#Iron Man Director of SHIELD

[dayfalwastaken]

Crash-landing

An awesome panel from the Director of Shield run, as shown in the Art of Iron Man 3 book.

[fictionalgod]

 - Iron Man: Director of SHIELD

[lemonnsss]

Moral of the Story: Chapter 7

Warnings: None, I think... (slight coercion?? maybe??)

MotS Masterlist

Taglist: @vicmc624 , @mostlymarvelgirl , @yvonneeeee, @beetlejuicesupremacy , @moonlightreader649 , @whattheduckisupkyle , @chrisevans-realwife, @nekoannie-chan , @mrsbarnes32557038 , @imyourbratzdoll , @weallhaveadestiny

Word Count: 1.1k

“My name is Director Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. a secret division of the U.S. government. And around this time last year, someone hacked our system. The only person with the capability to do that is Mr. Stark here. There were a few search queries we were able to recover. They were all related to superhuman abilities that can heal or transfer physical harm. Around then, the ‘X-Men' vigilante team started slowing down, switching out their strongest members with a noticeable lack of two of their constants, Cyclops and Lifemender.” Director Fury remained still, arms crossed.

Crap. He knows everything, down to the name I was given, “I-I’m sorry, I don't believe I follow.”

“You are Lifemender, Mx.-”

“Kyrie. Call me Kyrie. Just, please, stop butchering my last name.”

“My apologies, Mx. Kyrie.” His voice rang with sarcasm, intentional or not. He walked about a third of the distance between where he stood initially and where I stood while extending his arm gesturing to me, “We at S.H.I.E.L.D. need your, unique abilities. We recently found an operative who has been missing for quite some time. We recovered him about a month ago, but he’s still unconscious. That is where you come to play.” 

“Let me guess, you want me to what- make him conscious?”

“Basically.”

“I can’t do that.”

“I’m sorry, this isn’t a request.”

“No. As in I physically cannot bring him back into consciousness. I can heal physical injuries and illnesses, but what you’re asking of me isn’t something my powers can do.”

“Well, if that’s all you came to ask- leave.” Tony piped up, moving from behind his desk to his mini bar, drink in hand.

“Unfortunately, due to your past helping a vigilante organization I’m afraid it’s between this and prison.” Tony choked on his drink, “You don’t need to wake up the agent. All you have to do is one- sign an NDA and two- show up and do what you can. If things don’t work out the way the science geeks want I won’t hold you accountable but your participation is required.”

“Okay.” I breathed heavily, fidgeting with my hands, “If this doesn't work none of the fire will be blown back my way?”

“Everyone involved has already signed an NDA regarding what happens while on site. I know what happened in Milan, if someone has loose lips they will be taken care of. You will be as safe as I can promise.” I was trembling, on one hand, this could lead to another purge of mutants, I could be tested on again, or maybe I could just go to prison, “I know damn well your shoes are not that interesting.”

“The last time I was involved with the U.S. Government I was tested on and treated with less dignity than a sewer rat. How am I supposed to know that it won’t happen again? That all of this isn’t just an elaborate path to resume your testing?”

“I’m sorry, testing-” Tony tried to speak.

“Trask, his associates, and all personnel who supported Trask’s actions have been terminated and replaced.”

I couldn't help but chuckle, he must be used to having the information that when there’s a gap he doesn’t even know to fill, “I’m aware. Are you aware that I’m twenty-six?”

Silence filled the room, I couldn’t tell if the director was trying to piece together this puzzle or do the mental math.

“Can someone explain what is happening?” Tony spoke, finally getting a full sentence, “Trask was a businessman in the late sixties-early seventies before he was found selling national secrets to foreign offices. What does he have to do with- well, whatever this is?”

Fury and I both shifted to face Tony, “Mr. Stark, that is the public reason for his removal and imprisonment. Not to say they were false accusations, but he was far more involved with the Government than most know. Bolivar Trask was conducting highly-illegal experiments for the U.S., of which all subjects were of the genetic group known as ‘mutants’. He was ousted after a mutant saved the president’s life.”

“Okay, but then Kyrie was born a decade and a half after Trask got-“

“I understand that. But if it wasn’t Trask then who”

“Does it matter now?”

“It does, but not as much as getting you to the triskelion.”

“Then let’s go.”

After spending the rest of the day packing, then on a five-hour flight, topped with a thirty-minute drive, I stood in front of a behemoth of a building. Three concrete columns, joined together by a central cylinder in what must look like a radiation symbol from above.

The three of us, and the redoubtable presence of the two men’s security teams. As we crossed the bridge over the river leading into the facility the Director spoke, “This is the triskelion. You’ll be working in one of the secure underground levels. If that's alright?”

“I’ll be fine, I think. Probably…”

Tony practically huffed behind me, followed by a noticeable uptick in his pace to walk in front of the director and me, “Well then, if you’re fine with it, I’d like to hurry this along. I will need my secretary for a fair bit of work.”

“Calm your shit, Stark. My business with Mx. Eirsson.”

 “Then let’s get this over with.” I walked past Tony and towards the lobby.

From even a few yards off I could see the inside of the building, the first visible story was somewhere between millennial gray and beige, but as soon as the front doors I saw the second story was painted black with natural wood accents- the opposite wall an off-white painted brick- sleek and withdrawn.

After all my ogling Tony nudged me with his shoe to let me know I was falling behind. I followed him and the director towards an elevator that, apparently, had a keycard reader. The heavy metal doors opened with pristine smoothness Tony and the director stepped in after a moment I stepped into the elevator with them, two MIB-looking men stepping in with us, and watched the director as he pressed the button labeled B3.

The descent was silk-smooth, the stop slight and subtle before the doors opened into a sterile, metal corridor. Director Fury walked through the twists and turns of the passage with efficiency- I struggled to keep up with him, almost hitting a few corners along the way- before he opened a door and motioned for me.

I walked through the doorframe into a flat, white room. There was a medical bed in the middle of the room, surrounded by hospital machines, occupied by an almost-too-tall blonde man I recognized from Logan's lectures.

"Director?"

"Yes? Is there a problem?"

I turned to face him, "You never said my 'patient' was Steve Rogers, Captain Rogers, Captain America..."

[hjbirthdaywishes]

April 2, 2024

Happy 62 Birthday to Clark Gregg.

[vertigoartgore]

2007's Civil War : The Initiative #1 cover by Marc Silvestri.

Also used as a variant cover for a What If ? Civil War issue.

[fluffystevefest]

To give everyone time to plan and plot, here is the full list of daily themes and on-theme prompts for Fluffy Steve Fest, as well as the extra challenges for the day of Steve's birthday!

These are intended to jumpstart your ideas and you are encouraged to intepret them freely, but you don't need to use them. As long as you create a work that fits the rules & guidelines and post it during the event, it counts and will be included in the event.

Full schedule & rules here!

JULY 1: AFFECTION

☆ Handholding ☆ Touch-starved ☆ Kisses ☆ Aftercare

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

JULY 2: HURT

☆ Separation anxiety ☆ Scarring ☆ Overstimulation ☆ Rescue mission

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

JULY 3: ERAS

☆ Artist ☆ Soldier ☆ Showboy ☆ Icon

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

🎂 JULY 4: BIRTHDAY 🎂

☆ Aging ☆ Wishes ☆ Dancing ☆ Party

Extra Challenges Feel free to mix and match with the prompts!

Assemble: Create a work with a partner or team.

Honeymoon: Explore a Steve pairing that's new to you! Romantic, platonic, a secret third thing - it all goes.

Vitaray Chamber: Feature non-serumed Steve and/or explore an effect of the supersoldier serum.

Switcheroo: Reimagine Steve in the role of another canon character (ex. Iron Man, Winter Soldier, Falcon, SHIELD director, etc).

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

JULY 5: BEDROOM

☆ Shirtless ☆ Praise kink ☆ Discreet packaging ☆ Aphrodisiac

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

JULY 6: CLOTHES

☆ Undershirt ☆ Uniform ☆ Leather jacket ☆ Someone else's

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

JULY 7: STEVE'S...

☆ Childhood ☆ Habits ☆ First times ☆ Happy ending

[tony-stark-ing]

Iron Man Director of SHIELD cover art

[haveihitanerve]

Steve doesn't go back in time and stay there with Peggy, but he does retire the shield. He is satisfied with the rumors that he lives on the moon, and moves to a farm house out in the country. Pepper invites him over every day for dinner, and he takes on the role Tony would have had with Morgan. Not her father, never her father, but hes there. A stable father-figure, a male in her life to show her what a real man is like. He helps Pepper cook and washes the dishes and sometimes they dance together, not romantically, but just because Steve likes dancing and Pepper misses her husband. He takes Morgan out when Pepper is feeling too depressed and doesn't want her daughter to see, and drops her off at school and picks her up every day. He and Pepper have mandatory therapy sessions with each other every Saturday and eat ice cream and watch happy or sad or funny movies on Sunday. He trains with Peter and helps him with his homework, and laughs when Bucky comes over for lunch, telling exuberating tales of how Sam is coming along with the shield. He grows old in the company of his friends and allies, and he and Rhodey meet for pool and drinks, the way they used to with Tony, and reminisce. He and Bruce and Clint and Thor still go on missions together occasionally, but Steve still leaves the shield with Sam, choosing instead a different, nanotechnology, advanced by Shuri type suit. Peter is allowed to be a kid and not have to deal with the weight of the Iron Man legacy over his head. Director Fury gets added to group chats and comes to friday brunch and Quinton Beck gets kicked to next week. Steve growing old with the team he helped build and helps to inspire and build the team his best friends died for, helps craft a world in their image. Give me that Steve Rogers marvel. pls

[bulkyphrase]

Cap-IM Rec Week - Time Travel Tuesday

Day 2 of @cap-ironman's rec week event! Today's list features stories where traveling through time turns out to be the cause of or solution to our heroes' problems.

Never Surrender, Never Give Up by Loran_Arameri, Serinah (@loraneldin, @serinah80) (MCU, Explicit, 85,896 words)

Summary: It’s 2029 and aliens have taken the Earth. Steve is dead, and everyone who’s left of the Avengers is fighting for the last few thousand humans. They don’t have much time, or rather the energy: the last of the arc reactors will fail in less than a month, and Tony can’t make another one. Their base will fall.The Earth’s best defender is out of options. *** Years they fought against the Chitauri, and they have lost. Steve is sure that Tony would agree: only traveling back in time could save them now. But Steve wasn't sure if he should, and now he's out of time so he takes one last, desperate gamble. When will he end up?

Circulaire by @gonetoarcadia (MCU, Mature, 38,412 words)

Summary: The world ends on a Wednesday. An anonymous invading force interested in nothing but destruction wipes out most of the world’s major urban centres within an hour. In the aftermath, with the few heroes left alive bitterly divided between moving forward or looking for a way back, Tony Stark and Steve Rogers set out to find out what happened, and make sure that it never does.

The rest are below the cut!

special dispensation by @jenthesweetie (MCU, Teen And Up Audiences, 673 words)

Summary: On the one hand, they’d all agreed that the quantum time machine was a dangerous technological advancement, only to be used under the most dire of circumstances. But on the other hand, it was Steve’s birthday.

Double Time by @sineala (616/Iron Man Noir, Explicit, 123,375 words)

Summary: Cassino, Italy, December 1943. Special Agent Tony Stark, former Marvels adventurer, is sent to investigate a Cosmic Cube found by the Invaders -- and it's the perfect opportunity for him to rekindle his secret romance with Steve Rogers. But when Hydra attempts to steal the Cube, an inadvertent wish for help leads to the appearance of a Tony from the future of another world: Director Stark of SHIELD. This Tony is a man with a lot on his mind. He refuses to tell them anything about the future, but he seems to know much more than he should about Captain America. And something's happened that's clearly killing him inside, but he's not talking. When Director Stark's failed attempt to return home leads to the unexpected appearance of another visitor from his universe, all the lies come undone. Now there are two wars to fight, and the second one could ruin all of them.

Relativistic Heat Conduction by @blossomsinthemist (616, Explicit, 69,298 words)

Summary: Age of Ultron-based, but not entirely canon compliant. Written for the 2013 Cap-Iron Man Reverse Big Bang. Ultron has attacked, obliterating most of the world's superheroes and resistance in a matter of hours. The remaining heroes band together and share what strength they have to get through it, to survive, and defeat Ultron once and for all. Steve Rogers grieves in the wake of the disaster and the heroes' defeat, and no one knows if he will be able to provide the leadership they need--but Tony Stark isn't about to let him slip away that easily. Also available as a podfic read by Pywren (@phyrrhicvictory)

More Than Gravity by @jenthesweetie (MCU, Teen And Up Audiences, 20,918 words)

Summary: “Aw, time travel, no.” On Christmas Eve, Tony came unstuck in time.

The God of Solid Life Advice by kehinki (MCU, Teen And Up Audiences, 1,583 words)

Summary: It's 2012. Steve is just informed by Loki that Bucky's alive. Loki also tells him some other things.

Man Out of Time by @samptra (MCU, Explicit, 39,017 words)

Summary: Closing dark eyes he tried to center his wildly gyrating thoughts. “This isn’t happening this isn’t real…” he wacked his head a few more times, “I did not go through a weird tear in the air again. There was no crazy terreract driven machine…and I defiantly did not go back in time.” This was all some sort of dream he was having a nightmare one that he’d awake from in his bed, in Avengers Tower, in the year 2013.

To Make Much of Time by @sineala (616, Teen And Up Audiences, 16,114 words)

Summary: When Iron Man rejects Steve's romantic advances, Steve is disappointed, but of course he understands -- Iron Man's secret identity is important. But when a portal opens and Tony Stark crashes into their midst from twelve years in the future, Steve starts to suspect that there are more secrets here than he can even begin to comprehend, and neither Iron Man nor Tony are providing any answers. Also available as a podfic read by @paraka

The Twice-Told Tale by @arysteia (MCU, Explicit, 15,789 words)

Summary: For someone he'd hero-worshipped for so long, Steve Rogers in the flesh is a pretty big disappointment. For one thing, he keeps looking at Tony as though he reminds him of someone else, and even if he never says anything, Tony's pretty sure it's his father. A lifetime of not measuring up to Howard's expectations is more than enough, thank you very much, and he's certainly not going to make an effort to live up to any of Steve's. Steve's pretty clearly failed to live up to his expectations, in any case, and that's not hypocritical at all.

[kandisheek]

Cap-Ironman Rec Week 2024

Time Travel Tuesday: July 23rd

Prompt: Rec all those great fanworks where Tony or Steve (or Tony and Steve) travel to the past or the future or to an alternate past or future and discover unexpected realities and new truths!

I absolutely love this trope! And we are truly blessed in this fandom to have so many fantastic authors tackling it. Here is a very small selection of my favorite time-travel / timey-wimey-shenanigan fics:

-- And Has Time Enough by wanttobeatree

Tony asks if they have met. It's a matter of perspective. (A Time Traveller's Wife AU.)

-- Double Time by Sineala

Cassino, Italy, December 1943. Special Agent Tony Stark, former Marvels adventurer, is sent to investigate a Cosmic Cube found by the Invaders -- and it's the perfect opportunity for him to rekindle his secret romance with Steve Rogers. But when Hydra attempts to steal the Cube, an inadvertent wish for help leads to the appearance of a Tony from the future of another world: Director Stark of SHIELD. This Tony is a man with a lot on his mind. He refuses to tell them anything about the future, but he seems to know much more than he should about Captain America. And something's happened that's clearly killing him inside, but he's not talking. When Director Stark's failed attempt to return home leads to the unexpected appearance of another visitor from his universe, all the lies come undone. Now there are two wars to fight, and the second one could ruin all of them.

-- A Shadow Hanging Over Our Fate by CaptainDean13

The Avengers get sent back in time to WWII where they run into the Howling Commandos... complete with Bucky and Steve. Little hard to explain that away, especially when you are trying to keep some major secrets. Secrets like how you ended up in the future and why the hell Bucky is now a scary (reformed) assassin with a metal arm, not to mention that you married your friend's son.

MORE RECS BELOW THE CUT:

-- The Good or Bad Thing by petreparkour

“It’s the metal suit,” Thor informed Steve, his normally-booming voice tinny over the SHIELD comms. “What did Stark call it—Iron Man?” “But he’s down here,” Steve protested as the Hulk roared in Stark’s face, startling him into waking with a shout. “How could—” “It’s damaged,” Thor reported. “But it looks different. More advanced. And he—ah. He’s carrying you, Captain.” “Please tell me nobody kissed me,” Stark breathed out, and then Stark’s voice suddenly came over the comms, but the man lying next to him hadn’t moved.  “Guys, come on, you’re killing me here. What is it, 2012? God, I hate time travel. First, I'm fighting Thanos. Now, I have to deal with my past self and Thor's bad haircut? Oh my God, Cap, yes I hacked their comms, they’re my comms.” Steve nearly opened his mouth to protest that he hadn’t said anything when he realized that this replica of Tony Stark wasn’t speaking to him.

-- Calls Me Home by steve-capsicle-rogers (adorable_lab_rat)

Tony can't help but notice the far away look on Steve's face. The visible pain and loss. It wasn't right and giving Steve back everything he'd lost was the right choice. The right thing. And honestly Tony didn't do the right thing near enough.

-- A Hundred Times, Once by FestiveFerret, SirSapling

The shrill tone of his SHIELD beeper pulls Steve out of sleep and into battle. He fights robots, he fights Tony's shameless advances, he fights the exhaustion that threatens to take over him, drown him. And then the next morning, he wakes and does it again. Exactly the same. And again. And again. And again.

-- hunters seeking solid ground by laramara

In the wake of the battle with Thanos, Steve feels unmoored in a way he hasn’t since before he ate shawarma with a group of virtual strangers and thought maybe, maybe he could one day find a place here. Steve returns the stones, and has a few unexpected interactions and makes some decisions along the way.

-- The Butterfly Effect by itsallAvengers

While fighting with Loki, Steve Rogers from 2012 hears the two simple words: "Bucky's alive." And the whole universe ripples with the aftershocks.

[curious-about-dramas]

The Heart Killers EP 7 - (text) reaction

After two full weeks, I am ready. Spoiler alert - this episode is 1000000000/10 for me.

PART 1 / 4

I've seen so many times EP6, and all the previous EPs to be honest, these days and yet the preview hits hard. I don't remember EVER being so invested in a series. A combination of my 2 favorite ships with my favourite director outside of school/uni does the trick.

Please, Kant, say the truth! Bison told you more than once that he appreciates being told the truth before hand - since you don't already know he knows. I don't think I believe the captain when he said Bison would have killed him if he told the truth. He would be angry, sure, but if Bison knew he did it for Babe, I think he would understand. Not sure about their relationship though.

Sh*t, Bison's with Babe. Bison, didn't you have to be with Fadel? Or at least, that's what you told Kant at the bar. Surprise you say? Mmmh, maybe some time has passed since last EP, ok.

Wow, this Bison and the Bison we saw in the last frame of EP6 are (or rather, seem) 2 different people. His acting is scary ... Khaotung is literally awesome.

Happy birthday, Bison! So, 25 now? I do wonder if it's even real or just a ruse to get Kant. Also, how many birthdays are they celebrating in the making of this series - First, Dunk and Khaotung celebrated theirs while filming, now Bison too.

Yeah, this is all very fishy, I don't like it. Be very wary, Kant.

Style!!! Hello!?!?! That was sooooooooooo hot, Fadel! I need to watch it again ... for science. And maybe gif it, I don't know. The way he pulled Style from beneath the car was 10/10 for me.

Fadel's really into garage sex, I see. And that kiss - Joong!!! Please, continue to give lessons in kissing, you can use Dunk as prop, no worries. BTW, Tutor did a similar lesson with Yim in Cutie Pie, but their kiss was much more sweet (they've changed A LOT since then).

Same excuse for popping up unexpected … damn! It is a ruse.

BTW I just saw the first part is 30 minutes - what?! How long is this episode?

Well, you did change for him, Fadel, so. At least, you're acknowledging it.

No, dad!! That was also a very nice kiss you just interrupted. Good for you, to get to know Fadel. Style's dad is great.

Also Fadel auto-inviting himself to stay over. Are the brothers thinking to look for something at their respective boyfriends house? Like Kant did in the room downstairs. Sh*t, did they actually see the footage? I am getting worried for our little snitchers. Will the brothers really love them to death?! Soffocate him with kisses and romance, Fadel! LOL

Dad's speech almost made me cry. I see Fadel is also having a really hard time reconciling Style's dad story with the snitchers' agenda.

"No matter what happens, I'll keep all the good memories." Oh, Bison.

He's also saying "I love you" … and Kant said it back. And the music so ominous.

You ARE happier, you smile more ... you wear colors. We all see this, Fadel.

Happy belated birthday, Fadel! Yep, all the birthdays ahaha

That shirt is a crop top!!!!!!!!! Style, the man that you are - you got him in a crop top! EDIT: Dunk, that pic you posted is THE heart killer.

LOL Style got scared for a second there. That's not a real gun, don't worry ... for now. EDIT: can we appreciate that Style got more scared of Fadel with the BB Gun than with the actual gun?! Again, priorities.

"i'll be your shield" is so ironic. LOL "He started all this" …. are Fadel and Bison THAT good at finding the truth after all?! It's like a mine field this conversation … poor Style. "Make sure no one shoots me in the back" ahahahahahaha "Can i trust you with that?" OMG such a loaded question. And the worst part is Style is actually getting what Fadel is saying - like, what's he really saying. Even as incredulous as he is, he can see the loaded questions. I fear for the end of this episode.

Oh f*ck f*ck f*ck, another gun … please tell me its not real … sh*t, it is … Bison!!! Well, we were waiting for unhinged Bison after all. Thank you, Fadel.

2 nights ago … no, not the trophy. I am crying same as Bison. That trophy was like a symbol of an innocent Bison, a sweet waiter, not a cruel cold-blooded killer. And he literally burnt it.

He also told Fadel about how Style got into the mess; right, he knew about Style not being 100% truthful, I forgot. "I trust you more than anyone" - this hurt like a mother trucker. At least he's honest, we'll give Bison that. Joong and Khaotung, you both own this scene - congratulations!! Cannot compliment you enough.

"Nothing hurts more than betrayal" after he just found out that he was betrayed by both Style and Bison, the two people he loves and (let's face it) trusts more in his life. Oh, Fadel! I feel for you.

"And I mean crazy in love, not crazy like a psycho." LOL Fadel, yeah should have been more specific. You need to explain it very well to Bison.

Man, how much it hurt Bison to say "My boyfriend's the best" … kudos, Khaotung!

Style shot Kant in the back, then said "Love sure makes you do something stupid" … P'Jojo!!!! and Fadel moving to stand besides his bf - foreshadowing, anyone?

Also, wait a second - those were BB guns, not paint balls … so, they'll do another one?! Maybe when all is well …..

Ooooooh, now you're looking at the footage, Bison. See, it was there all along!

Wtf?! That was gory as hell … at least it was in black and white. Fadel's imagination was horny, Style's was sensual/emotional, Bison's … scary crazy. How many ways he's killing him?!

Oh, look how quick reflexes our little hitman has! So cute, a birthday cake - "I'm still your brother". I feel like he's trying better - like Bison told him about Kant and Babe's relationship and he's trying to do better for Bison. Even if/when he's angry with him - the bestest of big brothers really. And they sell it so well, you couldn't tell Khaotung is more than 2 years Joong's senior.

It's all due tonight. Ok, at least they're not dragging it out.

Kant is justly suspicious, Style so naive. He's also the one who knows the least, has lied the least, is the most optimistic. i feel for him. If only life were a Disney movie and we were all protagonists, Style.

PART 2 / 4

Helping a stranger out of nowhere because they are killers, but good ones. I wonder if Style and/or Kant is seeing this.

First's smile should be illegal … its too cute!

Bison's really touched by it. He really likes that necklace. He's about to cry. Me too, sweetie. And it's real, even if you don't believe it.

Please, do marry him! I love that more and more comments about marriage are appearing in Thai BLs. Also, we could put a small novel spoiler here.

Wth?! I got scared too. Style!!! Fadel was really panicking. I thought Fadel drugged him, but then he wouldn't have panicked as much.

"I'm a damn fool. That's how you got me." Crying … At least you're self-aware, good for you, Fadel! Both for being a fool AND for being "got" (no escape possible now). Their lines are sooooooo on point this episode. P'Jojo give yourself and whoever helped you write the script a raise.

He's taking forever to open that necklace - it this your first time, Fadel?

Who was that? Keen? Yep, Keen.

How long is he peeing for?! Please flush and wash your hands. Oh, eew eew eew!

Yeah, jealous my a*s. Oh Style, so naive and waaay too confident. How much this distraction will cost them?!

And as soon as he got back he's already helping Kant with the little kid … oh, Style. Fadel, please just keep him! Also, that mother needs to have her eyes checked - they looked trust-worthy? Those are literally a thief and a professional killer; take the kid to the bathroom with you and have him wait outside your door or something.

Yep, Keen with a gun - a real gun - and his targets and a little kid. Why do I feel he won't care about that like Fadel did? It's a nice parallel they set up between Keen and Fadel, with guns and younger boys.

What?! Not him, the other guy!!! That's a plot twist. That guy looked suspicious, but man! Ok, now what? The killers are playing cops? I do love me some anti-heroes (see almost all of the characters played by Vin Diesel these past 20+ years).

LOL Style. "Take it back! You're my boyfriend!" Priorities set straight. EDIT: Apparently the official translation is too bland, he said "Her husband my a*s! You're my boyfriend!" It's even better, yeah.

Fadel was grazed … sh*t, a knife. Bison! I thought it would have been a gun shot. I don't know if this is better or worse.

Still this divertion probably saved Kant's and Style's life. At least for tonight.

So in the end Keen went undetected. Only Style saw him. Oh, how did he not recognized him from that time in the burger shop? It was a while ago, but he was looking rather intently that time. Kant should have been the only one to not recognize Keen at all.

PART 3 / 4

"I am always here to help". This is such a Style phrase. I love that I got to know that about him.

Also, I love how Style's able to read Fadel so well despite how little he knows about everything. Fadel really should thank Kant for giving him Style.

Fadel's back to his old cold self, right?

"Sounds scary as hell." - yeah, because it is, sweetie. You're showing your cards, Fadel. Why?

"I want to tell you everything." Oh, Kant. Was Bison also about to cry? Even lying there on the bed. Yep, he's not asleep.

Ok, you know what? I see this as a good thing - Kant is now free from the captain. Let's join the killers team! LOL

He took him out. Damn, Bison! With a syringe, too. May I present to you unhinged Bison in action, for real. Not imagination, not stopped by Fadel.

Oh, yeah, you should worry for your friend, for yourself, Style.

Sh*t, just past them. And I bet Bison will think Kant called them on him … damn.

"F*ck, f*ck, goddam*". LOL, I see it's not just me whose saying/writing all these bad words tonight. It's not something I usually do, but I'm probably too hyped for this EP (oops).

PART 4 / 4

Yep, Style realizes something's wrong. Be wary, Style! Oh, from behind, Fadel!!!!! No, poor Style. Also, Fadel was one handed - helpless, really helpless, Style.

The final confrontation - Fadel's voice coming from out of frame like the final nail to the coffin. There's no going back now. Alea iacta est.

"You work for the police." Not really, but I'm not sure how much of a difference that makes right now. Still, Style's so strong here, even almost naked and tied and with a gun to his head - impressive. And he's not telling Fadel about the car. Not that that's so important in the grand scale of things - lies, police, killers; but still. Bison came fully clean with Fadel.

So, Fadel also doesnt know where Bison is. Yep, Bison is truly crazy …. hurt crazy, but you know crazy.

P'Jojo is playing with us, Bison's the psycho crazy one, Fadel wouldnt shoot … right?

And the other bfs are at sea, of course. Make it really hurt, right Bison? He's angry crazy, phycho crazy, hurt crazy, in love crazy … all types of crazy.

Oh sh*t, was Kant also in the plane crash with his parents?!

There's no one there to help you, Kant. Man, he looks so scared - so terrified - and he's trying to calmly talk to Bison. They're both hurting so much right now, it's so painful to watch. And jump it is! I feel like I've been crying this whole episode, man. First, this episode is yours - also Joong's, but mostly yours! You should never say sorry for having played this character, it is amazing really.

Oh, he's got his clothes back - you go, Style! "Yes, Mr. Hitman. I'm scared enough as it is, no need to threaten me."

Still, if you think about it, now that Fadel's more calm than at the pool, he's back to his old self … which Style came to love. With the gun, sure, but it's old grumpy Fadel. Same hard exterior, so maybe also same soft-ish interior? I like Style's look before going to the car, it's like he feels that things are right again. And he likes that. No more too affectionate Fadel, which was too weird for him. Also, he's back to sassying Fadel, which he also enjoys.

See, the music is also Style's jam! After the big scare at the pool, all is well again for Style. EDIT: the big bad scary hitman also took his advice and went to sleep ... yeah, all is well again.

Where are they going though?

[disneytva]

Disney Branded Television Gives Series Order To “Iron Man And His Awesome Friends” Slated For A 2025 Release On Disney Junior and Disney+.

Heroes assemble ❤️💜💚

Disney Jr. has ordered a new animated preschool series Iron Man and his Awesome Friends, the series comes as part of Disney Branded Television and Marvel’s expanded strategy to introduce the iconic Avengers characters and stories to a new generation of fans. The series is currently in production and slated for a summer 2025 premiere on Disney Jr. and Disney+.

Iron Man And His Awesome Friends follows the adventures (and misadventures) of best friends and super geniuses, Tony Stark, Riri Williams and Amadeus Cho as they work together to solve problems both big and small and protect their city. To help them in their Super Hero endeavors, they each have their own Iron Suits that allow them to fly and give them each enhanced super-strength. In addition, Iron Man has a Nano-Shield; Ironheart has a Heartbeat Bubble forcefield to protect people, and Iron Hulk has his strong Iron Boom clap and Iron Hulk Stomp. They work out of their beachfront base, Iron Quarters (IQ), under the supervision of their superpowered android, Vision, and their furry pup, Gamma, who has her very own Iron Pup suit and accompanies the Iron Friends on many of their adventures. The series stars Mason Blomberg (Shameless), Kapri Ladd (Danger Force) and Aidyn Ahn (Kids Say the Darndest Things) as the voices of Tony Stark (Iron Man), Riri Williams (Ironheart) and Amadeus Cho (Iron Hulk), respectively. David Kaye (Transformers) voices the role of Vision, and Fred Tatasciore (Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur) voices Gamma. Additional characters and casting will be announced at a later date. Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends is executive produced by Sean Coyle (Puppy Dog Pals) and Harrison Wilcox (Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends). James Eason-Garcia (Pupstruction) is co-executive producer and story editor, Alex Cichon (Lego Marvel: Spider-Man: Vexed by Venom) is supervising producer; Ashley Rideout (Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends) is producer, and Michael Dowding (Hello Ninja) is supervising director. The series is produced by Disney Jr. and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends to preschoolers on Disney Jr. and Disney+, expanding their connection to the iconic Marvel universe,” said Ayo Davis, CEO of Disney Branded Television. “Partnering with Brad [Winterbaum] and the Marvel Studios team on this series allows us to bring the incredible legacy of Iron Man to a whole new generation, sparking young imaginations with characters that embody courage, teamwork, and creativity.”

“Iron Man is the character that launched Marvel Studios and will always be especially beloved here as the hero that made the MCU possible.” said Brad Winderbaum, head of Streaming, Television and Animation, Marvel Studios. “That’s why we’re so excited to partner with the incredible team at Disney Branded Television and bring Iron Man to a new audience. Together we are building a series that introduces the most brilliant scientists and inventors in the Marvel Universe as they share in fun armored adventures.”

[stevetonyweekly]

SteveTony - June 16 - Week 24

Hi friends!!! I’m gonna be super quick today, because I’m late posting this and late to leave my house so!! Without any further ado: 

Double Time by Sineala

Cassino, Italy, December 1943. Special Agent Tony Stark, former Marvels adventurer, is sent to investigate a Cosmic Cube found by the Invaders -- and it's the perfect opportunity for him to rekindle his secret romance with Steve Rogers. But when Hydra attempts to steal the Cube, an inadvertent wish for help leads to the appearance of a Tony from the future of another world: Director Stark of SHIELD. This Tony is a man with a lot on his mind. He refuses to tell them anything about the future, but he seems to know much more than he should about Captain America. And something's happened that's clearly killing him inside, but he's not talking. When Director Stark's failed attempt to return home leads to the unexpected appearance of another visitor from his universe, all the lies come undone. Now there are two wars to fight, and the second one could ruin all of them.

The Best of Intentions by Sineala 

Steve Rogers, Earth-1610, attempts to warn Steve Rogers, Earth-616, away from Tony Stark. Events do not proceed as planned.

Iron Men by copperbadge

When a second Tony Stark slips through from an alternate universe, Steve suddenly finds his hands very full.

it's been a long year (since we last spoke) by Anonymous

Steve gets sent the link to a video of Tony kissing a Skrull that looks like Steve.

May 3rd by nanasekei

“So,” Steve asks, his shy grin clearly nervous, and Tony takes a moment to forget the dinner and the flowers and the world at large to marvel at how insanely good he looks in a navy-blue three-piece suit, complete with an adorable bowtie. “What do you think?”

Tony swallows, steering his thoughts back from how fantastic that suit would look on his bedroom floor, and stares at Steve’s expectant face. “It’s… It’s perfect.” He says.

And it’s true. It’s perfect, it’s amazing, it’s... Tony has no idea what this is about.

-

Having a boyfriend with a superserum enhanced memory certainly makes for a lot of romantic special dates. Sometimes Tony finds it a bit hard to keep up.

[hjbirthdaywishes]

April 2, 2023

Happy 61 Birthday to Clark Gregg. 

[starvels]

starvels’ Cap-IronMan Event Recs for @cap-ironman Steve/Tony Fic Rec Week 2024

For Cap-Iron Man Event Recs, jump yourself into these varied bananza ball pits filled with hurt, comfort, fluff, angst, tropes, comic science and more! Please remember to leave a comment, add a kudos, hit a reblog on a fic post in order to show your gleeful appreciation of such nice balls.

Check out all of starvels’ Cap-IM 2024 Rec Lists [here].

-

Apply Pressure by dirigibleplumbing @dirigibleplumbing

Tags: Established Relationship, Bondage, Rope Bondage, Non-Sexual Bondage, Non-Sexual Kink, Top Tony Stark, Sub Steve Rogers, Fluff, Nicknames, Curtain Fic Summary: Steve has trouble concentrating and clearing his mind. Tony and some rope are there to help out. Notes: Playful kink that draws you into the warmth of Steve and Tony's relationship like chocolate chips sinking into a gently churning ice cream.

-

respiraro, si te videro by starvels

Tags: Canon Divergence, Secret Invasion, Post-Civil War, Fix-It, Director of SHIELD, Commander Rogers, Enemies to Friends, Skrull(s), Extremis, Savage Land, Temporary Amnesia, Sex Pollen, Trans Tony Stark, Rough Sex, The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Known, Transhumanism, Comic Book Science, Team Dynamics, Superhero Realism, Hurt/Comfort, Food as a Metaphor for Love, holy shit what's happened to Tony? Summary: Tony spins around and comes face to face with Natasha Romanova with a gun trained on him, Logan Howlett with one clawed arm out towards him and - worst, worst of all Steve Rogers. Tony stares at him, at this Skrull in full Commander of SHIELD regalia, looking at him with his deep blue eyes all wide and sincere and knows for sure that the Skrulls have found the way to beat him, because there’s no way he can look this Steve in his eyes and kill him. “Steve,” Tony breathes and then he cusses. Way to reveal your own weakness, numbnuts, Tony thinks furiously and that’s all the time he has before the Skrull raises its gun at him. Notes: A story as lush, dramatic, and CRASH-BANG-BOOM filled as the Savage Land itself. Complete with jokes at Steve expense and a canon-typical loss of clothing for Tony.

-↘↘↘-

-

a four-dimensional object by veslarkinson @vicarioussleep

Tags: Period-Typical Homophobia, Internalized Homophobia, Civil War, Transhumanism, Identity, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending Hurt/Comfort, Philosophy, Period-Typical Sexism, Period-Typical Attitudes, Injury, Carol Danvers & Tony Stark Friendship, Trans Carol Danvers, Computer Programming, format: computer code, Mental Instability, Alcoholic Tony Stark, Angry Steve Rogers, Christianity, Mutual Pining, Getting Together, self-destructive behaviour, Artificial Intelligence, Steve "why have you abandoned (me) your humanity" Rogers, very brief csa mention, Superhero Registration Act, Politics, Brain Damage, Sharing a Brain, Temporary Amnesia, Dark Reign, Tony Stark Whump, Heavy Angst, Mild Gore, Extremis, Homophobic Slurs semi-reclaimed Summary: The year is 1975: the stonewall riots were only six years ago, the CD has yet to be invented, and Tony Stark is taking his first steps into trans-humanism. >>initializing(extremis-setup)… Notes: Utterly compelling and delightfully unique. You WILL be dragged head first into this intricately coded maze and you WILL love it and live for it.

-

two's company by welcoming_disaster @welcomingdisaster

Tags: Mentions of Laura Bush, Oral Sex, Idiots in Love, Affection, Sneaking Around, Closet Sex, Closeted Character, Smut, Fluff and Smut, Dirty Talk, Bad Dirty Talk Summary: Steve and Tony sneak a moment. The time and place are a little inopportune. Notes: ULTS WHITE HOUSE SEX. WITH FUN TWIST. SEND TEXT.

-

Glass Gardens (The Witching Hour Remix) by Woad @tinctoriawoad

Tags: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Alternate Universe - Victorian, sanitarium, Psychological Horror, Possession, Supernatural Elements, Muteness, Semi-involuntary Detention, Abuse of Authority, Water Torture, ghost story, Victorian Norms Summary: The year is 1883. Spiritualism is at an all-time high, "taking the waters" is a popular cure-for-what-ails-you, and sanitariums offer retreats to restore the health. When Tony is shipped off to one, he is convinced his stay will be an utter waste of time. That is, until things take a disastrous turn, and Tony begins to doubt everything about himself. Notes: Exceptionally fascinating premise here, with a considered take and some ripping one liners that will linger like good cologne.

-

[Art] Gift of Consequence by oluka (lomku) @oluka

Tags: Steve Rogers/Tony StarkSteve Rogers Tony StarkDragon Tony Stark Alternate Universe - Medieval Alternate Universe - Fantasy Summary: Art for the stevetony RBB 2024, paired with Kandisheek's Gift of Consequence Notes: A beautiful grand piece showcasing the best of a fantasy AU, with some fabulously golden nuggets of character details for both Steve and Tony!

-

As Luck May Have It by CaughtAGhost (ghosthan) @ghosthan

Tags: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Tony Stark, Alcoholic Tony Stark, Sheriff Steve Rogers, Christmas, Fluff, Happy Ending, First Kiss, Canon-Typical Violence, One Shot, Human Disaster Tony Stark, Steve Rogers Feels, Getting Together, unestablished relationship, Blood and Injury Summary: T.S. MURDERED BY ASSHOLES CRSMS EVE 1872 Local drunk Tony Stark spends his Christmas Eve getting his ass kicked, and things look bleak. Will Sheriff Rogers be able to save the day in time for the Christmas celebration? Notes: A vibrant, immersive adaptation of the 1872 comics which includes all the great details from the pages you could want, but now with a hopeful, tender ending! What's better than this!

-

[Art] Small Universe Stony Bingo by sheepl @somekindofsheepl

Tags: Venomverse, Earth-17084, Earth-11326, Tentacles, Body Horror Summary: Two small universes where Steve and Tony's lives are entangled. Notes: Stop! You will be arrested by these compositions and this gorey universe! Oof! Wow! More please!

-

stop bath by starvels

Tags: Canon Divergence, Blackmail, Friends With Benefits, Internalized Homophobia, Oral Sex, Public Sex, Anal Sex, Light Masochism, Complicated Consent, Power Dynamics, Team Bonding, Gender Related, Queer Themes, honeypot mission, Rescue, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Homophobic Language, Body Dysphoria, Gun Kink, Ambiguous/Open Ending, Mentions of Cancer, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Developing Relationship, Anxiety Summary: It’s not complicated. One piece of paper. Short, to the point. Times New Roman. Repulsive. "Continue engagements with Tony Stark until further instructions." ‘Engagements.’ Such a pretty, innocuous term. ‘Until further instructions.’ Such a sweet, auguring threat. They don’t even have to say, or else. Steve gets the message: keep his private life private and his employment gainful by continuing to suck dick. Notes: Oh gay Ultimates Steve, we're really in it now. Tune into the Blackmail Channel to watch this one little paper unspiral Steve's reticent life.

-

Give Up The Ghost by foldingcranes @foldingcranes

Tags: Post-Civil War, Canonical Character Death, Director Stark, Kink Meme Summary: Director Stark gets a late night visit. Notes: Oh what yonder yearnings does out guilt best brew? Every inch the frothy, wrenching sadness we want from Director Stark.

-

Recursion by Missy_dee811 @laexploradoraaa

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Extremis, Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Male-Female Friendship, Body Modification, Interviews, Alcoholic Tony Stark, Tony Stark Has Issues, POV Alternating, Hurt Tony Stark, Pepper Potts & Tony Stark Friendship, Suicidal Thoughts Summary: Tony finds himself at a crossroads when he receives a call from a long-time friend — Maya Hansen. Then, things take a sudden turn for the worse. Will Tony ever be the same? And more importantly, will Steve come to his aid? Tags: A keen take on Execute Program and all the mess that entails, that pulls you deep into the whirlpool of Tony's transhumanist transformation.

-

All Good Things by snowynight

Tags: Character Study, 5 Things, Fluff, Geeky Summary: Five cult classics Tony introduces to Steve, or, the geeky indoctrination of Steve. Notes: Sweet and easy as a twirling cotton candy; let it melt on the tongue.

-

Reconnection by Penumbren

Tags: Friendship, Angst, Challenge: Cap_Ironman Fic Exchange Summary: Sometimes it's the quiet moments that a friendship needs the most. Notes: Peeking through a small stained glass window and recognizing the tune you hear faintly on the wind, that's what we're doing here.

-

the consonant i forget by starvels

Tags: Major Character Injury, Civil War, Amnesia, Character Study, Horrible Agonizing Betrayal, Canon Divergence, Extremis, Angst, Ambiguous/Open Ending Summary: The man who comes to see him in on the 9th day in the hospital is gaunt. Greasy. Less clean than everyone else who's trundled in, asking if Steve knows them and then lied about being disappointed when he’s said no. This man is a spindle. A man spun around too many times. Wind chapped full lips and scratchy threads of his haphazard beard peak over a strange metallic, full-bodied suit of armor that makes something behind Steve’s eyes hurt. He blinks them slowly at the man, just to see if that helps. It doesn’t. Notes: Like an emergency alarm in a hospital, this piece proffers things that should be and things that are worrying and things that require immediate and aggressive attention. Look closer to figure out which is which.

-

Sky by resurrectedhippo @resurrectedhippo

Tags: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Dark Abuse, Violence, Hydra Steve Rogers Summary: For the prompt: “Hydra Cap/Tony non-con.” Notes: WYSIWYG for fics and what we see and get is horribly, precise, and wrenchingly clear here. Peep into the delicious dark!

-

We'll Make Our Own Tradition (The Cap and Gown Remix) by wynnesome

Tags: Established Relationship, Identity Porn, but not the typical kind of ID porn, Roleplay, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, Anal Play, Rimming, Oral Sex, Blow Jobs, Dirty Talk, Tony Stark's Red Thong of Justice, Fluff, Fluff and Smut, Domestic Fluff, Domestic Bliss, No Side Pairings, no infidelity Summary: It’s Steve’s and Tony’s anniversary. They have a date for dinner, but the workday comes first. Steve’s includes a very important business lunch. But the person who makes a beeline for him as he waits at the bar is not who he thought he'd be meeting… Notes: What fabulous fun, like hopping on a rollercoaster you've only heard described in the vaguest sense, you will swoop and whoop and grin in delight at the turns.

-

trophy hunter by Red (S_Hylor) @s-hylor

Tags: Ultimates, Shameless Smut, Anonymous Sex, Hook-Up, Blow Jobs, Semi-Public Sex, Hand Jobs, Anal Play, Dirty Talk, Dom/sub Undertones, Mentioned/Discussed Anal Fisting, Mentioned/Discussed Anal Sex, Face-Fucking Summary: If he had nothing to live for, he had nothing to lose. That was the excuse Steve gave himself when he made eye contact with the man he’d felt watching him for the past few minutes. There was no denying that the man was attractive, sitting at the adjacent side of the bar to Steve. Dark hair and bright blue eyes, mischievous smile framed by carefully trimmed facial hair. He eyed Steve with such blatant interest that Steve knew all he had to do was reflect some of that back at him, and then they could just go from there. Notes: Oh what a delicious premise we DO want to see played out in 20 different ways. This way is particularly fun in its grit and glam.

-

It's Because I Need to, Not Because I Want To by Anon1Adult @anon1adult

Tags: First Time, Getting Together, Stripping, Crossdressing, Misuse of Science, Mutual Pining, Sex Pollen Summary: “So I’m learning forty-five minutes is about my max.” Tony said casually. Steve smirked, “Is this you asking to hold my hand?” “No this is me admitting I have a medical condition.” Tony replied reclined on the couch, kicking his now bare feet up on the coffee table. “Now get over here so I can hold your hand.” Or the one where the Avengers are going to leave street crime to Spider-Man because rolling around in the mud apparently makes you dirty. Notes: A great pace and enthusiastic superhero realism will have you hopscotching through this fun tale of needy, situationship comic shenanigans.

That’s all folks!

Thanks for reading and make sure to kudos and comments fics you explore! Fandom is a circle and we are all passing it forward.

[gildatheplant]

Review Time!!! Thor the Dark World

OK so I finally caved and got Disney + because I was feeling nostalgic for the MCU, and especially two of my all time superhero faves Loki and Thor.

Despite my love for these two characters I've felt pretty burned out of the superhero genre the last couple years. Combined with not having access to Disney + when the Loki series first came out and hearing mixed reviews for both it and Thor: Love and Thunder, I didn't really feel inspired to check them out.

A month or so ago something (probably a post floating onto my tumblr feed) inspired me to finally check out Loki and figure out how to get Disney +. While I have things I love about the show, and things I thought could've been done much better, it made me feel seriously nostalgic for the Thor films....which led me to a rewatch of Thor the Dark World aka the only Thor film I had watched only once.

And after rewatching it...I gotta say it gets a bad wrap. Does it have issues? Yes, yes it definitely does. But overall, it's not nearly as bad as a lot of fans make it out to be. Not one of Marvel's top films by any stretch, but also nowhere near as bad as some of Marvel's later films.

The Bad: Honestly, I only have two major beefs with this film- its shifts in tone and its villain. Marvel is pretty famous for blending action, drama, and comedy in its superhero films with varying results. The first Iron Man and The Avengers balanced these elements almost perfectly. The Dark World...does not. Much of the comedy feels forced, and it's made even worse by moments of severe mood whiplash. The most glaring example is the shift from Frigga's heartbreaking and beautiful funeral to Dr. Selvig running around with no pants on. Such a sharp change in tone can leave audiences feeling frustrated and annoyed at the sudden emotional shift. The sharp tone changes are also tied strongly to the Asgardian storylines vs. the Earth storylines- with the Asgardian tone feeling more serious and heartfelt, while the Earth tone mostly feels too silly.

As for the villains I actually really liked the overall design of the dark Elves. Their wide eyed, blank white masks were effectively creepy and gave them a completely different vibe than the type of elves moviegoers are used to seeing. Malekith and Kursed were done dirty though. I remember reading at the time that the actors themselves were angry about how much of their portrayals were left on the cutting room floor, which is a real shame because Christopher Eccleston can play great villains. It's a shame we're never going to get a director's cut because I'd be curious to see how much that could improve the film's villain issue. We spend so little time with them that it's hard to feel anything really for them.

The Good: As I said, I actually think this film gets a bad wrap. While it has its lows, it also has its highs. My favourite aspect, of course, were the character arcs for Thor and Loki. This movie is the first to really show Thor as the strategist and leader he needs to be to be a king. It also shows how much he's grown since his first film- prioritizing the safety of his people over battle and glory. Chris Hemsworth gives a great performance that highlights Thor's growing maturity, compassion, and charm.

Despite Loki not having a lot of screentime, every time he is onscreen, it adds something to his character AND the characters around him. We see Loki argue with his father about the value of mortal lives, where it seems like Odin has far more respect for them...until we're later shown through Odin's dismissive and almost cruel treatment of Jane that Loki likely learned his viewpoint on them from his father. Loki also mirrors Odin's words to Thor about Jane, with both of them pointing out he should give up on her because of her short lifespan. Interestingly, it is Loki, not Odin, that shows Jane the most compassion in the end- he shields her from harm with his own body then pushes her to safety when she is shot at. As much as Loki's words may resemble his father's, his actions demonstrate his closeness to his mother.

As good as Thor and Loki are, they are best when they are onscreen together, and this film really highlights that. As vicious as their arguments get, from Thor declaring he has lost all hope for Loki and will not hesitate to kill him to Loki brutally pointing out how Jane is going to die long before Thor, there's still a strong brotherly bond between them. The way that no matter how angry they get with each other, they can't help teasing, joking and, ultimately, having each other's backs. It's telling that the kindest words Odin says to Thor in this film were actually said by Loki in disguise.

Pretty much everything to do with Queen Frigga is fantastic. Her heartbreaking conversation with Loki in the prison, her fierce protectiveness of Jane, her use of magic that so resembles Loki's, the way she was totally kicking Malekith's ass, the beauty and tragedy of her funeral.

Heimdall, the Warriors Three, and Sif have relatively small roles, but they make the most of them. Heimdall's taking down of the elves' ship is great, but what I love most is that he acts as both loyal subject and mentor to Thor. Sif is given an element of tragedy in the film as it becomes clear that she is in love with Thor but he only loves her as a friend. It makes her continued loyalty and friendship to him seem all the more noble.

Lastly, this film has one of my favourite cameos in any MCU movie with Chris Evans playing Loki playing Captain America. Honestly, I like it more than Hugh Jackman's cameo in X-Men First Class, and that one was tough to beat.