Pete sat quietly in a diner— the one he and Goose used to go to while they were at Top Gun. That.. Goose had passed three weeks prior— he was on his way to be an instructor. He should’ve been over it by now.. right?

It seemed his world fell apart and came back together within a matter of fourteen days. He’d lost his fling, Goose’s funeral had happened— he cried. Carole and Bradley had to go home, he wasn’t top of his class, and he almost left his team out there to die.

But lately, people viewed him as a hero, having taken down enemy jets. It was a surprise, truly. You know.. considering he was Duke Mitchell’s kid.

Maverick needed to clear his head. He pushed off his stool with a sigh, drinking his beer while he began to leave when he heard an awfully familiar voice from the jukebox.

“You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips..” Ah yes, “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” a song he’d recognize instantaneously. He paused, taking a breath and another large sip before heading out. Or, he was going to head out before he heard his name.

He grinned, although it may not have been the same grin from when he first serenaded the woman in the O Club.

“You know, on the first one, I crashed and burned.” He said softly, face to face with her.