Heart of Steel: B. Bradshaw

One: Hard Deck

Cool air blew through the open door of the bar. Bodies were packed tightly together as the night dragged on. Men and woman of all ages and occupations mingled together, a cold drink in their hand never forgotten. Steely watched as people clinked their glasses together in a toast, beer splashing from their cups down to the already sticky wooden floor. She cherished nights like these in the familiar bar. Everyone was so happy and carefree and it was a nice break from her otherwise hectic life. Steely found herself leaning against Omaha as he chatted with some people both him and Steely knew from their Top Gun class.

"Hi Sunshine I almost didn't see you back there," Hangman chided giving her his signature smirk which obviously made his arrival known.

"Been here the whole time big boy not my fault you can't see past your ego," Steely grinned back before taking a sip of her drink.

"Im going to ignore that comment." Hangman teased

"When did you guys get back stateside?" He turned to ask Omaha.

"We got back two days ago, I am so glad to be home!" Neil responded as he reached down and clapped his hand with Steely's. She laughed loudly before gesturing towards the bar. Neil nodded at her and swished around his still half full glass signaling that he didn't need a refill.

Steely pulled herself away from his side and made her way towards the bar, stopping every so often to greet familiar faces. Once she finally reached the bar she sat down on a stool and slapped the counter. A man with dark hair turned to face her and his eyes lit up with recognition.

"Well i'll be dammed is that little Steely Kerner!" the man cheered opening his arms. The younger girl laughed loudly.

"As I live and breath Pete Mitchell!" She wrapped her arms around him and patted his back before letting go.

"You're looking good old man, what are you doing here?" she asked as she squeezed his arm.

"Probably the same as you," Maverick winked, being ever so mysterious. Steely rolled her eyes as Penny came up to take her drink order.

"How's your dad doing? I haven't heard much from him lately," Maverick smiled, he took a swig of his drink while waiting for her answer.

Once she finished up getting her drink from Penny she laughed "Oh! he's as boring as ever just sitting by the phone waiting for any sign of life from Uncle Ice."

"Those two will morph together if your dad doesn't find new friends soon," Maverick joked back, laughing as he remembered his two friends always joined at the hip.

"You try telling him that the last time I suggested he get out and socialize he damn near bit my head off."

"That sounds like Slider," Maverick smiled while reminiscing of his old friend. "You better get back to your friends the tall one looks like he's waiting for the right moment to rip you away."

Steely looked over to where Omaha was standing, his head was perched on the side of his shoulder and his back was facing her but she could tell his arms were crossed. He made eye contact with her and raised a brow, Steely shook her head and mouthed "Down Boy," Omaha just winked and turned back towards his pool game.

"Oh that's just Omaha he is all bark and no bite," Steely teased before slapping her hand on top of Maverick's. "I'll tell my dad you said hello, enjoy the rest of your night I'm sure i'll be seeing you soon!"

"Take care of yourself Sunshine it was good seeing you again!" Steely smiled down at the older man and swiped her drink off the table before returning to Omahas side. Since she had been gone a few more people joined their big group.

She recognized Phoenix from her class at Top Gun and called out for her "Phoenix! get that cute ass over here," the girl in questions head whipped around as a grin took over her face. Phoenix scooped her up into a bone crushing hug, kissing the top of her head.

"Oh my little Sunshine I missed you so much!" Phoenix cooed poking fun at the shorter girl in her arms. Everyone around the two girls laughed and smiled at their reunion, the conversation picking back up as the girls continued to catch up. Phoenix looked around the room and saw someone standing off to the side watching their interaction.

"Oh! Sunshine you remember Rooster, right?" The tall man walked closer and extended his hand.

Steely took it in hers and gawked up at him. He had to have been 6'2 with golden hair and the most captivating honey colored eyes. He was wearing a white tee with a loose fitting Hawaiian shirt over top. His glasses were tucked into the neckline of the shirt giving her a chance to glance at his tanned neck. She rolled her eyes back up to his face and had to bite her lip to stop a moan from slipping free. He had what she could only describe as a 80's porno mustache and it had to be the hottest thing she ever saw. It had her thoughts drifting somewhere completely sinful. Steely knocked herself out of her thoughts and let go of his hand. The handsome bastard had a knowing smirk on his face.

"Of course I remember him, you definitely grew into yourself since the last time I saw you," Phoenix laughed loudly

"Your right he was such a twiggy little thing wasn't he," She teased smacking his arm lightly. Rooster just shook his head chuckling under his breath. Omaha pulled Steely back into his side as she excused herself from the conversation.

"Holy shit is that Bradshaw?" Steely nodded vigorously taking huge sips of her drink.

"Remember when you had the biggest crush on him when we were in Top Gun? God I don't think your imagination could have pictured him to get that hot." Neil gushed.

"Neil this is not the time to divulge into my sexual fantasies," She slapped his chest with her open palm. Suddenly this music in the background stopped and the opening notes to a song played throughout the room. Steely heard his husky voice call out the lyrics to one of her favorite songs.

"Please tell me that's not who I think it is," Steely pleaded keeping her eyes on Omaha. He looked behind her head then down at her once more.

"Fine I won't tell you Bradshaw is belting out one of your favorite songs on the piano right now." He chided with her.

"Oh fuck me!" Steely wined stomping her heel down like a child. Omaha wheezed before grabbing her arm and steering her towards the bar "Yep, your hand will be busy tonight!" He joked before Steely open palm slapped his chest again.

This was going to be an interesting night.