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No Navy sailor is a light sleeper; the noise of the operating carrier would cure anyone of sensitivity to disturbance. Maverick, too, isn’t prone to waking up at the smallest of sounds. This Saturday, however, he stirs awake at the commotion in the living room.
“This is a dumb idea!” someone stage-whispers. There’s a sound of the window closing shut, then some scrambling, and the window sliding open again.
“It’s a brilliant idea, Javier,” comes a somewhat louder voice. Both are very familiar, so Maverick gets up without haste. It’s no burglary. “You’ll see for yourself. Now, keep these for me. And don’t wait up, I won’t be home early.”
Maverick can see the smirk on Hangman’s face even from another room. He likes that confidence – and, since he’s being honest, that smile, too.
He puts a shirt on. He sleeps in loose shorts, but welcoming guests half-naked could be considered unbecoming of an officer.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Lieutenant?"
When Maverick walks into the living room, he quickly realises Jake doesn’t fear the charge of conduct unbecoming. He’s sprawled on Maverick’s couch, dressed only in a charming grin and a festive ribbon tied around his waist, forming a lavish bow over his groin that just barely keeps him decent. Maverick’s eyes wander across the expanse of tanned muscle, and when they reach Jake’s face, Maverick knows it hasn’t escaped Hangman’s attention.
“Merry Christmas to you, my Captain! You must’ve been reaaally nice this year, because this naughty gift is here to make your wishes come true!” Jake adds an over-the-top wink as a flourish.
Maverick, almost despite himself, feels that cocky charm working. Jake’s attraction to him is no surprise; the man hasn’t been subtle from the very moment they met at the Hard Deck. And he, too, could appreciate the looks, the skill, and the spirit of Jake Seresin.
He returns the smile. “Any wishes?” he makes sure.
Jake perks up, as if he wasn’t expecting to win Mav over so soon. “Anything you want,” he nods eagerly.
Maverick clasps his hands. “Great. The gutters are overdue for a cleaning. I’ve been meaning to handle them myself, but if you’re here willing to help, I’ll leave them to you.”
A dozen expressions flicker across Jake’s face. There’s an instinctive protest that it wasn’t what he meant, a frown of confusion, scowl of offense, a wince of disappointment… He finally settles on a resigned but amused acceptance.
“I– Yeah. Sure. I might need to borrow some clothes first, though.”
“Of course,” Maverick agrees easily. “The ladder and the tools are on the back porch.”
***
Maverick appreciates Jake’s help. He appreciates the view of Jake getting busy that he got to admire through the window with his coffee, too.
But what truly made him happy is the fact that Jake didn’t back down. Maverick doubts he’d go along with tedious house chores for a conquest of the week if he was in just for casual fun. But Jake didn’t refuse. He swallowed down his initial reaction and, just like he promised, fulfilled Maverick’s wish.
In truth, Mav feels a little guilty for dumping the task on Jake, which is why he’s put his cooking skills to work to compensate Jake with a full breakfast. It’s just when he’s plating the eggs and turning off the stove that he hears Jake’s steps on the porch.
Mav goes to the back door to meet Jake halfway, and pauses to soak in the sight. He won’t lie: Jake looks scandalously good with Mav’s shirt on and a fresh sheen of sweat on his skin.
“You’ve been good.” Maverick nods with approval.
Jake looks torn between pride and embarrassment. “Uh. Thanks. I got practice at home.”
Mav hums in acknowledgement but keeps on track. “That means you get a reward, too.”
He catches Jake by the collar and tugs him down, until he can look into Jake’s surprised eyes from up close. When the confusion turns into hope, Maverick smiles and surges forward to capture Jake’s lips in a kiss. He takes advantage of Jake’s gasp and pushes in, enjoying the heat and the reactions he pulls from Jake oh-so-easily.
“Come on inside,” he tells Jake eventually, when he decides it’s been enough of an appetizer. “Breakfast’s ready. And after, we can explore some other items on my wishlist. Together.”
He chuckles at the way Jake practically snaps to attention.
“Sir, yes, sir!”