Tailspin: A Top Gun Love Story - Pete "Maverick" Mitchell

Chapter 6

A/N: I lied! The locker room scene won't be until the next chapter or possibly the one after that..oops. But something to look forward to! I know, I know, I'm such a tease haha

Enjoy!

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A dense fog hangs over the fields, obscuring the mountains in the distance. Hops have been cancelled for the day, and grounded fighter jocks will be piling into the bar before long, despite the early hour.

Tom comes to pick you up at the residence so that the two of you can head over together. You slip a book into your bag in case Tom and Ron decide to spend hours discussing air combat maneuvers because, even when they're not in the air, dogfighting is all these guys think about.

...

The parking lot of the bar is already packed and it's not even midday. You and Tom have to compete for the door with about ten other people – mostly officers – eager to take advantage of their freedom, but Tom has no problem pushing his way through and pulling you behind him by the hand.

Ron raises his arms when he sees you and Tom enter. He waves frantically over the crowd, even though you've already spotted him, and the two of you make your way through the dense mass of pilots toward the counter. When you arrive, you see Maverick and Goose sitting to his right. Instantly you know that you're not going to need your book.

Tom cocks an eyebrow at Ron. "A little early for beer, ain't it?"

Ron shrugs. "It's five o'clock somewhere."

"I haven't even had breakfast yet," you say, grimacing at Ron.

Maverick chuckles while Tom places a hand on your shoulder. "You haven't eaten?"

"Get her some beer nuts," Ron suggests. Then, he looks at you. "You'll share, right?"

You grin at him, then glance up at Tom. "I just want a coffee. I barely slept last night." Your eyes slide briefly over to Maverick, who gives you a knowing look.

Tom calls the bartender over. "I wish you'd told me you hadn't eaten," he grumbles. "Their kitchen's still closed. They won't be serving food for hours."

You place your hand on your stomach, unsure if you'd be able to eat even if there were food available. "Coffee is my priority," you respond.

"That's my girl." Tom smirks, rubbing your shoulder fondly.

You laugh, enjoying his affection, but you also can't help looking at Maverick again, who is watching the two of you with a grimace. When your eyes meet, he turns away, putting his elbows onto the bar and hiking up his shoulders. He's in his bomber jacket and the thick leather gathers around his arms. Underneath is his signature white t-shirt – he must own about a dozen of these.

You notice Maverick's gaze on you intermittently throughout the morning as the four pilots discuss the previous day's events.

"Thought I was a goner." Goose shakes his head.

"What?" Maverick exclaims in shock.

"You can't honestly say that you weren't scared, Maverick," Tom pipes in with a broad grin. He sticks a piece of gum into his mouth.

"I didn't say I wasn't scared," Maverick replies coldly.

"What are you saying, then?" Tom asks.

Maverick shrugs. "I know my plane."

"Is that why you stalled?" Tom's smile widens as he chomps down on his gum.

You smack him on the arm, outraged at his insensitivity. "Tom!" you yell, but he just lets out a laugh.