My Boyfriend's a Fighter Pilot (And So Am I)

Chapter 6

We all stood at attention in our uniforms as Taps played, and we held the proper salute. I watched as my uncle pounded Ice's wings into his casket, with tears rolling down his face. I can't even imagine what he must be feeling right now. I thought to myself sadly as the procession began to come to an end. I saw Penny give Mav a concerned look as I ran over and hugged him. It didn't matter if that wasn't procedure, all that mattered was making sure that my uncle was okay since he'd lost so much.

"I-" My uncle began as he buried his face in my shoulder. I hugged him tightly without saying a word and stood there like that for a minute. As we pulled away, he hastily wiped the tears off of his face and tried to make himself somewhat presentable again.

"He was a good man," I said with a gentle smile towards my uncle. Mav nodded his head in silence and smiled at me before he went off to talk to Penny.

"How's Mav doing?" A deep voice asked as I felt Rooster's presence come up behind me.

"He'll be okay," I said as I turned to him.

"What?" He said as he saw my facial expression.

"Well, it's just that you've never asked about Mav before," I said with a shrug. Rooster paused for a second, then slightly shook his head.

"I don't know, I just wondered." He replied as he looked off into the distance.

"Let's get out of here," I said as I watched everyone else slowly file out. Once we got back to the base, we were given the rest of the day off to relax until training resumed tomorrow.

"You planning on going out tonight Phoe?" Nat asked as she stood at the frame of our door.

"I think I'll sit this one out, Nat. But you guys have fun." I said with a small smile as I refolded my clothes. Nat gave me a slight look but said "Okay, see you soon." and left. I sighed, wondering how my uncle was doing. I would give anything to talk to him right now. Or even Rooster. Wait, wait, wait, damnit Anna, you've caught feelings for him, haven't you? I heaved another sigh, and let out a slight laugh about how ridiculous this all was. As if the universe had been listening in to my thoughts, I heard a knock at the door.

"You're not going out with the others?" Rooster asked as he opened the door and leaned against the frame.

"No, not tonight. What about you?" I asked as I folded a shirt and tossed it on my bed.

"Thought I might see what you're up to and then go with everyone else." He said he shrugged and folded his arms.

"I think I might go and talk to Mav a little bit," I said with a slight smile.

"Oh, okay, good luck. I think I might head out then." He said, smiling back as he turned around.

"Don't have too much fun without me," I said teasingly.

"Ah, you got nothin' to worry about," Rooster said with a laugh as he left. As soon as Rooster left I let out yet another long sigh and flopped down on my bunk. What am I going to do? I thought wearily as I put my head in my hands. Well, you know what they say, a good flight always clears the head. I thought to myself as I changed into my pilot's gear. Of course, I knew I hadn't scheduled a flight, let alone would've gotten one approved since it wasn't for training purposes. But if I've learned anything from my uncle when we used to fly, it was how to get yourself approved and in the air before they had time to shut you down. Well, you could get your ass seriously kicked out but I'm gonna take that risk. I thought as I made my way down the hallway.

"Hey Phoenix how ya doing?" Hondo said as he smiled at me.

"Oh, hi Hondo. I'm just heading out to do a test flight from Maverick since everyone else is dismissed for the rest of the day." I said fibbing through my teeth.