Top Gun Imagines

31. Playing With The Boys (Rooster - Bradley Bradshaw)

(Published July 20, 2023) 

   "C'mon, Sandy, I thought you got a volleyball scholarship?  Where's your game at?" Hangman called from the other side of the net with his usual cocky grin.  
   "Just you wait, Hanging, I'm only warming up." I shot back with my own grin.  
   "Ooo, I like the competitiveness." Coyote snickered.  
   We had finally managed to get a short break from training and cramming, just a few minutes to live and breath like a normal person.  It was a hot, sunny afternoon and Hangman had finally decided to take me up on my claim to having volleyball skills.  I was really good in high school, but Hangman seemed to be just as good, I was quickly finding out. 
   I licked a drop of sweat from my lips, digging my feet into the sand.  The warm grains trickled over my skin.  I knew by the end of the game, I'd be covered in it.  Somehow whenever I was near a beach, I came home wearing a good amount of it.  One time I had come back to base and pulled off my shoes to find my socks covered in sand!  When I tipped them over, a nice little pile formed under each shoe.  That was how I got my call sign.  I swallowed a laugh at the memory.  
   Hangman, Coyote, Payback, and Phoenix made up one team.  Fanboy, Rooster, and Bob were teamed up with me.  Since Payback and Phoenix didn't know much about volleyball, I figured we were split up pretty even.  At least, I was trying to convince myself we were.  Fanboy and Bob had no idea what they were doing and Rooster was always a second late to the ball.  But we were still having a blast and I knew I'd rather be playing with them than with Hangman.  We played better against each other.   
   "Shall I serve with my eyes closed?" Hangman teased.  "I hate seeing you guys miss my perfect serves." 
   "Serve it and watch," Rooster clapped his hands together and rubbed them.  "Or it might hit you in the head." 
   "Nice one!" Fanboy laughed, patting his teammate on the shoulder.  
   I laughed with him, but kept my focus on Hangman.  The cocky blond was still grinning, obviously not concerned.  I wouldn't have been, either, if I was him.  As much as I liked Rooster, I knew the ball would be more likely to hit him in the head than Hangman.  
   With ridiculous grace, Hangman served the ball smoothly over the net.  It came right for me, and I was quick to smack it back his way.  Coyote got to it first, though, and hit it back with his open hand.  It flew over me towards Bob, who actually managed a good hit that made it over the net!  However, it was such a close one that neither Hangman or Coyote were near enough to the net to get it, and it fell into the sand.  Rooster and Fanboy hooted excitedly and I was quick to give the WSO a high five. 
   After that, the game steadily got more competitive.  Jokes were slung from one side to the other, flying faster than the ball.  Hangman's team was easily winning, and I was glad of that.  Most of my teammates were good sports and didn't care too much.  They'd groan when the ball hit the sand, but then jump right back into the action with a smile. 
   All except Rooster.  He seemed hellbent on getting that ball.  So much so that, when the ball was headed between us, I'd just let him run for it.  We had had a few too many almost collisions and with his shirt off, running into each other was not an option.  My hands were not to be trusted near his bare chest. 
   As Phoenix smacked the ball over the net yet again, Rooster darted across the sand and managed to whomp it back.  Bob and Fanboy cheered while I tried to keep my eyes on the ball.  Coyote was already on it, throwing it back our way.  Well, my way.  I hit it back only to have Hangman return it seconds later. 
   Forgetting to let Rooster get it, I ran over to the center and found myself face to chest with him.  To keep from actually running into him, I had put my hands up automatically, which, of course, grazed his glistening skin.  I groaned mentally, knowing what I was going to dream of tonight.  The ball plopped into the sand behind us, nearly at Fanboy's feet. 
   "Hey, no making out, you two.  We're playing a game here." Coyote called before Rooster and I could step apart. 
   I rolled my eyes.  "Stop joking about kissing, Coyote, somebody might think you're lonely."
   "Ooo," The other guys chorused with a few laughs. 
   Coyote just grinned.  "I got a fiancé, Sands.  Who's your beau?"
   "Haven't found one who stays focused long enough." I shrugged.  "Most boys can't keep their heads in the game."
   "Speaking of which, is someone gonna serve the ball?" Hangman called, making me laugh.  At least he was one track minded!