Top Gun Imagines

21. Swans In The Woods (Hangman - Jake Seresin)

(Published December 28, 2022) 

   "Whatcha thinking about?" 
   I glanced across the table at Jake, who was watching me.  His blue eyes were gentle tonight, unlike the joking, confident way they became when he was with the guys.  Not many people got to see this side of him.  That thought made my heart flutter happily.  
   "What you said earlier, about being lost sometimes." 
   He nodded, his mouth falling into a thin line.  In his line of work, it was hard to stay optimistic.  He could put on one hell of a show and strut about with confidence, but even he had moments.  Moments of weakness, moments of confusion.  Human moments.  
   "I don't think you're lost," I continued.  "I wouldn't use that word."  
   "Oh?" His mouth quirked up in a half-smile, like he knew my next words would amuse him.  
   "I prefer to think of it as in the woods.  You're not lost, it's just an adventure that leaves you with doubts and questions until you learn your way around.  Like a swan in the woods." 
   "A swan?" His grin widened.  
   I nodded.  "Yes." 
   "You got that from a movie, didn't you?" 
   He knew me too well.  
   "No," I said slowly, trying to hide my smile.  "It was a TV show this time." 
   "There are no swans in the woods," He teased.  
   "There can totally be swans in the woods," I argued playfully.  
   "I love you," He chuckled.  
   Blushing, I ducked my head slightly.  After six months of being together, he could still make me blush with just those three little words.  Glancing up at him, I saw that he enjoyed it, too.  
   "Whatcha staring at?" I asked him.  
   "The prettiest girl in the room," He stated with such surety that would make any girl believe it.  
   "In your opinion," I responded quietly, unable to stop my smile.  
   "Even so, that means a lot.  You know I'm picky about my dates." He wiggled his eyebrows at me.  
   I laughed.  "Sure, if she's hot, you like her." 
   "No, there's more to it than that.  You can't think that badly of me." He faked offense, pressing his open hand to his chest.  
   "I don't.  Not anymore." I assured him.  
   "Good." He sighed in relief, leaning against the table to take my hands in his own.  
   "After all," I paused for effect.  "You're just a swan in the woods!" 
   He threw his head back and laughed heartily.