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thewulf · 2 years

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Silly Goose || Nick "Goose" Bradshaw

Summary: Pete and Y/N Mitchell were once thick as thieves. After your career splits the twins up the two reunite in San Diego. Nick Bradshaw is finally feeling normal after the passing of his late wife Carol. You comfort Nick in his loss while he comforts you after Pete can't stop being awful to you.

A/N: Hi friends! I had a friend request this one :) As always, let me know your thoughts! Also - sorry Carole, I did what had to be done.

Pairing: Nick "Goose" Bradshaw x Mitchell Reader

Word Count: 7,000+

It was remarkable how similar yet so drastically different the Mitchell twins were. Pete Mitchell was one of the most arrogant, cocky yet self-assured men you’d ever come across. And boy did he piss you off. You were convinced from an early age he made it his life goal to make you as furious as he could, often succeeding. He was your best friend though. Your first best friend, your fiercest best friend.

You were both incredibly mischievous particularly when the two of you were around the other. It’d been quite a while since you were around Pete. Your father was killed when you were both young, in the Vietnam War. A naval aviator of course. That sent you off to live with your grandparents. Shirley and Mark weren’t the most welcoming either. The twins were all each other had. You fed off each other sending you both in the principal’s office all too often. These actions alienated your grandparents even further from the both of you, driving you and Pete closer.

Pete was your protector. You knew nobody could really hurt you, Pete would always be there to put a stop to it. The downside being that no boy ever even tried getting that close to you, just knowing Pete was waiting. But that was all when you were younger. You both graduated high school, Pete determined to be a pilot in the Navy like dad. You wanted to be a doctor, not really want to follow your father’s footsteps as a pilot. Moving all the way across the country for undergrad made you miss Pete like crazy.

He went off and did his own thing though. He graduated from college early before enlisting and finding his way as a pilot in training. He constantly pestered you to either move closer or join the Navy with him. He wasn’t a fan of only seeing you once a year like he had been the past few. Eventually, his constant pestering wore you down. You applied to medical school at the Naval Academy. You really didn’t think you would get in knowing your family’s Naval legacy, Pete had already been rejected from the academy for undergrad.

To your pleasant surprised you were admitted. You had a hell of a lot of catching up to do though. You enrolled and were off. Another four years passed, and Pete became Maverick, you met his best friend and RIO Goose and you graduated from the Naval Academy. You did a Military Match with the Navy effectively signing you to another four-year commitment. Pete was thrilled when were selected. You still didn’t see each other as often as you liked. But Pete loved to say that you were both in the Navy, so you gave him that. You were shipped off to San Diego. Not that you didn’t love the Navy.

You were able to visit him a few times throughout the years. Seeing him grow from the young arrogant boy to the cocky asshole of a pilot he was. He was your best friend through and through. Each time you saw him it felt like no time had passed, the twins were always attached at the hip. Nick always joked that he ceased to exist when you came around. Pete dropped him like a hot potato.

Nick, Goose, was always kind to you. He knew how important you were to Pete. You always did your greetings and got on with it, Pete didn’t have any time to spare. He saw Goose all the time. He hardly saw you.

Goose and Mav grew closest after Carole passed leaving baby Bradley without his mom. Carole developed a rare complication after giving birth to Bradley. She passed when Bradley was nearing his first birthday leaving Nick completely shattered. Pete was convinced Goose would never come back not seeing how he would get through it. Mav stepped up for his other best friend though. He brought Goose out of the hole he was sinking deeper and deeper into. Pete stepped up like you’ve seen him do once before for you when dad died. Bradley stayed with his grandparents while Goose was deployed at Top Gun.

You’d only been at the San Diego naval base as a resident for about a year. You were really starting to find your groove as you entered your 27th year. Slowly putting your roots down, you had made a few friends at the hospital. You enjoyed San Diego. You were always an east coaster, but you were learning to love it. You even went on a few dates in your nonexistent spare time, simply enjoying your time. It was the first time in a while you weren’t actively stressing about exams, you were just stressing about getting the proper training in now. You were lucky though, the surgical team at your hospital was top notch. You were learning from the best of the best. Your attending convinced you to take a surgical residency after your first year of basic residency.

You had just kicked your shoes off after a long day in the emergency room, your least favorite place. But everybody had a few monthly shifts there. Your landline ran, you debated answering it not feeling terribly motivated to get up. Sighing when you gave in just hoping it wasn’t the hospital. You weren’t on call, so you didn’t have your pager around. Begrudgingly you got up hauling your ass over there picking it up on the last ring.

“My favorite sister!” Your brothers voice yelled through the telephone.

“Petey.” You giggled to yourself knowing how much he hated that nickname.

“Really Y/N?” His voice turned sour quick.

“Always.” You grinned leaning back onto the wall, “What’s up little brother?” You also knew how to piss him off. You were born first just by a few minutes, never letting Pete live it down.

“I had good news. I don’t know if I should tell you now.” He audibly huffed.

“Aww Petey, don’t be like that.” You laughed knowing he was likely going to hang up on you.

“I’m hanging up…”

“No, you’re not Pete Mitchell. What’s the news?”

“Thank you.” He paused, you thought he really did hang up, “I’m heading to San Diego. Tonight!”

“What?” Gasping you tried to figure out why. Pete coming to San Diego? It’d been over eight years since the two of you lived close, “You’re being serious?”

“Miramar! 100% serious. We’ll be there in like two hours!” You could feel his giddiness through the phone.

“Wait...” You paused realizing he said Miramar, “Isn’t that Top Gun?” Your mouth fell open slightly. You knew Pete was good but Top Gun was serious, next level.

“The one and only.” You knew he was sitting there with a shit eating grin twirling the telephone cord in his hand, just knew it.

You rolled your eyes. He was lucky you loved him more than anything else in the world, “Okay, spill Pete. How? What? Where? When? And We’ll?”

“Me and Goose!” You heard a faint cheer from the background, “Got invited a few hours ago, we’re waiting on our ride now. All packed up.”

“Say hi to Goose for me.” You laughed. He loved that man. He might’ve loved him more than you. He would scoff at that accusation though. You were his first best friend, always making sure to remind you of it. You were worried you’d lose some of that twin spark you had when you went away, but you still did it. You were so worried he secretly hated you for it. The two of you talked it out and he assured you that was okay. He knew you had to follow your own path as much as he didn’t like it.

“Goose says hi.” He paused. Muffled talking ensued on the other side of the line. He picked back up before continuing, “Wanna meet us at Hard Deck once we get there?”

“That’s late Pete.” You whined seeing that a few hours from now was nine at night. Nine wouldn’t have made you bat an eye eight years ago. But seeing as you had to be back at the Hospital by six, nine sounded like hell.

“9:30, that’s not late Y/N.” You heard Goose laughing on the other side of the line. The little shit always listening in.

“Pete. I have to get up at five.” You deadpanned.

“And we have to be up by six!” He countered.

You groaned knowing it was meet there or have them come here. You knew you wouldn’t be able to escape them if they came here, “Fine. One beer.”

“Yes! Score! She’s in Goose!” He called over to his RIO, “Okay! I’ll call you when I’m at the new place. See you soon!” He hung up before you could respond.

“Fucking brother.” You muttered hanging the phone back on the wall. You just couldn’t say no to Pete.

You walked into the Hard Deck quickly spotting your brother and Nick in their Navy Whites. Slowly, you walked up behind him smiling as you did so. Pete and Goose were very animatedly talking to one another, hands moving and all. You placed your hands over Pete’s face sending them both into defense mode. Pete nearly knocked you backwards before realizing it was you.

“Woah there Petey.” You through your hands up in mock defense after taking a step back stabilizing yourself. Smirking, you antagonized him on.

“Y/N.” He sighed wrapping you into a bear hug, “I know I’ve taught you better than that. We’re going to have to get you back into self-defense classes.”

“Shut up Pete.” You groaned throwing yourself down in the seat next to him. Pete and Nick joining you.

“Y/N.” Nick nodded at you, “Nice to see you again.”

“You too!” You grinned at them both, “I can’t believe you’re here.” You turned back towards your brother.

“Now don’t think so highly of me.” He smirked throwing back some beer.

Rolling your eyes, you did the same. Irritating. So, irritating Pete was, “Shush.” You pushed him lightly. Gosh you really did miss him. You’d never admit it, but you were so excited he’d be here for the next few months, “I knew you’d get into Top Gun. Just never imagined it would be when I was here.”

“Well sis, your wish is my command.” He winked. Shaking your head, you ordered a beer.

“Insufferable as ever.” You earned a laugh from Goose and the side eye from your twin. You saw Pete’s eyes fall to a pretty blond across the bar. He leaned into Goose whispering something earning a dissatisfied groan.

“Sis, I love you. I’m so excited to see you. But we have the next three months to catch up. And I don’t know if I’ll ever see that beautiful woman again.” He winked, ruffled your hair, and disappeared in the crowd. Goose muttered an apology before following him over.

You huffed throwing back another swig of beer. Good old Pete. You should’ve known he’d never change. Just like him to force you out only to ditch you for the first piece of ass he sees come across the bar. You sent her a quick prayer. You watched horrified as half the Naval aviators broke out into song with Pete leading the charge. Your fucking brother.

You ordered another beer, not quite ready to head back home just yet. You watched Goose get caught up in a conversation with some other aviators. Wonderful, the only two people you knew vanished in almost an instant.

“What’s got you so upset?” A voice from your side spoke.

You turned to see a cute blond pilot looking at you curiously, “Oh, nothing. Just a long day.” You turned back to eye your brother, avoiding his gaze.

“Cheers to that.” He grinned holding his beer up. You nodded taking a drink with him, “You work around here?” He asked making light conversation.

“I do, yeah. Down at the Naval base.” You stopped before divulging too much information to the handsome stranger, seeing he was in Navy Whites as well. He had to be a pilot, oozing that overconfidence your brother did.

His entire demeanor perked up in your one sentence, “Are you in the Navy?” He asked, digging lightly.

You nodded, “I am.”

“Curious, I am too.” He laughed at the obviousness of it all, “What do you do?”

“You work for the Navy? I never would have guessed?” You teased eyeing his uniform up and down strategically not answering his question.

“Ha. Ha.” He leaned in a little closer to you, “Name’s Tom. Callsign Iceman. I’m a pilot. And you?”

You sighed knowing the type, relentless. You grew up with one, “Y/N. No callsign. I’m a doctor.”

“I’ll be damned. Beauty and brains.”

You scoffed, “Please tell me you didn’t just say that.”

He put his hands up in defense, “Say what? What are you a doctor of?” He continued trying to keep the conversation light between the two of you.

“I’m a surgical resident.” You smiled to the handsome pilot. You knew not to ever get seriously involved with one, but having fun? Never off limits.

He scratched the back of his neck seemingly unsure of himself, “What’s that mean?”

You didn’t drop your smile, he was a curious one alright, “I graduated medical school and am a doctor. But now I’m in specialized training for the next four years to become a surgeon.”

“Seems intense.” He never broke his gaze with yours.

You shrugged, “I can say the same for you.” You broke the gaze and turned around looking for Pete and Goose. You quickly found Pete staring at you and Iceman. You flipped him off turning your attention back on the blondie. Pete ignored you. You’d ignore him.

Your conversation was cut short when Goose came up from behind you placing his hands on your shoulders, “Y/N! Come on over, Mav wants to talk to you.” You almost jumped out of your skin feeling the contact.

Iceman’s eyes cocked up in surprise, curious on how you knew the two assholes he’d only known for a brief stint, “I’m good.” You failed to shrug his hands off your shoulders. He only tightened down lightly letting you know he wasn’t going anywhere until you left with him.

“Y/N.” Goose tried to pull you lightly.

“Nick, I said I’m good. The idiot left to flirt with the blond girl. Let him.” You shrugged again.

“You heard the doctor.” Iceman chimed in sensing your irritation with the situation.

Goose laughed dropping his hands from your shoulders, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you Y/N.” He grumbled walking back to your twin.

“Sorry about that.” You smiled shyly.

“You know Mav?”

“Unfortunately. He’s my brother. Twin brother.”

He let out a sly grin, “You’re joking.”

“Afraid not.”

“Man, this is too good.” He laughed seeing how pissed off Mav looked across the bar, “You like messing with your brother?”

You perked up, “Oh, do I.”

He nodded, liking you far more than your brother, “Just roll with it.” He winked at Pete knowing how angry it would make him.

Iceman slung an arm around your shoulder after you gave him permission, “Oh boy, he’s on his way already.” Tom chucked pulling your chair closer to him. Not a second later you heard him cough from behind you.

“Hands off, Ice.” The annoying voice of your brother chimed in.

“Fuck off Maverick.” You spat back at him before Iceman could. You hardly ever used your brothers call sign, always feeling weird when you did use it. But it always caused him to pause. You only ever used his call sign when you were pissed.

“Y/N, let’s go.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re going home.”

“Go home then. I’m going to stay. I’m sure Ice would drive me if need be.” You shrugged.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. Ice looking thoroughly amused at your ability to set him off, “Would you just come?” He asked in frustration.

You sighed apologizing to Iceman. Giving into Pete before he did something he’d regret. So, you got up and followed Pete to the other side of the bar. Sitting at his old spot you looked around annoyed.

“I thought you said we were leaving.” You yawned feeling how tired you were becoming.

“Another beer.” He smiled turning back to Goose.

“Pete.” You frowned. He shrugged getting up about to go take another shot. Nick sighed back into his seat apologizing to you yet again.

“I don’t even know why I come when he asks anymore.” You frowned turning away from Goose. Feeling oddly vulnerable as you shared your frustration with Pete.

“Don’t say that Y/N. I like having you here. He loves having you here.” He gave you a goofy grin. You were sure it was a Nick Bradshaw special.

“Thanks Nick.” You mustered a small smile, he was sweet. Sweet and goofy. The perfect foil to Pete.

“Anytime.” He held his beer up. You clanked beer glasses with him finishing your second beer off.

“How are you?” You asked looking at him sincerely. It’d only been ten months since Carole had passed away. Nick didn’t seem too different, but you knew he couldn’t be the same guy. He lost the love of his life. The mother of his son. And from what Pete told you, he was madly in love with her before he lost her.

He paused seeing the sincerity in your eyes. You Mitchell twins could convey a whole lot through a look. You knew it was from being in survival mode living at your grandparents’ house. A form of silent communication formed between you and Pete. To this day you utilized it.

“I’m okay. Learning how to cope.” Goose admitted shyly.

You nodded slowly, so sad for him, “If you need anything, I’m right down the road. Really, if you need to talk or anything. I know Pete isn’t the easiest to talk to.”

Nick raised an eyebrow laughing, nodding in agreement, “You can say that again. Thanks Y/N. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Alright, I’m ready to go.” Pete huffed standing on the other side of Goose now, the two of you moving closer to chat.

“No dice?” You laughed.

“None tonight.” He frowned putting his jacket back on.

“See you two later.” You laughed having already paid your bill. As you walked back to your car you tripped on nothing, launching you forward. You caught yourself but cursed under your breath. You were a clumsy one, tripping on thin air half the time.

Pete caught Goose looking at you with a certain form of admiration in his eyes. You still weren’t sure how Goose could stand Pete but you sure were glad he did.

“Pete!” You ran down the stairs of his apartment. You needed to talk to him about plans for that day. Pete could never seem to commit to plans with you anymore.

“Hey Y/N.” Nick Bradshaw stood in the kitchen eating a bowl of mac n’ cheese.

You spun around not expecting the voice of Nick Bradshaw, “What are you doing here?”

He gasped lightly feigning hurt by placing his hand on his heart, “Nice to see you too Y/N.”

Shaking your head you responded, “I mean, Pete didn’t say you were here.”

“Mav didn’t say you were here.” He countered shooting you smirk.

You suddenly felt terribly self-conscious in your oversized shirt and barely there shorts. Nobody was supposed to be there. You ignored it best you could, “Besides the point. Where is he?”

Nick shrugged, “Beats me.”

“No help.” You frowned as you crossed your arms over your chest.

“Mav!” He yelled, loudly.

You jumped not expecting that one, “What the hell Nick?”

“I’m trying to help.”

You stood there dumbfounded, “You two are meant for each other. Really.”

He smiled sweetly grabbing another forkful of the mac n’ cheese he was eating, “You aren’t the first person to say that.”

“Take the hint then.”

He let a breathy laugh out, finding that one funny.

“What?” Pete asked sliding into the kitchen

You turned to him, “What’s the plan for today? And what’s he doing here?”

“I can hear you.” Nick rebutted laughing at the table.

“Again, besides the point Nick.” You replied not letting him get the best of you.

“Anyway,” Mav rolled his eyes at the slightly flirty bickering between you and Nick. Truth be told Pete was bit worried about this, Y/N and Goose. It wasn’t like he wanted to stop anything, but he was concerned, Goose was just returning to normal. He didn’t want anything to set him back or for anyone to hurt you. He was worried because he and Goose got along so well. You and Pete were so similar it was only fate the two of you would get along, “I thought we’d go to the Hard Deck.”

You groaned, not thrilled, “I’ll pass.”

Mav looked shocked. Goose cocked an eye. This ought to be good.

“Why not?” He took a defensive stance, arms crossed.

“You’re just going to leave us,” You pointed at Nick, “for the first pretty girl you see.” You spoke calmly to him, somebody had to keep a level head and that certainly wasn’t Pete.

“You’re a big girl. And he’s a big boy. You can figure it out.”

Your mouth dropped slightly, “Why would that be fun for me Pete?” You responded, almost spitting out his name.

“Hard Deck’s always fun! Come on. Don’t be lame,”

You didn’t know if you could frown any further, “Like I said earlier, I’ll pass. Have fun.” You attempted to pass Pete to go back up to the guest room. You stayed there whenever you got too drunk, his apartment always being closer than yours. Pete blocked you each time you tried to go back upstairs.

“What’s your problem?” He groaned in frustration.

“I just don’t want to go to the Hard Deck for the fifth night in a row!” You huffed in just as much frustration.

“Too good for the Hark Deck Y/N?” He asked. You just looked at him quizzically. What had gotten into him? He was being mean to you. You weren’t used to this Pete. He was always tough on you, not downright mean though.

“Would you let me go upstairs?”

“No.”

“Fine.” You turned around swiftly hightailing it out the backdoor. You weren’t sure what your plan was, but you just started walking. You wanted to yell at him. You wanted to fight back but you couldn’t, not in front of Nick. You didn’t even care that you were still in your pajamas, at least you had a bra on.

Not long into you swiftly exiting the house you felt pressure at your elbow, somebody trying to stop you.

“Fuck off Maverick.” You huffed ripping your arm away from him.

“Not Mav.” Nick spoke softly from behind, keeping pace with you easily. His long strides matching your quicker shorter ones.

“Oh,” you sighed softly, “Sorry, Nick. You didn’t need to see all of that.” Flushing with embarrassment you turned away from him quickly.

He sighed running a hand through his hair, “It’s alright, why don’t we just go back?” He gently nudged you back to the house.

You anchored your feet in the ground, fully knowing how childish you were being, “Not until Pete leaves.” Biting the inside of your lip you continued, “I should just go. I need to prep for a few cases anyway.”

He looked at you softly, feeling a bit sorry for you. Pete was a tough human in general, typically he thought about him and himself only. He hadn’t really had to actively think about how his actions impacted you for a long time, for over ten years now you two had went your separate ways. Of course, you were going to lose some of that twin connection you used to have. You never imagined you’d lose all of it. You felt so out of sync with Pete.

“No, don’t go.” He paused contemplating why he didn’t want you to go. He felt terrible at the way Pete was treating you, feeling like it was his fault somehow. He too had seen Pete transform before him. Yes, Pete had always been arrogant, but his ego just grew and grew in the Navy. Nobody really came close to his skill, and he sure knew it, “I mean… don’t let Pete ruin your day Y/N. He’s just being Pete.”

Your lips turned up at the corners slight, “Pete never fails to ruin my day.” You we’re being over dramatic, you knew it, but he was right. You really didn’t want to work anyway, “Maybe I’ll go to the beach instead. Sounds better than work.”

“Okay,” he took a timid step closer towards you, “Need any company?”

You shook your head, “Best you go with Pete. I don’t want to hear about it later.” You gave him a half smile, already growing tired of Pete’s attitude

“I don’t really want to go to the Hard Deck either.” He admitted while rubbing the back of his head nervously.

“Oh.” You weren’t quite sure what to say to him. His look was begging for you to invite him along. He also needed breaks from Mav. He didn’t want to admit yet how much he yearned to know a little bit more about you. Just from his quick interactions he saw how quick-witted and fun you were to be around, pulling both of their legs nearly flawlessly with Ice. You were carefree, just like Pete. Letting the wind blow you in a direction as you went with it. He already wanted to know more. Not feeling this way in a long time. He wasn’t sure he would ever feel genuine interest for a person again after Carol’s passing. Yet here you came barreling in. Just like Maverick.

You too wanted to spend some time with Nick, easily seeing why Pete was attached at the hip with him. The best friend duo was so incredibly different but so eerily similar. They clicked just like you and Nick were doing right now. You always wanted to respect Pete and his boundaries, but Nick was unique, you couldn’t shake him. So, you did what you did best… silent cues. Nodding your head, you pointed towards the path that led to the beach.

“I’m going to let Mav know we’re going to the beach. He’s free to do whatever.” Nick threw you a carefree smile, “I’ll meet you down there?”

“Sure.” You nodded. Pete was going to skin you alive. But you really did want him to come along with you. He was the one person who knew Pete just as well as you, maybe more than you. You wanted to figure out why Pete was being such a dick but to also understand Nick some more, officially intrigued with the man.

You tried your best to remain calm when Pete was being an asshole. Knowing he just wasn’t thinking straight but it was awfully difficult trying not to snap back at him. You missed your old banter with him, it wasn’t mean and heartless like it’s been the last few times you’ve been around him.

You walked slowly, hoping Nick would catch back up to you on the way. Unfortunately, he did not. You were sure he and Pete were probably going at it right now. Sighing you spotted a bench by the path, gingerly walking towards it. You certainly weren’t looking forward to the argument that was going to come from this afternoon.

Sitting on the bench closest to the path you waited for Nick. Just staring at the water before you. Why was Pete being such an asshole to you lately? What did he have to gain from doing so? He practically begged you and guided your life choices in the military for him. And this is how he treated you?

Pete always cared about Pete. But Pete also cared about you. He had always cared so deeply about you and your feelings. But that seemed absent right now. You didn’t expect the two of you to pick up right where you left off, but you certainly didn’t expect to be treated as if your feelings didn’t matter. Maybe you two were spending too much time together too soon. Maybe you just grew apart. You prayed it wasn’t the latter.

Closing your eyes, you listened to the rough waves crashing against the shore sending the salty sea air in your direction. You loved it here, really loved it here. The lull of waves always seemed to calm you down.

Feeling a soft squeeze on your shoulder you opened your eyes slowly seeing Nick sitting next to you, “All good?” You enquired curiously, referring to the conversation to your brother and him.

“Oh yeah, I’m more than good.” He grinned, “And you?” He replied ignoring your actual question regarding him and Mav.

Your shoulders deflated when you leaned forward, “I’m fine.”

He let off a breathy chuckle obviously not buying your bullshit, “I know I don’t know you like Mav, but I do know that’s a lie.”

You blinked slowly, gathering your thoughts, “Has he been so inconsiderate the entire time you’ve known him?”

Nick paused thinking hard before continuing, “He’s changed a bit. Hardened up. But I haven’t known him the entire time he’s been in the Navy, just the last few years.”

You nodded leaning back into the bench, “Thanks for coming.”

“You saved me. I love Pete but I normally get to go home to Bradley when we aren’t at Top Gun. He’s a lot cuter than Mav and doesn’t talk back nearly as much, yet.” You smiled brightly. Nick had a way of doing that for you, making you smile when all you wanted to do was cry.

Seeing you smile made Nick feel somewhat successful. He didn’t know you at all, but you seemed sad, not at all the way Maverick described you. Nick genuinely wanted to see the real you, the one that Mav never shuts up about.

“I can attest, baby Bradley is much cuter than grown ass Pete.” You giggled.

Nodding Nick continued, changing the subject back to Pete knowing you needed to talk about it, “It really is nice to have you here. Seems like you’re the only one who can even come close to challenging him.” He didn’t take his eyes off you, couldn’t take his eyes off you.

Nick took you in fully as you closed your eyes basking in the last of the sunlight. You really were pretty. Yes, Pete had pictures with you but most of them were in your adolescence, not many were taken recently. You didn’t look like him, you were you. So unbelievably pretty. He knew he needed to snap the hell out of it, but he was afraid he couldn’t.

“Well, I’m failing miserably.” You sighed turning your head towards him noticing just how cute he really was. You were convinced he was the only man that could get away with the moustache, it looked so damn fine on him. You too needed to stop having these thoughts about your brother’s best friend. Pete would be beside himself if the two of you got together.

Nick shook his head side to side, “Hardly. I haven’t seen him this agitated since the Admiral came down on him a few years back.” He sat back smiling fondly from the memory. It wasn’t often that Pete got nervous but having a 3-star admiral chewing you out? Yeah, that made him nervous.

“Good,” You let out a frustrated sigh, “he deserves it, he’s an ass.”

“While I agree, you probably should talk it out.”

“Nick Bradshaw, are you sure you’re a RIO? You’re acting a bit like a therapist would.”

He suppressed the smile he so desperately wanted to show you, not the right time, “I’m being serious Y/N Mitchell.”

“I’ll talk to him when he comes to me.”

“God, you two really are the same person.” He groaned after observing the similarities between you two. So stubborn. He had a feeling you weren’t going to give in. Maybe Pete would, if he was in the right headspace but not you.

“I think I’m offended by that.”

“Don’t be.” He chuckled scootching closer to you. He couldn’t help being so drawn in by you. What freaked him out the most was just how quickly he had become interested in you. The two of you had only spent about five hours over the last few days together. But he knew, he knew just how fast he could fall for you.

“Alright, fine.” You sighed yet again. Pete really would be the death of you.

“Seriously though. Talking this one out with him might really help.” Nick genuinely wanted to help the two of you. He didn’t like walking on eggshells just as much as you.

“I already said alright. Don’t push your luck Bradshaw.”

“Yes ma’am.” He dropped his head in mock shame, knowing you’d find it amusing.

And you did find it amusing. You noticed just how animated of a person Nick was. Not afraid to show what he was thinking right on his face.

With a breath of courage, you grabbed one of his hands in yours as you too scootched closer to him, thighs almost touching now, “How are you, Nick? Really?” Fuck it. You decided to throw caution to the wind. If you could build a dream man he was it, sitting right here waiting on you to make a move. He was so sweet and hilariously dorky. You saw how much he adored Bradley, making your heart skip a beat every time he talked about him. You weren’t sure how Pete had managed to trick him into becoming his best friend but you sure were thankful.

You looked at him with almost pleading eyes, begging for him to open up to you, “I’m uh…” He took a breath looking away from you, “I’m surviving. It’s a lot. Too much. Never in a million years would I have expected to do this alone.” He gave you a sad smile turning back to you.

“Well, you’re not alone. I know that. You’ve got Pete… and me” You whispered.

He nodded, “I know. And I’m so grateful. But I’m still alone. I miss her like crazy.” You saw the pool of tears well up. Not hesitating to comfort him you pulled him into a side hug.

“I can’t imagine Nick.”

“It’s just Bradley has to grow up without his mother. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.” He looked down, defeated. Carole ran the show and he knew it. She was his rock, and he was beginning to float away without her.

Squeezing his side, you tried your best to comfort him. You didn’t know what to say that would help him. You were far too out of your own depth to comprehend it all, “You don’t know that. You could fall in love tomorrow with a pretty Navy girl. You don’t have to know everything either. That’s what me, Pete and your family is there for. We’re all here for you Nick.”

He leaned into you, feeling the same pull that you had earlier. Your words comforted him, immensely. He had yet to get it all off his chest. Yes, he’d been to a few mandated therapy sessions from command, but they didn’t help at all. Mental health wasn’t a thing in the military, “Thank you.”

Closing your eyes, you took everything in. To any passerby you two probably looked like an adorable couple snuggling up and basking in the last rays of sunshine. You wouldn’t have minded if that were the case. You realized you needed to relax. You were there to comfort each other, not jump his bones, “Anytime Nick.”

“It’s nice to hear my name again.” He mumbled lazily into your hair. He was enjoying this all too much. Why’d you have to be so damn sweet? So adorable? Why’d you have to be Mav’s sister? Why did Mav’s sister have to be so damn beautiful? All questions he wished he knew the answers too.

Laughing softly before replying, “It feels weird calling people by their call sign.”

He pulled back from you abruptly. Forcing yourself to bite the frown away you looked at him, “Please don’t use it. I mean it. It feels so nice to hear my actual name.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal Lieutenant Bradshaw.”

“You make that sound better than the admiral.” He sheepishly admitted. Was he flirting with you?

“I better.” You laughed.

“Certainly.” He stood from his spot offering you his hand, “C’mon, let’s go for a walk.”

“If you insist.” You happily obliged but had to give the illusion of annoyance, it was in your blood. Taking his hand he pulled you up to him, harder than you anticipated. Accidentally stumbling into him he took the opportunity to grab your waist so you wouldn’t run knock him over.

Cheeks flushed you hurriedly looked away from him, “Sorry about that.”

He chuckled seeing your reaction. Feeling slightly guilty over just how much you enjoyed his hands around your waist you turned away. How awkward were you?

Pete was really not going to be happy with you.

Nick didn’t drop your hand in all the commotion. He decided to pull you along, hopefully getting you to feel less embarrassed as the two of you started walking. He thought it was downright adorable how clumsy you were. If you weren’t tripping over someone, you’d be tripped by something, inevitably. He didn’t want to admit how much he enjoyed you stumbling into him, “Don’t worry about it. You’re not as coordinated as the average bird, it’s okay.”

“You noticed?” You giggled softly, feeling comfortable around him as the two of you strolled along the water. Walking slow the both of you were enjoying each other’s company.

“It’s hard not to Y/N.”

“Pete always makes fun of me for it. It’s not my fault I have two left feet! He stole all of the coordination in the womb.” You grumbled.

He laughed, a full hearty laugh. Enjoying your response, “It’s cute.” Shit, he let it slip. Too late to go back now. Not that he wanted to. He already thought so highly of you. A cute, sweet doctor? Pete’s sister to boot? How could it get better than that. He knew Mav would be rather mad at him at first, but he also knew Pete could grow to love the two of you.

“Thanks Nick.” You decided to look to him. Not hiding your cherry red cheeks. You couldn’t hide how he made you react.

“Question for you.”

“Shoot.” You replied, looking up to him.

“What’s your favorite type of food?”

“Why do you ask?” You deflected.

Shaking his head with a small smile on his face he retorted, “Why are you always so defensive?”

“Am not!”

“Are so.” He was laughing now enjoying how easily he got under your skin.

Crinkling your nose at him you refused to respond, giving him the cold shoulder as you walked ahead. It wasn’t often that somebody got the best of you. You weren’t exactly prepared to be bested like that.

“Y/N.” Nick grabbed only your elbow again. You had a mental battle with yourself. It’s not like you could outpace him and he certainly wasn’t going to give it up.

Sighing to yourself you decided to answer, “I like Mexican food.”

“Now was that so hard?” He bit his lower lip while he smiled at you.

Narrowing your eyes in on him you thought hard about your answer, “Yes, it was very difficult Nick.”

“And here I thought Maverick was the most stubborn person in the world.”

Rolling your eyes you continued, ignoring his comment, “Why do you want to know anyway?”

He grinned stopping you in your tracks, “So I can ask you out on a date.”

“What? Me? Pete will kill you!” You gave him a bug-eyed look.

He shrugged, “He’ll get over it.”

“This is Pete we’re talking about.”

“I know how to handle him.” He squeezed your hand anxiously waiting on your actual answer. He decided right then and there that he wouldn’t give up even if you rejected him.

“You really want to go out with me?”

Nodding his head he answered you, “I’d love to.”

“I’m kind of the worst person to date.” You sighed softly trying to deter him. You were so good at that. If it wasn’t Pete sabotaging your love life it was you instead.

He cocked his head slightly, curious as to why you would think that, “And why’s that?”

“I don’t have anything to give.” You looked away wanting to take it back. You wanted to go on a date with him, “My life revolves around the hospital.”

He shrugged again, “I don’t mind.”

“You say that. But when I get called in every night for a week straight you might not think the same.”

“Y/N,” He waited for you to look back to him, “I really don’t mind. Don’t tell me you don’t feel it too. There’s something here.”

You nodded looking everywhere but his face, “I didn’t say I didn’t.” Replying quietly, you finally made the eye contact he was looking for.

Softly smiling, “There’s that Mitchell attitude I love.” He took a small step closer to you looking back and forth between your eyes and mouth.

Your breathing became slightly erratic as your heart raced. You could smell the cologne wafting off him, “Yeah?” You mimicked him, taking a step closer.

“Oh yeah, so what do you say Y/N Mitchell?”

“I say, let’s do it Nick Bradshaw.” You felt his body heat radiating off him, sure he could hear your racing heart.

You could’ve melted right then and there when he smiled down at you, “I’m going to kiss you, if that’s alright.”

Nodding your head eagerly you replied, “That’s more than alright Lieutenant.”