Emmett Knight needed to clear his head. So he did the one thing that always let him do just that.

He went for a run.

Now, living where he did, there were some fantastic running trails along the beach, some better than others.

He had a great view, plenty of people around, and areas to stop for water or food.

Luckily for him, one of those places he stopped for a breather had a lookout he always stopped at.

(Genevieve loved the view from that particular lookout, so he always made sure to take a picture to show her.)

It just so happened that this lookout tended to be empty. Not many people knew it was there, which was fine with Emmett. At least it wouldn't turn into a tourist trap.

So when he came to a stop that morning and saw another person at the lookout, he was surprised.

He could tell this person was a woman, clearly on a run herself, based on her attire. Evidently, she was taking a breather as well, her hands folded above her head and she took in gulps of air.

Emmett had stopped just out of her sight, so when he decided to move forward, he caught the woman's attention immediately.

“Not many people find this spot. You got lucky.”

The woman dropped her hands, raising an eyebrow at him. “I can see why. This is a new path for me, but you can't beat this view.”

He walked a bit closer to her, keeping a respectful distance so she didn't feel scared.

“It's the best view around,” he told her, before looking her up and down, subtly of course. “You new in town?”

The woman snorted. “How could you tell?”

Emmett shrugged. “While I don't know everyone around here, this running trail isn't one typically used. You're a new face, seemed logical.”

She smiled. “Well, Mr. Logical, you are right.” Emmett let out a chuckle at her words. “Just moved here last week. Finally got the chance to check out some paths.”

Emmett took in some of the ocean air. “Did you move for the weather? I can assure you it's not always this nice out.” He gestured to the blue sky, sun shining and few clouds.

The woman became visibly uncomfortable.

Emmett shook his head. “You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'll let you get back to your run.”

He goes to move, continuing on his own run before she stops him. “I'm in the Navy. Just got reassigned to the Navy base around here. Didn't feel like running on base.”

Emmett was surprised at that. He had been in the Navy himself, honorably discharged a few years ago. He still had friends on the base here, but he hadn't expected this beautiful woman to be part of it.

“What do you do? I know some of the local Navy personnel, might be able to help you know the good ones.” He tries to keep it light, as she is clearly not completely comfortable discussing this topic.

(Can you blame her? Half the time, when men find out she's in the Navy, they lose any and all potential interest. I don't get why, she's a catch, hello!)

She smiled slightly at his joke. “I'm an aviator. Doubt you'd know anyone there, we keep to our own bunch most of the time.”

Emmett nods. “Badass. I could never be a pilot. My brother says I shouldn't drive a car much less pilot a plane.”

She lets out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. “I'm Natasha. Natasha Trace.” She holds out her hand, which Emmett is quick to shake.

“Emmett Knight.”

They let go of each other's hand before lapsing into silence. It's not awkward, surprisingly, but it lasts a bit too long.

“Well, Natasha Trace,” Emmett starts. “If you ever want a running partner or just some inside tips on the best running paths, meet me here. I typically run every morning, so chances are you'll find me.”

Natasha nodded her head. “I'll keep that in mind, Emmett Knight.”

Neither of them knew that meeting would change their lives forever.

One meeting would turn into two, which turned into many, which finally ended up with exchanged numbers.

Exchanged numbers led to texting and calling more often, which led to hanging out outside of running.

Hanging out, outside of running led to an eventual first date. That first date turned into multiple dates, which turned into a relationship.

That relationship stood firm, Natasha adapting well, finding out about Emmett's daughter. (Seriously, Genevieve was adorable, there was no way Nat couldn't love her.)

Emmett and Natasha were three years strong when she was recalled to Top Gun for a mission.

A mission that, coincidently, was about to change everything.

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Word count: 804

Nat and Emmett are literally everything!!! I love them with my entire heart and I hope you guys will as well.

Get ready, cause we will be diving into the movie right away, so see y'all in the next chapter.

Bye guys!!