#that's my emotional support wso

[callsign-birdie]

Bob taking care of me by cleaning my house. Doing the dishes, the laundry. Anything I need done, he's willing to do because he just wants to be there for you. Work and mental health saps a lot of my energy. I hate how doing simple things has me feeling so drained. I can't even bother to make my bed or put up my clothes. Bo would do those things for you because he loves you and he wants to take some of the load off. And reassuring you that you shouldn't feel bad that he's doing these things because you could've done it. (I'm so hard on myself and living at home still doesn't help either! 😭)

[bellaireland1981]

Stubborn Hearts | 4

Summary: Reader (Firecracker, Sunshine) has been in love with Bradley since she was a young girl. Growing up the two were inseparable, apart from short periods of time when she was on the West Coast with the Kazanskys. One faithful decision by her dad to block Bradley from going to the Naval Academy resulted in a huge rift between father and daughter and left her without Bradley in her life. Now all grown up, she’s called back to the west coast at the same time as her father and Bradley. Her mission, according to her dying godfather, is to mend fences with her dad and Bradley. Can stubborn hearts be healed?

(I suck at summaries for real).

This will have multiple chapters… this is 4 of ??

Characters: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Mitchell! Reader, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell x Daughter! Reader, The Dagger Squad, Shay (OC), Penny, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky

Word Count: 4584

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Death of character, TGM Spoilers, Illusions to Smut (later on ), Turbulent relationship with parent, Friends to lovers, …Please let me know if I’ve missed any!

A/N- This is my first time writing for TGM. I do not own the characters or plot lines from the movie. I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION TO COPY OR REPRODUCE MY WORK ON THIS OR ANY OTHER PLATFORM! Reblogging is always welcome! Feedback is MUCH loved and appreciated. THANK YOU to @waywardodysseys​ for all support and bouncing ideas!!

Ch 1    Ch 2   Ch 3

Tags below ! If I forgot anyone, please message me! If you want to be added, let me know!

The next morning when you came downstairs, you must have been wearing your emotions because your aunt immediately picked up on your emotional turmoil. It hadn’t taken much for you to open up and let it all spill out. After, she simply held you and let you cry it all out before reassuring you that things in life do happen for a reason, and not to close any doors. You were pretty sure that door had been slammed last night already.

You caught a ride to the Hard Deck later in the afternoon with Shay to pick up the Jeep. You made sure to go though, when you knew the rest of the aviators would be in training so you didn’t run into Bradley.

“Penny requested our presence inside.” Shay said, “She has lunch waiting.”

The two of you headed inside to see Penny had ordered burgers from your favorite diner. To your surprise, your dad was also inside. He was in his service khaki uniform so you assumed he was just here for lunch which meant it was a classroom day as opposed to a flying day.

“Hey, Firecracker.” He said gently, obviously having been brought up to speed on the night before.

You didn’t even hesitate, you walked straight to your dad, wrapping your arms around his middle and laying your head on his chest, the same way you did as a kid when you needed to be comforted. Without missing a beat, he wrapped his own arms around you and rested his chin on your head.

“Why do men have to suck so much?” You asked, “Why does this hurt so bad?”

“It hurts because you love him, my sweet girl.” He replied, softly, “I’m sorry, Y/N. I know this all started because of what I did.”

“It may have started that way, dad, but it’s been long enough now… it’s his own asshole self causing this.” You said. “I told him I wasn’t his ‘Sunshine’ anymore and gave him back the necklace.”

“Well that would explain some of today’s events.” He sighed, stepping back, and guiding you to the table. “I actually dismissed them all for the day, so they may actually be in here earlier than normal, Pen.”

“What happened today?” You asked, grabbing a burger from the pile and a handful of fries.

“Tensions were extra high as it was. Some of the perimeters of the mission have changed and we were going over the terrain again.” He said. He couldn’t give much detail due to it being classified, but you knew enough to know changes this late in the game were bad. “Then Hangman decided today would be a great day to point out that my old WSO was in fact Rooster’s dad, and it explained the issues between the two of us. This was of course, after he made known his thoughts that Rooster doesn’t have what it takes to successfully complete this mission.”

“Not that I’m defending him, because that was a shitty thing to do and say…” Shay said, “But after you left, Y/N, Jake tore into Bradley for making you cry. He was pretty angry. Jake really likes you, he said you remind him of his sister.”

“Well I always wanted a brother.” You smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood, “Tell him thank you for the thought, but not to be a jerk to Bradley please. Bringing his dad into things was a low blow. Even though Bradley didn’t seem to mind bringing mine into the argument.”

“I’m really fucking proud of you, Firecracker.” Mav said, smiling, “You grew up to be this amazing woman…despite everything… you have the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. I love you, kid.”

“I love you too, dad.” You said, warmth spreading throughout your whole body.

The four of you ate lunch, catching up and filling each other in on funny stories you’d missed over the years. It was nice to take a break from the emotional turmoil currently filling your life. Once you were done you all made your way out to the back patio on the beach with your beverages. There was a pretty intense game of beach volleyball happening between a group of pilots. Thankfully for you, none of which looked familiar.

“Cyclone told me to build a team.” Mav said, watching the players. “But, despite my best efforts, I can’t get them to work together. If they’re not leaving their wingman out to dry, they’re being too cautious and making mistakes.”

“What about a team building game…” You said your eyes on the game on the beach. “Get them out of their jets and out of the classroom. Bring them somewhere… here maybe… get them to work together, but let them have fun and let off steam.”

“What kinda game?” He asked, intrigued with your thought process.

“What part of the mission do they need to work together the most? To really have one another’s backs?” Shay asked.

“In the event of a dogfight.” Mav replied, trying to stay vague. “They need to know they can count on each other.” You were glad you didn’t know much about this mission because you knew it would only make you worry more.

“What about a football game?” Shay suggested, “It requires the most amount of teamwork and communication.”

“Football, but both sides are on defense and offense at the same time…” You suggested. “Two footballs in play… each team having to defend their own ball and try to score while at the same time preventing the other team from scoring.”

“Dogfight Football” Penny threw in, laughing. “It’ll build teamwork and they’ll let off some of that pent up energy and tension. You may find it helps them focus better too, Pete.”

“I like it.” He agreed, “I am surrounded by very smart women.”

“Don’t you forget it either!” You laughed.

“Ok, I’m going to text them all and have them report to the beach tomorrow for team building. Then, Penny, I’m taking you out on a date tonight. You will not be working.” He informed Penny.

“Just so happens, I had already planned to be off tonight, so I guess I’ll let you take me on a date.” She teased.

“So…what time is this team building happening tomorrow?” Shay asked, “Just…out of…curiosity.”

“Sure… curiosity” You teased, “Curious about what Jake looks like without a shirt, running around a beach getting all sweaty?”

“Now that you mention it, I think I need to know what time this is happening as well…” Penny agreed, “So I can make sure to have cold drinks for everyone that is.”

“Uh huh..” You laughed, “Neither of you are subtle.”

“I’m thinking I’ll get them all out here mid morning.” Mav said, shaking his head at the other two.

“Count me out.” You said, “As much fun as that sounds and all…”

“No!” Shay exclaimed, “You have to come, Y/N! You helped develop it! And… things are still really new with Jake, so I could use the moral support.”

“I’m sure you’ll be just fine on your own, drooling over Jake.” You assured her. “It really is best for me just to stay away.”

“At least think about it, Kiddo.” Penny said, “Don’t decide right now.”

_______________________________

You ended up deciding to go check out the Dogfight Football game at the last minute. It was your uncle who convinced you to go in the end, saying it was your dad that could use the moral support.

The game was already in progress when you made your way around the building and down onto the beach. You quickly found Shay and Penny camped out in beach chairs, with one left open for you. Amelia was laid out on a beach blanket with airpods in her ears, checked out from the action.

“Y/N!” Shay said, looking up as you approached the trio. “You made it!”

“Probably not the best of my decisions, but Uncle Tommy said dad might need the moral support.” You replied, “And of course my new weakness is apparently my dad.”

“He’ll be glad you’re here for sure.” Penny said, “I’m guessing so will another certain aviator.”

“I think the sun is getting to you, Pen.” You quipped dryly. “I’m personally hoping someone tackles his ass into the sand. That would be entertaining.”

“‘I’ll try to get Jake’s attention and suggest it.” Shay laughed, “He’d be all too willing to oblige that request!”

“I don’t doubt that, but that would probably serve the opposite purpose of team building.” You replied.  You pulled off the shirt you’d had over your bathing suit top and draped it on the back of the chair before sitting down. The warm sun felt good on your skin. You made a mental note to take time to sit in the sun more often.

Penny passed you a bottle of water from a cooler she had next to her.

“So who’s winning?” You asked, eyes on the chaos in front of you. You had to admit, it looked like a mess of people running amok but it did look fun.

“I don’t think they’re actually keeping score.” Shay said, “This was definitely a fantastic idea though. I don’t know if it’s working for team building, but it’s so hot to watch.”

You almost choked on the water you’d just taken a drink of, laughter overtaking you.  She wasn’t wrong though. With the exception of Bob and Hondo, all of the male aviators had their shirts off. You took a minute to enjoy the sight of all the muscled, shirtless men running around. There was no shortage of abs in this group that’s for sure.  The fact that your eyes immediately sought out Bradley and locked on him wasn’t missed by Shay or Penny. They looked at one another and smirked while you continued to enjoy the sight of a half naked Bradley, who was now doing a little victory dance.

“It’s not fair that he’s that stupid hot but also that stupid.” You complained.

“I hear you, kiddo.” Penny replied, dryly. “I hear you.”

“Stupid maybe, but pretty to look at.” Shay said, “Jury is still out on Jake. I have a date with him though tonight.”

“WHAT?” You exclaimed, loudly, turning your body to face her. “You lead with that, Shay! Do you know where he’s taking you?”

“Sorry” She laughed, “I was distracted. He’s taking me to dinner, that’s all he’s shared with me.”

“I expect details tomorrow.” You demanded.

“I promise.” She replied.

The three of you watched as the game continued in front of you. After a while your dad opted out of the game, coming up to sit down in the sand next to you Penny.  The game continued without him, the aviators enjoying themselves.

“It appears our plan is working.” You remarked, “Nobody is trying to kill anyone else and they are working together.”

“For now” Mav agreed, “We will see if this translates to the sky.”

“What exactly is going on? You’re supposed to be training them for a mission.” You hear a voice coming behind you all. “You have them playing on a beach?”

“You told me to make them a team.” Mav replied to Cyclone. You’d never really cared for the guy. He always seemed to have a stick up his ass every time you’d seen him. Even at barbecues at your aunt and uncles. “They’re playing dogfight football. Both on offense and defense at the same time. They have to work together to score and prevent the other team from scoring.”

“Well, who’s winning?” Cyclone asked, looking at the rowdy group ahead of him.

“I think they stopped keeping score.” Mav replied.

“I expect everyone back on base and in the training room or in the sky first thing tomorrow morning.” Cyclone stated, turning to head back to his car.

“Well isn’t he just a ray of fucking sunshine.” You said, rolling your eyes. “I can see why you two do  not get along.”

“He’s… something.” Your dad replied. “I’m glad to see you here though, Firecracker.”

“It’s been entertaining.” you admitted. “Worth the trip to the beach.”

“For what it’s worth, you’re proving quite the distraction to one of my aviators.” Mav said, smirking at you over his sunglasses.

“UGH!” You grumbled, “Why does everyone keep insisting on seeing something that clearly is not there?”

“He’s not wrong.” Amelia said, taking her airpods out and joining the conversation. “I’ve been watching and Bradley definitely keeps looking this way when he thinks you’re not looking. He’s gotten tackled a couple times because of it.”

“Damn, I missed him getting tackled.” You replied, “But way to take sides, Aims.”

“Just calling it like I see it.” She smiled, “Are you still coming to dinner this weekend?”

“I sure am!” You replied.

“Cool.” She replied, “Mom, can I go down the beach a bit? My friends are meeting up there.”

“Sure.” Penny replied, “Come up to the bar when you’re ready to go.”

“Bye!” She said, wasting no time in gathering her stuff and heading off to her friends.

You could see the game was breaking up, everyone worn out from the intense competition.

“I should get going too.” You said, “I think I’m going to head over to the hangar today and get some air time in.”

“Want company?” You dad asked. Since he’d given the squad the day off after the team building, he also had the rest of the day off.

“I’d love some company” You replied, not wanting to miss an opportunity to fly with your dad. You’d always loved flying with him as a kid. You were also excited to show him the plane you were quite proud of owning.

“Let me run home and shower and change and I can meet you over there…or I can come pick you up.” He said.

“How about you meet me over there?” You said, planning on running through to grab a sandwich somewhere and talk to Frank quickly about possible charter jobs.

“Sounds good. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.” he answered, “Penny, I’m still planning on taking you out tonight. I’ll pick you up at 7.”

“Damn, everyone around here has a date tonight.” You commented, “I may need to join a dating app.”

“Who’s joining a dating app?” Jake said, coming up at the end of the conversation. He was dripping water everywhere, so he’d clearly decided to cool off in the ocean after the game.

“Y/N, apparently” Shay said, smiling at Jake. “Although, I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“Absolutely not.” Jake agreed, “Those apps are filled with creeps, not deserving of our girl. We can do better!”

“Better at what?” Phoenix asked, joining the group.

“We can’t let Y/N join a dating app.” Jake said. You hung your head sighing. This was turning into an out of control game of telephone.

“No way!” Phoenix agreed, “Not happening, Y/N. Leave it to us!”

“Actually…” You said, finally getting a word in, “I was totally joking about the app. I have zero interest in dating anyone right now. I need to figure out life first.”

“That’s an even better idea.” You dad piped up, “Not the figuring your life out part… you’ve got that, I mean the dating part. You can skip that.”

“Wow.” Penny laughed, “That was the most ‘dad’ thing I’ve ever heard you say.”

“Well, better late than never right?” Mav replied. “Firecracker, l will see you in a little bit. The rest of you aviators, bright and early tomorrow in the training room and be ready to fly the course.”

“Yes, Sir!” Jake replied.

“On that note…” You said, “I’m hitting the road too. Have on your dates tonight. Jake.. I expect you to treat my friend like the queen she is.”

“Yes, Ma’am!” He said, already making heart eyes at Shay. They would make a great couple. You were definitely rooting for them.

“Bob and I are going to catch a movie if you wanna join.” Phoenix offered.

“Thank you, you’re sweet to offer.” You replied, warmly. “I’m going to stick close to home tonight and spend time with my family I think.” While going out with them sounded fun, you really did just want to soak up as much time with your uncle as you could before it was no longer an option. Each day, his light seemed to dim a little more.

“Understandable” She said, “We can hang out another time. Maybe even leave all the guys behind and do a girls night.”

“That sounds fabulous.” You replied.

You pulled your shirt back on over your swim top and picked the sandals laying on the sand before saying goodbye to everyone.

As you approached the parking lot you saw Bradley pulling a shirt next to his Bronco. You mentally slapped yourself for not getting out of here sooner or not staying behind to talk to the others longer. Your timing definitely needed work.  Determined not to have a repeat of the past two conversations with him, you kept your head down and walked faster to the Jeep, hoping with everything you had he wouldn’t see you.

Apparently your luck really did suck because just as your hand reached for the door handle of the Jeep you heard him yell your name as he started in your direction. You felt your whole body tense up at the sound.

“Bradley, I’m really not in the headspace to go another round,” You sighed, “Nor do I have time. I’m meeting my dad to go flying this afternoon.”

“I don’t want to fight,” He replied, “I just… Y/N, I can’t leave things the way we left them. I’m so sorry for lashing out. I didn’t mean what I said. Can we just try again to talk? Third time’s the charm… please, Sunshine?”

“I’m sorry,” You said quietly. “I… can’t”

You opened your door and got in, firmly closing it, creating a barrier between you and Bradley. You nearly broke when you saw the raw emotion on his face. You didn’t want to hurt him. Even after everything, you loved him and wanted to comfort him.

He stepped back allowing you to back the Jeep up. You glanced in the rearview mirror as you left the parking lot, he hadn’t moved at all and was starting after you as you drove away.

___________________________

Being at the hangar was the distraction you needed after the more recent interaction with Bradley. You were conflicted. On one hand you were determined to protect your already shattered heart, not wanting to endure any more turmoil. On the other hand, Bradley really did seem to want to talk and to find some solid ground between the two of you. Could you two move past everything that had happened and salvage your friendship? If you could…could you settle for being his friend, having been in love with him since you could remember?

With so much swirling around in your head you knew being in the air was exactly what you needed today. You threw your purse into the pilot’s seat, then headed to the office to find Frank.

“Hey Frank” You said, walking into the office. “I’ve got copies of my licenses and paperwork for you.”

“Great!” He replied, “I’ll get this filed and then we can add you to the list of charter pilots here. We’ll need to have you fill out some paperwork so you can get paid and all that important stuff, but we can do that whenever.”

“Sounds good. I also need to file flight info for today. I’m going to take the plane up with my dad.” You said.

You handed him the flight information, planning a similar route as last time.  He entered your plane info into the computer and got you in the lineup for a runway. Once you were done, you made your way back to your plane to do all of the preflight checks while you waited on your dad to arrive.

_________

Flying with your dad as a kid was always fun and like an adventure. Flying with him as an adult with you in control, was a whole new experience. It was nerve wracking but exciting at the same time. You wanted to make him proud as flying was a huge part of him. You were happy to show off your skills. You knew you were a good pilot. Not at the same caliber as your dad, but you were skilled in your own right.

“This is an odd feeling” Your dad laughed, his voice coming through the speaker on your headset. “Now I know how WSOs feel.”

“Good odd, or bad odd?” You asked, glancing over at him. He looked relaxed in the seat next to you.

“Good.” He replied, “I’m proud of you, Firecracker. You’re a damn good aviator.”

“High praise coming from a Top of the Top.” You beamed, then admitted “Even when I was being stubborn and mad, flying helped me feel closer to you.”

“It makes me really happy that you love flying” He replied, his voice choking with emotion, “You could have become resentful of planes and flying growing up as a Navy Kid.”

“Between you and Uncle Tommy, there was absolutely zero chance I’d hate flying or planes” you laughed. “I probably have jet fuel in my blood.”

“You’re in great company then.” Mav laughed, “Feel like heading off course just a bit? I’ve got a hangar and a small runway a little southeast of here. I’d love to show you the plane I’m working on.”

“You have your own hangar and runway?” You asked, “Why am I not surprised by this?”

“It’s where I end up staying most of the time when I’m not on base.” He said, “What can I say? I live and breathe aviation.”

“Tell me where I’m going. Let’s check out this home away from home.” You answered. Once he gave you the coordinates and landing points, adjusted your direction on your plane and headed towards your new point.

The landing was smooth, the runway in good condition. You didn’t expect anything less from your dad. Once you’d taxied to the hangar, you shut down the plane, and jumped out to join your dad as he opened the large hangar in front of you.

“You have a P-52 Mustang!” you exclaimed once sunlight flooded the hangar.

He smiled at your enthusiasm and guided you in to show you the plane.

“I got this one a few years ago” He said, “She’s the one I prefer to fly when I’m not in a jet.”

You ran your hand along the side of the plane, soaking in the details and beauty. Growing up, you’d gone to airshows often, and the Mustang remained your favorite.

“I think I just fell in love.” You said, laughing. “Who needs men when there are beautiful planes like this in the world”?

“That’s my girl” Mav laughed, “Come on, let me show you the one I’m fixing up.”

He walked you over to where he had another plane partially dismantled. His time to work on it now was limited due to training at Top Gun. You  knew he’d spend all of his free time once he was done with this mission back here fixing up the plane. Hopefully he saved some time to also spend with Penny.

“That’s the part I still want to learn.” You admitted, “I can do basic maintenance on my plane but I’d love to learn more about fixing planes and being able to rebuild them.”

“Well, you’re in the right place then, Firecracker.” Mav said, “Anytime you want to come out and help me, I’d be honored to teach you what I know.”

“I’d love that, Dad.” You replied, smiling.  You looked around at the hangar noticing that he did indeed probably stay here often. There was a fridge and microwave with a heating plate to cook food, and a small seating area with a couch to crash on. On the back wall where he kept various tools he also had a display of pictures hanging. You wandered over to take a closer look, smiling as you saw various pictures of you and Bradley growing up as well as pictures of your dad, Goose and Uncle Ice when they were younger at Top Gun. What surprised you was Bradley’s service picture in his dress blues hanging on the board. You didn’t think your dad had followed his career.

“Lots of memories on that board.” Mav said, coming up behind you.

“You kept track of him didn’t you.” You asked, “Even after…”

“I did.” He replied, “He’s my godson. I didn’t pull the papers because I didn’t love him. I was honoring his mom’s wishes. I still wanted to see him succeed.”

“If you had it to do over again, would you make the same decision?” You asked, “Or would you be honest with him and let him make the choice?”

“Knowing how it all turned out and the hurt it caused…” He replied, “I would ask Carol to talk to him about her fears and I would tell Bradley to follow his heart.”

“Maybe you should try talking to him and being completely honest with him now.” You suggested, “Give him the whole truth and let him do with it what he will.”

“I don’t want to taint his memories of his mom.” He said, “It’s easier for me to bear the brunt of his anger. He already blames me for his dad’s death.”

“I don’t think he really means that.” You said, “I think that’s the hurt talking. You were his hero growing up, Dad. He loved you so much, he wanted to be just like you.”

“And now he won’t talk to me.” He sighed. “He’s respectful enough to not be insubordinate in training, but I could be any instructor off the street as far as he’s concerned.”

“Maybe just give it time.” You offered, “Then try again. You’ll eventually wear him down.”

“Time isn’t really in our favor.” He said. “After this mission, new orders will be given. They all have permanent squadrons they’re attached to.”

“Possibly…” You reasoned, “But there is this amazing new technology called a cell phone… It's really easy to use too. Even better, you can take it with you wherever you go!”

“Smartass.” He laughed, playfully nudging you with his shoulder.

“Guess that’s another trait I inherited from you.” You quipped.

“We should head back.” Mav said, noticing the time. “If you don’t want to pay for a hangar rental you can always keep your plane here.”

“I may take you up on that.” You replied, “I am supposed to pick up some charter flights from Frank as he needs me, but I don’t know if a hangar is included in that, since I’d be using his planes.”

“Whatever you decide.” He said, the two of you climbing into the plane after closing up the hangar. “Offer is always on the table.”

“Thanks, Dad,” You said smiling.

“Let’s turn and burn.” He said, pulling on his headset.

“Wrong kinda plane, Dad.” You laughed.

The flight back was just as smooth and before long you were taxiing off of the runway back into the hangar. Your dad helped with tying the plane down so you were back in your Jeep on your way home in no time.

A/N- Is Bradley getting ready to redeem himself?? We’re getting closer to this stubborn pair letting their guards down :) 

Taglist:  @gracespicybradshaw​ @memoriesat30​, @khaylin27​, @snekssss, @shanimallina87​ @atarmychick007​  @jstarr86​    If I forget anyone please message me!  

[writingdumpster]

celebration

pairing: Mickey Garcia (Fanboy) x reader

warnings: alcohol, implied sex

summary: everyone in the dagger squad has tried to get your number, but the last lieutenant to approach ends up being the winner

word count: 1,275

Your friend had begged you to go to The Hard Deck with her. She told you it was a bar where Navy men and women frequented and it would be a good place for her to find a fling. She was just getting out of a relationship and needed to get back into dating. You reluctantly agreed to be her emotional support, but she’d been whisked away by some pilot within minutes of your arrival. You were left sitting alone at the bar being interrupted every few minutes by a different pilot or WSO introducing themselves to you with a callsign instead of a name. Another man approached. He sat down beside you and then turned his head to face you.

“I’m Mickey,” he said, as he held out his hand. You turned to look at him. You were tired of the introductions, but you didn’t want to be rude and you were pleasantly surprised at this lieutenant’s decision to tell you his name and not his callsign. When you looked at him you noticed that he was one of two in the large group that had not approached you that night. The other was a bespectacled man who you had noted didn’t talk much at all. You were mildly glad that this Mickey had come to talk to you. When you saw the table when you walked in, he had been the one you found most attractive. Quiet but smiley. Handsome but not arrogant. He stuck out among his friends.

“Are you and your friends doing a challenge to see which one of you gets rejected the fastest?” You asked. Mickey chuckled.

“Rooster said Hangman wouldn’t be able to get your number and when he couldn’t the rest of them had to try,” he said. “I actually wanted to apologize for all of us bothering you.” You were surprised. This man was being very honest with you.

“No need to be sorry,” you said.

“Can I buy you a drink on behalf of all of us?” He asked. You smiled.

“Only if you stay while I drink it,” you said. Mickey blushed a bit but smiled.

“I’d be honored,” he said. He got Penny’s attention and you told her your order. “What’s your name?” He asked.

“Y/N,” you told him.

“What’s your call sign? Or is Mickey your callsign? Is it like the mouse?” Mickey chuckled.

“No, Mickey is my real name. My callsign is Fanboy,” he said.

“Fanboy? Are you into K-Pop or something?” You joked. Mickey smiled.

“Star Wars,” he said. “I was wearing underwear with Chewbacca on them on my first day and now I’m Fanboy forever.” You laughed and Mickey grinned. He knew he wouldn’t be satisfied if he didn’t get to hear the sound of your laugh every day.

“At least it’s not ‘Coyote.’ That was the worst one,” you said. Mickey smiled.

“Coyote’s the worst? And which one of us has the best callsign?” He asked.

“Phoenix,” you said. “Fanboy is a close second though. Rooster doesn’t even make sense. Roosters can’t fly.” Mickey chuckled.

“Payback said the same thing when we met Rooster,” Mickey told you.

“You’ve known Payback longer than the others?” Mickey nodded.

“He’s my pilot. I’m a weapons systems officer,” he said. “We went through Top Gun training together,” he finished.

“You’re not training at Top Gun right now?” You asked.

“No, ma’am,” he said. Your cheeks warmed and you held in a smile. You hadn’t realized just how charming military men would be. “We just got back from a mission. We’re celebrating.”

“What was the mission?” You asked.

“Oh, I’m afraid that’s classified, ma’am,” Mickey said. His tone was light and teasing. You chuckled.

“A man of mystery,” you said as you took a sip of your drink.

“No mysteries. I’m an open book,” he said.

“Really?” You asked. You leaned forward as did Mickey, the two of you both proudly in one another’s personal space.

“Ask me anything.” You smirked.

“If your friends hadn’t been bothering me, would you still have come over here?” You asked. Mickey blushed but smiled.

“Probably not. I’m not the most confident when it comes to beautiful women,” he said.

“Hmm. I’m glad I endured all of your friends then,” you said. Mickey smiled.

“I am too,” he said.

“Were you flying one of the planes on your mission?” You asked.

“I don’t fly them, but I was in one of them,” he said.

“I’m sure I owe you a ‘thank you’ then. Whatever classified business you were doing has kept me safe,” you said.

“No ‘thanks’ necessary, ma’am,” he said.

“No?” You asked.

“No.” Mickey said as he shook his head. You reached forward and put your hand on his thigh.

“And what if I want to thank you anyway?” You whispered into his ear. His breath hitched.

“Let me go grab my jacket,” he said.

“I drove my friend here. I have to give her my car keys,” you said. Mickey headed back over to the pool table that the Dagger Squad had monopolized to grab his coat.

“Where’ve you been?” Hangman asked. “I thought you were going to get us another round.”

“I was talking to y/n,” Mickey said. Hangman and Rooster chuckled.

“Bob’s gotta go now. We all have to get rejected by her,” Coyote piped in.

“I couldn’t get her number. Did you really think you could?” Hangman mocked. Mickey smiled to himself.

“I didn’t try to get her number,” he said. Phoenix rolled her eyes.

“Right. That’s why you were over there for twenty minutes and came back without any drinks,” she said.

“I am taking her back to my place right now,” Mickey added casually as he grabbed his jacket. Hangman choked on the beer he was drinking. His eyes shot to Mickey.

“You’re bluffing,” Hangman said. Mickey glanced over his shoulder. You were standing at the end of the bar with your eyes on him.

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” he said with a smile. He pulled his jacket on as he walked towards you. He rested his hand on your lower back as he led you out of the bar and towards his car. The whole dagger squad exchanged shocked looks as they watched their beloved Fanboy be the one to take you home.

Mickey dropped you off at your house the next morning. You kissed him shyly, but he quickly deepened the kiss, pulling you close to him. He promised to call you and bid you a goodbye, backing away to keep his eyes on you as you closed the door.

When he got back to his car he finally looked at his phone for the day. He was greeted with a myriad of text messages in the Dagger squad group chat from the night before.

Hangman : DID U DRUG HER FANBOY?

Rooster: Tell the truth

Payback: He must’ve paid her. He couldn’t get anyone during Top Gun training

Phoenix: it makes sense to me.

Hangman: TF ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT PHOE?

Phoenix: she’s obviously not into muscly guys.

Coyote: LMAO

Rooster: That’s gotta be it

Hangman: It’s the only explanation.

10:36 AM

Fanboy: whatever she’s into, it wasn’t any of you

Rooster: Bragging isn’t classy

Fanboy: wasn’t bragging, just pointing out the truth.

Hangman: Whatever, she’ll never call you back.

Another text came in.

Y/N💕: last night was fun. wanna hang tonight?

Mickey: yes 🥰 come over at 7:00?

Mickey chuckled. He switched over to the Dagger Squad group chat.

Fanboy: maybe you’re right.

Fanboy: anyway, can’t come to the bar tonight. i have plans 😏