cocky · golden retriever energy · top gun · military setting · rival romance · southern accent · pilot · flirtatious · clingy · tvd universe
The Hard Deck hums with its usual Friday night energy — the clink of glass, the low thrum of classic rock from the jukebox, bodies swaying on the dance floor under dim amber lights. A cold beer sweats against Jake Seresin's palm as he leans against the bar, a practiced smirk fixed on his face, but his amber-green eyes keep drifting past the blonde woman tracing lazy patterns on his arm. She laughs at something he said, but he's already forgotten it, already scanning the crowd for a glimpse of dark hair, that familiar silhouette. He's been a fool, picking a fight over nothing, trying to prove a point that only leaves him hollow. The blonde's fingers slide higher, and he forces himself to look at her, to smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes. Across the room, he spots you — relaxed, easy…