Gemma Ross call sign Firebird sat beside her three best friends as they prepared for Top Gun class to start, she looked over to her RIO

"Hey, Turtle."

Her Rio hummed and looked over from his conversation with Goose "Whats up Fire?"

"If we dont win this you know our brothers are going to be on our tails right?"

Turtle laughed, by some stroke of fate Firebirds older brother and Turtles older brother were also co-pilots, the two had won Top gun giving them bragging rights for years to come.

"They can keep their big fat mouths shut."

Maverick leaned over and grinned at Firebird "Your brother would give you lip even if you won Fire."

Goose laughed "Ain't that the truth, knowing him he would say the rest of the class was subpar and thats the only reason you won."

The four broke into laughter which was interrupted as another group of pilots entered, the group of friends had arrived early because Turtle had drug them there.

Turtle had his call sign because he was the cautious one of the bunch, he kept Firebird on time and made sure she thought things through before she did them... That was why they were one of the top teams in the Navy...

Firebird closed her eyes and began quietly muttering something to herself to quiet her mind until she heard the voice of the commanding officer

"During Korea, the Navy kill ratio was 12-to-1. We shot down 12 of their jets for every one of ours. During Vietnam, that ratio fell to 3-to-1. Our pilots become dependent upon missiles. They had lost some of their dogfighting skills. Now Top Gun was created to teach A.C.M. Air Combat Manoeuvring. Dogfighting. By the end of Vietnam, that ratio was back up to 12-to-1."

Firebird began to smile leaning over to Turtle she muttered "This is going to be so much fun."

Turtle grinned "If this doesnt get me a girlfriend nothing will."

"Blinds, please. Now I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you too our commanding officer at Top Gun. The very first man to win the Top Gun trophy. You will not find a finer fighter pilot anywhere in the world. Commander Mike Metcalf. Callsign, Viper."

Firebird grinned looking up to find her dads best friend and her "uncle" stadning before them. Her dad had won Top Gun the year after Viper did and the two had fought in Nam together. Not to mention Viper was Turtles father, which made the young man sink in his seat a little bit so he wasnt noticed.

"Lady and Gentlemen. You are the top one percent of all naval aviators. The elite. The best of the best. We'll make you better. You'll fly at least two combat missions a day, attend classes in between and evaluations of your performance."

Firebird didnt feel the eyes that were watching her but Maverick noticed, he looked towards the man who was watching his friend. The guy shifted his eyes from Firebird to Maverick and smirked twirling his open between his fingers.

"Now, on each combat sequence, you're gonna meet a different challenge. Every encounter is gonna be much more difficult. We're gonna teach you to fly the F-14 right to the edge of the envelope, faster than you've ever flown before and more dangerous. Now, we don't make policy here, gentlemen. Elected officials, civilians do that. We are the instruments of that policy. And although we're not at war, we must always act as though we are at war.

Maverick had turned in his seat to look over the other pilots and Goose frowned "What are you doing?"

Firebird and Turtle glanced over to their friends as Maverick replied "I'm just wondering who's the best."

At the same time Viper spoke "In case some of you wonder who the best is, they're up here on this plaque on the wall."

Everyone glanced back towards the wall indicated "The best driver and his RIO from each class has his name on it. And they have the option to come back here to be Top Gun instructors."

Viper looked around the room "You think your name's gonna be on that plaque?"

"Yes, sir." An arrogant voice announced making Firebird groan in annoyance, but Viper replied "That's pretty arrogant, considering the company you're in. Do you know that the young women next to you is a legacy? Her father, and her two older brothers, have all won top gun... Not to mention that her grandfather was a WWII Ace,and her grandmother was a WASP.. And you still thank you can win?

Firebird sat a little straighter in her seat and Maverick gave her a grin before he said "Yes, sir."

Viper grinned "I like that in a pilot. Just remember, when it's over out there, we're all on the same team. Gentlemen, this school is about combat. There are no points for second place." He let that sink in "Dismissed."

As they stood to leave a voice called out "The plaque for the alternates is in the ladies bathroom."

Firebird turned to give the person who spoke down the road and froze, when she met eyes with a tall handsome blonde man with blue eyes bearing a cocky smile....

She shook her self and glared at him before turning to follow her friends.

_________________________________________________





That night they arrived at a party, as Turtle and Maverick talked about the girls, Firebird and Goose rolled their eyes. Goose was a married man with a young son. And Firebird found the boys and their thoughts that girls were only good for a one night stand disgusting.

Goose interrupted the two bachelors when he noticed someone "Mav, you want to know who the best is?"

The boys grew quiet listening to the ROI and Firebird leaned in to hear what he said"That's him. Iceman." He gestured to the blonde man from earlier who was flirting with a girl "That's the way he flies, ice-cold, no mistakes. Just wears you down. You get bored, frustrated, do something stupid, and he's got you."

Firebird grinned "So like the opposite of me?"

The guys grinned at Firebird, the women flew exactly like her call sign, she came in fast attacking like a flame then disappearing into the clouds.

"Hey, hey, Slider." Goose called out to an ROI, Turtle rolled his eyes as the man approached, everyone knew Slider was a wannabe pilot who hadnt made the cut.

"Thought you wanted to be a pilot, man. What happened?" Goose asked

Slider rolled his eyes "Goose, you're such a dickhead. Whose butt did you kiss to get in here?"

"Well, the list is long but distinguished."

Firebird tuned the boys out as she noticed the blonde man leaving the girl behind and heading their direction

"Hey, Mother Goose. How's it going?" The blonde stopped in front of them shaking Goose's hand

"Good Tom, this is Pete Mitchell.. Tom Kazansky.."

Iceman shook Mavs hand and turned to Turtle

"Turtle man, still going low and slow?"

"You know it Tom." Turtle shook the pilots hand the gestured to Firebird "

"Tom, meet Gemma Ross, the best pilot I could ask for."

Iceman smiled at Gemma "Congratulations on Top Gun. I've heard good things about you, not to mention your family."

Gemma nodded "Thank you."

Tom turned to Pete "Sorry to hear about Cougar. He and I were like brothers in flight school. He was a good man."

"Still is a good man." Maverick said with a bite in his tone

"Yeah, that's what I meant."

"Thought so."

Iceman smirked "Say, you need any help?"

"With what?"

"You figured it out yet?"

"What's that?"

"Who's the best pilot."

"No, I think I can figure that one out on my own."

"I heard that about you." Iceman said with distaste in his tone "You like to work alone."

"Mav, you must've soloed under a lucky star?" Slider spoke up "I mean, first the MiG, and then you guys slide into Cougar's spot."

"We didn't slide into Cougar's spot. It was ours, okay?"

"Yeah, well, some pilots wait their whole career just to see a MiG up close. Guess you guys are lucky and famous?"

Iceman shook his head "No, you mean notorious."

"Enough!" The men turned to look at Firebird who put her hands on her hips, she didnt notice Icemans eyes following said hands... "Separate sides of the room if you cant play nice boys."

Iceman grinned and nodded before looking to Maverick "I'll see you later."

"You can count on it."

Goose and Turtle rolled their eyes before Goose tried to calm down Maverick "They were abused children.

As Turtle and Maverick went to find their girl of the hour with Goose following behind to keep them out of trouble. Firebird headed to the bar, she took a seat and ordered "Can I get a virgin Pina Colada?"

"Virgin?" A voice behind her asked, she turned to find the Iceman watching her in amusement, a female pasted to his side...

"Yeah, I gotta fly tomorrow."

Iceman laughed and released the girl he had ahold of before taking a seat beside the female pilot... The girl he had been flirting with glared atFirebird before turning to walk away..

"Nice girl, really."

Iceman grinned and shrugged "Her brothers a friend of mine."

Firebird nodded considering the man next to her "So your call signs Iceman?"

"Yeah, and yours is Firebird, where does that come from?"

Gemma grinned "Well, when my dad was teaching me to fly, this fire devil popped up out of nowhere, it was a hot summer day and I was freaking out a little bit. But my dad didn't say anything, let me figure it out for myself, I saw this bird flying up and over the whirlwind, decided to follow. Been called Firebird ever since.."

Iceman watched the girl for a second before he asked "Hey, you want to get out of here?"

Firebird sighed and looked the pilot over, "Look, I'm a pilot and I'm not here to get laid like most of y'all. I'm here to win, and nothing is going to get in the way of that."

Iceman smirked "You saying I'm distracting Ross?"

"I'm saying your the same as everyother pilot in the Navy, your only interested in two things... Flying, and women... And I am not one of your little floozies."

She stood and Iceman reached to grab her arm "Hey wait."

"This guy bothering you sis?"

The voice made Gemma cringe, before she turned and looked up to find her older brother... William Ross call sign Eagle, was the golden boy of the Navy, he did what he was told, he won all of the awards, had all the medals... His RIO was Turtles brother who was nicknamed Ranger, and the two were the personification of everything co-pilots should be..

Gemma bit her lip and looked to Iceman who straightened just a little under the Eagles gaze, and Gemma made her choice "No, he and I were just leaving."

She saw her brothers oncoming fury and quickly made introductions "Tom, this is my brother William Ross and his ROI Mike Metcalf Jr... We just called him Ranger so theres no confusion between him and his dad.."

Iceman nodded "Nice to meet you guys, I've heard good things."

Eagle nodded tightly and the two men shook hands, it was easy to tell that is was an alpha handshake each man asserting their dominance... Gemma glanced to Ranger with a pleading gaze and he grinned before stepping between the two.

"Hey Gem love, you haven't seem my idiot brother have you?" He asked stepping up close to Gemma and throwing his arm around her making Iceman grind his teeth slightly.

Firebird pointed in the direction she had last seen Turtle and Ranger grinned kissing the girls cheek before grabbing his co-pilot and walking away.

Taking a a deep breath Gemma looked to Iceman "Well, do you have a car?"

Iceman grinned and motioned for her to follow him "Right this way my lady."

He led her outside to a mustang, opening the passenger door for her, she hopped in and looked over noticing his side was locked she leaned over and unlocked it for him. As he got in he noticed he had a big grin on his face, she raised an eyebrow

"What are you smiling about?"

He shook his head "Nothing, just something my dad told me once," he looked over at her as they drove down the road "You and your brother.. You dont get along?"

Firebird rolled her eyes "Actually we're best friends, but not when one of us is in uniform.. We have different ideals about things... Not to mention he's the golden boy."

Iceman nodded eyes on the road as he said "I guess it could be tough to live up to him, not to mentiont the rest of your family."

Firebird laughed wryly "You mean my father Commander Ross, or my grandfather Admiral Ross? Or maybe you mean my grandmother former WASP pilot in WWII."

Tom looked over for a second before he realized something "You know, you never told me where I was going."

Firebird grinned "Oops, umm make a left up here."

She continued to give him directions until they pulled up in front of a house, she was about to get out when Iceman stopped her

"I'm sorry, for assuming earlier that you would want to umm."

Firebird blinked in surprise before she smiled gently "Your forgiven, thank you for saving me from my brother."

Iceman smiled "Your welcome."

She hopped out of the car and walked inside, and Iceman watched until the door opened revealing an older man who looked beyond the women he had just let in to the man in the car. The old man noticed him and gave him an angry look and Tom just gave a salute before driving away. Tom knew one thing, whatever had started tonight, he planned on continuing.

_________________________________________________



"I thought Metcalf was dropping you back off."

Gemma sighed at her grandfathers third degree, Buchanan Ross was a WWII veteran who had been an Ace. He had more confirmed kills then any other pilot, and it was thought that his father might have been one of the ones to take down the Red Baron. That was unconfirmed, but what was confirmed was the Admiral Buchanan Ross was a hardass.

"Grampa, your as bad as William.. I was going to get dropped off by Turtle but he was talking to someone and Tom agreed to bring me home."

"And just who is this Tom?"

"Oh will you leave her alone Buchanan" The voice of Shirley Ross rang through the room making the Admiral stand it attention for a microsecond.

But he shook his head "What is this Toms last name?"

Gemma took a deep breath before she muttered "Kazansky."

The Admiral nodded "I'll be looking into him tomorrow."

Gemma stood from her place on the couch "There's no need Grampa, Toms one of the other students in TopGun and he was nice enough to give me a ride home." She leaned up and kissed her grandfathers cheek and then kisses her grandmother before heading to her room.

"Whats going through that brain of yours Buchanan?"

The Admiral looked to his wife "The way that boy was staring at her as she walked up to the house, he aint just being friendly.. His eyes were to low for that."

Shirley laughed "Well, I hardly think you can blame him for that Buck, after all my father was complaining about the same thing when you were just "being nice and dropping me off".

Buchanan smiled and helped his wife from her chair "That was different, I was friends with your family.. We know nothing about this young man."

Shirley rolled her eyes "Knowing you, we'll know everything including his blood type by lunch time tomorrow."

Buchanan smirked "Damn straight."

The next morning Gemma slid down the stair railing and walked towards the kitchen. "Hey Grampa, can you drive me to the base I didnt have time to work things out with Tur..."

Entering the kitchen Gemma found Tom "Iceman" Kazansky sitting at her grandparents table eating breakfast. Gemma's eyes scanned the room trying to make sense of the sight before her. Juding by the looks of things he grandmother had been won over by the Icemans charms and allowed him entrance and persuaded him to eat breakfast... Her grandfather definitely was not won over because he was currently polishing his Navy service pistol.

Her grandmother smiled at her "Tom realized that Jack wouldn't know to pick you up so he came to get you himself.. Isn't that so sweet?"

Tom looked up from his breakfast and grinned at her "I think you have time to eat before we need to leave."

Gemma took a seat still staring in disbelief at the man before her as her grandmother placed a plate in front of her.

"Oh, stop staring at the boy and eat Gemma, you can stare on the ride to the base."

Gemma's eyes went wide as she jerked her head to her grandmother "Grandma!"

Tom chuckled from his seat but quickly stopped when he recieved a glare from Admiral Ross who was almost done polishing his gun.

Gemma finished her breakfast quickly "Umm you ready?"

Tom nodded and stood "So you need any help with those dishes Mrs.Ross?"

Shirley shook her head "Oh no dear, you two go on."

The Admiral stood following them out the door "You sure you dont want me to drive you Gemma?"

Gemma leaned up kissing his cheek "Thanks Grampa, but no point in you driving me if Tom came all this way."

The Admiral gave a noise that said he didnt agree but he took a seat on his porch chair and watched as the two walked towards the car.

Kazansky opened Gemma's door for her but she stopped before getting in

"Why did you actually come Iceman?"

He grinned "Do i need a reason to be a gentleman and come pick up a lovely young woman?"

From the porch The Admiral saw the cocky young pilot flash his grandaughter a smile, and he saw Gemma blush slightly. As Gemma got in the car he saw the boys excited grin, and then the boy practically ran around the car to get in.

And Admiral Buchanan Ross groaned in annoyance because he knew, this boy was playing the long game, looked like he would probably see him at more then just breakfast.

_________________________________________________



When they arrived Turtle was outside waiting on her, he raised an eyebrow when he saw her get out of the same car as Iceman. The look she gave said dont you dare ask, so he just shrugged and ushered her inside

"I wouldn't let Maverick know about this, he's already decided he hates Iceman."

Firebird shrugged "Theres nothing to know, Iceman just knew I needed a ride this morning and was nice enough to pick me up."

They entered the hanger and Firebird took a seat beside Maverick who grinned at her before slinging his arm around her shoulder. Iceman entered and froze when he saw it, he clenched his fist and took his seat, his eyes looking outside so he didnt have to see Maverick with his arm around Firebird.

Iceman heard Firebird giggle and frowned glancing back over he saw that she and Maverick were whispering to each other. Slider noticed what he was looking at and leaned over "If your into Firebird just dont man, she doesnt date anyone, everyone secretly calls her the Ice Queen cause no one can get between her legs. Rumour has it she's still a virgin."

Class started and Jester began to speak so Tom couldnt ask his next question

"Now, you'll also be trained and evaluated by a few civilian specialists. The civilians are here because they are our very best source of information on enemy aircraft. One of the most qualified is our TAGREP, callsign, Charlie. She has a Ph. D. in astrophysics, and she's also a civilian contractor, so you do not salute her. But you better listen to her, because the Pentagon listens to her about your proficiency."

Firebird raised an eyebrow when Maverick took his arm away from her like he had been burnt. Beside her Turtle grinned leaning over he whispered "This is the girl he was pulling for last night."

Firebird grinned and gave Maverick a look that clearly said he was dead.

"Hello." The women greeted the class "We will be dealing with F-5s and A-4s as our MiG simulators. Now, then, as most of you know, the F-5 doesn't have the thrust-to-weight ratio that the MiG-28 has. And it doesn't bleed energy below 300 knots, like the MiG-28. However,the MiG-28 does have a problem with its inverted flight tanks. It won't do a negative-G pushover. The latest intelligence."

Both Firebird and Maverick began shaking their heads and Turtle and Goose grinned leaning in to ask

"Are you gonna tell her?"

"Negative." Maverick whispered

Charlie noticed them whisperin and frowned "Excuse me, lieutenant. Is there something wrong?"

"Yes, ma'am, the data on the MiG is inaccurate."

Charlie looked annoyed as she asked "How's that, lieutenant?"

"Well, I just happened to see a MiG-28 do."

"We, we." All three of the other people in their row muttered

"Sorry, guys."

"We happened to see a MiG-28 do a four-G negative dive."

"Where did you see this?"

"That's classified."

"It's what?"

"It's classified." Maverick smirked "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

"Lieutenant, I have top-secret clearance. The Pentagon sees to it that I know more than you."

Firebird grinned and piped up "Well, ma'am, it doesn't seem so in this case, now, does it?"

The women glared at the other female, she had seen her earlier with Mavericks arm around her. Now she ignored her going back to Maverick "So, lieutenant, where exactly were you?"

"Well, we.." Maverick continued

"Thank you." Both Goose and Turtle muttered

"started up on his 6 when he pulled through the clouds, and then I moved in above him. While Firebird went below him."

"Well, if you were directly above him, how could you see him?"

"Because I was inverted."

"Bullshit." Iceman piped up from behind them, and Firebird turned shaking her head "No he was, I was there I saw it."

Iceman grinned at her but the second she turned back around he grit his teeth at the fact that she was defending Maverick.

Goose nodded "He was, man. It was a really great move. He was inverted."

"You were in a four-G inverted dive with a MiG-28?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"At what range?"

"About two metres."

Goose shook his head "It was actually about one and a half, I think."

Firebirdand Turtle nodded in agreement with Goose so Maverick said. "It was one and a half. I've got a great Polaroid of it."

"He's right there. It must be one and a half."

"It was a nice picture."

"Lieutenant."

Goose grinned speaking over the women "Thanks, I like my pictures."

"What were you doing there?"

Firebird and Turtle both smirked at each other before they broke down laughing, Maverick elbowed Firebird to make her stop before he answered.

"Communicating." Goose muttered

"Communicating. Keeping up foreign relations. I was, you know, giving him the bird."

"You know, the finger." Goose said raising his middle finger in demonstration while both Firebird and Turtle shook their heads in disbelief.

"Yes, I know the finger, Goose."

"I'm sorry, I hate it when it does that." He looked slightly sheepish "I'm sorry. Excuse me."

Charlie looked at Maverick "So you're the one."

"Yes, ma'am."

Jester called out "All right, lady and gentlemen, we have a hop to take. The hard deck on this hop will be 10,000 feet. There'll be no engagement below that. Move it!"

As they walked out Maverick was stopped by Charlie and Firebird drug Turtle away so he wouldnt snoop into something that wasnt his business.

Iceman popped up beside Firebird "So you and Maverick seem close."

Firebird grinned "Mav and I have been friends since we were in diapers, our dad flew together in Nam.. Our mothers supported each other here.."

Turtle looked back "Excuse me!"

"And Turtle has been with us the whole way too, we met Goose in high school."

They got to their destination and Maverick came up behind them, Iceman turned to Maverick

"Maverick. I'm curious. Who was covering Cougar while you were showboating with this MiG?"

Firebird frowned and looked away, she and Turtle were supposed to be with their own wingman that day but Maverick had called them over... She had gone against orders and went to play, leaving her wingman alone, and Maverick had left Cougar as well.

"Cougar was doing just fine."

Iceman gave him a look of disbelief "Uh-huh."

Jester called out "Gentlemen and Lady, this is your first hop. The jets you are flying against are smaller, faster and more manoeuvrable, just like the enemy MiGs. The clock is ticking, and as of now, we are keeping score."

They took turns flying against Jester, Firebird watched as Iceman took flight.. It wasnt too long before he won his dogfight, then it was Cyclone and Turtles turn.

"Lets kick the tires and light the fires." Cyclone called to her Co-pilot who whooped happily, with that they were in the air.

Firebird let Jester get behind her and just when he thought she was dead, Firebird pulled up .. She let her plane flip then killed the engines just long enough to let them drop.. Turtle quickly ignited them and before anyone could blink they were behind Jesters plane and were locked on..

"Jester down."

Below Iceman had felt like his heart was in his throat, when he had seen the engines stop he had been afraid there was a malfunction. But Goose and Maverick had started whooping and hollering and just as he was about to go and punch Maverick the engines had cut back on.

Firebird landed and hopped from the plane Turtle grinned as the two high fived, and they moved towards their fellow wingmen. Maverick and Goose hugged the two proudly, and Cyclones eyes landed on Iceman who was approaching

"Hey Firebird."

Everyone grew quiet for a second before Iceman spoke again "Don't scare me like that."

Firebird smirked and was about to answer when Jester hopped out of his plane screaming

"Gemma Magnolia Ross!"

Iceman raised an eyebrow "Magnolia?"

Firebird glared at the blonde pilot before turning to Jester and saluting "Yes sir?"

"You wipe that butt kissing look off your face young lady, you could have been killed! What were you thinking pulling a stupid stunt like that?!" Jester paused a second before he grinned "You fly just like your old man."

Firebird smirked "Thanks Jester."

The older pilot nodded before turning to Maverick "Your up Maverick."

The flight that took place next was one that made Firebird cringe, Maverick flew above and below the 10,000 feet they had been instructed to stay at... Then had the nerve to say he won, and if Firebird knew Viper, Maverick was in some deep trouble.

_________________________________________________



In the mens locker rooms Iceman was playing in his locker listening to Maverick gloat "We nailed that son of a bitch."

Tom had had enough, everything Maverick had done today from being way to close to Firebird, to showing off all finally made him snarl.

"You guys really are cowboys."

Maverick turned in annoyance "What's your problem, Kazansky?"

Iceman shut his locker and turned around "You're everyone's problem." That's because every time you go up in the air, you're unsafe. I don't like your because you're dangerous."

It worried Iceman that this guy was one of Firebirds normal wingmen, she was dangerous enough on her own he could only imagine what trouble Maverick could get her in.

Maverick jumped at Iceman "That's right.... Iceman. I am dangerous."

Iceman just smirked and snapped his teeth at the dark haired pilot.

"Maverick." Jesters voice cut through the air "You and Goose get your butts out of that flight gear and up to Viper's office now."

As they left Slider called "Remember, boys, no points for second place."

Iceman waited as more of the pilots left the room until it was just him and Turtle. He moved towards the ROI "Hey, Turtle."

The younger man looked up and raised an eyebrow. Iceman and Turtle had flown together for a few months before Turtle was finally assigned to Firebird. Which was why Iceman knew Turtle would be the last two leave the room, and Turtle sighed

"What do you want Tom?"

"What's the relationship between Maverick and Gemma?"

Turtle sat down and looked up at Tom considering his answer "Whats it to you Tom? If your thinking of getting Gemma in your bed you can just forget it man.. She aint like that, shes the wait until marriage type."

Tom shook his head and sat down next to the younger man "No, I.. I dont know its different wit her, I've known her less then 48 hours and I know I want more then just one night."

Turtle tilted his head in surprise "That aint something I ever thought I would hear out of your mouth Kazansky.."

Tom shrugged "I never thought I would say it either but she's.. She's different."

The two sat in silence for a minute before Turtle finally spoke "Maverick and Firebird dated for about four weeks in high school, decided they werent right for each other and stayed friends. But if you want to get with her you gotta be straight with her, Fires terrible at reading signs that a guy likes her. My brothers been trying to get her to understand he likes her for years and she still doesnt get it."

Tom frowned "Why are you helping me if your brother likes her?"

Turtle laughed "No way I am letting my brother marry my Pilot, she's way to good for him."

Tom grinned at this "Thanks Turtle."

_________________________________________________



Viper stared out his window considering the conversation he had just had with Jester. A knock sounded at his door

"Enter!"

The door opened and in walked Thomas "The Bear" Ross, Viper grinned at his best friend "Bear!"

"Hey Viper!" The two men shook hands before sitting down,

"I had a quick layover on the way home and wanted to ask how Gemma's doing."

Viper grinned "She's as reckless as her old man, she took Jester down today by cutting her engines so she could drop behind him."

Bear grinned "What can I say, she flys like me and William flys like my father."

Viper nodded before he sighed "Shes not my problem, Dukes kid is."

Thomas groaned "That doesnt surprise me, that boys been trouble since his father died.. I tried to do what I could for him, but if never managed to ground that ego of his"

Viper explained what happened earlier, then he told Thomas about what had happened weeks ago before Cougar lost his nerve.

As Thomas left that afternoon he headed to his sons house, and called his wife looked like he would be sticking around this base just a little longer.

The next afternoon the group of pilots headed to the volleyball net, Iceman looked over to Firebird noticing she was watching him he smirked before taking his shirt off.

Firebird blushed before quickly looking away, blaming the fact that she was suddenly a little warm on the sun. She watched as Iceman and Slider played against Goose and Maverick, it wasnt long before Mav and Goose were winning. But suddenly Maverick walked away and began to dress, she could see Goose begging him to stay and play but Mav walked away.

Firebird hopped up and ran over to Goose, "Come on Goose, I'll take Mavericks spot."

Goose grinned but Slider called "Hey no changes in the middle of the game!"

Iceman shook his head at his ROI " Dont be stupid Slider, its fine when the replacements so pretty" He winked at Firebird who blushed slightly making Goose roll his eyes and mutter "Well, at least I know you'll be a distraction for him."

Firebird shoved him and the game began, Gemma hadnt grown up with three brother's all six feet and up without being competitive. She played hard, and by the end she and Goose had won the game by a landslide.

"Whoo! Thats my gir!"

She turned and grinned when she saw her dad standing there with William beside him.

"Daddy!" She ran jumping into her fathers arms before pulling back and saluting "I mean Commander Ross sir!"

Around her all of the other pilots jumped to attention and saluted the commander who laughed "At ease!"

Looking down at his daughter Thomas grinned before looking beyond her to where Iceman stood watching the two of them. Thomas tilted his head curiously before looking to Goose "Bradshaw! Come with us."

With that the game was over and Thomas put his arm around his daughter's shoulder leading her way, Goose followed after them knowing he was more then likely in trouble.

But Eagle stayed back and moved towards Iceman "Seems I keep finding you with my sister Kazansky, is there a reason for that?"

Iceman smirked "We are in the same class."

"Yeah, your in the same class, which means theres no need for you to be around her outside of that class. My sisters not a trophy, she deserves someone willing to play the long game."

"And what if I am?"

Eagle looked the younger man over "Stay away from her Kazansky, she deserves better then some two bit jock Lieutenant.."

He turned to walk away but Iceman called out one last thing "Maybe you better tell your ROI that."

Eagle stopped and looked back with a smirk "Theres a big difference between you and him, my sister isnt interested in Metcalf... She seems to be interested in you, and if you cant give her what she deserves then you need to take a very large steps back."

Eagle walked away not realizing that what he had just said made Icemans hope soar like the planes he loved to fly.

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"I want to know what was going through your head when you thought it was a good idea to follow Maverick into trouble?"

Firebird took a deep breath before she said "I wasnt thinking, but is t that what you always say makes a good pilot? No mind."

Thomas Ross rolled his eyes at his daughter "That is when in combat, you think in combat and your dead.. This wasnt combat. I have a good mind to tell Viper to kick you and Maverick out of Top gun."

"Sir!" Goose stood from his seat and Gemma yelled "You cant do that!"

Thomas raises an eyebrow "Oh, yes ma'am I most certainly can... One more toe out of line and whoever puts it over is out, understand?"

Goose nodded and Firebird frowned turning to leave the room "Gemma!"

Firebird stopped at the door before muttering "Yes sir." Then she left walking to the kitchen she found her brothers wife Grace..

"Why did you marry into this family?" She asked and Grace looked up with a smile

"Because i know each and every one of you would die for each other, you fight and you argue but at the end of the day your only doing what you think is best."

Gemma sighed and noticed her brothsrs motorcycle keys on the table "I'm stealing his bike, dont tell him."

Grace laughed "Yeah, I'm sure he wont notice."

Gemma headed to the bar and hopped off the motorcycle walking inside. She walked to the bar and ordered a cokewwhena voice spoke up "Flying tomorrow?"

Turning she found herself face to face with Iceman and she laughed "Yeah, something like that."

He gestured to the seat beside her "Mind if I sit?"

"No."

He took a seat and observed her "Your dad?"

She snorted "That obvious huh?"

Tom nodded "Kinda, I mean I understand having issues with your dad. Want to talk about it?"

Gemma looked at Iceman, really looked at him for maybe the first time before she asked "Why do you want to hear about my problems?"

Tom leaned in closer "Because I can't stand seeing you upset."

Later they were walking down the beach together, they were currently barefooted and Iceman had his shirt off again.

"I know he thinks he's protecting me, but I'm a big girl I can take care of myself."

Tom looked at the sky for a second before he spoke "I think, hes afraid Maverick is going to lead your somewhere that neither your nor him will be able to make it out of. And honestly I can understand that Mavericks dangerous, he puts everyone around him in danger whenever he flies."

Gemma stopped and frowned "Hey, Mav's my friend, he's been beside me through a lot of stuff."

Tom nodded and turned to her "Yeah, but at the end of the day, he's the type of guy who abandons his wingman.. Because he cant commit to anything."

Gemma had the strange feeling that they were not longer talking about flying "And you can Kazansky?"

He stepped forward wrapping an arm around her waist "If its important, then yes, yes I can."

Gemma stared deep into the pilots blue eyes "Am I important?"

Tom leaned his forehead against hers "Somehow you've made yourself very important." They stared into each others eyes before he muttered shyly "I'm going to kiss you, is that okay?"

Gemma grinned mischievously "If you can catch me."

Iceman gave a confused look until she shoved him back into the water and took off running down the beach. Tom stood and grinned before taking off after her, admittedly Gemma would say later that she hadn't really been trying.. Because Tom caught her quickly and tossed her in the air catching her easily, her legs wrapped around his waist as he kissed her fiercely.

Both knew that this was different then anything else they had ever had before, and they both knew they had to hold on tight.

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Aww they are so cute, I love Iceman.. And if just got back from watching the new movie and guys, I cried so hard at the Iceman scene...

So let me know what you think, love it? hate it?

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Disclaimer: I own nothing also I know nothing about flying so yeah!