#hale-writes

[halestrom]

did i in fact continue to write this....maybe

Bradley Bradshaw wows with latest collection.

Continuing his previous tradition, Bradshaw’s newest collection for Rooster has bold colors and patterns that continue to work despite going against the grain. He continues to push the boundaries he sets on what matches in a way that takes the untrained eye a moment. Splashes of vermillion mixed with   chartreuse in less talented hands would look like a Christmas decorations. Mixed with patterns that catch the eye and make it hard to look away and harsh lines that also evoke a sense of natural wonder, Bradshaw continues to be a force to reckon with in the fashion world.

“Since when do you know what Vogue is?”

Jake flinched, a small motion but Javy caught it anyone as his friend dropped into the seat next to him and looked over Jake’s shoulder at his phone. Jake didn’t bother hiding it, he told Javy everything.

“Also, why are you reading something about Bradshaw?” Javy asked, reading the article Jake had pulled up in a moment of bored pique. “You’re allergic to fashion, color and anything more expensive than ten dollars except for jeans and cowboy boots. And even then half of it is second hand.”

“Ran into him. He asked me if I’ve ever modeled,” Jake replied, still amused at the conversation from the day before.

“No shit?”

Javy looked surprised and Jake would almost be offended but it was the sort of comment that sounded like a good way to get murdered.

Before Jake could say anything else, mention Mav or the weird way Bradshaw complimented him Javy turned to halo.

“Yo. Halo. Hangman met Bradley Bradshaw.”

There was a split second of silence before Halo scrambled in a way that was so far removed from her usual grace that Jake gaped at her as she skidded to a stop in front of Jake and braced her arms on the table in front of him before leaning in close.

“Tell me everything,” she demanded, eyes wide.

“Calm down, Cujo,” Jake said, leaning back

She leaned closer. “What did he say?”

Jake was aware of all eyes on them and he frowned. “He asked if I modeled, I asked him if that line actually worked on anyone. He seemed offended at what I was wearing which is how I felt. It wasn’t a long conversation.”

Halo stared at him, her head tilted to the side as if she was assessing him in a way that made him feel like one of the horses her Dad would stud out. “Why you as a model?” she asked, more to herself but Jake at least had an answer for that.

“He said I had great cheekbones, a shoulder to waist ratio that was perfect and the sort of symmetrical that would make people say it’s photoshop. Which fuck him for that, ain’t nothing about me that’s photoshopped.”

There was a beat of silence before everyone started talking, debating the merits of what Bradshaw had said and Jake could feel himself growing more offended as it went on. Halo was the one to stop it as she leaned in even closer. “Did you agree?”

“Why the fuck would I agree?” Jake demanded.

“It’s Bradley Bradshaw,” she said slowly, as if that was the only thing that mattered.

“And? When have I ever given a shit about fashion?”

Halo let out an aggravated noise. “I can’t believe you didn’t even get his number!”

“Are you seriously this torn up about it?” Jake demanded, looking over at Javy to see if he was the only one going insane but Javy just shrugged as if this was normal.

Before anyone could speak, Mav finally appeared, walking into the room and glancing around, eyebrows raised in silent question at the group around Jake. 

An idea struck and Jake jerked his chin toward the man. “Mav knows Bradshaw.”

Mav shrugged without missing beat. “He’s my godson. Everyone sit down. We have work to do.”

Despite the clear curiosity filling everyone, they did as asked.

<hr>

Debrief finished, and Halo, contrary to the angelic nature of her callsign, was in front of Jake before he could even finish standing.

“Did you get his number?” she demanded.

“No, why would I?” Jake asked, finishing standing and gathering his things.

“Because he is one of the top designers in the world. He’s designed for movie stars! Rock stars! He made half of the dresses of the best of last year!” Halo said, looking at Jake aghast.

“You’re barking up the wrong tree, this man has never known a higher thread count than depression era orphan,” Javy said, elbowing him in the side. “He wouldn’t know class if it bit him in the ass.”

Jake had a sudden thought of Bradshaw biting him on the ass and shoved it away before he could think about it anymore because he didn’t know where that had come from. Bradshaw was so far from Jake’s usual type it wasn’t even funny to think about. He favored men with more sedate style of clothing, and apparently personality. Even if Javy constantly despaired of him because he kept dating people he could easily bowl over, who ended up leaving him because of that. Which was sometimes the point.

Halo’s eyes narrowed and Jake had a brief moment to contemplate his life choices before she turned her head just as Mav started to walk past. “Hey, Mav. Hangman wants Bradshaw’s number. You opposed to giving it to him?”

Jake hissed Halo’s name just as Mav paused, looking at him and giving him a once over that made him feel more judged than anything else. He wanted to know what Mav saw when he looked at Jake. Mav was one of his idols, and the last thing Jake wanted to do was disappoint the man. Having Mav as his CO, learning from him, it was a dream come true. He wasn’t going to do anything to ruin it.

“Fuck it, why not,” Mav finally said, tugging out his phone as Jake stared at him in surprise. “Baby bird could use a little kick in the ass.”

Jake didn’t even know what to make of that comment as he kept gaping at Mav. “What?”

“Phone out, Hangman. C’mon now I’ve got a meeting with Ice I can’t miss.”

Still unsure what was happening, Jake tugged out his phone.

Trick or Treat? 🧟‍♂️

A trick!! An idea that popped into my head earlier today that I have zero plans to write except for this one snippet.

"Have you ever considered modeling?"

The comment gave Jake pause, and he turned, raising an eyebrow at the man who had asked. If Jake was anywhere other than California, he'd consider the outfit to be garish, but, it was California and maybe his Pastor growing up was right about what he would find here. Nevermind he was stationed here.

"That work for you often?" Jake asked, crossing his arms over his chest, letting himself see past the bright clothing. The man wasn't unattractive, but Jake had been with hotter men.

"What?" the man asked, before he frowned and to Jake's delight, something Javy lamented about since most people didn't find joy in others discomfort, flushed. "Oh, um. No. I wasn't hitting on you. It's um. I'm an fashion designer."

Jake snorted. "Are you now?" he asked, giving the man a once over. "Sure."

The man rolled his eyes and stepped forward, holding out his hand. "Bradley Bradshaw."

"How much you pay for that fake ID?" Jake asked, shaking the hand. "McLovin' might've been a better option."

The flat glare he got in response had Jake smiling a little wider. "Ha. Ha. Ha." Jake could hear the periods. "Look, seriously. You have great cheekbones, your shoulder to waist ratio is perfect and you're the kind of symmetrical that will get people yelling about photoshop. I could think of a dozen photographers who would love to work with you."

It was the weirdest way Jake had ever been complimented and he crossed his arms, trying to hide how into it he suddenly was. "Wow, you really know how to treat a guy," he said, keeping his voice flat.

Bradley, if that was his name and Jake was still holding out on that being real, rolled his eyes. "Look, whatever you're wearing is great. Levi's are a timeless classic for a reason and is that a Maison Margiela? I love their jersey line with the reinforced neck."

"Hanes," Jake said, before Bradley could continued, getting a dumbfounded look. He waved at his shirt. "Hanes. Five pack from Walmart."

"No the fuck it is not." Bradley now looked offended.

"...yes, it is?"

Bradley stepped forward, grabbing Jake by the shoulder and leaning over him, close enough Jake could smell some spicy aftershave that made him want to fucking swoon in like an dumbass from one of those books his sisters told him about. "What the fuck. It's Hanes."

"Why do you sound so offended?"

"It looks good! It shouldn't look good. Did you get it tailored?"

"No," Jake replied, which made Bradley scowl. Now Jake was offended. "I'm having a hard time taking fashion advice from someone who looks like a kindergarten room full of children was let loose in the paint aisle."

"I need to get you out of those--"

"--I thought it wasn't a come on--"

"--and into something of mine."

"Bradley! Hangman!"

Both turned, and Jake raised his eyebrows when he spotted Maverick wandering over, a bright grin on his face. "You two know each other?" he asked, coming to a stop.

"No," they said at the same time.

"I was just leaving," Jake said, sketching Mav a two finger salute. "See you tomorrow, Pops. Bradshaw."

With that, he turned and left before Bradley fucking Bradshaw, since apparently that was gonna be his real name since he knew Mav, could make another offer about his clothes. Jake liked his clothes.

[resqectable]

The person you’re meant to be with will never have to be chased, begged or given an ultimatum.

Mandy Hale

[thoughtkick]

Until you get comfortable with being alone, you’ll never know if you are choosing someone out of love or loneliness.

Mandy Hale

[quotefeeling]

Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, you didn’t settle for it.

Mandy Hale

[perfectquote]

Learn to be alone, and to like it. There’s nothing more freeing and empowering than learning to like your own company.

Mandy Hale

[arhvste]

“this is killing me.” kuroo mumbled as he tossed his phone to his side. “just trust me bro,” his best friend-turned roommate bokuto grinned. “this works everytime for me i swear!”

kuroo sighed before grabbing phone again to refresh his instagram story views once more. several people had already viewed the post-gym mirror selfie he’d taken in attempts to garner attention from one particular follower of his; you. “maybe it’s too cringe…” he muttered while over analysing the photo that had already gained a couple of likes within the twenty minutes it had already been up for. “nah.” bokuto reassured him and pat his friend on the shoulder. “you look sexy.” kuroo stared back at the two-toned haired boy. “… thanks bro.”

this isn’t something kuroo would typically post but times were tough and he was desperate. he’d seen you around campus but luck was not on his side when it came to scheduling and the two of you barely had class time together. yet the little class time you did share, kuroo hung onto it tightly and would let scenes of these weekly one hour classes replay in his head more often than he’d like to admit.

“i feel like a modern jay gatsby,” the ex volleyball captain huffed. “my selfie is the equivalent of the wild parties he’d throw in hopes to get daisy’s attention except i don’t want to post every night, i’ve already made myself cringe with this one post.” bokuto stared back at his friend blankly. “yeah… whatever that means.” kuroo frowned back “it’s a classic, you should know what i mean!”

how much longer was he going to have to wait? bokuto had promised him quick results with this method and so far he’d felt deceived and lied to. if talking to you when he got the chance wasn’t enough to get a conversation going outside the classroom, then social media seemed like the next best attempt to start interacting more.

what were you doing? why weren’t you viewing his story? could you even see his story? did he accidentally block you?

these questions ran through his mind as he quickly rushed to check to make sure he hadn’t for some reason blocked you from seeing his story. he half wished he did because then at least he’d know what on earth was taking you so damn long to see the photo he was increasingly starting to hate more the longer it was posted.

“this is stupid.” he stated as he faced bokuto who had zero concerns in his method in gaining someone’s attention. “it works you just have to wait, trust me.”

kuroo frowned as the little red hearts of others who weren’t you fluttered from the bottom corner of the photo. “look!” his best friend grinned as he leaned over kuroo’s shoulder and pointed to the screen of his phone. “you’re getting likes on it!”

“what’s the point if they’re not likes from the person i posted this for in the first place.” kuroo grumbled back in response. he couldn’t believe he’d been subjected to such an attempt to gain some attention from you. it was ridiculous.

it had been about forty five minutes since he’d posted it and he was slowly losing his mind. sure, the post was going to be up for twenty four hours (if he didn’t give into the voices in his head telling him to delete it) so forty five minutes was nothing, but the minutes were beginning to feel like hours and he was dying inside. why weren’t you viewing it already and what could possibly be keeping you off your phone right now?

“this is stupid.” he decided as notifications from his old team mates started to flash up on his screen. the last thing he needed was lev replying with ‘looksmaxing’ to a post that was secretly dedicated to you. “no, it’s barely been up!” bokuto whined. “you look hot so you should get some replies anyway what’s the big deal?”

pinching the bridge of his nose, kuroo huffed. “the big deal is the person i posted this for hasn’t replied!” what was the point in making sure to go to the gym during a rest day just to take this photo if he wasn’t going to at least make his existence more known to you? he’d even worked his legs enough to the point of managing to achieve the sweaty but sexy look. the muscles in his legs were dying, but his dignity sure as hell wouldn’t.

the college student opened up his phone with the intention to end the mental war inside his head once and for all by deleting the post altogether. bokuto watched his friend in defeat but his eyes flashed. “yes they did!” he yelled and pointed to the screen as your name flashed at the top of his screen.

kuroo’s heart jumped at the sight of your profile picture he’d made a daily routine of staring at and the now blue dot indicating a message from your profile in his inbox. to think he was going to delete this post just a second too, what were the chances?

psyching himself up, kuroo took a few quiet deep breathes before letting the time next to your message pass for a few minutes. he wasn’t an instagram warrior by any means, but he knew enough about general rules in order to not look desperate online.

bokuto watched over his friends shoulders as the two stared in anticipation awaiting the message kuroo had been dying for. this was it. leg day two times in a row was gruelling and he’d regret it for the next few days but it would have been worth it. the countless messages from his old teammates mocking his attempts at a thirst trap could be looked past now that you had finally given into the bait he’d so carefully laid. this is what he’d been waiting for. days of preparing and deciding how to gain your attention had finally paid off and he was about to reap the rewards he’d sown.

clicking the message with baited breath, his heart raced as bokuto’s grip of his shoulder tightened. finally.

‘the label on your shirt is sticking out, make sure to cut it’

“a wins a win.” bokuto filled the silence between the pair as kuroo stared at his phone with a blank expression. “… a wins a win…”

[stay-close]

Growth is painful. Change is painful.But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.

Mandy Hale

[thehopefulquotes]

Don’t waste words on people who deserve your silence. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.

Mandy Hale

[shitpostingsterek]

credit

[perfectfeelings]

You can love them, forgive them, want good things for them… But still move on without them.

Mandy Hale

[patolemus]

There’s just something about Stiles being so unflinchingly violent if it’s to protect Derek, of him having vivid fantasies about bashing his bat against Kate’s pretty blonde hair until her brain splatters across the room, about cutting Jennifer’s tongue and arms off so she can’t spell or touch Derek ever again, about lighting Gerard on fire and ripping Kali’s head off her shoulders...

[halestrom]

jake/bradley, E, 5.5K, Mafia!Au

Six weeks after finding out what Jake can do, Bradley runs into him again. And just can't help himself.

[resqectable]

Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, you didn’t settle for it.

Mandy Hale

[thoughtkick]

Growth is painful. Change is painful.But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.

Mandy Hale

[quotefeeling]

Growth is painful. Change is painful.But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.

Mandy Hale

[perfectquote]

Always show kindness and love to others. Your words might be filling the empty places in someone’s heart.

Mandy Hale