#Yes Bradley is a good man but he still hurt Jake and Jake hurt him too

[agreatandhonorablesoldier]

And I pulled your body into mine Every goddamn night, now I get fake niceties

[ddejavvu]

Rooster w a reader who helps penny at the bar on a really busy night and is a big hit with all the guys, much to Roosters dismay. One time after she is heading back from delivering drinks, a guy from a rowdy table that has been bothering her tries to shoot his shot and grabs her ass but she is having none of it and turns around to greet him with a HARD backhand to the face. Bonus points if the reader is typically super bubbly and flirty with everyone, so this behavior is unusual, and everyone just goes wild😭

Roo would definitely love to see her stick up for herself and the boys def be there to kick the guy out.

There's not even a full second between when the man's hand connects with your ass, and when your own connects with his face. There's two sharp cracks that silence all noise in the bar, and though the jukebox is still warbling, silence is thick and suffocating.

You seethe down at the man who'd recoiled from your touch, now clutching his face with his elbow leaned against the table he's sitting beside.

There's no indication of what had prompted you to slap him until you speak, teeth gritted as you somehow keep balance over your tray of drinks.

"If you ever try to grab my ass again, you won't have hands to try it a third time. Do you understand me?"

The man doesn't bother responding, but you take an empty beer bottle that he'd downed only minutes prior, flipping it upside down in your hold so that the mouth faces you, and the neck is securely in your grip.

"I am not above smashing this into your dick. Answer me. Do you understand?"

"Yes!" The man chokes out, legs squeezed tightly together and a hand over his crotch, "Yes, I understand."

You don't bother gracing him with any further attention, turning sharply away and chucking the empty bottle into a bin behind the counter. Its clatter is everyone's queue to get back to business as usual, and Bradley's already walking towards you when you turn to serve his table.

"Baby," He starts, but you plow past him, taking his hand in yours to drag him along with you.

"Not here," You spit through gritted teeth, "Meet me in the back room."

He follows your instructions to the letter when you drop his hand, quite possibly intimidated by your demeanor even though you'd have no urge to punish him with it. You set the tray down on the table that his squadron has gathered around, passing out drinks wordlessly as they stare.

"Good hit," Phoenix breaks the silence, and though irritation is still stewing just beneath the surface of your skin, you can't be upset with her.

You let your lips twist into a miniscule smirk, lifting barely on one side, "Thanks."

"Penny'll want him thrown overboard," Fanboy muses, "Can I do the honors?"

"I'll join," Jake drawls, and Bob volunteers as third.

"Alright," Your tight smirk fades into a weak smile, eyes downcast as bashfulness takes over, "Thanks, guys."

"Anytime." Payback claps you on the shoulder, thanking you for his drink, "Just stay away from my junk with that bottle, okay?"

"Don't grab my ass," You warn him through a chuckle, "I gotta go."

You take your leave with less anger boiling your insides, but you're still rightfully peeved when you meet Bradley in the supply closet.

"Baby," He tries again, and this time you let him take you by the hips, his worried eyes boring into yours, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," You insist, because the man's hand hadn't hurt as much as it had sickened you, "Just feel gross."

"I'm sorry," He hums, wrapping you in his arms and pointedly avoiding contact with your behind, in case you're more sensitive than you realize, "I'll throw him overboard if you want baby, just say the word."

"Fanboy, Hangman, and Bob are already on that," You admit, speaking into the black fabric adorning his shoulder, "I want you here."

"I'm here," He assures you with no further hesitation, letting you melt into his arms as he presses a kiss to your hairline, "I'm here, honey, you're safe with me."

[intricatechaosofyou]

I have a request for you

TW: mentions of being sick (like a cold)

Hey I'm feeling a bit sick so I was wondering if you could write how Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia,Jake "Hangman" Seresin, Robert "Bob" Floyd and Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw would do that or something?

You don't have to I was just wondering

Sick Days

Pairing: x gn!reader

Fandom: Top Gun: Maverick

Summary: You’re not feeling well. Luckily the Navy’s best is a pretty good nurse. Just some headcanons about how our favorite flyboys react to you being sick :)

Request: yes

Warnings: being sick (symptoms similar to a head cold), medicine

Author’s note: this is my first request???? Wtf?? And I hope you feel better hun!! <3 this is actually a little late cause I got sick too so perfect timing haha. Also first time writing for most of these characters! I hope you enjoy!!

━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━

Robert “Bob” Floyd:

My guy gets so worried

Does a quick little Google search to make sure he’s giving you the best medicine for your symptoms

He will make sure you’re so comfy in bed

You’re surrounded on all side by pillows and blankets and tissues

It’s a glorious nest

He’ll make you tea with honey to soothe your throat and help you drink it

Constantly checks in on you to make sure you’re still doing okay

Barely leaves your side

When he does, he’s texting you constantly

Like seriously, he’ll be in the kitchen and text you

[are you feeling alright?]

[Robby, you saw me thirty second ago]

[just checking]

Not to mention he cannot say no to you while you’re sick

You wanna watch that horror movie he despises? Anything for you

You wanted to know if he’d make his mama’s famous biscuits? Say no more

Literally pampers you

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw:

Mama Carol taught this boy the ✨best✨ soup recipe

Like it cures all

The second you sniffle or cough, he’s racing to the store to get the ingredients

Rooster is such an acts of service person, so he’d totally make this soup to show his love

He’ll do everything within his power to make you better: soup, make sure you get plenty of sleep, get your medicine, and if you claim a kiss will make you better? How can he resist

Definitely goes a little bit overboard in his caring

The softest, sweetest voice while he’s talking to you

“Hey, chicken. You gotta eat. I made my mom’s famous soup”

Will rub your back as he sings you to sleep

While you sleep, he gets the soup put away and makes dinner

Except to pampered, you will not be lifting a finger

No cooking, no cleaning for like a month after you get sick

Rooster’s taking care of it all (and if he misses his training, he’ll get Mav to understand)

Jake “Hangman” Seresin:

He’s a complicated man

You mention you’re sick and his immediate response is “don’t get me sick”

You cough or sneeze and he’s out of bed in an instant

And it’s hurts, like does he really prioritize not getting over your well being

You wallow in self pity for ten minutes until he comes back in with a box of tissues, cough medicine, some water, and a large glass of orange juice

“You were out of orange juice so I went to get some, babe”

He left to get you some “sick supplies” to get you better faster

Cause he’s a sweetheart when he wants to be, and he’s gotta make sure his sweetheart is good to go

He makes you stick to Navy routine:

Medicine every few hours, drinking a glass of water every hour, taking your temperature intermittently

It’s funny honestly, cause he’s never cared for the rules but the second you’re sick he’s the biggest stickler for the rules ever

“No, baby, you gotta take the medicine. It’ll help you feel better”

“Jakey, I don’t want to”

“C’mon, sooner you’re better, sooner I can kiss you”

You think over his words for a second before holding out your hand and letting him hand you the pills

He’s gonna get you better as soon as possible (he really misses your kisses)

Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia:

He’s the type to try to distract you

You aren’t feeling well? Time to break out the jokes

Dances like an idiot when he delivers you soup or juice or anything like that

And don’t get me started on how intuitive he is (that’s what he gets from being a backseater)

You want soup? Stove’s already on

Need some water? Full glass is already ok the nightstand

Out of tissues? Where’d that new box come from?

Literally anticipates your every need

And if you just want cuddles? This is your man

He will cuddle your sickness away

“Babe, I don’t think that’s how it works” “shhhhhh”

He will let you lay your head on his chest as your watch dorky shows and he really earns his call sign as “Fanboy”

Definitely the one to subtly try and slip you medicine so you don’t notice and won’t taste it

One of the bestest boys to have with you while you’re sick 10/10

[vivalas-vega]

Oooh my, your requests are freaking open???? I've got an idea in my head for a long time and now I give it a try and send it to you. I'm obsessed with Jake (and Bradley) x Roomie (fem reader or oc) trope, so apologies in advance for this one (also a sucker for hurt and comfort 😬). I try to keep it as short as possible: Rooster's and Hangman's new roomie has a sad past. She has sleeping issues and bad nightmares. They hear her whimpering and crying in her sleep. The guys are worried but she plays it down, feeling bad for waking them up with her shit. Maybe she starts to sleep walking and unfortunately hurts herself during this episode. The guys find her in the middle if the night hurt. And she opens up to them telling them about her dreams and her past.

ahhhh !!! I'm so glad to finally get this one posted, I'm so sorry it took so long ! I am such a sucker for the roommate trope, and I love writing stories that are strictly platonic, just focusing on lovely friendship vibes bc those are just as important as the romantic ones !!! I hope you enjoy!

(this doesn't have a title yet bc it's admittedly the thing I'm the worst at when it comes to writing fics)

word count: 2.4k

warnings: mentions of alcohol, some suggestive humor, language, brief and vague mentions of death, lmk if I missed any

“Are you going to eat these leftovers?” you asked Bradley, who was sitting at the kitchen island keeping you company as you cleaned out the fridge and he stared at the tupperware container for an infuriatingly long time, contemplating his options before you let out an exasperated sigh. “Bradshaw, it’s pasta. Yes or no?”

“No,” he finally answered. “You’re in a mood.” 

“No mood, it would just be nice if you could be snappier in your responses while you just watch me clean the kitchen.”

“Yeah, definitely not in a mood,” he muttered under his breath but you heard it anyway. “Do you know where Hangman is?”

“You two share a bathroom and you still can’t call him by his name?” you asked with a chuckle. “He’s at the gym, should be back soon.”

“We only share a bathroom because you got the master,” he protested and you laughed again.

“I needed the bigger closet,” you shrugged. “I told you you’re welcome to use mine anytime.”

“After you reamed me for using your face wash? Thank you, but no thank you, I haven’t been yelled at like that since I borrowed my moms car to take Cindy Daniels on a date.”

“I only yelled because you used a forty dollar cleanser as body wash and somehow managed to use half the bottle. Besides, your mom was right to yell at you too, you stole her car and you were thirteen.”

“I was covered in grease! And my date with Cindy is none of your business.” 

“Are we having the face wash fight again?” Jake asked as he came in through the garage, pressing a kiss to the top of your head as he reached around you to grab a bottle of water, but you only pushed him away, muttering something about keeping his sweat away from you. “Take the blame, Chicken, you wasted half a bottle of Drunk Elephant, you’re lucky she didn’t put you on the porch for the night.”

“See, the craziest thing about this whole situation is you were just as outraged as she was.”

“Good skincare is not just for women, you might want to invest in a routine of your own.” he smirked before disappearing down the hallway and you heard the sound of the shower turning on.

“You working tomorrow?” Bradley asked, getting up to wash the containers you’d placed near the sink.

You shook your head, “a Friday and Saturday off, Penny was feeling extra generous.” You’d met the two of them, along with the rest of the team, when they’d first gotten to town for the infamous and secretive mission that almost claimed the life of the man currently donning cherry-printed cleaning gloves and scrubbing pasta sauce out of tupperware. You’d all become fast friends, they’d coax you out from behind the bar on your breaks or when your shift was over for darts or pool, and when your lease was up just as they received word of a permanent assignment it seemed to make sense for the three of you to find a place together. It was a godsend for you, it got you out of your cramped apartment with dismal lighting and into a beautiful craftsman only a few blocks away from the beach. Even with arguments with Bradley about face wash and a sweaty Jake, it was a no-brainer.

“Could we convince you into coming to your place of work on a night off? These new recruits are testing our patience, Phoenix wants a fun night out to blow off steam.”

“I could potentially be persuaded,” you replied, shutting the fridge after deeming it was as cleared out as it was going to get. 

“Which translates to as long as I’m not mixing them, I’ll always show up for drinks,” Jake said, walking back into the kitchen with freshly washed hair. “Do I get any kind of welcome home now that I’m not sweaty?” 

“No, because now you’re wet, did you even dry off?” you asked, snapping him with a dish towel before he rounded the island and wrapped his arms around you.

“Enough,” he answered, squeezing you tight as you pretended to hate it. Really, you loved living with these two. Being on your own before was starting to take its toll on you, and they reminded you of a different time in your life, one that felt like it was ancient history. “Not to dampen the mood, but… we did want to talk to you about something.”

“Sounds serious, should I break out the house meeting wine?” you asked, eyeing them skeptically as they shared a look with each other that you couldn’t quite decipher.

“We just wanted to… check in,” Bradley started and you raised your eyebrows. “The past few weeks we’ve heard certain sounds coming from your room and-”

“Okay, first of all,-” you started to cut him off, eyes wide at what you thought he was insinuating.

“Not like that, sweetheart,” Jake interjected. “But feel free to get louder when you do,” he half-joked and you hit him with the towel again. “What bird boy is trying to say is sometimes we hear what sounds like nightmares coming from your room and it’s happened enough that we just want to check in and see if everything is okay.” You suddenly felt nauseous. 

“If there’s something going on, or you need someone to talk to, you know we’re here, right?” Bradley asked and you nodded softly.

“I know, everything is fine, I’m sorry if I woke you.” you said, trying to dismiss their concerns altogether as you occupied yourself with looking over the mail.

“It’s just… it doesn’t sound fine, if you don’t want to talk to us we can help you find someone else to talk to, we just want to make sure you’re okay.” Jake tried and you gave him a forced smile.

“And I am, but I’m glad the two of you finally found something to agree on.” You tossed some junk mail in the garbage before turning to face them again, “I have some errands I want to run early tomorrow morning… text me if you need anything from the store but I’m going to turn in. Goodnight,” you said with another forced smile before heading down the hall and letting out a sigh as your back pressed against your closed bedroom door. You thought that things had gotten better… that enough time had passed. They seemed to be happening less and less, but maybe that wasn’t as true as you once thought. 

Your footsteps down the hallway were an unusual sound for this time of night… nightmares or not, once you went to bed you weren’t seen until the following morning and it was enough to stir Jake from his slumber. You on the other hand, were completely unaware of what was going on, still stuck in a dream, stuck in a fluorescent lit hallway with tears streaming down your face only you weren’t… you were in your living room, walking straight into the console table and falling onto the broken glass of the picture frames and vases you’d knocked over which was enough to jolt both of them out of bed. 

“Hey, hey, are you okay?” Bradley asked, crouching down beside you as you came to.

“Mav- Maverick?” you asked, voice hoarse as you struggled to place where you were, the images from your dream still fresh in your mind. He looked at Jake confused who was on the other side of you and carefully pushing glass aside.

“No, it’s Bradley… Honey, what happened?” You blinked a few times, finally recognizing you were on the floor of your living room and the searing pain of broken glass in your palms and knees.

“I don’t- oh my god. I’m so sorry,” you winced as you tried to stand but Jake was quick to scoop you up, holding you tight as he walked to the kitchen and carefully placed you next to the sink while Bradley grabbed the first aid kit. “I- I didn’t mean to wake you, I’m okay, you can go back to bed.” He just frowned at you and when Bradley returned he started pulling the shards from your palms while Jake worked on your knees. Silent tears were still streaming down your face and they were both trying to figure out how to ask you what was wrong, but one thing they knew for certain was no one was going back to bed until they got to the bottom of what was going on with you.

“Sweetheart, do you want to tell us what’s going on?” Jake asked softly, looking up briefly to meet your eyes before gently running his thumb along your cuts, making sure there weren’t any pieces he missed. 

You shook your head as you wiped your cheeks, “nothing, I just… I don’t know, I guess I was half-asleep? I’m really sorry I woke you,” you said and they both looked at you like they didn’t believe a word of it.

“Alright, I was willing to maybe let it go before but you could have been seriously hurt tonight. Something is going on with you,” Jake said, voice firm as he stopped what he was doing to wipe a few of your tears.

“Whatever it is, you can tell us. Why did you say Maverick’s name when you woke up?” Bradley asked and you closed your eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath before letting it all out. 

“I uh… there’s something I never told you about me.” you started, taking a moment to breathe as you felt your throat tighten. They stayed quiet, both carefully dabbing at your cuts with a damp cloth or rubbing aquaphor over them before bandaging them. “I wasn’t a teacher before realizing I liked bartending more, I was a pilot.”

“Wait, what?” Bradley asked, shock evident in his tone and Jake elbowed him, eyes silently pleading for you to continue. 

“My callsign is- or was Flash… like the superhero,” you chuckled but there wasn’t much humor in it and both of their eyes widened. “I was on a mission that went south really fast,  we were outnumbered and outgunned, we ran out of resources quickly. I was hit, and I couldn’t… I couldn’t save it, I couldn’t save him.” you choked out.

“Who?” Bradley whispered, you were all cleaned up now and they were both focused solely on you. Jake was rubbing reassuring circles on your thigh as Bradley held one of your hands in his own.

“My wizzo, we called him Genie… we both got to our squad at the same time, and on our first night out his icebreaker was if you had three wishes, what would you wish for?” You laughed again, but this time it was genuine.

“I’ve heard of him,” Jake said, noticing your breathing quicken just at the mention of him. “Both of you, actually, from what I’ve heard you were a hell of a pilot.”

“He couldn’t eject, something went wrong with the handles… I’d already pulled mine when I heard him say they were stuck and the next thing I know the jet is crashing into a hillside below me. I thought the dreams were getting better, and that I was maybe starting to move past it… I don’t think I really registered that it was happening again, or maybe that it never stopped.” 

“Honey, why didn’t you tell us this sooner?” Bradley asked, pushing a strand of hair behind your ear and you focused your gaze on your hands.

“I just… I didn’t want you to know that I failed my wizzo,” you choked out. “Or that the last time I was in a cockpit I nearly crashed again and Mav had to talk me through landing a plane I’ve landed thousands of times before because I panicked. I didn’t want you guys to censor yourselves when it came to work stuff out of pity for me being a failed pilot, and I guess… I just didn’t want you guys to look at me differently.”

“Hey, what happened wasn’t your fault,” Jake said, squeezing your thigh gently and prompting you to look up at him. “And we would never look at you differently for that, we understand.”

“I’m so sorry you went through that… and just know that we don’t think of you as a failure. We’ve both heard about that mission, there was nothing you could have done. Faulty equipment and being outgunned is not your burden to bear.” Bradley added, running a hand along your back.

“What is it that you say sometimes? It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot?” you asked, sadness seeping into your tone and he just pulled you into his side and pressed a kiss to your head.

“There’s not much the pilot can do if the plane fails them.”

“You went through a trauma, we would never fault you for not flying again after that.” Jake said and you smiled softly.

“Mav could… god, he tried so hard, he was really there for me after it happened, but… when I finally got back into a plane I just couldn’t shake it. It was like I could still hear him in my backseat even though he wasn’t there.”

“Just because Mav could, that doesn’t mean you’re a lesser pilot or a lesser person for not being able to, if anything I think it makes you stronger. You knew your limits, and instead of pushing through it when you couldn’t trust flying again you took a step back. I know a lot of people who wouldn’t make that same choice.” Bradley said, nudging Jake and you let out a laugh as you wiped your face again.

“Yeah, I thank my lucky stars I never crossed this one’s path when I was still flying,” you said and Jake’s face twisted up in shock.

“Hey, why are we ganging up on me now?” he asked and you laughed again. 

“You make it so easy,” you teased and they both smiled, happy to see you coming back into yourself a little.

“We’re here for you, okay? So is everyone else,” Bradley said, pulling you into him again and you let yourself wrap your arms around him as you laid your head on his chest and Jake kept rubbing circles into your skin.

“No matter what, you can always come wake us up if you need someone.”

“I love you guys, you know that?” 

You could hear the smirk in Jake’s voice as he said, “oh, we know.” He wrapped himself around the other side of you as the two of them squished you between them. “We love you too.”

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[mynameismckenziemae]

She’s a Fire-Chapter XXII

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw x OFC/Reader (no use of y/n)

Send your mind spinning

(previous chapter here, next chapter here)

Warnings: 18+ MDNI, fluff, orgasm delay/denial, m masturbation, fingering, etc.

“Oh God, don’t ever let me drink again,” Bradley whines behind you the next morning.

“Can’t handle your liquor anymore, old man?” You tease.

“No, I don’t think I can,” he grumbles against your neck, “but I’m not old.”

“Says the man turning 34 next month.”

“I’m only 3 years older than you!” He argues. “Fuck, my head hurts.”

“You poor thing,I’ll get you some ibuprofen and food.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Sunny feels about the same as Bradley but they’re both much less green once they’ve eaten.

Once everything is packed, you say your temporary goodbyes as Jake and Nat are delaying their honeymoon until next winter since they will be back in a few days too for another deployment.

The plane ride home is uneventful and finally, the Uber drops you both off at home.

The next few days are busy with getting back to work, you both unpacking, and Bradley packing for the deployment.

Too soon it’s 5:45 in the morning-the day he departs. You see him off at the door.

“I’m gonna miss you,” you murmur against his lips.

“I’ll miss you too,” he replies after he pulls off from your kiss.

“I’m going to tell you now since I don’t know when we’ll talk next. No getting off the week before your birthday.” You smile as you watch his eyes widen.

“The entire week? I don’t know if I can do it,” he whines.

“You can, and you will. Don’t make me ask Bob to keep an eye on you.”

He shudders and a flush rises to his cheeks. “Yes ma’am.”

“Good boy,” you purr, cupping his erection through his service khakis. “Just that week though, it’s a free-for-all all before then.”

“Thank God,” he breathes and gives you a quick peck. “I love you, Row. I’ll talk to you as soon as I can.”

“Can’t wait. I love you too. Be safe, okay?”

He nods and waves as he drives off.

Not only was this going to be Bradley’s longest deployment yet at 4-5 weeks, it was the first actual mission, not just training. Even though he said it shouldn’t be anything dangerous, you were still going to worry. And you really hope he’ll be back in time for his birthday.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

3 weeks pass (thankfully) quicker than you thought they would. Work keeps you busy during the week and Sunny’s occupied 1 out of the 3 weekends.

Bradley’s only been able to talk twice—briefly while you were at work, and a longer, more satisfying call the previous weekend.

He warned you at the end of his last call he might not be able to talk again before he’s home, but he’s optimistic that he’ll be home for his birthday—just over a week away.

You scroll Facebook from home on your lunch break and your heart nearly breaks when you come across a picture of a beautiful young dog with the saddest brown eyes you’ve ever seen.

*Urgent!*

This is Lola.

Lola is roughly a year old and is a big girl at 90 lbs, but is full-grown. We think she’s a Newfoundland mix with her long, black and white coat. Lola was tied outside the shelter last week with a note that she’s “untrainable” and other not-Facebook-appropriate words.

We need help. She is not handling shelter life well—she’s not eating or drinking; just curls herself in the corner, shaking and hiding her head under her bed.

Lola has not shown any aggression towards people or other animals.

Please either send us a message or give us a call if you want to give Lola a home.

The shelter answers before you even realize you’re calling and a few minutes later, you’re set up to meet her after work.

You call Sunny on the way back to work who squeals when you tell her what’s going on.

“Don’t get too excited yet. Maybe it won’t work out,” you laugh but you’re just as excited (and a little nervous).

She gives you the information for the vet they take Steve to and begs you to call her back afterward.

Next, you call the vet and give them the rundown. Thankfully they’re accepting new ‘patients’ and will take Lola.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

5 hours later, Lola is lying in the back of your car with her head on the center console.

It was fate. As soon as you opened the door to her kennel, she stood up and walked over with a little wag in her tail, nuzzling your legs with her head.

The shelter gave you more information too. Her fur was a bit dull and chopped in areas because it had been matted and filthy when they found her but was otherwise in good health, probably because she was so young. According to the note, she wasn’t house trained but they’d worked with her and she had only had one accident since she’d been there, and that was the first day. They’d given you a few days worth of food and the blanket that was on her bed, which was enough to get you through the next day or two—you didn’t want to overwhelm her more by taking her more places.

“We’re home, sweetheart.” You murmur as you pull in the drive.

You praise her when she goes potty right away before going inside and you follow her around while you call Sunny as she tentatively explores.

“Did you get her?!” Sunny asks before saying hello.

“I did. Oh Sun, she is so sweet, she came right up to me when I got there. The shelter said she might not be potty trained but she only had one accident there and just went potty for me. I just hope Bradley’s okay with this. We’ve talked about getting a dog before but I probably should’ve okayed it with him first…” you cringe as you trail off.

“He’ll be so excited! Seriously. I can’t imagine any scenario where he wouldn’t love her, especially with how miserable she was at the shelter.”

“I hope so. Can we move in with you, Bob, and Steve if he kicks us out?” You joke.

“Of course!” She laughs, “Let me know when you both are ready for some company and I’ll bring Steve over.”

“Sounds good. We’ll see how she does tonight and tomorrow and I’ll let you know. I’m so glad I have Fridays off in the summer.”

The company you work for changes the hours to four 10-hour days in the summer, giving you a 3-day weekend from May through September.

“Quit rubbing it in,” she laughs. “Let me know if you need anything. Good luck tonight!”

“I will, thanks Sun.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

You coax her to eat by holding some food in your hand, then holding the bowl, eventually letting you set it down. She then eats like she’s never had a meal in her life, as long as you don’t stop petting her.

The rest of the night goes better than expected, the only hiccup is she refuses to go up the steps.

It’s not worth stressing her out over though, so you make a bed on the couch, and push the ottoman next to it, but she curls up on the floor and you fall asleep stroking her fur.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

There’s a warmth against your front when you wake up and for a split second, you think Bradley’s home. But the sight you open your eyes to is almost as good. Lola’s tail timidly thumps when you smile at her.

“You’re such a sweet girl. I think Sunny’s right, Bradley’s gonna love you.”

While she does her business, you get her food ready and check the rooms downstairs—no accidents.

You spend the morning getting to know each other and by the afternoon, you’ve taught her some tricks (untrainable, huh?) and she’s made it to the third stair.

Sunny texts you on the way home from a PetSmart haul, which she did great at too.

Sunny: Just got off work. How’s it going?

Rowan: Really good! No accidents, I taught her some tricks, and I woke up with her next to me on the couch (she’s scared of the stairs). She was fine with the other dogs at PetSmart. Do you want to bring Steve over tomorrow?

Sunny: That’s great! Yes! I want to meet her!

Rowan: Sounds good! 10 work?

Sunny: Perfect, I’ll bring coffee.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Lola only makes it to the fourth step that night but you don’t mind spending it on the couch again.

When Sunny arrives, Lola barks but then cowers and your heart breaks.

“It’s okay, mama doesn’t mind when you tell me someone’s here. You can bark,” you murmur, bending down to her level.

She perks up when Steve’s tippy-taps are heard on the front porch.

You open the door and Steve comes flying in, faster than you’d think possible on 3 legs. You crack up as Lola takes off after him. Once they get their zoomies out, they sniff each other’s bottoms and are instant best friends.

The day is spent helping her with wedding preparations and hanging out with the pups. You make plans for next weekend to take them to the beach, hoping the guys are back.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

You start losing that hope though as the week passes with no word. Even Penny with her ‘sources’ doesn’t know when they’ll be back.

The first thing you do is check your phone when you wake up on Friday (the day before his birthday) but set it back down with a sigh. Still nothing.

“Should we treat ourselves with a coffee and pupcup? Hmm? Think it’ll cheer us up?” You ask Lola, who’s snuggled into your side on the couch.

Her tail thumps.

“I think so too.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

After a walk and shower, you feel a little better. Once the coffee hits your tongue, you’re almost back to normal.

But seeing the Bronco in the driveway when you get back brings a smile and tears to your eyes.

Lola races you to the door, feeding off your excitement.

“Bradley?!”

No response.

Lola quiets as she starts to sniff the bag he left by the door and you hear the shower running.

“Be right back, I’m gonna go get your daddy,” You whisper, bending down to place a kiss on her head.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

You hurry up the stairs and just as you’re about to push open the bathroom door, a deep groan and the lewd sound of him jerking himself off stops you in your tracks, arousal pooling between your legs.

You watch him through the cracked door in the reflection of the mirror, his back to you. His left hand is pressed against the wall, holding himself up as his right fists his cock. Water sluices down his back and over the flexing globes of his ass.

“Fuck,” he curses lowly. You can tell by his tone he’s getting close.

“Oh fuck, Row—“ he gasps as he finishes, hips slowing.

You’re soaked and want nothing more than to jump his bones. But, he should meet Lola first.

He jumps when you push open the door a minute later.

“Sorry,” you laugh, “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m so glad you’re here. I really didn’t think you were gonna make it back before your birthday.”

“I didn’t think so either, they kept everything hush-hush until last night when we were almost stateside,” he replies. You almost laugh at the relief in his voice. He pops his head out for a kiss. “Wanna join me?”

You shake your head. “I’d love to but I’ve got a surprise for you downstairs I want you to check out first.”

He nods before returning to the spray. “I’m almost done. Be down in a few.”

“Sounds good. Oh, and Bradley?”

“Yeah, babe?”

“Did you really think I’d forget?”

You bite your lip to keep from laughing as his shoulders tense behind the fogged glass. Busted.

“Your birthday isn’t until tomorrow, right?” You ask lowly, leaning against the door frame.

“Right, ma’am.”

“What did I tell you before you deployed?”

“No getting off the week before my birthday, ma’am,” he sighs.

“That’s right, Bradley. And what did you do before I came in here?”

“I got myself off, ma’am. I’m sorry, I thought—“

“You thought wrong.” You interrupt him. “I’m going downstairs to think about what I’m going to do with you. Meet me down there when you’re done.”

“Yes ma’am,” he replies. You smile as you see his cock twitch before turning to head down the steps.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Lola is perched on the ottoman when you enter the living room.

“So where’s this surprise?” Bradley asks a few minutes as he comes down the stairs.

Lola’s ears perk up and her head tilts as she listens. “In the living room.”

“It better not be a new toy to spank me with—oh, who’s this?”

You smile. “This is Lola.”

“Hi Lola,” he says softly, crouching as he offers his hand for her to sniff.

Her tail starts to thump wildly as she begins to recognize his smell from the other parts of the house.

“She’s ours?” He asks, tears heavy in his voice.

“Yeah, I hope that’s okay. I know I should’ve waited until you were back but she was dumped at the shelter, and not handling it well. I didn’t even think I just called and her whole demeanor changed when she met me and then all of a sudden I had a dog and—“

He interrupts your rambling with a kiss. “It’s okay, Row. I’ve wanted a dog for a long time. I’m glad you brought her home.”

You smile and kiss him back, pulling away with a laugh when Lola sighs dramatically.

You tell him everything you know about her and he praises her when she executes her tricks perfectly.

“I bet she feels like she’s going to slip on the wooden steps. I’ll have to put some tread or carpet down, I was thinking about doing it anyway after the last time I slipped.” Bradley says after you explain her fear of the stairs.

You snort at the memory. It was only funny because he was okay.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

You wake up an hour later, squished between Lola and Bradley on the couch. Lola stretches before getting down in search of a toy.

Bradley stirs a few minutes later, his cock hot and hard against your ass.

You press back and smile at his sharp intake of breath. He’s so desperate, even after getting off in the shower earlier.

You take his hand and guide it down the front of your pants. A breathy moan escapes as his fingers gather your arousal before circling your clit.

His hips grind into your ass as he plunges two fingers into your wet heat, his palm grinding against your bundle of nerves.

You cry out as your orgasm hits you, and he groans as your pussy flutters around his fingers, wishing it was his cock.

He grunts as you reach behind you, stroking him through his pants.

“I want you so bad,” he whines into the back of your neck.

“Mmmm,” you hum. “Are you close?”

He nods, gasping as he almost reaches his peak…but you pull away.

“That’s…that’s fucking mean,” he pants, his hard-on straining against his sweats.

You smirk as you straddle him, pinning his arms above his head, and lean down for a kiss, nipping his lip when you pull back.

“We both know you like being edged, so don’t lie to me, you’re in enough trouble already.”

He nods, “Yes ma’am.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

A/N: Sorry, this was supposed to be the birthday smex chapter but Lola stole the show. It will be the next chapter though.

Also, my part of the Midwest is supposed to get 11+ inches of snow in the next 24-36 hours. Maybe I’ll get a snow day and can write alllllll day long 🤞🏻

As always, I love to hear your thoughts.

Tagging (please let me know if you want me to take you off or add you!):

@its-the-pilot

@dizzybee03

@sweetwhispersofchaos

@shanimallina87

@blindedbythelightt

@getmyprettynameoutofyourmouth

@lexixstewart

@phoenix-rising-starbird-one

@mrsrobertfloyd

@charmedkim

@k-k0129

@bellaireland1981

@ingoaliesitrust

@hookslove1592

@amiets2

@nero4te

@eli2447

@atarmychick007

@vixenobrian

[beaniebeensbaby201]

IS MY LOVE FOR YOU NOT ENOUGH?

BRADLEY BRADSHAW X READER

SUMMARY: Gina and Jake had a complicated relationship to say the least. Jake Seresin broke her heart during Top Gun. Now, it's too late for him to win her back. She was hopelessly in love with her best friend Bradley Bradshaw as she waited for him to put a ring on her finger, but will she wait forever for him?

Warning(s): cursing, violence, implied smut, mentions of cheating, angst? Heartache.

A/n; also can someone tell me how to make the words have that like ombre color? I've been seeing it a lot lately and I haven't figured out how to do that.

"Mitchell!" Everyone's head turned towards the girl who was standing next to Bradley Bradshaw.

"Natasha!" On the other side of the bar sat Penny and Maverick.

"She's just like you." Penny said, as they continued to look over at the girl standing besides Bradley.

"Yea." Maverick lets out a loud sigh.

"She flies like you too. The Admirals got pissed once when she flew past the Hard Deck." Maverick couldn't help the smile that curved at the corners of his lips, remembering the day where he and Goose did the same thing.

"Hen is the one that has to keep her in check sometimes. I swear that girl has no fears." Penny said, wiping on the clean bar as Gina had her arms wrapped around the brunette.

"What do we have here?" Gina rolled her eyes as Bradley had his arms wrapped around Gina's shoulders as she leaned into his hard chest.

"Back off Bagman." Bradley and Hangman were at a stare off, as Gina bit her lower lip as she knew that it wouldn't be good if the two continued their staredown.

"Enough you two, do you want me to get my mother to come over here?" Gina hissed in a sharp tone.

Hangman finally backed off as he looked down to where Gina stood. She straightened in Bradley's arms as she looked at him with a sharp glare.

Hangman looked at Gina with a smirk, which caused Bradley to tighten his grip on her.

"It's all good." He had his arms out to show his peace.

"All good." He said checking her out caused a disgusted sound to escape her lips.

"Didn't think you'd go for Bradley though." Gina stiffened as she stared into his green eyes.

"Well, he's a better man than you ever were. Cheating on me countless times while I had to find out by Natasha." The tension was thickening, for a second there was a hint of guilt flashing in his green eyes. She didn't even look hurt anymore, she was happy, happier with the man in her arms.

Jake just hums in response, taking a long sip of his beer while still holding eye contact with Gina.

"I'm going to go say hi to my mother. Do you want a drink, babe?" Gina asked, turning around to face Bradley.

Bradley looked down at Gina who was playing with his Hawaiian shirt.

"Sure." Gina had to go on her tiptoes to reach his lips.

The kiss was soft, full of passion and love as Bradley's hands went a little lower for Jake's liking as Jake glared at the couple. His hands tightening around his beer as Natasha watches the scene unfold.

"I'll be back. Nat, come with me." Gina had her hand out for the pilot as the two skipped their way to the bar.

"Dude, that was intense." Natasha whispered loudly as the two guys still heard them as they were still in ear shot.

"Hey Aunt Penny!" Gina greeted, a smile crossing her face as Maverick stared at her.

"You look like you need a drink." Gina lets out a dramatic noise.

"Yes, the guys are acting like teenagers. Hangman's being a total dick about me and Bradshaw being together. I mean, it'll almost mark four years. I'm waiting for the Rooster to put a ring on my finger, I honestly don't think I could wait any longer." The three girls laughed.

"Well, you've been in love with the man for years now." Penny pointed out.

"Yea, then Jake came into the picture. I mean, he was a good guy, but he wasn't him." Gina turned around and looked over to already see Bradley staring at her.

"Well, if he doesn't propose soon I might as well do it." Gina giggled, as she turned to her best friend.

"Of course I'll marry you." Gina said, turning around to face the girl.

"On the house sweetheart." Penny handed her two beers as Gina and Nat walked back towards the group.

"When did they get together?" Maverick asked, with a frown.

"A month before you pulled his papers." Penny informed, as Maverick stared at the young couple.

"They look happy." Maverick said towards the couple.

"They remind me of Carole and Goose." Penny smiled at that.

"Yea, they do. She spent too much time with that man, she has his personality." Maverick chuckled as he remembered all the times that Gina stayed at the Bradshaws.

"Bradshaw, when are you going to marry this woman?" Gina giggled as she had her arms around Natasha's waist as she had her arms around Gina's shoulders.

"You planning on stealing my girl Phe?" Natasha and Gina looked at each other and giggled like school girls.

"I mean, she already placed a ring on it in front of Penny." Bradley shakes his head and chuckles.

Gina walked over towards where Bradley was by the sticks for pool.

"Are you gonna put a ring on my finger Bradshaw?" She asked, staring into his brown eyes.

"If I tell you, then I'd have to kill you." Gina opens her mouth placing a hand over her heart.

"Don't break your old lady's heart now." She said theatrically.

Bradley rolled his eyes at her, but couldn't help but smile. He had his hands resting lazily on her hips as she leaned into his side.

"I could never." Her heart leaped out of her chest with the way he looked at her when he said it. Almost as if he was making a promise.

"You better not Bradshaw. You're it for me." Jake felt like he was going to be sick. She never once said those words to him when they were together. Nat noticed that, and made a mental note to talk to him later.

Bradley leaned down, placing his lips against hers once again. Jake clenched his jaw as he watched. He couldn't be mad at Bradley, it was his fault that he broke her heart. For cheating on her behind her back the six months they were together.

"Don't think about it." Nat said from beside Jake as they watched the couple.

"What?" Jake asked dumbly.

"You broke her heart once. She's happy, she's in love. Don't ruin things for her. It took her almost a year for Bradley to heal her heart again, don't do this." Jake sighed with frustration.

"I have to let her go." He said more of a question than a statement.

"You screwed up, I'm not gonna sugar coat anything. As her best friend you don't know what you've put her through. It took her a long time to trust Bradley. Even though they've known each other for years, she couldn't give her heart to him." Jake felt guilty, too guilty. His stomach twisted as he felt like he was going to throw up, his head felt dizzy at the thought of how much pain he put her through.

"You know what could make me feel better?" Gina asked, batting her lashes at the man.

"What's that?" Bradley asked in a teasing tone knowing where she wanted to go.

"Come with me." Gina said in a playful seductive tone as she grabbed his hand in hers and swayed her hips towards the piano.

Bradley sat down on the piano stool with Gina sitting in his lap. The bell to the bar rings as Gina turns to look over Bradley's shoulder to frown when she sees her father getting thrown out of the bar.

When did he come to town? She thought to herself.

Her thoughts were soon interrupted by Bradley playing a few keys. Gina turned back around and messed with a few of them, the two of them knowing how to play the song by heart.

"Guys, c'mon." Nat said to the group that was by the pool table when she heard the sound of the familiar notes playing on the piano.

"Your kind, so fine gotta tell this world-" Nat had half her body weight resting on Gina's shoulder as the two girls belted out the words off key.

"Mine, mine, mine!" Gina turned her head and gave Rooster a soft kiss on his cheek as they sang Great balls of fire.

Standing outside of the Hard Deck stood her father watching the two. Memories of Goose and Carole flashing his mind as he watched them. Penny was staring at him with a worried look when she realized he was having a flashback.

A/n: I've been in the Top Gun mood lately. If you have any requests for any Top Gun ones I'm all ears. I'm not going to do smut, but I will do any other requests.

[an-unknown-writers-world]

Dagger Squad Thanksgiving

 Warnings: Cheesy, predictable, cheesy, mentions of marriage, oh, and uh, cheesy.

Pairing:  Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Reader, Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Reader, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell x Penny Benjamin

Characters: All of Dagger Squad, Penny Benjamin and mentions of Amelia Benjamin

Word Count: 1422

A/N: To those that celebrate – Happy Thanksgiving! I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of the TGM fandom and for all the love, support, and encouragement I have received from each of you. With that said, this is honestly mostly dialogue. Sorry I’m advance. Still, I hope you enjoy the precious moment play out.

“It smells good in here,” Maverick called out, leading a train of boys into the house.

“Don’t you dare,” Phoenix jokingly smacked Coyote’s hand away from the plate of deviled eggs.

“Hey,” Rooster stopped when he made it to Phoenix, he bent down and kissed her.

“Did you have a good game?” She asked him.

“Yes, did you enjoy losing?” Jake joked before Rooster could speak up.

You laughed, “You’re a sore winner.”

Jake bent down to kiss you, “Hey baby, you surviving in here?”

“Yeah,” You nodded, “Penny let me turn the thermostat way down to help my mood.” You laughed.

“How cold is it normally on Thanksgiving where you’re from?” Coyote asked

“Usually in the high 30’s, maybe the low 40’s.”

“Nope, too cold” He laughed.

“The thermostat is only at 62.” Penny pointed out.

“Tolerable,” Maverick shrugged. “When do we eat?”

“20ish minutes?” You spoke, “The bird is resting; it needs to be carved still.”

“Oh!” Jake raised his hand, “That’s an actual job for me.”

Everyone laughed.

“Maybe it should be the man from Montana, not Texas?” Payback piped up.

“Oh no,” Bob threw his hands up in defense. “I can assure you Texas has meat carving over Montana.”

“Who knows, maybe this is that one thing that Hangman is bad at?” Rooster joked.

Jake laughed, “I still haven’t found that one thing I’m bad at.”

“Y/N, is he bad at anything?” Penny winked at you.

You blushed and shook your head, “Not a thing,”

“You know there isn’t much of a difference between being bad at something and not good at something.” Rooster explained, “So if he’s not good at something, that could qualify as being bad at something.”

“You are grasping for anything, aren’t you?” Jake laughed.

“Give the girl a chance to answer,” Rooster chided.

“My answer remains unchanged,” You smirked, leaning into Jake’s chest. Your cheeks were so hot from blushing they nearly hurt.

“You’re embarrassing the poor girl,” Phoenix softly smacked Rooster.

“Alright, everyone out.” Penny clapped her hands. “Except you, you and you,” She pointed to you, Jake, and Rooster.

The group filed out of the room one by one. You knew why you and Jake were staying behind but were unsure what Rooster had to do. Penny slid the pocket door closed and immediately got a giddy look on her face.

“Do you have it?” She asked Rooster.

“Huh?” You looked at Jake, confused. He laughed and kissed your temple.

“Here,” Rooster pulled a small box out of his pocket.

Penny opened the box, smiling as she examined the content.

“See, you wouldn’t have won if I didn’t have this precious cargo in my pocket.” Rooster joked.

“Uh-huh, sure.” Jake rolled his eyes.

“Look!” Penny turned the box to you.

Your jaw dropped. Inside the box was a beautiful gold engagement band with six small diamonds split around one larger. It was a dainty but elegant ring.

“It’s beautiful, Rooster,” You smiled at him, Natasha was your best friend, and you knew she would love this. “Babe, is this why you were asking me all these weird cryptic questions the last few weeks?”

“Yeah,” he nodded, smirking, “I couldn’t exactly tell you what he was planning.”

“Hey, that’s not fair. I can keep a secret.” You pouted.

Jake set the knife down and looked at you with a serious expression. “Baby, what are the exceptions for who you can share secrets with?”

“Your husband and your, oh,” You stopped for a second, “your best friend.” You trailed off.

“Wait, he’s not your husband.” Rooster pointed out.

“Yet,” Jake mumbled.

“What do you mean, yet?” Penny directed at Jake.

“It’s not a secret. It’s just a matter of when, where, and how.” Jake shrugged.

He wasn’t lying. There had been many conversations, some joking but some serious. You both knew from the moment you met that that was it. You were staring at your forever. You didn’t want it rushed or in some cliché way.

“Thank god I didn’t lose that bet.” Penny laughed.

“What bet?” Jake asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Her and Mave bet that your trip to Vegas a few weeks ago was to get married.”

“Why would we go to Vegas to get married?” Jake was confused.

“We would do it with all of you and our families.” You added.

“Well, y’all have been going at it like rabbits, so we assumed you were probably pregnant at this point.” Rooster laughed.

Penny smacked him in the arm.

“You and Mave aren’t married, and you tell each other everything.” You pointed out.

There was a knock on the pocket door, “I’m withering away out here,” Coyote joked.

Rooster quickly closed the box and slipped it back into his pocket. Penny opened the pocket door and started handing dishes out to be placed on the table. You rushed around, ensuring everyone had full drinks, and nobody was taking liberties with the seating arrangements. Once Jake was done cutting the turkey and carrying it into the dining room, everyone sat around the table.

“I’m not going to give some lengthy speech,” Mave spoke as everyone sat down. “I do, however, want to thank all of you for everything over the last few months. We’ve had our growing pains, learning, and adjusting as a squad. But most importantly, growing as a family. Each of you means more to me than I can ever express.”

“Here, here,” The group cheered, raising their glasses.

Dinner flew by in a delicate blurt of laughter, love, and gratitude. Once you were full, you picked up your wine glass and leaned back in your chair, silently observing your new-found family. Their banter and laughs brought a smile to your own face.

Jake positioned himself closer to you, sitting back in a similar fashion with his arm stretching out across the back of your chair. You laid your head on his shoulder.

“Thank you for this,” You spoke softly.

“You did most of the cooking,”

“Not that; I mean all of them and for letting me be a part of this family.”

“I should be the one thanking you for putting up with all of us, especially me.”

You turned your head to look up at him, “yeah, you’re pretty hard to deal with.” You smirked.

“I love you,” He smiled back.

“And I love you.”

He kissed the top of your head.

Rooster cleared his throat, “Before Mr. and Mrs. Bagman gets all wrapped up in each other,” he pointed at you and Jake, “I wanted to take a moment while we are all here to say a few things.”

“Ooohhh,” Mickey cheered.

“Speech time,” Ruben beamed.

“I wanted to echo some of the things Mave said and say thank you to the team. We’ve been through a lot in the last few months with missions and finding a new normal with balancing inter-team, relationships, friendships, and family.” He looked over at Natasha and interlaced their fingers. “I want to thank you for all your acceptance and encouragement with this relationship. The uranium mission really reminded me of how fragile life is.”

Phoenix smiled back at him. She had a way of getting lost in his gaze like he was the only one in the room.

“Nat, my love, my best friend. I have to say that I am incredibly thankful for you. Your patience is an art form that I’ll never comprehend. You love me unconditionally and far more than I deserve some days.” Rooster choked up, his voice thick with emotion as he fished the small box from his pocket. “I couldn’t imagine my life without you. Would you allow me the honor of being your husband?”

He set the open box in front of her, and she covered her mouth in awe. Natasha was usually good at being able to reign in her emotions, but not at this moment. Happy tears filled her eyes, and she nodded.

“Yes, a thousand times yes.” She agreed, throwing her arms around his neck.

The room erupted in cheers and clapping as Rooster slid the ring over her ringer. You had managed to get her actual ring size, so there would be no need to resize it. Rooster had really relied on Jake to get the details from you, and it seemed to pay off. Silent, happy tears streamed down your cheeks as you looked at your best friend and her fiancé. Thankful that you got to be a part of that moment and all of their lives.

A/N: If you’ve made it this far - thank you so so so much for reading! My Masterlist can be found here. All work is also available on AO3  

[gennyanydots]

Have Faith in Me

Past Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x f!feader

Current Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x f!reader

Masterlist

This is part three of a three part story

Part 1 Part 2

Jake stares at the woman who just walked through the doors at the Hard Deck. She looks so familiar. He knows her from somewhere. He can’t figure out where though.

He watches as she sits down at the bar and Penny greets her. No recognition on Penny’s face that she knows the woman so that rules out Jake meeting her today at Top Gun.

Maybe from one of his duty stations? It’s possible but she doesn’t exactly look like someone who would be in the Navy.

This is going to bother him all night if he doesn’t figure it out soon.

His buddy, Coyote, had told him to meet him at the Hard Deck after their first day of training at Top Gun.

Jake was casually shooting darts by himself as he waits for Coyote to get there. It distracted him enough to not blatantly stare at the woman anymore but still left him able to rack his brain over why she looked so familiar.

He couldn’t get too good of a look at the woman’s face as she was looking down at her phone so often. Where the hell does he know he from? It’s bothering him so much to not know. This isn’t like him.

Coyote came in not too long after the woman and joined Jake at the dart board with a beer.

They chatted about their day but Jake was still distracted.

The woman finally looks up from her phone and meets Jake’s eyes when he looked over again and he instantly made the connection. He hadn’t thought about her in so long. What is she doing here?

Jake leans over to Coyote, “My high school girlfriend is here. I’ll bet one of my buddies mentioned me coming to Top Gun and she came all the way out here to get me back. She was obsessed with me. It was honestly the worst.”

“Which one?” Coyote asks looking around the bar trying to figure out who Jake might have dated.

Jake points and Coyote nods seeing her.

“You sure she’s here for you? Wouldn’t she have come over here excited if she was waiting for you?” Coyote asks.

Jake shrugs, “Maybe she’s trying to play it cool.”

Coyote rolls his eyes, “I’m not sure about that.”

Jake chuckles and hands Coyote the darts from his hands, “I’ll save her the trouble and head over there to let her down easy.”

“Hangman I don’t think you should do that.”

Jake waves him off, “It’s fine. Don’t worry. I’ll be nice.”

Coyote shakes his head as he watches Jake walk away. There’s no way this can go well.

You smile and thank the woman who had just set the Sprite you ordered in front of you. She smiles warmly back and tells you to let her know if you need anything else then walks away to help someone else.

You take a sip then look down at your phone. Bradley had told you six right? You were almost positive that’s what he said but it doesn’t hurt to check.

Yep. 6. Where the heck is he? You want to hear all about his first day. You look up and notice a man looking at you and immediately look back at your phone.

Ew.

You hate being stared at. Maybe looking away immediately will help deter any sort of interaction. Fingers crossed.

You take a sip of your drink and glance towards the door. C’mon Bradley. Hurry up.

“Fancy seein’ you here…” you hear from beside you and you cringe. Clearly your plan didn’t work. He still invited himself over. Why do men think that you meeting their eyes is an invitation to come talk to you? You didn’t mean to do it. All you did was look up.

You look up to see the same man from before and frown, “Can I help you with something or….”

He chuckles as he shakes his head, “How’d you find me?”

You furrow your brow as you set your phone in your lap. Find him? Why would you need to find him. “What are you talking about? I don’t know who you are.

“Yes you do. Just haven’t seen each other in a long time. The last I saw you I was leaving your house after you broke up with me,” the man says and you immediately realize who this man is. Your only ex. Jake. Ugh. Gross. You don’t want to deal with him. You never wanted to see him again. It’s why you don’t go home often. Not that Texas is home anymore anyway.

“Hello Jake,” you say with a sigh and he grins. He would be amused by this. Why do bad things happen to good people? Now your whole night is ruined.

“So how’d you find me? I know you were obsessed with me in high school but I thought you’d have gotten over that by now,” he says with a chuckle. Obsessed with him in high school? You dated. It’s not like you followed him everywhere or didn’t let him do whatever he wanted. Clearly.

You shake your head, “Oh umm no. I’m not here for you.”

“She’s here for me, Bagman,” a voice says from behind you and you smile. Finally. Took his sweet time.

Jake raises his eyebrow and looks at Bradley, “Names Hangman. And why the hell would she be here for you, Chicken?”

Bradley comes to stand next to you and wraps an arm around you then leans down to kiss the top of your head before he turns back to Jake, “Chicken? Cute. And it’d be weird if Mrs. Bradshaw was here for you.”

Jake scoffs, “Mrs. Bradshaw? You downgraded, baby. That’s tough. How’s it feel to be compared to me constantly? I was her’s first.”

Bradley laughs, “And yet she broke up with you because you were trash. That’s rough, man. I’d say sorry for your loss but I’m not. I got the best thing that ever happened to me because you fucked up.”

Jake scowls, “You still got my sloppy seconds.”

You shake your head, “You and I never did anything, Jake. Must have been thinking about the entire cheerleading squad.”

“You were just a prude stuck up bitch. I was so glad when you broke up with me,” Jake spats.

As soon as he finishes you hear a bell and turn towards the sound seeing the bartender from before ringing it. She walks over to the three of you and points to Jake and then to a wooden sign that says,

“Disrespect a lady,

the navy, or put your

cell phone on my bar

you buy a round.”

Jake groans and shakes his head as people start to cheer, “A round for everyone? There’s no way.”

“Can’t do it?” The woman asks.

Jake shakes his head and she rings the bell again. The bar, minus a few people including you and Bradley, start to chant, “Overboard! Overboard!”

Two men in Navy uniforms come over to Jake and the bartender waved at Jake as he’s escorted outside.

The bartender then winks at you and goes back to serving other patrons.

You smile and look up at Bradley, “You didn’t even have to beat him up.”

Bradley leans down and kisses you, “Didn’t get to beat him up YET. He says anything like that about my wife again and I’m beating the shit out of him. Immediately.”

“I know. So protective,” you wrap your arms around him and pull him as close as you can.

“Always, baby,” Bradley says with a smile.

You had really hoped that Bradley wouldn’t have to follow through with his promise but you had a feeling Jake wouldn’t let up, especially since they were in a competition for first place.

Bradley has always been able to let things roll off his back.

Comments about his flying? Whatever. No big deal.

Remarks about his clothing choices? Hawaiian shirts are classics.

His mustache? He feels bad that you can’t grow something as fantastic as he can.

His piano skills? You’re welcome to show how much better you are.

How he’s an orphan? Clearly he has the potential to be Batman and you don’t.

His wife, however, is a line that will not be crossed.

You are a perfect angel. The love of his life. His favorite person on the planet. Beautiful beyond comparison.

Back when you were just dating a frat bro grabbed your ass at a party and Bradley damn near broke his hand on the guy’s jaw. Worth it.

A man once catcalled you in public once. Just once. Bradley scared him so badly he peed his pants. A grown adult man. He’s still pretty proud of that one.

Bradley does not mess around when it comes to you. You are the most precious thing in the world to him. He would happily burn the world down for you if he needed to.

He was ready for anything Jake tried. Already called up his old best friend, Russ, and warned him they may have to hide a dead body. Russ was practically giddy at the chance for Bradley to finally protect your honor from your terrible ex, something Russ has wanted to do for years but knew that job belonged to Bradley now.

Jake had messed with your head in the worst way. It took Bradley a long time to show to you exactly how you deserved to be treated and then proved that he could be the one to treat you that way. He still views it as an honor to have done it. His mother had taught him exactly how to treat a girl, basing it mostly off exactly how his father treated her, and he never forgot any of it. Always opened the door for you, including car doors. Brought home surprises for you at least once a month if not every week. He treated you exactly how you should be treated, as a queen, because that’s what you are to him. Did anything and everything that he could for you. He couldn’t even fathom anything different. It will forever break his heart that you weren’t treated how you should have been by Jake. What an asshat.

Bradley doesn’t get it. If Jake didn’t like you then why stay with you? Just to use you? Just to be an asshole? Why? Who does that shit? You’d eventually told Bradley exactly what Jake had done during your relationship after you had started dating Bradley. It took everything in him to not drive the Bronco to Annapolis and beat the shit out of Jake. He hadn’t even known the guy’s last name but it didn’t matter. He would have found the asshole.

You made Bradley promise he wouldn’t start anything with Jake. You didn’t want Bradley to get in trouble or something over an asshole and Bradley reluctantly agreed. He’d be good. Only because you asked. However, the second Jake does anything it’s over.

This is not to say Bradley didn’t antagonize Jake at least a little bit. Shoulder checking him every once in a while when he was passing by. Continuing to call him Bagman. Nothing too major.

They were neck and neck the entire time during Top Gun. It was such a close competition but in the end Jake ended up winning the trophy. Bradley was disappointed but he was a gracious loser.

Jake boasted all about once he was given his award. That night at the Hard Deck he was making all sorts of comments about everyone. Nobody was safe, including Bradley.

“Ya know Rooster, you seem to keep coming in second to me. How does that feel?” Jake asked him as he sauntered up to Bradley and his friends.

Bradley ignored Jake.

“What? Cat got your tongue? Or are you thinking hard about your life choices? Getting stuck with my boring ex. I give you props. I couldn’t stick it out any longer with her. I’m glad she broke up with me. Saved me the hassle,” Jake said while smirking.

Bradley clenched and unclenched his hands. He won’t give in. He knows better.

At the end of the night when Bradley was leaving, he waved goodbye to Penny and stepped out into the warm California air and groaned when he noticed Hangman was still there as well.

“Heading home to your wife, Rooster?” Jake asked, his arm around some girl he picked up in the bar.

“Happily,” Bradley said as he started towards his vehicle.

“Ya know she never put out for me. I always wondered about that. The quiet ones are sometimes closet freaks. Always wondered if that’s how she ended up,” Jake said with a chuckle.

Bradley took a deep breath and turned back towards Jake, “You can keep on wondering but I don’t know why you would. You said it yourself you didn’t want her. She found someone better. Someone who treated her how she deserved to be treated. And now she’s never going to be lonely a day in her life. Unlike you. Pathetic. Leaving your wingman open. Leaving your team behind. How long until everyone in the Navy knows exactly how you are? Plus just one night stand after one night stand? Never knowing that the person you’re spending time with actually loves you and wants to be with you for who you are. Not just the pretty face. Not sure how anyone would love you. Not when you treat people like you do. You’ll just stay sad and alone. I feel bad for you. I really do.”

Jake looked like he’d been punched and Bradley didn’t even lay a finger on him. You were going to be so proud of him.

“Have a good night, Bagman,” Bradley said and then got in the car and left, headed back towards his wife whom he knew loved him unconditionally and gave him someone to come home to. And for that he would be forever grateful.

[topguncortez]

honestly, the more you talk about it the more I realise rooster is probably not THAT great of a guy and he has a lot of shit to unpack. HOWEVER, I’ve read enough fan fiction to the point that he’s an entirely different person in my mind. But it does hurt to think that maybe he doesn’t really respect women all that much. I’ll just forget about it and go on the fanfic delusion where he’s my perfect little baby girl 😃

I've been around guys like Rooster to know that they are trying really hard to live up to the "I'm A Man" ideology. I can see right through all that fluffy Rooster stuff.

He doesn't talk about his feelings. I mean, the dude held a grudge against Maverick for what? 15 some years? Like bro, that's a long ass time to hold a grudge over something that you ended up doing anyway. Yes, he didn't get to follow right in Goose's footsteps by going to the academy, but he still got to be an aviator and live out the dream of flying.

He's also a volatile emotional man, which is not a good thing. Jake poked at him and made a joke about running out of fuel in the opening scene at the Hard Deck, and Rooster brings up that Jake probably lead someone to their death. Jake makes a comment about flying too slow and brings up the connection between Goose and Mav, and Bradley flies out of his chair tryna choke him (yes, I agree the comment shouldn't have been made, however, Bradley's reaction wasn't right either.) Mav tries to comfort him after Bob and Phoenix's bird strike, being someone who knows how terrifying it is for a wingman to go down, and Bradley tells him he's got no one, and he's alone and will die alone, and Bradley won't ever trust him cause he got his dad killed in an ACCIDENT.

[redhead-writes]

Another day to survive

Starting this year off with some angstier stuff and also me making Bradley as asshole again as @pollyna says. Was inspired by the dagger squads first meeting in the Hard Deck.

Robert ‘Bob’ Floyd had a front seat in lovers or ex lovers tiff in Hard Deck bar. He put his money on the second one. Both men had absolute disregard for each other's feelings. They wanted to hurt the other as deeply as possible. Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw had hit the nerve and so Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin backed away, and slipped out.

Hangman hasn’t been kindest to him just a few minutes ago but if this is what the pilot is carrying around. Well, this could end badly for all of them in the sky. Also Bob could relate to Hangman. His break up with ex wasn’t the cleanest. He still carried reminders of it and nightmares that plagued his sleeping hours. Maybe helping Hangman could help him. With that thought in mind he ordered whiskey on rocks for Hangman, that seemed to sooth Wolfman’s nerves. Possibly it will work on this Texas boy, too.

Robert found Jake sitting on the beach, looking into the dark ocean. Hangman looked up when Bob came to stand up next to him, stretching out hand with glass in it to the sitting man. “That seemed rough and I think you need this to soothe your nerves,” said Bob, offering the glass. Jake looked at him in distrust. “I didn’t poison it, if you are afraid of that. It seems to help one Texas man I know, so I thought it would help you, too.”

“Sorry! Not used to people being kind to me.” Jake told Bob, taking the glass gratefully. He took a sip from glass and felt the whiskey warmth spreading through his body, soothing his frazzled nerves. Bradshaw really did get him good this time. Jake really was puzzled how he loved this man once. “Thanks for the drink! You should not have done it.”

“Nahh…I really should have. No one should be dealing with an arsehole ex alone. Even if you yourself are a piece of work.”

“How did….How did you know?” quietly asked Jake, taking another sip. Bob plopped down next to Hangman

“I believe our whole squad knows. Simply, I have my own ugly break up and I would not want to work with my ex. Not that he will be allowed to work for a long time. Still you need more people in your corner than only Coyote.”

“Thank you again! Still this won’t change the way I act when the others are around.”

“Wouldn’t want it any other way, Hangman. But be ready to get back as good as you give.”

“You are on, Bob.” answered Jake, using his huge megawatt smile on Robert.

Then came a shout of two older men's voices: “BOBBY!” They sounded happy to have spotted the man. Then this huge doberman pinscher attacked Robert, licking his face like there is no tomorrow.

“Bono! Stop, Bono.” Bobby tried to get through his laughs. “Yes, I missed you too, buddy.” Doberman seemed to turn his attention to Jake as did the two older men that were coming closer to them.

“Jake, this is my dog Bono. He is an ex-K9 but generally he is the sweetest boy ever.” said Bob, petting the dog who has sat down in front of  Robert. “Those two loud shouters are commanders Leonard ‘Wolfman’ Wolfe - Neven and Rick ‘Hollywood’ Neven - Wolfe. I am living in their house because…”

“Because we are protective bastards of our favorite WSO. Happy to see you have made friends already, Bobby.” Wolfman finished Bob’s sentence, coming into the light that was coming from the bar with Hollywood's arm over his shoulders. Hangman could gap as fish out of the water.

“Happy to still have that effect on younger pilots.” said Hollywood who chuckled at the blonde pilot whose eyes were shining. “I thought everyone had forgotten about our class of Top Gun.”

“Holly here likes to be praised constantly. But what is your name, boy?”

It made the pilot jump up from his sitting position and salute two men. These were legends in front of him. Robert was slower to get up and Bono also now had gotten on all four.

“Lieutenant Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin, sirs.”

“Ahhh…can I hear the Texan there?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Bobby, I see your taste in men has gotten better. Knew that living with us would rub off on you.” chuckled Rick. That got both Leonard and Bob punching him in the shoulders. Bono just barked at him. “No one appreciates my jokes. I feel betrayed.” Hollywood said, acting hurt by these events. No surprise about his callsign really. Rick took one look at Robert and softened. The younger man still hadn’t fully recovered from the break up. “Let’s get to the car, Robert. Allow Texan men to chat for some time.”

Wolfman looked the younger man up and down. Calculating if he could ask this favor from this man in front of him. He for sure would not ask Bradley because the boy had cut ties with all of them. Robert was too fragile to be trusted in the hands of a man who needs therapy for the last 20 years. Bobby seemed to trust this man but the lieutenant in front of him had cocky energy about himself.

“Can I ask something from you, Lieutenant Seresin?” asked Leonard, taking a gamble here. He wasn’t like Maverick but this time he will need to trust his gut and Robert’s judgment.

“Of course, Sir!”

“Keep an eye on Bobby for me and Rick. We can’t be there for him while he is training. I don’t know how much he has talked about his break up with you.”

“Only that it was a nasty one. I myself am going through one.” That made Wolfman look at the younger man again, finding similarities with Bobby.

“Hmmm…let me guess Bradshaw?”

“Are you all like psychics?”

“No, simply we are good at reading people. Comes in handy when you work with young pilots who think hiding stuff from you will get them further. So will you keep an eye on Robert for us?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Here will be my card. There is also adresse of our house. If you need someone to talk with, we are here for that, too. We have enough life experience.”

With that Wolfman turned around, going back to his family. He was happy that someone would keep an eye on Bobby while in training. Now Leonard understood Pete better than he did before.

It has been a tiring training session as all of them seemed to be. Jake had spent an extra 30 minutes under the hot running water. Those 30 minutes was exactly what he needed. He came into the dressing room to face someone's back that was covered in two long scars. They looked perfectly straight, making Hangman’s stomach churn. They still looked so fresh. All things he was carrying tumbled out of his arms, cluttering loudly in the silence of the dressing room. Other man turned out to reveal his identity. It was Robert who had pressed his back to the locker, trying to blend in with it.

“Bobby?” choked out Jake. After their conversation on the beach, Jake had been an avid visitor of the Wolfe-Neven household. Wolfman made mean ribs like back at home. Also Leonard gave him one of his cowboy hats from the collection because how there can be Texan without a hat here. Robert and Bono also seemed to be warming up to Jake. Bono allowed Jake to play with him while Bob laughed in the background when Jake lost to Bono in the tug war. Hangman had found a place to call home away from home. Now he knew why Wolfman wanted him to keep an eye on this man. Some pieces clicked in Hangman’s mind. “Did…did your ex do that to you?” The other man just nodded, still acting as wallpaper to the locker.

“Will you tell everyone?”

“No, oh God, no. Bobby, you have to know me better than this now. But I would like to know what happened? I have to know who to keep an eye for.”

“I know you, Jake, I do. Fear sometimes is too much.”

“Then let’s get you to safety. Will get dressed and call Leonard to have your fave food on the ready.” 

Bono was by the passenger door when they got to the house. Jake helped Robert out of the car. Bob still was weak from the anxiety attack he had in the locker room. Jake had wrapped him in a blanket even if it was summer outside. He hasn’t told anyone except Wolfman, Hollywood and navy police about what happened. Wolfman had talked with Admiral Kazansky so this accident wouldn’t cause trouble for his career. Next thing Bob knew he was assigned to this mission at Top Gun. He was grateful for two older men. He had to keep paying for his grandma's old people's home.

“We shall eat first and then we can talk.” said Hangman, helping Bob inside the house. Bono close by, not leaving his owner's side. 

Jake and Leonard got Bobby to eat and drink some gatorade. Bob has ended trembling from shock. Bono and Robert led Jake to the deck that went out to the lovely garden. Leonard made himself scarce. He had to go to Icemavs house for their annual dinner. Hollywood is going to meet him here. Now he trusted Jake. The boy has proved to be a good addition to their weird trio and also helping Bobby to be more calm. 

Robert and Jake sat down in lounge chairs. Bono laid down between both chairs to support both men. Bob sighed and started talking: “My ex-boyfriend was my pilot. Dustin, some admiral's son that never faced consequences from his actions. Daddy saving his arse every time. He was not the first pilot I flew with but the first one I clicked with. I know you don’t know that feeling because you are too individualistic. Hollywood was the one who pushed for us to be put together. Wolfman was more cautious, something bothering him but then we proved to be an amazing team in the air. So he backed up, that is what I thought but he ain’t called Wolfman for nothing. After a few months of dancing around each other we started to date. I thought he was in love with me, I really did Jake. Holly and Wolf knew about us.” Jake turned in his chair to look at Robert. The younger man looked so tortured right now that it made the blonde man reach out and squeeze Robert’s hand.. Hangman opened mouth to say something but Bob continued on with his story. “So Bono came into my life after a month of relationship with Dustin. Leo gifted me this ex-K9 dog that didn’t allow my boyfriend to get close to me. Bono had to live outside the house when Dustin was around which started making me suspicious. So one day Dustin left my housing and I let Bono in the house. He straight up went to the closet used by Dustin and scraped at the doors.”

Jake thought he had an idea what exactly Bono, ex-K9 dog could have found in the closet of Dustin’s but he had to allow Robert to tell it at his own pace without distractions. He only gave a squeeze to Bob’s hand, knowing that the hardest part is coming. The part where Bobby got the scars from his ex-boyfriend. Bradley had left scars on his heart but remembering what Robert said when they sat on the beach.It seemed like a kids game.

“So I found these bags and bags of pills in my housing closet. I knew that Bono’s reaction said those were some kind of drugs. I called Wolfman when bedroom doors opened and Dustin walked in. He stuck Bono in the bathroom. There was nothing left of the man I loved and only then I realized it. I tried to talk him into going to therapy and telling Wolfman himself. He just laughed in my face. I knew it was no use so I tried to run but he caught me, pinning me to the floor. He used the knife I gave him on our first anniversary to cut those lines. He said he wants to play tick tack toe on my back. When he finished the second line, Wolfman hit Dustin over the head with something heavy. That is what Hollywood told me. I didn’t ask for details. Hollywood sat with me in the hospital and they even allowed Bono in so I would feel safer because I didn’t believe anyone could keep Dustin in jail. Rick still feels so guilty over all this happening. I don’t blame him. Wolfman was the only one who saw through it all. Can you imagine he tried to frame me with him because pills were found in my housing? But whatever string Leonard pulled they gave me a restraining order, Dustin in jail at least for now and me away from Lemoore for now.”

“Do you think he will get out of jail soon enough?”

“Oh yeah, his dad will make sure of it. Here I am under Iceman so he or his father can’t touch me here. I know and have heard some of Wolf's convos they are digging under his dad and Cain. I believe this will end soon enough and I will finally feel safe.”

“I really hope you will, Bobby.”

After their talk, Jake did his own research to know his enemy better. It was his side quest in this mission. He promised to keep an eye on Bob and he can’t do that without knowing Dustin by face. Jake also had a talk with Leonard and Rick while Robert wasn’t at home not to worry him more. Hangman also got Javy to help him keeping an eye for Bobby. He knew his bestie would not ask too many questions for now. Jake promised to tell everything when time was right. Then both him and Robert had caught sight of Dustin in Hard Deck. It could have been someone similar to him, but Jake was not taking risks. Hangman had called Wolfman who had come with Bono and took Bobby away. Phoenix had this confused look on her face because when has her WSO become so close with Bagman. She will need to grill him. Then the day after the bird strike, he had seen Bradley talking with some man by his Bronco. This moment didn’t leave Jake’s mind. He wasn’t jealous anymore, he had gotten over Rooster along the way.

They had been back on land for two days. Robert’s grandma was going to visit Top Gun to see her grandson being awarded for successful suicide mission. Also the Mrs. Floyd wanted to meet this mysterious Hangman who had brought back her boys' laugh and smile. Hollywood was sent out to get Mrs. Floyd while Wolfman helped at the Top Gun. To be honest, Wolfman and Iceman were putting together the last bits of evidence against Dustin’s father and Cain but no one should know that for now.

The Dagger Squad was all present in Hard Deck, except Bob which had Jake ansty. He had talked with Robert and he was on his way. He had to be already here. Javy and Nat also were looking at the doors of the bar. Bob had told both pilots his story so Team Protect Bob had grown by two and Halo also could count in because what Phee knew, knew also Halo. Also Fanboy seemed to be close with Bob which meant both Mikey and Reuben kept eye on everyone's favorite WSO.

“Why are you all so worried about Bob? Probably he has a hot date. This dude had been asking around about him. I told him where to find Bob.” said Bradley and the rest of Dagger Squad's eyes turned to look at the taller man. Jake knew something was wrong about this statement. Wolf would call this Texan secret power and it was tingling right now in Hangman.

“What do you mean you gave a stranger Bob’s adresse, Rooster?” asked Phoenix and Halo at the same time, looking appalled by this disregard of their friends safety and privacy.

“He seemed to know Bob pretty well.”

Hangman pulled up a picture of Robert’s ex, putting phone in front of Rooster's face and asking through gritted teeth: “Did you tell this man Bob’s adresse?”

“Yeah, that is him. What about it, Hangman? Stalking Bob’s conquests. Reaching another low.”

“I could punch you right now, Rooster, but I don’t have time for that. If something fucking happens to Bobby because of you telling this sick bastard where he is, I will let Phoenix and Halo deal with you. You hear me, Rooster.” Jake told the taller man. Then he turned around and went to a bar where Penny was catering to bar patrons. One look at Jake made her reach for the phone.

“Call military police, Wolfman, Iceman, anyone, Penny. Tell them Dustin knows where Bob is. They will get it. I am going there. Also don’t let that chicken follow us. Call Maverick if you need to keep him here.”

“Jake, you are not going alone. We are still a team. You need all the reinforcement you can get. I read Dustin's file.” said Halo, keeping a steady hand on Hangman's biceps.

“Okay! You are driving because I don’t think me or Phoenix can right now.”

“I will get us all there as quickly as possible.”

When we stopped in front of the house, the gun going off made the air around them tremble. Then they heard a deep human howl of pain that didn’t sound like Bob at all. It got Jake in action, sprinting in the house to find Bobby on the floor with blood flowing from his shoulder. While Bono got his teeth in Dustin's arm where the gun had been. Jake got down near Bob’s injury and pushed on it with the hoodie he had worn today, keeping blood from leaving Bob's body. Hangman knew so much was going around them but Robert was his main priority right now.

“Hey, Bobby! Keep your eyes open for me. Only you would survive suicide mission and then get shot on land.”

Bob chuckled quietly but even that made his face scrunch in pain. Even though Bob was in pain, he reached with his good hand and put it on Hangman's cheek.

“From all the assholes I seem to fall in love with, you are the only one who hasn’t fucked up once.”

“Bobby, leave love confessions when you are not bleeding out on Hollywoods fancy carpet.”

“Wolfman will be happy that he finally can throw out this atrocity.”

“He will, he will but he would have been more happy if your blood wasn’t the reason for it. Also don’t forget you have to introduce me to your grandma and the rest of the squad.”

“Jake, the doctors are here.” shouted Javy who let the medics through. Jake was pushed away and helped by Payback to the kitchen where the man made him wash his hands from blood. Bobby was now in the hands of professionals and Dustin was arrested. Then it finally hit him, Bobby had proclaimed his love for him and feelings were mutual from Jake’s side. He didn’t know when it happened but along the way they had mended each other's hearts and fallen along the way. Right now was no time to think about it, right now Jake needed Bobby to survive today and all the days that follow.

[polikszena]

Dancing on the clouds below - Anniversary

Fandom: Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick

Rating: Teen and up audiences

Summary: A collection of ficlets, currently centered around Bob’s and Phoenix’s friendship, and the forming relationship between Bob and Hangman. The most of them are additional scenes and storylines in a more or less chronological order.

Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6 I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 I Chapter 9 I Chapter 10 I Chapter 11 I Chapter 12

Relationships: Robert “Bob” Floyd & Natasha “Phoenix” Trace, Jake “Hangman” Seresin/Robert “Bob” Floyd, Jake “Hangman” Seresin & Javy “Coyote” Machado, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell & Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, Natasha “Phoenix” Trace/Javy “Coyote” Machado, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell/Penny Benjamin

Chapter summary:  A year ago this place was empty and quiet, now it was full of people, chatting and laughing. A year ago Bradley wasn’t even speaking to him and now he was sitting by his side at the table. - A year after his return to Top Gun, Pete "Maverick" hosts a little barbecue party in his hangar.

Word count: 1067

A/N: Since on the 27th there was the one-year anniversary of Top Gun: Maverick and I wanted to write something for it, so here is a little fic with the aviators having a barbecue at Maverick's place. I also included my OC, Maggie as to me she is also a part of the whole Top Gun experience.

Anniversary

The smell of roasting meat filled the air as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell stepped out of his hangar, holding two cans of beer. He could hear some upbeat music as well and at the small barbecue stand he saw a young man turning the slices of meat over so they wouldn’t get burnt.

“Here, have a little refreshment,” he said, handing him one of the cans.

As the young, mustached man turned around and saw Maverick with the beer, he smiled. It was Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, a fellow naval aviator, son of his late best friend, Nick “Goose” Bradshaw.

“Thank you, Mav,” Rooster said.

The older aviator just nodded his head, but didn’t say a word. Bradley looked so much like his father that Maverick sometimes had to remind himself that the tall guy in front of him was not his friend but his son. Even though it had happened more than thirty years ago, it still hurt him as he thought about it. He opened the can to wash his sorrow away with the beer. At least Bradley was a part of his life again after all these years and it didn’t seem to change.

“Cheers,” he finally said with a smile, raising his can and Rooster did the same.

“Is anyone up for a piña colada?” they heard a female voice and they spotted Natasha “Phoenix” Trace at one of the tables under a parasol, surrounded by bottles of booze, fruits and glasses.

“We’ve just made some and it slays,” Robert “Bob” Floyd added, standing next to her.

“I’d like to have one,” Bernie “Hondo” Coleman said carrying another barbecue stand, similar to the one Rooster was standing next to.

“Perfect timing,” Maverick stated, and leaving his beer to the younger aviator, he went to greet his friend.

“Absolutely, as we have just finished preparing the veggies inside,” Reuben “Payback” Fitch joined them with a huge bowl of salad in his hands. “Where can I put this, Mav? Preferably far from Fanboy before he eats it all.”

“You can put them in the fridge where the beer was,” the older aviator said, making Rooster raise a brow.

“Are we drinking the last two cans?” he asked, astonished.

“At the moment yes, but no worries, I have a delivery on the way,” Maverick assured them.

“You can have some piña colada until then,” Bob offered.

About ten minutes later the second barbecue stand was operating - that one with vegetables -, and the aviators were all gathering around them, enjoying the smell of the grilled goods, chatting and drinking. Soon after some new guests arrived as well: Logan “Yale” Lee, Brigham “Harvard” Lennox, Callie “Halo” Bassett, Billy “Fritz” Avalone, Neil “Omaha” Vikander, other members of the Dagger Squad. However, two people were still missing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin and Javy “Coyote” Machado. The food was almost ready when their car stopped next to the hangar, earning a round of cheers from the rest of the squad. And then a sad sigh when it turned out that they hadn’t brought any beer.

Not everyone noticed them, though. Bob got a little carried away with making cocktails and he didn’t register anything of the new guests’ arrival. Seeing that a smile touched Hangman’s lips and he sneaked up to the Weapon Systems Officer from behind. He even lifted his hands to cover his eyes and play “guess who” with him, but he had forgotten about something. Or well, someone.

“Hello, Bagman,” Phoenix said, killing the moment.

Hearing that, Bob dropped the lemon he was about to cut and turned around to face the aviator - his boyfriend.

“Jake!” he exclaimed and welcomed him with a kiss, not giving him time to be cross with Phoenix. “Where the hell have you been?”

“Looking for the Cards Against Humanity,” Hangman replied with a small shrug.

“It’s here,” Bob told him. “We brought it with Nat,” he added, gesturing towards Phoenix who nodded her head.

“And Coyote couldn’t decide what to wear,” the blonde aviator sighed.

“I have two new shirts and both are awesome,” Coyote joined them. “And I had trouble deciding which one to choose. Then I realized that my old shirts are awesome as well, so it took me a while to pick this one,” he explained, tugging at the collar of his orange shirt.

“It is indeed awesome,” Phoenix agreed, “but it will end up on the floor anyway.”

“Or on you,” Coyote said, pulling her into her arms.

“Or that.”

Then a turquoise Honda stopped in front of the hangar, driven by a woman with wavy blonde hair - she was Maggie “Letdown” Miller, a salsa instructor who befriended the squad members and later became Rooster’s girlfriend.

“Sorry for being late, but at least I have a special delivery,” she announced.

“Is it beer?” Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia wondered, and the others were looking at her with puppy eyes, hoping that she would say yes.

“No, I brought admirals,” Maggie replied. “There’s two of them,” she added glancing behind as Solomon “Warlock” Bates and Beau “Cyclone” Simpson followed her.

Penny Benjamin could hardly find any space to park her car in front of the hangar. It seemed everyone else was already there when they arrived. They were planning to come earlier, but they had to go to The Hard Deck for some beer.

“What about the barrels in the trunk?” Amelia, her daughter asked as they headed inside the building.

“Let them work for it a little,” Penny smiled.

***

Pete “Maverick” Mitchell looked around the runway behind the hangar where they had set the tables. A year ago this place was empty and quiet, now it was full of people, chatting and laughing. A year ago Bradley wasn’t even speaking to him and now he was sitting by his side at the table. His gaze shifted to the young aviators sitting around the table, enjoying the dinner they had made together, making jokes with Cyclone and Warlock - that was something he hadn’t seen coming -, then exchanged a look with Hondo who raised his glass. He did the same and nodded his head. Feeling a hand on his knee under the table, he glanced at Penny sitting next to him, then his eyes fell on Rooster who was laughing at something with Maggie and Phoenix. A smile touched the aviator’s lips.

A year ago Pete “Maverick” Mitchell was alone, now he had a family.

***

Tagging: @askmeaboutmyobrienobsession​, @bigassnocash​, @fangirl-316​​, @xoxomandoo​​, @peachiicherries​​, @msmckawaii​​, @multistangirl07, @stargurl-battleship​​, @mattzwright​​ If you’d like to be added to the list or removed from it, please let me know!

[callsignspark]

he truly is the sweetest, most considerate non-boyfriend-boyfriend ever! it was so fun to write their relationship and show how it's progressing even though they're literally an ocean apart! I can't wait to show a little snippet of their FaceTime call, and when we get to learn what she sent in Bradley's package!

edit from 10/13: I'm so sorry, I forgot to hit post on this omg

oh this hurts so bad!!! i can actually visualize this so clearly? like the look on both of their faces, especially their eyes? personification of 🥺 the hug def lasted a longer time than anyone else’s AND you know bradley definitely smelled her hair/nuzzled her? i can’t wait till they see each other on facetime, i know they’re gonna have the biggest smiles on their faces - they cuddled together so close!! (he pressed his nose directly into her hair, trying to memorize her perfume) everyone was honestly surprised they didn't kiss (especially those few people that actually know they kissed already!) there was a "just do it already!" vibe from the group lmao

HAHAHAHAHA DRAG HER ASS FLORA!! like come on mary we all know! - Flora "who are you trying to fool" Phillips, everyone! they're not close friends (yet) but after hearing Nat and Jake talk about them, even she's like, girl just fuck him already.

i love that he got her a new sweater - i know he sprung for the cashmere! and having it smell like him is such a sweet gesture too! - he did! he got a nice quality sweater and he put so much thought into it!

oh sweet girl 🥺 i totally see both sides of this (not that their are sides!), but like yes totally makes sense that mav would be bradley’s primary contact, like they just kissed for the first time haha, but also!? mary you’re def on the list and i like to think she’s been on the list for awhile - she's not on the official list (see first kiss just happened) but Mav knows that she would be his second call if something were to happen! he would make sure she knew from him, and not from gossip or rumors. Mav is a good uncle 🥺

COME ON FLORA!!!! like i get it, you’ve got a lot of shit going on! but i’m just dying about him knowing exactly which pie she wanted and everything!! - he couldn't be there to make the pie for her in the competition he proposed in December so he did the next best thing! he knows apple was her favorite and they both love Sift Bakery - it was a no-brainer! (Flora felt bad, but after she and Mary talk post-FT call she knows she's not in trouble!)

IT IS!! it’s really stinkin sweet indeed!! and i like that he spent so much time picking everything? like i’m so ready for the bit about the dried flowers later - he's such a sweetheart!!! he had an idea of what he wanted and Flora helped him execute it so well!! ("You know if you want something big like this, it's going to be like $80, right?" / *slaps down credit card* "Okay. You take American Express?") and the dried flowers??? that will be a moment. that will be The Moment™

mary you could email him every hour, every minute and it still wouldn’t be too much - exactly!! he gave her his email address for a reason! she sends something about once a day (sometimes 2-3 times depending on what's happening) and when they leave comms blackout his heart flutters at how many messages she's sent! (some of my favorite email lines from the entire deployment: I miss you [2:54 AM], Slider showed me more baby photos - you're so cute [5:18 PM], you're the sweetest man in the world [three images attached, 7:25 PM], I got Panera for lunch, I hope you're having a good day [12:13 PM], three days until you're home!! I miss you, Bradley. all my love - Mary [8:47 AM])

the happiness radiating off them??? that she can’t believe bradley wants her!?! and then the card making everything okay?? i’m so jealous of her honestly - she really lucked out with a wonderful man. bitch. I wish I could draw so I could show just how cute the photo is!!!!

I haven’t left yet but I already miss you. - what if i killed myself? like this is absolutely the softest thing? it reminds me of a line from a movie or tv show or book that’s escaping me at the moment! and like bradley has never had someone to miss like this before?? - this made me CACKLE. he took inspiration from all the romcoms his mom used to make him watch, and boy did he deliver. softest man in the world!!

Love, Bradley - i’m SCREAMING!?!! he is the sweetest boy in the entire world!! i can’t wait till they talk on facetime (also i need them to say it for the first time in person 🤭) - HE'S SO SWEET!! the facetime is going to be so cute!!! (them saying love you out loud to each other for the first time???? you already know how it happens but ohhh boy is it a doozy!!!)

Mar[r]y Me - part 8.5

pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Mariella “M&M” Vertucci (fem!OC)

summary: A love story told through friendship, laughter, and food.

series warnings: 18+ minors DNI, discussion of insecurities, difficult family relationships, discussions of food and alcohol use, discussions of body image, conversations on what it’s like to be a fat woman trying to date in today’s society, extreme fluff, warnings to be added as needed

word count: 2.3k

previous part | series masterlist | main masterlist

note: happy Friday! this is a short but sweet one! see here for my soft-tober announcement and here for a quick update on what's happening in the month of October! have a great weekend!

part 8.5 - McDonald's apple pie

“Don’t get any ideas.”

“I’d never dream of it!”

Mary snuggles deeper into the couch as Pierce Brosnan - her favorite James Bond - races through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a motorcycle with Michelle Yeoh handcuffed to his wrist. Her chest hurts; tight from an overwhelming urge to cry and a tiredness she can’t quite shake no matter how much she’s been sleeping lately.

The day had been spent with Danielle and the kids, and it had been fun. They had gone to the beach and gotten Thai food for dinner, the adults devouring pad thai while Annabeth watched Frozen again. It was nice; she loved her family, but she missed Bradley.

More than she thought she would.

They didn’t get a chance to properly say goodbye. He had received a hug and the same “be safe, see you in two months” as everyone else. There wasn’t a spare second to sneak away and kiss him goodbye; there was always someone near them the entire time.

All she could do was slip a good luck note into the palm of his hand and hug him for an extra second longer than anyone else. It was hardly anything, but he still gave her a big smile and a sneaky forehead kiss, whispering that his peanut butter bites were safely stored at the bottom of his pack.

For the millionth time since she sat with Mav in her office and they watched the carrier steam away, Mary wonders where Bradley is. Thanks to her security clearance, she knows he's floating somewhere in the Pacific, but nothing more.

Maybe he’ll come back with an even deeper tan.

Somehow, Bradley is always sort of tan, even in January. Yes, they live in California, where it’s beach weather year-round, but it’s like he was born with a built-in base layer of golden skin.

Bond is just about to magically escape from another precarious situation he’s gotten himself into when the doorbell rings. Mary peeks over the top of the couch, trying to figure out who could be at her front door. Her family is in New York, Slider went back to Pensacola last week, and the majority of people she knows in California are also in the middle of the ocean with Bradley.

The bell rings again, whoever it is knocking this time. She sighs - they’re not going away - and frees herself from her perfectly crafted blanket burrito, a poor substitution for the pair of strong arms she’s missing.

Carefully peeking through the side window, she’s surprised to find Flora standing there and quickly opens the door, a blur of red and pink taking over her vision.

“Happy birthday!” Flora yells, shoving an enormous floral arrangement in her face.

“Than- thank you?”

Mary tentatively grabs the vase, taken off guard, as Flora walks in and slips her clogs off. Dropping her huge L.L. Bean tote bag on the dining room table, Flora laughs at how Mary is frozen at the front door, flowers hiding her torso but not her confused face.

“Here, give me those, and you open this.” Flora pulls a box out of her Mary Poppins-sized bag and takes the vase back. She carefully places the arrangement on the island, fiddling with the stems so they look perfect.

“What is happening?”

“Well, your boyfriend came into my shop about three weeks ago and asked me if I would do him a favor. He was so sweet and pathetic; I couldn’t help but say yes.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Funny.” Flora hums, eyebrow arching in disbelief. “I didn’t say a name, but you knew who I was talking about.”

Mary flushes, the tips of her ears on fire as she tries to stutter out an excuse.

“It’s okay, Mary.” Flora takes pity on her. “I know it’s complicated, but let’s face it, that man would do anything for you. Which is why I’m here, on a Sunday night, with gifts.”

“Gifts?” Mary echoes. “Plural?”

“Mmhm. First up, a floral arrangement full of warm tones because “red is her favorite color, but all red would probably be overbearing” - which is a direct quote.”

“They’re beautiful, Flora.”

“He did a good job, and he deserves a reward for understanding that flowers are expensive and you can’t cheap out if you want a nice, big bouquet. Next is the box.” She slides the brown box across the table, fluffing the ribbon curls on top. “I have no idea what’s in that one.”

Mary carefully opens the ribbons tied around the box, her throat tightening when she takes the lid off. At the top is a notecard with Bradley’s handwriting.

She pulls the sweater out of the box, and her eyes start to water as she holds it up for Flora to see. It’s a light yellow, almost the same shade as the stick of butter softening on her counter, practically identical to the one sitting in her closet, a red stain still covering the front. The material is so soft she can’t help but press her face into it, tears escaping as Bradley’s cologne washes over her.

Fuck. I miss him so much.

This was anticipated; she knows how sad Dani can get during Reuben’s deployments. Knows how sad she would get when her best friend was gone for months. It’s only been two weeks, but it’s the longest they’ve gone without seeing each other. Even during the rough patch in January, they still got glimpses of each other at work. The worst part is not knowing how he’s doing. If he’s okay. She assumes he is; Mav hadn’t mentioned anything, and she’s pretty sure he would tell her.

It would be the only way she would find out. Mary isn’t naïve enough to believe that she would be a first-tier point of contact if he got hurt. They haven’t even gone on a date yet, and the only time they kissed was that day in her office.

She’s pulled out of the impending spiral by a gentle hand rubbing her shoulders, which she didn’t realize were shaking. She lets herself be comforted by Flora, the older woman pulling her into a hug, uncaring about the tears staining her shirt.

“Sorry.” Mary sniffles, pulling back after a minute to wipe her eyes. “I just really miss him, more than I thought I would.”

“It’s okay, I get it.”

“That’s right. I forgot about Jake.”

She realizes she said something wrong by the way Flora’s hand goes stiff on her back.

“Jake and I are not together.”

“Oh. He just- when we were talking, he kinda implied that the two of you were sort of seeing each other.”

“We’ve fucked a few times, we're not together.”

Mary blinks at her. Jake had never said anything about sex; he was lamenting that Flora didn’t want to see a movie he was excited about. Sad that the florist wouldn’t join him.

“Jake, I mean, I don’t know Flora very well, but I gotta say she doesn’t really seem like a zombie apocalypse kinda girl.” Mary gently soothed, trying to give equal attention to her email inbox and the mopey Texan. “Why don’t you find a movie you’ll both like?”

“I tried! She doesn’t want to go to the movies at all. I know she’s busy - like she runs a whole ass business all by herself - but it’s like she doesn’t even care that we’re gonna be gone for two months!”

“Did you tell her that you want to spend time together before you leave?”

“No. We’re just- that’s not-” Jake sighs, cut off by Mary’s phone.

They had never finished their conversation; Jake had a hop and Mary a meeting, and a few days later, he was shipping out alongside Bradley.

“Okay. I’m sorry, he didn’t mention that, so I must have misunderstood.”

“You probably didn’t.” Flora rolls her eyes. “Jake likes to talk like we’re together, but I’ve told him several times a relationship is not what I’m looking for from him.”

“Can I ask why?” She quickly backtracks when the other woman’s face scrunches up. “Oh my god, you absolutely don’t have to say anything. I wasn’t trying to push.”

“No, you’re fine. Jake is a great guy. He’s smart and funny and handsome, but we want different things in life. Things that can’t be compromised on and that I won’t ever change my mind about. So there’s really no reason for us to try anything serious. I told him that before they deployed, but I’m officially breaking it off when they’re back because I’m not sure he got the hint.”

“That makes sense; that’s probably the best way to go about it.” She nods, impressed by how strong Flora is in her conviction and a bit sad at the same time. Those two would be great.

“Sucks, though. He’s incredible in bed.”

Mary lets out a bark of laughter at the complete 180 in conversation. “That surprises me and doesn’t surprise me all at the same time.”

“It’s that atrocious arrogance of his, isn’t it?”

“Yes! An ego like that means a man is either totally overcompensating, or he knows he’s good, and he’s got the moves to prove it.”

“Oh, he’s got the moves. Believe me.” They laugh at the eyebrow wiggle that accompanies Flora’s words.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve gotta know. That ridiculous Texas accent he pulls out when he’s trying to charm someone-”

“-does he use it in bed? More frequently than you would imagine.”

“Okay… but, like, does it do it for you?”

“I plead the Fifth,” Flora says as she furiously nods.

“Stop! Wait! And the cowboy hat?”

She laughs harder, tears in her eyes as she gasps, “Both of us!”

“You’ve both worn it?!”

Flora’s confirmation makes them both howl with laughter, Mary bending over and holding onto the table for support. It takes a few minutes for them to calm down, wiping tears away as they catch their breath.

“Well, that’s got to be the least shocking thing I’ve learned about Jake.”

It makes them both start giggling again; the blonde man’s affinity for his home state is well-known, frequently coming up in conversation.

“I should get going. I have to be up early to set up for a funeral. But I have one more thing for you, well, two things.” Flora dips back into her bag, pulling out a brown paper bag and a square envelope. “From Bradley.”

“McDonald’s?”

“Well, he requested I get you an apple pie - it had to be an apple pie - from Sift, but by the time I got there this afternoon, all their pies were gone. So I improvised, and thankfully, Mickey D’s had just done a fresh batch.”

“Apple pie is my favorite.” Mary quietly says, peeking into the bag and seeing five pie boxes. “Thank you for doing this, Flora.”

“It’s no problem. Bradley was so cute when he came in; I couldn’t help but agree. It’s sweet how much he cares about you.”

“I’m starting to understand how much he really does.” A content feeling settles in her chest, warming her up from the cold sadness that was taking over earlier.

Only 60 more days until Bradley is home.

“You’ll probably want to warm those up before you eat them,” Flora says, slipping her shoes back on, getting ready to leave.

“Hey, we're having a girls' night and putting together care packages for the Daggers next week. You should come, you can help with Nat’s box. Plus, it’s great to have extra hands to help put them together.”

“That sounds fun; I’d love to join you guys.” She opens the door and hesitates for a second, turning back to Mary. “No one knows about me and Jake hooking up. I didn’t tell Nat because she wouldn’t understand, and I don’t think he’s told anyone either. I’d like to keep it that way.”

“No problem. I’m always here to talk if you want some fairly neutral input.”

“Fairly neutral?”

She shrugs. “I know he can be an idiot, but Jake is a good guy, and he’s also my friend, so I can’t be completely unbiased about him. Fairly neutral is the best I can offer.”

“Fair enough.” Flora smiles at her, yelling back as she walks down the steps. “We should grab dinner sometime! Have a good night!”

“Night!” Mary waves, happier than she’s been since the beginning of the month.

She locks the door after making sure Flora gets into her car safely, promising herself that she’ll reach out to friends more. No more moping around, being sad that Bradley is gone.

I’ve got to learn how to deal with this if we’re going to date. It’s not like he’s going to leave the Navy; he’s going to be gone.

Snapping photos of her presents, she starts mentally composing the thank you email she’s going to send to Bradley. The Lincoln is on a communications blackout for the first three weeks of the cruise, but she’s been sending him little updates. Letting him know when she’s thinking of him, hoping she isn’t filling up his inbox too much.

She plops back into her favorite corner of the couch, stretching out on the chaise that makes her get a little hot under the collar every time she sits on it.

“Let’s read this card.” She mumbles to herself around a bite of pie as Bond saves the world and gets the girl.

A photo flutters out of the envelope as she pulls the card out, and she loses her breath when she flips it over. It’s the two of them on Valentine’s Day. When she made him pancakes, the photo he said he was going to tape up in his bunk.

A promise he followed through on, his last text showing off his rack. Corners of the blue blanket neatly tucked in, and the photo of the two of them taped on the wall right next to his pillow. Mary looks at the photo he printed for her, smiling at the happiness radiating from both of them. The corners of their eyes crinkled, and her dimple popping out; she still can’t quite believe that Bradley Bradshaw wants her, of all people.

Then she reads the card, and her insecurities quiet down for the night.

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[jenning-fcb]

ok, but I can't stop thinking about the idea of ​​Hangman being a super fan of Ice kgkd

imagine, he and Rooster start dating while they still at the academy (here mav never pulled rooster papers), and it doesn't take long for him to meet Mav, and Mav absolutely adores him, and thinks Rooster couldn't be with anyone better, and tell him that, and Hangman pretends to be arrogant and says it's obvious, because there's no one as good as him. But both he and Mav know that this is just a facade and he is super emotional about it, because he never had a good relationship with his dad (and his family generally) and mav made him feel part of their little family.

So one day Hangman asks Rooster why he hasn't met his other dad yet, and Rooster replies that Ice hasn't been in the country for a while, but he'll be here next week and he'll be able to meet him. And when Hangman realizes the name, and says "Ice... Like Iceman? Admiral Kazanski???" And rooster just answer with a simple yes. Then Hangman starts freaking out saying "my god, my father-in-law is Admiral Kazanski, my god, my god", and Rooster misunderstands and thinks he's nervous about it, because he knows Ice's reputation for being intimidating

So Rooster tries to calm Hangman down by saying that Ice is much nicer than he looks and will love Hangman, just like Mav. And he doesn't need to feel pressured, and if he wants to, don't need to meet him next week. And Hangman is like "what? of course I want to meet him" and explains to rooster that Admiral Kazanski is his hero and he admires him a lot, besides being a great inspiration to him. And that he's much more excited than nervous to meet the Admiral

When the day comes, although he is still much more excited, Hangman is visibly more nervous, changing his clothes several times and asking rooster all the time if Admiral Kazanski really likes the wine he bought, and if it would be too much to bring flowers or chocolate and rooster just laughs and says "calm down tiger, only the wine is good" and jokes with him asking if he should be jealous of his father, because even him doesn't get chocolates or flowers from hangman, even though he's his boyfriend.

Hangman was fully aware that rooster was finding it funny, but he didn't know that secretly rooster was finding it a bit cute too.

When they were at Ice and Mav's house, Hangman was even more nervous, but right after meeting Ice it didn't take him long to relax, because of the way both Ice and Mav welcomed him. And if he almost cried when Mav said they made his favorite food (and that Ice had asked Rooster what it was) no one needed to know.

If a week ago someone had said he'd be playing Monopoly with Admiral Kazanski (Ice, he corrected himself, as the man had insisted) and Mav, while they were drinking and talking, he wouldn't have believed it. And for a few moments during the night Hangman couldn't help but think, "so this is what it feels like to be in a home, not just a house."

Before leaving, hangman felt the need to tell Ice and Mav that he will take care of their son, that he loves him very much and would never do anything to hurt him, and they both respond with a sincere smile, and Ice adds saying "we know. and if Bradley ever hurts you, let us know, I promise to ground him."

When they were already in the car heading back to their own house, what Rooster least expected to hear coming from Jake's lips was "so when are we getting married?", which led Rooster to ask Jake to repeat, to make sure that he heard correctly, and Jake just replied "I need Ice and Mav to officially be my in-laws", making Bradley roll his eyes before saying "well, you better start thinking about how you're going to propose then."

[eatoutofhumanholes]

Jake "hangman" Seresin Character study

Internalised homophobia

His breathing was heavy as Jake opened his eyes. His whole body was trenched in sweat. The the sheets of his bed curling underneath his fingers. The tight grip was slowly starting to hurt as he moved into a sitting position.

The panic and fear of the dream still not fully having left his mind. He didn't want to recall the dream he had all to often now.

Jake whipped the sweat of his forehead. It wasn't normal to have those dreams, to feel what he felt.

Heart still bounding against his chest. The fear of just waking up and the one person he needed around not being there was terrifying.

He shouldn't care for Rooster, for Bradley. He saved him yes but that should have been it. No dreams about not being able to save him. No feelings for another man.

Nobody is ever allowed to know that. His only failure. As soon as he was aware that he just liked men he shoved it into the furthest corner of his heart.

But all he knew is that Rooster came into his life and forced it out. And the force was enormous. Jake didn't know what to do, he wasn't prepared. For Rooster you couldn't be prepared not then, not now, not ever.

So dreams about him failing to safe Rooster played right into his only insecurity.

He was the best. He proved it at Top Gun to everyone and he did countless more to show he is one of the best. More likely the best. And he saved Rooster and Maverick. It was an absolute no-brainer. He should mock and tease Rooster over it but he just couldn't. Every evening he had spend at the Hard Deck after their mission just kept reminding him of all what he should do because it is whats expected of him. The asshole the better than everyone else.

Now it was to late to go back to bed and sleep. He's already spiraling. His feelings had taken over.

A bad sign. He didn't do his feelings. He couldn't even think of himself as what he is. A gay and it tore him apart for all the wrong reasons. The unpleasant feeling in his chest when fellow pilots talked about wife and kids and he wouldn't have anyone.

And he just couldn't go up to the person he gave his heart because Rooster was not like him. All the nights he had beautiful women on his lab whilst playing the piano. They all swooned for him and Jake did too.

It was to much to like Rooster and to see him every day and to maintain his facade. He was afraid that any moment Rooster would come to shatter him and all that he made everyone believe Hangman was.

Jake had enough he needed to get him out of his head for good.

That was way easier said then done. They formed a bound over Jake saving Rooster and Maverick. It wasn't like before the mission were he could rile Rooster up about his flying or other crap. Now it was harder to shove him and the others of the team awaym. He made himself weak. He cared for them all.

[gretagerwigsmuse]

OHMYGOD NIK!! i am already so so excited to see this series fleshed out! i’ve loved talking about it the last few weeks and am so happy to see it’s finally here!! i love how excited you are about this and can already tell how much work you’ve put into the lore (love me some lore ☺️) and i can’t wait to see how things roll out. i’m gonna hold back on some questions for a couple more chapters, but here are some of my fave parts 💕

You had tried for centuries to prove yourself worthy. Completing quest after quest and defeating enemy after enemy. Yet, none of them were good enough, hard enough, righteous enough. Simply put, you were not enough. - to quote one of the top 10 most devastating taylor swift lines “is it enough?” i’m gonna go out on a limb here and say somebody we know and love is gonna think she IS enough ☺️☺️ and more than enough at that

And the best part about it is that you could go by your real name, not one of the silly ones the humans insisted on having. - this is such a cute character trait! i like her cheekiness already

And yet, each one knew what it meant when you showed up. It meant a mission that would surely end in tragedy was coming. But, somehow, each time you cheated death, it was almost like you were untouchable—immortal even. - oh wow this makes so much sense!!!

You weren't here to be best friends with the Daggers. You were here to train with them, fly a mission in a few months, and leave. - SIKE!!! you’re gonna fall in love!!!! and meet some lovely people (and jake seresin)

You out ranked all of them and had more confirmed kills than the whole lot combined. You had thirteen. You'd personally sent thirteen souls to the Underwold. - oooooooo outranking them!!!! damn!! 13 kills!! that has to have some significance!

Everyone around you made it seem like it was a good thing, but it troubled you deeply. - respectfully and it might be the military hater in me, but i never liked that they “bragged” about the air to air kills? always makes me sad

He'd answered your call and provided you with some lotus flower. You swallowed them quickly and let the numbness wash over you. - fuck YES give me the good god drugs!! dionysus my man!!

The last thing you needed was to flame out and hurt someone. - fuck YES (again!) i love this!! i’m so curious to see how this comes into play!

Just like clock work, the lifetime counters appeared for you over the heads of each of the new aviators that you were meeting for the first time. All of them still had decades left. You'd make sure it stayed that way. - THIS IS SO COOL! LIKE THAT SHE CAN SEE THAT!??? how often can she see that? like just when she meets people or??

"Good morning all. My name is Commander Y/N Kolasi. Call sign: Hades." - COMMANDER!!! also knowing you kolasi has some meaning so i’m gonna let you explain that one to me 😉

He wore a smile on his face, but you could feel the lifetime of pain and the burden of the world that he carried with him. "Good morning, Commander. My name is Lieutenant Commander Bradley Bradshaw. But you can call me Rooster." He told you before giving you a firm handshake. - i love that descriptor for bradley! he definitely puts out a front/mask to others and it takes someone special - like a god - to see the other side of him ☺️

You slipped on a pair of jeans and sighed as you pulled them up to cover the inked words and images across your hips and thighs. - i’m so excited for the tattoo backstories!!!

"So if you could back the fuck off and not lean on it, that would be great." You say sarcastically. - i love her because i too dislike the blond man!

You cut your eyes to your rearview mirror. "You aren't here to make friends, and you aren't here to fall in love." You tell yourself. - oh sweet girl 🥺 (also i really like that this bradley is just genuinely very nice and kind to her because i feel like one thing i took away from tgm is that bradley at his core is kind?)

The first thing she asked you was if you knew where her Goose was. It took a few minutes of her explaining for you to realize she was talking about her husband. You think fondly of their reunion. Moments like those made your godly job more tolerable. It must have been almost fifteen years ago. You realize how young Rooster must have been. - awww bubbe!!! i love that she has this ability to remember people like of all the countless souls she must see and she can still recall bradley’s parents awwww

"Persephone, calm down, you'll wake the dead." You half scold her. "Well, I want them to know too, Hades." She tells you before kissing you again. - EEEEEEEEP THIS!! i hope we get way more of her and persephone and how their relationship broke down etc

He was so much like her it scared you. You remember how easy it was for her to break down your walls. You could already feel them slipping again after just a day around him. - BRADLEY AS PERSEPHONE BRADLEY AS PERSEPHONE BRADLEY AS - AHHHHHHHH

false god

Series Warnings: Mythology!AU. Language, alcohol, drinking. Military inaccuracies. Mutual pining, unrequited love. Allusions to and eventual smut. Slow burn. Minors DNI. 18+. Individual chapter warnings will come as needed. Banner Credit @thedroneranger

Masterlist Next Part

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Chapter 1: Villain Era

For generations, people have said that the gods from mythology weren't just myths, that they were real. Some even believed they walked amongst the mortals of the world.

Many people might brush it off, say it was the stuff of legends. That the Gods didn't exist. At least not the ones in the stories from ancient times, but that's a whole different conversation for another day.

Sure, people have claimed that the Gods of the days of old were real, and people have called them crazy. But those nay sayers are wrong.

The Gods are real.

And they do walk among the mortals. You know that without a shadow of a doubt.

Why?

Because you're one of them.

A millennia ago, you and the other Gods that once ruled over Earth from your perch on Mount Olympus were cast off by the Titans.

Angered by Zeus' taunting bravado, all of you were doomed to walk the Earth until each of you proved yourself worthy of your title.

One by one, the twelve of you earned your place back on the summit. Well—almost all of you.

It seemed that you were the only one of the bunch that hadn't been deemed worthy enough to have your seat on the high court given back to you, along with having your full powers restored.

You had tried for centuries to prove yourself worthy. Completing quest after quest and defeating enemy after enemy. Yet, none of them were good enough, hard enough, righteous enough.

Simply put, you were not enough.

So, you accepted your fate. That you would never have your seat back on Olympus. You gave up on trying to be worthy enough.

You spent centuries trotting the globe, doing what you pleased. However, even without your seat on Olympus, you were still forced expected to watch and govern over your realm.

After generations of trying to find yourself, you discovered that you loved flying, so, you chose a career where you could do just that.

Of course, you were still expected to do that. No one else wanted to. The Olympians all sat upon their mountain top and looked down upon you, literally and figuratively.

You spent three thousand years trying to prove that you are their equal. After yet another fail attempt to earn your rightful place, you decided you didn't need their approval. Who were they to tell you that you weren't good enough? They all thought you were a monster. Their minds were made up. So why try to change it? You vowed that you would no longer spend your life trying to prove your worth to the other Gods. You decided to do what you wanted, honor be damned.

You had traveled all over the world and eventually settled in America. You joined their Navy and became an aviator. A very good one at that. One of the best.

And the best part about it is that you could go by your real name, not one of the silly ones the humans insited on having.

After spending almost a decade in the Navy, you'd made quiet a name for yourself. And not in a good way. You had drifted from squadron to squadron. Each one more different than the last.

And yet, each one knew what it meant when you showed up. It meant a mission that would surely end in tragedy was coming. But, somehow, each time you cheated death, it was almost like you were untouchable—immortal even.

No one had ever seen a pilot like you. You were smart, clever, quick, deadly.

And the kicker of it all, you were a woman.

After a particularly sketchy mission overseas, where you somehow survived a total engine failure and heavy enemy fire, and crashing into the ocean due to a parachute failure, and then almost drowning, the Navy offered you the chance to have a more permanent duty station. To be part of the most elite squadron in the history of the program.

So, you packed your things and moved across the country to take on a role as the newest member of the Dagger Squadron on the North Island in San Diego.

Today was your first day. This would be your once chance to establish yourself, to assert your dominance. If you went in there friendly and smiling, they would think you're weak. You refused to let that happen.

So, you slicked back your bun, laced your boots, pinned your medals, and put on your game face. The metaphorical mask you wore to protect yourself and them. You weren't here to be best friends with the Daggers. You were here to train with them, fly a mission in a few months, and leave.

Making friends made the last item on the list harder. So, you would come in cold and calculated, team build enough to keep up appearances and earn their trust.

After giving yourself a once over in the mirror of your apartment, you grabbed your things and headed towards base.

.............

You stay quiet at the back of the room, taking a few deep breaths to calm yourself. The last thing you needed was to flame out and hurt someone. You're vaugly aware of your commanding officer introducing you to the group.

The first days were always the hardest. Just like in school, everyone always wanted a piece of the new kid. You could tell that the other aviators in the room were used to being the best of the best. Today, you took that title from them. You out ranked all of them and had more confirmed kills than the whole lot combined. You had thirteen. You'd personally sent thirteen souls to the Underwold.

You would think that being surrounded by death your whole life would make killing easier. It doesn't.

You remember the ache in your heart after your first confirmed air to air kill. People congratulated you, slapped you on the back, and applauded your accomplishments. You got a medal for it.

Everyone around you made it seem like it was a good thing, but it troubled you deeply. You remember sitting on the floor of your tiny rental downing bottle after bottle of whiskey and tequila, trying to ease the pain, but the relief never came. Finally, you broke down and cried out to Dinoysus. He'd answered your call and provided you with some lotus flower. You swallowed them quickly and let the numbness wash over you.

After coming down from the high, you swore you would never do it again. But you did. Each time making you feel worse than the last.

You prayed that your thirteen kill would be your last one.

You sucked in a breath and wiped your sweat palms against your uniform pants before quietly opening the heavy metal door and entering the hanger that was currently being used as a briefing room.

Though you didn't need much of an introduction, your reputation proceeded you.

You took a deep breath and walked to the front of the room. Just like clock work, the lifetime counters appeared for you over the heads of each of the new aviators that you were meeting for the first time. All of them still had decades left. You'd make sure it stayed that way.

One by one, you made eye contact with each of them. Everything was fine until your eyes met his.

You could see a spark in them that was oh so familiar. You felt a heat creepy over you. You had to squeeze your palms to keep them from bursting into literal flames.

Don't lose control

Don't let them see what you really are

You swallowed thickly before speaking.

"Good morning all. My name is Commander Y/N Kolasi. Call sign: Hades."

Twelve sets of eyes stared back at you. Each one of them wearing a different expression. Some were shocked, others surprised, and a few looked intimidated. One looked at you like you were his next meal, a challenge for him.

Keep it together

Each one came to introduce themselves. And shake your hand. Harvard. Yale. Halo. Fritz. Omaha. Payback. Fanboy. Coyote. Phoenix. Bob. Hangman. Each one telling you their call sign and welcoming you to the group.

Finally, after waiting his turn, he came up to introduce himself. He was tall and sun kissed. Golden brown curls and honey colored eyes with a thick mustache that he made work. He wore a smile on his face, but you could feel the lifetime of pain and the burden of the world that he carried with him.

"Good morning, Commander. My name is Lieutenant Commander Bradley Bradshaw. But you can call me Rooster." He told you before giving you a firm handshake.

You prayed that he wouldn't notice how hot your hands were from the flames that threatened to creep out of them.

You could feel the desire burning inside you. Something you hadn't let yourself feel for a very long time. You couldn't risk it. You couldn't allow yourself to lose control. Not again.

No, you can't do this again

You'll only hurt him

You could already tell that you would have to keep as much space between the two of you as possible. You wouldn't let yourself fall for him.

"'Rooster is going to be your wingman for the time being. He'll help you get acquainted with everyone while you're getting settled." Your commanding officer, Maverick, told you.

After a day of training and flying and fending off the flirty remarks from Hangman, you headed to the locker rooms to take a long hot shower. The water wasn't nearly as hot as you wanted it to be, so you gave it a little extra assistance.

Great. So much for keeping your distance.

...............

After spending some time soothing your aching muscles, because yeah, even the Gods get tired, you finished getting ready. You slid on a black sports bra and black v-neck shirt. You slipped on a pair of jeans and sighed as you pulled them up to cover the inked words and images across your hips and thighs.

You left your hair loose and swiped some mascara and a dark red lip on before leaving. You thought you might ask your new coworkers about the best place to get a drink around here. You couldn't actually get drunk, but you needed to keep up appearances and earn their trust. You've found that mortals are more apt to let their guard down and show their true selves after a few social drinks.

You grabbed your things and slipped your sunglasses over your eyes as you exited the building to walk to your car.

You fished your keys out of your bag. And you were just about to unlock your SUV when you noticed some of the boys crowded around your car.

"Excuse me?" You said as you unlocked your blacked out Land Rover Defender.

"Hades? This is your car?" Hangman asked you with wide-eyed amazement.

"Yes. It is." You deadpanned.

"Damn. This is fine as hell, darlin. Custom paint job?" He asked as he leaned against the hood and traced his finger down the electric blue pin stripping that ran down it.

"Yes, along with custom black chrome wheels and a custom sound system and custom interior." You tell him.

"So if you could back the fuck off and not lean on it, that would be great." You say sarcastically.

Good, don't let them think you're weak

"Sorry, honey." He smirked before standing up.

You rolled your eyes before looking over at the car parked next to you. It was a vintage blue Bronco.

"Whose Bronco is that?" You asks, looking at the group of men whose eyes went back and forth between ogling you and your SUV.

"It's mine." You hear Rooster's voice cut through them.

Of course it was

"I like it. I'm a big fan of the classics." You tell him.

"Thanks." He smiled. "Is this the Bond edition?" Bradley asks as he gestures to your car. "Yeah." You shrugged.

Don't smile back

Don't lose control

"So, Hades, how many drinks would I have to buy you at the Hard Deck for you to let me take this beauty for a spin?" Hangman asks you.

"Seresin, there isn't enough alcohol in the world for me to ever agree to that." You shoot back. Coyote laughs and smacks him on the back.

"But, the Hard Deck, is that where you guys go to get a drink around here?" You ask them.

"Yeah, it is. Mav's girlfriend owns it. If you want to, you can follow me over there, and I can buy you a welcome to the team beer." Rooster pipes up.

"Sounds good. Lead the way, Bradshaw." You say as you open your car door and climb in. A grin breaks out across Bradley's face as he jogs over to his car.

Great, you've been too nice.

Stop it.

You press your push to start button and the engine under the hood purrs to life. You can see the shocked expression of Hangman, Coyote, Fanboy, and Payback through your tinted windows.

You select your favorite playlist and turn the volume up. The beats ring out as you rev the engine before following Bradley out of the parking lot.

As the bass drops, you tap your shiny black fingernails along your leather wrapped steering wheel as you listen to the song

"She's in her villain era"

You cut your eyes to your rearview mirror. "You aren't here to make friends, and you aren't here to fall in love." You tell yourself.

"You'd better send a prayer up"

You took a deep breath as you pulled into the parking lot next to Rooster. You could do this. You killed the engine, but before you could open your door, Rooster rushed over and grabbed the handle before offering his hand to help you out.

"You didn't have to do that." You tell him.

Don't let him charm you.

Do you want a repeat of last time?

"I know, but my mom would roll over in her grave if I didn't." He tells you with a smile before leading you in.

The moment he mentions his mother, you can see her. You can see his memories of her. You know her. You had met her when she came through the gates. The first thing she asked you was if you knew where her Goose was. It took a few minutes of her explaining for you to realize she was talking about her husband. You think fondly of their reunion. Moments like those made your godly job more tolerable. It must have been almost fifteen years ago. You realize how young Rooster must have been.

Now you know why he carries sadness in his eyes.

"Hoping that she'll maybe spare ya"

You vow to yourself to not cause him anymore.

Don't lose control

................

You spend a few hours in the Hard Deck with your new squadron. You try your best to ignore the countdown timers of all the new faces. You swipe them away until you notice one of a young man who is sitting at the bar alone. He looks depressed and is clearly intoxicated. You see that he's got thirty minutes left to live.

He's fumbling for his wallet to pay his tab, and he sets his keys on the bar. You know exactly what he is going to do. You also know you shouldn't interfere because Minthe will tell you that all your time on earth has made you soft. But you can't help it.

You discreetly make your way through the crowd and swipe his keys without being seen. You look back and see that his time has jumped up several decades. You breathe a heavy sign and pocket his keys to turn into the bartender at a later time.

God, you are getting soft.

You're just about to pay for your drinks and the rest of your coworkers when Phoenix grabs your arm and tells you to come over to the piano.

You gather around to find Rooster sitting and playing a few melodies.

Then, he breaks into a song, putting on a show for the whole bar. You figured that's probably how he got his call sign.

As he is singing, he throws his head back, and you see them. You don't know how you hadn't noticed them before. His scars.

Before you know it, his words aren't his anymore. They are hers from ages past echoing in your brain.

"Come Hades! I want all of Olympus to know you're mine, mine, mine! I want to shout it from the mountain tops and tell the world you belong to me and I belong to you!" She chants out as you're racing her up a hill before catching her around the waist and kissing her. "Persephone, calm down, you'll wake the dead." You half scold her. "Well, I want them to know too, Hades." She tells you before kissing you again.

Her voice is as clear as day in your head. You can still feel the tingle from her kiss on your lips.

You didn't realize you had zoned out until Phoenix shook you to see if you were okay. You snapped back to reality and wiped a stray tear from your eye as Rooster began to play another song.

Don't lose control

Don't drop the mask

"Yes. I'm fine." You lied to her so easily. "It's just getting late. I'm going to head home. Will you tell everyone their tabs are taken care of." You call over your shoulder as you push your way through the crowd and out the door.

You struggle to draw in a breath as you get in your car. You turn on the headlights and zoom out of the parking lot as you try to regulate your heart rate.

It was all too much. Too similar. Too overwhelming.

You could feel the control slipping.

Get it together

Build your walls higher

You peeled down the highway towards your apartment, needing to put as much space between you and him. He was so much like her it scared you. You remember how easy it was for her to break down your walls. You could already feel them slipping again after just a day around him.

This is not good

Make your armor stronger

You couldn't relive the worst moment of your life. You would not let yourself fall in love with Bradley Bradshaw. You couldn't let yourself go through that heartbreak again. You might not be strong enough to survive it a second time

Do

Not

Lose

Control

Taglist: @thedroneranger @roosterscock @shanimallina87 @teacupsandtopgun @mayhemmanaged @wkndwlff @roosterforme @daggerspare-standingby @dakotakazansky @startrekfangirl2233 @hecate-steps-on-me @cassiemitchell @na-ta-sh-aa @milestellerlover @katieshook02 @mak-32 @je-suis-prest-rachel @soulmates8 @ohgodnotagainn @diorrfairy @eli2447 @xoxabs88xox @djs8891 @roosters-girl @sebsxphia @rosiahills22 @dempy @callsign-magnolia @alchemxx @gretagerwigsmuse @sunlightmurdock @withahappyrefrain @lt-spork @multifandomlover4life @lewmagoo @bradshawsbaby @seitmai @kmc1989 @bcarolinablr @roosterisdaddy36 @itsdesiree86 @waywardhunter95 @hisredheadedgoddess28

[redmeet]

IBLBM, Chapter 4 live slug (me) reaction

idk how you did it, but you've so easy for me to relate to jake, it's insane

"it's not a french press morning" lmaooo

jake. baby. love of my life. of all the bradley memories you have to choose from, you chose THAT ONE to remember in the middle of your medical???

"you don't need it" AH WTF WTF WTF

why mango though, is it bc he's hot?

willingness to leave people behind.. DUDE. they way i projected

okay brief but relevant parenthesis: i think it's amazing the way you've built jake from the scraps that the movie gave us on him. the material is close to nothing AND YET, you've managed to perfectly encapsulate jake's barely-there essence and make it something real and palpable and layered. also i think what's truly remarkable is that every single thing he says or does or thinks, feels in sync with movie!jake. there is not one thing i've read where i say "hmm not sure jake seresin would say that", quite the contrary, really

ngl i feel kinda weird that he didn't sit with fanboy and payback right away, BUT i'll attribute this to this widely-accepted fanon's idea that somehow all the daggers became like siblings in 2 weeks (which btw reminds me of the dark times in the mcu fandom when all fics post-avengers (2012) took place in the stark tower with them living together) lmaooo

fanboy my love i want a hug from you

oh man. my boy is down bad

i'll be a good former catholic and keep to myself my thoughts while readings jake's thoughts on bradley's body

ANOTHER RELEVANT PARENTHESIS: i also love the way you've built bradley. obviously the movie gave us a lot more material than with jake, but still, it feels (read: i feel) like you might've taken some of miles' personality (or at least what he and kaleigh let us on) and attached it to the character? am i correct? did you intend to? in any case, let me tell you this: YOUR BRADLEY IS AMAZING. he is, in my very not-so-humble opinion, The Perfect Man (haha i just remembered jake says this in Like What Up) because, again, he feels very real and in character with what the movie presented us with

you really should get an award for you E scenes

PHOENIX MY LOVE

god the pet names

THE PHILLIES. I KNEW IT. miles' traits bleeding into bradley YESSS GIMME MORE

ah this progressive camaraderie between everyone does feel natural!

OH MY GOD. OH GODDD. I'M-

teagan, you'll be hearing from my lawyer AND my therapist

no, for real, i LOVE angst, i love complicated and kinda self-sabotaging characters so that last part with jake and what we get to see of his past and the way he reacts to everyone, but particularly bradley is just *chef's kiss*. everything felt like a natural progression. it hurts in the best way

i've said this before but it bears repeating: you are an incredibly talented writer and i cannot wait to see where this goes <3

the way I love you!!!!!!! a live slug reaction so epic deserves it's own appropriate under the cut (with spoilers) response:

yes thinking of THAT while in medical... well it wasn't Jake's best plan was it

honestly any callsign I give a student I can guarantee I've given zero thought to 😂 it's usually the first word that comes into my head. you are absolutely welcome to picture mango as being hot <3 (if you're even referring to his callsign)

your first parentheses has me like 😭 thank you!!!!!! Jake is so precious to me and I try so hard to both keep my version of him true to the movie while also adding depth where I can... ah. thank you <3

re Jake not sitting with Payback and Fanboy straight away... yeah. I don't really believe that they'd go from the open animosity at the beginning of the movie to Super Besties by the end of it/after the mission, personally! gotta build that friendship first imo

re your second parentheses... thank you ahhh!!! I haven't necessarily consciously taken aspects of Miles' personality and applied it to Bradley! I just think that outside of a high stakes, stressful mission he'd be very confident and cool and collected and cocky because in their line of work you sort of have to be, I feel?

'you really should get an award for you E scenes' hehehehe 😈

'ah this progressive camaraderie between everyone does feel natural!' I'm so glad!!!

'teagan, you'll be hearing from my lawyer AND my therapist' I tried to warn people!!!!!! good to know that the angst lands well 🫣

'i've said this before but it bears repeating: you are an incredibly talented writer and i cannot wait to see where this goes <3' we are holding hands right now 🫶🏻