Shipping Gay Pilots Since 1986

Phoenix had insisted the two of you bring the kids for a beach day this weekend. Hangman had claimed it was starting to look like Rooster forgot sunlight exists. So, you slathered the kids in the thickest SPF you could find and packed a bag of everything you would need for the day. 

Rooster spent the morning moving the carseats to the Bronco so the four of you could take that car instead. Sawyer loves the Bronco, but somehow your vehicle has become the family car. Bradley rolls down all of the windows, letting the wind take your hair by storm and making Sawyer’s giggles ring out. You turn around to look at him and Sophia, both with big smiles so you shake your head. 

The ocean stretched out wide and endless, waves rolling in under a bright blue California sky. The air felt warm as soon as the car stopped. Sawyer was already taking off for the water before you could even unpack the car. 

“Hey, slow down!” You call. 

Rooster catches up with him easily, “Stay with us, buddy.” 

“I’m right here.” he groans. 

Sophia is pressed into your side, you slide a white beach hat over her head and follow the two boys toward the group. 

Sawyer immediately gets Fanboy and Coyote involved in building a sandcastle with Hangman’s supervision. Phoenix steals Sophia from your arms so you can spread out a towel and get settled. 

“We’ve got them.” Phoenix nods.

You blink, “What?”

“The kids.” She nods back toward the group now, “We’ve got them. 

Rooster frowns slightly, “You don’t have to.”

“We know,” She rolls her eyes, “but we want to. Just sit down for a minute.” 

She turns back to the group and walks toward the water. 

You look at Bradley with a confused look on your face and he simply shrugs. The sun feels warm against your skin, the sound of the ocean is steady in a calming way that you hadn’t felt in weeks. You stretch out on the towel, laying down. 

At some point Rooster drops down next to you, one arm behind his head. His sunglasses block his face. 

“I forgot what this felt like.” You murmur, not even bothering to open your eyes.

Rooster huffs softly, “Not being needed every second?”

You squint to look at him, “You complaining?” 

“Not even a little.” He shakes his head, “But when was the last time neither of us wasn’t with them when we weren't at work?”

The sun was warm and without even meaning to, you fell asleep. It didn’t last long, maybe twenty minutes? Maybe less. When you woke, it was sharp and instant.

You jolt upright, “Oh my god,” 

You scan the beach frantically. 

“They’re fine-”

Rooster is still right beside you, calm as ever. The squad is still entertaining the kids by the edge of the water. You turn to him, still trying to catch your breath. 

“I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” You admit, “I just-I was just closing my eyes..”

“Hey, they’re okay.” 

He nods back toward the shoreline and you nod. Sawyer was laughing as Hangman chases him in the waves. Sophia is sitting in Phoenix’s lap, the edge of the waves just meeting their feet. 

You let out a breath and your shoulders relax, “Okay.” 

You sit back slowly, resting on your elbows now. 

“You’re doing a really good job.” He comments. 

You look over, waiting for the punchline. It never comes. 

“You are too.” 

He doesn’t respond right away, “I’m trying.” 

“I know.” You admit, “I’m glad neither of us has to do this alone.” 

“Really?” He smirks. 

You roll your eyes, “Seriously.”

He swallows, his eyes scanning down your body before forcing his gaze on the water. 

“I’m glad we have each other too.” His voice is soft. 

You both let the moment pass, a few more minutes pass before you stand and brush the sand off your legs.

“We should probably go rescue them.” 

“Yeah,” He agrees, “before Sawyer tries to swim out to sea.” 

You smirk, “You don’t think he’s already tried?”

Sawyer spots you both first, he yells your name as he runs towards you both. He wraps an arm around your legs. 

“You missed it!” He’s breathless, “The wave was this big!” 

He stretches his arm above his head and you exaggerate a shocked expression. 

“That’s impressive!” 

Rooster leans down to ruffle his wet hair, “Future Navy right there.” 

Sophia has now noticed you, her entire face lights up. She reaches out, her small hands reaching out to grab. You don’t hesitate, just scooping her up and settling her against your hip. 

“Hi, pretty girl!” You press a kiss to her head and she giggles loudly. 

Rooster reaches out to adjust her hat, pulling it down a little more. He tickles at her neck and she squeals which makes you laugh. 

“C’mon, Roo!” Sawyer pulls on his arm, “You have to come swim!”

“Oh, I have to?” He turns to the four-year old now.

“Yes!” 

He tries his best to pull him toward the water and you can’t help but laugh. The squad quietly watches it all unfold. 

Hangman folds his arms, “They’re awfully…domestic.” 

Phoenix cuts him a look, “Don’t.”

“I’m just saying!” He holds up his hands, “That’s a team right there.” 

“They’ve always been a team.” Bob comments.

Hangman simply raises a brow, “Not like that.” 

You let the waves roll in over your feet, Sophia still on your hip. Sawyer is explaining something to Bradley at top speed, whatever game he’s convinced him to play in the water. Eventually, you all made your way back up the beach to the rest of the group. 

“That,” Hangman announces, “Was adorable.” 

You roll your eyes and hand Sawyer a snack before getting Sophia her own.

“Hydrate.” Bob hands Rooster a water bottle.

“Speaking of drinks…” Hangman adds casually, “Hard Deck tonight?”

The words hang over the group. Neither you or Rooster react the way you would’ve over a month ago. No immediate yes, no teasing, no jumping to go. You simply glance at each other quickly before back at the group. 

“We haven’t been out in a while.” Coyote adds carefully. 

“That’s one way to put it.” You mutter. 

Phoenix sits down next to you, “I talked to Mrs. James.” 

“Our neighbor?” Rooster asks, brows furrowing. 

Phoenix nods, “Yeah. She said she’d be more than comfortable to watch the kids tonight.”

Sophia squirms, whining for another piece of strawberry and you’re grateful for the distraction. 

“It’s just a few hours.” Phoenix continues, “You guys could come by just for one drink, but I think it would be nice for you two to get out of the house.” 

Sawyer looks up at that, “Where are you going?”

You answer quickly, “Nowhere, buddy.” 

He nods, he focuses back on his snack again. 

“We’ll think about it.” Rooster says finally. 

Hangman holds up his hands, “That’s all we’re asking.” 

The conversation moved on, but it lingered in the back of your mind for the rest of the afternoon at the beach. The last time you were at the Hard Deck was the night of Miranda and Mason’s accident. It’s been over a month at this point, which didn't sound like much but before that you guys were there every other day. 

The kids were sandy, tired, and surprisingly easy to get down for the night. Bath time was full of lots of giggles and sand. Everyone had sleepy eyes at dinner so when you and Bradley had them both down for the night and it was still light out, you debated. 

“Do you want to go?” He asks, straight to the point. 

You hesitate, “I don’t know. What if Sawyer wakes up and neither of us is here?”

“Mrs. James will be here.” He says, “He knows her.”

“Yeah, but-” You shake your head, “It’s different.” 

“It is.” he agrees. 

“The last time she watched them was the night of the accident.” You remind, “That was the last time we were even at the Hard Deck.” 

You both pause, thinking. 

“We have to leave eventually.” He offers a small tight smile, “I’m not saying we should tonight, but we need to someday.”

You know he’s right. Today you practically gave yourself whiplash looking for the kids after turning it off for just twenty minutes. A night away from them, with them both already asleep, would probably do more good than harm. 

“I don’t want either of us to drive.” You admit. 

His head snaps up to look at you. 

“We can get an Uber.” He confirms and you nod. You look over at him and he’s studying you. 

“Just a couple hours.” 

“Couple hours.” He nods. 

“Okay, I need to get ready.” 

You take a hot shower and walk into the closet looking for something to wear. You know that realistically it hasn’t been that long since you were out with the team, but it’s felt much longer. Your entire life has shifted since then, you had new priorities. 

Bradley softly knocks on your bedroom door and you call out ‘come in’ from the bathroom. He does, finding you doing final touches in the mirror. 

“The car will be here in ten.” 

Your eyes find his in the mirror, “Thank you.” 

His eyes look over your form, he doesn’t hide it either making you freeze. 

“You look nice.” 

You almost drop your lip pencil. “...Thank you?”

He simply nods before leaning against the doorway, waiting for you to be ready. He doesn't say a word to rush you, he's just there.

The drive was strange. No kids, no bags, no schedules. The two of you sat in the backseat, the quiet hum of the car taking over until pulling into the familiar gravel lot. You hesitate for a split second before climbing the steps to the front door. 

“Hey,” He says quietly, “You good?”

You look up at him and exhale slowly. 

“Yeah, let’s go.” 

He holds open the door and the second you walk in, it hits you. The noise, the music, the energy is all exactly the same. You know it’s actually completely different. It'll never be exactly the same again.

“Well, I’ll be damned.” Hangman’s voice calls loudly, cutting through the noise. You look up to see his obnoxious grin, “Mom and Dad made it out!”

Phoenix rolls her eyes, standing up to give you a quick hug when you both join the group, “Don’t start with them.” She warns.

“Oh, I am absolutely starting,” He raises his drink, “This is a historic event.”

“Start by getting me a drink.” You jab. 

Fanboy leans over the table, “We were taking bets.”

“On what?” Rooster asks. 

“Whether you two would show.” Coyote answers. 

Bob jumps in, “We’re glad you did.” 

Hangman actually does leave to go get you a drink, its the least he could do. Phoenix throws an arm over your shoulder. 

“You made it.” She smiles, “I’m proud.” 

You nod, “We made it.” 

The first drink was comforting in a way that you hadn’t expected. Minute by minute you and Bradley settled in more. You laugh, actually laugh at the stupid stories being exchanged. Most of them have been told dozens of times at this point, but they still get a laugh. Peanuts being tossed when the stories start to get more and more exaggerated. 

For a while it feels like before, but not quite. For a few drinks you can suspend your disbelief at Miranda and Mason being home with the kids, not making it out for the night. You know it isn’t true, even when the drinks get stronger.

Every now and then you would glance over at Bradley and he’d already be looking at you. It lingered, he didn’t shy away from it which was new. It wasn’t sharp or combative like it was in flight school. 

“Alright,” Hangman leans back, “I’ve gotta ask.” 

You groan, “You really don’t.” 

“Oh I really do.” He insists, “How does this even work? Do you guys have a schedule? Or a system-?”

“You looking for tips?” Rooster interrupts with a smirk. 

“God no,” He says immediately, “I’m just impressed that the two of you haven’t killed each other yet.” 

“Give it time.” You mutter but the group knows it has no real bite to it like it used to. 

“Seriously.” Coyote agrees, “Ace, I’m pretty sure you had him in a headlock last month.”

You snort, not able to help it, “Things change.” 

“Yeah.” Rooster agrees, “They’re different now.” 

You and Bradley have stayed longer than you thought you would, but Mrs. James told you to take your time and encouraged you both to enjoy yourselves. It was safe to say the team was making sure the two of you would, dropping off drinks all night to show their appreciation for your attendance. 

“I believe you owe me a game of darts.” Bradley recalls, nodding to the empty dartboard. 

“I think you may be right.” You stand, following him as he weaves through the crowd of people. 

Every time he passes by you to approach the board, your shoulders brush. Neither of you steps away, just staying in a tight bubble. 

“You’re staring again.” You remind, focusing your gaze on the board ahead of you. 

He doesn’t even deny it. 

“Yeah.” 

You look over your shoulder where he stands behind you. 

“Bold.” 

You turn back to the board, landing a dart in the center of the board.

“Just being honest.”

The same pull between the two of you from years ago fills the room. The tension that the two of you never dared to mention out loud. Only now it wasn’t reckless or fueled by ego and competition. 

“Careful,” You brush his shoulder again when stepping out of his way, “You keep looking at me like that and people are gonna start talking.” 

He leans down close to your ear, “They already are.” 

You keep playing and you eventually hand Rooster a defeat.

“Rematch?” He smirks, barely hiding it under his stache. 

“You sure your ego can take it?”

He rolls his eyes and walks back to the board to grab the darts. 

“Hey, Ace.” Bob says at your side, you turn to face him. 

“Hey, Bob!” You grin, feeling the drinks a little more than you thought.

“Are you having a good night?” He asks.

“I am, Bobby!” You throw an arm around his shoulder for a sidehug, “I missed everyone!” 

“We missed you, too.”

You smile back at him and turn back toward the dartboard where Bradley should be returning already. When you look up you can see what delayed him. A woman who has had her eyes on him all night has finally made her move and is standing between you two. 

He leans down to say something to her, but you’re already walking away with Bob giving him some space. He barely catches your eyes over her shoulder, but you’re already returning to the table. You jump back into conversation and do your best to forget about whatever was happening before. It’s not even a minute after you’ve rejoined the group that Rooster is at your side again. The music shifts to something slower than what’s been playing most of the night. You laugh at something Fanboy says when Rooster shifts closer next to you, subtle but very intentional. 

“Dance with me.” His voice is soft but confident. 

You blink, turning toward him. 

“... What?”

He doesn’t look away, or make a joke, he just holds your gaze. He doesn’t care that half of the group is barely focused on their own conversation now.

“Dance with me.” He repeats. 

You let out a short disbelieving laugh, glancing around the bar. 

“You know we will never live that down, right?”

He shrugs slightly, holding out his hand for you, “Probably not.” 

You raise a brow, “Hangman is going to talk about it the rest of our lives.”

“Wouldn’t be the worst thing he’s done.” 

You laugh again, “That is not reassuring.” 

His hand is still out there, steady and certain. You look at it, then back up at him. You let your own teasing fade away. 

“You’re serious.” 

He nods, “Come on.” 

You should’ve said no. You should’ve cracked some joke and deflected, but instead you slip your hand into his. Across on the other side of the table, Hangman chokes on his drink. 

“I’m sorry, WHAT is happening?” He asks, watching the two of you walk away from the table. 

Phoenix doesn’t even try to hide her smile. Rooster leads you out to the small corner that passed for a dance space. It wasn’t as crowded as it was earlier in the night, there was a little room and Rooster takes advantage of it by spinning you once you reach the center. 

You let out a quiet breath and shake your head, “This is a terrible idea.” 

“Probably.” He agrees, his hands settling on your waist. You reach your arms up around his neck, letting them rest on his shoulder. You move slowly and it’s easy together in each other’s arms. It almost feels natural the way the two of you fit together. 

“Your first chance in weeks to go home with a girl, and you ask me to dance.” You comment. 

He blushes at the mention of the woman from earlier. 

“You're surprised by that?” He questions. 

“Honestly?” You look up to study him, “Yeah.” 

“I told her I wasn’t interested.” He admits with a light shrug of his shoulders. 

“Why?” You ask simply. 

“It’s the truth. I’m not interested in her.”

You let his answer sink over the two of you. You don’t really know what to say back to that. He takes your hand to spin you suddenly, you let out a surprised laugh before he pulls you right back in where you were before, maybe a little closer.

“Since when do you dance?” A smile tugging at your lips. 

He shakes his head, looking away from you for the first time. 

“Miranda was the only one who could force me. She would beg back in school when she had tired Mason out,” he lets out a laugh, “Always wanted one more song.”

You smile at him, of course she did. Miranda loved to dance, it was one of her favorite parts of coming out. You're sure you saw her dance with Bradley a handful of times over the years, but you didn’t realize it was something he enjoyed too. 

“She taught me it wasn’t so bad I suppose.” He looks back at you now, “She said one day I would be the one begging to spin someone around the dancefloor.” 

Your fingers curl just slightly into his shoulder, you guys are standing a little too close. 

“Yeah?” You murmur. 

He nods once, “Yeah.”

The air between you shifts. It’s not just an old memory, or Miranda, it’s you. Your hand tightens again and his grip at your waist follows instinctively, pulling you closer. Neither of you comment on it or dare step back. 

The music fades toward the end of the song, something louder and faster taking over but neither of you move right away. 

“You’re staring again.” You whisper, his eyes following your lips. 

“Yeah.”

Your pulse kicks harder now, coming fast enough you wonder if he can feel it. 

“Bradley.” His name slips out before you can stop it, it was meant to be a warning to cool you both off, but it would seem by the look on his face that it’s done the opposite. 

He leans his head low to your ear, “Let’s get some air.” 

You nod before you can think better of it. Across the bar the squad is absolutely watching. They had a hard time not watching every second since Bradley led you away. You both pass them as you walk to the door. 

“Don’t.” You glare at Hangman. 

“I didn’t say anything.” He calls after you, Phoenix smiling at his side. 

The second the door swings open, cool night air rushes over both of you. It’s quieter out here, the music and commotion trapped on the other side of the doors. Quickly it’s just the two of you. For a second, neither of you speaks. You turn toward him and he’s already looking at you. 

“This is a bad idea.” You say softly, but you don’t step back. 

“Probably.” He agrees, taking a half-step closer. 

One second. Two seconds. Three-

The tension snaps, his hand comes up to settle on your jaw without hesitation. He feels grounding and certain, and then he’s kissing you. It isn’t slow or tentative, it’s everything that has been building for weeks. Years. All of the looks. All of the teasing comments. All of the things neither of you said. 

Your hands fist his shirt to pull him closer without thinking, the space between you two disappearing completely. He backs you into the wall of the building, the siding pressing hard into your back. 

He tastes familiar and completely new. You’ve tasted him before, but it isn’t just heat and ego like it was years ago. This feels like more, like it could actually mean something. 

Your hands reach up to his hair, threading through the curls and tugging on them. You earn a groan and you can’t hide the laugh. He works down your neck, pressing hot wet kissing down your jaw, neck, and then chest. He chases your lips again the second you suck in a breath. 

Your heart is racing, you can feel his too. His hands slide into the back pockets of your denim shorts. You finally pull back enough to breathe, foreheads still close and lips barely apart. 

“Get us a ride home.” You murmur, your voice coming out more hoarse than you thought it would. He’s still close enough that your lips brush his when you speak. His breath hitches slightly before a small disbelieving smile appears on his mouth. 

“Yeah?” Still not pulling away. 

“Mhm.” You hum, lips buzzing on his. 

Neither of you move right away because stepping means acknowledging what just happened. Neither of you is ready for whatever this bubble is to burst. 

The Uber was a mistake. You barely made it into the backseat before Bradley’s hand found yours again. It wasn’t subtle or careful and the driver glanced at you both in the rearview mirror. 

“Behave.” You whisper under your breath, your fingers already curling tighter in his. 

He leans in, his voice low, “You started it.”

You turn, “I did not-”

His lips cut you off, pressing softly against yours. 

“Bradley.” You warn, but saying his first name was clearly not helping the situation. He pulls back enough to look at you, amusement flickering in his eyes. 

“You gonna stop me?”

The rasp in his voice was dangerous and addictive. Knowing you were the reason for it was warming your body all over. You exhale slowly, trying to steady yourself. 

“Not in the back of an Uber.” You shake your head, his hand slides along your arm. 

Your breath hitches and you kiss again. It’s short and stolen, every time one of you pulls back it lasts maybe a second before the other leans back in. You can’t help it, it’s like once the tension snapped, neither of you knew how to turn it off. 

You fumble for your phone at one point, pulling up Phoenix’s thread. You type quickly, Bradley’s hand pulling your face towards him a couple times before you can manage to hit send. 

Going home to the kids. Don’t wait up. 

Bradley rests his forehead against yours briefly, “Think they bought it?”

You huff a laugh, still breathless, “Not a chance.” 

“Good.”

The rest of the ride was torture. You were both trying to behave, but failing miserably. By the time the car pulled up to the house, Bradley already had two twenties out to offer as a tip. 

“Thank you.” You say quickly, already halfway out. 

Bradley follows right after you, the second the car door shuts it’s like the rest of the world disappears again. He catches your wrist, spinning you back toward him. His kiss is harder this time, less restraint behind it. You take slow backward steps, your back meeting the porch column lightly. Your hands pull him closer, like you need him to be pressed completely against you.

The front door opens and you both freeze. Mrs. James is stood there, blinking at the two of your with surprise and then immediate understanding. 

“Oh,” Her mouth falls slack, “I was just finishing my book, I thought I saw headlights-”

You pull back, trying very hard to look like you weren’t just seconds away from devouring him right here on the front porch. 

“Hi, yeah, uh-” You say quickly, clearing your throat, “Sorry, we just-”

Rooster clears his throat, stepping back a little more composed. 

“Thank you for staying so late.” His words come out better than yours. 

Mrs. James smile knowingly. 

“Oh, it was no trouble. They’ve been asleep the whole time.” 

You smile, nodding quickly, “Good. Thank you!”

A moment passes where all three of you just stand there. Bradley steps off the porch, “I’ll walk you to your door, Mrs. James.” 

“You don’t need to do that.” She grabs her bag by the door, “I’m just right over here.” 

“I insist.” He offers his most polite smile and she finally nods. 

You trade spots with Mrs. James and watch him lead her down the sidewalk. The second you get inside you let out a big sigh. What are you doing? You run a hand through your hair, feeling how much volume you’ve gained from Bradley’s hands filtering through it. 

“Jesus-” You pace, fingers hovering over your lips. 

Seconds later the door opens again, Bradley steps back inside and locks the door. He was back in front of you in a second, your hands find him immediately like you hadn’t moved at all. 

“Hi.” You sigh. 

“Hi.” He chuckles. 

His hands slide to your waist, and then you’re kissing again. This time there is no interruption, he pulls you flush against him and you laugh softly. He swallows it, kissing you deeper and pressing you into the front door. His hands slide down from your waist over your hips to under your ass, you take the cue and wrap your legs around his waist. 

“Upstairs.” You manage, barely pulling back. 

He doesn’t argue, just adjusting his grip to take you upstairs still wrapped around him. By the time you make it to your bedroom, there was no slowing down. His fingers find the hem of your shirt, sliding under to touch bare skin. You shiver at the contact and he slides the material over your chest so he can toss it over his shoulder. 

His hands are careful as he undresses you, reaching for the button of your shorts. Your hands reach for his shirt, pushing it back off his shoulders, the tank top he had under it going next. You lay back on the bed, it feels cold on all the bare skin but it doesn’t last long until Bradley is on top of you.

He presses kisses down your chest until he settles between your legs. The kisses wrap around your inner thighs, until he finally pulls your panties off and kisses you there. You moan at the direct contact, looking down to see his eyes still on you. His tongue traces over you, you reach down to get a handful of his curls. He works until your toes are curling, chasing back up your body back to your lips. 

“So beautiful.” He grins, pressing his lips harder against yours. 

You press a hand on his shoulder, forcing the two of you two trade positions. His back presses into the mattress, you press yourself against him. You kiss down his chest, when you reach his hip you pause. 

You take him into your hand and he hisses, you lick a long strip on the underside of his length.

“Y/n,” He sighs your name, sounding like heaven, “I don’t know if I can..”

He groans softly again when you press a warm kiss to his tip. 

“Find a will.” You tease, taking him all the way back into your mouth. 

He says your name again and you look up to meet his eyes in the dim lighting. His face is flushed, sweat building on his hairline while you work harder. His jaw is tight with restraint, fighting to hold on. He reaches for you, pulling you up until you’re straddling him again. You gasp at the contact, his head bare and brushing over you. You reach down between the two of you, grabbing him so you can slowly sink down onto him. When he’s all the way in you gasp at how perfectly full you feel. It makes your arch against him, he stills underneath you. 

He’s buried deep inside and more than anything he wants to flip you over and drive into you, but you feel so good. It’s intoxicating. He feels like he could die right here like this, the happiest man. 

“Fuck,” You groan, lifting yourself to sink down even more. He reaches out a hand for your breast, pinching your nipple making you clench around him. That does it. 

He flips you onto your back, not pulling out an inch. His hips press against yours, rocking into you before setting a pace that keeps building. Your nails dig into his shoulder, clutching onto him. His lips find yours in a messy urgent kiss, openly panting. You can still taste yourself on his lips and drives you even higher. 

You wrap your legs around him even tighter, the angle shifting in a way that makes you cry out. 

“Bradley!” 

“I know.” He pants, his pace relentless, “Fuck.”

Your climax builds, finally breaking over you like a wave. You tense around him and muffle your cries into his shoulder. He follows you over the edge in the same moment, his own release shuddering through him. He buries his face in the crook of your neck, passing sweat between the two of you. 

The room was quiet after that, except for both of you fighting to catch your breaths. He slowly pulls out of you and lays on his back right next to you. 

“Miranda would kill us.” You pant.

“Mason would be proud.” He sighs, his chest still rapidly rising and falling. 

You bark out a surprised laugh, lightly hitting his chest. 

The sweat is cooling on your skin, Bradley slowly slides off the bed to the bathroom. He comes back a minute later with a warm wash cloth to clean you up. He chuckles at how sensitive you still are when you hiss at the first contact. He goes back to the bathroom after that, coming back and climbing into bed next to you. You both stare up at the ceiling, still laying there without clothes. 

The heavy breathing slowed and adrenaline faded. You shift on your side, propping your head up on your arm as you look at him. He stares at the ceiling for a couple more seconds before turning to look at you. 

“Hangman is going to be insufferable.” 

He turns, leaning forward to press a kiss to your lips. Because he can apparently. 

“He’s always insufferable.” 

You let out a quiet laugh, “Phoenix too.” 

“Yeah,” He finally laughs too, “I have a feeling she’ll be worse somehow.” 

You shake your head, a small smile still lingering. 

“We didn’t even make it two hours.”

Rooster smirks faintly, “We tried.”

You roll your eyes, “Did we?”

He simply shakes his head, leaning in for another kiss. You can feel his smile. He steals one more before you get more comfortable, adjusting your pillow and covers. He does the same and you let him pull you into his side. 

“They would’ve loved this, you know.” 

Rooster doesn’t have to ask who you mean, he nods and presses a kiss to the top of your head. 

“Yeah, they loved us fighting all the time. This would’ve made their dreams come true.” 

You snort a sudden laugh, “They would’ve been placing bets just like the rest of them.”

You guys talk a little later, voices getting softer as it gets later until finally one of you falls asleep. 

-

Mornings were never quiet in this house, but this morning started differently from any other. Warm sunlight filters in from the curtains it would seem you were too lazy to close last night.

You shift slightly, pulling the covers tighter around you. 

“It’s morning.” A young voice calls out. 

Your eyes snap open, Sawyer standing at the foot of your bed. His blanket hanging loosely in his hands and dragging on the floor, he's fully awake and fully staring at you and Bradley in bed together. You clutch your bedding to your chest like it might save you. 

“Hey, good morning, buddy!” Your voice coming out a little too bright. 

Bradley groans beside you, blinking awake much slower than you had. 

“What-” He starts to sit up slightly, “Why-oh hey little man!”

Sawyer tilts his head looking between you two. 

You scramble, “We, uh-had a sleepover.” 

Sawyer considers it for a second. 

“Mommy and Daddy used to have sleepovers too…” 

Bradley coughs loudly to the side, hiding the smile and laugh threatening to break through. You blink a few times, trying to think of anything.

“Yeah,” You sigh, “That tracks.” 

“Can I have cereal?” He asks, moving on from the subject on his own. 

Bradley was already moving, reaching for his shorts and pulling them on quickly. 

“Absolutely.” You answer immediately, “Uncle Roo will help you.”

“Let’s go, buddy.” He stands, looking around the room for his shirt. 

Sawyer walks out and Bradley is still laughing under his breath as he walks to the door. You flop back on the bed, “Don’t laugh at me.” 

“I’m not…” He was definitely laughing. 

You drag yourself out of bed when you hear Sophia starting to wake up over the monitor. You throw on a big t-shirt that covers up your shorts. 

He glances up, hearing you come down the stairs. His heart beats harder in his chest and that feels different. He just left you in bed ten minutes ago, why is he so nervous? Why is his heart racing? Sophia is on your hip, still clinging to you half asleep. You walk straight into the kitchen and ruffle Sawyer’s curls when you pass by. 

Bradley turns on the stove to start some eggs, but all he can think about is how he could get used to this. You glance over, catching the dreamy look in his eyes. 

“What?” 

He shakes his head, “Nothing.” 

The smile doesn’t leave. 

The kitchen fills with quiet noise, cereal bowls clinking and Sophia babbling away from her highchair. Sawyer goes on about dinosaurs while you move around the kitchen to make coffee. Something new is in the air in the kitchen, Bradley leans back against the counter and you can feel his eyes follow you. 

“Milk’s almost out.” He reaches past you to grab another carton from the fridge. 

“Already ahead of you.” You slide one onto the counter in front of him without looking. 

He smirks slightly, “Of course you are.” 

Your hands brush, neither of you pulling away very quickly. He moves around you to grab Sawyer’s bowl and let him down so he can play with his toys in the living room. Sophia babbles on, picking up small pieces of berries off her tray. 

“Hi.” Bradley steps closer to you now, you take a sip of coffee. 

“Hi.” You smile, you look out the window ahead of you both, “It’s a beautiful day.” 

“Yeah,” He nods, “It is.” 

“We should take them to the park.” 

You look back at him, his focus had never left you and a small smile tugs at your lips. 

“Yeah, we should.” 

The air was warm, it was the kind of Sunday that seemed to move slower than any other day. You’re grateful, you want to soak up every second. The park was only a few blocks away so you loaded up Sophia’s stroller and walked to the park. 

Sawyer ran ahead as soon as the playground was within view. You guys walk up to the edge of it, finding a bench to sit on. 

“We should probably talk about… this.” He gestures between the two of you. 

“Yeah,” you nod, “we should.” 

“I don’t want things to go back to how they were.” He admits. 

You look back at him, “I don't either.” 

He exhales softly like he had been holding it in. 

“Oh, thank god.” He runs a hand back through his hair and you laugh softly. 

“Somehow…” You say with doubt, “This works, which is insane by the way.” 

“Yeah, a little bit.” He laughs. 

“We used to drive each other crazy.”

“Still do.” 

You smirk, “Yeah, but now it’s different.” 

It was and you both knew it. He turns toward you more, “I think we’ve always worked, we just didn’t know how to not fight it.” 

You look ahead at Sawyer who is halfway up the playground, tearing off the go down the slide again. You lightly push Sophia’s stroller back and forth, she looks up at the tree branches overhead. 

“We don’t get to mess this up.” You say quietly, he follows your gaze. 

“We won’t.”

You hesitate, looking back at him eventually, “Not for us, for them. Whatever happens, they still have to come first.” 

“I know.” He agrees, “So, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying…” You chose your words carefully, “I don’t want to pretend last night didn’t happen. It meant something and it was real.” 

He nods, his grin widening with each word. 

“I also don’t want us to rush into something and screw it up.”

“Because this is a normal situation?” He raises a brow and you laugh. 

“We are far from normal. How else would you start dating someone if you weren’t already living with them and raising two kids together?”

He laughs openly at this, reaching out a hand to your face. You lean into the touch. 

“We don’t rush it, but we don’t ignore it either.” He nods, “Okay?”

“Okay.” 

He leans down to steal a quick kiss and you can’t help but smile. Sawyer waves from the top of the jungle gym, calling out to both of you. 

“Good job, buddy!” You yell back. 

“Be careful.” Bradley calls, noticing what he thinks was an attempt to go down one of the slides backwards. 

“I AM careful!” He yells back. 

Bradley turns to look at you, “He’s more like you everyday.” 

“Hey!” You nudge his shoulder, “You too.” 

“We’re gonna ruin these kids.” He shakes his head, “They’re gonna be adrenaline junkies by the time they’re ten.” 

“Well, Miranda and Mason can only be blamed.” You joke, a small smile on your face. 

“To blame for all of this.” He shakes his head, “They knew this would happen, I’m sure of it.” 

You shake your head, leaning into his side. 

“They knew better than us. Before this, I never would’ve called us.” You admit. 

“I would’ve.” He confesses, causing you to snap up and look at him. 

“Really?” 

He simply nods, “Even when you were the biggest pain in my ass.” 

He kisses the pout right off your lips, the smile he gives you is starting to feel permanent with him around. You could definitely get used to this. 

-

Two months have passed since that day in the park, and somehow it worked. Everything has shifted, you guys stopped fighting the thing between you. You guys ended up telling the squad the next day at work, there was no hiding it after leaving the Hard Deck together like that. The reactions were what you had expected. 

Hangman nearly fell out of his chair, Fanboy immediately wanted details, Coyote clapped excitedly, and Bob just smiled unsurprised. Phoenix? She just looked at the two of you. 

“Finally!” She stands suddenly, pulling you both in for a hug, “Miranda and I talked about this for years!” 

From that point on, the team stepped up even more. Phoenix made a rotating schedule where two of them would watch the kids on a weeknight to give you two a night out. Somehow, two months in they had kept it up every single Wednesday. 

One night a week. Just the two of you. 

You got ready in separate bathrooms and you would make him wait downstairs until you were ready. It was the closest you two could get to normal and him picking you up for a date. 

Today however was different. Today the whole squad would be coming over as well as friends and family of yours, Bradley, Miranda, and Mason to celebrate Sophia’s first birthday. The house was covered in streamers and balloons.

“Babe,” Bradley calls from the doorway, “it looks great.” 

“It’s crooked.” You reach up trying to straighten a banner. 

He walks over, taking the corner from you and lifting it higher. You take a few steps back and tell him when it’s good. 

“Thank you,” You press a hand to his chest and tiptoe to press a kiss to his lips, “I just want it to be right.” 

His expression softens. 

“I know, everything is perfect.” 

You had gone all out for her birthday. The entire house and backyard was decorated and ready to host everyone in her life. Games filled the backyard to entertain the kids. A cake sits on the counter with a smaller smash cake next to it. 

“They should be here.” You add quietly, he didn’t need to ask who. He steps closer, a hand settling on your back and he presses a kiss to your hairline. 

“They should be,” he agrees, “but this is exactly what they would’ve wanted.” 

You nod, swallowing down the tears. 

“I just…” You let out a breath, “I want her to feel how loved she is today.” 

Bradley smiles softly, “She will.” 

The party started shortly after that, the squad being the first to fill in. Sophia is smiling at everyone from her spot on your hip. 

Hangman looks around, “This is aggressively wholesome.” 

You point at him, “Watch it.” 

“I’m just saying!” He holds up his hands, “You two hosting a kid’s birthday party and looking like a Hallmark movie wasn’t on my bingo card.” 

Bradley shakes his head, “And yet? Here we are.” 

Fanboy smiles, “It’s kind of adorable.” 

All of them could see the way the two of you moved around each other. You checked in without words and he handed you things before you could even ask. You lean into him without thinking about it. 

“Still weird.” Hangman mutters to Phoenix as you and Bradley help her ‘open’ gifts. 

She shakes her head, “You teased them about it for how many years? Now that it’s actually happening you’re shocked.” 

You lean in to say something to Bradley, he turns and kisses you quickly before answering. It looks so natural and easy. 

“Nope.” Hangman shakes his head harder, “Still not used to that.” 

The cake was messy, but you’re sure someone got great pictures of it. You were too busy trying to commit every second to memory. Sawyer laughed so hard at his sister he nearly fell out of his chair. You try to clean her up before her messy hands can do more damage. 

Decorations still lingered as the last person left the house, balloons drifting lazily on the floor. Sophia and Sawyer were both asleep. Sophia had crashed in Bradley’s arms a few hours ago, it was clear she didn’t get an afternoon nap with the party. Sawyer took longer, claiming he wasn’t tired for a full hour before finally a yawn escaped him. 

For the first time since the day began, there was a stillness as you do the dishes. A hand settles on your back, familiar and warm. You don’t turn, but you lean into it. 

“Hey.” He whispers from behind you. 

“Hey.” 

“You don’t have to do all that tonight. I’ll do them in the morning.” He looks over your shoulder at the remaining dishes in the sink. 

“Yeah,” You reply, “I just want them done.”

You look at him over your shoulder, “Plus then maybe we can sleep in a little.” 

“I love that idea.” He grins, his hand sliding around to pull you back against him. You finish the last dish and dry your hands before turning around in his hold to face him. He was watching you with the same look he had earlier. 

“What?” You give him a tired smile. 

He shakes his head slightly, a shy smile pulling at his mouth. 

“Nothing.”

“Liar.” You don’t press more than that, just wrapping your arms around his neck. 

“Today was good.” He says softly, “You did an amazing job.” 

You nod, “I think Miranda would be proud. Although it’s a far cry from the parties we used to host.” 

He shakes his head, likely thinking of the messes you and Miranda would get into. He attended several parties at the apartment the two of you had that was way too small to host. They went down as nights not to be forgotten, and he supposes today was the same. 

“I think she would be thrilled you managed no jello shots.”

“Hey!” You smack his shoulder. 

“She would've loved it.” He gets serious again, “I think both of them are proud of us. I hope they are.” 

“Do you think they’re hanging out with your parents watching us screw up their kids?” You blurt, his chest tightens at the thought. 

“I hope so.” He laughs, “I’m sure we give them a good laugh some days.” 

Your heart hurts at the thought, but it doesn’t break you in the way that it used to. You still could feel Mason and Miranda everywhere. You could hear Mason’s serious attitude anytime Sawyer talked about trains. Sophia’s smile was looking more like Miranda’s each day. The house still felt like theirs in a comforting way.

You and Bradley still argued, getting overwhelmed at times, but it never lasted long. There were still days that everyone missed them. Every day. But they also had early mornings and messy kitchens. You and Bradley now had shared looks across the rooms, saying more than ever. You two found a rhythm no one ever expected you to find. 

Eventually, you push off the counter, “Come on.” 

He follows you upstairs without question, neither of you even pause at his door. You hadn’t in weeks, instead you moved down the hall into your shared room. He slides into bed next to you and you turn off the light after you both have settled in. 

“Sawyer seemed happy today.” You comment, neither of you is asleep yet. 

“He is happy.” Bradley looks down at you. 

“Are you happy?” You look up to meet his gaze. 

“Of course I am.” His grip tightens on you unintentionally, “Are you?” 

You nod immediately, “I just feel guilty too.” 

He reaches a hand out cup your cheek, his thumb brushes away a stray tear. 

“They would want us to be happy.” He reassures, “They would want us to fill this house with happiness and love, I think we’re doing exactly that.” 

You tilt your head up to press your lips against his, it’s a lazy and sweet kiss. You follow it up with three quick pecks, enough to make him smile. 

“I love you.” 

“I love you, too.”