The pieces of my puzzle.

Filler chapter.

(Maverick's POV)

I blew out a heavy breath as I softly rapped my knuckled against the hardwood of Sarah Kazansky's front door.

Once.

Twice.

And then the sound of soft footsteps from inside coming closer as the door swinged open to reveal a smiling Sarah.

I smiled at the wife of my late friend. "Hi." And as she let me in and greeted me with a hug, I felt a warmth bloom in my chest at the familiarity of many times I've spent in this house in the presence of Tom.

My gaze traced the same old family photos that have hung on the walls for years, holding years of memories with them, before my eyes met Sarah's again. "How have you been?"

A slight smile tilted her lips, but it was stained by melancholy as she sighed, knowing I wasn't just here for a normal visit. "It never gets easier."

I could only manage to muster a small nod in understanding, before the familiar roar of a Harley Davidson's engine came from the driveway, a moment later Azara appeared in the doorway; hair windswept and aviators in tact as she made her way towards us.

Sarah smiled at her arrival, meeting her halfway as Az pulled her into a hug. "Hey Aunt Sarah."

Azara shifted slightly so that she could meet my eye and the glistening in her eye reflected my own.

Sarah was right. It never got easier. And I don't think it will.

***

As Azara and I left Sarah's house after a few hours had passed; that time spent catching up, reliving memories and finding joy in the sadness, my chest felt a little lighter, like the light, even if just a sliver, had shone through.

Our bikes rumbled as we cruised side by side along the road towards the base. Neither of us spoke, the silence heavy with the weight of our swirling thoughts.

As we parked our bikes and dismounted she looked up at me, giving me a sympathetic look as she took my hand just like we had been doing every year, on this date, since he passed.

The base was empty except for some cleaning staff and a reception as we made our way through the entryway, our boots thumping against the patterned marble floors as we came to a halt in front of his memorial wall.

His photo hung on the wall, with hid medals and achievements surrounding it.

I felt my eyes burning with the threat of tears as I took in what he used to be, my chest tightening as if I was reliving his loss all over again.

Beside me, Azara rested her head on my shoulder, a sniffle escaping her as she rested her gaze, not just on the picture, but the memories.

I gently rested my head atop hers. "I remember the day he got promoted to Admiral, he was bragging my ear off at finally being a rank higher than me." I recounted, a watery chuckle leaving my lips.

We both recounted memories back and forth for a while until a reminiscent silence enveloped us.

"He would be so proud of you, dad." She stated in a whisper as she glanced up at me, a smile gracing her lips.

I squeezed her hand in mine as I kissed her forehead. A single tear slipping down my cheek as I looked at the picture once again. For once, believing her words.

"So so proud." She echoed.

And as we stood there, remembering and honoring the man that was once such a big part of our lives, I knew for certain that his memory would live on for many more years.

Tom "Iceman" Kasansky.

The man.

The icon.

A legend.

A/N: this chapter is dedicated to Val Kilmer who very sadly lost his fight to pneumonia on the 2nd of April 2025. Rest in peace Iceman. You will be misssed❤️🕊️