Unspoken

As I Live and Breathe

There was only one man that could cause you to come back on base and that was your dad. You walked into the Hard Deck with your guitar slung across your back and spotted the familiar bomber jacket sitting at the bar. You gave him a hug from behind. "Hi daddy" you greeted him happily.

"Y/n baby!" He smiled brightly as he hugged you tightly. "Took you long enough to get here!" He teased.

You rolled your eyes playfully, "well not everyone can fly planes as fast as you old man." You poked him with your elbow. He pretended to be wounded. Your dad always came alive when you were around. "Hey mom" you smiled and kissed Penny's cheek softly as she cleaned glasses at an alarming rate. You took a look around and noticed nothing really changed in the bar since the last time you were here.

"How's L.A. been?" He wondered.

You thought about it, "it's nice. I've been busy but I really think I've missed this place." You told him honestly. Now that you were back, the nostalgia was flowing through your veins. You had grown up on base always in North Island due to Mavericks Top Gun specialty. He was just that damn good.

"How 'bout a song?" Penny asked. She shook her head towards the stage in the corner.

You sighed, "for you mom, sure" you gave in easily. Penny was your step mom but probably the best step mom there was on the planet. After your mother abandoned you and your dad, you were left empty until your dad found her. One night in this very bar they locked eyes and the rest was history. She used to tell you that bedtime story to you and your childhood best friend every night that he slept over. Yes you heard right. He. It only took a moment to set up your microphone and plug in your acoustic guitar to the amp. "Hey everybody. It's been a long time. Not gonna lie I've missed this place more than I could explain." You began to say, some raised drinks at your words, "to all you pilots and bad ass sailors this is for you. And if you hate it, you have my mom and dad to thank for it. They're over there at the bar you can put it on their tab." You joked with a slight giggle. You looked down to begin your song. The first chord forming in your throat as well as within your hands. You strummed the guitar and opened your mouth letting the strong and raspy voice unleash itself. "I waited till I saw the sun, I don't know why I didn't come." There were several whoops of appreciation to the sound your voice. The bell on the door rang catching your attention. Your eyes darted upwards to see the person you hadn't seen in years. You remember that friend we talked about earlier? Well he grew up. Well, if I might add.

"Bradley Bradshaw, as I live and breathe." You said into the microphone smoothly as your eyes locked. Your throat felt like closing up but you had to sing. "I left you by the house of fun. Don't know why I didn't come." Your heart was pounding inside your small rib cage. It felt like it was trying to escape. He stood at the bar facing you the rest of the entire song causing the room to feel one hundred degrees hotter. You finished the last note and the entire bar erupted in loud cheers. You hid your face behind your hands in shock. You didn't think you'd be a big hit here at all. In L.A.? Sure. But you hadn't been here in so many years it was hard to tell what still worked for this crowd. "Thank you guys. I'll be here for a few weeks. I'll swing by as often as I can." You announced to some more cheering. You left your guitar on the stand on the stage. You knew it was safe among all the service men and women. You walked up to Rooster unsure of the reception you'd get.

"How come you can't tell an old friend you're in town?" He asked. He towered above you now. You gulped loudly staring at the man with crossed arms in front of you.

"I-I-I" you stammered. "

Shit relax Mockingbird, I'm just kidding" he cracked a smile before pulling you into a hug. He squeezed you tightly. You wrapped your arms around his broad body and closed your eyes taking in the embrace. You breathed in deeply taking note of the intoxicating smell that came off of him.