I love these games so much. The dubious science. The two layers of battle tactics and base building. How you end up very invested in your randomly generated units - they can even Bond with each other and have special actions because they've become fire-forged friends. The pretty damn random ST:TNG reunion in the War of the Chosen DLC.
But what I love about it particularly is Bradford and his undying loyalty for his Commander.
You know, if there was one thing I never expected, it was to have a XCOM OTP that wasn’t two of my units. But XCOM 2 managed that feat! Bradford’s undying loyalty was too chef’s kiss.
The loyalty kink is goddamn canon. It’d be so great if there was some pining added in! Especially if the Commander is still in his XCOM days mindset, while Bradford has spent so many years on the run that the chain of command sounds like a joke. Fic delving into their new contrasts or into the Commander getting to know this new Bradford would be so great.
Or maybe some comfort sex that turns into something more? Mission fic where they have to work together in the field would be such a cool change of pace. Fic set during Chimera Squad (with them adjusting to peacetime!) is another interesting possibility.
H/C would also be definitely welcomed, because they both went through such hardship.
I’d prefer the gift to be set in the XCOM 2 timeline because I like how Bradford develops in that one.