As high as you can go

Chapter six

-Are you going to beat anyone today too? - Coyote asked Rooster when they were waiting for the class to begin.

-Only your ass in the air.-He replied

-Good, maybe because of it we can reach the goal in the right time- Payback muttered.

-Why are you all so nervous? - Rooster sighed.

-The right question is why are you so joyful. Usually you are the grumpiest guy in the earth.- Phoenix said matter-of-factly. - Did a certain fair-haired barmaid have anything to do with it?

Rooster looked her up and down and was going to say something malicious but in this moment Maverick had shown himself. It was very good because what it would be he had no idea. Today he was too happy to be rude. He focused on the instructor and frowned. Mav was wearing shorts and t-shirt instead of uniform. And he lobbed a football at Bob's head.

-Surf's up- he says, with a grin.

Students looked at each other.

-Sir? - Hangman was the only one bold enough to ask. - Did we miss something? - Rooster 've never thought he would be grateful for Hangman' s directness but here he was. - Are we not properly dressed?

-No, you aren't- Mav said calmly. - Today we haven't got classes. Dress in civilian clothes. We are going to the beach.  We will meet there.

-What about our training, Sir? -Coyote asked.

Maverick looked at him with concern.

-Lets take it as a part of training. - He raised an eyebrow. - For example... Dogfight football. Come on. You have ten minutes.

Rooster changed clothes, texted a message and met Phoenix outside.

-What do you think? - She asked him when they were going to the beach.

-About what?-He asked and put on sunglasses.

-About today? About Maverick's new idea? About your new girl? About this mission? Choose whatever you want.

Rooster looked over his friend. She tugged on the gray sweatshirt draped over her frame and adjusted the sweatpants. He has known Phoenix since first day in Academy and if he could call anyone his friend it would be her. So Rooster knew she hates situation out of her control.

-I believe Maverick tries to make us a team. - He said calmly. - You don't have to be nervous. We will train attack and defense.

-I am not nervous.- She snorted. - I just wonder what kind of game he play.

-It's not a game I suppouse. I think... He tries to help in his own way.

Phoenix gave him an ironical look.

-Yesterday you wanted to tear Maverick but you're defending him today. - Rooster tried to say something but she shook her head. - No, it's okay. You are calmer then usually. Reconciled. And undisturbed. I think, it's good for yourself. And if your girlfriend did it... I'm happy because of you.

-She is not my girlfriend.

-Of course not.-Phoenix rolled her eyes.

-Fuck you Phoenix-He said but couldn't help and smiled.

-If this is invitation, I won't take it. Sorry. - Phoenix  said sarcastically when they came into a beach.

***

The bright sun illuminated the golden sand. Waves danced on the blue sea. A group of pilots ran along the beach like children. And Maverick's classes turned out to be successful. Rooster suprisingly for himself had a great time. He felt as if he had come back to his childhood when he played with sąd and uncle Pete while his mother was sunbathing on a blanket. That was probably the reason why he helped Maverick get up when he collapsed and why he laughed louder than he had for a long time. Then an instructor sat down on the deck chair and looked at them with silent joy when Cyclone appeared behind Mav's back from nowhere. But Pete didn't seem concerned.