Bob had had to go home to feed Eirwen, who was practically starving. He set up a bowl that would automatically refill so he could continue to work. He was sore. His muscles ached and he had a slight headache. But he could manage for now. He always was able to.
Laying down in his sleeping bag, Bob looked up at the hanger ceiling, mulling over what they had learned that day. He let out a soft sign, shifting over to his side. It was only 2203, but most everyone was dead tired.
Hangman was snoring softly to his left, and Rooster was on his right. Fanboy was quietly scrolling through his phone; Payback was asleep, and Phoenix was asleep. Maverick was in the bathroom. Bob closed his eyes. He couldn't sleep. Not now anyway. There was too much on his mind to sleep. He needed something to distract him.
Slipping out of his sleeping bag, Bob treaded carefully towards the front of the hanger, and through the doors. Gaining a few curious glances from Rooster and Fanboy. He entered a hallway with grey painted walls and turned left. From there, he walked right, out the building. There was a fence around twenty feet in front of him, separating the hangers from the rest of NAS.
The air was cool and calm. Here, there weren't many city lights, so the sky was bright. Bob leaned against a wall and slid down, hands on his knees. A small chill spread over him, and he wrapped himself in a hug. He let out another sigh, squeezing his eyes shut. Bob didn't do too well in tight places, not that the hanger was tight. But, his mind was tight. Too full of warnings, knowledge…He just needed a small break. A breather.
He wasn't sure how long he was out there, but Maverick eventually came through the doors. He didn't say anything, only sat down right beside Bob, and gazed up at the sky. Maverick wrapped an arm around Bob's curled up from, side hugging him.
"Talk to me, Bob." He whispered softly.
Bob considered the question before answering. "I'm just feeling a little stressed." He finally admitted, "nervous about making a mistake, nervous that one of us will have to eject…nervous that one of us won't make it home."
Maverick nodded, silent and listening. "I understand what you mean, kiddo. I always had the same problem. Especially after I found Goose. He was a great WSO, amazing man, really funny. Rooster gets that from him. I saw him as a brother. After he died, I beat myself up for years, because I thought it was my fault. Penny helped me." Maverick paused, glancing at Bob. "To be honest, I was nervous about you guys going on the last mission. You reminded me so much of my own group, that if I lost anyone of you, I was afraid I'd…well never forgive myself."
They succumbed to silence once again, each man in his own thoughts. Bob dropped his head on Maverick's shoulder. "Thanks, Mav." He whispered, "Thanks for always being there."
Maverick rubbed Bob's shoulder, "Of course, Bob." He answered, a smile on his face. Bob soon went to sleep, and Maverick sat there for a while longer. Normally, Robert was a very light sleeper, but when Maverick went to pick him up, he didn't even move. Poor kid was exhausted.
Carrying him back in the hanger, Maverick found that Rooster and Fanboy were still up. Rooster frowned, sitting up a little higher and alert, "What happened to him?" he asked.
Maverick shook his head, "Nothing, just tired." He answered, setting Bob carefully back in his sleeping bag. Rooster visually relaxed, as did Fanboy who'd placed down his phone and was in the process of seeing Bob.
"How 'bout you boys try and get some sleep. It's going to be a long week." Maverick suggested.
Rooster nodded and slipped further into his sleeping bag. Fanboy plugged in his phone and closed his eyes. Maverick turned off the light, sliding into his bag, and closed his eyes. "Night boys." He murmured.
"Night, Mav," he heard Fanboy answer. Rooster answered with a soft snore. Maverick smiled softly and went to sleep.