When the special detachment made it back to land, there was only one place to go.

The Hard Deck.

The group didn't even stop at their places to change, just went straight to the bar.

Nova didn't let Maverick or Bradley out of her sight, making both of them get into her car so she could drive them. The men knew better than to argue, especially since they could see the evidence of their stunts on her face.

Nova's eyes were red and puffy, tear marks still streaked down her face. But she was in much better spirits and had some cover up in her bag to touch things up before partying the night away.

The trio gets to the Hard Deck before everyone else and come to find out that Penny took Amelia on a boating trip, unsure of when they would return.

Nova patted her dad on the shoulder before shrugging. "You know as well as I do that Penny wasn't gonna sit and wait to see if you made it back. But I do know how to get in touch with them when they go boating, so I'll send her a message."

Maverick squeezed her hand before heading over to the bar keep for the night, informing him of the group coming in. Soon enough, the others arrive, grabbing their usual drinks before the evening rush.

But the main event of the evening was something no one saw coming. (Well a few people, but they already knew about it.)

Nova had pulled Jake aside, needing to thank him for what he did.

"I wanted to thank you. For saving my dad and Bradley. I know it's your job, but you don't understand just what you did for me." Nova started to ramble as she thanked the man.

But Jake just shook his head. "Nova I was ready to launch as soon as Maverick went down. It took everything form of restraint I had not to launch despite orders when I heard you scream over the radio when Rooster went down."

Nova looked down. She didn't know he could hear her. But Jake lifted her chin with his finger, making sure she was looking at him.

"I would have saved them regardless because they are my team. But knowing how important both of them are to you made me more determined to get there in time." He was smiling softly at her, nothing but love in his eyes.

Fanboy noticed the two from afar, hitting Payback to get his attention. And quickly enough, the entire detachment was watching the two, who appeared to be in their own world.

Nova didn't hesitate. She pressed her lips to Jake's in seconds, one hand in his hair the other on his chest. And Jake quickly responded, the hand on her chin moving to the back of her neck while his other circled her waist to land on the small of her back. He pulled her as close as he possibly could, refusing to let go.

When they finally pulled away, Nova pressed her forehead to Jake's not wanting to open her eyes just yet. But she did when the two of them heard cheering from the group.

They looked over to their friends who had a mixture of dropped jaws, whopping sounds, and clapping hands. Bradley was gagging at the sight, while Maverick had turned away not wanting to watch his daughter kiss anyone, much less Hangman.

Nova buried her head into Jake's chest in embarrassment but Jake, being the showoff he is, just laughed. He was quick to pick Nova up by the waist, twirling her around until she began to laugh before giving her another kiss.

They rejoin the group to pats on the back and many questions. A lot of which they don't even acknowledge, but Coyote gives the pair a knowingly smug look. Apparently, he had been pushing Jake to admit his feelings, not knowing the history between the two.

☽☆☾   ☽☆☾   ☽☆☾

Later in the night, JJ and Taylor showed up to celebrate as well. They were getting ready to head out on their honeymoon, not wanting to leave before the detachment was done. (Since they didn't know how it would go, JJ wanted to stay for Nova, in case anything went wrong.)

It was safe to say, JJ was glad everyone was okay. But he did have a similar reaction to Nova. He quickly slapped Bradley before bringing him into a hug. Maverick gave him a look before he could try anything, before he brought JJ into a hug of his own.

Taylor was giving Nova a side hug, glad that everything worked out before giving Bradley a hug of her own.

The married couple soon clocked onto the fact that Nova and Jake didn't leave each other's side. JJ caught Nova's eye before wiggling his eyebrows. She responded by sticking up her middle finger, causing him to laugh.

"So what exactly is this? Do we need to have a talk Hangman?" JJ decided to bring it up. There was a chorus of agreement from the others because their questions hadn't been answered either.

Nova and Jake looked at each other. Jake was still giving Nova the control over what happened now he would go along with whatever she wanted, he had promised her that. "We decided to give this a try," she told the group. But Jake had to add something in. "Again." He had muttered it, but the others heard it, clear as day.

"Again?!" Pretty much everyone yelled.

Nova shot him a look, which he just shrugged at. "We were together a few years ago but it didn't work out. So we are trying again, now that we've had time to figure things out."

Fanboy piped up first. "So he was the relationship from two years ago?" Nova nodded her head.

JJ chimed in, having been there for that time in her life. "Well Hangman, you and I will be having a talk soon. I don't know how you're still alive with Bradley and Mav knowing about this."

Before Jake has a chance to defend himself, Nova comes to his rescue. "Oh like Taylor's brother almost did to you?" Taylor's brother hadn't been the fondest of JJ initially, no idea why since everyone loves JJ. But when he went to her father to ask about proposing, Taylor's brother threatened JJ with death if he ever did anything to hurt Taylor.

JJ gave her a clearly fake smile, speaking through his teeth. "You know I love you, but if you ever bring that up again, I will have to kill you."

Everyone laughs, before asking for the story. And JJ doesn't have a chance to stop Nova before she is divulging the entire thing, in detail.

Hey, it got the attention off of her and that's all she cared about.

☽☆☾   ☽☆☾   ☽☆☾

A few weeks had passed, with the team getting time off because of the difficult mission. Jake and Nova were doing better than ever. They were still taking things slow, wanting to make this second chance last.

But as Nova said goodbye to Jake for the day, she headed to her dad's hanger. Bradley was staying over there, helping him fix up his plane. Nova was so happy they had been able to work things out.

But Nova noticed something outside the bunker. Amelia was walking in, putting a finger to her lips for Nova to keep quiet. Maverick noticed Amelia soon enough, before looking out the door.

Leaning against her Porsche was Penny. And much to Nova and Amelia's delight, the two kiss. They were finally going to make things work.

Nova squeezes Amelia's shoulders, bringing the girl into a side hug and Bradley helps get the plane ready for Mav and Penny.

And as they watch the two fly off into the sunset, Bradley pulls both girls into a hug. The adults knew that Amelia was getting her wish. Mav was gonna stick around this time.

Nova arrived home later that evening to Jake cooking dinner. He gave her a smile before turning back to the stove as Nova went to change into more comfortable clothes.

And as she came out of her room, Nova paused in the doorway of the kitchen to just look at Jake. She had finally gotten her second chance at love, with the man she felt was destined to be hers.

Jake felt her stare and simply lifted his arm, making room for her to squeeze into his side as he finished up their dinner. Nova leaned into him as he pressed a loving kiss to the top of her head.

The aviator and the nurse. They had gotten their second chance.

And boy were they going to live it to the fullest.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Word Count: 1,470

THAT'S THE LAST CHAPTER!! we've still got the epilogue to go, so don't worry, more Nova and Jake are coming.

But I wanted a happy ending and for everyone to find out about their relationship.

I'm so glad you guys come on this journey with me. So without further ado, I'll see you guys in the epilogue.

Bye guys!!!