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.