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callsigncherub · 10 months

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Summary: Think I like you best when you're just with me and no one else.

Your friendship with Bradley was questionable after you both decided to become friends with benefits. What happens when you realize you've fallen in love with him?

Warnings: Angst, fluff, a teeny amount of smut.

Word count: 2409 words

The dynamic between yours and Rooster’s friendship was confusing to most people, including yourself. You were his best friend, and he was yours.

Initially, that’s all it was, and you were happy with that. But, somewhere over the last two years you’ve both spent together back at TOPGUN, the line between friends and lovers became blurred after a particularly heavy night of drinking whilst celebrating a successful mission with the squad at the Hard Deck. At the time, you and Rooster had both agreed that it was a one-time thing that wouldn’t change your friendship, because it didn’t mean anything.

And how wrong you both were.

Because suddenly, its 3am and you’re pulling Rooster into your apartment in a heated kiss, the buzz from the alcohol you’ve both consumed burning through your veins as you’re undressing each other in a mixture of lust and urgency, inevitably falling into bed with one another.

And you love it. The praises he’s mumbling against your neck in between placing wet, hot kisses over your pulse point as you come undone on his fingers, gripping his hair as if your life depended on it. Or the way he cradles your face in his hands and whispers about ‘how fucking perfect you are, his girl taking his cock so well’. But soon after you’ve both collapsed, fucked out from the night’s activities, you find yourselves sharing meaningless pillow talk about a future that doesn’t exist, looking at each other through eyes so intimate and familiar. Eyes that felt like home.

But somewhere along the line you fell, hard and fast at the thought of what you could be and all the things you wanted to last with him. In the moments, you were fast for him, and in all of the nights you spent together, tangled in the sheets, covered in sweat, and panting heavily, you gave him everything. It felt like every inch of your body was his, every breath of your soul belonged to him, and every beat of your heart was made for him. Making love soon became falling in love.

The hardest part of suffering the consequences of this viscous cycle of fucking and immediately pretending nothing had ever happened was that whilst you wanted all of him, all he wanted was your body. Nothing more, nothing less. But no amount of warning in the world could have prepared you for that familiar nauseous feeling in your stomach that you’d get waking up in the morning alone.

You often find yourself thinking about the way you feel when his eyes look directly into yours as he calls you baby, especial to his somatic pleasure only, and you desperately try to hold him close, to savour the way his body feels against your own. But it makes you wonder if you’re enough for him, or if your sole purpose is to make him cum. He’s not yours to keep and that makes you feel the guilt of breaking your rule. No feelings. This doesn’t change anything, We’re still friends. Best friends. But somewhere along the way, boundaries washed down the drain and the memories you shared began to slip away and fade into nothing.

And that’s how you’ve ended up sat in your car, in the parking lot of the Hard Deck gripping the steering wheel so tightly you have borderline cramp in your hands, trying your hardest to catch your breath whilst hot tears carve a ruthless stinging sensation down your cheeks.

“You’re jealous.” Phoenix said, patting you on the back and handing you a beer. She followed your eyes to where you were burning holes through the back of Rooster’s head whilst he was chatting to one of the girls who worked behind the bar.

“What are you talking about? I am not.” You defended yourself, but not once did your eyes move, still trained into a scowl, forehead aching from the frown that’s been etched into your features for the last 20 minutes.

“Look, I’m not judging you, Aries, but I really think you should tell him how you feel because its obvious there’s something going on between you two.” She huffed, wishing one of you would just bite the bullet and admit your feelings for each other. She knew there was something going on with You and Rooster, everyone did, they could see the mutual pining, the tiptoeing around one another. Everyone felt like they were watching a continuous game of catch and release – maybe, one day, you could both find the courage to tell each other how you really feel about each other.

“I don’t think I’m in the mood to have my feelings hurt anymore tonight, Nix.” You mumbled, downing your beer, and turning to face her. “He’s my best friend, and if that’s all he’ll ever be then I’m happy with that. In don’t want to lose him over feelings I’ll eventually get over.” About to turn back to the bar, ready to order another drink and continue to drown your sorrows pathetically for the rest of the night, the bile that rose up in your throat and the tears prickling the corners of your eyes at the sight of Rooster with his arm around said girl was enough of a sign to tell you it was time to go home.

“Actually, I think I’m going to head home for the night. I’ll see you tomorrow.” You announced quickly before grabbing your things and rushing out the door, heading straight for your car.

“Wait! Don’t leave, this isn’t worth it. Trust me you just need to talk to him.” She called after you, but you never looked back.

It was in that moment that Phoenix immediately saw red, she’d had enough, and, in all honesty, the squad had placed a $50 bet on who was going to make the move first. And not only did she want her money, but she also wanted to spite Hangman who had been droning on for months about how “Roosters to pussy to admit how he feels.” So, before her brain could catch up to her actions, her legs carried her over to where Rooster was now stood on his own at the bar after his date for the night had head home.

“Hey Nix, where did Aries go? –“

“Shut up Bradshaw, whatever is going on between you and Aries, you need to talk about it. You need to tell her how you feel.”

“I really don’t feel like getting rejected tonight, Phoenix.”

“Funny, she said a similar thing to me, right before she left because you were too focused on blondie to notice she was even here.”

In that moment, Bradley new he’d fucked up, bad.

You couldn’t be mad; Rooster was never yours to begin with and he deserved to have fun – she was a pretty girl, and she wasn’t doing anything wrong. It was all innocent enough. But you couldn’t help but wish you were her with his arm around you laughing and having a good time. And you felt more shame than anything that you’d even put yourself in this position in the first place, that you’d ever let yourself get this hurt over something you could have controlled in the first place.

The thing is, Rooster often spent his nights wondering what it would be like to have a future with you in it as more than just his best friend. He wanted you and only you, but he’d never found the right time or the right words to say. So, after a night well spent with you, he’d often find that as much as he wanted it, sleep never came. And as you lie there, bathed in the dim glow of the moon, eyes closed peacefully, and chest rising and falling at a steady pace, he would take the time to admire just how beautiful you looked. And in doing so, couldn’t help the ache in his chest when he realised just how badly he wanted to call you his. You’re completely unaware of your surrounding and he laughs to himself as he watches your body curl into him, and your hand placed on his chest twitch every so often. Soon after, one-night blends into another day and he’s sure to smooth your hair over and place a kiss to your forehead, before gathering his things and leaving quietly, making sure to lock your door on the way out.

He didn’t think you’d ever feel the same way, but now that you’ve left the bar and he knows you’re upset with him, he feels all the more disappointed in himself for not telling you how he’s felt since he laid eyes on you on your first day back at TOPGUN. Instead, he thought that if sleeping with you was the only way he could be as close to you intimately enough to feel like you were his and he was yours, then maybe it would make him feel better.

You eventually wiped your eyes, and the drive home was a silent one filled with the frequent sounds of your sniffling. Parking your car and heading into your apartment, you slumped down on your bed and continued to cry until you physically couldn’t cry any longer. Then you looked in the mirror at your now ruined makeup. “Your pathetic, stop crying, this is your own fault.”

Meanwhile, Rooster was already in the Bronco, driving as fast as he could to your apartment in a desperate attempt to make sure you were okay and hopefully tell you how he felt. Because in that moment, where Phoenix handed his ass to him earlier on in the night, he knew that nothing, even potential rejection, could upset him more than knowing he was the one to hurt you tonight.

“Fuck Aries, pick up the phone, please.”

You were about to grab a glass of water before heading to bed when a loud bang on the door startled you and you nearly dropped the glass in your hand. Placing it down on the counter, you huffed and opened your door to reveal a very sympathetic looking pilot staring right back at you. Stuck in two minds about slamming the door in his face or moving to let him in, you chose the latter option and locked your door behind you.

“Can we talk?” Rooster mumbled, leaning against your kitchen counter, heart breaking at the sight of puffy eyes and a tear-stained face looking up at him.

“Sure.” You said, letting out a breath you didn’t realise you were holding.

You gestured to your sofa and sat down at other ends. An awkward silence filled the room, and you wished the ground would swallow you whole as you realised you were sat there in one of his old UVA shirts that you’d stolen from him a while back. Even though he’d seen every inch of your naked body, you felt too exposed and the chill coming in from your open window sent a sheen of goosebumps over the exposed skin of your legs.

“Phoenix told me you left, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.” Rooster mumbled.

“You could’ve called me for that, you didn’t have to come all the way here.” You bit back, shocked at your sudden outburst.

“I did Aries, you didn’t answer.” He said, taking a in a deep breath, rubbing his hands over his face.

You moved to grab your phone from you purse that you’d thrown onto your coffee table in a fit of frustration once you’d arrived home and saw that you did, in fact, have about 20 missed calls from him.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t looking at my phone. Is there anything else you wanted to say because I’m really tired and just want to go to bed.” You sighed; already done with the conversation you’d hoped would turn out differently.

You weren’t really sure what happened next, but all you could feel was Roosters lips on yours. He pulled you into his lap, stroking your sides as you relaxed into the kiss – your body was on fire, melting against his own as you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him in further. But before anything could progress, he was gripping at your sides and pulling you off of him.

“Aries” he panted, “This isn’t what I’ve come here for. And that’s when the tears immediately sprang back to your eyes.

“What have you come here for then Bradley? Because every week you’re here and not just to talk. I don’t know what the hell you want from me anymore and I can’t do this!” And that’s when the floodgates well and truly opened. “One moment you want me and the next you’re with someone else. All of this has been a mistake. I feel like I’ve lost my best friend.” You whimpered.

“No, no Aries, I’ve come here because I love you! I fucking adore you and I hurt you. I hurt you by not telling you how I felt, and I let you leave tonight because I was too busy trying to find yet another distraction because there’s no way I was going to ruin our friendship if you don’t feel the same way. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for hurting you, and I’m sorry that it took Phoenix twisting my balls about it before I said anything. If you think I’d ever want anyone else when I have you then I’ve failed in showing you how much you mean to me.” He sighed frustratedly, reaching out to take your hands in his own.

“I love you too. I didn’t think you felt the same way, I didn’t want to tell you and ruin our friendship” You whispered as he pulled you back into his lap and placed a tender kiss on the top of your head. “Wait, Phoenix spoke to you?”

“Yeah.” He laughed “She didn’t really talk to me, more like yelled at me in the middle of the bar.”

“Oh my god” You burst into a fit of giggles, silently thanking Phoenix.

“So…How about I take you out tomorrow night hm?” Bradley said tilting your chin up to look at him, placing a sweet kiss on your lips.

“I’d like that.” You hummed, grinding your clothed core over the growing tent in his jeans.

“K sweetheart. I love you.” He moaned, picking you up and carrying you to your bedroom.

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@ishipit1420

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callsigncherub · 10 months

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the amount of love for this man and his curly hair. if he grew out those curls i think it would kill me and and make me fall more in love with him

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callsigncherub · 10 months

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The predicament I'm in:

My standards are now very high and I'm struggling to find a man like Bradley Bradshaw

Point number 1.

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callsigncherub · 10 months

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His and Mine are the same - Prologue.

Summary: "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be;" - Emily Bronte.

Isabella Munro never believed she was capable of being loved. When she meets Bradley Bradshaw, an all consuming love teaches them both lessons about themselves they never knew they needed, until just the right moment.

This is my first ever series! Its a heavy one, a lot of angst! But there will be lots of fluff and smut in between. I hope everyone enjoys.

Bradley Bradshaw x OC! Isabella Munro

Warnings: Angst

Word Count: 1364 words

Growing up, most young girls are told stories of fairies and mythical creatures, princesses being saved by their prince in a land where there’s little evil. Stories with a happy ending. Most young girls dream about falling in love and living in the perfect world with their perfect prince, full of love and contentment.

Protected from the vile, graphic, and downright soul shattering dangers of life, they hear these stories every night before bed, looking up at their mothers, with innocent eyes and they listen intently, engrossed by the idea of falling in love.

Most girls go on to live these stories in the real world, but they don’t always go to plan. Shielded by their mothers from experiencing the trials and tribulations of these tales, and most girls go on to find their new equilibrium. They meet their person; they experience true love in all its glory and then they tell their daughters the same stories their mothers told them. But for some young girls, this isn’t the case.

For some young girls, the experiences they encounter growing up are far more chilling than those same stories they heard when they were younger. Some girls grow up with their innocence stripped away far too soon. Some girls aren’t protected from the dangers of life. For some girls they live their lives in constant disruption. The love that they so desperately crave never comes. Instead, the horrors of humanity continue to rear their ugly heads as soon as even a small glimpse of hope for a happy future enters their life. They don’t get books filled with the purest of souls, instead they get empty pages with broken promises and a void too big to fill. The idea seems too bittersweet.

Over time it takes its toll, it becomes impossible to see the good in anything, in anyone. You love too hard, care to much and never have those feelings reciprocated. Somewhere between being that happy young girl the lines blur into a state of melancholy, the constant ache, the fear of realising loneliness is forever. Trapped by your roots, a lone weed in a field of wildflowers, the yearn to bloom.

That’s where the grief usually comes in. Slowly to begin with, like a parasite, eating away the memories of a happy childhood, the memories of being that little girl filled with hope, a bright future ahead of her, and then the dam finally breaks. All at once, an overbearing sadness, grieving the beautiful little personality once harboured by a young girl with the biggest hopes and dreams. A young girl with a toothy grin, that loved to play and sing and dance, who would swing as high as she could on the swings because that’s the closest, she could get to flying. But that same little one grew up too soon, and like many others, learnt in the hardest ways that growing up too fast, means knowing who you are before your body knows who you are. Memories of a happy childhood chipped away with age, and a heart broken by the one man who should’ve loved her before any other.

Her father.

And she feels it, the pure hatred for a man who couldn’t openly love his child. The man who makes her question whether or not he even has any love to show for all the years he’s ever walked this earth and all the years she’s been his daughter. The man who never understood the significance of cherishing the time spent with his daughter, making her feel valued and loved, calling her beautiful because she looks just like her mother, holding her in the dead of night when she wakes up from a night terror, even just holding her for one moment. One. Moment. Because even showing her the slightest bit of appreciation, the slightest bit of love in that single second could protect her from a lifetime of damnation, for seeking that solicitude in the arms of men who could never live up to even half of the man her father could’ve been.

It was never her fault. But she couldn’t stop blaming herself for hating him as much as she did, because there was no excuse in the world that meant that it was okay for him to treat her that way, to hurt her repeatedly in ways most fathers would never, ever think of doing.

So, she often finds herself lying awake in bed at night wishing she could visit herself as a little girl. She would take her by the hand and pull her to the grass to make daisy chains, she’d count the gaps between her teeth and savour the way her laughter fills her ears, she’d try to swing just as high on the swing and sit opposite her at the picnic bench. But most importantly, she would warn her about what’s to come, prepare her for the heartache she’s going to go through in life. She’d ache to show that little version of herself a picture of her father and urge her to run from away from her future, as far as her little legs would take her, and then run a little more.

But something always stops her. And that something is that somewhere out there in her future, through all the pain and suffering, someone was waiting for her. Someone just as broken, but had all the love the earth could hold, to give just to her.

They had no idea they existed together, they were complete strangers to one another, crossing paths anonymously, in the most unexpected of ways until eventually, they were in the right place at exactly the right time. They were each other’s firsts. Not in any sense of first love, first kiss, first time. Not at all. But they were each other’s firsts to love the other unconditionally. To prove that they were never too much, to prove that they were not in fact a burden on one another. But that the love they had to give, the type of love that was so beautiful it consumed them, the love that showed that whatever their souls were embodied with, theirs were intertwined. That love was more than enough. They were meant to be. Maybe not forever, but they needed to experience this love, that usually only comes once in a lifetime – there to show you the true beauty of living life, to motivate you to find your soul within yourself and stand up to you when you need it. It’s a challenging type of love, there’s the darkest of days, the wind and the rain and the thunder. But these two souls are also connected like the sun and the moon, always in the midst of different phases but brought together by that unknown gravitational pull. There will never be any connection stronger. – C.B

“Isabella Munro, there will never be anyone else that I’ll ever be able to love as much as I love you, simply because I’ll never know how to. You are the first and last person I will wholeheartedly love for the rest of my life, and this love, I will hold onto until my hands are bleeding and I have nothing left to give. I know deep down that you’re the one I will continue to fall for everyday until I take my last breath and not because I want you, or need you, but because you have given a part of yourself to me that I never imagined I’d have. You’ve given me a love so unconditional I’m not sure I’m even worthy of it. But trust me when I say that I am completely in love with every inch of you, every part of your soul that you’ve given to me, and I will always be here I promise you that. Come back to me sweetheart. Please” The voicemail echoed through Isabella’s mind, and she felt a single hot tear rolling down her cheek, burning a path a long her pale face.

“Bradley, I’m so sorry. I love you, so much”. She panted, before her eyes closed and all she could hear was the high-pitched ringing in her ears.

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First part of the series is up!

All likes, reblogs and comments are appreciated <3

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callsigncherub · 10 months

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To love and be loved.

Summary: Rooster learns what it's like to love and be loved.

Warnings: Fluff, smut, ANGST, pregnancy, loss of pregnancy, major character death, drunk driving.

Word count: 4.6k

This is a very angsty piece so 18+ minors DNI.

If there was ever one thing Bradley Bradshaw was completely and utterly sure of, it was that he was going to spend the rest of his life by himself. And he was okay with that. He grew up knowing the damage it causes losing the one person you love the most, he saw it first-hand. He saw what his mother had to go through and how difficult it was to be in so much pain but carry on in life. Working, paying the bills, and having the responsibility of a child was challenging enough, but doing all of that whilst grieving was something he could never begin to comprehend. And something he would never want to put someone through.

Nevertheless, he had a great childhood. Living in a small, white beach house along the coast with his mother, he has fond memories of growing up. Baking cakes on Sundays and licking the batter off the spoon, singing corny 80s songs in the car with his mother on the way to school and building model planes with Mav. He had a lot of friends growing up, he was surrounded by love. But Bradley always felt like a part of him was missing. His father.

His mother always told him stories about his father. With Bradley sat across her lap outside on the porch swing, flicking through several photo albums and fiddling with a picture of the three of them when Bradley was born, she would tell him about how they met and fell in love, how much he loved flying with Mav, the family holidays they went on when Bradley was a young child, how Goose nearly passed out when Bradley was born, and how much Goose absolutely adored his son.

At first, Bradley loved hearing these stories, he used to beg his mother to tell him more, but as he entered his early teens, all he felt was anger.

It all started when he woke up one morning to make grab his mother a tea and noticed his father’s favourite mug still at the back of the cupboard, slightly dusty and derelict. He wondered what it was still doing there if no one had been or was going to use it. The next week he was clearing out the attic looking for things to sell so he could save up for the latest CD player when he came across a box with ‘Nick and Carole’ scribbled along its side, filled with old videos, wedding pictures, his mother’s wedding dress and an album entirely dedicated to his father’s journey of being a naval aviator. But underneath all of the memories held in this box were a pair of boots and a khaki uniform.

A few days after finding the box in the attic, he was on his way out to school when his mother noticed his sweater was getting a bit too tight on him and handed him one of his fathers and when he came home, he found a pile of clothes on his bed that he could only assume also belonged to his father. Curiously, Bradley found himself eyeing the pile of shorts and sweaters when a bright yellow caught his eye and he rummaged through the pile, only to pull out the ugliest looking Hawaiian print shirt he’s ever seen.

“Your father loved that shirt. God, you look so much like him Bradley.’ His mother said, standing at the doorway with tear filled eyes.

Bradley lay awake in bed that night hit with an irrepressible amount of emotion, surprised that despite his father passing whilst he was so young, he could remember so much. He thought about the mug, and how his father would drink his coffee from it every day at breakfast, Bradley sat on his knee eating bacon and eggs and his mother ranting about how she doesn’t understand how he could drink black coffee and enjoy it. He remembered waiting on the front porch every day for his father to return home from work and hearing the same uniform he found a week ago, he remembered the sound that those exact boots would make walking up the steps to their home and the joy he felt to see his father. And as Bradley sat up in bed, mind running 100 miles per hour he caught the vibrant shirt hanging on the back of his desk chair and caught the memory of their last family holiday together. The holiday where he built sandcastles with his father, went swimming in the ocean with his mother, it was their final moment of happiness before disaster struck.

For a moment, Bradley smiled with fondness at the thought of his father. But the grief that came after his momentary happiness hit him at full force, like a punch to the gut. He was hit with the realisation that he’d never see his father drink from that mug again, he’d never hear the clunk of those boots walking up the front porch after a long day at work, he’d never see his father wearing his collection of ridiculous Hawaiian shirts again. And at that, he struggled to understand why he was only now beginning to feel this way.

The funny thing with grief is, it never truly goes away. It comes and goes. Sometimes, some days, it’s easier to handle but other days it’s a tough pill to swallow and Bradley was angry at how much time he already lost with his father and how for the rest of his life, there’s always going to be a part of him that’s empty.

So, Bradley spent his teens in a much more reckless way than his mother thought was natural. The late nights, the disobedience, the parties, the girls, coming home high early hours of the morning because he couldn’t face the way he felt.

In all honesty it broke his mother’s heart, and he could see that. It hurt him to hurt her, but there was something that held him back from ever being able to change and truth be told, he was terrified. Maybe it was the fact that it was easier to run away from how he felt rather than face it head on, or maybe it was self-preservation – that if he pushed his mother away then he would hurt less. He felt the burden of being his mother’s only child. Everything she went through whilst having a son to look after as well. And if anything were to happen to his mother, he thought maybe it would be easier to cope. But deep-down Bradley thought that if he followed in his father’s footsteps of joining the Navy, maybe he’d feel that little bit closer to him. Maybe he wouldn’t be so self-destructive. Just maybe, he would make his parents proud.

There are a lot of things Bradley regrets in his life and the way he acted over his teens was one of them. He wanted forgiveness for the amount of time he missed out on because of his incessant need to prove a point he couldn’t even understand until he did. He would be better off alone, forever.

At 18 Bradley lost his mother to a gruelling bout of breast cancer. It was the most difficult thing Bradley had ever gone through in his life. He couldn’t bring himself to admit that she was gone, that he would never see her face again, sing along in the car with her, feel her warm embrace. And to this day, he still remembers the last thing she ever said to him, lying in the hospice where she took her last breath, a long night of waiting ahead of him.

“Bradley, your father loved you so much. I love you so much. Make us proud, my beautiful boy.”

Those were the last words he heard his mother speak, but he could see in her eyes that she forgave him, that every word she’d just said was meant with the truest of intentions and enough love to conquer the world.

After that day, Bradley made it his life’s purpose to serve his country by joining the US navy. His life consisted of his F-18, ready meals, drinks at the Hard Deck and returning home to the barracks – alone. He didn’t fall in love, he never allowed himself to. Sure, he’s had hook-ups in the past, he’d had girls tell him they loved him, but not once had he ever said it back with meaning or said it back at all. He was okay with being alone, because he had no obligations, he wasn’t important to anyone and he was happy with it being that way because he prefers being by himself rather than forcing a love and marriage and kids – pretending to be a person that he isn’t, when he knows it’ll only be temporary.

What is there to lose?

That’s a simple enough question that Bradley thought he knew the answer to. Nothing, he had absolutely nothing to lose. No wife, no children, not even a pet.

But then he met the most beautiful soul and something in him couldn’t quite stay away.

The Hard Deck was always busy on a Friday night, but this one night in particular was jam packed. Celebratory drinks were held for the success of the Uranium Mission and Bradley, though ecstatic that the mission was over, and that he was alive, couldn’t shake the feeling of misery that he felt deep down for realising just how precious life is and how he’s only getting older – and lonelier. He never thought his perspective on how he would spend the rest of his life would change and so he sat at the bar, beer in hand wallowing in self-pity. Downing the rest of his beer, Bradley stood up and slammed some cash on the bar ready to call it a night, about to head off towards the door before colliding against the bar with a thud.

Bradley groaned at the impact, not in the mood to deal with anything else tonight that could worsen the foul mood he was already in.

“Oh my god! I am so sorry. Are you okay?” You screeched, looking up at him with alerted eyes, cheeks flushed a rosy tint – partly out of embarrassment, and partly from the alcohol you’d consumed, meeting up with your friends from work after a busy week.

As soon as he heard your voice, he didn’t need to look down at you to know that you’d be the most beautiful woman he’s ever met in his life. But still, he couldn’t help himself and as his eyes met yours, he immediately knew wanted you. He wanted you in every way possible. Everything already felt so different. Too stunned to speak, and his mind blank, you were perfect to him.

Now, Bradley didn’t believe in fate, and he certainly didn’t believe in love at first sight, at least not until the night he met you. But that all changed so fast, and Bradley found himself sat at the bar with you until closing, drinking beer after beer – misery long forgotten and the beginnings of the most beguiling relationship starting to bloom.

The relationship progressed fast.

You both went on your first date a week later. It was simple, but perfect. Bradley picked you up from your apartment with a bunch of flowers, dressed in his father’s shirt - the same shirt he couldn’t bear to look at when he was younger. You answered the door in a white sundress, hair falling naturally around your shoulders with a bright smile on your face that had Bradley’s heart racing. After having to endure a 10-minute interrogation from your best friend, you followed Bradley out to his Bronco and drove down to the beach where you had a picnic and watched the sunset, lying on your backs next to each other on an old picnic blanket on the sand.

Your face mirrored his own, both of your hearts pounding against your chests, synchronised with one another. Hands shaking and smiling at each other through tight lips, breaths shallow, bodies vibrating. Eyes ablaze with a burning desire, thinking of all of the possibilities, reserved from seeming too eager to admit how both of you felt, feelings reciprocated. But knowing, you were it for each other.

About a month into your relationship with Bradley, one torturous month of being nagged by the squad on when they were going to meet you, but one incredible month spent with you, he took you to the Hard Deck to meet up with his friends for drinks. All was going well, and Bradley felt content in knowing you were already comfortable around the people he considered family.

“Bradshaw! You never told us your girl was that hot.” Hangman stood next to him, handing him the darts, a smirk on his face.

“Shut up Bagman, just because you lack the brain capacity to keep a girl around for more than a week.” Phoenix scoffed, slapping him on the chest before patting Bradley’s arm sympathetically.

Bradley knew to pay no mind to Jake, but as he watched you laughing with Bob and Javy by the bar in a pretty pink sundress, sipping on a cocktail too sweet for him to fathom, he couldn’t help but let the insecurities creep in. He felt like the luckiest man alive to be your boyfriend, and he was proud to call you his girlfriend, but he constantly carried that heavy burden of how he felt about himself with him. Sometimes he could supress it, put on a brave face and everyone sees him as the most confident person in whatever room he’s in. But Bradley could never truly talk about how he felt, every syllable of every word that’s willing its way out of his mouth, pushing his head further underwater – looking in the mirror and seeing the scars along his face and neck, carved into his skin like a malediction, something he was precariously wishing he could remove.

“Hey Roos, you okay?” Bradley didn’t even realise you’d made your way over to him until he heard your voice and felt your hand reach up to smooth over his hair, so transfixed on his inner thoughts.

He hummed, kissing your forearm, and then talking your free hand in his own. Just seeing your face with concern written all over it was enough for his heart to nearly burst out of his chest.

It was well past 1am when the Hard Deck closed for good, and Bradley led you out to his bronco and put your seatbelt on. Before he could move around to the driver’s side, you grabbed his shirt and pulled him in for a sweet kiss. “Thank you for tonight, I had a really nice time with your friends. Even though Jake’s a bit of a dick” Bradley chuckled “I’m glad you had a good time and I’m happy you’re happy. They all love you.” Bradley caught himself on his words after that. He wanted to tell you how much he loved you, how he knew he loved you from the moment he saw you and how he was certain he was going to spend the rest of his life loving you. Neither of you had said it yet, but you often found yourself wanting to say it too. You both drove home in a comfortable silence, Bradley’s hand resting gently on your thigh, the windows slightly ajar and the radio playing quietly but those three words had been hanging in the air, urging to be said the whole ride home.

Bradley parked up outside and you led him into your apartment. You both changed out of your clothes, and you threw on one of Bradleys old UVA shirts that he’d left at your place. “You coming to bed?” Bradley said quietly as he pulled you into a hug and rested his chin on top of your head.

“Yeah, I just need to take of my makeup and stuff.” You said pulling away to head towards the bathroom. “And stuff?” Bradley asked and you giggled. “Yeah, like skincare. Fancy joining me?” You asked and you shrieked when Bradley picked you up and threw you over his shoulder, carrying in you into the bathroom and setting you down on the counter without saying a word. You washed your face and picked up your serums and moisturiser, talking Bradley through your skincare routine whilst he stared at you as if you had grown three heads. Bradley watched you squirt some of the serum onto your hand and rub it all over his face. He closed his eyes and relaxed his shoulders, letting out a deep breath. It was his turn to apply it to your face next and by the end of the routine you were both a giggling mess, breaths heavy with laughter. And in that moment, Bradley forgot about his scars, he forgot about all of his insecurities. He was at his happiest with you, and in that moment, he knew he couldn’t wait any longer.

Still sat on the counter, you pulled Bradley closer and rested your forehead against his looking into his eyes with such a deep admiration for how truly beautiful he was.

“I love you, Bradley.”

And there it was. Those three simple words with the most powerful meaning. Bradley felt as though the air had been knocked from his lungs, winded like the time he fell off the slide in his backyard at six years old.

“Say that again.” Bradley murmured, hands tightening their grip on your waist.

“I love you, Bradley. So much.”

And with that, Bradley smashed his lips onto yours in a bruising kiss.

“Fuck, I love you. I love you.” He repeated, over and over again until you were back in your bedroom. Placing you down on your bed, he covered his body with yours. You moaned into the kiss and gasped as he left a trail of kisses down your neck and chest. He slipped his hand under the hem of your dress and began toying with the waistband of your underwear, when you sucked in a breath, he stopped immediately, brown eyes searching yours for any kind of discomfort.

“Do you want this? We can stop baby I really don’t mind.”

“No, I want this Bradley, I do.” You said and he made light work of pulling off your dress and ridding himself of his shirt and pants before kissing you again, hooking his fingers in your underwear and pulling them down your legs. Bradley teased your clit before sinking one of his digits into your soaked pussy and kissing your hip before taking your sensitive bud into his mouth. “Fuck Bradley.” You moaned, butterflies erupting in your stomach as he squeezed your him in a comforting encouragement. Gripping his hair tightly, your climax quickly approaching you moaned loudly “Oh my god I love you Bradley fuck!”

Coming down from your high, Bradley teased your folds with the head of his cock before slowly pushing himself fully into you and you both moaned. “You feel amazing, sweet girl, I love you.” Bradley moaned against your mouth, intertwining his hand with your own before slowly rocking his hips into your own. You were a mess underneath him, whimpering and whining and Bradley took a moment to admire how beautiful you looked, the moment was so raw, the only light in the room was the dim glow of the moon which illuminating your features.

It was at this moment that Bradley realised that the confessions of love shared that night were terrifying, and they scared him more than anything else he’s ever experienced in his life. The emotions he felt consumed his body like an entity and he knew that the easiest choice he’s ever made in his life was you. Out of all of the women in this world, he didn’t want anyone else as much as he wanted you, he didn’t need anyone else as much as he needed you. You both spent that night wrapped up in each other, bodies tangled between the sheets in a state of completion, reassurance, and love. There was nothing in the world that could ruin such a deep connection.

For the next three months of the relationship, Bradley knew he could see himself spending the rest of his life with you. Moving in together, he wanted to be your new home. He wanted to build a life with you, make four walls and a roof into something so much more than just a place of residence. He dreamt of waking up next to you every morning and falling asleep next to you every night. He wanted to help you cook your favourite foods together and he wanted to clean the dishes. He wanted to argue over where the candles were kept when there’s a storm and the power goes out. He wanted you to fill him with memories of your own, pictures of your graduation, you most treasured trinkets, the spicy books you read that he pokes fun at you for when you get defensive and say that you don’t read just porn, it has to have a plot.

After years of accepting the fact that he’d be alone because he could never have someone else endure the grief, the pain, and the suffering that he watched his mother go through, he met you, and he was irrevocably and deeply consumed by you. He dreamt of the day you had a child of your own together, the beach days, the baking, the singalongs in the car, babyproofing every corner of the house he wanted that. And he so desperately wanted that with you by his side.

And that’s exactly what you both did. You bought a house together along the coast, one that reminded him exactly of the house that he grew up in, with a big porch and a swing that hung just to the left of the front door. You both packed up your lives into those brown moving boxes, messy handwriting scrawled onto the side of each of them.

Unpacking said boxes in the height of summer was a gruelling task, but one that was made much more enjoyable by the presence of each other ands by the end of the day you both collapsed on the porch swing, happy and content in each other’s arms.

“I’ve never felt as happy anywhere else than when I’m with you sweet girl.” Bradley said, nuzzling his head into your hair, treasuring the scent so not to forget it when he inevitably gets deployed.

“This is our forever baby.” You said intertwining your hand with his as you both sat cuddled up with one another listening to the waves of the ocean crashing and making plans for your future.

Two months settled into your new home with Bradley, two months of the rest of your lives. Lives that entailed lazy Sundays, coffees in the morning, walks along the beach, lingering sweet kisses amid pillow talk and making love – and all things perfect. But also lives that weren’t always bright, lives that held bickering, late night fights over pointless things because you both had tough days at work, misunderstandings, and the challenges of balancing busy days. Some days were filled with bright skies and sunshine, other days filled with dark skies and rain. It wasn’t easy, but you had Bradley and Bradley had you. There was calm and there was chaos, but you had each other to navigate your ways through any problem, together.

But sometimes, the best things in life are short lived.

Bradley spent 190 days with the love of his life.

Standing in the Hard Deck with a bunch of flowers, waiting for you to pull up after work, he fiddled with the ring in his free hand and let out a shaky breath. You hadn’t been in a relationship for a very long time, but they say when you know, you know. And Bradley knew. He knew in his heart without a doubt – even if he couldn’t find the right words, he knew that he fell more in love with you every single day. You were his sun, his moon, and his stars. You were his happiness, his best friend, and the kindest soul he had ever met. Sometimes he wondered if he ever told you enough. You never asked anything of him. You loved Bradley for who he was and never in his 36 years on earth did he ever think that somewhere in this world he would’ve found a heart like yours.

Bradley didn’t get the chance to propose. His time with you was cut short by an alcoholic who made the unwise decision to get behind the wheel of a car and take away not one, but two lives that night.

“Bradley!” You wailed from the top of the stairs. Bradley shot up from his seat on the couch and ran up the stairs tripping several times.

“What is it baby? Are you okay?” He asked, hands on his knees trying to catch his breath, not overly concerned when he saw that you were okay.

Looking at him with tears in your eyes, body shaking, and one hand covering your mouth, you raised your other hand to reveal a positive pregnancy test.

“Oh my god, honey, are you – are you sure?” He asked, reaching out to take the test from you to double, triple check.

Nodding your head fervently “I’m absolutely sure, Bradley we’re going to have a baby. Oh god”

Bradley had never been so over the moon. Yes, it was seen as too soon to some, but you couldn’t think of any better blessing, and neither could Bradley. You were both ecstatic and couldn’t wait to start a family together. And that was all taken away from him too soon. He’ll never get to meet his baby. And he wishes, he wishes so hard for the 3am wake up calls for feeds, the dirty diapers, the screaming bloody murder in the middle of the night – all so he can count ten fingers and ten toes, hear that steady heartbeat, and look into the eyes of who he was hoping to be your double. But sometimes life has other plans.

Bradley can’t say he believes he will ever meet another person like you. Someone so full of light even in the darkest of moments. Someone who loved him for him. Someone who would give so much of themselves to others and never complain. Someone who saw the good in everything, saw the good in him.

The one night he’ll remember for the rest of his life, the night you lay in bed together, Bradley’s head resting on your stomach, your hands tracing the patterns of the freckles on his back like a constellation. The two of you dwelling in the afterglow of finding out that you were both going to be bringing a little one of your own into your lives, a mixture of you both, your baby. Bradley was ecstatic but anxious.

“I don’t think I’ll ever understand the good that you see in me” He whispered.

“Bradley, its not the good in you that I see, my love. It’s the good that I see in this world when I’m with you, the good that you make me see.”

If there was ever one thing Bradley Bradshaw was completely and utterly sure of, it was that he was going to spend the rest of his life by himself. He had spent his whole life trying to push away the idea of love because he believed he would be the reason it wouldn’t work out. He had spent his whole life overcome with the grief that came with losing his parents. And he was okay with being alone, until he met you, an angel he believed his parents sent to him, to walk this earth by his side, for however long it was going to be. And despite his time being cut short with you, he had the most extraordinary and captivating experience of understanding what it’s like to love and be loved.

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callsigncherub · 11 months

Text

The Younger Kind Part 17 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: You manage to help Bradley calm his nerves before his preliminary court appearance. Even just five minutes spent with you feels better than anything else. But when he sees Meredith again, the resentment and fear return. And he still can't help but dwell on why exactly she's so determined to get custody.

Warnings: Angst, fluff, swearing, and age gap (18+)

Length: 4400 words

Pairing: Single dad!Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x babysitter!female reader

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On Sunday night, when you were getting ready for bed, you dodged a phone call from Greyson. But a minute later your phone rang again, and this time it was Bradley. You answered it immediately.

"Hi, Daddy."

Bradley's soft groan through the phone had you grinning. "Princess. I miss you, baby."

You flopped down onto your bed with the phone clutched to your ear. "Okay, Bradley. But you can't just say that right now when I can't even come over and see you."

He hummed into the phone, and you closed your eyes. You'd been there with him last night after Noah's party. You'd had his mouth on your body while he hummed just like that. But you wanted him around you all the time now that you had it in your mind that he could be yours for real if it weren't for Meredith. There could have been a label on this.

"When I manage to get the shit show that is my life sorted out, you can come over anytime you want," he promised. "You can have some playtime with Noah before he goes to bed, and then you can have a different kind of playtime with me." You could literally hear the smirk in his voice.

"Can I wear my crown for both kinds of playtime?"

Bradley sighed and said, "Absolutely. It's hanging on my bedpost, just waiting for you, Princess."

You closed your eyes and thought about how adorable Bradley looked when he had been wearing the green crown you and Noah had made for him. "How's Noah?" you asked softly. Because you truly missed both of them.

"He's fine. Asked for you all afternoon when I let him eat the ants on the logs you left for him."

Your heart soared and ached at the same time. "I wish I could come over tomorrow night and spend some time with him. With both of you."

Bradley was silent for a beat. "I talked to Tracy right before I called you."

"Your lawyer?" you asked, suddenly alert and worried.

"Yeah," he replied, his voice raspy with frustration. "I'm scheduled for a preliminary court appearance on Wednesday afternoon."

You sucked in a deep breath and sat up and gripped your phone to your ear. "Bradley. Will Meredith be there? Does Noah have to go? Can I do anything? I can skip my classes." You could barely even breathe as you waited for his response. It was just a few more weeks until you graduated, and you were trying to end with top grades, but you'd skip if they needed you.

"No, I don't even want you to worry about it, okay?" he asked. "I'm just telling you, because I want you to know what's going on. Penny is going to watch him for the afternoon, and I'm going to use some of my vacation time."

"Do you think things will be settled on Wednesday?" you asked, heart pounding at just the thought of Meredith being around Noah again. You ran your fingers down your arm which was mostly healed as you shuddered.

"I'm hoping, Princess. Will you call me tomorrow night?"

---------------------------

By Tuesday evening, Bradley was a nervous wreck. After he put Noah in bed for the night, he called Tracy to go over a few last minute items. She was always very calm with him, but he had been assured that she could turn into a bulldog if the occasion called for it.

"What else do I need to do before tomorrow afternoon?" Bradley asked. They would be the last hearing for the day, and he already had a plan in place for Penny to watch Noah so he wasn't late for daycare pickup.

"Just prepare yourself to see Meredith, and stay calm. I'll be with you the whole time," Tracy promised. But when Bradley ended the call, he paced around his house and out onto his back deck in the darkness.

He had too much energy. He needed an outlet. All week long, when he started to get like this, he had cleaned his house. Now everything was spotless, almost like the nights when you had been over to watch Noah. The nights when he had gone out with women from the dating app.

"You're so fucking stupid," he told himself, walking back inside to the kitchen and locking the door. He could have been in a relationship with you for a month now if he had just stopped trying to deny the way he felt. He could have saved you the pain of having to listen to him lie to your face.

Bradley knew nothing else was going to make him feel the way you always did, so he grabbed his phone and called you.

"Hi," came your soft, breathy greeting, and he was already smiling.

"Princess," he replied, taking a calming breath. "If you're busy studying, or you need to-"

"I'm not," you promised. "I was planning on calling you anyway. You okay? Ready for tomorrow?"

Bradley walked back to his bedroom and peeled his tee shirt and jeans off. "Yeah. A little nervous." He didn't need to elaborate more than that for you to understand, and your encouraging words were right there.

"You can do it, Daddy. You'll do it for Noah, because you love him so much, and he deserves to be with you."

Bradley could feel the warmth of your words wash over him. He should have told you what was going on with Meredith from the start.

"If I were there, I would help you relax," you added. "Ease your nerves for you."

"Oh yeah?" he grunted, settling on his back in bed. "How would you do that?"

You laughed softly. "Remember how much you liked it when I went down on you on your living room couch, Daddy?"

Bradley closed his eyes and let his head sink into the pillow while he thought about your glossy lips wrapped around his cock. "Yeah, I remember. You gave me the best head of my life, and you broke my year long dry spell."

When you moaned his name, his cock twitched for you. "And you remember how relaxed you were when I was done with you?"

Bradley pulled his briefs down so his cock was standing at attention. "I just remember being shocked as hell that my kid's hot babysitter called me Daddy and let me cum in her pretty mouth."

You giggled as Bradley started stroking himself. He put you on speakerphone and pulled up a photo of you. He was a mess for you, he really was.

"You know what I love, Daddy?"

Bradley groaned and slid his hand down his length while he looked at the photo of you in your crown. "Tell me."

You sighed softly and said, "I love the way your cock feels on my tongue. Big and velvety soft. And so heavy."

"God damn it, Princess," he moaned. Your voice really got to him, every single time. He could almost get hard for you when you were simply asking about his day, but when you were spewing out dirty talk like it was no big deal? He was fucking ready to go.

He expected your voice to be tentative, but you sounded bold. "Are you touching yourself right now?"

"Of course I am," he grunted. "You're talking about sucking me off."

"But I didn't even mention how much I loved burying my face against your skin and smelling you while I kissed your balls."

He kept stroking himself as he rasped, "If you're trying to get me off, it's working."

He could practically hear you smile as you whined, "Next time, just cum all over my face."

It was the picture of you in the crown that was really doing it for him, because he could imagine it so clearly: your tongue catching ribbons of his cum while you laughed and lounged back naked on his bed.

"You want me to make it messy?" he asked, panting harder as he jerked himself off.

"I want it everywhere. Dripping off me."

"Fuck!" he cursed, and then his eyes were squeezed closed as he was coating his own abs with his cum and thinking about you licking it up. He was virtually sure you would if you were here and he asked you nicely.

"Did you make a mess, Daddy?"

"Yes, baby. I really did."

"Next time, I'll clean you up with my tongue."

Bradley sighed as you told him you missed him and asked him to call as soon as he could tomorrow. You really had managed to help ease his stress, and you weren't even here. He couldn't help but think of how much better he would feel if you were.

--------------------------

"Morning, bub," Bradley whispered as he scooped his son out of bed early on Wednesday morning. He held him close while Noah buried his face against his neck. "I'm taking you to see Penny for the day."

"I want my babysitter," Noah whined, and Bradley held him a little tighter.

"Me too, bub. Hopefully one day soon she can be here a lot more often."

That seemed to make Noah perk up a bit as Bradley got him dressed. And then He held Noah on his lap while they both ate bowls of cereal. Bradley didn't want to let him go as his nervous energy about the court appearance returned. He just knew he was going to want to rage as soon as he laid eyes on Meredith. But he would have Tracy with him the whole time. He needed to remember he didn't have to do any of this alone.

On the way to Penny's house, Bradley stopped at the coffee shop with Noah, and the barista started making both of his drinks right away. And then she made a fuss over how cute Noah was while Bradley used the sharpie to write the appropriate names on both cups. Then he drove to Penny's house, and he hustled Noah inside as quickly as he could. Because he saw that your car was still at your little house down the street.

"Thanks, Penny. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you're willing to help me out right now."

Penny kissed Noah's cheeks and shot Bradley a surprised look. "I'm more than happy to help out anytime, Bradley. Honestly, Noah is so sweet, he reminds me of how Amelia was!"

Bradley just laughed and handed Penny a bag of some of Noah's things. "Well, regardless, I appreciate it. Especially this week."

Penny eyed him closely. "I know your usual sitter isn't available during the day. This is really no problem at all. Just call me later. And good luck today."

Bradley swallowed hard and ran his hand over his khaki uniform. "Thanks." Then he gave Noah one more kiss on the cheek.

He ran back out to the Bronco. Your car was still there. He quickly drove down the block, and when he parked in front of your house and grabbed the cup of coffee that said Princess with a little heart next to it, he saw your front door open. You were wearing your navy blue scrubs, and you had your tote bag of books, and Bradley's heart was pounding.

When you looked up and saw him standing at the end of your sidewalk, your lips parted in surprise. "Bradley!" It was half laugh and half gasp, and you just dropped your bag and rushed toward him. He held your coffee out in his left hand as you collided with him, wrapping your arms around his neck. "What are you doing here?" you asked, kissing his cheek and his lips and his mustache.

"I missed you," he whispered, his voice deep and raspy as he held you close with his right arm. "A lot." He kissed you harder as you ran your fingers through his tidy hair, most definitely messing it up. But he didn't care one bit.

"Where's Noah?" you asked against his lips. Bradley smiled, because you always wanted to know where Noah was, you always wanted him to be safe.

"I just dropped him off with Penny."

Your cheek came to rest on his chest along with your palm. "You brought me my coffee?" When he hummed and handed it to you, your laughter made him smile. "Thank you, peasant."

"You're welcome, baby." You looked up at him, and he kissed your forehead before you took a sip.

"Wait, why are you in your uniform? Are you wearing that to the hearing?" you asked, running your fingers along his pins and straightening out his nametag.

"I'm working until lunchtime," he replied, taking your hand in his. "Then I'll change into my suit to go meet Tracy."

You just nodded up at him. "You have nothing to worry about. And if for some reason things don't go your way today, Nat told me she has your back no matter what. She's actually a little scary?"

"She's very scary. I tried to tell you that when you met her."

You pressed your face against his uniform shirt and murmured, "When I met her, I thought she was your date, and I was jealous."

Bradley froze with his hands on your hips, and a smile found its way to his lips. "Really?"

"Yes, really," you told him, hiding your face close to his armpit and making him laugh. "I had a big crush on you, okay?"

"I love that for me," he said, kissing the top of your head. "Princess, I need to leave, and you need to get to class."

When you looked up at him, all he wanted to do was carry you up to your bedroom and spend the whole day there with you. "You'll do great. Call me later, Daddy."

After one more kiss, Bradley waited for you to leave first before getting in his Bronco and heading to base, desperately trying to keep his mind off of Meredith.

--------------------------

By the time he was walking up to the San Diego superior courthouse in his suit, Bradley was a nervous wreck. And as soon as Tracy saw him, she must have known it.

"We can do this," she promised as soon as he reached her. "I'm ready to go, and as soon as we get in there, you'll be just fine. This is our preliminary hearing."

Bradley took a few deep breaths and looked at some pictures of you and Naoh together before he turned off his phone and stashed it in his pocket. "You're right. And the sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can get back to my normal life. I just know I'm going to be a lot more nervous if the judge wants Noah to come next time. I hate putting him through this. But I'm ready."

"That's the spirit," Tracy told him with a nod as she took him by the elbow and led him inside the building. "We will handle everything as it comes. We're a team, and we're going to do this together."

"Together," he repeated, because as soon as he was inside, he saw Meredith and her lawyer in the hallway. Bradley's breathing grew shallower, and he had to swallow against the desire to run back outside. She wanted to take Noah away from him. She suddenly wanted their son after so many years of avoidance. She wanted to ruin Bradley's life.

"You're fine," Tracy told him, her voice sure and steady. "Let's wait on this bench." She pushed Bradley down onto the wooden seat as his mind swirled with worry.

Meredith wanted the only thing Bradley really had that he was unwilling to part with. He wasn't going to be okay with shared custody or visitation. He wanted her gone. He wanted Noah to associate someone better as his mom. He didn't want Meredith to have any access to him, especially not after the way she tried to fuck with Bradley through you and Noah.

"It's unacceptable," Bradley muttered, turning to look at Tracy where she was sitting very calmly next to him. "She doesn't get to ruin everything I care about."

"Just keep repeating that to yourself."

And so he did. When he made eye contact with Meredith, she scowled at him. He couldn't fathom for the life of him why she was doing this now, but Tracy had been correct. It didn't matter why. Meredith and her lawyer would spin everything to look like Bradley was keeping Noah from her. The facts didn't matter much at the moment. He just needed to block her from getting to Noah.

"It's time," Tracy told him, once again leading Bradley along with a gentle hand on his arm. He tripped along with her, and then he was inside a small courtroom in front of a judge in robes. He stood quietly next to Tracy, waiting. It felt like they had been waiting for a very long time.

"What's going on?" Bradley asked quietly.

Tracy leaned in closer. "We're waiting for Meredith to join us."

Great, now she was just being difficult to really mess with Bradley. She was seriously holding this entire process up now? Unreal. It was a real shame she wasn't in here yet, because Bradley was pissed off and ready to go.

A few more minutes passed, and Bradley saw the judge check her watch for the third time. Right as she opened her mouth and turned toward the bailiff, Bradley spun when he heard the door open. Meredith strolled inside the courtroom, and Bradley could see her seething lawyer in the hallway on his phone just as the door closed.

"What the hell?" Bradley muttered, but Tracy elbowed him in the ribs, because Meredith strolled right up to the bench to the judge.

"Your honor, I would like to request a continuance."

Judge Greene just stared at Meredith for a moment before responding with, "No. I will not allow a same day continuance. Does that mean you'll be representing yourself today?"

Bradley could see Meredith's cheeks pale as she took a deep breath. "Yes, I'll be representing myself today."

"Perfect," Judge Greene said blandly. "Mr. Bradshaw, please approach the bench with your counsel."

Bradley and Tracy walked up to stand next to Meredith, but Bradley was struggling to figure out what happened to Meredith's lawyer. Maybe Tracy would be able to figure out what was going on? Bradley wouldn't have come here today without a lawyer in his wildest dreams.

He realized he wasn't paying attention when he heard the judge ask Meredith, "Will you be finding counsel before the custody hearing?"

"Yes, your honor."

"Then for the time being, the minor will stay in his current living situation, and any further arrangements will be determined at trial one week from today."

Bradley sucked in a deep breath. Noah wasn't going anywhere right now. Or hopefully ever.

"Dismissed," Judge Greene said, and Bradley watched Meredith turn on her heel and practically run for the door.

"What is going on?" Bradley asked, but he felt a little better as Tracy smiled at him as they made their way into the hallway where Meredith was nowhere to be found.

"I'll find out," Tracy told him, typing a note into her phone at such a rapid pace, it was making Bradley dizzy. "But it's definitely making you look more stable and better organized than Meredith."

Bradley ran his fingers through his hair. "Simply because I showed up with you and kept my mouth shut?"

"Yep!" she said, still typing away.

"Then you're worth every penny."

Tracy laughed and pulled a water bottle out of her briefcase and handed it to him. "You look a little pale. I need you to stay focused. This could all be over by next Wednesday, especially if Meredith shows up alone again, asking for a same day continuance." Tracy rolled her eyes as Bradley downed the water in one huge gulp.

"One more week?" he asked, thinking about you and Noah and pizza and popcorn on the couch.

"If we're lucky. But just be prepared to bring Noah. Judge Greene may want to speak with him either in the courtroom or privately. And it's best if you don't try to coach him ahead of time. Let him speak his mind."

Bradley took some deep breaths and nodded at Tracy. "Right. Okay. One more week."

-------------------------

Bradley was exhausted after he climbed in the Bronco and loosened his tie. He turned on his phone to text you, but he thought better of bothering you while you were still on campus. He'd been in the courthouse for less time than he had planned for, and Penny had texted him a few minutes ago.

Had to check on an issue at the Hard Deck. I have Noah with me. Meet me at the bar whenever you're finished.

So Bradley made his way toward the beach as he listened to his favorite song that reminded him of you. He wondered if you'd think he was ridiculous if he made you a whole playlist. He kind of wanted to make you a playlist of songs that made him think of you.

He was making a mental list of some songs as he strolled into the bar which was technically not yet open for the day. And then Bradley's eyes settled on Noah where he sat on top of the bar, playing with two of Penny's bartenders. His sweet son who would hopefully never have to be around Meredith.

"Should we draw another dog, Noah?" Helen asked, sketching on a cocktail napkin while Missy got Noah a cup of water.

"My babysitter gets me coloring books. Do you have crayons?" he asked, eating plain carrot sticks and drinking the water.

"Hey," Bradley said with a smile as he strolled toward the three of them. "Looks like you're having fun."

"Rooster! Noah is precious!" Helen gushed, straightening out her skin tight Hard Deck shirt.

"He taught us a cute song about dinosaurs," Missy added, ruffling Noah's curls.

Bradley grinned. That was the song he always had in his head now, the song that you taught Noah. "Where's Penny?" he asked, kissing Noah's forehead while he drew all over the dog Helen had made for him.

"On the phone," Missy said. "She shouldn't be much longer."

"Do you want a beer?" Helen asked. "Or something stronger?" Bradley was tempted to sit and have a beer while he waited for Penny. But then Helen added, "Damn, Rooster. You look good in a suit."

"Thanks," he muttered, definitely blushing as he slid onto one of the stools. "I guess I'll take that beer." He reached for his wallet and started to dig out some cash, but Helen's hand found his and folded it back up again.

"It's on me," she said with a wink that had Bradley a little flustered. She was flirting with him.

"That's not necessary," he replied. "Especially since you and Missy have been helping Penny watch Noah."

But Helen rolled her eyes as she filled a pint glass with Bradley's favorite kind of beer. "You can just leave me a nice tip. Or your phone number."

Bradley really looked at Helen as she shot him a smirk. She was somewhere between your age and his, and she was working for Penny to help pay for school. He supposed she was cute, but she just didn't look like you. He was very much into you.

When she set down the beer, Bradley thanked her and took a sip. Then Noah handed her the cocktail napkin he had scribbled all over.

"Oh, wow, thanks Noah," she said with a laugh. "This is great."

"Thanks," he said, climbing down onto Bradley's lap. "My babysitter is a good colorer, and she's a Princess, too. And she's our favorite, right daddy?"

"She sure it, bub," Bradley told him, giving him a hug and feeling so much relief that this could all be done by next week. He never wanted to stop hugging his child.

When Bradley looked up, Helen was gazing at him with pursed lips, but then he heard Penny's voice.

"Bradley! How did it go?" she asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Should know more by next week," he replied. "How was Noah today?"

"Absolutely perfect," Penny promised.

"He can hang out with us any time!" Missy called from the other end of the bar.

"He sure can," Helen added with another wink. "Because he's as sweet as his dad."

Bradley finished his beer as he shook his head and laughed. He left enough cash to cover the beer and a tip, and he scooped Noah up in his arms. "Thanks again for today," he told Penny as he and Noah waved to both bartenders.

"Call me if you need me. Noah is welcome with Amelia and I anytime."

As Bradley kissed Noah's face on the way out to the Bronco, Noah asked, "When can I see my babysitter?"

Bradley was feeling pretty good now as he buckled Noah into his car seat. "You know what? Why don't we call her when we get home and ask her."

--------------------------

As soon as your phone rang, you were scrambling to answer it. "Bradley! What happened today?!"

But you heard Noah's sweet voice instead. "Hi! Can we sing the dinosaur song?"

"Of course!" You sank down to sit on your stairs as you and he sang the song together, and you could hear Bradley's laughter in the background.

"Helen didn't sing it right," Noah said. "And she kept talking about daddy's suit."

You closed your eyes and imagined how good Bradley must have looked in his suit. If his officer uniform was any indication, then it must have been so sexy.

"Wait, who's Helen?" you asked, and you could hear Bradley taking the phone from Noah.

"She's a bartender at the Hard Deck," he replied casually. "I picked Noah up there. And guess what."

"What?" you asked, crossing your fingers.

"Trial date is set for next Wednesday. And Noah is staying with me until then."

"Really?" you asked, jumping to your feet. "That's so soon!"

"Yep," he replied, voice raspy as he added, "but Noah and I are both dying to see you, Princess. Can we stop over this weekend?"

You looked around your sparsely decorated house and tried to imagine entertaining Noah here. You weren't even sure if the three of you would fit on your couch, unless you were cuddled up on Bradley's lap.

"Sure," you told him with a smile. "I'll stock up on some coloring books. It'll be fun."

"We can't wait to see you."

-------------------------

Princess is always taking care of Daddy and Noah. Wish she could have babysat him for Bradley that day. Hope you enjoy your fic, @beyondthesefourwalls And thank you @mak-32 !

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callsigncherub · 11 months

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❤️ friendly reminder, if you are a reader like me, then remember to always reblog and interact with writers work! They work so hard and deserve the recognition 🩵

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callsigncherub · 11 months

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How about a kiss?

Summary: When your day goes from bad to worse, Rooster’s there to make it better <3

Warnings: None, just fluff!

Word Count: 932

The drive home in the gruelling San Diego heat was not what you needed after quite possibly the worst day you’ve ever had, let alone being caught in the standstill rush hour traffic.

From the get-go you could tell that today was not going to work out in your favour.

To start, after a busy week your exhaustion caught up on you the night before, the 6am alarm you usually set was long forgotten as you passed out after dinner. That deep in sleep that when Rooster’s alarm went off at around 5am you didn’t even hear it, dead to the world. Waking up late, no time for your morning coffee, leaving the house in a rush and dropping your keys trying to lock the door, the small inconveniences slowly building up your frustration, it’s safe to say you showed up to work in a foul mood. With a full day of meetings, you skipped lunch and just minutes before finishing shift your boss slammed a full stack of papers on your desk in preparation for next week’s schedule.

By the end of the day, all you wanted to do was just go home and relax. But instead, here you are, stuck in your car, with little hope of making it home at a reasonable time.

“Seriously? Today of all days?” You huffed, blowing a stray piece of hair out of your face. But of course, it wouldn’t budge, sticking to the thin layer of sweat starting to make its way across your forehead. The heat was uncomfortable, thighs sticking to the leather seats of your car and a prickly sensation radiating over your skin. Leaning your head against your window, the sun, way too bright penetrating the windscreen temporarily blinding you as you pulled down the visor which to no surprise made truly little difference at all. Searching for your sunglasses and eventually failing, your emotions wearing thin.

Eventually after what felt like forever the traffic started to clear and when you finally got home an overwhelming sense of relief made its way throughout your body to find your fiancé’s Bronco parked in the driveway. Rushing through the door you were met with the sounds of Rooster clattering around the kitchen singing his very own rendition of Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love.’

“Honey? Is that you?” Rooster called from the kitchen as you toed your shoes off and made your way over to where he was standing in front of the stove. “Hey pretty girl. How was your day?” he said, eyeing you up. The look on your face was enough to answer his question and immediately you felt your bottom lip begin to quiver – the day beginning to take its reckless toll on you.

“It was awful Roos, I woke up late, I’ve barely had time to eat today and now I have a shit ton of work to do before next week and then I was stuck in traffic on the way home and it’s so damn hot!” You rambled, gasping for air with each word. “Hey, slow down, slow down.” Rooster whispered, pulling you in for a hug that you very swiftly dodged. “No Roos its way to hot and I’m really not in the mood.” You snapped.

Feeling guilty at your sudden outburst, the dam finally broke and the tears previously threatening to spill from your eyes were now furiously falling down your face, red hot and showing no sign of stopping any time soon.

So, being the laidback but ever so caring fiancé he is, Rooster held both of your shaking hands in his own and let you have your moment. He knew you didn’t get this worked up often and that by the end of the night you’d have forgotten about the terrible events of your day. But, for now he sat in silence and waited for you to calm down enough for him to make you feel better.

“How about I run you a cool bath?” He offered but you shook your head no and sighed, rubbing your eyes. “How about we order takeout and watch more of Gilmore girls?” but you didn’t say anything, and he knew exactly what to do. “How about a kiss?” he suggested, wiggling his eyebrows, and flashing you a wide grin. Giggling, you nodded, and he drew you into his chest kissing all over your face and neck, the scratch of his moustache tickling you before he planted one sweet kiss on your lips. “Feelin better now honey?” you beamed up at him and nodded, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I think I do want to take a bath and order takeout and watch Gilmore girls.” You said slowly, yelping when he picked you up and threw you over his shoulder, heading up to the bathroom, with you in a fit of giggles behind him. He placed you down on the bathroom counter and drew your bath. Once you were in, he joined you and you leaned back against his chest, letting the stress of the day slowly leave your body. “Thank you, Roos, I love you.” You said tilting your head back to look up at him. He looked down at you with an overwhelming feeling of love and adoration. “I love you too Mrs Bradshaw.”

At that you gasped dramatically and looked down at the beautiful ring that belonged to his late mother, perched on your finger. “Did I miss the wedding?” Bradley barked out laugh at your faked offense. “I’m sorry honey, how can I make it up to you?”

“Hm, how about a kiss?”

Taglist:

@roosterforme

@roosterscockpit

@minichrismd

@aistash

#bradley bradshaw x reader #top gun #top gun fanfiction #top gun rooster #top gun maverick #rooster x you #rooster bradshaw fic #rooster imagine #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #tgm #rooster fluff #bradley bradshaw fluff

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