AN: The following one-shot is set after chapter 12 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 1 – Swimming Pool

Requested by Batghost

Phoenix stood in the backyard of her Fresno family home, hands on her hips, surveying the spot where the new above-ground wooden swimming pool would soon stand. Fresno's sun beat down, its intensity only partially dulled by the shade of the house. She smiled, imagining her son Asher's excited face when he saw the pool. Asher was inside, napping in the cool comfort of his room, blissfully unaware of the surprise awaiting him.

Just then, the rumble of an engine drew her attention to the front of the house. Phoenix's heart lifted when she saw a familiar pickup truck pulling into the driveway. The truck stopped, and two figures jumped out— Hangman and Rooster. They had come, as promised, to help her set up the pool.

"Thanks for coming, guys," Phoenix called out as she walked towards them, "but you didn't have to do it. I can just wait for Don to come back."

Hangman flashed his characteristic grin, his aviator sunglasses reflecting the bright sunlight. "Phoenix, you should know by now that I'm always up for a good project. Plus, anything for my namesake," he said, referring to Asher's middle name, Jacob.

Rooster, always more reserved but with a smile that could light up a room, stepped forward with a toolbox in hand. "Yeah, Phoenix, besides, Asher's my godson. Gotta make sure he's got the best setup possible."

Phoenix chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, alright. I appreciate it. Really. But I could've managed."

"Not a chance," Hangman said, slinging an arm around Rooster's shoulders. "Besides, we can't let Rooster here have all the glory of being the favorite. Gotta even the playing field."

Rooster rolled his eyes, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Keep dreaming, Hangman. Asher knows who spoils him the most."

"Yeah, me!" Hangman shot back, laughter in his voice.

The banter continued as the three of them made their way to the backyard. The delivery truck was already there, with two men unloading the pool components onto the lawn. Phoenix directed the delivery men where to place everything, her thoughts momentarily drifting to Reaper. She missed him, more than she let on, especially in moments like these. But she knew he was out there doing what he loved, flying with their squadron, the VFA-41 Black Aces, over the Indian Ocean.

"Alright, let's get to it," Phoenix said, clapping her hands together to focus on the task at hand.

Hangman and Rooster set to work, their camaraderie evident in the way they coordinated effortlessly. Hangman laid out the wooden panels, and Rooster began assembling the frame, their teamwork a testament to their years of flying together. Phoenix couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude. These men were more than their fellow naval aviators and friends; they were family.

As the three continued working on the pool, Rooster pulled out the instruction manual and began flipping through it. Phoenix was securing the last of the wooden panels while Hangman adjusted the supports.

"Okay, we have a problem," Rooster declared suddenly, looking up from the manual with a sigh. "The instructions are in Chinese. I don't know Chinese."

Hangman, standing nearby with a drill in hand, rolled his eyes dramatically. "Jesus Christ, you're such an idiot sometimes," he retorted, a teasing tone in his voice. "Have you heard of a thing called Google Translate?"

Phoenix chuckled, shaking her head at the familiar banter. "Boys, play nice," she said, but there was warmth in her voice.

Rooster smirked, pulling out his phone. "Yeah, yeah. Hold on," he muttered, opening the Google Translate app and taking a picture of the instructions. As the app processed the text, he handed the manual to Hangman. "Here, why don't you try to figure it out in the meantime, genius?"

Hangman took the manual and scanned it, frowning. "Well, it's all Greek to me—uh, Chinese, I guess. Anyway, let's see what your fancy app says."

Rooster's phone buzzed, and he looked at the translated text. "Alright, it says we need to secure the base supports first, then attach the side panels. Easy enough," he relayed, holding the phone up for Hangman and Phoenix to see.

"See? Problem solved," Phoenix said, giving Rooster a grateful smile. "Now, let's get this thing finished before Asher decides he wants to take a dip in the empty frame."

With the translated instructions in hand, the trio resumed their work. Hangman and Rooster continued their back-and-forth, each step accompanied by their playful jabs and laughter. Phoenix couldn't help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for their presence. Despite their constant teasing, their teamwork was seamless.

"Alright, next step," Rooster announced, glancing at his phone again. "We need to align these metal beams with the frame and then secure them with bolts."

"On it," Hangman said, grabbing the beams. He handed a few to Phoenix, who expertly aligned them with the frame while Rooster followed behind, securing them with bolts.

As they worked, they continued their light-hearted bickering, making Phoenix laugh. It was a welcome distraction from the worries that often accompanied being a military spouse. She thought of Asher, still sleeping inside, and how he would light up when he saw the pool.

A few hours later, the frame was set, and the panels were being secured. Hangman, wiping sweat from his brow, looked over at Rooster. "You know, Phoenix, when Donovan gets back, he's gonna be real impressed with our handiwork."

Phoenix smiled. "I hope so. And Asher's going to be over the moon."

As if on cue, they heard a small voice from inside. "Mommy?"

Phoenix turned to see Asher standing in the doorway, rubbing his eyes and clutching his stuffed airplane. "Hey, buddy! Come see what we're building," she called.

Asher toddled over, his curiosity piqued. When he saw the pool taking shape, his eyes widened. "Wow! That's for me?"

Rooster crouched down to Asher's level, ruffling his dark hair. "You bet it is, little man. Just in time for summer."

Hangman joined them, kneeling beside Asher. "And guess who helped build it?"

Asher looked between the two men, then up at his mom. "Uncle Jake and Uncle Bradley?" he guessed, a proud smile spreading across his face.

Phoenix laughed. "That's right. You've got the best uncles."

Asher beamed, running over to give each of them a hug. Phoenix watched, her heart full. Despite the distance, despite the challenges, she knew she wasn't alone. She had her Dagger Team family, and together, they could handle anything.

As they placed the finishing touches, Asher played nearby with his toy planes, occasionally glancing over at the pool's progress with wide-eyed excitement. Rooster paused to give him a thumbs-up, and Asher returned the gesture enthusiastically.

"Hey Asher," Hangman called out, "what do you think of your new pool so far?"

Asher grinned, running over to inspect their work. "It's awesome! Can I swim in it now?"

"Almost, buddy," Phoenix said, ruffling his hair. "Just a little more work, and it'll be ready."

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm orange hue over the yard, the pool finally took shape. Phoenix stood back, admiring their handiwork. "Looks like we're almost there," she said. "Just need to fill it up and make sure everything's secure."

Rooster nodded. "I'll grab the hose. Hangman, you want to double-check the supports?"

"Already on it," Hangman replied, giving the frame a firm shake to test its stability. "Feels solid to me."

With the hose running and the pool slowly filling up, the trio took a moment to rest. Phoenix leaned against the fence, watching as Asher danced around in excitement.

"Thank you, both of you," she said, her voice sincere. "This means the world to me. To us."

Rooster smiled, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Anything for you and Asher, Phoenix. You know that."

"Yeah," Hangman agreed, his usual cockiness softened by genuine affection. "We're family. And family sticks together."

Phoenix nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. She missed Reaper deeply, but knowing she had such incredible friends made the distance a little easier to bear. As the water in the pool rose and the last rays of sunlight faded, she knew this summer would be filled with joy, laughter, and the support of those who mattered most.

The pool was nearly full, and Asher was already in his swim trunks, ready to jump in. Phoenix laughed, looking at her son's eager face. "Okay, Asher, just a little longer."

"Best surprise ever, Mommy!" Asher exclaimed, his excitement contagious.

Rooster and Hangman exchanged a satisfied glance, both proud of their handiwork and the joy they'd brought to their godson and namesake.

Rooster straightened up, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Alright, it's all set!" He turned to Phoenix and Asher with a broad smile. "Who's ready to jump in?"

Asher let out a cheer and bolted toward the pool, but Phoenix caught him by the arm. "Hold on, tiger. Let's get your floaties on first."

After a few minutes of preparation, Asher was fitted with his bright orange floaties. They spent the afternoon enjoying watching Asher in the pool, teaching him how to paddle around. Asher's laughter filled the air as he floated and kicked, his eyes wide with wonder at the sensation of being in the water.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the nearly completed pool, Phoenix felt a sense of peace. They still had a bit of work to do, but with Rooster and Hangman by her side, she knew they'd finish in no time. And soon, Asher would be splashing and laughing in the pool during the summer, creating memories to share with Donovan when he returned home.

For now, though, she was content to be in the moment, surrounded by friends, laughter, and the promise of a joyful summer ahead.

After Asher swam with his orange floaties, Phoenix moved to the kitchen to prepare a carrot purée for Asher. As she peeled and chopped the carrots, she could hear the joyful sounds of laughter coming from the living room where Hangman and Rooster were playing with her son and drying him off with fluffy towels. It brought a smile to her face knowing that Asher was surrounded by such loving, albeit competitive, uncles.

"How about we settle this debate once and for all, Rooster?" Hangman's voice floated into the kitchen, carrying its usual challenge.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Rooster responded, curiosity evident in his tone.

"We set Asher in the middle of the room and retreat to opposite sides. Whoever he goes to first is the one who's more important to him," Hangman explained, his smirk audible in his voice.

Phoenix rolled her eyes as she stirred the pot, knowing the two men would never tire of their playful rivalry. She continued cooking, half-listening as the sounds of shuffling and laughter indicated they were setting up their little contest.

"Okay, buddy," Hangman said, his voice softer now. "You just go to whoever you like more, alright?"

Rooster chuckled. "No pressure, Asher. Just come to Uncle Bradley."

Phoenix could almost see the two men trying to outdo each other with toys and words of encouragement. She drained the carrots and began mashing them, shaking her head with a smile.

Then, suddenly, Asher's lip quivered, and he began crying loudly, overwhelmed by the pressure of choosing between his two beloved uncles.

Panic set in immediately. "Oh no, don't cry, buddy!" Hangman pleaded, rushing towards Asher.

"Hey, it's okay, little man! We're sorry!" Rooster added, his own voice tinged with alarm.

Phoenix's head snapped up at the sound of her son's cries. "Bradley! Jake! If you are forcing him to pick between you, I swear—" she shouted from the kitchen, her anger flaring as she quickly wiped her hands on a towel and stormed into the living room.

Both men froze, wide-eyed, knowing they were about to face her wrath. Phoenix scooped up Asher, who buried his face in her shoulder, still sniffling.

"What were you thinking?" she demanded, her eyes flashing as she glared at the two naval aviators.

"We didn't mean to make him cry," Rooster said quickly, his face filled with regret.

"Yeah, we were just trying to... settle something," Hangman added sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Phoenix sighed, her anger dissipating as she gently rocked Asher. "You two and your ridiculous competition," she muttered, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "You know he loves you both equally."

Rooster and Hangman exchanged a guilty look before nodding. "We're sorry, Phoenix. We didn't think it through," Hangman said.

Rooster stepped closer, his concern for Asher evident. "Is he okay?"

"He'll be fine," Phoenix said, kissing the top of Asher's head. "But you both owe him an apology."

The two men approached cautiously, their faces filled with sincere remorse. "Hey, buddy," Rooster said softly. "We're really sorry we made you cry."

"Yeah, we didn't mean to upset you," Hangman added. "You don't have to choose between us. We both love you very much."

Asher peeked out from Phoenix's shoulder, his tears subsiding as he saw the genuine concern on their faces. "Okay," he mumbled, his small voice shaky but forgiving.

Phoenix smiled, feeling the tension ease. "Alright, now that that's settled, let's all calm down. Asher, how about some carrot puree?"

Asher nodded, his mood brightening at the mention of his favorite food. Phoenix set him down in his high chair and returned to the kitchen to finish preparing his meal.

Rooster and Hangman, still feeling a bit sheepish, helped set the table, their earlier competitive spirits replaced by a cooperative silence.

As they all sat down together, Phoenix looked around the table at the people who meant so much to her. "Let's just enjoy this evening, okay? No more competitions."

The two men nodded vigorously, eager to stay on her good side and make up for their earlier mistake.

Dinner was filled with laughter and stories, the earlier incident forgotten as they shared a meal and strengthened their bonds. And though Rooster and Hangman would undoubtedly find another way to compete in the future, for now, they were content to simply be there for Phoenix and Asher, their family in every way that mattered

After dinner, the three of them worked together to clean up the kitchen and living room. Asher, now fed and content, was starting to nod off in his high chair. Phoenix smiled softly, lifting her sleepy son into her arms. "Alright, time for bed, little man," she whispered, kissing his forehead.

Rooster and Hangman followed her to Asher's room, their footsteps quiet on the hallway carpet. The room was softly lit by a small nightlight shaped like an airplane, casting a gentle glow over the crib and the various toys scattered around.

Phoenix gently laid Asher in his crib, pulling up the blanket and tucking it around him. She brushed a few strands of his dark hair from his forehead, her expression tender. Rooster and Hangman stood at the door, watching the peaceful scene with matching smiles.

Just as Phoenix turned to leave, Hangman couldn't resist a final jab. "You know," he whispered to Rooster, a grin spreading across his face, "he cried because he was going to pick me over you and was afraid he'd break your heart."

Rooster rolled his eyes, but before he could respond, Phoenix's elbow connected with Hangman's rib. "Jake," she hissed, turning to glare at him, "not now."

Hangman winced, holding his side. "Alright, alright. No more jokes," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender.

Rooster shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You never know when to quit, do you, Hangman?"

Phoenix sighed, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Both of you, out," she whispered, ushering them towards the door.

Once they were back in the hallway, Phoenix closed the door to Asher's room quietly. She turned to face her friends, her expression serious but softening as she spoke. "You two are impossible, but thank you for today. Really. It means a lot to me."

Rooster nodded, his demeanor sincere. "Anything for you and Asher, Phoenix. We're always here for you."

Hangman, his usual bravado tempered by genuine affection, added, "Yeah, we may joke around, but you guys are family. We've got your back, always."

Phoenix smiled, feeling a warm sense of gratitude. "I know. And I'm grateful for it. Just… maybe ease up on the competitions, okay?"

"Deal," Rooster said with a chuckle, extending his hand.

Hangman took it, shaking firmly. "Deal," he agreed.

With the house now quiet and Asher sleeping soundly, Phoenix led the way back to the living room. They settled onto the couch, the earlier tensions forgotten, and slipped into a comfortable silence. The camaraderie between them was palpable, a testament to the deep bonds forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.

Phoenix glanced at the clock, knowing it was getting late but reluctant to let the evening end. "Do you guys want to stay for a bit? Maybe watch a movie or something?"

Rooster and Hangman exchanged a look, then nodded. "Sounds good to me," Rooster said.

"Yeah, why not? It's been a while since we just hung out," Hangman added.

Phoenix smiled, feeling a sense of normalcy settle over her. Despite Reaper's absence, moments like these reminded her that she was never truly alone. With her friends by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges came next.

As they flipped through the movie options, the banter between Hangman and Rooster continued, albeit more subdued. Phoenix couldn't help but laugh at their antics, feeling a warmth in her heart knowing that she and Asher were surrounded by such unwavering support and love.

In the comfort of their home, with the promise of a joyful summer ahead, Phoenix felt a deep sense of peace. No matter what the future held, she knew she could count on her friends, her family, to be there through it all.

AN: This was a fun one-shot to write, the request from Batghost being that Hangman and Rooster trying to entice Asher to pick between them and I added my own touch, as I had this idea of the two of them building a swimming pool for Asher.

Next one-shot will be for AmberRising's request, which also soumds like fun to write. Reviews and criticisms 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!