#bob floyd x Kazansky!reader

[specialbrewbutterbeer]

Unorthodox (Pt. 1). (Robert 'Bob' Floyd x Kazansky!Reader)(+ a bit of Ice and Mav)

Word Count: 6760

TW: Mentions of throat cancer and death (no one dies in this, it's broadly fluff), alcohol consumption, swearing, implied marriage of convenience (See AN)

AN: I know this wasn't requested- and you're all still waiting on Recall pt2 but I'm just trying to perfect that before I post it, but meanwhile have a Bob fic! There was a gap in the market for it so I went for it since I had the inspo. I also decided to lean into the IceMav stuff in the background of this fic- Implying a marriage of convenience between Ice and Sarah- though I like to think he's just bi and it's a bit more than that, a person can love two people- similarly I didn't want to get rid of Mav and Penny's relationship. It's basically up to you what you think their relationship is. I also decided to whack some music in that I totally didn't steal from the 'sky dancing 🤘' playlist on Spotify :)

Enjoy! (Requests are open, I'm slowly working through them, and feedback and replies are really needed! I wanna know what you guys think of what I write!)

REQUESTS (OPEN)

MASTERLIST

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"Hey Papa-" (Y/n) spoke with a smile on her face, dropping her handbag off of her shoulder and onto the floor in the hall. She kicked off her sandals and approached her father, who had waited and watched her come inside from the door of her study. She was always glad to see him.

"Baby girl-" He croaked and held out an arm, into the crook of which she gladly tucked herself before she wrapped her father in her own arms. She'd always been a Daddy's girl, he'd probably only ever been really mad at her once, and to be fair- she was glad he had been and she knew he'd been right about it.

She walked with him into his study, she could feel how thin he was these days, and the fact that he'd spoken any words to her was a miracle - though no matter how much it hurt, he always tried to speak to his children.

(Y/n) Kazansky was the eldest of her siblings, and was a carbon copy of her Dad - cocky and sure at times but broadly responsible, intelligent, a quick and critical thinker, good at putting up the barricades when she needed to work, pretending like she was cold- but exactly like her father, she melted into a warm, squishy and soft person the remainder of the time. Especially for family and friends.

She had gone away to college across the country when she was 18, but despite being excited about it, ended up hating everything about it. She couldn't put her finger on what it was but she just didn't enjoy a second of it, her only solace was coming home on break.

To her total surprise, her Dad had sat her down when she'd come home at the end of her first year and told her to drop out. She had been the nost scared of telling him that she was miserable at college- but he'd seen it. He knew people, his own daughter especially, well; she had been so clearly not herself and was getting nothing positive from her experience that he couldn't bare it anymore. So she did, she came home and sobbed when she walked back in the front door with all her stuff. She felt like a failure, now she was a college drop out- and again it was her Dad who fixed everything for her, told her that life wasn't worth living she didn't love what she did everyday, if her work was a burden then she'd be torturing herself, and they were privileged enough that she didn't have to do that.

So she found a job she actually enjoyed and worked hard at it, with all the same drive that had made her Dad so successful. Now she was head of her team and most importantly, happy.

She never regretted staying living at home. She was in her late twenties now, but the house was big enough that it had never felt cramped with them all staying. She especially didn't now that the famous Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky was sick. He'd been sick before, on and off. The throat cancer started as treatable, and just came back every couple years more and more aggressively.

Being at home meant spending as much time as she could making memories with her Dad, helping look after her younger siblings whilst their Mom took their Dad to hospital appointments, and making sure that her siblings would be able to remember their Dad as well and as fondly as she would. Now they knew where it was all heading.

(Y/n) sat down across from her Dad as he lowered himself into his chair and coughed.

"How you feeling Papa?" She asked, leaning her head on her hands on the desk and looking up at him adoringly like she had done since she was a kid.

He just nodded and smiled and she gave him a look of 'I know you're not telling me the truth'. He laughed, as much as he could laugh, and typed on his computer monitor.

'I'm feeling fine. Don't worry about me, Sweetheart.'

"You say that like it's easy Papa." She read and looked back to him.

'What about you?' He typed, moving swiftly off of the topic of himself because he justifiably didn't enjoy it.

"I'm alright." She smiled. Normally she'd go into plenty of detail but today she just didn't feel like it.

'and work?' He typed again.

"Work's fine. My boss is putting me up for an industry award next month." She nodded and smiled softly as he Father broke into a much bigger smile.

'I'm proud of you, Baby girl.' He once again typed out.

"I know Papa. You never let me forget it for one second." She smiled and her Dad leant forward just a little and stroked her hair softly. She'd never really be grown up in his eyes.

After a while, her Father looked at the clock.

'Your brother needs help with his homework. Can you help him out?' Ice typed out.

"Trying to get rid of me?" She laughed.

'It's work stuff' He typed and smiled. She knew him too well.

"You'll never give it a rest, will you Papa?" He shook his head. Still smiling.

'Love it nearly as much as I love you, Sweetheart.'

"No use buttering me up now, I'll still get you back for making me help with Math." She laughed and stood. She leant down and kissed her Dad's cheek before heading out to find her brother. "Love you too Papa."

After quite a long argument with her brother about algebraic equations and how he didn't wanna do them- (Y/n) decided to give up. She didn't often give up, but her brother was stubborn and would rather text his girlfriend than study. To be fair, he was usually better at studying but considering the circumstances in the family, which (y/n) knew he wasn't coping great with, she just cut him some slack.

She wandered out through the house, a little aimlessly, looking for her Mom to ask if she needed any help with cooking dinner or anything else. She heard the study door open, and peeked around the corner.

"Pete?" She asked, watching him emerge from the doorway and rushing to him.

He looked around and saw her, a smile growing on his face.

"(Y/n)" He smiled. "How are you?"

"I'm good- What about you? Papa, you never told me Uncle Pete was in town?" She spoke, looking to her Dad who was stood in the doorway. He gave a look of 'really? You're a sap'.

"Well, here I am." He smiled and held his arms open for a hug which she gladly indulged in. "I'm good kid, just came to talk to your old man."

"Oh, you're work stuff?" She put 'work stuff ' in air quotes and raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah - I'm back at Top Gun, if you can believe that." Mav spoke with a gentle smile and a sigh.

"Really?" She was slightly taken aback but Mav nodded. "Wow- I wouldn't have guessed that." She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"It's where I'm headed now, if your Dad's done with me?" Mav grinned and looked back at Ice.

"Show him the door" Her Dad spoke croakily, in as much of a faux menacing tone as he could manage, and winked at his daughter. He still had a stupid fatherly sense of humour.

The two men hugged a lingering goodbye and Kazansky retreated, with a nonchalant wave, to his desk, watching the pair through the door with a smile. She'll be looked after even without him there. She'll always have a Dad, even if her Papa ain't there. He was glad about that.

(Y/n) hooked her arm through that of the man she had always known as family, who was her Godfather in fact, and they started toward the door. He'd always been there, at her Dad's side. He was a constant presence in the house, if not at the table for dinner and sat in her Dad's office, in the garden chasing (y/n) and her siblings with a garden hose (and her Dad) when they were little, crashing in their spare room and appearing in the morning for breakfast like the drifter he sometimes was, seeming to swap exclusively between the Bradshaw's and them, then it was hearing his voice on the phone drifting out through the house as her Dad put him on speaker and cooked for his kids or attempted to put shoes on his youngest who didn't want to cooperate (Ice would put the kid on the phone to Mav, then somehow he'd always convince them to do as their Dad asked), the pictures in scrapbooks, the pictures on the wall- their Top Gun class picture, his and her Dad's photo on the deck after their first flight together on Ice's desk next to that years Christmas picture, and ones of his kids and wife.

"How you doing? With your Dad?" Mav asked, looking down at the young woman.

"Oh- You know, looking after Mom, preparing for everything." She nodded.

"You know you can call me anytime if you need anything." He spoke sincerely.

"I know Pete." She nodded and patted his arm with a content smile. They were quiet for a moment. "You're an instructor again I guess?"

"Uh- yeah." Mav nodded.

"I'm told that went well the last time?" She teased with a laugh.

"Very." He grinned.

"You'll be sprinkling some unorthodox methods in your lesson plans, I've no doubt." (Y/n) laughed, thinking back on the stories she'd been told.

"Yeah-" Pete nodded admittantly. "You been down to the base recently?"

"Not for a while- Papa doesn't like me going there without him to chaperone; not since I took a leaf out of your books and got engaged to a pilot. Still the only time I've ever seen the guy really mad with me." She grinned. Pete just laughed.

"You demoted the guy to just an ex-fiance? That's cold (y/n)."

"Hey, we didn't even divorce! It was annulled! The guy doesn't get that privilege, Papa was right, he was an ass." She rolled her eyes as they reached the door and stood at it.

"Yeah- alright, makes sense." Pete shook his head with a smile. "Glad you and your Dad still share that high self esteem."

"I knew I was a prize to be won- You of all people know how a young pilot likes an Admiral's daughter. Shame I didn't know that my Dad was telling the truth when he gave me strict orders not to go out with pilots." She laughed and Pete could only agree. "Talking of that- You seen your Miss Benjamin again yet? She's living around here again you know."

"Well- actually, yeah." He spoke like he was still surprised about it.

"It go well?" (Y/n) grinned, immediately knowing that Pete Maverick Mitchell wasn't so stunned by any ol' lady.

"Something like that." He nodded with a slightly absent smile.

"Ooh- well, if any woman would be able to tame you, it'd be her." (Y/n) laughed as she teased the elder man.

"Yeah- Well; what about you kiddo?" He stopped and looked at her expectantly.

"What do you mean what about me?" She scoffed as if it weren't an obvious question.

"You've not got any fancy man? There's no one for me and your Dad to chase off?" Pete raised an eyebrow and gave a teasing smirk.

"No! I don't exactly get out much anymore, and even when I do I only find these dumb hotshot pilots who are younger than me and treat me like some piece of meat to ogle- not relationship material." (Y/n) spoke very matter of fact and ended with a little twitch of her nose.

"Good- that's the talk your Dad wants to hear." Pete nodded crossing his arms and leaning back on the door frame.

"I said not relationship material, not that-" Her eyes lit up and she grinned.

"Stop there! I've heard enough." Pete laughed and put a hand up. "Never should have told you what your Dad and I got up to back in the day..." (Y/n) rolled her eyes and grinned still. "Glad you're having fun, kid." Pete winked at her and gave her a playful nudge.

"Alrighty- well I guess you've gotta head off?" She sighed after a moment, sad to see him go. She got along with him very well, he held a place in her heart and he was like family to the Kazanskys.

"Yeah." He nodded with a solemn smile.

"I'll see you soon Pete. Thanks for coming." She nodded as he opened the door and turned to give her a hug.

"Anytime kid." He spoke sadly and softly, embracing her and then turning down tbe path. She stopped a few paces down and turned again- just catching her as she went to shut the front door, having watched him leave. "Hey, (Y/n)?" He called out.

"Yeah?" She looked up at him.

"If you've got time, you wouldn't want to help me out with one of my 'unorthadox methods' would you?" He asked, the idea having occured to him as he'd neared the gate.

"Uncle Pete- How could I ever say no to such a good influence as yourself?" She gave a smile and they shared a look that they'd always shared, since she was small, that meant trouble.

Less than an hour later she was sat on the edge of the decking behind the Hard Deck, looking out to the sea, whilst Penny and Maverick stood in the doorway of the bar, flirting like teenagers.

She leant back on the heels of her palms, letting the slotted wood dig in and reveled in the heat of the low sun. People normally expected her to stay home, what with how her Dad was doing- but he refused for life to anything but normal. That why he still tried to talk even though it hurt, why he still walked around even though he was nowhere near being the strong built pilot he had once been- instead he was a thin stick of a man, it was why he still worked. Normal people would have retired, travelled the world and completed some sort of bucket list, spent time with family. But he loved it too much- he wanted his family to remember him as the driven, motivated and stubborn old sap that he was- not as sick. So he insisted things just continue. This was how he wanted to enjoy what time he had; doing what he had always loved and what he always would love, with his wife and kids and friends around him.

So when (y/n) had texted her Dad to say she was going out for a bit with Uncle Pete (though she didn't dare elaborate on what they were up to) she received the thumbs up and the usual 'tell me when you're on your way home and stay safe.' text. And Pete got a 'Don't let my kid do anything you or I would do Mav'.

She heard a vehicle pull up in the lot and smiled to herself, pulling her sunglasses from her nose and eyes and perching them on her head.

After a few minutes there was another, and another and she could hear people talking, calling eachother over.

Mav glanced at her and she gave a cheeky smile. He returned one and gave a nod. She loved the stupid shit they got up to.

She stood and pulled her cropped linen shirt back over her shoulders- it was supposed to be a sun cover but she'd long since neglected to use it for that. She wore a sky blue bikini and she knew she looked damn good in it. That was half the fun of what was coming next.

First, she picked up the little portable radio that sat next to her, playing quietly bluetoothed to her phone and playing one of her playlists. She slung it over her shoulder, and then hooked a football, which had been nestled nearby in the sand, waiting for her, under her arm and waltzed on around the corner. She could just see a glimpse of the group clad in khaki uniform.

"Yeah- outside the Hard Deck, that's what he said." She heard a voice. Someone looked up, having noticed the music first, but saw her and looked away quickly- surely assuming it wasn't relevant to their mysterious instructions.

She continued closer, counting 1, 2, 3, 7- 10 and 12. That was all of em, plus Hondo- who she knew well and was keeping his mouth shut about what he knew the exercise was.

Another one glance at her, looked her up and down with a smirk but again turned away.

She looked like any other beach goer, pretty hot, a slightly darker tan on the shoulders and legs and a touch of pink on her nose- even slightly freckled.

"Hey, Boys and Girls-" She spoke, unable to get rid of the smirk on her face. Most of the group turned to her and noted her confident stance and twinkle in her eye. "Looking for Maverick?"

She spotted Bradley Bradshaw, he was tall- and she remembered him from the Top Gun 86' class reunions which she and all the families were dragged to. Plus Mav had brought him round a few times when they were kids, their Father's had been friends after all. All the pilots in that class who knew his Dad well wanted to keep an eye on him. Poor kid was always paraded around those events cos of his Dad, usually stuck to Mav or his Mom like glue. (Y/n) was usually paraded around as the eldest kid of the class first placer- and since he was rising in the ranks as she got older, as the kid of an Admiral. She never knew Bradshaw actually became a pilot- she knew he'd not got into the academy first time round, what with Mav pulling his papers, but didn't know much more. As usual her Dad kept 'work stuff' seperate from home (except Pete, of course, he was everything), so she didn't know he was around at all. She was glad for him, it never sat right that Pete had interfered, even if she could guess why it was that he did.

The one who had glanced at her, 'Hangman' she read from his uniform, went to speak with a bit of a smirk going, but it was Bradshaw ('Rooster'?) who spoke first.

"Yeah-" He looked like he recognised her for a moment, though she didn't expect him to- and he didn't seem to have enough confidence in the recognition to point it out. "You seen him?" He spoke with a hint of suspicion.

"Yep." She grinned and threw the ball toward the group of confused airmen, it was caught in the hands of a spectacled pilot. "He's put me in charge. I'm your referee." She winked and turned. She heard a hearty laugh and some chatter. Instinctively they all just followed.

Mav waved at them from the deck and threw her a whistle, which she caught as she passed by.

"Meet (Y/n). She doesn't bite-" He laughed as he looked at the pilots faces, all slightly confused but slightly amused by equal measure. "She's just got a damn good eye for detail." He grinned.

"Gotta know the rules before you bend em'" (y/n) laughed. "Now- I'm afraid I'm gonna need you guys to strip off and get sweaty- Pronto." She spoke, teasing was half the fun.

Mav watched as suddenly all of his pilots were the most cooperative they'd been the entire week and within about two minutes were split into two sides and running up and down the beach with football in hand.

He hated to admit that the little girl he'd watch grow up could be considered attractive by anyone in that way, but he knew that's how young men saw her. He hoped that it would drive them to put their all into the game- show off a bit. It had worked so far. Plus, he liked that (y/n) was getting out of the house- he'd always encourage her to do stupid shit (not dangerous stupid, but maybe a bit dumb), he had to be the fun one even if she was an adult now.

"Hey- Pete. The sides are uneven." She called up to him.

"Yeah- what about it? Realistic isn't it?" He laughed as she put her hands on her hips.

"Hangman says it's unfair and he's getting pretty moody about it." She raised an eyebrow.

"That's just cos Bagman's loosing-" Pheonix called out.

"I am not loosing! And I am not being moody!" Hangman spoke with with a lightness and laugh in his tone that was unfamiliar. He wasn't being quite so arrogant today- competitive? Yes. But he seemed to have momentarily mellowed. The activity agreed with him.

(Y/n) turned to him and raised an eyebrow, giving a look of 'what did you just say?'.

"Yes, Ma'am." He nodded when he saw it and she just laughed. She'd practiced that one on her brothers before, always commanded respect. She couldn't have been more her father's daughter.

"So, Pete-" She started before Mav put his hands up and shook his head. "You put me in charge old man! I'm telling you to come even the field, so give the lady up there something to look at and play the game!" She laughed and Mav sighed. He couldn't argue it and joined them.

As she watched the pilots play, watching for foul play, she couldn't help but think that they were all so typical of pilots. She liked em, but Hangman was clearly a peg above the rest in his own head, Bradshaw (she didn't know how used to Rooster she was when she thought of him as a sky little blonde kid in her head) seemed to take himself too seriously, they were all powerful personalities. She thought they were attractive, but broadly uninteresting. She wasn't looking for anything like that anyway.

She scanned the field of play, and awarded a point to Coyote as the game began to lapse into fun more than anything serious. It'd already been an hour or two. No one was paying attention to the time.

It didn't help that she kept getting distracted. She wasn't sure why, but her eyes kept drifting and she'd find herself watching one man in particular- for no particular reason- instead of the game.

She liked watching how he watched his colleagues - how his eyes darted about and he seemed to calculate things in an instant before a muscular arm would shoot up into the air and signal for someone to make a move. He had enough faith in his teammates that just once glance back at them was enough before he was moving onto the next step. His face would be deadly serious as he ran, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose as they slipped, but break out into a grin as something went well- and fade back into a stern concentration as his mind swirled through the strategy of it all. He wasn't perfect at it; he was playing football- that wasn't was he was trained to do, and he looked delighted at himself everytime he ended up with the ball- and yet knew exactly what he wanted to do with it, where to put himself and who to pass to.

(Y/n) didn't know what about that she seemed drawn to but she kept catching herself. So much for an 'eye for detail'. She had an eye for detail alright- just the wrong damn ones tonight. She could only laugh at herself.

Mav eventually tapped out. She glanced back at him as he sat down, and noticed Simpson walking across the sand, looking as stern as usual.

She approached as he started talking to Mav, and smiled.

"Miss Kazansky-" He nodded.

"Sir." She spoke courteously but stood at an angle that meant she could glance back at the game. Simpson seemed for a moment to not know what to say to her, and he looked like he was about to ask something attempting to be sentimental about her Father. People didn't know how to talk to her these days. But equally he just seemed confused as to the necessity of her presence. "I'm referee." She nodded.

"I see." Simpson spoke slowly. "Who's winning?"

"I think they stopped keeping score a long time ago." Mav laughed, looking up at his boss.

"Yeah..." She agreed, meaning to laugh but instead sounding slightly unsure as she looked back and once again her eye was caught by a young man. That was until another dispute came about- "I still get to hand out points though." She laughed and took a springy jog toward the group.

The teams had dissolved by now, but since (y/n) was still there with a whistle and her thumbs up was needed for points (as meaningless as they were now) the group all threw their hands in the air and ushered her over.

"Hey- (y/n), you see that?" Coyote called, and it was echoed.

"He was over the line!" Pheonix argued- and pointed down at a line that they'd drawn in the sand which now barely existed.

"Now come on- (y/n)? That was clear!" Hangman laughed and looked between her and Bob, who was stood out of breath, the ball in his hands, leaning over. He pushed his glasses up and stood- saying nothing but looking at her expectantly, a smile twitching at the edge of his lips.

In truth she had no idea what was happening. She was watching him- but she was watching him, not what he was doing in terms of the game. She was deciding that she thought he was cute.

She slowed from her jog and walked over. Soon she was close enough that she was looking up at him. She used the opportunity to look him up and down, slowly. Suddenly the group fell silent. They were all hanging on this now.

He was clearly quite muscular - even if he hid that under the baggy t-shirt he wore instead of none like the other guys. His expressions were generally soft, he was pretty especially even when he was sweaty.

"No. He gets the point." She smiled and looked up at him through her eyelashes as she did. He lit up and was quickly swept up by Rooster who half tackled him whilst the entire gang cheered.

She laughed as she watched him get hoisted onto Rooster's shoulders and his colleagues start chanting his name. She walked behind, shaking her head as she thought about how teenage she was being- letting a guy win just cos she thought he was cute.

She looked up at Pete, who was still sat in his fold up chair, the radio playing next to him. He had a twinkle in his eye. Today was his idea of fun. If only he'd had the chance to do something dangerous in a jet she was sure he would have considered it perfect.

She looked past him, to see Penny ushering the group inside- the bar wasn't usually open today, but she would allow the group a couple rounds.

She walked along, slowly, just sorta watching everything as she headed for the bar. Pete stood as the group reached him long before she did. He had that stupid familiar grin on his face.

Rooster put Bob down and the guy was surrounded by his peers quickly, all thumping him heartily on the back and still cheering.

Someone turned and called (y/n) to hurry up, she shook her head with a laugh- which only encouraged the rest of them to call out to her. She just laughed, she didn't want to run, but she was surely on her way.

Pete took up a jog toward her, his own laugh on his lips.

"Pete! Don't you dare!" She realised what he was up to when he was just a few yards away- as the pilots cheered and her eyes widened.

"Maverick!" She yelped.

He knew he was in trouble then. Sarah had banned callsigns in the house- 'Someones Mama worked hard on that name you know- and if you hadn't noticed, we're not in fighter jets. The Navy would never have such nice carpets.'

Before she could stop him, he'd lifted her on his shoulders in a fireman's carry- which prompted more cheers from the pilots as she and Mav just laughed, her sunglasses slipping from her face and onto the sand.

"Just like when you were a little kid." Mav grinned and spoke as he carried her toward the bar, collecting the group as he went.

He finally put her down inside, as the rest headed for the bar. She gave him a playful punch in the arm- to which he just laughed and headed behind the bar to help Penny.

She shook her head and laughed.

"Hey-" She heard from behind her. She turned, but didn't need to, the man the voice belonged go had circled to face her. She didn't even have time to say anything before he seemed very close to her and she realised who it was.

"You dropped these?" He spoke, holding out her sunglasses to her with a little, calm smile.

"Oh-" She felt her cheeks heat up and preyed they weren't flushing pink. "Thanks." She smiled and softly took the glasses from his outstretched hand. She never got flustered, but my my did she feel like a teenager.

"Anytime." Bob nodded and didn't move for a moment, wether or not he knew he was holding the tension, keeping her stunned and not breaking eye contact, was an interesting question. Either way he was doing just that.

Before he could, (y/n) decided to throw caution to the wind. She hadn't felt like this in a long time.

"Can I get you a drink?" She asked quickly and looked to the bar- before she totally melted in front of him.

"Uh- yeah, please." He nodded.

(Y/n) had to move away from him before she froze up, so she moved toward the bar- glancing back to see him follow.

"What can I get ya?" She asked, feeling a little more her smooth and confident self. This was not usually a difficult task.

"Just a coke, thanks." He smiled and nodded as (y/n) leant on the bar.

"You don't drink?" She looked up at him. He shook his head.

"No- never been my thing." He smiled, content and cool in that answer. Clearly pretty secure in himself, not one to be pressured into anything. She liked that. It was kinda hot.

"I like it." She smiled and waited a beat as he met her gaze for a moment. "Cheap date." She spoke that bit unknowingly quietly- still slightly dazed.

She chatted to him for a while, and they joined the others playing pool at one point. God- she really did like him. He was a little quiet, but not exactly shy. He was intelligent and interesting. He was pretty funny too- at least she thought so.

It was a pretty chilled out evening- as Mav and Penny looked on from the bar, sat with their own drinks.

Eventually (y/n) looked up at the clock.

"Wow- how did it get to be that late?" She spoke to herself.

"Time flies when you're having fun, (y/n)." Hangman spoke leaning on his pool cue and winked at her.

She rolled her eyes playfully. She now knew he was just sorta like that- he was definitely flirting but he seemed to flirt with anything with a pulse so she didn't exactly take it personally.

"Well, I still gotta get home-" She spoke, trying to think of how to get there. She'd got here with Mav, he probably he expected he was gonna drop her home too.

"I can give you a ride." Bob spoke, more confidently and keenly than even he had expected to sound. She turned and looked at him. She didn't hesitate to answer- but Bob still followed it up with "If you- want?" He suddenly seemed back to his mildly awkward self. "I haven't been drinking so-"

"Thanks- I'd like that." She cut him off and smiled, finally sensing her confidence coming into it's own like she was used to.

He nodded and smiled, tipping the last of his drink past his lips before standing.

He put his hand out to her as he stood in front of her and she gathered her things, her purse and phone, then the jeans and t-shirt she'd been wearing earlier in the day before she'd changed into the bikini she was wearing.

She looked up and instinctively took it as she stood.

"Thanks." She mumbled, with a twitchy, shy smile.

Bob just gave a soft, warm smile, and again she just couldn't look or she knew she'd never move again. She slid her hand from his and headed to Maverick. Bob stayed still, watching her- and not even processing that the entire rest of his colleagues were watching the entire exchange, totally fascinated.

"Pete-" (y/n) smiled.

"Kid." He nodded.

"Thanks for today." She smiled and gave him a tight hug.

"You're welcome." He smiled as he squeezed her tight. "Give my love to your Mom and Dad- alright?" He asked, and she nodded.

"I'll see you soon, Pete." She spoke. "And you too Penny." She smiled and gave another hug to the woman.

"It was lovely seeing you again darling." She nodded.

"Not too soon, (y/n)." Pete spoke slowly, as yhey shared a knowing look. They knew what next time would be.

She nodded and gave an almost bittersweet smile.

Then she turned back to the group- swapping it for a grin as she saw Bob walking toward her.

"It was great meeting you guys! I hope this mission of yours goes well- fly safe and come home!" She waved as Bob stood by her.

A chorus of goodbyes and mirrored sentiments came up.

Soon they were out the door and heading toward Bob's old beat up pick-up.

"You know who that was don't you?" Hondo spoke as soon as they were definitely out of earshot.

This gained him some confused looks from the pilots.

"(Y/n) Kazansky. Admiral's daughter." He grinned as he spoke smoothly and drank. Knowing he'd unleashed some good information.

"Oh shit-" Rooster spoke, half laughing, half realising he was right when he'd first thought of it and assumed he was wrong.

"And my Goddaughter." Mav called across to add to the conversation.

"My god- Bob doesn't know what he's in for." Hangman laughed.

"If you think I would have let any of the rest of you take her home- You're idiots." Mav laughed.

It was a pretty normal journey, the pair chatted- then a lull came in the conversation. She watched the streets go by through the window and listened to the radio.

"Oh, Bobby-" She smirked and Bob's ears perked up and he immediately felt heat in his cheeks at the nickname. She sighed as she spoke it. "My Daddy always told me to say away from pilots... Such a cruel thing- when you're sat so close to me." She smiled and shook her head before glancing at him. Her eyes drifted from watching his scan the road, to his jaw and lips and neck, to his hands as they turned the wheel.

After a few moments he took his eyes from the road on a quiet street, and glanced right back at her. As her eyes made their way back to his face, she was almost stunned to find his to meet.

Once they did, a smile crept onto his face- one that let on something.

He turned back to the road.

"I don't fly the plane. I'm a WSO, not a pilot." He spoke, his smile remaining.

"I know." She breathed.

Again, there was quiet.

Soon they pulled up outside the addresses she'd given.

He switched off the ignition and looked over at her. He gave a soft smile. She gave a little smirk.

"Get out." She spoke. He looked at her for a half a second then did as told.

He stood beside the truck, holding the door open and looking in. "Now close the door and turn around. I'm gonna get changed." She nodded.

"Yes Ma'am." He spoke under his breath, taking one last very quick look at her in her bikini before once again taking the instruction.

"What a gentleman." He heard her tease, the smile on her lips almost audible.

He chuckled to himself and looked down at his shoes as he waited, his hands clasped behind his back.

Soon he heard the door of his truck open and close again.

"You can look." She spoke as she rounded the front of the truck.

He looked round at her. There she was, blue jeans and white t-shirt. Classic.

He smiled once again. He didn't think he could stop, she was too pretty.

"Thanks for the ride, Bobby." She used the nickname again and stood close.

"Anytime." He spoke breathily, slowly- with a small nod as he leant back on his truck.

She moved her hand up and tucked a small rolled up piece of paper behind his ear.

She smiled and couldn't break the eye contact. He didn't move a muscle.

He looked so pretty in the dusk light. The damp strands of hair that fell across his forehead, how the oversized loose shirt sat over his shoulders, the shine in his eyes and his overall aura of calm. It was magnetic to her.

She finally moved to turn away, and as she faced away from him, he acted on impulse- putting his hand in the back pocket of her jeans and spinning her back around, plunging into a deep and very tender kiss.

She melted into it- though she didn't expect it from him.

His hand stayed in her back pocket, his other rested on her hip, ring finger through her belt loop. She wasn't going anywhere though.

Hers rested on his chest.

Eventually they pulled away. She was flushed pink, he was strangely calm.

He looked at her, and looked up behind her- noticing the Admiral stood at his front door watching with a stern look on his face. Bob gave a sheepish smile.

(Y/n) glanced over her shoulder, and gave a breathy laugh before looking back. Bob looked back to her.

Slowly he let go of her, and she let her fingertips trail on him.

"Call me, Bobby." She smiled as she turned away again and headed for her door.

He nodded and breathed out as he watched her go.

"I surely will..." He spoke to himself.

"He's not a pilot, Papa." She smiled as she walked in the door. "He's real sweet."

Ice closed the door.

"I saw." He spoke slowly, looking unimpressed. "I know my aviators." He told her. He handpicked these guys, he could recite their records like the alphabet by now. He handpicked them to fly missions, not to audition them for son-in-law. Even so- he had to admit, Floyd's record was clean as a whistle. He had commendations and good reviews across the board.

"Bob!" Fanboy spoke as he walked back into the bar. Suddenly he was swamped and surrounded by his peers who were patting him on the back and chattering.

He smiled sorta shyly as they did.

"What'd you do?" Pheonix teased, not expecting anything.

"Kissed her at the door-" He answered- leading to another cheer.

"Man- you know she's Admiral Kazansky's daughter? Right?" Coyote spoke, amazed and with a laugh.

"You didn't?" Bob returned with a little smirk at the corner of his mouth as he looked around.

If they hadn't lost their shit before then- they did as he said that.

"Dude- you've got some balls." Hangman slapped him on the back and laughed. "I mean- that's real crazy stuff."

Mav shook his head at the whole lot of them, taking a drink and smiling. As he did, he saw his phone light up in his jacket pocket, hung on a chair.

I'm assuming you're responsible for what I just saw?

Depends

Floyd.

I wouldn't let our baby girl go home with any old pilot

He's not a pilot

Exactly

You're dangerous

I am

Love you too Ice

--------------------

PART 2 HERE

TAGLIST:

@thespeeder @fangirlinc @inglourious-imagines @gh0strr @idfkwhyimhere4357 @dempy

#icemav #iceman #tom iceman kazansky #tom kazansky #bob #robert bob floyd #robert floyd #bob x reader #bob floyd #bob floyd x reader #robert floyd x reader #top gun maverick #topgun #top gun #bob x Kazansky!reader #robert bob floyd x reader #robert bob floyd x you #Kazansky!reader #bob floyd x Kazansky!reader #iceman x maverick #pete maverick mitchell #maverick x iceman #pete mitchell #top gun fic #fic #fluff #angst #dad!mav #dad!iceman #dad!maverick

[frost-queen]

It comes with perks (Reader x Jake 'Hangman' Seresin)

Requested by: anon Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia, @alex--awesome--22, @elllie-does-the-posts, @floatlosers, @merlieve, @queen-of-books, @glimmering-darling-dolly @denkisclown, @wildieflower, @meyocoko, @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco, @subjecta13-thefangirl, @m-rae23, @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @swampthing07, @melsunshine, @panhoeofmanyfandoms, @venomsvl, @the-uncoordinated-house-cat, @rosecentury,  @imagines-by-her,  @evilcr0ne, @vviolynn

Summary: When you need someone to be your fake boyfriend to get you out of a situation with your ex, Hangman is the closest guy you find. What needed to be a one time thing, turned out into a long term act of fake dating. Certainly now that your dad Iceman is involved in as well. Slowly the lines of fake dating fade as Hangman becomes obessed with you, a ray of sunshine. When your ex tries to get back in your life, Jake becomes protective, finally ending those unclear lines of fake dating.

Phoenix and you entered Penny’s bar when your phone suddenly rang. Taking it out, the nametag on it made your eyes widen. You touched Phoenix on her shoulder, letting her know you needed a moment. She simply smiled, heading further into the bar to the booth were Bob, Coyote and Fanboy already were. The phone kept buzzing as you weren’t sure what to do. Panicking a bit as to say. You knew not picking up, would do nothing as he would just keep calling you.

Answering was even terrible, as you knew he’d say anything to get you to yield. Like a collective caller, kept he calling you. Looking around frantically, you spotted the first person at Penny’s bar. You rushed over to the bar, pulling Hangman back by his shoulder. – “Emergency, you’re my boyfriend.” – you breathed out, holding the phone out to him. Hangman smiled cocky. – “Well, well. If you were desperate for a kiss, you’d just had to ask Y/n.” – Hangman replied all smug to your annoyance.

“No. No! You’re not actually my boyfriend.” – you informed him hastily. Hangman furrowed his brows, frowning. – “Make up your mind girl.” – he let out confused to what was happening. You moved your phone higher up for him to notice. – “I need you to be my boyfriend and make him stop calling me!” – you called out almost frantically at how slow he was catching up.

“Right.” – He simply said, setting a beer down and taking your phone in his hand. He answered the phone, giving you a cheeky eyebrow wiggle. Hangman didn’t even listen to what the other person was saying on the phone. – “Listen bud, stop calling my girlfriend.” – he spoke through. He heard an immediate response. – “Uhm her boyfriend.” – Hangman answered, showing you a goofy look at how obvious it was who he was talking to.

The man kept blabbing in his ear as Hangman had little interest in keeping him on the phone. – “Stop calling us, bye.” – he spoke in such a manufactured voice, he could work in sales and be dealing with a terrible customer but still upholding his work voice. Hangman hung up, giving you the phone back. – “Thank you!” – you let out relieved, bending a bit through your knees out of gratitude. – “So what do I get in return?” – Hangman asked.

“This beer?” – you suggested, placing your hand on the counter by it. Hangman tsked his tongue. – “Already paid for it sunshine.” – he said with a chuckle. – “Fine.” – you breathed out. – “I’ll clean your locker.” – you took out another suggestion as Hangman thought. – “How about wash my clothes?” – he responded. – “Deal.” – you agreed it was just that. Hangman shook hands with you to seal the deal.

He picked up his beer, throwing his arm over your shoulder. – “Who was the dude anyways?” – he asked, leading you to the others. – “My ex.” – you sighed out. Hangman looked half in shock at you. – “I didn’t know you dated someone.” – he called out as you had to shush his loud voice. – “It was like 6 months ago.” – you informed him.

“And he’s still calling you?” – Hangman blurted out as you hummed with a nod as response. – “I can’t shake him off.” – you sighed out nearing the booth with your friends. – “Well good thing your boyfriend saved the day.” – Hangman winked with a ridiculous smile. – “Not my boyfriend.” – you reminded him before sitting down.

Back in the locker room, you were washing Hangman’s attire. Washing them by hand as he called them delicate and needed to be handled with care. – “Uhm what are you doing?” – Phoenix asked seeing you in the locker room as she had walked by. – “Are those Hangman’s clothing?” – she pointed out when you had pulled it up to see if it was clean enough, revealing his nametag. – “Phoenix!” – you called out startled, splashing some water as your arms lowered immediately. – “Why are you washing his clothes?” – she wanted to know. – “I owe it to him.” – you responded, scrubbing his pilot gear.

“You dared to bet with Hangman. Bold.” – she answered impressed. – “It’s not that.” – you told her with a soft sigh. – “He did something for me, so I have to return the favour.” – you explained. – “Right.” – Phoenix widened her eyes briefly in delight. – “If your dad could see you know.” – she chuckled a bit. – “He’d flip that you fell so low.” You grunted soft. – “Good thing my dad.” – you emphasized. – “Can’t see me.” – you replied bitsy. – “Ohh cold touch.” – Phoenix teased touching her own shoulder. You scooped up some water, splashing it at her to wipe that smile off her face.

Phoenix screamed, dodging away when the water came her way. Half laughing, you teasing her with another scoop as she already darted away. When you were finished up with Hangman’s uniforms, you hung them neatly to dry. You came out of the lockers, making your way out of the hangar when you got pulled aside by Rooster. He pushed you firm up against the wall. – “Are you dating Hangman?” – called out at the brink of losing his mind. – “What?” – you responded confused.

“Are you dating him?” – Rooster wanted to know with a stern look. – “What, no, no…” – you replied waving your hands across. Rooster exhaled deep moving his fingers through his hair. – “Who told you this?” – you asked curious. – “Hangman has been bragging to everyone he’s dating you.” – Rooster let you know. Your eyes widened with shock.

You pushed Rooster a bit back, to make some room for you to leave. You needed to find Hangman and you needed to find him now. Jogging out of the hangar into the open. You saw a group of people near the F16’s going over to them. The closer you got, the clearer you saw Hangman amongst them.

“Hangman!” – you shouted drawing his attention. – “Looks like my girlfriend needs me.” – he said to Fanboy and Coyote all smug. Coyote rolled with his eyes as Fanboy shook his head. Hangman turned round to you, welcoming you with a warm smile. – “Yes my love.” – he said as you grabbed him firmly by the arm, dragging him away from the others. – “So eager.” – Hangman whispered to his friends with a chuckle. You came to a stop, letting harshly go of him.

“What are you doing?” – you called out giving him a little shove. – “Au.” – Jake mouthed pretending to be hurt from your shove. – “Jake!” – you called out wanting an answer out of him. – “What?” – he replied loud, making himself taller. – “Why are you telling everyone we are dating?” – you freaked out. Jake scoffed loud, turning his head away. – “Are we not?” – he answered cocky, wanting to slip his arm over your shoulder. It made you puff annoyed, crossing your arms.

“Oh come on Y/n, don’t be such a baby about it.” – Jake said taking you by the elbow, wanting you to uncross your arms. – “It’s a joke, sunshine.” – he kept tugging at your arm, trying to be smooth and cool at the same time. – “Sunshine!” – you suddenly heard loud, making you straighten your back. Hangman’s back straightened as well. Cyclone appeared coming to you. – “Iceman wants to speak to you.” – he said firmly, making your shoulders slouch. Jake was snickering quietly at you with a little point. – “He asked for both of you!” – Cyclone made clear, making Jake’s smile drop.

You tugged on his elbow, pulling him with you. Following Cyclone inside and up the stairs to Iceman’s desk. Cyclone knocked on the door, before popping his head inside. – “They are present.” – he said to Iceman. Cyclone stepped aside, expression flat as he allowed you to walk in. – “Tell me, am I hanging?” – Jake whispered to Cyclone wanting to know his outcome. Cyclone ignored him, giving him an extra shove into the room. – “Dad!” – you said with mixed expectations, opening your arms to a hug.

Iceman got up from behind his desk, coming to hug you. – “How is my little girl?” – he asked. – “Flying and thriving.” – you told him, making him form a smile on his lips. His gaze then shifted to Jake, who swallowed nervously. Iceman got all serious. He went to sit again, gesturing for you to sit as well. Jake and you sat down, unsure what to expect. – “So you are the one dating my daughter.” – Iceman spoke. – “Dad no…” – you blurted out, waving your hands across.

Iceman observed Hangman closely as it made him move uncomfortable in the chair. – “How’s his flying?” – he asked. – “Superb… sir.” – Jake replied loudly, humbling himself immediately. Iceman glanced your way. You could only smile sheepishly at him. – “I’m a bit saddened you didn’t tell me Y/n.” – Iceman began. – “But he looks decent enough. As long as he doesn’t hurt you… or else…” – Iceman gave Hangman his death stare.

Jake swallowed again. – “Dad we’re not…” – you began wanting to explain as Jake grabbed your hand out of the blue. – “No, no sunshine, it’s okay. He knows now.” – Jake spoke upholding the image of dating. You stared confused at him, why he would even want to go on with his stupid joke. – “Jake, this is my dad.” – you said between clenched teeth to him. Making it clear that he didn’t need to mess around. – “I’m so happy for you Y/n.” – Iceman said cheery.

“The man’s happy Y/n, let him be.” – Jake said to guilt trip you. You sighed soft letting yourself fall back in the chair. Jake got up. – “Well it was nice of you to call us in, sir.” – Jake said, nudging you to get up as well. Your dad chuckled happily at his manners as you could only roll your eyes. Jake extended his hand out to Iceman. Iceman took it to shake. – “I’m not one for favours, but if you ever need one for my daughter.” – he whispered to Jake with a wink.

Jake breathed out a laugh of surprise, glancing your way. Just to rub his it more in your face. – “Now we must really go.” – Hangman spoke tapping your elbow, to get you to follow. – “Give her a kiss.” – Iceman replied. Jake’s expression dropped. – “S’cuse me?” – he blurted out. – “Give her a kiss.” – he repeated gesturing at you.

Jake looked sheepishly at you, chuckling nervously. – “Sir truly…” – Jake began wanting to talk his way out of it. – “I want to see just how much you care for my daughter.” – Iceman persisted. Hangman took your hand, pulling you closer to give a kiss on the cheek. – “Give her a real kiss!” – Iceman shouted out of good sports. Jake sighed loud with a soft drop of his gaze. You raised your eyebrow at him, curious to see what he would do. He took you by the elbow, pulling you even closer.

“Just a quick one.” – he whispered to you. – “One second.” – you responded. Hangman held his finger up to his lips, looking all smug. He lowered his finger, giving you a quick nod before he’d kiss you. Your lips touched for a split second, pulling away quick. Iceman shook his head with disappointment. – “We have to go dad!” – you called out, opening the door. Dragging Jake with you out of his office. Downstairs, you let go of Jake.

“Your joke just escalated Hangman. Now my dad knows!” – you called out panicking. – “Hey you asked me to be your boyfriend.” – Jake replied loud. – “For like a few seconds.” – you shouted back. – “You asked for this Y/n.” -  Jake answered loud taking off. – “Where are you going?” – you called out to him. Jake turned around, pulling his shoulders up. It made you groan loud.  

Phoenix and you were stretching before exercise. – “Boyfriend coming over.” – she pointed out, turning her torso, holding her arm by her elbow. You looked up seeing Hangman come over with the other boys. It made you look at her with a certain glance. Phoenix stopped, walking off when Hangman came near. She joined the others behind him. – “You know for a sunshine, you frown a lot.” – he pointed out, touching your forehead.

You slapped his hand away. He grabbed you by the shoulders, moving his head closer to you. – “Smile, your dad is going to watch.” – he whispered making you widen your eyes. Jake moved aside from you, throwing his arm over you as he led you to the others. Maverick, Cyclone and Iceman neared. You all followed Maverick to the beach for a match of rugby. A good team exercise Maverick would call it. Cyclone and Iceman sat down, watching the pathetic play of rugby.

Hangman and you were on opposite teams. Fanboy had the ball, throwing it at Coyote. Hangman jumped in front of him, catching the football before his eyes. He then ran with it to your side, throwing his hard on the ground. He called it out in victory, pointing towards Iceman. Iceman clapped for Hangman’s score. He then looked all smug at you. Phoenix nudged you as you rolled your eyes at him. Trying not to find it sweet. Rooster caught the ball wanting to throw it at you. You caught it, wanting to run when you got picked up from the ground. 

Hangman had picked you up, making you squeal loud out of surprise. Your feet hit the ground again, as he kept his arms around you. – “Try getting out of this now, sunshine.” – he breathed out. You wriggled in his grip for freedom. When you weren’t getting any, you tried running. Hangman laughed loud, squeezing his arms tighter around you. – “Where are you going sunshine?” – he laughed out. You tried so hard not to laugh as well, not to enjoy it too, but you failed.

You stopped trying to run, laughing loud. You tossed the football over to Bob. You showed him your empty hands, showing him his attempt to stop you failed. Hangman picked you up in response, making you squeal again. He then pressed a kiss on your cheek so quick, he barely caught himself doing it. You turned round in his embrace, staring a bit at him. Jake stared back at you.

Swallowing, he let go of you, scratching his neck sheepishly. You looked blissful away. The two of you hesitantly got back into the game, questioning whether you were actually starting to like each other or that it was the drive of fake dating for a while now.

After practise, you were all exhausted. Having been playing till the sun had set. Worn out, you all decided to grab a few drinks at Penny’s bar. You went up to her bar as Jake followed. Almost instinctively. You held four fingers up to Penny, ordering beer. Jake leaned with his elbows on the counter, throwing you a smug smile. Your phone vibrated in your pocket. Confused, you pulled it out holding it to the front. Jake’s eye fell on the caller, taking the phone from your hand before you could react.

He picked up, turning around to lean against the counter with his back. – “What do you want?” – he said bothered. Your ex didn’t even have to finish his sentence when Jake spoke again. – “Listen asshole, if you call her one more time. I’ll make sure you’ll never see daylight again. You won’t see me coming. I’ll fly above your house, aiming for your pathetic bedroom and you’ll be burned to crisps in a matter of seconds.” – Jake threatened making you stare in shock at him.

“She doesn’t want you cause I’m her boyfriend. She’s mine and let me tell you ass, I don’t like sharing.” – Jake said over the phone. – “This was your last call or you’re dead!” – he angrily hung up the phone. – “Thank… thank you…” – you said astonished by how hot that was. Jake tugged your phone in his pocket.

Penny arrived with the drinks as he took them, motioning with his head for you to follow. You slid into a booth with him as the others were waiting. Hangman threw an arm over your shoulder, pushing you closer to him. It made you feel like squealing. The lines of pretend and real blurring away. Jake caught you staring at him, melting as he saw you smile like the sun back at him. He moved his head closer to you, wanting to kiss you in that moment, but caught himself just in time.

He shifted his head to the side, kissing your cheek instead. It didn’t feel satisfying, but he wouldn’t dare himself to kiss you out of the blue with everyone around. Your friends were so used to the two of you dating, they hardly had any eye for it. Not clear it was all an act, started from a joke. After an hour or two, checked Jake his watch. – “I’m taking Y/n home.” – he said removing his arm from you. He got out of the booth, taking you with him.

You said goodbye to the others. Jake grabbed your hand, walking out of Penny’s bar with you. Outside he was still holding your hand as it made you snicker soft. – “No one’s watching Hangman.” – you told him. Hangman looked at you with eyes full of affection. – “I know.” – he responded, pausing you. – “Are we still faking it?” – he asked catching you by surprise. Unsure, you pulled your shoulders up. That seemed to answer Hangman enough as he cupped your cheeks, kissing your lips.

The kiss was long, anticipating the moment till he could finally kiss you. His tender kiss moved to longing and desperation as his hands grabbed you tightly. You kissed him back, fully surrendering under his spell. The lines of fake dating having been shattered long ago.

--------------------------------------

Read more of my fics on my Masterlists!

#imagine #fanfiction #fanfic #fic #top gun #top gun maverick #tom iceman kazansky #iceman #bradley rooster bradshaw #natasha phoenix trace #robert bob floyd #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin fic #jake seresin imagine #jake seresin fanfiction #jake seresin fanfic #jake seresin x you #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin x y/n #top gun hangman #hangman top gun #hangman x reader #hangman seresin #hangman x you #hangman imagine #hangman x y/n #fake dating trope #pete maverick mitchell

[ateliersss]

TOP GUN

…is part of The Bookshelf.

Jake "Hangman" Seresin

This Isn’t What It Looks Like Summary: Hangman is totally, 100% over his ex… he just needs a fake girlfriend to prove it.

Baby, you down? Summary: 5 times Bradley was blissfully unaware of who you’re dating and the 1 time he wasn’t.

Saviour

Major Mistakes Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Clock Don't Stop Summary: After a big fight, you need some time away from Jake. A song that you are listening to reminds you of a very important lesson. Can you and Jake fix things?

Try Losing One Summary: After a big fight, Hangman takes a drive to clear his mind. A song that comes on the radio fits perfectly. 

Karma Summary: The fight that leads up to the events of "Try Losing One" and "Clock Don’t Stop".

It’s Not Me, It’s You Summary: Your ex is back in town and that might be the kick in the ass Hangman needs to change the parameters of your situationship.

Aw Honey Honey Summary: Jake isn't sharing his sugar.

Sleep Tight Summary: Jake Seresin knows he’s a good pilot. But what happens when skill and luck run out and you find your husband in the hospital for the first time?

You're Not My Type Summary: You only spent one evening with Jake, but it was enough to leave you wanting more and also have you hoping to never see him again.

Just Friends Summary: Everyone seems to think you’re Jake Seresin’s girl. It’s easier than explaining to them that you’re just friends with benefits. But that arrangement doesn’t seem to be working for either of you anymore.

Married? Summary: After Jake is called back to Top Gun for a mission, him and the Dagger Squad go out to the Hard Deck one night where Javy gets absolutely hammered and lets it slip that Jake has a wife.

I Just Want You To Like Me Summary: You’re a bartender at the Hard Deck while completing grad school, which is how you met Jake Seresin. You and Jake began a “friends with benefits” type deal, using Jake’s aviation obligations and your education as reasoning why things couldn’t get too serious. Over the months, you have started to harbor deeper feelings towards him, afraid to speak up about it and potentially ruin everything you have with him. But when Jake returns from a two-month mission, your feelings for him reach a turning point in a moment of self-consciousness.

The Beanery Summary: Jake goes from drinking the base’s stale coffee to bringing in cups from the cafe down the road from the hard deck, and the Dagger Squad is determined to find out why.

Opposites Attract Summary: How can Hangman, cocky, arrogant Hangman fall in love with a girl who is so different than him and raise a family completely opposite of him?

Rule Number One

Long Time Gone (Series) Summary: Penny Benjamin’s niece works at The Hard Deck, saving the money she earns to get out of the west coast and put herself through Graduate School. What happens when a pretty boy pilot ends up as her fake boyfriend?

Coffee For Mrs. Seresin?

Never Knew (That I Could Fall So Hard) Summary: You and Jake are friends. Just friends.

Ice Ice Baby Summary: He knows he annoys you. You know he annoys you. And he’s made it his mission to melt your cold, dead heart. 

Right Back To You

A Ghost Playing Hangman (Series) Summary: Ghost was one of the most recent graduates from Top Gun quickly making a name for herself. When she gets recalled with the best of the best, she realizes her work is cut out for her if she wants to make the team. And one of her biggest obstacles is a blonde hair pilot with the world’s most annoying smirk. Will she make the team? And if so, at what cost?

Touch and Go Summary: You and Jake had been sleeping together for months, and as sure as you were of your feelings for him, you were unsure of his for you. He, however, certainly knew how he felt about you, and after you decide to go on a long trip without telling him, he lets you know just exactly what’s on his mind.

Wants and Needs Summary: Jake "Hangman" Seresin sets his sights on you, Rooster's best friend, but it doesn't take long for you to understand what type of man the cocky, blond pilot is. Unfortunately for Hangman, you have no interest in a womanizer. 

Who Did This To You? Summary: In your most vulnerable hour, Jake "Hangman" Seresin is the one to find you, and the one to ask you the ultimate question: "Who did this to you?"

Until Him Summary: He's all bronzed confidence, a stupid fly boy you should hate. Yet, you can't help the little thoughts that plague your mind.

Hooked From Hour One Summary: He watched as Rooster took you around, introducing you to everyone and Jake's eye twitched. The two of you looked awfully comfortable around each other, with tons of physical contact. You and Jake hadn't been dating long, but he thought that you were on the same stage as him when it concerned your relationship. Were you cheating on Rooster with him? But you wouldn't do that, right?

Nightmares Summary: In which you were in an accident during a mission, and have a nightmare that night, but Hangman is there to help and finally confesses his feelings.

Split Summary: You break up with Jake because his actions make you question everything you've had between you, but he wants you to take him back.

You Left Me No Choice But To STay Here Forever (Right Were You Left Me) Summary: You and Jake have been best friends for years and eventually he becomes the love of your life - which makes it that much harder to cope when he starts pulling away with no explanation.

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

A Nice, Big Rooster Summary: Rooster is surprised to run into you on North Island. He's not, however, surprised to find that he still wants you as much as always.

It's Only My Heart (Save Yourself) Summary: Rooster's very bad, terrible day.

M.U.R.P.H. Summary: An undisclosed pregnancy that you and your husband try keeping a secret ends up being the reason you end up in hospital during a PTI session with the Dagger Squad.

Webb Of Unfortunate Events Summary: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw was and always would be the love of your life. When the pair of you are brought back to Top Gun, neither of you expected Pete Mitchell to be your instructor — a series of unfortunate events leads to your hospitalisation, with Rooster by your side.

The Ironies of Life Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 Summary: A few weeks after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend because he wouldn't commit to marriage and kids, Naomi finds out that she's pregnant with his baby.

I Would Never Hurt You Summary: Bradley saw the bruises and knew what was going on, but he also knew you didn't need him the way he needed you.

Red Flags, Green Flags Summary: Hangman complains about his date's red flags, but Bradley thinks this girl sounds amazing. 

I Still Want You Summary: Bradley had been an idiot when it came to you. He still wanted you, but did you still want him?

My Future In You (Masterlist) Summary: Bradley’s twenty-two years old and not where he’s supposed to be. He’s supposed to be out of the academy by now. Instead, he’s retaking his senior year of college and praying to god that he gets into flight school. Mav’s gone, his mom’s gone. He’s mad at the world. Then, a hook up at a Halloween party changes his future even more than he could have imagined.

You don’t want this, do you? Summary: Reader is pregnant, but it's not Bradley's baby.

Misinterpretation of the Heart Summary: With Rooster away on a mission, you're left feeling lonely and missing him. That's when a past love comes back into your life just as Rooster returns home. 

A Misinterpreted Loss Summary: Bradley finally asked you out, but what happens when he walks out with another girl? Running to your best friend seemed like the only logical answer.

This Is Me Trying Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 Summary: Bradley Bradshaw was the bane of your existence back at UVA. You practically burnt yourself out trying to outdo him. Now, you've quit your big shot engineering job in search of something more meaningful. The wind blows you across the country and into fightertown, where a familiar, sandy haired jackass is crooning away at the stupid piano in some naval bar. And you're not sure if you should wait for the next gust or plant your feet down.

Protective Summary: "He would've just kicked your ass... now he's gonna kill you."

What Have You Done? Summary: Pete's daughter is as wild as him, she's also as passionate as him. However, an incident during high school drove them apart until they were called back to Top Gun. The uranium mission too, took them from each other, leaving her helpless as she couldn't do anything to make the situation better and save the people she loves.

Beau "Cyclone" Simpson

Banished

Mav's Daughter Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Tom "Iceman" Kazansky

The Engineer Summary: You're just the engineer, a man like Tom Kazansky should have no reason to pay attention to you. Or at least that's what you thought.

Promise? Summary: You hear something that you’re not supposed to. Ice tries to explain himself. But is he too late?

She's His Girl Summary: Maverick has a talk with Iceman after the events in the locker room. Once you finally have a chance to explain yourself, Maverick realizes just how much you love each other.

Touch Summary: Ice notices that you have become more distant since you moved in together. When it’s been nearly weeks of you avoiding his touch, he confronts you about it.

Brothers Best Friend

Fatal Attraction Summary: Muchlike every other person that came across Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, you had developed quite the crush on him. What made you different, though, was that you were the niece of his direct superior. He knew it was wrong, and he knew he shouldn't entertain the idea in the slightest, but a little teasing never killed anyone, right?

Biggest Regret Summary: His biggest regret was that argument. It escalated beyond anything he wanted, but he gave you what you wanted. Would you still be waiting for him 6 months later?

Who Would've Thought Summary: When Iceman gets a pleasant surprise during the Top Gun training, it’s safe to say he isn’t the only one surprised.

Dash Summary: Being Slider's little sister is anything but easy, especially when you are placed among the best of the best.

Best Behavior Summary: Iceman has never been known as one to lose his temper. Secure in every single thing in his life, you, his girlfriend, happened to be no exception. During a night out at the bar, he witnesses a man with an ego almost as big as his try to flirt with you. Naturally, he contemplates murder.

Love of my Life Summary: Tom hadn't told his fellow pilots he's a married man. There's great satisfaction when he witnesses their reactions after you do it for him.

For What It's Worth Summary: Sometimes all it takes is a RIO who likes to gossip and some friendly competition to help you understand what you feel for Ice.

Wrong Answer, Sweetheart Summary: This man? Jealous? Possessive? Wherever did you get that idea?

Hurry Back to Me, Soldier

My Doll Summary: Who knew that Mister "Ice Cold, No Mistakes" could be with literal sunshine personified?

Nick "Goose" Bradshaw

A Little Gosling Part 1, Part 2 Summary: Some frantic goodbye sex with your secret boyfriend Goose yields a little surprise. Four months later, Goose comes back stateside to attend Top Gun. Now, all you need to worry about is telling him before your brother Maverick finds out.

You Know Why Summary: You're a sexy sweetheart with a past and a toxic boyfriend. Goose sees that and wants better for you. Why? You know why.

Family Is What You Make It Summary: When Goose and Carole decided for a mutual divorce after realizing that they worked better as friends and co-parents rather than as Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw, they knew that along the line they would meet new people on their journeys — and now Nick wants Bradley and Carole to meet you, because he really likes you, and he wants them to like you too.

Gold Rush Summary: All the years of silent pining and anticipation between you and Goose are put to test when he realizes that if he doesn’t make his move, he's going to lose you — and maybe Maverick and Bradley help a little.

Robert "Bob" Floyd

King Of My Heart Summary: An accident during training and a little liquid courage has Bob finally making his move.

The Kind of Girl I Could Love Summary: Bob has a secret admirer, but he’s convinced it’s actually Jake and Nat messing with him.

Devil Doesn't Bargain Summary: Bob has spent months watching your boyfriend be someone completely different than you think he is. The WSO is there to hold you when your world stops. All because of a man that you thought you could change.

Enterprise Summary: Bob likes to keep his personal life and work life separate. But returning to San Diego has been difficult so what better time to introduce you to his new friends than Halloween. It is a night for surprises, after all.

Radar Summary: After Phoenix and Bob are forced to eject after a freak bird strike — the Top Gun class find out a little bit more about their quiet back seat weapons systems officer.

Mission Impossible Summary: After Bob is picked to fly the mission with the Dagger team, memories of moments you both have shared together come flooding back—leading to a shock discovery.

Another Statistic

Baby On Board Summary: Being placed on a top secret mission weeks before his wife's due date was not what Lt. Floyd had imagined married life would be like.

The Captain's Daughter Summary: An unlikely candidate has you breaking your dad (and brother’s) “no pilots” policy.

Candy Summary: Bob falls for a beautiful barista over the course of a few encounters.

Back to The Bookshelf

#top gun #top gun maverick #jake seresin x reader #hangman x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #rooster x reader #beau simpson x reader #cyclone x reader #bob floyd x reader #robert floyd x reader #nick bradshaw x reader #goose x reader #tom kazansky x reader #iceman x maverick

[mamsieur]

Used to it | Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Reader

Summary : Being Pete Mitchell's daughter has never been easy. But maybe one mission could bring you back together ?

TW : angst and fluff, angst with a happy ending, mention of alcohol, panic attack, canonical character death, age gap (reader is 27 and Bradley is 35)

Length : 7156 words

AN : I'm sorry for making Pete seem like a bad father but that man is not stable enough to handle a child in my opinion.

posted on AO3 July 12, 2023

You were 7 when your mother left your father, Pete Mitchell. 

You didn't have many early memories of him. There were only the arguments with your mother, his departures on missions that left you in tears, the missed birthdays and Christmases. It’s all you’ve ever known so you were used to it and being a child, you found it normal.

You were 7 when your mother decided to move out, leaving your whole life behind. You remember crying your eyes out in protest. As your mom tried desperately to get you out of the house, you clung with all your might to Bradley. Bradley Bradshaw was 15 and your regular babysitter, though your mother thought of him as a son, Carole and her were really close. They liked to remind you that when you were 4, you proudly announced that you were going to marry him. Bradley was almost always around, and Pete was his godfather, and they had a bond you envied. Despite the eight-year age difference, you remember being very close to your "Bradbrad" . He never pushed you away, was always ready to play Lego or other board games with you. He even took you to the park or with him when he went to the theater with his friends - when the movies were kids friendly -.

You were 7 , and your whole world shattered. No more Bradley, no more hanging to the naval base to have a glimpse of your dad and his incredible plane, no more aunty Carole and her sweet singing. You had hated your mom for years before understanding you left for the best.  She was finally happy ; not completely, she missed her friends and sometimes your father, but you could feel that she was happier away from the hustle and bustle of the navy, of your dad. You were not used to the strange calmness of the city, but your grandparents made it easy to adapt. Soon enough, you got used to the loving cocoon your mother succeeded to create around you.

You were 16, at your mother's funeral, when you had to accept the fact that you had to go back to live with Pete. When the two of you finally found each other in the crowd, he didn't say much, just gave you a few brief updates. You asked him about Bradley, a bit sad to not have seen him here, and he didn't have much to say. Only that the two of them were no longer as close as they had been.

The silence between you was uncomfortable. 

Of course, Pete had kept in touch over the years, calling on your birthdays, sending a little something. You spent some Christmas with him when he wasn't working and a few days during the summer break ; but Pete Mitchell loved his work too much to focus on you. As long as you lived with your mother, Pete's absence from your life wasn't something you suffered from, at least not really. 

You were used to it. Used to the absence, used to the missed calls, used to the Christmases with the attention of other aviators and their families but the ignorance of your dad, used to the unanswered phone calls.  Used to his silence.

But now your mum was dead... and you were dreading having to join your father in California.

You were 16 and you didn't want to live with him, you already knew what would happen ; he'd go flying, on a mission or for his own pleasure, leaving you alone at home - if you could call it home. The hangar where he lived now was something you'd always hated . It had no place for anything or anyone other than his passion for the sky, for planes and speed. You didn't want to leave your new life, even though you loved California. Your school, your friends, your family, your routine. But you didn't really have much of a choice. You were 16. He was now your legal guardian and you didn't want to drag your grandparents into a custody battle.  Even though part of you told yourself that your dad would probably agree to let you stay with them, you didn't want to take that chance. And you hoped he'd be more present, that you'd finally have the father you'd dreamed of, that your other friends had. If other military parents could be there for their children, why couldn't Pete?

Perhaps because Pete loved flying more than anything else in the world.  The sky was his one true love.

Even though you knew it, you held out the faintest hope that he would finally take his responsibilities as a father. Unfortunately, Pete was still Pete. He wasn't cut out to be a father. A fun uncle, maybe. A parent, no. The fact that Bradley no longer spoke to him proved that.

You were 18 when you packed your bags and headed off to the naval school in Maryland. You wanted to be a pilot too. And you wanted to get away from that bloody hangar, so empty, so alone.

Pete wasn't there when you left.  Not even a message or a note. Nothing at all.

You weren't even surprised.

It was Tom Kazansky - Uncle Tom - who had taken you to the airport. He had been more present in your life than your own father, even though you rarely saw him. You knew your relationship with Pete was a sensitive subject, and you knew when Tom gave him a hard time. Pete was suddenly more present - too present . He'd pop into your life for a few days, trying to be the cool or bossy dad, but it always ended in a fight. 

You hated it when he did that. You hated the way he would act like your friend, or like a strict parent, talking about curfew and how no boys were allowed in his 'home'. You hated the way he would try to be the father that he had never been in your whole life. You hated the way he tried to convince you that he was trying to change, that he'd be there for you.

But you couldn't blame Uncle Tom for trying to shake your father. He had children too, but despite his love of the air, he had been a present parent to them.  

But some days were not as bad as others. Sometimes, when he was in a good mood, Pete would take you flying. And even though it was hard to admit, you were a bit of a flier yourself. The feeling of freedom, of being alone in a comforting way. It was mesmerizing.

So, without him knowing, you decided to join the navy after graduation. You took your mother's name, Evans , so that you would not attract attention. Only Tom knew, so your dad wouldn't and couldn't pull your papers like he did with Bradley. 

You found out that he had done this when you saw Bradley one day in the summer before you made your choice. At first you did not recognize him.  He was 26 now. He was taller, more muscular and had a 80s mustache that suited him well - puberty had treated him really good. He was the spitting image of his father, whom you'd only seen in photographs and heard about when Tom and Pete reminisced over drinks about the past.

But Bradley had the same look in his eyes as his mother, Carole. 

As a child, you adored Carole. She was always there to comfort you when your parents were at odds, picking you up from kindergarten when your father was on a mission and your mother was at work… She was kind of a second mom. You went to her funeral with your mother eight years ago, you never cried so much.

The summer of your reunion with Bradley had been the summer of his return from the Naval Academy, which he had graduated from with honors. He was a very good pilot and would soon be going on a mission. The day before he left, you snuck out of the hangar to meet him at a nearby bar. He had celebrated his departure with you and a handful of friends, promising to keep in touch as often as possible.  As he left, you realized how much you'd missed your Bradbrad.

You were 18, and you remembered how quiet the ride to the airport had been. Part of you wanted to stay.  You loved California. It was close to the ocean, the people were friendly, and at the Navy base everyone knew you.

You'd even earned a nickname, the call sign you hoped to use soon : Tempest .  It was a bittersweet memory of a stormy night when Pete "forgot" to pick you up from baseball practice. You had landed on the base, mad as hell, soaked to the bone. You'd yelled at your father as hard as the storm had raged. It had been a huge fight. And of course, everyone had heard. Surprisingly, many had defended you rather than your father. You were relieved then. And to cheer you up while your dad was embarrassed, Tom took you to your favorite fast food and laughed with you about the scene. "You walked in there like a damn storm, a tempest ! Heck, that should be your call sign when you join the ranks !" You smiled as you remembered his raspy laugh and all the stories he told you about his days at Topgun . 

It was through those stories that you learned a little bit more about your father, The Maverick . His accomplishments, his reckless attitude in the air, his urge to always define what’s possible and pushing the limits.  Your desire, your need , to join the Navy to become a pilot only grew, digging a hole of longing for the sky deep inside you.  You wanted your father to see you, to acknowledge you. You wanted to be more like him.

You were 27 years old when you were called to the NAS North Island for a "top secret" mission that required "the best of the best". To your surprise, you were one of the youngest and one of the only women. But you'd missed California too much to worry about such details.  Like many pilots, you had joined the Hard Deck for a drink the day before training began. You soon met Natasha "Phoenix" Trace and Jake "Hangman" Seresin. Two strong personalities. Then came Javy “Coyote” Machado and Robert "Bob" Floyd. He was discreet, a bit shy. And before you could introduce yourself to the others, someone entered the bar and caught Jake's eye.

"Bradshaw. As I live and breathe."

"Hangman. You look... good." His voice was behind you and you didn't dare turn around to see him. 

"Well, I am good. I'm very good Rooster ."

You let the two men talk, then Bradley greeted Natasha and the others. At last, his gaze landed on you. You couldn't help but smile stupidly. He looked so surprised and happy. "Y/N Tempest Evans?!"

"Hey Bradbrad ..." you smiled and happily accepted his embrace. He squeezed you against him and asked you all about your journey, which you happily did, while in the distance the bell rang, indicating that a customer couldn't pay his bill and had to be kicked out. Out of the corner of your eye, you thought you recognized your father, but Jake and Javy had already grabbed him by the arms and dragged him outside. You didn’t have the time to really think about it, Bradley taking you by the hand to sing with him at the piano. You laughed and followed him with the others in his Great balls of fire ’s reprise. It had been a great night.

The next day, at the first meeting, you thought your heart stopped when you saw that your instructor was actually Pete... and from the look on his face, he wasn't happy to see you there. Before the meeting was over, you heard his voice call your name ; it had a barely disguised note of anger. "Lieutenant Evans. You’ll stay after training, we'll have a word."

Bradley looked at you, concerned. He knew that you had never told Pete about the Navy, but he didn't know that even after nine years, your father was still unaware of your career. The others were confused and you could feel questioning gazes on you. Great way to begin this thing , you thought.

You were 27 and a very good pilot. An excellent one. One of the best. That's why you were here after all, wasn’t it ? You walked in your father’s footsteps, perhaps as talented as him at that age. But you were also as reckless as him, living up to your callsign. A tempest was never soft or delicate, neither were you. You had risked your life so many times in your five years of service. Tom often told you that you were just like your father and that it scared him. You didn’t think, you just did , you wanted to go faster, higher and further. Acting like the storm that you were, leaving your enemies confused by what had just happened. The adrenaline, the speed, the immensity of the sky, the feeling of freedom... you finally understood why Pete loved being in his plane so much.  You felt a little closer to him in those moments.

And yet, in nine years of absence, he had never once contacted you. You had disappeared one day and he hadn't even looked for you.  Your uncle had promised not to say anything about your career, but Pete hadn't even been interested in why or where you were going.

Seeing him angry made you furious . How could he have the nerve to be mad at you? 

After the training and the 200 pushups you had to do because - of course - you didn't beat your old man, you stayed on deck and waited for the others to leave. Bradley gave you a little squeeze on the shoulder, as if to give you strength, and reluctantly left. You heard Hondo telling Pete to calm himself before saying things he might regret out of anger.

Once again, the silence between you and your father was heavy. 

You couldn't take your eyes off him, waiting for him to finally speak. You could see that he was trying to stay calm. But you already felt like exploding . You could feel the reproaches, the so-called concern. You could feel that he wanted to push you away . 

"Y/N... how did you... you went to the Academy behind my back?!"

"Iceman," you replied simply, your eyes and voice cold. "And you never asked where I was either."

"You-?! I should have known, you lied to me." 

“It’s not lying if you’re not asked.” you mutter, “You taught me that.”

“Now’s not the time to play that game Y/N,” he snapped, "you can't be here."

"With all due respect, Captain, that's not your call."

You really tried to remain calm, knowing that the others must have been listening nearby - especially Jake. You didn't want to draw any more attention, but you felt your blood boiling under your skin.

"I will talk to Vice Admiral Simpson about this. I don't suppose anyone's made the connection between us. But now there's clearly a conflict of interest-"

"You have no right to take this mission away from me. It's not fair," you gasped, eyes wide.

"I am your father ! I can and will do it."

"What ?! No ! No, you can't ! 9 years of nothing but silence and now you're acting like a worried father ?!" you snapped, moving towards him and pointing an accusing finger. A nervous laugh escaped you and you sighed, pursing your lips. "Why do you always have to act like this ? You've never acted like a father to me, except to get in my way !"

"Get in your way ? No ! I care about you-"

"Really ?!" you cut him off, raising your voice, "Then where have you been for 9 years ?! What did Tom have to say to you that you weren't even lookin' for me ? Where was all this care when I left and you were not here ? Where were you huh ?! Where was all that concern ?!"

Pete's eyes widened and he searched for words. He should have known that he could not argue with your point so he just huffed then scolded. "I'm your captain, Lieutenant Evans ! Keep your voice down !"

"Oh, now it's not my father talking ?!" you couldn't hold back a nervous, fake laugh. "You see how you are ?! Always twisting things your way ?! Why are you avoiding that conversation ? Why are you running away again ?!" you’re almost screaming, inches close to him, eyes locked in his.

"Lieutenant Evans !" he growled. You grumbled and let out a heavy sight, calming yourself. You stepped back and clenched your fists along your body.

"Will that be all, Captain Mitchell ?"

You clenched your fists even harder, your knuckles turning white. You wanted to physically shake him to finally have answers. But you couldn’t, at least not here, not now.

"Y/N..." he huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Will that be all, Captain ?" you repeated, your voice slightly trembling. Tears of rage threatened to fall. You held them back, too proud to cry in front of him. Pete looked at you and sighed quietly. 

"You're dismissed Lieutenant Evans..."

You left the deck with a quick stride. Your heart was pounding in your chest, a mixture of anger, frustration and sadness. Of course, the rest of the squadron was there, already clean and changed. Seeing the anger in your eyes, no one said a word, not even Hangman. He just stared at you, confused, as you slammed the door of the changing room. 

Later that evening, as the squadron relaxed at the bar, Jake couldn't help but bring up the earlier scene. 

"So our dear Tempest's dad is the famous Maverick?"

" He's not my father ," you muttered, finishing another beer. "My genitor maybe. But he's not my father."

"Why Evans if Mitchell's your old man?" Jake insisted. 

You could hear Bradley and Natasha telling him to drop it, but he kept coming back. You could feel your anger rising again.  You downed another beer and slammed the empty bottle down on the table. 

"Tell me, Bagman , weren’t you taught to keep your mouth shut about things that don't concern you? I'm sure your mama taught you some manners, didn't she? Now shut up before I put my fist through your face," you growled, half drunk, half angry. Jake scoffed and held his hands up in defense while Bob stopped you from approaching him. Seeing your father enter the bar only made you feel worse. And it took all your patience not to slit Jake's throat on the spot as he continued his overly curious and unpleasant comments with his snide attitude.

Bradley went with you to get some fresh air as he wasn't too keen on seeing Pete either. When you arrived at the beach, a wave of sadness washed over you. You knew that your father would do everything in his power to get you out of this mission, but what was worse was that he didn't even try to talk to you, to reconnect. Your shoulders shook and you couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Only a sobbing hiccup betrayed you and Bradley rushed to take you in his arms. You felt the strength leave your legs and the two of you ended up sitting in the sand, crying your eyes out and clinging to Bradley. "I've got you... Let it all out..." he murmured between two kisses on the top of your head. His big hands gently stroked your back, letting go of all your pain. "It's okay, baby girl... it's okay..." 

Bradley and you practically lived together now. You’ve inherited your mom’s old house by the ocean and it’s confier than being on base. So those kinds of pet names were almost common now. But this time you didn’t blush at it, your emotions a mess.

You cried against him for a long time, as you hadn't done for many years. Rooster held you until you calmed down.  "It's not fair..." you whispered, sniffling. "He's going to take me off the mission..." 

"He won't be able to... Ice recommended you... there's nothing he can do about it..."

You shrugged, not really sure if Tom could help you. He was very ill and you didn't want to tire him out with your disagreements with your father.

“He’s just an old dickhead, don’t worry…” Bradley tried to cheer you up but you’re too distraught to play along. After a little less than an hour later, you find the force to get up and you head home with him. You fall asleep in the car and wake up the next morning in your bed.

There wasn't much time left before the mission. Training sessions were coming up and so were your fights with Pete. Cyclone hadn't pulled you out of the mission, but you weren't sure if it was to spite your father or because he felt you were capable of succeeding, just like your comrades.

Days passed at an alarming pace. The team slowly bonded through group exercises and moments of relaxation, especially with the game your father had invented: dogfight football.

You couldn't lie, it felt good to have such moments. But your father still didn't talk to you and you were still angry. You remained professional, but you couldn't stand his fatherly attitude towards you.

All your hopes of renewing real ties disappeared when you learned of Tom's death. You had seen him the day before and he had made you promise to try to take care of Pete. His funeral was one of the hardest moments of your life.

And because bad news never comes alone, the mission was moved up by a week. Pete was temporarily relieved of his duties, as Admiral Simpson still believed his plan of attack was doomed to failure. Of course, your father, in his legendary arrogance and cockiness, proved him wrong with an unauthorized flight. Hope rose in the team but it was still a very risky plan. 

Cyclone decided to make Pete team leader, and not surprisingly, he didn't choose you as his wingman. Part of you was angry because you felt you could do it, and another part of you was mortified when he announced that his choice would be Bradley. This mission was suicide, and you couldn't afford to lose them both. You couldn't afford to lose anyone in the squadron, but these two, it was just too much.

You didn't catch up with Pete as much as you wanted to, there were still so many questions left unanswered, so much time to make up for… You hadn't been able to make things right with your dad, you hadn't been able to tell him that you had this passion for aviation because of him. You hadn't been able to tell him that you regretted not telling him about the academy, that you regretted the 9 years of distance between you...

And you didn't spend enough time with Bradley.

Sure, you were always glued to each other in your free time, taking walks on the beach, talking and singing together at the Hard Deck piano, having movie nights... but you didn't want it to stop. Not after you'd half confessed how you felt about him after a few too many drinks, telling him that your 4-year-old declaration still stood. He laughed and told you that he hadn't forgotten either.

On the day of the mission, you barely managed to find your way to your father. "Captain?" your voice was louder than you had expected.

"Lieutenant Evans?"

"I... Before you go, I'd like to talk-"

"We'll talk when I get back."

"... Promise me you'll come back." 

For a moment, you were that five-year-old girl again, watching her father leave. Pete must have seen it in your eyes and climbed down from the cockpit to take you in his arms. "I promise I'll come back in one piece, kiddo..." You hugged him tightly and nodded in agreement. After a few seconds, you let go and let him settle down.  You ran to Bradley and made him promise you the same. He smiled confidently, even though you knew he was stressed. "Don't worry, we've got a Star Wars marathon to watch," he smiled before gently and discreetly kissing your forehead. You blushed and nodded, a worried little smile on your face. 

Reluctantly, you left the track and joined Jake. You were glued to your radios, following the progress of the mission.  Everything was going well until two enemy fighters spotted them. 

You stopped breathing. 

First they had Bradley in sight and locked on. 

The enemy fired. 

But your father took the brunt of the missiles and saved Rooster.

Your brain didn't know how to process all this information and shut down when you heard Bradley's decision to go after Pete before getting shot down too.

You don't remember much else. All you knew is that Jake had to leave in a hurry to find and rescue them. When they landed with that really out beat up F-14, you rushed out on deck to greet them, swallowing all your worry and anger at their unconscious behavior for the moment.

Once ashore, the entire crew decided to celebrate their success at Penny's Bar, dragging Pete with them. You stayed close to Bradley, as if afraid that it was all a dream and that he wasn't really there. He wouldn't let go of you either, his arm tight around you. You felt like a schoolgirl, it was stupidly comfortable. You looked at Pete, who was happily chatting with Penny and other members of the team. You didn't want to spoil the evening with a discussion that was out of your control…

Around one o'clock you went out for some fresh air, leaving Bradley to play with those who hadn't returned home yet ; Reuben, Natasha, Mickey and Javy.

As a cold shiver ran through you, you felt a heavy jacket on your shoulders. You immediately recognized the peculiar smell ; old whiskey mixed with motor oil and a hint of cologne.

" Dad ? "

"I thought you wanted to talk ?" he asked quietly, moving toward the beach. You nodded and took his pinky with yours like a child, searching for your words.

"I'm sorry..." you breathed, holding back your tears. "For going to the Academy behind your back and not telling you… not talking to you for almost ten years... I know that giving news is supposed to go both ways and all, but... but you weren't even there when I left... and I guess... I guess I resented you as much as I wanted you to be there, you know ?" you sniffed before continuing your monologue. "I just wanted you to see me . ‘Cause… it’s because of you I wanted to go down this road, you gave me this love for flight, for speed, for the sky. I... I just wanted you to be happy that we finally had something in common, but... but you had already pulled Bradley's papers, so I didn't think and I just did what seemed most logical and easiest. Take Mom's name, ask Ice not to tell you. I know it was stupid… but I also know it would have hurt too much if you had stopped me. And... And then no news for nine years... It hurt even more. The Academy and my first years of service weren't what I thought they would be... it was rough and sometimes I just… I just wanted to call you to come and pick me from there… but… but I wouldn't change that for the world. Because I’m still a Mitchell and Mitchells never quit right ?” You took a few seconds, your gaze meeting his, to see if he wanted to intervene but he didn’t. He just looked at you, taking all the information you gave him. You let out a shaky breath, playing with the sleeves of his jacket nervously. “And I know you must and may resent me for the rest of my life, but… but I just wanted you to be proud of me and... and for us to finally be a family." You bit your lip, trying to calm the flow of emotions that came through.

The sky began to rumble and your father remained silent after your speech. A few tears rolled down your cheeks as he couldn't find the words.

"Please, Dad, say something..." you sighed, your voice breaking.

The rain began to fall slowly and Pete's silence was too much for your heart to take. He couldn't even look at you anymore. You thought you could take it ; you were used to his silenced treatment, used to the fact that he couldn’t express his feelings. But right now, you needed him to speak, to ease your worries, to confront you.

"Dad... please... I'm begging you... talk to me…" you repeated desperately.

You broke down again and cried like a little girl in front of your mute father. You hated that he couldn't open up to you and you hated that he saw you so frail, so fragile.  Your sobs mingled with the rain, which grew heavier, the wind and waves making the silence deafening. You bit your lip and wiped your eyes with the back of your hand, in vain.

"I know I'm not... I know you didn't plan… you didn’t want to have me with mom-"

"No, it's true... I never planned to be a father... The very idea of having children terrified me and still does," Pete interrupted you, "but... you're one of the most beautiful things, if not the most, that has ever happened to me. And I'm petrified of anything happening to you, I'm helpless on so many levels... and I... I didn't know how to be there when you needed me... I know I must have let you down a lot..." He sighed, catching his breath and holding back his own tears. "I thought... it would be best for both of us to let you have your freedom... but the weeks, months and years went by and I didn't have the guts to try to contact you. I was too ashamed... but Y/N, I never stopped loving you... you're my daughter... and even if you have my damn temper and your mom’s stubbornness," you couldn't hold back a little laugh and a slight smile despite your tears, which your father tenderly chased away with his thumb, "you'll always be my little girl, too eager to get on our little plane for a ride, passionate and fierce… I don’t resent you… I think I would have done it your way if my old man put me in this situation…" He allowed himself to cry as well as the two of you finally hugged each other, relieved of an enormous weight.

"I love you too, Dad... sorry for everything..." you mumbled against his shoulder.

"No, no… I’m sorry… It's my turn to apologize, sweetheart..."

The two of you lay embracing in the rain for a while, making up for years of distance in a few minutes. You were the first to let go. You once again took his hand like a child.

"We better get back before Hangman starts gossiping..."

"Or before Bradley starts worrying," Pete teased. You blushed and looked at him with wide eyes. "What? Like I haven't noticed the way you two look at each other. I'm not that blind kid!" He laughed “Ah… your mom and Carole would have been thrilled !”

You returned to the bar, soaking wet, chatting about anything and everything. Seeing you, Bradley's expression changed from worried to relieved, then back to worried as he noticed you were shivering a little from the cold. He politely left his conversation with Mickey to join you.

"Are you okay? Do you want to go home and change?"

"That would be a good idea..." you smiled at him. You had to admit you were exhausted from this rollercoaster of emotions. You said goodbye to the others from a distance, then to your father in a final hug, and followed Bradley back to his old blue Bronco. The two of you made your way to your small house. 

Bradley was a good roommate. You each had your own room, but you often fell asleep together in front of the TV or on one of your beds after long late-night discussions. You liked the routine you created. And you hoped with all your might that nothing would change. But your feelings for him were becoming more and more obvious in your mind and heart. You wondered how much longer you could hide it.

Seeing you so silent, Bradley placed his hand on your thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Are you all right, lil’ Tempest?" 

His eyes never left the road as his thumb traced small circles on your jeans. A shiver ran through your entire body and you wished this contact would never end.

"Everything's fine Roo... don't worry..."

"Okay..."

He squeezed your knee again and left his hand on your thigh. The warmth of his palm made you shiver and you placed your hand on top of his shyly. Once again, you felt like a teenager. It was stupid.

The ride home was rather quiet, in a comforting way, Bradley driving carefully in the pouring rain and humming the song that passed on the radio. When he parked, you stayed in the car for a moment. You sensed that he had something he wanted to say to you, and he sensed the same thing on your side. After a few minutes of silence and shy glances, he smiled at you, got out of the car, and you followed. He ran to unlock the door and waited for you under the porch.

You wanted to run as well, but your legs felt heavy. That's when your anxiety decided to take over. The stress and worry of the past few days were finally catching up to you. As you saw Bradley step out into the rain with a worried expression, the conversation on the radio played in your head. Your father's F-18 had exploded, and Bradley was on his way to pick him up. And now it was his turn to go down. A huge pressure on your chest stopped you from breathing and new tears rolled down your cheeks. You couldn't move, pinned to the pavement. Silent sobs shook you as your vision blurred. You couldn't see or hear Bradley any more. You felt so alone, so cold. Your panic attack froze you under the heavy rain and you couldn't get out of it. You couldn't hear anything except the intense ringing in your ear. You wanted to throw up. The world spun around you as your mind screamed what the communications officer had said earlier, "Maverick's down ! Rooster's down !" 

They were dead. 

For the long forty minutes or so that followed, they were dead .  And you were stuck in that loop. One minute everything was fine, the mission was a complete success. The next, the last two most important people in your life were dead. The ground began to feel strangely unstable as you fought harder to breathe. Eventually your legs gave out and you felt yourself fall, but you didn't hit the ground. You felt two arms around you, holding you securely but not too tightly, then lifting you up as if you weighed nothing. The buzzing in your ears slowly faded away and you didn't feel the rain on your skin anymore. You gasped for air when you finally heard Breadley call your name, concern in his voice. As you raised your eyes to look at him, a sudden relief washed over you and you couldn't help but sob again.

He was home. You were home. With him.

"What's going on, Y/N? Hey... Breathe... breathe and talk to me..." he said quietly.

"I thought... I thought you and Dad... you... you were dead..." you managed to say between sobbing hiccups. You clung to his shirt, afraid he would fade away. He smiled a little and kissed the top of your head as he cupped your cheeks with his calloused hands. Then he took your hands and laid them flat on his heart. You could feel it beating at a regular pace.

"I'm here. I’m okay. You're okay. I'm very much alive, Mav is too, and you're stuck with me, with us, little Tempest..."

"Yeah ? Promise ?" you sniffed, your lower lip still trembling.

"Yeah... Promise." he smiled at you again then hugged you tightly. 

He nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck, the bristles of his mustache tickling you a little. One of your hands reached up to his neck, your fingers brushing his little hair. The two of you stayed like that for a moment, absorbing each other's presence. You felt so relaxed in his arms, as if you belonged there. Your heart fluttered as you heard him hum one of your favorite songs and then felt him beginning to slow dance with you, taking you peacefully to the bathroom.  You were too exhausted and shaken from your panic attack to even ask him what he was doing. You just obliged and listened to him, hypnotized. He declared that you needed a long relaxing bath and in the meantime he would order pizza. He helped you take off your shoes and socks, then your hoodie. He kissed your forehead and let you finish undressing, leaving the bathroom to give you some privacy. 

You couldn’t stay too long in the bath, your mind being too loud. You knew you would break down again if you weren’t close to him .  Bradley made you feel safe, secure, grounded. That was what you needed to relax. You were so used to being alone before, used to the silence, the empty rooms. But since he decided to kind of move in with you, you couldn’t bear the loneliness. The house was so warm now, so welcoming and comfy.

As you crossed his room after you’ve washed, you noticed that old hoodie you bought him one Christmas when you were in naval school. It’s a silly one, the hood designed to look like a rooster. An amused sigh escaped you and you took it to wear. It was still as soft and comfy as the day you bought it. 

“Stealing my clothes I see ?” he chuckled when you joined him in the kitchen.

“Stealing my beers I see ?” you teased him back, pointing at the bottle in his hand, “I thought cranberry beers were for chicks ?” 

“Mama Carole didn’t raise me to be picky” He scoffed in défense, with a smirk.

“Oh I know she didn’t. And my mama didn’t raise me to steal, I’m just borrowing that hoodie.” you smiled, putting the hood on. “Look, we’re twins now, Rooster !”

The both of you laughed at that stupid joke. He then smiled at you and put a strand of your hair behind your ear. 

“Feeling better sweets ?”

“Yeah… sorry about that I… I think these past days were a bit too much for my brain…”

“Don’t be sorry… it’s normal to break sometimes… everyone does.” 

You hummed and nodded, but before you could talk, the doorbell rang. “Must be the pizzas ! Get yourself comfortable on the couch and choose a movie Y/N, I’ll be right back !” He kissed your cheek, close to your lips - too close - and ran to the door. You stood there for a moment, cheeks and heart warming up, before doing what he asked you.  Once again, you felt like a schoolgirl at her first sleepover with her crush. You couldn’t help but feel butterflies fluttering in your stomach and your face turning a bit red. 

You should tell him.  But you risked losing that friendship you had. And at the same time, you wanted more than that. You wanted to feel his arms around you, his lips - oh those lips - on you, to wake up next to him each and every morning in your bed… You fantasized about a life with him for a minute, not noticing him getting back with the food. You jumped slightly when he waved his hand in front of your eyes to snap you out of your reverie. Your gaze locked with his as he asked if everything was all right.

"Yes, yes... I was just lost in thought..." you smiled shyly, your cheeks flushed, letting him settle in beside you. He took the plaid to cover both of you, then put his arm around your shoulders.

"And what were you thinking about? Or who?" He teased.

"About us, actually..."

"Us?" He said, a little surprised.

Your cheeks were crimson. You'd said too much already. You couldn't run anymore. You just nodded, not daring to meet his gaze.  You felt him come closer and turn a little towards you after a few seconds of silence.

"Me too, I have to admit..." 

"Really?" you almost whispered, looking up at him. He smiled and nodded.

"Yeah... to tell you the truth, I like it here, but... I don't want to be just another roommate anymore. We're pretty similar in a lot of things, Phoenix even says we look like an old married couple that's always jammed together." You chuckled a little but couldn't help but agree. Bradley smiled a little before continuing, a little nervously. "And... the crash, almost getting killed... It made me realize a lot of things... like the fact that I didn't want to lose you. And that... maybe... the fact that I felt so comfortable with you meant... meant more than friendship..."

Your heart raced in your chest. Was he going to confess what you were thinking? You bit the inside of your cheek to prove to yourself that you weren't dreaming, and before he could continue, you pulled him by his collar and crushed your lips against his. The kiss was desperate, as if you needed it to keep on living. Bradley didn't waste a second in responding, one of his hands sliding up your cheek and the other down your back to press you against him. You would have liked that moment to last forever, but the lack of air forced you to pull away a little. He pressed his forehead against yours and let out a small laugh. "I guess it's mutual, then?"

"You're a little genius aren’t you ?" You couldn't help but tease him before kissing him again.

You felt so good against him, kiss after kiss. You felt complete, soothed. 

And you could easily get used to it .

#top gun maverick #top gun imagine #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #dad pete mitchell #reader is pete daughter #jake seresin #bob floyd #penny benjamin #tom iceman kazansky #carole bradshaw #angst with a happy ending #pov second person

[stcverogers]

TOP GUN FIC RECS 2!

top gun fics that i’ve been reading and obsessing with over recently

this is extremely important and i take this very seriously out of respect for the community. please do remember to read the rules for the respective blogs before interacting with or reading them.

F: fluff A: angst S: smut

𖥻 - series /multi part

BRADLEY 'ROOSTER' BRADSHAW

F: monday to friday by @wildbornsiren a week of interacting with rooster and the one day he asks you out.

F: like father like son by @chaostheoryy rooster worries that he will face the same fate as his father.

F: lover by @hangmans-girl you reminisce the beginnings of your loving family

F: torture by @make-me-imagine you make a bet with rooster and till he wins, no kissing.

F: impact by @priceof-freedom the last thing you expected was getting a football to the head by the man you had been shooting heart eyes at

F: career day by @dearestdaffodils 𖥻 bradley's a decorated naval aviator and you're an elementary teacher.

A: happier by @wannabeschyulersister despite having broken up, all you want for bradley is for him to be happy.

F + A: the arrangement by @croimilis when you were 18, you and rooster made an agreement that you will always be the other's plus one to any event. years later, you need a date to a wedding and bradley lives up to the arrangement.

A: peace out by @undiscovered-horizon bradley's patience is run thin when your ex-boyfriend shows up at the hard deck.

F: eyes without face by @zstrn a day well spent with your family at the beach.

A: half a heart by @halsteadsbradshaw following your break up with rooster, you and rooster struggle to live without each other

F: his f-18, his bronco, his favorite sports teams and you by @starlightval you list the things that rooster loves and he corrects you

F + A: big fat fuckin' mistake by @shaded-echoes you have been keeping a toddler shaped secret from rooster for years when you're called back to lemoore, only for him to uncover the truth

S: i think i might love you by @stranger-nightmare hangman loves you but you love rooster

F + A: inconceivable! by @rolycolysficrecs having told that you were inconceivable at 17, you were led to believe that you would never have children. it is up to you to then decide between your miracle baby and the man you loved.

JAKE 'HANGMAN' SERESIN

F + A: couldn't really stay away by @typical-simplelove not matter how much he tries, jake can't seem to stay away from you.

F + A: the gallows by @strangerstuffandthingsimagines your past comes back to haunt you as you overcome your fear of the inevitable

F + A: heartfirst by @etherealperrie 𖥻 you visit phoenix while she's based in san diego, only to find out that an old partner of yours is stationed there too. throw in a cocky blonde and you're in a whirl of emotions.

F + A: all this time by @phoenixbby you and hangman are stranded in the cold, only having each other as you wait for rescue to be dispatched.

F + A: vexation by @siempre-bucky you and hangman do not get along. what happens when the hate blurs into love?

F + A: who did this to you? by @justfandomwritings hangman finds you hurt and bruised at the hard deck, his protective side kicks in and he's determined to ensure your safety.

F + A: happily ever after by @daughterofthereaper02 jake is your childhood best friend. friends, that's all you would ever be, right?

F + A: make him wait by @powerfulruler 𖥻 jake seresin is not a patient man. for you? he's willing to wait eternity.

A: a little out of the ordinary by @mayhem24-7forever you think that jake could never love you that way while jake thinks the same.

F: hey pretty girl by @callsign-marlie the five times jake calls you pretty girl and the one time he uses it on another

F + A: until him by @lordabovehelpme you didn't know what love felt like till you met hangman

F + A: see you soon by @sunnysidevans you cross paths with hangman once again. will you make it work this time?

F: country girl, shake it for me by @nomtterwhere hangman brings you back to his hometown and shows you a side of him top gun never saw

F + A: this love by @roosterscock admiral kazansky's health is declining and you move back home to spend the last days of your father's life with him

S: loud and clear by @theonetrueneohero hangman, your brother's best friend, is off limits

F: muddy trails by @katcoquette a day in the woods with the ever adventurous hangman

ROBERT 'BOB' FLOYD

F: the six times you met bob floyd in school and the one time you didn't by @lt-natrace bob's neice is a student in your class and you're enamored by her equally charming uncle

F + A: the five stages of falling in love by @imjess-themess you go through the five stages of gried as you fall in love with bob

F + S: morning after by @mothdruid you spend the night with bob, not knowing who each other really are

F: tense by @bippot bob is just too tense.

F + A: sweet home alabama by @3tabbiesandalab all you ever wanted was for bob to be successful, even at the expense of your only chance at happiness

F: we'll never have sex by @floyd-luvr while sat by the fire, you and bob share a sweet moment

TOM 'ICEMAN' KAZANSKY

F: that’s him..that’s the man I’m going to marry. by @redmenacehorned as you watch tom recieve his well-deserved award, you are convinced that he is the man you are going to marry

F + S: something to remember me by by @callsignthirsty ice is worried he won't return and wants to leave you with something to remember him by

F: crash and burn by @callsign-dragonbaron none of the other pilots know that iceman has a partner. he watches from afar as his fellow aviators try to hit on you and fail terribly.

F: tom is finer by @krmy2386 pete doesn't treat you like you deserve and tom is willing to change that

S: steamy by @callsignbob tom kazansky gets on your nerves. what better to relieve the tension than hate sex?

S: fatal attraction by @hotgirlmav ice knows that you're so wrong for him. so wrong that you're absolutely right.

NICK 'GOOSE' BRADSHAW

A: that photo of us by @heywheresemily bradley sifts through old family photos, finding one of his father and a familiar woman

F: the perfect weekend by @focusedarrow you and goose go behind your brother's back

F: i do by @callsign-rockstar on your wedding day, goose has one last thing to say 'i do' to

F: gremlins by @duchesstypewriter bradley wakes up in a flurry from a nightmare, you and goose ensure him that there are no gremlins hiding out

F: imagine goose comforting you after an argument by @spinningwebsandtales

MICKEY 'FANBOY' GARCIA

F: don't drop my baby by @callsign-squints the dagger squad meet baby garcia for the very first time

#bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x reader #rooster x reader #jake seresin x reader #jake hangman seresin #hangman x reader #bob floyd x reader #robert floyd x reader #robert floyd #tom iceman kazansky #tom kazansky x reader #tom kazansky #iceman x reader #goose x reader #nick bradshaw #nick bradshaw x reader #top gun x reader #top gun headcanons #top gun imagine #top gun one shot #top gun fanfiction #claire’s fic recs

[sehnsuchts-trunken]

top gun masterlist

top gun blurbs

⭑ is for strong allusions to smut † is for actual smut ▸ is for a little bit of angst    the rest is just pure fluff!!

Jake “Hangman” Seresin

there's also my dbf!jake seresin masterlist for anyone interested

† Twenty-Five Going on Forty-Seven - Flirting with the guy who fixed your car turns out to lead to much, much more when you find out he's actually not just some random guy, but your new neighbour and father's new best friend, Jake Seresin.

† What Happens in Cars, Stays in Cars - After a month-long deployment, Jake is finally coming back home. Well, not home home. You're too desperate to wait until you've actually got him home. But who needs home when there's a perfectly good car anyway?

⭑ Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy - It’s Halloween at the Hard Deck and Jake is letting out the Texan in him. You find out that you may have a thing for cowboys - or perhaps just for Jake Seresin as a cowboy. Either way, the evening takes a turn.

▸ Same Old Truck - It’s been fifteen years since you last saw Jake Seresin. Back then, you were head over heels in love with him. Now you aren’t much better off. The only question: If it ended back then, how can you be sure it’ll last now?

⭑ Jake Seresin and the Unfortunate Hat Situation - You’re visiting Jake’s family in Texas for the first time and so far, it’s been going well. Just that Jake may have forgotten to mention the hat rule.

Blondie Fancy-Pants - You meet Jake at the Hard Deck for the very first time. Or maybe not the very first time after all. But who says first impressions can’t be disproven?

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw 

Tuesday Night - It’s a random Tuesday night. Only that Rooster has wholly and absolutely charmed you.

⭑ Not a Coincidence - It’s not a coincidence that you turn up at the Hard Deck for a beach day. It’s not a coincidence either that you end up inside the bar all alone with Rooster. And after what happened on Tuesday, well...

† Rooster at 5, Bradley at Night -  You've been hooking up with Bradley for three weeks now. You're also hooking up with him tonight.

⭑ Take Me on a Joyride -  After two months of successfully sneaking around with Bradley, things finally kick off.

The Jacuzzi Incident - You spend your Christmas holidays with the squad in your uncle's cabin and sharing the jacuzzi with Bradley ends steamy in more than one way.

Oh No, There’s Only One Bed - The hotel is all booked out and now you have to share a room with Bradley Bradshaw. Worse, you have to share a bed.

Oh No, There's an Arm Around My Waist - You wake up in the same bed as Bradley Bradshaw. That's it. Or is it?

A Wedding to Remember and a Proposal to Come - You’re Penny’s maid of honour. Bradley is Mav’s best man. And after planning this perfect wedding, you’re thinking about your future with him.

† Great Balls of Fire - It’s been four months since you last saw Bradley Bradshaw. Today's the day he finally comes back from his mission and you have more than one ace up your sleeve to surprise him with.

Robert “Bob” Floyd 

⭑ I’ve Always Wondered If Your Glasses Would Look Good On Me - It’s a slow Sunday morning and you get to live out a fantasy you’ve had for quite a while now.

Tom “Iceman” Kazansky

Ice Ice Baby (Series, unfinished) - You need a fake date to your friend’s wedding. Who better to ask than your coworker Ice, who you may have developed a little bit of a crush on?

True or False - After months of flirting, finally things kick off when Ice suggest playing a round of “True or False”.

all of these are x reader!!

and again: there’s also my top gun blurbs and the dbf!jake seresin masterlist

#top gun #x reader #masterlist #tom iceman kazansky #iceman #tom kazansky #iceman x reader #tom kazansky x reader #jake seresin #jake hangman seresin #hangman #hangman x reader #jake seresin x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw #rooster #rooster x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #top gun maverick #nav #robert bob floyd x reader #robert floyd x reader

[crownofdecitreadingrespectfully]

TOP GUN FIC RECS

im a whore for these men. that is all.

*NONE OF THESE FICS ARE MINE. I AM NOT A WRITER. I MADE THIS SO I CAN EASILY GO BACK AND REREAD. I SIMPLY THINK THESE ARE WORKS OF ART AND DESERVE MORE LOVE.*

(my beloved writers, if you do not want your work here please message me and I will remove it -- p.s.  i love you and i hope you know how talented you are <3)

Hangman

opposites attract   pt.2   code baby  - @topguncortez

secret girlfriend - @barbiewritesstuff

its not me, its you - @phoenixsbby

they all know, he’s in love with you - @rolycolysficrecs

lazy mornings and whatnot - @seresinhangmanjake

sunshine - @libraryofloveletters

Touch and Go - @seresinhangmanjake

Just a Little Weak - @seresinhangmanjake

douchebag jar  @jupitercomet

double tap  @roleycoleyreccenter

angst   @whisperofsong

soft - @bradshaw-fanclub

you left me no choice but to stay here forever (right where you left me) - @sunderlust

The house that I grew up in @jupitercomet

De-instigating the Instigator ^

all this time @phoenixsbby

its all about you @bussyslayer333

she blinded me with science @wkndwlff

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

Bob

things one, two, three, and four - @callsignbob

the captain’s daughter - @callsignhoney

Unorthodox   Pt. 2 - @specialbrewbutterbeer

Sweet home alabama - @3tabbiesandalab

on the same page  ^

The Six Times You Met Bob Floyd In School and The One Time You Didn't - @lt-natrace

The Bob Club - @stormiwaves

a sky full of glow in the dark stars  @jupitercomet

I just missed you is all...   @gennyanydots

enemies to lovers hc   @jostystyles 

the five stages of falling in love @imjess-themess

senses @bradshawsbaby

delicate @laracrofted

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

Rooster

hey, bud - @callsignbob

what have you done? - @sadpetalsstuff

forever - @danny-cordray

the proposal   - @thebradleybradshaw

All I Want, Forever - @bradshaw-fanclub

Liar, Liar - @callsign-milano

untitled blurb - @fitzells

a letter from the past - @rolycolysficrecs

“hey, it’s Bradley” - @domesticcaboose

it’s only my heart (save yourself) - @notroosterbradshaw

A Glimpse of Them - @bradshawsbaby

show me all the scars you hide - @bradshawsbaby

the boyfriend experience   pt.2   - @notroosterbradshaw

speak now (or forever hold your peace)  @softspiderling

the relationship experience  @notroosterbradshaw 

it was always you  @tongue-like-a-razor

miscommunication @jupitercomet

5 times the bronco was a third wheel @thesewordsareallihavetogive

roosters brood pt.2 @tongue-like-a-razor

just roommates @risriswrites

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

Iceman

Steamy - @callsignbob

For what it’s worth - @phoenixsbby

The Future Awaits - @make-me-imagine

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

Slider

"Thinking of you" flowers @jupitercomet

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

Goose

Better Girls @jupitercomet

Gold Rush @duchesstypewriter

okay so after making this i’m kinda appalled with the amount of fics i read but it is what it is lol

Updated: 12/15/23

#hangman x reader #jake seresin x reader #rooster x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #bob floyd x reader #iceman x reader #tom kazansky x reader #fic recs #top gun recs #goose x reader #nick bradshaw x reader #slider x reader

[jaidens]

if it's military propaganda, why are there hot people? yeah answer THAT!

#top gun maverick #top gun 1986 #bradley bradshaw x reader #nick bradshaw x reader #pete mitchell x reader #bob floyd x reader #jake seresin x reader #mickey garcia x reader #natasha trace x reader #tom kazansky x reader

[callsigndragon]

Valentine's Cards |

Dagger Squad + Ice, Mav and Goose x reader

A/N: I'm one day late, I know. Just thought about this and had to do it.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

#top gun maverick #top gun x reader #top gun maverick fanfic #top gun fanfiction #jake hangman x reader #top gun bob floyd #bob floyd x reader #natasha trace x reader #javy machado x reader #mickey garcia x reader #reuben fitch x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #nick bradshaw x reader #tom kazansky x reader #pete mitchell x reader #top gun fluff #robert bob floyd #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #natasha phoenix trace #javy coyote machado #mickey fanboy garcia #reuben payback fitch #nick goose bradshaw #tom iceman kazansky #pete maverick mitchell

[imawkwardlysoc]

"only bought this dress so you could take it off"

Song: Dress by Taylor Swift

Pairing: bob floyd x reader (afab)

Warning(s): Allusions to smut (not written) & Aftercare

Word Count: 1,913

Summary: Y/N had just moved to Miramar and was invited to the Navy Ball in San Diego by her roommate. Soon when the both of them arrived, Y/N was met with a face she hasn't seen in a long time.

Backing away from the full length mirror, I admired the dress I picked out a few days ago. The muted gold beaded dress hugged my waist in all the right ways. With it being off the shoulder and a sweetheart neckline, it showed the right amount of chest without it being too scandalous.

“Wow, you look amazing.” I looked over to see my roommate, Natasha, entering my room.

“Are you sure? I mean is this appropriate for a naval ball?” I turned to face her.

“Yes, all heads will turn to you when you enter the ballroom,” she reassured me. “Who knows? Maybe a navy man will approach you and you end up going on a date with him, but if it’s Hangman, straight up reject him.”

I laughed at what she said. “Nat, I just moved here two weeks ago, I’m not looking for a relationship yet.”

Ever since I moved to San Diego two weeks ago, I’ve been more focused on my teaching job. I work at the local high school near a navy base as a science teacher. I was hired when the school year already started so I've been catching my students up since the substitute teacher they had barely got them learning.

“Well, the Lyft is almost here, you should finish getting ready,” she told me before leaving my room.

Slipping on a pair of gold heels, I grabbed my clutch and double checked the inside to see if I had all of the things I needed. Closing it, I walked out of my room and walked out of the house with Natasha after she locked the front door. Getting into the car, our driver started to drive us to the US Grant hotel.

“Hey, everything is going to be fine,” Natasha squeezed my hand. “All of the Dagger Squad is going to love you.”

We soon pulled up to the hotel and saw a bunch of naval higher ups in their uniforms with their plus ones. I’m pretty sure that I also saw some politicians entering the hotel. Natasha and I soon walked in and headed to the ballroom entrance where we showed our identifications along with invites.

When we walked in, I started to feel overwhelmed. Many members of the Navy and their plus ones filled the room while a live band played music.

“Oh, I see them!” Natasha started to drag me to where her friends were. “Guys, meet Y/N.”

I was soon met with two dark skinned men, one with a buzzcut, another one with a somewhat porno mustache, and one who looked like a real life Ken doll. She soon started to introduce me to them with their actual names and call signs. More of the members came and I was introduced to them along with her captain and his husband.

“Guess who finally showed up,” Jake announced. “How long does it take to get a soda?”

“Y/N, meet-” I looked over to see who came and I froze.

“Robbie?” His name fell out of my mouth.

“Y/N? Is that you?” He asked.

“Oh my god, it’s been so long.” I walked up and hugged him.

“It has.” He returned my hug.

“Wait, is this the Robbie you told me about?” Natasha asked.

“Yeah,” I nodded my head.

“Are we missing something here?” Mickey asked.

“Yeah, did you and Baby on Board used to have a thing or?” Jake asked.

“Baby on Board?” A confused look formed on my face when I heard the name he gave Robbie.

“No, we used to be childhood friends back in North Carolina,” Robbie explained.

“Yeah we’ve lived in the same neighborhood until I had to move to Arizona because my dad got a new job,” I nodded and pointed to Natasha. “That’s where I met Natasha.”

“And we’ve been inseparable until we had to leave for college.” Nat wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “It took me some convincing to get her to move down here.”

“Well, I had to finish both of my masters,” I told her.

“Two masters?” Admiral Kazansky raised his eyebrow.

“Yes, one in mechanical engineering and one in physics, but I also have a teaching credential for physics.” I smiled proudly.

“Do you mind if we continue this conversation while I get myself another drink?” The admiral asked me.

“I don’t mind at all Admiral,” I answered while linking arms with him.

While on our walk to the bar, he started asking me questions about my studies and why I double majored. I also talked about my time studying my undergrad at Cal Poly and getting my masters/teaching credential at the University of San Francisco. 

Throughout our conversation, I glanced at the other side of the room to see Robbie talking to some of his squadron members. We would send each other a smile if we made eye contact with each other.

Soon a familiar tune filled my ears and the room. Placing my drink down on the bar, I faced the admiral.

“Excuse me sir, but I have to do something,” I excused sir.

“It’s no problem, also call me Tom.” He smiled and I nodded my head.

Hurrying myself to the other side of the room, I made my way to where Robbie was. When I saw him leaning against the wall as he listened to his friends, a smile came onto our faces as lyrics started to echo through the room. Handing his drink to Ruben, I grabbed his arm and dragged him to the dance floor as Come On Eileen played. (A/N I just imagine the dance scene in Perks of Being a Wallflower) We started to do the dance routine that we created when we were kids whenever this song played through the stereo. We continued to dance to the song and sang out the lyrics.

“Wow, it’s been a while since we last did that,” I caught my breath after he dipped me and we moved to a slow dancing position.

“I’m surprised that we still remember it,” he chuckled.

“After the amount of times we perform this dance in front of our families, I would be surprised if we don't remember the moves,” I looked up at him.

He still had the same face from what I remembered as a little kid, but it was more defined. He was still the shy and reserved kid that I knew of as I grew up.

“Hey, wanna head out?” He whispered in my ear which sent chills down my spine.

“Sure,” I agreed.

He led me off the dance floor and went to his squad.

“It’s been great meeting you all. I hope we get to see each other again,” I told everyone.

They all said their goodbyes and Robbie and I left the hotel ballroom. As Robbie and I waited for the valet to bring his wrangler around, I felt him put his coat over my shoulders and wrapped his arm around them. Leaning against him, I looked up at him and gave a smile. Soon the wrangler was pulled up and he helped me into the car. Getting into the driver’s seat, he closed the door and untied the tie he was wearing.

During the drive to Natasha and I’s house, we were sharing stories and memories from our childhood. He also explained the reason why Jake called him Baby on Board sometimes. I laughed at the stories that he had with his crew. I guess he’s glad that he’s permanently stationed here with his crew.

Pulling up in front of the house, he got out of the driver’s seat and helped me out of the car. Walking me up to the door, we stood there for a moment, waiting to see what happens next.

“Thanks for taking me home,” I thanked him.

“No problem, it’s nice seeing you again,” he smiled. “You look beautiful by the way.”

“Thank you,” I looked down at the ground and blushed.

I soon felt his fingers touch my chin and moved my head to face him. Don’t know the reason why but I started to feel my heart begin to race as my stomach fluttered. Leaning my head in as his did, our lips touched and moved. It continued for a few more seconds as it got more passionate until we detached, looking at each other with a blush on our faces.

“Did that just?” I asked.

“Yeah, it did,” he nodded his head.

“Well, I should head in now,” I told him and grabbed my house key from my clutch.

Unlocking it, I pushed open the door and walked into the house without closing the door. I tossed my clutch on the kitchen island and started my walk down the hallway to my room. Hearing the sound of Robbie’s footsteps entering the house, I looked over my shoulder a little and gave him a wink. Entering my room, I took off my heels and started to unzip the back of my dress.

“Need help with that?” I heard Robbie’s voice enter my room.

“Please,” I answered despite me not needing any help.

Chills were sent throughout my body as I felt his breath hit my neck as he slowly unzipped my dress. I bit the inside of my lip as he started to place kisses down my neck. With my dress off, leaving me in my undergarments, I turned and started to kiss him as he led me to my bed.

*Aftercare*

Tangled up in my bed sheets, Robbie laid flat on his back while I laid my head on his chest. One of his arms wrapped around my waist while the other drew circles on my thigh.

“Imagine if we told younger us that we’ll be in this situation,” I chuckled, looking up at him.

“I feel they would be grossed out,” he let out a laugh. “I miss this, I miss us hanging out with each other.”

“Me too,” I agreed. “It sucked that we weren’t able to keep in contact with each other.”

He nodded his head and hummed in agreement. “But hey, we got to see each other again even though it took over ten years.”

“True,” I laughed.

“I know I already said that you look beautiful but that dress on you is amazing,” he complimented me.

“Well, I should buy that dress in other colors if it makes you do this,” I smirked as I gestured to us in bed.

“Nah, anything you wear can make me feel like this,” he placed a kiss on my lips.

“This isn’t going to affect our friendship right?” I asked him.

“I already lost you once, not losing you again,” he said while pulling me closer to him.

I smiled and laid my head on his chest letting out a yawn. Closing my eyes, I drifted off to sleep.

*The Morning After*

Opening my eyes, I looked over to see Robbie still sleeping. Smiling to myself and last night’s events, I quietly got out of bed and threw on his dress shirt. Walking out of my room, I walked down the hall to the kitchen to see Natasha standing there with a cup of coffee and a smirk on her face.

“So, my backseater huh?” She asked.

“Shush,” I blushed a little while pouring myself a cup of coffee.

“Hey, just saying he’s a really good guy but you already know that,” she told me.

Soon we heard footsteps revealing Robbie in his boxers and hair disheveled.

“Yeah, he really is.”

#bob floyd x reader #bob floyd x female reader #bob floyd x y/n #bob floyd #top gun x reader #top gun maverick x reader #top gun #top gun maverick #natasha phoenix trace #jake hangman seresin #javy coyote machado #bradley rooster bradshaw #reuben payback fitch #mickey fanboy garcia #pete maverick mitchell #tom iceman kazansky #top gun maverick fic #top gun fic #Spotify #top gun one shot

[rose-pearls]

Office hours

Summary: Bradley and you can't stand your bosses flirting/arguing so you decide to get them together.

Relationships: Icemav, bob x hangman (mentioned), Bradley x reader

Taglist: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187, @nyx2021 (open for every fandom)

Part 2

It was an honor to work for Tom Kazansky, surnamed Iceman, it really was. But the fact that he was constantly arguing with Pete Mitchell was getting annoying. 

You had gotten this internship a year ago and just when it ended your boss had asked you if you wanted to stay, and who were you to refuse. It was an honor to work for such a great man and it paid well. The only issue was his arguing, or rather flirting, with Pete Mitchell every single day. The secretary from the man himself was also quite annoying with his ugly Hawaiian shirt but you couldn’t really say anything as you were dating the man.

This morning you had to have a meeting with the Mitchell company, and you were not looking forward to it, your boss didn’t seem to either as he was grumbling. But you could see the excitement in his eyes, after so many months of working by his side you knew him well. You also knew that the both of them had a big fat crush on each other and that they needed to get their heads out of their asses.

“Mitchell.”, your boss says with an unimpressed look, but you can see that he is happy to see him again. Which could be said about Maverick too as he looks like an overly excited puppy.

“Kazansky, still wearing those ugly suits?”, and there it goes the first barb of the meeting. Bradley rolls his eyes behind him, and you can’t help but agree.

“At least I don’t dress like I just got out of a punk magazine.”, the two of them start to bicker again and you go to sit down, these two could go on for hours.

“We need to put a stop to this.”, Bradley mutters next to you and you can’t help but jump a little at his sudden appearance. 

“We need to get them in a closet and get everyone away from there.”, Bradley snorts at your words but he nods in agreement.

“They aren’t really discreet, are they?”, this time you can’t help but laugh, because even though your boss tried to act all cool and collected, the moment Pete Mitchell arrived he lost his head. 

“We both know Iceman is not going to confess his feelings first, Maverick needs to do it.”, Bradley looks at you doubtful and you let out a sigh.

“Maverick is more temperamental, if he sees someone put on a move on Iceman he will flip, and they will get together. Or at least in a bed together.”, Bradley looks at your bosses with a frown and you look at the two of them still arguing, although it is more flirting now.

“So, we find someone stupid enough to flirt with Iceman, even though everyone knows he is off limit after Maverick glared at every single person that dared to approach him?”, you nod in response and turn towards your fellow secretary.

“Just like Iceman did when men and women tried to approach Maverick.”, the two of you can’t help but smile at the memory of both of your bosses glaring at every single individual that dared to approach the other.

“Who is stupid enough to do it?”, Bradley asks, and you can’t help but smirk at the question.

“One man with the ego of the size of Texas, Jake.”, this makes Bradley snort, but he seems to be on board.

“That is going to be quite the show.”, he says, and you can’t help but nod in agreement, unable to hide your laughter as you start imagining it.

“But he is going to want something in return.”, Bradley says, and you smirk at him, already having planned that part.

“You remember the Christmas party?”, Bradley seems confused for a moment before nodding.

“Jake met a lovely guy named Robert, Bob for short and he has fallen head over heels for the guy. Only the man doesn’t seem to have social media and Jake has been searching on every single platform he can find if Bob is on there.”, the words seem to make Bradley perk up.

“Well, my good friend Natasha from the law firm has his number, as he is her colleague and she has agreed to give it to me after I told her what the plan was.”, this time a smirk appears on Bradley’s face and the both of you smirk.

“Oh, this is so going to work.”, he says, and you can’t help but nod in agreement.

“Right, let’s start this meeting.”, Iceman says finally, and you look at your watch, 10 minutes, just what you had bet yesterday.

“Better luck next time.”, you tell Bradley as he slips you ten dollar with a scowl.

--

The plan was set in motion, in just about five minutes Jake would be walking in and starting up a conversation with Iceman. Bradley had made sure that Maverick was close to them so that he could hear it all.

At ten o’clock on the dot Jake came in with his usual smirk and marching straight towards Iceman with a confidence you could only hope to have one day. 

“Good morning, sir, hopefully you are well?”, he asks like it’s the most innocent thing in the world, but Ice is looking at him with raised eyebrows.

“I’m good, how are you Seresin?”, Jake doesn’t seem to be put down by the uninterest in Ice’s tone and he smiles even more.

“Good, but better now that I’m here.”, you try to stop the snort at the words, but you are unable to as you hear Maverick scoff loudly at the words a few meters away. Ice only raises an eyebrow at the flirting before sitting back in his chair, his full attention to Jake.

“Why don’t we get to the point of this Seresin?”, Jake seems relieved at the words, and you see Maverick perk up at the words, his expression somber and you can see some curiosity in them.

“Gladly sir, I mean I could talk all day about your beautiful blue eyes and your magnificent blond hair.”, the man has a dreamy look on his face, and you know that he is not thinking of Ice but rather of Bob. Maverick seems to be getting closer, by moving up some chairs and Bradley looks like he is trying not to laugh at his seething boss.

“The point?”, Iceman asks again and at the words Jake squares his shoulders before looking straight in Iceman’s eyes.

“It’s maybe a bit unprofessional but would you like to go on a date with me?”, the room is silent after the words, Ice seems to be in shock for the first time in his life and Bradley is recording the whole thing, trying to keep himself from laughing. 

Maverick on the other hand looks outraged, you can see the steam coming out of his ears.

“Excuse me? You are asking him on a date?”, Maverick yells and you try to hide your smile at the indignation from the smaller man as he points towards Iceman who rolls his eyes at the antics.

“Yes, sir?”, Jake says, seemingly asking himself the same question.

“Well, I don’t accept it.”, everyone looks at Maverick like he is crazy, but mostly Ice.

“What do you mean ‘you’ don’t accept it?”, Ice says, and you can’t help but chuckle at his reaction. Maverick stutters over his words for a moment before letting out a big huff.

“Because you should go on a date with me and not Ken.”

“Jake.”, says the man himself unhelpfully and you can hear Rooster laughing from his seat a few meters away. 

Iceman on the other hand looks to be in shock, silent as he tries to get the information inside of his brain while Maverick looks impatient.

“For god’s sake Tom.”, Maverick says before taking a few big strides and bringing your boss into a bruising kiss. Iceman takes a few seconds before kissing back and you can’t help but smile in victory as your plan has worked out.

That is until you hear a moan, and you can’t get out of there fast enough.

“Lunch break.”, you yell over your shoulder before closing the door and looking at Jake and Bradley who are looking at you in disbelief.

“Well, that worked out better than we thought.”, you can’t help but say and the both of them nod in agreement.

You take a slip of paper from your bag and a ‘do not disturb’ sign to put it on the door of the office. Jake seems to light up at the sight of the piece of paper, practically ripping it from your fingers before frowning.

“What is this?”, Jake says while showing you the slip of paper.

“That is a reservation to a restaurant where Bob agreed to meet you for a date. Tonight, at nine.”, a bright smile appears at your words before Jake thanks you and leaves, looking like a child on Christmas day.

“So, when do we tell them about us?”, Bradley asks after a moment, and you can’t help but smile at his words.

“When they aren’t all over each other.”, Bradley makes a disgusted face, and you can’t help but laugh in answer before bringing him into a soft kiss.

“Common, we have some time for our lunchbreak.”, Bradley smiles at the words and quickly takes your hand in his and starts telling you about his neighbor that had been trying to hide their cat from the landlord. 

#top gun x reader #top gun imagine #top gun fanfiction #jake hangman seresin #tom iceman kazansky #rooster fanfiction #rooster fanfic #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster x you #rooster x reader #rooster x y/n #bradley bradshaw x y/n #bradley bradshaw fanfiction #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw #ice x mav #icemav #iceman x maverick #floydsin #robert bob floyd

[ddejavvu]

mei's 20k celebration !!

first of all, thank you to each and every single one of you for being here!! together you make just over 20k. the size of my audience is very hard for me to fathom (seriously, have you ever googled what 20,000 people look like? insane!!!) but i know i'm incredibly grateful that you're here!! writing is very fun for me but it's even better with lovely people like you cheering me on, and i'm happy to do what i do if it means you get to enjoy it.

i have been exceptionally busy lately, and i haven't done a follower celebration since 10K i believe, so i figured now was a good time for another one! i know not everyone is into the same fandoms as everyone else, so this celebration will be separated into each different fandom that i write for. why? it's fun for me to plan things around my fandoms, but i didn't want to exclude anyone, so i just made a little mini celebration for them all :)

you're allowed to send as many asks as you want, for whichever fandoms you want, i just ask that you do it in separate asks! i'm not sure yet when I'm going to end the celebration, but I'll give you at least a 24H warning so that you can send in any last asks you have :)

without further ado: my 20k follower celebration!

Top Gun / Top Gun Maverick - Playing With The Boys

Are you ready for a beach day with some navy men? Choose an option from the list below and come hang out by the water, just be careful no one pushes you in!

'maverick? did your mother not like you, or something?' - make up a callsign for yourself, tell me why you've chosen it, and I'll tell you which character i think you'd get along with!

'i just don't want anyone to know i've fallen for you.' - send me a request for a baby blurb! give me a character, and a plotline, and i'll write you a little fanfiction :)

'and your wingman?' - tell me your favorite character and i'll link a tiktok that i think fits their vibe!

'dogfight football.' - games! fmk, would you rather, cym, all surrounding the characters of top gun!

'baby on board!' - send me a headcanon about one of the characters and i'll give you one back!

'hangman. you look... good.' - tell me your favorite character and i'll give you a photo of them from my pinterest board

characters accepted: pete 'maverick' mitchell, nick 'goose' bradshaw, tom 'iceman' kazansky, ron 'slider' kerner, leonard 'wolfman' wolfe, rick 'hollywood' neven, beau 'cyclone' simpson, bradley 'rooster' bradshaw, jake 'hangman' seresin, natasha 'phoenix' trace, robert 'bob' floyd, javy 'coyote' machado, mickey 'fanboy' garcia, reuben 'payback' fitch, + ask if you'd like me to write someone else!

Criminal Minds - Wheels up in 30

You've been called on a case with the BAU! Pass the time on the jet with an option from the list below, and good luck catching your unsub!

'we interrupt your regularly scheduled programming...' - pick an activity to do on the jet on the way back from a case, and i'll tell you which member of the BAU i think you'd get along with!

'oh, you LOVE me!' - send me a request for a baby blurb! give me a character, and a plotline, and i'll write you a little fanfiction :)

'ah- he wants to be his FAVORITE profiler.' - tell me your favorite character and i'll link a tiktok that i think fits their vibe!

'hey, there's still money on this thing!' - games! fmk, would you rather, cym, all surrounding the characters of criminal minds!

'let me tell you about my team.' - send me a headcanon about one of the characters and i'll give you one back!

'pretty boy!' - tell me your favorite character and i'll give you a photo of them from my pinterest board

characters accepted: aaron hotchner, derek morgan, emily prentiss, spencer reid, penelope garcia, david rossi, jennifer jareau, + ask if you'd like me to write someone else!

The Marauders - Summer at Potter Manor

You've been invited to spend the summer at James's manor! Be polite to Euphemia and Fleamont, spend your day picking an option from this list, and try not to tear up the lawn!

'a rather friendly disposition' - tell me what you think your animagus form would be any why, and I'll tell you which character i think you'd get along with!

'oi! evans!' - send me a request for a baby blurb! give me a character, and a plotline, and i'll write you a little fanfiction :)

'mischief managed' - tell me your favorite character and i'll link a tiktok that i think fits their vibe!

'i solemnly swear that i am up to no good' - games! fmk, would you rather, cym, all surrounding the marauders era characters!

'he's a murderer.' - send me a headcanon about one of the characters and i'll give you one back!

'pretty brown eyes' - tell me your favorite character and i'll give you a photo of them from my pinterest board

characters accepted: remus lupin, sirius black, james potter, lily evans, + ask if you'd like me to write someone else!

Stranger Things - Into The Woods

You're going monster hunting with Hawkins' finest! Pass the time waiting for your trap to be sprung by picking an option down below, but don't talk too loud, or it might hear you...

'we're stuck here...' - tell me which season of stranger things is your favorite and why, and I'll tell you which character i think you'd get along with!

'it's finger lickin' good.' - send me a request for a baby blurb! give me a character, and a plotline, and i'll write you a little fanfiction :)

'that's actual shit.' - tell me your favorite character and i'll link a tiktok that i think fits their vibe!

'oh it's the championship game?' - games! fmk, would you rather, cym, all surrounding the stranger things characters!

'this is giving me the heebie jeebies.' - send me a headcanon about one of the characters and i'll give you one back!

'I've got a date, dad.' - tell me your favorite character and i'll give you a photo of them from my pinterest board

characters accepted: eddie munson, steve harrington, robin buckley, jonathan byers, nancy wheeler, jim hopper, chrissy cunningham, joyce byers, + ask if you'd like me to write someone else!

Marvel - Crime Fighting Duty

Your favorite heroes have asked you to tag along for a day! between calls on the police radio, pick an option from the list below and fight the day away!

'he's got one up his ass, too.' - tell me what superpowers you'd want and why, and i'll tell you what marvel character you'd get along with!

'you're a very good kisser.' - send me a request for a baby blurb! give me a character, and a plotline, and i'll write you a little fanfiction :)

'pile of bodies, pile of heads.' - tell me your favorite character and i'll link a tiktok that i think fits their vibe!

'ooh! I know this one!' - games! fmk, would you rather, cym, all surrounding the marvel characters!

'I was cleaning the chimney.' - send me a headcanon about one of the characters and i'll give you one back!

'we look GOOD.' - tell me your favorite character and i'll give you a photo of them from my pinterest board

characters accepted: eddie brock / venom, peter parker (1, 2, and 3), matt murdock, steve rogers, bucky barnes, + ask if you'd like me to write someone else!

#bradley bradshaw x reader #jake seresin x reader #tom kazansky x reader #pete mitchell x reader #bob floyd x reader #javy machado x reader #reuben fitch x reader #natasha trace x reader #ron kerner x reader #nick bradshaw x reader #james potter x reader #sirius black x reader #remus lupin x reader #eddie munson x reader #steve harrington x reader #jonathan byers x reader #robin buckley x reader #nancy wheeler x reader #jim hopper x reader #aaron hotchner x reader #spencer reid x reader #emily prentiss x reader #derek morgan x reader #eddie brock x reader #steve rogers x reader #peter parker x reader #matt murdock x reader #bucky barnes x reader #mei's 20K celebration !!

[writing-and-wondering]

You’re a Wonder

Part 4

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Rooster x Kazansky!Reader

Warnings: Swearing, Mentions of death, Character death, Flashbacks in italics

Request: Nahh

Word Count: 10.9k

Synopsis: Training continues for the Uranium Mission, but Y/n “Wonder” Kazansky still has to face the past before truly becoming apart of the team that is being built for this so called “Miracle Mission”. 

A/n: Hello !! Wow, it's been a bit since the last one, sorry about that. But all your support and feedback has just been so awesome and so appreciated, thank you !!! You all are phenomenal <3

Your head slips off of your hand and just about slams into the table before you jerk back upright. Blinking a couple of times, you sniff as you stare at the table in front of you that is littered with the notebooks you were meant to be studying. Rubbing at your face, you groan as your fingers run across the indent your pencil had left from where it was clasped in the hand you were leaning on. 

A chuckle from across the table brings your eyes over to Comet, who is trying, and failing, to hide his laugh behind his hand. You glare at him half heartedly before rubbing at your eyes. 

“Enjoy your rest, sleeping beauty?” Comet asks once he recovers from his giggle fest. 

“I didn’t mean to do that.” You mutter as you stifle a yawn. 

Comet rolls his eyes before closing his textbook, “I think we should call it.”

“What? But-” You start but Comet is already shaking his head at you, “Dude, it’s like four in the morning. Plus, you just about gave yourself a concussion from almost slamming head first into the table because you fell asleep on your goddamn pencil.”

You lean back in your seat with a groan as he continues, “It’s bedtime, Wonder.”

“You sound like my dad.” You state, but you move to pack up your array of books and highlighters anyway. Comet shrugs as he does the same, “Someone here should.”

“You idolize him too much.”

Comet sighs, “Isn’t that the dream.”

“Shut up.” You laugh as you throw a crumpled up piece of paper at him. He just smiles and swats it off its path towards his face before adjusting his glasses. 

The two of you are just about finished shoving your things into your bags when your stomach growls, at the same time as Comet’s. You look up and share a wide eyed look with your friend before the two of you burst out laughing. 

“You think we should make a stop at the mess hall?” You ask as you sling your bag over your shoulder. Comet nods quickly, “Mhm, good idea.”

Neither of you waste anytime rushing down the hall in the direction of some late night snacks. There’s a moment of silence where you both are just grabbing whatever catches your eye. 

As you settle down at a table by the window, Comet lets out a sigh, “Bless whoever’s idea it was to leave the hall open all the time.”

You nod, “Our savior, whoever it was.” Comet chuckles before digging into his selection, you doing the same. 

After a moment, you look up and notice Comet fiddling with his class ring as he chews on the twizzler hanging from his mouth. He catches you staring and bites off on the candy, “You know, I’ve been thinking a lot recently...”

“That’s dangerous.” You comment, eyebrows raised. He flicks you a glare, to which you toss a fruit snack at him, “What about, Coms?” 

Comet leans back in his seat, “About graduation, I guess.”

Nodding, you sip on the straw of your juice box, watching as he frowns and fidgets with his granola bar wrapper, “I just don’t want things to change, you know?”

You stare at him for a second, before sitting up straight and quickly saying, “They won’t.”

He smiles a little at you, “They will and you know it.”

“Well...” You start, pausing to think for a moment, “Not that much. We’ll all still be a team.”

Comet hums in agreement, “Do you think we’ll still be able to fly with Ace and Ghost?”

“Of course! We’re inseparable and everyone knows how well we work together.” You lean forward and place your hand over his to get it to stop tapping the table nervously, “Like I said, we’re a team.”

He shrugs, “Still worries me that we’ll drift apart.”

“Unlikely. This isn’t high school, Coms.” You scoff slightly, “I don’t even think we could, at this point. Not after everything we’ve done together, it’s just not possible.” 

Looking up at you, Comet grins a little, “You sound so sure.”

“That’s because I am.” You squeeze his hand reassuringly, “But seriously, It’ll be fine.”

You lean back in your seat and pop another fruit snack into your mouth, “Besides, you’ll always have me.”

You watch as his eyebrows draw together as he blinks at you, “Promise?”

“Promise. You can’t get rid of me that easily.” 

He laughs, “Yeah, and why would I want to get rid of the pilot who has made my heart fall to my ass more times than I can count because of her flying.”

You gasp at him, “Well by all means if you want a different pilot then I’m sure the admiral would happily make a switch-”

“No, no, I didn’t say that-” He starts but you’re still going, “I mean it would certainly save them a lot of trouble, considering what we put them through-”

“No! No, you’re mine.” Comet is waving his hand sporadically to get you to stop, “We fly together, it’s what we do. You and me.”

You grab his raised hand and squeeze it, “Damn right.”

Comet’s shoulder slump with relief as he squeezes your hand too before dropping it. Clearing his throat, he smiles, “I am excited, though. For what’s to come, that is.”

“Me too!” You agree, bouncing in your seat a little. 

“Like shit, it’s crazy to think that graduation is right around the corner. I still feel like we’re a bunch of first year cadets.” Comet is staring at the ceiling, his hand waving around as he speaks. 

“God, don’t I know it.” You say, shaking your head in disbelief. 

He laughs, “We really walked in here having no clue what was going to happen.”

“Nope, just a bunch of babies.” 

“And now we’re graduating! What the hell, where did the time go?” Comet asks, looking at you with wide eyes.

Chuckling, you let out a gasp as you point at his hand, “And you’re getting married!” Comet beams at the fact as he looks down at his ring. 

You hold your hand out, “Lemme see the ring.”

“You’ve seen it like fifty times already.” He says to you, twisting the band on his finger. You groan, “I don’t care, it’s gorgeous. Let me see.”

Comet rolls his eyes but still dramatically holds his hand out towards you, to which you gladly take and stare at the ring, “Wow, it’s still so pretty every time.” You gush, “Toby did such a good job.”

“He did, didn’t he? It’s made of sea glass too, like dude, I didn’t even know rings could be made out of that.” Comet says excitedly, his face quite literally glowing from just talking about his fiancé. 

You squeeze his hand before giving it back to him, “No kidding.” 

Comet admires his ring for a second longer before smiling at you, “Oh my gosh, I can’t wait for you to be my best man at my wedding.”

Your eyes go wide, “Is Toby okay with that?”

“Are you serious? The man adores you.” He says it as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world, “If I weren’t marrying him, I’d be worried about which one of us he’d pick.” Then a smug grin grows on his face as he leans back in his seat, motioning to himself, “Good think he likes this di-”

“Dude, he’s not even my type.” You interrupt him, your voice flat. 

Comet looks at you knowingly, “Oh yes, I’m quite aware of your type.” 

You give him a confused look, “I haven’t dated since before I met you, how would you even know my type?”

“Because I’ve seen it with my own eyes.” Comet says, pointing two fingers at his face. 

Leaning forward on your arms, you cock your head to the side, “Really? And what would it be then?” 

Comet mirrors you, “Oh, you know... Tan skin, curly brown hair, whiskey eyes...” He fans his fingers across his upper lip, “A mustache...”

You choke on air, “Bradshaw?” 

Nodding, Comet wags his finger at you, “Don’t act so surprised, you’re literally in love with the man!” 

“I am not-”

“Oh, have pity on my poor heart.” Comet groans as he clasps his hands over his chest dramatically, “I know what love is, and baby you are deep in it.” 

Your mouth falls open, “No. Not with Rooster, no way.” 

“Denial is bad for your health.” 

“It’s not denial! It’s the truth, I have no feelings for him.” You state, slamming your hand on the table. 

Comet stares at your hand for a second before leaning forwards, “You sit on a throne of lies.” 

“There are no lies!” You shout exasperatedly, crossing your arms. Leaning back, Comet shakes his head, “Boo, you whore.”

You point your finger at him, “Don’t you quote Mean Girls at me, I’m serious. There’s nothing going on- how could there be?”

“Uh, maybe because when you two are together it’s like you’re the only ones in the room?” Comet deadpans. 

“Well, yeah! That’s bound to happen, I’ve known him since-” You pause to think, “Since forever!”

“And you’ve been in love with him for how long?” Comet asks, eyes wide. 

“Never!” 

Rolling his eyes, Comet waves you off, “Mhm, sure. Well, I’ll be sure to put in how much I had to endure before you two finally got together in my speech at your wedding.” 

You just stare at him with your mouth hanging open in shock, “There won’t be a wedding.”

“Not yet.” He winks at you. 

“Comet, I swear.-”

“Hey!” He stops you, “They didn’t name me the best matchmaker in high school and dedicate a whole page in the year book to show all the couples I got together for nothing!” 

“I don’t- wait. You were named best matchmaker?” You ask, curiosity throwing off from your annoyed confusion at Comet’s proclamations. 

Comet nods, “Yeah, they gave me a whole cupid’s bow and everything.”

“Oh, cool.”

“It was yeah, came with heart arrows even.” He agrees, mimicking the motion of firing off a bow and arrow. 

“Aw, that’s really nice.” You hum, “Maybe they should’ve given you the callsign Cupid.” 

Comet’s head bobs up and down excitedly, “That’s what I’ve been saying!” 

“But, that doesn’t mean you’re right about me and Bradley.” You say sternly, arms crossed atop the table. 

With a sigh, Comet holds his hands up in surrender, “Alright, but I know a love match when I see one.” He points at you, “And I am never wrong.” 

“Well there’s a first for everything, my friend.” You say sweetly. 

“I’m never wrong.” He repeats quickly. 

You just shake your head, “Fine, keep your suspicions, but if you even think about mentioning this again I will throw up on you.”

Comet makes a face of disgust, “Ew, no. No, you know I can’t do vomit.”

“Neither can I, but that’s just how far I’ll go because of how revolting it is.” Your voice is quiet and firm as you speak, complete certainty drenching your words.

Blinking at you with almost a look of pity, Comet shakes his head, “You’re going to feel a whole hurting wave of shock when you realize how wrong you are.”

“Oh, I’m gonna-” 

Comet shoots backwards, his hands out in front of him, “No, no! No, I was kidding- don’t do the thing!” 

You just fall back in your chair laughing, your hands clutching your stomach. Comet’s mouth falls open, “Oh, you bitch.”

Still laughing, you lean forward and hold your hand out for him, “Okay, okay. Truce?”

He eyes it for a second before shaking it, “Truce.”

You smile before glancing out the window and gasping, the sound making Comet jump a little, “What?” There’s panic in his voice but once he follows your gaze he lets out an, “Ohhhh.”

Looking out the window, you stare at the changing colors of the sky as the sun rises. Snapping back to Comet, you tap your hands excitedly on the table, “Oh, you know what we should do?”

Looking at you with confusion, Comet shakes his head. 

“We should go to the roof and watch the sunrise.” You say simply, pointing to the sky. 

He gives you a look, “It’s freezing out!”

“Wear a coat!” You’re already standing and grabbing your bag, “C’mon, it’ll be fun!”

Comet looks out the window again before giving in, “Okay, okay- but we gotta bring the others too.”

You beam, “Yes! I’ll get Ace, you get the boys- oh, and bring your camera!”

“Already ahead of you, hurry before we miss it!” Comet yells as he takes off running towards the men’s dorms. You do the same towards the women’s. 

Mere minutes later you’re shaking Ace’s shoulder, who grumbles at being woken up. 

“Come on, come on!” You whisper-yell at her as you shrug on your coat and grab you hat. She groans, squinting at you, “Dude, it’s like 5am?”

You toss her coat to her, “I know, but you gotta come see the sunrise.” 

At her look of “Seriously?” You sigh, “The boys are coming. It’ll be fun!”

Due to your very obvious excitement and how much Ace loves you, she eventually obliges. Now the two of you are hurrying up the stairs to the roof, clad in your coats and fuzzy hats. 

You hear clattering behind you and bend over the railing to see the boys not too far below. Cupping your hand over your mouth, you yell down to them, “Hurry up or we’ll miss it!” 

You can’t help but laugh as they begin running, tripping over each other in their haste. Ace grabs your arm and pulls you away from the railing and towards the doors. 

The second you two bust through them you’re met with the icy chill of the air, the sudden coldness practically smacking you in the face. 

“Oh, shit. That’ll wake you up.” Ace says with a chuckle, her breath coming out in a little cloud. You just grin and pull your hat down over your ears. 

“We made it!” You turn towards the doors and hurry out of the way as Ghost just about falls onto the roof. Ace catches him and they both stumble off to the side a bit. 

You laugh at them trying to regain their balance but then your smile grows even wider when Rooster appears behind Comet. His curls are pressed against his forehead because of his hat and his cheeks are already pink from the cold. 

You hate how utterly adorable you find it, yet you can’t bring yourself to look away. Rooster flashes you a smile, and well... maybe now you don’t hate it so much. 

You're waving at him and then Comet is in your ear with an, “I saw thaaat.” Before he’s skipping out of your reach towards Ace and Ghost. You right yourself from trying to hit Comet and turn to find Rooster much closer than he was a moment ago. 

“Was this your idea?” He asks, a smile on his lips as he shoves his hands into his pockets. You nod, “We were already awake so we thought, why not?”

Rooster grins, “Good thinking. I mean, how many more mornings will we have like this?” He drapes his arm over your shoulders and turns you towards the sunrise. 

You just stare at it with wide eyes, not being able to get enough of all of the oranges and pinks that are dancing across the sky. Faint purples blend into the deep blues on the horizon that are still hanging on from the night. 

Leaning into Rooster, you find his warmth comforting. 

“Question.” His breath tickles your ear.

“What’s up?” You ask, turning to look at him. 

A smile tugs at his mouth, “Why were you already awake?”

You laugh a little, “Oooh. We were studying.”

His mouth falls open, “Why? You’re literally the smartest person I know.”

Brushing him off with a wave of your hand, you drop your gaze to your feet, “Psh, no I’m not.”

“You are! Don’t deny your genius, Wonder. It hurts my heart.” Rooster says, his hand slapping dramatically over his chest. You laugh at his expression, your closed eyes causing you to miss the way his smile grows at the sound. 

You pat his hand over his heart, “Oh, I don’t wanna do that.”

He only smiles more, “Good. Besides, you’re already pretty much perfect at everything.” 

“No, I’m not-” You’re saying put then Rooster stumbles back, doubling over with his hands clasped over his chest, “Ow, my heart!”

“Rooster!” You laugh as you shove at his shoulder, which only gets him to laugh as he points at you, “Admit it! You’re crazy smart.”

You just roll your eyes at him. Rooster puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head, not taking that for an answer. Instead, he rushes forward and wraps his arms around your waist. 

You yell out in surprise as your back is pressed against his front, your feet skidding across the ground as he spins you. All you can do is laugh as he yells out an, “Admit it!” 

Holding onto his arms, you give in, “Okay, okay! I’m smart!”

Rooster lets you go and in one swift movement has you turned towards him, “How smart?”

You smile up at him, a little breathless, “So smart.”

He laughs, “The smartest.” The way he’s looking at you has your heart going absolutely nuts. His curls are in his eyes and his cheeks are so red, along with his nose now, too. 

You can’t help but admit how utterly handsome he looks right now. Looking away, you try to steady your rapidly beating heart. To keep your mouth from saying something you don’t want it to, you quickly grab Rooster’s hat and pull it down over his eyes. 

He starts, his hands reaching up to push off yours, but you’re running away. You run towards Ace with a yell, who is already opening her arms to you. She catches you in a hug and the impact sends you two spinning a bit. 

“What happened?” She laughs as you both regain your footing, her expression nothing but slightly confused. 

You’re just out of breath and laughing too hard to answer. Ace looks over at Rooster with his hands on his hips and lets out a knowing, “Ah.” 

You blink at her and are about to ask her what she means when Ghost lets out an excited, “Guys, it’s snowing!” He’s leaning over the edge of the building, his head tilted towards the sky. 

You and Ace look up and find that there are snowflakes falling. Big, white, fluffy ones.

“Oh, wow.” Ace breathes out as she watches them fall, a couple landing on her face. You give Ace a squeeze before taking her hand and leading her over to the boys, who are all looking at the sky. 

Upon walking towards Rooster, you grin a little at him as he looks at you expectantly, “Sorry for blinding you.” 

He shrugs, “T’was only temporary, M’lady.”  

“Tis a relief to hear, my good sir.” You laugh. 

“Ooh, guys can we build a snowman later?” Comet’s voice pulls you away from Rooster, “Once the snow gets deeper?” As he finishes speaking he looks up and tries to catch a snowflake with his tongue. 

“And go sledding! I’ve always thought that the hill by the pond would be perfect for sledding.” Ghost puts in, his hands clapping together like an excited child. 

Ace gives him a questioning look, “And what would we sled on.”

Ghost pauses mid clap, his hands mere inches apart, “Uuh, the trays from the mess hall?” 

The three of you hum in agreement. 

“Yeah, that’ll work.” Ace says as she pats her WSO on his back. 

You feel a hand wrap around yours and look over to Rooster, who begins pulling you away from the ledge, “Come here.”

“What are we doing?” You ask as he takes hold of your other hand as well. 

He smiles, “I remember my mom and dad doing this whenever it snowed because the ground would get all slippery.” 

You squeeze his hands tighter as a familiar warm feeling fills your heart. Whenever Rooster would mention something about his parents, he would get this certain glint in his eyes that were hard to look away from. 

He squeezes your hands back, “Just do what I do.” 

You're confused at first but then Rooster begins to run in a circle. You both lean back, each others hold being the only thing keeping you upright. The snow is in fact making the ground slippery, which you find only causes you to move faster. 

You run faster but then feel one of your hands slip, sending both you and Rooster skidding in opposite directions. You fall onto your back laughing, tears in your eyes. Rooster hurries over, still wheezing as he holds his hand out to you, “You okay?” He asks. 

Your stomach hurts from laughing as you spin, the world moving around you in a blur. Through the blur you still catch glances of Ace, Ghost, and Comet doing the same thing, though their circle seems to be a bit more hectic. 

Or at least tries to ask. He’s laughing so hard it’s a bit difficult to understand if he actually spoke English or not. But you still just nod and take his hand. 

Once back on your feet, you try to catch your breath as you lean your side against him, a laugh still rattling through you. You watch as the others meet a very similar fate that you did as they all break apart and fall. 

Your knees feel weak as the laughing starts over again, leaving the five of you all just laughing hysterically on the roof at five in the morning. As everyone calms down and catches their breath, Ace suggests going inside for some hot cocoa. 

“Yes, please. I can’t feel my toes.” Ghost says as he loops his arm through Ace’s, who rolls her eyes, “That’s your fault for wearing slippers.”

As you walk to the doors with Rooster, Comet comes up next to you and squeezes your arm, “This is the kind of stuff that I don’t want to change.” He says quietly, his face pink but glowing with nothing but joy. 

You grab onto his hand and hold it tightly as you smile, “Me too.” 

☆

Your fight with Fritz had been dealt with. Against what you had previously thought, you didn’t break his nose, and he was completely fine. A part of you was annoyed at the fact but the better part of you was relieved. 

Nothing much came from it in the end, but you two were no longer paired together. There’s still a struggle amongst everyone and completing the training scenarios. 

No one had completed them successfully yet, and the mission date was ever impending. It loomed over the team like a dark cloud filled with lightning, ready to strike at any given moment. 

Today isn’t any different. Teams still go up in the air, and they still come back down unsuccessful. You offer Phoenix a reassuring smile as she, Bob, and Coyote are called to go up. 

The rest of you sit sprawled across the ready room, listening intently to the radio on the bar counter. Maybe this will be the one. 

You sit on the couch next to Rooster, completely exhausted. You had been paired with Payback and Fanboy, and while you all worked well together, the session still ended in an ultimate failure. 

You glanced over at the pair of them on the couch across from you, noting how tired they both looked. Frowning, you drop your gaze to the string you were messing with on the cuff of your sleeve. 

The radio crackles and it isn’t hard to miss when Coyote communicates that the missile didn't hit the target. It was almost expected at this point, as no one yet has had a direct hit. 

There’s a collective groan throughout the room with the thought that this team too will return unsuccessful. Their voices come through the radio and Maverick’s “That’s a kill.” allows you to know that Phoenix and Bob are out, meaning the mission is a complete failure. 

“Damn it.” Rooster mutters next to you, pinching the bridge of his nose. Maverick announces that it’s time to head back, they’ll try again. 

But that’s when you all hear it. You sit up on the couch, your head turning towards the radio as Phoenix’s panicked, “He’s going to burn in!” filters through the speakers.

Coyote was in G-Lock. 

Before you even register what's happening, you see Hangman rush towards the radio, turning up the volume nob. His hands grip the counter, his knuckles going white as uneasiness fills the room. 

You’re on your feet as Maverick yells, “I’m going after him!”

“Come on, Coyote. Come on...” Hangman mutters as he stares at the radio, his jaw clenched tightly. You feel your stomach drop as you watch the man’s face pale. It wasn’t hard to guess how close him and Coyote were, as the two were always by each others sides.

Maverick’s voice is all that’s heard in the dead silence of the room, each panicked yell for Coyote sending a chill down your spine. You hold your breath as the line goes silent. 

“Coyote? Coyote, you okay? You okay?” Maverick asks quickly. 

“Yeah, yeah I’m good. I’m okay.” Coyote’s voice finally responds, sending a resounding amount of relief throughout the room. You watch Hangman’s head drop, his grip on the counter lessening as he lets out a breath. 

“That was close.” Phoenix says, to which you can’t help yourself agreeing with. 

“Too close.” Maverick says, “Let’s head in. That’s enough for today.” 

You sigh deeply, glancing over to Rooster who shares your look of relief. The second of relief is gone as soon as it came however, as panic once again fills the line. 

“Bird strike! Bird strike-” Maverick’s voice is clear and full of surprise. The sound of a jet being hit crackles through the speakers. 

“We’re hit- left engine is out!” Bob yells, his tone unlike anything you’ve heard before. Your body goes rigid from where you stand next to Rooster, who is completely frozen as he stares wide eyed at the radio. 

“We’re on fire! We’re on fire!” Bob shouts, to which Phoenix responds, “Climbing!” 

“Oh my god.” Rooster’s voice is almost inaudible from next to you. So much so that you wouldn’t have heard it if the room wasn’t already stilled with silence. 

All you can hear is the panic from Phoenix and Bob as they try to regain control, but from what you’re hearing, they aren’t. They’re on fire, and they’re falling. 

“You can’t recover- eject! Eject!” Maverick yells to them, almost sounding as if he’s pleading. 

There’s no response from the pilots as the line falls silent. Your head whips towards the window as a distant explosion rattles through the air. All you can see is a growing tower of smoke on the horizon, and nothing more. 

Your hand covers your mouth in shock, your heart beating so fast that it feels like it’s in your throat, choking you. 

“Did they make it?” Fanboy asks, his hands on the back of his head as he stares out the window, his eyes wide. From next to him, Payback just runs his hand down his face and lets out a quiet, “Shit..” 

“What...” Hangman mutters from his spot next to the radio. His normal demeanor is dropped and all you can see is the genuine fear in his eyes. Your chest is so tight it feels as though you can’t breathe. 

Looking to Rooster, you find that he’s just staring out the window, his expression blank, “They’ve got to be okay.” He says quietly, almost to himself. 

You turn back towards the window and that’s when you see it, the sight making you jump slightly. 

“Parachutes!” You shout, louder than you meant to but you can’t find it in yourself to care. They made it out, they didn’t crash. 

“They ejected- oh thank god.” Fanboy sighs, running his hands down his face as he falls back onto the couch. 

Hangman walks towards the window, his hands clenched tightly, “But are they okay?” He asks no one in particular. 

“We won’t know until they're brought back in... but they’re alive.” Payback says, walking over to Hangman and placing his hand on the man’s shoulder. 

“They’re alive.” You repeat softly, your voice barely a whisper. 

All you can do now is wait. 

☆

You’re pacing the halls as you await the word on Phoenix and Bob’s condition. Everyone pretty much dissipated after seeing the parachutes. 

Rooster was kind of in a frozen state and had asked to be alone. You reluctantly obeyed his wishes, which is why you are now in the halls of the med wing with Hangman, Payback, and Fanboy. 

You look up as the doors open, revealing a very tired looking Maverick. You rush over to him and everyone else turns towards him expectantly. He just simply nods without any of you saying anything, “Phoenix and Bob are okay. They’re just keeping them overnight for observation... It’s alright.” 

“Oh, thank god.” Hangman sighs, leaning his head against the wall as he rubs his eyes with his palms. You drop your head as you let out a breath of relief, “That’s good.” 

Looking back up at Maverick, you nudge his arm a little, “Are you okay?” 

He waves you off, “Don’t worry about me.”

You shrug, “Old habit.” 

He smiles a little at you before looking around, “Where’s Rooster?”

Scratching your neck, you nod down the hall, “He’s still back in the lounge.” Your voice lowers, “Hearing everything kind of freaked him out, I think.”

Maverick looks to you, his eyebrows drawn together, so you continue, “I’ve never seen him like that... all distant. It was like he wasn’t all there.” 

Nodding, a sense of understanding crosses over Maverick’s face, “It’s not hard to guess what must’ve been going through his head.” You nod too, knowing exactly what he’s alluding to. 

“What about you?” He asks softly. 

You raise an eyebrow at him, “Hm?”

“Are you okay.. after hearing that?” 

Grinning, you shake your head, “Don’t worry about me, Mav.”

He shrugs, “Old habit.” 

You push at his arm slightly, to which he just shakes his head before pulling you into a hug. It’s tight and quick, and as he pulls back he says, “I’m going to go talk to him. You all should be good to see Phoenix and Bob if you want.”

“Alright. Thank you.” You tell him. What you’re thanking him for, you don’t have to tell him. He nods at you before heading towards the lounge to talk with Rooster. 

You turn back to the others, who are already heading through the doors. Following Hangman, you thank him as he holds the door open behind him for you. 

The group of you make it into Phoenix and Bob’s shared room, where you find them both sitting on their beds talking. They both look over as you all walk in. 

Phoenix smiles at the sight of everyone, “Is there a party, or something?” 

“Yeah, a glad you’re not dead party.” Hangman says as he moves forward and pulls her into a hug. Phoenix hugs him back tightly, her voice muffled a little by his shoulder as she speaks, “Sounds like a pretty good reason to party.” 

“Did anyone bring cake?” Bob asks, his eyebrows raises expectantly as a smile tugs at his mouth. You laugh as you rush over and hug him, “Sorry, the mess hall isn’t open 24 hours, unfortunately.” 

He hugs you back tightly before you part, “Ah, I’ll accept just the hugs then.” You give his shoulder a squeeze just as Fanboy comes over, “Good, because there will be plenty.” He says as he practically tackles Bob with a hug. 

You and Payback laugh at the two. Turning, you see that Phoenix is already opening her arms to you and you don’t waste a second in hugging her. 

“Scared the shit out of us, Phe.” You tell her. She chuckles, “Scared the shit out of myself.” 

You rub her back before pulling away with a smile, “It’s good to see you.” 

She grins, “Good to see you too.”

There’s a knock at the door and you turn to see Coyote leaning against the frame, “Is there a secret meeting I don’t know about?”

“Nah, we knew you’d show up fashionably late.” Hangman says as he hugs his friend. Coyote returns it and pats him on the back before pulling away. Hangman holds onto his arms, “How are you doing?” 

“Good.” Coyote responds with a reassuring smile, “A little shaken, but nothing I can’t handle.” 

“Atta boy.” Hangman says as he pats his arm before letting go. 

You sit down on the edge of Phoenix’s bed, leaving room for Hangman to plop down next to you. 

“Each day is something new, huh?” Payback asks as he sits down next to WSO, who hasn’t left Bob’s side. 

“No kidding. Rooster was right to question if this mission is even possible.” Fanboy agrees, leaning back on his hands. 

Bob nudges his arm, “We still have time... We’ve just hit a rough patch, that’s all.” 

“We’ll get it together. I mean, we are the best of the best, right?” Hangman says, looking around to everyone with a grin and raised eyebrows. 

You chuckle, “Take a shot every time someone says that to us.” 

Laughter fills the room, the tension fading the longer all of you talk. There’s a feeling that despite all that has happened, it’s going to be okay. Simply because of the people here. 

There’s a moment of silence before Bob looks up with a thinking expression, adjusting his glasses as he speaks, “You know... I’m pretty sure I peed myself a little up there.” 

“Oh my god.” Fanboy just about chokes on a snort from next to him, his hand coming up to cover his mouth at an attempt to hide his laughter.

Bob laughs too, “No, I’m serious, that was so scary.” 

“I mean, at this point in our careers, who hasn’t?” Coyote asks as he leans against the wall. Hangman raises his hand proudly, “I haven’t.”

“I’m not even going to try and hide the fact that I probably did too.” Phoenix says, backing up her WSO. That brings all of you to a point of laughter, the atmosphere in the room lightening. 

“Bullshit.” You say, smacking his hand down. Payback is shaking his head, “There’s no way, man.” 

Hangman holds his hands up, “Look, I don’t have to defend myself to you guys. I know what happens up there in my own jet.” 

“Do you? Do you really?” Coyote asks, leaning forward with his hands on his knees as he squints as his friend. Hangman gives him a shocked look, “Man c’mon, you’re supposed to be on my side!” 

“Says who?” Coyote laughs, reaching out to push at Hangman’s shoulder, “Just because I’m your friend does not mean I have to defend your lies.” 

Hangman’s mouth drops, “They’re not lies.”

“They’re so obviously lies, dude.” You tell him blankly. Hangman lets out a groan and leans back on his hands, “Ya’ll are rude.” 

His statement sends you all off again, laughter filling the room. Phoenix snaps her fingers, “You’ve at least thrown up in the air, that I know for certain.” 

Sighing in defeat, Hangman holds up his hand in a one armed shrug, “That... that is true, yes.” 

You’re laughing so hard now your stomach is starting to hurt. You lean forward, clutching it as Hangman shakes his head, “What a team we are... Just a bunch of idiots talking about who’s had an accident in the air.” 

“We’re just that comfortable with each other, buddy.” Coyote says, resting his arm on Hangman’s shoulder as he places his hand over his heart dramatically. Hangman shrugs him off, “Don’t buddy me, you betrayed me.” But the laughter in his voice throws off any hint of malice he may had intended. 

“Bunch of idiots, indeed.” Phoenix mutters in your ear. You nudge her arm with a laugh, the smile on your face wide. 

A gentle knock on the door brings you all towards it. Your smile falters a little as you see Warlock standing in the doorway, his features weighed down with a forlorn expression. 

He steps in, holding himself in a way that shows he’s struggling to find the words for whatever he came to say. It throws the room into an ominous feeling. 

Looking over the room, he clears his throat, “Excuse me...” He starts slowly, his voice hesitant. Warlock’s eyes land on you and your heart skips as he speaks, “Lieutenant Kazansky, may I speak with you?” 

You’ve had enough experiences in your life to have an idea of what the look in his eyes mean. It feels as though the air in your body has left as you slowly lift yourself to your feet. You feel a comforting hand squeeze at your shoulder before you walk towards the door. 

Warlock takes you out into the hall, gently closing the door behind him. He offers you a sad smile. 

“Sir?” You ask hesitantly, your voice filled with the dread you’re feeling on what he has to say. A part of you is praying and hoping with everything that you are that it isn’t what you think. 

But the more rational side of you knows that it is. Warlock proves it to you when he softly says your name. 

“He’s gone.” Your voice is hardly audible as you say it before he even gets the chance to. Warlock’s eyebrows draw together before be nods slowly, “I am terribly sorry, Lieutenant.” 

You feel yourself nodding, hot tears filling your eyes as your throat closes. You look at him, your hands clasped tightly together in front of you, “When?” You whisper. 

“We just received a call from your mother... he passed in his sleep.” Warlock tells you, his voice nothing but gentle. 

You take in a shaking breath as you look towards the ceiling. All you can do is nod. 

“I am truly sorry... he was a great man.” The admiral’s voice sounds so distant as he speaks. You can barely see through your tears that are pooling at your eyes. 

Refusing to fall. 

You look towards him, “Thank you... for coming to tell me.” You say quietly, your voice shaking. 

Warlock nods his head and gently rubs your arm in a comforting manner. You place your hand over his and squeeze it in response, not being able to speak. 

You know that Warlock as children, he’s a father. There’s not a doubt in your mind that he’s thinking of his own being in your place. You offer him a sad, watery smile before moving to go. 

There’s a sound of running feet halting to a stop behind you as you turn. You look to see both Maverick and Rooster, eyes wide and chests heaving. Maverick’s eyes are filled with unshed tears. You barely even look at Rooster before you’re turning around and brushing past Warlock. 

It almost feels as though you’re running the second you round the corner. You’re not sure where you’re going, but you need to be alone. You’re not even sure if you’re breathing as you rush down the hall, refusing to the let the tears fall. 

Refusing to even allow yourself to process anything at all. 

You come across a door to a random room and wrench it open. Slamming it behind you, you flinch a little as the impact rattles the frames on the wall. Breathing heavily, you look around and see nothing but a table and a couple of chairs. 

There’s a radio on the table, but not much else. 

With a shout, you grab onto the radio and rip the cord out of the wall before throwing it to the ground. It smashes against the floor, scattering across the hardwood. 

You stare at all the broken pieces for a moment, the tears finally falling. 

That’s when you break. 

Wrapping your arms around yourself, you slowly drop to the ground with a silent sob, your head throbbing. The silence grows into an agonizing cry as you hold yourself, your fingers digging into your arms. 

It hurts to breathe, knowing what you had been fearing has finally come true. 

Tom Kazansky is dead. 

Your father is gone, and you never truly said goodbye. 

There was so much you wanted to say. Now you’ll never get to. 

It feels as though you are completely alone, that your world is crashing down around you. The pain is burning in your chest, not allowing you to catch your breath. 

You feel arms wrap around you and fall back into them, holding onto the arms and not even registering who it is quite yet. But they’re here. 

They’re here, yet you feel so terribly empty. 

They shift and lean against the wall, holding you to them. Your head falls against their shoulder. 

“It’s okay... I’m so sorry...” A soft voice whispers in your ear. You close your eyes tightly, the tears falling down your face as you finally make out who it is. 

Bradley.

Who else?

You just hold onto him tighter, your breath coming out in pained gasps. He rocks you a little, his hold on you never wavering, “It’s alright... I’ve got you, you’re okay..” His voice is so quiet and gentle, it seems to wrap you up in this cloud of comfort and warmth. 

Bradley continues speaking softly to you, just sweet nothings of comforting words. You barely even hear half of them, but just having him there with you is enough to breathe the air back into your lungs. 

You father is gone. 

But you are not alone. 

☆

That night, you dream of your father. 

It’s the day of graduation, and you’re getting ready in the room you shared with Ace. She had left earlier to meet up with her family who had come for the ceremony. 

You’re mind is unfocused as you button your collar, taking a moment to stare at yourself in the mirror. You don’t quite recognize the person staring back at you. 

Unwelcome tears begin to pool at your eyes. You lean against your hands on your desk, your head falling back as you look up to the ceiling, just trying to breathe. 

“Pull it together, Wonder.” You whisper to yourself, closing your eyes. 

But it’s hard. Impossible, even. The one person who has been by your side since day one, who you thought would always be with you, isn’t here. 

He’s buried six feet under, and it’s your fault. 

Your hands ball into fists on the desk as you drop your head, your eyes remaining closed. 

God you wish he was here. 

Comet is supposed to be here. 

But he isn’t, and you are. 

Now you have to go walk across that damn stage and get your wings. Without him. All you can do is think about how excited he was. 

You sniff and shake out your hands as you hear a knock. “Come in.” Your voice shakes more than you’d like. You turn as the door creaks open, revealing Rooster clad in his dress whites. 

“Hey.” You say to him quietly. 

“Hey.” He responds, offering you a smile. 

It’s as if him just being here calms you slightly. Rooster notices your red rimmed eyes and steps closer, “You okay?” 

Your eyebrows draw together and you almost laugh, “No.”

“What can I do to help?” He asks gently. 

You shake your head but then feel yourself falter. “Just...” You’re cut off by the tightening of your throat and instead hold your arms out to him. 

Rooster wastes no time in closing the distance between you two and enveloping you in a hug. He rubs his hand along your back in the way he knows you find comforting. You just bury your face in his shoulder. 

“He’d be proud of you, you know.” Rooster tells you quietly. The softness to his voice surprises you almost as much as his words. 

You turn your head until it’s just your cheek resting against his shoulder, “He should be here.” Your voice cracks. 

Rooster just holds you tighter, “It isn’t your fault.” 

“I wish people would stop saying that.” 

He pulls back to look at you, “Why?”

You just shake your head. 

“Wonder.” Rooster says firmly, though he keeps his voice quiet. 

You look up at him. Into his eyes that are swimming with nothing but grief and understanding. He rubs his hands along your arms, “It isn’t your fault, and I’m going to keep saying it until you believe it.” 

“You’ll probably be saying it for the rest of your life, then.” You tell him simply, sniffing as you look away. 

“I don’t care. I’ll do whatever it takes.” There’s not an ounce of hesitation in his voice. It is filled with complete certainty. 

Your eyes drift over the wall that is covered with photos. Most of which Comet took. You smile a little at all of them, “He was so excited to graduate.” Your voice comes out as a whisper. 

Rooster tightens his hold on your arms, “I know...”

You look back to him, your chest tightening, “I don’t know if I can do this.” 

“You can.” He reassures you.

You’re shaking your head as the tears fall, “No, I can’t. Not without Comet.” 

“Wonder.” Rooster tries but you keep going, “He’s been by my side through all of this... I don’t know how to do this without him.” 

“But you do.” He says softly. 

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.” Rooster’s hands come up to cup either side of your face, thumbing away the tears, “He was with you, sure, but everything you’ve accomplished is all because of what you’ve done, not anyone else.” He pauses for a moment as his eyebrows draw together, his own eyes shining. 

“You can do so much more than you think and though it hurts like hell right now, it will get better. You’ll learn how to move on, I promise.”

All you can do is look at him as he continues, “You’re not alone, Wonder. You never will be.” 

You feel yourself crumple and fall into his embrace once more. He wraps his arms around you and holds on tightly, “You’re one of the strongest people I know... and if there’s anything you can do, it’s to come out of this.” 

Rooster rubs his hand along your back, “So, you’re going to walk across that stage... get your wings... and wear them proudly.” He pulls you back, “For Comet.” 

Him saying that brings some strength back to you. It calms you and allows you to breathe again. You nod and wipe at your tears. 

Sniffing, you cup his cheek, “You’re doing it for someone too.”

Rooster gives you a questioning look, to which you smile softly, “For Goose. He’s proud of you, too. I know it.” 

You see the tears fill his eyes as he nods, holding out his hand for you, “Ready?” 

Taking his hand, you hold it tightly, "Let’s go.” 

☆

You’re fidgeting in your seat as the names are called, each one bringing you closer and closer to the stage. Soon enough, yours is called and you hesitate for a moment before taking the steps. 

Ice is waiting for you on the stage, a look of nothing but pride and love on his face. Seeing him tightens your chest. 

As you walk up to him, you salute, to which he smiles so wide. Stepping forward, he pins your wings on your uniform and as he does he leans in close and says, “I am so proud of you, my wonder.” 

He then pulls you into a tight hug. 

“The sky is lucky to have you, Lieutenant.” Ice tells you softy. 

You smile at him as you pull away. He smiles back and there’s a slight glisten to his eyes that catches the sunlight. Ice leads you off of the stage as everyone claps. 

The rest of the names are called by in a blur, and soon enough everyone is gathered around, talking excitedly. You had finished top of your class, Rooster second to you. 

Your parents are pushing you two together to take a picture, as well as ones with Ace and Ghost. Upon seeing your friends, you pull them both into the tightest hug. 

The missing spot of your fourth held in each of your hearts. As you part, Ace whispers, “I’m so proud of you.” 

“You too.” You say back, and then look over to Ghost, “And you. I’m so proud of you.” He smiles under the praise, his eyes watering, “I love you guys.” 

You three hug once more before they’re both pulled away by their families. You watch them go, knowing you’ll see them again. 

You return to your family and are met with a chorus of how proud they are of you. Glancing over, you notice Maverick standing off to the side. Excusing yourself, you hurry over into his already open arms. 

“You made it!” You exclaim as you pull back. He laughs, “Of course I made it. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He looks down to your pin and smiles, “Wow, look at that.” 

You grin. As Maverick looks at you, he notes the familiar distant look in your eyes and nods in understanding. He squeezes your arms, “I’m so proud of you, kid.” 

“Thanks, Pops.” 

“Ah, that nickname ages me.”

“You love it.”

“I do-” He laughs, “I really do.”

“Come on.” You take his hand and lead him over to your parents and the others. Upon seeing Maverick, Ice greets him with a hug. 

“How’s my wingman?” Maverick asks as they part. Ice smiles, “About to burst with pride.” 

You laugh as your mother pulls you into a side hug and squeezes you. As Maverick and Ice talk, you look over to Rooster, who is glancing at Maverick. 

You nudge his arm, “Go talk to him.” 

He seems unsure, “I don’t know.” 

“Rooster, you just graduated practically top of your class, you’ve got to know how proud he is of you.” You tell him, treading lightly but also speaking with certainty as you are fully aware of how proud Maverick is. 

Rooster looks to Maverick again, who looks back. The second their eyes meet, Maverick smiles but Rooster looks away. 

“Practically at the top...” He chuckles, staring at you, “You could just say second.” 

You scrunch your nose at him, “Eh, didn’t want to make you feel bad for having lost to me.” 

He rolls his eyes, “I don’t feel bad.” 

“Sure you don’t.” 

“Okay... maybe a little.” 

You snap your fingers, “There it is.” 

“But you deserve to be first,” Rooster says quickly, “You’re insane.”

You do a little bow, “Why, thank you.” 

He nudges your shoulder and you nudge back, “Now are you going to go talk to him or will I have to?” 

“Please don’t, oh my god, I’m going.” Rooster groans, but there’s a slight shake of laughter to his voice. You chuckle as he rushes past you. 

You watch as he stops a little ways away from Maverick. The two speak lowly to each other for a moment before Maverick pulls Rooster into a tight hug. Rooster hesitates for a second but then hugs back. 

They still have their problems to work through, you know that, but today is a day where Bradley needs someone. His parents are not longer here, but Maverick is. 

You’re pulled away from the two as Ice walks to you and says, “Come with me.” 

He leads you away from the crowd before bringing you into a tight hug. As he pulls away, he just stares at you for a moment, “I am so proud of you.” 

You smile at him, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” Ice waves you off, “No... this is your day, you deserve all the credit.” 

“I’m serious though, I owe it all to you, dad.” You say firmly. 

His eyes shine as he reaches over an straightens your pin, “I never got the chance to ask how you were doing.” 

You swallow dryly, “I’m... trying. Doing my best.” 

He nods, “Colin is proud of you. Beyond proud, I just know he is.” 

Tears fall from your eyes as you smile at his words, your heart aching, “I was so proud of him too... I still remember how nervous he was starting out.” 

Ice laughs, “He would always talk so fast... sometimes I truly had no idea what he was saying.” You laugh as well, wiping at your eyes. 

“But you two grew together and created your own team. That’s something special.” He tells you, to which you nod. 

Clearing his throat, Ice puts his hands on your shoulders, “Hang on to your team, Wonder... You were never meant to be alone.” 

You give him a questioning look, confused as to where he’s coming from. He smiles sadly at your expression, “I can see it in you. How you’re pulling away from others... but remember, those who are by your side... they are your greatest strength.” 

He squeezes your shoulders, “Having that experience, that bond you had with Comet will only help you to grow... Though I know how badly it hurts, it will get better. You’ll see.” You nod along as he speaks, your throat tight as the tears fall. 

Ice hugs you once more, “I love you so much... and I know that you have so many great things left to do.” 

“I love you too, dad.” You say, your cheek pressed against his chest. You can feel his heart beating under your touch. You pull back, “Thank you for being here.”

He smiles, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” He wraps his arm around your shoulders as you walk back to the others, “You know what I realized?” He asks. 

“Hm?” You tilt your head towards him. 

“I’ve never flown with you.” Ice says with a smile, “I mean, I’ve flown you countless times, but you’ve never flown me.” 

You laugh at his statement, “Do you want to change that?” 

“I would love nothing more.” He says with the widest smile. 

It takes you a while after that day, but eventually Ice is the first person you fly with after Comet. 

He’s also the last. 

☆

The day of your father’s funeral you find yourself not truly feeling anything. There’s a pain in your chest and tears in your eyes that refuse to fall, but you feel nothing. 

Even while you stand beside your mother as the trumpets play, you feel as though you’re not really there. It’s as if you’re existing outside of your body, just watching everything unfold, but not actually taking part in any of it. 

Yet, you stand tall, your eyes trained forward as your mother is handed a flag. She holds it close to her chest and you can see how her shoulders shake out of the corner of your eye. 

You glance over towards Maverick, who is standing before the coffin, his eyes brimmed with tears. He looks at nothing but the casket before him, his hands shaking slightly as he places his pin on the wood. The slam of his fist pounding it in rattles through your chest. 

While the trumpet crescendos before falling silent, you bring your hand up to a salute as jets fly over the ceremony, in honor of the late admiral. 

None of this feels right to you. 

After the funeral there are words of comfort and condolences said to you and your family. It all passes by in a blur, so much so that you can’t even remember who spoke to you once everyone has said their goodbyes. 

How could it? 

You don’t leave your mother’s side throughout it all, her hand clasped tightly in yours. At the end of it all, she turns to you with a watery smile, her chin trembling as she tries to hold herself together. 

Sarah Kazansky is one of the strongest women you’ve ever met, and to see her on the brink of crumbling is enough to send you over the edge. All you can do is pull her into a tight hug, rubbing your hand along her back just like she always would for you. 

As you hold onto your mother, you feel your siblings gather around, enveloping you in one big, much needed hug. You rest your cheek against your younger brother’s hair, his face hidden in Sarah’s shoulder. 

With your family surrounding you, there is a part of you that knows all too well that your father will live on through each and every one of them. As you part, your mother cups the sides of your face, once again putting on a brave face as she smiles softly at you. 

“I love you so much, my darling.” She says, her voice no stronger than a whisper. You nod, your tears falling as you hold onto her wrists, “I love you too.” 

Wringing your hands together tightly, you slowly walk over to the newly placed headstone, the white marble perfectly pristine. As your feet slow, you find yourself reading the name engraved on it over and over again. 

Your voice is so quiet you’re not sure she even heard you, but the way her smile grows just the smallest amount tells you that she did. Holding tightly to your mother’s hands, your eyes flick towards the grave site, “I think I’m going to hang back for a bit, if that’s alright.” 

Sarah nods, thumbing away a stray tear on your cheek, “Take all the time you need, sweetheart. We’ll be at the house whenever you’re ready.” You send her a grateful smile before watching her and your siblings make their way down the hill. 

Tom Kazansky. Loving Father. Devoted Husband. Respected Admiral. 

You wipe your eyes and look towards the sky, your throat tight. Through the blur of your tears, you take a moment to watch the colors of the setting sun above you. Soft pinks and purples dance across the sky, bringing a slight smile to tug on your lips at its beauty. 

Dropping your gaze back to the headstone, you let out a deep breath as you fidget with the wings pinned onto your chest. Right over your heart, placed there by Iceman himself. 

Your mind clouds over and you have to think for a moment before you clear your throat, “I guess this is goodbye, then.” Your voice comes out scratchy, but you can’t find it in you to try and make it sound cleaner.

 “I...” You start and then pause, your hands opening and closing at your sides as you try to stay composed, “I keep thinking of everything that I wanted to tell you... but then just hoping that you knew, because I never got the chance to.” 

You let out a deep, pained breath before running your hands down your face. Your arms wrap around yourself as you stare at the headstone, “You told me that I’m strong but... but right now I feel like I could be blown over by the wind, Dad.” 

You sniff and wipe angrily at your tears with the back of your hand, “You told me you did... that you always knew, but... I still wish I could’ve said it, you know? I wish I could’ve told you myself.” Your voice cuts off as you choke on a sob, your palms digging into your eyes as your shoulders tremble. 

A dry chuckle rattles through your throat as you look to the sky once more, the colors more vibrant and louder than before. Still staring at the above, you try to keep going, “You were the stronger one, I think...” You trail off, struggling to find the right thing to say.

You drop your head in frustration. There is so much you have to tell him, but just like before, the words fail you. Hiding your eyes behind your hand, you shake your head, “God, why is it so hard to just talk.” 

Your hand falls from your face as your chest tightens, knowing that what you want to say will not be spoken today. Wiping at your eyes once more, you take a deep breath, “I love you, Dad... and I miss you.” 

That’s all your able to say before the grief takes away your voice. There is nothing in you left to keep yourself together enough to even utter another word. So instead, you reach down and pick up the bundle of flowers that you had brought with you. 

Carefully walking towards the stone, you place them at the base of his name. The bouquet is decorated with all the blue and white flowers you could find, knowing that they were Ice’s favorite. 

You kneel down and rest your forehead against the cool stone, feeling the tears slip down your cheeks as you close your eyes, “Bye, Dad.” You whisper to him. 

With nothing left to say, you brush your hands off on your pants as you stand. You take one last look at the grave before turning and walking down the hill, making you the final one to leave. 

As you walk down to the parking lot, you’re aware that close friends and family went back to your parents house, but you can’t find it in you to want to go there right now. A part of you is saying it’s selfish, but you choose to ignore it. 

Stepping off the grass and onto the pavement, you look up and find a familiar face waiting for you. He’s leaning against his bronco, fidgeting with something in his hands. 

Bradley lifts his head as your feet scuff against the concrete. At the sight of your crest fallen expression, he opens his arms to you. You gladly fall into them, thankful for the comfort of the person closest to you.  

Your hat is hanging limply in your hand as you hang onto him, your head leaning against his shoulder. Bradley presses his cheek to the top of your hair, holding you in such a way that feels as though he’ll never let go. 

You hope he doesn’t. 

The two of you stay like that for a while, you’re not sure how long. Once you pull back, the tears that fell have dried against your skin. You run your hands down your face, your eyes irritated from all the crying. 

Bradley looks at you for a moment, his hand reaching down to hold yours before his gaze drifts up towards what’s above, “The sky looks so beautiful.” 

You follow his eyes and nod, “I thought so, too.” 

He clears his throat and looks back to you, “My mom used to say that the sky was a way for those who have passed to talk with us.” 

You stare at him as he speaks, your chest aching, “That those we knew could be seen in the sunrises, the sunsets, the moon... everything.” His hand waves up towards the colors painting the sky, “If she were here she would say that this is Ice’s sky... and that he is speaking so, so beautifully.” 

Your eyes are pulled up towards the sky once more. All the colors blur together while your tears fall, but you don’t dare look away. Bradley’s hand squeezes yours as he brings you closer. You lean into him, still watching the sky. 

After a while, you slowly drop your gaze and notice the small box clasped in Bradley’s free hand. You nudge his arm with yours, “What’s that?” 

“Oh.” Bradley almost sounds surprised as he looks down at what he’s holding. A small smile tugs at his lips as he holds it towards you, “I got it for you.”

 You accept the velvet box, giving him a questioning stare before carefully opening it. Your eyes widen as you stare at the small ring placed inside, so simple and delicate. 

You gingerly take it out of the box and hold it close as you stare at it in wonder. 

“I know you already have his tags but... I thought this could be a reminder of something else.” Bradley tells you softly. As he speaks, you turn the ring over and notice the engraving on the inside. 

Never Alone it says etched into the silver. 

You slip it onto your index finger, finding that it fits perfectly. 

“I know how you feel about being on a team again... but it doesn’t make you any less to be scared or-” His words are cut off as you wrap your arms around him in a tight hug, your face buried into his neck. He’s hugging you back without a second of hesitation. 

“Thank you.” You whisper to him. He holds you impossibly tighter, “Anytime, Wonder.” 

 The two of you remain like that for a while, neither one daring to move. 

The ring on your finger serves its purpose as its mere existence proves to you that you are not alone. Especially now. 

-

A/n: In writing this I realized that I started the chapter with a sunrise and ended it with a sunset... wasn’t intention but damn, that’s poetic. I hope you all enjoyed and if you cried, so did I, it’s okay. Thank you again for all of your support, I truly can’t express how much it means to me. Take care of yourselves, until next time <3

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[bradshawsvinyl]

Game Changer: Chapter Three

warnings: mentions of cheating, brad brad is adorable

Bradley Bradshaw woke up on Sunday morning with an aching headache. Thanks to the bottle of Scotch he had last night, he had also woken up with the urge to puke all over his San Diego condo. This has been Bradley’s morning routine ever since his very public divorce with Hollywood movie star Alyssa Moore.

Alyssa had cheated on Bradley with world famous actor Idris Elba. Their divorce was all over the tabloids and frankly, Bradley felt embarrassed and upset over the news being everywhere.

His conversation with Jake in the locker room last night made him realize something. The best way to get over one person was to get under another one. And who better to get under than the Padres new clubhouse reporter.

Bradley asked Alexandra out because he wanted to get over his ex wife. He decided to take a quick shower before hopping in his Bronco and driving to the address you had texted him last night.

Alexandra anxiously paced around her apartment while her roommate Giliana watched from afar. “What if this is just platonic and I'm making this out to be something it isn’t?” She pondered out loud.

Giliana placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. “You never know until you try.” She said encouragingly. “You look great and if it’s just platonic, so be it. At least you have an ally in the clubhouse now.”

Giliana was right, Alexandra realized. If things went bad it wouldn’t be the end of the world. And if they went good…well you’d think about that later.

As Bradley arrived at the address Alexandra texted him, he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. It had been so long since he’d dated someone new and although he was trying to get over Alyssa he didn’t want to hurt you in the process. After all, Alexandra was going to have to interview him throughout the season. He climbed out of his Bronco and knocked on your door.

Inside the apartment, Alexandra’s heart skipped a beat as she heard Bradley knock. “It’s just drinks with a coworker.” Giliana reminded her “Just breathe.”

As she opened the door, her eyes met Bradley’s. It might have sounded silly but she felt like time had stood still. She could sense Bradley’s anticipation in the air. He offered her a soft smile.

“Hi Bradley,” She greeted him with a warm smile. Her voice tinged with excitement and nervousness.

“Hey Alexandra,” Bradley replied with the same amount of anticipation. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah let’s go.” With that, Bradley led Alexandra to his car. He opened her door and delicately adjusted her seat. As Bradley and Alexandra settled in the car, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Alexandra couldn’t help but to steal quick glances at Bradley, noticing the way the streetlights cast a warm glow on his sharp features.

Once they reached the bar, Bradley quickly went to open her door and lead her inside. Once they sat down and ordered their drinks, Bradley decided to break the silence. “So Alexandra,” he began, “how long have you been covering sports?”

“Professionally I've been covering sports for about five years now.” She answered, voice tinged with excitement. “How’s the season shaping up for the Padres?” She asked in return.

Bradley smiled grateful for her interest in his job. When he was with Alyssa, the last thing she wanted to hear about was baseball. Alyssa would not even bother to go to Bradley’s games or listen to his remarks about a particularly stressful game.

Even though Bradley had just met Alexandra he felt a strange connection to her. She was genuinely kind and caring and he had only known her for two days. Her interactions with his manager and his teammates showed that she actually cared not only about the sport, but about the players.

“Spring training was a rollercoaster.” Bradley laughed. “But I'm hanging in there. I’ve got a great team and great people around me to motivate and encourage me, you know?” He said while taking a bite out of your shared fries.

As Bradley and Alexandra continue their conversation, the dim lights around the bar cast a warm glow on them. The hums of chatter and the clinking of glasses seem to fade into the background. Their eyes meet, locking in. Filled with unspoken words and attraction. Bradley’s heart races with anticipation as he leans in, his breath mingling with Alexandra’s in the small space between them.

Gently, Bradley cupped her upper cheek and his thumb tracing her jawline. He closed the space between them. The moment their lips meet it feels as though time stands still.

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[rosiahills22]

❤️ friendly reminder, if you are a reader like me, then remember to always reblog and interact with writers work! They work so hard and deserve the recognition 🩵

#top gun #top gun maverick #jake seresin #hangman seresin x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x reader #jake hangman seresin #bob floyd x reader #robert bob floyd #coyote #payback #fanboy garcia x reader #pete maverick mitchell #tom iceman kazansky

[jaidens]

LOVING HIM WAS RED.

REQUEST PAGE FOR : EPISODE : RED - TAYLOR SWIFT. [ 9 | 22 | 23 — 10 | 6 | 23 ]

RULES FOR REQUESTING —

i am not taking any smut requests at this moment; your request can only be under these circumstances.

• fluff : cuddling, kissing, and ‘sleeping together’ are underneath this category!

• angst : break-ups, arguments, and other upsetting topics are underneath this category!

REQUESTS !

Side A

1. State Of Grace (Taylor's Version)

2. Red (Taylor's Version) [SAM WINCHESTER.]

3. Treacherous (Taylor's Version)

4. I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor's Version)

Side B

1. All Too Well (Taylor's Version)

2. 22 (Taylor's Version)

3. I Almost Do (Taylor's Version)

4. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor's Version)

Side A

1. Stay Stay Stay (Taylor's Version)

2. The Last Time (Taylor's Version)

3. Holy Ground (Taylor's Version)

4. Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor's Version)

Side B

1. The Lucky One (Taylor's Version)

2. Everything Has Changed (Taylor's Version)

3. Starlight (Taylor's Version)

4. Begin Again (Taylor's Version)

Side A

1. The Moment I Knew (Taylor's Version)

2. Come Back...Be Here (Taylor's Version)

3. Girl At Home (Taylor's Version)

4. State Of Grace (Acoustic Version) (Taylor's Version)

Side B

1. Better Man (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

2. Nothing New (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

3. Babe (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

Side A

1. Message In A Bottle (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

2. I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

3. Forever Winter (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

4. Run (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

Side B

1. The Very First Night (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

2. All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

FOR THE [ 2 WEEKS ] THIS REQUESTING PAGE IS OPEN, MY INBOX IS OPEN.

AFTER THESE TWO WEEKS [ OCTOBER SEVENTH OF TWENTY TWENTY-THREE ] THE PAGE WILL BE : FOLKLORE + EVERMORE!

🧣 — i bet you think about me !

#🧭 — jaidens navigation. #🧣— RED. — TAYLOR SWIFT. #supernatural #the outsiders #top gun #top gun maverick #outer banks #dean winchester x reader #sam winchester x reader #castiel x reader #dallas winston x reader #johnny cade x reader #ponyboy curtis x reader #pete mitchell x reader #nick bradshaw x reader #tom kazansky x reader #bradley bradshaw x reader #jake seresin x reader #bob floyd x reader #rafe cameron x reader #jj maybank x reader #john b x reader #gilmore girls #spencer reid x reader #aaron hotchner x reader #emily prentiss x reader #derek morgan x reader