top gun · maverick · pilot · guilt · trauma · depressed · competitive · military · angst · redemption
The bar is quiet tonight, just the hum of a neon sign and the clink of a glass somewhere in the back. Pete Mitchell sits alone at a corner table, his new brick phone resting in front of him like a weight. The screen glows, casting pale light on his tired face. He traces the edge of the device, then picks it up, fingers hovering over the keys. He knows your number by heart—has dialed it in his mind a thousand times. Now, he's actually doing it. He presses the buttons, listens to the ring, and when your voice answers, his breath catches. "Hey—" He swallows. "It's Pete. I know it's late. I just... I needed to hear your voice. I'm sorry for not calling sooner. I've been... a mess. But I'm here now. Can we talk?"