#this is really just aiekoy; wattpads version

[etherealising]

rooster x reader abandoned w.i.p

a/n: i’m sharing this because i think it’s hilariously bad but this is what my first dip into x reader looked like. i say all this to say keep writing, keep honing and perfecting your craft because anyone can be a writer!also this could be great if polished, but sometimes you’re just gonna have bad fics. so thankful aiekoy was born though 😭

You were standing in the hangar doing your best not to lose the thin strand of patience you had left. You had arrived on base three hours early with your assistant Lilith for an in depth tour. You both received access cards even though you already had explicit permission to be there, since you were both civilians the higher ups required you to carry a form of identification; as if the camera equipment you would be lugging around didn’t make your status obvious enough.

Of course you had understood why so many precautions were being taken considering you would be working at a government facility for the next few months. You also knew that the mission you were assigned to document was supposedly some big secret. You weren’t sure how much of a secret it was if you were being allowed to create a documentary about it, but who were you to question the U.S Government.

Now you were standing in front of Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson in the hangar that had been accommodated to hold a meeting to introduce said “top-secret” mission. For the past ten minutes he had been asking you questions concerning the documentary, questions you had previously answered for him a week prior in a room full of high ranking officers to help them understand how you’d be working in tandem with them.

���So Ms. Bishop, what makes you qualified to record a government mission?” Admiral Simpson asked you, more than a little bit miffed at the idea of a camera on his base.

You let out an exasperated huff the condescending question doing nothing to ease your agitation, “Well Admiral Simpson,” You turned to him a tight smile on your lips “I would think the Bachelor of Arts degree I earned would qualify me, not to mention my four previous documentaries, and my one Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film.” The tight smile on your face turning into a full grin as you watched his eyes narrow at your sassy response.

You weren’t usually the type to list your accolades but when people downplayed your chosen career field, it did a little more than piss you off. From the corner of your eye you could see Lilith do her best to stifle her laugh behind her hand, as she set out the mics she would be connecting to anyone involved in the mission after the introductory meeting.

Admiral Simpson gave you a curt nod, knowing not to question your experience again, “Alright, well as you know you’re not actually permitted to record during this meeting.” He started looking at you to make sure you were paying attention. “So I ask that you and your assistant sit at the back of the room, take whatever notes you need. At the end of the meeting I’ll invite you both up to introduce yourselves and explain why you’re here.” You nodded along with him going over the itinerary that he had specifically planned out for you.

“Thank you again Admiral Simpson, I know this is a little unorthodox for you, but once everyone becomes comfortable filming it’ll be like we’re not even here.” You gave him a small smile as you turned and headed in Lilith’s direction.

You made your way toward Lilith who was stationed at the back next to a table with the few supplies you guys would be using for the day. She smirked as you made it to her side, and began helping her with the last of the equipment.

“Wow (Y/N), look at you putting grown men in their place.” She joked in reference to your little explanation to the admiral, hip checking you as you both finally finished laying everything out on the table.

You smiled checking your watch seeing it was almost time for the mission meeting to begin, “Yeah well hopefully he learns how to take us more seriously.” You shrugged, beginning to fiddle with the ring on your finger as you both grabbed your journals and took seats in the last row of chairs.

Lilith scrunched her nose looking down at your hands “I can’t believe you still wear that thing?” She scoffed, gesturing to the ring on your finger, “I would’ve pawned the shit as soon as he cheated.”

You looked down at the wedding band and engagement ring resting on your left ring finger, shrugging in response “It’s a habit I guess.” You sighed, getting comfortable in your chair, “Plus it’s the only thing I got to control in our relationship, he let me pick it.” You looked at Lilith, a small grin taking over both of your faces as you admired the ring together.

She laughed, shaking her head, “You should’ve ran for the hills the moment he made you pick out your own ring.” You nodded along with her realizing just how much truth was behind that statement. “Damn good pick though.” She added on as you both began laughing.

Lilith faced you with a solemn expression not wanting to know the answer but asking the question anyway, “He still hasn’t signed the papers yet has he.” At the small nod you gave she rolled her eyes, letting out indiscernible curses under her breath

“So that fucker cheats on you, files for divorce, and then doesn’t sign the papers.” The anger in her tone echoing throughout the mostly empty hangar.

You smiled, feeling thankful that someone else was sharing in your anger. “We’ve been separated for two years and he’s finally agreed to sign them. We’re meeting up at the Hard Deck after we’re finished here.” You informed her as you watched the mischievous glint flash in her eyes.

Lilith smiled, pulling you into a side hug. “Good, and after he signs the papers I’m kicking his ass.” She said proudly, you gave a noncommittal glare not really caring what happened to Zeke after today; that was if he actually showed up.

At the sound of approaching footsteps you checked your watch one last time realizing the meeting was due to start any minute. You opened up your journal to a blank page and titled it Top Gun: Day 1 adding the date in the top right corner.

You noticed Lilith casually glancing around, that woman couldn't sit still to save her life. The sound of her phone ringing jolted her in her seat, a few pilots who had ignored the two of you upon entrance, now staring in the direction of where you had situated yourselves. Lilith gave a sheepish smile as she noticed the attention on the two of you.

“Shit,” you heard her curse under her breath as she whipped her phone out. “Oh god it's the landlord from hell.” She turned the phone towards you to show it was indeed her landlord Spencer calling. You sent a smile her way motioning your head to the door, letting her know it was okay to take a personal call even though the two of you were on the clock.

Lilith sent you a grateful smile placing her own journal down in the chair she had been sitting in before quickly exiting the hangar. You sat in your chair and continued to watch as more pilots trickled in casually ignoring your presence, not that you minded though.

Waiting for Lilith to re-enter the hangar you found yourself getting nervous. You knew for a fact you had packed everything you would need for the day, but trying to calm your nerves you made your way to the table, double checking your equipment. Not paying much attention to the last few stragglers making their way in.

Lilith returned, finding you at the table taking inventory, the sight wasn’t anything she hadn’t seen before so she sat in her seat as she waited for you to join her. Upon deciding that you had everything you needed, and were just stressing yourself out even more you joined Lilith’s side as all the occupants including you were waiting for the meeting to start.

“Hey um, so here’s a random thought,” Lilith began as you sat in your chair. “When’s the last time you saw that boy who’s in all those pictures with you at your mom’s house.” The forced nonchalance tone of her voice makes you chuckle.

You turned in your seat to face her “Senior year of high school.” Your voice goes up an octave to signify your confusion through your smile. You frown as her eyes widen taking in your response, before you can question her though she changes the subject.

“So after my call with Spencer I ran into a cute pilot.” She smirked, wiggling her eyebrows at you.

You laughed, shaking your head. Leave it to Lilith to have someone flirting with her on the first day, “Well, which one is it?” You motioned to the sea of pilots sitting a few rows in front of you two.

Lilith pulled you into her as the two of you leaned forward conspiratorially and began whispering, “The blonde sat up front with the cute shaped head,” She pointed in his direction. “And get this, he calls himself Hangman.” You laughed not only at the fact she thought a head shape could be cute, but also her obliviousness to the whole thing.

You leaned back “Pretty sure that’s his callsign babe,” You patted her knee. “Tell me though, does he appear to be well hung.” You smirked as her eyes grew as wide as saucers, enjoying finally not being on the receiving end of the teasing. You continued under your breath as Admiral Simpson began the meeting, “Next time you talk to him, ask him how he likes Paris.” You sent a mischievous wink her way, watching as the brief confusion left her face in exchange for surprise.

“(Y/N)!” The abrupt shout caused a lull in the meeting as the attention was now focused on the two of you.

You turned your attention to the front of the room doing your best to hide your cheeky grin as you watched Admiral Simpson clench his jaw as he watched the two of you,

He cleared his throat before returning back to his presentation. Lilith hit you on the arm with her journal, still slightly flustered from not only your previous conversation but from also being the reason the meeting was interrupted.

“I swear to all that is holy (Y/N), you’re going to be the death of me.” She sent you a stern look, rolling her eyes to signify she wasn’t actually mad at you.

As the meeting continued the two of you zoned out as you separately took notes on points you found that might be good to highlight in the documentary. The brief silence as someone else entered the hangar only drew your attention for a second as you continued the brainstorm you had started in your journal.

You weren’t sure how much time had gone by as you usually disassociated when it came to planning. At the clearing of a throat and a nudge in the rib from Lilith your eyes shot up to find Admiral Simpson staring you down.

“Shit.” You mumbled, realizing the meeting had adjourned and everyone was waiting for you and Lilith to introduce yourselves. Shuffling out of your chair you followed behind Lilith as you flipped through your journal for the few details you decided to go over when introducing your documentary.

The two of you stopped behind the lectern as you placed your journal down, changing your attention to the small audience gathered in front of you. You chose not to focus on any one person as public speaking wasn’t your strong suit, and you found that whenever you looked someone in their eyes it felt like they were silently judging you.

A small elbow in the rib from Lilith caught your attention as she subtly nodded her head at the pilot you were assuming was Hangman. You looked in his direction realizing that Lilith wasn’t as subtle as she thought, as he sent the two of you a wide smile showing off his pearly whites, and a wink for good measure.

You let out a light chuckle as you focused your attention back on your journal, scanning your points quickly, “Right so, I’m (Y/N) Bishop, and this is my assistant Lilith Monroe.” You started motioning to Lilith next to you as she offered the crowd a small wave.

“We’re documentarians and we’ll be here to, obviously, document the upcoming mission you have all been called in for.” You gave a slight pause to let the new information sink in, “I know some of you may be a little apprehensive of being filmed, but I promise we’ll do our best to make sure you’re all comfortable and if for whatever reason there’s a problem please don’t be afraid to speak with me.” You took the silence along with a few head nods as a sign that the room was actively listening.

You smiled, feeling yourself settle into a role you’ve played many times, “That being said the goal of this documentary isn’t to exploit anyone in this room, it's to tell your stories. Supposedly all of you in this room are hot shit or whatever,” You joked earning a few laughs as some of the pilots high fived each other.

“That’s what I want to capture,” You continued. “Show us why you belong here, show me why you’re worthy of a documentary.” You hadn’t meant too but it seemed as though you were hyping up the pilots for what the next few months were to bring.

“Lastly, I don’t just want to create something that I’m proud of, I want to create something that’ll make you all proud as well.” You paused feeling your own excitement bubbling up “We’re going to create a fucking legacy.” You couldn’t contain your smile as the pilots began clapping letting out cheers of excitement, if this was any indication it didn’t seem like any of them had a real problem with being filmed.

Lilith bumped you out of the way, rolling her eyes at you and taking her place in front of the lectern. “Now that Bishop’s done with the dramatics,” She glared in your direction, a small smile accompanying it. “I’m going to go over what you can expect equipment wise, seeing as you will all be mic’d up daily.” You watched as Lilith settled into her element, a feeling of pride swelling in your chest at how far she’d come in the last couple of years.

Now that you were no longer at the lectern you let yourself focus on the pilots in more detail, wanting to familiarize yourself with the new faces. As you glanced around you locked eyes with a pair that held a deep sense of wisdom that oddly enough made you feel safe.

You watched as the eyes crinkled at the edges indicating that whoever they belonged to was smiling. Moving your gaze over the rest of their face, you felt happiness well up inside of you. A large grin stretched across your face as you came to realize just who you were looking at; Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.

It’d been at least a year since you two had last got together and seeing him in person for the first time in a while made you all the more excited to film this documentary. You sent him a slight nod signaling you would speak to him as soon as Lilith dismissed the meeting.

As Lilith’s explanation came to a close you were making your final inspection of the crowd making sure you hadn’t missed any faces. Upon turning your head you realized you had missed someone, sending a quick glance their way you attempted to turn your focus back on Lilith. As your brain caught up with your vision, you realized Pete wasn’t the only familiar face in the crowd. Jerking your head back to where you previously looked, it was like everything halted around you and the once inexplicable happiness you were feeling; was now a heavy weight on your chest.

There sat in all his glory was Bradley fucking Bradshaw. A relic from your past you had assumed you buried after your high school graduation. You instinctively grabbed Lilith’s hand trying to steady your nerves not at all ready for the turn your day would take.

You cleared your throat quickly averting your eyes before he could realize he was the reason for your lapse of happiness. The smile that graced your lips was less happier than it was before, but you did your best to put on a brave face.

“If there are no questions, you can all follow us to the back and we’ll mic you up.” You squeezed Lilith’s hand to ground yourself, “Also it’s not mandatory, but Lilith and I will be at the Hard Deck around 6 pm. You’re more than welcome to join us if you have any further inquiries about the documentary. But if you just wanna hangout, first rounds on Lil.” At the confused expression on Lilith’s face you gave a small nod in Bradley’s direction, signifying you now knew why she had asked you about him earlier.

Lilith gave you a sheepish smile before turning back to the rest of the occupants, “Right, first round my treat.” Upon confirmation you saw a few nods throughout the group as they began making their way to the back table where you and Lilith had set up the mic’s.

As you and Lilith were left alone at the front of the room you sent her a harsh glare, “What the hell happened to girl code, why didn’t you warn me?” You weren’t necessarily upset with Lilith, you were just confused as to why she would let something like this blindside you.

Lilith sighed, placing her hands on both of your biceps, “You didn’t exactly give an in depth explanation about why you two fell out. Plus you shouldn’t let whatever happened between the two of you mess with your career.” She shrugged letting you know her allusion of the truth wasn’t based on malice.

You hated to admit it but she was right, you hadn’t given her much detail about your friendship with Bradley Bradshaw. You nodded, pulling her into a hug grateful to have someone to look out for you. The two of you made your way to the back where the mic’s were sitting waiting to be hooked up to the pilots.

As you got closer to Maverick you nodded toward Lilith letting her know it was okay to begin getting the pilots ready. You turned to Maverick, sending him a small smile, happy to be in the company of someone you had known for most of your life.

“So how’d you end up here old man.” You jested bumping your shoulder into his.

He laughed pulling you into a fatherly hug, “Oh, you know they just can’t get enough of me.” The two of you looked at each other before laughing, both knowing that couldn't be further from the truth.

“How’ve you been (Y/N)?” The look on Maverick’s face turned somber as he glanced down at the ring that was still attached to your finger. “God (Y/N), he still hasn’t signed them yet has he.” At the smile leaving your face he pulled you into another hug, this one more comforting than the last.

You pulled back sending him an exasperated smile “These last two years have been rough, but he’s in town tonight so we’re meeting at the Hard Deck. Fingers crossed things go to plan.” You raised up both of your hands crossing your index and middle fingers earning a small chuckle from Maverick.

At the sound of irritated voices you turned to see a few pilots complaining as Hangman held up the line, doing his best to woo Lilith who, from your point of view, wasn’t doing much to stop him.

You rolled your eyes turning back to Maverick, “Duty calls.” You gestured at the two adults flirting like they were back in high school. He sent you a small smile gesturing for you to get to work.

You made your way to Lilith who was oblivious to your presence, you pinched her hip causing her to jump and turn her attention to you “You’re gorgeous Lil, but that’s not what I’m paying you for.” You jested turning to grab a mic pack to help the next pilot in line.

Lilith blushed, grabbing a mic pack to continue working. Hangman turned in your direction as pilots walked around him to get to Lilith, “If you wanted my attention Bishop, all you had to do was ask.” He leaned on the table between you and Lilith.

You finished up with the pilot in front of you noticing the only pilots left were a woman and Bradley. You grabbed another mic pack off the table looking at Hangman as you did so “It’s (Y/N) to you,” You asserted turning to the woman waiting to be mic’d up. She gave you a sincere smile as you got to work.

“Better watch out Hangman, don’t want her husband to kick your ass.” The pilot in front of you jested, you froze not thinking the rings on your finger would be a topic of conversation.

Your head shot up, eyes going in Lilith’s direction, only to see the forlorn gaze of the pilot she was in the process of helping. His hazel eyes holding a look of anger as he stared down at the now obvious rings sat delicately on your ring finger. Your attention was brought back to the woman in front of you.

“That’s some rock.” She let out a low whistle gesturing to the rings, “Let me guess, big shot lawyer?” You weren’t necessarily in the mood to play guess who concerning your soon to be ex-husband.

Luckily Lilith had a hard time keeping her thoughts to herself, the disgusted scoff drawing the three remaining pilots attention, “Try trust fund baby, the only thing Zeke ever worked for was (Y/N).” The edge in her voice doing little to hide her disdain for the man.

Not wanting to get into a deep dive of your personal life, especially considering Bradley was in the same vicinity the conversation was happening in, you quickly finished helping the pilot in front of you handing her the mic pack to allow her to pocket it.

“You’re good to go.” You all but shouted, surprising the three pilots just as Lilith finished helping Bradley. The woman in front of you smiled, giving a quick thank you.

“I’m Natasha, everybody calls me Phoenix.” She offered you her hand before doing the same with Lilith, “I think I’ll take you up on your offer for drinks, all this testosterone gets to be a bit much. What time did you say again?” The jab at working in a male dominated field causing you and Lilith to chuckle.

Before you got the chance to respond, a deep voice spoke up “Six, Phoenix.” You looked up surprised to find his gaze already focused on you, “Count me in too.” He didn’t break eye contact with you, what once used to be a silent way for the two of you to communicate, had now turned into longing gazes sent in each other’s directions.

Lilith looked between the two of you, the wheels in her head turning as she began to put the pieces together, “I’m sorry we haven’t been properly introduced, I’m Lilith.” She held out her hand causing Bradley to tear his gaze away from yours.

He sent her a kind smile giving her a firm shake, “Bradley Bradshaw, ‘round here people call me Rooster though.” The unintentional charm he exuded caused Lilith to unconsciously blush.

Hangman bristled next to you at the introduction, “Shouldn’t you introduce yourself to (Y/N) you know, since you're such a gentleman.”

Lilith released her grip on Bradley’s hand sending you a wide eyed look wondering how you could leave a man like this behind. Bradley smirked at Hangman knowing anything he did got under his fellow pilots skin.

Bradley turned his attention to you finally giving himself the chance to properly look at you. Looking at the woman you had grown into he mentally beat himself up, regretting letting you walk out of his life the moment it happened. Hell you didn’t even willingly walk out, he held the door open and forced you out. He did his best to respectfully take you in, you were far from the teenage girl he remembered. A sly smirk coming to his lips at the memories of the shy girl you once were. Meeting your eyes again he sent a small nod your way.

“(Y/N), looks like somebody finally grew into their ears.” His smirk only grew wider as you rolled your eyes at his antics.

You let out a mock laugh not surprised at his jab, “Rooster, I see your mustache finally grew.” His boisterous laugh giving you heart palpitations.

“Ouch Daisy, you wound me.” Bradley mockingly placed a hand over his heart. You do your best to hide your smile at the sound of your old nickname he has bestowed upon you years ago.

You shake your head at his antics biting your lip “Wow, haven’t heard that nickname in years.” You hadn’t meant for there to be any double meaning behind your words, but as you took in the look of sadness overcoming Bradley’s eyes, you knew he was thinking of all the time that had been lost between you two.

Bradley cleared his throat sending a small smile in your direction, “It’s good seeing you Daisy.” His smile grew as your nickname left his lips.

You grinned in his direction giving a slight nod of your head as he slid his aviators on his face and took his leave. You turned to see Lilith standing there with Phoenix and Hangman, the two pilots giving you confused glances while Lilith practically bounced up and down a wide smile gracing her face.

“Old friends.” You offered to the two pilots who seemed to be coming to their own conclusions. Hangman bid you and Lilith goodbye not giving too much thought to the exchange he just witnessed.

Phoenix sent you a sly smirk “Yeah, old friends.” She and Lilith shared a laugh before the pilot took her leave sending a wave to the both of you.

You grabbed your bag with all the equipment you would need for the day, doing your best to avoid Lilith’s knowing stare. As Lilith walked past you, you caught sight of the childlike grin spread across her face.

“Zeke better sign those fucking papers.” She jested sending you a wink and walking off in front of you. You let out an exasperated sigh if it wasn’t bad enough that you’d be working with Bradley Bradshaw for the time being, you also had to face Zeke in a few hours.

You knew today would be a long day.