Chapter Text
For the last two and half years, mornings were hectic for Bradley Jackson. They regularly started as early as 4 am with a drive through New York and a bunch of people waiting to prepare her for the show. It was a hard adjustment when she first arrived, especially with the shitshow she experienced with Alex and Cory and the way they used her as a tool in their bickering. Nobody was out there doing anything unless it could benefit them in the long run and that's what disappointed Bradley over and over again. It didn't really matter that she was used to it by now, that she experienced it from kindergarten, that she pretended it didn't hurt. Life was often cruel and she experienced it first hand but when COVID pandemic started three and half months ago, the whole world experienced just how bad it can get. People were scared, frantic, enraged, helpless and for a brief moment Bradley felt as if she and the world were on the same level, she didn't feel more bruised or more fucked up then everybody else. That's why it didn't really have that big impact on her life, if anything, it gave her a new level of clarity that she didn't feel before. Well, that she only started feeling when she started seeing Laura, but after everything went to shit and people were falling apart at the seams, Bradley seemed to stitch herself up and finally go after what she wanted.
That's how she found herself standing where she was- back porch of Laura's ranch house at 5:30 am. Mornings in Montana were still quite chilly, despite the fact that June started a few days ago, and Bradley would bundle herself in a thick wool coat and sometimes even a blanket around her waist. In the last three and half months, mornings weren't as hectic as before. There was still a show to do, but everything seemed to change, people were reporting from home and they did shows in a much more casual tone. People were able to be softer at home without an army of soldiers from the hair and makeup department, without clothes changes between the segments. When they started doing this, UBA got them a set of rules which included a dress code that stated they could dress a little bit more casual as they wanted to connect with their audience that was also working from home in most cases. Rules also implied that hosts and reporters reporting from home should use a friendly but mostly neutral background so they could pull people into a casual and homey environment without exposing their personal life more than they had to. To be honest, it was easy to come up with a background in Laura's studio, it was separated from the rest of the house and with solid sound proof walls so the people inside and outside of the studio wouldn't be bothered in their work or daily life. When Bradley followed Laura to Montana only a few days after Laura headed to the ranch, they decided to separate the studio in half so that they could set two stages and keep their personal life from the public. Much to the annoyance of the public, Laura kept half of her studio looking very professional, similar to the big stage she shot her regular shows at. Bradley, on the other hand, opted for staging a home office that consisted of a wooden desk in deep mahogany color with a bookshelf behind her on one side and two paintings on the other side. There were trinkets on both the bookshelf and her desk which she needed for work but mostly the ones she just liked to have around because they reminded her of certain situations or people.
As Bradley sipped the last of her mint tea, she headed inside of the house ditching a heavy wool coat on a couch, left the mug in the sink and looked at the current addition staring at her. Last week, producers had an idea that she and Alex should do a cooking segment to make up for the lack of famous chefs they often hosted in the show. Sure, they had online segments but people were missing interactions between chef and two hosts. Both she and Alex begrudgingly said yes to the idea because they both knew their cooking skills weren't the best in the world. That's the reason Bradley and Laura spent last evening setting everything up in the kitchen, dragging one of the cameras here, setting the angle and moving things around so Bradley would have everything she needed to make a dessert, prepared and within reach. They also moved certain things out of the kitchen, including fridge magnets and pictures that were held up by some of the magnets.
With glancing at everything one more time, Bradley moved to the studio and put her earpiece on, switching her camera and microphone on her laptop, her screen already full of faces- both producers and her co-host.
''Good morning everyone'' Bradley greeted with a certain amount of cheerfulness in her voice.
''Morning, Bradley'' replied Gayle smiling at Bradley while Alex looked over her glasses towards the screen annoyed by something, probably Chip who's been rustling through some papers ''Morning Bradley'' her co-host added, still glaring at the screen, probably at the small section that showed poor Chip.
''Are you ready for check-ups Bradley?'' asked Gayle, steering them towards standard technical checks they did every morning.
''Of course'' replied Bradley. Gayle nodded her head and started a sequence check which included lights, cameras and finally Bradley's earpiece and microphone.
''Alright, everything is set. We still have 10 minutes until we start so we can go through today's repertoire.'' Chip said after he also went through sequence checks with Alex.
Both Bradley and Alex focused on papers before them going through the schedule and how much time they will have between cuts in their usual spot and the kitchen segment. Minutes slipped away and soon both women found themselves in their seats while seconds were being counted in their ears. After going through morning greetings and news, Alex had announced their todays special task:
''We do have a surprise for our viewers today, don't we Bradley?''
''We sure do Alex'' smiled Bradley ''We'll be guiding them through our pantries and kitchen while we make a dessert of our choosing.''
''What kind of dessert are you making Bradley?'' asked Alex, smiling, taking a sip of coffee while waiting for Bradley's response.
''Well, I'm making a ganache- topped chocolate cake'' replied Bradley ''How about you?''
''I'm making a traditional apple pie that my grandma used to make.'' replied Alex ''Is your cake a family recipe too or something you came across while baking?'' asked Alex, as if she didn't know that Bradley didn't bake jake shit just like her.
Bradley just looked at camera and bit inner of her cheek to stop laughing at the stupid question just as Alex pursed her lips to make sure she didn't laugh as well. It was their inside joke they had going on for the last few days when they sent each other pictures of their failed kitchen experiments while prepping for this show.
''Actually, this is a grandma Victoria's recipe so I hope it will succeed.'' said Bradley looking a bit nervous but smiling broadly. I shouldn't be so nervous on camera. Bradley thought, but she couldn't really help herself because of course it wasn't her grandma's recipe, it was Laura's and she will try it later. Laura has such a high opinion of her grandma and she spoke so highly of her and her recipes, good times she had with her as a child. Why did I choose this recipe? I mean, I know it can't be as good as her grandma's. Bradley knew that it was Laura that suggested this recipe because it wasn't that complicated and it would be done in the time frame it needs to be done, not to mention that it was one of her favourites. Right, one of her favourites and when I screw it up, she will never give me another family recipe. Bradley then remembered her therapy sessions and how Kate, her therapist, reminded her that her own insecurities and trauma tend to get her to jump to conclusions and that she should stop that train of thought when she notices it. So she took a deep breath and focused on the banter between Alex and her.
When they cut to commercials, both Alex and Bradley relocated to their kitchens. Bradley put all the ingredients that she and Laura had measured the night before on the kitchen counter that was visible on the camera as well as the paper with recipe on it, which she had Laura pen down for her. She looked at Laura's elegant letters and numbers which made her smile, out of pure beauty and domesticity of it all. I will do my best for this to be a good cake, just to make Laura smile. That thought was interrupted by Gayle telling her they are back on air in a minute and that they did technical check one last time and that everything is ready.
''Bradley, what do you say to a friendly competition?'' asked Alex when they were back on the air.
''Well, that depends on what you had on your mind, Alex.'' Bradley chuckled, looking towards the camera and screen attached to it facing towards her so she could see her co-hosts face.
''I was thinking about two categories- whether we get to finish our desserts before the show ends today and on presentation.'' suggested Alex
''Okay, but who will judge the presentation? And most importantly- what does the winner get?'' Bradley asked grinning while she put her hands on her hips challenging Alex.
''Our audience through social networks will, of course. Our team will put both pictures on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page and they can vote.'' Alex said nodding ''Also, I was thinking- it's not what the winner gets but what the loser has to do.'' Alex continued ''We both dislike heights so whoever loses the competition will have to go parachuting.''
''You couldn't have chosen something easier?'' asked Bradley with clear nervousness in her voice and on her face.
''Well, if you are not up for the challenge...'' Alex continued but Bradley, instantly irked by Alex' attitude, interrupted her ''I'm up for challenge and I really can't wait to see you jumping out of an airplane.''
Alex laughed at that, ready for a bit of fun competition and said ''Well, there you have it folks, you get to see our own version of Bake off here on TMS.''
Both women started the segment off by stating what ingredients they were using and guiding viewers and themselves step by step through the process. After they both finished their desserts, put them in the owens and set the timers off, they cut to the news.
Bradley knew she had a 15 minute break with news, weather and a small piece Danielle recorded outside of the studio. After asking Gayle to give her two minutes' warning before she had to be on air again, she went and made a cup of coffee for Laura. It was sort of their ritual by now, Laura would wake up around 8 o'clock and Bradley would leave her a cup of hot coffee on the counter. Today, she would leave it on the kitchen table, behind the camera but still she would make it because she didn't want to break their ritual. It always made her chest warm when she made Laura a cup of coffee in the morning, as if it was such a grand gesture. But to Bradley, it certainly was because she never had a sense of being home and small things like that made her feel home and whole. While she waited for the coffee maker and it's sound of finality, she quickly put away all the bowles she used and wiped the counter surface. As the sound was heard, she took a cup of coffee and put a small spoon of sugar in it and splashed just a tiny bit of cream, stirring the coffee. Before Bradley moved in, Laura took her coffee black without sugar but after Bradley made it this way one morning, Laura found a new favourite way of drinking coffee.
Putting the cup on the table, she heard footsteps entering the kitchen area and she looked at the dark haired beauty approaching her.
''I woke up earlier, you know'' Laura started standing in Bradley's personal space and putting her arms around Bradley's waist while Bradley quickly put her arms around Laura's neck and looked into the dark eyes staring back at her ''Watching you being all housewifey really gets me going.'' she said with a smile.
Bradley laughed and pulled Laura in for a kiss ''I wouldn't say that yet if I were you'' joked Bradley when they pulled apart a bit ''We don't know how this will taste, in all honesty, I'm a bit afraid of ruining your grandma's recipe.''
''I appreciate your concern but you really don't need to worry.'' Laura said ''I'm very happy you chose that recipe over some easier ones that you could have found online. It means a lot to me, regardless how it well it will turn out.'' finished Laura kissing Bradley again.
''Why are you so fucking perfect for Gods sake?'' asked Bradley between kisses.
''Well someone has to be.'' joked Laura when Bradley abruptly moved away from the kiss as she heard Gayles voice in her ear telling her she has 2 minutes until she is expected back. Bradley groaned loudly and asked Laura ''How bad is my lipstick?''
Laura chuckled and wiped a small smudge on the bottom of her lips ''There, perfect as always.''
Bradley smirked as she hurried back to the studio to continue with the show. After a few more segments, both Bradley and Alex were back in their respective kitchens trying to finish their desserts.
Big difference from the first segment they did in the kitchen was that Laura now sat on the kitchen table behind the camera, sipping her coffee and just watching Bradley. It made Bradley smile too much while she shuffled through the last of the ingredients to make a ganache. Alex catched her smiling on her own small screen next to her own camera and said: ''You are smiling too early, competition is far from over.''
''I'm just enjoying what I'm doing'' laughed Bradley ''Has nothing to do with me feeling victorious.'' she said as she put cream in a small saucepan on the induction cooktop. When she pressed the button that should turn on the cooktop area nothing happened. She tried again and then said out loud ''What's going on? Why isn't this thing working?''
''What's wrong?'' asked Alex over the screen, still working on her pie. Bradley looked over the camera towards where Laura was while she said ''I have no idea, my cooktop isn't working.'' Laura mouthed the words: Safe switch while pointing with her index finger towards the ground. Bradley immediately looked at the bottom of the cooktop searching for some safe switch button but couldn't find any. Thinking it was probably a child safety button she pressed that few times but still nothing happened. She looked up at Laura again and found her pointing towards the floor with both her index' fingers now.
Alex meanwhile laughed ''You know I really didn't think I'll beat you on technicality Bradley, if you don't finish in time, it still counts as a loss.'' Bradley looked up at the clock seeing that she has only 15 minutes to finish her dessert or her ass will be dropped from a plane. ''It will be so nice seeing you conquering your fears Bradley.'' Alex added, smiling at the camera. Bradley felt a certain panic rise in her chest, similar to those you get when you realise you have only a few more minutes on a test while you are only half way done. Bradley looked towards Laura, her eyes showing rush and panic, and said ''Get your ass over here and help me!''
Alex looked up at her screen a bit confused not understanding to whom Bradley was adressing, but Bradley continued not really paying attention on her co-host ''I swear, you get your ass over here and help me find this stupid saftey switch! I'm not jumping out of a plane, do you want me to die? Because that's what will happen, my heart will stop beating as soon as I jump from that plane.'' Next thing Alex heard was a familiar, deep, hearty laugh from somewhere behind the camera and she knew immediately whose laughter it was. Only a moment later and whole goddamn audience knew too as Laura fucking Peterson made her way into the frame looking relaxed and soft with her hair flowing freely, dressed comfortably in a dark blue cotton dress shirt with a decent size v-cut in front. She placed her hand on Bradley's waist and gently moved her a couple of steps to the left so she could crouch and open the cupboard, switching the main safety switch off. Standing up again, she looked at the cooktop that immediately started to work.
''Why was that thing even off?'' whined Bradley as she started to stir the cream with spatula. ''Because I cleaned it yesterday after dinner.'' said Laura whose reply was picked up on Bradley's mic and broadcasted to the show. ''If you forget to switch that thing ever again, you are sleeping on the couch.'' grumbled Bradley as she put the setting on highest so she could put chocolate in the cream as soon as possible. Laura fake saluted and answered ''Yes, ma'am''.
''Pass me the chocolate'' Bradley said and Laura grabbed the bowl with chocolate pieces which Bradley started to put in the cream and stir. Alex, who finally snapped out of it, exclaimed ''No, no, that's cheating! Your girlfriend can't help you do this!''
''She literally passed me chocolate bowl 10 inches from me.'' Bradley rolled her eyes looking up at the camera while stirring her ganache. Laura just chuckled and grabbed two raspberries from the bowl on the counter and popped one into her mouth while she started to leave the frame but Bradley's voice stopped her in her tracks as she switched her focus from Alex to the woman beside her ''And you! Don't you dare eat my berries!''
Laura smirked and raised her left eyebrow as if asking since when you don't like it when I eat your berries. Bradley blushed understanding Laura's smirk and just pointed with her spatula ''Out! When I beat Alex she'll claim it was because you passed me chocolate.''
''I'm winning this'' Alex quipped ''regardless of your little helper. You only have 10 minutes to finish that and I'm almost done.''
''You are not winning this on technicality, Alex'' responded Bradley as she watched ganache finally started to thicken ''I'm still in the game, don't count your victories in advance.'' As ganache thickened the best it could in the time she had, Bradley swiftly turned off the heat and moved to grab the cake. She precisely poured it over the cake and grabbed raspberries to decorate it.
''I'll have to really pushed them in, otherwise they'll slip because it is still very warm and slippery.'' commented Bradley as she put raspberries on top of her cake earning a laugh from Alex. She looked up towards the screen just in time to stop Alex from commenting further ''Don't, we're still on air. I heard how it sounded.''
''You have less than a minute left Bradley, and I am pretty sure you will have to jump out of the plane wearing only a piece of corded sheet that will hopefully stop you from meeting your death.'' Alex said, provoking her co-host.
With a few hurried movements, Bradley yelled ''I'm done!'' as she exhaled the breath she was holding and looked towards Laura who was leaning against the table again and ginning towards her girlfriend. ''Did I make it?'' she asked looking towards the camera while Gayle said in her ear ''You did and with 30 seconds to spare.''
''Wohoo'' said Bradley while Alex commented ''With 30 seconds to spare, unbelievable. Well folks, that is what we have for you this morning, I'm sure many of you were entertained by our own bake off version here on TMS and please do vote on pages whose dessert you like better.''
Bradley looked towards the camera and smiled ''Yes, please, vote and decide whose dessert you like better. Save one of us from certain death and until tomorrow, I'm Bradley Jackson.''
''I am Alex Levy'' added Alex before they both said in unison ''And you watched The Morning Show.'' Both Alex and Bradley heard from their producers that they are off air the next second. Bradley slumped over the counter and said ''Well, I certainly didn't expect this kind of excitement this morning.'' while Gayle said into her earpiece ''I am glad I won't have to lie about your whereabouts anymore.'' to which Bradley replied ''I know Gayle, I'm sorry you had to.''
Alex cut off any response from Gayle saying ''What I didn't expect to find out this morning was that you shacked up with Laura Peterson who knows where.''
''Yes, well, life is full of surprises.'' said Bradley looking behind the camera and locking eyes with Laura who just smiled.
''God, quit it with those ''I'm in love'' eyes.'' Alex said, rolling her eyes but smiling at the same time. Gayle and Chip both said that cameras were disconnected and could be turned off, as well as mics and earpieces.
''Okay guys, thank you and I'll see you at the meeting in an hour.'' said Bradley, switching off the mic and pulling out her earpiece. She moved behind the camera to press the button that turned it off and moved in front of Laura.
''So, we're out. Confirmed to the public.'' Laura smiled looking at Bradley, feeling as the happiest being in the world but searching Bradley's eyes for reaction. She half expected panic or fear but the only thing she found was love reflected in those deep blue eyes. ''Yes'' noded Bradley, pressing her front with Laura's and looking up, resting her right hand on Laura's face ''We are out and I'm happy about it. I'm not afraid anymore. You were so patient with me and understanding of my situation and background. I've never felt this way in my entire life and I don't think that life is worth living with fear shadowing me all the time. So I let it go, the world has shown me many times that people can be very cruel but they'll be cruel regardless of my fear or my way of life. Only way forward is courage and hope that we'll help pave the way into a better future where there won't be so much hatred.''
Laura's eyes filled with tears as she smiled ''I am so happy right now, I can't begin to tell you. And I am so proud of you, Bradley, and the way you overcame all the obstacles that stood in your way and found a way to stand tall with your head looking up.'' she gently kissed Bradley's lips. ''I love you, Bradley.'' she smiled watching how Bradley's smile grew and how her eyes became soft ''I love you too, Laura.''
They kissed gently and then with a little more passion, pressed together as if trying to patch their bodies into one. Of course, Bradley's phone went off and made them separate. ''What?'' barked Bradley without watching caller ID. ''Untangle yourself from Laura fucking Peterson and take a picture of your cake.'' Alex said, a smirk evident in her voice.
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Summary:
They bake again.
Notes:
Due to popular demand and great suggestions, you get a sequel to the first baking challenge. My plan was to write something else as a second chapter but I guess we'll postpone that one for the future if you guys will be interested.
Again, it's nothing but fluff and silliness, hopefully you will like it and it'll make you laugh or smile.
Enjoy the chapter. :D
English is still not my native language and all mistakes are mine.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Laura Peterson was many things, she was a successful journalist, award winning host, stern, hardworking woman who diligently dedicated her life to telling stories of people all around the world. She was a lesbian icon who helped pave the way for many LGBT people, a source of inspiration and courage for others like her and she was proud of herself. Laura Peterson was a charming and funny woman capable of enchanting everybody in the room when she wanted to do so and there were many women in her past that could confirm just how capable she was. What not many people knew was that Laura Peterson was silly and playful when she wanted to be and that sometimes she fully enjoyed seeing karma doing its job. But Bradley knew this so when she, once again, found Laura on the couch in the living room playing a YouTube video of Alex Levy parachuting she just rolled her eyes and made her way to sit next to Laura.
''I thought we're watching a movie.'' commented Bradley, looking at Laura with her eyebrows raised. Laura looked at her pouting slightly and asked ''We are, I prepared everything on Netflix, but can we watch the video first? It's only few minutes.'' Bradley breathed deeply and then laughed ''How many times do you plan to watch it?''
''Just one more time, baby.'' Laura smiled with glee in her eyes that told Bradley that she'll watch it many times more. ''Fine.'' Bradley said pointing at the millions of views ''I swear, you put at least few thousand of these views.''
Laura winced a bit ''Yeah, I'm not gonna lie, I watched it at least 50 times and I know Maggie did as well.'' she laughed while Bradley rolled her eyes ''That I can believe, she had a field day for sure when Alex lost the competition.'' Laura pressed play on the video and loud noise of the plane could be heard while the camera showed Alex Levy in yellow suit and black helmet strapped to a front of a man wearing a black suit. She wore a full helmet with a small camera and mic system inside and a Go Pro camera on top whose screens could have been seen on the left of the video. Video switched to Bradley who was in the studio at Laura's ranch, looking a bit worried about her co-host.
''You okay there Alex?'' asked the blonde.
''No, I am not okay Bradley.'' whined Alex ''I am about to jump out of a fucking plane.'' Thankfully, this segment was shot separately from the show so they censored it in the studio.''Jesus Christ, if this crap doesn't open I'll not only be smashed against grass but I'll also be sandwiched with Steve on top here.'' watching the video Laura couldn't help herself and started to laugh at the panic and absurdity in Alex' voice which only got worse when Alex continued ''When I said that one of the acceptable ways to die is under a man, I didn't have this in mind.'' Hearing Alex' comment and Laura's laugh, Bradley couldn't do anything other than laugh along.
''I'm sure you didn't'' said on screen Bradley trying hard not to laugh ''Can I just remind you that the competition was your idea?'' Alex just looked at the small camera inside her helmet, anger visible in her eyes ''Yeah, I remember very well. I just thought you will lose, which you would if your girlfriend didn't help you.''
''I remember telling Laura you will claim I won because she passed me that bowl with chocolate but you and I both know that wasn't a reason I won.'' said Bradley with her not amused face. ''I'm not talking about that! You know I'm talking about that Tweet!'' responded Alex.
Loud noise could be heard and an increasing amount of light was suddenly coming from Alex' left side ''Oh god, no.'' exclaimed Alex as the guy behind her gave thumbs up to somebody not visible on the camera. Alex grabbed the belts around her shoulders so hard that her hands went all white. ''No, no, no, no. I'm not doing this. Nope.''
''Ma'am, we are in the drop zone.'' a voice said over the sound system of a plane ''Prepare to depart.''
''Depart with life? Yes, I'm about to.'' yelled Alex as she looked towards the now open back doors of the plane.
''Good luck Alex, you can do this!'' Bradley on screen said almost as nervous as Alex on that plane, her hands coming to cover mouth and nose as she watched her friend. Alex stood rooted but the man she was strapped to just grabbed her and swung towards the exit while her legs were clearly starting to betray her.
''I can't believe this, I survived fucking Covid just to die because of Laura fucking Peterson!'' she exclaimed as they approached the drop spot. Suddenly the man tapped her right arm two times to assure her everything will be alright and jumped out of a plane. Next thing that could be heard was a sound of Alex screaming and on screen Bradley's exclamation ''Oh my god!''
''Oh god'' Alex screamed but after a few moments said clearly without breath ''This is beautiful, a beautiful view.'' Then she and the man she was strapped to jerked upwards as the parachute opened and they started to glide through the air. Alex was quiet for a moment until she heard Bradley in her ear ''Are you alright, Alex?''
''Yeah, I'm fine.'' responded Alex ''This is terrifying, but so beautiful. The view is breathtaking.'' she said as Bradley said ''Well, I'm glad you are enjoying it now.''
Alex responded ''You should try this.'' while she was looking around, sharing her view with everybody through the camera on top of her helmet. ''Yeah, I am not doing that.'' Bradley said, pursing her lips in ''hell no'' way. ''I like the ground, we're friends, we have known each other since I was little. ''
''Just because you enjoy pussy now that doesn't mean you have to be one.'' said Alex while on screen Bradley said rolling her eyes ''And there we have it- a part we'll have to cut out later. Besides, I've always enjoyed pussy, thank you very much. It just wasn't public knowledge.''
''Well, we certainly know to whom you opened yourself up first about that at UBA, don't we?'' snickered Alex ''Alex!'' Bradley growled ''If you don't continue with normal commentary, you'll have to jump out of the fucking plane again because we can't use any of what's going on right now.''
Laura had stopped the video, laughing so loudly knowing that the video continues with Alex giving nice commentary that was used for TMS one morning, but this uncut version found its way online by some intern or some sneaky public relation employee seeing the chance to pump popularity of the show. UBA's official stand was that it was leaked and they were trying to remove it from the internet.
''I don't know what part I love the most.'' said Laura looking at Bradley smirking ''The fact she lost, that she blames my Tweet for her downfall, the whole jumping out of the plane, that she got you to say you love pussy on the air or the fact that she implied that you open your legs for me.''
''Well'' Bradley said pushing her right leg against the couch's back behind Laura ''She certainly wasn't wrong about that last part, was she?'' she asked as she pulled Laura on top of her while she laid on her back making sure to wrap her legs around the dark haired woman. ''Well, even Alex gets it right sometimes.'' laughed Laura as she kissed Bradley passionately, their idea of watching a movie clearly forgotten.
After the baking segment and Laura's tweet a few days ago, confirmation that Bradley and Laura are a couple and enduring this pandemic together caused the internet to go berserk. They were trending everywhere; Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tumbler posts were filled with their pictures and gifs. Every tabloid and every LGBT online page seemed to have at least one piece written about them. They became America's moms overnight, adored by millions of people across the US. Of course, few conservative jerks spat their venom of self hatred wrapped into bigotry but they didn't really pay attention to it. Bradley's heart melted when her brother sent her a text message from rehab saying that she and her girlfriend looked cute together and she was relieved that her mother didn't feel the need to reach out to her.
The popularity of the new couple wasn't missed by TMS's producers and their analysts who immediately tried to get Laura back on the show. Laura has decided against making an official appearance on TMS, but she suggested another kind of interaction that would satisfy the public's need to see the newest couple. Dark haired beauty was a hard hitting journalist and she hated just how her private life seemed to be so interesting to the public, but not hating it enough not to use it to her advantage. That's how the TMS team found themselves planning a charity baking event to help NY hospitals who were struggling with the lack of protective gear and medical supplies. After the uncut and uncensored version of Alex' parachute jump made its debut on YouTube and the public ate the interaction between Bradley and Alex as well as they craved one between Alex and the couple together, TMS team decided to ask the public just what kind of charity event they wanted to see.
That's how Laura, Bradley and Alex found themselves in front of their laptops on a video call that was streamed live to the official TMS page. The event took place on a Saturday night and was heavily sponsored by many celebrities and organizations that wanted to get involved and help NY hospitals that were hit hard by the pandemic. Bradley and Laura were in their kitchen with a laptop placed on the kitchen island and more less showing the same background as the first time. They were both dressed casually, Laura wearing her loose black ankle pants and loose white striped black dress shirt while Bradley chose dark blue skinny jeans and black shirt with modest v-neck. Alex on the other hand was wearing a fashionable, gray, winter jumper and some black leggings while her laptop sat at the far right top of the kitchen counter and gave a view of the working surface.
After greeting everybody online, Alex started to explain to the viewers at home just what kind of event they are in for ''Welcome to our charity event where we will bake and try to raise as much money as we can to help our heroes battling this pandemic on front lines. I have survived Covid and stayed at the hospital myself and I am extremely grateful for every member of medical personnel that was there for me. I saw how bad things can go in a matter of minutes and just how much hospital personnel are risking to protect us.''
Bradley and Laura were both standing at the kitchen island, looking at the laptop and listening to Alex. Bradley shifted a bit towards Laura, gently clasping Laura's left arm with her left hand making Laura focus on her. Gently putting her right hand on Bradley's left one that was still holding her arm, she tried to console Bradley knowing just how much the younger woman was worried when Alex was in the hospital.
''I will never forget how you looked in that hospital bed'' said Bradley, her voice quivering a bit ''So small and pale.''
''Well, that means something coming from the smallest person on TMS.'' replied Alex jokingly but tears in her eyes made sure that Bradley knew how much her visit meant to Alex. Laura chuckled, nodding, understanding their unspoken words but guiding the conversation towards a lighter tone.
''I am not that small!'' Bradley exclaimed, pouting and then glaring at Laura ''You are not that small, honey.'' Laura replied, kissing the top of her head which made Alex laugh and Bradley fighting a smile.
''You both annoy me.'' said Bradley and then continued ''Can we continue with real reason we're here?''
''Yes, we can.'' Alex replied ''For two weeks we were collecting your ideas and your wishes, we heard what you wanted to see and we are about to deliver. Tonight, we are once again baking you a dessert but this time we were properly trained.''
''For half an hour.'' Bradley said, nodding once ''Online. By two great bakers, Mary Berry and Nadiya Hussain.'' Laura nodded and added ''It was supposed to be an hour but they gave up hope in teaching us anything. They did give us their chocolate cake recipes though and that was nice of them.''
''So basically'' said Alex, pursing her lips ''You, once again, get us- complete idiots in the kitchen to bake for you. Also, it's once again one against two.''
Bradley immediately replied shaking her head ''She passed me one bowl last time, it doesn't count.''
''Yeah, but that twitter post made sure you won.'' grumbled Alex. ''Oh, you mean the tweet in which I tried the cake Bradley made and said it tasted just like my grandma's?'' smirked Laura ''Was that the one?''
''Oh ho ho'' Alex said ''You are both getting it tonight.'' making Laura chuckle and look at the laptop ''Get your mind out of the gutter Peterson'' Alex rolled her eyes ''God, and the booze isn't on the table yet.''
''Oh yes, the booze!'' said Bradley ''We didn't even get to that part! So, not only you decided to watch us bake again, you decided we should do it while drinking which I simply can't see ending well for anybody.''
''As long as we don't burn down the house, I'll consider this a win.'' added Laura and Alex agreed with her. Bradley looked at the screen asking ''Alex, what recipe did Mary give you for this special event?''
''She gave me the recipe for her famous Chocolate fudge cake.'' answered Alex ''What recipe did Nadiya give the two of you?'' she then asked. Laura took the envelope that was on the counter and read ''Nadiya gave us her recipe for Quadruple chocolate Black Forest gâteau. Which doesn't sound like it's hard to make.'' she frowned a bit.
''I'm sure'' chuckled Alex ''What did you decide to drink is a better question.''
''Laura is sticking to her whiskey and I'm on gin and tonic tonight hoping it won't make me too drunk.''Bradley replied then added ''Though, Laura made my gin and tonic so there's probably 90 percent of gin and 10 percent of tonic.''
''It is not.'' Laura cut in ''I think we all learned our lesson in letting you drink too much.'' she laughed but Bradley just looked at the laptop ''Moving on.''
''I don't want to move on'' Alex replied, but Bradley just said ''Tough luck. We are drinking one drink every 20 minutes, right?''
''Yeah, that's what we agreed on.'' nodded Alex ''God help us. Even though, I remember Laura being pretty fun and wild when drunk when we used to go clubbing 20 years ago.'' she laughed
''Fun and wild, huh?'' asked Bradley turning towards Laura with her hands on her hips making Laura shake her head ''Nah, Alex has dementia, it's because of her age. I was always at home reading.''
''You are a year older than me, Laura'' replied Alex ''I also have pictures I will gladly forward to you Bradley.'' she grinned ''I think you will find a tale of Laura and mechanical bull riding quite funny.''
''A what now?'' Bradley looked at the laptop and then looked at Laura smirking ''Yeah, I'm sure you got your player status form spending your time reading books.'' she rolled her eyes
''Moving on.'' said Laura ''Shouldn't we have our first drink and open the envelopes with our recipes?'' she asked and both Alex and Bradley chuckled nodding. Alex gulped her martini down while Laura did the same with her whiskey. Bradley was sipping her drink much slower while looking at two women downing their drinks. ''Just like old times, Peterson.'' smiled Alex and Laura nodded ''Yup, just like old times Levy.'' Bradley grinned ''I'm so happy you two are getting along.''
''You finish that drink and I'll open the envelope with our recipe.'' Laura said, opening their envelope ''Holy shit, there are pages of this.''
''I have only one page.'' Alex said inspecting the content of her envelope. ''Must be cause there are two of you.'' Alex grinned while Laura shot her a look.
''Okay'' said Bradley as she took the papers with the recipe on it ''Let's do this. I'm gonna read the ingredients and you get them out.'' Laura nodded and started to pull out supplies as Bradley read them. Alex was also rummaging through her kitchen getting everything out.
After finishing reading, Bradley announced it was time for their second drink and their first musical break- Foo Fighters were performing from their studio in LA. While the song was performed, women started to weigh their ingredients and put them into the bowls. As the song finished and Alex praised Foo Fighters performance, Laura and Bradley were struggling with all the ingredients.
''You know when my grandma said that the biggest pain of baking was preparation'' stated Laura ''I thought she was overreacting.''
''Laura, we're out of bowls.'' said Bradley as she closed the upper right cupboard behind Laura. ''Seriously? How many weighing we have left?''
''Three more.'' said Bradley ''I'll use deep plates.'' she decided out loud as she opened another cupboard.
''You two are so slow'' commented Alex ''I'm already done.'' she sang a bit ''Bout to start mixing stuff.''
''Glad to see you are still light weight, Alex.'' smirked Laura as she weighed last of the ingredients to which Alex replied ''We can't all drink rock stars under a table.''
''Those days are long gone.'' Laura replied and Bradley looked at her out of the corner of her eye smirking. ''Okay, who is doing what?'' asked Laura ''Alex is ahead in the game right now and I don't particularly fancy losing to Levy.''
''I'll do the cherry jam and you do the cakes?'' asked Bradley and Laura nodded ''Agreed.''
''Bradley, is Laura always so compliant at home? 'Cause I know she isn't at work.'' Alex laughed while Laura rolled her eyes and Bradley replied ''Only when she knows she'll get a dessert out of it.'' which made Alex let out a hard laugh murmuring ''I bet.''
Laura started to sift flour making a mess and a small cloud of flour dust ''I mean, is sifting really that necessary? I mean, how bad can it be if I just dumped all of this in the mixture?''
''I have no idea, if we wanna do this in 2 hours, we can skip it. I mean, how bad can it be?'' asked Bradley looking at Laura and shrugging.
''I sifted minee'' Alex provoked on the screen but before Laura or Bradley could reply, the alarm went off with a double bell ring. ''Oh god, is it already time for double shot?'' asked Alex.
''Yup'' Laura answered smiling ''Honey, I think Alex is about to be much slower very soon. Four drinks Alex is sluggish.''
''Yes, but five drinks Alex is a maniac, so beware.'' said Alex as she drowned her martini ''Why did they let us do this?''
''I have absolutely no idea'' said Bradley as she drowned her first gin and tonic and poured another one while Laura had already drank both of her whiskeys ''How are you already done?''
''Good genes.'' smirked Laura while Bradley shooed her out of the way and started to make cherry jam. Three women joked around while making their desserts. When the oven was ready and Laura bent over to put layers of cake inside, Bradley couldn't help herself and shifted her focus on Laura's ass rather than the jam she was supposed to stir. Only for a brief moment though, as her jam started bubbling and one drop made contact with the back of her hand making her yelp. Yelp drew attention from both Laura who closed the oven and turned and Alex on the screen who was talking about what she was doing.
''What happened?'' asked both Laura and Alex
''Nothing'' said Bradley ''Stupid jam got on my hand.'' while Laura took her hand and brought it to her mouth sucking the jam of Bradley's hand and then asked ''Do you need cold towel on that?'' Bradley's brain however stopped working the moment she felt Laura's lips sucking jam off of her hand. The small part of her brain that wasn't totally useless because of the alcohol and just a sheer feeling of Laura's mouth on her stopped her from moaning out loud. Thank fuck for that, internet will have a field day with this as it is.
''I think your mouth left my co-host brain dead, Laura'' said Alex amused while she was putting her mixture in tins. ''Nothing out of the ordinary, I guess.'' smirked Laura and that made Bradley snap out of it and slapping her shoulder ''You jerk'' she said, smiling broadly not really able to help herself.
''I can already hear complaints from the board of directors that producers allowed us to do this while drunk.'' Alex laughed ''Thankfully, we're about to have a music break and when you join us back, we'll have a special guest here with us.'' with that they cut back to their musical guests.
Alex grabbed her phone and said over the line ''We're already surpassed the goal we set and we're also breaking TMS records when it comes down to views and trending, says Chip.''
''Well then we can't really get in trouble.'' Bradley said and Laura nodded ''Yes, but we for sure won't get another shot with this due to few conservative advertisers. So we can have fun and relax, nothing to lose.''
''I agree with Laura, assholes from the board will be able to smooth this with them, especially with the views and circulation that we'll have next week due to this.'' said Alex and sipped her martini ''I know we don't have to drink yet but I feel celebratory.''
''You sure you don't need a cold towel on that?'' asked Laura but Bradley answered ''Nah, your tongue made it all better, as usual.'' that comment made Alex choke on her martini ''Yeah, let's strangle Alex. God, I need to get laid.''
''Tried Tinder?'' asked Laura but Alex just said ''Fuck off, Peterson.'' Further bickering was stopped by the appearance of another face on the screen.
After Foo Fighters finished another song, they were back online ''Welcome back everybody!'' exclaimed Bradley ''And please welcome our special guest- Sarah Paulson!''
''Hi guys'' Sarah waved ''I'm so happy Alex and Laura asked me to come here. How's baking going?''
''Well, Bradley mixed syrup and I made ganache and set it in the fridge to cool.'' said Laura and Alex added ''My cakes are done and cooling, I'm about to the icing.''
''You got everything under control then.'' said Sarah ''Except the internet, I'm sure you don't know since you are busy but the internet is burning.''
''Did you enjoy watching us so far?'' asked Alex, making Sarah laugh ''Best idea ever, especially drinking, drunk baking is top notch. I liked idea of being hammered with you, so I started drinking a while ago as well.''
As if ordered, an alarm went off causing Sarah to ask giggling ''Is that the booze alarm?''
''Yes, it is.'' said Laura ''I'm so glad we don't have to work tomorrow.'' getting noises of agreement from both Bradley and Alex while they all took their drinks. ''Nothing reminds you of your age better than the time you need to recover after drinking.'' laughed Bradley.
''I love your booze alarm, I'm thinking of getting one.'' said Sarah while Laura replied ''If you get one, record yourself please.'' while Bradley turned around to grab what she needed to make whipped cream.
''Oh sweetie, sure thing but what I want to tell you right now is that I am soooo'' she laughed ''glad you are half drunk and your power of observation is low.'' Laura frowned not understanding what Sarah is implying ''Your southern belle has a really nice flour imprint on her behind.'' she said, causing Bradley to immediately turn forward the camera and Alex burst into laughter.
''I guess you didn't just need to fetch the other mixer when you disappeared from the screen for a minute there.'' Alex teased while Bradley and Laura removed flour from blonde's ass.
''Laura is very efficient woman'' replied Sarah ''always multitasking.'' she said laughing loudly making Laura groan ''I don't know what I was thinking agreeing with Levy when she suggested we invite you here tonight.''
''I'm awesome and you looove me.'' said Sarah sipping her vine. After that, banter continued as usual while three women finished everything and were ready to assemble their desserts. Once again, the booze alarm went off and three women groaned, pretty tipsy by then.
''I can't see how our cakes will be straight.'' Bradley said ''Yours can't be'' said Sarah ''You're not straight either. Maybe Alex'.''
''As long as it doesn't topple down, everything is okay.'' nodded Laura as they started to assemble the cake. All women were very focused, as one can be when drunk while putting their dessert together. ''I think the way Bradley focuses is the cutest thing ever.'' said Sarah as Bradley frowned putting everything together, biting her lower lip. ''Aww, thank you.'' the blonde blushed slightly
''Hey Paulson, stop looking at my girlfriend.'' Laura said playfully but Sarah just replied laughing ''Nope, she's cute. Also, you officially have two minutes to finish your cakies.''
Alex, who was quiet for a while, exclaimed ''I'm done! Nothing toppled over!'' she smiled, looking down at her cake ''I'm so good.''
''And so humble.'' quipped Laura as she put the last cake layer on top and Bradley went to put the last layer of chocolate and whipped cream for decoration.
As Bradley finished decorating the cake she said ''We're done too'' and then grabbed Laura kissing her on the lips. What was meant to be a peck on the lips turned into a proper kiss as Laura put hands on Bradley's lower back and kissed her more firmly.
''See that's how she got the flour imprint on Bradley the first time.'' Sarah said, pursing her lips and nodding while Alex commented ''I'd roll my eyes on this display of sappiness but I feel I'd keel over because of the alcohol I consumed.''
''Sappy sapphics hehe'' said Sarah breaking Laura's and Bradley's kiss as they just started to laugh.
With that they said goodbye to their fans, thanked them for accompanying them on their drunken baking quest and thanked everyone who donated money because they have gathered almost double the amount of money which they intended to.
*Bradley is small and fits perfectly against Laura. I want that.*
*Alex Levy and Laura Peterson used to go clubbing together?!*
*Daddy Laura can put me under her table whenever she wants, I don't need a drop of alcohol.*
*We southern women know how to put those city gals in order. :smirking emoji:*
*Should we talk about the fact that Bradley fucked up her hand because she was busy staring at Laura's ass? Because my heart can't handle this.*
*I'd be brain dead too if Laura Peterson put her mouth on me. #girlcanonlyhope*
*Can we all just applaud Alex for being so cool and supportive of our moms?*
*#multitaskingLaura*
*Sarah Paulson, our moms and Alex Levy were a combination I never knew I needed but now my heart knows peace.*
*I'll be replying that kiss in my mind until the end of time.*
Bradley scrolled through Twitter reading through the posts and comments laughing.
''What are you laughing at?'' asked Laura as she circled her waist from behind ''Comments on Twitter, you have quite a fan base, you know?'' said Bradley, just a little jealous.
''It's easier to like someone you imagine in your head than a real person.'' shrugged Laura ''Besides, as long as I have you as my number one fan, I'm happy.''
''Well, that you certainly have.'' Bradley said as she tossed her phone on her night stand, turned towards Laura and pushed her on their bed.
Notes:
You reached the end! I hope it wasn't filled with too many innuendos and silliness for your liking.
Feel free to share your opinions and ideas with me. :D
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Notes:
Well hi everybody! :D
I'm back with more fluff and ridiculousness. I just started a new job and needed to let my mind wander away from stress so I decided to write fluff, of course.
I hope you will like it, I kinda have an idea for another chapter or two, tell me whether you would like to read more :)P.S. I am not native English speaker and I don't have a beta reader, so all mistakes are mine.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Work was really exhausting for the last few months for both Laura and Bradley. US presidential elections of 2020 were taking its toll on them both. TMS reporting on statistics and recent statements from both major parties and Laura taking over as a host in UBA's political special during the last of campaigns and election had them working a lot. It seems that this election took US's viciousness to new levels, Laura couldn't recall a point in her life when she saw people so divided. She knew that it's been a long time coming, many roots of the country were rotten from the start and they never changed.
Social networks gave people news faster, everybody chasing big titles and newest information. It doesn't matter whether what people read is true or not- the information spreads like wildfire. People choose what they read whether it's from respectable people or some idiot Karen somewhere- everybody feels entitled to their opinion and believes it's always equally important. Laura then remembered the big, flashy titles some of her colleagues used on their web pages or in newspapers. She sighed knowing they were just as guilty as the public who selected to read only what favors their opinion.
The change came in the last 10-15 years and it became all about clicking on the article because that's what makes money and big, scandalous headlines make people click. It doesn't help that people don't read the article half of the time, just read the title and write the story in their own heads. Journalism was always tricky, especially for people who reported on sensitive, political or social themes, but Laura grew up reading and dreaming about becoming like Kempton, Arendt, Bernstein and Woodward, Carson, Du Bois or Vincenz. To see journalism suffer as it was today was a bit heartbreaking. She was thankful that her political special she did twice a week wasn't covering opinions and comments of the public like Bradley had to with TMS because there were times when Bradley was at the point of losing her mind. Sometimes those frustrations were solvable by talking and venting but sometimes Bradley jumped Laura and they fucked against first available surface. Laura was open to both ways of dealing with the whole situation.
How are they still counting for fucks sake? Laura thought to herself glancing at muted news on TV as she was preparing for her interview with Kamala Harris that afternoon. Why don't they understand postal voting? It's just via fucking post.
Seeing Laura frowning with her head tilted, Bradley smiled while approaching the older woman. She is so darn cute. Not that I can ever say that out loud. She would insist that she's not cute for at least half an hour like a stubborn mule she is sometimes.
''Hey, babe'' said Bradley as she sat next to Laura. Laura turned to Bradley, news forgotten for a moment, and kissed Bradley. ''Hi, honey.''
''How is your preparation going?'' asked Bradley and Laura shrugged. ''Well, everything is ready, I was just going through it one last time. I don't really expect any problems since it's a taped interview. We have more than enough time to edit. However, I made a mistake 10 minutes ago when I turned on the news.''
''I can see that'' Bradley replied as she switched the TV off. ''Southerners giving you a migraine again?'' asked the blonde, letting her accent come out.
Laura looked at the younger woman, pouting slightly ''How is it that I find it sexy when you speak that way but when Bill over there'' she waved her hand at the general direction of TV ''speaks about voting through post offices, I want to strangle him?''
''It's because I'm hot and bring you orgasms.'' the blonde nodded pursing her lips playfully ''Probably helps that I'm not conservitive idiot, now that I think about it.'' smirked Bradley and Laura laughed.
''You know, if someone told me I'd be with a southern belle, I'd tell them they were crazy.'' said Laura smiling and Bradley shrugged ''Yeah, we're unlikely couple, aren't we?''
''Maybe on the outside, at the first look.'' replied Laura and kissed Bradley ''But in all honesty honey, I was waiting for you my whole life.''
''Well good, because we were inevitable from the moment we met.'' smiled Bradley broadly. ''And now, you are all mine- foreverrrrr.'' she added dramatically causing Laura to roll her eyes, push her onto the couch and kiss her again to shut her up.
A while later, Laura found herself naked, half laying on top of equally naked Bradley and half laying on the couch, only a thin blanket over their bodies. Laura's head was resting above Bradley's breasts while she traced patterns against Bradley's sides under the blanket as the blonde caressed her thick, almost black hair.
''How is your hair so silky?'' asked Bradley, enjoying the feel of dark mane underneath her fingers.
''My mother's genes.'' replied Laura ''She still has her dark, silky hair, even though she's in her 70s.''
''That's impressive, actually.'' Bradley chuckled and kissed Laura's forehead.
''Well, Linda is very impressive.'' replied Laura ''Just in many cases, she's impressive in the wrong ways.''
Bradley pondered about Laura's statement remembering the stories Laura told her about her mother while she enjoyed the cozy cocoon they were in. ''What time is it?'' asked Laura, gently kissing the skin she could reach without moving too much.
''Too late for you to start anything because we won't have time to finish.'' replied Bradley adding ''You have to get up in twenty minutes to get ready. Gordon expects you online in an hour.''
''Oh honey'' laughed Laura ''As if I need twenty minutes to get you trembling.'' she smirked as she disappeared underneath the blanket.
An hour later, Laura was sitting in front of her camera while she and Gordon went through final touches before the interview. Laura hasn't managed to shower, choosing to remain between Bradley's legs for a bit longer, making sure that the younger woman trapped her head with her strong thighs one more time. Thankfully, her hair was still manageable as she styled it into her distinctive ''showtime'' ponytail as Bradley referred to it. As Laura finished adding a last note to the papers in front of her, she exclaimed smirking ''All done.''
''You know'' stated Gordon, looking at her through the camera ''you are glowing.'' he smirked ''A certain TMS anchor keeping you satisfied I see.''
Laura rolled her eyes smiling and looked at her friend of 25 years on the screen ''I have no idea what you are talking about, I'm just enjoying the fresh air here in Montana.''
''Yeah, sure thing sweetie.'' laughed Gordon. ''I'm glad to see that the honeymoon phase continues.''
''Well, you know Bradley and me, we got family problems and everyday differences out of the way before we actually gave this a shot and before the honeymoon phase.'' Laura smiled thinking how it's quite poetic that they've done everything upside down. Maybe it was just their thing.
''Yeah, I agree with you there.'' said Gordon. ''John and I were talking about that the other night after our skype call with you two.''
''If your pillowtalk is about Bradley and me, you need to spice your love life, dear.'' joked Laura, making Gordon flip her the bird.
Before Gordon could make some sassy reply, his phone beeped and he said ''The rest of the team is ready, we'll do the final checks and we can connect with senator slash probable Vice president Harris.''
Laura nodded as they were connected with the rest of the team and technical support. After the last check, they connected with Harris.
''Madam Vice President'' greeted Laura with respect and seriousness in her voice
''Laura Peterson'' Harris spoke in her slightly nasal voice, with a smile on her face ''How are you on this fine day?''
Laura smiled, she followed US politics at UBA for more than a decade now and she was UBA's main political reporter and host. She met Kamala Harris many times as she climbed through political ranks of California before she took the newest stand in the White House.
''I am very well, thank you for asking.'' smiled Laura
''Taking care of that heart of yours, I hope.'' stated Harris with a questioning look.
''Thankfully, my love for solitude from time to time came in handy, because I have a ranch that is pretty isolated.'' shrugged Laura as she watched friendly face over the screen.
''Good, good. I envy you a bit, I wish I was somewhere in the middle of nowhere.'' nodded Harris. ''So, are we ready to do this?'' she asked.
''If our technical teams say so, we can get this show started.'' smiled Laura. As Gordon was communicating with Harris' team, there was a noise to Laura's right and she saw Bradley entering the studio, hurrying towards her. The blonde was looking scared and moved directly towards Laura who had a confused look on her face and had raised her eyebrow indicating a question What is happening?
''There's a bear!'' exclaimed Bradley as she came behind Laura, gripping her seat tightly looking at Laura and then in the direction of the studio door.
''Well, there are bears in Montana, honey.'' commented Laura, looking at Bradley in confusion momentarily forgetting others who were watching them through the camera.
''I know that Laura'' Bradley said, rolling her eyes ''I mean, there is one in the house!''
''What?!'' Laura exclaimed, snapping her attention to the door ''How is that possible?''
''It got in through the porch door?'' said Bradley, nervously biting her lower lip and looking at Laura.
Laura turned her attention to the blonde and looked up towards her with pointed look ''You mean the door that I told you not to forget to lock about ten thousand times?'' she asked, pursing her lips.
''That exact door.'' Bradley said nodding, putting her hands on her hips. ''A bear shouldn't be able to open doors anyway.''
''They adapted, we fucked up their entire habitat.'' Laura replied ''Those little, cute shits practically know how to open safes nowadays.''
''Oh yeah, those videos we watched of them getting into cars were cute and frightening at the same time.'' responded Bradley, forgetting the situation they were in for a moment.
''Bradley'' said Laura looking at the blonde as if she lost her mind and was begging her to come back to reality.
The younger woman replied ''You should hurry with taking care of that before your interview with the Vice President.''
Laura looked from the blonde towards the camera and the screen ''Well, if you would divert your attention, sweetie.'' she said, looking straight into the camera.
''Oh..'' Bradley replied ''Well, then, you should really hurry.''
Laura turned her chair towards the blonde and raised her hands in the air slightly asking ''What should I do exactly? We have a ranch manager with tranquilizer for things like this.''
''Laura'' the blonde started seriously. ''Listen to me very well carefully, you are the only one who is allowed to eat me in this house.'' Gordon choking on his own saliva was heard through the earpiece. ''I texted Jack, but I also have a wife and I for sure expect her to move me away from the bear, alright?'' she finished, her southern accent strong making Laura know just how scared Bradley was.
''Right.'' said Laura looking at her wife before directing her attention towards the screen ''Would you excuse me for a minute or two? I have an apex predator to shoo away from my house.''
''Laura, don't be crazy'' stated Gordon so that both Harris and Laura could hear him ''Stay put and wait for Jack!''
''I'm just going to take a peak and check with Jack, I'll be right back. Bradley will keep you company in the meantime.'' said Laura getting up and turning off her mic. She locked her eyes with Bradley and then looked towards the screen, quietly telling Bradley to pay attention to them as she went to check out the situation.
Laura moved carefully and slowly exited the studio as Bradley looked at her, holding her breath.
''Breathe, Miss Jackson'' commented Harris looking at Bradley who was clearly in distress over Laura's face-off with the bear. ''Laura faced a lot of devils in her career, she can survive a check up on the bear.'' The Vice President's voice made her snap into reality and look towards the screen.
''It's Mrs. Jackson-Peterson now '' Bradley responded automatically before continuing ''Oh I know she did, but I just don't want my wife to be mauled.''
''Well, congratulations on your marriage.'' said Harris surprised and then added calmly trying to direct clearly distressed Bradley ''Why don't you try to check your phone and see if your ranch manager responded to your text?''
Bradley checked her phone and shook her head ''Nothing. I don't want to call, just in case he's close and reveal his position to the bear.''
''It'll be alright, Bradley.'' said Gordon ''Laura is smart, she will check the situation and be right back. She is very familiar with Montana and its animals.''
''Yeah, I know.'' responded Bradley ''I know. I just...'' she stopped talking as she spotted Laura coming back into the studio and closing the door behind her. ''Is the bear chasing you?!'' asked Bradley
Laura turned towards the blonde and smiled ''I assure you, I'd be running if that was the case.'' Seeing as Bradley is clearly worried, she added in a gentle voice ''It was a cub, it ran as soon as I entered the living room and yelled, it reunited with its mother and siblings a few yards away from the house. Also, Jack arrived and he will check the house just in case.''
''Oh thank god you are okay'' said Bradley and jumped to hug Laura as the older woman approached the table ''I almost killed you.''
''Huh? What do you mean?'' Laura asked, hugging Bradley firmly.
''I sent you to go after a bear because I was scared'' said Bradley, fear evident in her voice.
''Oh honey, I will always protect you, you know. But even I can't fight a bear.'' Laura chuckled as she pulled away from the hug and took Bradley's face into her hands ''If it was a big ass bear, I'd just come back, lock the studio and wait for Jack with tranquilizer.''
''Right, okay.'' breathed Bradley still feeling out of the element. Laura decided to ease her mind a bit and gave her a peck on the lips.
''Aww'' cooed Harris over the screen ''Well, look at the newlyweds.''
That comment made Laura snap back into reality and look at Bradley questioningly. ''I may have said I am Bradley Jackson-Peterson now.'' Bradley replied with a nervous smile.
''Ah, I see.'' smiled Laura, squeezed the blonde's hip reassuringly and gently moved Bradley out of the way. She sat back into her chair and turned on her mic ''I hope this will stay between us all.'' she commented.
A chorus of yes from her team could be heard through her earpiece as she looked towards Harris who was smirking ''I won't say a word. Who am I to shatter dreams of every lesbian from East to West coast?''
''Thank you'' Laura said, rolling her eyes at the comment.
''I have to say, Laura.'' responded Harris, pursing her lips ''Didn't think you had it in you. To settle down, I mean.''
''Well'' said Laura as she glanced towards Bradley who sat down on a chair behind the camera looking at Laura with a gentle smile full of love ''I guess I just needed the right motivation.''
''I bet.'' chuckled Harris.
Interview went without any further interruptions with Laura using her experience in elections as well as her knowledge of international politics to ask questions to see in which direction the next administration would govern the US. It ended up being a 45 minute long interview that aired a day later and managed to be one of the best interviews before the end of elections making UBA ratings skyrocket.
In March of 2021, both Bradley and Laura were back in New York after receiving two doses of vaccine. It was a change in their daily lives but as they moved into Laura's townhouse, they established a new routine pretty quickly. Most paparazzi lost interest in them after a week or two of following them everywhere which was a relief for both women as they went back to work.
Every morning Laura would turn the TV on around 7 am to see her wife on the screen as she hosted TMS with Alex. While the TV played, Laura would make coffee and breakfast while listening to the soothing voice of her wife. She was especially curious about today's episode because Bradley and Alex had a special guest via video link. VP Harris would be on TMS and on UBA for the first time after Laura's interview and the dark haired woman was excited to see how it'll go.
So after fixing herself a bowl of oatmeal and fruits, she sat down on her couch and tuned in more closely. She watched Bradley and Alex greet the Vice President with big smiles on their faces. Laura looked more closely at Bradley, her chest warming up as she took in the sight of her wife.
Retrospectively, Laura should have expected some sort of commotion in her life as it's been months of peaceful bliss. She just didn't think it would happen the way it did.
''Good morning America'' Harris responded to Alex' and Bradley's greetings ''And very good morning to you Miss Levy and Mrs. Jackson-Peterson.''
After hearing the greeting, Bradley looked stunned for a second after which she smiled widely and asked ''How are you this cold morning, Madam Vice President?'' Alex just pursed her lips obviously trying to stop herself from smiling while she glanced at Bradley and then back to camera.
Laura dropped her spoon on the floor after she heard Harris, her eyes glued to the television ''Oh no, Kamala, no.''
She put her oatmeal on the table in front of her and picked up the spoon which she tossed on the table next to the bowl. She saw her phone light up as notifications just started to appear on the screen which made her look up towards the ceiling, mumbling ''I'm voting republican next time.''
*Did I just hear right?!!!! Mrs. Jackson-Peterson?!!!*
*Oh my god! Our moms got married!!!!!*
*Laura Peterson is officially off the market #brokenhearted*
*Alex totally knew about it!! #thatsmirk*
*Is their marriage like a state secret so the VP knows it? #itsallconnected*
*Everybody is commenting how Bradley is a lucky woman, but so is Laura! Bradley is hot af*
*I can't! Please, someone confirm! #dyingoutofhappiness*
Notes:
Congratulations! You have read another chapter of fluff! I hope it made your day a little bit lighter :D
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Notes:
So here I am once again :D
I hope you are all good and that are having a great day. If not, hopefully this piece of fluff will lure a smile on your face.
Hopefully, you like this new chapter and if you do- let me know! :DP.S. Standard warning- English is not my native language so all mistakes are mine.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Laura Peterson, the reporter extraordinary, Emmy awards winner, lesbian icon was tired. She was once again guest hosting The Morning Show, this time along with Alex Levy and the whole ordeal would last a few weeks. Laura would admit that going back to TMS is probably a shock to her organism, waking up at 4 am instead of 7 am as was her usual waking up hours was taking its toll. Still, that wasn't the main reason why she was tired. The main reason for her exhaustion was a small bundle she was watching sleep. Instead of sleeping at 1 am, Laura was watching her son sleep. She changed his diapers a few minutes earlier and got him back to sleep, but still she just couldn't tear herself away.
''Why is the bed cold?'' Laura heard a voice say and turned to see Bradley sitting up in their bed.
''He needed his diapers changed.'' commented Laura as Bradley got up and walked to her. ''He fell asleep almost immediately, but I just wanted to stay a bit longer to watch him sleep.''
Bradley caressed Laura's arm as she looked into the crib and smiled seeing their son sleeping peacefully. ''He's adorable but you should sleep, you have to get up in three hours.''
''You are right, yes.'' said Laura looking at her wife and kissing her softly. ''Let's go back to bed.''
They moved to bed, Bradley found herself half laying on top of Laura who enveloped her into a hug and kissed her temple ''Thank you.''
''For what exactly?'' chuckled Bradley, half asleep.
''Matthew, you, us.'' Laura responded softly ''All of it.''
''Always, honey. You are stuck with us forever.'' mumbled Bradley, kissing Laura's neck lightly before dozing off.
When Bradley announced to Cory, Chuck, Gayle, Alex and Stella that she was in the fourth month of pregnancy in July they were shocked. Some more than others. She and Laura decided to postpone the news about pregnancy as long as it was possible so the team had to get creative with hiding her baby bump. In December of 2021, when Bradley was a few days away from her due date, TMS announced that she had hurt her leg and will be on medical leave until further notice.
On December 10th, Matthew Alan Peterson was born in NY Presbyterian hospital at 7:45 am after 8 hours of labor. Bradley was fairly certain she would never put herself through that experience again and she voiced that thought to Laura many times throughout the night. When they arrived home four days later, Laura dotted around her little family even more than when Bradley got pregnant which Bradley hadn't thought possible. Their small family extended to Gordon, his husband, Alex and Maggie. Which was really a sight- two honorary aunts with long and sometimes bloody history coming together fussing over a baby boy with clear blue eyes who would never miss to smile at them. Laura made quite a few jokes about that but was usually quieted down when they started to joke about her being momma bear and the softie she is around her wife and son.
After three weeks of being home, Laura headed back to UBA to guest host TMS alongside Alex. Which was a huge success if ratings were an indicator, people just eating up their banter and dynamics.
That was how Laura and Alex found themselves on air again, too early for comfort Laura often said.
"How is he sleeping?" Alex asked as they were seated and everything around them was a blur of PAs who were doing final touches on the set.
"Very well" responded Laura "I am very surprised to be honest. I remember my niece and nephews and the way they cried, Liz wanted to pull her hair out. He just starts to squirm and cry a bit when he's hungry or needs a diaper change. After he gets what he wants, he's out like light."
"Sounds like Jason." Alex commented, rolling her eyes.
Laura snorted "No wonder you were always so bitchy while married."
Alex turned her chair towards her co-host and said "You know what, I'll ask you about your sex life in a year or two."
"I'll gladly tell you all about it." Laura laughed while Alex just rolled her eyes.
"I'll tell Bradley you are bragging." whispered Alex as they got information in their earpieces that they are on air in 10 seconds.
"Just go ahead." Laura smirked before smiling for the camera.
Show developed as usual, the segments followed by news and weather. Stories about pandemic hitting the economy, gas prices, variants of the virus, first anniversary of capitol riots filled most of the segments and even though Alex' and Laura's bantered between segments it still weighed down on them. The team always did their best to invite guests who could have a light conversation with both hosts to make things a little easier. When the time for the last guest of the show came, both Alex and Laura were a bit nervous. The reason why they were a bit nervous was that their guest was Dave Salmoni and he brought his animal friends with him.
''Now, for all of you who are watching us this morning, you can probably see that Laura and I abandoned our seats and are sort of grouped together on this side of the studio.'' said Alex as they stood in front of their desk next to one another.
''The reason for that is our next guest, of course.'' Laura said ''Our next guest is Dave Salmoni, animal trainer and a colleague who hosts animal and nature shows. He's here today and he brought his friends.''
''We have just been kept in the dark by the rest of the team which friends he brought.'' added Alex, eyeing the opposite side of the set ''Nevertheless, we wish him a warm welcome to the show.''
Dave entered the stage with a big smile on his face ''Good morning, ladies.''
''Good morning'' they both replied, both relaxing a little seeing a relaxed and smiling man. ''How are you Dave?'' asked Laura
''I'm really happy to be here and introduce you to a couple of animals.'' he replied, grin never leaving his face ''I hope you are ready.''
''Did you bring an animal that could eat us?'' Alex asked, squinting a bit.
''Only one'' Dave chuckled. ''But don't worry, it's not the first one we're bringing out.'' he said as he turned around towards the assistant that was walking towards him.
''I'm not too reassured by that, I have to say.'' Laura replied looking as the assistant came with a large, weird looking bird in her hand. After Dave put on a glove, she transferred the bird onto his hand while giving him the leash that was tied around its legs.
''What the hell is that?'' Alex questioned as she looked in wonder with her mouth wide open.
''This is a harpy eagle.'' responded Dave ''You can move closer to get a better view of this boy.''
Laura automatically moved, fascinated by the animal while Alex grabbed her elbow and moved slowly behind her ''That's a pretty big bird with a very unique look.'' commented Laura as they approached Dave.
''What kind of eagle has ears like that?'' asked Alex as they came closer and took a better look.
''God, you need to get over yourself and wear your glasses during the show.'' Laura rolled her eyes ''It's its feathers.''
Dave laughed at Laura's comment and added ''Laura is right, Harpy eagles are covered with slate-black feathers while their underside is mostly white. What Alex noticed is their double crest of gray feathers which tends to make them larger and look more aggressive when they are alert or are in a hostile environment.'' Dave explained.
''Can you explain to him that we're not hostile? If anyone is scared it's us.'' Alex commented while Laura looked at her and teased ''He's not Dr. Dolittle, you know.''
''Well, of course he's not.'' Alex rolled her eyes and added looking at him ''He's more like Tarzan.''
''Down girl, he's married.'' Laura snorted while Alex just smacked her arm and apologized ''I'm sorry, she's just unbearable most of the time.'' at what Dave just laughed.
''Where can one find this bird?'' asked Laura, shifting their conversation while Dave moved around a bit so that the camera could get more angles on the fascinating bird.
''Its habitat is in Central and South America, you can easily find it in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. It's even a national bird of Panama.'' Dave answered ''Would you like to feed him?'' asked Dave which made Alex decline immediately while Laura nodded and took the glove Dave's assistant brought for her.
Laura adjusted the glove while the assistant held a bucket. Dave said ''You will take a piece of meat from that bucket and grab it firmly. Harpy eagles are predators and on the top of the food chain in their habitat. He will peck and yank the meat pretty hard so don't get startled and hold it firmly. The glove you have will protect you and I'll not allow him to move onto your hand while he eats.'' Dave explained as Laura took a piece of meat in her hand and gripped it the best she could. ''Unless you want to have him transferred into your hand.''
''Well, we'll see.'' commented Laura as she approached and held her hand in front of her. Dave moved closer as well and the bird moved its head down, pecking at meat in Laura's hand. ''He's got quite a force behind that beak.'' she commented as she watched the bird feed.
''Can it kill a human?'' asked Alex, standing a foot behind Laura and looking at her feeding the bird.
''Well, theoretically it can, if it would impact a human at a high velocity. It's a pretty heavy bird, which Laura is about to find.'' Dave commented as he encouraged the eagle to move onto Laura. Eagle, interested in meat in Laura's hand, easily moved and was now resting on Laura's arm and pecking the meat. ''However, it's not something that will happen in real life.'' added Dave to reassure Alex.
''This is a really heavy bird.'' commented Laura as the eagle settled on her arm.
''Yeah, he weighs 10 lb.'' Dave said and then added ''It's a good thing that this is a male eagle because females tend to weigh up to 18 lb.''
Eagle ripped a piece of meat out of Laura's hand and while it ate it looked straight at her ''Am I about to be attacked?'' asked Laura, eyeing the bird. ''No, of course not.'' Dave replied ''He's noticing you so he could protect the food he's eating in case you try to take it. It's a protective method more than anything else.''
''This is very fascinating.'' commented Alex as she watched the scene in front of her. As the eagle took the last of the meat, Dave's assistant came and took the bird with her.
''Well, this was an experience.'' chuckled Laura ''I'm not going to lie, the question- what the hell I'm doing crossed my mind a few times.''
''I believe you.'' laughed Dave and then continued ''Now, we have also brought Ceci with us today. We heard she is your favorite animal.''
''Are you serious?'' asked Laura a bit confused, looking between Dave and Gordon behind cameras.
''What is your favorite animal, Laura?'' asked Alex with annoyance in her voice, knowing it'll be something extra- after all it was Laura. ''Please tell me it's not some kind of a snake.''
''No, of course not.'' Laura rolled her eyes at Alex ''It's a cheetah.''
''Of course it is.'' sighed Alex playfully ''Why did I expect anything but some sort of a pussy cat?''
Dave snorted but quieted down as he moved behind the camera's to get Ceci's leash from his assistant while Laura just smirked ''I'm a woman of particular taste.''
''Besides, does that look like your usual cat?'' Laura asked, nodding towards Dave who was walking back on the set with a large, beautiful cheetah on a leash.
''Now, we're going to be very slow for a moment.'' commented Dave as he and Ceci slowly approached the set, Ceci taking in her surroundings. ''Ceci is a full grown cheetah that was raised in a wildlife conservation park but still her instinct tells her to be careful because in her home territory she is not the largest predator. Also, cheetahs tend to be anxious animals so when Ceci was a baby, she got her own dog that helped her with her anxiety. ''
''The cheetah went to therapy?'' murmured Alex as she and Laura were watching Dave and Ceci slowly approaching. ''No wonder you like cheetahs, they are you.''
''She didn't went to therapy.'' Laura rolled her eyes and turned her head towards Alex ''She got an emotional support dog. Also, I have absolutely no idea why you would compare us.''
''Well, you are both lean and thin, fast and into therapy.'' smirked Alex while Laura just replied looking at Alex with her eyebrow raised playfully ''Speaking of therapy....''
''Shut it.'' Alex shut her down, making Laura grin even more. Dave and Ceci finally came to a stop couple feet away and both Alex' and Laura's attention was solely on them.
''So this is Ceci'' Dave exclaimed as the cheetah looked at them curiously ''She has been a big help in spreading a word about her kind, she does public appearances with our team very often. She is a Northwest African cheetah, one of the four subspecies of cheetah.''
''She is beautiful.'' Laura said, taken by the beauty of the elegant animal in front of them.
''She is 5 years old, she was orphaned by poachers when she was only 6 months old and then she came to us.'' explained Dave ''You can see, like Alex noted before, she is very light and has a very long tail which allows her to change direction during her fast chases. Cheetahs are the fastest land mammals.''
''How dangerous are they?'' asked Alex, cautiously watching the big cat.
''Well, they could kill a human if that's what you are asking. You don't really have anything to worry about though, Ceci is used to being around people. Also, she's on the leash, just in case.'' said Dave ''We can now try and let her sniff you, you can remained standing or sit on the floor, whatever you prefer.''
Alex remained standing while Laura sat down on the floor with her legs crossed. Ceci approached Alex first and sniffed her, making the woman stiff as a board. ''She's just getting to know you, you don't really have to be afraid. Cheetahs, like most cats, have a very good sense of smell but it is not the main sense they use while hunting. Their eyesight is the sense they rely on the most while hunting. Sense of smell is more less reserved for communication with other animals, whether it's with other cheetahs or smelling the territory of other big cats.''
Ceci didn't stick around Alex for long and moved to Laura. Laura was aware of the cat approaching her and sensed the puffs of air on her arm and shoulder as Ceci smelled her all over. Ceci then decided to sit to Laura's right and put her paw on top of Laura's thigh prompting Dave to say ''She is asking you to pet her.''
''Oh'' said Laura and slowly moved her hand over her head, making sure that Ceci saw her move. She petted her lightly and then when she saw Ceci move her head a bit, she started scratching her behind her ear. After a few scratches, Ceci completely relaxed and started to move her head so that Laura could have more space to scratch her.
''Look at that, another girl putty under your fingers.'' Alex snorted, making Laura flip her off briefly making both Chip and Gordon yell in their earpiece. Ceci moved over Laura's lap and then just plopped down making Dave say ''Well, you certainly have a gift with animals, Laura. She is rarely this comfortable with people she sees for the first time.''
''I'm really grateful for this, I'm pretty sure I have my producer Gordon to thank for getting you to bring a cheetah, I couldn't have imagined this when I woke in the morning.'' said Laura smiling and scratching Ceci under her neck prompting the cat to start purring loudly.
''Well, look at that, Laura the tamer living up to her name.'' Alex teased Laura but before Laura could reply, Dave interrupted ''Cheetahs are not really capable of roaring like most big cats, but they can meow and purr unlike lions or leopards.''
''This is just so awesome, I really don't have words.'' said Laura, her voice full and raspy as amazement was clear on her face.
Alex looked at her co-host and decided to tease her a bit more ''I have. To all our viewers at home, I just want to remind you how we always give you what you want to see. I'm sure many of you wanted to see Laura Peterson covered in.....''
''Alex'' growled Laura while Chip yelled through earpiece at Alex. ''This is the last lesbian joke you are allowed today. You are making the kitty upset.'' she grinned knowing that Alex couldn't really reply because she could see how half of the producers were on a brink of mental breakdown behind the cameras.
''You two are really fun to be around.'' commented Dave ''And even though I don't want to interrupt Laura's enjoyment, it's time for Ceci to go back home now.'' said Dave and Laura pouted a bit. ''We have one more animal for you to meet, but I'm not really sure you're going to be able to pet it really.''
Dave's assistant came with a treat and got Ceci off Laura's lap and the stage. Alex moved towards Laura and held out her hand to help her up ''I don't want Bradley to tell me I'm not being nice to her wife.''
''I'm sure Bradley will appreciate it.'' Laura rolled her eyes as she got up and patted down hairs that she could take off of her suit. ''What more do you have for us, Dave?''
''Well, this animal comes in a tank actually.'' he said as he gestured at the tank that was being wheeled in. All three of them made their way down the main area of the stage to see it better. ''This is a Common octopus.''
''They are very smart animals, aren't they?'' questioned Laura
''Extremely intelligent, actually we are going to demonstrate just how smart they are.'' Dave said as they came to the tank with the octopus inside. ''Octopuses are soft-bodied, eight-limbed molluscs and they can be found almost anywhere in the ocean and sea.''
''There are many species of octopus?'' Alex asked as they all looked at the octopus resting in the tank.
''Yes, there are and this is the most common one, hence the name.'' chuckled Dave ''They vary greatly in size and mass. Even though they might not seem like predators, they definitely are. Although not the biggest predators in oceans they do prey on crabs, worms and smaller molluscs.''
''They can release ink to protect themselves from other, bigger predators, right?'' Laura asked
''Yes, absolutely. They also have the ability to change colors and camouflage themselves and they often bury themselves in the sand so they escape the predators chasing them.'' confirmed Dave and then continued ''Now, we have a jar here and I will place it into the tank. The octopus will generally move into it very easily, this is a foreign environment for him and he'll search for a hiding spot.'' finished Dave and placed the big jar into the tank. After a few moments, the octopus started to move into the jar.
''Look at him go, it's so weird to see him become a mush in a jar.'' commented Alex and Laura added ''I agree, looks so uncomfortable.''
''It's really not for him, not having any hard parts and all.'' smiled Dave as he took a lid and submerged it under the water ''Now, what I have here is the lid of a jar and I'll trap him inside.''
''Oh god, my claustrophobia just kicked in.'' said Alex, biting her lower lip ''I mean, I adore octopus salad and all but this is just cruel.''
Laura just looked at her and then straight into the camera like she was in The Office but refrained herself from saying anything.
''You don't have to worry, this guy is about to show you just how smart and resourceful he is.'' smiled Dave and indeed the octopus started to unscrew the lid. Both Laura and Alex leaned down to see it better. ''Damn'' commented Laura ''That's really impressive.''
In a matter of a minute, the little guy was free but chose to stay in the jar. ''Like I said, he feels a bit safer in that jar than just in the tank so we'll have to nudge him out.'' explained Dave as he led the octopus out of the jar and removed it outside the tank. ''Now, we're gonna put this partition with a hole smaller than two inch in diameter into the tank.'' With the partition in its place, he continued ''Now, we want to show you just how flexible these creatures are so we're going to put a snack for him into this part of the tank and watch him get to it.'' he finished as he placed small, dead fish into the other part of the tank.
''Well you certainly have his attention.'' chuckled Laura as they watched octopus fuss and move towards the glass partition. He immediately pushed one of his tentacles through the partition and got it onto the other side of the glass. As he slowed down to push largest part of his head through the small hole Alex declared a question
''Damn, did Bradley's delivery look like this?''
''What is wrong with you?'' Laura exclaimed looking at Alex ''You gave birth as well, you know that it doesn't look like this.''
''Well, I hate to break it to you but I haven't seen how it looked. I was busy being in pain and pushing.'' Alex said rolling her eyes ''Well, whatever may be the case, at least nobody is yelling at you during this.'' she said, pointing towards the octopus who was pushing through the hole.
''Well, that's true.'' said Laura resignedly.
''I guess the congratulations are in order?'' Dave offered, looking a bit baffled with the information.
His comment made Laura and Alex catch up with their exchange, their eyes widened and looked towards the camera realizing the gravity of the situation.
''Fuck'' ''Shit'' Laura and Alex exclaimed before Laura got a hold of herself and said to Dave ''Thank you, I guess they are in order, even though we planned to keep it to ourselves for couple more weeks.''
At home, Bradley who was watching the show from their couch just turned to her son who was lying down on the blanket next to her and with a smile said ''Your other mom and aunt are stupid. Yes, they are, baby. Their IQ drops when they are together, yes.'' Matt cooed looking at his mother with big, blue eyes.
Bradley's phone lit up with notifications and she rolled her eyes. There they are. We are trending, again.
A few hours later, Laura and Alex came back to the townhouse. Of course, they had to go through the back entrance so they would be able to avoid the paparazzi. Laura had a large bouquet of flowers and Alex had a small bag with goodies that they knew Bradley enjoyed. If they had to get their asses chewed by the temperamental blonde, it was better to sooth it with sweets and flowers than suffer the wrath without the buffer.
As they carefully entered the apartment, Laura first and Alex closely behind her, they searched for any signs of life ''Are you really using me as a shield?''
''It's your wife.'' responded Alex as they entered the living room where they found Maggie sitting in the armchair sipping tea.
''Hello'' she greeted, making Alex come forward a bit and losing Laura's body a shield ''What are you doing here?''
''Hi to you too, Alex'' Maggie rolled her eyes ''Bradley needed to take care of a few phone calls with her publicist'' Laura cringed a bit at that information ''so she asked me if I could watch over Matt.'' she explained and then ginning added ''Which of course I couldn't decline, spending time with my nephew.''
''Yeah, sure.'' Alex said sarcastically ''You are here to see our demise.''
Ignoring Alex, Laura asked ''Where is my wife?'' and Maggie just smirked.
''Oh, right behind you.'' said Bradley, making both women jump in surprise. They immediately turned around and backed away towards the couch.
''Hi honey'' said Laura while Alex greeted with ''Hi, Bradley.''
Small blonde looked at them with a clear 'I'm not impressed' look on her face. ''You two are idiots.'' Bradley said
''I know, we're sorry.'' Laura immediately said knowing that her wife wanted two more weeks of peace before they announced the birth of their son.
''God, you are whipped.'' snorted Alex and then laughed mockingly.
''Oh shut up, you started all of this anyway so be quiet.'' Laura rolled her eyes.
''I did not.'' argued Alex with hands on her hips and looking between three women who all wore the same expression on their faces- You kinda did. ''I did not.''
''Alex, you literally mentioned it first and Laura just went with it without thinking.'' said Bradley clearly not amused
''Well, yeah, but, but...'' stammered Alex ''Maybe, but...'' then she turned more to Bradley and pointed to Laura ''She bragged about your sex life!''
At that, Bradley looked at Laura with annoyance written all over her face "You told her I went down on you this morning?!" asked Bradley furiously ''Laura! Are you fifteen?''
"No, I did not!'' Laura exclaimed with her eyes widened ''She said she'll ask about our sex life in a year or two because she expect it to go to shit just like her and Jason's did."
''Huh, that would explain a lot.'' laughed Maggie from her spot in the armchair. ''That's what I said!'' Laura added, looking at Maggie.
Alex not wanting to go into that debate focused on Bradley "What?! You had a baby a few weeks ago!"
"Just because I can't have sex yet does not mean I can't go down on my wife.'' defended Bradley suddenly feeling a bit exposed ''I missed her."
''Laura Peterson is flavourful.'' chuckled Maggie that turned into full blown laughter after getting annoyed and painful expressions directed at her. She did her best to quiet down not to wake Matt up.
''This child has no chance of being normal around the four of us.'' commented Laura as she breathed out deeply and looked up to the ceiling.
*Laura Peterson and Bradley Jackson- newest celebrity parents?!*
*Alex Levy's slip up in front of cameras reveals that Bradley Jackson-Peterson and Laura Peterson are mothers*
*Revealed again! Laura Peterson and Bradley Jackson had a baby?*
Bradley rolled her eyes reading some of the headlines on websites of gossip magazines. After talking with her and Laura's publicist, they decided to confirm that Matt was born via social media and then give an interview later on. Laura left the decision on how to do it to Bradley as she still felt guilty about the whole ordeal. Bradley turned her focus to her wife and their son who were in the armchair. Laura was sitting and held Matt on her arms which were flat against her thighs. Matt laid down comfortably in his mothers arms with Laura's hands supporting his head. Bradley smiled and took a picture from profile. Laura's bright smile and her soft expression made the older woman seem ethereal. Protective arms of a mother made Matt hidden from the world, his small hand reaching out for her was the only confirmation that a brand new Peterson came into the world. But Bradley knew that it was all the confirmation the world needed. So she posted the picture on her Instagram account with the description When your mom comes home and all she talks about are cheetahs.
After a bit of thought, she also added a second picture where Maggie and Alex were standing in their kitchen, clearly discussing something while Alex held a knife. When your aunts are crazy again and your momma is about to throw them out of the kitchen.
Bradley smiled softly, looking at all those crazy people full of love around her, posted the pictures on Instagram and threw her phone on the couch. Life is meant to be enjoyed in the present not over the screen.
Notes:
Have a great day :D
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Notes:
Okay, so you are about to read the last chapter for this fic, but don't be sad :D
I have made this with the idea of spreading happiness in my mind. I gave my humor a go at it and sprinkled it with fluff. I hoped it would give you a reason to smile or laugh. Just a getaway from the whole ordeal that the world is in right now- even if it's just for the time you need to read the chapter.
I have also found myself getting invested in Bradley and Laura (which is not something I ever did before) and when I heard that the show may fuck it up, I was disappointed. Because while I adore the fact that teenagers and people in their early 20s have representation in shows for that age group, I don't know if I can say the same for people who are grown up. Especially since we only had really bad representation in the film industry when I was growing up (I'm in my late 20s)- it was either a joke material or a tragic story which kinda gives you an impression that you can't have happiness. I feel like this couple is an example of real problems LGBT people go through; regardless of their age, the fact that they are functioning on their own and are adults. They illustrate perfectly how much impact and power society still holds over our lives. So that gave me an extra boost for writing this.
To see and read your comments, to know that some of you really had a good time reading this made me full of happiness and a sense of accomplishment came over me because that was what I set out to do. So, thank you all for your involvement and love you showed for this story.
I do have more ideas I have penned down, which I don't know whether I can fit into this universe I have created or will have to write separately. However, I did plan to write a fic about all of this just from their point of view, it would be a bit more emotional and have a bit more heaviness- what are your thoughts about that? Would you want to read something like that?
Also you are getting a funny story about them being parents because I just can't get it out of my head.
Well, anyway, I prolonged this intro so much I am annoying myself XD
Enjoy reading this, tell me how you feel about this chapter and perhaps my idea for the next fic!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Montana in May was wonderful, Bradley knew that from her pandemic stay here. Nature waking up after long months of cold had the place buzzing with excitement. Birds, bees, coyotes, mountain lions and goddamn bears were all much easier to spot during spring, all of them searching for their next meal. Laura swore that horses tended to be more energetic during spring and Bradley, experiencing it for the second time could agree with her.
No matter how beautiful Montana was in the spring, sightseeing wasn't the reason why they were there. Bradley would like a few days of vacation but this stay wasn't strictly what that was. They came to Montana for a week but today was the big day- the main reason why they arrived here in the first place. Bradley was about to be interviewed by Oprah herself. When she agreed with her publicist a few months ago that she'll get interviewed to better explain why she and Laura decided to keep her pregnancy a secret, she didn't really think it'll be with Oprah. She thought more in the lines of someone from UBA. But here they were, Laura and Matt looking at her while she paced back and forth in the study while waiting for Oprah and her team to do some finishing touches. Laura suggested that the interview takes place on the back porch because it had more than enough space for equipment, comfy furniture and amazing view. Bradley agreed with her but the main reason why she thought that back porch was a good idea was the fact that she felt like passing out and she was sure that fresh air would stop her from fainting.
''It'll be okay.'' said Laura as she held Matt who looked at Bradley pacing with interest. ''She will guide you through it, won't press you if there will be questions you don't feel comfortable answering.''
''She is an excellent journalist.'' replied Bradley ''She has the similar technique like you- you have ability to pull emotions and thoughts from people. So does she.''
''Yes, but Bradley, don't forget that you are an excellent reporter as well. You found yourself in many tricky situations during your career and you pulled it off.'' said Laura looking at Bradley supportingly ''You have come a long way from being a hot-headed firecracker that tells whatever comes to her mind. Own it. She respects you and that is why she wanted to do this interview. She's not doing you or us a favor and she's certainly not doing one for UBA. She's here because she wants to hear your story and she wants to get to know you better.'' finished Laura as she got up and stood in front of Bradley making her stop.
Bradley looked into Laura's eyes full of love and support and then at Matt and his toothless smile which made jitters leave her body. ''You are right.'' she said as she caressed Matt's round face ''I am overthinking this. Thank you for being my rock.'' she said as she gently kissed Laura.
''We'll be close.'' smiled Laura ''Until Matt decides to sing the song of his people.'' Bradley laughed at her wifes comment, but they both knew they were extremely lucky to have a quiet and calm child.
Their moment was interrupted by a PA knocking and entering the study ''Everything is set, we're ready for you.'' Laura and Bradley turned towards the young PA, Laura nodding her head and saying ''We'll be right there.''
As they made their way to the back porch, Laura smiled and said to Bradley ''You got this, honey.''
''Thank you.'' smiled Bradley kissing her as they stopped in front of the open door and then kissing Matt's forehead before she stepped outside and smiled to Oprah ''We ready to get this show on the road?''
Oprah smiled as she hugged her ''You bet.''
As they took their seats in the fluffy armchairs on the porch, PA's did final touches by hooking them up with mics and then cameras started to roll.
Oprah met Laura Peterson during her career numerous times and she had significant respect for her and who she was. So she knew that Laura would not choose to marry someone who didn't share many of her values therefore her respect extended to Bradley immediately. When she arrived in Montana in the early morning, she spent some time with the couple and she knew that her immediate respect for Bradley was not wasted in any way. What she also saw was that Bradley was nervous, clearly not used to being in the other chair during interviews and she wanted to ease her into the interview the best she knew how.
''Bradley Jackson-Peterson'' said Oprah smiling widely ''How does it feel to be in the other chair?''
''I'm quite nervous, to be honest.'' chuckled Bradley ''I have been interviewed, for real, only once in my life.''
''Well, I am sure you were in the good hands.'' chuckled Oprah looking at the blonde as a smile appeared on her face.
''Last time I was interviewed it was also by a great journalist.'' Bradley grinned ''Ended up marrying her, so I'd say it went okay.''
''I am afraid I can't offer the same amount of dedication.'' laughed Oprah, making Bradley laugh with her. Laura just rolled her eyes in the background, smiling at Oprah's tactic to relax Bradley.
''How does it feel to be married? Now that you mentioned it.'' asked Oprah
''Unreal sometimes.'' smiled Bradley ''It feels wonderful to share a life with someone.''
''You say this with a certain awe.'' Oprah noticed, prompting Bradley to continue.
''I never thought I'd get married, if I am being honest. I never thought it was in the cards for me. Then I met Laura.'' she nodded more to herself than anybody else ''She changed the course of my life. For the first time in my life, I wanted to stay, to belong.'' she paused ''Marriage stopped being something that resembles a burden, a way to stop me from doing what I wanted. Because with other people it always felt like that, like an ending of being me. I saw the same thing in many couples so I just figured it wasn't for me.''
''But Laura changed all of that?'' asked Oprah curiously.
''Yes'' smiled Bradley ''She did. Her love is freeing, not conditioned, it's consuming but not suffocating. She is strong and capable, smart and witty.'' Bradley smiled playfully ''Doesn't hurt that she's hot.'' she nodded, adding ''Her ass is top shelf.'' as she looked towards Laura who was on the porch behind all the cameras. Bradley laughed as Laura made an unamused face that turned into silent laugh.
''Was that your pick up line?'' asked Oprah chuckling ''Or did Laura live up to her reputation and ask you out?''
''Well, it's a bit...hard to explain because we did that part a bit more'' she searched for the word ''scrambled?''
''What do you mean?'' asked Oprah with a smile on her face, wanting to hear the story and deliver it to the people.
''Well, we met on a plane.'' started Bradley ''We were both a part of a team that was going to the Iowa caucus. It was a very delicate time for us at TMS and I've been told to be at my best and most professional behavior.'' Bradley nodded, explaining ''I knew who Laura was, I mean- she's Laura fucking Peterson.'' the blonde laughed ''So when I boarded the plane, I was very nervous. Especially since I knew she would interview me after the caucus.'' explained Bradley ''So I enter the cabin and Laura is cracking jokes with the rest of the team. Her back was turned towards me so she didn't immediately see me and Gordon, her producer, diverted her attention towards me.'' smiled Bradley with a smile that clearly said she just couldn't help but to smile. Oprah smiled and nodded indicating to Bradley to continue.
''Right, so she turned towards me and I was floored.'' Bradley said ''She just had this welcoming energy and body language but it was very professional and elegant at the same time. I just remember she had cracked a joke and introduced me to the team members I haven't met before.'' smiled Bradley ''And to be honest, I remembered just how big of a crush I had on her during my university years.''
''You had a crush on her?'' interrupted Oprah, bending forward a bit in her seat, asking ''During her morning show days or?''
Bradley exhaled loudly in a sign of a slight embarrassment ''Well, yeah, I did. She was a morning show host very early in her career, in her early 20s and I was still in high school at that time.'' the blonde smiled ''I had a crush on her then as well, but I don't think I realized it back then. When she moved on to a different kind of journalism, when she reported from the war zones and all that- I was at uni. Then, you know when I saw her reporting I was in awe of her and at that time I knew it was a crush. And all those years later there I was- in a plane with a crush that came back from my teenage days.'' she smiled ''But, you know, I never dreamed I'd meet her, let alone marry her.''
''So you were just stuck there with this crush that reappeared out of the blue?'' asked Oprah, trying to grasp the situation correctly.
''Yes!'' Bradley exclaimed and shook her head with a playful smile remembering the situation ''But it got worse!'' she added ''I tried to be as professional as I could and I thought that I was doing a pretty good job. However, just how badly I was doing was revealed during the interview.'' she laughed at herself.
''Really?'' questioned Oprah ''How did that become evident?''
''I mean, she asked me a question that I hadn't anticipated really and that was- how it felt to be where I was in my career.'' Bradley paused for a second ''She looked at me as if she really wanted to know and I remember answering the question and making a key mistake. I looked into her eyes and I was in full blown, gay, panic mode.'' she pursed her lips nodding ''It's a good thing she hadn't asked me a thing at that moment because I have no idea how I would form a sentence. I just remember stopping from our 'walk and talk' kind of an interview and looking into her eyes. Apparently I was so...'' Bradley paused searching for proper word ''taken with her that I dropped the cup of coffee I was having and it splashed all over her very expensive shoes.'' she finished, groaning at herself.
Oprah laughed at that comment and Bradley could hear a chuckle from a few crewmembers. The blonde's eyes found her dark haired beauty for a second and saw her smirking.
''That sounds very smooth.'' commented Oprah and Bradley just nodded ''Yeah, I'm a smooth operator, what can I say?''
''So did that somehow lead to the date or?'' Oprah asked curiously.
''Well, not really, no.'' said Bradley ''It actually happened when we were in a town car going back from Iowa.'' she paused ''We were going back to New York and we didn't have any work obligations for that day so we were- you know, more relaxed. Laura has a different style of dressing when she's about to be on TV or interview someone compared to work related meetings and then how she dresses in private. You know, pretty much like most people.'' she paused ''However, it left me a bit surprised to see her so casually dressed on our way to the airport. She seemed connectable and softer, even more real than she was the day before and it kinda made me feel that I just....'' she paused, biting her lip a bit insecurely ''I just didn't want to leave her. To leave without doing something regarding this attraction I had towards her. So, I kinda kissed her?''
''That's pretty bold, I would say.'' said Oprah, clearly impressed ''What did she say about that? Did you get afraid that you crossed a line in a professional setting?''
''Well, apparently, she was all for it. I was afraid for a second or two, even started to apologize but she wasn't having it and she kissed me back.'' laughed Bradley and added ''Later on, she did say she felt some sort of tension between us, but since it was so generally accepted that I was straight, she didn't want to risk our professional relationship by hitting on me.''
''How do you feel about your sexuality now? Now that it's not so generally accepted anymore- that you are straight?'' asked Oprah ''Now, that you are in public relationship with a woman?''
Bradley felt a bit of nervousness come back but she took a deep breath, found Laura's kind eyes behind all this show and smiled. ''It was a journey.'' she nodded ''It was a painful, hard, long journey that I had to do. Because I was really unhappy living a lie, even though I sold myself the idea that I was happy and content with my life many times before. I grew up in a community where I couldn't be who I was.'' she paused, thinking before adding ''Which was worse, I was born into a family that hated people like me. I....'' she paused, swallowing hard and looking into Oprah's eyes with a mist in her eyes ''I told myself that I was better off alone, you know? Not having a good, loving relationship with a woman was enough, you know? It was my penance in a way. For a family and a god they believe in. If I suffer that means that I am sorry for being who I am and that would be enough to be loved and cared for by my family.'' she paused a bit and Oprah offered a gentle smile ''At some point, I realized that pretending was not a possibility for me anymore. To ignore who I was. That was when I met a woman without whom I never wanted to live. When I met Laura.''
''That's when everything changed?'' asked Oprah, gently searching for more details ''You couldn't go back?''
''Yeah'' nodded Bradley ''It wasn't easy and it got messy a couple of times. I am very lucky that Laura stuck around for those moments because they were not pretty and they often, in the beginning, consisted of push and pull situations. My will to be who I am would break sometimes and I just wanted to crawl into that familiar pattern of behavior which was back into hiding and being miserable. I've done that for so long it felt normal and I felt guilty for trying to be happy.''
Oprah sensed Bradley was slipping into some darker corners of her mind so she pulled her back with a lighter statement ''And here you are now, living your life, enjoying your family.''
Bradley nodded at that, sneaking one glance towards Laura behind camera's who was holding now sleeping Matt. ''Yeah, I guess I won the lottery. At least it feels that way.''
''I am sure you felt that way when Laura proposed.'' commented Oprah, smiling.
''Oh, no, no, no.'' Bradley shook her head ''She did not propose to me. I proposed to her, thank you very much.'' said Bradley with pride in her voice.
''Seriously?'' asked Oprah, surprised at that ''Laura Peterson wasn't the one who proposed?''
''Yes!'' Bradley nodded once with determination ''I asked her to marry me.''
''How did that happen?'' asked Oprah ''How did you decide- I am proposing to her?''
''Well'' Bradley chuckled ''It was a summer day, we were here in Montana, isolating during the pandemic. Laura was in the living room, reading a book and she got up to walk out here on the porch. Usually, these double doors are not fully open, only one door leaf is open. But I had left both of them open that day and Laura, not expecting it to be opened and fully immersed in her book, smashed right into the open door on her way.'' she smiled widely ''That was the moment I decided I want to marry her, I mean I just thought to myself- look at that idiot, smashing into the door like that. Who loses themselves into a book like that? I want to spend my life watching her do this kind of things.'' she nodded, making Oprah laugh out loud.
''Did you plan a romantic proposal?'' Oprah asked.
''After my discovery that I wanted to get married- which shocked me at the time, I sat down and found jewelry shops that make custom rings. I sketched my design and after an online meeting with the jeweler I ordered the ring.'' she paused, nodding and remembering the situation.
''I decided to do this right, I wanted it to be perfect.'' continued Bradley, but Oprah interrupted her with a question
''Were you afraid she might propose first?''
''Not really, because I knew she wouldn't put pressure on me and demand more definition of our relationship.'' answered Bradley ''She let us develop at my pace which I was thankful for.''
At Oprah's nod of understanding, Bradley continued ''Like I said, I wanted to propose in the right way. I wrote a monolog, really'' Bradley laughed ''Then I did the research, how many times I have to repeat it so I'd know it by heart even if I felt nervous.''
''Oh god'' Oprah laughed ''That is really adorable, I have to say. What did your research show?''
''Well, if you want to remeber certain behavior you have to repeat it about 60 times. However, if you want to memorize text or someone's name it's about 30 times.'' said Bradley
''So, you repeated your proposal 30 times?'' Oprah asked, amused by the story.
''So, I repeated it 50 times- just to be sure.'' answered Bradley, nodding with her eyes closed while Oprah chuckled.
''I memorized it, which was the most important thing.'' continued Bradley ''The ring came and I decided to propose to her when we would go on our hike. I went up the trail with Jack, our ranch menager, that morning and set a place for a picnic at the top. Jack stayed to guard it from animals while I came back before Laura's meetings were over. It was a trail that Laura and I hiked on almost every weekend.'' Bradley explained.
''At the end of the trail is a beautiful, small meadow with a beautiful view and I thought that was a perfect place to propose.'' continued Bradley. ''So, we went on our hike and halfway to the top there is a small clearing with a high waterfall where we would sometimes fill up our water bottles. It is a beautiful place and has a beautiful view but the clearing is very small and not suitable for picnic because of the water that is flowing in a small creak further down.''
''So on our hike that day, Laura was walking in front of me across a small wooden crossing over the creak that is made of a tree trunk. It was a sunny day and she turned around in the middle of that crossing to say something to me. At that moment, the wind picked up a bit and carried the mist from the waterfall over us and I could swear that in that moment, surrounded by sun rays and mist, I'd never seen her look more beautiful.'' said Bradley.
''I feel like all your preparation was for nothing.'' Oprah smiled, interrupting gently.
''Oh it was, all thoughts just disappeared from my mind and I just blurted the question.'' nodded Bradley ''I left her a bit speechless I'd say, but I pulled the ring out of my pocket and kneeled down on my knee and waited for an answer. Thankfully, she said yes like a moment later, after she got over the initial shock.''
''Did that yes make you feel like you won the lottery?'' asked Oprah.
''Yes, definitely.'' Bradley answered immediately ''Excluding having Matt, it's the happiest moment in my life.''
''I believe you.'' stated Oprah and then continued ''Speaking of moments, we all have been witnessing these moments where you were exposed to the public at certain points of your relationship.'' Oprah started ''Like when your relationship was confirmed during one of your TMS segments. Or when Alex and Laura slipped information, during their TMS show one morning, that you gave birth.'' she nodded, looking at Bradley ''Many speculated that it was on purpose, a part of a media stunt. What do you have to say to that?''
''It was not a part of anything.'' snorted Bradley ''It was...'' she paused, searching for words ''It was life. Just life. I was never involved, voluntarily, in any kind of a scheme. What happened when I was baking during the TMS segment was that Alex played really dirty because she knew exactly how scared I am of heights. That parachuting would most definitely kill me. I just panicked and Laura was up and she was in the room so I just instinctively reached out to her.'' explained Bradley ''And that was the start of it all. What happened during TMS while Duo Fantasticus were hosting'' Bradley rolled her eyes ''I'm not even commenting. When you put those two in the room, honestly, it's like kindergarten. Someone should put their picture in the urban dictionary next to frenemies''.
That comment made Oprah laugh and Laura pout in the background. ''Nothing that got leaked was planned in any way. Honestly, the only thing we did plan was was a charity drunk baking contest because we wanted to try and help hospital personnel who were hit the most during the pandemic.'' added Bradley.
''Of course, certain things, you couldn't keep a secret forever.'' Oprah said, mimicking with her hands as to explain better ''Especially Matt, so I presume you had a plan for that?''
''Yes, we knew we couldn't keep Matt away from the public eye for long, but the original plan was that we would annonce it just before I come back to TMS.'' explained Bradley ''We just wanted a bit more time settling down with him, getting used to things being a little bit different.''
''Child is a big responsibility and it certainly makes people shift their lives around.'' Oprah said, nodding.
''God yes, your life is not just yours anymore. There's a tiny life that you get to hold and watch grow and you would move Earth to make sure that they are okay.'' nodded Bradley ''It was a big change for us, but one we both welcomed with opened arms.''
''How do you feel about the media's coverage of your relationship? Paparazzi following you to get a picture of your son?'' asked Oprah, knowing there were many different articles and speculation about Laura's and Bradley's relationship.
''Well, I am certainly never happy with us being followed by paparazzi, but we are lucky to be reporters, journalists because we're not that interesting to the general public. So, the whole charade usually settles down within a couple of weeks after some revelation or viral post.'' Bradley explained ''But of course, the media is free to write what they want and so are the people. We, like everyone else ever, got mixed reactions from people. There were some very angry and upset people over us being together and having a child and living in sin. Then, there were many people who supported us throughout our relationship and were happy for us. So you know, pretty standard things, I just decided to focus more on the good side of it all and people's support. Ignore theories and hate the best that I can.''
''I have found myself in similar situations throughout life and I know it's not easy to'' Oprah paused for a moment to get to the question right ''to get detached from comments and hate. How did you manage that?''
''Well, I guess with a good support network.'' said Bradley slowly, trying to formulate the answer ''It all started with getting over myself and all I have been through in my younger years. Then, making clear what I wanted and who I wanted in my life- with clear boundaries and stable connection.'' nodded Bradley ''Nobody is liked by everyone, there will always be people who will dislike you for whatever valid or ridiculous reason.'' said Bradley and then found Laura and Matt in the background and said ''No matter how you choose to live, those people will exist. So I think it's better to live the way you want to and be disliked by certain people than to be miserable and still be disliked, just by some other people. Those who dislike you because of who you are, whether it's because of your sexuality, race or belief- are not the people you want to be liked by in the first place.'' Bradley finished confidently.
Definition for frenemy has been updated by liljedi65 on May 15, 2021.
Notes:
Congratulations, you have successfully finished this story! Have a great day :D
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