Killer Queen ⋆ Tom Kazansky ✓

Epilogue. Timeless

   

epilogue.           miramar, some years later

 
 "You know," Tom said. "I've dealt with much worse than this—dangerous missions, crashes, all that..." he says before coughing, the force of it causing his body to shake. Cassie helped him into the bed—the bed they've shared for so many years. She only smiled, rolling her eyes.

 "I know, honey. I was there." Cassie Kazansky replied, pulling the blanket over his lap before sitting on the edge of the bed, looking down at him. "Did you take your medicine today, Tom?"

 While Tom was home most of his days, Cassie still remained in the field—however, it had been plenty of years since she'd flown any terribly dangerous missions. Tom shook his head, avoiding her gaze. "No," he said weakly, voice hoarse. He knew what was coming—the weekly scolding.

 They were older now—and while their bodies had aged, their spirits hadn't. Cassie was still the firecracker she had been, but Tom had grown in his own way.

 Cassie sighed, grabbing his hand. She all but frowned, messing with his wedding band. "You're going to say because it doesn't help."

 Tom nods. "Because...it doesn't."

 He can see her eyes gloss over—as they had so many times in the past few months. She's quick to look away, even after all their years together, Cassie Kazansky still won't cry in front of her husband.

 "I know," she says sadly. "I just want you to get better." Cassie said with a hopeful smile.

 They both know he won't—their children know. Tom Kazansky is dying.

 Coughing again, Cassie is quick to hand him the hot tea she made him, soothing over his hair as he sips it. Tom smiles regardless. They had been through these exact motions a dozen times before—this was nothing new.

 "So," Cassie starts, sniffling as she takes the cup from her husband, messing with the string of the teabag. "You talked to Maverick?"

 Tom nods. "He said Bradley made it into the academy...then he pulled his papers."

 Cassie sighed, looking down as she shakes her head. "That's no way to get to the kid."

 Tom agrees with another silent nod, reaching for her hand. Cassie looks up, back at him. His once blond hair is just starting to gray, now falling a little past his ears. Cassie would be lying if she didn't miss the frosted tips. "Tell me about work. About the new students."

 Cassie, now an classroom instructor at Top Gun, came home everyday to her waiting husband to tell him all about her students. A new batch every five to eight weeks, Tom loved hearing about them. Cassie smiled. "The one," she starts, messing with his ring again. "Icarus, reminds me of Maverick."

 Tom lets out a soft laugh. "Tell me."

 Cassie smiles softly. "She's...out of her mind. Crazy, if anything. But, she's smart. Reckless, but smart."

 Tom nods. "And...Flatline? The only girl in this class. Like you and Tara."

 Cassie nods in response. "Yes, she's...just reminds me of...well, me."

 Tom grins—that signature smile that had won her over all those years ago. "Have you spoken to Skylar or Luke today?"

 Cassie nods. "They asked about you."

 Tom looks a little deflated. "Nothing new there...are they still coming for dinner on Friday?"

 Cassie reaches forward and strokes his cheek. "Of course. I'll make sure of it. Now, get some rest, Tom. Please?"

 Tom sighs, sinking further into the pillows. "You'll stay?"

 Cassie can't help but smile sadly. She had other things to do...but those are all forgotten as she rounds the bed and climbs into her side. "Of course I will."

 Tom sighs contently now, pulling her into his side. "Good," he kisses the crown of her head. "I'll take my medicine tomorrow. For you."

 Cassie nods into his chest, gripping his shirt as she closes her eyes, feeling Tom's hand smooth over her back over and over. "Good." she says into the silence. "I love you."

 A kiss meets her forehead. "I love you too, Cassie." Tom says as strongly as he can manage, screwing his eyes shut as it hurts—wincing after the words fall out of his mouth. He manages a smile for Cassie, though. He always would. Just to make her feel better.

 "...so, so much." Tom added.

emma / 2023
*cries* SORRY for the terribly sad ending! but it's canon...anyways, i LOVED writing this fic more than anything. i love tom and val so much, and this fic brought me so much comfort. thank you all for the support