Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ice was walking to the housing unit he shared with Slider, Mav, Hollywood, and Wolf. He’d gone out for a quick run, needing to do something active after sleeping off his jet lag the last couple of days. An uncommon alignment of schedules meant that he, Slider, and Maverick had returned a few days ago, and Hollywood and Wolf got back last night, leading to a full house. 

Personally, Ice was glad that they were all in the same place. While normally he wasn’t keen to be living with anyone other than Slider, he thought that it’d be easier to keep an eye on Maverick if they all worked together. It had taken a few months since Top Gun for him to start slowly warming up to them, but he was typically at ease around them now, rarely hiding behind one of his masks. It was…refreshing, in a way.

Ice turned the corner, a few blocks from their housing, and ran straight into someone’s chest.

“Excus–”

“Well look who we have here.”

Ice felt a chill run down his spine at the nasty drawl, backing up to look at the man he’d run into. He was flanked by four guys, at least two of them both taller and heavier than Ice was. Ice was surprised to realize that he’d seen them all before, in passing. They were Navy.

“If it isn’t the commie flyboy who thinks he’s better than everyone he meets.”

This was not good.

One of the brutes to the guy’s left sneered, “He’s almost as bad as that pipsqueak, Mitchell. We’ll have to pay him a visit while he’s here.”

The leader hummed, reaching out to grab Ice’s arm. “Later. Right now we’ve got a red to deal with.”

Ice jerked away before he could grab him, snarling slightly. He was already winded, but his best chance was probably to make a break for it if these oafs weren’t going to listen to reason. He was a good fighter, but he had no chance of taking on five guys at once, and something told him they weren’t planning to fight fair.

“You have no reason to come after me, or Lieutenant Mitchell for that matter.” His voice was ice-cold and deadly. His mask hadn’t failed him yet. “If you leave me alone, I might forget that threat and not press charges.” He barely dodged the fist that flew at his face, taking off before the others could join their ringleader. So much for being reasonable.

“Get him!”

Ice tore back the way he came, looking desperately for some kind of way out of this. It was Sunday, and few stores were open, limiting his options drastically. His lungs were burning as he skidded around a corner. Why hadn’t he called Slider to pick him up?

“This way!”

His pursuers’ shouting spurred his movements, despite the fact that his limbs felt like jelly. Suddenly he stumbled on the uneven pavement, falling hard. His knees and hands scraped painfully against the ground as he tried to scramble back upright, but he never made it that far. 

He grunted as a large body collided with his, effectively knocking the wind out of him. His heart felt like it was trying to escape his rib cage as he gasped in a futile attempt to get his breath back. His limbs were too weak as he attempted to scurry away, getting easily caught by two of the larger men. Despite how much he desperately wanted to allow his body to fail, he continued struggling, sweat dripping into his eyes as he was dragged down an alleyway.

Jerked to his feet, Ice looked up as the leader approached, grabbing his chin roughly. Ice attempted to pull his head back, but one of the men holding him fisted his hair, keeping him still.

The man in front of him panted, none of them were as fit as Ice was, and had he run into them on his way out of the house earlier, he would’ve easily outpaced them. However, he can tell that none of them are happy that he made them chase him down, and he has the feeling that he’s going to answer for it.

“You little–” Ice doesn’t hear the rest of the insult as the man before him decks him. His head snaps to the side, and he would’ve hit the ground if not for the goons supporting him. He glares, despite seeing stars from the hit.

“Filthy commie.” Another spits at him, the insult comes with a sharp jab to the stomach, leaving him curled in on himself as much as he’s allowed.

“Kazansky,” The ringleader sneers, fisting his hair to jerk his head up once more. “Dirty Russian. How dare you come here and act like you’re better than us? Act like you actually mean something? It’s a wonder they let filth like you into the Navy at all.” 

He’s hit across the face then, and what follows is a whirlwind of insults and injuries.

oO0Oo

He’s crumpled on the ground—when did they drop him?—and he tries to open his eyes. They’d smeared dirt in his face at one point, though he was almost sure his eyes hadn’t suffered much damage. He hoped not, anyways. All he can make out is silhouettes, their movement hurting his head.

A kick to the ribs, and he feels something give.

He whimpers pathetically. “ Sli –”

There’s laughter above him.

“What’s wrong, Kazansky? Commie not able to take it like he dishes it out?”

His hair is once again grabbed, lifting him just long enough for one of them to land a solid punch, jerking his body so he lands painfully hard on the ground.

Another sneer. Another insult.

Slider, help.

Another kick. He’s hit with something, they must have found it in the alleyway.

Slider.

Laughter. He curls in on himself, trying to protect his head and gut.

Ron.

He can’t remember how he got here. All he knows is it hurts.

Ron, please .

His body hits a wall. Hard.

Save me.

Chapter Text

Ron was pacing anxiously, glancing once more out the window.

“I’m telling you, he’s been gone way too long.”

The others sighed. Ice had left a few hours ago for a run, and as dusk set in Slider got more and more anxious. He’d been pacing and muttering for the better part of the past hour and a half, staying close to the front window and jumping at every person that went by before ultimately sighing in distress.

Mav and Wolf shared a look where they were side by side on the couch. Hollywood was in a chair at the small kitchen island, reading and ignoring Slider in favor of his book. They’d all tried their best to excuse Ice’s absence, but none of what they said seemed to register.

“Slider, c’mon, it’s Ice . He can take care of himself.” Mav tried again, coaxingly. Watching the RIO’s frantic movements was making him tired.

“Yeah, I’m sure he’s fine. Maybe he decided to eat out, or stop for a rest, or visit friends, or found some hot chick to spend the evening with.” Wolf shrugged, turning back to the TV.

Slider made a low sound in his throat, almost a whine, as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair. 

“That’s not like him though. Ice doesn’t disappear for more than an hour or two. If he was with someone he’d call to let me know.”

Maverick was reminded of Goose at that, the memory bittersweet. Goose had always panicked when Mav wasn’t where he said he was going to be, but it was always for good reason. More than once, Goose had found him badly beaten in a locker room or alleyway, and wouldn’t have been there nearly as soon if not for his insistent hovering. But Ice wouldn’t have that problem. He was the best of the best, people actually liked him, looked up to him. He was calm and put-together where Maverick was wild and unpredictable. He had no enemies. 

Right?

“Sli, is there a reason you’re freaking out so much? Something you haven’t told us?” Mav asked carefully, leaning forward to stare intently at the older man. Both Wolf and Wood looked up at that, sending Slider curious looks. 

Slider sighed, now standing in front of the window with his arms crossed.

He didn’t answer. They felt concern stir in their guts, sharing a worried look.

“Slider?” 

All at once, the RIO spun to grab his keys off the side table.

“I’m gonna go look for him.”

“Slider, wait!”

Thankfully Ron paused in the doorway, Maverick wasn’t sure they’d be able to catch him with how fired up he was otherwise. But when he turned back to look at them, Maverick felt his breath catch at the pure emotion in the other man’s gaze. Fear and worry and pure panic .

“You won’t be nearly as efficient on your own. We’ll help, right guys?” He turned to Wood and Wolf, who were already standing and moving towards the door.

Wolf squeezed Mav’s shoulder. “Course, can’t have anything happening to our resident Iceman.” 

“Wolfie and I’ll take my car, while Mav can ride with you, okay?” Holly asked, meeting Ron’s gaze as he grabbed his own keys.

Slider blinked in surprise, shooting them a grateful, relieved look as he murmured, “Okay. Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. Like Wolf said, gotta make sure Frosty makes it home before he melts.” Maverick chirped, clapping Slider’s arm as he ducked past him

“Do you know where he went?” Holly asked, glancing at the RIO.

Ron shook his head. “He normally goes to the beach, but I’m not sure which route he’d take.”

Holly and Wolf nod as they share a look, silently agreeing on a plan.

“Alright, how about you and Mav head to the beach, search for any sign of him there, then work your way back? Wolf and I’ll drive down some of the main roads and see if we can’t find him wandering somewhere.”

Ron nodded his assent, Mav swinging into the passenger’s seat seconds before he pulled out.

Chapter Text

Pain.

That’s the first thing he registers. He tries to blink his eyes open, to take in his surroundings, but they sting and stick at his futile attempt. Giving up on his hope to see for the moment, he tunes into his other senses. 

It’s quiet, there’s the sound of a breeze blowing past nearby buildings, and the distant noise of traffic. It’s cool too. He shudders, whining when pain laces through him at the movement. A stinging fire races through his frame, and he registers the coppery taste of blood in his mouth, alongside some kind of grime that he doesn’t want to think about. His head aches and nausea stirs in his gut when he tries again to open his eyes, submitting to the irritating burn that emerges after only a few seconds of trying.

He feels a low, lost sound well in his throat, leaving his lips as a scared whimper. What was going on? Where was he? What happened?

He was obviously injured badly, aside from the pounding of his skull he could feel a throbbing ache in his torso, and one of his shoulders seemed to pulse. And he was cold, so cold, trying hard not to shiver and curl up at the temperature, knowing it would only aggravate his injuries. 

Unable to move, he begins thinking. He knows that he, Slider, and Mav got back stateside a couple of days ago.

Slider .

Where was his RIO? Was he okay? Did Ice crash their plane, spin into the ocean like Maverick and Goose? Now he was injured and alone, but where was Slider? 

Well, if he did do anything to hurt Slider he wouldn’t blame anybody for leaving him here, wherever here was. He’d deserve it. But that didn’t help with the idea that Slider could be hurt somewhere, and it was all Ice’s fault.

He whimpered again, trying to open his eyes.

This time, he was able to pry them open, whining as the dim light of his surroundings penetrated his aching head. It took a few blinks before he was able to make out where he was. An…alley? It seemed to be. But what was he doing…?

He gasped a breath as it all came rushing back to him. He’d gone out for a run, and had met some Navy guys on his way back. They chased him down because they thought he was a… he can’t bring himself to finish the thought it disgusts him so much. Just because he was Russian. It had been years since he’d gotten a “reminder” of “his place” this extreme, hadn’t happened since flight school. Probably because of Ron, who’d taken to dogging his steps like an overprotective guard dog, scaring off most people who had some sort of vendetta against him just because of his last name.

He laughs softly, immediately regretting it when he feels bones in his chest shift. It looks like he and Mav have that in common too.

Ice closes his eyes for a moment, wanting so desperately to give in to the pain that was penetrating his every thought. But he couldn’t. No one knew where he was. No one might even look, just assume that he decided to spend the night somewhere. Would anyone even notice he was gone?

Slider would, he was sure of it. The older man had been fussing over him for years. Ron would look. He’d come for him. 

“… slider …”

He had to.

Chapter Text

“Street’s getting empty.” Wolf commented in an attempt to fill the silence between him and his pilot. They’d been coasting around for a half hour, windows down to try to see or hear any sign of Ice, without luck. 

Though they hated to admit it, Slider might have been right to be so worried.

“Where do you think he is?” Wood murmured. His RIO could tell from his strained voice that he was getting concerned. Shoot, Wolf was too. They’d expected to run into Ice somewhere around their housing, smirking with some story or other to explain his absence and put Ron’s mind at ease. They had even been looking forward to the talk Slider was bound to give his pilot when he came back after making Ron’s hair turn gray.

But the longer they patrolled the streets, the more their worry grew. Because Ice was nowhere to be seen. While they hadn’t wanted to admit it while trying to soothe Slider’s fraying nerves, they knew that there weren’t truly any reasonable explanations for Ice’s absence, and the fact that they still hadn’t found him was concerning.

“Maybe Mav and Sli found him?” Wolf tried hopefully.

“Maybe.” Hollywood didn’t sound like he believed that any more than Leo did. “If we don’t see anything in the next half hour then we’ll drive back to the house and check.”

Wolf nodded to that, turning to look out the window again. Most places in this area were closed today, the only buildings omitting light were a couple bars scattered throughout the drab buildings they passed. Wolf bit his lip. Maybe Ice was in one of those buildings? But did he even have money when he left? It probably wouldn’t hurt to lo–

“Stop!” 

Hollywood hit the brakes hard, head whipping to look past his RIO, scanning the street.

“What?!”

“I thought I heard something, pull over!”

Hollywood scowled, glaring at him. “Leo…”

“…sli…”

He froze, mouth falling open in an ‘o,’ then abruptly pulled the car up against the curb. He hadn’t even parked before Wolf was out, head cocked as he listened intently. Holly climbed out and stood next to his open door, hoping, praying, that they weren’t wrong.

“…help. sli…”

Wolf cursed, racing behind them a couple yards to an alley, the only possible place the pleas could be coming from. Holly slammed his door as he took off after his RIO.

“Ice?” Wolf called softly. They both squinted in the darkness, carefully moving down the filthy corridor.

There was slight movement in the shadows ahead of them and they stilled.

“Ice?”

A low whine from the crumpled figure on the ground.

“…sli?…”

They gasped, rushing to the pilot’s side.

“Ice! What…” Holly trailed off when the younger man flinched away from them with a scared whimper.

“…no, please, no. sli, help…”

The two felt their hearts shatter, immediately freezing in place.

“ Rick …” Wolf murmured, sounding pained, meeting his pilot’s eyes in the dark, unable to keep his fear from leaking into his voice.

Hollywood licked his lips, trying softly, “Ice? Ice, it’s us, Wood and Wolf? Rick and Leo, remember? It’s okay. We won’t hurt you, you’re alright.”

The pair slowly approached as the man on the ground quieted. Once they were close enough to take in the havoc wreaked on the blond they gasped again, tensing.

“ Ice , Tom, what happened to you…?” Wolf murmured mournfully, hands hovering over his form. 

A soft whimper was their only response, and Wolf shifted closer to his face, cursing sharply.

“Rick, he’s got dirt smeared in his eyes.”

“ What?!” The hissed snarl had Ice jerking with a low wounded sound, and Wood immediately murmured reassurances as he lightly felt the blond’s limbs.

“You think there’s any damage?”

Wolf shook his head helplessly. “I-I don’t know. It’s too dark to see…”

Rick nodded, working carefully along Ice’s frame. 

“I think his ankle’s twisted, but no broken bones…?” He winced when there was a hiss from the pilot as he skimmed his left shoulder. “Something’s up with his shoulder. Dislocated, maybe? I don’t think it’s broken.” He nearly bit his tongue off when he felt one of Ice’s ribs give under his careful touch, a whine slipping past Tom’s lips.

“Shh, Tom. I’m sorry, I know it hurts. I’m sorry…” He slowly investigated the rest of the pilot’s torso. Wolf, meanwhile, had shifted to carefully lift Tom’s head onto his lap, cushioning it against the dirty pavement beneath them. He ran gentle fingers through the blond’s hair, wincing in sympathy as he looked up at his pilot. 

“Feels like he got hit in the head, possibly a concussion. We need to get him to a hospital, Rick.”

Holly nodded, looking back towards the street, before reaching a decision.

“I think I can carry him to the car. Help me lift him.”

It took some maneuvering, but Hollywood managed to work one arm under the other pilot’s legs, bracing his back with the other as he slowly picked him up off the ground, conscious of his injuries. Wolf gently supported Ice’s head, resting it on Holly’s shoulder once he was standing.

“You got him?” Wolf hovered, ready to help support Ice if needed.

Holly nodded. “Stay close, though. I don’t wanna trip and drop him.”

Wolf agreed wordlessly, staying at his pilot’s shoulder as they made their way out of the alley. Once on the dimly-lit street, Wolf opened the back door of Rick’s car, ducking in to help transfer Ice to a seat. Carefully Wood set him on the back seat, waiting until he was arranged somewhat comfortably against Wolf’s shoulder before closing the door and racing to the driver’s seat.

“You taking him to base?” Wolf murmured as he shifted his grip on Ice, whispering an apology when the younger man whimpered, brow scrunching. 

“Yea, we’re close enough.” Hollywood answered distractedly. “We’ll call the house from there once we get Ice in.”

He heard Wolf hum an answer, before the sound of ripping cloth. Holly glanced up in the rear view mirror.

Catching the look, Wolf explained, “Tearing up one of the extra shirts in your travel bag. Luckily you’ve got a bottle of water, too. Try ta clean his eyes a little.” The last part was murmured, talking more to himself than to Rick, who nodded, turning his eyes back to the road.

Wolf attentively poured some water onto the strip of fabric, before folding it and turning to the blond leaning against him. 

“Ice? You still with us?” A low hum was his answer, and Wolf relaxed ever so slightly.

“Good. Now I’m gonna wipe your eyes, okay? I’m sorry if it hurts any, but we really need to get rid of that dirt.” That said, Wolf carefully gripped the younger man’s chin, holding his head steady as he gently wiped at his face. Ice stayed still, brow furrowing slightly as he waited. The silence was as oppressive as it was concerning. Wolf wished for some kind of scale to know if he was hurting the pilot, but Ice seemed uncharacteristically reserved.

Once he got rid of the majority of what had been purposefully smeared in Ice’s eyes—and if that didn’t make Wolf want to kill someone—he ripped another piece off Wood’s shirt, once again wetting it. He cleaned up Ice’s face a little with the new fabric, frowning when he realized that the younger man felt hot.

“Rick?”

“Hmm?”

“I think he might have a fever.”

Rick cursed softly, taking a turn. “Just a few more minutes and we’ll be there.”

Wolf hummed, turning back to Ice. Brushing hair from his face, he murmured, “Ice? Can you open your eyes for me?”

Leo felt his brow furrow when the other man hesitated, but after a moment he carefully blinked his eyes open. Wolf sucked in a breath. Crystal eyes met his, fearful and wary. What the heck happened to him?

“Wolf?” The blond’s voice was a rasp as he scanned the RIO’s face, searching intently for something. Leo bit his lip at the caution in his tone. Surely he didn’t think Leo was any danger to him. Right?

Nevertheless, seeing Ice aware of his surroundings and hearing him speak made him feel a little better.

“Hey, Ice.” He murmured, voice low as he smiled softly. “How you feelin’?”

Ice’s eyes narrowed at that, but he didn’t get a chance to answer as Wood voiced a relieved, “We’re here,” from the front seat.

Chapter Text

Wolf and Wood glanced at each other, silently asking who’d call home to tell Slider and Maverick that they were at base hospital with the pilot who was a little worse for wear. It hadn’t taken much time to be identified at the gate and admitted to the base’s hospital. Then Ice had been whisked away on a gurney to be examined, leaving the pair that brought him alone in the waiting room.

Wood sighed, pulling a quarter from his pocket.

“Flip for it?”

Wolf agreed, though he didn’t seem happy about it.

“Alright, call it in the air.”

“Heads.”

They looked down. Tails.

Wolf looked relieved and Holly sighed again, picking up the traitorous quarter with a grumble.

“I’ll be right back.”

“Yup.”

Rick walked over to one of the hospital’s phones, punching in the house number and waiting.

Ring, ring. Ring, ring. Ring, ring.

He sighed as he went to voicemail.

“Hey guys, it’s Rick. Listen Wolf and I found Ice, and–”

He was cut off as the phone was picked up.

“Wood?!”

“Mav? You and Slider there?”

“We just came back to see if you guys found him. You said you got him?”

“Yeah, we got him.”

“… ight, alright. Wait a sec, Wood, I’m putting you on speaker.”

“Rick, you found him?” Ron sounded beyond relieved.

“Yeah, but he’s in pretty bad shape–”

“ What?! ” Mav sounded murderous.

“What happened?” Ron’s growl wasn’t any less angry than Maverick’s exclamation, but it was a whole lot more controlled.

Rick sighed, running a hand through his hair as he answered, “I don’t know, Wolf and I found him beat up in an alley on North Street,” He could hear their confused murmurs at the location, it was pretty off-route for a quick run to the beach. Holly sighed, continuing, “We’re at base hospital, now. He’s getting checked out.”

“How bad, Rick?” The RIO’s question was pleading.

“I don’t know for sure, he’s got at least a couple broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, and one of his ankles is sprained, possibly fractured. He also might have a concussion.” He pauses, before adding, “And whoever attacked him smeared dirt in his eyes.”

Both of the listeners cursed sharply, before, “Alright. Hang tight, Pipsqueak and I are on our way.”

Rick didn’t get a chance to answer as they’d hung up as soon as the words left Ron’s mouth. Replacing the phone, he walked back over to Wolf, who was sitting in one of the plastic chairs, elbows on his knees.

His RIO looked up at his approach. “You reach ‘em?”

Holly nodded as he sat next to him. “Yeah, they came in when I was leaving a message. They’re on their way.”

“They mad?”

“Furious. I don’t think we’re gonna have any trouble getting help to find these guys.”

Leo raised an eyebrow, looking at him in surprise. “Guys? You think there’s more than one?”

Wood nodded, rubbing his hands together. Whether it was to tamp down his anxiety or his anger, he couldn’t tell. “Yeah. You know as well as I do that Ice can handle himself fine against one guy. Probably even two or three. One guy wouldn’t have been able to beat him that badly and leave him in an alley for dead.” Holly’s voice caught on the word, and he blew out a frustrated breath. Wolf’s arm came, heavy and comforting, across his shoulders.

“He’s alright, though, remember? We found him, he’ll be fine. Probably…” Now Wolf trailed off, but, upon meeting Holly’s inquisitive look, continued, “You didn’t see his eyes like I did, Rick. I’ve never seen him look at anyone like that. I’ve never seen anyone with that–that–that fear and caution in their eyes. Except for Mav.”

“Mav?”

“Remember when we found him behind that bar, getting beat on by like seven different guys? Not that long after,” he hesitated, before plowing on, “after Goose.”

Hollywood winced at the memory, nodding with a murmured, “I remember.”

“Yeah, it was like that. Like–like he didn’t know if we were gonna start beating on him too.”

“That’s what confuses me the most.” Rick admitted, weaving his fingers together and resting his chin on them. “Who would wanna beat up Ice? Pete has his feisty personality that always seems to anger someone, and his father’s bad rep. But Ice doesn’t have that. Shoot, Ice’s dad is an admiral . Who’d be beating up an admiral’s son?”

Leo glanced at him, deciphering his meaning in seconds. “You think the guys that did this were Navy.” It wasn’t a question.

“Why would someone else do it? Ice didn’t have any money on him, there was no reason for anyone to attack him unless it was something personal.”

“Well there must be something, otherwise Ron wouldn’t have been so worried.” Leo mused quietly, lifting his arm from Rick’s shoulders to cross against his chest.

Holly blinked at that, before groaning, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “Why do people have to keep attacking our friends?”

“Search me.”

Chapter Text

Ron drove like a maniac, something typically associated with Maverick. Luckily, Mav is used to crazy transport, otherwise he doesn’t think he’d have been able to keep his lunch down. 

If Ice wasn’t in the hospital, Mav would feel bad for the poor gate guard Slider nearly snapped the head off of when they pulled up.

They burst into the waiting room with all the finesse of a raging stampede of cattle, quickly spotting the pilot-RIO pair, who stood when they saw them.

“Any news, yet?” Ron panted, approaching them.

They shook their heads. 

“Haven’t heard anything since he went back.” Wolf murmured, before sighing in frustration, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t even know what they’d tell us.” Before any of them could answer, they heard a nearby door swing softly shut.

They all glanced over as a nurse approached. 

“Are you boys here for Lieutenant Kazansky?”

They nodded, Ron taking a step closer as he asked, “How is he?”

She hesitated, “Are any of you…”

“I’m his NOK, Ron Kerner. These guys are friends of his, you can tell them whatever his condition is.”

Because he was in front of them, Slider missed the bewildered looks the other three shot each other. Slider was Ice’s next of kin? What about his family?

They didn’t get a chance to ask as the nurse had quickly checked the clipboard she held, before nodding.

“Very well. The Lieutenant suffered a Grade 2 concussion, and has three broken ribs, two more were fractured and his torso is badly bruised. His left shoulder is dislocated and his left ankle is also fractured. We flushed out his eyes, luckily they weren’t damaged and his sight should be perfectly normal after a little rest. We’ll be keeping him overnight to monitor his concussion, but he should be able to leave tomorrow sometime around mid-day, providing he has someone to stay with during his recovery.”

Slider immediately nodded. “He does. And how long before he can fly again?”

He only asked because he knew that would be one of his pilot’s first questions, if he wasn’t already told.

“At least two months. We’ll have to see how his ankle heals, but as long as he’s careful he should have full range of motion back in six months at the most.”

Ron nodded again, silently processing the information for a second before meeting her eyes once more. “Can we see him?”

“Right this way. I’ll ask you to be quiet, however, due to his concussion.” The four nodded their assent as they were led down a couple hallways until they reached a door.

“The call button is on one side of the bed if you need anything. A nurse will be checking in periodically to monitor his concussion. Any nausea, dizziness, confusion, or headache is to be expected due to the concussion. I can give you an hour, after that only one of you is allowed to stay with him until visiting hours tomorrow.”

They all murmured their thanks, following Slider as he slowly opened the door.

Their breath caught when they stepped into the room and saw Ice. The typically cocky pilot looked awfully small in the hospital bed, hooked up to the machines nearby. 

Slider’s gaze softened as he approached, Wolf quietly closing the door behind them as they entered the darkened room. They held back, watching the pilot and RIO reunite silently.

“Tom?” The pilot’s eyes blinked open at his RIO’s voice, and to the onlooker’s surprise his gaze was glassy with unshed tears.

“ Ron. ” 

“Hey, hey, you’re okay, Bud. It’s alright.” Slider shushed, easing onto the side of the bed, holding Ice’s right hand with his while he used his left hand to cup the blond’s face.

“Shh, you’re alright, Tommy. It’s okay. Breathe for me, Tomcat.” 

Ice grit his teeth at the flood of emotions that hit him with Slider’s gentleness, pressing into the palm on his cheek.

“Ron, it–”

“Shh, you don’t have to tell me right now, Tommy. It’ll keep. I promise, they won’t get away with this.” Slider’s voice darkened as he said it, and it was a testament to how well Ice knew him that he didn’t spook at the tone.

Nevertheless, Tom shook his head. “Was Navy, Ron. They…” 

Leo and Rick shared a look as they slowly came closer while Mav moved to Ice’s other side. They were right.

Ice cut himself off as movement caught his eye, tensing as they approached, and surprising the others with his wariness. 

After a brief hesitance, Pete decided to overlook it for the moment, proceeding to sit on Ice’s other side. He heard Wood and Wolf approach behind him, coming near the foot of the bed where Tom could see them. For a moment, Ice watched them all with confusion, then he met Mav’s eyes.

Blue eyes flashed, flickering through emotions rapidly. Surprise, confusion, fear, disbelief. Mav felt unease stir under his ribs. Why was their presence so perplexing to the pilot?

“Hey, Ice. How you doin’?” Pete tried carefully. This was a strange situation for him. Normally he was the one laying in a hospital bed while the others fussed. On this side of things, he could understand why they’d be so angry at the people who attacked him, Maverick was furious.

“Why are you here?” Ice replied, cautiously. His eyes flickered to Ron’s, unconsciously seeking out his anchor, before turning back to studying Mav.

“Because you somehow ended up injured in an alley so now you’re recuperating in a hospital? Why else would we be here?” Mav felt his gut churn as he asked. That wasn’t good. He knew that confusion, knew it well. That belief that no one would care enough to come. That he was alone, that whether he lived or died didn’t matter to anyone.

He just never would have associated it with Ice.

His statement just seemed to confuse the pilot more, and he stared down Maverick for a long moment. Mav knew that look too. Ice was searching for the lie hidden in his words. Well he could look all he wanted, because Maverick had no lies to hide. And he knew Rick and Leo didn’t either, watching as Ice glanced over, studying them before finally turning pleadingly back to his RIO. 

The look he sent Ron was achingly confused as he tried to comprehend what Mav had said. Ron bit back a sigh. He remembered when he and Nick had received that look for the first time in academy. He also remembered when he realized that Tom had stopped using it, at least for them. Remembered his surprise as well as how honored he’d been. But, for better or worse, there’d been no one else the last few years who was concerned enough about Ice to confuse the blond like this. Confusion stemming from the fact that his own father didn’t want him, didn’t care about him, so how could anyone else? 

Ron really could kill that man.

Instead, he brushed Ice’s hair away from his forehead, gently tracing the bruises forming on his face. He’d have a black eye before the night was over.

“They helped me look for you, Tommy. Even though I didn’t ask them to. They’re not gonna hurt ya.” Ron kept his voice low, meeting Tom’s intense stare. Some people couldn’t handle the look, one of the many reasons Tom received the callsign “Iceman.” But Ron had long been able to see past the surface emotions displayed by the intensity that scared people off, able to instead focus on the fear and apprehension raging within his pilot as he silently pleaded with him.

“Tom, they beat you ‘cause…?” Slider asked, tilting his head knowingly. He didn’t have to voice the entire question, Ice knew what he meant. The others shared confused looks, watching intently for Ice’s answer.

The pilot’s reply was a small wince, the blond blinking fast as he pursed his lips slightly and tilted his head a little in a minuscule nod. Ron’s eyes narrowed.

“How many?”

Finally, Ice averted his gaze. They could hear his self-loathing when he murmured a quiet, “Five,” to the ceiling.

The number produced vehement cursing from the other four, startling Tom with their anger. His right hand flexed around Ron’s, and he settled again when Ron squeezed his hand in return, brushing his thumb along Ice’s knuckles soothingly.

“But why did they come after you?” Wolf asked their primary question, gazing once more at the blond.

Ice winced and Slider sighed softly, turning back to his pilot.

“You can tell ‘em, Tom.”

Ice’s eyes widened, flashing once more with fear as he shook his head. He winced, quickly stopping when the movement aggravated his pounding headache.

“No, Ron. No, no, I-I can’t. They…Ron what if…they…”

“Easy, Tomcat.” Ron soothed, brushing a hand through blond hair as he tried to settle his pilot before he could get too worked up. “Take it easy, just breathe. They won’t care, I promise. And if they do or say anything stupid, I can promise you right now I’ll deck ‘em. Alright?”

Ice’s eyes were still wide and fearful, but he slowly relaxed, breathing once more evening out. 

“But, Ron, what if they…?”

“They won’t.”

“You don’t know that!” Ice snapped at him, immediately wincing away from the words. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I didn’t–”

“Tom.” Slider’s firm voice seems to ground the pilot, who abruptly quiets, focusing solely on his RIO. “You’re okay. You’re stressed, you’re allowed to yell at me. You’re right, I don’t know for sure what they’ll do, but I think we can trust them enough that they’re not gonna be out for your blood or anything. Not for something stupid like this.”

Ice’s brow furrowed, and he was about to protest when Slider sighed. “Sorry, I worded that wrong. I know that this is a real issue that you’ve dealt with for years, but I don’t believe it’ll change how they treat you.” Any other time, the three in question would resent being talked about like they weren’t there. But now they just watched silently, feeling like they were missing the last, large piece of this overly complicated and violent puzzle.

Ice sighed through his taped nose, wincing and closing his eyes. For a long moment, they weren’t sure if he was going to tell them or not, before his quiet voice echoed in the small room.

“My name.”

Mav blinked in confusion. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but it wasn’t that. He turned to look at Holly and Wolf, comforted by the fact that they looked just as puzzled as he was.

The pilot-RIO pair shared a look, before turning back to Ice, who still hadn’t opened his eyes.

“Your name…?” Rick ventured carefully.

Ice sighed again, relaxing when Slider squeezed his hand.

“Kazansky. It’s Russian.”

They paused, processing that. They’d all grown up in the Cold War. No matter how isolated they were from politics they’d all practiced bomb drills. Had all heard the horror stories about the Communists in control of Russia, the threat to their way of life. They had actively fought against Communism in the Navy since they were allowed on missions. Yet, entertaining the idea that Ice was at least part Russian didn’t provoke any fear or anger or whatever negative emotion he was obviously expecting. Just a little surprise and curiosity.

“Wait,” Mav murmured, staring down the blond. “Are you telling me that they beat you up just ‘cause you’re Russian?” He blinked, then, “Are you Russian? Fully?”

Ice finally opened his eyes, giving the brunette a genuinely confused look. Slider sighed beside him but he didn’t notice. He was too focused on Maverick, on the fact that instead of the anger, fear, or betrayal he was expecting, the pilot’s expression only held genuine curiosity, almost child-like in its simplicity. He spared a hesitant glance at Holly and Wolf, only to see similar expressions on their faces.

He licked his lips, feeling Ron squeeze his hand in silent support as he murmured, “Y-yeah.” Then, feeling the need to elaborate, he continued, “My parents both came here from Russia when they were young, so I’m a second-generation immigrant. People tend to have a problem with that, especially in the Navy.” He huffed. “Can’t say I blame ‘em.” Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes again. Despite being thoroughly cleaned—and assured that there was no serious damage to his sight—they still ached from the earlier abuse. Besides, less visual stimulation helped his throbbing headache. A little. 

He could feel Ron stiffen beside him on the bed. Now he’d done it.

“You can’t be blamed for things you have no control over, Tom. You shouldn’t blame yourself any more than the idiots who attacked you should.”

Ice let the familiar words wash over him, feeling himself unconsciously relax as the stress that had been weighing him down lifted off his shoulders at the reassurance. Surprise shook him, though, when he heard the other three agree wholeheartedly.

He hadn’t been sure what to expect when he told them, but it wasn’t this. Curiosity. Acceptance. The feeling was far more addictive than any drug, and he squeezed Ron’s hand again as relief welled up in his chest, pushing against his busted ribs. 

Ron squeezed back with a small smile, glancing at the spectators. 

“Think time’s almost up, guys. See you tomorrow?”

“Count on it.” Holly assured easily, Wolf nodding next to him. 

“Don’t let him do anything stupid,” Leo grinned as he patted Ice’s calf, turning to the door.

“Wait,” Mav chirped excitedly as he stood, eyes shining. Turning back to Ice he asked, “Can you speak Russian?” 

Ice hummed a soft, inquisitive affirmative, and the younger pilot practically bounced in place.

“You’re teaching me some tomorrow.”

It wasn’t a question.

Ice blinked in surprise as Holly, Wolf, and Slider all laughed before the three turned to go, leaving the blond to sleep. 

Once the door swung softly shut behind them, Slider allowed a warm chuckle past his lips, moving to the chair beside Ice’s bed as he settled down for the night, shifting so that his left hand now gripped Tom’s right. He knew it was only a matter of time before the questions, even though Ice was supposed to be resting. But he also knew that the younger man wasn’t sleeping until he’d organized the thoughts running through his head.

Cerulean eyes flicked over to meet Ron’s, shining with a mixture of surprise and relief.

“They didn’t care.”

“I told you they wouldn’t.”

“Yeah, but,” Ice licked his lips, struggling for words a moment before, “Ron, that’s not…it’s…what they did, that…”

Slider smiled softly, deciding to gently put the younger man out of his misery.

“I know you’re not used to that reaction, Tom. I also know I’m glad they took it well, so I can’t even imagine how you feel.”

Ice huffed a soft laugh, pulling his hand free from Ron’s to rest the back of it against his forehead, eyes on the ceiling.

“I don’t really know, honestly. It’s just,” He paused, licking his lips as he thought through what he wanted to say, before slowly continuing, “all my life people have been going after me as soon as they knew that I was Russian. When I was young parents would warn their children to stay away from me like I was the plague or something. And when I went to high school…” He trailed off, blowing out a frustrated breath, struggling for a moment to find the right words. “I did everything I could to keep people from finding out that I was Russian. It helped that I didn’t really have an accent like I did when I was younger. But the one time some people did find out–” Ice cut himself off to take a steadying breath. 

Ron waited, listening attentively. He knew that Ice had struggled his whole life with being Russian in America during the Cold War, but this was the first time the younger man had given him anything more than vague references to past events. He knew how hard it was for Tom to open up about literally anything , just like he knew how much trust Tom had to have in him to tell him now. So, he was going to sit here in silence for as long as his pilot needed to say everything he wanted to, because Tom needed to know that his trust hadn’t been misplaced.

“I don’t even know how they found out.” Tom murmured, more to himself than to Ron. His voice was a hoarse whisper. “But when they did they got me one day, after school. There were six of them, and no matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t get them off me. They dragged me to an alley behind the school, did pretty much the same thing these guys did, beat me senseless. But they were slightly more creative. Sometime between blacking out and them leaving, they tied me up.” Ice shuddered, wincing as the involuntary movement tugged on his fresh wounds. “They made sure to loop the rope around my ankles, wrists, and finally my neck. Like some kind of depraved noose.”

Ron could feel the indignant anger on Ice’s behalf come close to boiling over and took a steadying breath. He couldn’t get these guys, couldn’t kill them. He felt absolutely useless faced with the fact that he couldn’t do a single thing to make this past hurt better, all he could do was comfort his pilot in the present.

Ice swallowed, eyes distant as he whispered, “Sometimes I can still feel the rope around my neck.”

Slider felt like he was going to be sick. He closed his eyes, breathing out through his nose for a moment before looking back at Tom.

“How’d you escape?” The prompt was soft, an attempt to get the blond back on track so he could leave the midst of these memories. Though, given recent events, Ron had a feeling they’d be swirling at the forefront of his mind for a while.

Tom’s lip twitched and he huffed a laugh, though the sound held no humor. “They put a pocket knife in my hands before they left. It was already dark when I woke up again, and it was Friday, so there wasn’t much of a chance of me being rescued.” He pulled in another long, steadying breath before continuing, “It took forever, but I cut my hands loose. Then I was able to rip the rope off my throat and cut it off my legs.”

Ice doesn’t go into detail about his escape, but he doesn’t have to. Ron can read between the lines. Can imagine the fear, the panic. Knowing that he had to save himself, despite being injured. Despite feeling the rope wound around his neck. Ron wonders how long it took his kid to actually free himself. How many panic attacks he had alone in that alley, essentially left for dead.

Ice’s low voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “I-I managed to free myself and somehow I made it home.” He shook his head slightly against the pillow, still staring at the ceiling. “Normally it was a ten-minute walk. I couldn’t tell you how long it took me that time, though. I couldn’t even tell you if I stopped, or met anybody, or almost got hit by a car. Nothing. It’s all a fuzzy blur. But I remember when I made it to the house.” Ice’s voice quiets, and Ron feels dread stir in his gut. “I remember, I somehow–don’t even know how–managed to get the key in the lock. I–” He huffs a teary laugh, eyes shining. Ron reaches out to reclaim his hand, gently rubbing his knuckles. “I remember, remember being scared, so scared that my dad would get mad at me for getting home so late. I tried so hard to be quiet so I wouldn’t wake him, but when I entered the house he was sitting in the living room, reading.”

A sob bursts from Ice’s lips, obviously painful from the way his eyes flash and he clenches his jaw. Slider reaches out to brush a gentle hand through his hair, his other hand still intertwined with Ice’s. 

Cupping his pilot’s face, he murmurs, “Easy, Tom. You don’t have to tell me right now, or ever. It’s alright.”

To his surprise Ice shakes his head, grip on Ron’s hand tightening. “No, I-I want to tell you.” He mutters a curse as he closes his eyes, desperately trying to rein in his turbulent emotions. 

Ron waits him out, quiet and comforting. A port in the storm that is Ice’s thoughts.

“He-He looked up at me, Ron. He looked at me, and I can still see his face. He was so, so disgusted . Then he said–he said, ‘What are you doing coming into the house like that? You look like more of a disgrace than usual. You better hope nobody we know saw you out there looking like that.’” Ice sobbed again, whimpering when his ribs and head started to pulse in time with his heart.

Slider’s jaw clenched, and he shifted back onto the bed next to Tom, swearing softly as his pilot fought the breakdown currently seizing him. With a grip that was achingly gentle, he carefully leveraged the younger man upright so he could rest against his chest. Tom whined, the sound swallowed by his shoulder, even as he melted into the embrace, good hand coming up to clutch Ron’s shirt.

They stay like that for a while, Tom sniffling against Ron’s neck while the older man runs one hand up and down his back, the other passing soothingly through the blond’s hair every few seconds.

Finally, Tom calms down enough to continue, feeling safe and secure in the protective embrace of his older brother. “I muttered an apology to him, and went up to my room. It was only about 2200, but it felt like I’d been on the street forever. I managed to clean myself up and wrap up my injuries before I went to bed. I slept in the next morning, and my father yelled at me for being so lazy.”

Ron huffed a disbelieving breath at that, grip on Ice tightening minutely.

“I really could kill that man.”

“You’ve said.”

“No but this is even worse than all the other things he’s pulled over the years. Like–” Slider cuts himself off, not even knowing how to properly voice just how messed up the older man’s actions were.

“I know.”

“I hope so. Like Tom, that’s messed up. You didn’t deserve to get beat up for something you’re not a part of. And you definitely didn’t deserve to be all alone after.”

Ron ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “Man, I wish I’d been there.”

Tom huffs a surprised laugh at that.

“There’s nothing you could’ve done, Ronny.”

“Wanna bet?”

Ice doesn’t reply beyond nuzzling his shoulder. Slider sighs, but lets it go for now, humming low in his throat as his pilot quiets against him.

“It was then,” Ice begins, voice tired but strong nonetheless as he finishes what he wanted to say. “Then that I realized that he truly didn’t care about me. I’d always hoped, y'know? After Mom died, I had no one, and I thought that maybe he just wasn’t good at showing he cared. That it was all tough love and all that. But,” He shakes his head against Ron’s shoulder, voice quavering, “But when I came home, all beaten and bruised up, rope burns on my neck, and he didn’t show even the faintest hint of concern, that’s when it really hit that I don’t mean anything to him. I’m just someone to carry on his name. The one-” Ice’s breath hitched, “ one time I really needed him, more than ever, and he would’ve done nothing. I could’ve died , Slider!”

And suddenly anger, anger that’s been pent up for years , finds an outlet as Ice pulls back slightly from his best friend, wincing at the move as he looks up at the older man. Despite his raised voice, his words shake as he meets Slider’s gaze with tears in his eyes.

“I could’ve died, Slider! For something that I had no part in. Alone in an alley. And who would have known? Nobody! For possibly days! No one would have looked! No one would have cared!” His voice once again cracks, but he carries on regardless, unable to stop now that he’s started. “No one would have… he wouldn’t have looked. He wouldn’t have cared, Slider. I mean nothing to him.”

Slider’s gaze is soft and mournful as he takes in his pilot. He’s still supporting Ice with one hand on his back, helping the younger man stay upright. He uses his other hand to tilt Ice’s chin up from where he’d dropped his head after his rant. 

Once warm brown eyes meet troubled navy, he begins softly, “I know, Tommy. I know. And I am so, so sorry that you had to go through that. I’m sorry that there’s nothing I can do to change it. To change what that monster did to you. But I promise you I’ll be by your side now. You’re not alone anymore, Kid. You’re stuck with me. And if I read what happened today right, you might be stuck with those other three idiots too.”

Ice’s lip twitches, even as a tear rolls down his cheek only to be gently wiped away by Slider.

“ Thank you , Ron.”

Chapter Text

Ice heaves a relieved sigh as Slider wheels him up their walk and into their house, Mav, Wolf, and Wood trailing like ducklings. Despite it being the middle of the day, Ice is exhausted, so much so that he didn’t even protest Slider lifting him in and out of the car, nor the older man taking control of the wheel chair he was stuck in.

He’d spent the majority of the morning rotating between NCIS and doctors, hearing all the “do’s” and “don'ts” as well as a more in-depth version of his injuries that he’d been too tired to listen to last night. Ron stayed by his side through all of it, silently taking in the information alongside him. Mav, Wood, and Wolf also seemed to pay close attention to the doctors’ knowledge, hanging in the room with Ice and Slider as soon as they were allowed inside.

It warmed something in Ice when they trotted through the doorway earlier that morning. Part of him wasn’t sure he’d ever see them again after what he told them.

They didn’t get much time to chat, however, before the doctors were checking him in order to okay his release. Then once they were satisfied the NCIS investigators were ushered in to take his statement and descriptions of his attackers.

He’d been offered the option of being alone with the investigators while he recounted the events that led him to a hospital bed, but he didn’t see the point. The others already knew about his injuries, it wasn’t exactly hard to guess how he’d gotten them.

So, with Slider’s hand gripping his forearm as he sat up in the hospital bed, thankfully once more in his own clothes, he’d recounted the ordeal in a detached manner. His gaze was unfocused and his tone stayed even as he told them how he’d run into the men, gave descriptions with as many details as possible without knowing their exact names, ranks, or jobs, and relayed how they chased him only to catch him and drag him down an alley—Wood and Wolf gave the exact location to compare with Ice’s memory of where he’d first met the five—and beat him within an inch of his life.

The retelling had taken far more out of him than he would’ve liked, and the tension that had snuck back into his frame when confronted with the memories of last night’s abuse slowly ebbed as he entered their house. He was safe here.

“You want your bed or the couch?” Slider rumbled softly behind him.

“Couch, I’m sick of sitting in bed.” Ice murmured, allowing his RIO to wheel him over and help him move. It had been bad luck, both fracturing his ankle and dislocating his shoulder on his left side. It meant he’d be stuck without crutches as his shoulder healed, and his ankle might even heal before he’s allowed to use them at all, much to his annoyance. This translated to him being stuck in a wheelchair or carried everywhere.

As he settled on the couch, the others began fussing over his arrangement, trying to make him as comfortable as possible. He appreciated it, really he did, but if they kept smothering him he was liable to break something.

“Guys , I’m alright. Promise, I’m okay, I’m not paralyzed. I’m not even hurt that bad.”

Mav just huffed, tweaking the pillow under Ice’s left leg as he shot the other pilot a glare. “We’ll be the judge of that.”

Ice rolled his eyes, and went to snap an answer when Slider cut him off.

“It’s about lunch time. What do you guys wanna eat?”

They all automatically glanced at Ice, who can’t help the faint blush at all the attention. He wasn’t used to this , this hovering and care. Normally any injuries were nursed by himself with the aid of Slider, who was admittedly a great help, especially when he freaked out about said injuries negatively affecting his career. 

He was able to handle Slider’s fussing, and even Goose’s on occasion; but that was the extent of his comfort zone.

He shrugged with his good shoulder, closing his eyes to avoid the warm looks the others were sending him.

“I’m not really hungry, you guys can eat whatever.”

Mav opened his mouth to protest, but Slider’s hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Alright.” The RIO agreed easily. “We’ll let you rest for a bit, we’re just in the other room if you need anything.”

Ice hummed softly, relaxing as he heard them leave. He settled on the couch, almost immediately falling into a light, restful sleep.

oO0Oo

“Slider, he needs to eat something.” Maverick fussed, biting his lip as he watched Ice from the kitchen’s doorway.

“I’m sure he will, Mav, but some rest won’t hurt him.” Holly soothed, checking the fridge while Slider studied the pantry thoughtfully.

“Shouldn’t one of us stay in there with him?” Mav was trying not to hover, really he was, but he didn’t like when his friends were hurt. It made him undeniably anxious when anybody he cared about was in pain. Goose used to say it was because he went so long with nobody to care for.

Mav thought that was ridiculous, because Goose was the one who’d taught him how to mother people in the first place, so if anything it was something he’d learned from his RIO.

Slider shook his head, grabbing a few boxes of mac and cheese off a shelf while Hollywood pulled out a couple packages of polska kielbasa. “No, until he gets used to you guys being alone with you will only make him nervous. After he’s rested a bit he’ll probably be fine, but for now it’s best if we just leave him.”

Wolf glanced at him from where he sat at the island, brow creased in concern. “Why would we make him nervous?”

Slider shrugged as he filled a pot with water. “He’s just on edge right now. Always is after getting attacked, understandably.”

Mav’s eyes narrowed. He understood being anxious after getting beat like that, having experienced it many times over the years, but the way Slider said it, so casually…

“Slider, just how often does this happen?”

Slider sighed and paused, cocking his head as he thought. “It’s been a few years. Flight school was the last time it happened. Since then most people are too scared of me to attack him.”

Wolf straightened in his seat, Holly and Mav shooting Slider concerned looks. “And it’s always just because he’s Russian?”

Slider sighed again, glancing at the water on the stove. Not boiling yet. “Yeah. Some people just can’t seem to live their own lives.”

Holly huffed out a disbelieving breath at that, while Maverick cursed softly, turning back to study the blond. In sleep, the sharp worry lines on Ice’s face smoothed, body relaxed as he dozed comfortably. Or, as comfortably as he could while injured like he was. He looked much younger like this, and Mav felt something protective stir in his gut.

“You’d think he’d be more comfortable in his bed.” Holly murmured beside him. Mav blinked, turning his head. He hadn’t heard the other pilot walk over.

Slider chuckled at the stove, stirring the noodles. “He’d go crazy in his room in the middle of the day, wouldn’t be able to sleep. It’s easier on him if he can see what people are doing if he needs to, helps stave off panic attacks.”

Wolf gives a disbelieving huff, Holly and Mav turning towards Slider incredulously. 

“You’re way too casual about all this.”

At that, Slider’s gaze goes from mildly amused to something softer and sadder. He looks up at them, meeting each of their eyes before saying, “It happens far too often. I’m used to it, in a sick way. I don’t like that my best friend gets beat on for something he can’t control.” His expression darkens, eyes flashing dangerously. “But I don’t know where the people who did this are, so imma do all I can to make it better for him,” he jerks his head towards the living room, “because I’m currently unable to kill these guys.”

Maverick is the first to move, crossing the room and wrapping his arms around the RIO without warning. Ron automatically steps away from the stove, instinctively wrapping his arms around the small pilot in return. 

“I know how you feel, Sli. Trust me.” Mav murmurs against his chest, before pulling back, craning his head to meet Slider’s gaze. “But you’re not alone. We’re gonna help any way we can. Right guys?” Mav glances over his shoulder at the other two, grinning when he catches their expressions. They both nod. 

“Of course.” Holly offers, crossing the room to take Slider’s place at the stove, since Mav still has a firm grip on him. “We’re glad to. Anything he needs.”

“Yeah, we’re all living here. Makes it easier, at least, to lend a hand.” Wolf stands, taking his turn as sentinel over the sleeping pilot. “Like Wood said, anything to help, just say the word.”

Slider’s lip twitches in a small smile and he squeezes Mav, prompting a grin from the pilot.

“Thank you guys. Really. For everything. I might not have even found him without you.”

“Anytime, Sli.” Mav assures, settling into the embrace. It’s against his nature to turn down a hug. 

“Anytime.”

oO0Oo

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Slider hovered, chewing on his lip as he studied his pilot.

“Yes. Now for the last time, go out, hit the O Club, have a good time, et cetera, et cetera. I’ll be here when you get back.” Ice rolled his eyes at him.

Slider hesitated once more, slowly nodding. “If you’re sure.”

“I’m positive. You’ve been nothing but stressed since you arrived at the hospital last night. Go out and relax. Enjoy yourself. Whatever. Just give me an hour of alone time.”

Wolf snorted at him, tugging on his jacket. “C’mon Sli. Ice can handle himself for a few hours. And he’s right, some drinks will do us good.”

Maverick tilted his head, studying his wingman, fretting, “Can he though? What if you try to get up to get something? Or go to bed? Could you even get up if you fell down? You don’t wanna make anything worse.” 

Ice groaned. “What is it with you guys? Yes, I could get up off the floor if I somehow fell, Mav. I still have two good limbs, you know. And I promise, I won’t try to leave the couch until you guys are back, alright? I’ll stay right here, read, watch TV, take a nap, whatever. I’m fine. Go.”

Holly laughed as he wrapped an arm around Mav’s shoulders, guiding him to the door where the other two were waiting. “Don’t worry, Ice. We’ll get ‘em outta your hair for a bit. Don’t do anything stupid while we’re gone.”

Ice huffed, grumbling at the other pilot even as he relaxed now that they were leaving to give him some peace.

“Wolf, grab Slider before he changes his mind. Again.”

“Yup.” Wolf grinned, snatching Slider’s wrist with an iron grip as he tugged the older man outside, Wood and Mav on his heels. Wood turned to lock the door as the other three piled into Slider’s car. They figured that way only one of them had to stay mostly sober to get home. Though none of them planned on getting too drunk tonight, not with the injured pilot at home unable to do the same.

oO0Oo

“See? Didn’t we tell you this was a good idea?” Wolf asked the duo seated across from him and his pilot.

Mav sighed, though his lip twitched. “It wasn’t your idea, it was Ice’s,” He pointed out amusedly.

Wolf rolled his eyes, waving a dismissive hand at the younger man. “Details, details. But come on, everything’s worked out, right? Ice is alright, though he might kill us for hovering before he’s back to a hundred percent, but eh.” The RIO shrugged, sipping on his drink, before continuing, “He’s safe and the authorities have good descriptions of the guys who attacked him.”

“But we don’t know where they are.” Slider pointed out. He’d been quieter than normal, but after a couple drinks the tension had finally eased from his shoulders as he settled.

“I’m sure they’ll be caught, Ice had a pretty good description of each of them, despite the crack to the head.” Holly soothed, gaze boredly flickering over the more crowded portion of the O Club as he drank. The four had chosen a quieter corner for the night, none of them in the mood for the people and noise located in the middle of the room.

Slider sighed, agreeing silently as he sipped his drink, Mav gulping his own next to him.

Suddenly, a strange hush fell over the bar, the patrons quieting unnaturally. The four looked up, brows furrowing as they tried to see what had shut everyone up. They shared confused looks, even as they slowly relaxed again. That is, until a loud, obnoxious voice drifted to them over the bar-goers' heads.

“…Me and the boys showed that freakin’ commie who’s boss…”

They all froze, tensing. Slider’s hand stalled, glass halfway to his lips as he went perfectly still. Mav, on the other hand, was suddenly holding onto his cup with a white-knuckled grip, setting the glass down far harder than necessary, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the muffled room. 

“…Filthy red never had a chance…” A different voice added, the smirk audible, as rough laughter echoed in the hushed room.

Wood’s eyes began scanning the bar as he straightened, slowly releasing his glass. Next to him, Wolf shifted, swallowing his anger as he blew out a slow breath. Slider remained perfectly still across from him.

“…You shoulda heard him beggin’ by the time we were done with him,” another bark of laughter, “dirty red’ll think twice before comin’ back ‘round here.”

Contrary to Maverick, when Slider set his glass down it was gentle and quiet. Deliberate. Far too deliberate. Wolf licked his lips, glancing at the older man’s eyes. 

If looks could kill, these guys would already be six feet under. Or maybe, judging by Slider’s expression, dumped in a shallow ditch somewhere no one would ever find their bodies.

Beside Slider, Maverick was practically vibrating, normally bright green eyes now dark with fury. 

“…had to chase the sucker down, too. Ran like the yellow-bellied coward he is, but we caught ‘im. Taught ‘im a lesson he’s not soon to forget.”

When Slider eased from the booth the others followed him. They instinctively flanked him, Mav to his left, Wolf and Wood to his right as they approached the bar. 

Slider came on the men talking like a lion to a calf. They never knew what hit them.

“…left ‘im where we learned ‘im. Figured if he thought he was so smart, he’d be able to get himself home easy.” More of that nasty laughter. As if they weren’t talking about attempted murder.

Slider’s hand came down hard on the bartop next to one of the speakers, rattling the glasses there. Wood, Wolf, and Mav had spread out some in a semicircle to his right. 

The fools didn’t even know they’d been cornered.

The man closest to Slider jumped. 

Ice’s description had been impeccable. This was the ringleader.

“That man you tried to kill,” Slider murmured, voice low and hard, venom dripping from his words, “was my pilot.”

The guy in front of him licked his lips, glancing over to his buddies behind him. 

When he turned back to Slider, he tried for a smile.

“Well in that case I suppose you’re gonna offer to buy us a drink for takin’ care of ‘im.”

Slider let out a slow breath through his nose, he felt more than saw the three flanking him tense at the man’s gall. If there weren’t so many witnesses, he might’ve outright killed him for that. As it was, their best chance for getting out of this with minimal punishment was if these guys threw the first punch.

“I’m here to tell you that if you ever go near him again, you’ll pay for it.” His voice remained low and quiet. Barely controlled fury simmering under the surface of his words.

The man had the audacity to look offended.

“What are you mad at us for? We did you a favor!”

“All you did was try to take out a pilot worth more than you could ever be. What’s wrong? Scrubbing deck’s not enough to keep you busy?” Mav snarled, fists clenched at his sides.

The man spun on him angrily. “Shut up, Mitchell! Just be glad it wasn’t you we found yesterday. We might not have left you breathing.”

Mav just smirked, emerald eyes glittering with rage. “Well here’s your chance.”

As the words left his mouth one of the goons flew at Mav, landing a punch across his jaw.

And with that, all hell broke loose.

Mav stumbled slightly from the blow, automatically sidestepping the next one. He grinned as his fist caught his opponent flush on one eye, the man in question staggering back with a pained yelp.

When the first guy attacked Mav, two of the others had too. Wood and Wolf took them gladly. 

Wood’s opponent swung at him, but Wood neatly blocked the punch, snapping his fist forward and breaking the man’s nose with ease. The guy yelped, ducking his head and shoving forward to headbutt Wood in the gut. 

Wood grunted at the impact, hissing when the man swiftly brought his head up, slamming into Wood’s chin. Despite his ringing head, he managed another blow, this one landing on the man’s temple and flooring him for the time being.

Wolf, on the other hand, managed to land the first punch on his opponent. The hit was sure to show a black eye in a few hours. He darted out of the way of the man’s flailing fist, slamming him once more in the face and grinning when he started to go down. 

In a last ditch effort, the guy swung at him, clipping him above the eyebrow. Wolf stumbled slightly, taking a moment too long to reorient himself, and the man landed another punch to his gut. Wolf grunted, curling in on himself as the man sneered at him, ready to hit him again, but fury and adrenaline had Leo surging forward once more. His third punch was the one that finally dropped his opponent.

Slider didn’t waste any time before decking the man in front of him. The hit spun him so he hit the bar top on his way down. Hard. Slider couldn’t help his satisfied smirk at the resulting ‘ crack ,’ blood immediately starting to pour from his now-broken nose.

After Slider knocked out the ringleader, the fifth guy flew at him, and ended up headbutting him in the nose. Slider grunted, but blocked the man’s incoming punch, letting the remainder of his pent-up fury out in a bone-crushing blow. The man yowled, stumbling backwards and tripping over himself, falling hard on the floor of the bar.

Just as quickly as it had started, it was over.

Slider groaned softly, rubbing his nose. It didn’t feel broken, but he might have a black eye tomorrow. He turned to the other three.

“You guys all right?”

“Fine.” Mav chirped, cheek already red from the hit.

“Yeah, all good.” Wood murmured, rubbing his sore ribs and working his jaw.

“Same here.” Wolf affirmed, though blood dripped from a cut on his temple.

One of the men tried to struggle away, but Maverick shoved him back to the ground unnecessarily hard.

“You’re staying here until the authorities arrive.” Mav growled, looking absolutely feral. The pilot was more than ready to fight to keep them there.

“Authorities! What for?!” The ringleader snarled, sounding congested. Blood dripped steadily from his nose to the floor.

“Hmm, let me think.” Wolf taunted, practically snarling, “Assaulting an officer? Attempted murder? Ring a bell?”

“It’s not murder if it’s a red!” One of them piped up, considering standing before a glare from the four stilled him. “We were just doing what we’re supposed to, or have none of you heard of the Cold War and the Red Menace?”

“What does that have to do with any of the Navy’s pilots?!” Barked a fifth voice. The self-appointed Ice protection squad spun, taking in the man who had spoken. He had thick black hair and bright blue eyes that were currently studying the situation with understandable wariness.

“Apex.” Slider said, relaxing somewhat with a relieved grin.

“Slider.” The pilot nodded in return, taking in Wood, Wolf, and Mav before turning back to the RIO. “Mind tellin’ me what’s goin’ on?”

“These dirtbags nearly killed Ice last night. Now we’re just holdin’ ‘em ‘till the authorities arrive.”

“Ice?! Why?” He spun back to the men on the floor, practically spitting the word at them.

Slider’s second victim scowled up at him. “‘Cause he’s a rotten commie? What’s wrong with you people?”

“You think Ice is a commie?” Apex’s eyebrows nearly disappeared in his hair as he said it, shooting a disbelieving look at Slider, who shrugged.

The men on the ground began protesting his disbelief, but the pilot had heard all he needed to. He glanced over at Slider. 

“I’ll go and get the authorities over here, I’m sure they’ve been called by now. You guys able to watch them?”

“No problem.” Holly assured easily, the other three voicing their agreement as Apex nodded, disappearing into the crowd.

oO0Oo

Ice had been dozing for the past hour, drifting in and out of consciousness and enjoying the peace being alone in the house offered. He blinked to full awareness, though, when he heard a car pull up the drive. 

Despite how foolish it was, he felt himself tense as he heard people approach the house. He knew that it was just the guys, logically at least. But it was another thing entirely to tell his racing heart that.

He tensed as a key jiggled in the lock– more proof that it’s the people who live here , idiot –before sighing in relief when he recognized Slider coming through the door. He blinked, taking in the four as they entered, Mav under Wood’s arm and Wolf locking the door behind them.

Despite his wounds he started to sit up, because he wasn’t the only one injured.

“What happened?!” Because Slider’s left eye was dark from a hit, as was Mav’s cheek. Both Wood and Wolf moved a little gingerly, indicative of pain originating from their torsos, and Wolf had a cut on his temple.

“Found the guys who attacked you.” Mav chirped brightly, ducking out from under Wood’s arm to sit carefully on the couch cushion next to Ice’s hip. Ice immediately reached for him, since he was the only one close enough for him to inspect, gently gripping his chin and turning his head to take in the darkening bruise.

“What do you mean you found the guys who attacked me?”

“They were bragging about it,” Wolf practically spat. The four’s expressions darkened significantly as he said it, “At the bar. The whole place went quiet when they started.”

“So naturally we had to show them what happens when you mess with one of our brothers.” Holly said casually, wincing as he sat in an armchair across from Ice.

Ice balked slightly at that, stunned speechless. To look for him was one thing. To accept him despite his heritage was another. But this was something else entirely. This was actively going out of their way, getting hurt , to defend him. And they didn’t have to. They could’ve just turned the guys in and been done with it. The blond swallowed hard as emotions welled in his throat, barely feeling Mav’s hand squeeze his as the other pilot shot him a concerned look.

Thankfully, Slider intervened, giving him time to compose himself.

“We waited with ‘em ‘till the authorities showed up,” The RIO sat on the arm of the couch near Ice’s head, allowing his pilot to lean back against him, and ran a gentle hand through his hair. “Took a little bit, but we got everything sorted out. They’ll be locked up, but you’ll have to identify them before a court martial can happen.”

“They’re locked up.” Ice repeated, voice monotone as he struggled to process all of this new information at once.

“Yup.”

“I thought you’d be happier.” Wolf mused from his seat on the coffee table.

Ice blinked, forcing his attention back to the present.

“I am, I’m glad they’re caught. But–” He huffed an aggravated breath, pulling his good hand free from Mav to run anxiously through his hair, “I just…I’ve never actually pressed charges against someone for this kinda thing before.”

“Why?” Mav asks, eyes narrowed as he searches his wingman’s expression.

Ice huffs. “I was never sure if a court would take it seriously or not. I am Russian, after all, and the Navy knows it. I just never really wanted to call any attention to it. And my father…”

Ice trails off, paling as it hits him. He automatically moves to stand. “ My father. Ron…!”

Slider’s hand goes to his good shoulder, keeping him in place. “Easy, Tom. You shouldn’t be moving around.” He shifts, sliding off the arm of the couch to kneel in front of his pilot, allowing the blond to see his face.

“Ron, if I go through with this he’ll kill me!”

“Why would he do that?” Wood’s voice is hard and wary as he says it. “You were attacked , Ice. He should be glad you’d take the people who did it to court.”

Ice huffs an annoyed breath, running an anxious hand through his hair as he shakes his head.

“No, it’s bad publicity. It would make me look bad, my name. Would make him look bad. Ron, when he finds out…”

“How do you know he will?” Mav questions, attentively cataloging his wingman’s actions to question Slider about at a later date.

Ice shoots him a glare. Well, it would be a glare if the blond wasn’t actively panicking.

“He’s an admiral , Mav. Anything I do he hears about, one way or another. And if he learns I’m making a big deal out of this–”

“Breathe, Tom.” Slider interrupts gently. He grabs Ice’s good hand with his right, using his left to cup his pilot’s face, forcing eye contact.

Off to the side, Wolf turns to Holly and Mav, mouthing “ making a big deal? ” at them, concern etched into his expression. They can only offer up helpless shrugs in response, as perturbed as he is at the pilot’s words.

“There you go.” Slider’s steady voice grounds all of them, and Mav begins thinking hard about some of Ice’s behavior. His perfectionism, his anxiety, his self-isolation, his desperate need for control. Mav feels nauseous as the pieces start slowly coming together. How did he not see the signs of abuse before? If anybody could, it should be him. He knows what it’s like to be abused in almost every way. He should have picked up on his wingman’s red flags immediately .

More than a little annoyed with himself, Mav turns back to study Ice. The pilot didn’t cross the threshold into a panic attack, thanks to Slider, but his breathing was still shaky and irregular. Mav bites his lip, wanting desperately to help but not knowing how to, so he stays still next to the other pilot, hoping that his presence helps instead of hurts.

“Good job.” Slider praises gently, feeling as much as seeing the tension leak out of Tom’s frame. “That’s it. Now, you don’t have anything to worry about,” he sends Ice a hard look when his pilot opens his mouth to protest, “nothing at all. The men were caught, and they’ll be court martialled. If your father has anything to say about it, I’ll be more than happy to tell him where he can shove it.” Ice’s lip twitches at that, and Slider allows his own small smile to form. Imagining giving Kazansky Senior a piece of his mind never fails to brighten his mood. “I think what we all need is a little rest. Alright?”

Slider glances back at them, but the other three can tell that it’s not optional, even for them. So they nod, heading to their respective rooms and allowing Slider to take care of Ice, hopefully settling the pilot’s anxiety for the time being.

Mav shoots Ice one more worried look, carefully patting his leg as he stands, allowing Wood to wrap an arm around his shoulders and usher him to his room. Once they’re gone, Ice relaxes completely with a sigh.

He flushes when Ron gently eases him into his arms, carrying him to their room, but is still too tired to protest. Instead, he allows his head to rest on Ron’s shoulder, letting his RIO take care of him this once.

“Ron?” He murmurs when the older man is carefully adjusting a blanket over him. He’s half-asleep already, but he needs to know.

A gentle hand passes through his hair. “Yeah, kid? What’s up?”

Ice forces his eyes open, meeting Slider’s patient gaze. Taking in the bruising on his face. 

“You guys weren’t hurt bad, were you? Tonight?”

Slider’s lip twitches up in a fond smile, running his fingers once more through his pilot’s hair. “No, bud, none of us were hurt bad, promise. A couple aches and bruises, but nothing more than that.”

Ice hums, relaxing slightly at the verification. His eyes flutter, but he manages to say what he needs to before sleep takes him.

“Will you check on them? Before going to bed?”

He hears Ron’s warm chuckle, the sound settling him.

“Yeah, Tom. I’ll check on ‘em and make sure they’re okay, alright? I’ll take care of it. Just rest kid. Everything’s okay.”

And for the first time since encountering those men the previous night, Ice believes him.

Chapter Text

Ice comes to awareness slowly, blinking at the light that peeks in past the closed curtain. His head feels hazy, all of his thoughts muddled as he fights to make sense of his surroundings. His brow furrows when he looks across the room to see Slider’s bed empty; Ice is normally the first one to wake up. A quick glance at the alarm clock next to him tells him why he’s currently alone.

8:56

Ice goes to sit up, before hissing as it all comes back to him, torso and shoulder flaring up with pain in objection to the thoughtless movement. The men. The alley. Wood and Wolf finding him. The hospital. Slider finally coming. Arriving home. The guys leaving. Returning bruised.

He tenses, glancing around once more. Were they okay? Through a fog, he thinks Slider said that they weren’t hurt badly and that he’d check on the others, since Ice couldn’t. But for the life of him Ice can’t decide if that was a memory or a dream with how fuzzy it is. Everything from last night is a little fuzzy, and Ice curses his pain meds for messing with his head.

They’d said that they found his attackers? Ice swallows, mouth dry at the thought. But that was a good thing, right? 

Right. 

Maybe if he tells himself that enough times, he’ll believe it.

He hears footsteps in the hall outside his closed door and instinctively tenses, relaxing when Holly pokes his head into the room.

The other pilot grins upon seeing him awake, easing into the room.

“Hey, Ice. Thought I heard you moving around in here. The other guys thought I was just going crazy.”

Ice’s lip twitches in a small smile. “Hey. Everyone else still here?”

“Yup.” Holly moves to sit on the bed next to him, casual. Ice relaxes when the other pilot doesn’t immediately start questioning his health and ability to move on his own. He hates the helpless feeling his injuries are already provoking, and he’s only had them for a day.

“We thought a quiet day at home was in order, after the excitement of the last two nights.” He grins, and it’s all teeth, “We’ve actually been playing poker the past hour. There’s some scrambled eggs and bacon left over from breakfast if you’re hungry.”

Though he didn’t think about it until Wood mentioned it, Ice was, in fact, starving. On a normal day he would’ve eaten long before now; but this was far from a normal day.

“Sounds good to me. Even if it was cooked by you guys.”

Holly shoots him an offended look as he stands. “We know how to make eggs , Ice, have a little faith.” The other pilot starts for the door, sending a quick look at the blond over his shoulder. “Want me to send Slider in?”

Ice feels his ears redden, even as he nods. “If you don’t mind.” It feels foolish, but if he really needs help with basic tasks, which admittedly he does, he’d prefer help from his best friend.

Holly waves a dismissive hand at the caution in Ice’s tone, apparently unbothered by the pilot’s preference. He ducks out of the room, and Ice is able to make out voices in the kitchen seconds before Slider’s stepping in.

His RIO smiles when he sees him up, and Ice can’t help but smile back for a moment. He frowns almost immediately, however, when he notices the black eye the older man is sporting. 

Ron seems to know what he’s thinking, and his expression softens as he reassures gently, “It’s nothing, Ice. Just a bruise. I barely notice it.”

Ice just scoffs at him. “Your eye is swollen shut , Ron. I’m pretty sure you notice it.”

Slider just hums in answer, gracefully accepting Ice’s grumbled fussing–

”Are you sure you’re alright?” 

“I’m fine, Ice.” 

“But-” 

“Ice, I promise, I’m alright.” 

“Does it hurt?” 

“No, Tom. I iced it last night and took an aspirin. I’m okay.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yes.” 

“Ron.” 

“Tom.”

–as he helps him dress and hit the head, before wheeling him to the kitchen.

On principle, Ice almost immediately moves from the wheelchair to a seat at the table with little help. It’s one of the few things he’s still able to do on his own. He spares a quick glance at the others. Mav’s cheek is bruised, though the pilot doesn’t seem bothered by it, and Wolf appears to be in perfect health sans the band-aid stretched over his temple. Wood sets a full plate in front of Ice as he settles, along with a cup of coffee. Slider stops by the counter after parking the wheelchair off to the side, tossing Ice’s meds at him. The pilot catches them easily, barely restraining his urge to make a face at the bottle as he dumps out his prescription. Slider just chuckles at him, reclaiming his seat to Ice’s right and picking up his cards once more.

Ice settles in, relaxing as he eats and watches the other four play poker.

With M&Ms.

“Where did you guys get so many M&Ms?” He asks after a couple minutes of their game.

Holly and Mav chuckle at that, while Slider smirks and Wolf shoots them all indignant looks.

“I don’t see what’s so funny about it.” Leo mutters petulantly.

“Wolfie here,” Holly begins, shaking his RIO’s shoulder while the younger man scowls at him good-naturedly, “Bought a good thousand of them at a convenience store we stopped by before heading here.”

“They were on sale! It was a steal!”

Mav snorts. “Wolf, you didn’t need to buy out the store!”

“ It was a good deal!” The RIO insists, eyes glittering with mirth.

“The only reason they were on sale is because they expired!”

“M&Ms don’t expire!”

“Yeah? Well–”

“So, due to our sudden surplus of M&Ms, you guys decided to divvy them up via poker?” Ice interrupts before the two can really start bickering.

To his right, Slider chuckles, pushing some of said M&Ms into the pile in the middle of the table. “That’s the mature, adult reasoning behind it.”

“Mature, adult reasoning behind gambling with candy?” Mav murmurs under his breath. “Is there such a thing?”

Ice can’t help the way his lip twitches up in a small smirk. “So what’s the real reasoning behind it?”

“We didn’t want to deal with Wolf and Mav’s sugar high.” Holly chirps, holding up three fingers. Despite his grumbling, Wolf gives him the cards. “We figure this way, we’ll be able to slow the consumption to something a little more manageable.”

“Hey! How’d I get into this!”

Wolf cackles at the pilot’s indignant shout. “If I go down, you’re going down with me, kid.”

Mav pouts at him, the action making him appear about five years younger. “I’m not a kid.”

“You’re practically a baby, Mav.” Slider points out distractedly, studying his hand. Ice peaks past his arm to gaze at the cards. Not bad.

“If I am, Ice is!”

Slider’s, “Yup,” comes at the same time as Ice’s annoyed, “Hey!”

Ice turns to glare at his RIO, scowling at the older man. Slider just pins him with a look.

“Don’t bother denying it, Ice. You’re only two years older than Mav, and that’s being generous.”

Across the table from Ice, Holly rolls his eyes, smirking at his fellow pilots before slanting a look at Wolf. “How’d we end up as friends with all these young’uns?”

Wolf just shrugs, grinning at the annoyed glares Ice and Mav shoot him. “Search me.”

“Wolf, you’re only a year older than me.” Ice accuses grumpily.

Wolf shoots him a smug smirk. “Still older.”

Ice barely resists the urge to roll his eyes at the RIO, instead placing the mug in his hands on top of his plate, both dishes empty. Holly wins and scoops up his bounty while Mav tosses his cards to Slider, the new dealer, and stands, grabbing said dishes. He throws a quick glance at Ice.

“You want any more of anything?”

Ice shakes his head, shifting to rest his back comfortably against Slider’s arm, relieving the pressure on his ribs and allowing his good hand better access to the table. “No thanks.” 

Ice glances out the windows in front of him, studying the street while Slider deals. It’s cloudy out, though it doesn’t look like rain, at least not for a little longer. Nevertheless, there aren’t a lot of people out. It seems anyone who had anywhere to be left earlier, while he was still asleep. He swallows as he looks out on the street. He’d have to go to base and identify his attackers today. They couldn’t hold the men long without a positive identification. 

Mav’s laugh brings him back to where he currently is, successfully wrenching him from his thoughts. He tunes back into the game going on almost lazily, turning down the offer to join. He doesn’t want to face the embarrassment of holding the cards with one hand, enduring the pitying looks the others might send his way. It was safer to simply watch. 

And, once he gets bored and a little peckish, steal Slider’s M&Ms.

He doesn’t bother trying to hide that he’s doing it, his RIO has more than enough. 

Slider grumbles at him, swatting his hand lightly a few times, but does nothing to stop him.

“Ice, wouldja stop stealing my winnings?”

Ice shrugs his good shoulder, snagging another couple candies out of pettiness.

“I have faith in you, Sli. You’ll win it back.”

“We’re not gonna have enough to play with if you keep eating them.” Slider mutters at him, but his tone is fond and contrary to his words his lip is twitched in a small smile.

“I doubt it, you guys have more M&Ms than a candy store.”

Wolf grumbles under his breath at that, while Holly snorts.

“He’s not wrong.”

“Shut up.”

oO0Oo

“You’re sure you don’t want us to come? We really don’t mind.” Mav offers for the umpteenth time.

“I’m sure, Mav. There’s no reason for you guys to come, all I’m doing is identifying them.” Ice assures from the passenger seat of Slider’s car, his RIO swinging into the driver’s seat after folding the wheelchair neatly into the trunk.

Mav bites his lip, forearm resting on Ice’s open window. “If you’re sure.” Behind him, Wood and Wolf stand in the doorway of their house to see them off.

“Positive.”

“Don’t worry, Mav.” Slider soothes as he starts the car. “I’ll take good care of him. We’ll be back before you know it.”

“Alright.” Maverick obviously isn’t happy about it, but he backs away from the car, allowing Slider to pull out of the driveway.

Ice lifts a hand in a small wave, the three spectators waving back as Slider shifts gears and they start up the street.

Ice watches the house until they turn the corner, then sighs, settling back against his seat. He can feel his RIO’s gaze on him, warm and concerned, but doesn’t acknowledge it yet. 

They have about fifteen minutes before reaching the base, and Ice isn’t sure if the short time is a blessing or a curse.

The radio plays softly between them and Ice focuses all of his attention on that, letting his breathing settle as he concentrates on the words and the music. He allows the sound to wash over him, good hand tapping lightly to the beat against the still open window frame. Slider had rolled his window down too, and the warm air is heavy with moisture from the impending storm.

One song plays, then another. They’re getting ever closer to base and Ice feels a cold chill in his veins at the thought of seeing those men again.

He’d just as soon prefer not to press charges as long as they left him alone.

“What’re you thinking?” Slider’s soft voice pulls him from his thoughts and he blinks, turning to study the older man.

They slow to a stop at a red light and Ron looks over to meet his gaze.

Ice stares him down, but when his RIO doesn’t break eye contact he sighs, running his hand anxiously through his hair before using it to tug on the sling supporting his left arm. The ever-present sounds of traffic drift in the open windows, melding with the song on the radio.

“I wish I didn’t have to press charges and get into this whole mess.” He finds himself admitting truthfully, desperate for his best friend’s usual understanding. “I wish I didn’t have to see them again, or go through the whole process of pressing charges.” He’s unable to stop the way his voice suddenly hardens, “And I especially wish that I wasn’t laid up like some helpless invalid.”

Tears end up in the corners of his eyes without his permission and he scowls as he blinks fast, unease simmering in his gut while his vision clears.

“Tom.” He clenches his jaw, studying the scene outside his window. An everyday street with everyday buildings and everyday people walking along just like every. single. day. There’s a couple with a stroller and a woman with a dog and an alley–

He faces forward again.

“Tom, look at me.”

He blows out a frustrated hiss past his teeth, but does as Ron asks. Glancing over, he allows the older man’s familiar umber eyes to meet his, settling his nerves.

Ron casts a quick glance at the still-red stop light. It turns green in the next second and they continue moving.

“Tom, you’re not a helpless invalid. You’re far from helpless and we all know it. You’re strong and independent, you just need a little assistance during your recovery. That’s all. And I promise, you’ll be better and flying again before you know it.” He pauses, before continuing, “It’s all right to accept help, Tom. None of us think any less of you for something you have no control over.”

Slider’s hand comes, warm and heavy, to rest carefully on the nape of his neck, careful of his bad shoulder.

“And I know it’s hard to see the people who beat you again. I know it’s gonna be hard to identify them, and hard to stand against them in court. But you can do it, Tom. I know you can. I believe in you. You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, and I don’t think it’ll be half as bad as your anxiety is making it seem.”

They pull up to the gate, Slider grabbing their ID’s out of the cupholder where he’d stuck them earlier. They wait a moment to be identified before pulling onto base. Slider finds a parking spot, and leaps out to unfold the wheelchair.

Ice scowls at it, and Slider’s gaze softens in understanding as he reaches out to squeeze his good shoulder.

“Sorry, Tom, I know you don’t like it, but we don’t really have a choice.”

“I know,” he grabs Ron’s hand for a brief moment, meeting his eyes. Ron’s not the one who needs to apologize and they both know it.

They find their way to the building they’d been directed to, meeting an investigator once they enter.

“Lieutenant Kazansky?” It’s an older man, well-kept salt and pepper hair over warm hazel eyes that study them as he approaches.

Ice nods. “Yes, Sir. This is Lieutenant Kerner.” He introduces, gesturing lightly to Slider behind him.

“Nice to meet you, Lieutenants. I’m Inspector Morgan.” He shakes both their hands, before leading them down a hall. “Thank you for coming in so promptly.”

Morgan glances at Slider. “I heard you were one of the ones who located these men?”

Slider nods. “Yes, Sir.”

Morgan’s lip twitches, ever so slightly. “They aren’t in the best shape, but they’ll be more than able to stand trial. In here, please.”

They enter a small room, bare except for a couple of chairs and a table. Three of the walls are painted a light beige, while the fourth is a one-way window looking into another empty room.

Morgan glances over at Ice. “Are you ready, Lieutenant?”

Ice nods his acquiesce and Morgan lifts a small radio from his belt.

“Bring ‘em in.”

As they watch, the five men are led into the room, one at a time. Ice stiffens as soon as he sees them, though his expression remains carefully neutral. He feels his breath catch, though thanks to years of practice it’s unnoticeable to anybody else, and his heart starts pounding hard .

Suddenly, flashes of memory assault him. 

Running, struggling, fighting. 

Then the beating. Feeling helpless while they used him as their own personal punching bag.

All because of his last name.

Slider’s jaw clenches, and his grip on the wheelchair handles tightens until the weak material is straining in his hands.

The men are lined up, and the two officers exit.

Morgan turns back to Ice. “Lieutenant, do you recognize some or all of these men as the ones that attacked you?”

The sound of the inspector’s steady voice brings him back to the present, and Ice is frozen for a second as he fights to the surface of his memories, but he manages to nod. “Yes, Sir. It was these five.”

Morgan nods, lifting the radio once more. 

“Alright.”

The officers come back and escort the men out of the room. Morgan glances between Slider and Ice for a minute, before extending a hand once more to Ice.

“Thank you again for coming in, Lieutenant. I’ll see you at the court martial. You’ll be notified of dates and times sometime in the next week.”

Ice feels numb as he shakes the man’s hand. “Thank you, Sir.”

“Lieutenant Kerner.” He offers a hand to Slider.

“Sir.”

“I’m going to start the paperwork now that we’ve got a positive ID. Feel free to stay here for a few minutes if you wish. I’m sure you can find your way out?” He asks, not unkindly, looking once more between them.

Slider nods. “Yes, Sir. Thank you.” Morgan ducks out the door, closing it softly behind him and leaving them alone.

As soon as he hears the knob click back into place, Ron moves to kneel in front of his pilot.

“Ice? Tom, you okay?”

Ice’s gaze is distant, but a hand on his knee brings him back to the present. He meets Ron’s eyes, brow furrowed in a silent question.

Ron feels his lip twitch in a small smile. “I said, are you okay? You’re pretty quiet.”

“I’m always quiet.”

Ron raises an eyebrow at the deflection, rolling his eyes. “You know what I mean, Tom.”

Ice sighs, ducking his head to break eye contact. “I’m alright, Sli.” He looks up to meet his RIO’s gaze when the older man huffs. “Really, I am. It’s just…a lot. Memories.”

He gazes pleadingly at Slider, begging the other man to let it go, at least for the moment. His emotions are too turbulent to analyze, especially while they’re on base. 

Thankfully, Slider seems to sense his desperation and lets up, gaze soft as he reaches out to squeeze Ice’s right hand reassuringly.

“Alright, Tomcat. You feel like talking, though, I’m always here, yeah?”

Ice can’t help his small smile at that, nodding. “Yeah, okay.”

Slider gives a firm nod, standing to wheel his pilot out. “Good. Now let’s get outta here before Mav gets gray hairs worrying about us.”

Ice chuckles as they leave the room, settling back and allowing his RIO to take him home.

oO0Oo

“They’re gonna be fine, Mav. They’re just gonna be on base, and you know that Slider won’t let anything happen to Ice. Not if he can help it.” Wolf soothes, throwing an arm around the pilot. Mav was still standing in the drive, staring after Slider’s car as if that’ll make them come back faster.

“I know, Wolf. I know, I just–” Mav runs a frustrated hand through his hair, leaning into the older man’s side. “I don’t like it.”

“None of us do.” Wood assures, coming up on Mav’s other side and shooting him an understanding smile. “But we can’t just swaddle Ice in bubble wrap and keep him locked in the house forever.”

Mav blinks, a contemplative look sparking in his eyes, and the other two groan. Wolf sends Holly a scolding look.

“We’re not swaddling him in bubble wrap and isolating him from the world, Mav.” Leo growls, before glaring at his pilot. “Would you stop giving him ideas?”

Holly just rolls his eyes back at him, reaching out to tug on Mav’s arm and start the other two back towards the house.

“I wasn’t trying to! It’s not my fault the kid’s an overprotective maniac!”

“Goose used to threaten to lock me in the house to keep me safe.” Mav murmurs, almost thoughtfully. The older men quiet, turning their full attention to the brunette. Mav was sometimes hesitant about discussing his past RIO, in fact Ice was the only one he normally opened up to about him. “I never really understood until he and Carole had Bradley. And now with this thing happening to Ice, I just…” He gives a helpless shrug, looking up at them for some sort of guidance as they enter the house and lead him to the couch. “I don’t know. And what Slider said this morning, about his father…”

Holly huffs a disbelieving breath at that, leaning back against the armrest and running a hand through his hair. “Tell me about it. I never thought I’d wanna kill an admiral so badly.”

“Same.” Wolf agrees softly, arm still resting across Mav’s shoulders as the younger man relaxes into his side. Their thoughts all going, somewhat unconsciously, to the discussion this morning, before Ice woke up.

***

“Hey, Sli.” Wolf chirps from the stove, glancing at the other RIO as he enters the kitchen. Mav is already at the table, nursing a warm cup of coffee. “Sleep okay?”

“Just fine. How’re the ribs?”

Wolf shrugs, stirring the eggs on the pan. “Little sore, but I’ve had worse. I think Holly’s feeling it a bit more than I am, he was grumbling when I left.”

“How about you, Mav?” Slider asks, glancing at the kid while he pours his own cup of coffee.

Mav turns his head slightly to blink sleepily up at him and Slider can’t help the way his lip twitches in a warm smile. Why does the kid have to be so cute?

“‘M alright.”

“Cheek hurt?”

Mav just shrugs, sipping from his mug. “Not especially.” He perks up a bit though, smiling as his eyes glitter. “It was definitely worth it.”

Slider huffs, moving to flip the bacon sizzling in the skillet while Wolf laughs.

“No argument there.” Holly agrees around a yawn as he finally emerges, hair still ruffled from sleep. Wolf snorts at his pilot’s appearance, moving to pour him a cup of coffee when the older man settles in a seat next to Mav at the table, laying his head on his folded arms.

“Thanks, Wolfie.” Holly murmurs, immediately taking a gulp of the warm liquid while Wolf moves back to the stove. 

A comfortable silence settles over the four.

That is, until Mav finishes his coffee and has enough energy to start actually thinking.

He glances towards the hall, studying the wall as if he could see straight through it to Ice.

“Hey, Sli?”

“Hmm?”

“Ice doesn’t normally sleep in this late, does he?”

Slider immediately shakes his head, sipping his coffee and turning his burner off. Wolf does the same for the eggs, and ducks behind the larger man to start grabbing plates.

“You’ll make some lucky guy a real good wife one day, Wolf.”

“Shut up, Wood.”

Slider snorts, leaning back against the counter to watch the others get their food, only to find Maverick studying him, worry clear in his gaze. He sighs.

“He’s normally up at 0600, force of habit. He’s just a bit worn out, Pete. Some more sleep won’t hurt him any.”

Mav’s brow furrows as he scoops some eggs onto his plate, grabbing a couple strips of bacon and reclaiming his seat. Wood and Wolf are already eating, though when Mav makes eye contact with them he can see questions swirling behind their gazes. He’s glad he’s not alone.

Slider joins them, and must feel Mav’s inquisitiveness because he sighs, takes a gulp of his coffee, then folds his arms against the edge of the table, leaning forward to meet Maverick’s gaze.

“Alright, Pipsqueak. Out with it.”

“Why are you Ice’s NOK?” Mav blurts out. That wasn’t the first question he wanted to ask, but it was certainly on the list. Both Wood and Wolf stop eating, all of their attention now focused on Slider, who sighs again.

After a moment, he answers, “Ice doesn’t really have family, and we’ve been brothers since flight school.” He shrugs, “It just kinda makes sense for me to be his NOK.” He then pins Mav with a look. “Goose was your NOK.”

Mav nods immediately, because there’s no reason to deny that. It’s true and they know it.

“Yeah, but Mav was in foster care. Ice’s father is still alive, right?” Wood asks hesitantly, and they see Slider’s gaze darken with rage. A similar look to the one he’d leveled at Ice’s attackers just last night.

“He’s alive, alright.”

“And he’s an admiral.” Wolf prompts, wary of Slider’s obvious dislike. Between that and what Ice said about the man last night, they’re starting to paint a pretty clear picture of the admiral, and none of them like what they see.

Slider nods, sipping his coffee, eyes distant.

“He was abused.” Mav murmurs. It’s not a question, and Slider’s gaze snaps to him, eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

Mav winces at the RIO’s caution, though he understands it, under the circumstances. Slider was protective of him, and the others too, but Ice had been his best friend long before he ever met them. It made sense for him to be a bit on guard concerning his pilot, especially when he apparently got attacked somewhat regularly before acquiring Ron as a bodyguard. And for his heritage of all things.

Mav licks his lips, then begins nervously explaining his conclusion. Slider’s silent assessment of him is starting to make him feel self conscious.

“I never really thought about it before last night, but…his perfectionism? And the controlling? That’s, that’s because of his father , isn’t it.” The last words are more of a realization than a question as he meets Slider’s intense stare head on. The RIO’s gaze had softened as he talked, and now he sighs, breaking eye contact. Wolf and Wood were clearly running through Mav’s words, realization dawning alongside rising ire.

Slider huffs. “Yeah, kid, it is. Though Lord knows I’ve tried to work it out of him a little. But some habits–” He blows out a sorrowful breath. “They’re hard to shake.”

“And that thing he said yesterday, about ‘making a big deal’ out of getting attacked ? That’s something he got from his father too?” Wolf questions angrily, blue eyes blazing. Slider nods, and he curses sharply.

“Do you think his father will actually become a problem?” Holly asks, sharp gaze trained on Slider. The older man shrugs, picking at his eggs.

“I’m not sure. Like Ice said, he’s not gonna be happy when his name’s associated with a court martial, especially when the subject concerns the fact that he’s Russian. The admiral worked hard to get where he is the same way Ice has, but if he thinks Ice does anything to ‘jeopardize’ that…” Slider sighs sorrowfully, shaking his head. “I don’t know what he’ll do.”

Mav eats a forkful of his eggs, though he’s lost his appetite. He chases it down with a sip of coffee. “I officially hate this guy.”

“Same.” Wood and Wolf chorus as they also start chewing on their food. 

Slider studies them all for a moment, something akin to relief in his eyes, before murmuring, “If we’re lucky, he’ll just keep ignoring Ice like he has for the past six years.”

Wolf barks a laugh, though the sound holds no humor. “Isn’t that just great? Ice’s dad is so bad, it’s better for everybody if he just ignores his son rather than see him at all.”

Holly huffs, bumping his RIO’s shoulder with his own. “It’s alright. Who needs him? We’ve got Ice, whether the idiot knows it yet or not.”

Slider blinks in surprise, before his gaze softens once more. “Thanks.” 

Mav waves him off as the four start to put their plates away, none in the mood for seconds. “No need to thank us, Sli. Like we said yesterday, happy to help.” He stretches then, walking out of the kitchen to check on said pilot. He silently cracks the door and sticks his head in. The blond is still sleeping soundly, and Mav smiles as he ducks back out, returning to the kitchen where the others have sat back down.

“What do you guys wanna do? I don’t think any of us are in the mood for going anywhere today.” Holly asks, yawning as he rolls his head and settles in his seat.

“Could play poker?” Mav suggests, only half serious as he sits, slumping back in his chair. 

Wolf’s eyes light up at that, and the RIO jolts from the table. “I know just what we can play it with!”

They watch him head towards his bedroom in confusion, Slider and Mav turning to Wood when the other man is gone. Wood looks puzzled for a solid five seconds, before realization hits him like a train and he groans, head thunking down onto the table.

“What?” Mav asks, perking up at the reaction.

“These!” Wolf calls, voice just below a shout as he reappears, bags of M&Ms held triumphantly in his arms.

Slider blinks at him. “Wolf, please tell me you didn’t raid a candy store.”

“No! Of course not!”

“It was a convenience store.” Holly grumbles, the words muffled a little by the table.

Mav’s grin widens. “Now this is what I call high stakes!”

***

“I still can’t believe I didn’t realize sooner.” Mav murmurs, self-loathing obvious in his voice. The men bracketing him are quick to shake their heads.

“Don’t blame yourself, Pete. Ever. Ice is good at hiding things, just as good as you are. Besides that, he’s also super emotionally constipated. Though at least now we know why.” Wolf mutters the last part, and Wood takes up where his RIO left off.

“None of us saw the signs, Mav. Not until they were pointed out to us. You know what they say, hindsight’s 20/20 and all that.”

Mav sighs, running a frustrated hand through his hair as he presses into Wolf’s side unconsciously for comfort. 

“Yeah, but it’s different for me. I–I know what abuse looks like, how it can make you feel and act and I never noticed . If anybody were to pick up on the signs it should’ve been me. I just,” Mav shakes his head, blowing out a frustrated breath, “I don’t know how I missed it.” His words trail off into a sad whisper, “Ice is my wingman, I’m supposed to, supposed to be there for him.”

Wolf’s grip on him tightens ever so slightly at the reminder of his rocky past the same time Wood tenses. They share a quick look over Mav’s head, before Wood leans forward, gently tipping Mav’s face up in order to make eye contact.

“Hey, it’s not your fault, alright? Like we said, Ice is good at hiding things, probably had a life-time of practice. But now, now we gotta work on showin’ him that he doesn’t have to hide everything, right? Just like we did with you?”

They wait a moment for the words to sink in, then Mav nods, determination taking the place of guilt.

Wolf smiles at the expression, squeezing the younger man against his side and laughing when he squirms playfully. “There we go. You understand how he might feel, Mav, which makes you the perfect person to get it through his thick head that we’re trying to help him, yeah?”

“Yeah, alright.” Mav murmurs, blushing even as a small smile works its way onto his lips.

Wolf and Wood nod in sync. 

“Good. Now, let’s clean up a little. I don’t know about you guys, but I haven’t had time to do laundry these past few days and I’m running low on clothes.” Wood says as he stands, heading for the bedrooms. Wolf and Mav follow close behind.

oO0Oo

“You have been found guilty of assaulting an officer.” The judge intones, staring down at the men in front of him.

Off to the side, Ice can feel himself shaking minutely, body tense. As much as he’d dreaded it, he’d had his say in court. His testimony, along with Wood and Wolf’s, paired with those of his doctors and the medical records from when he was brought in were plenty to convict the men, despite the five attempting to stand together for an alibi. It helped that Ice had given such good descriptions of the men prior to finding them. Not to mention, the prosecutor was easily able to poke holes in their story.

“You are each sentenced to ten years confinement at the disciplinary barracks in Leavenworth. Effective immediately, you will each be dishonorably discharged from the Navy, losing all prior rank, pay, and benefits. Court adjourned.”

Ice releases a breath he didn’t know he was holding, sinking back into his seat as he watches the men get led away. He did it. It’s over.

A warm hand on his right shoulder brings his attention to his RIO, who’s beaming at him.

“How do you feel, Tom?”

He offers a weak smile, and knows that Slider can see right through it, but also knows that he won’t question him. Not today.

“Feelin’ good, Sli. Feelin’ good.”

“Congratulations, Ice. You did a good job.” Holly praises warmly, leaning over and offering his hand. Ice shakes it, then Wolf’s and Mav’s as the other two also congratulate him.

“I don’t know about you guys,” Wolf starts, watching the attending officers slowly file out of the room. “But I think this calls for some pizza.”

Mav laughs, “I’ll go along with that! C’mon!” He stands with a stretch, waiting impatiently for the others, arms crossed and foot tapping.

“What if Wolf, Mav, and I go pick some up. Meet you guys back at the house?” Wood offers, glancing at Slider and Ice when the RIO starts wheeling his pilot out of the building.

Slider nods with a grateful grin. “Sounds good. We’ll see you guys in a bit. Don’t order anything stupid!”

“We won’t, we won’t.” Wolf assures with a laugh, waving a dismissive hand as he slings his arm across Mav’s shoulders and leads him to Holly’s car, said pilot on their heels. Mav shoots a quick, concerned look at Ice over his shoulder, but doesn’t argue. He knows that it’s in everybody’s best interest to allow Ice some time alone with Slider now that the trial’s over.

Ice feels like he’s in a daze as Slider sedately wheels him to the RIO’s car, helping Ice climb into the passenger seat before easily folding the wheelchair into the trunk.

He did it. 

He went up there–with a little assistance from Slider–he spoke his peace without slipping up, and the men were punished. It’s over.

“It’s over.” He murmurs when Slider slips into the driver’s seat. His RIO reaches over to clasp his good hand, squeezing it fondly.

“You did good, Tom. You did real good. I’m proud of you.”

Ice nods, slowly relaxing into his seat and closing his eyes.

“I can’t believe it’s over.”

“On their way to Leavenworth now, where they belong.” Slider affirms, backing out of the parking spot.

“I did it.” Ice opens his eyes to watch the road, running his hand through his hair in disbelief. This all feels like some sort of strange fever dream.

“You did.”

“I–Ron, I did it !” Slowly, pride leaks into his words as he turns excitedly towards the older man. Never in his wildest dreams would he have pictured himself actually going through with the court martial. And not only that, but nobody seemed to care when the men said they attacked him because he was Russian. He was born in America, had a fantastic service record, and no disciplinary action had been taken against him, ever. That was more than enough to dismiss the accusations of Communism.

“I can’t believe–thank you.” He interrupts himself, turning towards his RIO. Ron’s gaze flicks to him in surprise, before returning to the road. Ice shakes his head when the other man opens his mouth, hurriedly continuing, “No, thank you, Ron. I couldn’t have–I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you. Really. Thank you.”

Slider huffs, reaching over with one hand to gently squeeze the back of his neck.

“Anytime, Tom. Anytime.”

That sense of euphoria keeps Ice’s thoughts spinning the rest of the drive home. Slider doesn’t seem bothered by his silence, simply humming along with the radio until they’re parked.

Even having to move back into the blasted wheelchair doesn’t kill Ice’s mood. His thoughts are pleasantly foggy, the anxiety of the past couple of weeks eased by the conclusion of this whole mess. A few more weeks, some PT, and soon enough he’ll be in the air again. He’ll be himself again.

“Where you wanna go?”

“The couch is fine.”

As soon as Ice is settled, leg resting on a pillow set carefully on the coffee table and wheelchair tucked away, Ron crouches in front of him and pulls him into a gentle hug.

Ice blinks in surprise, good hand coming up to grip Slider’s shirt as he automatically melts into the steady grip. 

He nuzzles into his RIO’s shoulder, trying to decide what’s on his mind.

“Sli? What’s wrong?”

Slider huffs and squeezes him gently, before, “Nothing’s wrong, kiddo. I’m just glad everything worked out. I’m proud of you, you know. For testifying against them despite everything.” Everything being nightmares, anxiety, and panic attacks in the time between identifying the men and the trial.

Ice blinks in surprise, blushing slightly at the warm words. “I know. You told me. I really couldn’t have done it without you, though. I was serious when I said that.”

Slider chuckles, pulling away to sit on his haunches, one hand on Ice’s right shoulder while his other cards through the blond’s hair. “I know you were, Tom. I know. Just like I was serious when I said I’d be here anytime you need me.”

Ice’s gaze softens and he relaxes, nodding. Slider squeezes his shoulder before moving to settle beside him on the couch, his left arm curling protectively around Ice’s injured shoulder.

Ice finds himself unconsciously leaning into his RIO’s side as Ron turns on the TV, watching with half interest as they wait for pizza to show up.

They don’t have to wait long, maybe ten minutes. Then, as dramatically as possible, Maverick barrels into the house, high-pitched giggles falling from his lips as he careens down the hallway with Wolf on his heels. Both Ice and Slider sit up, effectively woken from the semi-conscious doze they’d settled into. 

Ice raises a curious eyebrow at Wood, who now stands in the doorway holding four boxes of pizza, a wide grin on his face.

“Do I wanna know?”

Holly laughs, walking into the kitchen and placing the boxes on the table. Slider stands to retrieve a pizza cutter and some paper plates while Wood moves to sit on the coffee table, next to Ice’s bad foot.

“They spent the entire ride back arguing about pizza toppings and musicians, then when we finally stopped Mav gave Wolf a wet willie before booking it in here.”

Ice grins, and he hears Slider snort from the kitchen where he’s surveying the pizza choices. The first box is meat lovers, the second pepperoni, the third supreme, the fourth…

“Which one of you idiots ordered anchovy pizza?!”

“Anchovies?” Ice immediately wrinkles his nose, turning an accusatory look at Wood, who raises his hands.

“Hey, don’t look at me. Wolf says it’s delicious. Promised to eat the whole thing himself if no one else wanted it.”

Ice grimaces at the idea, while Slider grumbles a threatening, “He better. Just looking at it is making me sick. He deserved a wet willie.”

Their attention is redirected by some cursing and a couple shrill squeals, before Wolf reenters the living room, Mav slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Said pilot is struggling against Wolf’s hold as well as the laughter attacking his body, trying fruitlessly to escape.

“C’mon, Wolf. Don’t be petty. It wasn’t that,” A fit of hysterical laughter. Mav has tears rolling down his cheeks. “That baAHAHAHAD!” The pilot’s platitudes had been interrupted by Wolf dumping him in an armchair and mercilessly tickling his sides with a wicked grin.

Slider shoots Ice a quick wink, then ducks over and grabs Wolf in a chokehold, Holly immediately leaping to his feet and helping him turn the tables on the RIO while Mav’s recuperating.

“HeyEYEYEY! Wha-ha!t’s this for-haha!” The blond falls to helpless giggles as Slider and Wood attack his sides. 

“I specifically told you not to order anything stupid, and you got anchovies!” Slider shouts, keeping his firm hold on the younger man despite his escape attempts.

“Anchohohovies arHARHARn’t stupihehehed!”

That just leads to more aggressive attacks on the young man’s sides, leaving the RIO gasping desperately for breath.

Meanwhile, Mav has apparently recovered enough to stagger over to Ice, flopping carefully on the couch next to him. Breathless giggles still leave him in short fits. 

Ice shoots him an amused look. “Hey, Mav.”

“Hey, hehe. You hear what Leo did to an innocent pizza?”

Ice chuckles. “Yeah, Holly told us about the abomination.”

“It’s awful! It’s like putting pineapples on pizza!”

Ice’s expression turns vaguely insulted. Wolf’s shrieks of surrender are still drifting in the background. “I like pineapple pizza.”

Mav jerks back, face scrunching up as he gives Ice a quick up and down look.

“What! Ew! Sli! Didja know about this?!”

“About what, Pipsqueak?” Slider asks, finally releasing his grip on his fellow RIO and allowing the younger man to sink to the floor, gasping for breath. Holly steps back with a satisfied smirk, arms akimbo as he pants.

“About Ice liking pineapple on pizza?!” Holly blinks in surprise at that, cocking his head as he scans Ice to see if the other man will deny it.

“Yeah, why don’t–” Wolf breaks off with a helpless giggle, before continuing, “Why don’t you attack him?”

Slider ignores him, and rolls his eyes at Mav. “Yes, I knew, you nut.”

Mav’s eyes narrow. “Do you like it too?”

“Eh,” Slider shrugs, “I don’t mind it.”

“Really?” Holly asks in surprise while Mav shoots the RIO a betrayed look.

“What? It’s not bad.”

“I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal out of it.” Ice adds, genuinely bewildered. Pineapple pizza had been a treat for them in high school. He hadn’t realized that so many people thought it was weird until he got to Academy.

“It’s just–It’s pineapple!” Mav throws his hands up as if that will help get his point across. “It doesn’t belong on pizza!”

“Have you ever tried it?” Ice asks, raising one eyebrow.

“No, but–”

“Then how do you know?”

“Because it’s pineapple!”

“Wait a minute, wait a minute.” Wolf interrupts, finally gaining enough air to speak as he sits up. “Why did I get attacked, but he didn’t?” He directs his question to Slider, who sends him a pointed look.

“Because I can handle seeing pineapple on pizza. What I don’t want to see is fish on pizza!”

“But it’s good! You should try it!”

“No thanks.”

“I’m good.”

“Ew.” Mav shakes his head.

“Holly’s had it!”

The other three turn to the pilot in question, who just glares down at his RIO. “Because I lost a bet. And I didn’t like it.”

“Taste buds change! Maybe if you give it another chance…?”

“I’m good, Wolf.”

Leo pouts for a moment, before shrugging as he starts to clamber off the floor.

“More for me, I guess.” 

Ice rolls his eyes, sharing a look with Slider. The atmosphere is light now, and remains so as they grab their food and settle in the living room. Time for some greasy pizza and some crappy television.

oO0Oo

Ice can feel his familiar confidence returning as he walks between Mav and Slider to their planes. After weeks of healing and taking it easy, followed by more weeks of aggravating physical therapy, then a week of simulators while final checkups and paperwork took place, it was finally here. He was going to fly again.

He can feel his excitement buzzing just under his skin, and Mav grins at him teasingly.

“Ready for this, Kazansky?”

“Born ready, Mitchell.”

He can sense his RIO’s near-bursting anticipation, too. Ron had been up a few times with other pilots, but it wasn't the same as flying with Ice. They knew each other in the air, were completely in tune just like on the ground.

Ice missed flying, but he especially missed flying with Slider.

“Alright, Ice. Let’s show Mav the true meaning of flying!” Slider goads, shooting Mav a challenging look.

The younger pilot barks a laugh as he peels off from them, meeting Merlin at their plane. Ice and Slider arrive at theirs and begin pre-flight checks. Ice can’t help his grin as he climbs into his seat, strapping down and flexing his hand around the joystick.

It’s good to be back. 

Mav taxis out first. He’d been chosen to train with Ice, while someone else of a higher rank would evaluate Ice’s performance to estimate when he’d be able to fly missions again.

Ice feels calm wash over him as the canopy settles into place, and hears Slider behind him doing his usual checks.

He can’t help his grin as they accelerate, leaving the ground for the wide open skies, Mav’s gleeful laughter ringing in his ears.

And they were off.