Something like where they meet and she has heard about his reputation (he's the type to only stay a few nights and then move on to the next girl). So, when one night, he approaches her all smiley and flirty (and maybe a little shy and cute) she thinks that's exactly what he wants from her - to take her home for a night of sex just to move on to other people the next day. And, even though she has developed feelings for him, she accepts it, albeit with no expectation that she will become anything other than just another one he spent a night with or that it was anything other than just sex and fun. So, imagine her surprise when he starts acting the exact opposite towards her from what she expected - always wanting to be with her everywhere, skipping nightlife to be with her, being super clingy and loving, etc, etc. She doesn't believe he has feelings for her but she just can't understand his behavior. She starts to feel overwhelmed because her feelings for him only get worse and she fears the day when he will stop giving her that kind of attention (maybe she thinks this is just a harmless game for him, where she is the shiny new toy he is getting to know until she no longer interests him that much). She confronts him, confesses her feelings, gets angry and tells him to stay away. He desperately tries to tell her about his feelings for her, that he has always been in love with her and has tried to get closer to her through everything he has done because he didn't know what else to do. She doesn't believe him and it's basically him desperately trying to prove his love for her and all that cute stuff with a really happy ending 💖❣️
I also imagined a lot of cinematic chase scenes, inspired by that sand chase in There Are Rules and the f14 airport scene in Altitude 🤣🤣 so there's that. Lots of desperate, all-consuming love, perhaps ending with a love making scene that includes it all? Making desperate, passionate and hungry love. Someone so in love that they don't even know what to do, whether to cry or laugh.
You could also include a classic “misunderstanding scene” that unearths deep-rooted jealousy, but is it not what it seems? Lol it's all very cliché but honestly, it's the best shit in the world when it's written by someone who knows what they're doing, I live for desperate love.
I know this is extra long but hopefuly you'll be able to make it, I simply love your writing. Thank you. ❣️❣️
Oooh what a fun request! Thank you so much for sending this in!! I hope you don't mind, I kind of see this as a series rather than a one-shot, just because there's a lot to cover XD
Best of the Bad Boys
Pete "Maverick" Mitchell x F!Reader
CW: mild angst, swearing, fluff, allusions to sex
WC: ~2000
Masterlist
“That’s Maverick. Maverick Mitchell.”
You tear your gaze away from the animated man near the bar, throwing his arms around wildly as he describes some aerial trick he’s no doubt performed just that morning. You know exactly who he is, and yet, you turn to your friend jadedly and say, “Doesn’t ring a bell.”
She gives you a sardonic smile and skeptically scoffs. “Right. Like your father’s never mentioned his name.”
You shrug, glancing back at the pack of fighter jocks crowding the front of the establishment, each one admittedly a high-flier in his own right – pun intended. But Maverick… Maverick still manages to stand out. “He talks about all of them,” you reply nonchalantly, adding, “It’s not like I sit there and listen.”
“Why are you staring, then?”
You blink away, executing an elaborate eyeroll as you do, and fix your friend with a serious expression. “I can’t look?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“They’re nice to look at.”
Your friend nods in approval. “Can’t argue with that.”
“Doesn’t matter what his name is. What any of their names are. They’ll be gone in a couple of weeks.”
“Perfect fling material, if you ask me,” your friend wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.
“No thanks,” you respond with a grimace. Every couple of months, a fresh assortment of aviators arrives at Top Gun, ready to take on the world. Already the finest pilots in their respective squadrons, they are sent to train at the most elite fighter tactics school on the Pacific seaboard. Their egos soar higher than their jets and their heads are always in the clouds.
You see the various groups come and go – the program is only several weeks long – but it’s always entertaining to watch them transform over the course of their training. It’s why you frequent the officer’s club rather than any of the other pubs in the area. That and the cheap drinks.
“Probably for the best,” your friend sighs dramatically. “He’s got a reputation.”
You purse your lips, watching Maverick smile at the waitress as she distributes another round of drinks among the officers. You know about that too. “Point him out to me,” you say, as though you have no idea whom the conversation is about.
Your friend leans into the table and discreetly aims her finger in Maverick’s direction. “The pretty one,” she mutters.
You let out a small chuckle. “They’re all pretty.”
Your friend shakes her head. “Not that pretty.”
“Not that pretty,” you agree musingly. You make an effort not to fall for the top guns of Top Gun and, until Maverick, you haven’t had much trouble upholding that rule. But everything about him, from the squint of his eyes when he laughs to the radiant warmth of his smile, not to mention his muscular arms, makes your heart skip a beat.
And then he pivots in his stool and his gaze, coincidentally, lands on you. You hastily look away, hoping he didn't noticed you staring, and start to fiddle with the pearls of your necklace. Several moments later, you slowly lift your eyes to check if he’s still looking.
Your heart nearly springs up into your throat when you see that he is. His mouth quirks upward slightly before he gives you the kind of smile that says he’s confident you’ve already noticed him.
You don’t smile back. You’re not about to engage in this dance. You do not associate with pilots. Your friend, on the other hand, is all for the naval aviator experience.
“He’s looking at you,” she whispers excitedly.
“Stop,” you warn her sternly. “I’m not interested.”
“Well, I am,” she urges. “Let’s go talk to them. I like the blond one.” But before you can refuse for a second time, your friend mutters, “Oh god, never mind. They’re coming to us!”
You look at her in alarm and then gulp as several of the men from the bar approach your table. You glance up at them with raised eyebrows.
“Hello,” Maverick says, looking directly at you. He presses his lips together into a vexingly endearing sideways smirk.
When you don’t respond, your friend chimes in excitedly. “Hello, hello! Welcome!” she exclaims, as though she’s receiving guests for a dinner party. “I’m Susan. Hello!”
You eye her moodily as she motions for the newcomers to join the two of you at the table.
“Mind if I sit here?” Maverick asks, pointing to the seat next to you.
You meet his gaze reluctantly. “Knock yourself out,” you respond coolly. You’re still annoyed that he caught you staring and you intend to make it clear that you are not just some girl he can charm into bed.
Maverick’s smirk widens somewhat, as though he’s not quite buying the act. He takes a seat beside you while one of his friends starts chatting up Susan who seems very much to be enjoying the attention.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Maverick says, leaning over slightly so that he could speak more discreetly. “Slider, here, wanted to get to know your friend. And I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to watch him crash and burn.”
You glance at Maverick dubiously. “That’s why you’re here?”
Maverick looks at you, then, and his gaze drifts languidly over the features of your face. “Would you prefer a different reason?”
Ignoring the frantic stutter of your heart as his eyes settle on yours, you shrug and look away, taking a sip of your drink. If only he knew who your father was, he wouldn’t be so bold. “I would prefer honesty.”
“Okay,” he says, resting his forearm on the table. “Honestly? I couldn’t leave without meeting you.”
You glance back at him hesitantly, not sure how to react. “Why?” you ask, trying to control the embarrassing tremor in your voice.
Maverick drops his head and lets out a small chuckle. “I just couldn’t,” he says. “That’s as honest as I’m going to get.”
You eye him tentatively, wishing he weren’t so dangerously good-looking. His sheepish smile almost makes you forget that he dates women for sport.
But the longer Maverick sits by your side, the less important his apparent promiscuity becomes. And when the two of you wind up in the back alley behind the officer’s club, wrapped in each other’s arms, you aren’t overly concerned about the future outlook of this particular liaison. Something about the way he kisses your neck convinces you that some moderate heartache might just be worth it.
Maverick weaves his fingers through yours and lifts his arm over your head, pressing the back of your hand into the brick wall behind you. He cradles the back of your head with his other hand as his mouth moves hungrily beneath your jawline. You let out an audible sigh and he pins you even more firmly against the wall, as though the sound you made has aroused him further.
And despite your every intention to just kiss for a while before taking your leave – because you don’t do flyboys – Maverick has managed to change your mind without speaking a word. You want to tell him that you’re flattered but no thank you, instead, you breathe, “come back,” when he finally pulls away.
Maverick smirks at you and tugs on the hand he’s still holding so that you’re drawn directly into his arms. “I’m not going anywhere,” he whispers.
You wrap your arms around his body, flattening yourself against him like you mean to be absorbed. And he folds around you like a cocoon, his arms enveloping you so securely, you barely have to hold yourself upright. He moves backward, pulling you after him toward his bike.
…
“We fucked,” you tell Susan the moment she puts her car in park.
She looks over at you with wide eyes and an even wider mouth as her jaw literally drops. “You and Maverick?” she shrieks.
You wince anxiously and look around, making sure nobody heard her exclamation. Then you roll up your window and nod for her to do the same. “Keep it together, Susan,” you hiss. “We’re behind enemy lines.”
Susan grimaces apologetically but the remorse is fleeting and, before you know it, she’s eagerly bouncing in her seat. “As if you’ve been blabbering on about a fender bender for half an hour and drop this bomb right before you have to go!” she whispers feverishly. You give her a grievous look which she expertly ignores. “Was he good?”
You sigh. “He was fine,” you say curtly, still uncomfortable sharing the details of last night’s encounter while sitting in the parking lot outside Hangar 1.
Susan appears disappointed. “Just fine?”
You glance around once more and then respond quietly, “He was very good.”
“I fucking knew it!” Susan yelps, tapping you on the knee excitedly. “Tell me more!”
“Later,” you say. “I have to meet my dad, remember?”
She nods. “I’ll pick you up in half an hour?”
“Thanks, Suz,” you respond. “You’re a life saver.”
…
Your father, Top Gun’s very own Viper, paces back and forth as you sit in one of the chairs before his desk. He’s trying to keep his cool. “You sure you’re not hurt?” he asks again.
You nod tiredly. You’ve had a hell of a day.
Viper sighs moodily and shakes his head at you as though he’s not convinced.
It’s at exactly this moment that there’s a knock on his door and, as you begin to rise from your chair to leave your father to his duties, Maverick enters his office.
You freeze, meeting his gaze in alarm. Maverick, in turn, stops in his tracks, gaping at you from the doorway, forgetting even to salute his superior.
“Lieutenant,” Viper says. “You need something?”
Maverick, who seems unable to look away from you, stammers, “Do – I – uh…”
“Maverick,” Viper says sternly, and Maverick finally glances in his direction.
“Commander Metcalf,” Maverick says, a little dazed as though he’s surprised to find Viper in his own office.
“Speak, Lieutenant. I don’t have all day,” Viper grumbles, still irritable from the news he’s received during your visit.
Maverick, who seems unable to recall why he’s even come, gulps nervously and glances back at you again.
“Okay, well, thanks dad,” you say quickly. “I’ll be off now.”
Maverick’s face slowly morphs into a visage of terror as he realizes who you are and what, in fact, it means for him to have had relations with the commander’s daughter. He watches you in horror, beginning to mouth the word ‘dad’ before he catches himself and leaves his mouth hanging open on the ‘a’.
“How will you get home?” Viper asks you, not paying attention to Maverick’s reaction.
“Susan’s picking me up,” you respond.
Viper sighs again. Then, he sighs in Maverick’s direction. “Maverick, meet my daughter, Y/N. Y/N, this is Lieutenant Mitchell, recent Top Gun graduate and a helluva pilot. Hopefully, soon to be one of our newest instructors. If he finally remembers why he’s here, that is.”
Maverick glances anxiously between your face and Viper’s and then holds his hand out to you. “Pleased to meet you,” he says courteously, his eyes resting on yours for a significant moment.
You give him a tight smile and then give your father a hug. “I’ve got to go.”
Viper shakes his head all over again. “I still can’t believe that bastard hit you.”
“Who hit you?” Maverick looks over at you sharply, suddenly on high alert.
“Nobody – the other driver.” You exhale wearily, not too keen on repeating the story for a fourth time in one day. “I was in an accident –”
“Are you okay?” Maverick asks, immediately taking a step toward you.
“I’m fine, totally fine,” you assure him, taking several steps backward until you feel the doorknob at your spine. “I just need some rest.”
“We’ll sort out the car tomorrow,” Viper says.
“Hey, at least it wasn’t a jet, right?” you joke, trying to lighten the mood.
Neither Viper not Maverick is amused by your humor, however, so you reach behind and pull open the door.
Maverick stares after you as you retreat behind the door, still somewhat speechless.
“Tell Susan to drive carefully!” your father calls.
“Will do!” you call back.
Finally, Maverick speaks again. “I, uh” – he clears his throat – “I could give her a ride, sir.”
You pause in the doorway while your father purses his lips, considering the offer. Joke’s on him, of course, since Maverick has already given you one – just last night.
Read Part 2
Maverick Tag List:
I have no idea when this list got so long but the rest of it will be in the comments. Hope I got everyone, let me know if I missed you! As always, let me know if you no longer wish to be tagged in my Mav works!
no one asked but i'll be the first- mav(86) thrillers vibe like the movie Fear (1996)
okay in all honesty i've never seen this movie but i tried!
Your hands are trembling as you dial his number, praying he'll pick up.
After a few rings, a voice comes through, thick with sleep. "Babe?"
"Mav," You breathe, voice quiet. "I-I think someone's been in my house."
"Are you sure?" He replies. "Maybe you're just tired after your shift."
"Can you come over? Please?" You don't want to cry in front of him, but you feel the tears pricking in your periphery anyway. "T-the window was open when I got home, and I just feel like something's wrong. Like someone might still be here. Maybe I should call the police."
"Don't do that," He insists, with a firmness that surprises you. "I'll be right over, check it out for you - just... stay in your room and I'll let myself in, okay? I'll knock twice to tell you it's me."
"Y-yeah, okay. See you soon."
"See you soon, honey."
The phone clicks off, and you try to steady your breathing.
Plot/Prompt: 'Person A is in love with Person B. B is also in love with A. But somehow, they are both convinced that the other is in love with Person C, who is completely oblivious to all of it.' (specifically requested for the first movie Maverick)
Requested By: Anonymous
Pairing: Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell x GN!Reader
*No call sign mentioned
Warnings: Some kisses towards the end, but that's it.
Words: 1.6k
A/N: There are mentions of Icemav (idk if that's the proper ship name); and Iceman x Reader, but Iceman is the 'C' in the prompt so none of it is canon to this fic.
-
You watched with a painful curiosity as Pete and Iceman bickered with each other across the room. They both had smiles on their faces as they talked, and to those watching, it was hard to tell if they were a word away from fighting or kissing.
Feeling a presence appear behind you, you glanced over your shoulder to see a grinning Slider, watching the two as well. "Those two need to kiss and make me some money already."
Letting out a small chuckle, you ignore the clenching of your stomach at the comment. You wanted to find it funny, to join in on the jokes, the bets, but you couldn't.
You had strong feelings for Pete, ever since the first day you met. He made you laugh, he excited you. And the idea that he and Iceman might actually have a thing for each other only caused disappointment. Sometimes you could almost convince yourself it was just a love hate relationship edging on friendship, but with all the comments from the others, sometimes you wondered.
All you could do was wait and see. Then again, what would happen if it was just a budding friendship between them? It wasn't like Pete had feelings for you either way. You'd convinced yourself that if he did he'd say something by now.
So, what exactly was it you were waiting for?
As Iceman walked away, leaving a smirking Pete behind, you let out a soft breath as you turned to leave. Not aware of the gaze following after you.
--- --- --- ---
Pete's eyes ran over the crowd in the bar, he only cared to see if one person in particular was there. His chest started to swell with disappointment until he finally saw you at the back of the bar. He felt a smile cross his face, until he saw who was standing beside you. Iceman. He frowned and let out a soft breath as jealousy filled his gut.
When you smiled at him as he was talking, the jealousy only grew, as did his need to go up to Iceman and berate him with his sarcastic comments.
Besides his casual dislike for the cocky pilot, the main reason he liked to push his buttons was because he hated that you and him seemed to have a thing. A relationship, a casual fling, he didn't know, but he did know that it made him angry.
Ever since his first day at Top Gun Pete was enamored by you. Your skill, your wit, your intelligence, your smile, everything. But, he seemed unable to get past friendship.
There were some times when he thought you felt the same. When your eyes would lock and there was a spark. When you grinned at him, or greeted him cheerfully. But then there were times when you'd pull away, be distant, uninterested.
And Pete could only narrow it down to one thing that might cause it, and he was standing right beside you.
"Sooo, you gonna stare all night or go over there?"
Pete jumped slightly when Goose spoke from right over his shoulder. He looked back at him and sighed as his eyes fell back to you as you laughed at something Ice said. "What for?"
--- --- --- ---
Sitting in the break room alone as you wrote in your notebook, you jumped when you heard the door close loudly behind you.
Turning back, you saw a wincing Pete as he slowly smiled at you "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."
You let out a soft laugh, ignoring the sudden pattering of your heart "It's alright Pete."
He smiled as he walked towards you, he loved that you called him Pete, not Maverick. You didn't call Iceman Tom.
"So, why aren't you out with the others?" He asked, referring to the beach trip everyone else took.
You shrugged lightly "Wasn't feeling up to it today, I guess." That was not entirely untrue. Though, watching another volleyball game was tempting, the main reason, was that you were tired of watching Iceman and Pete bicker and play fight the whole time they were around each other
Pete nodded in understanding as he plopped down in the chair beside you, you looked up at him "Why didn't you go?"
"Oh I did, but why would I stay when my favorite pilot's here by themselves?"
You smiled and shook your head. You both loved and hated those comments, they made you think he was interested in you, but then he'd turn around and give all his attention to Iceman.
Unable to think of a comment back, you continued to write in your notebook. Only a short moment passed before he spoke again.
"Well, I'm sure Ice was disappointed you didn't show."
You paused your writing as you furrowed you eyebrows. You looked up at him, clearly confuse "Why would he care?"
Confusion crossed over Pete's face as well as he comprehended what you said. "Well I thought you two were-" he gestured his hands vaguely, and you rs one brow in confusion. "Dating?"
As confusion crashed down on you, realization did as well, followed again, by more confusion. You shook your head "I- we, we're not...I'm not dating Ice."
Pete sat up in his chair "You're not?"
As quick as hope filled your chest, it was quickly replaced with doubt. What if he was making sure you weren't together before he made his move on Ice?
You cleared your throat a bit as you shook your head again. "No, no we're not, so, uh, you can, ya' know-" looking up you saw him cock his head in uncertainly "Ask him out."
Pete's face changed from confusion, to humor, to surprise in the span on a second as he leaned forward "What?"
There was that hope again. "Aren't yo- Isn't that, why you were asking if I was dating him? I thought you two had a...thing."
Pete stood up so fast you jumped back slightly. He looked down at you in bewilderment "What?! Is that was Goose meant about a bet about me and Iceman!?"
You nodded and he put his face in his hands as he sat back down "Jesus." He mumbled into his hands. Putting them back down he let out a sigh as he looked at you "Me and Ice don't have a 'thing', we're not even friends."
"Yeah, I thought it was maybe a love hate, refuse to acknowledge your feelings kind of thing." You said softly, almost monotone as you tried to comprehend what was going on.
He let out a bewildered laugh as he sat back in his chair. He stared at the wall for a second as he started to think. This was why you pulled away from him, you thought he and Iceman were a thing. Everyone was making bets about it, so clearly you didn't know what was true or not.
"Man that really backfired, didn't it." He mumbled.
"What did?"
He looked over at you "All that bickering with Iceman was because I was jealous and annoyed."
Your heart skipped a beat "About what?" You asked softly.
He remained silent for a moment. He could see the apprehension and hope on your face. "I thought you two were dating, and I hated that. Because- because I wanted to date you."
As your ears and neck started to burn hotter, you felt your chest tighten r"Oh." You said softly, unable to find words.
"Is that okay?" He asked with a soft smile.
"Is it okay that you wanted to date me?"
He leaned forward, his smile widening a bit "Yeah, and that I still want to?"
As he smiled brightly at you, you felt yourself relax a bit, enough to find your words as you smiled at him. "Yeah, it's okay. Is it okay that I feel the same about you?"
His smile widened into a toothy grin as his eyes flicked down to your lips. Meeting your eyes again he nodded softly "Yeah, it's okay. More than okay actually, it's- amazing."
You let out a soft giggle. His eyes drifted down to your lips as he leaned in a little more and whispered. "Is it okay if I kiss you?"
Nodding softly your eyes drifted down to his lips as well, as he leaned in closer. Your lips brushed softly before pressing together completely. Pete brought his hand up to your face as he deepened the kiss. Slowly his hand became entangled in your hair as the kiss became more passionate.
Pulling away a few moments later, you smiled breathlessly at each other. A moment of silence passed before he spoke.
"Did everyone really make bets about me and Ice?"
You giggled. "Yeah, but it was a mixed bag. Some bet you two would end up together by the end of the program, some said you'd fist fight, others said neither."
"And what did you bet on?"
"I didn't bet at all."
"That's a shame, you could have made us some money."
You chuckled "You can talk to Goose about that."
Pete's eyes widened a bit "He didn't."
You shrugged a bit and he shook his head, letting out a soft laugh. Pressing his forehead against yours he stared into your eyes for a moment.
"And did you really think me and Ice had a thing?"
"For the most part I doubted it, but sometimes you two really made me suspect I was wrong." He shook his head and closed his eyes, making you giggle. "I think it was the uncomfortable amount of eye contact." You added.
"I was trying to be threatening"
"You were threatening him with something alright"
"Alright, shut up." Grabbing your chin he pulled you into another kiss, as you repressed a laugh.
xx End xx
I know that was an abrupt ending, but I wasn't sure how to end it otherwise, without it just dragging on.
General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfire, @rexit-mo, @onuen, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry
Top Gun Taglist: @malindacath, @hotch-meeeeeuppppp, @sarcastic-sourwolf, @stargirl-05, @persephonesportal, @springflwer07
soft-tober is about experiencing the joys of October with loved ones. each day is a fall-related one-shot for one of the couples from my Dagger, Sword & Shield universe, plus a few extras! today is Pete and Penny with “It’s never too early for Halloween music!" from this prompt list.
If you’d like to be tagged for soft-tober, please send an ask!
word count: 1.5k
soft-tober masterlist | main masterlist | divider credit here
warnings: bashing of Monster Mash, Penny putting Mav on the edge of a Halloween-related meltdown, mentions of pregnancy, Mav plotting to break the Hard Deck jukebox
callsignspark disclaimer: my blog is an 18+ space; minors do not interact - you will be blocked. I do not consent to my work being copied, run through an AI generator, translated, or posted elsewhere. I do have an AO3, where I eventually will be cross-posting my works.
15. "It’s never too early for Halloween music!"
“From my laboratory in the castle east.”
Pete’s eye twitches; it's the seventh time this song has played since he walked in the door.
It’s been an hour.
He watches his wife hum along to the world’s only Halloween song as she pours drinks and jokes around with the regulars lining the south side of the bar. He loves his wife; he’s so grateful for her love and the way she understands him. But they’re in the middle of their yearly Halloween standoff, and he has no love to spare for her at the moment.
“To the master bedroom where the vampires feast!”
Penny loves Halloween. It’s always been her favorite holiday; Pete learned that almost forty years ago when he first ran into Admiral Benjamin’s pretty daughter at the Officer’s Club Halloween celebration. She was dressed like a vampire, and he was instantly smitten, plastic pointy teeth and all. Goose made fun of him for weeks over crushing on the girl who looked like she had been in a fight, fake blood splattered all over her clothes and skin.
They had been on and off for decades, before she got married and after the divorce was finalized, but whether or not they were together, he always thought of her on Halloween. There had even been a few drunken, desperate calls on the 31st, just wanting to hear the voice of the woman he loved.
It had been something they talked about before getting back together this time, the final time, the time they got married. It had been an excruciating conversation. Pete isn’t great at expressing his feelings but tries for Penny. Admitting that he had loved her for years, but he wasn’t in a headspace where he could be there for her. It’s why he hadn’t done anything when it was announced that she was engaged to Todd.
But after the uranium mission, he started to heal. Making up with Bradley had been a big part of that. He still misses his best friends; it can be overwhelming how painful their deaths are, but it’s not as debilitating as it used to be. The healing and talking about his feelings let Penny know he was ready to be with her.
And so she was the one to propose. An early morning roll in the sheets suddenly paused as her big, hazel eyes blinked down at him, a soft look on her face that he’d never seen before. She asked, and he said yes, letting her know that if she had waited until that night, he would have asked the same question. I would have given the same answer; she has whispered against his lips as he flipped them over.
Pete had never regretted saying yes.
”The ghouls all came from their humble abodes.”
Except when it came to Halloween. Because as much as Penny loves him, she also loves to torture him. And her favorite way of doing that is by playing Monster Mash over and over again until he gives in. Every year, Pete bets her that he can make it until October 2nd without complaining about the song.
It’s been four straight years of losing.
The longest he’s made it is until three in the afternoon, but that’s only because Penny was visiting her aunt that day.
Mav has done the calculations; if he can make it through the next hour at the Hard Deck, he’ll win the bet. He can do it. This is his year. He can feel it. That new surround sound 4k television is as good as his.
“To get a jolt from my electrodes!”
Pete jumps as the entire bar starts singing along. He has no idea how, but she’s coordinated some thirty-odd strangers into joining her campaign to break him.
Unfortunately for him, it works.
“Okay! Okay! I give! Turn it off!”
“No! It’s never too early for Halloween music!”
“Penny, please-”
“They did the Monster Mash!”
The night keeps getting worse for him as his daughters - well, step-daughter and daughter-in-law - stroll into the bar, kissing him on the cheek before joining his wife next to the jukebox, all three of them dropping quarters in to keep playing the song.
A big hand slaps his shoulder. “You know, if we tried hard enough, I think we could throw that thing into the ocean. Your wife would never have to know.”
“Good thought. Penny already threatened me if I even look at it wrong.” Bradley snorts, making no effort to hide the laughter. “Yeah, go ahead - yuck it up, kid. How’s the campaign going to get your wife to take some time off before the babies come?”
“It’s not…” His nephew frowns, eyebrows furrowing as he watches Mary take a break from dancing to a song that’s thankfully not Halloween-themed, both hands supporting her lower back as she takes deep breaths. “I wish she would just sit down and relax.”
“Is she in pain?”
“No, not pain, but she’s uncomfortable most of the time, and she gets tired so easily. Her bump is making is harder to do things, but she still won’t let me help her.”
Pete hums; he’s never supported a woman through pregnancy, but he can’t imagine it’s easy for either party. “It’s gotta be difficult to lose your freedom like that. To just wake up one day and not be able to put your shoes on by yourself.”
“I know, but I just want what’s best for her and the girls.”
“Girls?” Pete echoes, his chest warming.
Bradley stiffens, eyes wide and panicky as he turns to his uncle. “You didn’t hear me say that.”
“Okay.”
“You did not hear me say that.”
“Bradley. I understood the first time. I didn’t hear it.” Both men pause, smiles taking over their faces. Pete leans in, unable to hold back his excitement. “Two girls?! Bradley, that’s amazing!”
“I’m so scared.” The big, brawny man giggles, his cheeks flushed with happiness. “Do you wanna hear their names?”
“I thought you weren’t telling anyone.”
“We aren’t.” Both men jump, Mary somehow sneaking up on them. “But we thought the grandparents would like to know before they’re born.”
“Grandparents?” Pete asks, getting choked up at the title.
“Of course, Mav. Hope the two of you are ready to be grandma and grandpa.” Bradley smiles at Penny, who has joined them.
“Oh! You two!” Penny envelopes the parents-to-be in a hug, happy tears filling her eyes.
Pete is frozen on his stool, overwhelmed and overjoyed. Just a few years ago, he thought he’d never even get to talk to Bradley again, and now he’s going to be grandpa to the next generation of Bradshaws. His chest clenches, thinking about his best friends and how they're missing another big event in their son’s life. He vows to be the best grandparent, to tell the kids all about their biological grandparents. To keep Nick and Carole’s memory alive.
“So… do you wanna know their names?” Mary asks, her cheeks pink just like her husband, smile growing as both newly minted grandparents nod. “Even before we found out what we were having, we decided that we were going to use names of people important to us. Baby A is Alice Theresa Penelope Bradshaw, named after my grandmother and you, Penny.”
“Me?” Pete holds his wife close as she blubbers, wiping her tears away.
“You’ve been like a mother to both of us, Penny. It’s the least we could do.” Mary hugs her pseudo-mother-in-law. “Do you wanna tell them Baby B’s name, honey?”
“Lily Nicola Carole Bradshaw.” Bradley rasps, blinking back tears. “For mom and dad.”
Pete pulls his son off his stool and into a tight squeeze, holding him close and whispering how proud he is of him, both laughing through tears. When he pulls back, he hugs Mary as close as he can around her six-month twin bump.
“Thank you.”
“For what, Pete?”
“Loving him.”
“It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever had to do, Mav.” Her face is serene as she pulls away. “I know things were rough for a long time between you, but I hope you know how much he loves you.”
“I do, thanks, kid.” He smiles as Bradley whisks his wife towards the jukebox, muttering something about playing their wedding song.
“Well, grandma and grandpa. Did you ever think we’d get here?”
“A few years ago, I would have said there was no way anyone would call me grandpa. But, after he met Mary, I knew it would only be a matter of time.” Pete wraps an arm around his wife, pouring love into the kiss he presses to her lips. “Hey, you’re gonna be a pretty foxy grandma.”
“Foxy?”
“Oh, yeah. Foxy. We’ll have to get you one of those necklaces.”
She blinks at his big grin, digesting the suggestion. “I’m gonna assume this is a weird reaction to the happy news.”
“Probably for the b-”
“I was working in the lab late one night!”
“Amelia!”
Pete can’t even bring himself to be mad as his entire family laughs, too excited about the future to care about the stupid song they’ve been using to torment him. He hugs his wife close as they watch Bradley and Mary tell Amelia the news, heart melting when the teenager hugs her sister-in-law before jumping into her brother’s arms.
I can’t believe this is my life… maybe Mickey can help me break the jukebox; he’s good with computers, and Penny would never suspect him.
Summary: Your risky flying seriously pisses off your instructor at Top Gun and you're about to find out why.
CW: age gap (20-25 years), angsty angst - you've been warned <3
WC: 1600+
“What were you thinking?” Maverick roars, storming into the women’s locker room. “Are you insane?”
“What the hell are you doing in here?” you yell in outrage. Thankfully, the room is empty and you’ve already changed.
“You could have died!” he shouts, slamming the side of his fist into a locker on his way toward you.
“I’m fine!” you protest. “Pilots make controlled landings with one engine all the damn time.”
“You were not in control!” His voice echoes around the room.
“I landed, didn’t I?”
Maverick stops before he’s reached you, bringing a fist to his face as if he’s trying to temper his rage. He lowers his gaze, shaking his head while trying to breathe through the episode. His jaw is clenched tightly as he glances up at you from underneath his furrowed eyebrows.
You hadn’t set out to anger him but, if you were being honest, his reaction doesn’t altogether upset you. You’ve had a crush on your instructor since he walked into the hangar on your first day at Top Gun, but he’s displayed no romantic interest in you whatsoever. In fact, his interactions with you have all been strictly professional and have always occurred in public.
The fact that he is so distraught over your risky landing that he’s burst into the women’s locker room to reprimand you shows that he has reasonably strong feelings about whether you live or die. Which you appreciate.
Maverick breathes out slowly. “You put yourself and your crew in jeopardy,” he says hoarsely. “I can’t have that happen on my watch,” he adds, his jaw shifting as he tries to keep it steady.
“Captain Mitchell, I’m telling you, I had full control” –
“You disobeyed a direct order!” His voice begins to rise again as he steps closer to you.
You let out a frustrated sigh. “With all due respect, sir,” you say, “it was the wrong one.”
“That’s not for you to decide!” he shouts. “I’ve been doing this a lot longer than you have.”
“I didn’t want to lose the plane –” you start, but he interrupts you.
“Don’t lie to me,” he hisses.
You sigh. “Fine, sir. I didn’t want to punch out and be grounded for the next six months doing rehab.”
“No, you’d rather leave here in a body bag,” he says with contempt.
You look down, affected by the hostility in his tone. “It won’t happen again,” you respond quietly.
“You’re damn right it won’t,” he says aggressively, taking another step toward you.
You bite your lip, glancing up at him guiltily. You’re surprised to see the tears in his eyes that he’s desperately trying to blink away. “Please don’t kick me out,” you whisper.
He presses his lips together into a thin line and gives his head a slight shake. “I should,” he says, running a hand over his mouth. “But you’re my best pilot.”
You take a shallow breath, feeling the tension in the room as if it were a physical thing. “Thank you,” you mutter, not sure if you’re thanking him for calling you his best pilot or for not stripping you of your wings.
Maverick tears his gaze away from you and you take the opportunity to study him. He’s still in his flight suit which means he came straight here after landing his own jet. His stern expression has softened a touch, although his jaw is still set, and his light eyes seem to be searching for something to look at other than you.
You try in vain to ignore how sexy he looks despite the animosity twisting his features. You’ve wanted him for so long that it almost hurts to look at him. He’s nearly twice your age, and yet, somehow, that only makes him hotter. The fact that he takes his position of authority so seriously that his gaze has never lingered on you for longer than a second, despite your not-so-subtle flirting at the Hard Deck several nights this week, makes him practically irresistible – you haven’t met many men in your life who’ve been immune to your charms. You’ve fantasized about him enough that this entire scenario feels like just another one of your daydreams, except it’ll likely end much sooner than you’d like.
“I thought I was going to lose you,” Maverick says quietly, his voice breaking over the last few words. He closes his eyes for a moment.
He glances back at you and your heart starts racing when your eyes meet. He watches you steadily and you feel as though you might melt under the intensity of his gaze. This is the longest he’s ever maintained eye contact, but you’ll be damned if you look away first. You lick your lips, biting into them nervously, and Maverick’s gaze flits down to witness the action.
Your breath catches when his eyes linger on your mouth. The way he tilts his head before glancing back into your eyes makes your head spin. You want him to step closer, but he obstinately keeps his distance, despite the aching look in his eye.
You decide to throw caution to the wind, peeling your back away from the cold steel of the locker behind you. You take a step forward, lifting your eyes to meet his once more.
His breathing quickens, but he still watches you without looking away – something he’s never allowed himself to do before. “Y/N,” he cautions, furrowing his eyebrows.
You take the desperation in his voice as a sign that he is conflicted, so you draw nearer.
“Y/N,” he repeats, this time in a whisper. You’ve gotten so close that you can feel his breath warm your cheek, but Maverick isn’t stepping away.
You swallow, stretching out your neck to bring your lips closer to his. You feel the violent flurry of butterflies as they descend upon your insides like a swarm of furious locusts. “Captain Mitchell,” you manage to utter.
“Y/N,” he says more forcefully. You feel his hands close around your arms, his grip tightening as he takes a step away from you. “We can’t,” he breathes, holding you at arm’s length.
You stare at him as his façade falls apart. The longing he’s tried so hard to suppress is written all over his face. You understand his reservations but, ultimately, you just want him too much. And now that you know he wants you too, no quantity of moral misgivings is going to stop you. You take a breath and then a defiant step forward. His outstretched arms yield easily as you advance and you can tell that his self-control is hanging by a thread. You lift your face to look at him.
Maverick’s hands slide up your arms, his chest rising and falling at a quickening pace. You feel his fingers skim over your shoulders and glide up your neck until he’s holding your face in his hands. He closes his eyes, letting his forehead meet yours as his ragged breaths warm the space between your lips and his.
Your eyes are half-closed, watching his lips part slowly. But the moment his mouth brushes over yours, your eyes flutter closed and you sink into him instinctively. The force of the kiss is dizzying. Maverick moves forward, absorbing you as the two of you slam into the lockers in behind with impossible force. The impact rattles the metal and the clatter reverberates around the empty room.
His tongue curves into your open mouth as you let out a small gasp, while his hand grips your hip, pressing you into the locker. His mouth moves over yours hungrily, as though kissing you is hardly enough, although the soft touch of his fingers as they glide down the side of your neck is the perfect counterpart to his aggressive kissing style.
But just as his hand begins to slip under your shirt, Maverick pulls away. He turns his back to you, holding a hand to his mouth as he breathes heavily into the silence.
“Maverick” – you start, but he holds up a hand, turning to look at you with a grim expression.
“I have to go,” he says so quietly that his voice cracks.
You stare at him in alarm even as he doesn’t move from the spot.
Maverick closes his eyes and runs a hand over his face. “I am twice your age, Y/N,” he says.
You swallow anxiously. “So?”
He scoffs, meeting your gaze. “I am your instructor. There are rules.”
It’s your turn to scoff. “Since when does Pete Mitchell care about the rules?”
“I care about this one.”
You hold his gaze as he watches you, his teeth grazing his bottom lip, his breathing still uneven from his momentary lapse in self-regulation. “What do you care about more?” you ask quietly.
He flinches slightly as if your words have stung him. “I think you know,” he responds in a whisper, trying to break eye contact but, even as his head turns away, his gaze remains fixed on you.
Your heart is close to leaping right out of your body, but still, you shake your head.
He lets out an unsteady sigh, setting his jaw as he watches you wistfully. “If I don’t walk out right now,” he says, “I won’t be able to walk out at all.”
You feel the whirlwind intensify inside of you. “Then don’t.”
He chuckles, glancing back at you and, for a moment, you think that he might close the gap between the two of you in half a second, but he does no such thing. Instead, he says, “I am leaving because I care about you.” He gives you one last, heartbreaking look. “And you deserve better than this.”
