#oc: thea floyd

[blue-aconite]

let me drown || chapter IV - jake's summer part I

Summary: Moving on is all about accepting what has happened to you. Jake reflects on his visit to Virgina while finding out that the future has in store for the Floyd siblings.

Warnings: Swearing, mentions of jealousy

Word Count: 4.6k

Pairings: Bradley Bradshaw x OC (past), Jake Seresin x OC (future)

Authors Note: And we're finally moving on from Bradley's summer. Let's see what the future has in store. Minors DNI. Each chapter will be labelled with warnings individually.

Thank you to my betas @demxters & @imjess-themess! I love and appreciate you ♥️

California, Lemoore Naval Air Station, Spring 2019

Jake waited patiently for his mother to pick up the phone, leaning against the wall. He only had a few minutes to spare and he hoped she was home. As he waited, Jake let his mind drift. 

It had been two weeks since he left Virginia after visiting his cousin. He hadn’t heard from Athena since but Jake hadn’t reached out either. There had been something strange about her when he came to visit but Jake hadn’t pushed, not wanting to be on the receiving end of another of her somewhat half-witted stories. 

His father has expressed his concern about her the last time they spoke but Jake had been too busy to genuinely spend time thinking about it. Something about her parents. Jake couldn’t truly remember. 

Thinking about his cousin brought up another memory to mind. Thea. She had been a breath of fresh air as he spent time in Virginia. He vaguely remembered Bob talking about his sister when they were deployed together but meeting Thea in person was different. 

He couldn’t deny that she was beautiful and her smile stirred something in him that he hadn’t felt in a long time. But she had a boyfriend, so Jake had settled for getting to know her as a friend. Despite people’s opinions of him, he wasn’t a complete asshole. Even though Jake felt like she could have done better than Bradshaw, he wasn’t about to get in between the two of them. 

Thea was as easy to get along with as her brother and Jake was delighted to find out that she could beat both Bob and him at golf as easily as he flew a jet. They had a great round and spending time with the Floyd siblings was easy. He had known Bob for years and it felt the same with Thea. Their relationship, however, had made Jake miss his own siblings and home. 

Just as he was about to hang up, his mother picked up the phone. “Jake, is that you?” 

“Ma, hi! Am I interrupting?” Jake asked, finding solace in his mother’s voice. Whenever he missed home, talking to her always made him miss it less. Her voice was warm and soothing. 

His mother laughed and he could see her prancing around the kitchen, phone pressed to her ear. “Of course not. I hope you’re calling to tell me that you’ll be coming home in time for Oliver’s birthday. It’s in three weeks, if you haven’t forgotten.”

“No, I haven’t forgotten. But I won’t make it.” He told her sadly. He didn’t want to disappoint his nephew or mother but this time he didn’t have any choice.

“JACOB THOMAS, you’ve known about his party for weeks,” Claudia scolded, making Jake hang his head, even though she couldn’t see him. “You know how excited he is.” 

“Ma, I did try, but getting a leave for a birthday party isn’t exactly standard protocol. I’ve sent a gift and an apology that I can’t attend. ” Jake sighed, leaning sideways against the wall. He scrubbed a hand down his face, listening to how disappointed Oliver would be that Uncle Jake wouldn’t show up to his sixth birthday.

He felt bad, he did. But without a leave he wasn’t going anywhere and his family knew that. “Ma, I would be there if I could, you know that.” 

Claudia sighed. “I know, baby. I just wish you could be here. He looks up to you.”

Torpedo appeared in the hallway, patting Jake on the shoulder as he walked past. “Hangman, five minutes, and then we have to get ready.”

Jake nodded and straightened up. “Ma, I have to go. I’ll call you when I can. I’ll try to call Oliver and wish him a happy birthday. I love you. Say hi to dad.”

Hanging up the phone, Jake leaned his head against the wall for a moment before straightening up and following Torpedo down the hall. As he entered the rec room, he knew it was going to be a long day. Critter and Blaze were already arguing over something stupid, no doubt. 

“Alright,” Torpedo clapped his hands together excitedly. “Hangman, you’re with Maple and Silver for today’s exercise. I’ll be with you two idiots.” He pointed to the arguing duo in the corner, both of them saluting sloppily. 

“Captain Porter has the rest of the instructions for you in the hangar. I’ll see you up there.” Torpedo nodded towards the door, Jake following closely. 

They walked in silence for a while, the rest of their squad chattering behind them. Critter and Blaze could still be heard arguing and Jake was glad he wasn’t supposed to fly with them. They were a good match but got on each others’ nerves all the time, as well as the rest of the squad. 

Jake wished Torpedo good luck as they parted ways, heading to their respective aircraft. He felt a sense of comfort and calm as he prepared his jet, going through the familiar motions. 

Jake tapped the nose of the plane for good luck, a ritual he’d kept up since he started flying. Maple saluted him as he climbed into the seat, making sure that all the safety straps were adjusted and he saluted back, winking. He hoped they’d touch down in time for dinner, he was in no mood the spend the entire evening doing the same exercise over and over. 

As the familiar rumble of the engines washed over him, Jake felt himself relax as he adjusted the final touches. As the jet took to the skies, Maple and Silver hot on his tail, he finally felt at home.

Jake left the locker room after his shower, hoping for a quiet evening. For once he wasn’t in the mood going out with his squad. Keeping his head down, he navigated the halls on his way to his room. He knew Torpedo wasn’t going to be in for the evening so he looked forward to catching up on some reading and just relaxing. 

As he kicked off his shoes and slung himself across the bed, his phone lit up with a text. Groaning, Jake reached for the device to see Coyote’s name. 

Did you hear the news?

No?

Floyd is transferring here. Replacing Cork in Eagles. 

Shit! What made him leave Oceana?

I was hoping you knew, since you saw him a while back!

No idea, he didn’t say anything.

Jake dragged a hand down his face, falling back against the pillows. Bob hadn’t mentioned a transfer while he was in Virginia. He wondered if there had been any trouble. Pulling up Athena’s contact info, he sent off a quick message. 

Hey, you know anything about why Floyd is transferring to Lemoore? 

He didn’t have to wait long before his phone buzzed again. 

Why the fuck do you care?

No need to be a bitch Athena. I was just asking. He didn’t say anything about it when I was over there

Jake sighed, already regretting reaching out to his cousin. Her behaviour during his visit was suspicious, especially her attitude towards Rooster. She had spent a significant portion of their time together complaining about Thea as well. It didn’t sit right with Jake but he also didn’t want to get involved in whatever beef she seemed to have with her pilot. 

Something about his sister? Idk, higher-ups quoted some bullshit about personal reasons. Not my problem honestly 

Jake sent a simple thumbs up back before tossing his phone aside. 

‘Something about his sister’ could mean that something was wrong with Thea. Jake wanted to reach out to Bob and ask but didn’t feel like it was appropriate either. They were friends but Jake didn’t know if interfering in family matters was the right thing to do. Hopefully, he’d catch Bob on base at some point. 

Jake felt the worry creep up and tried his best to force it down again. What had happened? Why would Thea be involved in anything having to do with a relocation for her brother? He hoped everything was alright. He liked both Floyd siblings and hated that either of them would have run into some kind of problem. 

Trying to get his mind off the matter, Jake picked up the most recent book he was reading, flipping through the pages until he reached the bookmark. It was a worn picture of him and his siblings, taken the summer before Jake was supposed to start first grade. He smiled, remembering how Paul had ruffled his hair right before the picture was taken, somewhat ruining Jake’s good mood.

His phone pinged with another text but this time from his sister. She told him that she understood that he wouldn’t make it for Oliver’s birthday. The “we miss you” at the end made his heartache. Jake hadn’t seen his sister or parents in person for almost two years and he missed them a lot. He almost pressed the button to call her but Torpedo’s key in the lock interrupted him.

“We missed you tonight.” the man chucked his shoes off, before haphazardly removing his jacket. 

Jake snorted. “Sure you did. I’m the life of the party.”

Torpedo slung himself onto the top bunk, not bothering to undress. Jake groaned as the familiar fumes of sweat and alcohol filled his nostrils. “Dude, at least take a shower. You reek.”

“Fuck off, Seresin.” the man jabbed but did as Jake asked anyway. 

Jake closed his eyes, putting the book down as he leaned back against the pillow. Maybe if he was lucky, he could fall asleep before Torpedo came back or at least ignore the other pilot.

A short buzz from his phone alerted him to another text. Jake wondered what the hell Coyote could want now. But it was Bob’s name that showed on the screen and Jake was embarrassed to say that he struggled to unlock the phone. 

I’m transferring next week. You still with the Vigilantes?

Hey man, yeah, heard it through the grapevine. I am!

Let me guess, Coyote? He’s always been a gossip

You said it, not me. How come you’re coming out west?

Personal reasons. Anyway, I thought I’d give you a heads-up. See you soon!

Appreciate it man! Glad to have another sane person around.

The indication that Bob was typing popped up but disappeared and his friend only reacted with a thumbs up instead. 

Jake wanted to pry and ask what the personal reasons were since they concerned Thea. Was she coming with him? And what about Rooster? Was he transferring too? After what Jake had seen at dinner, he didn’t think Bradshaw would like to be away from her. The man’s possessiveness had bothered Jake but it wasn’t his place to say anything, so he kept his mouth shut, hoping that Bob had seen it too and voiced his concerns to Thea. 

He didn’t know if Bradshaw had acted the way he did because Jake was there or if it was just how the man behaved but the way he had demonstrated that he and Thea were a couple didn’t sit right with him. He respected it, of course, but Rooster made it look wrong, making it look too possessive. 

Jake hadn’t really asked Thea about her relationship during golf, getting to know her instead. She had been kind enough to indulge in his inquiries. He had found himself feeling very drawn to Bob’s sister, who shared the same easygoing and kind nature as her brother. Jake knew that he had developed some sort of attraction to Thea during his short visit to Virginia but she was spoken for and that was it. 

Suddenly curious about whether Bradshaw would be showing up as well, Jake sent his cousin a text.

Is Bradshaw transferring as well?

Fucking coward got himself deployed out to sea with a new squadron. 

Jake didn’t bother to answer, brows creased as he read the text over and over. So Bradshaw wasn’t coming to Lemoore. Athena’s text told him more than he needed to know, her choice of words regarding Rooster very similar to the ones she’d sprouted during his visit. 

Jake realised that he shouldn’t speculate too much and just hoped he’d catch Bob at some point to ask what was really going on. Whatever it was, he just hoped Thea was alright. 

“So, did you get any information?” Coyote asked as they sat down in his seat across from Jake. He rubbed his hands together, eyebrows raised, and a hint of excitement in his voice. 

They had their weekly dinner, if their schedules allowed it and this time Javy had chosen a quiet but nice Japanese restaurant not far from Lemoore. 

Jake studied the menu, rolling his eyes. “Information on what?”

“Floyd? About how he’s coming here! You’re the last one that talked to him.” Javy exclaimed excitedly, almost bouncing in his seat. Jake couldn’t help but snort as he thought back on his and Bob’s conversation last week.

“Bob was right. You are such a gossip!” Jake joked. 

Javy made a faux wounded noise, hand over his chest. “I’m hurt. I simply like to be in the know.”

Jake shook his head, putting the menu down and reached for his glass of water. “You’re like an 80-year-old lady who keeps track of everything that happens on her street. Sitting there with binoculars, just waiting for the drama to happen. I don’t know how Phoenix puts up with you.”

Javy pretended to sniffle, putting on his best puppy eyes. “Nat loves me for who I am. Same can’t be said for you, asshat, who is supposed to be my best friend.”  

Jake subtly kicked his friend under the table, rolling his eyes at the same time. “Being your best friend is exhausting, I’ll have you know.” 

Javy gasped dramatically, shaking his head. Their server interrupted the moment to take their order and then they were left in peace for the time being. Jake thought back to his exchange with Bob earlier that week and pulled out his phone to show Javy.

“That’s all I know.” He concluded, hoping that Javy would be satisfied. 

“So both Bob and your cousin said personal reasons. Do you know anything about it?” Coyote asked. 

Jake leaned back in his seat, putting the phone screen down on the table. “I just said this is all I know,” he paused, Athena’s words seeping into his mind. “Joanna mentioned his sister as well but I don’t know how much of what she says is true. She talks a lot of shit.”

Javy snorted into his water as their server came back with their food. “She does talk a lot of shit.”

“Either way, I don’t know anything else. I just hope Thea and Bob are okay.” Jake said, pushing the wakame salad around on his plate. 

“Thea, huh?” Javy asked with a smirk, expertly picking up a salmon roll with his chopsticks and dunking it in soy sauce. Jake had made the mistake of telling Javy all about his trip to Virginia, including Thea, a few weeks prior. Javy had immediately picked up on the way Jake had talked about Bob’s sister and had not so subtly asked what the deal was. 

“So, is she pretty?” Javy wiggled his eyebrows, knocking their knees together. 

“If I say no, will you stop asking about it?” Jake grumbled, reaching for his beer on the coffee table. Fleetwood Mac poured from the speakers, people chatting all around them. A beer pong table was set up in the corner and Jake could spy people on the garden through the open glass sliding doors.  

Javy shoved a handful of peanuts into his mouth, chewing obnoxiously loudly. “Stop that, it’s disgusting.” Jake shoved at him and Javy shoved back before they leaned into each other, giggling as they watched Torpedo school one of Javy’s squad mates in darts. 

Their laughter died out and Jake sighed. “She’s beautiful. But that’s not the point. She’s funny and quick. You should have seen her beat both me and Bob out on the course.” 

“Man, you sound like a love-sick school girl.” Javy teased but raised an eyebrow questioning as well. 

“I found her interesting, that’s all. But she’s got a boyfriend. And that’s fine.” 

Coyote opened two new bottles of beer, handing one to him before answering. “Bradshaw, right?” 

Jake hummed. “Yeah.” 

“Bummer. Sounds like you really like her.” Javy nudged his side, in a way Jake guessed was supposed to be a comforting gesture but he didn’t know if Javy was trying to comfort him or insult Thea’s choice in boyfriend. 

Jake sighed. “I did. I do. But she’s also a really good friend. We had a lot of fun together,” he paused, peeling off the label around the bottle. “You’d like her. She’s a lot like her brother.” 

“Man, I love Floyd. He’s the quietest guy I’ve ever met but snarky as hell. And his dog is the cutest, - OH, speaking of dogs, I’m trying to convince Nat that we should get one and I need your help -“ Javy rambled. 

“Javy, there’s no way you two can have a dog. Both of you are still on active duty and don’t have a permanent place. Floyd’s got a civilian girlfriend, which probably helps.” Jake interrupted, bumping their shoulders together. 

Coyote gave him a side eye before rolling his eyes. “Couldn’t you have pretended at least?” 

“What kind of best friend would I be if I didn’t give you a reality check every now and then?” Jake joked. 

“We’ve been over this. She’s got a boyfriend, end of story. Yes, she made me feel.. something, but it’s not relevant.” Jake picked up a roll and shoved it in his mouth. 

“Did Bob say anything about her?” 

Jake shook his head. “‘Nah.” 

“What about her? Have you two talked?” Javy inquired, picking apart the sushi on his plate. 

“Not really? We texted back and forth after the golf session but she’s been quiet since. She’s probably busy.” 

Javy stayed quiet, prompting Jake to stay quiet as well. Maybe he should have reached out to her when he found out Bob was coming to Lemoore. Being around Thea had been easy and he genuinely thought they’d make great friends. 

“So, you said Bradshaw acted like a child?” Javy interrupted his musings. 

“Huh?” 

“Rooster? You said he behaved like a dick while you were visiting?” Javy glanced around as if they were being spied on. 

Rolling his eyes at his friend's antics, Jake leaned back in his chair. “Yeah. I didn’t like how he acted with her. I smiled and introduced myself and he put on a whole show making sure I knew she was off limits. Like, I know I’m an asshole but I wouldn’t go after a girl who’s taken. His behaviour just struck me as odd.” 

“Well, you’re not his favourite person,” Javy joked. Jake made an agreeing sound and they sat in silence. Javy was shifting back and forth, face drawn in a tight grimace despite his earlier jab. 

Jake sighed. “Spit it out.”

“What?” Javy rebuffed, crossing his arms defensively across his chest. 

“You obviously have something to say.”

Coyote hesitated a moment before speaking. “Don’t you think you’re looking too much into this? I understand that you’re worried but I’m sure that if something was wrong, Bob would have picked up on it. From what you’ve told me, he and Thea seem pretty close and I don’t think Floyd would let anyone hurt his sister.” 

Jake opened his mouth to protest but Javy beat him to it. “I’m not saying I don’t believe you. I do. But I just don’t want you to get too attached to Thea. You said it yourself, she’s got a boyfriend. It’s not your job to worry. Bob would probably put his foot down if Bradshaw is acting up.” He finished, face apologetic. 

Jake knew Javy was right. It wasn’t his problem and he was sure Bob would keep an eye on Thea. It just felt off. But he knew he needed to take Javy’s words to heart. 

Thea had a boyfriend. He was just a friend. He had no right to say anything about their relationship. All he could settle for was to be a good friend to Thea. 

“You’re right.” Jake admitted defeat. It didn’t feel right but it was for the best. 

Javy nudged his shin, face still drawn into a tight smile. “Of course I’m right, I’m always right. But for what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I know you like her.”

Jake gave him a tight smile, shrugging slightly. “Like I said, you’re right.”

They made small talk for the rest of the dinner and promised to try and get together the next week.

As Jake walked back to his place, he tried his best to not think about Thea. He thought about what he should send as a present to Oliver for his birthday, if Torpedo would have left his stuff all over the floor as usual. 

He tried so hard to think about anything else than Thea. And as his phone lit up with her name, he failed spectacularly. 

After a gruelling day consisting of mostly everything going wrong, Jake just wanted to lie down and forget that world existed. 

But he opted to head to the gym, headphones on to not be disturbed. There weren't many people there when he arrived and he claimed a spot in the far back for his warm up routine. 

He checked his messages once more, hoping that there would be a text but was met with disappointment. Not that his latest message required an answer but he had hoped for the conversation to continue after Thea reached out after dinner. 

Her message had been short, a question only and Jake had probably answered a little too quickly. 

Are you still stationed out in CA? - Thea 

Jake had immediately replied yes and then tentatively let her know that he knew Bob was being transferred. She never replied and Jake wondered if he crossed a line. 

In hindsight he was probably overthinking the whole thing and as he stretched, he decided that he was going to try and take Javy’s advice. Whatever was going on, he didn’t need to get involved. 

Even he desperately wanted to know. If something had happened to Thea, he wanted to be able to be there for her if she needed it. But it wasn’t his job. So he put his phone on ‘don’t disturb’ for the reminder of his time in the gym. 

On his way back, he spoke briefly with Paul about Oliver’s birthday party and its success. His brother made sure he knew that Oliver got Jake’s gift and how excited he was even though Jake couldn’t attend. 

“…and then Maria said she met this guy at a study group and wanted to know if she can go on a date? Over my dead body.” Paul whined and Jake could imagine his brother's horror at his eldest daughters dating adventures. 

“If I remember correctly, we were all allowed to date at 16.” Jake mused, waving to Torpedo as he passed him by. 

Paul snorted. “Yeah and I also remember what being 16 is like. She’ll go on that date when hell freezes over.” 

Jake opened his mouth to respond but the sight of Bob Floyd had him backtracking and quickly ending the call. 

“Floyd! Didn’t know you were here yet.” Jake greeted as he approached the WSO, extending his hand for a handshake. Bob, as usual, surprised him by pulling him into a brief hug before leaning back. 

“Just left the air boss's office actually. Heading out soon, I just wanted to catch you before I left.” Bob explained, shoving his hands in his pockets. He looked on edge, a tenseness in his shoulders that Jake hadn’t seen the last time they were together. 

“Not staying on base then?” 

Bob shook his head. “I’ll get my bunk tomorrow. I'm staying with Thea tonight.” 

At the mention of Bob’s sister, Jake felt his heart accelerate but tried his best to hide it. “Oh, so she’s here? Didn’t think she’d leave.” 

Bob shrugged, hands still buried deep in his pockets. “She needed to leave.” 

He doesn’t elaborate and Jake’s dying to ask why but he doesn’t want to come across as nosy. So he settles on a safer topic. 

“What about that fiancée of yours, where’s she?” 

Bob starts toward the parking lot and Jake follows, his gym bag slung across his shoulder. 

“She’s still in Virginia. Her job won’t let her leave right away. She’ll join us when she can.” 

Jake clicked his tongue, mimicking Bob’s stance by shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Bet you miss the dog more, huh?” 

Bob snorted and huffed a laugh, opening the car door. “Listen, you should come over for dinner soon. Thea will be happy to see you.” 

“Will she?” Jake heard himself ask, hoping that the nervousness that had snuck up on him the moment Bob mentioned Thea wasn’t noticeable. 

“Yeah, she will. I think she needs it.” Bob assured, handing him a handwritten note with an address on it. 

Jake thanked him and they decided on a day next week, so the siblings could have some time to settle before bringing guests over. 

Bob requested that he bring Javy along if the man was free and Jake promised to let his best friend know about the invite the next time they spoke. 

As Bob got ready to start the car, Jake voiced the question that had been nagging him since he found out about Floyd’s transfer. 

“Hey, is Thea okay?” 

Bob stopped short of turning the key in the ignition, taking a deep breath. The lines around his eyes hardened and Jake felt like he had asked the wrong question. 

“No, she’s not. She will be, eventually. It’s not my story to tell. All I can say is that Bradshaw isn’t in the picture anymore.” 

So they broke up. Jake’s suspicions had been right. 

“How come?” He wondered, toeing the line between being polite and outright asking. 

Bob leaned back in his seat. “Like I said, not my story to tell.”

He felt mildly disappointed but took it in stride, the corners of his mouth curling upwards. “Well, if you need help to hide the body, you have my number. See you Wednesday, yeah?” 

They parted ways, bidding each other good night and Jake headed back towards his room. As he walked, he pulled out his phone and opened his text messages, scrolling until he found his conversation with Thea. 

Spoke with your brother. Whatever happened, I’m here for you, if you need a friend. Don’t hesitate to reach out. 

He put away the phone, reaching for his book as he made himself comfortable on the bed. Jake felt slightly calmer now that he knew something rather than nothing but he still wanted to reach out. If Thea didn’t want to answer him, that was okay. He just wanted her to know that he was there for her, for whatever she needed. 

He turned out the light after two chapters, exhaustion hitting him. As he turned out the light, a quiet chime from his phone alerted him to a notification. 

It wasn’t an answer but it was enough for him to know that she had gotten his message. A red heart marked his last sent message and Jake fell asleep with a smile on his face.

Taglist: @wildbornsiren​ @ryebecca @imjess-themess @reels-and-wheels @antiquitea @writercole @hederasgarden @yanna-banana @bobfloydsbabe @hollandorks @anniesocsandgeneralstore @ereardon @luminousnotmatter @roosterscock @thedroneranger @fandomxpreferences @top-hhun @princessmisery666 @bradshawsbitch​ @a-reader-and-a-writer @green-socks @angstybluejay @seresinhangmanjake @ayorooster​@notroosterbradshaw​ @indynerdgirl @gigisimsonmars @girl-in-the-chairs-void@bradshawbabes @unhinged-btch @horseshoegirl @sadpetalsstuff @bradshawbaby @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @ummjustfics​ @septemberrie​ @somenamewithepineapple​ @seresinsweetie​​ @crescentwolf​ @seresinhangmanjake​ @waklman​ @roosterforme​ @rosiahills22​ @dempy​ @i0veless​ @ilovewriting06​ @kmc1989​ @demxters @amortentiadrops @teacupsandtopgun @hangmanscoming

#jake seresin x oc #hangman x oc #rooster x oc (past) #bradley bradshaw x oc (past) #fe writes #fic: let me drown #oc: thea floyd #top gun maverick fic #top gun maverick

[jetaimeazar]

SLAM DUNK ! ⛹️‍♂️💪

ft: ... the heartslabyul + ramshackle students (?

somehow, i found out thea likes athletes (? weird thing to find out about my own oc but hey

#twisted wonderland #twst fanart #twst floyd leech #floyd leech fanart #twst floyd #floyd leech #twst art #twst: idylla thea hale #twst oc #twst #twst grim #heartslabyul #riddle rosehearts #trey clover #deuce spade #cater diamond

[althea-and-alcestris]

Infection Au

The results said the audience wants to hear my Infection Au so I shall deliver. (TW for blood, mentions of gore and su1cid3). I based this on the MLP Swamp Fever Au and the general Infection aus <3 Also this au includes a lot of ocs that belong to me and my friends

So the main plot is that a strange fungi was discovered on Sage Island that soon began to make people ill. At first everyone thought that it's just a regular magic fungi, however it quickly turned out to be an incorrect assumption. Those infected with the spores began to develop odd symptoms such as nosebleed, gums bleeding, bloodshot eyes, discoloration of fingers and soon the limbs as it spreads. By the ending stages of the infection, the patient will resemble more like a bleeding and decaying tree. The infection spreads through either bites or the spores of the fungi. Coming in contact with the infected without any safety gloves also results in infection. Those with high magic drive are able to remain sane for longer periods of time than those with lower or no magic drive at all.

It has been 4 weeks since the outbreak started. Idia and Ortho were able to leave Sage Island before STYX put the island on lockdown, sealing the dorm mirrors and the Dark Mirror so nobody can pass through. They're working on a cure. Meanwhile the ones stuck on Sage Island have started to adapt to the current situations, learning through several losses. Trein was one of the first victims of the outbreak, having been killed by the infected while trying to protect his students. Riddle, Vee, Marqu, Ellis, Mary, Fox and Jade have been terminated after they could no longer fight the infection and grew way too hostile. Cater, Dominico and Ace are injured from expeditions and attacks but uninfected. Azul and Leona are still under infection, Azul due to no access to any more human potions has returned to his merform and is now kept in a water tank until further notice. Leona is incredibly hostile and staff decided on termination. Trey, Lilia, Adamaris and Crowley are missing with no trace of where they could be. Malleus is infected but manages to maintain his sanity. Ruggie, Jack, Sebek, Alce, Thea, Allen, Deuce, Augustino, Chenfeng and Vargas are the ones on the expedition team who regularly leave campus (what has been turned into a main camp) to gather supplies, look for survivors, kill the wandering infected and clear areas. There are snipers (Thea and Allen), gatherers (Ruggie, Deuce, Augustino) and those who cover the team incase the infected are nearby (Sebek, Alce, Chenfeng). Jack and Vargas do most of the heavy lifting and Jack pulls the occasional carts with his UM. The ones in charge of terminating those who lose the battle with the infection inside NRC are Spider, Alce and Vargas. Vil is also infected but holds on, Rook wrote himself out of the expedition groups to stay with Vil while Epel along with Silver and Kalim are not allowed to join the expedition groups for their own reasons. Jamil stays with Kalim and Spider in NRC, Alto is in charge of the supplies that the expedition groups successfully gathered, Silver is distraught and anxious because of Lilia's absence which is why Sylas stay with him at all times. Floyd is his own person ever since Jade was put down and staff can't determine how much impact his brother's death had on him. He leaves a lot but never comes back infected. Ami and Crewel are the ones staying in NRC at all times to take care of the few children that were caught in the outbreak such as Karina and Eve. Sam is infected but resides in his shop while holding out.

As the story progresses, multiple of the canons and ocs fall. Cater dies to an infected wound, Leona is terminated, Thea asks to be put down by Sebek, Deuce is terminated by Alce due to the infection, Jamil is killed by the infected, Azul ends his own life by leaving the water tank in his merform, Alto is put down by Idia after infected severely, Vil is put down but he ends up killing Rook and Epel, Lilia is found dead, Spider is killed by the infected, Alce is killed by Allen who was infected, Allen ends his own life after realizing what he had done. Crowley is never found.

The last survivors end up being:

Ace, Trey (he is found), Ruggie, Jack, Floyd, Kalim, Idia, Ortho, Malleus, Silver, Sebek, Crewel, Sam, Vargas, Ami, Karina, Eve, Sylas and a couple more ocs.

It's a lot of angst and I know it's a bit jumbled right now but I'm in the making of the character files and I will post them one by one. If you have questions, you can ask away ^^

#twst oc #disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland oc #alcestris #twst #disney twst #twisted wonderland #twst wonderland #infection au #riddle rosehearts #ace trappola #deuce spade #cater diamond #trey clover #leona kingscholar #ruggie bucchi #jack howl #azul ashengrotto #floyd leech #jade leech #kalim al asim #jamil viper #vil schoenheit #rook hunt #epel felmier #idia shroud #ortho shroud #malleus draconia #lilia vanrouge #sebek zigvolt

[bobfloydsbabe]

Not the same anon but after reading your answers about yours and other people’s OC’s in crossovers, what OC’s of your friends would you like to see in a crossover with yours if it ever were to happen? - 🥦

Hi anon! What a great question 😄

I think my OC Imogen would get along really well with @withahappyrefrain's Danica! The chaos that would ensue if those two hung out is almost unfathomable, and I like to think that Danica would encourage Imogen's mission to drive Eccentric Professor Bob insane. She supports women’s rights, but more importantly, she supports women’s wrongs.

I would also love to see @blue-aconite's Thea Floyd and my OC Abby Lennox (in her original iteration) crossover. I think they have similar temperaments and would get along really well. I think they would bond over their traumatic breakups and understand each other better than most. I also like to think that the Floyd siblings of Let Me Drown would accept Abby as an honorary family member without a second thought.

Thank you so much for asking, anon! I appreciate you. I hereby assign you the broccoli emoji and you will forevermore be "🥦 anon"

#mail #answered #anonymous #🥦 anon #oc questions #friends oc

[grey-eyed-menace]

Hello there.

My name is Lenzie, and well, uh...

I actually don't know how to phrase this, but, as I'm pretty stumped about my three Twisted Wonderland OC's I'd like people to send in questions about them!

I'll accept any and all questions about them, so long as they aren't incredibly inappropriate.

There most basic information, and pretty much all I've come up for them, are listed under their picrews.

And they're all Chibi's because the Chibi picrew had the best selection in my opinion.

Now, without a further ado, here they are!

First up is the Yuuki Cousins! Who, rather regrettably, have been redesigned slightly in that they aren't related, but they still grew up together!

Alongside his lovely co-kidnappee, he's only about sixteen once he ends up in Twisted Wonderland.

This fine gentleman is Yuuki Yuuya, better known as 'Yuu' by his friends, with the added appeal of no one being quite sure if Yuuki or Yuuya is his first name, it's generally assumed Yuuya is, and due to Subaru's last name, people generally reference his last name as Yuuki.

He passes off his everyday fashion as his Dorm Uniform, and Crowley... Can't really contest it, as Ramshackle technically now counts as a dorm...

He's a bit like an over excited puppy, always rushing headfirst into danger and asking questions later, and, is, technically speaking, the real 'MC' of my story, as he is put in Ramshackle with Grim.

He's also a Disney Nerd, and is both completely flabbergasted at his new surroundings and absolutely thrilled.

He also might have a thing about Thorne. Subaru's convinced it's a general 'Cute Bunny' thing, it's not. He's lying. Everything he claims about the situation is a lie.

It's like Agatha and Ortho, the former claims that the latter isn't special to them, and then the latter does the 'smile' thing, and suddenly the former is throwing candy at their creator passive aggressively.

...okay, so maybe it's not like Agatha and Ortho, (and it's definitely not Idia and Agatha because that's a very specific dynamic based on shared pessimism, misanthropy, and what Agatha equates to shared trauma), but nonetheless.

Calls Malleus 'Stranger Danger'.

He also bought a baby sling for Grimm, said Demon-Like-Cat is unamused.

And the other Yuuki attending NRC.

Yuuki Subaru!

Again, like her 'cousin', (it was an easy lie, and at the very least, it guarantees that no one will be loosing their heads over her and Yuu being alone in the same room), she's only about sixteen when they end up in Twisted Wonderland.

She's also incredibly pissed about it.

Subaru, unlike her best friend, is sorted into Pomefiore!

Back home, she was a somewhat small-time up and coming idol... Who was perpetually broke.

She's sorted into Pomefiore on the grounds of her core values... And amusement.

Beyond that, she's a very hard worker and values blunt honesty above all else.

Because she's literally a minute away from decking everyone in the face, and isn't really into keeping up the 'Persona' she had back home unless she's on stage, mostly because there's no point, she's tired, and honestly just wants everyone to shut-up so she can pass out.

She gets along with Leona simply because she feels kinship with the fact that he wants to sleep through most of the day.

Comes up with increasingly weird nicknames for Malleus every time they meet, (first time is Tsunotaro, as is canon, second time is Green-Eye's, third time she's under the genuine impression that his fondness for Thorne means they're related-or dating and calls him Not-Blondie for some reason), infuriates Sebek, amused Lilia, and Thorne is just really... Confused? She wants to say confused.

This is Rista Caspian!

He's the fifth born Prince of the Coral Sea, (and unfortunately NOT the bain of Rielle's school experience at RSA much to his eternal lamentation, fortunately Claire's doing just fine on her own), and a third year at NRC.

He has an adventurous streak a mile wide, and thinks himself something of a troublemaker, even if that's not exactly the truth.

As he's fifth in line for the throne, he doesn't have as many responsibilities as his older brother and and sisters, which freed him to attend NRC on land.

It also resulted in a somewhat... Less than stellar habit of not owning up to his mistakes and a lack of responsibility.

(Also, the entire reason he wasn't picked as Dorm Head? Spite. Pure unfiltered spite. Crowley made one vaguely insulting comment about Queen Minerva and it was war. Tradition be damned.)

His eldest sister, Thea, is the Crown Princess.

In order his siblings are...

Thea, Alan, Renna, Ven, himself, Claire, and Rielle.

Twisted from Ariel's elder sister Arista.

I have a vague idea about his Unique Magic being called 'Siren's Song'.

By the time of Chapter Three, he and Thorne have a weird friendship built on an incident involving them raiding the school kitchen.

And finally, the Disamonia first year, Thorne Brodeur!

The daughter of a very well off family from Pyroxene, and completely human... Er, maybe.

She's a very skittish and quiet young woman who ended up face planting against the Mirror when Subaru and Yuu rushed into the ritual chamber.

Thorne was good friends with Neige LeBlanche as a small child, but eventually, (purposely), fell out of touch with him once his career took off as her father started to push for a much... Different relationship afterwards, she straight up disappears during Chapter Five because of this, and no one can find her. NO ONE.

No one's quite sure what that says about her usual efforts to disappear.

She really doesn't know why she ended up in Disamonia, but Lilia seems endlessly amused by it, and everyone else is vaguely confused.

She's twisted from the Spindle that pricked Aurora's finger.

Her Unique Magic, as it is currently, so far has the working title of 'Wicked Lullaby'.

A good chunk of her hair gets lopped off during Leona's Overblot, and Lilia ends up in evening it out, and to Sebek's eternal frustration, she starts taking after Floyd on how to wear her uniform more casually...

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland mc #twisted wonderland oc #twisted wonderland yuu #twisted wonderland questions #the little mermaid #the little mermaid arista #sleeping beauty #spindle #arista #octanivelle #Disamonia #Ramshackle #twisted wonderland grim #Thorne took one look at Vil and vaulted over a staircase #Rista and Thorne have an incredibly weird friendship

[ao3feed-oliverfelicity]

Purple Heart, Red Cross, and Green Arrows

read it on the AO3

by melicitysmoak

[Arrow/Olicity historical war fic (AU) set during WWII in the Pacific] Oliver Queen is a marine and becomes a POW after US troops surrender to the Japanese in the Fall of Bataan in April 1942. He and his friends Tommy Merlyn and John Diggle are forced into a Death March where thousands of American and Filipino POWs die due to brutal treatment. He mourns his losses, including Felicity, a nurse and the love of his life, whom he presumes is dead when her hospital was bombed by the Japanese. Oliver is left for dead, but he miraculously survives the Death March despite his injuries. Unknown to him, Felicity has also survived the blast and is recuperating in another village. Love and courage lead them back to each other in the midst of chaos and suffering, and they both get to contribute to the many valiant efforts in turning the tide of the war in the Pacific.

Words: 2786, Chapters: 1/16, Language: English

Fandoms: Arrow (TV 2012), The Flash (TV 2014)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/M

Characters: Oliver Queen, Felicity Smoak, John Diggle, Tommy Merlyn, Caitlyn Snow, Robert Queen, Moira Queen, Thea Queen, Barry Allen, Iris West, Laurel Lance, Sara Lance, Quentin Lance, Donna Smoak, Francisco Ramon, Dante Ramon, Floyd "Deadshot" Lawton (mentioned), Rene Ramirez, Yao Fei, Shado Fei (mentioned), Rory Regan, Roy Harper, Maseo Yamashiro, Slade Wilson/Deathstroke, OCs

Relationships: Oliver Queen & Felicity Smoak, Oliver Queen/Felicity Smoak

Additional Tags: olicity - Freeform, Drama, Romance, Action, Suspense, Love, War, Suffering, Death, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, World War II, Pacific War, Heroism, American Red Cross, mentions of sexual abuse, mentions of physical abuse, Rated for war-related themes and violence, historical fiction - Freeform, Oliver is a marine, Oliver has archery skills, Felicity is a nurse, Felicity is still a genius

read it on the AO3

#ao3feed #fanfic #olicity #arrow #oliver x felicity

[bluboothalassophile]

HfaB Universe Openings

Hello,

It has come to my attention that DC has been slightly disappointing us fans. So I’ve thinking to expand on it to the other super families DC has to offer. But I’ve also realized that this undertaking is a wee bit too big for me to do by myself, so I’m thinking to open the Hopes for a Bastard Universe to a few writers who are interested in this undertaking.

The families I’m offering for adoption are the Supers, Flash, Arrows, and Aquas.

The expansion rules are simple, the goal is to smooth out the inconsistencies of DC, and to create a smooth out the interactions of the characters. 

To join, those interested will direct me and my co-judge, @bookaholicpt, to the samples, and together we will select the writers who are most interested in joining. Feel free to tag or message me so we can go investigate your writing.

Now, the goal is open communication between the writers so, yes, there are some ESTABLISHED points from what I’ve already written for the Hopes for a Bastard Series, Rooftop Dances, Oceans Away, Parent Trap, Run Of Your Life, and Chemistry. But other than what little of the external families has been established free creative licence with the families.

Rules for Once In:

No Killing Characters Without Consulting

No Cheating On Married Characters Without Consulting

All Ships Must Be Consulted On, There Are A Few Endgames Already Set

Characters can have one-sided crushes, at the writers discretions

NO Major Events (death, marriage, cheating, relationships, sex, etc.) Impacting On OTHER Families Without Consulting The Impacted Family

Friendships, Team Ups, and Borrowing of Other Characters Must Be Consulted On.

NO CHARACTER BASHING! None. You can dislike a character, I dislike some, but there will be no character bashing. If there is to be character bashing, then you, as the writer, will have to work on selling this through actions, writing, and not just senseless bashing.

No OCs, unless you bring valid reasons for the OC and the OC is not the main of the story, DC has a plethora of characters at our disposal so please, dig into using those.

Now, the winners of this little competition will be offered a single page, black & white, comic panel by, @chromium7sky, who has kindly offered this.

Now, I have the Bats, and Outlaws obviously, as I work on the Hopes for a Bastard Series and Rooftop Dance Trilogy. So if you wish to use the Bats for the story, you need to speak to me about that, but I know the Bats are friends with other superfamilies so I won’t be hording them; to a degree. Same with the Outlaws.

IF Presented with a GOOD Plot Idea for the Titan Teams, or JL Teams, then we will discuss building on those. But to take a Team, with Cross Over Characters means presenting an ACTUAL Plot for those kinds of stories.

Super Families for Adoption:

Aqua Family:

Family Members: Arthur C., Mera, Orm, Garth, Dolphin, Kaldur’ahm, Tula, Arthur Curry Jr., Koryak, Lorena M.

Arthur and Mera are married, they do have a strong marriage

Garth is the exact same age as Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson, and they are friends

Garth is friends with Dick, Roy, and Wally

Kaldur’ahm is gay or bi, depending on the writer’s preference

Garth can be in a relationship with Tula or Dolphin, or a love triangle if you can pull it off

Koryak was born before Arthur was married to Mera and before Arthur was Aquaman and King of Atlantis

Arthur Joseph Curry is the same age as Damian Wayne

Arrow Family:

Family Members: Oliver Q., Felicity S., Roy H., Emiko Q., Tommy M., J. Digg, Artemis C., Connor H., William C., Walter S., Lian H., Detective Q. Lance, Dinah L., Mia D., Cissy K.

Oliver and Felicity are married with a strong marriage

Laurel and Tommy were engaged

Laurel is dead

Moira is dead

Thea is dead

Dinah L. is Detective Lance’s youngest teenage daughter, half sister of Sara and Laurel

Emiko is bi

Tommy is foster father of Cissy and Mia

Lian’s second dad is Jason T.

Roy’s joked on ‘husband’ is Jason T.

Roy is a recovering addict

Mia does have HIV

Artemis is half Vietnamese and Jade’s younger sister

Artemis is marrying/married to (depending on where in the HfaB timeline) Wally West and mother of Irey W. and Jai W.

Flash Family:

Family Members: Barry A., Iris W., Detective J. West, Wally W., Cecile H., Jenna W., Bart A., Jay G., Joan G., Wallace W., Floyd L., Zoe L., Suchin L., Irey W. (depending on HfaB Time Line), Don W. & Dawn W. (depending on the HfaB Timeline), Caitlin S., Cisco R., Harry W., Jesse Q.

Joe has had two wives, Francine & Cecile

Francine is dead and white with red hair (yes, this change was to accomidate Wally West I’s appearence of being white with red hair)

Wally West I is related Iris through her older half brother Robert [deceased] who was mothered by Francine

Jay and Joan Garrick are from Earth 2, which was destroyed

Barry and Iris are happily married

Harry is from Earth 3

Bart is from the Injustice Future (will elaborate to the person who adopts the Flash family)

Bart does not talk about the future

Bart is gay and aware he only likes guys

Irey is from the future

Caitlin is Killer Frost and a JL doctor with high security clearence

Wallace West II is related to Iris West by her younger brother, Daniel who is on Suicide Squad

Floyd Lawton adopted Wallace and lives in Central City with Wallace, Suchin, and Zoe

Iris had a set of twins first; Don and Dawn (depending on HfaB Timeline

Irey is from the future, she’s live with Wally and has a twin in her time; Jai

Super Family:

Family Members: Martha K., Clark K., Lois L., Jon K., Kara Zor-El, Kon-El, Karen Starr, Christopher Kent, Tanya Spears

Clark Kent and Lois Lane are married happily

Jonathan Kent is dead

Jon is Clark and Lois’ son

Kara is also adopted by Clark and Lois, they’re her guardians, not parents; Kara is still Clark’s very young cousin

Kon is adopted, yes, it’s a conflict in the family

Kon and M’gann are expecting twins (family feelings on that is open for interpretation)

Power Girl, a.k.a. Karen Starr is posing as Kara’s older sister

Karen is a lesbian

Karin is from Earth 2, which is destroyed

Chris Kent was adopted after Raven’s connection to the portals and Phantom Zone went haywire in Holiday Express Shipping

Tanya attends MIT

Characters of undetermined sexual orientation can be up to the writer. If a character is obviously gay, bi, lesbian or asexual then the writer will decide, but share to the rest of the writers, about this decision. Race and religion are not to be toyed with, unless that’s still unknown, but for the most part these are known. Try to stay true to the origins of the character, but alterations can be made but please inform us of these alterations.

The goal of opening the HfaB Universe is to create this to be a smoother world than the DC universe, we’re smoothing it out and fixing it. Because frankly I can’t be the only one tired of this shit. So if you’re interested, tag me, or talk to me and present samples. @bookaholicpt and I will work on deciding the winners of this.

#bluboothalassophile #hello reader #hopes for a bastard universe

[cluelessrebel1988]

A video I made of all the canon characters and OCs currently in @theconvergenceroleplay. The song is “Marching On” by OneRepublic

The Characters are as follows: 

Supernatural

Naomi (Amanda Tapping)

Jenna Winters (Odette Annable)

Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki)

Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles)

Charlie Bradbury (Felicia Day)

Kevin Tran (Osric Chau)

Jo Harvelle (Alona Tal)

Ruby (Katie Cassidy)

Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino)

Eileen Leahy (Shoshannah Stern)

Crowley (Mark Sheppard)

Castiel (Misha Collins)

Max Banes (Kendrick Sampson)

Andrew "Drew" Haraldson (Grant Gustin)

Harry Potter

Taylor Weasley (Melissa Benoist)

Dominique Weasley (Indiana Evans)

DJ Lake (Seán William McLoughlin)

Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint)

Fred Weasley (James Phelps)

Alexandra Summers (Idia Eisley)

Lily Potter II (Holland Roden)

Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright)

James Potter II (Dylan O'Brien)

Lucy Weasley (Saxon Sharbino)

Molly Weasley II (Zena Grey)

Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler)

Colin Creevey (Hugh Mitchell)

Victoire Weasley (Amber Heard)

Tom Riddle (Frank Dillane)

Logan Mills (Munro Chambers)

Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton)

Seamus Finnigan (Devon Murray)

Shona "Nani" Duncan (Zooey Deschanel)

Hermione Granger (Emma Watson)

Teddy Lupin (Luke Newberry)

Dean Thomas (Alfie Enoch)

Miles Thomas (Ryan Potter)

Lysander Scamander (Colin Ford)

Lee Jordan (Luke Youngblood)

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge)

Natasha Romanov (Scarlett Johansson)

Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings)

Angie Martinelli (Lyndsy Fonseca

Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell)

Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie)

Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow)

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr)

Booker Harmon (Michael B. Jordan)

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans)

Peter Parker (Tom Holland)

Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce)

Elektra Natchios (Elodie Yung)

Mantis (Pom Klementieff)

Leslie Shade (Kylie Furneaux)

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt)

Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)

Nebula (Karen Gillan)

Leo Fitz (Iain de Caestecker)

Daisy "Skye" Johnson (Quake) (Chloe Bennet)

Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen)

Pietro Maximoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)

Sherlock

Mycroft Holmes (Mark Gatiss)

John Watson (Martin Freeman)

Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey)

Anthea (Lisa McAllister)

Mary Watson (Amanda Abbington)

Irene Adler (Lara Pulver)

Greg Lestrade (Rupert Graves)

Eurus Holmes (Siân Brooke)

Doctor Who

Rose Tyler (Billie Piper)

Jack Harkness (John Barrowman)

Jayda Osmi (Nicole Bonifacio)

Jacob Robens-Osmi (Tristan Wilds)

Sky Smith (Sinead Michael)

Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman)

Percy Jackson

Hylla Ramirez-Arellano (Eiza Gonzalez)

Annabeth Chase (AnnaSophia Robb)

Hazel Levesque (Amandla Stenberg)

Frank Zhang (Booboo Stewart)

Kaiser Jäger (Max Riemalt)

Leo Valdez (Jake T. Austin)

Nico di Angelo (Jakub Gierszal)

Rachel Elizabeth Dare (Luca Hollestelle)

Will Solace (Burkely Duffield)

Zoë Nightshade (Anjli Mohindra)

Jackie Long (Melissa Benoist)

Reyna Ramirez-Arellano (Victoria Justice)

Clarisse La Rue (Leven Rambin)

Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman)

The Vampire Diaries

Elijah Mikaelson (Daniel Gillies)

Katherine Pierce (Nina Dobrev)

Davina Claire (Danielle Campbell)

Damon Salvatore (Ian Somahalder)

Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley)

Lexi Branson (Arielle Kebbel)

Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev)

Caroline Forbes (Candice King)

April Young (Grace Phipps)

Rebekah Mikaelson (Claire Holt)

Indiana 'Indie' Davis (Lily Collins)

Jeremy Gilbert (Steven R McQueen)

Bonnie Bennett (Kat Graham)

Vicki Donovan (Kayla Ewell)

Tyler Lockwood (Micheal Trevino)

The Hunger Games

Primrose Everdeen (Willow Shields)

Clove (Isabelle Fuhrman)

Madge Undersee (Abigail Breslin)

Finnick Odair (Sam Clafin)

Dexterous LaFevers (Colin Ford)

Glimmer (Leven Rambin)

Christopher 'Kit' Odair (Douglas Booth)

Johanna Mason (Jena Malone)

Shilo Mellark (Alex Pettyfer)

Annie Cresta (Stef Dawson)

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence)

Thresh (Dayo Okeniyi)

Willow Mellark (Emily Rudd)

Merlin

Morgana Pendragon (Katie McGrath)

Gwaine (Eoin Macken)

Percival (Tom Hopper)

Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera)

Hunith (Caroline Faber)

Balinor (John Lynch)

Mordred (Alexander Vlahos)

Merlin (Colin Morgan)

Freya (Laura Donnelly)

Rielle (Indiana Evans)

Kara (Alexandra Dowling)

Sir Leon (Rupert Young)

Once Upon a Time

Peter Pan (Robbie Kay)

Graham Humbert (Jamie Dornan)

Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison)

Grace (Alyssa Skovbye)

Helena (Tristan Mays)

Regina Mills (Lana Parrilla)

Felix (Parker Croft)

Elsa (Georgina Haig)

Zelena (Rebecca Mader)

Aurora (Sarah Bolger)

Anna (Elizabeth Lail)

Killian Jones (Colin O'Donoghue)

Anastasia (The Red Queen) (Emma Rigby)

Fiona (The Black Fairy) (Jamie Murray)

Divergent

Christina Kravitz (Zoe Kravitz)

Eric Coulter (Jai Courtney)

Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley)

Will (Ben Lloyd-Hughes)

Fox Marvel

Kassandra Dare (Nicola Peltz)

Amily Jacobs (Elle Fanning)

Daisy Oliviera (Tori Kelly)

Jubilation Lee 'Jubilee' (Lana Condor)

Scott Summers (Tye Sheridan)

Charles Xavier (James McAvoy)

Chase Maelstrom (Asa Butterfield)

Sean Cassidy (Caleb Landry Jones)

Ajax (Francis) (Ed Skrein)

Alex Summers (Lucas Till)

Ellie Phimister (Brianna Hildebrand)

Jasper (Lindsey Morgan)

Hope Cooper (Zendaya)

Anise Lovett (Adelaide Kane)

Peter Maximoff (Evan Peters)

Brooklyn Winters (Crystal Reed)

Laura Kinney (Dafne Keen)

Jean Grey (Sophie Turner)

Star Trek

Khan Noonien Singh (Benedict Cumberbatch)

James T Kirk (Chris Pine)

The Maze Runner

Thomas (Dylan O'Brien)

Minho (Ki Hong Lee)

Elizabeth (Maia Mitchell)

Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangsta)

Harriet (Nathalie Emmanuel)

Sonya (Katherine McNamara)

DC Cinematic and Television Universes

Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist)

Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes)

Thea Queen (Willa Holland)

Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards)

Hunter Zoloman (Teddy Sears)

Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell)

Melanie Silver (Saoirse Ronan)

Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie)

The Joker (Jared Leto)

Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanaugh)

Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker)

Jesse Quick (Violett Beane)

Alex Danvers (Chyler Leigh)

Chato Santana (El Diablo) (Jay Hernandez)

Patty Spivot (Shantel VanSanten)

Floyd Lawton (Deadshot) (Will Smith)

Clark Kent (Superman) (Henry Cavill)

Ray Palmer (A.T.O.M) (Brandon Routh)

Adrian Chase (Simon Morrison) (Josh Segarra)

Sara Lance (Caity Lotz)

Barry Allen (Grant Gustin)

Dinah Drake (Juliana Harkavy)

William Clayton (Jack Moore)

Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) (Gal Gadot)

Mon-El (Mike Matthews) (Chris Wood)

Winslow Schott Jr. (Jeremy Jordan)

Zoe Lawton (Shailyn Pierre-Dixon)

Jae-Yoon Hyunsik (Park Chanyeol)

Iris West (Candice Patton)

Dante Ramon (Nicholas Gonzalez)

Star Wars

Bennal Derek (Bradley Cooper)

Han Solo (Harrison Ford)

Aeli Serit (Shailene Woodley)

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver)

Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn)

Armitage Hux (Domhnall Gleeson)

Alter'Li Fond (Holland Roden)

Callen Derek (Kellen Lutz)

Barriss Offee (Nalini Krishan)

Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman)

Rey (Daisy Ridley)

Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher)

Lord of the Rings

Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly)

Legolas Greenleaf (Orlando Bloom)

Thranduil Greenleaf (Lee Pace)

Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman)

Gimli (John Rhys-Davies)

Raviel (Rachel McAdams)

The Mortal Instruments and Shadowhunters

Max Lightwood - TMI (Jack Fulton)

Cecily Herondale - TMI (Alexandra Daddario)

Shane Burciaga (Adam Lambert)

Magnus Bane - SH (Harry Shum Jr.)

Louis Adams (Dylan O'Brien)

Amelia Lockhart (Madison McLaughlin)

Clarissa 'Clary' Fray - TMI (Katherine Mcnamara)

Alec Lightwood - SH (Matthew Daddario)

Kayden Jacques - SH (Victoria Justice)

Jace Lightwood - TMI (Jamie Campbell Bower)

Maia Roberts - TMI (Meagan Tandy)

Disney Live-Action

Belle (Emma Watson)

Evie (Sofia Carson)

Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy)

Little Red Riding Hood (Lila Crawford)

Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale)

Mal (Dove Cameron)

Jay (Booboo Stewart)

Ben (Mitchell Hope)

Giselle (Amy Adams)

Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites)

Carlos De Vil (Cameron Boyce)

Twilight

Jane (Dakota Fanning)

Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli)

#The Convergence Roleplay #The Convergence #Supernatural #Harry Potter #Marvel Cinematic Universe #Sherlock #Doctor Who #Percy Jackson #The Vampire Diaries #The Hunger Games #Merlin #Once Upon A Time #Divergent #Fox Marvel Universe #Star Trek #The Maze Runner #DC universe #Star Wars #Lord of the Rings #The Mortal Instruments #Shadowhunters #Disney Live-Action movies #Twilight #OneRepublic #Marching On

[blue-aconite]

let me drown || chapter III - bradley’s summer part III

Summary: People aren't always what they seem.

Warnings: Allusions to smut, jealousy, swearing, angst, cheating, drinking

Word Count: 6.3k

Pairings: Bradley Bradshaw x OC

Authors Note: It’s here. Enjoy. Minors DNI. Each chapter will be labelled with warnings individually.

Thank you to my amazing beta @writercole​, this fic wouldn’t be what it is without you. I love you.

Virginia, Oceana Naval Air Station, Summer 2018

Bradley slammed on the brakes a bit harder than necessary, knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel too tight. Thea was quiet in the passenger seat, playing with the hem of her jean shorts as he sat in silence in the driveway. 

Dinner had been tense, to say the least. Bradley’s mood had only gotten worse as Athena continued to pester them. At first she had taken an interest in Thea, asking her all sorts of questions. It was innocent enough but Bradley knew there was nothing innocent about his WSO. He had kept quiet though, hand resting on Thea’s knee as she answered Athena’s rapid questions.

Bob and Hangman had seemed oblivious to the tension at first, eager to catch up since they last saw each other. Bradley hated how well they seemed to get along. Like Hangman and Bob were actual friends. It felt wrong. Hangman wasn’t a friendly guy and Bob should know that. Especially if they spent months together on a carrier. He couldn’t exactly put his thumb on why it bothered him so much, but it did.

Hangman and Bob eventually ran out of things to talk about and turned their attention to Thea. To his dismay, his girlfriend and Hangman got along like two peas in a pod. Bradley hated it. He hated how Hangman made her laugh, trading life stories like they’ve known each other for more than an hour. And he hated the way Hangman looked at her. He shouldn’t be looking at her at all. Thea was taken. She was Bradley’s girlfriend and Hangman had the audacity to flirt with her when Bradley was sitting right next to them.

Bob hadn’t interfered, smiling and sharing anecdotes from his and Hangman’s time together. Bradley hated that too. Nobody had seemed to care that Bradley wasn’t really a part of the conversation. Nobody except Athena. She spared him the occasional glance, something vicious dancing across her features each time he caught her watching. 

When Athena then veered into more intimate details of his and Thea’s relationship, Bradley slammed a fist on the table and told her to stay out of it. His outburst startled the occupants of the table, as well as several other patrons of the restaurant. He had excused himself to the bathroom for a chance to calm down. He hoped that Athena would keep her mouth shut while he was gone. 

There had been a tentative knock on the door, Thea was hovering outside the door, worry etched onto her face. He stepped out of the bathroom, refusing to meet her eyes. 

“Are you okay?” She asked as he closed the bathroom door behind him, not bothering to answer her as he tugged her into his arms, burying his face in her hair. “Bradley, please, what’s wrong?”

“Can we just go home?” He had asked instead of answering Thea’s questions. He wanted to go home, wrap Thea up in his arms and never let go. She sweetly told him to head for the car while she said goodbye, never the one to push. 

The drive home had been quiet, Bradley’s anger still rushing through him. Thea shifted uncomfortably the entire way, opening and closing her mouth several times but never saying anything. 

She exited the car and Bradley wondered for a split second if he should go back to base but Thea called out his name, stopping in the doorway. “Are you sleeping in the car tonight or what?”

He followed her into the bedroom and they got ready for bed in silence. At least she wanted him here. Thea was already in bed when he exited the bathroom, phone pressed to her ear. 

“Yeah okay. Tell them sorry for cutting dinner short. ‘Kay, I will. I love you, goodnight.” The term of endearment threw him for a loop until he realised she was probably talking to Bob. He got under the covers, desperately wishing he could just pull her into his arms. 

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Thea kept her eyes trained on the ceiling, fingers fidgeting on top of the duvet. Bradley doesn’t know exactly what’s going on so he settled for the one thing he did know. 

“I didn’t like the way he looked at you.” It’s childish and he knows it but it’s also true.

Thea frowned, turning onto her side to study his face. “What do you mean?” Bradley isn’t going to insult her by asking how she could have missed the obvious.

“Hangman. He looked at you.” Bradley’s tongue darted out to wet his lips, taking a deep breath. He could see Thea’s hand moving in the corner of his eye and when she made contact with his naked skin, he sucked in another breath.

“Babe, we were talking. Of course he was looking at me. Would have been quite rude not to.” She poked his side, trying to lighten the mood. 

“He didn’t need to look at you like that,” He whispered. 

Thea inched closer. “Like what Brad?” Her lips pressed against his bicep, ghosting over his skin.

“Like he wanted you.”

Thea barked out a laugh, coughing when she realised he was serious and didn't find the whole thing amusing. “Oh honey. He was being polite. That’s all. And even if he did look at me like that, it doesn’t matter. All I want is you.” Thea crawled on top of him, kissing his nose when she settled on his chest. When he didn’t answer, she continued to press kisses to his face, tongue darting out to trace his bottom lip.

Flipping them over was easy and Thea gasped his name when he pressed her into the mattress. He lets his hands roam, enjoying the way she shuddered when his fingers traced along the waistband of her underwear. Her touch faltered as his hand skimmed over her shirt clad stomach, their foreheads pressed together. 

“Please.” He whispered against the hollow of her throat, lips finding her skin. He pulled back to look into her eyes, repeating his plea. It’s a cheap shot but he could try. She hesitated and Brad decided to throw caution to the wind as he pressed his hips closer. 

“Thea. Please, I want you. Say you want me too. Say you’re mine.” He begged. Tell me you belong to me. Tell me you don’t want anyone else. Tell me I am the only one. Tell me you don’t want him.

 “I love you, Thea.” He tried again, leaning back slightly. An uncomfortable tightness grew in his chest, very much unlike the tightness of his boxers. Her silence sent him into a downward spiral of doubt and insecurities, hands reaching inside his chest and squeezing his heart. 

“Brad. Bradley. Look at me.” As if she could sense his panic, Thea reached up to frame his face, thumbs stroking his cheeks. “Promise me this isn’t because of what happened tonight. Promise me what you’re saying is how you really feel.”

“Of course it’s real.” It’s also so Athena would leave him alone but Thea didn’t need to know that. She didn’t need to know about the bet. But he did love her, so much he thinks there’s no room for him to feel anything else than this overwhelming need to constantly be with her. 

“I love you, too, Bradley.” He didn't need to hear more, reaching down to press their lips together. Thea reached blindly for the light, the room descending into darkness as he slowly pulled the shirt over her head. 

“I’m yours Bradley. I want you.”

“Nice of you to skip out on the bill, dickhead.” Was Athena’s way of joining the conversation he and Bob currently was involved in. The bar was packed with people, nothing new for a Friday night but Bradley had hoped to avoid Athena tonight. Even if he had made good on the bet, Bradley had hoped a single text would suffice and then everything could go back to normal. 

He was nursing his fourth beer when his backseater joined him and Thea’s brother at the bar.

“I said I was sorry. And we did pay you back.” Bradley muttered, rolling his eyes. Athena waved down the bartender, asking for a beer, eyeing Bradley up and down. 

Bob smiled politely when she joined them, munching on a few peanuts. “Isn’t Hangman here? We were talking about going to the golf course before dinner ended.” He angled the cup of peanuts towards her, a silent offer. 

“No, he’s meeting someone tonight I think.” There it was again, the white hot jealousy igniting within him every time they mentioned Seresin. Everything about the man infuriated Bradley. His friendship with Bob, the very obvious way he looked at Thea. 

“Well, I’ll see him tomorrow. You up for some golf Rooster?” Bob’s invitation was genuine but Bradley could think of a hundred other things to do before meeting Hangman again. He swallowed a mouthful of beer before answering.

“Sorry, but I’ve got some solo simulations to run.” There was no need to mention that he’d never played a single game of golf in his life, except on Wii. He detested the sport, there wasn’t anything remotely fun about it.

Bob smiled brightly, so like Thea’s smile. “Yeah, Thea mentioned that earlier when we spoke. Sorry man, totally forgot.”

Bob downed the last of his water before bidding them goodnight, citing that he and Seresin planned to meet up early the next day. 

Athena pounced the moment he was gone, turning towards Bradley with a wicked glint in her eye. “So? Tomorrow’s the deadline, Bradshaw. Sealed the deal yet? If not, we could always call Jake. He’d be down to fuck her in a second, she’s all he’s talked about since dinner.” As always, she pushed the right buttons and Bradley forced himself to let go of his bottle before he broke it. 

“Fuck him. I saw the way he was looking at her. She’s mine. Tell him to back to fuck off,” Bradley paused, letting out a heavy breath. “I did it. So you can back off now.” 

“Nice. Honestly, I didn't think you had it in you chicken. I’m proud. Next round’s on me.” Athena smacked his arm, looking way too pleased. Bradley had a feeling she wasn’t going to behave any different. Before he could say something, Orca and Spot showed up, nodding their hellos.

“What is this I hear about you buying Simons? What did we miss?” 

“Bet Bradshaw here free drinks forever if he fucked lil Floyd within three weeks.” Bradley choked on his beer, patting his own chest to get rid of the fluid in his throat. He turned to Athena, anger coursing through his veins. What the fuck was she doing?

“Hey look at that, big man Bradshaw. Good for you. Was she any good? She looks like she’s good.” Orca nudged his side, filthy smile in place, his blue eyes shining with interest. Bradley had every intention of walking away from the conversation but Athena clucked quietly under her breath, making crude gestures with her hands. 

Spot grimaced, looking around the packed bar. “Tone it down man. What if Floyd hears? Don’t think he would appreciate listening to how Bradshaw railed his little sister.” He ended his sentence with a laugh, proudly accepting the high five from both Athena and Orca. 

“Come on Rooster, share. She’s a pretty thing, isn’t she? She’s like a damn princess, all happy and shit.” Athena mocked, waving down the bartender for another round. Bradley sighed audibly, taking another gulp of his beer. 

Orca and Spot laughed in tandem, making kissy faces at him. “Bradshaw, don’t go all shy on us now.”

“Maybe she was terrible. Fuck chicken, is that it? It was bad, wasn’t it? Fuck, I knew I should have let Hangman loose. You should have seen them at dinner. There were fumes coming out of this one's ears.” Athena patted Bradley on the arm. All three of them were laughing now, trading insults. 

Bradley wasn’t drunk but he had consumed enough beers to have his judgement clouded. And when Athena once again mentioned Hangman, and his very obvious attraction to Bradley’s girlfriend, he had enough. 

“Fuck you, Athena. Hangman isn’t coming anywhere near my girl, ever. And for your information, I fucked her until she cried. So shut the fuck up.”

Orca thumped him on the back, hooting wildly. “Hell yeah Rooster. Good man!” For a split second, pride filled Bradley and he joined in the laughter, reaching for another beer. 

“Guess I misjudged you then, Bradshaw. As promised, I’ll back off.”

“Damn right you will,” he spat. “And no mention of any of this to anyone else, you understand? Any of you. I will make sure you’re all grounded.”

“Grounded for what?” Bob asked as he appeared over Bradley’s shoulder. 

All eyes turned to Bradshaw as he squeezed his eyes shut for a second before turning to his girlfriend’s brother. “Nothing.”

There was a look on Bob’s face that said he knew more than he was letting on but Bradshaw was too impaired to begin to interpret it correctly. “Mhmm,” Bob hummed as he turned to the rest of the group. “I’m gonna head out. Behave, don’t make me come back to pick up any of you drunks.”

The group bid goodbye to the WSO and turned back to Bradshaw, the looks on their faces begging for details. Unfortunately for him, he was just drunk enough to give them what they wanted.

When Bradley woke the next morning, Thea’s side of the bed was empty and his head was killing him. Rolling over slowly, he spotted a glass of water and Advil on the nightstand, a note laying next to them.

Babe,

Golfing with Bob this morning, didn’t want to wake you. You came back pretty late last night. Drink plenty of water, there’s food in the fridge.

I love you, Thea

Guilt coursed through him as he remembered last night and how he had bragged about their sex life with the rest of his squadron. It was a private matter and he felt threatened enough by Athena to spill details that weren't his to share. Bile rose in the back of his throat and he threw off the covers before sprinting to the bathroom, emptying the contents of his stomach into the toilet. 

He heaved until there was nothing left, disgust and shame mixing with the hangover, filling his entire body. How could he have felt even a tiny bit proud last night as he shared the most intimate details of his and Thea’s relationship? How could he once again let Athena influence him? Each time he tried to step away, Athena was there, shoving another drink in his hand, mocking him quietly, out of earshot of the others. 

Part of him had wanted to tell her how Thea was a thousand times better than Athena could ever hope to be, how he had never had what he and Thea shared while Athena and he fooled around. The other part wanted her to leave him alone, as promised. 

Bradley sat back against the bathtub, head in his hands. He only had himself to blame for this. If he was lucky enough, his squad would keep their mouths shut and word would never get back to Bob about last night. He’d rather avoid a fist to the face. And either way, Bob was playing golf with Hangman today, so he wouldn’t be around the guys anyway.

Bradley frowned, swallowing thickly as he sluggishly moved back to the bedroom, reaching for Thea’s note. ‘Golfing with Bob this morning’ stared back at him, the nauseous pit in his stomach making itself known again. 

If Thea was off with Bob this morning, it also meant she was hanging out with Hangman. Bradley crumpled the note in his hand, trying to calm his anger bubbling to the surface. 

After Bradley had explicitly told Thea that Hangman wanted her, looked at her, even though she was with Bradley, she had gone off to spend the day with him. Without telling Bradley about it. She had deliberately kept it from him. Before he had left for the bar last night, he asked about her plans and Thea had just told him she was going to stay at home and catch up on chores.

Now she was off, meeting the one man Bradley had warned her off from. How could she? Maybe it had been her plan all along. Maybe Bob wasn’t even there, maybe it was just an excuse so she could meet Seresin alone. 

Thea had told Bradley she loved him four nights prior but if she could lie about this, who knew if what she had told him that night was true? He was spiralling, mind going over every possible scenario. How Hangman probably had his hands on what was his right this second, how Thea had lied to him. 

The ping of his phone interrupted his train of thought, alerting him to a new message. Scrambling, he pushed off the floor only to see Athena’s name flashing across the screen. It’s a picture attached in the text message and Bradley felt like vomiting again. In the picture, clearly taken from a distance, Thea is laughing, head thrown back and her hand on Hangman’s arm, matching smile on his face. Bob is there too but Bradley can’t tear his eyes from how she’s touching him. 

Another message pops up beneath the picture. ‘Lookin’ cosy, don’t they?’ appears first and the three dots indicate that Athena is still typing. Fury fills his veins as she sends another picture, this time of Hangman and Thea getting into the same car, Hangman’s hand on her wrist. 

Bradley threw the phone across the room, watching the screen crack as it hit the wall. His heart pounded against his ribcage, blood rushing to his head as he tried to control his breathing. 

Somewhere he could hear the front door opening, Thea calling his name. Was she checking to see if the condo was empty? Was Hangman waiting in the car? Did she bring him here, thinking Bradley had already gone back to base.

“Brad?” He looked up to see Thea hovering in the doorway, concern written all over her face. “Babe, you look awful. Have you eaten?” She moved towards him but stopped short when Bradley stumbled to his feet, fire burning in his veins. 

“Is he here?” He spat, nostrils flaring as he stared her down. He wouldn’t let her lie to him anymore. 

Thea looked genuinely confused. “Is who here? Bob dropped me off but he couldn’t stay. Didn’t you see my note?”

“Oh I saw plenty!” Bradley laughed harshly. He moved then, bending down to grab his phone. The screen was cracked in three places but it miraculously still worked. He punched in the code, Thea’s birthday, opening his messages. The picture of her and Hangman getting into a car together lit up the screen. 

“This! I saw this. What the fuck is going on? Why were you with him?” He showed the phone in her face, the pictures that Athena sent him on the display. Bradley watched her face closely as she studied the phone, brows furrowing.

“Babe, I told you. Bob invited me for a round of golf and Jake was there too. Apparently they’ve played together before and me and Bob always used to play back home. Bobby said he invited you too. He said you declined.”

Bradley snorted. “Yeah, and you obviously found that particular opportunity very good. A whole fucking day, alone with him!” Tired of being cooped up in the bedroom, he shoved past Thea and headed for the kitchen. 

“An opportunity? Brad, that doesn’t even make sense. And Bob was there too? I don’t understand why you hate Jake so much. He’s been nothing but kind.” Her footsteps alerted him that he was being followed. 

Bradley spun on his heel, making Thea smack right into him. “HE HAD HIS HANDS ON YOU!” The force of his voice made Thea take a step back, eyes wide. Bradley watched as confusion crossed her face, mouth opening and closing. She was stalling for time. To come up with yet another lie.

Brad swore, jaw clenching. “I saw you two. You let him touch you. You’re mine and you let him touch you!”

Thea blinked, lower lip quivering. “Babe, what are you talking about?” He fumbled for the phone again, showing her the other photo Athena sent.

“Brad.. where did you even get this? Look, he was joking about something, okay? I don’t understand why you’re so upset. We played and then we had lunch. Bobby drove me home afterwards.”

She’s lying. If she had sounded guilty, Bradley might have had believed her but all she did was sound confused. Probably to throw him off.

“Stop, just stop! Just admit you clearly came along just so you could see him. Tell me, did you plan this? When I went to the bathroom during dinner maybe, hm? Did you plan to meet up with him, and then let me fuck you the same night? You feel good now, when you’ve had us both?” He couldn’t stop, not now. Bradley needed to know the truth. The tears on Thea’s face might have hurt less if he wasn’t so angry, so filled with disgust and jealousy. 

“Had you both? Bradley, there’s nothing between Jake and me. I love you. There isn’t anyone else.” She cried. Her tears did nothing to stop him. 

“STOP LYING TO ME! JUST ADMIT YOU FUCKED HIM!” Bradley slammed his hand down on the counter, rattling the items on there. Thea shied away instantly, backing up until her body hit the wall. Bradley didn’t care, continuing his rant. “Was he good? Better than me? ANSWER!” 

Thea pressed closer against the wall, sobs catching in her throat. “Please stop. Brad, please.” When he stayed quiet, Thea took a deep breath and straightened up. 

“Look at me Bradley. Look at me. I don’t understand why you would think there’s anything between Jake and me. I’m with you. Okay? I’m right here. I love you. So please, just stop, just -“. 

“SHUT UP!” Bradley grabbed the nearest item, hurling it towards the wall. He realised his mistake a moment too late as the glass crashed into the wall, Thea’s hand flying up to cover her mouth. The fear in her eyes was evident and Bradley immediately backtracked. He tried to apologise, moving towards her at the same time.

“Don’t.” Thea held out a hand, stopping him in his tracks. 

Bradley’s hands shook as he tried to reach for her but she moved away, further from him. “I said don’t.” 

He tried to say her name but Thea only shook her head, tears still streaming down her face. “I think you should go. You need to cool down.”

Her voice is quiet, barely above a whisper but Bradley heard her. The anger was still burning and he scoffed, reaching for his keys. “Sure. I’ll go. Don’t forget to text Seresin that I’m gone so he can swoop in.” 

He turned on his heels, collecting his phone and jacket on his way out. Thea moved, asking him to stop it and just calm down. But he knows he’ll do something he’s going to regret, so Bradley opts for slamming the door behind him, rattling the windows.  

He pulled out of the driveway, knuckles white as  he tried to control his breathing. He arrived at Parlor Bar before his mind caught up and for a moment he sat in silence in the car. He should go back, get on his knees and apologise. Wrap her up in his arms and never let go. But Seresin’s hand on her stays in the front of his mind and with that, Bradley made up his mind. He needed a drink. 

“Well, if it ain’t Bradshaw. What’s got you down?” Athena mocked as she joined him at the bar. Bradley is already 5 beers in and not interested in entertaining her. Thea’s betrayal still stings and he downed the rest of his beer, signalling the bartender for another. Athena ordered a beer as well, leaning back in her seat. He didn’t answer her so his WSO made her own conclusions. “Aw, did you and the princess have a fight?” 

Bradley swivelled around on his stool, beer spilling from the glass. “Fuck off. Leave me alone. This is all your fault.”

Athena snorted, taking a sip of her beer. “I fail to see how it is. I delivered on my end. You fucked lil Floyd, and I backed off. If there’s a problem in paradise, I’m pretty sure it’s your fault, Rooster.”

“You did this. You forced me into accepting the bet.” Rooster argued, anger bubbling over. The bartender backed away after sliding an Old Fashioned in front of him and Bradley swept it down with one gulp. 

"FORCED you?" Athena scoffed, a mirthless laugh following. "Bradshaw I didn't force you to do anything. Everything you did was on your own. Did I taunt you? Yeah. But you're a fucking Navy pilot, jackass. You should be above that. Guess they were wrong about you too."

Bradley stood suddenly, the stool rocking on its legs before clattering to the floor. "You fucking bitch. You can't handle the attention not being on you for three seconds and I'm the one who should be above it?" 

Athena chuckled again, a mischief flashing in her eyes before she bit her lip and closed the distance between them. "You think I'm jealous of her? You think I’m jealous of your unicorn princess? You think I didn't have attention? Bradley, I've even had your attention this whole time."

"You fucking liar," Bradley spat. The room was spinning slightly, the amounts of alcohol he’s downed in rapid succession making itself known.  

"Maybe," she smirked as her hands settled on his hips before one hand skimmed his waistline and down his zipper. "Or maybe you're trying to lie to yourself."

Bradley hadn't even realised his cock had hardened in his pants while he was fuming at his coworker. Neediness overtook him at that point, fueled by the alcohol coursing through his veins, nearly enough to have him seeing double. Flashes of Hangman touching Thea in his mind, touching his girlfriend, was enough. He crashed his lips to Athena’s and pressed his length further into her hand. "Your room. Now. Fucking whore."

Waking up hungover two days in a row hadn’t been Bradley’s plans for the weekend, yet he awoke feeling like he’d been trampled by a herd of elephants, throat drier than the Sahara Desert. Trying desperately to fight the nausea, Bradley rolled out of bed while shielding his eyes from the bright life, trying to navigate his way to the bathroom. 

His head was pounding and he didn't remember how he even got home. After the fight, he hadn’t believed Thea would even let him inside the house, nevermind back into her bed. Regret flowed through his body and the pit in his stomach grew. A movement from the corner of his eyes caught his attention and he thanked every God there was for Thea letting him back inside. 

He stumbled into the dresser, cursing as his foot caught on the bottom of it. There shouldn’t be a dresser there, Thea had hers by the entrance, not the door to the bathroom. Bradley stopped in his endeavour to reach the bathroom and rubbed his eyes, looking around the room. 

A flash of panic went through him as Bradley realised this was not Thea’s bedroom. The silhouette of the body buried beneath the blankets moved, only to reveal the last person Bradley wanted to see. Athena.

His heartbeat accelerated, bile rising in his throat as he spotted his clothes strewn across the room, Athena’s naked body among the sheets. Pieces of the night before flashed before his eyes. 

“No no no,” Bradley whispered, something foul and ugly building within him, “Fuck!”

He reached down to collect his clothes, trying to escape before she woke but the nausea wouldn't let him. Bradley sank to the floor, back against the wall as he tried to desperately stop the tears. His phone is buzzed in the pocket of the jeans, the cracked screen lightning up with Thea’s name. The bile returned again and Bradley scrambled to his feet and rushed into the bathroom before emptying his stomach over the toilet. After heaving what alcohol was left in his system, Bradley struggled to his feet, hands grasped at the sink.

What the fuck was he going to do?

“Good morning sunshine. You look like you’ve had better days.” Athena appeared in the doorway. He felt sick as he looked at her. More memories of last night popped up, his hands on her body, her mouth on his skin. He coughed violently, his throat still dry despite emptying the contents of his stomach moments before. 

His face twisted. “What time is it?” 

“Closer to lunch. Thanks for last night by the way. Nice to know the unicorn princess hadn’t turned you into a saint.” Bradley couldn’t stop the tears from falling when she mentioned Thea. 

His heartbreak turned into anger when Athena laughed. “Oh, does the prince need a tissue, hm?”

“Fuck you.” He fumed, turning on shaking legs to look at her. Athena grinned, tongue darting out to wet her lips. 

“You already did, if you don’t remember. I honestly thought it would prove to be a challenge to get you into bed, but you went oh so easily. Now, tell me. Who is better? Me or your little girlfriend?” 

Bradley bit back his response as her words reached him. Get into bed?

“You planned this.”

Athena scoffed, leaning against the doorframe. “I wouldn’t say that it was a plan. You’ve always been so easy to manipulate, Bradshaw. I just had to press the right buttons. I did think you would change after meeting her but it seems like you’re just the same,” she pauses for a second, taking in his reaction, “honestly, I just wanted to see if I could.”

Bradley opened his mouth but words failed him. Athena took two steps, invading his personal space but his feet refused to move, frozen to the spot.

She patted his cheek. “Thank you for your service, Lieutenant. You can see yourself out.” 

He had hoped Thea wouldn’t be home when he finally made his way over to her place, but luck wasn’t on his side. 

“Brad, oh good, you’re back. Listen, I feel awful about what happened. I need you to know that nothing is going on between Jake and me. Okay? I’m with you and I love you. There’s no one else. He’s just a friend. And he didn’t do anything remotely close to flirting with me. Bob was there the entire time, you can ask him. Just.. please, I don’t want us to fight.” 

Thea kept rambling and he felt sick to his stomach. “Thea, babe.. I am so sorry.” 

She paused for a moment. “Thank you. I understand that you were angry but your words really hurt me. I don’t understand why you don’t trust me.” The sadness in her voice brought a wave of anguish. Bradley knew he needed to tell her, but how could he when she was trying to fix his mess?

“I do trust you.” Is the only thing he can say. He does trust her. His own insecurities are at fault here, his own stupidity and inability to deal with his emotions. 

“Okay, good. Uh, you kind of stink. Sorry. Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll make some food and we can talk more.” Thea is already moving around the kitchen, pulling out various ingredients from the pantry. 

“I’m so sorry.” He says again, not knowing what else to say.

“And I forgive you babe. I just want this to be over, okay?” Thea mixed the eggs into the pancake batter, eyes trained on the stove.

Bradley swallowed thickly. “I made a mistake.”

Thea slowed her movements. “What do you mean?”

 Bradley bit his bottom lip, sniffling quietly. 

“After you told me to get out yesterday, I went for a drink. At Parlor Bar. You told me to calm down, so I went for a beer. I thought it would help.” 

Thea pushed the batter to the side. “Okay. Like I said, I can smell it on you. It’s fine Brad.”

“No it’s not. It’s everything but fine!” Bradley wailed, rising to his full height. His heart plummeted to his stomach as Thea’s face fell. 

“What’s going on?”

Bradley hiccuped, wiping away the tears with the back of his hand. “Athena showed up. At the bar. She figured out that we fought. Uh, I had a lot to drink. I was still angry, and jealous. God, I was so jealous. He’s everything I’m not, you know? And seeing you two together just bugged me, I-”

“Bradley.” His name falling from her lips stopped him in his tracks. It’s cold and harsh. 

Thea choked up, hurt painted across her face. “What did you do?”

“I’m so sorry.”

She’s quiet for a long time, long enough to make him fidget uncomfortably.

“Did you sleep with her? Did you fuck her?” In the short time they’ve been together, Bradley has never heard her speak like this. He keeps quiet, his eyes trained on the floor.

“Answer the fucking question, Bradley! Did you sleep with her?” Thea’s voice shook, the trembling of her voice breaking his heart in the process. 

“Yes.” 

Thea laughed, the betrayal swimming in her eyes. “So after you accused me of sleeping with Jake, after you asked me if I felt good about something I hadn’t even done, you decided that the best course of action was to fuck your ex?”

Bradley leapt from his place against the kitchen counter. “I was wrong, okay?” He paused, swallowing hard. “Sweetheart, listen, it didn’t mean anything. She didn’t mean anything. It was a mistake. I was drunk, and I was angry and -” He fumbled for the right words, trying to fix the mess he had created. 

“I TRUSTED YOU! I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING BRADLEY! One fight and you run back into her arms?” Thea dipped her head back as she sniffled and tried to stop the tears. His heart broke as she cried, taking a step back as he approached. 

“Sweetheart…-” Bradley tried to reach for Thea but she pushed him away. 

“Don’t touch me. Don’t you dare touch me after you’ve been with her.” Her hands trembled, with anger or betrayal, Bradley didn’t know. All he knew was that she slipped further from him with each second. He had to make amends. 

“Did it mean so little to you?” Thea whispered. “Did I?”

“No. You’re everything. I love you.” Bradley didn’t know what else to say at this point. At first, he thought that maybe she would forgive him but after her reaction, he knew that it’s over. 

Thea laughed through her tears. They’re standing on opposite sides of the kitchen but the distance between them feels bigger. “If that was true, you wouldn’t have slept with her. You don’t do this to someone you love.”

Bradley’s chin meets his chest, head hanging low. “I’m sorry. If I could take it back, I would.” 

“Stop saying you’re sorry. It won’t fix this.”

“What can I do? Please, tell me what to do.” He pleaded, trying to round the island but stayed back as she shied away from him. “Please.”

She huffed at his words. “You can’t do anything, Brad. It’s already done.” 

“Thena, honey, please…-” 

She looked up, hands balling into fists by her sides. The hurt in Thea’s eyes slowly burned into anger, her mouth twisting in disbelief and fury. “What did you just call me?” Fuck. 

“Babe..-”

“We’re done.” Thea spat, face twisted in pain. There was an odd calmness in her voice and Bradley hated it. He wished she would scream at him. It would have felt better.

“You know, I’ve given you every part of myself. All of me. I trusted you. And in return, you’ve broken all those parts,” Thea whispered. Bradley cried, wishing desperately that he could turn back the time. 

“Get out. This,” she pointed back and forth between them, “Is over.” 

Bradley looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were red and puffy. He looked as hollow as he felt. His image mocked him, a cruel smile twisted on his face. 

His fist made contact with the glass before he could think about it. Blood mixed with glass crashed to the floor but it was only a dull ache compared to agony in his heart. It was overwhelming and he needed to feel something, anything else. With a swipe of his arm, he shoved the objects in his desk to the ground. He watched as they broke but it didn’t make him feel any better. 

All he could think of was Thea’s face. The tears on her face, her anger and the betrayal he had committed. The damage was done, there was nothing he could do to fix this.

Bradley’s hands shook as he reached for his phone. He knocked over the bottle of Jack that sat on his nightstand but paid it little attention. 

With trembling fingers he punched in a number he hadn’t called in years. As he waited, he both wished for the person on the other end to pick up and not pick up. He didn’t even know if this was the right number anymore. 

“Hello? Captain Mitchell speaking.”

Bradley let out a sob. He’d almost forgotten what Pete sounded like. He swallowed hard before answering. 

“It’s me. It’s Bradley. I’ve fucked up, I need your help.”

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#bradley bradshaw x oc #rooster x oc #bradley rooster bradshaw x oc #fe writes #fic: let me drown #oc: thea floyd #top gun maverick fic #top gun maverick #bradley rooster bradshaw

[blue-aconite]

let me drown || chapter II -  bradley’s summer part II

Summary: The butterflies in his stomach didn’t settle, nor did the tingling sensation all over his body. Every time he thought of her, his heart sped up just a little. If this was how it felt being with Thea, spending time with her, he couldn’t wait for the rest of his life with her.

Warnings: Allusions to smut, jealousy, swearing, fluff, angst

Word Count: 5.6k

Pairings: Bradley Bradshaw x OC

Authors Note: Writer’s block has been hell. But it’s here. Minors DNI. Each chapter will be labelled with warnings individually. 

Thank you to my amazing beta @writercole​, this fic wouldn’t be what it is without you.

Virginia, Oceana Naval Air Station, Summer 2018

“I had a great time.” Thea whispered against his lips, hands fisted in Bradley’s shirt. He only hummed in response, deepening the kiss. He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of kissing her. 

Bradley knew he should be getting back to base but he didn’t want to leave. Not when Thea gasped as he pressed closer, trapping her against the side of the Bronco. Not when her hands snuck under his shirt, fingertips tracing his lower abdomen. He groaned as her hands continued their exploration, sneaking around back to map out the muscles of his back. 

Thea’s nails dug into his skin as he left a trail of kisses down the side of her throat, teeth scraping lightly against her collarbone. “You taste good.” he murmured gently as he straightened up, pressing a featherlight kiss to Thea’s lips. 

A breathless laugh left Thea, her hands leaving their place under his shirt. Bradley felt cold despite the weather, as if her hands on his skin had been his only source of warmth. There was a tingling sensation spreading across his body, following in the same trail that her fingertips had ventured. 

Thea smiled, her hand finding his. He relished the way her hand felt in his, soft and small. “Well then, are you gonna walk me to the door or what?” she jested, eyes sparkling with mischief. 

He wished for more distance between the bungalow and the Bronco. He didn’t want to let go of her hand, nor leave. He wanted to go inside, wrap Thea up his arms and never let go. He had never felt this way before. How could she have broken down the walls he’d built up so high after only meeting her two times? What had she done to make  him feel like this?

“Well, this is me. I really did have a good time.” she traced the veins on his hand, making goosebumps break out. Leaning down, Bradley brushed his lips softly against Thea’s. 

“I don’t want this to end,” he whispered against her lips. 

“Well, I do hope there’s another date in the near future. It’s not like it’s the end.” Thea joked, cupping his face. “Maybe next time I’ll invite you in.”

“Or you could invite me now.” Bradley gave her waist a gentle squeeze, tilting his head. His heart was beating against his ribcage, awaiting her answer. When she didn’t immediately answer, he ducked his head towards hers. 

“You do you deserve more dates but I’d really like to find out what makes you moan.” he said the last part teasingly, lips gracing her ear, enjoying the way she shuddered at his words. Bradley leaned back, hand coming up to tilt her head towards his. She whispered his name, making his cock twitch. 

But instead of leaning into him, Thea pulled back. “I really like you Bradley. I don’t want to ruin whatever potential we have. You don’t mind waiting, do you?”

Bradley tried his hardest to mask the disappointment. His gut churned but he willed himself to take a step back from her. “I’m going to kiss you goodnight now. And then I’m going to leave. Because if I don’t leave, I’m going to take you in the hallway.” If he hadn’t been so focused on thinking about a cold shower, he might have seen Thea pale a little at his words. 

“But of course I don’t mind waiting, sweetheart.” And with that, he leaned down and pressed their lips together. He kept it short and sweet, afraid that if he pushed for more, he’d never leave. “Goodnight Thea. Sweet dreams.” 

He made sure she made it into the house before starting the Bronco, heading back to base. He tried to not be disappointed at the turn of events but told himself it was only a matter of time. He wanted her so bad, his entire body aching with need. A cold shower was very much needed. 

As he stood under the cold spray, he couldn’t help but to think about what sounds she would make for him, what her body looked like beneath those pretty dresses she wore. 

Shaking his head, he tried to think about something else. Thea wanted to wait and she wanted time. He could give her that. Beyond wanting her, Bradley was sure he was falling in love. 

His heart raced each time he thought of her, beating so violently he thought it would beat out of his chest. Thea flustered him in a way he hadn’t experienced before. 

His mother had always told him that she knew the moment she had met his father that he was the one. Carole had told the story over and over when he was a kid. How she knew almost immediately that Nick was her soulmate. Was this the way she had felt? 

As he got ready for bed, Thea’s lips on his was on his mind again, her smile and touch taking up permanent residence in his brain. The memory of her didn’t leave him, even as he laid down to sleep. The butterflies in his stomach didn’t settle, nor did the tingling sensation all over his body. Every time he thought of her, his heart sped up just a little. If this was how it felt being with Thea, spending time with her, he couldn’t wait for the rest of his life with her. 

“Oh, I know that smile. Did you get lucky last night? Kind of slutty to put out on the first date.” Bradley’s good mood washed away the moment Athena decided to join him for breakfast in the mess hall. She was smirking, a half eaten apple in her hand as she observed him. Bradley was halfway through a bowl of cereal, smile dropping from his face as he realised what his backseater said. 

He frowned, spoon dropping onto his tray with a loud noise. “What’s your fucking problem Thena? What happened last night is none of your business.” Bradley tried to keep his voice down, so Bob wouldn’t catch their conversation. Thea’s brother was sitting two tables down with Orca and Spot. 

Athena was getting on his nerves and it wasn’t even 7AM yet. He was still somewhat upset about the end of last night. She matched his stare, crossing her arms over her chest, a displeased look on her face. 

“And for your information, no, I didn’t get lucky last night. Not in the way you mean it. I did however get lucky enough to spend the night with an amazing woman and I had the best date of my life. So in a way,  yes, I got lucky last night. Now fuck off.” Bradley grasped at the edge of the table, trying desperately to control the anger bubbling beneath the surface. No need to show Athena how much it bothered him that he hadn’t gotten his hands on Thea last night. 

Athena’s frown morphed into a smirk, pleased with getting under his skin. She uncrossed her arms, leaning forward, arms braced against the table. “Ha, so you didn’t fuck her? Damn Rooster, you’re losing your touch.” Athena laughed. “You’re fucking pathetic. I hope you know that. Think you’d get a good foot in with Floyd if you treat his sister like a princess?” 

“Fuck. Seriously, what’s your problem? You said it was fine that we stopped sleeping together and yet you’re acting like a screwed over ex. We were never together, Athena. Stop acting like I’ve done something wrong. Stop trying to piss me off all the time. And stop trying to make Thea out to be a bad person. I really like her, might even love her, and I want a future with her. And that’s none of your fucking business.” Bradley didn’t manage to keep his voice down, attracting a few stares. He swore under his breath as he picked up his tray and headed away from the mess hall.

He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn’t notice the footsteps following him.  

“Rooster. Hey wait up.” Bob caught up to him, holding him back. Bradley wanted to shake him off, tell him to fuck off but it wouldn’t help, not exactly gaining him any points. 

He shook Bob’s hand off him. “It’s fine Floyd.” 

“I would argue that it’s not. You’re really that serious about her? After one date?” Floyd asked as sat down on the bench next to Bradley. It seemed like Thea’s brother had only caught the last of the conversation. 

“I can’t explain it. I’ve never felt this way before. But she makes me want to open up, try and be a better man. I know it sounds crazy after only one date.” 

Bob laughed then, a low sound that surprised Bradley a little. “It’s fine, Rooster. You don’t have to convince me to let you date her. Even if I said no, it wouldn’t matter. She’s got a mind of her own. I have a request though. If you’re serious about this, if what you’re saying is the truth-“ 

“It is the truth. I wouldn’t lie about this. Not about Thea.” Bradley interrupted. 

“Okay. Just don’t break her heart.” Bob’s voice was soft but stern, arms crossed across his chest. 

Bradley smiled, dragging a hand through his hair. “How do you know she won’t break my heart?” He asked jokingly, bouncing his leg. 

“She might. But if she does, I don’t have to pick up the pieces.” Bob clapped him on the shoulder and walked away. Bradley felt a little better but Athena’s words echoed in his mind. 

His phone vibrating interrupted the inner monologue he was having and he felt himself brighten up as Thea’s name flashed across the screen. 

1 attached image  Thanks again for last night. Want to do it again some time? 

A picture of the harbour and what looked like a steaming cup of tea greeted him as he opened their conversation. Another image popped up below, Thea’s wide smile across his screen. His heart flipped in his chest, his own smile widening. He checked his calendar and his schedule before texting her back.

I’ve got late simulations tonight and tomorrow :( how abt Friday? 

Aw handsome, I’ll miss you. See you Friday then <3

I might have time for a quick kiss tonight ;)

Who am I to say no to a kiss? You know where to find me ;)

“Bradshaw! Get a move on!” Athena shouted across the tarmac, standing impatiently by their jet. They were gearing up for the last simulation flight of the day and Bradley just wanted it to be over. 

He was picking up Thea for their second date tonight and he was strangely nervous. When they texted on Wednesday, his nights had looked busy but it hadn’t stopped him from stopping by at least once a day, even if it was just to kiss her before leaving again. They texted and called as much as their schedules allowed but it wasn’t enough. He wanted her. Badly. But he’d settle for just holding her in his arms. 

Athena shouted his name again and Bradley picked up the pace, jogging towards her. “Jesus Bradshaw, are you on drugs? What’s wrong with you?” Thena spat as he climbed into his seat. 

“Nothing’s wrong, just got a lot on my mind.” He mumbled as he fastened the safety straps and gestured for her to close the canopy. Athena did as instructed and Bradley threw a sloppy salute to Orca and Bob as they rolled by before heading towards the runway. 

“Yeah? Is it pussy? Is that what’s got your panties in a twist?” Thena flipped a few switches as he checked the landing gear. Her words made him see red, hands tightening around the stick. He closed his eyes, trying to clamp down on the anger seizing him.  He refrained from answering her, opting to check in with the tower to see if they were ready for takeoff. 

Athena snorted, obviously displeased with the lack of reaction. Bradley was glad she couldn’t see his face. Thena’s comments were getting on his nerves, an unshakable anger burning in his veins each time she opened her mouth. It only grew worse as she continued to spew her bullshit. Bradley tried to tune her out, shifting in his seat. 

“I bet you’re only interested in her because it’s an easy conquest.” 

Bradley’s vision blurred red. “Shut the fuck up!” He spat, no longer caring about keeping the emotions out of his voice. He pulled the jet to a stop, ignoring the voices in his ear questioning his actions. “Get the fuck out of my plane Simons.” 

Athena snorted, leaning back and crossing her arms. “You’re not my superior Rooster. Get a fucking grip, I was joking. Now stop being such a bitch and let’s get this over with. I want to get home today, thanks.” 

“Lieutenant Bradshaw, is there a problem?” Control crackled over the comms. Athena tapped the glass of the canopy. Bradley tried his best to swallow his anger, answering control before moving the jet again. 

Athena stayed silent for the rest of the exercise, only speaking when needed. The tension was heavy and they made multiple errors during the simulation, showing how out of tune they currently were. Bradley tried his best but flying with Athena was the last thing he wanted. 

As soon as they touched down on the ground and the plane stopped, Bradley unbuckled and skipped down the ladder. He ignored Athena’s call, pulling off his helmet while heading for the locker rooms. He didn't want to deal with whatever she had to say so he fastened his pace to avoid her. 

He reached for his phone the moment he got his locker opened and felt all the anger draining away. 

Excited for tonight, can’t wait to see you again! :)

Are we doing casual or fancy? 

Nvm, I know you’re in the air. I’ll just pick something in between

I miss you.

He felt his heart swell as he scrolled through Thea’s messages, that warm and fuzzy feeling spreading through his body. Bradley eyed the clock, locking the phone before tossing his clothes in a heap by his locker. He had a date to get to.

He showered in record time, pulling on clothes and headed from the exit. But Bradley stopped short when Athena blocked his way out of the locker room.

“Are you lost? You’re down the hall, Simons.” He tried his hardest not to look at Athena, who had pulled off half of her flight suit, tying in around her waist. Her white undershirt was soaked, no doubt because of the blazing sun. Swallowing, he tried to forget about the times he’d pulled off her clothes. He was supposed to pick up Thea in less than an hour. 

Athena caught his eyes, smirk firmly in place. “You can look. It’s nothing you haven’t seen before. Since the princess isn’t giving it up, I thought you might enjoy something on the side.” She mocked. 

He groaned, rolling his shoulders. “Look, I don’t have time for your bullshit. I’m leaving,” Bradley picked up his bag, rolling his eyes as Athena blocked his path. “Thena, move.” 

Athena studied him, eyes raking up and down. “Tell you what. You fuck that unicorn girl within the next two weeks and I’ll buy each time we go out.” 

“I don’t need you to buy my drinks for me Thena. And stop insulting her. Stop getting in my private life, it’s none of your business.” He took another step but Athena didn’t budge. He had no desire to get up and close with her right now, so he hung back, waiting for his backseater to move out of his way.

“Fine. Three weeks,” she held up three fingers, “get her into bed and I’ll lay off. No insults, nothing.” Athena smiled in a way that made Bradley’s insides clench. 

“This isn’t a game. She isn’t a game, Athena.” 

“Living up to your callsign, Rooster. You fucking chicken.” Mirth laced her words and Bradley wanted to put his fist through the wall. He hated being called Chicken and Athena knew it. 

“Don’t call me that.” He pushed past her, only to stop when she pretended to cluck, mocking him further. “Shut up Thena. Okay, fine. Three weeks. Just get out of my way and keep your fucking mouth shut.” Athena’s laugh followed him down the corridor and wouldn’t leave him alone until the roar of the engine drowned the sound out. 

Throughout the date, Bradley kept replaying the conversation with Athena in his mind. He felt slightly bad for not being able to give Thea his full attention but he just couldn’t stop thinking about the mess he had gotten himself into. 

“Bradley? Is everything okay? You seem a little… off.” Thea’s hand was warm against his arm, his skin buzzing at her touch. He failed to notice the momentarily insecurity flashing through her eyes as he kept his gaze on the ocean. 

“I’m sorry. Today’s been rough, my mind is all over the place.” He turned to her now, giving her a reassuring smile. It wasn’t necessarily a lie, today had been rough. Bradley didn’t need Thea to know in what way though. He intertwined their fingers, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. 

Thea smiled in that way that made his insides light on fire, the butterflies swarming in his stomach. “Anything you want to talk about?” Thea repeated his earlier gesture, lips grazing his knuckles. 

Bradley’s heart seized ten times at the feeling of her lips against the roughness of his hand, a warmth spreading throughout his body. Bradley wanted to sweep her into a kiss that would never end, he wanted to drown in her, over and over again. 

Reality set in when his mind registered Thea’s offer and the pleasant feeling quickly washed away. He could never once utter what had transpired between him and Athena. “It’s just work, I don’t want to bore you. Sorry I spaced out before, tell me about your day again, please?”

“You could never bore me, Bradley. I want to be someone you can talk to. I know that’s fast and we really haven’t known each other that long but -” 

Bradley cut her off by cupping her face, drawing her in and pressing their lips together. Thea made a surprised noise before melting into the kiss, hands weaving into his hair. Bradley let his hands roam, grabbing her thighs so he could pull Thea onto his lap.

“Brad, there’s people around.” She mumbled against his lips but made no move to change their position.

Bradley smiled against her lips. “So what? I’m just enjoying a nice picnic with my girl.” He leaned back to catch his breath, enjoying the flush on Thea’s face. 

“Never remembered you asking if I’d like to be your girl.” She laughed, resting her hands on his lower abdomen as she balanced on his lap. Bradley huffed a laugh, all his troubles forgotten as he studied her face.

“Well, this is me asking. Thea Floyd, would you like to be my girl?” 

Thea didn’t answer him, hands coming up to cup his face as she kissed him again. A quiet yes was whispered softly as they kept kissing, chasing after the others lip’s when one pulled back.

Yet he couldn’t fully enjoy the moment as Athena’s words came back to haunt him. Three weeks.

“So, you’ve sealed the deal yet, Bradshaw?” Thena was lounging in the rec room, stretched out on the couch when Bradley stepped over the threshold. A week had passed since his and Thea’s date on the beach and things were good. Better than good. He just knew, he knew she was the one. It was early but Bradley knew what he wanted. There was only one problem. The damn bet. 

“Not in the mood Thena. And you promised to lay off.” He muttered as he settled into the armchair, cracking his knuckles. Athena rolled her eyes, nudging his leg with her foot.

Snorting, she chucked a pillow his way. “No I didn’t. I promised to back off if you managed to fuck lil Floyd within three weeks. Nothing else was said. But based on your yet again awful mood, I’m going to take a wild guess and say that you haven’t. What’s wrong? Can’t get it up?” 

Bradley opened his mouth to tell her off but the arrival of Bob and the rest of their squadron made him hold back. The last thing he wanted was for Thea’s brother to catch onto what was happening. He needed to find a way out of this. In the corner of his eyes, Athena smirked at him, gesturing vaguely with her hands. Mouthing for her to shut up, Bradley tossed the pillow back.

Athena rose, stretching her hands above her head. “Hey Orca, want to earn some money?” The man in question perked up, smiling widely from his seat. No fucking way. Bradley got a hold of Athena’s arm and pulled her up from the couch. Despite her protests, he dragged her from the room, ignoring the questioning stares of his teammates. 

“What the fuck Bradshaw? Let go of me!” She pushed against his chest, pulling her arm from his grasp.

“Shut the fuck up. Are you insane?” Bradley spat, pacing back and forth. Athena had the nerve to laugh, that wicked smile lightning up her face. He shot her an incredulous look, wondering if she wanted him dead? Or was this just payback for breaking things off with her. He didn’t know. All he did know was that no one could find out about his moment of weakness. 

“You know what? Bet’s off. This is ridiculous.” Bradley spat.

“There he goes, the chicken. Trust you to quit. I’m not surprised, it’s what you do.” Athena mocked. Bradley saw red, forcing himself to take a step back. He clenched his hands into fists, taking a deep breath. “Bradley Bradshaw. The man who always chickens out. You know, I never understood Rooster until now. You’re a fucking coward, that’s why.”

“QUIET! Call me chicken one more time, I fucking dare you Simons.” He advanced, crowding Athena against the wall. 

She only laughed again, mirth dancing in her eyes. “What are you going to do? Punch me? C’mon chicken, you could never lay a hand on me.” She tsked, hand on his abdomen. “You disappoint me Bradshaw. Thought you were a man who didn’t go back on your word. Guess mommy and daddy would be mighty disappointed now, wouldn’t they?” 

At the mention of his parents, Bradley’s resolve broke. “Fine. I’ll fucking do it. Happy? But don’t you ever talk about my parents again. And keep your fucking mouth shut.”

Athena smirked, knowing she had gotten under his skin. She knew it and he knew it. He hated how much Athena could influence him, how easy it was for her to push his buttons. Bradley should never have,- 

“Everything okay?” Bob interrupted as he appeared in the hallway, observing them. Bradley knew what it must look like, him crowding Athena against the wall, one hand wrapped around her wrist. 

“Just a misunderstanding, Floyd. It’s all good.” Bradley gruffed as he let go of Athena, taking a step back. She was still smirking, looking utterly pleased with herself. Bradley felt disgusted. His entire body was shaking and he tried his best to calm down.

Bob didn’t look convinced but after a moment’s consideration he decided to let it go. He nodded towards Athena, gesturing down the hallway. “Phone call for you. It’s Hangman.” 

Athena didn’t spare either a second glance after nodding her thanks to Bob, marching away. Floyd then turned to Bradley, opening his mouth. Bradley beat him to it.

“It’s nothing. She’s just pissed. I’m handling it.” He uttered a smile, but judging from Bob’s face, it was probably more of a grimace than a smile.

“If you say so.” Bob turned on his heel, walking away. Bradley leaned back against the wall, sliding down until he was on the floor. All the fight left him as he tried to blink back the tears. What the fuck was he going to do?

Over the next two weeks, Bradley grew more and more anxious. Athena would find some way to remind him of the bet every time they saw each other. It annoyed him to no end. The deadline was looming and Bradley’s mood got grimmer. Flying was a catastrophe and he was glad they currently weren’t deployed. He and Athena were so out of tune he actually felt scared going up into the air with her. 

Matters didn’t improve when she threatened to tell Bob about the bet if he failed to deliver. That particular threat had ended in a fight which landed them both in their superiors office. It certainly hadn’t helped. 

Thea noticed something was off and voiced her concerns but he played them off as work issues, nothing he wanted to burden her with. Unlike Athena, Thea made sure he had his space but made sure repeatedly that Bradley knew he could talk to her. She made him feel seen and safe, which freaked him out. 

He tried to back out twice more but Athena found more ways to get under his skin and he found himself furious that she would use the things he told her in confidence, against him.

Thea was the only thing that kept him grounded. He found himself seeking her out as often as he could, each time pushing just a little further. 

While he hadn’t made good on the stupid bet yet, he had spent several nights at Thea’s condo. It was the best sleep he had gotten in years, sleeping with her wrapped up in his arms. He was convinced that he fell more and more in love with her as each day passed. And every time Athena’s voice popped up in his head, he tried his best to ignore it. 

He tried to tell himself it wasn’t a big deal. Thea would never find out anyway, and sleeping together would happen sooner or later, only Bradley preferred it if it was sooner rather than later. 

Sharing a bed with Thea had only strengthened his need for her. He wanted her, but she was still hesitant from them to take the next step. Part of him understood, things had moved incredibly fast for them but Bradley also knew this was it. Thea was it for him, the girl he would move heaven and earth for. He just knew. He knew from the way she laughed, how she looked at him, the way she touched him and made him feel like he was the only one in the world.  

Athena refused to back down, mocking him whenever they were in the same space, which was a lot. It was getting on his nerves and Bradley just wanted the whole thing to be over. He’d get Thea to move forward with their relationship, Athena would back off and everything would be okay. Thea would never know what had transpired between Bradley and his WSO, and no one would be the wiser. It was a perfect plan. 

Thea’s hand on his brought him back to the present. “What’s on your mind?” They had  stopped for ice cream and were currently watching people walk by. Her feet were resting in his lap, one of his hands tracing her calf. 

Bradley smiled, drawing a little heart on her ankle. “Just how insanely lucky I am.” Thea blushed and Bradley’s stomach fluttered dangerously. 

“Well, would you look at this? Bradshaw!” Bradley groaned when he spotted Athena further down the pier, walking towards them. He had avoided bringing Thea anywhere near Athena, afraid what the consequences would be. Now it looked like he couldn’t avoid it. What made it even worse was the person walking next to his backseater. Hangman.

Athena had mentioned that her cousin would visit but Bradley hadn’t cared. He didn’t like the guy and since he and Athena never hung out anymore, he wouldn’t have to see him. Luck wasn’t on his side, it seemed.

“Hey guys. Fancy seeing you here. You must be lil Floyd? Rooster here never shuts up about you!” The fake smile Athena sported disgusted Bradley. It was sickly sweet, something that looked wildly out of place on her face. She stuck out her hand and Bradley wanted nothing more than to grab Thea and make a run for it. This was his worst nightmare coming true. 

“Haven’t heard lil Floyd before but I guess that’s right. Let me guess, Athena?” Thea shook Athena’s hand, smiling politely at Hangman who was hanging back, observing the interaction. Bradley stood to his full height, wrapping his arm around Thea’s waist as he pulled her closer to him. He didn’t like the way Hangman looked at her, nor the smile he flashed her way. Thea was his. 

“That’s me,” Athena nodded towards Seresin. “This is Hangman, my cousin.” 

Hangman stepped forward, offering his hand. “Name’s Jake. Nice to meet you.” Both Bradley and Athena did a double take when Hangman offered his civilian name. Bradley remembered that he preferred his call sign most of the time. 

“So you’re a pilot too?” Thea asked, withdrawing her hand. Bradley took that as an opportunity to pull her even closer, angling her away from Hangman. Athena was studying her cousin, something simmering behind her eyes. Whatever it was, Bradley didn’t like it. 

“Yes ma’am. I’m stationed out in Lemoore, California.” Hangman was smiling, eyes crinkling at the corners. Bradley coughed slightly, drawing Thea’s attention away from the blonde. She smiled up at him, making him relax once again. 

“We should get going.” Bradley mustered up a smile, pressing a kiss to the side of Thea’s head while reaching down to intertwine their hands. The light dimmed in Hangman’s eyes and a surge of satisfaction rushed through Bradley. Good. Let him know who Thea belonged to. 

Athena chose to make her presence known again, clapping her hands together in a way that was very unlike her. “We're just going for dinner. Why don’t you join us?”

“No,” Bradley raised his voice. “I mean, no sorry, we’ve already got plans. Thanks for offering though.” They didn’t have any plans but there was no way he was sitting through a dinner, just the four of them. He’d rather get shot out of the sky with a faulty parachute as his only means of escape. 

Thea’s brow furrowed as she shot him a look. “I don’t think takeout and Love Island count as plans. We can do that another night. Dinner sounds fun.” 

No it didn’t. Dinner was equal to death at this point. Bradley could find a thousand reasons why dinner was a tremendously bad idea. When he didn’t say anything, Thea poked his side.

“Come on. I want to get to know your friends.” Hangman sure as hell wasn’t his friend and these days he could barely count Athena as such either. He opened his mouth to object again but Thea’s phone made a shrill sound and she apologised as she stepped aside to take the call. Bradley waited until she was out of earshot to swivel around, directing a glare at Athena.

“What are you doing?” He spat, jaw clenched. Athena's lip curled up, a devious look on her face as she raised her brows at Bradley. Hangman looked genuinely confused at their interaction, eyes straying back and forth between them. 

“I’m just trying to get to know your girlfriend. We work together daily, Rooster, is it so bad I want to spend some time with the girl you never stop talking about?” 

“Bullshit. Stop playing around.” He growled, taking a step closer. Athena’s smile widened. She matched his stance, getting in his personal space. 

Leaning up slightly, she lowered her voice. “Careful chicken. We don’t want the unicorn princess finding out about our little bet would we?” Her hand settled on his belt but Bradley took a step back, disgust prominent on his face. 

“Hey guys, is it okay if Bob joins us?” Thea returned but her steps faltered when she felt the tension between Bradley and Athena. “Everything okay?” She grabbed a hold of his hand, letting her thumb rub in a circular motion on the back of it. 

Taking a deep breath, Bradley felt himself calming down at her touch. “Everything’s fine, babe.” He tried to reassure her but didn’t know if he succeeded. Hangman was still quiet, watching the situation. Athena looked mighty pleased with herself, probably because she once again managed to rattle him. 

“Wait, Bob as in Bob Floyd? You’re Floyd’s little sister?” Hangman spoke up, shifting the attention to himself. Thea brightened up at the mention of her brother, nodding excitedly as she and Hangman started to discuss how he knew her brother. 

Bradley was inexperienced in the ways of the sibling bond but he knew that the Floyd siblings shared something special. Thea and Bob's interactions put a pit deep in Brad's stomach, longing for that relationship, the unconditional love of a sibling, the forever friendship, the closeness.

“Honey? Bradley, hello?” Thea waved a hand in front of his face, gaining his attention. “Do you want me to drive? Bob asked if we could pick him up on the way.” She asked, excited by the prospect of driving Bradley’s beloved car. Not quite finding his voice, he settled for a nod as he wrapped an arm possessively around her shoulder. Bradley shot both Athena and Hangman a dirty look over his shoulder as they walked away, ignoring the sense of dread building in his stomach.

Taglist: @wildbornsiren​ @therebeccaw @imjess-themess @antiquitea @fuckyeahhangman @writercole @hederasgarden @yanna-banana @wkndwlff @bobfloydsbabe @hollandorks @anniesocsandgeneralstore @ereardon @luminousnotmatter @roosterscock @thedroneranger @fandomxpreferences @top-hhun @princessmisery666 @bradshawsbitch​ @princessphilly @a-reader-and-a-writer @green-socks @angstybluejay @seresinhangmanjake @ayorooster​@notroosterbradshaw​ @indynerdgirl @gigisimsonmars @girl-in-the-chairs-void @bradshawbabes @unhinged-btch @horseshoegirl @sadpetalsstuff @bradshawbaby @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @ummjustfics​ @septemberrie​ @somenamewithepineapple​ @seresinsweetie​​ @crescentwolf​ @seresinhangmanjake​ @sylviebell​ @waklman​ @roosterforme​ @rosiahills22​ @dempy​ @i0veless​ @ilovewriting06​ @genius2050​ @demxters @amortentiadrops @teacupsandtopgun @hangmanscoming​

#bradley bradshaw x oc #rooster x oc #bradley rooster bradshaw x oc #fe writes #fic: let me drown #oc: thea floyd #top gun maverick fic #top gun maverick #bradley rooster bradshaw

[blue-aconite]

let me drown || intermission - learning the truth

Summary: Bob learns the truth.

Warnings: angst, hurt/comfort, swearing, mentions of infidelity/cheating, mentions of violence

Word Count: 5.1k

Authors Note: Writer's block has been a bitch. Thank @demxters for curing it. Minors DNI. Each chapter will be labelled with warnings individually.

Thank you to my amazing beta @writercole​, who is the sole reason this chapter even sees the light of day.

Virginia, Oceana Naval Air Station, Fall 2018

Bob’s POV

Bob rifled through his locker after a long day of drills. He was looking forward to meeting his fiancée at home, ordering a pizza and watching a movie. He needed something to distract him from the fact that he hadn’t heard from his sister since Saturday when he dropped her off from their round of golf. 

Taylor, being the fantastic, supportive fiancée that she was, reminded him that Thea had her own life and that she would let him know if she needed him. That idea comforted Bob through Sunday. And Monday. And Tuesday. But it was now Wednesday and his texts weren’t even marked read. Delivered but not read. And it worried him. 

Finding his phone tucked away in his gym bag, he opened the device, clicking into his contacts to find his sister’s number. Hovering over the call button, he was interrupted by the door slamming against the wall, the rest of his squad piling into the locker room. The last thing he needed was them to listen in to a private conversation, so he pocketed the phone again, looking for his watch and glasses instead. 

“Nice work today, Floyd.” Orca, clapped him on the back, opening his own locker. Spot made an agreeing noise as he settled onto the bench next to them, Rover in tow. Bob’s pilot gave him a thumbs up, pushing his hair back from his face. 

“Dude, you need a haircut, you look like Kurt Cobain,” Spot jabbed, reaching out to ruffle Rover’s hair. Rover pushed his hand away, kicking Spot in the calf at the same time. “Fuck off Spot.” 

“Boys, let it go. Who’s up for drinks tonight?” Choruses of yes echoed through the locker room but Bob stayed silent. Orca rolled his eyes as he shut his locker. 

Bob knew what was coming before Orca even opened his mouth. “Floyd come on, drink with us.”

“Ah no, I have plans. Sorry. Thanks though,” Bob declined. Both Rover and Orca looked disappointed at his refusal to partake in their usual intoxicated shenanigans. 

“Come on, Floyd,” Rover coaxed. “You never come out for drinks.”

Bob coughed, lips drawn in a tight smile. “I’m not much of a drinker.” 

Rover rolled his eyes, opening his mouth to no doubt continue to try and convince Bob to join them. Orca had long abandoned the conversation, opting for the showers. Spot was already drying off. 

Bob beat Rover to it. “I have plans with Tay. Another -.” The sight of Bradshaw walking past the locker room stopped him mid-sentence. He excused himself, grabbing his bag and headed in the same direction as Bradley had gone. 

“Rooster!”

Bradley swivelled around at the sound of his name falling from Bob’s mouth, eyes wide open in something akin to horror. Bob’s brows furrowed as he approached his sister’s boyfriend. 

As Bob got closer, he got a better look at Rooster. The man looked terrible. His cheeks were hollowed in, skin clammy and dark bags beneath his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in days. On top of that, he kept twitching, shifting his weight like he wanted to bolt from Bob at any second. 

“Bradshaw. What’s going on? You look like you’ve been awake for 72 hours straight. You okay?”

“M’fine.” Rooster mumbled, his eyes downcast as he fiddled with his fingers. 

Bradshaw was evidently lying but Bob had more pressing concerns. “Have you talked to Thea? Is she sick? I haven’t heard from her for days and I’m getting worried.”

“I don't know.” Bradley squeaked, the mere mention of Thea’s name causing him to visibly pale. He looked more stressed, eyes darting back and forth between Bob and the exit. 

Bob let his gym bag onto the floor, crossing his arms across his chest. “What do you mean ‘you don’t know’? Did you two have a fight or -” 

“What’s it to you?” Bradley suddenly interrupted, nostrils flaring. “Why don’t you stay out of Thea’s relationships? She’s a grown woman,” he snapped, walking backwards away from Bob, tripping over his own feet in the process. 

Bob immediately reached out, trying to steady Rooster. The man hissed as Bob grabbed a hold of his upper arm. “Don’t touch me. I said, it's none of your business.”

“My sister is my business, Bradshaw. Now what the hell is going on? Thea won’t answer my calls and you look like shit -”

“I SAID I’M FINE, FLOYD!” Bradley shouted, shoving away from Bob, breath laboured. 

The sudden outburst made Bob recoil. He stood staring in shock as Bradshaw spun on his heel and stomped around the corner, disbelief that Bradshaw even had that much ire in him. After a moment, Bob recovered and shouldered his duffle again, heading towards the corner that Bradshaw disappeared around. Rooster knew something and Bob had reached the end of his patience. 

He couldn’t fight the sinking feeling in his gut. Something was going on and he was going to get to the bottom of it. He walked at a brisk pace, trying to catch up to where Rooster had disappeared. Raised voices from a room further down the hallway Bob had just entered stopped him in his tracks. 

“Athena, I told you to stay the fuck away from me,” Rooster growled, his voice unmistakable. Bob crept closer, trying to stay quiet. He peeked through the open door, catching a glimpse of Rooster and Athena. Bradley had his shoulders hunched up high, hands balled into tight fists. Athena on the other hand was leaning lazily against the desk behind her, mirth dancing in her eyes.

“Aww, Bradley. You act like you have a choice. We work together,” she cooed. She straightened up, reaching out to run her manicured nails along his bicep. “Besides, it’s not like you didn’t have fun with me. It’s not my fault that you spilled your guts to the princess.” She said the last part slowly, gleefulness dripping from her voice. 

The fact that Bradley didn’t shy away immediately from her touch had the warning bells ringing in Bob’s head. He had overheard enough conversations on base to know that Athena liked to refer to his sister as princess, a jab he hadn’t fully understood until now. 

“Don’t call her that. And don’t fucking touch me.” Bradley spat, echoing the words he had told Bob just a few minutes ago. He took a step back, although a minute too late for it to be genuine. 

Everyone on base knew that Bradshaw and Simons had been somewhat of a thing, or at least being involved in a friends with benefits situation since they started flying together. It had never been a secret but Bob had assumed it had ended sometime before Bradley met Thea. Watching the two of them together, Bob finally understood what was going on. 

He was starting to connect dots and lines and felt a deep wave of anger build in his chest, radiating out through his veins. He backed away slowly, death grip on the strap of his bag. He tried to stay silent, refusing to let his anger take over and give his eavesdropping away. 

He stopped to control his breathing, hands balled into tight fists. He didn’t know everything but he knew enough. Rooster and Athena’s conversation had told him plenty. Closing his eyes for a moment, Bob took a deep breath before heading towards the parking lot. He dug out his phone on the way, dialling Taylor’s number.

“Hi darling, I am sorry but can we reschedule for tonight? I’ll make it up to you, I promise. There’s something I need to do.” Bob kept the phone between his shoulder and ear as he looked around for his keys.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” Tay asked, concern evident in her voice. He could hear Charlie in the background, little yips as he probably raced around Taylor’s legs. 

“It’s Thea. I just need to do something.”

Taylor relented after hearing Thea’s name. “Of course. I’m actually kind of relieved, work has been a lot and I could clock some overtime catching up on stuff.”

“Are you sure? And please don’t overwork yourself, darling. You need to rest as well.” Bob put the keys into the ignition, transferring the call onto the truck’s speakers via the bluetooth. 

“I’m sure. Me and Charlie are going to have a quiet night in with takeout and I’ll just catch up on some work. You go and deal with whatever you need to do.”

“I love you. I’ll call you when I’m on my way home.”

Taylor echoed back his sentiment before Bob ended the call, tossing the phone in the passenger seat and reversed out of the parking lot. The rest of the squad liked to frequent a bar about 15 minutes from base, so Bob reached his destination quickly. 

He hadn’t bothered to get back into his uniform after the shower so he was dressed in his civilian clothing. Bob found a baseball cap in the trunk, putting it on before heading inside. 

He could hear both Orca and Spot the moment he stepped through the door, so he kept his head down as he made his way through the crowd. He made sure to keep out of sight from there most of his squad was seated, walking past the bar and opted for a lonely booth in the corner, hidden from sight. He could see them clearly, and hear but Bob was pretty sure no one had noticed him, which was his goal. He didn’t want to raise any suspicions if his plan would actually work out.

He watched as Spot and Orca teamed up to try and beat Rover at pool. The rest of their squad was scattered around, watching the game. Orca huffed a laugh suddenly, leaning across the table to whisper to Rover. Bob’s pilot smirked, pocketing a solid before speaking.

“You serious? What the fuck happened?”

Orca shrugged, nudging Spot. “Tell him.”

“Tell me what?”

Spot smirked over his beer bottle. “You hear about Bradshaw and Floyd’s little sister?”

“Bradshaw was waxing poetic about her some week ago, what about it?” Rover reached for a new bottle, pushing his empty one aside. 

Orca laughed. “Did you know Athena made a bet that he couldn’t get her between the sheets in two weeks?”

Bob’s blood boiled but he forced himself to stay seated, wanting to hear the rest of their conversation. 

“Shit man, and he agreed to it?” Rover laughed, sinking another solid. 

“Nah, not a first, but -” 

“Last I heard, he did. Claims he fucked her till she cried.” Spot interrupted. 

“And then they got in a fight and he went and fucked Athena that night. He’s been looking like shit because she kicked him on his ass.” Orca joined, laughing as he clinked his bottle with Spot’s. 

“Well, that explains a lot.” Rover snorted.

Bob saw red as his teammates laughed together. He stood slowly, quietly making his way out of the bar, once again evading the attention of his coworkers. 

The drive to Thea’s passed in a blur, anger blazing coursing through his veins. He had trusted Bradley with Thea, trusted him to take care of his sister. And Rooster had betrayed her. He’d deal with Bradshaw later, now he needed to take care of his sister.

After parking in Thea’s driveway, heart breaking at the sight of the darkened home, Bob texted Taylor asking her to stop by Thea’s place on her way home. 

He exited the car, taking a few deep breaths before climbing the stairs onto the front porch. The place seems empty. There was no light coming from the windows, nor sound from inside the bungalow. 

He tried the doorbell first, twice, but received no answer. “Tiny! Open the door!”

When nothing happened, he knocked, fist pounding against the door. “Thea!”

There’s still no answer so Bob reached for his keychain, easily finding the spare key Thea had given him when she moved in. “I’m unlocking the door now.” Bob announced as he stepped over the threshold. “Thea, are you home?” 

Thea’s POV

What day is it? Thea stared blankley at the muted TV in front of her. It felt like years had passed since her fight with Bradley and the aftermath. When he admitted to cheating on her, when he called her Athena’s name. Everything felt numb. She wasn’t sure if she had actually moved since collapsing onto the couch after she had forced Bradley out of her home. He had pleaded with her, begging her forgiveness but she had all but shoved him out onto the porch, telling him to leave and never come back. 

She had watched as Bradley drove away, heart breaking as she thought back on the event of the last few days. She had then numbly taken a seat on the couch and stayed there.

At first, she had expected to cry more. She had expected the anger, heartbreak and everything that came with being betrayed in such a vile way by someone you loved. What she hadn’t expected was the inability to feel anything other than the numbness spreading through her body, the absolute acceptance. 

A loud noise broke through the haze, echoing through her house. The doorbell. It rang twice and when she did nothing, a few rapt knocks echoed through the house.

“Tiny! Open the door!”

That’s Bob. She wanted to get off the couch, unlock the door and let him in but her limbs wouldn’t move. 

“Thea!”

She wanted to call for him to come in but no sound escaped her mouth when she opened it. She could hear the keys in the lock, and felt relief as she remembered that she had given her brother a set of spare keys when she moved in. 

Thea didn’t move as she listened to her brother moving through the space, watching as he came into the view from the hallway. He smiled gently as he took her in, approaching her slowly.

“Hey kid,” he whispered as he squatted in front of her, “you had me worried. You’ve been MIA for days.”

She didn’t answer him, hiding her face from him as she felt the tears building at his concerned tone, not wanting to cry in front of her brother. The couch dipped beside her and she felt her body lifting, warm arms wrapping around her. 

“Talk to me, Tiny.”

And the dam broke. The numbness that had engulfed her since the weekend was suddenly swept away and all the emotions that had been repressed came flooding, as she sobbed against her brother’s chest. Bob stayed quiet, rubbing her back slowly while she cried and cried. He offered no words of encouragement, just let her wail against his shirt until her tears had soaked the material of his shirt. His lips were pressed against her forehead, his back taunt as if holding himself back.

Once the tears started, she couldn’t stop them. She hiccuped repeatedly, trying her best to stop them but it was futile. Being held by her big brother made her feel safe, comfortable. It felt like he would protect her from anything bad ever happening again. 

“Shh, Tiny. I’m here.” her brother whispered, one hand gliding through her hair. It was something all of her brothers used to do as kids when she was upset. 

She felt herself calming down as he repeated the motion. Her sobs eventually stopped and turned into sniffles. She still clung to him, not wanting to let go, not wanting to lose the feeling of being comforted by Bob. 

They sat on the couch for what could have been hours but in reality was only thirty minutes. Bob’s phone buzzed a few times but neither paid any mind to it. After she had calmed down some, she leaned back to wipe the remaining tears from her cheeks. Bob still hadn’t spoken, one of his hands wrapped around hers. 

“Why haven’t you called me? Why haven’t you told me?” 

Thea had assumed that her brother had seen Bradley at base but never gave any thought that he would have found out what had transpired over the weekend. “How did you find out?”

Bob chuckled humorlessly. “Ran into Rooster who was acting odd. Then I overheard a couple of conversations. I don’t have the full story though, but I think I know enough.”

Thea hiccuped again, reaching for the tissue box on the coffee table. Bob beat her to it, offering her a tissue. “I didn’t want to bother you, mess up your life -”

“Thea, there’s no way you could ever mess up my life.”

“I did. I never should have gotten involved with your coworker. Now you’re stuck between me and -”

“I’m not stuck anywhere, baby sister,” Bob assured her. He was looking at her now, making sure that she kept eye contact as he spoke slowly. “Now, what happened?”

Bile rose in throat as she thought back about the past weekend. She didn’t want to tell him. She didn’t want to revisit the betrayal Bradley had put her through. She hiccuped, slapping a hand over her mouth as she hurried to the bathroom. She emptied the contents of the stomach in the toilet, sobs wracking her frame again. Just thinking about Bradley made her feel sick to her stomach, heart breaking all over again.

Bob followed closely, holding her hair back and rubbing her back soothingly.

Thea leaned against the tub when she was done, gratefully accepting the glass of water Bob held out to her. “Thank you.”

Her brother waved her off, swallowing thickly. “Tiny. I need you to tell me what happened.”

She shook her head. Ratting Bradley out could have consequences for Bob, seeing as her brother looked minutes away from storming out the door to find Bradley and put him into the ground.  “I don’t know if I can tell you. It’s -”

“Don’t protect him, he doesn’t deserve it.”

Thea choked up. She didn’t want to get Bob in trouble. “I know what will happen if I tell you. I’m not going to let you get in trouble over me.” 

Bob held out his hand, pulling her off the floor. He wrapped his arms around her, guiding them back to the couch. 

“I promise to stay right here, no matter what you tell me, okay? I won’t get in any trouble. I won’t go looking for him. You don’t have to worry.” He promised, tapping her nose gently, a common gesture throughout their childhood. 

Biting her lower lip anxiously, Thea debated doing as he asked. She knew he would find out the entire truth sooner or later. He already seemed to know the key parts. 

Seeing her hesitate, Bob opened his arms so she could lean into his embrace as he held her close. He murmured soft assurances that everything would be okay and he just wanted to know the truth.

Hiding her face in his already tear-soaked shirt, Thea started tentatively to tell him what had happened after she and Bradley had left the dinner with Athena, him and Jake. 

Bob’s POV

It had taken Thea over an hour to explain in full detail what had happened between her and Bradshaw. Bob felt his anger rising once again as he held his baby sister close, wishing desperately that he hadn’t promised her that he would find Rooster. 

The more he found out, the angrier he got but for Thea’s sake he tried to stay calm. After she had sobbed her way through the entire thing, she had fallen asleep in his arms, most likely exhausted from the emotional turmoil. Bob had carefully picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, making sure she was comfortable under the covers. 

He then went through the bungalow, cleaning up as he went and then sat down on the couch with his head in his hands. He felt helpless, powerless even. He had allowed someone to hurt his baby sister and now he didn’t know how to help her. The urge to find Rooster and take a swing at him rocked through his body but he stayed put. He had promised Thea and unlike Bradshaw, Bob kept his promises. 

A tentative knock on the front door was heard and followed by the soft sound of paws padding along on the wooden floor. Charlie came into view, the corgi yapping happily at the sight of his dad. Taylor appeared behind him, takeout bags in hand and a worry etched across her face. 

“What is going on?” She set the bags down at the table, returning his hug as he stood to embrace his fiancée. 

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Bob sat down again with Taylor by his side, their hands intertwined. “Bradley cheated. Thea’s a mess. I don’t know what to do.”

Taylor made a surprised noise, her eyes widening before anger overtook her features. Her mouth opened and closed in shock, trying to find the right words. “He did what?!”

“He fucked Athena after he and Thea got into a fight about Hangman, which I’m still trying to wrap my mind around.” Bob snarled but reminded himself to stay calm. Charlie huffed unhappily at being left on the floor, nudging Bob’s leg.

“Fucking bastard. I ought to run him over with the Rover.” Taylor looked as angry as Bob felt. “Where is Thea?”

“Asleep in the bedroom. She passed out after telling me what happened.”

Taylor reached down to pick up Charlie, getting off the couch. “I’ll go and see if she wants some cuddles. There’s sushi in the bag, her favourite.” Bob’s heart swelled at the obvious concern his fiancée showed for his little sister. 

He opened his mouth to respond when his phone rang, interrupting him. Marcus’ name flashed across the screen and Taylor motioned for him to answer as she made her way towards the bedroom. Bob watched as she quietly opened the door, slipping inside with Charlie in her arms.

Bob swiped to answer the call. “Brother,” Bob greeted, “to what do I owe the pleasure?

“Have you heard from Thea? I’ve been trying her for days and all I’m getting is straight to voicemail,” Marcus demanded immediately.

“Hello to you too, nice to hear from you after so long,” Bob snarked.

“Robert…” Marcus warned.

Bob sighed as he debated how much to divulge, ultimately settling for the whole truth. “That guy she was seeing from my squadron? Bradshaw? He, uh,” Bob paused, clearing his throat before continuing. “He fucked her, bragged about it to my squad, and then cheated on her.

The other end of the line was eerily quiet and Bob wondered for a moment if his older brother had hung up the call. “Marcus?”

“Tell me you’re fucking joking, Bobby. It’s a joke, right?”

Bob sighed. “I wish, trust me. But she just spent the last two hours sobbing in my arms and I had to practically pry the whole story out of her,” he paused, letting the information sink in. “I ran into Bradshaw at base earlier and then overheard a couple of conversations while doing my wallflower thing. I got the gist of it but needed to hear her version as well.” 

“Please tell me you got a couple of swings in.” Marcus seethed. Bob leaned back against the couch and scrubbed his hand down his face.

“No. I promised her I wouldn’t go after him. Piece of shit would deserve it but she’s worried about it affecting my job. You know how she is.”

Marcus snorted. “Yeah. How is she?”

“Bad,” Bob sighed as he spared a glance into the bedroom where Thea was buried underneath the duvet. “Asleep, though. I’m still at her place. Don’t really want to leave her alone. Taylor’s with her right now.”

“Do you need us to come out there?” Marcus asked. Us meaning himself and their two other brothers. 

Bob set his jaw and shook his head even though his older brother couldn’t see. “No. I’ve got it handled.” 

“Layla says her mother can come stay with her and the girls if you need me to come and kick some ass.” Marcus’ wife was pregnant with their third child and the last stages of the pregnancy had taken its toll. 

Bob rolled his eyes. “No, I said it’s fine. Stay home. And tell August and Richard the same. I got a plan.” 

“Well then, remember, leave your phone behind, cash only, hide your plates, and it’s only murder if they find a body,” Marcus said before ending the call abruptly. Bob could only shake his head, mouth turning upwards in a faint smile. 

Taylor returned from Thea’s bedroom sans Charlie. “What did Marcus say?”

Bob snorted. “He told me it’s only murder if they find a body.” Taylor joined him on the couch again, leaning into his side. 

“And what about the others?”

“Marcus didn’t say anything but I’m assuming he’s reporting back right now. But I told him to tell them to stay put. I haven’t heard from them yet though I have no doubt that I will soon. Hopefully they’ll trust me to handle what I’ve broken.” Bob choked up on the last word, and swallowed hard. Taylor laid her hand on his face and he leaned into her touch, craving the comfort of his future wife.

“This isn’t your fault, sweetheart.”

He swallowed harshly, trying to get rid of the tears threatening to burst forth. 

“It is. I trusted Bradshaw with her. I never should have introduced them.”

Taylor shook her head, a watery smile on her face. “Darling, you couldn’t have known. Stop blaming yourself. Now, what’s next?”

Bob was quiet for a while, not sure how to tell her the way he wanted to uproot their lives. “She needs to leave this place. I want her as far away from Bradshaw as possible. I can request a transfer and I know Thea’s job has offices all over. But I need to know what you think first.”

Bob hated to ask her to be the deciding factor, to leave her home and her job. She had always supported him and his dreams. Flight school and then all the deployments. To throw this at her with no warning was the last thing Bob wanted but he knew Thea couldn’t stay here. She needed to heal, preferably a thousand miles away from Rooster. 

Taylor brushed a hand over his hair. “If we need to leave, I’ll find work elsewhere. It’s no problem. I might not be able to move as quickly but if this is what we need to do, we’ll do it. I love you and I love Thea.”

“Are you sure?”

“Robert Floyd, I will follow you wherever you go. You know this. I know how important Thea is to you. And I know how important Thea is to me.” 

Bob felt tension bleed from his shoulders as he embraced her, choking up once again the obvious love she held for not only him but his family as well. 

“I’ll put in a request for transfer as soon as I’ve talked to Thea. She might not want to move but she needs it.”

Taylor kissed him gently before leaning back. “I’ll talk to my boss then,” She looked over to the bedroom. “Why don’t you wake her up and I’ll unpack the food. I think we all need food.”

Bob stretched as he stood before pushing the door to Thea’s room open. “Tiny, wake up.” He reached out to brush some hair from her face. She stirred awake, eyes blinking against the light coming from the hallway. Charlie was snoring at her feet, paws moving as he dreamed. 

Thea yawned as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “What time is it?”

“A little after seven. Taylor brought sushi, will you please eat some?”

She turned away from him, hiding her face in the pillow and mumbling something that sounded like a no. Bob sighed. 

“Thea Olivia, please come and eat. You need it.” He didn’t raise his voice but left no room for argument either. Thea sniffled into the pillows before sitting up. 

“I’m not very hungry, Bobby.”

“If you don’t come and eat, I’ll tell Marcus that he can come out here and he’ll probably bring August and Richard with him.”

Thea whined, pulling the duvet over her head. “You told them?”

“Marcus called. He was worried that you hadn’t answered your phone.” Bob told her gently, pulling the duvet away from her face. 

“I didn’t want him to worry,” Thea mumbled. Bob smiled, wrapping an arm around her. 

“And you were going to succeed in doing that by not answering your phone?” he joked lightly, hoping to lift her spirits.

Thea laughed, a genuine laugh that reminded him of coming home from school and meeting her in the front yard as he hopped off the school bus. “I just don’t want anyone to get in trouble because of me. Or worry too much,” she whispered, scratching Charlie behind his ears.

Bob tapped her nose. “We’re your big brothers, Tiny. We’re always going to worry.”

They sat in silence for a while, watching Charlie occasionally kick his little feet as he kept on sleeping. 

Thea broke the quiet first. “What if I never stop feeling like this?” 

It was a whisper, barely audible but Bob heard her. It broke his heart and filled him with rage at the same time. Bob knew that there wasn’t anything he could do to ease his sister’s pain and there was nothing he could do to retaliate and teach Bradshaw the lesson that he deserved. His job would be on the line, his livelihood, his entire life. And he had promised Thea.

Bob didn’t consider himself to be a violent man. He preferred to use his words instead of his fists. He was calm in fast paced situations, which is why he was so good at his job. But as Thea quivered in his arms, he fought the urge to cause further bodily harm to the man who had promised to take care of her. Rooster had failed to deliver on his end of the promise he had made Bob in the beginning of his and Thea’s relationship. 

“Okay. Just don’t break her heart.” Bob’s voice was soft but stern, arms crossed across his chest. 

Bradley smiled, dragging a hand through his hair. “How do you know she won’t break my heart?” He asked jokingly, bouncing his leg. 

“She might. But if she does, I don’t have to pick up the pieces.” Bob clapped him on the shoulder and walked away.

Unable to find the right words to comfort his little sister, he simply pulled her into an embrace, kissing the top of her head. 

“You’ll be okay, kid. I’ll see to it.” He had no choice. He would never fail her again.

Taglist: @wildbornsiren​ @therebeccaw@imjess-themess @antiquitea @fuckyeahhangman @writercole @hederasgarden @yanna-banana @wkndwlff @bobfloydsbabe @hollandorks @anniesocsandgeneralstore @ereardon @luminousnotmatter @roosterscock @thedroneranger @fandomxpreferences @top-hhun @princessmisery666 @bradshawsbitch​ @princessphilly @a-reader-and-a-writer @green-socks @angstybluejay @seresinhangmanjake @ayorooster​ @notroosterbradshaw​ @indynerdgirl @gigisimsonmars @girl-in-the-chairs-void@bradshawbabes @unhinged-btch @horseshoegirl @sadpetalsstuff @bradshawbaby @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @ummjustfics​ @septemberrie​ @somenamewithepineapple​ @seresinsweetie​​ @crescentwolf​ @seresinhangmanjake​ @sylviebell​ @waklman​ @roosterforme​ @rosiahills22​ @dempy​ @i0veless​ @ilovewriting06​ @kmc1989​ @demxters @amortentiadrops @teacupsandtopgun @hangmanscoming @bradleybeachbabe

#fic: let me drown #oc: thea floyd #bob floyd & sister!oc #fe writes #top gun maverick fic #top gun maverick #bradley bradshaw x oc #rooster x oc

[blue-aconite]

#11 for the WIP ask please

Vee, my love! Since you didn’t say a specific fic, I’m going to go with Let Me Drown Part II.

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT!

11. What scene are you most hyped for this chapter/fic?

I am most hyped for Thea and Bradley’s big fight. It’s so emotionally loaded and it’s been a real pain writing it. I’m very excited to see the final result and my readers reactions.

Getting do a deep dive into their emotions and the challenges they’re facing, seeing how their actions will affect their relationship has been a treat to write.

Thank you so much for asking!

Talk to me about the WIP I’m currently writing

#fe answers #ask games #fic: let me drown #fe loves vee #oc: thea floyd

[blue-aconite]

Most self-indulgent OC?

Hm, tough question. They’re all self-indulgent in some way but I’d have to say Gabi, who we haven’t officially met yet.

She’s a part of my top gun lawyer au, where she’s Natasha’s cousin. Gabriella is a chef (like me) and comes to NY to expand on her restaurant and meets Jake. The rest is history.

She’s the most self-indulgent OC I have but like I said before, all of them are. Gabi just happens to be the one sharing most traits.

I obviously have a special place in my heart for Thea, she’s my baby and I’m very proud of her!

#fe answers #anon asks #fic: overruled #oc: gabriella trace #fic: let me drown #oc: thea floyd

[blue-aconite]

a line from your current fic in progress?

Thank you! Here’s a part from Let Me Drown below the cut.

He turns on his heels, collecting his phone and jacket on his way out. Thea is moving now, asking him to stop it and just calm down. But he knows he’ll do something he’s going to regret, so Bradley opts for slamming the door behind him, rattling the windows.

#fe answers #anon friend #fic: let me drown #oc: thea floyd

[jetaimeazar]

🦈🦐! shrimpy intercepted, mission successful! rip that study session with riddle tho... 

i gave up on the background but i’m really proud of how this turned out! i feel i’m sloooowly improving and finding my own artstyle (still pretty generic anime wannabe but hey) so yeah, shrimpy? her name is thea! 

#twst: idylla thea hale #twst yuu #twst art #twst fanart #twst mc #twst floyd leech #floyd leech fanart #Floyd Leech #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland mc #twisted wonderland oc #my art i guess

[jetaimeazar]

dude stop

just floyd annoying thea, but i kinda liked it

#twst yuu art #twst mc #twst oc #twst: idylla thea hale #twst floyd #floyd leech #twst floyd leech #twisted wonderland oc #twst fanart #floyd leech fanart #twst #twst yuu #twst meme