Archive of Our Own ^beta

Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell had never really thought he’d be a father.

Growing up his dad hadn’t been around much—always on missions, and then not making it back from one mission in particular—and then his only thoughts had been about flying and getting into Top Gun and then he’d met Ice, and well, they’d had to keep their love secret so they could keep their wings. So, children was out of the question. (Not that he had been ready for kids back then, but yeah it was a pipedream more than just something he’d simply decided not to pursue).

And then Goose and Carole had had Bradley, and god, holding that little dumpling in his arms, well, he could say on good authority that Bradley Bradshaw was the bonniest baby there ever was, and he’d felt his life seismically shift when those big brown eyes at peered up at him, and he’d wiggled one, little pudgy hand at him.

There had been four wonderful years of them all being together; Mav getting to be an uncle to Bradley and getting to hold Ice in secret still, but as much as possible. And then Goose was gone, and Mav had to try and hold it together for Bradley even though he’d lost the man who was like a brother to him. And he’d done his best. He’d done everything he could to be a good role model for the boy who held his whole heart in his hands, only breaking down in the safety of Ice’s arms with the moonlight shining down on them as they curled around each other in their bed.

He'd only managed to be a father to that smiley little boy because his Wingman had never let him sink into his grief, and stood by him.

Ice stood by him when Carole was taken from them too. He held Mav whilst Mav held Bradley as the kid broke down in his arms at losing another parent.

Ice stood by him when Mav did the most stupid, but good-intentioned mistake of his life, when he promised Carole that he would stop Bradley from flying and following in Goose’s footsteps, and pulled his papers.

Ice stood by him when the boy—who was a man now—who was his kid in nearly every way that mattered, walked away from him with anger and despair, and devastation in his brown eyes, refusing to listen when Maverick tried to explain that he’d done it to stop him getting his wings only to fall from the sky way too young like his dad (a somewhat true excuse that hid the real reason he was trying to keep the boy on the ground). “That’s not a fate I want for you, Bradley. Don’t you get it?”

Bradley had looked at him when he’d said that, something raw and disbelieving in his eyes. “No, you don’t get it. I never wanted to fly because of Nick Bradshaw, because as much as I love him, I don’t really remember him. I wanted to fly because I wanted to by like my dad. I wanted to be like you, Mav. You made me believe I could do anything, be anything, but obviously, that didn’t include being a son you could be proud of.”

He'd walked away from Mav with a whispered, “Don’t ever talk to me again”, and hadn’t looked back. Maverick had stood there with his heart cleaved in two, and Ice had been left to help him pick up the pieces.

Even though Bradley had left, Mav didn’t stop being his father. He used every connection he had—and used Ice remorselessly and with surprisingly minimal grumbling from the tall blond—to keep an eye on his son, and to obtain updates on where he was and how he was doing.

His heart hurt at his own selfish act when he found out Bradley had graduated from Top Gun at the top of his class, because he was so fucking proud of him, but he knew his pride wouldn’t be welcome—he wouldn’t be welcome, and so he’d missed out on his graduation ceremony, meaning Bradley had stood there alone. Still, he comforted himself knowing that his boy was flourishing as he was meant to do, and if Bradley hated him, then he didn’t hate his mum, which was the main thing.

When DADT was repealed, him and Ice were at the nearest chapel the very next day. He may have screwed up being a dad, but he’d be damned if he screwed up claiming the love of his life. They’d loved each other in secret for years at that point (apart from Goose, Carole, Bradley and Slider knowing, because Ice was still close to his RIO), but he’d never been embarrassed about his love for Ice.

No, loving him just made him stronger. Made him try his best to be a better person, even if he messed up sometimes.

(“You did what you thought you had to do, Mav. Carole shouldn’t have made you promise, but I know you don’t break your promises. You’re a moron for letting Bradley hate you though. He’s gonna feel terrible when he finds out you just sacrificed yourself again, like the dumbass you are.”

“I’m a cute dumbass though.”

“Yeah, there is that.”)

So they got married and Mav wore his ring with his dogtags (one with his name and one with Ice’s on because they were romantic fools), and they told people who needed to know via filling in the relevant forms and staring down anyone who had a problem with it.

And Mav had gotten on with his life. Being a general nuisance and keeping his husband busy, and then apologising in the form of home cooked pancakes, and excellent blow jobs.

He’d figured that whilst he’d never stop being Bradley’s dad—no matter how much the younger man didn’t want him in his life—he wouldn’t be a father again. Him and Ice were too busy, and too clingy with each other after having to hide for so long to have little kids running round, so he accepted that he was a pilot, a husband, and a dad on the outskirts of his son’s life, and that was that.

That was fine.

And then he’d been called back to Top Gun; his husband’s face smirking on the other end of the phone when he called him as soon as he was dismissed by Cain. (“What the fuck, Ice?” “They need you, Mav. No one else will be able to get those kids ready.”)

He’d sighed internally even as he rode his bike to Fightertown with a smile on his face, and then went head-to-head with Cyclone, because Ice knew he wasn’t a teacher, so he had no idea why his husband had thought he’d be the best person qualified to do this. And then, he’d seen Bradley enter The Hard Deck looking tanned, grown up and like something out of Maverick’s prayers, and he thought it was lucky his husband was off being sexy and doing Commander of the US Fleet stuff halfway across the world, because Maverick would like to have Words™ with him about dropping his son in his lap with no notice. (He’d save the thank you rim job for after he was done being dramatic and shouting).

And then he’d become a teacher overnight. He got through it –the tension between him and Bradley (Rooster now, and god, that had been a gut punch to hear his call sign being said out loud after so long purposely pushing it to the back of his mind, because it just hurt still to be reminded of Goose), the tension between Rooster and Hangman, and the impending death sentence that was the actual mission—by calling Ice nightly, and asking him again and again, “Do you really think I’m the best person to teach these kids, Ice?”

And every night his husband would look at him with fondness in his stark blue eyes and say, “Mav, I know you. You’d already decided within a day of meeting them all that you’d give your everything to make sure these kids came home from the mission safe and alive, and that’s the main objective here. Not the bombing of the plant, but getting the kids home safe. That’s why I chose you, because for as long as I’ve known you and loved you, you’ve just wanted to make the world safer and you do it by looking after the people that live on it. And you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself if you didn’t do anything in your power to make it so Rooster was as well equipped as possible to fly this mission. Would you have been able to cope if I told you he’d been picked for this mission and you weren’t allowed to help?”

Maverick grumbled at him for knowing him too well, and then would give it his all the next day, and the next to show them what they needed to do to get the job done and come back in one piece.

Obviously, because he was Maverick, he’d been thrown off the mission, and then appointed Team Leader within 24 hours because he was the only one who could show them that the impossible mission could actually be done.

(He’d hated the distance between him and Ice when he’d told him he’d commandeered an F-18 to run the course without approval and all his powerful, Admiral husband could say was that he wanted to fuck his bratty ass so bad. Damn Ice being overseas).

And then he’d had to pick his teams, and even though there was a chance neither of them might come out of the mission alive, when he had to pick a wingman, he picked Bradley. Hangman and Coyote were brilliant pilots, but Bradley was his son. And despite everything, he trusted him with his life. Even if that trust was a fanciful hope at this point, and there was nothing from the past decade and more that indicated that Bradley would care if he lived or died, if this was going to be his last mission, he wanted his son with him.

Call it a selfish want from a man who only ever wanted to love the boy who had shown him what it was like to be a father.

The phone call to Ice before the mission had been brief. Not because he had nothing to say, but because he knew if he said too much he’d start crying. “You’re still my wingman, Baby. Bradley’s just filling in for you for this one.”

“I love you too, Mav.” Ice always knew what Mav meant, even if he hadn’t said the words. “Come back to me, okay? I want to see your beautiful face when I’m back stateside in two weeks.”

“I’ll do my best. I always do my best to come back to you, my love.”

“I know. Look after Bradley. Look after the other kids too, yeah? I want to meet the terrors that my husband has adopted.”

“You can count on it.” Because he’d protect them with his life if he had to. Because they were more than a team now, he knew it deep in his bones. They were a mashed up family, that had bonded whilst training for this mission, and whatever the outcome was going to be, those bonds would remain for life. Which, if he was to leave behind a legacy, Maverick would rather it was that than all the stupid shit he was infamous for. “Hey, if you adopt them with me, does that mean I can call you Daddy?”

Ice snorted, over the facetime call. “Mav, you’ve been calling me that for as long as I’ve known you.”

“I meant outside of the bedroom.”

“Go be a hero, Mitchell.”

“That’s Mitchell-Kazansky, I think you’ll find.”

Ice rolled his eyes, but smiled, because even though they kept their own names for all the professional things they did, they had legally changed their names to double-barrelled ones, because they could and they were still sickeningly in love.

“Love you.”

“Love you, more.”

And then he was flying, and they actually managed to hit the target—him and Bradley hitting a bullseye one after the other, because his son was incredible—and then he was being hit, but more importantly Bradley had been spared.

As his plane spun downwards and he managed to eject amongst the chaos, knowing he wasn’t going to land anywhere safe, he thought of Ice—who despite his call sign was the warmest person Mav had ever known and was his rock—and he thought of Bradley. He hoped the young man—who looked so much like Goose with his moustache and Hawaiian shirts he knows his Goose is laughing at him from Heaven—knew how proud Mav was of him. He hoped that by choosing him for the mission, for picking him in front of everyone and trusting him to be his wingman, his son knew that being his dad was his greatest role in life, alongside being Ice’s husband.

Of course, Bradley was a Mitchell as much as he was a Bradshaw, and so when Maverick was resigned to being shot at and left to bleed out on the snow, the enemy copter was shot down by none other than his idiotic, incredible son.

He ran through the woods at breakneck speed, his heart thundering in his chest the whole time, because Bradley was here, which meant he’d saved Maverick’s life—he’d come back for him—but it also meant he wasn’t safe.

He wanted to cry and laugh at the same time.

Ice would say it serves him right for teaching Bradley to not follow orders he didn’t think were right. Karma coming to bite him on the ass like his husband was wont to do whenever he got Mav underneath him.

There was some shouting, and hugging, and then running and flying. In an old F-14 no less. Having Bradley be his wingman and then his RIO—like Ice and Goose—god, it made his chest ache in the best kind of way.

Bradley told him to do “some of that pilot shit” just like Goose used to do, and he fought those bastards who threatened his kid like a momma bear. But he couldn’t fight without ammo, so when they used the last of the bullets, and there was a third fifth-generation fighter aiming to shoot them down, he told Bradley to eject.

But of course, things were never easy, and so he apologised to Goose for being unable to keep Bradley safe like he’d promised, and then he told Ice he’d see him again (knowing his message would make it through the skies as it was meant to), and then he waited for the end.

Only it didn’t come, because while he was busy being a protective momma bear to all his ducklings (yes he knows the metaphor is mixed up, but it works, alright?), he’d forgotten that those feelings of protection can go both ways.

He’d never been happier to hear the smirking, southern drawl of Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin over the comms, as much as he had in that moment.

Fuck, Ice was gonna love that kid. He was just like his husband.

He loved flying, but when his feet touched the tarmac of the carrier deck, he let out a sigh of relief. He’d done it. He’d gotten them all home safe. He hadn’t left Ice without a husband, and Bradley without a dad. (Though obviously he realised that relationship needed some work).

He watched Bradley and Jake (because he was Jake now, the kid had saved his life after all), smile softly at each other and shake hands, and he knew that look. It was the look he and Ice had shared all those years. The look they still share.

It’s that, ‘I don’t ever want to fly without you at my back, and I really like having you in my life’ look.

In between back pats and one-armed hugs, and smiles of relief, Maverick tried to sneak away to go somewhere quiet to decompress and call Ice.

He wasn’t as successful as he thought.

“Hey, dad.”

He swallowed and turned to see Bradley stood in the doorway to the room he’d slipped into. He never thought he’d hear that name from his kid’s lips ever again, and that along with the adrenaline come down, meant he was wiping away a tear before he could stop it rolling down his cheek.

“Bradley. W—What are you doing here?”

“I worked it out, you know.”

“Worked what out?” He half-collapsed on one of the seats in the classroom, because he was exhausted, and he couldn’t deal with this confrontation that was long overdue but no doubt going to be painful as well.

“Why you did it. Pulled my papers.”

“I told you—”

“Yeah, I know what you said. But see—” Bradley grabbed a chair and straddled it backwards, looking at Mav with an indecipherable look on his moustached face. Though curiously, betrayal, anger and hatred were missing from his brown eyes, giving Mav hope. “—I’ve had a lot of time to think, and a lot of time to re-evaluate shit. And I thought why would the person who picked me to be his wingman, who sounded so proud of me when I made the hit, who didn’t seem surprised that I had been first in my class at Top Gun the first time I was here, who sacrificed his fucking life for me like an idiot—why would that person go to so much effort to ground me before, when he knew how much I loved flying?”

He rubbed his hand over his jaw. “And then I realised, that this is the same man who would do anything to keep those he loved safe, and who takes his promises as serious as life or death situations.  I remember when you promised me you’d get me a specific bike for my 12^th birthday and you went all over the state and beyond to get it, because you said you never broke your promises.” A beat as Bradley scooted forward until there was only a few feet between them. “She made you promise, didn’t she?”

Maverick blinked away more tears as he deflated in on himself, the promise that had been like an anchor constantly weighing him down, finally lifting. “I’m so sorry, Bradley. I never wanted to hurt you.  I didn’t want you to die like your dad, but I also didn’t want you to never fly. You’ve always been a magnificent flier, but I could never deny your mom anything, especially not then.”

“Why didn’t you just say that she made you promise?”

“I—” Maverick sighed, because Ice had asked him the same thing back then too. “—I couldn’t risk you resenting her. It was better I take your resentment and hatred, than her. She already had enough suffering.”

“You’re a fucking idiot, you know that right, Dad?”

Maverick let out a wet chuckle. “I know. Ice tells me almost daily.”

“How is he?”

“He’s my husband now. And he’s still as amazing as he’s always been. Too good for me really, but stuck with me all the same.”

Bradley’s eyes widened before he smiled at him softly. “You got married huh?”

“Yeah. Day after the repeal. Didn’t want to wait in case I never got the chance again.”

“I’m sorry I missed so much of your life, Mav.”

Maverick shook his head. “It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I can never say sorry enough for everything, Son.”

“Didn’t think I’d hear you call me that again.”

“I never stopped.” He laid his fist over his heart and then reached over and squeezed Bradley’s knee. “You’ve always been my kid, Bradley. Since I first held you after your Mom and Da.”

“See you’ve managed to acquire about 6 new kids too, now huh?”

Maverick huffed out a laugh. “Apparently so. Don’t be too jealous.”

Bradley snorted. “Nah, I know I’m your favourite.”

“Always have been.” Maverick grinned easily, something that had been wound tight and painful in his chest all these years that Bradley had been gone, loosening with every word and smile between them.

“You weren’t surprised at me being there for the mission were you? I mean, obviously you were surprised to see me in person after all these years, but like I said before, you weren’t surprised that I’d made it there career wise?”

“No. I’d kept an eye on you. I couldn’t not.”

Bradley shuddered out a breath and sniffed back his tears. “You know, the team think you’re all alone, and need to be kept company.”

Maverick barked out a laugh, and raised an eyebrow at his son. “And did you inform them otherwise?”

“I mean—” Bradley shrugged and smirked at him. “—I didn’t know until just now that you were married, but I figured you were still with Ice, as the pair of you are like soulmates or some shit, for how he puts up with you—”

“Hey!”

“—it’s true, Mav. But no, I didn’t say anything to dissuade them of their assumptions that you’re a lonely, old man who needs some lovin’. Figure they need a new mission now they’d survived this one.”

“God, you’re a little shit aren’t you?”

“And whose fault is that, Dad?”

Maverick rolled his eyes, but inside he was ecstatic. God, he’d missed Bradley so much. “Yeah, yeah. I get it.” He stumbled to his feet and leant on Bradley when the younger man offered him his side to lean against. “Med bay?”

“Med bay.”

He called Ice on the way to getting all his aches and pains checked out, and when his husband saw Bradley stood next to him—holding him close and looking happy—well, it was the second time, outside of their wedding day, that Mav had ever seen Ice cry.

He was never going to be able to thank his husband enough for bringing Bradley back to him in that sneaky way he does stuff. He could only count down the days until he could make a start on showing his gratitude in person.

It’s not like he was going to be left lonely in the meantime, according to his son.

The perks of being a father, ey?

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

Bob ended up being the first to approach Maverick, after his mandatory 3 days recuperation period, because of course he was.

The bespectacled WSO was a stealth pilot, who always managed to surprise them all.

“Hi Bob.” He smiled at the young blond after opening his front door and seeing him stood on his welcome mat. “What can I do for you?”

“Uh.. hi, MavDad.” Maverick rolled his eyes at the nickname the team had taken to calling him. He didn’t discourage them though, as it felt nice. “You like movies right?”

“Um..Yeah?”

“And do you like Elvis?”

“There’s a reason he’s the King, pup.”

“Thank you! That’s what I said.” Bob cleared his throat and fiddled with his hoodie zip. “Anyway, they’re showing the new film, Elvis, on at the cinema, and wondered if you wanted to come with me?”

Maverick sighed internally, because he had no idea how anyone thought he was meant to say no to those big, blue eyes looking at him through his specs, like a lost puppy looking for someone to pet it.

“Let me just get my jacket.”

Bob gave him a blinding grin, and yeah, okay, Mav didn’t mind being tricked into a agreeing if it made one of his kids this happy. Plus Ice wouldn’t be back for another 10 days so he had time to kill, otherwise he was just going to stay at home and clean, which he didn’t really want to do.

“You know, it’s very forward of you asking me on a date like this, Bob.” He teased the other man as they walked down the road towards the cinema.

“I—It’s not—” Bob spluttered, his cheeks flushing, and then his eyes narrowing when Maverick started laughing. “—It’s not a date date. It’s a platonic date. I wanted some company, and I didn’t want you spending all your evenings alone.”

“Well, it’s kind of you to want to spend time with me. Plus, I didn’t think I was your type anyway.” He said with a wink.

“What’s my type?”

“Long brown hair, badass pilot, beautiful, callsign is Phoenix.”

Bob blushed, but didn’t deny it. “Shh. This isn’t about me. It’s about you. I just think someone as awesome and as handsome as you, shouldn’t be alone. You should be with someone who appreciates you.”

“Bob, I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m fine, I promise.”

Sure, he could’ve said he had a husband, but he doubts any of the kids will be believe him, as he hasn’t mentioned Ice at this point. They can meet him in the wonderful flesh when he’s back.

“If you’re sure? Cos I could set you up with someone.”

“I’m good.” He clapped Bob on the shoulder as they arrived at the cinema. Bob paid for the tickets and Mav paid for the popcorn (he got sweet, and Bob got mixed) and two ice slushies, because he fancied being a big kid for the night.

He had a nice time with Bob. The film was good, with the guy who played Elvis giving a phenomenal performance, and it was nice to just sit and watch a film with someone. Mainly because whenever him and Ice sat down to watch a film, Mav inevitably ended up in his husband’s lap, sat on his dick before the film was halfway done.

“Thanks for nice evening, Bob.” He gave the younger man a hug as they parted ways to walk to their separate homes. “And don’t worry about me. Focus on asking Phoenix out, alright? She’ll be a fool to say no to you.”

“Thanks, MavDad.”

“Get home safe, pup.”

“You too…oh, whilst I’ll respect your wishes about being set up and stuff, can we still do this again? You’re a good cinema buddy.”

Maverick’s face broke into a fond smile. “Anytime, Bob.”

He wandered home whistling Elvis songs, and then after hanging up his jacket and kicking off his shoes, he flumped down on the sofa and called Ice.

“Hi, Baby.” He grinned at his husband who looked smart and gorgeous as always.

“Hi, Sweetheart. You alright?”

“Yep, Just came back from a date.” He bit his lip, because he knew what the phrasing implied.

Ice just raised an eyebrow, because he was sure in Mav’s love for him, and had no reason to be worried. “That so? Was it good?”

“Yup. Went to the cinema with Bob. The kids are worried I’m all alone here.”

Ice rolled his eyes. “And clearly, you didn’t tell them you have a husband.”

“Nope.” He snickered. “Bradley didn’t either. He’s being a little shit, and I just think it’s cute that they care. Plus, nothing can really prepare them for seeing you in person, Baby.”

“Charmer. What film did you see?”

“One about Elvis. Got the songs stuck in my head now.”

“What was your favourite?”

“Trouble.”

Ice snorted. “There’s a shocker. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell-Kazansky liking trouble.”

Maverick stuck his tongue out at his husband, because he was An Adult™️.

“Is your tongue…blue?” Ice asked with a disbelieving huff.

“Yeah, had an ice slushie. Shame you’re not here, I could see if I could make your dick blue.”

“And then your tongue would just be white, Mav.”

He beamed at his husband, and blew him a kiss because fuck, he adored every single cell and atom that made up Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky-Mitchell. He really did.

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

Phoenix was next.

“Do you have shoes you can dance in, MavDad?” She asked, cornering him just as he was leaving for the day, two days after his cinema trip with Bob.

“Uh…yes. Why?”

She rolled her eyes. “To go dancing of course.”

Oh, of course.

“Am I… going dancing?”

“Yes.” She sounded like she thought he was being an idiot. It was a tone of voice he heard a lot from Ice and Bradley. “I’ll pick you up from yours around 7. Okay?”

Mav bit back a laugh, because she really was a force of nature. His only daughter, and someone he was immensely proud to know. “Okay, Firebird. I’ll be ready.”

Her smile was brighter than sunshine, and Mav realised how bad he had it for these kids and his role as their dad, because he couldn’t dance for shit, so wherever they were going tonight was sure to be fun.

Phoenix arrived at seven on the dot; dressed in a bright red, halter-neck dress that fanned out into loose, ruffled waves around her knees, and low red heels. Her hair was down and loose around her shoulders, and she had complementary make up on.

He whistled in appreciation and she blushed endearingly. He’d rummaged in his and Ice’s wardrobe for a smart shirt to wear, and settled on a dark green one and some black skinny jeans that his husband loved, because of what they did to his ass.

And the shoes for dancing, obviously.

He offered her his arm for the short walk down his front path to her car and she giggled in amusement.

He could be a gallant date, to fit the theme.

They arrived at a nearby Cuban restaurant and bar about 15 minutes later, and Maverick felt the atmosphere settle in his bones. Ice would love it here. He made a note to come back with his husband at some point.

They grabbed a table near one of the walls, that was close to the dancefloor that was off to one side, and ordered a shredded beef stew dish to share with white rice, black beans, and some sweet plantain. They had water to drink because they were going to sweat when they danced, and Mav enjoyed both the food and the company.

“So, as nice as this is, what am I doing here, Firebird?”

Phoenix sighed. “I’ve been wanting to come here for ages because I like to dance, and I didn’t want you to be alone. Plus I figured you could learn some dance moves and maybe catch someone’s eye?” She sounded hopeful at the end.

“That’s sweet of you, but truly, I’m not lonely or feel alone. I am appreciative of the company though, and for trying new things with you. And even if I was looking for someone, which I’m not, no one would approach me when I’m sat with the most beautiful person in the room.”

“Charmer.” She laughed, delighted. “And Bob said you’d say something like that. I had to try though.”

“I know you did. I appreciate the thought. You snared that adorable WSO of yours yet?”

Phoenix blushed and ducked her head as she took a sip of water. “Yeah, he asked me out yesterday. I’m trying here with you so I can see if I’d like it and then I can bring him here.”

He smiled at her, pleased. “Glad to hear it.” They pushed their empty plates into the middle of the table. “Shall we dance?”

The salsa music became louder as more people stepped onto the dance floor, and then Mav was wiggling his hips, twirling Phoenix around and generally making a fool of himself, while his daughter laughed and danced her heart out.

“He’s not gonna know what hit him.” Maverick panted out, when they finally finished dancing. “You’re gonna blow Bob away.”

“Seriously, it’s a loss you don’t have someone to practice these lines on, MavDad.”

“Trust me, they get their fair share of work.”

“Talking to yourself in the mirror, doesn’t count, Captain.”

“Ow, ouch. Burnt by Ms Firebird again.” He chuckled.

She drove him back home, and hugged him before he clambered out the car. He was on the phone to Ice before he’d even closed the front door.

“Boy do I have some moves to show you, Admiral.” He purred before Ice could even say hello.

“You went dancing?” Ice’s perfectly trimmed eyebrows rose towards his hairline, because yeah, his husband knew what he was like on a dancefloor.

“More like I went wiggling and twirling, but it was fun, and Nixxy had fun.”

“You gonna give me a lap dance when I get back?”

“It wasn’t that kind of dancing, Baby. It was Salsa dancing.”

“That’s not a no, Mav.”

“I know it’s not.”

He laughed as his husband flipped him off through the phone screen.

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

“Oh, double the trouble, tonight I see.” He huffed in amusement as he opened his door to see the grinning faces of Payback and Fanboy staring at him two days later.

“Grab your coat, MavDad.” Fanboy said, excitedly. “We’re going bowling.”

“And some shoes.” Payback added. “I ain’t taking you out in your slippers, old man.”

“I don’t think I remember asking you two to take me out though.”

“Yeah, but your memory can go with old age, MavDad.” Fanboy smirked at him, the little shit.

“Plus, we all know you’re just going to spend your evening sat crying over Bridget Jones or some shit, and we are sparing you that embarrassment and loneliness and are taking you bowling.”

“Assholes, the pair of you.” He rolled his eyes as he kicked off his slippers and shoved his feet into his cowboy boots, and grabbed his jacket. How they knew he liked Bridget Jones he had no idea, unless Bradley had blabbed, but considering his son loved the film as well, he doubted it. Probably just a good guess. “Just for that, you’re getting your asses kicked tonight.”

“Dream on.” They snorted as a pair, before hopping in their car and driving all three of them to the bowling alley.

Mav bit back a grin and let them think he was just spewing hot air. See, him and Ice loved bowling. They loved having a date night together when they could, and doing something competitive that didn’t involve them flying.

Plus they took it in turns trying to distract the other by wiggling their ass when they went up to bowl, with a high success rate on both sides.

Maverick may be a crap dancer, but he was a great bowler.

As Payback and Fanboy quickly found out.

“Oh, shit.” Fanboy groaned when Maverick scored his third strike in a row. “How are you so good at this as well as flying?”

“A lot of practice.”

“That’s a bit sad coming here by yourself, MavDad.”

Maverick rolled his eyes. “Who said I came alone?”

Payback just rolled his eyes right back at him. “If you had someone in your life, you wouldn’t be able to just join us for bowling at the drop of a hat.”

Which, fair. He’d usually agree on that, but that assumption also missed out the crucial bit of information, which was that his husband was in another country and wouldn’t be back for 6 more days.

Plus, it’s not like he can say, I play with my husband actually, he’s really good at sticking his fingers into tight holes. He’s great at bowling too.  Because, A) that would ruin the fun, and B) he’s pretty sure the troublesome twosome might choke on their nachos.

“Well I don’t play bowling by myself, so if I don’t have someone in my life as you say, how else are you to explain my mad skillz?”

Payback and Fanboy looked at each other at Mav’s ‘down with the kids’ impression, and then nodded at each other in silent agreement. “Alien.”

“I’m an alien?”

“Yes.”

He sighed and shook his head. “You’re both idiots.”

“Bit rude.”

“But probably fair.”

“You invited me along to what was clearly a date between you both, are getting your asses kicked and think I’m an alien. It’s definitely fair.”

“Being an alien with a spaceship would explain your insane flying skills though.” Fanboy reasoned.

Maverick sighed, again, and bowled his turn, knocking down nine out of the ten pins. “Boys, I’m not an alien and you don’t need to invite me along on your dates for fear I’ll turn into a pile of moss if left on my own for too long. I’m fine, and it’ll just be embarrassing if I keep kicking your asses all the time.”

The pair of them harrumphed, but agreed to go on dates by themselves going forward and only to invite Mav bowling when they wanted to lose badly.

When Mav called Ice that evening and told him two of his kids thought he was an alien, he had to sit and listen to his husband laugh at him for 9 minutes 43 seconds.

“I c—can call you M—Martian instead of M—Maverick.” Ice giggled at him; his face flushed with laughter.

He’s lucky Maverick adores him. “And I’m hanging up now.”

Ice’s shouted out, “Love you, Sweetheart” as the call was ended by a jab of Mav’s thumb, meant he couldn’t be mad at his husband for longer than one minute.

He called him back when he was no longer in a huff, and Ice answered like he’d been waiting for his call, because he had.

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

Like clockwork, two days later, his door bell went. He’d gone from having only Ice ring the bell of whatever abode they were staying in (depending on where they were stationed) because he forgot his keys, or the pizza delivery guy delivering food, being the only ones to disturb his evenings, to having seven kids who were determined for him never to feel unloved or alone.

It was very adorable and sweet, but also made him hold his breath in anticipation every time the door bell rang, as to who was going to be on the other side of it.

He knew it wouldn’t be Bradley, because his son seemed to visit him on the days in between these ‘dates’, but also because he had a key, so just let himself in.

So that left Jake, or, “Coyote, hi.”

“Hi, MavDad.”

“What do you have planned for me? Something energetic by the looks of your outfit.” Coyote was wearing a shirt, hoodie, shorts and walking boots.

“Thought you might want to join me for a walk around the Cabrillo National Monument and that area.” It wasn’t far and looked out on the bay. Mav had been there a few times and it was always nice to walk around.

“Sure, let me change quickly.”

The younger pilot made himself comfy in the living room, somehow missing the photos of him and Ice adorning the wall by the stairs. Mav snorted internally, because now it was just hilarious how they all refused to believe he wasn’t alone.

He knows that since Bob’s original date invitation, all of them are aware that he refuses any set ups or offers of company from people romantically, but he also knows they’re not going to stop until all of them have at least taken him out at least once, just so it’s fair.

And to be honest, he’s enjoying the days and evenings out.

It’s made the Ice-shaped hole in his life that bit more bearable as he waits for his husband to return.

He slipped on some shorts and walking boots, and grabbing his shades, and a light jacket, he whistled at Coyote to get up off his sofa and drive them where they needed to go.

The young pilot laughed and raced him out the door, and then they were driving along listening to music and feeling the wind in their hair.

The walk was nice. Coyote didn’t speak much, and Mav didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with pointless small talk. Coyote had a calming presence, and he guessed he’d adopted it to deal with Jake who was a lot, a lot of the time. (In the nicest way possible).

They took pictures of the scenery, the birds that flew around, and a couple of selfies which Coyote added to the group chat. Maverick laughed at the caption; Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s Mav-er-ick.

Coyote hadn’t even bothered suggesting setting him up someone, he’d just wanted Maverick’s company on his walk—because Jake talks a lot and always ends up trying to fight one of the gulls who looks at him strangely—and Maverick was happy to be invited along.

Didn’t mean the younger pilot fully believed he wasn’t lonely though.

“So, how come you don’t want to be set up?” He picked up a pebble and skimmed it along the picturesque water in front of them.

“I like my life how it is.” Which he did. He was very happily married.

“Fair enough. You’ll let us know if you want our help though right? You’re our MavDad as much as we’re your ducklings.”

Maverick chuckled and hauled Coyote close into a side hug, making him drop his next stone. “Yeah, I know, Wile E.”

“Funny.” Coyote rolled his eyes at the nickname.

They grabbed lunch and just soaked up the sun and the fresh air, and then drove back. Mav threw a grin over his shoulder as Coyote drove away, and then he was calling Ice after he’d taken a shower to wash away the sweat.

“Are you calling me naked, Captain Mitchell?” Ice asked, pretending to be scandalized even as his hungry eyes roamed over Mav’s bare and still damp chest.

“You’ll have to speak up I’m wearing a towel.” He giggled, because he’s always wanted to say that quote.

“I’m banning you from watching The Simpsons.”

“Sorry, Baby. Hopefully a mostly naked me makes up for it.” He winked, ruffling his damp hair and shaking his head like a dog.

“Seeing you always makes up for any stupid shit that comes out of your mouth, Mav.” Ice was sat on his own bed, and he looked soft and rumpled and the three days until he was back, were going to drag he just knew it. “How was your date?”

“How did—”

“The kids come by every two days, Mav. It’s an easy pattern to spot.”

“God, you’re sexy when you’re smart.”

“So all the time then.”

Maverick snorted, because Ice could be a dumbass when he wanted to be. Usually it coincided with Mav being naked. “I miss you so much, Ice.”

“Miss you too.”

“Want me to show you how much I miss you?”

Ice looked at him with a raised eyebrow and bit his lip. “Mav, are you suggesting phone sex?”

“Obviously. I’m in a towel and I’m horny.”

Ice deliberated for all of a second and then licked his lips. “Show me the goods, Sweetheart.”

Maverick wasted no time in whipping off his towel and then aiming his camera to show his hard cock that he was fisting. Coming a few minutes later to Ice’s breathless encouragement and flushed face on his screen was easy.

Coming up with an excuse for what the stain on his phone that he still couldn’t get off properly, when Bradley asked what it was the following day, not so much.

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

“Gooooood Morning, Pops.” Jake called out to him at 6 in the fucking morning two days later. Bradley had warned him that the blond was going to by early, but Mav wasn’t sure anyone could fully prepare for the full Jake Seresin effect™️ before they’d had their third cup of coffee.

He laughed internally at the thought of Bradley—who was not a morning person in the slightest—dealing with Jake’s sunshine-y attitude first thing. (Once they both got their act together of course). He looked forward to his son whinging to him about it.

Jake was wearing a cowboy hat and was dressed for a fishing trip. Thankfully Bradley had warned him what his ‘date’ activity was going to be today, so Mav was also dressed accordingly, if hunched in his doorway because he was tired.

“You are way too energetic for a fishing trip. You’ll scare the fish.”

He grabbed his stuff—most importantly his thermos of coffee—and they set on their way to Miramar Reservoir.

Maverick tapped his fingers against the door as Jake sang along to his playlist; the kid had a good voice, and he knew Bradley would love to know the cocky blond liked to sing.

Eventually they made it to the lake and set up their stuff in the hopes of catching something. Maverick sat back on his quilted blanket and looked at Jake who was chewing on one of his patent toothpicks.

He’s been on ‘dates’ with all the kids now (bar Bradley), but this felt different. Jake hadn’t mentioned anything about Maverick’s romantic life or supposed lack there of on the journey here, and this fishing trip seemed like something Jake had been wanting to do for a while.

“Jake, you don’t need to do all this—you don’t need to hang out with me, to get in Bradley’s good books, you know.” He said, because that seemed like the most obvious reason for doing this.

“What?” Jake turned to look at him with a confused and scrunched up face “Why would I care what Bradley Bradshaw thinks?”

Maverick looked at him flatly. “Pfft. Please, kid. Who are you trying to fool? I’m surprised you don’t have little cartoon hearts floating around your head whenever he’s near, you’re that far gone on him.”

Jake blushed adorably and tried to deny it. “No, I’m not…..” Mav continued to look unimpressed. “Okay, Fine! I am, but that’s not why I’m out here with you.”

“It’s not?”

“No.” Jake sounded slightly hurt by the assumption. “Of course I want Roo to like me, but I wouldn’t use you that way. I like hanging out with you Mav.” He tipped his head back and tilted his face towards the sun. “I…I lost my parents when I was very young. And then spent my childhood in foster homes, before I became a Navy rat.”

“Sorry about your parents, Jake.” The blond smiled at him and carried on.

“I’ve never really had someone in my life I can look up to—a father figure so to speak. But I look up to you, Mav. Despite you being smaller than me—”

“Hey!”

“Sorry, couldn’t resist.” Jake smirked at him, though Mav had the feeling the shades the blond was wearing were not only keeping out the sun, but hiding a wet sheen to his eyes. “But no, seriously. I know everyone in the team calls you MavDad because you look out for us, and for everyone apart from Roo it’s just a term of endearment as they have their own parents, but for me, you’re all I have parental figure wise. So, yeah I like Roo—pretty sure I’m in love with him—but that doesn’t change the fact that I like having you in my life all on your own, Mav. You earned your own spot there. You’re my role model now, so be careful. Wouldn’t want me to pick up any bad habits.”

Maverick was glad for his own sunglasses just then, because his eyes were suspiciously wet. “Oh fuck. That’s a lot of responsibility, Kid.”

“Think you can handle it?”

“Yeah, I think I can manage.” He checked his line and sat back when he realised there were no fish biting just yet. “Don’t go breaking Bradley’s heart though, okay? Don’t want to have to choose between my sons, alright?”

Because whilst he saw the team as his kids, he had a soft spot for the snarky blond who had gone against orders and everyone’s expectations to save his and Bradley’s lives.

“Please don’t make me cry when we’re fishing.” Jake wiped at his eyes and let out a watery laugh. “There’s already enough salt in the water.”

“This is fresh water, Jake.”

“Shh, Pops. I’m very emotional right now.”

Maverick chuckled and shook his head fondly. Underneath the snark and cocky attitude—which was well-earned when it came to flying—Jake was a big softie really. Perfect for his son.

“He likes you back, you know. Bradley, I mean.”

“Yeah? I’ll have to speak to him about it.” Jake stretched out his legs and wiggled his toes; having taken off his shoes and socks once he’d sat down. “Shame you don’t have anyone special, Pops.”

“Oh, I’m not lonely, Kid. I have someone special; don’t you worry.” He rustled in his bag for a chocolate bar and broke off a piece, handing it to his companion who took it was smile.

“You mean me and Roo, right?”

“Sure, let’s go with that.”

They sat in silence for a while, watching the lake and not catching anything; though Mav had the feeling the point of the trip wasn’t actually to catch fish.

“How did you know I love Roo anyway? You didn’t seem surprised when I mentioned it.”

“Because, Jake, anyone who can look at my son while he’s wearing fucking jorts, and still look at him like he’s the juiciest steak he’s ever seen, has a case of incurable love.”

Jake looked at him gobsmacked, his mouth open and closing like the fish they weren’t catching. “I—I can’t believe you just said jorts.”

“And I can’t believe that him in jorts turns you on.”

The blond shrugged as if to say, what can you do? “Fuck that, I wanna know who told you the word jorts.”

His husband. When Mav had rummaged in their wardrobe and pulled out a pair of frayed denim shorts he hadn’t worn since the 80s. He’d tried them on (they surprisingly still fit), and went and found Ice who had been making dinner.

Ice had taken one look at him and said, “Take those jorts off, right now, before I tear them off your tight, little ass, Mav.” He’d then proceeded to ravish Maverick on the kitchen table, and so dinner had been an hour later than planned.

Suffice to say, he never forgot the word jorts ever again.

“You’ll never find out.”

Jake gasped. “Papa has betrayed me.”

Maverick snorted and couldn’t contain his laughter at his dorky son’s antics. Yep, Ice was going to adore him.

They didn’t catch any fish in the end, but Mav still thought of it as a successful trip.

When he spoke to Ice that evening, his husband looked at him softly and just said that they’ll have to invite Jake around for weekly dinner along with Bradley.

He knew he would love him.

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

Maverick was antsy. Ice was due back later today, and he couldn’t concentrate. He’d missed his husband desperately, and just wanted it to be time to pick him up. But time was going so slowly.

He should’ve expected the doorbell.

He opened it and blinked because all seven of his kids were there. “Uhh…Was there a mass evacuation from The Hard Deck or something?”

“Funny, Pops.” Jake smirked at him. “We’re all getting dinner and you’re coming with us.”

Maverick looked at Bradley because his son knew Ice was arriving back that night, but Bradley just shrugged helplessly, like he’d tried to tell them not to ask him, but hadn’t been successful. Which meant they wouldn’t listen to him either.

Sighing in defeat, he grabbed his jacket, shades and his wallet, and shut the door behind him.

They grabbed a table at a local dinner; six of them piling in either side of a booth, with Bradley and Mav grabbing chairs and sitting at the end because Bradley had the longest legs, and Mav because he as The Adult™️ of the group and he didn’t want to have to squidge past anyone to get up to pee.

They put their order in and Mav tried not to look at his phone every minute, but he failed.

“What’s up, MavDad? Why do you keep checking your phone?”

“Yeah, all of the important people in your life are here.”

Maverick shook his head at Payback and Fanboy. “And you say Jake’s ego is bad. I’m picking someone up from the airport tonight. I just don’t want to be late.”

“Who are you picking up?” Bob asked innocently.

Bradley looked at him and bit his lip.

“Ice.” Mav said eventually; wondering if they’d make the connection to the legendary Iceman.

“You’re picking up ice from the airport? Why not just go to a grocery store?”

Sometimes, Mav thinks Fanboy shouldn’t take his lesson of don’t think, just do, to heart so much.

“No…Ice?!” His eyes widened as he saw his husband striding towards him with intent. The group sat in the booth all turned to look in the direction Mav was looking at and they all gasped and squawked in shock. They tried to get to their feet to salute the Admiral, but they were all squished in and didn’t really manage it.

Maverick waved at them to sit down. “What? What are you doing here? I was supposed to pick you up?” Not that he wasn’t happy to see his husband, because he was, just confused how he was here earlier than expected.

“Got an earlier flight. Didn’t want to be away any longer.” Maverick smiled softly and nuzzled Ice’s palm when the taller man carded his hand through his hair. Ice bent down and kissed Maverick like he hadn’t seen him in two months, and they only parted when Bradley cleared his throat loudly next to them.

“So…” Jake was the first to speak. “When you said you had someone special in your life, you meant—”

“My husband, yes. Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky, these are the kids I’ve been telling you about. Kids, this is my Ice.”

Ice smiled and gave them a little wave, reaching over to ruffle Bradley’s hair and smirking as the moustached man squawked in indignation, before he looked at them seriously and pulled Mav’s seat back. “It’s lovely to meet you all, and we’ll do this again properly soon, but if you’ll excuse me I haven’t seen my husband in person for over two months, so, we’ll be going now.”

And then Ice hoisted Mav up and over his shoulder, carrying him out of the diner with no cares for the looks they got or his fists as they batted at Ice’s back.

Fuck, it was good to have his husband back.

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

“You knew the whole time, didn’t you, Roo?” Jake swung his gaze to Bradley. “And you didn’t tell us. You didn’t tell me!”

“Yeah what gives, Bradshaw.” Phoenix leant over to flick him on the arm.

“Thought it would be funny seeing your faces when Commander of the US Fleet, Tom Kazansky came wandering in to pick up Mav, and I was right. It was hilarious.” The waitress brought out their food, and they all helped themselves to Maverick’s plate. “You know he could’ve told you anytime right? He only didn’t say anything because he likes spending time with you all, and no doubt he figured you wouldn’t want to hang out with him if you didn’t think he was lonely.”

“Well, that’s bullshit!” They chimed in as one.

Bradley huffed out a laugh and ate a French fry. “That’s Mav. He’s a dumbass, but impossible not to love. Trust me.” Even when he’d tried to hate the man who was his dad in all but name, he’d never fully managed it.

“You could’ve told me though, Roo. I thought we were…connecting.” Jake aimed sad, green eyes his way and Bradley smiled.

“If I take you out on a date, will that stop you pouting?”

“Make it at least ten, and you’ve got yourself a deal, Sugar.”

“Can we do anything to show Mav we love him even when he’s not lonely?” Bob asked, taking a sip of his banana milkshake.

Bradley scrunched up his face in thought, and then grinned at them. “Yeah I have an idea, and I’m pretty sure Ice will go for it too. You just need a fancy suit or dress. The dress option isn’t just for Phee, either.” He winked at Jake and smirked as the blond blushed.

Phoenix high-fived him, and then they ate their food, assured in the knowledge that Bradley had an idea of how they can show their love for their MavDad, and their new, tall, blond, awe-inspiring IceDad (because there was no way, any of them were passing up the opportunity to be adopted by The Iceman).

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

To say Maverick was surprised by the doorbell ringing two days later, was an understatement. Especially because it was Bradley.

In a suit.

“Am I being punk’d?”

Bradley snorted. “No, Dad. Go change into a suit and brush your hair.”

“What? Why?” He asked, even as his son shoved him in the direction of his bedroom. Ice had been gone when he’d woken up and Mav had been moping around the house, and was not mentally ready to deal with a determined Bradley Bradshaw.

“Because I said so, Captain. Your nicest suit please.”

“My nicest suit is what I wore when I got married.” He grumbled, as he wriggled out of his pyjamas.

“That’ll do.”

Maverick glared suspiciously at his son, but still co-operated and put the grey suit and white shirt on. He styled his hair and put on his shoes. His shirt was left undone enough to see the chain of his dogtags and his tanned skin.

“Come on.”

Bradley wouldn’t tell him anything about where they were going, so Mav stopped asking, until his eyes widened as they stopped outside the small chapel that him and Ice had gotten married in originally.

“Wha—"

He was pulled gently into the chapel and his mouth opened in shock as he saw Ice stood at the end looking more beautiful than ever in the suit he’d worn all those years ago. Stood around him were his kids.

“Oh.” He swallowed past the lump in his throat as he reached out and grabbed Ice’s hand. “I—What’s going on, baby?”

Ice reached out and stroked his thumb across Maverick’s cheek. “Your kids wanted to do something to show you that they love and adore you, Sweetheart. And Bradley pointed out that none of them had been there when we got married, so if it’s okay with you, we’re gonna renew our vows 11 years after we said them the first time.”

“I don’t see a problem with those orders, Admiral.” He breathed out, trying desperately not to full on cry with happiness.

“I didn’t think you would, Captain.”

They spoke their vows softly, and while staring into each other’s eyes, unable to look away from the love that shone brightly, even all these years later. Ice took his dogtags and ring off from around his neck and Maverick followed suit.

“You can be my wingman, anytime.” Ice said as he placed the chain that had hung against his chest for decades at this point over Mav’s head, until it clattered softly against his sternum.

“Bullshit. You can be mine.” Maverick replied with a beaming grin and tears falling down his cheeks.

All the kids whooped and cheered and Bradley grabbed him in a bone-crushing hug, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here the first time.” He whispered into the crook of Mav’s neck.

“No need to apologise, Son. You’re here now, and that’s all that matters.”

“Hey, Bradshaw.” They both turned to look at Jake who was smirking at them.

“What, Seresin?”

“Want to exchange dogtags when we get married?”

Bradley spluttered. “We haven’t been on a date yet!”

“That’s not a no.”

Ice chuckled deep and low, and Maverick fell in love with him all over again at the wonderful sound. “Mav, I love this kid.”

Everyone else started laughing as Bradley blushed, but allowed himself to be dragged into Jake’s side, a soft kiss pressed against his temple.

Maverick stood on his tiptoes to kiss his husband and melted into his embrace.

No, Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell-Kazansky never thought he’d be a father, but he’d loved one boy as his own for over 35 years at this point, and he’d picked up 6 other kids on the way, so he guessed he wasn’t that bad at this parent thing after all.