#lieutenant bradshaw

[sdrose93]

Mav and Rooster ❤❤

[lunamoonbby]

I would like to thank my husband Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw for his service to the country with his dedication of being in the navy

[greatszu]

Goosebumps & Ultrasounds (Prologue)

When you get what you want but not what you need

Summary: After a hard and rocky way to summit the top of her game, Jeniffer “Ultra” Heatherly, the daughter of one of the most legendary instructors and aviator Rick “Jester” Heatherly is finally fulfilling her dream of getting a shot at Top Gun School. Little did she know, that the accidental meeting in “Hard Deck” during her first week in Fighertown, will bring such unexpected consequences. And this is just the beginning of her troubles.

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x OC

Warnings: language, angst, alcohol consumption, mention of loss, mention of work harassment, +18 ONLY, Minors DNI

Length: 5000 words

Note from the author: Before I create massive havoc between my main characters (yes, this is the warning, peace was never an option), I feel a proper introduction must take place. It was fun to take a deep dive into Rooster's and Ultra's thoughts and struggles! They both have to endure certain legacies and backgrounds. Anyway, I hope you enjoy guys! Please, feel free to comment and reblog, I am curious about your opinions!

P.S. This is my first writing after a VERY long break, so my style may be a little bit creaky, but I promise I will get back there soon.

________

Prolongue

"When you get what you want but not what you need"

USS Ronald Reagan, the Residence of Squadron VFA-195, Japanese Sea

It was a chilly and sunny morning. The naval ship was heading back to its harbor. The sound of jets landing on the deck was an indication of aviators coming back from the night’s patrol. Commander O’Malley of squadron VFA-195, popular as Dumbasters, was sitting in his office, waiting for an approaching aviator of his squadron. When he heard footsteps, he stood up.

“Enter!” he replied to knocking.

“You asked for my presence, sir,” the young female pilot entered his office and made a salute. Commander nodded and waved his hand to a woman to take a seat.

“I have news for you, Ultra,” he said, watching carefully his protégé. The youngest daughter of Rick Heatherly callsign Jester. One of the most legendary aviators and the longest-serving in history instructor in the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School known as Top Gun. Being a woman in the academy was tough enough, O’Malley knew that very well. But being a woman and the Jester’s kid at the same time… Yes, Jennifer Heatherly had gone through hell to earn her position. She graduated Academy at the top of her class despite the all obstacles that had been thrown at her on the daily basis. Not just by her peers, but also by her instructors. Being the first female pilot in her squadron she had met with nothing but mistrust and hostility. But she made her way in, earned respect, and formed friendships with the rest of the crew. Nowadays, none of the boys could possibly imagine VFA-195 Squadron without Ultra and her formidable skills. She was one hell of a pilot and had proved to be a crucial member of many dangerous missions and detachments. They didn’t call her Ultra from ultrasounds for nothing. She was calculating, sneaky, and capable of striking her attack at the least anticipated moment. Commander’s eyes met large green eyes and smiled. Who would have thought that this frail-looking creature is a deadly, unpredictable, and skilled U.S. Navy fighter pilot?

“Sir?”

“You are going to Top Gun,” he said. Delicate eyebrows raised slightly.

“When?” she asked, trying to stay composed. 

“In two weeks. Congratulation lieutenant, you have earned it,” he replied and gave her a wide smile. Her features finally have broken into a small grin.

“Thank you, sir,  I won’t let you and the squadron down,” she responded.

“I know you won’t. But before you will be sent, there is something you should probably know to prepare yourself” Commander scratched his bald head and looked thoroughly at his young aviator.

“Sir, I’m all ears!”

“Have you ever wondered why I didn’t send you last year instead of Smallboy?” he asked, observing carefully her reaction. Ultra furrowed her brows while considering his question seriously.

“I thought because of tension in the region you had preferred to keep the majority of your top pilots in your eyesight,” she answered watching him cautiously.

“So you weren’t bitter that male and younger than you aviator had been sent instead of you?” he asked raising his brows.

“No, I mean… It was obvious that one of us would have been sent. You couldn’t have afforded to send us both since we were the best. Besides, I had my hands full with the Korean crisis, and after it shambles on the Rogue coast. So I wasn’t bored,” Ultra replied. Commander nodded with approval to her common sense.

“Yes, it was one of the reasons, but not the main.”

“So what was the main reason, then, sir?” she asked suspiciously. 

“You probably have heard about the uranium mission and the exploits of naval aviators during it,” he spoke slowly.

“I mean, who hasn’t, right?” she laughed.

“After the success of this mission, Admiral Simpson decided that it was high time to implement some fundamental changes to the Top Gun’s program. He believes that missions like uranium one are inevitable future and you as the elite of the Navy should leveled-up your game and skills. The previous calendar year was the last with the old program. Since the beginning of this year, there is a new program that is much more demanding. From the first group of pilots, only half of the group managed to cross the finish line."

“Only half, huh? Sounds promising!” Ultra commented sarcastically.

“It’s not everything. The author of the new program is nobody else but Commander Pete Mitchell callsign Maverick,” he said. Jennifer opened her eyes wide and bursted into laugh. 

“It explains why only half of them made it!” she said chuckling. Commander smiled at her remark.

“I know, right? Who would have thought? But it seems that after the success, Maverick has returned to the favors of the Navy and is now one of the most trusted admiral's colleagues. And yes, he will be one of the instructors.” 

“Great! It’s high time someone beat him in a dogfight,” she murmured.

“Do not underestimate him Ultra,” he warned her pointing a finger at her.

“I am not. But he certainly will underestimate me and my skills. They all do after all,” she said with such a casualness that Commander O’Malley felt uneasy.

“Alright, enough of this. For your information, the new program runs for 16 weeks, not 13 weeks like before. You will be glad to hear that these rascals of yours will be participants too.”

“You mean Blizzard and Mockingjay?” she asked in disbelief. Commander nodded.

“Yeah, they had been busted, but their squadron’s commander took pity on them and gave them his approval,” he replied smiling seeing her enthusiasm. “This trio.” he thought. “These poor bastards from Miramar don’t have a clue what is going to hit them.” He cleared his throat.

“So that was the main reason, sir? You thought I would be more suitable for a more difficult program?” she asked unexpectedly keeping her eyes on him vigilantly. O’Malley took a deep breath.

“Not quite.” Green eyes were squinted. “The moment of revelation,” the older pilot thought. He was afraid of her reaction to what he was about to say next.

“You see Ultra, pilots like Maverick appears once in a few decades. I think that you have everything what it takes to be a prodigy of your generation. That is why I am sending you now. These new adjustments will make you shine and show what you are made of,” he explained. The confusion was plastered all over her appealing features.

“You think?” she asked doubtfully.

“I don’t think. I just know,” he replied firmly. Frows appeared on her forehead. O’Malley suppressed his amusement. He knows dozens of pilots who, after his statement will sit beaming with pride and cockiness. But not her. Here he was, sitting with probably one of the most skilled pilots on the entire planet Earth, watching her being confused, puzzled, and doubtful about his words.

“That is like a LOT of pressure!” she finally spoke after a moment of silence.

“Nothing you haven’t already been accustomed to, Ultra,” he replied.

“Is that supposed to comfort me?” she asked sarcastically.

“You have got this. Trust your skills and experience. I know, you will do just fine,” he said in a softer voice. She smiled slightly but her eyes were unreadable.

“Well, in that case, thank you, sir. I am really grateful for your thoughtfulness!” she said. Commander nodded and waved his hand to make her go.

“You are welcome. And Ultra…?”

“Yes, sir?” she asked, lifting from the chair.

“Good luck!” Commander concluded their meeting.

Holy Trinity WhatsApp Conversation:

Jen-Jen: See you in Fightertown, assholes!

Monica: Fucking finally! I thought I would spill the tea. What took him so long to tell you?!

Alex: Congratulations Jen, I am so happy that we will be together in this.

Jen-Jen: Dunno, maybe because I was in the air all the time? You-know-what thing is freshly settled and we had to conduct frequent reconnaissance and all. 

Monica: Showing off as usual.

Jen-Jen: Anyway, has your big guy told you anything specific about sending you to Miramar?

Alex: Only that the Navy made some adjustments to the program. Why?

Jen-Jen: So he didn’t tell you that Maverick orchestrated these changes and that he is going to be one of our instructors?

Monica: Fuck off, we’d known!

Alex: Wait WHAT?!

Monica: I’m having a major panic attack rn!

Alex: Jen are you serious?

Jen-Jen: O’Malley told me that, so it’s legit…

Monica: Bloody hell! So we are fucked!

Alex: I don’t know if I am more frightened or excited.

Monica: This is going to be total carnage! We don’t stand a chance.

Alex: Blizzard, you are just being hysterical. We will be fine.

Jen-Jen: Not so sure about it Alex. From the first group, only half made it. At this point I just hope, we all graduate.

Alex: Happy thought, girls!

Monica: Here is my happy thought Mockingjay: At least we will be together in this mess. Just hope they didn’t call Voldemort. I can’t stand this cad.

Alex: You better worry about your sorry ass, Mona.

Jen-Jen: Exactly. God, I even miss you.

Monica: Liar!

Alex: We miss you too :)!

Fightertown, Hard Deck

“What do we have here? Bradshaw!”

There was a time in Bradley Bradshaw’s life that this voice and this Texas accent of Jake Seresin had put him on the edge. But those days were history and nowadays it only makes him smile widely like at this moment. Rooster made his way through the bar fully packed with aviators and local folks.

“What’s up, Hangman? Miss me?” he replied approaching the pool table where the little welcome committee gathered with familiar and smiling faces.

“What did take you so long to bring your ass here?!” Jake laughed propping himself on the pool stick.

“I take it as a yes!” Bradley smiled at the comment and shared a strong handshake with the man he could now call one of his best friends.

“But he is right though, you ARE late” a female voice behind him sounded irritated.

“And three beers behind” a male voice behind him supported the female one. Rooster turned around to face Phoenix and Bob. Despite their remarks, they looked very contented with his presence.

“Don’t worry, I’ll soon catch up with you all!” he promised with a smile hugging them both.

“Yo Rooster, good to see you, man!” Coyote greeted him and handed him over a bottle of beer. Behind Coyote Payback and Fanboy were waiting with their ear-to-ear smiles for their turn to welcome their friend. Bradley has never considered himself sentimental but he must have admitted to himself. He truly did miss them all. The sight of his friends was a relief especially after difficulties which he had endured in… No! He shook his head. That was hardly a time to think about it. Rooster tried his best to focus on cheerful chat and not to recall the reason he had been far away from Fightertown for a couple of weeks.

“So how was the first group of Mav’s new program?” he asked. His questions caused a variety of reactions, from snorting, and rolling eyes to Hangman’s loud laugh.

“Only half of them finished it. Barely.” Coyote snorted taking a generous sip of a beer.

“And Cyclone was fine with it?” Rooster asked in disbelief which only met with collective cheerfulness.

“Yeah, he was like if they die, they die,” Hangman commented viciously.

“He knows the program needed to be changed,” Phoenix carried on glancing the look of disapproval at Jake.

“Maybe squadrons will reconsider who they’re sending and if their chosen ones are ACTUALLY able to stick up with the game!” Payback added sarcastically. Bradley whistled.

“Wow, guys you really became brutes!” he joked.

“Look Rooster they aren’t calling us the dagger squad for nothing,” Jake retorted with his brows raised.

“Aye!” Fanboy supported him raising his glass of beer.

“AYE!” Coyote repeated with his bottle raised.

“Don’t you guys think, such adjustments should be implemented gradually? I understand that it was necessary, I just question if at the cost of a few breakdowns and resignations,” Bob expressed his doubts looking at the bottom of his empty glass.

“Two guys gave back their wings before the end of their training,” Fanboy whispered to Rooster after noticing confusion plastered on his friend’s face.

“I would love to agree with you, Bob. But unfortunately, I can’t. With all restlessness across the Pacific, Cyclone doesn’t have much of a choice. Or time. Two squadrons designated at Atsuki are operating over their capacities. And it’s because most of the squadrons which are sent to support them don’t have a fucking clue!” Phoenix contested shaking her pretty head with concern.

“It’s true. Riot from Dambusters has been denied four times from coming back home and he has been in Japan for over seven months now,” Hangman said in all seriousness.

“This bastard is still alive?” Payback asked surprised. 

“I know, I'm amazed too!” Jake giggled. He and Reuben started to loudly comment on the exploits of the unknown to Bradley pilot. Despite his best efforts to be part of the conversation with the group, Rooster was soon deep in his thoughts. He didn’t anticipate the time he was off until Phoenix patted his armed. He jumped startled.

“Walk with me to the bar. Your bottle is empty and you are still behind us,” Natasha said with a wink. Rooster jumped off from the stool chair. They both headed to the bar. When Penny gave them two large beers, Natasha grabbed Bradley’s arm to make him stay. She looked at him carefully.

“You seem absent,” she said quietly.

“Don’t worry about it!” Rooster replied, hoping she will give up on pressing the subject. But Natasha Trace wasn’t the quitter.

“It’s not you to decide. What is going on?” Phoenix continued without concealing her concern. Bradley sighed. What choice did he have at this point?

“I just sold my parent’s house in Virginia,” he confessed reluctantly. Her big doe-like eyes widened.

“You DID what?!” she whispered visibly shocked.

“I sold the place. It’s done!” he raised his hands in resignation. She gasped, loudly shocked.

“That’s why you took a trip to Virginia?” she slowly asked with a petrified looked in her eyes.

“Yeah,” he confirmed with a heavy sigh. Phoenix put her palm to her mouth while processing what she just heard. It took her a second or two to comprehend the situation. After a moment she carefully moved closer to Bradley and cautiously put a hand on his back to bring him some comfort.

“Shit… Rooster, I am so sorry! Why didn’t you tell me? I would go with you. You shouldn’t have dealt with it on your own” she said with compassion in her voice. Her concern unexpectedly made Bradley feel a forming lump in his throat. Panic alarmed his brain. That was new. New and uninvited. He has never had a meltdown in front of any of his friends and it felt like he was about to lose this battle. He has never struggled with his composure concerning difficult stuff. On the other hand, he hadn’t been so much open about it with anybody in the first place. Maybe that was his grave mistake. Rooster shook his head like he was trying to cut off this sudden flood of thoughts. What was wrong with him? It was hardly the time or the place for him to deal with his feelings! He blinked and cleared his throat. 

“Because I thought it would be a simple formality Phoenix,” he finally blurted out.

Natasha loudly exhaled and raised her hands in disbelief.

“Selling your childhood house? Oh, Bradley!” she moaned shaking her head.

“I hadn’t been there since my mum’s death,” he admitted suddenly more to himself than to anyone in particular.

“You should have told me, silly!” she hugged him. He clumsily returned the hug feeling the lump forming in his throat again. Oh, not again! Rooster clenched his teeth and took a couple of breaths to remain calm. This wasn’t his usual behavior! Now he was alarmed by the state he found himself. Before any further unwanted reaction occurred, Bradley untangled himself from Phoenix.

“I know, I am sorry,” he whispered ashamed of how close he was to lose it.

“Don’t be. You shouldn’t have gone there alone,” Phoenix replied firmly scanning his face.

“Thanks, Phoenix. I really appreciate that,” Bradley replied trying unsuccessfully to form a smile.

“You’d better be! How are you feeling Do you want to talk about it?”?” Natasha asked softly with her brows furrowed. 

“Not really. There isn’t much to talk about. It was the right thing to do,” he scratched his head trying to cut the subject.

“Do you need anything?” she carried her interrogation visibly unsatisfied with his answers.

“This conversation is more than enough,” he answered with closed eyes.

“I worry about you. I always knew you have strong tendencies to go through something tough and casually drop a hint about it afterward when it was all over. You know that you don’t have to do stuff like that alone and be cool about it? You can perhaps talk to your best friend about the matter?” she asked softly putting her palm on his cheek.

“I know Nat,” he put his much larger palm over her small one.

“Good! I will leave you to it then!” she concluded with a hint of disappointment in her voice. Bradley sighed with relief. He was thankful that through their long-time friendship, Phoenix always knew where was the line concerning pushing uneasy topics. Even if she wasn’t satisfied with his answers, she would never carry away with her investigations. She knew that he needed more time to open himself up about his cares and difficulties. Rooster was eternally grateful for her never-ending understanding and patience. This time he finally managed to form a genuine and wide grin. He grabbed the brunette in a bear hug.

“Thanks, Phoenix. You are the best, I mean it!” he said with honesty. 

“I know. I am glad we are on the same page!” she said back chuckling. She grabbed her bottle of beer and headed back to the squad. Bradley sighed and looked down at his glass. His smile faltered.

What he failed to mention Natasha, was the true reason for his current state. Selling his parent’s house was a formality with no hard feelings by his side. He had stopped associating himself with this place since his mum’s death. He didn’t even bother himself with visiting the place during university and later academy. Truth be told, he should have sold it years ago.

On his last day in Virginia, when Bradley was alone at the bar with a glass of liquor, a sudden reality struck him. The thought was overwhelming and soul-crushing. Almost twenty years later after Carol’s departure, he couldn’t have named any place that made him feel like he belonged. And, what was worse, he didn’t have anyone to associate with a home feeling. The urgent and painful feeling of longing has never left him ever since. It was the first time Bradley has ever admitted to himself that he misses having a family or even someone who simply waits for him, a place where he feels comfortable and safe. 

He tried to rationalize his feelings. He had his friends. After the uranium mission, it wasn’t just him and Phoenix anymore. He forged friendships with Bob, Hangman, Payback, Fanboy, and Coyote. They called themselves the Dagger Squad. He attended a gym with Hangman. Threw dinner meetings with Coyote who had turned out to be the same cook freak as Bradley. Played poker games with Payback, Fanboy, Bob, and Phoenix. But even the dagger squad members had their own families or were in process of making it on their own. Jake and Natasha both had big families with a bunch of siblings and cousins which cause them problems with remembering names when a family gathering occurs. Fanboy had his head over his heels with his fiancée and was in the middle of planning their wedding. Payback recently attended his daughter’s first play in kindergarten. Coyote just married his high school sweetheart. Bob hosted his siblings with all his nephews and nieces from Colorado. Bradley secretly and silently envied them all. The only person to Rooster who was the closest to call a family was Maverick. The very same Maverick who just settled and married recently his long-time love- Penny Benjamin.

There was a time when Bradley loved being a lone wolf and savored his freedom and independence. The feeling that he didn’t owe anything to anyone. The lack of burden that up in the sky, he must have had in his mind his kins or someone who relied on him. He had thought it was liberating at the time but after Virginia, it felt meaningless and shallow. Bradley Bradshaw was on his own and always had been. But he has never before felt lonely. And right now, even surrounded by his friends, his brothers, and sisters in arms, he has never felt that lonely. 

Atsuki, U.S. Naval Base in Japan

Ultra was sitting outside the barrack, listening to the party which was taking place inside the premises. It was late at night. The horizon getting brighter was an indication of the approaching morning. Her squadron and a couple of Korean and Japanese aviators threw her a farewell party. It was getting a little bit out of hand from the moment when participants had decided to play Twister with penalty shots for a loss. When a Korean pilot started a dispute with his Japanese friend and they began to quarrel about the history of their countries, not the game itself, Ultra decided that it was the right moment to go outdoors before the whole affair gets bloody. And here she was, sitting on the bench, sipping a bottle of wine and savoring the coolness of the night’s air.

Her solitude was short. A creaking sound of the door being opened snapped her from her thoughts. When she recognized the approaching man, she smiled contently. Wayne Black callsign “Riot” was the captain of her squadron and one of her most trusted people from the Navy. Handsome as hell, forty-something Irish with piercing pale blue eyes and raven black hair, used to have reputation of the playboy, now was settled and married to a naval nurse who kept him up to his toes. To Ultra Riot was like her older brother who couldn’t resist an opportunity to tease her, but at the same time felt very protective of her.

“These amateurs are all hammered already,” he said disgusted, lighting his cigarette.

“I know!” she chuckled. Riot sit next to her on the bench and gave her an inscrutable look

“So,” he inhaled the smoke. “What is up with your ass?”

“What do you mean?” she asked, surprised by his interrogation. Riot snorted at her reply.

“I know you, Jenny girl. Something is bothering you. Talk to me!”

She hesitated for a bit and then sighed heavily. She knew whatever excuse she would give Riot to skip the subject, Riot would not give up easily. And he was right, something was bothering her. With another sigh she decided to tell him about her doubts. 

“It’s just I thought I would be more excited about this whole Top Gun thing. And I am not. I feel nothing. All I could ever care about since I joined the academy, was being enlisted into the Top Gun program. Now, when this is happening, I just don’t feel a damned thing. On top of that, O’Malley made a grand speech about me being a prodigy of my generation and it just doesn’t feel right. I don’t know, maybe I’ve lost it!” she rubbed her eyes and smiled. Suddenly she felt exhausted and not herself.

“Oh boy!” Riot whistled taken aback.

“I know, right?” she chuckled bitterly. Older pilot observed her for a longer moment and then took a deep breath.

“You don’t feel anything because for the most time of your career, you weren’t flying for yourself, but to impress others and to prove that you are much more than Jester’s evil spawn,” he stated.

“I don’t need to impress anybody! How could you say that?” she raised her voice in disbelief and outrage.

“Oh really? So you are telling me that being the best in the academy, getting your skinny ass into the most hardcore squadron weren’t you trying to impress your old man and naval doubters that Jester's fawn-looking daughter could possibly be better than anyone? Interesting!” he replied to her outburst politely, looking at her like he just saw an endangered species of a rare butterfly. She exhaled loudly and raised her hands in defeat. Riot chuckled and put his palm on her arm.

“All I am saying is that you should fly for yourself. Do whatever feels good to you, not what anyone expects you to do. Even if it means not being on the top,” he replied softly.

“Well, O’Malley expects me to win in my class,” Ultra said bitterly with disgust in her voice. Navy’s  expectations from her was very high from the very beginning. Higher than from her peers and colleagues. She had got used to it. There was a time when she even enjoyed the ride and the chase. She was accustomed to live under constant pressure of producing the best effects. So why now it started to annoy her and made her feel uncomfortable? It was unfamiliar to her.

“Fuck him. He is trying to produce another Maverick for as long as I can remember. This is his ambition and he is using your desperate urge to impress the whole world for his own purpose,” Wayne said visibly annoyed with the concept.

“I always knew it. Until this Top Gun thing it didn’t bother me much,” she said with resignation in her voice.

“So what has changed, Jen?” Older pilot furrowed his brows visibly worried.

“That is what I am trying to figure out. Maybe I am getting old and soft, I don’t know. I wish I knew!” she growled, annoyed. Lack of answers to her own thoughts was another thing with which Ultra was unfamiliar with.

“We all are going to die someday Jennifer,” Riot couldn’t ’simply resist the temptation to bring some humor. Jennifer shot him a look flabbergastered.

“Oh, would you stop with your truisms already!” she slapped him in the back, but her wide grin gave her away. They both laughed.

“Hey, there is nothing bad in being soft, you know,” Riot kissed her on the cheek affectionally.

“I know, Wayne. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be married to Maggie,” she smiled.

“Maggie is the saint. Period. But at to the point. Is it possible that you got tired of being an aviator and all pressure which you must have endured since the day one?” Riot asked carefully watching her with wary eyes. Ultra frowned and stayed silent for a bit. When she looked up, there was still confusion in her eyes.

“I love flying. I love being a fighter pilot. But what if it is not my only desire in life? I have this annoying feeling like I am missing something significant out but I can’t put in words what exactly it is,” she said slowly. She closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. There. She finally said it out loud. But instead of relief she felt that her confusion and anger increased.

“I must admit, it took you long enough,” Riot commented slowly. Ultra opened her eyes and looked at him questioningly. Captain smiled genuinely.

“That the world does not end with the Navy.” he went on. Ultra looked at Riot with disbelief and snorted loudly at his remark.

“Really? Groundbreaking. Thanks for nothing!” she teased him. He pocked her between her ribs, making her giggle.

“Are you for real?! I am really trying to help you and you mock me!” Riot whined.

“What did I say about your truisms?” she protested causing him to poke her more.

“Be serious for a moment!” he complained. She raised her hands in peace. He shook his head with disapproval and then sighed.

“I don’t have a universal remedy for your situation. But what I can tell you is that having doubts is a sign that everything is okay with you. Second thoughts are healthy and necessary. It means that you know that the world can offer you something else and something more than pompous naval titles,” Wayne said very seriously. She didn’t reply to his statement immediately and stayed quiet for a while, deep in her thoughts. Riot could almost see her mind working vigorously. When she straightened her back, Wayne knew that she came to her own conclusions and nodded his head with satisfaction.

“Thank you for your wisdom, Riot!” she spoke in a playful manner, but Riot saw in her eyes that she meant each of her words. 

“Anytime, Jen-Jen. Now, come on, and let's get shit-faced. This is your farewell party after all. I hid a bottle of vodka!” he grinned mischievously like a little boy who misbehaved and was proud of it.

“Oh captain, my captain!” she joked.

“Dead Poet Society, huh? Give me a couple of shots and by the sunrise, I shall give you my Shakespeare’s declamation!”

“You mean AGAIN?!”

Their laughs echoed in the night.

Sidenote: I hope, you've enjoyed it! On the one hand, I am stressing out about your feedback guys (which is more than welcome, please feel free even to write to my inbox)! Nonetheless, I am proud that I was able to produce some writing since English is not my native language!

[greatszu]

Let’s go 🌬✈️!

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) dir. Joseph Kosinski

[pollyna]

Mav is sitting out on the veranda, when he gets back that same afternoon at three, with the sun still high in the sky even when the weather forecast announced snow.

"Never saw so much snow around" Ice jokes, bending a little to kiss his husband hello.

"We're really going to have to start stocking stuff if it continues to get this bad" Mav chuckles, closing the paper he was reading "Hi, love." He adds, kissing him back.

"Lieutenant Johnson is going to drive me crazy, one of these days," Ice starts, sitting with Mav under the blanket. "That man has no control over his body. I don't know how they allow him to even try for the physics test every year! And today, do you know what he did?" Ice isn't waiting for a real answer but he knows too what he's going to show Mav is going to have him reacting sooner than later "he decided he had to fix one of the photos on my wall and proceeded to make three others fall into the ground. Look!" He finishes taking the incriminating frame out of his bag.

Mav is laughing until he sees the photo. "Oh." It's all that answers, finger tracing the silhouette of Bradley's face.

"He was so small here." Mav's face is soft, and he seems as lost as Ice felt that same afternoon.

[whohasthecards]

Beau and Jake fluff, hurt/comfort

Trying to write longer fics in ao3 so here

[hq-screencaps]

Top Gun Maverick (2022) - IMAX ↳ 16.817 1080p logofree screencaps

Top Gun Maverick (2022) ↳ Trailer  - 889 1080p logofree screencaps ↳ Featurette 1 - 1080p logofree screencaps ↳ Big Game Pre Kick Spot - 191 1080p logofree screencaps ↳ Most intense Film Training Ever - 1,276 1080p logofree screencaps ↳ Featurette Power of Naval Aircraft - 940 1080p logofree screencaps   ↳ Trailer 1 - 858 1080p logofree screencaps   ↳ Trailer 2 - 893 1080p logofree screencaps ↳ Trailer 3 - 1,017 1080p logofree screencaps  

[sarahsmi13s]

hello my darlings! just coming in to ask yall something so i can i know what to work on!

i have drive to work on all of these, but getting a feel for what you guys would like to see would help me! thank you in advance!

[majac08]

Masterlist 18+

Bradley Bradshaw

Can’t do this again Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Bradley Bradshaw x OC (Victoria Grey) greys anatomy x top gun

Habits

Bradley Bradshaw x OC (Daphne Mitchell) criminal minds x top gun

Last Man Standing

Bradley Bradshaw x OC (Hailey Mitchell)

Meant to Be

Bradley Bradshaw x OC (Elizabeth Kazanky) greys anatomy x top gun

Out of the Woods

Bradley Bradshaw x OC (Jane Mitchell) ncis Hawaii’ x top gun

[roosterforme]

We would do ANYTHING for Lt. Mustache!

Midnight Confessions | Rooster x Reader

Summary: It's getting harder and harder for Bradley to hide his feelings for you, especially when you offer to drive him home on his birthday. Before he knows it, he's drunk in your passenger seat, confessing everything he's kept to himself. He may not remember all of it in the morning, but you certainly do. 

Warnings: Fluff, drinking and swearing

Length: 4100 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

Check out my masterlist for more!

"Hey, Midnight!" Phoenix called across the bar as she grinned up at Bradley. "Can you come here?" Bradley watched you turn away from Omaha and head in his direction with a smile on your face and a beer in your hand.

"What are you doing, Nat?" Bradley muttered to his friend, trying not to stare at you as you walked over to him. The last thing Bradley wanted was to get a little bit of attention from you now just to have to watch you and Omaha laughing together all night. 

"I'm giving you exactly what you want for your birthday," Nat replied with a devilish smirk. 

"Please don't," Bradley groaned, but you were already there, in his personal space. "Midnight," he said with a nod in your direction.

"Happy Birthday, Rooster," you whispered with a laugh, kissing his cheek so quickly he thought he had imagined it. "Next drink is on me." He swallowed hard, swirling the ice from his whiskey and Coke around in his glass. "Looks like I was just in time," you said, plucking the glass from his hand and heading for the bar.

"You're cruel," Bradley told Phoenix as soon as you were going. "You're evil, and I wish I never told you I have a thing for Midnight."

Nat rolled her eyes so hard Bradley was honestly afraid she wouldn't be able to see as well to fly ever again. "You think you're a locked box or something? You're transparent to me, Bradshaw. Literally an open book. As soon as Midnight showed up at Top Gun, I had your number. She's cute, she's smart, and she flies exactly like you do."

He watched you at the bar, and of course fucking Omaha was right there with you once again, his hand resting on your lower back. "I fucking hate him."

Nat snorted. "Omaha? You never used to have an issue with him before," she said, eyeing Bradley with an amused look. 

"He's annoying," Bradley said lamely. "And he's got nothing going for him except for that jawline." 

"Hmm," Nat hummed, shaking her head and scrutinizing him. "He's got pretty eyes too. And nice teeth. And his hair is actually similar to yours."

Bradley grunted and tried to ignore the scene at the bar while he picked up some darts. It was his birthday. He should be having a good time. He sighed and threw three darts in a row before Hangman joined him. And then he remembered why he never played darts when Jake hit three bullseyes in a row.

"Happy birthday," Hangman drawled with a lazy grin.

Bradley was saved from having to respond when you placed your hand on his forearm and handed him a fresh drink.

"Thanks," he told you, taking the opportunity to look at your face for a few seconds longer than he normally would. Big mistake. You got his heart rate going and made him feel speechless, and you weren't even doing anything. 

"So, what does the birthday boy have planned for the rest of the night?" you asked, staying with him even though Omaha was hanging around. 

"Oh, probably just getting blackout drunk and trying to forget that I have feelings," he replied casually, taking a sip of his drink.

"Yeah, I've tried that," you responded just as casually. "It doesn't work."

"Shit," he replied with a laugh.

"Yeah," you said, leaning in a little closer. "But I have a better idea."

Bradley shook his head and grinned. "No. Don't you remember? Penny said she'd kick us out if we played strip pool again."

You started laughing, and the sound of it this close up made him feel a little smug. Take that, Omaha.

"I swear, all it took was getting Bob to take his shirt off, and Penny looked like she was going to murder us," you said, still laughing brightly as you took him by the hand. "But we can play regular pool, if you want."

Bradley would have followed you anywhere. And then you were lacing your fingers with his, just so briefly, before letting go of him to grab two pool cues. And Bradley ended up playing with you as his partner while his friends handed him drink after drink. You were pretty good at pool, but he was better, and the two of you were unbeatable. Plus, this gave Bradley an excellent opportunity to stand very close to you and whisper in your ear. 

"Nah," he whispered as you bent down, his lips brushing the shell of your ear before he pulled back a little. He thought he heard you sigh as he said, "Go for the corner pocket with the nine ball."

"Okay," you agreed, and Bradley got to watch you beat Omaha and Hangman. And that was really all the birthday present he needed tonight. But then you jumped up and wrapped your arms around his neck.

"Smoked those losers!" you said loudly, and this time you had Bradley laughing. Then his hand settled around your waist, and as soon as he felt your denim jeans against his fingers, he had to back up a step. You just smiled and turned to re rack the balls.

Bradley didn't notice it at first, but after another two hours, he was definitely drunk. 

"Give me your keys," Nat told him around eleven o'clock as she held out her hand. 

Bradley had to lean against the pool table while he dug around in his pocket to get his keyring out. He watched with unfocused eyes as she removed his Bronco key and handed him the remaining house key on the keychain that said I'M SO FLY.

"How am I gonna get home?" he asked Nat, leaning in a little closer to try to focus. "Nat, I'm too fucked up to even use a ride app."

She smiled and patted his cheek. "Midnight offered to drive you."

"No!" he groaned. "Nat. You can't do this to me."

"Happy birthday," she crooned, disappearing off into the crowd with his key, leaving him holding a pool cue as you approached him again.

"Why don't you finish your drink, and I'll drive you home?" you asked with a smile so pretty on your lips, he was just dying to kiss you.

He realized he was staring at you now, but he couldn't figure out how to control his body and turn away. Riding in your car with you right now was going to be a disaster. He just fucking knew it. And now he was still staring at you as your smile grew. He would do anything to be able to look away, but now you were giggling, and my god, Bradley just loved that sound. But he tried so hard to look away until you bit your lip and reached out to touch his forearm again, and then he knew he wasn't going to be able to look away from your face ever again no matter what.

"Fuck," he grunted, wondering who had let him drink this much.

You were rubbing your fingers along his arm, and Bradley's brain helpfully informed him that he could have a boner right now, no problem.

"Fuck," he repeated. But you were still smiling. 

"You are so drunk right now," you said softly, shaking your head. "Your cheeks are beat red. You look adorable."

"You're adorable," he whispered, and your laugh was loud and bright. 

"Okay, you just finish this, and I'll take you home whenever you want, birthday boy." You picked his drink up off the table and he took it from you before you turned away.

Oh. You had thought he was joking when he called you adorable. That was good, because he hadn't meant to say anything like that at all. Not out loud. He was going to have to hold his own damn mouth shut in your car. 

He had no idea how long he had been standing there with his glass in his hand, but he was watching you talking to Omaha. Fuck that guy, for real. But he looked annoyed right now. Bradley liked that expression on Omaha's face. He also vaguely thought nobody should ever be looking at you with annoyance, because you were perfect. 

Bradley took a few steps so he was closer to you, because he was drunk, and going home sounded like a good idea. Then he heard Omaha.

"What do you mean you're taking Rooster home? Like you're taking him to your house?"

You replied right away, and your voice sounded crisp. "He's drunk. It's his birthday. I offered to drive him home. To his house. You need to relax."

Bradley liked that tone of your voice when you were talking to Omaha. Especially when your eyes and voice softened as Bradley made his way over to you. "I'm ready to go, Midnight," he said, and you took his hand right away. Bradley shot Omaha a smug smile and saluted him like a real asshole, even though he knew nothing would ever happen with you. But the look he received from Omaha combined with his middle finger in the air had Bradley laughing. 

"Did you have a fun night?" you asked, slipping your arm around Bradley's waist to help him walk. He probably looked like an idiot right now, but he didn't care. 

"Yep," he replied. "Thanks for playing pool with me. And thanks for the drinks."

"Oh, it's no problem," you said. "I know you'll pay me back on my birthday."

Bradley draped his arm around your shoulders even though he firmly told himself not to. "I'll buy all your drinks on your birthday. All that microbrewed shit you like."

You laughed as you led him to your car and unlocked it. "Just get in, birthday boy."

"It's not my birthday anymore," he whispered. "It's midnight." And then he laughed and added, "Well, you're Midnight, actually." He groaned and ducked down into your car when you opened the passenger side door for him. "Just ignore me."

You leaned in and helped him get his seatbelt on. "Now that would be impossible, Rooster."

Your face was close to his, and you weren't moving. Why weren't you moving? You weren't drunk. You'd had one beer, hours ago. You should be moving away from him. "You okay?" you finally asked, patting his chest where the seatbelt crossed him. 

"I like your face," Bradley told you, and then he wanted to disappear into thin air more than he had ever wanted anything in his life.

"Thanks," you whispered with a smile. "That's sweet. I'll take you home now, okay?"

Bradley just nodded and cradled his face in his hands as you shut the door and walked around your car. When you closed your door and started the engine, he dared to glance at you before turning to look straight ahead. He would be home soon. And he could climb in bed and this would all be over.

--------------------------

Bradley was drunk. You'd never seen his cheeks so rosy or heard his voice so raspy before. It was a cute look on him, even though he seemed pretty far gone. But teasing him a little bit was always fun, because you knew nothing would ever happen.

"I like your face, too," you told him as you backed out of the parking space. "It's a very nice one. Handsome."

Bradley groaned and gaped at you. "What the fuck, Midnight?"

"What?" you asked, glancing at him before you pulled out onto the street. "You're handsome. All you guys are."

"Fucking Omaha," Bradley muttered, and you laughed as he cross his arms. 

"You don't like Omaha?"

Bradley scoffed. "Lieutenant Jawline? He can fuck right off."

You were now howling with laughter as you tried to make a left turn. "What does that make you then? Lieutenant Mustache?"

Bradley chuckled and tilted his head back. "I guess so. But that would make you Lieutenant Sexy Laugh and Beautiful Face."

You gasped and glanced at him as your belly swooped. He was flirting with you. But he was drunk. "That's too long to fit on my name tag."

"Baby, you're so perfect, you deserve two name tags. Maybe even three," he mumbled. "Maybe even a hundred name tags. I can think of a hundred different things I like about you."

You swallowed hard as you turned onto his street. After you had driven two blocks in a daze, you asked, "What's your house number?" You couldn't remember. You were having a hard time remembering anything. Because Bradley Bradshaw could think of a hundred different things he liked about you.

"I dunno," he groaned, pushing his fingers through his hair. "I can't remember anything except that time you wore shorts when we went to the beach and your bikini top was pink, and Nat made fun of me for being too embarrassed to tell you I think you're pretty."

You laughed softly as Bradley's eyes opened wide. "You are so drunk, Rooster! I can't believe we got you this drunk."

"I'm not that drunk," he muttered, turning in his seat to look at you as the light turned green.

"You don't even remember your house number!" you said, driving slowly down the street 

"I think it has an eight in it."

You laughed and pulled over, turning to look at him. "Rooster, what am I supposed to do with you?"

His eyes were soft as he lazily searched your face. "I can think of a few things. They all involve your lips."

You were the one gaping now. His eyes were unfocused, and no matter how badly you wanted to feel his mustache against your skin, you kept yourself a few feet away from him. When he leaned in, you brushed your fingers through his hair to keep him from getting closer. "Rooster," you whispered as he melted into your touch. "Do you want me to just take you to my place?"

His eyes bugged out, and he started to stutter. "Shit, I, well... Midnight, I-I..."

You let yourself stroke your fingers through his hair for a few more seconds before you eased him back against the seat and pulled back away from the curb. "You can sleep it off at my place, and I'll take you back for your Bronco in the morning."

"Sleep? At your place? Of all the things I have imagined doing there, sleep was not one of them."

He was very clearly a mess at the moment, but you couldn't help yourself. "Oh really? What have you imagined?"

He groaned loudly, closing his eyes and rubbing his palms along his face. "Imagined kissing you after I took you out to dinner. Kissing you on your couch and in your bed. Imagined how good you must taste."

Then he was quiet. You thought he must have fallen asleep. And as you pulled up to park in front of your apartment, you couldn't believe you'd gone out on a date with Omaha and let Omaha kiss you when there might have been even the slightest possibility that Rooster wanted to do those things. 

He was breathing softly now, his head resting on the window. When you got out and opened the passenger door slowly, he jolted awake and tried to climb out with the seatbelt still on him. You tried not to laugh, but it was just too funny. 

"Sit back, Rooster," you whispered, and you leaned across his big, warm body to unbuckle him. Then you took him by the hand and laced your fingers with his. You loved the way his hands felt, so big and secure. 

"That feels so nice," he murmured, pulling your hand against him. "Where are we going?"

He was trying to lead you away from your building, and you had to keep pulling him along with you. "Come this way, Rooster."

"Okay, baby. Whatever you want."

You just shook your head as you unlocked your building with his big body looming behind you. "I'm taking you to my apartment. You'll be fine, okay?"

"Mmhmm," he hummed, and you wrapped your arm around him to get him inside. He stumbled down the hallway to your door, and once he was inside, you took his hand again. 

"Here's my bathroom," you said, turning on the light and leading him in. You dug around in one of the drawers and found an extra toothbrush. "You can use this. And the bedroom is next door."

"Thanks," he whispered, bending down to kiss you cheek softly. "Love you." You stood there stunned as Bradley turned toward your toilet and started to unzip his jeans. 

Then you quickly darted out of the bathroom and closed the door. You were stuck somewhere between laughing and dying from shock. This is not what you had signed up for when you agreed to drive him home! But maybe it was even better. Or maybe it was a lot worse, and he didn't really feel this way at all.  

When you heard the toilet flush, you headed to the kitchen and filled two glasses with water. You'd let him sleep in your bed and you'd crash on the couch. You were pretty sure he wouldn't even fit on the couch anyway. The couch he told you he had imagined kissing you on.

What was going on here? 

The bathroom door opened, and you heard him say, "Midnight? I'm getting in bed."

"Okay," you replied with a laugh as you carried the waters into your bedroom. "I think you should drink this." He was wearing nothing except his boxer shorts, and your jaw dropped open. Because he was stunning. Big and muscular and fucking hot. "Water," you muttered, handing him a glass. 

He downed the whole thing in one big gulp, and then he set the glass down, swaying on his feet. "I think I need to sleep."

You nodded at him, and he was reaching for your hand, and you had no idea what to do. "What do you want, Rooster?" you asked, but he was scooping you up into his arms.

"Sleep," he muttered. 

"With me?" you gasped.

"Yep."

And a moment later, Bradley was behind you with his big arms wrapped around you, and he was sound asleep. 

--------------------------

Before he even cracked his eyes open, Bradley knew he had a headache. So he just burrowed further into the soft, sweet smelling blanket. He knew this smell. It was familiar and comforting. When he gathered the blanket up and buried his nose in it, he realized it smelled like you.

His eyes were open then, even though his head was pounding. He had never been in the room before. But he was sure it was yours. And the spot in bed next to him was still warm. 

"Oh no. Oh no," he groaned, covering his face with his hands. "What did you do?" Suddenly it was hard to breathe. He was in his underwear. In your bed. Hungover. Yesterday was his birthday. How did he even get here? He could remember playing pool with you at the Hard Deck, and then Nat took his key away. And... oh shit, he got in your car.

He was stumbling out of bed, looking for his clothing. He found his jeans and shirt neatly folded up on your desk chair. As quickly as he could, he pulled everything on and headed down the hallway.

You were in the kitchen, wearing shorts and a tank top, brewing coffee. You were perfect. Holy shit, you were everything. And he had already fucked this up.  

"Midnight?" His voice was rough and raw, and when you turned to look at him with a gorgeous smile on your face, he thought he was going to throw up. 

"Morning, Rooster. Sleep well?" you asked with a smirk. Bradley couldn't formulate solid thoughts. You were handing him a cup of coffee. You weren't wearing a bra. He had been in your bed with you, and he couldn't remember anything that happened.

"Did we hookup?" he blurted loudly, and you froze with the coffee mug in your hand. "Oh, shit, Midnight. Please tell me we didn't sleep together."

You no longer looked happy. But you were shaking your head with your eyes locked on his. "No," you whispered. "We didn't do anything."

As relief washed over Bradley, you turned away from him with the mug and looked out your kitchen window. "Thank goodness," he sighed.

"Yeah," you said softly. "That would have been terrible."

"Absolutely," he said, still catching his breath.

But now you didn't seem to want him around at all. "I'll call Nat and see if she can meet us with your key." You kept your back to him as you reached for your phone, and then Bradley closed the distance to you. 

"Hey, Midnight?" he asked, taking your phone from your hand. You glanced at him over your shoulder with annoyance. "Thanks for driving me last night."

"No problem," you replied quietly, avoiding his eyes now. 

"But why did you bring me here?"

You rolled your eyes. "You couldn't even remember your house number, and it was so dark, I couldn't tell which one was yours. Now let me take you back to your car, please?"

But then Bradley remembered telling you he could think of a hundred different things he liked about you. He remembered holding your hand and kissing your cheek. 

You were walking across the kitchen away from him, but he chased you down, lacing his fingers with yours. You only looked slightly surprised. "Did I completely embarrass myself last night?" he asked.

Despite your best efforts, you were smiling at him again. "I thought you were pretty damn endearing, actually." You tried to pull your hand out of his grasp, but he held you tight. 

"I can think of more than just a hundred things I like about you. So many more than that." He pulled you a little closer still. "You let me sleep in your bed with you?"

You sighed. "Don't worry, Rooster. We didn't hook up. We didn't even kiss. You just spooned me and passed out immediately."

Bradley groaned and tipped his head back. "I spooned you? I got to cuddle with you, and I don't even remember it? That's not fair!"

Another smile was dancing along your lips as you nodded. "You're really great at cuddling. Very warm." But then you bit your lip and looked at the floor. "Would it really have been so bad if we did more?"

"Yes!" he nearly shouted, and your startled eyes snapped up to his. "Baby, I want to remember that stuff in vivid detail!" 

You laughed and now Bradley was smiling. And then you kissed him softly, and he thought his heart was going to pound out of his chest. "You said some crazy stuff last night while you were drunk," you whispered, but he kept you close to him.

"I am pretty sure it was all true," he promised you. "But I'd be more than happy to fact check with you."

"You said you like my face."

"That's a fact," he said, nodding. 

"You said you wanted to do things with my lips."

"Oh, yeah. That's definitely a fact."

"You said you imagined taking me out to dinner and kissing me."

"Many times."

"Why didn't you ever say anything?" you asked, sounding annoyed.  

He kissed you again. "Fucking Omaha, baby. What's that all about?"

"Oh," you said softly. "That is something that is basically nothing. At least on my end of things. And I could happily put a stop to that."

"Like today?" he asked, running his lips along your neck. 

"Like five minutes ago, Rooster."

Then you had your arms around his neck, and Bradley's hands were all over you. Your soft sigh as he kissed your lips had him scooping you up into his arms. "Can I have a do-over? Can we get back in your bed and cuddle?"

"Yes," you whispered as your mouth brushed his neck while your fingers went to his hair. 

This time Bradley kept his clothes on, and when he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you against his chest, he laced his fingers with yours. "I like this. We should do this all the time."

"We will," you promised, and his lips and mustache found your neck as he buried his nose in your hair. "I hope you had a fun birthday."

He needed to remember to thank Nat for being a pain in his ass when he saw her later. "I did. But today is even better."

---------------------------

Midnight, you're so lucky, babe! Upgrading from Lieutenant Jawline to Lieutenant Mustache! Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls for putting up with me.

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[simpforrooster]

actually, it’s captain.

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x f!reader

summary: request for @kpopgirlbtssvt. rooster’s girl is hit on by Top Gun students.

t/w: touch her, you d i e trope. cursing. mentions of alcohol.

Rooster leans against the bar, laughing at something Penny tells him. His jeans hang low on his hips, and he’s wearing the Hawaiian shirt you bought him for his birthday.

Rooster’s hand slaps the bar as he continues to howl. Penny and Mav exchange a look. Maverick murmurs something to Penny. Your guess would be “it wasn’t that funny.”

You throw back the rest of your drink. As your glass returns to the table, a group of men circle you, all clad in khaki. Must be new Top Gun recruits.

“What’s a pretty little gal like you sittin’ here alone for?” one of them asks you, his accent very similar to Hangman’s.

“Mind if we join ya?” the second asks. Before you can reply, two of the slide in across from you, while the one who spoke first sits next to you. His burly arm comes up around your shoulder. You stiffen under him, feeling small.

And not in the way you feel with Rooster. He makes you feel small, protected, but also empowered. This guy has a hold on you like he’s claiming you. Telling every other guy in the bar he plans on taking you home.

“This here’s Crane and Sorry,” he points to the two in front of you. “And you can call me Pleasure. As in, it’s a pleasure to meet you. As in, the way all ladies feel after a night with me.” He winks. He actually winks.

Your brain is so shocked, you can’t form words. You should take this guy’s arm and bend it behind your back, the way your dad taught you. You should give him on of your grade-a verbal lashings.

But you don’t. The sheer audacity of this man has you frozen.

You try to make eye contact with Rooster, but Pleasure’s frame blocks your view.

“Get your hands off my girlfriend, asshole.” Rooster’s voice makes a relieved breath come from your mouth. His tone of voice would make anyone run for the hills, but it leaves you full of wanting.

Pleasure chuckles, meeting Rooster’s gaze. “Actually, it’s Lieutenant.”

Crane and Sorry exchange an amused look. Rooster’s face is set in a hard line. He reaches for Pleasure’s bicep, ripping him from the booth.

“I said to get your hands off my girlfriend, asshole.” Rooster is a whole head taller than the aviator that just had himself draped on you.

“Shouldn’t leave your girl all alone, dick.” Pleasure tells him, bowing up. Rooster’s mouth pulls up on the left, giving him one of his infamous cocky smirks. Second only to Hangman’s.

“Actually, it’s Captain. And I hope to God you’re in one of my classes. Lieutenant.”

At this, you see Pleasure audibly gulp, knowing he’s fucked up. Rooster still has a death grip on his arm.

“Come on, man. Make my day,” the words come out laced with venom.

Before things can get out of hand, you hop out of the booth and high tail it to Penny. Quickly giving her a synopsis, she rings the bell, signaling these guys need to be thrown out. Hangman, Omaha, and Coyote each grab one of the guys and drag them to the exit.

Rooster joins you at the bar, taking your face in his hands. Those brown eyes roam over you, searching.

Your hands come up to cradle his face, “Roos, I’m fine.”

“When I saw him draped over you, I saw red. Nobody touches my girl.” He leans down to place a kiss against your temple. Rooster’s words have your toes curling in your shoes. You’ve never seen this side of him.

You lower your hands to his shoulders, threading one of them in his curly hair that’s definitely longer than Military regulation.

“You’re the only one I want touching me,” you murmur in his ear, your face flushing.

“Yeah?” he murmurs back.

Not trusting your voice to not come out completely needy, you nod.

“Come on, guys. Quit being disgusting,” Maverick says to the two of you, feigning gagging.

Penny pops his hand over the bar, eliciting a laugh from him.

Rooster ignores him, placing a deep kiss onto your mouth.

“Take me home, baby,” you say, taking in those brown eyes.

“I don’t know, pretty girl, I don’t think I can get further than the Bronco,” he winks.

masterlist.

[betty-draper]

Miles Teller as Lieutenant Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) dir. Joseph Kosinski

[tongue-like-a-razor]

Doctor Doctor, Gimme The News | Part II

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Doctor!Reader

Summary: You receive a particularly difficult patient by the name of Bradshaw and you try your best to resist his charms.

CW: tall Bradley, Mavdad, it's still goofy XD

WC: 1800+

Part 1 | Masterlist

You’re sitting at the bar with a drink in your hand, waiting for your friend to finish flirting with the bartender so you can pay your tab, when you hear a familiar voice from behind.

“Almost didn’t recognized you without the stethoscope.”

You glance over your shoulder wearily, instantly recognizing the tall aviator you met at the clinic earlier in the week. Bradshaw, was it? “Yeah, I get that a lot,” you say, giving him a polite smile before turning away.

Bradley doesn’t take the hint and plants himself on the barstool next to you. “So, are you gonna tell me your name? Or am I just gonna have to keep calling you Doc? Might get a bit awkward in bed.”

You snort into your drink as you’re taking a sip. Bradley grins, clearly pleased that he’s made you laugh. His slightly narrowed eyes sweep over your face with a quiet confidence, and you find yourself rather enjoying his attention. “Well, for the sake of making things less awkward,” you respond with a small smile, and then tell him your name.

“It’s nice to meet you,” he says, and then leans forward slightly to add, “again.”

You bite into your lip to suppress your widening grin.

“I was hoping I’d run into you, actually,” he comments, turning away to flag down the otherwise occupied bartender.

“Oh yeah?” you ask, feigning surprise.

“Yeah,” Bradley responds, tapping on his beer bottle and nodding at the bartender. He turns back to you and shrugs. “Saves me from having to fake an illness to come see you.”

You eye him somewhat reproachfully. “That would be extremely inappropriate.”

Bradley laughs. “If you think that’s inappropriate, I’m not gonna tell you what I planned on doing once I got there.”

Your eyes widen at the insinuation. “Lieutenant!” you exclaim.

Bradley continues chuckling. “Don’t worry, you’d have liked it.” He winks and then nods at the bartender who’s brought him his beer.

You stare at him because his boldness is mindboggling. “You shouldn’t be drinking with a head injury,” you point out.

He looks at you with amusement. “What head injury?”

“The one that brought you to my office?”

“You know what brought me to your office?” he says, and then points a thumb over his shoulder at a crowded table near the back of the bar. “Captain Maverick Mitchell. My self-appointed father figure,” he says in a tone that’s half-grudging, half-affectionate. “And possibly fate,” he adds as an afterthought.

You blink at him skeptically when he glances back at you. “Wow,” you say. “Pulling out the big guns.”

Bradley laughs again. “I have quite the arsenal.”

“Oh, I bet,” you say with a chuckle. “Aviator, right?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Bradley responds proudly. Then he nods at the glass you bring to your lips. “Looks like you need a refill.”

You shake your head. “I was about to head out actually.”

Bradley purses his lips and narrows his eyes. “But then I arrived and changed your mind, right?”

You laugh slightly. “Not quite, Lieutenant,” you respond, rising from your stool and waving at the bartender. “I’ve got an early morning.”

Bradley gets out of his seat and pulls out his wallet. “Allow me, please,” he says.

“That’s not necessary,” you reply uncomfortably. You don’t like feeling indebted to anyone.

Bradley gives you a more serious look. “It’s the least I could do for nagging you this evening.”

You can’t help the smile that spreads of its own accord. You find Bradley reasonably attractive, sure. But it’s the way he carries himself that’s really got you hooked. You can hardly pull your gaze away. “Don’t forget about the part where you were the most obnoxious patient.”

Bradley lets out a hearty laugh. “That deserves a whole pint, Doc.”

You give him a smile. “Maybe another time,” you say politely. Despite his persistence, you can’t jeopardize your position at the clinic by consorting with a patient.

But before you turn to leave, Captain Mitchell approaches the bar and, upon perceiving you, he exclaims, “Oh! It’s the doctor!” He gestures in your direction while looking at Bradley.

Bradley gives him a flat look. “No shit,” he says.

Maverick glances between the two of you and then nods in realization. “You’ve spotted her already.”

You press your lips together to conceal a smile as Bradley brings a hand to his face like he’s thoroughly embarrassed by his ‘self-appointed father figure’. “Hello again,” you say to the captain, extending your hand.

“Good to see you, Doctor,” Maverick replies with a knowing grin, shaking your hand. “Almost didn’t recognized you without the stethoscope.”

“Oh god,” Bradley groans. “That's embarrassing.”

Maverick looks over at him with a confused expression while you giggle. “I was actually planning on scheduling him in for a follow-up,” Maverick says. “Noticed some concerning behaviors.”

You raise your eyebrows while Bradley watches Maverick’s profile incredulously.

“New behaviors?” you ask, glancing back at Bradley.

“No, no.” Maverick waves a hand nonchalantly as he settles onto a barstool. “Not new.”

Bradley shakes his head. “Why are you such a shit disturber?”

Maverick laughs and claps him on the back. “You buy the lady a drink yet?”

You drop your head slightly to hide your growing smile.

“I was trying to,” Bradley declares. “Before your ass showed up.”

You look up apologetically at the two men who are now watching you expectantly. “I’m not…thirsty.”

Maverick winces while Bradley’s shoulders visibly fall. “It’s his fault, isn’t it?” Bradley says, gesturing at Maverick with his thumb again.

“How is it my fault?” Maverick exclaims.

“It’s not his fault,” you attest, glancing at the captain.

“You should talk some more about my concerning behaviors,” Bradley retorts.

Maverick snorts. “I was kidding!” he says. “She knows!” he gestures at you. “You know, right?”

You glance between the two men patiently, wondering if they realize just how much they have in common. “Neither of you is driving tonight, right?” you ask, feeling, for some strange reason, a sense of responsibility for them.

Maverick turns to face you with a jolt. “I’m sober,” he asserts.

Bradley’s eyebrows converge in a dubious expression before he looks back at you. “He’s not driving,” he confirms.

“And you?”

“This is only my second beer!” he exclaims.

You meet his gaze with a smile because you don’t want him to feel attacked. “Okay,” you respond gently. “Drive safe.”

You start to walk away when you hear Bradley say, “Can I walk you to your car, Doc?”

You turn to face him again, about halfway to the door. “You know my name now,” you say, and he grins at you.

“I do,” he agrees. “That was for old times’ sake.”

You sigh. “Sure, Lieutenant. You can walk me to my car.”

…

Out in the parking lot, Bradley muses, “I’m thinking of maybe dislocating my shoulder next week. That’s an easy fix, right?”

You look over at him sharply. “That’s not funny.”

Bradley grins. “Not even a little?”

You roll your eyes at him and continue walking.

“Come on, Doc!” he calls after you. “My sense of humor is a good thing, remember?”

You smile to yourself and slow your pace to let him catch up. “There are other ways of getting my attention besides injuring yourself,” you remark as he falls back in step with you.

“Such as?” he asks.

You approach your car and unlock the door. “I can’t give away all the answers, can I?”

Bradley presses his lips together and grins. “Does that mean I have a shot?”

You lower your gaze coyly. “I don’t know, Lieutenant.”

“That’s not a ‘no’,” he points out.

You smile, glancing back up at him. “No,” you agree. “I suppose it’s not.”

Bradley’s eyes sparkle mischievously as he holds your gaze. “Can I take you to dinner?” he asks.

“No,” you reply almost immediately. Then, after a beat, you add, “Not yet.”

Bradley licks his lips, still grinning. “I’ll take it.”

You chuckle slightly, reaching for the door to your car.

“Can I stand here with you a little longer?” he asks, his voice a little more raspy when it isn’t bursting with confidence.

You pause, your hand still on the door, shocked at how desperately you want to oblige. How delightful it would be to just say yes on a whim. Without considering the repercussions or weighing the pros and cons. Without deliberation or apprehension. Impulsively. The word itself makes you flustered. “Okay,” you say, glancing up at him as he shifts a little closer.

Bradley smiles at you and leans his back to the car. He stands quietly for a few moments, just existing beside you, which you find both endearing and infuriating. You don’t have a lot of time on your hands and simply standing around is a colossal waste of it in your books. But something about the warm evening breeze paired with the smell of the ocean and Bradley’s crisp cologne makes the experience less harrowing, and maybe even possibly pleasant.

Still, you’re restless. “So, when you said you wanted to stand here, you actually meant stand here…” you comment.

Bradley glances down at you with an amused expression. “You got something else in mind, Doc?”

You half-snort, half-chuckle. “I just thought maybe you had something else to say. I didn’t realize we’d be standing in silence.”

Bradley grins at you. “It’s called being present.”

You study him with a slight grimace, genuinely trying to keep your cynicism at bay. Being present isn’t a kind of luxury you can often afford. Most days, you don’t even get a chance to eat sitting down. “What does that accomplish?” you ask.

Bradley, who’s still watching you with a smile, replies, “Does everything you do have a purpose?”

“Of course,” you say. “Why else would I do it?”

Bradley raises his eyebrows and puts his hands into his pockets. “That’s very practical of you.”

“It’s efficient,” you point out, trying to highlight the importance of productivity.

Bradley nods patiently. “Sounds like you need a night off, Doc.”

You laugh. “I just had a night off. But it had a purpose – my friend needed help wooing the bartender.”

Bradley chuckles. “Has the purpose ever been to just have a good time?”

You make a face and shrug. “That’s not really a priority of mine.”

“Wow, Doc, you’re a hoot,” Bradley replies facetiously.

“I warned you,” you remind him, opening your car door.

Bradley leans his arm over the frame of your car as you climb inside. “You know you leave me no choice, right?” he says, ducking his head slightly to peer into the vehicle.

“What are you talking about?” you ask, glancing up at him.

“We’re going to have to rearrange your list of priorities,” he says.

You watch him for a moment, marveling at his persistence. His gaze drops briefly to your lips before flitting back up to your eyes again, and you wonder what it might feel like to be kissed by a guy like Bradley. It would probably be sexy and spontaneous. It would probably catch you off guard and possibly even offend you a little. Then again, maybe you wouldn’t mind being mildly offended if it meant kissing Lieutenant Bradley Bradshaw. “I’m not sure that’s a realistic goal,” you say. Your tone might be sarcastic, but the statement is fairly accurate.

Bradley grins. “I don’t mind a challenge.”

Rooster Tag List:

I'll be putting the rest of the list in the comments shortly! Please feel free to let me know if you no longer wish to be tagged in my Rooster fics.

@rosiahills22

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[sarahsmi13s]

It seems the people have spoken!!! well 6 of you 😂😂

But nevertheless you have decided!!

Now the real question

I’m going to make this a week to get a good pool of responses and give me time to write for these stories!!

[majac08]

I Can't Do This Again Part 3

Top Gun:Maverick x Grey's Anatomy Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x OC!Grey

Summary: Victoria Grey is Lexie Grey's younger sister, she is a naval aviator, who was part of the Dagger Team who took out the uranium plant. After the mission, they were ordered to stay in North Island to continue to train to be the best squadron the US Navy had. After hearing a conversation she wasn't supposed, Rhea begins to question her place in the team, and a tragedy in her personal life makes her question her place in not only the navy, but family too.

A/N: this is as if Grey's is set in San Diego and I don't follow the years that Grey's take place in. Also talks about major character deaths in Grey's. Spoilers for Top Gun Maverick and Grey's Anatomy. Keep reading

"So what do I owe the pleasure of having you all in my kitchen?" Rhea scoffed, as she took the pills she'd be taking for the past few months. "We wanted to get to know you, considering the fact we've all been very uninformed about you." Phoenix started, testing the waters for all of them, she scoffed yet again. "What the fuck would you like to know?" Gesturing for them to all sit at the table with her. The whole team awkwardly shuffled down to sit down, "How about your family, it's so big." Fanboy suggested. Silence overtook them, while she started, “It’s Meredith’s family. I’m only related to her and the kids. My family is not that big I mean-”

“RHEA WE NEED TO TALK!” Jackson’s voice rang out before he arrived in the kitchen, “I don’t care if I’m interrupting some team building thing this is too important.” She just rolled her eyes, rounding the counter and gesturing for him to continue. “The foundation wants a change of policy and the rest of the board is refusing to meet without Mer all I need is one person to agree then we can make it happen.” He said in a rush. Rhea was stunned.

“You mean to tell me that you walk into my home unannounced, scream bloody murder while my nieces and nephew are sleeping upstairs and then demand for me to side with you on a policy for the hospital because you won’t wait for Mer to be released. That’s bull crap Avery and you know it. I mean the foundation helped us out but I don’t think that you should be able to be a monopoly in dictating policy.” Rhea reasoned back, while the rest of her coworkers looked on stunned at how calm she seemed. “Yeah well if you didn’t want the foundation to dictate policy you shouldn’t have all sued the hospital, it’s not like anyone asked you to.” Jackson Avery regretted the words as soon as they’d left his mouth. “Get the fuck out Jackson.” He tried to explain before she held up her hand. “I know damn well you didn’t just say that. My sister died out there in the woods. Your ex girlfriend. Remember her? Remember Lexie? There was nothing left of her body to identify her by because she was eaten by wolves Jackson. She died and then was eaten by wolves. My big sister is dead because of decisions that hospital made. So I know damn well you didn’t just say that to me. Get the fuck out now.” He turned around walking out in defeat. Rhea inhaled deeply before turning to the others left, “I suggest you all leave too. I wouldn’t want to waste your time. Thank you for dinner I’ll see you at the briefing next week.”

"Hey, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for not standing up for you to all of them, it was wrong." Rooster spoke up from behind her. So close to closing the door too. Damn. "It's fine don't worry about it." She said, trying to dismiss him, "It's not like you don't think I'm annoying." He shook his head, "That's not true Rhea, I like you, I like you too much for my own good." He laughed, hands coming to her waist, in an attempt to pull her closer, "Stop it." He took a step back, "I don't want your pity Bradley, so just get out of my house." He went to speak but she just slammed the door in his face. Bradley knew he’d fucked up. That they all had, he just hoped that it still wasn’t too late.

[cap-winter-barnes]

He's A Loser Pt.2 (Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Reader)

Part One - Thank you for all the love on this one guys. A lot of you wanted a Part 2, so here it is...

Y/N is Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw’s little sister and he’s finally introduced her to the rest of Dagger Squad. What neither of them anticipated was them both have an instant attraction, despite Bradley’s best efforts, the inevitable still happens.

Warnings: swearing, jealous Rooster, flirty Hangman

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"So are you going to kiss me or not Hangman?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Then what are you waiting for, Lieutenant?" Jake groans as you bite your lip and not wanting to waste a second longer discussing something he's wanted to do since the moment you stepped into the room, he pulls you closer.

His grip tightens on your waist as he brings your body flush against his own. You let out a gasp as your chests press together and your heart flutters as he grins down at you. With his free hand, he tips your chin so you're looking him in the eye and you swear you fall right there for Jake Seresin. Your brother's worst enemy, his competition - the man he told you to stay away from. But the heart wants what the heart wants.

As Jake brings his lips to yours in a searing kiss, you've never been happier. You can taste the whisky on his tongue as he kisses you, each time your teeth knock together you both let out an exhale of laughter. Jake's grip on your waist tightens as you run a hand through his hair, your other hand fisting the front of his uniform. Neither of you want to break for air as Jake brings both hands upwards to cup your face as he presses his lips harder against yours.

"Why don't we go somewhere a little quieter, Baby Bradshaw?"

He pulls away, his thumb dropping to pull your bottom lip down as you gaze at him with glazed, doe eyes. At a loss for words you nod, drunk on his kiss, drunk of him. With a chaste kiss to your forehead, Jake grabs you by the hand and begins to lead you through the crowd of Navy personnel, not worried about who sees.

You keep your fingers tightly wrapped around his own as you trail behind him, giggling like a teenager with excitement. Jake can hardly contain the smile on his face as he leads you towards the bathrooms.

"Really, Hangman?" The only response you receive is a wink in your direction.

"Trust me, Baby Girl. Okay?" The look of longing on his face has you weak at the knees and your heart racing. You squeeze his hand tighter, putting your trust in him entirely. "You really think you're big brother would let me live if I took you back to base?" He scoffed at the thought. "I'm safer keeping you inside this building... Until he comes to terms with the fact," he pulls you quickly towards him, his other hand coming down to grip your ass-cheek over your dress, the hem hiking up at the movement, "that you're all mine, darlin'."

You have never felt more turned on in your life than in this moment with Jake 'Hangman' Seresin in the doorway to the only bathroom in The Hard Deck! You push him backwards into the door, kissing him as you both enter the dimly lit bathroom. Once the door has closed behind the both of you, Jake is quick to spin you both around until your back is pressed into the edge of the basin counter.

Neither of you waste any time as you grapple with the buttons on his shirt, untucking it from his trousers and pushing it off of his shoulders. You take a second to admire the toned muscles of his arms and shoulders, a brief glance to his clothed torso, his white undershirt tight against his tanned skin. "Like what you see, Baby Girl."

"Oh yes, Hangman. You look good."

"That's because I am good. I'm very good, Princess."

In one swift motion, Jake has you sitting on the counter, legs wrapped around his waist. "And I'm going to show you just how good I am, darlin'." You push yourself against him, desperate to feel your body against his, albeit in a public bathroom. As Jake begins to lift your skirt up to your waist, you hear the dread sound of commotion outside the bathroom door.

"Jake, please tell me yo-"

"What the fuck is going on here?"

And you swear you could die right on the spot. There stands your big brother, Bradley. He is visibly pouring with intoxicated rage. "Get your hands of my sister, Bagman."

"Bra-"

"Stay out of it, Y/N!"

Jake gently settles your dress back down, lowering you to the ground, making sure you're steady on your feet before he take a protective step in front of you.

"Rooster, we're grown adults. So let's act like 'em."

You place a gentle hand on Jake's bare arm as you wait for the ensuing storm.

"That's my baby sister, so get your goddamn hands off of her!"

"And what if she doesn't want me to take my hands off of her?!"

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A/N: There will be a Part 3 - let me know what you think of this one guys.