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2023-05-30
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2023-06-07
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Old Habits

Summary:

It's been a LOOOOOOONG time since I've written, and there's not enough Jack Krauser fics... so why not!

This is a kind of Canon fic, but Jack lives. Cuz I need that in my life.

Please enjoy :)

Notes:

You take an interest in Jack from afar, and he decides to do something about it.

Chapter 1: Routines

Chapter Text

You like having a routine. It makes things simple, allows your mind to relax as you go through the motions. And you like to stick to it as much as your crazy work schedule will allow. You never really knew when your days off would be, but on those days you would go down to the little coffee shop and treat yourself. You became a regular on the seemingly random days you had away from work. Those mornings you would get your latte and sit just outside the shop at one of the small tables set up for patrons, spending your time just watching the world go by. It was peaceful, and helped you find a short respite from the things that stressed you out. Cars puttering passed, the little snippets of conversations of the folks that strolled by. And occasionally, you'd get the pleasure of watching the soldiers out on their daily run.

Though you were slightly ashamed at how much you enjoyed the view, that didn't stop you from eyeing them with a bit more than curiosity. Some seemed to be new recruits, some slim while others were a little bit chubby. Then there were times where the much more fit runners would be out. Hardened muscles that effortlessly moved beneath their skin as they kept pace. However, the one that was almost always there, and the biggest one by far was the man that led the pack.

His physic was insane, large broad shoulders threatening to tear the fabric of the shirt that clung to his torso. His legs were strong, well defined muscles that glistened with a layer of sweat that only helped to highlight them as they moved. While his height left him towering over most of the men that trailed behind him.

It was hard to make out the features of his face, other than his slicked back blond hair, chiseled jawline and distinct nose. But the thing that stood out most was his intensity. He seemed to always be so serious. On the rare occasions there would be other men leading the charge they always had an air of levity to them. But when this blond man was in charge, it was all business.

Or so it seemed, you could only speculate as you sipped at your coffee and shamelessly enjoyed the show. Over a few months this became your new routine. You had figured out the times that they would be out on their run, and you decided it wouldn't hurt anyone if you watched as they made their way through town. Though around the third month you noticed that they began running on your side of the road. All of them pass without so much as a glance in your direction. You certainly didn't mind, but as this became a habit of theirs, you would make sure that the table you sat at was well out of the way so they could go by unimpeded.

A soft autumn morning found you in your usual spot, piping hot coffee in hand as you sat waiting for the show to begin. On this day however, a different tall blond was out ahead of the others. He was slimmer than the beastly man you've found yourself watching closest. He was well built though, with sharp facial features obscured by soft blond hair. His expression is almost sad, shallowly hidden by the concentration on his face. You find yourself lost in thought as you hear the door to the Cafe close with a gentle bell. You don't pull your attention away until you hear the rickety metal chair across from you scrap against the concrete on the sidewalk. As you glance over you freeze in stunned disbelief. The frighteningly large man you had watched almost weekly was now settling in across from you, one leg extended as he leans back against the chair. The old bolts creaked against his size as he found a comfortable position. Coffee in hand his eyes bore into your very soul. This close you could finally see the gorgeous blue of his eyes, though you were immediately intimidated by his presence.

"Your life must be pretty boring if you're out here every goddamn week." His voice was rough and stern. But his overall tone was not harsh, if anything he seemed to be teasing.

"Excuse me?" You reply, dumbfounded and a bit embarrassed as you stare back at him.

"We all noticed you sitting over here at least once a week when we go out for our runs. Enjoy the view, do ya?" He taunts while taking a sip of his coffee. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he wears a smug grin.

With a laugh you lean back in your own chair, attempting to mirror his cocky demeanor.

"And what if I do? Is that such a crime?" You reply, your own tone holding the same teasing quality. Part of you wanted to run for the hills after being called out by such an intense individual. But his attitude wasn't rude or accusatory, rather it was almost playful.

Your retort earns a laugh from the man, helping to set you at ease with the unique circumstances you find yourself in. He finally broke his gaze on you to glance down, leaning forward to rest his forearms on the table. From all the times you'd seen him pass by you never noticed just how big his arms were. They were hidden beneath a simple black jacket, but it didn't hide much. Just like his other clothes the fabric seemed to struggle against his size.

"You have no shame do ya?" He chuckles, eyes fixed on yours.

"Is that a problem?" You challenge, his grin only grows.

"And if it is?" With raised brows he leans in a bit closer.

"What are you going to do about it?" Your voice softens to a sultry tone as you speak, you're not sure where this confidence came from. But what the hell, he was the one that came into your space and started this little exchange. Why not play a bit.

"There's quite a few things I could do." He trails off, knowing damn well that you see his eyes roaming across your body. "But I think we could discuss it a bit more professionally. Maybe over dinner?"

You stare a bit stunned, it had been a while since you went on a date with anyone. You were used to people tip toeing around the question, not just outright asking, especially after being caught like you had.

"Quite forward, aren't you?" You quip, taking a sip of your own coffee.

"Or I could just eye fuck you across the street, if that makes you more comfortable." He leans back as he speaks, watching in amusement as you damn near choke on your coffee. "Or was I reading that wrong?"

Your face grows hot, all you can do is laugh as you shift in your seat. Being called out so boldly was not what you were expecting. After a moment you glance back at him, a soft smile tugging at your lips. His eyes hold a silent invitation, which you can't help but accept.

"Alright, when are you free?" You ask, trying to compose yourself.

"I'm free tonight, if you're not too busy." He offers, tilting his head to one side.

"Sure, where would you like to meet up?"

"There's a little quiet diner on the edge of town I like. Quiet place, good food. I could pick you up if you'd like."

"You don't have to."

"If you're uncomfortable I won't. But the offer stands." After he speaks there is a silence that falls between you as he waits for your reply. After a long moment you relent. It had been a long time since a man treated you to dinner, and he didn't give off any creepy vibes so you decided to let him pick you up.

You write down your address and phone number so he could reach you if needed.

"I'm _____ by the way." You chime as you hand him your information.

"Jack Krauser, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." With a cheeky grin he stands from his seat. "I'll see you at 7." And with that he bids you farwell and walks off down the sidewalk.

You sit in silence for a moment, still in a bit of shock by the interaction. But you couldn't ignore the growing excitement for the evening to come. You finish up your latte before making the trek back to your apartment.

Finally getting home you huff in amusement, shaking your head at the strange events that happened that morning. Though the day wasn't over yet, and now you had to figure out what to wear. You ponder on options as you set out to take care of the few chores you had to get done for the day.

He told you it was a diner, so you figured that dressing to the nines wasn't really going to be the best decision. Looking through the wardrobe your mind goes blank, hoping that something would jump out to you. After far too long you gave in and just decided to stick with something simple. A typical outfit you would wear on any other day, though you did decide to doll yourself up just slightly. Not wanting to go too over the top, but looking a bit nicer than normal.

As the clock ticked closer to 7 you finished getting ready and decided to kick back with a show, something to keep your mind off of your nerves.

He seemed to be somewhat easy going, which gave you some comfort. But you'd also barely spoken to him before being whisked off on a date. It had been so long since you'd been with anyone, let alone the man you found yourself eyeing just a bit more than you probably should. You kicked yourself mentally for being so utterly clueless with how blatant you were watching him. But at the end of it all, it did get you some quality time with him so you couldn't be too upset with yourself.

As your nerves were starting to get better of you for now, you couldn't ignore the excitement that fluttered in your chest. Your mind wandered as you zoned out to the show on TV. You weren't so much watching it as letting it be background noise as your thoughts traveled to the evening and how it might end. There was always a question of how far it would go. Would you get lucky? Are you desperate for hoping that you might? Would he think less of you if you did?

You're snapped back to reality when you hear him knocking at your door. With a shaky sigh you stand and stretch as you click off the TV. You hustle to the door and open it with a smile, the large man nearly taking up the entire door frame as he stands with his hands on his pockets. He's dressed casually, the black jacket still struggling against his shoulders. Beneath it his broad chest is clad in a simple gray t-shirt and well worn denim jeans. Thankfully you had made the right choice in attire, nothing too fancy, but enough so you still felt good about yourself.

You step aside and welcome him in as you tug on your shoes, watching him out of the corner of your eye as he looks around your space.

Your home wasn't too special, some little nick nacks here and there, no real art on the wall to speak of. The rest of the space is lived in, but not extravagant by any means. His eyes wander until you tell him you're ready to go. At which time he gives you a nod and a smile as he walks with you to his vehicle.

The drive over was quiet, he had some music playing softly in the background, some rock band you weren't familiar with. He asked how the rest of your day was, asking if you had caught his rookies on their way back through. You laugh in response, and inform him that since he wasn't there you weren't as interested. The laughter helped ease the tension in your chest, and before long you were seated in the diner looking over the menu. After flip flopping between a couple options you finally make your decision, giving your order to the kind older woman waitressing.

When you had first arrived she greeted Jack with a familiar grin. Seems he comes to this place quite a bit. They spoke briefly before she wandered off to get the coffee and menus. After she departed Jack began asking about your job, noting that the times that he saw you out there were rarely the same from week to week. You talked about what you do, all the while he listened intently. His gaze is soft but unrelenting. You inquired about him, but he only spoke a little on the topic. Explaining that he couldn't share too much. Long story short he was a soldier, not much more than that.

After the food had arrived the conversation was a bit more sporadic while you ate, light hearted questions of hobbies and the like sprinkled throughout the meal. It didn't seem like he did much, which mirrored yourself to a degree. When he wasn't at the base he was at home or training. His life seemed to revolve around his work with the military, that or he really didn't have much in the way of hobbies.

You shared that you tended to keep to yourself. You'd much rather have a quiet evening at home than go out, and your friend group was incredibly small. Your job took a lot out of you, so spending quiet nights alone was far more appealing that painting the town red on a wild drunken escapade. He listened to you ramble as he finished up the remainder of his food, thoroughly enjoying listening to you explain your hobbies and what kept you busy. Once the plates were taken the mood shifted a little, he leaned in, mug of coffee in his hand as he peered down into the dark liquid. Seemingly looking for answers. You watch quizzically as he ponders his next few questions.

"How would you like to see this night end?" He asks bluntly, your chest flutters as his steely gaze meets yours.

"Well, Mr. Krauser, what exactly are you looking for?" You question, the way you said his name makes him chuckle, easing the growing knot in your stomach just a bit. He fiddles with the mug in his hand, a long pause stretching out before he finally speaks.

"My work keeps me busy, and I'm frequently out of town for months on end. At first I had thought you like staring so much, maybe you had a military kink or something. Figured I'd let you have some fun." He smirks, sending electricity straight to your core.

While it's true that you did enjoy a man in uniform, you were genuinely enjoying Jack's company. Even though he wouldn't, or rather couldn't, share too much information about himself. He sighs again as he speaks, almost like he's admitting defeat to himself.

"I'd like to get to know you better, not sure how I can manage that given my shitty schedule. Though it doesn't sound like yours is much better." He laughs, watching you carefully, gauging your reaction.

"I'd like that. Just let me know when you're free, and we can figure something out." A soft smile decorates your face, which he reflects in kind. Before he adds in one last quip.

"Although, I'd still be happy to have some fun. If you're interested." His eyebrows raise as he takes a sip, confident smirk plastered on his face.

Your cheeks flush with a nervous laugh, looking down into your own mug for the answers now. He notes your unease, letting the silence linger for a moment. You didn't automatically day no, so the idea was floating through your mind too.

"Wrestling with your demons over there?" He quirks.

"You're very blunt about things you know." You chime back, eyes locked again. "Isn't it too soon? We just met." He ponders on it, looking up and around the small dining area.

"Sweetheart, in my line of work things can go south fast. I never truly know if I'll return from a mission. I always intend to, but you can never be sure. I try not to let certain things bother me too much." His eyes soften as he speaks. "I know this may be hard to believe but I don't make a habit of picking up pretty little things like this." He motions between you two.

"Oh? Then what made you decide to ask me to dinner then?"

"At first I had planned on just flicking you shit and leaving it at that, just ruffle your feathers a bit. But you, little Missy, didn't back down. You taunted me right back. I can't even begin to tell you how often people see me or find out my rank and turn into little boot licking pussies. It's a welcome change of pace to have someone talk back for once." He tilts his head again, eyeing you with admiration, and a hint of something else, something that you figure out when he finishes his thought. "I won't lie, I really want to see just how feisty you can get."

"And you won't think less of me for immediately jumping into bed with you?" You ask, trying to hold eye contact and ignore the dull throbbing beginning to ache in your nether regions. "You know, I don't make a habit of hopping into bed with any soldier boy I see."

This earns a chuckle from him, proving his point as you throw his words back in his face.

"You know you can say no, I'd still like to get to know you either way." He reassures, leaning back against the stale leather of the booth.

"Oh I'm well aware, I only have one rule, if I say yes." You hold up your index finger, adding weight to your words.

"Shoot."

"If I do go home with you tonight, you're not allowed to boot me out once you've got your rocks off." You watch as his soft smile turns to a sinister smirk.

"Who says you get to leave?" He taunts and you can't help but burst out laughing. He laughs in kind, rummaging for his wallet as you gather your things.

In the end you gave into your desire, it had been too long since you'd gotten laid. Worst case, it's a one night stand. And even if it is, least you can sleep soundly knowing it might be one of the best fucks you've had.