Chapter 71

Been a minute since I updated. I apologize for that! As I write this update, we still haven't had any confirmation of season 7. I'm fairly confident it is gonna happen based off what I've observed. Paramount Plus does have a winter event in January. They could just be waiting to announce then as they have in the past. Keep up the campaign for renewal though so they know how much we love SEAL Team! Anyways, enjoy a long-awaited new chapter to this story! Happy Holidays to all as well!

Jason was outside waiting anxiously for the helo to arrive. He wasn't going to rest easy until Mandy was back in his arms. The last few days had been a test to his heart with how many times it was racing and worrying about Mandy.

"I say as soon as our spook lands, we whisk her off onto a plane home before she gets into any more trouble," Sonny joked.

"I'll help," Full Metal chimed in.

"Boss, what do you think?" Trent asked smiling.

"I'm not against the idea," Jason agreed.

"Mandy would have your ass if you did anything like that," Ray rolled his eyes.

"Risk I'm willing to take," Jason shrugged.

Before anyone could say anything, helos could be heard approaching from the distance. Everyone turned and stood up straight to watch as they got closer. Even though they all knew that everyone was okay, they still held their breaths as the helos descended and people started unloading.

Troy, Blackburn, and Lisa all walked towards the group and were greeted with hugs and smiles. Jason nodded his head towards them as he looked behind them. Mandy was walking towards the group, but Jason could see the adrenaline high was wearing off. Jason met Mandy halfway before taking her in his arms and holding her. Mandy's arms came up around Jason's neck and they both buried their faces in each other's shoulders. Both let out a relieved breath being together again.

"Up for company?" Jason murmured as they pulled away from each other and framed her face with his hands.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just really want to go home," Mandy said as Jason leaned down to give her a quick kiss and then led her to the welcoming party.

"Are you done getting in trouble?" Brock joked as he hugged her.

"Very rich coming from you guys," Mandy smiled back.

"About time we get back home. Next time we're not waiting for you," Sonny laughed.

"I'm gonna remember that the next time you need your ass saved," Mandy arched an eyebrow. "Looks like my debrief is waiting for me," Mandy sighed.

Mandy didn't let go of Jason as she made her way towards her Dad who was trying to stay in boss mode. Once they reached Jack, Mandy let go of Jason and hugged her Dad. Like before, both let out a breath at her being safe again.

"Debrief and we get the hell out of here," Jack said and nodded for Jason to follow.

"You shot Roman?" Jack asked, surprised.

"Not directly. At least clipped or a ricochet. I didn't have a direct line of sight on him," Mandy answered.

"Let's get an alert out to any kind of medical aide in the area or any possible known associates. He might be looking for some medical help," Jack told Troy.

"He'll probably fix himself up if anything. Seen him do it plenty of times," Mandy added. "Are we done? I'd like to go home."

Jack looked past Mandy to Jason. They gave each other a look. Mandy was tired and the adrenaline was fading. Jack and Jason thought they'd have to argue with her to leave having Roman so close to being caught.

"You can stop the silent conversation," Mandy said amusedly. "Look, I want to get him but we gotta play it smart. I also know that in the past few days I've barely slept or eaten. I'd really like to go home and curl up in bed and pretend all is right in the world for a little bit."

"Everyone back home is anxious to get you back and see you in person," Jack said coming around the table to Mandy as she got up. "I love you," he said softly as he hugged her again.

"Love you too," Mandy replied as he left her alone with Jason. "I'm a little surprised you didn't kidnap me and whisk me away," Mandy tilted her head with a smile.

"Sonny suggested we do that actually," Jason smiled.

Mandy stepped forward to grab Jason's shirt and bring him in for a long searing kiss. She'd thought for a moment she wouldn't be able to do this again while out in the field. Both pulled back to take a breath but kept their foreheads pressed against each other.

"I was scared," Mandy breathed out with tears in her eyes.

"So was I," Jason admitted, causing Mandy to look at him. "But we're here now and we have each other."

They kissed one more time before leaving the room to gather their things and head back home.

Mandy sat down at a spot on the plane with a heavy sigh. She shoved her bag underneath the bench and then leaned back against the plane's wall, closing her eyes. Moments of escaping recently as well as being shot all those years ago flashed by.

"Hey," Jason said softly as he sat down next to her and caused her to startle.

"I'm-," Mandy began. "I don't know what I am honestly," Mandy admitted as she leaned forward.

Jason rubbed her back as he scooted closer to give her head a kiss, "I got a surprise for you."

"I think I'm done with surprises for a while," Mandy joked back.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny," Jason replied with a pointed look. "Got you this," Jason said showing her something. "You haven't eaten since we went out."

"Mmmm," Mandy hummed as she took a bite of the strawberry yogurt Jason had gotten her and Jason smiled on in amusement.

"Should we leave you alone with that, Spook," Sonny said sitting across from them.

"Yes, unless you like to watch," Mandy smirked as she took another.

"Got yourself a wild one there, Jace," Sonny raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, I do," Jason laughed. "And I'll be the only one watching," Jason added with a smirk.

"And here I thought you'd join," Mandy replied back with a glint in her eye as she leaned closer to Jason's face.

"Keep it in your pants," Full Metal said walking by.

"Fireworks going off over here," Sonny whistled.

"Who would've ever thought we'd see Bravo one and the spook be all lovey dovey," Ray said coming onto the plane on crutches.

Not far behind, Mandy saw Cerberus being brought on and her heart lurched. Mandy saw he was a little more alert but still sedated so that he could heal.

"Can he lay with me?" Mandy asked Brock.

"Sure," Brock said telling the people helping him to take Cerberus to her.

"Hey buddy," Mandy said petting Cerb's head. "Is he doing well?"

"Yeah, he'll be fine, but I think it's time for him to retire," Brock sighed. "He's served his time."

"Time for him to be a dog," Jason said.

"Is he gonna stay with you?" Mandy asked looking at Brock.

"Not sure, was gonna see if some buddies of mine would take him in," Brock replied.

"He could retire with us. We've got Gunner and Sarge to give him company too," Mandy quickly said. "Right?" Mandy turned to Jason with her charming eyes.

"Like I would say no," Jason smiled.

"Whipped," Trent muttered as Jason threw something at him.

Mandy put her head on Jason's shoulder and closed her eyes for some much-needed rest. Right here, right now, she was okay.

"How's she doing?" Ray asked while watching Mandy sleep against Jason.

"Hanging in there," Jason sighed. "Roman got close. She shot at him and may have injured him."

"Damn, she's got a good shot," Ray said impressed. "Might have to take her on the range and see just how good she is."

"Oh, she's good," Jason smirked proudly.

"You know, I've nearly lost her one too many times," Jack said sitting down next to Clay and watching Mandy too. "This time was different though. She has always been a fighter, but it was different this time around."

"Why would this time be different?" Sonny asked confused.

"I know my daughter. When she has someone in her crosshairs, she goes at it until the target is acquired. She's got cowboy in her. This time though, she held herself back for you."

"Me," Jason said.

"She didn't want to leave you or the kids. You've given her a family to come home to," Jack replied.

"You're her family," Jason said.

"Yes, but you're different," Jack shrugged. "She loves you and you love her. You understand on a level most of us never will. That darkness that lives inside her, it lives inside you too. So, thank you for giving her another reason to come home."

"She's it for me," Jason said grabbing Mandy's hand from her lap.

"Good," Jack replied. "Remember, do her wrong and they won't find your body."

"Is he serious?" Sonny chuckled nervously.

"Oh yes he is, cuz I'll help him," Troy smiled walking by.

"Jace sure knows how to pick them," Sonny laughed.

"Well, I don't plan on hurting her so I should be good," Jason said leaning back to get some sleep.

The plane was just under an hour before landing. Jason woke up to a tap on his shoulder from Trent, letting him know they were almost home. He rubbed his face and looked at Mandy still asleep. Mandy had curled up on the seat next to him with her head in his lap earlier. Jason started rubbing her arm and talking to her softly. He laid a kiss on her head as he brushed her hair out of the way.

Mandy stirred from her slumber and turned her head around to bury her head into Jason's stomach. Jason chuckled watching her resist waking up. Mandy was never the morning person, and it took her a while to get out of bed. She claimed she was too comfortable and didn't have coffee. Jason would smile and kiss her on the way out of the room to make coffee at home.

"Come on, up, up," Jason said as he lifted her up to a sitting position. "There's a welcoming party waiting for you," he added as Mandy hummed back at him and stretched.

Mandy finally got up from where she was sitting and stretched her body out. Jason watched as she did some light yoga. She had the attention of everyone on the plane as she stretched. Jason knew from experience; Mandy was very flexible. Jason smirked as he looked over at the spooks watching her. They all quickly looked away once Jason made eye contact with him.

"Everyone enjoying the show," Mandy asked as she turned back to Jason with a little fire in her eyes.

"Well, they don't get the full version like I do," Jason flirted back.

"And they never will," Mandy replied seriously as she sat back down next to him and grabbed his hand. She turned towards Cerb to check on him. "He do okay during the flight? Can't believe I slept the whole time."

"I'd say you deserved some rest," Jason said watching Mandy adoringly with Cerb. "He rested too."

"And what about you?" Mandy asked as she turned to look over Jason.

"I got some shut eye too," Jason assured her as Mandy nodded her head back.

Before they knew it, the plane landed, and the ramp opened to reveal the sun shining on Virginia Beach. Everyone grabbed their things to walk off the plane. Mandy waited as they loaded Cerberus and walked down the ramp holding one of his paws. Jason stayed close to her side with a hand lightly on her back.

"Mandy!" Mikey called out.

"Dad!" Emma yelled on seeing him.

Jason and Mandy turned towards Emma and Mikey just in time to see them rushing over to them. Mikey hugged Mandy while Emma was in Jason's arms. Mikey let go and went to Jason as Emma came to stand in front of Mandy.

"Emma?" Mandy asked unsure by Emma's expression.

"You can't ever do that again to us," Emma said with tears in her eyes.

"Oh Emma," Mandy sighed as she pulled the girl in for a hug. "I'm okay."

Jason brought an arm around Mandy as the four continued their reunion with each other. Over the kids' heads, Mandy saw her Mom standing off to the side.

"Mom," Mandy called out as the kids untangled themselves from her.

"Mandy, honey," Susan breathed out as she cried tears of joy that her daughter was alive and in her arms. "Welcome home," she said as she looked over Mandy.

"Thanks," Mandy smiled as she was in someone's arms again.

"Thank you," Naima said hugging Mandy tightly.

"Nothing to thank me for," Mandy shrugged.

"I'm glad you were with him," Naima said. "And thank you for bringing them both home," Naima said hugging Jason.

"No one left behind," Jason said as Naima walked back over to Ray. "Let's go home," Jason said as he grabbed Mandy's hand and squeezed it.