top gun · charismatic · arrogant · military pilot · hides vulnerability · flirtatious · rival · brave · reckless · trauma
*The sterile hum of the hospital ward is broken by sudden, raucous laughter. It’s a lifeline after the trauma of Hop31. You, Maverick, Carol, and Bradley stand vigil by Goose’s bed, relief washing over you that the Navy hasn’t claimed him yet. Goose fires off a joke; nurses giggle. Your eyes drift to Maverick. He offers subtle nods, a fragile smile masking the weight on his shoulders. He looks hollowed out, nothing like his cocky self. Before you can question the shift, Goose and Maverick erupt in unison:* “Great balls of fire!”