#vipapa

Viper: How stupid can you two be?

Goose:

Maverick:

Jake: YOU PUT ME IN THE DRYER?!

Baby Pete Mitchell, maybe 4 or 5, and absolutely tiny and adorable, all dirt covered dungarees and big green eyes full of curiosity and mischief, somehow stumbles into 1986 Top gun.

The medics find him and immediately bring him to the air boss, who "figures out" whats going on and thinks its Lieutenant Mitchell's child (not entirely wrong the, just the wrong Mitchell).

He then ferries the still sobbing 5 year old down to the classroom and dumps the kid in Mavs lap, and tells him not to lose his son again.

Mav, being a more intelligent sort and remembering those denim blue dungarees with the green and blue balloons embroidered over the chest pocket as his favourite clothes from when he was a kid.

The little guy is still shaking like a leaf and sobbing big breaths in his arms. Telling him he's not his dad and that his dad is actually dead will do about fukcing nothing for this tiny thing right now. So, Mav does what he does best. He improvs the fuck outta this.

Immediatly he's moving, he relaxes back into the chair, pulls his face into something a bit less shell shocked and more what he'd wear around Bradley and dredges up what little he remember of his dads voice.

At least, he thinks a little sardonically and alot sadly, people had always told him he was the spitting image of his pa.

"Heyy there, lil'guy, now, what'cha doin all the way down ere, huh?"

The soft drawl of southern Texas rolled easily off his tongue, for all he had to pull it up from his chest and deep memory for, with a bit of spit and prayer.

Straight away, the little body curled up in his lap eased up on the heart breaking sobs and cries, uncurling slightly to sniffle tragically into his flightsuit.

"Tha's it there, honey, now you just calm riiight'on down there and tell me wha's wrong yea?"

The accent didn't quite stick right in Mavs mouth, but it rolled right of his tongue anyways. He kept up the low accented draws and "darlins" dredging up all the petnames he could think of to calm this poor kid down.

Mav rubbed a hand up and down the lids back, shushing him and humming a lil tune. God, but his hand covered the kids whole back. He really was a tiny child. The kid leaned forward into his chest and settled at the rumbling from the humming, nuzzling in, his tiny hands clinging to his flightsuit and his knees pulled up to his chest ina little ball. His face was still puffy and red from crying, with large tears rolling down his cheeks, small sobs shaking his frame.It's enough to break a guys hearts. He's shivering too.

Maverick absently realised he had been humming the same Otis Redding his parents always put on when they were together and would dance around their pink and cream tile kitchen with the oak wood table and mismatched chairs.

Little him was now quiet, only small hitching breaths still shivering his frame, completely worn out from the drama and stress. He was still shivering despite the heat in the hanger.

Mav frowned and gently pressed his lips to the little guys forehead, like his, their, mama used to do for them. No fever, but still.

Out of the corner of his eye, Mav saw Viper watch him and the kid with a look not out of place on a man who had been shot in the knees.

He reached over his shoulder to grab his trusty leather jacket, the thing was older than his and the baby put together, seeing as it was their dads, but it'd do. He carefully wrapped it around the tiny body. Poor kid was listing side to side until his head landed on Mavs chest with a small thunk and small eyes grew tired and he yawned. Mav resisted the urge to coo, but he could feel his smile turn soft and melty. Damn, he was a cute kid.

And he always did love wrapping up in that damn thing to sleep, made him feel closer to his da.

A snuffle into his chest and the warm wool collar of the leather jacket and the poor kid was gone to the world, conked out on Mavs lap. Mav wrapped his arms carefully around the kid and stood slowly, not to jostle his new package.

The texan drawl was stuck in his throat now, probably would be for another few hours, but whatever. He could still talk.

"Sir, Imma need some time to get this un sorted out and uhh try an' figure where all I should go with this thang. Not too sure what I can be doing bout this, but I do reckon there's somethings more than standing about here, lil guys gon have some questions when he wakes, y'know? Probably should find 'im some answers. And for m'self too Could I be granted some leave or summin? Uh, please and thanking you, sir."

Commander Metcalf was now ashen grey, eyes damn near bulging out of his head and gripping the desk behind him for support.

Maybe someone needs to get him a chair, before he passes out on the ground, or something??

Mav is summarily done and walks out with the child still asleep in his arms. He'll deal with that later. Little him still has his hands curled into his jacket and is puffing away in his sleep. He kinda reminds him of Bradley.

ethan hunt looking and seeming old cuz. yk. he's 60. and also the way he has taken on a mentor role in dfr, he is still doing the mission but also guiding his team and we see a lot of younger characters that are kinda (indirectly) his ducklings

mavdad and dagger ducklings -- they're 40 years old they have their own lives and stuff but sometimes u just need the wisdom of a 60 yr old guy who flies planes fast yk

vipapa kinda parenting mavson a teeny bit after tg og. taking care of him the way he was never taken care of.

ethan and mav being twins/cousins/brothers/related

degas and coyote being twins/cousins/brothers/related

aziraphale and crowley being all cushy in s2 that killed me god

muriel, they're adorable as FUCK

pres. sloane choosing to trust hunt because she knows that in a situation such as this, he is the only one she can trust with anything. i love that she refuses to live in the entity's reality.

benji speaking to Paris in French, switching between languages, and directing his own surgery. I love how we see Benji kinda complete his arc and go from a technician to a capable field agent who holds his own and excels at his job and is honestly an equal to Ethan at this point, not in the same departments as Ethan but definitely has shown himself to be so in sync and skilled to and like Ethan.

That scene where Donloe and Tapeesa's cabin is burning down and Donloe is staying behind, despite the approaching flames, despite the smoke, to beep the coordinates, I don't think the theme of sacrifice has slapped me across the face like that before

How kpop demon hunters as a whole movie approaches themes like identity and honesty and freedom and love and first conceptions versus the actual truth and so many other things in such a mature way that is still straightforward. It doesn't feel as washed out as regular kids media of this type, it genuinely feels like it is teaching me life lessons that are deep af.

The cat and the bird in kpop demon hunters they're so cute

Luther being Ethan's no 1 supporter forever and always, he is always looking out for him even beyond the grave, he has a level head about what's gonna happen, he reminds Ethan to not give into his emotions, he always does what's best for the mission but always reminds Ethan he's there for him. Ethan knowing deep down that he has Luther...and then having to come to terms with the fact that now he doesn't.

Halstead being such a dork for Natasha hshs

Kitt '08 being a sarcastic lil shit

Dr. Charles is an amazing character, compassionate, knows how to talk to people, doesn't make you feel like shit even if we tell him concerning stuff yk?

Rhodes honestly can have a complex sometimes, they all do, but I do kinda see where he's coming from a lot of the time. Hes tryna do his best, sometimes he shows off, but ultimately he's a medical professional yk.

The detail of Admiral Neely giving the medallion of the patron saint of travelers (St. Christopher) to Ethan. The names. Look at the names.

THE FACT THAT MCQ VOICED THE ENTITY 😭

The detail that Poseidon is already in mourning for Percy. Like. This guy is 12. Wait no...15. idk.

And the fact that even while they are having a huge effing battle there is still funny commentary

Love and hate how dark Nico is sometimes because darkness is a real thing everyone struggles with and it's fundamentally part of his personality and it's not a bad thing all the time, but it literally destroys him sometimes. Yk.

I love that Percy committed to trying to change the system. He tried to get justice for the other side because even though their methods and ultimate ideology weren't the best he knew where they were coming from and how that festered into what they became. And he did it by working with the gods and making them listen.

Contrasts with how Lane tried to bring about change with the Syndicate. main difference between the pair is that Percy genuinely wanted to make things better while Lane lost the plot a long time ago. Two wrongs don't make a right and Lane doesn't understand that. It's funny to me that a literally 16 (?) year old has better judgement than this guy like atp ur just stupid 😭

I haven't listened to Halestorm's newest tracks but plan to soon

I am excited for Neverest Duality (sadly no shows near me)

6AM releasing the deluxe version of PFTD, so PFTDAB or PFTDB, noice

Many songs on Brat, they just hit and I appreciate that Brat is about being authentically you and owning it all and being vulnerable because that's okay.

I hope Charli xcx is getting enough sleep. And all of the peeps on this list.

Especially one Ethan Matthew Hunt because that man has so many nightmares and we're all aware.

Johnlock raising little Rosie together.

Lowkey liked the gelled look that John had in s3 and s4, made him seem more refined and stuff, kinda like Benji's character development if that makes sense.

Someone asked if butternut crinkly fries was the guy who played Sherlock.

Things I'm not liking

Mark gatiss was in Dr so when the Benthan forehead touch was cut I obviously blamed him (edit: /j)

Spreading my Vipapa agenda with a sketch sheet of him and little Petey

How Mav views Jake vs how Penny views Jake

---

Maverick flopped down on Penny’s bar with a long groan, pillowing his head in his folded arm with a sigh.

“What trouble did you get to this time, mister?” Penny asked, setting down the man’s favorite beer.

“Not me, Hangman, the kid’s a brat, it’s like karma for all the times I fuck around when I was younger,” Mav sighed, taking a long sip from his beer.

“Hangman? Jake? I’m sure he’s not that bad, Mav, he’s a sweetheart,” Penny said, rolling her eyes at the dramatic man. “Don’t compare him to you, Mav, he'd practically be an angel,” Penny said as she started drying a glass with a towel.

Mav burst out laughing, almost hysterically, as he had to put down his beer. He looked back at Penny expecting her to share his amusement, when she simply just raised an unimpressed brow at him.

A sense of dread washed over Mav.

“No, you’re, you’re serious???” Mav exclaimed, forever denying that his voice raised an octave at that.

“Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin? Tall, blond, young man, plays pool, and darts? Yes, I’m serious,” Penny said, putting her hands on her hips. “Come on, Mav, he’s a good kid.”

Mav’s jaw dropped in shock.

—

Earlier that day

“Hey, hey, pops, pops,” Hangman said, jogging to keep up with Mav who was starting his pre-flight checks.

“Yes, Hangman?”

“Do the death spiral with me,” Hangman said grinning wildly.

Mav turned to look at his student/co-instructor/subordinate, “... We’re surrounded by rookies, kid.”

Hangman shrugged, “It’ll show them what we can do.”

“It will set a bad example, they’re still arrogant little shits.”

Hangman pouted, genuinely pouted, dear god were his students getting too comfortable with him, “You and Bradshaw did it.”

“And we broke the hard deck.”

“Since when did you care about that?”

He, unfortunately, had a point. “I’m trying to prevent what’s happening right now, but to this Top Gun class.”

“But it could also be us asserting ourselves as skilled in front of the students, while simultaneously allowing us to practice a maneuver we don’t usually get to do.” Hangman said, nodding resolutely.

“And when are we using the death spiral in a real dogfight?”

“Who knows? But the death spiral isn’t just about practicality, it’s also about getting to know your jet more.”

“Still a no, kid.”

“But you and Bradshaw did it! Come on, pops, favoritism ain’t allowed!”

“No.”

For some reason, the kid managed to get him to do a spiral with him anyways. Little shit knows how to push a man.

At least the rookies were too intimidated to even think about copying them.

Hopefully.

—

“Hey pops, I got you something,” Hangman said, giving him a box with a wide grin.

“It’s not a bomb, isn't it?” Mav said tentatively, holding the box in his hands.

“Not today at least,” Hangman said, flashing a grin bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Open it,” he practically whined.

Mav rolled his eyes and sat down on his desk as he gently removed the ribbon on the box and watched as the walls of the box fell down revealing a mug.

Keep on smiling!

That was surprisingly sweet.

“Thanks, kid, a bit corny, but thank you, sweet of you,” Mav said, smiling and thumbing the cheesy font.

“Yeah, it’s for your dentures!” Jake said, smiling toothily.

What.

“Figured you should have a specific mug for it,” Jake said as he looked at his watch for the time. “Gotta go, pops, don’t forget to put it in your bathroom, I’m glad you like it,” Jake said walking towards the door, a hand held up in a wave as he rounded the corner.

Little shit.

“I don’t have dentures!” Mav shouted at the younger man’s retreating back, making the young secretary passing by jump and look at him with severe judgment.

—

"Jake! Come on, you promised to help me do my science project!" Amelia exclaimed as she thundered down the stairs to Hangman.

"Aye, aye, captain, I'm here to help, when you actually decide what your project is going to be," Jake said, crossing his arms.

"I wanna make an info sheet on how fighter jets work, you'd help me, right, Jake?" Amelia asked, pleading with her hands clasped.

"I dunno, what do I get for helpin’ ya?" Jake asked, smirking lightly as he chewed on his toothpick.

"My overwhelming gratitude and the cake mom left for both of us in the fridge?"

"All ya gotta say was the cake, you better not eat all of it while 'm not lookin', missy," Jake said jokingly wagging a finger. 

Amelia rolled her eyes, "Just don't leave the cake unguarded, and you're supposed to be a military sailor."

"Naval aviator," Jake pointedly said. "You know, the aviator who flies the jets you're gonna be makin' a project on?"

“I’ll choose a jet you don’t fly,” Amelia said.

“Yeah? What jet do I not fly?”

“You could do the F-14 tomcat, that’s what I flew back in the day,” Mav interjected. “Hangman definitely doesn’t know how to fly that.”

Amelia gave Mav the stink eye, nose scrunched up, “I gotta do something more recent, Mav, that isn’t cool.”

“Yeah Mav, your jet is ancient,” Jake mocked, giving Mav a smirk.

“That ancient jet managed to shoot down 5th gens.”

“And I shot the last one just in time, with my amazing type of jet.”

“Pretty sure you bent the airframe, kid.”

“Did I?”

“Anyways,” Amelia said interjecting. “I’m not gonna do your plane Mav, you haven’t proved yourself yet.”

“Prove myself!? And Hangman did??” Mav asked in shock. “Yeah, Jake’s cool,” Amelia said, crossing her arms and nodding resolutely.

“And I’m not? I’m an aviator ace,” Mav exclaimed. He didn’t know why he was trying so hard to please his ex’s kid, but to be ranked lower than Hangman? Absolutely not. He didn't school the Dagger Squad on the first day of class for no reason.

“Old. And you broke my mom’s heart,” Amelia said, nodding resolutely before whirling around to Jake. “I changed my mind, let’s do your jet. You know so much about it, it’ll make the project easier.”

“You got it, memorized the thick ass manual, back to back,” Jake boasted. 

“Yeah like any good aviator worth their salt, like me.  I can help, right?” Mav said standing up.

Amelia looked Mav up and down. “I need to decorate it, and you have no taste in design. If you did, it would be 40 years outdated.” Amelia turned back towards Jake, "Can we go to the store to buy some stuff? I need my project to be great, please?"

"Yeah, let's roll, also, aren't you already getting straight As-?"

"Yeah, and I need one more," Amelia said, nodding resolutely.

"Copy that, missy, let’s go," Jake said, slinging an arm around her shoulder to lead Amelia to his truck. 

"Can I drive?"

"Not right now, little miss, your mother will kill me."

"Fine. Do you think we'll have enough money to get those plastic models of the planes?"

Jake shrugged, "If you don't I can buy it for ya, always wanted to make one of those anyways. "

"Nice, you're the best Jake," Amelia said grinning wildly as she leaned towards Jake giving a one armed hug.

"I know, and the old man should know now too," Jake said, smirking back at Mav. "I'm the best in the air and on the ground."

"You little–"

"Watch the house while we're gone, pops!" Jake yelled back as he shut the door.

—-

“And that’s only some of the shit the brat does,” Mav whines at Penny before taking a shot of tequila.

Penny simply gave him an unimpressed eyebrow, “I’m sure it’s not as bad as you say it is, Mav, and even if it is.” Penny shrugged before refilling Mav’s shot. “It’s karma for all the shit you did when you were his age, you should tell Viper about him.”

“That’s a great idea!” Mav said, shooting up from his seat. “Maybe Viper would school some sense into him!” 

Penny simply gave him a mysterious smile, “Sure, Mav, that might happen.”

—-

“What are you talking about, Mav? Jake’s a good kid, not near as much of a hellion as you are,” Viper said.

He hid his gleeful smile behind a sip of his beer as he watched Maverick groan as if he’s in physical pain.

Karma’s a bitch.

Viper mused on whether or not he should pay the boy to make Maverick’s life hell for the duration he’s here. Maybe he will. Young men like him would take food and beer as adequate training.

And even if the boy was perfectly respectful when he met him, he had a certain cheekiness in his words, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Reminiscent of a pilot he trained many years ago.

Plus, the bribery may protect him from the kid’s schemes.

He's too old for another kid, but maybe old enough for another grandson.

—

“Okay, I’m cutting you off, pay your tab and get out now,” Penny said, setting down the bill in front of the severely inebriated man.

“Naahhhhh, I wanna another one–” the man slurred, standing up and suddenly slammed his hands on the bar counter. “ANOTHER ONE.”

Penny crossed her arms and glared resolutely at the man, “No. Pay now.”

The man grumbled and squinted at the bill, swaying unsteadily, “T-This ain’t fucking right, it’s a goddamn joke!” The man angrily shouted leaning forward towards the bar owner. “There’s too many zeroes.”

Penny’s eye twitched and was about to make a retort when a cue stick firmly pushed the man away from the counter. 

“Respect the lady, man, calm down,” A blonde man said, stepping forward, slamming the butt of the cue stick to the ground. “She said you’re done, so pay, and then leave.”

“What’s it to you!? This is between me and that bitch!” The man shouted, darting forward towards Penny.

It ended quickly.

The newcomer barely had to do anything. Or at least he made it seem so seamless. Sidestep, grab the collar, cue stick to the back of the knees, and throw the drunkard away from the counter. 

The drunk fell on his ass, and stumbled forward on all fours trying to get up before stumbling back down again. 

“Y-you asshole!” He slurred as he flopped down on the floor and buried his face in his hands with a groan.

“Sure, buddy, I’m the asshole in this situation,” the newcomer said, rolling his eyes before resting the cue stick on his shoulder.

Newcomer turned towards Penny, giving her a small, shy, smile, unlike the confident man who just assisted her, “You doing alright, ma’am?”

“Doing good, thanks, kid, but I could have handled it myself,” Penny said, smiling warmly.

“I know,” the kid said in a matter-of-fact tone. “But if I could help, why shouldn’t I?” The kid said shrugging.

Penny gave a small laugh, “You seem new in town, what’s your name? Your tab is free today for all the trouble you just had to go through.”

“Jake Seresin, ma’am, at your service,” Seresin said, giving her a two-fingered salute.

“Penny Benjamin, welcome to my bar,” Penny said, extending a hand for him to shake.

“May I offer one suggestion ma’am?” Seresin said after a moment. Penny nodded in consent and Seresin offered her another grin. “Don’t cancel my tab, just charge it to this guy, he was an ass anyways,” Seresin said, jabbing a thumb towards the still groaning man who was acting like a dying fish on her floor.

Fish. Boats. Overboard.

“Good idea, EVERYBODY, A ROUND ON HIM!” Penny, exclaimed at the whole bar.