Finding Freedom | Part 12
Summary: After your dad pulled not only Bradley’s Naval Academy application but your own as well, the two of you cut him out of your lives. Forced to find your own way to make your dreams come true, it became you and Bradley against the world. Now, engaged and highly successful, despite your father’s interference, you’re both recalled to Top Gun for a high stakes mission. Will this be an opportunity to put the past behind you all and find freedom from the hurt and anger…or will it lead to you losing everyone you’ve ever loved?
Cast/Pairings: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Mitchell! Reader (Female) call sign Siren , Pete “Maverick” Mitchell x Daughter! Reader, All the Daggers! Penny.
Warnings: angst , fluff, implied smut, kissing/making out. (whole series)
Word Count: 5684
A/N: Top Gun Maverick is property of Paramount, I do not own the characters, I DO own original/reader characters and the storyline pertaining to the original characters. I do NOT give permission for anyone to copy my work, use my work in AI, translate, print, sell, or post my work to any other platform, including this one. I will find you. Don’t be an asshole.
Taglist is open! If I missed anyone who asked to be tagged, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM to be added. It’s getting to hard to keep track of asks.
Requested by @kcloveswrestling Hope you like it!!!
Masterlist Part 11
Mission launch time arrives quicker than either of you are ready for. Both of you get ready on autopilot, pulling on your flight suits and making sure you have everything. Before heading up to the deck you pause, wrapping your arms around one another tightly.
“I love you so much.” You whisper, your face buried in his neck. “More than you can ever know.”
“I love you too, Beautiful.” He replied, kissing the top of your head, “You mean more to me than anything in this world.”
“Come home, Roo.” You say, your voice just above a whisper. “Please, above all else, just come home.”
“I’ll do everything in my power to get home to you.” He promised, “We still have our happily ever after.”
The two of you made your way up to the flight deck, not even caring about protocol. Your hand wouldn’t be leaving his until it absolutely had to. Everything was moving faster up on deck. Crews were getting the jets ready. You saw your jet that you normally fly with Bradley, but today it would be Jake in the front seat… and Bradley flying solo in Jake’s plane. You couldn’t shake the gnawing anxiety in your belly.
You looked at Bradley, squeezing his hand.
“Go get ‘em, Baby.” You yelled over the noise of the jet engines. “Remember what Uncle Ice said… You’ve already proven you are good enough. Fly it like you mean it, Roo.”
“I love you, Siri.” He yelled back, a soft smile on his face. “I’ll see you when I get back on deck… and this will be the last damn time I launch without you, Baby.”
“Damn straight.” You said, trying to smile and not cry.
With a final squeeze to his hand, you turned and headed towards your normal jet, tossing your flight gear into the back and going over prechecks with the flight crew while you waited for Jake. Your dad came over while you were checking the wings.
“Siren.” He called over the loud noise. You turned, giving him a small smile.
“Sir.” You replied.
“I just wanted to let you know that…” He started to say, but you shook your head, stepping forward and hugging him.
“We’ll talk when you get back, Dad.” You said in his ear, “Just come home.”
He hugged you back, holding you a little tighter. When he stepped back, his eyes were suspiciously red rimmed. He gave you a small smile.
“I love you, Kid.” He said
“I love you too, Dad.” You replied, “Don’t do anything stupid.”
He chuckled, shaking his head and giving a mock salute before turning and heading towards his own plane.
Jake arrived a couple minutes later but you didn’t notice him right away as you were watching as Bradley saluted his ground crew and climbed into the single seater. Your throat felt tight and you had to swallow hard past the lump forming, taking several deep breaths.
“He’s got this, Siri.” Jake said, putting his hand on your shoulder, “He’ll be back on the carrier before you know it.”
You looked up at him, giving him a small smile and nodded. You just hoped and prayed he was right. The alternative wasn’t anything you could handle thinking about.
“Ready?” He asked, nodding to the jet. You took a deep breath to clear your head and nodded.
“Yeah..” You replied, “Yeah, I’m ready.”
The two of you got situated in the cockpit. Jake took a minute to get familiar with the slightly different feel of things and you brought him up to speed, essentially giving him a crash course.
“Dagger 1 Comms check” Your dad’s voice comes over comms.
“Dagger 3 up and ready” Phoenix says.
“Dagger 2 up and ready” Bradley comes on next. Your breath catches, body tensing.
“Dagger 4 we read you sir.” Payback says.”
“Dagger spare is up and ready, standing by.” Jake says.
You’re trying to get in control of your breathing. Jake turns off the comms, just talking to you.
“They’ve got this, Siren.” He reassures you. “Focus on breathing, keep your head in the game.”
“Trying.” You replied.
“You’re all the best of the best.” Mav said, “It’s an honor flying with you…ALL of you. Dagger 1 up and ready on catapult one”
“Strike package ready. Standing by for launch decision.” The crew tech officer said.
“Send them.” Admiral Simpson said.
You hold your breath as you watch as all four F-18’s launch from the carrier leaving you behind with Jake…waiting…hoping and praying that you wouldn't need to launch.
You sat and listened as Cyclone ordered the missiles to be launched that would destroy the runway so that they couldn’t launch any counter attacks.
There was no going back now.
“Taking it down to 100 feet.” Mav said, “Dagger is set, ready on my mark.”
You feel your heart racing as you listen over the comms.
“We need to pick up speed, increase to 500 knots." Fanboy said.
“Rooster, do you copy, we need to pick it up.” Payback said.
Bradley is silent.
“Come on, Baby… you’ve got this.” You whispered, “Fly it like you mean it.”
“Rooster, do you copy?” Payback repeated.
“Come on… don’t think, just do.” Mav said quietly, almost as if to himself.
“90 seconds to target” Bob said
“Do you have visual on Rooster?” Mav asked.
“Negative.” Bob replied.
Your gut was churning.
“Dagger 2 is falling behind.” Comms crew said, “He’s disengaging from attack team.”
“Rooster, Mav’s getting away.” Payback said.
“We’re ok, we’re ok.” Rooster said, his voice slightly shaking.
“We’re not ok, we’re way behind.” Payback urged, “We’ve gotta go, Rooster.”
Several seconds go by, Fanboy is struggling with the laser eye but gets it working, Payback says it won’t matter if they don’t move.
“Come on, Rooster.” Mav said softly
“Talk to me, Dad.” Bradley said, barely above a whisper. You know he’s thinking out loud.
A moment later Bradley must have reengaged.
“Jesus, Rooster, not so fast!” Payback said.
“Dagger three is re-engaging.” Comms crew said.
“Dagger 1 and 3, I have visual.” Bradley said, “We’re on your six.”
“Right on time.” Mav said, “Let’s deliver and head home. Phoenix we’re popping in 3…2..1”
Bob secures the laser and Mav drops the target, before they head up straight up and out of the canyon.
“Impact! Impact!” Bob said.
“Direct Hit! Direct Hit!” Comms crew said.
“That’s miracle 1” Warlock said.
“Now they’re in coffin corner.” Admiral Simpson said.
Mav, Phoenix and Bob start taking fire from the SAMS.
“Fanboy, where’s my laser?” Bradley asked
“Targeting…. Seconds away.” He replied, “Shit! Deadeye, deadeye! Laser’s gone!”
“We’re out of time!” Bradley said.
“I’m working on it!” Fanboy said, “Stand by.”
“No time, pull out.” Bradley replied.
“Rooster, wait,” Payback said.”
“Great Balls of Fire.” Rooster said softly before launching the bunker buster.
Alarms sound over the comms as they’re all now battling SAMS.
“BULLSEYE! BULLSEYE! BULLSEYE!” The comms crew said.
“Yes!” You cheered, hearing Jake do the same.
“Miracle number 2.” Warlock said.
“Now get out of there.” Admiral Simpson said.
The moments are tense and you hold your breath as you listen to them over the comms. The SAMS have them in a fight for their life to get out of coffin corner. They don’t have unlimited ammo.
A moment later you hear Bradley’s voice come over and your heart stops.
“I’m out of flares!” He said. “Maverick, NO!”
Seconds pass, you can’t breathe
“Maverick!” Bradley yelled.
“Dagger 1 is hit!” Phoenix said, “I repeat, Dagger 1 is hit! He’s going down!”
It feels like the whole world stops. You can’t breathe.
“Dad” You whispered, “No.”
“Dagger 1, status. Status.” Bradley said, his voice sounding on the verge of panic. “Does anyone see him? I didn’t see a chute.”
“He’s gone, Rooster.” Payback said.
“We have to circle back!” Bradley replied.
“Get them to the carrier. Now.” Admiral Simpson ordered.
“All Daggers flow to ECP. You have bandits headed for you.” Comms crew said.
“What about Maverick?” Bradley asked.
You had a bad feeling. You knew your husband and despite everything that had happened, deep down, he loved your dad and if something happened you knew it would eat him alive. But he was out of flares and if he went back you’d lose your dad and your husband.
“Bradley… no.” You whispered.
“Tell him there’s nothing he can do for Maverick.” Admiral Simpson said, “Not in a goddamn f-18.”
There’s back and forth between Warlock, Hondo and Admiral Simpson.
“Dagger you are not to engage, repeat, do not engage.” Comms crew said.
There was no response.
“Dagger 2, return to the carrier.” Comms crew repeated. “Acknowlege.”
Still nothing.
You were fighting to keep yourself together. Your dad was gone. Your stomach was churning, it was all you could do not to throw up.
“Rooster, those bandits are closing. We can’t go back.” Payback reasoned with Bradley.
“COMACHE, Picture.” Bradley said.
“Dagger, Comanche,” Comms responded, “Bandits 30 east. Hot on you. Flow west to evade.”
“Rooster…” Phoenix said gently, “He’s gone.”
A soft sob breaks from you. Your heart starts to shatter.
What feels like forever passes and then you hear the words you had hoped to never hear and your entire world implodes.
“Dagger 2 is hit.” Comms crew says. “Dagger 2, do you copy? Dagger 2 come in.”
You couldn’t breathe. You physically could not pull oxygen into your lungs.
“Dagger spare, requesting permission to launch and fly air cover.” Jake said, hitting his comms button.
“Negative, Spare.” Comms crew replied.
Still no word word from Bradley. You can’t breathe and you’re going to be sick. You rip the helmet off and scramble down from the jet, Jake on your heels. As soon as you hit the deck you’re heaving. Once your stomach is empty you crash to the ground and a gut wrenching scream leaves you. There’s no holding back now. You can’t stop the searing pain, the grief hitting you full force.
“No! No… no, no… noo!” You yelled as loud as your voice would allow. Jake embraced you, holding you, keeping you from completely collapsing.
“I’ve got you, Siri.” He said, his voice shaky, “I’ve got you.”
“He… he can’t be gone.” You whispered, shaking uncontrollably, “I can’t lose him too. Bradley is my whole world…. And…my dad…. fuck….I messed up. He’ll…. He’ll never know I forgive him… I… I love him so much. I don’t hate him.”
“He knows, Siri.” Jake promised, “He knows.”
You sobbed, trying to catch your breath.
Hondo came running out towards you both.
“Rooster’s ESAT came back.” He said, out of breath, “He’s supersonic… in an F-14.”
“Dad.” You replied, gasping. “He’s with my dad.”
“Come on, Siri.” Jake said, “We need to get back in the jet in case we need to launch. They’re alive. Deep breath.”
You wiped your eyes, breathing in as you stood up.
“You good?” Hondo asked. You nodded, giving him a small smile.
You and Jake climbed back into the F-18 and got situated again, buckling back in and putting your helmet back on. You got in just in time to hear your dad’s voice come over comms.
“Rough Rider, this is uh… Ghost Rider…” he said, “We have repossessed an enemy Tomcat. Splash 2 bandits. We are in bound. Heading south. Hold your fire.”
Your relief was short lived as not long after you heard them over the comms again that another bandit was on them and they were out of ammo.
Hondo made eye contact with Jake who nodded. The canopy came down on the jet.
“Jake…” You said, question in your voice.
“We’ve got Hondo’s permission.” He replied, “That’s enough for me. What about you?”
“Let’s go get my husband and my dad.” You said, clipping on your mask.
The flight crew on deck got you in position and on Hondo’s command you were launching off the carrier within a couple of minutes.
“Fly this thing faster than you’ve ever flown before, Hangman.” You said, flipping on your radars and scanning all around to keep sight of other bandits.
“On it.” He replied. “Be ready to do your thing.”
You watched as the dots on the radar got closer and closer, until finally you physically had eyes on them.
“Hangman! They’ve got tone!” You yelled, “Bandit has tone!”
“I’m dropping into position now!” He said.
You lined up the shot, no room for error. Your whole world was riding on this shot.
“Tone!” You said, “Fire!”
“Sending missiles.” He replied.
Seconds go by.
“Bullseye!” You yelled, laughing in relief. You went flying through the dark smoke and soon you were crying in relief as you saw the Tomcat ahead of you.
Jake flew up alongside it and you looked over, tears still falling as you placed your hand on the canopy…as if you could reach out and touch Bradley.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, this is your…saviors speaking.” Jake said, a smile in his voice, “Please fasten your seatbelts and return your trays to their upright positions and prepare for landing.”
“Hey, Hangman… Siren…” Bradley said, looking over, chuckling, relief evident in his voice, “You look good.”
“I am good, Rooster.” Jake replied, “I’m very good. So is your backseater… may have to steal her.”
“Not on your life.” Bradley replied, but he was smiling, his eyes on you. “Hey, Beautiful.”
“Hey, Roo.” You said softly, your voice still shaky. You gave him as much of a smile as you could, “You’re in so much trouble. See you back on deck. You too, Dad.”
He nodded, his eyes staying on yours for a moment.
“See y’all back on deck.” Jake said, then with a final salute to Mav he pulled away and did a wing dip and victory roll of the plane before heading back to the ship, with the Tomcat following behind.
You kept your eyes on their dot on your radar the entire way, not daring to look away.
The flight deck and comms clears you and Jake to land. You weren’t sure how much trouble you’d be in…if any, when you landed but you would do it a million times over because you know had Jake gotten you both there any later your father and your husband would actually have died.
As soon as you land, Jake releases the canopy and you take off your helmet, turning to watch as the flight deck frantically prepares for your dad to land without landing gear. As he approaches the engine blows on the Tomcat. You hold your breath as the plane essentially lands in a controlled crash onto the deck of the carrier, the crew immediately using fire extinguishers to put out any flames. You’re already jumping down from the cockpit and running towards them, pushing your way through others, already starting to crowd the space.
You see Bradley toss his helmet down, a smile on his face, looking around for you. You push your way through until you’re in his line of sight. You barrel into him, your arms wrapping around his neck tightly, burying your face into his neck. His own arms wrap around you. You’d missed the wince when you collided with him.
“Bradley.” You gasp, fresh sobs overtaking you, “I thought I’d lost you…couldn’t breathe.”
“Shhh.” He soothed over the roar of activity on deck, “I’m here, Baby. I’m alive. I couldn’t let you lose your dad, Beautiful… not on top of just looking Uncle Ice.”
“I almost lost BOTH of you, you IDIOT!” You gasped, pulling back to look at him, tears streaming down your face. “Fuck I love you. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Baby.” He replied, chuckling, “And I’m your idiot. Not going anywhere. Thanks for the save, Beautiful.”
“I may or may not be in trouble for that.” You admitted, “We didn’t technically have the go ahead from Simpson… Hondo launched us.”
“Shit, Beautiful.” He laughed, then winced.
“You’re hurt.” You said, stepping back to look him over. “You need to go to medical.”
“I will,” He promised, “But not yet.” He nodded towards your dad.
You smiled softly and the two of you made your way over to him.
“Dad!” You called over the sound of everyone celebrating. He turned to look at you, a soft smile on his face. “I thought I told you not to do anything stupid.”
“I didn’t think you’d count saving your husband as something stupid.” He winked.
“Fair.” You smiled, wrapping your arms around him and hugging him tightly. “I love you, Dad. So so much. I don’t hate you. I don’t think I ever hated you… I was just really angry.”
“I love you too, Sweetheart.” He said, his voice horse as he hugged you back as tight as he could, “More than you could ever know.”
“Please don’t try to die on me again.” You begged, pulling back to look at him, “We have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Counting on that.” He replied, winking, then turned to look at Bradley. He stepped over and pulled him into a hug. Bradley, hugged him back, making you cry all over again.
“Thanks for saving my life” Mav said to him, his voice breaking, as he stepped back to look at Bradley.
“It’s what my dad would have done.” Bradley replied, smiling at him. Mav pulled him back into a tight hug.
Phoenix comes over and hugs you. You hug her back tightly.
“I’m so sorry, Siri.” She said, “I would have gone back for them…”
“No, Nix… stop.” You quickly stopped her, “You would have gone down with them too… there was nothing you could have done.” You smiled gently.
She smiled softly at you then looked at Bradley. Relief filled her face as she moved to hug him.
“Don’t ever do that to me again!” She said, “Or to Siri!”
“I’ll do my best.” He chuckled, hugging her back. “Sorry, Nix. Couldn’t leave Mav behind.”
They pull apart and Jake comes over. You hug him tightly.
“Thank you, Jake.” You tell him, “No matter what happens now, thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Siri.” He said, hugging you back. “No matter what… I’d fly with you anyday.”
“Same.” You said, smiling as you stepped back. “But, I’ve seen what happens when my husband is left without supervision and if I can help it, I won’t be letting that happen again.”
“That’s valid.” He laughed, shaking his head, looking at Bradley. “You did, Rooster.”
“Chalked yourself another kill.” Bradley replied, smiling, extending his hand to Jake, who accepted the offering with a half smile and shrug.
“That’s three.” He replied.
“Mav’s got 5.” Phoenix pointed out, “Makes him an Ace.” You all look to your dad who’s talking to Hondo.
Bradley winces as he shifts.
“Let’s go, Hot Shot.” You said, “You need medical attention.”
He nodded, allowing you to lead him away from the flight deck towards the medical bay. You look back and make eye contact with your dad and nod your head towards the interior of the ship, giving him a pointed look. He’d had 2 ejections in the last six weeks. He needed to be checked out. He winked and nodded.
“Damn man thinks he’s invisible.” You grumbled, leading Bradley inside.
“They’ll make him get checked out, Beautiful.” Bradley chuckled, again wincing.
“How bad is it?” You asked, looking at your husband.
“I think I may have a couple of bruised or slightly busted ribs.” He replied, “My head is tender… glad we’re out of the sun.”
“Roo… I can’t even describe the blinding pain that I felt when I thought you were gone.” You whispered, pausing to look at him. He gently took you in his arms, holding you close to him, your head against his chest listening to his steady heartbeat.
“I’m so sorry, Baby.” He said softly, kissing the top of your head. “I didn’t mean to hurt you… I didn’t think… I just…reacted.”
“I puked all over the flight deck.” You admitted. “Haven’t done that since flight school. Jake was really great through it all… that was the second time he was there when grief took me to my knees… probably makes us family now…that and him saving your life.”
“That was a joint effort,” Jake said, coming up behind you both. “But… I don’t mind being adopted…if the offer stands.”
You looked over at him and smiled, “You were the pilot in the box.”
“Siren.” He smirked, “It was a two seater… you were in the box too.”
“Yeah, guess so.” You shrugged, smiling, “And… you’re family, Seresin. Wasn’t really an offer… that implies choice.”
“I find it’s better just to go along with her, Hangman,” Bradley laughed, “She’s strong minded.”
“Damn straight.” You laughed, “Now… medical bay, Handsome.”
You continued into the medical bay. Bradley was checked out while Jake waited with you. Your dad finally came in while you waited and got checked out as well.
Bradley came out awhile later, a small smile on his lips, eyes slightly hazy.
“Hey my beautiful wife.” He said, walking to you.
“Uh oh..” you laughed, “What did they give you?”
The medic follows him out, smiling as she comes over.
“Lieutenant Mitchell” She said, smiling, “Lieutenant Bradhsaw tells me you’re in charge. Just wanted to go over everything with you.”
“I am in charge.” You laughed, “Because when he’s left to his own devices he ends up having to eject and gets himself injured”
“He’s got a mild concussion, nothing we’re too worried about, but he’ll have light sensitivity and one helluva headache for a while.” She said, “He also has some severely bruised ribs. Honestly, he’d have been better off breaking them… they’d have healed faster that way. He’s going to be very sore, especially when the adrenaline wears off. We gave him some pain killers and we’re sending these up with him to take every 4 hours until you all are airlifted off the ship. I believe transport is scheduled for tomorrow. He needs to follow up at the base hospital upon return for a full workup. They’ll determine when he can be released back to duty.”
“Never.” You said, only half joking. “Desk duty until the end of time.”
“Awww, Baby don’t be like that.” He said, pouting. “I just need you in the backseat of the plane with me, Beautiful.”
The medic chuckled, “I’ll leave him in your hands, Lieutenant. If he worsens or becomes disorientated, bring him back immediately.”
“Absolutely.” You replied, “Thank you.”
“Need help getting him to his quarters?” Jake asked, “He looks like he’s about to get very heavy.”
“Yeah…” You said, hesitating as you looked towards where the medic had disappeared to. Your dad was still in there. “Let’s get him settled, then I’ll run back down to check on my dad… can…you stay with him while I come back?”
“Sure.” Jake said, smiling softly, “I can do that.”
“Let’s go, big guy.” You said, helping Bradley towards the narrow hallway of the ship. “Gonna get you settled and into some clean clothes then Jake is going to stay with you while I check on dad quickly.”
He was already half asleep on his feet and very uncoordinated. You were thankful for Jake’s help. Together, you got him up to his quarters and inside. You got him onto the bed and helped him get out of the flight suit, removing his boots first then tripping him down. Jake went to the small cubby that acted like a closet in the room and grabbed a fresh pair of sweats and a t-shirt. You grabbed a wash cloth and tossed it to Jake who got it wet in the sink before passing it back to you.
“I’m just going to clean you up a bit, Roo.” You said softly, “Get some of this dried blood and sweat off of you.”
You carefully cleaned off the dried blood from his neck and wiped away the dirt and grime, taking extra care around his injured ribs. He needed a shower but at the moment he needed rest even more. You finished up and then carefully got his clean t-shirt and sweats on him before helping him lay back onto the bunk.
“Stay with me.” He whispered, his words slightly slurred, “Don’t leave.”
“I’ll be right back, Baby.” You promised, kissing his forehead. “I’m just going to pop down to Medical to check on my dad.”
“I.. don’t hate him.” He whispered, his eyes trying hard to focus on yours.
“I know, Baby.” You replied, smiling softly. You brushed your hand lightly over his cheek. “Me either. He knows too. I’ll be right back.”
“K” He said, his eyes already drifting close. “Love you.”
“I love you too, Bradley Bradshaw.” You said, leaning forward to kiss his forehead again, “More than anything.”
You watched him for a moment as his breathing evened out then you carefully stood and turned to look at Jake.
“I’ll be right back.” You said softly.
“I’ve got him, Siri.” He promised, smiling, “Go check on Mav. You’ve been through a lot today… probably need to hug your dad.”
“Haven’t had that option for a really long time.” You whispered, tears welling in your eyes. “And I almost lost it again before getting it back.”
“But you didn’t.” He said gently, “And… regardless of what happened before… you’ve got another shot. He has his faults… but he’s infinitely better than one I’ve got.”
“Didn’t you hear, Jake?” You smiled, eyes shining with tears, “You’ve been adopted. Doesn’t just come with me and Roo. Means you get a really …somewhat dysfunctional at times… crazy ass family.”
“Then I guess you better go check on Pops.” He said, his voice horse, eyes suspiciously glassy.
“I’ll let him know he’s got another pain in the ass son.” You teased, hugging him. “He’ll be thrilled.”
You left the room, the sound of Jake chuckling filling your ears. You let out a deep breath as you headed back down to the medical bay. You passed Javy and Nix on the way.
“Hey, we were coming to look for you.” Phoenix said, “How’s Bradley?”
“He’s got a slight concussion and some severely bruised ribs” You replied, “He’s really lucky all things considered. They gave him pain meds. Jake helped me get him back to his quarters. I’m going to check on my dad then I plan on sleeping in with Bradley… the Navy can shove it if they have a problem.”
“I don’t think anyone is questioning that tonight, Siri.” Javy said, smiling softly. “How’s Jake doing?”
“He seemed ok.” You replied, “He got a little emotional when I explained that he’d been adopted and that means he kinda gets my dad in the process too…”
“Oh shit.” Javy said quietly
“Yeah… he alluded to his own not being so great.” You replied, “He’s in with Bradley who is knocked out if you wanna go check on him.”
“Ok.” Javy said, smiling, “Thanks, Siri.”
“Let us know if you need anything,” Phoenix said, her eyes locking on yours. She knew you well, knew that once the adrenaline wore off, you’d likely be a wreck too.
“I will, Nix.” You said softly, “Thanks.”
You continued into medical and asked the petty officer at the desk about your dad. They looked at the computer then smiled and said they’d have someone come out for you.
You sat down in the seats once more to wait. A few moments later, instead of a medic, Hondo came out.
“Siren.” He smiled softly, “Come on back”
You got up and followed him back to a small room. Your dad was out of his flight suit and in the Navy issued medical gown in the bed. He had an IV hooked to him and a monitor.
“Hi Dad.” You said quietly as you walked into the room. “You good?”
“Hey, Sweetheart.” He replied, his voice sounding tired, “I’m good. Doc said I have a few ribs that took a beating in the last ejection that didn’t take too kindly to being jostled again in this one. Also on concussion protocol and needed a few stitches.”
“I wouldn’t call that good, Dad.” You smiled, shaking your head. “But it’s alive and I will happily take that.”
“Amen.” Hondo said, chuckling. “I’m going to leave you two to talk.”
He left the room, leaving just you and your dad together.
You looked over at your dad, seeing for the first time just how much older he was now that he was laying in the medical bay bed, compared to when you and Bradley had been angry 18 year olds, storming out of the house, and out of his life for essentially the next fourteen years. Tears fill your eyes and you feel your shoulders start to shake.
“Hey… Sweetheart.” He said gently, reaching for you, “Come here, none of that… I’m fine. I’m right here.”
You carefully sat on the bed and leaned in, hugging your dad, needing his comfort. He wrapped his arms around you, careful not to tangle the IV or wires and held onto you, one hand moving into your hair that had long since come down from the bun and was in a messy ponytail.
“Shhh. I’ve got you.” He said, his voice soft and gentle, “You’re ok. I’m ok… Bradley’s ok. We’re all going home, Sweetheart.”
“I almost lost you, Dad.” You whispered against his chest. “I… it doesn’t even matter anymore. Any of it.”
“It does” He replied, kissing the top of your head, “It matters. You and Bradley deserve an explanation… a real one. We’ll talk. All of us. When we get home. When adrenaline has worn off and we’re all rested. You two can come out to the hangar and we’ll sit down… and we’ll talk.”
“I love you, Dad.” You said, your voice ragged with tears. “Uncle Tommy was right… about everything.”
“He usually was.” Mav chuckled, then winced. “I love you too, my sweet girl. Never stopped, never will.”
“Bradley’s got bruised ribs and a slight concussion. He’s resting in his quarters.” You said, “Jake is staying with him until I get back up there. I’ve adopted him by the way… so… congrats, Dad… you’ve got another son… Fair warning… I think he intends to call you ‘Pops’.”
“Is this negotiable?” He groaned, but was still smiling.
“Him being adopted?” You asked, “No. But you can work with him on the name thing.”
“Alright.” He conceded. “Guess I’m taking on a pain in the ass, hard headed, son.”
“So… just like the godson you already have.” You smiled, lifting your head to look at him, “Who is now your son-in-law and whom I love with my entire being.”
“Sweetheart, Carole and I saw that one coming long from day one with you two kids.” He laughed, “There was never any doubt… and you need to know that she loved you just as fiercely as I love Bradley… you were her ray of sunshine and she would be so damn proud of the woman you are… of the wife, partner, best friend you are to Bradley. And so am I. I am just as proud of him too.”
“I love you, Dad.” You said, fresh tears spilling, “I needed to hear that…. Bradley does too.”
“I love you too, Sweetheart.” He smiled, kissing your forehead. “I will tell Bradley. I will make sure there is no doubt in his mind that I am proud of him and that I believe in him… and you. I believe in both of you as a team too.”
“Thank you, Dad.” You smiled, your eyes red rimmed. It felt as though a huge weight had lifted from your chest. You knew there was still a lot to talk about, a lot of hurt to heal, but it was a good start.
“I’m gonna be stuck here under observation tonight.” He said, “Go be with Bradley. We’ll catch up again tomorrow… and back on land too.”
“Listen to the docs.” You said, “Get some sleep. You’re not a spring chicken anymore, Dad. You can’t do that crazy pilot shit anymore.”
“Starting to get that memo, Sweetheart.” He winced, “Starting to get it.”
“Goodnight, Dad.” You smiled softly as you got up, “Love you.”
“Night, Sweetheart.” He replied, “Love you too.”
You walked back up to your quarters, changing quickly out of your flight suit. Opting to forgo the shower for now too in order to get back to Bradley quicker, you threw on clean athletic shorts and a Navy T-shirt and made your way back to his quarters.
“Hey.” You whispered to Jake when you walked in, “He still out?”
“Yeah,” He smiled, looking back at you, “He looked a little uncomfortable but he can’t have anything for another hour and a half so not much I could do.”
“Thanks, Jake.” You smiled, “Go get something to eat and rest. We’ll have to face the music tomorrow I’m sure.”
“Worth it.” He said, shrugging. “Call if you need anything, ok?”
“I will.” You agreed, “Goodnight Jake.”
“Night, Siri” He said, dropping a kiss to the top of your head and heading out of the room.
You looked over at Bradley, sleeping on the bunk. Went to the end of the bed and crawled over him, careful not to bump him, then wedged yourself against the cold metal of the side of the ship and the warmth of him, careful not to jostle him or irritate or injure his already injured ribs.
In his med induced sleep, he instinctively brought his arm around you and pulled you further into him, nuzzling his face against you. You smiled softly, breathing him in. The events of the day had caught up with you…you were hitting the proverbial brick wall. Your body, mind and soul could go no further. Your eyes drifted close and you slowly fell asleep to the sound of Bradley’s heartbeat, which was now your absolute favorite sound in the world.
***
A/N: Thoughts??? That was a LOT with the mission scene... also fun fact.. TGM screwed up in the movie/script... anyone catch where? I had to consult @roosterforme ! Thanks for helping! I thought I was crazy! lol
***
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