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writing-and-wondering · 2 years

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You’re a Wonder

Part 2

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Rooster x Kazansky!Reader

Warnings: Swearing, Blood, Near death experience, PTSD, Mentions of death, Descriptions of burns, Flashbacks in italics

Request: Nah

Word Count: 7.7k (how I managed this exact number again I have no idea.)

Synopsis: Training continues for the Uranium Mission, but Y/n “Wonder” Kazansky still has to face the past before truly becoming apart of the team that is being built for this so called “Miracle Mission”.

A/N: Oh my gosh! The love and support for the first part was absolutely overwhelming and so so appreciated! Thank you all so much, I love the love! I hope you enjoy the next part! <3

Your brain feels like it’s going a mile a minute as Maverick explains the events of the mission. As you watch the screen displaying the movements you’ll need to pull off, you feel your first bit of doubt creep in since coming back to Top Gun.

You're drawn from your thoughts as you hear Hangman’s voice, “You see, you fly like Maverick here, or you don’t come home.” You’re confused for a moment but then notice he’s speaking to Rooster, and you sit up a little straighter in your seat.

“It’s no time to be thinking of the past.” Hangman says as he turns back to face the front. You watch as Rooster leans forward, his fists clenching, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Shit, you think as you see Hangman grin, “I can’t be the only one here who knows that Maverick flew with Bradshaw’s old man-”

“That’s enough.” Maverick tells him but Hangman ignores it, “Or that Maverick was flying with his old man when-”

Rooster is up out of his seat in a split second and shoving Hangman, the sudden action bringing all of you in the room to your feet. You rush forward and grab onto Rooster’s arm, holding him back with the others.

“You son of a bitch!” Rooster yells at Hangman, his face nothing but pure fury. His body shakes against the holds of those around him. You exchange a worried glance with Phoenix, who has her hands on his shoulders.

“That’s enough!” Maverick shouts over the commotion, placing himself in between the two lieutenants, “Stop!”

You look over as Hangman shrugs off those who were holding him back, a smile on his face, “I’m cool, I’m cool.” He steps away from the others and towards Rooster, who is still fuming, “He’s not cut out for this mission.”

Hangman glances towards Maverick, wearing a smug grin, “You know I’m right.” He then takes another step forward until he’s right in Rooster’s face before turning to leave the room.

“You’re all dismissed.” Maverick’s voice is loud and stern as he speaks, leaving the room filled with a stunned silence. There’s an exchange of glances between the pilots before they begin to file out.

Rooster stays where he is, his breathing heavy. You’re still holding onto him, your hand over his chest, and you can feel how fast his heart is beating. You look at him, giving his arm a squeeze, “You okay?” You ask.

He doesn’t look at you as he shrugs you off, “Yeah. Fine.” Then he’s storming out of the room, leaving you with Maverick.

You look over to him and see that he’s staring at the ground, his hand rubbing at his eyes. Walking over to him, you place a gentle hand on his arm, “Are you okay?”

He lifts his head and once he meets your eyes you can see how unfocused they are. There isn’t a part of you that doubts he’s reliving the past right now. Your chest constricts, Hangman crossed a line mentioning Goose.

“Mav.” You say, your voice snapping him out of his daze. He fully looks at you now and forces a smile, his hand coming up to yours. Giving it a tight squeeze, he nods, “Yeah. Yeah I’m fine.”

You nod too, but you’re unconvinced. He takes a deep breath, “I think we all just need some rest.”

You sigh, holding Maverick’s hand tightly before leaving the room to allow the older man some space. As soon as you’re out in the hallway, you fall back against the wall, your palms digging into your eyes.

The mission has barely started and all of you are already so on edge, even to the point of fighting. So much for being a team, you think.

The next day starts off with grueling training that leaves you all exhausted. Come time for a break, you’ve never been so excited to leave your jet and head to the cramped room they have for all the lieutenants.

Upon walking in, you find everyone sprawled all over the room. Some were asleep, some eating, some just staring off into space. You shake your head and chuckle to yourself a bit as you walk over and flop down on the couch next to Rooster. Your head lands in his lap as you hang your legs over the arm of the couch, your eyes closed.

He peers down at you and grins, pushing a stray hair off your forehead as he speaks, “These early mornings still rough on you, Wonder?”

You don’t even open your eyes as you lift your hand and flip him the bird.

“Aw, you two are so cute.” Hangman’s voice cuts you from your much needed silence. You groan and just opt for rotating your hand towards him instead of speaking. Feeling Rooster shift under you, you open one eye and see him sending Hangman the same message.

Hangman just laughs, “And you guys are already in sync! Do tell me when the wedding will be.”

“As if you’d be invited.” You mutter, shifting to get more comfortable.

You can tell Hangman has that stupid grin on his face by the way he speaks, “Eh, I’ll find a way.” You open your eyes and glare at him but all he does is smile before turning away.

You suppress a sigh as you wrap your arms around yourself and stare at the ceiling. Your eyes drift over to Rooster, who is looking down at you.

“Whatcha thinking?” You ask, a yawn finding its way out of you. Rooster just shrugs, “About the mission.”

“What about it?”

He’s quiet for a moment before answering, “Is it even possible?”

His question grabs the attentions of others around him, they’re heads turning in to join the conversation. Rooster notices and continues, “I mean, none of us have successfully made it through yet.”

You frown, “We still have time. It’s only been a couple days.”

Rooster just sighs, his hand rubbing across his forehead.

“We’ll get there. We have to.” Phoenix says from where she sits at the bar table with Bob, who nods along with her words.

“But what if we don’t?” Rooster starts, his stress radiating off of him, “What if something goes wrong? What if-”

“Those ‘what if’s’ are going to do nothing but derail your focus, Bradshaw.” Hangman interrupts him, his arms crossed.

You sit up, leaning your forearms on your knees as you address the blonde, “Don’t act like you aren’t thinking them too. As if we all aren’t thinking those same questions every day.”

Hangman leans back in his seat, shaking his head.

“Wow, the optimism in this room is astounding.” Phoenix states bluntly.

Bob chuckles sarcastically, “Yeah, we’re all just full of sunshine and positivity today.”

The room grows silent after that. You find yourself playing with a loose thread on the couch, your thoughts all over the place. The sound of the ticking clock is the only sign that time is actually still moving.

Suddenly, the door to the room opens and everyone gets to their feet as Maverick walks in. He holds his hand up, “No need for that. You’re all fine.” He tells everyone.

You move to sit back down but find Maverick’s eyes on you, his hands folded tightly in front of him.

“Wonder? Can I talk to you?” He asks, motioning towards the hallway. His request catches you off guard and suddenly your brain is going through everything you’ve done wrong as if you’re a child about to be scolded by their parent.

“Yeah. Sure.” You say before heading out into the hallway, trying to ignore the feeling of eyes on your back. Maverick closes the door as he exits after you. Looking at him, you cross your arms, “What’s up?”

His eyebrows draw together as he faces you, “I went and saw Ice.” It’s only five words but they hit you like a goddamn truck. You feel your chest tighten and lean your side against the wall, “Oh...”

“Have you seen him recently?” He asks you, his voice quiet and cautious as if he’s speaking to a scared dog he found on the street.

You shake your head, “No. I came here directly from my last post... Haven’t really found the time to.”

Maverick mirrors your position, “Wonder...”

“How is he?” You ask quickly, your voice coming out louder and more urgent than you meant it to. Maverick’s expression softens as a frown pulls down on his face, “He... He’s as best as he can be.”

You nod, your eyes drifting down to your shoes as your throat tightens. You blink rapidly, your vision blurring ever so slightly.

“He uh, he talked about you.” Maverick says quietly, “About how proud he is... and how he misses you.” Hot tears fill your eyes and you try to will them away. Despite how much you love Maverick, you really didn’t want to cry in front of him. Especially not now.

You wrap your arms tighter around yourself as you try to steady your breathing.

“Why don’t you go see him?” Maverick suggests.

You shake your head, “I can’t.”

“How come?”

You sniff and look up at him, “I just need to focus on the mission, okay?”

“You have time to go see him-” Maverick starts but you cut him off, “No.” Tears fall from your eyes as you speak, despite your efforts. You let out a deep breath as Maverick reaches over and gives your arm a comforting squeeze.

He opens his mouth to speak but then you watch as his eyes drift off to the side. You follow his gaze to the window leading into the room full of the others. You catch all of their heads collectively snapping back to what they were doing, as if they weren’t just staring at you through the blinds.

You turn away and chuckle dryly, “Nosey sons of bitches.” You mutter, mainly to yourself.

“Here,” Maverick says as he pulls you down the hallway a bit, out of view from the peering eyes. He places you in front of him, both his hands on your arms, “Talk to me, Wonder.”

You angrily wipe your tears away, taking in a shaking breath, “I just... I know that if I go now-” You turn away, your face a twisted mess of emotions as you try to compose yourself enough to speak.

Maverick’s hold drops from your arms in favor of taking your hands in his own. He holds them tightly, giving you all the time to talk to him. You shake your head again as you think of what to say, a headache already forming from how you’re crying.

You finally take a deep, shaking breath as you build up the courage to speak, “I... If I go now... If I go see him... I won’t be able to leave. I don’t think I’ll be able to leave him-” A sob bubbles up out of your throat and cuts you off.

Maverick doesn’t hesitate in pulling you towards him, wrapping you up in a tight hug. You cling to him as your body shakes.

“Hey... Hey, it’s okay. You’re okay.” Maverick says to you, his hand reaching up to hold your head against his shoulder. You grip onto the back of his shirt, the fabric balling up in your fists, “I can’t lose him-” You cry, your breaths coming out uneven as the tears fall.

He just holds you impossibly tighter, “It’ll be okay... I promise.”

Pulling back just enough to look at you, Maverick places his hands on either sides of your face. He thumbs away your tears as he talks to you, “Whatever happens, just know that I will be here. Always.”

You nod, reaching up to hold onto his wrists. In all of the time you’ve known Maverick, he has never once let you down.

“And Y/n?” He asks, bringing you to look at him, “Go see him. Please. Things are unpredictable and... well, if things come to worst, there's a chance one of you may not be here after this mission.”

Your stomach sinks and you feel sick. Not once had you thought about that before. Everything in your mind had always been focused on your dad, but never on you. Never on what could happen to you.

Breathing in deeply and steadily, you nod, “Okay... okay, I will. I’ll go see him.”

Maverick smiles at you, “You’ve got this kid.”

You smile a little before bringing him into another hug, “Thanks, Mav.” As you pull back you shake out your hands and wipe at your eyes, “Does it look like I’ve been crying?” You ask, sniffing a bit.

Maverick stares at you for a moment before shaking his head, “Nope, but if the others question it just blame it on your hatred for mornings and lack of sleep.”

You gape at him, “Damn, does everyone know about that?”

“I mean, you do complain about it a lot.” Maverick says with a shrug. You push at his shoulder, “Oh, shush.”

You smile at each other before you turn on your heel and head back towards the others. You pause for a moment as you reach the door before grabbing the handle and turning it. As you walk in, you’re pleased to find that everyone is involved in their own little conversations.

You practically fall back down next to Rooster, resting your head on the back of the couch. Rooster nudges your shoulder, “What was that about?”

Lifting your head, you shrug, “Uh, he just wanted to go over some stuff with me.”

Rooster is silent for a moment before leaning in closer to you, “Are you okay?” He asks, his voice quiet but still dripping in concern. You look back at him, actively aware of just how close he is, “Y-yeah. Just tired.”

You try to offer him a smile to ease his worry but you can tell that he doesn’t buy your answer. But in true Rooster fashion, he doesn’t push it. Instead, he takes a hold of your hand and grips it tightly as he leans back on the couch.

You let out a breath, so entirely grateful for him because right now, that’s all you really needed. You squeeze his hand back, hoping that he knows just how much you appreciate him.

After break, Maverick announces that he’s scheduled to have you all taken out to sea for some extensive training. A good part of the mission will be over and around water, which is what he’s informing everyone about as you’re being shipped out.

Once on the aircraft carrier and in the briefing room, Maverick is explaining how each pilot will go up in the air twice today in two separate teams. As you won’t know until the day before the mission who you’ll be flying with, it will be good practice to get accustomed to working with different wingmen.

You shift in your seat as Maverick announces that the first team to go up will be Hangman with Phoenix and Bob. You give Phoenix a fist bump as she walks past you, shooting you a look that makes you grin a bit.

After their turn comes yours with Payback and Fanboy. The first part of the practice session goes fine, but the second part is derailed by nerves and poor communication.

Frustrated, the three of you return to the tarmac after being shot down by Maverick. As the day goes on and more teams go up in the air, it feels as though there’s just one failure after another. By the time the sun is setting, morale is lower than you’ve ever seen it since coming back to Top Gun.

Maverick looks over the sea of lieutenants, a chart in his hands. He studies it for a moment before facing everyone with a stare.

“Frustration over failure is natural. You’re doing things that you’ve never done before and you’re prone to mess up. Don’t be so hard on yourselves.” The way he speaks you can tell that he himself has been told the very same thing before.

“Alright, to finish up the day, let’s have Wonder and Rooster.” As you’re standing to head out, Maverick stops the two of you, “Use your frustration. You’ve got this, now go.”

You nod at him, and feel a little bit of surprise as Rooster does too. After getting suited up, the two of you walk together to your jets.

“You really think we can do this?” Rooster asks. You stare at him for a moment before shrugging, “Only one way to find out.”

That earns a smile out of him and you pat his arm as you pass him. Getting seated into your jet, you notice a slight tremor to your hands as you get everything situated.

“Get it together, Y/n.” You mutter to yourself, “This isn’t even the real thing yet.”

From what you can tell, you and Rooster are doing the best together out of everyone so far. Or at least, you’ve lasted the longest. Despite you’re never ending competitiveness, you two never failed to work well together as a team.

At one point, your eye drifts over to the horizon and you can see the sun going to rest. It leaves a warm glow across everything and it fills you with determination.

“Do you see him Rooster?” You ask, flying right behind him as you scan the water below for Maverick.

“Nope, where the hell did he go?” Rooster responds, annoyance evident in his voice. Just as you’re about to suggest something, Maverick spins out from between you two and lands right in front of Rooster.

“What the-” You start as you reposition yourself behind your wingman. Once straight again, you see Rooster engage and follow behind Maverick, who is moving in such a way that you know leaves Rooster unable to take his shot.

The charade goes on for a moment longer before you fly in close behind Rooster, all your frustration from the day coming out, “Jesus, if you can’t take the shot then let me do it!” You yell through the comms, your hands gripping the yoke so tightly you feel your fingers go numb.

“I can take it!” Rooster shouts, still on Maverick’s tail.

You groan, “We’re running out of time, Rooster. Move it or lose it!” You get no response, which only adds to your annoyance, “Rooster-”

But you’re cut off as Maverick suddenly pulls back and flies above Rooster.

This fucking guy, you think as you watch him invert and go off to the side.

“Not this time, old man!” Rooster yells just as he pulls to the right in a rapid pursuit of Maverick. You make to follow him but then you’re flung sideways, all sorts of alarms lighting up your dashboard.

“Shit!” You yell as you try to regain control of your jet. Your stomach sinks as you feel your engine stall just as more alerts light up in front of you like a goddamn Christmas tree.

“What- what happened?” Maverick shouts over the alarms practically drilling into your head. You feel your body get pressed back against your seat as you lose control, the pressure catching your breath in your throat.

“I got caught in a jet wash!” You strain, your hands moving frantically as you try to get your engine back. Your eyes flick to one alert that starts screaming and you’re certain your heart skips a beat, “Dual engine flameout! I-” Your words are cut off as you yell out, your jet jerking into a flat spin.

Rooster’s panicked voice comes across to you, “Wonder, what’s going on?”

“I’m in a flat spin- I can’t control it!” You yell, your brain working overtime as you press button after button, your other hand gripping the lever so hard you lose feeling in it.

Your eyes widen as you watch the ocean grow closer, “I don’t- I can’t control it! I’m losing altitude!” You try to keep your voice steady but the way the jet is moving out of your control disorients you.

“Wonder, you have to pull down-” Maverick is yelling instructions at you, but you can barely hear them over the sounds of the alarms and the ringing in your ears.

You try to breathe, the pressure feeling as though it’s crushing your chest, “I can’t recover! I’m going down, I can’t-”

“Eject, Wonder! Eject!” Maverick yells to you, his voice flooded with panic. You move to grab the ejection handles but find yourself pinned, your hands seemingly frozen in the air.

Fear shoots through you, “I can’t move! Mav, I’m pinned!” You shout, your voice strained. All you can see is a blurred picture of the ocean and the setting sun as you fall helplessly.

“Wonder, eject!” Rooster is screaming to you. Your ears ring so loudly that you’re sure you’re about to pass out, but his voice brings you back just enough to focus. You know you’re barely at a good enough altitude to eject but you’d be damned if you didn’t try.

With a yell, you use everything left in you to just move. You can barely feel your hands grab onto the ejection handles before you're pulling on them. You’re shot out of the jet and watch as it crashes into the ocean a moment later. You barely have time to breathe as you feel yourself get thrown to the side once more.

Your head snaps up as you watch your parachute fold in on itself, sending you into a free fall towards the ocean. The impact against the water feels as though someone just threw you onto concrete. You open your mouth to scream but all that does is allow the unforgiving water access to your lungs.

You feel yourself being pulled deeper underwater and scramble to detach yourself from the parachute. Your chest burns as if it's on fire as you swim desperately towards the surface, your vision darkening around the edges.

Just as you think you won’t make it, your head breaks the surface and you take a gulp of air before coughs rattle through you. You grip onto the built in life preserver on your suit, your entire body shaking. For the first time since you lost control, you take in a full breath, tears burning your eyes.

You glance over and see what’s left of your jet sinking into the water. You could laugh at the sight, the fear bringing about a certain deliriousness. But God, does your body hurt. It feels as though your head is screaming at you as you reach up and take your helmet off.

You almost bite through your lip to keep from yelling out as your hand brushes against your forehead. Bringing it back down to you, you stare at it for a moment as you watch it drip with crimson.

Well that’s not good, you think as you let your hand drop to the water. It looks as if its falling in slow motion, just as your vision goes dark.

“Wonder, eject!” Rooster screams at you, almost pleading as he watches your jet fall. All he can think is please please please, just eject! There’s a sort of relief that shoots through him as he finally sees your parachute emerge from your falling plane.

That relief is gone almost as soon as it came when he watches the parachute malfunction and send you full force into the water. “No!” He yells, bringing his jet around as he frantically scans the water, his heart racing.

“Shit, do you see her. Maverick, can you see her?” Rooster asks, all sorts of thoughts of terrible ‘what if’ s coursing through his head.

Maverick’s voice returns to him, the shake in it evident, “No. No, I can’t see anything.” Rooster looks over as the older man brings his jet up next to him.

From where he is, Rooster can just barely make out the pain etched into his face, “We gotta- we have to go down to her. We have to-” Rooster starts desperately but Maverick shakes his head, “Rooster, there’s nothing we can do. They’re sending a rescue team-”

“We can’t just leave her!” Rooster shouts, tears blurring his vision as he stares at the other.

Maverick just looks away and lets his head fall, “We have to. There’s nothing we can do...” Though his voice is quiet, Rooster doesn’t miss the way it breaks.

His head falling back, Rooster lets out a shaking breath. He knows Maverick is right but God... he can’t leave you.

Pulling on the yoke far more aggressively than he needed to, Rooster flies back to the aircraft carrier, his entire body trembling. Your screams of distress still circling in his mind.

Upon landing on the tarmac, he sees the others run out, and his chest constricts. His canopy opens and his legs feel like jelly as he gets out, his helmet dangling limply in his hands.

Rooster practically collapses into Phoenix’s arms as she holds onto him tightly. As he leans against her, he can feel the way that she too is shaking, “She’s okay... she has to be okay.” Phoenix is telling him over and over again.

Rooster is still blank, his mind in disbelief of what just happened. He can feel the tear streams on his face but doesn’t bother to wipe them away. As Phoenix pulls back, Rooster glances over and sees Maverick standing beside his own jet, his eyes unfocused.

Without a word to the others, Rooster walks over to the man. As he gets closer, Rooster can see the way Maverick’s eyes are darting back and forth while staring at the ground.

“Maverick?” Rooster asks hesitantly. The sound of his voice brings the captain to look at him, tears in his eyes. Maverick takes one step towards him before falling to his knees.

“Woah, woah. Hey, hey, it’s okay.” Rooster says as he grabs onto Maverick’s arms, “Mav? You with me?” His voice comes out small and scared as if he were a child again.

Maverick just shakes his head, “It can’t happen again...” He whispers.

Rooster’s hold tightens on his arms, “What? Mav, what do you mean?”

“I’m sorry...” Maverick’s voice is barely audible as he lets his head fall into his hands, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Goose.”

He says it so quietly that Rooster is sure he imagines it. But as Maverick repeats it, his heart just completely breaks. He can do nothing but just hold on tightly to the other man, his mind going blank on what to do, having never seen Maverick like this.

The sound of a helicopter breaks his focus away from the other, his head lifting up as he watches it land on the tarmac. Rooster is on his feet in an instant, his eyes darting around wildly as he watches the doors open. He doesn’t dare breathe as he watches them roll out a gurney, your unconscious form draped across it.

Rooster makes to follow as they head inside but a hand on his arm stops him. He turns to see Phoenix, her head shaking ever so slightly. His eyes drift to the others behind her.

“I have to see her. I have to make sure she’s-” He starts but Phoenix stops him gently, “They won’t let you. Not yet.”

“We just have to wait, man.” Bob says as he walks over and squeezes Rooster’s shoulder. Rooster’s chest tightens but all he allows himself to do is nod, not trusting his voice at the moment.

God he hopes you’re okay.

You rip off your mask as you let out an ecstatic, “WHOOO!!!” Your entire body is jittering with adrenaline as you re-center your jet. You look over as Ace flies her jet next to yours, “That has got to be a new record!” She yells excitedly.

Nodding, you shake out your hands, “How we looking, Comet?” You ask your back seater.

“Pretty sexy.” He responds, earning a laugh out of you.

“The sexiest.” Ace says from her plane.

“Ohhh my God, that was fucking awesome!” Ghost practically sings from where he’s sitting behind Ace. You hold your hand up to Ace and she does the same, the two of you air high fiving from your jets.

“Alrighty kids, I think it’s time to head back. We’re getting pretty low on fuel.” Comet informs.

“Roger, roger.” You say in a robotic voice as you pull on your yoke, just as raindrops begin falling against your canopy.

Ghost groans, “Oh, well this is just brilliant.”

You look over and watch as Ace sways the jet back and forth a bit, “Lighten up, Ghost, I’m sure no one ever died from a little drizzle.”

“Y’know, I really don’t think that’s true.” Ghost replies.

You roll your eyes as the two continue to bicker, “Hey, Comet. You love flying in the rain, don’t you?”

“That I do, my dear.” Comet answers and you can literally hear the beaming smile in his voice. You can’t help but smile along with him.

Ace hums, “I think the rain is pretty.”

An idea pops into your head, “Oh, but you know what would be really pretty? And also something that I’ve always wanted to do?” You ask the others.

“What would that be, Wonder?” Ace responds, turning to look over at you as she glides up next to your jet.

A grin spreads across your face, “To fly above the clouds when it’s raining.”

“Oohoo, I like the way you think!” Comet says excitedly from the back.

“But we’re getting low on fuel and-” Ghost starts but Ace interjects, “Aw, c’mon, Ghost. Let’s live up to your name and disappear. Fly above the clouds, it’ll be fun.”

You let out a hum, “We’ve got tiiiime. What do you say, guys?”

“I was on board from the minute you suggested it.” Comet responds immediately.

“Ditto.” Ace agrees.

You look over to Ace’s back seater, “Ghost?”

He looks back to you before groaning, “Ugh, fine. But only because it’ll make Comet happy.”

“That’s my boy!” Ace cheers as she pulls up towards the sky, you flying right next to her. The rain showers on your canopy and then all it once it stops as you break through the clouds.

You’re met with the golden sun shining down on the swirling clouds below. Your mouth falls open as you stare at it all, “Holy shit.” You breathe out.

“Wow... this is stunning.” Ace says, her voice quiet and filled with awe.

You hear rustling behind you before Comet speaks, “I’ve gotta get a picture of this.”

“Do you bring that old ass camera with you everywhere?” Ghost asks, just as you hear the familiar snap of Comet’s polaroid.

“That I do, my dear Ghost. That I do.” Comet says as he snaps a couple more photos.

Ghost laughs, “Do the pictures even turn out good?”

“Oh, absolutely they do. I’m the one taking them. Now pose for the camera.” Comet instructs. You look over and see Ace throw up a peace sign while Ghost flips off the camera.

You laugh as you hear the photo print out, “Real cute, guys.”

Comet snaps away before pushing the camera up towards you. You take a picture of yourself and the view from the cockpit before handing it back.

“Aha! These are awesome!” Comet exclaims as he flips through the photos, “Not even joking, I think these are my new favorites.”

“Glad to have made it possible, Com’s.” Ace says as she glides her jet over the clouds. You do the same for a little bit before glancing down to your fuel level, “Alright babes, I think it’s time we head back.”

“Boo.” Comet objects from behind you. Shaking your head at him, you fly towards the sun for a little longer, “Hey, if you want to crash land because we stayed up here too long and ran out of fuel, then be my guest.” You quip.

He sighs, “Just as long as I’m flying with you, honey.”

“Eugh, you guys are gross.” Ace groans, though her voice shakes slightly with laughter.

“I can feel the sexual tension from here!” Ghost calls, earning a fake gag from you, “Ew, never say that again.”

Comet knocks on the canopy with his fist, “I have a boyfriend you horny little bastards!��

You all erupt in laughter. As your laughter subsides, you realize that you must be the luckiest person alive to have found these pilots to fly with you.

“Okay, team. Let’s head home.” You say as you push down on your lever, watching as the clouds surround you once more.

Ace follows next to you, “That was so worth it.”

“Most definitely.” Comet agrees, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that.”

You smile as you break through the clouds and re-enter the rain. It’s coming down harder than before, but you don’t mind, the sound of the raindrops comforting in a way.

“Ah, rain. My old nemesis.” Ghost mutters dryly.

“Ooh, adding that to the list of why you and I are complete opposites.” Comet says. You roll your eyes, “God, that things gotta be a mile long by now.”

“Three miles, actually.” Comet corrects. You snicker and go to say something but then the loudest crack of thunder you’ve ever heard rattles the sky.

Ghost screams.

“Holy shit!” Ace exclaims, leaning forward in her seat as she stares at the darkening clouds.

“That was glorious!” Comet says ecstatically.

“Damn, you really love storms, Comet.” You note, wishing you could see the look on your friends face.

He laughs, “I do! How could you not?”

You’re pretty sure Ghost is on the verge of hyperventilating as he speaks, “You’re insane! I think I saw God for a second!”

“Ghost, you are the most dramatic-” You’re saying but then are cut off as you feel your jet get thrown to the side. Your dashboard goes dark for a moment before flashing back on, “Shit!” You yell as you grit your teeth, trying to regain control.

“The fuck was that?” Comet shouts from behind you. You shake your head, “We were struck by lightning?” You’re not even sure yourself but that’s what it certainly felt like.

You try to remain calm as you hit button after button, your dashboard going completely haywire.

“Left engine is on fire!” Comet yells to you.

“Extinguishing!” You respond, flipping up the hatch and pressing the button.

Ace’s panicked voice comes across to you, “Wonder- Comet! You’re going to burn in!”

“I got it!” You yell, working frantically to put out the flames.

“Right engine’s on fire!” Comet shouts, the sound of his voice only fueling your growing fear as you try to do something. Anything.

“Shit, shit, shit!” You curse, all of your attempts to save the plane left fruitless. Your jet jerks and spirals as you lose control, pinning you both to your seats.

“Eject! You have to eject!” Ghost and Ace are screaming at you, their combined fear causing your breath to get stuck in your throat.

“Comet, eject!” You yell to your friend, not moving to do anything until you know he’s in the clear. You hear a dull click before a panicked, “I can’t! It’s not working!”

Your heart drops, “What? What do you mean-” But your question is cut off with a yell as you lose an engine. You feel weightless for just a moment as your jet dips before entering a free fall.

“Get out of there, now!” Ace screams, and it almost comes across as a plea.

You’re finally able to grip onto the ejection handles, “Eject, Colin! Eject!” You cry, your heart pounding so fast that you’re sure it’s about to burst out of your chest.

You feel it before you hear it. The back of your jet erupts in an explosion of flames, the searing heat scoring your skin just as you eject. You vaguely take note of Comet ejecting as well before your world goes dark.

The screams are still rattling through your head as you gain consciousness. The rain continues pouring down and all you can do is look up at the sky as you regain your senses. Upon turning over, your entire side lights up in white hot pain.

You almost bite through your lip to keep from screaming. Looking down, your eyes widen in horror as you see the burns littering the right side of your body. In closer inspection that leaves you feeling sick, you notice that certain parts of your suit are burned into your skin.

Turning away from your injuries, you force yourself into a sitting position, your breathing uneven. You look around for a moment, your entire body going rigid once you spot a cloud of dark smoke.

Comet.

He’s the only thing on your mind as you get to your feet, pausing for a moment as your vision goes dark at the edges. You take a step. And then another.

You have to get to him.

Dragging your leg behind you, you move as fast as you can towards the smoke. Tears stream down your face as you force yourself forward, the entire world threatening to tilt on its side the whole time.

But you keep going. God, do you keep going.

Your mind is barely registering your pain anymore by the time you reach the crash. Eyes darting around wildly, you feel your heart drop as you land on a body.

Limping over, you fall to your knees, barely daring to breathe as you slowly turn him over on his back. Comet is so burned and bloodied that you barely recognize him, but that familiar lock of red hair peeking out from his helmet proves to you that it’s him.

Slowly, you unclasp his helmet and take it off his head. You subconsciously push his hair away from his forehead before your hand trails down to his neck. With trembling fingers, you press them against his skin, looking for a pulse.

Nothing.

It feels as though your world ends right then and there.

“No.” You choke out, grabbing onto him as you pull him to you, “No, no, no.”

Comet is limp against you as you hold him, your body rocking slightly as a sob racks through you, “No, no, please. Please, Comet...”

You hold onto him tighter, your face buried into his shoulder, “Don’t leave me. Please, don’t leave me!” There is no answer to your please. Not even the wind dares to speak as you hold tightly to your friend.

“I’m sorry.” You manage, “I’m so sorry, Colin. I’m so so sorry...”

You wake in a panic, your breathing uneven as you look around wildly. A gentle hand on your shoulder makes you freeze and look over, only to be met with a kind face.

A nurse.

You’re confused for a moment but then the events of the day come swimming back to you. Leaning back against the pillows, you breathe out.

Oh.

“Can you tell me your name?” The nurse asks you. You stare at her for a moment, blinking, “Um... Y/n... Y/n Kazansky.”

She smiles at you, “Good. Now, Y/n, do you remember what happened?”

You nod, “Crashed.” Is all you say.

The nurse checks off some things on her clipboard before informing you of your injuries. Despite the severity of the crash, you came out of it barely harmed. Save for a couple of cuts and bruises, the most serious one being on your head.

But even that was a simple fix.

Only a simple fix, you think.

The nurse helps you sit up on the edge of the bed, your feet dangling over the side. She checks over you, ensuring that everything is okay. She offers you some water once she’s done, and you sip it slowly.

Your hand comes up and holds tightly to the dog tags around your neck.

Your dream mixes with reality for a moment, the events of this crash so impossibly different from the one in your past. The nurse is in front of you again, and you notice that she’s speaking.

“I’m sorry, what?” You ask. She gives you a sympathetic look, “Could you follow the light with your eyes for me?” She repeats, holding up a small flashlight. You nod and do as you’re instructed.

Just as she clicks off the light, you hear the door to the med wing open. Turning to the side, you find Rooster standing in the doorway, breathing heavily.

You feel your chest tighten upon seeing him, tears finding their ways to your eyes. The nurse places a soft hand on your arm, an understanding look in her gaze. She motions Rooster over before gathering her equipment and leaving you two alone.

Rooster walks towards you, his eyes not leaving yours. He stands in front of you, rapidly looking you over. You gently take his hand in yours, holding it tightly, “I’m okay.” Is all you can think to say.

You can literally see the relief flood through him, his hold on your hand growing tighter, “Good... that’s good.”

“Are you okay?” You ask quietly, noting that his face is wearing an expression that you’ve never seen before. One that you never want to see again as it just breaks your heart.

The smallest smile tugs at his lips, “Don’t worry about me.”

“Can’t help it.”

And does he ever just look at you. Reaching over, his fingers softly brush over the bandages on your head.

“It’s just some cuts and bruises.” You reassure him, “The nurse kept saying that it’s a miracle.”

He hums, his eyes still staring at the bandage, “Well, this is the miracle mission of all missions, so...” You chuckle a little and nod, the tears finally falling.

He thumbs them away, his hand coming down to cup your cheek. You place your hand against his, “That was really scary.” You admit, your voice shaking ever so slightly.

All he can do is nod, his face twisting a bit. “The water was really cold-” Your attempt at speaking was cut off with a sob. Rooster immediately pulls you into the tightest hug you’ve ever received.

“God, I thought I lost you.” He says, his voice muffled by your shoulder.

“You didn’t.” You tell him quietly.

He just holds on impossibly tighter, “It all could’ve gone so differently.”

“But it didn’t.” You say again, at a loss for words.

You feel his weight grow against you as he leans closer, his breath warm against your neck, “I can’t lose someone else important to me to the sky... please.”

It’s as if you’ve forgotten how to breathe. All you can think to do is just hold him that much tighter.

You two stay intertwined for a moment before Rooster pulls back ever so slightly, his hands sliding from your back to your forearms. You keep your hands against his waist, looking up at him expectantly.

He chews his lip as he meets your gaze, “Wonder, I-”

Whatever he was going to say is interrupted as the door opens once more. You turn to see Maverick hesitantly stepping into the room, his hand still on the handle. You feel your shoulders sag as you drift away from Rooster and open your arms to the older man.

Maverick meets you halfway as he envelops you in a hug. He holds onto you as if you’re a lifeline, you doing the same to him.

“You’re okay.” Maverick says, his voice almost questioning. You nod against his shoulder, “I’m okay.”

As you two pull back, you brush a stray tear from his face, “Don’t be going soft on me, Pops.”

He laughs, causing more tears to fall, “If I do, it’s your fault.”

A small sob shakes your body as he pulls you into another hug. His embrace reminding you so much of your father, which is all you really need in this moment.

You two part a bit, Maverick’s arm still around you. Turning back, you hold your hand out to Rooster, who quickly takes it in his own.

Maverick looks between the two of you, his eyes still gleaming with unshed tears. His gaze strays on Rooster for a moment before his hand hesitantly comes up to grip onto his shoulder.

To your surprise, Rooster doesn’t shove it off.

“God, you kids...” Maverick sighs, shaking his head.

“We’re not really kids anymore, Mav.” Rooster points out.

Maverick chuckles a bit, “That’s the problem.”

You let your head fall against his shoulder.

“I think it’s time we head back.” Maverick says. He places a kiss to the top of your head, “I’m so happy you’re still here.” He whispers into your hair.

You hug him tightly, “Me too.”

As he lets go, he looks between the two of you, “Get some rest, please.”

You give him your two finger salute and he smiles at you before leaving, closing the door gently behind him. Turning back to Rooster, you find him just staring at you. The two of you stay like that for a moment, no words to be said.

Then you step forward and interlace your hands behind his neck, his arms wrapping around your back in return.

“You were going to say something.” You say quietly, “Before Mav came in.”

Rooster raises an eyebrow at you, “Was I?”

“Mhm.” You nod, “What was it?”

His gaze drifts to the ceiling for a moment before he shrugs, “Not sure.”

“Liar.” You say, a smile tugging at your mouth.

He looks back to you, “It’s true!” He laughs slightly, “I guess... my brain is still processing everything that happened. It’s just all over the place.”

You let out a hum, brushing a stray curl off of his forehead, “Yeah... mine too.”

Rooster looks at you. Really looks at you. In a way he never has before. It makes your heart flutter, and that surprises you.

He holds you just that much tighter, “I’m so relieved you’re okay.” He admits softly. You don’t say anything as you pull him into a hug, your head resting atop his shoulder.

“Never do that again.” Rooster tells you.

“I’ll try not to make a habit out of it.”

As he holds you, your brain drifts back to Comet, and how he wasn’t able to come home. Yet here you are again, surviving another crash that should’ve killed you.

Why couldn’t things have worked out like this when you were flying with him?

A/n: Comet, my beloved, I’m so sorry. Hopefully you guys liked Wonder’s team because they’ll pop up a little more in some flashbacks. Let me know what you think! Stay hydrated and safe, lovelies <3

edit: Hey! So, for some reason some of the sentences have been getting switched around?? I think I fixed it but if some things still look weird please let me know! Thanks lovelies!

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