Chapter Text
The mission was over, Maverick and Rooster made it back safely, and everyone was celebrating the victory at the hard deck.
Maverick sat at the bar chatting with Penny while Rooster, Hangman, Bob, and Phoenix bickered over a game of pool. Payback and Fanboy had elected not to join the festivities in favor of a full night's sleep.
“I still can’t believe I got Bradley back after everything,” Maverick was watching Rooster with wonder as he smiled and laughed amongst his friends. “I don’t think I’ve seen him this happy and at ease since before Carol died.”
Penny stole a glance in the direction of his stare and smiled to herself gently. She remembered all those years ago meeting little Bradley for the first time and watching how happy Pete was with him around, and how devastated he was when he lost him all too soon.
“I’m sure he feels the same way about having you back in his life, he missed you quite a bit despite his anger towards you but the stubborn kid wouldn’t admit it to himself.”
She spared him a thoughtful glance before she continued, “I know you Pete and I know that you’ll do anything to keep him in your life but be careful with how far you push yourself, you’re not as young as you used to be and you’ve put your body through a lot in the last few decades. Bradley wouldn't be too happy if he lost you so soon after getting you back.”
Pete nodded his understanding even as his eyes told a different story. Penny sighed and shook her head knowing that what she had said just went in one ear and out the other, he would push himself as far as he thought he needed to go for Rooster even if it came at a detriment to his health, he would do anything for that boy.
I just hope that Bradley will be there when he crashes.