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twelve. somewhere in the indian ocean.
Cassie's Tomcat lands harshly, the wire catching her and preventing her from rolling off the side of the carrier. Cassie and Tara lurch forward at the force of it, feeling the brakes kick in. Then, the canopy is opening as Cassie jumps up, immediately beckoning someone to bring the ladder as soon as they do, she tosses her helmet in her seat and climbs down, entering the crowd of excited and celebrating aviators and crew members. Hands pat her back in congratulatory as she searches the crowd. She finds Maverick first, who's been engulfed with hugs by Hollywood and Wolfman—screaming excitedly. She felt the tension leave her body as she realized they'd made it back safe.
Cassie scans the crowd again—finding the top of Tom's head. Then she's running and pushing her way through the crowd towards him, muttering apologies as she shoves people aside. As soon as he's a few feet away, Tom turns, arms opening just as she reaches him. Tom engulfs her tightly, squeezing the daylights out of her. "I'm sorry!" Cassie yells over the crowd. It doesn't even matter that they can barely hear each other—all that matters is that they're alive.
Tom hoists her off the ground, a yelp leaving her throat as he crushes her in a hug. "I'm sorry, too. God, I'm glad you're okay."
Cassie's hand finds the back of his head and squeezes him tight, eyes screwing shut. "I'm glad you are too, Tom."
Tom sets her down, smiling impossibly wider again. Grabbing her hand, they make their way through the crowd. Soon enough, Tom and Maverick stand in front of one another—Tom points at Maverick, his face feigning annoyance. "You are still dangerous!" Tom scolds, before his face breaks into a large grin. Maverick takes a step forward and hugs him tightly, smacking his back. "You could be my wingman anytime."
Maverick scoffs. "Bullshit! You can be mine," Tom rolls his eyes at this, shaking his head with a grin.
Cassie feels some poke at her shoulder, causing her to turn. Slider stands behind her, an arm over Tara, who seems to have been happy crying. Cassie grabs Slider, shaking him before side-hugging him. "Good to see you, dickhead."
