The Rooster and The Wolf | Bradley 'ROOSTER' Bradshaw

NINE

You sat in the bustling diner across from Phoenix, who sat next to Fanboy, and Bob on her left. 

Halo was next to bob, leaving the only spare seat next to you. Not that you minded as you stared at your drink, twirling the straw. 

The others had gotten changed after showering, but you chose to remain in what you'd worn to work that day - yet another crisp white shirt, paired with striped black dress pants. Your hair was curled to perfection.

You smiled slightly as you listened to Fanboy flirt with Phoenix, and as much as she tried, she couldn't stop the blushes and giggles creeping out. 

You wished they'd just get it over with and be together. 

Your smile fell though, as a sudden loneliness washed over you.

"So, are we waiting for anyone else? I'm starving!" Fanboy said, Bob and Halo agreeing.

"I think we can go ahead and-" you started, but Phoenix cut you off.

"Uhhh, actually, we are waiting on someone, he should be here any minute." she said, avoiding your gaze and dragging out her words.

"Who are we waiting for, Tash?" you asked, eyebrows raised. 

She threw you a sympathetic glance, but did not answer as the bell hanging over the diner door rang, signalling that someone had walked in.

You looked over, and saw Rooster, clad in jeans and yet another Hawaiian shirt, unbuttoned showing off a white tank top. You looked back at Phoenix, jaw dropped as she mouthed you a quick sorry and greeted him. 

Fuck, the only spare seat is-

"Not to late, am I?" he spoke, sitting down on the seat next to you, giving you a sideways glance as you looked back at your drink, shifting uncomfortably.

"Not at all! Let's order." Bob said, he was always so kind.

"Hey," he whispered in your ear, making you look up at him.

"Phoenix invited you then."

"Yeah," he smiled, "but I can go if you-"

"N-no, it's alright. Stay." you smiled, genuinely this time. 

He picked up on it, smiling back at you. 

Whoever created this god of a man was cruel, so cruel.

Not so coincidentally, you and Rooster ordered the same. A huge beef burger, topped with cheese, barbeque sauce, bacon, the works. Fries, of course, and the two of you shared a side of onion rings. 

It was just like the last time you were at this diner, when you were just teens, and you ordered this exact meal. 

The familiarity eased the tension that had built the hour before, and soon, you were talking like old times.

Eventually, you left the diner, heading back to your home on the coast, Rooster paying for your meal despite your many protests. 

When you got home, you ran upstairs to change into a comfy grey matching lounge set with fluffy socks, throwing your curled hair into a messy bun and washing your face. 

As you came downstairs and passed the living room, you saw everyone looking at the hundreds of framed images scattered on your wall, many of which encased memories for you and Rooster. 

You smiled, and made your way into the kitchen when you got out two bowls, and some instant popcorn. 

Popping the first bag into the microwave, you turned to prepare the next, only to see Rooster, who was leaning up against the doorway.