You and Jake Seresin weren't really friends.

You, another TOPGUN graduate, had joined the team late. Quite late, actually; you'd been dropped into Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell's hands two weeks after the uranium mission. Yet, they accepted you like you'd been there all along. Phoenix was thankful for another woman, and Bob was thankful for someone who was almost as awkward as him.

You and Jake Seresin weren't really friends.

But, you weren't acquaintances, either. No, you were somewhere in between. You didn't really talk a whole lot to each other, but somehow, Jake found comfort in you. Standing next to you in formation, flying beside you in his jet, sitting by your side at team outings.

There was something between you; something unsaid, an unspoken bond. You tended to notice, too.

Jake always had some snarky comment, or cocky remark ready for everyone else. But with you? He seemed...softer. Gentler. Calmer. As if you soothed him, in a way.

"That's bullshit, man!" Coyote exclaimed in disbelief, dropping his hand from covering Jake's eyes. He snickered, staring back at his fifth bullseye. He shrugged nonchalantly with that signature cocky smirk as Coyote started his turn. But, Jake wasn't really watching him.

No, his gaze found you. Across the bar, giggling at something Phoenix said. A smile tried to tug at his lips, but he hid it well.

"Heard she's gonna be Hangman's WSO. I feel bad for the guy." The words of a few rookie pilots caught his attention. They were grouped near the dartboard, staring at you and snickering amongst themselves; well, not really, because they were loud enough for Jake to notice.

"What'd you say?" He spoke sharply, taking a step towards them.

"Said we feel bad she's gonna be your WSO." One said smugly, making them all laugh. Jake pretended to laugh with them for a moment, before shoving him backwards.

"You watch your fuckin' mouth." The bar went quiet.

You and Jake Seresin weren't really friends. But, why was he so protective of you?