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nine. top gun, fightertown, usa.
"Morning," Tom rasps as Cassie pads into the kitchen, loose shirt hanging off of her figure as she pads towards him. "Sleep okay?" he asks, turning to face her. Cassie falls into his shirt-clad chest, shaking her head. Tom sighs, running a hand through messy hair. "Neither did I." he says, rubbing her back soothingly. Tom had meant to stay a couple nights—but the dufflebag by the door to her apartment had remained empty for four.
"I don't think I'm ready to go back" she screws her eyes shut, trying to shake the images from her head. Graduation was a week away, and somehow after all she's been working towards, Cassie wished it wouldn't come.
"I know," he sighs, running a hand down his face. "I made breakfast, if you want some." Cassie nods, pushing hair out of her face and steps back, letting him dish out their food. The two ate in silence at her table, only the scrape of forks against plate sounding throughout the silent kitchen. When they finished, they soundlessly went through their new routine. Showering, brushing their teeth, smiling softly at one another in the bathroom mirror. By the time they were finished, it had already been time to go. Cassie dreaded stepping into the mid-July morning sun, wishing she could just crawl back into her bed and let the day pass. She knew Tom wouldn't let that happen.
They drove separately to avoid questioning, Cassie slowly driving behind Tom towards the base. The radio softly played The Beatles, Tom's radio no doubt playing something along the lines of Queen. When they pulled in, Tom met Cassie at the front of her car—far enough away from the view of their instructors and other students, Tom leant down and kissed her softly, thumb brushing her cheek. "I'll be right there, okay?"
Cassie nods, giving his hand a tight squeeze before dropping it—walking side by side with him towards the entrance. They made their way to their first class, which was deafeningly quiet as they entered, Slider and Tara already sat waiting for their pilots. Cassie departed from Tom's side and found her spot next to Tara, who offered her a small smile. Tara's hand found hers, giving it a consoling rub as the class began. Maverick's seat remained empty—creating a large gap between students. Not even Charlie showed for their lecture.
