#merlin topgun

[eri-is-online]

If google street view existed in 1986 California

(this is a reaaaalllllyyy old trend and kinda old art but i figured i should post it anyway for shits and giggles)

[callme-fox]

They’re all so cute… 🥹💜 #BestTeam86

BTS footage from Top Gun (1986) filmed using Val Kilmer’s personal recording device.

Tom Cruise is not seen in many of the clips due to being away filming scenes that did not include the other pilots. Some of the shenanigans being had while not filmed can be viewed in this compilation.

(Uploaded to tik tok by skyler.slyy)

[torchflies]

I’m just gonna…

No one knows how the sword got there. 

It’s sitting in a huge boulder in the parking lot of TOPGUN, it’s been there since before the school, before the base, legend says it’s been there since before settlers even came to California. 

All Mav knows is that it’s been tradition for every TG graduate to try yanking the damn thing out. 

He goes last, still destroyed from losing Goose, and doesn’t bother lingering on the words etched on the base of the rock that nobody has ever been able to read, or bothered to translate for the masses. 

He just closes his hands around the base of the hilt and yanks, when it easily slips out — he assumes he’s broken it for half-a-second before it all comes rushing back. 

“Merlin.” Mav whispers from on top of the rock, staring down at Ice for the first time in a very long time. At the same time, Ice looks at him with a recognition far older than them both, a curtain finally pulled away as he furiously blinks, shaking his head in disbelief and joy. 

The rest of the flyboys too, move to encircle the rock and stare up at him — it’s not a round table, but it might as well be. 

Slider breaks out into a grin that’s been centuries in the making, “Took your sweet time getting here, didn’t you, sire?” 

Shhh… let me have this, I’ve been crying about this for two hours. 

[the-authoress-writes]

Dangerous Games

Tom “Iceman” Kazansky x Navy Nurse Wife!reader

Synopsis: The saying goes “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes”.

Well, Mrs. Thomas Kazansky is about to learn another version of this saying; “Play dangerous games, win dangerous prizes”.

But she doesn’t exactly mind.

Warnings: Mrs. Kazansky gets a little frisky in public, but nothing explicit, some cursing, and a little bit of steaminess, but again, nothing explicit.

Author’s Note: “I don’t write reader fic”, she said.

“I really don’t”, she said.

But here we are.

And I entirely blame both @valmare and Val himself.

I wrote this as a writing exercise, actually, because @valmare and I have slightly different approaches to Tom Kazansky; she has a more dominant take on him, while mine is more romantic and soppy, but no less passionate (I think).

I wrote this just to see if I could somehow combine both traits/takes in one story.

And… hoo, boy, I like to think I was successful.

That, combined with reading one of my grandmother’s ancient Silhouette Romance novels, I thought it was about time that the turns were tabled on the men.

Let’s be the ones to snap them like twigs, and not the other way around.

Without further ado, here we are!

“So what’s on the agenda today,” she asked her husband, as he sat at the kitchen counter eating his breakfast, while she stood on the other side, finishing her cup of yogurt, before she had to head to work for the shift she was called to fill in at the last minute yesterday.

“Well,” Tom began, after swallowing, “not much, just a meeting which apparently couldn’t wait until Monday, in the afternoon—other than that, nothing else really.

And uh, Mav and the guys are coming back home tonight; like I said last week, Sli and I were going to greet them, and they’re going out for drinks at the O Club later, but I can tell them I can’t go—”

“No, you go, enjoy yourself, I know it’s been a while since you last saw Mav and the flyboys,” she smiled.

In a rare occurrence, Mav and Tom’s deployments didn’t match up, leaving him and Slider on shore, while Mav and Merlin, Wood and Wolf were at sea.

She could hear the calls Tom would make in the evenings to the Vinson, to the various officers who owed him, already rather influential at the recently-received rank of Lieutenant Commander, for updates on Mav in particular.

She’d heard the stories both from the man himself, and from Tom, how the Mitchell name hung like an albatross around the diminutive pilot’s neck, how his basic medical needs were overlooked by dint of his “traitorous” surname.

As a nurse, especially a Navy nurse, it was beyond unconscionable.

She was glad that Mav had Tom as a friend, and it touched her to see the care he extended to his whole TOPGUN class.

“Such a Mother Goose,” Mav and Slider would say, both with sadness, but the former with a soul-deep sadness.

“Are you sure, milaya?” Tom’s voice brought her back to the present, as he came around the counter to step into her personal space, his hands on her waist, infusing her whole being with the warmth that only he could give her. “Because I’m really feeling bad that I have basically a whole day off, and you have to work.

We could have a movie night with some popcorn and ice cream, and you can talk about how people like me are the craziest sons of bitches around,” he grinned, referring to how they met a little over three years ago, after a little training mishap. “I’ll gladly keep your misery company.”

She smiled, resting her hand on the chiseled plane of his bare chest, as her index finger idly played with the chain of his dog tags, “No, like I said, even last week, you go and enjoy yourself with the boys.” Her smile took on a more devilish quirk, “Besides, you can make it up to me later.”

Tom raised an eyebrow, “Oh, I can, can I?”

“I’m pretty sure you’ll manage,” she teasingly replied.

“Uh-huh,” he breathed, stepping impossibly closer, “and how exactly do you want me to make it up to you?”

“You’ll think of something.”

“How about a little down payment, then?”

He didn’t even bother waiting for her positive, always positive, response before one hand was buried in her hair, and his lips were on hers.

It was a kiss full of the easy confidence of a man who knew he was given what he took, and the passion and devotion of one who knew what a gift that was.

She could have gotten lost in her husband’s embrace and kiss for eternity, but the rude realization that she had a shift to prepare for, made her reluctantly, oh-so-reluctantly, push him away.

“As much as I’d really love to continue this, I can’t.

I have to go.”

He pouted like a child, the effect amusing to see on his already-full, kiss-swollen lips, and she gently carded her hand through his hair, soft and slightly curling without the gel, pushing it away from where it flopped onto his forehead. “I know most of this day didn’t pan out how we wanted it to, but we’ll make the best of it—we always do.”

“I know.

You’re sure it’s okay with you if I go out with the boys tonight?”

“Yes, Tom, how many times do I have to tell you?

Go have fun—but not too much fun,” she smiled.

He leaned forward, tucking his head into her neck, inhaling deeply, “You’re the only one I want to have fun with.”

“I would hope so, Thomas Vasilyevich,” she replied, lightly poking him in the side, “seeing as I’m your wife.”

“Oof,” he mock-winced, drawing back to look her in the eyes, “Russian naming me, huh?

Well, Mrs. Kazanskaya, two can play at that game,” he rejoined, leaning in to kiss her again.

However, she pushed him away, laughing, “You are a menace, Thomas Jacob Kazansky!

I have to go!”

“Worth a shot,” he laughed, letting her go.

She gathered her lunch into her bag, along with her paperwork, and shouldered the tote, before turning back to face Tom, who was leaning against the counter, long, sweatpants-clad legs crossed at the ankles, mirroring his arms, a knowing smirk on his lips. “Not going to kiss me goodbye?”

With a sigh, she asked, “If I kiss you goodbye, will you keep your hands to yourself?”

He clicked his tongue, “You drive a hard bargain, lyubimaya moya, but I’ll try.”

“Don’t try, just do,” she replied, amending one of Mav’s favorite sayings, stepping closer to peck him on the lips.

True to his word, he didn’t move an inch, but the regret on his face made her have to resist the temptation to kiss him and say to hell with her shift today. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

“Okay.”

And here, a sudden idea struck her. “Hey, wait a minute, you said that you guys were going to the O Club, right?”

“Yes,” he replied, drawing out the syllable. “Why?”

“Because I was thinking that if I can, maybe I can meet you guys there, join you flyboys.”

Tom’s eyes lit up. “That’d be great!”

“You guys won’t mind?”

“I won’t mind,” he shook his head.

She good-naturedly rolled her eyes, “I know you won’t mind, what about the guys?”

“I’m sure the guys won’t mind, but they can take it up with me if they don’t like it.

Try to make it?”

“I will—hopefully, I’ll see you later.

And you’re sure you don’t need your other girl today?” she asked, double checking that he didn’t need his Chevelle, since her car was in the shop that week.

“No,” he shook his head, “Slider’s picking me up, you take her.

I love you, milaya.”

“I love you too.”

With that farewell, she dashed out the door, fleeing her own house like Lot, because she knew she’d never leave if she looked back at Tom.

Chaos.

That was what her shift at NMCSD was like.

Some unlucky or hapless person somewhere had probably said “It sure is quiet around here,” or some other variation of that phrase, and brought the wrath of the medical gods down upon them.

She’d had no less than ten emergencies to deal with, and at the end of her shift, she felt—no—knew—she deserved a drink.

A quick glance at her watch showed that it was just before 1800–from her experience, the carriers usually docked at 1500 or 1600, which meant they should all be at the O Club already.

Not wanting to give the charge nurse an opportunity to call her for something else, she practically ripped off her uniform, changing into the nicer spare clothes she kept in her locker just in case she had somewhere to be that wasn’t the grocery or straight home.

It was a worn, but well-fitting pair of jeans, sensible shoes, a tank top, and finally, a white buttondown with vertical blue stripes which she pilfered from Tom’s closet, that she never saw him wear.

After throwing on the shirt, leaving it unbuttoned, and tucking in her tank, she hastily walked (okay, ran) out of NMCSD, and headed to her parking spot.

God had mercy on her, as the traffic was light all the way to the O Club, the Almighty surely knowing that she’d reached her limits of bullshittery, that all she wanted after this day was a stiff drink, and her husband’s company, despite the fact that there would be others around, friends as they were to her.

It was a Saturday night, and the parking lot was full, but she managed to find a spot on the far end of the lot, a slight sheen of sweat breaking on her skin despite the AC, as she maneuvered in, not wanting to scratch her husband’s beloved car.

The flaring, insistent ache in her feet was testament to the long walk to the entrance, exposing just how many people had to be here, and true enough, once she pushed the doors open, the bar was hopping.

She moved through the crowded bar, searching for Merlin, Slider, or Tom—there’d be little hope of finding Wood or Wolf, and no hope of finding Mav, in this press of people.

She was heading through the crowd towards the bar when she smacked straight into someone.

An apology was on her lips, when the person turned, and she heard, “Hey, Mrs. Ice, how are you!”

And she looked up, up, up into the smiling face of Sam “Merlin” Wells.

“Hey, Merls, how are you, how was deployment?” she said, hugging the ludicrously tall RIO.

“Ehh, hot, as usual, but otherwise, uneventful; just running our CAPs, and buzzing the tower every now and then.”

She guffawed, “That’s Mav for you—I don’t know who’s crazier; Mav, or you, for willingly sitting in the same jet as him.”

Merlin leaned down, “Tell you a secret?”

“Sure.”

“Probably me, because I actually enjoy it,” he murmured.

She chuckled, “Oh, Samuel, never change.”

“Hey, what am I doing, let me get you to the guys’ table!

Come on!!”

He put his hand on her shoulder to make sure she didn’t get lost in the crowd, and led her to a table in the back. “Guys, look who I found!”

“Well, hey, if it isn’t my favorite Ice Queen!” Mav cried, leaping to his feet and pulling her into a hug.

“Hey, Mav, how are you?” she beamed, glad to see her husband’s best friend and wingman.

“Better, after seeing your pretty face,” the black-haired pilot grinned a grin which would probably make quite a few people here swoon, if its full force were turned on them.

She smacked his shoulder, though she was unable to stop her smile, “Stop it, you incorrigible flirt, you’re not my type, and even if you were, I’m very happily taken.”

“Ah, you wound me, my fair Ice Queen,” Mav dramatically clutched his chest.

“You’ll live,” she teasingly rolled her eyes.

“Mind getting your hands off my wife, so I can say hello to her, Mav?”

A glance behind Mav showed Tom standing there, a sight in his summer whites, an arch expression on his face, but those who knew him would be able to see the glowing humor in his eyes—but over all, the joy and love.

Mav moved aside, gesturing grandly at her. “All yours.”

“You bet your ass, Mitchell,” Tom nodded.

“Excuse me, I have a very nice ass, I have that on good authority,” the other pilot affrontedly stated as he walked backwards to his seat.

The voice of Charles “Chipper” Piper called, “Ugh, come on, Mav, no one wants to hear about your pasty ass.”

“You’re one to talk, Chip,” Marcus “Sundown” Williams chuckled.

Tom shook his head and stepped closer, making everything else fade into the background, his beautiful smile on his face. “You came.”

“I needed to,” she sighed, “I need a drink.

And the whole you being here is a nice bonus.”

He blushed slightly, ducking his head. “Yeah?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Well, come on, let’s get you that drink,” he replied, leading her to the table, around which sat Mav, Merlin, Slider, Wolf, Chipper, and Sundown.

“Hey guys,” she waved, taking the seat beside Tom.

They all greeted her as Tom called over one of the waitresses, ordering his usual vodka on the rocks along with her usual Old Fashioned.

When it arrived, she shocked them all by drinking more than half of it in one sitting, heavily setting the glass down on the table.

“That kind of day, huh, sweetheart?” Tom asked, his voice full of sympathy, warmth, and the slightest hint of laughter.

She turned a baleful look on him. “What do you think?”

He blinked, obviously weighing his words, the rest of the flyboys holding their breath. “I think maybe I should get you another one when you’re done with that.”

“God, I love you, Tom Kazansky,” she breathed.

The table collectively exhaled, as Tom grinned. “Aren’t I lucky?”

The night wore on, dinner eventually being ordered from the bar’s kitchen for everyone, and Merlin was the first to leave, saying that his wife was coming home late that night from taking care of a medical emergency with her mother, who lived on the other side of the States, and he wanted to be there to greet her.

The flyboys tossed peanuts teasingly at Merlin, Chipper and Mav whooping, Merlin flipping them the bird with both hands as he laughed, and said goodnight.

The remaining group continued on, and the vodkas Tom had drunk had loosened him up—he wasn’t drunk by any means, but his laughter was a bit louder, his eyes a bit brighter.

He was telling a story about one of the instructors from the TOPGUN session he’d been asked to help out with, since he wasn’t deployed this rotation.

It was a story she’d already heard, and so she allowed his words to fade slightly, just watching him as he spoke, fiddling with the straw of the second Old Fashioned Tom had ordered for her.

She smiled as he gestured animatedly, making the light glint off the gold ring on his left hand, which matched the one on hers.

Seeing it did funny things to her stomach, seeing the tangible proof that that man was hers.

Add to that the fact that Tom was in his summer whites… it was a cocktail more intoxicating than anything the bar behind her could ever offer.

She exhaled evenly, taking a sip of the water she’d switched to after her second Old Fashioned, admiring the figure he cut, an exemplar of US Naval excellence.

If you asked her later, she wouldn’t be able to tell you why she did it.

But the devilish thought of wanting to see if she could tilt him off-kilter entered her mind regardless, and she hid a smile behind the rim of her water glass.

She nonchalantly shifted her chair closer to Tom and innocently placed a hand above his knee, making him glance at her, and offer her a fleeting smile, while continuing the story.

Ever so carefully, she inched her way towards the inseam of his trousers, rubbing small circles as she went, which got her a minuscule narrowing of his eyes and a barely-there glance as he spoke.

She smiled back, stilling her hand, and he continued.

Once he had relaxed into his chair again, she began moving again, shifting her hand higher and higher, letting her fingernails catch repeatedly on the seam.

He cleared his throat and soldiered on, shifting in his seat, but the slightest tone of strain was beginning to creep into his voice now, and she mustered all the stoicism she’d learned from her husband to keep her face straight.

As her hand moved further up his inseam, she was treated to the sight of his jaw tensing, the sheen of sweat gathering at his temples, the movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed thickly, the sound of the strain in his voice, and the hitch in his breath.

She knew that if she continued this, she was playing a very dangerous game, but she couldn’t bring herself to care at that moment.

So she inched further up, letting her fingernails dig into the seam, flicking it almost audibly, which elicited a cough from her husband.

Slider whacked Tom on the back, saying, “You okay, Ice?”

“Yeah,” he rasped, “just—just swallowed the wrong way.”

At this point, she was mere inches away from being so obscenely high on his thigh that the other flyboys would probably see, but just to see what Tom’s reaction would be, she made as though she were going to go there.

Smoothly, he placed his hand atop hers, somehow managing to conceal the fact that he had plucked her hand from basically his lap, bringing it up to his lips as he finished the story, his eyes stormy as he cut his gaze to her.

Maybe, she realized, as she looked into his tempestuous eyes, maybe she had made a very, very big mistake.

After another hour, they began to wrap up, hugging and slapping each other on the back, and for the first time since she’d met Tom Kazansky, she was not looking forward to being alone with him.

When the final farewells had been spoken, Tom wrapped an arm around her shoulder, walking them towards the distinct shape of his Chevelle, visible now that they were some of the last people at the bar.

“I can drive us, if you want,” she offered, testing the waters.

“No, I’ll be the one.

Keys.”

His tone was unreadable, and she fished the keys out of her pocket, handing them to him.

He led her to the passenger’s side, but just before she reached for the handle to open the shotgun door, she found herself pressed against the back passenger door, looking up into her husband’s face.

She refused to buckle at his impassive stare, looking evenly into his eyes; depthless blue, the color of the sea at twilight, in the dim illumination afforded by the streetlamps.

His hand shifted, and her breath hitched, but he only moved his hand past her, the familiar click of the Chevelle’s door release echoing in the thick San Diego night air.

Tom pulled the door further open, inclining his head and stepping back.

She swallowed, but moved to sit in the passenger’s seat, the sound of the shutting door feeling like some sort of passage of sentence.

Moments later, he opened the driver’s side door, sliding in and shutting it, however, he didn’t start the engine.

She held her breath, waiting to see what he would do next, but he only started the car, the purr of the Chevelle doing nothing to ease her tension, serving only to ratchet it up, the familiar streets leading home passing by.

The silence in the car was almost a living entity, made worse by the fact that Tom kept his eyes firmly fixed on the road before them, and she would be lying if she said that her heart wasn’t racing.

She was beginning to see the reasoning behind her husband’s callsign, between his nonchalant attitude and his unerring patience to wait her out, wait for her to slip.

Well.

She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction.

…

She hoped so, at any rate.

She’d always been weak for him, honestly, and she suspected she always would be.

Much too soon, they pulled into their driveway, and Tom cut the engine, leaving her in silence, literally and figuratively, as he stepped out without a word.

She briefly debated whether or not to stay in the car, but knew deep down that that was not an option, so she got out of the Chevelle, also making her way inside.

After locking up the doors and checking the rest of the house, she exhaled and looked warily up at the stairs. “‘Screw your courage to the sticking place,’ woman,” she murmured, striding determinedly up the stairs.

The lights were on in the bedroom, and she saw Tom at the dresser, keeping his submariner in its box, his face somehow still impassive.

She moved to the bed, picking up the pile of night clothes she’d laid out that morning, muttering, “I’m going to the bathroom,” and darted towards the en suite.

However, before she could make it there, a hand wrapped around her upper arm, and once again, she got the breath knocked out of her, finding her body pressed against the wall behind her by the solid mass of her husband before her, his hands on either side of her head.

“What was that about tonight, hmm, milaya?” he spoke lowly, making a shiver run down her spine.

“What was what?” she replied, affecting a light tone.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” he replied, implacable.

“Oh, that,” she shrugged, caving slightly.

“Yes, that.

And just what were you thinking?”

“Ehhh—nothing much, really.” Well, she mentally admitted, that much was true.

“Uh-huh.

See, I think you were trying to get me to lose it,” he declared.

She somehow managed to muster up an innocent expression. “Uh, nope, not at all.”

“Sure.

So your hand at my inseam was just complete coincidence, was it?”

“Has to be.”

He stared her down just like he had in the O Club parking lot, attempting to keep his expression stoic, but this close, she could see his eyes—how there was only a thin ring of midnight gray, his pupils blown wide from the desire he was trying to keep down.

She inhaled sharply, her lips parting, and his gaze immediately locked onto the sight.

When he spoke next, his voice was low and trembling. “You don’t know what you do to me.”

“I think I have some kind of idea,” she breathlessly murmured.

“Fuck—” he whispered brokenly before kissing her like he was at 38,000 feet and she was the oxygen he needed to breathe.

Caught in his riptide, she was helpless but to hold onto him.

Air surged back into her lungs as his kisses moved down to her neck, only to be stolen from them moments later, a cry halfway between pain and pleasure carried on her breath, when his ardor seared into the delicate skin there.

“That hand of yours—and you wearing my shirt—you drive me crazy,” he spoke into the juncture of her neck and shoulder.

“I think you like it, though,” she whimpered, hitching her legs around his unfairly narrow waist, as he adjusted his arms to hold her up.

“Damn it, I fucking do,” he groaned, moving them towards the bed.

They had just collapsed onto the comforter, kissing like teenagers, when he broke away to breathe, “You’re still going to pay for what you did, though, you’re not getting out of that.”

“Oh, am I, because it seems to me like your mouth is writing checks your body can’t cash… Commander,” she cocked her eyebrow.

His jaw dropped slightly, followed by a shaky inhalation. “…I shouldn’t have told you about my rank thing.”

Her smirk was halfway to a grin by now. “What are you going to do about it?”

He tilted his head. “You’re asking for it, at this point.”

“Well, then, do what you’re going to do, flyboy; that’s an order.”

A wicked smirk quirked the corner of his lips, full of promise. “Yes, Ma’am.”

NMCSD: Naval Medical Center San Diego

The USS Carl Vinson is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1982, and she is still on active duty.

I stole @valmare’s headcanon that Tom drives a Chevelle, because if it’s good enough for Mir, it’s good enough for me!

I’m so sorry Mir!

According to a production photo, Tom’s full name is Thomas Jacob Kazansky, but since I headcanon him as Russian, his patronymic is missing.

So thusly, you have Thomas Jacob Vasilyevich Kazansky.

When Mrs. Kazansky refers to Tom as Thomas Vasilyevich, that is considered a casual, informal, yet somehow in its own way, formal, method of referring to someone.

There’s cultural rules about that.

Tom calls Mrs. Kazansky “Mrs. Kazanskaya”, which follows the Russian and Slavic convention of gendered surnames.

CAPs: Combat Air Patrols

Summer whites are the white version of the khaki uniforms, and you can see them in The O Club bar scene in Top Gun ‘86.

“Screw your courage to the sticking place” is a quote from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”.

Did I basically steal a line from Top Gun, and completely change the context of it?

Yes.

Yes, I did.

Mrs. Kazansky calls Tom simply “Commander” instead of Lieutenant Commander, because of the convention regarding ��double-barreled” ranks.

Russian Glossary

Disclaimer: endearments and translations taken from Google—please don’t hesitate to correct me if I’m wrong, which, odds are, I am.

Milaya: dear, darling (there are other translations of this word, however)

Lyubimaya moya: my darling/my one and only sweetheart

Taglist

@valmare

If you’d like to join my taglist, just send me an ask!

[scottishaccentsareawesome]

(during Rooster's original time at TOPGUN, the 86'ers (sans Ice and Mav) have a big video call)

Wolfman:...Alright, this meeting of the "Ice & Maverick Support Group" will now come to order. Chipper, read us the minutes from the last meeting.

Slider: - Sorry guys, but I have some pretty big news that can't wait.

Wolfman: In a MINUTE, Slider...!

Slider: IT. CAN'T. WAIT.

Wolfman: OK, fine. So, what is it?

Slider: Well, you guys know Baby Goose is in Top Gun now...

Hollywood: - His callsign is "Rooster"! I love the bird theme...

Slider: - Yeah, well, anyway - I've been talking to Ice about his progress, y'know since Bradley isn't talking to Mav right now -

(mass grumbling from all the 86'ers)

Slider: - And I've corresponded with some of the instructors over there, also, to get some details that maybe Ice may not even be aware of...

Merlin: - How would Ice not be aware of anything that happens with Bradley?

Slider: - Well, just that there may be some details that Ice isn't aware of because the instructors don't think it's relevant to tell him.

Chipper: OK, and...?

Slider(takes a deep breath):...Guys, Bradley has an Iceman.

(the 86'ers erupt in a chorus of "NOOOO...!" and loud groans, some of them are literally banging their heads on their desks)

Slider: Apparently the two of them like to "maintain eye contact" to "intimidate each other" and "size each other up".

Sundown(grumbling): Yeah, I'll tell you exactly what they're sizing up -

Wolfman: - SUNDOWN!!!!

[topguncortez]

Frame Me up on the Wall - N. Bradshaw

whumptober masterlist || previous day

prompt: broken window

synopsis: Going to TopGun was a once in a life time opportunity, and the chance of a life time. Being the first female Aviator in the program had a lot of challenges, but being there with your husband had even more.

warnings: character death, sexism, cursing, feelings of doom, fear, mentions of parental death, mentions of trying for a child.

word count: 6.6k

All she ever wanted to do was fly. And she was going to do it no matter what. Y/N loved anything and everything to do with planes, having grown up a military kid, her dad flying planes in Korea. It shocked nobody when she applied for the Naval academy, getting accepted on her first go around. She worked her ass off, proving she was more than an admiral’s daughter, earning her call sign ‘Devil’. When Y/N was asked, “what’s your favorite part about flying?” She would answer, sharing the sky with her husband and best friend. 

When she had met Nick Bradshaw, it was in true Nick Bradshaw fashion. He had spotted her across the bar, pointing her out to his best friend Pete. After the rendition of ‘That Loving Feeling’, Y/N was bright red and invited him for a drink. Goose had worked his charm, proving to be both goofy and handsome. Nick should’ve known she was more than just a girl at the bar, but he was too blinded to see the look in her eye as he explained what he did. He missed the fake dumb act she put on, answering back with sarcasm and giving him a pouting look when he told her he was “basically on the fighting lines all the time.” and that he would “love to have your pretty face to come home too.” 

It wasn’t until the next morning when Y/N walked into the briefing room, flight suit on her body, her hair done perfectly, dark aviators covering her eyes that Goose had figured it out. It all made sense to him, and he tried not to stare at her as Maverick was gawking at her. Y/N smirked and stopped in front of them, looking at Goose and saying “thank you for the fun last night,” which caused Maverick to turn his surprised expression towards his best friend. When Y/N walked away, sitting down in a seat up front, Maverick fist bumped Goose for his conquest. But Goose knew right then and there, he was going to marry you. 

Y/N and Goose were married about six months after that night. Her father was not happy that she had fallen in love with an aviator, but she argued that he was just more than that. They married in her parents backyard, a small ceremony with just family and friends. Maverick had brought Admiral Benjamin’s daughter as a date, and Y/N’s dad couldn’t help but run and call his friend telling him. Goose and Y/N’s marriage was strictly a need to know basis, worried what others would say about it. She kept her last name on all her documents, but would occasionally sign ‘Y/N Bradshaw.�� 

She had been sitting in the comms room that morning, listening to Maverick, Goose, Cougar and Merlin flying around. She had been waiting for them to land so she could tell Goose the good news. Her hard work had paid off, and she and her RIO Joker had been picked to go to TopGun in Miramar. It was only her life’s dream to be able to fly at TopGun. Her dad had been a TopGun pilot, placing second in his class behind the current CO, Viper. Goose knew of Y/N’s dream as well, them both sharing similar dreams, but Goose wanted it more for her than anything. 

Her and Cougar were to report in two days, but when he came back all freaked out from the MiG incident, Y/N felt like her dream was slipping from her hands as she sat in the orderly room across from Admiral Jardian’s office. She briefly talked to Cougar, him apologizing for possibly messing up her chance, but she assured him that it was okay. She would rather have her wingman safe than in a casket. Goose caught sight of her for a brief second, taking in the broken sight of her eyes as she sat down with a heavy sigh. The second Stinger said he was sending Goose and Maverick as a replacement, and Goose was ready to run out the door. Y/N lifted her head up from her hands as the two men walked out and Goose ran over to her, pulling her up in his arms. 

“Whoa! Mother Goose, what’s all this?” Y/N giggled. 

“I’m going to TopGun! We’re going to freaking TopGun!” Goose said, “Aha! Can you believe it babe! Mav and I!” 

“Wow, baby, I’m so proud of you!” Y/N said, and kissed him, “You too Mav. You guys earned it.” 

“It’s crazy,” Maverick said, smiling down at his boots, “hey, did Stinger say who the wingman is going to be that’s going with us?” 

“Nah,” Goose said, shaking his head, and putting an arm around his wife’s waist, pulling her in and placing a kiss on her cheek. 

“Well. . . I was waiting until you guys landed, but someone decided to be a rebel and do some outlaw shit up there,” Y/N said, rolling her eyes playfully, “Stinger told me right after you guys took off. . . I got into TopGun.” 

Goose and Maverick’s jaws both dropped as they looked at her. Goose, once again pulled her in for a tight hug, spinning her in a circle. Maverick couldn’t help the bright smile upon his face seeing both his friends so happy. It was all Maverick ever wanted in his life, for the two people he loved so dearly to be happy. 

“You devil! You weren’t going to say anything were you? Pull another one of your tricks where you just show up,” Goose said. 

“Gotta live up to my callsign,” She smirked, “Ah, it’s like the stars are lining! Getting to live my dream of going to TopGun, and with you two buffoons.” 

“If this is a dream, please don’t wake me up,” Goose said, and kissed his wife’s forehead, “Come on! I smuggled in a six pack of budweiser from the last port!”

That night the three of you spent celebrating the accomplishments of making it to TopGun. Maverick sat on his bunk in his shared room with Goose, as his best friend danced with his wife. It was like watching his parents, Maverick always felt like home with the two of them. He would do anything and everything to protect the two of them. He knew that Y/N had a lot of trust in him, her husband’s life was literally in his hands when they flew. Maverick knew that, and it weighed on his mind constantly. 

— — — 

Y/N had missed the beach. Yes, being on the Enterprise in the middle ocean was fun, but having her toes in the sand was something different. Her, Maverick, and Goose had arrived in Miramar earlier that day. Joker was taking some time off to visit his girl back home before he came to TopGun. She had snuck out of her shared room with Goose to find some quiet in the still night before her first day. First days were always nerve wracking for her, but this was worse. She was used to being one of few females, but being the only female was going to be different. Y/N was used to the male vibrato, but knew it was going to be worse than it ever was. She could hold her own, she knew she could, she was a great pilot, there was a reason why she was here. 

“Knew i’d find you here,” She startled at the voice of her best friend behind her. She gave Maverick a shy smile as he sat down in the cool sand next to her. The moonlight and the fluorescents from the parklot illuminated the night ocean as the waves crashed on the shore, “Can’t sleep?” 

“Am I that predictable?” Y/N said with a small laugh. 

“Little bit, I grew up with you, remember,” Maverick smirked, and Y/N pulled at her sweatshirt sleeves, “You okay?” 

“What if I’m not good enough? What if this is just Viper doing a favor for my dad? Making my little dream come true.” 

“Are you doubting yourself? The devil? The terror in the sky? Is doubting her skills? One of three pilots of this generation to have a combat kill and dogfight with a MiG-28?” Maverick said, “Youngest aviator to have combat kill, youngest female to make rank of lieutenant in the squadron. And the only female selected to go to TopGun. And you’re doubting you’re good enough? You are amazing, everyone can see that, no matter who’s kid you are. You prove to everyone that you are Lieutenant Y/N ‘Devil’ Y/L/N, not Admiral Y/L/N’s kid.” 

“Thank you Mav,” Y/N said, leaning her head on his shoulder. He put his arm around her and rubbed his hand up and down her arm, “You know he loves flying with you. He would’ve done it regardless, he would’ve hated it, but he would’ve done it.” 

Maverick nodded, knowing she was talking about Goose, “I think he’d like flying with you more sometimes.” 

“Oh god no,” Y/N laughed and shook her head, “He would hate flying with me. You heard him while I was driving! Imagine him up in the sky with me! Sheesh.” 

Maverick laughed and held her tightly. The two of them sat in silence for a while, watching the waves crash against the white sand. Eventually Y/N called it a night, finding her way back to the warmth of her husband. Nick was laying on his back, arm spread out waiting for her to join by his side. His lips were slightly parted as he snored. Y/N smiled as she climbed in and cuddled against his chest. His arm tightened around her frame as he moved subconsciously in his sleep, bringing her in and placing a kiss on her forehead. 

— — — 

Y/N was one of the first people in the briefing room, sitting up front on the right side. The only other people there was another flight team, and the pilot she immediately recognized. Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky was a face she’d never forget. They had been at the naval academy together, and he spent most of their years teasing Y/N relentlessly, making her doubt herself more than she ever had in her life. Iceman was someone who was stuck in his old ways. She had met Tom back when she was in the academy. Y/N was the only female in their graduating class, and Tom wasn’t above trying to push her out.There were nights where she would contemplate packing up and leaving. But she knew she couldn’t let him win. Y/N walked right past him to her seat, and could feel his eyes on her. 

“Uh, you lost?” Iceman asked and Y/N could hear his smirk. 

“Nope,” She said, not bothering to turn around and look at him. 

“Med bay is in building twenty-one eighteen,” Iceman said, leaning forward. Y/N looked at him and narrowed her eyes, “Holy shit, Devil?” 

“Ice Cream,” Y/N said and she heard his RIO laugh next to him. Iceman dramatically chomped his jaw and sat back in his chair. 

She counted that as a win as she sat back in her seat as her class filled in. Maverick greeted her with a smile as they sat on the other side of the aisle. Goose gave her a nod, and tapped his wedding ring, their silent way of saying ‘I love you’. Y/N tapped the gold band on her finger. 

They all sat through the briefing on what TopGun was and why it was created. Y/N knew most of the history having heard it from her father over and over again. She looked over to Maverick, giving him a look that screams ‘I'm bored’ and Maverick smirked. She could feel Iceman’s stare burning holes in the back of her head, and did her best to not let it bother her. Y/N casted her eyes down when Viper walked to the front. She knew that he would recognize both her and Maverick, haven flown with their fathers. She gave Viper a small nod as he explained the overall mission and how to be the best. Y/N noticed Maverick looking around at the class and Goose whispering something to him. 

“In case you are wondering who’s the best,” Viper said, “There’s this plaque. Best driver and his RIO from each class has their name on it.” 

“Hear that Devil, his not hers,” Iceman whispered to her. She turned around and flipped him off. 

“And they have the option to come back here and be TopGun instructors,” Viper continued, walking back to the front of the room, “You think your name is gonna be on that plaque?” Viper asked, looking right at Y/N. She shifted in her seat, sitting up straighter. 

“Yes Sir,” She answered confidently, and Goose couldn’t help but smile at her confidence. 

“That’s pretty arrogant for the company you are in. You would be the first female there,” Viper said. 

“Up for the challenge, sir.” 

“I like that in a pilot,” Viper said to her. Y/N bit back a smirk, “Just remember when it’s over out there we are all on the same team. This school is about combat. There are no points for second place.” Viper looked at his class before dismissing them. 

Maverick looked over at Y/N and smirked, “Nice going.” 

“You know me,” Y/N said. Goose let her walk in front of her, as they walked towards the exit of the room. 

“The uh, plaque for the alternates is down in the ladies’ room, maybe Devil can show you,” Iceman spoke as they walked past him. Goose let out a loud sarcastic laugh, leaning his head on Y/N’s shoulder and it made her crack a smile. She wanted so bad to elbow her goofy husband but just shook her head. 

“Ah you kill me, you really do,” Goose said, pretending to wipe a tear from under his eyes and turned to look at the plaque, pointing at some random name, “No, no, no, there’s two O’s in ‘Goose’ boys.” 

“Oh good god, let’s go!” Y/N laughed, grabbing Goose’s hand and pulling him from the classroom. Iceman eyed the two of them as they walked down the hallway, suspicion rising in his body. He had noticed the ring on her finger, something she hadn’t had four years ago during their time at the Academy. 

— — — 

It wasn’t that she didn’t like going out with Maverick and Goose, it was that she didn’t like the antics that they got up to. She would’ve rather stayed in their dorm room, reading a book on flight paths but Goose had dragged her to the local club, laying out her dress whites and making sure her ribbons and awards were squared away. She glared at Goose pretty much the whole way as he held her hand as they walked behind Maverick. The club was full of smoke and loud music, and some questionably dressed ladies. Maverick’s classic smirk arose to his face the second they walked in. 

“This is what I call a target rich environment,” Maverick said. 

“You live your life between your legs, Mav,” Goose said to his friend. 

“Goose, you could get laid in a place like this,” Maverick responded. 

“Hey!” Y/N yelled. 

“I mean, if he didn’t have the best wife in the world,” Maverick smiled, throwing his arm around her. 

“Oh shush it,” Y/N rolled her eyes and walked up to the bar. She ordered them all beers and leaned against the counter, looking around at the various club goers, her eyes spotting the familiar blonde tips and rolling her eyes. Who the hell wears sunglasses inside?

“You wanna know who the best is?” Y/N sighed and nodded over to Iceman, “Iceman. That’s the way he flies, ice-cold, no mistakes. Just wears you down, you get bored and frustrated and do something stupid, that’s where he’s got ya. Make you doubt everything,” She looked down at the red label of her beer bottle. Goose could feel the anxiety rolling off his wife and squeezed her hip. She smiled shyly at him as he called to Slider, Iceman’s RIO. 

Iceman made his way over to them, having taken off his sunglasses. Y/N stood up taller and smiled at them, greeting Slider with a handshake. She couldn’t help but notice the way Slider looked her up and down and she clenched her jaw. This was how most men in her field greeted her. Like she was going to be an easy lay, little did they know that the man who had her screaming was mere inches away from her. 

“Hey, mother goose, how are you?” Tom said, greeting them. 

“Good, Tom,” Goose said, shaking his hand, “This is Pete Mitchell and Y/N Y/L/N-” 

“The Devil of the Western Sky,” Tom smirked, “Oh we go way back, don’t we, little bird?” 

Goose shot his wife a look as she looked at Tom annoyed, “Tom, never the pleasure to see you again.” 

“Likewise,” Tom smirked at her, “Congratulations on TopGun,” Tom said, directing his gaze to Pete. 

Y/N leaned back against the bar, listening to their conversation, which was pretty much a dick measuring contest. Iceman was being Iceman, trying to prove how he was better than everyone. Goose noticed his wife’s sudden silence, usually she was the one to fire back when men like this would try and knock them down. Devil was infamous for pissing off old cranky admirals and getting under her male counterparts' skin, but there was something about Iceman that made her cower. 

“Mav, you must’ve soloed under a lucky star, huh? I mean, first the MiG and then you guys slide into Cougar's spot?” 

“And Devil here must just be along for the ride?” 

“We didn’t slide into anyone’s spot,” Goose said defending not only himself but his wife, “It was ours. And Devil is a great pilot, she earned her spot.” 

“Yeah, well, some pilots wait their whole career just to see a MiG up close,” Slider said, “Guess you guys are lucky and famous?” 

“No, you mean notorious,” Iceman said, knocking back the rest of his drink, “I’ll see you later,” He said, sending a wink in Y/N’s direction. She clenched her jaw as she watched them walk away, letting out a heavy sigh. 

“They were abused children,” Goose said, and Y/N laughed. 

Goose finished off his drink and then placed the bet for the night, and Y/N was thankful it didn’t involve anything to do with streaking down the cabin hallway. Instead, Maverick had to pick a lady to go talk to. Y/N scanned the bar for possible candidates when Maverick landed his eyes on a blonde woman across the bar. 

“I don’t know, it just. . . it just doesn’t seem fair,” Maverick said, “For you I mean, but uh. . .” Maverick placed a hand on Goose’s shoulder, not taking his eyes off the blonde, “She’s lost that loving feeling.” 

“She’s lost that. . . no she hasn’t.” 

“Yes, she has,” Maverick said and Y/N couldn’t help but giggle. The deja vu setting in as she could remember the night Nick had come over to her, doing the same act Maverick was doing. 

“She’s not lost that loving-” 

“She’s lost it man.” 

“Mav, come on.” Goose begged as his pilot walked away. He cursed and looked at his wife who was giggling, “I hate it when he does that, shit.” 

“Go get ‘em tiger,” Y/N smiled and placed a kiss on Goose’s cheek. 

Y/N watched from across the bar as Maverick grabbed the microphone, and Goose slid his aviators on his eyes. Her cheeks instantly pinked up as soon as Maverick started singing. She could only remember the mortified feeling she had when they all started singing to her some four years ago, and could see the girl that Maverick was singing too had the same expression. Goose looked at his wife and pointed at her when they shouted the chorus. Y/N giggled, hiding her face in her hands. The club erupted in cheers when the woman invited Maverick to sit down and Goose shook his friend’s hand. Y/N ordered them both another beer and walked over to her husband. 

“Success is mine!” Goose said, taking the beer from his wife. Y/N held her beer up and clinked the glass bottles together, “You think this one will stick?” 

“Have you met your friend?” Y/N smiled, “I’m sorry about Iceman.” 

“You gonna tell me why he gets under your skin?” Goose looked at her, his sweet brown eyes filled with love. She put her hand on his cheek and caressed it lightly. 

“Eventually,” Y/N smiled, right as the woman Mav was talking to walked by them. 

“Your friend was magnificent,” She said, fixing her chapstick. Both Y/N and Goose shared a look and then Mav walked out, fixing his belt. 

“Nah,” Goose said and Maverick just shrugged, “Dirty bird!” 

“Says you! Those walls are thin, I’ll have you know,” Maverick said, and Y/N felt her ears turn red as she hid her face in Nick’s back. 

“Well then invest in some ear plugs, cause I’m about to go make sweet love to my lady.” 

— — — 

Dogfighting was one of her favorite things about flying. Y/N was ready to get things kicked off in the air as her and Joker walked into the hangar in the morning. She wore her wedding band around her dog tags, knowing it wasn’t part of the flight uniform. Her and Joker sat up front, across from Goose and Maverick. The second they heard heels clicking on the floor as Jester was giving the brief on the civilian contractor, Y/N knew this couldn’t be good. 

Her suspicion was answered when the woman from the night before walked to the front of the classroom. She looked over at Maverick, who was hiding his eyes behind his aviators. When they were dismissed Y/N elbowed Goose for flipping off their instructor as they were explaining their interaction with the MiG. 

The sky was a beautiful blue as her and Joker took flight. She was doing her first HOP. 

“Oh screw you Jester,” Y/N said over comms, “Find him Joker.” 

“Doing what I can, Devil.” Joker said, looking around the canopy, searching for Jester, “On our tail. Come on Devil, do some of that pilot shit.” 

“I’m trying,” Y/N said as she moved their jet out of the way of Jester’s missile lock. She did the best she could to keep moving, but Jester was relentless, staying on her, “I’ve had enough of this shit,” She said, and pulled the joystick back, “Alright, gonna pull the break, and he’ll go right by.” 

“A little cobra,” Joker smirked. As soon as Jester put missile lock on them, she pulled up, flipping over them, causing Jester to spin. Wolfman let out a loud holler as Y/N flipped over Jester, getting behind him and putting missile lock on him right away, “Got ‘em! Jester’s dead!” 

“Fuck yeah!” Y/N cheered. 

“That was a good move, clear for landing,” Jester said over comms. 

When Y/N landed her and Joker did their “secret” handshake and they walked to the comms room to hear the other flights. She caught the end of Iceman’s, and he had successfully taken Jester down too. It was now time for Maverick and Goose. Y/N said a small prayer, like she always did when they took off, and listened to their comms. She clenched her jaw when Mav said he was dipping below the hard deck, knowing they were going to get yelled at for that. But she smiled when they had defeated Jester too, but it was short lived when Maverick decided to buzz the tower without permission. 

“And these are the people you spend your time around?” Iceman asked, leaning over her shoulder, “The one you married?” She snapped her head towards him, “I saw you both leave the club the other night, unless you are both committing adultery.” 

“Shut up,” Y/N sneered.  

“He’s unsafe and you know it. You might be the terror of the sky, but he’s just a terror in general. You hang out with him any longer and you’ll start your own rap sheet or worse. . . your own folded flag.”

Y/N didn’t talk to Maverick or Goose until later that night. Goose had come home, seeing her curled up on the couch in nothing but one of his shirts, and a book in her hands. He laid down in between her legs, his head in her lap. The conversation she had with Iceman was weighing on her heavily. She trusted Maverick and knew he wouldn’t do anything intentionally to hurt her or Goose. But it scared her today when they dropped below the Hard Deck and then their fly by. 

“I can tell you want to say something,” Goose said, his voice muffled. He rolled on to his back and looked up at her, “Say it.” 

“You scared me today,” Y/N said, closing her book and putting it down on the table beside them. Her hands went to his brown locks of hair, running through them, “You could’ve gotten kicked out, Nick. Both of you. We’ve been here for less than a week and you’ve already caused some shit. This can’t. . . It can’t be like this. I love Maverick and I know you love flying with him but. . . Goose you just have more than him to think about. I mean I would eventually like to have a family��” 

“I know you do,” Goose sat up and turned to look at his wife. He could see the worry on her features, and he grabbed her hands, kissing her knuckles, “I’m sorry.” 

As much as she got worried about when he flew, he got worried when she flew. She had her moments of recklessness when she didn’t want to particularly listen to a certain hard deck limit or CO response. But she had always made the promise to come back to him. He knew eventually she would step away from the Navy, she wanted a family, a couple kids and a big backyard on a ranch somewhere. He wanted that too. As much as he loved flying, he loved being with her. 

Goose sighed, “I gotta talk to him. When I first got here all I wanted was that trophy, now all I want to do is graduate.” 

“You will, we both will,” Y/N said, lifting his chin with her fingers, “Go talk to him. I’m gonna go to bed.” She placed a kiss on his lips and stood up from the couch. Goose couldn’t help but smack her ass as she walked by causing her to yelp, “Nicholas Bradshaw!” 

“Y/N Bradshaw!” Goose mocked back. She flipped him off and walked down to their room.

— — —

They hadn’t had a date night since they came to Miramar. After a hot day of playing volleyball against Slider and Iceman, Goose had promised to take his wife out to dinner. Besides, she looked too amazing sitting on the sidelines in just a bikini top and jean shorts, tanning her skin to not take out. Goose had made reservations off base, so they could actually act like they knew each other. Y/N wore a simple sundress and sandals, while Goose wore a classic Hawaiian shirt and his levi jeans. 

The restaurant was small and quiet, but just perfect for a night out. Goose couldn’t take his eyes off his wife as he pulled her chair out for her and kissed her cheek before taking a seat on his own. He wasn’t holding back in treating his girl. He ordered the expensive bottle of champagne and told her that she could order anything her little heart desires. It had been weeks since he got to take her out, they usually had a date night at least once a week. It was hard to have any privacy in general while living on a training installation. 

“To my beautiful wife, kicking ass and taking names and being number one in the class,” Nick said, raising his champagne glass. She clinked hers against his and took a sip, “Great balls of fire! This shit is good.” 

“Slow your roll Mr. Bradshaw, we haven’t even eaten dinner yet,” She smirked. 

“Sweetheart you are looking like a full course meal right there. Wouldn’t mind putting you on the table for-” 

“Nick!” She cut him off as she felt heat rise on her face, “I can’t believe Maverick let you go for the night.” 

“He’s got a date with the hot instructor,” Goose shrugged, putting his glass down, “I think he might actually like her, more than just having a one night stand.” 

“Yeah,” Y/N scoffed, “And I’m gonna win the TopGun trophy.” 

“You might,” Goose said, “You’re right behind Iceman and Slider.” 

It was true, Viper had released the points and standings today. Maverick and Goose held down third place, only a few points behind Y/N and Joker, and her, right behind Iceman. Of course, the blonde haired pilot had some comment about it, still not wanting to believe Y/N was there on her own merit. Y/N was used to Iceman’s comments, having been with him in flight school, it was Maverick’s comment she hadn’t expected. 

“Third? I thought we were doing better than that.” 

Y/N knew it was less of a diss at her and more of a comment about his own skills, but it still didn’t feel great hearing out of her friend’s mouth. Goose could tell that she had gotten into her own head, gently nudging her foot underneath the table. Y/N lifted her head and Goose smiled at her. 

“I lost ya there for a moment,” He said. 

“Yeah,” Y/N sighed, and was silent for a moment, before asking, “Do you think I deserve it? My spot, to win?” 

“What?” Goose asked, with shock on his face. He moved his chair closer to her, grabbing her hand, “Of course you deserve it. You got nominated and accepted fair and square. No one knew that you were a female when they looked at your packet, all they knew was a name and rank.” Y/N nodded her head, knowing that he was right, but something still felt off. “What’s really going on, Y/N? You have been. . . distant these past couple of days.” 

“I’m just scared,” Y/N said honestly, looking at her husband, “The more I think about it, what I’m doing and what it’s going to mean being a TopGun pilot, the more I start thinking about my future. You know Mav and I are both gold star kids. I don’t want to do that to my child.” 

Goose nodded his head, “You don’t want to fly anymore.” 

Tears brimmed her eyes as she looked down at the simple gold wedding band on her finger. She hardly ever wore her diamond ring, worried about it getting damaged or lost while she was on deployments or missions. 

“I don’t want to fly anymore,” She admitted, and looked up at Goose, who’s eyes were full of understanding, “I have three years of my contract left, and then I’m going to get out.” 

“If that’s what you want,” He squeezed her hand, “Then I’m going to support you no matter what. But you should know that if you want to have a family and keep flying, then we can still do that. I don’t have the tie to the flight world and the Navy like you do. I’ve had my fun flying around in the sky, I would gladly walk away from it too, if that means you can have the family you want and still fly.” 

Y/N smiled at him, knowing that he would say those exact words. Goose was a man who would jump in front of a bullet for a stranger, without even being asked. He knew how important it was to her to carry on her father’s legacy of being a Naval Aviator. Hell, it was the only thing that kept her going during those long nights in flight school and at the Academy. But Goose also knew how much she wanted a family. They had decided, before getting into TopGun, that they would start trying for a child as soon as they got back from their deployment in the Indian Ocean. They had spent many late nights, cuddled up close in the small twin bed bunks, listening to Maverick’s loud snores, and thinking of baby names. 

“You’re a good man, Nick Bradshaw,” Y/N whispered, rubbing her thumb over his hand. 

“I know,” Goose said, and Y/N playfully rolled her eyes, “It’s a curse, ya know. Good man, good looks, great ass. I really don’t know how I’ve survived it.” Y/N shoved him off but he quickly grabbed her hand and pulled him in close, “I love you, Y/N.” 

“I love you too, Goose,” She said and placed a soft kiss on his lips. 

— — —

They were in the home stretch. The final two weeks of the TopGun Academy, the final moments were it all counted. The pilots only had two more hops to prove their skills in the sky, before they would take their final exams and get their final placements. The standings had changed, going into this week, with Y/N and Joker now leading ahead of Iceman and Slider. There was a certain tension in the room, when the four of them found out, all of them sharing a quick glance before focusing back on Jester. He rattled off the pairings for today’s hop, Y/N and Jokers vs Iceman and Slider. 

“Are you ready for this Devil?” Iceman asked, walking down the hallway towards the tarmac. 

“Just another day Kazansky,” Y/N said back, keeping her eyes forward as Iceman looked her over. 

Preflight check went off without a hitch. It was basically muscle memory for Y/N as she looked over her plane, checking the fuel and oil logs, writing down her pre-flight mileage, and making sure all the necessary parts were working. Before climbing up into the cockpit, she looked up at the clear blue sky. Not a single cloud in the way, a perfect day to hit the sky, and yet, Y/N felt a sense of doom as she climbed up. 

“You ready?” Joker asked, strapping his mask on his face. 

Y/N sighed, “Yeah. As I’ll ever be.” She waited for command from the tower before she took off, Iceman right behind her. They followed the flight plan out before they got their designated distance away. Iceman flew right up next to her, looking over at her. 

“Devil, Iceman,” Jester said from his plane, “Fight’s on!” And he took a sharp left. 

“I’m in!” Y/N said, going after him, just as Ice cut her off, “Son of a bitch cut me off!” 

Ice had dove right between her and the plane, already too close to get proper missile lock on it. Y/N backed her speed down and dropped below Ice and the bogey, trying to give them room. Ice called out that he was too close and had to switch to guns. 

“Ice, move in or clear!” 

Y/N stayed tight underneath the two of them, having the perfect angle to shoot the bogey. She cursed knowing she could take the shot if Ice would just move out. She didn’t want to try in case he were to drop and get in her missile lock. 

“I need another 20 seconds then I’ve got it,” Ice called out. 

“I’m moving in, I’ve got the shot,” Y/N called, and started to pull ahead so she could get in a better ranger. 

“Come on, Devil, let's get in there! Come on!” Joker encouraged her. She pulled in, closing the gap and getting more visible to the jet above. Slider looked down and could see the determined look on her face. 

“Devil’s getting impatient, Ice. Come on, take the shot,” Slider said. 

“Ten more seconds then I’ve got him,” Ice responded. Y/N pulled her jet up, making her level with Iceman and slider. 

“Come on Ice, get the hell out of there!” Y/N said, keeping her jet steady. 

“Let’s do it, Devil,” Joker could see she was in perfect position to slide in once Ice moved. 

“Ice come off high right, I’m moving in,” Y/N called out the direction. 

“Five more seconds!” 

“Come off high right, I’m in.” 

“I’m off, shit!” Ice cursed and took off fast to the right, sending Y/N and Joker in his jet wash. 

“We’re in his jet wash!” Y/N called out, feeling the turbulence of the jet. She grabbed the joystick with both hands, trying to keep it steady, but it was no use as they lost their engines and started to spin. 

“Shit! We got a flame out! Engine one is out!” Joker called, “Engine two is out!” 

“Joker, I can’t control it, I can’t recover. Shit!” 

“It’s coupling out, come on Devil. We’re out of control, this is not good!” Joker called out, as they barrel rolled in the sky, before hitting flat spin. 

“Mayday, mayday, Devil’s in trouble, she’s in a flat spin. She’s heading out to sea.” Ice said, watching as his wingman’s jet traveled towards the endless blue. 

“Altitude eighth thousand, seven thousand,” Joker called out, feeling his body fight against the g-forces, “Six! We’re at six, Devil!” 

“I’m pinned forward, Joke. I can’t reach the ejection handle!” She cried out, as her body was pinned from the force of the spin to the dash of her jet. She tried to reach up to grab them but it was no use, “We’re gonna burn in. You’re gonna have to punch us out. Eject! Eject!” 

“I’m trying!” Joker groaned, reaching above his head trying to grab them, “Watch the canopy!” He called as he pulled the handles. Y/N did her best to cover her head as the canopy shot off. 

Being tossed from her seat she closed her eyes feeling the weight of something heavy hit the back of her head and the world going black. The last thing she could see behind her eyes was the image of Goose on their wedding day, smiling and waiting for her. She held out her hand as he took it and smiled at him. 

— — — 

He never wanted to be the husband in the waiting room. He didn’t do well with patience, always having to keep moving, keep doing something, which was why he chose to be a navy pilot in the first place. It kept him busy, kept him moving. But the second he met her, he was ready to give it all up and settle down. If she would’ve asked, Goose would’ve stayed home with their kids. So she could live out her dream of flying. He would’ve done anything she would’ve asked. Goose stood up as the doors to the waiting room opened. Joker gave him a grim look and walked away, not saying anything.

 “That must be good right?” Maverick said, standing up next to his friend, “He didn’t come give you the-” 

“It’s because he can’t,” Goose said, “But he can,” He nodded towards Viper who was standing by the door, “He can tell me that the department of defense regrets to inform me that my wife died in a training incident. That despite their best efforts there was nothing they could do to save-“ Goose let out a sob as Viper put his hand on his shoulder. Maverick clenched his jaw as his friend broke down in tears.

taglist: @damrlova @shanimallina87 @desert-fern @mygyn @cherrycola27 @sio-ina-bottle @topgun-imagines @bradleybeachbabe @xoxabs88xox @happypopcornprincess @bradswolfe @callsignharper @genius250 @lovelywiseprincess @krismdavis @eternallyvenus @dakotakazansky @pono-pura-vida @callsignartemis @starberryhorse @gspenc @poppyalice2001 @els-marvelvsp @t0kyoreveng3rs @spencvrr @kmc1989 @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @toobouquet @malindacath @sagittarius-flowerchild @senawashere @bradshawsprincess @smoothdogsgirl

[maverickaunnehir]

Oh no. I ship slider with merlin 😢

The real princess/baby-girl.

[blazingstar29]

Headcanon that Slider and Ice love how smol pocket sized Maverick is. They do every thing they can to make sure they can always lift him up and plop him on their... hip 😏. So even when they have a full desk job, they are still the fittest of admirals around because y'know. And Maverick gets hot for how they can manhandle him whenever but he likes to give them a challenge sometimes so he gets really good at squiriming out of their hold.

*taking notes* manhandling maverick…

I have my own HC that Slider eventually becomes a commercial airline pilot, but even then…Just six foot something buff ex-navy commercial pilot and his maverick backpack- I mean personal carry on.

Slider is taller than Ice so he’s got more leverage for some more creative ways of carting Maverick around, though Ice still gets his entertainment in.

Maybe a year or so after TOPGUN and they’re bored on a carrier, they figure out they can play helicopter with Maverick because the guy just doesn’t get motion sick. They take turns spinning around whilst holding Maverick by his ankles and for some reason they guy finds it fun. There’s also no gym onboard so after a while the running gets boring and they figure out Mavericks around the same length as a barbell. And whilst he’s no where near the weight any of them lift on the regular, they all have great core because he moves around. It becomes normal to see Maverick sitting cross legged on Slider’s back as he does push ups or for him to be clinging to Merlin’s torso as the RIO does squats. Ice of course is the only one who’s allowed to bench him because of the…hand holds he has to use.

Eventually Maverick gets bored of being the equipment all the time so he decides to start getting his own back. Merlin is his own personal climbing gym, that guy is enormous. But he gets Ice to support his legs as he tries to learn to do near verticals push ups and hand stands.

And when they’re back on shore and all alone, there’s other less innocent ways of making use of their size difference…

[crossthread]

Literally what the fuck do I do with myself right now??? I just finished reading @compacflt 's series Easier Done Than Said and I've completely lost my mind. It's so good. There might be nothing else as good as that series on earth rn. I need more. I'm dying. I've completely lost all of my shit and also all sense of direction. What do I do now. What the actual fuck.

Anyway anyone who sees this. Please recc me some more fics. Any fic. Doesn't have to be a topgun fic at this point. It just has to be beautifully written masterpieces that when you reach the end you're like, what the fuck is happening where am I omfg what did I just read holy shit type of feeling. Please. Save me from myself. I feel like an addict coming down from the latest high rn, which honestly doesn't seem to be too far from the truth.

Fandoms I'm in are: stucky, teen wolf, topgun, dc in general, also probably marvel in general, tlou, star trek, witcher, bnha, hp, hannibal, Merlin, stranger things, and several more that I can't think of from the top of my head. Put me out of my misery, please.

[bradshawsbaby]

Do you or anyone have a list of the TG students in the first movie?

Because I tried looking at cast lists but idk if I've got a complete list

Please I am desperate

I feel like I'm learning about new background characters in this franchise everyday 😭

These are the TOPGUN students I’m aware of from the OG film, but someone let me know if I’m missing anyone!

Maverick and Goose

Iceman and Slider

Hollywood and Wolfman

Chipper and Sundown

They weren’t at TOPGUN, but there were also Cougar and Merlin at the beginning of the movie. And Merlin ended up being Mav’s RIO at the end of the movie.

[eri-is-online]

Happy birthday to Tim Robbins, or as tg Tumblr knows him, Merlin!

The best 5 minutes of screen time to grace us!

[thatsrightice]

chapter 2 word count: ~4k

main themes: iceman angst, icemav, major platonic slice, hurt/comfort, big fluff, flyboys being flyboys, military-accurate (hopefully), aircraft carrier, everyone needs a hug (especially iceman), takes place a couple months after top gun, things will get worse before it gets better, emotional pain, maverick & iceman are oblivious af until they aren’t

pain: imminent

summary:

"In light of the current political climate and recent events, we put in a request for an additional crew to be sent to fill the gap in personnel and help us finish out our cruise. With previous experience in our squadron and one hell of a reputation, I would like everyone to welcome back from TOPGUN Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and Sam “Merlin” Wells. Boys, thank you for coming on such short notice.” Maverick slowly turned his head to look over his shoulder at Marco. Marco immediately looked away and Maverick bathed in how glorious it felt to be on the other side of the situation

[uss-kittyhawk]

V.2 of my "Top Gun" Fun fact/Info ramble

(@vivwritesfics here's more, apologies for the tag, just tell me if you don't want to be tagged in any other fact posts I might make)

prev post:

TOPGUN is a nickname for what began as the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School and is now known as the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program. Formerly located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, TOPGUN is now located at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. A media account of a TOPGUN class formed the basis of the movie 

A radar intercept officer (RIO) is a naval flight officer who occupies the rear seat of such aircraft as the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat. The modern-day equivalent of the RIO is the weapon systems officer (WSO), who is the back seater in the U.S. Marine Corps' F/A-18D Hornet and the U.S. Navy's F/A-18F Super Hornet. WSOs are depicted in Top Gun: Maverick.

Mav's Dad's name was Duke

It is thought that Duke is a reference to former U.S. congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who is a former TOPGUN instructor and the only U.S. Navy pilot ace in the Vietnam War.

One of the unused callsigns 'Tombstone' can be seen on a black fighter pilot helmet with three red arrows in promotional photos featuring Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson.

In several locker scenes, one of the lockers is labeled as belonging to "TEX". This is the callsign for one of the top gun instructors and MiG pilots that worked on the film, Lt. "Tex" William Spence.

The callsign 'Ghostrider' that Maverick uses for his plane was the name of a real F-14 squadron (VF-142), and a model of a Tomcat from that squadron can be seen behind Sundown in the shot where Maverick tells Slider he stinks.

In early drafts of the film, the character (Tim Robbins) whose call sign is 'Merlin' actually had the last name of Merlin, and his call sign was 'Wizard'.

Other real names of the pilots/RIOs were that are not otherwise mentioned in the movie, but only by their callsigns are: Hollywood: LT Rick Neven; Wolfman: LTJG Leonard Wolfe; Slider: LTJG Ron Kerner; Cougar: LT Bill Cortell; Merlin: LTJG Sam Wells.

James Tolkan's character is referred to as "Stinger" in the credits, but is never addressed by anything other than "Sir" throughout the film.

The call sign 'Sundown' is actually a reference to a squadron of F-14s called the sundowners that have the same sundown graphic on their tail fins as on Sundown's helmet.

Anthony Edwards is the only actor who didn't vomit while in the fighter jets.

When Maverick receives his orders to the carrier following the graduation ceremony, there is a pilot standing behind him, with a mustache and wearing sunglasses. The pilot is "Heater" C.J. Heatley, a real-life former F-14 air show demonstration pilot and TOPGUN instructor.

Tom Cruise actually had to wear lifts in his scenes with Kelly McGillis. Cruise is 5'7" while McGillis is 5'10".

The piano scene and the final bar/jukebox scene were shot in a San Diego restaurant called Kansas City BBQ, at the corner of Kettner Blvd and W. Harbor Drive. The restaurant housed many props and memorabilia from the film, including the jukebox and Maverick's flight helmet sits behind the bar in a locked display case. However, on June 26, 2008 Kansas City BBQ suffered a grease fire that destroyed much of the interior of the establishment. The restaurant has since been repaired to its original state, but all of the original Top Gun memorabilia on display was lost. (which SUCKS)

The scene where Maverick follows Charlie into the bathroom was filmed at the Headquarters Building at Recruit Training Command, San Diego. The Naval Training Center installation was later demolished in the late 1990's to make way for more Navy housing. Before the headquarters building could be inspected for demolition, the bathroom counter that "Maverick" leans on and "stress tests" was stolen (wonder who has it and have they "used" it??)

Riding on the back of this film's success, the US Navy set up recruiting booths in the major cinemas to try and catch some of the adrenaline charged guys leaving the screenings. They had the highest applications rate for years as a result.

^^it was later figured out that the volleyball scene was the most memorable....(the navy has the largest gay population of the U.S. Military)

The love scene between Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis was filmed after initial test screenings. Moviegoers complained that there was no love scene, so the company obliged. McGillis, however, had already dyed her hair darker for her next film. This is why the scene is tinted blue.

The motorcycle ridden by Tom Cruise in the movie is a Kawasaki Ninja 900 / GPz900R, then the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

The film was originally going to have a scene near the end where Maverick visited Goose's grave. A filmed version of this scene was never released, however still screen shots from what such a scene would have looked like are available on the special edition DVD.

^^and i'm pretty sure that's the one I have, but Idk how to get the footage off of the dvd, my laptop doesnt have a dvd slot

Filming and clapperboard of Top Gun on July 5, 1985.

In July 1985, Kansas City Barbeque served as a filming location for two scenes. The first scene features Goose and Maverick singing "Great Balls of Fire" while seated at the piano. The final scene, where "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" can be heard on the restaurant's jukebox, was also filmed at the restaurant. Both scenes were filmed consecutively. After release of the movie, the restaurant went on to collect a significant amount of memorabilia from the motion picture until a kitchen fire on June 26, 2008, destroyed much of the restaurant. Some memorabilia and props, including the original piano used in the film, survived the fire, and the restaurant re-opened in November 2008.

And that is all i have for now (July 4th, 2024) If you have any facts you'd like to share, my inbox is open. You are also free just to chat there too. Thirsting over Characters/Actors is also welcome.

[arickaandherfictionalothers]

Ask me for my TopGun family!

Pete

Nick

Tom

Ron

Sundown

Chip

Cougar

Merlin

Hollywood

Wolfman

Bradley

Jake

Robbie

Javy

Natasha

Penny

Amelia

MavDad

Popsicle

Here's another selfship f/o ask game! Feel free to use for your own self ships (and feel free ask me any if desired, just let me know which f/o and question)! Have a great day everyone 🫶🏻

💥 1: What is something fun you and your f/o have done together? It can be an activity, a silly moment, a good memory, etc!

🫂 2: What is something your f/o does that makes you feel loved and supported?

❤️‍🔥 3: What's your f/o's favorite trait about you?

😌 4. What do you and your f/o do together to relax or unwind?

✨ 5. What hobby or activity do you and your f/o do the most together or tend to enjoy doing the most together?

🍰 6. What sort of fun or sweet nicknames do you and your f/o have for each other?

🔥 7: In what ways does your f/o make you feel excited, giggly, happy, or positive?

❤️‍🩹 8. What is a deep or special memory between you and your f/o that means a lot to you/them?

🧠 9. What is something you love listening to your f/o talk extensively about, and what do they love hearing you elaborate on?

🥹 10. What is your f/o's favorite thing about you?

💫 11. What is your favorite compliment that you've ever received from your f/o?

💌 12. What is your f/o's love language(s)? (Gift giving, words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service.)

🌿 13. What's something that reminds you of your f/o? It can be a meme, a song, an aesthetic, anything that gives off their energy/vibe/reminds you of them!

☀️ 14. In what ways do you and your f/o make each other's lives more positive?

💬 15. Why are you so thankful for your f/o, and why are they so thankful for you?

[127-lz]

Unfinished but

✨the boys✨

🎀and girl🎀

[turbobuckeye]

"Good morning gentlemen, the temperature is 110 degrees." Its #TopGunDay! #TopGun #May13 #May13th #Goose #Maverick #Iceman #Slider #Charlie #Merlin #NeedForSpeed #DangerZone #TomCruise