AN: The following one-shot is set after chapter 5 and before chapter 6 of my story – In The Air Tonight. If you haven't read that, I kindly ask you to go read it and leave a review. Also it's recommended that you read the story first, since some things in the one-shots may not make sense to you.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned here.
In The Air Tonight One-Shots
authored by WingsuitFlying
Chapter 4 – Payback
In the warm glow of the Hard Deck bar, the evening hummed with the chatter of naval aviators and the clinking of glasses. The atmosphere was thick with camaraderie, punctuated by the occasional cheer or groan from the pool table.
Bob and Fanboy sat on stools by the pool table, their attention wavering between the game unfolding in front of them and the pack of peanuts Bob was absentmindedly munching on.
"Payback," Fanboy suddenly said, breaking the rhythm of the pool balls clacking together.
"Huh?" Bob turned his head, raising an eyebrow as he grabbed a couple of peanuts. "Have you wondered about his callsign?" Fanboy asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Isn't it because Reuben always gets his payback?" Bob replied, popping the peanuts into his mouth.
"That's what he claims," Fanboy shrugged, his eyes darting across the room. They both glanced over at the bar, where Phoenix was sitting next to Reaper. The two were sipping beers, their eyes on Omaha, who had occupied the jukebox and was playing Bon Jovi's "Bed of Roses" for the seventh time in a row. Each time the song began anew, Omaha would cast a hopeful glance at Halo, his affections painfully obvious to everyone except, it seemed, Halo herself.
"Tell him to talk her up!" Reaper nudged Phoenix, his tone light but insistent.
"Don, no! They'll figure it out!" Phoenix responded, shaking her head.
"Yeah, but Penny looks like she's five seconds away from strangling him with the jukebox's cable and throwing it out of the window if she hears 'Bed of Roses' one more time," Reaper joked, causing Phoenix to burst out laughing, her laughter ringing loudly above the din of the bar.
Bob and Fanboy exchanged amused glances. "So, what's the real story behind Payback's callsign?" Bob asked, his interest piqued by the possibility of a hidden tale.
Fanboy leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "I heard it's not just about getting even. It's more like... he always comes through when it matters the most, you know? Like a final play that turns the tide."
Bob nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. Payback's always got our backs. Maybe it's not just about settling scores, but about reliability."
Their conversation was interrupted by a loud cheer from the pool table. Coyote had just sunk a tricky shot, and Hangman was clapping him on the back, laughing. The energy in the bar was electric, each pilot contributing to the lively atmosphere.
Reaper's laughter with Phoenix caught their attention again. "C'mon, Nat," Reaper coaxed, still chuckling. "Omaha's gonna need a miracle at this rate. Just give him a push."
Phoenix rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Alright, alright. But if this goes south, it's on you," she warned, sliding off her stool.
Reaper grinned, raising his beer in a mock toast. "Fair enough. But I think it'll work out."
As Phoenix approached the jukebox, Omaha looked up, surprise flickering across his face. She leaned in, saying something too low for the others to hear. Halo, sensing the shift in energy, glanced their way, curiosity piqued.
Meanwhile, Bob and Fanboy watched the scene unfold, their earlier conversation about Payback momentarily forgotten. "This should be interesting," Bob muttered, a grin spreading across his face.
Fanboy nodded. "Definitely. And hey, maybe we'll finally get a new song."
Sure enough, as "Bed of Roses" came to an end, Omaha hesitated, his hand hovering over the jukebox. With a final glance at Halo, he selected a different track. The opening chords of "Livin' on a Prayer" filled the bar, earning a collective sigh of relief and a few cheers from the patrons.
Phoenix returned to her seat next to Reaper, who gave her a knowing look. "See? Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge."
She chuckled, clinking her beer bottle against his. "You owe me one, Don."
Reaper smiled. "Always, Nat."
Fanboy and Bob exchanged a look, both feeling a surge of curiosity that couldn't be ignored. With a mutual nod, they decided to approach Reaper and Phoenix at the bar.
As they walked over, they noticed the shift in the energy around Omaha and Halo. Omaha, encouraged by Phoenix, was finally engaging Halo in a conversation, and the two seemed to be hitting it off. Bob and Fanboy grinned at each other, silently celebrating their friend's small victory.
"Hey, Reaper, Phoenix," Bob greeted as he and Fanboy slid onto the stools next to them.
"Hey, guys," Phoenix replied, giving them a friendly nod.
Fanboy leaned in, his curiosity evident. "We've been talking about Payback's callsign. We've heard the story about how he always gets his payback, but... is there more to it?"
Reaper took a long sip of his beer, his eyes glancing sideways at Phoenix before he repeated the familiar story. "It's because Reuben always gets his payback," he said, his tone steady but his eyes betraying a hint of something else.
Phoenix's eyes narrowed slightly, noticing a subtle shift in Reaper's demeanor. "Don, I know when you're hiding something from me," she demanded, her glare boring into him. "What's the real story?"
Reaper sighed, setting his beer down and meeting her gaze. "Nat, it's not that big of a deal."
"Spill it," Phoenix insisted, her curiosity now fully engaged.
Reaper sighed, realizing he couldn't dodge her questions. Phoenix's persistent gaze had a way of unraveling even the tightest secrets. "Alright, alright," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "But this stays between us."
Phoenix, Bob, and Fanboy leaned in closer, their interest piqued. Reaper took another sip of his beer before beginning.
"Back at the Naval Academy, Reuben had this thing for James Brown's song, 'The Payback'. Every morning, without fail, he'd blast it in the shower and sing along, loudly. It became his unofficial anthem. He loved that song so much that it kind of stuck with him. So, when it came time for a callsign, 'Payback' was a natural fit."
Phoenix raised an eyebrow. "You're telling me Reuben's callsign is because of a song he used to sing in the shower?"
Reaper nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yep. But you know Reuben. He thought the whole 'getting payback' story sounded cooler and more intimidating, so he went with that. And everyone just kind of accepted it."
Bob and Fanboy burst into laughter, the revelation lightening the mood. "That's amazing," Bob said, shaking his head. "And here we thought it was something serious."
"Well, it is serious to him," Reaper said, chuckling. "He really loves that song."
Phoenix laughed, her earlier intensity dissipating. "I can't believe I never knew that. Reuben and his shower concerts. Makes perfect sense now."
The group continued to laugh and share stories, the Hard Deck's lively atmosphere enveloping them. The truth about Payback's callsign added another layer to the camaraderie they shared, a reminder that behind every callsign and every aviator, there was a story worth telling.
Phoenix shook her head, still smiling. "Well, I'll never look at him the same way again. I have to hear him sing now."
Reaper leaned back, taking another sip of his beer. "Good luck with that. He's pretty shy about it these days. But if you catch him in the right mood, maybe you can convince him."
Their conversation was interrupted by a burst of laughter from across the bar, where Omaha and Halo were now fully engaged in a lively discussion. Penny, looking relieved, shot a grateful glance in Phoenix's direction.
Phoenix glanced across the bar and noticed Rooster sitting at a table, tapping his fingers anxiously. He was clearly itching to play the piano, but he seemed hesitant, not wanting to disrupt Omaha's progress with Halo by playing the wrong song.
"Don," Phoenix said, turning to Reaper with a thoughtful look. "Tell me a song that Rooster could play on the piano for them."
Reaper looked over at Rooster, then back at Phoenix, a smile slowly forming. "Hmm, something that sets the right mood but doesn't overshadow what Omaha's got going on," he mused. "How about 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Elvis Presley? It's classic, romantic, and it won't steal the spotlight."
Phoenix nodded, appreciating the suggestion. "Perfect. I think that'll do the trick."
She stood up and made her way over to Rooster, who looked up as she approached. "Hey, Rooster," she said, leaning on the table. "How about playing 'Can't Help Falling in Love'? It's a good song, and it won't mess things up for Omaha."
Rooster's face lit up with relief and enthusiasm. "Great idea, Phoenix. Thanks." He gave her a grateful smile and stood up, heading towards the piano.
As Rooster settled at the piano, a hush fell over the bar. Everyone turned to watch, curious to see what song he would play. He took a deep breath, his fingers poised over the keys, and then he began to play the familiar, gentle melody of "Can't Help Falling in Love."
The soft, romantic tune filled the bar, casting a warm, intimate atmosphere. Omaha and Halo, who had been chatting near the jukebox, turned to listen, their expressions softening as the music enveloped them. Omaha took the opportunity to move a little closer to Halo, who smiled warmly at him.
Phoenix returned to the bar, joining Reaper, Bob, and Fanboy. They watched as Rooster played, the perfect choice of song creating just the right mood. "Nice call, Don," Phoenix said, nudging Reaper with a grin.
Reaper shrugged modestly. "Hey, sometimes you just need the right song to say what words can't."
As Rooster's fingers danced over the keys, the patrons of the Hard Deck swayed and hummed along. The romantic ambiance seemed to work its magic, drawing people closer and enhancing the evening's camaraderie.
When the song ended, the bar erupted in applause. Rooster grinned, standing and giving a small bow before making his way back to his table. Omaha, emboldened by the music and the moment, finally leaned in and whispered something to Halo that made her blush and smile.
Phoenix and Reaper exchanged a satisfied glance. "Mission accomplished," Phoenix said, raising her beer in a toast.
"To good friends, good music, and great stories," Reaper added, clinking his bottle against hers.
The door to the Hard Deck swung open, and Payback finally arrived, his confident stride bringing an extra wave of energy into the already lively bar. Fanboy, unable to resist, quipped loudly, "The Big Payback!"
The room's attention shifted to Payback, whose gaze immediately darted to Reaper, eyes narrowing with a mixture of ire and disbelief.
"Reaper! I can't believe you spilled the beans!" he bellowed, his annoyance clear.
Reaper held up his hands defensively, though a smirk played on his lips. "Hey, man, they were bound to find out sooner or later. Besides, they deserve to know the real story."
Payback shook his head, though a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, yeah. Just couldn't keep it to yourself, huh?"
Fanboy and Bob, still chuckling, stepped forward. "Come on, Payback," Bob said, "you gotta admit, it's a pretty epic origin story. Who knew your callsign was inspired by your love for James Brown?"
Payback rolled his eyes but couldn't help laughing along. "Alright, alright. I guess it's out now. And yeah, I really do love that song."
Phoenix, watching the exchange, stepped in. "Reuben, you should be proud of it. It's a great story, and it just adds to the legend."
Payback sighed, finally accepting the situation. "Alright, I'll own it. But you guys better not start calling me 'Shower Singer' or something."
The group erupted in laughter, the earlier tension dissolving into the warm camaraderie that defined their bond. Rooster, still at the piano, grinned and began to play the opening notes of "The Payback" by James Brown, adding a playful nod to the moment.
The bar filled with the funky, soulful rhythm, and Payback couldn't resist moving to the music, showing off a few dance moves that had everyone cheering and clapping along. The atmosphere became even more electrifying, the shared joke enhancing their sense of unity.
Omaha and Halo, caught up in the infectious energy, joined the dance floor, further closing the gap between them. Omaha's earlier nervousness seemed to melt away as he laughed and danced with Halo, their connection growing stronger with every beat.
Phoenix leaned against the bar, a satisfied smile on her face. "Looks like everything's working out tonight."
Reaper nodded, taking a sip of his beer. "Yep. Just another night at the Hard Deck, where legends are made and stories are born."
As the night continued, the pilots reveled in their shared stories, jokes, and the unmistakable bond that held them together. Payback's callsign revelation became a new favorite tale, a reminder of the quirks and individuality that made each of them unique.
Rooster's piano playing, the music choices, and the spontaneous dance party all contributed to an unforgettable evening. The Hard Deck buzzed with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional off-key singing as the aviators enjoyed their time together, knowing that these moments of joy and camaraderie were just as important as the missions that awaited them.
And somewhere in the midst of it all, "The Payback" played on, a fitting tribute to the man who wore the callsign with pride, and to the bonds that only grew stronger with each shared experience.
Phoenix leaned into Reaper's side, sighing contentedly. "You know, for someone whose callsign is based on the Grim Reaper, you're pretty good at this romance thing," she said, her voice soft and teasing.
Reaper chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. "Don't start," he quipped. "I don't want to be called Cupid or something like that."
Phoenix laughed, the sound light and melodious. She rested her head against his shoulder, taking in the warmth of the moment. "Fair enough, Don. But you have to admit, you did a pretty good job tonight. Omaha and Halo owe you one."
Reaper smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head and taking in the scent of her hair. "Yeah, well, sometimes even the Grim Reaper has to play matchmaker," he said with a grin.
They stood together, watching as their friends continued to enjoy the evening. Omaha and Halo were laughing and dancing, the earlier tension between them completely gone. Rooster had moved on to another song, keeping the atmosphere lively and upbeat.
Payback was still basking in the attention his callsign story had brought, playfully showing off more dance moves and engaging in friendly banter with the other pilots. Fanboy and Bob were deep in conversation, their expressions animated as they relived the events of the night.
Phoenix looked up at Reaper, her eyes filled with affection. "Thanks for tonight, Don. It's nights like these that remind me why we do what we do. Not just the flying, but the friendships, the moments we share."
Reaper nodded, his gaze softening as he looked back at her. "Yeah, Nat. It's about more than just the missions. It's about the people we do them with, the bonds we form. That's what makes it all worth it."
They shared a quiet moment, the noise and excitement of the bar fading into the background. For a few seconds, it was just the two of them, wrapped up in their own world, finding solace in each other's presence.
But the lively atmosphere of the Hard Deck soon drew them back. Omaha called out to them, waving them over to join the dance floor. With a shared smile, Phoenix and Reaper made their way over, their hands entwined.
The night continued with more laughter, dancing, and the kind of memories that would last a lifetime. And though Reaper might have been the Grim Reaper in callsign, tonight, he was something much more—a friend, a confidant, and, perhaps, a bit of a matchmaker.
As the music played on and the stars twinkled outside, the pilots of Top Gun celebrated their bond, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would always have each other. And somewhere in the midst of it all, the story of Payback, the romance of Omaha and Halo, and the quiet connection between Phoenix and Reaper became part of the rich tapestry that made their lives as naval aviators so extraordinary.
AN: A short one-shot dedicated to one of my favourite characters I love to write - Payback. Also I know that I incorporated the romance between Omaha and Halo in the final chapter, but now I realize that I should have done it sooner, but oh well. Reviews are always welcome! If you have any requests for a one-shot you want to see written, let me know and I'll come up with something for you. Also I want to thank AmberRising and Batghost once again due to their unwavering support for In The Air Tonight!