Always Darling | Jake Seresin

After All

Willow, Maverick, and Cyclone stood before the team. Willow convinced Cyclone to allow Maverick on the carrier. She knew she couldn't make the decision without Mav's input.

"It's been an honor flying with you. Each one of you represents the best of the best. This is a very specific mission. This is a very specific mission. My choice is a reflection of that and nothing else." Mav turns to Willow, motioning for her to step forward. "Vixen."

Willow steps up as Cyclone speaks. "Choose your two foxtrot teams."

"Payback and Fanboy," Willow announces. "Phoenix and Bob."

"Choose your wingman."

The room was silent. Willow looks around the room, her gaze lands on her husband who nods, giving her all the strength she needs.

"Who are you going to choose as your wingman?" Jake asked.

Willow laid with her head on his chest, Jake running his fingers through her hair. "I'd much rather have you." She sighs.

"I know, darlin." Jake nods softly. "I think you should choose Rooster." Willow sits up, turning to look at her husband. "I know, but Willow you gotta believe me when I say that if I trust anyone to prioritize you making it home to Elle, it's Rooster."

"Rooster."

"The rest of you will stand by on the carrier for any reserve role that's required. Dismissed." Cyclone looks to her knowingly as she nods in return. Everyone leaves the room but Willow, Hangman, and Rooster.

"You chose me? Why?" Rooster questioned.

"Jake suggested it." Willow answers which shocked Bradley even more.

"I love Coyote, he's my best friend. But I know, despite everything you two have been through, you won't let a kid lose their mom." Jake says. "I'm trusting you Bradshaw, bring my wife home."

Bradley nods before exiting without another word.

"I'm scared." Willow says truthfully.

"Me too but," Jake turns Willow to stand directly before him. "You are the best of the best, literally. You've successfully flown this course more than the rest of us."

"It was one time."

"And that one time proved that it's doable." Jake continues. "Now, go out there. Be the best team leader, do the mission and then come home. I will be right here waiting for you."

"I love you."

"I love you too darlin." Jake pulls Willow into a quick kiss before guiding her out to briefing.

Crews scramble across the deck prepping the jets for take off.

"Dagger one, up and ready," Willow said through the comms.

"Dagger spare standing by," Hangman chimed.

"Dagger four, up and ready," Payback and Fanboy call.

"Dagger three, up and ready," Phoenix and Bob call in unison.

"Dagger two, up and ready," Rooster says after taking a deep breath.

One at the time the jets launch off the carrier, Willow head of the group. "Comanche, dagger one. Standby check in." She calls once everyone is in the air.

"Comanche one one, set. Picture clean. Recommend dagger continue."

"Copy. Daggers descending below radar." She reports, leading everyone down. Everyone's rapid breaths can be heard over comms, trying to keep their heart rates calm. "Here we go. Enemy territory up ahead. Feet dry in 60 seconds." She takes a deep breath as the canyon comes into view "Comanche, dagger one. Picture."