Chapter Text
The wedding
The kitchen light is dim, only light in the house that was turned on. They had migrated into the kitchen during the day, barely realizing when the sun had given his way. Maverick sat at the table, jaw clenched, trying to be as still as a mouse. Staring at the deployment papers that sat in front of him like something dead.
Iceman stood across from his, rereading the papers over and over again. Like they had missed some key factor that could change their situation. Like Maverick had not brought home the bad news a few days ago.
He still remembered sitting at the front, dreading the look Ice might throw his way. He sat on his bike for a few minutes, whilst the bike under him lost heat all whilst staring at the house they had made for themselves.
Remembered the way he couldn’t deem to come inside with his key, instead choosing to knock on the door tightly. All to be welcomed by an amused Ice who only raised a brow at him as Maverick shoved the papers in his chest.
Since then, their days had been numbered, though they had both ignored it. There was no time to be blissfully ignorant now. Maverick’s bags were packed at the entrance, most of his things were up in boxes that would sit in storage for as long as he was gone.
Ice had wanted to keep some things, but he hadn’t been able to do so. Even a wrong placed book could bring problems towards them. They needed to get rid of the evidence.
Like they had done some horrible thing, like building a home for themselves had been a mistake.
“You had to buzz the tower,” Ice said softly, finally letting his weight drop on the chair, grunting at the strain it had on his legs. He looked not unlike a stern father might look.
Maverick laughed without meaning to, “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“That’s not funny.”
“Didn’t say it was.”
“I told you not to,” said Ice sternly. “Begged you to, even.”
The silence that followed was thick and unfamiliar. Maverick was unsure how to answer. Silence never followed him around. He was used to screaming matches, fiery jabs, hurtful comments.
Sitting, letting the world pass him by was a new feeling for him.
Even with someone as kind as Goose, silence had never been the norm. House filled with music and voices filtering on top of each other. Though, he supposed, Goose wasn’t around anymore.
And after Ice was out of his life he’d had nothing but silence. Might as well get used to it.
They had fought the night before. Screamed enough to make their walls tremble. Ice had nearly burst a blood vessel from his anger.
Maverick had walked out and drove away. Nowhere special, really. He thought of getting drunk but calling Ice to pick him up seemed like the worst alternative, so he just made his way back home. Ice had only sat on the couch nodding at him to sit close. No more words were shared; none were needed.
Maverick wasn’t scared of the mission. From what he could deduce it was a simple one. Shouldn’t take more than a few months to complete, weeks if his commander wasn’t such a hard ass.
But this, this meant something to Pete.
This was the loss of the small piece of stability they had made up for themselves.
The small routine they had allowed themselves to get used to. The slow rhythm they had between each other.
The thought of being away from each other, that scared Maverick shitless.
“Tom,” he said simply, begging Ice to let his cold exterior leave, “I’m not- I don’t- I don’t know how I’m going to do this without you.”
And Ice, for the first time in a week broke their distance. Made his way over to Maverick holding him close.
“You’ll be fine,” he breathed. “You always are. You have an aversion to failing most of us mortals only dream of.
“That’s not what I meant,” Maverick snaped making Ice flinch.
Mav stood abruptly, scraping the chair on the floor letting a horrible sound.
“It took a long time for me to make my way home,” he says. “To you. And now-“
His voice cracked.
“Now they’re ripping me away again because I couldn’t sit and follow instructions.”
Ice reached for him, but Maverick took a step back.
The taller man stood from where he sat on the floor, “I’ll go with you. We both broke a shit ton of rules here, Mav. I buzzed the tower right after you!
“I’ll call the commander in the morning; he’ll be ecstatic about having us both on his team!”
“You can’t do that,” muttered an offended Maverick. “You’re up for that promotion! You leave now they’ll forget all about you!”
“Ok, well,” muttered Iceman. “I’ll get back on track when we get back. Made my way through once, I can do it again.”
“But you’re already half-way there!” argued Mav. “I’m just a screwup.”
Iceman breath stuttered, angry at the words spoken about the person he cared most about. “That’s not true.”
“Isn’t it?” Maverick’s eyes burnt. “They don’t want any more mini me’s running around. I got my notice the day of, Ice. They were probably burning to lay me off but didn’t have a good enough excuse. I sure as hell gave it to them.”
“Stop it Mav,” Ice said, voice sharp now. “You’re one hell of a pilot. The Navy would be lucky having a few more pilots like you.”
A pause.
“The ones I trained will even them out,” he joked.
Maverick shook his head, “I ruined it, Ice. This was our chance to have something real. When this is over, we won’t see each other again. Not like this. Will be lucky if I get you to myself once a year.”
Ice took a step forward. They knew the risks before this started. Leaving the other was always a possibility. Though, he supposed, making it real was something neither was prepared for.
“You’ll move up. I’ll ship out. That’s how it works. We had something good, Ice. And here I go and ruin it.”
“You didn’t break anything,” said Ice with a slap on the table. Done with the theatrics for a night. They were Maverick and Iceman, they had gone to hell and back, this was just a setback.
“We’ll adapt,” Ice mused. “We’ll write and call. You’ll visit if possible. Shit, you’ll probably finish the mission up before they can even start on the paperwork.”
“And then I’ll be deployed again,” added Maverick tired. “This was our chance to be together.”
“Don’t you dare act like what we have here is temporary, Maverick,” he warned.
Maverick squeezed his eyes shut, “What I feel for you won’t change, Ice. Never. But you must admit our situation is less than ideal.”
“Temporary,” Ice added loudly. Maverick was unsure who he was trying to convince. “The situation is temporary.”
“We don’t know that,” he sighed.
This could not be how they spent their last night. Crying and fighting were only agreeable when one had their entire life’s ahead of them. They had twelve hours left. No use crying over spilt milk.
Quickly Maverick shook himself. Scratching his eyes roughly and standing up straight. Like he hadn’t almost dropped to his knees crying moments before.
“Tonight,” started the shorter man with a lustful smile on his face, “is our last night. No more crying.”
“Mav,” he started. They should talk about it, that was what normal people did, he supposed.
“No more of that,” he continued, waving Ice’s thoughts away. “Tonight, it’s just Pete and Tom. Pete and Tom have forever to talk about stupid feelings. Why would they do it tonight?”
“Because Pete will be gone in around twelve hours,” sighed Ice eyeing the clock. Even his own willingness to continue the conversation was dwindling. Ignoring the problem seemed like the smart choice.
“Exactly!” agreed Pete jumping to his arms, locking his own around his neck pulling him in. Tom could only roll his eyes as he grabbed against the other’s waist. “Only twelve hours left in the privacy of their own home. Something must be arranged to take the edge off on those cold and lonely nights.”
“You’re being transferred to Maui,” muttered Ice softly with an amused grin.
“I have been told the winds in the summer are to die for.”
Ice could only chuckle as he leaned in. He knew playing along was stupid, but what else could they do?
No matter how much they argued, the letter wouldn’t change what it said. Maverick would leave in the morning and they would see each other when they saw each other.
They couldn’t even make real promises of future meetings. Their jobs didn’t allow them such.
Kissing seemed like a better alternative than fighting.
Maverick kissed like he flew, at full throttle, with perfect ease. Kissing him felt like the end of a fairy tell.
The past year they had shared had been more than they had both ever hoped for.
Since he had discovered who he was, he had gotten rid of any silly dreams lingering in the back of his mind. Fantasies of going home to a family, of having someone he could share his dreams with. Stupid dreams surrounding love.
But, as always, Maverick had to swoop in and prove him wrong. He had done so by moving in with him, sharing a house as Top Gun instructors only seemed like a sensible choice. Had done so by cooking for him regularly and laughing at his nonsense jokes. Had stayed through the dark and lonely nights and had allowed for Ice’s façade to make way.
They had been a regular couple, as much as they could be.
Had had movie nights on Thursday and game nights on Saturday. Had thrown small dinner parties if only involving the few chosen people that knew. Had gone dancing, though remaining at a sensible distance. Had christened every corner of the house just as the door had closed from the movers.
They had done normal.
But of course, life had a way of getting the less fortunate ones.
No matter what Maverick said, this wasn’t their end. They both knew that.
Though it would take a while for them to get something like this.
Sharing a house, for one, could not be done with much ease after this. No excuses could be given as to why two young bachelors chose to spend their entire days together. And for their breaks, they could only see each other so many times before they raised suspicion. Visiting their families on different sides of the country would be expected of them. Movie nights and silly nights out could be forgotten too. At least spaced enough to not alert.
Their relationship would be reduced to small moments here and there. Passing glances when they had the chance. Rough touches hidden from the world. Stolen moments for them to share.
And still, through it all. Ice wanted it. Ice wanted the hardship and the pain and the lingering and the pining. He wanted it all, as long as if meant he got to kiss this wonderful man over and over again.
Ice pushed into the kiss, holding the other against the counter. It dug into Maverick’s back uncomfortably, but he couldn’t for the life of him imagine pulling away. Separating from the taller man seemed even more impossible than death itself.
He had never been in love, not like this. He had thought he had, showed it in big declarations of love that allowed everyone and their mother to be fully aware of his feelings. Had followed women around, hot on their trail. Had done everything in his power to impress them; to become the man they wanted him to be.
But Ice was different. He didn’t feel his lungs caving in when he was close. Rapid heartbeats were exchanges with soft glances and huge smiles. Time went slower in his presence. The world only became quieter, simpler.
A striking difference to the bright, fast, painful thing he had confused as love not long ago.
Hell, only a year ago he had recited a song for a woman he had thought he could fall for.
If he could see himself now.
Maverick had to pull back with a laugh at that. Letting Ice’s judgy look dig itself into his forehead. He didn’t care.
He was in love.
What a horrible thing.
His laugh had turned sour, he knew. Tears dug themselves on the corners of his eyes. Turning his laugh into a desperate little whine if anything.
And Ice saw it for what it was: fear.
Maverick didn’t get scared. Maverick was impenetrable, that was his whole thing. Now he was clinging to Ice’s arms terrified.
Like Ice would be the one leaving in the morning. Like he was the one being pulled away.
Ice couldn’t help himself; he cupped Maverick’s face in his hands. Long warm hands wrapped across the smaller frame. Fingers splayed wide, trying to touch as much skin as humanly possible.
“Pete,” he said sternly, “look at me.”
Maverick froze under his touch. Warm brown eyes lingering over icy blue. Unfocused.
“You kept talking like you’re already gone,” Ice said softly. “Like what we have here is going to simply disappear the moment you walk onto that carrier.”
“Ice-“ Maverick tried.
“I don’t care how many months or oceans stand between us. I am not letting you walk out of here thinking you’re temporary.
“You are the best thing that has ever happened to me,” he continued. “You’re smart and funny and terribly good-looking. Your smile is the prettiest thing I have ever seen. Your flying is legendary. And your company is more than I had ever dreamed for myself.
“You are it, Mav.”
And suddenly without ceremony or much thought, he did the only thing that made sense. He dropped down to his knees and looked up, “Please, marry me.”
God, this was stupid. He didn’t do things like this. He didn’t do things just because his heart had commanded him to. He needed to think things through.
But, what the hell did he need to think about this time? He was in love with Pete; Pete was in love with him. For the first time in his life something made sense, something fit. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t so utterly broken.
Would be idiotic to let that go.
Maverick stopped breathing. Staring back at Ice with a look of disbelief. Shily looking around, eyes landing on the boxes at the front door and the watch that went on against their wishes.
“What- what are you doing?” Mav laughed wetly.
“Marry me,” he repeated with a shrug.
“I’m not entirely sure what you want me to say here, Ice,” he continued. Looking at Ice’s arms in amusement, like he was telling some joke he wasn’t sure he understood. Like Ice could even think about joking about something like this.
“Just say yes,” Ice said, grabbing Maverick’s hands.
“Ice,” cooed Mav, freeing his hands from Ice’s hold. Softly letting his hands drift through his hair and kneeling in front of Ice, who was still on one knee. Maverick pulled him close into a hug, like Ice was a small child that needed some comforting.
Ice only pulled away taking hold of Maverick’s face in his hands, “That’s not an answer.”
“Stop it,” said Maverick sternly, already tired of whatever joke this was supposed to be. “This isn’t funny, Ice.”
“I’m not trying to be, Mav,” he replied. “I’m being serious.”
“We can’t get married,” Maverick explained, looking around, as if trying to make Ice understand the situation. “Even if for some reason we could, they’d clip our wings. They’d kill us, Ice.”
“Who gives a shit about The Navy?” wondered Ice out loud. “Who cares?”
“You’re the one that wants to get married,” muttered Mav into their space.
“We’ll figure it out,” Ice said simply. “I’ll get you a ring. You can wear it on your tags; say it was your dad’s.
“That’s not the point,” Maverick whispered. Throat tightening against every word. “This is our lives, our careers.”
“Frankly, I don’t give a damn,” Ice said sternly. Still on one knee, aching against his thigh was already in full swing. God, having a cushy job was not helping his body at all. “I just want you.”
Maverick shook his head, as if trying to make the situation disappear. Like he was having the worst of dreams and was unsure how to get out of it. He needed to escape this situation.
Feelings weren’t his strong suit. Took him months to be able to cry about Goose in front of anyone, let alone Ice. Took him years to admit to people the hurt that came with being his father’s son.
He wasn’t good at talking, but he was good at running. Though the hand that held to his shoulder seemed to be prohibiting much movement.
“You don’t mean this,” he muttered. “You’re scared, Ice. You’re just saying this because I’m leaving. Because we’re- because this is-“
Ice leaned forward, letting their foreheads touch. And maybe the fact that his body fit so right against the other should let him know just how little his fears mattered to him.
“I’m saying it,” Ice whispered “because I love you. I don’t think I have ever meant something as much as this.”
Maverick squeezed his eyes shut. Hands trembling against his thighs. He wanted to reach out for the man. Wanted to hold him close, like the anchor he was most days. But he couldn’t, he felt like he was drowning.
“You can’t- you can’t do this to me right now, Ice. I’m not strong enough for this.”
Ice grabbed hold of his hands, softly. His stiff back and tense shoulders unclenched. Dropping some of the weight he carried on the other man.
Just hours ago, he had thought their relationship would come to an end. Now he had this in his lap. What was he supposed to do other than freak out?
“You don’t have to be anything,” Ice said simply. “Just be honest. Say yes and that’ll be it. Not much more we can do besides that. Not much more I care about as long as I have you by my side.”
Maverick’s breath hitched, even as Ice pushed him onto his feet with steady hands. Pete let himself be manhandled with a smile as he looked down at a smiling Ice that shone brighter than a damn lighthouse.
“Marry me. Not legally, not publicly. We don’t need any paper telling us what we already know. Just-
Marry me. Here. Tonight. Right now. So, tomorrow when you leave, you’ll leave knowing exactly who you belong to.”
Maverick only smiled at him, looking wrecked. Like Ice had managed to split him open with only a sentence. Looking at him in disbelief.
“This is crazy dangerous,” he whispered.
“I thought dangerous was your middle name?” Ice prodded.
Mav could only push him slightly by the shoulder, “Term coined by you.”
Silence stretched between them, heavy, thick electric. Before suddenly Ice was pushed back on the floor by a heap of kissing Mav. Mav who kissed him like the world was ending, who let his hands wander down his chest with a rough pull at his clothes. Like trying to rip the offending pieces by his own will.
Ice pushed back with the last standing bits of self-control before asking, “Is that a yes?”
Maverick smiled, “It was always a yes.”
Ice closed his eyes, pushing Maverick against the floor with a slow and desperate kiss. Slowing down the other ministrations by a whole world. Leaving behind a panting man who clung to his shoulders like a lifeline. Who seemed to be unable to continue due to his bright smile stuck on his face.
“What a horrible thing to do to someone, Tom.”
“Proposing?”
“Making them love you so damn much.”
Ice was breathing like he’d run a mile, ready to take Maverick against the kitchen floor if needs must. He couldn’t think of getting up. Couldn’t think of breaking contact with the beautiful man in front of him.
Maverick wasn’t much better. Gracing his nails on the inside of his shirt. Leaving behind dark red marks in his wake. Marks he would have to explain the next day, though he could not hope to care.
Maverick could mark him all over and he’d be a happy man. He could be a purply, red mess and he would still not be satisfied.
Suddenly the short man broke contact, grinning at his lips, “So… who do you think is the better pilot?”
Ice could only blink, brain going a mile a minute.
“I literally just proposed to you.”
“Yeah,” Mav agreed, face still blotchy from the crying, or from the lack of oxygen. Ice wasn’t so sure. “Romantic as hell. Very moving. Couldn’t be better. Carol will probably cry when I tell her the story. But I’m just saying- if we were to get married, I think it would be a requirement for you to admit who’s the better pilot. AKA me.”
Ice could only stare at him, incredulous. Who the hell did this pompous, corny, excuse of a man thought he was?
And then, without his consent, a laugh escaped him.
The sort of that makes you look focus and will. Full bodied, head-tilted, echoes inducing laugh that reverberated through the entire house.
Maverick’s smile grew, seemingly enough to make him forget all the fears he had managed to carry for himself. He looked triumphant, like he had just done an increasingly difficult thing.
“You’re unbelievable.”
“Agreed,” Maverick shrugged, wiping the tear that had somehow slipped past Ice’s cheek with his thumb, “but I am your unbelievable now.”
Ice grabbed Maverick by the front of his shirt pulling him close enough so their noses brushed against each other, “You are not the better pilot.”
Maverick gasped, like Ice had done something that had offended his entire family, “That is no way to start a marriage.”
Ice kissed him into silence. Trying to bring back the desperate little thing he had in his arms a few seconds ago. Though the annoying man that had replaced him seemed to have much more will than he thought.
“Say it once.”
“No.”
“Come on.”
“No.”
“I won’t tell anyone.”
Ice snorted at that, “Yes you will.”
“You are legally required to do so.”
“We’re not legally married,” Ice reminded him.
“For our fake marriage then?”
Ice sighed dramatically, letting a smirking Maverick know he had won. Ice could only lean in, lips brushing against his ear.
“Fine,” he whispered. “You can think you’re the better pilot.”
“You can do better than that,” Maverick said, eyes shining bright.
“That’s as good are you’re getting.”
And Maverick could only laugh breathlessly as Ice’s back hit the ground.
They had a few hours left. Enough to order in and cuddle on the couch. Enough for Ice to show just how much he would miss Maverick. Enough for both to have one last night together, playing along, like the entire world didn’t want them some kind of dead.
Right, now, they had each other. What else could they ask for?
Chapter Text
A year had passed them by quickly. Neither sure where time had gone. A year filled with dispersed letters and short phone calls; both filled with nothing of substance. Postcards signed with the date, as to keep the other posted on what they were doing as best as they could.
Not much after Maverick had been deployed, Ice had received his notice. He was to join Slider in the Pacific, much farther away from Maverick than he was comfortable.
The tall man would tease. Shaking with laughter every single time Ice got a letter in the mail, he couldn’t do much but rip it open.
One bold night, Maverick had deemed to follow his message with a simple “XO”. Stupid, and childish, and inconsequential. No word was needed to make Ice shake as he held the letter closer to his heart. Only to be caught by an amused Slider, who quickly ripped it away.
“Give it back,” he said loudly, annoyed.
Slider only held him at a distance as he read, “California is hotter than I remember, Maverick, XO.”
Ice only shrugged, knowing his cheeks had turned a bright red. Heat uncomfortable around his chest. Again, inconsequential, stupid, childish. But Slider knew what was hidden.
He understood what they meant. What hid just beneath the surface. What a simple XO could hold for them.
The brunette whistled as he threw it back towards Ice’s chest, receiving the bird for his efforts. “We are getting dirty letters from the missus, now?”
Ice snorted, shoving the letter beneath his mattress, next to the others he had gotten. He was unsure if keeping them hidden proved more than just tossing them away. But he couldn’t deem himself to just throw away the only proof he had that Maverick was thinking of him.
A few months passed like that; quiet letters shared between each other. Short phone calls were had too. Small moments where they were both allowed to use the phone on the carrier, filled with short jabs and quick catchups.
They couldn’t say what they wanted to, not really. Couldn’t really tell each other about the cold and lonely nights. Couldn’t share the soft moments they had gotten used to. Even a badly placed smile could say more than either was willing to.
Slider stood by his side as he took the calls, always ready to punch him in the arm when someone got close so he could end the call on time. Always making sure Ice’s smile stayed hidden, the small moments shared kept only for themselves.
Ice appreciated it, really, he did. But having Slider close just added another reason not to hide. He couldn’t outright say I love you. Couldn’t tell the other man all the ways he wanted to show him how much he missed him. Couldn’t really say much other than scoff at a joke thrown here and there.
For Maverick, the situation was just as constricting. If not more, he thought bitterly.
Ice had Slider, and even though they couldn’t out right talk about the situation, Ice had someone by his side.
Maverick had no one.
Sure, he could call Carole at any time, God knows she would take the call with a smile plastered on her face.
But it was different.
He had gotten used to Goose at his side. Had gotten used to the way the taller man seemed to follow him everywhere he went, all with jokes and loud mockery that could only constitute as brotherly affections.
He had never had a brother, never had much of a family to begin with. But Goose was his family. Goose was everything he had. And now, he was gone.
Mav was alone.
Alone through the cold nights, he only wanted someone to hold. Alone through the quiet mornings, through the early breakfasts and late dinners. Through his teammate's resentment and his commander’s shouts.
And, sure, he had always been able to form quick and easy bonds. Always able to spark a conversation with a stranger, break the ice. But having a drinking buddy that made sure you didn’t trip on your face was not the same as having a friend.
Recently he had been shipped to a different carrier where Sundown was placed. Beng assigned as his backseat driver as quickly as he could lay his bags down.
He liked Sundown, he was a nice, quiet guy. Not as free as Goose had been, but more laid back than Slider or Ice could ever hope to be. So, he was alright with that.
“Nice timing you have,” Sundown said with a smile as they hugged their hellos.
“Don’t tell me you’re leaving me already,” he asked with an amused smile across his face.
Sundown pushed him off with a chuckle, “You wish! Nah, man, Ice just left though.”
That made Mav’s ministrations come to a halt, “Ice? Ice is here?”
“Was here,” he corrected. “We crossed each other as I was coming in. You should have seen the man. I think they’re running him crazy with work. Nearly had an aneurysm when I told him you’d be coming here.”
Maverick could only force a smile through his lips. If Ice felt half of what he was feeling, he could understand the misunderstanding.
“Oh, wow,” he said, trying to act nonchalantly. “Haven’t seen him in a while.”
“You both stayed behind in Top Gun, right?” wondered Sundown as he made his bed on the top bunk. Maverick only nodded, trying to keep his eyes away. A look in his direction and he’d fall to the floor crying. “Thought you guys were friends?”
Maverick snorted, he had this act perfected, “Ice doesn’t do friends, Sundown. He has Slider.”
Sundown chuckled at that, pushing Maverick into the break room so they could meet the rest of the team. And although he should really be paying attention to their call signs he simply could not be bothered.
They had missed each other, by mere hours. Just his luck.
The year had come and gone without them realizing how fast time had gone. Soon their time was up, and they were being offered to take a decent break for the holidays. Maverick could not be more excited.
He had called Ice a few weeks ago. Trying to remain as cocky as he possibly could. Ice had answered quickly, the phone passed around through sweaty hands until it reached the man he desired.
“Iceman,” grunted the man to the phone, exhausted already.
Trying to earn a promotion was harder than he realized. Being pushed on a carrier for the best of a year, introduced to every higher up that existed in this side of the equator, taken to dinner and expect to entertain. It was taking a toll on him.
“Hey, baby,” Pete said softly into the phone in front of everyone.
To be able to do this trick, Pete had made up a woman waiting for him back in California. Someone that stayed behind waiting for his call, though he supposed he wasn’t entirely lying about that.
“Maverick,” he grunted as he sat up. The sound of clothes rustling was heard clear as music. “What the hell do you want?”
Maverick couldn’t help but snicker to his palm, “I was just calling to let you know I’ll be in California next week.”
“Yes,” he said simply, but Maverick could almost see the silver of a smile edging on his lips. He was probably surrounded by men, surrounded by Slider, unable to utter the words he truly needed. “I am aware of this.”
“And, you’re going to be in California too, right?” he asked, though he already knew the answer. Voice thick with something close to lust.
He supposed he had it easier than Ice at the moment. Sitting in a room where men leered at his words, teasing at the sweetness escaping him, all because they thought he was speaking to some girl. Well, that only gave him power.
For Ice, it was Maverick who called. Maverick, who he held at arms distance. Who he called a friend and absolutely nothing more.
“Yes,” he said, annoyed. Though, the fact that Ice didn’t hang up the phone immediately allowed him to know it was all an act.
“Would you be so kind as to pick me up, baby?” he drawled. “My bike’s in the storage, and it’s a long drive to get it.”
“A long drive you expect me to make?” he asked, though the answer was clear enough. “Would you like me to rub your feet too, your highness?”
“It would be much appreciated,” he hummed with a soft smile.
A man that went by the name of Haze sat in front of him. Mocking smile in return, making kissy faces at him.
“That your girl?” he asked with a smile, even as his eyes never left the paper he was reading.
“Definitely not,” he mocked with a smile, making the other bark a laugh. Because what was the truth to him only made him sound more like a dog, which in this cased seemed to be what was expected.
“What time?” he asked, shuffling with his watch.
“About twelve?” he wondered. “It depends more on the pilot taking me home, I suppose. If it was up to me, I’d be by your side as early as today.”
And that was truth seeping through his words. A little more of this and more of the playboy act. He didn’t want to get called out now, did he.
“Kerner will be there,” he sighed, pushing away the taller man that seemed to be saying something to Maverick. Though he couldn’t really tell what it was supposed to mean.
Something along the lines of “Get your own ride”. Though, if they were both honest, Ice was his ride. Came with the whole husband thing, he supposed.
“The more, the merrier,” he said with a cocky smile. “Bring your friend.”
And that surely got him a pat on the back from a passing guy. And, sure, the men he shared carrier with were not gossipy enough to outright rip the phone out of his hold, but one couldn’t be sure.
So quickly he took the decision to end the call, “I’m being called up, babe. Call you later, ok?”
“Twelve o’clock,” Ice said simply as he clicked the phone off.
Maverick only smiled at the teasing jabs he received. Jabs that didn’t last long, as a guy called Hawk basically jumped Maverick for the phone so he could call his wife.
He wished he could do that. Jump across the couch and admit you’re calling the one you love. It must feel nice, knowing you have someone by your side. Letting everyone around you know he had someone waiting for him.
A few days later, Ice stood by the side of the truck. Tapping the side of his thigh with a constants sound.
He craved to have a cigarette between his lips. Craved the feel of smoke curling its way down his chests. Nestling on his lungs, only to be released into the world.
But he was trying to quit. For real, this time. At least that’s what he tried telling himself as his eyes drifted off into a woman that sat a few feet away with a cigarette laying between her lips as she fumbled with a fussy child.
Maverick didn’t like the taste. Always pulling the same disgusted face at the taste. Slider wasn’t a fan either. Always grumbling at the smell “infecting” their quarters.
“It’s twelve thirty,” said an annoying voice behind him, earning a nod for his efforts. “If I was late, you’d leave me behind.”
“Probably,” he assured as he looked down at his watch.
If it was Slider, he probably wouldn’t have even gone out of his way to pick him up. Would have probably laughed in his face.
But Maverick was not Slider.
Thank God.
Just as the clock reached the forty-minute mark, a short scruffy man came into view. Maverick stood with an unruly smile tight against his lips as he eyed the line of cars at the front. Trying to find Ice who refused to shoot his hands up, afraid that if he moved, by even an inch, he’d reach out and run into his arms.
Maverick saw them quickly enough. Duffle bag draped over his arm as a smile, cocky smile made his way through his face. He walked slowly, sauntering his hips from side to side. Giving Ice a show only for him. Ice wished he could pin the other against the truck.
“Sorry for the wait,” he apologized with a soft smile. Remaining at a safe distance, Ice only wanted to break. “They kept us in the runway for like twenty minutes.”
Ice only grunted in agreement. Fingers craving the touch.
A year without seeing the man he loved was too much. Too much time had passed. He wanted to touch, wanted to investigate.
Were his memories, right? Was the remainder of his touch as soft as he remembered? Was his smile just as bright? Was his warmth just as intoxicating?
Maverick seemed to be doing as bad as him. Nearly stuck in place, fingers stretching and clutching tightly. Like trying to hold himself back from jumping Ice’s bones. That wouldn’t do at all.
Before he could think of saying something, anything that might break the spell that had fallen over him, he was interrupted. Slider leaned over the window, smile bright in his face. And Ice braced for whatever teasing may come his way, though it never came.
“Nice seeing you, man,” Slider said simply. And Maverick seemed to also be caught off guard. Nearly flinching at the sudden niceness, he was receiving.
“Yeah,” agreed Maverick, already taking a few steps, throwing his duffel back into the back of the truck. “Same.”
“Slider,” Ice grunted, stopping Maverick softly, “get in the back.”
Slider only gasped, as if Ice had somehow betrayed him to the highest form, “Screw you, man. I’ve been sitting here for hours. He just got here.”
“My car,” Ice explained with an easy smile.
Just as Slider was about to exit the car, Mav opened the back door. “I really don’t mind taking the backseat. After the flight, I’m not sure that I’m going to be such a good company.”
Ice leaned back, taking a step away, like he had been slapped across the face. Even Slider looked a bit out of place, looking back towards Maverick with an easy, “I was just teasing, Mav. Come up front.”
“I’m fine in the back,” he explained. “I think I’m just going to take a nap. The flight kind of took a toll on me.”
Ice grunted, a bit out of place, only to be stopped by a soft hand on his shoulder. Maverick pretending to need help to get on. Warm hand grabbing hold of Ice, pushing in so he could whisper, “If I sit in the front, I won’t be able to keep my hands off of you.”
“Then you should definitely sit up front,” he mumbled softly. Only for Maverick to hear. Slider had turned around, already messing with the radio. Trying to give them as much privacy as he could muster.
Maverick chuckled in his ears, nearly making him gasp, “I rather not crash against a tree.”
Ice smiled warmly at that, nearly pulling Mav into a kiss. And maybe the short man was right about something. Maybe, the sight of Maverick was nearing too much. And if he didn’t pull away, they might be making more of a scene than he expected.
The drive was long. Nearly two hours long. Ice felt it jabbing at the back of his head. Counting every second in his mind. Trying to make the clock into moving faster.
Their drive was nearly silent, if not for the soft sound of the radio that could be heard. It was some new songs, filled with synthesizers and a voice that could barely be heard. The kind of music people his age listened at the clubs or, so he had been told. He itched to turn the station back into Mav’s.
But Slider had waited for hours in his truck. Exhausted from the flight home, willing to accompany Ice through his waiting. Without a single complaint at his lips. He could have his music for now.
“So,” said Slider after an hour or so, making Maverick snap back to attention.
God, he looked adorable. He was trying to take a nap; jacket pushed into a ball, bracing his head against the window. Mouth open in relaxation. Like if, for the first time in months, he was letting his guard down.
Ice wanted to punch Slider across the face for interrupting that, though Slider kept on, unaware of his disturbance, “How’s married life?”
Maverick snorted, “You told him?”
“It slipped,” Ice agreed with a frown. Trying to concentrate on the fucker next to him that seemed to want to crash into him.
“It’s alright,” he said with a hum, noncommittal. And when Ice looked at him, a teasing smirk was plastered on his face. “I suppose.”
“You suppose?”
“Well,” he continued, “I’ve never been married before, have I? Not much to compare it with.”
“You’re an asshole,” said Ice simply. Smile plastered on his face.
Slider only scoffed, “So, any plans for the honeymoon?”
“Honeymoon?” said Ice, letting his car swivel for a second before he got it back under control.
“Well, this is kind of like a honeymoon, no?” Slider said with a smile, happy to make his friends as nervous as he could. “Weird not to have a honeymoon.”
“Well,” hummed Mav, “we never really had a wedding. So, I guess it’s not weird in our case?”
“Awe,” teased Slider, looking back at Mav. “Did you want a big white wedding? What kind of dress you want to wear?”
Maverick scoffed, pushing Slider’s sit with his foot. Ice nearly argued against the action, but Slider was earning it, so he let it slide.
“I think Ice rocks white better than me,” he said simply. Laying back in the little place, he had called for himself.
Ice only scoffed at that. But, before he could defend his honor, Mav continued, “I’d take a backyard barbecue if it meant I got to marry him.”
And Ice’s car drifted out the lane that time. Nearly clipping the guy next to him. Slider grunted in agreement, already uninterested in the conversation.
But Ice’s pulse was hammering, grip tightening on the wheel, like Maverick had just said something impossible and inevitable.
He didn’t mention it again, not until they were alone again. Not until they reached Ice’s small apartment he had been assigned.
They’d go for Mav’s bike in the morning, right now being together seemed like the priority.
Ice imagined rough touches, ripping hands, naked bodies crashing against each other with an intensity of a thousand suns. He imagines it like pressure leaving a steaming pot, the mere sound of the hissing gas escaping with a bang.
But that never came.
As soon as they were left to their own devices, only soft touches came. Kisses held behind, soft hands gracing the skin it could touch.
There was no intensity, no hurry, just patience. Like somehow waiting for a year made it just the more worth it.
And, suddenly, without more rhyme or reason, other than the fact that he had to speak, he asked, “Did you mean what you said?”
Maverick looked confused, touches coming to a halt as he raised his brow at Ice. What had he said? Sure, he was known for saying overly sappy stuff during sex, but nothing that would warrant a real reaction.
“In the car,” Ice explained. “About the backyard wedding. Do you really want that?”
Maverick huffed, pulling away, “Ice, I’d marry you behind a dumpster.”
Ice blinked, love cutting the sharp edges across his face. A warm smile taking his place as he tried to reach closer, only to be stopped by Maverick’s hand, “But we don’t have to do it like that.”
He took a step back, pushing Ice into the small couch. Quickly straddling him, hands resting on Ice’s ribcage, nails brushing skin in a way he wasn’t even aware of doing it.
“We could do something small,” he said. “Barbecue in the backyard. Doesn’t have to be some big or fancy proposition, I don’t need all that. Doesn’t even have to look like a wedding. Whatever that means.”
Ice breath hitched. Nearly mewling at the touch.
Maverick swallowed, eyes flicking up. Staring deep into Ice’s with something resembling fear and excitement. “We can invite the people that already know,” he continued softly. “Slider, Hollywood, Wolfman. Whoever you want.”
A beat.
“I could call Carol,” he smiled softly. “Bradley would love it. Kid loves whatever involves good food and cake.”
Maverick leaned in, foreheads touching, “It doesn’t need to be legal to be true, right?” he murmured. “Something small, something The Navy never finds out about.”
A small, hopeful smile tugged at his lips, drawing closer, “Something just for us.”
And Ice, Ice was a strong man. Self-control of gold, gotten him far in the head to be as levelheaded as he was. But nothing, nothing in the entire world, could ever make him deny whatever Maverick asked when he looked at him like that.
“Let’s do it.”
Chapter 3: The Wedding
Chapter Text
Their wedding was planned in a haze. No need to make reservations or order food. A few calls were made, here and there. Inviting the few people that knew about them.
Slider had agreed to lend them his backyard, since they were both staying at the same ratty apartment building. Good enough an excuse to leave together in the mornings and come back stumbling drunk at night.
Maverick had insisted on calling Carol, trying to let her know that her presence, although wanted, was not required if impossible. She needed to work; she couldn’t just pack up her things and come over. Especially not since she took care of Bradley full time. She had only scoffed at his suggestion and bought a ticket as soon as she could.
Not two weeks later, Slider’s backyard was prepped with small fairy lights adorning the space. Making it look much nicer than it usually did.
The chairs they used were found around the house, neither really matching with the other. Close enough to be able to hear the “ceremony” which Hollywood had insisted on officiating.
Wolfman handled the music, refusing to play Maverick’s old records. Insisting that a wedding should be lively and fun. He had instead brought his own boombox and mixes he had unwittingly titled “Fire and Ice.”
Carol had arrived the night before, cheeks flushed with travel and a fussy Bradley clinging to her hip. Refusing to be moved from his space until Pete reached at his side with a soft smile. Softly carrying the boy into his chest to give the woman a small break.
“Baby Goose,” he said excitedly. “How was the flight?” he asked, looking at Carol and letting her pull him into a lung-crushing hug.
“Oh, don’t worry about us,” she cooed with a smile. “It was fine!”
“Good!” he said with a smile.
Carol stared back at him with some sort of proudness he couldn’t shake. Like he had done something amazing just from breathing.
Though, he supposed, she always looked at him that way. Like she was proud of the man he was, not unlike a mother would. The thought always made him smile.
“Are you going to introduce us?” she teased, jabbing a finger into his side, making him chuckle, nearly dropping Bradley from his place.
Maverick sighed, allowing her in and placing the small child on the floor, holding the kid’s hand.
Ice was standing with Slider in the backyard, beer in hand. Trying to steady a line of light that was falling from its spot. Slider stood by his side with a roll of tape. Arguing, loudly, over who was holding it wrong. Ice insisted the fairy string was crooked whilst Slider announced Ice was just anal.
Carol followed him through the entryway. Bradley had changed his place and instead remained glued to her leg. Hidden slightly by her dress. Maverick looked back, trying to pull him to the front, but the kid refused.
Ice turned around, nearly dropping his drink at the shock. Something in him tightened as his posture straightened. The Tom that stood behind a few minutes ago banished, switched for Iceman. He had a feeling he’d make a better impression.
He needed to make a perfect impression. This wasn’t just anyone.
This was Maverick’s family.
Maverick grinned at him, motioning for him to take a breath as he walked closer. “Carol, Bradley, this is Tom.”
Ice swallowed as he pushed his hand into her space so she could shake it. “Ma’am, I have heard great things about you.”
Carol eyed him warily, refusing to take his hand, making him doubt every action. “So, you’re the famous Iceman.”
“Yes—” he tried.
“So, you’re the guy trying to steal my Mav away?” she asked wearily. Eyeing him up and down with something close to disgust. Maverick only stood at her side, eyeing her with something close to amusement, leaving Ice without any clue as to how to proceed.
“Well—” he said, ready to explain.
He felt like he assumed kids felt when picking up their dates. The weariness a father might have towards their daughter’s date. He felt oxygen leaving his lungs, trying to explain his reasoning. Trying to make her understand.
But before he could get to it, two strong arms pulled him close. A soft chuckle rumbling in his ear.
“Oh my,” she said with a laugh. Maverick stood by her side, snorting at his reaction. “He’s a jumpy one, isn’t he?”
“I think that’s just you,” Pete explained with a smile, letting Ice know he could lower his walls just a bit.
“Oh, poor thing,” she cooed, pulling away from the hug and watching Ice’s eyes. “Had you going for a second there.”
“I—”
“Stop terrorizing him,” tried Pete, pulling Ice away from her evil hold with a chuckle. “She’s joking. You know she’s joking, right?”
“Yes,” he lied, taking a big sip from his bottle. “Of course.”
“Just a bit of southern love,” she explained with a soft smile. “Of course, I know about you, Tom. Pete here refuses to shut up about you.”
Pete only grunted, picking Baby Goose from the floor and presenting him to Ice, not unlike one might do a dog. Probably not the best thing to compare his husband’s godson to.
“This is Baby Goose, aka Bradley, aka the coolest kid in the entire world,” he said with a smile, blowing a short raspberry kiss into the kid’s neck, making him giggle and push away.
“Stop it,” whined the kid with a laugh.
“I’m Ice,” he explained with a short smile. “I’ve heard great things about you.”
Suddenly the fun wiggling stopped and Bradley only eyed him wearily. Eyes close to tears from the short proximity he had with a stranger, pulling at Pete until he put him on the ground. Quickly, the kid hid behind his mother’s legs. Glaring at Ice with deep mistrust.
“Would you—” he tried with the softest, warmest smile he had, which was probably looking foreign on his face. “Would you like some cake?”
“At nine?” wondered Maverick out loud, eyeing him with amusement. Almost telling him not to try too hard.
“Or—” what did kids like? Money was out of the question, and it seemed late enough to go for a bike. “Candy?”
Bradley only responded by gripping Carol’s jeans harder, making him take a step back with disappointment.
He had never been a kid person. The only kids he knew were his sister’s, and they didn’t see much of each other these days.
“Don’t take it personally,” Carol said under her breath. “He’s a bit shy around new people.”
“Was he weary around you?” he wondered, looking back at Maverick, who smiled and nodded.
“Well,” a pause, “as weary as a twenty-minute baby can be.”
That pulled a short laugh from Ice.
Maverick had shared plenty of stories about Baby Goose over time. Ice was not entirely sure the shorter man liked him more than he did the kid. And, although stupid, a slight sliver of jealousy edged itself at his side.
He knew it was stupid. Competing for attention with a small kid, but still, his heart hammered at the thought.
He had thought, stupidly, that perhaps if he met the kid and the kid liked him, something in their small one-sided feud could be fixed. But the eyes the kid was throwing his way were nothing short of a cold bucket of reality hitting him straight in the face.
The kid looked just like Goose. Though smaller and blonder, less hairy too. Though the small look he sported on his face was similar to his father’s. Something along the lines of distrust and overwhelming kindness.
Maverick tried helping the situation a bit, kneeling in front of Bradley, trying desperately for the kid to understand who Ice was and why he was so relevant. The kid only shook, arguing that he did not wish to make his acquaintance. Which Ice could understand.
The kid had just flown halfway across the country, back to the place he saw his dad last. And now everyone was asking him to just accept Ice, a man he had never met before, into his life. Like it was nothing.
Ice only held Mav’s shoulders tightly, making him turn around. Pointing at a fumbling Wolfman who insisted on touching Mav’s old records with greasy fingers from the burgers they had shared minutes before.
Pete only scoffed, walking away with a look of war. Making his angry way towards Wolfman, ready to make the man regret his actions.
Baby Goose followed, taking a similar stance and a huff. As if annoyed at Wolfman himself, though Ice could assure whoever asked, the kid had no idea what Mav was so upset about.
He smiled at the sight, nearly melting into a puddle when realizing this was his future. Maverick was his future, everything else was irrelevant.
“A lot of hearts are breaking tonight,” said Carol with a wistful sigh. Letting most of her weight drop on his shoulder with a teasing smile.
Ice smiled and said, “Is that right? Mav have many women waiting for him back home?”
“You know Mav,” she said simply, as if that answered it all.
Though, he supposed, he didn’t. Not really. Maverick refused to talk about his past, Ice did too in a way, not like past hookups in bathrooms were much to talk about.
Pete had more stories than that, old lovers, like Charlie. He had gotten a name once, Penny Benjamin, daughter of some admiral. But he hadn’t gotten it from the man, he had gotten it from simple gossip thrown his way. Gossip he tried not to push into much.
Still, he said, “Yeah.”
“He’s a romantic,” she sighed. “Wears his heart on his sleeve for everyone to see. You’re not the exception. Even before you got together,” she chuckled.
“He would not shut up about you. Iceman with his annoying strut and bright smile. Iceman with his perfect flying and stupid comments. Iceman this, Iceman that.”
“He thinks my flying is perfect?” he teased, looking back at Maverick who had already pushed Wolfman away from his collection. He was showing Bradley his records, the kid only looked at Mav with a sight of wonder.
She rolled her eyes at the comment. “He loves so hard. Always has. I’ve known him for years now. He insists on putting himself out there, no matter how many times he gets hurt.”
Ice nodded as she continued. “I’d love to warn you about him. Give you some big gossip that might be able to pull you away. Call the wedding off, just for some drama. Not much drama back in Texas. But,” she shrugged, “I love him.”
“And, look, I know,” she chuckled, making Ice chuckle with her. “He can be stubborn, and annoying, and hard on the best days. But, he’s—he’s Mav!”
And that was everything he needed to hear. He’s Mav. What else was there to say?
“I love him,” she sighed, looking back at the man who was now dancing with a laughing Bradley. “Goose adored him, of course he did. We were our own little family. We had no business adopting Maverick into it like we did. But, of course, it was worth it.”
She looked back at him with a serious expression. “I guess the reason I’m telling you my sad sob story is because I need you to understand. I need you to understand just how much I love him. And how much I know he deserves someone that loves him just as much.”
Ice’s throat tightened. “I would never hurt him—” he tried, words fumbling on his tongue. The thought was ludicrous. He had a hard time saying no to Maverick, much less hurting him in any way.
“Oh, honey, I know,” she mocked, tapping his chest lightly. “Anyone can see the heart eyes across your face. Could tell from the first time I heard your voice through the phone.”
“Just,” she said softly, with so much care lacing her words Ice nearly fell to the floor crying, “take care of him. I know Mav, I know he pretends he doesn’t need the company, or the help, or whatever you call it. But he does.”
“He’s been alone most of his life,” she added, trying to figure out if sharing so much of Maverick was smart. But, well, if it wasn’t now… when? The two were getting married in a few hours anyway. “After his parents, he’s just jumped here and there for most of his life. Settled in after he met Goose, but still. He deserves someone that sticks by his side through it all.”
“Because,” she explained, grabbing his hand harsher than he thought she had the strength to. Not with the soft smile adorning her face, and the bright blush across her cheeks. “If you’re not sure you want to stay, then leave. Because if you stay, and you hurt him—”
Her smile brightened, coming closer to his side, pulling him in so his ear was close to her lips. “Well, we’ll see.”
And Ice should feel scared. He had just been threatened by a 5’4 woman. One who smiled as warmly as the Sunday sky and smelled like the sweetest apple pie he had ever tasted. A woman that should definitely come with her own warning across her chest.
But he couldn’t help but feel love for her. For a while he had managed to convince himself he was Maverick’s everything. And although intoxicating, it was sad to think. To think not many people wanted to just throw themselves into Maverick’s life without any reservations.
But here she stood. Maverick’s family. It was good to know he had someone else by his side. Fighting the entire world by himself seemed impossible. Between three? That seemed doable.
Later, after the backyard was ready, Bradley finally fell asleep. Right between Slider’s pillows they had pushed into a ratty old couch. Clutching onto a toy plane Mav had gifted him a few years ago. Carol sat beside him, brushing a curl from his forehead away.
Maverick stood over her, grabbing a few more pillows and blankets so she could make herself cozy.
“Is he out?” he asked softly. Not wanting to wake him up. Still, risking it by pulling in and placing a soft kiss to his cheek.
“Like a light,” she mused. “Flight must have knocked him out.”
He nodded, draping a blanket on her shoulders. Sitting next to her and pulling her into a half hug as they watched the boy breathe for a moment.
Carol smiled. “Remember that stupid lullaby Goose insisted on singing to him every night?”
Mav huffed. Did he remember? The man insisted on singing it every night. Even if they were a thousand miles away, in a carrier, far from the child’s thoughts.
“You are my sunshine,” he replied with a huff. “He couldn’t keep a key if you gave him a map.”
“Are you trying to imply my husband was a bad singer?” she argued with amusement.
“Oh, please,” he sighed. “The man refused to sing that song well. And you are aware. I’m pretty sure he sang it off-key just to bother me. Can’t imagine Baby Goose falling asleep to the sound of screeching metal.”
Carol chuckled warmly at the memory. Trying to hold on to the soft thought of her husband at her side. If she focused, she could almost picture him coming into the room, annoyed at their teasing.
“I am a good singer,” he would argue. “Let’s go out right now, I’ll show you!”
She would just laugh at his insistence. Maverick would follow. Though he would sing every duet he could with the man, making Carol pull her hair out.
“Oh, Mav,” she sighed. “He would have loved to be here for you.”
Maverick swallowed, trying to say something. But the words never came. He only nodded instead. Trying to hold the tears back.
If he cried tonight, he would feel it in the morning. And although the wedding was later in the evening, he had things to do. People to pick up, seats that needed placing. Rooms that needed cleaning. Sadness had no place at his wedding.
“Seeing you settle down?” she nudged. “Goose never thought he’d see the day.”
“But you did?” he guessed with a smirk.
She had always insisted he would. Always insisted love was right there for him to take. He only needed to choose them better next time.
“Of course I did,” she declared easily. “You’ve got a good big heart, Mav. It was only a matter of time before you gave it to someone worthwhile.”
His breath caught slightly. Looking back inside the house, praying none of the guys would hear him sound so sappy. Even at his wedding, feeling felt like too much.
“He is,” Maverick whispered softly. “Worth it.”
Carol smiled, nodding. “Then marry him.”
“Give me a few hours,” he dared with a smile.
Leaving her behind to settle in to sleep. Ice had already pushed Slider out of his room into a smaller guest room. The tall man had argued tooth and nail that they were the guests, not him. But Ice had only scoffed, pushing his things off the cabinets to give them more space.
Slider had only been half-joking though, Mav could tell. The two had a weird relationship, but he had never seen the other push into something they really didn’t want to do.
As soon as he reached his room, Ice was already asleep. Head on Mav’s pillow. Practically drooling into it.
And maybe the fact that he thought it was the cutest sight in the world made him know he was doing the right thing.
He went over to the bed, grabbing Ice’s head softly, letting it fall gingerly on his own pillow. Pulling down his pants easily and throwing his shirt halfway across the room with a huff.
Ice didn’t wake up at the jostling, didn’t even flinch. But he did raise a lazy arm over his waist, pulling closer. Smelling Mav’s neck with a soft sigh. As if, even as out of it as he found himself, he understood Mav was not a threat. If anything, Mav was a safety net.
In the morning, Ice woke up first to the sight of a soft Maverick at his side. The man was deep in sleep, which would not last much, given the fact that he had insisted on setting an alarm early in the day. As if they could possibly sleep in through the day. As if marrying Mav was not the most important thing he had ever had to do.
The day passed in a blur. People arrived through the day, no real time of arrival being set allowed everyone to have free wiggling space. Carol had insisted on cooking a few casseroles, so the kitchen was forbidden. The living room was packed with the few men they had decided to share the news with and their wives, who looked happy to be included.
The only thing he needed to do was put on his tie. But still, his hands fought him against the movement. Moving clumsily through the fabric, unable to get a real grasp on the slippery thing.
He had done his tie ever since he was forced to in middle school. Had learned through the harsh teachings of his father. Who had held his wrists tightly as a small Tom learned.
Now, it seemed like an impossible task.
Slider sat on the bed. Trying to make conversation, talking about his date he had insisted on bringing. A girl he was obsessed with at the moment, a girl Ice could not place for the life of him. Still, he tried to listen.
The taller man must have noticed his anxiety after a few minutes of fumbling action. Stopping his comments along the way and coming to a stand at his side. Studying Ice’s movements with amusement. As if Ice was telling him the funniest thing.
“You need help with that?” he asked, earning a scoff from Ice. Who only turned away from his gaze, only to realize a second later he had lost his visual. “I’m sure you can skip the tie, Mav isn’t wearing one.”
“Yeah, well, I am,” he huffed, turning back to look at himself.
Before he could argue more, the taller man had stolen the fabric, already making it take shape. Ice stiffened at the movement, unaccustomed to the simple help without asking for it. To the softness that the taller man was gracing him with.
“I’ve done nice things for you before,” mocked Slider when he finished. Eyeing him with a soft smile. Trying to calm Ice.
The blonde man could only nod, walking away. Pacing around the room. Trying to get his thoughts in order before he went outside. Maverick could not see him like this. If he did, he would assume Ice was having second thoughts. Which could only be the farthest thing from the truth.
Slider had changed places, sitting on a chair that stood at the side. Sitting backwards, legs spread, like he owned the place. Though, he supposed he did.
“You’re pacing,” Slider accused.
“I am not,” he said as he continued his movement.
“You’re going to make a hole in my floor.”
Ice scrubbed a hand through his hair. Staring back at his reflection again. His hair was spiked like it always was, but it didn’t look as great as it could.
Perhaps, he could hop in the shower, try again.
“This is ridiculous,” he exclaimed with a grunt.
“Yeah,” Slider nodded. “You’re marrying Maverick of all people, in my backyard with fairy lights attached with nothing more than duct tape, which cannot be good for my roofing, to a mixtape titled Fire and Ice. Ridiculous doesn’t begin to cover it.”
Ice exhaled sharply. “He deserves better.”
Slider’s expression shifted. Ice could almost pinpoint the moment teasing turned into concern if he was focused.
“He deserves you, man.”
Ice laughed once, humorless. “He deserves the world. Not—”
“You?” Slider cut in. “Bullshit. That short fuck is lucky to get a guy like you.”
Ice sat down on the bed defeatedly. “He could have anyone. I mean, he could go out and have a normal life. He could have a wife, a kid, the works. A life that didn’t have to keep a secret.”
“Ice—”
“He deserved better than a shitty backyard and a half-assed plan. He deserves a big hall, filled with everyone he knows. He deserves to be celebrated loudly, proudly. He deserves better than a life of hiding.”
Slider stood, walking slowly to his side. Letting his weight drop softly on the mattress, scared of making Ice take flight. “And yet he chose you. Because, trust me, Maverick is many things, but he is not confused.”
Ice swallowed hard.
“Do not tell him I said this, but if the man is anything at all he is a ballsy son of a bitch,” Slider continued. “And so damn stupid, and loyal. And if this is the most dangerous decision he ever makes?” He shrugged. “Then you know he is happy to do it.”
That did it.
Not enough to extract the small, horrible, dark ball at his side. But enough to make his eyes burn.
Slider clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t freak out. This is Maverick we’re talking about.”
A beat passed as Ice swallowed around the lump in his throat. Trying to fight the tears begging to rush through his cheeks as he nodded the thoughts away. Psyking himself up as best as he could.
He had been through hell and back in a scrappy piece of metal, he could marry the love of his life.
“You ready?” asked Slider, standing.
Ice nodded once, sharply. “Let’s do this.”
The ceremony barely resembled one.
The lack of people around took notice in a backyard as small as this. Even with the lack of space, the room seemed empty.
Hollywood stood at the front, wearing aviators and a crumpled white shirt, all whilst holding a folded piece of paper he must have scribbled on minutes before the ceremony.
Wolfman’s music crackled awkwardly. Shifting from too loud to too quiet with a drop of a hat. Sputtering as the man fumbled with the volume.
And still, through it all, Maverick was smiling like a madman with a tired Carol at his side.
He stood there with a freshly ironed blue shirt, hair slicked back and bright smile staring back. He looked like an angel. Jumping slightly on his toes, as if the excitement was literally oozing out of his pores.
And that was all he needed. Every bit of anxiety or hatred he might hold onto vanished easily. How could loving this man ever be a mistake.
This was home.
Hollywood cleared his throat, making Merlin signal harshly for Wolfman to stop the music. “Good evening,” he said, amused. “We are gathered here today because, well. These idiots love each other and couldn’t keep it in their pants.”
Laughter rippled through the small crowd even as Ice slapped his shoulder harshly.
Ice’s hands shook at his sides.
Even though they had decided to skip the vows and get straight to the I dos, Ice felt anxious. Like somehow he could ruin standing there and saying yes.
Maverick must have noticed because he easily pulled his hands into his. In a move that seemed so simple, so easy, it must not have taken much thought. A simple touch that had the intention of calming Ice and nothing more.
The wedding was short. Barely practiced. Spoken promises and declarations spouting around, laced with simple jokes and jabs meant to take the pressure off.
Maverick only smiled when it was over, leaning in. “You can be my wingman any time.”
Ice huffed a laugh. “Always.”
Hollywood smiled. “Now, Ice, you may kiss your bride.”
And he did. Even through Maverick’s angry sputter. Receiving nothing but celebratory screams from his idiotic friends.
The rest went easy. Carol’s food was delicious, and the amount of alcohol Sundown had insisted on bringing was laughable.
Bradley had gone down early in the night. Readily getting into Slider’s bed without having to be told, probably annoyed at all the topics he didn’t quite understand yet.
The men were easy, joking and jabbing just the right amount. Civil enough thanks to having their partners around.
Ice had a wonderful night, especially when he was able to hold Mav close to his side like that. Barely being able to eat correctly from the lack of movement he was allowed, but choosing not to care for a moment.
Later in the night, Slider clinked his bottle sharply with a spoon. Ice turned, ready to push the drunken man back in his seat. The woman he had brought seemed to be on the same symphony as she grabbed the taller man’s hand softly, only to be ignored.
“I did not exactly plan to make a speech,” he said as he cleared his throat. “But then I remembered this is your wedding, Ice. And if I don’t say anything now, I won’t be able to do it again.”
Ice stared at him with a frown. “Why don’t you sit back down?”
“Ice,” continued Slider, “I have known you for a very long time. Since you were back in the academy all bright-eyed and soft. Long enough to know you don’t give anything unless you truly meant it. Not loyalty, not trust, and definitely not your heart.”
“I can count on one hand the amount of people you let close before Maverick came around. And with one finger the amount of people that you allowed through the walls.”
“You picked a good man,” he said finally. “Because, Mav, that’s what you are. A good man. A stupid, dangerous man, but good nonetheless.”
“So,” he sighed finally, “in lieu of cutting this short, I do think you are both lucky sons of bitches for finding the love of your life in so short notice.”
Ice smiled up at him, next to a beaming Maverick at his side.
There were no more words needed, for they had everything they needed.
They weren’t legal.
And they couldn’t love out loud.
But they had each other.
What else could matter more?