Matches

Chapter #3 Meeting

Evan "Matches" Buckley stood on the threshold of the Hard Deck, the familiar scent of salty air mixed with the distinct aroma of beer and camaraderie hitting him like a wave. The neon sign flickered above, casting a nostalgic glow on the weathered wood of the bar's exterior. He took a deep breath, the memories of his past life as a naval aviator rushing back. This place had been his haven, his refuge, and his secret.

It had been years since he'd last set foot here, years since he'd taken to the skies. His family back in LA had never known about this part of his life. Not even Maddie. The lawsuit had strained his relationships, leaving him feeling more isolated than ever. When the call came to return, he'd jumped at the chance. Anything to escape the cold shoulders and harsh words that had become his daily reality.

Pushing open the door, Evan was greeted by the lively hum of voices and the clink of glasses. The place hadn't changed a bit. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on familiar faces. There was Penny Benjamin behind the bar, her warm smile reaching her eyes as she saw him.

"Evan!" she called out, waving him over. "Or should I say Matches? It's good to see you, honey."

"Penny," he replied, grinning as he approached. "It's been too long."

She leaned over the bar to give him a hug. "You look well, have you been eating enough?." She said with a raised eyebrow.

"Thanks," he said, appreciating her motherly concern. "I have been eating but I am craving your famous sandwiches."

As they spoke, he felt a hand clap his shoulder. Turning, he found himself face-to-face with Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. Maverick had been like a father to him, guiding him through the highs and lows of his naval career.

"Matches," Maverick said, his stern expression softening. "Welcome back."

"It's good to have you here, kid," Maverick added with a grin. "We've missed you."

"I've missed you guys too," Evan admitted, feeling a lump in his throat. "This place... it feels like home."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Eventually, Maverick broke the silence.

"There's someone you should see," he said, nodding towards a table in the corner.

Evan followed his gaze and his heart skipped a beat. There, among the other recalled pilots, sat Jake "Hangman" Seresin. His ex. The love they shared had never faded, even after they'd agreed to take a break following the death of a close friend. Their separation had been necessary but painful.

Jake looked up, and their eyes met. For a moment, the noise of the bar faded into the background. Evan took a deep breath and made his way over, his pulse quickening with each step.

"Matches," Jake said, standing up. There was a softness in his eyes, a mixture of surprise and longing.

"Hangman," Evan replied, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside him.

They stood there, the air between them charged with unspoken words. Other pilots that Evan had never seen looking at Hangman man like he was a different person. Finally, Jake broke the silence.

"I didn't think I'd see you here," he admitted, his tone betraying his vulnerability.

"I didn't think I'd be back," Evan replied honestly. "But here we are."

Jake nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, here we are."

Evan glanced around the room, taking in the faces of the other pilots. They were all here for the same reason-to answer the call of duty. But for him, this return was about more than just the mission. It was about reconnecting with a part of himself he'd kept hidden for too long, and maybe, just maybe, rekindling a love that had never truly died.

"Can we talk?" Evan asked, his voice low.

Jake nodded again. "Yeah, I'd like that."

They found a quieter corner of the bar, away from the bustle. Sitting across from each other, the weight of their shared past hung in the air.

"I've missed you," Evan began, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.

"I've missed you too," Jake replied, reaching across the table to take Evan's hand. "Every damn day."

Evan squeezed his hand, feeling a flicker of hope. "We were good together, Jake. Maybe we can be again."

Jake's eyes softened, and he nodded. "I'd like that, Matches. I'd really like that."

Over the next hour, they talked, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they caught up on lost time. They shared stories of their lives since they'd been apart, their voices low and intimate amidst the background noise of the bar. Laughter and tears mingled as they navigated the bittersweet terrain of their past and the hopeful promise of their future.

"I was so angry and hurt when we lost him," Jake admitted, his eyes glistening. "I thought pushing you away would make it easier, but it just made everything worse."

"I know," Evan said softly. "I felt the same way. But maybe we needed that time apart to realize how much we mean to each other."

Jake nodded, his grip on Evan's hand tightening. "I don't want to waste any more time. Life's too short for regrets."

Evan smiled, a sense of warmth spreading through him. "Then let's make the most of it. Together."

As the evening wore on, they rejoined they decided to go to Jake's house to talk some more, the weight of their rekindled relationship lifting their spirits.

By the time the night came to a close, Evan felt a renewed sense of belonging. He was surrounded by family, and most importantly, he had Jake by his side.

For the first time in a long time, Evan felt truly at home. And as he looked over at Jake, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. The sky was no longer the limit-it was just the beginning.

sorry this is moving fast i'm bored <33

also please tell me if this is readable i'm having some technical difficulties. <33