Top Gun: Hangman/Reader
An oldie but goodie played as chatter began inside the Hard Deck. Every now and then eyes from the Top Gun pilots would land on me and Jake as we sat outside the bar. The two of us ignored them as we sat in silence. I grimaced as I gently wiped blood away from Jake’s lip.
“Are you okay?” He asked from his seat on the bench.
“You are literally bleeding, and you’re asking me if I’m okay?” I asked incredously.
“You did take a hit remember? Or do we need to tell Penny and take you to a doctor?” Jake raised his eyebrow and winced at the cut he pulled. I dipped a clean edge of the towel into the water from inside and gently pressed it to the wound.
The night had began like any other. Regulars and a few newcomers had made their way into Penny’s bar. As well as them, there were members of the Top Gun school that came in and circled the pool table. They greeted me and Penny with smiles as we brought them their drinks. All except Hangman who decided to flirt and earn an eyeroll from everyone. My face grew red with blush as I avoided letting him see.
Making another round of tidying tables, Penny waved me over to take the glasses that needed cleaning.
“Do you want to take all their drinks?” Penny asked nodding to the table Jake was leaning against as Rooster took another shot.
“Why does that sound like a punishment?” I asked. Penny rolled her eyes and turned around to take care of her other patrons.
Smiling, I went back to cleaning the few empty tables. Other patrons that recognised me from regular visits. Many stepped out of the way to let me pass with ease. Occaisonally, my attention was drawn from the empty glasses and tables to the Top Gun pilots. Especially Hangman. Every time that he caught my eye, he’d smile and my heart would beat a little faster as I tried not to spill the trays I carried.
“Hey,” I smiled as I brought another round of drinks to the pool table.
“Hey (Y/N),” Phoenix bumped into my side after I set down the drinks and she brandished her pool stick. “You want to play a round? We’re betting Bagman’s money.”
“Ooh, tempting. Anything else?”
“Well, otherwise, you two can play for a date with Hangman.” Coyote said patting his friend on the shoulder.
“Yeah, that sounds like a bet I’d want to lose.” I said before Phoenix could get the chance. She laughed getting an eyeroll from Jake. “Besides, I need to help Penny. Maybe next time.”
“Oh, that sounds like you’re interested.” Jake grinned.
“In your dreams.” I sang before turning around.
Time continued to pass as the night went on. The only difference about this night was one of the newcomers to the bar. As I stepped around a table, my path was blocked.
“’Scuse me,” I stepped to the side hoping to get around only for the man to sidestep in front of me, blocking the path.
“How about a dance?” He asked with a smile, the smell of beer rolling off his breath.
“I’m good.” I told him. “Now, please excuse me.” I made an attempt to step around him only to be stopped.
“I don’t really like taking no for an answer. How about you tell me your name? I’m Fred.”
“Nice to meet you Fred, but I’m not asking.” I stepped backwards to walk around the table. Instead of listening, Fred continued to follow me to the bar. Before I could go behind the bar, Fred grabbed my wrist. I whirled around and faced him. The look on his face changed from desire to anger.
“When I say I want a dance, I want a dance.” This time his voice was louder and caught the attention of the other patrons.
Thankfully, Hangman was watching and began making his way over to us.
“I’m saying no, and if you don’t let go, you’ll be going overboard.” I did my attempt to keep my voice steady despite the fact that the grip tightening on my wrist had me feeling more and more concerned.
I pulled my wrist away and as I did, I felt his hand connect with my face. I stumbled and fell against the bar. My heartbeat was in my ears and I felt hands grab my arms to steady me.
Phoenix and Bob helped me to my feet as Hangman stood in front of me, almost like a shield.
“(Y/N), are you okay?” He asked looking over his shoulder at me.
“Ye-yeah, I’m okay.” I stammered. Jake’s eyes met mine and I nodded to let him know I was okay. He nodded back.
“Penny, I think it’s time to ring the bell.”
Without hesitation, Penny rang the bell coughing cheers to erupt in the bar. I watched as a few pilots escorted Fred outside. Once outdoors, there were yells of anger. And then punches were thrown.
Jake grimaced as I continued to wipe away the blood that was drying on his forward.
“I’m sorry,” I told him. “But also, thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me.” Jake took my hand in his and pulled it away from his face.
“Yes, Jake, I do. You took a few punches for me.”
“I’m fine. The only thing I need to worry about is making sure you’re okay. And probably whatever Maverick is going to say when he hears about this.”
“I think Penny can explain what happened. You should let me finish cleaning you up, and we should get some ice.”
Jake smiled and leaned forwards towards me. “If you really want to help me feel better, how about a kiss?”
“At least you’re feeling better. Good to know Fred didn’t mess with your brain.”
“I’m just saying.” He laughed.
“How about a date?” I suggested.
“Wait, really?” Jake looked surprised causing me to laugh.
“Yes Jake, I mean, you got into a fight for me. Now, I’m going to go back inside.” I stood up from my seat and gathered the stuff I was using to clean his wounds. As I did, I noticed Jake was watching me.
“You’re not using my callsign.”
“It’s your name. Anyway, how about you take me to dinner tomorrow night?”
“Aren’t I meant to ask you?” Jake asked.
“You haven’t asked me, Jake.” I leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. Instead, he turned his head so his lips met mine. Surprised but pleased, I smiled and cupped his cheek as I kissed him back.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Jake.” I whispered as I pulled away.
“Told you a kiss would make me feel better.”