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tgmsunmontue · 3 months

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You need to learn how to fall 1/10

Hangster (and IceMav) - Bradley is too tall to be a naval aviator and instead becomes a sky diver, specialising in spin recovery. He is a civilian contractor to the Airforce and Navy to teach pilots how to survive parachute spins from ejections. A more in-depth version of this.

PROLOGUE

1998

“Okay buddy, fifteenth birthday! Stand up against the wall. Got to measure you for prosperity!”

“Can you reach above my head still Mav?”

“Excuse you! Uh… actually. Ice? You want to… um, do the mark?”

Tom steps up and he smiles softly at Bradley, sharing the shared smile of being used to humoring Maverick. Bradley is tall, taller than his father by several inches and Tom wonders if he knows.

“You’re six foot and three inches.”

“Fuck.”

“Language,” Tom murmurs quietly, but he’s guessing Bradley does indeed know the height restrictions for naval aviators. Not that it would stop him joining the Navy, but it would stop him from flying. The rate he’s going he’s going to be taller than Tom, is already taller than Mav by several inches.

1999

“We’re not going to have to tell him no,” Mav says. The ink from the biro marking six foot and six inches would still smudge if they touched it.

“No, we won’t. You need to reign in your happiness about him not being able to apply though.”

“At least he knows now, won’t even apply for that programme…”

“Who knows, not us. And probably not Bradley. He’s just turned sixteen. Let him figure out his own path…”

“Stay?”

“You know I can’t…”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Don’t start Mav.”

“Sure. Okay.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Sure.”

2000

“How many applications have you made?”

“Meh, about five. All within state except one. I don’t want to be too far away.”

“Planes exist you know. What are you thinking?”

“Something in the sciences. It’s easy.”

“Okay, you let us know if there’s something you’re interested in though okay?”

“Sure thing Ice.”

2001

“You got me a skydive?”

“Yeah. I thought we could go and do it together!”

“Oh my god this is so cool! Thanks Mav!”

“Well, you only turn eighteen once!”

A few weeks later, standing out on the airstrip Tom looks at the clear blue sky. It is a beautiful day for flying. Flying. Jumping out of planes is another matter.

“Can I just state for the record that I think this is a bad idea?” Tom asks, peering at the small plane through his aviators. The pilot and jumpers are doing a whole bunch of safety checks and part of him itches to go over and double check everything.

“Is it so you can tell me you told me so later?”

“Yes.”

“Sure. You know it never stops me.”

“Unfortunately. I’ll see you when you’re finished I guess.”

He’s officially given up smoking, but he still finds himself sucking at a cigarette, nervous beyond belief that something is going to go wrong.

Nothing does though, and they land not very far away, driven to where Tom is waiting by the chase vehicle.

“Fucking hell… that was…” Mav is pale, eye wide and ringed with white.

“AMAZING! Oh my god, I want to do it again! Can I do it again? Man what a rush!”

Tom watches Bradley go and talk to the two jumpers and gets a sense of unease. Moves closer to Mav who isn’t shaking but also doesn’t look happy.

“That was the worst experience of my life. Why would anyone jump out of a perfectly functioning plane?”

“Was your dumb idea.”

He isn’t surprised that night when his phone rings in the early hours and he can hear stuttered breathing over the line.

“Mav? That you?”

“Yeah. Sorry.”

“Nightmare?”

“Yeah.”

“Goose?”

“Ha! No… God. I wish. No. Bradley. Him dying. What have I done?”

Ice lets out a long breath into the silence and lies back in his bed, wishes he could reach out through the phone line and hold Mav close to him.

“You’ve raised a happy, confident young man. Against all odds, he’s well adjusted.”

“I think you can take most of the credit for that.”

“And you need to take credit for his love of sky diving… it’s okay Mav. There are so many safety precautions. You don’t think I looked into it before I let you two go up?”

“Yeah?’

“Yeah. We can’t protect him from everything. We’ll deal with it the best we can.”

2002

“I thought you were doing something chemistry related?” Mav says, looking at the text books Bradley has just dumped on the table. Tom is ordering pizza, only half-listening to the conversation.

“I was, but I looked into some stuff and I’m going to do physics and human performance science. Maybe some business papers as well.”

“What are you going to use that for?”

“Skydiving!” Bradley says, expression clearly informing Mav he thinks he’s an idiot for needing to ask.

“Uh…”

“I’m going to become a Skydiving instructor. I need to get my A and B licenses, then an additional hundred jumps. Then I can start coaching alongside other instructors. I need to do another two hundred jumps then, and there’s a list of requirements. There are things like accelerated free fall which looks so cool. Then I have to do a course… I figure I can become a tandem instructor by the time I finish my degree.”

Tom meets Mav’s eyes across the table and they both keep their mouths shut. He knows he’s not the only one hoping that it’s only a passing phase.

It doesn’t pass.

2003-2006 - The early years

#IceMav #Top Gun fanfic #Hangster #you need to learn how to fall

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midnightdevotion · 2 years

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Mistake

Requested: Mav is dating the admirals daughter, he breaks up with you to 'protect' you, but it was a mistake.

Pairing: Maverick x reader

Warnings: angst, heartbreak, um Ice being sweet and Maverick being an idiot

a/n: ummmm I adore maverick even though he's a little shit. Currently contemplating a spine tattoo? anyways I use these a/ns for my thoughts :)

Maverick was scared.

Maverick never felt scared, not when he was flying at high speeds or doing maneuvers that would scare any normal person. Not when he was speeding around on his bike helmet-less, no all those things just made maverick feel more alive.

He felt that way whenever he was with you too- alive. Like nothing could touch him or anything bad that did happen would be but a speck to him when he's with you. Things were going so well between you too, he was even planning on telling you he loved you. Then he got called for a very dangerous mission. One he wasn't sure he'd make it back from.

Now the fear that he was feeling was new, because he'd never had someone to come back to- who'd be here waiting for him to come back. He was terrified at the idea of leaving you to mourn him. It wasn't that he was doubting his skills, he just kept having these intrusive thoughts of 'what if'. He'd never really dealt with those before.

A feeling maverick was use to was reckless. So he made the decision that he needed to end things. He couldn't handle this- this fear bubbling up inside him, eating him alive. He convinced himself it didn't matter- he was doing what was best for you.

He knew somewhere in the back of his mind that this was a terrible answer for his actions. That if he'd stop and talk to goose for five seconds, the married and clearly better at relationships of the duo would knock some sense into him. That's the kicker though- he didn't want sense knocked into him, because this feeling? This scared feeling made his hands shake, and his stomach turn and he was acting irrationally because he'd never felt it before and this was the only way to get rid of it.

He was shipping out tomorrow morning anyway- so you will have space to move on before he's back in three weeks. He doesn't give himself time to rethink, not a spare second to consider that you're an adult who knows the risks of dating a naval aviator- or even that he's going to regret this. So that's how he finds himself at your door step on a night you weren't expecting.

"Mav! what are you doing here" and the happiness in your voice at his surprise visit has him swallowing hard. If you only knew why he was standing there, you wouldn't be so happy to see him.

"Mav?" you question him when he doesn't respond, and when he doesn't make eye contact or move to kiss you- something he always does within seconds of seeing you, you know something is off. Even that one time you ran into him unintentionally in the cereal aisle of the store he kissed you, now he's here on your doorstep looking like a kicked puppy.

"we uh... we need to talk" and whether it be because you are an over thinker that plays out every scenario possible, or just because it's an obvious statement for breakups you know what's happening. You steele yourself and look towards the horizon.

"okay" you sound almost robotic, the last thing you're going to do is let him see that this is gonna hurt you. Maverick knows you too well though, he sees right through the walls that just shot up, an he hates that he made them shoot up. It took him so long to get you to lower them.

"I think we need to take a break.. it'd be good for us" you can't help the scoff that leaves your mouth.

"say what you need to say maverick but don't put this as an us thing. This is you- all you so at least be honest" there's a coldness to your voice that maverick hates, you've never been cold with him.

"I can't do this anymore" it was as close to the truth and he was going to give you.

"okay" If he didn't know you so well, he'd be offended by the lack of emotions on your face. He could see it though, the glimmer of pain in your eyes, the flinch in your hands when the words came out of his mouth. The way you were biting the inside of your cheek, something you only did when you were hiding how you really felt.

"okay? You're not going to yell at me or slap me or anything?" and he should've known you wouldn't hell it makes sense that you didn't. Growing up with an admiral as a father you know how to put walls up so thick nobody could even dream of getting past them. Hiding your emotions so well because you didn't want your over protective dad to get angry. Not to say you didn't grow up in a loving home- but you learn some things when you watch your dad put up walls because he has too. His job demanding it of him. Maverick hated that he was the reason it was happening now, and being directed at him.

He hated that even though you were so strong and hiding behind this metaphorical wall he could see your eyebrow tense, and you swallow tensely.

"No Pete I'm not, if that's all then you are free to go" and to anyone else your voice would sound emotionless, like you didn't care. He heard it though, the hitch in your breath, and the quiver in your voice as you said his name. He doesn't really know what to say, so he just nods.

You don't wait any longer than that to shut the door. Leaving Pete to stand there looking at the closed door in front of him thinking 'what did I just do'.

His next movements are auto pilot. He gets on his motorcycle and drives back to his place. He eats a sandwich, not sure if he even tasted it and he goes to bed.

_____

Over the last three weeks you have been a mess. Most nights spent crying and filled with restless sleep. Your family was worried, because they'd never seen you this torn up about any guy. Your dad- he was pissed. You'd found out on accident that Pete had shipped out, after telling your dad you two broke things off- and what was supposed to be a funny comment about staying away from pilots now. He just grumbled that as soon as the son of a bitch was state side, he'd wish he was in hell.

You didn't doubt your dads ability to make Mavericks life a living hell, but you saw his eyes soften when you asked him to please just let it go. You'd been staying with your parents for the time being- comforted by being home, somewhere there was no memories of maverick and you. You'd spent the days working and your nights falling apart and that's what it had been for the past three weeks.

You knew maverick would be back any day now, overhearing your parents in the breakfast nook talk about what to do. They didn't want to necessarily shelter you- rather just protect you from the pain of seeing him again. You cracked a small smile after your dad grumbled something about staging an accident in the air, and your moms loud gasp and a resounding smack to his arm.

You'd always wonder growing up, why your dad made you promise to stay away from pilots. Seeing how in love he was with your mother, how they were each others best friends, always making each other laugh like they were teenagers. For a while it grossed you out, coming home and seeing your parents flirt or kiss in the kitchen isn't something a 13 year old wants to see. Now though, you just wished you could find a love like that- and you thought you had with pete.

Stepping off the last step you round into the kitchen, your parents conversation lulling to a stop indicating it was very much about you. You didn't let it bother you, you know they were only worried about you.

"Morning, I um took your suggestion and called my friends. We're gonna go out tonight" your voice was soft, fitting for the early morning and the sound of coffee brewing.

"oh good! It'll be good for you to get out of the house!" your mothers eager voice chirped back. You know she meant well, and she was only concerned for you so you just sent her a small smile. You didn't have to see it to know your parents sent each other a look as you started to whip up pancakes.

"oh man I love having you home" comes your dad's gruff sigh- you laugh a genuine one, which have been few and far between for the last few weeks.

"you just love that I make you pancakes" you glance over at him, seeing him smile just as wide. Having grown up with this side of your dad, you always thought it was funny that so many found him intimidating. His gruff serious side didn't come home with him very often, he was always cracking jokes and full of love.

You waste the day away with your parents, grateful that they just let you be and didn't press on how you were doing. They knew you well enough they didn't even need to ask anyway. So when you find yourself getting ready to go out with your friends you sigh. Not really wanting too, but also not wanting to bail on your friends who were worried or worry your parents further by not going out.

So you force yourself to put on a cute dress, and you force yourself to put on makeup and do your hair. You stand in the mirror ready for the evening and just looking at yourself. Armor down, but ready to go back up when you step out of your room. Your shoulders are slouched, tired from not sleeping great the last few weeks, haunted by dreams of the man you thought you'd marry.

The bags under your eyes hidden as best you could with makeup, the frown pulling at your lips, showing just how miserable you are. Were you really ready for a night of fake smiles and pretending you are okay? Not really. You were ready for a night of drinking your feelings away though.

You hear the doorbell ring, and you know it's time. So you throw your shoulders back, and take a deep breath. Pulling open the door to your bedroom you hear your best friend at the door.

"hi mom, dad, how are you guys doing?" and the smile you crack at that is genuine, always finding it funny that your best friend refers to your parents like they are her own.

After that it's a whirlwind- of her promising to come visit more, hugs and kicking you out the door. Like they were eager to get rid of you or something.

"Savanna and Chelsea are meeting us at the bar in about an hour, we wanted to ask though, are you okay with going to the usual bar? we can go into san diego if you'd rather." You wish you could say you didn't hesitate but you did. Weighing out your options, sure San Diego would pose no chance of running into Pete, but you could walk home form the bar here, whenever you wanted. Pete is in the middle of the ocean anyway, so you decide.

"we can just go to the usual, it'll be okay- he's not here anyway" you watch as Kenzie has sympathetic eyes for you, and part of you hates it, the other part is just glad you have friends like her.

It takes no time at all for you to pull up to the bar, and you almost feel sick as you push the car door open. You'd come here so many times with the damn aviator, walking the beach and laughing like you had nothing to lose.

You walk into the bar, so focused on keeping your head high and shoulders back that you don't even notice the wing man sitting in the corner. Goose, and if Goose was stateside that means maverick is too.

You're too focused on getting a shot, didn't matter what kind just something to dull this ache that has been constant. Kenzie the best friend she is ordered six shots to split between you two. The fact that she definitely spotted the mustached aviator being a big motivator to keep you distracted.

She sat to your left, knowing that you would face her and keep the aviator out of eye sight. It felt like no time at all had passed before the other two members of your group joined. Instantly ordering more shots and feeling truly happy to be with your best friends again.

You didn't expect a blond aviator to come up to you. You'd seen him around before but you'd never really interacted with him. You were even more surprised when he asked you to dance. You wanted to say no, but he looked nice enough and the looks your friends were giving you were basically begging you to say yes. So you did.

That was three songs ago, and you were really enjoying yourself now. He made you laugh, a foreign feeling on your lips. He twirled you around and dipped you, a motion that brought out a giggle. When he pulled you back up, you didn't expect to hear a clearing of a throat.

"What the hell Kazansky" You move your heads to see none other than Pete Maverick god damn Mitchell standing there. The taller man in front of you let out a laugh.

"Can I help you Mitchell, me and the pretty lady are busy" and you blush, because well c'mon you're only human and just about anyone would blush under this blond haired, green eyed greek god.

"Like hell your busy- you know thats my girl!" his shout has you angry. Before Tom can even mutter out a sarcastic testosterone filled reply you step in.

"No I'm not" and its as if the whole bar quieted to listen to this goddamn fight. You could feel all the eyes on you, maverick and Tom. Maybe it was the several shots you'd had, or the overwhelming amount of feelings you had in the last three weeks, but the damn broke.

"you don't get to come in here and act like you weren't the one at my doorstep telling me you wanted to call it quits. You definitely don't get to tell me I can or cannot dance with someone. I am not yours anymore, which big reminder is what you fucking wanted. So leave me alone Pete" you watch as maverick looks stunned, but you turn not wanting to let him see you break. The blond you were dancing with you decide is a saint, as he pulls you off the dance floor and out by the beach.

Inside the bar, Goose stepped up behind maverick. Placing his hand on the shorter mans shoulder.

"what were you thinking mav?" he watches as maverick flinches.

"I-I don't... I messed up goose" and he didn't need to say it, the WSO already knew, he knew that three weeks ago when they stepped aboard the naval ship and his best friend looked lost.

Outside, you apologized to Tom, feeling bad for how the night turned out.

"No apologies necessary, you don't owe me anything, all I wanted was a dance" you give him a grateful smile, knowing a lot of dirtbags would view it differently.

"Well thank you- for everything, but I think I'll walk home now"

"You want me to walk with you?" and you appreciated his offer, really, but you need some time to think.

"no- that's okay I think some space would do me good, go enjoy the rest of your night Tom" and he gives you a soft smile before nodding. He watches you walk away, but he doesn't go in yet. He knows maverick will assume you two left together if he doesn't and that is his plan. He's right, it takes Maverick all of another five minutes before he's rushing out the bar doors.

"Goose I gotta get her back!" and he sees the mustached pilot smile and shake his head. He heads back inside before maverick can see him leaning against the building.

"ice? Maverick thought you took-" and ice cuts him off with a laugh.

"I know exactly what he thought goose- that was kind of the idea" and realization strikes on the married mans face, before he's lost in a fit of laughter. Ice can't help but join in.

"someone wanna fill me in?" It's sliders voice that cuts them out of their laughter.

"sometimes maverick needs a kick in the ass, he was a miserable sap the last three weeks and I figured if he saw me 'making a move' on his girl then he'd get his shit together and stop being so annoying." comes Ice's quick explanation. Slider just smirks shaking his head, because Ice was right and it worked.

___

Your walk home wasn't the most efficient one. You stopped and watched the waves for probably an hour and your pace wasn't necessarily quick. You wanted your parents to think you'd went out for a good amount of time. That and you just wanted to wallow in peace, nobody to keep it together for, nobody to worry about you when it's just you and the stars.

When you arrive at your parents house, the walk feeling too long and yet not long enough, you see an anxious pilot waiting for you. You have no more fight in you, no more energy to put up walls, no more anger just numb. He looks up, hearing the scuff of your shoe on the pavement.

"I uh went by your place and after an hour I figured maybe you'd come here instead. Uh your dad said you weren't home and shut the door in my face so" and you can't help the small smile at the idea of your father just shutting the door in mavericks face.

"I took the long way home" the tension between you two, something you'd never felt with him was nauseating. How could someone who you were on the free fall of falling in love with be so close to a stranger now.

"I- I made a mistake" and you can't help but scoff at that. He takes a small step closer and you almost flinch.

"Stop" your voice is hoarse. You see the pain flicker in his eyes, and part of you wants to reach out to him but the other remembers everything you've felt, every drop of pain he put you in and you will yourself to be still. You can't worry about him when you're standing here breaking into pieces.

"Honey please- I was scared... I didn't want to hurt you but god I was so scared that maybe I'd die and you'd be heartbroken and I couldn't do that to you." The laugh that leaves your mouth is humorless, it sounds nothing like you and that scares maverick more than him dying on a mission.

"so you decided to break my heart anyways" Your voice is hallow. Sure over the last three weeks you'd picture him coming back to you, and you go on being happy but now that it's happening? It's so much more complicated, and your tired and tipsy brain can't compute any of it. So when he opens his mouth to speak, you hold your hand up.

"Pete I...I can't do this right now. You need to go" and Pete knows you well enough to know that you are exhausted, the evidence that you tried to hide before the bar coming full force, plus now your feet ache and your head hurts, your heart feels like it's breaking even more.

You can tell he doesn't want to, he wants to get everything off of his chest, but you- you need to put yourself first. Something you've always struggled to do. So you're grateful when your dad opens the door. Not so thrilled that he was listening but glad at the same time because he won't let Pete argue with you. Not when he sees his little girls defeated stature and broken eyes.

Pete doesn't move as you walk around him, though it does sting when you take the extra steps to go around him without touching him. He watches as you walk up the steps, kissing your dad on the cheek and whispering something. Pete was hoping maybe that would be that, but he's not surprised when he sees your dad step out and shut the door behind him.

"Let me make one thing very clear to you Mitchell. That's my little girl, and one day if your lucky you'll have a daughter, and you'll understand where I am coming from but you EVER hurt my daughter again and I will ruin you. It doesn't take a fool to see that you love her, and I wouldn't be so understanding if I myself hadn't made this mistake with my dear wife. Trust me when I say they know what they are signing on for, and they find us for whatever reason worth the risk. You do everything you can to make up for the last three weeks, and then you fight tooth and nail for the rest of your life to keep her happy and keep coming home to her. Do you understand me?"

"Yes- Yes Sir." with that the admiral nods and he walks inside, stopping at the last second before he throughs out.

"She needs space for now, but you can come by tomorrow." and it was a gentle way of telling him to get off of his property and Pete does just that, a bounce in his step as he thinks of what to do for you tomorrow.

When you wake up, you aren't shocked to see the clock read 10 am. Usually your more of an early bird, but with how loaded last night was plus how tired you were before any of the events you finally feel somewhat refreshed.

To say you're shocked when you make your way down the stairs is an understatement. Never in your wildest dreams did you expect to see Maverick and your dad LAUGHING, while cooking you pancakes.

The two men sobered up quickly when they see your confused self, standing in the entry way of the kitchen.

"Morning sweetie, I'll give you two some privacy" he comes over to you and presses a kiss to your cheek, mumbling that you should hear him back, and you just mumbled back 'traitor'. When you don't make a move to come closer, Pete sighs.

"I don't know what I need to do for your forgiveness, I brought loads of flowers-" at this you glance to the table to see he did in fact bring LOADS of flowers, there's at least 6 dozen flowers stealing all the space on your table.

"-I'm making you breakfast- well attempting and I am ready to get on my knees and grovel." You can see the seriousness in his eyes as he speaks. He steps closer and unlike last night you let him.

"I am so sorry I hurt you, I was an idiot, and I didn't even think about what I was doing- I know that doesn't make it okay. I was so scared and darling I never feel scared so I acted on impulse- a stupid fucking impulse. I was miserable all three weeks on that stupid god damn ship just waiting to come see you again. I got off that ship and went right to your place, when no one answered I felt defeated. So I went to the bar to drink my sorrows away and saw you with Kazansky and I felt like someone shot me. I know I didn't handle it right- any of it, but I love you and only want you so please please forgive me"

Your heart was a stuttering mess, poor thing has gone through so much abuse the last month. You could see the desperation in Pete's eyes, and as much as you wanted to keep him waiting for a response you couldn't help the lazy smile that started to form on your lips.

"You love me huh?" and Pete is too worried you won't forgive him to notice the joking tone in your voice.

"Yes sweetheart, I love you so much and It scared the hell out of me, I'm an idiot I know"

"shut up and kiss me Mitchell" and so he did, he kissed you like his life depended on it, and for a moment you think maybe yours did. Like you had gone three weeks without oxygen and you were finally coming up for air.

"I love you too, you stupid pilot." and he was the happiest man on earth.

Taglist:

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#maverick x reader #top gun maverick #pete mitchell imagine #pete mitchell #pete mitchell x reader #pete mitchell x y/n #pete maverick mitchell #top gun fic #top gun 1986 #top gun

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thebahwrites · 1 year

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Mavdad & Icepops + Baby Goose (extra + baby Jake)

On a (very silly) Christmas scene

(Based on something that happened irl to me, I figured I might make someone else laugh too. And here’s a tiny Christmas piece for y’all, with me sending some love and positivity.)

“Okay, hear me out.”

The kitchen looks like a flour bag had been thrown up to the ceiling fan and mercilessly hurled around. Maverick’s clothes – the grease stained overalls, black shirt and hoodie are covered in various amalgamated layers of flour, sugar, butter and something Bradley suspects is chocolate. Even though they had gotten nowhere near chocolate the past hours.

They’re both huddled around the kitchen isle, a ball of simple cookie dough sitting between the two, properly wrapped in plastic, surviving amidst the kitchen chaos of ingredients that suffered the misfortune of not making into the dough itself. Or any other dish.

“I’m hearing.” Twelve-years-old Bradley responds, used and done with his godfather’s kitchen antics, along with an eye roll and sarcasm dripping out of his voice. “But we really should get this done soon, Mav!”

“Okay we just need–” Pete starts, hands flapping aimlessly for a moment, coming to rest on top of the cookie dough ball as if it would offer him any kind of help. Or ideas.

“We need a miracle to get all of this done and clean before Ice gets here.” Bradley bemoans out helplessly, looking at the cataclysmic state of the kitchen around them. Though they had managed to get most things done in what could be considered a decent timetable...

“Our food is going to fuck and that’s that!” Maverick all but slams his hands down, grabbing the rolling pin and hand it over to Bradley. “Cookies included!” And then of course, there is a mild pause. “...don’t tell Ice and your mom I said that.” He says almost bashfully, with a half grin.

“Yeah, alright.” There is a long, pensive pause before Bradley looks back at Maverick. “But I’m gonna cuss too.”

“Only if there’s an occasion.” Pete nods solemnly.

And of course, said occasion presents itself not five minutes later when he’s taking the cookie tray right out of the oven and immediately burning his hand by trying to balance the tray out with the one (01) ungloved hand as he slipped on a dollop of floor-bound butter. Then dropping the whole thing. To which Bradley promptly reacts with a sound:

“What the FUCK Mav!!!”

Immediately followed by a very small sneeze and dead silence in the kitchen.

Maverick craned his neck around from the cookie disaster on the (very dirty) floor and Bradley very slowly turned around like a deer caught in headlights.

Standing at the very end of the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe, in his beautiful deep-blue cashmere coat and red scarf, platinum blond hair spiking up, golden-framed glasses perched on his nose, Iceman watched the scene. One hand wrapped around a coffee shop takeout cup, expression somewhere between amused and pitying. His other hand, however, resting atop a smaller head.

Hanging right by his legs, halfway hiding behind, wheat blond golden hair and eyes rather on the greener side, wearing a matching deep-blue hoodie and a red scarf as well, hand wrapped around a small cup of his own and curiously watching them.

“Oh... uh... hey Ice... how... uhm... how long you guys have been there?” Maverick asks sheepishly, back still on the floor, pathetically looking back at the pair standing away. Either not able, or unwilling, to move. Naval aviator defeat by cookie.

“Oh,” Ice tilts his head a little, with that sharky grin, looking over the frame of his glasses. “We’ve been here the whole time.”

There’s a long, drawn out pause. Then the slurping sound coming from the little blonde's cup as he drained its contents. Ice nodded at the pair that had destroyed the kitchen, petting the young boy’s head.

“And that, sweetheart, is an example of what you shouldn’t do.”

#abt: my writing #icemav #iceman x maverick #top gun fic #tgm ficlet #tom iceman kazansky #pete maverick mitchell #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #//THIS IS VERY SILLY #//but my attempt at cheering myself up #//just some christimas silliness #long post #hi im a queue

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mistys-blerbz · 1 year

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Keep Your Eyes On Me • Chapter 14

Pairing: Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x F!Mitchell!OC

Summary:

Elizabeth “Ghost” Mitchell is the daughter of what some would say is the most decorated Naval Captain. But when she is called back to North Island for a special mission she is forced to face her past loves, past hurts, and past losses.

Warnings:

violence, swearing, PTSD, war, mental illness & probably more

Word Count: 3,729

Cross Posted: A03 • Wattpad

Story Masterlist

Liz looked out at the sea, standing on the edge of the carrier's deck. Her hands gripped the railing of the f/18s next to her, keeping her center as her mind wandered.

“You think you’ll be picked?” Bradley asked, walking up behind her causing her to jump a little.

“Not a chance,” she mumbled. “Maybe before Mav became team leader. Definitely not now.”

“Yeah, I have a feeling Hangman's going to be chosen as wingman.”

Liz nodded. She could see that. He seemed to have the fastest times when it came to making it on target. But he didn't work well with others in the air. At least not traditionally. In her experience, when the stakes of death were present, he always was a team player.

“You have a chance Roo,” she hummed leaning into the man's side. “You are one of the best single-seaters who were recruited. Don't discount yourself just because you have a history.”

The mustached man looked down at Liz, smiling softly as he pulled her into a hug. He kissed the top of her head gently before pulling away.

“I won't if you won’t,” he said, squeezing her arm before walking off. She watched him before bracing herself as the platform began to unexpectedly move downward. As the platform slowed, it revealed her father and Warlock. She watched as her father walked onto the platform flight gear in tow. The platform slowly rose once again to go to the flight deck.

“What's with the gear?” she asked, seeing the haunted look on his face.

“Oh uh, wanted to go on a flight. Clear my head. Help me make decisions,” he explained, making her nod.

“You alright?”

“At the moment? I've been better,” he answered honestly, giving her a soft smile.

“No matter your decision. I'll still love you, dad. No matter what.”

Pete looked away, shaking his head to himself. Why’d she have to say that when he was already so emotionally vulnerable?

The platform stopped on top of the deck, revealing Jake who was waiting for her. The two were going to be meeting up. She walked past her dad onto the main deck of the ship.

“Lizzy!” her father shouted, causing her to look back over.

“I love you too, no matter what happens,” he said with a smile, causing her to smile back. She turned to look up at Jake, who smiled down at her. He took her hand and led her towards the door to the deck below.

The group of aviators sat in the dimly lit room below deck. The sounds of the ship rang through their ears as they stood at attention. All eyes were focused on the man before them. Their leader. Their captain. Today was the day. No turning back. The mission was a go.

“It has been an honor flying with you,” Pete started, looking across the faces of his students. “Each one of you represents the best of the best. This is a very specific mission. My choice is a reflection of that and nothing more.”

Liz shifted nervously and glanced over at Bradley, who looked back at her. Her eyes shifted to Jake, whose hair was perfectly combed over. He stood there, tall and ready to be told he was going on the mission. Her eyes went back to her father.

“Choose your two Foxtrot teams,” Admiral Simpson said, causing her heart to jump. She wanted to go on this mission. She knew she could do it. Please let her be picked.

“Payback and Fanboy,” her father said. He glanced her way, giving her a little glimmer of hope before he looked behind her and John. “Phoenix and Bob.” Her heart dropped, looking down at her feet. She felt John's hand reach over for her’s, giving it a soft squeeze.

“And your wingman.”

“Rooster.”

Her head snapped up, looking at her father then over at Bradley, who looked equally as shocked. Her eyes then went over to Jake, frowning when she saw his jaw clenching.

“The rest of you will stand-by on the carrier for any reserve role that’s required. Dismissed,” Warlock explained to the rest of the group.

Liz immediately turned towards Bob and Phoenix, congratulating them before doing the same with Payback and Fanboy. Rooster and Jake both kind of just stood still as they processed what had just happened. Slowly, members started trickling out of the room. Liz caught Rooster's eye as she skirted out of the room. Liz looked at Jake, who was waiting for Maverick to stop speaking to Admiral Simpson. She frowned a little before walking out of the room. She waited, watching as Admiral Simpson walked out of the room, then Warlock, leaving Jake and her father alone in the briefing room. After a minute, she walked away heading towards her room.

The next morning, Liz was puking. She barely slept. Her anxiety waved through her body as she thought about the possibility of losing her family. She gently put her hair back in her double buns. She looked at herself in the mirror. She sighed, slipping on her jumpsuit before walking to her room's door. She pulled it open only to reveal Jake, who had his hand up to knock.

“Morning,” she said softly.

“Good morning, sunshine,” he said, leaning down to kiss her softly on the lips. He then held up a banana he had confiscated from the mess hall.

“Thank you,” she said, eagerly opening the banana to begin eating.

“You sleep?”

“No, you?”

“No.”

The two engulfed themselves in silence as they walked to the locker rooms to change into their flight gear. They helped one another to tighten their straps.

The group of aviators were quiet as they made their way to the flight deck, going to the giant hangar to be debriefed on the mission at hand one final time. Everyone including the deck crew stood to listen. On one side was the Main Dagger crew, the other the dagger spares. Liz stood next to Jake as Warlock began to speak.

“Your target is a clear and present threat. A secret uranium enrichment site under rouge state control. It's an underground bunker, tucked between these two mountains,” Warlock said, pointing to the screen in front of them. “Route of ingress is heavily defended by surface-to-air missiles backed up by fifth-generation fighters. Once your f-18 strike team crosses the border, Tomahawk missiles from the USS Leyte Gulf will launch a synchronized strike on the enemy's airfield here.”

Liz looked up at Jake, frowning a little at how distraught he seemed. She leaned into him lightly, trying to encourage him.

“The moment those tomahawks hit, the enemy will know you’re coming. Your time to target will be two minutes 30 seconds. Any longer than that exposes you to any aircraft the tomahawks may have missed.”

“This is what you’ve all been training for,” Admiral Simpson encourages. “Come home safely.”

With that, the crew was dismissed. They ran to their planes to prepare them, making sure their missiles and ammunition were loaded properly.

Everyone began getting into their planes as Liz wiggled her missiles aggressively. She smiled over at her father who smiled lightly back. She watched as Jake walked over to her, the anxiousness evident on his face. Nobody knew if this mission was going to work. And if it didn't, it could cause more problems in diplomacy than America needed. She went back to prepping her plane, ignoring the man hovering next to her.

“Liz,” Jake said softly as she fixed a panel.

“Jake,” she mumbled back, too focused on what she was doing. She wanted to focus on the part of the mission that she could control and that was her plane. The man sighed.

“Look at me.”

“Jake, I need to make sure the plane is okay,” she said, skirting around to the other side, making the man follow her.

“Fine, then just listen.” He got cut off by the sound of an announcement over the loudspeaker getting a little more huffy before speaking again. “Elizabeth Bly Mitchell, you will haunt me for the rest of my life,” he said, glancing over at John who climbed into the plane. “I've been meaning to tell you this and not knowing how the day will turn out, I’m going to say it now. I-”

Elizabeth whipped around, finger going to his lips.

“Jake, we aren't having this conversation now,” she said, too scared to hear the words come from his lips. She was thinking them too. Jake just looked down at her. If looks could kill, she would be very dead. She moved to turn back to her plane, moving a leg up to climb up her ladder when she felt strong hands grip her flight gear. She was pulled back and his lips crashed into her own. He held her there before pushing her away.

“You better not interrupt me when we talk later,” he said, looking deep into her eyes before storming off towards his plane. Liz just kinda stood there, puzzled. She glanced over at her flight crewman beside her and saluted him before climbing into her plane.

“About damn time,” John said over the comms.

“Not a damn word!” Liz protested back as she flipped her switches. The plane began to move into place as the flight crew clicked their wheels into the catapults. She began steering her plane, clicking in next to Jake.

“Dagger one, up and ready on Catapult one,” Mav’s voice rang through her headset.

“Dagger Spare 1 standing by,” Jake said, glancing over at Elizabeth who glanced back over at him.

“Dagger Spare 2 standing by,” Liz said, reaching a hand back to fist bump John.

“Dagger four up and read,” Payback called.

“Dagger three up and ready,” Phoenix said next.

“Dagger two up and ready,” Rooster said finally.

Liz watched as her friends catapulted off the carrier. The flight crew below them motioned for Jake and Liz to move into place to prepare themselves in case of an emergent situation of them being deployed.

“Lord give them strength,” Liz breathed out, taking in deep breaths.

“They're gonna be alright, Ghost,” Junior said through the comms.

“You don't know that,” she retorted, glad the gloves on her hand were soaking up the sweat from the palms of her hands. She listened to the chatter on the radio closely, hoping and praying under her breath. She was taking deep breaths to calm herself down. She had no clue why she was so nervous. She'd been in battle so many times. The only difference now was the fact that she had never been into battle with her family's life on the line.

“Dagger attack.” And with that, she watched the missiles shoot from one of the other ships nearby. There was no going back now. “Daggers, assume attack formation,” her father’s voice rang through. “Daggers set. Proceeding to target. Time to target set 2 minutes 30 seconds.” The coms went silent as they traversed the mountainous valley. “First SAMS site ahead.”

“Looks like we’re clear on radar, Mav,” she heard Phoenix call out, causing her to finally breathe again.

“We’re a few seconds behind, Rooster. We got to move,” pPayback called through the coms. Liz readjusted in her seat.

“Come on, Roo, come on,” she mumbled, praying he pulled through.

“Liz, you need to breathe,” John said, eyes watching through the crack of their equipment at her nervous fidgeting. “If you can't do this, say the word. Omaha and Echo can take over.”

“No, I'll be fine. We won't be needed,” her voice slightly desperate hoping she was right.

“Commander Camanche, we’re picking up two bandits. Single group, three contacts.” Liz’s heart rate picked up as she looked over to Jake whose face showed concern as he looked at the radio before him. Feeling her eyes on him, he looked back raising his hands to sign.

‘Deep breaths.’

‘I know,’ she signed back.

“Comanche, what's their heading?” Phoenix asked.

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

“They’re headed away from us. They don't know we’re here,” Rooster responded. She looked outside the plane and down at her flight crew.

“You got me if I wanna go, right?”

“I have to follow orders, lieutenant.”

“But you got me if I want to go?” she asked again. She’s worked with him for years. Looking at the look in her eye, he sighed and nodded his head.

“Yes ma’am.”

“Elizabeth, we aren't doing stupid shit today,” Junior called from behind her.

“You're right, we aren't.”

“Bandits are switching course to defend the target.”

“Rooster, where are you?” Maverick called out, causing Liz to begin getting antsy. She looked back over at Jake whose eyes were watching her.

‘You got my back?’ she signed.

‘Always and forever,’ he signed back.

“Dagger two is reengaging,” both heard over the coms, making them look down at the radio. A smile made its way to Liz’s face.

The calls over the radio became more close together as they got closer to the target. Mav and Phoenix going up over the mountain.

“Get me eyes on that target, Bob,” Mav called.

“Dagger three. Stand by, Mav!” Bob called back, causing everyone on the ship to lean in closer, hoping miracle number 1 would be a success.

“Target acquired bombs away.”

“We’ve got impact!! Check, direct hit! Direct hit!” Bob shouted excitedly, causing Liz to jump a little in her seat.

“Yes!” John shouted from behind her, causing her to laugh a bit.

But they weren't over the hurdle yet. They still needed to get miracle number 2.

“Dagger two, status!” Mav shouted.

“Almost there, Mav, almost there. Fanboy, where’s my laser?” Rooster’s voice called out.

“Deadeye deadeye deadeye!” Fanboy shouted.

“Damn it,” Liz mumbled under her breath, eyes widening when Rooster decided to shoot blind.

“Bullseye bullseye bullseye!”

“FUCK YEAH THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!” Liz shouted, getting the same energy from her backseater. A bit of her anxiety released and she looked over to see Jake doing a little dance in his cockpit causing her smile to grin.

“We’re not out of this yet!” her father's voice broke through the cheering. “Radar warning smoke in the air Phoenix!”

Liz's eyes locked onto the radio, listening as her dread sunk back in slowly. She needed to be ready to get moving if needed. She listened as the radio erupted in chaos, different members calling out what they were doing. She couldn't imagine what they were seeing at that moment.

“Dagger two defending!” Rooster called out. “Shit I'm out of flares!” Liz’s heart dropped further than it possibly could go as tears began to blur her vision.

“Rooster evade! Evade!” Maverick shouted out back over the coms.

“I can't shake them! There on me there on me!”

“Dagger one is hit! I repeat dagger one is hit!” Phoenix called.

Her blood ran cold. Her eyes widening as her heart just about stopped. She lied. Her heart could drop lower in her stomach as everything she ate that morning threatened to come up once again.

“Comanche, bandits inbound. Single group, hot.”

Hearing those words, she looked over the plane and down at her flight crew. They immediately began getting to work to try and get her in the air.

“Elizabeth no! We can't go, we weren't ordered to go!” John protested as she moved to put her mask on her face and clipped it into her side.

“All daggers flow to ECP.”

“No we aren't leaving Maverick behind!” she shouted back her voice threatening to break.

“Dagger spares requesting permission to launch and fly air cover,” Jake’s voice cut through the comms, causing her to look over at him. Silent tears streamed down her face. Her mind flooded with panic. She was not in the right shape to go out there. But she needed to.

“Negative spare.”

Jake smacked his dash, looking over at Liz. She moved to lower her canopy, switching her plane on which made the jets roar.

“Elizabeth!” she heard him shout, making her look over.

‘Don't go! Your father wouldn't want you to die for him!’ he signed, causing her heart to break a little. He looked at her, wishing he could get out of his plane to go over to her. ‘Think about Bradley, Ma and Pa, Penny. You need to be there for them,’ he signed, desperately trying to pull her back into reality. ‘You need to be there for them.’

She smacked her own dash now. Why was he right?

“Flight crew, disengage. We aren't going,” John called over the radio as she flipped off her switches, her engine coming to a halt.

Liz watched as her friend's planes came back into view, landing successfully on the carrier. The only problem was there were only two.

“Where the hell is Rooster?” Liz said over the comms.

“Dagger two is hit!” Command called, causing her heart to just shatter.

The awakened sadness finally had enough for her to completely break down an unstoppable sob racking through her body. She cried. Cried. And cried some more. Why was he such an idiot? Why did he do that? Was she about to do that? Yes, but it's only smart if she's the one doing it. And now all her fears had come true. She was losing everyone she held dear. She watched as her flight crew tried to get her out, climbing up the ladder and tugging at her straps to unhook her from inside.

“Get the hell away from me! They're not dead until they're dead!” she shouted at them, causing them to back off. She sobbed harder.

“Elizabeth, breathe! Just breathe!” John said through the comms trying his best to calm his pilot down. He moved to get unhooked from the plane.

“Get back in your seat!” she shouted back at him.

“It's over liz,” he breathed out. “They're gone. I know it’s hard but they're gone,” he said.

Hands suddenly grabbed her face and turned her to look at a familiar face.

“Hey hey hey, look at me. Liz, look at me.” She struggled lightly against Jake’s hands as she looked at him. “Keep those pretty eyes on me,” he said softly, kissing her forehead. She struggled a little more. “No no, deep breaths and keep your eyes on me.”

Her breath shuddered as she looked up at him. Another sob wracked through her as the flight crews worked on clearing the runways.

“I- I- can't leave this plane, Jake,” she whispered. “I- it’s the only thing I can control.”

“I know, sunshine,” he whispered back. He wiped the tears from her face with his gloved hand gently.

“Lieutenant Seresin, we’re being given orders to take down your planes.” Jake looked down at the flight crew and then back at Liz before looking back at him.

“Ask them if we can wait just a little longer. Lieutenant Mitchell wants to wait it out,” he said, knowing it was a long shot.

“We’re receiving a signal from Roosters ESAT,” Comanche called out over the comms, making her head shoot over to her radio.

“What is it?”

“Rooster,” she breathed out, a glimmer of hope entering her eyes. “Clear clear clear!” she shouted outside the plane as Jake rushed back over to his own plane. She began flipping her switches, turning her engine on once again. She gave a look to her flight crew, ready for the orders to go out there.

“An f-14 tomcat is airborne and on course for our position,” overwatch said, causing her to immediately flip the switch to lower their canopy.

“Dagger spare 2 taking off,” Liz said over the radio, immediately getting pushback from command. She glared over at her flight crew who immediately began working double time.

“Ghost, don't do it!” Admiral Simpson said over the comms.

“I'm sorry sir, an f/14 has less of a chance against the enemy,” she said before immediately catapulting off the aircraft.

“Dagger spare one requesting to go after dagger spare two,”

“Negative dagger spare 1.”

“Ghost, this is stupid,” Junior said over the comms.

“Overwatch, where is Maverick's position?” she called over the radio but didn’t get a response. “I'm already in the air, might as well give me some help trying to save our own soldier’s ass’.”

“Dagger Spare 2, f14 Tomcat is position is 40, 20, heading northbound towards your potion,” the voice said as she wrote down the coordinates on her leg pad.

“Thank you.”

“That’s the direction of the airstrip,” Junior called over.

“I know.” She recalled the map in her mind. It was blurrier than normal. She didn't think she needed to memorize it. Photographic memory could only go so far. She increased their speed, making it to her father’s coordinates easily and noticing the gunfight ensuing.

“Dagger 1 and 2 in a dogfight with enemy fighters. Moving in as air support!” she called out, getting a missile lock on one of the jets which easily maneuvered out of the missles way. Before using the guns, all four planes went down into the valley. Liz shot another missile, only for it to hit the side of the mountain. The Su-57 suddenly punched upward, making Elizabeth follow only able to take care of one of the planes and hoping her father could take care of the other.

“He's behind us, Ghost!” Junior shouted.

“Maneuvering,” she shouted back, evading a missile lock narrowly with her flares. The two aviators notice the explosion and shoot from down in the valley.

“Daggers 1 and 2 safe!” she shouted.

“Dagger spare 1 has been deployed,” she heard over the comms.

“Smoke in the air smoke in the air!”

She hit her flares again, only for them to land in SAM territory. Missiles came flying at them from every direction.

“Shit shit shit!” Liz shouted.

She deployed the last of her flares as the missile lock sound could be heard from behind them. She immediately shifted her flaps, going up and above the su-57 behind her, shooting a missile and causing the jet to explode. She panted as they flew through the big ball of fire in front of them as the missile lock sounded again. Everything that was happening was a blur as their tail end was hit, engulfing them in flames before it was black.

Authors note: no shes not pregnant it was anxiety. i have puked from anxiety before. i hope you enjoyed this chapter! stay tuned for more!

Editor(s): @delicatenightfury

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multishippingtrashfire · 2 years

Text

Heatstroke, Chapter Two

I am so happy so many of you liked Chapter One of this story. This chapter is more of a plot builder but the next one will definitely be spicier, if you catch my drift. I also see the requests for a/b/o for IceMav and I'd love to write it but I just need sometime, so I'm not sure when that will be out but I'll write sometime in the next month or month and half. But in the meantime, enjoy Chapter Two and let me know what you think!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40254696/chapters/101142243

When Rooster woke up and started to think about Hangman nonsexually, he supposes he can see where the fantasy originated from. He and Hangman had always had such electric tension, albeit they thought it was entirely competitive. But it was more than that.

Hangman was the alpha archetype of a bad-boy-you-should-stay-away-from, from his attitude to his career, to even his looks. But to then hear he physically protected Rooster, and had even ordered around their pack to keep him well-fed and safe during heat; he was a knight in shining armor.

Rooster wasn’t sure what to think.

And when Rooster didn’t feel like thinking, he knew the perfect person who did.

Phoenix showed up around 6pm and initially, Rooster wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. He knew she was an alpha and while they were initially very flirty, they had come to the conclusion that a friendship was better. Still, that didn’t change that she was an alpha and he was an omega on the tail end of heat.

So, she brought Bob with her too.

They stood on Rooster’s porch, beer and snacks in hand.

Initially, everyone was acting stiffly, not sure how to behave in each other’s presence but with a smile, Rooster was reaching over to hug Bob and Phoenix. He had missed his team.

“Hey Roo, how ya feelin’?” Phoenix hugged him back and it was nice to know she missed him too. Bob returned his hug eagerly, waiting to hear Rooster’s response.

“Hey, guys. I’m okay, just tired really.” He shrugged, making a gesture that hopefully communicated his feelings of ‘it is what it is’. They followed him inside, setting the beers and snacks on his table.

“I thought you guys wouldn’t have brought anything, since you already filled my fridge up.” Rooster chuckled, pulling out plates. Upon setting them on the table, he realized Bob and Phoenix looked confused.

“Stocked your fridge?” Phoenix repeated slowly when Bob added, “We didn’t stock your fridge.” Phoenix nodded in agreement with Bob before continuing. “Maybe it was Mav? Or Fanboy?”

Rooster knew it wasn’t Mav and was pretty sure it wasn’t Fanboy. And if he wasn't paying attention, he would’ve missed Bob adding “Or Hangman” under his breath.

“Hangman? As Jake Seresin Hangman ? Why would he be feeding me?” Rooster almost couldn’t believe it. This was starting to feel like a prank.

Phoenix only laughed, while Bob looked at Rooster as if he was the strangest person he had ever seen.

“What’s funny? What am I missing?” Rooster looked back and forth between his two friends.

“Uh, Rooster?” Bob coughed awkwardly, “Have you ever been with an alpha?”

“I’m not a fucking baby, man. I go to the same doc, who puts me in stirrups as you. Yes, I have fucked an alpha!” Rooster snapped. He couldn’t believe it, Bob was talking to him like he was a blushing virgin.

“Not sexually, doofus!” Phoenix snapped back.

“Then how?” Phoenix rolled her eyes, remembering she was always surrounded by idiots.

“Romantically, duh! Like a boyfriend or girlfriend.”

“Oh.” Rooster paused and realized that he hadn’t ever dated an alpha or really anyone for that matter. He had always been head down, trying to get here, being a Naval aviator. He had had flings and even people he was fond of, but never an official partner. “Actually, no. But what does that have to do with Hangman?”

“Uh Rooster, alphas sometimes feed, or in your case, fill up your fridge because…well…” Bob trailed off, looking at Rooster expectantly as if to say ‘you know’ with his eyes.

“Because what?”

“He’s courting you, stupid. Peacocking. Dating. Putting the moves on you.” Phoenix supplied.

“What?! Dating ?! No way!” Rooster shook his head in disbelief

“Uh, yes way! The entire time I’ve known you two, he’s liked you. And then to find out you're an O? Hangman is doing everything in his proverbial power to show you he’d be a good match. Hell! That’s why he nearly got discharged fighting every unmated alpha on board. He likes you.” Phoenix ranted back, while Bob nodded in total agreeance.

They thought Hangman liked him.

“I mean…maybe it’s just sex he wants. Did you think of that?” Rooster shoots back because it just doesn’t compute in his mind that Hangman would want to date him. I mean, sure he can admit there was a mutual tension and interest in each other fueled by their rivalry. But dating was an entirely different ballpark. Dating was going out on dates, celebrating birthdays, meeting parents, and making love. It was just no possibility that that was what Hangman wanted to do with Rooster.

“Rooster! I can tell you definitively, that no alpha is fighting off other, superior officer alphas and feeding you and ordering around others to feed you unless it's more than just sex. Because if it was just sex, he would’ve knocked on the door himself and offered to ‘help’ you out.” Phoenix snapped back, exasperated by Rooster’s obliviousness.

“She’s right. The feeding and fighting go back to our most primal instincts. He’s trying to show you he can protect and take care of you.” Bob tacked on.

“So what do I?!” Rooster hadn’t even considered this was a possibility and it felt a bit like a whirlwind.

“Do you like him back?” Bob asked.

“I don’t know! He just stopped being an asshole like two weeks ago. He’s arrogant, and selfish and doesn’t know how to just let things go! And then he turns all that on it’s head by protecting and feeding me when I’m in heat. And suddenly all of you guys are ‘Team Hangman’ and I was under the impression we all thought he was an ass. But now I don’t know.” Rooster threw up his hands and hoped his friends understood his confusion and apprehension.

“That’s fair, but there were also moments when you didn’t see the good parts of Hangman. I know it feels like a sudden shift but, we really do think he’s at least a decent guy. Hell, maybe even good.” Phoenix argued.

“Like when? What has he done?” Rooster had never seen any of these actions and almost couldn’t believe his ears.

“Well…” Phoenix trailed off, eyes darting over to Bob.

Bob looked at Phoenix and Rooster before taking a deep breath.

“One night, after I was leaving the bar, I was by myself when some guys from out of town started trailing me. I was ready to fight them, but before I could, I hear Hangman call my name and jog to catch up. He walked me home that night and told me he saw them tail me when I left. He’s at least a decent guy, even if it’s just to me” Bob finished, shrugging.

“And I’ve heard he’s told guys to lay off the derogatory Omega comments around Fanboy.” Phoenix added.

“We’re not saying he’s perfect, the guy still has some growing he could do but he does try.” Bob finished, with Phoenix nodding in agreement.

Rooster took a moment, disgesting all the information, thinking of how long it’d been since he had a partner. Everything pointed to giving Hangman a chance.

“So, do you want to give him a chance?” Bob

“Yeah…I think I do. But I don’t know what to do now.” Rooster looked between his friends, feeling lost.

“Then go on a date with him!” Phoenix retorted, making a ‘duh’ gesture with her hands.

“Well, talk to him first, but then go on a date with him.” Bob reasoned.

Rooster has never felt nervous talking to an alpha before. He wonders if this experience is on that all omegas who start dating younger get. It makes Rooster want to talk to Fanboy and Bob, maybe even Mav, just to see what their younger dating experiences were like. He feels completely in his head, worse than he felt on the mission. He at least had the know-how to fly a plane, but to date an alpha? Rooster was in the dark. But on his way to the bar, where Phoenix has assured him Hangman will be, he feels like he’s going to be sick.

He debated over his outfit and hair way more than ever before, wondering if Hangman likes the color red that he decided on, or if he prefers blue. He contemplated if he should shave his mustache since all the O’s he had ever seen on tv were smooth and hairless. He remembered watching tv shows with his mom comparing them to hairless cats.

But ultimately decided against it, because he was nothing like the O’s he’d seen on tv. He wasn’t meek, or small, or hairless. He liked flying and riding motorcycles and just generally being apart of the action. And if that wasn’t the type of O that Hangman was looking for, then they weren’t a match.

Arriving at Penny’s, he catches sight of Hangman towards the back. He’s nursing a beer and looking out at the beach. And honestly to Rooster, he looks nervous too. Hangman goes to scan the crowd of the bar, before his eyes land on Rooster.

For a moment, they both freeze, eyes locked on each other. Hangman breaks the tension with an awkward wave, which reminds Rooster to keep walking toward him. He pushes through the crowd and makes it to Hangman, and it feels even more awkward than before.

“Hey” “How are you?” Hangman and Rooster say at the same time. They start apologizing over top of one another before they both get quiet.

“Can I get you a beer?” Hangman asked, gesturing to the bar behind him. Rooster nods and is appreciative of the space it puts between them while Hangman gets it. He needs time to collect himself and figure out how to approach this. He looks at Hangman talking to Penny. He looked handsome and relaxed. And he was at least a gentleman to get Rooster a drink. Rooster had never fully admitted it to himself but he does like Hangman. Maybe it’s worth a shot.

At Hangman’s arrival back to their spot, he hands Rooster his beer. Rooster nods in thanks, takes a swig and lets the courage build inside himself. Hangman appears to be waiting for him to make the first move, and that’s fair; he’s practically been auditioning for a chance with Rooster over a week.

“Thanks for taking care of me during my heat.” Rooster’s only realized how that sounded when Hangman choked on his beer.

“Oh god! Wait that’s not how I meant tha-fuck. I meant the food and protection.” Rooster felt like his face is on fire. He’s never been this awkward before and he doesn’t understand why it’s happening now.

Recovering from his surprise, Hangman clears his throat and wipes his mouth on the back of his hand.

“Yeah, of course. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” Hangman’s cheeks redden slightly at this admission and he looks away to cover his embarrassment. In Rooster’s mind, he felt it was kind of nice that they were equally nervous.

“So…” Hangman swiveled his gaze back to Rooster, waiting for him to finish.

“Are you trying to date me or just fuck me?” Rooster was never known for his tact, but he at least waited for Hangman to not have food or drink in his mouth before he asked. He knew Hangman would be shocked, but he didn’t expect his head to jerk backward, as if he had been struck.

“You think I’d just be trying to fuck you?” Hangman’s tone was incredulous and it made Rooster rethink asking the question in the first place.

“I mean…maybe? It’s possible…” Rooster stammered out.

“Rooster I’m not trying to just-, I did all that because I thought you deserved a choice. And at the risk of sounding like a real arrogant asshole, I think we’re good together and I wanted to give it shot.” Hangman ended sincerely before throwing his hands up in a reassuring gesturing. “That’s not to pressure you either! Please feel free to say no and we can act as though none of this happened.”

And rationally, Rooster knew a moment like this was where he should swoon, or even throw a drink in Hangman’s face but he only felt more confused.

“Why?” Rooster asked. At Hangman’s confused expression, Rooster clarified as “Why me? Why do you want to date me?”

For a moment, Hangman was at a loss for words. He opened and closed his mouth a few times before a smile settled on his face.

“You’re kind of awesome, Rooster. You’re hot, you keep me on my toes, and you’re smart as hell. And honestly, that fire and conviction in you to prove everyone wrong just makes me want to cheer you on. I think we haven’t given ourselves the chance to really know each, which is fine. We were rivals after all. But I knew I felt more when I saved you from the MiG. I knew I felt more when I heard you went into heat and those stupid assholes who don’t even know you thought to offer you a ‘hand’.” Hangman shook his head in disgust.

“All in all, the reason why is you, Bradshaw. I like you. Just take a leap of faith with me.” Hangman finished, with a toothy, but sexy smile.

And before Rooster could really process it, he heard himself say:

“Let’s take a chance then, Seresin.”

#hangster #My writing #bradley bradshaw x Jake Seresin #Jake Seresin x Bradley Bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #bradley rooster bradshaw #natasha phoenix trace #robert bob floyd #nick rambles #ask nick #Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics

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