The voices increased as The Hard Deck gained a new customer. And Maverick couldn't stop counting the people who walked in. Probably because he already owed everyone a round when the bell rang. He tried to distract himself by thinking of a way to ask Penny to go out with him.
Or watching the two navy pilots playing darts and then billiards.

Hangman and Coyote. Two of the pilots he would have to instruct.

............

"Aw come on" Coyote complained when Hagman dunked another ball in the pool table.

Hearing the door open again they looked in that direction seeing three more pilots. One of them was familiar.

"What do we have here?" Hangman exclaimed with a sarcastic smile, going to the other side of the table and leaning against it "If it isn't Phoenix. Thought we were special, Coyote. And it turns out they invited anyone" teased with an evil hiss

People scattered around the bar cheered in celebration as the bell was rung a second time. One more round of drinks paid by Maverick.

Phoenix stopped in front of him with her arms crossed and couldn't contain the roll of her eyes as she introduced him to her companions.

"Guys, this here is Bagman"

"Hangman" He corrected without losing his smile. Amused at the failed attempt to annoy him.

"Whatever" she said "You're looking at the only pilot on board with a confirmed air kill"

"Stop it" asked in a joking tone, pretending modesty

"Only the enemy was a Korean War-era plane"

"Cold war" Javy corrected with a frown

"Different wars, same century" Reuben denied from behind Phoenix

"Who are your friends?" Javy asked regretting getting involved 

"Payback and Fanboy" She introduced "Hi Coyote"

Not wanting to be rude he replied the length looking displeased.

"Who is he?" Phoenix asked without taking her eyes off them. Nodding her head to something on her right side

"He who?"

Turning their faces, they saw a young man sitting in one of the chairs next to the table, dressed in the same uniform as them. Looked a little younger. His hair was neatly styled and he wore large aviator-style glasses. He was trying to clean his pants still not noticing the looks on him. When he did, he was embarrassed and felt his cheeks heating up.

"When did you arrive?" Coyote asked
 
"Oh I..... " he stuttered with shame  "I've been here the whole time(.

"Invisible fighter pilot" Hangman said jokingly staring at Phoenix  "Literally"

"Actually, I'm a gunner" he corrected, trying to smile despite his nervousness.

"And no sense of humor" Hangman grumbled. Using this as a good cue to continue playing. Still bent on beating Coyote.
Then he ignored Phoenix's voice who was more interested in knowing about the shy boy than continuing to argue with him.

"What are you called?" She asked

"Bob" he replied swallowing hard

"No" Payback said laughing "She meant your callsign"

"Yeah. Bob" repeated embarrassed. Fixing the glasses that had not left the place.

"Bob Floyd" Phoenix exclaimed. You could almost see the light bulb that lit up in her head "You are my new wizzo.  From Lemoore?"

"I think so" He said, even more embarrassed to meet his new flight partner "I am"

Phoenix continued to stare at Bob for a moment. Standing like a statue. More questions ran through her mind. But missed the chance when the bar door opened again.

All being very curious and shameless to admit, they turned to face Penny's new client. Her way of dressing and walking made it clear that she was not part of the place. But Phoenix felt a strange familiarity in her face, as if she'd seen her before.

The girl looked around looking out of place and uncomfortable. Evidently lost in the environment.

Payback also analyzed her. Pulling from his memory in hopes of recognizing her face. But it was when he saw the glint of a necklace around her neck that a name popped into his mind.

"Isn't that Schneider over there?" he asked

"Looks like it"  Phoenix commented, still feeling a little uncertainty.

"Who?" Hangman exclaimed confused.

"Damiana Schneider" Bob replied "She was Admiral Kazansky's disciple. You know... Supernova?"

Hangman went back to bending over the table to play, thinking it was worth more of his time.

"Damn. They are picking anyone for this mission then" he muttered focusing on the white ball. That distracted the others. None of them noticing a new person approaching the table "In a little while, even Swan should show up" despite the ironic smile at the corner of his lips, the slight tone of admiration for the name did not go unnoticed.

"You're still crushing on her, aren't you?" Phoenix said not wanting to miss the opportunity to provoke.

That seemed to poke something inside of him. Making him squeeze the bat until his fingers turn white. Unable to contain the anger he hit the ball too hard. It would be the perfect shot to pocket the two balls he was aiming for. But he knew that the excessive force would screw up his score.

Well, he would never be sure if he missed or not. Because a hand with impressive agility and speed prevented the main ball from finishing its course.

Jake looked at the female hand. Thin and long fingers. Delicate. On the wrist a thin leather strap bracelet with 5 small white pendants. An anchor. An airplane. A goose. A rooster and a swan. He always wanted to know what it would feel like to have those icy pendants running down his back. Swallowing hard, His gaze traveled up the smooth tanned arm until the body connected to it. Jeans with a black t-shirt and combat boots. Upon reaching the face he felt his breath stuck in his throat. It felt like minutes. But it didn't last more than a few seconds. He opened and closed his mouth, not knowing what to say. His reaction being the positive response to Phoenix's taunt.

"And I thought you had learned to be nicer to others" hissed the voice that has invaded his dreams night after night "It's a shame that I was wrong"

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Hiii. How are you Guys? How was your week?
Little message. mackiavelick and I are going to post  Love above the clouds e Supernova every Saturday from now on.

Hope you enjoyed today's chapter♡

See you next Saturday. 30.07.22
Don't forget to vote and comment♡.
(Updates on Saturdays)