*Lock & Key: Part Ten - B.B

WARNINGS: SLIGHT SMUT, PANIC ATTACK.

Two separate alarms woke you and Bradley up at 4am sharp. You both jolted awake, your head lifting from his chest and his arm twitching by your hip. You both groaned, arms reaching over to smack your phones off. The two of you sighed after the incessant ringing had halted and relaxed back into each other. You set the alarms for enough time to fully wake up and go back to your place before base.

"Morning." Bradley mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

You nuzzled further into his warm chest, inhaling his scent. You slurred something against him that he took as a good morning. You didn't want to get up or move. You were comfortable and safe here. In Bradley's arms. In his home. In his bed. His arm was wrapped tightly around your waist now, fingers stroking against your bare skin.

Another alarm sounded, disrupting the peace.

"Fuck off," You cursed, sitting up and grabbing your phone to turn it off.

You looked back with heavy eyes at Bradley. He was lying down, a hand propped behind his head and his torso and V-line escaping from the sheet. You groaned just looking at him, wanting nothing more than to just sleep and cuddle and stay with him. But alas.

"I should probably get up, huh." He sighed.

You nodded, "Until you're ready, we can't go."

He huffed and rubbed his eyes some more before sitting up in bed and swinging his legs over the side. He sat with his back facing you for a moment, yawning and messing up his bed head. You admired his muscular back in the darkness. It was still dark outside, a possible hint of sunrise beginning to show.

He got up and walked around the bed. You smiled as he walked to you, a sleepy and happy expression on his face. He dipped down and you sat up to meet him in the middle, your lips pressing against each other's. You hummed as his hand cupped your chin gently. He parted slowly, and walked out of the room to the bathroom, leaving you sitting in his bed – still dazed from the kiss.

---

The realisation of what the day ahead was going to be hit you as Bradley drove you both to your house. He stopped at the driveway, and you unclipped your seatbelt.

"Not coming in?" You asked.

"I don't think I want to face your Dad right now." He commented, scratching the back of his neck.

You nodded with a smile, "That's fair. I'll be 15 minutes tops."

You pressed a kiss to his freshly shaven cheek before bouncing out of the Bronco. You jogged up to the front door and were glad to find that it was open. You closed it as quietly as you could behind you. You weren't sure if your dad was even up yet, but if he wasn't – this wouldn't be the best time to wake him.

You tiptoed to your bedroom and closed your door, sighing in relief as you turned on the light. You changed into your khaki's and began to do your hair. You ignored the shaking of your hands.

Your back ached from last night, too. You weren't really supposed to put that much pressure on it, but in all honesty you kind of forgot that you had an injury once Bradley started. You smirked to yourself at just the thought of last night – or rather, early this morning.

It was nearing 5am and you hadn't finished your hair. Your brain was on overload, not knowing what to think about or what to do. Thankfully the muscle memory was fixing your hair with hairspray and gel, but your thoughts were elsewhere.

Bradley didn't want you flying today. You knew that. Your dad would let you if you convinced him you felt well enough, which you think you do.

You grabbed a face wipe and attempted to freshen your face up to make it look like you had at least a few hours of sleep. You grabbed your moisturiser and opened the lid, your fingers diving in to get some quickly. But it slipped from your hand and crashed to the floor, your expensive moisturiser splattered on the wood and the noise of the bang still resounding in your head.

Shit.

You groaned and grabbed more wipes, leaning down to clean it up. You felt your back click as he knelt on the floor. It took your breath away, the ache from it feeling like a stab.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," You cursed to yourself.

You took deep breaths and tried to move slowly to sit on your bum on the floor. Tears sprung into your eyes as you finally rested against the foot of your bed, your left arm feeling weak and numb all of a sudden. Whatever nerve or muscle you hit had shot right up your back and to your shoulder. You clenched and unclenched your fingers into a fist, trying to get some movement back in.

"This can not be happening." You whispered.

Your arm was beginning to feel stronger again, so you attempted to resume cleaning up the spillage next to you. You huffed under your breath at the shooting pain in your back, choosing to ignore it as you wiped the liquid up.

"y/n?"

The voice at the door got your attention. It wasn't your dad's.

You turned to see Bradley at the door, but the quick motion hurt even more. You gasped, grasping at your back. His eyes widened and he shut your door behind you.

He saw you slumped at the end of your bed, a panicked look on your face and all he could hear was your heavy breathing. His heart dropped.

"Honey, what's wrong?" He asked, panic setting into his voice.

He knelt down beside you, placing a hand on your outstretched legs and looking at the mess on the floor and you clearly in pain.

"My back," You manged to say quietly.

"What happened? Where does it hurt?" He asked, sliding his left hand to your lower back.

"I was trying to clean this up but when I got down something clicked." You tried to explain, still taking deep breaths.

"Baby, I need to get your dad." He told you, his big, brown, puppy dog eyes staring at you with worry.

You whined and shook your head, "No,"

You kept mumbling it over and over again. His stomach churned seeing you like this.

You didn't want your dad to take you off the squad. You had to be there. You had to fly today. You weren't about to give him a reason to make you stay at home – or even in hospital.

"y/n, I have to." He said.

His arm slid back out and you whined louder, reaching your good arm out to grab his wrist.

"Brad, I need to fly today. Please don't get him. He'll make me stay here."

You felt your nose burn and tears spring to your eyes. Bradley took your hand in both of his, pressing a kiss to your knuckles.

"I need to get him, baby."

You threw your head back onto the mattress in frustration. You were in pain but there was no way it would stop you from flying.

"Brad, no-"

"Jesus Christ, what the hell happened?!"

Both you and Bradley looked up to the door. Your dad stood in your doorway in his uniform, his face white as a ghost and his voice sterner than you've heard it in years.

"Dad, I-"

"Don't waste your breath on excuses and tell me what happened right now."

You watched as your dad came to your side, kneeling next to you and Bradley. His eyes looked angry and worried, and you were already scared of what he was going to tell you to do today. You burst into tears now realising that you were definitely not about to fly this mission.

"Bradley, I don't know why you're here and I don't want to know. But please make yourself useful by grabbing the crutches in her closet."

Your dad didn't even look at Bradley while he spoke, but he got up faster than you could say 'yes'.

"Dad, please don't take me to hospital." You cried.

Your dads eyes softened, "I have to. We need to make sure you're okay."

"No, please don't. I don't want to be stuck here while you guys are out there."

Your dad and Bradley exchanged a look. Bradley was now standing back from the scene with two crutches in his hand. He looked guilty and slightly scared of everything happening.

"You can't fly, sweetie." Your dad told you.

You nodded, sniffling, "I know that. But I'm not sitting here doing nothing."

Your dad looked at you confused, trying to figure out what you were meaning.

"Take me. To the carrier. I won't fly but I can sit in the control room or something."

Your dad stared at you for a moment before looking up to Bradley. Bradley gulped and nodded, then looking to you.

Your dad took a deep breath.

"After the mission, you're going straight to hospital. Do you understand?"

You gasped – ignoring the way it hurt – and grinned.

"Thank you, dad."

He rolled his eyes, "You and your stupid determination."

"Wonder where she gets it from." Bradley commented.

---

You were lying in the backseat of Bradley's bronco with him and your father in the front. His music from one of his prized mixtapes played in the background as he drove cautiously to base. You could cut the awkwardness with a knife.

"I'm smart enough to know what it means when my daughter leaves with a man and then doesn't come home that night. But for you two to then sneak in under my nose is unacceptable." Your dad broke the silence.

You could practically feel the anger radiate from him.

"Dad, I wasn't sneaking in. I came in to get ready. Brad came in to see if I was okay because I told him I wouldn't be long."

"So you both refused to tell me?"

Silence.

"Bradley, you should have come and got me. I wouldn't have given a shit if I was sitting on the fucking toilet, you come and get me if my daughter is hurt."

"Sir, I was about to when you came in, but she kept insisting not to get you-"

"Well, it's not her choice! I'm her father!"

"Not my choice?" You interjected.

"Sir, I told her I was going to tell you."

"But you didn't."

"I didn't have time to! You came in!"

"After I heard my daughter in her bedroom and a random male voice. You should have seen her then told me."

"Mav-"

"Enough!" You shouted, shutting the two men up.

"I 'snuck in' because I didn't want to wake you. Brad came in because he was worried. He then stayed with me and after he asked what happened, the first thing he said was that he had to go get you. So could the both of you shut up because you did find me dad and now, I'm fine. So just stop because you'll make today worse."

You sighed and grunted with annoyance as you finished, settling back down into the seat.

The two men stopped bickering and stopped talking all together, leaving the car ride in silence with Bradley's 60's jukebox music filling the silence.

---

"It has been an honour to fly with you all." Your dad spoke, beginning the briefing.

Everyone was on the carrier, currently being sailed into the ocean for the mission. The ship was huge, but it still felt cramped, and stuffy. You couldn't see a dry face or neck in the group – including you. Your dad was stood at the front, with Admiral Simpson only a few feet away.

You were sat at the back of the briefing room on a comfier wheeled seat, watching down the aisle, your crutches by your feet. Bradley was standing on the aisle seat of his desk, hands clasped behind his back. You didn't fail to notice the way he fidgeted.

"Each one of you represents the best of the best."

Bradley turned his head ever so slightly and you knew it was for you. You smiled a little. Knowing he was thinking about you right now was comforting because all that was in your mind was him.

"This is a very specific mission. My choices are only a reflection of that, and nothing more."

You could feel the tension from your father. You could feel the tension rising even more in the room. Everyone was standing, nervously but bravely attempting to not freak out. You had never felt so nervous in your life, and you weren't even an option.

"Choose your two teams." Simpson interjected.

There was a collective pause. A holding of breath. Everyone stilled.

"Payback and Fanboy. And Phoenix and Bob."

A collective exhale.

You smiled proudly for them. They deserved it so much. You saw them exchange a brief look.

But now it was to Bradley and Hangman. You clenched your fists, your heart practically pounding out of your chest. You leaned forward in your chair, as much as your back allowed.

Rooster stopped fidgeting. Him and Hangman shared an exchange, and you weren't sure how to read it.

"And your wingman?" Simpson asked.

You don't know if it was just the immense amount of pressure or your dad really thinking over his decision, but the pause was so long you nearly screamed.

If your dad didn't pick Bradley, he was insane. He was clearly the best of the two. But you know how your dad can let his emotions run first. You were praying to every god in the universe that this wasn't one of those times.

"Rooster."

You sighed so loudly the two pilots in front of you turned around to look at you. You pressed a hand to your chest and sat back, watching as Bradley hung his head.

"The rest of you will stand by on the carrier for any reserve role required. Dismissed." Simpson spoke.

Everyone hung back for just a moment of realisation before getting out of the room as fast as they could. Everyone shook hands or fist-bumped in an odd, almost solemn manner.

Bradley was the last pilot to leave. You hunched up onto your crutches and began to walk with him.

"Brad, how you feeling?" You asked softly.

"I uh...I don't know."

"I'm going to be listening in the whole time, okay. I'll be supporting you from here. And you've got dad. He's going to be there no matter what."

You stopped in the hall after the rest of the pilots had left. He stopped, standing in front of you with a confused and scared look on his face. Your heart sunk for him. You reached your hands up to cup his face, your fingers brushing back and forth over the scars on his cheek.

"You've got this, baby. I know you do." You whispered, a smile pulling on your lips.

He quirked a lip and sniffled. He was upset. Shit.

His hands came up to hold your wrists, "I don't want to die, y/n."

You nearly burst into tears.

"You won't. You hear me? You are the best pilot out there. Dad chose you as his wingman for a reason. You know that course better than anyone and you've done it before. You can do it, alright."

A tear dripped down from his cheek onto your hand. You swiped at his wet under eyes.

"I'm going to be right here for when you come back, okay?" You said softly.

You brought his face forward to rest his forehead against yours. You both took some synchronised deep breaths. In through the nose...out through the mouth. You cherished the silent moment, and you think he did too. His tears stopped running and his breathing seemed calmer.

"I don't want to leave you alone like my mom, y/n." He whispered to you, barely audibly.

Your heart shattered. You shook your head and forced his head up to look straight at you.

"You are coming back, Bradley. You're smart and brave and that is all you need up there. As soon as you're back, I'm going to give you the most earth-shattering kiss you've ever had in your life, and you'll forget the time you ever worried about losing me. Because try as hard as you want, I'm not going anywhere." You told him with a chuckle.

He laughed through his snuffles.

"Go get ready and see me before you go, okay? Don't leave without saying goodbye. I'd never let you hear the end of it."

He swiped his nose as he laughed, nodding to your command.

"Yes, ma'am."

---

The last call to the tarmac was made and you were waiting impatiently with your foot tapping on the concrete obnoxiously hard. You were practically shitting yourself and there was no other way to explain it. Why hadn't he come yet? Where was he? All you wanted was to say goodbye and hold him for a few moments before he had to go and fight one of the biggest missions of his life.

Your dad came up to you, stopping your foot tapping with a hand on your shoulder.

"You okay, sweetie?" He asked, looking into your wild eyes.

You nodded, "Mhmm. Just was supposed to see Brad off."

He smirked a little and you furrowed your brows.

"What?"

He shook his head, "You two are together now? As in a relationship?"

You stared into your fathers eyes and gulped. You couldn't lie to him before he left for a mission.

"I think so. Are you mad?"

He scoffed, "Mad? If I could handpick a man for you, y/n, it would be him. I'm just glad you didn't go with Hangman."

It was your turn to scoff, "He wishes."

You both smiled for a moment before he wrapped his arms around you, enveloping you in a bear hug. You nuzzled your head into the crook of his neck. You never had to worry about your dad on missions. You knew somehow, he'd find his way back. But a part of you felt nervous for him. And you didn't like it.

"I love you, sweetie." Your dad said into your hair.

You nodded, pulling back and looking into his eyes.

"I love you, too, Dad."

"I know I picked Bradley for my wingman, but you'll always be my wingman, hun."

You grinned, "Always have been."

"Always will be." He finished.

He pressed a kiss to your cheek and began walking away with a wave.

"Be safe!" You called after him.

He jogged backwards, giving you that look before disappearing up a flight of stairs.

"Hey."

Another voice startled you. Brad. Your whole body softened. He outstretched his arms, and you dropped your crutches. He scooped you into his arms, lifting you up carefully. You pressed a kiss to his neck as he set you down.

He cupped your cheeks; his hands were warm but not sweaty. Somehow, he had relaxed.

"I'm doing this mission, and I'm coming back to you. I don't care how many missiles hit me, there is no way I'm leaving you behind. Understand?"

You nodded, grabbing onto his forearms. You wanted to smile or giggle at his serious and determined tone, but you also loved the declaration he was making.

"You're my girl. Okay? You're mine."

Your mouth opened at the slight change of tone and demeanour. But you didn't have much time to analyse it before his mouth was on yours, rushed, wet, and passionate. You hummed in surprise, reaching your hands up into his hair. His hands fell to your hips and gripped them, pushing you back against the hallway wall. You gasped at the pressure on your back – to which he loosened his grip on you.

But you didn't care. You pressed your chest closer to his, tugging his hair, urging him to just take you. He groaned, pushing you lightly back into the wall and pressing his body against you. Your tongues lapped at each other's, his lips roughly engulfing you and neither of you being able to take a breath. His coarse moustache tickled and bristled against your smooth skin, making you writhe beneath him.

You had never held a man so tightly in your life. You never wanted to let go.

"Rooster! Where are you? Let's go!" A voice shouted from the staircase just down the hall.

He pulled back slowly from your kiss, "Be there in a sec! Just saying bye to Locket." He shouted back up.

You caught his lips again before he could fully turn his head back to you. He groaned and wrapped his arms all the way around your waist. You whined, gripping his sandy curls with all of your might.

"Yeah, I'd be crazy for leaving this." He panted against your lips.

"You are crazy." You stated breathlessly.

He chuckled and slid his hands back to rest on your hips. You leaned back against the wall and huffed a breath, trying to regulate your breathing.

"Stop making out with your girlfriend and get your gear on, bird boy!" You both heard Hangman shout down the stairs.

You both shook your head at the comment.

Bradley's blown-out brown eyes stared down at you.

"I need to go."

"I know."

He scanned your face like he was attempting to imprint it on his brain forever.

"I lo-."

You pressed a finger against his swollen lips.

"Tell me when you get home, Bradshaw."

He slowly smirked and kissed your finger tip.

"I'm gonna go before I say anything stupid." He told you, letting his hands leave you.

You dropped your hands from him and stayed leaning against the wall as he backed away slowly.

"You got this, Rooster." You smiled.

He nodded, "I know, Locket."

He turned his back to you and started walking. You didn't feel right about this.

"Brad?" You called out, pushing yourself up from the wall.

He paused and turned to face you.

"I do to."

You saw his face soften and his chest rise.

He launched for you, grabbing your face, and crashing his lips against yours. He was entirely intoxicated by you and your taste. You moaned into the kiss as his tongue moulded against yours. You held onto his uniform in fists as your lips pressed and danced with one another's. You squeezed your eyes so tightly shut; like a child wishing for their biggest dream. You wanted it to last forever.

He practically pushed you away, because if he was to look at your face that close-up again, he'd never leave for the mission. He walked backwards and swiped a hand over his moustache and his pink lips.

You stumbled back a step or two, left breathless and in awe of the kiss. You pressed a hand to your lips and held eye contact with him as he backed off. He stopped at the entrance of the staircase and flashed you a wink. You held back a grin.

"Go get 'em, tiger." You whispered to yourself as he turned his back on you and bounded up the stairs.

---

Bradley walked out onto tarmac himself, sweating and thinking over everything. He beelined straight to your Dad, but Hangman was walking towards him. They both paused in front of each other.

"You give 'em, hell." Hangman said, raising his voice over their loud surroundings.

Hangman left before Bradley could say anything to him. Hangman was a little jealous and annoyed at Bradley getting wingman, but he also came to terms with the fact that maybe Rooster was better for the job.

Bradley stood for a moment and took a deep breath, his eyes lifting to find Maverick again. His feet walked him to where Maverick was checking over his plane.

"Sir." Bradley spoke as he got closer.

He didn't turn around. Bradley clenched his jaw.

"Sir?" He raised his voice.

Maverick turned around, a look of surprise on his face.

"I...I just wanted to say that-"

An announcement was made to all the crew. Everyone began running around and Bradley was left with so much to say and no idea how to say it.

Bradley looked back slowly to Mav, swallowing hard. Mav could tell he was nervous; Bradley's eyes were clear enough on what he felt.

"We'll talk...when we get back."

Bradley stared at Maverick, giving him some hope of coming home. He nodded and turned away, walking towards his own plane.

"H-hey, Bradley!" Mav called after him.

Bradley turned, looking at the man he had so much emotion towards.

"You've got this."

Bradley nodded, gulping the lump in his throat down and taking a deep breath before going to his jet.

-

Mav put his helmet on once he was in his jet, looking over everything inside as Hondo jumped up to say goodbye.

"I don't like that look, Mav." He said, a bittersweet smile on his face.

"It's the only one I got." He responded without his usual smirk.

Hondo squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

"Thank you. If I don't see you again, Hondo, thank you."

Hondo opened his mouth to speak but slowly shut it, just looking at his friend in his unusual state of nervousness. Hondo knew this wasn't a usual mission, but the thought of Maverick not coming back wasn't one he thought of until now.

"It's been an honour, Captain."

Mav smiled and gave one more look to Hondo before he climbed down from the jet.

"Hondo!" Maverick called.

Hondo looked up, holding a hand over his eyes to shield the bright sun from view as he looked at Mav up in the plane.

"You're in charge of her until I get back." Mav smiled.

Hondo nodded, "You got it, boss."

And with a salute, Hondo waved Maverick off and jogged back to safety. Mav took a deep breath, closing his eyes and thinking of you and your goodbye, before opening his eyes ready for business.

---

"Dagger One, up and ready."

"Dagger spare, standing by."

"Dagger four, up and ready."

"Dagger three, up and ready."

"Dagger two. Up and ready."

Your heart plummeted as you heard Bradley's voice. You were sitting in the control room with Hondo next to you. Simpson and Bates stood, watching over everything. The room was hot and humid, and the tension was rife. You could feel every drip of sweat from your skin, every breath, and every heartbeat.

"Standing by for launch decision."

You looked up to Simpson.

"Send them."

Goosebumps rippled your skin as they all – one by one – flew off, the mission officially beginning. You looked to Hondo, and he glanced at you from behind his fingers, giving you a nod of reassurance. You gulped, turning back to look at the different displays around the room.

"Dagger attack."

You heard your Dads voice over the comms and your heart dropped. Everyone stood their ground and you gripped to the arms of your chairs as the missiles left the ship. Your heart was pounding in your chest, and you wiped the sheen of sweat off your forehead.

"Daggers proceeding to target. Two minutes and thirty seconds in three, two, one: mark."

"Two mark."

"Three mark."

"Four mark."

You looked at Hondo when he flipped over the stopwatch in his hand. You took a deep breath.

"Going in."

-

"We're two seconds behind, Rooster. We gotta move."

You heard Paybacks voice over the comms. Your hands covered your face, trying to hide from everything happening. You could picture Bradley looking terrified in the plane and your stomach churned.

"We're picking up two bandits."

"Where the hell did they come from?" Simpson questioned.

You and Hondo shared a look before looking up at the two admirals.

"Oh my god." You whispered to yourself.

"We have to get there before they do. Increase speed."

Your dad commanded over comms. You felt ill. Bradley was going to fall behind.

"Sir, daggers two and four are behind schedule. Time to target: one minute, twenty."

Hondo looked at his stopwatch, allowing you to look over as well. You gulped and looked at him. His face was worried but stern, and he offered you his hand. You took a deep breath and held his hand in yours.

The tomahawks made impact with the enemy runway, and you didn't think your nerves could get any worse. You squeezed Hondo's hand, and he squeezed back.

"Rooster, where are you?"

Your dad spoke.

"Come on, Rooster, let's turn and burn!"

Payback exclaimed.

You held your breath, watching his red avatar move slowly behind the others. Your heart broke. You wish you could talk to him.

"Come on, Rooster. Move it or lose it." Hondo muttered next to you, sitting forward in his seat.

There was a silence after Payback and Fanboy told Rooster to speed up. The control room was as quiet as it could be.

You heard the faintest voice from the comms, and you furrowed your brows. It had to be Bradley.

"Come on, kid. Don't think. Just do."

You squeezed your eyes shut at your dads voice.

There was another deafening silence before Payback whooped.

"Jesus, Rooster, not that fast!"

You let out the breath you were holding and clutched your chest with your free hand, checking if you were still alive. You grinned, watching his red name move swiftly towards the target.

"Dagger two is reengaging."

Until you heard your dad say, "Target acquired; bombs away." You didn't hear a thing. You snapped back into reality and prayed that your dad would make it up and out of the target okay.

"Direct hit! Direct hit!"

You gasped, looking to an ecstatic Hondo. He smiled and nodded to you. You bit your lip and turned back.

"Almost there!"

You heard Bradley announce.

"Come on, baby. Take it home." You whispered, leaning forward in your seat.

"Guys! Where's the laser? We're running out of time!"

"It's not working, I can't get it!"

You clenched your jaw, squeezing Hondo's hand like a vice.

"We have no time, I'm dropping blind."

Rooster said. You looked up at the two admirals and they flashed a look to each other. Bates caught your eye but turned forward before you could have an interaction with him. Shit.

"Rooster, I got this!"

"No time. Pull up. Bombs away! Bombs away!"

You held a hand over your mouth and tapped your foot impatiently. He did just as your dad said. Don't think, just do.

"Bullseye! Bullseye! Bullseye!" Was announced in the control room.

You and Hondo both jumped up and yelled. You ignored the pain in your back and embraced Hondo. He laughed, wrapping his arms around you.

"He did it!" You exclaimed in disbelief.

"He did it." Hondo repeated, pulling back from you with a grin.

You covered your mouth and sat back down, your adrenaline pumping more than ever now.

Then came the SAM's Phoenix, Bob, and your dad had to face. You took some deep breaths and listened intently to everything happening.

Everyone was working together to defend themselves and the team and you sat with your jaw wide open, in awe of everyone doing so well. Your heart filled with pride and joy as you listened. Hondo rested his hand over yours again and you held onto it tight.

"Shit! I'm out of flares!"

Your whole body tensed.

"What?" You whispered, looking to Hondo.

"Rooster! Evade, evade!"

You heard your dad.

"No, no, no." You spoke to yourself; your heart feeling is if it was going to burst out of your chest.

You sat up, still gripping Hondo's hand.

"I can't shake 'em! They're on me! They're on me!"

"Come on!" You exclaimed.

Hondo sat forward with you. You waited with heavy breath in the silence.

"Mav!"

Your brows furrowed, your head cocking slightly.

"Mav! No!"

"Dagger one is hit! I repeat; dagger one is hit!"

Your breath left you.

"Maverick is down!"

Your heart felt like it stopped. Your hand went limp from Hondo's and your mouth hung open, but you couldn't breathe. The room started spinning and your eyes went blurry.

"Locket, breathe!" You heard distantly.

You felt hands on you as you slid from your chair to the floor. Why couldn't you breathe?

"Breathe! Locket, come on!"

You finally gasped and blinked frantically to wake yourself up. You looked to your left and Hondo was holding you up, looking at you with wild, scared, eyes.

"Get them back to the carrier. Now." Simpson ordered.

"No!" You screamed, looking up at Simpson.

Your arms and legs felt numb, but it didn't stop you from attempting to move. You tried to hit and push Hondo away but he wrapped his arms fully around you.

"What about Maverick?"

You shut your eyes at the sound of Bradley's panicked voice.

"Tell him there's nothing we can do for Maverick. Not in a goddamn F-18." Simpson commanded, looking at you.

You looked up at him, your eyes flooding with tears. He hardly looked guilty for saying that. He turned back to face forward.

"Launch search and rescue." Bates offered.

"No. Not with bandits still in the air."

Hondo turned, "Sir! Maverick is still out there-"

"I'm not losing anyone else today." Simpson shouted.

You gasped a shaky breath, realising that this was it. This was the mission. You gripped Hondo's arms and tried to calm yourself. Dad had always warned you about this.

"Dagger two, return to carrier. Acknowledge."

Nothing from Bradley.

"Rooster, we can't go back."

You squeezed your eyes shut at Phoenix's voice.

"Rooster, he's gone. Maverick's, gone."

You went limp against Hondo, allowing yourself to be held by him.

"I've got you. I've got you." Hondo told you.

You continued taking deep breaths, trying to drown out all of the noise in the control room and the conversations on the comms. You thought of Bradley and what will happen when he gets back. At least you'll have each other this time. He won't be alone like when Carole died. He'll have you. And you'll have him and that's all you could think about right now. You felt yourself calm.

"Dagger two is hit. Dagger two is hit!"

You froze against Hondo. You raised your head and looked up at him. Hondo was looking up at the admirals.

"Did- did they say-"

"Dagger two come in. Dagger two! Come in!"

Hondo slowly looked down at you, along with Bates and Simpson. Your jaw hung open and you covered your mouth with a shaky hand.

"He's- Bradley's-"

"Dagger two, do you copy? Come in, dagger two!"

"Oh my god." You whispered.

Your whole body felt disgusting and hot. You pushed yourself away from Hondo.

"y/n-"

"No." You held a hand up to him, not wanting him to come closer to you.

You stood up, gripping onto the chair to help you onto your feet. Your legs felt like jelly as you stood. Your eyes took a second to focus, the room looking blurry.

"Someone get her out of here." Simpson instructed.

Hondo got up and neared you.

You backed up against a wall and shook your head.

"No. Hondo, stop. Stop!" You screamed, pushing him away from you.

"y/n, come on. Let's get some air."

Your breath hitched in your throat before you let out a sob. You beelined for Simpson, pushing past Hondo.

"Send a search party." You commanded him with your unsteady voice.

"No. Not with bandits in the air, Locket."

"My father is probably dead because of you. And now, so is my boyfriend."

You shoved your pointer finger against his chest, staring him right in the eye.

"If they're both dead; it's because of you. And I will never forgive you." You whispered lowly.

You watched him gulp and avert eye contact from you. You smirked at the win before Hondo grabbed you from behind and dragged you out of the room.