Work Text:
Jake grabbed another cup of coffee as his phone rang. He pulled it out to see that it was a facetime call from his sister, Jen.
Oh, shit the dress…
He answered the call, greeted giggling and a black screen. “Hello?”
“Jess found the perfect dress!” his mother practically screamed into the phone.
Jake couldn’t help the smile on his face, excited for his youngest sister’s wedding.
“Jake, you will not believe how perfect it is,” Jen’s voice rang out.
“Well, are you going to show me or am I just gonna stare at a black screen?”
“Mom, give me the phone.” He was quickly met with the view of his sister in her white gown. It suited her style and personality perfectly.
“Okay what do you think? You see the dress, right?” the youngest Seresin gave a twirl.
“Yeah, I see, and you look beautiful, sis.”
Jess grabbed the phone from her sister’s hand and turned it so he could see her face. “You see how happy and excited I am.”
Jake gave her a slightly confused look “Yes… where are you going with this, Jess?”
“All this to say that I don’t want to freak you out but… I invited Y/N and she’ll be the second in my wedding party next to Jen. David wanted you to be the second groomsmen next to his brother and all of this is to say that you and Y/N would be paired when walking down the aisle. And I know you two have a past but she’s my best friend and it’s been years and- “
“Jessica!” Jake cut her off before she could spiral completely, overthinking every decision she's made to this point. “It’s okay. She’s your best friend. If she’s fine with it, I’m fine with it.” Jake gave her a smile that assured her that everything would be okay.
That conversation was months ago, and it was just hitting Jake now, as his plane was about to land in Austin that not only would he have to see you, but you would be partnered with him for his little sister’s wedding.
***
Before he knew it, he was standing in the wings of the chapel watching as David prepared to walk down the aisle to take his place. He had yet to see you, somehow avoiding it until the very last minute. He watched as the other bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way into the center and down the aisle before he was greeted with the sight of you. You were breath taking, hardly changing since the last time he saw you. The lilac dress hugged your curves and fit perfectly. A gentle wind from the open doors blew through your hair.
In a flash every memory he had ever shared with you came rushing back.
When you looked up to meet his gaze you could feel your cheeks become warm. He was just as handsome as you remember. You were met with his signature smile and couldn’t help but let your eyes linger over his body. His tailored suit emphasized his muscles, ones that had been their prior but had become more prominent during his time with the Navy.
You stepped towards one another and placed your arm through his before making your way to the front of the chapel.
He leaned his head ever so slightly towards you, “You look beautiful.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself, Lieutenant.”
Jake had to stifle a laugh at your comment.
Once at the altar, you removed your arm from his and he watched as you took your place.
Jake couldn’t take his eyes off you the entirety of the ceremony. You tried your best to pay attention and watch as your best friend married the love of her life, but you couldn’t help stealing quick glances and thinking back to the memories you shared with Jake. The man you thought at one point was the love of your life, and at times, like right now, still believed that might be true.
You always believed Jake Seresin was your 'one that got away.' The two of you had dated in high school before reluctantly and amicably breaking up after you got accepted into college and Jake got accepted into the Naval Academy.
After the wedding you found yourself walking around the reception before resting your eyes on Jake, who was sitting at the bar drinking a whiskey on ice. He looked up from his glass to be greeted with the sight of you.
Before you knew what was happening you found yourself taking the seat next to him and ordering your drink of choice.
The two of you found yourselves talking about everything, your work, the navy, the wedding. Neither of you could help it as the conversation turned to the two of you and how things used to be.
As the reception came to a close and people began to part ways, Jake turned to you. “Need a ride home?”
You took barley a moment to think about the offer, “yeah… that would be great. Thank you.”
After saying your goodbyes, the two of you made your way towards his truck. He opened the door and offered you his hand to help you steady yourself. Once you were seated, he gathered any remanence of your dress and placed it beside you before closing the door and making his way to the driver’s side.
The 30-minute drive back to your house was spent in silence except for the soft sounds coming from the radio.
Then you rolled in with your hair in the wind
Baby, without warning…
Halfway through the drive, it had started to gently rain. But, right as he pulled into your gravel driveway it began to pour.
Just as you were about to put your hand on the door, Jake placed his hand gently on your shoulder. “Put this on.” He handed you his suit jacket before running out and making his way to the passenger side door. You quickly put his jacket on before he opened the door.
“Jake what are you doing?” He smiled helping you down from the truck before scooping you up into his arms carrying you up the driveway and onto the porch. “You idiot, you’re soaked!”
He gently set you down, “I couldn’t have you running up your gravel driveway in heels in the rain.” He gently removed a soaked strand of hair off your cheek. “Knowing you, you would have fallen flat on your face.” His hand lingered on your soft skin that was bringing back a flood of memories.
You stared into his eyes; they held a sense of longing. Before you knew it your arms were wrapped around his neck and your lips were on his. His lips were warm and soft, bringing you a sense of familiarity you had thought to be long forgotten.
He was the first to pull away ever so slightly, resting his forehead against yours, “I missed you… I thought I was okay but seeing you today… Y/N you hit me like a hurricane. I have never stopped loving you and I never want to let you go again.”
You pulled him in closer, arms wrapping around him, resting your head against his chest, “Then don’t.”
“But I have to go back to base and-”
Before he could spiral, you kissed him again, then every so slightly pulled away to look him in the eyes, “did you mean it when you said you never stopped loving me?”
His eyes said it before the words came from his lips, “With everything I have.”
“Then we’ll figure it out.”