Rooster Imagines (Top Gun: Maverick)

You Think I'm Beautiful

Author: Whynnter

Prompt: Maverick pairs you and Rooster together for a training exercise vs. Hangman and Coyote.

Call sign: Fox

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"Today's training will put your aviation skills to the test."

We all sat in silence, listening carefully as Maverick went over our drills for the day. A mere two weeks was all that was left between now and the mission that would change our lives forever.

"Two teams, the first team to take down their opponent is the victor."

I glanced at Phoenix, hoping to god that she'd be the one I was paired up with. The two of us had been flying together since the academy, and she was the only one I wholeheartedly trusted as my wingman.

"Round one. Blue team, Hangman and Coyote."

Easy. Phoenix, Bob, and I would have no problem putting those two pig heads into the ground. Now all we needed was for Maverick to team us up.

"Green team, Fox and Rooster."

My smile immediately vanished. I turned to look at Rooster who was already looking at me. I couldn't quite read him, but I knew he was thinking something along the lines of 'not this bitch'.

I wasn't thinking much different. The two of us couldn't find any common ground, always arguing. It all started when he commented on my piloting skills, saying I was too weak to fly any real mission.

The jokes on him, seeing as I have racked up more successful missions than he has, including one air to air kill.

"Well, this will be a piece of cake!"

I turned to Hangman who sat at the front of the room, a cocky grin on his face.

He winked at me, "I won't be going easy on you."

I smiled, "Oh don't you worry, I like it rough."

The room erupted with laughter and I couldn't help but wink right back at him.

"Alright, enough," Maverick yelled over the commotion, "Go, suit up."

I quickly stood up and started in the direction of the locker room. Phoenix appeared in step beside me.

"I should have known he wouldn't team us up."

She shrugged her shoulders, "It's not worth dwelling on now. You have to beat those two idiots."

"I'm not going to be able to beat them if I can't get Rooster on my side."

The truth was, I probably could have destroyed Hangman in a one-on-one. But with the possibility of Rooster and I being matched up for the upcoming mission, there was no better time than now to push aside our displeasure with one another and work together.

"Just talk to him, I'm sure he wants to put Hangman in his place just as much as you do."

I nodded, "Yeah, you're probably right."

She patted me on the back before I disappeared into the locker room. I must have interrupted something because when I walked in, Hangman, and Rooster had agitated looks on their faces and Coyote stood quietly staring into his locker.

I thought it would be best if I didn't get involved in whatever had just happened between them.

Nobody said a word to me as I placed my duffel bag on the bench and started unbuttoning my jeans. I glanced over at Rooster who was shoving his bag into his locker, headphones resting over his ears.

I quickly pulled off my jeans and blouse and pulled my leggings and t-shirt from the bag. I jumped when I spun around to see Hangman, a big smile plastered on his face.

"Shit, what do you want?"

He laughed, "Just wanted to wish you luck! See you out there, Fox."

I stuck my tongue out at him before he turned around and left the room, Coyote right behind him.

Rooster slammed his locker shut and zipped the front of his g-suit before opening the door and leaving the room. Now was the only chance I had to talk to him in private before it was time to take off. I quickly changed and pulled my g-suit from the locker to put it on. A few seconds later I was stumbling out the door behind Rooster.

"Rooster! Hey, Rooster, wait up!" I yelled, running to catch up to him.

He was already at the end of the hallway when he turned around to face me, "What do you want, Fox?"

"Listen, we don't have to be friends, but I do not want to lose to those two jackasses and I don't think you want to lose either. So, can we just get along and work together for a few hours and win this exercise?"

"Whatever," he said, turning to walk towards the exit.

"Alright," I shoved past him and stood between him and the exit, "I'm sick of this. It's been years, Rooster! Why do you still have a problem with me?"

He rolled his eyes, "I don't have a problem with you."

"Bullshit! Ever since I met you you have always had this attitude towards me."

"I don't have time for this."

He started to walk past me and I pressed my hand against his chest to stop him, "I'm not done talking to you."

He leaned into me, "Fine, what is it you want me to say, Fox? That I think you are insanely irritating, incredibly arrogant, but despite those two things I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever met?"

I was silent for a moment, not exactly sure how to respond. I took a step back and stared at him.

"I need you to say something."

I shook my head, "So, what you're telling me is that you are a dick to me because you think I am pretty?"

"Not exactly."

"What does that mean?"

"Yes, you are beautiful but I still find you irritating and arrogant."

I couldn't help but laugh, "Don't worry, I think the exact same about you."

This time he smiled, "You think I'm beautiful?"

"Maybe," I said, winking at him. I stared at him for a moment, realizing that after all these years of hating him I never really took the time to admire how good looking he actually was.

My thoughts were interrupted when Cyclone walked into the hallway behind us, Warlock right behind him.

"You guys headed out for the exercise?" He asked.

The two of us nodded at them as they exited the building and made their way onto the tarmac.

I turned to Rooster who was looking down at me, a curious look on his face, "Are you good?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

"Alright," He said, pushing the doors open, "Let's ground these assholes. Then after, maybe I can take you out for a victory drink."