#bradley bradsha

[sweetwhispersofchaos]

Red, White, & Blue

A Rooster x Phoenix one-shot Warnings: Smut, angst, fluff, oh and lots of smut. Explicit. Minors DNI! Word count: 7240 Story and Cover Image Edit by me Prompt #74 from @creativepromptsforwriting @creativepromptfills (Feel free to reblog) A day late and a dollar short, this is my Fourth of July story.

Description: Rooster isn't a fan of the fourth, it was too close to the anniversary of his dads death. Phoenix tries to help him make new, happy memories.

After the Dagger squad completed their mission they dispersed back into the wind, separating to their four corners of the world to continue with their original units. Rooster found himself back in Japan to complete another five months of service there before being moved again. When his orders came down for San Diego, he wasn’t sad at all. He spent the last 5 months reconnecting with Maverick via facetime and now they could catch up on the years they missed with each other. There was a bonus to this assignment as well. Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote were all stationed there as well.

Rooster moved in April and by May was settled into his small apartment and with his new unit. He spent his days flying and nights banging on the piano at the hard deck with his friends. Maverick had retired finally and was helping Penny run the bar while consulting for the NAVY, so it was another way to spend time with his long-lost family. Things were going well, and he couldn’t complain.

Then his least favorite time of the year rolled around. July 4th was an important day for the country he served proudly, it was Americas birthday. Rooster, however, never felt much like celebrating. His dad had died just a few days prior to the holiday. His first fourth without his father was spent snuggling in his mother’s lap, watching fireworks from their backyard in Corpus Christi, Texas, while she sobbed uncontrollably. They never really celebrated the holiday; it was just too painful for his mother. She told Rooster one time when he was in high school and asked, about how July 4th was his father’s favorite holiday. He and Mav would have cookouts for their pilot friends that included at least one of them getting burned while running from fireworks and lots of singing americana themed songs off key. She looked so sad as she recalled these memories to him, and he decided to never bring it up again.

The fact that his father was a military man added insult to injury. Everything about the holiday was pomp and circumstance surrounding those who sacrificed for freedom. Rooster always struggled to see all the uniforms, military vehicles in parades, and fly overs on that day, so he decided to just ignore it, never going anywhere, never participating when asked, or celebrating at all.

When Mav and Penny invited him and his fellow aviators out to Mavericks hangar for a huge get together, Rooster panicked. He was getting along so well with the older pilot, and this might throw a wrench in everything. He didn’t want to be rude but how would he let the man down gently without telling him why he would be sitting on his couch with a beer and ignoring the outside world that day?

He tried. Several excuses later Penny had sweet talked him into making an appearance, especially after Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote had all enthusiastically accepted their invitations. Rooster was disgruntled to say the least. The thought of Maverick wanting to celebrate during this time of year really rubbed him the wrong way, and Phoenix must have picked up on that notion. The day after the invitation conversation at the Hard Deck, she cornered him at work before their hops.

“What’s up your ass, Bradshaw?” she asked from behind him as he walked towards the hangar door.

Rooster stopped in his tracks, swearing under his breath. He was hoping she wouldn’t bug him about it, but that woman never missed anything when it came to Rooster and his emotions. He turned around and found her standing with her arms crossed, an eyebrow inclined to the roof, waiting for an answer.

He sighed then tried to play it cool. “Nothing. Why do you ask?”

“Bullshit” she immediately spat. “You couldn’t get out of the July 4th invitation fast enough last night. What gives? Don’t like us anymore?” she smirked.

“Depending on how much you continue to bug me about this, I might not.” He said completely dry.

Phoenix took a few steps forward, closing the gap between them. “I’m coming over after work to get one of your shitty beers and you’re going to tell me.” Then she lightly shoved his shoulder with her helmet before walking around him and heading for her jet.

Rooster turned and watched her go, rubbing his face with his free hand in exasperation before walking out into the California heat. He never thought he would have to have this conversation with anyone, especially Phoenix. They had always had a thing of sorts, although they never made a move past being best friends. They were close and had been since they met at Top Gun 8 years ago. They told each other everything and travelled around each other’s orbit, but he always kept her at arm’s length, not wanting to bring anyone into his personal shit nor start something he wasn’t sure he could see all the way through. It had been a few years since they had seen each other in person when they were both called back for the special detachment and Rooster began to feel all sorts of feelings again. But he still wasn’t sure he wanted to bring her all the way into his bubble.

Guess she was going to push her way in whether he wanted her to or not.

After work he tried to slip out before she could catch him but no such luck. Phoenix was already leaning against her jeep parked next to his Bronco. Rooster let out an exasperated breath as he approached her, having half a mind to remove his shades so she could see his irritation on full display, but it wouldn’t have mattered, a satisfied smirk on her face already.

“Would you believe me if I told you I already have plans this evening?” he asked as he stopped at the front of the Bronco to address her.

She stood up and grabbed her backpack from the ground “Not in the least. Start driving Bradshaw, I’m right behind you.” Then she practically skipped to her driver’s side door and hopped into the jeep. Rooster just shook his head then trudged to his own door, taking his time getting in and turning everything on, hoping it would deter her, but knowing better. Damn that woman, if he didn’t like her, he’d hate her. She never took his crap, or anyone else’s, he had to give her credit for that.

Once they pulled into his complex, they both walked silently up to his door but before he could unlock it, he turned to face her. “Look. I’d rather be alone right now.” Was all he said.

Her smile became a little crestfallen as her eyes dropped from his. She took a slow breath then looked up at him. “Listen, I can respect that if it wasn’t so obvious that you’re in pain over something. How long do we have to be best friends before you let me in? We went eight years without me knowing about the whole Maverick situation. You don’t have to hold all this shit in, you know? I want to be here for you, not just as coworkers and drinking buddies.” Then her eyes drifted down to her hands that were fiddling nervously with the strap from her backpack. It wasn’t often she dropped her tough exterior but when she did, it was usually with him and he found it beautiful.

Rooster contemplated for a minute. How long was he going to keep her pushed out of his heart. If he was honest with himself, he had let her in a long time ago, he was just scared, for so many reasons. They were coworkers, which was a weird grey area to begin with, then the thought of doing to her what his dad had done to his mom, leaving her broken and alone, just about killed him to think about. Then there was all his personal bullshit. She had her own issues in life to worry about, why should he bog her down with his own misery?

Was he being fair though? She was a big girl, maybe he should let her decide for herself if he was worth the trouble, she was obviously willing to put herself through on his behalf. For years he had been her go-to person, why couldn’t he finally let her be that for him? He steeled his resolve, turned back to the door, unlocked it, then held it open, using his other hand to wave her into his place.

She looked up at him quizzically at first then a meek smile crossed her face, and she breezed past him. The apartment was sparse, and she had been there plenty of times that it was a second home for Phoenix at this point. She dropped her backpack in the closet by the door, toeing off her sneakers, then walked into the kitchen without a word. Rooster did the same, dropping his bag and shoes into the closet before flopping into his recliner, already exhausted from the conversation he was about to have. He heard the pop of two beer bottles then she brought him one before tucking her legs under her on the end of the couch closest to him.

They sat in silence drinking from their beers for a while. He was starting to think maybe she had changed her mind when she spoke up.

“I’m not sure what to ask to get this conversation started.”

He exhaled “It’s pretty cut and dry. My dad died 33 years ago on June 30th, 1986.

Her eyes went big. “Rooster, that’s tomorrow.” she all but whispered.

He only shook his head in slow affirmative then took a long draw from his beer.

“My mom loved that man deeper than any love that ever existed, I think. When he was killed,” he took a ragged breath, trying to hold it together, “it liked to have killed her too. The fourth became more of a day of mourning than a happy occasion for us. Mom didn’t feel much up to doing anything that day.” He paused for another drink.

“Sure, that makes sense.” Was all she said before taking a swig of her own beer.

“That woman was such a character. You would have loved her. She was hard not to love. I mean, I’ve told you some of the wild and wacky stuff we did when I was growing up. Holidays were always a big deal, except the fourth. The only place we ever went was to the cemetery sometimes but as I got older, I just couldn’t go and watch her lay on that patch of grass and sob for hours in the Texas sun. “A few tears escaped his eyes, much to his protests. Before he could wipe them though, a small, calloused hand reached up and swiped his cheek gently. He looked at her, her eyes watery and filled with compassion.

“Rooster, this is nothing to be ashamed of. You’re allowed to hurt. You’re allowed to grieve however you feel is best. If that means holed up here on the fourth, then do it. I don’t mind covering for you.” She hesitated, “or I could come hole up here with you. So, you’re not alone?”

He let loose a soft smile “I’d like that.” He said with a rasp in his voice before he could stop himself. Was this the clutch his mom had on his dads’ heart? Is this what it felt like? He didn’t deserve this tough, hardheaded, yet gentle woman. She suddenly made what felt like the world’s worst day into something to look forward to.

“Do me a favor? Talk to Mav. I know he might try to talk you into going to the party but give him a chance to prove you wrong. He deserves to know what’s on your mind.”

Rooster just nodded then finished off his bottle. She chased hers until it was empty and then stood and reached for his bottle. Phoenix threw them away then moved to the closet to put her shoes back on and grab her bag. He stood and walked to the entry way, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall watching her.

She spoke over her shoulder “I hate to chat and run but I’m meeting up with a couple of girlfriends at the gym.” She turned and almost ran into him as she closed the closet door. She was so close he could feel her breath on his crossed arms. Her eyes drifted up to his and he smirked.

“So, what are we going to do Sunday for the fourth?” he asked cheekily.

She only stared at him then exhaled into a smile. “Whatever you want Lieutenant.” S stepped back, opened the door and disappeared.

Rooster wasn’t sure what to make of that comment but suddenly the fourth didn’t seem so scary.

The next day after work, Rooster went to dinner at Penny’s house like he did most Wednesdays. This was a somber meal considering the day, and Mav struggled to get through his toast to Goose. Rooster hadn’t seen Mav on this anniversary in many years and he could tell it aged the man more and more as the years passed. He would probably always blame himself for what happened, no matter what anyone said. Rooster wondered if he would ever have to go through something like that. Hazard of the job and all.

After Amelia went to her room to work on homework, he had the dreaded conversation with Penny and Mav. He was pleasantly surprised when they were both extremely understanding, even Mav. Rooster could tell it stung a little, under the circumstances, but they agreed he should do what he needed to do and that he was always welcome if he changed his mind.

Rooster helped Penny carry a stack of dishes to the kitchen and began to rinse them while she toweled them off and placed them in the dishwasher.

“So, do you mind if I ask what you plan to do for the fourth?” she asked calmly.

“I don’t mind. Phoenix is coming over.”

He caught the eyebrow raise and intrigued look she gave him out of the corner of his eye, but she didn’t press, and he didn’t say more.

Maybe he and Phoenix could make some new memories to replace the bad ones? Suddenly, for the first time since he was three years old, he was looking forward to the fourth of July.

The rest of the week at work seemed to drag and there was an obvious tension between Phoenix and himself, but in the best possible way. They used their flying as flirting, and it bordered on foreplay in the air. They pushed each other, goading the other on and passing smart ass remarks back and forth to each other. Even Coyote made a sideways comment that Friday about it.

“Could you two and your planes get a room please?” He cracked as they walked back to the hangar from their jets.

Bob choked on a snort, Phoenix just made a taunting face at him, and Rooster looked away trying to hide the blush he could feel crawling across his cheeks.

Phoenix shot back “Only if you and your ego get one first.” Everyone laughed and then parted ways for their weekend festivities. When Rooster made it out to the parking lot, he found Phoenix once again leaning against her jeep right next to his Bronco.

“So” she said once he was close enough to hear.

“So” he replied, nonchalantly, as he tossed his gear into the back of the Bronco.

“So, I’ll see you Sunday?”

“Yeah, if you still want?”

She snorted her reply, her face looking skeptical. “Change your mind Bradshaw? I could always go over to Mavs with the rest of them?” her eyebrow raised in amusement as he came to stand in front of her, dangerously close again, looking down on her from behind his aviator shades. She was playing coy and he kind of liked it. Oh no, he had decided once and for all that this cat and mouse game was done and his fourth was going to be the best one in the history of his fourths.

He slid his glasses down his nose, looking over the top of them as a Cheshire cat grin crossed his face. “Two pm, don’t be late.” Then he winked and slid his glasses back up.

She shook her head with a chuckle and they both jumped into their cars and drove away.

At 1:45PM Sunday July 4th Rooster was a nervous wreck. He had secretly thought of this moment for a very long time. Was he getting ahead of himself? Maybe all she wanted was to flirt and keep things platonic otherwise? Only one way to find out, he figured. Anything to distract him from how he normally felt on this day.

He took one last look at himself in the mirror, sporting a patriotic Hawaiian shirt over his usual white tank and a pair of khaki shorts. He could hear the sarcastic remarks already. He hoped the surprises he had for her would be appreciated, at least for the effort. He decided the only way to move forward was to take a page out of Carole Bradshaw’s book of unconventional fun. Even though she never did anything entertaining for the fourth, he used his imagination based on every other holiday they had celebrated together and went to work.

At two o’clock on the dot he heard a knock at his door before it swung open. He quickly grabbed a white beard and patriotic top hat and threw them on before exiting his bedroom “Bradshaw, come help me” She called out, her smaller frame bent over trying to pick up a few grocery bags. He had to smile at the visual. She was wearing a tiny red tank top and very short denim shorts, her own pair of aviator shades covering her eyes, and her car keys were hanging out of her mouth while she struggled with the bags. He smiled at the sight.

Phoenix raised her head to look at him and froze on the spot, her car keys slamming to the ground as her jaw slid open. He put his arms out as if to say “ta-da” and she began laughing hysterically. She was laughing so hard she began to grab her side and used her other hand to clutch the door frame.

“What” she laughed more, trying to breath “are you wearing Colonel Sanders?”

He scoffed then walked to the door and scooped up all the bags in dramatic fashion. “I’m Uncle Sam, thank-you-very-much.” Then he winked and made his way to the kitchen, listening to her continue to cackle and gasp for air.

“You’re letting out all the bought air, get in here, would you?” he called from the kitchen as he began pulling items from the bags. There was a considerable amount of alcohol, some junk food, and a bakery carton of red, white and blue sprinkled cookies. The door closed and she finally appeared in the doorway, immediately busting out into another fit of laughter as soon as she saw him. She was wiping tears from her eyes and clutching her side still.

“You have GOT to take that off or I’ll pee myself.”

“Aw come on, where’s your sense of fun?” he asked.

“You look like Santa came to visit for the fourth.” She giggled.

“Ok, that did it.” He said flatly and removed the items.

“That’s better” she said and moved into the kitchen to give him a hug, raising up on her tiptoes so she could wrap her arms around his neck. Something was instantly different about this hug. Sure, they had hugged plenty over the years. Being in many near death situations will do that to you. But this was a different hug. They weren’t pulling apart. No one moved or let go. They just stood in the middle of the kitchen, her arms around his neck, his strong arms wrapped around her middle, very still.

“Glad you could come” he said barely above a whisper into the side of her head.

With that she pulled back some, a shy smile on her face as they continued to hold each other.

“I wouldn’t have missed Santa Sam for the world.” She said with a grin, and he poked her side, knowing full well she was extremely ticklish. She released a very unladylike snort and turned around to run, shouting behind her “Ok now I do have to pee.” The bathroom door closed, and he waited just a couple of seconds before he heard a loud “Oh shit” from the lavatory.

She found another one of his surprises.

A few minutes later she came running back into the living room where Rooster sat on the couch waiting for her. She launched herself at him, landing with her legs straddling his lap, her hands attempting to get to his neck, but he held her wrists firm, laughing deeply at the feigned angry look on her face.

“Seriously Bradshaw, a fucking Uncle Sam inside the toilet lid? You about gave me a heart attack!” She continued wrestling with him, trying to get free.

All Rooster could do was laugh much in the same way she did when she first arrived. Her position hadn’t been lost on him either. This was not a position they had been in before and he was starting to sweat through his laughter.

“Oh, come on, that was funny you gotta admit.” He said and then with his hands still firmly wrapped around her wrists he maneuvered her arms behind her back and held her there, a prisoner. His prisoner. She stopped squirming in his lap, thankfully, and just stared at him with wide eyes.

“I’m not admitting anything” she said low, and he just gave her a small, pursed lip smile before he did it. He made his move. Rooster sat up, held her wrists, and brushed his lips briefly across hers. He immediately opened his eyes, hoping she wasn’t pissed, but all he saw was a beautiful flush across her cheeks, her eyes still closed. She sunk a little and wiggled her arms trying to go free, so he released her wrists. Her hands moved to his chest and her lids slowly fluttered open. Their eyes met and he almost dissipated under the warmth of the melting chocolate staring back at him.

He brought his hands up to cover hers on his chest, rubbing small circles on the back of them with his thumbs. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that without asking.” He said, genuinely sorry that he took advantage of the situation. A rueful smile played across her face and then without warning she was on him.

Her hands slid up his chest, across his shoulders, wrapping around the back of his neck as she leaned in. His eyes were open in shock at first as she began kissing him, but this time it was deep and needy. His hands moved to her hips, gripping them tighter than he probably should, and he pulled her closer until she was resting against him. She slid her tongue across his bottom lip, and he was all too happy to part them for her. Their tongues began to dance, and a small moan escaped her that sent a chill all the way down his spine.

No sooner had it started, she was pulling away from his face, flustered but smiling a genuine and radiant smile.

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask for a very long time. Glad you decided to skip the asking and just get to the good stuff.”

He was gob smacked. Natasha Trace does not throw caution to the wind, quite literally. This almost feral and lackadaisical version of his best friend had him more confused than he was before their talk the other day. Why didn’t she ever say anything?

Before he could ask, she lifted herself from him and reached her hands out to pull him up.

“C’mon Colonel, any other surprises?” she asked.

His mind went down a wicked path and it must have shown on his face because she lightly smacked him on the chest with the back of her hand. “For the fourth you pig.”

He chucked then took her hand in his and lead her to the small dining table near the kitchen. The table and walls were covered in cheap dollar store decorations including plastic patriotic plates, cups, and cutlery.

“You really had fun with this didn’t you?” She asked him.

“Just wait, there’s games and everything. My mother would be so proud.” He said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Of course, there is.” And she just rolled her eyes.

An hour later the table was covered in various snack packages and discarded beer bottles. Papers for name that patriotic tune and a fourth of July crossword sat discarded next to a small Bluetooth speaker. They had moved their chairs closer together and were looking at a piece of paper together.

“Rooster, some of these are just gross.”

“That’s the point of the game This or That. Gotta find the lesser of two evils.”

“Fine, but I refuse to go through with anything actually on this sheet.”

“Not a requirement.” He said with a smile.

“Ok I’m going first then.” And she snatched the paper from his hands. “Let’s see” she said as she poured over the options. “How about this. Wear a mullet forever or have red, white and blue hair forever?”

He sucked air through his teeth as if this was the toughest decision he’s ever had to make. “You know, I rocked a mullet for most of second and third grade. Wasn’t pretty but at least it would be closer to regs than colorful hair so, mullet it is.”

Phoenix laughed as she passed the paper. “I want to see those pictures!”

“No way.” he shook his head and picked up his drink. “I’m pretty sure I burned those pictures.”

“Liar. Now ask me one.”

“Patience mam. I’m working on it.” He took a drink and put his bottle back down. He looked down the list and asked, “Would you rather drink ketchup through a straw or eat mayo with a spoon?”

She immediately acted as if she was gagging. “I don’t like either of those.”

“That’s not the point of the game Phee, you gotta choose.”

She shot him a dirty look and grunted “Fine. Sucking a condiment through a straw, regardless of what it is, just sounds shitty so I’ll go mayo with a spoon.” And her body shuddered in disgust.

He laughed then passed the paper back to her.

She skimmed her finger down the list and made comments as she went. “That one is gross too. I don’t want to know the answer to this one. I already know the answer to that one.”

“Whoa whoa whoa know it all, ask it anyway. I might surprise you.”

She looked at him annoyed. “Trust me you won’t. Not on this one.”

He sat back and crossed his arms, daring her to ask with his expression. She rolled her eyes again and spoke in a very sarcastic tone. “Would you rather sing all night or dance all night?” Then she tossed the paper down in front of him, sure of what was coming next.

Rooster contemplated his answer though then an idea hit him. He pushed his chair back and stood up, Phoenix looking all together confused. Rooster fiddled with his phone for a minute then hit the power button on the small speaker. A Jason Aldean song started up and he held his hand out to her.

“If the answer involves you then the answer is dancing all night.”

She looked stunned as she reached her hand up to meet him. The next thing he knew they were in front of his couch, her right hand enclosed in his left as he held her close, their bodies swaying to the music.

Rooster started singing the words to the song quietly into the top of her head.

“I think technically its cheating if you sing while dancing, per your insistence that you have to choose one or the other for the game.”

He chuckled “Ok, dancing only.” Then the arm he had around her lower back pulled her in closer and she turned her head sideways to rest it on his chest. They continued to sway through the end of the song and then all the way through another song before she spoke again.

“Rooster?”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s dance all night.”

The implications of her statement hung thick in the air and his swaying faltered. He looked down as she looked up at him, something desperate sparkling in her eyes. There was no going back from something like this. He warred with himself for a split second before he made his decision.

Rooster slid both of his hands under her ass and lifted her up suddenly, causing her to let out a tiny squeak. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, and they began kissing. These weren’t small, meek kisses. These kisses were intrusive. Tongues dipped in and out and her teeth grazed his bottom lip, causing him to squeeze her ass. Rooster began walking towards his room, barely able to see as they continued to kiss hard and furiously.

Once in the room, he used his foot to close the door before turning and pressing her back to it. He stood holding her against his bedroom door but pulled his lips away to look at her one more time.

Between ragged breaths she asked “what?”

Rooster swallowed hard, touching his forehead to hers. “This will change everything. I don’t want to do anything you don’t want.”

He felt her lips place a light kiss on his forehead.

“Rooster, look at me.” And he did. “I want everything to change. Now please, change it.”

He didn’t need to hear anymore. His lips crashed into hers and the race was on. His mustache created chill bumps on her skin as his lips worked their way down her neck until he was lightly sucking on a sensitive spot near her collarbone. Her nails were starting to dig into his back, and it made him suck harder, eliciting pants from Phoenix that were like music to his ears. Her body was writhing against him, clearly searching for more.

Rooster slowly lowered her to the ground until she was standing and grazed his lips lightly across her collarbone and shoulder as he turned her to face the door. With her hands resting on the door in front of her, he gently slid some of her hair out of the way and sucked on the back of her neck. She moaned her approval.

His hands slid up her sides until they were resting on her breasts, slowly needing them through her tank top and bra. She moved his hands and yanked her shirt over her head, momentarily pushing his lips away from her neck. When his hands moved back to her breasts, he realized something amazing, her bra was a front clasp.

His fingers made quick work of the small hooks and as the cups fell away his warm hands covered both breasts, another moan escaping her pretty mouth. He began rolling her nipples with his fingers and her ass grazed his dick, making him jump. Roosters’ hands moved to her shoulders and slid the red lacy bra down her arms until it hit the floor.

Phoenix turned around and crushed her lips to his, frantically removing both of his shirts. As they skimmed lips, she traced her tiny fingers over each curve of his abdomen then he felt her pert breasts pushing against him as she wrapped her arms around his midsection.

Rooster wasn’t sure how much more he could take; his brain was screaming. His cock was screaming. He wanted her to scream.

They began moving towards the bed, never ending the waltz their tongues were dancing together. Rooster unbuttoned his shorts and let them drop to the ground before he unbuttoned hers. Before he could lower them though, she stepped back, panting and flushed. He was worried that she had changed her mind but then she gave him the sexiest grin. She turned around and hooked her thumbs into the top of her shorts. What happened next almost dissolved Rooster on the spot.

Phoenix bent over slowly, and as she did, she pushed her shorts down gradually, revealing a thin pair of red lace panties. There she was, her ass in the air, and she wiggled it ever so slightly, teasing him. He was done playing. Eight years of sexual tension was a huge itch, and he was about to scratch it so good she just might cry.

He gave her right ass cheek a small spank and she gasped. Before she could react further though, he grabbed her hips and turned her as she stood back up. Then, with his eyes connected to hers, he lowered himself to his knees. His fingers skimmed the outside of her legs as he placed a small kiss to her stomach. He slid his fingers deliberately up her thighs until he hooked his thumb into the single string holding up the panties on either side. Then he was lowering them, smoothly crawling his fingers across her skin as he did.

He wanted to worship her. She deserved nothing less. This was an enormous gift she was giving him, and he didn’t want to waste it.

She stepped out of her panties and then ran her hands through the tufts of his brown curls. When she tugged on it, he growled then leaned in and swooped his tongue across the outside of her heat. He could smell her arousal and his cock throbbed painfully. She tugged again and he raised his head to look at her. She looked at him through hooded eyes, lust radiating from her skin.

Rooster used his hands on her hips to move her until the backs of her legs hit the bed and she sat. Staring straight into her soul, he placed his hands on her knees then pulled them apart, spreading her wide. Without warning he buried his face between her soft thigs and ran his tongue from her vagina to her clit, producing the most beautiful cry from her as she threw her head back.

He smirked to himself then slid his arms under her thighs, wrapping them all the way around and gripping them tight. He blew a light breath onto her wet slick, and she shuddered. Then he began lapping at her opening as if it were the best ice cream he had ever tasted. His tongue pushed into her, and she whimpered. His tongue moved north and began a beautiful assault of her clit. He started slow, savoring the movement of her body against his face and the tiny noises she began to make. He circled her then sucked gently, gradually picking up the pace. She moved her hips in rhythm with his tongue, a barrage of obscenities pouring from her mouth. She was getting close, and he could tell.

Rooster removed one of his arms from her leg and she made a noise of protest until two of his fingers entered her wet folds and she cried out. He hooked his fingers and thrust them quickly while his tongue struck her mound faster and faster. This tempo unraveled her forcefully, her pelvis grinding into his face and fingers as she threw her head back and let out a shriek, he was sure the neighbors had to of heard. She twisted and pressed against him as she rode her wave and her movements slowed as his did. He slowly skimmed her slit with his tongue as he removed his fingers, her pants shooting straight to his core.

He stood and looked down at her, naked and open to him. She was a vision of beauty and he felt so overwhelmed by this scene his stomach tightened.

Phoenix let her head roll to the side, her eyes opening to meet his as her breath finally slowed. She reached out to his swollen dick, trapped in his boxer briefs, and ran her hand from base to tip. His whole body jumped, and an unattractive noise escaped his mouth. Her lips curved into the sexiest smile and without hesitation she gently pulled the waistband away from his cock then yanked the underwear all the way down in one swift movement.

Before Rooster could react, her tongue was on him, grazing the underside of his cock until it reached the tip. She licked the precum away then took him whole, filling her pretty mouth with all of him. Animalistic noises echoed from his mouth as she hollowed out her checks to suck him hard. Her hands were cradling his balls and the base of his penis as she slid her mouth up and down in agile movements. He was seeing stars and getting close. As much as he would love to see her mouth take his cum, he had other ideas of where he wanted it to go.

Rooster ran his hands through her raven hair then gently pulled her back until her mouth was empty of him. She looked at him with innocence, knowing full well how naughty she was being. He looked at her hungerly and his voice came out extremely husky when he told her to move back. She obliged, using her feet to push herself further onto the bed.

He crawled across the bed with her and as she lowered herself back onto her elbows, he placed his hands on either side of her and dropped down for a deep kiss. When she pulled away, he gazed into her eyes before wrapping his arms around her and laying her all the way onto the bed smoothly. His eyes searched hers the whole time, looking for any ounce of doubt or fear before he crossed the last precipice of their relationship. Knowing where his mind was, she reached out to stroke his cheek with her hand. A beautiful smile grew, and she said the one word he needed to hear. “Please.” She almost whispered. He only nodded his head and moved in closer between her legs.

He placed his lips on hers, languid kisses shared between them as he aligned his cock to her entrance. With her arms wrapped around his neck he slid in, and she inhaled sharply, her chin lifting to the ceiling. Rooster peppered her jaw line with light kisses as he began to move, gradually at first.  They had waited eight years for this moment, he wanted both to savor it. His lips moved down as he rocked into her and took first one nipple and then the other into his mouth, his tongue circling each one until she was begging for more. Her pleading made him brave. Before she even had time to register what was happening, he had grabbed her around her waist and rolled over, his back landing on a stack of pillows, Phoenix still connected and now, on top of him.

She placed her hands on his chest, steadying herself, before a dangerous look crossed her face. Whatever happened next, he knew he was going to enjoy it immensely.

Bracing herself she began rocking back and forth, grinding her sensitive bud against his pelvis. Her head rolled and lulled with the movements, his hips swaying to meet her. She sat up as she continued to rub against him and raised her hands into her hair, putting her exquisite breasts on full display for him. He reached up and pinched her nipples between his fingers as she let out moans in time with her movements.

Rooster brought one of his thumbs to her mouth, beckoning for her to suck on it, which she did like a good girl. Then he brought his thumb to her clit and began slow circles that had her calling for God. The harder he pressed the more she pushed down, her actions becoming more erratic as she reached behind her and grabbed his inner thighs for support. Seconds later she was falling apart again, a cry erupting from her mouth that ripped right through his body, awakening something feral and needy in him. Before she could come down from her high, he had rolled them over again and was burying himself so deep in her that he thought he might shatter immediately.

His mouth was sucking at her collarbone while her hands clawed at his shoulder blades. He pounded into her with all the force he could muster, her cries growing louder with each thrust. Suddenly he realized she wasn’t just wailing incoherently. His name was pouring from her mouth. Not his callsign, but his name.

“Bradley, oh god Bradley” she yelled over and over as he crashed into her. Something about his name on her lips had his mind and body spiraling. With two more fast and hard plows he blew his load into her as he called her name into the void.

“Oh Natasha, holy shit.” His cock exploding forcefully into her body.

He stilled buried to the hilt, both breathing intensely, tiny whimpers escaping her mouth with each heave of her chest. As his mind came back to earth, he regained some of his bearings and eased the tension of his body from against hers. His lips met hers in a tender kiss that she reciprocated as best as she could between heavy breaths.

His heart almost burst when she smiled at him, her cheeks flushed, a sheen touching her brow. She was stunning and it made his heart clench. This was it for him. No more shutting her out. He wanted all of her like this, over and over again, for eternity. He had found his happiness.

As he softened, he slid out of her and sat back on his heels, watching her regain composure as her breaths became steadier. She raised her hand for help, and he grabbed it, sitting her up gingerly. She bent her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Her chin came to rest on the top of her knees, and she gave him a gorgeous mega watt smile.

Rooster moved next to her and laid back on the stack of pillows. He rubbed circles lazily on her bare back, connecting the scars he could see.  Into the dark she suddenly spoke, pulling him out of his trance.

“Bradley?”

“Yeah baby?”

She peered over her shoulder at him with her eyebrow raised, wearing a smirk.

“Can we do this every Fourth of July?”

He chuckled then opened his arms, beckoning her to join him. She laid back and nestled herself to his side while he wrapped his arms around her. He placed a peck to the tip of her nose and the corners of his mouth raised.

“Let freedom ring, baby.” And they both fell into a heap of laughter and bliss.

Just like that the Fourth of July became his favorite holiday, year after year.

[sweetwhispersofchaos]

Love them!

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

[withahappyrefrain]

so i grew up in a tropical country and we never used sunscreen but i’ve never heard of anyone being sunburnt! but now i live in the usa and my boyfriend is white and i’m always pestering him to put on sunscreen because he gets so pink and i don’t want him to be damaged :D i feel like that’s something bradley’s wife would totally do and even when she’s not there he’s always reapplying and his coworkers are laughing at him but he’s like “i promised her!”

YES YOU ARE SO RIGHT

At first, he shrugs her off. He's Southern, so the idea of being a little sunburn isn't foreign. Hell, Carole lathered him up in sunscreen as a small kid. But as an adult, he's used to being a little burnt.

You promptly scold him for that. Refuse to kiss him on the cheek and/or nose until he applies some on.

And he refuses to miss any opportunity you have to kiss him.

[waklman]

saw this meme that was like ‘i could recognise him by tits alone’ with a picture of bradley and jake and now i can’t get it out of my head, i need this to be an actual interaction!

BAHAHA this is so funny!!!! *cracks fingers* *whips out keyboard* here you go drew :)

If the unpleasant heat wave sweeping through San Diego wasn’t a testament that summer was starting to settle in—Bradley didn’t want to stick around long enough to know what was. 

It was unbearable—for two reasons, he thinks. One being that he forgot to install the air conditioning–though he promised you he would last week. And two, you were practically punishing him–not allowing him near you under the complaint that your skin is going to melt into his, if he holds you for longer than a second. 

This only means one thing for the both of you. It was time to start calling everyone in your contacts who possibly had a cooling system–and visit them with a surprise basket of cookies, as a guise to cool yourselves off.

“Thanks anyway, Nat.” 

“Sorry again, Bradsha-“ He hangs up before she could even finish saying her apology, throwing his phone off to the side with a groan. Another bead of sweat slips down his brow, and Bradley harshly swipes it away before it can burn into his eye—again. 

By the other end of the couch, you’re still on the phone, giggling with your headphones secured in your ears, which catches Bradley’s full attention. He watches you with furrowed brows–waiting for you to notice his stare, so he could ask who’s on the other line. But you don’t notice his peering eyes. Instead, you laugh again—right in his face.

Bradley’s not a jealous guy. He’s doesn’t get jealous. It’s not jealousy if he pulls you over to see who you find so funny.

Feeling movement by your feet, you still. There’s two large palms pressed against your achilles heel now, and a familiar set of sweaty fingers slowly wrap themselves around the front of your ankle. 

No, you mouth with wide eyes—tilting your phone screen away from your face. 

Yes, he mouths back, eyes narrowed at you. 

His grip finally tightens around your ankles, finalizing the decision, dragging you down towards him with ease. It’s almost as if the universe is working against you because the sweat on your back serves as a lubricant against your leather couch, aiding Bradley in his efforts. 

You shriek—clutching the sides of your phone, so it doesn’t find a landing spot on your face. As you try to recover, Bradley takes the opportunity to hover over you, dipping his head upside down to finally learn who you were talking to all this time.

All you can do is watch as Bradley stares down at the mysterious caller. Jake’s on the other end of the line, shirt completely discarded from his morning run. He’s barely in front of the camera, too busy trying to reach for his protein powder on the top shelf. All that’s showing is his sweaty chest. 

“Oh. It’s just Hangman.” Bradley whispers in realization, pulling himself back into his own seat, retrieving his phone again—without a care in the world.

“Tell Rooster I said hey.” Hangman answers, hearing Bradley’s voice. 

“What?” you laugh in disbelief, pushing yourself up by the elbows. “How’d you know it was him—I—his face wasn’t even in view?!” you ask, bewildered. 

Bradley continues to scroll through his phone as he replies to you. “You kiddin’? I can recognize those tits anywhere.” he scoffs. His eyes suddenly widen, turning to you. “Wait—hey, does he have his air conditioning installed?”

“You can recognize those what—”

Jake cuts you off, “Oh fuck yeah. You guys coming over or what?”

[sunlightmurdock]

Considering (and knowing that Katie wouldn't hurt us like that 🩷) Baby Bradshaw being tiny is just him being tiny and nothing bad, let's imagine MFIY Bradley with his tiny little baby boy 😭🩷 And Jake coming to see his nephew and seeing a tiny baby just like how his sister was and two giant men falling in love with a cute little baby and Baby Bradsha and Baby Seresin having them wrapped around their fingers 😭🩷🩷🩷 I am desperate in need of fluff I guess 😭

🥹🥹 them w their teeny baby ur making my heart melt

[startrekfangirl2233]

The feminine urge to bite and kiss and nibble and

Top Gun Maverick is so amazing because it’s like

*beautiful, nostalgic, emotionally touching scene which is the last interaction Maverick has with Iceman before he passes and they’re both crying*

next scene: *MENS TITS*

[bradshawsbaby]

To the Anon who sent me the Twitter link with the following message:

this video gives off major bradley and jake babysitting goose vibes and they take him to the park while mrs. bradshae and Nat are having like a spa day or something

I don’t have a Twitter account, and the video you sent is saying that it’s age-restricted for adult content, so I’m not sure if it’s what you meant to send me 😂

[blossomreed]

Chapter 6 of The Dove and her Rooster [Bradley Bradshaw]

find all the parts here

author's note: sorry for the long wait, college exams have been kicking my butt, hope you enjoy!

warnings: making out, pinning to the wall, implied smut

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Victoria decided to go to the Hard Deck a bit earlier to catch up with Penny, the owner of the bar and her uncle Maverick's off again on again fling or whatever they were. Bradley offered to drive her before going to her parent's place but she refused being adamant on walking there since it wasn't far from the house plus she missed California weather.

She wore a baby blue sundress with some white converse on her feet not feeling like wearing heels or flats. It was her go to outfit on hot days when she felt like wearing a dress.

Getting to the Hard Deck she saw that it was already filling up. She approached the bar with a smile on her face.

"Excuse me, I heard that a very pretty lady works here. Mind telling me where I can find her?"

Penny turned around with a small gasp leaving her lips.

"Victoria Kazansky Bradshaw as I live and breathe."

A giggle left the younger girl's lips as the two shared a hug across the bar. They talked for a little bit, Victoria telling her that she was called back for a mission and Penny telling her about how Amelia is doing.

"Anyways, what can I get the pretty young lady?" "Gimme a beer for now. Don't want to start off too strong."

The woman laughed at that, knowing full well how strong she could start off. She opened and set the beer on the bar in front of Victoria.

"You wanna pay for her unlce?"

Penny stepped back a bit so Victoria could come face to face with the man across from her sitting at the bar. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, she hasn't seen him in a few years now so she was shocked to see him sitting at the Hard Deck.

"Might as well." Maverick smiled at his niece, well she wasn't actually his niece but Iceman became like a brother to him so his kids looked at him as an uncle and he loved them to death.

"Uncle Pete what are you doing here?"

Victoria quickly made her way to the other side to hug the older man tightly.

"Heya kid. I'm just visiting old friends y'know. And I wanted to attend Gavin's graduation."

They talked for a bit until Victoria saw 3 people enter and make their way towards the pool table. She said bye to her uncle and Penny as she grabbed her beer and made her way towards the pool tables. Just as she left the bar she heard the bell go off and laughed to herself. She saw her uncle's phone on the bar and it looks like Penny saw it too.

"Well well, looks like we have the reunion of the birds. To what do we own the pleasure miss Dove?"

The blonde woman rolled her eyes at Jake 'Hangman' Seresin's words but before she could say anything she was pulled into a hug by non other than Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace, her best friend, roomate from the Naval Academy and as of 7 years ago, her maid of honour.

The two women were more than happy to see eachother after all this time but when they finally let go off eachother and after both Payback and Fanboy got a hug and being introduced to Bob, Phoenix slapped Dove's arm.

"This is how I find out you're in the USA seriously?" "First of all, ouch, second of all, I wanted to suprise you."

Just a month prior Dove, Rooster and a few other Lieutenants were sent on a mission to a forgein country and if the blonde was being honest she forgot to notify her best friend that she was back in the country.

"Dove, Phoenix, you up for a game of pool like the good old days? You two againts Coyote and me."

Hangman approached them holding foward two pool sticks. The two women alongside Bradley met Hangman when they first got to TOPGUN and Coyote came soon after, when he went on a mission with them.

The two women looked at eachother before Phoenix spoke up.

"20 bucks as usual?"

Hangman just nodded his head affirmatively so they took the sticks from him. But before they could even start playing the doors to the bar opened again and in came Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw with one of his many Hawaiian shirt over a white tank top and unbuttoned and aviators on his face.

He knew he looked good and didn't hide it. If this was Dove's first time seeing the curly haired man, she would fall head over heels for him instantly, no questions asked. Even now after being with the man for 12 years and being married for 7 of those 12, her heart raced like the first day and she couldn't help the smile on her face that spread as he walked towards the group.

"Bradshaw as I live and breath."

Rooster just said Hangman as he looked at the man while both Phoenix and Dove rolled their eyes.

"Play nice boys." Dove warned them both just before Phoenix spoke up, "Wait, that's Yale and Havard...and Omaha...guys, everyone here is the best there is..." Fanboy looked at everyone in the group.

"What kind of mission is this?"

There was a silence for a minute before Phoenix spoke up again, "And who the hell are they gonna get to teach us?" that was the moment that it all clicked for Dove.

Seeing Maverick here wasn't a big coincidence, Iceman brought him here and he was gonna teach the best of the best.

"That's easy. The real question is which one of you have what it takes to follow me as mission leader?" Hangman spoke up while some other pilots rolled their eyes or just dismissed Hangman's words.

After that, the 4 pilots decided to start their game of pool, just wanting to relax and have fun tonight. As it was Phoenix's turn, the blonde woman turned towards Rooster who now had his aviators hanging from his shirt and was sitting next to Bob.

"So what did my dad say Roost?" "It's a go, it won't be hard getting permission."

Phoenix just put one of the balls in the hole when she asked the two what they were talking about.

"We're getting married." Dove flashed her husband a smile just as Hangman spoke up, "Wait, aren't you two already married? For like 6 years?" the man looked at the two confused just as did the rest.

"7 years, thank you very much. And yeah but my dad is not well so we decided to get married again, renew our vows but at TOPGUN since that's where my parents got married. Kinda re-creating their wedding day."

It was no secret that she was the daughter of the famous and well respected Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky but everyone knew that the woman got to where she was today on her own account and not because of her last name. Almost everyone also knew that she married a Bradshaw, some of their former classmates called them the IT couple of the academy since that's where their relationship started.

All the senior officials that remember them as kids were happy when they found out that the two got together and eventually got married, they always knew it. Even Vice Admiral Warlock chuckled a bit to himself when he saw in Dove's file that she had 2 last names instead of one.

Two games of pool later both Dove and Phoenix were richer for 40 bucks each. All of a sudden the music stopped, the jukebox got unplugged and at first some people complained but then the familiar sound of the piano was heard. Phoenix and Dove smiled at eachother as they motioned the boys to follow them, making their way towards Rooster and the piano, leaving Hangman and Coyote at the pool table.

The familiar notes started and soon enough Roosters voice was heard just as the 5 of them approached him. Dove dragged her hand across his back as she went to stand next to him. Rooster looked at the beautiful woman he got lucky enough to call his as he started to sing.

You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain

Too much love drives a man insane

You broke my will, but what a thrill

Goodness gracious, great balls of fire

Rooster pulled Dove into his lap as she laughed before continuing to sing with him and everyone else that joined in to sing the iconic song but it was mostly him singing the song and the rest joining in on the line that was also the title of the song.

I laughed at love 'cause I thought it was funny

You came along and moved me, honey

I've changed my mind, this love is fine

Goodness gracious, great balls of fire

He was mostly singing to the woman in his lap but would turn to everyone else from time to time.

Unknown to them Maverick was watching them from outside through the window. He knew Rooster was similar to his dad but he didn't know that he was almost his exact copy and seeing him play the piano, singing Great Balls of Fire with Dove in his lap, the man was getting flashbacks to his own youth and to Goose and Carole.

He caught Penny looking at him but decided it was best to walk away for now.

After Maverick walked away, Penny turned back towards the piano and looked at the couple with a smile on her face. She had a feeling that this mission would be exactly the thing that was needed to reconnect Rooster and Maverick. Knowing Dove, she was gonna make sure of it.

Kiss me, baby

Rooster kissed his wife after he sang that part which the woman gladly returned as they parted their lips he countinued to sing, again mostly to the woman in his lap.

uhmm, that feels good

Hold me, baby, well

I want to love you like a lover should

You're fine

So kind

I got to tell this world that you're mine, mine, mine, mine

A big smile was seen on Dove's face the whole time Rooster sang and when the piano solo came the blonde took off his aviators, revealing his eyes and she put them on her own after winking at him.

As he sang the kiss me baby part again he got a kiss on each cheek, one from Dove and one from Phoenix as the two then countinued to sing with him and high-fiving in the process. This was the Academy and TOPGUN all over again, the good old days.

As the song came to an end everyone in the bar cheered.

"Could I get those back now little lady?"

Rooster pointed towards his aviators but instead of answering him or giving him back his sunglasses, Dove decided on something else as she leaned in close just as the music from the jukebox started to play again and people going back to what they were doing before.

"Take me to bed or lose me forever Lieutenant."

Rooster forgot to breathe for a moment as the words left her mouth. He gave her permission to use the phrase his mom always used to tell his dad a long time ago and hasn't heard it in a while now.

"Oh sweetheart you have no idea what you just did."

Soon enough they were saying goodbye to their friends, paying their bill and currently in the car driving home.

With his aviators on his face again, Rooster drove as fast as he safely could. He didn't even try to park the car nicely into the garage instead he just pulled into the driveway of the house and left it there as he made his way inside with Dove right behinde me.

Once the door was closed and locked, the sunglasses were tossed onto the first surface available as Rooster pinned his wife againts the wall before kissing her passionately. His Hawaiian shirt was already on the floor in the midst of their makeout session. He pulled away for a minute and looked at his wife with a smirk on his face.

"Show me the way home honey."

tag list

@in-themountains @srry-itshockeyszn @fangirlinc @jonginvlog @evans-dejong @lovemesomevesey @winteryoungie @n3ssm0nique @monkeyyellowsunshine @needf0rspeed @nobody7102 @kanevill @tynabyna

[sweetwhispersofchaos]

I Fucking Did It!

I finally did it. I finished Chapter 12 of Eject! It's up on AO3 for anyone interested. The last update to this story was at the end of April. This Summer kicked. my. ASS! But I'm back in the groove now. Tumblr still fucking hates this story. I couldn't get Chapter 3 to post so it's just a link to the chapter on AO3. Then I posted Chapter 4 no problem. When I went to add Chapter 5 this evening, no dice. Again. !U&$*(#%)%! So eventually I'll get the whole story up on here, hopefully. In the meantime you can read it here: EJECT (Story and Cover Photo By Me)

[sweetwhispersofchaos]

Eject Ch. 4

Chapter 4 of my first fan fiction work. Rooster x Phoenix. Rated M mainly for language, a mention of a physical altercation, and some blood. There will be some steamy stuff later on down the road so 18+ only! Story and Story Cover Photo Edit by me Chapter 4 Notes: The mission is upon them.

Rooster was thankful that sleep came quickly. He never heard his bunk mates come in. He was not in the mood for pre-bedtime banter. Tomorrow was going to be an emotional dumpster fire and he was already feeling completely drained from the day’s events. When his alarm sounded at 0615 the next morning, he rolled over to shut it off and realized he was alone in the room. Good. His bunkmates all stood a good chance of going on the mission today, but he knew he wasn’t going, so he was in no hurry to get the day rolling. He laid on his back in the dark, trying not to go down that dark path where the day ends in the death of Phoenix. Maverick. Who knows who else.

How did things get so complicated? As if his life hadn’t been one giant complication. He scoffed into the dark. Could the powers that be throw him some sort of bone? At least let everyone make it back to the carrier in one piece today.

They were meeting at 0700 to find out who Mav was taking with him on this suicide mission. He needed a shower and some coffee. He wandered down the hall to the showers, hoping to distract his thoughts with his right hand, but it was just no use. Once dressed in his flight suit, he wandered to the mess for some hot coffee and hoped he wouldn’t be spotted by any of the dagger squad. Lucky for him, it paid to be the last one up. He drank his coffee in peace at a small table in the back and watched the hustle and bustle of the other sailors in the room. He could tell everyone was on edge. This was a big day. Everyone knew it, and that did nothing to relieve the stress he was feeling. Rooster cruised into the meeting room at 0659 and slid into a chair behind Hangman, across the aisle from Phoenix. She turned her head slightly and made eye contact with him but saying nothing as Maverick, Cyclone, and Warlock came to the front and called attention.

Mav began speaking about making choices based on the needs of the mission. Rooster was barely listening. When he heard Maverick call Phoenix, he didn’t even flinch. He knew she was going. Maverick would be an idiot not to take her.

But what happened next was NOT part of the plan. Mavericks’ wingman. The spot he was so sure was going to Hangman, was in fact, going to Rooster. He was going on this mission.

He looked up at Maverick, making eye contact with skepticism for the old man. Did he really earn this spot or was this a mercy selection? Surely not. Something this serious would have to be deeply considered and not just thrown away on old family pity. Did Mav really believe in him?

He was still standing and contemplating these questions when Mav dismissed them to prepare. While others fist bumped and wished good flights to others, no one said anything to Rooster. Maybe the lost and confused look on his face deterred them. He stayed in this state of confusion until he realized someone had walked up beside him.

He turned to face Nat. They just stared at each other. No words, no expressions. After what felt like an eternity, he watched her hold her fist out. As he bumped it, she simply stated “Let’s go kick some ass.” He nodded his affirmative as she turned to walk out of the room with Bob, who had been waiting for her near the door. Bob nodded at Rooster and then followed her out of the room. Rooster was left standing alone wondering what the hell had just happened.

*****

It was time. The deck was a buzz with preparation of their jets. Rooster headed to the flight line with the rest of the daggers. None of them said much of anything to each other before leaving the ready room and heading up. Fist bumps all around and that was it. No one needed to say anything. They all knew what was on the line. He just thought he was scared before, when he thought she was going, and he wasn’t. But now, now they had to watch each other’s backs on what felt like an impossible mission. Was this going to be some sort of twisted Romeo and Juliette moment? Would they go down together?

Once on deck, Phoenix and Bob led the group out, Rooster bringing up the rear. He stared at the back of her head, hoping to somehow send his thoughts straight to her via brain waves.

I love you. Be careful. I’ve got your back.

As she climbed into her aircraft, she never looked at him. Ever the strong, independent woman, lest someone see through her tough exterior. She was all business, and he knew it.

He also knew he should say something to Maverick before takeoff. But what? Thanks? Nice knowin ya? What does someone say to someone so close yet not close in this sort of situation. He was still trying to figure that out as he walked up to Mav and his jet. Before he made it though, someone stepped in front of him, blocking his path. He looked up into the eyes of Hangman.

They stood staring at each other. Rooster was concerned that the idiot would choose now to have a pissing contest, angry he was sure, for not being chosen for the mission. But instead, all Hangman said was “You give ‘em hell!”

Not what he was expecting, but appreciative of the sentiment none-the-less, Rooster nodded his head and waited as the other pilot walked past him to his own jet. Hangman was the spare. He was to await on deck in his plane to help if need be. Ironically, Rooster hoped the asshole didn’t have to leave the ship. One less person in harms way. He shook his head and continued on towards Maverick, calling “sir” several times before the older pilot turned around to face him.

“I just wanted to say” but he was interrupted by the call overhead. This was it. Time to mount up.

Maverick seemed to be wrestling with someone to say as well, as they stood looking at each other but saying nothing. Then Maverick said, “We’ll talk when we get back.” If, he thought. If we get back.

He walked past Mav towards his own plane but as he did Mav called out to him. “Brad, Bradley. You got this.” He wasn’t sure he believed him, but it was nice to hear it come from his mouth. That Mav trusted him with his life meant something. Goodness knows he still loved the man, regardless of how badly he hurt him with his lack of trust all those years ago. As he climbed into his aircraft, Roosters heart began to beat rapidly, fighting to keep his breath under control. How did he end up here? Of course he knew he was a fantastic pilot, but the finality of this moment had not escaped him. He was leaving the earth and could meet again after being blown from the sky. His breath hitched and his hatch closed.

Time to go.

Each plane moved into position, like a very large and expensive dance. One by one they stated their readiness. Rooster heard Phoenix over the radio “Dagger 3, up and ready” and then he announced, “Dagger 4, up and ready”. He had flown missions with her dozens of times and hundreds of training hours, but he heard the difference in their voices this time. Phoenix was strong, determined, she sounded razor sharp over the comms. Rooster sounded like a scared kid.

Cleared to launch. They took off one right after the other, falling into position and making their way into the belly of the beast.

There is a tremendous difference between training and the actual application of what you are preparing to do. No one was feeling this difference in this moment more than Rooster. The walls of the valley felt like they were closing in on him. The SAMS up above a constant reminder of death. Bandits were hot on their heels. His breathing hitched in his throat as he was told to speed up multiple times. He could no longer see Phoenix and Mavericks planes, which panicked him even more. His thoughts raced. Maybe he wasn’t right for this. He was going to die like his dad. Maybe Maverick was right, maybe he wasn’t ready for this.

Then a voice cut through the chatter. “C’mon kid. Don’t think, just do.”

Maverick told him he pulled his papers because he didn’t think he was ready to throw away the rule book. He heard himself mutter “Talk to me Dad” and it became clear. His dad had trusted Mav and his balls to the wall flying, and in this moment, he needed to channel Nick Bradshaw’s trust and fearlessness, because what he was there to do was bigger than him. It was important. It was necessary.

Rooster punched his throttle and his plane jerked forward, speed increasing. He worked his way into the curves of the canyon with ever increasing momentum. Just as he pulled back on his stick to put his nose to the air, he heard the cry of “direct hit” and knew that miracle number one had occurred. Phoenix, Bob, and Mav were alive and had completed the first task. It was up to him now to finish the job.

His laser was a dead eye. Oh shit. Don’t think, just do. “I’m dropping blind. Bombs away, bombs away!”

He vaguely registered the call of “Bullseye” as he raced up the side of the mountain, headed towards Coffin Corner. He did it. He fucking did it. Holy shit.

Then he came over the top of the mountain and all the fear came flooding back as a SAM launched right for him. All hell broke loose. Missiles everywhere. Voices shouting on top of each other through their headsets. Then. The unthinkable. He was out of flares. He was going to get hit. Then.

Maverick took a SAM for him, and his plane exploded across the sky.

Roosters heart stopped. He was told to return to the ship. The bandits were closing in. Hangman asked to help but was denied. No search and rescue were coming. This wasn’t happening. One of his worst nightmares coming true.

Roosters internal struggle was crushing him worse than the 10G’s his body just sustained only moments ago. He couldn’t leave his wingman.

As they flew low and to the south, he heard Phoenix remind him of the bandits and Bob tell him Maverick was gone. He became aware that the team’s plane was flying next to him. He looked over to see Bob shaking his head “No” at Rooster. His eyes locked on to hers, another string of thoughts radiating from his mind to hers, hoping she got the message.

I have to do this. I love you. Forgive me. He looked away and jerked his stick to the left, turning away from the other two planes. He had made up his mind. He was going for Maverick.

Cold. It was very cold around him. And wet. The fog surrounding his brain made him slow to move and slow to register what was happening around him. His eyes cracked open and were immediately seared from the blinding light of the sun bouncing off the snow. Then the searing pain in his shoulders and torso brought him out of his fog abruptly. With a small holler and a grunt he rolled over in the snow, staring up into trees.

He shot a helicopter. He saved Maverick. He was shot down.

Shit.

It was interesting to him that in that moment of realization his thoughts went to Nat and the ass chewing he was probably in for later. If he managed to survive this mess he had got himself into? Frankly, if it meant seeing her face again, he would take all the ass chewing she gave. He deserved it. He felt guilt in that moment for looking her in the eye and disobeying orders. For leaving her in the position of getting herself, her WSO, and another foxtrot crew back to the carrier without his support. For putting her through the fear she must be feeling in this moment. Oh yeah, he was in big trouble.

Rooster rolled over slowly, searching for feeling in his body, past the biting cold. He felt slight pain on his neck and reached up to find a little blood. It wasn’t much though. He sat up and began to move his feet and legs, deciding that nothing was broken, and it seemed he was all in one piece. He stood and began gathering up his chute when he heard running from behind. Before he could register anything else he was being shoved to the ground by Maverick.

After a heated verbal exchange, it hit both men. They were alive. In foreign territory. No way to reach the boat and a long way from the coast. Time to get creative.

Mavericks’ idea of creative was to commandeer an enemy F-14. Rooster would be lying if he wasn’t absolutely terrified in this moment. As they ran across the foreign tarmac, the adrenaline pumped so fast through his body that his ears were ringing, and he could feel the sweat pouring along his body through his flight suit. They were strapped in and facing a very short taxi way. Roosters heart hitched into his throat as the machine launched forward. This was it; he was either going to make it back to that carrier and to her. Or he wasn’t.

***** There is a lot to be said about putting your trust in the hands of someone you have a sordid history with. Maverick was the only real father figure he had known, and now they were running for their lives. Roosters’ life left solely in the other pilots’ hands. After shooting down 2 enemy planes, Rooster began to breathe a sign of relief. They made it. He was going to see her again. Then the radar alarmed, and a new enemy plane was charging right for them. The panic set in. They had no flares. No ammunition. Their plane too slow to outrun the more sophisticated plane headed straight for them.

As they climbed higher and higher over the ocean, the ejection handles not working, Rooster knew this was it. His luck had run out. As he heard Maverick over the comms apologize to his dad, he closed his eyes and sent another silent message to the sky.

I love you, Nat. More than you will ever know.

Then an explosion ripped across the sky behind them and the shock of the moment about stopped Roosters rapidly beating heart cold.

He had never been so happy to see Hangman in his life. The cocky son-of-a- bitch just saved their lives and Rooster knew he would NEVER live it down. He could just hear the shit eating grin on Hangmans face as he announced himself as their savior.

Relief washed over him. Excitement set in. He was headed back to the carrier. Back to earth. Back to his center of gravity.

***** The landing was hard as fuck, but he didn’t care. They were back on the carrier and headed home with a hero’s welcome on deck. He hurt all over, sweat pouring off of him, and all he could do was smile. The crowd that gathered shouted their congratulations and clapped him on the back as he clambered out of the broken plane and crossed the deck.

Phoenix came around him, shaking her head as she pulled him into a hug, patting his chest. He could tell by the look on her face that she was happy he was alive, but he was in trouble later, no doubt about it. She moved past him to hug Hangman and Rooster continued to high five and fist bump the other pilots around him. Eventually the hub bub died down and those who went on the mission filed into a mission ready room for debriefing. This was the part he hadn’t thought about yet. Now he had to explain himself to his superiors and hope that this wasn’t his last day in the Navy. The other pilots and their WSO’s were dismissed while Rooster and Maverick were asked to stay.

He stood at attention, gulping, and then waiting for the worst. But it didn’t come.

Somehow Mav managed to take most of the flack for what happened. He was one smooth talking son of a gun. Rooster had a lot of explaining to do, and would face some repercussion, but due to the secrecy with which the mission had to remain under, he was let off much easier than he should have. To say he was shocked was an understatement, but they seemed to be pleased that he had made it back. He was dismissed a half an hour later while Maverick was kept for further discussion. In that moment he was glad he was getting the fuck out of that room.

As he exited through the large door, he saw two beautiful chocolate orbs staring at him from across the corridor. She was still in her flight suit, leaning against the metal wall with her arms crossed. He froze.

“I don’t even know what to say to you.” She shot at him, her face ice cold.

He hung his head in complete shame, unable to meet her eyes. He could only imagine the hell he had just put her through.

Her boots squeaked against the floor as she moved closer to him. Unable to raise his head to meet her gaze, he stared at the ground as her boots came toe-to-toe with his. He could smell her sweat and feel the heat of anger radiating off her as she moved into his space.

She huffed, then in a low, breathy, and terrifying whisper stated simply “I’ll never forgive you for this.” And then she turned on her heels and walked off down the hall with fervor.

Rooster just stood there, head down, letting tears roll down his cheeks. Whatever chance he thought he had with her was long gone now and for the first time since he landed on the deck, he felt all the pain in his body from the mission. He couldn’t decide what hurt worse, his body, or his heart. He needed to go get a shower and get checked out by medical. But he just stood there. Glued to that spot, reeling from every emotion humanly possible.

He didn’t realize he was still blocking the door to the room he had exited until Maverick almost ran smack into his back. Rooster whipped around, raising his damp eyes to meet Pete Mitchells. And then he began to sob as the elder pilot wrapped him in a giant bear hug. He heard himself let out a small wail and choked on it, angry at himself for falling apart like this. The adrenaline long gone, he felt every pain, every fear, every terrifying moment of the mission and his body began to crumple under the weight of it all.

“Let’s get you to medical” was all Maverick said, and Bradley nodded. Maverick let go of him and they walked down the hall towards the medical bay, Rooster unable to completely stop the tears from streaming down his face, no matter how many times he wiped them away.

[sweetwhispersofchaos]

And I love that you used Hermione to cheer them on 🤣 Thank you for the wonderful feedback, I’m so glad you liked it @sylviebell

Red, White, & Blue

A Rooster x Phoenix one-shot Warnings: Smut, angst, fluff, oh and lots of smut. Explicit. Minors DNI! Word count: 7240 Story and Cover Image Edit by me Prompt #74 from @creativepromptsforwriting @creativepromptfills (Feel free to reblog) A day late and a dollar short, this is my Fourth of July story.

Description: Rooster isn't a fan of the fourth, it was too close to the anniversary of his dads death. Phoenix tries to help him make new, happy memories.

After the Dagger squad completed their mission they dispersed back into the wind, separating to their four corners of the world to continue with their original units. Rooster found himself back in Japan to complete another five months of service there before being moved again. When his orders came down for San Diego, he wasn’t sad at all. He spent the last 5 months reconnecting with Maverick via facetime and now they could catch up on the years they missed with each other. There was a bonus to this assignment as well. Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote were all stationed there as well.

Rooster moved in April and by May was settled into his small apartment and with his new unit. He spent his days flying and nights banging on the piano at the hard deck with his friends. Maverick had retired finally and was helping Penny run the bar while consulting for the NAVY, so it was another way to spend time with his long-lost family. Things were going well, and he couldn’t complain.

Then his least favorite time of the year rolled around. July 4th was an important day for the country he served proudly, it was Americas birthday. Rooster, however, never felt much like celebrating. His dad had died just a few days prior to the holiday. His first fourth without his father was spent snuggling in his mother’s lap, watching fireworks from their backyard in Corpus Christi, Texas, while she sobbed uncontrollably. They never really celebrated the holiday; it was just too painful for his mother. She told Rooster one time when he was in high school and asked, about how July 4th was his father’s favorite holiday. He and Mav would have cookouts for their pilot friends that included at least one of them getting burned while running from fireworks and lots of singing americana themed songs off key. She looked so sad as she recalled these memories to him, and he decided to never bring it up again.

The fact that his father was a military man added insult to injury. Everything about the holiday was pomp and circumstance surrounding those who sacrificed for freedom. Rooster always struggled to see all the uniforms, military vehicles in parades, and fly overs on that day, so he decided to just ignore it, never going anywhere, never participating when asked, or celebrating at all.

When Mav and Penny invited him and his fellow aviators out to Mavericks hangar for a huge get together, Rooster panicked. He was getting along so well with the older pilot, and this might throw a wrench in everything. He didn’t want to be rude but how would he let the man down gently without telling him why he would be sitting on his couch with a beer and ignoring the outside world that day?

He tried. Several excuses later Penny had sweet talked him into making an appearance, especially after Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote had all enthusiastically accepted their invitations. Rooster was disgruntled to say the least. The thought of Maverick wanting to celebrate during this time of year really rubbed him the wrong way, and Phoenix must have picked up on that notion. The day after the invitation conversation at the Hard Deck, she cornered him at work before their hops.

“What’s up your ass, Bradshaw?” she asked from behind him as he walked towards the hangar door.

Rooster stopped in his tracks, swearing under his breath. He was hoping she wouldn’t bug him about it, but that woman never missed anything when it came to Rooster and his emotions. He turned around and found her standing with her arms crossed, an eyebrow inclined to the roof, waiting for an answer.

He sighed then tried to play it cool. “Nothing. Why do you ask?”

“Bullshit” she immediately spat. “You couldn’t get out of the July 4th invitation fast enough last night. What gives? Don’t like us anymore?” she smirked.

“Depending on how much you continue to bug me about this, I might not.” He said completely dry.

Phoenix took a few steps forward, closing the gap between them. “I’m coming over after work to get one of your shitty beers and you’re going to tell me.” Then she lightly shoved his shoulder with her helmet before walking around him and heading for her jet.

Rooster turned and watched her go, rubbing his face with his free hand in exasperation before walking out into the California heat. He never thought he would have to have this conversation with anyone, especially Phoenix. They had always had a thing of sorts, although they never made a move past being best friends. They were close and had been since they met at Top Gun 8 years ago. They told each other everything and travelled around each other’s orbit, but he always kept her at arm’s length, not wanting to bring anyone into his personal shit nor start something he wasn’t sure he could see all the way through. It had been a few years since they had seen each other in person when they were both called back for the special detachment and Rooster began to feel all sorts of feelings again. But he still wasn’t sure he wanted to bring her all the way into his bubble.

Guess she was going to push her way in whether he wanted her to or not.

After work he tried to slip out before she could catch him but no such luck. Phoenix was already leaning against her jeep parked next to his Bronco. Rooster let out an exasperated breath as he approached her, having half a mind to remove his shades so she could see his irritation on full display, but it wouldn’t have mattered, a satisfied smirk on her face already.

“Would you believe me if I told you I already have plans this evening?” he asked as he stopped at the front of the Bronco to address her.

She stood up and grabbed her backpack from the ground “Not in the least. Start driving Bradshaw, I’m right behind you.” Then she practically skipped to her driver’s side door and hopped into the jeep. Rooster just shook his head then trudged to his own door, taking his time getting in and turning everything on, hoping it would deter her, but knowing better. Damn that woman, if he didn’t like her, he’d hate her. She never took his crap, or anyone else’s, he had to give her credit for that.

Once they pulled into his complex, they both walked silently up to his door but before he could unlock it, he turned to face her. “Look. I’d rather be alone right now.” Was all he said.

Her smile became a little crestfallen as her eyes dropped from his. She took a slow breath then looked up at him. “Listen, I can respect that if it wasn’t so obvious that you’re in pain over something. How long do we have to be best friends before you let me in? We went eight years without me knowing about the whole Maverick situation. You don’t have to hold all this shit in, you know? I want to be here for you, not just as coworkers and drinking buddies.” Then her eyes drifted down to her hands that were fiddling nervously with the strap from her backpack. It wasn’t often she dropped her tough exterior but when she did, it was usually with him and he found it beautiful.

Rooster contemplated for a minute. How long was he going to keep her pushed out of his heart. If he was honest with himself, he had let her in a long time ago, he was just scared, for so many reasons. They were coworkers, which was a weird grey area to begin with, then the thought of doing to her what his dad had done to his mom, leaving her broken and alone, just about killed him to think about. Then there was all his personal bullshit. She had her own issues in life to worry about, why should he bog her down with his own misery?

Was he being fair though? She was a big girl, maybe he should let her decide for herself if he was worth the trouble, she was obviously willing to put herself through on his behalf. For years he had been her go-to person, why couldn’t he finally let her be that for him? He steeled his resolve, turned back to the door, unlocked it, then held it open, using his other hand to wave her into his place.

She looked up at him quizzically at first then a meek smile crossed her face, and she breezed past him. The apartment was sparse, and she had been there plenty of times that it was a second home for Phoenix at this point. She dropped her backpack in the closet by the door, toeing off her sneakers, then walked into the kitchen without a word. Rooster did the same, dropping his bag and shoes into the closet before flopping into his recliner, already exhausted from the conversation he was about to have. He heard the pop of two beer bottles then she brought him one before tucking her legs under her on the end of the couch closest to him.

They sat in silence drinking from their beers for a while. He was starting to think maybe she had changed her mind when she spoke up.

“I’m not sure what to ask to get this conversation started.”

He exhaled “It’s pretty cut and dry. My dad died 33 years ago on June 30th, 1986.

Her eyes went big. “Rooster, that’s tomorrow.” she all but whispered.

He only shook his head in slow affirmative then took a long draw from his beer.

“My mom loved that man deeper than any love that ever existed, I think. When he was killed,” he took a ragged breath, trying to hold it together, “it liked to have killed her too. The fourth became more of a day of mourning than a happy occasion for us. Mom didn’t feel much up to doing anything that day.” He paused for another drink.

“Sure, that makes sense.” Was all she said before taking a swig of her own beer.

“That woman was such a character. You would have loved her. She was hard not to love. I mean, I’ve told you some of the wild and wacky stuff we did when I was growing up. Holidays were always a big deal, except the fourth. The only place we ever went was to the cemetery sometimes but as I got older, I just couldn’t go and watch her lay on that patch of grass and sob for hours in the Texas sun. “A few tears escaped his eyes, much to his protests. Before he could wipe them though, a small, calloused hand reached up and swiped his cheek gently. He looked at her, her eyes watery and filled with compassion.

“Rooster, this is nothing to be ashamed of. You’re allowed to hurt. You’re allowed to grieve however you feel is best. If that means holed up here on the fourth, then do it. I don’t mind covering for you.” She hesitated, “or I could come hole up here with you. So, you’re not alone?”

He let loose a soft smile “I’d like that.” He said with a rasp in his voice before he could stop himself. Was this the clutch his mom had on his dads’ heart? Is this what it felt like? He didn’t deserve this tough, hardheaded, yet gentle woman. She suddenly made what felt like the world’s worst day into something to look forward to.

“Do me a favor? Talk to Mav. I know he might try to talk you into going to the party but give him a chance to prove you wrong. He deserves to know what’s on your mind.”

Rooster just nodded then finished off his bottle. She chased hers until it was empty and then stood and reached for his bottle. Phoenix threw them away then moved to the closet to put her shoes back on and grab her bag. He stood and walked to the entry way, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall watching her.

She spoke over her shoulder “I hate to chat and run but I’m meeting up with a couple of girlfriends at the gym.” She turned and almost ran into him as she closed the closet door. She was so close he could feel her breath on his crossed arms. Her eyes drifted up to his and he smirked.

“So, what are we going to do Sunday for the fourth?” he asked cheekily.

She only stared at him then exhaled into a smile. “Whatever you want Lieutenant.” S stepped back, opened the door and disappeared.

Rooster wasn’t sure what to make of that comment but suddenly the fourth didn’t seem so scary.

The next day after work, Rooster went to dinner at Penny’s house like he did most Wednesdays. This was a somber meal considering the day, and Mav struggled to get through his toast to Goose. Rooster hadn’t seen Mav on this anniversary in many years and he could tell it aged the man more and more as the years passed. He would probably always blame himself for what happened, no matter what anyone said. Rooster wondered if he would ever have to go through something like that. Hazard of the job and all.

After Amelia went to her room to work on homework, he had the dreaded conversation with Penny and Mav. He was pleasantly surprised when they were both extremely understanding, even Mav. Rooster could tell it stung a little, under the circumstances, but they agreed he should do what he needed to do and that he was always welcome if he changed his mind.

Rooster helped Penny carry a stack of dishes to the kitchen and began to rinse them while she toweled them off and placed them in the dishwasher.

“So, do you mind if I ask what you plan to do for the fourth?” she asked calmly.

“I don’t mind. Phoenix is coming over.”

He caught the eyebrow raise and intrigued look she gave him out of the corner of his eye, but she didn’t press, and he didn’t say more.

Maybe he and Phoenix could make some new memories to replace the bad ones? Suddenly, for the first time since he was three years old, he was looking forward to the fourth of July.

The rest of the week at work seemed to drag and there was an obvious tension between Phoenix and himself, but in the best possible way. They used their flying as flirting, and it bordered on foreplay in the air. They pushed each other, goading the other on and passing smart ass remarks back and forth to each other. Even Coyote made a sideways comment that Friday about it.

“Could you two and your planes get a room please?” He cracked as they walked back to the hangar from their jets.

Bob choked on a snort, Phoenix just made a taunting face at him, and Rooster looked away trying to hide the blush he could feel crawling across his cheeks.

Phoenix shot back “Only if you and your ego get one first.” Everyone laughed and then parted ways for their weekend festivities. When Rooster made it out to the parking lot, he found Phoenix once again leaning against her jeep right next to his Bronco.

“So” she said once he was close enough to hear.

“So” he replied, nonchalantly, as he tossed his gear into the back of the Bronco.

“So, I’ll see you Sunday?”

“Yeah, if you still want?”

She snorted her reply, her face looking skeptical. “Change your mind Bradshaw? I could always go over to Mavs with the rest of them?” her eyebrow raised in amusement as he came to stand in front of her, dangerously close again, looking down on her from behind his aviator shades. She was playing coy and he kind of liked it. Oh no, he had decided once and for all that this cat and mouse game was done and his fourth was going to be the best one in the history of his fourths.

He slid his glasses down his nose, looking over the top of them as a Cheshire cat grin crossed his face. “Two pm, don’t be late.” Then he winked and slid his glasses back up.

She shook her head with a chuckle and they both jumped into their cars and drove away.

At 1:45PM Sunday July 4th Rooster was a nervous wreck. He had secretly thought of this moment for a very long time. Was he getting ahead of himself? Maybe all she wanted was to flirt and keep things platonic otherwise? Only one way to find out, he figured. Anything to distract him from how he normally felt on this day.

He took one last look at himself in the mirror, sporting a patriotic Hawaiian shirt over his usual white tank and a pair of khaki shorts. He could hear the sarcastic remarks already. He hoped the surprises he had for her would be appreciated, at least for the effort. He decided the only way to move forward was to take a page out of Carole Bradshaw’s book of unconventional fun. Even though she never did anything entertaining for the fourth, he used his imagination based on every other holiday they had celebrated together and went to work.

At two o’clock on the dot he heard a knock at his door before it swung open. He quickly grabbed a white beard and patriotic top hat and threw them on before exiting his bedroom “Bradshaw, come help me” She called out, her smaller frame bent over trying to pick up a few grocery bags. He had to smile at the visual. She was wearing a tiny red tank top and very short denim shorts, her own pair of aviator shades covering her eyes, and her car keys were hanging out of her mouth while she struggled with the bags. He smiled at the sight.

Phoenix raised her head to look at him and froze on the spot, her car keys slamming to the ground as her jaw slid open. He put his arms out as if to say “ta-da” and she began laughing hysterically. She was laughing so hard she began to grab her side and used her other hand to clutch the door frame.

“What” she laughed more, trying to breath “are you wearing Colonel Sanders?”

He scoffed then walked to the door and scooped up all the bags in dramatic fashion. “I’m Uncle Sam, thank-you-very-much.” Then he winked and made his way to the kitchen, listening to her continue to cackle and gasp for air.

“You’re letting out all the bought air, get in here, would you?” he called from the kitchen as he began pulling items from the bags. There was a considerable amount of alcohol, some junk food, and a bakery carton of red, white and blue sprinkled cookies. The door closed and she finally appeared in the doorway, immediately busting out into another fit of laughter as soon as she saw him. She was wiping tears from her eyes and clutching her side still.

“You have GOT to take that off or I’ll pee myself.”

“Aw come on, where’s your sense of fun?” he asked.

“You look like Santa came to visit for the fourth.” She giggled.

“Ok, that did it.” He said flatly and removed the items.

“That’s better” she said and moved into the kitchen to give him a hug, raising up on her tiptoes so she could wrap her arms around his neck. Something was instantly different about this hug. Sure, they had hugged plenty over the years. Being in many near death situations will do that to you. But this was a different hug. They weren’t pulling apart. No one moved or let go. They just stood in the middle of the kitchen, her arms around his neck, his strong arms wrapped around her middle, very still.

“Glad you could come” he said barely above a whisper into the side of her head.

With that she pulled back some, a shy smile on her face as they continued to hold each other.

“I wouldn’t have missed Santa Sam for the world.” She said with a grin, and he poked her side, knowing full well she was extremely ticklish. She released a very unladylike snort and turned around to run, shouting behind her “Ok now I do have to pee.” The bathroom door closed, and he waited just a couple of seconds before he heard a loud “Oh shit” from the lavatory.

She found another one of his surprises.

A few minutes later she came running back into the living room where Rooster sat on the couch waiting for her. She launched herself at him, landing with her legs straddling his lap, her hands attempting to get to his neck, but he held her wrists firm, laughing deeply at the feigned angry look on her face.

“Seriously Bradshaw, a fucking Uncle Sam inside the toilet lid? You about gave me a heart attack!” She continued wrestling with him, trying to get free.

All Rooster could do was laugh much in the same way she did when she first arrived. Her position hadn’t been lost on him either. This was not a position they had been in before and he was starting to sweat through his laughter.

“Oh, come on, that was funny you gotta admit.” He said and then with his hands still firmly wrapped around her wrists he maneuvered her arms behind her back and held her there, a prisoner. His prisoner. She stopped squirming in his lap, thankfully, and just stared at him with wide eyes.

“I’m not admitting anything” she said low, and he just gave her a small, pursed lip smile before he did it. He made his move. Rooster sat up, held her wrists, and brushed his lips briefly across hers. He immediately opened his eyes, hoping she wasn’t pissed, but all he saw was a beautiful flush across her cheeks, her eyes still closed. She sunk a little and wiggled her arms trying to go free, so he released her wrists. Her hands moved to his chest and her lids slowly fluttered open. Their eyes met and he almost dissipated under the warmth of the melting chocolate staring back at him.

He brought his hands up to cover hers on his chest, rubbing small circles on the back of them with his thumbs. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that without asking.” He said, genuinely sorry that he took advantage of the situation. A rueful smile played across her face and then without warning she was on him.

Her hands slid up his chest, across his shoulders, wrapping around the back of his neck as she leaned in. His eyes were open in shock at first as she began kissing him, but this time it was deep and needy. His hands moved to her hips, gripping them tighter than he probably should, and he pulled her closer until she was resting against him. She slid her tongue across his bottom lip, and he was all too happy to part them for her. Their tongues began to dance, and a small moan escaped her that sent a chill all the way down his spine.

No sooner had it started, she was pulling away from his face, flustered but smiling a genuine and radiant smile.

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask for a very long time. Glad you decided to skip the asking and just get to the good stuff.”

He was gob smacked. Natasha Trace does not throw caution to the wind, quite literally. This almost feral and lackadaisical version of his best friend had him more confused than he was before their talk the other day. Why didn’t she ever say anything?

Before he could ask, she lifted herself from him and reached her hands out to pull him up.

“C’mon Colonel, any other surprises?” she asked.

His mind went down a wicked path and it must have shown on his face because she lightly smacked him on the chest with the back of her hand. “For the fourth you pig.”

He chucked then took her hand in his and lead her to the small dining table near the kitchen. The table and walls were covered in cheap dollar store decorations including plastic patriotic plates, cups, and cutlery.

“You really had fun with this didn’t you?” She asked him.

“Just wait, there’s games and everything. My mother would be so proud.” He said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Of course, there is.” And she just rolled her eyes.

An hour later the table was covered in various snack packages and discarded beer bottles. Papers for name that patriotic tune and a fourth of July crossword sat discarded next to a small Bluetooth speaker. They had moved their chairs closer together and were looking at a piece of paper together.

“Rooster, some of these are just gross.”

“That’s the point of the game This or That. Gotta find the lesser of two evils.”

“Fine, but I refuse to go through with anything actually on this sheet.”

“Not a requirement.” He said with a smile.

“Ok I’m going first then.” And she snatched the paper from his hands. “Let’s see” she said as she poured over the options. “How about this. Wear a mullet forever or have red, white and blue hair forever?”

He sucked air through his teeth as if this was the toughest decision he’s ever had to make. “You know, I rocked a mullet for most of second and third grade. Wasn’t pretty but at least it would be closer to regs than colorful hair so, mullet it is.”

Phoenix laughed as she passed the paper. “I want to see those pictures!”

“No way.” he shook his head and picked up his drink. “I’m pretty sure I burned those pictures.”

“Liar. Now ask me one.”

“Patience mam. I’m working on it.” He took a drink and put his bottle back down. He looked down the list and asked, “Would you rather drink ketchup through a straw or eat mayo with a spoon?”

She immediately acted as if she was gagging. “I don’t like either of those.”

“That’s not the point of the game Phee, you gotta choose.”

She shot him a dirty look and grunted “Fine. Sucking a condiment through a straw, regardless of what it is, just sounds shitty so I’ll go mayo with a spoon.” And her body shuddered in disgust.

He laughed then passed the paper back to her.

She skimmed her finger down the list and made comments as she went. “That one is gross too. I don’t want to know the answer to this one. I already know the answer to that one.”

“Whoa whoa whoa know it all, ask it anyway. I might surprise you.”

She looked at him annoyed. “Trust me you won’t. Not on this one.”

He sat back and crossed his arms, daring her to ask with his expression. She rolled her eyes again and spoke in a very sarcastic tone. “Would you rather sing all night or dance all night?” Then she tossed the paper down in front of him, sure of what was coming next.

Rooster contemplated his answer though then an idea hit him. He pushed his chair back and stood up, Phoenix looking all together confused. Rooster fiddled with his phone for a minute then hit the power button on the small speaker. A Jason Aldean song started up and he held his hand out to her.

“If the answer involves you then the answer is dancing all night.”

She looked stunned as she reached her hand up to meet him. The next thing he knew they were in front of his couch, her right hand enclosed in his left as he held her close, their bodies swaying to the music.

Rooster started singing the words to the song quietly into the top of her head.

“I think technically its cheating if you sing while dancing, per your insistence that you have to choose one or the other for the game.”

He chuckled “Ok, dancing only.” Then the arm he had around her lower back pulled her in closer and she turned her head sideways to rest it on his chest. They continued to sway through the end of the song and then all the way through another song before she spoke again.

“Rooster?”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s dance all night.”

The implications of her statement hung thick in the air and his swaying faltered. He looked down as she looked up at him, something desperate sparkling in her eyes. There was no going back from something like this. He warred with himself for a split second before he made his decision.

Rooster slid both of his hands under her ass and lifted her up suddenly, causing her to let out a tiny squeak. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, and they began kissing. These weren’t small, meek kisses. These kisses were intrusive. Tongues dipped in and out and her teeth grazed his bottom lip, causing him to squeeze her ass. Rooster began walking towards his room, barely able to see as they continued to kiss hard and furiously.

Once in the room, he used his foot to close the door before turning and pressing her back to it. He stood holding her against his bedroom door but pulled his lips away to look at her one more time.

Between ragged breaths she asked “what?”

Rooster swallowed hard, touching his forehead to hers. “This will change everything. I don’t want to do anything you don’t want.”

He felt her lips place a light kiss on his forehead.

“Rooster, look at me.” And he did. “I want everything to change. Now please, change it.”

He didn’t need to hear anymore. His lips crashed into hers and the race was on. His mustache created chill bumps on her skin as his lips worked their way down her neck until he was lightly sucking on a sensitive spot near her collarbone. Her nails were starting to dig into his back, and it made him suck harder, eliciting pants from Phoenix that were like music to his ears. Her body was writhing against him, clearly searching for more.

Rooster slowly lowered her to the ground until she was standing and grazed his lips lightly across her collarbone and shoulder as he turned her to face the door. With her hands resting on the door in front of her, he gently slid some of her hair out of the way and sucked on the back of her neck. She moaned her approval.

His hands slid up her sides until they were resting on her breasts, slowly needing them through her tank top and bra. She moved his hands and yanked her shirt over her head, momentarily pushing his lips away from her neck. When his hands moved back to her breasts, he realized something amazing, her bra was a front clasp.

His fingers made quick work of the small hooks and as the cups fell away his warm hands covered both breasts, another moan escaping her pretty mouth. He began rolling her nipples with his fingers and her ass grazed his dick, making him jump. Roosters’ hands moved to her shoulders and slid the red lacy bra down her arms until it hit the floor.

Phoenix turned around and crushed her lips to his, frantically removing both of his shirts. As they skimmed lips, she traced her tiny fingers over each curve of his abdomen then he felt her pert breasts pushing against him as she wrapped her arms around his midsection.

Rooster wasn’t sure how much more he could take; his brain was screaming. His cock was screaming. He wanted her to scream.

They began moving towards the bed, never ending the waltz their tongues were dancing together. Rooster unbuttoned his shorts and let them drop to the ground before he unbuttoned hers. Before he could lower them though, she stepped back, panting and flushed. He was worried that she had changed her mind but then she gave him the sexiest grin. She turned around and hooked her thumbs into the top of her shorts. What happened next almost dissolved Rooster on the spot.

Phoenix bent over slowly, and as she did, she pushed her shorts down gradually, revealing a thin pair of red lace panties. There she was, her ass in the air, and she wiggled it ever so slightly, teasing him. He was done playing. Eight years of sexual tension was a huge itch, and he was about to scratch it so good she just might cry.

He gave her right ass cheek a small spank and she gasped. Before she could react further though, he grabbed her hips and turned her as she stood back up. Then, with his eyes connected to hers, he lowered himself to his knees. His fingers skimmed the outside of her legs as he placed a small kiss to her stomach. He slid his fingers deliberately up her thighs until he hooked his thumb into the single string holding up the panties on either side. Then he was lowering them, smoothly crawling his fingers across her skin as he did.

He wanted to worship her. She deserved nothing less. This was an enormous gift she was giving him, and he didn’t want to waste it.

She stepped out of her panties and then ran her hands through the tufts of his brown curls. When she tugged on it, he growled then leaned in and swooped his tongue across the outside of her heat. He could smell her arousal and his cock throbbed painfully. She tugged again and he raised his head to look at her. She looked at him through hooded eyes, lust radiating from her skin.

Rooster used his hands on her hips to move her until the backs of her legs hit the bed and she sat. Staring straight into her soul, he placed his hands on her knees then pulled them apart, spreading her wide. Without warning he buried his face between her soft thigs and ran his tongue from her vagina to her clit, producing the most beautiful cry from her as she threw her head back.

He smirked to himself then slid his arms under her thighs, wrapping them all the way around and gripping them tight. He blew a light breath onto her wet slick, and she shuddered. Then he began lapping at her opening as if it were the best ice cream he had ever tasted. His tongue pushed into her, and she whimpered. His tongue moved north and began a beautiful assault of her clit. He started slow, savoring the movement of her body against his face and the tiny noises she began to make. He circled her then sucked gently, gradually picking up the pace. She moved her hips in rhythm with his tongue, a barrage of obscenities pouring from her mouth. She was getting close, and he could tell.

Rooster removed one of his arms from her leg and she made a noise of protest until two of his fingers entered her wet folds and she cried out. He hooked his fingers and thrust them quickly while his tongue struck her mound faster and faster. This tempo unraveled her forcefully, her pelvis grinding into his face and fingers as she threw her head back and let out a shriek, he was sure the neighbors had to of heard. She twisted and pressed against him as she rode her wave and her movements slowed as his did. He slowly skimmed her slit with his tongue as he removed his fingers, her pants shooting straight to his core.

He stood and looked down at her, naked and open to him. She was a vision of beauty and he felt so overwhelmed by this scene his stomach tightened.

Phoenix let her head roll to the side, her eyes opening to meet his as her breath finally slowed. She reached out to his swollen dick, trapped in his boxer briefs, and ran her hand from base to tip. His whole body jumped, and an unattractive noise escaped his mouth. Her lips curved into the sexiest smile and without hesitation she gently pulled the waistband away from his cock then yanked the underwear all the way down in one swift movement.

Before Rooster could react, her tongue was on him, grazing the underside of his cock until it reached the tip. She licked the precum away then took him whole, filling her pretty mouth with all of him. Animalistic noises echoed from his mouth as she hollowed out her checks to suck him hard. Her hands were cradling his balls and the base of his penis as she slid her mouth up and down in agile movements. He was seeing stars and getting close. As much as he would love to see her mouth take his cum, he had other ideas of where he wanted it to go.

Rooster ran his hands through her raven hair then gently pulled her back until her mouth was empty of him. She looked at him with innocence, knowing full well how naughty she was being. He looked at her hungerly and his voice came out extremely husky when he told her to move back. She obliged, using her feet to push herself further onto the bed.

He crawled across the bed with her and as she lowered herself back onto her elbows, he placed his hands on either side of her and dropped down for a deep kiss. When she pulled away, he gazed into her eyes before wrapping his arms around her and laying her all the way onto the bed smoothly. His eyes searched hers the whole time, looking for any ounce of doubt or fear before he crossed the last precipice of their relationship. Knowing where his mind was, she reached out to stroke his cheek with her hand. A beautiful smile grew, and she said the one word he needed to hear. “Please.” She almost whispered. He only nodded his head and moved in closer between her legs.

He placed his lips on hers, languid kisses shared between them as he aligned his cock to her entrance. With her arms wrapped around his neck he slid in, and she inhaled sharply, her chin lifting to the ceiling. Rooster peppered her jaw line with light kisses as he began to move, gradually at first.  They had waited eight years for this moment, he wanted both to savor it. His lips moved down as he rocked into her and took first one nipple and then the other into his mouth, his tongue circling each one until she was begging for more. Her pleading made him brave. Before she even had time to register what was happening, he had grabbed her around her waist and rolled over, his back landing on a stack of pillows, Phoenix still connected and now, on top of him.

She placed her hands on his chest, steadying herself, before a dangerous look crossed her face. Whatever happened next, he knew he was going to enjoy it immensely.

Bracing herself she began rocking back and forth, grinding her sensitive bud against his pelvis. Her head rolled and lulled with the movements, his hips swaying to meet her. She sat up as she continued to rub against him and raised her hands into her hair, putting her exquisite breasts on full display for him. He reached up and pinched her nipples between his fingers as she let out moans in time with her movements.

Rooster brought one of his thumbs to her mouth, beckoning for her to suck on it, which she did like a good girl. Then he brought his thumb to her clit and began slow circles that had her calling for God. The harder he pressed the more she pushed down, her actions becoming more erratic as she reached behind her and grabbed his inner thighs for support. Seconds later she was falling apart again, a cry erupting from her mouth that ripped right through his body, awakening something feral and needy in him. Before she could come down from her high, he had rolled them over again and was burying himself so deep in her that he thought he might shatter immediately.

His mouth was sucking at her collarbone while her hands clawed at his shoulder blades. He pounded into her with all the force he could muster, her cries growing louder with each thrust. Suddenly he realized she wasn’t just wailing incoherently. His name was pouring from her mouth. Not his callsign, but his name.

“Bradley, oh god Bradley” she yelled over and over as he crashed into her. Something about his name on her lips had his mind and body spiraling. With two more fast and hard plows he blew his load into her as he called her name into the void.

“Oh Natasha, holy shit.” His cock exploding forcefully into her body.

He stilled buried to the hilt, both breathing intensely, tiny whimpers escaping her mouth with each heave of her chest. As his mind came back to earth, he regained some of his bearings and eased the tension of his body from against hers. His lips met hers in a tender kiss that she reciprocated as best as she could between heavy breaths.

His heart almost burst when she smiled at him, her cheeks flushed, a sheen touching her brow. She was stunning and it made his heart clench. This was it for him. No more shutting her out. He wanted all of her like this, over and over again, for eternity. He had found his happiness.

As he softened, he slid out of her and sat back on his heels, watching her regain composure as her breaths became steadier. She raised her hand for help, and he grabbed it, sitting her up gingerly. She bent her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Her chin came to rest on the top of her knees, and she gave him a gorgeous mega watt smile.

Rooster moved next to her and laid back on the stack of pillows. He rubbed circles lazily on her bare back, connecting the scars he could see.  Into the dark she suddenly spoke, pulling him out of his trance.

“Bradley?”

“Yeah baby?”

She peered over her shoulder at him with her eyebrow raised, wearing a smirk.

“Can we do this every Fourth of July?”

He chuckled then opened his arms, beckoning her to join him. She laid back and nestled herself to his side while he wrapped his arms around her. He placed a peck to the tip of her nose and the corners of his mouth raised.

“Let freedom ring, baby.” And they both fell into a heap of laughter and bliss.

Just like that the Fourth of July became his favorite holiday, year after year.