#navy pilot reader

You, he'd been unprepared for.

It'd happened at a gathering at Ice's place. Mav had dragged him along, even as Rooster had protested. While he'd always known who Ice was, he hadn't spent a lot of time in Admiral's close vicinity, and a family gathering didn't seem to be the right place. Little did he know that he'd be on the wrong end of a matchmaking attempt at both Mav's and Ice's hands.

You'd been a bit more aware of their machinations.

For the duration of the party, you stuck as close to Rooster's side as you could get away with. Not because you were necessarily interested in him. He wasn't so high on himself to think that about anyone. But because you genuinely seemed to hope this would put an end to their meddling in your private life. Something Rooster himself could get behind.

The fact the two of you even managed to hold a decent conversation throughout the party helped.

By the end of it, Rooster could even admit to himself that he genuinely liked you. He could even see why Ice and Mav had been so keen on getting you two together, but neither of you were in the best place for something deeper than an acquaintanceship. At least, that's what he'd been led to believe from the small bits of information you'd given him and he you in return.

While you hadn't exchanged numbers that evening, he thought about you on occasion, wondering how you were doing. He could well imagine Ice continued to try and find you someone. Mav had been doing the same with him. Not that he was all that interested. At least, that's what he kept telling himself anyway.

"So, do you know them or not?" Phoenix asked, pulling him from his thoughts.

"Yeah, I do."

"And…"

Rooster could feel the grin that slowly curved his lips. "I'd say Frigid's going to give Hangman a run for his money."

"Sooner than he might think." Phoenix motioned toward the front door of the Hard Deck where Hangman had just noticed the newest arrival.

Rooster couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for Hangman, who'd already moved through the crowd towards you. Hangman didn't stand a chance because your eyes had locked onto him. They didn't waver for a moment as you weaved through the crowd. You passed right by Hangman, who appeared quite dumbfounded.

Your careful yet confident movements held a grace that Rooster had grown to learn during Ice's gathering. It was something to behold, too. If not for the Navy's pilot uniform, he would've believed you were a dancer due your fluid motions. He really couldn't wait to see what you could do in a fighter jet. You'd surely be a sight to see.

"Hey," you shouted just above the din of the bar.

He smiled. "Hey. Long time, no see."

"Well, it seems we'll be rectifying that. I'm sure Ice is behind this somehow."

"I wouldn't discount Mav's involvement. He's been adamant I'd blown it with you after Ice's."

You shook your head even as your smile matched his. "Nah, I'd say you more than earned my respect that night. I get the feeling you're one of the good ones."

"Oh, he is," Phoenix offered before introducing herself.

He would be hearing more about this from Phoenix later if the look she sent him said anything. She wasn't going to let up, either, until she'd gotten all the details about you. Especially the ones on how Rooster knew you.

For now, though, he had no intention of passing up this second chance. A real chance to get to know you without either of your mentors watching your every move.

Because he had a feeling you were not only one of the good ones, too, but possibly the one.

And he couldn't wait to find out for sure.