#Grace Spicy Bradshaw

[whiskeyswriting]

Wildest Dreams

{ An AU fic for Hangman x Cinco }

To read the Squad’s reaction to finding out the truth: check out: Spicy’s call to Jake; Lucky’s FaceTime call; and Birdie’s Anger

******

“Push! Push! Push!” Alana could hear what the doctor was telling her but the exhaustion of the last ten hours made it hard to do what she needed. Nobody was there to help her. Then again she went into labor two months earlier than expected.

Baylie and Mickey were deployed. 

Grace and Bradley had gone on a second honeymoon.

“One more push and you can rest.”

SEVEN TO EIGHT MONTHS AGO

It has been a couple of months of secret hookups with Jake after he and his girlfriend, Sydney, had broken up. Having become friends after the uranium mission, Alana was there for Jake throughout his relationship with Sydney and eventually their breakup.

Neither had planned on getting together, but they did after a night of drinking with the rest of the Dagger Squad. It was just a one-time thing, they both agreed. Only that, it turned into friends with benefits. 

They managed to keep it a secret for a couple of months. The only time anyone suspected anything was going on between them was the night everything changed. The night of the Navy Awards.

Jake decided it would be best if they carpooled with some of the other members of the squad. So Alana made her way to the base and met up with Jake, Baylie, Mickey, Grace, and Bradley at the rec room. 

The girls are quick to hug her and have her spin in her dress. “Wow! You’re looking so beautiful!” Grace tells her.

“Got any plans for later? I’m happy to drop Mickey for you,” Baylie says winking.

Alana blushes. “It’s not too much?”

“It’s not enough. That dress will find you a husband. Hey, maybe some admiral or captain will scoop you up,” Baylie teases.

Jake ignores them and glances at his watch. “We should get going.” Bradley and Mickey each take their girl’s hand in theirs and lead the way to the limousine. Jake keeps his hand on Alana’s lower back.

Once they arrive at the venue, they all go their separate ways. Eventually, they are all seated together, as the majority of them would be receiving medals. The only ones at their table to not receive one were Alana and Grace.

The ceremony moves along pretty quickly and soon comes the drinking and dancing. Alana mostly sat and watched everyone. Jake had been chatting with Admiral Kazansky and Vice Admiral Simpson. His smile was huge when he returned. 

Instead of sitting, he offered Alana his hand so they could dance. The DJ had been playing a few upbeat songs in a row. As they danced and laughed, the music changed into a slow song. Dance With You by Brett Young begins to play and Alana moves to go sit down but Jake holds her hand. “Is one slow song going to kill you?”

“No. But people might get ideas.”

“Let them. We’re just two single friends enjoying a dance.”

“Right. Two single friends,” Alana repeats, her cheeks warm from embarrassment, thinking he would maybe officially ask her out.

After the song finished, they returned to the table, only to find their friends smirking at them. 

“What’s with the smirks?” Jake asks.

“You tell us,” Baylie replies.

“We’re just two single friends enjoying a party with drinks that the Navy is paying for,” Alana says quickly. “So tell, me again who do I bribe to get a shiny medal like that?” She teases in order to change the topic.

The evening soon becomes midnight and they all decide it’s time to go home to rest. The only ones to not go home were Jake and Alana. They headed to a downtown hotel to spend the night together. 

He said, "Let's get out of this town

Drive out of the city, away from the crowds"

I thought Heaven can't help me now

Nothing lasts forever

But this is gonna take me down

FIVE MONTHS AGO

She was pacing along her hallway as she waited for the timer to go off. Before she could hear the timer, her stomach betrays her. Alana runs to the bathroom, for the third time that morning, with intense waves of nausea hitting and she throws up into the toilet. 

Alana knew she had to tell Jake. She knew he deserved to know the truth. She recalled their last night together. It had been their most passionate night of pleasure for the both of them. When she woke up alone the next morning, there was a note on the pillow saying he’d see her later.

Hours later, he showed up at her house. He had gotten a call from Sydney. They were going to try and work things out and get back together again. Then he dropped the bomb: Sydney was a few months pregnant. After that day, Alana didn’t get many chances to talk to him, as he got deployed overseas. 

Say you'll remember me

Standing in a nice dress

Staring at the sunset, babe

Red lips and rosy cheeks

Say you'll see me again

Even if it's just in your wildest dreams, ah-ah, ha

Wildest dreams, ah-ah, ha

The timer rings and she looks at the tests. Three positive pregnancy tests were staring back at her. This wasn’t in her plan. Sure she wanted to be a mother. But she never wanted to be a single mother. She lets herself cry for a few minutes before going to get her phone and trying to call Jake. 

She calls and calls. No answer. She send him a few texts to please call her but they all say “Not Delivered”. 

The next person she calls is her physician, whom she asks to go in for an appointment for that day. Once the doctor confirmed that yes she is pregnant, Alana called out sick the next day. She didn’t have the luxury of just resting. She found herself spending more time throwing up than anything.

FOUR MONTHS AGO

She made it past her first trimester so she knew she needed to tell her friends. Alana scoured through Pinterest to get ideas but there were so many she couldn’t decide. But then she spotted a food-related one, just in time for her turn to host their next movie night.

The day passed by quickly and soon the two couples arrived for movie night. Bradley and Mickey kept trying to set her up with other pilots but she always turned them down. She knew no reasonable pilot would want to date a pregnant plus-size woman that was their superior.

Alana had the boxes of pizza and donuts ready. Her plan was to have Grace and Baylie each open one of the boxes. The squeals are loud and they both run to hug her. 

Immediately the questions come out. “Who’s the father? Does he know? Can I be the Daddy?”

Alana knew she didn’t want to lie to her best friends, but she couldn’t outright tell them it was Jake. Not before she got the chance to tell him. “It was some guy… He’s no longer in my life. He doesn’t know. I’ve tried calling and texting but I think he blocked me.”

“Thank goodness it isn’t Jake’s,” Baylie said. “That night at the awards I could have sworn you guys had something going on.”

“You two were basically eye fucking each other while you were dancing,” Bradley adds as he takes a bit of his pizza.

Alana chuckles. “Yeah. That would have been… something.”

Grace notices Alana nervously playing with her bracelet. ‘What if Jake is the dad…?’ She begins to wonder. She’s distracted as she thinks back to encounters or outings they all shared and how Jake and Alana behaved together.

“Earth to Grace! We were asking you what you think the baby would be and whose last name it should have.”

“I want it to be a little girl. Imagine all the dresses and bows we’ll buy her!” The girls are soon diving deep into talks of nursery themes, colors, and baby shower themes. 

TWO MONTHS AGO

The doctor, along with Alana, was surprised that she had actually lost some weight instead of gaining. It had happened before but it wasn’t as common as the weight gain. “I guess your little one is kickstarting your metabolism.”

“Yeah, I guess she is.”

“So do you already have a name picked out?”

“Samantha Belle.”

“That’s a beautiful name. I know I’ve asked you but any news from the father?”

“No. But I can give you the names of those I want in the room with me.”

Alana gives the doctor the names of Baylie and Grace, as well as their phone numbers.

When she gets to the base, Baylie is waiting for Alana in her office. “Hey, Bay! What’s going on?”

“I got my papers. Mickey and I both did. We’re getting deployed tomorrow. It’s for a few months. I…” she gets choked up. “Babe… I don’t know if we’ll be back in time for the baby.”

Alana shakes her head. “No. I can fight it. I can talk to Ice…” Her eyes fill with tears.

Baylie takes her hands in hers and gives them a squeeze. “I tried babe. I even claimed it was mine to also get maternity leave… Guess it doesn’t work like that.” She then pulls her into a tight hug. “I’ll sneak out if I have to come see you.”

“I love you Baylie. Go and kick ass. I’ll tell your niece you’re being an example for her.”

TWO WEEKS AGO

“So, Bradley surprised me with a trip to Greece. For a second honeymoon!” Grace says excitedly over the phone. 

Alana can’t help the small pang of jealousy. Here was her friend going on a second honeymoon and here she was about to be a single mother.

“That’s freaking fantastic Grace!”

“I know! And we leave in a week. I know you’re still a couple of months away from having the baby but we’ll be back in time.”

“Yeah no yeah. Take your time. Enjoy your honeymoon love. And Greece! That’s just amazing!”

YESTERDAY

Alana struggled to reach for the milk container that was towards the back. “Why can’t they think of short pregnant people?” She mutters to herself. She’s about to give up when a hand reaches for the carton and places it on her cart.

“Here you go mis- Alana?” Jake asks in surprise. 

“Jake! You’re back?” Alana replies.

He nods. “Just got back last night.” His eyes widen when he sees her ever-growing stomach. “I guess congratulations are in order.” His eyes skim her left hand but there’s no ring or no tan line of one.

“Yeah. She was a complete surprise.”

“It’s a girl?” His eyes soften. “She’ll be beautiful… Do you need any help getting things?” 

“I could use some help. Baylie and Grace aren’t in town today.” Before she can say more, he puts his basket in her cart and pushes her cart.

“What about the father?”

Alana exhales slowly and winces at the pain on her side. “Oh, he doesn’t know. It’s not like I haven’t tried. I’ve sent texts and emails, but I guess he just never cared much for me cuz I haven’t heard from him.”

“How far along are you?” 

“I’m 7 months pregnant… Forget about me. How’s Sydney and the baby?”

Jake grips the cart handles harder and makes a sudden sharp turn exiting the aisle. “She… I… She lied. It wasn’t my baby. I was there for every appointment. Every class. Only to find out she had been sleeping around on me and it wasn’t mine.”

Alana stops in her tracks and wipes at the tears in her eyes. She was so mad at Sydney for putting him through that but here she was doing all those things alone or with her friends.

While she loved her best friends dearly, it wasn’t the same as having a spouse day in and day out to support you. To help you at home. Yes, they were her found family but she would still be lonely in the nights. Her only constant companion: her unborn baby.

But also anger boiled up in her. Anger at him for ignoring her. Was she not good enough to be acknowledged as having his kid? Was she not pretty enough? Did he just use her to get off while he wasn’t with Sydney? 

“I… uhm actually I have to go home. I won’t be able to finish the shopping,” Alana says, starting to make her way to the store entrance.

“Are you sure? I can finish it for you. Just send me your list.”

“No. It’s okay. You’ll only ignore my text as you have for the last seven months!” 

Never had he seen or heard her this angry. Then his brain starts catching up with her words. Ignoring. Seven months. 

You'll see me in hindsight

Tangled up with you all night

Burning it down

Someday when you leave me

I bet these memories

Follow you around

Alana had already reached the exit and was getting into her car. The pain on her side increases. She calls her OB and the doctor tells her to immediately go to the emergency department. 

Jake is torn between getting their groceries and going after Alana. He decides to give her time and then he’ll confront her about the baby. He goes to pay for both their groceries. By the time he made it to the parking lot, Alana was already gone. 

PRESENT

“One more push and you can rest.”

Alana grunts as she pushes once more. The sound of a baby crying fills the room. Her eyes just want to close and her body feels ready to stop. “She’s lost too much blood. We need to stop the bleeding!” That’s the last that Alana hears before she decides to just take a quick nap. 

The doctors and surgeons rush to stabilize Alana’s vitals and stop the hemorrhaging. It takes them a few minutes but they are able to get the bleeding to stop and they stitch her up. 

At the nurses station, one of the nurses is trying to call Alana’s emergency contacts. There’s no response from Baylie or Grace. The next to be called is Viper and then finally they call Dragon.

“Commander Kazansky speaking,” Rachael answers.

“Commander. We’re calling from the base hospital. Commander Metcalf is here. She went into labor early. We have called all her emergency contacts but you’re the only one that has picked up.”

“I’ll be right there.” Rachael hangs up the phone and rushes to Jade’s office. “Whiskey! Let’s go!”

Jade looks startled. “What happened?”

“Cin… She’s in the hospital.”

“Shit! I’ll call Ice from the car while you drive!”

When Alana opens her eyes again, she’s in a private hospital room. Sitting next to her were Rachael and Jade. Mama Dragon and Mama Whiskey.

“Shhh shhh. Don’t try to move much,” Jade tells her.

“Baby… Where’s the baby?”

Rachael steps out of the room and flags down one of the nurses. “Can we have someone bring the baby?”

“She’ll be coming soon, love. The doctors say she’s completely healthy,” Jade pushes some of Alana’s hair out of her face. “How are you feeling?” 

“Like complete shit.”

“Oh babe,” Rachael takes one of her hands. “You just went through a lot and so suddenly. Not to mention alone. You are so fucking brave.”

“No, I’m not. I couldn’t keep the baby safe for the full term,” Alana starts crying.

“That doesn’t mean you’re not brave. Every birth and body is different. Think of it like this now: you get earlier access to your baby,” Jade adds.

At that moment, one of the nurses wheels the baby’s cot into the room. “She’s sleeping now.” Alana has Rachael help her slowly sit up to carry the baby.

Jade immediately FaceTimes Grace and Baylie. “Guess who got here early?!” 

“Who?” Grace says

“Why are you waking me up from my nap?” Baylie grumbles.

Jade flips the camera to show Alana carrying the baby. 

Immediately, both Grace and Baylie are shouting and calling for Bradley and Mickey to join the call. “WIFEY! You didn’t wait for me or Grace?!”

“Baby Samantha wanted to make you hurry home,” Alana says. 

“Wait… so you replaced us with Whiskey and Dragon…? Kinda rude but I guess they’re fine,” Baylie replies. 

“Actually. We just got here a few moments ago. She had already gone into labor. Alone,” Rachael informs them.

Bradley starts shouting that he’s getting tickets to return home the next day. 

“I’ll talk to Ice and Cyclone to get you two back stateside as soon as possible,” Jade tells the other two. 

“Yeah. Okay Mama Whiskey. I’ll get our bags ready just in case,” Mickey says.

After a few more minutes of catching up and getting the details of the birth, the girls hang up with a promise to arrive as soon as possible. 

Later that afternoon, the others from the squad slowly arrive to visit Alana and meet baby Samantha. Amanda and Raven both bring armloads of gifts. Javy and Natasha brought along snacks. Ron came and dropped off some compression socks and a set of pink fluffy robes: one for Alana and one for Samantha. Tom brought Alana her hospital bag with change of clothes for her and Samantha’s going home outfit.

Once everyone left, Alana laid back down with Samantha on her chest. “Hi princess. It’s you and me right now. Your aunts aren’t here but I know they’re dying to meet you.” Samantha gives a little yawn and squirm, that brings tears to Alana’s eyes. “You’re just so beautiful. You have your daddy’s eyes. They’re a beautiful green. Oh that little scowl is all me and papaw Viper.” 

“The Metcalf scowl of disappointment,” comes a voice from the door.

Alana looks up and her heart starts racing when she sees Jake there. “Uh yeah. It’s a Metcalf trademark.”

“Alana… Why… Why didn’t you tell me?”

She shakes her head. “Jake. I texted you. I called and left you a few voicemails. I even emailed you… You know I’d never hide the truth from you.”

Jake takes out his phone and looks through it. “You must have thought you did but you never did. I even would call you to catch up and talk but you blocked me or changed your number. Anytime I called it rang and would direct me to dial 9 to connect to a… To a sex line.”

Alana kisses the top of Samantha’s head and extends her hand. “Gimme your phone.” She manually enters her number and hits dial. “It’s saved as Spam Likely,” she says before looking up the contact. “And it’s blocked.”

He runs a hand through his hair. “I’m going to kill her… That was Sydney. Cin… You know me. We were friends before we…” 

“Before we had sex. You can say it Jake. We both agreed that that’s all it’d ever be.”

“But it wasn’t. Not for me… Alana I fell for you. I loved you then. But I was lied to and I did what I thought was right. I still love you because I know you, Alana. Even after all these months I know you would never cruelly let me down or keep this big secret from me. I’m so, so, so sorry that you went through it alone at times. All I ask is that you let me back in. Into your life and now into our baby’s life.”

Alana sniffles and wipes at her eyes. “Jake… Meet our daughter: Samantha Belle Seresin.” She carefully hands the baby over to Jake.

When Sam feels movement, she slowly opens her eyes and coos up at the person holding her. “Hi Samantha. I’m your daddy.”

Samantha coos again and closes her eyes once more to go back to sleep.

Alana’s eyes are also struggling to stay open. Jake carefully shifts her so that she’s comfortable but where there’d be space for him to sleep next to his two girls. She didn’t know it yet, but Jake was already making plans to make them a family of three once they were discharged.

Come morning time, Alana wakes up and smiles seeing Jake reading softly to Samantha. “You changed?” She asks once she notices his blue sweatpants and his white NAVY tank top.

“Yeah I had brought a change of clothes with me. Didn’t want to leave you two.”

As she’s about to reply, energetic shouts come from down the hall. “It’s my baby and I don’t care what he thinks!”

Alana turns to look at Jake. “Ready for the firing squad?” 

He leans down and kisses her tenderly. “For you and our baby? Always.”

--

TGM 🏷List: @luckyladycreator2 @dragon-kazansky @cycbaby @callsignscupcake @gracespicybradshaw @bayisdying @askmarinaandothers @ladylanera @novagreen04 @hisredheadedgoddess28 @callmemana @stargazing15 @starlit-epiphany

#mrsjaderogerswrites #the chaos squad #the chaos squad fics #hangman x cinco #Jake hangman Seresin #alana cinco metcalf #cinco x hangman #Jake x Alana #Alana x Jake #Jake Hangman Seresin x OC #baylie lucky steele #mickey fanboy garcia #grace spicy bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #jade whiskey kerner #rachael dragon kazansky #tom iceman kazansky #ron slider kerner

[tngrace]

Hold My Hand

AU in my AU world. Grace and Bradley have been struggling with infertility and they finally break down to Dad!Mav & Pops!Ice.

After almost two months, this is finally complete. It kinda ran away from me, and got really long, but I hope you enjoy. I've interspersed some lyrics from the song the title comes from, so those will be in red throughout. It's my 1st (? 2nd maybe?) time doing that, so hopefully it's not too awkward.

🏷: @dragon-kazansky @mrsjaderogers @bayisdying @cycbaby @askmarinaandothers @breadsquash @semperhuggs @ladylanera @callmemana @starlit-epiphany

Two years... It'd been two years and Grace felt like such a failure.

Grace met Bradley at the Hard Deck, ten years ago when she was barely twenty. They'd dated for six years before they got married, and they'd been married for four years. Two years ago, they felt settled and were ready to expand their family. Bradley was teaching at Top Gun, and Grace was running the kitchen at the Hard Deck, having entered a partnership with Penny.

But things weren't exactly going as they hoped. Grace had been afraid of this ever since she'd learned at eighteen that she had PCOS. And while she'd shared her worries with Bradley when they started trying, she still felt like a huge failure. It even affected their sex at times, Grace getting too lost in her head. They'd kept it quiet from everybody that they were trying because Grace didn't want the added pressure of others constantly asking, and she didn't want anyone else to be as disappointed as they were each month.

At her last doctor's appointment, they recommended that they start fertility testing and meds. While Grace agreed that it was the next logical step, she also was worried. While they made decent money, they still had bills to pay, and she didn't want for them to go into debt over this. So she was worried, and everyone was starting to notice. She kept to herself a lot at the Hard Deck, hiding out in the kitchen instead of working the bar or socializing in the down times. She knew the minute they agreed to the testing, they would have to start telling others. She knew keeping the secret, especially from Ice and Mav, had been really hard on Bradley, but he'd done it for her.

I heard from the heavens that clouds have been grey

Ice and Mav had noticed the kids were acting different at every family dinner for the last two months, but they were doing their best to act like everything was fine. After the second month of awkwardness, they decided to tackle it, especially after Penny confirmed Grace had been acting different at work too. Grace was the best thing to ever happen to Bradley and their family, and they wanted to help fix whatever needed fixing. So they made a plan; Mav would talk to B and Ice would see if Grace would talk to him.

Getting Bradley to talk was harder than Mav expected though. When asked if everything was ok, Bradley assured him it was. But the kid still couldn't lie and Mav saw right through it.

I see that you're hurtin',

"Ice we have to do something," Mav whined after several failed attempts at getting Bradley to talk to him at work or at the Hard Deck.

Ice gently squeezed the back of Mav's neck, massaging some. "What about a day at the hanger. You know B likes being out there, and Grace could probably use the quiet."

Mav already has his phone out texting Bradley to see when Grace was off next and if they could go. The plan was set for Saturday; they'd meet Ice and Mav at the hanger around nine in the morning. They were hopeful time away from everything would help the kids open up to them a little more. Especially since it was rare for them to keep anything from them like this.

After getting Mav's text, Grace curled into Bradley's side. "You know we have to tell them," she whispers. Her fingers are drawing idle circles on his chest, as his fingers stroke up and down her back.

"Yea. I think...." he sighs a little. "I think they're on to us. Mav's been asking me all week if everything is ok."

why'd you take so long To tell me you need me?

Grace lets her fingers keep dancing over his chest. "Mmmmm yea. We probably haven't been the most subtle lately."

"Grace..."

"No I know. I've been off. It's been... It's been a lot, with a lot of decisions to make. Fuck B I've had you keeping secrets from them for two years. I'm surprised they haven't caught on before now."

He tips her chin up so she can meet his eyes. "You haven't had me doing anything. I agreed."

She bites her lip softly as she nods. He softly kisses her forehead, holding her tight. "It's going to be ok babe. It'll be ok."

Raise your head, look into my wishful eyes

They pull up to the hanger, the door wide open. Bradley is not surprised in the least that his dads are already there. They probably spent the night before there if the truth was known. He laces his hand with Grace's as they get out of the bronco. He knows she's worried about today, but he knows Mav and Ice will be the most supportive parents ever.

"Morning," he calls out.

"Hey kiddos," Mav smiles pulling them both into his arms.

"Hey dad," Bradley smiles, before Grace sinks into the hug. She clings a little tighter and Mav just lets her as Ice hugs Bradley. She sinks into Ice's hug next; both Ice and Mav give the best hugs. It takes all she has not to start crying.

"Dad made breakfast," Ice says as Grace slowly pulls back.

"Well let's eat," Bradley smiles. He wraps his arm over Grace's shoulder as he leads her towards the makeshift table in the hanger. Conversation flows easily as they eat and then Mav asks if Bradley wants to go up. He turns to Grace who is nodding without him even having to ask. She knows Bradley loves being in the air with Mav and she is perfectly fine being on the ground with Ice. They clean up breakfast and Mav and Bradley are in the air within the hour.

Grace waves as they take off, before she turns to Ice to see what he would like to do. He pats the couch and Grace lets out a breath before joining him. "You two are tag teaming us aren't you?"

Ice snorts as he pulls her into side. "And this is why you've always been my favorite Gracie." She chuckles as she lets him give her a side hug. "You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. We just wanna help. We can tell things have been off, and we're just worried about you two."

She rests her head on his shoulder as she gathers her thoughts. Ice and Mav have always been great to her, like dads she never had. She knows how lucky Bradley was to have them. She pulls her legs up to her chest, resting her chin on her knees. "We've been keeping secrets. I... I asked B to keep secrets. But... we have to be honest now. We..." She takes a shuddering breath as Ice lays a hand on her back.

"Grace you don't have to say anything you don't want."

"Its not that we don't want. B would've told you from the beginning but, I asked him not to. I didn't...." She feels tears gather and knows she's not going to be able to stop them. "I didn't want to disappoint you two as well."

"Grace, honey, you could never." Ice pulled her into his arms as the tears silently roll down her cheeks. "Oh honey."

She tried to pull herself together as Ice just holds her tight. "We've.... we've been trying to make yall grandparents," she whispers.

So cry tonight But don't you let go of my hand You can cry every last tear I won't leave 'til I understand

Ice's arms tighten around her. Before he can say anything she just pushes on wanting to get this all out now that she's started. "We've been trying for two years with no success. Bc of my PCOS they wanna do some tests and then put me on meds but it's not guaranteed. They've already told us we should consider fertility doctors. I just.... I've let it all get to me lately and I know I've been off. I just..." she shrugs. "I just feel like such a failure. I'd do anything to make B a dad because I know he'll be an amazing one but I can't."

Ice gently turns her face towards him. "Grace I want you to hear me when I say this ok? You are not a failure. You're not. Things aren't happening like you want right now but that does not make you a failure."

She can't stop the tears as Ice pulls her back into his arms. "He gets so excited each time and then I just have to crush it," she sobs. "He tries to hide how hurt he is, but I still see it. I still feel it."

Ice just holds her tight letting her get it all out as he thinks of how to word what he wants to say so she hears him.

"I don't know what to do anymore. I think I've given up hope. The meds might work, they might not. And then what? How long do we keep going, keep being disappointed. And everything after this will be so expensive. How do I know when it's enough and I just have to crush his dreams all together? I can't do it.... I dunno that I can keep doing it. I can't keep hurting him and destroying his dream."

"Grace honey..... it's your dream too."

"I don't even think about me anymore," she whispers into his chest. It's so quiet he almost doesn't hear it.

"Grace..."

"I don't," she chokes on a sob. "I never think about me. I knew it could be like this, I tried to prepare him, but I don't think I did a good job. And it's a constant let down. God he should've found someone better... prettier... someone who can make all his dreams come true."

"Honey, I've known Bradley a very, very long time. You are the best thing that has ever happened to that kid. He's been looking for you his entire life, and when he found you? His whole life made sense. Even if you never give him a child he would never ever blame you for it. You're all he needs. You're everything to him." He hugs her tight to him, rubbing her back, his heart breaking for the girl that has been like his daughter for ten years now.

"You completed our family Gracie girl. You're not just the best thing to happen to that boy, but to us too. We weren't sure we would ever have a family beyond just us two, but then we got Bradley. And while we hate how that happened, we loved that boy like our own. And now you, the daughter we never had, but love very much. Making a family comes in all shapes and sizes. We all would be lost without you, so never think for a second you belong anywhere else. Would we love a grandchild? Of course. But if it never happens, we have you two."

He holds her tight as she cries into his chest, and he prays his words are absorbed. "You know we will help anyway we can. You don't even have to ask."

"I dunno that I could ever ask that. It'd be..."

He tips her chin up to look into his determined gaze. "You're not asking. I'm offering. We'd do anything for you two. You're all we've got; we might as well spoil the hell out of you two."

Grace gives him a small smile. "Mav might not like you spending all his airplane money."

Ice laughs out loud at that. "Oh honey. Mav would give all that up to see you two happy and living your dream."

Grace hugs him tight. "Thank you Pops," she whispers quietly.

"Anytime Gracie girl. Anytime."

But if you decide to, I'll ride in this life with you I won't let go 'til the end

Mav had let Bradley fly around for about 10 minutes before he decided to press. "B..." he starts but Bradley cuts him off.

"You don't have to ask again Dad. I'm done lying," he sighs. He levels the plane out and thinks of his words. "I'm surprised you haven't pressed before now. But.... I am sorry for lying to you."

"It's ok Bradley. We're worried about you both and just wanna help. Penny said Grace stays in the kitchen a lot and has been really quiet."

"Yea...." Bradley sighs as he brushes the hair off his forehead and back behind the headset band. "Things have gotten to be a lot lately. We uh..... we've..." he trails off finding it hard to admit the truth. It's been their secret for so long, he doesn't know what to say. Plus he's just as worried about Grace as they are. He wishes he could make things easier for her, help in some way, but she's been shutting down a lot, even on him.

"It's ok kiddo. You don't have to say anything you don't want to. And if it's easier we can always land again."

"Yea... I might... you know I love being in the air but it might be better not having your life in my hands for this. I dunno how steady I'll be."

Mav chuckles at that. "You know that's never worried me Baby Goose. I trust you with my life, but whatever you're comfortable with."

Bradley circles back towards the hanger and slowly sets her down. He stops at the end of the runway and pops the canopy. "Can we just sit out here before we taxi back?" He knows Ice is probably talking to Grace and he hopes Pops is helping so he doesn't want to interrupt that.

"Yea of course." Mav climbs out and settles under the wing in the shade, Bradley following him. He pulls Bradley into a tight hug as soon as he can and Bradley just sinks into it. "It's going to be ok. Whatever it is, it'll be ok."

Bradley clings to his dad before he chokes out "I don't know anymore dad.. I just don't know." Mav runs his fingers through Bradley's hair until his kid pulls back some. "Maybe we should go to the firepit to be more comfortable? This might take a while."

"Whatever you want B," Mav smiles. Mav ends up taxiing the plane to the hangar. He waves at Ice and Grace before heading around back to the firepit near the house. Bradley is already settled in one of the chairs staring off into space.

"They looked fine. More importantly Grace looked fine. You know Pops will take care of her." He could tell she'd be crying, but he left that out.

Bradley smiles up at him. "Yea I know. He's good like that. You're not half bad yourself old man," he teases.

Mav scoffs and rises to the bait like he knows Bradley wants him too. "Who are you calling old kiddo?"

Bradley snorts as Mav gets settled beside him. Mav squeezes his shoulder in encouragement. He decides it'll be better to just rip the bandaid off quickly so he blurts it out in one go. "We've been trying for a baby for two years and I think Grace has about reached her breaking point. We've kept it a secret but now her doctor is recommending testing and meds and it's all just been a lot."

"Oh kid," Mav sighs. He can't not pull Bradley into another hug after that and Bradley just breaks, silent tears streaming down his cheeks. "I gotcha Baby Goose. Let it out," Mav murmurs, his heart breaking for his two kids who have been struggling so long on their own.

"I don't know what to do anymore dad."

Mav runs his fingers through Bradley's hair calming him. "What are they thinking?"

Bradley wipes his eyes and lets out a soft sigh as he sits back in his chair. He runs Mav through her disorder and what testing the doctors are wanting to do. He tells him they wanna put her on meds and if that doesn't work they'll recommend fertility doctors. He doesn't stop there though telling Mav everything; how Grace has been shutting down, how she thinks the doctors are good idea but she's worried they can't afford them nor is she confident they'll work, how she thinks she's disappointing him and will disappoint everybody and that's why they've kept it a secret, how she constantly tells him he deserves someone better that can give him a family.

"I don't want anyone else dad. Grace is my world, my everything. She's amazing and more than I deserve. But she's so down on herself right now, I can't get her to see it. I mean hell the problem might not be all her. We don't know. But two years is so long I'm afraid she's gonna give up. Or maybe she already has. I just.... I dunno what to do anymore."

Mav gently squeezes the back of Bradley's neck, his heart breaking in two as he listens. "Hey. It's going to be ok. This is the first right step ok? You're talking about it, I'm sure Pops got Gracie to talk. You two aren't alone B. Not anymore."

"I get why she wanted to keep it a secret. It's been hard enough on us, much less adding in anyone else's hopes. But I just...."

"It's gotten to be too much and you two need help. It's ok to admit that B."

Bradley gives him a small smile. "Pops has rubbed off on you a lot."

Mav scoffs a laugh but concedes. "You're right he has."

"'S not a bad thing," Bradley grins.

Mav chuckles as he ruffles Bradley's hair. "We just have to be there for her. Remind her how much we love her no matter what. She knows you're not going anywhere, Baby Goose. She knows that. But sometimes..... when you get lost in your head, it's hard to know that in the moment. Constant reminders help. And you know you can come to us for anything. We'll help anyway you want or need. You don't even have to ask."

"I know.... We just hate asking for money or anything like that. It's not..."

Mav gently cups his jaw. "Stop. I know it's not easy to do, you're too much like me," he smiles ruefully. "But we are offering. Whatever you two need. We'd do it for you."

"Thanks dad," Bradley whispers hugging Mav tight. "Can we..."

"Come on," Mav chuckles, knowing exactly what Bradley was asking for before he even finished the question.

They head back into the hanger just as Ice and Grace were pulling apart from their own hug. "Everything...." Grace didn't even let Bradley finish. She was up and in his arms before he could blink. She clung to him tight as Bradley just held her. Mav sat down by Ice on the couch just watching them.

"I love you," she whispers into his neck.

"I love you too baby."

She hugs him for the longest before pulling back and wiping her eyes. She gives him a soft smile and a quick kiss before they rejoin his parents. They spend the rest of the afternoon talking, relaxing, just enjoying the company. Ice and Bradley grill burgers for supper while Grace and Mav sit around the firepit talking.

Its a much needed night for them, and they end up staying the night with the promise of breakfast in the morning. Once the kids are asleep, Ice and Mav quietly check on them and find them sound asleep curled around each other. "Ice," Mav whispers as Ice pulls him away and to their room.

"I know love. I know."

"What do we do?"

"We be there for them and help them anyway we can. They came to us so that's the first step." Ice gently cradles his face. "I know you wanna fix it as bad as I do, but we have to wait on them. Whatever they ask for, we'll do. But we can't force them. Grace needs all the extra love right now possible. But I suspect Baby Goose does too."

"Yea. They're both in need of a little extra TLC."

"Good thing that's your specialty," Ice teases.

Promise me, just hold my hand

Two weeks later, Bradley lets Mav and Ice know that Grace is going to have the first test done. They want to make sure her tubes are open. Ice makes sure to get Bradley the day off, especially when Bradley lets on how apprehensive Grace is about it. Mav already makes plans to take care of dinner for them that night and Bradley just hugs them both tight.

The procedure isn't as bad as Grace expected, but she's still thankful to have Bradley home that day. While she's not in any pain, she doesn't feel the best after, so she's more than glad to accept all the cuddles he wants to give.

The doorbell rings about five and Bradley untangles from Grace. "That's probably dad," he murmurs softly. She wasn't asleep but she'd dozed some.

"K," she yawns. She throws on one of Bradley's hoodies and follows him to the door.

"Oh you didn't have to get up," Mav tells her after setting the casserole on the counter.

"It's fine. I probably needed to move." She gives him a smile as he pulls her into his arms.

"You ok sweetheart?"

She nods against his shoulder before slowly pulling back. "Yea it wasn't as bad as I thought. Not really cramping like they said I would, just feel off."

Mav brushes a curl behind her ear before Ice pulls her into his arms for a hug. "Well that's good. I'm sure B has been very attentive?"

Grace giggles as Ice cocks his eyebrow at Bradley, who's getting down plates and cups for drinks.

"Who do you take me for Pops? You taught me better than that."

"Gracie?"

Grace full on laughs at that, settling into the seat when all three shoo her away from helping. "He's been amazing Pops I promise."

"Good. That's what we want to hear."

Mav dishes up dinner while Bradley gets them all drinks. Before they can ask she offers up, "We've already gotten the results and everything is good. Tubes are open so...." She pushes some of the food around, before giving them a shaky smile. "The doctor's going to call in meds to start next cycle and they've already sent a referral for B to get tested too."

Bradley's hand squeezes her thigh; he's so proud of her being able to get that all out.

"Sounds promising right?" Mav can't help but ask as he gives her shoulder a squeeze.

She wipes at her eyes before giving him a smile. "Yea... yea you're right."

Bradley and Ice change the subject after that, and dinner goes well. Mav and Ice insist on cleaning up despite the kids' protests. Once everything is clean and the leftovers packed into their fridge, Mav and Ice hug them both tight, making them promise to call if they need anything.

It's another few weeks before she can start the meds, having to wait until the third day of her cycle. And it's two weeks after that, that Bradley goes for his test. Deep down Grace knew it would come back just fine, so she's not the least bit surprised when it does.

She's not thrilled about having blood work done on the third week, but she understands it's necessary. The first round of meds, help with ovulation, but it doesn't bring the results they were hoping for.

Round two sees her having blood work and a mid-cycle ultrasound to see how the meds are affecting her ovaries. Bradley isn't able to go with her, but once more, it doesn't turn out as bad as she was expecting. She's learned she's real good at making scenarios worse in her head.

What does surprise her is when both her fathers-in-law show up at the house before her shift after that appointment, although she really shouldn't be. Mav and Ice have been the best during this time, literally offering to do anything they need. They take her out to lunch, and she promises them she's fine. They talk a little bit about her appointment, but they don't linger on it long. Their main goal was just to offer her a little extra TLC and get her mind off things.

Cycle three hurt the worst because Grace was almost positive things had worked. The day she got her period though, found her curled on the couch in one of Bradley's hoodies as she just cried her heart out. She'd been so sure this time; she knows she should've known better than to hope, but she couldn't help it.

She sent B a sad/crying gif on his lunch break when he asked how she was and he instantly knew. He just wanted to go home to her, but he knew he couldn't. So he did the next best thing he could think of. Mav was on base with him, helping with some training so he called Ice and asked him to go over. Then he text Grace; Pops is coming over. I know you probably want to be alone but I'd feel better if someone was with you since I can't be.

B he doesn't have to. I'll be fine.

Please.

She gives in at that, knowing Bradley is probably worrying about her and she'd rather he not be worried about her while at work. It's only fifteen minutes after Bradley's text does she hear the door open.

"Gracie?" Ice calls out softly.

"In here." It comes out as more of a croak, and she winces at how rough it sounds. She sits up, wiping her eyes, and before she can fix her hair, Ice is sitting down beside her on their big sectional couch.

"I'm sorry I loo..."

"Oh Gracie." Ice pulls her right into his arms and just holds her tight. "You know I don't care one bit about that."

She sniffs as she clings to him and as Ice rubs her back she feels herself start to cry once more. His arms tighten around her as he tries to comfort her. "Oh sweetheart. It's ok. Just get it all out," he murmurs softly. He's so glad Bradley called because he shudders to think of her here alone like this.

"I thought this time it'd worked," she sobs as she clings to him. "I knew better," she hiccups.

"Oh Gracie. It's ok to hope, honey. I know it just makes it hurt worse, but it's ok to let yourself hope and believe it's going to work."

She just clings to him as she sobs into his chest and Ice just holds her tight. It doesn't take much longer before she's exhausted herself. "Just rest sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere."

She falls asleep against him and Ice just holds her until she's deep asleep. He lays her down on the couch, laying a quilt over her. He sends Bradley a text letting him know Grace is asleep and he's got her.

He cleans up the kitchen and checks the pantry and fridge for lunch and dinner options. He's not that surprised when he doesn't find much, considering how much both of them have worked lately. He sends Mav a text to pick up dinner, whatever Bradley wants and he'll order whatever Grace wants for lunch later. He's halfway into a movie when Grace stirs.

"Hi sweetheart," he murmurs, as she slowly sits up emerging from the blanket cocoon.

"Pops?" Her voice is groggy and her eyes are still swollen, her hair a mess.

"Yea. Still here." He pulls her into his side, letting her rest on his shoulder. "Feeling better?"

"A little. Back still hurts but it will for the first day. Cramping a little too," she shrugs.

"Anything I can do?"

She shakes her head as she stays curled into his side. "Thanks for being here," she whispers after several minutes of quiet.

"No where else I'd rather be. You know Mav and B would be here if they didn't have training today."

"I know." She gives him a small smile before working out what movie he's watching. They finish the movie in silence and then Ice orders take out from the local Mexican restaurant Grace loves. Over lunch he entertains her with stories of Mav and the flyboys, and it does the trick to keep her distracted enough to eat.

Her mood seems to improve marginally throughout the day as they watch TV together and by the time Mav and Bradley come through the door with pizzas, Grace is laughing. Bradley turns towards the bedroom to hide his tears of relief, but Mav still sees them.

He sets the pizzas on the counter then pulls Bradley into the hallway and into a hug. "She's ok Baby Goose. Everything is going to be ok."

Bradley nods against Mav's shoulder before pulling back. He wipes his eyes giving his dad a tired smile. "I'm gonna go change then I'll be out."

Mav squeezes his shoulder before he heads to the living room. "We come bearing pizza," he smiles, being dramatic to hear another laugh from Grace.

"Good were starving," Ice declares, pulling Mav into his lap after he sets the pizzas on the coffee table. "Where's Baby Goose?"

"Changing." Grace can see them having a silent conversation, but before she can say she's going to check on her husband, Ice sits Mav on the couch and is up. Grace shakes her head fondly as she leans into the hug Mav pulls her into.

"My Mr Fix-it," Mav laughs as he holds his daughter tight.

"He's pretty good at it," she murmurs.

"That he is." He tightens his arms around her, dropping a kiss on her forehead. "You ok Gracie girl?"

"I will be. Having Pops here today helped. Was a good call for B to make. Don't know that being alone would've been good. I tend to get lost in my head easily. And I was a mess before Ice got here. I just..." she shrugs, feeling Mav tightening his arms once more. "I just thought this time was it," she whispers.

"It's going to happen. One way or another. You two will be the best parents ever."

"I dunno anymore," she sighs.

I can see everything you're blind to now Your prayers will be answered

Mav pulls back just a little and cradles her face. "I know. Ice knows." He wipes the few tear tracks off her cheeks. "We'll hold onto that hope until you can believe again Grace. We'd do anything to make your dreams come true. We weren't just saying that that day at the hanger. Anything."

"I know." She curls back against his chest. "It's just so hard to ask for help. Hard to know when we have to give up."

"You don't give up until you've tried every possible option."

Grace chuckles softly as she nods against his chest. "We can't afford every possible option Mav."

"Oh sweet girl you can. With us, you can."

I won't let go 'til the end

Ice quietly knocks on the door when he sees Bradley standing in the middle of their room just holding his clothes. He startles a little, turning towards the noise. "Hey Pops. Give me just a minute and imma change and be out."

"May I?" Ice asks instead.

Bradley nods as he swallows deep, knowing Ice won't take a no. He drops his clothes on the bed and before he knows it, he's wrapped in Ice's arms. He sinks into the hug, Ice being tall enough that Bradley can just sink into it.

Ice's arms tighten as he feels Bradley relaxing into him. "It's ok for you to not be ok either Bradley."

"I'm..."

"Uh huh. Nope. Don't you dare say you're fine."

"Yes sir," he murmurs into Ice's shoulder.

Ice holds him tight; "Come on B. It's ok. Let it out."

I'll be right here, hold my hand

"Pops," he hiccups. Ice's hand rubs up into his hair, holding him against him.

"I gotcha. It's ok. Let it out." And Bradley breaks. His sobs are silent, but he shakes in Ice's arms. "It's ok Baby Goose. It's ok." He holds the little boy he helped raise tight in his arms.

Ice just lets him cry, whispering words of comfort over and over until Bradley's body stops shaking and he's just clinging to Ice sniffling. "She's ok B. You're both going to be ok."

"She was sure," he whispers.

"I know. I know kiddo." He places a soft kiss on Bradley's forehead. "You made the right call having me come over."

Bradley nods as they sit on the edge of the bed. His fingers fiddle and Ice just pulls him back into his side. "She's ok now B. I'm not saying things are gonna be easier because they're not. But for tonight everything is ok."

Bradley gives him a small nod.

"It's ok to let her see you break too."

"I can't..." He shakes his head in denial. "No I can't. She needs me to be strong."

Ice gently ruffles his hair with a soft chuckle. "No kiddo. She just needs you." He gives Bradley another squeeze. "Tonight you just let me and dad be the strong ones ok? You just be."

"Pops is right," Grace says quietly from the doorway. Neither had heard her come looking from them. Bradley's head shoots up at her voice and he instantly starts trying to pull himself together.

Ice gives her a smile, squeezes Bradley's shoulder and then gets up leaving them to it. Grace walks closer, walking between Bradley's knees. With him sitting, she's sorta looking down at him. She threads her fingers through his hair and then lets her arms drop to the top of his shoulders. She pulls him close so his head rests against her, her head resting on top of his.

"Should listen to him," she whispers. She places a kiss on top of his head. "You can just be babe. I know you're just as crushed," she whispers.

Bradley's arms tighten around her as he gives a small nod. They stay like that in the quiet of their room just holding each other for the longest. Finally Bradley pulls back a little, reaching up and cupping her face. He softly kisses her, his thumbs rubbing under her swollen eyes. "We'll do an eye mask tonight, make you feel better."

She gives him a soft sweet smile. "Ok. But first we let Dad and Pops take care of us both." She softly rubs his cheeks until he nods, then she hugs him tight once more. They link hands and head back to the living room.

Ice and Mav are on opposite ends of the sectional, leaving plenty of room between them for the kids. The pizza boxes are open, drinks on the coffee table, and Homeward Bound already queued on the TV ready to go. Ice and Grace have watched Sweet Home Alabama earlier in the day, and before she'd gone to the bedroom she suggested that maybe they watch Bradley's comfort movie that night.

Bradley curls into Mav's side while Grace settles beside Ice. Mav softly rubs Bradley's head, placing a soft kiss there. "We gotcha Baby Goose."

"I know dad," he murmurs.

Ice presses play, and they get the kids to eat at least two pieces each. They leave the pizza there during the movie in case they want more. Bradley and Grace naturally drift together during the movie, curling around each other. Ice nor Mav are surprised when Grace drifts off or that Bradley fights to stay awake the whole time.

Once the movie's over, Ice starts cleaning up while Mav gets Bradley up and both of them off to bed. He picks up the living room, before they go tell the kids goodnight. They lock up behind themselves after seeing the kids curled in bed together sound asleep.

"Don't give me that look," Ice sighs as he and Mav walk to their vehicles.

"There has to be something we can do!"

Ice pulls Mav into his arms hugging him tight. "I know love, I know. But we can't. Not until they decide they wanna do more."

"They do though! They're just scared."

"Rightfully so," Ice gently reminds. "Pete we have to remember they've been doing this for two years already. Two years of constant disappointment."

"I know," he sighs, feeling his heart break more. "I just wanna make it better!"

"You did, tonight." Ice kisses his husband softly before they pull apart. "We'll just keep showing up and reminding them we're here. They'll come to us when they're ready."

"I'm not patient and you know it."

"That I do," Ice laughs. "I'll see you at home."

The kids seemed to perk back up a week later, but Ice and Mav were still worried. They were on the last cycle of meds, and everyone was on edge to see what would happen. Grace was the least surprised, when once again, it didn't happen. She was crushed, no doubt, but this time she was prepared.

It took them another two weeks before they came to Ice and Mav though. Bradley brought it up over family dinner, letting them know as forewarned, the doctor would not be calling in anymore meds and recommended they have a consult with the fertility clinic.

"What do you two want to do?" Ice asked gently.

Bradley looked at Grace, whose hands were fiddling in her lap as she bit her lip, not meeting their eyes. Bradley gently squeezes one of her hands and Grace finally looks up.

"We're going to do the consult. See what options they give," she finally said. She gives them both a watery smile. "Someone told me not to give up until we try every option and they'd hold onto the hope for me until I could believe again. I think I wanna trust him on that."

Mav is around the table before anyone can blink, hugging her tight. "That's right sweetheart. I still believe. Ice still believes."

She nods against his shoulder, feeling herself relax a little more. Once Mav is sitting back down across from them she says, "They're supposed to call us by the end of the week with an appointment."

"You just let us know what you need ok?"

"We will Pops," Bradley promises.

Hold my hand, hold my hand

They're appointment isn't for another three months, and during that time Grace puts all their troubles out of her mind. She focuses on herself and on Bradley, on their family and friends and just lets herself be. It's relaxing and feels like just what she needed. Since she's not on any meds, her periods are once again erratic, but she does her best not to let it bother her.

By the time they have their consult, she feels stable once more, and feels like she and Bradley are back in a really good place. The consult takes forever; they go over all the testing they'd had done previously, their medical histories, and the best plan of action going forward. She tries not to stress over the dollar amounts that get thrown at them, but it's really a lot.

By the time they leave, they both feel overwhelmed. "Think maybe we should go see dad and pops," Bradley says once they're in the Bronco.

"Yea... yea maybe."

Bradley squeezes her hand before texting Mav, who tells him to come straight over. Bradley chuckles when he reads the response. "Bet dad's drove pops crazy this morning."

Grace giggles. "Probably. You know he's just worried."

Bradley softly kisses the back of her head before he heads over to their house. He's not surprised in the least when Mav is waiting on the porch, Ice in the doorway. "Ready for a hug attack?" Bradley laughs as they get out.

He's not wrong; Mav instantly pulls her into his arms, stopping Bradley before he can get on the porch away from his dad. He hugs him tight next, while Grace goes to greet Ice. "I tried to keep him inside," Ice whispers, causing Grace to giggle.

"It's fine. I know he's been nervous."

Once inside, Bradley lays out all the paperwork they were given. He explains everything, with Grace chiming in as needed. "So this is what they're recommending first?" Mav asks, looking over the paperwork.

"Yea. The IUI is cheaper and less invasive. Essentially just putting everything where it needs to be to make a baby."

Ice gently squeezes Mav's arm before they meet the kids' gazes. "Do you want to do it?" Ice asks.

Bradley and Grace share a look, having a silent conversation between themselves. "Yea. I want to try. I...." she breaks off, steeling herself before she continues. "I don't want to give up just yet. I want to make Bradley a dad because I know he'll be an amazing one. I want to expand this little family we have."

Mav gives a tight hug. He's so proud that she took his words to heart and is still holding on to a little bit of hope despite everything trying to take it from her.

"Then we'll make it happen," Ice promises.

"Actually.. I think we can handle this first round. We've saved up some over the last few months. And we wanna do this as much as possible without dipping into any savings or airplane money you two have. We know we might have to, but.."

"B you don't have to do that. We can help."

"I know, dad." Bradley gives him that sweet smile that reminds him of the four year old that hung onto his every word. "But let us do this first round. If we have to do more, then we'll need the help."

Ice squeezes Mav's arm once more, and Mav concedes. "Alright. We can do that."

"Thanks dad." Bradley hugs him tight, knowing how much it took for Mav to concede to him just then. "I promise we'll let you help when we need it."

Grace has to do another round of meds, with ovulation tests, and before they know it, the day of the procedure rolls around. She keeps Mav's words in the back of her mind for the whole two weeks, and Ice and Mav do their best to keep the kids distracted and busy during those two weeks at Bradley's request.

The day she should start her period comes and goes. They try not to think about it, but it's all Grace can think of. The kitchen at the Hard Deck gets a solid deep clean, and Grace would've tackled the bar too if Penny hadn't stopped her. The next day is the same, except Grace is off and she finds herself at base, cleaning Bradley's office, before tackling Mav's.

Mav finds her after his last class of the day. "Gracie?"

She spins to face him with a sheepish smile. "Hi," she waves.

"Sweetheart what are you doing?"

She sighs as she sinks into the chair across from his desk. "I needed to stay busy and I was off today. Figured if I showed up and tried to clean the bar again, Penny would kill me. So I came here."

Mav leans up against his desk, watching her. "Uh huh. And you've just been cleaning?"

"Yea. Pops' office is way too clean to even bother. So I did yours and Bradley's."

I know you're scared and your pain is imperfect

Mav kneels down in front of her when she won't meet his eyes. "What's going on sweetheart?"

She sighs as her shoulders slump. "I should've started yesterday," she sighs.

Mav gives her hand a squeeze. "I see." He stands up and kisses her forehead. "Well it's a good thing it's Friday," he smiles. He drops some things on his desk, before snatching up some keys.

"Why?" Grace asks giving him a puzzled look.

"Because. Means we can go to the hanger for the weekend. Get out of town."

"I've got a shift tomorrow."

"I'll call Penny."

"Mav no its fine. I just..."

"Trust me sweetheart. If you're not ready to take a test, getting out of town will be the best thing."

"Ok," she whispers.

He pulls her up into a hug. "Now go find that kid of mine and tell him to hurry up. We'll meet ya out there tonight."

"Thanks dad," she whispers as she hugs him back just as tight.

But don't you give up on yourself

She heads off to get Bradley, Mav calling Penny as he walks to Ice's office informing him of the new plans.

The weekend ends up being the perfect distraction. Grace enjoys watching the guys fly, and Bradley is even able to convince her to go up once. The view is gorgeous and she ends up really loving it. It helps that her husband is patient and gentle in the plane with her behind him. By Sunday night, she feels well rested and loved and taken care of.

Monday morning before work, Bradley finds her in the bathroom throwing up and dry heaving. He wets a wash cloth and rubs over her forehead and the back of her neck. "You ok?" He whispers when she leans back against him just breathing deep.

"I'm so nauseous," she whines.

Bradley softly hums as he keeps running the wash cloth over her. He just holds her, letting her breathe through it until the feeling passes. "Think maybe you should take a test now?"

She shakes her head no before he even finishes his question. "You know I had nausea spells before my period with the meds last time."

"Mmm. But I don't remember you ever puking."

"Could be a fluke," she argues.

"Ok baby. Ok," he concedes. He softly kisses her forehead before helping her up. He stays right there while she rinses her mouth and then helps her back to bed. "Just promise you'll take it easy at work if you still don't feel good."

"I will," she promises, pulling him down for a kiss before he's off to work.

Grace feels better after another hour of sleep, and she's convinced herself it's just a fluke when it only happens the once. By the next weekend, she's officially a week late, her temp is still elevated, and she's absolutely exhausted.

That fear that's inside you will lift, give it time

It all comes to a head Saturday over family dinner. The minute Grace walks through the door, the smell of her favorite sushi and hibachi take out sends her running to the guest bathroom off Mav and Ice's foyer. Bradley instantly follows leaving his Dads standing in the doorway confused.

Mav lights up when he puts the pieces together but Ice reigns him in. "Don't. We don't know anything."

"When has Grace ever gotten sick at the smell of food?"

"When she's had a stomach bug," Ice deadpans.

Mav sticks his tongue out, but they retreat to the living room to wait on the kids. They don't have to wait long, Bradley carrying a very pale Grace. He lays her on the couch, Grace covering her face with a whine.

"Might wanna put the food away," Bradley suggests, when Grace groans and just tries to breathe through it.

"You got it kiddo. What can we get her?"

"Got any sprite or crackers?"

Ice gives him a nod as they both retreat to the kitchen. Ice packs away the food for now as Mav brings back the requested items. He sits at Grace's feet, lifting them into his lap. Bradley's sitting with her head against his thighs, as he runs a wash cloth over her face still.

"Here sweetheart. Wanna try one of these?"

"Sprite first," Bradley answers already knowing which one she'll pick first. Mav hands it to him, and Bradley helps her take some slow slips.

"Sooooo, stomach bug?" Mav asks, causing Ice to let out a loud groan from the kitchen.

Bradley can't help but chuckle himself, knowing Mav has been dying to ask since Grace ran to the bathroom. "We don't know Dad," he finally says. "This is the second time this week it's happened though."

I've heard a story, a girl, she once told me

Ice rejoins them, sitting on the coffee table near the couch. He brushes some hair off Grace's forehead as she tries a cracker. "How you feeling sweetheart?"

"I'm ok. I'll be fine. I'm sure it's nothing."

Mav makes a wounded noise at that causing Bradley to giggle once more. "I think dad disagrees with you babe."

Grace sighs as she shakes her head at Bradley. She takes another cracker from Mav and works her way vertical, leaning her head over on Bradley's shoulder. "Think you're gonna have to hold that hope yourself Mav."

"I'll do it." He pulls her gently into a side hug. "You know I will. Good things are coming Grace. I know you're scared, but twice is a coincidence sweetheart."

"Not necessarily," she grumbles.

Mav kisses the side of her forehead as he shares a look with Ice. "Do you think you can eat honey?" Ice asks her.

"Not what yall ordered." She feels herself turning green at the thought of the take out.

"What do you think you can eat?" Mav asks her as she nibbles on another cracker.

"Grilled cheese," she shrugs. "I dunno. Food makes me wanna gag at the moment."

It's so hard for Mav not to remind her that might be a good sign, but he doesn't say a word. "Grilled cheeses are dad's specialty," Bradley smiles.

"What are yall gonna eat though?" she pouts. She feels terrible that she's ruined their dinner plans.

"Grilled cheeses are fine," Ice reassures. "Taking care of you is the most important."

She settles on the couch with Bradley while Ice and Mav go fix the sandwiches. She can hear them whispering in the kitchen, but she just can't let herself hope just yet. "Dad might be right," Bradley whispers as he rubs her back.

"I know... I just..."

"I know baby. I know." He softly kisses the top of her head as they just relax. They end up enjoying the night on the couch, eating the sandwiches and catching up from the week. Grace dozes off, exhausted, and they let her sleep as they keep talking quietly. Bradley promises Mav and Ice that he will try to get her to test soon. He gently scoops her up, and it's a testament to how tired she is that she doesn't even wake.

"B just take her to the guest room and you two stay."

"Ok, dad," Bradley smiles. He knows it'll make Mav feel better to have them under the roof for the night. He tucks Grace into the bed, and after hugging Mav and Ice, joins her. They sleep all through the night, and Bradley wakes before her. She's gorgeous and he loves watching her wake up.

He softly kisses her forehead; "Morning beautiful."

"We stayed the night?" she murmurs sleepily, taking in the room around them.

"Yea you fell asleep and dad suggested we stay. Seemed easier."

She rubs her eyes as she stretches. "Ok." She gives him a sweet smile, and pulls him down for a kiss. "Think they made breakfast?"

"Most definitely," he grins.

They get up, and Grace snags a hoodie, that she suspects Bradley had left here at some point. She throws her hair up in a bun, and once she feels mostly presentable, they head out to the kitchen. She squeezes Bradley's hand as she breathes deep at the smell of the coffee.

"Morning kiddos," Ice smiles, seeing them join them.

"Hey Pops, Dad."

"Morning," Grace tries to smile. "I'll...." She breaks for the bathroom unable to hold it back like she thought she'd be able to.

"Bradley..."

"I got it dad. Just... maybe no coffee," he shrugs. He finds Grace in their bathroom, breathing deep. He wets a wash cloth and kneels beside her.

"You ok?" he whispers.

She leans into his shoulder as she just breathes. "Yea... I just..." She sighs as he wraps his arms around her. "I dunno felt sick. I'm so nauseous."

Bradley softly rubs her back as he gently rocks her. "Baby..."

"I know," she whispers. She clings to him tighter. "I'm just scared."

"Me too," he whispers. "But we have to jump sometimes."

"Ok," she whispers. She gives him a small nod, and Bradley pulls her head off his chest to stare into her eyes.

"Yea?"

"Yea. Go get me one."

"What if I send dad?" he grins.

Grace chuckles softly. "Ok. Do that and you can stay with me."

Bradley kisses her forehead and then helps her back to the edge of the bed. He heads back to the kitchen, and he's not surprised when they both turn to him expectantly. "Who wants to run to the store for us?"

"I'll be right back," Mav says, already having his bike key in his pocket.

Ice pulls Bradley into a hug; he can see the fear and barely concealed excitement in his eyes. "It's going to be ok."

"Yea... Yea I know Pops."

He goes back to cuddle Grace until Mav gets back. She dozes a little, and prays her stomach will settle, sipping some Sprite. Mav's back within thirty minutes and he quietly knocks on the door. He passes Bradley the box with a small smile, and tells them they'll keep breakfast warm.

"Well... Here goes," Grace sighs, taking the box from Bradley's hand. He pulls her into a deep kiss, holding her tight.

"Whatever happens, we're going to be ok."

She gives him a shaky smile and then closes the door to the bathroom. She comes out a few minutes later and sits on the bed beside him. "Baby?"

"Gotta wait three minutes. I don't... I don't know that I can look at it B."

"That's ok. I can do it." They sit there watching the minutes tick by and when it passes five minutes, Grace finally pulls back from his arms. She gives him a nod, and then she starts twisting the hoodie sleeves around her hands. She's almost petrified of the results after all of this.

Bradley comes back holding the test, and he's doing his best, not to give it away. He knows his eyes have to be shining though. "B?"

He turns the test towards her, and she immediately closes her eyes. "Grace... baby just look."

"Bradley..."

"Please?"

She slowly opens her eyes, connecting with his smile first. She lets her eyes drop down to the test, and she can't move. She sits there in stunned silence just staring. "Grace?"

"Oh my god," she whispers, a hand dropping to her stomach. "We... It..."

That I would be happy again

Bradley drops the test and picks her up, Grace wrapping her arms and legs around him immediately. "Congrats Mommy," he whispers as he holds her tight.

She cries into his neck as she clings to him. "I can't believe it!"

"I know. I know. It worked though. Grace you're pregnant."

She cradles his face, wiping away his own tears, before she kisses him hard and deep. "Congrats Daddy," she whispers, more happy tears rolling down her cheeks.

The test is forgotten on the floor as Bradley carries her out to the kitchen. The coffee is gone, and Mav and Ice have moved to the living room, so Bradley keeps walking.

Mav sees the tears on Bradley's cheeks and squeezes Ice's hand before he gets up. "Oh kiddos..."

"Hi Grandad and Grandpops," Bradley says before Mav can finish his thought.

They both stare at him, letting the words sink in, as he sets Grace on her feet. "Wait... you just..."

"He did," Grace smiles. She jumps into Mav's arms giving him a tight hug. "You held onto that hope long enough Grandad."

"Come here," Ice says, pulling Bradley into a tight hug, before he and Mav switch kids. After more happy tears are shed, they ask Grace what she thinks she can stomach for breakfast. She gives them a grin, telling them some toast will be fine for now, as they both move back to the kitchen to fix their breakfast.

"I have a feeling I'm fixing to be doted on even more than I already was," she whispers with a giggle.

"Oh no doubt," Bradley agrees.

Despite their rough journey to making their little miracle baby, Grace ends up with a fairly easy pregnancy. They tell the rest of their family and friends after her twelve week appointment, and time seems to fly after that.

The nursery comes together rather easily after their gender reveal party. They kept it a surprise and Bradley got to fly the Mustang with a banner flying behind as the announcement; "Daddy's Little WingMAN coming soon." If Mav and Ice cried seeing it, well Grace just let them. It made for a cute video though.

The last ten weeks found her on bed rest, which she hated, but did without complaint for her little man. Ice and Mav constantly stopped by to keep her company or help out. If one of them wasn't available, usually one of the Flyboy uncles would stop by. She loved them dearly, but felt they were going overboard taking care of her, but she didn't really have the heart to tell them.

At thirty-eight weeks, Grace goes into labor. One phone call to Ice, and Bradley is off work and on his way to her, Mav riding along. They get to the hospital just as her water breaks, and ten hours later, Grace is holding their son. Bradley gets to cut the cord and then follows over to the side as they clean him up. He carries him back to Grace, cooing at him the whole time as the baby just watches him.

He settles on the side of her bed, gently placing the baby in her arms. The room empties quickly, leaving them in the quiet. "He's perfect," Grace whispers, her finger rubbing over his cheek.

"Like his mama," Bradley smiles. They cuddle their baby for close to an hour, Grace feeding him during that time. Once he's asleep, and they're for sure settled, Bradley leaves him with Grace to go get his dads.

"Come on. We got someone to meet you," he smiles, after they both hug him tight.

They walk into the room quietly, and Grace smiles at them from the bed. "We've got a sleepy boy who can't wait to meet his grandparents," she smiles.

Bradley gently takes him out of Grace's arms before turning to his dads. "Dad, Pops, we'd like to introduce you to your grandson, Mitchell Thomas Bradshaw."

Grace can't help but giggle, despite the video she's taking. They'd promised Slider they'd get the reaction on video, as they'd kept the name a secret from Mav and Ice.

"Oh Bradley! It's perfect," Mav whispers wiping his eyes. He gently takes the baby from Bradley, as Ice leans over his shoulder. The little boy yawns and wiggles in his grandfather's hold getting comfy. His eyes open and blink a few times at the two new faces and then he settles right back to sleep.

"You did amazing kiddos," Ice whispers, grinning over at them. Bradley had curled into the bed with Grace and she looked like she was about to doze off. "You two rest. We got him," Ice promises.

They settle onto the little couch, taking turns holding the sleeping baby, while Bradley lets Grace get some sleep. "I knew you'd come along and be just perfect," Mav whispers to Mitchell. "Grandad never gave up hope. And now you can be daddy's little wingman."

Mitchell Thomas had no idea just how loved he was going to be growing up. He had his parents, his grandads, and a whole slew of aunts and uncles that spoiled him rotten. The kid never wanted for anything, and with his daddy's big brown eyes, no one could hardly tell him no. He was his mama's boys and his daddy's wingman, completing their little family.

I heard from the heavens

#my writing #au of my au #bradley rooster bradshaw #grace spicy bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw x oc #bradley rooster bradshaw fic #spicy x roo #bradley x grace #pete maverick mitchell #tom iceman kazansky #icemav #icemav raised bradley #dad!mav #pops!ice #tw: infertility #infertility #infertility struggles

[bayisdying]

Lucky Penny - Chapter Twenty-Seven

A/N: we are almost done with Germy 😏 for now

Besties for the resties: @dragon-kazansky @gracespicybradshaw @mrsjaderogers @callmemana @ladylanera @kloofspeaks @callsignthirsty @cycbaby @likelyrowdy @roosterscockpit @notyoursbutlewis @starlit-epiphany @askmarinaandothers

The men of Hermes' squadron lied through their teeth on the mission debrief and they interrupted her at every chance. If looks could kill? They'd all be as dead as they wished she was.

The fire in her eyes was running wild, and they had no idea how burned they were about to get.

Their Admiral announced that their squadron was being invited back to Top Gun per one Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky. That made Lucky smirk, they all celebrated but they had no idea.

When they boarded the plane, Lucky sat alone. Her notebook full of their mistreatments tucked safely in her bag. She was scrolling through pictures on her phone when she comes across one of all of their Chaos Family at their wedding. She knew that everyone in this picture would have her back in California, and she felt safe.

-----

Ice was pacing back and forth. Their plane was landing soon and he couldn't decide whether he was going to hug his girl or punch Hermes first.

Dragon already knew what she was doing, she was holding her girl, Mickey could kiss bricks if he thinks he's getting the first hug.

Cin was also freaking out, Jake had told her that Lucky was almost home and though she knew her friend would never blame her for sending her on this mission. She didn't want Lucky to think she did it on purpose. All she needed was to see her friends smile as she was reunited with them all.

Jake had gathered Bradley, Javy, Rueben, Phoenix and Bob in the rec room as they awaited the plane. He finally told them what he'd done for Lucky and about the report she'd filed aganist Hermes the first time they'd been at Top Gun. Bradley obviously was the most mad about it, but the others were just as angry. They would all stand behind her during the meeting.

Mickey was more than excited, he was finally going to have his wife in his arms once more. He knew he probably wouldn't get the first hug, but once he did? He wasn't letting go.

-----

"You must think you're tough shit coming home."

"Well Hermes, unlike you I have friends."

"You sure know how to be nice."

The bus takes them from the airport to Top Gun. The boys seem to think they are about to be rewarded by THE Iceman for a job well done.

Waiting outside was the entire Dagger Squad, in the middle stood Ice and Dragon with stony expressions.

The men all climbed out of the bus first forming a line, Lucky behind them the smirk on her face obvious, she bypasses their formal line and half-runs to the group standing there. Mickey takes a step forward and catches her duffle bag when she throws it into his arms. She reaches Cin and hugs her friend as tight as she could.

"I'm so sorry Lucky."

"Don't you dare apologize babe. I love you."

"I love you too." Cin tears up and cries into her shoulder.

She can hear the men making comments, she doesn't care. This is her home, these are her people.

After Cin had been properly hugged, Dragon stepped forward and took her daughter into her arms.

"Welcome home baby." She whispers in her ear.

"Thanks Momma."

"They'll never hurt you again."

"Can we get this little show on the road?" Calls out Hermes, and Lucky can feel Dragon tense up.

"Well gentleman, I suppose we can do that." Ice says, as Lucky makes her way to Mickey's arms. He kisses her forehead and doesn't let go.

Hermes steps forward, "I'm sure you understand how important this mission was and it was a success."

"Was it?" Jake says. "Was it really?"

"It's good to see you again Hangy." Hermes smirked.

Lucky goes to remove herself from Mickeys grip but he just tightens his hold around her waist.

"I wouldn't call almost killing the best aviator in the Navy, a successful mission." The voice that spoke was Dragon's, but she sounded nothing like how anyone had ever heard her before. Sure they'd heard her angry, but this? This was a whole new level, this was Dragon.

Hermes straightened up at that but he kept that damn smirk on his face, "I don't recall almost dying on this mission Commander Kazansky."

Lucky growled at that comment and Mickey had to tighten his grip again, thankfully Payback, Coyote, and Rooster were all there to offer hands to keep Lucky from beating the shit out of Hermes despite them all wanting to let her go.

"And I don't recall you ever being a good aviator." Dragon retorts.

"Oh you were talking about Lucky weren't you? She's fine, obviously she has all her little boytoys..."

He doesn't get to finish his statement, Lucky manages to shake off all her "little boytoys" and stomps her way over to Hermes.

"You can be an asshole to me all you want Hermes, but you say one word about any of my family? There won't be a body for your poor mother to bury."

For what it's worth, Hermes stands his ground too.

"Well damn Steele, no need to throw a temper tantrum."

"Her last name isnt Steele anymore." Mickey says walking up behind his wife. "It's Garcia."

"I guess my invitation got lost in the mail, since you have me to thank for getting the girl."

"I would have never said yes to you." Lucky says her voice dark, not liking where this was going.

He looked around at his men then at the crowd behind Lucky, then back down at Lucky.

"Men, you all just had the opportunity to fly with the only pilot who had to bang her way to the top. I mean look at all the men back there supporting her. You got Rooster and Hangy who can't deny a pretty girl. Hell I bet she's even rolled around with Coyote and Payback though I wouldn't imagine they are really her type. Maybe even sweet Bobby over there has had a chance. You think Iceman would be pulling out all the stops if he didn't know just how good that pus.."

When the fist connects with Hermes' face time stands still. Lucky has to look down at her own hands to make sure she hadn't punched him. No, it hadn't been her. It had been her husband. Her sweet, kind, goofy husband had punched the motherfucker.

Mickey stood over where Hermes lay on the ground holding his nose. "Never ever talk about my wife like that again or it wont just be a punch." He then turns around, grabs Luckys hand and walks her into base, bypassing even all their friends who try to stop him.

He guides her to the rec room, and once he decides they are far enough removed from the situation he turns around and kisses his wife soundly on the mouth.

"That was very sexy of you Mr. Gracia." She says as they pull apart.

"Yeah, now I know why you like punching people so much. It felt good."

Lucky smiles up at him, "can I see the damage?"

He holds out his right hand, and they both cringe a little when they see how bruised the knuckles already are.

"You pulled a real me out there." Lucky teases as she digs the first aid kit out of a cabinet.

"He wasn't going to finish that statement, not about my girl." Lucky opens her mouth, but he stops her, "I know you can handle yourself Bay, but I did vow to always protect you."

Lucky just smiles at him as she makes him sit on the worn out couch, and straddles his lap. Taking his hand in hers, she begins to take care of his knuckles.

"It's odd being on the other end of this." Mickey comments as he watches his wife concentrate on wrapping his hand.

"Oh shut up."

"Pretty sure I also vowed to annoy you the rest of our lives."

"That was Spicy's speech not your vows you dipshit."

"Spicy is smarter than I am."

"I'm glad you finally realize this."

He laughs, "I missed you."

"I missed you more."

"Impossible because I missed you way more than he did." Cin's voice carries through the rec room.

"Cin!" Lucky jumps off Fanboy's lap and runs to her friend and gives her another crushing hug. "I missed you so much too."

"Wow okay, I'm just chopped liver then." Mickey says sarcastically.

"Shut up Mickey." Both girls say at the same time.

"Where the fuck is my sister and my hug from her?"

"Roo!" Lucky catapults herself into his arms.

"God I missed you sis."

"Awww you missed me?"

"Don't ruin this nice moment."

The others joined them and hugs were given all around. Rueben picked her up and spun her around. Javy kissed her cheek.

Jake leans against the doorway taking in the sight.

"I guess I'm happy to see you back here in one piece." He says and Lucky whips around.

"Oh Jake, thank you so much." She says as she hugs him tight. "I guess you aren't so bad."

"Wow thanks babe."

"Hey now, that's my wife Seresin." Mickey teases.

"Oh you can have her Garcia!"

"Oh come on, I'm a delight and any man would be lucky to have me."

"Only Mickey is crazy enough to love you." Jake jokes.

Lucky smiles at her friend, "thanks again Jake. It meant alot for you to actually do what I asked."

"Only for you, you chaotic woman."

Rooster interrupts to say "Spicy just text, they're shutting down the Hard Deck for a special someone's coming home party."

"What about our pals that totally are never flying for the Navy again?" Lucky asks and Cin speaks up.

"Their meeting with all the higher ups is set for tomorrow. They think it's just a debrief and maybe some rewards." She gives an evil smile.

"Then let's go drink!"

"I get first dibs at Spicy, Chicken."

"I swear to God I will race you for that."

"And there they go." Jake sighs as the two run out to their cars.

Once they got to the Hard Deck, Lucky didn't even give the car a chance to be put in park before she was climbing out and running inside the bar.

"Where's my wife?" She calls out to the empty bar.

"Baylie!" Spicy comes running out of the kitchen.

"Grace!"

The two meet in a huge hug where neither want to let go first.

"Damn it, she beat me."

"She'll always beat you Bradley."

"Ouch."

#top gun #top gun maverick #baylie lucky steele #mickey fanboy garcia #lucky x fanboy #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #callsign lucky #fanboy x lucky #lucky penny #the chaos squad #dagger squad #javy coyote machado #rueben payback fitch #natasha phoenix trace #robert bob floyd #tom iceman kazansky #ron slider kerner #alana cinco metcalf #grace spicy bradshaw #jade whiskey kerner #rachael dragon kazansky #mickey fanboy garcia x oc #mickey garcia is the best husband to feral goblin baylie steele #he punched hermes for his girl

[callmemana]

Arms Wide Open, Catch Me If I Fall: Meet Grace ‘Spicy’ Bradshaw

After coming to Miramar Grace ‘Spicy’ Bradshaw ( @mtnofgrace ) got a job at the Hard Deck. She swore off men until Spicy was charmed by the one and only Bradley Bradshaw. After dating for a while, Rooster asked for her hand in marriage. They had the wedding a week after the mission.

It was an amazing ceremony and everyone was happy for them and then a couple of months later, Mickey & Lucky had their wedding. Spicy was one of the first to notice Bob’s behavior after and started to subtly put her concern into conversations with the group.

It was a week later when Bradley and Gracie had a big announcement and gathered the group at the Hard Deck. She was pregnant, with twins! The couple were beyond excited, as was the squad. They couldn’t wait to be Aunts & Uncles to the smallest member of the group. When she started to show, Penny let Spicy take a few days off and rearranged her schedule so she’s not on her feet so much.

It was a while before Birdie & Spicy finally met at a ‘Girls’ Night In’ that Nat & Callie decided to host in their apartment. It was a night of laughs, drinks (mocktails for Gracie), romantic comedies, and girl talk about exes! The girls learned a lot about Bob & Birdie’s relationship.

Spicy knew that she’d do anything to help her friends to get back together, even if she just met one of them. Gracie was kept up to date on what was happening in the group chat when she was off and busy with housework. It was a surprise when another mission was presented to the Dagger Squad.

Spicy was kept company with Dragon & Whiskey while the others were training and on the ship sailing near the enemy’s station. It was a dark time for everyone when the bad news was given to the family members not on the mission. Spicy was so stressed that she almost lost the babies when a rip in the placenta caused a visit to the hospital. A miracle happened and by the next week, it was gone.

Everyone was worried for Spicy and Rooster as the pregnancy progressed, and still no word on the missing member. Spicy was close to popping when the rescue squad finally found them. With the excitement and everything going on, and it’s known for twins to be born early, Spicy went into labor!

Twenty-three hours later, the twins were brought into the world. The group met the adorable newborns Jax Nicholas Bradshaw & Emma Carole Bradshaw. The group gave the babies honorary callsigns; Goose & Duckie.

Forever 🏷️ list: @mrsjaderogers @dragon-kazansky @bayisdying @sweetlittlegingy @switchbladedreamz @mtnofgrace

🏷️ list: @luckyladycreator2

#birdslibrary #meet the characters #grace spicy bradshaw #not my oc #rooster x spicy #top gun maverick #arms wide open catch me if I fall series #fluff

[themorriganwitch]

I‘ve saw someone else post links like this before and since I got a few links saved, i just wanted to check if someones interested:)

Most of these links are for Hangman and Rooster. Also got one for Fanboy and I am currently looking out for Bob and Phoenix

#top gun maverick #top Gun Maverick smut #spicy audios #Jake seresin smut #Bradley Bradshaw smut #Mickey Garcia smut #natasha Grace smut #Bob Floyd smut #tgm smut #top Gun smut

[filmtv2022]

Moving Forward: Chapter Five (18+ MDNI)

Previous Next Series Masterlist

Pairing: Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw x Kazansky!Reader

Synopsis: Returning to work, Y/N finds herself continuing to struggle with her past while trying to forge a path beyond her mistakes. Y/N tries to open up to Rooster, taking her father's advice to heart. Still, her injuries (physical and emotional) along with the weight of keeping the family together during this trying time are more than she can handle alone. Seeing her pain, Rooster steps back into the fray and tries to soothe the hurt however he can.

Warnings: Language + talk of illness + spicy behavior (not full-on smut yet... but soon)

A/N: This is a longer one, but I hope it will be worth it. As always, I apologize for any mistakes, and I hope that you enjoy it! Also if you feel so inclined to comment and/or reblog... that would be incredible!

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

The tremble in your limbs remained as the crushing weight of anticipated grief settled over you. With the thick blanket of night closing in like a vice, you gave up any hope of rest and peeled yourself out of bed. The floor creaked as you moved through the darkness and into the living room. Curling up on the couch, you tugged at the heavy blanket from the back and spread it over your body. The glow of the moon lit the space in shades of gray. Focusing on the monochromatic tones, your senses dulled, but it wasn’t enough to slip into a peaceful sleep. Hours moved by unnoticed until the blaring ring of your alarm announced a new day.

Thankfully, the rest of the family was still asleep as you carefully snuck around the house. Grabbing only what you needed for the day, you moved on to taking care of school lunches. One by one, you slathered peanut butter and jelly on bread before plopping them inside the row of lunch boxes on the counter. Next came the snacks. The pickings were slim, but you made do with what remained of the previous week’s groceries and made a note to stop by the store soon. Satisfied that things were as taken care of as possible, you scratched a quick note for your mom and headed out the door. 

The drive to work was guided by sheer muscle memory as no amount of sunlight could sweep away the suffocating hold of anxiety. There had been no sleep to speak of beyond fitful dreams. Exhausted, you hopped off your bike and hoisted your bag over your shoulders. Inside, the locker room was quiet. Your early start put you slightly ahead of the others, but the peaceful silence didn’t last. Getting out of your civilian clothes, you donned your flight suit without joining the rest in polite conversation. You knew that your lack of social graces, and the way you’d lost it yesterday had made a terrible impression, but you didn’t have the energy to give a shit. Everyone else went about their business as if you weren’t there, which was a blessing in and of itself. 

Tying the half-zippered suit around your waist by the arms, you finally finished getting ready. Slipping out, you headed to the ready room for the pre-flight briefing. An empty seat near the window called your name and you slumped back into it. The rowdy noise slowly built as the group made their way inside. They found places to sit, and their choices mirrored almost exactly where they’d been yesterday. 

Staring at the buzz of activity already forming on the tarmac, sudden movement from the corner of your eye brought your attention back into the room. Rooster stood hesitantly next to the open spot, a cup of coffee in each hand. Looking up at him, you said nothing. Instead, you allowed yourself to meet his eyes. They warmed to a golden hue in the morning light. There was something unsettled there, a sadness that left you even more uncertain.

“Can I sit?” he asked without making a move.

Shrugging, you answered quietly, “It’s all yours.” 

Folding his large frame into the space beside you, his knee knocked against yours. Mumbling an apology for the intrusion, he held out one of the styrofoam cups and spoke, “Here ya go…” When you failed to move he continued, “It’s for you. I thought you might need it.” 

Reluctantly, you took it from him, “Thanks," A flat smile pulled at your lips as you brought the cup up to slowly sip the scalding beverage. The heat soothed your throat which was raw from the previous night’s flurry of emotions. Wrapping your hands around the cup, you let the temperature seep into your skin.

“No problem,” his eyes roved over your body, studying you in great detail. The weight of it forced your lungs into heavy slow breaths. 

Turning away to avoid his stare, you could feel Bradley’s focus on you as you drank. Jake’s voice boomed from the other side of the room as he cracked jokes with Coyote and anyone else willing to listen to him this early in the morning. Thankfully, he'd also ignored your presence since walking into the room. You knew it wouldn’t last forever, but you’d take any reprieve you could get. 

Shifting in your seat to get a better view of the screen at the front of the room, the tight muscles in your hip and side twisted into a deep spasm. The charley horse stole the wind from your lungs with its fierce writhing. Sucking air in through your teeth you grimaced and groaned as you tried to relax through the pain. Throwing your head back, it thumped lightly against the padded rest. 

Not wanting to draw attention to what was going on, but worried just the same, Bradley shifted in his seat so that his broad frame blocked most of what was going on from the view of others, and asked “Y/n, what’s going on?”

Grumbling, you snapped back as best you could, “I’m fine, Bradley.” 

Seeing your lie for what it was, he dove into quiet action. Reaching for your coffee he took it from your grip and placed it clumsily on the ledge nearby. With both hands free, you gripped the armrest with one while rubbing gentle circles on the tight muscles with the other. Your eyes squeezed shut blocking out the rest of the room as you worked through it and focused on breathing. 

“Here, let me,” pressing into your space, Bradley’s warm palm gingerly moved your hand out of the way and replaced it with his own. Resting his free arm along the headrest of your chair, he leaned further into you as he worked. The woodsy scent of his cologne wrapped around you in a comforting blanket.

A hiss tore through your lips as the spasm clenched tighter, “Shit.” 

“It’s okay, just breathe,” knowing you needed more, but unsure how to provide it, Bradley acted out of instinct. His strong fingers slipped under the exposed hem of your shirt, pushing it out of the way. The rough drag of his callouses along your sensitive skin was intoxicating, but it was the heat that rolled off of him that finally did the trick. 

Skin on skin, Bradley pushed deep into the knots that sat just below the surface. The relief wasn’t quick to come, but slowly the tension released under his caring touch. With your eyes still shut, he watched carefully, paying attention to the way your shoulders moved as you fought through the last of the spasms. Finally, able to open your eyes, you blinked away the new waves of exhaustion. 

Looking up at Bradley, you whispered tiredly, “I’m sorry.”

“For this? You’ve got nothing to be sorry for, Y/N.” 

“That’s not what I’m talking about,” catching his eyes, your nerves hummed with the sensation of his hand still gently working over your skin. His movements were softer now, no longer meant to relieve physical pain but to keep you close. Something that the pair of you missed more than you cared to acknowledge. 

Realization hit in full force for Bradley stunning him into momentary silence, collecting his thoughts he knew he had to say something, “You’re not the one who should be apologizing.” 

Your stomach fluttered, being here with him… like this… was too much. The memories of the past forced you to sit up in your seat and break away from him. Bradley’s touch fell away as you turned to face the screen again. Maverick already stood at the podium ready to commence the meeting, but his attention was focused on the pair of you. His expression was nearly unreadable, but it was obvious that he’d seen more of what had happened than you’d have cared for him to. 

With the rest of the room ready to go, Mav launched into the parameters for today’s flights. The meeting lasted only as long as necessary. Bless your captain for not bothering with useless fluff. With the necessary information in hand, Hondo stepped in and called the first few teams going up. 

“First up, we’ve Hangman and Rooster. Followed by….” the rest of his words dropped off as bile sloshed in your gut at the thought of those two in the air together. Twisting to look at Bradley your eyes dropped to the thin white scars that decorated his neck and cheek. Clenching his jaw, Rooster rolled his neck to relieve the tension that formed at the sound of Hangman’s callsign.  

“Be careful with him, Rooster. He’s-”

“I know what he’s like, Y/N.” 

Nodding your head in acknowledgment, you stopped talking and listened to the flare of noise as your fellow aviators piled out of their chairs. Some were headed out to do pre-flight checks, while others gathered around the coffee pot to pour themselves another shot of caffeine. Chatting with each other, Phoenix and Bob threw tentative smiles in your direction as they passed you and Bradley. Jake's heavy footfalls came closer as he followed Javy toward the door. He’d just reached you when he finally opened his mouth. 

“So, Riot how’s that leg treatin’ ya today?” 

“I’m right as the rain, Seresin.” 

“Is that by the Navy’s standards or your dad’s?” He grinned from ear to ear as he looked between you and Bradley.

“What the fuck do you mean, Bagman?” 

“Well, it's just that everyone knows the Admiral’s got a soft spot for hopeless cases. I mean look at you two. A bird who can’t get up off his perch and a broken pilot whose ledger is wildly red. Maybe the old man’s judgment just isn’t what it used to be, but hey, what do I know?” 

Standing to meet him, you opened your mouth to speak, but Bradley beat you to it before you could utter a word. Rising firmly between you and Hangman, he came face to face with the other pilot, “You better shut your fucking mouth, Seresin. And you’d do well to remember who you’re talking about. Admiral Kazansky is your superior, and the only damn reason you’re here. I suggest you move along now.” 

“Whatever you say, Chicken Little. Anyway… I’ve got a mission to attend to, you’re welcome to join… if you can keep up.” Scrunching his nose, Jake simply smirked and walked away leaving you and Rooster behind to process what had just happened. 

Turning back to face you, Bradley’s words caught like barbed wire in his throat at the sight of the tears that welled in your eyes. He took a small step in your direction, his hand raised for a moment as if he was going to touch you, but thought better of it. Collecting himself, he spoke, “He’s not worth crying over, Y/N.” 

“They’re not for him.” your voice was thick with emotion. Frustration flushed your cheeks, and you moved away. Wandering over to Hondo who stood in the doorway, you checked your flight partners for the day. By the mercy of god, and probably your father and Mav, you weren’t slated to go with Hangman or Rooster.  

Meandering away toward the small group that remained, you tried to refocus yourself on the task at hand. Today’s flights were still focused on dogfighting techniques. The hope was to figure out who possessed the calm, cool, and collected demeanor to handle the pressure of the mission while also evading any obstacles that stood in the way. On the surface, this was your bread and butter. This was where you excelled, but the minefield occupying your thoughts proved more difficult to set aside than you’d hoped. 

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

Without Rooster, the room seemed empty even though it was brimming with people. Trying to shake your mind out of the spiral it was caught in, you did your best to engage in light conversation with the rest of the crew as you crowded around the pool table. The radio garbled to life as Maverick, Rooster, and Hangman took off for their run. Standing steady, you listened closely as Hangman wasted no time in his attempt to get under Bradley’s skin.

“So Rooster, mind if ask you a personal question?” 

“Would it matter if I did?” 

“What’s the story with you and Maverick? Or better yet, what the hell’s goin’ on between you and Riot? A little lover’s, I mean… ex-lovers, quarrel? Whatever it is, they’ve got your feathers ruffled don’t they Rooster?” 

“That’s none of your business.”

“Oh come on now, admit it, she’s got a mouth on her,” he stopped for a second, giving Rooster time to fume before bouldering on, “It’s not so bad though… when she puts it to good use.” 

“Fuck off, Bagman. Now where the hell is he?”

“Been here the whole time.” 

“Holy shit.” 

“You see me now? Come on let’s get it over with.” 

“Fight’s on.” 

“What is with these two?” 

Clinging to every word as it came over the radio, the rest of the world fell out of focus. Bradley and Mav were locked in a nasty spiral, the hard deck looming ever closer as the pilots fought for dominance and control. With almost nothing left between him and the solid ground below, Rooster was forced to pull up. The maneuver set him up to take the shot at Mav, but he hesitated, not wanting to risk dropping down further to line up with the captain. Lightening quick Maverick took advantage of this lapse, and repositioned himself behind Rooster. And that was that... another “kill” for Pete and another 200 push-ups for Bradley. The outcome was not entirely unexpected, but your physical reaction to it caught you off guard. Your hands shook as you grabbed your helmet and practically jogged down to the tarmac. Rage and worry in equal parts flooded your body as you waited for Rooster to land. 

Not wanting to lose control of yourself like the previous day, you waited until the shakes had dissipated before heading outside, but it did nothing for the rest of the emotions. Anxiety coursed through you, the fuzzy edges of it left your limbs feeling heavy as you forced your way outside. In the distance, you could see Hondo standing beside Rooster who was working his way through another grueling set of push-ups. Even though you knew that Bradley was nowhere near done, Hondo stepped away and started the walk back toward the building. 

Striding out, you closed the last few paces as Bradley collapsed out of the push-ups and sat sweating on the ground. You didn’t wait for him to notice your presence before you shouted.

“Breaking the hard deck, insubordination. Are you trying to get kicked out?” 

“Don’t worry about it,” his eyes remained glued to his boots

“Look, I don’t know how all of this is going to turn out, but if you get kicked out, you leave us flying with Hangman. Talk to me. What the hell was that?” 

The irony of this conversation wasn’t lost on you. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours since Bradley had cornered you in the locker room and asked much the same questions. And yet, here you were, begging and desperate to know. 

“You already know what it’s about.”

Stunned, you couldn’t quite believe it was true, “Come on, this can’t still be about the papers. Bradley that was a long time ago.” 

“Yeah, it was. And it set my career back four years, Y/N. You have no idea what it was like to watch you...” He choked on the rest of his thought, and instead of speaking, he turned his head to look off at the sun. 

Taking another step, you knelt by his side, “You’re right, I don’t know, and I’ll never know unless you talk to me.” 

“That’s rich coming from you.”

“I’m trying, okay. I don’t know what more you want from me.” 

“I don’t want anything from you, Riot.” 

“Whatever you say, Rooster.” 

Standing up, you left Bradley alone on the ground. You were next on the rotation, so rather than return inside, you made your way toward the crew that was forming around your jet. With the same practiced routine as always, you climbed inside and prepared yourself. Despite the earlier flare-up and the fatigue, your mind was finally lasered focused on the task at hand. 

Flying with Payback and Fanboy, the run was less eventful in a good way. Maverick though, was in rare form. He threw every trick in the book your way, and no amount of clever maneuvering was going to be enough to outwit him. Each move was calculated and precise. He was pushing hard, trying to throw you off. For a while, things were looking good for you and your team until Mav pulled out the same cobra move that’d earned you a victory the day before. This time he placed himself strategically behind you. The telltale whine of his target locked on yours sent you cursing under your breath. 

Landing, you quickly exited your jet and made your way back to nearly the same spot Bradley had occupied before. He was no longer there, but one by one you performed your push-ups. The ache of your arms and abs took over your mind and pushed out any lingering thoughts of the morning. Payback and Fanboy weren’t far behind. They joined you in the grind, their heavy breathing was the only noise that passed between the three of you. 

Hondo counted each rep, never letting up on the pace. Just when you thought your body would give out, he called the last one. 

“200. That’s it. You’re all free to head back inside.”

Nodding, the three of you peeled yourselves off the ground and walked back toward the building. Air conditioning poured out the door as Fanboy pushed it open. Sighing, you relished the chilled air as goosebumps ran over your skin. The boys were a few feet ahead of you, but the sound of your voice stopped them in their tracks.

“Hey guys,” you cleared your throat lightly before continuing, “Nice job up there today. We’ll get him next time.” 

“Thanks, Riot. You too.” Mickey smiled back at you, his eyes bright and clear, “Oh uhh, we’re..uhh… we’re all headed to the Hard Deck tonight. You should come.”

“Oh, uhh… I don’t know… I’ve got-”

Payback halted your stumbling words with his own, “Just think about it, okay?”

“Yeah, you deserve a drink after putting up with Hangman’s bullshit. You handled that better than I would’ve,” Fanboy laughed lightly, the gentleness of it lightened the mood considerably.  

“I don’t drink anymore, and I really don’t know if I’d called what happened yesterday handling it well, but I.. I’ll think about it.” 

“No worries. The offer’s always there.” Payback grinned as he held open the ready room’s door for you and Mickey.

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

The rest of the flights went off without a hitch. With the day over, the debrief took longer than expected, and by the time you were free to leave it was getting rather late. The rest of the crew chatted loudly as they discussed the evening’s plans. Your phone vibrated obnoxiously on the wood bench beside you. Jamming your feet into your boots, you slid out of the fray, taking your cell phone and your bags with you. Free of the noise, you answered the call. 

“Hey, mom. What’s up?” 

“Hey, Y/N. Are you on your way home?” 

“Yeah, I’m just headed out now. Do you want me to pick up a pizza or something for dinner? I’ll make a list and head to the store tomorrow.” 

“That’s okay, I just…” Sarah grew quiet on the other end as barking coughs could be heard in the background through the speaker. 

“Is everything all right?” 

“Umm, today’s been a bad day sweetie. I’m sorry to ask, but I could really use some help with the littles.”

Swallowing hard, you replied, “Yeah, of course. I’ll be home soon. You just take care of Dad, I’ll get the rest. Are you sure you don’t need anything?” 

“No, we’re good sweetheart. You just drive safe, okay.”

“Okay. Love you mom, see ya soon.”

“Love you too, Y/N.” 

Ending the call you stepped outside into the tepid evening air, and quickly got yourself on the road toward home. A sinking feeling churned the empty pit of your stomach all the way, but there was no avoiding the difficulties that sat ahead. 

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

The inside of the Kazansky household was decently in control, at least given the circumstances. The littles were running wild in the backyard, probably ruining the entire purpose of their pre-dinner baths and showers, but it was okay. A little dirt never hurt anyone, and given the impending situation, their joyful screams and laughter echoing through the open door were soothing to the soul. A spicy scent filled the air as you stood at the stove stirring the taco meat in the pan. The older siblings were in a variety of places around the living room. One folded the pile of freshly washed clothes you’d sat down in front of them about 15 minutes earlier while the others sat on the couch trying their best to avoid helping with chores by “doing their homework”. 

It took only a few more minutes to finish up dinner and lay out all of the toppings. Gathering up your siblings you let them start while you work up the courage to go find your mom. Quietly, you made your way to the master bedroom. The door was cracked slightly, and the soft sound of her voice could be heard the closer you got. Your faint knocks were enough for her to invite you inside.

“Come in.” 

Plastering a smile on your face, you pushed open the door, and immediately focused on your mom, “The tacos are ready. You want me to make you a plate?” 

Sarah glanced hesitantly at Ice who was currently sitting up in bed next to her. His face was drawn, and the dark circles beneath his eyes were a deep purple, “That’s okay, I’ll come down later.”

“Okay. I’ll wrap up some for you.” 

The plush carpet squished between your toes as you crossed the room. Standing at the side of the bed, you leaned down and placed a kiss on the side of your mom’s head before moving to the other side to do the same to your father. Catching your wrist in his hand, Ice held you in place before pulling you in for a hug. There were no words tonight, but it didn’t matter. You knew what he was saying even without them. 

Another rough bout of coughing forced you to part from the embrace. Sarah shifted into the spot you’d just inhabited as you snuck silently out of the room. As calmly as possible, you returned to the kitchen and joined the meal. Most of it had already been demolished, but there was plenty left for you and for some leftovers. Forcing down some food, you found yourself unable to take more than a few bites. Across the table, your youngest sister sat pushing the scraps of taco around her plate. 

“Hey, kiddo, you feelin’ okay?” crossing the table, you crouched next to her chair, your hand outstretched to feel her forehead. There was no sign of a temperature, but clearly, something was bothering the little girl. 

Looking around the table you noticed a similar sense of sadness had settled over the rest of the family. The older kids were certainly starting to understand that something was going on, and even the littlest of the crew could feel that things were off. You wanted to help, but there was nothing that would soften the blow of what was to come. The scrape of your chair against the floor broke everyone from their stupor. With your plate in hand, you let your impulsivity guide you. 

“How about we go get some ice cream?” throwing them a smile you watched as the light returned to their eyes.

Even at eighteen, your oldest brother could hardly contain the excitement as he too pushed back from the table, “You think we can go to the Dairy Barn?”

“Sure, sounds good to me. They should still be open.” 

Collectively, the rest of the family picked their way across the room to deposit their plates in the sink before heading to put on their shoes. 

“I’ll be outside in a second guys, I’m gonna go tell Mom where we’re going. Take the keys and start the van.” 

Not waiting for answers, you made your way back upstairs. The conversion was whispered as Ice had finally fallen asleep. With promises to get everyone back in time for curfew, you were off. The drive was anything but quiet as the boys played DJ, and the girls complained vociferously about their song choices. Staying quiet you soaked in the moment and tried your best to commit it to memory.   

Safely parked near the door, you all clambered out of the vehicle and poured into the nearly empty Dairy Barn. One by one the orders were taken, and the icy treats made their way to thankful hands. Ordering last, you paid the bill without faltering too much at the price. Back outside at one of the rickety picnic tables your siblings devoured their treats. The remaining heat turned them into sticky messes, but it didn’t matter. For the first time that night, things felt lighter. 

As the lights inside the store flickered off you, herded the crew back toward the van. With everyone settled, you slid into the driver's seat and shoved the key into the ignition. The drive back to the house was much more calm than before, a sugar-induced ‘coma’ had taken the wind out of their sails. Soft rock played from the radio as you turned the corner toward the house. Glancing ahead, your stomach dropped. Parked in the driveway of the Kazansky home was a beautiful blue Bronco, and standing beside it, as if was still working up the courage to move, was Bradley. 

Pulling into the garage, you made quick work of the car seats and lovingly nudged everyone into the house, “Go wash your hands and brush your teeth. And don’t pretend, I’ll know if you fake it. Also, y'all better be in pajamas and headed for bed by the time I come in.” 

Your youngest sister shifted in your arms as you stooped to sit her down. Her innocent question caught you off guard, “Who is that, Y/N?”

“That’s Rooster, we uhh… we work together.” 

“He flies planes?”

“Yup.” 

“Oh… all right.” 

“All right, girly. You head inside, okay?” 

“Mmm-hmm.” 

Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, you used your hands on your knees to stand from the squat. Inhaling deeply, you turned back to look at Rooster, ready to pounce on him with your words, but the look on his face kept you from attacking. He’d taken a few steps closer to the house, but there was still a considerable distance between you both. 

“Why are you here, Bradley?” there was no malice in your words, only curiosity. 

“I just… I needed to see you… to… to talk to you.” 

“Now’s not really a good time,” you glanced back at the dark upstairs window of your parents' room.

“Y/N, please, don’t shut me out again. You said you were trying, now let me do the same,” honesty shaped his words and dulled their edges. 

 “Fine, but I… I'm gonna need a minute.”

“Take all the time you need,” turning back to the Bronco, his open shirt fluttered in the breeze. 

Giving him a tentative smile, you headed back toward the door.

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

As quickly as you could manage, the nighttime routine was completed, and everyone was tucked into bed. You shot a quick text to your mom, just to let her know what was going on, but you had no intention of waiting for a response. Back outside, Bradley leaned against the side of the hood. His eyes were glued to the pavement in front of him until the sound of your approaching steps tore him out of whatever thoughts and memories he’d been stewing over. Looking up at you, he pushed himself free of the vehicle but made no move in your direction. A sharp breeze cut through the Navy hoodie you’d pulled on before heading back outside, but even the chill wasn't enough to force the conversation. 

The sight of you, dressed in that same old sweatshirt, and ratty jean shorts, knocked him off kilter. Clearing his throat he contemplated where to start the apologies. The only thing he knew for sure was that the list was impossibly long. The scuff of your shoes on the ground came to a halt in front of him. Daring to look at your face, he memorized the touch of deep blue that sat beneath your stunning eyes and mapped the marks upon your skin. The tiny scars told of your trials and tribulations much as the same as his. A bone-weary look consumed your features turning them into shadows of what they’d always been. But most of all, he faltered at the fact that it was really you. The person he’d need more than anything, the person he’d pushed away when he should have drawn you close. 

Gathering the courage, to meet his gaze, you found such sincerity in his eyes, and the sight of it broke something inside you. The back of your nose burned, and your throat tightened as you fought the emotions that steamrolled through your body. Nothing had been said, and yet being here like this with Bradley was more than you’d been prepared to handle. So many words needed to be said, to be freed from your heart and mind. But they were locked in a battle with none prevailing. Remaining silent, you turned your face to the ground once more and wrapped your arms around your body as if you could hold the pieces together. Seeing you crumble, he took a swift step in your direction. His strong hands came to rest on your waist and the side of your neck. Taking in quick breaths, you begged for control of yourself. 

Gently, he tilted your face to meet his, “I'm right here, talk to me.”

That's all it took. You broke wide open, and the confession slammed down upon him like a bucket of frigid water, “His cancer’s back,” losing control of your lungs, you sobbed harshly and clung to Bradley’s gaze, “it’s back, and–” 

“Y/N, I-”

“I don’t… I can’t do this without him,” shaking your head, you raged against the tears, “I don’t know how… and my mom-” 

Your voice failed you, the reality of it all was simply too much to bear. In an instant, Bradley was hauling you close. His strong arms held you to his chest and he wrapped his sturdy arms around your body. Your head rested on his chest. He let you ride out the waves of emotions. With one arm around your waist and the other buried in your hair, he worked to control his own breathing. Staring past your shoulder, he couldn’t keep his own feelings at bay. Hot tears pooled in his eyes as he processed what you’d told him. He’d heard through the grapevine that Ice had been sick a while back, but the man was always an untouchable figure in his mind. Nothing could touch Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, but clearly, he’d been wrong. 

Your fists twisted the back of his shirt. The cotton was butter to the touch, and the feel of it soothed your nerves. But it was the weight of him, the solidness of his presence that reeled you back from the abyss. With time, your lungs smoothed out, and your tears slowed. His steady exhales wafted through your hair as he took in the scent of your shampoo. Not wanting to let go, he adjusted his hold just enough so that he could whisper in your ear.

 It took everything in him to speak as the warmth of your breath passed through his clean white undershirt, and sent chills down his spine, “Tell me what you need.”

There was no hesitation this time because every fiber of your being screamed for one thing, and one thing alone, “I can’t go back in there alone… not tonight…stay with me.” 

There was no proper way to respond, but Bradley held you tighter, taking the bulk of your weight in his arms. Resting back against the Bronco, he settled you between his legs as he pressed a kiss to the side of your head. Out of need and instinct, you leaned back in his arms. With a clear view of his face, you were mesmerized by the glint of moonlight in his eyes. A flash of it across his skin brought the scars along his neck and cheek into full view. Sliding your hand up his chest, you landed on the mottled patches of skin. Gingerly, you dragged your fingertips across them. All the while, Bradley’s eyes never left your face. 

“Bradley…” you threaded your fingers into the short hair along the nape of his neck and gently brought his face to yours. With your foreheads pressed together, he took in the scent of your perfume. 

The thump of your heart beating in your ears was drowned out by the sound of the wind blowing in the trees. And then, he was there. His lips pressed against yours, soft and gentle, testing the waters. The wide breadth of his hand slid from your waist before dipping into the back pocket of your shorts. Palming your ass, he groaned at the feeling of your free hand as it slide beneath the hem of his undershirt. The chill of your touch was in stark contrast to the heat that radiated off of him. He turned quickly, forcing you between him and the Bronco. With a bit more force than he’d intended, Bradley hauled himself back into you.

You met his desperation and drew him in by his belt loops. Haphazardly, he pushed up the bottom of your hoodie, exposing your body to the chill of the metal and cold air. Gasping at the sting of it, he took advantage of the moment and deepened the kiss. The taste of the beer he’d consumed sat heavy on his tongue. Humming lightly, you relished it, your body relaxed into his commanding touch. The drag of his fingers along the band of your bra sent shivers down your spine. 

Bradley moved his attention to your neck. Nipping at the sensitive skin, he soothed the tender spots with his tongue as he worked his way down. His teeth grazed over a particularly delicate spot, and the quiet sound of your whimper drove him wild. Raking his hands along the outside of your thighs, he slipped under the hem of your hoodie once again. This time he continued his exploration. Ghosting over the goosebumps that had collected on your sides and over your breasts, he swept along the thin barrier in search of more. And he found it. Brushing over your nipples couldn’t contain the noise that escaped his lips. A strangled groan rumbled lowly from him as he savored the way you reacted to his touch. 

Dropping your head back in pleasure, you lost yourself in him. The scrape of his mustache on your pulse point was thrilling. His eager hands reached for the back of your thighs bringing you up to his waist. And with that… everything broke. Pure ecstasy was ripped away by the agonizing clench of pain. Gasping loudly, your body stiffened in his arms. Immediately, Bradley reacted, lowering you back to the ground. There was no need to ask, he knew what was happening. Just like before, he felt for the knotted muscle and began to massage away the hurt. 

"Fuck, Y/N. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm so-" The sound of your words stopped him from speaking more.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” you mumble weakly into his chest as he tended to you with incredible care. 

“Don't apologize. It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he whispered in reply. 

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

Tag List: @eloquentdreamer

#bradley rooster x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #top gun maverick fan fic

[thedroneranger]

The Drone Ranger's Be Kind Rewind ⏪ ereardon Edition!

A rec reblog series dedicated to the fics that we love so much, we've re-read them!

Please enjoy @ereardon's Rewind! One of the biggest joys of this series is when someone pops into my inbox to ask if they can participate. Em was one of those people—thank you 🖤

While we continue to churn out amazing new content, let's be kind and rewind to look at some of the OG content we love! And don't forget to reblog when you re-read! Continue to show your comfort fics and favorite creators some love. It helps keep the fresh content coming :)

Let's keep this going throughout the summer, so if you're interested in participating in the Be Kind Rewind, message me. The more, the merrier!

If you want to know when a new Rewind drops, join the tag list, and check out previous Rewinds!

fics below the cut (listed in alphabetical order by title)

Frustrated, Bradley Bradshaw, @roosterforme Em’s masterlist is literally a masterpiece (seriously go read all of her stuff), so this might seem like a random pick. But it’s the epitome of a slutty one shot for me. Sex in the bar bathroom? Check. Jealousy? Check. Rooster versus Hangman battle for masculinity? Check. If you want to be hot and bothered, this is it y’all. 

Happy Little Accidents, Bob Floyd, @yanna-banana Listen. If someone is gonna knock me up after a one night stand, I need it to be Bob Floyd. Not even kidding. A traditional trope takes on a life of its own with Bob and Zak, a match made in heaven! They’re sweet, they’re spicy, I mean it’s Bobby Floyd as a dad-to-be. What's not to love? 

Killing Me Softly, Bob Floyd, @wkndwlff We love a Bob x Reader x Jake triangle in this household. I also just fucking LOVE a Bob Floyd roommate trope and this story by Taylor has it all! Sweet fluff, angst, Bobby with tattoos?? Bob is down bad for her in this and I love that for him. A sweet read! 

Sugar and Spice, Jake Seresin, @wombtotombx This was the VERY FIRST Tumblr fic I ever read and what brought me into the TGM fandom, so thank you SB! I just love an enemies to lovers story, and Grace and Jake’s relationship is such a push and pull. It also helps that the author has really in-depth knowledge of the Navy, and I’ve learned so much reading their stories! 

The Professor, Jake Seresin, @topguncortez What’s a list like this without a fic from G?? Seriously, she hits it out of the park with this one. Slightly dark, definitely condescending, asshole Jake as a PROFESSOR? Fucking hell get me a fan, I’m sweating. But honestly, their relationship is equal parts spicy and angsty and entirely believable and I just love it so much. Plus, we get a little Rooster and Bob side character action. 

Trouble in Paradise, Bradley Bradshaw, @sunlightmurdock This fic absolutely haunts me, in the best possible way. From the smutty goodness to just the painful realizations throughout and the setting, I always find myself going back to this fic. It’s also one story that literally patrols my thoughts, like it just pops up out of the blue and I love that! Katie’s entire masterlist is my fucking drug so it’s no surprise that I love this story so much, but if you haven’t read this it is a MUST. Also the setting makes it a perfect summer read! 

You Said You’d Grow Old With Me, Bradley Bradshaw, @blue-aconite Don’t want to cry today? Too freaking bad. Fe is going to make you cry with this, and you’ll love her for it. Bradley x soulmate; I said what I said.

Creator's Own

The Off-Season, Jake Seresin Jake and Meredith are just my favorite kind of duo. Both a little broken, both guarded, but too fucking attracted to each other to deny it for long. Also Meredith is the QUEEN of sass and snappy commentary (I aspire to be her). Add in a bit of an age and maturity gap (Jake is 29, Meredith is 23), a remote setting (Bar Harbor, Maine), and a dash of forbidden-ness (Meredith is the sister of Jake’s former college roommate) and you have a take on the classic roommates who hate each other trope but with nuance. But what will happen when the two inevitably fall for each other? 

Tag list and friends: @petcr3 @desert-fern @Sagittarius-Lovewitch @mygyn @sweetwhispersofchaos @horseshoegirl @the-annoying-fan @dingochef @moon42flight @thecitysgraveyard @ereardon @roosterforme @cherrycola27 @galaxy-of-stories @taytaylala12 @malindacath @violyn20 @awildewit @potato-girl99981 @shanimallina87 @blue-aconite @djs8891 @linkpk88 @furiousladyking @daggerspare-standingby @princess76179 @jstarr86 @hecate-steps-on-me @darkheartcherry @soulmates8 @roosters-girl @dempy @roosterisdaddy36 @hangmanscoming @s-u-t @mavrellover91 @chicomonks @averyhotchner 

A kind reminder, this is a 18+ blog. While not all stories in the recommendation list are 18+, please respect boundaries and do not interact unless you are 18 years of age or older.

#tgm be kind rewind #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin #rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw #top gun maverick #tgm #top gun #ereardon #bob floyd #robert bob floyd #robert floyd #bob fucks

[cherrycola27]

HUNG UP

Chapter 4

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x OC Adaline Carson

Warnings: Language, drinking, allusion to Smut. Hangman being Hangman. Minors DNI 18+

"Oh my God Roos are you okay?" Adaline said running to his side. Rooster couldn't help but laugh.

"Told you it would work." He winked at her. Adaline smacked him upside the head. It was true his plan did work. While he was singing Rooster had noticed Jake leave the bar room like his ass was on fire. As he finished his song he whispered a plan in Adas ear. She had followed him outside where moments before Jake "caught them" he asked Adaline if she trusted him and told her to just go with it. One fake make out and some dirty talk later Roosters plan had worked.

"I can't believe he slapped you!" Ada exclaimed giving Bradley the once over. "Not the first time and won't be the last." He shrugged. "But at least we know how he really feels about you. I give it a week of us fake dating before he is confessing his love to you and begging you to be his girl." Rooster smiled proudly. "You'd better be right Bradshaw because I would hate for him to mess up your pretty little face." Adaline told him patting the spot where Jake had slapped Rooster moments ago.

"Oh so you think my face is pretty now?" Rooster raised an eyebrow. "Can it Bradshaw or next time I don't stop him." Adaline shot back. She and Rooster collected their things from inside and left the Hard Deck. Rooster dropped Ada off... she couldn't deal with his snoring another night. After she showered she flopped down on her bed and groaned. Even though Rooster had graced her with his presence the past two nights her sheets still held onto the spicy sweet scent of Jake.

Across town, once he had collected himself Jake told himself he needed to come up with a plan to win Adaline... his Adaline back. He couldn't deny his feelings any longer. He was in love with her. He had been since the first time he met her eight months ago when she was giving him stitches on his thumb after he had caught it in a canopy and how she joked asking him if he would give the experience two thumbs down if he could.

He needed to talk to someone... someone who understood women... someone who wouldn't judge him. He found himself pulling in front of a small bungalow. He knew it was late but he still pounded on the door. He was just about to walk away when the porch light turned on. "Bob? What are you doing here?" He asked when the door swung open to reveal someone he wasn't expecting. "Babe who's at the... Jesus Hangman it's one in the morning what are you doing here?" Siren said with sleep in her voice.

"I came to talk to you Si, ask for some advice. But never mind why I'm here why is Bobby Boy here?" Jake asked

"We're dating Dickhead. We have been for like five months. You would have known if you paid attention to someone other than yourself or Ada." Bob deadpanned not happy that his sleep had been interrupted.

"Okay cool... good for yall... listen, Si I really need your help... I fucked things up with Adaline and I know yall are close please help me!" Jake asked not missing a beat. "Can this not wait until a decent hour. We have training in the morning for crying out loud Seresin!" Siren grumbled.

"Please.... no it can't I am begging you!" Jake pleaded.

"Ugh fine." Siren rolled her eyes and let Jake in. "I'll go start some coffee." Bob muttered heading for the kitchen

"Okay so..." Jake began sitting at the kitchen island. "Ah ah ah" Siren stopped him holding up one finger taking a long sip of coffee from the mug Bob had handed her. "Ahh... now that's it. Now thay i am caffeinated you may begin." Siren said setting the mug down.

"Okay so I really messed things up with Adaline. We had this casual thing going on and somewhere along the way I caught feelings and I got scared and I kinda sorta slept with one of her friends when she was at that medical conference a few weeks ago and now she is dating Rooster and I can't stand it. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't be with another girl because all I can think about is her and how much I care about her... Jesus I'm in love with her!" Bob and Siren both sat there in silence processing the word vomit Jake had just spewed out.

"I think we might need something stronger than coffee for this Sadie." Bob said heading back in the kitchen to find some alcohol.

"Well... thats a lot to process Jake." Sadie (Siren) said looking into her her coffee cup. Bob came back with a glass of wine for all three of them. Sadie took a long drink of hers. "Did I mention that I also caught her and Rooster about to hook up outside the Hard Deck a few hours ago and I kinda slapped him across the face." Jake said innocently while taking a sip of his wine

"What the fuck Bagman?" Bob called almost choking on his drink. "I know... its bad... can yall please help me. I don't want to lose her" Jake ran his fingers through his hair.

"Honesty Jake, you just need to man up and tell her exactly how you feel. All that word vomit you just let out here... you need to tell her. Go to her house with some flowers and get on your needs and beg her to take you back. Admit that you fucked up and pray that she and Rooster are just a casual fling because she is trying to get over you. If you want her, show her. Prove it!" Siren laid it out for him.

"But Rooster has been there the past couple nights and we had a huge fight. She probably hates my guts!" Jake whined.

"Then wait til Rooster leaves one day, and put your big boy pants on and tell Ada how you feel. Man up Jake." Bob added.

"Bob just told me to man up... what has the world become?" Jake laughed. "A world where I'm getting laid and you aren't." Bob quipped back.

"Jesus Bob, I'm going to have to change your name from Baby on Board to Big Ol' Balls if you keep this up." Jake stated getting up from his seat.

"I'll keep that in mind next time we are in the sky Bagman. Don't do anything tonight. Give Ada a couple days to cool off. Go home, get some sleep and think about what we told you." Bob said escorting his friend to the door.

"Thanks you guys. Sorry I woke you up. See you tomorrow!" Hangman called over his shoulder. He walked back to his car and took a deep breath. Bob and Si were right. If he wanted to get his girl back he had to be honest with her and more importantly with himself.

"Okay Seresin... time to man up and admit your feelings." Jake whispered as he drove home.

Tag List: @marvelsvalhalla @shanimallina87

#top gun maverick #top gun #jake seresin x oc #jake seresin smut #jake seresin #hangman x oc #hangman smut #hangman seresin #hangman top gun

[whiskeyswriting]

Dagger Spare’s Ghost Story

{ An AU fic for Hangman x Cinco }

Alana knew the moment that Maverick announced Baylie and Javy as team leader and Dagger 2, respectively, that Jake would lose his temper. She had sat in on the long, and seemingly endless, meetings with the Admirals and Captains to determine who would be selected. 

She cared for each member of the Top Gun class. They all had proven to be friends to her over the last year. However, her secret relationship with Jake meant she knew him a bit better than the other students did. She didn’t deny that he was a great pilot. He had demonstrated time and again that he knew how to fly and how to do so dangerously. 

However, Alana also knew that he wasn’t the best at being a team player. There was no way she or the Admirals would agree to make him Team Leader. She also knew to prepare for his reaction after the announcement was made to them.

“What the hell!? Did you even try to get me recommended!?” 

“I need you to calm down and lower your voice, Jake.”

“I’m the best pilot and I’m a fucking spare…? What the hell have I been sleeping with you for?”

“Lieutenant! That is enough! I am still your superior. Now get out of my office before either one says anything else we may regret.”

Jake just stays staring at her. “Our little thing… We’re done.”

“That’s fine Lieutenant. I always knew it would never go anywhere. Now please leave.”

Bradley had heard Jake yelling and was listening in by the door and scurried away when he heard Jake opening the door.

Alana doesn’t let herself cry. There were no feelings involved. All they were was just sex. But his words stuck and stung. ‘What the hell have I been sleeping with you for?’ At least now she truly knew how he saw her and their… relationship.

Alana continues her day with her office door closed. She only leaves to get something to eat. She never was one really to make friends easily with others so she often kept to herself.

To get to her car to leave the base for lunch, she had to pass by the men’s locker room. Unfortunately for her, the door was open and Jake was still angry and loud. “She’s a fucking bitch. It was just a few pity fucks to get her to recommend me. Not that I would ever really settle down with anyone like her.”

Alana turned to look towards the door, only to find him and a few of the other officers exiting the locker room. She kept her cool and composure as he pushed past her and none of the officers saluted or acknowledged her presence. She kept her head held high as she walked the rest of the way to her car.

As soon as she made it to her car, she allowed herself a few minutes to cry. She then wiped away her tears and went for her food. 

Arriving back at the base, Alana went to get coffee from the rec room, only to once again find Jake there still complaining.

“Oh my goodness, Seresin, do you ever shut up?” Baylie asked. 

“Who the hell did you fuck to get picked?” He yells back at her.

“You’re the one sleeping with people in higher ranks trying to get that lead position,” Bradley says in frustration.

Nobody in the room had seen or heard Alana come in until she spilled the hot coffee on her hand and yelped. She puts the coffee pot back and runs her hand until cold water. 

“Just fucking great. You’re here to tell us we’ve been replaced? You probably slept with Cyclone or Mav to pick idiots to be the team leaders!”

Javy stood up in front of Jake and gave him a shove. “That’s enough man! Sit down and shut up.”

The whole Dagger Squad was there and they put two and two together, based on Bradley’s earlier comment to Jake. 

Alana just shakes her head and leaves. Her coffee and lunch - forgotten and left behind. She locks herself in her office and finishes running the reports for the mission. She then works on her request for transfer. 

Later that evening, the Daggers all met up at the bar to discuss what happened earlier.

“Does anybody really know who she is?” Bradley asks.

“She’s Cyclone’s right hand man,” Phoenix replies. “A quiet girl like Bob.”

Grace brings them their drinks and sits on Rooster’s lap. “What’s the latest gossip?”

“Jerk Jake caused a scene at the base and, according to Bradley, broke it off with his girl… Who he was only sleeping with to get the team leader,” Baylie says after downing her drink. 

“Oof. That’s terrible!” Grace comments. 

“Yeah I felt bad for her. She seems like a tough cookie but that his words did more damage than any of us can really tell.”

Meanwhile, Jake is drowning his sorrows at the bar. He picks up his phone to call her for a hookup that night. “Hi. You’ve reached Alana. I can’t answer your call now but please leave a message or text me.”

“Hey don’t ignore or block me… Call me back sweet face.”

Alana spots him across the bar as she feels her phone ring. She would love nothing more than to block him but because of the upcoming mission she can’t. So she pays for her drink and goes to sit next to Jake.

“Let me just say this Jake: I never expected or wanted to have anything serious with you. I knew our roles. Just fuck buddies. Not even friends. But I am still your superior. So I expect that respect on base. Outside of the base, don’t worry. I won’t chase you. I won’t call you. It’ll be like we never fucked.” She discreetly leaves next to his hand the key to his apartment that he gave her for their fuck sessions.

Alana waves at Penny as she leaves.

It’s not long after they’re all in the carrier and on the way to the mission. In the days prior, Jake kept trying to talk to Alana, but he always found her deep in her work or having the rest of the Daggers interrupt him.

The day of the mission finally arrives and he’s called in after Lucky and Javy get shot down. After searching, they get called back for a search and rescue mission.

It takes some hours but they find them both. Everyone celebrates their return at the carrier. When Jake looks up to the tower, he finds Cyclone, Warlock, and Cinco all looking down at them in relief.

It’s then he notices Cyclone gives Cinco a folder and they salute each other. He then sees Cyclone give her a tight hug. He storms off to her office once he saw her leaving.

“So it was Cyclone you were fucking!?” 

“Lieutenant. I once told you that was none of your concern but since you refuse to believe me: Cyclone helped my grandfather raise me. He’s like an uncle to me. The closest thing I have to a father. This will be the last time ever I ask you to leave my office.”

“Think you can just ignore me?” 

“It’ll be much easier to not have you accusing me of derailing your naval career from Japan.” 

The days pass quickly and they arrive back stateside. Alana leaves for Japan as soon as she finishes packing.

Jake spends his evenings at the Hard Deck. He hears the most beautiful laugh he hasn’t heard in weeks and he turns to find Alana. Only when he finds the person laughing he sees that it wasn’t her. It was someone else. Carrie Underwood’s “Ghost Story” begins playing from the jukebox. 

That’s when he knew he lost the only person that made him a better pilot and a better person. 

--

🏷️ List: @bayisdying @callmemana @gracespicybradshaw @cycbaby @ladylanera @starlit-epiphany @breadsquash @askmarinaandothers @dragon-kazansky @callsignscupcake @novagreen04 @hisredheadedgoddess28

#mrsjaderogerswrites #the chaos squad #the chaos squad fics #hangman x cinco #Jake hangman Seresin #alana cinco metcalf #cinco x hangman #Jake x Alana #Alana x Jake #Jake Hangman Seresin x OC #baylie lucky steele #mickey fanboy garcia #grace spicy bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw

[tngrace]

Cry, Baby

Story inspired by real life events and this song, “Cry Baby” by Mitchell Tenpenny.

I have to thank my discord babes so much for listening to me the last couple of days, and for reading over this last night when I wrote it like a madwoman that just had to get it out. There might be more stories for Spicy & Roo one day in the future; I truly loved writing them & I hope yall enjoy it. 

Discord babes: @callsign-dragonbaron @mrsjaderogers @bayisdying @biehnybaby @askmarinaandothers @mischief-siriusly-managed @cycbaby @callsignscupcake @breadsquash

Grace “Spicy” Bradshaw stared at the shower floor as tears cascaded down her cheeks. She was using the water to muffle the sounds of her sobs so they didn’t wake her husband just yet. Bradley had to be up in an hour to go to class, and she wanted to let him sleep as long as possible. She’d been so hopeful that today would bring the news they’d been hoping for, but instead it just brought the same disappointment the last year and a half has brought. She felt like she was letting Bradley down tremendously, and truthfully she wanted to tell him he deserved better.  

She should’ve known he’d come find her when she was up earlier than expected, but it still surprised her when the door opened. “Spice? Babe? You’re up early?”

She quickly wipes her eyes and clears her throat; “Yea, yea I woke up early. Decided to just go ahead and get ready. Didn’t mean to get you up so early.”

“Mind if I join?”

She sucks in a deep breath and holds it; she turns her face into the spray despite knowing her eyes will be red and puffy anyways. “Yea, come on in.”

Bradley gets in behind her and pulls her back into his chest. His chin rests on top of her head as he holds her, letting the warm spray wash over them. “Grace,” he whispers. He only uses her real name when it’s something serious, always using her nickname or some version of it. Slider had given her the nickname based on the food and spice level of it when she took over the grill at the Hard Deck ten years ago.

She sinks into his hold, biting her lip hard enough to almost draw blood. “Talk to me baby.” She shakes her head no as more tears fall down her cheeks.

“I …. Can’t. I…. I just knew this time was going to be different.”

Bradley’s arms tighten around her; he knows right then that despite thinking she’d finally gotten pregnant, she had in fact not. “We’ll just keep trying.”

“Bradley…. You….”

“Don’t say it Grace. Don’t say I deserve better.” He finally spins her, but her eyes drop to his chest and his dog tags unable to meet his eyes. He gently tips her chin up, and her eyes close, tears sneaking out around her lids. He cradles her face between both of his large hands, his thumbs gently wiping the tears away.

“Open your beautiful eyes, Spicy.”

Her breath shudders out, but her eyes slowly open to meet the chocolate brown ones she loves so much. “I love you, and only you. I want you, and only you. If this is all we have, just me and you, we will be ok. But we also still have options. We’re going to try those meds and if that doesn’t work, then we look at other possibilities. I know for a fact if we went to Dad, Uncle Ice, any of the many Uncles and Aunts in our family, we could have the help to make any option possible. This sucks, I know; I know you’re feeling crushed, and today is going to be rough and full of lots of tears. But you, my dear beautiful girl, are all I want, so don’t tell me to find anyone else.”

Spicy collapses against his chest and just cries as he holds her as tight as possible, letting the water keep them warm. Bradley holds her tight, murmuring over and over how much he loves her, how much he’s there for her, how much she can cry to him anytime. Once the water starts cooling off, he washes her hair and runs some conditioner through it before quickly scrubbing his own while she stays wrapped around him. Once they’re both clean, he wraps a towel around his waist and goes to the bedroom to get dressed, letting her have the bathroom to do what she needs. She takes a few minutes to try and compose herself, but it doesn’t work. The tears don’t seem to want to stop. She slips into a pair of shorts and one of Bradley’s t-shirts she’d grabbed on her way to the bathroom that morning.

He’s sitting on the side of the bed waiting on her. She carefully settles in his lap, facing him, with her legs around his waist. She rests her head under his chin, her fingers tangling in his dog tags. “You’re going to make the best Dad one day, and I wish I could make that happen for you, more than anything,” she whispers.

His arms rub up and down her back as he holds her close. “We’re going to get that one day, I promise you, Spicy girl.”

They stayed cuddled like that until Bradley has to get ready for class. He tucks Spicy into bed, “Text me or call me if you need anything today. And I’m sure Pen can manage just fine if you don’t want to go in tonight.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll be ok. I’m not going to cancel on her last minute. I’ll be fine once I’m distracted.”

“Promise me if you’re not, you’ll stay here or come get me.”

She gives him a soft smile and a kiss. “I promise Roo. Now go before you’re late.”

Bradley reluctantly leaves; he wants to text his dad or his uncles to go check on her later, but he also knows what it’s meant to her to keep this a secret to keep the pressure lower on them. He’s glad he doesn’t have a hop that day because his head stays with his girl all day.

Spicy spends the morning in bed, and heads into the Hard Deck around lunch. Penny can tell something is wrong, but she also doesn’t push. She texts Bradley to see what’s going on, but all he’ll tell her is to keep an eye on her. Spicy spends the majority of the day in the kitchen, and when Bradley arrives after class, waving to his uncles and dad in the back corner, he heads straight into the kitchen to check on her.

“Roo,” she smiles, leaning up for a kiss. The kitchen hasn’t been too busy that day, and Bradley can tell she’d deep cleaned everything to keep her mind busy.

“Ready for a break? Dad, Ice, Sli, Chip, Wolf and Wood have the back corner claimed.”

“Roo, I…”

“Penny says you’ve been in here all day, and the kitchen is sparkling.” Spicy sighs as she leans into Roo’s embrace.

“You’re right I’ve been hiding. But I’ve been thinking. Your insurance covered the tests and meds, and I know it’s been a lot on you not sharing with everyone.”

“Grace..”

“No, let me finish.” At Bradley’s nod she continues. “We’ve gotten lucky not having to pay for what we’ve done so far, but if this doesn’t work, we could be forking out more money than we need to on our own. We don’t know how much longer we’re going to be on this journey. You’re a very open person with your family, and I love that. And I know I’ve had you keeping this a secret, and I know there are times you’ve wished you could talk to someone about it. So maybe we should tell them.”

Bradley wraps her in his arms. “You’re just doing this for me, and I know it.”

“I do everything for you Bradley Nicholas. I’d give you the whole world if I could.”

“I’d do the same for you Grace Michelle.” Spicy leans up and kisses Bradley soundly. She lets him take her apron off and hang it up, before telling her assistant that she was done for the night. Spicy wrapped her hand in his, and let him pull her to the back corner where their family was waiting.

Spicy takes the open seat beside Mav, Bradley’s dad instantly pulling her into a side hug, while Bradley pulls up a stool on her other side. As per usual they start off by complimenting the snacks she’d sent their way, before they observe them both. Bradley is telling them about his class that day, but it’s Slider who picks up on Spicy’s quietness. It’s almost like she was still the shy girl they’d met when she’d moved there, instead of the confident outgoing girl she’d become in her ten years in San Diego. He shoots a look at Ice and then Mav before turning his attention back to her.

“B, you’re rambling,” Ice finally says, all of them catching the soft sigh he lets out.

“Yea… Yea I am.” He laces his hand with Spicy’s, giving it a squeeze, before he meets six pairs of worried eyes.

“I’ve had him keeping a secret from yall,” Spicy says, before Bradley can say anything.

“Grace…”

“No B, it’s true.” She finally looks around the table. “We’ve been trying for a baby for a year and a half now, and I didn’t want him to tell anyone because I knew it wouldn’t be easy for us to get pregnant because of me. I didn’t want anyone to get their hopes up just to be crushed over and over.”

She feels Mav’s arm sling across her shoulder and squeeze her tight to his side. He’s been like a dad to her ever since she started dating Roo and realized he was essentially Bradley’s dad too. “Oh kiddo,” he sighs, placing a kiss on her head. Bradley doesn’t let go of her hand, but doesn’t miss how she practically melts into the hug.

She takes another steadying breath and pulls herself upright once more. “My doctor ran some tests about a couple of weeks ago, and in two days I’m going to be starting meds. If after three months they haven’t helped, then we have to either look at other options or give up. This… This morning was rough and there were a lot of tears, but I’ve spent the majority of the afternoon hiding in the kitchen and cleaning and thinking. I know it’s been hard on B keeping this a secret from yall and everyone basically, so I decided we needed to confess.”

In the next instant she is pulled up off the stool into a crushing group hug from their family. Bradley is wrapped in one next, before everyone settles back into their seats. Spicy laughs as she wipes tears off her cheeks, laying her head on Bradley’s shoulder, giving his hand a squeeze. “We’re here for anything, we mean anything, you two might need. No matter how big or small.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Bradley smiles over Spicy’s head. He knew they’d be understanding, but he also understood Spicy’s fears. They spend the next hour explaining her health woes and what all her doctor has recommended. When Spicy starts falling asleep, worn out from all her cleaning and emotional turmoil, Bradley pulls her into his lap.

“Get her home son. We can talk more when you’re both ready,”  Mav promises.

“Thanks Dad.” Bradley scoops her up carefully, Ice following him to help with doors, promising to bring her car home for them. Spicy never stirs, and once home, Bradley tucks her into bed.

Three months later

Spicy is staring at the sink, not moving, not blinking, not even really breathing. The knock on the door startles her enough to cause her jump and squeak. “Spicy? You ok love?”

She opens the door, and Bradley instantly assumes she’s started, late, again. “Oh baby, we can…” but that’s as far as he gets before she’s jumping up and kissing him. He instantly catches her, her legs wrapping around his waist.

“Spice?”

“Roo it finally worked,” she whispers, staring into those chocolate eyes. “It worked! Congratulations Daddy.”

“You’re serious?”

She points at the sink, where five positive pregnancy tests lay. “I’ve done one every morning for the last five days because I didn’t believe them. We’re finally having a baby.”

A week later when they finally have an ultrasound to confirm, they learn that one of the major side effects from the meds happened; they’re having twins. Two and half months pass before Spicy is comfortable telling everyone. Mav and all the uncles knew because Bradley had been way too excited not to tell them, but they’d all kept the secret like she’d asked. Now that she’s showing and well into her second trimester, the ‘86 flyboys plan a huge party at the Hard Deck to celebrate. Spicy and Roo are showered in so much love and excitement, that all the pain of trying slowly melts away. She can’t wait to see Bradley as a daddy and all their family being wrapped around the babies’ fingers.

#bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw fic #grace spicy bradshaw #spicy x roo #bradley rooster bradshaw x oc #post top gun maverick #post tgm #top gun maverick fic #tgm fic #86 flyboys #found family #tw: infertility #tw: trying to concieve #happy ending #mav is bradleys dad #my writing #song fic #Spotify

[bayisdying]

Lucky Penny - Chapter Twenty-One

A/N: short, simple to the point is the name of this one. Just a nice little chapter before all hell breaks loose...again...

As always tagging the LOMLS: @dragon-kazansky @mtnofgrace @mrsjaderogers @callmemana @kloofspeaks @notyoursbutlewis @roosterscockpit @askmarinaandothers @cycbaby @starlit-epiphany @breadsquash

"Do we really have to send her?"

"She's the best of the best of the best, yes we do."

"Ice?"

"Make the call."

-----

Mickey returned to the hotel room to see his wife hang up her phone with a huff.

"I thought we agreed no phones on the honeymoon." He jokes, before he notices the look on her face. "Who was it?"

"Admiral Simpson."

He wraps his arms around her tight, he unfortunately knows what that means.

"Mickey, we have to go home as soon as possible, they're shipping me off in two days." She whispers against his chest.

He sighs, knowing this is what they signed up for joining the Navy but really? Their honeymoon?

The couple was used to packing quickly, and the tickets from Ice back to San Diego was a nice touch. They boarded a plane the next day leaving their honeymoon behind.

They spent the hours long flight snuggled up in each others arms. By the time they get back home, Baylie is grabbing her go bag and heading to her briefing on base. Mickey goes with her just to have something to do. He finds the gym and starts doing a workout, that's where Lucky finds him an hour later.

"They're shipping me out right now Mickey." Her voice is barely audible as she buries her head in his neck, unbothered by the sweat there.

"How long are they taking you away from me?"

"Two weeks, it's a simple in and out mission."

She feels the ghost of his lips on her forehead.

"I'll miss you every second of those two weeks cariño."

"I'll miss you even more." She places a soft kiss on his pulse point before stepping back. She looks at him, those grey eyes scanning his features like she is committing them to memory.

"I'll see you soon, go save the world."

And he watches as she walks away.

-----

Deciding he didn't want to go to the cottage without the love of his life, Fanboy made his way to the Hard Deck.

Spicy notices him first, eyes trained to look up whenever the door opens. She elbows Penny whose eyes also take in the sight of Mickey walking in. A week before the newly minted Garcias are meant to be home and very alone.

Mickey is grateful they don't ask questions and just pass him a beer, when Spicy pulled out one of Lucky's favorites he gives a quick shake of his head.

He makes his way out to back deck, the weather was nice and the bar was already packed.

Cin sees him first, guilt setting in. She of course knows why they are back - and why Lucky is already gone again.

"Well damn, has it been two weeks already?" Jake exclaims, "is our Lucky girl still inside?"

Cin tried to stop him with a look, but Jake Seresin liked the taste of his own foot.

"She got shipped out earlier."

Silence comes across the group, they had known a pilot was being sent on a mission - none of them anticipated Cyclone sending Lucky."

"Ice allowed this to happen?" Rooster asked then turned to Cin "you let this happen? I could have gone. Coyote could have gone. Hell even Jake could have gone."

"Hey!"

"Shut up Jake." The group says in unison.

"I tried, they requested Lucky and we couldn't change their minds - or Cyclone's." Cin explained, tears threatening to fall.

Roo hugs her. "Sorry didn't mean to sound so rude. I just don't understand why they would request Lucky and nobody else."

"It's one of her old squadron running the mission, they didn't even entertain any other offers."

"It's okay Cin really, we both knew what we signed up for, and still married someone else who signed up too." Fanboy says

Spicy comes outside with another round, and sits down next to Roo for her break.

"Do you need anything Mickey?" Spicy asks. "Anything at all?"

"Actually can I stay with you guys? I don't like being in the cottage without her."

-----

As Fanboy was getting comfortable on the Bradshaws' couch, Lucky was being introduced to her mission team.

Among them, someone she hadn't planned on ever flying with again.

This was going to be a long two weeks.

-----

A/N: hehehehehehehehe.

#top gun #top gun maverick #mickey fanboy garcia #baylie lucky steele #lucky x fanboy #fanboy x lucky #mickey fanboy garcia x oc #fanboy x oc #callsign lucky #lucky penny #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #alana cinco metcalf #grace spicy bradshaw

[callmemana]

Bird’s pov after hearing about Cinco’s baby daddy from the Wildest Dreams au by @mrsjaderogers (read first).

Please read Grace’s pov ( @gracespicybradshaw ) [second] & Baylie’s pov ( @bayisdying ) next before reading mine!

When the news of who Samantha’s sperm donor was, bird saw red.

She was mad for a whole list of reasons, the main one being Jake ignoring Cinco in her time of need.

As soon as Whiskey had let it slip in the phone call with both Bob and Bird on the other end, Bird was going into the closet where all of the old sports equipment was from their youth.

“Angel, why do you have that bat?”

“I just wanna talk to him.”

“But why the bat?”

Birdie is already putting on her shoes and grabbing her keys when she replies.

“Don’t ask questions you already know the answer to Bo, you’re smarter than that.”

She glared at him briefly before rolling her eyes and walking out the door.

Bob grabs her waist, making her almost fall off the steps into the garage.

“You know that you can’t actually hurt him right?”

“Not with my fists, but a bat could help.”

Bird tried to take off again only to be stopped by the arm around her middle.

“Amanda, think about this. You could do hard time in county for this!”

“I would go to jail a hundred times over for Cin. She has been nothing but a God sent from the beginning!”

Bird uses her anger to break free from his grasp, finally making it down the steps and to her truck.

Bob was close to her steps, but did stop her on her path once again.

“Amanda seriously think this through. If he’s gonna be the asshole we all know he is, then leave it alone.”

She tries to pass him but he keeps blocking her from the truck.

“LEAVE IT ALONE?! Do you really think I’m going to let an asshat like him get away with this?”

“He’s probably already got Lucky and Spicy on his ass, he doesn’t need you too!”

Bird puts the bat against Bob’s chest, slightly putting pressure on it.

“For what he’s done to her, he can bet that all of the girls are coming for him. You have exactly two seconds to get out of my way or I take my bat and make you move.”

Bob sighs loudly and with his arms up in surrender, he lets her go.

Bird is in the driver’s seat and backing up before he can get his phone out.

As soon as the old Chevy is out of sight, dirt flying as she drives to Hangman’s house like a bat out of Hell, he calls the unexpecting man.

#birdslibrary #birdsmasterlist #callmemana #birds aus #rachael dragon kazansky #baylie lucky steele #grace spicy bradshaw #jade whiskey kerner #alana cinco metcalf #hangman x cinco #raven mouse fischer #amanda birdie hallett #callmemanaficrecs #the chaos squad fics #the chaos squad #swing batter batter #batter up bitch!! 💥💥

[whiskeyswriting]

Ain’t Always The Cowboy

{ Song Inspiration: Ain’t Always The Cowboy by Jon Pardi }

The group of them had been enjoying the bonfire after the Founder’s Day parade. Laughs and drinks had been shared. The air was full of stories and love amongst the friends.

“Wait wait… Oh what was the name of that big shot bull rider that tried to help scam Whiskey…?” Baylie asked Grace.

“Ugh! Don’t get me started on how much I hate big city people,” Jake exclaimed.

Alana felt all eyes fall on her as Jake ranted on. “Yeah we’re the worst,” she says with a playful tone.

"You're far from being the worst..." Grace starts saying.

"He's just still mad Baylie dumped him to move to a big city," Bradley teases.

Alana looked between the two of them. “You two dated? I never knew.”

“Yeah we were high school sweethearts,” Baylie replies. “But now we’re not.”

“You’ll always be my first love Baylie,” Jake says smiling at her. “Even if you annoy me to death now.”

Once again, Alana looked between the two of them. Baylie was happily engaged to Mickey. Jake was the town's eligible bachelor. Alana couldn't help but wonder what would have been the cause of their breakup. She also wondered why he keeps glaring at her with anger in his eyes.

SEVEN YEARS EARLIER

Jake is driving to the Kazansky ranch after picking up some breakfast for him and Baylie. He brought a cooler full of ice and water to help her dad with some labor on the ranch. When he pulls up, he spots Baylie sitting at her window.

He smiles at just seeing her. They had just graduated high school and would both be starting community college in a few weeks.

Baylie had finished packing all that she needed to pack up. Rachael knocked on her door. “Bay? He just parked. Your dad and I are going to give you both some privacy.”

Everyone in town kept telling Baylie to break things off with Jake before he left her. “Bay… You know the cowboy always rides away. He’s going to leave you. High school sweethearts don’t always last.”

Baylie opens the door and hugs her mom. “I love you mom.”

Tom sends Jake up to Baylie’s room. His green eyes fill with confusion when he sees that her room is packed up. “Bay? What’s going on?”

“I’m not gonna beat around the bush Jake. We’re done.”

It ain't always the cowboy

That ain't got a lot of hang around

Jake nearly drops the coffee and breakfast. “What do you mean we’re done? Baylie we just had a date the other night and we were fine?”

“Well… Things change… people change. Listen Jake, I’m not going to be tied down to be your little wife to be getting knocked up and being barefoot just being a doormat for you. I’m going to Billings. I’m going to med school and becoming a doctor and this little town will never see me again.”

Ain't got no settle down in their boots

Gone's just what they do

“Baylie! You know that’s not how I see you or would treat you!”

“No I don’t. Maybe you turn out exactly like your uncles and father and become the cowboy that leaves me for someone younger…”

Her words felt like a buckshot to his heart. By his silent reaction, she knew she’d hit the mark. She grabs her backpack and puts it on. She then starts stacking a few boxes to take to her car.

“Bring me the boxes over there. It’s the least you can do before we’re really done.”

That restless runnin'

Searchin' for somethin'

He followed her down the stairs and to her car. “Baylie please! We can’t be over! I can go visit you… I can transfer to Billings…”

“Jake! Stop! I don’t love you anymore!” Baylie felt guilty lying but it was the only way he would let her go. After putting the boxes away, she climbs into her Jeep and closes the door before he can reach her.

“Goodbye Jake. Don’t call or text me. We have nothing else to say to each other. You’ll only hold me back.” With that, Baylie puts her car in drive and leaves.

Leavin' love in the dust of a midnight Chevrolet

It ain't always the cowboy that rides away

His eyes fill with tears as he watches her drive away. Drive away from him. From her parents. From her home. Driving away with a promise to never return.

PRESENT

“So that’s why I left Mount Deston for Billings,” Baylie says finishing the story.

“I remained angry at her for a few years. But after she came back we had a proper sit down talk about us.”

“We finally realized we both wanted different things from each other in high school and even now. I’ll admit apologizing to Jake for how I ended things helped me a lot. I eventually realized I hurt as much as he had hurt.”

Jake hold his beer up. “Besides she’s too stubborn to actually be my wife.”

Alana can’t help but roll her eyes at him. “I pity the woman you end up marrying if you keep that attitude.”

“Ha! Don’t worry doll it’ll never be you,” he replies to Alana with a wink.

“It’s okay. I’ll survive knowing the one that’s hung up on his high school girlfriend and won’t move on isn’t into me. I’ve been through worse.” Alana senses someone is watching her, and not just those sitting there at the bonfire.

She looks closer to the pier and the water when her eyes fall on him. She doesn’t need to see his face to know it’s him. She knows that body and the way his arms are crossed.

Alana doesn’t even say anything as she puts on her jacket and just leaves the bonfire.

- -

Cowboy AU 🏷️ List: @luckyladycreator2 @mischief-siriusly-managed

Whiskey's Barrel: @askmarinaandothers @bayisdying @breadsquash @callmemana @callsignscupcake @cycbaby @dragon-kazansky @gracespicybradshaw @hisredheadedgoddess28 @ladylanera @starlit-epiphany

- -

A/N: To be added to this (or other tag lists), please fill out the form located in this post.

#mrsjaderogerswrites #top gun #top gun fan fiction #top gun cowboy au #the chaos squad #top gun maverick #top gun au #top gun maverick au #Top Gun Cowboy AU #jake hangman seresin #alana cinco metcalf #hangman x cinco #jake hangman seresin x OC #Mickey Fanboy Garcia #Mickey Fanboy Garcia x oc #Mickey x Lucky #Baylie Lucky Kazansky #Bradley Rooster Bradshaw #Bradley Rooster Bradshaw x oc #Grace Spicy Bradshaw

[tngrace]

Once Upon a Bradbaby

Meet Caroline

I'm pretty sure @cycbaby gets thanks for the title. It was just too cute not to use. This was a joy to write and I can't wait to write the other kid fics. I hope yall enjoy 💙

🏷: @dragon-kazansky @mrsjaderogers @bayisdying @askmarinaandothers @cycbaby @callsignscupcake @breadsquash @ladylanera

Grace knew the day they decided they were ready to expand their family that it wouldn't be an easy road due to her pcos. But she honestly didn't know how hard it would be, what an emotional rollercoaster it would actually entail. They decided to keep it private, Grace not wanting everyone to constantly be disappointed. She knew it was hard on Bradley keeping it a secret, but he did it for her.

The first year came and went with no results. She finally broke down and told Lucky and Cin one night at girls night when she'd had too much to drink. Her friends understood more than anything, and they just held her as she cried her eyes out. Lucky told Bradley what happened when he picked her up and she was already asleep. "Thanks girls," he whispered, accepting his own hugs from them.

Come July when she had her yearly, her doctor recommended they start testing. She went the beginning of August for a test to see if her tubes were even open and thankfully they were. She wasn't ready to start meds yet, but it was something they were considering. She was honestly afraid they would have to consider the fertility route and she wasn't sure they'd be able to afford it. She was trying to hold out hope that it would happen, but every period seemed to diminish it even more.

She loved all the trying just as much as Bradley. The sex was fantastic if she was being honest, and she loved how much Bradley wanted her, and wanted her to feel loved no matter what. When Cin announced her pregnancy, she was over the moon for her friend, but her heart broke just a little. It broke a little more when Lucky also got pregnant. Neither were planned, and she was truly excited to be an aunt. She couldn't wait, but she also cried that she couldn't give this to Bradley. She knew he'd make an amazing dad and she couldn't wait to see him as an uncle either. Her heart was just battered and bruised.

What she didn't know was that she was already three months pregnant when Lucky found out she was expecting. The tube test had flushed her tubes, and she'd gotten pregnant, but because she continued to have light and irregular periods she never realized it. With her having already gained back some of the weight she lost, her body didn't really change as her pregnancy progressed either.

They're at the Hard Deck one night about three months later, Grace having taken her break to hang out with everybody. She'd been feeling off all day, and Penny had tried to get her to go home, but she insisted she was fine. "Babe you ok?" Bradley asks quietly as she rests with her head on his shoulder, the conversation just swirling around her.

"Yea… just felt off all day. Penny told me to go home but I should stay busy." She cracks her jaw with a yawn and Bradley winces.

"Maybe you don't have to," he whispers. He knows she should start tomorrow and he knows she wants to stay busy to forget about it. But he'd be lying if didn't say he was at least a little bit hopeful they'd made a baby.

"I wish," she mumbles. A guy passes their table and his cologne is so strong, it almost knocks her over. Her stomach rolls, and Bradley swears he watches her turn green.

"Grace?"

She shakes her head and darts to the bathroom. Her head is hurting, she's tired and she just wants to cry. She's so tired of her body fucking with her. Bradley follows her, but since the bar is busy, he doesn't follow her in despite wanting too. He snags Lucky from the pool table, and sends her in. Grace is splashing water on her face trying to hold back tears.

"I'm fine Bay. I promise. I don't know what happened."

"You don't look fine." Her best friend has always been blunt and she appreciates it.

She gives her a soft chuckle before Cin joins them as well. "Everything ok Spice?"

"Yea. Just…" she shrugs. "Just my body fucking with me as usual. Should start tomorrow. I don't know what happened out there but I'll be fine. Might take Pen up on her offer to go home though."

The girls don't push, even though Baylie really wants too. They hug her and then follow her out, Bradley still by the door. "I'm fine. Nothing happened," she reassures him.

He wraps his arm across her shoulder holding her close. "Think we should head home?"

"Yea, I think so," she sighs. She knows he won't leave her side tonight and she loves him all the more for it, even if she feels bad that he's cutting his night short. "I'm just gonna go make sure they're good in the kitchen then I'll be back. Tell Penny for me?"

"Of course." He kisses her forehead and sends her off. Baylie keeps a close eye on her as she heads for the kitchen.

"Think she's ok?" Alana asks Baylie quietly following her gaze.

"No, probably not. But she will be." She gives Alana a sad smile, both of them wishing they could make it better. Before they can voice those thoughts though a clatter in the kitchen catches their attention and they head there, Bradley hot on their heels.

"I don't know what happened. She was fine and then she swayed and she hit the floor before I could reach her," Stacie says. She helps Grace in the kitchen a lot, especially on busy nights.

"She wasn't feeling good. It's ok Stacie. We got her," Alana reassures her, Baylie and Bradley already trying to wake Grace.

"Come on beautiful. We're going to the doctor," Bradley murmurs as she starts coming too.

"I'm fine," she whines.

"Clearly you're not," Baylie says unimpressed. Grace pouts, but in the next instant, she doubles over the garbage can puking. Baylie and Alana share a look, before sharing one with Bradley. "I don't think your body is just fucking with you," Baylie says gently.

Grace wipes her eyes of the tears, as Bradley holds her against him. "Tell that to the negative test then."

"We'll go with you, but we should probably go figure out what happened since you fainted," Alana offers instead.

"Fine," she sighs. Bradley grabs her things and the four of them head out to the Bronco. They find the closest walk-in clinic and they're luckily seen right away. They run some test and draw some blood, Grace focusing on Bradley and her friends during that so she doesn't pass out again. Baylie and Alana do an awesome job of distracting her while they wait and Bradley is thankful they're there.

"Well Mrs. Bradshaw it seems you are pregnant. I would recommend making an appointment with your OB in the morning and we'll happily send all this over."

Bradley and Grace are stunned; Baylie and Alana are ecstatic. "I told you," Baylie smiles.

"Wait, it's not possible. I've still had a period."

"Sometimes that happens. We want to do an ultrasound to confirm but your doctor will be better able to explain all of this to you."

Grace grabbed Bradley's hand effectively breaking him out of his shock. He leans over and kisses her, wiping her tears as the tech sets up around them. It doesn't take long before they hear a steady heartbeat and see their baby on the screen.

"Omg it's real. I…" Grace cries harder, Baylie and Alana taking quick videos for them. Bradley rests his forehead against hers, his own silent tears falling. "It's real," he whispers.

The tech wipes her stomach off, and Bradley helps her sit up. The tech explains that she's about six months along and everything looks just fine. They get a printout and then the Dr sends them on their way. They drop the girls back off at the Hard Deck to their husband's, after Grace hugs them both tight. "Thank you for being there," she whispers to them both.

"No where else we'd rather be," they assure her. She promises to call them tomorrow after her appointment.

After that things move smoothly. She has a May due date and the baby seems perfectly healthy. The nursery comes together easily despite the couple refusing to find out if it was a boy or girl. They'd been surprised up until this point, they figured what was one more.

By March, Baby B has decided to make mama feel as large as a house. It's almost like now that the secret is out, her body has decided to show all the signs of pregnancy. The baby still measures on the smaller side, but Grace swears she feels huge. Bradley dotes on her constantly too. He loves seeing her body change with pregnancy, even if it's just little things. Their friends declare them sickly sweet, even if Jake isn't any better with Alana.

By April, Grace is counting down the days until May. She doesn't get along that great with the girl they've hired to fill in for her, but they were desperate with only her for an applicant. She just can't wait to be away from the bitch. Then Baby B likes to play soccer with her bladder, loves when Daddy talks to him or her making them more excited, and absolutely refuses to want to sleep at night unless Bradley sings. "You already have our child spoiled," Grace pouts one night when she can't get comfortable.

Bradley's rubbing her back as he softly sings with a smile on his face. "That a bad thing?" he teases.

"No," she sighs resting her hands over his on her belly.

"Think you can sleep now?" Bradley starts playing with her hair, a sure fire way to put her to sleep, as he leaves one hand on her belly. The baby seems to have settled, and Bradley's back rub left her feeling relaxed.

"Yea I think so," she yawns as she snuggles up against him.

The next day, Baylie and Alana come to the Hard Deck to hang out with her while she works on finishing the blonde bitch's training. She knows Baylie has been dying to put this girl in her place, especially after the bitch hit on Jake and Mickey the other night. What she didn't expect however was for the girl to be dumb enough to provoke Baylie using Grace and the boys as her driving points that day.

It spiraled quickly into an all out brawl, Alana and Grace standing back watching as Penny called in the boys for backup. It only took a few punches for Baylie to make her point, and then she's tossing her out of the bar, threatening her to never come back. "Mickey's gonna kill us," Grace sighs as she gets Baylie set at a table and starts cleaning her knuckles. She gets her some ice too just as the boys arrive.

"You ok?" Bradley asks her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Yea. We're ok. Though Penny doesn't have a replacement for me, and your sister has some bruised knuckles again."

Bradley sighs as he looks over Lucky's hand. "She was a straight up bitch to your wife," Baylie says unapologetically. "Someone was glossing over how bad it really was," she says with a pointed look at Grace.

"You know I can handle myself sometimes. I have learned a thing or two from you."

"Not with my niece or nephew in there though. She was walking all over you."

Grace sighs as Alana agrees with Baylie on this one. "You girls ok?" Penny asks now that blondie is out of the bar.

"Yea we're good. Although now…"

"Don't even. We'll figure it out. Stacie can probably handle it and we can always just close the kitchen some nights. It's fine."

"Don't think I haven't noticed your winces either," Alana pops up from where Jake is rubbing her back.

"I'm fine," Grace groans as Bradley instantly is on alert. His hands go to her back to start rubbing, knowing exactly where she's hurting the most. The back rub feels amazing, and she won't admit she's been hurting all morning. "I'm gonna go set up the kitchen for tonight. Need anything?" She asks them.

"I think you're taking the night off," Penny insists.

"Pen…"

"Nope. You're taking the night off Grace. You need it. We'll figure the kitchen out some other time. I made it just fine before. A few weeks for you to be off won't hurt us."

"Thank you," she sighs, hugging Penny. At the same time she feels her legs get wet. She freezes, looking down to see the floor wet. "Oh shit," she murmurs.

"Well, you are definitely off now," Penny laughs.

"Its… no. It's too early. We still have four weeks to go." They all see the panic on her face as Bradley pulls her back against her chest.

"Go. Go. We'll go get the bag from the house and meet you there," Baylie says jumping them all into action. She hugs Grace tight. "It's going to be ok. Get to the hospital and we'll meet you there."

"I'll call everybody," Penny promises. They help Grace to the Bronco, Jake and Alana insisting they drive so Bradley doesn't have to. "Well meet you there," Baylie promises.

She and Mickey go to the house using their spare key to get in. They find Grace's bag in her closest, the baby bag and carseat inside the door of the nursery. Jake speeds to the hospital, Bradley holding Grace in the backseat. He wipes her tears, rubs her back and promises her everything will be ok.

Once settled in a room, the doctor on call assures her they will do everything they can, and that thirty-six weeks is perfectly safe. They check her and she's already at five centimeters. Once she's settled, Bradley tells everybody they can filter through to visit. Baylie gets there with the bag and Grace insists she stay with them. Mav is probably the most excited and before they know it the waiting room is full.

Unfortunately Grace has the worst back labor ever but she refuses an epidural, mainly because of her fear of needles. Bradley constantly rubs her back, Baylie helps her with the breathing exercises, she walks and does everything possible to relieve the pain. Its probably a good thing her labor doesn't last long; she's only at the hospital about five hours before she feels the need to push.

Baylie is a solid rock the whole time, reminding her to breath and encourage her. Bradley was amazed at the strength of his girl, despite knowing how amazing she is. "Just a few more pushes, Grace," the doctor says.

"I can't," she cries, the pain unbearable.

Bradley grabs her face gently, wiping the tears and sweat away. "You can baby, you can. You've almost got this and then we can meet our baby. Bay and I got you. You can do this."

She gives him a shaky nod as Baylie squeezes her hand in agreement. It only takes about three more pushes before the head is out. She pants as the doctor instructs and then pushes their baby the rest of the way into the doctor's waiting hands. The baby starts crying immediately, and Grace feels immense relief. They lay the baby on her; "Congrats mommy and daddy its a girl!"

Bradley rests his head against Grace's as their tears mix as they both have hands on their baby, Baylie snapping several pictures for them. "Dad would you like to cut the cord?" They ask after a few minutes.

"Yea," he says quietly as they show him what to do. Once the cords been cut, they take the baby to get weighed, measured, and clean, Grace insisting Bradley go with her.

"I got her," Baylie promises, refusing to leave her side.

While the baby is getting cleaned up, they work on cleaning Grace up as well. Before she knows it, her baby girl is back in her arms, Bradley back at her side.

"She's five pounds two ounces and eighteen inches long," Bradley tells them.

"Our tiny girl," Grace whispers as she rubs the baby's cheek.

"I'm going to give you two a few minutes with her. Just yell when you're ready for visitors."

"Here you can show this picture," Bradley says, sending a picture of the baby girl all wrapped up after getting cleaned up. "We'll come get ya in a few," he promises.

They take a few minutes to admire their baby girl. "She's perfect," Grace whispers.

"Like her mama," Bradley smiles. She does look like Grace, but she also has some features that look like Bradley. They take about thirty minutes with her, Grace getting her to nurse a little before Bradley goes to get everybody. They bring Baylie and Mickey back first since they're the godparents, then Mav, Slider and Whiskey. After them is Jake and Alana and then everybody else that is there.

Mav cries when they tell him her name. "We named her after mom and dad," Bradley tells him as his godfather holds his grandbaby.

"They'd be so proud of you," Mav tells him softly. "She's beautiful."

Grace is exhausted by the time everybody leaves, but they FaceTime Kevin before she falls asleep. "Ready to meet your niece?" She asks as soon as Kevin answers.

The girls crowd around him making Grace smile even more. "I didn't know you had the girls," she smiles.

"Yea got them this morning. We didn't know we'd be meeting a baby today though."

"We didn't either," Bradley laughs finally coming into the screen. The girls all coo and awww over seeing the baby asleep in Bradley's arms. Grace turns the camera more so they could see the baby girl.

"Meet your niece and baby cousin, Caroline Nicole," she smiles.

"Beautiful name. Everything good?" Kevin asked.

"Yea so far. They don't see any problems with her being early."

"When can we come see her?" Sara asks her aunt.

"I think your dad has a trip planned for when you're out of school."

"But we don't wanna wait," Cara pouts.

"Sorry kiddos. Gotta finish school. It's just a couple more weeks. We fly out the day you finish," Kevin promises.

"We'll send lots of pictures between now and then and you can FaceTime anytime your dad says it's ok," Bradley promises.

"Ok," the girls sigh.

"We need to let Auntie Grace get some rest. We'll call back soon," Kevin tells them before they all say their goodbyes.

"Kev's right. Get some rest baby."

Grace lays her head on Bradley's shoulder, while he continues to hold Caroline, and promptly falls asleep. Caroline does well and they're home within a couple of days ready to start their life as a family of three now.

#my writing #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw fic #bradley rooster bradshaw x oc #grace spicy bradshaw #spicy x roo #spicy x roo fic #baylie lucky steele #mickey fanboy garcia #jake hangman seresin #alana cinco metcalf #chaos squad #the chaos squad fics #chaos squad fics #the chaos squad

[bayisdying]

Spicy: I WOULD DESTROY THE WORLD FOR YOU!

Rooster: Okay, can you do the dishes?

Spicy: No!

#top gun #top gun maverick #bradley rooster bradshaw #grace spicy bradshaw #incorrect top gun quotes

[callmemana]

Show Me How To Burlesque: Part 4- The Piano Man

Bradley Rooster Bradshaw x Grace Spicy Smith (OC)

🌸🦋☂️

Summary: Grace’s head is only down for a split second when she hears the piano from the stage getting played.

Spicy is about to call her son back, but the Piano Man waves her off and teaches Conner how to play the keys and her how to love again.

🚨warnings: single mom, inaccurate drink names and descriptions, deadbeat/no dad, cursing, allusions to smut no actual smut, inaccurate music keys/chords, chaos.🚨

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Dragon’s Angels📻: @dragon-kazansky @mrsjaderogers @gracespicybradshaw @bayisdying @starlit-epiphany

🏷️ list:

#smhyb: p4 the piano man #series #grace spicy bradshaw #angst #rooster x spicy #callmemana #bradley rooster bradshaw #fluff #ron slider kerner #robert bob floyd #baylie lucky steele #bob x birdie #jade whiskey kerner #top gun fic #hangman x cinco #fanboy x lucky #slider x whiskey #omaha x mouse #top gun fandom #top gun au #neil omaha vikander #burlesque #burlesque au #alana cinco metcalf #mickey fanboy garcia #jake hangman seresin #raven mouse fischer #amanda birdie hallett #rachael dragon kazansky #tom iceman kazansky