Top Gun Imagines

5. It's Part of the Game (Bob - Robert Floyd)

(Published July 23, 2022)

   The sun shone brightly, making the ocean water sparkle.  I stood on the beach in my swimsuit and exercise shorts, observing the contradicting scenes in front of me.  While the scenery was peaceful, a wild game of football between pilots was taking place on the edge of the water!  They splashed through the surf, tackled each other for the ball, and hooted with pure joy.  It was a form of teamwork that I hadn't seen from this group of pilots yet, and it made me less uneasy about the upcoming mission, seeing them work together like this.
   "Hey Morgan!" I heard someone shout my name.  As I looked closer, I saw Coyote, my brother, waving to me.  I waved back, smiling widely. 
   Walking a little closer, but still a safe distance away, I observed the crazy plays they were making.  It was a chaotic game, and it was a blast to watch!  After a few more minutes, Mav bowed out of the game.  I was impressed he had even gotten in on it!  Those younger pilots had the energy of children on a sugar buzz! 
   Despite the groans of the rest of the players, the game continued.  I laughed loudly as Coyote slipped and knocked both himself and Fanboy over.  He had either heard me or knew me well, because when he got to his feet, he turned and stuck out his tongue at me.  That just made me laugh harder and I shot him a teasing thumbs up.
   Suddenly, a brightly colored object was flying in my direction from someone else!  By reflex, I managed to catch it before it hit me in the chest.  When I looked up to see who had done it, I found the shirtless mass running full speed my way!
   "Which way am I supposed to go?" I cried, taking off running with a laugh. 
   Luckily, Phoenix pointed to my left before I ran too far the wrong way.  Spinning around, I sprinted with all my power towards the imaginary goal with a pack of hooting pilots on my heels!  I thought for sure they'd catch me, but they must've been going soft on me because I heard a whistle blast before any of them caught up to me.  Just as the whistle sounded, though, someone actually did tackle me to the sand. 
   "And she scores!"
   "I feel betrayed, Morgan!"
   "That was awesome!"
   "Good thinking, Halo!"
   Laughing uncontrollably, I rolled over onto my back and let someone else grab the ball.  I was surprised to find Bob, of all people, had been the one to tackle me!  He was getting to his feet before offering me his hand with an apologetic smile on his face.  Still chuckling, I accepted the hand up. 
   "Sorry-" He began.
   "Don't be!  It's part of the game." I pointed out, grinning at him. 
   He opened his mouth to say something else, but my brother walked up at that moment.
   "If I find out you hurt her with that move, I'll kick your ass." Coyote told him, but it was hard to take him seriously with the dorky grin fighting to stay on his features.  More than likely, he thought it was hilarious that I had taken part in the game, and that was the cause of his grin. 
   "Oh, sure, you're going to kick the ass of the only guy brave enough to tackle me?  I definitely believe that." I cackled, punching my brother lightly on his bare shoulder. 
   "Don't make it a joke, sis.  I'm serious here!"
   I lowered my voice, pretending to be talking so only Bob could hear me.  "I walk into doors all the time, so there's no way he can prove anything.  You're safe."
   Bob didn't look totally convinced, but he did manage a small smile, which satisfied me!  Coyote snorted a laugh at my joking about my own clumsiness before jogging back to the game.  Bob, however, hesitated a moment. 
   "You're sure you're okay?" He wanted to know. 
   "You don't need to worry, honest.  I'm tougher than I look," I assured him, gently touching my hand to his upper arm for a moment in a polite way. 
   "Okay." He flashed me a nervous smile before turning and rushing back to the game. 
   I stood where I was for a moment, watching the bashful WSO jog away from me.  The blue eyed, quiet navy guy who I just happened to find sweet and slightly good looking!  Him, of all people, had the guts to tackle me!  Now, whether he knew it was me or not before he tackled me, I didn't know.  But still...  The memory of his arms around me as we fell to the sand made my heart flutter excitedly. 
   "You're pathetic, Morgan.  Absolutely pathetic," I tried to chide myself.  The smile on my face wouldn't fade, though, and I had to turn away from the game before I ended up staring at him. 
   And just like that, I, Morgan Machado, had a thing for Robert Floyd!