#roonix

The dark room seemed suffocating. The longer he sat there, the heavier his chest felt and the harder it became to make his lungs inflate at a necessary rate. He continued to stare at the comms radio, long after the crash. Long after all the other pilots had left the room. They tried to get him to leave as well, but he was stuck.

Frozen.

Waiting for some sort of news. He knew the radio had gone black for a reason, but every fiber of his being was holding out for some sort of crackle. Static. Anything to let him know she was ok. He kept replaying the last few seconds of transmission over and over in his mind. Bob yelling about fire. Phoenix fighting her plane, trying to extinguish the fire and control it. Maverick yelling “eject”. This noise continued to ring into the dark. It was like a horrible case of Déjà vu.  

Rooster met Phoenix in flight school. She was an academy graduate, just like most of the others. Less than a week into school and she had proven herself calm, rational, smart, and above all, razor sharp. She had a smirk that could stop traffic, an understated sense of humor you never saw coming, and instincts that made most of her male counterparts jealous. But not Rooster. He wasn’t jealous. He was impressed. He had never met a woman so in tune with herself, so self-assured. Phoenix was the whole package and then some. He spent the entirety of their time in school and training afterwards in complete awe of her, both as a person and as a pilot. She was firm but friendly, kind but just, and she could hang with the guys without anything being awkward. He would never forget their first day of flight training after the six weeks of classroom work had finished. Phoenix rounded the corner into the hangar in her flight suit and gear and he fell. Rooster was a lost cause for her. But there’s that unwritten, unspoken rule. Pilots don’t date. They don’t become a thing. It’s hard to stare death in the face, day after day, with the person you sleep with every night flying the 32,000-pound death trap next to you.

After two years of training, they were stationed together for a while. Then they attended Top Gun at the same time. He couldn’t get enough of her. They became good friends. Close, but not too close. He liked what they had. It was quiet but confident. He would feel from afar but never cross that line. Then, he was PCS’d. The Navy moved him to Japan and he had to leave her. Their last night before he left, they sat in silence on the deck of her apartment in China Lake, drinking beers and not saying much. He wanted to hold her, tell her what he felt. But, just like his inability to commit behind the stick of his plane, he found himself saying goodbye without telling her anything other than “I’ll be seeing ya”.

This lack of commitment was hanging heavy over his brow when the door opened, and a figure walked in. It certainly wasn’t the person he wanted to see, but if Maverick had news, he’d listen. Begrudgingly. “They’ll keep Phoenix and Bob overnight for observation. They’re gonna be okay.” Maverick says gently. Rooster wanted to jump from his perch on the arm of the couch and shout his praises to the heavens. He wanted to laugh, cry, or hit something. Someone. That was tempting at the moment with Maverick standing so close. But he just hung his head with a sigh of relief and then responded, “That’s good.” He contemplated his next words briefly, knowing it could lead the conversation somewhere he really didn’t want to go. He and Mav shared a history that was painful when it came to this particular subject. “I’ve never lost a wingman before.”

 Mav replied immediately. “You’re lucky. Fly long enough, it’ll happen. There will be others.”

There it was. The thing Mav could say to set him off. This wasn’t about Phoenix and Bob now. This was about his Dad. He knew better than to start down this path, and yet he let himself slip and Mav just waltzed right into it without hesitation. “Easy for you to say. No wife. No kids. Nobody to mourn you when you burn in.” He glanced over at the aging pilot as he spoke and he froze in his tracks. Good old man. Let that sink in. You don’t get to feel flippant about the things you’ve done to me.

“Go home. Just get some sleep.” Maverick started for the door but there was no way in hell Rooster was going to let it go now. No turning back. “Why’d you pull my papers at the Academy? Why did you STAND in my way?” He shouted, too loud, at Mavericks back. Superior officer be damned. He deserved a real answer.

“You weren’t ready.”

“Ready for what? Huh? Ready to fly like you?” He advanced on Maverick in the dark. “No. Ready to forget the book. Trust your instincts. Don’t think, just do. You think up there, you’re dead Believe me.” Maverick spit as he turned to face the seething young man in the dark. His mind raced, and the words fell out of his mouth so coolly “My dad believed in you.” He could tell he hit Maverick where it hurt. “I’m not going to make the same mistake.” They stood, staring at each other. Roosters anger boiling quietly through his eyes to a dismayed Maverick. He hurt his father figure where it counted. And at that moment, he wasn’t the least bit sorry.

Before Maverick could respond, Warlock opened the door and called him away. Rooster was left standing in the dark, the heat of his anger radiating off his body. He turned to look at the lights of the tarmac outside, the lights of home. Those lights always meant he was where he felt the most at home. The closest to the dad he barely remembered. They always comforted him even on his hardest days.

After a few long, calming breaths he snapped out of his angered trance, grabbed his Bronco keys, and almost sprinted for the door. He had to get to the hospital. He had to see her.

******** The drive across base to the small hospital was quiet and he was ushered to her room after a brief wait in the lobby. It was late so not much activity in the hallways and the cracked door to her room let out no light. Shit. He didn’t want to disturb her. But the huge tugging sensation behind his navel was so strong. He needed to see her. Just to make sure she was, in fact, ok. Not just physically. He needed to know that her solid resolve was still intact. Because unbeknownst to her, he relied on her steadiness to keep his own level head. After a few moments of staring at her door, he decided a peek wouldn’t hurt. He placed his hand on the door and gently pushed, peeking his eyes around the door frame. In the dark there was a faint light from the bed. Phoenix looked up over her phone in the dark and smirked that smirk that melted him the first time he saw it. “Hey” came a raspy, struggling voice. “Hey yourself” he said, continuing to stand in the doorway. “Are you just going to stand there holding the door up or come in and talk to me?” she said, coughing and wincing as she sat up more in the bed. He pushed the door open enough to slip in and walked to a chair on the opposite side of her bed, taking a seat as she placed her phone on the little table beside her. “I guess my call sign gained all new meaning today, huh?” she smiled at him. He realized up to that point that all he had been doing was staring at her. Rooster cleared his throat, chuckled, and spoke barely above a whisper “How are you?” She quirked an eyebrow “Well I’ve had better days but I can mark slamming my plane into the side of a mountain off my bucket list.” He felt sick and did not reciprocate her humor. She must have sensed his uneasiness because her eyebrow lowered and he realized from his lower peripheral that her hand had reached out from the bed, beckoning his. Rooster looked down, staring at her hand, and eventually decided this was ok. He reached up his hands and took hers in both of his. She was clammy and his hands felt so warm on hers. She looked down at their hands then up to his face. When their eyes met, she spoke again. “I’m fine. Really.” He lowered his eyes again, watching his thumb trace lines across the back of her hand. He didn’t even register he was doing this for a very long time as they sat in companionable silence. Suddenly the panic set in. Alarms like the dash of his plane began to ring out through his mind. This isn’t ok. He shouldn’t be this close, this intimate, with her. He decided that was enough. Rooster slowly slipped his hands off of hers and stood. Just for a moment he thought her face showed disappointment as she stared at her hand, looking empty without his large warm hands on hers. “Maybe I should be going. Let you rest.” She opened her mouth to say something but stopped. Choosing a single nod of her head in agreement instead. His hands slipped into his jean pockets as he whispered, “Gimme a call if you need anything. You get out tomorrow, right?” Her blank face met his and she nodded again. “Ok well, maybe I’ll stop by your quarters tomorrow, check in on ya?” Her lips curved into a sad sort of smile. “Ok” As he walked across the room her quiet voice rang out “You bring the beer. I’ll bring the cue stick.” He smiled as he remembered the sucker punch he took to the gut at the back end of her pool stick when he first arrived in town for this mission. She didn’t know he was coming and was probably a little irritated he hadn’t called, he reckoned. He looked slightly over his shoulder and whispered back “Deal” then ghosted out of the room. ********

“Ice is dead?” Rooster couldn’t believe the words as they fell in disbelief from his mouth. He had no sooner walked through the main door of the pilot quarters on base when a distraught looking Payback met him in the hallway. He could see most of the pilots and WSO’s for their special mission were sitting around in the common room at the end of the hall, some crying, some staring at the wall in silence. That’s when the fellow pilot dropped this bomb on him. He knew the Admiral had been sick before, but had no idea something like this was coming. His mind wandered to Warlock interrupting his rift with Maverick earlier and now knew why. He almost felt bad about their forceful run in. Almost.

Rooster walked past Payback and instead of joining his cohorts in the  common area at the end of the hall he turned to his right and headed up the stairs to his room. As soon as he was through the threshold of his quarters, he slammed the door shut. His back came to rest on the door and then he slid down until he was sitting on the floor, his elbows on his knees, hands running through his hair. The tears came barreling from their ducts like a missile from his jet and there was fuck all he could do to stop it. Today was a bad day. The pressure of the mission. The near loss of not only Bob but the woman he wanted to be so close to yet couldn’t. His blow up with Maverick. Then the loss of someone he had looked up to since he was young.

Iceman wasn’t particularly close to Bradley. Not like Maverick had been. But he sent birthday gifts and checked in on him with his own wife and kids occasionally. His mom even made a road trip with Bradley when he was in junior high to spend a weekend at the Kazansky home. He remembered this trip fondly because he received his first kiss from the Admirals slightly older daughter.

Iceman called to congratulate him when he commissioned and when he completed flight school. Ice told him many stories of his dad over the years and he would forever be grateful for those stories. Rooster hadn’t spoken to him in a very long time, and now he never could again. His heart felt like it was ripping from his chest. As his sobs subsided he realized that Phoenix probably didn’t know this development. He glanced over at his bedside clock. 10:35PM. Maybe she would still be awake? Rooster picked his phone up from the floor where it landed as he slid down the door and decided to text her. Hey. You awake? He stared at the illuminated screen as the three little dots appeared at the bottom. Well, I am now dickhead.

He choked on his chuckle and contemplated his next message. Have you heard? The dots appeared again quickly followed by one word: Yes. He sighed and raised his head to look at the ceiling, watching the fan make slow circles. What he wouldn’t give to be drawing those slow circles on her hand again right about now. His phone buzzed again, and he looked down to see another message from Phoenix. I’m sorry. I know he was important to you. Yes. Yes, he was. And so was Maverick. And so was his dad. And so was she.

And yet it was all so fucked up. He wanted to say something but decided he couldn’t trust himself in this moment. He kicked his shoes off, pulled his shirt over his head, crawled across the floor to his bed, and his eyes slammed shut as soon as his head hit the pillow. He needed the world to shut up for a little while. And it did.

The next morning came way too soon. A knock at Roosters door jolted him from his deep, dark slumber. He rolled over in his bed and practically fell out, shielding his eyes from the sunlight beaming through his blinds. He felt hungover. No. He felt downright drunk. Grief does strange things to the human body, even worse sometimes than the G’s he pulled in his plane.

There was another knock at the door and he checked the clock on the bedside table. 7:15AM

His flight wasn’t supposed to be until later so who the hell was waking him this fucking early?

When another, more insistent knock came, he hollered “Just a damn minute” and headed to the door, still in nothing but his jeans from the night before. As he swung the door open and let out an exasperated huff, the smirk on the other side of the door brought him up short and sobered him up quick. Through his fog he saw her standing there in her PT shorts and a Naval academy t-shirt, hair pulled back in a loose, low ponytail, and flip flops on her feet. In the daylight he could see a few bruises on her face, neck, and legs and a tiny cut above her left eyebrow. He must have been staring for too long because her eyebrow quired and the smirk turned to a small smile.

“Morning sunshine. You should try answering your phone.” She sauntered past him into the room and stopped to look around. At that moment he wondered what sort of dirty laundry he had lying about but chose to ignore the embarrassing thought.

As he shut the door and turned to face her, he said lazily “Sure, come on in. You DO know what time it is, right?” Then he walked over to where his phone lay on his bed and glanced at the three missed calls from Phoenix and one from Payback.

“It’s 7:15 in the morning, you’re already out?” he asked, not looking up from his bed.

He felt her eyes on him but chose to continue looking absently at his phone. He had suddenly realized there was a tingle between his legs and the familiar waning of a morning woody. He needed to concentrate on anything but her eyes on his shirtless body at that very moment. She replied, still smirking. “Good behavior. So, how are you? I’m sorry about Admiral Kazansky.” He looked up at her with a sorrowful look and muttered “Thanks.” Before looking at the window across from him.

Phoenix moved, rather slowly and with effort, to sit in a small arm chair on the wall opposite Roosters bed. Realization that she must be very sore reached his core and he took two steps across his room to help her. Placing his right arm around her shoulders he reached his left hand across and placed it on her waist to steady her. She stopped and swayed and his grip at her waist tightened. She glanced down at his hand then up at his chocolate eyes.

Rooster was lost momentarily in her face, drowning in her beautiful eyes, and that sinful smirk. Then he realized this was the closest they had ever been physically and he became flustered.

“Uh, sorry. You seemed a little unsteady.”

“Being fired out of your plane and the massive jolt of the harness digging into your body as your chute explodes open then landing on the side of a mountain will do that to you.” She smiled a half hearted smile and began to walk. He held her all the way to the chair and she sat unceremoniously with a little bit of a grunt.

“Sounds like fun.”

“I don’t recommend it.”

Her eyes were on him again. He turned and walked to the small en suite bathroom, realizing his breath must reek. He prepped the toothbrush and placed it in his mouth then walked back to the door way of the bathroom. She had her head resting against the back of the chair, her eyes closed, her breathing slightly labored. She seemed so peaceful. That fiery woman kept at bay by the pain, and most likely pain meds. She must have sensed him watching her, because one eye slowly opened to look back at him.

“Funeral is tomorrow. 3PM at Miramar National. We have to be in blues downstairs at 1:30 to catch a van to the cemetery.” She opened both eyes now and watched him carefully.

Rooster continued to brush his teeth while leaning on the bathroom door frame. He merely nodded his head in recognition then returned to the sink to rinse and spit. Suddenly a thought crossed his mind and he returned to the door. “It’s early morning, you just got out of the hospital, how do you know all of this!?”

She chuckled lightly and gave him a smug look “You never downloaded the Group Me app did you?”

Confusion crossing his face, he picked up his phone off the bed again, unlocked it, and opened the Group Me app. There it was, a notice from Cyclone almost word for word of what Phoenix had just said. He crossed to her perch, turned the phone to face her, and made a smug face at her.

“I’m so proud of you.”

“Yeah, I’m proud of me too”. He returned the phone to the bed, turned to face her and asked “So, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“I’m hiding. I didn’t want everyone knocking on my door and bothering me today. I’m off flight status until after the funeral tomorrow evening. Taking first hop out next morning. Figured this would be the right place to hide.” She smiled an almost wicked smile and his heart faltered.

He thought over her words for a moment then offered up his bed so she could lie down instead. She agreed and he stood to help her again.

“I can walk the 4 feet to your bed ya know?”

He put his hands up in feigned defense and chortled “Pardon me ma’m”. She shot him a dirty look as she carefully lowered herself onto his bed, bringing her head to rest on his pillow. There it was again, His heart faltered.

Before his mind could get too carried away he turned to the small set of drawers behind him next to the chair and pulled out a dark navy blue tshirt. Once over his head and resting snuggly on his body he moved to the side of the bed and knelt in front of her where she lay on her side.

“You hungry?”

“I could eat. I could use some coffee too.”

“I supposed I could handle that. Eggs, bacon, and some fruit? Coffee black?”

She smiled up at him. This time the smile was less a smirk and seemed more, sweet.

“Look at you being all chivalrous.” She brought her hand up to brush some of his hair off of his forehead. “Yes, that sounds perfect. Thank you.”

He wasn’t sure what came over him, but he reached up meeting his hand to hears, pulled it in, and kissed the back of her hand very lightly. His mustache tickled the back of her hand, and her eyes met him, wide. All of a sudden, he felt like a fish in a very small bowl. Why did he do that? Was she ok with it? It felt right but he didn’t know if it was a kosher thing to do. His heart was pounding, and she was just staring at him. He dropped her hand, stumbled to his feet, and mumbled as him slid his tennis shoes on “I’ll be back, get some rest.” And then he was gone, without looking back to see the warmed expression on Phoenix blushing face.

*******

Rooster was gone way longer than he intended to be. After making the quick jog across the street to their designated dining facility he ran into half the squadron. All of them wanted to stop and offer condolences. He made for the start of the line, grabbing a to-go container, but Payback, Fanboy, and Coyote followed him. They were asking if he had seen Phoenix and Bob yet? Did he see the funeral information? Why was he taking his food to go?

He tried to be as vague, and as quick as possible. The conversation lasted at least 10 minutes, maybe more. Finally, Hangman walked in and Rooster was NOT in the mood for his shit this morning. When Hangman called out to Coyote as he sat at the table with the others, Rooster saw his out. He turned quickly and moved down the line to where hot food waited. He loaded the container with enough food for both Phoenix and him then moved to the coffee stand on the opposite side of the food line. He filled two large cups with coffee then, placing them on top of the to-go box, turned and bid them farewell. He practically sprinted out the door, leaving the rest of the pilots and WSO’s looking after him with confusion and some concern.

When Rooster reached the landing at the top of the dwelling stairs, he realized his hands were full and he couldn’t reach his keys in his back pocket. Then he realized he was being watched. From across the hall Bob had appeared out of his room and was walking towards the pilot.

“Need some help?”

Rooster hesitated. “Ahhh yeah. Do you mind holding this so I can get my keys.”

Bob slowly reached out and took the coffees from the top of the box. Rooster was trying to stay cool, hoping Bob wouldn’t ask why he had two coffee cups. He reached into his pocket with his right hand while his left still held the box of hot food. Then he unlocked the door, opened it with the same hand, and attempted to slip inside without opening the door too wide. He didn’t need her WSO seeing this. What would he think? Would he tell?

Rooster sat the box of food down on a small table he kept his keys on next to his door then reached very carefully with one arm through the barely opened door to get first one cup, then the other, from Bob.

He hadn’t noticed the grin on Bob’s face through all of this hurried interaction. When the last cup was handed off, he looked up to say thanks but Bob beat him to the punch.

“I know she’s in there.”

Rooster was brought up short. He flashed his eyes to the sleeping figure in his bed then back to Bob, stunned but unsure what to say.

“We talk. It’s cool. I’m glad she’s getting some rest.” Then he turned to head back across the hall his room, moving gingerly much like Phoenix had moved earlier in his room.

“Hey man. I’m glad you’re ok. Thanks for the help.”

Bob didn’t turn but merely held a hand up in response before disappearing into his room and closing the door.

FUCK.

Bob has never seemed like the gossiping type but this scared the shit out of Rooster. He was already on edge just by having her here. Now the man across the hall, her back seater, also knew. Did anyone else know? Maybe someone saw her come in this morning? Did she tell anyone else?

The most important question suddenly flashing through his head like a bright set of headlights coming straight for him: Does she care that anyone else knows shes in here?

Realizing he still had a cup of coffee in his hand and the door ajar, he nudged it close with his elbow and turned to place the coffee on a TV tray next to the chair Phoenix had occupied earlier. He moved next to the bed to check on her. She was breathing deeply and steadily. Good. She didn’t hear the interaction at the door. He turned to grab the food box and sit. The next half hour he mindlessly chewed on food and drank his coffee while watching her sleep peacefully. This was nice, he thought.

*******

Rooster was reading over one of the mission handouts he had tossed next to the chair when he heard a rustle from his bed. She had been asleep for just shy of two hours. He glanced up without moving and his eyes were met with her groggy gaze.

“Where’s my food?” She asked through a haze.

“Right here” he said as he nodded his head to the side towards the box on the TV tray, never taking his eyes off of her. “But it might be a little cold now.”

“How long have I been out?” She started to push herself up to a sitting position on the bed, but visibly winced with pain while doing so.

Rooster rose and grabbed the plate of food “Couple of hours. I got your coffee too. But, its probably cold too.”

“I don’t care. I just need sustenance. Gotta have something with my meds. Hey, can you grab them. There’s a little bottle in my duffle.”

She had dropped a small bag on the floor when she first entered his room. He hadn’t thought much about it and now it seemed like he was going to be trespassing into forbidden territory. He moved to the end of the bed where the bag was and bent down to unzip it. Her rolled up flight uniform was crammed in there and on top of it was a small medication bottle. He pulled it out, walked back to the side of the bed and handed it to her.

“Need some water?”

“Sure.” She said as she dug into her eggs and bacon.

He grabbed a bottle of water from a package under the bed and handed it to her. Then he sat back on the floor next to the bed and watched her eat. She finally broke the silence after a few bites of food, swigs of coffee, and tossing back her tiny white pill.

“It’s going to suck tomorrow. I can’t take any more pain meds after today so I can be flight ready. Funeral. Pain. Fun.”

He nodded his head but didn’t say anything. He was too mesmerized by the way she bit tenderly into the side of the plum he had brought her. His mind began to wander, wising his mouth was on the other end of that tender bite. He watched her mouth chew slowly before swallowing, in turn causing him to swallow the lump that had grown in his throat. Who knew a piece of fruit could be so enticing?

She ate her fill then closed the box, taking another swig of her coffee then setting both on the bedside table. She stretched her arms carefully, first to the side, then over her head. She winced when her arms reached their highest level and he sat up to one knee quicky, asking “You ok?”

Arms still over head she turned her head slightly and cocked her eyebrow “Nothing that’ll last long. But thanks for asking.” Then she brought both arms down, her right coming to rest in her lap, the left brushing lightly across his check and coming to rest on his jaw. The tension between them seemed to send electric currants through every fiber of his body, from the spot where her hand rest to the tip of his toes. They sat in this position for what seemed like an eternity, just staring at each other. Her face went from sweet to sad in an instant.

Then her hand was gone.

She was moving to stand on the other side of the bed. He stood too but didn’t move. Just watched her. She walked to the end of the bed and started to bend down to get her bag. About halfway into said squat though, she started to lose her balance. As she her wobbling became more intense, she reached a hand out to the end of the bed to steady herself. Instead, a large, strong hand grabbed hers while another muscular arm reached under her other arm and came to rest around her waist, lifting her back up.

Suddenly they were face to face. Mere inches apart, his arm pulling her close to him. Time simply stopped. Their eyes searched the others and his arm tightened around her waist. They just stood there, holding on and watching the other for a reaction. His mind was screaming at him to stop, this wasn’t right. He may have wanted her bad but there was no way it could work and this wasn’t ok. This was going too far. Before he could find any words to say, her lips came to rest on his cheek, then pulled away. “Thank you, for taking good care of me.”

Rooster said nothing. His mind was too busy gasping for air. He just knew she could hear his heart pounding out of his chest. While still holding his other hand, she stepped back to free herself from the arm around her waist, bent over to get her bag, then stood to face him again. She squeezed his hand, turned around, and slowly exited without a look back or another word.

He just stood there, mouth slack, completely shocked at the morning he just had. He needed to go back to bed. Or take a cold shower. Or both.

After the Dagger squad completed their mission they dispersed back into the wind, separating to their four corners of the world to continue with their original units. Rooster found himself back in Japan to complete another five months of service there before being moved again. When his orders came down for San Diego, he wasn’t sad at all. He spent the last 5 months reconnecting with Maverick via facetime and now they could catch up on the years they missed with each other. There was a bonus to this assignment as well. Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote were all stationed there as well.

Rooster moved in April and by May was settled into his small apartment and with his new unit. He spent his days flying and nights banging on the piano at the hard deck with his friends. Maverick had retired finally and was helping Penny run the bar while consulting for the NAVY, so it was another way to spend time with his long-lost family. Things were going well, and he couldn’t complain.

Then his least favorite time of the year rolled around. July 4th was an important day for the country he served proudly, it was Americas birthday. Rooster, however, never felt much like celebrating. His dad had died just a few days prior to the holiday. His first fourth without his father was spent snuggling in his mother’s lap, watching fireworks from their backyard in Corpus Christi, Texas, while she sobbed uncontrollably. They never really celebrated the holiday; it was just too painful for his mother. She told Rooster one time when he was in high school and asked, about how July 4th was his father’s favorite holiday. He and Mav would have cookouts for their pilot friends that included at least one of them getting burned while running from fireworks and lots of singing americana themed songs off key. She looked so sad as she recalled these memories to him, and he decided to never bring it up again.

The fact that his father was a military man added insult to injury. Everything about the holiday was pomp and circumstance surrounding those who sacrificed for freedom. Rooster always struggled to see all the uniforms, military vehicles in parades, and fly overs on that day, so he decided to just ignore it, never going anywhere, never participating when asked, or celebrating at all.

When Mav and Penny invited him and his fellow aviators out to Mavericks hangar for a huge get together, Rooster panicked. He was getting along so well with the older pilot, and this might throw a wrench in everything. He didn’t want to be rude but how would he let the man down gently without telling him why he would be sitting on his couch with a beer and ignoring the outside world that day?

He tried. Several excuses later Penny had sweet talked him into making an appearance, especially after Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote had all enthusiastically accepted their invitations. Rooster was disgruntled to say the least. The thought of Maverick wanting to celebrate during this time of year really rubbed him the wrong way, and Phoenix must have picked up on that notion. The day after the invitation conversation at the Hard Deck, she cornered him at work before their hops.

“What’s up your ass, Bradshaw?” she asked from behind him as he walked towards the hangar door.

Rooster stopped in his tracks, swearing under his breath. He was hoping she wouldn’t bug him about it, but that woman never missed anything when it came to Rooster and his emotions. He turned around and found her standing with her arms crossed, an eyebrow inclined to the roof, waiting for an answer.

He sighed then tried to play it cool. “Nothing. Why do you ask?”

“Bullshit” she immediately spat. “You couldn’t get out of the July 4th invitation fast enough last night. What gives? Don’t like us anymore?” she smirked.

“Depending on how much you continue to bug me about this, I might not.” He said completely dry.

Phoenix took a few steps forward, closing the gap between them. “I’m coming over after work to get one of your shitty beers and you’re going to tell me.” Then she lightly shoved his shoulder with her helmet before walking around him and heading for her jet.

Rooster turned and watched her go, rubbing his face with his free hand in exasperation before walking out into the California heat. He never thought he would have to have this conversation with anyone, especially Phoenix. They had always had a thing of sorts, although they never made a move past being best friends. They were close and had been since they met at Top Gun 8 years ago. They told each other everything and travelled around each other’s orbit, but he always kept her at arm’s length, not wanting to bring anyone into his personal shit nor start something he wasn’t sure he could see all the way through. It had been a few years since they had seen each other in person when they were both called back for the special detachment and Rooster began to feel all sorts of feelings again. But he still wasn’t sure he wanted to bring her all the way into his bubble.

Guess she was going to push her way in whether he wanted her to or not.

After work he tried to slip out before she could catch him but no such luck. Phoenix was already leaning against her jeep parked next to his Bronco. Rooster let out an exasperated breath as he approached her, having half a mind to remove his shades so she could see his irritation on full display, but it wouldn’t have mattered, a satisfied smirk on her face already.

“Would you believe me if I told you I already have plans this evening?” he asked as he stopped at the front of the Bronco to address her.

She stood up and grabbed her backpack from the ground “Not in the least. Start driving Bradshaw, I’m right behind you.” Then she practically skipped to her driver’s side door and hopped into the jeep. Rooster just shook his head then trudged to his own door, taking his time getting in and turning everything on, hoping it would deter her, but knowing better. Damn that woman, if he didn’t like her, he’d hate her. She never took his crap, or anyone else’s, he had to give her credit for that.

Once they pulled into his complex, they both walked silently up to his door but before he could unlock it, he turned to face her. “Look. I’d rather be alone right now.” Was all he said.

Her smile became a little crestfallen as her eyes dropped from his. She took a slow breath then looked up at him. “Listen, I can respect that if it wasn’t so obvious that you’re in pain over something. How long do we have to be best friends before you let me in? We went eight years without me knowing about the whole Maverick situation. You don’t have to hold all this shit in, you know? I want to be here for you, not just as coworkers and drinking buddies.” Then her eyes drifted down to her hands that were fiddling nervously with the strap from her backpack. It wasn’t often she dropped her tough exterior but when she did, it was usually with him and he found it beautiful.

Rooster contemplated for a minute. How long was he going to keep her pushed out of his heart. If he was honest with himself, he had let her in a long time ago, he was just scared, for so many reasons. They were coworkers, which was a weird grey area to begin with, then the thought of doing to her what his dad had done to his mom, leaving her broken and alone, just about killed him to think about. Then there was all his personal bullshit. She had her own issues in life to worry about, why should he bog her down with his own misery?

Was he being fair though? She was a big girl, maybe he should let her decide for herself if he was worth the trouble, she was obviously willing to put herself through on his behalf. For years he had been her go-to person, why couldn’t he finally let her be that for him? He steeled his resolve, turned back to the door, unlocked it, then held it open, using his other hand to wave her into his place.

She looked up at him quizzically at first then a meek smile crossed her face, and she breezed past him. The apartment was sparse, and she had been there plenty of times that it was a second home for Phoenix at this point. She dropped her backpack in the closet by the door, toeing off her sneakers, then walked into the kitchen without a word. Rooster did the same, dropping his bag and shoes into the closet before flopping into his recliner, already exhausted from the conversation he was about to have. He heard the pop of two beer bottles then she brought him one before tucking her legs under her on the end of the couch closest to him.

They sat in silence drinking from their beers for a while. He was starting to think maybe she had changed her mind when she spoke up.

“I’m not sure what to ask to get this conversation started.”

He exhaled “It’s pretty cut and dry. My dad died 33 years ago on June 30th, 1986.

Her eyes went big. “Rooster, that’s tomorrow.” she all but whispered.

He only shook his head in slow affirmative then took a long draw from his beer.

“My mom loved that man deeper than any love that ever existed, I think. When he was killed,” he took a ragged breath, trying to hold it together, “it liked to have killed her too. The fourth became more of a day of mourning than a happy occasion for us. Mom didn’t feel much up to doing anything that day.” He paused for another drink.

“Sure, that makes sense.” Was all she said before taking a swig of her own beer.

“That woman was such a character. You would have loved her. She was hard not to love. I mean, I’ve told you some of the wild and wacky stuff we did when I was growing up. Holidays were always a big deal, except the fourth. The only place we ever went was to the cemetery sometimes but as I got older, I just couldn’t go and watch her lay on that patch of grass and sob for hours in the Texas sun. “A few tears escaped his eyes, much to his protests. Before he could wipe them though, a small, calloused hand reached up and swiped his cheek gently. He looked at her, her eyes watery and filled with compassion.

“Rooster, this is nothing to be ashamed of. You’re allowed to hurt. You’re allowed to grieve however you feel is best. If that means holed up here on the fourth, then do it. I don’t mind covering for you.” She hesitated, “or I could come hole up here with you. So, you’re not alone?”

He let loose a soft smile “I’d like that.” He said with a rasp in his voice before he could stop himself. Was this the clutch his mom had on his dads’ heart? Is this what it felt like? He didn’t deserve this tough, hardheaded, yet gentle woman. She suddenly made what felt like the world’s worst day into something to look forward to.

“Do me a favor? Talk to Mav. I know he might try to talk you into going to the party but give him a chance to prove you wrong. He deserves to know what’s on your mind.”

Rooster just nodded then finished off his bottle. She chased hers until it was empty and then stood and reached for his bottle. Phoenix threw them away then moved to the closet to put her shoes back on and grab her bag. He stood and walked to the entry way, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall watching her.

She spoke over her shoulder “I hate to chat and run but I’m meeting up with a couple of girlfriends at the gym.” She turned and almost ran into him as she closed the closet door. She was so close he could feel her breath on his crossed arms. Her eyes drifted up to his and he smirked.

“So, what are we going to do Sunday for the fourth?” he asked cheekily.

She only stared at him then exhaled into a smile. “Whatever you want Lieutenant.” S stepped back, opened the door and disappeared.

Rooster wasn’t sure what to make of that comment but suddenly the fourth didn’t seem so scary.

The next day after work, Rooster went to dinner at Penny’s house like he did most Wednesdays. This was a somber meal considering the day, and Mav struggled to get through his toast to Goose. Rooster hadn’t seen Mav on this anniversary in many years and he could tell it aged the man more and more as the years passed. He would probably always blame himself for what happened, no matter what anyone said. Rooster wondered if he would ever have to go through something like that. Hazard of the job and all.

After Amelia went to her room to work on homework, he had the dreaded conversation with Penny and Mav. He was pleasantly surprised when they were both extremely understanding, even Mav. Rooster could tell it stung a little, under the circumstances, but they agreed he should do what he needed to do and that he was always welcome if he changed his mind.

Rooster helped Penny carry a stack of dishes to the kitchen and began to rinse them while she toweled them off and placed them in the dishwasher.

“So, do you mind if I ask what you plan to do for the fourth?” she asked calmly.

“I don’t mind. Phoenix is coming over.”

He caught the eyebrow raise and intrigued look she gave him out of the corner of his eye, but she didn’t press, and he didn’t say more.

Maybe he and Phoenix could make some new memories to replace the bad ones? Suddenly, for the first time since he was three years old, he was looking forward to the fourth of July.

The rest of the week at work seemed to drag and there was an obvious tension between Phoenix and himself, but in the best possible way. They used their flying as flirting, and it bordered on foreplay in the air. They pushed each other, goading the other on and passing smart ass remarks back and forth to each other. Even Coyote made a sideways comment that Friday about it.

“Could you two and your planes get a room please?” He cracked as they walked back to the hangar from their jets.

Bob choked on a snort, Phoenix just made a taunting face at him, and Rooster looked away trying to hide the blush he could feel crawling across his cheeks.

Phoenix shot back “Only if you and your ego get one first.” Everyone laughed and then parted ways for their weekend festivities. When Rooster made it out to the parking lot, he found Phoenix once again leaning against her jeep right next to his Bronco.

“So” she said once he was close enough to hear.

“So” he replied, nonchalantly, as he tossed his gear into the back of the Bronco.

“So, I’ll see you Sunday?”

“Yeah, if you still want?”

She snorted her reply, her face looking skeptical. “Change your mind Bradshaw? I could always go over to Mavs with the rest of them?” her eyebrow raised in amusement as he came to stand in front of her, dangerously close again, looking down on her from behind his aviator shades. She was playing coy and he kind of liked it. Oh no, he had decided once and for all that this cat and mouse game was done and his fourth was going to be the best one in the history of his fourths.

He slid his glasses down his nose, looking over the top of them as a Cheshire cat grin crossed his face. “Two pm, don’t be late.” Then he winked and slid his glasses back up.

She shook her head with a chuckle and they both jumped into their cars and drove away.

At 1:45PM Sunday July 4th Rooster was a nervous wreck. He had secretly thought of this moment for a very long time. Was he getting ahead of himself? Maybe all she wanted was to flirt and keep things platonic otherwise? Only one way to find out, he figured. Anything to distract him from how he normally felt on this day.

He took one last look at himself in the mirror, sporting a patriotic Hawaiian shirt over his usual white tank and a pair of khaki shorts. He could hear the sarcastic remarks already. He hoped the surprises he had for her would be appreciated, at least for the effort. He decided the only way to move forward was to take a page out of Carole Bradshaw’s book of unconventional fun. Even though she never did anything entertaining for the fourth, he used his imagination based on every other holiday they had celebrated together and went to work.

At two o’clock on the dot he heard a knock at his door before it swung open. He quickly grabbed a white beard and patriotic top hat and threw them on before exiting his bedroom “Bradshaw, come help me” She called out, her smaller frame bent over trying to pick up a few grocery bags. He had to smile at the visual. She was wearing a tiny red tank top and very short denim shorts, her own pair of aviator shades covering her eyes, and her car keys were hanging out of her mouth while she struggled with the bags. He smiled at the sight.

Phoenix raised her head to look at him and froze on the spot, her car keys slamming to the ground as her jaw slid open. He put his arms out as if to say “ta-da” and she began laughing hysterically. She was laughing so hard she began to grab her side and used her other hand to clutch the door frame.

“What” she laughed more, trying to breath “are you wearing Colonel Sanders?”

He scoffed then walked to the door and scooped up all the bags in dramatic fashion. “I’m Uncle Sam, thank-you-very-much.” Then he winked and made his way to the kitchen, listening to her continue to cackle and gasp for air.

“You’re letting out all the bought air, get in here, would you?” he called from the kitchen as he began pulling items from the bags. There was a considerable amount of alcohol, some junk food, and a bakery carton of red, white and blue sprinkled cookies. The door closed and she finally appeared in the doorway, immediately busting out into another fit of laughter as soon as she saw him. She was wiping tears from her eyes and clutching her side still.

“You have GOT to take that off or I’ll pee myself.”

“Aw come on, where’s your sense of fun?” he asked.

“You look like Santa came to visit for the fourth.” She giggled.

“Ok, that did it.” He said flatly and removed the items.

“That’s better” she said and moved into the kitchen to give him a hug, raising up on her tiptoes so she could wrap her arms around his neck. Something was instantly different about this hug. Sure, they had hugged plenty over the years. Being in many near death situations will do that to you. But this was a different hug. They weren’t pulling apart. No one moved or let go. They just stood in the middle of the kitchen, her arms around his neck, his strong arms wrapped around her middle, very still.

“Glad you could come” he said barely above a whisper into the side of her head.

With that she pulled back some, a shy smile on her face as they continued to hold each other.

“I wouldn’t have missed Santa Sam for the world.” She said with a grin, and he poked her side, knowing full well she was extremely ticklish. She released a very unladylike snort and turned around to run, shouting behind her “Ok now I do have to pee.” The bathroom door closed, and he waited just a couple of seconds before he heard a loud “Oh shit” from the lavatory.

She found another one of his surprises.

A few minutes later she came running back into the living room where Rooster sat on the couch waiting for her. She launched herself at him, landing with her legs straddling his lap, her hands attempting to get to his neck, but he held her wrists firm, laughing deeply at the feigned angry look on her face.

“Seriously Bradshaw, a fucking Uncle Sam inside the toilet lid? You about gave me a heart attack!” She continued wrestling with him, trying to get free.

All Rooster could do was laugh much in the same way she did when she first arrived. Her position hadn’t been lost on him either. This was not a position they had been in before and he was starting to sweat through his laughter.

“Oh, come on, that was funny you gotta admit.” He said and then with his hands still firmly wrapped around her wrists he maneuvered her arms behind her back and held her there, a prisoner. His prisoner. She stopped squirming in his lap, thankfully, and just stared at him with wide eyes.

“I’m not admitting anything” she said low, and he just gave her a small, pursed lip smile before he did it. He made his move. Rooster sat up, held her wrists, and brushed his lips briefly across hers. He immediately opened his eyes, hoping she wasn’t pissed, but all he saw was a beautiful flush across her cheeks, her eyes still closed. She sunk a little and wiggled her arms trying to go free, so he released her wrists. Her hands moved to his chest and her lids slowly fluttered open. Their eyes met and he almost dissipated under the warmth of the melting chocolate staring back at him.

He brought his hands up to cover hers on his chest, rubbing small circles on the back of them with his thumbs. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that without asking.” He said, genuinely sorry that he took advantage of the situation. A rueful smile played across her face and then without warning she was on him.

Her hands slid up his chest, across his shoulders, wrapping around the back of his neck as she leaned in. His eyes were open in shock at first as she began kissing him, but this time it was deep and needy. His hands moved to her hips, gripping them tighter than he probably should, and he pulled her closer until she was resting against him. She slid her tongue across his bottom lip, and he was all too happy to part them for her. Their tongues began to dance, and a small moan escaped her that sent a chill all the way down his spine.

No sooner had it started, she was pulling away from his face, flustered but smiling a genuine and radiant smile.

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask for a very long time. Glad you decided to skip the asking and just get to the good stuff.”

He was gob smacked. Natasha Trace does not throw caution to the wind, quite literally. This almost feral and lackadaisical version of his best friend had him more confused than he was before their talk the other day. Why didn’t she ever say anything?

Before he could ask, she lifted herself from him and reached her hands out to pull him up.

“C’mon Colonel, any other surprises?” she asked.

His mind went down a wicked path and it must have shown on his face because she lightly smacked him on the chest with the back of her hand. “For the fourth you pig.”

He chucked then took her hand in his and lead her to the small dining table near the kitchen. The table and walls were covered in cheap dollar store decorations including plastic patriotic plates, cups, and cutlery.

“You really had fun with this didn’t you?” She asked him.

“Just wait, there’s games and everything. My mother would be so proud.” He said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Of course, there is.” And she just rolled her eyes.

An hour later the table was covered in various snack packages and discarded beer bottles. Papers for name that patriotic tune and a fourth of July crossword sat discarded next to a small Bluetooth speaker. They had moved their chairs closer together and were looking at a piece of paper together.

“Rooster, some of these are just gross.”

“That’s the point of the game This or That. Gotta find the lesser of two evils.”

“Fine, but I refuse to go through with anything actually on this sheet.”

“Not a requirement.” He said with a smile.

“Ok I’m going first then.” And she snatched the paper from his hands. “Let’s see” she said as she poured over the options. “How about this. Wear a mullet forever or have red, white and blue hair forever?”

He sucked air through his teeth as if this was the toughest decision he’s ever had to make. “You know, I rocked a mullet for most of second and third grade. Wasn’t pretty but at least it would be closer to regs than colorful hair so, mullet it is.”

Phoenix laughed as she passed the paper. “I want to see those pictures!”

“No way.” he shook his head and picked up his drink. “I’m pretty sure I burned those pictures.”

“Liar. Now ask me one.”

“Patience mam. I’m working on it.” He took a drink and put his bottle back down. He looked down the list and asked, “Would you rather drink ketchup through a straw or eat mayo with a spoon?”

She immediately acted as if she was gagging. “I don’t like either of those.”

“That’s not the point of the game Phee, you gotta choose.”

She shot him a dirty look and grunted “Fine. Sucking a condiment through a straw, regardless of what it is, just sounds shitty so I’ll go mayo with a spoon.” And her body shuddered in disgust.

He laughed then passed the paper back to her.

She skimmed her finger down the list and made comments as she went. “That one is gross too. I don’t want to know the answer to this one. I already know the answer to that one.”

“Whoa whoa whoa know it all, ask it anyway. I might surprise you.”

She looked at him annoyed. “Trust me you won’t. Not on this one.”

He sat back and crossed his arms, daring her to ask with his expression. She rolled her eyes again and spoke in a very sarcastic tone. “Would you rather sing all night or dance all night?” Then she tossed the paper down in front of him, sure of what was coming next.

Rooster contemplated his answer though then an idea hit him. He pushed his chair back and stood up, Phoenix looking all together confused. Rooster fiddled with his phone for a minute then hit the power button on the small speaker. A Jason Aldean song started up and he held his hand out to her.

“If the answer involves you then the answer is dancing all night.”

She looked stunned as she reached her hand up to meet him. The next thing he knew they were in front of his couch, her right hand enclosed in his left as he held her close, their bodies swaying to the music.

Rooster started singing the words to the song quietly into the top of her head.

“I think technically its cheating if you sing while dancing, per your insistence that you have to choose one or the other for the game.”

He chuckled “Ok, dancing only.” Then the arm he had around her lower back pulled her in closer and she turned her head sideways to rest it on his chest. They continued to sway through the end of the song and then all the way through another song before she spoke again.

“Rooster?”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s dance all night.”

The implications of her statement hung thick in the air and his swaying faltered. He looked down as she looked up at him, something desperate sparkling in her eyes. There was no going back from something like this. He warred with himself for a split second before he made his decision.

Rooster slid both of his hands under her ass and lifted her up suddenly, causing her to let out a tiny squeak. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, and they began kissing. These weren’t small, meek kisses. These kisses were intrusive. Tongues dipped in and out and her teeth grazed his bottom lip, causing him to squeeze her ass. Rooster began walking towards his room, barely able to see as they continued to kiss hard and furiously.

Once in the room, he used his foot to close the door before turning and pressing her back to it. He stood holding her against his bedroom door but pulled his lips away to look at her one more time.

Between ragged breaths she asked “what?”

Rooster swallowed hard, touching his forehead to hers. “This will change everything. I don’t want to do anything you don’t want.”

He felt her lips place a light kiss on his forehead.

“Rooster, look at me.” And he did. “I want everything to change. Now please, change it.”

He didn’t need to hear anymore. His lips crashed into hers and the race was on. His mustache created chill bumps on her skin as his lips worked their way down her neck until he was lightly sucking on a sensitive spot near her collarbone. Her nails were starting to dig into his back, and it made him suck harder, eliciting pants from Phoenix that were like music to his ears. Her body was writhing against him, clearly searching for more.

Rooster slowly lowered her to the ground until she was standing and grazed his lips lightly across her collarbone and shoulder as he turned her to face the door. With her hands resting on the door in front of her, he gently slid some of her hair out of the way and sucked on the back of her neck. She moaned her approval.

His hands slid up her sides until they were resting on her breasts, slowly needing them through her tank top and bra. She moved his hands and yanked her shirt over her head, momentarily pushing his lips away from her neck. When his hands moved back to her breasts, he realized something amazing, her bra was a front clasp.

His fingers made quick work of the small hooks and as the cups fell away his warm hands covered both breasts, another moan escaping her pretty mouth. He began rolling her nipples with his fingers and her ass grazed his dick, making him jump. Roosters’ hands moved to her shoulders and slid the red lacy bra down her arms until it hit the floor.

Phoenix turned around and crushed her lips to his, frantically removing both of his shirts. As they skimmed lips, she traced her tiny fingers over each curve of his abdomen then he felt her pert breasts pushing against him as she wrapped her arms around his midsection.

Rooster wasn’t sure how much more he could take; his brain was screaming. His cock was screaming. He wanted her to scream.

They began moving towards the bed, never ending the waltz their tongues were dancing together. Rooster unbuttoned his shorts and let them drop to the ground before he unbuttoned hers. Before he could lower them though, she stepped back, panting and flushed. He was worried that she had changed her mind but then she gave him the sexiest grin. She turned around and hooked her thumbs into the top of her shorts. What happened next almost dissolved Rooster on the spot.

Phoenix bent over slowly, and as she did, she pushed her shorts down gradually, revealing a thin pair of red lace panties. There she was, her ass in the air, and she wiggled it ever so slightly, teasing him. He was done playing. Eight years of sexual tension was a huge itch, and he was about to scratch it so good she just might cry.

He gave her right ass cheek a small spank and she gasped. Before she could react further though, he grabbed her hips and turned her as she stood back up. Then, with his eyes connected to hers, he lowered himself to his knees. His fingers skimmed the outside of her legs as he placed a small kiss to her stomach. He slid his fingers deliberately up her thighs until he hooked his thumb into the single string holding up the panties on either side. Then he was lowering them, smoothly crawling his fingers across her skin as he did.

He wanted to worship her. She deserved nothing less. This was an enormous gift she was giving him, and he didn’t want to waste it.

She stepped out of her panties and then ran her hands through the tufts of his brown curls. When she tugged on it, he growled then leaned in and swooped his tongue across the outside of her heat. He could smell her arousal and his cock throbbed painfully. She tugged again and he raised his head to look at her. She looked at him through hooded eyes, lust radiating from her skin.

Rooster used his hands on her hips to move her until the backs of her legs hit the bed and she sat. Staring straight into her soul, he placed his hands on her knees then pulled them apart, spreading her wide. Without warning he buried his face between her soft thigs and ran his tongue from her vagina to her clit, producing the most beautiful cry from her as she threw her head back.

He smirked to himself then slid his arms under her thighs, wrapping them all the way around and gripping them tight. He blew a light breath onto her wet slick, and she shuddered. Then he began lapping at her opening as if it were the best ice cream he had ever tasted. His tongue pushed into her, and she whimpered. His tongue moved north and began a beautiful assault of her clit. He started slow, savoring the movement of her body against his face and the tiny noises she began to make. He circled her then sucked gently, gradually picking up the pace. She moved her hips in rhythm with his tongue, a barrage of obscenities pouring from her mouth. She was getting close, and he could tell.

Rooster removed one of his arms from her leg and she made a noise of protest until two of his fingers entered her wet folds and she cried out. He hooked his fingers and thrust them quickly while his tongue struck her mound faster and faster. This tempo unraveled her forcefully, her pelvis grinding into his face and fingers as she threw her head back and let out a shriek, he was sure the neighbors had to of heard. She twisted and pressed against him as she rode her wave and her movements slowed as his did. He slowly skimmed her slit with his tongue as he removed his fingers, her pants shooting straight to his core.

He stood and looked down at her, naked and open to him. She was a vision of beauty and he felt so overwhelmed by this scene his stomach tightened.

Phoenix let her head roll to the side, her eyes opening to meet his as her breath finally slowed. She reached out to his swollen dick, trapped in his boxer briefs, and ran her hand from base to tip. His whole body jumped, and an unattractive noise escaped his mouth. Her lips curved into the sexiest smile and without hesitation she gently pulled the waistband away from his cock then yanked the underwear all the way down in one swift movement.

Before Rooster could react, her tongue was on him, grazing the underside of his cock until it reached the tip. She licked the precum away then took him whole, filling her pretty mouth with all of him. Animalistic noises echoed from his mouth as she hollowed out her checks to suck him hard. Her hands were cradling his balls and the base of his penis as she slid her mouth up and down in agile movements. He was seeing stars and getting close. As much as he would love to see her mouth take his cum, he had other ideas of where he wanted it to go.

Rooster ran his hands through her raven hair then gently pulled her back until her mouth was empty of him. She looked at him with innocence, knowing full well how naughty she was being. He looked at her hungerly and his voice came out extremely husky when he told her to move back. She obliged, using her feet to push herself further onto the bed.

He crawled across the bed with her and as she lowered herself back onto her elbows, he placed his hands on either side of her and dropped down for a deep kiss. When she pulled away, he gazed into her eyes before wrapping his arms around her and laying her all the way onto the bed smoothly. His eyes searched hers the whole time, looking for any ounce of doubt or fear before he crossed the last precipice of their relationship. Knowing where his mind was, she reached out to stroke his cheek with her hand. A beautiful smile grew, and she said the one word he needed to hear. “Please.” She almost whispered. He only nodded his head and moved in closer between her legs.

He placed his lips on hers, languid kisses shared between them as he aligned his cock to her entrance. With her arms wrapped around his neck he slid in, and she inhaled sharply, her chin lifting to the ceiling. Rooster peppered her jaw line with light kisses as he began to move, gradually at first.  They had waited eight years for this moment, he wanted both to savor it. His lips moved down as he rocked into her and took first one nipple and then the other into his mouth, his tongue circling each one until she was begging for more. Her pleading made him brave. Before she even had time to register what was happening, he had grabbed her around her waist and rolled over, his back landing on a stack of pillows, Phoenix still connected and now, on top of him.

She placed her hands on his chest, steadying herself, before a dangerous look crossed her face. Whatever happened next, he knew he was going to enjoy it immensely.

Bracing herself she began rocking back and forth, grinding her sensitive bud against his pelvis. Her head rolled and lulled with the movements, his hips swaying to meet her. She sat up as she continued to rub against him and raised her hands into her hair, putting her exquisite breasts on full display for him. He reached up and pinched her nipples between his fingers as she let out moans in time with her movements.

Rooster brought one of his thumbs to her mouth, beckoning for her to suck on it, which she did like a good girl. Then he brought his thumb to her clit and began slow circles that had her calling for God. The harder he pressed the more she pushed down, her actions becoming more erratic as she reached behind her and grabbed his inner thighs for support. Seconds later she was falling apart again, a cry erupting from her mouth that ripped right through his body, awakening something feral and needy in him. Before she could come down from her high, he had rolled them over again and was burying himself so deep in her that he thought he might shatter immediately.

His mouth was sucking at her collarbone while her hands clawed at his shoulder blades. He pounded into her with all the force he could muster, her cries growing louder with each thrust. Suddenly he realized she wasn’t just wailing incoherently. His name was pouring from her mouth. Not his callsign, but his name.

“Bradley, oh god Bradley” she yelled over and over as he crashed into her. Something about his name on her lips had his mind and body spiraling. With two more fast and hard plows he blew his load into her as he called her name into the void.

“Oh Natasha, holy shit.” His cock exploding forcefully into her body.

He stilled buried to the hilt, both breathing intensely, tiny whimpers escaping her mouth with each heave of her chest. As his mind came back to earth, he regained some of his bearings and eased the tension of his body from against hers. His lips met hers in a tender kiss that she reciprocated as best as she could between heavy breaths.

His heart almost burst when she smiled at him, her cheeks flushed, a sheen touching her brow. She was stunning and it made his heart clench. This was it for him. No more shutting her out. He wanted all of her like this, over and over again, for eternity. He had found his happiness.

As he softened, he slid out of her and sat back on his heels, watching her regain composure as her breaths became steadier. She raised her hand for help, and he grabbed it, sitting her up gingerly. She bent her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Her chin came to rest on the top of her knees, and she gave him a gorgeous mega watt smile.

Rooster moved next to her and laid back on the stack of pillows. He rubbed circles lazily on her bare back, connecting the scars he could see.  Into the dark she suddenly spoke, pulling him out of his trance.

“Bradley?”

“Yeah baby?”

She peered over her shoulder at him with her eyebrow raised, wearing a smirk.

“Can we do this every Fourth of July?”

He chuckled then opened his arms, beckoning her to join him. She laid back and nestled herself to his side while he wrapped his arms around her. He placed a peck to the tip of her nose and the corners of his mouth raised.

“Let freedom ring, baby.” And they both fell into a heap of laughter and bliss.

The return to base the next day was uneventful, smooth flights, no time delays. Rooster was a little annoyed that Phoenix seemed to be, to some extent, ignoring him. He chalked it up to keeping things professional and hoped deep down that’s all it was. They spent the next couple of days packing up their rooms and going through Pentagon-lead debriefings before it was time to head out on their Tahoe adventure.

Before the sun came up Thursday morning, the travelers met in the parking lot in front of their housing unit, coffees in hand and eyes not quite open all the way. Except Hangman. He was too eager for his own good and Rooster just knew Phoenix was going to kill him before they ever got on the road.

“Ok friends, it’s time to mount up and head off on the vacation of a lifetime!” Hangman said in the most annoyingly chipper voice.

“It’s Tahoe, not the Vatican. What happened to no pussy-footin around? Let’s just go please?” Phoenix spit with bleary eyes while leaning on the side of Bobs 1997 black Mustang GT Convertible. Several tired chuckles rang out around the circle.

“I’m workin on it ma’m, calm down.”

Phoenix raised her coffee to her lips, letting her middle finger lift slightly off the cup.

“Let’s drive until say, nine? Then we can stop, stretch legs, and change drivers if yall want?”

Everyone nodded and started loading gear in the back of Fritz’s truck and Roosters Bronco. As Phoenix dropped her duffle and a backpack in Roosters back seat, he moved next to her and quietly asked “Got a thing against my car?”

She snorted then looked up at him with a tired expression “As a matter of fact I do. I don’t trust it. And Bobs is cooler. And has good, working heat. Oh, and your taste in music is sometimes questionable. Don’t take it personal, Bob and I need the drive time to plan the Thanksgiving meal for Saturday.”

He nodded his head in agreement and she squeezed his forearm before walking away to Bob’s car. Damn Bob. It was a cool car.

Fanboy gave Rooster a small smile as he climbed into the Bronco, Rooster turning one more time to look towards the Mustang, but Phoenix was busy adjusting her blanket and neck pillow in the front seat.

“Bird Brain! Get your ass in that disaster and let’s go!” Hangman called from the passenger window of the truck.

“Man fuck you; I’m going.” And with that he slid in, and the Bronco engine roared and thumped to life. They were off on what Rooster had a feeling would actually be the trip of a lifetime. His anyways.

*****

Almost four hours later the group came to a stop at a corner gas station and deli. The drivers all gassed up as needed while others made bathroom and snack runs.

“My turn Fritz.”

“The hell it is Hangman. There is no way you are driving my truck.”

“I’ll drive if you want Fritz?” Omaha tossed out.

“Sure man, here.” And with that Fritz tossed his keys over the bed of his truck to Omaha who took off at a sprint around to the driver’s side.

Fritz merely smiled at the offended look on Hangman’s face. “What the fuck man? You don’t trust me?”

“With my truck? Not at all.” And Fritz walked off toward the gas station entrance.

Phoenix and Bob laughed as they loaded their snack purchases into the Mustang and Rooster just shook his head while adding gas to the Bronco.

“Bob, mind if I drive?” Phoenix asked as she came to rest against the hood of his car.

“Not at all Phee. Keys are in the car.”

“Oh would you two get a room?” Hangman spit obviously still pissed.

Rooster decided to see if Fanboy wanted a turn, but Fanboy didn’t know how to drive a stick. Coyote offered to drive for Rooster so he switched with Fanboy and off they went again.

Rooster attempted sleep for a couple hours, using his headphones to tune out Coyotes obnoxious music and bitching about the Broncos bad alignment, but he never could quite give it up. A certain fiery woman was weighing on his mind. He knew the talk was coming. The one where they hashed out exactly what they were or weren’t as far as their relationship. All he could hope for was to use this trip to win her over. Show her that she was too important to him. But he had to be careful. She seemed fine, but he knew that beautiful brain of hers never slowed down or completely relaxed.

He decided to send her a text. She was driving so she wouldn’t see it until their next stop, but maybe just a little note to let her know he was thinking about her.

Bradley thought for a moment then typed out his message.

Careful Dale, this isn’t the Indy 500. You drive that thing like it’s your plane. But it’s entertaining to watch from back here. *wink emoji*

He smirked at the message and hit send. She would probably get a kick out of that. He skipped to the next song and decided to try sleep again. This time, it stuck.

*****

The group only planned to stop two more times, but Hangman couldn’t wait the last hour to pee. Again. So after three stops and several driver changes, they arrived at the Serasin family house, and the description Jake gave them barely scratched the surface of how stylish the place was.

It was after dark, and the temps were dropping quickly below freezing, so the group wasted no time emptying their belongings into the large living room. Hangman took them on a tour of the place, chattering about memories he had for every room. Some memories were funny, some completely inappropriate and unnecessary. Apparently, he had christened every room in the place, at least in his mind.

Hangman’s room was upstairs off of the game room. Not that anyone needed to be told. The posters of scantily clad women, fighter jets, and fast cars completely gave it away.

“My mom keeps this one locked” he explained, using a key to open it, “she doesn’t want anyone messing up her baby boys’ room.” Which was met with a chorus of groans and curses.

“Coyote, you take the room next door. Phoenix, the master is just down the hall. There’s one room with two beds in it next to the master then two rooms downstairs near the pool. Yall figure out who’s going where.” Hangman pointed like an air traffic controller while giving directions then disappeared downstairs.

Omaha cleared his throat and spoke up first. “I think Fritz and I already agreed we wanted to be by the pool. Right?” he asked looking in Fritz direction.

“Yup that works for me. I love to swim.”

Several questioning looks passed around the room then Bob spoke up.

“Fanboy, want to take the other room downstairs? Closer to the hot tub I figure?” Bob said, feigning innocence with the suggestive comment.

Fanboy seemed to consider this for a moment then grinned. “That works for me. I plan to test that “no sex” rule this week. There has to be a few slope bunnies running around here.” And he winked. Bob just swallowed then looked over at Rooster. “I guess that means the room up here is yours.”

Rooster’s eyes cut over to Phoenix as if asking her permission to sleep one room away, even though they had been doing that in barracks and on ships for years. When she didn’t protest, he said, “Yeah that works for me” and they all dispersed to check out their accommodations and bring their bags to their rooms.

Phoenix disappeared down the hall as the guys all filed down the stairs. Rooster watched her go then heard a quiet “You’re welcome” next to him as Bob walked past to the stairs without looking Roosters direction at all.

He was gob smacked. That quiet, dorky guy was playing matchmaker without anyone knowing. Bob was definitely a good guy and he owed him so big.

Once downstairs Rooster grabbed his duffle as well as the two bags Phoenix brought along and headed back upstairs. He dropped his ruck at the door to his room then moved over to the master bedroom, tapping the slightly ajar door.

“Anyone home?” he asked into the room.

“Come in” she called.

Bradley entered the dark, freezing room and dropped her backpack and duffle near the bed. Looking around for her he realized there was a faint light coming from the bathroom.

“Uhm sorry” He called out “I didn’t mean to intrude; I brought your bags.”

She emerged from the bathroom with a laugh and flipped the switch on the closest lamp to her, warm light filling the dark. “Calm down bubba, I was just hanging my coat up and taking my boots off. Thanks for bringing my bags up, you didn’t have to do that?”

“They say chivalry is dead but I’m out to prove them wrong.”

She shook her head with that lovable smirk. “By the way, I was definitely feeling a little bit like a NASCAR driver today, so thanks for noticing. That is a fun car to drive!” She moved to her bags and started to remove things and place them in drawers.

He just let out a laughing breath and decided to give her some space to unpack. “Need anything else?”

“Nope, I think I’m good. I’m going to go find Bob so we can place a grocery pickup for in the morning. I think Omaha and Fritz brought enough water and snacks to hold us until then.”

“Sounds good. I’m just right next door if you need me.” He said, pointing in the direction of his room with his thumb as he started to make his way to the door but before he could leave, a hand reached out and grabbed his forearm.

“I’m glad you’re next door.” She said, looking somewhat shy. A look he had never really seen on her before. The slight blush of her cheeks warmed him. He just grinned and nodded his head. “Me too” and with that he walked out of her room and across to his. Once his bag was inside, he realized that his heart was pounding, and he still had the stupid grin on his face.

Oh yes, this was going to be a wonderful week indeed.

*****

The drive had been a long one so most turned in early after they arrived. The next morning Rooster woke to the sound of loud music and laughter coming from downstairs. He rolled over to check his phone on the bedside table. 8:47am

Really? He thought as he rolled back over and slammed his face into his pillow. It’s too early for that shit. He grumbled then decided he was wasting precious time and moved to sit up. As he rolled his neck and rubbed sleep from his eyes, a light tap came at his door. Frowning he croaked out “come in”.

The door opened slowly, and the woman of his dreams slipped in, closing the door behind her. Nat’s back came to rest on the wall next to the door and he was able to get an eyeful of her attire. Nat was dressed in a small pair of black shorts that barely covered the necessities and a matching black top with very thin straps. Roosters heart stopped and he prayed in that moment that his breath didn’t reek, and the covers hid his lap.

She smiled a small tight-lipped grin, speaking through her visible grogginess. “I’d tell you good morning, but I’m not sure all the ruckus downstairs makes it good.”

He snorted and nodded in agreement. “Yeah. Did it wake you too?”

“Unfortunately” she said as she moved over to the empty bed by the door. She crawled on all fours until she was in the middle then laid on her stomach facing him, her chin coming to rest on her folded arms in front of her. Watching her crawl across that bed scantily clad made his breath hitch and beads of sweat begin to pool in his hair line.

“I’m hiding out. Hangman said last night that the “lady of the house” should cook breakfast. Asshole. The smell of bacon tells me the grocery order arrived, so I figured I’d hide in here for a while until the idiots downstairs got things ready. Just in case one of ‘em comes looking for me.”

“I swear, the thought of physical violence from you really fuels that man. He has a serious death wish.” Rooster said with a chuckle.

“He may get his wish before this week is up. The kicker is, I really don’t know if he’s just playing sometime or if he really is the sexist pig he comes across as.” She says dryly.

“Probably both. I know he trusts you as a pilot, I’ve heard him say as much, though he would never admit it to your face.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes. Bradley continued “I also think he didn’t grow up around women who were pioneers in a male dominated field either.” With this she giggled and rolled over to her back and folded her arms over her face.

“It’s always weird to hear things like that said about me, ya know? “Pioneer of her field” I mean. I know I’m good at what I do but it still seems pretty unreal sometimes.”

“I’m sure it does. But it’s the truth.”

“Hmm” was her only response.

He contemplated what to say next. He really wanted to bug her about her decision, but it might be too early in the morning. This might also be the only time they would have alone the rest of the week. He really hoped it wouldn’t be, but he decided to strike while the opportunity was there.

“So, uh. I don’t want to hit you with this first thing in the morning, but um, I think we need to talk. About us. Uh, about your decision.”

He let out a huffed breath at the end of his statement, trying not to feel or come across nervous but he knew he was failing miserably at that. He was more nervous than ever before because she wasn’t moving. He wasn’t sure she was breathing either. He was sitting cross legged under his covers and just looked down at his lap, picking at lint on the top of the comforter, hoping she didn’t run out of the room.

Instead, she did something he wasn’t expecting. She rolled over and crawled out of the spare bed and came to a rest on Roosters bed, sitting cross legged in front of him. She placed a hand on top of the covers of his knee. He looked up to see her dark eyes, an obvious war happening within them. She looked nervous too, a look he rarely saw on her face.

“I know you want an answer” she began quietly “and you deserve one. I’m not being entirely fair to you, and I’m sorry for that.” He just stared in disbelief. He did not expect that to roll out of her mouth. “I think we should just see how this week goes and maybe we can talk at the end of it. Make some decisions then, yeah? I don’t want us to say or do anything the first morning that would impact the others mood for the rest of the week. Let’s just have a good time?”

Rooster stared into her eyes as she spoke, listening intently to her words. It wasn’t a no, but it wasn’t a yes either. But she wanted to have a good time with him this week. That seemed promising enough under the circumstances. He cleared his throat and placed his hand on top of her hand that was resting on his knee.

“I can live with that.” He said with a slight grin, her face relaxing into his favorite smirk.

Her warring eyes seemed to melt into something a little more dangerous and before he knew it, she had launched herself forward, her hands pushing on his chest, knocking him backwards into the pillow, her tiny frame coming to rest on top of his. Her hands stopped her fall, one on each side of his head, and his hands came to rest naturally on her hips.

Bradley looked up at her in complete shock, at a total loss for words, his heart racing. Natasha bent down as if doing a pushup and kissed him lightly on the lips then rose again to look at him with her trademark smirk. Roosters’ eyes fluttered open, and he realized he was gripping her small but firm hips harder than he probably should have been. He was fighting against every urge in his body, telling him in that moment to pull her hips down to meet his and kiss her senseless. They stayed that way, staring at each other, both panting lightly. Then she smiled a full smile.

“Do you smell bacon? I smell bacon.” She said with a raised eyebrow. And with that she rolled off of him and flitted quickly out of the room without a look backwards.

All Rooster could do was watch her leave then reach under the covers, his mind racing with all sorts of inappropriate yet delicious thoughts.

*****

After a long, almost frigid shower, Rooster threw on a pair of gym shorts and a black t-shirt and decided to face the music. Literally. The breakfast party was still hopping downstairs when he made his way down the staircase. The happy sight that greeted him made him grin. It was easy in this relaxed setting to forget just how precious life is and how any one of them could have been lost just a week ago.

Bob and Fanboy were moving around the kitchen, working on food and dishes. Hangman, Coyote, and Omaha sat in the tall chairs at the kitchen counter, empty plates in front of them as they talked amongst themselves enthusiastically. Fritz was curled up in the lounge chair, his back to Rooster. Then his eyes fell on her. Nat was wearing her favorite pair of gray sweatpants with NAVY written down the side of them in blue and a blue tank top. Her hair was piled up on top of her head and she was nested in the crook of the large sectional, a warm mug of coffee in her hands. She looked up at him and smiled innocently. As if nothing had happened. He stood there smirking at her when a loud, obnoxious voice rang out.

“It’s about damn time you drag your lazy ass out of bed Slow Ride.” Hangman was smiling wide, and Coyote gave him a quick high five. Everyone turned to look at him.

“Fuck you man, some of us actually drove yesterday, so who’s the lazy one.” And he popped Hangman on the back of the head as he walked past him around into the kitchen, grabbing a plate off the counter as he did.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t be mad if we didn’t leave you any food though.”

Bob spoke dryly from the other end of the kitchen where he was putting away clean dishes, his back to everyone. “There’s plenty. Look on the stove top Rooster, help yourself.”

“Thanks friend.” He said, looking at Hangman as he accentuated the word friend.

He loaded up a plate full of bacon, potatoes, and eggs then moved around to the tall chairs, taking the one on the end, purposely keeping two chairs between him and Hangman.

“Well birdie, did you find your accommodations suitable?”

Rooster snorted as he shoveled food into his mouth. He didn’t realize just how hungry he was, for actual food that is. Without looking up from his plate he let out a grunt but kept eating.

“A true man of many words.” The smartass replied then turned to look at Phoenix. “So friends, what do yall want to do today?”

Phoenix spoke first “At some point today we have to do some prep work on the food for our feast tomorrow.”

Hangman shook his head “Ok buzzkill. What fun things do yall want to do today?” Phoenix just rolled her eyes and took a sip of her coffee.

Fanboy spoke up next “I want to go to the ski lodge you mentioned. Maybe I can snag a date for our dinner tomorrow.”

“Now we’re talking.” Hangman replied. Omaha and Coyote agreed they wanted to go as well. Bob decided he wanted to stay and swim some before helping Phoenix prep the meal. Fritz and Rooster agreed to stay and help.

“I think I’m going to bundle up here in a little bit and take a walk down the trail to the lake. I want to see it.” Phoenix spoke up.

“That sounds like a great idea.” Bob agreed.

Plans were made, dishes were washed, and everyone dispersed to get ready for their day’s events. Once the ski lodge group left, the other half convened downstairs, donned in winter clothing, ready to take their walk. Fritz decided he wanted to stay behind and watch a movie in the theater room, so Bob, Phoenix, and Rooster set off to the lake.

The sun was out but the temperature was barely above freezing as the three friends made their way down a wooded trail, covered with the light dusting of snow from the day before. Natasha and Bob walked ahead of Rooster, chatting about their surroundings and the things that needed to be prepped today for tomorrow’s meal. Rooster wandered behind them, half listening, half watching his step, and occasionally catching glimpses of Nat’s smile when she was turned to face him or Bob. She seemed so happy and free, the intensity she normally carried with her melting away like snow in the sun.

After a half hour, they reached a clearing in the trees and a ledge overlooking the lake. The view was breathtaking. Clear water ringed by white and trees as far as they could see.

Rooster came to stand at the ledge with Phoenix between Bob and him. They all stood staring at the sight before them.

“Wow.” Bob said barely above a whisper.

“Agreed” Rooster said and Nat just nodded her head.

“You know, we see this stuff from the sky but it’s so different down here, completely immersed in this level of beauty. Its otherworldly.” Bob said, looking over at the two pilots. Both of them turned their heads and stared at him. Obviously uncomfortable with the sudden microscope he was under Bob spoke again. “What? I’m a hopeless romantic.”

“Huh. Learn something new every day.” Rooster said and Phoenix giggled.

“Yeah, well. I’m going to walk down to that clearing over there” Bob pointed to his right where the trail continued to another clearing a little further down the rock ledge. “Hangman said there are some natural tree benches there. I want to Facetime my sister, show my nieces the view.” And with a nod of his head, the bespeckled man turned and headed down the trail until he moved out of sight.

Rooster looked down at Natasha as she turned to look up at him.

“You know he did the whole room thing on purpose, right?” Rooster asked her suspiciously, wondering if she in fact knew this to be true.

“I figured. He really is a stealthy one. You know he caught on to us immediately that first night in the Hard Deck? He knew we had some sort of history and in his own, quiet way worked out enough to know that one way or the other, you and I work well together.” She said.

Rooster grinned, reaching out with his right hand to take her left. “We do work well together huh?” He asked, somewhat rhetorically.

“We do. No matter what, at least from a professional perspective, we will always make a badass team.”

“Hell yeah” he responded and brought the back of her gloved hand up to his lips as she smirked.

“So much for professionalism” she chastised in a playful manner. He laughed then leaned in to kiss her lightly on her lips.

“Now that was unprofessional” he said with a smirk as she just shook her head.

They decided to rejoin Bob. They found him walking around the clearing showing two giggling little girls the snow and trees and answering their rapid-fire questions about his most recent trip to sea. He of course was giving as little information as possible, but his face lit up when he looked up to see the two pilots.

“Ashley, Avery, there’s someone I want yall to meet.” He said, waving Phoenix over to where he was standing in the middle of the clearing. She walked over and came to stand next to him, smiling into the screen as he turned it to face her.

“Girls, this is Phoenix. She is my pilot!” he said animatedly, and Rooster could see both girls look of shock and awe as he moved up behind Bob and Phoenix.

“No way” the older child said “she’s a girl” she said questioningly, seeming a little confused but excited.

Bob and Phoenix both chuckled. “That I am. I’m so glad to meet both of you. Your Uncle Bobby talks about you both all the time. Maybe sometime the two of you can come with your mom and dad down to Lemoore and I can give you a look at my plane.” Phoenix said with matching enthusiasm to the sweet, shining eyes in front of her.

Both girls started squealing excitedly with chants of “Really?” and “Can we? Can we?”

Bob replied “Of course! I would love that for yall.”

The girls giggled as an adult woman came into view. “Ok you two, quit hogging your uncle, I want to talk to him too. Go play.” She said as she took the phone from the girls.

The older child spoke one more time. “I can’t wait to see you Uncle Bobby. I miss you. Phoenix, you are so cool!” and then she passed off the phone to her smiling mom.

Bob went on to introduce Phoenix to his sister Rachel and the two spoke with her for about 10 minutes. Rooster made his way to one of the fallen tree trunks and took a seat. He watched his Fire Bird with awe. Bobs sister asked her questions about being a female pilot, what it was like working with her brother, working with all the testosterone, her accomplishments. Towards the end of the conversation she called her daughters back to the phone and allowed them to ask Phoenix a few questions as well. The children were completely in love with the strong woman, just as he was.

Bob held the phone looking all the proud uncle as he watched his pilot chat happily with his family. Rooster suddenly knew why Nat was so hesitant with him. All of her words on the carrier slammed into him like a jet going Mach 10. She had this responsibility that rested on her shoulder. Young girls like Bobs nieces look at her and see a future that Natasha and other women had to fight to make a possibility. Something that seemed farfetched when Natasha was growing up was now an easily obtainable career option for little girls and his heart ached. She obviously loved not only flying but sharing her love of flying and encouraging those little girls to reach for something like that, if they wanted. He could never be the one to put her in the position to have to choose that love for his love. He wouldn’t do to her what Maverick had done to him. Bradley wouldn’t try to take her lifelong dream from her over his own selfishness. Or at the very least, he wouldn’t make it more difficult than it already had been for her.

He decided then and there that whatever fun they had this week could only really be platonic unless Nat said otherwise, and he practically shattered on the inside. Her happiness was all that mattered to him, and he was watching her at her absolute happiest in a beautiful setting and he wanted that to be the best memory she took from this trip.

*****

Rooster was quiet on the walk back, deep in contemplation while Nat and Bob discussed his nieces and their excitement over “meeting” Phoenix. Back at the house they found Fritz asleep in the movie room while a World War II flick played out on the screen. Bob and Phoenix changed back into comfortable clothing and decided to start working on the food for Thanksgiving. Rooster needed some quiet time to think so he decided to head up to his room and take a nap. He quickly changed out of his warm clothing and back into his athletic shorts before crawling into the bed.

He was almost asleep when a tap came at the door. This time she didn’t wait for him to respond, and Natasha slid into the door and locked it behind her. She walked across the room and slid her sweatpants down her toned legs, revealing small blue shorts underneath. Then wordlessly she crawled under the covers next to Bradley and came to rest with her head on his chest as he wrapped his arm around her.

“I think now is a great time to get our missed nap in.” She stated matter-of-factly.

He squeezed her into him and placed a light kiss on the top of her head in response. Her warm body felt incredible, her tiny frame fit perfectly at his side. But instead of feeling excited and elated, he felt torn. For years this is what he wanted, to have her cuddling in his arms. But now strong feelings of guilt were washing over him as he thought of her conversation with two giggling little girls earlier. Bradley drifted off to the sound of her light breaths and his wandering thoughts of a future he wasn’t sure he really wanted anymore.

*****

An hour later Rooster came back to life to the realization he was alone in the bed. And they say Bob is the stealthy one. He never heard her leave. She sure liked to do that.

With a sigh he crawled out of the bed and headed downstairs to see what was going on. He found Nat and Bob standing in the kitchen chopping vegetables and prepping a turkey for the oven.

“Hey sleepy head. Care to join us?” she asked with a smile.

Bob looked up at Rooster over the top of his glasses, a knowing grin on his face.

“Uh yeah, let me wash my hands.”

With that he spent the next couple of hours working around the kitchen with Bob and Natasha while they sang, told jokes, and swapped war stories.

As the bird went in the oven the ski lodge group returned, crashing through the front door loudly laughing and chatting as they removed their boots and coats.

“Bobby boy, you missed out. Fanboy found a pair of nerd girls and had them all to himself. Oh wait, probably not your type huh?”

“Bagman, eat shit.” Bob spat as he adjusted the temperature on the oven.

“Daaaang. He told you.” Fanboy voiced mockingly as he entered the kitchen.

“What? I didn’t mean it as a bad thing.” Hangman said defensively and Bob just shot him an unamused look.

“I have a proposition for yall. We should go to the Opal at Bally’s tonight. Its just over the border in Nevada. Dancing, drinking, ladies. Lets make a bet, see if we can get Bobby Boy’s cherry popped tonight.”

Coyote laughed, Phoenix looked ready to throw the knife in her hand, and Fanboy just shook his head.

“Serasin, believe it or not I haven’t been a virgin for a very long time and really don’t need your help in that department.” And with that Bob sat down the towel he was wiping his hands with and made for the stairs down to the movie room.

“I swear to God, you open your mouth and literal shit just pours out of it. What is it about that man that threatens you so much? Is It because he is a better person than you could ever hope to be or what?” Rooster had reached up to remove the knife from Phoenix hand as she spit her words at Hangman, practically shouting at him.

“What? I was just having some fun with the guy?”

“Your idea of fun involves being a dick. Pretty sure dick isn’t what Bob is into.” she said, completely unamused with Hangman.

“Wait. He’s straight?” Coyote asked looking completely stunned.

“You thought he was gay? And you thought he was a virgin?” Fanboy asked, looking disbelieving at the two pilots.

Rooster snorted and Omaha moved past them, mumbling something about going to the bathroom as he disappeared towards his room behind the kitchen.

“None of this is your business, Jake. You need to go apologize.”

Hangman started to protest but then Coyote popped his arm with the back of his hand to stop him. He huffed and said “fine” before disappearing down the stairs with Coyote.

“He was a dick the whole time we were gone. I think this whole “Savior” complex is going to his head. You should have heard the shit he was saying to any woman who was breathing at the lodge.” Fanboy said as he moved to the sink to wash his hands.

“Sounds like you found some snow bunnies though?” Phoenix asked, obviously wanting to change the subject.

Fanboy began helping Phoenix with the vegetables so Rooster decided to go downstairs and make sure Bob hadn’t killed hangman and gotten blood on the carpet.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs though, Rooster found a much different scene than he expected. The three men were sitting in recliners, talking. Bob in the middle with a pilot on either side of him. Rooster stopped in the doorway since they couldn’t see him and decided to listen in.

“You know I was just fuckin around with you right?”

“You do know I’ve been listening to that crap my entire career, right?”

“Aw man come on, its what we do. We screw with each other.”

“Hangman, when have I ever come across to you as the “screw with each other” type? My glasses and quiet demeanor do not automatically mean I am here as your personal punching bag. You have been an asshole to me since the moment we met, and you haven’t been much better.” Bob accused, looking over at Coyote. Rooster silently agreed. Both pilots had been unnecessarily pushy towards Bob.

There was silence for a few moments then Hangman spoke again.

“You’re right man. I’m sorry. I’m a dick by nature and I’ve never really given you chance. I just made assumptions and haven’t really gotten to know who you really are.”

Rooster was shocked and impressed at the sounds of an apology from Jake Serasin’s mouth. Coyote spoke up.

“I’m sorry too.”

“I appreciate that. Remember, we’re all on the same team. I graduated from the same Academy you did, from Top Gun the same as you. And unlike yall, I was actually chosen for the mission last week. I’d say I’ve earned some respect.”

Both pilots seemed impressed with the shade Bob had thrown them. Rooster was too. Go Bob he thought to himself.

“You are exactly right. So, let us make it up to you. Come out with us tonight. Just as buddies, no pressure on anything else. Do you dance? Drinks on me.” Hangman said as he clapped Bob on the back.

“I dance. I don’t drink thought.” Bob replied.

“Hey, I didn’t say alcohol.”

“Ok then, sure. Why the hell not.”

“Alright then.”

Rooster backed out of the door frame and returned up the stairs. He walked into the kitchen to see Phoenix and Fanboy hard at work. Phoenix looked up and asked, “Bob ok?”

“He’s got a sharper tongue than most realize. He put them both in their place. And apparently, we are, in fact, going clubbing tonight.”

Phoenix seemed appeased and Fanboy smiled and nodded his head as he started to dance while chopping.

“Oh yeah! This is going to be lit.”

Phoenix and Rooster looked at each other and laughed at their friend and his funny dance moves. Tonight, the Daggers were hitting the town.