#Goose and Mav are a package

[nyree2712]

Top Gun - Incorrect Quotes 196

Iceman: Why are you following me?

Maverick: We’re dating now!

Iceman: Yeah, but… why is Goose here?

Maverick: We’re kind of a package deal

Goose: *Eating chips* Buy one idiot, get one free

[pollyna]

au in which on the day of his 40th birthday, Bradley receives two presents for Mav. One of them is an actual present, wrapped and with a note. The other one is made of two tickets for the Padre's game and a hat that Bradley knows he spent so much time searching without finding.

Mav says, "To- your dad. He hoped but- he knew. So he did what Tom Kazansky used to do, and he prepared for this too. Happy birthday, Baby Goose. " he smiles, watery eyes, and that way he tilt his head that, in Bradley's mind, will forever be linked to Mav searching for Ice in every room.

The package is small and he knows whater is inside it's going break his heart just a little more.

[naturesfirstgreenisgold]

Winter/ Christmas TGM + TG head cannons

Dagger Squad has Christmas at Icemavs

When goose and Carole was alive Mav had Christmas there

Dagger squad did secret Santa

Hangman got Bob at baby on board sticker for car

Bob got Hangman a cowboy hat with H_ngm_n burned into it.

Hangman felt bad for Baby on board sticker after that

Phoenix got Rooster a “Greatest of the 50s” vinyl

Roo got Phoenix Taylor Swift Midnights vinyl

Javy got Mickey a Star Trek Funko set

Mickey got Javy a coyote plushy

Pete got Rueben a f-18 model

Rueben got Pete a patch for his jacket

Ice got Mav a new beaded chain to pit his ring on

Mav got Ice a yeti that said “I live with Maverick so you can deal with him” to put on his desk

Hangman got Rooster a stuffed Texas to take with him when he’s deployed to remind him of him (to annoy Jake sometimes when Bradley isn’t getting what he wants he calls him Texas)

Rooster got Hangman a stuffed rooster for the same reason

Christmas movies

Pajamas

Ginger beard house comps

Ugly Christmas sweaters

Rooster trades his Hawaiian shirts in for flannels when it gets cold

One time, Bob took them up to his parents house in Wisconsin for Christmas because most of them hadn’t seen snow

Sleeping over a Mav’s and Ices on Christmas Eve

A huge Christmas tree

If anyone is deployed during Christmas Ice will try to get them back for Christmas but if he can’t they will either put off Christmas until they get back if it isn’t long but if they just got deployed they make them a care package with their presents

Baking

Jake will pull Bradley away and give him a promise ring and chain to put it on.

Singing competitions

Stockings (like all 15 of them)

Everyone surprising Ice and Mav with a dog they named Red Barron (he’s a white lab)

Going to look at Christmas lights in roosters bronco (they were very very cramped in there)

Tons of mistletoe

[oncasette]

mav, i KNOW i just reblogged your rooster fic but i just need to share this thought with you. rooster and reader recreating dirty dancing’s “love is strange” scene and getting interrupted by maverick or something 😶‍🌫️

this thought will never leave my brain now

— your goose <3

GOOSE you have never been more right. ever. here’s more husband! rooster because i’m a simp. this is not read over because we die like men here.

this happens when you’ve first moved into your new place and your living room is completely empty because maverick is still on the way with the moving truck. the only things occupying the space are what you could fit in the trunk and backseat of bradley’s mom-car, i mean, mini-van.

you’re in the kitchen unpacking the single box of utensils you’d snagged from the moving truck—because bradley hadn’t even had a trickle of a thought of what you’d use to eat for the day it’d take you to get everything to your place and the inevitable month it took you to actually unbox everything—when you hear the distinct opening notes of “love is strange” emanating from the living room behind you. you can still hear bradley fiddling with something, so you vaguely assume he’s turned on the tv or his spotify or something.

and it’s quiet. for a while. just the delicate buzz of Mickey & Sylvia.

that is, at least, until you feel him plant his palms on your hips and spin you around.

“dance with me, baby,” he hums, digging his face into your neck to leave open-mouthed kisses there.

“we gotta unpack,” you say. you don’t mean to shove him, necessarily, but you definitely smack at his hands a little.

he gives you one of those whiny groans he always uses to try and make you feel guilty—they don’t work, by the way—as he meanders away only to slump down onto the floor at the edge of the open kitchen area.

he knows the lyrics. he knows them all, like he should since you make him watch dirty dancing at least once a month.

“sylvia,” he calls out from his spot on the floor.

god, he’s gonna force you to get on all fours and crawl to him, isn’t he? live out your dirty dancing daydreams.

“yes, mickey?”

this should not make you as hot and bothered as it does. as sexy as patrick swayze was, ten year old you swore no man would ever compare in this position. and here bradley was. making you out to be a liar.

“how do you call your lover boy?” it’s the sweats, you decide. and the messy bed-head.

“c’mere lover boy,” you whisper sing. you’re close enough to touch now, on your knees. you’ve jumped the gun, you know, baby doesn’t let johnny in this close for another line or two but bradley just looks so good.

“and if he doesn’t answer?” he’s adjusted to his knees as well, now, eye-level with you as he continues his little movie moment.

“oh, lover boy.”

foreheads touching, hands barely brushing against each other’s waists.

“and if he still doesn’t answer!”

“i simply say-“

the door decides it wants to open, in that moment, to reveal an entirely too pleased maverick with a large package at his feet and his phone being pulled out of his pocket.

“you know, for blackmail,” he says as he snaps a compromising picture or two to save for later.

tags— @zeldaknight @ridestomars

[aestheticsuwu]

🇺🇸💋•Tell Me I’m Your National Anthem•💋🇺🇸

Tom ‘Ice’ Kazansky x Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell

Inspired by the MV of Lana Del Rey ; National Anthem .

President x sugar baby/Husband Au

(Click moodboard for better quality )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•💋🇺🇸💋•~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pete wasn’t accustomed to this life style . Five star hotels, where the silk sheets felt like melted butter against his skin or the mattress that were soft like a big marshmallow, An apartment in his name that was big enough to place all the shoe box places he lived in.

Fancy restaurants that were filled with important people wearing their suits and tie with their wife’s hanging off their shoulder clutching their pearls. Food that were mouth watering and to die for—Tom loves to disagree with a hungry look in his icy blue eyes.

A black card , that felt heavy against his hand but slipped easily between his fingers.

One time he had a fight with Tom. Pete went in a rampage and tried to empty the card . Bought Hawaiian shirts and new boots for Nick , beautiful dresses that would look divine on Carole and shoes that the lady suggested to buy, shit ton of toys for his baby goose . Pete didn’t make a dent.

Goose and Carole accepted the gifts after many hours of pleading—Maverick didn’t usually beg—-only when it involves a certain tall blonde president .

He understands why Goose and Carole were wary of his relationship . They were afraid for him to get hurt, used and heartbroken. The first few months , he was kept a secret , couldn’t be caught together, it would’ve been smudged ink for the president personal life in the public eye.

Pete Mitchell didn’t fit in that society.

But the warm big hand behind his neck, squeezing gently, thumb making soothing patterns behind his ear as the man waited for his response , holding out a ring.

“Is this—Are you serious!” Pete couldn’t help but be in disbelief. Even with the ring in his hand, the most beautiful ring he’d seen before ; and probably the most expressive .

Pete has learned Tom goes all out , there’s no such thing as too much. Only the best .

“Always.” Tom nods with grin . He combs his hair back with a hand and continues saying “I wanted to do it formally but you say you don’t like cheesy so—-“

“Please. I want you too.” Maverick is practically vibrating from the excitement and he feels tears prickling in his eyes. He can tell Ice is feeling same by just his smile showing off those perfect pearly whites making him looks so handsome.

He slides off from the bed and gets on his knee , clearing his throat , grabbing the ring and raising to his eye level , he begins.

“Pete Mitchell , will you—-“

“You didn’t make a speech.” Maverick interrupts making Tom give him a look which Pete returned . He was not getting proposed lamely. He seen his best friend propose to Carole.

“I did . But I know you would be impatient and just make me cut to the chase.” Tom said chuckling .

“I won’t . Go on, I want the whole package.” Pete pauses for a second realising in his dirty mind how that sounded but Tom brings him back by tapping his knee.

“Okay. “ Clearing his throat Ice starts . “For a long time I thought being the president was the best thing that had happened to me . But I was proven wrong when I first lay eyes on you “ Tom is again cut off.

“Wait let me stand .” Mav got up , and shuffled forward. Ice waited patiently for him to be ready and began once again .

“The life I had before you is something I don’t want to go back too. You bring life into my world, baby . I know you have suffered by being with me by—

“Wait—sorry I think I should sit down . The emotions might bring my sugar levels down.” Pete did a tiny hop and rushed back to the bed and sat down of the corner .

Tom’s right eye began to twitch but he is still smiling . It was the main reasons he forgo the speech knowing he would get distracted. Pete was glowing and looked beautiful , flashing Tom that big sunshine smile he loves. Pete makes a motion to continue , his whole body bouncing from excitement.

“This relationship hasn’t been easy—“

“Tom—“

Tom surges forward to bite Pete’s inner thigh that the robe didn’t cover since he had lazily thrown on after they were done with their activities . Pete yelps, but chuckles when Tom places a kiss on the same spot.

“What was that for?” Pete tugged Tom back on the bed . Tom wrapped his arm and pulled him close to his chest .

“I knew you were going to get distracted.”

“I’m sorry I’m just excited. “ To prove it , Pete fliped them over. Both of his knees at Toms hips , his hands rested on Tom bare chest and started bouncing making the whole bed move.

“I know baby . “ Tom chuckles fondly , he grabs Pete’s waist to make him still. He looks like an angel with the golden glow coming from the sunlight , the robe falling off his shoulder and tousled hair . It made his breath hitch.

“Ask me again.” Pete whispered feeling overwhelmed with how softly Tom was looking at him . Like he was the most beautiful thing that ever existed on earth .

Tom fingers were shaking , he tighten his grip on Pete’s hip to get them steady.

“Will you, Pete Mitchell , Marry me ?” Tom looked into those glossy emerald eyes that were shining more than diamonds.

“Yes!.” Pete screams making Tom laughs with whole body and his nose scrunches making Pete melt. Tom slides the ring over his finger and pulls him down for a kiss that he enthusiastically reciprocate.

“I don’t want people calling me the First Lady , you got it.” He pulls away breathless from that passionate kiss. He bites his bottom lip , a shiver runs down his spine when blue eyes follow his mouth.

“Whatever you heart desires .” Tom punctuates each word as his hands roam up his thighs , his eyes turning a darker shade of blue .

Pete unties his robe and throws it over his shoulder enjoying how his fiancé hungry eyes roam every inch of his body.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~💋🇺🇸💋~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He has a task on hand , so he doesn’t bother stopping to ask the receptionist or the secretary for permission . He feels their eyes on him as he struts pass them . In the large office , he takes a deep breath as he steps in.

His eyes wander all over the room , from the shelves full of books , to the large desk and the pristine shiny floor. It had Kazansky written all over it . Just like him. Maverick chuckles at that.

He is a man on a mission.

He rounds the table , finger running along the surface not picking up a single dust or lint. Pete drop himself to the chair and sighs when the secretary walks in with a prissy look and clenched hands over the hem of her skirt.

Broke her own record , it only took her a minute .

“Mr,Kazansky is not—“

“I know. I’m here for my own reasons. Deadly serious.” Pete doesn’t bother letting her finish. She was ruining his mood.

“I would prefer if we both step out Mr. Mitchell and I will help you in anything you need .” She said through gritted teeth . Mrs. stickupherass has always had it out for him. She look one look at him and decided he was her biggest enemy.

He tried to get along with her. He was polite at the begining but when that didn’t work , he played along with her game . If she was going to sneer at him with her eyes well Maverick is going to return that bitchiness towards her back. Maverick knew why she hates him, she envies him.

Margaret is in love with Tom. Maverick knew Tom never gave her reasons to or never got involved with his secretary . He trusted him. He felt pity for her. And if she wasn’t a constant thorn on his side that tries every opportunity to ruin him , he wouldn’t flaunt his relationship.

He promptly ignores her and continues what he came for. He grabs the picture frame, tosses the picture that occupied it over his shoulder and placed it with his own .

Maverick whistles . God really took his time with him. The woman bristled beside him.

“It’s Mr. Soon-to-be Kazansky .”Maverick turns .

Pete grins as her face falls when he raises his hand and wiggles his finger , right on his finger rested the most gorgeous stone .

“We should really get along. It would break me if the President fires his hard working secretary .”Pete in another life would’ve been a good actor. He face morphs into fake concern .He was lying , Maverick is going to ask Tom to fire her tonight.

“Do you mind?” Pete points to her pocket square but doesn’t wait for her response. He cleans the glass and holds it out proudly and shows it to her .

He pushes everything slightly back and place the frame in dead center .

“Well I got to go. I have to get ready , My fiancé is taking me somewhere nice .” Maverick leaves but not without watching the woman fume in anger . His laugh only worsen her mood

Sidenote : I didn’t know if i wanted Maverick to be a naval aviator or not. So I kept in the call sign either way. I also kind of wanted a different part where someone tries to ruin Maverick and Ice relationship. I watch too much telenovelas.

@littleroosteruwu is my IceMav account but i will be posting my moodboards here until further notice. If anyone decides to write a fic inspired by this tag me y’all , I can’t write for shit !

[lgg5989]

MavDad: Letters From Home

A/N: Here is some more MavDad, as always please leave ideas for more chapters in the comments! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😁

1. He Knew | 2. Superhero | 3. Career Day | 4. Little League | 5. Father's Day | 6. Home, Sweet Home 

Also on Ao3!

PS - this is a longer read, 1900 words. It got away from me!

----

Mav quickly made his way to the ship’s mail room. Today was a pickup day and he was sending a letter to Brad and Carole. While he did get the opportunity to make phone calls from time to time, mail was a more reliable means of communication for them. 

He missed his family, and had read the last letters from them so many times over he almost had them memorized by now. 

Maverick,

We hope that you are staying safe, after that scare a few months ago, we have been a bit more worried as of late. Brad is doing well in school, and baseball. He wants to sign up for a travel team over the summer, don’t worry I will be sure to send you lots of pictures from his games. He knows that you would be there if you could. 

Don’t worry about me, I’m doing okay. I have made friends with a few mom’s from Brad’s baseball team. We have hired a babysitter together and are getting some drinks next week. Its been nice having other people to talk to, its usually a bit more lonely when you aren’t home with us. I included a few pictures for you and a letter from Brad. The first one is Brad’s school pictures, doesn’t he look so handsome? I swear he looks more and more like Goose every day. When you get home you will have to show him how to shave, The second picture is of him and I at Goose’s grave. We miss your stories at our visits but I’ve managed to tell a few that Brad didn’t know yet. 

How are you? Is there anything you need us to send you? A care package perhaps? 

Stay safe out there and remember, we love you. 

Love, 

Carole 

Brad’s letter was included inside the envelope too. 

Uncle Mav, 

I am glad that you are staying safe on your missions, I am always a little worried about you. Mom and I are doing well, I am holding down the fort here at home. Mom is going to sign me up for travel baseball this summer so by the time you get home I might be even better than you! Winning isn’t as much fun when you aren’t home to take us out to ice cream. When you are home we will have to celebrate the ones you have missed. 

I am doing good in school and I made the honor roll last semester. My friend Jake taught me how to ride a skateboard. I have to show you all the cool tricks I can do now when you come home. Mom has been making me wear a helmet all the time when I am on it after I came home one night with a scraped up knee and a bruise on my elbow. 

Mom and I went to visit dad at the cemetery last week. I hate going without you, your stories always make it a little less sad. Dad sounds like he was a lot of fun. Mom told me about how he used to play the piano, even in the middle of a crowded restaurant or bar, and he would sing at the top of his lungs. And that she always used to be so embarrassed by him, but eventually he made her have some fun. I feel like I remember that, but all the memories of him are kinda fuzzy. Maybe I can learn the piano too? 

Mom has been rather sad recently. I think she is missing you and dad. I hope the Navy lets you come home soon. Do you know how much longer it will be? Have you gone on any cool missions? Who is your wingman now? 

Love, 

Bradley

Mav smiled to himself, he wanted to make sure he got his letter off in time. This one was important because it was Brad’s birthday coming up and he wanted to make sure it arrived with time to spare. 

He put it in two envelopes and wrote DO NOT OPEN TIL June 24th on the outside of the first envelope before addressing the second. Even though he wouldn’t be home for Brad’s birthday, he wanted it to be special. 

Carole, 

I promise that I am doing well. I have been staying safe and patrol has not given us any issues as of late. Please don’t worry too much about me, I’m sure you have other things you need to be focused on. 

I miss you guys too. I am thinking of trying to apply to a state side position for this next deployment. That way I can be home more and perhaps a little safer. I can’t wait to come home. It sounds like I have a few months left at the very least so it will be a while still. 

I’m sorry that I am not there to come with you to see Goose, leave a beer from me the next time you go yeah? 

I have been decorating my quarters with the pictures you sent me. I’m sure every man on the ship knows not to open my locker on the off chance that one of the several photos taped up falls out. 

I will never say no to a care package, maybe a small one to fly under the radar? I would love some of those cookies that you and Brad made for me the last time I was gone. They might be stale by the time they get here but they are still damn good compared to anything else on this ship. 

Don’t let Bradley open his letter until his birthday. I included a special gift for him! Staying safe.

Love, 

Maverick

Brad’s letter was tucked into the second envelope and had a slight bulge to it from the different items he had tucked inside. 

Bradley, 

Happy birthday bud! I hope you are having an amazing day. I’m sorry that I cannot be there to celebrate with you again. I will try to get permission to make a phone call out to you today. If I can’t then know I am thinking of you and that I love you and I hope you have the best 13th birthday. 

I am doing my best to stay safe for you. You’ll also be happy to hear that I have avoided making anyone too mad at me the last few months. Hopefully I can push for a state-side position when I come home so that I don’t have to be away from you and your mom any more. 

I included a few birthday presents for you. The first and most important item in here are your dad’s dog tags. I’ve been keeping them safe for you and now that you’re old enough its time I hand them over. You know I don’t believe in luck, but those tags are lucky. They have saved my butt a few times and I hope they do the same for you. The second item is a challenge coin I picked up off an Admiral. Keep this one for the future, it’ll come in handy, just trust me. Lastly, there is a picture for you. It’s one of your dad and I after we had been told we were going to Top Gun. Your mom tells me that you are looking more and more like him every day. I wish I was there to see it.  

I’m glad that you are riding your skateboard in style! Safety first as you always tell me. I’m so proud of you for making the honor roll, we will have to celebrate when I come home. Make sure your mom sends me lots of pictures of your baseball games. I know it sucks that I can’t be there, remember that I am always with you. And don’t think, just do.

It is hard for your mom to be alone. I hope to be home in a few more months, probably in time for the holidays. I haven’t been on any missions recently, just patrols. Right now my wingman is Warlock, he has been doing a good job of watching my back. 

I hope to see you soon bud, I love you. 

Love, 

Uncle Mav

Mav finally made it to the mail room, a smile on his face, he didn’t miss the outgoing batch of mail. 

“Got something to send Maverick?” Brody, the ship's mail attendant, asked. 

“Yes sir,” Mav replied proudly, “got a letter for my son’s birthday.”

“Something special then!” he smiled at him before taking the letter, “let me put some extra postage on there for you to make sure it makes it in time.” 

“I would appreciate that, I’m sending it a little early to make sure it gets there,” Mav informed him. 

“You can’t be too careful!” Brody shot back with a smirk, “the postal service is not what it used to be.”

“Yes sir, thank you for your help,” Mav said as he turned to head back to his bunk.

As he laid there, trying to fall asleep before patrol, he smiled, knowing that his letter would be there for Bradley to open on his birthday. 

—-

Brad had been waiting by the door for the last three days watching for the mailman. 

“Honey, dinner is almost done!” Carole called to him through the house. 

“Just a second mom, he is coming down the street now!” Brad shouted back as he raced out of the house to meet their mailman at the box. 

“Good afternoon Mr. Bradshaw, I believe I have something for you today,” the older man said with a smile, presenting him with a beaten up looking envelope addressed to Bradley and Carole Bradshaw. 

“YES!” He shouted as he grabbed the letter quickly, a loud, “THANK YOU,” sent over his shoulder as he raced back in the house to his mom. 

“Mom, MOM, its here!” he yelled as he made it into the kitchen, a huge smile on his face. 

“I’m guessing you want to open it before dinner, huh?” Carole questioned, with a sly smile on her face. 

“OF course I do!” Brad exclaimed. 

Carole laughed at his excitement, “alright honey, let’s open it up then!” 

As they tore into the first envelope, Carole was confused, why were there two? When she saw the writing on the outside of the second she started laughing, “I guess your Uncle Mav sent this on the just right day, didn’t he?” 

The letter had made it just in time, on Bradley’s birthday. 

As Bradley tore into the envelope, the phone rang. He looked at his mom before running over to pick it up. 

“Hello? Bradshaw residence!” Bradley stated proudly. 

“Is this a Mr. Bradley Bradshaw?” Mav asked, laughing at how grown up Brad sounded. 

“Uncle Mav!” Brad shouted, “We just got your letter!” 

“I must have sent it at the right time then,” Mav replied with a smile, “happy birthday bud,” his voice cutting out towards the end. 

“Thanks dad, I love you,” Bradley said with a smile. 

“I love you too Bradley,” Mav got out before the phone lost signal. 

Brad hung up with a smile.

“Did he lose signal?” Carole asked him. 

Brad huffed out a sigh, “Yeah, he got to tell me happy birthday though.”

“I’m sure he would have spoken longer if he could,” Carole said comfortingly. 

“I know…let's open our letters, I want to eat some cake!” Brad said, smiling at her. 

It was the best birthday Brad had while Mav had been deployed, and thankfully, the last one without his Uncle Mav. 

[lannisterdaddyissues]

Goose, to Carole before they start dating: Mav and I come in a buy–one–get–one–free–package deal.

FUCK YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blazingstar29]

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane - Chapter 4

Chapters: 1/2/3

Pairing: Iceman/Maverick

Summary: The layton mission is a success but Maverick has an unexpected caller.

Warnings: Panic attack, grief

Wordcount: 3.5 K

One week later. 

They did leave Goose’s name on the locker. 

The adhesive masking tape is stuck firmly to the metal reading Lt. Nick Bradshaw “GOOSE”. Maverick gently unsticks it and folds it carefully against the chain of his dog tags before tucking them beneath his shirt. 

“Maverick!” Stinger exclaims rounding the corner of a locker bay. 

“Sir.”

“How does it feel to be on the front page of every English speaking newspaper in the world? Even though the other side denies the incident. Congratulations!”

He forces a smile. The thrill of war doesn’t have the same excitement. “Thank you, Sir.”

“They gave you your choice of duty, son.  Anything, anywhere, do you believe that shit?” It seems Singer doesn’t. “Where do you think you want to go?”

God, so many questions. His head is still spinning, fear and adrenaline mixes. That spin almost wasn’t recoverable. Once is an accident,  twice and they’ll question if he’s fit to fly planes. Stinger blows a plume of smoke at him. 

“I thought of being an instructor, sir. Pay it on and all that.” 

Stinger’s eyes widened incredulously. He’ll never really balance the Maverick who left the Kitty Hawk and the one in front of him. The one thing that changed this boy's head was the greatest price he had to pay, besides losing his wings. Stinger had got word from Viper not only about Goose which was a piece of news he never wants to break again, but knows he will, but of Maverick’s options. It seemed like he was quitting just a week ago. Hell, an hour ago it seemed like Maverick might quit still. 

“Top Gun?”

Maverick smiles bashfully. “Yes, sir.”

“God help us!” Stinger laughs as he leaves Maverick alone.

Later under the cover of dusk, Maverick steals himself away to the flight deck, to the railing at the bow of the ship. He pulls his dog tags from under his shirt and with great reverence unsticks the masking tape. With even pressure Maverick leans low and sticks it against the bow of the ship. It will be gone before morning, but it’s enough for Maverick that it’s there right now. That…that Goose will always be a part of the ship and as much as Maverick hates it, a part of the sea. 

“You would have loved it,” he mutters. “Great balls of fire.”

Iceman passes him in the halls. He looks at Maverick’s windswept hair and the water spray on his browns. “Sneaking around, Mav?”

Maverick gives him a thin lipped smile. “Last I heard this was my ship.”

It brings a sharp, curt laugh from Iceman. Whatever brotherhood they had down on the beach, landing back on the flight deck is gone. Where, Maverick isn’t sure. Please let it come back. 

“They gave you the same choice, where are you heading?”

“Lemoore. It’s where Slider and I first met. Managed to bring him along as a package deal,” Ice smiles. “And you?”  

“Top Gun instructor.” There’s a flash of concern in Ice’s eyes. He underestimates you. “What?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Ice says quickly. “I’m just surprised you’d stay there. I’d have thought you’d want a change of scene.” 

He never trusted you. Of course he wouldn’t. Why would he? Maverick’s mind flashes back to before the mission as they finished the briefing. Iceman had approached Stinger. 

“Excuse me sir.” He had said it with the utmost respect, Slider at his side. He raised his hand as if to emphasise his point. “This is not personal.” Of course it was. “But with regard to Maverick.”

At the sound of his name he froze. Iceman and Slider talking to Stinger, his superior about him.

“Is he the best backup that–”

“I know what’s on your mind Kazansky, just get on with it.” Of course Stinger would know, of course he knew what Ice meant. Hell, he probably agreed. Maverick slipped away before they could catch him watching.

“No, no,” Maverick shakes his head. “I’m good. I’m good.”

— 

They part ways at the hangar. The Navy has given them two weeks leave before it’s business as usual. Now that he’s an instructor, Maverick has off-base housing he needs to collect keys to. The guy at the desk chucks him the keys and a manilla folder with a look of respect. He’s no longer the MiG insulter, he’s the MiG killer. Maverick feels no remorse for shooting down those MiG’s. It was them or us, he thinks. But there’s something about knowing what someone on the other side is going to feel when they find out about the dead pilots. Maverick shakes his head as he gets on to his bike, those people are none of his concern. 

The cruel path of fate that Maverick survived to go on and have two air-to-air kills doesn’t escape him. When he gets to the housing, the first he does ring Carol. Her surprised tone also fails to escape him. 

“Carol? It’s me, Maverick.”

“Mav? Hi! I wasn’t expecting your call, is everything okay?” She doesn’t sound angry at least. Maverick wonders when it will set in, when does the denial turn to anger? 

“I won’t keep you long. But I’ve got a new address, I just wanted to pass it on.”

The conversation dies once she stops scratching the new address down with a pencil and paper. He lets her go, he’s taken enough from her already, he doesn’t need to take her time as well.

Life falls into mundane routine for a few days. With no friends, no family, Maverick spends his days reading the instructor package he was given when he got his housing key and cruising up and down the coast burning through as much fuel as possible. He parks down by the volleyball nets and walks as long as he can trying to find the rocky outcrop where he sat with Ice. Eventually he finds it but the tide is cutting him off from the comfort he seeks through the memory. Iceman was the first to reach out, reach out and say hey, don’t rush it. 

But his flailing routine becomes rocky and cracks start to appear. They start in his mask, in his resolve to put as much life between him and Goose’s death as possible. So Maverick makes changes. He makes his routine so stead-fast there is not a second left in the day to even think about Goose. It works. Everything ran like a well oiled machine. 

The routine fractures on his first day at Top Gun. Viper’s speech is familiar but the students hauntingly so. Immediately he spots the class Maverick and the Iceman. They don’t do the ridiculous staring contest during Viper’s speech but they look each other up and down as they stand to leave the classroom. Maverick wants to scream at them until he’s hoarse that those attitudes will hurt someone. In a bright eyed boy he sees Goose. Guilt brews in his heart when the kid catches Maverick glaring at him.

He returns to his flat with a weary head. The kettle is only just put on when the landline rings. Maverick’s head whips towards it.  Unsure of who may be calling, he picks it up hesitantly. 

“Mitchell speaking.”

“Maverick?” Iceman. “It’s Iceman.”

“How’d you get my number?” Is Maverick’s first question, his voice defensive. Why is Iceman calling? Probably to see if you’ve screwed up already.

There’s shuffling and voices on the other side of the phone. Iceman is ringing from the communal pay phone. “I asked around. People give you things if you’re a MiG killer.”

Maverick hums. “You move onto base today?”

“Yeah. First day as an instructor?”

“Yeah. Just got in.” The conversation halts. What’s he doing? Maverick clears his throat. “How’s Slider?”

“Good, good, yeah. Hold on, I’ll give you this number.”

Maverick writes the number down feeling strangely like Carol. Is this how she felt? Not rejecting Maverick’s call but clueless as to how to respond? They stall again. There’s more laughter in the background. People must be coming through before heading to the mess. There’s a wolf-whistle in the background. He hears Iceman put the receiver against his shoulder but it doesn’t muffle the noise. 

“Ask your girl if she’s got any friends, Kazansky!”

Maverick freezes. But Ice doesn’t say anything and he knows the cold flat stare that the joker is now receiving. When he hears the phone go back to Iceman’s ear Maverick laughs. 

“So you haven’t scared them all yet with your fantastic personality and MiG killer status?” Maverick teases. The conversation came randomly, out of the blue, but this feels normal. 

Ice clears his throat. “That guy’s a real joker, figured that out in five minutes. He’s worse than you.”

“Goose was the funny one.” The words slip out before he can stop them. Shit, why’d you say that?

“Oh that’s right,” Ice says, his voice as smooth as an oil slick. “I should say his personality is as repulsive as yours.”

The weight in Maverick’s chest lifts a smidge but the crushing feeling is still there. He made the routine, he stopped the rumination. It was working. Wake up, eat, go to work, work out, eat, go to sleep. He had the system down but then Ice called. Ice had gone and mucked it up. Things were fine as long as he stuck to schedule. And now he has to reboil the electric kettle, shovel food in his mouth and figure out how to sleep with a brick on his heart. 

“Maverick?” But all he can hear is the rustle of air.

The receiver swings gently by its cord, occasionally knocking against the wall. Next to it, Maverick twists his fingers in the fabric over his heart, waiting for muscle memory to remind him how to breathe.

—

They want Maverick to talk today, about MiG’s. He shifts uncomfortably in Viper’s office. Jester as always leaning in the back corner. 

“What do you want me to tell them?”

“Well you’ve insulted one and shot down two more.” Viper looks at him over the corner of a folder. “These kids know about the aerodynamics of these planes, their specs. What they don’t know is what it’s actually like to fly against them. It’s one thing knowing the book. What you’ve seen is how those pilots fly the damn things.” 

Maverick considers this for a moment. “I think it’s best if we stick to facts. Aerial manoeuvres, nothing about the fact three MiG’s were shot down on that mission. It’s going to fill their heads that people like us are untouchable.” 

“That’s another thing,” Jester clears his throat. “After your class graduated the brass wanted some preventative measures against developing a culture amongst Top Gun pilots. Not only for when they return to their squadrons, but for their own safety.”   

Goose.

“We’ve seen first hand it’s third time a charm when senior officers try to drill it in,” Viper continues. Me. “So they want a young gun to talk about it. We want you to do that.” 

There’s no backing getting out of this, Maverick realises. “Yes, Sir.”

—

“For those that haven’t been paying attention, I’m Lieutenant Pete Mitchell, call sign: Maverick.” 

There’s glimmers of recognition. Maverick and Iceman 2.0 shift in their seats, squaring their chins. 

“The MiG-28 is the best weapon in the hands of the enemy. Luckily for us, we’re learning more about it everyday. What isn’t common knowledge is how the pilots can handle that plane. That’s what I’m going to tell you.”

At the back of the room a smile twitches beneath Viper’s moustache. The next fifteen–twenty minutes slip by as Maverick prattles off various manoeuvres and how the MiG’s have been proven to perform them and the differences between the Tomcat. As he draws to a finish, he catches Viper’s eye. The commanding officer gives him a nod, it’s time to segue. Maverick thinks there’s a glimmer of kindness in Viper’s eyes. Regardless, he uses it to steel his nerves. 

“However,” he says, clearing his throat. “This information is only as useful as your ability to fly.”

There’s confused looks, like every student in the room is saying well, obviously.

“It’s only as useful as your ability to fly and come back home.” His quiet words send a silent ripple through the room. 

“The fact is that you are the best of the best, you’re going to get better. The brass knows it, you know it. That’s why I’m still standing up here talking to you. What comes with that is the urge to preen like peacocks, show off. That attitude leads to mistakes, mistakes that are avoidable. Pushing that position, cutting the guy next to you off just to get ahead of them ends with bodies in coffins.” 

“Sometimes you have to make those decisions. You can’t be afraid of the consequences,” someone, Crack, pipes up from the middle rows. 

Maverick clocks his eyes on the framed photo at the back of the room. Walking slowly, precisely, Maverick walks down the aisle and unhooks the photo. With the same steady pace he returns and places the frame in front of the student. 

He points at himself in the photograph before wordlessly tracing his finger to the figure next to him. Maverick makes sure to lean close to Crack’s face, staring him down.

“Pass that along,” he spits. Returning to his post at the desk, Maverick perches on it. “What Crack is going to hand to you is a photo of my graduating class. He’ll point out myself and the man next to me.”

Maverick keeps his blank gaze fixed on Crack as he hands it to the guy next to him. The frame silently makes its way around the room before a pilot at the front hesitantly hands it up to Maverick. 

“That man beside me is Lieutenant Nick Bradshaw, call sign, Goose. He has a wife named Carol and a son called Bradley. Goose was my RIO at Top Gun. But he didn’t graduate.”

Eyes skitter nervously amongst each other. 

“He didn’t graduate because I killed him. I killed my RIO pushing a position against my competitor. I was too close. I got caught in his jet wash and we were in an unrecoverable spin. Goose died in the ejection because I was certain that position belonged to me.”

Maverick allows the silence to sit uncomfortably in the room. Crack looks firmly at the floor. 

Silence. Stone cold silence. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, out.

In, out 

in out

in in in out

Viper’s voice breaks it. “Gentlemen, you have a hop to take. Get moving.”

Breathe in, breathe out. 

The room empties fast but subdued. Pursing his lips Maverick cautiously meets Vipers eye. 

“That’s probably not what the brass wanted when they said they wanted safety talks.”

“They want the ego shocked out of these kids without losing lives. I think you’ve managed that pretty well.” 

Maverick nods with the reassurance. He swallows the growing lump in his throat and glances back down at the photograph in his hands. Shaking his head, Maverick stands and returns it to its place. 

Jester claps his hand down his shoulder as he leaves the room. “I’ll see you on the flight line.” 

Alone, Viper moves to stand next to him. “You pushed that position, but you didn’t kill him.” 

“I know.”

Liar.

—

Iceman rings again, days after his first call. 

“Mav,” he says. 

Exhausted from the talk he gave the flyers and the multiple consecutive hops, Maverick isn’t in the mood to talk. Especially after how the last call ended. 

“Ice. What’s up?”

“Nothing,” Iceman says quickly. “Nothing, just thought I’d drop a line.”

God, it’s like he doesn’t trust that you won’t fuck up. He’s waiting for it. 

“You’re keeping tabs,” Maveric accuses. 

“No,” Ice says in the way he speaks when he’s choosing his words. “No Maverick, that’s not what I’m doing. I’m trying to…”

“To be what?” Maverick snarks. He’s too tired for this, for Ice to play whatever game. “I’m done in, Kazansky. Todays’ not the day.” 

He hears a quiet sigh, a pregnant pause. “Tell me about it.” 

What could he tell Ice how would he say it? Well, I divulged how my dumb ego got my only friend killed to a class that reminds me so much of us it makes me go insane. 

“Just the students. Cocky. Too much like me.”

Breathe in, breathe out. Muscle memory. In, out. In–

“Stay unemotional, Mav.”

Snake. 

In, out. 

He tightens his grip around the phone. “Like you?”

“No, better.”

Iceman hangs up and Maverick is left with the brick on his heart. He can’t pry his fingers underneath to lift it off so he leaves it there. The evening melts away in a blurr. Pans become dirty and cloying pasta sits heavily in his throat. The brick doesn’t lift. He showers, or at least he thinks he does. There’s water on the tile and his skin is wet but he’s dressed in sleep shorts.

Muscle memory. Breathe in, out, muscle memory. 

He’s got this. Breathe in, breathe out.

Breathe in 

out

in out

in 

in 

in 

lungs bursting to tight too big for his skin choking breathe in in in in 

swollen hands tight skin breathe muscle memory, breathe in breathe in out out in for four hold seven out out in out eigh in four

fingers punching numbers punch punch  

“Yo, who are you after?”

speak normal speak normal 

“Kazansky.”

“Kazansky! Someone’s calling.”

to loud very loud 

breathe in in in in in 

“Speaking.” Iceman, steady. Cool, calm. 

“Tell me – tell me about your day.”

listen he can listen if only Ice speaks

“Please.”

he can’t make out what he’s saying except that it’s Iceman’s voice talking, breathing, breathing just keep breathing in in in in out 

breathe in in in out 

breathe in in out 

breathe in out

Breathe in, breathe out. 

Iceman’s voice in his ear, speaking calmly. 

“-And then our commanding officer grilled him for that. Not surprisingly, though.”

“Ice?”

“Maverick.” 

“I’m sorry, thank you. Bye.” 

This time Maverick hangs up. The brick is on his heart. It’s not crushing this time, it pinches.

—

Iceman dials the number he’s already ingrained into his memory the next morning. When Fetch hollered for him before dinner he was surprised. There weren't many people calling for him these days. 

But the strained voice down the line sent shock waves down his spine. It was Maverick. 

“Tell me – tell me about your day. Please.”

Maverick was grasping at straws, breathlessly teetering on the edge of reality and Ice was four hours away. But he did as asked, he kept talking. He talked until the ragged breathing began to even and he heard Maverick’s voice, rough and weary. 

Something happened but Maverick didn’t give him the opportunity to ask. Almost sounding embarrassed, he hung up with a quick apology and a word of thanks. It left Ice guessing all night as to what happened but he doesn’t have contacts in Miramar, no one to ask. 

At dinner Slider questioned him and Ice shrugged. 

“He wasn’t right. He hung up on me earlier but then he rang me again sounding like he just finished a marathon.”

Plagued with concern, Ice waits until morning to ring again. The line almost rings out when Maverick picks it up at the last minute. 

“Maverick?”

“What?”

“Are you okay?” He can imagine Maverick shuffling, tensing and untensing his jaw.  

“Fine,” he says eventually. 

Is he dressed for work or still in sleep clothes, the early morning sun melting to gold on his skin? Suddenly Iceman wants to be in the room next to Maverick, see the way he leans against the wall, glares at Ice’s every word. 

“Is that it?” Maverick interrupts Ice’s completely out of place thoughts. 

“I was worried,” he says lamely. There’s a pregnant pause as he puts the next few words together. “Something went wrong last night. That much was obvious.”

He knows he’s pushing the limit on how much time either of them has. But Maverick doesn’t hang up straight away which he hopes is a good thing. There’s a sigh in his ear and Fetch walks towards him, opening his mouth but Ice shoots him a frosty glare and he turns around immediately. 

“We’re not friends, Kazansky,” Maverick says in a low voice. “I shouldn’t have called you. This…” He trails off. No, God please don’t say to never call again. “I’m trying to put my life together, Ice. Put as much life as I can between me and Goose. I have a routine and it’s too easy to break it if I keep talking.” 

“I seem to remember you asking me to do just that.”

“We’re not friends,” Maverick repeats. “I don’t know what you’re trying to get at here.” 

Ice scoffs without thinking. “Jesus you’ve really never had friends before have you? This is what people do, Maverick. They look out for people. I thought you got over your ego.” The words drip like venom from his tongue. 

“And I thought you got that stick out of your ass but I think I’d still see it in your throat if I could see you!” Maverick shouts. It’s not his snappiest response but he’s angry and…and confused and frustrated and lost.

And lonely. 

“Ice?” 

“Yeah?”

Breathe in, out. In. Out. 

in out

in 

“Maverick?”

“When do you have a day off?” 

[nyree2712]

Top Gun - Incorrect Quote 251

Maverick: I think I should stay with Goose. For emotional support

Goose: I don't need emotional support

Maverick: But I do!

[maverickcalf]

PLEASE go on about GooseMavCarol

Alright let me just throw out my thoughts and see where this goes. Long post so it's under the cut!

First off, Goose and Carol I imagine met sometime during break from school (junior year leading into senior year) and were just friends for a bit. Carol actually surprised Goose by sending him care packages and letters. So by thanksgiving break they decide to get engaged. Marrying after Goose and Carol had graduated. It was hard for them to be away from each other but they loved each other dearly, so they make it work. Along the way they have their son Bradly and both of them come out to each other as not straight. Goose for some reason decided to do so when Carol was in the middle of a shower. To this day Goose has no idea why he decide to tell her right that he doesn't only like women. (Mav does laugh his head off latter when Goose tells him that's how he came out.) Carol came out to Goose later that night when they went on a evening walk. They honestly fins that nothing changes between the two of them, but they do feel happier around each other. Things seem pretty set in stone.

Then Goose meets Maverick.

Now Maverick is aggressive when Goose first meets him. To Maverick's credit he expects Goose to be like all the RIOs always on his ass when in the air, telling him to focus up and be more careful. And while Goose is nervous about some of the stuff he does, it is clear that Maverick does know what he is doing. So he does what he does best and makes light of the situation and starts to crack jokes. And to his surprise; Maverick doesn't tell him that he needs to be more serious. In fact it seems to take the edge off for both of them. Flying becomes more fun again.

It only becomes clear to Goose why Maverick was so aggressive when he learns more about his life. Had Goose heard of Duke Mitchell? Yeah sure, but Mitchell wasn't an uncommon name, Goose didn't want to assume. He doesn't have to assume for long; when Maverick has to deal with some sailors giving Maverick a hard time about it, to his face for some messed up reason. Goose very rarely raised his voice, mostly because it comes out as more of well, a honk. But he did it to tell those guys off.

Maverick was a lot more open after that and filled in a lot of gaps in his past that Goose had assumed but hoped weren't true. Turns out they were. Maverick Mitchell didn't have any family. Being bounced around from foster home to foster home after his father, and then mother's passing. He didn't even have very many friends growing up as he had habit of putting up walls to avoid being hurt.

So Goose makes up his mind to help Maverick, the world may have turned his back on Pete Mitchell but Nick Bradshaw sure wasn't going to. They became friends.

When Maverick first met Carol on a weekend trip, he was a much happier person and she took to him at once. Sure he was rebellious but he was also a good third parent and was a lot of fun to be around, basically if Goose or Carol wanted to do something, Maverick was down for it at once. This often left them tired and by the last night they all ended up passing out on the couch after putting Bradley to bed. Carol, who had woken up first that morning, reflects to Goose that it was very nice, with Maverick there in the morning. Goose doesn't know how to feel about that.

Goose still keeps his distance physically. He doesn't want to spook off his friend, not knowing how the young pilot felt about not straight folks. He doesn't let Maverick get touch starved but he doesn't give him long hugs. But in the back of his mind, he is still thinking about what Carol said.

Their second trip on leave is longer, leaving more time for Goose to reflect. This reflection is also added by the fact that during this time they come out to each. And he comes to the conclusion that, he wants Maverick to know that he always has a home here always. And that, he loves him. Maybe not in the romance way, but not quite in the friend way. He asks Carol what her thoughts are and say tell him that they should have told him that months ago.

Maverick is in total disbelief at first, he hasn't had anyone one tell him he loves him in a long time, and even the memories of that were fading away. But to Goose's surprise, Maverick says it back. Carol is overjoyed and is happy to have her two fellas.

After that every time they get time together, they spend it together. Maverick does tend to leave them alone for more sexual things. But Goose and Carol say that they would be fine with any romantic partner Maverick chooses and will be willing to work them in no matter what. Still for now everything fits and everyone is happy.

[pollyna]

They have been together for maybe five years, and Bradley has lived on and off with them for the last two, when Mav presents both of them with presents on a random day of a random week. The paper is full of mini jets, and Bradley giggles all the way to the living room because uncle uncle, uncle Mav have a present for us! Mav explains to both of them, while Bradley destroys the package and Ice is metodically opening it, that they deserve to have a leather jacket too, like his, and maybe they (Ice) could put on all the patches from the squadron they work with or just go around all wearing it? Bradley smiles with all his teeth, except for two in the front row, before hugging Mav, yes yes we're going to wear it together! It's going to be fun, Uncle Mav! Then Ice's arms are hugging both of them, kissing his head, and yeah, can't promise I'm going to wear it every day like someone I know, but it's beautiful, thank you, babe.

(A year later, and this time on Mav's birthday, Bradley gives him two presents. The second one is a patch with a pretty colourful design and the code BKM-03 embroidered under it. Because Bradshaw-Kazansky-Mitchell! So you can take us with you when you're not around. We made it! Uncle Ice said the most important part of it was all the love we put into making it. We used all the love we have for you so you won't feel alone ever, ever, again! And Mav had found himself hugging Baby Goose and Ice as strongly as he could to hide the tears because that's the most beautiful present someone could give me.)

((After the mission, when Bradley sits in front of the two people who raised him, he can't help but notice that the patch he and Ice made a lifetime ago is still there. This time he's the one who hugs his dads and stays there, between them, trying not to cry and not letting them go.))

[crinkled-emotions]

Hi! I love your take on things from TG:M, so I was wondering what you think Amelia and Penny would think about Mav bringing Rooster into their lives? I feel as though Mav and Bradley are probably a package deal, but with that package also comes lots of trauma.

Hey anon!! Thanks for asking ☺️ as well know, I have an opinion on everything and often times it’s uneducated so y’know. Take with a grain of salt.

Penny definitely knows about Bradley before he was Rooster, potentially knowing both Goose and Carole. Because he was only little when his father died I’d say she didn’t have a lot to do with him but from the way he strutted into her bar, I’d say he’s been there quite a few times.

I definitely think she treats him with kindness and respect and always invites him to hang out with them, go to dinner etc (it’s almost expected at this point) but she also understands he has his own life going on and maybe she sometimes also reminds Mav of that?? I dunno.

As for Amelia- listen, teenage girls can be awful and I think at first, she really makes Rooster’s life hell. There was no main reason, deep down she thought he was kind of cool, but I think she also felt like Mav and her mum treated Rooster like glass sometimes and she wanted to scream that he’s an adult. I think that at first behind closed doors, she buried Rooster under at least six feet of sass but out in public or with her mum and Maverick, she was an angel to him. And Rooster at first he was like wtf do I do about that?? But Penny gave him a little pep talk and he gently sassed Amelia back. I wouldn’t say he did anything in particular to earn her respect but the fact he stayed even when she tried to boot his ass to China and laughed when she took the piss out of him probably helped.

I think there was probably a big adjustment period where the four of them were a bit awkward, Maverick stuck as the middle man and linkage between both of his families. He and Penny probably talked about it a lot but at the end of the day they’re a blended family and all families have their drama.

I hope that’s what you were looking for, anon! Thanks for letting me ramble 😂☺️

[redfurrycat]

Goose brings other ghosts with him, and organises tours.

"The Mortal Despair - Heavenly Tours that bring you to the 7th Heaven - Comments made by Yours Truly."

Imagine a Tour Coach and Goose talking in a mic or something. xD

*

Goose and Slider making the same exasperated faces and facepalming and rolling their eyes at the exact same time.

When Ghost Goose laughs, Slider hears a faint sound....Laughing Honks into the Wind.

*

Slider has managed to have Mav and Ice pay for his holidays in Greece.

He's enjoying some ouzo and some stuffed vine leaves on a secluded beach (VIP access cause of course he chose the premium package) when he hears some EXTREMELY FAMILIAR VOICES AND A NOT-AT-ALL-MISSED bickering [okay a tiny bit cause he's soft for Icemav but shush].

Mav and Ice in full holidays clothes surround Slider [SURPRISE!] and there it is. Bickering over how much sunscreen Ice needs.

"Your name may be Iceman but it doesn't make you immune to sunburns, Ice."

"Mav-e-rick. Are you already trying to put your hands on me?"

Slider: WHY.WHY.WHY.WHYYYYYYY.

[Faint honking sounds can be heard.]

Some mornings, Mav, when he feels like it, pops in Ice lap and spends breakfast playing with his partner's hair because he still feels sleep and doesn't really want to let go of the sensation, murmuring sweet nothing and nuzzling against his neck and his ear.