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2ndstar-ontheright · 10 days

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"More Than a Friend"

This is from a few months ago, but since it's become much larger on here, I'd figure I'd post something I wrote for them! I'm a GooseCaroleMav truther you guys, I'm sorry. (Just a PSA this isn't condoning military stuff or anything like that, I just like these guys. A lot. :D)

Here on Ao3: "More Than a Friend"

Pete always knew he never belonged. Unwanted. Even as a kid, he could tell that he wasn’t exactly planned , nor his parents' first priority. His mother was always trying to make herself busy with his dad’s absence, so he learned to just stay out from underfoot. It was easier that way. He saw the tears she tried to hide every time her husband went back from leave and it was gut wrenching to know that there wasn’t really anything he could do. He couldn’t be the “man” of the house because by the time he could, he never got the chance. It was all fine for the majority of his childhood, but once his dad died, everything fell apart, and the feeling set in even more. His mother fell ill soon after, leaving him an orphan. Typical. The child of a military family left with no parents by the age of 18. How wonderfully and pitifully tragic.

They wouldn’t be the only scars he’d ever have, nor the deepest, yet for so much of his life, they were the only ones that people noticed. Not the ones on his chest or the ones on his heart, just that he had no family. No family left that would care anyway.

Only, a high school friend that he thought he’d never see again covered them up real well.

******************

A young blond whose wit was as sharp as a double-edged sword, Carole Abbott wasn’t stupid. She was one of the few reasons Pete even graduated high school, but what he didn’t expect to find out about her was that she saw him as more than just a classmate. He was her friend. She’d seen him around their school many times before, only this time he looked much more…sad. The bags under his eyes more prominent than usual. Shrugging it off, she took it as her sign and went up to him. Soon enough, periods would turn into days and would turn into weeks spent huddled together on her roof, shaking their heads at the insanity that was life.

Being able to relate to way more than they thought they would, in more ways than one, he considered her his best friend. They became inseparable, much to the dismay and confusion of her parents. Despite it being maybe the 300th time her dad gave him the “If you hurt my daughter…” speech and her mom asking if they’ve gone out yet, they still laughed about it until the day they left.

She had been his rock and when he broke the news that he was going into the navy, he didn’t expect her to react so nonchalantly.

“It’s your life, Pete.” Carole nodded her head towards him, taking a sip of the beer she snuck from downstairs. “It’s not my place, nor do I want to tell you how to live it. That’s up for you to decide.”

Pete looked at her, trying to hide the worry in his face. To his dismay, his chest was rushing and rising with panic. Was this really a good idea? Why wasn’t she saying anything? She never liked the navy, especially after knowing about his father. “I know that, but…what if it doesn’t work out? I’ve got nothing to come home to if I don’t make it, my job’s barely making it as it is.” He explained, and with a sigh, he lowered his head. “What if I die? I mean, I know that comes with it, I just..couldn’t live with myself to not at least say goodbye to you. Or have someone do that for me, I guess.”

Carole tilted her head and scooched closer to him, urging him to look up at her with her hand. “And what if you live? Have you ever thought of that?”

The boy shook his head. “No, I guess I didn’t.”

“Well then, that answers that question, now doesn’t it?” Carole chuckled and bit the inside of her cheek, looking off into the distance for a moment before turning back. “You leave for school tomorrow morning, right?” She asked, earning her a nod in response. She leaned in closer and wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “Listen, I can’t promise you anything, but I do know this. You’re determined. When it’s something you’re passionate about, you put your whole heart into it, and that’s such an admirable thing. You’re gonna do well, Pete. You just gotta try and there’s really nothing more you can do than that.”

Pete let his head rest on her arm and let her words swarm around him like the warm glow of a firefly. “Yeah…” She was right. Like she was with most things. He knew she could tell that there was more he wanted to say that went unspoken. That he was afraid of leaving her. Of being alone and so many other things. Now though, all he could do was sigh and brace himself for the morning ahead. “Thanks Carole….for, y’know. Everything.”

“Of course, Petey. You’re my best friend, now wake up before you start drooling on me.” She laughed, gently nudging him and climbing back through her bedroom window with him behind her.

What he didn’t know was that night and that morning after she dropped him off at the airport, Carole Abbott broke at the realization that she might lose the best friend she ever had.

*****************

What he hadn’t expected to see nearly 3 years later was a blond head leaning against a restored 55’ Chevrolet outside of the Naval Academy. He thought nothing of it until her sunglasses tilted as she looked in his direction, her face breaking into a smile. He knew that could only mean one person and he can’t stop himself from staring like an idiot. She rushes up and before he can say anything, she’s lifting him off the ground in a bone-crushing hug. “Damn, has she gotten strong…”

“Well, it’s about time you came to see me! I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me.” Pete teased, poking her on the shoulder.

“Pfft, yeah right. Because that’s definitely something normal people do.” Carole rolled her eyes. “You miss me yet, Mitchell? Because I sure as hell missed you,”

Pete scoffed, shaking his head. Who was she kidding? Of course he did. “Yeah, maybe, just a little bit.”

“Oh you! ” She punched him lightly in the arm, pretending to be offended. And before he knew it, he was following her to her car like a puppy to its owner, knowing that the years that passed meant nothing to either of them. Nothing at all.

He’d missed this. By god had he missed this.

******************

Little would he know that a smooth talking, tail covering, tall as a tree, sweetheart would saunter into his life not long after that.

Days that faded into weeks which turned into months went by. Training wasn’t exactly a walk in the park and the small inkling of being able to fly in his aviation classes were the only thing keeping him going most days. School was once again made much more bearable by having the one constant in his life back, but that wasn’t as often as he thought. He was pretty much a baby when it came to making and meeting other people. If he wasn’t doing something stupid to warrant it anyway.

So, it came as no surprise when one night, something changed. Pete, alongside some of the other recruits, was coming back from being stationed on night guard. The previous night had been a rather unpleasant one, but he was relieved it was over. He trudged back to his room absentmindedly, the hours of staying awake for almost 2 days getting to him. Distantly, he heard the sound of footsteps from afar, not really paying attention to it. They were probably just going to their room too. He figured. When they didn’t stop though, he had the feeling he was being followed. Had he known better he would’ve been more than just confused, though it wasn’t out of the ordinary.

After a while, he turned around and noticed a tall, bulky figure eyeing him, almost in a drunken haze.

“Hey…” He mumbled out, leaning against the wall for support. He clearly looked wasted, or high, the other couldn’t tell.

“Hey,” Pete replied raising his eyebrow, unsure of what this was leading to.

“I’ve heard about you.” The guy began. “You know what they say about guys like you, right? All alone, no friends, only talks to girls.” He laughed when he saw the confused look on Pete’s face. “Yeah, don’t think I haven’t seen you with that pretty little thing. It’s pretty obvious you ain’t with her like that, so tell me.” He took a step closer, leaning fully to the wall so that he was face to face with the shorter man.

“What’s a little fag like you thinking he can be here ?”

Pete really had to be delirious, because this couldn’t be happening. This couldn’t be real. He blinked slowly and stared dumbfounded at the man. “I… what ?”

“You heard me.” He nodded, almost like he was accusing him of something. “You don’t gotta lie to me, Mitchell. I mean, it’s definitely a surprise.” He shrugged. “The great ‘Duke Mitchell’s’ kid being all weird like that. No one would suspect it, except for me. And I’m not no one, am I?”

Pete narrowed his eyebrows and moved to turn around. He wasn’t going to dignify that with a response, not if he could help it. However, the other seemed to have a different idea, and a meaty hand spun him around.

“You didn’t answer my question…” The man stepped closer, his big, sneering face staring Pete down like he was his prey. At least in his mind that’s what he was. His big hands moved and grabbed his hips.

“The fuck-?” Pete yelped out at the sudden impact. If the alarm bells hadn’t gone off before, they definitely were now as he felt himself being manhandled. The whole interaction was weird as hell, but the grabbing? Really? It’s no wonder this guy both didn’t like him and seemed like the type to get written up every other day. Pete scrambled to escape him and when his kicking at the other didn’t work, he dug his nails into his wrist and bit down on the hand that firmly clawed into his shirt.

“Shit!” The other man cried out. Wincing at the pain, he waved his hand before moving closer to Pete when he heard the sound of a door opening. That didn’t stop him though, what did however, was Pete punching him in the nose. He didn’t expect such a small thing to fight back like that, yet his cries of pain said otherwise.

Pete stared at him as the man staggered backward in pain. All of this and he didn’t even know him? Ridiculous. The fear in his stomach turned into worry when he felt a pair of eyes watching him. If he wasn’t before, he was certainly in trouble now.

“Shit...” A voice breathed out as he watched the two men. Coming out of the room and into view, a man about his age looked at Pete incredulously. “You okay?” He asked.

Pete stared back like a deer caught in someone’s headlights. Overcome with shock and his sudden rush of adrenaline, he shook his head. “I-I don’t-He tried to- fuck. I’m sorry, I-” He stammered.

The guy stepped forward and moved in front of Pete, ignoring the groaning body on the ground. “Hey, hey, it’s okay. You’re not in trouble, just…tell me what happened.”

Swallowing, Pete gave him an explanation, gesturing to the man behind them. “I was coming down here when he came up behind me all of a sudden and…called me a…” Pete struggled to put into words in a way that made sense. “He tried to…”

The other guy’s expression turned from one of confusion, to one of disgust. “Of course, he did.” he spat out. “I’m sorry man.” He gave the other an apologetic look. From the way he was standing, on edge like he was going to be punished at any second, was worrying. Trying to lighten the mood, he nodded. “But you fought back! Not a lot of people have the courage to do that, y’know.”

“That’s pretty impressive though, kid.” He added, genuinely admiring Pete’s strength. Hell, if he’d been his position, he wasn’t sure how he’d react himself. “The name’s Nick, by the way.”

“Pete..” He responded, not even noticing his lips move. Why was this random guy giving him this much grace? Being this kind? He didn’t fully understand, especially considering it being the middle of the night, yet appreciated it nonetheless.

“Well, Pete, can I ask you a question?” Nick inquired, earning him a slow nod. “How come I’ve never seen you around before?” An amused smile played on his lips when he saw Pete’s expression change from one of panic, to a tough kinda smile back.

*************

Promises made to hang out after the night turned into spending almost any time they were both free together. They were practically attached at the hip and to think that it all started over some idiot making a pass at him, was equal parts heartwarming, and hilarious.

Nick liked Pete. A lot. Occasionally, more than he thought he’d ever liked anyone. The way he hid his smile when he was about to laugh, the way he really didn’t take anything from anyone, the way he kept so much of himself hidden but would reveal just the smallest amounts to Nick, leaving him desperate for more. To know more. To know Pete. He knew he struck a chord with him because once they became friends, there was just no getting over or getting rid of Pete Mitchell.

He was kind of like a brother in a way. Nick was older, taller, and generally had more experience than he did, and it made him proud in some way. To get to see him as more than just a friend, but family as well. He wouldn’t always let it happen, although, in the few moments he would, Nick reveled in it.

***************

“Nick….?”

The man in question shifted in his sleep at the whisper of his name. Stirring, his eyes blinked slowly open. “Yeah…?” He asked, huskily.

Pete shifted his eyes up to the ceiling and down to the floor. Not quite sure how to ask this. He sighed and went for it. “The worst he can say is no..” “I- I can’t sleep…”

The other nodded drowsily from being woken up. “Ohh..okay…” He understood, kind of. Hoping this wouldn’t take much longer, he asked. “You have a nightmare or somethin’?”

“Yeah. Sorry for waking you up man, it’s stupid. I know.”

“Nah it’s not stupid.” Nick shrugged it off and shifted away in the bed, gesturing for him to come over. “You wanna sleep with me?”

Pete thought about it for a second and nodded.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Well come on then, I haven’t got all night.” Feeling the other slip in next to him, he yawned and before falling back asleep, smiled fondly at Pete. “Good night, honey .”

“Good night, dear .” Pete teased back, smirking at the other shaking his head at his response.

*******************

Not long after they met did Pete introduce Nick to Carole. It was a November evening, the cold air whipping at the pair's faces as he led him up to their apartment. Or well, hers technically, since he was hardly there most of the time. Pulling his keys out of his pocket, he turned to Nick excitedly. “She’s awesome. You’re gonna love her, I just know it.”

“Oh, Pete, you know the ladies love me. So, I have no doubts about that.”

“Save it for your pillow, Bradshaw.”

“I swear, I cannot make any promises.” He put his hand over his heart and let Pete practically drag him into the apartment.

Carole came in from her room at the sound and was nearly bowled over by her best friend’s excitement. Pete wasn’t typically one for bringing anyone over for that matter, let alone a guy. Hell, she was surprised he was so willing to introduce someone he hadn’t even known that long to her knowledge. She was happy for him regardless though and knew that the dark-haired boy wasn’t letting go of this person anytime soon.

“Carole, this is Nick! Nick, this is my friend Carole!” Pete chirped excitedly, introducing the group to each other.

“Hi Nick, I’ve heard quite a lot about you. It’s lovely to finally meet you in person.” She greeted, holding her hand out. Nick, an almost laughably taller man than Pete, had taken her outstretched hand and drew out a kind greeting back. His smile sent a sudden wave of butterflies through her stomach and Carole had to admit, she wasn’t expecting someone like that .

“You were right Pete,” Nick began glancing over at him and looking back at Carole. Smiling as his eyes met hers. “She does sound awesome.”

******************

He never suspected he'd be playing “Matchmaker” for the two most important people in his life. Never in any universe. And now here he was barely a year later and reassuring the both of them that it’ll be perfectly fine. Despite both of them putting that to the test.

“It’s just a date, man. It’s not like you’re getting married.”

“I know! But, I want to make a good impression, y’know? I want her to actually enjoy it.”

“Goose, you’ve known her for a year. You don’t need to make a ‘good impression’ if you didn’t, she wouldn’t even be into you! Now, quit panicking. It’s freaking me out.” He watched as he paced around the room, looking at himself in the mirror. Maverick rolled his eyes and held back the nauseating feeling that crept up his throat.

“Now you have her home by 11:00 young man, or else I’l have your hide mounted on my wall.” Pete leaned against the door and smirked at the pair as they were about to leave.

“Of course sir! I wouldn’t dream of being even a second late.” Nick chuckled, waving him off with a flourish. Carole giggled and let him lead her down the hallway.

He was happy for them. They deserved each other, truly. But he couldn’t help but feel….lost. And his insides sank as he watched them go, realizing it was all going to change before he knew it.

***********

First dates turn into 5 which turn into 10 which turn into being official “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.” Mav hates himself for the fact that while he is so proud of them for making it this far, he feels so much more alone now. Which is fair. Still though, he can’t help but wonder if maybe he should just not think too much about it and date someone himself. It’s not like he hasn’t before.

None of them lead to much of anything though. A few dates followed by a few kisses and the more than often one night stand don’t exactly take away this gnawing, empty feeling inside. Even when he tries to make a connection it’s never fully there. There’s something missing. Something deeper. Something like… shit.

Is it jealousy? God, it better not be.

*********

Soon enough, comes the day she’d been waiting for after these past few years. The day they get married. Carole’s over the moon, yet she notices. She notices the somber smile Maverick keeps flashing at Goose everytime they see each other. When they get to the chapel, when she makes it to the altar, and he’s watching them during the night. If it were anyone else, she’d be a little more than freaked out, but this was Maverick. Her Pete. She also notices the hurt in both men’s eyes when her now-husband glances over to her best friend. A quiet understanding of something she felt like she knew, but still didn’t quite get.

Nothing seems to change after that. Their honeymoon comes and goes and once she comes home, the tension could still be cut with a knife. He’s not himself anymore. No longer the bitey, cheerful boy she grew up with. He was a pilot now, she couldn’t expect him to stay the same forever, but she hadn’t expected that to change him this much. They were a family now, however, he was still her family too. Right? It wasn’t a childish fantasy, she knew that, to her, it was the truth. Carole Abbot-Bradshaw is not stupid. Now though, she wasn’t so sure.

She decides to bring it up one night to Maverick who surprisingly, wasn’t in his room at the barracks. The pilot came over on his volition, which she secretly appreciated because she knew he wasn’t going to like what was coming. They’re watching some cheesy rom-com, both on opposite ends of the couch when Carole brings it up.

“What’s up with you?” She asks. Maverick glances over at her and while he doesn’t stiffen up, she can tell he’s taken aback by her question.

“What do you mean? I’m fine, Carole.” Maverick denies, chuckling it off. She tilts her head and stares at him with a deadpan expression. “Really! I’m serious.”

“Pete Mitchell, do you think I’m an idiot? Tell me, how long have we known each other?” She asks, waiting patiently for him to answer her.

“Almost 9 years…” He answers slowly, estimating off the top of his head. “And no! Of course not. It’s…” He sighs and looks at her. “It was stupid…it’s nothing.”

Carole shakes her head. “It’s not nothing nor is it stupid.” She denies, moving closer to the pilot. “It’s changed you, Pete. And don’t think I haven’t noticed.” She says firmly, but concerned. Sighing, she looks into his eyes that’re averting her gaze. “You’re not yourself, I’m worried about you.” She added gently, worrying now at the way he looked more and more uncomfortable by her asking. “And if it was something I, or Nick did, you know you could tell me, right? You’re my best friend.”

Pete groans softly. There’s really no avoiding her question, not anymore anyway. He’s denied it for this long that really, there wasn’t anything else he could say to hide it. “Things get lonely sometimes. And I… miss you. Both of you. Sometimes I lie awake and when I picture myself with anyone, romantically or whatever…I see you two.” Maverick admits in a voice barely above a whisper, not sure how to phrase it without scaring or freaking her out. She knew him better than anyone, even Nick, and to know that this might ruin everything they had, was killing him. “On the day of your wedding, seeing you both up there, I knew I would never get that. What you have. For things to be the way they were, I guess, I don’t know. And I never want to come between the two of you.” The pilot sighs, staring down at the floor. “I couldn’t live with myself if I did, but now, I’m afraid I already have. I’m so sorry, Carole.” Maverick finally looks up into her eyes, preparing for whatever reaction she had.

“Oh Pete…” She whispers gently, pulling his hand into hers. “You could never come between us. Honey, it’s okay, I know. I know how much you and Nick love each other, you don’t have to be ashamed of that. Frankly, I don’t really care about those sorts of things enough to be upset about it because well, I kind of picture you as my husband too. I mean, I’ve known you for a long enough time that it’s really not a surprise.” She laughs softly, shaking her head.

“I love you, Mav. We both do. So please understand me when I tell you, you never have to be concerned about me freaking out or being upset about these sorts of things” She adds, squeezing his hand in hers. “Okay?”

Maverick doesn’t say anything, but from the look he gives her, she can tell it’s a silent “Okay.” in response. Really, she was expecting something much worse and for that to be all it was, eased the pain in her chest from the past few months. It’s clear to her that their conversation is over, and she’s perfectly fine with that.

The two end up falling asleep together on the couch with Maverick and Carole huddled next to each other, her head in his lap and his arm resting on her back, both snoring quietly. The T.V has switched from romance to some old western movie when Goose enters the apartment and he can’t help but gush at the sight. He crouches down to curl his arms around his wife and carries her off to their bedroom. As he gently lays her on the bed, he’s about to tug the sheets up to her chin when she asks quietly. “Nick?”

“Hey darlin’, I’m sorry for waking you up.” He whispers in response.

Her voice still raspy, she smiles tiredly. “You’re okay. But I think you should talk to Pete, not right now, but sometime. It’d be good for the both of you. He misses you.”

That caught him by surprise. “What do you mean? Did-did I do something wrong?” Goose asks, eyes widening at the idea of what he could’ve done. If he had done anything.

“No, no, baby nothing like that. Don’t worry, you’re okay.” Carole reassures, putting her hand to his wrist. She hesitates for a moment before yawning. “You know how you feel when you’re around me? And him? Well, that’s kinda how he feels around the both of us. If that makes any sense.”

Goose wasn’t sure if she was just talking crazy due to her sleepiness or not, but as he listened, what she was saying did kind of make sense. He was his pilot, his brother, and the best person he ever had besides her, to say didn’t get where he was coming from would be a lie. A huge lie, to himself. He nodded and watched as she shifted to her side. “It’s okay, just…talk to him, Goose.” She whispered before falling back asleep. A peaceful look on her face as he walked out of the room. Watching his best friend, he felt the same look of awe and care he had when they met return to his face. Walking forward, he crouched down next to him and heaved the shorter man up off the couch. “Hey honey, you okay?” The RIO can’t help but ask, knowing just how the other will respond.

Maverick shifts at the sudden movement and smiles lazily. “I’m just fine, dear.”

“Listen, I’m sorry if I hurt you. For not understanding or getting it before. You know how much I care about you, right Mav?” He says quietly.

“S’ okay, Goose. You’re fine.” Pete whispers.

“ Pete..”

Maverick sighs and looks up at him. “I mean it, you’re okay. We’re fine, really.”

“Well if that’s so,” Goose chuckled, dropping the other on the bed. Turning off the light, he crawled in next to Maverick who had Carole sleepily scooching closer to him and resting her head on his shoulder. “Good night you guys. I love you. Both of you.” He whispered before falling asleep as well.

“G’night Goose…” And as Pete falls asleep as well between the two people he loves most, he realizes he has what he’s always wanted. Even if they never defined it in specific terms, a family. One that knew its members inside and out. A place where he belonged. A place where he was wanted. And he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

#Goosemav #GooseCaroleMav #my fanfiction #my fandoms #cross posted on ao3 #The polycule is real yall just aren't ready for that #top gun #top gun fanfiction #poly relationship #my stories #masterlist #carole bradshaw #nick goose bradshaw #pete maverick mitchell

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