Top Gun Imagines

38. Shots (Rooster - Bradley Bradshaw)

(Published September 10, 2023) 

   "What can I get 'cha?" 
   The words I always spoke when someone sat down at the bar in front of me tumbled out before I even looked up.  I finished wiping down the bar before turning my gaze to the new customer.  His mustache sat over his smiling lips as he gazed at me.  I grinned, not surprised at all to see my boyfriend perched on the stool in front of me.  I was a little surprised to see a leather jacket across his shoulders, though.  It must've gotten chilly out now that the sun had gone down, I realized.  
   "I'd like to try one of your favorites," Bradley Bradshaw stated.  
   "My favorites?" I clarified, raising an eyebrow.  "What happened to your typical beer?" 
   "Well, I was going to, but then I realized that I'd like to be able to legally drive my girl home tonight.  Plus, it got me out of downing shots with the guys." He explained, his grin still present.  
   "Ah, not up for the challenge tonight?" I grabbed a glass and began to whip him up one of my favorite drinks.  
   "No.  Coyote is there and I don't feel like losing," He chuckled.  
   I slid the drink across the bar to him and he caught it expertly.  We had played that game several times and he was always prepared for it now.  
   "Looks like you're slowly down in here," He commented after a minute.  
   "Yeah, it's thinning out a bit.  Might actually get out on time tonight!" 
   "Don't jinx yourself, now." 
   "Hey, you said it first." 
   "Fair point, my apologies." 
   We grinned at each other, our smiles nearly matching in candid happiness.  I couldn't tell you exactly why I loved him, but I just did.  Arrogant pilot or not, he was the one to make me truly happy for no reason at all.  With a small sigh (which could probably be categorized as a swoon), I leaned against the bar towards him. 
   "So, who do you think is going to lead this 'big secret mission'?" I inquired, kind of hoping he'd say that he didn't have a chance at it. 
   "Well, all of the solo pilots get shots at it, but if I'm going to be completely honest, I think Mav's already made up his mind."  He shrugged.  "And I haven't got a clue who's his favorite." 
   "I do," I muttered under my breath.  
   Now it was his turn to sigh.  "How many times do I have to tell you, I'm not his favorite!" 
   "That's what you think.  You're his best friend's son.  That's about as much favorite-ist you can possible get!  Talk about plot armor." 
   He grinned with a teasing glint in his eye.  "Favorite-ist?" 
   "Oh, hush." I groaned playfully.  
   Moving around the counter, I helped a few other customers before returning to my still grinning boyfriend.  
   "How was the photo session today?" 
   I shrugged, never quite sure of the outcome.  My mom was a photographer and sometimes I'd give her a hand with sessions.  Today's was for a family of six and I was definitely needed.  It felt like it went fine, but I had yet to see the pictures.  
   "She got some good shots.  Personally, I think beach photoshoots are overrated." I admitted.  
   "Awe, there goes my suggestion for our engagement photos." 
   I laughed out loud.  "We're not even engaged!" 
   "I know, but imagine this: both of us in swim suits on a perfect beach.  Forever captured in a picture that means so much to both of us." He raised an eyebrow, as if daring me to argue with him.  
   "Right, because swim suits are so flattering." I rolled my eyes, giving him the argument he was waiting for.  
   "You're telling me you wouldn't like to see me in a swim suit?" He demanded with a grin.  
   "I never said that!" 
   "So?  Perfect photoshoot."  
   "I still say no." 
   "I'll talk you into it." 
   "I'd like to see you try." 
   Suddenly, a young girl sitting a couple stools away shook her head at us.  "You two are ridiculously cute." 
   "That's all her," Bradley quickly pointed at me.  
   I shot him a halfhearted glare and stepped over to cash out the girl who had apparently been waiting for a few minutes.  I apologized, but she just shook her head with a smile.  Guess the two of us were ridiculously cute, to get that reaction!  
   "So," He said once I had returned to his section of the bar.  
   "So?" I encouraged when he didn't continue.  
   "It's closing time." 
   "Hmm, yes, I'd say it is!  I can't believe you're going to sit around for forty five minutes while we whip this place into shape." 
   "I offer to help every time, but y'all don't let me."  
   "We all don't want to split the tips with you and I'm calling the shots here," Penny joked from the other side of the bar.  
   "I work for beer, not money," He called back.  
   I just laughed along with her.  
   We managed to close the bar up in thirty minutes, with Bradley's help despite Penny's protests.  I waited on the porch as she locked the doors while Bradley got his car started.  It was a chilly night and I was ready to climb into the heat.  I loved the nights when he drove me home.  It was a nice change from the two mile walk I usually travelled.  
   After saying goodnight to my boss, I darted across the parking lot and hopped into his car before he could climb out and open the door for me.  
   "Ready to go, are we?" He chuckled.  
   "You try wearing short skirts in fall.  It's not warm," I defended myself.  
   "Pretty sure no one wants to see that." 
   "Hey, guys were skirts.  They're called kilts." 
   He snorted.  "That would really ruin my reputation." 
   I scooted across the bench seat and rested my head on his shoulder.  He drove slowly to my house, probably trying to make the moment last.  I nuzzled my face into his neck slightly, simply glad to be with him again.  Even though I had seen him two days before, it still felt like forever ago.  
   "We're here." 
   Sighing, I sat up and gave him a gentle kiss.  
   "Thanks for driving me home, Brad."  
   "Anytime, my love." 
   He reached up and feathered his fingers over my cheek.  My eyes flutter closed at his touch.  He chuckled and I opened my eyes to find him smirking at me.  I didn't care, though.  I wasn't afraid to let him know how he affected me.  It just solidified the fact that I really did love him and that he didn't have to worry while he was away.  
   "I love you," He whispered.  
   "I love you, too.  Text me when you're home safe." 
   "I will.  Goodnight." 
   After one last linger kiss, I climbed out of his car.  
   "Goodnight!"