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crazyk-imagine · 2 years

Text

Tug at the Heart Strings

Pairing: Natasha “Phoenix” Trace x Pilot!fem!reader x Robert “Bob” Floyd, Pilot!fem!reader x Jake “Hangman” Seresin (they go out once but are friends)

Characters: Pilot!fem!reader, Natasha “Phoenix” Trace, Robert “Bob” Floyd, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, Jake "Hangman" Seresin, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Callie "Halo" Bassett, Bringham "Harvard" Lennox, Logan "Yale" Lee, Reuben "Payback" Fitch, Javy "Coyote" Machado, Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia, Neil "Omaha" Vikander, Billy "Fritz" Avalone, Beau "Cyclone" Simpson, Doris (the sweet old lady next door), Henry (Doris’ “friend”), Diane (the nurse)

Warnings: Angst, fluff, happy ending, cursing, flirting, Jake and Javy don’t realize they made innuendos about the gym (no regrets), Javy shouts something he shouldn’t have (still talking about the gym), drinking, drinking and driving (big no no), heartbreak, tears, drama, friends fighting, close call with death, Rooster and Coyote activate their big brother modes

Word Count: 10,553

*Reader’s callsign is Blue

Requested on Ao3: Can you please do another Phoenix/reader/Bob, where Phoenix and Bob like the reader, but the reader is oblivious. Then Hangman is trying to steal the reader from them, hence a lot of tension. But in the end Phoenix and Bob win. Thank you so much :D And they’re scared of being rejected, forgot to add that

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You turn around to pick up your noisy phone off the edge of your bed. You regret putting the sound on.

Princess Phoenix calling… Answer □ Decline □

You smile, shaking your head at your previous (absurd) thought. “Hey, Natasha. What’s up?” You put her on speaker, setting your phone back on the bed as you look for a shirt in your closet.

She sighs, “I’ve told you, call me Nat.”

“I know,” you pout, “but you have such a pretty name.” You imagine a smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

“I guess I should say thank you then.”

“I think that would be appreciated,” you joke.

A faint whisper comes through, you know it’s Bob talking to her.

“Uh- hang on.” She puts herself on mute.

“Okay,” you whisper, figuring that neither one of the two are listening, too engrossed in their conversation.

“What is it?” She asks, watching Bob struggle with the buttons of his shirt.

“Are you-”

She shakes her head, “no, I’m not going to ask her over the phone.” She steps in front of him, buttoning his shirt for him. “Besides we don’t even know if she likes us and I’m not going to put us through that mess and potential heartbreak. If she likes us then- she- we can-”

He watches her become flustered and wipes her hands on his pecks, straightening his shirt. He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, “I- uh- I was going to ask if you were going to get dressed soon,” his voice lowers down an octave, he whispers, “you’re still in your towel. It’s been an hour since you took a shower.”

She removes her hands off him, “oh.” She looks down to see he was right, she’s still in her towel. She nods, gulping, “I’ll start getting ready now.”

Bob adjusts his pants, zipping up his fly.

Natasha tries to go to the bathroom when Bob stops her. “You’re still on the phone with her.”

“Crap!” She runs back to her phone, pressing the unmute button, “are you still there?”

You let out a quick scream, throwing your arm out to catch yourself before you fall over.

Natasha raises a brow, glancing over at Bob who’s picking out a pair of socks for the two of them.

He turns around at the sound of your scream.

The two raise a brow, concerned about you. “Are you… okay?”

You huff, pulling up your jeans, adjusting your pant legs, “yeah, yeah. I’m fine. I was- oh crap- I’m trying to pull on,” you grunt, “my jeans and I forgot we were on the phone.”

“Oh.” They zone out for a second, imaging you in a more… romantic and sultry scenario.

You pull up your zipper, sighing in relief. “Yeah, sorry. Uh- why you call?”

She clears her throat, shaking her head, ridding her mind of any inappropriate thoughts she just had. She stands in front of hers and Bob’s shared closet. “I wanted to see if you wanted Bob and I to pick you up?” She grabs the outfit left hanging the closet, courtesy of Bob.

“I think Jake’s picking me up.” Natasha bites her tongue with a clenched jaw. She turns around, tossing her clothes on the bed.

He gestures for her to keep talking.

“Bagman’s picking you up?”

You nod, grabbing your purse, “yeah. He doesn’t live too far from here and thought it would save me from gas if we carpooled.”

“He said he wanted you to save gas? He actually said that?”

“Yeah… Should I have said no?” You ask, confused by her weird behavior.

Bob takes the phone out of her grasp, “no, no that’s- that’s nice of him.”

“Hi, Billy Bob,” you greet him with a smile.

He chuckles, “hey, pretty girl.”

“What happened to Natasha?” He turns, glancing over at the half-closed bathroom door, knowing she’s annoyed.

“She’s- uh- she still has to get ready.”

“Oh, right.” Your phone dings, “hang on.” You pull your phone away from your ear, checking to see who’s texting you, it’s Jake.

Toothpick Punk

“Five-minute warning” 5:24pm Sent. Read.

“Ah, crap.” You bring your phone back to your ear, “hey, I gotta go. Jake’s almost here.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Bye, I’ll see you two soon, right?”

“Yeah, we’ll see you soon pretty girl.”

He sets her phone on the dresser before heading towards the bathroom. He pushes open the door, leaning against the doorway, watching her.

“Is she on her way to the bar?” Natasha asks, spraying on her perfume (gifted to her by you on her birthday a few months ago).

Bob shrugs, “I assume so, she said he’s on his way to her place.”

She grinds her teeth, preventing herself from saying anything bad about Jake.

The WSO sighs, walking behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “At least we know she’ll get there safely.”

She scoffs, “she’s gonna be in a car with Bagman. All he’s gonna do is flirt with her on the way there.”

“Yes, but she won’t know he is.”

“You can’t think she’s that oblivious to his flirting.”

He rests his chin on her shoulder, staring at her in the mirror, “she doesn’t seem to notice when we do it.”

“You mean when I do it.”

He averts his gaze, finding the sink to be more interesting. “I- I flirt.”

She raises a brow.

“I try, at least,” he mumbles.

She doesn’t say anything.

“Okay, I want to flirt but I end up saying the opposite of what I think.”

She reaches up, patting his warm cheek, “it’s okay. It’s cute.” She pecks his cheek, removing his hands from her waist.

He walks out of the room, searching for his shoes.

Natasha finishes what she needs to do in the bathroom and walks out as he slips his shoes on.

“Were you half-dressed the whole time?”

She chuckles, shaking her head, “you just now noticed? Now you’re wondering how much time we have left, huh?”

“N- no,” he denies.

“You’re such a liar.”

“I’m not.”

“Really? Tell that to the bulge in your pants.”

He mutters something under his breath as he makes his way to the bathroom.

You lock your front door and jog towards the car, knowing Jake would pull away if you didn’t make it to the car on time.

You’ll never forget when he did that when he picked you up for everyone’s birthday (except for Bradley, Jake, Natasha, Bob, and Javy because you drove them).

The door opens. You slip in, closing the door as Jake greets you.

“Hey, sweetheart.”

You buckle your seatbelt, “hi!” You glance back over your shoulder, “Hey Javy.”

He leans forward, resting his chin on the part of the seat near your shoulder, “hey, sweetheart.”

Jake shakes his head, “no, no. That’s my nickname for her. Find your own.”

“Find your own,” Javy mimics as he leans back into the seat.

You cover your mouth to hide your laughter.

And now you’re on your way to the Hard Deck.

Jakes fills the silence, “You find that funny, don’t you sweetheart.”

You snort through your nose, “shut up.”

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

“I think everyone would.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

Javy shakes his head and opens the message app on his phone to text Jake.

Big Bad Coyote

“You sound like an idiot” 5:32pm Sent. Read.

Big Bad Coyote typing…

“She doesn’t” Deleted. “You don’t” Deleted.

Javy shakes his head knowing none of this will end well when Jake talks to you later. All he can do right now, is hope no one gets hurt… too bad. He knows there’s a high possibility that something’s gonna happen, he prays it won’t affect the relationships that have been made, platonic and not. He smiles, listening to your banter, it took the two a while, but they finally got you to open up and it’s been great.

You don’t wait for either of the men to open the car door for you, much to the blond toothpick lover’s annoyance.

“How many times have I told you to wait for someone to open the door for you?”

“And how many times have I replied with a “I’m a big girl who can open a door that clearly gets too impatient to wait on your ass”? Huh?”

He takes large strides, wanting to get closer to you as fast as he could. His eyebrows rise closer to his hairline in confusion, “that’s the first time you’ve said that.”

You nod, realizing that this is the case. “Yeah, well, now you know.”

Another car door slams shut.

“Don’t you walk away from me.”

“I can’t hear you,” you say before swinging the front door of the bar open.

“Hurry up.”

“I can only move so fast,” Javy complains to Jake.

“Well, then move faster.”

“I would if you didn’t make me do more than I could handle yesterday. My thighs and ass are sore man.” “You weren’t complaining yesterday.”

“That’s because I didn’t realize how bad it was gonna be later.”

Jake rolls his eyes, locking his car.

“Don’t you walk away from me. My ass is on fire because of you!” Javy shouts the last part as the blond opened the door.

Half of the customers in the bar turn to see what’s going on.

Jake turns to Javy with a clenched jaw.

The latter snickers when he realized what he did, he pushes past his friend.

“Hey, you guys,” you greet Callie, Logan, and Brigham, setting down the drinks you got onto your usual table.

The three wave back, saying their “hello’s” and return to their game of darts.

The two finally make it over to you (after passing through a crowd of whistler’s),

Jake immediately snatches a beer off the table.

“So, are you two,” you cover your mouth as you snicker, “lovers on the down low?”

The blond had barely swallowed his first sip as he glares at you.

You bump your elbow with Javy’s.

“Yeah, and my name is Theodore K. Mullins and Jake is my lover on the down low.”

“I didn’t come here early just to hear you two fangirl and quote “New Girl”.”

You roll your eyes, “whatever.” You interlock your arm with Javy’s, “c’mon.”

“Now where are you two going?” Jake asks.

“We’re going to play pool before you get too cocky and steal the cue stick from people.”

“I don’t do that.”

“Liar. You do it to Billy Bob all the time.”

He scoffs, shaking his head trying to deny the truth.

Javy’s lips tug upwards, he turns, looking over his shoulder to give Jake a confident smirk before turning back to you. “I think I’m the one who should be worried. You forget, I’ve seen you trick people.”

You shake your head with a quiet scoff, “I don’t trick people. I win bets, those who play against me never ask if I’m good or not, they just assume. So, I win and that seems to shut them right up.”

He shakes his head, racking up the pool balls.

You take the cue stick from Jake, who smiles. “Thanks.”

“Where’s mine?” Javy asks.

The man closest to you turns with a frown and furrowed brows, “get your own.”

“Oh, c’mon.”

You don’t notice when another one of your friends (and fellow pilot) enters the bar, watching the three of you (specifically the way Bagman is being all sweet on you).

He pulls out his phone, dialing his best friend’s number.

Natasha and Bob are barely getting into their car when her phone starts buzzing. She holds her phone up to see it’s Rooster calling.

Bob answers, holding the phone to put him on speaker.

“Are you guys on your way?”

“Yeah, I’m pulling out now,” Natasha answers him.

“You better hurry.”

“Why?”

“Bagman is trying to flirt with your girl.”

Bob lowers his gaze, checking his own phone to distract him from what he hears.

She clenches her jaw. “Who?”

“We’re playing that game tonight. Seriously? I already know how you two feel about her, stop denying it.”

“I’m,” she sighs, “is she flirting back?”

“Does she flirt back when you do it to her?”

“No, but-”

“But nothing! She likes you, she just- she sucks at understanding when someone flirts with her.” She smirks (already knowing the story because you’ve told her), “why do you sound like you know from experience?”

“… it was different. I did it for you guys.”

“Sure, you did.”

“I was trying to figure out what made you two like her so much.”

“And did you?”

“Kind of. She’s kicking Javy’s ass at pool right now. Oh,” he groans.

“What?”

“I don’t want to say.”

“Is Bagman staring her ass?”

“… no?”

“We’re almost there.” She tells Bob to hang up.

You pull your phone out of your back pocket, curious to see if anyone texted you and to keep you from getting bored.

Whenever you get closer towards the end of a game with Javy, he takes (what feels like hours) to take his shot.

You turn on your phone and smile.

Billy Bob

We’re on our way there. Save us a game? 6:05pm Sent. Read.

Pretty Girl

Always. I expect to see YOU play tonight 6:05pm Sent. Read.

Billy Bob

As long as no one takes the cue from me 6:06pm Sent. Read.

Pretty Girl

Don’t worry about that *insert winky face here* 6:07pm Sent. Read.

He chuckles, shaking his head, turning off his phone.

“What was that?” Natasha asks with a playful tone.

“Nothing.”

“What’d she say?”

“She wants me to play a game of pool tonight.”

“That sounds like it could be fun.”

“If I don’t get the cue stick taken away.”

“That won’t happen.”

He glances over at her with a raised brow, “what did you do?”

“Wha- me!? I didn’t do anything. I’m just saying, if she wants you to play, she will. She can be very persuasive when she wants to be.”

“I see the new “it” couple has arrived.”

You perk up at Javy’s words, tilting your head to see past his bicep as Bob and Natasha barely entering the bar. You look up seeing him watching them walk towards you guys and smirk, using this distraction to your advantage, sinking the eight ball into the corner pocket, “ha ha! Suck it, Javy.”

He turns around and raises his arms up, “woah, woah. I have been nothing but nice.”

Too into your head about your victory you don’t notice when Natasha shoves her shoulder into Jake’s as she and Bob pass him.

“You’re such a liar,” Natasha says, resting her hand on your lower back.

Javy nods, “you’re right.”

You two share a smile that holds no tension.

Now this is why you like hanging out with Javy, you two can be as competitive as you want but it’s all in good fun, there’s no real competition.

You lean into her side ever so slightly.

She leans down, whispering, “I see you’ve been winning all on your own.”

“Am I? I didn’t notice.”

“You’ve got one too many tricks up your sleeve, huh?”

You shake your head, “I wouldn’t call them tricks.”

She tilts her head, a hint of amusement twinkles in her expression, “then what would you call them?”

You turn to Bob, “what would you say I’m doing? Am I tricking people?”

“I don’t want to pick sides.”

“You wouldn’t be picking sides.”

“I’m gonna go get a few more drinks. I’ll be back.”

You pout.

“Don’t pout, you’ll get wrinkles.”

“Of course, you’d worry about that, Bagman,” Natasha sneers.

He raises his arms in a defensive manner, “I’m just saying. Don’t you to lose your pretty looks, sweetheart,” he winks at you.

“Really, Jake?” You give him a deadpan expression.

You don’t notice but when you said his name, the gorgeous woman behind you slides her hand along your lower back to rest her hand on your hip as she pushes herself against you, not too much for you to look back though.

Bob returns, setting the drinks and his peanuts down on the table. He turns to find the tension between Natasha and Jake increased in the short time he was gone.

“Let’s play,” Jake says with a smirk.

“You’re on.”

You hand Natasha the cue stick you were using before you step out of their way.

Bob comes to your rescue and guides you over to where he’s sitting.

“Thanks.”

He smiles, “it was nothing.”

“Have you watched anymore?”

He shakes his head, “I’m trying.”

“Where’d you stop at?”

He scratches the back of his head, “I’m still on season one but- uh- I think it was episode twelve?”

“Okay, perfect.” You take your phone out of your back pocket and take the stool out of Bob’s grasp, setting it closer to him. “Come closer. We’re watching it now.”

“How?”

“I downloaded the first season. When I told you and Natasha about it, I found myself wanting to watch “New Girl” again.” You wrap a napkin around his soda before setting your phone against it. You turn to ask, “you ready?”

He looks into your eyes, finding himself getting lost in them, the same way he does when he looks at his girlfriend.

“Bob?”

He blinks, once, twice, “yeah, yeah. I’m- I’m ready.”

You smile while pressing play, “good. This one is a funny one.”

Natasha is quick to end the game with Jake, obviously winning. She smirks, walking behind him to hand Javy the cue stick. “How’s it feel to lose to a woman?”

“I don’t know,” he places a toothpick in mouth, “tell me when you find one.”

She squints her eyes at him. “Whatever.” She turns around, looking for her boyfriend only to find the two of you cuddled beside one another.

The sight warms her heart and makes her forget about the insecurities she and Bob share when they think about asking you out, just the thought of you rejecting them is- it tears them down and puts them in a slump.

She sets the cue stick on the pool table, stepping towards the two of you when the blond, toothpick punk beats her to you.

Jake leans in, resting his hand on your back. “Can I talk to you?”

You pause the show, exiting the app so you can turn off your phone. You turn in your seat, your knee nudges his hip, “yeah, sure.”

“Come with me,” he holds your hand, pulling you away from WSO.

You quickly turn your head to Bob, “I’ll be back in a minute.”

He nods, his small smile turns into a pout as you get dragged outside.

Natasha takes the seat you previously occupied, “what was that about?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do either of you know what that was about?” Bradley asks, sitting in front of the two of them, taking a sip of his beer.

She turns to look at him with a raised brow, “why do you sound like you know something?”

He stops, slowly lowering his drink from his mouth. He nervously licks his lips once, “uh- why- uh- why would you say that?”

“You do know something. What is it?”

“I don’t want to say.”

“What are you gossiping hens talking about?” Reuben asks.

“Funny,” Bradley mumbles, looking down at the suddenly interesting table.

“Rooster, here, was just about to tell us why Bagman dragged Blue out of here?”

“You don’t think it has anything to do with their date, do you?”

The couple don’t move for a few seconds.

“Their what?” she asks.

“I feel like I shouldn’t have said anything,” Reuben says, noticing the looks on their faces.

“You think?” Bradley adds.

“They went on a date?” Bob asks with a sad tone and a frown.

“What did you want to talk about?” You ask him, staring at the ocean before glancing over at him.

He sighs, you can see the way his shoulders sag.

“Are you okay?” You place your hand on his bicep.

Jake stares at you and leans in.

Your heartbeat speeds up, you start panicking internally. You shove his shoulders.

He jumps, taking a step back, not at all expecting this to be your reaction. “What just happened?”

You open your mouth to respond but find yourself tongue tied.

“I thought last night went well. Did you not-”

“I’m sorry!” Your eyes widen, you cover your mouth to prevent yourself from shouting out another response.

“I feel like I should be the one apologizing.”

“No, no you were- it was- God, why is this so hard? I mean I had fun. I did have a nice time, it was… different.”

“But?”

“It doesn’t feel right.”

“What doesn’t feel right?”

You cover your face, let out a quiet whine, “I don’t know.”

He won’t admit it (out loud) but, he doesn’t like the sight of you crying or losing your mind- whatever is going on with you, he doesn’t like it, end of story. Jakes takes a step forward, carefully reaching for you, bringing your hands down away from your face. He offers you a small anxious smile, “hey there.” He cups your cheek, rubbing his thumb against your cheekbone.

You look into his eyes; this really doesn’t feel right. You take a deep breath.

He leans down, closing his eyes, moving his head closer to you.

You softly call out his name- his real name, not his call sign or the nickname’s you have for him; you’ve done this before but your tone this time isn’t something he ever wants to hear again.

He opens eyes, he knows what you’re going to tell him. He shakes his head, “don’t say it- just- don’t say it, sweetheart. I,” he sighs.

You blink faster than you normally due, trying to prevent the tears pooling in your waterline from falling. You take a deep breath.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

“That’s it, pretty girl. Keep breathing like that, okay?”

You shake your head when you think of them, you don’t like that he called you by this nickname.

He rests his forehead on yours, closing his eyes. “Please,” he begs.

“I can’t- I can’t do this to you. It’s not fair. I shouldn’t string you along and give you hope that I like you and want to keep going out with you. It’s not right. I would rather I hurt you with the truth than kiss you with a lie.”

You feel horrible. You close your eyes, tears trickle down your cheeks, landing on his thumbs.

Even though you’re hurting him, he’s still willing to help you and wipes away your tears.

You reluctantly open your eyes and sniff your nose twice.

He’s crying too.

You reach up to remove his hands from your cheeks. “I can’t be with someone I don’t have feelings for, and I am not going to try and force myself into liking you. You shouldn’t have to be miserable in a loveless relationship.” You wipe his cheeks.

His eyes open wide, “it wouldn’t be loveless.”

You nod, resting your hand on his cheek, “it would be because I don’t love you and I don’t have feelings for you in a romantic way.”

There’s a fire in his eyes, he shoves your arm away from him as if your touch burned him; he angrily takes a step back. “Then why did you go out with me last night? Huh!” He runs a hand through his hair, “I mean, why did you- why would you go out with me when you know you feel nothing for me?”

Your lips quiver, you see more than one Jake. “I don’t know,” you cry out. “I don’t know, and I hate myself for it! I know I said I didn’t want to hurt you, but it looks like I did anyway!” You take a deep breath, sucking in as much air as you could with a snot filled nose, “I didn’t think.”

“That’s all you can say?! You didn’t think?”

“Stop yelling at me.”

“NO! You used me!”

“What? I didn’t-”

“Did you just go out with me so you wouldn’t be alone?”

“Why are you putting words in my mouth?”

“Why aren’t you being honest with me?!”

“Because I don’t know what’s wrong with me! I don’t know why I say the wrong things and I don’t know why I agreed to go out with you. I don’t even know why you like me.” You stand still, realizing why you went out with him.

He huffs, turning away from you so he can walk in the direction of his car. He stops when you continue.

You snap your eyes shut, “I went out with you because I care about you, as a friend. I wanted to see you happy because you deserve to be happy, Jake. I know lying underneath that hard exterior you have, you’re a good guy and anyone would be lucky to see that. I just- I- I never realized that you were flirting with me every chance you got, and I never put two and two together on the fact that you like me. I never never wanted to hurt you.”

He nods, staring back at you with a clenched jaw, “yeah, well? Consider this an end to a friendship. I hope you’re happy and find someone just as selfish as you.”

Your mouth drops open. There’s nothing you can do except blink, staring mindlessly at the ground.

The back door opens, your quick to wipe your cheeks and step around to the other side, opposite of where Jake went.

You cover your mouth when your backs hit the wall. You pull your phone out of your pocket and slide down, taking deep breathes to hide the fact that you’re crying. Your body bounces when you sit, crossing your legs, feeling the need to curl up.

‘Someone just as selfish as you. Selfish as you. Selfish as you.’

‘Am I really?’

Bradley steps away from the, now, depressed couple. He sighs, this isn’t how he wanted anyone to spend their night. He catches something moving in the corner of his eyes, he turns his head finding Jake speed into the bar, the door slamming behind him.

He moves to the bar, a few women that had been ogling him earlier immediately flock to him. He doesn’t push them off and wraps his arms around the two but, there’s something missing.

Where the hell-

“I gotta go,” Bradley says, setting down his drink. He briskly walks outside, searching for you. He looks to the side, holding onto the wall as he searches for you in the dark.

The hard sniffles tell him he might be in the right area.

He steps past the corner, squatting beside you. His lips thin, he sighs, reaching for you.

You let out a quiet scream, smacking his shoulder.

He falls and your quick to spit out your apologies.

“Oh, man. I’m sorry, Bradley.”

He pushes himself up with a chuckle, wiping his shoulders, he sits beside you.

You scoot closer, resting your head on his shoulder.

“You wanna go home?”

You nod, “but, I don’t have my keys.”

“Never fear, Bradley is here.”

You let out a quiet snort.

He pushes himself off the ground and reaches for you.

You stare up at him with your bloodshot eyes and tilt your head, as if to say, “I can’t go back in there”.

He nods, holding his hand closer to you, “I’ll get your purse,” he rummages through his pocket, “you can sit in my car.”

“How many have you had?”

“I didn’t finish my first drink if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.”

You grip his hand tight as he hauls you up. You two walk to his car, he opens the door, closing it once you settle in the front seat.

He puts his keys in the ignition, rolling the windows down before he jogs back to the bar in search of your purse.

He’s quick to pass Jake, who’s still entertaining a couple of women plus their friends.

Natasha and Bob are playing darts beside Callie, Logan, and Brigham looking like they’re all having fun. He walks by the table and grabs your purse when

Javy steps in front of him. “You taking her home?”

Bradley nods, “yeah.”

“Keep her safe, yeah?”

“Of course.”

“I’m putting a lot of trust into you right now-”

“Wha-”

“She thinks of you like a brother, and I know you’re a good guy. I do. But I also know you and Jake haven’t had a good friendship ever. I’m sure you know, this is gonna be when people choose who they want to stay with, I need you to stay with her. I can’t because he’ll feel like everyone is against him and we need his head in the game.”

“What about Blue?”

“If she has her brother by her side, I know she’ll be able to get through this.” Bradley nods.

Javy steps to the side, giving him room to pass by.

He closes the car door and hands you your purse.

You take it, setting it on the ground as you sniffle.

He turns on the radio, putting it on a low volume knowing you need something to help distract you.

He parks the car in your designated parking spot.

The radios off and your quiet sniffles are the only thing he can hear other than the crickets chirping in the night. “Are you gonna be okay?”

“No.”

“… I meant if you were left alone.”

“Still no but, I’ll manage.”

“You don’t need to do this.”

“Do what?”

“Shut people out.”

“It’d be safer if I did.” You open the door and hop out, leaning in, “thank you for driving me home.” The door slams shut. You turn, walking towards your building.

“Hey, wait- oh god- I’m fine. I’m fine.”

The car beeps, letting the two of you know it’s locked.

“You need some place to crash, right?”

He matches your pace, bumping his arm against yours, “yeah. You know anybody I could ask?” He jokes.

“I know this nice group of older ladies, who meet up for book club every Thursday, and I know for a fact that Doris would take you for a ride.”

You open your purse, pulling out your keys. “Speaking of,” you mutter, hearing the familiar creek of her door opening. “Hi, Doris.”

“Hello, dear. Who’s your scrumptious friend?”

“He’d break too easily for you.”

“At least, he would have fun. Are you alright?”

You turn to her, offering the weakest smile you can make, “I’m fine. Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

“It’s never too late to have fun.”

An older man exits her room, bidding her a goodnight with a peck on the cheek.

“Goodnight, Henry.”

“Goodnight indeed.”

“You two get some sleep. And you,” Doris points to Bradley, who freezes, “you take care of her. She’s well liked here. If anyone of us hear that you or someone else hurt her-”

“Goodnight, Doris!” You quickly walk into your dark apartment. You reach for the light switch on the wall, squinting when the lights turn on.

Doris pulls Bradley down, holding onto his forearm, “you’ve got nice arms, young man.”

“Uh- thank you?”

“Never mind that. You watch out for her, alright? She’s a sweet girl who needs someone to take care of her.”

“We’re not-”

“I know. I know. You are the one she calls her brother. I need you to take care of her.”

He nods, “I will ma’am, I promise.”

She scoffs, “ma’am, so polite but makes me sound old. Anyway,” she pats his arms. “You go in there and lock the door, alright.”

“Yes…”

“Say it.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Doris releases her grip on Bradley and walks into her own apartment, not before she gives him a hard look, so he knows she means business.

He closes the door and locks it, stepping into the living room. “She’s uh- she’s something.”

“Yeah, I know.” You walk down the short hallway, grabbing a shirt and sweatpants. You hold the items for him to take, “here.”

He glances back and forth at you and the clothes. “Take the clothes and go to sleep.”

“I’m not leaving you alone. No more tears are gonna be shed tonight, alright?”

You purse your lips at him and sniff, “fine.”

“Good… I know I just said I don’t want you to be alone, but I’ve got to wash off whatever I sat in when I found you.”

You roll your eyes and smile, “you know where everything is. I’ll grab your clothes and do laundry after.”

“You’re the best,” he pecks the top of your head and runs to the bathroom.

‘Selfish.’

You gulp, turning to look at the TV. “Maybe I can find something stupid to watch.” You grab the remote and search through your numerous streaming devices. You stop browsing, “this could work.”

“I don’t know where to put these.”

You nearly jump out of your skin, “Jesus- fucking- Rooster! You asshole.” You snatch the clothes from him, “your ass is grass.”

“My ass is what?”

“I’m gonna shower, I’ll be back.”

“If I’m asleep by the time you come back, don’t be surprised.”

“I am not gonna take that long.”

“Okay, our stuff is in the washing machine so, now we can watch a movie.”

“What you find?” He asks, stuffing his face with popcorn.

You raise a brow, “glad to see you helped yourself.”

“Me too. What’d you pick?”

“Footloose.”

“The new one or the old one?”

“The old one obviously. Why would I choose the new one? It sucks.”

“I beg to differ.”

“We can agree to disagree. Plus, you got good ol’ Kevin Bacon and his magical gymnastics scene.”

“Yeah, he looks good there.”

You stare at him from the corner of your eye before turning your head in his direction, “I didn’t comment on his looks.”

He briefly pauses mid-bite, “it was implied.”

“Okay… I can’t believe you find him hot.” You giggle as he tosses a handful of popcorn at you.

Once he stops, you start eating whatever landed on your shirt.

“You better clean this up.”

“I am. I am.”

His phone lights up, a text notification, you can’t see who it is and honestly, you don’t want to think about it right now.

You didn’t even bring your phone out with you.

Javy drags Jake out of his friend’s car. “You couldn’t have eased up on the drinks?”

The blond shakes his head.

Javy’s lucky he was able to get Jake in bed before he fell asleep. The man sighs, shaking his head as walks into his room, settling in his bed. He pulls his phone off the nightstand, opening your chat. He knows you won’t want to hear this but it’s all he can do right now.

Big Bad Coyote

“I’m sorry for what he did tonight.” 10:49pm Sent. Read.

��I’m here for you, if you want to complain about Jake.” Deleted.

He sets his phone on the nightstand and rubs his hand over his face. “I hate this.”

Jake isn’t as tired as Javy thought and struggles to pull his phone out of his pocket.

He dials your number. “Hey, it’s- it’s Jake. I didn’t mean it… any of it. I am sorry. I am an idiot and I- oh god.”

He drops his phone and runs into the bathroom.

The remainder of the message contains him groaning and asking if he’s dying.

The next few days were okay.

You were lucky (not really) that you were able to ignore those you’re close to, at Top Gun and on your phone.

You thanked God every day that Rooster stuck by your side (even though you’re sure he’s been telling the others what’s going on).

Today was a rare day when Maverick wanted to do a little one on one even though you’ll be up in the sky with a few of the others.

It seems as though he’s in a great mode and that means you’re his first victim.

It wasn’t bad, everything was actually going pretty well.

You were flying around, practicing a couple of moves you could never quite right. You felt good, better than before. You felt like you were doing pretty good, you’re actually smiling and joking around with Fanboy, Omaha, and Fritz.

Once you successfully completed those moves, Maverick moved onto Fanboy.

You were feeling cocky and thought you could do it again, both engines blow out. You’re doing everything you can to prevent yourself from crashing but, it’s kind of hard when you have people screaming.

“Eject! Eject Blue!” Maverick shouts. “You can’t save it.”

Dammit! You know he’s right.

“Pull it!” The others scream.

You reach up, “I’m…trying!” Your radio starts cutting in an out.

“Pull the ejection handle!”

“I’m… try- stop… me… won’t… scared.” You’re praying for a miracle.

You yank one last time with all that you’ve got: the fear of dying, the adrenaline that’s keeping you going, the anger of you ignoring everyone, the sadness of never seeing anyone again. You don’t open your eyes… you hope you’re still breathing when you touch the ground.

Pete has to stop Bradley from doing something stupid.

“I can’t leave her out there alone.” He shoves his shoulders, “you’ve got to let me go.”

The older man shakes his head, “I can’t do that.”

“You need to move before I do something we’ll both regret.” Pete can see the tears welling up in the young man’s waterline. He sighs, “we’ve already got someone going out there to find her. She needs you here, not running off into danger.”

Bradley grips Pete’s flight suit tightly between his shaking, clenched fists.

The man pulls him into a hug. The older man glances over his shoulder, finding Cyclone standing there.

The two nod at one another.

Pete pats Bradley’s back, “let’s go see her.”

The pilot with the nostalgic mustache enters first, wanting to see you before anyone- other than Cyclone- wait Cyclone?!

“Sir?” Bradley whispers.

The Admiral doesn’t move and continues to sit by your side.

“I’ll talk to you later,” he pats your forearm and pushes himself out of his seat. He leans forward to kiss the top of your head.

“Bye, dad.”

Cyclone stops in front of Bradley, “I expect you to take care of her and watch her back, you hear?”

“Please go,” you whine.

“I need to know my daughter is safe up in the air. I can’t get to you but we both know the risks that come with the job.”

“The risks that come with the job,” you say at the same time.

He nods, “exactly.”

And he’s gone.

“That’s your dad? Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

You give him a deadpan expression.

He glances over at the table beside your bed.

“I didn’t want anyone to judge me based on who my dad is,” you mutter, picking at the blanket.

Javy and Natasha run towards the nurse’s station.

The head nurse, Diane, glances up from her clipboard with a raised brow.

“Where’s Blue?”

“You two know I can’t do that. It’s against regulation.”

Natasha slams her hand on the desk, “screw regulation! Tell us where she is… please?”

Diane sighs, “I know you two want to know where she is and how she’s doing but, I can’t do that.”

Javy gulps, “can you- can you at least tell us if she-”

“She didn’t sustain any life-threatening injuries.”

The two let sighs of relief.

“Can she have any visitors?”

“What did I just tell you?”

“Hey, hey,” Bradley interrupts. “It’s okay. I’ll take it from here.”

Diane narrows her eyes at him, “I told you five minutes.”

“Yeah, but you can’t resist me, admit it.”

“You three have until four, that’s when I switch shifts.”

The three say their thanks and briskly walk to your room.

The door opens, you expect to find Bradley with your water but, it’s Jake.

He awkwardly stands in front of the door after closing it. He reminds you of a little kid getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

“I think you’re in the wrong room.”

He shakes his head, “no.”

“Well- you can see I’m clearly fine now you can turn around and pretend you never saw me, okay?”

“I can’t do that.”

“It’s worked well for everyone else.”

“That’s because you pulled away and stopped talking to all of us.”

“So, I wouldn’t hurt you or anyone else.”

“And you thought pulling away was better?”

You lift your up, covering your eyes like you would if you were protecting your eyes from the sun. “I can’t do this right now.”

“No, you don’t get to do that now-”

“I know!” Your hand flies off your face. The tears stream down your cheeks. “I know! I fucked up but it was better that I be honest with you now than break your heart more later.”

He nods, “you’re right.”

You sniff, “I am?”

“Yeah.”

He moves to sit in the chair closest to the bed, “I’ll admit I didn’t react in the most… respectful way.”

You open your mouth to respond, he holds his hand up to stop you.

“Just- let me say what I need to say, okay?”

You nod.

“I was hurt, it really hit me deep with what you said. I didn’t think it was going to end that way but, I’m glad it did.”

“What?”

He shushes you. “You were right. I just- I don’t know how but I got confused.”

“Confused about what?”

“I- honestly, I don’t know but, I had some time to think about it and you were right. It was better for you to be honest with me and not lead me on and make me think we have something special when we really don’t.”

“Oh.”

“I also said some… things that weren’t entirely directed at you but more so myself.”

“How- what?”

“I said you were selfish but that isn’t true. You told me the cold honest truth and I got pissed… I was- I was scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Losing you.”

“How would you lose me?”

“To those two lovesick idiots.”

“Who?”

“Don’t tell me you don’t know that Baby on Board and Princess Phoenix are in love with you.”

You shake your head with furrowed brows, “n- no they’re not.”

He nods, smirking, “oh, believe me, they are.” He takes note of you expression, “you don’t know.”

“I never- I didn’t. Oh my god. Oh my god.”

“If it would make you feel better, I could say I wasn’t being serious.”

You smack him, “no that wouldn’t help.”

He deflects your hand. “Don’t hit the face.”

You slump back, “I can’t believe it.”

The door opens.

You two look to find Bradley, Javy, and Natasha entering the room.

They rush towards you; the latter grabs your hands. She stares at you with wide eyes as she pets your head, pulling you closer to hug you.

One of the guys lets out an ‘oof’.

You peek over her bicep to see Bob adjusting his glasses. He turns to you and looks relieved.

Jake grabs Bradley and Javy’s necks, forcing them out the door. “We’ll leave you three alone.”

Natasha pulls back, not letting go of your hands.

“Are you- are you okay?” Bob asks, sitting in the chair Jake sat in before.

“I’m… fine.”

“Fine isn’t good. Are you in pain? Do I need to get the nurse?”

You glance over at Bob, pleading him for help with your eyes.

He nods, pushing himself out of the chair, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. He gets her to sit down, moving the bring his chair closer to her. “Breathe.”

“I am breathing,” she says with a clenched jaw.

“If you two want to leave I’d understand.”

Natasha turns to you, an upset expression now present on her face, “and why would we want to leave?”

“So, you two wouldn’t have to sit here feeling uncomfortable.”

“Why would we be uncomfortable?”

“I don’t know,” you whisper, closing your eyes to prevent the tears from falling.

“No, tell me what you mean?”

“I don’t know.”

“I don’t know isn’t good enough. Why did you stop talking to us? To everyone?”

“Nat,” Bob pleads quietly, latching onto her wrist.

She shrugs him off, “no, I need to know. We deserve an answer.”

You clench the blanket between your shaking fists, sucking in as much air as your body would let you. You exhale a cry before fully sobbing, you struggle to breath which leads to you hyperventilating.

Bob is quick to push himself out of the chair, moving beside her so he can pull you into him, resting your head on his chest. He wraps an arm around your shoulders, petting your hair. He looks back at his girlfriend who looks at you with a sense of worry and guilt, when he catches her gaze, he gestures for her to move around your other side.

She crawls in behind you, pulling one hand into hers, squeezing your hand every so often.

Your cries seem to have dwindled, now you realize your smushed between the two. You don’t know what to do.

“Scoot over,” Bob lightly orders, unwrapping his from you.

You pull back with your head down, you don’t want to look either of them in the eye. Natasha moves, resting her head on your shoulder. You bring your knees up, giving the two room to stretch out a little better. Bob settles on the other side of you, he hesitantly places his hand on your thigh. You rest your head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry,” you whisper.

“You shouldn’t be sorry. I am I-”

You cut her off, “I don’t mean about now. I’m,” you sigh. “I’m sorry for what’s been going on between me and everyone.”

“It’s okay," Bob adds.

“You shouldn’t try to diffuse the situation just because.”

“It’s not just because,” he argues. “Yeah, it sucked with you not talking to a lot of us but what was worse was the fact that we didn’t know you had gotten into an accident. Maverick’s been working us in all these different directions and we- we were really scared about you, okay?”

“Okay,” you nod.

“What made you stop talking to us?” Natasha whispers.

“Jake said somethings and I thought they might be true.”

“You listened to Bagman?”

“Nat,” he starts to say.

“I’m sorry but, if we’re gonna be listening to stupid people then we shouldn’t be up in the air.”

You chuckle through your nose, “that’s a thought.”

“Whatever he said isn’t important and not true at all, right?” Bob directs his gaze to Natasha.

“Yeah, you shouldn’t listen to him anyway.”

“He did bring something else up that made me realize something.”

“If it’s something bad about you-”

“Nothing like that,” you shake your head, squeezing her hand. “Promise.”

She nods.

“He said there were a couple of people here who are… in love with me?”

They pause their movements, suddenly scared of how this conversation will end. “And… then… I- uh- I realized I- I feel the same way.”

“You do?” Bob questions, wanting to make sure he and Natasha are understanding you correctly.

“I really do, I just- I never realized it before… even though it was pretty obvious.”

“I take it back; you can listen to Bagman on a rare occasion.”

You hide your face in his arm to hide your laughter.

“Does this mean after you get discharged, we can take you out on a date?” asks Bob.

“If that’s what you two want to do.”

She pushes herself off you, cupping your chin between her thumb and first two fingers, “when you’re given the okay, we’re going on the best date you’ve ever been on. One that tops whatever you think your best date was and then we’re going to ask if you’ll be our pretty girl, okay?” She nods with a certain dominant way.

You immediately nod, staring at her with a slight dazed expression, “yes, ma’am.”

She leans into closer, studying you before she pecks your lips twice, settling beside you once again.

You pout, “that wasn’t fair.”

“Don’t be greedy.”

You turn to Bob and offer him your most pathetic pitiful expressions. “She’s mean.”

“You stayed away from us and didn’t let us see your pretty face.”

Your jaw drops.

“Let’s watch something before nurse buzzkill comes back and tells us to leave,” says Natasha.

You reach over him and grab your phone, opening Netflix so you can continue watch New Girl.

“Did we already watch this?”

You and he shush her. “Can’t we watch a different episode?” You two shush her again.

The nurse opens the door, prepared to tell the two it’s time to pack it up and stop whatever it is your doing but, she can’t.

She rolls her eyes, “kids.”

The door clicks shut, and a tired, groggy Bob sets your phone on the table.

You’re being discharged today, and everyone was practically fighting on who would take you home. You don’t need a babysitter or someone watching over you but that doesn’t stop them from trying.

Pete called for the others and of course, they were reluctant to go, the only one that wasn’t called in was Jake.

Beau enters the room, watching as Jake worries over you and you pushing him away. “Let me,” he steps in, helping you out of bed.

“I can help her from her, sir,” Jake assures your father.

“I hear you but, I’d rather help my daughter as much as I can right now.”

The blond’s brows furrow, “daughter? Where?” He turns to you.

You give him a sheepish grin and a small shrug.

He shakes his head, “no.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“… yes.”

“Seriously?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Afraid so?” Beau chimes in.

“You’re no prize. Everyone here is afraid of you, not counting Maverick.”

“That’s because he’s stupid.”

“Or he has a lot of balls.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Do I though?”

You push his hands away from you, “I can walk on my own.”

“You’re related?”

“Is he still on that?” Beau asks you.

You nod, “he probably won’t shut up about it.”

“I don’t know if I should be concerned with my decision on bringing him here.”

“You definitely should be,” you joke.

“Let me take you home.”

“You have to work.”

“I can take the afternoon off.”

“We both know that won’t happen. I love you dad but, you can’t leave. We can have dinner or something.”

He sighs, “fine but if he,” he points to a flabbergasted Jake, “tries anything you let me know.”

“He won’t but thank you.”

He pulls you in for a hug, squeezing you tight. He leans down, whispering in your ear, “I expect to meet the other two when we have dinner.”

You pull back, “who?”

He raises a brow, “the two that were asleep in your bed.”

You feel hot all of a sudden. “Who- who- there was- uh- no one there- with- with me.”

“I just want to meet them, that’s it.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s your dad?”

You whirl around, poking him with your index finger, “would you shut up.”

“When have you ever known me to shut up?”

You groan.

“We’re gonna be having a party at your place tonight.”

“My place? A party- woah- what?” “Don’t say anything just be there, okay?”

You pout, “do I have to?”

“Yeah, you have to.”

“But do I really?”

“Your lovers will be there.”

Your cheeks feel hot, “don’t say lovers.”

He smirks and whispers, “lovers.”

You squint at him.

He can tell there’s something off with you and takes off running.

“Get back here!” You chase after him.

“No!” He shouts over his shoulder, “you’ll try and hit me. I can’t have you ruining the money maker.”

“But that’s exactly why I need you to stop.”

“Hey there, Mrs. D.”

You sigh, “please don’t make chit chat with my neighbors.”

“What can I say? The ladies love me,” Jake throws a wink in Doris’ direction.

“He’s right, dear. He’s got the moves, let him use them, even if it’s on an old lady.”

“You are anything but old, Doris Day.”

She chuckles, “you two have fun with your small party.”

“Thank you, Doris. You have a good rest of you day.”

“You know I will, good looking.”

You close your door and spin around, surprised to see everyone casually sitting or cooking in your kitchen.

“She’s here,” Javy announces. “Hey, how are you?”

You shake your head, “don’t give me that sympathetic tone. I’m fine. I’m good. We’re here to hangout not have a pity party.”

Javy raises his hands, “fine, fine. No more sympathy.” He glances over at a cocky looking Jake. “Why’s he so smug?”

“Doris-”

“I love her.”

“Everyone does. Anyway, Doris fed into his ego and now he’s lost his mind.”

He nods, “ah.”

“Yep.”

Natasha and Bob move towards Javy, offering small smiles.

Your lips stretch into a wide smile, “hey you two.”

Bradley groans.

“What?” You ask.

“You three are gonna be all sweet and lovey dovey and ugh.”

Natasha smirks, shoving Jake to the side, wrapping an arm around your waist. “You jealous?”

He grumbles with his head down as he walks away.

Jake snickers as he follows after him.

Javy shakes his head, “I’m happy you’re okay.”

You wave him off, “yeah, yeah. Me too, Javy.”

He smiles, turning his head when he hears groaning. Javy sighs, watching as Jake holds his stomach and Bradley stands there smiling like a little kid eating a piece of candy.

“Should we help him?” Bob asks you two.

Natasha shakes her head, “no.” She applies to slightest amount of pressure to your waist, guiding you towards the couch, “let’s sit.”

“I’m not a dog,” you complain.

“I didn’t give you a command,” she leans in closer, whispering, “unless you want me to.”

You hum, “looks like someone’s caught Jake’s cocky bug.”

“I take offense to that.”

Natasha sits on your right, Bob on your left.

“What exactly are we doing here?” You ask.

Mickey and Reuben make themselves comfortable on the floor beside your legs. “Movie night,” the former answers with a mouth full of pasta.

The latter smacks his shoulder, “dude, don’t talk with your mouth full.”

“She asked.”

“Chew your food before you talk.”

“Maybe I don’t want to chew my food before I-” Mickey takes a deep breath, choking on the small amount of food left in his mouth.

His floor buddy slaps his back trying to help him.

You reach forward and raise his arms.

Once he catches his breath and takes a sip of water. “I’m just gonna sit here and not talk,” Mickey says with a raspy voice.

“Here you go,” Bradley holds out a bowl of pasta in front of you, slightly leaning on the couch.

You throw your head back, giving him a wide smile before you start inhaling eating your pasta.

Javy hands Bob and Natasha their bowls before settling down on one of the chairs near the TV.

Bradley and Jake fight over the other open chair.

You snort, watching the two act like children.

“Are you two ever going to stop,” Natasha waves her hand at the two, “whatever that is?”

“I will when Chicken gives me the seat.”

“Like hell I will.”

“Leave them be. They’ll tire themselves out sooner or later,” you tell her. “Oh hey, where are the others?” You ask out loud.

“Halo went to go visit her family,” Reuben answers.

“Fritz and Omaha went out on a double date.”

“Double date? Good for them. What about the other two?”

“Harvard has a bad headache and stayed home, and Yale wanted to go grocery shopping, said this was the best and only time he could go.”

Javy shushes you two, “the movies starting.”

You and Natasha groan. “Why are we watching this crap?” You ask.

“The new footloose is amazing. Do not tarnish its good name,” Bradley says, sitting beside Jake’s legs. “Oh, and Bob picked it.”

“Are you for real?” He nods, taking a bite of his pasta.

You turn to Bob, peck his cheek, and say, “you made an excellent choice, Billy Bob.”

“What if I said I chose it?” Jake chimes in.

“I’d beat you with your bowl.”

“That’s a little harsh, don’t you think?”

“Nope,” you rest your head against Bob’s shoulder.

“It’s starting.”

Numerous complaints echo around the room, all telling Mickey to shut up.

Everyone’s fallen asleep or fighting the urge to close their eyes.

You manage to escape Bob and Natasha’s hold so you can get blankets for everyone.

Javy and Reuben immediately cuddle into their blankets.

Mickey smacks his floor buddy when to steal his blanket.

You set a pillow between the two, hoping that it will stop them from fighting.

You move onto Bradley and Jake, setting their blankets on top of them but you have to angle the former another way or else he’s gonna be kicked in the face.

You set a blanket on Natasha first, watching as she snuggles into it before setting your last blanket on Bob. You grab the pile of bowls and set it in the sink, letting them soak for the night. You try to sneak between the two once again when you see Bob crack one eye open. “Hey,” you whisper, settling in the empty space.

“Where’s your blanket?”

You curl your arms around yourself, “I’m fine.”

He pulls you closer to him, tossing some of his blanket onto you.

Natasha curls into your side, throwing a little bit of her blanket onto you.

“I feel like we should move.”

“What makes you say that?” His breath tickles against your ear.

“Besides the fact that we’re scrunched up on the couch, nothing.”

“Should we?”

“We can. If you want to?”

“Do you?”

A hand grasps yours and Bob’s wrists, pulling you into your room.

You turn around, staring at Natasha. “Get in bed. It’ll be better for us to get some sleep in here.”

You two nod.

“Who’s gonna be in the middle?” You ask, pulling the sheets back.

“You,” she answers.

You three settle into the bed with Bob and Natasha snuggling into you.

Once everyone was awake and their brains were functioning enough, they decided to head home to get ready for a night out.

“Well, well, well,” Jake says, checking you out up and down. “Someone’s dressed to impress.”

You look down, checking out your outfit, finding yourself wearing your usual jeans and shirt combo.

With the heat during summer, it’s best to wear no layers.

You shake your head, preparing to take your shot (after snatching the cue stick from him).

“I’m not dressed to impress anyone. I’m comfortable. And you just lost.”

“Is he hitting on her?” Natasha asks out loud, not aiming her question to anyone specifically.

“He’s just trying to get under your skin,” Bradley says. “Don’t focus on that now.”

She scoffs, “how can I not?”

Bob returns, setting another round down before he starts munching on his snack of the night.

“Do you see this?” She asks him.

“This is their friendship… and he can’t turn it off.”

Bradley snickers into his hand.

Jake loses his smile, his eyes going back and forth between the corner pocket and where you stand. “How- wait- did you take my shot?”

“No, I didn’t.” You walk away, standing before the two with a wide smile. “Hi, you two.”

Throat clearing sounds come from your left, you turn to them with annoyed expression, “and hi, dumbass one and dumbass two.”

“We prefer hunky Hawaiian shirt with a porn stache’ and the sexy Coyote,” Javy replies.

Bradley turns to him with an offended expression. “Why are you hating on my mustache?”

“I’m not but, you honestly can’t blame me for saying that,” Javy tries to defend himself.

“Yeah, I can. I’ve gotten more numbers than you so far, I’d say it’s working like a charm.”

“What do you think would happen to that confidence if I shaved it?” Jake interrupts.

Bradley pushes himself out of the chair, “woah! Woah! Nobody and I mean nobody is shaving it.”

Jake and Javy glance at each other while Bradley runs away.

“Ignore them. How are you two?” You ask.

Natasha grins, pulling you and Bob closer.

You try to pull back, so you don’t smush yourself into him, but she is relentless. You grab both of their wrists and pull them outside, unlocking Bob’s car with his keys (which you stole to put in your purse or else he would have lost them, again).

You open the trunk, making them sit on the blanket you set in the back.

Natasha hums when you settle in between the two, “so this is why you wanted the car?”

“Partly, but I also thought we could leave early and watch a movie back here or maybe we could just stay here until everyone’s done and then we go home, or we could-” You expected her to cut you off from your rambling when you realize your head is turned in Bob’s direction and his (very) kissable lips are moving against yours. You copy his actions, feeling yourself losing your breath. You swear you melt inside.

“Don’t hog her,” Natasha teases as she drags her fingertips against your arm.

He pulls back, “I’m not,” he says against your lips.

You take a moment before you open your eyes, staring up at the two, who are watching you look at them dazed expression. “What was I saying?” You whisper.

Natasha shakes her head, “it’s not important.”

A loud smacking makes the two of you break eye contact with her.

She tilts her head, “did you steal her gum?”

He pauses, staring at her through his lashes (his attempt at an innocent/ puppy dog look), “no?”

“You’re such a liar.”

“I didn’t go searching for it.”

She shakes her head, “whatever.” She turns to look at you, “what’s got you so smiley?”

You shake your head, “nothing just,” you exhale, “I’m really happy.”

She smiles, bending down, pecking your lips, “good.”

“Can we watch more “New Girl”?” he asks.

“You’ve got him obsessed with that show.”

“It’s a good show,” you argue.