#just...maverick trying to fill the void that was Goose's death and succeeding until the fallout

[gingerbeans]

Don’t imagine little Bradley holding his Uncle Mav like a lifeline every night before he would deploy, asking him if he could go with him and practically begging him to stay.

Don’t imagine Bradley spending every second of every day waiting for the mail so he could read the next letter from his favorite Uncle. 

Don’t imagine Bradley telling Maverick he was going to dress up as his favorite superhero only for him to come out with Maverick’s flight helmet and bomber jacket. 

Don’t imagine Bradley being surprised the first time Mav showed up to a father’s day lunch in the 5th grade, hugging him and telling him that he loves him.

Don’t imagine Maverick showing up to every game he could, asking Carol to record the games he couldn’t.

Don’t imagine Bradley crying into Maverick’s shoulder when Carol gets her diagnosis. The two of them sitting together at the headstones of the two Bradshaw's. 

Don’t imagine Bradley’s high school graduation, right before he found out. When Maverick was able to get Ice and many others from his and Goose’s Top Gun class to attend and cheer him on.

Don’t imagine Bradley wanting to not just emulate his father, but also desperately wanting Maverick to be proud of him.

Just...don’t imagine Before. Before Maverick pulled Rooster’s papers, before they ended up separated for years. Before Bradley almost lost Maverick forever.