Chapter Text
Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Floyd had never been one for partying. Even during high school, he preferred staying home to read or book or just spend time with his family. That’s why when he found himself at a bar in Lemoore with his teammates, he felt out of place. Not only was he not drinking, but he couldn’t really call any of his teammates friends. They all were clapping each other on the back, barely even noticing he was there, and honestly, he preferred it that way. He was never one for attention. He liked being the wallflower. If he wasn’t the wallflower, then he wouldn’t have seen the beautiful woman that just walked into the bar.
Lieutenant Natasha “Phoenix” Trace had always been a confident woman. She was top in her class at TOPGUN and was one of the best pilots here in Lemoore. She decided to celebrate the win she had today from training, as she was able to get her Lieutenant Commander “shot” down in under 3 minutes. She grabbed a beer from the bar before heading towards her other classmates, who were mostly dancing around the stereo system like they were at the biggest party of the year. She looked around at them all before noticing a lone wolf in the corner, sipping his beer before sliding his glasses back up his nose. He was attractive, in a nerdy kind of way, and he piqued her interest. She hadn’t seen him around before, was he new, or was he assigned to a different squadron? She was sure she would never forget a face like that.
Almost as if he knew she was looking at him, he looked up and locked eyes with her. He had the most beautiful blue eyes and under his old-timey glasses, she could see them clearer and knew they would be even more beautiful up close. She decided to play the long game, moving over to the pool table to see some of her fellow Black Ace’s. She could feel his eyes on her every time she moved, and she smiled. She liked that. She saw her TOPGUN classmate Callie “Halo” Bassett who was visiting after being assigned on the East Coast.
“Hey, Halo. Long time no fly.” They clinked beer glasses.
“Good to see you, Phoenix.” She looked around the bar, taking another sip from her beer.
“It’s nice to be back on the West Coast. I was getting tired of the colder weather.”
“Feel that. Wouldn’t want to leave my hot domain anytime soon.” They both laughed at the comment, both being more warm-acclimated than cold. That was a perk of being a pilot working the long hot days, especially back in Fightertown. Phoenix moved closer to the pool table, grabbed a stick, and handed the other to Halo, who gladly accepted it. She was surprised when she picked up yet another stick, but this time handing it to the handsome stranger who she hadn’t been able to keep her eyes off of.
“Wanna shoot?” He looked at her with wide eyes, clearly taken aback by the invitation, but he quickly regained his composure and grabbed the stick being held out for him.
“Sure.” He moved around the table with ease, racking the balls on the table before signaling for her to be the first shot. She hit the ball, sending the rest flying across the table. They played through the game, eyeing and evaluating each other. Phoenix was intrigued by the man. He was unlike anyone else she had met in TOPGUN or in her squadron. When the game was over, her winning, of course, he only smiled.
“Good game.”
“Thanks, you too.” A blush found its way onto his cheeks.
“Can I buy you a beer?”
“Sure, if you tell me your name.” Shock showed in his eyes, he completely forgot to tell her his name.
“Oh, uh, Robert Floyd.”
“What’s your callsign, Floyd?” The blush deepened.
“Bob.” Phoenix barely managed to suppress the laugh that wanted to escape. Of all the callsigns, he chose the one that was practically his name.
“Can I ask the meaning behind it? Other than a shorter version of Robert, I mean.”
“Well, I didn’t have any friends in flight training, or at TOPGUN, so my callsign just became what it is, just Bob.” She frowned at that. How could someone as sweet as this guy not have any friends? It was unheard of.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, “Bob”. The name’s Phoenix.” He smiled at her.
“I know who you are. You shot down Lieutenant Commander Roberson this morning.” Now it was her turn to blush.
“Yeah, was my fastest time yet.”
“It was a nice maneuver.” Referencing the cobra maneuver she performed which ultimately gave her the “kill”.
“What squadron you with, Bob?”
“The VFA-51 Screaming Eagles.” Phoenix pointed to her own badge on her jacket.
“VFA-41 Black Aces. Funny thing though, I’ve never seen you fly, are you new around here?” Bob shook his head.
“I’m not a pilot.” Her confusion heightened. Who was this guy and why was he making it so hard to learn about him?
“Then you’re on the flight deck?”
“Weapons systems officer actually.” That explains it.
“So what are your plans for the night, Bob the weapons systems officer?” He looked at her from above his glasses, his eyes darkening as he looked at her but still held the genuine look that he had all night.
“I don’t know. Probably go home, read a book or something. I have a big day tomorrow, shipping out.” What a coincidence, so was she.
“So am I. Any idea where you're headed?” He shook his head.
“Nah. You?”
“Nah.” He smiled as she imitated him. This woman was something else. The way her eyes twinkled as she laughed or joked made his stomach twist into knots, the good kind.
“So if it’s our last day here, what do you say we do something crazy.” She said, not cutting eye contact with him, gauging his reaction. He smiled.
“How crazy?” Phoenix shrugged her shoulders.
“Oh I don’t know. As far as you wanna go.” They weren’t talking about just anything anymore. She had one goal in mind. Get him into bed. Normally Bob wasn’t into one night stands or sleeping with anyone he wasn’t in a relationship with, but something about Phoenix drew him to her. Maybe he could break his rule just this once. What would be the harm? They were both shipping out tomorrow to god knows where and would probably never see each other again. He decided to throw caution to the wind.
“What if I want all of it?” Phoenix smirked, she was hoping he would say that.
“Then let’s get out of here.” She took his hand and practically pulled him out of the bar.