#claire mitchell

[annepsilvaauthor]

Fighter Weapons — Chapter 11

Pairing(s): Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x OC (Claire Mitchell) / Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Natasha "Phoenix" Trace

Summary: An untold story. A series that shows what happened during the Top Gun of our beloved pilots of Top Gun: Maverick.

Warnings: Subtle sexual innuendos, brief language, alcohol consumption, angst, smut, fluffy.

Word Count: 7.154

The darlings who don't want to miss any updates ↪️ @missathlete31 @togetherisawonderfulplacetobe @switch3rr @na0my @aprilwithapricots @goldenloverschild @rightwhereiwantyou @jackiequick @oliviah-25 @bellyliveslife @anerdquemoraaolado @callsign-barbell @struggling-with-space

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10

SAN DIEGO BEACH, CA

The moon was already up, so bright and full in the huge black sheet that covered the sky. The breeze was cold, but not in an uncomfortable way, just a relief for skin accustomed to the sun's rays. Bradley stuffed the keys to his Bronco into the front pocket of his pale blue jeans and charged toward The Hard Deck.

As it was almost midnight, the room was full of naval officers and fighter pilots. Some were in uniform, despite having been released from formalities on the day off, and others in civilian clothes. The sailors and marines in uniform were surrounded by women who either laughed exaggeratedly or were astonished at the incredible stories they told. Bradley didn't judge that situation, since those men came there to relieve the tension of the job and the women knew very well what they did and what was expected of them.

He watched some Top Gun pilots at the back of the bar around the pool table. Some sat on the black stools while chatting heartily, others watched the beach outside through the windows and the rest played a game with a few bottles of beer as a toast.

Bradley walked towards the counter and was greeted with a smile by Penny.

“I had the piano fixed. All the strings are tight now.” she informed with an implicit request.

"Any music in particular?" He returned the smile.

“Hmm.” She looked up at the railing filled with miniature planes. “She's got a way.”

“Ow! Billy Joel at midnight? Bold.”

"You try to be worth the melancholy." She pointed at him with her index finger and a warning expression.

“Perhaps I need to vent my melancholy.” he confessed in a sigh and soon realized what he had done. Penny was looking at him intently and he cleared his throat. “The usual, please.”

Penny smiled the tiniest bit and turned back to her inventory. Bradley turned his gaze toward the pool table, where a lively game was in progress. Phoenix competed against Hangman. Judging by Hangman's frowning expression, he was losing. Phoenix didn't hesitate to celebrate each point, teasing him.

Phoenix wore her heavy boots, light blue jeans and a beige silk tank top, exposing her freshly tanned skin and bikini line. Bradley raised an eyebrow at the sight. Not that it was ugly, but he had another idea about Phoenix's dress. He figured she would never show any skin around her co-workers. He knew how inconvenient some men could be, just as she must know very well. However, seeing her so at ease around them left him surprised, not to say suspicious.

"Looks like someone's distracted." Phoenix taunted with a conspiratorial smile.

“I'm thinking about what I'm going to ask you when I win.” Hangman smiled victoriously.

"How about never having the displeasure of looking at that face of yours again?"

She kept her smile and the surrounding pilots let out "uuh" and "ooh". Hangman held back his smile as well and twirled the toothpick with his tongue.

“So you've already accepted that you lost.”

“If that's my prize, I can let you win.”

Hangman shook his head and walked over to Phoenix, whispering in her ear. Bradley watched the way she let him close. He lightly touched her waist with one hand and the chest covered by a brown leather jacket was almost glued to hers. Phoenix was an attractive woman and one of the few in the Navy, and Bradley knew that both of these factors made officers want to have fun with her. He himself had seen countless cases like this and Top Gun was no exception.

Bradley noticed the way they looked at her and some were more intrusive and tried to touch her, but Phoenix always shooed them away, always gave them a firm answer or slapped their hand. What she didn't do at that moment. Was Phoenix so drunk as to allow Hangman, the worst of them all, to approach like that in front of everyone? She was his friend. He couldn't let her fall into the wrong hands.

So Bradley took his beer from Penny and headed to the back of the bar. He walked over to Phoenix and draped an arm over her shoulders, earning a surprised look from her.

"Is this game going to take a long time?" he asked with a genuine smile on his face.

“Look what we have here. Bradley Bradshaw in a hurry.” Hangman insulted leaning on the table and staring at him steadily. “Will we have this change in the sky too?”

“Phoenix has put up with you too long.” He lifted his chin and ignored his teasing. “Besides, if I remember correctly, you're a lone wolf. You can play alone.”

Hangman kept the smug smile on his thin lips, but his gaze was sharp. Bradley pulled Phoenix lightly to get out of there, but she got away from him. He raised an eyebrow.

“I never leave a competition half done.” She exchanged glances between the two men. “When I win this match, I'll keep you company.”

"But Phoenix…”

“You heard the lady.” Hangman emphasized with amusement running across his face.

Bradley obeyed her friend's wishes and leaned against a column, waiting for the game to end. However, Hangman seemed to prolong that match as long as he could. He spent several minutes thinking about his next shot, as well as drinking nearly an entire bottle of beer between shots and choosing the ball with an uncharacteristic calmness.

The other pilots could think that Hangman was immersed in the match, analyzing everything carefully so as not to lose. But that wasn't what Bradley was looking at. Hangman teased him about the delay, getting revenge for the times Bradley had made him wait in heaven.

Bradley also noted the closeness between Storm and Coyote. They were oblivious to all that movement and seemed to be eating each other with their eyes, talking in the corner of the bar. What more surprises would he have that night?

“Getting blue already, cowboy. You're always losing to me.” Phoenix teased after winning the match.

"Always time for one more." He invited and offered her a beer. She accepted the bottle without a second thought.

“You're right. There is always time for you to lose.” She took a sip with a mocking smile on her face. “Guys, the cowboy is free now. Take it easy on him.”

“Do not do it. You will be slaughtered.”

"Um, how did you do to me?" She mocked.

The surrounding riders declared victory for Phoenix in those arguments and she approached Bradley with a smile and chest heaving. She was really enjoying herself there. He threw her a suspicious expression as he sipped his beer.

“Why that face?”

“It's my face.”

“Serious? Are you going to lie now?” She patted his shoulder. “What there was?”

“Many things.”

Bradley sighed and detached himself from the column, nodding for her to follow. He guided her to the darts and handed her a few. Phoenix smiled at yet another challenge, but was wary of what he wanted to talk about or was hiding.

"Where have you been all day?" Phoenix asked breaking the long silence that followed.

“Around. I needed to think.” he replied vaguely and threw a dart at the board.

“You've been training.” She praised and threw a dart too, hitting the red target. “But not enough.”

He smiled as he took another sip of his only beer of the night. Phoenix was becoming more and more competitive and, although he didn't appreciate that trait, he couldn't bring himself to dislike her friend. That was an intrinsic characteristic of her and made her who she was. Without that, Phoenix wouldn't be his dearest friend.

He noticed the tan mark again and asked:

“And you? Where have you been all day?”

He saw her straighten her back slightly and run a hand over her bare shoulder. She threw another dart and vibrated as it hit the target once more. Her gaze fled to the pool table, where Hangman was watching her with a proud smile. Phoenix turned the black orbs on Bradley and replied by swallowing a sigh:

“On the beach.”

“I can see it.” He pointed with his eyes at her shoulders.

“Bradshaw, Bradshaw.” She approached him with a playful smile and rested a hand on the wall behind him. In front of them, Hangman missed a shot and swore loudly.

“You're acting weird today. Why don't you go do what you do best?”

“You know, I think everyone here thinks I'm an employee to entertain you.” he complained, but his eyes smiled. “I have a right to relax in silence, you know?”

Phoenix widened her smile and took a step forward.

“You're acting weird today too.” He pressed himself against the wall behind him, for she was really close.

Storm and Coyote walked past them hugging and laughing at something extremely funny as they headed to the ladies' room. Both.

“What's going on with everyone?” he asked in frustration.

“A lot can happen on a day off.” she explained with a wink. He noticed that her gaze had slipped behind him and he was even more puzzled. "Perhaps your music will put everything back together."

“God, so I need to play urgently!”

Phoenix laughed out loud at his despair and walked away. Bradley walked over to the piano and sat down. He played with a few keys and soon attracted attention to himself. He started playing Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles to liven up the night. Phoenix danced beside the piano with determination, plucking Storm from Coyote's arms and leading her along for some love songs.

After a while, Phoenix needed to renew her drink and walked over to Penny's counter. Behind her, Rooster started playing She's Got A Way.

"She's got a way about her

I don't know what it is

But I know that I can't live without her

She she's got a way of pleasin'

I don't know why it is

But there doesn't have to be a reason anyway"

However, before she could ask, a voice sounded behind her:

“Two shots of Pincer, Penny, dear.”

"What's the reason for something so strong, Bagman?" she taunted turning around and propping her elbows on the counter.

"She's got a smile that heals me

I don't know why it is

But I have to laugh when she reveals me

She's got a way of talking

Don't know why it is

But it lifts me up when we are walking anywhere"

"I need this to get through all this singing." His voice was low, almost tired, but his eyes were wide awake. "Does he really have to do this every night?"

"And do you really need to be a complainer? Relax and enjoy the music. Everyone is enjoying it.”

"I prefer country music." He shrugged and picked up both glasses, handing one to her.

They both downed the vodka in one gulp, hitting the glass back on the counter at the same time. The liquid went burning down their throats, but none dared grimace or look away. Finally, Phoenix raised her chin defiantly and Hangman smiled proudly.

"She comes to me when I'm feelin' down

Inspires me without a sound

She touches me and I get turned around

She's got a way of showin'

How I make her feel

And I find the strength to keep on goin'

She's got a light around her

And everywhere she goes

A million dreams of love surround her everywhere"

"Ask for a song." she said after a few seconds of tasting the drink.

"No thanks. My country demands respect."

"Respect?" She put a hand on her hip and it was his turn to lean on the counter. “You're making this up. You are jealous."

"Jealous? From who?"

"Rooster."

"The drink was too strong for you." He grimaced and pointed at the piano. "Why would I be jealous of that out of tune?"

"That 'out of tune' stole all the attention from you." she taunted with a mocking smile. “And you hate it."

"I see you already know me well." His smile turned mischievous.

“You are not a difficult man to read."

Hangman looked away from her, staring into the distance without a specific point and Phoenix knew he wasn't interested in the bar's decor. She sighed and remembered something.

"I must return this to you." She took his cell phone out of her pocket and held it out.

He looked at the device without remembering that she still had it and looked at it with a certain contempt. Finally, he took out his cell phone and put it away. Hangman remained silent for a while and Phoenix decided to leave him alone with her thoughts. She had already chased away too many dark clouds in his gaze that day.

"She comes to me when I'm feelin' down

Inspires me without a sound

She touches me

I get turned around"

However, a large, warm hand engulfed hers before she was gone. Phoenix turned her gaze over his to find those emeralds shimmering in tenderness and she couldn't help but smile. A genuine smile.

"She's got a smile that heals me

I don't know why it is

But I have to laugh when she reveals me

She's got a way about her

I don't know what it is

But I know that I can't live without her anyway"

Maybe the vodka really was too strong that night, because Phoenix felt her chest burn and rise and fall without stopping. She could really be getting drunk because she wanted to get closer. She wanted to smell the coconut again, the grip of his hands on her body, the warmth of her embrace.

However, she managed to break free from the trance by taking care of what she wanted. This was beyond what she had ever wanted or needed from anyone. It was too intimate, too daring, too dangerous. It was obvious that she would never allow Hangman to touch her like that again. She was just involved in the situation, but she had her principles and wills under control. Phoenix wouldn't be controlled by feelings or anyone else.

Then, she slowly disentangled her fingers from his and walked away without looking back. She was right. It was just a fun day next to each other. Just it. She shouldn't want more. She couldn't want more. But why did her body feel numb as she walked away from him?

Bradley kept playing and singing, and for a few hours he forgot what he had done, what he had felt in that elevator. With her. But as the night wore on and the chosen songs took a romantic turn, he remembered the feel of her in his arms, the softness of her skin, the way she melted on his lips and the taste of her kiss.

For a few seconds, it felt like heaven. He and she giving in to repressed desires and feelings. However, having the moment broken by Hangman, they returned to the harsh and painful reality of their past and Maverick's shadow looming over them. Claire politely walked away from him and disappeared, leaving only her lavender scent engraved in Bradley's body and mind.

He looked for her around the hangar that day. He called her cell phone many times. And, with infamous courage, Bradley knocked on her door. He wanted to talk, he needed to clarify everything even if he himself didn't understand what was going on. But he needed answers. However, no one answered. She was running from him again. He lowered his gaze and drove his Bronco around town with no particular direction. It happened again. Again, a thrust from him carried her away. Following instincts definitely didn't work for him.

When the requests took a turn he couldn't stand anymore, Bradley decided to leave the piano to boos and "oohs". He bowed in thanks for their attention and walked away with a sigh, something that wasn't lost on Phoenix. He sat on a stool next to the darts and his friend followed, sitting beside him.

“Okay, what's going on?" Phoenix asked bluntly.

Bradley smiled the tiniest bit at her directness and crossed his arms. There was a lot to think about, a lot to say, but nothing concrete. He didn't even know what was going on.

"It is complicated." he finally confessed.

"Excellent. I've never had anything easy in my life. I know how "complicated" works."

“I don't think it can be resolved like that."

“You're doubting my ability." She feigned indignation and reached for his knee, stroking it. “If we don't solve it, talking about it helps."

"It's a long story."

“We have all night." She smiled gently at the confusion on his face. "You can trust me."

Bradley hadn't known Phoenix for very long, a week wasn't enough to trust someone, especially with an issue like the one that had been gnawing at him for years. But, not everything happens according to logic. From day one, Bradley felt that he could trust Phoenix. He watched the way she protected Storm, how she defended and cared for her. He also noticed that, as much as the pilots were too bold or had a big tongue, Phoenix was never afraid to face them nor did she fail to extend her hand to any of them who needed help. She was strong, determined, and sensitive enough to see beyond the wall. He knew he could trust her.

However, before he confessed the reason for his anguish, a huge body stopped in front of them. Hangman had his hands in the front pockets of his jeans, his chest puffing out under his plaid shirt, his face showing impatience.

“You have to pick one, Bradshaw. You can't have them all." he muttered with the cynical smile.

Bradley sighed heavily and scratched his forehead, shaking his head. Phoenix noticed his friend's exhaustion and decided to intervene:

“Not a good time, Bagman."

“It's been a good two hours." He should stop fooling you and go after who he really wants.

“Nothing to be fooled about."

"OK I understand. I was wrong in thinking that the old Bradshaw had changed. When the decisive moment comes, he backs off, doesn't he?"

"What you want after all? Shouldn't you be having fun far away from us?"

“Oh, I will." Hagman looked directly at Bradley. "But first I wanted to make sure he was going to keep having you as a step."

"You have no right to talk about me like that!" Phoenix was starting to change.

“Don't get carried away, Phoenix. That's what he wants." Bradley answered calmly.

Phoenix tried to stay calm by taking deep breaths. He would not take her peace away.

"Serious? Are you going to let him control you again?"

"As long as it's not you." she replied coldly.

Hangman laughed humorlessly and shook his head.

“I thought you were different." he commented with some hurt and Phoenix felt the weight. He wasn't just referring to Rooster, but to her earlier abandonment.

“I thought the same about you." She lifted her chin in defiance, but deep inside her heart stirred. “Looks like it wasn't the Rooster who was fooling me after all. You will always be an asshole."

Phoenix said those words with such force that even Bradley felt the impact. He noticed her hard expression and swallowed hard. She was defending him tooth and nail like the good friend she was, but… he sensed something else, something deeper burning between the two of them and he became alert.

Hangman glared at her, but her eyes showed hurt and disappointment. Finally, he nodded and walked away from them, heading for the exit. Bradley noticed Phoenix's gaze drop and stray for a few moments. He could almost feel the confusion inside her, a confusion similar to his own.

"Thanks." he thanked with a small smile. "You're a good friend."

She continued away in her thoughts for a while until she raised her black eyes to his. They were filled with anguish, confusion and fear, emotions he never thought he could see in Phoenix. She was like a strong wall every day, pushing herself to the limit in every assignment and class. To him, Phoenix looked like a superhero. Until that moment.

He returned the favor by giving her a hug and offering to drop her off. But Phoenix refused saying that she should take care of Storm. She still didn't fully trust Coyote. Bradley nodded and walked away from her slowly trying to make sure she was going to be okay. Phoenix lifted her chin in a smile and it eased his heart. She would be fine, she always would be.

[***]

Phoenix fidgeted on her bed frantically, her mind filled with thoughts of that day. His hurt look wouldn't let her, as well as the anger that he was so arrogant. But her biggest anger was at herself for imagining that he could change. He showed he didn't and she felt like a clown. She was even crazier for thinking about it. Why should he be any different? Would they ever become friends? There was no reason for them to get close again. Not after what he's done. Phoenix could take all the name-calling in the world, but she would never have her friends messed with. It was her own law.

She decided to get up to chase away the thoughts. She watched Storm sleep peacefully on the bed next to her and sighed. They still haven't had a chance to talk about what's going on between Storm and Coyote, but it won't be long. Her friend wasn't going to run away from that conversation.

Phoenix left the room wearing only her makeshift pajamas, gray sweat shorts, and a black T-shirt emblazoned with GO LATINS! in gold. She tied her hair in a loose bun as she walked around the hangar facility without fear of being seen, as at that hour no one was awake.

She entered the break room and made her way to the scullery to pour herself a glass of water. The environment was dark, being illuminated only by the lights of the airstrip and of the fighters outside that crossed through the glass of the windows. Phoenix took the glass and left the pantry, sitting on a stool at the counter and turned on the small radio. She listened to the tower communicating with the pilots and vice versa, the adrenaline, the commands, the sound between cuts. That served to calm her down, change the focus of her thoughts to what they really should be in those days. The work. Anything beyond that was drama and totally expendable.

However, she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder and her body tensed. Her heart raced like the engines of her fighter jet. She swallowed hard. It couldn't be him, not then. It was late, she felt vulnerable and he couldn't see that. Never. Phoenix knew she wasn't strong enough to shoo him away again. She didn't know if she could be tough again and meet that sad gaze. She wanted to be a stone, unbreakable, impenetrable. But she wasn't. And it pissed her off.

She turned and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Rooster's figure in front of her. He was still wearing his clothes from earlier, but his pockmarked face indicated that he had tried to sleep but just couldn't.

"I scared you?" he asked with a worried expression.

She shook her head and reached for the glass of water, hoping he wouldn't notice her shaking hand. She turned off the radio.

"Fell out of bed?" she joked as she recovered.

"Almost that." He sat on the bench next to her. " I can't sleep."

"Is that still bothering you?"

"Yes a lot." He ruffled his hair with one hand. "I feel like I'm going to freak out at any moment."

“Please let me know when this happens so I can film it and use it against you in the future." She teased him with a gentle smile, hoping to change his mood, but she didn't get more than a glimmer of a smile. "Talk to me."

She watched him close his eyes for a few seconds in pain and continued to smooth his hair with his fingers. Whatever it was, it was disturbing him to the core, and Phoenix was touched. Then, he confessed as if his words burned his tongue:

“I kissed Claire."

Phoenix took a few seconds to absorb the information. Finally, she asked without understanding:

"What? Did you...kissed...did you kiss our instructor? That's it?"

“She's not just an instructor for me." He opened his eyes, but he was still unable to look at her. "We've known each other pretty much our whole lives. We were raised almost like brothers."

“Brothers don't kiss, Rooster."

"I know. I never saw her like this... I mean, when I was young, yes, but not later." He sighed heavily and scratched his forehead. “I felt something different for her…I think I still do…and maybe she does too."

Phoenix took a few more seconds to digest that very intriguing information. It was shocking. It was wrong. It was worthy of punishment. He could be dropped from the program for insubordination. This was really serious. But Phoenix knew it wasn't those factors that bothered her friend. Rooster was unsure of his feelings and her reciprocity.

It was ironic that that drama landed right in her hands, a staunch drama fugitive. But she needed to say something. Her friend needed a light, and even though she wasn't the most romantic person in the world or spoke any love language, Phoenix struggled to say,

“Tell her everything. If you feel something, she deserves to know. Maybe that's the push she needs to reveal everything too."

"I can't." He met her eyes for the first time. They were wet and wasted.

"Why not? It is clearly eating you up."

“We…have a painful past. We are bound by a sad story and it will never go away."

“It doesn't have to go away. You just have to deal with it... your way."

“I really wish it were that simple." He shook his head, wiping a tear away. "We try. For years. It always comes back... it always torments us."

“You'll never be happy if you're stuck in the past. Even apart."

She watched another tear trickle down his cheek and hurried to gently wipe it away. Rooster didn't move, didn't even blink. He lost himself in thought again and she didn't force him. Rooster needed a break.

“I don't think our destiny was ever to be together." he confessed sadly.

Then she leaned towards him and hugged him. He took two seconds to get over the gesture and settled into her arms, having his broad back stroked by her. They remained like that for a while, in silence. Phoenix knew it wouldn't be easy for him or Claire to get past whatever was haunting the present, but as long as she was around she would always support her newest and dearest friend. Rooster was a good man and deserved to be happy.

As she hugged him, she became aware of another figure wandering around the room. He was barefoot, wearing blue cotton pants and a gray T-shirt with NAVY written in the center. His hair was free of all that gel he used to use, kind of messy. She could barely see his face, but the emeralds were still shining, less but still shining.

Her heart started beating so hard that she felt dizzy. She felt her body react to his presence in a way she didn't know. Her hands shook, her mouth watered, a burning burned in her chest, and her crotch tingled a few times.

Suddenly, Rooster slowly ended the hug and looked at her with a question mark on his face.

“You're burning up, Phoenix." He touched the skin on her arms. "Are you getting a fever?"

She noticed that it really was hot and she didn't know what to answer. But luckily she didn't have to, because Rooster noticed Hangman's presence and asked him:

"Why are you here?"

“Oh, I'm not here. It's just a beautiful mirage. The lovebirds can continue to lick each other."

Hangman said this in a serious tone and no smile on his lips. Not even a cynic. Phoenix was surprised by that. It was only then that she noticed his belongings. Hangman spread a white cloth over the couch and propped a pillow on its arm. His beige uniform and flight suit were neatly folded on the coffee table, as were his sheets and a book. Phoenix tried to read the title, but the poor light wouldn't allow it. Was he a reader? Information she'd never thought likely.

"What are you doing?" it was her turn to ask.

“Come on… you're smart. You'll find out soon enough." he mocked, still without a smile.

“You can't sleep here. It's forbidden." Rooster recalled attentively.

"Excellent. The forbidden is always better." He sat on the couch. "You know that very well, don't you, Rooster?"

Rooster shook his head in an expression that almost said "I'm too tired for this" and got to his feet. Phoenix accompanied him into the action, but her eyes were still locked on the new member of the room. Rooster was right. Everyone was freaking out that day.

"I don't want to be here when they find you."

“Fine for me. I like to be alone."

Rooster rolled his eyes and took Phoenix's arm to guide them out of there, but she didn't budge. He raised an eyebrow and she whispered that she would be gone in a few moments. Rooster looked at her suspiciously, but decided to obey. As much as he wanted to protect her, Phoenix knew how to take care of herself. She watched her friend leave the room and close the door.

Phoenix glanced back at the figure stripping her of sanity and caught him looking back. Emeralds roamed every inch of her, taking too long on her bare legs and she felt her skin burn again. The air conditioning in that room needed a good repair.

"Aren't you going to run after him again?" he commented leaning against the sofa and extending his muscular arms over the top of the backrest.

Phoenix had to concentrate very hard not to bite her bottom lip. Arrg! She hated the fact that he was so hot.

"I wasn't the one who ran away." she snapped, remembering his sudden departure from the bar.

Hangman moved his lips.

"I had some unfinished business."

"At two in the morning? Sure."

He looked away from hers and Phoenix walked over to him standing next to the coffee table. The close-up view was even more breathtaking with the veins in high relief and hair jumping from the chest. Phoenix felt her breasts react and she crossed her arms. Damned day not to wear a bra!

“That was ridiculous." she complained with a feline look.

“I was just protecting you." he confessed in a barely audible voice.

"No, you were being possessive! There is a big difference."

“How can I be possessive over someone who isn't mine?"

"Exactly. You don't have that right."

They exchanged hard looks for a while, seeing the anger and anguish and hurt in every blink. They shouldn't feel that mountain of feelings. They had known each other for just a week. They weren't friends, not even close. They were rivals in everything. So why did all that stuff suddenly appear?

“Well, if you're done, you can leave. I'm an asshole who needs sleep."

She noted the emphasis he placed on "asshole" and sighed heavily. Maybe she overreacted, maybe she crossed the line, maybe she was using Rooster's defense as an excuse to push him away. The hurt in his eyes was almost palpable. And that shouldn't bother her, after all he wasn't there to make friends nor did she want his friendship. She didn't need to redeem herself or explain her actions. So she took a different turn in the conversation.

"One more question." She sat on the end of the coffee table and got his full attention. "Why are you sleeping here?"

"Why the curiosity? Are you worried about me by any chance?" he asked with some bluntness.

"Just making sure you haven't gone completely insane."

“Too late for that, Phoenix."

Phoenix. No Trace or my angel. Just her codename. Something impartial, professional and distant. No smirks or smug smiles. She should be grateful that he finally obeyed her and stopped the flirting and the nicknames and the goofy smile. He looked like a completely different person now. And that started to get really annoying. She had to catch a glimpse of Bagman or the world wouldn't be orbiting her.

Then, she held a hand out in front of him. He looked at her with an expression that said "who's freaking out right now?" Phoenix rolled her eyes and insisted on the gesture. He lifted her hand and it engulfed hers, warm and firm. Her body felt his presence again and she swallowed hard.

She wrapped his hand around hers, leaving only her thumbs exposed, and began to move. She beat him two, three times and was already thinking that her strategy wasn't going to work until Hangman joined the game and beat her four, five, six times, crushing her little thumb. But she didn't care. The smug smile was back, as was the ferocity in his gaze. How she hated it. But it was infinitely better than not seeing him like this.

"Stop it." he asked in a low, husky voice.

"With what?"

“Be affectionate with me. It makes me want to kiss you."

That phrase reverberated through every cell in her body, sending a warm shiver down her lower abdomen. But she wouldn't let him see how affected she was. Phoenix lifted her chin in defiance.

"Is that supposed to make me scared or horny?Because it didn't work in either case."

“Oh really?" His tone was mischievous, which irritated her.

“Yes, I don't feel anything, Bagman. And I will never feel."

"It's a challenge?" She didn't answer and he widened his smile. "I'll take that as a yes."

She watched as he sat down on the edge of the upholstery and tilted his face towards hers in such a swift movement, her eyes widened. This didn't go unnoticed by him as he smirked smugly. Phoenix furrowed her brow, shooting him a death glare. Why did she have to bring him back?

Hangman got even closer to her face, setting those bright emeralds in her eyes. They crackled, danced in desire and tenderness. A combination she wasn't sure she was safe with. So Hangman started his work. He placed warm kisses on her chin, tracing a path down her length. His touch was soft, light and extremely warm. She felt like she was on a beach sinking her feet into the sand after a whole day in the blazing sun.

He kissed down her throat as calmly as if he had all night for that. He dragged his lips down the curve of her neck, using his hot tongue and teeth to mark her. Phoenix shuddered at that, felt goosebumps all over her body and more twinges between her legs, which made her rub against each other. She felt his smile on her skin.

"Not yet, my angel?"

"No." She shook her head and didn't risk saying more than that, because she didn't trust her voice.

Hangman traced a nibbling path down the back of her neck, up to her ear, and stopped. She felt the quick, hot breath there, teasing, playing with her senses and little awareness. His scent intoxicated her too. That scent of coconut with aftershave and a splash of vodka was driving her crazy.

“You smell so good, my angel." he whispered and another shiver hit her.

“I use the same soap as you. Fightertown standard."

He chuckled excitedly and touched it there with the tip of his tongue, dragging it slowly across its length and Phoenix couldn't hold back a gasp. Hearing that, Hangman quickly turned his face in front of her and smiled. That annoying smug smile was back.

“My work is done. I won."

“No, you didn't win. I did nothing." She lied, for she would never admit that she craved his touch.

"Hmmmm..." he sighed in her face, making a point of prolonging the sound. Phoenix forced her legs together again. "You are stealing. Again."

"I'm not! Arrg...you are insufferable, Bagman."

He laughed, a good, loud laugh, which pissed her off even more. One day she would break all those perfect teeth of his.

"Stop laughing, idiot! There's nothing funny here."

“Of course there is. You really hate losing. And even more admitting that you lost... and that you're attracted to me. He leaned back against the sofa, resting his arms on the back.

"You've completely gone mad! I already made sure of that."

“It's not such a hard thing to admit, my angel. Many women feel the same way." He was giving her a mocking smile, but his eyes were burning with desire. "Ask me to kiss you and I will."

It was her turn to laugh, but without humor.

“The day that happens I will no longer be called Natasha Trace."

"Hmm. So it's better to start choosing another name."

Phoenix was shaking all over and she couldn't tell if it was due to anger or desire. Maybe both. Hangman managed to get her serious in many ways. She needed to get out of here or she could end the night with her hands at his throat or under those sheets. The tension between them only grew and she knew nothing good could come of two highly attractive people in a darkened room, alone, wearing nothing but pajamas at three-thirty in the morning. Then she stood up and replied:

“You already know how I feel about asking."

Phoenix turned on her heels and took a step away from him. But when she took another step, a strong, warm hand gripped her arm and stopped her. The same hand slid up to her face and brought her back so close to him that she could feel every muscle in her abdomen, chest and legs. His eyes, even in the dim light, burned and his brow creased as if in pain. His quick, hot breathing warmed her face like a peaceful day at the beach.

Phoenix remained motionless. She was trapped in that gaze. In that touch. In the heat of his body. She knew she should pull away, she should shoo him away like she would any man who surrounded her like that without permission. She once slapped one for a lot less. So why was Hangman any different? Why was her body screaming to get even closer to him? They should hate each other. But their bodies looked so good together...

“Still so proud."

Then he kissed her. A hard, desperate kiss as if he had to have her for himself, as if he was dying to memorize the feel of her lips against his. The taste of him was driving her crazy. He was pure heat and desire and vodka and she wanted more. Phoenix pulled him closer by the shirt straps with force, making them very thin and probably showing his shoulders.

He was kissing her as if he already knew every part of her mouth. He was kissing her confidently, without shyness or that awkward adjustment of a first kiss. He seemed to have imagined this moment so many times, in so many different ways, that when they finally touched, it was as if they had already kissed a hundred times.

Phoenix couldn't say how or at what moment, but she realized it too late when he had already lifted her off the floor and carried her to the couch, holding her on his lap. Her mind was a complete blank, not a single thought would pass through it if it weren't for him. She was no longer on the sand, not even on the shore. Phoenix was fully immersed in the salty waters of desire. And the coconut scent of him said it.

His hands roamed her body, curious and strong, caressing her shoulders, her back, her ribs, her bare legs and her bottom. Phoenix moaned softly as he held her there and Hangman intensified the kiss, letting out a few gasps of air that burned her skin. And she tasted him. She tasted his mouth, his neck, the square line of his jaw. She teased the soft blond strands into a needy kiss, as if she had never kissed anyone and never would. She felt her own brow furrow from the strength and desperation that surged there, and feared. She was losing control of herself, she was drowning in him, giving herself away in a way she didn't remember if she ever had. And it was very dangerous.

So, she used all the strength she had left to pry her lips away from them.

"Hangman..." she asked in a hoarse whisper.

"Oh, no…no…" he pleaded between more long, hot kisses.

"We need...to stop..."

"No..." He repeated that word as if he had forgotten all the others he had learned in his entire life.

Phoenix watched his rapid breathing, heavy eyes, and swollen, red lips. His hair was a mess, as were his clothes, and she couldn't help but gasp. It was a vision of the gods. Her whole body was crying out for her to stay there, end that night in his arms and forget about everything. But she couldn't. She couldn't forget, couldn't let herself be taken in by him...she couldn't let him in.

"Need to go."

And she didn't expect a response from him, not even a goodnight. Phoenix broke free of his body and practically ran away, back to her room closing the door and leaning against it. She was safe. Safe. There she would not drown. She could breathe again.

Phoenix ran a hand through her tousled hair and lay back, trying to breathe in and out normally again.

"Natty?" She heard a growl beside her.

"I am here." She tried to control her voice but failed.

"Did you go for a run?"

She buried her face in her hands and smiled slightly.

"Almost that. Go back to sleep...we'll have an intense day in a while."

Intense in every way. She felt that that day would not be the only one that would be turned upside down.

[chewbacca]

MODERN FAMILY (2009–2020) S01E09: Fizbo

[blackthornluce]

MODERN FAMILY (2009-2020)

[chiefdirector]

Could I request a Luke Dunphy x reader fic? Something cute and simple like they have been together for a while and while at a family barbecue luke and her are talking about the future (thinking they are alone) and the rest of the family hears? Just a whole lot of fluff please 🤧

Future | Luke Dunphy | Modern Family

“So let me get this right…” Luke said, bumping his shoulder into yours. “You want two - no three - dogs and a white picket fence?”

“Don’t forget the wildflowers in the front yard.”

He laughed, glancing over to his family from the porch. “Oh how could I forget. Can you ever forgive me?"

She hummed. "I'll think about it."

----

"They're good together." Clair said, leaning over to whisper to Mitchell. "I remember being like that with Phil."

"Was this before or after you got pregnant with Hayley?" He snarked back.

"Doesn't matter. What matters is that he's happy - and she's happy - therefore we should be happy for them."

Mitchell grabbed his glass and finished it off. "You think that they will last?"

"They better," Jay butted in, "If they last more than a year, I beat Gloria out in our bet."

Claire turned to him. "You bet on Luke's relationship, dad! How could you?"

He laughed, turning away before he looked back. "Phil put five bucks on them getting married.

Masterlist

[formulamar]

yes your honor this is my family

[mojogifs]

Ewan Mitchell as Ettore

High Life

[bootyhoe-123123]

I promise

————————————————————————

summary: Owen and reader work together with the velociraptors. When the two find Claire and her nephews in the forest with the van she happens to attract one of them.

Disclaimer: Readers 18 so like 2 years older than Zach, Zach does not have a girlfriend in this so like he’s nawt cheating guys I swear, cursing, gun use, dinosaurs 😋

————————————————————————

“Hoskins you can’t do this! Once Owen finds out what you’re planning he’s gunna get over here and beat your ass, you want that? Huh?” I confront Hoskins with my hands on my hips. He’s got some crazy plan to use the velociraptors to hunt down the escaped dinosaur.

“Sure he will (name), that is, if he gets here. How d’you know that dinosaur hasn’t gotten him already?” He laughed at me.

“Are you kidding me right now? How are you so sure it has?” Then, a jeep pulled up outside of the velociraptors enclosure. Owen stepped out of the drivers side. “Well would you look at that!” I threw my hands in the air and made my way to Owen, Hoskins trailing behind me. “I-I tried to stop him Owen I did, but he wouldn’t listen to me,” I explained frantically, my voice cracking. I already had a rough time with the people seeing me as someone who could be in control one day, and Hoskins will be my breaking point if I waste anymore time talking to him.

“You’re fine (name). I know what happened.” Owen held a hand up at me and I walked beside Claire. I had only met her a few times but I know she had something going on with my boss.

“Hey Claire, how you doing?” I looked behind me into the jeep and saw two boys. One that looked like he wasn’t even a teen and the other maybe a year or two younger than me. “They yours?” I looked at her.

“Uh- no,” she stifled a laugh, “ they’re my nephews.”

“Oh, alright,” we then turn around and watch Hoskins make his way up to Owen. Owen barely lets him speak before socking him right in the jaw. I let out a gasp and put my hands up to my mouth.

“Get the hell out of here, and stay away from my animals,” Owen spat at him, a stern look painting his face. He valued the raptors health more than his own sometimes.

“Hoskins you wanted this to happen, you son of a bitch,” Claire stepped in next to Owen, I went on the other side of him.

“Oh, Jesus. How many more people have to die before this mission makes sense to you?” Hoskins looked at all 3 of us, a disgusted look on his face.

Barry came over to us, “it’s not a mission, it’s a field test.”

“This is an InGen situation now. Okay, there are going to be cruise ships, that show up here at first light, everybody’s gunna get off this island, you’re gunna watch a news story tomorrow, about how you all saved lives. No, no, no, better yet, how your animals, saved lives.”

It was my turn to step in now, “Hoskins, letting the raptors out of containment would just put the people in even more danger. They have never, EVER, been let out of there. Letting them free would just be a whole other problem.” Barry looked at me, then Owen.

“She’s right. It’s crazy.” Hoskins then tells his people to move it out. Then he turns back around to Owen.

“This is happening, with or without you.” Owen then looks down at me on his right. I have my moment to think about it, then nod my head.

“Owen with you working with it, the raptors will be more under control than if this lunatic were to do it alone,” I pointed at Hoskins.

“Okay, come on then.” He grabbed my arm and we went with Hoskins and Barry to the tent across from the raptors enclosure. Once we were in there, there was a whole bunch of armed men. I was next to Owen as he pointed at a map, “We know that shes in sector 5, this is a game we call hide-and-seek, it’s a scent drill, we’ve done it about a thousand times with these animals. When they get on target, and they will get on target, wait to engage. Velociraptors are pack hunters.” He nods on to me for me to continue.

“They like to herd the animal into a kill zone, that when we can make our move.” Owen smiled at me then gave me a fist bump.

“That’s right, get a clear shot, wait on my command, and give her everything you got. We got one good target gentlemen,” he turned to me, “and lady,” I give him a cheeky look, bowing my head. “Do not shot my raptors. Please.” We then make our way over to the raptors. I handle Charlie. She had always favored me, just like Delta was fond of Barry, and Blue only really listened to Owen. (A/n I dunno if Charlie’s a girl or boy so I’m just making her a girl sorry if she isn’t 😞)

“Easy babydoll, I got you,” I rubbed under her chin, “settle for me,” I then disconnected her head piece. I cooed at her and scratched her chin, she groaned at me in return, “Good girl! Good job Charlie!” I turned to look at Owen with Blue, “Look Owen!” he smiled at me and gave me a thumbs up.

“Good job kid. I’m lucky you work with me. She’s always been easier when you’re around.” I continued to mess around with her when I heard a voice.

“Owen!” I turned around and it was Claire’s nephews. Owen walked over to them. I felt the older of the twos eyes on me and wagged my fingers at him, and his cheeks dusted a pale pink, slowly waving back. “Are they safe?” The little one asked. I had forgot to get their names from Claire. I walk over alongside Owen, and give a face splitting grin at the boys.

“No, they’re not.” Owen looked at him seriously. The older one then spoke up.

“What are their names?” He looked at Owen, then turned to me. Owen looked at me.

“you can tell them.” He nudged my shoulder, making me laugh.

“That’s Charlie,” Owen cut me off.

“She listens to her the most. Which is surprising honestly. She’s always been more aggressive but when she started working here, Charlie changed her whole attitude around.”

“Well obviously,” I shrugged my shoulders, “anyways, that’s Echo, then Delta, and lastly Blue.” I put my hands in my hips then looked at Owen.

“She’s the beta.” Owen said. The little one spoke again.

“who’s the alpha?”

“You’re lookin’ at him, kid.” This caused them to smile at him. I waved at them both as they went to their aunt Claire. The older one looked at me, as if he were in a daze, and slowly waved back. ————————————————————————

Time goes by and Owen and I took the headgear off of the raptors and put them in their personal cages. Owen holds up a pound or so of meat from the Indominous rex.

“Sooo, do I get a gun?” I leaned on the wall next to Charlie’s cage. Owen looked at me.

“Yeah, probably, go ask them to give you a rifle or something.” I push myself off the wall and go out to the men with guns.

I tap one on the shoulder. He turns around and looks me up and down. “Can I get one of those guns? Maybe an AR or something?” He laughs at me.

“A girl like you? How old even are you?”

“18 and old enough to handle a man-eating dinosaur. I’m sure I can take a gun.” He looks surprised at me. “You gunna give me one or what?” He smiles and nods his head at me then leads me to the guns. “Alright, little girl, take your pick.” I pick up an AR and nod at them, putting it on my back. I leave the tent and see Claires oldest nephew looking at me again.

I smirk at him and wave. He’s cute. I peer from side to side and begin striding over to him. “Hey,” I stop infront of him.

“Hey.. what you do is pretty cool. For the raptors and everything.” He fiddles with his finger for a quick second before looking back up at me.

“Thanks, babe! You gunna make sure your aunts safe without Owen here?” I pop my hip out and tilt my head at him.

“yes, yeah for sure.” He leans back against the van, hands in his pocket.

“Alright, stay safe yourself hun.”

“you too,” he mutters quickly, I lift my chin to him and place my hands behind my back, before going to find Barry in front of the jeep. There was a four wheeler then two motorcycles. I get on one of the motorcycle. Owen comes over not long after and gets on the other. He looks up at the new guy, then nods his head. New guy nodded back, then pressed the button to open the cages and the raptors ran out.

“Aw here we go,” I said and rode right after Owen and Barry. The raptors had night vision cameras on the side of their head that I’m sure Claire and corporate could see.

“(Name)! You follow me alright?” Owen called out to me.

“Gotchu!” I raised a thumb at him, and raced quickly after, separating from Barry and the others. We managed to keep up with the raptors, me riding behind them, Owen between the four of them. ————————————————————————

(Quick) Zach’s POV

Gray and I looked through the window from the back to where Aunt Claire sat in the drivers seat. I looked over her shoulder at the I-pad in her hands where she could see Owen and the other girl riding with the raptors. “Your boyfriend’s a badass, and that girl too. What’s her name?” I reached out and pointed at the girl.

“That’s (name). She’s a few years older than you Zach,” Aunt Claire looked at me and raised her eyebrows.

“Yeah, alright I was just asking.” I held my hands up in defense, she rolled her eyes at me, smiling, but I quickly looked back to the girl, I now knew as (name).

————————————————————————

(Names) POV

I looked ahead at the raptors and Owen. “They’re slowing down.” Barry said. I looked over at him and started coming to a slow myself. Then Owen stops. He holds his hand up in a fist and the soldiers get out of the cars with their weapons up. I get off my motorcycle and take my AR off my back. The soldiers rush ahead of me, Barry, and Owen and I follow quickly after looking around. We hide behind a fallen tree, me between Barry and Owen. I hold my gun up. The raptors wait. I can hear large steps being made and the Rex eventually travels itself from the trees.

“Holy shit-“ I whisper.

“Something’s wrong. They’re communicating.” Barry says as the Rex and Raptors make small roars at each other.

“I know why they wouldn’t tell us what it’s made of,” Owen says as he stares at the Indominous Rex.

“Why?” I say, and look at him.

“That things part raptor,” my eyes widen and I look away from Owen at the Rex. It starts backing up and the raptors turn around and look at us all.

“What are they doing?” I ask. Owen doesn’t respond. A soldier yells after I ask.

“Engage!” We start firing st the Rex and it backs away. A soldier lets off a rocket(I dunno what else to call it 😭) and the Indominous falls over. Everyone stops shooting. I stand up next to Owen. We keep firing and it ends up running away.

“On your six! Raptors got a new alpha!” Owen yells as we follow after the Indominous. I turn, back and forth looking for the raptors. They could come out at anytime. Then a soldier behind me yells, a raptor on top of him. I run close to Owen, soldiers around us getting attacked by the raptors. Owen and I stay quiet and we see a raptor eating someone. Becuase of the darkness I can’t make out which one it is. It looks up and stares at Owen and I. None of us make a move. Behind the raptor though, a rocket comes through the trees, blowing it up. I go flying back from the impact and shout.

We run towards our bikes and I see that the one I rode in was taken by a soldier. “Owen! My bikes gone,” he looks at me and pats the back of his bike. I climb on and we look ahead. I can hear Barry yelling but I can’t see him, he’s in the log I think. Blue is on top of it, trying to get to Barry. Owen starts revving the bike, distracting blue from Barry. He whistles and rides off, Blue filling after us. I hold on tightly to Owen. I turn around a few times. After one I noticed Blue stopped following us. “Blues not behind us anymore!”

“Alright, keep an eye out for her!” I nod my head and look around for her. I never see her but I also don’t see the other raptors. I eventually hear the raptors. The more we go the closer they sound. Then, I see the bright lights of a van, “isn’t that the van Claire and her nephews where in?”

“I think so.” Owen speeds up behind the van.

“Owen!” I hear 2 people yell. I look from behind and wave at them. They wave back and whoop. Owen rides up next to the drivers side.

“We gotta get indoors! Follow me!” He yells to Claire and drives in front of the van. We stop in front of the big volcano building. I get off the back of the bike and take my AR off my back. I run next to Owen and look behind me at the others. We then go inside the Hammond Creation Lab.

“Control room! That way!” Clair shouts as we make our way there. When we get in I stand in front of with Owen. I hold my gun up as we hear glass breaking in one of the lab stations. “They evacuated the lab.” Claire said. I looked at her and stayed behind as they walked forward so we had weapons in the front and back. When we got in the station, we looked at all the small reptiles. Then a door opened and people came out looking something away. “What are you doing?”

“I’m afraid that above your pay grade, honey.” Hoskins stepped out.

“you’ve gotta be kidding me,” I roll my eyes.

“Where’s Henry?” Claire asks as Hoskins walks closer to us.

“Dr. Wu works for us,” he smiles at us.

“That’s not a real dinosaur,” the little boy speaks up as he looks at the monitor screen.

“No, it ain’t kid, but somebody’s gotta make sure this company has a future, imagine: that one, a fraction of the size, deadly, intelligent, able to hide from the most advanced military technology. A living weapon, unlike anything we’ve ever seen. See, millions of years of evolution. Nature is the gift-“ he was cut off by a roar. “Oh shit!” A raptor comes out. “Easy, easy boy! Easy,” Hoskins was backed against a wall. I made sure the boys were behind me as Owen backed us up, away from the scene. “We’re- we’re in the same side, right? Right? Easy, easy, I’m on your side,” he held a hand out to the raptor. Slowly he pushed it forward but the raptor went to bite his hand. I gasped and turned to bring the little boy closer to me. Hoskins let out a bloodcurdling scream.

“Go, go,” I said as I pushed the little boy out from the room. We started running towards the center. The raptor is thrown out of the glass room and blocks our way from getting out. Claire turns us around and we go the other way. The little boy taps a hologram to distract the raptor so we can get out. We manage to get outside again but when we get out there Blue stops us, along with Delta. Then we have all three on each side of us.

“so that’s how it is huh?” Owen asks. He puts down his rifle. He holds his hand out to Blue. “Easy.” He undoes the strap along her head, “that’s it,” I smile. She seems to calm down. I nudge the older boy.

“Think you can do that?” I smile. He skates his head.

“No ma’am.” This caused me to laugh. Then the Indominous comes roaring from behind Blue. Blue looks back at Owen, away from the Indominous and starts chittering, almost as if she were talking to him. She then turns and roars at the Indominous. She roars back, much louder. She slams Blue away and Blue slams against a building. Owen starts backing us up and I grab into the older ones arm. He looks at me l, but quickly looks back ahead. Delta and Echo start roaring at the Indominous. Owen whistles and the raptors start running at the Indominous. They hop on top of her and while they distract her we run around them. Claire and her nephews climb into the window of an item shop while Owen and I stay out to shoot at the Indominous. As I reload my gun I turn around and see Claire running. I look at Owen, who sees her as well. Owen runs towards the boys in the item shop. I run right after him and hop inside. Owen shushes the boys while I reload just in case.

I look up and see the Indominous. She starts slamming against the item shop and breaks one of her arms in, clawing at the little boy. I shoot at its arm while the others go against a wall. It claws at the others and I run out of bullets, “Shit!” One of its claws gets ahold in the little boy. The older one reaches over and uncles his fanny pack and it the claw releases from the little boy. I crawl over to him. “Are you ok? Did it cut you anywhere? What’s your name?” I hold his face, and wipe away his tears.

“Gray, I-I’m okay.” I hics as he speaks.

“Ok, I’m (name). I’m so sorry that happened I promise I’ll try my best to prevent anything from happening to you again alright?” He nods his head. I look at the older one.

“And what’s your name?”

“Zach.” He says.

“Zach. Okay Zach. Great job. I saw you unclip his fanny pack.” I tap his leg. I look at Owen. He nods. He knew I was better at dealing with emotions than him. Then a red flare hits against the Indominous. I look outside the window of the shop. “It’s Claire! She just brought a whole ass T-Rex here!” I said laughing. Owen, Gray, and Zach come up next to me to look out the window. They start fighting and the Indominous slams the T-Rex around. She grabs the T-Rex’s head and slams it into the shop we were in. I hold onto Gray and Owen holds onto Zach. The T-Rex roars into the shop. And bites at us. I let go of Gray and look over at Claire.

“Run!” She shouts at us.

“Go, go, go!” Owen push’s us all out of the shop and we run to Claire. The Indominous holds the T-Rex down and is about to bite its neck before we hear another roar. it was blue. She jumped onto the back of the Indominous and saved enough time for the T-Rex to get up and but the Indominous, ramming it into the building. We ran into another building, the Dino’s fighting close to us. As we run through, the T-Rex and Blue seem to be dominating the Indominous. They get close to the mosasaurus’ enclosure and it flies up out of the water, biting the Indominous, dragging it underwater.

“Oh, shit!” The T-Rex and Bkue remain, staring at each other. We walk out from behind the building and Blue looks at Owen. He shakes his head, and she runs after the T-Rex. We walk out and look around. I walk next to Zach.

“oh, wow.” He says. I look up at him and reach for his arm.

“You alright?” I ask.

“I’m alive,” he chuckled. I smiled up at him.

“Yeah.” I rub his arm then let go, looking at his forehead. I lift his hair up a little bit, “just a little cut right there,” I brush over it and he holds my arm lightly. “Alright I’ll see you later alright?” I then walk over to Owen.

————————————————————————

Claire took Zach and Gray to the shelter where all the visitors were staying. Owen and I worked around the shelter, making sure people got what they needed, be it water, food, bandages, etc. in the morning, Zach and Grays parents showed up. I was with Owen and we were working with an old woman when he looked over at Claire. I noticed him looking. “Let’s go over there,” I say, “I’m sure Zach and Grays parents wanna meet the hero that helped protect their kids the whole night,” I punch his arm lightly.

“Alright, come on,” we head over to their cot. Owen stays behind with Claire and they talk while I go get to Zach and Grays cots.

“Hey,” I say, their parents looking at me. Gray stood up and hugged me tightly.

“(Name)! Mom, dad, this is (name) she helped protect us with Owen and Aunt Claire yesterday. She’s also the one that helped us patch up our injuries,” Gray told them as he continued to hug me. I laughed and looked at Zach

“I didn’t do to much,” I rubbed Grays back and he let go of me.

“Oh my goodness, I can’t thank you enough just for being there with them,” their mom came over and embraced me in a hug, their dad following suit. When they let go I sat next to Zach.

“Hey babe,” I rested my arm on his shoulder.

“Hey (name), uh can I talk to you, somewhere else?” I look up at him.

“yeah sure come on,” we went to a more private place so we could talk. “What’s up?”

“(Name)… I think you’re really cool and I wanna get to know you more so could I uh- could I get your number?” he held my hand while he spoke softly rubbing it. I smiled and bit my lip.

“Yeah sure. I’ll write it down for you.” I pulled out my mini notebook from my shorts and the pen I always have attached to it. I wrote my number and my name down then tore it off and handed it to him. I grabbed his shoulders and stood on my tiptoes giving him a kiss on his cheek. “Bye Zach. Call me when you get the chance alright?” I waved bye to him as he was left with a smitten smile on his face. ————————————————————————

Hi everyone! This took me a day or so cuz like I had to rewatch the movie for it to make more sense like what was happening I was thinking abt a part 2 but idk how to so if yall do want a part to lmk 😊😊😊💕

[dailydccomics]

Poison Ivy by Claire Roe in DC Pride 2024

[katierosefun]

modern family is all fun and games until you get to the scenes where you burst into tears because the once-vaguely homophobic dad now refers to his son's husband as family, and also the academically gifted daughter realizes that her dorky, clumsy dad was always really proud of her and just never surprised because he just assumed she could do anything, and also the eldest daughter who eloped comes crawling back to her parents' room and whispers that she still wants her parents to be present for her wedding, and also the anxious queer lawyer character admits that he was terrified that his husband would just leave him alone with their baby daughter, and also that the once-vaguely grouchy dad looks at his stepson and tells him that what makes a family is who sticks around, not who you're blood-related to and anyways what was i saying

[asadfangirlbitxh]

Modern family takes as a person with family issues (LOTS OF THEM)

I wish Sofia and Jay didn't have a baby or they had a daughter. Joe was the boy Jay always wanted and it will constantly make Mitchell and Manny feel less than

I wish we saw more Dunphy sibling episodes

Also more cousin moments. They didn't know what to do with the kids by the end. But I would love a bonding moment between them with Manny and Joe (technically not cousins) but that would have been nice

The whole Manny has a crush on Haley, Lily has a crush on Manny, Phil has a crush on Gloria and Joe like Claire is so weird. I don't know who came up with these jokes. But it was fucking gross.

Alex and Mitchell deserve all the hugs.

Older Lily was so neglected which makes no sense. Because Mitchell and Cam loved kid Lily so much and were great parents The writers really screwed up their dynamic

The adult relationships were more fleshed out than the kids .It makes sense that they did that but I would love to see Mitchell-Manny, Gloria-lily, Lily-Jay, Alex-Gloria, Luke-Cam, Luke-Mitchell, Claire-Manny ( like the scene in season 1 where they have that cute moment), Haley-Manny (not creepy ver), Luke-Lily, Manny- Alex and so many more

Haley's ending will always hurt me. Not because of Dylan but more because she was supposed to show all of us that she was more than just that high school cliche. I would love to see her a single stay-at-home mom or even a wife who wanted kids. But getting pregnant on accident and getting the future that everyone made fun of her assumed she would hurt me so much. (this could be because I spent my whole life fighting against what my parents wanted for me)

Cam is toxic but Mitchell as much as I love him can be condescending. So it makes sense Cam has to act the way he does for Mitch to see what he needs (DOESN'T MAKE IT OKAY BUT MAKES SENSE)

I really wished they didn't fuck Manny up as a character. He had so much potential

[365filmsbyauroranocte]

The Myth of the American Sleepover (David Robert Mitchell, 2010)

[annepsilvaauthor]

Fighter Weapons — Chapter 4

Pairing(s): Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x OC (Claire Mitchell) / Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Natasha "Phoenix" Trace

Summary: An untold story. A series that shows what happened during the Top Gun of our beloved pilots of Top Gun: Maverick.

Warnings: Subtle sexual innuendos, brief language, alcohol consumption, angst, smut, fluffy.

Word Count: 2.739

The darlings who don't want to miss any updates ↪️ @missathlete31 @togetherisawonderfulplacetobe @switch3rr @na0my @aprilwithapricots @goldenloverschild

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

ғɪɢʜᴛᴇʀᴛᴏᴡɴ, ᴇᴜᴀ

The next day, two pilots in their flight suits descended the stairs to the second floor, where the dormitory was located. They passed miniature F-4s, A-7s and some F-14s on the walls, then took the corridor to the Hangar.

“Not so fast… my head." Flex complained with a hand on his forehead.

They skidded to a stop outside a door that led into the Hangar. That morning's class had already started, with Blade in front of a whiteboard. There were X's and O's everywhere and arrows showing paths across the sky.

Then, they entered the huge room that allowed to observe the fighters parked outside, as well as the movement of the employees. The entire class looked at them.

"Who are you?" Blade asked the taller one.

“I am Sundown." He replied trying not to show nervousness with the instructor's feline look.

"Okay, right. You are late!"

They thought they were free, but Venom appeared behind them through the door and intercepted them with a calm, but punishing gaze.

"And who are you?" he asked the shorter one.

"I'm Flex, sir!"

"Flex...? You don't look like Flex to me. You call that muscle?" Venom lifted one of his arms. "Doesn't look like muscle. Looks like... Pork."

The entire class laughed at the comment. Even Sundown had to laugh, scratching his chest.

"Why are you laughing? You are Fungus!"

"Fungus!" he exclaimed offended as he stopped scratching.

“Don't make a problem out of it, or the name will stick." Pork muttered in a whisper to his friend.

“This is going to catch on anyway." Fungus said discouraged.

Rooster turned his attention to the front of the room with a smile still on his face. Though he didn't enjoy laughing at anyone, he had to admit that moments like this saved him from all the tension of being in a room full of the best of the best. He was aware of his skill and hard work, but also theirs. He didn't underestimate anyone there.

At least that scene let him know that his code name could be changed over and over again, depending on who spoke.

Rooster looked around the room. He sat in the third row on the right, alone. Phoenix and Storm once again sat in the front row with Hangman and Coyote as their neighbors on the left side. He noticed sparks every time one of them exchanged glances and had the impression that at any moment there would be an explosion there. Sometimes fighter pilots were too cocky, he admitted that. He himself had his moments.

“At the back of this room are your enemies. Your instructors." Blade continued the class.

Rooster and several others turned again to scan the relaxed, poised, mean faces of the men in blue flight suits with Top Gun caps atop their heads.

“The photographs of all of them are stored in the Kremlin's war room. Let me assure you. They fly to kill."

Rooster looked back at his notes. In all those years, he still didn't understand the motivation for wanting to scare the students. All instructors, including those at the Naval Academy, took a kind of pleasure in treating the student as badly as possible. He had a theory that maybe it made them tougher about missions and life, but deep down, he knew it was just egos fighting. In his entire career thus far, only one had ever treated him like a trusted professional colleague. And that was no longer part of his life.

“You will be trained and evaluated by some civilian specialists as well. These civilians are here because they are the best sources on enemy aircraft, as well as..."

The hangar access door opened and Blade began to speak towards someone in the center.

“Oh, hello, Claire. Well, men, one of our instructors is here today. Claire is best qualified to get into P subs and VN curves and diagrams."

They heard the sound of thin heels clicking on the thick floor of the hangar, and a woman in white scapin heels and a blue dress covered by an enormous black button-up overcoat walked in the center of the rows.

Rooster, like the others, was watching her from behind and he had the slight impression that he knew that way of walking. Firm and sweet at the same time. All of a sudden, information started to gather in his mind and a crazy reasoning sprouted. His theory came to life the same instant she turned to the class, her expression serious but a smile in her bright eyes.

She didn't look at him for a second. And Rooster smiled as he shook his head and scratched his forehead. Claire was still the same. She loved to hide important facts of her life, including his life as well. He was disappointed, but not surprised. That was what the whole scene was about last night, after all. But why was it so hard to just tell him the truth?

"Claire Mitchell. Code name, Claire. She has a PhD in aerospace engineering and is a civil instructor, so you don't need to salute her. But you better listen to her because the Pentagon listens to her about your proficiency, is that clear?"

“Good morning, pilots. Here we will help you to better study the F-18 Hornet and Super Hornet fighters. Despite being recognized as a derivative, the F-18 Boeing Super Hornet is another aircraft. It is about 20% larger, weighs about 3 tons more empty and, when loaded, weighs 7 tons more than the Hornet. Carry 33% more fuel, 41% greater range, and 50% greater combat persistence."

Claire poured information out to them in a first contact, impressing with her command and firm tone of voice. And she still hadn't met Rooster's eyes.

"The main differences that can interfere in combat is the radar, which on the Super Hornet evolved into the APG-79. Unlike the APG-73, it does not use mechanical scanning techniques, but fixed AESA cells, which in itself eliminates the most common cause of malfunctions in this type of radar." She kept talking with almost no pause for breath. She was really excited to share that information. "The Super Hornet, unlike the previous Hornet, can be equipped with an aerial refueling system (buddy-buddy system), which is the great differential for carrying out some missions. For example, in a mission in which logistical support is required, a designated Super Hornet of the squadron could be loaded with a large amount of fuel, thus compromising its performance due to the large amount of weight, but this would only serve as a refueling plane air for its companions. The squadron could carry out long-range missions and could return to base thanks to this system."

"My squadron does not need this buddy-buddy system, as the situation is resolved in a few minutes of flight." Hangman interrupted her with that boastful smile. “When you have a leader who knows what he's doing, there's no reason to fly too long and waste fuel. That's how I did an armed kill."

"Show off!" Rooster said as he coughed.

With that action, he garnered quite a few stares. First it was from Phoenix, who smiled at him in approval and he returned it in a wink. Hangman looked at him too, but with defiance and a certain amount of anger when he saw him wink at Phoenix. Finally, Claire turned her attention to him. She remained with a serious expression, but a smile pointed at the corner of her lips.

He wanted to ask her why she hid it from him, why she always ran away like that and why they couldn't understand each other anymore like when they were younger. But he couldn't. Not there. And maybe not in the hangar. He needed some time alone with her.

“Someone has to do what needs to be done." Hangman commented turning his attention to the instructor. “We're fighter pilots, not birds."

"Tell us, Hangman, who was covering your wingman while you were showing off in the sky?" Rooster insisted on the provocation.

“He was fine." He played with the toothpick. "Better than your squadron, isn't it, Rooster? They have to wait... wait... and wait for the moment when you will act. Good thing you fly in a Super Hornet and can use the "Tanker", otherwise you'd die up there without fuel."

“Better to wait and protect everyone than to abandon my wingman."

"The best thing is to succeed in the mission. Your wingman is not helpless, he can take care of himself." he chatted with that smug smile. How he was beginning to irritate Rooster! “Besides, I'm a lone wolf."

"More like a peacock." Rooster mocked, getting a laugh from Phoenix and Storm.

"Enough!" Blade ordered from the back of the room.

Claire shot the captain a look, indicating she could handle the situation herself, and walked over to the board. She began to explain the operation of both fighters with a mastery and sweetness that enchanted everyone. No one took their eyes off her, everyone was too focused on the importance of her notes and almost forgot to speak when she asked for them.

After a few hours, the introductory class ended and everyone started to leave the room. Hangman was passing through the door when he saw Phoenix talking to an instructor, the same one from the day before. They were both smiling, she more cheerfully and he in a restrained way. Everyone had already left the hall and they noticed this, so he pulled her into a tight hug.

"What the hell is that?" he thought aloud, still planted in the doorway.

Hangman watched the two walk away and be careful to walk in different directions. He shook his head in denial. "What are you up to, Phoenix?", he thought. He finally made his way to the cafeteria.

Still in the hangar, Claire gathered her belongings when Rooster pointed in her field of vision. His expression was more one of curiosity than anger. She sighed knowing where this was going.

"Why?" he asked simply and she narrowed her eyes, so he elaborated better. "Why didn't you tell me yesterday?"

“I told you it was a special project."

Claire took the huge coat over her, because the weather in San Diego was killing. She had chosen that piece because that morning it dawned freezing, however, something typical of a seaside town, the climate was unstable. And now she was sweating. And she shivered a little as his gaze followed her every move.

"You always do this to me." he said between a hurt laugh.

“I live a different life now, Rooster." His codename said by her sounded strange. It was the first time he had heard her say it and he knew it was due to her professionalism. "I keep more secrets than hairs in your mustache."

"I wish it only happened now."

"Serious? That was almost twenty years ago. Do you really want to come back to that subject here?"

"No I don't." He approached her, looking deep into her beautiful eyes. “Me and the guys are going to the bar today. Don't wanna come?"

It was a friendly request, without judgment or demand. He just wanted to talk and clarify some things that she insistently denied him year after year.

"I can't." She let her guard down a bit.

"Why not?" he asked almost in a whisper.

"For an engineer, the nights are more productive than the day."

She smiled, a sweet, playful smile. The one she always slipped into when she needed to say something nasty, but she didn't want to hurt anyone. Rooster had seen that smile so many times, but he was always taken by the beauty of it. He smiled back.

“Sometimes I'm jealous of your notebooks, you know?"

"Why?"

“They always got more of your attention than I did. he teased, but they both knew there was some truth there."

"My notebooks can't sing or play like you." She commented smiling and he knew she remembered the past.

“Nah… I'm not that good."

“That's not what I saw yesterday at the bar."

"What? Were you there the whole time?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes. I watched as you gathered a multitude of gazes from men and especially women." She winked. "Are you together?"

"Who?"

“You and the girl in the front row. I saw how you talked."

“Jealousy again, Claire?" he insulted in a playful tone.

"Again?" She feigned offense.

"Don't you remember how you scared every girl that came near me? I had a real girlfriend only after I went to college."

“I was just protecting you from those freaks. They didn't deserve you, believe me." Her eyes roamed over his face, remembering. “You always deserved someone special."

“I'm an adult now. I know how to choose who to be with. He moved closer to her." Now they were a hand's breadth away, where he could smell her lavender and she could smell seawater. "But don't worry, your place will always be well kept in my heart."

"Excellent."

They remained where they were, the same distance and position. Rooster looked at those sweet and avid eyes made up by a black line above, which brought a certain maturity to her. Claire stared into the amber glow in his eyes, which danced like the flames of a bonfire.

That had always drawn her attention to him, as Bradley had a personality that veered beautifully between extroversion and shyness, but his eyes always held that warm, intense glow that often caught her off guard. What happened at that moment.

Claire felt like a sixteen-year-old again, her heart pounding in her chest and struggling not to sigh. Bradley had always been her funny, laid-back, gangly friend. But over the years, both have changed, getting taller and with more beautiful bodies. And sometimes, when Bradley would grab her in his arms, run around her house with her, and then throw himself on the couch with her, Claire felt something different. Warmth at the feel of him so close, his scent, his mouth, and those damn eyes. She wanted then what she wanted now, across from him, nearly twenty years later.

"I need to go." she said, grateful her voice didn't shake.

"OK. You're a teacher now...you have to write on papers and keep them in folders or whatever a teacher does."

She laughed out loud. He had the gift of taking her out of the role she was playing, that of a serious and competent employee.

“My proposal still stands, you know?" he insisted with that playful smile.

“Bye, Bradley."

He pretended to have been hit by an arrow straight through the heart and grimaced. She tried very hard not to laugh there and echo into the rooms of the Admirals and Commanders. She watched him leave the hangar and was finally able to breathe properly.

Claire knew she had been a terrible friend in keeping it from him. But she was also still wondering how that was possible. How did she end up precisely in his class? It was a fucking irony of fate. And she didn't know yet how she felt. She hadn't spent so much time with him in almost twenty years. Their encounters were always quick, occasional, despite the connection always existing.

She wanted to believe that they had matured enough to put the past behind them, or at least the hurts, but that proved to be a lie every time they saw each other. The forbidden subject always came up, their code names, death. And they always drifted further away, longer.

But now, she would have to see him every day for five weeks. Remembering the past every time she found him. Feeling that same body heat when looking into his eyes. To think of what a terrible person she was to have kept secrets from him in the past and continue to do so. And she wasn't sure if Bradley would forgive him if he discovered one specific secret.

Claire ran from him like a doe from its predator, because being so close to him reminded her of how good she was back then and that hurt. It hurt more because she knew that at any moment she could lose him forever. All because of her.

[boardchairman-blog]

**Shots of the Episode**

House of the Dragon (2022)

Season 2, Episode 5: “Regent” (2024) Director: Claire Kilner Cinematographer: Alejandro Martínez

[gonzo-rella]

Headcanons: Being the Nonbinary (Second) Youngest Pritchett Sibling

MASTERLIST | AO3 | KO-FI

Relationship(s): The Pritchett-Tucker-Dunphy family x nonbinary!reader (platonic/familial)

Warnings: Descriptions of coming out and canon-typical ‘not understanding the queers’. (Let me know if I need to add any)

(A/N: I haven’t watched all of Modern Family yet, though I’ve seen up until season 8 and the occasional later episode. This is highly self-indulgent, and I’ll probably end up writing some more fics based on this premise; feel free to request them!)

Growing up, there may have been signs that you were a little ‘different’; maybe not.

If there were, Jay chose to ignore it.

Some suspicion would only arise after Mitch’s coming out(s).

Whenever you realised you were nonbinary, I imagine that the first of your family members who you would come out to would be Mitch, who would, in his own repressed way, support you in any way he could.

I don’t know if Claire would necessarily understand, but she’d still be supportive.

When you come out to your parents, they’re both confused, but Dede is immediately accepting and supportive (and Jay always insists that it was just to spite him).

On the other hand, Jay... well, he isn’t cruel or dismissive or anything. 

He just doesn’t get it.

But, you’re his kid- his baby- and he doesn’t want to lose you because he doesn’t understand.

So, he’ll go along with it and try calling you what you wanna be called.

Keep the peace, y’know?

And, he’ll screw up.

At first, part of him will feel like you, or anyone else who corrects him, are being overly pedantic, but he’ll grit his teeth and concede to avoid any conflict.

It’ll take him years and several lectures from Mitchell and Gloria for Jay to realise how important it is for him to try his best to understand you, or at the very least get it right as much as he can.

And, when he does, he’ll make sure to let you know that you have his full support, and he’s sorry that he couldn’t let you feel that sooner.

Gloria has always supported you.

Like your mother, her acceptance of you was immediate, and this time Jay couldn’t claim it was to spite him.

She wants the best for you and your relationship with your dad, so she will try her best to get him to support you rather than just tolerate you because he loves you.

Like Claire and Mitchell, she corrects him when he gets things wrong.

She’ll be happy to take you shopping for gender-affirming clothes.

And, she’ll be happy to listen if you ever need it.

Manny’s a mature and sensitive kid, so I feel like he’d mostly understand your gender when it’s first explained to him.

He’s never afraid to ask questions, though he’ll always do it out of curiosity, not judgement.

Phil, Claire and their kids all respect you.

Claire will always correct your dad when he gets things wrong.

I imagine that Phil is especially supportive and will happily refer to you as his ‘sibling-in-law’.

When Claire told him about your gender, I feel like he probably looked it up and, with a lot of research, grew to understand you as much as a cis guy ever could.

Haley and Luke probably don’t completely get it at first, but they’ll both try their best.

Alex is probably the Dunphy who understands it the most (and she probably thinks that being nonbinary is really kickass).

If anyone in her family needs any clarification on anything (it’s typically her siblings), she’ll be the first to explain things.

I feel like she’s very supportive of and knowledgeable about trans and nonbinary people and the issues they face (just between you and me, I headcanon Alex as queer, so that’s probably why).

Your chief supporters in your family are Mitch and Cam.

Whenever you need to vent about things that the rest of your family just won’t get, they’re always happy to lend a listening ear, especially Cam.

Although Mitchell cares so much about you, he struggles to be as openly loving and kind as Cam.

Cam will probably be the one who urges Mitch to speak to Jay on your behalf about how his behaviour affects you.

If you ever get any gender-affirming medical treatment, they’ll volunteer to go with you to appointments.

They’d also introduce you to their queer friends, if that’s something you want.

It may take some time, but you’ll get to feel like an accepted and supported member of your family in the end, because even if some of them don’t get it, they’ll try their best to make you feel affirmed.

[anonymouslyyourslove-a]

Some one needs to explain to me why The Originals was basically just a H2O just add water cast reunion.

No, cause Phoebe Tonkin, Claire Holt and Andrew Lees were all on both TO (Hayley, Rebekah and Lucien) and H2O (Cleo, Emma and Ryan).

And Luke Mitchell who plays Will in H2O also plays Ken (the god) in Legacies.

Like the casting directors need to explain this to me.

[genievillain26]

Doll Day Snow Day