Top Gun Imagines

14. Happy Birthday (Rooster - Bradley Bradshaw)

(Published August 7, 2022)

   Rooster's bronco rolled to a stop in front of an old runway.  From the lack of lights and maintenance, I had a feeling it was abandoned.  As Rooster killed the engine, I climbed out of his sweet ride into the tall weeds he had parked in.  The bronco's lights shut off automatically, but the moon was bright enough to take over. 
   "Rooster, I already love this place," I called out to him as he clambered into the weeds as well. 
   Wading through the plants to meet me at the front of the vehicle, he grinned at me.  "Just wait."
   Smiling back, I took his outstretched hand and let him lead me to the runway.   As we moved closer, I saw a yellow glow coming from the ground.  It was faint, but definitely there.  What did he have set up?
   We broke through the last of the hip high weeds and my jaw dropped.  He had spread out a fluffy comforter on the cracked cement.  On top of it, several large pillows made a comfy looking seating area.  Glass cups scattered across the blanket held candles that resulted in the warm, yellow glow!  Two bottles of cherry coke and two pizza boxes completed the set up. 
   "Happy birthday, Megan," He murmured, brushing a kiss to my temple. 
   "My birthday is still thirty minutes away," I corrected, laughing a little. 
   "I don't care," He shot me a grin and began pulling me gently towards the comforter.  "Your party is starting early!"
   "I love you," I exclaimed happily, falling to my knees on the blanket. 
   "Yes...  But I guarantee you'll love me more when you see..." He paused, slowly lifting the first pizza box lid. 
   Peering inside, I spotted cinnamon sticks; delicious treat I rarely splurged on!  
   "Oh!  You spoil me."
   He smirked.  "I do try."
   Moving towards him, I threw my arms around his neck.  He returned the hug, his strong arms gently holding me close to him. 
   "Thank you," I whispered. 
   He pulled back from the hug and brushed a strand of hair from my cheek.  "Anything for you, baby girl."
   I gazed at him for a moment before nervously dropping my gaze to his black button down shirt.  He was confident, being a pilot and all, but I wasn't at all.  I wanted to ask him to kiss me like he did that first time on the docks.  Part of me wanted to just lean in and kiss him myself!  But I always hesitated, waiting too long every time. 
   This time, though, he lifted my chin with his finger to bring my attention back to him. 
   "What are you thinking?" He asked softly. 
   I hesitated again before speaking.  "I was thinking of our first kiss."
   His mouth quirked up again.  "You liked that one?"
   "Well, honestly, I like all of your kisses," I giggled.  "But yes, I'll never forget that one."
   A knowing look filled his eyes as he understood my hint.  He took a totally different approach for this kiss, though.  He gently pushed me onto a nearby pillow, laying me down.  Then, he positioned himself beside me, his body facing me.  One hand moved to my side just above my hip as he leaned forward slowly. 
   Just like at the docks, he paused just before our lips met, his eyes flickering up to my own.  Then, softly, he touched his lips to mine.  After a few seconds, he pressed them a little more firmly, beginning to actually kiss me.  By now, I knew the motions well, and our mouths danced together perfectly.  He tasted of mint tic tacs, while I knew he tasted my cinnamon gum I had tried to freshen my breath with.  Just like the gentle kiss we had shared on our third date.
   He pulled away slightly so we could catch our breath.  His eyes met mine, and I saw a hunger there that I had only seen once before.  I smiled, reaching my hand up to place it on his jaw so I could run my thumb across his bottom lip.  He smiled ever so slightly before leaning back in for more. 
   This time, I could feel the hunger in his kiss!  His tongue slipped out and ran across my lips before he continued kissing me with a need I hadn't felt before.  Curious and excited, I dared to let my own tongue slide across his lips.  Before mine could retreat, his tongue shot out to meet mine!  Before I knew it, our tongues were entwining during our intense kiss. 
   Finally, he pulled away.  We both gasped for air, but a small smile was permanently pasted on my face.  When he saw it, he chuckled.  His hand left my side to gently stroke the side of my face. 
   "I take it you enjoyed that?" He asked. 
   "Very much so," I nodded. 
   "Me, too."
   We stayed there in silence for a moment, enjoying the cool evening air and each other's presence.  He shifted, moving his hand to entwine our fingers.  I moved as well, resting my head on his solid shoulder.  He quickly tipped his head to rest against mine, and I couldn't help but smile.  Both of us wanted to be as close as possible. 
   Suddenly, his phone started playing my favorite song, the now lit up screen showing through his pocket.  He pulled it out and showed me the screen as his phone kept playing the familiar tune.  It was an alarm named 'Megan's Birthday'!
   "Happy birthday, baby," He murmured. 
   "Thank you, my love," I whispered. 
   Propping myself up on my elbow, I leaned over him to give him a gentle kiss before I lost the courage to do it.  He set the noisy phone on the blanket and wrapped his arms around me to keep me close.  I laughed, half heartedly trying to pull away. 
   "No, you need more kisses," He objected playfully. 
   "I need or you want?" I teased. 
   He pretended to think it over.  "Both."
   "Hey!"
   I squealed as he began peppering my cheek, jaw, and nose with kisses!  I was laughing too hard to object, not that I wanted to.  When his lips travelled to my neck, though, butterflies exploded in my stomach.  I felt a nervous blush warm my cheeks, yet I couldn't help but tip my head back slightly.  I felt him smile as he continued the gentle kisses, his moustache tickling the skin of my neck.  After a long minute, he moved his lips back up to my own and pressed one kiss there before pulling away. 
   "I could kiss you all night, but the pizza is getting cold." He explained as he sat up. 
   Laughing again, I shook my head.  "Can't have that!  Cold pizza is gross."
   "Agreed."
   Pizza and cinnamon sticks.  A clear, starry sky above.  Blankets and pillows.   Candles and kisses.  And best yet, my boyfriend who had set it all up by my side!  I would have to say it was definitely the best birthday yet.