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justabigassnerd · 1 month

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Protective Friend

Pairing - Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell x daughter!reader

Word count - 2,182

Warnings - physical violence, mentions of cheating, blood, angst, mentions of Goose, fluff

Summary - after someone picks on Bradley one too many times, you handle the situation and secretly impress your father

A/N - it's been a minute huh, y'all? I think I'm doing a bit better (no promises), so maybe I'll be uploading more fics. anyway I won't bore y'all with a long A/N so as per y'all, please send in requests, feedback, and enjoy

Growing up alongside the Bradshaw family, it was basically inevitable that you would become best friends with Bradley Bradshaw. After all, you’d practically known the family since birth with your dad working alongside your Uncle Goose and it had devastated you when Goose died, understanding the finality of it all even at a young age. After Goose passed you made even more of an effort to be a good friend to Bradley, doing your best to keep a smile on his face.

However, the kids at your school were not nearly as kind. They had found out that Goose had died one day during an activity in the build-up to the summer holidays where your teacher gave you the freedom to make Father’s Day cards to store somewhere safe until the day came and Bradley had innocently asked your teacher what he was supposed to do. When the teacher had crossed the room to crouch down alongside him to ask why he couldn’t write a card for his dad, some kids had overheard him saying that his dad was dead and apparently thought it was the funniest thing to them. The teasing started off light before it got worse, but you could tell it bothered Bradley all the same, especially given the sensitivity of the topic. You ended up telling your dad about the teasing and bullying and without hesitation, Maverick had gone straight to Carole to make sure she was aware as well. Carole, of course, wasted no time going to the principal and telling him about how he needs to be doing better in making sure the bullies get punished.

When the principal did nothing about it, nonchalantly saying he couldn’t control kids’ actions, Carole went and tracked down the parents of the kids who were picking on Bradley after you gave them their names. Once again, Carole reached a brick wall as when she spoke to the various parents of the kids, they just shrugged her off and said that both Bradley and Carole needed to stop being so sensitive over something that happened years ago and that a bit of friendly teasing wasn’t hurting anyone so according to them, Bradley simply had to man up and learn how to take a joke. It took everything within Carole not to slap anyone when she heard the same answer multiple times. Her son was being bullied and no one was doing anything about it when this was the time to step up and do something. She didn’t care if had been ten minutes or ten years since Goose’s passing, he was still Bradley’s father, and her son was allowed to mourn the loss he suffered.

When Carole next met up with Maverick and filled him in on what had happened, Maverick immediately offered to give it a try himself, more than willing to be assertive and to even drag Iceman into it if needed. Carole told Maverick not to worry about it, and that he probably wouldn’t get much further than she did, even with Iceman.

“Do you want me to sleep with their wives?” Maverick had jokingly suggested which resulted in Carole hiding her giggle as she lightly slapped Maverick on the shoulder.

“You wouldn’t dare.” She replied, continuing to laugh as Maverick shrugged jokingly.

“All I’m saying is I could give them the best night of their lives, end it then and there and then ruin their marriage. That’ll teach them for picking on Bradley.” Maverick says nonchalantly, leaning back against the sofa with a grin.

“Mav, I love you, but no you can’t ruin people’s marriages over this.” Carole says as Maverick holds his hands up in mock surrender, both of them chuckling lightly.

“It was a good idea though.”

A couple of days later, one Saturday morning, you managed to coerce Maverick into taking you to the local playground and when you asked if Bradley could come with you and so he walked you over to the house just down the road and asked Carole if Bradley wanted to come to the park with the two of you. Carole was of course extended an invitation to join you all, but she politely declined, saying she had housework she needed to do. Now with Bradley in tow, the three of you make your way to the park, entering the gated park and both of you immediately head over to the swings while Maverick sits himself on a bench just outside of the park, watching you play with a soft smile.

However, at the most crucial moment, Maverick found himself distracted by a pair of attractive women who smiled flirtatiously at him as they passed, deciding that since both you and Bradley were happily playing in the park, he had the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with them.

In the park, a boy that was in your grade named Johnny decided he wanted to pick on Bradley, calling over to him and once again picking on him for the fact his dad was dead the moment, he realised you had crossed the park to talk to another one of your friends.

“Stop it.” Bradley said firmly, standing from the swing and attempting to stand up for himself against the bullies.

“What are you going to do? Tell your dad?” Johnny said before eyeing the way Bradley’s hand clenched around something hanging on his chest.

“What’s that?” He then asked teasingly, eyes glinting with glee as Bradley took a step back, fist tightening around the dog tags that once belonged to his dad. With nothing more than a look exchanged between them, Johnny’s two friends put a hand on Bradley’s shoulders and forced him to the floor, while Johnny pried Bradley’s hand open and removed the precious dog tags from around his neck, inspecting them and chuckling to himself.

“Goose? What kind of stupid name is that?” Johnny says, reading the callsign displayed on the tags.

“Give them back!” Bradley cries out, attempting to get up and grab his dog tags but Johnny’s friends were quicker, forcing down on his shoulders harder to prevent him from moving.

Across the park, you had heard Bradley’s demand and so glanced over and immediately removed yourself from your conversation and immediately rushed over to Bradley’s defence, taking less than a second to realise what it was Johnny had stolen.

“Give it back, Johnny!” You say firmly, holding your hand out expectantly and gritting your teeth when Johnny just laughs in your face.

“And why would I do that?” He taunts, sniggering as he glances over at his friends who laugh too.

“Because you’re not going to like what I’m going to do next.”

Just as Maverick was bidding goodbye to the two women, making sure to give each of them a cheeky wink as they went, he turned to look back at the park and instead came face to face with a rageful-looking mother who had a boy alongside her who was holding a tissue up to his bleeding nose.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” The woman all but yells in Maverick’s face, barely giving him space to breathe, let alone process what she is saying.

“I’m sorry, what?” Maverick says, trying his best to calm the tension. He had recognised the kid instantly; you had pointed him out to your dad one afternoon when you had first told him about the bullying.

“Your brat of a daughter punched my sweet Johnny for no reason! I can’t believe you’d raise a child to think that’s okay.” The mother says, glaring at Maverick who takes a moment to glance over at you where you were crouching down alongside Bradley, clearly talking to him before taking a moment to look over at your dad with a worried expression.

“y/n wouldn’t hit someone.” Maverick says, getting up from the bench to be more level with the woman.

“She punched him!” She repeats, even louder and begins to get looks from people surrounding them.

“Okay, okay, cool your jets. I’ll speak to her.” Maverick says, waving his hand dismissively before crossing to the park gate, opening it and catching your eye before gesturing you over and waiting patiently for you to approach.

“Hi, dad.” You mumble, glancing down at your shoes to avoid looking Maverick in the eye.

“Hey squirt. So, I heard you punched that Johnny kid. Want to tell me what happened?” Maverick says, crouching down to be at your level and gently encouraging you to look at him. You mumbled something in response but none of it was audible to him.

“You gotta speak up kiddo.” Maverick encourages gently, reaching out and resting a hand on your shoulder and squeezing lightly, silently promising you he wouldn’t get upset.

“He took Uncle Goose’s dog tags from Bradley.” You say, a little louder so that Maverick can hear you. Upon hearing the reason you had lashed out; Maverick knew he couldn’t be mad at you at all, but he also knew he had to try and dissuade you from using violence in the future.

“Okay, sweetheart, you can’t punch people. I understand why you did it but if you’re ever in a situation like this, you come and get me, Carole, Ice, whoever. We’ll sort it out. I’m sure you did try but make sure you use your words. Punching people isn’t okay, no matter what it is they do.” Maverick says softly, watching as you carefully take in his words, nodding softly.

“Yes, daddy.” You say before Maverick gently pulls you into a hug.

“Go and grab Bradley and get ready to head back home. I’ll speak to Johnny’s mother.” Maverick says quietly before releasing you from the hug, letting you go over to Bradley then standing up and heading back over to Johnny and his mother.

“I didn’t see you disciplining your daughter. How do you know she won’t do it again?” Johnny’s mother says firmly, gripping her son’s shoulder and pulling him closer to emphasise the injury.

“I spoke to her, and she knows it’s wrong. But she did tell me that your son took something that was special to not only Bradley, but his family and my family too. And when your son clearly refused to give it back, she did what she thought she had to do. She won’t do it again, but I won’t say she wasn’t justified.” Maverick explains, folding his arms across his chest and raising an eyebrow as he anticipates her freakout.

“She hurt my son and you’re saying it’s justified?” The shock and horror was painted all over her face as she yelled at Maverick.

“I’m not going to lie to you and say she wasn’t justified in what she did. Your kid stole something special from Bradley and has been bullying him for a while. You have refused to teach your kid better so no I will not punish her for standing up for her friend.” Maverick says firmly, deciding then and there that the conversation is over and turning to find you and Bradley.

“Come on you two, we’re heading home!” Maverick calls over to you and Bradley and when you and Bradley rush over to him, he wraps an arm around each of your shoulders and ushers you away from the woman and her son and begins the walk home. First, you drop Bradley off at his house, both of you greeting Carole as she opens the door. Just before Bradley heads inside, and while Maverick is explaining what happened earlier to Carole, Bradley turns to face you with a small smile.

“Thank you for getting my dog tags back.” Bradley says softly, making you smile before hugging Bradley.

“You don’t need to thank me.” You insist gently, squeezing Bradley softly before releasing him from the hug and letting him head inside with Carole while Maverick wraps an arm around your shoulders and encourages you to head home with him.

When you make it home, Maverick guides you into the living room and asks you to stay put while he grabs you an icepack. He soon returns with an icepack in hand, sitting down alongside you and taking the hand you had punched Johnny with and placing the icepack on the knuckles, biting back a frown when you wince slightly.

“This should help with any swelling.” Maverick says tenderly, his voice quiet as he lets you hold the icepack in place.

“Are you mad at me?” You question quietly, eyes fixed on the icepack to avoid looking at your dad.

“No sweetheart, I’m not mad. I do wish you had handled it a little differently, but I can’t be mad at you for standing up for Bradley.” Maverick admits, watching as you finally get the courage to look up at him.

“I wish I didn’t punch him. But it was satisfying.” You say quietly, a shy smile covering your face as Maverick lets out a soft chuckle before carefully pulling you into a hug.

“Well between me and you. I think he had it coming.”

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tip-top-cloud-surfer · 11 months

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Stay Away from the Altar - Hangman

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin / Wife!Reader; Seresin Daughter!OC (Rose) / Bradshaw Son!OC (Nick)

Word Count: 4.4k

This work, all my works, and my entire blog are 18+ Only.

Warnings: (Over)protective Dad!Hangman; Angst; Fighting; Rebellious Teenagers; Tense Father-Daughter Relationship; Teenagers Dating; Crying; References to Threats; References to Previous or Hypothetical Pregnancy Scares

Summary: Jake isn't ready to accept that his daughter is growing up. And he's definitely not ready to accept that his daughter seems to have fallen for Rooster's spawn.

A.N. You could read this as a sequel to my Left at the Altar series, since I used the name that I gave Hangman and Reader's daughter in that fic for this fic. But it's not 1000% necessary to read the series to understand this story.

And I meant to post this as part of Father’s Day, but let’s just ignore the fact that it’s a day late.

Master List

Admiral Jake “Hangman” Seresin was a very accomplished man. He was the youngest man to reach the admiralty since Tom “Iceman” Kazansky and was currently the Air Boss of NAS Miramar. He had his beautiful wife and absolute love of his life still by his side with their twenty-year marriage anniversary just around the corner. And three beautiful children to brag about to the world.

Everything was going near perfectly in Jake Seresin’s life. And then his eldest daughter Rose suddenly snapped from his little princess and into a defiant teenager about to flee to a college on the other side of the country. And sure, Rose had mentioned going across the country for college before, but Jake was more than a little suspicious.

Why, you may ask? Because Washington DC was awfully close to Annapolis, Maryland. The Naval Academy. The Naval Academy that one little fucker was attending next year.

Nicholas Peter Bradshaw.

Rooster’s spawn was messing with Rose’s head and Jake was not going to stand for it.

Jake didn’t always have suspicions about Nick. He was a decently good kid. For Rooster’s kid, anyways. He was somewhat smart—not as smart as Rose, but he wasn’t dumb as rocks—and he didn’t cause too much trouble. And because of the handful of months between Nick and Rose, they were practically raised side-by-side, which was great until they hit their teenage years.

Because then Nick started to linger.

Spending so much time around Rose. Going to all of her games and all of her events, even if he had his own to worry about. Coming over to ‘study’ and to do ‘homework’ together frequently. Offering to give Rose and her siblings rides to school events or the beach. Always offering to help her and Jake’s wife too with anything to try and impress them.

Yeah, Jake had seen that game played before. He had played it himself back in the day. Successfully. Very successfully. He had the wedding ring, three full wedding albums, three kids, and nineteen and a half years of marriage to prove it. He knew all of the steps and all of the tricks to successfully convince a woman outside of his league to fall in love with him.

And, so, when Nick offered to take Rose for a ‘scenic’ drive in the Bronco, Jake put his foot down.

“What do you mean I can’t go?” Rose complained, glaring up at her dad. “It’s summer!”

“Exactly, so why don’t you go spend some time with your siblings? Or your other friends? Before you go all the way to the East Coast!”

“My other friends that just happen to be girls?” Rose emphasized, a scowl twinging at her lips.

“Yes,” Jake replied, causing Rose’s scowl to deepen.

“Why are you being so weird? Nick has driven me around all over the place!”

“You’re not going for a ride in that stupid bucket of bolts with him, Rose. And that’s final.”

“What is going on now?” Jake’s wife called tiredly, walking into the room.

“Dad won’t let me go for a drive with Nick,” Rose quickly explained, walking over to her mom.

“In the Bronco,” Jake emphasized, causing his wife to sigh.

Rubbing her face tiredly, Jake’s wife picked her head up and glanced between her eldest daughter and her husband. She knew exactly what Jake was concerned about, particularly with his emphasis on the Bronco. Taking a moment to come to a decision, Jake’s wife turned to Rose.

“You can go out with Nick in the Bronco, but be back by dark, okay?”

“But—” Jake started to protest.

“—Thanks, Mom!”

Rose hurried up to her room to change and to probably text Nick to come and pick her up while Jake stared at his wife with clear betrayal. In response, his wife shot him a knowing look and folded her arms over her chest.

“Jake, you’re overreacting,” his wife stated, causing Jake to gape at her.

“Do you want our daughter running around in the Bronco?” Jake hissed quietly, walking over to his wife. “Do you know what could happen to her there?”

“I’m sure that they’ll wear their seatbelts, Jake.”

“Babe, do you remember what we did when I took you for a ride in my truck? A nice slow ride on a summer night?” Jake asked, causing his wife to sigh again.

“Jake, they’re just friends.”

“That’s what we told your parents. Six months later, we were going at it like rabbits naked as the days we were born in the back of my pickup truck!”

“Jacob! For the love of—”

“—Why can’t you see that we’re losing her?” Jake interjected, causing his wife to pause for a moment.

The annoyed expression on her face dropped and she instead simply stared at her husband with a softer expression. Taking a step towards her husband. Rubbing his arm supportively, Jake’s wife reached out and grabbed his hand to give it a squeeze.

“We’re not losing her, Jake.”

“We are losing her,” Jake insisted, his voice coming out small. “She’s moving so far away in only a couple of months and she’ll barely have time to come home. She’s spent most of the last two years barely home between all of her activities and her friends. And I’m so proud of her, but she’s . . .”

“Growing up?” Jake’s wife suggested with a small smile. “Jake, she’s eighteen now. She’s not a little baby anymore.” Cupping Jake’s cheek with her hand, Jake’s wife offered him a small supportive smile. "She’s growing into her own person. And she’s your daughter so she’s stubborn as hell and won’t listen to anyone else while she does it. Least of all us.”

“But she’s going so far.”

“You’re in DC every other month,” Jake’s wife pointed out, rubbing his back. “And she has a phone. She’ll call us. She’s not leaving and never comin back, Jake.”

“She might if he gets involved,” Jake muttered under his breath, causing Jake’s wife to shoot him a look.

“Jake, they’re just friends. And even if they’re not, he’s a perfectly nice boy.”

“But, a Bradshaw? Really? She can do better than that.”

“I’m sure that Rooster would say the same if the situation was reversed,” Jake’s wife replied, shaking her head lightly. “But do not push Rose away by trying to come between her and Nick. The more that you make it seem like she’s rebelling, the more that she’s going to want to do it.”

“But I know exactly what the little twerp has planned!” Jake insisted, causing his wife to sigh.

“First of all, that little twerp is now taller than you. Second of all, Rose is a smart girl with a good head on her shoulders. She can take care of herself. Especially after all of those years of self-defense classes that you put her in.”

“She could kick his ass in three seconds,” Jake agreed, causing his wife to laugh.

“So, stop worrying about him. Just focus on spending time with your daughter, Jake. Okay?”

Pressing a soft kiss to Jake’s lips, she gave his hand a squeeze before walking off to continue on with her day. Jake stood there for a moment, thinking over his wife’s words, before the doorbell rang. Hearing Rose upstairs start to hurry, Jake quickly made his way to the door.

Nicholas Peter Bradshaw seemed a little surprised to see Jake standing at the door and subconsciously straightened up a bit more. Jake’s wife wasn’t lying—Nick was taller than Jake by a few inches, but he was like a little puppy in Jake’s eyes. And not just because Nick always wore a stupid lovesick smile on his face whenever Rose was around.

“Hey, Uncle Hangman,” Nick greeted him politely, nodding to him.

“You should get in the habit of calling me Admiral Seresin, Cadet,” Jake replied calmly, causing Nick to subtly wince a bit.

“Yes, sir.”

Jake nodded curtly as Rose hurried down the stairs, dressed for the San Diego heat. Letting out a light growl, Rose darted around her dad, grabbed Nick by the arm, and started pulling him towards the Bronco that was parked in the driveway.

“Goodbye!” Rose called over her shoulder.

“Be careful!” Jake called after them. “And think before you do anything!”

“Goodbye!” Rose emphasized back at her dad.

~~~~~

After the Bronco ride, Jake was still on alert when it came to Nick Bradshaw. His wife told him to calm down each and every time, warning him that he was going to give Rose a ‘complex’ if he kept trying to police her life like that, but Jake could just feel it in his bones that he should not trust Nick Bradshaw around his eldest daughter.

And because his instincts were second to none, he was proven right.

Jake was just starting to drift off to sleep with his wife happily tucked into his side. It was a warm night in Miramar and the air conditioner was running full blast. The white noise helped to lull his wife to sleep but Jake had always been a light sleeper, so it took more for him to fall asleep. Jake rested his head on top of his wife’s when he swore that he heard a noise from outside.

Jake picked his head up with his eyes cracked open, suspicious. He was always on alert. His wife often told him that he took the role of protecter a bit too seriously, but Jake couldn’t give in even a little bit with that. For his own conscience.

Getting up from bed, careful to not wake his wife, Jake padded down the hall. Passing by his younger children’s rooms, Jake kept his ear tuned to try and hear the sound. He peeked out the window, trying to spot any sort of indication about what could have made the noise. Like the neighbor’s stupid dog. And when he heard the subtle squeak again, Jake’s eyes narrowed.

~~~~~

Rose Seresin, meanwhile, was trying to open her window. She tried greasing the sides of it during the day, but it still made that stupid squeak occasionally. Holding her breath and hoping that her dad, who she knew was a light sleeper, didn’t hear her, Rose opened the window and looked down to see Nick waiting for her below.

He smiled up at her and waved, causing Rose’s heart to flutter in her chest. It wasn’t exactly planned for her to fall in love with her childhood best friend. But, as her mom told her, sometimes the heart just wants what it wants. And hers wanted Nick Peter Bradshaw.

Blowing him a quick kiss, Rose grinned and slid one leg out of her window. Planting her sneaker clad foot on the roof, Rose carefully slipped out of her window and lowered it a bit more, just in case her parents check in on her during the next few hours. Climbing down the side, Rose prepared to kick off and drop onto the soft mulch below when a chill went down her spine.

“Rose Leslie Seresin, what do you think you’re doing?”

Startled, Rose’s grip on the ledge slipped and she fell a bit. And Nick, also startled and close to shitting his pants, tried to catch her, but he ended up just acting as padding for Rose’s fall. Jake, still dressed in his pajamas, hurried over to help his daughter.

“Are you alright?” Jake called, pulling Rose to her feet and leaving Nick on the ground. “Are you hurt?”

“No,” Rose sighed, brushing dirt off of her.

“Then why were you jumping out of your window?” Jake hissed, pointing up at the window to her bedroom. “In the middle of the night?”

Rose, who, all thing’s considered, was a bit of a golden child, froze in place, not really sure what to say. The evidence was right there, after all. And nothing that she could come up with would somehow make all of that go away.

“That’s what I thought,” Jake practically growled, before turning to look down at Nick. “What are you doing here, Cadet?”

“His name is Nick,” Rose stated, coming to Nick’s defense.

“And your ass is grounded,” Jake snapped back, causing Rose to shrink into herself. “I cannot believe that you would be so irresponsible, Rose! Running around with him in the middle of the night! Climbing out of your window! What the hell do you think that you were doing!?”

“Why the hell are you . . .” Jake’s wife called, stepping outside, before she spotted the situation at hand. Sighing, she took a deep breath before walking down to the scene. “Come inside. You’re going to wake up the neighbors.”

Once they were all inside, Jake’s wife told him to take a breath and to go and call Rooster to pick his son up. Rose sat on the couch, curled up on herself, looking like she wanted to burst into tears. Nick sat on the opposite side of the room, staring over at Rose, but unable to reach out to comfort her because then Jake might really bite his head off.

“Your parents will be here in ten minutes,” Jake grunted to Nick, who winced, before turning to Rose. “Do you have any explanation for this, young lady?”

“Jake,” Jake’s wife called to him softly, not wanting to see her daughter burst out into tears. “Give her a second to collect herself.”

Though he already had about a two-hour scold on the tip of his tongue, Jake bit it back. Mostly because he didn’t want to see his daughter burst out into tears either, even if he was livid about what he just saw outside.

He knew that he shouldn’t have trusted Nick Bradshaw.

Rooster and his wife showed up promptly, looking a bit concerned and harried. Rooster’s wife was completely embarrassed and practically grabbed Nick by the ear to drag him out of the Seresin household. With a quick apology to Jake and his wife, Rooster’s wife pulled her son outside and to the family car, leaving Rooster to drive the Bronco home.

But Rooster just had a few words to share with Hangman before he took his own leave.

“Go easy on her,” Rooster stated, causing Jake to scowl at him.

“As if I’ll take any sort of parenting advice from you, Rooster, after what your son just did.”

“Right, because you were a saint when you were a teenager. Never sneaking out or sneaking your now wife out in the middle of the night, right?” Rooster asked dryly, causing Hangman to narrow his eyes. “They’re eighteen, but they’re still kids. They make mistakes and they deserve a chance to learn from them. Don’t let your own fears fuck with her head. Cause it’ll take decades to undo that.”

Jake simply clenched his jaw in response, so Rooster saw himself out. Glaring down at the floor for a moment, Jake turned to see Rose burst off the couch and run upstairs to her room again. Jake’s wife walked behind her, trying to calm her down, but Rose kept going until she reached her room. Jake’s wife shot him a concerned look before hurrying up the stairs after her.

Jake stood where he was, hearing his wife lightly knock on the door and walk into Rose’s bedroom. Jake walked upstairs slowly after a few moments and quietly padded down the hall to Rose’s room. But he could hear his daughter crying before he even reached her door.

“Honey, it’s going to be alright,” Jake’s wife told her daughter, trying to comfort Rose.

“No, it’s not! Nick’s never going to want to see me again after this!”

“Rose, he probably wants to see your right now,” Jake’s wife assured Rose, probably squeezing her into her side.

“And Dad probably hates me!” Rose cried, causing Jake’s heart to shatter in his chest.

“Your father will never hate you, Rose,” Jake’s wife stated firmly, not giving her daughter a moment to doubt herself. “He’s just upset.”

“You didn’t see him, Mom. He hates me! And Nick’s probably going to break up with me now and . . .” Rose trailed off with just a couple of cries and gasps for air.

Lowering his head, Jake walked away from the door and back to his own bedroom.

~~~~~

A week had passed and Rose was completely avoiding Jake. If he walked into the room, she quickly left it or didn’t make eye contact. She spent most of the day up in her room, serving out the grounding that Jake and his wife agreed upon for sneaking out through her window. He wasn’t sure if she was in contact with Nick at all, but either way, he felt like he couldn’t ask.

And with only two weeks left until Rose headed out to the East Coast for college, Jake knew that he had to try make sure that his relationship with his daughter was salvaged before she left and probably never looked or came back.

Walking upstairs, Jake headed down the hall and knocked on the door to Rose’s room. She opened it a few moments later and her features instantly sunk a bit when she noticed it was him standing there. Lowering her head, Rose hid a bit more behind the door.

“What is it?”

“Let’s go for a drive.”

“Dad, I just—”

“—Please?” Jake interjected, causing Rose to glance up at him.

Ten minutes later, they were driving down the road, just the two of them, in Jake’s truck that they used for their beach days and family road trips. Rose was silent in the passenger seat, her gaze focused out the window and her entire body curled away from him. But Jake remained patient and focused on the road in front of him.

Pulling into the old diner that he used to take all of his kids to when they were small and his wife was either working or taking some ‘me’ time, Jake glanced over to catch Rose’s reaction. She frowned a bit and turned to look at him for the first time during their drive.

“Why are we here?”

“Well, it’s lunch time, isn’t it?”

They got out of the truck, with Rose being a bit reluctant, and headed inside the diner. They were quickly seated in a booth and Rose used the menu to put a barrier between her and her dad. Jake remained patient and smiled at the older waitress as she walked over to take their orders. Jake and Rose gave their orders before being left on their own.

“Did you get everything that you need before you go?” Jake asked Rose softly, who shrugged her shoulders in response.

“Most of it. We’ll just pick it up when we get there. That’s what Mom said to do.”

“Are you packed then?”

“Somewhat,” Rose replied, keeping her voice quiet.

“Are you excited?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Jake folded his arms underneath him and let out a sigh when Rose kept her responses short and her gaze lowered and away from his own. She fiddled with the paper wrap holding the utensils together, doing anything to fill the time and avoid having to talk to him.

“Rosie? Can you look at me?”

Rose glanced up at her dad, sinking a bit in her seat. Jake straightened up a bit, his expression serious and concerned, but his voice remained low and calm.

“I don’t hate you, Rosie. I could never hate you. You’re my daughter. My baby girl. And no matter what you do, I’ll never hate you, okay?”

“I know,” she replied quietly.

“Why didn’t you tell me and your mom about Nick?” Jake asked softly and not accusatorily.

“Because I knew that you would freak out,” Rose explained quietly. “And I really like him, so I didn’t want to scare him away or mess anything up between our families.”

“And he treats you well? Makes you happy?”

“Yeah,” Rose stated, nodding confidently. “He does.”

“Did he ever make you feel uncomfortable? Or pressure you into doing something that you didn’t want to do but he did?”

“No. The whole window situation was my idea,” Rose replied, causing Jake to sigh.

“About that—”

“—Dad, I don’t want to talk about it,” Rose interjected, lowering her head again.

“Rosie,” Jake began, though she kept her gaze away from him, “I know that you really like Nick. But I don’t want you to . . . build your life around him. You’re only eighteen. You have your whole life in front of you. Both of you do.”

“I know. I’m not saying that we’re getting married,” Rose insisted, picking her head up a bit defensively.

“And that makes me very happy to hear,” Jake replied, causing Rose to sigh. “But I just don’t want you to get into a situation that you’ll regret down the line. I did a lot of stupid stuff when I was your age and I was lucky that in the end everything worked its way out.”

“I know. Grandma told me,” Rose stated, causing Jake to wince.

“All of it?”

“Just the bit about Grandpa threatening to shoot you when they thought you knocked up Mom,” Rose explained, reaching for her drink.

“Yeah, I remember that conversation,” Jake sighed, rubbing his face. “And I don’t want you to ever be put in that position, Rosie.”

“Dad, I’m not stupid.”

“Are you calling your mom and I stupid then?” Jake countered, causing Rose to press her lips together.

“I’m not going to answer because I don’t want to be grounded again.”

“Good choice,” Jake stated, sitting up a bit straighter. “The point is, I remember what it was like to be a teenager and everything that goes along with it. And I made a lot of mistakes with your mom back then and even later and I wanted to protect you from all of that. But,” Jake emphasized, causing Rose to raise an eyebrow, “you’re going off to college soon and I need to accept that you’re growing up.”

“I’ve been growing up for a while, Dad,” Rose replied softly, shifting in her seat.

“I know, but I was in denial because it’s scary how fast you grew up. And you’ve accomplished more than I ever thought possible,” Jake continued, causing Rose to nod slowly. “Hell, you’re ten times better off than I was at your age and you get most of it from your mom, that’s for sure, and I’m so proud of you and I know that you’ll do even better at college and . . .”

Jake trailed off for a moment, taken back to a different day, about fourteen years ago, when Rose sat across from him at a booth in this dinner. She was missing about three teeth in her smile and her hair was pulled back away from her face. And she had a ketchup stain in her dress afterwards that his wife was not happy about, but made Rose giggle when he was getting scolded about it.

“Dad?” Rose called, bringing Jake back to the present.

Blinking a bit rapidly, Jake stared over at his daughter, who seemingly grew into a young woman overnight. She wasn’t a baby anymore. She didn’t need him or her mom like she needed them before. And she was ready to spread her wings and fly high, like they always knew she could.

“I don’t love the idea of you dating . . . but if Nick treats you right . . .”

“He does.”

“And he makes you happy . . .” Jake continued.

“He does,” Rose repeated, nodding curtly.

“Then you don’t have to hide your relationship from us anymore.” Rose noticeably perked up, but Jake was quick to add his paternal disclaimer. “But that doesn’t mean you two get to just do whatever you want. No excessive PDA and don’t ever think about climbing out of your window like that again. You’ll break your neck and then I’ll break him for not catching you.”

“Dad.”

“And if he gets you into any of the situations that your grandmother described to you about me and your mom back in the day—”

“—We won’t!”

“But if you do, I’m still an admiral. And if Nick wants to stay in the Navy, he better understand that I’m not afraid to call in some favors to serve him the consequences of his actions.”

“You mean Uncle Coyote?”

“I’ll call in a lot of favors,” Jake vowed, tapping his finger on the table threateningly, though Rose cracked a small smile in return.

~~~~~

The old Dagger Squad members who lived out and around southern California gathered during the last few days of summer to wish Nick and Rose good luck before they both headed out to the East Coast to start the next chapters of their young lives. Separate chapters or at the very least adjacent chapters in Jake’s mind.

Jake glanced over at where Rose and Nick were playing cornhole with a couple of the other Dagger kids when he felt arms wrap around his waist. His wife pressed a kiss to his back, between his shoulder blades, and rested her head against him.

“You made it right?”

“Mostly,” Jake replied, causing his wife to smile.

“I knew that you could,” Jake’s wife returned, walking around to his front.

“I still don’t like it. Or him,” Jake insisted as his wife cupped his cheek.

“But?” Jake’s wife suggested, rubbing his cheek with her thumb.

Jake sighed, turning away from his wife for a moment, before reluctantly turning back to face her. She arched her brow, like she knew exactly what he was going to say in response.

“But he makes her . . . somewhat happy.”

“I’m surprised that you survived that sentence,” Jake’s wife replied, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his lips that Jake returned happily.

“Barely.”

Wrapping an arm around his wife, like they were the teenagers, Jake glanced over at cornhole to see Nick with his arm wrapped around Rose’s waist.

“Don’t get too comfortable over there, Cadet!”

“Dad!”

“Jake!”

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the-authoress-writes · 9 months

Text

Somewhere Out There

Tom “Iceman” Kazansky x Wife!Reader

Synopsis: Deployments are hard, but when you have someone to come home to, someone to love, that makes things easier, painful as it may be.

Warnings: Maybe a little bit of angst, I guess, offscreen sort-of implied married-people-doing-married-people-stuff 😉😉, minuscule cursing, a PG-13 use of the F-word, and a crap-ton of fluffy, lovey-dovey goodness.

Author’s Note: I don’t write reader fic.

I really don’t.

I write ship fic and gen fic, and I’d say I’m pretty decent at it, judging from the comments on my stories.

But then, @valmare came along, and we just clicked.

Mostly through screaming about Top Gun, naval aviators (*cough*tomkazansky*cough*), and our mutual appreciation for Val Kilmer.

And I knew I wanted to write something for her, especially since she was celebrating 300 followers!

Unfortunately, deep down, I knew I couldn’t write a ship fic for her.

I would have to write a reader!fic.

So, because I love her, I delved into the uncharted (for me, at least) waters of reader!fic.

I’m honestly not sure if this is any good, I wrote it in a perspective I’m not used to, and I hope and pray it makes any kind of sense.

Title is from the song of the same name, “Somewhere Out There”, from An American Tail.

To my dear Mir, I swear I began writing this yesterday, but I touched on things that you did in your own most recent fic, however, I couldn’t for the life of me, find another way to put what I wrote.

I promise on Goose’s grave that I did not plagiarize you.

All I can say is… fangirls think alike?

Please don’t hate meeee!!!!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this attempt at wading in the waters you so expertly navigate, my dear!

Happy 300 Followers!!!

The mist was rolling in from the sea, she absently noted, while the rising sun caught the minuscule droplets of water in the air, making the very wind shimmer.

Even inside, she could smell the faint tang of salt in the air, one of her favorite scents, but it was missing the key part—so much was missing.

The warmth of her husband behind her, for one thing, as they watched the sunrise on this window seat, her legs bracketed by his, his arms around her, the scent of spice, bourbon, and jet fuel which was all him, surrounding her.

God, she missed Tom.

Right now, he was halfway around the world on a ship, and she was watching the weekend sunrise without him, for the first time since they got married.

She knew this was part of being married to an active duty naval aviator, but it didn’t make the ache any better.

She tugged the collar of the USNA t-shirt up to her nose, but the scent was so faint from when Tom had tossed it to the floor the night before his deployment.

She sighed; she could still remember how he’d made her feel that night—he’d made her body sing, playing her like an expert musician would his instrument.

She’d felt him for days after, and if she focused enough, even now, she could almost feel his hands on her, the paradox of how gentle they were, despite the callouses on his palm, his lips on hers.

For all that he was called “Iceman”, she never saw an iota of the reasoning; with her, he was never anything but unfailingly warm, gentle, kind, loving, and passionate.

It had been nearly a week since she dropped him off last Monday at Miramar, exhorting Mav and Slider to bring him home to her.

The grave promise in the two men’s eyes as they readily agreed, had to be comfort enough, and wordlessly, they hauled Tom’s seabag between them, a strap in each of their hands, cheerfully bickering as they went, to give her a chance to say a more private goodbye.

She didn’t know what to say to him—this had to be one of the most painful things she’d ever done—giving her husband up to the sea and sky for ninety days, not knowing if he’d return to her alive, safe, having to trust only in his skill on the stick and his wingmen to bring him back to her.

Tears stung at the corners of her eyes, and Tom’s eyes softened, as he drew her into his embrace. “I’ll come back to you, lyubimaya moya,” he whispered in her ear, all too aware of how dangerous it was to speak Russian on base, outside of the safety of the walls of their house, but aware that she needed the comfort.

“Promise me—promise you’ll come back to me, Thomas Kazansky,” she fiercely murmured, drawing back to look at him, taking the opportunity that she would shortly not have.

“Always.

No matter what, no matter what oceans part us,” he replied, an intensity which would frighten others, but which soothed her, in his crystalline eyes.

She gasped and desperately tugged him to her, his kiss piecing her heart together and breaking it, all for knowing that it was the last time she’d feel it for three months.

He’d taken her soul with him the moment he let her go to do his duty.

Back in the pain of her present, a sob masquerading as a sigh tore from her lips—it wasn’t enough; it would never be enough until she had him back in her arms, back in her bed, back in this house, where she felt like a shade of herself, a modern-day Eurydice.

Her legs reluctantly carried her to the kitchen, where she prepared her weekend coffee, narrowly resisting the urge to pull out two mugs instead of one.

But when she picked up the can of Maxwell House, she fumbled it, because it was far lighter than it should’ve been—heavy, but not the still-full can it should have been.

Tentatively, she opened it, and gasped when she saw that the can was filled with folded-up pieces of paper, each marked with dates on them, in Tom’s careful, exacting writing.

She tipped the can over, and the papers came spilling out—there had to be at least three months worth of letters here, one for each day of his deployment.

She frantically searched through the pile, looking for today’s date.

Upon finding it, she dashed back to the window seat, deliberately peeling the tape holding it closed, unable to treat the letter with anything less than the utmost care.

She quickly noticed Tom’s writing here was cramped, as if he were trying to fit everything he wanted to say on this one small piece of paper.

“Hello, solnishko,

If you’re reading this, it means that you’ve found the letters I wrote for you; one for each day of my deployment.

As I write this, I am next to you in bed, looking at your beautiful face, so peaceful in sleep, but the mere thought of my impending departure already tears me apart more than I thought possible.

I won’t have thought of anything else but you since the moment I left your arms, I am absolutely certain.

You know all too well why I joined the Navy—my search for a home, a real home, one not plagued by unattainable standards and harsh words.

I eventually found one in the sky, and for the longest time, she was enough, with her freedom, her thrill, but there were still demands, still standards, though the words were kinder.

Then I met you.

And you changed everything.

You are my home, lyubimaya moya; with you, I don’t have to be Iceman, or Lieutenant Kazansky; with you, I can be Tom.

Just Tom.

Your Tom.

I can’t wait until I can be your Tom again.

Eighty-four days, zhizn moya; and I’m yours again.

Yours forever,

Tom”

She pressed her hand to her chest, careful to avoid crumpling the paper beneath her hand, a tear slipping from her eyes, the ache of his absence soothed with the absolute confirmation that he was thinking of her just as she was about him, and intensified, knowing that he was so far away.

Eventually, she sniffled, brushing away her tear tracks, wishing it was Tom’s hand, and gathered herself.

Eighty-four days.

Eighty-four days, and she’d have him back—a short eternity, to be sure, but a small price to pay for what she’d get back at the end.

Until then, she’d count the sunrises, holding him and the words he’d written for her, close to her heart.

Tom stared out at the horizon, watching the sun come up on the relatively quiet deck of the Enterprise.

It meant that he lost a good thirty minutes of sleep, but it was worth it, just to know that his wife was looking at the same sunrise, or she would be, at any rate, given the time difference.

The horizon spread out before him; endless, and the fleeting, errant thought that she was just there, beyond the beyond, entered his mind.

So far—a little over six thousand nautical miles, more or less, depending on the course and speed of the Enterprise, further than any F-14 could fly—and yet so near, because she was never far from his heart.

He’d never thought he could love anything or anyone more than her—among his other endearments for her was zhizn moya, because that was what she was to him: his life.

Tom idly twisted the band of gold around his left ring finger, more proud of that simple ring than the hard-won blue-jeweled Annapolis ring on his right.

God, he missed her.

“I thought I’d find you here.”

Tom turned to see Mav, coming up to lean on the railing beside him, none of the usual cockiness on his face.

“You shouldn’t be up yet, Mav.”

A haunted expression lingered on the edges of his wingman’s face as he searched for anything but the truth to tell, and Tom knew. “The usual?”

“Yeah,” Mav rasped. “I—I checked on Merls and Sli, but I got—got worried when I—I didn’t find you, so…” the black-haired pilot trailed off, before continuing, “you okay?”

“I should be asking you that, but… yeah, I am, just…”

“Just missing her,” Mav nodded sagely, almost wistfully.

“Yeah.”

“How do you even handle that?” Mav asked, frowning.

The sunlight made him feel more honest than he would probably otherwise be, Aurora’s kiss a comforting benediction, reminding him of all he had to come home to, and he replied, “What makes you think that I am?” He shook his head, “Doesn’t really feel like I’m even here, honestly.”

Mav good-naturedly smirked, “You left your heart in San Diego?”

Tom side-eyed his wingman. “Yeah, actually.

You’ll understand it one day, when you meet the right one,” he sighed, thinking of his wife’s beautiful smile.

“I dunno, Ice, I’m not sure if I want to be you, or be thankful that I’m not.”

Tom scoffed, unable to help his grin. “It’s the worst feeling in the world, to be away from her, to exist without her, after knowing what it’s like to be with her—”

“Not exactly selling it, Kazansky,” Mav interrupted.

Tom rolled his eyes, “I wasn’t done, dickhead.”

At Mav’s grin, Tom continued, “As I was saying, it’s the worst feeling in the world, to be away from her, to exist without her, after knowing what it’s like to be with her, but knowing that I get to come home to her… that makes it all worth it.

I hope you get this someday, Mav.

You sure as hell deserve some fucking happiness in this life.”

Mav smiled weakly, but honestly. “Maybe one day, Ice.”

The two of them smiled at each other, before Tom clapped Mav on the shoulder. “We better get going—the guys should be awake now, and if we don’t get to mess, Slider and Merlin might just take all the good stuff.”

“Good is relative,” Mav scoffed, making him laugh.

“Okay—the better stuff.”

They laughed, beginning to make their way back in.

But just before he stepped through the door amidships, he couldn’t help but look back at the horizon, the sun shedding the last of its dawning gentility, to turn into the harsh, blazing light that it was in this part of the world.

Eighty-four days.

Eighty-four more sunrises holding her only in his heart until he could also hold her in his arms.

It was a high price, to be sure, but in the face of having eternity as hers, what was eighty-four days?

Until then, he’d count the sunrises, holding her close to his heart.

“Hey Ice, you coming?” Mav called.

“I’m coming,” he replied.

And with that, he stepped inside to do his duty, eagerly awaiting the next sunrise, each consecutive one bringing him closer to his home, to his beloved wife.

I headcanon Ice as having Russian descent, but quite frankly, you can tear Slavic!Ice from my cold, dead hands.

To me, he’s either Polish or Russian.

Russian Glossary

Disclaimer: endearments and translations taken from Google—please don’t hesitate to correct me if I’m wrong, which, odds are, I am.

Lyubimaya moya: my darling/my one and only sweetheart

Solnishko: little sun

Zhizn moya: my life

#officially in my val kilmer era #not me 👀 at men literally old enough to be my father #top gun #top gun fanfiction #top gun fanfic #tom iceman kazansky x reader #tom kazansky x reader #tom iceman kazansky #tom kazansky #val kilmer

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gryffindormarveltwilight · 5 months

Text

All We Need - Jake Seresin x Reader - Part 5

A/N: Part 5 for the Hangman x Reader series, sorry it took so long life has been crazy! I hope you all enjoy, hopefully the next parts will go up quicker! As always any requests or feedback is always welcome. xx

MASTERLIST - PART 4

Pairings: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Mentions of Death, Navy Inaccuracies

When Daisy was released the day after her operation Jake and I had to work out how to look after her and continue training. Cyclone wasn’t happy with what we worked out but he also wasn’t going argue with Iceman, when he was told we would both be doing half days, Jake there in the mornings and me there in the afternoon, until Friday, I was sitting at the table at 0730 Jake was in his uniform me and Daisy were still in our PJs when there was a knock at the door. I looked at Jake confused as he stood up to go answer it me and daisy following close behind. As the door swung open I saw my Mom and Sarah standing there.

“Mom, Aunt Sarah, what are you doing here?”

“We are here to pick up Daisy for the day.”

“What, but we still have one more day of split shifts.”

“Y/N, Tom says you are both needed on base no arguments.” I nod at Sarahs comment, I may have been confused but I wasn’t one to argue with Uncle Ice.

“Do not just stand there go and get ready.” My mom scolds and I just nod before heading to the bathroom to get ready. It only took about 15 mins for me to get ready, when I was finally dressed with my hair pulled up in its usually bun I walked out to hear Jake trying to explain to Aunt Sarah and Mom how to help Daisy.

“Jake, Honey, I raised one kid and helped your Mamma raise you and your 3 sisters and Sarah raised 3 boys, we know what to do okay.”

“I know Mrs. Y/L/N, I am just worried.”

“I know, Honey now stop fussing and go see where that daughter of mine is.” I decide at that I should make my presents known.

“I am right here Mum, stop telling Jake what to do, Jake do you want to go start the car I am just going to talk to mum and Aunt Sarah.” Jake nodded giving Daisy a kiss on the forehead before walking out the front door towards the car.

“Mum, Aunt Sarah, thank you for looking after her, now I know you both know what you are doing, but if anything happens you call me, not Jake.”

“Sweetie, wouldn’t it be better to call her father?” Aunt Sarah asks.

“No, I know what we are doing at training, I have completed the course this course 100 times already, and successfully, I need Jake training all day today, because god forbid I have to pick him for this and he can’t fly the course. He needs this training more than me.” I felt tears welling up in my eyes and my mum and aunt Sarah move forward and hug me.

“Everything will be fine now, go Jake and the team are waiting for you.” I nod and walk out to see Jake waiting in the truck and I jump in the passenger seat.

“Everything good?” I nod as Jake begins the drive to base. We finally arrive and head to the hanger where the squad is gathered, as we walk in the whole room goes quiet, I know why they all go quiet and look at us, the bags under our eyes having gotten larger due to the stress we have felt through the week. I walk to the front where Mav, Cyclone, Warlock and Ice were standing and Jake takes his seat next too Coyote, I nod to Mav, who starts explaining the mission parameters. As he explains the low flying time constrained mission I see the worried faces of the squad.

“Sir, can this mission even be flown successfully.” Mav’s breath hitches and before he can answer I start speaking.

“It can be, I have flown this course successfully but it will not happen in one day it took me nearly 48 hours of consecutive flying and I didn’t have to worry about a wingman, so today you guys will be flying the course in different teams and you will most likely fail every time but that is why we are here training and training you all so that before this mission you will fly it successfully and come home.” The whole squad nods and Mav dismisses them sending the first pair to their planes and the rest to the rec room.

“Why did you tell them they will fail Athena?” Mav asks in a low voice with slight anger behind it.

“Because they needed to hear it Sir, you have put an elite squad together who probably haven’t have a failure since graduating Top Gun, and they will fail this course but if they go in knowing that, it won’t be so disheartening.” Mav nods but I can tell that wasn’t the answer he wanted.

I sat in the class room next to Mav as we watched groups of pilots go up one after the other with no luck of anyone succeeding the course, the next up was Rooster with Phoenix and Bob. As they start flying they look on track to reaching the target, “Well Mav we may have a successful run,”

“He is flying too slow.”

“I know but at least he will make it, then we just have to work on making him faster.” Eventually they finish having made it to the target but 1 minute late, soon after that we see them land and walk towards the rec room.

“Lets rope ‘em Thena, go over their runs.” I nod and stand to walk towards the rec room I see them all sitting on the couches talking amongst themselves except Jake and Coyote who are looking at some pictures on the walls.

“Squad, listen up,” I announce and see them all sit a little straighter and look at me, “You are required to be in the class room in 5mins, so lets hustle.” They all stood up and walked I looked at Jake and Javy who had a smirk on their face. “Whatever you two are thinking do not do it, understood.” They don’t say anything as they just walk out. As I make my way back to the classroom I see everyone taking there seats as Mav pulls up the first pairs run, and starts to critique it, yelling at the pairs every time what would they tell the others family every time he asks I see the squad flinch everyone thinking of their own loved ones. Finally we get to the run the Rooster made it to the the target. Rooster and Mav start arguing with each other, which I more or less blocked out until the last moment.

“It is not the plane sir, it is the pilot!” Rooster yelled

“Exactly!” Mav yelled back, Rooster looked at him stunned, and I was to stunned to speak until Jake spoke up.

“You’re too slow, don’t you get it, a pilot flys like Maverick on this mission or they don’t come home.”

“What does that mean?” Rooster replied

“Come on I can’t be the only one who knows he flew with your old man,” there is was I thought speaking up in hopes to stop Jake. “Hangman, enough” I say.

“And I can’t be the only one who knows Mav was flying with him when he…” Before he could finish the sentence Rooster launched out of his chair at Jake, Mav and I soon followed me to grab Jake Mav to grab Rooster, the rest of the squad following to prevent a fight.

“Enough Hangman.” I say pushing him backwards into Javy’s arms. He looked down at me the rage slowly fading as he saw the anger on my face. “That is enough for the day Coyote take Hangman outside to cool down, Phoenix take Rooster to do the same! Everyone else dismissed.” I yell as everyone started to walk away I yelled again, “Lieutenant Seresin, you will report back here in 20 mins, understood.” He turned to look at me sadness and regret on his face “Yes Ma’am” he lowered his head and walked out of the door.

“Well handled Athena.” Man says to me.

“He shouldn’t have brought up Goose, Mav, but what he said was true.” Man looked at me wanting me to explain my statement. “They need to fly like you to come home from this.”

“No, Athena, they need to fly like you, you fly like me that is true, you take risk most pilots are too scared to make, but you also fly like Ice you stay calm in tough situation and always that the smartest approach, but more importantly you fly like your old man, you never leave your team behind and you fight tooth and nail to make sure everyone comes home. You are the one they need to fly like, that is why you were picked for this team, you got the best of all three of us.” I nod feeling a tear in my eye.

“We need to make a team Mav, after this Hangman, Coyote, Rooster, Payback, Fanboy, Phoenix and Bob, become our permanent team here, we need to make them one.”

“I know, any ideas?” I nod with a smile. “Athena, do you think they can handle that.”

“Rooster and I created it when I was 12 Mav, I think they can handle it.”

“Okay then, Dogfight Football it is.” Mav and I finish working out when we will get the squad together to play football, when Jake walks in still dressed in his flight suit head hung low, my relaxed demeanour changes as I tense up, Mav looks between us and mumble a quick goodbye as he leaves the room.

“Y/N I…”

“Sit down Lieutenant.” Jake straightens up and takes a seat mumbling a ma’am under his breath, “you were well out of line in there, to bring up Roosters father and to bring up the worst time in your commanders life, losing his wingman, do you know how stupid and disrespectful that was.”

“Athena I didn’t…”

“Let me guess, didn’t mean it to be offensive you just want to get under Roosters skin push him to do better, well newsflash Hangman, that is not your job, you are here to train and to make sure that you and your team come home. Why don’t you leave the training to me and Mav.”

“So you can train us to come home, like Loki!” I take a step back in shock and look at Jake whose face changed from anger to regret at his own words, “Y/N I’m…..” I cut him off as my palm connects with his cheek.

“Lieutenant you will apologise to Rooster and Mav by Monday or you will be out of the running to be selected for this mission, I need a team up there not someone who antagonises a team.” I don’t give him a chance to answer before I walk out of the room and to the change room, I thought I was alone as I punched the closed locker and started to cry, when I suddenly feel arms around my shoulders.

“Geez Athena, what the hell happened I have never seen you cry.” I look up to see Phoenix with a concerned look,

“Phe, I am sorry I didn’t realise you were still here.”

“Thena don’t worry about that what the hell happened.” I look at her before I start spilling my guts before I can even stop myself I start telling her about everything, Loki, the concern for the current mission the stress of Daisy being sick and most recently the argument I just had with Jake.

“Bloody Hangman, trust him to say something stupid, do you know what I think we need, a night at the Hard Deck, just us girls.”

“That sounds amazing, let me get changed into some plain clothes.” She nodded, I quickly went and showered and got changed before we headed to Bobs truck, after Phoenix filled him in on the events and plans he offered to drive us so us girls could ‘let loose’.

Jakes POV

I stood still in shock after Athena had slapped me and yelled at me.

‘Boy, I hope to hell I heard wrong and you did not just throw Loki in her face.’ I hear an angry stern voice behind me and spin to see Iceman with a dangerous glare looking at me.

“I didn’t mean too” I say in a low whisper, I hadn’t meant to say that to my best friend but after the week we had I was stressed and after failing the course and having Mav shout at us asking what we would tell our wingmans family I snapped at Athena.

“You seem to be doing that a lot Hangman.”

“Mav told you”

“He didn’t i heard everything.” I nod and sit down.

“Ice how do i make it up to her i just threw her dead wingman in her face.”

“Start by saying sorry and then go from there and explain to her why you snapped and what you are scared of.”

“I am not scared.”

“Yes you are Jake, i think you are scared you might lose her on this mission.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“It is to me and to Mav, that is the reason he is not mad at you, we are all scared someone won’t come back from this, and it terrifies us that it will be her because she won’t allow it to be someone else.”

“If everyone is so worried about that then why are we sending her up.”

“Because you know as well as anyone she is the only one who can fly it.”

“I can’t lose her Ice, neither can Daisy, she cannot lose the person she thinks of like a mother.”

“You need to tell her, i saw her and Phoenix talking about heading to the Hard Deck, so Daisy can have a sleepover this weekend while you guys work it out.”

“I couldnt ask you to do that while she is still recovering.”

“Boy, we raised a village of kids she will be fine, plus Sarah and Y/M/N have been doting on her all day they won’t complain about having her longer.” I nod with a small smile thinking about how spoiled my child is right now, as i stand in turn back to where Iceman is sitting.

“Why aren’t you mad at me Ice, after what i said.”

“I am but, i know we say dumb things when we are scared of losing the person we love.”

“I don’t…..” I stop as i see Ice raise and eyebrow.

“Thank you Sir.” He nods and i run off to the shower, by the time I have showered and get to my truck after talking with Mav, having an eerily similar conversation the one I had had with Ice it had been about two hours since I had seen Athena and I headed straight to the hard-deck, what i was not expecting to see was Athena and Phoenix standing on our regular pool table screaming Taylor Swift songs at the top of their lungs while Bob laughed and filmed the two. I laugh and shake my head as i head towards the bar.

I noticed Penny wasn’t behind the bar which was unusual until i felt someone smack the back of my head.

“Want to tell me why my niece was crying when she got here and has had more shots then I can count and is now on my pool table?” I turn to see Penny with an eyebrow raised.

“Would I am an idiot suffice.”

“I guess it would, Mav already told me what happened. You are lucky you are not buying a round for the whole bar.”

“But…” Penny smiled i may not have been buying a round for the bar but there had to be a catch.

“But you are paying for all the drinks Phoenix and her drink.”

“I think buying a round for the bar would be cheaper.”

“Make it right Jake, she cant stay mad at you for long but you still gotta make it up to.”

“I know, but there is something i have to do first. Can i grab 2 beers” Penny nodded and handed me the two beers and i make my way over to Rooster who is watching the two at the pool table.

“Rooster, do you mind if we talk.” He nodded and we headed out to the balcony of the hard deck.

“What do you want Hangman.”

“To say sorry, if you can believe that.”

“I don’t think it is me you need to apologise to, she told me what happened.”

“And i feel awful about it Rooster, I should never have brought up your father, and I shouldn’t have brought up Loki.”

“So what are you going to do about it Bagman?”

“I don’t know, also why do you care this is meant to be me apologising to you.”

“You said you were sorry, I haven’t forgiven you yet sure but right now it is about getting her to forgive you.”

“Again, why do you care I would have thought you would be happy we aren’t talking after all she is your sister and you hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, I don’t like you that much but I don’t hate you, besides she is happy when she is with you and when she is with Daisy. That’s all a brother can ask for is it not.” I nod at his statement and we both turn around to look at Athena and Phoenix on still on the pool table looking care free. I see Rooster light up as he looks at Phoenix.

“So when are you and Phoenix gonna stop dancing around each other and admit you both love each other?” I ask Rooster with a smirk until he retorts.

“When are you and Athena.”

“Touche” I say as we clink beers. We are out there for a little bit longer when we here the bar door swing open.

“Roo,” I hear Athena behind us and I spin “oh hi Hangman, didn’t know you were here.” I falter a little at the use of my callsign,

“What’s up Baby Ice?” Bradley responds with the nickname the ’86 squad adorned her as Ice became more protective.

“Phoenix and I are ready to go and by that I mean, Bob is currently holding her hair back, the last tequila shooters didn’t sit well.” At the notion of Phoenix being sick Bradley took off running in the direction of the bathrooms.

“Idiots.” Athena mumbles as she walks across to stand next to me looking out at the ocean.

“What are you calling them idiots for?”

“They don’t know that they are in love with each other.” I laugh at her comment.

“Athena, I am…”

“Don’t say you are sorry Jake. Not right now.”

“Why not?”

“Because, I am not far behind the state of Phoenix and I don’t think I will remember any of this night come tomorrow morning.” I look at her as her head drops forward.

“Okay I think I can see Rooster taking Phoenix and Bob home” I stop mid sentence as I see Bob also walking funny and swaying trying to keep up with Rooster. “Y/N did you two get Bob drunk?” She just laughed and nodded at my question causing me to laugh, as I look at Y/N she suddenly sways and I catch her as she falls and pick her up bridle style.

“Okay, time to get you home as well.” I walk to my truck waving to Penny as we leave her just holding a thumbs up, knowing she was giving me permission to come back tomorrow to ring up the tab for the girls. I put Y/N in the passenger seat and run around jumping in the drivers seat.

Y/N POV

I rolled over noticing I was in my bed and vividly remembering Jake carrying me to in last night after bringing me home from the Hard Deck, I looked at the clock seeing the time was on 0830, I sat up groaning and rubbed my eyes when I heard movement on the other side of the bed I turn to see Jake laying in the bed next to me.

“What the hell Jake!” He sat up with a start looking very confused. “Why the hell are you in my bed.”

“Why are you shouting at me, you didn’t want me to leave last night so I didn’t”

“Well I want you to leave now, I am still mad at you.” He nodded.

“I know I was going to apologise last night you told me not to because you wouldnt remember” i sighed and rubbed my eyes vaguely remembering having that conversation.

“If you make me coffee and breakfast I will listen to what you have to say.” I don’t think I had ever seen Jake move so quickly and I let out a little laugh before a groan as the thud in my head came back. I quickly ran to the bath room to tie my hair up and brush my teeth I look down at the top I am wearing with my flannel short noticing it is a shirt of Jakes from his last deployment which made me smile a bit. I made my way out to the kitchen where Jake was starting some pancakes, I sit at the bench where there is already a cup of coffee sitting.

“Why I am I wearing your shirt?” Jake jumped at the sound of my voice confirming he had not heard me enter the kitchen.

“Uh…you kind of threw up and got some on your other shirt, it was the first shirt I could find.” He said sheepishly.

“Remind me to not do tequila shooters with Phoenix again.” Jake laughed at that comment. We continued to make small talk mainly about Daisy and how spoilt she would currently be staying with the array of grandparents while Jake finished the pancakes. As he started to dish them up we moved to the small dining table and started eating. Jake stops half way through one and looks down.

“Peaches…” I falter at the nickname I only ever hear when talking to Jakes family, one that Jake himself hasn’t used since flight school, he used my call sign or my real name, unlike Jake, I liked being called by my call sign so much my family will call me Athena. “I cannot even begin to say how sorry I am for yesterday.”

“Which part Jake you said a lot yesterday.”

“You know which part..”

“Loki…” I say in a small voice.

“I should never have brought him let alone throw him in your face saying you didn’t train him well enough and I should not have blamed you for his death like that.”

“But, you were right.”

“What?” Jake says in a shocked panicked voice.

“It is my fault he didn’t come home, it should have been me that got shot down but instead it was him, I didn’t have his back.” Jake moved from his seat to kneel next to me moving me to face him as he grabs my cheek that has tears rolling down them.

“No.” He said in a stern voice “It was not your fault Y/N. I read the report, you were fighting off two of them you could not have done anything to help.”

“Then why do I feel like it is my fault.”

“Because you haven’t lost a wingman before Y/N and you are always the one making sure everyone else is coming home that now you have lost a wingman you don’t know what to feel, and it will not get better but it will get easier and I should have never used it against you when you are feeling like this, I can understand if you can’t forgive me but please know how sorry I am.”

“I forgive you Jake, I forgave you yesterday, I know the amount of stress that everyone is under at the moment, and I know we all say dumb stuff we don’t mean when we do that.” Jake pulled me into a tight hug which I returned.

“Now lets eat, Mav sent a text asking everyone to meet at the beach this afternoon for a team bonding exercise.” It brought a smile to my face and Jake groaned out an oh no.

A few hours later

“Dogfight football” I say loudly and Rooster looks at me with a huge grin. “Offence and defence at the same time, Mav is going to split the teams” I heard a collective groan from everyone.

“Team 1: Rooster, Hangman, Pheonix, Bob, Coyote, Payback, Fanboy and Athena, Team 2: Halo, Fitz, Omaha, Harvard, Yale, Iceman, Zeus and me.” I look at Mav with a perplexed look and spin to see uncle Ice and my dad walking down to meet the group, mum, Sarah and Daisy following close behind until she sees me and Jake standing next to each other. She runs into Jakes arms the two of them hugging before she requested to be handed to me to give me a hug.

“UNCLE JAVY!” She screamed in my ear, so I placed her down and she ran too Coyote who picked her up spinning her around in the air.

“And our referee, Hondo and Daisy will be helping him.” Everyone laughs as Hondo picks up Daisy and put her on his shoulders.

As an hour goes by dogfight footy has started to get very competitive between the squad and the teams had started to blur everyone just wanting to have fun. I look at Mav with a look that says we have been successful in creating a team between our squads. Daisy has retired to sit with Aunt Sarah and Mum as well as Penny who has come down from the bar to watch “the game” but we knew she was really just here to watch Maverick.

We were caught up with the game when we heard a scream come from Daisy. The whole team immediately stops to look in the direction only to see Daisy being thrown over Jays shoulder with him sprinting towards the ocean, pretending to throw her in though being very cautious not too as she was still healing, standing next to Phoenix and Halo we all start to laugh when we see Rooster Fanboy and Jake share a look very similar to the one Ice, Dad and Mav were wearing.

“Jake, no! Halo Phe RUN!” I scream and we all take off in different directions Fanboy chasing Halo, Rooster chasing Phoenix and Jake taking off after me, Mum Aunt Sarah and Aunt Penny seemed to pick up all of them also taking off being chased by their respective partners. I heard all of them screaming as they got caught Jake still trying to catch me when I suddenly feel his arm around my waist and I get hoisted up over his shoulder. I look around to see all the females in the same position getting carried towards the water.

“Jake, let me go.”

“Sorry Peaches no can do”

“Jake I mean it put me down!”

“As you wish” he says and I can here the smirk in his face as he drops me in the water submerging my entire body. As I surface I see Halo Phoenix Mum Sarah and Penny all resurface as well all the boys wearing proud smirks, we share a look and hear a few of them mumble an oh no as we all spring to our feet and tackle the boys into the water wiping the smirks of their faces. As I tackle Jake he holds onto my waist dragging me down with him and doesn’t let go even after we surface.

“Feeling better Peaches.”

“I don’t know Hangman I think I am mad at you again.” I say saying using his callsign with a smirk on my face. “Take that back Peaches that is not my name to you.” I shake my head still wearing a smirk, when suddenly Jake loosen his grip on me and starts to tickle me, I start squirming and manage to break free sprinting to where my dad is standing with Ice screaming help as I run closer, for a split second they were concerned until they saw the smile on my face and Jake chasing after me. I am hiding on the middle of the and miss the look that they shared and all of a sudden Ice grabbed my ankle and dad grabbed me under my arms, and started swimming.

“No! Dad Uncle Ice please no!” They laugh as they then let me go launching me into the water. I surface to see Rooster, Phoenix, Jake, Mav, Ice and Dad laughing and clutching their stomachs.

“I hate all of you” I say with a serious face until I join them in the laughter. We all then headed up towards the beach to where our bags were. I started looking for my towel when I suddenly felt it wrap around my shoulders looking up to find Jake smiling down at me giving me a quick kiss to the top of my hair. We dried off and Penny decided to close the HardDeck so the we could have a “family” BBQ. After a few hours I was sitting speaking with Mum Aunt Sarah and Aunt Penny, watching Rooster Payback and Fanboy dote over Daisy with a smile on my face when I catch Jake looking at me whilst in conversation with Ice and Dad. I feel a tap on my shoulder and see Mav standing there signalling to have a chat in private.

“Uncle Mav, what’s up?”

“You have to pick the teams this week, just got a message from Cyclone the missions been moved up. I sigh looking down before looking back into the bar, where Daisy is now on Roosters shoulders while he plays piano and everyone is singing and laughing and my face drops to wear a sad look, what I didn’t notice was that Jake and my dad had seen my change in demeanour.

“They aren’t ready yet.” Mav nods.

“I know we are going to run the whole course Monday, you are gonna be up in the air to intercept them.” I nod in response, “come on lets go back in.”

“You go Uncle Mav, I will meet you back in there.” He nods and returns to the bar.

“You know I haven’t seen that look on your face since we told you Ice was sick.”

“Dad. I didn’t see you there.” I say wiping my cheek as I spin to where he standing. He sees this and drags me into a tight hug.

“What’s wrong sweetie.”

“The Mission, it has been moved up.” He nods moving next to me to look at the ocean, “I am guessing Uncle Ice told you how dangerous it is.”

“He did, and you know too so what is wrong you have flown missions like this before.”

“But not with my family. Cyclone has told me I need to pick a team from the members being posted here next to be a permanent squad.”

“The navy as grand and good as it is doesn’t care much for that does it.” I shake my head.

“I am not picking Jake, I cannot risk both of us being on that mission I cannot do that to Daisy, which leaves me with Rooster and Coyote, Rooster is my brother how can I do this to him, and to Carole and Goose. How can I do this to Maverick.”

“You don’t have a choice sweetie, and non of them will or would have blamed you for this decision. You need your wingman up there.” I nod, “Is there any other reason you are not picking Jake besides Daisy, from all I have heard he is the best pilot there besides you and Mav.”

“I can’t trust him up there Dad, I need someone that won’t do something stupid if something happens to me.”

“Nothing will happen to you.”

“Dad be realistic I know that everyone is saying that but when have we ever been unrealistic with each other, someone isn’t coming home from this, and I will not loose another wingman.”

“You are right doesn’t mean any of us are willing to believe it, we all know what you would do, but you have a family to come home to, and I am not just talking about me and your mum and aunts and uncles, Jake and Daisy need you too.”

“They don’t not as much as they think, look at them,” we turn to see them all laughing and having fun, “Daisy has her village just like I did with your squad, nothing bad will happen to her.”

“She needs you too Y/N, to her you are her mother.”

“But I am not, and when Jake finally settles down that person will take that role.”

“For someone so smart you can be so dumb sometimes you know that, maybe you do take after Ice a little he was like this with Sarah.”

“What do you mean?”

“You will work it out love. But for now lets make the most of the time before the mission, and get back in there before your mum send a search party.”

“Thank you dad I love you.”

“I love you to sweetie.” With that we walk inside and I walk up slipping beside Jake who throws his arm around my waist looking down at me with a look that asks if I am okay I just nod as we turn back to where Daisy is now on Bobs shoulders as they dance with Phoenix, Rooster still on the piano.

After a few more hours, Daisy begins to get tired so Jake and I head home, all the drama of yesterday forgotten and forgiven with the family filled day that we had.

The next morning, I hear my door crack open and hear a set of little feet start running toward my bed.

“Mama, Daddy cooked pancakes.”

“Did he baby, well best we go eat them before he eats all of them on us.” I say scooping her into my arms and walking toward the kitchen where Jake is putting pancakes on the table.

“Pancakes two days in a row, you sure you didn’t do something stupid again.” Jake rolls his eyes causing me to laugh as I set Daisy down and Jake moves a plate of pancakes infront of her. As I sit next to her and Jake takes his normal seat on the other side I see the look in his face wanting to ask what I was talking to my Dad about last night. As he goes to speak, I beat him to it.

“So I don’t know about Princess Daisy, but I think this would be a perfect movie day, what do you say.” Daisy nodded excitedly as she ate her pancakes.

“Well guess I should go pick out some movies.” Jake says with a smile. After we cleaned up breakfast all three of us moved to the couch to watch movies about 4 movies in and after dinner daisy started drifting off to sleep. Jake moves out from where I am curled up under his arm and picks Daisy up and moves her to her bedroom.

“I feel like we have had this conversation before but are you going to tell me what’s wrong.” I hear from behind the couch indicating Jake had returned.

“You will find out tomorrow when we get to work.” Jake nods and walks around the couch to stand in front of me, he picks me up walking towards my bedroom.

“What are you doing?”

“Bed time if the princess has to go to bed so do you.” With that he throws me on my bed and I squeal glaring at him and he lays down on the bed next to me, like muscle memory I curl into his side resting my head on his chest and he pulls me tighter and places a kiss on my head as I fall asleep.

It was now late in the day and we had been running course after course with still no one having flown it successfully within the needed time frame. I sigh as Rooster, Payback and Fanboy land.

“Mav this isn’t working. They need to be quicker.” He nods.

“I think it is time you go up there act as an enemy craft on the way to intercept.”

“Yes sir.” I move to my jet and run into Rooster and Hangman on my way. They give me a nod as I continue to the tarmac.

“Ma’am!” I turn to see Jake, “Be safe up there we are all getting tired.”

“Thank you Hangman.” I say with a bit of a wink. When I am in the air I finally catch up to Coyote Phoenix and Bob, when I here Bob panic as I come onto his radar.

“Blue Team, you have been spotted by an enemy aircraft.” I can hear them talk amongst themselves as they decide to continue with the course to the target, as they get to the target they drop their missile and miss the target as they pull up I get tone on Phoenix and Bob.

“Phoenix, Bob, that’s a kill, level out.”

“Copy Athena.” I hear Phoenix reply, I look to see Coyote still gaining altitude.

“Coyote, level wings….Coyote respond…..Oh my god he is in G-Lock.” I say with a panicked tone before moving my jet to try and get a lock on his plane, “come on give me tone.” I say as I see him losing altitude, I here my missile lock tone and scream his name and at the last second he pulls up and levels out next to Phoenix.

“That was close.”

“Yes it was Pheonix, alright enough for the day let’s head back” I say popping up in front of them. We are flying back when I suddenly feel my plan jolt and something hit the canopy.

“BIRDSTRIKE!”

JAKES POV

I feel my heart plummet as I hear Athena yell birdstrike. I look at Rooster as we listen to the radio.

“Right Engine is on fire, extinguishing now. Anyone else hit?” I hear her working through the process.

“We are clear Athena.”

“Great throttling up left engine is still spinning restarting it.”

“Athena you’re on fire don’t start…” I hear Bob yell with panic in his voice.

“Shit, extinguishing left engine, losing altitude.”

“Punch out Athena you cannot save it.” I hear Coyote yell and I feel like I am going to pass out when I feel Payback hand on my shoulder Fanboy doing the same to Rooster.

“Trying to restart engines.”

“Athena Punch Out. Eject. Eject.” Phoenix screams through the radio.

“Shit, Ejecting! Ejecting!”

“Coyote did you see a shoot?” I hear Bob ask panic evidence in his voice.

“No. I didn’t see a shoot. Send a rescue team control, Athena is down.”

Taglist:

@dory-98 @djs8891 @brooke-stinson

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callsigndragon · 1 year

Text

Duck duck Goose | Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw

Pairing: Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw x Naval Aviator!reader (call sign: Hummingbird)

Wordcount: 1485

Warnings: boys being idiots towards reader, FLUFF, ANGST, mentions of Goose's accident. FIX IT FIC BC I CAN.

A/N: I'm not tagging the usual people bc this is not... Top Gun Maverick. If anyone wants to be in my forever tag list, hit me up.

Special thanks to my darling @purplevortexx, always ready to help when i get stuck.

"Well, I hear a lot of things you gotta be a bit more specific here, buddy"

"Did you hear it?" Mav asks Goose, waiting for the waiter to give him another beer.

"There's a female pilot in the program"

That wasn't exactly what he had expected to hear. He knew there were female backseaters, but female pilots?

That girl is either crazy or the biggest badass to ever walk the Earth.

He can't wait to meet you.

"Hey, sweetcheeks, I'm hungry, can you make me a sandwich or something?" Hollywood teases you, for the hundredth time.

You stopped paying attention to him after the first week, but it's getting annoying.

"I don't know, Rick, why don't you ask your boyfriend over there?" you point in Wolfe's direction. "Maybe he can give you something to eat"

Goose's laugh is so loud that you can hear it from the other side of the hallway. It makes you smile. Honestly, he and Maverick are the only reasons you haven't left the academy.

Other than your RIO, Lucky, they were the only two men here that were supportive of you. Iceman sometimes said that you were better to fly with than Maverick.

Not sure if that was a compliment or not.

"Hummingbird, you need to stop it. Poor Hollywood here doesn't even know how to spell his name properly, you can't expect him to know how to address young ladies like you" Goose mocks, putting his arm around your shoulder.

You have to bite your lip to suppress the laugh. Nick has been very touchy with you, always checking to see if you're okay, if you need anything. When Maverick, Goose, you, and Lucky had been partnered on an exercise, he insisted on listening to your opinion before letting Mav do anything on his own.

Falling for someone who gives you that much attention and who respects your job, is the easiest thing you've ever done.

He is married and has a child, though, according to what you've heard. A kid! How can you even think of a married man that way?

“Birdie, we’re going out for some drinks. Wanna come with us?” He whispers in your ear, his breath making you shiver.

“Sure, let me go get changed”

“So, how’s baby Goose?” you finally ask after finishing your second beer. The golden liquid gives you the courage you lacked.

“My sweet Bradley! Let me show you a picture,” he smiles, pulling out a picture of his jacket. You see a little version of him in Goose’s arms, next to a beautiful woman. “There he is”

“Oh, is that Mrs. Bradshaw?”

“She was. Now she’s just my friend. And the mother of my son”

You look at him, expecting to see a sad look on his face. He seems happy, however. As if the two of them were better friends than they ever were as spouses.

“People don’t usually talk about their ex with a happy smile, you know?”

“Well, we’re not a normal case. We met young, fell in love, I became an aviator and when she got pregnant she asked me to be more careful but…”

"You can never be too careful when flying with Maverick," you finish, and he nods. “But it’s good that you’re friends. That will make things so much easier for Bradley”

“Yeah, it’s our main priority. He was a bit confused on Christmas when he went from Carole’s house to mine, but he got more gifts and that’s all he could care about” you can’t help but laugh. He leans over the bar top, his head resting on his hand, and looks at you, with the sweetest smile. “He would like you”

“Me?” you ask, getting a bit closer to him.

“He loves hummingbirds.” His free hand slowly moves from his beer to your cheek as he caresses it. His cold fingers contrast deliciously with your hot skin. “And I’m beginning to like them too”

You move slowly towards each other, attracted like magnets. You close your eyes, wetting your lips, and getting ready to kiss him, when Mav’s voice interrupts you. "COME HERE, GOOSE! There’s this girl I want you to- Oh. Did I interrupt something?”

You chuckle and pat Mav’s back before you leave.

“Did I really interrupt something?”

“I’m gonna choke you” Goose groans while he watches your figure leaving the bar.

The next few weeks go by, with both of you being incredibly obvious about your feelings but neither of you making a move. Small smiles whenever you two made eye contact. Finger-brushing whenever you two stood together. Sweet and loving little notes kept appearing on your locker, and the most special one had a little doodle of a hummingbird. You found a special place for it in your cockpit.

And yet, neither of you dared to say what was evident to everybody else.

Today’s exercise should have been easier. That was until Maverick and Goose’s aircraft got caught in Iceman’s jet wash. You’re on the base, you’ve been waiting for them to complete their exercise and come back, making you, Hollywood, and Woflman the next ones to perform the exercise.

You hear everything on the radio. Maverick trying to reach the ejection handles, but the spinning force of the F-14 made it impossible for him to do it. Goose is trying too, and succeeds, but something goes wrong.

The rescue team leaves immediately; the exercise is long forgotten. You and Lucky go inside, waiting to hear any news. Viper informs all of you that Goose got hit, but they don’t know the severity of his injuries.

Is this it? Are you going to lose someone as marvelous as he is? Did you waste the last few weeks flirting like idiots when the two of you could have been together?

Will you ever hear his loud laugh again? Will you ever hold his hand properly? Will you ever hear him call you ‘birdie’ again?

It’s been an hour, and you don’t have more news. Maverick is in the hospital, too, but you know he won’t leave Goose’s side until the RIO is either safe or dead.

At this point, you’re beginning to believe it’s the latest.

You’re sitting on the floor of the locker room, Goose’s sweet notes in your hands. You hold them tightly, praying to God to give him enough strength to survive. You just found someone you can imagine spending your life with.

Don’t take him away from me now.

“I’ve been looking for you, birdie”

You raise your head slowly, afraid that your brain is deceiving you. That the voice, and the owner, are just figments of your imagination.

But they're not. He's there.

Bloody and covered in bandages.

But alive.

And smiling.

"I thought you were dead" you whisper, watching as he silently sits in front of you.

"I was for a second. Cause I thought that I would never see you again. And that killed me inside for a moment, but... I'm here. And I don't want to waste one more second of my life not being with you"

“Goose, I-”

He presses one finger over his lips, making you stop talking and look at him. He leans over, his lips quickly replacing his finger. One of you is crying, you can feel the salty tears on your lips, the bittersweet aftertaste remaining on your tongue while you pull away.

“Goose, where the fuck are-. Why am I always interrupting you two?” Maverick laughs, watching you two sitting on the floor.

“You’re late this time, Mav” Goose says, his eyes never leaving yours. “You’re late”

“And she’s good with you leaving the hospital when you weren’t supposed to?” Mav leans on the door when he sees the confusion in your face. “You didn’t tell her”

“Nicholas Bradshaw, you did not leave the hospital without authorization”

“Honey, I knew you would be so scared I had to tell you I was okay” he tries to convince you that him leaving the ER was justified, but you’re not having it.

“There’s this thing called the telephone. Ever heard of it? It allows you to call people and tell them: ‘Hey birdie, I’m not dead. Can you come here? I have to tell you something’”

“Oh, feisty, I like her” Mav comments, enjoying every second of the situation.

“But I had to see you. I couldn’t stop bleeding without seeing your face”

“Goose, you’re making it worse” you warn him.

He sighs, pecks your lips and gets up. “Are you coming with me to the hospital, at least?” he pouts.

You shake your head and roll your eyes. “You’re a big baby, you know?”

“Your big baby. And Mav’s. You have shared custody”

You snort, looking at the two aviators. “You better start walking before I kick your asses”

“Goose, your wife scares me”

“She’s not my wife!”

“Like hell you’re not marrying this one”

#nick bradshaw #goose bradshaw #goose x reader #nick goose bradshaw #nick goose bradshaw x reader #top gun #top gun fanfic #top gun x reader #top gun fanfiction #top gun fandom

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callsignthirsty · 2 years

Note

OMG! I'm loving your Iceman stories!! 🥵🌡🥵🌡🥵🌡👅👅👅

Can I request a story? Maybe it's the night before Ice has to be deployed and the reader is upset and he comforts her with some sexy lovemaking?

Please and thank you ❤️

@ecarroll1978 — thank you for your eternal patience. I got smacked upside the head by SitM and was unable to focus on anything else for a minute.

I know you asked for sexy lovemaking, and I was reaching for that, but then I spilled a bunch of angst into the mix. Sorry in advance. I hope that this still scratches your itch.

Pairing: Tom “Iceman” Kazansky x F!Reader Word Count: 2700 Warnings: Smut, angst, more feelings that you may have thought you signed up for with me Minors DNI

Do You Have to Go?

Ice's bag sits by the door. Packed with military efficiency next to his boots. His khakis are pressed and folded on the chair in the corner of your room. Dog tags on the nightstand.

He leaves in the morning.

The carrier departed earlier today — or, well, yesterday. One of the benefits of dating a naval aviator is that you get a couple extra days. They're the last to deploy and the first to disembark. Something to do with the planes being unable to take off while the carrier is docked.

You went to bed hours ago, but sleep has actively avoided you. Before long, the sun will begin its climb out from the ocean, and Slider will park his car beside Ice's in the garage. Pull a cover over his baby like he's tucking her in, hang his keys in the laundry room, and then you'll drive them both to NAS Miramar. The routine is familiar, but that doesn't mean you like it.

"Hey." Ice gathers you in his arms and pulls you back against his chest. "You okay?" His head ducks into the crook of your neck, warm breath fanning over your shoulder.

"I'm fine."

"Mmm," he hums. "People only say that when they aren't." And he has you there. You're pretty far from fine, but you're even further from admitting it. "If you think any louder, you'll wake up the whole neighborhood. Talk to me."

You try to settle into him. Let him wrap you in his arms and attempt to soak up the steady ba-dum of his heart against your back. The way his sleep-soft hair tickles the underside of your jaw and his knees tuck up under yours. But every one of your lines remains rigid. You open your mouth to say what's on your mind, but there's something in your throat. A wetness that tracks down your nose and into your pillow. Swallowing, you try again, but you know he'll hear it in your voice. "Do you have to go?"

You know the answer before the question has even left your lips, and you hate the way he holds you closer. Presses a slow, sad kiss near your collarbone.

"You know I do."

It's the worst part of loving him: having to let him go. Only having him for scant months at a time. Hoping you get a letter back. A call. But it's also what makes him who he is. And you'd give the world to keep him at your side, but you'd never ask him to change.

Unable to choke out anything else, you nod your head. When Ice begins to turn you in his arms, you keep your eyes shut tight, unable to face him. It doesn't stop the tears from escaping past your lashes and onto his chest, where he cradles your head and rubs soothing circles into your back. "We'll be okay," he reassures you, his voice still rough and thick with exhaustion. "I'll be back before you know it."

It's a sweet lie. Time never passes as slowly as it does when he's deployed. And the moments leading up to it slip like sand through your fingers: faster, the tighter you try to hold on.

"But what if you're not?" you hiccup. "What if…" you can't bring yourself to finish the thought, but it damns you all the same. So you try to comfort yourself with the belief that even if Tom doesn't come home, you'll still have known what it felt like to have basked in the warm glow of his love. To have loved him in return. But all the thought does is wring a round of fresh tears onto his neck.

"I'll come back," he tries again. Pulls you from his chest and angles your head up as his thumb dries salty rivulets from your cheeks. "I'll always come back to you." It's a promise you both know he shouldn't be making, one you'll never be able to hold him to, but he's so sure of himself. You take a shaky breath and nod into the warmth of his hand on your cheek.

Ice presses a kiss to the top of your crown, your forehead, the corner of your lips. You let out a wet gasp and seek him out in a soft kiss. All sad sighs and gentle pressure. When it ends, your head dips beneath his jaw again to nuzzle into him, finally bring your arms to wrap around his shoulders as you breathe him in — no cologne, no aftershave, just his pure masculine scent.

You clutch him close, and Ice hugs you in return. Continues to rub benign circles against your back. Ice smoothes a hand through your hair when you look up at him again. "What can I do?" he asks, his eyes helplessly searching yours.

'Don't leave me,' you want to say. But that isn't fair. Ice never wants to leave you. The months at sea are just as torturous for him as they are for you. "Love me," you beg instead, voice colored with unshed tears. "Just love me."

"I can do that."

Plush lips capture yours, slow where yours grow insistent until you're both lazily trading close-mouthed promises of candied, domestic bliss. Until you're trembling, running on raw emotion, and all that's left is your purest, most vulnerable self. "I've got you," he vows as you tremble in his hands. His next kiss is steeped in passion. A promise of years and the sweetness of real, heartbreaking love as his tongue finally glides along your lips. You let him in with a contented sigh, hands cupping the sharp cut of his jaw, resting over his racing pulse, and drawing him closer.

Ice climbs on top of you, your chests rubbing and lips never parting as you roll onto your back. Your hands meander down his back, pausing to memorize the hills and valleys. The lines of his ribs, the shift of the muscles in his back as he holds himself above you. The calluses lining his hands as they skim up and down your side, knead at your hips.

When his lips break from yours, it's so he can lift your night shirt over your head. You arch off the bed to help. Before the fabric hits the floor, your fingers are in his hair, tugging him into another silky kiss. Ice obliges momentarily but then sits back, his hand on your chest, stilling you against sweat-damp sheets. His eyes rake from your sleep-tousled hair and glossy eyes down to your heaving chest. And you lie there, entranced by the thumb that plays at the waistband of his boxers, let him drink you in while you study the way that the moonlight streaming through the window highlights the Cupid's bow of his lips, the roundness of his broad shoulders, the cut of his abs. How his blonde hair is painted silver and his pale eyes seem to glow.

"You're beautiful," he breathes as he stretches over you, with smooth skin and a love-drunk expression. The praise sends a shiver down your spine, and you wrap your thighs around him to pull him closer, desperately needing the contact. To feel whole before he's ripped away from you. Again.

Ice fits against you like a puzzle piece. Clicks into place and showers you with tender kisses until the loose cotton of your sheets is too much. Clinging to you and making sweat beads along your temples, you try to kick them off the edge of the bed with tangled limbs. Tomorrow night, they won't be enough to keep you warm. Not in his absence.

"Bite me," you plead with your fingers twisted in his hair. You want to feel the sting of his teeth sinking into your tender flesh. Want to wake up for days with the physical manifestation of his brand staring back at you in the mirror. Something you can pet and poke and worry and keep long after he's landed on the carrier.

Ice must understand because he takes to the task easy enough. He kisses down your collarbone and between the valley of your breasts. It starts with a lingering peck, then his tongue. A nip. A hearty suck. You can already feel the bruise forming, pulsing beneath his lips as he continues to work the tender skin. He stops sucking with a wet, satisfied smack, then trails his lips lower, not stopping until you're littered with the rosy red bloom of his mark. Your hips, your thighs, your collarbones.

"That better, baby?" he asks, licking over the freshest mark in an attempt to quiet the still-burning sting of his affection. You nod because these will have to do. But the bruises will fade with time. Then his scent will be whisked from his pillow and out the window with the breeze, and you'll be truly alone. Left to drift through the house like a specter. Entombed within the four walls where once you'd flourished. A tomb and a shrine to the life you've built together. Brittle. Dead as the desert shrubs until his love rolls in like a storm and breathes you back to life.

Before he can move on away, you kiss down Ice's neck. He lets you, head tilting to the side to give you more room to work with. And with his silent permission, you return the favor. Tentatively, at first, but then with fervor. Sucking a deep mark into the unblemished skin above his collarbone. Your stamp. A claim is easily hidden beneath his khakis, flight suit, and dress whites, but that Slider will tease him for in the locker room. Your own brief reminder of what he has to come home to.

When you're done, Ice guides your lips back to his. They part instantly, your breathing shallow and rushed, heads tilting, hands grabbing.

"Tom."

"I know, baby. I know." He's hard against your thigh but ignores it in favor of sucking your bottom lips into his mouth. Nibbling at it until it's tender and plump from the treatment. A hand ghosts over your chest, thumbing over your nipple before his fingers trail up to your hand. He laces your fingers together, kisses the back of your thumb, your wrist, then presses your hand into the mattress beside your head. You give his hand a squeeze and marvel at the size of it. How it dwarfs your hand while holding it so delicately like you're something precious.

With a shift, his cock is hot against your core, gliding effortlessly as he rocks his hips with a groan. When he tries to sit up, you use your hand clasped in his to pull him to you. Shaking your head, you tell him: "Want it. Need to feel you." And he nods because he's always known you better than you know yourself. Like the bruises, you want to feel this for days. The sweet pleasure-pain of where he's stretched you open. Where you've been joined so completely. Where you once were whole.

Your legs loosen around his hips so he can position himself at your entrance, the hand not in yours pressing one of your thighs into the mattress. The tip sinks in, and you close your eyes to savor the feeling, but Ice pulls out just as fast. "Eyes on me, sweetheart," he croons, and you're helpless to do anything but obey. He's gorgeous like this: eyes half-lidded and dark with desire, fringe falling into his eyes, cheeks an amorous pink. Tomorrow he'll be the Navy's, but tonight he's yours.

You both moan as he inches into you.

And you would be happy to stay just like this all night. You want to. Would give the world for it. Hands clasped tight because you know it's only a matter of hours until you'll have to let go. Chests flush, heaving and close enough to feel his heart race. Eyes so focused in loving adoration that you can count every shade of blue-green in them. Your legs snug around his hips, holding him to you like this will be the thing to bolt him to the ground. To keep him here. With you. Safe from the rising tensions over a vast wasteland of water. Still flying high but tethered to you. To home. Like a kite catching in the breeze.

Ice shifts against you like the tide — slowly rolling in and out — and you can't help but sigh as his love washes over you. You tense with each forward thrust of his hips, litter his back with half moon etchings, and shudder when he groans. His cheek is rough against your lips as you trail down to mouth at his jawline. Lick along the corded muscles in his neck and feel the hum of his voice as he says your name like a prayer into the night.

You want, more than anything, to freeze this moment, but there goes time again, slipping through your fingers like sand. Disappearing like the moon behind the clouds or the breath from your lungs. A plane into the distance. Ice speeds up, his pace still heart-stoppingly slow. He captures your lips, your tongues curling together and eyes slipping closed as you arch into him. It's hard to tell where one of you ends and the other begins; the lines between are thoroughly blurred from the pleasure and the tears, but it's still not enough.

"Tom," you plead, breath hitching. Bottom lip trembling and fresh tears wetting your eyes, though you're no longer certain whether it's from pleasure or melancholy. Ice knows, though. He kisses the tears from your lashes, the same emotions aching between his ribs.

"I love you," he pants, swallowing hard around the emotion leaking through and soaking that velvety voice you love. "So much. Never—" Never want to leave. But it goes unsaid. Because saying so changes nothing. He'll still fly out with the morning light. Instead, he presses his forehead to yours, slick with the sweat from your lovemaking.

"Please."

He presses a kiss to your temple. Harder this time. Then sinks his lips into yours with a barely restrained passion, some of that tight-leashed control slipping through his fingers. "Wanna show you how much I love you," he says, hips pressed firmly to your own, and you bounce with it. "Want you with me all the time." You keen. "Gonna make it official," he groans.

Your mouth drops open with a gasp that's half surprise as your skin prickles and your mind goes fuzzy.

"When I get back. Just- god—" Ice's head falls between his shoulders with a strangled noise "—Just gotta wait for me to get back." His lips surge into yours, needily catching your moans on his tongue. "You can do it, sweetheart. I know you can." His admission is simultaneously too much and not enough. The two of you devolving into stuttered breaths and trembling hips. Both chasing the end while wanting to hold it off as long as possible — draw out the moment forever, like the horizon disappearing over the sea.

But, unlike your love, the night is finite.

You reach your peaks, groaning into each other's mouths and wrapped in an intimate embrace. Clinging together and trading slow, hungry kisses until Ice's softened cock slips from you and the chill of the early morning leeches the heat from you both, leaving you shivering on the bed, sated and reeking of sex.

Ice picks the blankets up from where they'd been kicked to the floor. Instead of draping them over you as your eyes grow heavy, he motions for you to stand, and as you make your way to the back door bundled in the duvet, he pulls on some sweatpants and starts the coffee maker.

The two of you sit under the fading stars on the back patio. Talking about everything and nothing in hushed whispers. Enjoying the bitter taste of your coffee as the sky bleaches light enough to where you can make out the palm trees swaying in the breeze. As the clouds grow pink, you beg time to stand still, just this once.

It doesn't.

And as the sun finally breaks free of the horizon, Ice presses a kiss to the top of your head, and you burrow further into his side to soak up his love like these first rays of the sun while Slider pulls into the drive.

#top gun fanfiction #top gun smut #tom iceman kazansky x reader #tom iceman kazansky x f!reader #tom iceman kazansky x reader smut #tom kazansky x reader #iceman x reader #iceman smut #iceman top gun #tom iceman kazansky smut #tom kazansky smut #iceman kazansky #thirsty answers

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thatsrightice · 8 months

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I am a huge fan of any sort of reference to Iceman’s familiar history/relationships (or lack thereof), so long as there’s a little bit of angst ;) but I want to know what your favorite reason for tension between Iceman and his dad is because I know some people have preferences. Also, I def missed things so let me know your fave in the comment.

Note: I elected to use the term officer to broadly represent his father’s position in the military without giving him a specific rank in order to streamline the poll, so all you Admiral Father fans (myself included) I promise I didn’t ignore you.

Obviously it is possible for it to be a combination and I wish there was the ability to select multiple but unfortunately there’s not. So choose your favorite to start from and then comment below what your favorite combo/specific backstory is :)

#I def missed some so I’m sorry I’m advance 🫣#I’m partial to all of them ngl #also Naval Officer essentially equals Admiral so don’t freak on me pls #also didn’t talk about Russian family origins but might do a diff poll for that #cause like you combine Russian with these situations #top gun #tom kazansky #iceman #top gun iceman #icemav #angst #Iceman angst #tom iceman kazansky #top gun 1986 #my boy #mine

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bellaireland1981 · 1 year

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Stubborn Hearts | 1

Summary: Reader (Firecracker, Sunshine) has been in love with Bradley since she was a young girl. Growing up the two were inseparable, apart from short periods of time when she was on the West Coast with the Kazanskys. One faithful decision by her dad to block Bradley from going to the Naval Academy resulted in a huge rift between father and daughter and left her without Bradley in her life. Now all grown up, she’s called back to the west coast at the same time as her father and Bradley. Her mission, according to her dying godfather, is to mend fences with her dad and Bradley. Can stubborn hearts be healed?

(I suck at summaries for real).

This will have multiple chapters... this is 1 of ??

Characters: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Mitchell! Reader, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell x Daughter! Reader, The Dagger Squad, Shay (OC), Penny, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky

Word Count: 5861

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Death of character, TGM Spoilers, Smut (later on ), Turbulent relationship with parent, Friends to lovers, ...Please let me know if I’ve missed any!

A/N- This is my first time writing for TGM. I do not own the characters or plot lines from the movie. I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION TO COPY OR REPRODUCE MY WORK ON THIS OR ANY OTHER PLATFORM! Reblogging is always welcome! Feedback is MUCH loved and appreciated. THANK YOU to @waywardodysseys for all support and bouncing ideas!!

“Sweetheart, it’s time to come home.” Your Godfather and honorary uncle texted you. You knew his cancer was back, but had been living in that state of wishful thinking where you managed to convince yourself he’d beat it again. All that changed in one text.

That was two weeks ago. You’d called your boss and had filled him in, letting him know you were going back to San Diego and weren’t sure if you were coming back. He’d been understanding, knowing your story and the circumstances that had landed you at his hanger eight years before. WIth an assurance you’d always have a job with him if you changed your mind, you got to work packing up your apartment in Virginia Beach and making arrangements to store what you didn’t need until you could find a new place. As luck would have it, your lease was up the next month anyway and you hadn’t gotten around to renewing it. Truth be told, you’d been thinking of a fresh start for awhile now.

One of the perks of owning your own little cessna was that you didn’t have to depend on commercial flights or timelines. Once you’d made the arrangements to come home, you’d texted your Uncle Tom and he’d found a small local airstrip and hangar for you to store your plane.

“That’s a beautiful little plane you have there.” A tall, lanky man in a worn Navy hat commented after you’d taxied in and shut down your plane.

“Thank you!” You beamed, taking pride in the plane you’d scraped the funds together to buy after college. “You must be Frank?”

“That’s me. Y/N, right?” He said, reaching his arm out to offer his hand. You placed your hand in his, firmly shaking his hand. “You have one hell of a Uncle, Miss Y/N”

“I do indeed.” You smiled sadly, very aware of the limited time left with him. “Is the plane ok tied down here or did you need me to move it somewhere else?”

“Right here is just fine. We don’t get a lot of planes coming through. The ones that are kept here, mostly belong to Naval aviators stationed in the area.” he replied. “The others are owned by myself or other retired aviators.”

“Perfect.” You said, reaching back up to grab your bag. “I’ll just call an uber to come get me. Haven’t had a chance to get a rental squared away.”

“You’re welcome to wait in the office if you’d like.” He offered, pointing towards another hangar that was wide open with various seating arranged throughout it. There was a desk nestled off to one side of the hangar with an ancient looking computer set up.

“Thank you, that’d be great.” The two of you started in the direction of the hangar. Once inside you opened the uber app and quickly ordered a ride, which would arrive in fifteen minutes. While you waited, you decided to let your aunt know you were here.

Y/N: I’m home. Waiting on an Uber then I’ll be over. How’s Uncle Tommy today?

Aunt Sarah: I would have come to get you, sweet girl! We’re all looking forward to seeing you. He’s having a pretty good day.

Y/N: You’ve got enough on your plate Aunt Sarah, I can’t wait to see you all either. I do need to sort out a car though.

Aunt Sarah: You can drive the Jeep in the meantime. We’re not using it. See you soon! XX

You smiled, slipping your phone into your purse and taking the opportunity to stretch your legs after the long flight. You walked around the hangar, taking in the photos hanging up, and various aviation paraphernalia. You’d grown up around planes, obviously with Tom “Iceman” Kazansky as your uncle. It wasn’t just through him though. Aviation was in your blood. Tom wasn’t your biological uncle. He’d flown with your dad when they were in Top Gun. They hadn’t started out as friends, but had ended up closer than brothers. When you were born, your dad hadn't thought twice about naming Tom your Godfather and Sarah your godmother. Thankfully he had as it had been Tom and Sarah that had helped to raise you after your mom had died.

“Ride’s here Miss Y/N” Frank called, pulling you from your thoughts.

You collected your bags and started for the car that would take you to the Kazansky home. Your home.

“I meant to ask, Miss Y/N,” Frank said before you got into the car, “I saw your last name on the paperwork, any relation to Pete Mitchell?”

You froze, the smile on your face slipping a bit, “He’s my father.”

The car pulled up outside of your aunt and uncle’s house. After finalizing the payment and tip on your app, you thanked the driver and climbed out of the car, grabbing your bags with you.

You stood looking at the house for a moment before taking a deep breath and walking up the walk to the front door. Before you reached the front step, the door was thrown open and your aunt came out, pulling you into a tight hug. You quickly dropped the bags and wrapped your arms around her, melting into her comfort.

“I’ve missed you so much, Aunt Sarah” You whispered, tears threatening to fall. “I’m so sorry for staying away.”

“Hush, sweetheart,” She said gently, “You’re home now, that’s what matters. We’ve missed you too, baby girl.”

She pulled back, smiling, “Come on inside. The kids are out with friends but will be home later. Let’s get you settled then you can go in and visit with Uncle Tom.”

You followed your aunt upstairs to the room you’d always stayed in when you were home. Truth was, this was just as much your childhood home as your actual one in Virginia. Whenever your dad was sent on longer deployments or stationed on bases you couldn’t join him, he’d send you back to San Diego to stay with your Godparents. On the shorter missions, you mostly just sayed with Carol Bradshaw. Life of a military kid… you were raised by a village.

After you dropped your stuff off in the room and took a minute to prepare yourself, you headed downstairs to your uncle’s office. Your aunt left you to spend time alone with him while she prepared a snack for you.

You knocked on the office door before opening it and peaking your head through. You smiled seeing your uncle hard at work at his desk. Leave it to Uncle Tom to still be directing the Navy, even as he fought a losing battle with cancer.

“So I see you never actually retired, huh?” You teased, hoping your face didn’t show your heartbreak at seeing just how weakened your uncle looked. “Does Aunt Sarah know she threw you a bogus retirement party?”

Slowly standing up from his computer, he turned to you and held his arms out. You quickly walked into his embrace, wrapping your own arms tightly around him. You breathed in his scent, comforted and grounded in the familiarity.

“Love you” He said softly, his voice weak and rough.

“I love you too” You replied quietly, “I’m sorry for not coming home sooner…or more often.”

He shook his head, stepping back and motioning to the chair next to his desk for you to sit. Once he was back in his seat, he turned to type a message, finding it easier than talking.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Sweetheart. I’m glad you’re here now.” He typed.

“I quit my job with the charter company before leaving.” You confided in him, “When I got your message, I realized that my family and everyone I love is here. There is nothing left for me in Virginia except ghosts and regrets. You’re right, Uncle Tommy. It’s time to come home.”

“It’s time to let go of the past. Life is too short.” He replied with a gentle smile.

“How do I do that?” You asked, “It feels like it’s too late. I waited too long.”

“It’s never too late my little bird. Have you talked to your dad? Rooster?”

“I talk to dad mostly on holidays and birthdays. Things haven’t been great since he royally screwed over Rooster. He’s my dad and I love him but I guess when everything went down it just reinforced all of the anger and resentment I harbored getting tossed around all the time as a kid. I know I landed with you and Aunt Sarah or with Carol, but it still always felt like he chose the Navy over me. As for Rooster… he was so angry after he was denied the academy…I thought he’d eventually come around but he hasn’t and I stopped trying.” Truth was, even years later, the hurt was just as raw.

As kids you and Rooster were incredibly close. You were younger than him by a few years but that never mattered. You did everything together when you were home in Virginia and would spend hours on the phone when you were in California. Bradley Bradshaw had been your first love, which made it even more devastating when your dad had pulled his papers for the Academy. Bradley hadn’t just cut ties with your dad, he’d also left you behind.

“Talk to them both, Y/N. You may just be what they both need. They’ve both been called back to Top Gun. There’s no time like the present, Sweetheart. They’ve both been called back for a dangerous mission. Your dad is the instructor.”

“Does Brad know dad’s the instructor? I can’t imagine he’d be in a hurry to take a mission that had anything to do with dad. Do either know I’m here?” You asked, knowing your uncle had most likely been the one to pull strings.

“I don’t imagine Bradley knows your dad will be involved in the mission. Your dad texted when he arrived in North Island but he’s avoiding me. You should reach out to them both. Giving Bradley a heads up about your dad might go a long way to mend fences.”

“I wasn’t the one that burned the fences in the first place.” You said stubbornly, “Hell, Uncle Tommy, he nuked the damn fences. He should be trying to make things right with me. Same with my father.”

“You’re not wrong, my hard headed girl. Problem is, both of them are hard headed as well.” He looked at you while he continued to type, “Can you live with the way things were left if something were to happen to them?”

“I hate when you make sense.” You grumbled, “When did you become so level-headed?”

“Reaching the end of one’s life allows you to look back and see things you missed when you were busy living.”

“I’m scared to lose you too, Uncle Tommy.” you whispered, “You’ve been one of my only constants and my rock my entire life. I don’t know how to pick up the pieces without you.”

“I will always be your wingman, Y/N, watching over you and giving you a nudge. You’re stronger than you allow yourself to believe. Aunt Sarah will always be here, and this will always be your home. But like I said before, Sweetheart… it’s time to let your dad back in.”

You wiped the tears that had started to fall, looking out the window to try to regain your composure. Tom pushed back from the desk and slowly stood up, pulling you up as he did. He wrapped you in his arms, holding you tightly as you allowed the grief of what was to come to wash over you. After a few moments when the tears slowed, he dropped a kiss on your head and pulled back enough to smile down at you.

“It’s going to be ok.” He rasped. You knew it hurt him tremendously to talk, but you loved to hear the reassurance anyway.

Your aunt walked into the room, smiling at the sight of the two of you together. She brought a fresh glass of water and some meds for your uncle.

“It’s time for the afternoon meds, my love.” She said, handing him the pills. Your uncle took the pills and grimaced as he tossed them back with the water. It looked like swallowing them hurt him as much as trying to talk did. It broke your heart to see him this way. Your uncle had always been one of the toughest and strongest men you knew.

“I’m going to go re-orientate myself with North Island, maybe go put my toes in the Pacific.” You said, needing time to get your head on straight and process your conversation with your uncle. “Is it still ok if I borrow your Jeep?”

“Of course, Sweetie.” Your aunt replied, “The keys are on the hook by the door. Call if you need anything ok?”

“I will. I love you both.” You said, “Crappy circumstances aside, I’m happy to be home.”

“We’re happy you’re home too.” Your aunt replied. You quickly hugged them both before grabbing your purse from your room and making your way back downstairs.

You grabbed the keys to the Jeep and headed out to the garage, taking a deep breath to center yourself when you stepped outside.

The drive to the beach was soothing. There wasn’t a lot of traffic since it was the middle of a weekday. You had contemplated driving by the base, but decided that was a task for another time. The ocean was calling you. It’s a good thing you’d never been too far from an ocean growing up, as it was often what soothed your soul the most…apart from Bradley that was.

You pulled into the parking lot of the Hard Deck, knowing it was still closed until later in the afternoon, but it had beach access. You would just have to pop in for a quick drink when it did open to make up for using their parking lot. You also knew that the owner, Penny Benjamin wouldn’t mind you parking in her bar’s lot.

The walk from the lot down to the beach was pleasant. You kicked your shoes off and left them by a group of chairs, walking closer to the water so you could dip your toes in. The water was cold, despite the warm weather. You looked out over the water past the horizon, breathing in the salty air. As you were turning to head back to the chairs you’d left your shoes at, you heard the familiar sound of F-18s. You looked up in time to see three jets fly overhead. They looked to be flying maneuvers judging by the formation of the jets. They passed quickly and were out of sight before too long. You smiled, welcoming the familiarity in being close to a naval aviation base again.

“Well, that answers the question of who’s Jeep is parked in my lot.” You heard a familiar voice from behind you, turning to see it was Penny.

“I hope you don’t mind. I just came from my uncle’s and needed to regroup a bit. I planned on coming in once you'd opened.” you replied.

“I don’t mind, Kiddo.” She replied, “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you. Did you just fly in?”

“Yeah. I got here today.” You said, “Uncle Tom texted me a couple weeks ago and told me it was time to come home.”

“I saw your aunt at the Farmer’s Market and she filled me in. I’m sorry, Kiddo. I know how close you are.”

“Thank you” You replied, quietly, “It definitely fucking sucks.”

“Can’t argue that.” She agreed, “Wanna come up and have a drink? Keep my company while I open?”

“I’d love that.” You replied, smiling.

Once inside, Penny grabbed you a beer from the cooler and started getting the bar stocked, the two of you slipping into comfortable conversation. You’d spent time with Penny often growing up. Your dad had had an on again off again relationship with her. You’d hoped he’d eventually get smart and ask her to marry him. You really liked Penny and knew she was good for your dad. She didn’t put up with his bullshit, which was definitely your favorite quality.

“The bar will start to fill up with aviators in about an hour, they usually file in once their training has ended for the day. So depending on who you want to see…or to avoid… you have a timeframe to work with.” She said, giving you a knowing look.

“Thanks, Pen.” You replied, “Honestly, I know I can’t avoid him forever… I just don’t know that I’m quite ready yet.”

“Which ‘him’ are you not ready to face? Your dad or Bradshaw?” She asked, winking.

“Both?” You laughed, “Uncle Tommy told me to stop being stubborn and that the mission they’re back for is a dangerous one. Aren’t they all dangerous though?”

“Yes and no” She replied, having grown up as an admiral’s daughter, Penny knew the score. “I think your uncle is right though, Kiddo. I’d tell your dad and Bradshaw the same thing, but it would fall on deaf ears.”

“What makes you think I’m more willing to listen?” You asked

“You’re here.” She said, leveling with you a knowing stare. “You could have gone to any beach or any bar. Yet this is where you ended up.”

“Touche.” You laughed. “I miss them, Pen. I act tough and I give my dad a hard time… and I’ve got some definite intense emotions in regards to him but he’s my dad. I love him…even when he’s stupid.”

“And Bradley?” She asked gently, “Where do those feelings land in regards to him? I seem to remember a certain someone who thought that boy hung the moon and stars.”

“He left me behind.” You said, “I doubt I’ll ever stop loving the idiot, but he left me. He was mad at dad, rightfully so, but he cut ties with me too like I didn’t even matter.”

“Well, I say give them both hell, Kiddo.” She answered, “Don’t go easy on them by any means, but don’t shut them out if the opportunity arises for amends to be made. Let them know exactly what you think and feel, but be open to what they have to say too.”

She glanced up to the windows overlooking the parking lot, then looked back at you.

“Decision time, Kiddo.” She said, “Your dad just pulled up on his bike. He probably already saw the Jeep parked out there, but if you’re not ready yet, I can let you out the back and keep him distracted.”

You glance behind you, seeing your dad getting off his bike. You’re torn. The part of you that’s still daddy’s little girl, aches to run out to him and throw your arms around his neck. The hurt teenager and adult version isn’t ready for the interaction.

“Thanks, Pen.” You said, “I think I’ll take that as my cue to leave for now.”

“Sure thing, Kiddo.” She replied, leading you around to the office in the back that would lead to the exit. “Just don’t leave it too long. Maybe come back tonight… Shay will be here, you two can catch up. And maybe a certain other Aviator as well.”

“I’ll think about it.” You promised, “Thank you again, Pen…for everything.”

You carefully dashed out of the back, making sure not to slam the door, before heading to the Jeep and jumping in. You really hoped Penny was able to keep your dad distracted and that he didn’t recognize the Jeep. Knowing your uncle, you pretty much figured he’d already let your dad know you were here, but you needed a little more time.

You drove around a little more after leaving the Hard Deck, stopping at Starbucks to grab a coffee before heading back home.

As you were pulling in, your phone dinged with a notification. Once you parked and turned off the ignition, you pulled your phone out of your purse to check the incoming message.

Dad: I saw you high tailing it out of Penny’s, Firecracker. Planning on avoiding me forever?

You sighed, knowing you were caught. It sucked that your relationship with your dad was so complicated. Why couldn’t it be as easy as the one you had with your Uncle?

Y/N: Not forever. Just … for now.

Dad: Fair enough. I love you, Y/N. I’m here when you’re ready.

Dad: Also, in case Uncle Ice didn’t tell you, Bradshaw is in town too…in case you want to avoid him too.

Y/N: Already know... Don’t treat him unfairly, Dad. The fact he was called back to Top Gun means something. He’s a good pilot. He’s not Goose and you can’t wash him out over a stupid promise you didn’t have the right to make.

Dad: Duly noted.

Well, at least you can say you tried. And honestly, that exchange was the longest you’d had in months. Uncle Tom should be proud.

_________

Later that night after dinner, your uncle went up to bed, worn out from the day. You helped your aunt with the dishes and putting away the leftovers. Your cousins were watching a movie, taking their minds off of everything. Your heart broke for them. You were really young when your mom had died, but you remember what the loss felt like. You didn’t wish that loss on anyone.

“You should go back to the Hard Deck, Sweetheart.” Your aunt said, drying her hands off on the towel once the dishes were complete. “If for no other reason than to catch up with Shay like Penny suggested. If you’re planning on staying, it will be nice to reconnect with friends.”

“Why do I get the feeling you saying ‘friends’ includes Bradley?” You gave her a side-eyed look but couldn’t get mad at her if you tried.

“Be careful, have fun.” She said, already knowing you’d give in. “If you need to leave the Jeep parked and uber home, I can take you to get it in the morning.”

“I definitely don’t plan on drinking more than one beer.” You replied, “Two tops if I decide to stay longer. I’ll be quiet when I come back in.”

“I love you, sweetheart.” She said, hugging you.

“Love you too.” You replied smiling.

You decided a change in clothes was needed before you left for the bar. Not that you were dressing to impress anyone… at all. You simply wanted to feel refreshed… besides, maybe there was another hot aviator you could meet.

Pulling out what you’d already had a chance to unpack, you decided on a pair of distressed jeans and a lightweight gray racerback style loose tank, the front slightly tucked in. You slipped on your black sandals before heading into the bathroom to do something about your unruly wavy hair and to apply light makeup. In the end, the only way to tame your hair was to just pull it up into a loose messy bun, with a few front pieces left out to frame your face. Finally satisfied, you grabbed your purse and headed out.

The bar was much livelier than it had been when you were there earlier. Several cars were parked in the lot and you could hear the music from the jukebox as you walked in from the parking lot. Once inside the door, you could see it was indeed full of Naval officers. Spotting Shay sitting at the bar talking to Penny as she poured drinks, you made your way over.

“Twice in one day!” Penny teased, “Must be my lucky day.”

“Just couldn’t stay away, Penny” You replied, “The beer is too good here.”

“Y/N!” Shay exclaimed, after turning to see who her aunt was talking to. “When did you get back? How long are you here for?”

“I got back earlier today, actually.” You replied, smiling at her contagious excitement. “I’m here… indefinitely.”

“It’s so good to see you!” She beamed, “It’s been way too long. What have you been up to?”

You settled onto the barstool next to her, shoving your purse behind you so it was out of the way. Penny slid a Corona over to you, winking, before heading to the other side of the bar to fill orders.

“Up until a few days ago, I was flying charter flights for a company out of Virginia Beach.” You responded, taking a sip of your beer. “I haven’t really decided what my new plan is. I’m kinda playing it by ear I guess. What have you been up to? It’s literally been, what, since college since we’ve managed to be here at the same time?”

“Something like that!” She laughed, “Too long, regardless. I’ve been good though! I moved here to be closer to Aunt Penny once I graduated college. I’m working at a medical office by day and still writing at night and on weekends. I have a publisher who would prefer if I were only writing, but I’m not ready to give up the stability of the full time job yet.”

“That’s awesome, Shay! I’m glad you’re still writing.” you replied happily, “I can’t wait to read all of your New York Times Bestsellers one day soon!”

“That’s the dream!” She replied.

“Penny, my dear, another round of beers please!” A smooth, southern accent sounded next to you.

You glanced over to see a tall, blonde aviator, dripping in confidence, with a dimpled smile to match. You could acknowledge the fact that he was indeed hot, but knew instantly, he was far from your type.

“And another round for these beautiful ladies here as well, put it all on my tab.” He winked, openly checking you and Shay out.

You rolled your eyes, glancing at Shay, who just laughed and shrugged. You weren’t one to turn down free drinks, but you’d promised your aunt you wouldn’t be drinking a lot tonight.

Penny placed the drinks in front of you, passing the aviator’s whose callsign was apparently Hangman his own drinks. “None of your games with these two, Hangman, or you’ll be buying for the entire bar. These ladies are family.”

“Loud and clear ma’am!” He smiled, his dimples becoming more pronounced. “Can I get names to go with your gorgeous faces?”

“Does that normally work?” You asked, amused. He wasn’t your type, but you liked this guy. Cocky yes, but you could see yourself befriending him.

“It’s not a perfect record, but it’s not bad.” He shot back, shrugging. “I’m Hangman. Or Jake.”

“Thanks for the drink, Hangman.” You replied, “I’m Y/N.”

“You’re welcome, Darlin’” He said, unable to keep from flirting too long. “And this exquisite lady next to you?”

“You’re smooth.” Shay laughed, “A shameless first… not hard on the eyes. I’m Shay.”

“Shameless perhaps” He drawled, eyes clearly wandering over Shay as he replied, “But sincere.”

“I guess we’ll see about the serenity of it.” She teased, “But thanks for the drink.”

“Bagman, stop harassing them before your ass gets the bell rung on you.” A female voice said approaching behind Hangman. “I don’t mind drinking on your tab, but I feel it’s part of the girl code to protect unsuspecting females from you.”

“I was just being friendly, Phoenix.” He replied, feigning hurt. “I was making friends.”

“Sure… friends” she replied, rolling her eyes and grabbing one of the beers from him before glancing over at you. “I’m Natasha, or Phoenix.”

“Y/N” You replied, then introduced Shay as well. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too!” She replied, “I’m usually surrounded by pure testosterone, so happy to balance it out when I can.”

“I can only imagine.” You laughed, understanding the male dominated field she was in. “Feel free to come hang with us anytime.”

“I’ll take you up on that!” She said, “But for now, I have to deliver this one back to the group with everyone’s drinks.”

“I’m sure I’ll see you ladies around.” Hangman said, “Enjoy your night.”

As they walked back to a group in uniforms, you and Shay looked at one another laughing.

“Well that was entertaining.” You said, “He’s full of character.”

“He’s fucking HOT” Shay said, her eyes following where he’d walked off to. “If you’re not interested…”

“All yours” you replied, “Friends with that guy is probably all I could handle. And…to be honest, there’s really only one Naval aviator I would ever even consider dating but it’ll never happen. I have enough on my plate right now anyway.”

“Who’s the special one you would date?” Shay asked, intrigued. Before you could answer, the jukebox suddenly cut out and everyone around started to cheer and head to one side of the bar.

You could hear the piano above the cheering. The opening chords to Great Balls of Fire, distinct and burned into your memory. You look quickly at Penny, who, catching your startled look, nods before tipping her head towards the piano.

You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain

Too much love drives a man insane

You broke my will

But what a thrill

Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!

The sound of Bradley singing took you back to when you were younger. Endless hours of karaoke together or him playing piano and singing just to entertain you. Your heart clenched hearing his voice again. You knew there was a Bradley sized hole in your life, but you hadn’t fully realized how large it was until the moment you heard him again. You zoned out listening to his smooth voice.

I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs

Real nervous, but it sure is fun

Come on, baby

You're driving me crazy

Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!

The bar erupted into cheers, everyone yelling his name. You were so lost in memories you didn’t register the jukebox being plugged back in and music starting, everyone returning to their drinks and conversations.

“From the look on your face, I think I know the answer to my previous question.” Shay said, her attention focused on you. “You ok, Y/N?”

“Yeah.” You quietly replied, pulled from your head. “I’m good.”

“Back door is always an option, Kiddo.” Penny said, gently, “Just say the word.”

“Thanks, Pen” You replied, “I can’t keep running forever though. I’ll be ok.”

“Ok, well, look alive then” She said looking over your shoulder, “It’s showtime.”

You gulped in air, anxiety rushing over you. You could feel every nerve ending firing in response to a surge of adrenaline flooding your system. Your whole body felt like it was on fire.

“Breathe, Y/N” Shay said quietly, her hand on your shoulder to steady and ground you.

“Hey, Penny!” Bradley called cheerfully as he reached the bar, “Can I get another beer please?”

“Coming right up, Rooster” She replied, reaching into the cooler for a bottle of his preferred beer.

“Thanks!” He said, before taking a drink and glancing over your way.

You kept your head turned towards the bar and eyes firmly on your own drink, determined now to look over. You were frantically trying to keep from hyperventilating.

“Sunshine.” He said, using the nickname he’d given you long ago, the shock at seeing you evident in his voice and in his eyes when you finally glanced up at him. “It is you… you look…good.”

“Hi, Brad.” You replied, finally looking up. He was dressed in well worn, fitted jeans and his signature Hawaiian shirt open over a white tank. Aviator glasses perched on his nose. “So do you…the mustache suits you.”

“Thanks. I rather like it.” He said, awkwardly shifting from one foot to the next. You hated it. Things had always been so easy between the two of you, this new distance hurt almost worse than just not seeing him at all. “What brings you back to North Island? Last I heard you were flying tourists and bigwigs around on the East Coast.”

“So you’ve kept tabs on me then?” You asked, curiously.

“Iceman would occasionally let it slip when I’d run into him.” He explained. So he hadn’t cared enough to actually ask about you. The realization stung.

“I’m back because Uncle Tom said it was time to come home.” You replied, turning your eyes back to the beer bottle in front of you. “The cancer is back and the docs said he wouldn’t beat it this time.”

“I’m sorry, Y/N.” He said sincerely, “I know how close you’ve always been to him.”

“He’s not the only one I was close to.” You said quietly. You glanced up to see guilt race across his face before he schooled his features. “Brad… you should know..”

“Look, Y/N,” He interrupted, “It was good to see you, but I need to get back to my friends. I’ll see you around maybe.”

As he walked away, it felt like you’d been kicked in the gut. The wind knocked out of you. The realization hitting you that Bradley didn’t even see you as a friend anymore. You swallowed the lump lodged in your throat, pushing the half full bottle of beer away. You needed air. It felt like the bar was closing in around you.

“I’m going to go ahead and go.” You said gathering your purse from behind you, “It was good to see you tonight, give me a call when you’re free and we can hang out again.”

“Y/N” Shay said, “Do you want me to give you a ride home?”

“I’ll be ok, but thank you.” You replied, “I just need air and to get out of here. Please let Penny know I’ll stop by again…maybe when the bar is closed.”

“I will.” She replied, “I’ll call you tomorrow. We can get some lunch.”

Nodding, you carefully got off the bar stool and headed quickly for the door, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone, just needing to escape. Once outside you took a deep breath, gulping in the much needed air to your lungs. You could still hear the music from the bar playing and the loud voices of drunk sailors and aviators, but outside, it was easier to cue into the sounds of the waves and the breeze moving through the trees. The sound of the waves crashing helped to soothe you enough you no longer felt like you were hyperventilating. No longer in danger of passing out due to lack of oxygen, you decided it was safe to make your way home.

“Fuck you Bradley Bradshaw.” You said, the breeze carrying your words out to sea.

You walked to Jeep, ready to put this day behind you. With your back to the bar, you didn’t see Bradley had stepped out of the bar and was watching you walk away. He’d seen you leave, had watched you walk out of the bar looking like a kicked puppy. The remorse caused his stomach to churn. As your taillights faded away out of the parking lot, Bradley trudged to his Bronco, deciding to call it a night.

#bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #top gun fanfiction #miles teller

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justabigassnerd · 1 year

Text

I'm Right Here

Pairing - Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell x daughter!reader

Word count - 3,515

Warnings - mentions of kidnappings, angst, but mostly fluff/comfort

Summary - You wander off during Maverick's volleyball match sending both you and him into a panic

A/N - it's a Maverick fic y'all!!!! I really enjoyed getting to explore what Mav would be like as a father, especially during the events of '86 Top Gun and I've also learnt that writing Goose and Mav's dynamic is my new favourite thing I love them. This was a request I was sent in and I hope I did it justice! I also just wanna say that watching the volleyball scene back showed me that they weren't actually on the beach so I set it kinda near the beach but not at the beach if that makes sense? Anyways I'll stop rambling now. As per y'all please send in requests, feedback and enjoy!!

“Alright squirt, are you ready to see me and Uncle Goose beat Ice and Slider in volleyball?” Maverick asks with a grin as he scoops you up, making you squeal happily as you hug your dad tightly.

“Uncle Ice!” You cheer happily, excited at the thought of seeing Iceman. Maverick chuckles lightly at your words.

“You’re well on your way to breaking Goose’s heart, darling.” Maverick laughs before pressing a kiss to your temple. Since moving to Miramar to attend Top Gun, you’d decided Iceman was one of your new favourite people and Maverick saw how Ice looked out for you and appreciated it, regardless of their rivalry. Now, it meant that Goose was facing competition for the title of best uncle and Maverick thought it was hilarious.

“Let’s make sure we have everything packed so we can go to the beach once we’re done.” Maverick says and the second the beach is mentioned, you’re squirming to get out of his arms to gather the things you want to take with you to the beach. Maverick grabs a bag and lets you pack what you want while he packs some food to take to the beach. Once the bag is packed, Maverick helps you put your shoes on and as he straightens up and slings the bag over his shoulder, a knock at the door rings out.

“Hey, Goose.” Maverick greets his RIO with a smile as he opens the door.

“Hey, Mav.” Goose beams, giving Maverick a high-five as you notice Goose’s presence.

“Uncle Goose!” You yell excitedly, running to him as quickly as your legs could take you.

“Hey, pipsqueak! How’s my favourite Mitchell doing?” Goose says as he picks you up when you hold your arms up. Goose laughed when he saw Maverick’s narrowed eyes at his question.

“Those are brave words coming from someone whose position of favourite uncle is being threatened by Iceman.” Maverick says cockily as he slips his aviators on and grabs his keys before he brushes past Goose to exit the house, leaving Goose shocked as you giggled at his expression. Maverick would usually take his motorbike to the volleyball court but with you coming too he opted to walk instead. He didn’t live too far from the court and Goose offered to walk with you, so it was decided that the trio would walk.

“Mav is that- y/n, you prefer Uncle Goose to Iceman, right?” Goose asks desperately, maybe too desperately given that he was begging for approval from a three-year-old but being your godfather and had been your favourite uncle since you were born, he was willing to fight to hold on to that title.

“I love Uncle Goosey!” You say with a grin, making Goose nod in approval as he follows Maverick down the path.

“And I love Uncle Ice.” You admit which makes Maverick double over laughing when Goose’s smile drops from his face instantly. He quickly recovers and smiles at you once more.

“You’re going to break hearts when you’re older.” Goose says with a chuckle as you gesture that you want to be put down.

“We are not thinking about that Goose, stop talking.” Maverick says quickly, covering Goose’s mouth to stop him from talking any more. You were barely three years old, and Maverick was already dreading the day you’d grow up and start dating. As the three of you walked to the volleyball court, you kept running ahead, distracted by your surroundings and as Maverick turned his attention back to you, he found you almost wandering off.

“y/n/n, come here please!” He calls for you and you run right back to him. Maverick knelt down just before you reached him and he took your small hands in his.

“You can’t wander off, sweetheart, okay? Make sure you’re always in my sight, or Uncle Goose’s. Does that sound okay?” Maverick asks, his eyes searching yours as you nod.

“Okay, daddy.” You say with a large Cheshire cat grin that Maverick can’t help but mirror. Maverick then stands up to his full height and takes your hand once more, continuing the walk. When the three of you reach the court, you see Iceman and immediately, run up to him, demanding you get a hug as you greet him and of course, Iceman complies. As Iceman gives you a hug, Slider gives you a high-five, both men doting on you as Maverick puts the bag down and takes his jacket and top off, ready to play volleyball.

“Iceman, Slider, I thought we were here to play volleyball not to fawn over my kid.” Maverick calls over to the two as he puts his shirt and jacket on the bleachers that the bag is sitting next to.

“Don’t be jealous just because you’re not the centre of attention, Maverick.” Slider taunts as Iceman places you back on the floor, letting you run back over to Maverick who scoops you up and sits you on the bottom bleacher, next to the bag and his shirt and jacket.

“You stay right here and guard my stuff okay kiddo?” Maverick asks with a smile as Goose ruffles your hair lightly. You nod at Maverick’s words and attempt to slide Maverick’s jacket on, both of you laughing at the sheer size of it compared to you.

“It’ll fit you one day, kid.” Maverick grins, pressing a kiss to the top of your head before he and Goose cross to the court to begin the match against Iceman and Slider.

At first, you watched the match diligently. You laughed when your dad and Goose would happily celebrate scoring a point with a double high-five. Your attention slowly slipped away from the match and onto your dad’s jacket you since had taken off, tracing the images on the patches until something fluttered past you, tearing your attention away from the jacket completely. You see a small bird staring at you, head tilting as it flicks its tail. Entranced by the bird you hopped off the seat and walked towards it. The bird fluttered away slightly before landing back on the ground again, turning back to face you and flicking its tail once more, seemingly instigating a game of cat and mouse. You continue to follow the bird, giggling as it flies a few meters away and yet still turns to see if you are following it. After a while, you and the bird came to a standstill, staring at each other and as you waved at it, the bird hopped a little closer to you, inspecting you curiously as it chirped, flicked its tail once more and then finally took off into the sky. You watched it fly high into the sky, waving goodbye at it as it joined its fellow birds who soared in the sky with it. When you finally tore your eyes away from the birds in the sky, you looked around you and had a sudden and horrible realisation that you had no idea where you were, or where your dad was.

Back at the volleyball court, the aviators had just wrapped up their match, with Iceman and Slider securing a strong victory as they celebrated loudly. Maverick had grumbled about how he was going to beat Iceman and win the Top Gun trophy to prove that this volleyball match meant nothing. When he approached the bleacher to grab his shirt and jacket so he could go to the beach with you and Goose where you’d meet with Carole and Bradley. When he reached the bleacher, he noticed that you were nowhere to be seen. He furrowed his eyebrows and looked around as he pulled on his shirt and tugged his jacket on, the panic in his eyes hidden by his aviators.

“Goose, have you seen y/n?” Maverick says when he senses the presence of his RIO, turning to face him. Maverick’s worry only increases when Goose shakes his head.

“Last time I saw her you sat her here before the match.” Goose’s response made Maverick’s breath hitch in his throat. He felt panic rising within him as he looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of you somewhere. Having heard Maverick’s panicked breaths, Goose placed his hands on his pilot's shoulders, getting Maverick’s focus on him.

“Mav, we’re going to find her, okay? She can’t have gotten far. We’ll find her.” Goose said reassuringly. As a father, Goose understood Maverick’s panic. There was one time Goose lost sight of Bradley in a store and Goose nearly had an aneurysm thinking someone had taken him. Thankfully, he found Bradley in the sweet aisle, his little hands grabbing at as many colourful packets as he could. Goose had never felt a relief quite like finding Bradley again and he scooped his son up in his arms and held him tight, instructing him to never do that again. Iceman and Slider, noticing the panic between Maverick and Goose, came jogging over to the two after throwing their shirts on.

“What’s going on?” Iceman asks, eyebrow raised as he glances between Goose and Maverick as he tries to assess the situation.

“We can’t find y/n.” Goose says, hardly removing his focus from Maverick so he could focus on keeping Maverick from hyperventilating. At Goose’s words, Iceman and Slider exchanged a worried look before turning back to Goose.

“Come on Slider. We’ll look around for her.” Iceman says to Goose who nods quickly before resuming his focus on Maverick. The pilot and RIO duo take off in a random direction, calling your name and looking around for you or anyone who might’ve seen you. Meanwhile, Goose was still focusing on keeping Maverick with a clear head so he could focus on finding his daughter.

“Deep breaths, Mav. We can ask around while Ice and Slider look for her.” Goose says as Maverick takes his aviators off, wiping at his eyes fiercely.

“What if someone took her? Or she gets hurt? I can’t lose my little girl, Goose.” Maverick says worriedly, more tears working their way down his cheeks.

“We’ll find her. Come on, let’s ask around and see if anyone has seen what direction she went off in.” Goose says with a gentle smile, encouraging Maverick to follow him so the pair could ask fellow navy personnel if they had seen where you might’ve gone.

You were still confused and lost. You hadn’t moved from where you realised you were lost, too scared to move so you stayed put, bawling your eyes out as you hoped your dad would find you. There was no one around to help you. In your fear, you sat on the floor, not knowing what else to do other than cry.

“y/n! y/n, where are y-” Iceman cut himself off when you came into his line of sight. Your head shot up at hearing Iceman’s voice, but your cries didn’t slow.

“Ice!” You managed to cry out as the blond pilot ran over to you, kneeling down and assessing you for any injuries before you threw yourself into his arms, tears pouring down your face.

“Slider, go and get Maverick, now.” Iceman instructs his RIO as you bury your face in his shoulder. Slider nods and without hesitation turns to run back in the direction of the volleyball court to track down Maverick.

“I want my daddy.” You whimper into Iceman’s shoulder as he moves to hug you.

“I know sweetheart. Slider’s gone to find your dad, okay? They’ll be here soon.” Iceman whispers reassuringly, glancing around as if that would bring Maverick to you quicker. You hadn’t wandered massively far from the court, but Iceman understood that what is a simple path to him would not be the same to a three-year-old. After a couple of minutes of Iceman whispering words of reassurance and promising you that your dad is coming, Maverick appears with Goose and Slider hot on his heels.

“Daddy!” You cry out when you see Maverick, quickly wiggling out of Iceman’s arms and into Maverick’s as he bends down to pick you up, setting you on his hip as you cry against his shoulder. Maverick allowed tears of his own to fall as he let out a shuddering breath of relief when he felt your tiny arms wind around his neck.

“I got you; y/n/n. Daddy’s got you.” Maverick whispered as he pressed repeated kisses to your temple as you cried, clinging to him. Maverick’s free hand came up to rest on the back of your head, running a hand through your hair as you sobbed in relief.

“I was scared.” You whine, making Maverick’s heart break as more tears roll down his cheeks at your words.

“I know sweetheart. But I’m right here. I’m not letting you out of my sight again.” Maverick assures, squeezing you tighter before pressing more kisses to the side of your head. Just as Iceman and Slider went to leave, Maverick turned to face them.

“Thank you.” Maverick says to the two who nod their heads in acknowledgement at his words.

“No worries, Mitchell.” Iceman says, the two men now seeing each other in a whole new light. Iceman was now seeing a devoted father who would do anything for his daughter instead of the reckless and cocky aviator he saw at Top Gun. While Maverick was now seeing someone who dropped everything to look for a kid that wasn’t his and without being asked instead of seeing the man who lectured him after every training session for flying dangerously. After sharing a curt nod with Maverick; Iceman and Slider headed back to the volleyball court, leaving Maverick and Goose with you.

“I think we’re going to head home, Goose. Just let Carole and Bradley know we’ll catch up with them another day.” Maverick says to Goose who nods in understanding.

“No! I wanna see Brad!” You exclaim tearily when you hear what your dad says, pulling away to look your dad in the eye. Maverick raised an eyebrow curiously while he lifted a hand to wipe your tears away.

“We don’t have to go to the beach sweetheart.” Maverick says, worried that you’d either wander off again or felt you had to go just because Bradley was going too.

“I wanna see Brad and Auntie Carole.” You whine, burying your face in the crook of your dad’s neck as he looks over at Goose who shrugs.

“Your call, Mav.” Goose says, not wanting to intervene. Maverick turned his head to look at you as you pulled away again, giving him the best puppy dog eyes you could as Maverick cursed internally. He could never say no to your puppy dog eyes.

“Okay, we’ll go to the beach with the others. But you are to stay in my sight at all times.” Maverick instructs, his expression conveying every ounce of seriousness that he could as you nod, understanding every word he said clearly. Maverick glances over at Goose and gestures for them to head back to the volleyball court to gather up the beach stuff before heading down to the beach. You refuse to let your dad put you down so Goose takes the bag and the three of you begin the short walk to the beach. When you reach the beach, Goose crosses to his wife quickly and captures her in a sweet kiss before sweeping Bradley up into a hug. Just as Goose puts Bradley down, he quietly explains to Carole what had happened earlier and she felt her heart break for the Mitchell’s knowing how terrifying the thought of losing a child was. Carole immediately moved to speak to Maverick as he attempts to lay out a beach towel while keeping you in his arms.

“Hey Mav, how’s she doing?” Carole asks sweetly as she helps Maverick lie out the towel and smiling at you as you wave at her.

“She’s pretty shaken up. I also feel like I gotta buy Ice’s drinks for the rest of his life for finding her.” Maverick admits with a slight chuckle as he moves to carefully sit down, freeing one of his hands to ease himself down.

“She’s not hurt physically either, thank god.” Maverick says as you settle yourself into his lap, your once teary eyes lighting up when you see Bradley come running over. Goose sets down another towel alongside Maverick’s and sits down on it, opening his arms and gesturing for Carole to sit in between his legs which she does with a laugh, snuggling back into his chest. Once Bradley has dropped his toys on his parent’s towel he launched at you for a hug, pushing you into Maverick as he dramatically fell onto his back, causing a pile of children on his chest as he wraps his arms around the both of you.

“Uncle Mav! y/n!” Bradley giggles, wrapping his arms around you in a hug you reciprocate a bright grin covering your face.

“Hey, kiddo.” Maverick says, ruffling Bradley’s hair as he swats at his hand, protesting loudly as you giggle. When Bradley finally clambers off, Maverick sits up, adjusting you so you’re sat in his lap once more as Bradley rushes to his parents, his little hands digging through Carole’s beach bag to find his bucket and spade.

“y/n, do you want to build a sandcastle with me?” Bradley asks, his eyes shining with glee as he grins at you. At first, you don’t respond, wrapping your arms around Maverick and cuddling into him.

“Oh, y/n might not be in the mood to build sandcastles right now, buddy.” Goose says, noticing your reaction and looking over at his son who looks between you and his dad curiously.

“Why not?” The five-year-old enquires, not understanding why you didn’t want to join in on building sandcastles.

“She’s just a bit tired, sweetheart. But you can build sandcastles if you want.” Carole says, smiling sweetly at her son.

“But it’s no fun without y/n.” Bradley whines, his bottom lip jutting out as he complains.

“Bradley, come on buddy, you have plenty of time to build sandcastles with y/n another day.” Goose says, trying to lighten his son’s dampening mood. Noticing Bradley insist that building sandcastles is better with you, you feel more in the mood to build sandcastles with Bradley. But you were also terrified to be out of your dad’s arms in fear he’d disappear and you’d be alone again. Maverick noticed you looking at Bradley and loosening your grip on him so he looked down at you with a gentle smile.

“You want to play with Bradley, sweetheart?” He asks, giving you the freedom to decide whether you wanted to or not.

“Yes, but I don’t want to be far away from you.” You admit, looking down at the towel and Maverick’s face softens as he moves to hook a finger under your chin to lift it so you’d look at him.

“I got an idea.” Maverick says with a small smirk. He shuffles forward on the towel until he’s right at the end of the towel, barely sitting on the towel. He then stands you on the sand, still holding your hand as he reaches his spare hand back to the bag to dig out your bucket and spade, handing them to you with a smile.

“Okay, take two steps forward.” He says and you do as he asks, looking back at him after each step to check he’s still there and to your relief he is, grinning at you.

“There we go! You’re doing so well! Now, hold your hand out towards me.” Maverick then instructs gently, waiting for you to do as he asked and when you do, he reaches out and takes your hand in his.

“See that? If you feel worried while you’re building your sandcastles you can just reach for me and I’ll grab your hand, yeah? But if it feels like too much you can always come and just cuddle and chill out with me.” Maverick says, making sure you know you have options as he speaks and to his joy, you nod and immediately kneel down in the sand with Bradley and begin making sandcastles.

“You’re good with her Mav.” Carole says with a smile as the parents watch their kids playing in the sand.

“This was a win-win for us. She didn’t want to be too far away from me and I wanted her in my sight. It seemed like the best solution.” Maverick shrugs as if what he did wasn’t a big deal, barely glancing Carole’s way as he focuses his attention on his daughter, waiting to see if you reach out for him. Every time you looked over at him to make sure he was still there, he was sure to send you an encouraging smile and took your hand whenever you asked for it. But mostly you were kept occupied by Bradley, the two of you building rows of sandcastles and decorating them as you happily chat with each other.

“Twenty bucks says these two get married when they’re older.”

“GOOSE!”

#justabigassnerd #justabigassnerd writes #top gun #top gun fic #top gun 1986 #pete maverick mitchell #maverick #pete mitchell #pete mitchell x reader #pete mitchell x y/n #pete mitchell x daughter reader #maverick x reader #maverick x daughter!reader #pete maverick mitchell x reader #pete maverick mitchell x daughter!reader #pete 'maverick' mitchell #pete 'maverick' mitchell x reader #pete 'maverick' mitchell x daughter!reader #x daughter!reader

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crazyk-imagine · 1 year

Text

Rekindle with an Angel but, Don’t Break her Heart

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Pilot!reader (present), Natasha “Phoenix” Trace x Pilot!reader (past) - Briefly mentioned

Characters: Pilot!reader, Jake “Hangman” Seresin, Natasha “Phoenix” Trace, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Penny Benjamin, Eric, Jack, and Mark (Bartenders), Delilah (reader’s little sister), Larry (main range control man), Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, Tom "Iceman" Kazansky (briefly mentioned?), Beau "Cyclone" Simpson, Bernie "Hondo" Coleman, Robert "Bob" Floyd, Reuben "Payback" Fitch, Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia, Javy "Coyote" Machado, Neil "Omaha" Vikander, Billy "Fritz" Avalone

Warnings: Angst, fluff, cursing, Jake becoming a softy for reader, not opening up to people when its necessary, jealous pilots being dicks, reader having a past with a few pilots (platonic and not), jealous pilots hurting the reader

Word Count: 9,733

Gif is from @unicornships

A/N: You guys have no idea how happy I am to finally be able to post this. I have had this in my doc for months... thank you for coming to my ted talk

*Was not expecting this to be this long. Definitely a surprise for me

Answers to RWAABDBHH

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You could say it was a bit of a surprise when Pete called. You haven’t heard from him for a few months (after your minor disagreement) and he really needed to speak to you and calling the bar was the only way he could make sure you wouldn’t screen his call... again.

It was just about after the third ring; you pick up the phone. “Hard Deck, bartender speaking.”

He smiles. “Good to hear your voice again, Angel.”

You’re surprised, you didn’t think he’d call the landline ever.

He usually tries not to call the bar as much as possible, not wanting people to butt into your business since your coworkers know what you did before joining the Hard Deck.

You decide to be nice and put in the effort to have a conversation with him. “Finally took a break from the sky’s, did you?”

He chuckles, “you’ve still got that sense of humor. Good.”

You sigh so much for being nice. “What’re planning?”

He lets out a faux noise of offense. “Why do you assume I’m up to no good?”

You scoff through your nose, “I didn’t say that. But now that you mention it, are you?”

He says nothing.

“Goodbye, Maverick.”

“Hang on-” He sighs, staring at the phone. ‘Please don’t hate me.’ He steps back into the room. “Did you speak to her?”

“I did.”

“And?”

“She’ll be here soon.” ‘Don’t hate me, Angel.’

A few hours later…

The lunch rush ends only for the midnight rush to begin, although when you think about it, it’s not actually midnight, but it sounds better than, it’s dark, drink up. And that’s when you stopped letting the other bartenders come up with names.

You turn to call for Eric or Jack to help out with drinks only to find they’re busy taking care of their sections.

Penny calls you over, “can you take care of anyone who comes over here while I go over there?”

“Yeah. Go take care of the customers over there.” You finish making the drinks, keeping the customers satisfied and willing to give a decent tip. You walk over towards Penny, “I’m gonna start cleaning up a bit. Jack’s finishing putting the latest order away in the back and Eric is getting ready to start in the kitchen. We have a few minutes to do some of the “boring” work so we’re doing it when we can.”

She nods, “got it.”

A few more show up, the crowd starting to become livelier in your section.

Penny walks over to you and helps you with cleaning the glasses and wiping down the counters after the customers move away and sit at one of the few vacant tables. “I need you to take care of that table over there.”

You nod to Penny, walking away with the drinks for the group of pilots, “be back in five, Peggy Sue.”

She shakes her head, sighing although she has a smile on her face. “Please, just once, use my name.”

You turn to look over your shoulder, whispering “never.” You walk away before she could say anything else.

“Here are your-” You happen to glance up and find one of your old friends from school, jabbing a mustached man (with a questionable fashion sense) in the gut, “fuck.”

You hand the last beer to – one of the khakis, as you mumble to yourself, “why?”

When she turns around to grab her drink, her eyes widen at the sight of you.

“Hey, Phoxy. How’ve you been? I’d love to talk but-”

She shakes her head, getting out of her thoughts as she grabs your wrist. “You are not getting out this. We’re talking right now.”

You sigh, feeling yourself being pulled elsewhere. So much for not running into anyone from your past.

She whirls around, facing you. “Where the hell have you been?! What happened to you? You graduated early, got a job at the best pilot school and leave with little to no contact. I mean seriously, what the hell, Wings?”

You glance back at her angry face every so often unable to keep eye contact with her. “I can’t talk to you about this, Natasha.”

“Now, we’re back on a first name basis. Is that what our friendship has gone down to? I thought we were closer than that.”

You sigh, “don’t give me that attitude-”

“I’ll stop giving you attitude when you talk to me.” She finally takes notice of your expression, her’s softens, “what happened?”

You swallow the saliva that’s stuck in your throat. “I can’t talk to you about this right now.”

She opens her mouth to say something else, but you stop her, placing a hand on her forearm.

“It’s a long story and I really don’t think now is a good time to talk about this, okay?” Your hand falls off her arm before you walk away.

She sighs unsure of how to handle the situation. You obviously don’t want to talk about whatever happened and it’s throwing her off. Nothing like this ever happened before and she really doesn’t know how to help you.

Jake furrows his brows, after watching you brush her off. A smirk appears across his lips. ‘Interesting.’

Natasha stands beside Bob, absent mindlessly watching the others play pool.

“So,” Jake says, extending of the letter “O”, brings Natasha out of her thoughts.

“What do you want Bagman?”

“What was that about?” He asks, with a mix of a concerning and nosey tone.

“It’s none of your business,” she snaps.

He smiles, “I could easily make it my business, Princess Phoenix. You forget we all went to the same school.”

“I am this close,” she pinches her fingers together. “To getting drunk so I can’t hear your ass.”

“Your fingers are touching,” Bob points out.

“I know.”

Rueben sits beside her with Mickey playing pool against Jake and Bradley playing against Logan. “What do you think happened with her?” asks Reuben.

“I don’t know,” she says, shrugging. “This is the first time I’ve seen her since we were in school together.”

“So, you didn’t hear the rumors.”

“What rumors?” She turns to him with raised brows.

“One of the ones I heard was that she got in a fight and got kicked out.”

“She wouldn’t do that,” Natasha says, defending you. She knows you’re not dumb enough to do anything like that.

Two days later…

Thankfully today the bar opens a little later than usual as you decline Cyclone’s call.

The door opening gets you to pause, you don’t want it to look like you’re on your phone and sigh, tucking the item into your back pocket. Although you didn’t see it, it was only one of the bartenders who does the late shift.

Penny walks over with new rags. “You okay?”

You quickly give her a fake tight-lipped smile. “Peachy.”

“They still trying to bring you back officially.” You shrug, not entirely in the mood to talk about this, as usual.

“I know you don’t want to hear this but you’re good. You are… the only pilot that I like enough to call my friend and I know working here is making you miserable.”

You open your mouth to argue with the classic, “no. I’m happy here.”

She shakes her head, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “Don’t argue with me on this, I know you are and it’s okay. I’m not taking it to heart because being in the sky has been your dream for such a long time and you were miserable when your arm was healing, and you still are because you’re not in the air because that’s where you belong.”

You clench your jaw, the burning sensation in your nose prevents you from answering her.

“What if I’m not the same?”

She tilts her head, trying to understand what you’re saying.

“What if I’ve lost my speed or- or my quick thinking, you know. What if- what if I’m in the air and that’s when they realize that I’m not good enough to be at Top Gun anymore.” You sniff, wiping the corners of your eyes.

“They’d be stupid to let you go.”

“I know you’re just saying that but, thank you.”

She knows you don’t like it when people try to comfort you, but her maternal instincts take over and she pulls you in for a hug and letting you take your time to calm down. “Better?”

“No, you made me talk about my feelings. I’m upset.”

She chuckles, “you’ll have to put those feelings on the back burner because we still have to get ready for tonight.”

“Has anybody cleaned back here yet?” Mark asks.

“Not yet, I’m coming over to help you.” She turns back towards you. “Are you sure you’re gonna be alright?”

“Yep. Get back to work, Pegs.”

The older woman shakes her head.

Four days later...

You were surprised when he tried the Hard Deck’s landline and calling the bar is the only way he can make sure you wouldn’t screen his call... again.

It was just about after the third ring when you pick up the phone. “Hard Deck, bartender speaking.”

He chuckles, “good, you’re still there... how are you?”

“You’re clearly up to something that I’m not gonna like and with how many times Beau has called me, I’m gonna say that it involves Top Gun which I told you and him that I’m not coming back so stop calling me if you’re gonna keep asking about that.”

“I’m- I’m not-”

“Goodbye Maverick.”

You slam the phone done onto the wall receiver before walking away, shaking your head. “Oh... you’re here.” You turn around finding your boss, standing there. “Why do you have that look on your face?”

“What look?” She asks, setting her stuff down in the back office.

“The look you have when you know stuff that involves me or my past,” you pause, searching for the right word. “Job.”

“Well- I mean, there is this one thing.”

“And that thing is?”

“A group of people are coming here today.”

“A group of who people?”

“A teacher and his students.”

“Children students?” You ask, hoping it’s not who you think it is.

She shakes her head.

You groan and drop your head onto the bar top.

Two hours later...

The sound of cars scares you and sends you to “find a broom” in the storage closet.

You hope if you stay inside and hide long enough unit they’re gone so, you won’t have to deal with certain people (playboys or people you typically went to, for “guidance”). But then again, maybe it would be good to see Natasha again and her friends.

You shake your head remembering the two separate times when she was paired with Bradley and then when Mickey and Rueben were put into their little squad... the smile falls from your face when you think about your old squad.

You gulp, having a hard time swallowing the spit that built up in your mouth.

Would it be a good idea if you looked for Penny and told her you weren’t feeling good?

You know it wouldn’t end the way you’d want it to but that doesn’t mean you can’t- the clacking and snapping of flip flops and shoes has you pause. You don’t move as they all pass by.

The sounds of their voices carrying throughout the bar fills you with a mix of sadness but you bite back your tongue because there’s no one else to blame but you; you’re the one who pushed everyone away, you’re the one who didn’t tell anyone the... truth about what happened but that’s the past; all you can do is move on and live whatever life you have.

You still can’t believe you saw her. You knew it was bound to happen at some point and yet, it was still a sucker punch to the gut. And to hear that the reason they’re all here, being taught by the Maverick is for a life-threatening mission and they wanted the best of the best from your generation is still so crazy.

Once you're out of your thoughts, you realize everyone’s moved outside and it’s okay for you to exit the closet now. You don’t find anyone else but Penny, who wipes down the counter. “What’re you doing in here?” You ask, taking careful steps closer to the bar.

“Cleaning before tonight.”

“I can do that,” you offer.

She shakes her head, “no. I couldn’t leave you in here by yourself to clean. I should be doing it.”

“That’s the good thing about having someone who’s ignoring people they knew. They’re very helpful and will clean everything.”

She turns to look at you, “that’s not funny.”

“You’re right, it’s not but you always say you want me to be honest and this is it.” You continue before she could get a word in. “Nope, you deserve to finish your book and check out the eye candy. I’m sure there’s a certain old flame of yours out there that wouldn’t mind you ogling him.”

“Cheeky.”

“It’s called the truth, neither of you can hide your feelings whenever either one of you glances back at the other.”

“You think so?” She asks, sounding so unsure, something you’ve never heard from her before.

“Absolutely.”

A heavy sigh slips past her lips. “Are you sure?”

“I am,” you nod. “Yes. Absolutely. One hundred percent. Please leave.”

The older woman smiles, “okay, okay. I’m going.”

All you gotta say is, Pete’s lucky you’re a nice person. No one asked for you to make anyone drinks but you know they’re gonna need something and you know water ain’t gonna cut it right away.

You finish and set the drinks on a tray before heading out the back.

You scoff, watching as the line of boys fall with the playboy raising his arms up in celebration at an “obvious” win. You shake your head at the sight and conveniently, it’s like he sensed someone watching him and looks over in your direction, giving you a cocky wave.

You groan looking away, jumping at the sight of Penny sitting there. “When did you get here?”

“You’re the one who told me to come out here.”

You give her a suspicious look.

“What were you doing out here?”

You throw an arm out, gesturing to the scene in front of you, "watching as they get sand in places sand shouldn't be. I feel bad for them honestly."

She covers her mouth, hiding her laughter, "that's what you're worried about?"

You wrap your arm around her shoulder, leaning your head on hers, "sand is no joke, Peggy Sue."

She shakes her head, "still not my name."

"And, yet you respond to it." You start taking the drinks off the tray, setting them a few inches away from her book, not wanting it to get wet. The last cup, you set down in front of her. "Make sure they drink something."

"Okay, mom.”

"Hey, hey. Dehydration is no joke. Neither is-"

She cuts you off, finishing your sentence, "getting sand in places it shouldn't be."

You nod, "exactly." You take one last look at the group, the happiness you shared with Penny vanishes when you remember the different life you had a year ago. You sigh, shaking your head as you head back inside.

Penny frowns, knowing you miss being a part of the pilot life, even if you don’t want to admit it.

You clean a few glasses you missed earlier, preparing for the “midnight” shift. After cleaning the inside of the now, clean glasses you set them up so, they’re ready to go for later. You set the rag down on the bar top, reaching for the phone in your back pocket, annoyed at the person who keeps calling you.

The Godfather Accept □ Decline □

You click the answer button. "I’ve told you once and I’ll tell you again. No. I won’t be in the air anytime soon. Stop calling." You hang up before Beau could say anything else.

“How the hell could he have known to call now?” You groan, realizing what happened, “Maverick. Oh, you son of a-”

The door slams open, putting Penny on high alert.

"Mitchell! Hey, Mitchell!" You shout at the man sitting in the stupid lawn chair you just want to- You shove his chest before pointing your finger at him, “you are an absolute idiot! Do you know that?”

“Hey, there’s no need for name calling, Angel.”

“Do NOT use that name with me right now.” You stand a few inches away from him with a clenched jaw. “I told you and everyone else there, I’m done. I’m not going back in the air. I can’t.”

He knows you’re hurting but you can’t keep pushing yourself away from what you’re good at. “You can, you’re just choosing not to.”

“You don’t know what happened and you never will. So, stop trying to force me into coming back.”

“I would but, you’re one of the good ones and anyone would be lucky to have you up in the air with them.”

No one notices the blow up going on in the back as they continue with their game, well, except for Bob who happens to see everything going on.

You bite your tongue, taking a step back. “You don’t get too sweet talk to me into coming back. If I feel I’m ready, you’ll see me in the air.”

“But what if he’s right,” a deep voice says, walking closer to you.

You glance back at your godfather and whirl around to face Maverick once more. “You called him?!”

Now is when he struggles to give you an answer. “I didn’t- this isn’t how I wanted this to happen.”

“But you made it happen.”

“He didn’t.” Beau stands beside you. “I did. You know you’re good, and being in the air is where you belong. You know it, I know it, your parents knew it when you kept asking me about my job when you were seven.”

You turn around, facing him. “If you wanted me to come back so bad, why didn’t you come to me yourself?”

“I did-”

You shake your head, “no, calling is completely different than you coming to me and talking to me.”

“It’s hard to do that when one of you won’t talk about what happened.”

A young girl runs out the back door.

You turn at the sound of a child calling screaming your name, just in time as the short body tumbles into you. “Hey kiddo.” You pull back, bending down Delilah doesn’t have to stare up at you.

“Hi,” she says, giving you a wide smile with her gap in her front bottom teeth that always gets you to smile.

“How was school?”

“Boring but, I did good on my spelling test.”

You give her a high five, “awesome. See all that studying does pay off.”

She groans, “I know. Can we go swimming now?”

You nod, “I gotta change but I’ll be quick, okay?”

She nods.

You glance over your shoulder, talking to Pete, “and don’t break her heart again. She’s good for you and your, sort of, good for her.”

He nods.

“Come on, Del. We gotta get ready for some fun!” You bend down, lifting her over your shoulder.

Delilah squeals, giggling while you walk back towards the table.

Penny looks up from her book, “you want me to watch her while you change?”

You nod, “please?”

“Of course, but you gotta put her down first.”

You set Delilah on the edge of the table, helping her hop down so she can sit beside Penny. You stare at the sand while walking back, the phantom pain in your shoulder returns.

You hold your arm against your stomach, using your non dominant hand to open the door.

Beau watches as you walk away, noticing how you’ve closed yourself off like you did when your parents died.

“What was that about?” Bob asks Natasha when she sits down beside him at the table, reaching for one of the glasses. She shrugs, “I don’t know. Maybe we should-”

“That’s not a good idea,” Penny interrupts.

“Why?” Natasha asks.

“She’s-” she glances down at a distracted Delilah, “uh- she's still working through some things.”

The younger woman doesn’t say much after that.

You stand in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at your shoulder.

You still remember what the asshole did to you, you may not remember the sounds, but you certainly remember the hand hitting your ribs, forcing you off the ladder.

You slam onto the ground. The pain radiating in your shoulder, you couldn’t move it and you knew for a fact, it wasn’t good.

The ladder fell on your calf, fracturing your tibia. And to top it all off, the asshole had the audacity to laugh as he knelt beside your head; his hand clamped on your chin, forcing you took look at him.

You don’t remember how you got out of there.

You don’t realize you’re hyperventilating until your body forces you to take quick, unsteady breaths.

Jake walks in with a smirk, expecting to find you around somewhere, hoping to talk to you (partly to piss off Natasha and to see what’s got you so frazzled, you’ve never acted like this before).

All and any humor fall from his face when he realizes you’re crying. He stands beside you, placing a hand on your arm.

You jerk back, tripping over your foot.

He’s quick to hold onto you, forcing you to stand up before you could fall.

You can feel his hand on your cheek and know he’s asking you questions but you can’t get enough air into your system to reply.

Jake wraps his arms around you, pressing you against him; he wraps one of your arms around his neck, the other flush against your waist. He hugs you. “It’s okay. It’s okay.”

You close your eyes, trying to calm down. The tears roll down your cheeks faster than you would like but, Jake says nothing about it and continues to comfort you.

You move your arm off you, wrapping it around his lower back, clenching his shirt in your shaky fist. You’ve calmed down enough to realize, Jake, the infamous flirty playboy is whispering comforting things in your ear.

Your head rests two inches from the crook of his neck.

“How are you feeling?”

You sniff, “fine.”

“You okay enough to let go of my shirt?”

There it is. You give him one last squeeze before pulling away from him. You look up, wiping your cheeks, “how’s it feel?”

“How does what feel?” He asks, pulling a paper towel out of the dispenser, wetting it in the sink.

“Not being the reason, a woman cries.”

“What makes you say that?” He cups the back of your neck, wiping your cheeks to get rid of the wet mascara streaks.

“You say you bring all your hookups to tears.”

The corner of his lips tugs upwards. “I knew you were listening to me.”

Your roll your eyes, “yeah, because you take up half of my section.”

“Maybe it’s because I want your eyes on me.”

You shake your head, taking it out of his hand; pushing past him to throw away the wet, black stained paper towel. You reach for another, making sure to get rid of any evidence that you were crying. “Why’re you in here?”

“It’s a bathroom,” he shrugs.

“Then go.”

“I’d rather not.”

“We all use a bathroom.”

He chuckles, “it’s not that.”

“Hookup?”

He shakes his head, “no, not really my scene anymore.”

“Is it because of the mission?”

“Maybe.”

You throw away the paper towel, turning back towards the sink; turning on the faucet to cup cold water in your hands and splash your face. You need a little more energy if you’re going to have a day at the beach with your favorite little girl.

The sink turns off, you assume it was Jake.

You open your eyes, staring down at the drain. Your chest heaves with every breath you take. You shake your hands, reaching up to wipe away the droplets on your chin. “You know,” you start, “I figured while you were here, you’d be waiting until later for some- uh- stress relief.”

“You offering?” He leans against the wall with his arms crossed.

“Yeah,” you look up, staring at him with no emotion.

His smirks drops and he squints his eyes, trying to decipher whether you’re lying. “Really?”

“No.” You snatch a paper towel and pat your face dry. “Seriously, thank you for helping me but- uh- could you not mention this to anyone else?”

“It’s not my place to talk about it. You know that.”

“Still, thank you. You’re oddly good at giving really good hugs.”

He shakes his head, “I can honestly say, no one except you has been the one to tell me that.”

“I’m happy to be the first.”

Your phone buzzes again, you groan, yanking it of your pocket. You don’t even need to see the number before you press the power button, shutting your phone off. “Looks like I have to go back out there.”

“Save my spot?”

“Can’t promise you anything? Does it look like I’ve been crying?”

He steps on front of you, staring into your eyes for a minute.

You’re worried he’s seeing something you don’t see; his stare makes you nervous, butterflies in your belly, the whole nine yards... which worries you because you only ever feel this way when you like someone. Oh crap. You thought those were gone.

He shakes his head, getting out of his thoughts “no, you’re good.”

“You sure?”

“I wouldn’t lie to you.”

You weren’t expecting him to say that. “Okay.” You exit the bathroom, heading for the bar.

“You alright? You looked upset back there?” Penny asks.

You nod with a tight lip smile, “I’m good, Peggy Sue.”

“Why don’t you take the night off? You know spend the rest of the day with Delilah.”

“You need help behind here later.”

“I’ve got it, besides Mary, Travis, and Jamie work tonight.”

“Are you sure?”

“You haven’t stopped working since I hired you. Take the night off. You deserve it.”

“Are you really-”

“Yes, I’m sure. You deserve to take the night off.”

“You gonna play game with us or not?” Natasha asks, stepping away from the others.

“I mean I could, if it’s alright with you and the others.”

“After we swim though, right?”

You tilt your head at your little sister who holds onto one Mickey’s shoulders. “You’re gonna have to climb off Mick in order for that to happen sweetie.”

“Let me down. Let me down. If I don’t do it now, she won’t go out with me.”

You scoff, “that’s not true.”

“You did it last time.”

“Because you were napping.”

“I was... resting my eyes.”

“Well, then lets’ go before you need to rest your eyes again.”

“Can I come?”

You glance back at the man with a buzzcut. “You want to go back outside? Aren’t you hot?”

“Did someone call me hot?” Jake asks, placing his hand on your lower back, letting you know he’s right behind you.

“No one did, Bagman,” Natasha chimes in.

“I wasn’t talking to you, Princess Phoenix.”

“You’re so nice,” you mumble.”

“Only when it counts, sweetheart. You know that,” he whispers in your ear.

You jerk your arm back, elbowing him in the stomach.

“There’s that spark.” He wheezes out. “I knew you remembered.”

“That’s payback for leaving me out to dry.”

“It was one time.”

“It was four times and each time I wound up saving your ass.”

“We’re going swimming now,” Delilah interrupts, dragging Mickey behind her as Rueben laughs his ass off at the sight of a child dragging his grown friend outside, matching the same pace as her.

“If you two can stop with the flirting, then I can talk to my friend.”

“Not before I do.”

“I thought you left, Maverick,” you say with a curt tone.

“Just let me say what I need to say then I’ll stop trying to explain myself.”

“Fine.” You huff, “follow me.”

Natasha glances back at Jake with raised brows. “What?”

“You know what? It didn’t work out the first time. What makes you think it would work again?”

He doesn’t say anything because she’s right, if it didn’t work out the first time, why would anything be different now. “Nothing.”

She takes note of his sad demeanor. “Wait- Jake.”

He walks out before she could apologize.

“What do you want, Maverick?”

“You to not call me that.”

He sees the little response he gets out of you and decides not to push it. “Okay, I’m gonna cut to the chase-”

“You’d be wise to.”

He purses his lips at the comment. “Cyclone wants you back because he thinks you’d be able to help show everyone that this mission is possible.”

“No, he doesn’t.”

“Okay, fine. Cyclone wants you back and I think you’d be the better candidate to help me show everyone its possible. I can’t tell you anything about it but, let me finish, I see the look you’re giving me. You can match the speed required for this mission. I know you can. This will be a walk in the park for you.”

“As much as I enjoy you trying to kiss my ass. I’m gonna have to pass.”

You spin around, slamming the door open; your foot hadn’t touched the floor when he asked, “so, you’ll be there tomorrow.”

You step into the doorway, eyes wandering around the bar. ‘Is it really time for me to leave to leave this place?’ “I expect you to keep up with me.”

He lets out a victory chuckle.

You shake your head, biting your lip to keep you from smiling. “Pen?”

“You’re covered forever. Let me know when you want to give in your two weeks.”

“Wow! You sound excited to get rid of me.”

“I am because you’re going back to do what you were born to do.”

“Whatever,” you roll your eyes. “I have a current little problem who is probably trying to drown grown men right now.”

“Yeah, please save them before you lose your friends.”

“Not my friends.”

“Fine, your squad!”

You shake your head and smile as you walk out the back door.

“Finally.”

“Oh, hush.” You smile, lifting her in your arms.

“Look who joined the party.”

“Oh, Bagman. You joined us.”

He smirks, one eyebrow rising about the frame of his sunglasses. “Who said you could use that nickname?”

“No one but it’s better than anything I could come up with.”

“And she admits it.”

You scoff, setting Delilah back on the ground, letting her run back into the ocean so she and Mickey can have a splash fight.

“Admit it, you’ve missed this.”

You scoff, “I’ve missed nothing about you.”

“See that’s where we beg to differ.”

Natasha groans and drags you away from him, forcing you to sit beside her and Bob. “What’s got you so happy?”

You shrug, “nothing.”

She narrows her eyes at you before her eyes widen and jaw drops to the floor. “Are you- are you coming back?”

“What? No.”

“Yes, you are! You have your pre-flight glow.”

“I plead the fifth.”

“Fine, I’ll pretend like I don’t know you’re coming back,” she says and then throws herself onto you, hugging you tightly.

You chuckle, patting the arm she has wrapped across your chest.

“I’m so happy you’re coming back,” she whispers into your shoulder.

“I know you are,” you lean back into her. “I am too.”

Delilah calls out for her.

“Aunt Nat duty calls. Get up.”

You groan, giving her enough room to move out of the way. “You’re no fun.”

“I am fun!”

You enjoy the warmth filling your heart as you watch Natasha, Mickey, and Reuben playing with her as Jake observes.

“How are you?”

“What?” The one with glasses asks.

“How are you?”

“Me? You’re talking to me?”

“There’s no one else here and you seem less likely to annoy me.”

“Oh? I don’t know if I’m supposed to say thank you or not.”

“It’s not necessary but you’re welcome,” you nudge his arm with your elbow.

“I think they’d be mad if I tried to talk to you without them here,” he mumbles.

You furrow your brows trying to figure out what he’s talking about. “I don’t know who they are, but I know they would, and they can suck it up.” You scoot closer to him, who holds his snack of choice to you, silently offering you some. “Not now, person who’s name I still don’t know. Thank you though.”

He nods. “Oh, I’m Bob.” He quickly wipes his hand on his shorts before holding it out for you to shake.

“Well, Bob, it’s nice to meet you. It’s always good to know the people watching out for your friends.”

“Uh- oh- I’m not-”

“I know,” you give him a small smile, so he knows not to worry. “You’re not a pilot but a back seater and I hear the way I said it hut I promise I mean nothing bad about it, I’m just making an observation. I’ve known a few good back seaters in my day. Do you have a call sign Bob?”

He shakes his head, “ah, no. It’s Bob just- just Bob. Although the blond one with the sunglasses, he came up with an acronym for Bob.”

“Of course, he did. What’d he say?”

“Baby on board.”

You groan. “That’s terrible.”

“I know.”

“I mean the acronym. Don’t get me wrong he shouldn’t be saying this to his fellow teammates but that was just, terrible. He did not put any effort into it.”

“I guess not.”

“I’m gonna give you a makeshift call sign, something special just for you... Bound outta buoyancy.” You shake your head, “that doesn’t work.” You mumble other potential words in your head. “Okay all I’m coming up with is something that ends in buoyancy, and I mean like no other word besides that one.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“No, I mean- why are you trying to come up with a call sign for me?”

“You should have one that isn’t a shorter version of your name, even though Bob is a cute nickname.”

“Oh... thanks.” He pushes his glasses up, “Natasha mentioned you were nice but, I didn’t expect you to be this nice.”

You turn, staring at him with your head tilted. “She talks about me?”

He nods, “yeah- I mean, not all the time though. Just- every- a little.” He grabs a handful of his snack and tosses it into his mouth.

Now you know the perfect nickname for him and it’s most definitely not going to be an acronym. “Muchies?”

“Yeah?”

A quiet chuckle escapes you; you find it funny how he doesn’t realize what you called him. “What has she told you?”

“You two went out a couple times.”

You weren’t expecting her to tell him that. She must really like this kid. “And?”

“She was surprised to see you here that’s for sure and misses you… so does Jake.”

You nearly choke on your spit. “What?”

He freezes, realizing he’s said the wrong. “Nothing- nothing. It's- people say the weirdest things to me.” He lets out a nervous chuckle, reminding you of a certain mother on “That 70’s Show”.

“Bob, have Jake and Natasha talked about me before?”

“Uh- no?”

“Are you lying?”

“No,” he nods his head yes.

“I didn’t think Jake talked to you like you were friends.”

“He mentioned you two went out.”

“Nothing nice like Natasha, right?”

“No, but she did say that you two agreed you were better as friends, and she doesn’t want you to get hurt because of something stupid he does.”

“You sit quietly and learn all the gossip, don’t you?”

“I don’t mean to.”

“It’s okay.” You pat his back, “I believe you.”

“It kind of feels like you don’t.”

“Good.”

A shriek escapes you as your little sister crawls into your lap. “Lilah, you’re wet.”

“That’s what happens when you’ve been in the water.”

“Okay, smarty pants. How are you? You tired?”

“No, I just-” She yawns. “I just need a break.”

“Sounds like they’ve tired you out.”

“More like she tired me out. We had to do two hundred push-ups during training, and she was worse than that,” Natasha tells you as she sits beside Bob.

Mickey sits in front of you, playing hand games like slide as Jake settles beside you with Rueben trying to steal Bob’s snacks while simultaneously trying to mess up their game.

The next day…

“I thought you weren’t scheduled until next Tuesday,” Larry says.

You ignore Pete and Bernie’s looks. An awkward cough escapes you. “Yeah, I was.”

“You finally coming back?”

“We’ll see.”

“It’d be nice to have you back here.”

You nod before walking ahead of the two.

“I knew you were BGA. I told you.”

“Shut up, Bernie.”

“No, your godfather owes me ten bucks.”

You whirl around to face the two. “You made a bet on me?”

He sees the look in your eyes and quickly back tracks, correcting himself. “No, we all knew you’ve been coming here but your alias was the question we’d all been asking.”

You start to walk away, not wanting to listen to them anymore. “You guys’ suck.”

“Not when I know I have ten bucks waiting for me.”

“Actually, that goes to me,” Pete corrects him.

“Dammit Mav.”

You shake your head and continue ditching the two as Bernie tries bargaining with the man.

“You realize your putting your career on the line right.”

“I could say the same thing to you.” You tell him, not looking up as you fiddle with the straps of your helmet.

“I’m serious,” he says, adding your name so you understand the seriousness of the situation.

“I fully understand what I’m about to do, Pete.”

“And you’re not afraid of missing your chance to come back? Even if Cyclone is your godfather, which would have been nice to know beforehand.”

You shrug, “you never asked.”

“I didn’t think I had to.”

“Hurry up, Pete. Or else I’ll take off without you.”

During this time, your dearest godfather is informing the students about Pete no longer being their instructor.

The monitor beeps, Beau turns around. “Who the hell is that?”

Another beeping sound comes from the monitor, further confusing the admiral.

“Maverick to range control. Entering point Alpha. Confirm green range.”

“Uh, Maverick, range control, uh, green range is confirmed. I don’t see an event scheduled for you, sir,” Range control tells him. “We’re already aware of your partner but your name is not on our schedule.”

“Well, I’m going anyway,” says Pete.

“It’s a beautiful day to be in the sky.”

“You say that every time, Angel.”

Natasha, Mickey, Rueben, and Bob push themselves to the edge of their seat at the sound of your call sign.

Jake uses his fist cover his mouth, hiding his smile.

“And I will continue to do so.”

“Nice,” Natasha mutters.

“Setting time to target: Two minutes 15 seconds.”

“2:15? That’s impossible,” Rueben says to himself.

“Final attack point. Maverick’s inbound.”

A hearty chuckle escapes you before you could stop it, getting the man to smile. “Let’s light ‘em up.” You maneuver yourself beside him, “if you can keep up.”

“I think it’s the other way around. I’ve been doing this a lot longer than you.”

“We’ll see.”

“Popping in three, two, one,” he says.

You follow his lead. You two try and wait until your target is locked but your’s isn’t quite there. “Gotta go in blind,” you mutter. “Do it, Mav.”

“Bombs away.”

Jake mutters to himself, “damn.”

“Bull’s-eye! Holy shit! Holy shit! Mav!” You pull up beside him, taking off your mask, showing him how pumped you are that you were able to do this. “Aw shit.”

“What?” He huffs.

“You know what.”

“Oh, that. We’ll be fine.”

“I will blame everything on you.”

“I see why you’re Angel now. You know just how to comfort someone.”

“Don’t make me kick your ass.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

Once you're on the ground, you head over towards the class, with Pete slowly walking beside you. “He won’t do anything. He now sees what the other old man saw in you,” you tell him.

“I don’t know.”

“No,” you shake your head. “Goddaughter knows best. Believe me.”

“I’ll believe when I walk out of here without being discharged.”

“You know why they call me Angel.”

He shakes his head.

“I tell prophecies and you being discharged is not one of them. Coming back to Penny is the one I see.”

He chuckles until it falls when he realizes how close he is to standing before his students.

You pause in the wide doorway when you hear you call sign being called by a voice you never wanted to hear again.

You slowly turn, face void of emotion as you stare at him.

“Look at you all dresses up. You really think you can come back, and everything will be fine?” He stares at you waiting for a response.

You blink once. “Are you done?”

That throws him off. “What?”

“Are you done because this whole douche persona is not working and honestly right now, you’re ruining the adrenaline high I have right now so if you could just go that’d be great.” You spin around, aiming to stand beside Pete.

“How’s that shoulder of yours?” He grabs the shoulder you fell on because of him and quickly spin around, grabbing his hand, twisting so he feels nothing but pain and cries out as if he’s afraid you’ll break it.

“This is getting pathetic. You have two choices, stop being a prick and harassing me.”

He groans. “What’s the second choice?”

“There’s a lot to think of but the first one would be ideal.” You barely move him, and he immediately agrees. “Good. Now, go away.”

He gets up, cradling his arm to his chest. “You deserved it!”

You shake your head at his idiotic and hot-headed behavior. “What was that?”

He’s gonna get what’s coming to him if he keeps going. “You should be lucky all I did was push you off that ladder. It was great without you here.”

You glance over Beau, “you get that.”

He nods and calls for the jerk and Pete to follow him to his office.

You’re then bombarded by people.

“I told you. I told you,” she repeats hugging you.

You smile, hugging her back. “Shut up.”

She pulls back, shaking her head. “How are you not shaking or get stuck in G-Lock?”

You don’t answer her.

“You- you’ve been practicing?!”

“Just because I wasn’t here doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have practiced and make sure I don’t lose my skills.”

Mickey and Reuben push past her, giving you side hugs and shoulder pats.

“You have balls,” the taller one of the two tells you.

A chuckle exits your nose, “thanks.”

“No, I mean it. You and Maverick did that with sixteen seconds to spare.”

“Sixteen?”

He nods.

“I was hoping for twenty,” you sigh. “Oh well.”

Bob moves forward aiming to give you a high five. “That was... something.”

“Thank you, Munchies.”

“That’s my nickname?”

“Yep.” For some reason you look over his shoulder and find Jake staring at you. You can the corners of your lips tugging upwards and the longer you look at him, the more you smile.

Bob glances over his shoulder, catching sight of the blond. He leans in, whispering in your ear, “go over and talk to him.”

You furrow your brows, “what are you-”

“Just trust me.” He walks away, neither of you take the first step that is, until Javy’s had enough and shoves him in your direction.

“So- uh,” Jake scratches the back of his neck.

“You intimidated?”

He scoffs, “yeah, right.”

“Seems like you can finally have that rematch,” you tell him, reminding him of your first day in class together.

“I can, can’t I? But I think that’ll have to wait until after I buy you a drink.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, plus I owe your sister a piggyback ride.”

You quietly groan to yourself. “You don’t have to, Jake. I know she asks everyone but you-”

“I want to.” He looks like he says he wants to say something else and is holding it back.

“Something on your mind.”

He chuckles through his nose. “I know why they call you Angel.”

“Oh, yeah? Why?”

“There’s this glow you have when you’re in the air and on the ground.”

“Is that a line you say to every pretty girl you see?”

“No- no,” he stutters, struggling to give you a proper response.

Warlock announces with everything that’s happened, it’s time for everyone to head to the locker rooms and rest until the mission.

You pat his arm before walking away and all he can do his stare at your back, wondering what you’ve done to make him struggle with talking to you.

Three weeks later... (after the mission)

You’re happy Penny lets you come in once a week for a shift, it’s good for you. Being at the hard deck gives you time to clear your head and keeps you occupied when you’re not at Top Gun.

Plus, your shift is usually right around the time when the crew comes by.

It’s been a few weeks since you’ve seen them and you guy’s plan on hanging out for most of the night since Delilah’s spending the night at her friends place for a sleepover.

A few of them stopped by at the beginning of your shift, you glance over at the pool tables, watching as Mickey and Billy play against one another while Neil and Rueben count their cash, clearly placing bets.

After a couple of hours, Natasha comes in and grabs a round before heading towards the back where the others are. She was the only to notice when Bagman came in and how he hadn’t left his chair to come over and sit by you as you chat with the others.

It’s been half an hour and she watches the way he’s staring at you, surprised that he hasn’t walked over to you yet. So far, she’s counted six lingering glances, two long sighs, and one-half drunken beer.

She can’t handle this anymore and heads over towards him. “If you’re trying to get back together with her, don’t break her heart.”

He spins to face Natasha. “What?”

She groans, taking a minute to think about her next course of action and jams her finger into his chest, “don’t act the same way you did before. You and I both know she deserves someone who’s...”

“Not me and not a douche, right?”

She sucks in a quick breath, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Although most of that is true and I’m not going to say what is and what isn’t. You- you've changed.”

He furrows his brows. “I have?”

“Yeah. When you’re around her, you act like a civil guy and not like Bagman.”

“I mean, I don’t-”

“Please shut up and just go walk over there. It’s pathetic.”

“Says the one who couldn’t keep her.”

She rolls her eyes, “you are not allowed to be near Bob anymore.”

“He was just being a good guy and answering my question.”

“She’s definitely got a hold on you, you’re saying Bob’s a good guy,” Natasha jokes.

“I’m not even gonna respond to that.” He pushes himself out of the chair. “Wish me luck, Princess Phoenix.”

She groans, shoving him in your direction. Once he’s at the steps just a few feet from you, she downs the rest of the beer he left behind.

Penny raises a brow.

“Add it to his tab.”

“Look who finally decided to show his face around here,” Javy jokes as his friend tries to make a move on you.

“Don’t you have a bet to lose, Coyote.”

His buddy only offers a sly smile. “Nope.”

“Yes, you do. Come on,” Natasha and Bob pull him away from you two.

You turn to him. “You know what that was about?”

Jake shrugs, “not a clue.” But he knows and knows that everyone else, but you know.

“How’s it feel?”

“How’s what feel?” He asks, giving you his full attention.

“Having two kills in your belt. You know, being a hero and all.”

He chuckles, suddenly feeling bashful. “I- uh- it’s- its fine.”

“Really? You’re not bragging about it like you’d been doing since you saved Rooster and Maverick. What’s with the sudden change?”

He shrugs because he can’t even tell what’s going on with him when he's around you anymore.

“Do you wanna go for a walk outside?”

He nods. Maybe fresh air is what he needs right now.

You two close the doors just as Bradley heads for the piano. “Are you sure you’re, okay?”

He rests his forearms on the railing. “Yeah. The more you ask, the more it sounds like you’re concerned about me, sweetheart.”

You roll your eyes, feeling a little happier now that he’s starting to act like his old self. “You wish, Seresin.”

“Maybe I do.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Huh?” His head slowly turns in your direction, barely moving up from his arms.

“What do you mean?”

The two of you don’t say anything for a few minutes and continue staring at one another, you try to figure out the meaning behind what he said, and he realizes that he’s been an idiot ever since you two broke up before you two were shipped off to different places.

You furrow your brows. “Are you trying to tell me that you like me because, I don’t know if you remember, but we tried this,” you point to the two of you. “Before and it didn’t work out.”

“I can’t help what I’m feeling and honestly even if I could, I wouldn’t want to.”

“Okay,” you gulp down all and any spit that’s built up in your mouth. “If you want to give this one more shot, I’m gonna need you to be a big boy and put on your big boy boxers.”

His head drops, he’s fighting the urge to smile but you take it as he can’t tell you what he feels.

You’re not gonna stand around and wait for him to tell you no so you this opportunity to walk away.

He grabs your wrist pulling you into him. “I am not letting you go again.” His other hand brushes away the strands of hair that come flying into your face as the wind picks up. “Do you hear me?”

You switch between his two eyes, seeing if he’s being serious or not.

“I think the first time I was too scared to let you in even though I already had, and I thought breaking up was better than us trying to make it work because I missed out on a lot of things,” his voice slowly becoming lower and lower towards the end.

You can’t fight the urge to hide your runny nose or your tears, but you could care less to wipe away the tears trickling down your cheeks and sniffle. “Yeah, you did.”

“I wasn’t there for you, and you needed me.”

“I didn’t need you-”

“That’s my fault, you’re right. You didn’t need me, but I think we both know it would have been easier if I was there to help. I mean, I wouldn’t have been much help, but I could have definitely taken Lilah out for ice cream after school or something.”

“Oh, yeah. Load her up either sugar. Grade A parenting, Jake.”

His lips tug upwards into his soft, boyish smile that he only reserves for you. “I want to be there for you. Anything and everything, all of it.”

“Ja-”

He shushes you. “Just kiss me, please?”

You roll your eyes, “I was going to say when did you become such a sappy guy, but you ruined it.”

He leans forward pressing his forehead against yours. His breath hitting your skin as a chuckle slips past his toothy grin. “You love it when I beg you.”

“I don’t know. My tastes have changed,” you shrug.

“Bullshit they have.”

“My, my. You’ve got quite the potty mouth on you-”

“Just shut up and kiss already.”

Your heads snap over at the door, seeing Natasha’s head sticking out of the doorway.

You groan, hiding your head into his chest.

“I swear if two don’t- no, let go- no-”

“She’s gonna take a five-minute break,” Bob tells you before closing the door.

“And you said, I ruined the mood.”

“Oh, shut up,” you giggle, enjoying the warmth emanating from him.

“You know you never told me, yes or no.”

“To what?”

“To me.”

You pull back, leaving enough space so when either one of you leans in, the other isn’t too far. “Oh, I didn’t.”

He narrows his eyes. “No, you didn’t, and you know that.”

“I guess you’re right.” You tilt your chin up, waiting to see his next move.

“Hey guys.”

“Why are you out here, Chicken?” Jake asks, keeping his gaze on you.

“Oh, you know, just enjoying the... scenery. Have either of you ever watched the way the moon just reflects off the water.”

Neither of you turn your heads.

“Because you should.”

You two do as he suggests, not realizing that he moves closer.

You turn back to look at Bradley with furrowed brows. “That wasn’t much different than other nights.”

He shrugs, “guess you’re right.”

Jake moves back to his previous position.

Before either of you two can understand what’s happening, you’re kissing Jake and you start chuckling when you hear the mustached man whine for the others to let him in.

“You find that funny, sweetheart.”

“Little bit.”

“Maybe I can do this to distract you.”

“Are you jealous?” You mumble against his lips.

He pulls back, resting his chin on top of your head, enjoying this moment. “As I’ve I’d ever be jealous of Chicken. He doesn’t have what I have.”

“And what’s that?”

“The best thing I could have asked for.”

You groan into his shoulder, trying to hold it together.

“What’s that sound for?”

You unwrap your arms from his waist to hold his cheeks. “Why are you so cute?”

“I’m not cute,” he pouts.

“Yes, you are.” A mischievous grin spreads across your lips. “You’re my cutie pie.”

He shakes his head, “no. Get off me.”

“You know I’m joking. Don’t be mean.”

“I’m not mean.”

“Well, you’re not being very good.”

“You’re lying. I’m good, I’m very good and we both know it.”

“You’re not making this moment any sweeter.”

“I’m making it so sweet; Baby on Board is gonna get his firs cavity.”

“Why are you still being so competitive? You’ve got me.”

“This is just something you’re gonna have to get used to, sweetheart.”

You let out a fake deep sigh, “guess I am.”

He grins, pecking your lips. “I win.”

“Moment ruined.” You shove him away from you only to be pulled back into his embrace.

“Not so fast.”

“Can you two tease each other later and come back in to play pool?” Natasha asks, pulling you away from Jake.

You glance back over your shoulder, giggling back at him.

He stands behind you as you wait for Mickey to take his shot. “You know what I realized,” he whispers in your ear.

“What?”

“You’re the future Mrs. Bagman.”

“What makes you think I’d be the one taking your callsign?”

“Sweetheart, do I seem like the type people would call angel?”

“Yes.” You spin around, placing a hand on his chest keeping yourself from losing your balance.

“Really? Who?”

“Me. You’re my little angel baby.”

The corner of is lips tugs upwards, you still remember your guys’ song, and the one that just so happens to be playing at this exact moment.

“And, we’d have to be engaged for that to happen but before that comes boyfriend and girlfriend.”

“Did that confession and kiss out there make you think I wanted to be your best friend or something?”

“You didn’t ask me.”

“Oh, sweetheart, there’s no one else I’m kissing tonight or any other night but you.”

You squint your eyes at him.

“I see the looks you’re giving me and I’m gonna confess another one of my truths to you,” he leans down, his lips a mere few centimeters from your ear, his breath hitting your skin causes goosebumps to rise on your skin. “When we were together officially and unofficially the first time, you were the only one I ever kissed.”

“I was?”

“Yep. It’s your turn.”

You don’t know how you one the game after hearing that but when you shot the last ball into the corner pocket and looked up, you realized how you did and you don’t hold back the smile that stretches your lips wide from corner to corner as you look at Jake, who walks towards you, a sense of pride in his eyes.

His hand cups your cheek as he pulls you in for a deep, long kiss, earning sounds whooping and hollering combined with the sounds of fake disgust.

Neither of you cared what was going on around you as you enjoyed the others embrace.

When he pulls away to catch his breath, you tell him, “guess I’m good too.”

He smirks, “finally, I get someone worthy enough to be called my competition.”

“Don’t get cheeky with me, Hangman.”

“Say it again.”

You peck his lips, “keep it in your pants, Jake. It’s your turn to play now,” you hold the pool cue out for him to take.

He shakes his head as he takes it, heading over towards the table Bradley is playing at.

“I can’t believe you’re with Bagman.”

You grin at her, taking a sip of Jake’s drink. “I know.”

“But I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you. You spot the brunette eyeing you in the corner by the jukebox?”

“No, thanks for the heads up. Don’t wait for me.”

“Oh, believe me. I know the way you work, and I won’t, Phoxy.”

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daughterofthereaper02 · 2 years

Note

How about the femreader is the daughter of Maverick and Iceman and the pilots takes good care of her when she’s sick. Maybe watch movies or eating snacks/food

A/n: I hope this makes sense 😅 I have a killer headache right now and really don't feel well. I need my comfort though. I'm also coming off my break, I missed writing! Content will be coming out slow though as a warning!

WARNING: Iceman is NOT sick, he is perfectly healthy. In fanfiction our characters only ever get to be healthy and happy unless used for angst.

Everyone knew something was wrong when you had called out of work with a note from the base doctors. You usually pushed through everything, you even tried to fly still with broken ribs and a concussion. Your fathers didn't even know you had called out until you didn't show up for training and they were notified.

Your fathers were both distant and distracted that day, reaching out to you. You were extremely sick at the moment, barely able to get out of bed. Rooster, Hangman, and Phoenix were constantly asking for any information as those three were your closest friends.

As soon as everyone got out of work, Maverick and Iceman noticed the three piling into Roosters Bronco and they shared a look. They were like little puppies for you.

Maverick texted Hangman as Iceman drove them to the pharmacy. Normally he would text Rooster this but he was driving them.

Hangman, can you guys run to Walmart and get some stuff for Y/n? We're getting her medicine that she asked for. Figured you guys could get her some stuff to cheer her up.

Sure, Pops. We'll meet you at her place. You two need anything as well?

No, thank you. We'll be alright, just get for Sparky.

Twenty minutes later, you were opening your front door after hearing a knock. You stood there in pajamas and wrapped in a blanket, looking at both your fathers and your three best friends. "What are you guys doing here?" You asked, your voice weak and hoarse.

All of them could feel their hearts constrict at a usually strong woman stood before them looking and sounding fragile. "Well, Papa and I were bringing you medicine to help our daughter feel better. When we tried, her three puppies- Ow! Tom! Quit it! Sorry, her best friends tagged along. They have goodies too" Maverick grinned at you, rubbing his arm that his husband hit very forcefully.

You smiled before turning and coughing into your arm, they could tell it hurt you. Your parents ushered you into your kitchen while Jake, Nat, and Bradley set your living room up to hold everyone.

As they did that, your dad's babied you. Maverick was getting you the right medicine to give you and checking you for a fever, Iceman was making you your favorite soup.

It made your heart ache to remember how they used to take care of you like this as a child. When one of your dads were deployed, the other freaked out trying to figure out how to care for you. It made you chuckle and Tom turned to you, "Something funny pumpkin?" He asked. "Just remembering you both taking care of me when I was little. This means a lot to me" you said, you voice laced with exhaustion. Pete kissed your temple, "Always sweetheart." He told you before whispering, "You scared us all. Especially those three" he said in your ear.

You looked over to see the living room set up with pillows and blankets. There was one sofa open for your parents and the other for three of you and a spot on the floor for another.

It was a little while later that you were laying on the couch with you feet in Jake's lap and your head in Nats while she ran her fingers through your hair. You had a hand in Bradley's hair, combing through his hair as you fell asleep because of the medicine.

You were watching a favorite movie for you all, you dad's off to the side so they could help you were you needed. You were still running a high fever but you needed parental and friendly love today.

This would be a memory you didn't forget for a while as everyone helped you get better. Luckily, no one got sick after.

@peaches-and-sunshine

@natasharomanoffisbaebby

@sweetheartlizzie07

@lollypop90907

@the-hottest-lieutenants

@jamiedontbeacracko

@fandomstanner24

@casperlikej

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gryffindormarveltwilight · 8 months

Text

All We Need - Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader - Part 3

A/N: Here is Part 3 to the Jake x reader series, sorry for the delay! Also thank you everyone who has commented and reblogged the last few parts! as always any feedback or requests are always welcomed! x

Masterlist

Pairings: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x fem!pilot!benjamin Reader

Warnings: Mentions of Death, Angst, Fluff, Naval Inaccuracies

‘Uncle Ice, what are you doing here shouldnt you be with Sarah and Daisy.’

‘We are heading to the zoo later but i thought I would check in on you first after all it is your first time back in the air.’

‘You didn’t have to Ice, Jake and I are coming over after work to pick Daisy up.’

‘Doesnt mean i cannot come check on you plus i needed to make sure Mav hasn’t been fired yet.’ I let out a loud laugh which makes Ice smile, I always thought growing up dad’s were the most protective person when it comes to there daughters but however thought that has never been the only girl born into an aviator family. Ice, Slider, all of the ‘86 team all had sons except my parents so naturally I was the daughter of the group none more protective over me than Ice though, all my training graduations, the first time i ejected due to a birdstrike every achievement in my career Ice was the first one there, it was a running joke that I was secretly his daughter.

‘Thank you Uncle Ice, but i did well up in the air and managed to shoot them both down.’ That made him smile mumbling ‘thats my girl’ under his breathe.

‘And how about the other thing.’

‘I know in my head that Loki’s death wasn’t my fault but i can’t help blame myself.’

‘Have you spoken to Jake about it.’ I shake my head to which Ice gives me a seriously look.

‘He has enough on his plate with this mission and Daisy, I cannot be another distraction. I need to focus on making sure everyone in that room comes back alive.’

‘And that you come back alive Y/N.’

‘Ice….’

‘And that you come back as well.’ He said in a stern father like tone.

‘I will try Ice but if it comes down to me or a member of that squad as team leader i know the choice I have to make.’

‘Y/N….’ I hear behind me turning to see Phoenix and Bob holding their helmets.

‘Phe, Bob how much did you hear?’

‘Only the stiff about the mission and you making the choices to protect the team.’ Bob replies quickly. I nod and they walk past mumble a quick Sir as they pass Ice.

‘I think you should go check in on Mav, he just went up against Rooster .’ He nods and turns away

‘This conversation is far from over but some advice about Loki, talk to Jake you may think you would distract him but if he senses something is wrong with you that will distract him more.’ And with that Iceman walked off to find Mav, i took of running down the hall to where Phoenix and Bob were standing.

‘Hey, can you guys not mention what you heard to anyone especially Hangman.’

‘Athena, is what you said true that you not expecting someone to walk away from this.’

‘Yeah, its true, but it is also true what i said, I am doing everything in my power to train you guys to come home and on the mission I will do everything in my power to make sure everyone comes home.’

‘Including you, we can’t lose you Athena,’ Bob mumbles and i pull him into a hug which Phoenix soon joins

‘I will try for you guys okay. Now whose up in the air?’ And we headed off towards the rec room both of them throwing the occasional glance at me.

After going up in the sky a few more times against various pilots and remaining undefeated it was Mavs turn to go again this time against Hangman and Rooster, listening in on the radio I could hear snide comments from Jake’s Hangman persona as i like to call it before listening to Mav and Rooster fighting in a cobra formation, I look at Phoenix who looks mad and concerned when we hear Rooster get caught by mav and sent back to base.

‘Phe can i talk to him first.’ She nodded knowing I may be the only one Rooster will actually talk to. I run down toward the tarmac where he is getting out of his plane.

‘What the hell Bradley!’ I yell and shove his chest

‘It is none of your business Y/N.’

‘The hell it is not this is my team remember and on top of that I just had to listen to my brother and uncle get in a near deathly formation both to damn stubborn to pull up!’ I continue to yell at him and before i could stop what I was saying I yelled toward him

‘Mav didnt pull your papers because he thought you werent ready!’ Bradly stops in his tracks and turns to face me anger across his face.

‘What do you know Athena.’

‘Bradley listen…’

‘TELL ME!’

‘Your Mum asked Mav to pull your papers before she passed, she was scared for you to be an aviator after what happened to Goose.’

‘She what..’

‘I was there when she asked Mav, and she begged me not to tell you so I didn’t’

‘Yeah well you should’ve told me!’ I look down,

‘I know but I was 12 years old Bradley and terrified, what did you want me to do?’

‘Tell me Y/N you were my sister! I can’t talk to you right now.’ I stood frozen as he walked away from my Phoenix looking at me confused before taking off toward rooster. Mav came running over to me followed by Jake I hadn’t even noticed tears welling in my eyes for the second time that day.

‘Athena,,,,,Y/N?’

‘I told him Uncle Mav.’ I said in a small voice before Mav pulled me into a tight hug he was speaking to Jake behind him but I couldn’t make out what was being said before I knew it I was out of Mavs arms and into Jakes who gave me a tight squeeze before leading me toward the locker rooms to grab our kit.

‘Jake, I am sorry i kept that i was an Ace and got a promotion from you.’

‘I know and its okay but Y/N what is going on with you, up in the air you are cool calm and collected like always but the moment you are on the ground something just changes I haven’t seen you like this since we learnt Ice was sick.’

‘The mission I got recalled from, it was a tough one, and rattled me a bit, i just need to get my focus right then i will be fine.’

‘Y/N, lets say i believe you, you know you can tell me anything. Want to start by what happened between you and rooster.’

‘I told him why Mav really pulled his papers and that it only happened because his Mum asked.’

‘How did you know?’

‘I overheard the conversation when I was 12 years old.’

‘And you never?’

‘I have never told anyone until today.’ Jake nods.

‘He won’t be mad forever, he just needs to process it.’

‘Can we got get Daisy, Mav has dismissed everyone, I need to see her after today and make up for leaving this morning.’ Jake smiles and nods. As we start walking to our cars I head towards mine before Jake picks me up over his shoulder taking me towards his, causing me to genuinely laugh which in turn made Jake smile.

After a short drive where Jake was updating me on what had been happening while i was gone we finally pulled into the driveway next to Ices car, before Jake can even put it in park I jump out of the car and run toward where i see Ice, Sarah and Daisy, Daisy sees me and starts running as she jumped into my arms. Ice and Sarah smile at the sight before Jake walks up and wraps his arms around both of us.

‘Don’t the look so happy Tom.’

‘If only they would open their eyes and see it.’

After an hour we left Ice an Sarah’s we headed home. As we walked through the door I had Daisy in my arms and Jake was holding pizza and ice-cream, we headed into the lounge room where Jake put on ‘Beauty and the Beast’ knowing it was mine and Daisy favourite disney movie, as the movie went on we finished the pizza and ice cream we moved onto the couch Jakes arm wrapped around me, me curling into his side and Daisy in the middle of us. My thoughts drifted between the movie and the mission before thoughts of how at peace i was in this very moment started to drift in making me smile. What I hadn’t realised was my shirt had slowly crept up the red scar that was slowly fading on my side catching Jakes attention making him crease his brows before he pressed a kiss to my forehead. As the movie ended i moved to grab the rubbish from dinner as Jake scooped up daisy moving her to her room.

I checked my phone seeing some messages from the squad saying they all decided to skip the Hard Deck tonight which i was grateful for. I grabbed a beer from the fridge before heading to the back deck on the swing chair Jake had installed. Too lost in my own thoughts i barely heard Jake come back out before i felt him sit on the chair and hesitantly wrap his arm around me. I felt a few tears escape my eyes.

‘I lost my wingman.’ Jake straightened up tightening his grip around me. ‘Loki and I were on a routine mission when we were intercepted by three hostiles, it was a dog fight the whole way back to the carrier, I managed to take out two but before i could take out the third which Loki was going up against he was shot down, he never even had time to pull the ejection handles. I disobeyed orders to get out of there to go back and get the third jet and i did it made me an Ace and somehow disobeying the orders earned me a promotion.’ I took a breath holding in tears. ‘I shot down the enemy but not before they got off a few good shots my plane was so damaged I am honestly not sure how it was still flying enough to take down the last one. As i hit the other plane they hit me, i was forced to eject and caught shrapnel of the plane in my side. The rescue team was quick to find me but i spent just over a month in a base hospital recovering, it was touch and go for a while.’

‘Why wasn’t i told you were in the hospital.’ Jake asked with tears in his eyes.

‘I asked everyone not to tell you, the only people who know are Cyclone, Dad, Ice and Mav. And Mav and Cyclone only know cause today was my first day back in the air.’

‘I wish you had told me I could have helped.’

‘I wasn’t going to tell you Jake, we need to be focused on this mission, i didnt want you to be worried and distracted by me.’

He didnt respond straight away instead moving to kneel infront of me. ‘I worry about you everytime you go up in the sky as for a distraction I was more distracted when I knew something was wrong but didn’t know how to help.’

I let out a small laugh which caused jake to look at me confused. ‘Ice said the same thing.’ He also laughed before moving back to his spot beside me. After a while i drifted off to sleep felling Jake pick me up and walk me towards the bed rooms. As he put me down on my bed he went to leave, before he could get far i grabbed his hand and asked him to stay, he slid into the bed beside me. Before either of us could fully get to sleep we felt a little body snuggle between us and mumble a few words which made me a Jake open our eyes wide and look at each other.

‘Love you Daddy, Love you Momma.’ Neither of us said anything just gave Daisy a quick kiss on the head before going to sleep.

The next morning, neither of us mentioned anything and Daisy had gone back to calling me Aunt Thena, there was a slight pang in my heart but I also reminded myself I wasn’t her mother despite being the closest thing she had to one, i missed the sadness on Jakes face every time she called me Aunt again, Jake secretly wishing she was my daughter. As the morning went on Sarah picked up Daisy and Jake and I headed to work. We had been there a few hours Jake in the air with Coyote and Mav myself and the other squad member listening in the rec room when I heard my name being shouted out i turned towards the door seeing a concerned Ice holding a crying Daisy in his arms. I shoot out of my chair and run over to them.

‘Ice whats…’

‘MOMMA!’ Daisy screams and tries to launch out of Ices arms and into mine, I could feel the stares of the squad members as I took daisy into my arms looking at Ice for an explanation. I turn Rooster had followed me to Ice, he had apologised for his outburst yesterday as had I for keeping the secret, Roosters face had confusion and concern written all over it.

‘Rooster, I need you to get Hangman back on the ground.’

‘HANGMAN! What Athena, what the hell.’

‘NOW ROOSTER!’ Without any argument he ran to the control tower as myself and Ice headed to the tarmac Jakes plane landing minutes later.

‘Athena what the hell why did you….’ His sentence cut off seeing me holding Daisy in my arms flanked by Ice. He dropped his helmet and sprinted over to me and tried to take Daisy out of my arms. ‘No I want Momma.’ Jake and i looked confused this was the 3rd time in 24 hours that she had called me that, sure shes called me it before but never this frequently. Ice gave myself and Daisy a quick kiss on the forehead and Jake a pat on the shoulder before saying he would meet us in the rec room. Coyote jumped out of his plane seeing myself, jake and daisy before running over to us concern written on his face.

Back in the hanger all the daggers had come to see what was going on looking very confused about the scene in front of them. Before Fanboy broke the silence.

‘HANGMAN HAS A KID!’

Taglist:

@dory-98 @djs8891 @brooke-stinson

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