Just a Miles Teller, Glen Powell, TGM and Disney loving dork. 80s baby and I tend to reblog adult content so 18+ only please! Masterlist Pinned to top of page!
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Summary: You'd been dating Bradley less than a year.. you'd had many firsts together. This would be the first time you'd celebrate his birthday, and you wanted to make it perfect... problem was, he'd been a little quiet lately. With some help from Nix and Mav you just may be able to pull him from the blues.
Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female! Reader
Word Count: 5293
Warnings: Sad Bradley, mentions of parent death, allusions to smut (no actual smut)-- MINORS DNI, cussing, snuggly/sweet fluffy Bradley, FLUFF, happy ending.
AN: I don’t own Top Gun Maverick characters but I do own reader OCs characters and original plot lines. I do NOT give permission to copy, translate, sell, repost to other sites, paste into an AI Generator, or any other forms of plagiarism. DO NOT STEAL MY WORK. Don’t be an asshole. Reblogs are welcomed. My blog is 18+ minors DNI.
Masterlist (and tag list if you want to join)
You’d been dating Bradley for seven amazing months. You’d met just after Thanksgiving at The Hard Deck when you were out with friends. The two of you had spent the entire night locked in conversation and lost in one another, oblivious to the rest of the bar… friends included. He’d asked you out at the end of the night and you’d been together ever since (to the surprise of no one).
Bradley’s birthday was coming up on Saturday and you were determined to make it extra special for him. You’d been talking with Nix, trying to come up with a plan on what to do for him.
“I don’t know that he’s going to want a party, Nix.” You said as the two of you brainstormed over coffee, “He’s been in a weird mood lately… just kind of quieter.”
“Oh shit.” Nix said, sighing, “Have the two of you talked much about his parents since you started dating? Has he opened up to you?” Her voice was gentle. You could tell she was treading lightly, balancing loyalty to Bradley but also trying to be a good friend to you and to be helpful.
“We’ve talked.” You said, “He’s talked about how his dad died… and growing up with just his mom, how the loss impacted his childhood and his mom, how close he was to his mom… how much her death hit him. He’s talked about things with Mav… am I missing something, Nix?”
“His dad died a month after his 2nd birthday …” Nix said softly. “And… his mom died a week after he turned 17.”
“So he’s probably quieter and pulling in… because the anniversaries of his parents' deaths are on the heels of his birthday…” You replied, “Shit.”
“Yeah.” Nix sighed, “It’s been awhile since we’ve been together on his birthday. Last year he randomly took off out East for a week, came back just in time for the 4th of July cookout at Penny and Mav’s. He was still a little quiet the rest of the month but we didn’t push.”
“What if… we just do drinks at The Hard Deck on Friday… really informal, low key.” You said, “Then Saturday I’ll plan on just pampering him. Breakfast in bed… a day of just watching movies or going for a drive up the coast… whatever he wants. I can make him dinner that night and a cake…”
“I think that’s a great idea.” Nix said, a soft smile playing on her face, “It might help pull him out of his head too. Any ideas on what you’re going to get him as a gift?”
“That part was actually kinda easy.” You said, smiling. “He’s mentioned so many times over the last few months about wanting a dog. The man really wants a dog… every time we’re on the beach, or out walking, or anywhere and he sees a dog, he’s an instant puddle of mush and makes a beeline for the dog.”
“Well, now that he’s moved you in with him, getting a dog would be the next logical step.” She teased, “I know he’s wanted one forever… when he was single and living alone it wasn’t an option since there would have been nobody to care for the dog while he was deployed.”
“Exactly!” You said, “I’m not going anywhere… I love that man more than anything, and have since day one. So… he’s getting a dog!”
“Are you going to just bring a dog home?” She asked, looking amused.
“No.” You said, laughing, “I’m going to blindfold him and take him to the Humane Society then when we get there, take off the blindfold and tell him we’re adopting a furbaby.”
“You’re really good for him.” Nix said, smiling softly, “He’s lucky to have you. Leave Friday to me and the boys…. And if you need anything for Saturday, let me know.”
“Thanks, Nix.” You smiled back, “That means the world. I am the lucky one. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“I bet if you talk to Mav he’d arrange for Bradley to have Monday off.” Nix suggested, “Might be better if you just make a long weekend of it.”
“I’ll call him and see what he says.” You replied, “Bradley hasn’t brought it up so I don’t want to overstep.”
“I don’t think he’ll see it like that.” She said, “Honestly, I think he’ll see it as just the opposite… trust me.”
The next day when Bradley got home from base he looked like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. You didn’t push, just wrapped your arms around him and held him tight when he melted into you.
“How about you get changed and I’ll order us some pizza and we can snuggle on the couch tonight.” You suggested, “Sound good?”
“That sounds perfect, Angel.” He whispered, kissing the top of your head, “I’ll be right back down.”
“Take as much time as you need, Baby.” You said softly, your eyes meeting his, “I’ll be right here when you come down.”
He leaned down and pressed a slow, tender kiss to your lips, before pulling back just slightly.
“I love you.” He said, his voice raspy
“Love you more.” You whispered back.
He reluctantly pulled away and went upstairs to go change out of his uniform. You grabbed your phone and placed an order for a pepperoni pizza from the place down the road that he loved, knowing it would get here relatively quickly, (in terms of delivery at least). You made sure to order extra breadsticks with dipping sauce and some Dr. Pepper soda for him. You weren’t sure if he’d want soda or beer but you didn’t have any of his favorite soda in the fridge so you were covering your bases. You made a note to hit the grocery store tomorrow.
The shower turned on and you smiled, happy he was taking time to relax a little. You lit some of the soothing scented candles around the living room, then sat on the couch and scrolled through the available dogs at the humane society while you waited. There was one there that caught your eye that you knew Bradley would absolutely fall in love with. You’d already bookmarked him. He was a two year old Golden Retriever with big soulful brown eyes. He was described as a little shy at first but a lovebug who loved to play just as much as he loved snuggles. The name of the dog is what drew you in at first. It seemed like fate. You just weren’t sure how Bradley would feel about it. His name was “Goose”. You took a screencap of the photo and description and sent it to Mav Penny to show Mav and get their opinion. You would have sent it to Mav but he had yet to join the modern era with technology and wasn’t exactly savvy with his phone.
The pizza arrived right as Bradley was coming down the stairs. You signed a credit card slip and took the food, along with the cold Dr. Pepper, thanking the delivery driver.
“Got all of your favorites, Handsome.” You smiled over at him, your heart skipping at the sight of him in a pair of sweats and an old worn Grateful Dead T-shirt. His hair was still damp and his curls were more defined.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” he smiled, coming over.
“Sit down on the couch, Baby.” You said, kissing him softly. “Do you want beer or Dr. Pepper with your pizza?”
“Dr. Pepper, Angel.” He replied, stealing another kiss before sitting down on the couch.
You smiled before grabbing the box of pizza, breadsticks, and the soda and bringing it to the coffee table in front of him.
“It smells amazing,” he said, sitting forward to grab a slice. “Thank you.”
You sat next to him, reaching for a slice of pizza of your own, “You don’t have to thank me, Bradley.” You replied, smiling gently at him, “I love you, getting pizza and Dr. Pepper for you after a rough day is just the bare minimum.”
“It’s a lot more than that, Angel.” He said, looking over at you, his eyes always conveying the depth of his love for you. “You have no idea everything you do for me… everything you’ve given me since you walked into my life.”
“I think it’s mutual, B.” You smiled softly, your heart swelling with the amount of love you had for this man. “You’ve given me just as much… if not more. Besides, you make it really easy to love you.”
The two of you ate in a comfortable silence. Bradley lost in thought, probably working through his day. You gave him the space to do so, while remaining physically present if he needed you.
“Nix wants everyone to get together on Friday night for my birthday.” He said quietly a little while later. You looked over at him to try to gauge his feelings on the matter.
“Ok.” You smiled softly, “We can do that. Celebrate my amazing boyfriend.”
“It’s not that big of a deal.” He shrugged, giving you a small smile, “Just another day. She said I’m not allowed to run off this year… that I have to at least come for a drink with everyone.”
“Ok, first of all.” You said, turning so your whole body was facing him now, “The day you were born is very MUCH a big deal, and should be celebrated accordingly. You matter to so many people, Baby. You matter to ME most of all. Secondly… I think your friends just want to show their love and support. If you’re up for it… we can go and if you want to leave after a couple of drinks I will absolutely get you out of there.”
“I love you, Angel.” He replied, his voice raspy. You pulled him into your arms, holding him tight.
“I love you too, Handsome.” You said softly, kissing his forehead. “I know you’ve been quieter this past week… things weighing you down. How about you put in for a leave day on Monday and we have a long weekend at home… just us. We’ll shut out the world and reset.”
“That sounds like the perfect way to spend my birthday, Angel.” He smiled gently, his eyes soft. “I’ll put in for the day tomorrow morning when I get to base. Just when I think there’s no possible way I could love you any more… that my heart will absolutely explode… you go and prove me wrong.”
You laugh, leaning forward to kiss him. “You have done so much for me…made my whole world brighter since I met you and we started dating. It’s my turn to take care of you.”
Without warning he scooped you up and carried you towards the stairs, you squealed, holding on tightly, laughing giddily as he started to pepper your face and neck with kisses. He kicked the door to your shared bedroom closed, tossing you onto the bed and following you down. The pizza and breadsticks would need to get put up much…much later.
******
By Friday, you could tell Bradley was ready to close in for the weekend with just the two of you, and was regretting agreeing to drinks at The Hard Deck. He got home after work, still in his flight suit and dropped his bag by the door. After tossing his keys into the bowl on the side table and taking his boots off he collapsed down onto the couch, his head falling back onto the back to cushion.
“That was quite the sigh, Handsome.” You said, coming over to stand behind the couch. Leaning over, you kiss his forehead, brushing some of his hair back. “Rough day, Baby?”
“Long.” He whispered, “Nothing seemed to want to go right… and I’m just… tapped out.”
“Want me to work some of the knots from your shoulders?” You asked softly.
“Not right now.” He whispered, “Take a shower and cuddle with me?”
“Come on, Handsome.” You said, “We’ve got time… shower and snuggles coming up.”
“Do we have to go tonight?” He asked, sighing as he got up and followed you up the stairs.
“At least for one drink, Baby.” You said, leading him into the bedroom. “Then… if you still wanna come home, we will.”
“I will.” He said, stubbornly. “Just want to sit on the couch with my girl and watch cheesy movies while we snuggle.”
“We can do that all weekend, Handsome.” You smiled lovingly up at him, “Now, strip down and get in the shower.”
“Aren’t you coming in with me?” He pouted, giving you puppy eyes.
“Yes, Baby,” You laughed, shaking your head, “I’m right behind you.”
After showering you got out and dried off, before you could get dressed, however, Bradley tugged you towards the bed, bundling you both under the covers and tucking you close. You smiled, wrapping your arms around him and burying your face against his chest, breathing in his scent.
“This is much better.” He said, his voice sounding more relaxed. His body was less tense as well. “Just needed to hold you.”
“Happy to help.” You replied quietly, tenderly kissing his chest. “We can’t fall asleep though… Nix will kill us.”
“You’re not wrong.” He chuckled. It was good to hear it after the last week. “Fine. We go for a drink… two tops. Then back home to start my birthday weekend of nonstop cuddles with my favorite girl.”
***
Two drinks ended up turning into a few more than that. Bradley was currently engulfed in his third game (battle) of pool against Nix. You smiled, enjoying seeing him finally relaxed and more like himself again. You hopped off the chair you’d been on and made your way to the bar to grab him another beer and another soda for yourself.
“Hey, Sweetheart.” Penny smiled, “Another round?”
“Yup.” You said, smiling back, “Probably gonna switch him to water after this so he’s not miserable tomorrow, but it’s just good to see him having fun.”
“Pete said he’s been a little off this week.” She replied, giving you a sympathetic look, “He’ll perk back up. It’s just tough on him. I do think that Golden Retriever is perfect for him… is he still available?”
“He is.” You said, “I started the application, just in case, but… I want to give Bradley the ultimate end choice.”
“That makes sense.” She smiled softly, sliding the drinks across to you, “But even if you just adopt him and change his name… he would still be perfect.”
“I’ll make sure to mention that.” You said. “Thanks, Penny.”
“Anytime.” She winked, “Let us know if you need anything this weekend, or anytime.”
“Will do.” You said, picking up the drinks and then making your way back over to the group.
You walked to the pool table where the game had just wrapped up…again. Bradley was smiling proudly so he must have won this time.
“Did you finally beat her?” You asked, handing your boyfriend his beer.
“Yup.” He said proudly, his cheeks flushed from the alcohol and the temperature of the bar.
“Congratulations, Baby.” You laughed, lifting on your tiptoes to kiss him gently. “I'm proud of you.”
He pulled you into his arms, kissing the top of your head. You both move to sit with the squad. Bradley immediately pulled you close so you were tucked into him, his arm wrapped around you.
“Alright, here’s to our boy, Rooster and another lap around the sun.” Jake said, raising his beer. “Happy Birthday, Man.”
“Happy Birthday!” The rest of the squad chimed in, raising their drinks.
You kissed his cheek, smiling “Happy birthday, Handsome.”
“Thank you,” He said, a flush rising to his cheeks, “You’re all the best… thanks for making me come out tonight. I needed this.”
“It’s what we’re here for, Bradshaw.” Nix said, smiling. “When you let us rather than pissing off to the unknown.”
“Fair.” He chuckled, “I think those days are done.” He looked over at you, leaning in to kiss your forehead.
“Yes they are.” You agreed, smiling over at him.
A slower song comes on the jukebox, Bradley smiles, slides out of the booth and grabs your hand.
“Come on, Angel.” He said, “Dance with me.”
“Ok.” You laughed softly, “Guess The Hard Deck now has a dance floor.”
“Penny just humors us.” He smirked, pulling you into his arms. You wrapped your arms around his neck, smiling up at him.
“I love you, Bradley.” You said, laying your head on his chest.
“Love you too, Angel.” He replied, kissing the top of your head.
*****
The next morning you let Bradley sleep in while you went down and made him homemade waffles. You also got a chocolate cake into the oven, using a recipe from a book Mav had found and given to you the other day. He said it had been Carole’s and that there would be notes. He was right. She’d made notes on all of Bradley’s favorites and then any modifications she made. You were making him lasagna for dinner. She had labeled it as ‘Bradley’s birthday favorite’.
With the cake in the oven, you plated a waffle (putting a candle on it) and some bacon and grabbed a glass of orange juice and took it upstairs to Bradley.
You set the glass of orange juice on the bedside stand next to him and then sat down on the edge of the bed and slid your hand not holding the plate into your pocket where you’d stashed the lighter you kept for candles and lit the candle on the waffle.
“Morning sleepy head.” You said softly, so as not to startle him awake. “Rise and shine, my handsome birthday boy.”
He stirred, his eyes blinking open groggily, a soft smile appearing on his face.
“Happy Birthday to you… happy birthday to you… happy biiirrrthday dear Bradley… happy birthday to you.” You sang carefully leaning forward to kiss him, making sure not to set your hair on fire. “Make a wish, Handsome.”
“I got everything I want already.” He said, his voice raspy from sleep. He smiled, sitting up, his eyes met yours in a soft love filled gaze before he gently blew out the candle.
“Did you make a wish?” You asked, handing him the plate so he could eat.
“Sure did.” He answered. “This is incredible, Angel. Thank you.”
“Just the start, Baby.” You smiled. “You’re getting an entire day of being spoiled.”
“Does this spoiling involve birthday sex?” He asked, taking a bite of bacon and smirking at you.
“Eat your breakfast and we’ll negotiate.” You laughed. “I have your cake in the oven though so no funny business until it’s safely out of the oven, Mister.”
“You’re baking me a cake?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his brown eyes meeting yours, surprise and something more registering in his expression.
“Of course I am,” You replied smiling gently, “It’s your birthday… you need a birthday cake.”
“I haven’t had one of those in a really long time.” He admitted.
“Well I’m happy to bake you one then, Baby.” You smiled, leaning in to kiss him. “Finish eating while I go check the cake. I’ll be right back.”
****
Later that morning, while Bradley was in the shower… after a couple of rounds of birthday sex… you went down to the kitchen to ice his chocolate layer cake before moving to get the present you had for him and setting it on the coffee table. You’d found a Grateful Dead Hawaiian shirt online and ordered it for him. To be safe, you’d had it sent to Nix’s apartment. She’d put it in your car last night at The Hard Deck without Bradley knowing. You’d also decided to go ahead and fill out the application for Goose. You printed it and put it in a box with a collar, leash, and a rooster dog toy then wrapped it up.
“Angel… that cake smells… so good.” Bradley said coming down the stairs. “It reminds me of my birthdays when my mom would bake me cakes.”
“Funny you should say that.” You smiled, moving over to him and wrapping your arms around his waist, “Mav found a recipe book… and brought it over. He said it was your mom’s. She was very thorough and labeled everything…with notes.”
“Mav brought my mom’s cookbook?” he asked, a soft smile forming on his lips, “So… that’s my mom’s chocolate cake I’m smelling?”
“Yes, Baby.” You replied, taking his hand and pulling him to the kitchen, “And… for dinner I planned to make the one Lasagna labeled, ‘Bradley’s Birthday Favorite’.”
“I love you.” You whispered, pulling you in tight, his voice choked by tears. “Thank you, Angel. You have no idea what this means to me.”
“I love you too” You replied, holding him back just as tightly, your hands rubbing over his back. “I’m hoping I can do her recipes justice… give you back a small piece of her.”
“Just the fact that you’re even going through all of this effort and trying means the absolute world to me.” He whispered.
“The cookbook has a bunch of her writing in it… wanna look at it?” You asked, pulling back just enough to look up at him, his eyes were red rimmed and watery.
“Yeah.” He smiled, nodding as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to your forehead, “I’d love that.”
You walk him over to the counter and hand him the recipe book. He reaches for the book, running his hand over it reverently. His eyes well up again as he opens the cover and sees a bunch of notes his mom had written on the front cover.
You don’t say anything, just rub his back gently while he flips through the pages.
“This… is….” He paused, trying to gather his thoughts, or emotions… you just give him time. “It’s like you said… it gives me a piece of my mom back.”
“We can cook as many of those recipes as you want, whenever you want.” You said gently, “We can invite Mav over if you want too… or just work our way through the book and you can add bookmarks to whatever you like and we’ll make those dishes often.”
He set the book gently on the counter and once again wrapped you into a tight embrace.
“You are everything to me, Angel.” He whispered, burying his face into your hair.
“You are my whole world, B. My person… the absolute love of my life.” You replied, pressing a soft kiss to his chest over his heart.
The two of you stood there in the kitchen, holding one another for several moments before you gently pulled back to look up at him, smiling.
“Come with me…” You instructed, sliding your hand into his and leading him towards the living room, “I’ve got presents for you.”
“Beautiful, you’ve already given me literally everything.” He chuckled, following you.
“Sit down.” You said, gently pushed him onto the couch, smiling when he looked at you with a bemused look. You went to the table and grabbed the two gifts, bringing them over and sitting next to him on the couch. You handed him the one with the shirt first.
He took the box, smiling over at you. He shakes the box, making you laugh, before he tears off the paper and lifts the lid.
“Holy shit!” He laughed as he pulls it from the box, “Angel this is absolutely fucking perfect! Where did you even find something like this?”
“The internet is an amazing tool.” You replied, smiling back at him. “There’s a huge selection of them too, so… if you want more we can order more.” He leans over and kisses you, smiling against your lips.
“Thank you, Beautiful.” He said, holding it up to look at it again, “I can’t wait to wear this one out to The Hard Deck.”
“Oh god…” You laughed, “The squad will have a field day.”
“Yup.” He agreed, a huge smile on his face, “But I don’t even care. This shirt is too amazing for their negativity.”
“I adore you.” You smiled, shaking your head. You reached for the next one, giddy now. Excitement was making it hard to sit still. You handed him the next package. “This one is in parts… and involves a little field trip.”
“A field trip?” He asked, taking the box, his eyes sparkling with amusement, “I’m intrigued.” He unwrapped the box, opening it carefully. His eyes flew to yours, wide and questioning, mixed with hope as he lifted the dog collar, leash and rooster toy from the box, along with the application. “Angel… are we… did you…?”
“Your face whenever you see a dog while we’re on the beach or out for a walk is one of pure joy.” You answered, “You’ve talked about wanting a dog…about how you’ve always wanted a dog… I know before it would have been too hard, but now that we live together… I’ll be here to take care of him while you’re gone. I went on the San Diego Humane Society’s page and I found a two year old Golden Retriever who sounds like he’d be the perfect furbaby. I started the application for him, but we’re going to take a field trip to go meet him and you get final say.”
Bradley looked down at the application in his hands then back at you.
“Angel this is… I don’t even have words.” He whispered, getting choked up again. “I have wanted a dog since I was a kid…my mom was allergic… then I was in college.. Then the Navy. Are you sure? Is this something you’d want too?”
“I am absolutely sure, Baby.” You assured him, “I love dogs and am more than happy to adopt a furbaby with you. It’s why I stalked the Human Society’s webpage.”
“Can we go now?” He asked, his excitement now bubbling over.
“Yup.” You laughed softly, “Let me get changed quickly and we can go.”
You ran upstairs to change into a pair of cutoff jean shorts and a Tshirt from The Hard Deck. Penny had them made for a co-ed softball team she’d sponsored and had leftovers so she’d given them to the squad (and you).
Once you were ready you headed back downstairs to find Bradley still sitting on the couch, but practically vibrating with excitement.
“Ok, Baby.” You said, when you go to the bottom of the stairs, “Let’s go.”
He did not need to be told twice.
He pulled the Bronco into the Humane Society’s parking lot and into a spot, putting it into park and turning it off.
The two of you walked into the building, and immediately you could hear dogs barking and cats meowing. It was a busy place.
“Hello, welcome in!” The lady at the front desk said, smiling, “What brings you in today?”
“We’d like to look at the dogs please.” You said, “We’re interested in adopting.”
“Wonderful!” She said, “Is there a specific size, age, breed you’re looking for?”
“Actually, can we meet the two year old Retriever you have?” You asked, purposely not using his name yet.
“He’s actually out back, getting some sun and fresh air right now with one of the volunteers.” She smiled, “Come on through, you can meet him out there and play with him.”
You slid your hand into Bradley’s as you walked through the room and past the kennels with the other dogs. You could see it was killing him not to stop and pet every single one of them. Once outside, you spotted Goose immediately with the volunteer. The lady from the front desk led you over.
“These two are interested in this cutie patootie.” She said, leaning over to scratch Goose’s ears.
“He’s a sweet boy. He loves to play, and explore but also loves some snuggle time with whoever is willing.” The volunteer smiled, “Meet Goose.”
Bradley’s breath caught, you could hear him softly gasp. He froze for a second before looking at you. You bit your lip, eyes meeting his.
Goose took that opportunity to come over and nose Bradley’s hand before licking him and plopping down right in front of him, his big brown eyes looking up at Bradley hopefully, tongue hanging out of his mouth, almost smiling.
“Hi, Goose.” Bradley whispered, his voice horse, emotions choking him, “Hey buddy.” He crouched down and started to pet the dog, scratching his ears until Goose rolled to his back, silently requesting belly rubs. Bradley chuckled and obliged. “You’re just a wet noodle, aren’t you? You like to play too?”
“He loves to play.” The volunteer said “He’ll chase a ball, play tug-o-war, he loves stuffies. He loves to go for walks. He’s got a lot of energy.”
You crouched down by your boyfriend and the dog, running your hand over Goose’s fur.
“What do you think, Baby?” You asked, smiling softly at Bradley.
“I think we need to finish the application you started.” He said, looking over at you, leaning in to gently kiss your forehead, “You were right, Angel. He’s perfect. Thank you.”
“We’d like to adopt Goose, please.” You smiled up at the volunteer and the lady from the front desk.
That night, after dinner and cake and playing with Goose, you and Bradley were curled up together in bed, with Goose in his bed on the floor next to yours. The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the fan and Goose’s content doggy snores. You were laying tucked into Bradley, facing one another on the soft bed.
“This has been the best birthday that I can remember having in a really long time,” Bradley whispered.
You didn’t speak, giving him time to gather his thoughts. You traced your hand gently over his side and back soothingly.
“My dad died a month after I turned 2.” He said softly. “My mom always did her best, made sure my birthdays were celebrated and I had a party and felt loved…but as I got older I could see how hard it was on her, how much she missed my dad, the pain. She’d fall into a depression every July… so I started to associate my birthday with the coming of her sad month. Then when I was 16 she was diagnosed with cancer. Chemo hit her hard… she fought like hell. Even though she felt like garbage she made Mav come celebrate my 17th birthday. He tried to make the cake and lasagna and almost burned the house down.” He chuckled through his tears that had escaped, “I think we all knew that would be the last birthday I’d get with her… she died a week later.”
“Oh, Baby.” You whispered, pulling him tighter, as if the tighter you held him you could somehow make things better. “I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that. I’m sorry you lost your dad at such a young age… and then had to lose your mom so young too. It’s not easy at any age to lose a parent but to be dealt those blows both at young ages…the universe just fucking sucks sometimes.”
“It did have its really shitty moments.” He agreed in a soft whisper, “But all of it got me here to this moment… with you.. And for the first time since I was an angry seventeen year old kid… I feel like I can breathe… and getting through the anniversaries doesn’t feel as daunting this year. I’m not alone anymore because I have you by my side… and now Goose too.”
“You will always have me, Bradley.” You promised, looking at him in the dim moonlight coming in through the window. “For as long as you want me.”
“Does forever work for you?” He asked, kissing your forehead.
“Are you proposing?” You smiled softly
“Not yet.” He chuckled, “But I plan on it. Soon.”
“Forever works just fine for me.” You answered.
“I love you, Angel.” He said, pulling you closer, his body finally relaxing, sleep creeping in.
“I love you too, Handsome.” You replied, yawning as you nuzzled against him. “Happy Birthday.”
***
AN: Originally had this where Goose's death anniversary was June 29 then realized I'm an idiot and it's JULY so had to rework the plot before posting... Let me know what you think! Also.. if I missed plot holes lol. Hope you enjoy it!!!
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I'MA TELL THE WORLD THAT YOU'RE MINE, MINE, MINE! / BRADLEY "ROOSTER" BRADSHAW
SUMMARY Maverick gets a taste of the past when he sees you with Rooster.
WORD COUNT 3.5k
WARNINGS/TROPES Fem!Kazansky!Reader, childhood friends, ambiguous relationships (in the sense I never actually define if this is the first time they've kissed or a regular thing), references to the first Top Gun movie, no use of Y/N, pet names (sweetheart, baby, ma'am), PDA, uncle mav!! set during that first hard deck scene in TGM, in which hangman unknowingly digs himself a bigger hole with mav
AUTHOR'S NOTE wow, a non-hockey + reader-insert fic for once! not sure if this'll be a recurring thing, but i'm giving y'all a taste of my AO3 :)
Gold spilled through the windows, glinting against the ceiling-hung model airplanes and sweating beer bottles scattered throughout the Hard Deck. Most chairs lay unoccupied, and the wooden planks creaking beneath your feet were still visible past the sparse early evening crowd.
You were reveling in the calm before the storm.
Each time the front door gave way to a sudden rush of wind, you glanced up, observing, picking apart. There was the civilian, whose wide eyes flickered like he'd stumbled into a place twenty miles from where he was actually meant to be. Then came the couple—definitely military—who sidled up to the counter and rattled drinks off like a maintenance checklist, like they couldn't quite shake off work.
The worst ones were the slim-bodied, khaki-clad aviators, who sauntered in with the confidence of a vain peacock, laughter as vibrant as the attention-grabbing feathers adorned in deep blues and verdant greens.
Hangman leaned against the counter with that perfectly, frustratingly charming grin of his. Your name rolled off his tongue, laced with shallow affection. A light-hearted flirt fest was all. "How've you been, sweetheart?"
"You're a few hours from Lemoore," you said. "Both of you."
The corners of Coyote's lips flipped up. "Missed us?"
"Terribly." Sarcasm dripped from your tone. "What can I get you tonight?"
Amber beer bottles scraped against the counter. Hangman winked as he threw a few dollar bills down—a hefty tip, as always—and you blew a meaningless kiss in the air that sent him and Coyote away.
"Your dad know you're flirting with his men?"
You turned slowly in hopes that you could rein in the widening stretch of your mouth in time, but a full-blown beam glimmered beneath the dim bar lights as you met the familiar raised eyebrows and knowing green eyes that had watched you—and seen past your innocent eyelash batting—through nearly every stage of life.
"I was wondering how long it'd take before you showed up here," you said, cheeks flushed with remnants of a passing youth. You rounded the bartop, two strides becoming one, feet light like the floor was made of springs.
Maverick barely twisted in his seat in time for your embrace, his shoulder digging into your sternum as you flung your arms around his neck. He shifted, winding his grasp around your ribs, unable to hide his smile as your sweet laughter echoed in his ears like a bright sunny day. "Hi, kid."
"Hi, Mav. It's been a while. I missed you."
"How'd you know I'd be around?"
You were behind the bar again. "All this time, and you're still asking."
Maverick's lips thinned. Of course. "How is he?"
A sharp breath inflated your chest, your gaze falling to the lemons yet to be cut. You picked up the knife. "I don't feel like crying on the job today," you said with a slight tremble. You made one slice before putting the knife back down and forcing your chin up. "You should go see him while you're here. I'm sure he'd appreciate it after all the strings he's pulled for you."
"You're making digs at me now?"
"Only fair for all the teasing you've put me through as a kid." Your gaze slid to the door as it swung open. Just another group of civilians. "Look," you propped your forearms on the counter, "I'm not supposed to know anything about this, but you know my dad has never been able to keep things from me, especially not about..." You paused when Maverick's expression wavered, then cast a glance over your shoulder, toward Hangman and Coyote by the dartboard—the only kind of people you'd come to know throughout your life. "I know Bradley got called back here. Are you ready to see him?"
Are you? came close to slipping out of Maverick's mouth—a quick rebuttal he'd slammed down with teeth grinding together, just short of painful. The sting eventually shot through his jaw when he noticed the threaded bracelet looped around your wrist, weathered and stained as time frayed the edges. You and Bradley had matching ones. He remembered that. He was there when you made them.
And the shirt you were wearing—a deep blue with the University of Virginia insignia printed in the middle—was loose around the collar, nearly sliding down your shoulder, sleeves scraping past your elbows. It was almost comically oversized. If he had to guess, he'd say it was Bradley's, somehow in your possession over the years—years he'd lost with him, but years you hadn't.
Those aviators, too, roosted atop your head, clearly forgotten to take off before the start of your shift, looked an awful lot like the ones he'd gotten Bradley as a teenager. You must have been the recipient of them after their relationship had plummeted into the seventh circle of Hell.
Money not wasted, he supposed.
But his question would've been a stupid one to ask.
You were nearly doused in Bradley Bradshaw, and instead of the tumultuous ball of dread cradled in his stomach, your heart was probably jumping for joy at the very thought of seeing him again.
Something in his chest clenched as the mission loomed over his head. You. He had to think of you, too. He couldn't afford to blow this.
"Get back to work," he finally said.
Your gaze flitted over his face—steely, calculating, like you were dissecting every thought that passed through his brain, paired with a cocky edge that pushed your head atilt, obnoxiously chomping on the stale piece of gum in your mouth. God, you were every bit Iceman's kid when you did that.
Maverick wasn't sure if he found comfort in that.
"Fine," you relented. "We'll do it your way, Uncle Pete." You pushed away from the counter. "But you owe me dinner."
You returned your attention to your job, mentally preparing for the moment this bar would be turned upside down and inside out as the clock struck closer to midnight. The limes and lemons were cut into wedges, and you'd wiped down the counter more times than truly necessary, and really, you should be switching out the kegs, but Maverick looked pathetically lonely as he nursed a pint, and you'd run your luck—and a keg—dry the last time you tried to do it, so you remained at your station and hoped someone else would do it for you.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me." Penny froze, a crate of freshly washed glasses and schooners perched on her hip. "You know about this?"
You bit back a grin, innocently shrugging. You could feel Maverick's disbelief burning into the rear of your head as you attended to a new patron. Then another. And another. Until the bell clamored beside you, a jingle that coaxed cheers from everyone but the reason behind it.
"Tough night, Mav," you said over your shoulder, but your amusement trailed off when Hangman's voice ricocheted like a jet engine.
"What do we have here?"
With Payback and Fanboy flanked behind her, Phoenix strolled through the front door—just three. Your stare lingered on the closing gap as the door thudded against the frame, trying to keep the small puff of dejection from blowing against the bottle of vodka in your hand.
He'd be here soon enough.
Hangman eventually found his way back to the bar. "Penny, my dear."
"Yeah?"
"I'll have four more on the old-timer."
Your lips slanted. The slight tilt of Maverick's head was meant to snuff out your impending rib-aching, tear-filled laughter, but your smirk only deepened. "You gonna be able to buy me dinner after this, old man?"
"You're trouble," said Maverick. His gaze darted to Penny, long enough for you to understand that he had meant more than just the fun you were poking at.
All you responded with was a wink.
Hangman beckoned you over with his fingers. He leaned down, his voice a quiet hum against the ruckus flowering around you. "I'm not one to judge, but he's a little older than your usual target, ain't he?"
You ducked your head, hiding the way your face twisted in all the wrong ways and swallowing down the retch shooting up your throat, before the coquettish mask returned. "My usual target's not here."
"Will he be?"
"I don't believe I'm at liberty to tell you, Hangman."
His eyes crinkled. "Well, if you're looking for a new one," he said, "you know where to find me."
You snorted.
"Bradshaw!"
Your head whipped toward the door.
Amidst the throng of people pouring into the Hard Deck, you spotted the familiar sunkissed skin swathed in a loose, unbuttoned shirt, jeans mapping out the creases in his muscles, and those sunglasses you'd talked him into buying one day. Your mouth had tipped up in a smile before you even realized.
Hangman sighed. "And there goes my chance."
"Like you ever had one." Penny slid in beside you, putting down four beers in front of Hangman.
"I'll let him know you're here."
Your gaze followed Bradley as he bounded past the bar and toward the pool tables, joining the growing group of aviators. "No, you won't."
Hangman flashed another one of his charming smiles. "Much appreciated, Pops. Hey, sweetheart, what song are you feeling? I was thinkin' Slow Ride." He scrunched his nose when you fixed him with a dry and hardened stare. "Offer's still on the table."
"Keep dreaming, Seresin!" you exclaimed to his back.
Maverick handed his card to Penny to close his tab. His gaze was heavy on you, tracking the way your giddy grin faltered as a new song danced into the air. Hangman's laughter was a beacon within the crowd, as though he knew you were rolling your eyes at him. You hadn't even followed through when you drifted to Bradley again, like a compass needle always finding true north.
Yeah, his qualms with this mission went beyond him and Bradley. He definitely needed to think of you.
"Why'd you pull his papers, Mav?" you asked softly, a quiet hum that was nearly lost in the flood of commotion warming the room up. It felt misplaced for a place like this. But you asked anyway.
"He wasn't ready."
You slipped a lemon wedge against a glass. "Neither was I, and you and my dad hadn't made a sound when I put my application in. I think that only pissed him off some more."
"You weren't going in to be a pilot."
"Bullshit, and you know it. If my eyes hadn't shit the bed, I'd be in that cockpit." You handed the drink off to a waiting sailor. "I know it's different—you and him, you and I—but at the end of the day, he still made it here. Was it really worth losing him over it?"
The muscles in Maverick's jaw ticked. He shook the distant fog in his eyes away. "Do you always have heart-to-hearts with your customers?"
"Only the ones I grew up with."
Penny put Maverick's card down on the counter. "It's been declined."
Disbelief warped his face. "You're kidding."
Penny didn't pull her attention from him as she told you, "Why don't you take your fifteen?"
You didn't stick around. You didn't want to. You'd seen Penny and Maverick dance around each other for as long as you could remember, spanning since before you were born. Whatever unresolved tension hung between them was something you did not want to be trapped in the midst of.
Hangman wooed. "I knew you couldn't resist, sweetheart."
But his words fell on deaf ears as your hand glided up Bradley's arm and across the expanse of his back. His skin didn't twitch, and there wasn't a flicker of surprise in Bradley's eyes—not at the sudden warmth encasing the scars littered on his neck that traced the path of your touch, not at the brush of your thumb against the hairs on the back of his head, not at the comforting press of your body against his, not at the weight of your stare that seemed to settle his entire soul.
No, of course not. He would know you even if his memory were wiped.
Bradley snaked his arm around your waist, meeting your eyes with a face-splitting grin. A sweet mix of seasalt, wood, and sweat encircled you as his body draped over yours, the tautness in your shoulders dissipating with a slow exhale that would make the next few hours of fulfilling drink orders worth it. You weren't sure if the shivers prickling your skin were from the ticklish brush of his mustache or the gentle kiss on the curve of your neck.
"Watch the hand, Bradshaw," you warned when his palm ventured low over the curve of your spine, skimming the top of your jeans. His chest trembled with laughter, and yours followed as you pulled away—a sound so attuned to his, a familiar beat you'd grown up with, one your heart had learned to mimic. "Hiya, you big stud."
"You look good," he said, kissing the side of your head. "Always do."
A satisfied hum rippled in your throat. You remained nestled against Bradley, but turned to Hangman with a sugary sweet smile. "Oh, I'm sorry, Seresin. Did you say something?"
Hangman rolled his eyes as laughter erupted around you.
Bradley's lips grazed the shell of your ear, breath warm. "Unplug the jukebox and meet me at the piano?"
"I was getting sick of this song anyway." You slipped from Bradley's grasp, even as his arm seemed to contradict his words and tightened around you.
Groans weaved between patrons as you yanked the plug from the outlet, slicing through the song that Hangman had selected.
Bradley held his hand over his shoulder, waiting patiently to feel yours slide against his before pulling you onto his lap. "How long do I have you for?"
"One song," you said, taking his folded sunglasses from the collar of his white vest and resting them back on the bridge of his nose. "Make it a good one, hot stuff."
"Yes, ma'am." His fingers dexterously tapped along the black and ivory keys of the wooden upright piano, quelling the complaints around them.
Something warm wrapped around you, memories infiltrating your mind of late summer nights in high school, and endless karaoke nights he'd back you up with, and ballads after your first heartbreak, and thunderous thrumming that kept the party alive, and relaxing Saturday mornings as the waves crashed into the nearby shore, and stories you'd heard from your dad and Maverick over the years, and behind each one, you could hear Bradley pressing one key after another.
There was nothing quite like it.
The bell rang again as a distant echo in your head. You managed to catch the moment Hangman, Payback, and Coyote carried Maverick out of the bar by his limbs. Overboard. Briefly, your eyes connected over Bradley's shoulder, and you picked out the subtle shift in his expression, like he, too, was caught in a memory. A very different one.
Then, he was gone in a blink of an eye.
Maverick left your mind just as quickly as he'd gone as the first few notes of Great Balls of Fire played out. Bradley had told you about the fading recollection he had of him perched on a piano while his dad belted out the song. He also spent hours teaching you to play it. You were sure Carole would've been sick of the song by the time you'd figured it out if it didn't remind her so much of Goose.
"You shake my nerves, and you rattle my brains," Bradley started strongly, his voice rasping with charisma. His mouth was hot against your ear. "Too much love drives a man insane!"
Laughter shook your chest as you joined in, your head bobbing to the rhythm. You didn't care for the way his body jostled, or his head bumped against the back of your shoulder as he damn near shouted the lyrics for everyone to hear.
It was fun. Being with Bradley was always fun.
Whether it was doing fifty push-ups in the kitchen together because your dad thought he was standing too close to you, or helping you with the infinite mountain of paperwork you needed to fill out during your tenure in the Navy, or grocery shopping with his mom before she passed—all of it was a zing of adrenaline and a rush of dopamine when it was with him.
You were out of breath by the time the song ended, throat scratched raw from belting out the familiar song. Ecstasy leaked into your exhale, trembling yet light, and your lips remained pinned up as Bradley squeezed your waist, his arm winding around securely, a comfortable heat seeping past the fabric of your shirt.
It took everything in you to peel away from his grasp.
"What time are you off?" he asked.
"You've got an early morning," you said. "Don't do it to yourself."
Bradley twisted around as you disappeared through the sea of people. "But I want to!"
The rest of the night had stretched long and strenuously, incessantly churning out drink orders, wiping down sticky counterspace, and restocking bottles. By the time the last drunk-to-high-heaven person had ushered themselves out, you were ready to collapse behind the bar and call it a night.
Penny had to pull you off a stool before your eyes fluttered shut until daybreak.
Hauling your bag over your shoulder, you shouted goodnight to her on your way out. The chilly coastal breeze beyond the front door did enough to revive what little energy you had left, bones chattering beneath your pebbled skin.
A startled gasp cut past your lips when you found Bradley leaning against your car, sunglasses askew on his nose and one sleeve of his loose, unbuttoned shirt sliding down his arm. Somehow, he still looked more put together than you. "I thought you left with the rest of 'em."
His head snapped up, a slow grin stretching across his face. "You wouldn't tell me what time you got off, so I waited."
"And now you need someone else to get you home," you said, recounting the drinks you'd served him (and cut him off from for his own benefit).
Bradley dug his keys out of his pocket, the matching bracelet you had with him hanging off the keychain that glinted beneath the exterior lights of the Hard Deck, and handed them to you for safekeeping. "Yes, ma'am." He watched you haphazardly stuff your things into the backseat of your car. "D'you know why we got called back?"
A teasing spark shined in your eyes. "Should've known you just wanted to use me."
Something akin to a wounded noise escaped Bradley. "Baby, no." His hands clumsily cradled your jaw. "I would never."
"What about the time you tried to make Vanessa Torres jealous?" You pushed his sunglasses into his hair.
"That was one time. Almost twenty years ago."
"So not never." The amusement on your face faltered, easily wiped away as time plunged deeper into the night. You curled your fingers around his wrist, his radial pulse gently beating beneath you. "I don't know what the mission is," you conceded quietly, swallowing thickly, "but whatever it is, promise me you'll come back."
Bradley's eyes flickered between yours. You had probably done this a million times by now—made him swear that he'll return. That he'll return to you. Alive. And each time, he felt the weight of his career compressing his bones until he was about ten inches shorter. Was this what his dad felt? He wished he could ask him that, see if it got any easier.
"Haven't I always?" He hoped you wouldn't notice the slight crack in his voice.
You gave a short hum, as though you could see right past him. He doubted that the lingering alcohol coursing through his system was any good at keeping a mask up; then again, he was never very good at hiding things from you to begin with.
"Get in the car," you said softly, pulling your face away from his hands. "We'll grab your Bronco in the morning."
"Can I get a kiss first?"
That got a quiet little huff of laughter from you, swelling when he pulled you even closer, his arms tightly looping around your waist, like the very notion of space between you was inexcusable.
"Kiss me, baby," he sang like he was behind the piano again. Quieter this time—a personal serenade.
"You're something else, Bradshaw." You pulled him down for a surprisingly gentle kiss, a delicate pressure that sent a quiet, warm ripple straight to your chest. You hated to pull away, even as your heart rapped against your ribs and your lungs heaved for air, but you couldn't stop the giddy stretch of your lips as age-old butterflies erupted in your stomach.
"Ooh," Bradley shivered, "that feels good."
"Yeah?" You notched an eyebrow. "You gonna love me like a lover should?"
"Oh, baby, I'll do a lot more than that." He nuzzled his face against your neck. "I'ma tell this world that you're mine, mine, mine."
"Good." You stole another kiss. "Now get in the car."
