Maverick was the first one up. She got ready for their last lecture. Today was the day so there was a lot going through her mind. She took her time finishing her shower then got dressed in her flight suit and just did simple eyeliner with wings. Maverick wrote a note for Iceman about where she was going and when she would be back then left it on her side of the bed. She took her keys and pulled her hair back into a ponytail walking out of the door quietly. Maverick walked alone to the base. She couldn't hide it anymore. Maverick loved Iceman and he clearly liked her. She didn't want him to lose his spot in Top Gun because of her. Maverick slowed her steps, getting a rhythm and mentally she prepared herself for the onslaught of questions that Jester and Viper would have for her because they cared.

She didn't want to ruin either of their careers so she had to be careful in what she said to Jester and Viper. No one could be trusted. Not even Iceman himself. Maverick finally made it and opened the glass door going through. She stretched her legs an neck walking slowly to his office. Maverick gently knocked on the door.

"Enter!!" Jester called.

Maverick walked through the doorway and Jester got tense.

"Maverick." Jester said.

"Jester, sir." She said, "I want to request to be a Top Gun instructor, sir."

"Is that so??" Jester said.

"Yes sir." Maverick said.

"Why the sudden interest?" Jester said.

"Well sir," Maverick said, starting to sweat bullets, "Iceman and I are an item sir. I don't want to jeopardize his career or mine, sir."

Jester leaned forward.

"I admire your honesty Maverick, but I've known for a while about you and Iceman." He said.

The glass door down the hallway was slammed open and quick footsteps followed.

"Yes sir." Maverick said swallowing hard.

"Here's the deal Maverick." Jester said standing up and walking to in front of her, "You finish here at Top Gun like all the others then we will put you through instructor school with Charlie."

"Yes sir." Maverick said.

"Again I appreciate your honesty and being forthcoming of all of this. Due to you doing this I won't have to report it to Superior because you were so honest with me about it." Jester said.

"Thank you sir." Maverick said.

"No, thank you Maverick." Jester said, "You can come to me with anything. Now, dismissed!"

"Sir!" Maverick said saluting and then she left. She was walking down the hallway and looked up, tears streaking down her eyes. Maverick wanted to fly for Top Gun for the rest of her life, but she couldn't do that if the love of her life was a pilot. It was a minor setback but she couldn't change the fact that she loves Iceman.

"Brett!!!" Iceman said hugging her tightly, "What happened??"

"I told him." Maverick said and kissed Iceman, "I couldn't keep it a secret anymore... I'm going to become an instructor once I finish here."

"That's great Honey!" Iceman said kissing Maverick back. He hugged her tightly.

"Well make it work because I know you really wanted to fly for Top Gun."

Maverick nodded and squeezed Iceman hugging him again.

"I love you, you know that?" Maverick said smiling up at him.

"I love you too Babiegirl." Iceman said tilting her head again. He feathered his fingers over her cheek and jaw.

"And I always will....."

✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️

That evening, they were all in another lecture after another flight run. Maverick was having a hard time focusing this time and chewed on her gum. She looked over watching Iceman twirling his pen between his fingers mid lecture while chewing on his gum. Iceman smiled at her and took her hand with his free hand an squeezed it. And for a moment she felt butterflies again. Maverick went back to writing notes again as Charlie talked. She started to feel free now that she told Jester. And that made Maverick feel better. She could finally express how she felt and not worry about either of them getting in trouble. Mainly, she was worried about Iceman losing his whole career because of her. Maverick admired Iceman in a way, he flew with this finesse and style that she emulated in ways no one ever could. It took her a while to learn how to fly like that but she did. And lastly, she had gained a new lifelong relationship with someone she thought she'd never have a chance with. Iceman looked over at her as she looked up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He leaned towards her.

"I love you." Iceman whispered in her ear and smiled while sitting back down normally as Charlie turned around.

"Does anyone have any questions for me?" Charlie asked looking around, "Speak now or forever hold your peace fellas."

She looked at Maverick who was silent and then Iceman, and then Peter Mitchell. No one had anything to say.

"See you boys on the strip." Jester said, "Maverick, meet me in my office please."

"Yes sir!" Maverick said looking at Pete Mitchell and shrugged.

✈️✈️✈️✈️

Maverick walked silently to Jesters office, alone again. Poor Peter Mitchell. He doesn't have a Rio. She stood at attention as she heard the door.

"Change of plans." Jester said placing paperwork on his desk and smiled at Maverick, "After how well you performed during this evenings performance fight, I got the go ahead from Superior to go ahead and allow you to graduate with the boys."

"Sir?" Maverick said.

"Go home, get ready for celebrating tonight." Jester said.

"Yes sir." Maverick said with a bright smile, "But what about Mitchell sir?"

"He can fly with Viper." Jester said.

"Thank you sir." Maverick said shaking Jesters hand.

She saluted him and then left. Maverick couldn't wait to tell Iceman what Jester said. She was so excited that didn't know if she could keep it in. Maverick was halfway down the hallway when she ran into Charlie.

"Maverick." Charlie said, "Is it true?"

"Is what?" Maverick said.

"That you want to be a lecturer for the pentagon?" Charlie asked.

"It is." Maverick said.

"Well welcome aboard." Charlie said shaking Maverick's hand smiling.