Landing On Love - Pete Mitchell (1986)

The First Week

A long chapter today, nine thousand and something words...oops. I think breaking the story into each week of Top Gun makes the most sense though, so I wouldn't be surprised if each chapter turned out to be about the same length as this one<3 please enjoy and feel free to comment.

The second day of classes were about the same as the first. We also started working through textbook questions. Maverick would occasionally tap me on the shoulder, asking for help, though I was almost certain he didn't need it.

The third day of classes was mostly spent analyzing flight maneuverers on film. Charlie would show us a video, and then ask us if the move was smart or not. 
Somehow I also ended up eating lunch with Maverick and Goose on the third day.

           "God I'm so sick of classroom instruction, I need to get into the air," Maverick complained, his mouth half full of food.

           "You mean you aren't enjoying staring at Charlie all day?" I teased.

           He swallowed his food, now smiling, "I didn't say that."

          "They're probably trying to get us worked up by keeping us on the ground," Goose said, bringing the subject back to flying.

          I groaned, "Well it's working. Every hour feels like three today."

It wasn't until the final minutes of the day that Viper told us we would be flying tomorrow. There was a collective sigh of relief, which Viper quickly shot down.

           "There is no warmup round, we begin counting point's tomorrow. You're dismissed," Viper announced.

       "Thank god," Dice said as we stood from our seats.

       "Don't tell me you trust her to fly you," Iceman said from behind us.

       I sighed, "Just ignore him. I don't have the energy today."

Dice and I quickly left the classroom, heading in the direction of our cars. Though we didn't make it very far before we heard quickening footsteps behind us. I should have guessed it would be Maverick and Goose. Goose gently removed Dice from my side, giving him a wink, and threw and arm around me, Maverick mirroring the same thing on my opposite side.

             "What is it now?" I groaned, just ready curl up on the couch and watch t.v..

             "You see, everyone is going out for drinks," Maverick explained.

            "We didn't want you to miss the invite," Goose continued.

As much as I wanted to just go back to my apartment, I knew bonding with the team would be crucial. Well, more showing the men that I could "earn my place" with them, i.e., show I could handle my liquor and tolerate their locker room talk, and maybe win a round of pool or darts for good measure. But I hadn't eaten much that day. I also remembered what had happened the last time I was at this bar with Maverick. I looked over at Dice, who shrugged.

              I sighed, "Drinks it is."

             "Drinks it is!" Maverick and Goose yelled in unison.

It was a short drive from base to the bar. It sat right on the edge of the beach, providing a perfect view of the now setting sun. It seemed that Maverick and Goose had beat me to the bar, and within seconds of stepping out of my car they each had an arm around me again. Dice tailed closely behind, offering me a look of sympathy.

We found seats at the bar, and Dice managed to get a seat next to me, Maverick already on my left side, leaving Goose on the other side of Maverick.

               Maverick got the attention of the bartender, "Four beers please." The bartender quickly set them in front of him. He first passed one to me, "For the lady," then passed the other two to Goose and Dice.
Maybe there was a shard of chivalry in Maverick.
I gave him a nod as thank you, and quickly started in on my drink.