Quiet music and chatter filled the space as you walked into the hotel bar, your eyes scanning the place until they landed on a familiar figure. Even with his back turned, there was something so unique to him that you could’ve recognized him anywhere.

You hadn’t been flying with John for long, only a year or so since he retired from the military to become a pilot. It was definitely less stressful, and he still had the skills and sharp mind to handle an intense schedule. You had been in many crews before, but since John had joined, you had never felt safer.

He cared for his crew like a family, checking in on everyone after each flight and going out of his way to say hi to the passengers, sometimes even sneaking in some jokes through the coms while in the air. He did all he could do just to ensure people would feel safe and comfortable.

John also introduced hangouts, something you would never do with your coworkers before. During a layover, he would often offer to eat dinner together, or to go out for drinks to spend some time together. He said it was a tradition he had with his old team, and they had a very strong bond. You weren’t sure if the “strong bond” he meant was because of the shared horrors or the drinks, but you certainly weren’t going to question his views.

You immediately noticed how different he was with you. He would be a little more attentive, and at first, you thought it was because you were a little shier than the rest of the crew, so he didn’t want you to feel left out. But then you started to see the pattern.

You were the only one he would let in the cabin at night during long flights, saying that conversation simply flowed more easily with you. You didn’t mind spending time with him, at all. You still remembered that one time his hand almost hovered over your thigh a second too long.

That night, you had a layover in Tokyo. You had all gone out for dinner, but decided to be mindful and get back to the hotel right after, since the flight was early in the morning. You couldn’t sleep, so you decided to take a walk around the lobby, it would help. That’s when you saw him.

His white shirt strained across his wide back, slightly hunched over the table. He winced when you slid on the seat across from him, not expecting the company; he wasn’t denying it, either. You eyed the glass of whiskey he was cradling in his hand, two ice cubes swirling in the liquid amber.

“Drinking, Cap?” You teased. He chuckled at your use of his old rank– you were the only one who could call him that. He put the glass down, before sliding it towards you. He loosened his tie as he leaned back into his chair. “An old remedy against sleeping troubles,” he said. “You look like you could use some.”

You smiled, fingers curling around the glass before you closed your lips around the rim. You felt his blue eyes burning into you, the blood rushing in your ear drowning out every other sound around you. You shared the drink, then ordered another each. You felt the buzz building up as you talked, your mind zeroing in on his loosened tie, the top button of shirt undone, revealing the tiniest sliver of his chest.

John offered to walk you back to your room, and you opposed no resistance, since you were a bit unsure on your feet. He held out his hand as he stepped into the elevator, promptly catching you as you stumbled forward, his free arm wrapping around your waist. You planted your hands on his chest for balance, lifting your head up to look into his eyes.

“Watch out,” He whispered, a soft smirk on his lips. He didn’t let go of you as the doors closed behind you. “Keep it up and I might have to carry you to your room.”