#bradley brawshaw x y/n | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thewulf · 9 months

Text

My Whole Heart || Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Summary: Request - Hi, I'm not sure if it's okay to drop an idea, but I'll try. it would be a Rooster one where you're a happy couple but recently you're feeling unwell but dont tell Bradley. ... Read Rest Here

A/N: This is just cute and sweet! As always thank you for the req anon!!

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Y/N

Word Count: 2.1k +

You were up in the air training next to your boyfriend when you felt it. It felt like your heart started fluttering. It didn’t hurt but it didn’t feel right either. You felt short of breath as you asked to land using your stomach as an excuse for what your heart was doing.

Bradley ran over to your jet once you parked it in the Hanger, “You okay beautiful?” He asked brushing the loose hairs out of your face. Your normally perfect bun getting jostled by the helmet you had on.

You nodded quickly giving him a lopsided grin, “I think it’s just some bad Chinese we had last night.” You gripped your stomach in excuse trying to make it look semi-believable.

He frowned taking your shoulders guiding you towards the locker rooms, “Call if you need anything, okay baby?”

You nodded quickly feeling that flutter again, “Sure thing babe.” You kissed his cheek before scurrying off into the locker room.

Short of breath you clutched your chest breathing slow. What the fuck? It wasn’t a heart attack; you knew that much. It felt like a butterfly was buzzing instead of the steady rhythm you were so used to prior. Shakily you pulled your phone out calling your Doctor’s office outside of the base. You could go to medical on base, but you’d be grounded, and you couldn’t have that. Not now.

The office told you to come in immediately or head to the closest hospital. Must be bad. You groaned knowing you’d have to lie to your loving boyfriend. Just a little white lie you decided. After catching your breath, you walked out in your changed clothing. Bradley stood there with a concerned expression when the door swung open.

“Feeling any better?” He asked as your wrapped your arms around his abdomen.

You nodded in his chest not really caring if anybody walked by, just wanting to hold him for a second, “Much better, thank you.”

He kissed the top of your forehead, “Let’s get out of here my love.”

You smiled hesitantly before letting him go, “Yeah, I’ll meet you at your place? Need to run a few errands really quick. Mom’s birthday is next week, and I promised Sean I’d mail out her gift before it passes.” It wasn’t a complete lie. You were going to stop by the Doctor and then drop off the gift sitting in the back of your car.

He smiled, “Your brother is lucky he’s got you.”

You nodded in agreement, “He sure is.” He walked you to your car giving you a quick kiss bidding you farewell for a little bit. Your nerves only started to get to you once you pulled in.

“Atrial Fibrillation…” Your doctor went on explaining what it was and what triggered it. You listened taking mental notes. You were hooked up to an IV taking medicant that was knocking your heart rate back into rhythm. It apparently hadn’t been that bad because it only took about twenty minutes before you physically felt better.

“Can I still fly?” You asked, almost terrified for his answer.

He nodded, “I don’t see why not. I wouldn’t go pulling extreme G’s anymore, but you should be just fine. Just remember the triggers.” You nodded. He mentioned stress. That was kind of hard to avoid. You’d have to figure that one out.

You thanked him before heading out to drop off the package. How were you going to tell Bradley? He was going to lose his damn mind at this one. You’d just keep it quiet until you thought of something. Anything.

You snuggled into his side tightly that night making sure to reiterate how much you loved him, “Love you handsome man.” You kissed his chest before nuzzling him. Listening to the steady rhythm of his healthy heart as you drifted off.

“You feeling alright?” Bradley asked as the two of you exited the gym. Maverick had been in a particularly bad mood after the entire class failed to complete a maneuver. The weight room it was. You were taxed. And now you had to go up in the air again, one more round before you’d be free for the night.

“Mhmm.” You nodded not feeling great. Crap, what were all the triggers? Stress? Was exhaustion one of them? Just focus on your breathing, it’d be alright. Just fine.

“Baby.” He stopped you by placing his much larger body front of you. Gently he placed his hands on your shoulders, “You don’t look so good.” His eyes scoured your pale yet clammy face.

You tried shaking him off, but the lack of energy was making it difficult, “I’m fine B. Mav just kicked my ass is all.”

He didn’t let his hands go as his face fell. He knew you. Heart and soul. That happened after two very happy years of dating. He’d seen you zapped after a particularly hard work out and you’d never looked like this. Your face would go beat red, not ghostly white.

Your heart fluttered. Damn, there it was. It was an uneasy feeling. Like you couldn’t breathe deeply enough. Like air was just a bit harder to grasp.

“Babe.” He stopped you from moving again, “You’d tell me if you didn’t feel alright? I’m here to help you. You know that. Whatever it is.” He was starting to get nervous. Were you pregnant? You didn’t hate kids, but you didn’t want them either. Was it cancer? He’d help you through that. He just needed to know so he could help.

You knew Bradley wasn’t going to let you go unless you gave him something better than that. He knew you way better than that. If there was one thing that was true it was that Bradley Bradshaw was anything but stupid. He was quite intelligent and one of the most observant people you’d ever met.

It probably wasn’t too smart to go up in the air right now anyway. You weren’t feeling great. You were fatigued. Exhausted beyond your limit. You had to tell him. You couldn’t keep it from him any longer.

You sighed before diving into what you knew. He only nodded and frowned letting you know he was listening, he just wanted you to finish before he talked, “… I’m sorry for keeping it from you. I just, I was trying to figure it out.”

He dropped a hand from your shoulder quickly grabbing one of your hands, “Baby, that’s what I’m here for. To help you figure this out. I’m so fucking sorry if I didn’t make you feel like you could tell me. Please tell me these things. Anything. I want to hear anything you think. Anything you feel. I want to feel you. I love you.” He kissed your forehead after making sure the coast was clear.

You shook your head quickly, “Don’t you dare blame yourself B.” You squeezed his hand back, “It’s me. I’m so used to doing things on my own. I didn’t even realize. I’m so sorry. I love you so much.”

He nodded, “Talk to me going forward. I’m here for you.”

“I will. I promise.” You went in for a hug. A hug you desperately needed in that moment.

“I’m going to go talk to Mav. You wait by the car okay? If I’m not out in five give me a call baby, okay?” He raised an eyebrow waiting for your response.

“Sure. Yeah.” You agreed. Who cared? You’d be fine. You’d hold your place. It was an afternoon off.

Bradley was back in three, smiling from ear to ear, “Let’s go home and relax sweetheart, how does that sound?” He asked once the both of you were seated in his truck.

You nodded scooting closer to him on the bench seat, “Sounds perfect B.”

The two of you spent the afternoon rotating between snacking, sleeping, and giggling. Your absolute favorite way to spend time with the boy you got to love on. Your limbs intertwined as you watched some random season of Survivor. The two of you guessing if you’d be able to do the challenge of not. You promised you’d enter him in for a season since he was Mr. Confident over there.

He got serious after a commercial interrupted the gameplay the two of you were so focused on. Placing bets on your favorite players, “You know I’d rip my heart right in half and give it right to you if I could?” he asked looking down at you with all the love dripping right from his eyes. Your very own heart sped up at that look that you’d grown to adore over the years you’d been together. Each and every time he gave it to you it only felt more right. How lucky were you? To be in love with your best friend.

You nodded nuzzling your head into his chest, “I know. Trust me B, I know.” You kissed his chest never growing tired of the close physical contact he’d granted you so long ago. That was your love language, physical touch. Bradley knew it and let you have it, all of it. As uncomfortable as he was with it at first he’d grown to love the quick touches and soft caresses you’d always seem to give him. You’d broken down every last wall he so perfectly constructed after both his father and then mother died on him.

“You’re my whole heart Y/N.” He kissed the top of your head while running his spare hand down your spine. He relished in the goosebumps that erupted underneath the flimsy tank top you’d had on. Your eyes closed as you took a mental snapshot of the precious moment you shared between the love of your life. Special moments you cherished beyond belief.

You lifted your head from his chest to look back up into those big beautiful brown eyes, “And you are my whole heart too. Defective as it is.” You giggled already wanting to make light of the situation. It was treatable. You’d be fine. You were loved and cherished. You had the love of your life holding your hand walking the path with you. What more could you ask for?

He tisked, leaning down and kissing the tip of your nose, “I love your perfectly defective heart.”

You snorted shaking your head gently, “That’s an oxymoron Bradley.”

He rolled his eyes, “Who cares. You’re perfect the way you are sweetheart. I love you. Pease don’t ever hide something like that from me again though, I’m here for you every step of the way.” He leaned down giving you a sweet kiss on the lips not daring to take it any further in fear of kicking your heart into A Fib. You’d never hear the end of those jokes if he did though.

After he backed off you nodded in response, “I’m sorry. I just freaked out. It was so dumb.” You sighed embarrassed for your own actions. It sounded so stupid out loud.

“’S okay baby.” He lazily grinned squeezing you at the hip, “I get it. But you have to remember it’s not just you anymore. I’m here. For the good. The bad. The ugly. And your worst. All of it baby.”

Your smile could light up a thousand rooms that’s how good he made you feel, “I don’t deserve you Bradley Bradshaw.”

He shook his head wrapping both his arms around your middle pulling you as close as you could be to him, “Hardly sweetheart. You’re everything and more. All that I want and need. More than I could ever ask for. It’s you and me.” He kissed you once more letting your hands wander all over his body. As much as he wanted too he knew he couldn’t. Not until your heart was figured out. He refused to be the reason you were hurting.

Reluctantly, he pulled back admiring your stare. You too were deeply in love with the man. All the love seeped out of your eyes through those blown out pupils and deeply blushing cheeks. Bradley got every emotion to bubble right to the surface exposing you right down to your core.

You leaned your head to his chest listening to the steady rhythm of his chest. A sound you’d grown to find comfort in over the years, “I love you Bradley.”

“I love you too baby.” He kissed your head once more, “Now sleep. Doctors’ orders.”

You nodded letting the darkness take over, “If the doc ordered it, guess I have to.”

You fell asleep the soft vibrations of the gentle chuckle that left his body. No matter what state you were in you never ceased to amaze him. He couldn’t wait to take the next step with you. To make you his wife. That was next. Certainly soon.

Permanent Taglist (Message me or comment below if you want to be added!): @loving-and-dreaming @kmc1989 @memeorydotcom @matisse556 @buckylov3r @taygrls @ah-blossom @mayhemmanaged

264 notes · View notes

thewulf · 1 year

Text

What a Look on You || Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw

Summary: Y/N and Rooster are best friends. Two of the closest best friends you'll ever see. The squad tries to get them to admit their feelings, with no luck. Y/N's friend comes into town stirring the pot up a bit.

A/N: Well I'm kind of blown away by all the sweet comments you left on my first Top Gun FF. So I decided to crank another one out for you guys! This time featuring our lovely Bradley Bradshaw. I'll def write a part two to Who are You? Just give me some time :)

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Y/N

Word Count: 6400+

“Come on Gigs, he clearly likes you.” She paused looking you up and down, “Hell, he might be in love with you.” Natasha smirked after sinking yet another pool ball.

“Shut up, Phe. He doesn’t like me, and he certainly doesn’t love me.” You sighed grabbing the pool stick from her. You eyed the stripes, took a deep breath, and miserably missed.

You heard her laugh from behind you, “Too busy thinking about Rooster?”

You lightly shoved the pool stick into her side shaking your head, “No, I was thinking of ways to murder you.”

“You wish, I’d beat your ass. Don’t even try.” She threw a wink in your direction.

You nod silently, “Not disagreeing with that.” Natasha was just stronger than you. Not that you were tiny and weak but there was something so frightening about Natasha Trace that you wouldn’t even think of crossing her.

“So, you agree then?” She asked waiting on your answer patiently.

You groaned shaking your head, “No Phoenix, I do not agree with you. The man doesn’t have feelings for me. That’s it.”

“What man?” The annoying voice of Hangman spoke up from behind you.

“Rooster.” Natasha grinned making kissy faces in your direction.

“Oh no shit, that man is in love with you.” He nodded one hand with a beer the other in his pocket.

“Not you too.” You threw your head back in defeat, “He’s just my best friend. That’s all.” Truth be told you wish it was more. You’ve wished it would be more for years. He was everything to you. He was the man of your dreams really.

He was thoughtful. Oh, was he so thoughtful. He remembered the smallest details about you, making you feel like the most special person in the world. One of your favorite memories with him was when he invited the whole class to his place to watch some football. He had made pulled pork but remembered you didn’t really like pork. So, he pulled you aside and handed you a bowl of shredded chicken. Your heart nearly burst into pieces then, you had only known him a few months and just knew he was it.

He was also so incredibly sweet. One summer when the two of you were walking Virginia Beach, not too far off base, he noticed a little girl drop her ice cream near the vendor. He didn’t hesitate to try and calm the poor girl. He bought her a new cone and quickly gave it to her calming her meltdown. You couldn’t wipe the stupid cheesy grin that laced your face.

He was soft when you needed him to be but hard when he saw you hurt. He was protective of you, so protective of you. He couldn’t bear to see you hurt. He really did think the world of you. He never wanted to lose you. But you never thought to much of it, he just acted like a big brother would.

The two of you met in school. Rooster to be a pilot. You attempted to be one, but you were rather quite miserable at it. So, you tried your hand as a WSO and found your groove with that. Rooster always claimed he didn’t need a WSO but was always so happy to have you along when he was ‘commanded’ it. The pair of you clicked instantly. He always made you laugh. In fact, that’s how you got your callsign ‘Giggles’. He made you laugh when you were in drill, getting you in trouble way to often. You really didn’t mind though; you were so infatuated with the man.

Days turned into months turned into years. The two of you dated different people at different times never really finding the right time to get together. You settled on best friends who literally knew everything about one another. You really did want him but just like him, you couldn’t bear the thought of losing him.

“Besides,” You looked at the two of them, “Carly is coming into town, and I need to worry about that. Not him.”

Jake smirked, “Is she that pretty one you post sometimes.”

Rolling your eyes you nodded, “Yes pig. She’s my pretty friend. She’s off limits for you Hangman.”

Laughing he eyed Phoenix suspiciously, “That’s not your decision sweetheart. It’s hers.”

“Why are you so annoying?” You wanted to punch him, but you restrained yourself knowing better than to crack open that can of worms.

“Relax. Has Carly ever met Rooster?” He questioned.

“No. She’s met nobody here. I went to college with her and really haven’t seen her since. But she lives close so we recently reconnected. Thus, why she’s on my Insta Hangman.” You admitted, way too much. You weren’t sure why you divulged all that information.

He nodded, “Speak of the devil.” His eyes flicked towards the door which your eyes followed looking to the man entering the bar. Your face broke out into a wide grin seeing Roos in his usual Hawaiian shirt, looking relaxed on this fine evening.

“I’d say she’s in love too.” Phoenix laughed.

“Shut up!”

“I can’t believe you get to look at these guys every day.” Carly whispered ogling nearly every aviator that walked by.

“Every damn day. They’re more like brothers than anything. God, they’re all so annoying.”

She nodded, “Could be worse. You could be looking at Phyllis all day every day.” She laughed which you joined in on. Carly was traditionally beautiful. She was tall, thin, blond, and athletic. Everything came natural for her. Things were just easier for her. You were always slightly jealous of the girl but tried your hardest to let it go, you did a good job at hiding it.

“That’s true. No Phyllis’s here.”

She grinned turning back to the front, a small commotion coming from the entryway. Of course, it was Rooster and Hangman arguing. The two of them were always bickering about something.

“Who are they?”

“Two idiots.” You laughed.

“Wow,” She finally tore her eyes from who you thought was Hangman, “He’s beautiful.”

“Which one?” You asked peaking your eyebrow up in curiosity.

“The brown-haired guy.” She grinned turning back around to eye him. The pair were still caught up in whatever argument they were in as they walked to the bar for some beer.

Your heart sped up a bit, surprised she wasn’t talking about Jake. They always went crazy for Jake, not her Rooster, “That’s Bradley. Rooster.”

“Oh wow, Y/N. That’s your best friend, right?” She looked at you wide eyed.

“Yep, that’s Roos.”

She nodded, “You didn’t tell me he was drop dead gorgeous Y/N. Is he single?”

“Yeah, he is a cutie and he’s single.” You nodded trying your best to sound less than enthused about the whole situation.

“You wouldn’t be mad if I went and talked to him then, would you?” Her eyes brightened as she looked back and forth between the two of you.

Why would she want to do that? You knew Rooster was a catch, it confused you as to why he wasn’t snatched up just yet. It didn’t seem to bother you that a stranger at any time could go up to him and win him over but Carly? That was too much for you. Way too much for you. “No, no I wouldn’t mind.” You lied again refusing to turn and face her. You were being incredibly weird, and you knew it.

“I’m surprised you’re not going for the blonde though, seems more your type?” You spoke up just before she started to walk away. Making any attempt to stop the girl from wooing over your Rooster.

“He’s cute. But there’s something about Rooster. I can’t place my finger on it.” She smiled brightly waiting anxiously for you to let her go talk to him.

Your stomach clenched but you ignored it nodding her on, why were you your own worst enemy? Why were you letting her do this? You knew the second you said it wasn’t okay that she would drop it. You didn’t know why you were being such a chicken shit about the whole thing. But ten years of friendship was hard to give up knowing just how good that friendship could be.

You sat on the high-top chair anxiously tapping your glass attempting to look anywhere other than the bar where Rooster, Hangman and Carly were chatting. Your leg bounced up and down slightly shaking the whole table in your attempts to look the other way.

“You okay Gigs?” A soft voice spoke breaking you out of your trance.

“Hmm, yeah totally fine.” You smiled seeing Bob appear at your side. Bob was always so sweet to you, always looked out for you. You had also known Bob from early on in your career. The two of you being the quietest WSO’s in your respective classes and always getting shit on for it. You tried your best to protect him, and he did the same for you.

He sat down opposite you following your line of sight right to the bar, “What’s the matter?” He asked again waiting for you to open to him. Truth be told you and Bob were close as well. Not as close as you and Rooster but you weren’t afraid to be honest with him. He really felt like a brother to you, a protective one at that.

“Nothing Bobby.” You looked back at him continuing to play with your glass.

“Bullshit Y/N.” He challenged you leaning forward.

“Uh oh, Bob breaking out the real name. I must be in trouble.”

He playfully rolled his eyes, “Somethings up, you looked like a maniac there for a second.”

“I just got distracted.”

“By what?”

You eyed him knowing what he was doing, “My thoughts.”

“Is that why you were staring at Rooster and the girl?”

You sighed, your shoulders slumping just a hair, enough so that Bob noticed, “I wasn’t staring Bobby.”

Shaking his head, he closed his eyes finding the right words to tell his friend, “You are a being a fucking idiot Y/N.”

“Bobby!”

He looked you dead in the eye, “Y/N, I’m being serious. You’re hurting yourself now. You’ve loved that man since I’ve known you. And I’ve known you for almost eight years Y/N.”

“I can’t Bobby. I can’t lose him. I can’t risk it.” You looked down at the empty glass coming to that full realization, you didn’t have it in you. The worst outcome is that Rooster would walk away and that was way worse to you than the slight chance he might like you back.

“Come on Y/N. He likes you too. You just don’t see it because you’re so used to it. Rooster would do anything for you.”

“There’s nothing there Bob. It’s been ten years, there would have been something. I’m his best friend. He’s mine. That’s it.”

He groaned, “Fucking idiots. Both of you.” He threw his head into his hands trying to get you to realize what was right in front of you.

“Jesus whose dog died?” The southern draw from the annoying blonde pilot spoke from behind you.

“What are you talking about Hangman.” You looked at him like an annoyed sister would. If looks could kill yours would.

“Bob here looks miserable. Guess that’s just you bringing out the best in people.” He winked setting his glass down between the sitting pair. You turned around seeing Rooster making his way over slowly with Carly. You held in your disappointment and channeled it to the second most annoying thing in the room.

“Charming as ever Jake.”

He decided to stop after seeing the sadness in your eyes. You thought you were great at hiding your emotions, turns out your damn facial expressions gave you away like a book. “You love my southern charm darling.” He gave you a side hug attempting to bring the snarky Y/N back out, not the mopey one.

“Yeah, yeah.” You nodded looking at Bob who was simply observing what was going on around him. You were sad. Hangman caught onto it and tried his best to cheer you up, Hangman style. Rooster seemed enamored with Carly and Carly seemed just as enamored as him as they walked up to the small high-top table. You looked like you were about to combust when you saw where his arm had landed, right on her hip drawing her closer to him. You flicked your eyes to Carly who was smiling at him. You then looked at Rooster who of course was staring right back at her, even when they got to the table.

“Roos, nice to see you.” You said all too bitterly before hoping off the chair refusing to look at him. “I’m getting another, anybody need anything?” You just looked at Bob, ignoring the rest of the group.

“Yeah, I’ll come with you.” He followed grabbing his empty glass. What you didn’t see was the hurt look that crossed Rooster’s face after the unfriendly greeting. He couldn’t recall a time when you had spoken to him that way, your voice was always so sweet and kind. Even when the two of you argued you never had sounded so upset before.

“You didn’t have to come, I just panicked.” You admitted once you got to the semi-crowded bar.

“Because you don’t like him.”

“Uhh, shush. You know I do. Just shut up about it.”

He grinned, “It’s nice to hear you finally admit it.”

“Shhh, Bobby, lower your voice. You know, you’ve known. You’re the only person I’d admit it too though.” You waved the bartender down for another round, not seeing Penny tonight.

“Y/N has a crush, Y/N has a crush!” He whisper shouted in your ear.

You wide eyed him, “Shut up Bobby, I will beat you up.”

He started full on laughing now, “Why do you always threaten violence, Y/N?”

Your mouth fell open in disbelief. Who was this Bob and where did hers go? “Bobby, you’re being a little shit right now.”

“I’m just excited you finally fucking admitted it Gigs.” He clapped your back.

Shaking your head, you picked up your beer and slowly made your way back to the trio that had taken over your high top. Rooster had backed off Carly a bit.

Rooster grinned when he saw you walking back over with Bob, “Giggles.” Still grinning with that big, beautiful smile he had.

“Roos.” You nodded your head sitting back in your seat next to him, returning the smile as best as you could.

That worried him, your half smile did. It was different. If there was anything he noticed in this world it was when you acted different. It was always so easy and normal between the two of you. He could pick up when something was off, he just knew something was off.

“Have a good day?” He asked you, just you. Looking right at you, the staring was almost too intense for you. You in turn also noticed things with Rooster. Like right now, him boring his eyes into the side of your head was certainly new.

You hummed, “Fine, except Cyclone was up our asses all day today.”

Bob nodded in agreement, “Some new wizzo training he’s getting us all on.”

“Seems like a bunch of bullshit to me.” You continued, “But can’t talk back to Cyclone. No siree, no.” You took a long drink from your beer. It was really hitting the spot today. You glanced up and Rooster was smiling at you. You nearly forgot about your poor friend Carly, standing there clueless.

“Sorry Carly,” You smiled at her, “Wizzo is WSO which is what Bob, and I are.”

“Right!” She laughed, “Weapons people, right?”

Hangman chuckled, “The best damn weapons people we got right here.”

“Aww, is Hangman being sweet?” You cooed at the tall blond.

“That’s what I have tell myself, since you are the only two left here.”

“You asshole.” Bob laughed smacking his arm.

“Not that you guys aren’t the most fun but there’s a pretty little thing over there that just walked in, so if you’ll excuse me.” Hangman winked over at Bob before sauntering off, surely turning up the charm, to the girl.

“Oh Hangman.” You laughed turning your attention back to the group, “And your day Roos?”

“Same old, same old.” He laughed running a hand through his hair. You attempted to hide your ogling eyes, why did he have to do this to you? It’s not like he hasn’t run his hand through his hair a thousand times before you. You willed your brain to just stop thinking of him as more than just a friend, but it might finally be rebelling against your wishes. You didn’t want to blame Carly for the green-eyed monster that was threatening to spill out, but she was the only difference in the group.

“Mav kick your ass yet again?” You smirked watching for his reaction.

“Hey now, Giggles. I’ll get him one of these days.”

Shaking your head, you eyed Bob who was having all too much fun watching the two of you go back and forth, “Statistics say you’ll have to beat him one of these days.”

He pointed his finger at you playfully smirking, “You just know exactly what to say.”

You shrugged looking back to Carly, “Roos can’t beat his instructor, Maverick. Bit of a running joke at this point.”

“Don’t poison her mind Y/N!” He gasped pulling her tight. Ouch, that hurt, you noticed. You noticed how easily they seemed to mesh, how Carly’s face lit up when she was pulled into his side, how he seemed more than pleased with himself holding onto her.

“You’re already doing that Rooster.” You force a laugh knowing just how unnatural it sounded.

“So, Y/N, Bradley was telling me about all the different places I should check out when I’m here.” She grinned looking up at him with her big brown doe eyes. You bit your lip forcing yourself to stay civil.

“Oh yeah? Like where?” You asked genuinely curious of what he had said to her.

“A few beaches, the museum, the base and didn’t you say something about a cliff?” She asked pulling on his arm getting him to look back to her. He obliged nodding his head like a little kid.

The cliff? Your cliff that only you and Rooster seemed to know about and made sure not to share with anybody? He mentioned your spot to her. It seemed as if the air had gotten knocked out of your lungs. You hadn’t defined that the cliff was your spot but neither of you brought it up to anybody else. It stung, it hurt, and you quite frankly didn’t know how to react. You fought the stupid hot tears that wanted to flood out of your eyes.

You set your halfway empty glass back down onto the table, harder than needed. Which of course caused both Carly and Rooster to look at you. You faked another smile and muttered, “Why doesn’t Rooster just show you?”

Bob sat back in his seat curiously watching the situation unfold before him. He noticed Carly light up at the suggestion again pulling on his arm, “That’s a great idea Y/N!”

You curled your lip fighting every damn emotion that wanted to spill out, “Chock full of them.”

Rooster laughed trying to ease the tension he could clearly see coming from you, “Are you sure Gigs? I don’t want to take time away from you and Carly.” He asked placing his hand on yours.

“Oh, I’m positive Bradley, go have so much fun.” The words came out just as bitterly as before. You were testing him, and he was failing you miserably. You knew it wasn’t exactly the fairest test. You weren’t communicating with him, you desperately wanted him to see what you were doing, but he didn’t see it.

“If you’re sure.” He tried to grab your hand again which you slid away just in time. You looked back up at Bob with the saddest eyes he’s sure seen. Again, you refused to look over at Rooster, you knew the waterworks would be out in full effect if you did.

“Mhmm.” You hummed chugging the rest of your beer, “I’m going to go.” You spoke more to Bob than to Carly and Rooster.

You quickly gathered your things and started walking to the door head full of every scenario imaginable. What if Rooster liked her? What if he decided to start dating her? You shuddered at the thought. Of course, it would be Carly to come swoop in and take him away from you. Carly was playing life on easy mode; she could get whoever she wanted whenever she wanted.

You made it about halfway to the door before realizing you drove Carly here. You sighed and turned around seeing Bob silently sitting there with his thoughts watching you while Rooster and Carly seemed very into whatever they were chatting about.

“Rooster.” You shouted not wanted to walk back over there and deal with it, “Bring Carly home. Or don’t, whatever.” You mumbled the last sentence, hoping he really didn’t hear what you had to say.

He gave you a thumbs up sending another kick to your stomach. Spinning around on your heel you beelined it for the door now. Once out of the bar the fresh air hit you like a ton of bricks, a few tears escaped. This really wasn’t how you thought this night would go. You thought Carly would be all over Hangman or one of the other pilots, not Rooster.

You hopped in your car mentally thanking yourself for parking on the opposite side of the bar, away from any windows. You sat there and let yourself cry it out. They were silent tears. You didn’t want to breakdown in the parking lot of the Hard Deck, but your emotions were simply getting the best of you now. You had to wonder why you were feeling this bad now, you’ve seen Roos flirt with hundreds of girls and take them back to his place, why did Carly freak you out so much?

You don’t know how long you sat there but it was long enough for you to hear a knock on your window. You almost jumped out of your seat looking over to see Bob standing there with his hands in his pockets.

“Bobby?” You asked while sniffling.

“Let me drive you home.”

You shook your head, “No, I…”

“Y/N.” He just looked at you. You let your shoulders fall before unbuckling yourself. You got out and moved yourself to the passenger’s side, letting Bob take the driver’s seat.

“Bob, I can really do this myself. I’ve done it a thousand times.”

He rolled his eyes while starting your car up, “I called your name three times Gigs, you’re not fine.”

“I am fine, I was just…”

“Thinking?” He interrupted seemingly agitated with your responses.

“Yeah Bobby, just thinking.” You hummed looking out the window.

The ride back to your place was mostly silent, just the radio chatter buzzing away. You weren’t sure what to say. Bob sure as hell didn’t know what to say. He simply observed two adults who clearly have feelings for each other continually put both of themselves in pain watching the other. It didn’t make sense to him. He was sure Rooster had feelings for you, deep feelings, although he’s never directly confirmed it. He also knew that you liked him, having finally admitting it to him.

He pulled up to your place off base, he didn’t live to far from you. He was planning on walking home and finding a ride back to the bar tomorrow. He couldn’t let you drive seeing how zoned out you were, how distraught you really looked. He had to wonder if this was a regular occurrence for you. He didn’t really see the longing in your eyes before tonight.

You started to get up, he realized he needed to say something quick, “Y/N, I’m not the best at giving advice. But I think you need to tell him. You’re tearing yourself apart over this.”

You turned away from him thinking for a moment, “What if he leaves me Bobby? I don’t think I could go on. I really don’t.” A fresh set of tears started making their way down your red cheeks. You turned back to him shaking your head.

“Hey Y/N.” He frowned seeing you look so small and broken. He was never good at this, women crying, it always overwhelmed him, “He would never leave you. He loves you.” Bobby squeezed your hand softly trying you to get you to understand what he saw day in and day out.

“I’ll think about it.” You mumbled finally opening your eyes to him.

He nodded with a smile on his face, “Good, that’s a start Gigs.”

You used your cardigan to wipe the tears off your face, “Thank you Bobby, for everything. Really, thank you.”

He gave you his genuine Bob smile, “Anytime Giggles.”

You smiled back at him remembering when you were ‘officially’ assigned your callsign. Rooster stood diagonally in front of you in drill. Every time the Captain would turn away, he would make a remarkably stupid face which made you laugh, a little too loudly. Your poor ass caught the end of Captain Warmack’s really bad day. You started giggling trying to hide your face, but Warmack caught you. He stood right in front of you, squatted down and started berating you. You had to take it, in front of the whole class. You were sure your face was as red as a cherry tomato. At the end of his yelling he said, “And all you do is giggle, giggle, giggle.” Sparking the callsign in Rooster’s head. He profusely apologized when you were dismissed and you shrugged him off telling him, “It took everything in me not to laugh Roos.” And the pair of you were cracking up. Officially earning your callsign Giggles. You didn’t hate it, but you certainly didn’t love it, you were growing to love it. Over time it got shortened down to Gigs, which you embraced whole heartedly. You were worried that the name made you seem weak, but it did the opposite, people saw you as approachable which gave you many opportunities over the years to show how good of a WSO you really were.

“Night Bobby.” You said as the two of you exited the car, “You can drive my car home if you want.”

He shook his head, “It’s a ten-minute walk, I might need you to drop me off at the Hard Deck tomorrow though.” He sheepishly grinned.

“Anything for you Bob.” You waved while entering your home. It wasn’t really your home; you were renting it out from a couple while you were here. You weren’t sure how much longer you would really be here anyway. The mission was over, half the squad was already reassigned. You knew your time was ending and it terrified you that you would be shipped away from Rooster yet again. The two of you had managed to get deployed together often but not every time. Your stomach was always in knots whenever you were due for reassignment, just hoping you’d be close to him.

You looked at the clock frowning seeing it was only 8, you really did plan on being out for a while longer. You decided on pampering yourself tonight seeing as that was the only thing that could get your mind off Carly and Rooster. You turned your phone to silent and set it by your bedside not wanting any distractions. You picked up your favorite book deciding a nice long soak in the tub was exactly what you needed. After spending far too much time soaking you decided to just read and go to sleep. Your eyes closed around 10 that night, failing to turn your phone over since you had gotten home.

What you didn’t see were the frantic texts from Rooster making sure you were okay. He has probably texted you 15 times between the time you left the bar and when he was dropping Carly off. You were clearly upset trying to play the whole thing off as nothing. So, he decided to text you to make sure you were alright. An hour passed and the conversation with Carly was fine. She was a beautiful woman, but she didn’t hold a straw to you. After the first hour he sent a few more texts, just hoping for a response but to no avail. He distracted himself by taking Carly down to the beach showing her a few things. He wasn’t really going to take her to the cliff, it kind of just spilled out when he was talking to her earlier.

After another few hours of faking it with Carly he decided that he needed to check on you. It was nearing 10 and you still hadn’t texted him back which sent a little terror through him. Once he pulled in, he let Carly know he was just going to talk to you. He walked in enjoying the smell of your home. It always smelled like lavender, just like you did. Rooster was sure Carly picked up in his disinterest, he wasn’t trying to blow the girl off he just needed to make sure you were okay.

You were sound asleep when you heard a soft knocking on your door. Annoyed you rolled back over willing yourself back to sleep, but the knocking wouldn’t stop, “I’m sleeping Carly.” You spoke softly hoping she would just go away.

“Not Carly.” Rooster’s voice spoke through the door.

You internally groaned not ready for whatever this was, “Yeah Roos?”

“Can I come in?” He asked leaning his entire body on your door.

“Sure.” You spoke while still laying down, not feeling like moving.

He quickly opened the door taking a second for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. He smiled seeing you laying there, looking so peaceful. You were still clearly trying to wake yourself up.

Yawning your stretched out while Rooster took a seat on the other side of the bed, “What’s up Roos?” You rolled over turning your body to him fluttering your eyes, trying to keep them open.

He looked sad, “You didn’t answer my texts.”

“I haven’t looked at my phone since I left the bar.” You admitted, almost whispering. Is that why he was here?

“Really?” He asked looking anywhere but you, “I texted you a lot.” He sighed looking down at his hands.

You bit your cheek to stop the stupid grin that was going to give you away, “I’m sorry Bradley, I was just tired and… yeah just tired.” You stopped yourself from spilling everything, just tired, that was all.

“Are you okay?” He asked leaning back into your bed turning himself to face you now, far too close for your poor little heart to handle.

You nodded, “I’m fine.”

“You just seemed so upset at me when you left the bar.” He stated in an almost whisper matching your nervousness.

“Did I?” You asked softly deciding to break the eye contact you two were making.

“Mhmm. Really upset and if was something I did…”

“No, it wasn’t you Roos. It’s me. I just…” You stopped this time feeling the emotions coming back stronger than ever. Your throat tightened up and you could feel your stupid eyes beginning to water. You quickly flipped around so you were facing him anymore to take a deep breath. Again, this was perhaps the last thing you expected to happen to you tonight.

“Hey, hey, hey, come back to me Y/N. You can tell me anything, you know that.” He placed his warm hand on your shoulder squeezing it tightly drawing you back into the room.

“If I tell you what I want to tell you it could ruin everything Rooster.” You whispered letting a few tears fall.

He could tell you were crying. It nearly broke his heart in two. He hated when you cried, he hated the boys that would fuck with you and break you down. He couldn’t stand it. It freaked him knowing that he was likely the source of your tears, “You could never ruin anything Y/N. I promise.” He cooed still holding your shoulder tightly in his hand, afraid you would vanish if he let go.

Here goes nothing, “Bradley I…” You took a deep breath before continuing, “I was jealous tonight.” You closed your eyes waiting for him to respond, so afraid of what his reaction might be.

He didn’t respond right away which sent your mind into a million directions all at once. You felt him get up from his spot on the bed, finally letting your shoulder go. This was it, he was walking out on you. How could you be so stupid? How could you ruin the one good thing you had, the best thing in the world?

“Y/N,” You felt him pushing the hair away from your face catching you by surprise, “Please open your eyes.” He stated.

You obliged, sucking in a breath when you saw just how dangerously close he was to you now. He was squatting down to the floor. His head was level with yours.

He grinned seeing your eyes snap open, “There you are.” He spoke so softly. Continuing to brush the hair out of your face putting you into overdrive. You weren’t sure how to deal with the utter intimacy. Sure, you and Rooster were close, but this was so different. He was looking at you like you really were the only thing that mattered. His palm felt so warm against your face you were sure you were about to combust.

“Here I am.” You looked away from him again. This was something. Any sort of courage you had was gone. This was your Rooster, yet you couldn’t even look him in the eyes for more than a second.

He cocked his head ever so slightly waiting for you to continue. You took another deep breath making sure to avoid his face when you exhaled, he was so close to you just waiting. Waiting on you to make the next move.

“I wanted to be her Roos.” You took a gulp ready to let it all spill now, “I was so jealous when you wouldn’t take your eyes off her. When you pulled her close. I was a stupid jealous girl who didn’t and still doesn’t know how to say this.” You groaned in frustration eyeing him to see his reaction. He looked happy, content, almost thrilled at the admission, so you continued, “I… I like you, Rooster. I like you way more than best friend should and uhm I…” You faltered.

He placed a finger over your mouth smiling as big as you’ve ever seen him smile, “My turn. I love you, Y/N. Not just as a friend, I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for as long as I’ve known you.” He looked right at you. You were struggling to process his admission to you. He loved you. He was in love with you. Your heart couldn’t keep up with your mind that was spinning in a thousand different directions.

“You do?” You managed to squeak out in the mess your mind currently was.

He nodded with his big goofy grin taking your head in both of his hands, “I’m so fucking in love with you Y/N it hurts and jealousy is quite the look on you.”

“Oh, wow.” Is all you said before you started cracking up. The relief that flooded through your system was twenty times stronger than any adrenaline rush the Navy gave you. The laughter was one of sheer bliss. Like you were floating through clouds, and you never had to land. You were sure your smile reached all the way up past your eyes. You placed your hands over top of his, which were still cocooning your face.

He joined in as well. The relief of knowing how the other felt about each other was nothing like anything the pair had experienced before. After a few minutes of Rooster making you laugh harder you finally came down from the high you were experiencing. He had yet to release your head from his hands. This time not afraid you would disappear but in euphoria that you admitted your feelings, he wanted to touch you for forever.

The laughter died down and two idiots were left looking at one another just smiling, finally admitting what had been building up for literally a decade.

You hummed rubbing your thumb along the back of his hand noticing the chills the rose when you did so, “I think I love you to.” You nodded your head, “No, I do love you. I don’t think I do. I love you, Bradley.”

That was all it took for him to let go of your head, gently of course. He scooped you like you didn’t weigh a pound from your laying position and brought you close to him, bridal style, “I thought I’d never hear those words coming from those beautiful lips.”

You turned your head into his chest to hide the insane blush that was inevitably covering your entire face, “No, no, no, don’t hide that face from me beautiful.” You could feel him laughing as he held you in his arms.

“That’s not fair.” You turned your head to take another good look at him. Your Rooster. Your beautiful Rooster. Who was holding you so gently in his arms. You hugged him tightly not wanting to let him go this time feeling like this was all too good to be true.

He pulled you closer to him in response, “Penny for your thoughts?” He asked in response to your actions.

You shook your head, “I just don’t want to let you go Bradley.” You smiled looking up to him. So happy. You were sure this is the happiest you’ve ever been in your life. Your Bradley. You were going to get to tell him you loved him for forever and you really couldn’t wait. You were going to get to wake up next to him, when you weren’t off on missions, every day and you really didn’t want to wait, “Stay with me tonight?”

He nodded rocking you back in forth gently in his arms, “I’ll stay whenever you ask, whenever you need me to.”

Your smile got even bigger if that were even possible, “Can you kiss me now Bradley?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

628 notes · View notes

thewulf · 10 months

Text

Bumblebee || Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Summary: So half baked idea, but I love you and know you’ll do it justice (if you want of course). But like Bradley dating a teacher(or anyone non military I just pick teacher because ya know 🤷🏼‍♀️).... Read Rest Here

A/N: Takes place a few years after TGM. Bradley and crew are instructors at TG. Added a few OC instructors who don’t do much lol. Reader is Amelia’s teacher/tutor! Enjoy!!

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Y/N

Word Count: 2.0k +

The bar opened up at 5, you had Amelia meet you there at 3 since Penny had to be there then to open the bar anyway. You were her hired tutor for the summer getting her ready for the dreaded SAT. She was already seventeen. Planning to head off to college next year. Her goal was Stanford. Everybody cheered her along the way.

Lucky for you she actually tried. The lessons sailed and you hadn’t even noticed the bar opened up for the night before you heard the rowdy pilots enter led by nonother than your very own boyfriend. A wide smile glossed your cheeks as you took the handsome man in. Your handsome man.

He waved to you before getting into earshot. Speeding up he wanted nothing more than to be with you. Long days sucked.

“Hi honey.” You waved to your boyfriend of a year as his fellow Top Gun teachers strolled into the Hard Deck behind him.

“Baby.” He cooed walking right up to you, pulling you up from your seat and wrapping his arms around you. You let yourself be pulled into him and gripped him tightly in response. Breathing him in deeply you sighed relief having him in your arms again. Even though you’d literally left his place twelve hours ago it seemed like too long. It was too long.

“Gag me.” Amelia coughed looking away quickly, “That’s my teacher Bradley.” She visibly frowned unhappy with the distraction.

Rolling his eyes, he gave your body a tight squeeze before releasing you gently. He set you back down in your seat with the softest touch, “What’s a seventeen-year-old doing in a bar anyway?”

You giggled lacing your fingers through his, “We were just wrapping up hon. Amelia has her big test on Saturday and wanted to get some last-minute prep in.”

She eyed him, “My mom wanted me to get some last-minute prep in.” She clarified before continuing, “I can have you banned Bradley. Being the owners daughter. Test me.” Her confidence only grew as she spent more time around pilots, specifically Mav. She was picking up on his smart-ass mouth.

“You wouldn’t do that to Y/N.” He challenged her.

“You’re right. I wouldn’t. But she’s also her own person and can come here without you. While you’re banned.” Amelia smirked. She’d be just fine in college on her own. She’d be perfectly fine.

He raised his eyebrows. You shook your head placing a hand over your mouth hiding the giggle away from him, “Teenagers.” He grumbled, “I’ll get you a beer gorgeous girl. We’ll be over in the corner when your done.”

“Sounds good babe. I’ll be over soon.”

Winking at you he waved before turning back to the crew. You turned your attention back to Amelia who was giving you the ‘that was absolutely wretched’ face.

“What?” You bit down on your bottom lip curling your lips into a smile around it.

“That’s disgusting. You and Bradley.” She shook her head. She really did approve but she hated the PDA. Only because you were her teacher and all. It felt icky seeing that outside the classroom. Especially with Bradley.

After Penny married Mav and moved in Bradley had come around quite a bit more. Which meant that you came around quite a bit more. Bradley insisted that he needed you there. You’d gotten along with everybody of course. It was simply an adjustment for Amelia.

“You know, I still am your teacher.” You were baiting her, and you knew it. Or maybe you were baiting yourself.

She shook her head, “You lost that title last weekend when you, mom, Pete, and Bradley were wasted playing Beer Olympics all day long. And then proceeded to beg me for hours to be a judge.”

You couldn’t help the laughter that escaped your lips, “It worked didn’t it?” You reminisced on her declaring you the winner after you won the final round of beer pong. Your individual score crushing the rest of the field. Turns out you rocked playing games when you were drunk. You learned something new every day.

She shook her head further, “We’ll call it college prep. Now go. Your boyfriend won’t stop staring. It’s getting creepy.” She pointed to the back booth where Bradley was halfway paying attention but really just waiting on you.

You looked over your shoulder waving to the desperate boy. Turning back to Amelia you stood from your chair, “Same time tomorrow?”

“Only because mom insists.” She sighed, “See you tomorrow.”

“See ya honey.” You gave you a quick hug before speed walking to the group of Aviators. Bradley, Natasha, Jake, Marty, and Ken sat there chatting away after what you assumed to be a long day. Bradley was usually much more needy after more stressful days and he was needier than ever, or so it seemed.

“Baby.” Bradley made the grabby hands as you walked closer. You shuffled right into his grasp being pulled right into the booth next to him.

“Hi honey.” You kissed his cheek before turning back to the group, “Rough day?”

They all let out a collective sigh before three different conversations erupted at the same time. Bradley leaned down whispering into your ear, “We got a mini-Hangman today. Going to be fun to break the young kid.” Bradley chucked taking a sip of the bear. You watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed while he took the drink. A bead of sweat made its way down his neck likely from the humid air and alcohol consumption.

“A mini-Hangman you say?” You asked curiously remembering some of the wild stories your boyfriend had told you about his friend. His enemy turned friend. Funny how life worked like that sometimes. Bradley had told you all about how they turned a corner after the Uranium mission. Jake got less aggressive in the skies. More teammate focused. Bradley got better at handling his emotions. Being able to communicate a whole lot better once he figured that out.

The real Hangman heard you from across the table making sure to chime in, “He’s an ass. Nothing like me darlin’.” He made sure to clarify.

“Well, I heard you might’ve been a different person five years ago. An asshole maybe?” You continued the conversation between the three of you.

He looked shocked, “You wound me Y/N.”

“Truth hurts, honey.” The laughter didn’t stop coming as Hangman animated his own death in front of you. A knife stab to the heart. He sunk down in the seat grabbing the attention of the entire group.

Natasha looked over rolling her eyes but taking the opportunity to grab the groups attention from him, “So, we’ve been thinking.” You looked over to Nat who started talking right to you while also talking over the group, “You’re here with us almost every time we come out.” She smirked over at Bradley who had his arm draped around your shoulders rubbing your arm with the pads of his fingertips knowing what he divulged to her earlier.

You scrunched your fists together and apart out of nerves, “Not annoying you guys right?” Needing to ask you looked right at her trying to find anything from her. Making sure you weren’t a nuisance in the already tightknit group.

She shook her head quickly, “No, no, not at all! Hell, I’d rather you be here than Bradshaw.” You looked up at your boyfriend grinning ear to ear. He tried to look pissed but his lips twitching upwards gave him away. He loved the relationship he had with Nat. The two of them falling into the brotherly and sisterly role all too easily. Bickering to the highest degree.

Bradley leaned forward giving your should a gentle squeeze in the process, “Can’t say I blame you Phoenix. I would rather be with her than me too.” He pulled you in closer, heat be damned.

You pinched his side, always the flatterer he was. He looked down giving you a quick kiss on your cheek. If there was one thing about Bradley it was that he was unafraid. He did not give a single shit about what the guys thought about his actions towards you. You were his girl. His favorite thing in the world. He cherished that and you more than he could have ever even imagined. Bradley loved you. Adored you. And he let the world know it.

“What were we thinking Nat?” You asked after snaking an arm around his waist. He grinned in satisfaction. That was his love language. Touch. He always needed a hand on you. But craved you to be touching him as well. Ever the needy one your boyfriend was.

She, very dramatically, rolled her eyes at Bradley before redirecting her attention back to you, “You need a callsign.”

“Oh, no!” You shook you head quickly, protesting immediately.

“Why not?” Jake asked leaning back in his seat observing you. It’d been his idea after all. He and Bradley had actually grown closer over the last year teaching at Top Gun, finding common ground. When Bradley had found you Jake had seen him flourish into who he was today. Jake had never seen Bradley so happy. When Bradley finally let the group meet you six months ago everyone quickly adored you. It wasn’t hard. You were the sweetest person any of them had probably ever met. Always wondering how in the hell Rooster could bag you.

“Well, I’m not a pilot.”

“So?” Nat shook her head in confusion.

“Isn’t that against the rules?” You asked sheepishly sinking back into Bradley.

Jake shrugged, “I think if a group of pilots wants to give you one its following the rules.” He chewed on the toothpick he took from the bar smiling right over at you.

You looked up at your boyfriend, “I had nothing to do with this. But why not. You deserve a callsign too. They like you more than me anyway.” He kissed the crown of your head.

“Ain’t that the truth.” Jake agreed in a cheery voice. Bradley flipped him off while you high-fived him.

You nodded once the laughter died down amongst the group, “Okay then. Now what?” It still felt weird. You’d never actually called them by their callsigns. Maybe this would open up that chance.

“Anybody have a good one?” Nat’s face flashed with excitement at your agreement

Jake answered first, “Sugar! Cause she’s sweet.”

You chuckled at that one. It would fit you, but it didn’t feel quite right. Not lively enough.

“I was thinking Apple, cause she’s a teacher.” Ken chimed in.

Nat shook her head, “Terrible, both of you.” She disagreed wholeheartedly reassuring your own feelings for both. Both okay but not the one.

“Then what’s your idea Phoenix?” Jake edged in his seat.

“I was thinking, Bumblebee. Because you call everybody honey.” She grinned all too proud of herself for coming up with that one. Bradley squeezed your thigh agreeing with that one. He like that one.

“Oh, I like that one!” You grinned agreeing with your boyfriend.

“Too bad sugar, you don’t get a say in your callsign.” Jake winked at you knowing it’d get a rise out of both of you, his favorite game to play.

Bradley leaned forward, “I like that one too. Bumblebee not Sugar” He reiterated out loud this time. Both Marty and Ken agreed. Nat turned towards Jake giving him the finger before proclaiming the victory of the callsigns.

“Bumblebee it is.” Nat grinned knowing she bested him. Everything was a competition among the pilots.

“Bee for short.” Jake butted in.

“A nickname for a nickname.” You smile only got brighter. Bradley looked down at you lovingly. Little did you know what he had planned for you soon. He was going to propose to you. Marry the shit out of you. Have as many kids as you wanted and live his best life possible with you. He couldn’t wait to really get his life started, “How cute.” You clapped your hands glad you’d agreed.

“Just like you.” Bradley whispered into your ear. He nibbled on your earlobe sending a chill down your entire side. Bastard knew exactly what he was doing. You gripped his thigh creeping your hand a little higher until he stopped. Grabbed your hand to stop your ascent up his thigh. Letting a low growl out he snapped the both of you back to reality.

Hangman only shook his head muttering something under his breath. Nat gave you a knowing grin. You certainly knew what the two of you were getting up to later.

Permanent Taglist (Message me or comment below if you want to be added!): @loving-and-dreaming @kmc1989 @memeorydotcom @matisse556 @dempy @mayhemmanaged

336 notes · View notes

thewulf · 10 months

Text

Not So Subtle || Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Summary: How about Bradley throwing a small get together and getting plastered because he’s sad he doesn’t think the reader loves him like he loves her. So he starts saying random things instead of I love you...Read Rest Here

A/N: Tiny Smidge of Angst / Some Tension / All Fluff - Thank you for the request @loving-and-dreaming !! So much fun to write :)

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Y/N

Word Count: 3.2k +

“Hey pretty girl.” Bradley’s bright smile drew your attention from the loud music and the group of pilots over to him. He stumbled slightly as he made his way towards you. He was drunk. Utterly wasted. But that didn’t stop the creeping smile that came over you.

You pinched his side, “You said you weren’t drinking that much before I got here Bradley. Now I’ve gotta catch up with you. You’re fucked up!”

“Hey!” He giggled. Fucking giggled. Oh, he was definitely messed up. A special kind of fucked up. A state of him you rarely got to see but one you adored. Bradley was already sweet on you but when de drank? Oh, he thought the world of you. Really, he always did. But the alcohol gave him the liquid courage to come out with it. He’d known you for over ten years of his life. He’d loved you for almost all of them. Not that you knew. Not that he’d ever dream of ruining the beautifully crafted friendship he had with you.

So, you the two of you balanced on that line. Never teetering for anything more. Perfectly balanced. What Bradley didn’t know was that you’d wanted the same as him. For just as long. When he was assigned as your lab partner all those years ago you knew it was fate. You knew Bradley was meant to be in your life for a long time, if not forever.

“I was too tempted by the Jack. You know how much I love Mr. Daniels.” He held up the red solo cup he’d probably had five or so drinks from already.

“I should’ve known.” You squeezed his hand before heading to the kitchen looking for something of your own. He followed behind you quickly like a little golden retriever puppy looking for a snack. He’d found such comfort in you. And that’s what he wanted right now. Comfort. His little light.

“I’m sorry.” He frowned wrapping an arm around your waist lightly. As if making sure that it was alright with you. When you didn’t protest as you poured your drink and turned around into him.

“It’s okay RooRoo. I forgive you.” You winked right at him knowing that’d get some sort of rise out of him. But it didn’t tonight. He only kept smiling at you. Like you could say no wrong. Do no wrong. It was normally so fun to innocently tease him when he’d had a few too many. Maybe he’d had one too many or something. He was giving you that look. That look that took your breath away. The one that looked like he was in love with you.

It seemed too good to be true. You’d been silently loving him from afar. You were always there to comfort him after breaking up with a long-term girlfriend who you never thought was actually good enough for him. Or some short-term thing with a girl you’d thought was twenty times prettier than you. You still didn’t think them good enough though. Truth be told you wouldn’t find many women worthy. You weren’t even sure if you thought you were. You’d wished for his love, but you didn’t really think you’d deserved it.

“You know.” He leaned forward taking another step in. Pinning you against the counter. The barrel of jungle juice sitting behind you. It was only a matter of time before somebody would shoo the two of you away. The people needed their juice.

As fucked up as he was he was flirtier than ever. He knew exactly what he was doing too. Never pushing anything too far. Always making sure you were comfortable. Checking in to see if you were enjoying yourself before pressing on. He was a gentleman through and through. Not even the alcohol seemed to lower those inhibitions. It just pushed him to see if you felt the same as him. Maybe that’s why he kept drinking far too many whiskey rye’s before you’d arrived. He knew the alcohol gave him that courage. He was tired of waiting. Hiding behind a parade of meaningless affairs that always left him wanting more. Wanting you. Craving you. Needing you.

“It’s cute when you call me that. RooRoo” The line they were tight roping was starting to wobble. Was he going to cross it? Jump into the deep end and swim far, far away from the friend zone?

Your brow quirked up in surprise, “Oh really?”

He nodded quickly catching a whiff of your perfume. Your intoxicating perfume that drove him absolutely mad. Had him thinking wicked things in his head. Wicked things he wouldn’t be thinking about if you were just his best friend. No, you were so much more, and you didn’t even know. He knew he needed to tell you for his sake. He’d go mad here soon if he didn’t.

“Super cute. Only when you say it though.” His eyes scanned your face for you reaction. He felt relieved seeing your eyes light up a bit. Your smile grow a bit taller, “Nobody else can.”

You laughed softly at the overly intoxicated man. Who knew if he’d even remember this in the morning? Odds were not in your favor, “I’m going to hold you to that moustache man. No whining when I use tomorrow.” You poked his chest with your index finger. He was so tall. So much taller than you. And when he stood this close? You were craning your neck up to see his reaction.

He pinched your hip where his hand was resting, “I think that’s fair pretty girl.” You smelled the whiskey on his breath as he leaned down to make sure you heard what he had to say.

“You’re laying it on thick tonight Roo.” You felt a fire where his hand was resting so nonchalantly on your hip. God, he was so damn close. Did he know? He was drunk but he had to know what he was doing to you. Driving you absolutely mad and shit.

He shift his weight towards his front foot ever so slightly. You noticed though. He was that much closer, “Can’t help it. You’re the prettiest girl in this room.”

You wished the damn counter would give you a little space. He was oh so overwhelming. It’s ironic how many times you’d wished this would happen and here it was, happening. And you were starting to freak out, “Let’s get you some water?” You laughed grabbing his hand from your hip guiding him to the sink.

He sighed when you turned away to fill up an empty solo cup for him, “Do you want to watch a T.V. show together?”

Turning back to hand the cup to him your grinned, “Sure. What were you thinking Bradley?” You knew he wasn’t ever going to remember this. It was far too random of a conversation and his mind was reeling from all the alcohol he’d consumed.

He pursed his lips thinking hard, “Let’s watch something happy. Like you. You’re so happy and bright and cheerful and pretty… Like New Girl.” He took the water from you chugging it down knowing it’d make you happy. All he really wanted to do was make you happy.

This time you giggled. He was on another level right now. You were dying to know what’d gotten into him, “New Girl it is then. We’ll watch it when you get home from work tomorrow, yeah?” You were really thankful that you’d decided to become roommates with him the year prior. You’d always been best friends but living together kicked it up a notch. The guys would always joke that you were already dating. Bradley would always tell them to mind their own business. You’d always feel a little dejected. Because it was damn near impossible to date when you lived with another guy. They’d all felt horrifically insecure about the entire set up.

He nodded lazily, “Wanna eat pancakes for dinner with you too.” He set the cup down on the counter taking that oh so bold step forward again.

What the hell was mixed in that drink of his? But you’d play along. Even if he’d never remember you loved his sweet touches, bold moves, and desirable glances, “We can do that if you want. Can even do the whole breakfast for dinner if you want.”

He nodded so quickly. So damn quickly, “I want to make you pancakes for dinner.”

Phoenix had shown him the song by Lizzy McAlpine simply because she was sick and tired of seeing one of her very closest friends fuck it up time and time again. Rooster had all but admitted your undying love for you. You’d all but done the same for him. She knew the song would get to him. Rooster had the softest spot in his heart for you. He was your fiercest protector. So, when Phoenix said, ‘This is about Y/N.’ and played the song before he could even protest he had to listen. Curiosity got the better of him.

He knew deep down she was right. The song was practically a ballad written by him for you. What if his plane did go down on a mission? It wasn’t likely but it surely wasn’t impossible. What if he went down without you knowing. That ripped his heart right to shreds when he thought about it. Life was way too fucking short to sit on the sidelines and wonder. Even if you rejected him you’d still be his best friend. Deep down he knew that. He also knew you wouldn’t reject him. He knew you loved him dearly. More than as a friend. He knew it.

“If you remember. I’d love to eat your pancakes Roo. I’m partial to blueberry chocolate chip pancakes if you can manage.” You winked up at him. Might as well ruffle his feathers while his synapses were slowed.

“Blueberry chocolate chip pancakes for the most beautiful woman in the world. Got it.” His grin leaned sideways as he swayed. He hadn’t had a drop of alcohol in the nearly thirty minutes he’d been with you, but he was feeling something else. High on you. Your presence always brought the goofiest of him out. His truest form. Where he felt the most confident and comfortable. God he loved it. Loved you more than life itself.

“The whole world now? That’s quite an upgrade from the room.” You smirked at him. He seemed so lost in his world but so sincere at the same time.

He shrugged placing a hand on either side of you on the counter behind you. He literally had all the control now. He was boxing you in fully, “It’s true. You’re so pretty Y/N.” He so desperately wanted to kiss you, but he knew better. That was a line he couldn’t cross right now.

Your palms felt so sweaty. What was going on with him? “What’s gotten into you, RooRoo?”

He shook his head, “What if there’s an accident? I needed to tell you. You’re the prettiest girl Most beautiful woman. Smartest person I know. I love you. I’ve been too stupid not to tell you, but I love you. With everything I am, I have.” He trailed off at the end losing a bit of the confidence he’d been trying to build all night.

The color must have drained from you immediately. It felt like all the blood had been drained right from your body. This was one of those life changing moments. One that could quite literally change the course of the path you were on, “You love me?”

“So much. Love you so much.”

“Oh, wow.” You took a moment feeling claustrophobic as he hovered over you. He wasn’t expecting you to say it back. Not by any means. He’d thrown a curveball out of left field right at you, “Are you sure?”

He laughed. A full hearty chuckle. Like what you asked was the dumbest thing in the world, “I may be drunk but I still know what I’m saying Y/N. I’m positive. I love you.”

You nodded your head slowly feeling all the emotions all at once, “Can we talk about this tomorrow? When we’re both sober?” If he even remembered. Would he even remember something like this? This was massive. Huge. Life-changing.

He pulled a hand away from the counter and ran his thumb along your cheek, “As we eat pancakes for dinner?”

You nodded leaning into his touch just slightly, “I like that plan.”

“It’s a date.”

He didn’t give you a chance to dispute before giving you a quick forehead kiss and disappearing off into the party. You shook your head taking a big sip of jungle juice. Tomorrow was sure going to suck but you were planning on having a good Thursday night with the crew. It was rare they didn’t have to get up at the ass crack of dawn. You weren’t a pilot. You were a nurse on base. You and Bradley had almost followed each other around. You’d jumped for joy when you saw your next assignment was at Miramar. That’s when you moved in with him. He practically demanded you stay with him. And it worked. The two of you were nearly inseparable now. He said it. You believed it. You just needed to hear it sober now. Did he actually mean it? Did he really love you?

The next day was a blur. Bradley was already gone by the time you rolled out of bed. You had a split shift today. 10-6. You could do it. You’ve worked plenty of shifts hung over. You were slow moving, that was for sure. When you made it downstairs you grinned seeing the note and Advil bottle on the counter, ‘Take four of these for that headache. See you tonight. RooRoo.’ Your heart sped up a beat seeing the nickname he signed, RooRoo Did he remember? Could he have remembered that entire conversation?

You’d long since forgotten about the note you hid in your room. It was too damn cute to throw away. The day was stressful. A training mission went wrong, and three guys came in banged up. No Bradley, thank God. But it meant for a busy and long day. Six PM couldn’t come soon enough.

There was so much damn traffic on your way home. By the time you parked it was already 6:45. Ugh. What a day. A hangover. A mini emergency. Thank God it was Friday. Bradley didn’t usually get home until late. You didn’t even clock his car parked out front. He’d made it his mission to beat you home today. That’s why he was gone so early even though he wasn’t required.

It only hit you that he was home once you walked through the front door smelling something sweet coming from the kitchen. You peered around after setting you work bag down spotting Bradley flipping some pancakes while listening to some music. He fucking remembered. He remembered it all. It hadn’t even registered in your dumb brain what you’d do if he remembered.

“Pancakes.” You laughed pulling him out of the cooking trance he seemed to be in. He hadn’t even heard you come

“For dinner.” He grinned setting the spatula down slowly walking towards you, “How was your day pretty girl?”

Your cheeks betrayed you as they surely turned a shade of pink. Why’d you have to blush so damn easily? It’s not like he’s never called you that before. It just all of the sudden had an entirely different meaning, “Not so subtle, Bradshaw. Are we?” This was your one attempt to give him an out.

He shook his head walking over to take the pancake off the skillet, “Could’ve sworn I told you that I loved you last night, no? What’s there to be subtle about sweetness?” He walked back over taking a step closer to you this time.

If your cheeks weren’t flaming tomato red by now they sure had to be close. Sweetness? He was throwing all caution to the wind now. He was letting you make the decision now. He was making it very, very clear how he felt about you.

“You remember?”

He did the same thing he had done the previous night and placed his hand on your face. Running his thumb along your cheek bone. Sending shivers ripping down your spine, “Pretty girl, I’d never forget. I love you. I want to have pancakes for dinner. Watch that T.V. show with you and talk about us. If that still sounds good to you?” He asked so gently you had to wonder if you were dreaming. Was this real? Was he real? Was this finally happening? Could your dreams really be coming true?

It all hit you at once. Squeezing your eyes shut you hadn’t even realized there were tears escaping your eyes. Happy tears. Beyond happy tears. The happiest of all tears. Bradley Bradshaw loved you tears.

But Bradley frowned. He didn’t know why you were crying. He’d never seen you cry now that he thought about it. Did he fuck up? Misread the signs? Did he ruin this forever?

“Y/N, I’m so sorry…” You cut him off before he could continue

Shaking your head quickly you continued, “No, no.” Sucking in a breath you tried to explain, “They’re happy tears. I’ve… I’ve wanted to say that to you for so long Bradley. So, fucking long. I love you too. Love you so much.” A few more escaped running down the expanse of your cheek before he brushed them away. His frown turning to a bright smile.

It registered for him in that moment too, “How long?”

Giving him a shaky laugh, you replied, “Since college.”

“Oh, Y/N.” He leaned in giving your cheek a kiss. Right where he whipped away the runaway tears, “We’re both so stupid.”

You ran a finger along the side of his face when he pulled away. You were looking at him in an entirely new light. He’d always been Bradley your best friend. He was becoming Bradley your best friend and lover. The man you’d start a family with.

“You’re not stupid Bradley.”

He leaned down and kissed your other cheek the same, “I’ve loved you for just as long. What’s that? At least eight years? We’re stupid.”

You giggled leaning into his chest. Feeling him for the first time. Smelling the fresh scent of his body wash mingling with his natural scent a little too well. Bradley always smelled so good to you. Now? Now he smelled perfect. Fucking heavenly. It’s like your senses got kicked up a notch the second he admitted his love. You were looking at an enhanced Bradley Bradshaw. If that were even possible.

When you pulled back had to bite your cheek to suppress the grin, “We were testing out our friendship. How about that?”

He nodded pulling you back into his embrace, “My girl. Let’s get you some dinner and put New Girl on. How does that sound?”

You nodded you head into his chest, “Sounds perfect, Bradley.”

His arms encircled your body into his, “After I hold you for a minute, if that’s alright.”

“That sounds even better.” You cooed feeling drowsy in his arms. Feeling the warmth, love, and protection. You just knew you were one of the luckiest girls in the world. The first night of the rest of your life.

Permanent Taglist (Message me or comment below if you want to be added!): @loving-and-dreaming @kmc1989 @memeorydotcom @matisse556 @dempy

394 notes · View notes

thewulf · 11 months

Text

I Think I Love You || Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Summary: Bradley's longterm best friend (they know each other as long as they can think) moves to fighter town, now that her best friend Brad is permanently stationed there and she finished University... Read Rest Here

A/N: It was so fun to write Bradley! Will def write him more in the future. As always THANK YOU for the super fun requests. You the readers are everything to me. Thanks for making this hobby so enjoyable :)

Pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Y/N

Word Count: 5,800+

“Come on, answer the phone!” You couldn’t sit in place for more than a second after hearing the news. Each ring feeling like it was taking longer than the previous. Your eyes darted from the window to your phone as soon as you heard him pick up on the other side.

“Bradley!” Yelling immediately into the phone you didn’t dare give him a second to think, “Guess what!”

“Jesus Y/N. That was my ear drum you just ruptured.” He tried to sound irritated on the phone with you but was actually laughing softly instead, it was so like you. Chaotic in the best way.

“Aww, is Bradley having a bad day?” You cooed knowing just how badly it would irritate him. If there was one thing Bradley hated it was being babied.

“I shouldn’t have picked up the phone.” He groaned.

Smiling you sat down on your bed leaning against the bedframe, “Oh, but I’m so glad you did! Did you guess yet?”

He hummed trying to think of something, “You won a million dollars playing the lottery?”

“Sheesh, I wish!” The smile grew even further as you remembered just how much you loved talking to him. It’d been far too long since you’d lived close to Bradley. He moved off to college when he turned 18, you were 16. Ever since you could remember it was you and Bradley. He was always there. Your mom, Molly, was best friends with Carole. After Nick passed away your father ended up leaving your mom. Molly and Carol become even faster friends almost moving in together but deciding on raising you and Bradley in houses right down the street from one another.

The friendship was never forced only coming easy to the both of you. He was a few years older than you but always included you. He always went out of his way to make you feel included, wanted. It was and still is an extraordinary friendship between two terribly different people. Bradley was cool, calm, and always collected. He always knew what to say or what to do in almost any situation. You on the other hand were quite the opposite. Chaotic, unafraid and scatter brained. You always had to wonder why he put up with you.

You’d, of course, crushed hard on him as you were growing up. It hurt when he asked the prettiest blonde girl, Alexandra, to Homecoming and not you. Not that a senior would ever ask a lowly little sophomore such as yourself, but you dreamed. You just knew he’d never feel the same. You were sure he always looked at you like a little sister, never standing a chance.

Carole passed away when Bradley was only 15, absolutely destroying him in the process. But you were there. You stood, sat, and laid by him at his worst times never dropping a hand. You were just 13. He had no one. It shattered your heart as he broke down completely. He moved in with your mom and you not long after. His grandparents too far away. Carole had asked your mom to take care of him before she passed away, which she agreed to instantly.

Things were great for the next few years. Then he turned 18 and moved away. Off to college without you. Even though he’d been rejected by the Navy he knew he had to be close. He was going to try every year. He was determined to be a pilot like his dad.

Your mom remarried not long after Carole had passed away. She needed someone and Carole was that someone for so long. It was fine until it wasn’t. Your mom passed a few years after that. Right after your nineteenth birthday. You were going to college locally and saving some money by staying at home. It got bad after she passed. You were truly alone, not even a sliver of comfort to be provided by your stepfather. In fact, it was the opposite. It was mental at first. Insults and manipulation. Then it got physical. A slap here, a broken beer bottle to the face there requiring stitches and finally the broken bones landing you in the ER a little too often. Bradley hadn’t a clue what was going on. How would he? He was a hot shot pilot. You were just studying to be doctor.

You were finally able to move out when you had been accepted to medical school out of state. You’d figure it out. You always did. You’d survived three years in that hellhole. You could keep going. Completely and utterly alone.

But you did it. Not without Bradley’s help. He was the one constant in your life. The one person you knew you could call on a whim. If you needed help Bradley would be your sounding board. If you needed a voice of reason he’d be right, there. He had always loved you. He just wish you could see it.

“Alright, I give up, what is it?”

You gasped, “You hardly guessed!”

“Y/N!” He was used to your antics by now. It always ended in him laughing like he presently. You just knew his eyes were squinted together and that damn mustache you tried to get him to shave was turned right side up. As much as you made fun of him for it, it just worked for him. It made him Bradley.

“Fine. Okay. I matched!” You squealed, “With my first choice!”

“Which is?” He was on the edge of his toes. You’d refused to tell him, wanting to surprise him. Initially you wanted to surprise him by just showing up, but the excitement got to you, and you needed to tell him. “Oh, and congrats. I knew you would.” He sat down with the big smile on his face like you guessed. As annoyed as he tried to act, he loved talking to you. You were his first friend. His first best friend. His person he told everything to. He loved you. He didn’t know if he was in love with you though. He was at one time then life got in the way. But he was settling now, and you knew it.

He'd had girlfriends in the past but nothing serious. You had one boyfriend for a while, but nothing turned out from it. You’d always claimed medical school got in the way. Your friends didn’t seem to have a problem maintaining relationships through it though. Your stepfather liked to throw that out in between punches. If he wasn’t beating you physically, he’d sure go for it emotionally. That was the last time you saw him. You went back for your clothing, and he tried to stop you.

“Thanks Bradley. It might just be at the University of San Diego Medical Center. And it might just be for a surgical residency.”

His heart felt like it stopped beating that instant. You were coming here? He’d just taken a job as a Top Gun instructor last year. He was absolutely thrilled. His Y/N? Coming to live here, “You’re not fucking with me, right?” He breathed out, anxious.

“Never!” You were matching his grin from a thousand miles away, “I loved it when I visited last year and you’re out there so why not?”

“That’s the best news I’ve gotten all afternoon.” Bradley was very aware that he had a few sets of eyes cued in on his conversation. Sure, he was a little more animated when he talked to you, but they were looking at him like he was doing something crazy. Hangman was giving him a nod and knowing smirk. Natasha was looking between the two of them confused. Poor Bob was even more lost than Natasha. Bradley turned away trying to keep his conversation with you vaguely private. It was the end of the day, and they were all just about to leave base with their normally locked up phones when he saw your face pop up on his screen.

“It better be!” You could hardly contain your excitement as you stood from your spot on the bed pacing around your room, “I fly in on the 20th!”

“I’ll be there to pick you up.” Bradley stated so assuredly you weren’t sure if he already knew you were flying in or not.

“Oh, yeah?”

He smirked to himself, “’Course, gotta pick up my favorite girl.”

If only he could see the disgustingly bright blush that spread across your face in an instant. Oh, how that boy made your insides feel all types of ways. The butterflies wouldn’t stop as you tried to form a coherent sentence in your brain, “You spoil me, Bradley Bradshaw.”

He laughed to himself knowing Hangman had the laser eyes locked in on him. He’d mentioned you in passing a few times, but Jake knew there was something more the second Bradley’s face changed when he’d answered the phone. Jake was anything but dumb. He knew that look. The one where you were so enamored it didn’t seem to matter what the other person was talking about. A look everybody dreamed of having and receiving, “Hardly sweetness, just wait till you’re actually here.” You knew he was smirking from ear to ear. God you’d love to be with him, but man were you thankful you weren’t. You wouldn’t know how to compose yourself.

Immediately you found a seat on a chair attempting to process his words. Sweetness? That was a new one. One that quite literally just made you go weak at the knees, “I look forward to it.” You played along.

“I hate to cut this short. But I’ve got a group of annoyed pilots waiting on me. Can I call you later?” He would’ve loved to have kept going. Especially since you’d just dropped that news on his so casually on a Monday afternoon.

“Of course. I’ll talk to you later RooRoo.” You’d dropped the nickname you knew he secretly loved but hated other people knowing.

“You’ll be the death of me, ya know that?” He started walking back over to the group with that stupid grin on his face. He wasn’t doing a very good job at hiding it. He loved you. He knew that. He just didn’t know if he was in love. But he did know he could be. If he let himself.

“You’re right. This place is cool.” You and Bradley were standing at the bar waiting for your drink order to come on up.

“You know I always am.”

Rolling your eyes, you grabbed the bottle that the bartender set down in front of you, “Cocky as ever I see.”

“You call it cockiness. I call it confidence.” Following your actions, he grabbed the bottle taking a lengthy swig as you just shook your head at him.

“Good to see you haven’t changed too much.”

He shook his head, “Never. Now come on, got a few people for you to meet.” Placing his hand on your back he guided you towards the group of Naval pilots standing around the pool table. Thank God your brain was already panicking from the meeting new people to be too overtaken by his hand placement. Bradley had never been so forwardly flirty with you before. Sure, casual remarks and gestures were thrown around before but nothing to this extent. He seemed to love the dumb expression on your face when you tried to figure out his words each time he flirted with you.

“Look what cat dragged in.” The blonde one brought everybody’s attention to you and Bradley joining the group. You simply smiled up at him knowing he was talking about the much taller pilot behind you, “Not you sweetheart.” He made sure to wink at you knowing it’d piss Bradshaw off more than ever. And it did. You felt Bradley’s posture stiffen from behind you. Sending daggers right at Hangman.

“I assumed.” You nodded to him. Lucky for you there were only a few pilots hanging out at the Hard Deck tonight. Six of the twelve pilots that went on the mission got invited to stay and teach. Five accepted. Four were presently relaxing after a long week training to become the next generation of trainers, “I’m Y/N.” Introducing yourself to the pilots was intimidating. Each one more self-assured than the next.

“Oh, we know.” The blonde one grinned mischievously as he stepped forward, “You’re a hell of a lot prettier thank Rooster was letting onto.”

“Really Seresin? Anything that moves with you, I swear.” The only woman spoke up while shaking her head, “Ignore him. I’m Natasha. That’s Jake and Bob is right over there. Javy’s also here he’s just on a date tonight. He’s the best.” She pointed to the one that was throwing darts with another guy in uniform.

Jake shrugged eyeing Bradley. He knew what Jake was trying to do. Get a rise out of him. Ever since you got here a week ago Jake had been hounding him about you. Trying to get him to admit to any sort of feeling but coming up stunningly short in his goal. Bradley wouldn’t crack. He’d convinced himself you’d never feel the same way so he refused to allow himself to ever think it could happen. Never would he admit that to Jake who’d go blabbing off to you the next time he sees you.

The last week reaffirmed his feelings. They never went away they were just sidelined for a bit as the two of you navigated life apart for a bit. It scared him. The feelings that he had for you. Each time you smiled he swore it was the most beautiful thing. How you’d gotten even more gorgeous in the years he hadn’t seen you face to face was beyond him. He was speechless when he spotted you running towards him at the airport. And man, when he hugged you and got a whiff of you he felt everything he had before only tenfold. There you were. His person. Standing there in front of him. It felt too damn good to be true.

Natasha must’ve picked up on what was going on because she pulled you away, “Y/N, let me show you around. I’m sure Rooster did a terrible job.”

He smirked watching you get taken away from him so quickly. He should’ve known. They were all terribly curious of you after Jake blew up his spot. Still, he’d never admit it. He’d look like a little lovesick puppy accepting that fate. The worst thing that could happen is it gets back to you, and you don’t feel the same. He’d fuck a lifetime of friendship and love up. He couldn’t do that. Not when he finally had you back in his grasp after so long apart.

You shot him a nod as you followed Natasha out of the bar and onto the beach. His eyes followed your figure as you left. He had it bad for you.

“You love that girl.” Jake was now standing right next to him. He hadn’t heard Hangman walk over as he watched you. Too entranced with you.

“For the thousandth time this week…”

“Jesus Christ.” Jake sighed almost slamming his empty bottle on the high top, “Shut the fuck up would you. You love her. You know I have eyes and I can see through them. You haven’t taken yours off her.” Jake sat down knowing he had him. His eyes certainly betrayed him. He’d have to do something he really didn’t want to do. Approach another girl. As much as he craved to be around you he had to do this for your sake. Jake was going to end up saying something he regretted.

“Next girl that walks in. I’m getting her number.” Bradley sighed knowing it probably wasn’t the best course of action.

“That doesn’t mean shit. You can flirt with other women and still love her.” Hangman looked exasperated now, “You’re too fucking blind to see it but she looks at you the same way.” He hoped it meant something to Bradley now.

“Drop it.”

Jake put his hands up, “You’re being such a fucking idiot right now. I’ll stop but you’re going to hurt her.”

“I won’t.” Bradley spotted you walking back over with Phoenix. Because of course he did, he always seemed to notice when you walked into a room. It pained him not to stay. To talk to you. The two of you had so much more to catch up on. But he needed to. He had to put some space in between while his co-workers were sitting right there.

Against his better judgment he walked up to the first single looking girl he saw to strike up a conversation. You were too into the conversation with Natasha that you didn’t notice Bradley walking away. When you made it back over the frown the crossed your face was inevitable when you couldn’t find him. Yours eyes scanned but you couldn’t seem to find him. Maybe he was just in the restroom. It wasn’t like him to leave you with people you didn’t know.

“He’s being a dumbass right now.” Jake joined you and Natasha at the table.

“Hmm?” Your eyes flicked up to Jake instead of the restroom door he was surely coming out of soon.

“Your boyfriend.” Natasha smirked at the comment. She’d picked up on it too. As much as both of you tried to reject it, there was something there.

You laughed uneasily. God how you’d love him to be your boyfriend. You know he’d make the best one. Whatever lucky ass girl stole him would have her life changed, for the better.

“You love him.” It was more of a statement than a question. Your mouth bobbed open in retort, but you couldn’t say you didn’t. You loved him so much. Everything felt so easy with him. The two of you picking up right where you left off all those years ago. It certainly helped that you usually had some form of communication at least once throughout the day. If you didn’t talk on the phone it was a text. He loved it, so did you. He loved you. He knew it. Couldn’t admit it.

“I think… I do?” You looked surprised that you said it. You’d kept it in for so long it felt foreign coming off your tongue.

Jake’s smirk turned into a smile. He didn’t even have to grill you to get you to admit it, “Then do me a favor and don’t look at the bar.”

You turned immediately heart sinking seeing him chatting it up with a pretty blonde girl. Jake groaned seeing you spot him immediately. He too should’ve known you’d be like Bradley. Defiant. Not listening to him. It’d piss him off more, but you charmed him already. He was impressed. You were able to keep up. Seemed sweet. A catch in his eyes. He could see how Bradley could love you. It seemed easy. Jake didn’t think for a second if you weren’t Bradley’s he’d be trying.

“I told you not to look.”

Turning your head back to him you nodded, “You did.” Taking a long drink from your glass you knew this would be a long night. It was so out of character for him though. You had to wonder what was up with him.

“He’s being dumb. Thinks you don’t like him.” A confused expression crossed your features as you registered Jake’s admission. Bradley liked you? He couldn’t. Not after he’d pushed you away so obviously in the past.

You shook your head, “He doesn’t like me. Sees me like a sister.” Crossing your arms over your chest all you wanted to do was curl up in a ball and vanish away from here.

Jake scoffed, “Trust me sweetheart. He does not see you like a sister.”

“Yeah, well. Don’t get my hopes up. He’s sitting there talking to someone else. If he liked me he’d be up here.” You threw it back in his face.

“I told you he was being dumb. Just like you are, right now.”

Rolling your eyes, you finished off your beer, “You’re very too the point Jake.”

“Life’s short.”

Sure is. You got up to get another drink. Unbeknownst to you, you’d caught the attention of the other group of Naval pilots on the other side of the bar. Jake told you to stay away. He knew their intentions. They were the students, much younger and much more aggressive with it.

One was so forward he walked right on up to you as you waited for the bartender to get your order. You felt him on your side before you heard him speak, “Now what’s a pretty thing like you doing at this bar?”

You looked around playing dumb, “I’m here with friends.”

“Those guys?” He pointed up towards Jake, Natasha, and Bob.

You nodded, “Yep.” The guy was off to you. Giving you bad energy as he inched closer and closer to you. You tried to step away from him but unfortunately boxed yourself in.

“You can do better beautiful.” He smiled to himself thinking he was all that.

“Okay.” You grabbed your beer before ducking under his arms walking back towards the group quickly. You felt his eyes on you as you rushed away.

To your surprise you spotted Bradley back with the group away from the pretty girl, “Boy am I glad to see you guys.” You sighed in frustration as you took the seat next to Bradley who gave you a small smile. Acting weird you noted.

“You seemed to have been enjoying yourself.” Bradley simply stating making sure not to look at you.

Shaking your head quickly, “Not at all. Sleezy.”

“What’d he say?” Jake looked irritated. There was a reason he warned you. He knew exactly what went through those brains. He was in that position not too long ago. There weren’t many logical thoughts when your young, attractive and a pilot. They didn’t get told no very often.

“Nothing before I got out of there.”

“Atta girl.” Jake nodded.

Bradley shrugged, “You should go for it.”

Your head turned quickly at him before your heart sunk a little lower, “What?”

His heart broke a little seeing your confused expression. But on he went, his own worst enemy, “Yeah, you always complain about not having a boyfriend. Go for it. See what it’s like.”

Jakes eyebrows raised as he watched the tension rise between the two of you. What in the hell was Bradshaw doing? You too had a pained expression as your heart broke even further, “Oh, okay. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to complain.” Looking away you made eye contact with Jake who was shaking his head. You knew he wanted you to stay put. He already warned you about them and their obvious intentions. But what’d you have to lose? Bradley was already gone. There wasn’t much else for you now.

You shrugged taking Bradley’s advice.

“Y/N.” Jake tried to stop you, but you walked off leaving your drink. You didn’t catch the sadness that crossed on Bradley’s face as you were walking away. You were too busy trying not to blink back tears. But here you were. Going to go give your number to this dude. Putting out for him sounded horrendous but it just might be what your shattering heart needed. Or so your brain thought.

Something wasn’t right. Your head was feeling far too light. Your eyes started to dry out as you tried to focus on the pilot’s face across from yours. You were on the date Bradley recommended. It was going about as bad as you’d expect. Everything related back to sex with the man. You couldn’t even seem to remember his name. You were coming up with an escape plan but then your head started going fuzzy.

“I’m getting some air. I’ll be right back.” You abruptly stood from the table the two of you were seated out.

His smile didn’t seem so innocent anymore as he nodded to you. Maybe it was your head just messing with you? You walked and stumbled your way out of the restaurant feeling sets of eyes on you. You hadn’t hardly drunken a thing, this was no buzz. You were feeling drugged. You’d seen it time and time again, girls getting roofied going to the ER. You were about to be one of those girls.

You tried for Bradley, but it just kept ringing. Again, you pressed call, but it kept ringing and going to voicemail. You knew you didn’t have much time to figure this out. In a few moments the drugs would overtake and who knows what the creep will do to you. You shuttered as you decided on calling Jake. He’d given you his number after you gave yours out.

Jake answered immediately. When you didn’t respond he panicked, “Y/N? Hello?”

You wanted to speak but it was like your brain was disconnected from your mouth, “J…Jake.” Was all you could seem to manage. Your own thoughts started getting hazy as you saw the front door open and close revealing him. Fuck. Not much time now.

“Y/N? What’s going on?” He sounded desperate. You tried with all your might to talk but it wasn’t happening. You suddenly understood those poor, poor girls who were drugged like this. How fucking awful it was.

“Drugs.” You managed before he beelined it right from you.

“Drugs? Y/N what the fuck?” Was all you heard before the phone dropped out of your hand. It didn’t hang up the call though. Jake was hearing everything.

“Y/N, let’s go home.”

You think you shook your head, you couldn’t be so sure, “You’re hurting me.” You whined feeling his hands grab your wrists forcefully. That was going to bruise.

“Time to go, now.” He snapped knowing that they were still in a very public place, and you were gone. Lost in your own brain now.

“No, no.” You cried out before he pulled you too him and away from the phone. Jake was already on his way. You weren’t far. He was worried he wouldn’t make it in time. He was with Bradley and heard the whole thing. Bradley couldn’t move, paralyzed in fear hearing your soft plea’s through the phone. He did that to you. He was supposed to protect you. Not push you into the arms of a fucked-up frat boy.

Jake pulled him by the collar into the car. He’d pulled up the Find My app making sure he was heading to the right spot. Two minutes never felt so long as he flew past the speed limit in an instant. Bradley’s heart wouldn’t stop racing as he thought the worst. How could have done this to you? He’d let his stupid fucking ego get in the way and now you were hurt. Because of him.

“Rooster, say something.” Jake almost yelled at him. He was getting pissed. Bradley had gone nearly catatonic once Jake turned the speaker on. They were just supposed to be getting drinks at the bar not too far from the restaurant. Just in case. Maybe he shouldn’t have ignored your calls. Fuck. He knew he fucked up.

Jake pulled in just in the nick of time. Bradley didn’t know what came over him, but he blacked out. All he remembers is opening his eyes and seeing the pilot on the ground, knocked out cold and blood running out of his nose. Lucky for him the adrenaline was enough to make his hand feel fine. He knew it was going to hurt once it wore off.

“Damn.” Jake whistled seeing how quickly he took care of that problem, “Didn’t think you had it in you Rooster.” Jake kicked his side lightly to make sure he was out.

It didn’t take long before Bradley turned his attention towards you, “Y/N.” Placing his hands on your cheeks he turned your very limited attention towards him.

You smiled recognizing the man standing before you, “Oh, hi RooRoo. You’re so pretty.” You blurted out. You were too far gone to notice the brilliant shade of red Bradley wore on his cheeks to your compliment. Of course, you thought him as pretty. He was beautiful. The most handsome guy in your eyes. Nobody could compare. Nobody ever would.

“RooRoo?” Jake laughed at the nickname that so easily rolled off your tongue.

Bradley very quickly shot him a glare, “Not now, please. Later. We gotta get her to a hospital. I have no idea what he laced her dinner with.” He looked worried enough that Jake dropped the smile and walked back over to the car quickly pulling it up to where you were standing.

“Can you walk?”

“My feet are really heavy.” You giggled trying to pick them up to no avail. It’s like your brain was working but wouldn’t communicate the commands to anything you needed it to.

“I’m going to pick you up alright?” He waited for anything before he touched you. He didn’t want to do anything that’d freak you out. You’d already been through enough at his expense.

“You’re so pretty.” You went to touch his cheek but missed completely. You frowned but quickly burst into a fit of giggled forgetting his question entirely. He took that as confirmation enough. He quickly picked you up into his arms, bridal style. Before you could even comprehend what happened you were seated in the back seat next to Bradley.

“I’m so tired.” You closed your eyes leaning on him for support.

“Hey, can you keep them open for me?” Bradley asked. Once Jake heard the seat belt click he was off towards the ER. Definitely not how he envisioned his nor your night.

“No.” You yawned feeling the full effects take over. You felt his hand wrap around your head securing you in his side.

“I got you sweetness.”

“Fuck.” You groaned as your eyes adjusted to the bright hospital lights.

“There she is.” Jake perked up seeing your eyes open. He nudged a sleeping Bradley who shot over to you once he realized.

“Y/N. How are you?” He looked nervous. So incredibly nervous as he looked at you in an entirely new light. He was your next of kin. Your power of attorney. You’d made him your living decider should things go wrong. So, the doctor had no problem disclosing your file to him. He thought you were married after all.

To his horror he read through all the different times you were admitted back in your hometown. Almost every other month you were there with different degrees of injury. You were accident prone but never to that extent. He didn’t tell Jake. He couldn’t tell Jake. That was between you and him now. That’s it.

Jake took the silence as his que, “I’m going to go get some food. I’ll be back later.” He walked off leaving just you and Bradley. Your person.

“My head hurts like a bitch.” You groaned closing your eyes not too thrilled about the situation you were in, “What happened?”

“You were roofied.” He frowned, “Jake and I brought you in. They admitted you because your heart rate was so low. I’m so sorry Y/N.” Grabbing your hand but looking down Bradley squeezed it as gently as possible.

You sighed loving the innocent contact between the two of you, “What a dickhead.”

Bradley laughed. A sound you enjoyed so deeply. A sound you loved pulling right out of him. He was so fucking perfect to you. You just wished you had the courage to tell him before it was too late. He too was a catch. He wouldn’t be single for long if he didn’t want to be.

“What a dickhead.” He nodded in agreement, “I’m so sorry.” He apologized again.

“It’s okay. You saved me. My knight in shining armour.” You yawned still feeling the effects of the drugs that were wearing off. Your mouth was still clearly loosey goosey with it.

He laughed again, “How do you do that?”

“Do what? You asked curiously.

“Make everything so lighthearted. This is so serious and yet here I am laughing.”

“I don’t know. You make me feel safe I guess. I know you’d never judge me. You’d have my back though anything. It’s easy to be lighthearted with you.” You admitted. One of the bigger admissions you’d have to say. You loved flirting with him, but it usually never got deeper than that. Not until now.

“I read your files.” He couldn’t keep it in.

It took you a moment to fully understand what he meant, “Oh.” Was it. You didn’t have anything else to say. It was suddenly a bit mortifying realizing what had happened in your past. Like you were too weak to stop it.

“What happened after your mom died Y/N?” He noticed the dates. He wasn’t dumb.

“Well, good old Jerry decided to take it out on me.” You never thought you’d have to explain it to him. You never thought you’d be back in the hospital so soon. It never crossed your mind.

“Y/N… Why didn’t you tell me?” He scooted close to you on his chair. One hand squeezing one of yours and the other on your cheek.

You looked away willing the tears away. But they fell in rapid succession, “You couldn’t have done anything. You were living your life. I had to figure mine out.” It wasn’t a great excuse. But it was the truth. You didn’t want to burden him with it.

“Oh, my Y/N. I’m so sorry. I wish you told me.” He brushed the stream of tears away blinking back his own. He couldn’t imagine you so injured. Breaking bones on the regular. It wasn’t you. You were being abused and hurt. His girl. And he wasn’t there for you. That broke his heart.

“I’m sorry…” You looked down and away, “For not telling you. I didn’t know how.”

“It’s okay sweetness. No more secrets though, from here on out?”

You nodded smiling slightly at his seemingly new name for you, “No more secrets. I can do that.” You agreed looking right at him. God, he was so beautiful. Your Bradley. He was here for you if you let him. And you finally let him.

“I love you Y/N. I’m in love with you. I always have been.” He looked away from you. Horrified that it came out so quickly. He let Jake’s comments take over his head.

You nodded in realization, “I think I love you…. No, I know I love you. I love you too.” Groggily you grinned at him nodding in realization.

His head snapped up towards you, “Yeah?” He really couldn’t believe it. There wasn’t a scenario in his head where you said it back. Yet here you were, saying it right back to him. That smile on your face made him gleam.

“Oh yeah.”

“I love you.” He took your hand peppering kisses on the back sending shivers right on up it. The laughter that left your throat was one of the most freeing feelings. Not knowing how much that had weighted on you over the years.

“And I love you Bradley Bradshaw.”

Taglist: senjoritanana

321 notes · View notes

thewulf · 10 months

Text

Time is a Gift || Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Summary: Can I request a Bradley x Reader where they are really good friends (can be stationed anywhere idc) and reader just lost a really important family member to her (mom/dad/brother/sister) and only Bradley really knows her pain of losing somebody you love so young... Read Rest Here

A/N: Very sad but sweet. Goes out to those who've lost somebody close too soon. Thank you for the request!

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Y/N

Word Count: 2.7k +

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She was supposed to be here for the rest of your life. You still had so much to learn from her. She was supposed to be there for your wedding, if that was ever going to happen, for the birth of your children. She was supposed to be the world’s best grandma. But she never even got the chance.

An aneurysm took her from the world two weeks ago. Your life changed entirely in those two weeks since you got the dreaded call.

One night you hung the phone up with an “I love you.” Then the next morning you got the call from your dad. She was gone. Just like that. At least it was painless. At least it was in her sleep. That’s the only thing that gave you any sort of solace. She didn’t suffer. But she was gone. Your mom. Momma. Mommy. Your rock. Just gone. Off into the night and never coming home.

Sure, you’d had your blow out fights with her when you were younger. But as you got older you got closer with her. She was your best friend. Your biggest cheerleader. Your number one confidant. The person you went to when you needed just about anything. Just gone. Poof. Like the wind.

It felt like you couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Merely going through the motions. A zombie of your former self. You didn’t even remember the funeral. You didn’t remember hugging your brother goodbye at the airport. You didn’t remember a damn thing that first week. Fragile. Broken. A shell of your former self.

Your dad dropped you off back in San Diego after the two weeks of leave you’ve been given. It all felt so pointless. So helpless. Your favorite thing in the world, flying, didn’t even spark an interest. The thought of going back to work in a few days made you physically ill. You couldn’t anymore. There wasn’t a point. This devastation of the reality of the situation hit you the hardest. She’d never got to meet the man you’d marry (or so you thought). She was robbed of so much. Her life cut impossibly short.

You and Bradley were normally tied at the hip. You all but ignored him for the last two weeks. Only giving him a few responses in your absence. It was hard to feel bad. It was hard to feel anything. It’s like she took a chunk of your soul when she departed the earth.

Bradley couldn’t stand it. Couldn’t stand not being able to talk to you. Talk you through it. He knew how it all felt. He knew better than anybody what it was like. His mom passed not that long ago. He could help you. But you wouldn’t take it. You refused it. Only giving him enough to know you were fucking alive.

He’d seen you at the funeral. But you were just a ghost of your former yourself. A body without it’s host. Something going through the motions. He’d tried in the small amount of time he got with you. It wasn’t enough. You were too far gone to hear anybody at that point.

He knew you were coming back today. When you didn’t answer his text, then the phone call, then another text he knew what he needed to do. He had to come to you. As your best friend. As the man who loved you more than anything in the world. As the man who was so enamored with you he couldn’t possibly imagine a life without you in it. Without your bright smile that made your eyes crinkle up in the corners. Without your infectious laughs that’d bring any sane man down to his knees. You’d helped him as much as he hoped he could help you. If you’d let him in.

He knocked on your door only to be met with utter silence. You had to be back though. Your car was moved into the driveway. You were home and you were isolating yourself. It broke his heart thinking how lost you must’ve been. Lost without somebody to guide you through the unimaginable.

The tears dried up after a week of crying. But the numbness… the numbness didn’t ever seem to fade. Not even when you slept. It only seemed to grow stronger. Take your over inch by inch day after day. You’d screamed and cried and let it all out, but she was still gone. You would never be able to talk to her again. Get her advice on a boy or an outfit. You’d never be able to cry into her shoulder when you got your heart broken again. She just didn’t exist anymore.

You heard the knocking. Oh, you heard it loud and clear. But you couldn’t get up. The bed was swallowing you, consuming your entirety. Not that you were upset about it. You wanted it to. What was the point? She was stripped right from you. A sick twist of fate.

You also heard the lock click open. The front door opened and closed softly. It was Bradley. You could tell just by the steps he took. By the sounds he made. He’d always had a spare key. For as long as you’d lived close to him he had a key to yours and you to his. For emergencies of course.

“Y/N?” He called from down the hall. Even if you wanted to there was no sound that came from your mouth. You pulled the comforter over your head. Maybe he wouldn’t see you. Maybe.

It didn’t work. He’d spotted you almost instantly. Because he was Bradley.

“Y/N?” It was a whisper now. He didn’t turn the light on as he walked into your bedroom. His heart shattering as he inched closer. He pulled the comforter down only to see your sallow face. Had you been eating? Were you even taking care of yourself?

“Hey, sweetheart.” He whispered bringing a comforting hand to your head. Softly, he brushed the tangled hair out of your face. Face contorting seeing you so… broken. You were usually so polished and poised. A brilliant smile always adorning your precious face. He was a sucker. A sucker so hopelessly in love it hurt. Seeing you like this made his sucker heart implode in itself.

You still hadn’t said a word. It made him more than nervous. He walked to the other side of the bed taking a seat in the spot next to you, “I’m here Y/N. I’m here.” He watched as you slowly rolled yourself to face him. Flicking your eyes up to his more than concerned face. It made you feel something. Something for the first time in two fucking weeks.

“Bradley…” You managed to croak out after not speaking for what felt like two weeks. The conversations were kept short between you and your grieving father.

His eyes softened even more as he witnessed the tears falling down your face, “Hey, I’m here.”

“I’m so tired.” The tears the seemed to have dried up were now freely falling from your face once again. He’d brough you back from the dead just by being there for you.

He nodded scooting a bit closer. Brushing the tears out of your face with his thumbs, “I know. Time doesn’t heal all wounds Y/N. You’ll miss her every damn day. Some days more than others. But there is a gift time gives us.” Gently, he palmed your chin to look in his direction, “Time softens the pain and blurs the painful memories.”

More tears raced down your cheek. Bradley opened the floodgate that seemed to be stuck closed. Your heart ached for him. Not even realizing how much you’d shut him out over the last few weeks. It hit you how bad you needed him right then and there as he inched his was closer and closer towards you.

He knew it too. He saw the flash come across your face. He saw the way your eyes downturned. He knew you through and through, “Come here.” He sat up on the bed so you could cuddle into him. Knowing exactly what you needed in that moment.

Immediately you pushed the comforter aside in favor of him, “Bradley.” A sob escaped your throat as you clung to his chest. Clung to something that was alive and breathing.

“I know sweetheart, I know.” He ran a few fingers through your hair after he pulled you all the way into his lap squeezing you tight. You were falling apart right in front of him. He had to be strong for you. Had to be the rock that was suddenly take from you.

“It hurts.” Your voice raised an octave. You felt like a six your old child having a meltdown. Your eyes were bloodshot from the salty tears that sprung back to life. Your nose was running like a faucet. You felt like you couldn’t breathe from the sobs that wracked your chest. You felt broken. Broken beyond repair. Not even sure if Bradley could help.

“Shh.” He pulled your head into the crevice of his neck and rocked you back and forth in his arms, “Remember that summer that was hotter than beyond belief? God what was that? Twenty some odd years ago now?” He knew he had to get you thinking about something else. Pull your pretty little head out of the deep dark spiral it was in.

You nodded into him. You were eight and he was ten. Your family had just moved in across the street the winter prior. Your parents had tried to get the two of you to play but neither of you were having it. Afterall girls had cooties and boys were disgusting. That was until you were playing outside one day. You’d caught a rogue football with ease. Bradley invited you to join him and some of his friends. Thank God you did because the rest was history.

“It was so hot. Over 100 degrees and mom wouldn’t let me come inside.” He smiled remembering how he felt like she was torturing him.

You hummed letting his talking take over, letting it completely distract you from reality. It felt good to be cuddled up in his arms. Like you were meant to be there.

“And your mom let me come inside for a freeze pop. A blue one.” Bradley grinned remembering. He always thought it was so funny how your brain held onto the seemingly most random memories. Little did he know why his brain held onto it. To help you right now. He understood why all the sudden.

“I remember thinking how lucky I was then. To have found you as a friend. Your mom treated me like her own son. I’d never felt so loved by somebody other than my mom.” He squeezed you just a bit tighter recalling that memory so vividly.

It made you smile. Somehow someway he’d done it. But then the tears started flowing again. Both happy and sad as you relished the memory. Happy you’d gotten to experience it but so sad you’d never get to make new ones with her.

“What is it?” He asked seeing the tears break free once more.

You sniffled for a moment trying to find the will to talk, “Bradley…” Another sob escaped you as you kept grabbing at his shirt. Feeling the material fist between your palms. It kept you grounded as you tried to come back to life.

“You can talk. You can cry. You can scream. You can punch me for all I care Y/N. Let it out sweetheart. I’m here for you. I’ll be here for you through it all.” He kept running his hand through your hair. He knew how much it normally soothed you just hoping it’d help a bit.

You held onto him. Held onto him like your life was dependent on it, “I wish it was me instead of her.”

He shook his head quickly before pulling you back. Looking you right in the eye and pleading with you, “Please don’t ever say that again. Please Y/N. You have to know how loved you are. How cherished you are by everyone you meet. You’re a light and we can’t live without you.” He paused a moment before adding, “I can’t live without you.”

It brought on another fresh set of tears. Ones you couldn’t pinpoint the emotions of. A mix of love, anguish, hurt, comfort, and everything in between seemed to roll down your cheeks once more. You’d wished you could stop. It never seemed like this would end. The world seemed to be showing you a much darker place lately.

He wrapped you back up. The worst is that he knew exactly how you felt. How your world was falling apart. Your person ripped fresh away from you. He wished he could take all the pain away from you. He wished and prayed. It wasn’t fair. But then again, when was it?

“I love you.” He whispered as he continued rocking you back and forth in his arms, “You are so adored.” He continued holding you.

“I’m so sorry.” You sounded a mess as you buried your face in his chest. You didn’t really wish your time on earth to be cut short. It was the sadness talking through you. Your mom would be so pissed you’d even say that.

He brought his hand up to cradle the side of your face into his chest. Almost as if you were a newborn baby. The overwhelming sense of comfort it brought on you was not lost. He was more than a best friend and you knew it. He knew it. But neither of you did anything about it. Comfortable in the state the two of you operated in. Nearly lovers but not quite. Tiptoeing on an invisible line.

“It’s okay.” He held you so close you found solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Slow and steady, here to calm you. Everything about him seemed to relax you just a bit. He allowed you to breakdown so fully in front of him. He was prepared and ready to pick up the crumbling pieces of the delicately built house that was now toppling down on top of you. He was ready though. Ready to be there for you. Always waiting in the wings ready to catch you if you needed it.

“Time is a curse.” He kissed the top of your forehead as he’d done hundreds of times, “Time is a gift. A beautiful gift.” He let you soak that in before continuing. He wanted you to really process the words.

You sighed feeling utterly relaxed under the gentle rocking and his light touch. His all-encompassing grip he had on you. You breathed in the sweet scent of Bradley A mixture of soap, leather, and single malt scotch. A scent that soothed you more than you realized.

“Thank you Bradley.” It came out so faint, but he heard it. Gently, he gave your sides a squeeze.

He nodded his head to the rhythm of the rocking motion he had you in. You were slowly succumbing to the effects of it all. His heartbeat, his smell, him. You were on the brink of falling asleep on him, “You got it sweetheart.” He placed another gentle kiss to your forehead, “I was told that grief is just the absence of love. A place where love can’t flow. Redirect that love into something new.”

You nodded into him feeling the weight of the world slowly being lifted off your shoulders. Your eyes drooped as you held onto him like your life depended on it.

He had thought you might’ve fallen asleep before you spoke again, “I love you. You know.” Your eyes shuttered closed for what felt like the final time that night as sleep threatened to take over.

Bradley smiled. His grip on you only getting a little tighter as his fingers squeezed just a bit harder, “I know sweetheart.”

You hummed a sweet sound. A soft smile caressed your fast before your breathing slowed. He watched you as your slept on him. Making a few maneuvers in the bed he laid your head in his side pulling you close again. Still letting you hear his heartbeat but laying down this time.

“I love you too. More than you’ll ever know.” He placed one last kiss on your forehead before closing his eyes hoping to join you in a dreamless sleep.

Permanent Taglist (Message me or comment below if you want to be added!): @loving-and-dreaming @kmc1989 @memeorydotcom @matisse556 @dempy

163 notes · View notes