Top Gun Imagines

1. Looks Can Be Deceiving (Iceman - Tom Kazansky)

(Published July 15, 2022)

   "Excuse me, can you put the lady's drink on my bill?"
   The voice was so near, it startled me.  Looking up from the napkin I had been toying with, I found a pilot grinning at me as he leaned against the bar not two feet away.  I had to double check that he was indeed looking at me, though, before I could bring myself to give him a smile back.  Since there was no one else around me that he could be referring to, I managed a nervous smile.
   I had never been one of those girls who left the bar with some guy for a good time.  Most men took one look at the scar deforming my left eye and cheekbone and quickly used any excuse that came to mind to get out of their attempt at flirting.  Any time a flirtatious guy came my way, I made sure he could see my whole face before it got too awkward. 
   Even with my whole face in his line of sight, the pilot's smile didn't falter.  This was something I hadn't had to deal with before! 
   "Hi," I ventured softly, to break the silence between us. 
   "Call sign is Iceman," He leaned a little closer.  "What's your name?"
   I cleared my throat nervously, letting my eyes flicker from my drink to Iceman's pale gaze.  "Claire."
   "Mind keeping me company for a couple drinks?"
   "I-I suppose not."
   He flashed that startling smile at me again before taking the seat beside me.  Instantly, I felt warning bells go off in my head.  What would a Top Gun pilot want with me, of all the women here?  What if it was just a joke or a dare?  Best to keep myself in check and watch his every move. 
   "You're very quiet compared to most people in this bar," Iceman commented.  "Why do you keep to yourself?"
   "I have my reasons," I murmured, gazing into the liquid filling half of the cup before me. 
   "Why do you come here?"
   He raised his eyebrows as I looked up at him.  Examining his features, but finding nothing mischievous there, I decided giving him an answer couldn't hurt.
   "I like to grab a drink after work," I admitted. 
   "Understandable," He nodded.  "Do you always drink alone?"
   "Never do.  The bartender is always nearby."
   Yikes, this was why I shouldn't try to tell jokes!  Iceman laughed, to my relief. 
   "Maybe I should rethink getting a drink, in case he's a jealous man."
   "I think you're safe," I laughed quietly, sneaking another look at him.
   He was leaned casually on the bar, his hands clasped in front of him.  His face was angled slightly towards me, as if he didn't want to miss my words if I spoke.  He seemed genuinely interested in me.  Of course, first impressions could lie, but the speed of my heart told me that I hoped he was being real, despite my warning thoughts. 
   "Claire," His voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I realized I had been caught gazing at him.  Blushing, I ducked my head. 
   "Hey," He leaned closer and tipped my chin back up with his index finger.  "You're safe, too, Claire."
   Gazing into his pale gaze, I found myself believing his words.  "From the bartender, yes.  From you, mmm...  Time will tell."
   His eyes twinkled at that.  "I've got time, if you'll share yours with me."
   Unable to keep from smiling, I nodded.  "I think I can handle that!  For now, that is."
   Chuckling, he closed the distance between us.  Softly, his lips met the scar stretched over my cheekbone. A tiny gasp of surprise escaped my lips before I could catch it.  He lingered a moment before pulling away and sitting upright on his seat.  His grin set butterflies off in my stomach now, and I knew he could read the shock plastered on my features. 
   "Now, how about that drink?" He stated, raising a hand to catch the bartender's attention. 
   "That sounds good," I murmured to myself, resting my arms on the bar top. 
   What a night!  And either better or worse yet (I wasn't sure which at the moment) the night was still young.  What else would this crazy night bring?