An Old Love Story ~ Bob Floyd

**Chapter Five**

**Chapter Five ~ A mountain escape**

Katelyn sits alone on a bench, looking over the beach to sea, her mind racing, replaying the earlier interaction.

Of course Hangman would be the one to find out about her family and tell everyone. It's what he does. He screws everything up.

She sighs, leaning back in her seat, closing her eyes to try to put her mind at ease. She doesn't notice someone take a seat next to her, looking out to sea. It's only when she opens her eyes again that she notices who it is.

"Rooster.. Hey." She speaks quietly. He looks over to her.

"Hey." He says in return. They sit in silence for a moment until he speaks again.

"Hangman really woke up and chose to be a bigger asshole than usual today, didn't he?" He chuckles, his voice low. He's still feeling the affects however he tries to lighten the mood a bit.

Katelyn nods. "Yeah. It's weird because only yesterday, he was defending me and actually being a somewhat tolerable person."

Rooster laughs again. "That surprises me. I didn't realize he could actually be nice."

Katelyn laughs in return, feeling slightly better than before. Rooster clears his throat.

"I don't believe that you've only achieved what you have because of your father. I think most of us believe that you earned it yourself."

Katelyn looks at him and smiles. "Thanks Rooster."

He nods and places an arm around her shoulders.

"Oh. By the way, I'm pretty sure Bob's looking for you."

She looks at him, slightly confused. He notices it.

"I don't know details. I just know that you should meet him on the pier." He shrugs.

Katelyn nods again. "Thanks." She replies as she stands up from the bench.

"I'll see you tomorrow Roos." She turns to say before walking away.

*~*

Katelyn makes her way to the pier. The wind blowing through her hair as she parks her motorbike. She starts walking towards the end of it.

At the end she's greeted by Bob, stood watching the waves crash against the wood.

"Rooster told me you're looking for me." She stands next to him, speaking softly. Her heart pounding in her chest as he looks over to her.

"Yeah." He says quietly, "I wanted to make sure you're okay. You know... After earlier.."

Katelyn nods, looking down.

"Sorry..." Bob apologizes, feeling like he overstepped a line.

"It's okay. I suppose it's so fresh in my mind that it's hard to think about." She looks at him as she speaks.

He nods in return. "Just so you know, it doesn't make me think of you any differently than before." He reassures, sending her a soft smile.

"How do you feel about getting out of town for a bit?" She offers, her eyes lighting up slightly at the thought. Bob thinks about it for a moment and nods.

"Yeah sure.. sure." He lets out a breath, as if he'd been holding his breath the entire conversation.

Katelyn turns on her heel, taking a gentle hold of his wrist and leading him to her bike.

"You ever been on the back of a motorbike before?" Katelyn chuckles, climbing onto her bike. Bob shakes his head.

"Can't say I ever have. I suppose there's a first for everything." He sends her an awkward smile as he speaks.

"Okay, just sit on the back here." She guides. As he does, she helps position him correctly.

Her heart pounds as he wraps his arms around her.

 She starts the engine and kicks off the ground, the bike moving forwards. It's quickly brought up to speed and Bob tightens his grip on her waist. The wind blows their faces and all Katelyn can do is smile.

She takes a long highway out of town before a windy road up a mountain before bringing the bike to a halt, switching the engine off. She feels Bob unwind his arms from her waist and climb off the bike. She follows.

The walk towards the cliff's edge and look over the ocean.

"Wow." Bob breathes out. Katelyn stands next to him.

"It.. It's beautiful." He speaks quietly, his eyes lighting up as the sun begins to set over the ocean.

Katelyn nods. "I used to come here a lot with my dad. Now I just come here alone when I need a break from all the commotion of TOPGUN."

She takes a seat on the ground, her knees up to her chest. Bob sits next to her, pulling his gaze away from the view, over to her.

"Falcon... Katelyn..." He starts, taking a pause to figure out the correct words to use, "There's been something I've been wanting to tell you."

Katelyn looks over to him, a confused expression on her face. She hums, telling him to continue.

"Ever since we met on the first day here. I've noticed something about you. The way you always have a mask on. The way you refuse to let anyone read you." He takes a short breath.

"But underneath is someone who is kind, funny and brave. You have an interesting story to tell."

Katelyn looks at him, realizing what he's saying. A soft blush crosses over her cheeks.

"I want to learn more about that story. Be apart of it..." He finishes. Katelyn looks at him with soft eyes.

"So you're saying..." She trails off. Bob nods.

"I'm saying that I like you. Really like you. Maybe I'm even in love with you because you're the first person to see me as me and not some awkward WSO who... is rambling on too much.." He laughs quietly, scratching the back of his neck, embarrassed.

Katelyn is speechless. All she can do is smile. Bob looks at her, a small smile on his face.

"I... I think I like you too."

**End of Chapter Five**