#jake x lil bradshaw

[sugarcoated-lame]

Always A Bridesmaid | Jake Seresin x Reader

18+ only, minors DNI!

Jake Seresin x female Bradshaw!reader

Synopsis: Bradley tells all the guys at his wedding that his little sister is off limits… But when has Jake ever listened to Rooster?

WC: 10.5k (she’s a long one folks)

Warnings: a teeny bit of angst, mentions of alcohol, drinking, smut, oral (m + f receiving), unprotected pinv, slight overstimulation, age gap (not really specified but reader is around 23-24 yrs old, jake is in his early 30s), jake being too damn charming for his own good, rooster being a very overprotective big brother, jake being a menace, and natasha being the best sister-in-law, for the sake of this story we’re gonna pretend that Goose died a few years later than what is canon to explain how Bradley has a sister that’s 10+ years younger than him lol

a/n: it’s been like two months since I initially started writing this, so I’m so happy to finally get it out! (:

⋆ . ˚ ✩ comments, reblogs and feedback are greatly appreciated! ⋆ . ˚ ✩

*

Today was a big day, and you wish you could say you were more excited about it. It’s not every day that your big brother gets married to the love of his life. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw and Natasha “Phoenix” Trace had finally said “I do” and you were ecstatic for your favorite female pilot to officially become a part of the family. 

But you were also recently single, having been broken up with by the boyfriend you’d been with throughout most of college and the following two years since you’d graduated.

Things hadn’t ended on bad terms, the two of you just weren’t in love anymore. What worked in college just wasn’t working anymore, and you’d spent the last few months of your relationship denying to yourself the fact that you were unhappy. 

You’re pretty sure now that the both of you had known for a while you weren’t right for each other, but you had been scared to end it–terrified at the notion of starting over. But, the relationship had run its course and, ultimately, he was the one to end things. 

That was three weeks ago. You’d come to terms with the break-up, knowing it was what’s best for you. But that didn’t mean it still didn't hurt. It didn’t mean you weren’t sad, or that you were ready to be subjected to all the happiness and celebration that goes into a wedding.

You’re granted a brief reprieve from your melancholy thoughts when your new sister-in-law sneaks up and taps you on the shoulder. “Hey… You don’t look like you’re having much fun. Are you okay?” 

Natasha asks the question with a sheepish grin. You can tell she’s trying to seem nonchalant, but you can hear the underlying concern in her voice. 

Bradley and Natasha had been together five years now, engaged for one, and you could clearly see from the way that he smiled at her and the permanent glimmer in his eyes, that your brother was truly happy. He and Phoenix had become fast friends during their time together at Top Gun, and it eventually evolved into something more.

When Bradley brought Natasha home to meet you at Thanksgiving during your sophomore year of college, you knew even then that she would be the girl he was one day going to marry. Best friends turned lovers. You could only dream you’d find that for yourself someday.

You and Natasha had quickly become close as well. Bradley and Uncle Mav were the only family you had and it was nice to have another person–especially a badass woman like Natasha, in your corner. 

The two of you got on like a house on fire, and Natasha was always there to give her love and support. She was like the big sister you never had, and it wasn’t long before the two of you were ganging up on your brother and teasing him together.

As Natasha’s maid of honor, you’d spent the morning with her and the other bridesmaids, helping the blushing bride get ready for her big day. In a fancy suite getting all dolled up while drinking mimosas, having your hair and makeup done before changing into matching bridesmaid dresses of a silky satin—cowl neckline and spaghetti straps, in a soft lavender shade. Helping Natasha into her beautiful, intricately lacy, white wedding gown.

The wedding ceremony was absolutely beautiful and had gone off without a hitch. Bradley had tears in his eyes as Natasha walked down the aisle to the Wedding March, matching smiles on their faces as they joined hands at the altar. 

You even shed a tear yourself as the couple exchanged their vows, and before you knew it, Bradley was pulling Natasha in for a loving kiss and they were declared husband and wife.

Then, onto the reception, you’d watched with a slightly sad smile as Bradley and Natasha shared their first dance as husband and wife. You were so happy for the two of them, truly, but it was hard to get into the headspace for celebrating. Seeing two of your favorite people so in love when you’d just been dumped. When your own love life was at a standstill and you were left feeling lost and lonely.

You’d been too preoccupied in your thoughts to notice the first dance had come to an end before Nat came to talk to you. You felt guilty at the fact that she was spending her time worrying about you when she should be enjoying her big day. You’re lucky to call Natasha your sister.

So, you force your most convincing smile onto your face and nod your head, telling her that you’re just fine.

“Just tired from the long day, but I’m having a great time. I’m good, I promise!” You weren’t sure if she believed you, but luckily Natasha was pulled away by one of her aunts gushing over how beautiful she looked and offering her congratulations, before she could protest.

It’s especially hard to enjoy a wedding reception when you’re sat at a table alone, watching as everyone else is having a good time, dancing along to the music being played by the DJ. 

Once the first dance was through, the rest of the guests were welcomed to join the happy couple on the dancefloor. You knew your brother had plenty of cute pilot friends, and you also knew–thanks to Natasha–that some of them were single. So, you were hoping that one of them might ask you to dance.

You may have also been hopeful for the possibility of getting laid tonight. You were newly single but even then, it’d been months since you and your ex last had sex. You were sad and lonely and thought, what better way to get back out there and help yourself feel better than hooking up with one of said cute pilots? 

Your plan, however, seemed futile because none of the guys would even talk to you. In fact, since Bradley had introduced you to them after the ceremony earlier in the day, his fellow pilots could hardly look you in the eye.

“Guys, this is my little sister.” With an arm wrapped around your shoulders, your brother had rattled off each of the naval aviators’ names and callsigns, and told his friends your name. They were all nice enough, each politely shaking your hand and making small talk, a few of them making jokes at your big brother’s expense.

But you could sense there was an awkwardness there, almost as if the members of the Dagger squad were afraid of you. You couldn’t understand why, but you could tell they were hesitant to keep the conversation going with you.

Initially, you brushed it off. However, as the day went on, whenever you’d find yourself alone in conversation with one of the Top Gun pilots, they each kept the interactions very short and sweet, acting as though they couldn’t get away from you fast enough. Leaving you feeling unsure of yourself and wondering what you could have possibly done to have them all so blatantly avoiding you. 

So, after sharing a dance with your dear Uncle Mav and relinquishing him back into the awaiting arms of Penny, you spend the next half hour moping at the table on your own. Absent-mindedly swirling the straw around in your drink, chin resting in your other hand as you watch the festivities going on around you. 

And that’s how Jake finds you.

You were adorable. With your sparkling eyes and your hair pinned up into some intricate up-do that Jake wanted to see undone, a few pieces flowing down and framing your face. The hint of cleavage Jake could see beneath the cowl neckline of that lavender dress that hugged your curves so well as you leaned forward against the table, a slight pout on your lips as you observed everyone having fun on the dancefloor.

Jake could tell that you weren’t having a good time and he knew exactly why. 

Little did you know that earlier that morning while Bradley and his groomsmen were getting ready in a suite separate from the girls, your brother had had a “talk” with all the guys.

Debriefing about last night’s rehearsal dinner, Hangman, Coyote, and Fanboy–all of the single groomsmen–had been discussing a few of Natasha’s bridesmaids that they thought were cute. Especially the maid of honor. 

Rooster’s ears had been ringing when he heard them describe you to a T, and Jake could practically see smoke coming out of them as he turned toward his friends, always the overprotective big brother ready to shut them down.

“The maid of honor,” all of the groomsmen turned to look at the mustached groom as he began to speak.

“Is my little sister. And she’s off limits.” At his words and the stern, serious tone of Bradley’s voice, Jake and the others collectively shut up, matching caught-out and shocked expressions on each of their faces.

“I mean it, guys, I don’t wanna see any of you hitting on her. I love you all like my brothers, but I’m not afraid to kick someone’s ass if I see you trying it on with my sister.”

The guys all knew that Rooster wasn’t bluffing. With rushed apologies and confirmations that they’d leave you alone, the tension left the room as they all laughed it off and went about their business getting ready for the ceremony. 

With Bradley’s warning in mind, the Dagger squad had spent the rest of the day being nice—but not too nice—whenever they spoke to you, and tried to keep their interactions with you to a minimum, so as not to face your older brother’s wrath.

They all knew that Bradley could be a bit hotheaded. Even Bob, who is very happily married, found himself a little afraid to spend too much time conversing with you.

Jake was ready to follow the rules too, it was Bradshaw’s wedding after all. He could hold off on pissing off his best frenemy for one night. At least that was the case, until the reception. 

When he saw you sitting all alone, all gorgeous and sulking, Jake knew right then that he had to go talk to you. He knew he was the only one stupid enough—or brave enough, if you ask him—to go against your brother’s wishes, and who was Jake if he wasn’t stirring the pot?

Was it so wrong for him to help a pretty lady have a good time? And you were beautiful, strikingly so, so Jake wouldn’t mind if he got a little something out of it too. 

Jake isn’t scared of your brother. Besides, Rooster is far too busy dancing with Phoenix, the newlywed couple far too preoccupied with making heart-eyes at each other to notice him making his way over to you.

Your eyes widen with intrigue as the tall, blonde pilot—Jake, or Hangman as he’d been introduced to you—sidles over to where you’re seated. 

God, was he handsome. You sit up a little straighter as he plonks himself down in the chair next to you, a devilish smirk on his lips as he turns toward you. 

“What is a pretty little thing like you doing sitting here all on her lonesome?” He inquires, a slight Southern drawl to his voice. Texan, maybe?

“Um… drinking?” Your answer is short, but you’re a bit caught off guard and still annoyed by the fact that all of your attempts at socializing tonight with anyone outside of the few members of your family and Phoenix, had failed. 

But now, here was Hangman, going out of his way to talk to you and looking you straight in your eyes. His green gaze intense and leaving you a bit flustered. 

Jake glances down to where you’re still toying with the straw in your near-empty glass. With that playful smirk still present on his face, he goes to speak again.

“Well, darlin’, I cannot in good conscience let you drink alone. What are you drinking and how ‘bout I buy you another one?” His question makes you scoff. 

“Tequila Sunrise, and it’s an open bar, so… no, you can’t buy me a drink.” You roll your eyes at the almost too handsome pilot. 

Oh. Pretty and feisty. Jake was going to have a hard time staying away from you.

“Well then, how about I acquire you another one, and because I’m such a nice guy, I’ll even join you?” Jake winks at you and stands, striding towards the bar before you could even answer his question. 

Your brother and Natasha had mentioned Hangman to you a handful times over the years, and he was just as cocky and self-assured as they always said. But, you’d be lying to yourself if you said you don’t find it kind of charming, or that you aren’t extremely attracted to him.

Jake returns a couple minutes later, a Tequila Sunrise in one hand and a glass of what looked to be whiskey in the other. He places your drink down in front of you and slides back into the chair next to yours, albeit a few inches closer this time.

“You know, you look pretty miserable over here. Though, I guess I would be too if I had to grow up with Rooster as my brother.” That draws a genuine laugh out of you.

“There she is!” His exclamation makes you giggle, a slight blush taking over your cheeks. Jake loves the sight of your smile. The sound of your laugh. He decides that he wants to hear that sound over and over again.

“He’s not so bad.” You refute through your laughter.

“I just don’t really know many people here, and I kind of get the feeling my brother and Nat’s friends don’t like me very much. I’m not sure why…” You trail off and look down at your lap, shy all of a sudden. Jake has to fight very hard to not smile at how adorable your furrowed brows and pouted lips are.

“You’re the first person here to actually talk to me for more than two seconds.” You let out a nervous laugh and start sipping your new drink.

Jake feels bad that your dumbass brother’s plan to keep the guys away from you is the reason you’re feeling so down, without you even knowing. And no matter how cute you may look, Jake doesn’t like seeing you sad. He’s going to rectify that.

“Well darlin’, now that I’m here, you don’t need to talk to anyone else.” Jake’s smile is still smug, but sincere, and you can’t help but grin back at him. You shake your head and giggle at the cocky pilot, thinking to yourself that it wouldn’t be so bad if he were the only person you had to talk to for the rest of the night.

“Now, how about we finish these drinks and then we head out onto the dancefloor?” To that, you agree, and the two of you sit sipping your drinks and talking for a little while. Getting better acquainted. Jake is fun and very charming, and you love how easily he’s able to make you laugh.

When Jake notices that you’re just about done with your tequila sunrise, he quickly shoots back the rest of his whiskey, ready to get you onto the dancefloor. He stands and you accept the hand he’s extended toward you, his large hand engulfing your smaller one and letting him lead you into the crowd of people. 

Standing in front of him now, you only just notice how good Jake looks in his suit. It’s a simple black suit, white undershirt and black tie, like all the groomsmen wore. But the way it fits his body, the way the jacket sleeves are ever-so-slightly too tight around his big arms, and the way you could tell he was extremely toned even under layers of clothing, made you dizzy.

As you make it onto the floor, Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Everywhere’ begins to play through the speakers. Jake pulls you in close to him by your joined hands and spins you around under his arm. The two of you laugh, both a little tipsy. 

You spend the duration of the song dancing together like children without a care in the world. Not much rhythm to it or any real dance moves, mostly just jumping around and singing along to the lyrics, Jake twirling you around a good number of times. You’re sure that the two of you look like idiots, but it’s the most fun you’ve had all night.

You dance together to a couple more upbeat songs, and Jake can’t help but admire you. He finds it incredibly sexy how carefree you seem in this moment.

As another classic rock song comes to an end and a slower song takes its place, Jake pulls you in again. This time by the waist, until you’re nearly chest-to-chest. The warmth of his hands setting your skin alight through the thin, satiny fabric of your bridesmaid’s dress. 

Your own hands slide up his biceps, coming to rest on his broad shoulders. You look up at him with those bright, beautiful eyes and a shy smile, and Jake finds himself entranced. 

God, he wants to kiss you.  

You rest your head on his chest as he begins to sway you softly along to the music. As if Jake can feel eyes burning into the side of his face, he turns the two of you slightly, only to find Rooster glaring at him as he stands across the dancefloor, slow dancing with Phoenix.

“What the fuck is he doing?” Bradley quietly asks, mostly to himself, but the question catches his wife’s attention. 

“What is who doing?” Natasha queries with a laugh as she turns to look at where Bradley’s hard gaze is pointed.

“Aw, maybe Bagman does have a heart.” Her lips form into an exaggerated pout as she watches Jake and you sway from side to side as he holds you in his arms, your head leaning on his chest. Bradley looks down at her with a bewildered look on his face.

“No, that is most definitely not AW, and no he doesn’t!” He grouches with a sigh. Natasha gives him a questioning glance, waiting expectantly for whatever the hell it is she’s missing right now.

“I told those idiots to stay away from her.” Bradley mutters dejectedly.

“What are you talking about, told who to stay away from who?” Natasha narrows her eyes at her husband.

“Jake and the rest of the squad. I overheard them talking about how hot they thought my sister was, and I told them to leave her alone.” Bradley whines.

Natasha stays silent for a few moments, processing this information and looking up at her husband with a stunned expression.

“Oh, honey…” She can’t help but laugh. Now she understands why you’d spent much of the evening sulking.

“What?!” Bradley practically shrieks. “She’s my baby sister, I just wanna protect her!”

At that, Natasha cracks a smile. She’s always admired how much Rooster loves his little sister and how, with your parents gone, he always felt it was his responsibility to take care of you. 

“Bradley, I love you, but you really are an idiot sometimes.” Natasha grins, shaking her head at her husband. The look he gives her is dumbfounded and one of slight offense.

“Babe, I get that you want to protect your sister, but she’s not a kid anymore. She’s an adult and you have to let her make her own choices and her own mistakes. Even if one of those mistakes is Bagman.” Natasha scrunches her nose playfully and Bradley gives her a deadpan look. 

“You know she’d be pissed if she found out that you did that.” Natasha smirks, thinking back on a few of the silly sibling spats that she’s had to mediate over the last few years since she’s been with Bradley—most of them due entirely to his overprotective tendencies and your desire to escape them. 

“Come on, Roo, you know I’m right.” Bradley rolls his eyes dramatically and sighs, wrapping his arms around his bride. 

“Yeah, you always are. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” He places a kiss on her forehead, and murmurs against her skin. “But if he hurts her, I’ll kill him.” 

Bradley glares in Jake’s direction once again.

Jake can also feel the eyes of the other Top Gun pilots on the two of you. They’ve all just witnessed the interaction and look between him and Rooster, some looking on in amusement, others in fear for Jake's safety.

Jake has to bite back a laugh, leaning his head down on top of yours to hide the cheeky smile that plays on his lips. The two of you slow dance a little while longer, Jake’s hands rubbing gently up and down your sides and sending your stomach into a frenzy of butterflies.

Jake decides he’d like a moment alone with you, away from prying eyes. His hands leave your torso, moving to rest on your arms, giving them a light squeeze to gain your attention. The hazy, content look on your pretty face when you look up at him only strengthens his desire to be alone with you. Fuck, he wants you.

“Come with me?” Jake leans down to whisper into your ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down your spine. When he pulls back, you look up to see his emerald eyes boring into you, and you simply nod.

You aren’t sure where he’s taking you, but if he keeps looking at you like that, you’re pretty certain you’d follow him anywhere. He grabs your hand and spares a last glance at your still glaring brother, smirking as he leads you to the exit of the ballroom. 

Before you can make it past the threshold though, Jake comes to an abrupt stop and lets go of your hand.

“One second.” He quickly breathes out, leaving you standing by the door as he darts back over the bar.

You’re confused for a moment, but you can’t help but giggle to yourself as you watch him look around to make sure no one is watching before he reaches behind the bar, grabbing an unopened bottle of champagne. 

He sprints back over to you, once again taking your hand in his free one and speeding out into the hallway, pulling you along with him. You’re unable to keep from laughing, near breathless as you try to keep up with Jake’s long strides in your high heels.

When he finds a dark, empty room towards the back of the venue hall, Jake pulls you inside with him and closes the door. Before you know it, your back is pressed against it, hitting the hard wood with a thud as Jake crashes his lips against yours, kissing you breathless.

Catching your plush bottom lip between both of his, one of his hands finds your waist in the dark, the other still holding onto the neck of the champagne bottle. You kiss him back with just as much fervor, reaching a hand up into Jake’s blonde hair and tugging lightly, pulling a soft groan from him. 

The two of you move in sync, lips pressing together at an increasing speed and intensity until your lungs are burning from the lack of oxygen. Jake pulls back for some air and both of your chests are heaving, light pants escaping your lips as you stare at each other in the dark of the room.

When you look down and catch a glimpse of the bottle still in Jake’s grasp, you let out a breathless chuckle.

“You forgot the glasses.” 

He follows your gaze and laughs along with you, though it comes out as more of a pant.

“Shit, yeah. Maybe we can find some in here, if I can just find a light…” Jake trails off, his body leaving your personal space and pulling the warmth of him along with it. You’re left standing by the door, feeling cold and already missing his presence and his weight against you as he goes off in search of the lights. 

It’s a quick search, after about only 30 seconds, Jake finds a lamp on a table in the corner of the room. He switches it on, casting the room in a soft, dim golden light.

No longer bathed in darkness, you now see that the room you ended up in is another suite like the ones the bridal party had used to get ready that morning. A couple of fancy olive green velvet couches spread throughout the space, a few vanity mirrors along the far wall, a door leading to a bathroom at the back. 

You take a seat on one of the lavish couches and remove your heels, feet aching a bit after the long day. You pull your legs up onto the couch as Jake goes on the hunt for champagne glasses. After a brief and unsuccessful search, Jake joins you on the couch.

“No luck.” His playful pout makes you giggle as he plops down onto the cushion next to you. 

“Fuck it!” Jake exclaims as he turns the champagne bottle away from you to open it, a small gasp escaping your lips as he sends the cork flying somewhere across the room. 

He hands the bottle over to you with a grin.

“Ladies first.” And there’s that wink again. As you take a swig from the bottle, Jake pulls your feet up into his lap, and you nearly choke on the fizzy liquid in surprise when his fingers begin to massage your calves. Once the initial shock wears off, you can’t stop the contented sigh that escapes your lips at the feeling. 

When you’ve taken a few sips, you hand the bottle back over to Jake, fingers brushing as he takes it from your grasp. His eyes remain on your face as he takes a big swig of the champagne and you can feel a blush beginning to heat up your face. 

Setting the bottle down on the floor, Jake tugs your legs closer to him again, this time pulling until you’re nearly sitting in his lap and drawing a little yelp from you. Your face is inches away from his and in the dim lamplight you can see that his eyes are blown wide, mostly black with only a hint of that pretty green visible.

Jake reaches a hand toward the back of your neck, gently running his fingers between your shoulder blades and down your upper back, bare due to the low backing of your dress. Grazing your skin with a featherlight touch before curling his fingers around the nape of your neck and pulling you in to kiss him again. 

The taste of champagne is prevalent as Jake attaches his lips to yours. His other hand moves to your waist to help guide you fully onto his lap. Your own hands slide along his chest over the soft fabric of his suit jacket and up to his broad shoulders, fingers gripping lightly at the soft strands of hair at the nape of his neck. Your lips move softly against his, finding a rhythm and allowing yourself to get lost in it.

Jake’s hands squeeze at your waist, thumbs just barely grazing the underside of your breasts through your dress as he deepens the kiss. Pulling you impossibly closer as he nips at your bottom lip, eliciting a quiet whine from you. His tongue tracks along the seam of your lips and you’re quick to part them for him, allowing his tongue to work softly against yours.

You and Jake relish in the taste of one another mixed with the sweetness of the bubbly alcohol, your movements becoming more fervent. Your head grows dizzy as Jake groans into your mouth when your fingers gently tug at the hair at his nape.

Jake feels his cock twitch in his pants when he pulls away and sees your hazy expression, all hooded lids and kiss-swollen lips. He presses a trail of sweet kisses to your jaw and chin, working his way down to your neck. His nose grazes the column of your throat, inhaling the sweet, flowery scent of your perfume.

Your head tilts back on a quiet moan, granting Jake more access as his mouth begins to work at the side of your neck. Sucking and biting at the soft skin, teeth sure enough to leave a mark. With your hands still in his hair, you pull Jake back up to your lips, kissing him ardently as your hips involuntarily rut against the growing bulge in his trousers.

You both moan at the friction as Jake’s hand moves to cup your cheek, fingers tangling in your intricately styled hair. As his tongue glides against yours, you feel him begin to pull at the pins, loosening your hair from its confines until it flows freely around your shoulders. He pulls back from the kiss to look at you with a look that screams pure lust.

“Fuck, I’ve been wanting to do that all night.” Jake breathes as he runs a hand through your silky locks. Since he first laid eyes on you, he’d wondered how you’d look with your hair all messy and free, your perfect little up-do unraveled. And fuck, does he like what he sees.

With a newfound sense of need, you reattach your lips to Jake’s, sliding your tongue into his mouth as your hands begin to push the suit jacket off of his shoulders. He shrugs it the rest of the way off, letting out a whispered ‘fuck’ as your lips trail down his sharp jawline to his neck as your nimble fingers begin to work on untying his tie, and straight to unbuttoning his dress shirt after that.

When his upper half is free of clothes, you tease soft, barely-there kisses along Jake’s shoulders and the hard plains of his chest. Eager to touch more of your skin, Jake’s hands make their way down to your thighs, changing positions to pull you underneath him on the velvet couch, your legs wrapped around his hips. He sits up and runs an index finger lightly under the thin strap of your dress.

“Can I?” You nod fervently in response to his question and Jake gently pushes the straps off of your shoulders.

You sit up and Jake pecks your lips, his hands moving behind you to unzip the top of your dress. The soft satin falls down around your torso, revealing a strapless lacy bra that matches the pastel purple of your dress. His hands reach again behind your back, making quick work of unclasping your bra to reveal your perfect, supple breasts.

Jake takes a moment to admire the beautiful picture that’s in front of him before he leans down to kiss at your chest. His lips work softly at the swell of your breast, thumb and index finger coming to pinch at one nipple while his mouth engulfs the other. The moan it pulls from you is music to Jake’s ears.

Your fingers tangle in his hair once again as his tongue swirls your nipple, quiet whimpers escaping you as he kisses and suckles at the skin. His mouth travels to your other breast, leaving a trail of kisses along the way before sucking the bud between his lips, tongue working softly at it until it forms a hardened peak.

Satisfied with his work, Jake grazes his teeth against your nipple, evoking a breathy gasp from you and a tug on his hair as he nips at the sensitive bud before releasing it. You feel a gush of arousal at your core as his mouth starts to trail lower down your torso. Kissing softly at your sternum, your ribcage, and just above your navel.

Goosebumps form along your skin as Jake lowers himself down on the couch, strong hands gliding up the sides of your thighs. Pushing the silky fabric of your dress along with them until it’s bunched up at the middle of your torso, revealing pretty, sheer lace panties that you’re sure are probably soaked through.

Jake presses a kiss to your hip bone, looking up at you with wild eyes awaiting your permission. You swallow hard, nodding your head frantically. You need him to touch you before you go insane.

“Please, Jake,” You hardly recognize the breathless, whiny voice that comes out of your mouth. “Need you.”

Jake runs a finger along your slit over the damp fabric of your panties, your desperate, breathy cries painting a smirk on his lips. He doesn’t need to be told twice. 

He teasingly bumps his finger into your clit just to hear you whine before his fingers grip onto your waistband, pulling the lacy fabric torturously slow down your thighs. He sits back on his knees, pressing a kiss to your knee as he helps get your underwear the rest of the way down your legs.

When they fall to the floor, Jake repositions himself on the couch between your thighs, lifting one of them over his shoulder. His lips make a trail up the inside of your thigh, kissing and nipping at the soft skin and enjoying the way your breath catches as he inches closer to where you need him most, before ultimately moving back and starting again on the other thigh. Your fingers tug at his roots, chest breathless and heaving as you wait for Jake to just do something.

You moan out loudly in surprise as your wish is granted, Jake’s tongue licking a broad stripe through your folds. Your fingers tighten in his hair when he presses a kiss to your clit. He pulls back for a moment and just stares at your cunt, pretty and glistening just for him. 

You’d be embarrassed at the attention if it weren’t for the look of complete awe on his gorgeous face as he gazes at your core. His tongue glides through your folds again, collecting your arousal.

“Mm, so fuckin’ sweet, baby. Just like you.” And with that, Jake sucks your clit between his lips, drawing a loud cry from your lips as he applies a firm pressure. He alternates between suckling the sensitive bud and dipping his tongue into your hole, tasting the wetness that continues to flow at his ministrations.

As his lips wrap around your clit once more, you feel one of Jake’s fingers begin to tease at your entrance. Gathering the wetness there before the digit enters you, he lets out a low groan as you clench around it. He works his finger in and out, adding in a second to help stretch you out and get you ready for his cock.

Jake can hear your soft whimpers and heavy breathing, he can feel the way your walls clench around his fingers even tighter as he prods at that spongy spot inside of you and he knows that you’re close.

“Gonna come for me, Sweets? You gonna come all over my tongue?” Jake implores with a teasing smirk before he dives back in, tongue replacing his fingers and licking into you.

“Fuck, please, Ja- OHH!” Your plea is cut short as his fingers pinch at your clit once more. Rubbing tight circles in time with his tongue that’s fucking in and out your hole. Jake’s fingers quicken their pace, pressing firmly against your sensitive bud while he devours you, and you fall over the edge with a sharp cry that borders on being a scream.

“So fucking good for me.” Jake mutters against your center, his tongue lapping up your release while his fingers still gently swirl your clit and work you through your orgasm. He licks up every bit of your sweetness, rutting his hips against the velvety couch cushion to gain some friction on his still-clothed cock that strains under the fabric of his pants, as he watches you writhe under his tongue, hands tugging at his roots hard as your loud cries turn into soft whimpers.

Jake only lets up when your shaky hand tries to push his head away from your center, the pleasure becoming too much. Leaving one final kiss to your inner thigh, he pulls back, lips and chin glistening with your release.

You tug at Jake’s hair again, guiding his head back up to be level with yours. You pull him into a bruising kiss, moaning into his mouth as you taste yourself on his tongue. Your hands travel down to unbuckle Jake’s belt and open the button of his trousers, one hand dipping into the waistband to cup him over his boxers. 

Jake grunts above you as you palm at his hard length, his own hands reaching down to help you remove his pants.

Only able to get them about halfway down his legs from his position hovering over you, Jake pulls back and stands from the couch. He pulls his dress pants and underwear down in one swift motion. Your mouth waters at the sight of him, his cock long and hard, the tip red and dripping with precum.

Before he can return to his previous position kneeling above you, you too stand up, pushing Jake back onto the couch in a seated position.

“Wha- where ya goin’, darling?” Jake questions you with a breathless chuckle, a bit surprised by the moment of dominance from you. As you drop to your knees in front of him though, he starts to get the hint.

“Just wanna return the favor.” You say it sweetly, giving him your best doe eyes. Jake’s hand comes up to cup your cheek, caressing the skin softly and letting out a desperate groan as you position yourself between his thick thighs.

You trail your nails along the skin of his thighs, leaving light pink marks in your wake as you tease your way to the apex of his thighs. When you finally wrap your hand around him, you feel Jake’s cock twitch in your grasp and look up at him with a sweet smile. 

Minx. Jake swears he could cum right then and there.

Your hand rubs along the base of Jake’s cock and up to his tip, collecting the precum dribbling from his slit and dragging it down his length to aid in your movements. Your grip tightens around him just slightly, and you enjoy the desperate sound he makes as you lean down to place a kiss to his weeping tip.

Hand still cupping your cheek, Jake’s fingers move into your hair as you kitten lick at his tip before taking him into your mouth. Your tongue swirls around the ridge of his head, sucking softly and moving further down onto his length. You take as much of him into your mouth as you can, eagerly sucking his shaft and using your hand to rub what you can’t fit.

Your fingers move to grip one of Jake’s strong thighs as you take him as far down your throat as you possibly can, blinking up at him with wide doe eyes. Your cheeks suction around his length and Jake chokes on a loud moan, his fingers tightening in your hair when his tip hits the back of your throat.

“Fuck, fuck.” He gently pulls you off of him with a groan, a string of saliva still connecting your swollen pink lips to the head of his cock. Jake knew he was getting close and he didn’t want to finish before feeling your sweet cunt wrapped around him.

“Need to be inside you, darlin’.” Jake practically begs as he pulls you up to your feet. He finishes unzipping your dress that’s still hanging down around your middle the rest of the way, watching the fabric pool around your feet before guiding you to sit atop his thighs. Fully naked and secure in his lap, you wrap your arms around his neck and lead Jake into another fiery kiss.

“Need you, Jake.” You breathe against his lips, noses rubbing together as you nod your head against him. 

You grind your hips down against his in an effort to convey your need. Jake’s hand reaches down to grip his cock, running it along your soaked folds and bumping your clit with his tip, teasing you both as you moan against each other’s lips.

“Shit… I don’t have a condom.” Jake realizes, voice sounding defeated as he looks down and  watches the head of his cock tease at your clit once more.

“Fuck.” The word comes out of your mouth as a whine. 

Fuck was right. All that hoping and planning to get lucky tonight, and you hadn’t had the forethought to bring protection? Whoops.

Lucky for you, you’d been on the pill for a couple of years now, having started taking it when you were with your ex. You place a gentle kiss to Jake’s cheek before pulling back to look in his eyes as you speak.

“I’m on the pill. And I haven’t been with anyone in a while, so… I’m good.” You chuckle sheepishly, brows furrowing slightly as you wait for Jake’s response.

Jake nods his head eagerly. “Fuck-yeah, I’m all good too! If you’re sure…” he wants to be sure that you’re comfortable.

He can’t help but grin as you nod your head just as eagerly, but that grin is quickly wiped off Jake’s face.

Your brother can never find out about this… Rooster would actually kill him. It’s bad enough that he’s sleeping with Bradley’s little sister on his wedding day, let alone without protection.

It’s an afterthought that Jake realizes he must’ve accidentally spoken aloud, as the giggles that erupt from you in response to the words spoken under his breath hit his ears.

“Yes.” You plant a kiss on his jaw. “I’m sure, Jake.” Another kiss. “Need you.” Your lips move to peck his hungrily.

His thoughts are immediately pulled away from Rooster and Jake couldn’t be happier. Not only does he get to be inside of you, but he gets to feel you wrapped around him with no barrier in between. 

Your blatant need for him only inflates Jake’s ego, and makes him impossibly harder. His hand cups the side of your neck, pressing his lips firmly to yours one more time before leaning back to look at you with a smug smirk.

“Go ahead. Take it, baby.” Jake drawls as he leans back, arms stretched along the back of the couch, his words have you clenching around nothing.

At his request, you lift your hips slightly, taking Jake’s hard cock into your hand and lining it up with your entrance. He watches in awe as you sink down around his length slowly, the both of you hissing simultaneously. You at the stretch, and him the tightness of your walls enveloping him. 

Your hands hold onto Jake’s shoulders for support as you take him, inch by inch, until he’s fully seated inside of you. You both let out quiet curses at the feeling. You’re not sure you’ve ever felt so full, but your slickness makes for easy movement once you get used to the stretch.

You lift your hips until just the tip of his cock is still inside of you, before slowly sinking back down and grinding your hips against his.

“Fuck. Feel so good, darlin.” Jake groans as your muscles clench around him and you let out a quiet whimper in response.

You bury your face in the crook of Jake’s neck as you begin to ride him, moving up and down his length as your hips work to find a rhythm. Jake groans as you begin to pick up the pace, his hands moving to your hips to help guide your movements.

When you’ve found a good rhythm, Jake plants his feet firmly on the floor beneath him and begins to thrust up into you. Pulling your hips firmly against his with every thrust, hitting that spot inside of you that makes you cry out in ecstasy.

The soft whimpers you let out against the skin of his neck are driving Jake’s movements, the sweet, open-mouthed kisses littered against the column of his throat spurring him on. He grunts as your walls tighten around him in a vice-like grip on a particularly hard thrust. 

Jake can tell you’re getting tired as your thighs begin to tremble over his, hips stuttering and losing their tempo as you rise and sink yourself down on his cock.

His hands wrap around your thighs, lifting you off of him and you whine in protest at the loss of the fullness of him. With you still hovering over his lap, arms wrapped around his neck, Jake easily flips the two of you over, gently placing you so that you’re lying back on the velvety couch. He hovers over you, knees digging into the cushions and he leans down to attach his lips to yours as he lines up with your entrance again.

You moan into the kiss as Jake bottoms out inside of you, your velvety walls welcoming him in with ease. Jake lifts one of your thighs around his hips, your leg going to wrap around his back automatically as he plows into you, the head of his cock hitting that spot deep inside of you again and it has you seeing stars.

The room is filled with the sounds of heavy breathing, Jake’s soft grunts and your blissful cries mingling together. Skin slapping against skin as Jake drives into you, the sound of your growing wetness as his cock moves in and out at a rapid pace. Jake leans down to suck a nipple into his mouth as he fucks you, nipping lightly at the skin.

“Jake…fuck! Please…” You’re babbling almost incoherently, the fucked-out look on your face sending Jake into a frenzy.

“I’ve got you, honey. Want you to come for me.” He mumbles against the skin of your chest as he continues to fuck you, one hand gripping onto the top of the couch for support.

He can sense you’re getting close and he applies a firm thumb to your clit, the pressure willing another moan from deep within you. Your fingers lock onto the strands of his hair as his fingers begin to circle the sensitive bundle of nerves. 

Jake quickens the pace of his thrusts, and his hand moves to grab the leg that’s wrapped around his waist, instead pushing your knee up to your chest so he can plunge into you deeper. The new angle combined with the consistent pressure on your clit has you screaming out, and you pray that no one walks down the hall past this room right now because they’d definitely hear you.

The sensation of Jake’s thumb and forefinger harshly pinching your clit sends you over the edge, a loud, broken cry escaping your throat as he fucks you through it. His length continues to move in and out of you, hips never slowing their pace. The overstimulation leaves you a whimpering mess, nails clawing into Jake’s shoulder as he searches for his own high.

Jake is nearing his end too, the tightness of your walls constricting around his cock as you writhe and whimper underneath him makes his hips stutter as he slams into you. With a few more thrusts, he reaches his peak with a deep groan. His warm, sticky release coating your walls and you sigh blissfully at the feeling. Jake’s hips slow, not stopping fully until he’s spent, wanting to fill you up with every last drop of his cum.

Once he’s sure that you’ve milked him of every last bit, Jake pulls out of you gently and you whimper at the feeling. Missing the fullness of him already, a sigh escapes your lips as a mixture of his release and yours begins to dribble out between your thighs.

Jake moves to flip the two of you over so that you’re lying on top of him, your head resting upon his chest. You can feel his still-fast heartbeat against your ear, getting slower by the minute as he recovers from his high. 

Your own heart is racing too and your mind is hazy as you wind down, you’re not sure that anyone has ever fucked you so good. Jake’s arms wrap around you, one hand reaching up into your hair and gently massaging your scalp as the other softly rubs at the skin of your back.

The two of you lay there for a while, cuddling and quietly talking about everything and nothing. Sharing details about yourselves, wanting to get to know each other a little better. 

At some point, you pick up the bottle of champagne from the floor again, still resting on Jake’s chest as you pass it back and forth. Taking sips, both of you pleasantly buzzed—from both the alcohol and the orgasms—as you talk about your jobs, your families, anything and everything that comes to mind.

Eventually, the topic of discussion turns to the events of the day and the wedding, and Jake has you giggling as he makes some joke at your brother’s expense. 

Spending time with Jake is easy. You feel giddy, yet comfortable in his embrace and his cocky-but-charming personality hasn’t failed yet to make you smile.

“Maybe we should get married.” The sarcastic tone of Jake’s voice lets you know he’s obviously joking, but his words still have you lifting your head from his bare chest to look up at him, a bit bemused.

“It would make my entire life to see the look on Rooster’s face when he has to tell people that I’m his brother-in-law.” Jake continues, looking down at you with that signature smirk, the mischievous mirth in his eyes eliciting a giggle from you.

Even though he doesn’t know you very well yet, Jake can’t help but think it might actually be pretty nice to be married to someone like you. Sweet, funny, beautiful–and Jake finds he really enjoys spending time with you.

“Yeah, I’d pay good money to see that.” You agree, your body being gently bounced around with the movement of Jake’s chest beneath you as he joins you in your laughter.

“Ok, so I know it’s a little soon for marriage, but I would like to take you out.” For the first time since you met him earlier that day, Jake actually seems a bit… nervous? The smile on his face is a bashful one and you find it’s adorable. From the stories your brother had told about the cocky pilot, you never would’ve thought you’d find him so endearing.

“Like… in the murdering sense?” You try to alleviate his nerves with a bit of humor and Jake’s subsequent deadpan stare has you giggling again. You lean up to press a kiss to his jaw. He pretends to be annoyed by your antics, but you can tell he’s trying not to smile.

“On a date.” He drawls with a dramatic eye roll. You suck in a breath and plaster a pensive look on your face, pretending for a moment like you actually need to think about his offer. You exhale with an exaggerated sigh.

“Ok.” Your arms tighten around Jake’s torso and you press a kiss to his chest.

“Yeah?” Jake tries to keep his cool, but he has a hard time hiding the excitement in his voice. He knows you can probably feel the way his heart has sped up beneath your cheek that’s resting against his skin too.

“Yes. I’d love to go out with you.” You lift your head to gaze up at him once more, trying to bite back your grin. But Jake’s thumb reaches up to release your bottom lip from between your teeth, gently running over the tender skin as he gazes down at you with those glittering green eyes. Yeah, you could get used to that.

The two of you stay wrapped up together on the sofa a little while longer, still talking quietly so as to not disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the ambiently-lit suite. You’re still lying on Jake’s chest, your legs intertwined with his, lulled into a hazy state of comfort as one of his hands lightly runs through your hair, lazily twirling the locks around his finger. His other hand is softly tracing patterns onto the bare skin of your back.

You and Jake have been gone a long while now, and you know if you don’t return to the party soon, Bradley is going to come looking for you. Deciding you’d rather not have your brother find you in such a compromising position with one of his friends, you begrudgingly lift your head from Jake’s chest.

“We should probably head back out there.” You say with little enthusiasm. “My brother’s gonna think you kidnapped me and send out a search party.” 

You grumble, pouting as Jake’s hand lightly caresses over your hair. Cute. 

He laughs at your sour expression and hums in agreement, sitting up on the couch. The movement of his body taking you with him as you’re still wrapped around him.

Jake ponders if he should maybe tell you about Bradley warning all of the men at his wedding away from you—but ultimately decides against it as you seem so content, so at ease with him. He didn’t want to ruin your good mood or cause problems between you and your brother. And, he really likes you. He doesn’t want to fuck this up.

Maybe he’d tell you one day when Bradley is really pissing him off, he thinks to himself with a smirk.

Jake helps you to your feet before standing up himself and stepping back into his boxers. He tells you to wait a moment while he runs into the bathroom that’s at the back of the room. 

While you’re in the midst of securely clasping your bra back over your chest, Jake returns with a damp cloth, kneeling down to gently clean up his cum that’s now dried down the inside of your thighs, leaving a soft kiss to the skin of your hip. 

Once you’re all cleaned up, Jake helps you step into your lace underwear, bracing yourself with a hand on his shoulder for balance as your legs still feel a bit like Jell-O after the earth-shattering orgasms he had given you.

He stands to help you back into your bridesmaid’s dress, leaning down to place featherlight kisses to your shoulder blades as he closes up the zipper. Jake even helps smooth down your hair—surely a mess from your earlier activities and his hands running through it—leaving a chaste kiss to your lips before he moves to re-dress himself. This time forgoing his tie in favor of stuffing it into his pocket. 

With your heels strapped around your ankles once more, you let Jake lead you out of the suite. Your hand joined with his and your cheek resting against his shoulder as you navigate your way, side by side, back to the ballroom. 

When you reach the double doors, you tug at Jake’s hand to stop him before he can open them. The blonde’s cute, inquisitive look reminds you of a golden retriever puppy and it makes your heart flutter. You reach up to cup his cheeks, pulling him in for a brief, but passionate kiss.

“Sorry, I just really wanted to do that again.” You tell him with a nervous laugh and he lets out a satisfied groan.

“Don’t be sorry, sweetheart.” Jake pulls you back in and you can feel the smirk on his lips as he attaches them to yours. The two of you spend the next few minutes just standing there, making out outside of the entrance to the ballroom. 

Mouths moving languidly together, and you don’t hesitate to grant Jake’s tongue access when it runs along the seam of your lips. Tongues swirling lazily around one another trying to memorize the taste. When you finally pull back, your lips are swollen, and both you and Jake are beaming.

The reception is coming to an end, and you make it back into the slowly emptying ballroom just in time to see the happy newlyweds making their rounds about the room, accepting congratulations and thanking their guests for coming. 

As they come across you and Jake, Natasha is all smiles while Bradley’s expression drops into one of annoyance, his hazel-eyed glare directed at Jake. 

Never one to be intimidated by his best frenemy, Jake’s mouth forms into that distinctive smirk, extending the hand that wasn’t holding yours toward your brother.

“Congratulations, Rooster.” Jake speaks confidently. The two of them shake hands, not dissimilar to how they did after the success of the Uranium mission. Except this time, Bradley isn’t smiling.

By the happy look on your face and the fact that you’re not glaring at him—or trying to hit him—Bradley realizes that Jake must not have told you about his earlier warning to his groomsmen. Though he’s still annoyed with Jake for going against his wishes, he guesses that’s for the best. Maybe Natasha was right.

“Thanks, man.” Bradley’s face softens just barely. 

“But, just know, if you hurt my little sister, I won’t hesitate to shoot your plane out of the sky. We clear?” Your brother continues, still shaking Jake’s hand all the while. Natasha watches the whole exchange, trying not to laugh.

“Bradley-!” Eyes widening, you try to intercept but Jake stops you, giving your hand a light squeeze.

“No, no. It’s okay, Sweets.” You can hear the mirth in his voice when he says it, knowing he’s going to get a reaction out of Bradley.

“SWEETS?!” Your brother all but shrieks, ripping his hand away from Jake’s as if he’s been burned and Natasha is no longer able to hold back her laughter. The pouty glare he gives her in return ends up pulling a snicker out of you too. Jake chuckles haughtily and wraps an arm around your shoulders before addressing your brother again.

“I’m not gonna do anything to hurt her, Bradshaw. I promise. You have my word.” You smile sweetly up at Jake, delighted by his words. 

Your brother grumbles in agreement, recognizing the sincerity in his friend’s voice in that moment, before the two of them shake hands once more. Then, Jake offers the bride a hug and his congratulations, and tells you he’ll give you a moment with you brother, that he’ll be waiting for you by the exit.

With Jake making his exit, your brother’s face finally softens as he turns his attention to you. 

That is, until he glances down a bit and you know that he’s clocked the very obvious hickey blooming on the side of your neck when his expression hardens again. You can swear you see his eye twitch and you have to refrain from laughing. Luckily, for both of your sakes, he doesn’t bring it up.

Bradley just sighs before shaking his head. For the first time since the breakup, his little sister looks genuinely happy and if that’s the case, then he’s happy too.

“Hangman… really?” He scrunches his nose and at that, you simply shrug at him with an amused grin.

Your brother groans, “I don’t know what happened, and I don’t wanna know.”

“Deal.” The two of you share a laugh and Bradley pulls you into a tight bear-hug, which you return gratefully.

“Love you, sis.” He murmurs into the crown of your hair. “Love you too, Bradley.”

Natasha watches the sweet moment between her new husband and sister-in-law with a smile.

“I’m really happy for you, big bro. And so proud. Mom and Dad would be too.” Your arms tighten around him as you quietly deliver the sentiment.

You turn your gaze toward Natasha to let her know that you’re now addressing her as well. “Congratulations!”

When Bradley releases you from his embrace, Nat pulls you in for a hug as well. With that, they bid you goodnight and make your way back over to Jake who’s waiting for you by the ballroom doors.

Bradley opens his arm for his wife to step under, which Natasha does gladly, her own arm draping around Bradley’s waist as his moves to wrap around her shoulders. The couple watches on as you cross the room to reach the cockiest member of the Dagger squad.

“I actually think they’re kinda cute together.” Natasha’s tone is a jesting one, but there’s definitely some truth to her statement. Bradley just tilts his head up toward the ceiling, eyes clenched shut as he groans in response.

With the festivities coming to a close, you find yourself incredibly tired. After such a long day–and all the exertion with Jake that evening, you’re more than ready for a good night’s sleep. Fortunately for you, everyone was staying in the hotel at which the reception was held, so it wasn’t a long commute. 

Despite your increasing exhaustion though, you were reluctant to bid Jake goodnight.

“So… I guess, if you want, you could walk me to my room? Or…” You trail off, leaving the ball in his court. A tad nervous now, blinking up at him with a bright-eyed, hopeful expression, unsure if Jake will get the hint. 

But he definitely does, and the expectant look on your beautiful face makes him smile. What you don’t know is that Jake isn’t quite ready for his time with you tonight to come to an end either.

“Or… you could come back to mine?” He finishes the sentence for you, his grin morphing into more of a smirk, but his tone remains sincere. Placing your hands on his chest, you lean up to peck Jake’s lips.

“I’d love to.” You speak softly against his lips and Jake can feel you smiling. “Just don’t tell my brother.”

Your cheeky remark has Jake letting out a throaty chuckle, his breath warming your cheek before he briefly presses his lips to yours more firmly.

“How else am I gonna piss him off?” Jake jests and you retreat from the kiss, playfully smacking his chest. Shaking your head as the two of you share another laugh. His hands move to slide up the bare skin of your arms as you pull back and Jake can feel the goosebumps forming there.

He removes his suit jacket, leaving him in just his dress shirt, and carefully drapes it over your shoulders. The coat dwarfs your smaller frame, and Jake decides he loves the way you look all wrapped up in his clothes.

“Come on, Sweets. Let’s get you to bed.” Jake softly drawls. The look you give him is one of pure adoration as he takes your hand in his and leads you out into the halls of the hotel.

And though you’re most definitely tired, you have an inkling you’d be more than okay with spending a couple more hours wide awake with Jake when you get up to his room.

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Thank you for reading! x

Taglist: @sebsxphia @wkndwlff @chaoticassidy @dempy @ohgodnotagainn @shanimallina87

also tagging a few others who reblogged the sneak peek of this story:

@sunlightmurdock @rosiahills22 @gigisimsonmars @wildxwidow @sarkasfics @roosters-girl <3

[lucyybradford]

Bradley: Did Jake just tell me he loved me for the first time?

Natasha: Yeah he did.

Bradley: And did I do finger guns back?

Natasha: Yeah you did.

[bo0tleg]

Despite being head over heels in love with Ice and Mav's dynamic in the original Top Gun, the same dynamic in Top Gun Maverick with Rooster and Hangman never worked for me. This is my attempt at voicing why:

DISCLAIMER: This was not created with the intention to offend anybody who ships Hangster/Sereshaw. It is simply my understanding of their relationship, and why it doesn't appeal to me. Opinions are like the butthole, everybody has their own. By all means, continue shipping them if you want to, this is only for fun.

Hangman and Rooster's entire relationship is based on resentment.

Unlike Mav and Ice, they have history. There's something from the past that lingers in all of their interactions, poisoning all of their words and actions.

Hangman is frustrated with Rooster, all the time. Of course, he banters with everyone, Phoenix about her gender, Bob about his callsign, but those are more 5th Grader Playground insults than anything. It's different with Rooster, and not in a good way.

When it comes to Rooster, Hangman goes straight to insult his character. He doubts his judgement, insults his way of being and flying, prods about how he needs to change if he wants to fly the mission.

With Ice, he was criticizing Maverick, not insulting him. Hangman is both criticizing AND insulting Rooster because he perceives him in a less that ideal light.

Hangman doesn't understand why Rooster flies the way that he does, and doesn't try to either. He just sees it as wrong and doesn't think twice about it. He goes straight to insulting him because he thinks that it's wrong, and that it's something about Rooster that needs to be fixed.

And Rooster is constantly exasperated because of it. Hangman prods, and jabs, and insults Rooster, but it never works. The more Hangman pokes, the more Rooster closes up, frustrated. He gets angry, pissed and becomes much LESS inclined to listen to anything Hangman is saying.

Rooster doesn't work well under pressure. And that's the only way Hangman operates.

Throughout the movie, Rooster doesn't listen to Hangman once. He might've been right about Rooster being too slow, but it only fell on deaf ears (not to say that he was right to bring up Goose's death, he was defo wrong about that one). All it causes is strife, to the point where Rooster almost punches Hangman because of how infuriating he was to him.

The entire movie, Hangman provoked Rooster to get him to stop being the way he is, because he sees it as a flaw of character. And it doesn't work.

Rooster only drops his need for playing it safe when Maverick tells him to 'Not think, just do'. Because Mav only gave him a push in the right direction, not throw in his face all of his flaws.

(Side note: This is also the reason Rooster doesn't listen to Mav in their argument, because he thinks Maverick was insulting his way of being by saying he wasn't ready. On the mission, by selecting Rooster as his wingman, he recognizes that he is ready, and that he trusts him with his life. Making him more inclined to listen to Mav once in the canyon.)

A relationship where one person is constantly frustrated by the other and the other is constantly exasperated by the former doesn't work.

Because that's how they are, and that's how they function, and it isn't going to change.

Rooster isn't going to stop frustrating Hangman because that's how he works, and Hangman isn't going to stop making Rooster exasperated because he doesn't know how else to voice his feelings.

I can see where the ship comes from, because obviously. Their homoerotic tension could be seen from space. I totally believe that they might have had a fling in the past that ended badly, and that they possibly could have hooked up at some point in the movie in the 'Hate Sex' vein of things. I just don't think it'd be anything beyond that.

They wouldn't work in the long haul, is what I'm trying to say.

They're too similar, and too different at the same time.

They're both hothead stubborn motherfuckers that couldn't come to an agreement if they tried.

And you might show me the scene where Hangman is happy about Dagger 2 hitting the target, and him being absolutely devastated when the same hornet is shot down. I recognize it, it demonstrates care. Hangman cares.

Thing is, that doesn't change anything that I said prior to that.

It's possible to resent, despise, be bitter towards and irritated by someone and still care about them. It's possible to hate them and still care. Hate them, and feel like you don't hate them all the time. Human emotion is a funny thing like that, nothing is ever black and white, always varying shades of gray.

Just because they hate each other (and yes, that is the reading I have on them, doesn't stop them from being horny fuckers about each other tho) doesn't mean they want the other dead.

I believe it's similar to the sentiment of "I hope you get everything you ever wished for, and that I never hear a word about it". Similar, but not the same, in a way I do not know how to describe. Thus, I used that to give the same vibe.

I can't see any future for them, in any shape or form. They hold too many grudges against each other, and both of them have a tendency of holding on to old (bad) feelings far too strongly. Even if they work through whatever problems they have now, new ones would emerge and they would go through the same process again and again and again.

That isn't healthy nor stable. It's not what either of them should strive for in a relationship. With that, I'd probably say that both of them need stable people that hold logic to high regard, and that are easy going (I say that in general terms, with no one specific in mind for either of them).

All that being said, this is my opinion. This is how I view them, and understand their relationship. They don't work for me because I see no logical way they could.

If they work for you, that's great! Enjoy the air gays 2.0 to your hearts contentment, I'm happy for you.

This was just a fun analysis of my vision, with no intention to diminish anyone who might enjoy them.

[natashatrace]

hangster not!fic. dom/sub vibes. non-explicit references to breathplay.

//

“Bradshaw. as I live and breathe.”

To anyone else, it sounds like a silly little jab between rivals. But Bradley hears it for what it really is.

Because maybe when Jake and Bradley were together before, fucking and fighting and learning about each other and falling for each other, they had a code word or phrase that they’d use as a signal for ‘Hey, can we?’ And the other one would have a response that sounded innocuous enough, but was either a yes or no.

So that’s part of their past and Bradley’s intent on leaving it there. Then TGM happens, the argument with Jake bringing up Bradley’s dad, all of that. And maybe that night Jake’s been thinking about their past together and he goes to Bradley and just. Says that specific phrase unprompted.

Bradley just kind of looks at him and doesn’t say the phrase back but instead - “You really asking me what I think you’re asking me right now? You know that isn’t us anymore.”

And Jake’s just, “What if it could be?”

Bradley shakes his head. Looks down at his beer bottle. Jake keeps pressing, tells him, “I think I’ve earned a whack or two, Bradshaw.”

“I don’t hit you, Jake.”

“No. But you’re pretty good at dickin’ me down rough enough that I forget to breathe.”

Bradley knows that Jake’s goading him into it. Also knows that it’s working. When Jake steps into his space, he reaches out and curls a hand over Jake’s throat. Squeezes. Just a little.

Jake’s eyes darken. “C’mon. Take me to bed, Bradshaw.”

So Bradley does.

//

Afterwards, when Bradley’s holding him and Jake still hasn’t taken a deep breath, not one that settles him and clears the haze in his eyes, Bradley has to gently tip his chin up with his thumb and finger so he can look into Jake’s eyes.

But Jake won’t meet his gaze. Breathes out a quiet, constant “m’sorry.”

And Bradley knows. He knows. But he also knows Jake, even after all this time, and getting lost in his own head like this isn’t good for either of them. This could make him spiral, and he’s not letting that happen. Doesn’t want Jake to drop - refuses to let him fall somewhere he can’t catch him.

“Jake. Sweetheart. Look at me.”

(Jake hasn’t been called sweetheart in years. Not since Bradley. No one since Bradley. Not really.)

He meets Bradley’s eyes. Bradley inhales, lets it out slowly so the air from his lips ghosts across Jake’s face. Breathes in again. Exhales. Jake finally hiccups a little and then breathes in with him. Deeply enough that it reaches the base of his lungs. Deeply enough that it fills the empty spaces in his chest that have been cold ever since Bradley left.

“That’s it, Jake. Perfect. Just like that. Keep breathin’ with me.”

And Jake does. Nods and keeps breathing, following Bradley’s lead.

(Which one of y’all has what it takes to follow me?

Jake knows full well he’s the one that would follow Bradley anywhere.)

//

When Jake’s come back to himself, clearheaded and sated, Bradley clears his throat and says, “…. Your eyes rolled back for a second, y’know.”

“Yeah,” Jake nods, voice rough. “I know.”

“…. Scared the shit outta me, Jake.”

Jake just shrugs. Swallows against the ache in his throat. “I knew I was in good hands. And it’s what I wanted.”

“I know.”

Jake glances over to Bradley, then, knocking their hands together. “…. Hey. I trust you. Wasn’t worried at all.”

“Yeah,” Bradley whispers, his gaze soft. “That’s what’s so fuckin’ terrifying.”

[weewoobrainrot]

it's been MONTHS and i'm still not over how devastated hangman looked when rooster was shot down

[marblearkz]

Two men, locked in an embrace in the soft glow of the porch light.

Roosters hand placed firmly in Hangmans as they swayed to the music. "You're just too good to be true" His voice was soft and smoother than any whiskey Hangman had ever tasted. "Can't take my eyes off of you~" He mused, smiling down at his husband as he watched the blush creep into his cheeks. "God Bradshaw you sure are a corny mother fucker huh?" Admiration dripping from his lips as he spoke.

He whispered, like they were the only people in the whole world "I try, Bradshaw."

[softspiderling]

so I just took my exam and am now a bit free-er, I still have to turn in two research papers, but that's not until the end of sept, beginning of oct.

I MAINLY want to focus on my writing rn, and DEFO want to finish and post:

hooked by hour one (drabble turned fic, you're dating but in secret with hangman)

stuck in your brain from this ^ one but from your POV and yes, they will be a whole ass universe

five kisses with hangman which HAS to be up this wednesday bc I can't let my girl @novagreen04 down

baby all I wanna do is coast (the rooster beach fic, which has been sitting on the backburner for the past few days)

in the next weeks.

I still have like 4-5 wips drop me an ask/reply if you wanna know more about them, but I mostly want to finish the mentioned ones first, I am v excited for you guys to read these!!!

also my birthday is in a month and 2k followers seem VERY realistic at this point, so please share and reblog this!!!

ALSO also, I'm watching tgm tomorrow for the 4th time so I might be even more inspired LMAO

💓💓💓

lisi

[officialheroesofolympus]

Rooster and Hangman, every five minutes: *on the verge of either punching the daylights out of each other or locking lips furiously*

Me:

[tongue-like-a-razor]

Request for Rooster please :) basically fluff, not sure if you have something like this already but something along the line of y/n being a pilot as well, Rooster falling for them and trying to potentially impress them? Trying to confess before his chance is loss because he sees hangman around y/n time to time but Rooster doesn’t find out (immediately) that hangman and y/n are siblings so Rooster is torn between confessing or not (he does end up confessing)

Ahh thank you for the super cute request! I have a thing for writing sisters, you know ;)

Worst Day Ever

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Seresin Sister!Reader

CW: Just a lil drabble, nothing fancy. A little cheesy. A bit fluffy. A lot goofy. The star of this show is Nat XD

WC: ~1100

“This is the worst day ever.”

Natasha looks over at Bradley as he moodily packs up his things at the end of the briefing. She grins in amusement. “You sound like a toddler.”

Bradley exhales gloomily and directs his gaze toward the front of the room where you stand, chatting with Bagman. “What does she see in that dirtbag?” he makes a face of disgust.

“I guess she sees his abs.” Natasha shrugs.

Bradley gives her a flat look. “Not you too.”

“What?” she exclaims with a laugh. “I’m not denying that he’s got a shit personality.” She glances over at you and Jake. “But he’s easy on the eyes, what can I say?”

“Maybe I should challenge him to a push up contest,” Bradley muses.

“Dude, we’re in the military.” Natasha shakes her head. “Push ups are not going to impress her.”

“But his abs did the trick?”

Natasha purses her lips. “Have you seen him flex?”

“Maybe you should bag him,” Bradley proposes sourly. Then, he adds, “Actually, that’s not a half bad idea!”

“No,” Natasha responds curtly and starts for the door.

“C’mon, Trace. I will owe you.” Bradley trails after her. “I will pay you.”

Natasha stops just short of the door. “To do what?”

“We’ll invite them to the Hard Deck. You distract Bagman –”

“No,” Natasha repeats, exiting the room.

“I thought you had my back!” Bradley calls after her as the rest of the aviators assigned to the mission start filing out into the hallway.

“Someone leave you hangin’, Rooster?” Jake asks playfully as he walks by.

Bradley flashes an annoyed look in his direction and sees that you’re walking alongside him. He locks eyes with you briefly – for the first time ever – and then glances back at Jake irritably. “Don’t worry, Bagman. That’s still your undisputed domain.”

Jake scoffs while you drop your head to hide a smile.

“Hey Bagman!” Natasha calls from down the hall.

Bradley looks up to see her doubling back.

“You guys want to join us at the Hard Deck tonight?” she asks casually.

Jake raises his eyebrows in surprise, so shocked at the invitation that he doesn’t respond right away.

That’s when you say, “Sure! We’ll be there!”

…

“Drink as much as you want, Phoenix,” Bradley says giddily. “It’s on me.”

“You bet your ass it is,” Natasha says, taking a swig of beer. “I’m going to need it.”

Bradley doesn’t have a chance to laugh because that’s when you and Jake enter the bar.

The two of you make your way over to Bradley and Natasha’s table. Jake is scowling but your smile is bright enough for the both of you.

“Hey!” Bradley says, rising from his seat to greet you.

Jake gives him a dirty look and Bradley squares his shoulders to appear a little taller. Jake might have gotten to you first but that doesn't mean that Bradley can't, at least, try.

“How’s it going?” you say as you take a seat and Bradley could swear they’re the three sweetest words he’s ever heard in his life.

“Great,” he responds, beaming at you like an idiot.

“So good,” Natasha responds absently, downing the remainder of her beer. “I need a refill.”

Jake, who is just about to sit down, rises again with an irritable sigh. “What’re you drinking?” he asks.

Natasha grimaces at him. “I can get my own beer,” she responds, also getting up.

Jake gives her a phony grin. “I guess you’re used to it,” he bites back.

You elbow Jake aggressively in his leg and he nearly loses his balance. “Be nice,” you warn him.

Bradley watches Natasha and Jake head to the bar together, surprised that you’re familiar enough with Jake to physically assault him considering the briefing this morning was only the third time you’ve met. Bradley wonders if maybe you know Jake from before; that would explain your allegiance.

“I’m glad you guys came,” Bradley says to you, not really sure how else to start a conversation with a girl who’s more or less spoken for.

You smile at him. “Yeah, thanks for the invite!”

“Of course,” Bradley responds. He decides not to mention that the entire night was orchestrated just so he could spend time with you.

“Jake’s pretty excited.”

Bradley lifts his eyebrows dubiously and looks over at Jake who’s at the bar with Natasha. “He’s got a weird way of showing it.”

You laugh. “Oh, he’s far too ‘badass’ to show it.”

Bradley snorts and looks back at you with a grin. “I like you,” he says before he can stop himself.

You chuckle slightly and lower you gaze without responding.

“I mean it,” he says.

You shift slightly in your seat and change the subject. “Your low altitude pass yesterday was pretty awesome,” you say.

Bradley grins and straightens his posture proudly. “You saw that?”

“It was hard to miss.” You cringe slightly. “Cyclone was so mad, I'm surprised you didn't hear him yelling from the cockpit.”

Bradley winces. “Yeah, I may have gotten into some trouble. But hey, if it means you noticed me, it was worth it.” He lets out a chuckle.

You smile, your eyes resting on his. "I noticed you," you admit.

Bradley keeps his gaze on you, releasing a guilty sigh. What's he doing flirting with you when Jake has clearly already shown interest? He hangs his head sullenly and says, "Look, I don’t know what you and Bagman have going on –”

“Umm,” you interject, holding up a hand. Bradley looks up at you, already nauseated because he’s fairly certain you’re about to tell him off. Instead, you proceed to say, “You know he’s my brother, right?”

Bradley blinks at you in awe. After several lengthy seconds, he says, “Shut the fuck up.”

You start laughing. “What did you think?”

Bradley drops his face in his hands, embarrassed and relieved in equal measure. “That’s why you like him.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” you mutter sarcastically.

Bradley nearly chokes. “You’re hilarious,” he says.

You lean into the table toward him. “And you’re cute.”

Bradley stares at you in amazement and then grins sheepishly. “I’m so glad you think so.”

“Alright kids,” Bradley hears Jake’s voice and realizes that he and Natasha have approached the table. “We’re gonna call it a night.”

“What? Already?” Bradley exclaims, looking up at them. He instantly observes that Jake is holding Natasha’s hand. “Oh,” Bradley adds, meeting Natasha’s gaze with an amused grin. “Well, this is turning out to be an alright day.”

Natasha shoots him a threatening look but says not a word.

“Bradshaw,” Jake says, narrowing his eyes as he glances between you and Bradley pointedly. “Keep your hands to yourself.”

Bradley solutes him with a nod and a smirk and then says, “You have yourself a good night, Seresin.”

Rooster Tag List:

The rest of the list will be in the comments.

@rosiahills22

@olliepig

@xoxabs88xox

@callsignvenus

@atarmychick007

@shanimallina87

@wkndwlff

@ijustwantedplums

@Elenavampire21

@SometimesAnAlice

@risingtripletaurus

@desert-fern

@sarcasm-n-insomnia

@graciereads

@pono-pura-vida

@ltfirecracker

@rascallyrascals

@kitty-moonflower-blog

@Melody-death

@bellaireland1981

@justlurkingplsignore

@rhettsluvr

@mandyppp

@eloquentdreamer

@topherwrites

@jessicab1991

@seitmai

@novastories

@stoneyggirl2

@roosterandme

@julielightwood

@primroseluna

@diorrfairy

@fandom-princess-forevermore

@dontletthemtakeyoualive

@schreksdoubledeckerhomechecker

@memoriesat30

@igotmajordaddyissues

@widemiffyhappy

@queerqueenlynn

@hizzielover

@ttokkisbee

@justmymindandstuff

@jrdyn

@callsign-mayhem

@og-baby-ob14

@chewymoustachio

@itsizzythebell

@marvelshoney

@sarcastic-sourwolf

[bussyslayer333]

Fell in Luv

summary: Bradley letting you pick the Halloween costumes this year ends up being the best decision he’s ever made.

pairing: bradley bradshaw x girlfriend!reader

word count: 2.1k

warnings: allusions to smut, mentions of alcohol, and bradley being a horndog but same tbh

this is my lil contribution to halloween fics so pls enjoy lollll

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Bradley Bradshaw was many things; a naval aviator, a boyfriend, a son, a romantic (if he could say so himself) but mostly he was a comic. Bradley took pride in making people laugh. You knew that whenever you stepped into a room he’d be in the centre of it, causing some type of chaos to keep everyone entertained. It was one of the things you loved most about him. It was also why you couldn’t help but burst out laughing at his suggestion this morning.

“We are not wearing a couples costume to the Hard Deck tonight,”

“Baby, pleeeeeeeeeeeeease.” He whined in a way that reminded you so dearly of a child on the verge of a tantrum. You raised your eyebrows at his tone and he checked himself. Clearing his throat he started again.

“Jake and his girlfriend are dressing up! So are Bob and his girlfriend! I seriously think Penny and Mav have something sorted! Not to mention all the couples we don’t know who will be matching…”

Bradley’s puppy dog eyes stared up at you from where he was sat behind the island in your kitchen.

“God don’t look at me like that you make me feel bad.” You spoke as you walked around the kitchen to sit next to him. He squeezed your ass as you walked by and you gave him and a pointed look. “You’re not helping yourself here.”

He pouted and spoke again, “what if I let you choose the costume?” You perked up at his suggestion and he carried on, “sweetheart I’m giving you a great deal here.” You thought on his offer. Bradley had to be at work all day today whilst you had the day off, it would give you the chance to figure out what to wear and not leave it to Bradley’s often misguided hands.

You loved Bradley with all of your heart, but your apprehension to a couples costume came with reason. Last Halloween you had allowed him to pick the costumes without backlash and had ended up having to walk around the Hard Deck as dressed Mario and Luigi. You were so utterly confused as you why you had to be Luigi. Had they ran out of Princess Peach costumes? You had questioned Bradley as soon as he showed you the matching overalls and his answer was infuriatingly simple.

“Ohhhhhhhhh i forgot about her!” He laughed. Doubled over once he saw you sporting a matching moustache to his. If you were going to dress up you were going to commit to the costume.

Done with your cringeworthy reminiscing you hummed and finally smiled, “Ugh, fine.”

Bradley pressed a sloppy kiss to your cheek and hopped down from the stool he was sat on.

“Thanks, baby!”

He rushed to leave in fear that if he stayed longer you would change your mind. He shouted from the door as you started to clear breakfast from the table.

“I’ll see you tonight darling!” He was laying it on thick.

You giggled, “Bye babe!” and waited for the sound of the door to close before you retreated up to your shared bedroom to start thinking about your costumes.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Flicking through your draw of random accessories that you had accumulated over the years something caught your eye. Digging behind a hideous plastic tiara you picked up a pair of bunny ears.

They had been a part of a costume you wore with two of your other friends a few years earlier. You had all dressed as the plastics from mean girls in their Halloween ‘outfits’, you being Regina, had worn the bunny ears to complete the full look. It had been a look that got you far too much attention than you were used to. But if Rooster wanted a couples costume, then a couples costume he would get.

Placing the bunny ears on the bed you pulled out the second drawer down where you kept your socks and underwear. You pushed your hand right to the back and felt around for the tell tale material of your fishnets. You had bought them once on a whim of trying to be more alternative in your fashion. However, whenever you put them on they never made it out of the house with you. Bradley was a simple man and seeing his girlfriend in fishnets was something he felt was only for his eyes.

You huffed in triumph as you snagged your nail around the material and managed to pull the fishnets out from the drawer (making a mental note to clean the drawer out later because geez) and placed them down next to the ears.

Rummaging through you wardrobe now, you hummed as you flicked through random articles of clothing until you hit the jackpot. The black corset bodysuit you had bought on a whim to surprise Bradley for his birthday earlier on in the year. You giggled to yourself as your costume was coming together before your eyes and Bradley was going to lose his mind.

Reaching for your phone on the dresser, you went to ring Jake’s girlfriend asking for a favour. She picks up after the first few rings.

“Hi gorgeous, are you okay?” She chats down the phone.

“Perfect actually, I was just wondering if I could borrow Jake’s silk robe for Bradley tonight?” You giggled down the phone.

You were only aware of Jake’s bourgeois fashion choices because of an emergency pick up he had to make for his girlfriend after she had downed one too many tequila shots at your birthday party. He had been teased mercilessly for the robe by Bradley for months still so you felt it only appropriate that he shared the experience.

Jake’s girlfriend snorted at your question, “Of course! But please don’t return it with any bodily fluid stains, I will never hear the end of it from Jake.”

You assured her, “I promise no harm will come to his robe, scouts honour.”

You could hear her smile through the phone as she began to question you, “What are you going as anyway?”

“I only agreed to costumes this year on the condition that I got to pick it. Lord knows there could not be a repeat of last year.”

She cackles as you carry on. “So I’ve decided on a playboy bunny and Hugh Hefner.”

“And you think Rooster is gonna let you walk around the Hard Deck all night in fishnets and bunny ears, you’re funny!”

“That’s the whole point my dear,” you smirk down the phone.

“God you’re evil. I love it.”

You chat some more and agree that she’ll come and drop the robe off, then pick you up so you can get ready together.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Hearing a knock at the door, you go to greet Jake’s girlfriend who has the robe in tow. You smile at her and take the robe off of her, leading her upstairs.

You place the robe down on your bed, where you have also placed Bradley’s hat that he has to wear with his dress whites, and a pair of black smart trousers. Jake’s girlfriend giggles as she reads the note you’ve left Bradley along side his outfit.

Bradley,

Wear this to the Hard Deck tonight, I’ll meet your there

Love, your bunny x

ps, recognise the robe? ;)

“He is gonna lose his mind when he sees you!”

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Finishing the final touches to your makeup, you look across the room to where Jake’s girlfriend has added a bunny tail to your bodysuit.

“I knew I kept you around for a reason.” She laughs at your statement and stands up to dress herself.

Her and Jake were going as her choice of costume as well. Her hair was pulled up into a classic ponytail and she was somehow managing to balance herself in bright pink stilettos. Barbie and Ken. You smiled knowing Bradley would get a kick out of seeing Jake even more perfectly styled that usual.

You pull the fishnets up your legs, careful not to catch a manicured nail into the fine material and secure them with a quick jump. Next you pull on the corset, and stand to look in the mirror at how it accentuates your waist and breasts perfectly.

Jake’s girlfriend walks back into the room and whistles loudly.

“Damn, if you weren’t Bradshaw’s I’d be taking you home tonight babe.” You snort at her cheesy line and sit back down to pull on your equally as uncomfortable black heels.

As the finishing touch, you place the bunny ears onto you styled hair and check yourself out once again in the mirror. You looked hot.

You and Jake’s girlfriend make your way downstairs to where Jake had been sat waiting for you two to finish up. It hadn’t taken him long to create his signature Ken look, he sported an unbuttoned button up, blue chino shorts and loafers. It was all very frat boy of him.

Jake looked up from his phone and chuckled, “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? Is Bradshaw still treating you right?”

You look to your right expecting to see your friend annoyed but instead she exclaims, “that’s exactly what I was saying baby!” And runs over to kiss him. God they were meant for each other.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Walking towards the entrance to the Hard Deck which had been appropriately decorated with pumpkins and other Halloween decor, you couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety in your stomach. What if Bradley didn’t like your outfit? What if he was embarrassed to be seen with you in so little clothing?

Noticing your apprehension, Jake’s girlfriend grasps your hand and squeezes it reassuringly. Giving you a surge in confidence you push the door open. Jake greets Coyote dressed [read barely covered] as Tarzan and heads over to the bar top where Mav and Penny are dressed as Bonnie and Clyde serving people their drinks.

Scanning the room you spot your boyfriend draped in Jake’s robe with his back facing you, speaking to who you can assume is Phoenix who has some extremely detailed skeletal face paint going on. You smile at her as you make eye contact and her jaw drops. You see her say something to Bradley and he whips around to face you.

You make the final steps in their direction and greet your boyfriend somewhat shyly under his heated gaze.

“Hi.”

Bradley flicks the top of his hat up and places both his strong hands on your waist. He stares hungrily down at you feeling his dress pants tighten slightly. You feel your confidence rise as he drinks you in and go to speak again,

“Cat got your- mmph!”

Bradley interrupts your teasing by smashing his lips into yours. Phoenix chuckles, bringing you back down to earth. You pull away from Bradley breathlessly and smile sheepishly at her. She pipes up,

“I’m gonna need a drink after watching that borderline soft core pornography!” And with that she saunters off.

You bring your gaze back to Bradley with flushed cheeks both from the embarrassment of Phoenix’s comment and the intensity of the kiss.

“Bunny, you have no idea what you are doing to me.” Bradley whispers against you ear, his breath hot.

You turn on your heels slightly and wiggle your ass in Bradley’s direction, showing off the fluffy tail. Bradley groans, swearing under his breath and grabs you by the wrist.

“We are getting out of here.”

You pout as he pulls you from the crowds and stumble slightly on your heels. Bradley slows as he reaches the door to steady you and you speak.

“But we just got here!”

Bradley shrugs and squeezes your thigh, revelling in the feel of the fishnets on your smooth skin.

“Should have let me pick the costume then.” He speaks smugly.

You turn to make eye contact with Jake’s girlfriend as you’re pulled out the door and she winks before turning back to Jake. Once you’re out of sight of the Hard Deck Bradley picks you up over his shoulder fireman style and slaps where the tail meets the top of your behind. You laugh and wiggle in his grip as you see his phone light up with a notification in his pocket.

You pull it out to see a message from Jake.

bagman 🙄

for the love of god watch the robe

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

a/n: i had so much fun writing this request you had no idea lolll

brad brad loml let me dress up for you 😫

pls reblog and comment and tell me what u think !!!

thank u for the request and pls keep sending them in!!!

ty for reading :)

- honey <3

[callsign-dexter]

Requests are temporarily closed!

This Masterlist does have 18+ fics in it so please heed the warnings.

All fics are separated but I do:

Top Gun

Top Gun Maverick

One Chicago (Chicago Med, PD, and Fire)

Criminal Minds

9-1-1

9-1-1 Lone Star

The Rookie

I will do:

Sister!Reader

Daughter!Reader

x Reader

A/N: All fics not underlined means that they are planned and a wip this just helps me to keep track of what fics I need to do.

A/N 2: All fics are fem!reader unless stated otherwise or requested otherwise.

Series

(Discontinued) I'm Already There (Bradshaw!Sister)

My Daughter, My Heart (Jake Seresin x Daughter!Reader, OC!Elizabeth Taylor x Daughter!Reader)

Whisper in the Wind (Natasha Trace x OC!Benjamin Bradshaw, Natasha Trace x Daughter!Reader, OC!Benjamin Bradshaw x Daughter!Reader, Bradley Bradshaw x OC!Wife!Leah Winters)

Universes

A Forever Home (Grace Ryder x Daughter!Reader and Judd Ryder x Daughter!Reader, Grace Ryder x Judd Ryder)

Baby Bradford: A Little Fighter (Tim Bradford x Daughter!Reader, Lucy Chen x Tim Bradford)

Blizzard (IceMav x Daughter!Reader, Maverick x Iceman)

Littlest Halstead (Jay Halstead x Daughter!Reader)

Little Nash (Bobby Nash x Daughter!Reader)

Lil' Severide (Kelly Severide x Daughter!Reader)

Mini TK (TK Strand x Daughter!Reader, Carlos Reyes x Daughter!Reader, TK Strand x Carlos Reyes)

Our Little Girl (Jake Seresin x Daughter!Reader, Bradley Bradshaw x Daughter!Reader, Jake Seresin x Bradley Bradshaw)

The Firehouse Miracle (Eddie Diaz x Daughter!Reader, Evan Buckley x Daughter!Reader, Eddie Diaz x Evan Buckley)

x Daughter!Reader

Top Gun

Maverick

Safe and Sound (Maverick x Daughter!Reader, Bradley Bradshaw x Mitchell!Reader)

Always Daddy’s Girl (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

Light of His Life (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

Maverick is a dad!? (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

Crossing Paths (Maverick x Daughter!Reader, Penny Benjamin x Adopted!Daughter!Reader)

Always With You (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

Maverick's Little Co-Pilot (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

A Father's Fury (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

Night Ride Rescue (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

Echoes of Talent (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

The Lost Keepsake (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

A Father's Comfort (Maverick x Daughter!Reader)

Love, Laughter, and Little Pranks (Maverick x Daughter!Reader, Penny Benjamin x Daughter!Reader, Maverick x Wife!Penny Benjamin)

Just Like Daddy (Maverick x Daguther!Reader, Penny Benjamin x Daughter!Reader, Maverick x Penny Benjamin)

Never Again (Maverick x Daughter!Reader, OC!Nichole Bradshaw x Daughter!Reader, Maverick x OC!Wife!Nichole Bradshaw

From Fear to Family (Maverick x Adopted!Daughter

Jake Seresin

Nightmares (Jake Seresin x Daughter!Reader)

One Chicago

Kelly Severide

Daddy to the Rescue (Kelly Severide x Daughter!Reader)

A Home in His Heart (Kelly Severide x Foster-Adopted!Daughter!Reader)

911

Bobby Nash

Unspoken Reunion (Bobby Nash x Doctor!Daughter!Reader)

911 Lone Star

TK Strand

"911 what is your emergency?" (TK Strand x Daughter!Reader)

The Rookie

Tim Bradford

I'm Fine (Tim Bradford x Daughter!Reader)

Surprise at the Station (Tim Bradford x Shy!Adopted!Daughter!Reader)

x Sister!Reader

Top Gun

Bradley Bradshaw

Brotherly Love (Bradley Bradshaw x Sister!Reader)

The Sibling Connection (Bradley Bradshaw x Sister!Reader)

Jake Seresin

Together Against the World (Jake Seresin x Sister!Reader)

Heart to Break (Jake Seresin x Sister!Reader)

One Chicago

Connor Rhodes

Blood Ties, Broken Bonds (Connor Rhodes x Sister!Reader)

Fics

Top Gun

Bradley Bradshaw

Be Mine Forever (18+ MDNI) (Bradley Bradshaw x Floyd!Pilot!Reader)

I Apologize (Bradley Bradshaw x Benjamin!Air Force Pilot!Reader)

A Flight of Insecurities (Bradley Bradshaw x Reader)

Meet and Greet (18+ MDNI) (Bradley Bradshaw x Reader)

Behind Closed Doors (18+ MDNI) (Bradley Bradshaw x Simpson!Reader)

Out in the Open (Bradley Bradshaw x Simpson!Reader)

Hearts on the Edge (Bradley Bradshaw x Wolfe!Reader)

My Brother's Wingman (18+ MDNI) (Bradley Bradshaw x Seresin!Navy SEAL!Reader, Jake Seresin x Navy SEAL!Twin Sister!Reader)

Love's Second Chance (18+ MDNI) (Bradley Bradshaw x Adopted!Mitchell!Reader)

From Fear to Forever (Bradley Bradshaw x Pilot!Seresin!Reader)

Intoxicated Confessions (Bradley Bradshaw x Pilot!Kerner!Reader)

Knight in a Hawaiian Shirt (Bradley Bradshaw x Reader)

Shadow of Protection (Bradley Bradshaw x Reader)

Jake Seresin

Surprise! (Jake Seresin x Best Friend!Reader)

Hangster

Doppelgänger (Hangster and Bradley Bradshaw x Daughter!Reader)

Dagger Squad

Fight for Freedom (Dagger Squad x Reader)

Learning to Love Again (Dagger Squad x Reader, Bradley Bradshaw x Reader)

Tangled Hearts (18+ MDNI) (Dagger Squad x Reader, Bradley Bradshaw x Reader)

Maverick

A Guarded Heart (Maverick x Reader)

One Chicago

Connor Rhodes

Heartbeat Promise (Connor Rhodes x Nurse!Halstead!Reader)

Unexpected Reunion (18+ MDNI) (Conor Rhodes x Assistant!Reader)

Emergency Love (Connor Rhodes x Paramedic!Severide!Reader)

Blazing Hearts (Connor Rhodes x Paramedic!Severide!Reader)

From Exes to Lovers (Connor Rhodes x Nurse!Reader)

Lovers Forever (18+ MDNI) (Connor Rhodes x Fiancée!Nurse!Reader)

Surgical Serenad (Connor Rhodes x Surgical Resident!Reader)

Will Halstead

Unspoken Desires (Will Halstead x Doctor!Reader)

Daniel Charles

A Hug to Remember (Platonic!Daniel Charles & Platonic!Oakley Finn)

Jay Halstead

Dispatched Love (Jay Halstead x Reader)

Antonio Dawson

Heartstrings Tangled (Antonio Dawson x Reader)

From Tough to Tender (18+ MDNI) (Antonio Dawson x Reader)

Undercover Temptation (18+ MDNI) (Antonio Dawson x Reader)

From Colleagues to Lovers (18+ MDNI) (Antonio Dawson x Intelligence!Reader)

Gossip and Glances (Antonio Dawson x Intelligence!Reader)

Flirting with Risk (18+ MDNI) (Antonio Dawson x Intelligence!Reader)

Love in Sickness (Antonio Dawson x Sick!Reader)

Undercover Desires (18+ MDNI) (Antonio Dawson x Cop!Reader)

Shattered Lives, Mended Hearts (Antonio Dawson x Paramedic!Reader)

Drunken Confessions (Antonio Dawson x Halstead!Reader)

Fighting Fate (Antonio Dawson x Intelligence!Reader)

Love Conquers All (Antonio Dawson x Halstead!Twin Sister!Reader)

Lost in Lust (18+ MDNI) (Antonio Dawson x Intelligence!Reader

Frostbitten Love (Antonio Dawson x Firefighter!Reader)

Undercover Seduction (18+ MDNI) (Antonio Dawson x Intelligence!Reader)

In the Line of Fire (Antonio Dawson x Reader)

Hank Voight

Snapshot of Justice (Hank Voight x Intelligence!Reader)

Blake Gallo

Two Hearts, One Firehouse (Blake Gallo x Severide!Reader)

Kelly Severide

Taming the Flame (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Paramedic!Reader)

Sizzling Heat (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Paramedic!Reader)

Heatwave of Emotions (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Paramedic!Reader)

Broken Promises, Rekindled Flame (Kelly Severide x Paramedic!Rhodes!Reader)

Ignited Desires (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Firefighter!Reader)

Flames of Courage (Kelly Severide x Firefighter!Reader)

Passionate Nights (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Reader)

Saving Grace (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Fiancée!Paramedic!Reader)

Fireside Romance (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Paramedic!Reader)

Snowy Embrace (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Reader)

Beneath the Bubbles (18+ MDNI) (Kelly Severide x Reader)

Christopher Herrmann

Surgical Sparks (Christopher Herrmann x Surgeon!Wife!Reader)

The Rookie

Tim Bradford

Love's Wake-Up Call (Tim Bradford x Police Officer!Reader)

Love in the Moonlight (18+ MDNI) (Tim Bradford x Police Officer!Reader)

Late Night Confessions (18+ MDNI) (Tim Bradford x Evers!Lawyer!Reader)

Unraveling Desires (Tim Bradford x Police K-9 Officer!Wife!Reader)

Forever Yours (18+ MDNI) (Tim Bradford x Reader)

Bulletproof Love (Tim Bradford x Reader)

911

Bobby Nash

Surprises and Smiles (Bobby Nash x Wife!Reader)

911 Lone Star

Owen Strand

Love and Homemade Treats (Owen Strand x Wife!Reader)

Crossovers

Fight to Survive (9-1-1 x Criminal Minds) (Evan Buckley x Nash!FBI!Reader)

Burning Jealousy (One Chicago x The Rookie) (Kelly Severide x Paramedic!Reader)

Love in the Danger Zone (One Chicago x Top Gun Maverick) (Bradley Bradshaw x Halstead!Pilot!Reader and Kelly Severide x Halstead!Pilot!Reader)

[sugarcoated-lame]

wip last line tag game!

rules: share the last line you wrote for your wip and tag as many people as there are words.

thank you so much for the tag my beloved @sebsxphia mwah ily 😘 !! 💕

from: Sometimes A Bride | sequel to Always A Bridesmaid hehe :)

“Thank god you’re clothed. I wasn’t looking to get scarred for life today.” Natasha breathes a sigh of relief and makes her way fully into the room.

“You’re lucky you didn’t find us five minutes earlier.” Jake chuckles as you lightly smack his chest, that ever-cocky smile on his face that over the past three years, you’ve come to love so very much. You can’t help but snicker along with him when you catch sight of Natasha’s nose wrinkling in disgust.

“Ok, ew. And you’re lucky I found you and not Bradley.”

i know this is more than one line but it needed the context lmao :)

no pressure tags: ♡ @roleycoleyreccenter @sunlightmurdock @roosterbruiser @ohtobeleah ♡

[sparklypinkflightsuit]

Stars Align: Part 6

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Reader

Warnings: Smutty Smut, Angst, Fluff, Pining, Guilt, Angry Bradley returns, Mentions of Abuse, Violence, Alcohol, Swearing, and just a whole lot of feelings in this bad boy.

-- Part 5 Here --

__________________________

18+ Only - Smutty Chapter

__________________________

Past:

The day had rolled around quickly, and you were packing the last of your box's into the back of the trailer. You checked your watch and sighed. Bradley had promised he'd come say goodbye, but he was nowhere to be found and you had to leave.

You paced up and down the driveway as your family did a final check of the house, and you contemplated calling him as your dad closed trailer door.

He sighed and walked over to you, wrapping a comforting arm around your shoulder, ''We have to go, sweetheart, we have a very long drive ahead of us.''

You looked up at your dad with watery eyes, and nodded. If Bradley really wanted to say goodbye he'd be here. You climbed into the car next to your siblings, your dad climbed in and started the engine.

You huffed as you leaned your head against the window, the moment seeming almost surreal. You couldn't believe you were leaving.

You'd gone around to the Bradshaw’s the day before to say goodbye, having a long cup of tea with Carole before you left, but Bradley had insisted he would come round to say goodbye properly.

You bit back tears as your dad started to pull away, your chest tightening at the thought of not just being able to sneak in through Bradley’s window at night, or him waltzing into your house at any given time of day without warning. You knew you’d be hard pressed to find a friendship like this again.

Suddenly, your brother noticed something in the rear view mirror straightened in his seat and craned his neck.

''Stop! It's Brad, look!'' he pointed, and your dad stopped the truck. You looked into your moms side mirror and sure enough, Bradleys own truck was hurtling down your long street, coming to a screeching halt behind the trailer.

You climbed out and walked over as Bradley opened his door.

''I thought you weren't coming.'' you grinned, your arms crossed over your chest as the cool Autumn breeze blew over you.

''I would have come sooner, but they took longer than I thought to make them, and they messed up the inscription the first time.'' Bradley chuckled apologetically as he crossed over to you, holding a long chain up to the light. You held your hand out and touched the dangling object, letting out a gasp as you read it.

''B and B, when the stars align we'll reunite. Bradley, this is beautiful.'' You breathed, and you slammed into his chest, wrapping your arms around him as you fought off the tears that threatened to spill over.

Bradleys voice was hoarse and fragile as he spoke, ''Don't forget me, Lil Bird, I'll always be here.''

''Never, I'll never forget you Rooster.''

________________________________________

Present:

You followed Bradley and Bob outside, feeling very sheepish and guilty as the lingering effect of Bradley could still be felt coursing through your veins, and the guilt only increased tenfold as you heard Alice swearing at Jake.

You stood just behind Bradley as he came to stand in front of her, ''What's going on?''

''What is this I hear about Y/N living with you?'' Alice was bright red and Jake looked like he had just put his foot in his mouth as he skulked back towards the grill.

''I was gonna call you this afternoon to tell you, it was sort of a quick decision-'' Bradley tried to explain, but Alice was already moving over to him with her accusatory finger in the air.

''You mean it took you, what, a day to ask her to move in with you, but me, who you've been dating for 8 months, you won't even give a key to?'' Her voice rose higher and louder, and it looked like any wrong move would result in her exploding.

You couldn’t blame her sudden change in mood, or the fact that this Alice was a stark contrast to the Alice you’d met just moments ago. You were the reason for all of this and you felt horrible.

“Is… is your shirt scrunched up? What were you two doing in there?” She growled, her teeth bared.

Bradley shot a glare over to Jake, smoothed out his shirt, and then looked as calmly as possible over at Alice. ''Can we talk inside, please?'' he said under his breath.

Alice huffed as she stormed into the bungalow, shoving past you, and Bradley followed, closing the door behind him. Everyone tried to ignore the hushed whispers and occasional shouting that came through the thin walls.

You took a deep breath and faked a smile as you walked over to Nat and Reuben, opening a bottle of beer and trying to make conversation, however the growing argument in the house made quick work distracting everyone, until you were all silent and just listening.

''Well maybe you should then! It hasn't been working Al, I was going to call you to talk about things later but this has saved me the effort!'' Bradley yelled, and shortly after, you heard the front door slam and everyone jumped.

It took a while for Bradley to come back outside as he collected himself, and when he did Jake shot him an apologetic look. ''Sorry man, I thought she knew.''

''It's okay, honestly things have been tense for a while.'' Bradley breathed, running a hand through his hair. ''Sorry guys, let's not let this put a damper on anything.''

And sure enough, not long after, everyone was back in high spirits, laughing and talking, eating and drinking as the sun began to dip. Occasionally you and Bradley made eye contact for a prolonged amount of time, but you forced your eyes to someone else and made conversation to distract from the intense feeling you felt in your chest every time is eyes burnt into your skin.

After you'd said goodbye to everyone, you began to tidy up. The bungalow was a mess of beer bottles, chip bags and dirty plates, but you welcomed the distraction as you began to clean.

''Hey, you don't need to do that.'' Bradley gently grabbed your arm as you bent to pick up a bottle. You flinched as he did so and Bradley let go, looking at you with concern.

''What was that?'' He asked, cocking an eyebrow.

''Nothing.'' you mumbled, moving inside with your trash bag.

Bradley followed you and closed the back door, ''No, you flinched. Did I hurt you?''

''No, it wasn't you. I hurt my arm a few years ago, it still gives me hassle sometimes.'' you said, placing some plates in the dishwasher.

''It shouldn't still be hurting you, what did you do to it?'' Bradley asked as he began to help you.

''Broke it.'' you mumbled.

Bradley stood suddenly, staring at you in shock.

''Birdy, you're like the least athletic person I know, and you're not exactly clumsy, how did you break your arm?'' He let out an exasperated chuckle.

You lifted your eyes for a second but struggled to maintain eye contact with Bradley. ''I don't really wanna talk about it, Brad.'' you mumbled under your breath as you closed the dishwasher and moved to the sink to wash your hands.

''Y/N...'' Bradleys voice was stern, serious now, and the use of your name had your back up instantly. You shot him a glare and his face softened.

''Please?''

You sighed, drying your hands.

''I didn't break it, someone else did.'' you said simply, turning to face Bradley, your back against the counter top.

''What do you mean?''

You took a deep breath, ''Can you grab me a beer?''

Bradley nodded and walked to the fridge, fishing out two cold ones and opening them before handing you one.

You took a moment to collect your thoughts, and then you began.

''After college, I met someone. We worked together and things were going really well, so eventually I moved in with him.'' You took a swig of beer and continued.

''Things were good for a long time after I moved in, we were even getting quite serious, but a little while into the relationship he began to change.'' Your eyes flicked to Bradley for a second, unsure if you should go on, but his expression was soft and you continued.

''It was really little things at first, I wouldn't even really call them red flags, just small things like if I didn't hang his clothes in the right order in his wardrobe, he'd get annoyed, or if a book didn't go back in the exact same spot on the shelf, he'd huff about it. Like I said, so miniscule I really didn't think anything of it.''

Bradley was already beginning to see where your story was going, and he drew in a sharp breath as he watched you cautiously, crossing his arms over his chest.

''Anyway, so we'd been living together a while at this point, and he started to really lose it with the little things. This one time, he accused me of flirting with his best friend when I laughed at his terrible joke - mind you, we were at his friends house, and his wife was right there, she was laughing, I didn’t wanna be rude, but the car ride home was not fun.'' You forced a laugh, realising how pathetic you must have sounded, but you hadn't recognised it as abuse at the time.

Bradley was now biting his thumb nail as he listened.

''There were times where he'd take my phone while I was in the shower, and he'd interrogate me about messages I'd sent my family, and why I wasn't mentioning him enough. He asked me who you were and said he didn't like that I was so comfortable with you. This was even after we fell out of touch for the most part. I didn't realise until a little while after, but he'd blocked your number and deleted it from my phone.'' you stopped for another swig of beer.

Bradley was frowning now, suddenly understanding why he was unable to reach you.

''I wanted to reach out to you another way, any other way, but I kept putting it off for the fear he’d find out and explode. It was stuff like that for a long time, but he started to realise the verbal shit didn't affect me anymore, and then that's when things really started getting bad.'' you held up your wrist and offered Bradley a sad smile.

''What did he do to you, Birdy?'' Bradley asked as he dropped his arm to his side, his eyes dark and his jaw set.

''This particular one was from being thrown down the stairs. I called him a narcissist.'' You chuckled.

Bradley rubbed the back of his head, as he paced around the kitchen.

''What else?'' He asked shortly.

''It doesn't matter, he's been out of my life a long time.'' You were tired of talking about Jacob, it drained you even still.

Bradley spun around and gave you an exasperated look, ''Of course it fucking matters, because I'm gonna need to state my reasons in court after I kill him.'' he growled as he crossed over to you a little too quickly, a little too angrily, and you flinched again.

Bradley stopped dead in his tracks and his face immediately softened.

''No, no I'm so sorry, Birdy I would never hurt you.'' he whispered, moving slower now, more carefully. Your chest felt tight and you took a deep breath as you nodded.

''No I know. Talking about him… it’s just… Brad I trust you more than anyone, even after all these years.” You whispered as you closed the small gap between you, placing a hand on his broad chest. You felt his heart thrumming violently against his chest.

You looked up to meet his eyes, they were soft for you but his jaw was still set and clenched with anger. Bradley had a hard time letting go when something pissed him off, and today was just one thing after another.

Your other hand moved up to his face and you stroked his jaw with your thumb, easing him. Bradley let out a deep sigh as his whole body relaxed.

“About earlier…” you started, but Bradley shook his head and cut you off.

“Don’t you dare say you regret any of it, please.” He chuckled.

“I don’t, but I do think we need to talk… we’ve sort of missed a lot of each others lives.”

Bradley nodded, dipping his head to capture your lips in a soft, gentle kiss.

“Yeah, we have all night to ourselves now, we can take it slow.”

_____________________________

Past:

“You’ve reached Bradley Bradshaw, I can’t come to the phone right now, if it’s important leave a message and I’ll get right back to ya.” The line beeped and you sighed.

“Hey Brad, it’s me, again. I guess you're busy right now, I just miss you so gimme a call when you can. Say hi to your mom for me too please.” You hung up and put your phone back in its holder. You lay back down against your bed and sighed.

You'd been in your new town for a little over a month, and you were really struggling without Bradley around.

You made it a nightly routine to call one another before bed, but the last week had been a bit hit and miss. Since you moved Bradley had been spending more of his days with Michelle to pass the time, and as a result had been invited to more parties, gradually becoming one of the popular kids.

He was struggling to find time to call you when you were free and you kept missing one another. The time difference didn't help, when he eventually got home most nights, you'd already been asleep for hours.

There were times when you'd just call Carole to talk for a while, catching up on anything missed. She told you that Bradley was struggling with your absence, but you found that hard to believe now as you lay in bed, having not spoken to Bradley for the last week.

You huffed as the boredom became too much, and almost as if the universe had read your mind, the doorbell rang.

You heard your mom get up from her chair, the familiar sound of her heavy book landing on the coffee table, and she crossed over the hallway to answer the door.

You heard her muffled voice speaking to whoever was at the door, and then you heard her calling your name.

You got up and made your way to the front door, it was blocking the person from view, but your mom smiled at you as you approached.

''Hey sweetheart, you have a visitor.''

Your heart soared, had Bradley come to see you? Was that why he wasn't answering your calls. You grinned and pulled the door open further.

Your smile dropped.

''Hiya, I noticed you moved in a while back, I've been meaning to stop by and introduce myself, I'm Gabby.'' the pretty blond girl smiled as she stuck out her hand, a soccer ball tucked under her other arm.

''Hi, I'm Y/N.'' You forced a smile, but your disappointment was evident.

''Gabby was wondering if you wanted to hang out? You've been cooped up in that room for weeks, why don't you go out and explore the town?'' Your mom suggested, pushing you slightly out the door.

''Oh, I'm waiting for a call from-''

''If he calls I'll give you the message, honey. Go out and have fun.'' she raised her eyebrows at you and gave you an insistent look.

You nodded, and smiled at Gabby again. ''Okay, yeah that sounds fun.''

''Do you like soccer?'' Gabby asked as you both walked down the little street.

''Not really, I'm not into sports much. Prefer reading, or painting.'' you chuckled awkwardly.

''No problem! I'm not very good at arty stuff, but I'm sure we can find something to do. Wanna go to the mall?'' She smiled, bouncing ahead of you and throwing her soccer ball into her own front garden.

You laughed, you liked her already, ''Yeah, okay that sounds fun.''

__________________________

Present:

You'd fallen asleep on Bradley's chest after talking for hours. You delved into the darker side of life after ending things with Jacob.

You told Bradley how you had called the cops on Jacob after he'd pinned you to the ground by your throat one night because you'd argued about something miniscule and you'd actually voiced your opinion for once

What you hadn't realised is that small towns have cliques, and no matter how long you live in a small town for, if you didn't grow up there, you'll never truly be one of them.

It just so happened the chief of police was Jacob's best friend growing up and they'd remained close. The incident had been swept under the rug and after that rumours spread about you to every corner of the town.

You couldn't go grocery shopping without eyes following you, the odd 'whore' or 'liar' being thrown at you as you walked down the streets.

You thought it would eventually calm down, but over the next few years things only escalated and became unbearable when Gabby moved to New York.

When she had told you about the vacancy at her school, you jumped at the opportunity to escape.

''So you've literally only just escaped that hell?'' Bradley had asked. You nodded, craning your head up to look at him from where you lay under his protective arm on the sofa.

''And then I came along and probably just added confusion to all the pain.'' He mumbled.

You chuckled, ''No, actually I think this is exactly what I needed.''

You must have dozed off shortly after, because the next thing you knew you were coming to with Bradley snoring softly above you, his lips pouted perfectly. You admired how beautiful he was for a moment before you carefully got up to use the bathroom.

You gently padded down the hallway and closed the bathroom door, taking a moment to yourself to really think about the absolute whirl wind that was the last 24 hours. You looked at yourself in the mirror and realised how much of a mess you looked, lips swollen from the night of stolen kisses, skin raw from his rough, calloused hands wrapping around your neck. You shivered, and turned the shower on.

Bradley awoke not long after to the sound of the running shower, and an empty arm. He sat up and stretched, checking the time. 4:23am.

He chuckled, only you would shower at this time of night because you felt uncomfortable.

He got up and walked to the bathroom, pressing his ear against the door to make sure you were okay.

The sound he heard surprised him more than it should have.

''Bradley...'' you moaned softly, almost inaudibly.

His eyes widened and he gulped, but pressed his ear closer.

''Yes, oh my god.'' your voice was small, barely a whisper. ''Fuck.''

He wasn't sure what possessed him, but before he could stop himself, he was opening the bathroom door quietly.

You hadn't heard him yet, but Bradley could see your faint silhouette through the shower curtain, your hand pressed against the wall to support you as you touched yourself and moaned his name. Even through the curtain he could tell you looked incredible.

Bradley peeled off his shirt, and then his pants and underwear, and the sound alerted you to his presence. You gasped as you spun around, embarrassed and speechless as Bradley pulled back the curtain and you took in his nude form.

He was a god.

You tried desperately to cover yourself, but Bradley just shook his head, and stepped into the shower, his eye contact unfaltering as he backed you up against the cold tile wall. His right hand came to rest on the wall above you as his left cupped your wet face, his thumb skimming your bottom lip.

You moaned as he kissed you, his hand moving to your waist, squeezing you desperately.

You struggled to believe this was the same lanky boy from your childhood, as you felt his hard member press up against you. You shivered against him and Bradley pressed his toned body up against yours, your skin flush with his as you wrapped an arm around his neck and tangled your fingers in his wet hair.

The embarrassment from being caught gradually vanished and turned into pure need. Your tongues tangled desperately as Bradley grabbed your thigh and pulled your leg up to wrap around his waist, grinding gently against you.

You gasped, and bucked your hips for more. He grabbed your other leg and hoisted you up against the wall. You wrapped around him as your teeth tugged at his bottom lip. Bradley surged in for another kiss, hungrier this time, and a hand slid from your thigh up over the sensitive skin of your stomach, where he pinned you in place.

''I love you.'' he growled as his other hand moved in between your thighs, expert fingers slid through your soaking lips, his thumb finding your sensitive bundle of nerves and he began to draw rough circles.

You threw your head back, your chest heaving. ''I love you.'' You whined, ''More.'' you demanded. Bradley did as he was instructed, his index finger slipping inside of you. His fingers were so big the stretch from one alone was enough to get you to moan, but when his middle finger entered and he began to pump, you cried out and buried your face in his neck.

Your legs tightened around his waist as he mumbled praises in your ear, and before long you were close to coming undone.

''I need you.'' you cried, and Bradley stopped. He slowly withdrew his fingers, sucking them clean and moaning at your taste before he kissed you again, and you felt his tip slide into you.

This feeling was entirely something else. Something bigger and better than anything you'd experienced in life up until this point, and as he pushed into you, he grunted loudly and your body convulsed at the pure pleasure and adrenaline you felt at being truly connected to Bradley there and then. Bradley held you like a small, fragile thing in his arms as you adjusted to his size, and when you nodded that it was okay to move, Bradley started slowly, gently, his jaw slack and muttering 'fuck' over and over as your tight walls enveloped him.

You bucked into him and his rhythm sped up, as his lips attached to your neck and he sucked bright bruises into your skin to muffle his ungodly groans.

His touch was electric, like fire engulfing your entire body, but you needed more, you had never needed anything like you needed him in that moment.

You rocked together against the wall until the hot water began to turn cold, and goosebumps covered your skin, but still you didn't care, nothing could sully this incredible feeling as your bodies pressed impossibly closer, wet noises growing louder, moans and whimpers and curses echoing through the small room.

''I fucking love you, I'll always fucking love you.'' Bradley grunted into your neck, and your eyes rolled. Your body shook as you fell apart in his arms, the coil snapping and sending you into rolling waves of pleasure like nothing you'd ever felt before.

You screamed his name as you tightened around him, and Bradley couldn't hold on any longer. He bit down on your shoulder as his thrusts became sloppy and rough, his hand gripping the flesh of your ass as he pushed impossibly further in, spilling his pearlescent seed inside you with a loud grunt.

Your body went limp in his arms as your energy was all spent, and Bradley held you up against the wall for a long time, peppering soft, sweet kisses along your face and lips.

You chuckled and Bradley grinned that perfect grin.

''I think you're going to have to carry me out of here, Bradshaw.''

________________________________

-- Part 7 Here --

Taglist now open 💛 Please let me know if you'd like to be added!

@dizzybee03

@lucyjenniferx

@xoxabs88xox

@pinkpantheris

@italk2god

@shanimallina87

@knight-of-the-doctor

@legolastheleafyelf

[sunnysidevans]

Nothing Else Matters - J. Seresin

Summary: Together since Top Gun, you and Jake are called back to California and thrown head first into the past, its put into perspective for the two of you that nothing else mattered but the family the two of you built together.

Pairings: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Pilot!Reader + Ex!Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Pilot!Reader. - Callsign: Joker

Warnings: 18+ , swearing, angst centeral, DAD JAKE DAD JAKE, some dad! rooster too, mean phoenix sry, soft jake & protective jakey, rooster is a lil bit of a jerk in a lil bit of this.

The California sun felt the same on your skin as your eyes closed, standing on the beach. The waves crashed as hard and as fast as your thoughts were moving. It had been almost four years since you stood on this beach.

This time it wasn’t just you.

“Momma?” you look down at the four year old beside you, who smiles up at you. “Can I go?” she points to the water with a smile. You nod with a smile matching hers, scooping her up and running towards the water. She laughs, holding onto you tightly as you set her feet in the water.

“It’s cold!” she giggles as you smile, watching her own smile grow as she continues into the water. “Stay where I can see you please” you say, hands on your hips, standing to your full height.

Being called to be a commander of a base was a big deal, something you were excited but scared of. You weren’t sure why they decided you were the right candidate to run Top Gun as well as the base but you were excited to see the pilots who came up in the same way you did.

“C’mon sweet girl” you smile, reaching a hand out to your daughter, who laughs and runs to meet your hand. Picking her up and placing her on your hip, grabbing both sets of your shoes as you walk towards the rental car. “Do you think I’ll see daddy?” she asks, her voice was soft. You frown, looking down at your daughter.

“I don’t know sweetheart, I will certainly keep an eye out for him” you squeeze sides as you set her in the car seat. She nods, falling back into the seat with a yawn. 

Within minutes she was asleep in the backseat, making you smile. You drove through Fightertown quietly. It was quiet for a Sunday night but you knew most pilots were on detachments or deployments.

The beach house you rented was down the road from the base for you to be close by. Smiling at the toddler in the back seat, who fell asleep instantly in the car ride. Parking outside of the home, you take in the saltiness that followed with the waves. You enjoyed the small breeze that came with the evening. Picking up the sleeping toddler slowly to not wake her, you walk inside the house, closing the door with your foot.

Gently laying her in bed, you tuck her in with her favorite stuffed animal and a kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight honey” she yawns, nuzzling into her sheets. You close the door quietly behind you, sighing.

“God make this easy for me” you whisper to yourself with a heavy sigh. Tomorrow was a big day for you and for Evelyn. Making your way to the bedroom, flopping down face first on the made bed, you sigh.

The phone on the bedside table buzzes, pulling you from your thoughts. Sitting up, you lean over to pick it up, smiling. "Hi" you whisper falling back into the pillows. "Did you make it okay?" his voice is soft as you smile. "We did, we miss you already Cowboy" he smiles on the other line.

"I miss you already too, kiss my girl for me. I love you" chuckling softly, a smile permanetly on your lips. "I love you too" after bidding goodbye, you toss the phone back onto your nightstand.

‘This was for the best’ your brain is telling you, as you continue to fight the thoughts as if you knew your subconscious was right. It was for the best. 

You never thought you’d be dropping your four year old at a bar. Let alone the Hard Deck bar. Standing in uniform, pulling Evelyn from her car seat, you motion for her to run inside. “Is that who i think it is?!” You can hear Penny's voice and her smile.

“It's me, Aunt Pen!” Evelyn yells from her spot at the doorway, with a laugh. Following her inside, you smile at Ameilia who sat on the edge of the bar. You hired Amelia to watch Evelyn in between school and life and Penny would be helping her.

You kept in contact with the bar owner  after your time at Top Gun, she was family to you. She was more than excited to find out you made it back to California. “There’s my girl” she picks her up, spinning the four year old around in her arms as the two laugh.

“There’s my favorite Commander," she smirks, looking at you with a laugh. You roll your eyes, hugging her tightly. “Thank you so much for doing this, it's just until school starts” you smile, kissing your daughter's head. She nods, “I don’t mind one bit, now shoo, you have a big day” she winks, kissing your cheek as you walk towards the door.

She sets Evelyn to the ground as she runs to Amelia’s awaiting arms. You smile, waving as the door shuts behind you.

The base was still as beautiful as it was four year ago. Knocking gently on the door, the two voices invite you in. Looking between the two men that sat infront of you, you stand straighter. “Admirals”  you smile at the two of them.

Beau “Cyclone” Simpson and Solomon “Warlock” Bates. “Welcome aboard, Joker” you grin, shaking both of their hands. “We are happy to have you here” Cyclone says with a smile. “I’m happy to be here, do we have recruits already?” you ask, looking through the notebook set in front of you. “We actually need your expertise on something” Warlock says, sitting beside you as he taps away on the tablet.

“We’ve called back twelve of Top Gun’s finest for a detachment that is quite dangerous” you nod, looking over the mission information. you look back at the two of them, "And you want my expertise?" Cyclone nods.

"We know your skill, which is why you are here". A knock at the door stops the conversation, the two of them looking at you then the door.

“Come in”. Beau sits at the head of the table, “Captain Mitchell '' you roll your eyes as internally as possible at the sound of Maverick’s name.

He makes his way into the office, smiling kindly at the three of you. “I will admit, I wasn't expecting to be called back here” he admits, looking between the three of you. “You have been called back at the reques to of Admiral Kazansky" Beau sits up in his seat. "You were not my first choice" he nods towards you, "she was".

Maverick looks at you then back at Cyclone. "But, I respect Iceman and he sees something in you" he looks at Warlock as Warlock nods, clearing his throat. "a uranium plant set to start operation in three weeks, we have been tasked to put together a strike team" Warlock says, pulling the diagram back on the board. You avoid eye contact with Maverick, looking through the notes given to you.

“I mean, I could definitely do it with a good team” Maverick says, looking back at the two admirals then back at the screen, “not in an f-18 though”. Beau chuckles, looking at him.

“You aren’t flying it, we want you to teach it, with Joker” he motions to you as you look up. Looking between the two men in front of you then back at Maverick and then back at the board.

Three faces screaming back at you. ”Let’s get started” Warlock stands, dismissing the two of you.

“Attention on Deck!” all the aviators stand as Warlock and Cyclone make their way into the building. “Be seated" he clears his throat "you are all top gun graduates, the elite" Warlock looks around the room, watching the faces of the aviators.

“A mission that some of you could not return from” he continues, looking back at Cyclone who nods.

“We have two very important people here to train you on this to bring you all home safely. Two of Top Gun’s greatest pilots" the group looks between the others, all with faced of confusion. "Well decorated with three confirmed air kills'' he moves aside as he grins. “I welcome your first instructor, Captain Pete Mitchell, call sign, Maverick” he moves from the podium as Maverick walks down the rows of seats.

“Good Morning” he nods at the group, eyes falling to Bradleys as he looks back over at Cyclone and Warlock. “Your other instructor, Commanding officer here at Top Gun and also well decorated" Jake sits in his seat, twirling the toothpick between his teeth.

"A Top Gun graduate also with two confirmed air to air kills" Jake pulls the toothpick from his teeth. He knew exactly who the other instructor was, a knowing smirk grows on his lips.

"I introduce you to Commander, (Y/N) (Y/L/N) callsign Joker” taking a deep breath, you follow the line of seats. You pull the aviators off your face and face the group of aviators.

Jake grins from his seat at the sight of you, Natasha does her best to hide her disgust, looking away. Bradley looks everywhere but you.

“I look forward to working with all of you” you nod, smiling at Maverick as you motion for him to begin. You move to stand beside Cyclone and Warlock. “The F-18 Natops” Maverick holds up the book with a nervous smile, "everything to know about your aircraft, i assume you all know it inside and out".

The group all pipe up, Jake still hasn't wiped the smirk off his lips, "damn straight". He looks straight at you. "So does the enemy" Maverick tosses the book into the trash beside him.

“The enemy knows your limits, I don't. Show me what you're made of, fifteen minutes and I want you all on the tarmac” he dismisses the group as the aviators file out slowly.

Walking to stand beside the two admirals, Warlock speaks first, “What do you think?”. Putting the aviators back over your eyes, you nod “I think we have quite the group, I'm familiar with a few of the pilots and their skill sets” Cyclone nods, looking at you. “Let’s see if Maverick can teach em” you smile walking out the door.

A hand grabs your wrist and pulls you aside, a squeal falling from your lips in surprise.

Looking up you are met with eyes as green as the forrest. “Hi cowboy” you smile at the man in front of you, who has his own smile. “Commanding officer?! Are you shitting me Jokes?” his smile was as bright as the sun, bring a smile to your own face. He pulls you into his arms, hugging you tighter.

Laughing, you wrap him in your arms. “Just took effect this morning cowboy, I wanted to suprise you” you mumble into his shoulder with a laugh. He pulls you to arms length with his own smile, hands moving to cup your cheeks. “I’m so proud of you, Commander” he grins with a laugh, it brings a blush to your cheeks.

“You brought Eve I assume?” nodding, you smile. “I need to see her,” you laugh, nodding. “Of course, I want you to see her" reaching over, squeezing his hand gently, you nod. “Go get ready, I want to see you fly cowboy” you grin, kissing his cheek as you walk down the hallway.

“Hey!” he yells after you with his own smirk. “I missed you” he winks as you laugh. “Missed you too Cowboy” walking to your office, you miss the looks of the other aviators.

Jake “Hangman” Seresin was the best person in your life. The one person who stood by you no matter what.

The cocky exterior left nothing to the soft man he was underneath for the people he loved. Jake was also the man who picked you back up when he found you in shambles.

“Joker?” Jake shuts the apartment door quietly, there was not a single light on, showing him it was likely one was home. You sigh from the bathroom floor, wiping your cheeks on the towel sat beside you. “Hey cowboy” your voice is hoarse from your hours of crying. He’s moving quickly at the sound of your voice, stopping in the doorway of your bathroom.

There you sat, a hoodie you borrowed from him with a pink stick in your hands. “Oh (Y/N)” he knew a pregnant woman when he saw one, living with his sisters and his mother from her pregnancies.

“It’s Roosters” you whimper, looking up at him, on the verge of more tears. “Please don’t be disappointed in me Jake” your voice shakes as he shakes his head quickly. He drops to his knees, scooping you into his arms as your body shakes with sobs. “I’m never gonna be disappointed in you” he whispers, kissing your hairline. “I’m gonna take care of you, both of you” he promises you, placing another kiss to your hairline.

Standing in the doorway of the squad room, you listen over the radio at the two teams in the sky. Payback,Fanboy and Rooster. “Working as a team, you have to shoot me down first, or else” Maverick says as Payback's voice is heard seconds later, “or else what?” he asks.

You roll your eyes slightly, listening as a fly on the wall. “I shoot back” you can hear the grin in Maverick’s voice. “I shoot either one of you down, you both lose” continuing to listen in, you don’t miss the sound of Jake’s voice.

“This guy needs a serious ego check” you scoff mostly to yourself, but he hears you, looking up at you with a smirk.

“How about we put some skin in the game?” Payback asks, “What did you have in mind?” payback chuckles, “whoever gets shot down first, has to do two hundred push-ups”.

The amount of testosterone in the room was suffocating as you listened. “That’s alot of push-ups” Rooster says, breaking his silence.

“You got yourself a deal gentleman, let's turn and burn”. The dog fight continues on silently. “That’s a kill” Maverick says, fanboy and Payback curses follow.

The fight is only on for about five more seconds before Maverick's voice cuts over the comms, “That’s a kill” Rooster is cursing on his own comms.

There’s a knock at the office door, furrowing your brows as you look at the time. Everyone should have gone home by now. “Come in” Maverick walks in, shutting the door behind him. You stand, “Maverick, this is a surprise” he nods, handing you a folder. “I want you to look this over, tell me your opinions” you take the folder, nodding slowly.

“Okay, I can do that," he nods, biting his lip before he turns to face you. “Sorry if this is over-stepping commander but is there going to be an issue with this?” he asks, looking at you. Looking up from the folder, you set it down on your desk with a shake of your head. “And why would it be?” you ask, hands on your hips. “I support these pilots, every last one of them” he nods slowly.

“I notice some tension in the room, I don't want this to jepordize this mission and these pilots due to personal reasons” he says, looking at you. You knew exactly which pilot he had in mind. “I do have a past with some of these pilots, but I am here to protect them and bring everyone home safely.” you say, watching his face.

"Sometimes water under the bridge should stay just that, under the bridge" he says, walking towards the door. "Thank you for the concern Captian. My personal relationships will not be a concern for this mission, go home and have a great evening" you dismiss him, watching as he crosses the room, shutting your door behind him.

The Hard Deck was still quiet for the early hours rush, skipping two steps at a time you push through the door. Evelyn being the only thing on your mind.

You don’t hear the whispers of the aviators sitting in the back of the bar as you walk in.  “So, who is Joker?” Fanboy asks, looking at the squad as everyone shrugs.

“She's a badass is who she is” Jake sits down beside him. “First woman with an air to air kill, let alone two” he smirks, sipping his beer. “Sounds like you're in love with her Hangman” Coyote smirks from his seat, knowing Hangman was indeed in love with you, the two of you in love with each other from the moment you met in Top Gun. 

The bar filled in with Top Gun candidates, the first night on base. Natasha Trace smiles at you from your left. “First drink is on me!” she grins, you were the only two women in this top gun class. “Well, what do we have here?” looking from Pheonix, you met the greenest eyes you think you’ve ever seen. “Hi Bagman” she mumbles, standing to her full height. “Phoenix” he nods, looking over his shoulder at you with his own smirk. “And this is?” he asks, he knew exactly who you were. You move in front of him, looking up at him. You smirk, holding out your hand.

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N)” you smirk as he shakes your outstretched hand. “Callsign Joker” he winks, kissing your knuckles. You furrow your brows, looking him over. “And how do you know that?” you ask as he grins, “first active duty woman with an air to air kill”.

You nod slowly, thinking back before it hits you. “Jake Seresin, Hangman, only active duty with an air to air kill” you smirk at the slow smirk that grows on his face. “My god” Phoenix rolls her eyes, walking away from the two of you. “I’d love to know how you got the call sign Joker” he sips his beer, eyes never leaving your face, “over dinner maybe?” you chuckle, taking your own beer from Penny.

“Earn it, Bagman” you wink, bumping his shoulder as you pass him. He watched the way your hips swayed even in the khaki’s that adorned your body.  

You smile as Ameila comes through the swinging doors, Evelyn in toe. “There’s my girl” you grin, crouching down to scoop the four year old in your arms. Jake’s ears perk up at the sound of her laughs. He knew that laugh. He looks over to watch the moment, setting his beer down and walking towards you.

Looking up you meet his eyes as he crosses the bar, you smile. “Eve, hey” you whisper to the girl who has her head buried in your shoulder. “Look who’s here” continuing to whisper, you smile as her head shoots up and eyes lighting up like stars.

Jake loved the girl on your hip as if she was his own, being her own father figure for the majority of her life.

“Jakey!” she squeals as she holds her arms out to him. His smile was brighter than the sun as he laughs, scooping her out of your arms and into his. “Hi babygirl” he laughs, kissing her face as she laughs, holding onto him tightly.

The squad watches on as Jake wraps an arm around your shoulder with a smile. “You two headin home?” he asks, looking between the two of you. Nodding, you smile up at him.

To anyone else it would look like a family reunion, and it was as Coyote knows that smile on your face. You were swooning for Jake Seresin. “We are” you smile “Let me grab my things, I will come with!” he grins, setting Evelyn to her feet. “Jakey!” she whines, taking his hand as he goes to walk away. “Alright, c’mon” he smiles, taking her hand as they walk back to the table.

“I’m heading out," he nods to the group, tossing money on the table to cover his tab. The table falls silent at the little girl hugging his leg. “Have a goodnight” he scoops her back up, putting her on his hip as she laughs.

The team watches as he wraps an arm around you, walking back out the doors. “Now, I know I'm just observing here," Bob speaks up from beside Fanboy, “That kid looked a lot like Rooster'' Payback finishes his scentence for him.

+

“So Rooster, mind if I ask you a personal question?” Hangman's voice over the comms was cool as always. You watch from the window as if you could see the three of them. “Would it matter if I did?” he asks, looking anywhere but Hangman. “What's the story with you and maverick?” you sigh, pinching your nose.

The tension in sessions was getting to the point everyone could see it. “Seems like he’s got you a bit rattled” he smirks behind his mask, checking his own surroundings. “That’s none of your business, now where is he?” Maverick’s voice kicks in seconds later as he moves from his position below Rooster to above him upside down,“been here the whole time”.

The dog fight then continues as you stand with hands on your hips, shaking your head. Grabbing your aviators, you push out of the room, making your way out to the tarmac. “Hondo!” you yell as he turns to face you with a grin. “Commander” he nods, looking at you with raised brows.

“Send Mitchell and Bradshaw to my office as soon as they land” he nods slowly, watching the way you showed almost no emotion. “You got it Joker” he says, walking towards the now landed jets.

“Are you two insane?!” you yell, looking between both men. “You both are so lucky it was me here and not Cyclone!” you point, looking at them. They stood like two wounded puppies. “You broke the hard deck and you both are letting this personal shit get in the way of why we are here!” you yell, hands on your hips. The conversation from days ago with Maverick nagging in the back of your head.

“I’m sorry ma'am," Maverick says, looking from Bradley to you. “I am grounding you for the next two days, I will be teaching” taking a deep breath, you look over at him. “I want your lesson plans in writing, the four of us will now be going over them every morning!” you seeth.

The two nod, “Dismissed!”. The office falls silent as you sigh, running your hands over your face.

The flight plans all began to run together as you shoved another folder aside. Maverick dropping off the last three days of lesson plans. You freeze at the sound of a knock on the door, looking up at the same time Bradley is opening the door.

“I was hoping you would still be here” he sighs, shutting the door behind him. You stand, “what is it?” you ask. “I don’t want this to be awkward,” he says, looking at you. “I’m talking to you as (Y/N) here, not Commander (Y/L/N)” he says.

“I know we haven’t really talked since that night and I’m sorry” crossing your arms, you nod. “It’s not awkward Bradley” you say, putting on a brave smile.

“Then why is everyone asking me if I have a kid?” he asks, looking at you.

“Something about a little girl who looks like me?” he asks. It felt like you just took the coldest shower your body could take, blood running cold. He looks down at the photo on your desk, picking it up. A framed photo of you and Evelyn.

 He notices the brown eyes first, it was his own eyes staring back at him. “Who is this?” he asks as you sigh. “That is my daughter Evelyn” you say, watching his face. “How old is she?” His voice is soft. “She is four” he looks up from the photo then, face hard with emotion.

“Joker, is this my daughter?” he’s got nothing but venom in his voice as you sigh, closing your eyes. “Answer me!” he yells, hands slamming on the desk. You jump slightly, looking at him.

Jake stops at the end of the hall, he can hear the rise of Rooster's voice. He also knew when he was leaving the locker room, Rooster was on his way to your office.

“Don’t raise your voice with me” Jake hears the unease in your voice as he approaches the office. “Is she?” he asks, ignoring the nag in the back of his head.

You notice Jake makes his way into the office, his shoulders back. “Rooster” his voice is stern. Bradley sighs, turning to face him, “this doesn’t concern you Hangman” Jake shakes his head, watching you.

“It does when it concerns my girls” he seeths, looking between you and Bradley.

“Oh for god sakes, Jake?!” Bradley looks at you, pointing to Hangman. “You don’t need to talk to me like that” you say, voice calm. “Jake and I have been together since Top Gun, he’s also been taking care of Evelyn” Jake moves to sit in your desk chair, sitting behind you like a guard dog. “Is she mine?” he asks again, hands on his hips, “yes”.

He sighs, eyes falling closed as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “You didn’t tell me” he whispers as you nod, hands on your hips. “I told everyone I didn’t know who her father was, only he knows” you motion to jake behind you, who sits up in the chair.

“She’s four (Y/N), you didn’t think to tell me?!” he yells, Jake tenses behind you. “No, I didn’t because she has a father!” you yell back, letting out a deep breath. “This is bullshit” he tosses the framed photo on the desk, shaking his head.

“When did you find out?” he asks, voicesoft. “Remember the day after I had a birdstrike? You saw me in the hospital?” he nods slowly, “that evening you took me home, told me how badly you were afraid to lose me” he nods in realization.

“I get it” sighing, he closes his eyes. “I found out the night of graduation, Jake found me on the bathroom floor'' you look back at your boyfriend with a smile. “He vow’d to take care of us and he has” you sigh.

Bradley stands, “I can’t believe he’s been raising her” he points to Hangman, who stands. “Do not talk to her like that Bradshaw” he stands behind you, watching the way your shoulders tense.

“Why wouldn’t you tell me?” Bradley asks, looking between you, “So you could have your perfect family with him? I knew you'd fall into his bed eventually” he looks back down at the photo in his hands. "Bradshaw, you choose your next words wisely" your voice was low, full of venom.

"I had sex with you if you hadn't noticed. I don't appreciate you calling me a whore while we discuss something like this" Jake's hand reaches out, resting on our hip as he gives it a reassuring squeeze.

“I had every intention on telling you, I pulled you aside at the Hard Deck after I found out” he looks up at you with tears in his eyes, “and I had my orders” he says. You nod slowly, watching his face. “You basically told me we had fun but your naval career was important, I was dating jake at that point. I was not there to reminise” you say.

"I came to tell you that you were going to be a father" Bradley looks away from the two of you.

Bradley stood in front of you, “What is it?” he asked, watching the look on your face. You knew the minute you asked him out here, there was more on his mind than what you had to say. The breeze from the ocean was cold. He paced, making both of your nerves on edge, “Just spit it out” you say, crossing your arms over your chest. He sighs, looking over at you, “I’m being sent out, they haven’t told me yet exactly but right now it’s looking like Italy '' you sigh.

“I’m not going to let a relationship hold me down half way across the world” looking up at him, your face went cold. “We both know that this would not last long” he says, cupping your cheeks. “I enjoyed every minute and maybe if fate would have it, I’ll be back” he smiles, kissing your forehead gently. 

His head spins, “I’d like to meet her,” he says. Jake rolls his eyes as he moves from behind you, “No”.

You both look back at him, his face was hard as stone. “You have no right” Bradley moves closer to him, chest to chest. “This is not about your ego’s” you sigh, moving between the two of them, “this is about Evelyn and what is best for her”. Bradley’s shoulders fall as he nods. “We can discuss that after the mission,I’m not getting her hopes up”.

He nods in understanding, watching you and Jake. “Now, if you are done insulting me, I would like to get home to my daughter” Jake grabs his bag from the door, pushing past Rooster with a bump of his shoulder.

“Go home, have a goodnight” you say, following Jake out the door with your things. He stands in the office, holding the framed photo in his hands.

He had a daughter who was the perfect mix of the two of you.

The car ride was silent. You couldn’t bring yourself to even turn on the radio. There were enough thoughts running through your brain. You managed to make it home before Jake, head falling to the steering wheel as you sit in the silence of your vehicle.

Closing your eyes, you don’t notice the headlights of his truck pulling into the driveway. Jumping, you look over at Jake’s face in your window with a small smile. You push the door open, grabbing your things and climb out, pushing the door closed.

“I’m sorry” he says, taking you by surprise. Turning to face him, you furrowyour brows. “Why are you sorry? you weren't the one to call me a whore when I fell into the bed of his nemesis" you ask as he sighs, walking to you.

He was still in his Khakis, his boots making him even taller than you. “I shouldn’t have butt in, I also don’t like the way Rooster spoke to you'' you nod slowly, taking his hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“I think we are all gonna be in this planning, you are her favorite person and-” you stop, closing your eyes to compose yourself. “And I can’t let her lose you but gain him. I also can’t have her meet him and lose him” you whisper. He nods, using your hand to pull you into his chest, resting his head on top of yours.

“We are going to figure this out, for Evelyn" he whispers, kissing the top of your head. “I love you” he whispers, you sigh into his chest, arms falling around him, “I love you cowboy”.

+

The sky was clear, blue. “Alright, you know the rules,” Maverick says. After his stunt with Rooster and being benched, the two of you were working together well. You smirk from your own plane, looking over at the group on the ground, sending them a salute and in seconds, you were in the sky.

“Phoenix, where is your wingman?” Maverick asks as the woman rolls her eyes, “probably looking at himself in a mirror”. You roll your own eyes, flying low. “Uh Phoenix, we’ve got another boagie on radar” Bob says nervously. You smirk, pulling the mask over your face. “Hangman, a little help please” Phoenix seeths.

“Don’t worry Phoenix, Hangman’s coming” Jake smirks, veering himself to fly just below the pair's right wing. She groans, looking over to notice Maverick, “let’s get this over with”. She sighs, veering off to the left and away from Hangman as Maverick makes his way to her. Veering to your right, avoiding the moutianside.

Slowly flying up on both Maverick, Phoenix and Bob. “Where’s your wingman?” you ask as they all are silent. “Joker?” you smirk as you move to fly to his right, “Suprise” you wink.

“Show me what you guys got” you smirk. “That’s a kill” Maverick mumbles, getting the lock on Phoenix and Bob. “Phoenix, how close am I?” You can hear Jake’s voice, a bit strained as the sun shined brightly. You smirk, coming up from behind him. “That’s a kill,” he groans. “See you on the ground” he can hear your smirk as you wink at him.

The opening of the canopy was refreshing as you pulled the helmet off your head, jumping down from the jet. “That is 200 pushups!” you point to Jake as he stands from his jet, a confused look on his face. “That’s not fair” he yells as you shrug walking past Maverick.

The sun was setting and the temperature was getting cooler. A day of trial runs and simulations. You walked to the Tarmac, stopping beside Hondo.

“What's he at?” you ask, watching as Jake grit his teeth through his push ups. “He’s at 130” you nod, dismissing Hondo as you watch your boyfriend. “Rooster wants to meet tonight” he stops, looking up at you with sweat dripping down his face. “What?” he pushes himself down and back up, looking away from you. “I said that it was okay but I told him not without you” mumblng, you pick at the hangnail on your thumb.

He grunts, looking back up at you. “Okay, of course I’ll be there” you smile, leaning down to kiss the top of his head. “Okay, keep up the good work hotstuff” he chuckles, counting quietly to himself.

Standing under the stream of cold water, you miss the presence of someone behind you. “So, I hear you are still messing with peoples feelings” you jump, peeking out the curtain at Phoenix, who stood with her arms crossed. “Excuse me?” Pinching your eyes closed, you wipe the soap off your face quickly.

“Bradley told me, the two of you have a child and you are refusing to let him see her” you roll your eyes, closing the curtain. “I am not refusing to let him see her, I am letting him get through this mission first” rinsing the last of the shampoo out of your face, you turn the shower off. “I knew you strung him along in Top Gun” you sigh, grabbing the towel, wrapping it around your body, stepping out to face her.

“I didn’t string him along, far from actually” she raises a brow. “And then you crawled right into Hangman's bed, you are similar from what I remember” her voice dripped with venom. Your face remains like stone, watching over her face, “and similar how?”.

She laughs, shaking her head, moving to size you up. “In the fact you care about yourselves and that is it, you don’t care about how your actions affect others, seems like a perfect match” You chuckle darkly, moving closer. "Just the way I remember you Joker, you don't care about anyone" she watches over your face closely.

“Watch the way you talk to me Trace, I am your superior and I won’t hesitate to take you off this detachment” you whisper, watching her face shift with a slight nervousness. “You wouldn't," she bites back as you shrug, walking past her.

“I wouldn’t underestimate me Phoenix, you should remember, I am a woman of my word" you stop at the doorway, turning to face her. “I also wouldn’t listen to the rumors you hear, but to clear it up” you move back to her, watching as she steps back from you.

“Bradley and I did have a fling here the first time and it was just that, a fling, something that happened one time, which yes conceived our daughter, but she’s my daughter” you stood face to face her moving closer into her face as you whisper.

“Jake Seresin is a man who picked up the pieces and stepped up when I needed him" she rolls her eyes with a scoff. You sigh, looking over her face, "You can think what you want about me and Jake, but you leave our daughter out of it" you whisper, shoving her shoulder and walking back into the locker room.

The Hard Deck was quiet for the most part at least at the secluded booth you and Jake hid in towards the back of the bar.

“Baby” Jake reaches over, his hand resting on your knee. “Calm down” he whispers, looking over your face with a reassuring smile. He squeezes your knee as you sigh. “I’m nervous,” you whisper, looking over his face.

He was the calm one out of the two of you. “I know” he whispers, pulling you into his side, arms wrapped around your frame.

You sigh heavily into his shoulder, eyes falling clsoed. You weren’t going to tell him about what happened in the locker room, knowing it would upset him more than this meeting would. A throat clearing pulls you from your thoughts, Rooster stands at the end of the booth, three beers in his hands.

“Sorry to interrupt” he says as you shake your head, motioning him to sit across from the two of you. “Don’t be” he nods, handing the two beers to you and jake. “Thanks” you sip it quickly, almost chugging as you sigh. “So, what would you like to discuss?” you ask as he sets his own beer down.

“I want to know about my daughter, I just- I want to know everything” you nod, looking at Jake as he sits back in the booth.

“Her name is Evelyn Carol (Y/L/N)” he nods, smiling, “I wanted her to have your mothers name somehow” he smiles wider. “Evelyn?” he asks as you smile, shrugging. “A name I heard once and fell in love with” he nods. “Her favorite color is orange” Jake says from beside you, smiling.

Rooster chuckles with a smile, “Orange?” he asks as you both shrug.

“I think it’s because she’s been around him too long” you motion to Jake beside you who sighs with a chuckle. “She’s an honorary Texan okay” he pulls his phone from his back pocket, sliding it over to Rooster. A photo of the three of you in Texan’s jerseys. “Cute” he smiles as Jake brings the phone back to his pocket. “Her birthday is in April” you smile at the thought of your daughter. 

The conversation continued to flow naturally. Rooster asking the questions he wanted to know about Evelyn as well as taking what you and Hangman had to say. “I will let you meet her after the mission” you say after a couple minutes of silence.

Both men turned to face you, furrowed brows. “I want you to fly this mission first, I want to bring you home safely first" you emphasize. "I don’t want to get her hopes up” you whisper, looking at the two of them.

“She will love you though I am sure” Bradley nods, sending you a smile. “Now” you lean over, kissing Jake’s cheek. “I am going home to my girl, you are welcome to stay” you nod to him, standing and sliding out of the booth. “I’ll come too babe, I gotta tuck her in” Jake smiles, following you. “Bye Rooster, see you tomorrow” he nods, smiling at the two of you as he loses the two of you in the crowd of people.

“I think that went well," he says in the silence of the car, looking at you. He notices the shift in your body as you look over at him. “Huh?” he repeats himself as you nod in agreement, “yes I do too”.

He furrows his brows, stopping at the red light, turning to face you. “What is it?” he asks as you sigh.

“the mission has been moved up, we have less than a week”. 

+

The bitterness of the ocean couldn’t cover your nervousness. The breeze from the ship as you stood on the deck. You wanted to get them in and out so you could go home to your daughter. “Joker” you look back at the sound of Warlock's voice, he nods.

“It’s time” you sigh, nodding and following him inside.

The room was seated all twelve aviators, all on the edge of their seats to see who would be picked. “Maverick, pick your two dagger teams” Cyclone stands beside Maverick at the front of the room. He looks around the room, sighing heavily.

“Phoenix and Bob and Payback and Fanboy” the set of four aviators look between the others with a sense of nervousness.

“And you wingman” Jake stood taller to give himself more appeal. “Rooster” Maverick sighs, looking at the rest of the group. “The rest of you will be here on the carrier for additional air support, let’s do this and bring you all home safely” the teams are dismissed, Maverick walking past you.

You stop him, grabbing his elbow as you sigh, “bring him home for his daughter Mav” you whisper, looking over his face as he nods slowly. “Of course,” he promises, walking out of the room.

Standing at the front of the room, you stand beside Warlock as he continues to go over the mission plans. “Lastly” he faces the group, “we want you brought home safely” he nods towards you as you walk to the front of the room.

“You all are exceptional pilots, I saw it in the time we’ve spent here and I know you will give them all you got. Get in, get out” you say, looking around the room as they all nod. 

“Dismissed” they all walk out of the room and onto the carrier to prepare for take off. You sigh as they all leave, closing your eyes. “Joker?” Cyclone makes his way to you, hand on your shoulder in support.

“I’m okay” you smile up at him, nodding. He nods slowly, “if it’s best I will send you home” he says, no threat behind his voice. “I know” you whisper, pulling the aviators over your eyes as you make way outside to the jets. Stopping at the door as you watch the two men stand in front of the other.

Jake looks at Bradley as the two of them are silent. “You give 'em hell” Jake yells over the sound of jets, “and come home, for Evelyn”.

Bradley nods, smiling at him slightly as they shake hands, walking off to their respective jets. “Bradley!” you yell, running to catch up to him, he turns to face you. “Good luck” you smile, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. “I’m coming home for her," he says, smiling at you.

Nodding, you look up at him, “she will be excited to meet you” he nods, climbing into his own jet. 

Standing beside Warlock and Cyclone, you listen to the fight over the comms, watching the maps. “Dagger one is hit I repeat!” Phoenix’s voice fills the room, looking over at the two men beside you, “we have to go back” rooster says. “That’s a death wish Rooster, he’s gone” Phoenix says as he grunts over his own comms.

“Sir, we’ve lost Rooster”the woman says, eyes falling to the screen.

“We’ve lost eyes on Rooster” Payback says with a heavy sigh. “Return to the carrier, there’s nothing we can do,” Cyclone says, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Dagger spare requesting additional air support” Jake says over the comms as Warlock shakes his head, “negative dagger spare”. The room falls silent as they continue to help the two additional daggers to the carrier.

“Si-” she stops at the notice of you, “Ma’am, we’ve got a signal from Rooster and Maverick, in an f-14..” she trailes off. You sigh, closing your eyes as you nod. “Okay, let them know” you push out of the room, closing your eyes tightly. “Joker! I am sending you out on the soonest chopper” Warlock yells from the room, you sigh.

“Okay!” you yell back as he’s standing in front of you. “It’s not personal” you shake your head, “I understand completely” he nods, giving your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Boarding the chopper, you smile politely at the crew. You watch as the carrier gets smaller and smaller, your nerves even more on edge.

Jake was not on deck when you left.

+

The breeze flowed easily with the waves. Digging your feet in the sand, you watch as Evelyn runs towards the waves with cheers of glee. You smile to yourself, she was made for the ocean. California was doing her well. There was no news on the outcome of the Uranium mission, none you had the clearance to have. Jake or Bradley hadn’t  landed on your doorstep quite yet.

“I had a feeling you two would be here” you turn to look over your shoulder, Jake standing in a pair of jeans and a tshirt. “Oh my god” you run towards him, body colliding with him as he wraps you in his arms.

He pulls your body closer, burying his head into your neck, inhaling your scent. “Missed you," he mumbles, kissing just above your neckline. You smile, tangling your fingers in his hair, “missed you” you whisper against his hairline.

“Daddy!” Jake can feel your body tense, his own tensing as he looks up.

Evelyn is running full speed towards him. He moves to his knees, catching her as she collides with his chest. “Hi babygirl” he whispers, looking up at you.

“You okay?” the four year old asks, looking up at him. “Of course I’m okay, I’m okay now that I’m with you” he whispers to her, she smiles wider.

“Eve” she nods, looking between you and Jake. “Did you just call me daddy? You’ve never called me that” he notes as she shrugs. “You are my dad” she whispers, burying her head in his shoulder. You can see from your spot the tears in his eyes. “Of course I am sweetheart” he kisses the top of her head holding a hand out towards you.

Taking his outstretched hand he whispers, “I love you, both of you” he grins as she pulls away. He stands, watching as she takes off towards the water again with a laugh. “I-I can’t believe” you smile, cupping his cheek. He leans into your palm with a sad smile.

“I’m not her dad though, I just saved her dads ass" he whispers with a slight chuckle. You shake your head, gently caressing his skin with your thumb, “you are her dad Jake” he smiles sadly.

“You may not have conceived her but you are her dad, staying up with her when she got scared thinking something was in her closet to kissing her princess band aid when she fell off her bike and all she wanted in that moment was you, her dad.” reaching up, you cup both of his cheeks. he chuckles softly, kissing your palm.

“Bradley may be her father but it takes a man to step up and be a dad” he leans down, connecting your lips. His lips were softer than the bed sheets you slept on, his arms wrapping around your waist to pull your body closer. “I love you two so much” he mumbles against your lips, eyes falling closed.

“Nothing else matters, just us” he whispers in your hairline, watching as your daughter plays in the waves.

“Daddy c’mon!” Evelyn yells from the water, he laughs. “I’m comin babygirl” he kisses the top of your head, pulling the boots off his feet. Tossing his boots and socks aside, he runs towards the water towards the four year old as she continues to laugh loudly.

Standing in the sand, you close your eyes to take in the breeze from the ocean, memories flooding your brain.

“Are you insane?!” Jake yelled from his spot on the runway, watching as you walked away from him. “Joker!” he jogs to keep up with you, grabbing your arm. You rip your arm from his, looking up at him. “What?! Am I insane?!” you ask, looking over his face. “Yes! Obviously! I don't think, I just do and I couldn't let something happen to you!” he pants, looking over your face. “You can’t do that” he mumbles as you scoff.

“I’m so sorry that I was protecting my wingman” you throw it in his face, looking at him. “I can’t be responsible for your death, Joker!” he sighs as you begin to walk away from him. “I love you okay?” you stop in your spot.

You and Jake had started sleeping together on and off after your accident, hiding your true feelings behind lust.

“You are the most amazing pilot i’ve ever met and-and maybe I’m fucking shit up by telling you but I love you” he shrugs, panting. His chest felt like it was on fire. “You mean alot to me Jokes, alot, so you can’t pull shit like that” his voice is soft as he walks closer to you, cupping your cheek.

“Since I got here I've been protecting you,” you say, looking up at him. “I’m gonna keep protecting you, you are my wingman” he smiles, stroking your cheek. “I love you too” you mumble, looking up at him with a smile. 

 “C’mon momma” you smile, Jake's southern tongue slipping as he yells from the water. Opening your eyes, the sight meeting you melting your heart, Jake was knee deep in the water, your daughter on his hip. “Coming” you chuckle, jogging down to the water.

Nothing else mattered but your wingman and the little girl on his hip.

-

a/n: did anyone see this fic going where it did because i won't lie i didn't and I wrote it. LOL. I hope you all enjoyed this, if you would like to see more dad!jake/dad!bradley I would love to write more of these characters.

if you enjoyed this fic, you can find all my other fics in my library.

↓

here.

part two - part of me.

ps: let me know your thoughts, reblogs and comments are always welcome! <3.

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

The Periphery

Pairing: Bradley Rooster Bradshaw x Reader

Rating: M

Notes: This accidental behemoth is based on this post and part of the lil fic triptych with The Worst Best Man (Jake Hangman Seresin x Reader) @tropes-and-tales Team Prime (Bob Floyd x Reader)

No physical descriptions, no use of y/n. Also not beta-read. Because it never is.

Length: 11.1K

Warnings: Slowburn (i know, shocker); angst (I know, shocker); fluff; happy ending!!

Summary: You’d met Bradley a few times before the happy couple had announced their nuptials, and you’d always gotten a pretty good vibe from him. He was sweet, he was easy to talk to—and it helped that he was easy on the eyes. In fact, as soon as you’d been told that Bradley Bradshaw was going to be the Best Man, you were well on your way to having a crush on the guy. 

“Alright, what have we got, what have we gooooot…” Bradley asked, turning the steering wheel and guiding the Bronco onto the avenue. 

“Let’s see,” You looked down your checklist. “Candy and labels for the favor bags?” 

“Check.” 

“Final payment for the florist.” 

“Check.” 

“Final payment for the cake.” 

“Check.” 

“Drop off the…Card-thingies for the seating placement at the venue.” 

“Place cards?” Bradley chuckled. 

“You knew what I meant. Only thing left is putting the favor bags together and we are set.” 

“Hell yeah. Up top.” 

You glanced over, smile widening when you spotted Bradley holding his hand up. You gave him a high five, chuckling as he crowed, “Boom! Dream team right here.” 

You leaned back in your seat, shifting a little bit. Bradley was certainly the easiest person you’d had to work with over the course of this wedding—bride and groom included. You’d met him a few times before the happy couple had announced their nuptials, and you’d always gotten a pretty good vibe from him. He was sweet, he was easy to talk to—and it helped that he was easy on the eyes. In fact, as soon as you’d been told that Bradley Bradshaw was going to be the Best Man, you were well on your way to having a crush on the guy. 

“Oh—Shit,” Bradley muttered. 

“What is it?” You frowned. 

“No, nothing. I need to grab my tux,” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “Just remembered.” 

“Oh,” You frowned, glancing back as he drove past the shop. “Do you wanna go now?” 

“Uh…You sure?” He asked, raising his brows. 

“Yeah! The rest of my day’s clear, I don’t mind.” 

“You are a lifesaver,” Bradley swore, pulling his car into a parking spot. You waved him off, setting the checklist on the backseat of the car. 

“Hang on,” He warned. You frowned, shaking your head, then smiled as he rounded the front of the car, opening the door for you. 

“You’re such a gentleman, Bradshaw,” You teased. 

“I try.” 

He held the door open for you at the shop, too, and you tried not to get too flustered about it. But Bradley really was a gentleman. He’d shown you that repeatedly over the course of wedding prep, checking in periodically to see if you needed help with anything, or just to chat. 

He gave his name at the desk, nodding and offering his thanks as the attendant left to get his suit. 

“You get your dress yet?” He asked. 

“Yep. Picked it up earlier in the week.” 

“You are on it. I don’t know how you do it.”

You shrugged, trying to ignore the bubble of flattery rising in your gut. “This isn’t my first wedding.” 

“How many times have you been a Maid of Honor?” 

“This is the…fourth time?” 

“Holy hell.” 

“I kinda like it,” You chuckled. “It was stressful the first time but the fourth time around, it’s sort of old hat, you know.” 

“Bradshaw?” The attendant called out, waving the two of you deeper into the shop. “If you’ll follow me? We just want to make sure the alterations are all set before we send it out with you.” 

You trailed after him, tucking your hands into your pockets, and grinning as he gave you a little wink before ducking into the changing room. You sat down in one of the chairs nearby, scrolling through your phone and shooting a text to Katie, the bride. You frowned as your phone began to ring, and you tapped on Katie’s name, taking the call and raising it to your ear. 

“Hey, lady. How are you doing?” You asked.

“I’m okay. Are you guys done, have you gotten everything?” 

You tried not to groan at the panicked edge in her voice.

“We have the stuff for the favor bags, we dropped the checks off.” 

“Are you putting the bags together today?” 

“Not today, but they will be done,” You leaned into the word to stave off her argument, “Before the end of the week, and dropped off to the venue on Friday.” 

“Promise?”

“You have my word. Take a deep breath.” 

“That Katie?” Bradley called out from behind the curtain. 

“Yeah!” 

“Tell her we’ll get it done!” 

“I did!” You laughed before adding, “Bradley says we’ll get it done, too. ‘Kay?” 

“Fine,” She sighed before belatedly tacking on, “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow. Call me if you need anything.” 

“I will. Thanks, hon.” 

“Anytime. Bye.” You lowered your phone, looking down as you heard the curtain being pushed aside. You glanced up, doing a double-take at the sight of him. Your stomach flooded with butterflies at the sight. You bit your lip, gaze sweeping him from head to toe. You’d been to fittings with a few groomsmen in your day, but Bradley looked damn good. The suit fit him like a glove. You stood from where you’d settled down, tucking your phone away and stepping closer, folding your arms across your chest to fight off the urge to reach out and touch. Luckily for you, he hadn’t caught sight of your blatant interest as you hovered in his periphery. He was too busy double-checking his buttons.

“…It fits well,” You offered. 

“Yeah?” He asked, glancing back at you. You couldn’t help the way your smile widened as you nodded, allowing yourself to move a couple of steps closer. 

“Yeah. Do you like it?” 

“Wearing a suit feels a little weird,” He chuckled, turning to look at himself in the mirror. “But I guess it’s good practice.” 

“Good practice?” You repeated, brow furrowing. “What do you mean?” 

“I’m getting married next year. Actually, all of this has been good practice. You’ve been a lot more helpful than you know.”

Your smile stayed frozen in place as your neck went hot, your blood roaring in your ears. It made sense. It made so much sense, and it had no right to hurt, to twist your insides up. You nodded, and dropped your gaze to his left hand, like you could spot where the ring would sit; you wondered what kind, what metal. Engraved? Plain? Gold? Silver? Bradley struck you as the type to have a plain outer band, and an engraving inside—some secret message, or initials, or the date that they met—the date of their wedding anniversary so that he’d never forget, but Bradley wasn’t the type to forget— 

“You’re sure it looks alright?” 

His question jolted you, made your smile twitch a touch wider out of panic, your eyes bright, attentive, and flickering to his face. Even with your newfound knowledge, your upset, your crushing disappointment—you couldn’t help the softening of your expression at his blatant nerves.

“Yes,” You nodded. “I’m sure.” 

–  

It was ridiculous, right? 

It was ridiculous that it formed a knot in your chest. It was ridiculous that you were so rocked by the revelation that you couldn’t sleep. You needed to do something to get your mind off of what you’d learned; off of the sight of Bradley in that tux, bright and hopeful. 

He’d told you all about his fiancé on the drive back to your place. That was sort of your fault. You had asked—but it had seemed rude not to, once you knew that there was someone in the picture. Bradley had told you all about Liz: how they met (she was a friend of his WSO’s), how long they’d been together (six months), how the proposal had gone (she’d been the one to plan it—from the ring, to where he proposed, to the photographer who photographed the occasion, to the party of friends and family that they went to afterward), how the wedding planning was going. 

“It’s been a bit of whirlwind, planning-wise…Actually, the whole relationship has been,” He’d shrugged. “And our schedules are nuts. We kinda keep moving the goalposts.” 

“On what?” 

“…Well, when it’s gonna be, for one.” 

His laughing admission had planted a little seed of hope in the nest of dismayed vipers making a home in your belly, but you wouldn’t allow it to take root. It was to be expected. Like he said, their schedules were nuts. But still…

When it’s gonna be.

It rose to the top of mind now and again as you worked on the favors through the night, putting custom labels on the bottles of wine, making sure each bag had a corkscrew, and tying a strip of white ribbon around the neck of the bottle. 

When it’s gonna be. 

Couldn’t they just elope, if they were so worried about that? Have a proper wedding later, when things were more settled, if it was causing them so much stress? You hadn’t brought that up, of course. It wasn’t any of your business. 

When it’s gonna be. 

You set the final bottle in the final bag, then dropped the corkscrew inside. You’d already put on the label, and the ribbon. You sighed heavily, looking around your living room. It was crowded with nearly two hundred completed favor bags. How the hell were you going to get them down to your car? Could you even fit all of these in your car? You groaned, leaning back against the couch and scrubbing your hands over your tired eyes. 

Maybe you hadn’t only done the favors to keep your mind off of Bradley. Maybe you’d done it to avoid him, too, just a little. Getting them all done yourself meant that you didn’t have to spend an extra couple of hours with him. Sure, it would’ve gone faster with two, but if you wanted this crush to end with the wedding, you needed to start distancing yourself. 

It wasn’t the kindest way to deal with the circumstances—and maybe your feelings would ebb, now that you knew there was absolutely no chance of acting on them. 

Still, whatever happened, you’d gotten the favors done before the end of the week, as you’d promised Katie. 

–  

“When should I come by? I can bring pizza or something, we’ll get those favors knocked out before the party.” 

It was a sweet offer, because Bradley was a sweet guy. You planted your elbow on your desk, plaintively eyeing your work email before looking around to see if any of your coworkers were listening in. 

“Actually, I took care of them,” You admitted. There was a pause on the other end of the phone, and you bit your lip, waiting for his answer. 

“You—…All of them?” He finally asked. 

“Mhm!” You forced the tone of your hum to be bright and chipper. 

“That’s, like…That’s like two hundred bags.” 

“One hundred and ninety-seven, but. Close!” 

“I could’a helped you.” 

You thought that he sounded disappointed, but surely you were reading into it. 

“No, I know! I know. I got them done, it was no problem. I had time.” 

There was another pause on the other end of the phone, and you found yourself wondering if he was distracted with whatever he was doing on the other end of the line. 

“…How long did it take?” He asked. 

“A bit? I don’t know. I didn’t time it. It was fine, I was awake.” 

“You did them last night?”

“Yes! When else?” You laughed nervously. “Look, it’s seriously fine. They’re all set.” 

“Are you alright?” 

You sagged back in your office chair. 

“Yeah,” You fibbed. 

Another harrowing pause. Then—

“Alright.” 

It sounded like a tired concession. You forced yourself to draw in a deep breath, trying to lift the anxious weight moving to settle in your chest. 

“I’ll need help bringing them to the venue,” You added. 

“I can do that.” 

You knew he could; you hadn’t doubted his willingness to help at any turn. You tipped your head into your hand, nodding a little bit. 

“Sounds good, thank you.”

“You looking forward to the party tonight?” 

No, you really weren’t. In your experience, joint bachelor/bachelorette parties were either hellishly boring, or nothing but trouble. 

“Yeah!” You chirped. “It’s gonna be fun!”

–  

Dinner had been nice. The first couple of rounds of drinks had also been nice. Moving to a club had felt like a bad idea, but there you were nonetheless, crammed between the bar and Bradley. You were trying to focus on anything but the feeling of his body behind yours and the scent of his cologne as you waited for your drinks. This was bad. This was sort of torture. You peered around your shoulder as you heard Katie shriek in excitement, and smiling as her fiance, Cory, leaned in to give her a kiss. 

“They’re sweet.” 

Bradley had to get close to say it—to speak it into your ear, over the sound of the music. He rested his hand on your hip, as if he had to hold and keep your attention, as if you wouldn’t know that he was talking to you. You managed a nod, your fingers flexing against the bar. You lowered your head, stomach twisting as the bartender pushed your drinks toward you. You reached out, passing Bradley’s drink back to him before you took hold of your own. 

Bradley gave your hip a squeeze, steering you back toward the group. Oh—god. You closed your eyes tightly for a second before you turned to face Bradley. You pressed your drink toward his hand, forcing him to let go of you and take hold of it, and leaned in so that he could hear you. 

“I’m going to get some air! I’ll be right back.” 

You turned, squeezing through fellow clubbers before he could ask or argue. You gave the bouncer a murmur of, “Excuse me,” As you slid past him. You puffed softly as the sounds of the club dropped away. The air outside was warm; the breeze pushing over you almost smelled sweet compared to the stench of sweat and booze waiting for you back inside. 

Ugh, god. You didn’t want to go back inside, but you knew you couldn’t get away with going home. Most of your stuff was inside, anyway—your phone, your wallet, your bag. 

“Do you have a light?” 

You glanced up at the question, giving the man asking a small shake of your head. 

“No, sorry.” 

“Eh. I’ll find one.” The man reached into his pocket, tapping out two cigarettes. “Want one?”

“I’m good, but thank you.” 

He grunted, pushing the other one back into the pack before drawing one out and tucking it between his lips. He wandered away, and you leaned back against the outside of the club. 

Maybe you could slide into the booth, grab your things, say goodbye to Katie and Cory, and just dip without him noticing—

“Sure you don’t want one?” 

You looked up, nerves twisting as the man leaned close against the wall beside you. You shook your head, straightening up. 

“Honestly, I’m fine,” You insisted, heading for the door. 

“Hey, c’mon. You could at least keep me company,” The man argued, taking hold of your wrist and tugging you back toward him. Panic trickled through your veins as you tried to yank your wrist back, hissing, “Let go of me—”

“Hey!” 

You hardly caught sight of Bradley before he was shoving the man harshly against the wall. 

“The fuck, dude!” The smoker spluttered, dropping your wrist as he gave Bradley’s chest a shove in return. 

“She said let go, asshole,” Bradley seethed, knocking the man’s hands away. Oh, fuck. You glanced nervously toward the bouncer and the people waiting on line as they took notice of the trouble brewing. Bradley could not get into shit on the weekend of the wedding—Katie would kill you both. 

“He did, he let go! He let go,” You insisted, resting your hand on Bradley’s chest. When it didn’t nudge him back, you took hold of his hand, tugging him back with all your might and hardly budging him. “Let’s go!” You gave his arm another pull, pleading, “Bradley, please.” 

It took another harrowing moment of contentious staring between the two before Bradley drew away, his tight, sharp gaze still set on the other man. You gripped his hand more tightly, raising your other hand to press against his shoulder. 

“Let’s go back inside,” You urged. “Come on.” 

It took another couple of pulls before Bradley acquiesced, trailing you back toward the bouncer. He hesitated at the door, eyes still set on the man before he allowed you to pull him in. 

“Are you alright?” Were the first words out of his mouth. 

“Are you crazy?” Were yours as you ripped your hand away from his. “What the hell were you thinking!” 

Bradley looked stricken, brow knitting together. 

“The hell did you expect me to do? He was all over you!”

“Why did you even follow me outside?” 

“You practically ran out here, I thought something was wrong—and then I got out there and it was worse than I thought.” 

You sighed heavily, turning away and shaking your head. 

“Let’s just…Can we go back to the others?” You mumbled, turning from him. You heard him fall into step a couple of paces behind you, seeming to keep a measured distance as you made your way back to the rest of the wedding party. Once there, you embedded yourself deep into the corner with the bride and the other bridesmaids, forcing your smile wide and avoiding Bradley for the rest of the night. 

–  

It had been terrifying, having someone grab you—but the speed with which Bradley had come to your rescue was…Sort of hot? Sure, you could’ve gotten out of it yourself, but he hadn’t even hesitated. He’d gotten right up in that guy’s face—for you. You were certain that he would’ve done it for any of the other bridesmaids…Though you weren’t sure if he would’ve followed them outside…

No, he would’ve. Surely he would’ve. He was a good guy, it seemed like something he would do—

“Hey.” 

He was nice, and sweet, and…Really, really attractive, god. The look on his face, the cords of his neck straining as he’d shoved the man, as he’d hissed, She said let go, asshole—

“Hey!” 

You jumped at the feeling of Katie flicking the side of your head. The backseat of the uber was a tight squeeze with you, Karie, and Cory. You turned from looking out through the car window, smiling when you saw her watching you. Cozied into Cory’s side, she was peering at you with hazy blue eyes; her copper hair seemed dull under the glow of passing streetlights; her bride sash hung limply around her middle.

“What?” You chuckled. 

“What’s going on with you?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“You’re being all…” She waved a finger at you. “You’re being weird. What happened?” 

“Nothing happened.” 

“I heard Bradley tell Cory that someone grabbed you.” 

Your face burned with embarrassment, but you forced your expression to a neutral set.

“It was some drunk guy outside of the club,” You excused. “No big deal, you know. Nothing I’ve never dealt with.” 

“You were all weird when you came back, too. All quiet.” 

“It was loud in there, and I didn’t have much to say. I was vibing.” 

Katie’s eyes narrowed slightly, and you could feel her winding up for a question before she was distracted by the sound of Cory snoring behind her. You grinned as she shifted beside him, elbowing in the side with a hiss of, “Babe! Don’t snore, you’re gonna kill my uber rating!”

–  

Loading the favor bags into Bradley’s Bronco was done in awkward silence. Neither of you said much, apart from, “Here,” and, “Thanks,” and, “I can grab that one.” Despite how carefully they were cushioned as you put them into the car, you found yourself looking into the backseat every few moments as you heard the bottles rattling from some bump in the road. You glanced at Bradley as you turned to look through the windshield again. You weren’t hungover, but you did have a growing headache. 

“…Sorry I got snippy last night.” 

It sort of pained you to say it, but you’d been repeating it in your head for the last two hours. You had to work your way up to saying it. You’d played with the phrasing, the tone, the pace, and it still felt stupid as it came out of your mouth. Before Bradley could say anything, you added, “I know you were just trying to help and I shouldn’t have freaked out at you like that.” 

Bradley still didn’t respond, and it took everything in your power to not turn and look at him, to see if he was even listening, or if he was rolling his eyes. But after a moment, he offered, “S’alright. I may’ve overreacted a little.” 

“…I thought you were gonna slug the guy.” You were trying to tease him, but Bradley didn’t even miss a beat:

“I thought I was, too.” 

You turned to look at him then, stunned. Bradley kept his focus on the road, his jaw clenched, his gaze unreadable behind his sunglasses. You swallowed thickly, looking into the backseat again as the bottles rattled. 

“Would you stop fussin’ over those?” He groaned. “They’re fine.” 

“They better be. We don’t have any extras if they break.” 

“Want me to slow the car to fifteen miles an hour?” 

You could see him starting to smile in your periphery. Your stupid, crush-blind giddiness welled, feeling the tension in the car begin to break down. 

“No…” You twisted back around in your seat, slumping petulantly. “Twenty will be fine.” 

Bradley turned to look at you as the car came to a stop at a red light, gazing at you over the top of his sunglasses. 

“Twenty-three, final offer.” 

“Sold.”

Bradley’s smile made your stomach flip, and you both turned to look through the windshield again as the light turned green. 

–  

The wedding was perfect. The reception was painful. 

Liz seemed lovely, and for as kind as you were trying to be, your attempts were made even more difficult by your wealth of feeling for Bradley, and the adoring way that he curled his arm around her shoulders, pressed a kiss to her cheek, her lips, her temple; the way he offered to get her a drink, or something to eat; the way his hand slid automatically to her hip, or her lower back; the way he hung on her every word.

You didn’t belabor it. When you spotted the two of them dancing together, her body cradled safely against his, you furiously pushed away your feelings of inadequacy and upset away in favor of looking at Katie and Cory. You relaxed at the sight of them—at the love in their eyes, the sureness there.

It reminded you that loving someone wasn’t supposed to hurt. So whatever it was that you felt for Bradley could be left behind, in that room. You needed it to be. 

–  

“You missed the bouquet toss.” 

The sound of his voice made you shiver a little. Aw, hell. You’d only just managed to center yourself. Looking out over the moonlit ocean had calmed you, somewhat. But maybe whatever feelings you had for Bradley could be left…On the venue’s patio? But you glanced back, leaning against the railing and eyeing Bradley as he came closer. 

“I’m alright with that. The last time I was in the middle of one of those, I almost got socked in the face.” 

“Yeesh,” Bradley muttered.

“Yeah, bouquet tosses are no joke.” 

He rested his arms against the wide railing beside you, looking out over the water. The two of you stood in calm silence for a while.

“So when’s your next Maid of Honor gig?”

You smiled, shaking your head. “Hopefully not for a while. I think I need a break from the wedding circuit.” 

“You say circuit or circus?” 

“Bit of column A, bit of column B.” 

Bradley chuckled.

“Well, whenever it is, if you need a hand, you let me know.” 

“Even if you’re not involved in the wedding?” 

“Sure. This was honestly kinda fun. And it’s ‘cause I did it with you.” 

The butterflies in your chest whirled restlessly as you felt Bradley look at you. You forced yourself to laugh, shaking your head.

“I wouldn’t foist wedding duties on you if you weren’t part of the wedding, Bradley. That would be mean. I appreciate the offer, though.” 

“…Could I pick your brain about wedding stuff, sometime?” He hedged. “You know, as Liz and I get closer to ours?” 

You could say no. You could remind him of what you said, of the fact that you were getting off of the wedding circuit once this wedding was up. You could stick to your conviction that as the necessity for your proximity passed, you’d keep your distance from him— 

“Of course you can,” You nodded, turning to look at him. His sweet smile and the full weight of his gaze and focus were enough to crack you in two. 

“Dream team?” He asked, holding his hand up for a high five. You nodded, giving him a quick high five before you curled your arms around yourself. 

“Dream team.”

–  

It had been a mistake to reopen the lines of communication. You’d made the decision while tipsy, sending him an innocent, innocuous message. You hadn’t even expected a response—but he’d gotten back to you within minutes. You could’ve cut the communication dead there, but you’d found yourself grappling for connection, for the feeling of being wanted. You knew you’d get it from your ex, for better or for worse, and you needed something to drown the rotting buds of affection that you still felt blooming for Bradley. 

You hadn’t seen Bradley since the wedding, but the two of you had kept in touch. When he’d started calling you, most of the conversation had been around his wedding prep, but it hadn’t stayed that way. The two of you always managed to get off-topic—to ask and talk about one another’s lives, your days, your work. After the first couple of months, he seemed to drop the wedding chat entirely, just calling to talk. When you did try to steer it back in that direction—to a venue, or a time of year, or flowers—he managed to talk his way out of it. And you could’ve pried, but you let him avoid the topic. You were happy not to hear about Liz. Whenever your phone buzzed and his name appeared, your heart made a sharp leap from your chest to your throat. You craved the sound of his voice, missed the sight of his smile, reveled in his teasing and laughter. 

So sure, starting a conversation with your ex, Ryan, had been sort of stupid. But it felt smarter than allowing your crush for an engaged man to completely cloud your judgement.

– 

“Are you going to Cory and Katie’s for brunch this weekend?” 

“Is that this weekend?” You groaned, tipping your head back. “Fuck, I forgot.” 

“I thought you would’ve been on top of that! You were so on top of things for the wedding.” 

“Well, that was different. That was way more involved.” 

“Hey, brunch can be pretty damn involved.” 

“You speaking from experience, Bradshaw?” 

“I have faced some terrifying situations, but the worst of which was a bottomless brunch when they ran out of prosecco.” 

You rolled your eyes, shifting in your office chair and stifling a snort. 

“You’re such a weirdo.” 

“So am I gonna see you?” 

Am I gonna see you. 

Not are we going to see you—because presumably Liz would be there, too. A few months ago, Bradley had mentioned wanting to bring her more into the fold, into his group of friends. Most of his friends knew Cory and Katie; most of them would probably be at brunch. 

“Uh…” You eyed your calendar. “Maybe?” 

“You too busy for me now?” 

“For you?” You scoffed a laugh. “This isn’t your brunch, mister.” 

“No, I know. That’s not what I mean, it just…” 

Bradley trailed off on the other end of the phone, and you frowned, shaking your head. 

“‘It just’, what?” 

“It’s been a while since the wedding. It’d be nice to see you.” 

“It’d be nice to see you, too.” The admission felt dangerous, but it was too late to draw back in—and it was mutual. You wouldn’t have dared say it to him if he hadn’t said it first. 

“So come by,” He urged. “At least for a bit.” 

–  

For a bit. You could make it a short stop. 

“We’ll be fast,” You swore. “Like, a hello and a bellini and then we are out of there.” 

“Why are we going if you don’t even want to stay long?” 

It was a valid question, but it made you bristle a bit. It was clear that Ryan wasn’t excited to go. Well, he’d never gotten along with your friends, anyway. He’d had a feeling that they didn’t like him—and he had been right. You hadn’t told anyone that the two of you were seeing one another again, and maybe it was unfair to ambush them like this, but you didn’t think you could be around Bradley and Liz—around their cooing and teasing and sweetness—without something or someone to distract you from the reality of the situation. 

“You want me to drop you off somewhere?” You asked. “I can. I can drop you off and pick you up when I’m done.” 

“I’m only meant—” 

“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to go.”  

“I never said I didn’t wanna go.” 

“You’re acting like it.” 

“You’re the one saying we don’t have to say long!” He scoffed. “Can we park and get in there?” 

You puffed your cheeks out and pushed out a breath, shaking your head a little bit. This was a bad idea. Maybe you should turn around and head home—

But your heart leapt at the sight of Bradley’s Bronco parked a few cars back from Katie and Cory’s, and you knew you wouldn’t turn around. 

Quick in, quick out. One bellini, maybe half of a bagel, a warning that you had other plans and couldn’t stick around long. Ask Katie how the honeymoon was, tell Cory to call you when they needed to plan the baby shower, maybe high five Bradley, and then you’d dip.

“We always hang out with my friends,” Ryan grumbled as you parked. 

“Why is that even something you’d complain about?” 

“Because you hide me from yours.” 

You put the car in park, stomach churning guiltily as you met his eye. 

“You don’t like my friends,” You reminded him. 

“I’m willing to try, but they need to be, too.” 

“…Okay,” You nodded. “I’ll talk to them about it. Not now, but like. I’ll talk to them about it.” 

“Thank you.” 

You sighed softly, reaching out and taking his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry.” 

“I know.” Ryan tipped his head back against the rest, slightly mussing his ash blond hair. “I don’t get why you’re so freaked about this brunch thing. It’s, like. Supposed to be chill, right?” 

“It is. It is, it’s gonna be a lot of people, their apartment is pretty small. You know how I get when it’s loud and crowded, and…Overloads me.”

Ryan rolled his eyes, glancing toward the building.

“Let’s get you in and out, then,” He offered. “And then we can get me in and out.” He waggled his brows, and you huffed, drawing your hand out of his and getting out of the car. 

Ryan took hold of your hand again once the two of you were on the sidewalk, trailing you as you led him to the door of the apartment building. You could hear music and chatter coming from Katie and Cory’s. You drew in a deep breath before you raised your hand, knocking on the door. It was a moment before it opened, and as soon as it did, your heart stuttered in your chest.

Your attraction to Bradley had never faded like it was supposed to. You had worked at it. You’d reminded yourself of the pros and cons, beaten yourself over the head with the fact that he was with someone, in a committed relationship. You had pushed yourself back into Ryan’s arms because, for a time, you had felt wanted by him. Things had never been perfect between you. You butted heads, and you tended to not want to budge on your arguments. You were quick to anger with one another, with each little nitpick reopening the old wounds. Your relationship had been on-again off-again for a couple of years, with each period of on-again falling into the same patterns that had led to the two of you splitting up in the first place. 

This latest stint with Ryan had only been exacerbated by your frequent conversations with and interest in another man. Every conversation, every touch, hold, kiss, conversation, had been haunted with the idea of Bradley lingering in your periphery. 

“Hey!” Bradley grinned. He reached out, drawing you in without a second’s thought or hesitation. 

You leaned into him, curling your arm around his middle and patting his back. You held for as long as was appropriate, and not nearly as long as you’d like; the scent of him threatened to draw you back in. You would’ve embraced him fully if Ryan wasn’t still holding your other hand. 

“I can’t believe you made it—Katie literally just told me there was no way you were showing up,” He added, leaning back to get a better look at you. 

“Yeah, well,” You smiled weakly. “We can’t stay too long, but we wanted to drop in and see everyone.” 

Your repeated use of we seemed to jolt Bradley. His gaze dropped to your other hand, then swept up Ryan’s arm to take in his face. 

“Bradley, this is Ryan,” You added, stepping back to allow Ryan to come into the apartment fully. “Ryan, Bradley. Bradley was the Best Man at Katie and Cory’s wedding.” 

“Aw, yeah, I’ve seen pictures from the day-of,” Ryan held his hand out, giving Bradley’s a shake. “Nice to meet you, man.” 

“Nice to meet you, too,” Bradley nodded. 

“Where’s Liz!” You tacked on, glancing around. A look that you didn’t recognize flashed across Bradley’s face, but it was gone in a blink.

“Ah, she, uh…She couldn’t make it.” 

“Aw, I’m sorry,” You frowned—and you tried to mean it. 

“It’s alright. Come on, come in,” Bradley added, waving you inside. “Sorry, I shouldn’t stall you guys in the doorway.” 

“It’s okay,” You laughed, looking around before glancing back at Ryan. “Let’s see if we can go find the newlyweds.” You glanced up at Bradley, patting his shoulder lightly. “I’ll see you around.” 

It felt wrong to say—it felt worse when you saw Bradley’s expression falter a touch. But you were already turning away from him and heading for a group of a few of your friends. You saw the flash of their horror and confusion before they pushed smiles onto their faces, squealing, “Hey!” as a group. 

“Hi!” You smiled back, giving Ryan’s hand a reassuring squeeze. You leaned into each of them, kissing their cheeks before leaning back. Katie hardly leaned into you; her gaze was still set on your ex.

“Y’all remember Ryan,” You asked, waving back toward him. It garnered nods and murmurs of agreement. 

“Nice to see you,” He offered before he leaned in a little. “I’m going to go grab a drink. You want one?” 

“Sure,” You nodded, “Thanks.” 

Before you could blink, Ryan ducked in, pressing his lips to yours in a quick, warm kiss. He didn’t overdo it, or make it pointedly salacious for the sake of your friends, like he may have in the past. Now, he gave your lower back a pat and turned, heading away from you, and leaving your little group in a pointed silence. You didn’t meet any of their eyes. You stared at Katie’s glass and warned them: 

“I don’t want to talk about it right now.” 

It forced them off of the topic, and onto a new subject: Katie and Cory’s honeymoon in Ibiza. You found yourself half-listening; the other ear was unwittingly searching out the sound of Bradley’s voice in your periphery. You caught on it now and again for a syllable or two, and your head would twitch in his direction. It was impossible for you not to. As badly as you wanted to go to him—to soak up his smiles and his warm, kind eyes—you rooted yourself with your friends, averting your gaze from their nervous and judgemental glances. 

But when the conversation shifted again—when your ear caught on Ella’s comment of, “—A shame about Bradley and Liz, isn’t it?” Your head snapped to them.

“I know,” Katie sighed, shaking her head, “He’s such a good guy.” 

“What happened?” You frowned, shaking your head. The others glanced around conspiratorially before they leaned in a little more. 

“Apparently,” Katie leaned into it, “He and Liz, like…Imploded. She said it was taking them too long to get the wedding together, he said that it would take as long as they needed—” 

“Neither of them would budge,” Ella shrugged. “Apparently she eloped with some guy she met, like, the week after they split.” 

“Oh, my god,” You breathed. The news twisted you all up; you didn’t know how it was possible that someone could do that to Bradley. 

“Honestly, I don’t think she really even wanted to be married to him,” Cassie offered. “I think she just wanted to be married.” 

You found yourself twisting around to try and catch sight of Bradley then—like you could see some visible sign of the change, the distress; like the ring you’d come to imagine sitting on his finger had disappeared. 

And then Ryan rested a hand on your lower back and pressed a bellini into your hand, and it was like a bucket of ice water had been tipped over your head. 

Bradley hadn’t said a thing to you. You had been asking about Liz for months. You had questioned their plans: their honeymoon arrangements, their colors, their venue options; you’d offered to get him in touch with coordinators, with florists, and DJs and caterers and bakers and goddamnit, why hadn’t he told you? 

Why hadn’t he at least feigned that the wedding was on hold? That they were regrouping, or restrategizing, or asked you to change the topic, or to just shut the hell up about it? Had he not wanted you to know? Was it a matter of his loss, his pride? 

Finally catching sight of him across the room, you found him with a gaggle of guys. He had a glass in his hand, and a smile on his face as he laughed—the kind that made his eyes crinkle, and his chin tip up with the force of it. You saw his head turn toward you a touch, and you hurriedly averted your gaze, raising your glass to your lips and taking a deep draw from your glass. Fuck, fuck fuck fuck. The alcohol seemed to burn and bubble as it dropped into your belly. 

“Hon, are you okay?” Ella asked, frowning at you. “You’re looking a little green around the gills.” 

“Uh…No, you know what, I actually, um,” You cleared your throat. “I’m not feeling well. I think we should get going, actually, we’ve got some other things that we need to, um…” You cleared your throat, glancing back toward Ryan. He looked as confused as your friends. Maybe he figured the two of you would stay for more than five minutes. You were a flurry of apology as you pecked their cheeks, grabbing Ryan’s hand and half-dragging him out of the apartment. 

“They say something about me?” He asked tiredly as the two of you left. 

“No,” You shook your head, climbing into the car. “No, it really—I really do feel like shit right now.” 

Your heart was pounding in your chest; the blood was roaring in your ears; your head was spinning. You stuck the key into the ignition before you leaned back to put your seatbelt on, drawing in a deep breath as you tried to calm yourself down. 

“If you feel so shitty, you probably shouldn’t be driving,” Ryan grumbled. 

“I can handle it.”

“You could’ve at least waited for me to get something to eat—” 

“Oh my god,” You groaned. “Maybe you should’ve grabbed a bagel while you were already in the kitchen, then.” 

“You said you wanted a drink.” 

“You offered to get me one!” 

You turned to the car, turning the key in the ignition before glancing at Ryan, doing a double take and waving at his chest.

“…What?” He asked. 

“Would you put your fricking seatbelt on, please?” 

“Seriously?” 

“Yes, seriously!” You insisted. “God forbid something happen, I don’t want you flying through the fucking windshield—” 

“You know what?” Ryan reached out, opening the door. “I’m gonna walk.” 

“You’re gonna walk?” You scoffed. “You’re really gonna fucking—” 

You winced as he slammed the door shut. You shook your head, glancing into the rear view. Fucking fine. If he wanted to walk, he could fucking walk. You glanced to the side mirrors and checked your blindspot before flooring it out of the spot and peeling down the block. You glanced down as you heard your phone buzz, certain you would have a text from Ryan, asking you to pick him up at the corner. 

Instead, you spotted Bradley’s name. You found yourself pitching your phone into the passenger side footwell on instinct as you turned back to the road.

He hadn’t even thought about pulling you in when he saw you. He’d drawn you into his arms, completely disregarding Ryan—so much so that he seemed surprised when you pointed Ryan out. He’d acted like you were the only person there. 

You pressed your elbow against the door, resting your head on your head. 

Six months. You had been asking Bradley (or trying to ask Bradley) about the wedding for the last six months. He had played along. You felt stupid, embarrassed. 

And goddamnit, you felt hopeful. 

–  

When you finally got home and retrieved your phone from the car footwell, you had three texts and five missed calls. 

Three of the missed calls were from Ryan, as well as one of the texts—a request to sit down and hash out whatever the hell happened at the party. Another was from Katie (Bitch, you got a lot of explaining to do with a gif of Ricky Ricardo waggling his finger). You saw the missed calls and texts from Bradley last: 

BB (#DreamTeam)

Sorry I missed you on your way out

As if it was his fault.

Well, then again, it sort of was.

You eyed the last time he called; it had been a few minutes ago. You huffed softly, considering your options. You shot a text over to Ryan agreeing to meet first. You knew that delaying your response in favor of calling Bradley would send your guilt through the roof. Then, you hesitantly tapped on Bradley’s name, putting the phone on speaker. You glanced around, sighing and leaning back in the driver’s seat as the ringtone brrrr’d in the absence of his response. It was one ring away from going voicemail when you heard him pick up. 

“Hello?” He answered.

“Hey. Sorry, I was driving, I didn’t, uh—I didn’t see that you called.” 

“That’s okay.” 

You nodded a little before you paused, brows raising a touch. 

“So what’s up?” You finally pressed. 

“Seemed like you left in a hurry. I turned around and you were just gone.” 

“Something came up.” 

“Katie said you weren’t feeling well.” 

Snitch. 

“I wasn’t.” 

“Feeling better now?” Bradley pried, and before you could even think of your answer, “Wanna go grab a drink, or…Dinner, something?” 

You tipped your head back against the rest, closing your eyes. No. No. That was an awful idea. You needed to get together with Ryan as soon as possible, to get your shit together, to work out whatever you needed to work out—

–  

“You been here before?” You asked. 

“Uh—”

“Hey, Rooster!” 

Your brows raised as he raised a hand, waving at a woman not too far off. He turned a bashful smile toward you as he lowered his hand, folding his arms on the bar. 

“It’s near the base, so it’s pretty popular with people in the service.” 

“It’s nice in here,” You nodded, looking around. 

“Nicer than Katie’s?” 

He didn’t bother trying to be subtle, leaning into the question. You slowly turned to face forward again, casting the bartender a smile and a thanks as she set your drinks down. Bradley waited until she drifted away before he added, 

“You ran out of there like you were on fire.” 

“Thought you turned around I was just gone,” You reminded him, raising your brows. Bradley’s eyes skated across your face. 

“Saw you out of the corner of my eye,” He admitted. 

“How’d you know it was me?”

“I’ve seen you ditch out of somewhere before.” 

You turned from him, taking up your beer. 

“You need someone to sock that guy, I’m your first call,” Bradley added, and you couldn’t help but smile ruefully as you shook your head. 

“I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” 

“Katie said he doesn’t treat you right.” 

“The way Liz treated you?” 

It fell out of your mouth before you can stop it. You watched Bradley’s expression harden, his jaw clenching as his fingers flexed around the bottle in front of him. He didn’t hold your gaze. As bad as you felt for mentioning it, you couldn’t have it over your head anymore. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” You plied when he gave no answer. “I asked about that shit for months, like a fricking idiot.” 

“You weren’t an idiot. You didn’t know.”

“Exactly my point! Why didn’t you at least pretend you had postponed it or something?” 

“I didn’t wanna talk about it. I still don’t.” 

“Then why’d you invite me out?” 

“I said I didn’t want to talk about that, not that I didn’t want to talk at all.” 

You both turned back to your drinks, gaze set contentiously on them. 

“…I take it Katie told you about Ryan?” You hedged.

“A bit, yeah.” 

“What’d she say?” 

“That he’s a dick who won’t compromise.” 

“Yeah, well,” You shifted on your bar stool. “I don’t exactly have a gold medal in that, either when it comes to him.” 

“Just him?” 

You considered for a moment, tipping your chin up and eyeing the opposite wall. 

“We butt heads, we always have. It always starts out pretty well, and then…I don’t know. Little things start to break down, little communication errors or fights and they get bigger and bigger, and,” You raised a hand, mimicking an explosion. “He was peeved when we went to Katie’s, thought I pulled him out of there because they said something to me about him. I mean, they would’ve, probably. And they clearly said something to you.” 

“She said she had no idea how you even linked back up.” 

“I texted him a kitty picture.” 

You saw Bradley frown out of the corner of your eye, his mouth working wordlessly as he seemed to grapple with something. It clicked, and you groaned, “No, an actual cat, you—” You reached out, giving his shoulder a light shove as the two of you dissolved into laughter, “You perv.” 

–  

You don’t let Bradley right back in, and you don’t show Ryan right out, either. Where your friendship with Bradley had been middling, your reopened channels of communication were slowly bringing it back to life. Where your relationship with Ryan had been waning, you gave it another shot in earnest. 

– 

“So when do I get to meet him?” Bradley asked.

“You already met him,” You chuckled. 

“Not properly. I didn’t get a chance to really talk to him.” 

“You want to?” 

Bradley leaned back in his seat a little. You could feel his gaze sweeping you, even as you poked at your dinner. 

“You don’t want me to?” He batted back. You shrugged. 

“I have no problem with it. Kinda surprised, considering what Katie’s told you about him.” 

“I like to draw my own conclusions. ‘Sides, if you’re with him, he can’t be all that bad.” 

“Your opinion of me is way too high, Bradshaw.” 

“Your opinion of yourself isn’t high enough.” 

Your stomach flipped at his insistence, and you raised your drink to swallow your arguments. 

“Gonna have to meet him soon,” He added. 

“Why’s that?” 

“I’m goin’ away.” 

He said it so casually, so easily, like it wouldn’t hit you below the belt and ruin your appetite. You carefully lowered your glass back to the table. 

“When?” You asked as lightly as you could manage. 

“Next week.” 

“How long will you be gone?” 

“At least a couple of months.” 

You nodded a little, belly squirming with nerves. It was a wholly irrational response. You knew very well what Bradley did. You just hadn’t come into contact with the reality of it before. 

“So?” He leaned against the table. “When can I meet him?”

“…I don’t know, I don’t…” You shook your head. “I don’t know when he’s, um…” Your brain was scrambled all of the sudden. It was like it was being overtaken with the knowledge of Bradley’s leaving, the possibilities. “I’ll ask.” 

“I’ll pencil it in.” 

“Am I gonna see you before I leave?” 

“With Ryan?” 

“I mean if he can’t make it.” 

You give Bradley a guarded gaze from beneath your eyelids, smiling as you see him nodding. 

“Course you’re gonna. Dream team, remember?” 

– 

“Think your guy can pencil me in for when I’m back?” 

You grimaced at his question. Bradley had been gone for almost a month, and asking that question for nearly just as long. Your phone time had only increased with his being so far away; you got a call from him every other day, if not every day. You shifted on your couch, eyeing your tv boredly. 

“Be kinda weird for you to hang out with a guy I’m not with anymore, but yeah, I’m sure we could work something out.” 

There was a moment of quiet on the other end of the phone before he asked, “When’d that happen?“

"Yesterday.”

“And what happened there?” 

“We were not, uh…” You shook your head. “Ultimately, we weren’t compatible. I think that’s the nice way to say it.” 

“What’s the mean way?” 

“He’s a fucking dumbass.” 

“Makes sense.”

“Does it?”

“Sure. Anyone who can’t make it work with you—there’s gotta be something wrong with ‘em.” 

You tipped your head back against your couch, your feet kicking with childish excitement. Ugh, goddamnit, he always seemed to know the right thing to say. 

“Anyway,” You pushed on as you settled back down. “I can still set you up with Ryan.” 

“No thank you.”

“Gee, why not?”

“He’s not really my type. Sounds like he’d be Liz’s, though.” 

You smiled a little ruefully, hand scrubbing over the side of your neck. It had taken some time, but Bradley had finally opened up to you about what had gone wrong. It hadn’t been anyone’s fault, he’d sworn. It was just that they were in different places, ready (or not ready) for different things. He’d gradually gone from not giving a damn what she’d gotten up to without him to wishing her well. You couldn’t imagine feeling the same good will toward Ryan. 

“Doesn’t seem like she needs a fix up,” You quipped.

“She certainly does not.” 

“Mm. How’s it going over there?”

“It’s been alright. Tiring,” Bradley admitted. “We’ve moved on to parameter-specific runs, and it’s, uh…It’s gonna be a hard one.” 

You bit your lip. You weren’t sure what to say that he surely hadn’t heard a hundred times before. Tell him that he would be fine? Beg him to come home safely? 

You hadn’t been able to spend time alone with Bradley before he’d left. Katie had wound up having a small dinner at her place—something for friends, something more casual. You couldn’t bring yourself to selfishly break off another bit of his time, and you’d soaked up all of him that you could while you were there. When the party had ended, you’d trailed him back to the Bronco. Your conversation had gone on and on outside of it, and then inside when you couldn’t bring yourself to stand still. Even then, practically facing one another in the front seat of his car, you’d found yourself feeling antsy. You’d wanted to tell him something beyond the fact that you would miss him. You wanted to tell him that you were worried about him; you wanted to somehow let him know that the news of his sudden departure had kept you up for the better part of a week; you wanted to know if he would be thinking of you, too; you wanted to reach out and touch—his hand, his arm, his cheek, something. 

But you’d kept to your side of the car, bottled your protests and worries, and resolutely tried to ignore the way your heart leapt in your throat whenever his knee nearly brushed yours. 

Now, the clarity of distance told you that you’d done the right thing. Laying some confession of interest or a kiss on him would’ve clouded the lines of communication that you had open now—lines that you weren’t willing to jeopardize. 

“You’ll get it,” You finally said, “Whatever it is.” 

“I’d tell you more, but—”

“No, that’s alright. I think that would just make me more worried, anyway.” 

“You worry about me?” 

Crap. You slid down in your seat, pressing your head back against the cushion. 

“Course I do,” You admitted quietly, as if he could lose the sound of you over the phone—as if your mumbled confirmation wouldn’t be chased or leaned into. 

“You don’t have to.” 

“Oh, well, thank you for that absolution. I was only worrying for fun.” 

“C’mon,” Bradley chuckled softly. “That’s not what I meant.” 

“I know,” You grumbled. 

“It’s nice.” 

“It’s nice? You enjoy making me worry? That’s just cruel, Bradshaw.” 

“Swear to god, when I get back, I’m gonna—” 

“What?” You goaded, heart ticking up in your chest. “What are you gonna do?” 

Maybe it was a step too far. Bradley went quiet on the other end of the phone. Your mouth went dry as you waited with nervous anticipation. And then you registered the yell of someone on the other end of the phone, the use of his callsign. 

“Shit,” He muttered, then, louder: “I gotta go.” 

“Okay,” You nodded. It was better that he couldn’t see the nod, or the way panic washed across your face. “Be careful.” 

He didn’t need to be told that, but you couldn’t help the plea. 

“I will,” He swore. And then he was gone. You lowered your phone, watching as BB (#DreamTeam) flickered away, leaving your lock screen. Gonna what? What the hell was he gonna do when he got back? 

Then again, you weren’t sure you cared what it was, so long as he did get back. 

–  

“Did I wake you up?” 

“No!” You leaned over, turning your lamp on and pushing yourself to sit up, your phone clutched in your hand. You knew that the first thing you’d said to him, your groggy little opening gambit of, “Whazzit?” had probably given the game away, but hell, he’d asked.

You’d hardly heard from Bradley for the last few weeks. You hadn’t reached out. You hadn’t wanted to bother or distract him from his task. But on the late nights when you couldn’t sleep, you found yourself wondering if Bradley hadn’t contacted you because he couldn’t—because something had gone wrong. You’d found yourself constantly checking your phone, keeping it on the edge of your periphery on the off-chance he called or texted. 

“You lying to me?” He added. At least he sounded a little amused by the prospect. You scrubbed your hand across your eyes. Damnit. 

“…A little bit,” You mumbled. 

“Go back to sleep.” 

“Nooo,” You whined, kicking your feet petulantly beneath your sheets. “Talk to me.” 

“You laying down?” 

“…I was.” 

“Lay back down.” 

The order felt a little salacious, but you were sure he meant nothing by it. Still, you slid down as he said, tipping your sleep-heavy head back against the pillows. 

“Talk to me,” You urged again. “Please?” 

“You should’ve let me go to voicemail.” 

“I said talk, not argue.” 

“Now who’s arguing?” 

You smiled, letting your eyes close. 

“‘M not arguing. Making a point isn’t arguing.” 

“It is when you use that tone.” 

“Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine.” 

His reassurance made you melt into the mattress a little more. 

“Good,” You mumbled. “I was afraid you weren’t.” 

“Don’t worry about that.” 

“Don’t tell me what to do.” 

“Now you’re arguing again,” He chuckled. “You always this combative when you wake up?” 

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” 

“…Yeah, I would.” 

For a moment, you were certain you imagined him saying it, or that you’d managed to mishear him in his hazy state. 

“You could, you know,” You finally offered.

“Oh yeah? How would I do that?” 

His voice was different than you were used to—low and soothing, and curled with a wink that you longed to see. 

“How do you think?” 

“Could always call you in the middle of the night again.” 

You pushed a sleepy, ugly giggle, then slapped your hand over your mouth when you realized that the sound escaped you. Bradley laughed quietly on the other end. 

“If that’s the route you wanna go, Bradshaw.” 

“I am sorry,” He added. “I forgot what time it was over there.” 

“S’okay, I don’t mind. I missed your voice.” 

God, being tired made you far more loose-lipped than you typically were. You were already penciling in a reminder to be mortified about this conversation in the morning. But it was chased and erased by Bradley’s gentle, 

“I missed yours, too.” 

Your stomach squirmed at the sentiment, a goofy smile spreading across your face. 

“Even when it sounds like I’ve been gargling gravel?” You teased. 

“You don’t sound like that.” 

It took you a few moments to answer. As badly as you wanted to stay awake, you could feel sleep sinking its claws into you, drawing you back down. 

“No? Feels like I do.” 

“You don’t. You might if you stay up talking to me, though.” 

“Worth it,” You insisted. You didn’t know if he took longer to answer, or if it took longer to register with you. But his voice finally worked through:

“Go back to sleep.” 

“I don’t wanna.”

“I’ll see you soon.” 

“You promise?” 

“I promise.” 

“Mmmkay,” You finally relented. “Get home safe, please.” 

“I will.” 

–  

In the morning, you were far less embarrassed than you thought you would be. Sure, there were still things that you sort of wish that you hadn’t said, but they were clouded out by other things—like the way Bradley had reassured you that you didn’t sound like hell, and the fact that he’d missed your voice in the first place. 

Still, all of those things were stomped out by one thing that you were almost certain had been a figment of your sleep-addled mind, something that you wanted desperately to be real, but would never bring yourself to ask Bradley about—

The sound of his warm, tender little murmur right before you’d drifted off entirely: 

“Goodnight, sweetheart.”

You spent the morning stewing over whether or not you’d really heard Bradley say that, or if you’d conjured it up. Maybe it was something that you simply wanted so badly that you had imagined it. 

Your eyes kept darting to your phone during work, your heart leaping into your throat every time the screen lit up. It was usually some app alert. Every time you perked up at the sight of it only to be let down, you felt silly. It was another entire day of ebbing excitement and rising disappointment, raising your hopes for absolutely nothing. By the time you left your office, you’d exhausted yourself. You were being ridiculous. Sure, he’d said he’d see you soon, but that was probably relative to—

“Did you manage to fall back asleep? Or did you stop talking because you were bored with me?” 

Your eyes widened, your mouth falling open at the sight of him outside your office building. You didn’t even think as you darted toward him, barrelling into him. Bradley took hold of you as though you hadn’t run into him with any force. He held firm, curling his arms around your shoulders as you clung to him. Neither of you spoke for a few minutes. He smoothed his hand over your back as you grappled with it all—the feel of him; the scent of his cologne and aftershave; the fact that you could see him, touch him, prove to yourself that he was okay. 

When you finally managed to talk yourself into loosening your grasp, you drew back a little, your bashful embarrassment bubbling up and trying to overtake the joy that you felt. Bradley simply smiled, cupping your cheek in a way that made your heart sing. 

“Hi there,” He murmured.

“Hi,” You laughed nervously. “I’m sorry, I didn’t—I wasn’t thinking.” 

“S’alright,” He shook his head. “I’m not complaining.” 

“When you said you’d see me soon, I didn’t think you meant so soon.” 

“I know. I wanted to surprise you.” 

“Well, mission accomplished.” 

His thumb swept gently over the apple of your cheek, his smile pulling wide to match yours. 

“When did you get back?” You asked.

“Couple of hours ago.” 

And he was there, with you? Your fingers tightened in the fabric of his shirt. 

“Aren’t you tired?”

“A little.” 

“Are you hungry?” 

“I could eat.” 

“What do you want?” 

Bradley’s tongue swept across his lips, his eyes skimming your face for a moment. Then, seeming to rethink something, he shrugged. 

“Whatever you’ve got.” 

–  

Technically you didn’t have much, but Bradley didn’t gripe about ordering in pizza. Hell, when you suggested it, he let out a groan that rattled right through you before emphatically agreeing: 

“Fuck yes. Please.” 

The way he said it stuck with you for entirely the wrong reason, and you found yourself almost studiously perusing a delivery app for the best option to keep him from clocking your aroused embarrassment. You didn’t have a dining room table, so the two of you wound up eating side by side, close, with some nonsense tv show that neither of you were really paying attention to playing in the background. When you asked about how it had gone, as delicately as possible, he shrugged.

“I won’t pretend it was the worst mission I’ve ever flown,” He said. “But I’m going to pretend that it was the best, either.” 

He didn’t go into specifics, but that was alright. You still weren’t quite certain that you wanted him to. The less you knew, the better. Besides, it didn’t matter, anyway. He was there, safe, with you. 

“Well,” You leaned back, on your couch, dusting the crumbs off of your fingers. “I’m glad it worked out.” “Mm,” He nodded, pushing his plate away before he looked around. You raised your brows as he lowered his hand to the cushions, giving them a squeeze. 

“So,” He smiled, “This where you usually call me from?” 

“Usually.”

“Even last night?” 

“Last night was a bit of an exception. I think we both know that.” 

“Where were you?” 

You nodded toward the hall. “My room. That’s where I gargle gravel.” 

“I told you you didn’t sound bad,” Bradley laughed.  

“Yeah, you did, and I still don’t believe you.” 

Bradley shook his head a little. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see his hand sliding across the cushion, a little closer to you. 

“You sounded good,” He insisted. 

“Good might be stretching it.” 

“Good’s the tip of the iceberg.” 

Your tummy fluttered at the feeling of his fingertips tenderly skating over the back of your hand. Your fingers wriggled, like it would entice him to touch you more—like if you didn’t move, didn’t react, he’d pull away or stop. Bradley lowered his gaze to your hands, and your breath caught in your throat as you felt him gently turn yours, his calloused fingertips skating across your palm. 

“…Bradley?” 

“Mhm?” 

“This may be an incredibly dumb question—” 

“Doubt it.”

“Wh—” You laughed nervously before you could finish the question. “Why did you…I mean, you just got back. Why’d you come see me?”��

“Because I missed you.” He took hold of your hand, his thumb sweeping along the side. “I needed to see you.” 

The word makes your pulse quicken, and you blink a few times to try and clear your swimming head. 

“…Needed?” You repeated dazedly. Bradley nodded, lifting his head to meet your eye. 

“Needed, sweetheart.” 

The way he said it was so soft, and warm, and so perfectly familiar that you could’ve cried. But Bradley was already cradling your cheek, already drawing you close and leaning in to meet you halfway. You raised your other hand, cupping the side of his neck as your lips met for the first time. Your eyes closed as you savored the tender slip and press of his kiss. The mustache was a little bristly, but hardly as intrusive as you thought it may be. The slight tickle of it made you smile. 

Bradley drew back, pressing a kiss to your cheek, then your jaw before he pressed his face into your neck. 

“Goddamn,” He mumbled, voice rumbling against your skin. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.” 

“You have?” You asked, sliding your hand up into his hair. 

“Longer than I should’ve been.” 

You bit your lip, resting your head against his. 

“If it makes you feel any better, so have I.” 

He pressed a sweet kiss to the crook of your neck before sweeping his lips over your neck and jaw, up to your ear.

“It does.”

You shivered at the caress of his breath. You turned your head shyly, nuzzling the tip of his nose with yours before tipping your chin up, giving him another gentle kiss. Bradley sighed into you, his grip in your hand tightening as you shifted closer to him. You hummed softly as he leaned back, resting his forehead against yours, chasing his lips for another peck.

“Before I completely monopolize your time, is there anything else that you planned on doing tonight?” You asked. Bradley chuckled, shaking his head.

“I did want to do one thing.”

You tried not to let your disappointment show as you, just nodded.

“What’s that?”

“See how combative you are when you wake up.”

You grinned wide, raising your hand and curling it in his collar, drawing him closer.

“Just you wait, mister.”

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[weewoobrainrot]

i wish i was joking about top gun having taken over my life

{some context: i've had spotify for almost five years, if not more, and went through a major hamilton phase that lasted over a year....and great balls of fire is still my second most listened to song...it came out this-}