Maverick took a deep breath, steadying himself just outside Ice's study. Twisting the doorknob, he was met with the sight of Ice at his desk, looking years older than he should. Mav's chest tightened, once upon a time they couldn't stand each other - Ice being an even bigger ass than Hangman. But after Goose's death, the bitching stopped and he and Iceman warmed to each other.
Ice smiled at him, pain displayed in his tired eyes. Maverick thought the worst was behind them, but it seemed he was wrong. He couldn't imagine how Sarah felt - how Brandi felt - if all it took was one glance at the once self-sufficient man crumbling to bring him to tears.
With a nod, mostly to encourage himself, Mav stepped further inside. "Admiral." He grabbed an extra chair and placed it beside his old friend. "How's my wingman?"
Ice's smile grew and he turned to his computer.
'I want to talk about work.'
Mav shook his head. "Please, don't worry about me. What can I do for you?"
Without breaking eye contact, he pointed to the dark screen. Maverick huffed, Ice wasn't going to let this go no matter what. Even when sick, he was as stubborn as ever.
"All right. Well, Rooster's still angry with me about what I did. I thought eventually he would understand why. I hoped he'd forgive me."
'There's still time.'
"The mission is less than three weeks away. The kid's not ready."
'Then teach him.'
"He doesn't want what I have to give." Ice waved him off, not believing a word. "Ice, please, don't ask me to send him. Send me."
'It's time to let go.'
Mav struggled to speak. Ice spoke the truth, but he didn't know how to let go. "I don't know how. I'm not a teacher, Ice, I'm a pilot. A naval aviator is not what I am. It's who I am. How do I teach that? Even if I could teach it, it's not what Rooster wants. It's not what the Navy wants. That's why they canned me last time. The only reason I'm here is you. If I send him on this mission, he might never come home."
