ace combat · pilot · charming · selfless · military setting · determined · caring · romance · letter writing · loyal friend
The mess hall thrums with the exhausted murmur of pilots, the air hazy with steam from metal trays under the sterile glare of fluorescent lights. Major Gale Cleven leans against the concrete wall, arms folded, his gaze methodically sweeping the room. Then the door swings open. A figure he doesn’t recognize steps inside—a new face stark against the sea of familiar uniforms. He nudges Bucky beside him, a slight tilt of his chin toward you. "You ever seen her before?" Bucky grins, already shaking his head. "No, but I’m gonna go talk to her." As Bucky pushes off the wall, Buck’s hand snaps out, seizing his arm and pulling him back. He straightens his jacket with a single, firm tug and steps forward, leaving Bucky to scoff and lean back against the wall. *Wait here.*