The bar hums with life, packed with aviators and locals blending together over clinking glasses and raucous laughter. Maverick strides in first, his signature smirk firmly in place as he surveys the room.

"This is what I call a target rich environment," Maverick declares, nudging Goose as his eyes dart between the women scattered around the bar.

"You live your life between your legs, Mav," Goose fires back, clapping his shoulder as they make their way inside.

"Goose, even you could get laid in a place like this," Maverick teases as he chuckles.

"I'm telling you, I'd be happy just to find a girl who'd talk dirty to me," Goose replies, glancing around. But his attention quickly shifts, spotting two women in uniform standing at the bar. "Check it out," Goose mutters, motioning toward Ace and Spades.

Ace leans against the bar, swirling her beer idly as her sharp gaze sweeps the room. Spades, meanwhile, focuses on her drink, visibly less interested in the social scene. Ace's expression flickers when her eyes meet Iceman's across the room. He sips his drink, unbothered by the chatter of the woman beside him, and holds Ace's gaze just long enough to spark irritation.

"Ladies," Maverick greets as he sidles up to the bar, his tone dripping with playful arrogance.

"Gentlemen," Spades responds evenly, her voice cool and disinterested.

Ace shifts her attention from Iceman to Maverick, arching a brow as they size each other up.

"Mav," Goose calls, nudging him to look toward the far end of the room. "You wanted to know who the best is?" Goose gestures toward Iceman, who casually adjusts his aviators before taking another sip. "That's him. Iceman."

Ace snorts, drawing Maverick's attention. Maverick glances at her, amusement lighting up his face.

"That's the way he flies," Goose continues. "Ice cold, no mistakes. Just wears you down until you get bored, frustrated, do something stupid, and he's got you."

"Yeah, but he doesn't know how to take risks," Ace interjects, her voice sharp.

"Plays it too safe," Spades adds as she nods in agreement.

Maverick grins at Ace, clearly enjoying her commentary, but the moment is interrupted when Slider, Iceman's RIO, walks past.

"Hey, hey, Slider," Goose calls out, motioning to the insignia on his uniform. "Thought you wanted to be a pilot, man. What happened?" Slider stops, smirking.

"Goose, you're such a dickhead," Slider responds as he shakes his head but wears a smile. "Whose butt did you kiss to get in here?"

"Well, the list is long but distinguished," Goose quips with a grin.

"So is Ace's," Slider teases as he laughs, his gaze shifting to Ace.

Ace narrows her eyes and downs the rest of her drink in one swift motion.

"So, you're flying with Iceman, huh?" Goose asks, leaning against the bar.

"It's Mr. Iceman to you," Slider replies with mock seriousness, pointing toward his partner, who is now heading their way.

"And I'm out," Spades says, excusing herself with a shake of her head as she heads to the restroom.

"Hey, Mother Goose," Iceman greets with a sly grin as he approaches, extending his hand.

"Tom," Goose replies, shaking it before nodding toward Maverick. "This is Pete Mitchell."

Maverick and Iceman exchange a firm handshake.

"Congratulations on Top Gun," Iceman says, his smile a mix of charm and challenge. Iceman glances briefly at Ace. "You too, Ace."

"Thanks," Maverick responds coolly, while Ace offers a curt nod, her eyes narrowing.

"Sorry to hear about Cougar," Iceman adds, grabbing a handful of peanuts from the bar. "He and I were like brothers in flight school. Good man."

"Still is a good man," Maverick says sharply, while Ace exchanges a glance with Goose, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, that's what I meant," Iceman replies, though the slight edge in his tone does not go unnoticed.

"Thought so," Maverick retorts, taking a long sip of his beer.

"Sure you did," Ace mutters under her breath, earning a brief smirk from Maverick.

"You need any help figuring things out?" Iceman asks as he turns fully toward Maverick, clearly enjoying the tension.

"I doubt anything you have to say will be helpful," Ace cuts in, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Don't you have somewhere to powder your nose with your RIO?" Iceman sneers. Before Ace can fire back, Goose pulls her aside, murmuring something about Cougar's recent struggles. Iceman seizes the opportunity to challenge Maverick further. "Figure out who the best pilot is yet?"

"No," Maverick answers, leaning casually against the bar. "But I think I can figure that one out on my own."

"I heard that about you," Iceman says, his voice low and taunting. "You like to work alone. Sounds like Ace over there."

Maverick's grin hardens into something more dangerous as the two men lock eyes.

Slider breaks the tension as he says, "Mav, you must've soloed under a lucky star, huh? First the MiG, and then sliding into Cougar's spot."

"We didn't slide into Cougar's spot," Goose interjects, his tone suddenly serious. "It was ours." Slider shrugs, unbothered.

"Guess you're lucky and famous." Slider says as glances at Iceman, who raises his glass.

"No," Iceman corrects with a dry laugh. "Notorious."

Iceman and Slider down their drinks, throwing one last smirk in Maverick's direction before walking away.

"They were abused children," Goose jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

"No, they are just assholes," Ace quips, earning a surprised look from Maverick.

"I think we're gonna have a good time," Maverick says, lifting his beer toward Goose, Ace, and the returning Spades.

"Always," Goose agrees.

Ace catches the eye of someone random across the room, smirking as she nudges Spades.

"See you around," Ace tells the men as Maverick watches her go, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Interesting," Maverick mutters to himself before taking another drink as he watches Ace.

Ace's tan Navy uniform fits her perfectly, the sharp creases in her pants and the precise way her belt sits on her hips exuding professionalism. Ace's dirty blonde hair is pinned neatly into a standard bun, yet a few wisps escape to frame her face. Maverick's eyes trace her features as she turns slightly to the side, a jawline sharp enough to cut glass, full lips curved in an easy smile, and almond shaped eyes that hold a hint of mischief that he finds himself wanting to help create.