Lieutenant Amy "Mustang" Stetson storms into TOPGUN like she's got a score to settle with gravity itself. She's hauling more emotional baggage than a 747, all tied up with a bow of "I've got something to prove." Enter Lieutenant Jake "Hangman" Seres...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Amy methodically packed their makeshift camp, her movements efficient and purposeful. She glanced over at Jake, who was testing his injured leg, his face a mask of determination despite the obvious pain.
"You good to move?" she asked, slinging the heavy pack onto her shoulders.
Jake nodded, gritting his teeth. "Ready when you are."
They set off through the dense forest, Amy taking point. The terrain was unforgiving, filled with twisted roots and uneven ground. She pushed forward, her training kicking in as she navigated the best path.
Behind her, Jake struggled to keep pace. Each step sent sharp pains through his leg, but he refused to slow them down. "How much further you think?" he called out, trying to keep his voice steady.
Amy paused, scanning the area. "Hard to say. We need to find higher ground for a better vantage point."
They pressed on, the silence broken only by their labored breathing and the occasional snapping twig. As they approached a creek, Amy held up a hand, signaling a stop.
"We'll need to cross here," she said, eyeing the slippery rocks. She turned to Jake, noting the sheen of sweat on his forehead. "You okay?"
"Never better," he replied, forcing a smirk.
Amy started across, her footing sure on the wet stones. She was halfway across when she heard a splash and a muffled curse. Whirling around, she saw Jake sprawled in the creek, water churning around him.
"Shit," she muttered, dropping her pack and rushing back. "Jake!"
He was trying to push himself up, his face contorted in pain and frustration. "I'm fine," he growled, but his leg gave out as he tried to stand.
Amy crouched beside him, steadying him with a hand on his shoulder. "Easy," she said softly. "Let me help."
Jake looked up at her, his eyes a storm of anger and helplessness. "I don't need—"
"Cut the crap, Seresin," Amy interrupted, her voice firm but not unkind. "We're in this together, remember? You're not a burden, you're my partner. And right now, my partner needs a hand. So let me help you, because I sure as hell might need you to return the favor someday."
Jake stared at her for a moment, the frustration in his eyes slowly fading. Then, unexpectedly, a genuine smile spread across his face. It wasn't his usual cocky grin, but something warmer, more real. It reached his eyes, softening his features and making him look younger, more vulnerable. More human.
"Yes, ma'am," he said quietly, the smile still playing on his lips.
Amy felt a strange flutter in her chest at that smile but pushed the feeling aside. She wrapped an arm around Jake's waist, helping him to his feet. He leaned on her more heavily than he probably wanted to, but there was a new trust in the way he gripped her shoulder.
