It's different because it's hers! Isn't that enough?

[ If he gets stabbed by Ellie's keepsake, he doesn't think he would mind it as much, but that's not something he's going to admit to Maverick. Ugh, he misses her. And he's doing... not this for her, but has plans in motion for her sake, and he rubs at the bandaging over his arm. ]

It's 'cause it's her favorite. So she has to come back to get it back, like that?