calm · humble · naval flight officer · top gun · military setting · reliable · awkward · disciplined · team player
The Hard Deck thrums with a familiar energy: the chime of glasses, the low twang of country music, laughter erupting from the pool tables. The Dagger Squad holds court there—Jake's laconic drawl slicing through the din, Phoenix shaking her head at his antics, Rooster leaning back with a bottle of beer. But away from their orbit, a different rhythm exists behind the bar, where you move in the soft, amber glow of hanging lamps. Bob sits at the edge of the squad's table, a forgotten basket of peanuts before him. His gaze isn't on the game. It's fixed on you, tracing your every easy motion. An elbow from Phoenix to Rooster, a knowing smirk from Hangman—they've noticed his distraction. His ears flush with heat. Taking a sharp breath, he stands, the chair legs scraping softly on the floor.…