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averagewriter-inthedark · 1 year

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Living Up To The ‘Legacy P.7 ✈️| Top Gun Maverick Series Finale

Contains major spoilers for TGM

Read parts 1-6 here -> Series Masterlist

Characters & Pairings: Lt. Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x Barbara ‘Legacy’ Mitchell (past/eventual romance), Captain Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell x daughter!OC (platonic), Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin (platonic), Lt. Robert ‘Bob’ Floy (platonic), Lt. Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace (platonic), pretty much the rest of the characters are platonic.

Content Warnings: major angst that ends in fluff, profanity, combat accidents, light panic attack. Suggestive content near the end | Female OC (she/her) | wc: 8k+

Premise: Barbara Mitchell was helpless as she stood in the control room of the carrier, watching alongside the crew as her father, lover, and friends set forth on the high risk mission they spent weeks preparing for. Time is of the essence, and Barbara could only sit back and pray they make it out alive despite potential obstacles thrown at them. The fate of her future depends on it.

Note: guys we are finally here! The final part of my Legacy series 🥹 i actually wanna tear up cause I’m kinda sad it’s over. I loved this movie so much and these characters and Barbara has a special place in my heart. I still have the epilogue so don’t worry it’s not fully over just yet. And who knows maybe I’ll do some drabbles that are part of this series in the future. Thank you to everyone who has followed me, gave me feedback and has waited patiently. Much love to you all and thank you for the support! See you in the epilogue.

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“Dagger One, up and ready on Catapult One.”

Barbara was nervously chewing on her bottom lip, standing beside Hondo as they watched the screens in front of them with the crew. Admiral Simpson and Bates were not too far from them while they waited for the Squad. Maverick was the first to report.

Next came Hangman, “Dagger Spare standing by.”

“Dagger Four, up and ready,” Payback relayed followed by Phoenix, “Dagger Three, up and ready.” Barbara held her breath as the last person reported. Rooster. “Dagger Two, up and ready.”

The comms officer nodded to Cyclone, “Support assets airborne. Strike package ready. Standing by for launch decision.”

“Send them.” Seconds after Cyclone’s order, a light rumble could be felt above the crew. It continued for several seconds, indicating the Dagger Squad was in the air.

“Dagger One away…….Dagger Two away….Dagger Three away……Dagger Four away.”

Fumbling with her dog tags, Barbara could hear the beeping of the radar while her eyes watched the image of the four planes flying in formation toward enemy territory.

“Comanche, Dagger One. Standby check in,” Maverick said through the comms. A response came a moment later, “Comanche one-one, set. Picture clean. Recommend Dagger continue.”

“Copy. Daggers descending below radar.”

The beeping of the radar signaling their position continues to beep until coming to a stop. “Daggers now below radar. Switching to E-2 picture.” The screen enlarged as it switched to E-2. Barbara could see the planes listed with her teammates' callsign as they continued in formation. She and Hondo shared a look.

“Here we go. Enemy territory up ahead. Feet dry in sixty seconds. Comanche, Dagger One. Picture.”

“Comanche. Picture clean. Decision is yours.”

“Copy,” Maverick said before falling silent. Seconds later his voice returned with the order, “Dagger attack.” Though faint, Barbara could make out the sound of tomahawks firing off of the nearby ship aimed to destroy the enemy’s runway. They appeared on the picture with the second comms officer stating, “Tomahawks airborne.”

“No turning back now,” Warlock made the comment, eyes locked on the image of the missiles passing the Squad. Maverick once again spoke into the comms, but it was too his team, “Daggers, assume attack formation.” Slowly with sharpness, the planes maneuvered with Phoenix and Rooster moving in between Maverick and Payback. “Dagger set. Proceeding to target. Two minutes and thirty seconds in three, two, one, mark.”

“Two mark.”

“Three mark.”

“Four mark.”

A click beside her had Barbara turning her head slightly, noticing Hondo had a pocket watch timer in his hand. The steady pace of her heart started to increase as the nerves filled her when Mav said, “Going in.” At that moment the team entered the terrain, making the first of many tight turns they were to endure while increasing their speed. “First SAM site overhead.”

That sent chills in Barbara. She could only imagine what her teammates were thinking with the threat of SAMs right above their heads. Yeah she had successfully done the course, but it wasn��t like it was the real deal.

“Looks like we’re clear on radar, Mav,” Phoenix said. While it gave Barbara a sense of relief, she knew better than to think they were safe. Maverick had the same idea, for he replied, “Let’s not take it for granted.”

“More SAMs!” Fanboy exclaimed. “Three o’clock high!”

“We got two minutes to target,” the update came from Bob.

“Copy. We’re a few seconds behind, Rooster. We got to move.” Barbara stiffened, watching how Rooster, Payback, and Fanboy’s jets were gaining distance between them and the others. Just seeing it send a wave of dread. Even being a second behind could make or break the mission.

“C’mon, baby,” she muttered under her breath while the comms officer reported the tomahawk location. “Thirty seconds to Tomahawk impact on enemy airstrip.” Those thirty seconds were gonna pass quick, and unfortunately it was about to have new obstacle.

“Dagger, Comanche. We’re picking up two bandits. Single group, two contacts.” Eyes widening, Barbara mentally cursed and glanced at Cyclone who also appeared surprised, “Where the hell’d they come from?”

Warlock had no clue, “Long-range patrol?” He offered. ‘It had to have been,’ Barbara thought to herself. There was no way the enemy would leave their territory unguarded when they knew their illegal uranium plant was set to become operational. They had to have expected someone to take it out.

“Comanche, what’s their heading?” Phoenix asked, and Barbara could make out the light waver of her voice despite trying to remain calm.

“Bull’s-eye 090, 50, tacked southwest.”

“They’re headed away from us. They don’t know we’re here.”

“The second those Tomahawks hit the air base, those bandits are gonna move to defend the target,” Maverick’s voice came in a rush, the adrenaline starting to take over. “We have to get there before they do. Increase speed.”

“We got you, Mav. Don’t wait for me.” While Maverick and Phoenix's jets pushed forward—the screen showing their location on the terrain—as they increased speed, Rooster and Payback remained behind. It had Barbara squeezing her eyes shut, a slight tremor in her hand when she brought it to her forehead.

“Sir, Daggers Two and Four are behind schedule. Time to target, one minute twenty.” The second comms officer followed the first with, “Tomahawk impact in three, two, one.” Not a moment later he is calling out, “Impact. Enemy runway destroyed.”

“They know we’re coming now.”

Cyclone was right, because the Comanche comms officer reported, “Bandits are switching course to defend the target.”

“Rooster, where are you?” Maverick asks, causing Barbara’s heart to skip. Distance between them had been gained and they were falling seconds behind what they needed to be. Payback voiced his frustration, “Come on, Rooster. Bandits inbound. We got to make up time now. Let’s turn and burn.”

Barbara’s eyes closed in a silent prayer. It may have been a mistake to be in the control room. As much as she felt she’d be worried sick remaining in her room by herself, the anxiety was overwhelming. There was no way she’d be able to remain calm if she were alone.

“Heads up, Phoenix.”

“Whoa!” Bob shouted which made Barbara look up at the screen. There must’ve been an obstacle they did not anticipate in the terrain.

“Sir, bandits are two minutes from target,” the comms officer relayed, catching everyone’s attention. “Daggers are one minute from target.”

“Come on, Rooster,” Hondo muttered with a shake of the head. “Move it or lose it.”

Fanboy thought the same, “Guys, we’re falling behind. We really gotta move.”

“If we don’t increase our speed right now, those bandits are gonna be waiting for us when we reach the target.”

“Talk to me, dad.”

Nothing could stop the glistening of Barbara’s eyes when she heard Rooster say those words. It told her everything about how Rooster was feeling at that moment. His dad was the only one who could get him through what came next. What followed was a sob in the back of her throat as her own father replied, “Come on kid, you can do it. Don’t think, just do.”

It must have been enough, because before she knew it she was witnessing Rooster’s plane shoot forward, leaving Payback behind who responded quickly, “Jesus, Rooster, not that fast!”

“There you go, baby,” she whispered to herself, feeling a small smile on her lips. Maverick was also pleased, “That's it, kid, that’s it.”

Rooster’s voice was confident as he spoke, “All right, let’s go.” They were back in the game. It would take a moment for them to catch up to the others, but their speed had increased so much they had Barbara worried about the turns. “Damn, Rooster, take it easy.”

“Sir, Dagger Two is reengaging.”

“All right,” Cyclone sounded relieved, “Now hit your target and come home.” The pop up point was approaching, and soon everyone in the control room appeared on edge.

“Thirty seconds to target. Bob, check your laser.”

“Air-to-ground check complete. Laser code verified, one-six-eight-eight. Laser is a go!”

“Watch your heads!” Rooster suddenly calls out, followed by Fanboy exclaiming, “Holy shit! Shit!” It must’ve been whatever it was Mav had warned Phoenix about the minute prior. She made a mental note to ask about it when they retuned—-if they returned.

“Payback, you with me?”

“Right behind you.”

Barbara’s eyes drifted to Mav and Phoenix’s plane, inhaling sharply. They were seconds away from pop up. Glancing at Hondo, he looked just as nervous as her. “Phoenix, stand by for pop-up strike.”

“Dagger Three, in position.”

“Popping in three, two, one.” Grunts could be heard through the comms, from all three of the aviators as they ascended the first part of the mountain. Next they were inverting their dive to descend toward the target before pulling upright. “Get me eyes on that target, Bob.”

“Dagger Three,” Bob stuttered, out of breath from the maneuver. “Stand by, Mav.”

“Come on, Bob, come on.”

“Stand by,” he repeated, making the anxiety rise for Barbara. She brought her hand up to her mouth, gently biting the tip of her finger. “I’ve got it. Captured!”

“Target acquired. Bombs away.” Mav grunted again, as did Phoenix, when they popped up yet again to begin their high-G ascend. The control room was so silent a pin could drop. All eyes on the screen and ears listening for confirmation.

Bob broke the news loudly, “We got impact! Check, direct hit! Direct hit!” The only physical reaction Barbara gave was letting out the breath she had been holding. Beside her, Hondo clenched his fist in silent victory.

“That’s miracle number one,” Warlock spoke for all of them.

“Dagger Two, status.”

“Almost there, Mav. Almost there,” Rooster responded, and the nerves returned all the same. He and Payback were now making the inverted dive. “Fanboy, where’s my laser?”

Panic filled Mickey’s voice, “Rooster, there’s something wrong with this laser!” Barbara’s stomach dropped, willing herself to remain calm. “Shit! Deadeye, deadeye, deadeye!”

“Come on, guys, we’re running out of time. Get it online!”

“I’m trying!”

“Come on, Fanboy!”

“Nearly there! Nearly there!” There was a tremble in Barbara’s legs, the woman glancing to the ground as if by not looking at the screen what’s happening over comms will settle. She was biting her lip so hard she nearly broke skin. They were running out of time.

“Come on, Fanboy. Get it online.”

“There’s no time. I’m dropping blind.”

“Rooster, I got this!

“No time. Pull up.”

“Wait!”

“Bombs away! Bombs away!”

“Oh my God.” The world stops as everyone holds their breath for a second time. Barbara could literally hear her own heart pounding, having to put a hand to her chest as though it would calm it down. A shout of relief escaped as Hondo pulled her into a side hug when the Comms officer shouted, “Bull’s-eye! Bull’s-eye! Bull’s-eye!” Cheers rang all around, some sailors high fiving while others pumped a fist in the air.

“Miracle number two,” Warlock exhaled as the cheers came to an end. Cyclone didn’t even smile, for he knew what came next, “Now they’re in Coffin Corner.”

That seemed to snap Barbara out of her joy. For a moment she forgot that the team was far from safety. Dread filled her at the realization they were about to be fired upon by enemy SAMs.

“We’re not out of this yet,” Mav struggled to say. The second he and Phoenix were out of the mountain climb he saw the first sign of movement. “Here it comes.”

“Radar warning! Smoke in the air. Phoenix, break right.”

“Emergency jettison. Dagger Three defending.”

“Here comes another one!” Bob screams to his pilot. Barbara felt chills along her arms as the dogfight against SAMs began. It was going to be a tough fight and they were limited on their weapons.

“Dagger One defending.” Barbara felt Hondo move closer to her, placing a comforting hand to her shoulder. Together they watched the screen with nervous eyes, seeing the planes of her father and Phoenix do their best to win the dogfight. Payback and Rooster were approaching the end of their climb. “Rooster, status.”

The pilot didn’t answer, but his grunts and heavy breathing could be heard through the comms. Seconds later they hear Rooster go, “Oh my God.”

“C’mon, Rooster,” Barbara muttered, panic filling her at the sound of his tone. “You got this. Come back to me.”

“Smoke in the air! Smoke in the air!”

“Break right, Payback!”

“Breaking right.”

“Oh my God, here they come!”

“SAM on your six, Rooster!”

“Deploying countermeasures.” Slight relief came to Barbara when Rooster responds with, “Negative contact.”

“Dagger One defending.”

“Talk to me, Bob!”

“Break right, Phoenix! Break right! Mav! Nine o’clock! Nine o’clock!”

“Rooster, two more on your six.”

“Dagger Two defending.”

By now Barbara was squeezing her eyes shut with tears threatening to spill. The chaos from the comms was too much. The team was talking over each other, giving statuses and warnings to each other. People in the control room were trying not to react but it was obvious they were experiencing the same level of anxiety as their pilots.

“Payback, SAM on your nose.”

“Dagger Four defending.”

“Rooster, tally, seven o’clock.”

“Talk to me, Bob!”

“On our six!”

“Dagger Two defending.”

“Phoenix, break right!.”

“I see it!” By that point one could hardly make out the individual voices. Mav was talking over Rooster, Bob and Payback were speaking at the same time. Barbara’s head was spinning by the overwhelming emotions she felt. She wasn’t even in the air and it was like she was living it through her teammates.

“Dagger Two defending.” And in the split of the second, Barbara’s world took a turn. “Shit, I’m out of flares!” Rooster’s panicked tone gave her chills, heart rate increasing by the sudden fear. Evading SAMs was difficult in itself, but not having countermeasure

“Rooster, evade, evade!” Maverick ordered.

“I can’t shake ‘em! They’re on me! They’re on me!” The numbness started in her fingertips, before moving to her hands and along her arms. A gasp escaping her as time seemed to slow when the comms went silent. Rooster’s shout followed by Mav’s grunt could only be heard before the world came crashing down on Barbara when her fiancé screamed, “Mav! No!”

“What happened!?” She heard herself shout before anyone else could react. Phoenix was the one to unknowingly answer her, “Dagger One is hit! I repeat, Dagger One is hit! Maverick is down!”

“No,” her broken whisper was met with tears as Rooster called out to her father, “Dagger One, status.” When there was no answer—causing Barbara’s hope to decrease, he repeated, “Status.” Meanwhile Barbara was already losing her composure, “N-no.” Hondo moved closer when she staggered, hand on her shoulder as his own expression mirrored hers.

“Anyone see him? Does anyone see him? Dagger One, come in!”

“I didn’t see a parachute.” A pained sound escaped at Payback’s words. All Barbara could do in that moment was pray that Maverick made it in time to eject. There was a chance he could be hurt and lying in the snow, but at least there was a chance he was alive. She refused to believe otherwise.

“We have to circle back.”

“Comanche. Bandits inbound. Single group, hot. Recommend Daggers flow south. One minute to intercept.” Cyclone was conflicted, eyes flicking to Barbara briefly before shaking his head, “Get ‘em back to the carrier now.”

Barbara continued to cry silently while the comms officer ordered the team to fall back, “all Daggers flow to ECP. You have bandits heading for you.”

“What about Maverick?” Rooster objected, voice strained to contain himself. His tone was laced with pain, breaking Barbara’s heart even more.

“Tell him there’s nothing he can do for Maverick, not in a goddamn F-18,” Cyclone’s voice cracked, surprising Barbara. The admiral and her father had been at odds the whole time leading up to the mission that hearing emotion in his tone was not what the aviator expected.

“Dagger Spare request permission to launch and fly air cover,” Jake's sudden offer had Barbara’s eyes widened, looking to Cyclone with hope. Maybe with four jets they could take out the two bandits.

Her shoulders deflated at the sight of the Admiral shaking his head. “Negative, Spare.”

“Launch search and rescue,” Warlock ordered, but was vetoed by Cyclone—another knife to Barbara. “Negative. Not with bandits in the air.”

Anger started to replace the sadness. Hondo’s cut in, “But, sir, Maverick is still out there.”

“We are not losing anyone else today,” Cyclone cut him off sharply before turning to the second comms officer. “Get ‘em home now.”

As the officer gave the order, Barbara’s fury consumed her. It filled her vision as the last hope for rescuing her father was denied. What the hell was he thinking. There was still a chance Mav could be alive. Alarm bells were going off in her head.

“You’re not gonna do anything?” She was pushing past Hondo, but the man’s arms took her by the waist and held her back. The team was speaking through the comms but Barbara didn’t hear them. Her focus was on the Admiral who was leaving her father behind. “You can’t even deploy search and rescue to give him a chance at coming home, Cyclone!?” Cyclone gave her a warning look at her tone which was rising with each word, not flinching under her gaze.

“Lieutenant—.”

“You’re leaving him out in fucking enemy territory!! Are you out of your goddamn mind!?”

“If you cannot calm down I will have you removed from this carrier at once!”

“THAT IS MY FATHER OUT THERE!” Her scream echoed throughout the control room, ending in a choked sob as she struggled against Hondo’s grip. Little did she know it carried through the comms officer microphone, allowing the whole team to hear her cry. Phoenix was holding back tears, as was Bob. Fanboy had squeezed his eyes shut, muttering a silent prayer while Payback’s jaw clenched. Even Jake heard and brought a shaky hand to his jaw.

And Rooster? He no longer heard the comms officer ordering him to acknowledge. Hearing the pain in the love of his life’s voice sealed the deal for what he was about to do. He could only hope she’d forgive him. If it didn’t go as planned, he’d be destroying whatever was left of her heart. ‘I love you, Barbara.’

Hondo eventually pulled Barbara away a few steps as she crumbled into his embrace. There were voices coming through the comms but she could barely hear with the sound of her muffled sobs. Then she was freezing still when the comms officer spoke, “sir, Dagger Two has gone rogue.”

“What?” Cyclone demanded as Warlock glanced at Barbara.

“He’s heading toward Dagger One’s crash site.”

“Goddammit, Bradshaw.” Barbara couldn’t even describe the feelings consuming her. Fear, grief, sadness, anxiety, all combined at the the possibility her father was dead and her lover was heading straight for danger. ‘What the fuck is he thinking?’ Her grip on Hondo’s forearms tightened, eyes flicking to the screens where she spotted his plane long away from Phoenix and Payback.

Then it disappeared.

As did Barbara’s soul.

“Dagger Two is hit,” the second comms officer stated, disbelief in his voice. He had to repeat it just to believe it was really what he was seeing, “Dagger Two is hit.”

“Dagger Two, come in,” ordered the first comms officer, but was met with silence. “Dagger Two, do you copy?” With her knees no longer able to hold her, Barbara collapsed with a wail against Hondo, who’s own tears were spilling on his cheeks.

Warlock brushed a hand across his jaw, wincing at the sound of Barbara’s cries while the comms officer continued trying to reach Rooster. “Dagger Two, come in. Dagger Two, do you copy?” Cyclone’s head dropped. “Dagger Two, come in.”

“N-no—no-no-no!” Barbara sobbed, Hondo holding her tightly as they crouched on the floor. Her head was pounding, face red as the tears continued to pour. There was no stopping them now. She lightly hit Hondo’s chest, but he didn’t mind—letting her release it all. “No! Not him too—not him too!”

Hondo rubbed her back, “I know, honey. I know.” The choked air leaving her had Hondo telling her to breathe. “You’re gonna hurt yourself if you don’t calm down, Barbara.” He knew the signs of a panic attack well, and saw the pilot was potentially about to have one. “Breath with me.” Together they took deep breaths before slowly releasing them. All the while Hondo rubbed her back, signaling for someone to grab the nurse on deck in case Barbara were to pass out.

“We were g-gonna get married again,” she sniffed, lip trembling as she spoke and missing the way Hondo’s eyes widened. “I-it can’t—. They h-have to-to be okay, Hondo. T-they have to be.” Although Hondo wanted to believe Maverick and Rooster were alive, the odds were against them. Trapped in enemy territory with bandits patrolling the air and an air base not too far from their location meant they would be found soon if the Navy didn’t act fast. If Barbara was in the right mindset she’d be running to the deck to steal a plane and go after them herself. She’d fight anyone who tried to stop her—not caring if it meant prison time.

Unsure of what to say, Hondo let out a sigh, “Barbara…”

“No!” She cried, slapping his chest again. She refused to let her hopes up. “Nothing can kill Pete Mitchell—not even himself! Nothing, Hondo, nothing!” There was so much time they needed to make up. After so many years of estrangement and fear of the cycle repeating, Barbara and Maverick had finally made progress in their relationship. That was her dad—the man who would walk her down the aisle when she remarried the only person who her heart was reserved for.

It would not be the end of Maverick and Rooster. She would not accept it.

“Nothing.”

Meanwhile, deep in the woods of enemy territory, Maverick and Rooster were scoping out the scene in front of them. Smoke made it hard to see—the airbase having been blasted by a multitude of tomahawks making the enemy unable to deploy their aircraft. Alarms were sounding, filing the pairs' ears along with the shouts of men running across the tarmac.

Rooster was unsure of why they were there, glancing at Mav to see him deep in thought. “You’re not serious.”

Oh but he was. Maverick shot him a look before raising from the snow, Rooster following in suit with the same hesitant expression. God, this was not what he planned for when he decided to save Mav. It was like they were planting themselves for the enemy to see.

They moved closer with Rooster taking the binoculars to scan the hangers. Clicking his tongue, the words left his mouth before he could stop them, “I plan to marry your daughter , sir…..again.”

In his peripheral vision he saw Mav snap his head to him. He quickly put the binoculars up to avoid his eyes, a blush coating his cheeks both from the adrenaline and the fact he had just dropped a bombshell on his ex-and soon to be again-father-in-law.

When Pete didn’t respond he got worried, pulling the binocular back a tad to see his reaction. Mav’s mouth was parted, blue eyes wide as he processed the news. Maybe Bradley should’ve waited till they were back on the carrier. Or let Barbara be the one to deliver it. Maybe Maverick would've taken it better coming from her—cause then again, Rooster’s actions had her divorcing him in the first place. If Maverick knew the details then it was shocking he hadn’t confronted him.

Then to his surprise, Maverick smiles, chuckling as he says, “Can I at least be a part of the wedding this time?”

Rooster blushes, biting back a grin. He should’ve expected that blow. “We wouldn’t want you anywhere else.” Maverick claps on the back in congratulations with a, “Let’s hope she doesn’t kill us when we get back.”

Oh fuck. That’s right.

If there was one thing on the planet that scared Rooster—and maybe even Maverick—it was an angry Barbara Mitchell.

And she was going to kick his ass.

“Looks like I’ll be sleeping on the couch for the next year.” Mav laughs at Rooster’s words, the latter bringing his attention back to the binoculars. When he landed on a familiar sight—one he saw in museums—his stomach dropped, “You’ve got to be shitting me.” Nope, his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him. “An F-14?”

“I shot down three MiGs in one of those,” Mav casually says, as if that made Rooster feel better about their chances.

“We don’t even know if that bag of ass can fly.” The older man made a face, slightly offended by the insult—like it was directed at him and not the plan. Raising his brows, Mav jumps up, “Let’s find out.”

“Mav!” Rooster whisper-shouts, but it falls flat. The older man was on the move, trying not to slip down the slight hill as he walked onto the enemy’s tarmac. Gulping, Rooster nods to himself—while praying to God Barbara doesn’t kill him if they make it out alive—before chasing after Maverick.

Together they got to the F-14 without attracting attention to themselves with Pete giving Rooster instructions on how to start it up. They had to act fast and thankfully no one appeared or passed by as they were doing so. Once the engines were a go and all pins were removed, Rooster closed the hatches left open before climbing on top of the wing and into the backseat.

“Canopy?”

“Clear!” Rooster shouted as he buckled himself in. The jet exited the hangar with Mav slowly bringing it onto the taxiway. In the back, Rooster removed a Polaroid picture he had snugged in his front pocket. Running a gloved finger over the image, he felt warmth spread through him as he stared lovingly at it. It was a candid photo of Barbara laughing with the sunset behind her. Her once long hair was pulled up in a messy updo, gold necklaces stacked against her neck and adorning a baby blue sundress with daisies spread across the fabric.

It was one of his favorite photos of her. Taken at a happy point in their marriage shortly before everything went down. Rooster kept it with him all this time, hoping that one day they’d be able to amend things.

Bringing the photo to his lips, he whispered, “I’m coming, baby.” He could not imagine what she must’ve been going through. Thinking both he and her father were MIA or worse, dead. He made a silent promise to make it up to her. Placing a kiss against the image before placing it back in his pocket where it would be safe, Bradley felt the plane come to a stop.

“Both runways are cratered. How are we gonna get this museum piece in the air?” There is no answer from Maverick. Instead his fingers are moving toward the lever on his left. Feeling the vibration, Rooster frowns and turns to his right to see movement outside the canopy. A *thump* from his head hitting the side rings out, “Why are the wings coming out, Mav?”

Again, Maverick doesn't answer—making Rooster nervous at what he was thinking. The engines are soon starting up. “Mav, this is a taxiway, not a runway. This is a very short taxiway, Mav.”

“Just hang on.”

Now Rooster was well aware Maverick lived life on the edge. You can’t have a name like Maverick and not live up to the name. But what Rooster did not think the man would do, was use a cratered taxiway as a runway. However, he was shot backward into his seat when Mav suddenly hit the gas, “Holy shit!”

“Come on, come on, come on,” Mav repeated, watching the needle on the knots get higher and higher. “Needle’s alive. Come on.” Rooster peers from the side of Mav’s seat—eyes widening at the large building-like obstacle at the end of the taxiway. It looked like fuel tanks.

“Mav?”

“That’s it. Come on, come on!” The needle gets higher, knots increasing. “All right.”

“Mav!”

“Here we go,” Mav is pulling the stick back, the front wheel lifting off the ground before the back wheels follow. They were coming up fast with Mav having to draw them up high to avoid collision.

“Holy shit,” Rooster closed his eyes, pictureing Barbara in his mind if it was to be his last thought before death. He wanted to remember her smile, her laugh, the way her eyes light up when talking about the things she loved. He thought of their kiss goodbye on the carrier.

A rattle of the plane’s front wheels hitting the side of the tanks sounded amidst the heaving breathing from Rooster as the Gs he was feeling. Once they were steady and he could think straight he switched on his ESAT.

He had to let her know they were okay.

Back on the carrier, the second comms officer became shocked at the beep on the radar in front of him. The tiny lettering spelling out ‘Rooster’ appeared near the top left corner. “Sir, we’re receiving a signal from Rooster’s ESAT. But there seems to be a malfunction.”

Having been brought to a chair and forced to drink a bottle of water and Tylenol for her headache, Barbara dropped the cool towel the nurse had given her as she shot up. Hondo, who was standing close by, gently brought her back when she moved to the officer, “Wait.”

“Have you lost him?” Warlock asked. Both he and Cyclone had their attention on the officer, as did most in the room.

“No, sir.” The officer turns in his chair. “He’s supersonic.” Barbara’s hand went to Hondo’s, squeezing it at the sudden wave of hope in her veins.

Warlock couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “He’s airborne.”

“In what?” Cyclone spoke incredulous. What the hell could have he been in to be traveling that fast. His F-18 was shot down.

“Sir,” the first comms officer hand went to hold her headpiece, the Admirals turning to face her. “Overwatch reports an F-14 Tomcat is airborne and on course for our position.”

“It can’t be,” Warlock said to himself while Barbara turned to Hondo with her jaw dropped. She felt like she could cry again, but this time out of joy. Her gut was right, voice going low as she whispered, “I knew it.”

“It can’t be!”

Silence. In all his years of Naval service, Cyclone was speechless. Face unreadable, there was no mistaking the awe behind his eyes. Only one person could be responsible for what the comms officer revealed.

“Maverick.”

With the immense relief that Rooster and Maverick were safe and on their way to the carrier, Barbara made her way to the deck—having had it with the control room. Hondo prepared for their landing with the flight crew so the pilot busied herself by searching for her friends who should have already returned. “Natasha!” She shouted, running to the woman when she spotted her on the opposite end of the runway. Hearing Barbara, Nat shot toward her, meeting her halfway with the two embracing. The others lightly jogged behind her.

“I’m so sorry,” Phoenix sniffed when they pulled away. Her eyes were rimmed with redness that matched Barbara’s. The second they landed the pilot allowed her emotions to release, crying for Maverick and Rooster. But mostly Barbara. “C, I’m so—.”

“They’re alive,” Barbara grasped her forearms, watching the surprise overtake Nat’s face. The guys surrounded them with similar expressions, waiting for answers.

“Wha-what are you talking about? They got shot down. Rooster, he—.” Barbara cut her off with a shake of the head.

“His ESAT came up on radar—I was in the control room when it happened. He—I don’t know how but the maniacs stole an F-14. Overwatch caught sight of them. They are on course for us at this very second.” The realization dawned on each of them, Bob running a hand through his hair as he met Fanboy’s eyes.

“Holy shit.”

“An F-14?” Payback questioned with hesitance. “You’re serious?”

“The tomahawks must’ve missed the planes and only struck the runways,” Barbara replied, licking her bottom lip as the alarms went off around them. “The fact it got in the air fucking surprises me.”

“Well yeah. That’s like a dinosaur egg being discovered and it hatching,” Fanboy commented, making Barb roll her eyes at the reference but smile nonetheless.

With a sigh of relief, Phoenix brings her into another hug. “What are you gonna do when they land?”

“Kick their ass—especially Bradley’s for scaring me like that,” When Phoenix’s laugh subsided Barbara leaned in closer so the guys would not hear her next words, “and tell him yes to marrying him again.” The gasp Phoenix let out made Barbara grin, pulling away to wink at the brunette.

“You’re serious?”

The pilot nodded, bringing a finger up to wipe the residue on her face. “Yeah, the man popped the question before taking off. Told him I’d give an answer when he came back. But we both knew it was going to be a yes. I love him so much, Phee.”

Nat squealed, doing a little dance and embracing Barb that the two stumbled a bit. “Oh my God! I’m so happy for you two—congrats!”

“Thank you,” Barb giggled, steadying themselves. The guys all looked at each other confused, “Uh what did we miss?” The women ignored them with Phoenix pulling Barbara back a few steps away from their nosy ears.

“I knew you two would find your way back to one another. I had hoped this detachment would be the reason—even though you two acted like children in the beginning.”

“Hey!” Barb whined with mock offense. “Some of it was reasonable if you could agree.”

“True. But it could have also been fixed earlier with simply talking to each other,” Phoenix gave a warning look, making Barb’s shoulders deflate in defeat.

“Okay, you’re right. I should’ve got the truth of what happened that day before jumping to conclusions.” What she purposefully left out was the argument that followed that night with her and Rooster. Nat didn’t need to know he called her a cunt. Otherwise Rooster may not get the chance to marry her cause he’d be dead the second he landed.

The sound of shouts from around the deck captured their attention along with an engine starting up. Barb’s eyes narrowed in confusion, frowning when she saw Jake’s canopy shut. “What’s happening?” She asked no one in particular.

“Looks like they’re sending Hangman out,” Fanboy squinted against the setting sun.

“But why?” Phoenix stepped to the side to get a better look. The flight crew performed last minute checks and soon Hangman was at the catapult waiting to be released. The group watched him raise his hand in a thumbs up before saluting to the crew, and next thing they knew he was off in the air.

Barbara didn’t like what she was thinking. Something had to have happened—or about to happen—for them to send Hangman to assist in bringing Mav and Rooster back.

“They’ve been spotted.”

What they hoped would be a smooth ride back to the carrier was in fact the fight of their life against two fifth generation fighters. After successfully shooting them down—in a F-14 of all planes—things were looking good when they exited the terrain. The ocean greeted the pair, both sighing with relief that they had made it out.

Fumbling with the breakers, Rooster gave a silent victory when he got the radio to work to which Mav instructed him to get in touch with the boat. But their peaceful moment was ruined at the sound of the beeping indicating they had been locked.

Searching around and behind, the sky was clear with no sign of a plane approaching, but as Mav turned forward he was met with their nose. It was not a good sign. The dogfight getting out of enemy territory left them with no weapons—they were a sitting duck for the lone jet. The best thing they could do was evade, but even that didn’t look promising.

Bullets ricocheted off the plane, the damage slowly increasing that would leave them with catastrophic consequences if they took any more. Mav’s best bet was to get high and eject, screaming at Rooster to prepare himself as he shot them upward. The high climb pushed Gs against them, the two breathing heavily as fear consumed them. When they got high enough Mav shouted, “Eject, eject, eject!” Behind him Rooster was pulling against the ropes, but was met with nothing.

The seat stayed put. He was trapped.

“Rooster, pull the handle!” Mav ordered in a haze. “Eject!

“It’s not working!” His panicked voice screamed back. They continued to climb up, the enemy on their tail though the bullets seized. It wasn’t too hard to put together they were trying to missile lock on them. And with their position, Mav and Rooster would not be able to evade it. “Mav!”

With tears lining his eyes, Mav solemnly thought of the two people he would be letting down. “I’m sorry,” first he saw his best friend. “I’m sorry, Goose.” Then he pictured his daughter. Memories of her as a child played in his mind like a movie. The first time he held her. Her laughter as she jumped in his arms when he surprised her at kindergarten. The moment before he took off and said she loved him. “I’m sorry, Barbara.”

He closed his eyes at the sound of the missile lock. Waiting for the end to come. But, it went away and instead the explosion he expected to swarm him was behind the plane. Gasping, he and Rooster turned around as best as they could in their seats to find a cloud of smoke and debris falling into the ocean.

And a F-18 emerging from the darkness.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is your savior speaking,” Hangman’s voice filled their ears, all the stress alleviating from their bones. They couldn’t help but laugh—what were the odds at Jake appearing in the nick of time. “Please fasten your seat belts, return your tray tables to their locked and upright positions…” He pulled up beside them, ending with, “And prepare for landing.”

Mav hit his fist against the canopy, raising a thumbs up to the blonde pilot in gratitude. “Hey Hangman,” Rooster said, smiling under his mask, “You look good.”

“I am good, Rooster. I’m very good,” just like how he was the first night back to Fightertown in the Hard Deck, Hangman had the smug but this time friendly, expression to match his words. Breaking off, he goes, “I’ll see you back on deck. Your lady is waiting for you.”

With a shake of the head, chuckling as he let the calm wash over him, Mav swung the nose around in the direction of the carrier. They caught sight of Jake landing, and it was then the Captain remembered they were missing some pieces to their plane. “Maverick is downwind. No front landing gear. No tailhook. Pull the cable and raise the barricade.”

On the deck, members of the flight crew rushed to gather the ropes while Maverick took it upon himself to do a fly by. He could never pass up the opportunity. It felt like he was back in 1986 with Merlin, but this time it was Rooster. By the time he pulled around the barricade was up and ready.

Slowly they descended, the large crowd of crew members holding up binoculars as they stared in awe of the F-14 tomcat making its final land. Decades after her last ride.

Suddenly a jolt had Mav’s eyes widened, looking at the control panel just as Rooster groaned, “Please don’t tell me we lost an engine.”

“All right, I won’t tell you that.”

“Okay,” Rooster just leans back in his chair, holding onto whatever he can as they near the deck. This was going to be a story to tell one day. It made him smile at the thought it could be him and Barbara’s children that would receive that story.

The end of the carrier came up fast, Mav letting the stick drop forward before they made impact with the barricade. It sent the two forward, clutching onto their seats to steady. Thankfully their belt buckles pulled them back so they didn’t smack against whatever was in front of them. When they came to a stop, they could finally breathe.

Crew members in fire hazard suits raced to extinguish the engine, the smoke and vapor wafting against the canopy. “You good,” Mav asked, unbuckling his restraints.

“Yeah, I’m good.” As the canopy opened, they were met with cheers as members of the crew and team ran to them. They ginned, sweat dripping from their forehead and waving to the crowd.Barbara had yet to be seen, for she had raced to Jake when he landed—the two sharing a hug with Barbara thanking him for saving the two.

Mav threw his helmet down for someone to catch, and the two were helped from the plane where they were embraced as cheers rang out from every corner. Hondo was the first one to greet Mav, the two sharing a mutual look of respect as they smiled while Rooster was surrounded by the whole team. There was one person he was looking for, but he embraced Phoenix and clapped hands with Payback, high fiving Fanboy as they approached him.

As Mav shook hands with members of the crew, his attention snapped to the voice calling out, “DAD! D-dad!” Pivoting his heel, his eyes landed on black hair pushing through the crowd, before Barbara’s tear stained face was revealed to him, “Dad!” His feet did the moving, arms opening in time for her to launch as the crowd parted, a broken sob as she cried, “D-dad!”

His face went to her hair, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Tears lined Maverick’s eyes, a lone cascading down his cheek as the noise around them seemed to muffle. All he cared about was his daughter in his arms.

“I-I knew,” she sniffed, clutching tight against him despite the gear in the way, “I knew you’d come back.”

“I promised I would, didn’t I?”

She nodded against his chest, “You did. Thank you for keeping it.”

“All always keep my promises to you, honey. Till the day I die.”

When they broke apart after another minute, Barbara wiped her face, but it didn’t do much because when she caught sight of the man a few steps behind Mav, the emotion returned. Glancing over his shoulder and finding who it was her gaze was on, Mav smiled at his daughter before placing a kiss to her hairline and stepping aside, “Made sure to bring him back for the wedding.”

Barbara’s jaw slacked, surprise in her eyes at the fact her father knew Rooster proposed. “He told you?”

“Right before I made him help me steal an F-14.”

“I still can’t believe you pulled it off. You should've seen Cyclone’s face, dad, the man was in awe. You left him speechless.” Mav couldn’t help but feel proud of that. Knowing he had the Admiral unable to form words. That sure inflated his ego a bit.

Maverick put his hand on Barbara’s back, gently pushing her toward the man she loved. Before she could step closer, Barbara took his hand and squeezed, “Thank you, dad.” He squeezed it back, nodding with a smile as he let go.

Rooster had been occupied with Hangman, the two shaking hands in mutual respect before the latter embraced Phoenix, leaving Rooster to smile at the sky. Heart pounding, the tears already escaping, Barbara came up behind Bradley and placed her hand on his arm. When he turned, it felt like the world had stopped as they locked eyes.

Like they were the only two left on the planet.

“Roo—,” Barbara was cut off by being lifted in the air, arms flinging around him as she pressed her face into his neck—not caring it was sweaty and he smelled of jet fuel. In fact the smell brought her comfort, knowing he was safe and there with her after thinking she’d lost him.

In that moment everything around them disappeared. Barbara didn’t think about the future and the fact the flight suit she had on may be the last time she ever wore it. Any anger or resentment she once felt prior to coming back to Fightertown was long gone. The future no longer scared. All that mattered was the present.

“Oh, baby,” he sighed against her skin, kissing the area just below her ear, relishing in the warmth it provided. Her body shook with sobs, Rooster rubbing a comforting hand along her back as he shushed her. Everything she was feeling Rooster felt too. The man didn’t want to live another day where he did not have Barbara by his side.

“Y-you scared me to death. I thought I fucking lost you, Bradley. Both of you.”

“I know,” he mentally cursed himself. “I’m so sorry I put you through that.” He didn’t want to picture Barb’s reaction to him getting shot down. The way she screamed for Maverick was so heartbreaking that Rooster knew it had to have destroyed her thinking the same fate happened to him.

“Don’t ever do that again.”

“Yes ma’am,” he promised, clutching onto the woman as he felt her pull away slightly to look him in the eyes. A hand came up to wipe the tears.

“You’re sleeping on the couch till I say otherwise.” The joke had Rooster throw his head back in laughter, Barbara grinning down at him with the way he was holding her up. He nodded, as though he expected that and agreed. She then brought her hand to caress his cheek, love in her gaze, “I’m so proud of you, Bradley. So fucking proud.”

Rooster’s breath caught in his throat, emotion consuming him as his eyes became red. He didn’t know how to respond to that, but let his actions take over by placing Barbara down gently before getting down to one knee. The crowd around him was still cheering, but many stopped with faces of shock—especially the team minus Phoenix. The brunette had brought her clasped hands in front of her face, beaming at the scene in front of her. Maverick mirrored hers, arm around Hondo as they watched on.

Rooster took Barbara’s left hand in his while her free one came up to her mouth. Though he had already asked that morning, she did say she’d give an answer when he returned. “Barbara Mitchell,” he began, trying to keep his voice steady, “I’ve made mistakes, ones that I promise to spend the rest of my making up to you. You are the most incredible, hard-working, devoted, and beautiful woman I’ve ever met. There’s no one else on this planet who could have my heart because I gave it to you a long time ago. And I don’t ever want it back. Will you allow me the honor of being your husband once again?”

Barabara could barely make him out with the water filling her vision but she manages to weakly nod as the crowd shouts with glee—Payback whistling as she yells over the noise, “Yes!”

Rooster shoots up, spinning her around as he takes her into his arms—her laughter echoing against the cheers. “We’re getting married!” He doesn’t bother adding ‘again’. They already knew that.

When he finally sets Barbara down, he brings her into a long awaited kiss, his hands cradling her face as her own came up to his neck. In that moment they wished they were alone, and as to not get carried away the kiss lasted only a few seconds. Pulling away, Rooster whispered against her lips, “I love you so much, baby.”

She kissed him again, “I love you too. So so much.”

“I can’t wait to call you my wife again.”

“Me too,” she grinned at him, pulling him close to her by the straps of his gear. Her voice takes a different turn which has a hungry look take over Rooster. “You have a lot to make up to me, Bradshaw. Starting tonight.” He turns them away from the crowd, mouth going to her ear where he gently takes her earlobe between his teeth.

“Yes ma’am.”

When Rooster goes up to Maverick, Barbara stayed close behind and said thank you to anyone who offered her congratulations on the engagement. “Guess I should start calling you Mrs. Bradshaw again, huh, C?” Jake grinned, bringing the woman into another hug.

“Damn right,” she laughed, pulling away to look into his eyes. In all her years of knowing the blonde, Barbara never thought she’d have him to thank for saving the people she loved most. Yeah Jake was arrogant and the resident asshole, but he had a heart. Gratitude filled her as she said, “Thank you for bringing them back to me, Jake.” He lightly patted the side of her arm in a friendly gesture.

“The honor is mine. Plus it gave me another kill.”

She rolled her eyes, of course he would say something like that. Smirking at the opportunity that arose, Barbara couldn’t let it disappear. “That’s only one more than me, Seresin.” The shock in his face had her looking smug, patting his arm to let it sink in as she turned away.

“Wait—what? Did my ears deceive me or does Barbara Mitchell now fully live up to her name?”

Glancing over her shoulder to find Hangman looking at her with awe, Barbara sent a wink in his direction. “I always live up to Legacy.”

…………….

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