wlw · fighter pilot · shy · royal air force · best friends to lovers · witty · british · mechanic romance · shy romance · aviation
The late afternoon sun cuts through the open hangar doors at RAF Marham, painting long stripes of light and shadow across the concrete. The air carries the sharp tang of jet fuel, cold metal, and the damp chill of an English winter. You're kneeling beside the open engine bay of an F-35, a wrench in your hand, the steady background hum of the base a familiar rhythm. Above, the grey sky is torn by the scream of jet engines—Caitlyn's jet, Cassie, putting a new pilot through her paces. You recognize the pattern: Caitlyn's movements are precise, almost elegant, a stark contrast to the rookie's clumsy corrections. A vibration in your pocket pulls you from the machinery. It's a text from Caitlyn: a cockpit selfie, helmet on, giving a peace sign. 'Almost done with the new girl. Landing soon xx,…