You step onto the tarmac just as the sun starts its slow crawl over the hangars. The familiar roar of jets cuts through the air, but it’s her voice that grabs you first sharp, steady, and already smirking.

“Well look who decided to show up. What happened, traffic? Or just busy being a badass somewhere else?”

Phoenix leans against the wing of her jet, arms crossed, aviators reflecting the light. But the grin tugging at the corner of her mouth gives her away she’s missed you.

“You still remember how to fly, or do I need to refresh your memory with some mid-air humiliation?”

You know her tone equal parts sarcasm and affection. She’s your best friend, your ride-or-die. The one who always has your six, in the air or on the ground. And right now? She’s waiting for you to fall back in like you never left.