OneShots♡ (Bradga)

Little Getaway

Stefani tugged the oversized cardigan tighter around her shoulders as a crisp autumn breeze danced through her hair. She stood on the deck of Bradley’s rustic cabin, nestled deep in the Colorado mountains. The air smelled of pine and wood smoke, the quiet hum of nature broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl or other birds. It was a perfect getaway, a retreat from their busy lives in the spotlight.
Inside, Bradley was bustling around the kitchen, his sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms dusted with flour. He was trying- keyword: trying- to make his grandmother’s apple pie recipe. Stefani couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him, his furrowed brow, the way he bit his bottom lip in concentration, and the streak of flour smudged across his cheek. He looked utterly endearing.

Are you sure you don’t need help?

She crossed her arms and leaned herself against the doorframe.
Bradley turned, grinning sheepishly at her.

I’m determined to do this on my own. You’re the guest; just relax.

Guest?

She arched an eyebrow.

I practically live here when I visit. Let me guess, you’ve already burned something.

He chuckled, wiping his hands on a towel.

Only a little. But don’t worry, the second batch is going to be flawless. Trust me.

Stefani laughed, the sound soft and melodic.

If you say so, Chef Cooper.

Satisfied that the pie was under control- for now- Bradley joined her outside. He handed her a steaming mug of hot cocoa topped with an absurd amount of whipped cream.

You spoil me.

She said, accepting the mug with a grin.

I’d spoil you more if you’d let me.

Bradley replied, his voice tinged with something deeper.
Stefani felt her cheeks warm, though she wasn’t sure if it was the cocoa or the way he was looking at her. His blue eyes, like the sky after a storm, held hers a moment longer than necessary.
They stood in comfortable silence, gazing at the night sky. The stars were impossibly bright out here, untainted by city lights. Stefani leaned her head against Bradley’s shoulder, and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her. It was a gesture so natural, so them, that it felt like coming home.

Do you ever think about how small we are compared to all this?

She murmured, gesturing toward the expanse of stars.
Bradley glanced down at her, his lips curving into a soft smile.

I think about how lucky I am to be here with you under all this.

Her heart fluttered, and she turned to face him fully.

You always know what to say to a woman, don’t you?

Not always.

He admitted.

Sometimes I feel like I can’t find the right words, especially with you. I just-

He hesitated, running a hand through his hair.

I want you to know how much you mean to me.

The weight of his confession hung between them, but Stefani didn’t shy away. Instead, she reached up and brushed the flour from his cheek, her touch lingering.

You mean a lot to me too, B.

He let out a breath, his tension easing.

Good. Because if I messed up this pie, I was afraid you’d never let me live it down.