you sometimes have this look, to the distance."
"I... tent to overthink a bit," Bradley admitted, quietly.
"About what? I like you, do you like me?"
It felt such an innocent and childish question, that he giggled.
"I like you," Bradley admitted. And he felt a bit braver saying that. "But, also. You're my landlord. A lot of things could go... sideways And. I don't want to be in search for another place to live. Not to mention that I'm probably the most lucky tenant in the country."
"Hey, no problems with me. Everything goes through one of Julia's PA. And she likes you. And I'm most of the time... away. And Janet likes you too. If Janet likes you... my father will have to tolerate you."
"After yesterday?"
"Can I admit that that made you a thousand times hotter?"
Bradley snorted.
"I don't want problems with your family either."
"You won't. We keep our date to ourselves. Natasha isn't a snitch, neither is Javy. And Janet won't want you leaving the flat. Your friends... will have your six?"
Bradley thought about Brittany sneaking into his bags the box of condoms.
"I think so."
They both smiled and Jake pulled them closer. Bradley couldn't stop smiling, and the though of knowing that they would be probably going to kiss sent shivers down his spine. Oh, he was fucked. He was freaking out because he couldn't really picture them kissing and, for some reason, he had said to Jake he wanted to hock up with him.
He told a man used to dating, to have partners serious and casual, that he wanted to hock up.
But also, as they were talking photos, enjoying the trip in the gondola, and most important, so close to Jake, to his cologne, that all those worries diluted into nothing.
"Bradley," the lips moved again.
"Huh?"
"You're staring."
There was no point in denying that. He loved to watch to Jake, and now, he had a pass to do so without being weird. They were on a date together.
Together.
"I know. I like... your lips." He stepped closer and Jake smiled, widely and welcoming. He felt Jake's hands on his hips, holding him in place and Bradley was glad for it because his knees were starting to fail.
His heart was racing and then, before he took the leap, the same feeling he had when he first got into a plane, twisted his stomach.
Jake's lips tasted to Shea butter and for the first time in a very, very long time, he felt light and free.
He also discovered that it was very hard to stop kissing Jake and his giggles bubbling up his throat.
"Sirs, please, if you could..." The tired voice of an employee reached just before he felt like he lost his balance.
Literary.
Taking Jake with him.
The overwhelmed smell and flavour of chlorine flood his senses and, luckily, didn't burned into his eyes. But, he successfully swam back to the quay where a security guy was helping Jake to get out the water, and latter, helped him.
"I am so sorry," Jake said as one of the life guards got him back his wallet. "Totally my fault."
"Sir, please," the same employee that spoke before was trying to get them away from the border. He seemed checked out, the only thing that could ease Bradley's embarrassment that they weren't the only ones that happen to them.
"We should go to the hotel to change," Jake proposed.
"I haven't brought... much clothes."
"Don't worry, we figure it out."
The walk back to the Trace Palace Hotel could have been humiliating if it weren't because Jake's shirt was all wet, translucence, revealing the absolute marvel that there were his muscles. A view that blurred the rest of the world.
"You good?" asked Jake as he ordered on the hotel desk new clothes for them.
"I want to kiss you again," Bradley said, gasping for air. It was addictive.
"I want to kiss you again too," Jake replied as they went towards the lift.
They didn't keep their hands to themselves for too long. Once the door of the lift closed, Jake stole another kiss from him. It was magical, even the chlorine touch of his lips tasted good, and made Bradley convinced that it was the moment he was probably waiting for.
They kissed their way into the room, Bradley tasting the chlorine.
"We should show..."
"Go to the shower."
"Okay, I'm going first," Bradley said, lowering his head so Jake couldn't see his face. Suddenly, it was everything too real. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to go that far, right at that moment, but if he didn't, he would miss his chance.
And he didn't want to miss it. Or fuck it up.
"All good?" Asked Jake. But Bradley just nodded and went towards the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
He took a deep breath, a mix of Jake's cologne and chlorine flooding his senses once more.
He needed a cold shower. He was running hot, his cock ache of inattention and felt that he was going to come at any second. He was nervous about kissing and now, he couldn't just stop or get enough. But go all the way? What it entitled. The only thing he remembered about sex between men was an awkward conversation with his mother. The topic had never been brought up again, as she had fallen sick and other priorities had taken place.
Maybe he should come clean to Jake, that he had never done anything like that. But a part of him didn't want to do it because he feared rejection. That Jake would decided that it was not worth it.
But, if it wasn't with Jake, who he was going to try it with? Some random at the bar hitting on him?
No, he wasn't interested. He liked Jake. He had dreamed about Jake, masturbated thinking of him. And now that he had the chance of fulfil those dreams he was having doubts. And he knew he liked Jake.
So why? Why he was doubting?
As the cold water cleaned him down, he decided that even if Jake would hate him, he had to try. He couldn't let fear paralyse him. For better or for worse, Jake was going to leave. And Brittany was very sure that one he had slept with Jake, his crush would fade over.
What was the worst that could happen? He wasn't going to lose his job, Jake had ensured him that he wasn't going to lose his bedroom, and if everything went down badly, he had the time that Jake was going to be away to figure out something.
What was going to be the best thing to happen?
Having sex.
With Jake.
For the first time ever.
And enjoying it.
A lot.
With a new resolution, he finished his shower, dried his hair partially, and his body. He wasn't sure how Jake wanted to do things. And if Jake didn't want to do anything, well, he didn't have to worry about having sex at all.
"Hey, hello, handsome," Jake smiled as Bradley exited the bathroom. Jake was already prepared to enter. He had taken off his shirt and Bradley just stared to that perfect chest. Yes, he had definitively chosen correctly. He needed to get laid, because if he didn't, he was going to regret it the rest of his life. "There are some spare clothes, here," Jake pointed out. Bradley just nodded, still fixated on Jake's physique. "I won't take long."
"Don't worry, whatever takes you." He would wait.
With no interest on putting his clothes back on, he just positioned in front of the mirror trying to dry his hair with the towel as his eyes traced his body. He was looking much better than the first time he talked to Jake. The exercise routine he had since living at Jake's place was paying off more than a year later: his muscles were starting to show, his baby fat starting to disappeared and he looked more mature.
Of course, he wasn't near Jake's Greek body shape, but it was better than before.
He got startled when Jake exited the bathroom, and throw the mirror, looked how the man had only a towel wrapped around his thin waist and brushing his hair with his fingers. The pose accentuated the triangular shape of his torso.
Bradley lost his breath.
"Take a picture, it'll last longer," Jake winked at him and Bradley felt his knees weakening, watching the man approaching him. "Or... do you prefer to touch?"
"I'd love to touch, yes, thank you." He reached, careless that he was now completely naked in front of the guy. But Jake kept staring into Bradley's eyes. Once Jake was at reach, Bradley took his hands and got him closer.
"So polite," Jake whispered before kissing him under his ear.
Bradley moaned.
"Jake..." he whispered before kissing him.
He did not want it to end. Ever.
"I'm here, Baby, I'm here," Jake spoke once he broke the kiss. "What do you want, what do you need, Baby?" he asked as he bit his ear and liked under his jawline, burning him from inside.
"I want you," he said, because he did not know how to express that he wanted Jake to devour him. To be with him. Not to leave. His touch was addicted and they only had a few hours of bliss. "I want you." He repeated.
"Can you be a bit more specific, darling?"
"I..." he turned red, he was sure he was all red. It was it. "I don't know. I've never done this before."
There was a moment in which Jake froze. Bradley braced himself for a rejection. Well, better now than later. Now, the few hours until they parted ways, felt years. But, he could just stick with Brittany, or Chelsey, who he hadn't seen in months.
Jake kissed his lips.
"Okay, so, we can go slow. We can try a few things. Make sure to let me know if..." he squeezed, lovingly, his arm. "You like something, you don't like it... if you need more, less. None."
Bradley looked at Jake, the man was smiling. After a while of staring at each other, Bradley realised that Jake was waiting for an answer.
"Oh, cool... fine, yes. I want... to kiss you and... maybe, not be standing up," he responded, as his chest explored. He leant again to kiss Jake, who, carefully pushed him towards the bed. Bradley let himself being lead, as Jake kept gifting him kisses every where.
Maybe Brittany was wrong, maybe he wasn't going to get over Jake after this, because Jake was the perfect balance between hotness, eagerness and open to let Bradley find his rhythm. The more he kissed, the more he touched and let himself enjoy the feelings, the more he wanted.
He felt selfish and hungry and, for the first time in a long time, he didn't feel guilty for wanting and demanding.
Their took their time, Jake waiting patiently for Bradley to keep taking. And for the first time, Bradley's brain didn't get in the middle. He just did what he felt it was right, encouraged by Jake's sweet words and passionate kisses.
The moment Jake wrapped with his fingers his dick he felt combusting. Even if he had already jerked off in the shower, he felt like he could come once again with very little effort.
"Fuck, Jake..." the tildes were raising and he felt it so intense, so hard that he couldn't contain.
"Let go, Baby." Jake whispered as Bradley moaned, spilling his come over both of them. It was the best orgasm he ever had. "You look so handsome coming like this, so good."
"Fuck," he groaned, not knowing how to speak other world. Jake was the only thing that existed in the world and it was next to him. "Jake."
"I'm here, I'm here."
If the hand job had been intense, it had nothing to do to the view of Jake going down on Bradley's dick. Jake was vocal and loud and Bradley was thankful for that, because it made him less embarrassed to moan.
"Jake," it was the only thing that mattered. He felt so good, touching, feeling, licking, kissing, gasping for air.
"Bradley. I'm so close, Baby."
Bradley just whimpered in response. He couldn't say anything else. And when Jake spilled between them, Bradley just followed suit.
"Wow..." he gasped for air, as Jake, carefully, got off his lap. His bones felt like butter and his muscles gone. But it didn't matter. Jake was there. He kissed him, slowly this time.
"How was it?"
"Good. Very good," Bradley responded, honestly.
"Want another round?"
"Fuck, yes."
They didn't leave the bedroom in the following hour an a half. They had no desire to get dressed or shower again. Bradley didn't want to do anything else than having sex. It was so different to what he had imagined. More pauses, more embarrassing sounds that he had expected, more talking, checking on each other. Maybe it was because Bradley had never done anything like that, but Jake made it so good that he felt that he shouldn't leave the room at all.
Whatever Brittany was saying about getting over a crush after having sex was, simply, bonkers.
He could do this for days, weeks. He wanted to send a text to everyone else, apologising for not showing up and wishing them a good time in Las Vegas. He did not want to leave the bed.
But, alas, they had to.
They arrived the restaurant fifteen minutes later than the agreed hour. Jake had sent Javy a text, telling him that they were on their way, so they could order for them. Natasha was the first one to spot them and announce their arrival:
"And look, these two have changed their clothes. I knew they were the two idiots that fell into the canal." She extended her hand and Javy passed her a couple of bills.
As soon as they sat, Marion put a cocktail in front of him. Javy was doing the same with Jake. The man, took it and raised his glass:
"I'm amused that my tumble is motive of cheers."
Javy and Natasha snorted, but they also followed him, raising their own glasses. Bradley, Marion, Brittany, Janet and Chelsey imitate them.
"Happy birthday, Bradley, hope your twenty two bring you money, health and happiness." Everyone took a sip as Jake spoke.
"In that order?" Janet snorted.
"Well, why not?" Bradley giggled. He was feeling anxious all the time because of money. He figured that if he were to win the lottery, his health probably would get much better.
"My mum always says health, love and money," Marion interjected. Bradley sip from his drink as the food was served. Everyone started to eat as they chat.
"As long as it all comes at the end," Chelsey laughed. "Although, right now, this is so great. Thank you so much for this trip, Jake, Natasha, Janet."
"Oh, no, this is all Jake," Natasha pointed out as Janet nodded along.
"Thank you, Jake," Bradley declared. "Even if I just wanted to do a simple brunch."
"It was time that Bradley had a great trip, he always missed the ones organised in campus," Chelsey commented.
"Excuse me, we went to Miami last year."
"We should definitively make it a tradition," Jake said.
"We don't even know if we're going to be here," Javy said, provoking silence in the table. "Sorry, that went dark very fast. I meant, we could be working on Japan or... whatever. Not like. After this mission."
Brittany, Marion, Chelsey and Janet looked at each other. Janet was the one who spoke up.
"Wait, is that dangerous? That's why Dad was yesterday at..."
"Hey, what about a round of shots?" Proposed Natasha. "Your brother is one of the best naval aviators of the Navy. And Coyote has his six. They'll come back." She flagged down one of the servers and asked for around for everyone.
"Wow, you're admitting I'm one of the best? I'm blushing, Nat."
"It won't happen again," she promised.
By the time they finished with lunch, Bradley was full. Jake had non stop reached for him under the table. Small brushes that made him blush. Fortuna-telly, alcohol had been consistent during the whole meal, so he could hide behind the fact that he was affected by Jake.
"Having fun?" asked Javy Bradley when they were leaving as Jake took care of the check and the rest were in the loo.
"He's spending too much money," he responded. Javy was the most normal of Jake's friends, he supposed he would understand. Natasha treated her family hotel as if it was her house. As long the place had available rooms, she was free to invite people over.
"He's spending his father's money," Javy revealed. "It's all about appearances. They can afford that life style, they can invest on friends... they are not worried. I've always their charity case, now is your turn."
"His father money..." he frowned. He wasn't sure what to think.
"Yes, the three of them have... well, Julia not any more, not since she has been successful and is a mega shark in the business sphere. But, Jake has to maintain the image that he is just in the Navy for funsies, not because he needs a job or, worse, he wants to put distance with his family."
"What about her?" Javy asked back. Bradley didn't say anything and looked inside the place, where now Jake was talking with one of the managers. Janet was now at his side, smiling, happy. It was a weird situation. Janet was in debt, with credit card trouble. At the same time, Javy was telling him that Jake needed to spend certain amount of money. For appearances.
He also knew that Julia was asked to give back the money that her father gave her to found her company.
Was everything a power play? A way to control them? It fitted with the image he had about Jake's father.
"In any case... don't worry. As I told you before, just roll with it. You're much better than Spencer, for sure."
"Okay, so what the hell happened with this guy..." Bradley started to ask, but noticed that the group was coming back."Hey."
"Are you ready? We got tickets to a show, but it's a bit early, so, what about have some desserts in a casino?" Jake proposed.
Bradley had no interest to gamble away his money and if felt like a stupid idea, but the rest of the group seemed to like it. Jake, seeing his lack of enthusiasm, approached him as they walked towards one of the most emblematic places in the City, that Bradley had not much interest in going.
"Not a fan of gambling?" Jake questioned.
"Seems like a stupid way to spend money," he responded, keeping his voice low so the rest couldn't hear.
"Nah, it's an excuse to get wasted. Then we go to the show and we go to a few clubs where we can go to the VIP section easily. We dance, we drink a bit more, we could go to a cabaret..."
"And not a strip club?" Bradley raised his eyebrows.
"Well, if the strip club is in our bedroom and you're the one putting on a show just for me, I can get behind that."
Bradley snorted, his imagination providing of the visuals in milliseconds.
"You know, so I can have a good memory while I'm on the other side of the world."
"Oh, sure. We can talk about it. Later, tho."
"Of course. Later."
In the end, they didn't arrived to the show on time. They got invited to one of the tables of Black Jack where they had the chance to witness Natasha winning a few rounds only to lose it immediately after. They had more drinks, Javy bet in a few roulettes. Bradley got the chance to kiss Jake's hand as he held the dices and another bottle of Champagne was drank.
They weren't drinking that much, or at least, that was Bradley's impression. But maybe it was the mix of different liqueurs and the fact that, as the evening was passing, they had no more food. Bradley's head was hazy, empty of throughs, his body leading him again and again towards Jake.
By the time they were at one of the clubs, he felt, for the first time that he was drunk.
He didn't care.
Time was suspended as the loud music and the flashing lights added to the euphoria of the moment. Jake smelled to cologne, to sweat, and he felt that he needed more.
"Get a room!" somebody pushed them as Jake kissed him against the wall. Bradley laughed, not being able to stop.
"You taste so good," Jake kissed him again, ignoring the other guy.
"It's the shots of watermelon vodka that Chelsey ordered," he replied.
"It is?" Jake kissed him again. "No, I think it's you the one who taste so good."
Bradley laughed again.
After a few more kisses, they were asked to go for a walk, outside, so they could have their heads cleared.
"I can't believe they kicked us out," Chelsey laughed. The sky was starting to get dark. "I guess there is a first time for everything."
"No, they didn't kick us out, did they?" Brittany asked.
"Wait, you never got kicked out from an establishment?" asked Janet. Marion started to laugh.
"Is that common for you guys?"
"Not really," Natasha replied, and now, it was the turn of Javy.
"Yeah, of course."
"So, what we do now?"
"The light show is starting soon, maybe... we should be going?"
"Cool, cool, cool..."
Another show, another place and more drinks.
Bradley blinked and they were in another club. Jake was constantly grabbing his hand. So he noticed when the man stopped.
"Where is Jake?"
They were outside. Chelsey was looking for something, same as Janet.
"He went for fries because you were crying because you wanted fries," Marion answered. "So cute."
"He's with Javy, it won't take long," Natasha said.
Bradley huffed. He missed Jake. If he knew he was going to go for fries, he would have gone with him. He tried to get up to look for him, but the floor under him wasn't firm.
"Just stay there, don't worry. He won't take long."
"Guys, I think I've lost my jacket."
"You brought a jacket?"
"It's cold inside with the AC!"
"We should by lottery!"
"We can't buy loterry."
"What? Even Brittany is twenty one now."
"No, I mean, in Nevada, we can't buy lottery."
"That sucks."
"Wait, people really get...married like... uhm... in a.... you know what I'm trying to say... here, you know?" Marion started to laugh. Bradley looked around, there were a group of drag queens and Elvis impersonators. Janet, who had her camera out, had been taking photos nonstop.
Music was loud, playing all the classics, with Donna Summers, Cher and more divas. He wanted to dance, but his feet hurt and the bench he was seated was comfy. Jake was next to him, wrapping his shoulders with his arm.
Jake had amazing biceps.
Actually Jake had amazing everything.
"You're so hot," he told him. Jake looked at him.
"You're hotter," Jake responded, slowly. He had a silly expression on his face.
"I know people who has done it..." Natasha laughed. "So tacky." She started to laugh again and then, she stopped. "They're still married. I think. Not sure." She laughed again. "It was before, I don't remember."
"I can't find my phone!" someone cried.
"We're not coming back."
"Hey, guys, are you interested in this new club?" Someone asked them. Bradley didn't heard what the rest answered, as Jake was leaning towards him to kiss him again.
"Oh... my shirt is full of ketchup. They're not going to let me in."
"No, no, they'll let us in. I'm sure."
"Marion is still knocked out."
"Let her rest s bit."
"Oh, baby girls, let her have some water, here. And, you, baby boy, take your shirt off, nobody will notice."
"Oh, you're so cool. Who are you, ma'am?"
"Just with some friends. Thank you for invites us to nachos. Congratulations!"
"Nachos are life."
"Did we have nachos?" Bradley frowned. "I wanted nachos."
"Jake, we're not going for nachos. Sit your assshhhh... haha," Natasha sat on the pavement. "Fuck."
"I haven't brought him a present."
"No need, sweetheart."
"Ohhh... Sweetheart," a few people repeated, mockingly.
Bradley closed his eyes, a headache was forming and he felt his mouth dry. Somebody vomited at his side. The smell hit him and he tried to move away.
"Fuck, I need water."
Bradley didn't know how they managed to get back to the hotel, but he could only think about bed and water. Jake took an insane amount of time opening the door. The rest wasn't much better.
After what felt like hours, Jake opened the door and the first thing they did was to raid the minibar for the bottles of water.
"Guys, don't be loud," Javy warned as he disappeared inside his bedroom section.
That made Bradley and Jake start to laugh. Every time they looked at each other, as they tried to be as quiet as possible, the stream of laugh was unstoppable. At some point, Jake tripped against the sofa and Bradley just fell on the floor.
"I don't feel like getting up," Bradley complained.
"Let me get some..." Jake stood up, and then ran towards the bathroom.
While the sounds of Jake throwing up, Bradley fixated his gaze on the ceiling. It had such a pretty pattern.
He didn't know how long he was there. The noises around the place were low, confusing. He tried to regulate his breath, trying to recall the rest of the night. But after some shots at the lights show, his memory was fuzzy. Too many things happening at once. The only thing that he was sure it was Jake's presence.
"Water?" Jake offered, appearing next to him. Bradley glanced at him, trying to focus on his face and smiling like an idiot. "If you vomit, you'll feel better."
"I... I don't know." Still, reached for the bottled water that Jake was giving to him and drank most of it. His stomach revolted. Jake sat next to him.
"We should go to bed."
"Yes." He closed his eyes, his eye lids were so heavy he couldn't open again. "Suree..."
At some point during the night they moved to the bed. Everything was still bobbly, but at least, he could sleep slightly better.
The sound of a phone ringing without stop woke him up with a sharp pain that drilled his head. Then, he noticed Jake's hard on his back. Then, the immense heat from Jake's arms.
The phone rang again.
This time, Jake moved away.
"What the fuck?" Jake's voice was low and raspy. Bradley felt the cold when Jake got up to reach for the landline phone. "What?" There was silence, and then. "Fuck! Okay, thanks, fuck."
Then, Jake was shaking him.
"Bradley? Wake up, your plane is boarding in a fucking hour."
"What?"
Notes:
My idiots in love... let's hope Jake and Javy's mysterious mission isn't really long or doesn't have any trouble so Jake can come back and talk to Bradley about their feelings. Because I'm not sure if they know the other person is totally in love.
But, we have a first date-ish, right? That's good, right?
(I write knowing what's coming in the next chapter... hahahahaha)
Chapter 10
Summary:
After the worst hangover of the century, Bradley knows he wants more with Jake. He and his friends try to figure out what happened in Las Vegas, and Christmas approach.
Notes:
I took a bit long to update because I wanted to make sure the next chapter was going to be written, and it is! I just have left reviewing it and it would be ready to publish during this week.
On the mean time, another long-ish chapter. Hope you enjoy it!!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Bradley didn't remember a worse shift in his life.
Worse than that time during a heart wave that the air conditioner of the kitchen busted and they had to make sure everything was clean before leaving.
Sunday had been a crazy day and he was still amazed of how they managed to get to the airport on time. He, Janet, Marion and Brittany had been the last passengers to board and, luckily, they wore no type of luggage, as Stana, one of the managers of the hotel promising to send them everything by mail during the week. She, apparently, had a direct line with one of the many people that worked for the Seresin. Because Jake, Janet, Javy and Natasha all seemed fine with that solution, Bradley accepted it.
That was the only positive thing. Barely making it on time, Bradley had threw up during his break and he was sent home. He was surprised to find Janet, already at home, with obvious sings of an ugly crying.
"What happened?"
"Dad found out I had a job, he got me fired. On top of that, I don't have my phone, nor my photo camera... wait, why are you home so early?"
"I threw up." He responded. "How your father fired you?"
"He made it seem that it was unsafe for a woman to be out there, promoting 'unsafe life styles'," she made the air quotes. "He also discovered about my debt. He said he was going to take care of it but..." she sighted. "Now he wants me to drop my masters and meet some 'family friends'. Like I'm interested in being the girlfriend of an asshole." She hissed. "That's how Jake met Spencer."
Bradley grunted.
So, it was all about control. Bradley frowned, and then, offered:
"I can ask at my work if they need a new hostess or waitress. Update your CV. But... not now, I need to shower, properly, and go to sleep."
Janet nodded.
"You want some dinner?"
"No, I don't think my stomach can handle that."
The only positive thing was Jake text messages wishing him a good day and a good sleep.
Bradley smiled, and texted him back.
Monday was much better. At least.
He wake up with no headache and a healthy hunger.
There was as well a new e-mail from Jake.
With two photo attached. One it was Jake ready to go to base. The other one, a tasteful nude that cut just about his pelvis. It didn't matter that it didn't show much, it was more than enough to fuel Bradley for the rest of the week. Bradley wrote him a few e-mails, including a photo after the gym. It wasn't nothing like Jake's photos, he wasn't feeling brave enough to do anything else, but he wanted to give Jake something for when he were able to check his mail.
Bradley couldn't stop replaying those moments between them, the image of Jake taking his dick was permanently replaying on his head. He felt... different. And, definitively, confronted Brittany about that.
"I want to keep having sex with Jake. I miss him terribly and I can't wait to talk to him again. And I hope he is alright and nothing happens to him, because..." he didn't finish the sentence. There was no point. "I though my crush was going to fade away and now it's worse."
They were in their usual Irish Pub, in their usual table. They were still waiting for Marion to finish her shift and Janet to finish her interview at Bradley's work. Unlike other days, they had no pints on the table, but soft drinks. It seemed that the brutal drinking binge of the weekend was still fresh in both of them.
Brittany started to laugh.
"Oh, boy, that means that is not a crush. You're in love with Jake."
Bradley didn't dare to refute it, afraid that if he did, Brittany was going to take it as a confirmation that he was, in fact, in love with Jake.
"So, have you talked to Chelsey?"
"No, but I think that Janet has," Brittany commented. "That weekend we all have out fun, if you know what I mean," Brittany chuckled. "Funny thing, I had the strangest dream. Were you and Jake got married. But, also, King Kong and Godzilla were also there, fighting for the spot light and I think they were trying to rob Marion and Janet had to fight them..." Brittany started to laugh. "Then it changed to me and Javy getting freaking. I don't know what it says about me."
"You should write a book, you have a wild imagination."
"But it would be cute. I mean, if you two got together. For real, not... just hocking up."
"Well, is hard to do it now, so... whatever. He's still my landlord despite everything goes through... Oh, hi, ladies!" He greeted as he saw Marion and Janet going inside. Janet went straight to hug Bradley.
"Thank you, thank you! I've got the job!! Called Julia and told her, and she's going to deal with Dad and I'm starting this weekend!"
"Congratulations!" Brittany clapped.
"No alcohol?" Marion asked. "Uff, so real, I'm not drinking any more."
"Ah, that reminds me," Janet said. "They have recovered some of the items we left behind. But they won't send it everything until they try to locate Marion's leather jacket and my phone. So, be patient. You don't have anything very important on the luggages."
Brittany and Marion shook their heads. Bradley had some of his personal items there, but, for now, he was using the spare ones that Jake had in his bathroom.
"Anything about your camera?" asked Brittany.
"Most likely, it got stolen," Janet pouted. "Stana is doing her best to talk to the police but... at least they didn't got our wallets."
Stana had been one of the managers that helped them to arrive to the airport on time. Or she was extremely professional, or she was used to the shenanigans of the Trace and Seresin children. The conversation with Javy outside the restaurant came to his mind.
"Maybe they'll find it," Bradley argued. "There is no point to only steal your camera. Probably it happen the same with the jacket. We left it behind somewhere. Maybe even you put it in one of its the pockets."
"Guys, how we got so much off the rails?" Brittany laughed, bitterly. "I swear, it was Chelsey with her shots. She felt bad that she was basically going for free, she decided to get us mega drunk."
"Or maybe it was Javy and Natasha trying to one up each other."
They all laughed, trying to figure out what the hell had happened. They talked about the casino, the club they went after, were most of their memories started to get a bit fuzzy. There was a point about Janet admitting that she had accepted some shots from someone and they might have been too suspicious. It was a bit before their memories became mixed and most of them had blanks.
"Janet! Girl, how are you still alive? We don't accept drinks from strangers."
"She's rich, that's why."
"He seemed nice!"
"She isn't. Her family is," Bradley corrected. "Now, she will know better, right? Stranger danger, repeat it, please."
Janet nodded and, reluctant, she said:
"Stranger danger... Guys, I'm so sorry."
Marion buried her face between her hands.
"We're lucky nothing major happened!" she complained. "Except I lost my leather jacket form my dad, you lost your phone and camera..."
"I'll get you a new one, I swear," Janet promised.
"No, no, it's okay, it's..." Marion sighed. "Well, I'm just glad we didn't get hurt. Just... take a safety course or something, will you?"
Janet nodded.
"Yeah, of course.
Brittany snorted and looked at Bradley:
"Fuck, we're messy."
"Don't talk to me, I'm still in one piece and I haven't done anything crazy. Why? What have you done?"
"I still have the love bites that Javy gave me when I sneaked away from Janet and Chelsey and went to join him to the spa."
"Girl!"
"Shut up, we went to our room. We're not into public indecency." She eyed Bradley.
"No, not me."
"That's true, you're too sweet. That's why I dream about you getting married not..." she glanced at Marion and Janet, who were still talking about the missing jacket and basic common sense. "Fighting monsters."
"You're mopping," Janet announced. Bradley put his class notes on a side and looked at her. He was mopping. He knew that Mae had been a huge support when Jake was gone. Also, an excuse to just write to him every week. Now... he wasn't sure what to write. They hadn't really talked about being in a relationship. Damn, they hadn't really talked, just straight to action, lunch with the rest and then... just drinking.
He toyed with the idea of rescue a dog, but he was still in debt and Julia had been very clear about new pets.
"Jake sent a text. That he's probably going to be gone for at least three months."
Janet nodded. Nathan and Stana had told them that the luggage and all of the lost items. Stana had managed to find the leather jacket with the camera in one of the pockets. They had also located Janet's phone, but the woman had gotten a new one from her father.
"Yeah, I saw." She joined Bradley on the kitchen table. "It sucks, because I've never truly got along with Julia and... then Jake enlisted against father's wishes."
"He was going to enlist anyway, but in the Army, right?"
Janet looked at Bradley:
"I guess you're right. Nathan will be coming in a couple of hours with all of our shit." She sighed. "Ugh, Nathan is the only PA that hadn't run away from Julia because he was working already for the Seresins. He knows me since I was a kid and... I'm sure he'll have comments. I know I fucked up and I'm trying."
"I know, I know that you're trying."
"I'm just an idiot..."
"No, you do idiot things."
Janet smiled.
"Thanks." Then she added. "Well, he has never been an asshole in front of friends, so, I'm so glad you're here. He will keep his comments to we're alone, and I don't plan to be alone with him."
But when they were all in the flat, Brittany and Marion arriving just ten minutes before Nathan, and when they settle down, the man was not like Janet had described. He was funny, charming and was actually nice. He told about how when he was young he had done a lot of stupid things and it was normal at their age.
Bradley felt obligated to invite him for a tea when Brittany and Marion left with their luggage.
"That's a fancy tea set," Nathan commented as he put some sugar on his tea. "Where did you get it?"
"Oh, Jake brought it for Bradley, when he was in New York."
"Ah, I've heard that none of you went to the concert, right?" Nathan said.
"We were both working, and we had classes."
Nathan took a sip.
"Oh, that's true. You're the miracle worker that got Janet her job, twice."
Janet frowned briefly. Bradley looked at her, and then at Nathan. He could feel how the man was more relaxed, now that Brittany and Marion had left, it seemed that he was ready to lay it out for Janet.
"She got her first one on her own. And I might have helped the second time. But she's been a week working and she's doing great. On her own." Bradley remarked.
"Huh uh," Nathan responded and turned his attention onto him. "Bradley Bradshaw, with a great work ethic, and still, with a huge debt. In a year you have done an impressive improvement. Props to you."
"Nathan!" The woman sounded offended.
"What, Janet? He's living in one of our properties with you, Nat and Jake. We made a check on him. He's part of the family now, he gets another check. In less than two years he had managed to lower his debt sign..." Nathan stopped his phone rang. "Shit. Seresin the Second is a fucking pain in the ass."
"You have to talk about Dad like that?" Janet complained.
"I don't know, do you like to share a flat with Bradley?" He responded as he put his briefcase in the sofa and answered the phone."Hi, yes, hello. No, I'm still at Jake's... Yes, I was about to do that.... No, I processed everything... Great...." There was a long pause in which Nathan's frown deepened. Then, a long sigh. "Okay, I'll go with mediation. But... Oh, he's not... you are? Well, let's make it easy."
"He's not kicking out Bradley!" Janet complained. Nathan made a gesture to keep her quiet as he listened to what the other person was telling him.
"Yes, have you heard her?" Nathan nodded to the air. "Sure, sure... look, let's chat it over brunch, shall we? I'll meet you... Perfect."
Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose before speaking again.
"Okay, Bradley, you're lucky that Jake has a perfect timing for everything. And, because this family can't do anything by themselves, you're lucky I'm in charged." He dropped a folder on the coffee table. "I've got your papers solved, I've got your Tricare dealt with and I'm going to solve this so you can keep your peace so the in-laws won't bother you." He went towards the door. "At least until you see Jake again and you'll have to face the music. Congratulations and hope I don't see you in a long time. Bye, Bradley, bye, Janet."
And with that, he left, leaving them in completely silence.
"Wait, what he just said?" Bradley asked Janet.
Nathan had just spit a lot of words that, he knew objectively what they meant, but all together, confused him.
Janet shook her head and reached for the folder, when she opened it, she screamed.
"Oh, fuck, I though I dreamt it."
"What?"
She took one sheet of fancy paper that she turned around.
A marriage license.
From Nevada.
With Bradley's signature. Next to Jake's.
"Wait, wait, what? I didn't sign this. How... how the fuck is this valid? We were wasted. We were fucking high." Then, he looked at her. "Brittany said that she dreamed too. Why I don't remembered?"
"Well, I thought I punched Godzilla so..."
"And King Kong was there too." Bradley tried to remember. He felt he was eating fries with Jake. There were a bunch of Drag Queens. And he remembered he read something and signed a few papers because if they didn't... they couldn't go to a club? No, that didn't seem right. "I need to talk to Jake. We can't... we can't be married."
Jake was away, in a black ops operation somewhere and he wasn't going to come back in three months. Any possible chance to have any sort of relationship with Jake evaporated. Who would want the drama? Janet was being asked by her father too meet possible partners. This would go so bad.
His debt.
His taxes.
"There must be some way to undo this," Bradley said. Janet was still looking at the papers in the folder. "What?"
"This way you'll have health insurance," she said as if Bradley just had said that he had found an extra dollar on his wallet. As if it didn't put his whole life, and probably Jake's, upside down.
"What?"
"Like, he's going to take three months for Jake to comeback," she said. "And, and... Okay, I admit my dad can be a little controlling."
"A little?!"
"Well, a lot. If we do something, that I'm not sure if we are going to be able to do now, even if I'm pretty sure that Nathan would be able to handle it, what if my dad kicks you out from the house..."
"Jake said I had a good contract."
Janet stood in silence for a while.
"I mean, Nathan has also said that Jake had great timing. Maybe because you're both married now, there is no way they can kick you out." Janet sighed. "I mean, Dad can be... difficult sometimes."
"Difficult," repeated Bradley, deadpan.
"Well, what's the harm anyway? You can get health insurance now, right?"
Bradley could list a lot of problems right away. And he started for the one that he considered most important:
"Janet, if Jake passes away... then what?" As he had expected, because it was an unpleasant thought, Janet stepped back, horrified. "I'm sorry, Janet, but it's a possibility. He is a naval pilot. My dad died during a training exercise. And he is going to a classified operation after more than four months in recovery."
"No, it can't be," she denied. "No, we are Seresin, our surname..."
"It's not bullet proof. And despite what Jake says about his father, and despite he is a very controlling person, deep down, he has to care and worry that his influence and power can't protect Jake." An uncomfortable pinch inside him revolted his insides. He made it best to ignore it. "Maybe he is going all wrong about how protect each of you, but his intentions aren't really all bad."
Janet frowned, but didn't argue. Maybe it was because she was the only Seresin kid that called their father, Dad. The only naive enough to believe what Bradley was saying.
"Look, the best is to expect the best, be prepared for the worst..."
"You're expecting him to die." Janet cut.
"No, I really hope that he doesn't die. But we, I, aren't prepared for the worst. If he dies, what then? Am I going to inherit his everything? Or is your father going to make sure I don't get a penny?" Bradley made a gesture, crossing his throat with his finger. Janet hit him on the shoulder, annoyed. "Look, even if I renounce to it, maybe I'm fucked anyways with the IRS..."
"Everyone is fucked with the IRS..."
"Janet, IRS pays me money back when I do the taxes," he said. "That's the level of screwed am I."
After a long silence, she whispered, in an annoying tone:
"Not any more, brother in law."
"Janet!"
"Okay! I get it, it's a fucking mess! But it's not like we can call Jake and ask him to solve it. We could get Julia, but..." Janet opened her hands, dramatically. Bradley understood immediately. He was on the good graces with Julia, he didn't want to get her motives to join her father in his quest to kick him out of the house. "Look, as I see it, nobody in my family knows. Okay, Nathan knows," she corrected. "And Stana. But they aren't the gossip type of people. I mean, nobody on my family knows that I crashed one of the Lamborghini..."
"You what?"
"I didn't expected it went so fast so quick! And the drive out the dealer wasn't really that good."
"What?" She couldn't be serious, insinuating she crashed a car, a Lamborghini, the same day she got it. "You can't be serious."
"Look, it could happen to anyone."
"No, just to a person that doesn't really have to work for their money. Do you know how many hours of your work as a waitress you just evaporated in a single crash?"
Janet stopped for a second before groaning.
"Look, this is not about the car. Hear me out! I've done way worse. Look, you got married to my brother. Is that so bad? You like him, he likes you. Okay, well, you were drunk. All of us got drunk, nobody's fault. But, Nathan is dealing with Dad. He left the folder, he doesn't have any confirmation that you or me check it. In fact, we can ignore it until Jake comes back. He said three months, right? November, December, January. The latest, February. He will be back before tax season. Then, we can check if we can.... I don't know, annulled."
Silence fell again.
It was a really bad idea, really bad one. Ignoring a problem only could make it worse. But it was true, he wasn't sure what to do without talking to Jake. And if everything went wrong, he could still talk to Nathan. If by March... hopefully by March Jake would be back, nothing had changed, maybe he could ask Nathan what the hell to do.
Maybe he should find somewhere to live after. Start to fill up applications for work, internships, whatever, anywhere in the country. So as soon as he graduated, he could leave. It hurt, the thought, a lot. Because he actually had managed to make friends, and it broke his heart leaving Jake behind.
"Just, make sure to let Jake know that you two had to talk. And I'll text him, so as soon as he has his phone back, he'll know he has to contact us."
"This is horrible," Bradley whined. He wasn't the 'baby girl' of a powerful and wealthy family.
He and Jake only had one date. One. And now, it was over, even before it had started.
"It could be worse. You could have married a random guy in Las Vegas. Right now, your life hasn't has to change. Until Jake comes back and you two talk." Janet insisted.
"What if... what if something happens? Because life is a bitch and I've never lucky."
"Like, what? If anything happens to you?" Janet gasped. "Oh, wait, maybe... you should do a will, make sure everything goes to whoever you want. A cousin, or aunt, or..."
"I don't have anyone," Bradley murmured. His heart ached. He felt so alone. He took a deep breath. "It's okay. I'm most worried about Jake and... I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of the situations."
Janet bit her lip.
"You're not taking advantage of..."
"Yeah, what Julia would think about this whole thing?"
"Well, okay. Just... let's hope everything is fine, Jake comes back and nothing else happens. We should be get ready for work. Just... as the English say, keep calm and carry on."
Keep calm and carry on.
It was easier said than done.
After learning that he was married (married!), Bradley decided to focus his whole life in paying his debt off and graduating. Every day he passed without any news about Jake, was a good day. That meant that everything was going on as expected, no freaky accidents, no unfortunate events.
Yet.
Keeping his mind busy was imperative, so, he got a second job walking dogs. It was perfect. Allowed him to have some animal companionship (he still missed Mae a lot), go for long walks, and having an excuse not to meet that often Marion and Brittany. He missed them, but, he and Janet were set on not letting anyone about his marital status. And, the few times that they talked about what happened in Las Vegas, Bradley's anxiety rose up.
Bradley knew that Janet had pictures of the whole night, her camera had been recovered and with it, all the memories. All the proof of their night: the laughs, the alcohol, the sketchy people they've met, shows poorly pictured, their wedding with his friends cheering and strangers in costumes crashing the event...
He didn't want to make it real.
The pictures were blurry as a fever dream. And he liked it that way. He wasn't ready to face reality. Janet, at least, saved him from the embarrassment, only passing the group some group pictures from the beginning of the evening and leaving like that.
"Merry Christmas!!" Natasha arrived to their flat an a hour that in many places for a bank holiday was considered plain rude. She was full on energy and seemed that she had been up for a few hours already. Bradley had just woken up and Janet was still sleeping after a crazy shift on Christmas Eve. "I've heard that there is conflict at the Seresin household."
"What do you mean?" Bradley's brain was struggling to run. Maybe Natasha knew what had happened. Fear started to rose inside him.
"Janet not going back to Austin during Christmas because of work?" Natasha laughed. "It's okay. We're having lunch with Janet's cousins. At their lovely home. Do you know that Maddy is expecting?" She kept chatting as Bradley prepared some tea. When he offer her some, she just laughed and prepared herself coffee. By context clues he figured out that Maddy was married to the Seresin family with one of the cousins. When she mentioned Ricky Seresin, Jake and Janet's cousin, he realised that he had met them before, at Jake's birthday party.
"So... how's..."
"Lemoore? Boring as fuck. There aren't many things to do. But my new squad is great. We're practising some rad formations. I'm sure by the next year two of my boys will be called for TopGun."
"Ah, that's nice. Anything about Jake? Or Javy?"
"No news, so, those are the best news," she replied. Bradley nodded and then, the kitchen door opened. Janet, looking for the first time like a mere mortal went straight to hug Natasha and got a cup of coffee. "Hey, you're not working today, right?"
"No, no, the restaurant is closed."
"My mother is calling me later, she's hosting," she said, turning towards Bradley. "This is the first time Janet is missing Christmas. It was a whole drama. But, my mum managed to convinced that you just compromised with Ricky and wife."
"Your mother is amazing."
"Well, she wants to know if there is something between you and Bradley," Natasha pointed towards them. "I mean, I told her that's nonsense, that Jake would have a problem with that. But, still."
"Well, I've already told Bradley that he's spending Christmas with me," Janet responded. "But that doesn't mean that we're like... anything."
"I know, I know. I was in Las Vegas, I've seen it." Natasha made a kissy face. "Lovebirds," she told Bradley.
"What you saw in Las Vegas, exactly?" Bradley asked, trying to sound causal and failing it so hard that Natasha started to laugh.
"The looks, the possessive attitude that took over Jake, you making him eyes so he would follow you..." Bradley felt mortified. So, he tricked Jake. Janet and him eyed each other, trying to remind calm. "Hey, relax. It was cute. Very first love clingy type of attitude. In any case, people talk. Family knows we went to Las Vegas and we party hard."
"I have a job and I keeping my grades up," Janet said. "I'm doing, what? What they asked Julia to do? She also missed a lot of Christmases when she started university. Also, I'm sure they are inviting strangers I need to 'meet', so, hard pass."
Natasha raised her hands.
"I know, I know. That's why I've come here. Keep an eye on you, Janet, and, well, keeping the family together, even if that side of the Seresin is not really the cool one."
Bradley tried to hide his judgament from his face.
"Natasha, you're the best cousin," Janet clapped, happy.
"Yeah, because I stay away from our family."
"So, you don't like to spend Christmas with your family?" Bradley asked.
"We aren't really religious, and my parents aren't as... stick up for traditions and appearances like those ones," she pointed at Janet that just chuckled.
In the end, he was grateful that Natasha took them to spend Christmas day with Jake and Janet's cousins. Last minute, Bradley found a place open to get a small present for the couple with Jake's card. Scared to get suspicious looks from Natasha, he tried to do as fast as possible. But the woman was just impressed with his efficiency. Janet made a weak joke about Bradley being one of the new PA of the family and Natasha just warned her about talking about him around Jake. Because the topic was too close to reality, Bradley and Janet pivoted and asked questions about the pregnancy. Natasha, who had little idea about what went on Ricky and Maddy's life, just shrugged. But it was perfect, because as soon as they arrived to the house, that was the only topic of conversation: What to expect, changes, if they were going to make a baby shower, how would they plan... at some point, Bradley surprised himself offering help, even if he had zero spare time.
Fortunately, Ricky and Maddy understood that he and Janet were still students, but they were very appreciative of the gesture.
By the time they left, Bradley felt lighter, and much better.
"Hey, look at you, Bradley, smiling," Natasha pointed out. "Marion was worried. You're barely talking to her."
"I'm... trying to finish my last year without any problems," he responded, automatically, as he had been doing during the last two months. "Focus on a project..."
"Professor Kwon, I know. You did an internship with him, and now he is letting you lead one of the big projects. She said. Is that... exciting?"
"We're doing a model for a Concorde, I'm in charge of the engine, a Snecma Olympus 593 engine and we have a French guy coming to do a masters class, and the project is actually do it more efficient."
"Efficient? Didn't that thing crossed the Atlantic in four hours?" Natasha asked.
"Until it blew up and killed all the passengers on a take off," Bradley said. "Also, it cost too much to maintain, and the RIO is not that great. Not when planes like the Boeing 747 are more cost effective and AirBus is..." he blinked as Natasha looked at him with a half smile. "Am I rambling?"
"A bit, but you're okay. You just need to go out more. It's going to be New Years soon, any plans?" Natasha replied. "I'm meeting with my family. If you can make it to New York, you can join us."
"I'm working." And even if he could, there was no way he could afford a last minute train or plane ticket to New York.
Natasha looked over to Janet, who nodded.
"It's double and we're part of the newbie team so, we have to work no exceptions."
"No exceptions?"
"Well, they'll give us extra days off during exams, so... it balances."
Natasha palmed their shoulders:
"Well, for me was bootcamp, for you guys is this. You have to work hard to get somewhere in life. Just, Bradley, let us know if you're still alive. We only heard about you because Janet lives with you."
"Oh, sorry about that."
"Don't apologise, just... don't be a stranger."
"I'll try."
As soon as Jake came back, he would solve whatever the fuck they did in Las Vegas and then, he could breath better.
"I'm just trying to get everything right before... graduation."
Because after that, he would have to face the world alone again. And he was sure that Jake wasn't really going to stay friends with him.
"Okay, but it's good, right? Is it because I'm just a dumb business major that I think it's good or is it actually good?" Janet said as she order another pint. They had arrived from the library and Janet had asked about why a few people were congratulating him.
"It doesn't matter."
"What doesn't matter?" Marion asked, looking directly to Janet.
"He has gotten the highest marks on his class. A personal invitation to join some international competition..."
"In Berlin, that I can't afford," Bradley pointed out. "And, I'm not confirm, other people are also on talks to go."
"You worked the hardest, you have the highest grades..." Janet started.
"Not the highest average, tho."
"Don't they do grands or something like that for students?" Brittany asked, igoring Bradley's comment completely.
He would, but now he was married, Bradley probably couldn't opt to it, as Jake's income and, probably, network, wouldn't allow that. He avoided to look at Janet, whose solution was, simply 'talk to Nathan and use Jake's allowance to do so'. But it was more complicated than that. Would he have to give back the money? He wasn't even close to get his debt settled. He didn't want to add another layer of complication between Jake and him.
"Is not that easy," he decided to respond.
"Oh, no, fuck that," Marion snapped. "You're giving up before trying? Maybe you don't have the highest average, but in the last two years you're been crushing it."
"I'm not..." Bradley didn't want to start an argument, no when there was a risk of telling the truth. Or most of the truth. "Look, even if I went, it's going to take an amount insane of my time and I want to also compete in the MIT..."
"Oh, the MIT thing with the Military thing?" Brittany interrupted, because she also had checked it out, wondering if she could participate also, but ultimately deciding not to as it was far away from her major."You could still do both, but you have now two jobs and little time. Why did you have to take on walking dogs?"
"Because it is what is stopping me for killing myself," he winked, trying to sound lighthearted. But the joke didn't land and the three women just blinked at him, unimpressed. "Still, walking dogs is therapeutic. And I'm earning money, as opposing to go to counselling."
"That's very fair, Brittany," Marion commented. "But still, feels like you're just doing excuses."
"I'm not."
"Can't wait for Jake to come back," Brittany sighed. "I feel that he would support you to go to Berlin. And just because he tells you..." Marion hit her arm. "What? Everyone in this table knows you have a thing for him. Even Janet. She's basically praying for you to get together."
Janet decided to chug half of her pint instead of addressing the comment.
"Well, it's my life, so, I'm deciding. No Berlin, unfortunately. Or not. I don't know." He didn't have even a passport. It seemed too much hassle and work. And he had already so much on his plate. "In any case, it's not guarantee that I would be going. So... let's drop the topic, okay?"
"Okay, okay..."
February was approaching fast and, still, no news from Jake. Or Javy. Nothing.
It should be good news. That meant that they hadn't die.
Probably.
Maverick had taken his sweet time to comeback in most of his dangerous assignaments.
Berlin wasn't even a possibility anymore. As he had expected, another name came up on top: someone who had more reliable grades during his whole undergraduate program with better connections. So, with no more excuses, he centred himself in the project he was going to present with his study group to the MIT competition, open to any US students.
Professor Kwon had been very happy to hear he hadn't given up, ensuring him that the trip would be a week of missing classes and, honestly, Bradley couldn't really afford to not to work during those days.
He had been putting off preparing any Navy application to enlist, and now, with the whole marriage and everything... felt impossible. If he really wanted to success, to become a naval aviator, he would probably had to cross paths with Jake.
And, so, he had started to prepared a more serious CV. A CV for when he was about to enter the job market. A job market that was getting harder and harder to get into, as the economy crashed and a lot of people were getting fired. Was anything of this worth it? Well, it didn't matter, he should be actively looking for a job. He was already on thin air with the Seresin, even if they didn't know it yet.
Ad honestly, it was much better than to face Maverick. He couldn't picture himself joining the Navy with the hopes to get to navial aviator and, not only fail the old man, but now, Jake as well. So, he had contacted the company he had made the internship with, and, with a good word from his Professor, it seemed that an offer could be done. Everything was still on the air, but Bradley almost preferred it that way. Better than having a confirmation, than, later on, facing a rejection.
He didn't want to get his hopes up.
For that reason, he was on a Tuesday, late with the rest of his team, trying to figure out a way to make the engine more stable without losing power. It was a slow process, that included to make a simulator. At some point, and, Bradley feared, that, whatever they were doing, it wouldn't matter if they didn't fix it. Something impossible because their focus should be the engine, not the simulator.
To top everything up, there was a new e-mail from Maverick sitting on his inbox.
He feared opening it, so he didn't. And because of that, he couldn't stop thinking about it.
"Hey, Bradshaw, all good?" one of the guys from the team asked.
"Lex Osborn got to go to Berlin," one of the women responded.
"That Osborn?"
"Yeah."
"Sorry, I should... I should be more focused. It's... I mean, we have different approaches to the problem, no way to test them. And it's very likely that we chose the wrong approach. Investing time and money and..." Bradley pinched his nose. The solution was to have a better simulation, but their professor had said that wasn't an option. Every team got ta different tasks.
"It's like Berlin," the first guy said. "The ones who're gonna represent the school are the ones with connections."
"I can start to work in some of the equations to modify the code of the simulator, Bradshaw, would you see them over?"
Bradley nodded, even if he knew they weren't going to get the light green. Or worse, they would accepted it and they passed the credit to the team that actually had chances to success. Only to win some competition at the MIT.
But, at least, he wouldn't be thinking about Maverick and his e-mail.
Obviously, his strategy didn't work, because when the group finally gave their session done, and he was outside the building, near the traffic, he was still going around about it. He looked behind him, back to the building, that was closing down, just letting the library open so people could still study at night. Maybe he could go and check quick the e-mail before Janet showed up.
He went twice between the building and the main road, undecided. Finally, he decided to wait for Janet to fall asleep, going inside Jake's office, and check then the e-mail and have his breakdown alone in his room.
And now he had made the decision, his whole body was effervescent, nervous, jumpy. He couldn't wait for the woman to appear. His eyes traced the whole street and park near by, looking for Jake's sedan. After what felt like ages, he finally got a view of the familiar gray car. Impatient, Bradley jumped onto the street, cutting distance.
A loud and long horn irrupted th
Notes:
So, yes, the chapter finishes like that. I had this idea since the very begining and I was dreaming to reach this point.
Also, do I adore writing Janet? she's so chaotic and probably would have benefit from a better education. I hope the next chapters explains a bit more about the Seresin lore.
Have a great Sunday!
Chapter 11: (Interlude)
Summary:
Paola Guaritore felt refreshed after a long sleep and a week of spa, bridal activities, a large fest and, maybe, running away with the best man to steal some kisses. Frederick had been texting her non stop since she landed. So, as soon as she crossed the doors of the exclusive clinic, where she worked, she attracted everyone's attention.
Notes:
I know, I know it's not technically Bradley's POV, but, look, it's very difficult to know what Bradley is thinking right now. So, apologies in advance and I hope the end scene makes it worth it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*
Paola Guaritore felt refreshed after a long sleep and a week of spa, bridal activities, a large fest and, maybe, running away with the best man to steal some kisses. Frederick had been texting her non stop since she landed. So, as soon as she crossed the doors of the exclusive clinic, where she worked, she attracted everyone's attention.
Eve rolled her eyes as soon as she saw her in her floor. The stuck up woman, in the sake of being 'professional' loved to rain on everyone's parade. Not this time, not when she had a fantastic week off in Bora Bora, all paid. As she waled towards the staff room, she noticed two nurses giggling around. As soon as they looked at Paola they waved, knowingly.
Interesting.
"Looking good, Paola," Mateo smiled at her as soon as she stepped in. The night nurse was eating a pizza, probably getting ready to be done wit his shift.
"Thank you, Mateo. Did you miss me?"
"Of course we did. Eve was writing poems, yearning for your presence."
They both laughed.
"I'm sure. So, anything interesting? Has the Harrison had come back?"
"Oh, yes, you know. We order the usual tests, everything went fine."
"Mrs Harrison is so sweet. I still remember when she brought me some apple pie. So nice. So, they won't be here until the end of the month, right?"
"Probably. Next week is San Valentin, so I'll expect them to tell us all about it."
Paola nodded. The good thing about his job it was that, despite the occasional urgent care that a VIP might need, it was mostly old and wealthy people trying to beat old age. It was good, a stable source of income, but, sometimes, it made her wonder.
"Her daughter never visits or comes to say hello," she observed.
"She pays the bills," Mateo replied. "Even if we get the sweet and lovely old people, if their kids don't bother to talk to them, they might not have done right to them."
Paola hummed.
"I know. And some parents might only regretting it because they see Death coming to them." As she put her scrubs she she glanced at Mateo, distracted with the pizza toppings. "Hey, I saw Caroline and Bea giggling on the hallway. What I really missed?"
"I don't want to spoil the fun," Mateo snorted.
"Now you have to tell me!"
"So, what do you know about the Seresin?"
"What do I know..." she paused. She loved Julia Seresin: a certified Girl Boss, fashionable and eloquent. She was alumni of Harvard, graduated in the same year as Paola. She had went to nursing instead of business, but the woman had been very active on her campus life and for that reason, Paola had her four appearances on magazines: GLAMOUR, Vanity Fair, Business Today and The Times Magazine. Julia was the daughter of a Colonel in the Army and the granddaughter of a Senator. She knew that her aunt married into the Trace family, owners of the Trace Hotel Company, and that was all her public appearances were held in a Trace Hotel. "You're joking? But Julia works in Chicago, right? She can't be here."
Mateo chuckled, again:
"Well, I'm not talking about Julia Seresin. I'm talking about her younger siblings."
"She has siblings?"
"Two, a younger brother, who is Navy, and the youngest, her sister, who is studying a Master in Harvard."
Paola blinked.
"The Seresin are an Army family." Then she looked towards the hallway. "So, who is here? Janet? The youngest?"
"Yes, but not as a patient. She's with the Navy's husband."
"Recap, recap. Julia has a brother, in the Navy, who married our patient. And our patient is with Janet? Like, they're hocking up?"
"Oh, no, no... Sorry." Mateo lowered his tone. "No, the Navy Seresin is deployed but the Navy won't even acknowledge he is on a mission. His husband, the patient, he is with the younger sister because, apparently, she was the only one who knew about the marriage. They tied the knot before Navy Seresin went and disappear."
"The fuck?"
"The husband is on your ward, so you'll probably get him as a patient. I'm telling you as a warning because you love Julia and you know all the gossip but... you need to keep in mind your patient is your priority. Let admin and the bosses deal with all the rest."
"Sounds... bad."
"He got surgery at the General Hospital, got transferred here to get a second one once the family knew that he was a Seresin. It raised a flag on the system."
"Is he... conscious?"
"He is, but he got in a very ugly car accident. Lost his memories. Doesn't remember a thing."
Paola nodded, taking the information in:
"A secret marriage, the husband is gone and the whole family is now over a guy that doesn't remember anything." She recapped. "And that family is rich and controlling and..."
"Your girl boss idol is not pleased with a situation."
Paola half smiled.
"That why you should never meet your idols." Because her priority was going to be the poor husband. The one that married the crazy family. Still, she had a small hope, because what she remembered Julia from campus days were not that bad.
Brad resulted to be a lovely patient. It was the highlight of her rounds, and with the tiring work and Eve constantly on her neck, she needed something positive to look forward to. Frederick had stopped texting her, and her sister had told her that he had been seen with another woman. Whatever, she at least had her fun during her holidays, she needed to focus on better things.
Like Brad.
He hardly complained, although, it was probably because he had half of his face and his jaw on a bandaged. He was also visited every day by his friends, who took turns. Two of them wondered if they needed to sneak in proper food, but, luckily, their clinic were proud of their catering options. Janet Seresin, who was obviously more familiar with the type of care they provided, just limited to bring him class notes and projects update.
The doctor was allowing it because it seemed that Brad understood what those papers and equations were, despite he was clueless about the three women that visit him every single day.
For a couple of days, it was calm.
That, until Colonel Seresin and wife decided to show up as visiting hours were almost done.
Paola, frustrated, had to see how the old couple acted as if they owned the place. Maybe they had some shares, as Gloria, one of the directors, were with them, showing them around, pointing out the similitudes and differences with their branch in Austin.
"Paola, let the patient know that he has visit," the old woman told him. Paola tried not to roll her eyes, but at least, she managed to put the control for the nurse call at Brad's reach.
"Call me if you need me, okay?"
Brad nodded and then, with a raspy voice, he said:
"Thank you, Paola."
She decided to stay longer than her shift, even if Dana didn't approve her overtime. She needed to make sure that Brad was okay. That disregard for the norms was indignant. When Eve saw her, still around, restocking the carts and cabinets, she didn't say anything. Proving that she was also upset with that.
"Paola," the woman called. "If in ten minutes, they aren't gone, could you tell Dr Lopez to come down? I have a few questions about the medicine dosage of Mr Bradshaw."
"Of course, Eve, will do."
Mateo, who had just started his shift, nodded, approving.
Three minutes before the timeline that Eve had put her, Paola decided to eavesdrop, just to make sure that Dr Loped was needed to intervene. But as soon as she tried to open the door, just slightly, it was already being open. She stepped on a side, her heart beating fast, scared to be in trouble. Quickly, she found something to do, holding onto one of the cleaning trolleys that were being used, faking being so interested on it.
As the Colonel and wife passed by, she caught part of their conversation:
"...I don't want to hear it. They got married in secret. Janet likes him."
"He's rude, and low class."
"He works with Janet. He found Janet a job. He can take Jake and he will take Janet with him too."
"He doesn't even remember..."
"Jacob, don't make me repeat myself. If I lose another kid I'm divorcing you. You know how hard is for Julia to call me back?..."
As their voices lowered, Paola went back inside the room.
"Hey, how are you? Do you need anything?"
"It's just a slightly headache," Brad, admitted, after a while, as Paola checked everything in the room, making sure the light was dim and his vitals correct.
"I can give you happy drugs," she proposed, making him chuckle. But she couldn't much, as Eve came also inside the room.
"We will make sure you have proper rest tonight, Mr Bradshaw."
"Thank you a lot," the man replied, and then, he lied down, helped by Paola, rearranging his pillows.
When Eve left, Paola stayed.
"No, but, seriously, how are you?"
Bradley though about it for a moment, as he brushed his scarred chin with his hand. After a while, he said:
"I don't remember much about my life but I'm sure I've never been able to afford this type of care." Paola just hummed in response. If she had an accident, she would end up at the General Hospital, not that clinic,. Brad took a deep breath. "I can't wait to leave this place. Can't wait to get better." Then, he shorted. "Or maybe I shouldn't, I can't imagine paying for this."
"I'm sure that your husband will take care of it," Paola said. She knew the Seresin were footing the bill.
"The ting is... I can't remember much about him except that I want to see him again. I'm guessing he's blond, seeing the rest of the family."
"I'm sure that as soon as he knows about your status, he will come here. He will be worry and will make sure everything your in-laws are kept in check."
"How are you so sure?"
"You two married in secret, right? That means you two knew what type of conflicts might arise." She might be grasping at straws, but she needed to believe that some people were meant to be. She had no idea how Brad's husband was, but she hoped she was decent. At least, he was trying to protect his love from his crazy parents.
"He will probably feel guilty."
"About what? You didn't ask to have an accident, he didn't ask for it."
But Brad just half smiled.
"I think I'm going to sleep now."
"Sure. Mateo is on shift tonight, you'll be on good hands. Good night."
"Mrs Smith, please, use a condom next time?" she tried to suggest the patient. In the last week they had an influence of old people coming with STD after a road trip for seniors organised by one of the near by luxury residences. The woman dismissed her with a cheerful 'I have to live before I die', and Paola chuckled as she went to see Brad.
She couldn't wait to tell him about that. It always shocked people to learn that a lot of old people were one of the populations at risk of STD because, there was a point, mostly in residences, that they liked to mingle between each other.
It was going to be a fun talk as she finished preparing him for his pending tests and scanners. Lately, she only talked to Brad. It was kind of sad, actually, but she needed some time alone after Frederick, who had, suddenly, remembered she existed. She stayed strong, not daring to answer (not daring to block his number because she wasn't even 'that affected'). Plus, focusing on her work, on her patients, was more fulfilling.
But when she reached for the room, it was empty, being cleaned.
"Rosa, any chance you know where my patient is?"
"No, no idea. I'm just doing my rounds."
"Thanks a lot!"
She turned, walking the whole ward before she wound the other woman.
"Eve, where is my patient?" she demanded.
"Which patient?" she asked. "Do you realised we're discharging ten patients now back to the Sunshine Residency, right? Be concrete, please."
"Brad Bradshaw. Married to the Seresin. He's scheduled to a CT scan. I need to prep him."
Eve frowned.
"Maybe Bea beat you to get him to the second floor."
"His room is being cleared. I've just been there. He is gone."
Eve took a deep breath and took the phone. At the same time, Janet Seresin and another of Brad's friend, appeared behind them.
"Sorry, we just came to say hello to Bradley Bradshaw and his room has been cleared."
Eve nodded:
"Don't worry, we're on it."
It turned out that they had mistaken his expedient and had forced him a transfer to the General Hospital. Half trip they were asked to turn back. The trip made Brad a bit more dizzy and his test had to been postponed a day.
When she finished resetting up Brad in his room, and was ready to leave, she encountered Bea and Caroline in the staff room.
"No wonder you idolise Julia Seresin," Bea told him. "She was hot shouting at Eve and Gloria. Even Dana was happy to see it."
"Julia was here?"
"She arrived today. Apparently she was going to come in tomorrow to hear about the results. But, of course, Janet called her. I mean, they tried to get rid of the guy because it was 'too expensive'," Caroline interjected.
Bea nodded:
"I mean, even if the Seresin are paying for it. Some manager tried to get the cake and eat it."
"In any case, if everything goes well, Brad will be leaving us."
"Our eye candy gone, so sad."
"You should be happy he's getting better. It was a naughty accident," Paola scolded them. But Bea and Caroline just shrugged and got ready to leave.
"Is anything wrong with my results?" Brad asked.
"No, sorry, it's... it says Bradley Seresin now."
"Ah, yeah. Julia said that the surname will protect me from getting mistaken by a common person so..."
"You don't like it?"
"I mean, I don't know, I didn't change my surname when I married, right? But, also, my college admin has called me to reassure me that I won't have any problems with my enrolment. That it doesn't matter if I graduate this year or the following, they're keeping my credits and my average and won't penalise me for lack of attendance." He made a pause. "Just because I'm a Seresin now."
"Well, if I'm being honest, that seems like a good thing. I'll say, take advantage of it." Rich people were constantly taking advantage of others.
"I feel indebted."
"Don't. They are your family now. They should take care of you." Paola looked the results again. "Tomorrow you'll be discharged. Focus in your recovery and, hopefully, we will only see each other for your next check-up, okay?"
"Will you be my nurse?"
"Well, Brad, you have you file updated and here we try to get the same staff that served you. I don't have plans to go on holiday soon, but if I'm not here, I'm sure Mateo or Caroline will take care of you."
"Nice."
"You have to make plans and focus on a positive thing, and, step by step, you'll get there."
He chucked.
"Yes, that's true. Janet had gotten some tickets to see a tour to a Navy Carrier, the SS John C. Stennis. It's here in Boston for a couple of days and they're allowing people to visit."
"Ah, that's great. To trigger some memories? Remember what the doc says, don't over do yourself."
"I know, I know. I'll take it easy, don't worry."
"What part of taking it easy didn't you understand?" as soon as she heard that Brad was back, she had to go and check for herself. The man looked totally pale, despite Janet insisting that he looked much better.
It passed a moment before she realised that Julia Seresin was there. Her heart jumped a bit before she went back to normal. Doctor Lopez was checking him and she was commenting:
"Look, your ear and equilibrium might not be great so it's normal to feel a bit of vertigo. Even in such a large carrier."
"Are you sure?" Julia inquired. "Janet said that you encountered someone you knew."
Brad just shrugged.
"I mean, he did called Bradley, but also, he assumed that he was already graduated," Janet explained. "When Bradley didn't recognised he got a bit offended and when I explained to him that he got a contusion not long ago, he went for ice."
"Did you actually said that he got the contusion three weeks ago or that he tripped while visiting the carrier?" Julia asked.
"I'm not stupid," Janet complained. "Well, not that stupid."
"As I explained before," Doctor Loped tried to say.
"Okay, so, did you get the name of this mystery man?" To Janet silence she added. "Rank or something?"
"Bradley was feeling bad so I took him back to the car and then I went back but I couldn't find the guy and when they finally let me in, I... didn't know how to look for that man."
Julia just dismissed her sister with a hand gesture.
"Okay, I'm... I'll just phone the Navy and Father's contact and I'll ask if they know about a man with unknown rank who was on the USS whatever..."
"USS John C. Stennis," Brad provided.
"That, and I'll ask if they happen to know Bradley. I'm sure that they will disclose the information with no problem. How many people can hold one of those things?"
"More than five thousand," Janet replied, defeated.
"I'm so glad to be surrendered by competent people," she added, as she left urgent care.
"I'm so stupid," Janet whispered.
"Look, the guy could at least introduced himself," Bradley replied. "Even if I couldn't remember... maybe, your sister could get that PI she hired to find out about my life and finances and everything. See a connection between us, I don't know."
Paola, regrettably, agreed with Brad. It seemed that the image she had about Julia wasn't as good as she remembered.
After greeting Brad, she went back to her rounds.
"Your idol is right," Eve commented on passing. "Most of the people are incompetent. I know her pain."
Paola didn't even bother to answer her.
"So, is he clear to fly to Austin?" the Colonel wife, Jacqueline Seresin, was back. Her husband was waiting, reading on a newspaper, on the armchair. Since she had arrived, she had controlled the staff as if it were her staff. Paola was only there because Janet had said to her mother that Brad liked her, so Gloria had overwrote Eve and Dana's charts and now, she was there, present. Like a butler waiting for orders.
She was a nurse, for fuck sake.
Paola looked at the doctor, who was struggling to say no without saying it. Julia was near the window, annoyance on her face. Janet was the only one pushing back to the idea:
"Mum, I have to work and I have to go to classes and I'm meeting with my study group. And I though we all agreed I would be taking care of Bradley's recovery since we've been flatmates for a long time.
"Job as a waiter," Jacqueline complained. Paola glanced at Brad, his face was losing his neutrality and was, slowly, slipping into an annoyance face.
"She takes pride in what she's doing, isn't that a positive thing?" Interjected Julia. "Plus, even if he is taking a break from college, Bradley still can attend seminaries and participate in group projects that the psychiatrist has approved and encouraged."
"It's just a week, Julia, please. Janet missed Christmas this year. You never stay home long enough to do anything."
"Bradley and I went with cousin Nat to see Rick and Maddy," Janet pointed out, but she was completely ignored.
"I'm just asking a family reunion."
"Jake is not even back. And I have to be in Singapore to meet important people whose investment will allow to pay for the clinic bill, for example."
"Julia can go with her investment company," Colonel Seresin stated behind the newspaper.
"Jacob!" Jacqueline complained. "This is not fair. No grandchildren, no calling your mother..."
"Mum, can you... we're not talking now about me," Julia requested in a quiet voice.
"Your cousin is going to have a baby. Where is mine?"
Doctor tried to redirect the conversation again:
"The recommendations are a stable environment..."
"What's better than our home? We have a ranch, he can do those walks there. We have horses he can ride, beautiful animals to pet," Jacqueline insisted. "Janet can show him everything around. And if he needs anything, we just go to Austin, is not that long, barely two hours by car."
"I'm sure the sheriff would be okay if we make it in an hour," Colonel Seresin commented, still, hiding behind the newspaper. Then, he turned towards Paola. "If you are so concern, can't you work there for a week?"
Paola didn't have to say anything, despite her indignation as the Doctor tried to redirect the conversation.
"Sir, this is not really an option."
"I'm sure we can talk with Gloria. They owe us after your clinic tried to get rid one of its patients and, still, try to charge us for the full treatment."
Someone entered the room, Paola was hoping it was Eve with her bitchy attitude. She didn't like when Gloria had taken her out from her schedule. But before she could check who they were, Brad beat him to it.
"Jake! You're back!" he said, and Paola noticed that this was the most soft and delicate that she had seen Brad. His big brown eyes were shinning and his smile the widest. His scars, so noticeable until them, almost faced.
Jake Seresin, the Navy Seresin.
He looked like the male version of Jacqueline, but muscular and broad. Despite he had bags under his eyes, his green eyes shined. A real Ken doll in the flesh.
"Hey, Bradley. Sorry it took me long to come back." Then, the man dropped a duffle bag on the floor, looked around him, and it was almost as he grew up in front of her. With the coldest and calmest tone, he said: "Every one who isn't medical staff, out of this room. I need a moment with my husband."
Julia and Janet just got up instantly. Both of them expressed their happiness to see him back. His parents, took a moment longer.
"Jackie..."
"Mum, not now. Please. I'll call you. I promise."
"Okay, darling. You have so much explaining to do."
Once the old couple left, Jake Seresin relaxed his posture again. He took the arm chair and sat. Brad, instantly, reaching for his hand. Paola's heart warmed at the sight, Brad really needed someone truly on his side, and his captivated expression, indicated he was the right one.
"I'm sorry I'm late," he said to Brad.
"It's okay. You're here now."
Paola looked at the doctor, who gave her a silent permission to leave.
"I have to check in a few patients," Paola said. "But, I can come back later, if you needed."
"Sure," the doctor said. "I'll call you if we need anything."
"Thank you, Paola," Brad said. Jake nodded.
"Yes, thank you so much."
And with a last look to the lovely couple, Paola left the room.
Where she could find anything like that? It was too much to ask to love?
*
Notes:
I know, I know, it's a short update, but, we know what is happening to Bradley and family, right?
I hope you enjoyed this small slice of life of Paola the healer, that gives us a deeper view into the Seresin's dynamics and Bradley's diagnosis.
The tour on the Navy carrier, I honestly, don't know if in the US they do that, but in my country there are some times that they make an event and you can visit some old and new ships from our Navy. Last year they went to one of my friends coastal cities and we made it a group activity because you can learn cool things and, of course, they take the chance to recruit people, so I thought I would include it.
I actually not aware how exactly they decide where and when they do it, but my friend is that type of people that always knows what's happening or when so... take it with a grain of salt, so I took advantage of this POV and kept it as short and vague as possible.
Chapter 12
Summary:
Breaking up was the first step, forgetting how to get back to his ex's bed, was another thing. In the middle of his messy life, Jake stopped by a 24h coffee shop near Boston's Station where one of the baristas caught his attention.
He didn't get obsessed, or anything (he swore).
But now, he had someone to take care of his lovely cat Mae.
Notes:
Thank you for everyone's patient, comments and kudos! It really fuel me to finish this extra long chapter with a new POV. This time, Jake's! I hope you enjoy it!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It was night, the sky was clear and many stars could be seen. The milky way was bright, and the lack of a moon, made the image so much better. He had no idea of how to read the starts but it didn't matter. It was so beautiful. The warm breeze of the night kept the temperature just perfect. He loved there, the quiet moments after a mission or deployment, so he could settle his mind before everything came: debriefs, what if, what could have be done, statistics, risk, performance... stolen moments that he cherished.
Javy, next to him, had managed to find moonshine, and despite Jake general adverse to the homemade drink, tonight, he accepted a few sips.
"Fuck, Coyote," he coughed. "The hell is this shit?"
"Bone's private recipe."
"Do I want to know?"
"No, not really," Javy chuckled. The shiny coast at the horizon got brighter by the minutes. Then, Javy throw away the bottle, that got lost in the trail of the sea.
"Man! For once I join you," Jake complained.
"I know, I know... but, I'm not going to let you get drunk because you're going to face Spencer soon..."
"I'm not!" Jake spoke too soon, too harsh, and Javy glanced at him, mockingly.
"So, where's your phone?"
Jake didn't answered. He had left it behind, switched off, with his stuff, at his bunk bed while Ken was sleeping sound. Javy chuckled next to him.
"Look, break up with him. There is no point, your mother doesn't even like him any more. She's tolerating him just because she thinks you like him."
"I like him."
"Do you? Or you just enjoy telling people that you're in a serious relationship? Look, I know after Ruby..."
"Dude," Jake warned.
"He doesn't even like Mae," Javy insisted. "Don't you want to leave her with someone who actually can take care of her?"
"Nat's friends go sometimes to check on her."
"And on the flat, because you still don't truly trust in Spenser. So, my question is, why aren't you breaking up with him?"
"Okay, okay... I'll do it. Okay? I'll do it."
Breaking up with Spencer was actually quite easy.
Stop sleeping with him was a bit harder.
But, their families knew each other and Jake discovered fast enough that most of his time on leave was with his presence. At least, his house was in Boston, away from DC, from Austin, from San Diego and Chicago, were the Seresin and Spenser's family weren't present.
It limited their encounters, but still, it was hard not to resist the familiarity. Just a look, and it was done.
"Okay, I know you love to cosplay as poor," Javy complained when Jake forced them to take the bus. "But, why again have to suffer? Look, I know I'm privileged and you are more privileged than me, but us suffering isn't going to solve common people's problems."
"It's just a thirty minute ride," Jake complained. "And, it's not a bad thing to try to live like everyone else." And it would delay his arrival to the city, meaning that he would miss Spencer. He didn't want to admit to Javy that, sometimes, they were still fucking.
Javy frowned:
"Okay, so, this is because Spencer decided to call you... what? Shallow? Privileged pig? Asshole? You broke up with him, you hurt his ego, he just wanted to hurt you."
"I mean, I am privileged and shallow."
"And you risk your life for your country. And you watch my six, and you lead your team and you take care of your family and treat people with kindness."
"I've been called an asshole by many people."
"When you say people you mean Spencer?"
"Just drop it." Jake looked around, looking for an excuse. Whatever. Keeping the conversation would mean to admit things he didn't want to. He didn't remember anything noteworthy it on this side of the town, but anything to save him from that conversation. Suddenly, an old cafe open, the 24 hours kind where they probably served mean coffee and soggy sandwiches but drunk people loved it, caught his attention.
"Running away? That's not your style, Hangman."
"I'm just going for coffee."
As he had guessed, the place was full with people reaching for coffee and baked goods. A wore out poster announced a cheap deal on the unholy hours they were. Many young people at different levels of drunkenness were talking loud. Some were happy, some were annoying, most of them seemed to be in their own world colliding. Before Jake could reach the front of the line, unexpectedly, a small fight started.
"Dude!"
"I'll fuck you up."
"Or I'll fuck you up first and no food your you shitty assholes if you don't behave!"
Jake blinked, surprised by the commanding tone one of the baristas had when he spoke. Until then, he hadn't noticed his presence, hidden behind the bar and the long displays of food. But now, his body was half way over the counter, handling a milk jar as if it were a sword. His hair was curly, he had big brown eyes, and he looked too young, despite his confident pose. As if he had seen too much or he had just had enough of life.
"Watch yourself," with a last warning, he turned and then said to his college, a young woman, with a huge bun and bright red lips. "If any one looks at you the wrong way..."
"I'll kick their asses myself, Brad," she giggled. "And he will be watching and laughing," she directed towards the crowd. "And you won't like it."
A few people laughed and then, the crow when a bit more easier. The tip jar looked properly full by the time that was Jake's turn, all the tables were full and the young woman was busy cleaning around.
"If you don't mind a random Black Americano, here you are, one for free. I made too many too fast," Brad, the barista, said, as he placed two coffees in front of Javy and Jake. His gaze was still fixated in one of the tables, were his coworker was cleaning around. A few of the costumers were glaring at the woman, making both workers uncomfortable with the situation.
"I... well, I just wanted coffee, I wasn't really thinking in buying anything else..." Jake was hoping for the guy to look at him, but he was just fixated on that table, his frown growing as he spoke.
"No problem, honestly, just take the coffee... I..." Brad stopped and then he put on an apologetic face. "I'm so, so, sorry, I need to check this out."
"Thank you for the coffee, man," Javy spoke, he sounded amused. Brad nodded and then, went towards the table. Javy grabbed Jake's coffee. "C'mon, man, let's go. We're going to miss the fucking bus. Or, we could take a cab. Can we?"
"Sure, sure..."
They went outside, Jake glancing behind, checking. He had gotten a free coffee. Not because he had flirted with the barista, that he could have, not because he was wearing his uniform, he never liked to be singled out, or because someone knew his surname and was hoping to get something from him.
"He was probably being conscious about not wasting food," Javy said, sipping form his coffee, smiling as he had just witnessed the funniest thing ever. "Nothing special about this coffee."
"So, he's considerate. And he was just focused on taking care of his co-worker."
"I guess having the police here is bad for business," Javy replied. "So, that's what dating Spencer gets you, huh?"
"What is supposed to mean, Javy?"
"No, nothing. Just like common sense and basic decency feels like going extra mile."
Maybe Javy was right and anything normal seemed extra good. But Jake was also aware that he usually got a beneficial treatment just because he existed. He was a Seresin, so, in some circles, his surname carried weight. He got preferential treatment in some restaurants, clubs and trips. The only exception was when he was deployed, because outside the US nobody gave him much importance. A few instances some people had commented him that he shared the same surname as Julia Seresin, but he never made obvious their fraternal relationship.
The other type of preferential treatment he got was when he was wearing his uniform. It wasn't as bad, and it wasn't really that much of a bother. In fact, he was appreciative to the fact that people seemed to respect what it represented. But, sometimes, just some times, he wished he could be invisible.
He was used to it. His whole life had been between the highly competitive Julia Seresin, that had the full attention of his father, and the spoiled and babied younger sister Janet Seresin.
The only time his father paid him attention when he had joined the Navy, instead of the Army. Jake had managed to apply to the Academy without raising concerns. His mother had been well aware that Javy Machado, the grandson of Julia and, partly, Jake's nanny's, had been accepted. So, she was the first one to notice that Jake was following the man's footsteps.
When Father realised that Jake had been accepted at USNA, it was the scandal of the century.
Fortunately, he only heard about it from his cousin Natasha, who found everything hilarious. A couple of years later, she was following Jake's steps. Just for the drama.
Apart from her, the only person in the family that had seen it with good eyes apart from his impressionable cousin, had been Julia:
"It's hard work," she warned.
"I know."
"You won't have Father's help."
"When I ever had it?" he replied. And she had laughed, understanding. Julia had gotten a loan to start her business. A loan that she was expected to give it back. Because she knew better, she was smart, and she could 'handle it like a proper Seresin'. On the other side, their younger sister only had to ask to get more than she wanted.
At least, Jake found a new family in the Navy. When in the trenches, everyone was equal. Even if, later, people would found out about his family, and then, Jake could separate the ones that respected him, or the ones that wanted something in exchange.
The line of people wanting something from him grew so fast, so quick, that Jake started to not caring who he was leaving behind. Fuck to play as a team, he would be the best, on his own merits, on his skills, and nobody could say to him anything.
Even, if, as usual, nobody was there to witness it.
Hangman was born and. Javy, later Coyote, was still one of the few people that could really understand him. Or at least, tolerate him.
So, meeting Spender after Chris, after Ruby and Tabitha was just something that he only did to appease the family. His mother, happy, had bought him a flat in Boston, only because Jake had decided to put that crazy condition to it. And when she gave him the property title of the place under his name, he only had to oblige.
Spencer had been everything his family found acceptable: good family, excellent academic record, model manners in public, great speaker and he played the violin. Personally, when alone, Spencer was... was strategic. He never did anything without a gain. He was upfront. And he was determined to be a team with Jake. To work with him to be a united front with the family. To follow the traditions.
And it had been like that, until it was obvious that Jake wasn't going to leave the Navy any time soon, that he was dead on becoming the best naval aviator. That he couldn't care less for certain brands, events or moments.
Spencer was a master of moving between two worlds.
Julia had offered him a small apology when he had broken up things with Spencer.
"That's why I married who I married, someone outside the family."
And with enough temper to withstand the demanding family Seresin.
Janet, surprisingly, celebrated the break up:
"You looked so miserable with him. Don't worry about what Dad's says, it's your life, you should live as you wish."
Janet, who was the lucky one of the siblings to never got to experience their Father's disappointment or fury. The only one that could do no wrong and, therefore, had the freedom to do as she pleased.
"You still have the freedom to do as you please," Javy told him. "The only thing you need to, is to face the consequences of the decisions that you make."
So, facing the consequences.
That meant to overplay Coldplay nonstop, and, apparently, obsessing on the cute barista on that crappy cafe near the station. That was better than answer Spencer back, trying to justify some type of backhanded comment that the man threw at him.
He was glad that Javy was gone, deployed, ignorant to the fact that Jake was going back form Virginia to Massachusetts with the excuse of checking on Mae. Every time he could, he would stop by the 24 hours cafe. Sometimes, he saw Brad, working, laughing, slightly detached because he was obviously tired. Most of the times, he wasn't there.
Brad was probably a student, finishing his undergraduate. Young, and still, respected. Even if he wasn't working, a few comments here and there: 'Oh, Brad left it prepared for us, we should do the same for him.' Or a 'yes, Brad took my shift so I could go to the concert.' It wasn't that common, but it was.
When Brad was present, he was usually facing the coffee machines, his voice calling back coffees ready, as he placed them for his colleagues to deliver to customers.
In one occasion, a shameful occasion where Spencer came to Boston just to meet him, and Jake was going to take the train to the airport, he noticed Brad the Barista giving a bag of food to a homeless person. No audience, just doing a kind gesture for the sake of being kind.
Spencer, who only tipped serves when he though the actually deserved it, and made a spectacle of it, looked so pale, so childish, next to the young man.
Javy was right. He was Hangman, he was a hell of a pilot, and, somehow, he was settling with Spencer, after breaking up with him. And Brad, on the other hand, was being praised by his co-workers. Did good without advertising it.
He should do better.
"You're in Boston?"
"Yeah, I took a plane," Jake replied when Javy called him.
"To Boston. Shouldn't you be in Virginia?"
"Just checking on Mae. I don't trust fully this friend of Natasha," he replied.
"What happened with Felicia? Nat's friends, wasn't even she talking care of Mae?" She was, but she was also of a airhead." "Why don't you hire an actual pet-sitter to take care of Mae? There are agencies that could do that."
"I know, but... I just want to make sure they're the right one."
Javy sighed.
"The right one? Jake, you have money, your parents send you an allowance, you can afford hiring whoever you want."
"Oh, yeah, but that doesn't count as a proper expense. It had to spend it on something flashy, it has to be noticeable... apparently Spencer had made a super large party with many of his friends and acquittances so, everyone says I've lost in the break up."
"Of course you lost in the break up," Javy replied. "Eighty five kilograms of waste. Good riddance to Spencer! You're fucking Hangman. Do not forget that. The shitty circus your family does isn't as important as our job, okay?"
Jake laughed, thankful for the insight from his friend.
"Anyway, why were you calling?"
"Getting deployed in a few days. Heard you were in the East Coast. Though to meet up. But you're in Boston, man."
"I can get you a ticket."
Javy made a pause.
"Who is in Boston?"
"Mae, I told you."
"Okay, sure. I mean, whatever rocks your boat and gets you Spencer out of your system. Go for eat."
"Train station, the 24 hours cafe."
"Train... what?"
"I'll e-mail you the boarding pass right now. Thank you!"
The next two days, he arrived too earlier to meeting Jake. Knowing that he wouldn't be seeing Brad any time soon, he stepped in, ready to order a coffee.
But, Brad was there. Working the night shift. With many drunk girls and people waiting for their trains to leave the station. Jake joined the queue, trying to be patient and polite.
Two brown eyes looked at him, actually looked inside his soul. Jake felt present, in the moment. It was grounding.
"A latte, please," he said, trying to keep his cool. Fuck, he was cool, he was Hangman. He went to bars with his fellow aviators and always managed to attract the attention of the hottest people in town. He smiled and the man smiled back. A beautiful smile.
"On the way, my colleague here will carry with your order," he said as the woman stepped in. She was efficient, and before he finished paying, he had his coffee in front of him. The lid wasn't on, so he could see a beautiful leaf drawn on the foam. Jake tipped, smiled and went to sit to one of the tables.
He couldn't really hit on the guy. He was leaving in less than a week. Also, he was being creepy. He only could imagine how many times that guy had been flirted with and how many times he had to pretend it was okay with it. If servers wanted someone's phone, they should be ones doing it, not the customers. That was just plain rude, taking advantage of their situation.
He took his phone out and texted Javy.
He's here.
The reply didn't take long to come.
Who?
Brad, the barista.
Wait, you're already there?
And wdym with Brad the Barista?
I asked him a latte. It's not average latte.
It's a great latte.
Milk wasn't burn or anything.
It had a cute leaf on top.
Okay...
Wait
Do not flit with the poor guy
He's probably nice bc is his job
Servers HATE that bc they're trapped
I know
I didn't
I'm being cool
Okay?
Cool, glad to know it.
I'm drinking my coffee in peace
I'm cool and collected
I'm not going to do anything rushed
Don't do anything embarrassing
before I arrive
I know what I'm doing
this is not my first rodeo
Sure, man.
He's approaching!!!
Javy texted something back, but Jake missed it, too busy making a fool on himself.
In the span of two minutes, after eavesdropping the barista's conversation, he had offered the guy a place to live, he had tried to impress him with his job and his surname. Maybe Spencer was right and he was shallow and superficial.
He felt stupid when Javy came and called him by his callsign.
But at least, the interaction with Bradley wasn't as horrible was it seemed because he managed to convince him to live with him.
"You did what?" Julia's call didn't take long to arrive. It was probably Natasha the one who snitched because, most likely, Javy told her. Those two had an interesting relationship. They were on and off for years, only to stop and mingle with other people. Jake was pretty sure that they had done several threesomes, or that in a few years, they would have been with all the eligible young singles around the world.
Both of them had been invested in his relationship with Spenser, and, both of them had been rooting for him to get over the man.
"He seems legit."
"A lot of people seem legit at first sight," Julia responded. "Seriously? I expect this type of things from Janet, not you, Jake."
"Look, do whatever you do when you hire people..."
"Oh, trust me, I have already Nathan on him," Julia cut.
"But, he is a good guy. And, in any case, we need a flatmate. Natasha is also deployed half of the time. I have Mae, my plants... if you need anything in Boston to be done, ask him? He's a student, and has a full time job, but... I mean. He could be helpful."
Julia murmured some things and then, she sighed:
"Okay, okay, I guess it would be the same if you put an ad on a newspaper."
"Better than Craighlist, isn't it?"
Julia groaned.
"Hey, I know he is a real person, I talked to him."
"You should re-home Mae, there is no point to have her when you hardly ever are at home."
"Julia, please. She's an old cat, if I do that, she's going to die. I can't... I can't, okay?"
She sighed again.
"He will need a pet-certificated," she finally spoke again. "Mae is an old cat. Fourteen years old?"
"Vet thinks she's at least eighteen, but it's hard to tell."
"Why don't you give it back to Ruby? Wasn't she the one who rescue it knowing she was going to break up with you to travel the world?"
"I... I don't have her phone," he lied.
"Oh, I'll find it for you, don't worry, brother. On the mean time..."
"Let Bradley stay?"
"If I find something disturbing, he's out."
"Of course, I trust your judgment, Julia."
"Good, that's what I love to hear. And, please, please... I have a lot going on, please, don't make more problems for me."
"I'll try not to."
He is cool.
He can stay.
The brief message from Julia eased his heart.
Mae seemed to had taken a liking of the young man, and now, Julia approved him.
Then, it was work, and when there was more work, and nothing but the F-18 existed. He still opened his e-mails when he could, discovering with disgust that many people decided to make sure he still knew about what Spencer did. The only joy he had was Bradley's e-mails. As he sent more, their length grew. Pictures of Mae that cheered him up.
When he wasn't working, sometimes, he wanted just to stay in a limbo. He put Coldplay on repeat and sang alone to the last album.
Spencer's calls went unanswered.
He blocked his number and everything.
Natasha even commented that he didn't talk about the man any more and congratulated him, as she pointed out it was a clear sign that he had got over Spencer.
But Jake felt empty.
Except for those nights...
Bradley falling asleep mid film on the sofa, while Mae rested comfortably on his chest. Jake loved to look at him, the time seemed to slow down, his heart rate adapted and, for a brief time, he was just... free from responsibilities, expectations and pressure.
The small smile that Bradley gifted, too shy to be giving, brought him joy.
"I so approve him," Natasha declared as soon as they saw each other.
"Of course you do."
"And you like him."
"I do not, I just drive him around and buy things because he's technically working for me and he's a broke student. Just helping him, like a normal person."
"Like a normal person... when have you been normal about anything? Even if you are a naval pilot, you have to be extraordinary."
"Does that mean that you won't be aiming to win Top Gun?"
"Bitch, I will beating your record."
"Sure..."
"In any case, my point stands. You drive him around and buy him things. You are doting on him." The 'you never did that for anyone else' reminded unsaid.
"Nat, be serious." He opened an e-mail form his father, requesting him to actually do something for the family, that his mother was worried about the rumour mill and people looking down to him. "Shit... I hate those things. One would think that me leaving for the Navy would stop this nonsense." He showed the message to her.
"Your father, grandfather and great grandfather were in the Army and they kept with the charades of the rich life, why do you think you were getting an exception?" Natasha replied.
"You don't have to do those things."
"No, but because my parents, my father's family, is different. They are more focused on profits than on appearances. My grandfather can't wait to get our net worth higher than yours." Then, Natasha looked at him. "Also, they think that it's good that I'm in the Navy, working my ass, because they thing that discipline is essential. They don't want me turning into Paris Hilton or your sister."
"Julia?"
"Idiot... no, I'm talking about Janet. I love her to bits, and sometimes her neurons connects, but most of the time is like her head is empty."
"She's the sweetest."
"She is, but she thinks less than you."
"Excuse moi?" Natasha started to laugh, happy to know she was annoying him.
"You know what I mean."
"Hey, good work out today," he praised. Bradley lighted up immediately. Jake had convinced him to have a proper routine.
"I mean, I still have a lot of improve."
"Dude, I've been in the Navy for years, my work out routine is tight. Don't compare yourself to me."
"I..." Bradley made a pause and Jake looked at him, a bit mesmerised. Now that he hair was longer, he could appreciate how his locks curled, framing his young face in a very cute way. After exercising and sweating, his curls were more evident and Jake had to refrain from clear them from his forehead. As soon as Bradley moved, Jake averted his gaze, afraid to be caught staring. "When I was in high school I was captain of the baseball team. I... I should do better."
"Well, if you have stopped for a while, because of school and work, it's normal that you aren't at your optimal," Jake argued. Also, Bradley always looked too thing. Maybe it was because he was still growing up. But in the last months that Jake had been away, it seemed that the man had grown more wider. "But, if you were in good, it's going to be easier to reach that point that for someone that never did anything."
Bradley nodded, taking his words in.
"C'mon, you're good," Jake reaffirmed. Now, Bradley's smile was wider. It made Jake's stomach twist.
"Bradley's birthday is on Halloween," he announced as he interrupted Javy and Natasha's brunch. He sat next to them an ordered a mimosa.
"A spooky baby," Natasha observed. "Nice."
"So, happy birthday to him?" Javy chuckled.
"This solves my problems."
"I know I said he's a spooky baby but I doubt he has any supernatural skills."
"We're getting deployed soon, Mum wants me to organise some type of party, I want to do something nice for him," Natasha and Javy looked at each other. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing... but, isn't he a broke student? Don't they want to go to house parties and get wasted with cheap alcohol with fake IDs and, most importantly, with their friends? Are you planning to invite all of them or just Bradley?"
Jake nodded.
"All of them. One of his friends is still twenty, but he turns twenty one... we should go to Las Vegas and..."
"I'm not getting a fake ID for a person I don't know. And going to Las Vegas? With the hour change? You only get to enjoy half of a day. Not... what? Do they have money or something to afford that trip?" Natasha argued.
"I can pay for it," Jake said. "Okay, not Las Vegas, where about then?"
Javy chuckled.
"Are you trying to scare him? He's not going to accept that. He's normal."
"I agree with Javy, unfortunately. He seems too sensible. I mean, Julia likes him, right? You have to be a killjoy for Julia to like you."
"We can kidnap him," Jake resolved. "He is not going to say no to free holidays. Not when his friends are coming with him. And he had missed some trips with his group. We can sell it as also, a favour to us, who have to go on deployment."
"I mean, we do have to go to deployment. And I always up to party," Natasha was always the first one to be convinced.
"So, it's perfect."
"Does Miami work for you?" asked Natasha. "I think they had finished renovating some of the suites and they want people to try it so the staff can get ready and such."
"Oh, Miami is perfect. He is going to love it."
Miami was so perfect that Jake couldn't stop replaying on his mind the moment that Bradley jumped in front of a piano. The self assurance he had displayed in the café, the confidence, were flowing out of him with power and passion. Bradley commanded the room so easily, became larger than life.
And Bradley wasn't afraid of a confrontation. He fought back when it matter, called out Jake of his privilege with the knowledge of what it took to survive. Nothing like Spencer, who was patronising and repeating buzz words to make himself important.
Bradley had asked him to come back, so Jake was going to do just that.
On the mean time, he ordered what seemed the perfect Christmas present, a brand new piano for the man.
He couldn't wait to see him play again.
Nathan laughed on the other side of the line.
"So, instead of calling your mother, any of your sisters, your cousin... you're calling me because you want a piano delivered to your home."
Jake didn't reply and Nathan didn't need the explanation.
"I guess is better this kid than Spencer," the other man finally said.
"I'm not... hocking up with him or anything. Okay?"
"No, I know, you don't buy a piano for a random guy, Jake, don't worry," Nathan laughed again and Jake decided it wasn't worth it argue whatever Nathan was thinking. "Well, I'll get Lucy to do this."
"Thank you."
"Now, call your mother before you run out of time, boy."
"Will do, thanks a lot."
"Just doing my job."
Ejecting was always one of the worst things he had done.
He knew how to do every step, he had trained for that. He could do the routine without thinking.
But after hitting another plane, an enemy, he had lowered his defences.
Because there was nothing else.
Except it was, and it was a fucking drone.
A friendly drone that collided with his plane.
And he had fallen into the middle of the ocean, gasping for air, trying to untangle the mess of cords and fabric, as he figured out what it was up and what it was down.
The cold penetrated every edge, joint and articulation. The sound of another F-18 came around, only to disappear a few seconds later. He tried to orient himself, but he had always been shitty at reading the constellations. He struggled to remember if his e-sat worked or was disconnected.
Slowly, he felt drifting away.
"Lieutenant Seresin, you're back in the USS George Washington," a voice called for him. He didn't understand what it was saying. He only felt that pressure in his chest, hurting, and an impulse to cough so imperative that he turned to his side and threw up. "He's conscious! Lieutenant Seresin, we're doing to take you medbay, fight to stay with us. Your wingman is safe and sound."
"Hangman," it could be Ken, it could be Bones, he wasn't sure. "Stay with us, man!"
A moment after, everything was so loud, planes, nosies, alarms, people screaming. Hands were touching him, he realised he had a collar around his neck. A bright light flashed his eyes.
"Responses, positive."
Jake wanted to drift off, but they didn't let him.
Eventually, they let him sleep.
"...Unauthorised flight..." someone screamed. A male voice. Strong. A commander. A few people tried to complain. It could be two or more people there. They were approaching. Then.
"What is this?" a new voice, lower, more authoritarian.
"I have the authorisation of Admiral Caine... Sir, you shouldn't be here..."
"Rear Admiral Caine," the other person corrected. "And where exactly I shouldn't be? Japan? This is my bas..." Jake missed what the other voice said next. A couple of chuckles near him distracted him from the distant voices.
"I can picture Jake's face when we tell him that he was found by Maverick under the orders of Admiral Kazansky. He's going to freak out."
Jake didn't freak out because he fell asleep immediately, and the details of the mission and his rescue weren't disclosed. Order were issued a he was saved by a member of the rescued team. The only thing that came clear was that Rear Admiral Kazanksy had prevented an international diplomatic crisis and Jake had a couple of new medals that the Admiral pinned to his chest.
"Do your best to get better, Lieutenant," Admiral Kazansky told him. "We need men like you. You saved your wingman, you took out an enemy aircraft and got rid of any proof that we even were there."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
"Four months, don't rush them. Get your body and your mind on point," his smile was warm. It was the first time he saw the man up close, or at all, outside the small black and white photo that hanged in Top Gun. Jake knew that the man was speaking truth. Admiral Thomas 'Iceman' Kazansky had been one of the heroes of the Leyton rescue He knew what he was talking about. He cared.
"I will, sir."
The man left in a helicopter, not long after. Jake had to be there for a couple of weeks more, getting better, before going to base and get another full medical check up. As he booked a ticket to Boston, he replied to some of the messages. Natasha was worried, so was Javy. None of them knew exactly what had happened, but aviators was a small world and Hangman being on leave for four months was something noteworthy for them.
He didn't bother to answer it. He had many e-mails pending, a lot of is family. But he filtered them, so only Bradley's would show. It was interesting, seeing the progression of his life, as he was being promoted to assistant manager (he was surprised to learn he wasn't already one). He got worried, for a moment, about Mae's health, but Bradley had been on top of it.
It eased that guilty feeling of leaving the cat along for so long.
When he arrived to the flat, he couldn't stop looking at Badley. He had changed so much in the months that they had been apart. More mature. And in no time, he felt how the man cared for him. He didn't have to do that. There was nothing to gain there, nobody to perform.
It hurt him leave him to visit his family. Bradley made him feel grounded and serene. Exactly what he needed in that moment. But before enjoying some of that time of grace, he had to pay his dues. Hear his father complain about his career choices what put him in danger, worrying his mother and putting the man in evidence.
At least, Janet was the highlight of the trip.
He let her and his mum to spoil him.
He couldn't wait to see Bradley again.
Bradley's present for his birthday was a song on the piano. Jake didn't want to kid himself, but he couldn't stop feeling that it was romantic and familiar. Maybe too familiar. Bradley shared it with a naughty twink on his eye and a smile that could power a thousand suns.
Jake yearned to learn every little detail of his life.
It was as if Bradley mere presence lighted up the room, the flat, the hole city. Boston gain colour saturation and suddenly everyone was nice, cheerful and friendly.
How he could keep that going on? he wondered.
How much he could take before the fantasy broke?
"I like him a lot, I know my opinion doesn't count much in the family," Rick said to him, after his birthday. "But, he seems solid. That's good."
Maddy nodded, next to him.
"He seems quite shy, but... he is also very handsome. It's good you have four months of leave, after being apart for so long, right?"
"Yes, I mean, I guess," he replied. He had four months of leave because he almost died. He turned towards Javy, who, apparently, was finding the conversation hilarious. His friend was laughing.
It didn't click for him until Janet asked him:
"So, you and Bradley, how long have you been dating? I feel kinda stupid I didn't figure it out before, but I've heard him so much..."
"I'm... I'm not dating Bradley. He's my flatmate... he's my employee."
"Technically, he's Julia's," Janet corrected.
"This is my house."
"Aw, you're already moved in together, that's so cute, brother."
"Shut up, Janet."
Janet didn't say anything for a while, but then...
"I'm just saying, I think you like him."
"Janet, please." He didn't want this conversation, he didn't want to talk about feelings. There was not a clear path for he and... whatever he could have with Bradley. He liked a clear target, it emptied his mind, if focused his energies. He usually knew when people were interested. With Bradley, he wasn't that sure. The man not only cared of the people he liked, he just did good, because of it.
"He's handsome, he is kind, and he is very serious. Mature. You need someone like him. Make a move."
"Someone like him? You need to drop it, Janet. He had a lot of things going on. He has the internship and his job. He doesn't need you snooping around." Jake was amazed with all the things that Bradley did and carry on him. Made Jake to want to make it easier for him. "You come here and snoop around..."
"I'm not snooping around!" She got a bit quieter. "I'm just saying, you don't need to marry him, and it's not like he's going to work as a barista his whole life, isn't it? Not really important..."
"You never worked a damn day in your life, you don't have any idea it is important or not."
"Oh, I'm sorry, but do you think you're better? You joined the Military just like that, leaving me with Mum and Dad, while you play soldiers with a fancy surname."
"I'm in the Navy, not the Army. I don't get any special treatment for being a Seresin."
"Whatever, same thing for us, the rest. You should ask him. I talked wit him and..."
"Don't talk to him. Just. Leave. Him. Alone."
"I'm just saying..."
"I don't want to hear it. He doesn't want to hear it." Because she was right, he liked Bradley, a lot. And he wished he could actually ask him out. But he was half of the time away, and if Bradley was going to be a naval aviator, he didn't want to spoil his chances.
"You haven't asked him if..."
"Why don't you find a job first, and when you figure out a balanced lifestyle, we can go back to this conversation?" he cut, rudely.
"Why would I get a job? Dad says I don't have to work while I'm getting my master's. Why don't you find a job?"
"I already have one. I'm just on medical leave."
"Oh, right, sure... how's therapy going?"
Jake rolled his eyes.
"I'm fine."
"Sure... you're fine."
"I'm going to my mandatory sessions. And I'm paying one out of pocket also. Happy?"
"Very much."
"Go to sleep."
"No, you go to sleep first."
Mae's passing away took him by surprised and yet, when it happened, it was expected. The cat had lived a long life, good one, he hopped. And it hit him hard. Not as hard as Bradley, who had truly formed a deep bond with the animal.
"I told you, this was not a good idea," Julia reminded him as Bradley stepped outside. "You might have seen this coming from a long time, but he didn't."
"He was..." what? Hired to do a job? Julia's gaze told him that she knew what he was going to say and she wasn't buying any of that.
"Don't get another pet. You don't stay here long enough to take care of them. He, on the other hand... does."
"He's moving next year," he decided to say, for some masochist reason, because thinking about that, hurt.
"So, he moves away and then, he takes whatever pet you want to have with him? Or are you going to keep it?"
Jake couldn't do that to Bradley.
"No, of course not. I'm not getting another pet."
"Good. That boy has already a lot on his plate. Don't make his life more difficult."
Jake didn't reply. He had enough with his inner turmoil for his sisters to take each side of his indecision.
He texted Ruby about Mae.
The woman replied in a short time, lamenting her passing. Because he had already talked about Mae and her life, Jake found it hard to do it with Ruby and his ex didn't really open up to that conversation.
Instead, they talked about the Coldplay concert in New York.
"Oh, I wish I had tickets!" Ruby said. "But you can stay here with me and my fiancé."
"Fiancé? Wow, we have a lot to to catch up."
The panic of Bradley losing his job barely lasted a week. It didn't worry him much, he had no problem helping Bradley out. But Janet, on the other hand, took it hard, blaming herself. Julia didn't help in the situation. And, as a resourceful person he was, Bradley found a new place.
He also helped Janet to find a job. And now, his younger sister was telling him that she wouldn't be going to New York with him. As soon as he called Julia, the conversation turned quickly towards Bradley.
"You have to do whatever you can to get him to work for me," his elder sister said. "His grades aren't bad right? He was good in physics, maths and logic, isn't it? He can be trained. Imagine shadowing Nathan."
Jake tried to sound calm.
"I think he wants to be a naval aviator," he replied. Whatever Bradley did, it had to be on his own accord.
"Really? Such a waste of talent," she murmured. When Jake expressed his discomfort with a grunt, she rectified. "Oh, don't take personally. It's not the same. What you did was basically telling Father to fuck off, so that's way more brave than anything I've seen."
"Wait, aren't you counting when you gave him back the loan with interest?"
"Well, not like I had another option, did I? Now he says it wasn't a condition but it was just because I thought it was fair. I mean, it paints me in a good light so I won't complain much but..." Jake didn't need more words. Whatever worked to keep the image of a perfect family.
"So, how long have you been dating?" Ruby asked as the shop assistant wrapped Janet and Bradley's gifts. "I kinda want to meet him. Should I give you a plus one or should I invite him directly as you might be deployed?"
"What? No, he's... just a friend."
Ruby laughed and then:
"Oh, you're serious. But you like him."
"Of course I like him, he is kind, he is funny, he is smart, he is... a force of nature. Open, mysterious. Makes me want to be a better person, he doesn't pretend. If he doesn't like something you'll know, trust me."
"And Mae loved him."
"Yeah."
Ruby laughed again, she had always had a easy laugh.
"Well, if you aren't dating him, what are you waiting for? If he is such a catch, I doubt there isn't a single person interested on him ready to make a move."
"Once he arrived home with a phone number written on his chest, as if he was branded," Jake replied, annoyed and bitter, as he remembered that.
"You're usually the first one to make the decision and to make the move. Why are you so scared of? Invite him to a nice dinner, work up your charm. Even if Janet thinks that you're already a done deal, it's good not to take things for granted. I knew Maya was in love with me, still, I made the effort."
"Noted," he replied. "But... I don't want to start dating him and then, just, leave him behind. None of the people I dated, included you, liked that."
"But we chose that. And he is a Navy brat, isn't he? He isn't going to be as clueless as the rest. You can't make the decision for him. Ask him, and if he says no, you can be sad about it. Not before."
He had a take away coffee from a new small café that had opened a few blocks away. The coffee blend was nice and tasty and the barista who worked there had been one of Bradley's co-workers. It was his favourite spot now, after the barista told him that the 24h cafe was struggling to keep staff. That, made him smile a lot.
As he sat in his office, he called Natasha and Javy on Skype.
"This year, we're going to Las Vegas," he announced
Natasha was connected from Lemoore and Javy from Key West. Behind him, Fritz was grabbing a beer before leaving the room.
"Okay, time to cash out favours," his cousin smiled.
"Wait, wait, you're on it with him, Nat? Have you asked Bradley what he wants to do on his birthday? Does he have a day off? Do you know that you and me have to be going to the sea again?"
"Yeah, perfect to say goodbye." Then he put on a more serious face. "No, but, seriously, I'm asking him today, during dinner. He has off on his birthday. Julia said it won't be hard to get Janet off. And I know his friend Chesley would love to see him again."
"How many people in total?" Natasha asked.
"We might be eight people?"
"If we do this, if," Javy remarked the if. "I'm arriving on Friday. And I'm using the spa."
"What's actually the plan?"
"Lunch, drink, casino, club, arrive by dawn, leave in the morning, them to Boston, Javy and I to Norfolk, you can do whatever you want, Nat."
"Nice."
"But, ask him first."
"You'll be the first to know, Javy."
As soon as Bradley had accepted, the plan became a reality.
It was official.
Bradley couldn't reach a more hotter status after kicking his father out of the house. Regretting the timing, as he was going to be gone by Monday, he decided that, no matter what, he would ask Bradley out. Or at lest, they would just hock up with a promise to try after he came back.
He didn't want to have the man wait for him, no when there was no guarantees of him coming back.
But, he had to try it.
Kissing Bradley and then falling into the canal could have been a humiliating moment.
It wasn't.
It was thrilling, it was chaotic and it was fun. They laughed. Jake was hit with a peak of Bradley's abs as he tried to dry poorly his shit.
He wanted more, he wanted all.
He was hungry.
He wanted do devour and be devoured.
And for the first time he was forced to take it easy.
The revelation that Bradley hadn't been intimate with someone else took him by surprise. He was a popular guy. He had seen numerous people flirting with him. He had seen Bradley getting numbers left and right, even one written with a marker on his chest.
He always had assume that Bradley was a gentleman, that he never talked about those things. He was discrete and modest.
The slow pace they took with foreplay allowed him to notice the small spots on his body, the shape of his muscles, the sharpness that was starting to mould his body. Jake had always associate the coffee smell with the man, but now up close, he could notice the notes of the cologne he used, reminiscing him of the ocean, the salt and the beach.
Paradise.
As he sunk into Bradley, he decided, one day, he was going to marry him.
He was going to make it work, wherever it took.
They drank too much.
Enough that Jake had blank spots during the whole night and a terrible hangover.
He shouldn't have lost control like that.
And yet, he was there, regretting it, not having enough of Bradley.
It had been Bradley's first time and Jake could only slow down it that much. With the constrains of time, he never had time to do everything he wanted. And, being honest, not even a year would be enough time for it.
It was like the romantic stories and love. He was sure that he had found his other half in Bradley. Someone able to keep up with him, despite how many things separate them.
And Jake, stupid, stupid Jake, had to screw it by drinking too much.
Fuck, it was if they had moonshine or some shit like that.
As soon as they say Bradley, Janet, Marion and Brittany leave for Boston, and they made sure that Chelsey was in the following plane to DC, they had to deal with the fall out.
The rooms were a mess. Most of their clothes were stained with ketchup and mustard. Natasha had found a half eaten taco in her bra, she admitted. And Stana had been witness them as they made the luggages and prepared to be on base, the following day, seven in the morning sharp.
"I really need an inventory list of all the items you want me to chase down around Las Vegas," the manager said. "And your mother wants a word."
"I'll call her tomorrow after work, I promise," Natasha groaned.
"Next year..." Jake started.
"No!" Javy whined. "No next year."
"I was going to say just a spa day, man."
"Okay, I'll allow that."
"Why are you looking so cheerful, Stana?" Natasha asked the manager.
"Oh, just thinking about my bonus and the fact that I don't have a hangover," the woman smiled. "Your flights are departing soon," she pointed towards Jake and Javy. "Your duffel bags are being loaded in the car, ready for you." Stana pointed around. "And I'll have people to clear the rest."
Jake nodded.
"You're godsend."
"I'm well paid," Stana corrected. "Well, congratulations, I hope you're happy," she said as she left the room.
"Does she has to rub it on our faces?" Javy asked. Natasha groaned, ignoring him:
"God, if I have a drug test tomorrow, I'll kill you," threatened Natasha.
Luck must be on their side, because the departure delayed two days from Norfolk.
"Congratulations, Lieutenant," his CO said as they landed in a disclosed location. They were going to do an intense training for a month, with no contact with the exterior. The last communications that came through were an e-mail from Bradley that would keep him alive for the next months, barely a week before.
It was a tricky operation. One of the reasons that he was chosen was because of the previous mission that he almost died. It was a weird way to welcome him to the tight group of six people, with Javy next to him, but probably, if they survived, after completing the mission they would have some nice reward. Hopefully.
"Thank you, sir."
"This is an operation we have to coordinate with a SEAL team. Precision is essential."
There was more to it, Jake was sure, but they weren't sharing with them.
"I trust you to lead the team, Hangman."
"I will, sir."
Mission was pushed back a few times. Christmas passed without them noticing. Jake started to write a letter to Bradley. When Mae was still alive, the man used to write long e-mails. Now, he felt that he owed him something similar.
The tensions were raising, he was pushing all the buttons to get it perfect. Even Javy, who usually stood by his side, was starting to doubt. But Jake had promised Bradley he would come back.
And they had so many things to do.
So he wrote, on paper, putting down his feelings, his hopes. While he waited.
The alarm glared and they only had five minutes to prepare, to jump on the plane, to follow the instructions.
Their accuracy would be key in getting highly value hostages rescued and a nuclear threat neutralised.
And, as top priority, the US involvement should be kept quiet.
If they failed, they weren't going to be saved.
This was the second time he had to eject on a real combat situation and even it sucked less than the first time. This time was on land. This time he could walk away.
To where? He wasn't sure.
He didn't even have a track on him.
He walked.
And walked.
And walked.
And then...
A figure in the distance. A neutral body.
Both of them made the same signal.
Someone from the team.
Relief rushed through him.
"Hangman, you son of a bitch," Encarta hugged him as soon as they reunited.
"You know what they say, bad seed never dies," he laughed.
"Let's go home, Cap is going to be happy to see you again."
"You took your sweet time, didn't you?"
"Sorry, man, orders were not to go back. But then you moved East enough... so we got you."
Jake nodded.
He had barely escaped death.
As soon as he arrived, they rushed him to medbay. His CO was present, making the debrief in the same medbay. It was uncomfortable and not a usual practice. It lasted until they reached Yokosuka. Once there, instead of letting him go to sleep, he was directed towards a private yet.
"You'll taking Commander Anderson transportation," he was told, as he was drinking up the dose of medicine prescribed by the doctor. "You'll carry you debrief there. It is a secure transport, you'll reach San Diego in no time. Your father had secured you transportation from SAN to BOS. I hope everything goes well."
His CO gave him a hug.
"Sir?"
But, intermediately he was pushed towards Commander Anderson's plane, that was actually Rear Admiral Bacon. Jake recognised it because he was a friend of his father. They both had been in the Capitol and in the Pentagon in many occasions together.
"Don't worry, nobody is dying," Admiral Bacon said, what worried Jake more. "Nobody died either," he added. "But we need to get the details from the mission and what you did during those two days until the rescue team found you."
"So why the rush to separate me from the team, sir?"
"Family matter. We have a flight of eleven hours, you'll be able to sleep and once we land, we'll fill you in."
Jake knew he couldn't fight it, but he was hating it so bad.
"I'm sorry, son, you're simply too good and we need your skills on the field."
"Maverick isn't around any more?" he asked. Maverick had been the pilot that had finished his job after the disaster of his last mission. Maverick was the pilot that disappeared only to resurface with medals and honours. For a couple of years, the man was nowhere to be seen. Only to appear with a new rank and the respect of the people that had worked for him.
"No, Kazansky still uses him as his personal helper. That man is ready to sacrifice whatever it takes to get to the top. Your father has to understand that I can't do special favours with so much is at play."
And Admiral Bacon seemed that he had the same policy. Something must have shown in his face, because Bacon laughed:
"Hey, Hangman, don't worry. I'm giving you this nice ride, making sure you go home with your family as soon as possible. Don't complain."
"I won't, sir," he replied.
So, he start to debrief to Anderson and Bacon. The earlier he started, the earlier he could have some rest, and, hopefully, figure out what the hell had happened back home.
"A car accident, ma'am?" he repeated to the Captain Fetcher that was delivering him the news.
"Almost a month ago. Because you were unreachable, we couldn't let you know. The success of the mission was the top priority. And, your husband got out of danger days after. He has been discharged and with your family."
Husb... Husband?
Jake thanked his God send poker face because he kept his step steady as he followed the woman.
"Look, the Navy had tried its best to get you to Boston as soon as possible. They don't do this to anyone, Lieutenant Seresin," she remarked.
"I guess not. The Navy invested too much money in the developing of my skills," he replied. "Ma'am."
She didn't reply to the obvious dig, his personal situation excusing his attitude. Most likely. She just smiled and pointed to one of the private jets that his family owned. Or maybe it was one of their companies. He wasn't sure.
"Thank you for your service. Orders will be issued soon."
"Thank you, ma'am."
But once inside, he checked the three staff members: Joel and Ellie as pilot and co-pilot and Tess as the in fight attendant. Before he joined the Navy, he started to take some flight lessons with Joel, so he was grateful to see friendly faces when he was probably going to spiral down as soon as he processed what Captain Fetcher just told him.
"We're getting you as soon as possible to Boston, Jake," Ellie told him. "Don't worry."
"Rude that you didn't invite us to your wedding." Joel added.
"Sorry, man, it was in Las Vegas," Jake told them, sitting as Tess got next to him. "It was..."
"Unplanned. We get it, don't worry," the attendant smiled. "Do you want me to put your phone to charge?"
"Oh, yes, thanks a lot, Tess."
He had forgotten about it.
"So... what's the damage?" he asked.
"Your father is not impressed. It's clear that he doesn't like your choice. Your mother... we don't know if she's most heartbroken that you didn't tell her or that she missed out to do a grand event like she did for Julia," Tess commented.
"We have bets ongoing," shouted Ellie before being scolded by Joel.
Tess put a folder on his lap:
"Julia prepared this brief for you. Bradley has been discharged, he is recovering quite well. And, tomorrow, he's having a control check up at clinic. We'll make sure you're on time to be with him."
"Fuck, thank you so much, Tess."
"And, if you want dinner, we have also your favourites."
Jake nodded and opened the file, with photocopies of the medical report. Jake wasn't sure if knowing now what happened with Bradley was helping him or not. Two surgeries, then, after being discharged, he had to come back because he had vertigo. And the worst of it: memory lost. Bradley had no recollection of their relationship, of his relationship with his friends, or what his life was about.
He had a vague idea about what he was learning and the projects that he was working on, but, barely. All his brain was a broken puzzle that Bradley had no idea how to put back together.
The hospital bill was going to be covered by the family, and that was one of the main reasons that Bradley was able to get such a great care. Care that he wouldn't have access even if he was on Tricare thanks to his marriage with Jake.
He forced himself to eat, and then sleep. By the time that he landed in Boston, the sun was already out. A cab was waiting for him, ready to drive him to the hospital. His phone, fully charged, was reheating as the amount of notifications he was receiving at once.
As they went from the private aerodrome to Central Boston, Jake waited until his phone calmed down. Surprised to feel the device so hot, he passed by the many texts, e-mails and missed calls from relatives and acquittances, inquiring about his marriage, ignored his parents and looked for Bradley's message.
That usually was many long e-mails with photos of Mae attached, now there was nothing.
Just a simple text:
We need to talk, please.
That was Bradley's last words.
He was better, he had to remind himself of that. Bradley was walking and sleeping at home. He was going now to a regular check up.
Then, he focused on Janet's text, the last one being a simply:
Discharged.
You need to read all this whole thread
And talk to Bradley, for sure.
Love u bro xx
Slowly, he got a step by step of Bradley's accident and recovery form the point of view of Janet. It was all familiar, and seemed less complicated to understand Julia's files. But, at the same time, he could tell when Janet was actually scared of Bradley's fate.
Then, he checked on Julia's text only two messages. The first one being:
A secret marriage?
Are you serious?
You better annulled this
shit as soon as you're back.
I expect this type of behaviour from Janet
Not you.
And then, a couple of weeks later:
Forget what I said
Bradley is safe.
We still need to talk.
He didn't have the nerve to read what his father or mum thought about all of that. He was still struggling to understand. The lack of proper rest after a week of a high stakes mission and then, being two days lost, with a crazy debriefing in Japan and over the Pacific, didn't help. His insides were chaotic, turning and he might be having some vertigo too.
But as the car approached the polyclinic, a calm that only he could describe as the same feeling he got in the cockpit about to hit the target, took over him.
It didn't matter his family, the whole drama or what he had done or should have done.
Bradley had been in a freaky accident. An accident that would probably have resulted in worse consequences than vertigo if he hadn't had access to the Seresin's health care plan. Bradley could have died.
And now, Jake had the chance, the real chance, to make the difference and make sure he recovered.
Epiphany washed over him: He knew what he had to do.
Even if that meant to lose Bradley forever, he would to whatever he could to protect the man and help him recover.
Notes:
Jake takes things slow for the first time when he sleeps with Bradley for the first time, decides to get married and he seals the deal the same night.
We love a man that takes commitment seriously, am I right, lads, gals and pals?
Chapter 13
Summary:
Jake and Bradley navigate their marital status with Bradley's memory lose and their interactions with the different family members and friends.
Notes:
I'm hoping that you don't mind that, for a while, we get Jake's POV, that means a bit more of the Seresin drama, but the focus is still of the main pairing.
It came with a bit of delay because with a heat wave my computer doesn't work and editing it's a pain, so I've tried to do my best. In any case, I hope you enjoy it!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Jake stood on his office, the small pack of letters he wrote addressed to Bradley while he was last time deployed looking back at him, and his accounting book. They had just come back from the clinic, and while Bradley went to his room, not knowing that it wasn't shared, to calm down, Jake had gone straight to his office, as his mobile phone was ringing.
After speaking with Nathan, Jake had left two
Jake had the idea where to give the letters to Bradley, after a couple of dates, maybe after asking him to be his boyfriend. Maybe a bit longer down the line.
His wildest fantasies had suggested before proposing. Or maybe during, or after Bradley accepted.
Nothing like that was going to happen any more. Now he was worried about how to interact to the man, figure out what to do with their marriage. Julia suspected it was a drunken mistake, Janet, Marion and Brittany were, for some reason, treating it as something totally normal, Javy wasn't back yet, and Natasha had just decided to react after he and Bradley talked about it.
The rest of the Seresin were treating the marriage as completely legit. His mum was making sure that the hospital bills were paid, Father was upset and frustrated, and, honestly, everyone wanted an explanation from him.
But, he didn't want to leave Bradley in a vulnerable position. Having talked to the doctor, personally, and the police report, Bradley was lucky to be alive and just with some ugly scars in his face, left arm and leg and his memory affected.
Bradley had notions of pop-culture, of some historic events. He remembered 9/11. He couldn't say if he saw it on the TV or at school, but he knew about it. Anything that happened five years prior, it was a mystery to him. The doctors, with the help of some of Bradley's classmates had been yet to asses how much of what he remembered of his degree, as it was just a mixed bags depending of the topic.
There was no timeline of recovery for the memory lose. It didn't matter that the Seresin had access to excellent doctors, nobody was able to given clear answers. And, it was clear that Bradley being now a Seresin was essential to access that help.
Being a Seresin had made, also, his tuition help, disappear in thin air.
Jake put back his accountant book in its place, and put the letters on top of it.
He wasn't sure how to approach any of this. What explanation give, if he really had to do so.
A knot in his door interrupted his train of thoughts. So he quick hide the stack of letters and went towards the door. When he opened it, Bradley was on the other side, pointing at his room.
"We have two rooms. You put your bag in the third room. But we don't sleep together. Why?" Bradley asked frowning.
"What my sister told you?"
Bradley though for a second:
"I think that she just let me assume that we shared... my room?"
"Yes, that's your room," Jake confirmed.
"So, why we don't have the same room? Is this a rich thing to do?"
"No. Well, yes. Maybe? My parents always had separated rooms. But it's not something...." Jake started to say. The doctor had said to be honest. If Bradley was ready to ask, he was ready to hear the truth. With a lack of medical history and Jake barely filling up the gaps with what Bradley had told him, they had figure out that the Navy was a touchy subject for Bradley. His brain would take at least another month or two to heal. Physically. Mentally... that was still the question.
Beyond that, it depended of the brain.
Jake had told them that around that time his mother had passed away, and later on, his grandmother. The doctors told them something about unprocessed trauma and grief. Julia had recovered the previous investigation she had on Bradley with some more details, but Bradley had not read through it, arguing that it gave him a headache.
Bradley looked at him, expectantly, and Jake realised he had gone silent.
"Our history it's a bit... different, I guess. We met because you were working at a coffee shop and I needed a coffee, and then, I overheard you needed a place to live and I needed someone to take care of o... my cat Mae"
"The one that passed away," Bradley commented. "I don't know why I thought I had a cat."
"I mean, you did. Mae became part of your life and you were very affected by her passing. You were one of the only people she tolerated."
Bradley half smiled.
"Janet said so."
"She's right... So, we've been in each others lives for almost two years. Technically, a year, as I've been deployed too. But... I mean, this is your home. You use my office when you need to study alone. My computer... I mean, I know that you also spend a crazy time in campus or at the library when you weren't working."
"So... what are you saying, Jake? I might have lost my memory but I still able to know that you're stalling too much."
"Yes, sorry, well, we became friends. And the day we got married, we were in Las Vegas, because I wanted to celebrate your birthday so I invited you and your friends and... we kinda confessed to each other, and had our first kiss, first date, first time... and we got very drunk."
"So... we shouldn't be married. Because we married drunk. In Las Vegas."
Bradley said without emotion. Of course, because for him now, Jake was just a new person in his life who just had revealed that their marriage, the thing that was supposed to be the most stable thing in his life, was just a drunken mistake.
"Look, you don't have worry about any papers. Focus on your recovery. Thanks to this drunken mistake, you're getting first class health care. You still have therapy and rehab to attend so..."
Bradley blinked and then, he said:
"Everyone thinks that we're married. And in love. Your mother wants me in Texas, in your ranch and spend a week there celebrating Jen's birthday and getting to know each other. Apart from the fact I don't know who am I, feels deceiving towards her and the rest of the people that loves you."
Jake chuckled to that to what Bradley raised one eyebrow.
"Okay, now, seriously, you don't need to do that. In fact, the doctor highly discouraged it. And besides, she's only paying because she wants to control me through you."
Bradley frowned for a second, then, his face reminded calm. Jake had a flash of the man serving at the coffee shop, where he was polite and welcoming but not invested a hundred percent.
"So, what do you want from this?"
"Seeing that the drunken mistake saved your life, I'd rather to remind married until you're much better. I'll deal with my family, you don't have to worry about that..."
"Julia seems..." Bradley paused. Then, he finished his sentence:"Smart."
"Yes... she is. We can get her known of our deal. Draft some divorce agreement, where I make sure that you're debt free by the end and we can be our way. Stay friends," Jake's heart started to rush and Jake tried to remind calm. "Or whatever we started."
"After the divorce?"
"I mean, seems sensible, isn't it?"
"And when this divorce will be happening?"
Jake barely thought it for two seconds:
"Your graduation, the end of your treatment or if you remember and you want to change our conditions... you know. Seems sensible. Right?"
"I guess it depends on the conditions. Can I think about it?"
"Of course, and, we can discuss and talk about those conditions," Jake responded. He decided not to talk about the financial aid that Bradley lost unless he was asked. He had solved it, and he didn't want to imply that Bradley would need to give anything back.
Nathan had been clear about Bradley's financial state before marriage, and now that Julia had asked Bradley to change his surname, they were, indeed, married. Even if Bradley didn't feel as strongly as Jake felt with him. Even if Jake had though about marriage being a possibility in the distant future. Even if Bradley liked him but didn't want marriage for himself.
They were married.
And Jake was a man of honour. He would honour that compromise because he knew that marriage was a legal contract. Bradley was also his friend, so he wanted to care of him. And he was in love with Bradley. Meaning he was eager to go extra mile to make him happy.
Even if now, Bradley was feeling confused and, probably, he would feel a bit betrayed because Bradley was a proud man.
And he would probably lose him.
"Okay, so... I will think about that."
"Perfect. My family forced our surname on you and I'll take care of things."
"I think Julia just wanted to help."
"Yeah... I still have to talk to her. But, in any case, what we decide is between us, then we can inform Julia and just... get better! That's you whole job."
Bradley chuckled, and then, smiled. It was the first time he saw such a sincere gesture from the man since he entered the room where he was being examinated.
"If you want to grab some lunch later..." Jake proposed.
"I'm actually meeting with Janet, Marion and Brittany," Bradley said. "Sorry, I didn't know when you were going to be back and..."
"No, of course, sure."
After three days of not hearing from Bradley directly. He would heard him on the shower, and would spend a solid time in his room. An evening, he heard from his room Bradley playing the piano. The song that the man had learnt to play for Jake's birthday. Not wanting to scare him away, Jake remained on his room, listening form behind the closed door.
Finally, when they crossed paths during breakfast. Janet joked with him about Bradley's new habits. And while Bradley responded with the same tone, about being the first time he could actually have some rest after his intense two job-studying full time life style, Jake believed that was precisely the reason.
Because, if Jake was being honest, after a month of a traffic accident, Bradley looked really good. Yes, he had still healing some scratches and he would probably get permanent scars on his face, but... Those scars gave him an edge and matured his young factions, that looked younger. Because he slept more, he was more well rested, and his skin was glowing, and his smile was seen more frequently on his lips.
Jake had to bit his tongue not to compliment in front of Janet. Instead, he just wished him a good day before he left to work, walking dogs, as it covered his mandatory work out requirements and, also, let him earn some pocket money.
"Bradley has probably left the building," Janet commented.
"Sorry?"
"You keep staring the door. Bradley have left, like ages ago. Are you waiting for him to come back already?" she giggled, amused. "I think you intimidate him a bit. But, makes sense, everyone was hyping you and, realistically, he hasn't meet anyone since the accident."
"I'm not intimidating!"
"Bro, with all my love. The first time he saw you, you came in like a knight in a shiny armour to save him from Mum and Dad. That makes an impact. A strong one."
"What?"
"Oh, you like that, right?" now, Janet laughed louder. "He has been asking, me and the girls about he relationship with you. Chelsey was convinced that you two were dating at least five months. Brittany and him had a longer conversation, but I don't have any idea what they actually said. And.. he asked me, too, you know, being flatmates. Told him that you two were very good friends, that you ganged up on me because my spending habits and that in Las Vegas you were all over each other. Don't worry," she added, as Jake felt panic. "I didn't tell him you are in love with him. Felt that was too much."
"Good call... so... how did you explain it to him?"
"Well, at the beginning I didn't have to. I didn't know it was going to be so bad. Figured out to roll with it so he could get treatment and by the time you came back, he will be healed so you could sort it out... whatever it is you have going on between each other. Didn't realise that they were going to call Mum and Dad to inform about the marriage, and then, Dad was super aggressive and Mum wanted to control everything so, I think Julia just rolled with it because it was too late."
"Too late?"
"She's... disappointed at me. Guessed pretty fast that I was the one who convinced Bradley to wait for you to dissolve the marriage. Said that if Bradley had requested it, even if you weren't there, it would have gone through." Janet crossed her arms. "But also, it saved his life, so, like, I'm not going to apologise? I wanted to cover for Bradley's cost but... I'm in debt and officially broke."
"You don't need to cover anything for Bradley. I'll do it."
"You don't have to pay for my mistakes," Janet murmured.
"Bradley is my friend, and I want to help. Look, if I could, I would change the policies and we would have universal care like in other countries," Jake responded. "But I can't, and fighting politics with Father would cut me off from the family. So, if I can save at least one person... I will."
Janet clapped, happy:
"So you don't hate me..."
"Why... I mean, it was also my fault. I shouldn't have been drinking that much. None of us. We could have been in serious danger. You as well." And if anything happened to Janet, he would be totally okay with Father making him pay. "Don't worry, Janet."
"Okay, good, so only Mum and Julia are mad at me. Mum because I helped you to hide your secret relationship and married and Julia... Well. Actually, Julia isn't mad, she's 'disappointed'," she said, imitating Julia's tone.
"What?"
"She sent already my birthday present and says she can't come to my dinner party."
"Dinner party?"
"Work has given my birthday day off, so instead of flying to Texas, Mum stays here and Dad flies from DC, and we're going dinner. Well, Mum wants you and Bradley there, of course. And Julia says she can't attend. So... I mean, she never attends but, whatever." She waved at him. "No worries."
"I always worry, Jan. I know I'm mostly away but I worry."
She hugged him:
"You're the best brother."
"Okay, okay..."
"By the way, Bradley asked me if you were going to be free this evening? He wants to talk to you."
"Yes, whenever and wherever he wants. He can text me."
"Okay, sure. I'm going now, I have class. And... I'm using your car, because I can't go in public transport, it's too late for that. Is that okay?"
"Sure, go for it."
"Yay, see you."
Bradley texted with a time to be at home. It was going to be before dinner and Janet, apparently, was going to spend the night at one of her friends.
He found Bradley already waiting on the living room. He was surprised of the hoodie he wore, a deep green one that suit him perfectly and was Jake's. It made sense, as Bradley probably was clueless of which clothes were his or Jake's, as they both had now the same size. But, he was also satisfied to see him like that.
He looked cosy, relaxed and Jake felt that one of those quiet nights where they would watch a film with Mae being their chaperone.
Then, he focused on what Bradley had laid out onto the coffee table: a couple of notebooks, some photocopies, and a list of items.
"Hey, good evening."
Bradley looked at him.
"Hey, good evening. Sorry if I sounded too... ominous. But I wanted to talk to you."
"Sure, of course. I'm just, give me five minutes to change into something more comfortable."
"Oh, okay, sure, don't worry."
He actually took longer that five minutes, having a brief shower to freshen up. He wasn't sure what Bradley had been doing or what he wanted to talk about. Before going to the living room, he also passed by the kitchen and took some snacks and drinks and brought them with him.
"Oh, thank you," Bradley said, softly, as Jake passed him a bag of chips. "Hmm... I talked to Janet, she said that she's spending the night at a friend's house."
"Oh, that's nice. So we have the house for ourselves... what do you want to talk about?"
"About the... dissolution of our marriage. Our plans, what we owe each other... I'm aware that I entered this partnership in debt. But, even if we married in Nevada, whatever we bring to the marriage, we get after a divorce. That means, we have to decide what we do on the period that we're... you know, married. So obviously my debts..."
"I... I don't care about that..."
"Jake, I do. Please, I don't have much control of my life and I barely remember anything, so, let me have this, okay?"
"Right, you're right. Of course."
"I've been talking to Nathan, a lawyer, an insurance investigator..."
"And insurance investigator?"
"Sterling or something like that," Bradley replied. "About my accident. I don't remember anything so the interview was pretty short." Well, it made sense. "I've been told I crossed the street, not jaywalking, thankfully, and apparently the car was going over the speed limit, so... Nathan told me the Seresin are pushing to have my health bills covered."
"That's great."
"Yes... I don't want to take advantage of your family and..."
"You're not. Trust me. I deal with my family."
"Okay... But in any case, I have a debt from loans and such," Bradley said. "While I've lost one of my jobs, well, they told me I could come back as soon as I got better, I still working. I know it doesn't pay much but... I mean, I've been able to keep up with payments. So, that's good, no late fees." He said as he stared what looked like the loan he took to cover what the financial aid didn't covered to study. "So, when we divorce, I will still paying that."
"Okay, seems fair," Jake was okay with that. He could cover any other expense that Bradley had. "I cover living expenses, you can have my card. I'm probably going to be shipped out in a couple of months, and someone has to supervise Janet."
"Supervise Janet? She wasn't exaggerating about her spending habits?"
Jake chuckled.
"I mean, we aren't the richest family in the country, but we're well off, you know? When she was eighteen, Father gifted Janet a Lamborghini that she crashed almost immediately as the dealer gave it to her. Apparently, Father's face when the dealer called him was epic. He got her a second one that she took the same day... so, basically my family dropped a million in the same day. It's not like we can do it every now and then, but... I mean."
Bradley blinked a few times.
"I'm sorry, you're telling me your sister totalled a Lamborghini?"
"Yeah, quite the legend in the family. Nobody has brought it up with her yet, Father don't want her to feel bad and Julia and him had fought about it several times.
Bradley's face was a poem.
"But... where is the car now? I know she drives yours..."
"Her Lamborghini is now in Texas, Father uses it mainly to go to the Golf Club."
"So, your father wanted a Lamborghini and giving it to Janet was the fastest way to get it."
"You know, you might be right there."
"Jake, that's an insane amount of money."
"Hey, look, we can afford it."
"Your sister was the other day complaining about how entitled people are very disrespectful and all the crap she has to handle at work and you're telling me she totalled a car and got another one the same day?"
"Yeah, the change in her is... amazing. Let's hope that's stays. Julia and I think it's because of you."
"Because of me? I haven't done anything."
"And yet..." Jake shrugged. "Look, I have money, I can take care of you while you recover. Like... I doubt you're going to cost as much as two luxury cars..."
"Wow, I mean, thank you?"
"Sorry, that sounded awful. For my parents, who are a bit heartless and don't understand empathy to anyone that doesn't carry the surname Seresin and they can't control."
"Jezz, Jake, that's harsh. Your mother is quite lovely."
"And what about my father? What's your impression about him."
Bradley didn't answer, instead, he kept his mouth shut.
"I promise you, I've said worse about him."
"I don't know, I've read about your family online and in some old newspapers at the library. Your sister got a million dollars to start her empire, and then she gave it him back without asking. Isn't that a good sign?"
Jake wasn't mean to laugh, but he couldn't.
"That's how they twist things. Father gave her the money under no conditions, and then, said that she had to give it back. Which she did, after Mum begged her to, just to 'keep the peace'."
"Is your mother going to ask me to give her money back for the health treatment?"
"No, because we're talking to lawyers and drafting an iron clad divorce contract so that won't happen. You're familiar with Nathan already, right?" Bradley nodded. "Good, he also can assist you. And, once we explain things to Julia, she will be on our side."
"Julia Seresin, the Girl Boss, Millionaire before 25. A shark in the business and impeccable presence."
"Look, Father made her give back the million dollar loan. She would love to have them pay for it."
"And my role is..."
"Just to play husband who is in recovery. So minimal contact with them. I mean, I've been always a very private person, so... Nobody has cared about me that much."
"It wont' work."
"My family is very on appearances. And they truly believe that we married and hid it from them because I've been trying to get out of my family for the longest. I have a house, I have a job. Even if the Seresin fortune disappears, I'll able to survive. I can live without the luxury, the pretences and shit like that. I'm not afraid of working of the common people. They know that."
"I feel bad about lying to them. Well, I actually feel bad about lying to your mother. I don't want to own money to your father. Or that your father feels that I owe him money."
"Don't feel bad. They keep Janet dependant on purpose to handle her as they want. They're mad that she's working as a waitress because it's a low job for them. And they know that you're the one who got her that job. So, yes, my father might hate you for that, but my mother tries to understand. She knows that Julia barely visits and she's afraid that she won't meet her grandbabies. I married in secret, so that's another reason... she's scared she's going to lose Janet too."
"Feels like it would be easier for them to get me out of the picture."
"Oh, and risking to antagonise me more? To risk Janet having a tantrum? That woman can weaponise her tears, she has been doing it since she was born. What if the word goes out? That they repudiated you because you were Janet helping to pay her debts? It would show that Julia success is because of her, not them."
"Okay, you're putting too much weight on public shame."
"But it works, trust me."
Bradley thought about it for a second.
"I'll need to talk to Julia then. And... I guess, regardless, we have to go to Janet's birthday dinner, right?"
"Hey, free food, right?"
"Right..."
After a while, Bradley spoke again.
"Jake, thank you so much for... I don't know, being so generous. I don't know why or if I deserve it, but, this is literary saving me. I hope I recover soon and... I get better and I graduate. I don't want to annoy you."
"You aren't annoying. Plus, I'm leaving in a couple of months so you'll have the house for yourself anyways. Well, you and Janet. You two get along, right?"
Bradley nodded.
"So, don't worry. It will be fine."
While Marion and Brittany appreciated the grift of scamming the insurance company and the Seresin, and joked about the rushed wedding, and they praised Jake for not leaving Bradley dying into a ditch. Julia... was different.
She and Maurice had decided to do a stop at Boston before leaving for New York and take a flight to Singapore. Jake managed to get her and Maurice to meet them at their hotel. And as they talk, Julia's expression was borderline disgusted.
Bradley, next to him, was feeling worse and worse.
Fortunately, when they arrived to the end of their story, she smiled and turned towards her husband:
"So it was just a drunk error. Told you, darling. Too much party."
"A drunk error that has saved Bradley's life," reminded Jake. "And since our marriage has come to light, how many times Mum has asked you about grandchildren?"
Julia raised her eyebrows.
"Just once, when we talked about Rick and Maddy."
"Cool, so, now, with Bradley playing the perfect son-in-law, how many times she will be asking you?"
"It's a cool idea," Maurice interrupted. "You're paying Bradley to act as your legit husband while he is recovering. But what happens if any of you decide to fall in love with someone else in the mean time? You spend most of your life away, Jake. You might find someone overseas. Bradley stays here, meeting new people everyday. Literary. What if you too fall in love?" He asked Bradley. The man just responded turning red.
"Mauri, is that important?"
"Yes, Julie. I still remember the shovel talk your father gave me. Trying to look up for my new brother-in-law."
"That's not going to happen," Jake reassured. He was already in love with Bradley, there was no way he was going to look to another man.
"It might happen to Bradley, tho," Maurice insisted with a knowing glare, as he could read Jake's thoughts.
"I... I don't think that I have time for that, actually," Bradley spoke. He didn't sound sure. "Too much to catch up with my studies."
"No, of course not," Julia said. "I mean, and you're still have to finish your rehab. That takes a lot of time."
"Better than serving cocktails," Maurice said. "More profitable."
"Darling, why don't you get a videcall with one of your lawyers and think this over with Bradley? Maybe you could take and share notes."
Maurice got closer to her and kissed her on her temple.
"Sure thing. Come with me, Brad. I'll tell you everything about being a Seresin. And if you want to run away, I'll help you to fake your death."
The dark sense of humour of his brother in law didn't sit well with Bradley, who just glanced at him, while Julia just sighed, exasperated. Once the two men left, she turned her attention on Jake.
"What the fuck, Jake? I don't have time for this shit."
"What? Do you want me to annul the marriage and let him alone with the wolves? I'm leaving in two months. And, like our family haven't done worse," Jake rebutted. He looked at Julia, straight in her eyes. He suspected she wasn't the exception either.
"At least the people who do worse things, whoever they are, don't leave a paper trail."
"He's also helping Janet."
"I mean, she has improved... but could be much better, honestly."
"And I heard that Janet has been helping Bradley diligently since the accident. More than Marion, who until now, I would have consider his closest friend."
"All of that sounds like excuses," Julia seemed boring. "You know that this can end up in a disaster right? If you cheat on him... or worse, if he cheats on you, Father will find out."
"Like Father cares."
"Father is a fucking asshole, but he still looks after the family. And he doesn't like Bradley. What do you think that could happen if Bradley falls in love with anyone else?"
To try to avoid thinking about that, he decided to try another strategy:
"I'm being transparent with him about what's happening and what's probably going to happen and we have agreed of how we're going to untangle things financially and responsibility with each other. We have decided that we'll divorce once he graduates or he remembers or as soon as he finish treatment."
She just raised one eyebrow.
"Really?"
"What other option do you see?"
"Sure... I mean, we can start drafting the divorce papers. If he recovers the memory, we can get them review them again. Have you talked numbers?"
"Numbers?"
"C'mon, Jake, you have assets, you have money. He is a broke student with a debt a no job. And no memory of his past. No, don't try to argue that walking dogs is a job. Paying alimony is probably going to be a must. Maybe we can cover it sponsoring him to get a masters at MIT, if he manages to graduate, of course. Just for good measure."
"A must...? Julia."
"Jake, I have to solve problems before they become problems. I don't care if you were starting to date or just fuck... He doesn't remember anything. I don't care if you don't remember that last detail, honestly. But, what if he recovers his memory and decides he felt 'violated' he could sue. And his friends... Chelsey? That girl studying in DC. Her family isn't rich but they aren't starving. She could help him to find a decent lawyer and, she moves between politicians. She could twist the reality... and despite we will probably win, you'll lose him forever."
"You're twisting things. Bradley isn't like that and..."
"He wasn't like that," Julia corrected. "You don't know now. And when people are about to lose money, they could become desperate very fast, very easily. Best course of action is to draft now the agreement, with his input."
"Bradley isn't like that. Not before or after."
"Money changes people, Jake. For good or for bad. Spencer came from a good family and he lost it when he got closer to you and smelled the family fortune. Have you forgotten?"
"Bradley isn't like him," Jake insisted. Julia raised her hands, surrendering.
"In any case, I'm sure he would appreciate the opportunity to get a masters for free, memory loss or not." When she said that, she looked at him directly in his eyes. "And for it to work, you have to be honest with him."
"I am honest with him! I've told him everything, he had made his research, we came to you so everything was fair."
She just looked at him, knowingly.
"I have." He repeated. Julia didn't flinch.
"So, you have told him that you're in love with him?" Julia smiled at him. It was pitying him. "Oh, Jackie, you have to tell him. This... this is going to end wrong. And I really don't mind to throw money to someone's face to get them to fuck off, but... you're going to get your heart broken."
Damn it Julia with her intuition.
"I think is a bit late for that," he admitted, quietly. "It fucking broke my heart seeing him like this. He doesn't deserve any of this... and, I feel guilty to think that I'm also upset that... we can't even explore if we could have anything between us. I had a letter written during my last deployment, I should have... I should have been part of my confession. But in less than two months I'm being assigned base and I don't have any fucking idea where in the world. My... hopes and wants and... desires... all that crap..."
"Your feelings aren't crap, Jake," Julia interjected, softly.
"Whatever. I can't give it to him now. He's going to be overwhelmed. More than he is. He doesn't need to take care of my feelings or... he needs to focus in recovery and in his studies and that."
"I mean, I kinda agree with that, unfortunately. But... you'll have to talk to him."
"I was thinking to show him the letter, but in the future. Just... I might not be here." Jake took it out of the inner pocket of his jacket. "Maybe you could give it to him."
"Only if you're not here to deliver it personally."
"Far enough," Jake accepted. When Julia whipped his tears with a tissue, he got startled. The last time he cried had been after the passing of Mae. And he was expecting that. He hugged his big sister. "Enough about my drama, what about you? New York before Singapore?" When she didn't responded, he pressed. "Jules."
She pinched his cheek:
"New doctor. I'm fine, honestly. I... Just..." she sighed. "We started treatment again," she pointed at the area of her uterus. "The injections are the worst. It's okay, it's not the first time that I'm doing it. It's been four fucking years, but..." Before he could speak, she added. "I'm taking vitamins and all the supplements, I'm relying more in Nathan to lower my stress... I'm fine."
"Sorry about that. I imagine that Bradley and I are a big reason for your stress."
"No, actually no. Mum is taking care of the bill, Nathan taking care of the curt case. And, you're right, since Bradley's in the picture, Janet has been... less stressful. I mean, she's a waitress. Janet! I don't know how long it will last but... She's getting better."
"I think she has fun on the job. She has friends there, Bradley and Clint and Hayle. Well, not Bradley anymore, but... you know, talks a lot about the people there." He smiled, he felt better when the attention wasn't on him. "So, is Father then."
"Honestly, he's just the normal level of stress with him. I'm in Chicago, he's in DC. And I always find somewhere to go if I need to run away. Am I a bad daughter? Yes, I am."
"You are a very bad daughter and I'm a very bad son. Why do you think I joined the Navy? It wasn't really to prove myself. I wanted to be very far away from him. Run away from the family, breaking Mum's heart in the process."
"You needed to find yourself. Look, thanks to that you're close to Javy. Isn't he a good friend?"
"Yes, he is."
"And because Father is in the Army, you don't have the risk to cross paths with him." Jake didn't replied, that was arguable.
"He's going to try to have power over Bradley. Mum's protection only can get him so far."
"Well, Janet can actually manipulate him with her tears so... let's trust her."
"Damn, I've never though to hear about her like that, trusting her to help."
"Hey, she's trying. She's doing better than many other rich brats." Julia glanced at him. "I mean, sans the money spending habits. That's she's correcting. She has her heart in the correct place."
Julia hummed as he added:
"And she would love to talk to you more often. Be less motherly towards her, more like a sister."
"Oh, so now is not just Mum who I have to call? Is Janet too? List keeps growing." But when Jake remained impassible, she rolled her eyes. "Look, we don't have anything in common. She doesn't understand why I have the relationship I have with Father and Mum. We don't like the same things, we don't have the same hobbies. She was eight when I left home. You're closer to her and you only talk more often because she's living in your home."
"I'm her brother, not her sister. She doesn't want a second mother, she wants a sister. She's going to flip when she discovers you're been in Boston and you didn't even see her."
"Okay, I'm calling her now, go away. Pick up your hubby and let me alone."
"Julia, one more thing."
She actually looked annoyed at him and Jake couldn't help to smile:
"What?"
"I love you, big sis."
"Oh, for fuck sake. I love you too, okay? Now, go, apparently I have to make a social visit now and go to whatever loud shopping mall."
"You're welcome!"
Now he only had to make sure he and Bradley could survive Janet's birthday dinner, organised by they parents.
Notes:
Bradley learning for a second time that Janet crashed a card ten minutes after getting it, it's quite funny, at least, to me.
Hope you're having a great summer!
Chapter 14
Summary:
Janet's birthday dinner came and the the life of Bradley entangled with Jake's family. Jake wasn't sure what to do, it is uncharted territory for both of them.
Chapter Text
The previous day to Janet's dinner birthday party, Jake invited Bradley to go shopping suits. It was an opportunity to renew Bradley's closet, as well to make his mother understand they were willing to play families. Discretely. It had been a surprise that Bradley didn't enjoy going shopping, a part of him had guessed that it was because he felt bad about Jake dropping so much money on him.
But no, it had more to do with Bradley not liking the whole process. He was comfortable with his Hawaiian shirts and wore out used jeans. But because they were going to have dinner in a fancy restaurant, he accepted to get new shirts. Jake took advantage of it, making sure of getting some essential pieces that could combine with what Bradley had already.
At the end, Bradley looked dashing.
"Mr Bradshaw, Mr Seresin," the host greeted as she recognised them, walking in the restaurant Jake had invited him before. It was good to see Bradley's surprised face, almost pleased . "So good to see you."
Mum pinched Jake in the arm, approving.
"It's now Mr Seresin and Mr Seresin," Mum announced. "But we're here for our youngest, Janet, it's her birthday."
"Congratulation, sirs. And congratulations, Miss Seresin. Please, let me guide you to your private room."
"Thank you so much, Cass."
His family followed him and Jake crossed a glance with his father. Still unsure.
When, Jake had tested the waters with his father it had been tricky. Nathan had made him aware that the man had tried to kick Bradley out of his life, and Jake had made him believe that it was the main motivation to formalise their relationship. It seemed that they were on the clear, for a while, at least. Mum had found out about that and, for the first time, she had put him in line.
"Things have been tense between Mum and Dad for a while," Janet whispered as Mum interrogated Bradley about how he was readapting to school life. Jake didn't answer, he was sure that they hadn't divorce yet because that would be terrible optics. And, to be honest, both of their families were stronger together, none of them would tolerate having their power weakened.
He observed Bradley, joking with his Mum and he wondered how they would take their divorce.
Father would be probably relieved. Maybe, Mum as well. Part of Jake had wished for his parents to disapproved him, so it would make it easy to keep them apart. It seemed that, at least Mum, was trying to keep things picture perfect. She was the only one. As the dinner went through it was obvious that Father was not into making any type of conversation involving Bradley, and just kept a cold attitude.
A storm was forming in and it felt that Jake was the only one noticing, Janet, Mum and Bradley laughing and dining in peace.
"Oh my God, we need to have some after drinks at this rooftop," Janet proposed, showing something on her phone to her mother. "Mum, we have to make this photo recreation. And we have to order the chocolate fudge cake!"
"Oh, looks amazing, darling. What a wonderful idea, right?"
Jake and Father put their best smile when the three other people looked at them.
"Well, actually..." Bradley said, soft voice. "I think I might have eaten too much, and I'm not feeling quite well. My head feels a bit dizzy."
"Dizzy?" Jake asked, surprised. Since the incident in the carrier tour, Bradley hadn't expressed feeling dizzy or with headaches. "Have you taken your medicine?"
"Yes, I have, but... so sorry. I'm just not feeling very well."
"We might have to go for a quick check up." Jake said. That was not good, Bradley was doing so well. Then looked at his sister, she, instantly, undestood:
"Oh, no, don't worry about me. Me, Mum and Dad can have fun still, right?"
"Of course, my darling," Mum said. "Don't worry about the check, Dad will take care of it."
Father took two seconds too long to respond because Mum was already glaring at him.
"Of course, son. Go get your... husband somewhere... safe."
"Thank you so much for the meal, happy birthday again, Janet," Bradley said, as he hugged the young woman.
"I'll get you a piece of the cake, I swear," Janet responded.
Mum also went to hug him, what surprised Jake.
"Thank you so much, Jae, Have a wonderful time. I hope I can see you again soon."
Mum loved to hear that:
"Oh, sure, of course, darling, you got it. Hope you feel better soon."
While Father frowned as he whispered "Jae?"
Before Father could say anything else, Jake said goodbye quickly and rushed Bradley outside. If he was feeling bad again, it would be better to solve it as quick as possible.
"You feel good enough to get to the car?" Jake asked. Bradley reached for his hand and Jake had to calm himself down.
"Yes, I can go with you. A small walk will do good for me."
"Are you sure? Because..."
"Jake," Bradley insisted, making sure to look at his eyes. "I'm fine."
They started to walk, Jake keeping a close attention on the man, while his hand was trying not to press too much or being too loose.
"You're fine?" Bradley nodded.
"No need to go to the clinic or anything like that. Just home and rest a bit."
"But you feel dizzy, felt dizzy?"
"No, I'm fine."
"You're... Oh, you fake it?" His body instantly relaxed.
"Well, I figured out it was going to be the easiest way to leave. Your father seemed ready to explode and you didn't look better." Bradley half smiled at him. "I'm sorry for worrying you."
Jake chuckled.
"Okay, you got me there. But I'm happy that you feel better."
"Thanks."
They kept holding hands, and Jake, even opened the passenger door for him.
He wanted them to be so real.
"Could you send me the e-mails I wrote you when you were deployed to this address?" Bradley asked during breakfast. "I've just got my uni email reinstated but I've still have missing my personal one and... I wanted to check them. See if they trigger any memory."
Bradley was still going to therapy, following a strict plan of recollecting his past life. Jake had been happy to provide details about what he remember of Fallon when he had been there attending Top Gun and an instructing a course. There were places that Bradley must have visited when he was living there, but there was no luck yet.
Julia, who was still in Singapore, had apologised for not checking again with a IP, this time again, going much deeper on Bradley's history. So far, they were waiting for the results. But Bradley was not in a rush, just checking his family tree, the debts that he had inherited, photos of the listing of the house that Bradley had lived with his mother and grandmother after he had sold it out before going to Boston.
Before he spoke, he was checking a newspaper's cut with his photo and his team after they won a minor league with some different schools. Bradley had been an adorable child.
"I'm sending them now, I have them in a folder."
Bradley looked at him so intensively and Jake felt the rush to explain himself:
"I mean, you sent me a lot of pictures of Mae, so... Of course I had to keep them."
"Ah, that's true. Mae. Such a cute cat."
They fell in silence again. Jake wanted to keep engaging with Bradley, but he wasn't sure how.
"By the way, Janet commented that you used to drive me around for everything. Is that true?"
"Oh, yes. I did. Well, you and Janet, when I could. During summer you were doing an internship and, also, working full time, so I would drive you to the internship and form work."
"Oh, that's... thank you." Bradley smiled and Jake mirrored it. "It's... if you could, of course, could you drive me..." it had been a while since he didn't see Bradley's cheeks blushing.
"Whenever you need to go. This time I don't have any therapy or anything work related. Well, they told me my orders will come and I'm not sure when, but... yes. Today? Cool, let me know."
Bradley blinked a few times and then, he broke in a low laugh.
"Well, I mean, I was going to ask you for tomorrow, but... If you can drive me today to one of my dog walking gigs..."
"Sure, I will. At what time do you have to be there?"
"At eleven," Bradley said. "Thank you, that'll let me have extra time to keep reviewing these," he pointed at the papers.
"Has anything...?"
"Worked? Not yet... I mean, I could try to play baseball, apparently I was captain for two years."
Jake never had interest on that sport. It seemed that was about to change.
"Sure, we can try."
"Funny thing, that my doctor believes that my vertigo at the Navy carrier was more like psychological thing than anything physical. And yet... the only thing that this papers tells me is that my father died in the Navy, when I was a toddler. And... I don't think that was it."
"You were also living in Fallon since you were eight. Moved into your grandma's home," Jake got closer. "You knew a lot of military personnel. There is a Naval Air station, is where TopGun is held since the nineteens." Maybe he had a bad experience with a service member. Maybe her mother or grandmother did. But if his memory served him right, Viper had been the Airboss back them and he was a legit guy, same as his sucesor, Thomas Kazansky.
"Yes, we did. We also..." Jake noticed a detail on Bradley's work history. "Look, this burger joint, I loved it when I was there. But, our dates don't align. You left before I arrived."
"What a pity," Bradley joked.
Jake smiled. It was nice of Bradley to acknowledge that.
"So, tomorrow you need help, you said?"
"Oh, yes, Julia, or Lucy, or Nathan, one of them, signed up me and Janet to a financial workshop for beginners. Not like for studying, but for families, students, old people that need help budgeting, pay off debts..."
"She did what?"
"Nathan told me that Julia trust me to guide Janet. And Janet is properly offended. In her and mine behalf. But.... I mean, it won't hurt, right? Julia said that the family accountant will send me over all of my finances and accounts and information about my university."
Jake's smile flinched half second, thankfully, Bradley missed it, still browsing his papers. He wasn't sure how to bring up that he had already paid Bradley's tuition in full. Nor to Bradley or to his sister.
"I mean, you were very savvy with money, before of your accident. It might..."
"Help with my memory recovery? Yes, you might be right. I'll tell Janet to do it, for me."
Julia was going to love that.
"You're amazing."
"Thank you," Bradley giggled softly and Jake realised that maybe this was the first time that the man didn't deflect a compliment.
The day got better as he drove Bradley to his job, where he met a lovely old lady that needed help walking her dog. The woman was happy to meet him, and it was one of the few clients that hadn't cancel Bradley as pet sitter/dog walker after his change of surname.
"Wanna join me on the walk?" Bradley asked.
"Oh, sure, why not?" Jake accepted, happy. The dog, an energetic mix of Dalmatian and Pointer called Jumpy, clearly was excited of seeing Bradley. He was very playful, and got along very well with the other two dogs that Bradley picked up to go to the park.
Jake found easy join the fun. If he had any doubt that the man could handle animals after seeing him with Mae, now it was the time to be sure. Bradley managed the energy between the puppy, the young dog and the older effortless. By the time they stepped on the green grass and a play of fetch started, Jake joined them.
It was so refreshing and liberating, and understood clearly why Bradley didn't want to give up that job. The cold day felt warmer, the gloomy clouds brighter and even when it started to rain, it didn't bother him. Neither the dogs were affected, who had their tails waiving in enthusiasm, as they noticed that they had an extra playdate mate on the field.
"We should be getting back," Bradley said after what seemed only twenty minutes. But when Jake checked his watch, they had been already almost an hour and a half. "You have fun, didn't you?"
"Oh, yes. I'm not sure if more than Jumpy, even."
Bradley laughed, and Jake felt good just for seeing him that happy.
"I might have to stay a bit longer, make sure Jumpy has a bath. It's about time and Mrs Johnson can't do it very well."
"How come she has a puppy?"
"Her son though it would be nice to have company after her husband passed away," Bradley responded. "Husband wasn't son's dad. I... I'm not sure what had happened. Maybe she told me, maybe not. But..."
"They don't pay you to stay longer, right?"
"No, they don't. I shouldn't. But... it's obvious that Mrs Johnson needs help and... well, I don't have classes to attend anymore. Am I?" Bradley sighed and Jake realised that he had reached for him, when Bradley squeezed back his hand.
He tried to play it cool. He had held hands with Bradley and everything was going well. Just, his heart, being to eager and excited, racing and making his head dizzy. He forced himself to focus on the conversation, as Bradley was still talking:
"I mean, it's good that my logic and maths skills are intact, and that I'm remembering or learning incredible fast. The group project I was doing is now in shambles and my teammates have been reassigned, but at least I can still help."
"No problems at campus then?"
"No, not really," Bradley replied. That was good, that meant that nobody had brought up that he had paid his university tuition. He was still trying to figure out how to tell the rest. Or Bradley. Or if he had ever to do so. He didn't want to tell the man, mostly because he didn't want to make him feel that he had to pay it back.
He probably would have to come clean if Bradley enrolled an extra year, because Jake was determinate to pay for it as well.
"I mean, it sucks I can't graduate this year. Marion and Brittany are leaving and..."
"You still have Janet."
"I know... it's just... I will be with people two years younger than me. I know it's silly, that at work that doesn't matter. But... Still. Marion and Brittany, of course your sister too, were on my side since the accident. A few people do that for friends, when you have to study and work and such." He took a deep breath. "Sorry, I'm being silly."
"No, no... but, hey, maybe this is an opportunity to meet new people. Every time I move around the world, I face it as starting fresh. I barely have any meaningful relationships with anyone. Exceptions being Nat and Javy, but... I like it."
"Seems a good perspective."
"It could be useful," agreed Bradley. "My therapist things that I have some unresolved trauma from six, five years ago. And I'm like, well, I guess, my mother died six years ago and my grandma died five years ago. I don't need my memory to know that. Or the therapist telling me. The only thing that threw me off was the vertigo at the carrier. They say it could be psychosomatic or not. Because injuries in the brain are... tricky."
"You were in Fallon, it could be that."
"Yeah. Could be. But, they don't know."
It was a bit frustating. It if were physical, it could be fixed, probably. But it it was something psicological...
His train of throughs were interrupted when, in his pocket, his phone started to buzz. He took the call without looking at the caller and without breaking contact with Bradley.
"Hello?"
"You dipped into your savings to pay for Bradley's tuition." It wasn't a question, it was an statement that Julia said with the calmest tone.
That wasn't a good sign.
With an apologetic smile, Jake decided to let Bradley's hand go. Jake stood a few steps behind him, letting deal with the dogs.
"Okay, what if I did? What I was supposed to do?" He didn't want to throw to her face that she was the one that made Bradley to change his surname. Because he was glad she did. Feeling guilty, in a lower tone, he added: "Look, it's my screw up. We got out of control in Las Vegas."
"I know it is. It's also mine but... you understand what it means right?"
"I know..."
"Jake, we do have family fortune, but you're far away to inherit. Grandfather is still alive, Father likes to spend too much money, and honestly, I fear the moment he gets into politic because I'm sure he will be investigated at some point... I'm rich on my own accord. Father doesn't mind to enjoy the money he has and he had no intention to teach Janet. By the time you inherit something..."
"I can live with what I have. My military pension."
"If everything goes well. You have your husband example that in a split second, everything can change. To the worst."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Julia just muttered some words.
"By the way, do you know Robert Floyd?"
"Not a clue. Who is he?"
"He's at OCS, Navy. His aunt was Navy too. In fact, his aunt served in Fallon for two years, took him and his mother with her. Same age as Bradley, they went to the same high school. Not the same class, but... we managed to talk to the aunt. She's been having some rough times. Got injured on the job... she's on VA benefits, almost on the verge of losing her home." Julia's tone changed. "Anything can happen, Jake."
"I know the risks of my job, Jules. So, what the aunt says?"
"Apparently, Bob and Bradley made a pack to see each other to USNA. She remembers both of them preparing the applications. But, Bradley's mum was quite ill at that time and Lieutenant Floyd was under the impression that she didn't like the fact that Bradley spent too much time around Navy personnel. Bradley didn't come to her house much after that."
There was a moment of silence between them. Bradley had told him a few times that he wished he could be a fighter pilot. Julia knew that. For many people without resources, the Military industry was one option to keep themselves out of poverty.
"Then, Bradley's mum passed away shortly after Ms Floyd was relocated and the family moved. There is no record of Bradley applying to USNA. At all. But, instead, he applied to many universities. Got accepted in three of them. He chose Boston University. Even if it is not a public university. Like, University of Virgina was right there. Why he would go on debt?"
"He didn't have anything else to lose, he didn't care," Jake responded. After such big loses, he must felt alone and abandoned. Careless about the future." And maybe the study program was more attractive. I mean, who knows? I told Mum I wanted to live in Boston just to piss of Dad. And she accepted it."
"Because buying you a flat in New York would have been way more expensive."
"And also, I didn't want to be in the same city as Ruby." Back them, he didn't want to be seen as a loser. Obviously, his plan failed. Spencer made sure of that.
"Well, in any case, it's weird that Bradley didn't know many more people from the service. I have no interest in the Army and the Navy, and, some how, I know Father's buddies and Admiral Bacon. So, whatever."
"Maybe he knew. I mean, he was working there for almost four years, right? At a burger joint. He might have meet a lot of people. That doesn't mean that people remember him back. Or that he had any deep connection with any of his customers." Jake knew that Bradley and Marion talked about their regulars using their preferred coffee orders. He also knew that he barely remember the names of the people he encountered in other countries.
"Yes, sweet boy, very responsible, family oriented, loyal. Almost everyone on base knew him because he worked there. When he left to 'start a new life', some neighbours organised a collection to help him out. He sold the old house for a ridiculous low price to Admiral Mike "Viper" Metcalf."
"Oh, a legend," Jake couldn't help to say. "I know him, but..."
"He's deceased," Julia finished for him. "His daughter inherited the house, but she rents it to people from base. She had no idea of the former proprietaries."
"Cool, so now, what?"
"Now, we tell him and we hope that he remembers something. At the end of the month, if the PI doesn't find anything else, he will be back to the East Coast. Maybe it's just bad memories."
"Maybe, thank you so much. I'll tell him."
"And tell him too about the tuition."
"Jules..."
"You have to be completely honest with him, we talked about this. The agreement you are drafting with the lawyers won't have much weight if you are not sincere."
"Okay, sure, I will."
"And, you might want to stay in therapy. Married or not, this must not be easy for you. Take care, Jacky."
"Will do, Jules, will do."
Once he cut off the call, he rushed to get ahead and reach Bradley.
"Everything good?"
"In less than two weeks we might have an answer from the PI. They think they might have found someone who used to go to school with you. A fellow Navy brat."
"You don't seem very hopeful."
"It's a long shot, very long. But... I mean. We'll get to it. I'm sure."
For a brief time, life settled. Jake got back to his duties of driving Bradley around. A couple of times, they passed in front of the 24 cafe, now with a different display and a big poster that announced a new owner and management team.
"You seem pretty happy seeing that news," Bradley commented.
"Oh, yeah. You used to work there, asshole of your ex boss fired you. Half of the team quit with in a month, and I head it had trouble with employee retention," Jake explained. "Well, that's how Janet explained. But pretty much, the short version is that they lost you and they lost the business."
"Wow, seems... a bit irreal."
"You're a great person, I'm not surprise by the outcome. I mean, Marion was on holiday when everything went down and sent her resignation letter as soon as you told her you were fired. And it wasn't just out of friendship. You move people, Bradley. That's why people stay with you when you're down."
"I guess..." Bradley nodded.
Jake frowned.
"What?"
Bradley glanced at him.
"What, what?"
"I mean, you don't believe it?"
"You said it happened so I guess it happened. It's just... sounds that I was an intense person."
"I wouldn't have called you intense. You took care of people, so it's normal that people wants to take care you, you know? Wouldn't you do it?"
"I don't exactly have a frame of reference, but I guess for you guys I would do it. So, thank you for tolerating me."
Jake, quietly, laughed, not sure how to respond to that comment. He wasn't sure how Bradley was doing. He gave him a bit of an update, here and there about treatments on when he, finally, finalised one of the steps of his treatments. He also read the updates that Julia's PI found, with no luck. And chatted with him about it.
But beyond that, what went through his mind, was a mystery. Was he frustrated? Was he sad? If he was, he didn't discuss it with Jake. As if in the last month since he had come back, Bradley had become closeted off. More like he used to be before losing his memory. Except, that, this time, he didn't feel as warm as before.
"Javy is coming to visit this weekend, you want to join us?" Jake offered one weekend.
Bradley seemed surprised to hear that.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, why not? He has been asking for your status, he didn't want to intrude or bother you."
"Oh, that's nice of him. Well, if he doesn't mind that I join you, sure, of course, I'll love it."
Meeting Javy was great, at first. Bradley and Jake arrived to the burger joint, holding hands, what earned them a teasing joke by Javy. Instead of scaring Bradley away, it made him laugh and just letting Javy know that he was just playing his part.
After that, Jake let the two men chat and talk. It was more Bradley asking questions about the family dynamics, how Jake and Javy became so close, his experiences in the Navy... Jake rolled his eyes every time that Javy offered Bradley some advice about the Seresin. Yes, his family was very stuck up, yes, the only one with a functioning brain was probably Julia, but still.
"But, if you really have a good relationship with Janet, you have half of the work done," Javy commented over the coffee. "Until Janet didn't shamed Spender publicly, Mama Seresin didn't really reacted to their breakup. And if Mama Seresin reacts, then, Father Seresin will follow suit."
"My mother adored Spenser."
"Yes, until Janet told him that he was just a loser gold digger," Javy insisted. "It was... oh, wait, I went just with Nat, to the weekend at the Hampton. When one of your uncles got the new yacht christened."
Javy made a gesture as if he were to hit a baseball ball. Bradley chuckled next to him. Jake had heard about it from Julia, who had asked if he knew anything about it, but Jake, who was deployed, had not idea what she was talking about.
"That week was when Rachel and Howard announced their pregnancy, right?" Bradley asked.
"You know about Rachel and Howard?" Jake spoke before he realised, and Bradley, suddenly, retracted, a bit embarrassed.
"Well... I talk to your mum quite often. She seems a bit lonely and, I mean, she's taking care of my medical bills so... feels like I'm just... I don't know, doing my part," he finished as his cheeks turned completely red.
"Oh, that's actually quite sweet, right, Jake?" Javy said, staring at him.
"Sure, not a problem, that's... thank you."
But, his comment, meant to ignore the whole thing of Bradley speaking to his mother, didn't work in any of the three of them. Javy wrote him about it, asking him what he felt about it, Jake... Jake wasn't sure if he liked it or not. Suddenly, he noticed that his mother had stopped pestering him about calling more often. In fact, she didn't say anything during Janet's birthday dinner. And Bradley had called her Jae.
Jae.
Only the closest to her called her that way: her sister, her best friend from Church and now, Bradley apparently.
And not only that. It was that Bradley had say he was doing his part. Because she had paid his medical bills. The same way that Bradley had told Javy that he was doing his part when the man caught them holding hands.
If Bradley found out about how Jake had paid for his university tuition... Would he feel forced to act or to do certain way? Was he just holding hands with him because he felt that he had to?
"You're upset, right?" Bradley told him as they entered the house.
"What?"
"You don't like the fact that I speak to your mother."
"No, I haven't said that I..."
"I know you haven't said it. But you are, you might have a good poker face, but you aren't that good. Look, I know it's your mother, and I probably should have told you, but, technically, I've been known your mother longer than you. And she believes that we're truthfully married and she's been kind to me and..."
"You felt in debt with her," Jake finished for him.
Bradley click his tongue.
"No, not like that... But is it bad for wanting to do a nice thing for her? Or are you worried that when we divorce she's going to take my side? I don't think she will. She adores you, she always speaks highly of you, and she is always trying to connect with you."
"No, I don't... I mean, I'm her son but..." Bradley was throwing at him many things at the same time. "It's just, I don't want you to feel in debt or that you have to do something nice to her just because she's spending some of her fortune."
"Jake, regardless if she's paying or not my medical bills, I really don't need an excuse to be nice to..."
"And I'm not afraid of she choosing me over you, and you shouldn't be having to deal with her or her shenanigans and..."
"Jake, c'mon..."
"I told you I'll deal with my family. I'll call her more often, and tell them..."
"Jake, you can't control more your family than your family can control you," Bradley cut. "If it bothers you that I'm speaking with your mother, I can reduce the calls..."
"You shouldn't have to call her in the first place."
Bradley grunted, annoyed:
"I'm not doing it because I have to!"
"Oh, sure, of course, not because you feel obligated to repay her for the hospital bills, the same way my sister didn't feel pressured by Father to give him back the million dollar loan."
"Jake," Bradley tried to interrupt again, but Jake felt as he couldn't stop speaking:
"And then, what will you do when you discover that I've paid for your yearly tuition at uni? What?"
Bradley reacted as if he had been slapped.
"You did what?"
"I... okay, so your university called and..."
"What? When this has happened?"
"A month ago."
"A month ago!"
"I didn't want you to feel pressured."
"Jake, what the hell?"
"It's okay, I've already paid for it."
"Already paid... ? And you're expecting me to pay you back?"
"No, no..."
"So what's it's this about paying back from Julia and for your mother? How can I be sure you will be different?"
"I mean, you can't," he replied, and then grunted. That had come out so wrong. "I'm not expecting you to pay back."
"But I should feel like I have to pay you back?" Bradley asked back. "I know it was my fault that we got into this mess, even if I don't remembe..."
"It's not your fault, Bradley!"
"That doesn't except me from having to face the consequences, Jake!" Then, he stepped back. "I can't... I'm getting furious right now, and I can't have a conversation right now. I need to think. I..."
"Bradley, please, I... I just, I said it all wrong."
"Well, so I suggest you to get your thoughts in order before talking to me. Unless you feel that I have to, because I have to feel obligated to do so."
"Bradley... please." The man waited, but Jake was a lost of words, his mind going crazy. Then, Bradley took a deep breath:
"Good night, Jake."
And turned around and disappeared.
Chapter 15
Summary:
With new orders coming in, Jake had to finish some conversations pending. Circumstances made him grew closer to Bradley.
Notes:
I had to rewrite this chapter SO many times but it's finally here! Yay!
Thank you for the new kudos and comments, enjoy the read!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"How is everything at home, Lieutenant?" Admiral Bacon asked on the phone. "Your husband alright?"
"Yes, he is," he replied, even if he hadn't had seen Bradley in the last week. Janet had been glaring at him, but she had kept her opinions to herself. Jake had called his mother, a few more times than usual, and had some pleasant conversations, weirdly non invasive. It wasn't bad. Actually, it had been good, so good that the only time that Bradley was into conversation was for her to express her approval for him.
Sometimes, he still thought about it.
"Well, Seresin, I've managed to get you a post in Corpus Christy, teaching, steady, close to family."
Close to family, far away from Bradley.
Maybe it was the best.
"Thank you so much, sir," he replied. Admiral Bacon chuckled, amused.
"Not a problem, anything for my best pilot. Make sure to make people suitable to go to Top Gun. Now I have one of my people on base, I need to show that Kazansky what's good."
"Of course, sir," he agreed just to play nice. Top Gun was one of the most challenging things he had done. He had come on top, of course, breaking a record set by Cyclone and one by Sundown. He had still work to do if he wanted to be able to be in the same league as Maverick or Iceman, when he was still flying, a legacy that many had tried to challenge unsuccessfully.
"Well, you're one of the best, so, I trust you to make your fellow pilots up to standard."
Except a few people like Javy or Bones, Jake wasn't sure if people was going to get to his level. The roast of great pilots on the eighties was mostly because they were seeing active combat and not just dropping bombs and doing recon missions.
"I'll try my best, sir."
"Don't try, do," Admiral Bacon said. "You didn't go to the Army to be just average, right? You better don't bring shame to the Navy, son. This time, you can't have the team handing behind you, you need to lead it, Hangman."
Like many, Admiral Bacon thought that his callsign was because he had a tendency to leave people, his brothers in arms, behind. That was not the truth, he just was the only one raising to the occasion. But, in any case, the innocent joke that Javy had told him about his inability to win a hangman game, was now one of the reasons he was being called out.
"I get you want to get back to your family, but so are the rest," Admiral Bacon reminded him.
"Sir, I understand. Sir, will do."
The brief call was done and Jake felt ten years older. Was it that bad just to enjoy flying? But it was part of the game. It didn't matter if he was with his family or at his job, it was all politics, optics and juggling things to be able to do a small part that he enjoyed.
Now, it was also Bradley and Boston too.
He wanted to spend time with the man, get to know him better, but... well... their last conversation, argument, disagreement, still replayed on his mind. He wasn't used to feel the one doubting. He knew what he wanted and he fought and he put his heels down and he fought with the other person, or.. well, let it die on the side like he had done to Spencer, disinterested in him at the end.
Now, he was double thinking what his next step should do it.
"Are you free?" Janet spoke behind him.
"For fucks sake, Janet!"
"You had a very troubled face. Bad news?"
"Just work," he simply replied, not wanting to talk to her about it. "What is it?" He asked before she could add anything else.
"Jeeze, Jake," Janet complained. "So, you haven't talked to Bradley yet?"
"It's a bit hard when he's avoiding me, is it?"
"You have his number, you two live together. So, if you have something to say, just tell him."
"Okay, do you need something?"
"Actually, yes. I need to know when are you being deployed again. I'm trying to organise mine and Bradley's schedules." She made a pause, then, smiled devilish. "And if you asked Bradley you could know more about it."
"Janet..." Jake warned, not wanting to talk to his younger sister about it.
"Okay, sorry. Just... trying to figure out about your birthday, I mean, it's in three weeks, so... you're married. Family expects something. And... many other things."
"Many other things?"
"Talk to Bradley, he's waiting for you, you know?" In other circumstances, the passing comment of his sister would have been brushed off. After talking to Admiral Bacon, no so much.
"Waiting for me? What that it means?"
"That's what he told me. Do you think he's telling your shit? He's even more private than you, Jake. He said that he will listen to whatever you say or decide. Whatever that means. But... whatever you do..." Janet closed her eyes, painfully. "It's actually my fault, okay? I was the one who accepted drinks and convinced Bradley not to annul the marriage until you..."
But Jake's mind was zooming out. That was what he wanted to avoid. Bradley thinking that he had to do something just because Jake said so. He didn't want to have that much control on the man, no he deserved to. On top of that, as soon as Bradley recovered his memories, he first thing he would think was that the Seresin just orchestrated it to get more money, more blood, from the rest. He hadn't interacted that much with Marion or Brittany, but how Janet talked sometimes about the class difference, made sense that she got it from them. And they were friends of Bradley.
"Hey!" Janet snapped her fingers in front of him. "Are you listening?"
"No, not really, just thinking about what to tell Bradley."
"Oh, that's good," Janet's aggression lowered significantly. "About what exactly?"
Maybe being sent to Texas was a good thing. He would give Bradley space in Boston, his mother would have him closer, so she wouldn't bother the young man anymore. And Bradley and Janet could still do their own things and projects without Jake's interference.
Without bothering to answer, he texted Bradley a short request:
Can I talk with you?
Of course. When and where?
Living room, later today?
I'll ask Janet to give us space
Cool.
"So... what are you going talk to Bradley about?" Janet insisted. Jake just scoffed. "Asshole!" she screamed as Jake left.
He did have a conversation to plan out.
Luckily, it was good at first. Bradley listened to him, and it seemed everything resolved and laid out: Jake expressed his worries about his family getting too close to him, that his family paying for his bills didn't meant he had to give them back, that Jake was just trying to rectify a mess that his family caused, partly, when they asked him to change his surname and become a Seresin, losing his financial aid.
But after that, Bradley start to speak, colder.
"Jake, have you realised that you just told me how I should and shouldn't be feeling? Guilty, in debt... Wait until I finish, please," he added, as he felt how Jake moved on his seat, uncomfortable. "I mean, yes, I'm feeling guilty for lying to your mum about our relationship. She seems a lovely and caring woman that doesn't know how to handle that her husband is away doing business and working while her children are in different parts of the country, or around the world, without her being involved. And, in debt? Of course I feel in debt with everyone who has been helping me since I woke up. Marion, Brittany, Janet, your sister Julia, even Chelsey and Natasha who call me time to time to check on me. Javy even and..."
Bradley stared directly into his eyes:
"How I can not feel in debt to you, Jake? You tell me that we are housemates, that we're friends, that we just had a date, half a date, that we're just testing the waters and still... you're supporting me every step of the way, you covered my tuition... and I'm not even sure that I'll be able to finish it."
"You could. You almost did it once, you'll do it this time."
Bradley sighed.
"But you realise that I'm not the person you went on a date with six months ago, right?"
"You're still Bradley, Bradley."
"I am. I am Bradley. But I don't know who was I before. I don't understand most of his decisions, but I'll have to live with it. And... well, who knows if I'm going to ever recover my memories? My therapist says that it's unresolved trauma, probably, and maybe she's right. My mother died, my grandma died... this woman Floyd said that she though I was going to go to USNA like her nephew did... Apparently I had that idea when we started to live together..." Bradley closed his eyes. "And the fact that I was going to graduate this year and I had done nothing to join the Navy or research anything to be a naval pilot, makes my therapist believe that I was just surviving and not... taking control of my life."
Jake's heart sunk when he heard that. He never took a hundred percent serious Bradley when he said he was thinking about following his father steps and fly for the Navy because he had never seen him actually researching and working for it, apart from keeping a good average at university and following Jake's workout routine.
"I'm rambling," Bradley cut himself. "In any case, I was very surprised by the fact that you're annoyed that I talk to your mother. I can stop calling her that much often if you prefer. We don't really talk about you, if that's what worries you. But it upseted me that you told me that I should feel guilty about you paying my tuition..."
"Technically...."
"Okay, sorry, that's on me. You insisted I shouldn't feel guilty or in debt about you paying my tuition. I didn't even known that you did that. I... Look, Jake, I'm not sure how I feel about that because the first thing you told me was on the lines of that I shouldn't feel in debt, so, just put me in the headspace that, in the first place, I should have felt in debt. Do you understand that? On top of that, I though we had an agreement, that we are friends, and we are a united front. And you took that opportunity of just talk about it from us."
Jake took a minute to understand what Bradley was trying to tell him.
"I see that it was... not done with grace. I've got a call from Nathan and I took the decision without consulting you. It was a timely issue, it needed to be solved as soon as possible."
"I understand that, Jake. But I'm not in the Navy, you're not my commander officer that expects an order to be obeyed immediately. Even if the result is going to be the same, I need a bit of conversation, a bit of feedback before it. I don't really have a previous rapport with you. Maybe I had, maybe you have with me. But I don't know that. I have to build it from scratch and I need to know that I wasn't mistake, that when the first time I saw you I knew I could trust you."
Jake wanted to be that person so bad, someone that Bradley could feel safe with. Someone that, when he remembered, wouldn't look at their interactions in this period and regretted deeply meeting Jake all together.
"So, I'm guessing this is a terrible moment to tell you that I'm being sent to Corpus Christi in a week, right?"
"Why? Since when you do know that?"
"This morning," Jake responded and Bradley's reaction was instantaneous. He relaxed and smiled, sympathetic.
"Jake, I know you're a Seresin, and still, can't control where the Navy sends you. And you only been known for half a day. C'mon. It's not like you've taken a decision about my future on your own and you haven't told me for a month and a half."
The soft chuckle from Bradley made him feel better about laughing about his own stupidity.
"Okay," he felt his shoulders better. "I... We can make sure that Nathan contact both of us, not just me. And if it is something that only affects you, he doesn't need to talk to me, then. And... just to circle back, I don't mind that you talk to my mum, do it, if you want. It's..."
"You don't want me to feel pressured to do that, yeah, I gathered."
"Exactly. I know my family can be... suffocating."
"I don't plan to follow you to Texas, if that you're worried about."
"No, your priority should be your health and education."
A moment of silence passed and when Bradley spoke, it was low and insecure:
"What if... I can't finish my degree, Jake?"
"I'm sure that Julia can fit you in a position in one of her companies, although, I wouldn't recommend it." Bradley blinked at him, confused, and Jake added, disappointed with himself, for the lack of context to his comment. "I mean, the turnover rates of her staff close to her it's quite high. And, honestly, if in a future you want to get rid of the Seresins, it's better if your employment doesn't depend of a member of our family."
"Is that's why you decided to be Navy instead of Army?" Asked Bradley and Jake smiled. Yes, they were having those conversations again.
"I wanted to revel, but not too much. And I'm thankful for that, because it helped me to get close to Javy, to meet him in a way I didn't before. And, look, start a trend in the family, making other people believe you don't have to follow what the Seresins always do."
Bradley laughed and Jake switched sits, to be closer to him.
"I mean, I can tell you anything you want to know," Jake offered.
"Really?"
"Really. We are a team."
"I really want to believe you, Jake."
"I'll work for it, don't worry." Once he had the target acquired, there was nothing to stop Hangman from reaching it.
Saying goodbye to Boston hurt more this time.
And Jake knew it was just because of Bradley.
It wasn't like other times, where he knew for a fact that Bradley was a survivalist, and he would fight to be on top no matter what. It was the realisation that, even their personality was similar, there were light differences to Bradley now and Bradley before. Both of them were confident, except that, now, Bradley didn't hide behind politeness and quietness. He was louder, bolder, as if he were in front of a piano and audience, captivating Jake's senses.
It was more daring and chill, or maybe it was just because he didn't have the pressure of a pending debt that was hanging above his head. He could see in Janet how, since she had started of paying more insight into her finances, she was more cautious about what to spend or what to do. And still, Bradley remained the same.
Maybe it was something completely different, like Bradley, before, liked Jake and was shy and a bit self-conscious about it, and now he was just friends with Jake. No crushes or doubt between them.
But, still, Jake felt bad for leaving behind after talking about being a team. Splitting and staying in opposite sides of the country wasn't making it easy. Bradley had a small group of support and in a month, Brittany and Marion would be graduating and leaving the city. Just Janet with him with people he barely knew.
"You're going to see each other on your birthday, Jakey, don't worry," Janet told him in teasing tone as he hugged her.
"Janet..."
"It's okay. I'm glad you made up. I'll keep an eye on him."
"Hey, if he wants to meet someone new..." he murmured. "Don't get in his way, and... keep it under wraps."
He didn't want anyone from his family interfering or taking justice when it wasn't called for. Bradley deserved a shot at life, not to be tided to Jake or the Seresin due unfortunate circumstances and necessity.
"You're an idiot," Janet stated. "But, whatever, I will." She rolled her eyes. "Idiot."
"Don't be rude, okay?"
"Will you text?"
"Sure, of course."
"To both of us!" Janet remarked. Then, pulled Bradley close to her. "My brother in law is going to be more brother to my than my own brother. And I won't cry a little. Maybe of laugher."
Jake hugged them both, feeling how they tightened the embrace until the very end.
"Guys, this time I'm not even leaving the country. Don't be dramatic."
"Mum is going to visit you so many times," Janet snorted. "She did that when I was studying at Rice University. We used to get brunch on Sundays."
"Yes, yes... We will."
Jake saw his birthday coming with an unfamiliar calm. His mother wasn't too pushy to make anything grandiose, except that the weekend of his birthday, she wanted to come visit him and get a small dinner. A small dinner, for real, not a small dinner with forty guests, but something similar to what they did for Janet's birthday.
Janet was already enjoying his break, and Bradley, not graduating, would also be free to fly to Corpus Christi. He had to admit, but Jake was eager to see them both. It didn't matter that Bradley had kept him update with his tests and essays one of his professors were issuing him and a new series by David Attenborough, Jake wanted to see Bradley with his own eyes.
"Are you hangover?" Jake asked Janet and Bradley as he went to pick them up to the airport. "Mum and Father will we waiting at the restaurant and then they expect to have a walk around the harbour."
"I know, I know," Janet complained. "We just need coffee."
"Marion and Brittany invited us to their graduation parties, so..." Bradley said. He looked good in Jake's clothes. Probably Janet had insisted for Bradley to wear them, as Bradley had a more casual style and where they were going, was more upper class restaurant.
"You went to both parties?" Jake asked and got the same look from his sister and husband.
"Both of them are my friends."
"Look, it would have been three if Bradley were graduating too, so be glad that we're here in the first place," Janet pointed out. Then, both of them, started to giggled, clearly still affected as none of them seemed worried to see Jacob and Jacqueline Seresin. Jake wanted to tell them off, to remind them what had happened the last time they lost control. But, also, Bradley looked good relaxed and Jake would like to himself if he denied that, sometimes, he took some courage liquid before meeting his father.
"It's been a long time since I don't drink," Bradley explained, as Jake got them a coffee. Janet was a few step further, talking on the phone with someone on the phone. "I only drank two margaritas. It's just... I also drank a lot of energy drinks. I promise I won't embarrass you in front of your family."
"I'm not worried about that," Jake responded. "No... it's... sorry. I'm getting a bit... nervous."
Bradley smiled and just squeezed his arm.
"We'll deal with that, right? Together."
"Together," he reaffirmed, knowing that it wasn't just the best strategy not to argue with Bradley again, but, because his parents were experts of dividing and conquering. He grabbed his hand, telling to himself that it would look much better if they showed up like that.
He hoped Janet didn't comment on that, but she only finished her call and turned towards them with a face expression quite similar to Julia's when she had finished a good deal.
"Shall we?" she giggled as she took her coffee cup.
Fortunately, dinner was much better than the one for Janet's birthday. Father seemed more relaxed, and that lead to the atmosphere being more cheerful. Janet dominated the conversation, as usual, telling them about a new project she was hoping to lead for her masters. Bradley also interjected with some comments, clearly very informed about what she was dealing with. Then, the conversation went towards what happened in their ranch, with the local gossip.
By the time the desserts arrived, Jake barely had muttered a world, still stunned to the fact that Bradley knew so much about the people his mother hanged out with.
"So, what, Mrs Richardmore still went to Church after all of that? She's brave, we have to give her that," Bradley commented as if it was the most natural thing to talk about.
Mum and Janet laughed.
"Oh, Bradley, you should tell Jake to invite you to our home town, you'll have such a wonderful time. And now that Janet is going to spend most of the time in Boston..." Mum said, sighting. Next to him, Father tensed, and Jake noticed he was also on the edge.
"Oh, I would love to, Jae, but..."
"You see, Mum, Bradley recently got a position as a TA under Professor Kwon this summer. This way he can get up to date at school and he can also join my project," Janet revealed as Bradley nodded along.
"Still, Memorial weekend, 4th of July," Mum pointed out. "You two can definitively spare some days off. I know my hubby is very busy and my son..." she glanced at Jake. "But you two? C'mon, kids, it's your mama who you're speaking with. What am I supposed to do? With Julia saying she can't travel..." she scoffed. "Mrs Richardmore is unbearable."
"Of course, Mum, I'll get us tickets, right Bradley?"
"Sure, sure. I just..."
"Oh, fantastic," Mum clapped, ignoring whatever they were going to say next. Jake could taste in his tongue the drama that could happen during those days.
"I can go too, I'll make sure to have some time off too," Jake interjected, not willing to leave Bradley to fence for himself in the wolves lair. His mother, automatically, giggled, pleased.
"Oh, we only have to convince Julia and Maurice to come too. It's going to be some fabulous holidays. What do you say, darling?" she looked at Father, who just finished his plate, and with a very careful neutral expression declared:
"It would be an... agreeable experience. But, it is an important moment for Janet. She's leading her own project and getting his masters with excellent recommendations would be the ideal."
"Of course, Dad."
"Same with... Brad," he said almost if it pained him. "He's going to start his last year. Hopefully he'll graduate. And he has too many things to catch up. It wouldn't be wise if he distracts himself with family duties. That are important," he quickly added as Mum raised his eyebrows. "But he hasn't graduated yet. He's the same age as Janet and he..."
"Darling..." Mum whispered, almost as a warning.
"Of course, he is very welcomed. But competence is a must in the Seresin family. But, we are in this situation because Jake didn't wait to propose until he graduated. He robbed you, Jacqueline, from vital moments of a mother's."
"We can discussed it later, please?" Jake asked, feeling Bradley tensing his back and his smile falling. Mum frowned, this was not looking good.
"Why? Have I said anything wrong?" Father pushed, glaring at Jake. "We're in this situation because of you. Janet's education could be in jeopardy if one member of her team is distracted with you, Jake."
"Father..."
"No, don't father me. He has a year left. He is doing great getting that TA position. His focus should be that. Your focus should be the Navy. Getting higher in the ranks. I get that you like to play with planes, but that's not everything in life."
It would be if Jake could have a saying in that. The sky was the only place he truly felt free.
"Marriage is work towards setting your family to success. I might not agree with Julia's decisions and disrespect towards her mother, but I can respect her drive and ambition. This boy that you chose..." he turned towards Bradley, and for the first time, he acknowledge him directly. "What is exactly your role in helping my daughter?"
"I'll be working with a couple of engineers and an ornithologist to study different types of wings, see if we can use something to make a more efficient artefact."
"Dad, he was in a team to get into that military contest with the MIT where he was helping build a replica of the Rolls Royce engine of the Concorde."
"We might get some funding from the Government if everything goes according to our plan," Bradley also informed. "We have a friend at George Washington University researching that for us. Chelsey Harrington."
"I haven't hear of the Harrington before," Mum comment. "Are they influential, darling?"
Father shook his head.
"Haven't hear of them. So is one of your friends, Janet, Baby, helping you guys?"
"Oh, no, that's... Bradley's friend. He introduced us," Janet commented. "And it was Bradley the one who had the idea to do that."
Mum and Father looked at each other, in silence.
"Seems... acceptable," Father finally said. Coming from him that was a high praise, and Janet's pleased face reflected that. Bradley was more passive in his excitement and Jake couldn't blame him for that. Then he looked at Jake: "So Janet is bringing people from around the country, different universities and seeking federal grants. As a Seresin should do. I hope you're aware that different branches of the military collaborate and Admiral Bacon granted you this opportunity to prepare you to lead those training exercises in two years time."
"Yes, sir, I'm thankful for the opportunity."
"In two years I'm expecting Janet be working for Julia... Brad... having a degree and having a decent job and you, on track to be a Captain."
"Yes, sir," he replied, knowing that he had little to do with those type of decisions.
Father put his napkin on the table and called a waiter.
"So, all is talked. Fortunately, your slips can be salvaged. But I expect your husband and you behave exemplary for now on."
"Jacob..." his mother started, but as the waiter approached to their table, she shut up. Father got his black card out and he looked around, not impressed.
"It's the best, darling. We have an image to maintain and, even if it is true, I would hate rumours of my new son-in-law being a gold digger."
"Dad..."
"Janet, it's also for your good. You're doing a project very important with him. He should be supporting you, not dragging you down."
"Sir, I don't appreciate the way you're talking to my husband right now," Jake cut.
"Jakey, your father is only trying to protect the fam..."
"Don't worry, Jacqueline. Get Janet and Brad out and I'll talk to Jake. Man to man. Seresin to Seresin. Order whatever you want from the rooftop terrace, as them to add it to my account."
As the transaction finalised and Mum, Janet and Bradley left, Jake felt a deep disgust for his father. He did not have a right to talk about it. In fact, his marriage with Bradley and whatever deals he had with Jake or Janet wasn't his business.
"You know, I've been very lenient with this whole situation. Your marriage with, not just a classless boy, but an uneducated one, has been the talk of our social circles. He is rude and he doesn't know boundaries."
Jake glanced at his father, clearly the irony lost in the old man, who didn't have any problem to treat others like shit.
"But, for whatever reason, your mother likes him. Same as Janet. And I have to be fucking glad that he's married with you and not with your sister. She deserves so much better than that..."
"You don't have the right to..."
Father hit the table with a fist.
"You didn't chose well: he hasn't graduated yet, he brought a debt to our family, not land or money, he isn't aware of proper etiquette. He is not a person your mother can introduce to her friends. Do you want her to be humiliated? Or is your plan to run away from us? Your blood and family? I might not have as much as control over your career in the Navy, but your connections with me have saved you from some pretty ugly situations, boy. Do you think you can survive without me?"
Like every time his father started one of his sermons, Jake's brain was unable to follow him. He disconnected, as if his father were just emitting white noise. His eyes drifted around the private room, focusing on the high quality of the tablecloth and the rest of food crumbs that stained it.
He knew that the best was just not to answer, keep a neutral expression, nod along, sprinkle some 'yes, sir,' here and there. Father loved too much the sound of his own voice and Jake had too much experience navigating those situations.
He only turned back in when he heard Julia's name being named.
"...of course, when Julia showed me the contract that you two signed for a divorced, I was relieved. Good thing that that woman knows how to think about the family image."
"You saw..." Jake spoke before remembering his inner rule of not interrupt his father when talking. The man just hit the table again.
"Jake! Don't be so innocent. Did you really think you could hide something like this from me?... Oh, God, you're so stupid sometimes." he sighed. "You really know how to sour the dinner for me, don't you, boy?" He got up and then, looked at him. "C'mon, why are you looking so upset? I paid for this dinner, for your husband's plane tickets, just for your, for your birthday. The least you should be is grateful."
"Of course, sir. Sorry, sir. Thank you, sir."
A moment passed.
"That's better, boy. C'mon, don't let the hens alone with that rooster," the man grunted. "Who the fuck he thinks he is? So cocky talking like that to my wife."
At least, Jake could roll his eyes behind his father's back, the only outlet for his general discomfort. It wasn't just talking to his father. He legit felt sick, wanting to vomit.
As a whiskey was placed in front of him, as his father considered it was his birthday treat, Jake felt his stomach revolting. Tentative, he grabbed the glass, ready to nurse it all night until he could pour it into the pot of a poor plant. He had to be sneaky, or he would disappoint his father once more, and he already had enough for a night.
"Hey," Bradley sat next to him, brushing his arm. "You don't good."
"That's bullshit, Bradshaw, I'm good," he refused. He didn't want to talk at that moment. Opening up would risk another confrontation with his parents, and the ramifications were too great to count. He regretted his harsh tone, but Bradley chuckled next to him. The man was on that moment at the bar, talking to who knew who. Janet and Mum were on their table, chatting and laughing, as they glanced at them with different approving faces.
"Oh, right, you're too good to be true or some shit like that, right?" Jake looked at him as Bradley took the whiskey glass from him. "Do you mind if I drink a bit from it? Feels like I need it if I want to survive your father," he added. Jake just gestured permission. "A lovely man, isn't he?"
Jake snorted against his will.
"I'm not doing a good job keeping safe you from them."
"Jake, you don't have to sacrifice yourself to protect me."
"I'm not..." Jake looked briefly at Bradley. Just half a second was too much when he noticed Bradley's soft eyes, compassionate. He couldn't handle it. Not at that moment, it was too much. He coughed. "So, a teacher now? How are you feeling about it?"
If Bradley seemed surprised about the change of topic, he didn't show it. He just had another sip of the amber liquid and said:
"Well, they framed it as an opportunity to adapt to campus life and get up to speed to everything they wanted. Most likely the University felt guilty about snubbing me from the chance to travel to Berlin and talk to leading experts about aeronautics. Also because they can't compete now in that MIT competition. With your sister coming up with the idea of doing a multi institutional project, they couldn't wait to make sure I belonged to the uni so they could rip the benefits of the result."
"Damn, even in academics all is politics," Jake complained. "Glad the change of surname is helping you with some facets of your life.
Bradley snorted again, drank another sip from the whiskey and returned the glass to Jake's hand.
"I'm quite lost to be honest. Not in the sense of my lack of memories, it's... I don't know. Too big."
"I'm sure you'll figure it out. You held a job, were manager, before, at the same time as studying with good grades. You're smart and kind. And, let's be honest, fewer things are more complicated than dealing with my father so..."
Bradley laughed, sincerely this time.
"Yeah, you might be right." Then, when he calmed down, he smiled to him. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Believing in me."
Jake smiled briefly.
Maybe not everything was bad. Maybe he wasn't as useless as he thought.
Notes:
Well, we getting Seresin Father full villain (?) or not, yet?
By the way, I made a wink to the concept of Black Knight in Korean drinking culture were the man takes a drink from someone else when they are too shitfaced or can't drink (Black Rose would be the female equivalent). Not sure in this situation applies, but I always though it was a cute thing to do. And, Bradley sensing that Jake isn't in a good headspace to drink and taking the hit for him... it's cute (at least, in my mind). Just wanted to highlight that hehehe. Also, fun fact(?) and I hope the internet/kdramas haven't lied to me with this thing.
I'm planning a bit of a time jump soon and I'll be updating the tags (if I needed) as the story is almost outlined. Happy to announce that I'm planning a Mav and Bradley reunion, but it won't happen for a long time.
I really love this story because it's giving me the chance to explore lot of dynamics and, honestly, the Seresin are fun to write about. They're very toxic and, poor Jake, I want him also outside that situation. (I don't like just to torture Bradley, you know? I can be very generous with that).
Thank you again for reading and hope you're having a good September!