The pieces of my puzzle.

Seven.

TW: mentions of PTSD and trauma.

(Rooster's POV)

I got out of my Bronco and headed into the Hard Deck. We were all meeting up after training to have a few well deserved drinks.

I headed inside and spotted Azara. I started walking towards her when someone  aggressively pushed me into a corner and held me against a wall by the shoulders. "What the hel-"

I started to say, but cut myself off when I saw who it was.

"You've got some explaining to do, Bradly." Maverick said through gritted teeth. I gulped, knowing what this was about.

"What are you talking about, Mav?" I replied nervously, trying to move away from him, but his strong grip held me in place.

"Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You told me that everything was fine between you and Azara." He seethed. He took a deep breath, trying not to explode from pure anger.

"You lied to me. I could've helped her through it, but I didn't know because you told me everything was fine and I took your word for it." I took a breath. Trying to reign in my temper.

"I did what I thought was best for her. I couldn't keep watching her get hurt. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her. Mav, you of all people should understand." He shook his head.

"What was best for her? You did what was best for her?!" He questioned furiously, his voice getting louder with every word.

"The sleepless nights, I held her the same way I did when she was a little girl, because she would randomly start sobbing and screaming until her throat was raw and her voice was raspy. If she actually slept she would cry and call out to you in her sleep in hopes that you would come back for her, just to wake up to an empty bed. She emotionally abused herself so much that she ended up in the hospital for a week. She was so depressed that she would lock herself in her room and stay there for days on end." He explained, his eyes reflecting so many emotions.

"That woman is my little girl, Bradly. My little girl that, went through so much trauma that she didn't feel emotion at all and became the cold, distant person you see at work. That is my little girl, so don't t-tell me why you did it." His voice cracked at the end as his eyes and voice reflected so much pain and grief.

"That's my little girl, so stay away from her. That's an order." He told me with a glare. And then walked away.

I sighed. Did I ruin me and maverick's relationship by lying? Will we be able to repair it this time around?

I stayed away from Azara for the rest of the night and kept my distance from Mav aswell.

(Maverick's POV)

When Bradly had walked into the Hard Deck and started walking towards Azara, I knew I had to tell him how I really felt about this whole situation. I never intended to become so emotional, though.

I guess that's what you call a father's love for his daughter. There's nothing that compares to it.

I know that there's a possibility that me and Bradly's relationship will return to hatred, but I would rather we be mad at each other than him breaking Azara again.

I would rather have my godson hate me than see my daughter so broken and lost.

But, I knew in my heart that they were made for each other. At the beach, with the dogfighting football, was the first time in a year and a half that I've seen her genuinely smile and laugh out of pure joy and happiness.

But as a father, I would give up the world for her, but I would also wrap her in bubblewrap and never let her go.

And what if it was the same person who broke her that makes her happy?

Okay, I'm not gonna lie I was a playboy and Azara was the result of a one-night-stand. Her mother left her on my doorstep and when her little hand wrapped around my finger, I knew that I would protect her with my life. No matter what.

She was my life, my light and my love. Many people would say that about their girlfriend or wife, but for a long time it was just me and Az. Penny is my light, life and love, but Azara was the first person to make me realize what true love is.

And I couldn't help but feel conflicted about what to do with Rooster.
I let his dad's death tear us apart, I couldn't let this whole situation open up old wounds and tear us apart again.

I looked over at Azara who was playing pool with phoenix and Inferno. She looked so happy and when she looked up at Bradly, I couldn't help but notice the spark that ignited in her eyes. She turned her gaze towards me and her smile grew wider.

I sighed. Maybe if I let Bradly repair his relationship with Azara(with some warnings of course.) maybe we will all be happy in the end if everything works out.

A/N: Sorry, this is a bit shorter than usual. I'm super tired and don't have the energy to write more for tonight, so I'll get some sleep. Love you guys! Stay safe! And have a great day/night.

~Mike❤️❤️.