If the coffee wasn’t sobering enough then that sure as hell was.
You and Bradley start walking to the diner to grab a late bite to eat, perhaps a coffee to sober up the slight buzz you had going. You looked up to the sky searching for the moon, to find only darkness and stars. You glance over at him, realizing just how tall he is. “Did you always want to be a pilot?” You ask.
“Mmyeah, I did. Ever since i was a little kid. My dad was a pilot. And there was never any other option in my mind.” You go to cross the street. Once you get to the sidewalk, he casually places himself on the outside. Walking closest to the street.
“It must feel so exhilarating.” You stretched your arms out towards the sky. “To encapsulate freedom in a moment,” you drop your arms back down to your sides.
“Richard Bach said, ‘a pilot lives in a world of perfection, or not at all.’” He paused in thought, before continuing. “You know some people are terrified by planes. You think youd ever want to learn to fly?” He asks.
“I mean… of course i would. It sounds like a dream.” You walk in silence for a few moments. Then you look up to him, eyes wide, eyebrows raised. “Will you teach me?”
Bradley laughs a wholesome laugh, “sure, I’ll teach you.”
“Here’s the best diner in town.” You say as you approach a neon open sign. Bradley opens the door for you, following you in. You grab a menu from the vacant hostess stand and walk to a corner booth, sliding into the red cushion.
“Well you sure know your way around,” Bradley mentions as he slides in across from you.
An older grey haired woman comes out of a swinging door in the back and makes eye contact with you, throwing a smile. “Is that y/n… and with a guest!?” She says shockingly as she approaches the table. “Do my eyes deceive me?”
You lift the menu to cover your face, “Susan, don’t embarrass me.” The diner, and more specifically Susan, has served you many late nights coming in to read and write in solitude.
“Hun he is way more handsome than any book ive seen you bring in here,” she says while raising her eyebrows at Bradley.
“Wow!” Bradley exclaims and pulls down your menu with a giant smile spread across his face, “this IS the best diner in town.”
“Okay okay ha ha,” you say bashfully.
“You know i cant help but tease,” Susan places a hand on your shoulder. “You kids want some coffee? We also still have apple pie left over from today.”
“Yes, and yes,” you nod your head.
Susan looks to Bradley. “What she said,” he responds, tilting his head towards you. Susan winks at Bradley and leaves.
“I am just flustered,” he leans over the table as he talks. Prompting a laugh from you. “You think she likes me?”
“I think so,” you press your lips together as you smile. “Ya know… I am just so excited to learn how to fly.” You say looking out the window. It was said a tinge jokingly, but mostly serious.
“Well I’m excited to teach you.” He responds, never taking his eyes off you.
Susan brings a couple coffees and plates of apple pie. “Holler if you kids need anything,” she says. You both thank her as she retreats back to the bar.
”Did your dad teach you?” You ask turning back to look at Bradley.
His gaze goes down to the coffee he was holding, “my dad actually died in a training exercise while in the navy, I was very young. My mom passed a few years back as well.”
If the coffee wasn’t sobering enough then that sure as hell was.
“I am… I am so sorry Bradley, I didnt meant to-” you search for words. Didn’t mean to be such a downer, rip open childhood wounds, sound like an asshole, you think to yourself.
“It’s okay,” he looks up and puts his hand across the table on your own. “You couldn’t have known. My bronco that you love so much was his.”
”That is really special,” you squeeze his hand.
“Can i confess something?” He says taking a sip of his coffee.
“Who would ever say no to that?” You say lifting an eyebrow and eating some of your warm pie.
“When I was sitting at the piano in the bar earlier tonight, I saw you out the window, coming in.” He takes a bite as well. “And,” chewing he continues, “I just thought to myself, I can’t explain it but I have to know who she is. And then I didn't even have to seek you out, Phoenix just brought you straight to me.”
“Wait, that was you playing the piano? You are so good.”
He chuckles, “My dad was pretty good at playing too.”
“Awh”, you're warmed by that sentiment. “Ya know, I don't think anyone has ever looked at me and thought to themselves, I have to know that girl. That lost, mess of a girl.”
“I want to know that girl.” His eye contact was just about to melt you down. Those brown eyes were warm enough to make a home out of. You couldn’t help but smile, it didn't matter how hard you tried not to. It was the most natural thing. Bradley reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, you insisted you pay because it was your idea. But he threw $30 onto the table and said, “you can get me a coffee tomorrow.”
“Deal,” you said happily. He wants to see me tomorrow, your heart swells at the thought. “Wait, it is tomorrow. I’ve kept you out fairly late.”
“Okay, you can get me a coffee today then.” He stands up from the booth, “in a few hours when it’s time for breakfast, and I’ll be tired and grumpy from you keeping me up all night.” He said, poking fun at you. He holds his hand out and you take it, standing to leave. You both wave to Susan on the way out, Bradley belting a loud and boisterous “Bye Susan!”
Leaving the diner to head back the direction of your apartment, there was one bar you'd walk past on the way back. As it came into view you noticed there was a group of very drunk men hanging around outside. Bradley who had originally positioned himself on the sidewalk closest to the street, gently wrapped his hands around your waist and traded places with you. Now you were on the outside closest the street, and himself on the inside of the sidewalk.
Immediately relieved that you didn’t have to be the one passing right next to the group of belligerent drunks, you now had a buffer between you and them. You also had chills at the feeling of his grasp on your waist, and missed it the second his hands slipped off. He did keep an arm around you, pulling you in close to his side. Approaching the group, you noticed a couple of them took a clear once over look at you.
You never made eye contact in a situation like this, you knew better. Bradley however, made strong eye contact. As if warding off demons could happen with a glance. And you were starting to think maybe it could. A peek at Bradleys face and you quickly realized he was someone you most certainly did not want to create an issue with. What a wide range of auras, you thought to yourself.
He gave a curt nod to the couple of men who were still looking your way as we passed by the bar scene. One of them giving a nod back. The other wasn’t so passive. “At’s quite a hunny you have on y’er arm,” he blurted out. You tensed up.
“Not that you would know,” Bradley responded but it was mostly to himself. He leaned his head down towards yours and lowly said, “pay no mind to it.” You two kept walking without missing a beat.
“Hey what did you say?” The man snapped back. You hear footsteps start up behind you and turn your head to look. Bradley stops walking and pushes the small of your back as if to say ‘keep going.’ But you only get a couple steps further than him before you turn around yourself.
“I said, not in front of the lady huh?” Bradley’s words came out stern. He was towering over the man. Broad shoulders blocking your view of most anything in front of him. The man’s buddy stepped forward placing a hand on his friends chest and saying something you couldn’t make out. They both turned and retreated into the bar. Bradley returned to you wrapping you up in his arm and started to walk with you again… this time, on the side closest to the street.
“I’ve never seen anyone so menacing in a Hawaiian shirt before,” you said amusingly as you looked up to him. He looked behind you both once more as insurance. As he turned his head forward again, he placed a kiss on top of your head along the way. “Okay maybe I take it back,” you gave a small laugh.
The walk back to your apartment felt like driving in his Bronco. Silent, comfortable, secure. You almost wanted to question what the hell was happening, but didnt want your over analytical brain to ruin whatever was happening. You approached the Bronco sitting in front of your apartment complex, both of your foot steps getting slower and slower until you reached the driver side.
“I’d invite you in but, I, I’ll have to - i mean,” you were stumbling. Over words, over emotions, over reason, over his big brown eyes.
“You mean - you’re a little more modest than that.” He smirked at you. Both of you were leaning a shoulder against the Bronco while talking to each other. “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” he says locking eyes with you.
“It’s going to be hard to sleep tonight,” you say looking down at your feet. “Dreams can keep you awake sometimes too ya know.”
“What kind of dreams do you think might keep you up tonight?” He says softly awaiting an answer. When you looked back up at him his face felt so close to yours. You could feel your cheeks getting hot. Your stomach dropping. Almost immediately forgetting what he asked.
You opened your mouth to speak but no words came out. He closed the small distance between you and your lips clashed. You reached your arms up to wrap around his neck without hesitation. His hands reuniting with a firm grip on your waist, reminding you of what you were missing just moments earlier. Pressing your body to his and savoring his soft lips dancing with yours.
He had your back pressed against the bronco in an instance. Clearly feeding into each other’s energy. Never breaking contact with you, he reaches down and hoists you up. You wrap your legs around him and he leans further into you, tasting sweet apple pie. It was as if a forest fire had been ignited. Everything around you felt like it could burn down in an instance.
A firm grasp around your thighs, you arched up pressing into his chest. His lips leaving your mouth and trailing down your jaw as you lift your head. Breathing heavily your arms go down his shoulders, his chest. Feeling every inch of muscle along the way. Kisses keep dropping down your neck. His facial hair teasing you, feeling electrifying.
You grab his jaw and bring his head back up to yours. He devours your tongue, as you line his bottom lip. You go on like this for quite a while. As if you might happily waste what little you have left of the night right here. The back and forth surely adding up in time, but to you time was nonexistent. You forgot how much fun it could be just kissing, pulling in for more but holding off on anything that might be too consequential.
The pace starts to slow, the darkness starting a subtle shift in the night sky. Still a ways from daybreak, but a progression beginning to happen. You push your body more upright, and pause. Bradleys breath still close to your face, “so… breakfast later?” He says smugly pressed in the nook of your neck.
“Mhm,” you nod your head. After your feet come back down to reality, he slides his hands up your back and down your arms. Standing straight and taking your hands.
“May I walk you to your door?” He pears down at your hands in his.
“Only because you asked so nicely,” you gave a small smile. “I’m number 10, upstairs.” He slowly starts to walk in front of you. Grasping your hand and leading you up the stairs of the apartment complex as if he's been here a hundred times before. Arriving to your door he steps to the side and turns to face you.
“I’ll get your number from pheonix, I’ll call after we get some sleep.” He said it as a statement, but that small voice of doubt in the back of your head questioned the validity of it. He leaned down and kissed your forehead.
old!Joel who regrets not getting a vasectomy before the outbreak because there’s nothing in the world he would enjoy more than pumping you full of his cum every night
old!Joel who has to remind himself, constantly, how careful he needs to be when fucking you because you’re at peak fertility, and he can’t afford to be a father at 59
old!Joel who gets teased to no end—practically begged when he’s balls deep inside you—to ‘just try it once, please, bet it’d feel so nice going inside me, daddy’
old!Joel who knows better than this, who already sees the uneasy looks whenever he walks the streets of Jackson with you and how much worse those looks are bound to get with the swell of a belly under your dress
old!Joel who grits his teeth and pants out ‘alright, fine,’ and grips your hips tighter, thinking they could stare as much as they liked—he was getting you pregnant tonight
Prologue: You moved to San Diego for a fresh start. You never imagined your best friend Natasha would end up there on deployment. When she asks you to come meet her at the bar, you weren’t expecting to meet a pilot who would make you question everything you’ve come to know about love.
(This is gonna be pretty much all fluff but who knows, things may escalate later on. I’d like for it to become a multi chapter slow burn).
Roller skating the beach was always your favorite thing to do. The side walks always so smooth. The warm salt air hugging you as you fly. You got a call from Natasha about an hour ago telling you to come meet her at a bar nearby. She just got into town on her assignment. Funny how you’d end up living in the town that she would get called to for her first real mission.
She had been your longest friend. Admittedly your only friend. Somehow managing to maintain the relationship through all the shifts and changes in life. You kept her informed of all the dreams you’d chase and hearts you’d break, and she kept you updated with profiles on all the new characters she’d meet and struggles she’d face in her endeavors. You were excited to see her.
As you rolled up to the bar you gave a good look to the bronco out front. You always had a soft spot for classic cars. Popping off your skates out front and slipping on some flops, you headed in. Music playing, people cheering, drunks falling. Maybe you got here a little late, you feel anxious. Dealing with intoxicated people was always easier if you started at the same time as them.
“Y/n!!” You hear a familiar voice and immediately start scanning to your left. “Hey!” Nat emerges, pushing her way pash a group of guys singing. The piano is roaring, someone really knows how to play.
“Oh my gosh I’ve missed you!” You squeeze her tight. “Wow captain, check out that sexy uniform.” You wink and salute her. Nat pushes you playfully.
“Let’s get you a drink, then I’ll introduce you to the crew I’ll be dealing with for the foreseeable future.” She nods to the bar as she speaks.
You follow Nat, noticing the music die down and the jukebox turn back on. You turn to her, “You know I get anxious meeting new people, maybe I’ll just hang out at the bar for a little.”
“Oh no, you’ll fit in just fine with this group. As if the y/n I’ve known has ever been short on personality.” Nat grabs her drink, and your elbow, and starts dragging you off the barstool. Approaching a group of naval uniforms and one... Hawaiian shirt?
Introductions were made, you taking mental note of one Bradley Bradshaw. You were terrible with names, but somehow this one you doubt you’ll forget, it rolled off the tongue quite nicely. After shaking hands and giving head nods, a tall blonde walks up behind Bradley. An introduction coming your way that Nat didn't get around to, or maybe didn't care about.
“I believe you saved the best for last Pheonix,” he pushes pash Nat with a strong arm outreached your direction. Which you take to shake, and he pulls into kiss. “Names Jake Seresin, call name Hangman.”
”Thaaaaaaats a bit more than I needed for a friendly introduction,” you say as you pull back your hand smugly. Nat chuckles in your direction. “I haven't played pool in a while,” you say raising an eyebrow at Nat.
“Girls vs… boy?” Nat says as she looks around, but hangman seems to be the only one interested in actually playing a game. Rooster back at the bar, and everyone else scattered in conversation. So you agreed to a little cutthroat.
“This ought to be good, hangman, think you can take on both the ladies at once?” Rooster crows as he walks back our direction, handing you a drink, he must have noticed you finished your first one. You felt a little flustered as you took it from his hand. He didn't ask if you wanted another one, nor told you he was getting you anything.
Hangman smirks, “ive always been a ladykiller Roos,” he turns to you, “and, ladies first.”
A scoff comes from Rooster as he goes to drink his beer. Immediately you show competence by breaking with some good force. Pool balls bouncing off every end of the table. You find yourself immediately looking at Bradley, whose one eyebrow you see raise from behind those aviators. Handing the stick to Nat and waiting your turn, you take the seat next to Bradley.
“Do all pilots wear those sunglasses?” You ask.
“They make us faster,” he answers in a playful mannor, “You grew up here?” He asks.
You give a little insight into your life and how you ended up in San Diego as well as get a little intel on the handsome pilot before returning to your game. You immediately start putting pressure on hangman, who guaranteed he’d win.
“So you wont mind agreeing to buy the entire bar a round of drinks if you lose? Since youre so sure youre going to win anyways,” You ask Hangman.
He looks around to the increasingly crowded bar, “Okay. But when you lose, I get a date.” He smiles and leans over the table, handing you back the pool stick.
“HA,” Nat laughs, “She’ll win out of sheer willpower now hangman.”
“Deal,” You agree with a smile. And in no time, you win.
Rooster yells to penny who rings the bell and announces the good news. Everyone cheers. The boys immediately start poking fun at hangman. You laugh and take back your seat next to Bradley. “Good job kid.” He gives you a wink, glasses low on his nose. Butterflies in your tummy? It’s been a while since youve had that feeling. You heard a little bit about him from Nat. All good things, he was a gentleman. She would never consider mixing romance into her work, her and Rooster become good friends over school.
You would be lying if you said you weren’t infatuated. It’s been a long time since you've been interested in anyone. You had to question if it was so smart to crush on someone who not only worked with your best friend, but was in a work field that was so demanding. You never were the type to play into a fling. You were a hopeless romantic, dreams always bigger than reality. You’ve come to know that a heart is a heavy burden.
“I’m heading home, you need a ride?” Nat says.
“No thats okay, you go. I’ll finish my drink then skate home.” You smile back at her reassuringly.
“Really, it’s getting dark. Are you sure?” Nat seems slightly concerned but also she glances over to Rooster who, gives a half smile her way. As if to reassure her that she’s leaving you in good hands.
“I know these roads better than you do and I live close by anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow. Beach day before you start your work week?” You insist.
“That doesn't sound like a bad plan, I’ll call you in the morning.” She smiles and heads out.
“From what I hear, you've got a big week ahead,” you say turning to Bradley. You notice him take off his sunglasses and scoot his chair in closer to you than before. Your heart skips a beat. “Uhm, so are you ready?” You ask.
“I’ve been ready for this. I’ve waited a lot longer than you’d think for an opportunity to prove myself,” his response is filled with confidence.
“Well it sounds like you‘re prepared. Sometimes the best opportunities take the longest to arrive.” You finish your beer, feeling a liiittttlllee tipsy. Thinking about your skates outside on the deck.
“Well isn’t that the truth,” he replies gleaming down at you. “So,” he clears his throat, “I simply can’t let you go home alone in the dark.”
“Oh? Who exactly is ‘letting’ you control anything about my nights narrative?”
“Y/n… may I please drive you home?” He asks sincerely.
“Well, i guess because you asked so nicely…” you smile. Noticing your arms touching together. He smells so good. Are you buzzing from the alcohol or from just simply sitting next to him. “Take me home, flyboy.”
A smile spreads across his face, “I already closed the tab.” Bradley gets up first and slides your chair out for you as you stand. Leading the way through the crowded bar to the door. He waves to Penny, and possibly threw a smirk to hangman who noticed you leaving with him. Opening the door for you, then picking up your skates, he walks towards the bronco.
“This is your bronco!?” You exclaimed as he opens the passenger door. Putting your skates inside on the floor. And then holding out a hand to help you into the truck.
“You excited about that lil lady?” He smiles big.
”Ive always loved Broncos, my dad was always fixing up classic cars when i was a little girl. I was admiring it on my way in!” You grab the handle and jump in eagerly, ignoring his hand out for you. He chuckles and closes the door. You give him directions to your place.
Hand out the window making waves in the air. There’s hardly any conversation on the way. It was a quick drive, but the silence was comforting. Smug. It was one of the oddest things you've ever felt. Filled with the security that only an old friend could offer, but brimmed with the excitement of connecting with a complete stranger. As you pull into the parking lot of your apartment you look at the time on the dashboard. Almost midnight.
You look over at Bradley as he shifts into park. He looks back at you. “Are you hungry?” You ask.
“Actually, I am. What’ve you got in mind?”
“Well, theres a great little 24hr diner about three blocks from here. I think it’d fit the occasion perfectly.”
“Alright,” he grins, taking the keys out of the ignition. “Show me the way.”
This is the start of a slow burn story between our favorite mandalorian and a girl who crosses his path when they both show up looking for the same bounty. We’ll slowly learn about the girls background as the story unfolds. It’s written alongside the series and will eventually become your favorite sexually frustrating fic. But first, we build the story:
kianamaiart
prguitarman
romaincrisis
baratheonpilled
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
yousharknotpass
