Pete treasures any time he and Tom have together. They have to be careful, never overly friendly in a way two men shouldn't be. It's a rare delight to get Tom on his own, which is why he's so irritated when Tom puts down the phone and tells him that Slider is coming over.
An hour later, Pete feels like the biggest asshole alive when Ron walks in with red rimmed eyes and the look of a man who's trying desperately not to show he cares about anything.
Pete heads to get a six pack of beer from Tom's fridge as the other pilot tugs Slider down onto the couch. Pete can't complain when he walks back to find Slider's arm around Tom's shoulders, even when he's relegated to the opposite end of the couch.
The RIO doesn't look like Slider, he looks like Ron Kerner, from Tom's photos years ago, young and still growing into his bulk.
The best snacks he could find are slightly stale Oreos, he appreciates Ron's generosity when the man punts one off of his chest. Even if he hands one to Tom immediately after, no throwing required.
He knows little about Slider's girlfriend, well, now ex. Despite his plans for the night, he won't deny the man the comfort of his best friend. He only half listens in as the other two talk, until something catches his attention.
"You know, I never understood why she dislikes you so much."
Tom rolls his eyes and motions to himself, as if the answer is obvious.
Perhaps the mighty Maverick is more ignorant than he'd willingly admit, it never once crossed his mind that the friendship between Iceman and Slider could compare to that of Maverick and Goose. He loved Nick like family, he assumed that the dynamic between the other pair couldn't compare.
The look on Ron's face, disbelief and the chiding in his tone is that of someone who loves deeply.
"I have met you, and that's exactly why I don't understand her dislike for you."
Tom huffs, Ron meets Pete's eyes over the blonde's head and they share a look that can only be described as endeared loathing. For all Slider's a dick, Mav likes him because they see Ice exactly the same way.
He also finds out, several beers later, that Ron Kerner is fucking hilarious.
"If I was gonna go queer for anyone, it'd be Swayze. Sorry, Tommy, I love you, man. But Swayze's ass? You can't compete."
"He's got nothing on Pacino."
"Of course, you like Pacino. He's short with dark hair."
"Sorry, Mav, but I'm right. Who's your dream man, Ice not included?"
"The Boss? I'd fuck The Boss."
"Who wouldn't fuck The Boss?"
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