ꔛ 𓈒 *🌊🖇˚ ᦃ ･ ﹆ ˚🛩️ ◞˚ₓ 🫀⁕˚彡

E I G H T :
'i miss you like a little kid'
── motion sickness : phoebe bridgers
𝟶:𝟶𝟶 ──◍───── 𝟷:𝟹𝟶

❝ i hate you for what you did
and I miss you like a little kid
i faked it every time, but that's alright
i can hardly feel anything, i hardly feel anything at all. ❞

〖 🌊 ੈ✩‧₊🛩️ 〗

°。°。°。°。°。°。

Alexa sank into the cold plastic chair, her hands folded tightly in her lap. The briefing room felt smaller than usual, the air thick with tension. She kept her gaze fixed on the table, tracing invisible patterns against its surface to keep her mind from wandering too far.

When she glanced up, Bradley was already watching her. His smile was small and hesitant, like he was trying to figure out if she needed it or if it would just make things worse. She didn't smile back. She wasn't sure she could.

"Captain Mitchell is no longer your instructor," Cyclone announced, his voice cutting through the heavy silence like a blade.

Alexa's jaw tightened. She felt the words before she could process them, a cold knot twisting in her stomach. She didn't let it show, keeping her face as blank as the wall behind him. But her hands, folded so tightly in her lap, began to ache.

"And as of today," Cyclone continued, "there are new mission parameters."

Her chest tightened, the knot growing heavier. Cyclone's voice became background noise as he detailed the changes: reduced speed, higher altitude, a different attack plan. The words blurred together, but the meaning behind them was clear.

This wasn't the plan they'd trained for.

Bradley's voice broke through the haze. "Sir, won't we be giving their planes time to intercept?"

Alexa stole another glance at him, noticing the way his shoulders stayed rigid despite the calm tone he tried to maintain.

"Well, lieutenant," Cyclone replied, his words cold and clipped, "you have a fighting chance against enemy aircraft. What are the odds of surviving a head-on collision with a mountain?"

The knot in Alexa's stomach twisted tighter. She didn't say anything, though her mind raced with the possibilities. The room felt suffocating.

The sound of static crackling to life made her flinch slightly.

"Maverick to range control. Entering point Alpha. Confirm green range."

Her head snapped up. That voice—there was no mistaking it.

The entire room seemed to freeze, every eye locked on the monitor as Maverick's voice continued.

"Uh, Maverick," the range control replied, hesitant, "green range is confirmed. I don't see an event scheduled for you, sir."

"Well, I'm going anyway."

Alexa's lips twitched into the faintest smile before she caught herself. That was just like him.

Cyclone didn't bother hiding his frustration, muttering something inaudible as Maverick set his time to target: two minutes and fifteen seconds.

The tension in the room snapped even tighter.

"2:15?" one of the pilots whispered. "That's impossible."

For Maverick, though, impossible was just another challenge to overcome.

Alexa sat up straighter, her focus shifting entirely to the monitor. The comms filled with the sound of Maverick's heavy breathing and the sharp beeping of his instruments. She watched, her heart pounding in time with each second that ticked by.

He flew the course with precision, pushing limits that would've crushed anyone else. And then—

"Bull's-eye!"

The room erupted. Cheers and laughter broke through the thick tension, filling the space with a burst of relief. Alexa exhaled, her shoulders finally relaxing.

But even as the others celebrated, a part of her remained uneasy. She couldn't shake the heaviness in her chest, the nagging voice whispering that this wasn't over yet.

. . . . . ╰──╮~ 🛩️ ~╭──╯ . . . . .

She needed space.

The moment the briefing ended, Alexa slipped out before anyone could stop her. She made her way toward the hangars, drawn to the quiet shadows they offered. Her boots scuffed against the cracked asphalt, the sound grounding her as her mind raced.

By the time she spotted Gretsky, she was too far gone in her thoughts to turn back. He was leaning against the wing of a jet, chewing on a stick of gum like he didn't have a care in the world.

"Rough day?" he asked, his voice casual.

She hesitated before shrugging. "You could say that."

He nodded, studying her like he could see through the walls she'd so carefully built. After a moment, he reached into his pocket and held out a stick of gum.

She shook her head, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "No, thanks."

"Suit yourself." He popped the gum into his mouth, his eyes never leaving hers. "Maverick really knows how to steal the show, huh?"

Alexa huffed a laugh, crossing her arms over her chest. "He always does."

Gretsky leaned against the jet, his expression softening. "You're good, Alexa. Don't let anyone make you forget that."

Her brows furrowed, and she looked away. "I know I'm good."

"Do you?" His tone was light, teasing, but his gaze was steady. "Because you've been walking around like you're carrying the weight of the whole damn base on your shoulders. Maybe let someone else carry it for a while."

She didn't respond. The truth of his words hit too close to home.

"Just think about it," he said, giving her shoulder a pat as he walked away.

. . . . . ╰──╮~ 🛩️ ~╭──╯ . . . . .

The drive home felt longer than it should have. Every mile, every stretch of road seemed to drag on, as if the world was moving in slow motion just to test her patience. The familiar sights of the city passed by, but Alexa couldn't shake the heaviness that had settled in her chest. The weight of the mission, the tension with Maverick, the fear gnawing at her edges—it was all too much.

Her fingers gripped the steering wheel harder than they needed to, her knuckles turning white, but it helped to have something solid to hold onto. The sound of the engine was a dull hum beneath her thoughts, and she tried to focus on the road ahead, but her mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Maverick.

When she pulled into her driveway, the house stood silent, the windows dark. Maverick's car wasn't in the driveway, which was strange. He'd usually be home by now, especially with the late hours of the mission briefing.

She parked the car and sat there for a moment, the engine still running as she stared at the house. The porch light flickered above her, casting long shadows across the front yard. There was something unsettling about the quiet. Something that made the weight in her chest feel heavier, more suffocating.

With a deep breath, she turned off the engine and stepped out of the car, the cold night air immediately biting at her skin. She grabbed her bag from the passenger seat and swung it over her shoulder, her footsteps slow and deliberate as she walked up the path to the door.

When she reached the front step, she paused, her hand hovering over the door handle. The house felt different—emptier somehow. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, the familiar creak of the hinges echoing in the silence.

"Dad?" she called, her voice tentative, but the only answer was the hollow echo of her own words.

There was no sign of Maverick, no indication that he'd been home at all. The house felt still, too still, as if something had shifted in the air. Alexa shook her head, pushing the thought away. Maverick had been busy with the mission, that was all.

She dropped her bag onto the couch and kicked off her shoes, the cool hardwood floor comforting beneath her feet. But just as she was about to head upstairs, her phone buzzed in her pocket.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Bradley.

Come outside. I'll be there in five.

Alexa's fingers hovered over the screen for a moment, her heart racing as she stared at the text. Why was he asking her to come outside? Her mind raced, but she didn't overthink it. She'd seen the way Bradley had been acting lately, and though she wasn't sure exactly what it meant, she couldn't deny the pull to see him.

Without hesitating, she grabbed her jacket off the back of the chair and headed for the door, her pulse quickening with each step. She stepped outside and into the cool night air once more, the soft crunch of gravel beneath her boots the only sound in the otherwise still night.

She glanced up the street, her eyes searching the shadows, but there was no sign of him.

Then, a low rumble of an engine broke the silence, and Bradley's truck came into view. The headlights flickered briefly before he pulled into the driveway, the engine cutting off as he parked.

Alexa's breath caught in her throat as he stepped out of the truck, his silhouette dark against the glow of the streetlights.

He looked the same as always—tall, confident, with that familiar smile that she'd come to know so well. But there was something different in his eyes, something that made the air between them crackle with unspoken words.

"Hey," he said, his voice soft, almost hesitant.

"Hey." She forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Alright," she said, her voice quieter than she intended. "Where are we going?"

"Somewhere we can forget about everything for a while," he said, giving her a wink that felt familiar, but it held a softness she hadn't noticed before.

Alexa nodded and followed him to his truck, the familiar rumble of the engine making her feel like maybe, just maybe, things could be okay for a little while.

The drive to the Hard Deck felt different tonight. Usually, the streets were familiar and easy to navigate, but tonight, they felt longer, as if the distance between her and the team was somehow growing with each passing mile. The world outside seemed distant, muffled by the weight of her thoughts. The mission, Maverick's unexpected absence, the way everything felt off—Alexa couldn't seem to shake it.

Bradley's truck rumbled beside her, the engine steady and reassuring, but even that didn't ease the tension in her chest. She glanced at him briefly, his eyes focused on the road, hands gripping the wheel with that same calm intensity she had always admired. It made her feel small in the best possible way. Bradley had this ability to make everything seem simple, effortless, like he wasn't constantly questioning what tomorrow might bring.

Finally, the familiar neon glow of the Hard Deck appeared in the distance. A part of her always felt at home here. The salty air, the hum of voices, the sound of pool balls clicking together—it was a place that knew how to make you forget about everything, even if it was just for a while.

Bradley pulled into the parking lot, a little less eager than usual. Maybe he was feeling the weight of the day too. They both had their share of things to process before tomorrow. He killed the engine and looked over at her. "You sure you're good to go in?"

Alexa turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze. "I'm fine," she said, trying to sound confident, but the softness in her voice betrayed her. Bradley didn't say anything, but the way his eyes lingered on her made her feel like he was waiting for something, maybe just for her to open up.

But she didn't. Not tonight.

They got out of the truck, and she followed him inside. The warmth of the bar hit her immediately—the soft glow of the neon lights casting long shadows over the worn wooden floors, the familiar faces gathered in groups, chatting or playing pool, the occasional laugh cutting through the steady murmur of conversations. It was like the world was outside, and in here, things were always steady, always predictable.

Bradley led her to a small table at the back. It was quieter than usual, and Alexa could almost hear her heartbeat over the background noise. She slid into the booth, glancing around at the team already gathered. Bob was mid-laugh, clearly caught up in some conversation with Phoenix. Payback was with Fanboy, arms crossed, deep in discussion, probably about the mission. No one seemed overly anxious, but the unspoken tension in the room was palpable. Tomorrow was looming over them, and everyone knew it.

Phoenix noticed them first, offering a lazy wave as she leaned back in her chair. "Well, look who finally showed up," she teased, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Need a drink?" Payback asked from across the table, eyes glinting with his usual easygoing manner.

"Yeah," Alexa said, "I think we both could use one." She glanced at Bradley, who didn't seem to argue.

He caught the bartender's eye and raised a hand, ordering something strong without bothering to ask her. Alexa let it go. It didn't matter tonight. They were here, and for the moment, that was enough.

As the drinks arrived, the team settled back into their conversations, the noise of their chatter and laughter filling the space. Alexa sipped her drink slowly, letting the alcohol burn its way down. It wasn't about the drink. It wasn't even about the team. It was about trying to forget the weight of the day, of everything that felt so heavy. She glanced over at Bradley, but he was lost in his own thoughts, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the edge of his glass.

"You alright?" she asked, her voice low enough that only he could hear it.

Bradley turned his head slightly, meeting her eyes. His expression softened, almost like he was surprised she'd asked. "Yeah. You?"

She gave him a half-smile. "Same."

They lapsed into silence for a moment, the weight of the upcoming mission hanging between them. It was so familiar, the shared quiet moments before something big.

Bradley leaned back, stretching his legs out under the table. "You know," he started, his voice casual, "if you want to take off early, I won't be offended. You don't have to stay for the whole night. I know you've got a lot going on."

Alexa met his gaze again. He wasn't trying to push her. In fact, he seemed like he was giving her an out, like he was offering her space without making it awkward. It was a rare thing to find, and for some reason, it made her feel like maybe she wasn't as alone in this as she had thought.

"I'm not going anywhere," she replied softly. "I'm good here."

Bradley didn't say anything more. Instead, he let his eyes wander back to the rest of the group. Bob was still making jokes about something Payback had said. Phoenix was leaning in, gesturing wildly as she described some part of the mission. The team had their moments of lightheartedness, but Alexa could see it. She could see the nervous energy in the way their eyes flicked around, the unspoken tension of what was to come.

But for now, it wasn't about the mission. It was about this moment, sitting here with Bradley, the world outside temporarily fading away.

They stayed at the Hard Deck a little longer than Alexa expected, but not long enough to linger too much. As the last of the team filtered out, saying their goodbyes and heading off to rest before the big day, Bradley turned to Alexa.

"Ready to go?" he asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah," she said, standing up and grabbing her jacket. The night was cooler now, the breeze sharper as they stepped outside. They didn't speak much as they walked to his truck, but Alexa couldn't help but feel a sense of calm she hadn't felt all day. The mission, Maverick, everything that was weighing on her—it could wait for now.

As they approached the truck, the cool night air brushed against Alexa's skin, and she tucked her hands into the pockets of her jacket, trying to hold on to the calm that had settled over her. The weight of everything—of the mission, of the uncertainty of what would come next—felt distant, as if it had been temporarily pushed to the side by the quiet between her and Bradley.

Bradley opened the truck door for her, and she climbed in, the familiar rumble of the engine a soft comfort as he started the engine. The drive was quiet, but the tension between them was palpable. Neither of them spoke much, but the unspoken words, the weight of everything left unsaid, hung in the air like an electric charge.

They pulled into a quiet corner of the parking lot at Bradley's dorm, far enough from the other cars that it felt like they had a little more privacy. He parked the truck, but instead of getting out immediately, he left the engine running, the soft hum of the truck's engine filling the silence between them. Bradley glanced over at Alexa, his eyes searching hers as if he was weighing something—something they had both been trying to ignore.

"Alexa..." he started, his voice soft, almost hesitant. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She met his gaze, feeling the weight of the question. It wasn't just about the mission. It wasn't even about everything they had been through over the past few months. It was about them, about this moment.

"I'm fine," she said, but her voice wavered just a little, betraying her. "I just... I needed a break."

Bradley nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. But then, almost without thinking, he reached over and touched her arm, his hand warm against her skin. The touch was gentle, but it sent a rush of heat through her. The space between them suddenly felt smaller, charged with something that neither of them had the words for.

"You don't have to pretend," Bradley murmured, his thumb brushing the inside of her wrist. "I'm here, Alexa."

His words hung in the air, and in that moment, everything shifted. Alexa couldn't explain it, but something about the way Bradley was looking at her made it impossible to ignore the pull between them any longer. Without thinking, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his. The kiss was slow at first, tentative, as if they were both trying to figure out where they stood. But the moment their lips met, something clicked. Something they'd both been pushing aside for far too long.

Bradley deepened the kiss, his hand moving to her neck, pulling her closer. The space between them evaporated, the quiet of the truck cabin filled with the sound of their breathing. Alexa's heart raced as she slid her hand to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingers. The intensity between them was undeniable, like a force that neither of them could control.

She pulled back slightly, her breath shallow, eyes meeting his with a mix of uncertainty and desire. "Bradley..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I know," he said, his voice rough, as if he was struggling to keep himself in check. "I know what you're feeling."

There was a moment of hesitation, a brief flash of doubt that passed between them. They both knew what could happen, what was already happening. But neither of them seemed to want to stop. Bradley cupped her face gently, his thumb grazing her jaw as he leaned in again, his lips brushing against hers with a quiet urgency.

The kiss deepened again, and this time, it was faster, more frantic. Their hands moved, searching for more, pulling each other closer as if there was no room left between them. Alexa's pulse quickened as Bradley's hand slid to her waist, his fingers slipping beneath the fabric of her jacket, the warmth of his touch spreading across her skin.

For a moment, it felt like nothing else mattered. The world outside, the mission, the weight of everything that had been building between them—it all disappeared. There was only the heat, the hunger, the desperate need to feel something, to be close to each other in a way that neither of them had allowed before.

But just as quickly as the intensity had built, something shifted. Alexa pulled back slightly, breathless, her chest rising and falling with the force of her heartbeat. "Wait," she whispered, her voice shaky. "Bradley, we—"

"I know," he said again, his voice hoarse, his forehead resting against hers. "I don't want to rush this. But I can't help it. Not when I'm with you."

She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of his words. She didn't want to stop either. But they both knew the consequences, the consequences of moving too fast, of giving in to something that neither of them was ready to fully embrace.

Bradley's hand gently cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over her skin as if grounding her, pulling her back from the edge. "We don't have to do anything you're not ready for," he said softly. "I just need you to know that I'm here. Whatever you need."

Alexa nodded slowly, her breath still uneven as she looked at him. She didn't have all the answers. She didn't know what was next for them, or if anything was next. But for now, in this moment, it was enough. It was more than enough.

With a final, lingering kiss, they pulled apart, both trying to steady their breathing, the weight of what had just happened settling in. There were no promises made, no expectations. Just the quiet understanding that whatever came next, they would face it together.

. . . . . ╰──╮~ 🛩️ ~╭──╯ . . . . .

Alexa's eyes flickered open to the sound of her alarm blaring, the harsh noise pulling her out of the remnants of a dream she couldn't quite remember. The morning light seeped through the blinds, casting long shadows across her room. For a moment, she lay there, staring at the ceiling, the weight of the world pressing against her chest.

The mission. It was happening today. It was hard to believe it was finally here.

She pushed herself up, her body feeling heavy, as though the realization of what was to come had sunk deeper than she had expected. The night before felt like a blur. Bradley's presence, the way they'd connected without saying much of anything, the way his fingers had brushed hers—it was all there, but it felt distant, like a memory that hadn't fully settled.

She glanced around her room, trying to find some anchor in the stillness. Her phone lay on the bedside table, and her hand instinctively reached for it. No new messages. Just the usual notifications she'd left unchecked before bed.

She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her feet hit the floor with a soft thud, the cool wood against her bare skin a welcome contrast to the heat creeping up from her chest. She stood up, steadying herself for the day ahead.

The house was still quiet, and for a moment, she allowed herself to just breathe. To let the silence fill her up, to collect herself before everything else came crashing back.

As she made her way to the bathroom, she ran a hand through her messy hair, the simple act of brushing her teeth giving her something to focus on. The reflection in the mirror showed a woman who was trying to hold it together—who had to hold it together. But the cracks were there, thin lines at the edges of her resolve, threatening to break open at any moment.

She dressed quickly, slipping into the uniform she knew so well. The familiar weight of the flight suit, the patches of her callsign and rank, felt like armor. She adjusted the straps, cinching them tight, and glanced back at her reflection.

Today would be the day.

As Alexa stepped out of her room, she could hear the sound of Maverick's footsteps in the hallway, the low murmur of his voice as he moved through the house. She glanced toward the stairs and saw him at the kitchen counter, coffee in hand, eyes focused on something unreadable in the distance.

She hesitated for a moment, her mind drifting back to last night. The tension had been palpable between them—too many unspoken things hanging in the air. Maverick had been distant, as if he could sense the weight of her thoughts, but he never pressed. He just... stayed silent, letting her do the talking if she chose to.

She grabbed her own cup of coffee, the warmth seeping through her fingers as she leaned against the counter, keeping a little distance between them. They both knew the weight of what was ahead. She didn't need to say anything for him to understand.

"You ready?" Maverick asked, his voice surprisingly soft. It was a simple question, but there was an edge to it, the weight of a thousand unsaid words hanging between them.

Alexa nodded, her throat tight. "Yeah. As ready as I'll ever be."

Maverick's gaze softened, and for a brief moment, she saw the man beneath the mask—the one who wasn't just a fighter pilot or an officer, but someone who cared. But it was fleeting, and just like that, the mask was back up.

"Good," he said. "Let's get this over with."

They didn't speak much more as they made their way to the truck. Alexa's hands felt clammy as she gripped the door handle, but she didn't let it stop her. This was it. The mission. The next step in a life she hadn't fully understood until now.

The truck ride to the docks was a quiet one. The air was thick with anticipation, but neither of them said anything more. Maverick kept his eyes on the road, and Alexa focused on the rhythmic hum of the engine beneath them, the world outside a blur as they drove.

When they finally arrived, the team was already gathered by the boat, their expressions unreadable as they prepared for the long journey ahead. The last of the team members filtered in, the sound of boots on gravel and the low murmur of last-minute instructions filling the air.

Alexa stepped out of the truck, her heart pounding in her chest. Bradley was already there, talking with Rooster and Payback, but his eyes found hers the moment she stepped onto the tarmac. His face softened, the tension from the night before still hanging in the air between them, but it was different now. Maybe it was the weight of what they were about to do—or maybe it was the way they had both managed to find each other in the midst of everything else.

He nodded at her, a small, almost imperceptible gesture, but it meant something more than just acknowledgment. It meant they were in this together.

She nodded back, pushing the thoughts of the night before aside for now. There would be time for that later. For now, they had a mission to focus on.

As the boat started its engines and the crew began to move, Alexa couldn't shake the feeling that everything was shifting. The stakes were higher now. The uncertainty of the mission stretched before them like an open sea, and all she could do was brace herself for the ride.

. . . . . ╰──╮~ 🛩️ ~╭──╯ . . . . .

Alexa stood in the quiet tension of the briefing room, her heart pounding in her chest as Maverick's words cut through the room, sharp and deliberate.

"It has been an honor flying with you."

His voice was steady, but the weight of the words settled over the group like a heavy blanket. Alexa tried to breathe through the tension, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming. Maverick's gaze swept over the team, and she felt the sharpness of his attention as he continued.

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

Her pulse quickened. He was talking about them, about her. But she couldn't help the feeling that the gravity of the situation was pulling at her insides in ways she didn't quite understand.

"This is a very specific mission," Maverick went on. "My choice is a reflection of that and nothing more."

Alexa glanced to the side, catching Gretsky's eye. He gave her a subtle nod, but it did nothing to ease the unease building in her chest.

"Choose your two foxtrot teams," Cyclone said, his voice cutting through the room like a knife.

Maverick wasted no time.

"Gretsky and Bolter," he said, voice calm, measured.

Alexa's breath hitched. She wasn't sure if she was more surprised by her own callsign or the fact that Maverick had picked her. It was an honor, of course. But her stomach twisted with nerves she hadn't anticipated. She thought she'd be on the sidelines, waiting for a reserve role, not called into the spotlight.

"Phoenix and Bob," Maverick continued, his voice unfazed.

"And your wingman," Cyclone added, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Rooster," Maverick said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The room went still, the weight of the selections settling on everyone. Each person was absorbing their role, trying to understand what came next, what it meant for them.

"The rest of you will stand by on the carrier for any reserve role that's required," Cyclone continued, his voice final, making the air feel thick with the pressure of what was to come.

"Dismissed."

The words hung in the air, and Alexa felt the weight of the mission settle over her, the uncertainty of what came next pulling her forward. She turned to Gretsky, her mind still reeling from Maverick's choice, but she couldn't let it show. They had a mission to focus on, and for better or worse, they were in this together.

The rest of the team filed out, leaving Alexa standing there, her thoughts swirling, but one thing was clear: Maverick had chosen her for a reason. Now, it was time to prove it.

🛩️🛩️🛩️

AUTHORS NOTE !

yayyy, the next chapter is finally here—the mission! the moment we've all been waiting for.

i wonder what's going to happen next? so much is on the line, and with everything building up to this, you just know it's going to be intense. the team is ready, but are they really ready? we've got some serious obstacles ahead, and i'm dying to see how they all handle it.

but wait—there's more! i'm not done yet! i've got two epilogues coming your way next friday, along with the last chapter! i can't wait to share them with you! it's all coming together, and i'm just so excited to see how it all wraps up. i hope you're as excited as i am.

so stay tuned, and i'll see you next week for the final chapters. it's going to be a wild ride!