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"They'll keep Pheonix and Bob in the hospital overnight for observation. They're gonna be ok," He said quietly. "That's good... I've never lost a wingman," Rooster said back. Mav sighed quietly, thrown back to Goose. "You're lucky. Fly long enough, it'll happen," He said bitterly. He shut his eyes at Roosters scoff. "Easy for you to say. No wife. No kids. Nobody to mourn you when you burn in," Instead of biting back, Maverick sighed shakily.
"You're wrong,"
Maverick turned to face the new voice.
"The captain does have a family." Warlock stood in the doorway, a solemn expression on his face. "Is everything ok?" Maverick asked, frowning. "There's been an accident, Mav... they're in the hospital,"
"Who's in the hospital? Mav, what's happened?" Rooster's question fell on deaf ears. "Are they ok?" Maverick asked. Warlock hesitated. "They seem to be, from what your wife told me. They're being kept in for observation." Maverick ran a hand through his hair. "You can go and visit if you wish. You can have tomorrow off,"
Maverick was in a daze during the ride. Rooster offered to drive him in his jeep, to which Mav initially refused but finally accepted. "So... whos your wife?" He asked quietly. Maverick cast a glance over with a small sigh. "Amelia. She was the younger sister of an old flame of mine. We've been married for 20 years." He pulled up a picture of his loving, 47-year-old wife.
Rooster looked over at a red light. "Aw, cute. Who are the kids?" Pete smiled warmly. "My children. Thalia, Madalyn, Theo and Olivia," He pointed. Rooster whistled lowly. "I didn't know you had children, let alone four."
Pete grinned proudly. "Thalia's 21, and off to NYU soon. Madalyn's 17, and just gotten into naval academy, Theo's only 10, and Olivia's 6." He said, pointing to each one. "That's cool. Is Madalyn joining aviation?" Rooster asked. Pete scoffed. "Probably. Despite us warning her not to. She was the same age as me when I applied, but she's going straight away. Logically, if she passes, she'll be an aviator by her 21st."
The rest of the ride was quiet, only speaking when they parked. Maverick rushed out to where his family were. He was aware of the funny looks being sent his way, but his main priority was getting to his family.
"Dad!"
He spun. "Madalyn!" He called. He rushed over and grabbed her tightly. "Oh, my sweet girl. Are you hurt? Are you ok?" He babbled. "Dad, I'm fine, I promise. We all are. Thalia banged her head on the headrest, but aside from that, we're all fine." Mav pulled away and scanned his 17-year-old over with his own eyes, not trusting what the doctors said. "Where's mom?" He asked. Madalyn pointed. "We're literally right outside. She's sleeping right now, but T's watching Theo and Olli."
He rushed into the room and grabbed his other 3 children tightly.
He'd worry about work another day. Right now? His focus was making sure his family was together, and in one peice.