#rooster tgm

[fangirling-tussisque-noncaelatur]

[iceman-kazansky]

Did You Even Care?

˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙

Requested by: none

Pairings: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x f!Reader

Warnings: Angst to fluff, explicit language (swearing), arguing, graphic kissing, reader is a naval aviator, my writing lmao

A/n: Wrote this on a kinda-whim. Also, first publicly published Rooster fic on Tumblr? what? No wayyyy. This is a product of my recent Rooster/Top Gun obsession as of late btw.

Taglist: @footprintsinthesxnd @inglourious-imagines

ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ || ᴛᴀɢʟɪꜱᴛ || ɴᴀᴠɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ

˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥

Your footsteps echoed down the hall as you walked alone, lost in your own thoughts. Further down the hallway, behind an almost closed door, you could hear muffled voices as you passed. Voices that raised into yelling. Unable to resume your own thinking, consumed by the argument that is rapidly escalating, you stop.

Truthfully, you hadn't planned on eavesdropping– but it just kind of happened.

Standing just out of sight, hidden behind the door frame, you listened to the two men arguing.

“Why did you stand in my way?” The one yells, and instantly you recognize the voice to be Bradley Bradshaw’s.

You listen intently as Bradley throws countless insults at the other person you've identified as Maverick, and with each one you think of how cruel and unfair Bradley is being.

The argument seems to be ending, but Bradleys quiet voice reminds you it's not yet over, “If you care about me then make it up to me by not choosing y/n for the mission. Choose me instead.”

Your eyebrows furrowed in anger and hurt at his sudden words. Confusion rapidly overwhelms you. What did you have to do with this? And what business did Bradley have removing you from the chance of being picked as a possible pilot?

The small thought occurred to you that maybe he'd wanted the position himself. And you threatened that. How, you weren't certain, but it was enough for him to try persuading the team's Captain.

Not needing to hear any more and sensing the argument was soon to be finished, you turned on your heel quickly and marched down the hallway in a pained rage.

Who did he think he was, getting you removed from the mission? You'd trained just as hard as everyone else so why did he go out of his way to guarantee you not getting picked as a pilot on the mission?

Hot tears sprung to your eyes as you borderline ran down the hall to escape Rooster and Maverick. You had truly thought Bradley cared about you. Had foolishly wondered if he'd ever give you the time and day and see you as more than a friend. But now, the looks that he'd sent your way, the tender softness and care he'd displayed seemed nothing more than a masquerade. Whatever his reasoning, you didn't care to hear.

You heard Bradley's unmistakable voice call your name, and next the quick tapping of his shoes as he ran down the hall to catch up with you.

He called your name again, a lot closer, but when once again you didn't answer, he grabbed your arm and turned you around to face him.

“Y/n–” He began, but you quickly cut him off.

“No, Bradshaw. I don't want to hear it!”

“Just listen– please! I can explain” He pleads.

You can feel your anger building inside of you, “explain what?” You shriek, not caring if anyone hears you, “How dare you! I've worked just as hard if not harder than most to get to where I am, to be called back for a mission, and you've selfishly gone and ruined it for me!”

He sighs in frustration, his voice also raising to meet yours, “Would you please just listen!?”

You don't follow his words, instead pressing further, “What reason could you possibly even have to fucking stop me from going? Because the way I see fit, you're nothing but a selfish asshole who wants to secure the position for yourself! Are you insecure I'm going to beat you to it and it'll be on my record, not yours? Then fine, Bradshaw, have it. I don’t fucking care!”

Bradley is fuming, his skin hot in anger, he was already fired up from his argument with Maverick and this was only fueling his rage. Why won't you listen? “I did it for you!” He all but yells at you, his voice loud in the empty hall, making you shrink away a little in shock, “Why don't you fucking understand that?”

Stunned, but not missing a beat, you reply sarcastically, “I'm sure removing me from the mission in order to get yourself the position is totally ‘for me,” your words are sharp like barbed wire with an unseen rage that simmers beneath your skin, pumping through your veins.

“I did it to protect you, goddamnit!” He bellows suddenly, catching you off guard.

For a long minute, there's nothing but silence, Bradley's angry face dark and dangerously close to yours, his hot breath fanning your face as he puffs loudly in anger. To protect me? You think, why? You don't say anything, instead staring at him with shock. His deep brown eyes ignited with flames of fury as they stared into yours, and you can physically and emotionally feel the anger ebbing away and confusion settling in to take its place.

“Why?” You croak quietly, breaking the silence.

“Because I love you,” he whispers back hesitantly, his hardened face softening.

“I don't need your protecting, Brad,” you say calmly, your voice hushed.

Perhaps it's the gentle, calming softness of your voice, or the heat from the previous confession and emotions left to linger, or maybe even the use of the short nickname from you, but whatever it is has him leaning forwards slightly to place his lips gently on yours in a passionate kiss.

You don't reciprocate immediately, instead pausing in a stupefied state and paralyzed with shock. However, the feeling quickly passes, and your body is overcome with a hunger– a desire– making you melt into him and supply as much passion as he does.

Together, your lips pressing together like two lost souls who've finally found their way back to each other in the most ardent way, you let the strong sense of love you'd held out. Through the years you'd known Bradley, you'd kept your feelings at bay, pushing them down with acceptance that he'd never see you like that, but now– with his admission of love, you'd been handed a key to unlock those pent up emotions in one passionate kiss.

You knew you were standing in the hall and any unsuspecting personnel could walk up at any moment, but you didn't care. The whole world pauses around you and the only thing you focus on is the solstice you find in each other.

Leaning away from Bradley, you breathe a sigh of happiness, “I love you.”

His brown eyes are filled with admiration and awe when he repeats, “I love you more.”

[call-sign-shark]

✨ Might As Well Face It ✨

Summary: It started with sex, and it ended up with Pete Maverick Mitchell addicted to your love.

Words: 1.5k Tags:  masturbation, big smut allusions, love confession, age gap, student/teacher relationship, Pete is fucking addicted to you <3

notes: Here is my contribution to @roosterforme 's playlist challenge Love is in the Air TGM. My song was Robert Palmer's Addicted to Love! Here, treat yourself with a video of Tom Cruise singing that song! This is also self-indulgent because I used my own call sign, Shark, for this xReader one shot. Enjoy! 💚

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He had kissed her.

No, worst than that. He had fucked her. 

His student. 

His twenty-five-years-younger-than-him student.

It all started two months ago when he decided to have a drink at the Hard Deck to relieve the stress of the day. Coyote almost crashed his plane for he had fainted during a maneuver. Fortunately enough, he managed to wake up before it was too late. Following this anxious event, all Pete wanted was a few beers, a hot shower, and a good night of sleep. When he sat at the bar counter, his eyes fell on you - you were dancing and singing to the rhythm of Addicted to Love’s electric guitars. You, the student who had driven him crazy since day one. 

He had sipped on his beer, his eyes burning with desire as he enjoyed the sight of your attractive body swinging. His focus shifted from your bratty face to your curves: first, he watched your breasts bouncing at each movement and could not help imagining how good it would feel to lay kisses on them. Then, he looked at your hips he could easily imagine grabbing while fucking you. Finally, he had bitten his lips when looking at your butt - Gosh, the only thing he wanted was spanking it to punish you for arousing him like that. He might have drunk a bit too much or maybe was it his young self breaking free, he could not tell.  Still, he had waited until you decided to leave and offered to bring you home with his motorcycle. The last thing he remembered was you, pinned against the wall of your bedroom, as he filled you with his cum.

Hot water was raining down on Pete Mitchell, who had buried his face in his forearm that was resting against the wet tiles of the shower walls. His heart sweated.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” 

He asked himself out loud, his breath shaky. He growled with pleasure. His free hand was holding his cock firmly, moving up and down along his length. Fuck - he had never been so hard in his entire life. The slow and languid strokes he had started with quickly turned into frenzied movements. Each time Pete closed his eyes, his mind was assaulted with the memories of your heated encounter. He could still hear your voice chanting, calling him “Sir” as he pounded you with his hips crashing against yours at each thrust.  His body shook.

After that first fuck, he had told her it was a mistake and that they should not do it again…Only to pound her harder two days later, right in the hangar in which he reached his lessons to the squad.  Another kiss was what it took.

“Fucking brat…” 

He swore, hating you for making him feel that way. 

“She could be your fucking daughter, you dumbass.” 

He swore again, hating himself for wanting you so bad. All his muscles tightened for the fire burning in his abdomen became far too much to handle. Pete threw his head back and let out a long, masculine, and final moan. His cock throbbed while releasing his seed. 

He remained there, motionless and panting, stars dancing in front of him. 

Damn, something was definitely wrong with him. 

That was why, two weeks ago, he left you in the morning. On your nightstand, there was a little paper plane with a note written on it.

He tried. He really tried to resist - He even did his best to avoid you. But those last two weeks without you had been the worst of his life. And here he was, jerking off constantly, thinking about you, and suffering from both physical and mental withdrawal symptoms.

After a while, Pete got out of the shower and grabbed a towel he wrapped around his sharp hips. He ran one of his hands through his wet hair to slick them back and looked at his own reflection in the mirror. Despite masturbating in the shower two times in a row, the Captain’s throat was still tight and he could barely breathe.  It has been only two weeks but his body wanted more of you. His soul wanted more of yours.

He could never get enough of you.

His brows furrowed at the piercing green eyes that were looking back at him, afraid of the feelings blazing in his heart. He could not believe it. Pete Mitchell used to think he was immune to the stuff - and by stuff, he meant love stuff. He was the one who broke hearts. He was the one making girls go crazy - at least when he was younger. 

What was he supposed to do? The wiser thing was to eat something and go to sleep, but he could barely do that since your last encounter for his mind was clouded by all the thoughts he had about his hot student and her sweet liquor lips he craved so much it hurt. Maverick, the man and legend, might as well face it: he was addicted to love. Torn between his reasonable self and his feelings, Pete’s mind was tormented.

Should he stick to the good decision of not flirting with his student? Or should he risk losing everything to be by her side?  The man shook his head and grabbed his clothes to put them back on. He had made his decision - another kiss is what he needed. 

The entrance’s door slammed behind him, for he almost run to his motorcycle. Riding it, he took a quick look at his watch to check the time. It was 9 pm but he could not care less: he needed to talk to you. He needed to see you, to kiss your lips, to touch your body, and to sink in your arms, apologizing for the stupid decision he took when he left you all alone in that motel room. 

Pete drove to your house, enforcing the speed limits Maverick style. When he arrived in front of your home, he got up from his bike and knocked at the door. His heart beat in double-time as he waited for you to answer. One, two, three minutes passed but no one came to the door. Pete’s seductive smile faded from his good-looking face. Maybe you were not home?

He took a few steps back, his emerald eyes watching through the living room’s windows. His brows furrowed when he noticed that the lights were on inside your house. After another few minutes, Pete lowered his head, disappointment on his face. Why would you talk to him after he dumped you with a paper note and avoided you for two full weeks? A long sigh escaped from his lips before he pinched the bridge of his nose as if he could feel a headache coming.

“I’m a fucking idiot…”  He said to himself, out loud. Goose was probably facepalming himself up in Heavens, for he had never stopped being the same loser with girls he was when he was young.

“Yes, you’re a fucking idiot Pete Mitchell.” 

Pete jumped at the sudden feminine voice he heard right behind him. He turned around and was welcomed by the blessed sight of your beautiful silhouette. He opened his mouth to say something but no sound came out. Your beautiful eyes unsettled him.

Your instructor wet his lips with the tip of his tongue, realizing that he can’t be saved anymore. The mere fact of facing you again had him damned for eternity

“Cat got your tongue, Sir?” You asked, tilting your head to the side. Your mischievous eyes stared at him.

“I’m sorry Shark.” He finally managed to utter. 

“I know, that’s what you wrote on your stupid little paper plane.” 

“No, you don’t understand. I am really sorry.” 

Pete walked towards you. He was close, so close that your chest was almost pressed against his. You raised your head towards him to keep looking dagger at his green eyes.

“I was terrified. Terrified because I realized can’t live without you. I can’t and I don’t want to. I’ve felt more alive the past two months than I did in my entire life. But the truth is I am twenty-five years older than you, on top of being your teacher."

"That's why you fucked your student daily for two months and dumped her."

"I was afraid of getting fired but I don’t care anymore. All I want is to be with you and never leave.” 

"Seriously Pete. As if this Valentine's Day was not shitty enough... "

"I'm serious Shark. I don't want to leave anymore."

His eyes glimmered as he talked to you. He was struggling to hold back his tears.

A small twinge of pain pinched your heart at the sight of the legendary Maverick struggling to express the feeling he had for you. One look at his emerald eyes and all the grudge you hold against him disappeared.  What kind of superpowers he had, you thought.

“Pete.” You gently pressed the palm of your hand against his sharp jaw.

“I’m so sorry, I swear I am,” His gaze dived into yours. 

A smirk stretched the corner of your lips. Somehow, that apology was all you needed. Your fingers brushed his warm skin and traced the crow’s feet at the outer corner of one of his eyes. It was true, he was old enough to be your dad. And you could both get in trouble for your relationship... But you fell for Captain Mitchell.

And he fell. Harder.

“Might as well face it, Mitchell. You’re addicted to love.” 

“No,” he retorted, “I’m addicted to your love, Dear.” 

“Fucking idiot” You could not help but chuckle. The kind of bratty chuckle that sent Maverick to Heavens just by listening to it.

“Your idiot.” He whispered, his face coming closer to kiss you. Yet, you stopped him by pressing your index fingers on his lips. Surprised, Pete looked at you, perplexed.

"Another kiss, and you'll be mine." Your voice sang, quietly, words candy-coated with malice.

Pete snorted, amused. The way his eyes squinted when he smiled was irresistible. He chased away your finger with a head movement, only to capture your lips with his.

He was ready to risk it.

What did he have to lose? After all, he was already yours.

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credits:

Gif by @pohjanneito Mav's handwritting font by @k9effect

[staplegrapes]

Right Place, Right Time (Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw x Reader)

Description: Rooster stood in front of your house at 5 AM. You had said you wanted to make the most of the time he had off this week. Rooster, being Rooster, decided to play into this a bit too literally. Yet, his plans change in an instant when he can see you through the front window restlessly pacing throughout your house. (No use of y/n).

Word Count: 2.0K

TW: None really, dealing with stress-induced insomnia in the most fluffy way possible

✨Gender Neutral Reader✨

GIF is not mine, credit to the shown acct.

This was gonna be so good. Rooster was always up for a good joke. Something his mom said he got from his dad. He full well knew that him showing up at your door before dawn ready to go on a sunrise run was not what you had meant when you said, “you wanted to spend the whole weekend with him.” But, it was just a perfect opportunity for Mr. Bradshaw to get a rise out of you. He also quite enjoyed poking fun at your night-owlish tendencies. So, clad in a muscle tee, a pair of Navy shorts and his sneakers, he walked up to your house after parking down the street a ways to add to the secrecy of his arrival.

Sure, he knows you won’t bite at the offer. Depending on your reaction he plans to either go on the run himself and then make you breakfast or convince you to let him cuddle you as you slept. The joke was good, but he has good intentions behind it. He can’t help but take your request a bit too literally, it’s all he wanted. After weeks of training and missions, he just wanted to be with you.

Rooster stops in his tracks seeing your living room light was on. Weird. You didn’t work on the weekends, and you definitely were not up in the mornings voluntarily. Maybe you forgot the light last night? Just as he’s settled with that conclusion, he notices a shadow lurking past the wall behind the living room lamp.

Someone breaking in? That was literally his only conclusion. Then he recognized the shadowy figure to possess a very familiar stature, your stature. Just for a moment, he stood there and watched as your shadow got closer to the light, passed the light, turned and then passed the light again. Sleepwalking? If any of the neighbors were going to work right now, they definitely thought Bradley was a stalker, the way he was just standing in your driveway staring in your window. But you didn’t notice.

Does he knock? Would that startle you and wake you up? That whole never wake a sleepwalker is a myth, right? Eh, might as well be safe and just use the spare key. He walks up to your front porch eyeing the flower box in front of the window. Reaching his hand in the front, he feels the key pressed between the wooden flower box and the dirt. Brushing it off he unlocks your door. Slowly and silently, he slips inside the house. Your creaky door (which he has been meaning to fix) does not make it easy for a silent entrance. It seems that he can only inch the door centimeter by centimeter to let it close. When it finally does he notices the sound of your footsteps getting closer from down the hall.

He's never interacted with a sleepwalker before, he has no idea what to do. When you round the corner with your eyes glued to the floor you seemed peaceful. What was not so peaceful is the moment your head snapped up towards him and you screamed. Somehow, Bradley had fully convinced himself you were sleepwalking, expecting to gently coax you back to bed. So, when you scream, he does too.

Legitimately frightened, you stumble back with a hand on your chest. It doesn’t take more than a second to realize it’s Bradley, but your heart is still racing.

“WOAH WOAH WOAH, BABE IT’S JUST ME!” He whisper-yells, holding up his hands in defense, remembering just how close your neighbors were.

“WHY ARE YOU HERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT?” You whisper-yell back at him.

“MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT? IT’S 5AM.” He retorts. You twist your head in the direction of the living room clock and see he was indeed correct.

“It’s 5? Already?”

Now Rooster is doing that concerned mom thing with his hands on his hips eyeing you up and down.

“Wait why are you here at 5AM?” You continue. He leans back, rubbing the back of his head.

“It was, well I was, never mind that, what do you mean already?” He starts to notice your sunken look.

Unsatisfied that you didn’t get an answer, you can’t deny your side of this is probably more concerning. But you didn’t feel like hashing that whole situation out right now. Just then it occurs to you this is the first time you’ve seen Bradley in weeks, you should be hugging him, not yelling at him.

“Well, either way, I’m glad you’re back safe.” You mumble walking up to him and burying your head in his chest. He instinctively wraps his arms around you. You feel one of his hands gently rub up and down your back. Being this close to him is just so, relaxing, but not enough. Soon, he pulls you back a bit.

“Honey, have you slept at all?” he whispers.

You can’t lie, not to Bradley.

“No, but it’s really not…” he pulls you back further, a bit more harshly, but you know it's out of concern.

“No? Like nothing at all since yesterday?” He's starting to get louder.

You shake your head.

“Roos, it’s alri…”

He cups your face with his hands, “Honey, that’s not alright. You need sleep. What’s going on?”

You shrug, pulling away.

“I’ve literally tried everything, warm shower, relaxing music, melatonin, meditation podcasts and even breathing exercises.” You throw your hands up in frustration, he is quick to grab your hands and gently place them back at your sides. You notice he's quiet for a moment, he's keeping eye contact with you while taking deep breaths, likely trying to encourage you to do the same. You start to take longer breaths and you see a small smile on his face. "There you go." He encourages, rubbing your arm gently.

“Well, that didn’t answer my question. What’s going on that’s keeping you up?”

“What isn’t keeping me up?” you shake your head. He tilts his in confusion. You continue your explanation.

“Work is constantly chaotic, my boss has alluded to promoting some people and it’s turned my coworkers into Hunger Games Tributes, all day long it’s just everyone throwing everyone else under the bus. I’m trying to file taxes and keep scaring myself that I’m gonna mess them up and wind up in jail. Apparently, my grandmother’s laptop has been hacked and I spent all of today with her on the phone trying to convince her to talk to the Geek Squad at Best Buy. The Home Owners Association just announced this week that they require the grass cut diagonally, and each violation will be a $50 fine each week starting this Monday.” Rooster goes to say something but you cut him off. “Oh, and yes, of course, my lawnmower is broken.”

He decides to hold his tongue, not that he was going to say anything vile, just it didn’t seem like his words were needed right now. He lifts your head with the side of his hand to meet your eyes, just to see the tears welling up in them.

“I-I just wanted a bit of time to myself after this day, but my brain isn’t letting me do that, not even to sleep. I laid down at 11 gave up around 3:30.”

He pulls you back into another hug, this one is much longer. You can tell he is intentionally breathing deep to relax you a bit, encouraging you to do the same. He accompanies this with leading you in a subtle sway.

“That’s a lot to handle.” He whispers as he kisses the side of your temple. You nod into his chest. He brings a hand up to the side of your face again and guides you to meet his eyes, but he doesn’t lean back at all, keeping you securely in his embrace.

“Luckily, I can help with almost all of those problems. Maybe not the Hunger Games situation though.”

You laugh, which causes some pent-up tears to roll down your cheeks.

“You can?”

“Mhm.” He wipes away your tears with his thumbs before pressing your head back to his chest and starts to sway a bit more, effectively rocking you side to side, just as if you were dancing.

“We can deal with most of them later, but for now, we’ll focus on the one at hand.”

“Which one is that?” You ask, putting your chin on his chest to look up at him.

“Getting you some sleep.”

“Bradley, I’ve tri…”

“Well you got me now. If you’ll have me.”

Truthfully, you and Bradley hadn’t done… much together. You actually had never slept in the same bed, inciting Rooster’s apprehension when suggesting this. You didn't mind though. This was just Bradley trying to help you. Frankly, you'd love to cuddle with him, but there again, you didn't want to bother him.

“But it’s like the morning, you look like you wanted to go on a run or something.” you reason. He shakes his head softly.

“It's 5 AM. No one should be up right now. I was actually hoping you'd let me sleep in with you. There's no place I rather be. You're going to be sleeping in no time." Now it's your turn to shake your head.

“It might take me forever to fall asleep, don't feel bad if you fall asleep first.”

"I'm not sleeping till you're out, however long it takes." He says as kisses the side of your head. Yet, from the look of your evident exhaustion, Bradley could tell it wouldn't take too long. He pulls you back a bit. to look at you. “We got all weekend. What do you say, will you give me a shot?”

You nod and he smiles, placing a sweet kiss on your lips. Without any warning, he reaches behind your legs, lifting up into his arms to where you could wrap your arms and legs around him. Already you feel a bit more relaxed, you tuck your head into the crook of his shoulder as he walks up the stairs to your bedroom. Something about just being in his arms was intoxicating. You could feel his steady breaths, his heartbeat and he smelled amazing. And something about how gentle he was being and that he here to take care of you, it might just be enough to lull you to sleep.

He sets you back down on the side of your unmade bed. He takes your legs and tucks them beneath the covers. As you adjust, he makes quick work of straightening up the comforter back squarely on your bed. Toeing off his shoes and socks, he stops for a second looking at you questioningly.

"Is it alright if I?" He tugs at the hem of his shirt. You nod smiling, trying to hide the blush rising to your face. In one quick motion his shirt is on the floor as he slides into the bed next to you.

You've cuddled before, but never in bed, or with Bradley shirtless (not that, that was a problem). It's almost as Bradley sensed your nerves. He slides closer to you, taking his arm and snaking it behind your shoulders. With that same hand, he guides your head to the side of his neck as he slowly lowers you both down to lie down in the bed. Turning into him, you wrap your upper arm around his torso as you cuddle closer. This feels amazing. It is like when he was carrying you moments ago, but even better. The warmth radiating from him amplifies his relaxing gestures.

"Comfy?" He mumbles looking down to you to which you hum happily in response. He smiles, kissing the side of your head once more.

It took some time, but after thirty minutes of sweet kisses, soft compliments, playing with your hair and having you snugly tucked into his side, Bradley noticed your breathing began to even out. The stress that had once been straining your features has evaporated from your sleeping face. Mission Accomplished. While his day was looking like it was going to be full of errands later, he didn’t mind, as long as you slept through the whole thing.

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A/N: Hi! Thanks for reading! This is my first TGM fic! I have a few Rooster fics in the works, but this one had a lot less editing for me to complete so hence I could post it sooner. I should have at least one more out sometime this weekend, so keep an eye out for that if you're interested. Thanks again for reading. :)

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[purplevortexx]

act two, scene one: break a leg

Exit, Pursued By A Rooster - Masterlist

summary: after your revelation, things start to come to a head with you and Lila, and you find comfort from an unlikely source.

warnings: swearing, yelling, reader feeling like she’s going completely insane, stalking(?)

words: 2.7k

a/n: it’s FINALLY here, welcome to act 2! It’s been a real tough one to get out but I’ve done it and we’re back on track.

A special big thanks to @call-sign-jinx for helping me get out of my EPBAR rut!! 🫶

You’re so blinded by pure anger, you stay up all night trying to piece together everything Lila has been doing to you. Every time you decipher another of the things she’s been doing to you, the same question comes floating back into your head - why? You still can’t work out what her endgame is here, how does Lila see this ending. You mull over the question in your head all night, brain ticking as you silently feel yourself becoming more irate the more you think of the whole situation.

Unfortunately, you can’t seem to shut your brain off and calm down enough to sleep so you plan your confrontation. You know she’s usually around the Hard Deck when you arrive for work so you plan to challenge Lila about everything that’s been going on as soon as you get there.

⇰

When you enter the Hard Deck before your shift the next day, it just so happens that the first person you see is the devil herself. You storm into the bar, beelining straight for Lila, ready to give her a piece of your mind.

Fortunately for Lila, Penny cuts you off mid-stride. “Oh Y/N, you’re here, great!” She greets you as you walk in the door. “I need to meet with some suppliers in like an hour. Could you just show Lila the ropes, maybe train her up a little?” You gaze snaps from the smug looking brunette to her godmother as you try to process her words.

“I’m sorry, what?” You question.

“Lila’s starting work here today.” Penny clarifies, looking between her goddaughter and you. If she notices the look of pure horror pass over your face, she doesn’t say anything but she does raise her eyebrows when you come out with a sharp “Why?” In response.

“Well she needed the money and we could do with another set of hands around here right?” No, you think, we’re doing just fine ourselves. But you nod despite yourself and give Penny a tight smile.

“Look Y/N you’re the best worker I’ve got, please can you just help her get the hang of things?”

It’s a good job you really like Penny “Sure, I’ll train her,” you say, smile dropping as you turn to Lila. Penny leaves, muttering something about playing nice as she departs.

When Penny is out of sight, you snap your gaze to Lila, looking her straight in the eyes with a cold stare. “I don’t know exactly what the fuck it is you’re trying to do but you need to back off.” You tell her and your tormentor has the nerve to just smile.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Your blood boils at the faux innocent reply that spills from her lips. Her face pulls into a smirk as she moves into the back room to grab some more peanuts. You grab her wrist harshly to stop her movements.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. The keys last night, messing with my time off, my fucking tyres!” You list off, growing angrier by the second.

Lila wrenches her arm from your grasp and instead of being defensive and arguing back like you’d expected she just smiles wider and says two words to you. “Prove it.”

You splutter, taken aback by her words. Staring each other out, you go to launch into the evidence of all the trouble she’s been causing you but stop before any words come out if your mouth. Lila smirks in triumph as you realise that there is no proof. , There is no way to prove that she’s done anything to you at all. You nearly groan in exasperation as you wonder how in the hell she’s managed to cause you this much anxiety without leaving so much as a crumb of anything that could be linked back to her.

“Now we’ve got that cleared up,” Lila says, rubbing the wrist you’d grabbed. “If you could show me how to do my job, that’d be great.” She turns, going to grab the peanuts but stops. “Oh and Y/N, you’d better train me well. I’m pretty sure Penny wouldn’t want her ‘best worker’ messing up,” she lets out a malicious chuckle before adding “… again,” and flouncing off, cackling like the wicked witch of the west.

The hours of training Lila before opening were a real test of your willpower. You lost count of the amount of times snide comments had come out of her mouth, it’s a miracle you didn’t slap that smug look straight off her face. Though ironically, and rather irritatingly she wasn’t a bad worker, or at least she wasn’t when you were alone.

When patrons start entering the bar somehow she completely forgets the entirety of the training you’ve given her. It would frustrate you anyway but knowing what you do, it just makes you absolutely livid.

In the space of about 3 hours, Lila manages to break at least 7 glasses, mess up multiple orders, all the while driving you up the fucking wall. You may hate her but you’ve got to admit this girl is insanely good at multitasking. You’ve never been run this ragged on a shift before. Penny was supposed to be on tonight to help you out but she’d texted earlier on to say she was stuck with the suppliers so it’s just you and the she-devil.

When the amount of customers coming in slows slightly, you take the opportunity to go on your break. You pour yourself a lemonade and make your way into the back to sit down. As you shift your weight from your legs you sigh in content, feeling the aches in your feet start to become more prominent now you’re resting. You roll your ankles from side to side to release some of the tension, wincing as you hear them crack.

Not even one sip into your lemonade, you hear a call of your name coming from the bar. Making your way out of the back room, you notice Lila who has somehow managed to open the dishwasher where the dirty glasses are being washed and now there’s water all over the bar floor.

As you approach you notice Lila has feebly started trying to mop up the water. “Jesus Lila, are you incapable of keeping the bar standing for five minutes on your own?” She turns at the sound of your voice which makes her fling the mop around, it’s wet head making a loud ‘smack’ as it makes contact with your cheek.

You stand there for a good few seconds, before wrenching the mop out of her grip. “That’s it, go do something else.” Your tone is clipped and cold, gaining the attention of Payback, Fanboy and Bob who have appeared at the bar.

“But Y/N I’m only trying to help.” That faux innocent look is back, her brown eyes resemble those of a doe as she looks at you. “It’s just all so new to me,” she cries, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I don’t care, just go somewhere I don’t have to clean up after you, ok?” You say, a double meaning to your words

After Lila moves away, you turn back to the three pilots, all of whom have the same unreadable look on their faces.

“What?” You ask defensively, even though you already have a pretty good guess as to what they’re going to say.

“Y/N that was pretty harsh.” Bob says quietly, eyeing Lila’s retreating form.

Payback adds “Yeah, it’s only her first day.”

“Listen,” you lean forward over the bar, lowering your voice. “For reasons you three cannot even begin to comprehend, I don’t like Lila. In fact, I’d probably go as far as to say she is what’s wrong with my life right now so if you could all mind your own business that would be really fucking great.”

Payback and Fanboy both raise their hands in mock surrender, deciding to remove themselves from the path of your destruction. Bob just looks a bit bewildered at your harsh words and quickly stammers his order of three beers for him and the two other aviators that have abandoned ship. He thanks you with a quick smile and slips away as quickly as possible.

As you watch him walk away, you see Payback and Fanboy already stood talking to Bradley. They look over at you and it’s pretty obvious what they’re talking about. You smile and wave at your boyfriend which he returns but then he turns back to his conversation.

⇰

Hangman watches as Payback and Fanboy talk to Rooster, not missing the weird look they all give you. When the duo of Payback and Fanboy retreat to get their beers from Bob, Jake takes his opportunity. “What was that about?” He asks, walking up to stand beside Rooster, who’s eyes are now back on you as you rush around the bar.

“Nothing, man” Rooster mutters, his gaze still fixed on you.

Jake looks between you and him, “didn’t look like nothing.”

Bradley moves his gaze to Hangman, realising he’s not going to go away until he gets some sort of explanation. “It’s just, Y/N.” He starts, “she’s been on this ‘Lila hating’ rampage since she met her. She’s changed so much in the last week, I’m just worried about her y’know?” Hangman nods thoughtfully, listening to Roosters concerns.

“D’you know why she hates Lila so much?”

Rooster scoffs, “she thinks Lila’s out to get her or something. She’s just being paranoid.” He shrugs it off. “I just want my girlfriend back.” Bradley says dejectedly, his gaze resting on you again.

“What if she’s not being paranoid?” Jake asks.

The barriers that he’s knocked down with the short conversation go straight back up again at Jake’s question. “Fuck off Hangman, I’m not joking around about this.”

Jake shrugs calmly, “Neither was I.”

Rooster states at him for a minute, as if contemplating what to say. “Just… just stay out of it, alright?” He warns and takes off in the direction of the pool table.

Honestly Jake wishes he was the kind of person who could leave things alone but he isn’t. He watches you thoughtfully, noting the exhaustion written all over your face. He feels bad for you, it definitely looks like you’re having a hard time but he can’t help you because he doesn’t know what’s going on. And Jake Seresin doesn’t like not knowing what’s going on.

⇰

After a draining shift both mentally and physically, you almost forget your plans to meet Jake at the coffee shop the next morning. This results in you being about 15 minutes later than your agreed time. You spot Jake as soon as you walk in. He’s hard to miss being a 6’0” blond twirling that stupid toothpick in his mouth. You get a couple of stares from around the room as you sit down with him. “I’m so sorry, I just - uh I woke up late, then I couldn’t remember where I put my phone and when I got halfway here I realised I forgot to text so i-“

“Y/N,” Jake cuts of your rambling gently. “It’s alright. I uh- didn’t order you anything, didn’t know what you’d like so…” you look even more frazzled than you did at the bar yesterday and that concerns him.

“You alright?” Hangman asks kindly, and you pull your lips up into a small smile.

“Honestly no,” you tell him, “but it doesn’t matter, I’ll figure it out.”

“This about Lila?” He probes further and you frown in question. “Uh.. Rooster mentioned you guys haven’t been getting along?”

You chuckle humourlessly. “It’s a little more complicated than that.” You tell him. “Anyway, I only have like an hour so let’s get party planning!”

Hangman sighs, taking in your flustered state and decides to say what’s on his mind. “Look I know it’s none of my business but I know girls like Lila, I’ve dated them and they can really fuck with your head.” He tells you and your forced smile drops.

“I- I’m fine.” You tell him, even though you know he doesn’t believe your words and honestly you don’t either.

He sighs softly, his green eyes looking at you in sympathy, “we both know that’s bullshit.” You go to protest but he carries on. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to but I’m here… Y’know if you need anything.” Those words coming out of Jake Seresin’s mouth is the last thing you expected to happen to day but you smile at the kind gesture.

“Thanks Jake, I just…” you pause, trying to find the words. “I feel like I’m losing my mind. I haven’t really slept all week. I never know what’s gonna go wrong next and now I’m questioning myself all the time and it’s like I don’t have anyone I can trust.” You put your head in your hands. “Every time something happens, someone else looks at me like I’m insane and-“ You cut yourself off with a sob. Tears of frustration spring to your eyes and you wipe furiously at them with your sleeves. “I’m so sorry.” You say, “we came here to plan Bradley’s birthday and here I am sobbing into my coffee.”

Hangman chuckles dryly. “It’s alright, sounds like you needed to get it off your chest.” He digs around in his pocket until he brings out a packet of tissues which he extends towards you in an offer. You take them gratefully, sending Jake a warm smile.

⇰

Nearly an hour and 2 cups of coffee later you and Hangman have finished planning the party and are gathering your things to leave. “So I’ll text Ally and let her know the supplies you need. There’s not that much on the list so hopefully she should get them to you on the morning of the party.”

You nod in confirmation, making a note to look out for a message from Jake’s cousin. “Awesome, thanks so much for this.” You tell him and he shrugs nonchalantly.

“Just don’t give up on the whole Lila thing, it’ll all come to light eventually. She can’t keep doing whatever it is she’s doing with no consequences.” Your eyes start to water again at the thought of the situation you’ve found yourself in. Jake notices and quickly wraps you up in a comforting hug.

“Hey, hey, no tears.” He says, shushing you as if consoling a small child. “She’s not worth it yeah?”

You nod, pulling away from Jake and wiping you sleeves under your eyes, “Y’know Hangman,” you start, looking up at him. “You’re not so bad at this whole comforting thing,”

He chuckles nervously, the cocky façade slipping momentarily at the compliment. “Don’t tell anyone, I have a reputation to uphold.” You shake your head in mock annoyance and smile before moving to part ways with the blond pilot.

“Bye Jake,” you say warmly and he smiles back at you.

“Remember what I said,” he looks at you seriously, “don’t let the physchos win!” He exclaims, probably louder than he meant to judging by the wide eyed looks you’re getting from passers by. Although with Hangman, you wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted everyone in the area to pay attention. You nod at him in understanding and start walking to your car, giving him a small wave as you make your way down the street.

After chatting with Jake, you feel lighter than you have all week and you can actually smile without it being forced. You glance back to see his blond head disappearing round the corner, the way he moves almost making it look like he’s walking the catwalk at a fashion show. You shake your head fondly at his retreating form. Who’d have thought that Hangman would be the one who would listen? Certainly not you.

As you walk further down the street, trying to remember where you parked your car, you fail to notice Lila stood on the opposite side of the road to the coffee shop. She smiles smugly to herself, reviewing the picture she has taken before pressing send on the message she has up on her phone. Watching you step into your car with a content smile on your face she almost wants to laugh.

Here you are thinking things will get better and they’re about to get a whole lot worse…

⤆ act one; scene three | act two; scene two ⤇

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[stillbreathing-aer]

something something...glen powell being a hangaroo shipper...something something...pride month..

[fangirling-tussisque-noncaelatur]

[fangirling-tussisque-noncaelatur]

[During the fight in the debrief room]

Rooster: *slaps Hangman*

Hangman: ...

Hangman: Was that anger or foreplay?