#but also steve and tony are awesome together

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 52 – DAILY THEMES

HANAHAKI DISEASE

On The Exhale by FestiveFerret

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 8,245 Tags: Alien Planet, Hurt/Comfort, Pining

Summary: Steve and Tony travel to an alien planet to help a community after several kids go missing. But while they're searching, Tony gets hit with a toxic substance, and Steve only has a precious few days to find a way to save him.

Reasons why I love it: The world building in this is so cool! I love all of the descriptions of the different plants and the jungle, and how the Hanahaki actually manifests in this universe. Plus, I'm always a huge fan of hurt Tony and worried Steve, so this fic (and this whole trope honestly) is right up my alley. Definitely check this one out if you haven't, it's amazing.

Nothing Pure Enough by Sineala

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: M Words: 2,623 Tags: Angst with a Happy Ending, Getting Together, Drama

Summary: You shouldn't be able to develop a Hanahaki fixation on someone you've never met who's been dead for decades. But Tony has always been special.

Reasons why I love it: That conversation between Steve and Tony made me smile so hard, I can't even tell you. It's adorable how game Steve is to just go with the flow. And Tony's inner monologue throughout this whole fic is just heart-breaking, the angst is truly superb. I hope you go and read this one for yourself, because it's wonderful!

heaving through corrupted lungs by Alysae

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: T Words: 3,679 Tags: Angst with a Happy Ending, Tony's Flippant Humor, Love Confessions

Summary: “You’d think they would have developed some kind of medicine for this by now,” he joked. Pepper levelled him a hard glare as she twirled the bloodied pink petals in her hand, staining her perfectly manicured nails. “This is not a joking matter, Tony.”  “Oh, I don't know, Pep. Seems like the biggest joke of my entire life. And you know I had many,” he added, plucking a petal from between his teeth. “Killed by love. Well, in this case, unrequited love. How ironic.”

Reasons why I love it: This is the quintessential hanahaki fanfic for me. The writing is perfect, the angst hurts so good, and the resolution at the end is super sweet. I also really love the chosen flower and its meaning here, it really suits Tony's character. This fic is lovely, and if you haven't yet, you should definitely read it.

You Got Flowers In Your Lungs by Starksus

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: NR Words: 2,412 Tags: Tony Angst, Misunderstandings, Near Death Experiences

Summary: When Tony coughs up the first petal he knows he is going to die.

Reasons why I love it: Aaaah, the pain! The sweet, delicious pain! I love how angsty this one is and how it all shakes out in the end. The last sentence especially is so poignant and yet so effective, I love it. Definitely check this one out if you haven't, because you don't want to miss the awesomeness!

iron tipped petals by Areiton

Pairing: Steve/Tony Rating: G Words: 1,903 Tags: Falling in Love, Protective Steve, Pining

Summary: The first thing Steve learns about Tony Stark is that he’s a flashy asshole. The second thing he learns, is that Tony Stark reeks of flowers. The thing he learns later, months down the road, when he is sitting in his workshop, sketching, is that Tony never coughs flowers for him.

Reasons why I love it: This is such a cool spin on Hanahaki! I love how the disease works here, and that in this universe it's more of a common illness than in most other iterations I've seen of this trope. Plus, the reveal at the end is super sweet, as is the explanation for why Tony keeps coughing so many flowers for the people in his life. This fic is amazing, and you should definitely read it.

[sapphirerogers]

Let's talk about the Avengers Assemble series.

I think the only reason it couldn't get a season 6 was because it was giving fans all the things the MCU couldn't/didn't. And filmmakers didn't like that. Seriously:

- It had a lot more of Falcon being an awesome dude (even had Falcon's mom bring them cookies on his first day)

- It had much more focus on Hawkeye and his cool sass and cool archery. He invented new arrows regularly.

- It had Stony. Lots of it. Absolutely made up for the near-complete lack of Stucky (because the movies already have that)

- Hawkeye being Stony shipper #1

- It had Black Widow being much better than in the movies (no sexist/objectifying portrayal of her)

- It actually explored the daily lives of the Avengers. Thor and Hulk fighting over peanut butter. Hawkeye enjoying said peanut butter while watching them fight. Steve and Tony doing training together. Steve and Tony talking about stuff. Lots of stuff.

- Tony used to pretend to be Captain America as a kid. There were pictures. There's a scene where Steve lends his shield to Tony during practice to see what he does with it.

- Hulk collects glass figurines in this universe. And keeps his room squeaky clean. And has a titanium blanket. Bruce is still a fucking genius.

- There were villains who haven't even been in the MCU yet.

- It ended its version of Civil War on a better note. Aka Steve and Tony team up for the bigger fight instead of acting like toddlers.

- Defeating Thanos was much easier here.

- It explored Steve's past and actually showed a more human side of him.

- It showed Steve painting portraits of all his teammates (aww) and also getting frustrated when his paintings don't turn out right (which is accurate and a much needed thing to show)

- It had him staying in the present (even after a time-space glitch caused Peggy and Howard to end up in the 21st century). Not that Steve didn't want to go back with her, he just chose the more sensible option.

- There were better jokes.

- All of them were attractive, even in animation. (I fell in love with AA!Steve first and AA!Clint is the reason I had a crush on the archer for a while)

- It did underrated characters justice.

- It was going great (really, 13 stars out of 10)

But that's why they shut it down.

Because too good wasn't okay for them.

[mischiefmaker615]

Role Play (Words from MM)

SO i used to be big on role playing, not so much anymore but still do. This is my brain's knowledge on the matter in which i've titled:

My way of Role Playing (Avengers style)

Example: Marvel Fandom~

(you'd put) name quickly picked up speed as she sent another glance behind her. there was no way Tony was going to get her back this time, and after his reaction from walking face first into a pie, she was not going to stick around to find out the results. now sharply turning the corner, she rammed into something solid and lost her balance.

(i would then put) Steve headed down the hall, his interest and curiosity rising from the commotion ahead and decided to check it out. his mission was cut short though once name rammed into him, catching him by surprise but his reflexes allowed him to quickly snatch her hand and pull her forward so she wouldn't fall "name?? are you you okay? who are you running from?'' he asked urgently, his eyes scanning for any injures till his cheeks reddened once he noticed how close she was to him

Forms:  When Having a form, you must put detail. i say, a descriptive form means a descriptive rper. have pictures or gifs to help your RP partner visualize better on the story. you don't need a backstory, characters can find that out in the story, but if playing with a certain crush/character, they could use your backstory to mock and play around with. if having a power, always put a weakness to add some drama in the story. but remember, no one likes an OC who is over powered. if in a fight scene, characters like when they get advantage or a shot here and there, instead of fighting someone practically like God. 

Mary Sue: NOBODY likes to play with someone who is depressed ALL the time. as in suicide, cutting, crying 24/7. i know sometimes you'd like to make ocs as real as possible or unfortunately, like the rper in real life who is actually like that, but a role play is somewhere you can actually get away from your troubles, make everything the way you want it to be. same thing goes with being happy all the time. if your crush is a villain, don't have your oc skip into the room and jump into his/her lap and giggle all the time. would you do that to someone who could kill a person in one heart beat?

Lines/Descriptive:  i know some people use phones and some use computers or other, but always try your very best to be equal with lines! example: •Patch walked over to the interrogation room, just as Fury instructed, even though she wasn't happy about it considering she was to interrogate the most dangerous criminal in the Carrier, Loki. •Steve walked down the halls, stumbling a little as he rubbed his tired eyes, looking around for (name)

that is totally not even. try to be at least even, but one or two words ahead of the other is fine, just don't be constant about it. also, people want something to work with, so try to put at least 3 lines or 2 at least. i'd rather wait for a long good reply than a short crappy one. take your time to be descriptive and put details, as if your writing an awesome story together! when being descriptive, put details, example.

•Bad: Tony walked down the halls with a yawn as he entered the living room •Better: Tony yawned as he made his way down the halls, making his way to the living room

get it? and when being descriptive, always have awesome scenes to play! don't just make the character wake up, eat breakfast, hang with the Avengers before going to bed at the end of the day. have them wake up to a call from Fury that something's wrong in the city for example! or have them go on a mission because your friend or other is kidnapped! spice it up! put a plot to it! which brings us to our next lesson, storylines!

1X1:  don't rp Avengers unless you know your actually rping the Avengers! or any fandom. example, call it the SHIELD Carrier, NOT flying ship in the sky :P seriously. and Loki for example, ''he zapped her with his magic'' no, be creative as in 'Loki waved his hand, sending an electric shot that glowed bright green as it shocked her by summing his magic'. I'm sure you get the picture ;) i would always go 1X1 because if you rp in a group, people would get frustrated if they type a long reply and someone writes another reply before you so you have to change the whole thing to catch up. unless you all agree to take turns, i HIGHLY recommend 1X1

Drama:  share the drama! when someone rps your crush and you rp theirs, you make their crush go to the oc! example •Do: Steve bit his lip, gathering his courage and shyly walked over to (name). ''hey (name)...how was the mission?'' he asked, immediately feeling like an idiot, considering he wasn't that good still around women •Dont: Steve sighed as he entered the room, glancing at (name) and gave a small smile before he sat down to go through his thoughts if he should talk to her or not

okay, i know that sucked. but still! have the crush go to the oc! not the oc go to the crush, the storyline usually goes better when it's like that. same as equal lines, give equal drama. don't make your super awesome with a plot and the other with only a simple day at Stark's tower kinda thing.

Rules/Storyline:  when making your own group, you make the rules! as in, if you don't like cursing, ut no cursing and let people know, if they get 3 strikes from breaking the rules, their out! not to be mean, but people say to me, sorry..it's a habit. it's not when your actually typing a word. if you see you cursed in the rp, just reread what you wrote, and delete it. that simple.

Mix your rps up a bit! give a point to rping! add some drama so your not having a normal average day, i even made some ideas your free to use to spice up your rps (last page) ALSO! don't let them say ''hmm i don't really want a storyline'' because, then what are you going to rp about? it's just going to be boring. help each other create one if you don't like any choices.

Rules when i RP

•Whatever story line you choose, your crush may be out of character. (Ex. mind control means Steve won't be that nice gentleman we love)

•PLEASE be descriptive , its hard to cope with 1 line! I am begging you! i need something to work with; and make it good please, i'd rather wait for an hour's reply then a short crappy one (no offense) 3+ lines at least. (lap top vs phone can be tricky tho)

•Sorry, i don't role play as any other characters outside Avengers. it takes me a while to master their personalities so please stick to the original characters at most.

•Please role play equally! if you give yourself 4 lines and mine 2, doesn't seem very fair with the action and stuff. depending on the storyline i know there could only be so much, but effort is noticeable Lol

•i'll put drama in yours, you put drama in mine. let me know if you want the story in a certain direction or you have ideas.

•please be patient and don't nag, ill reply as soon as i can! i do my best to give a heads up but a lot of us work, have family/social life, etc.

•Don't make your character super depressed . Please…No Mary sues. if theirs a chase/fight scene, don't have your character deflect all the time and be invincible, the storyline must show up sometime LOL suicidal themes need to be warned as well.

•i'm sorry, i only RP FXB. not much practice elsewhere on the topic Lol

•please don't join unless you ACTUALLY know the Avengers. i'm talking about the proper names like the carrier, not the giant plane in the sky :P

•Proper grammar please, i wont be able to respond if i cant read it, auto correct thankfully is normally on our side Lol

•Please don't join if your not going to role play, tell me if your bored cause i don't like how people start then don't reply. if you don't respond in a week without a notification, i gotta move on.

OKAY

that was a brief history on ow my brain functions LOL i normally rp in google docs, it's kinda hard to rp in a tiny chat box cause sometimes i need reference or something and scrolling up can take forever, any suggestions tho, i'm open.

(My OC normally) (name and character background may change with each storyline)

[carsonian]

Cap-IM Rec Week: Wonderous Wednesday

@cap-ironman, happy Wednesday:

"do you fondue?" by calciseptine (@calciseptinefic)

Tony has done crazy things in the name of food, but falling in love with Steve Rogers really takes the cake.

The layers to this... the layers... it's a stack of pancakes. I know you thought I was gonna say onion but NO. Pancakes. Delicious, fluffy pancakes. Just like in the fic!

"front row seats" series by Annie D (scaramouche) (@no-gorms)

A Steve/Tony series that follows one of the branching timelines set up by Avengers: Endgame.

This is the ADCU: Annie D Cinematic Universe, and buddy? It's everything you could ever want. Shenanigans are shenaning. Reader experience is RAW serotonin shots over knowing who interloper "Grant" is. So much rubbing hands together all villainous and going "ha ha ha" at the antics. Annie D made sure the whole circus came together for this one, and boy oh boy is it a hoot!

"such a devotion of the heart" by drunkonwriting (@queenerdloser)

Persuasion AU. Tony is a disillusioned heir on the outs with his wealthy, spend-thrift father, trying to finish his master's degree so he can work on engineering instead of joining the House of Lords. When he has to return home to prepare his family house to be rented, he doesn’t expect the new tenants to be Bucky Barnes and his new wife - old friends of Tony’s spurned ex-fiancé, Captain Steve Rogers. Tony, still heart-broken over their falling out, has no intention of meeting Captain Rogers again if he can help it. Captain Rogers has other plans.

WIP and an AWESOMELY written WIP. The worldbuilding is rich and chunky and filled with delicious little nuggets. Every character slots into perfect place. Alllll the Persuasian AUs please and thank you.

"we pick ourselves undone" by laramara (@commandersteverogers)

It might appear that award-winning surgeon Tony Stark, the head of neurosurgery at Shield Hospital, well and truly has his life together. Now if he could only figure out how to tell people that his father, world class neurosurgeon Howard Stark, is locked away in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s, devise a way to get Chief Fury off his back for good, and work out what the hell he’s going to do about the weird on-again-off-again thing he has going with the head of cardio, he’d finally have everything sorted.

I've recced this before so I won't go into it too much here but rest assured it's a BANGING good time.

"You Gave Me A Home" by Moonrose001

Since Registration passed on and Sentinels started guarding the streets instead of superheroes, the USA has come to resemble Dystopia more than an united country. A young group of masked teenagers are fighting back the undemocratic and unconstitutional ways, lead by Captain America. And Steve Rogers is a handsome, but awkward student leading a double life. He is also head and heels in love with Tony Stark, the son of the government's arms dealer.

I read this soooo long ago, before I got into Steve/Tony, and I couldn't locate it for the longest motherfucking time! So happy to have found it again and to be able to recommend it because boy oh boy is this a ride, and golly gee, if the view at the peak ain't the best one you ever seen! This is the apex of what fanfiction can be--someone with genuinely fascinating ideas taking the best of one universe and implanting it into a new one. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this.

"Ad Astra per Aspera" by MonstrousRegiment and Pangea

It’s safe to say most people get off on the wrong foot with Tony Stark, but it’s also safe to say Steve Rogers makes a conscious effort to get along with everyone, and people might think one tendency compensates the other one and equilibrium is achieved. A neutral ground. That’s not what happens. Or, the story of how Tony Stark and Steve Rogers met and fell in love. A space opera with a lot of cursing, a lot of drinking, and a little bit of singing.

SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE! What more needs to be said? Yeah, that's what I thought.

And that's all the wonder I got this Wednesday!

Go forth: SteveTony lovers, fuckers, ambassadors, champions, perverts, freaks, losers, dreamers, legends! Read, re-read, kudo, comment, spread legs and spread love.

[gosiksmallspace]

Shipper Tag Game

Thank you @godotismissingx for the tag! ❤️❤️❤️

Sorry that it took so much time 😅

Okay let's go!

1. What ship were you completely obsessed with when you were a teenager, but now you don't care anymore?

There were some k-pop ships I used to ship but as time went by I just stopped. Maybe because I’m not as much into k-pop as I used to be.

I also don’t ship any of Hetalia’s characters anymore.

2. Which ship would you consider your first one?

Stella and Brandon from Winx Club or Kevin and Gewn from Ben 10: Alien Force. That was even before I was aware of what shipping was.

While I was aware, I think it was Shizaya? Durarara was one of the first animes I watched. And Heiwajima Shizuo and Orihara Izaya's love-hate relationship was so good for a 12-year-old me.

Or it could be SasuNaru…

3. Your first fanfic belonged to which couple?

Written it was Merciless. 

But read? That was so long time ago...

I remember I found some Ben 10 stories on the Internet and I read a lot of them as a kid.

But when I read and I was aware I was reading fanfics it was most likely SasuNaru or Darry. It was most likely still on Wattpad or fanfiction.net. On or those self-publishing blogs. Those were popular back then.

4. Do you remember the first couple you saw a fanart over?

Probably SasuNaru. Or another ship that was popular at the beginning of the 2010s.

5. Did you ever get into ship discourse?

I try not to. I mostly believe that fiction is fiction and when I don't like something I just don't read it.

I like to read people's points of view though.

6. Did you used to have any no-otp or have it currently?

Not really. I used to hate UkFrance from Hetalia but now I just don't care. And I never really shipped Destiel. But I'm not sure I would call them a no-otp.

7. Who were the couple in the last fanfic you read?

A new chapter of Merciless fic that I'm always waiting for was published. It's called Hidsight by duty_free. AND IT'S AWESOME, GO READ IT. It's a wonderful continuation to The Merciless that can actually fix those two morons (I have hope, it's still ongoing)

Before it, my friend @frayed-at-the-seams published her fic about Junho and Hoyeol from D.P. It's called Dogs and Cats. It's an interesting supernatural spin on the original story and it allows Junho and Hoyeol to be cute ❤️

8. Currently, do you have any OTPs?

Of course. My absolute favorite obsession is Han Jaeho x Jo Hyunsoo from The Merciless

But there is more:

Roronora Zoro x Sanji (Zosan) from One Piece

Sakata Gintoki x Hijikata Toshirou (GinHiji) from Gintama

Shizuo Heiwajima x Orihara Izaya (Shizaya) from Durarara!!

Oga Tatsumi x Furuichi Takayuki (OgaFuru) from Beelzebub

Lee Dongsik x Han Juwon from Beyond Evil

Kang Yohan x Kim Gaon (GaHan) from Devil Judge

An Junho x Han Hoyeol from D.P.

Miyuki Kazuya x Sawamura Eijun (MiyuSawa) from Ace of Diamond 

James T. Kirk x Spock from Star Trek 

Merlin x Arthur Pendragon from BBC Merlin

James Bond x Q (00Q) from James Bond movies

Harry Hart x Gary "Eggsy" Unwin from Kingsman movies

Tony Stark aka Iron Man x Steve Rogers aka Captain America from Marvel Comics (comics only.)

Peter Parker aka Spiderman and Wade Wilson aka Deadpool from the Marvel Comics

Loid Forger x Yor Forger from SPY X FAMILY

Hino Eiji x Akhn (EiAn) from Kamen Rider OOO

Shijima Go x Chase from Kamen Rider Drive

Kiryu Sento x Banjo Ryuga from Kamen Rider Build

and many many more

Also as an exception to my k-pop rule, I still ship ChanBaek from EXO.

9. Is there any couple that, to this day, you are extremely mad about not getting together?

Robin and Barney from How I Met Your Mother. I get that it was planned from the beginning for Ted to end up with Robin but did they have to make Robin and Barney so good???

Also, Merthur, like they had a whole story about them? All 5 seasons?

And Sterek. 

10. Is there any ship you used to dislike but now you think they are kind of interesting?

Zeke x Levi from Shingeki no Kyojin. I used to not be much into it but there is an amazing reincarnation comic AU on twitter (here) with them and I have to say that they have a potential.

11. Do you have any ship that, in the past, was considered normal but now you would be canceled over?

Not sure... There were some ships that I wasn't aware of age. I don't mind ships with big age differences but I like for both parties to be over 18.

So maybe as an example Levi x Eren? Eren was 15 and now looking back I'm not sure if I would ship it. 

12. What was your favorite crack ship?

Tried to think of something but my head is empty. I don't believe I don't have any crack ships!

13. Who is the couple you read more fanfics of?

Shizaya, GinHiji or ChanBaek. They have big fandoms so I could just move from one fic to another. 

Also YoonMin. I used to ship them a lot but now not really but I read a lot of fics with them.

14. What most of your ships usually have in common?

They usually banter or tease each other. Those love-hate relationships are my favorites. And more of them lately have an age difference.

15. What you absolutely hate in a ship?

Lack of chemistry? I hate too much drama but also don't like where everything is fine. And cheating.

tagging (no preassure): @daxianme @yardmargs @frayed-at-the-seams @bobafvcks @babischlong-six @stanaclown @igonecrazy @chhagiya @lovemevermore @ilikeallthepenguins @manproposes-goddisposes @backtomanyang @inashoe @darktecno @areththeimagine and everyone who wants :)

[ephemeralbutterfly]

Fluffy Steve Fest Rec List: July 7: Steve's...

Hello everyone! I am doing daily themed rec lists for @fluffystevefest. The fics are related (some more loosely than others) to the daily prompts. The number of fics for any given day and prompt varies, but I have at least one fic for each day. There's also a wide variety of fic types and ratings, so I hope there will be something for everyone.

The lists are vertically long, so I've put them behind a cut.

The longest list for the last day. Once again a grab bag.

First Times

Have you no idea that you're in deep? by theladyingrey42 (@thefangirlingrey)

Rating: Explicit Pairing: Stucky Summary: Bucky wanted Steve to understand. The future could feel fucking awesome. At least when it was vibrating in your ass. Comments: Steve tries vibrators for the first time.

At Liberty by kaasknot (@kaasknot)

Rating: Explicit Pairing: Steve/Peggy Summary: Steve's mind whirls. It's too late for suppressants. If she wants to go somewhere safe she'll have to walk through not only the SSR halls but the wider halls of the War Room, broadcasting her heat the whole way. Her reputation will collapse, whether she wills it or not; no one will take an omega agent seriously. He comes to a decision, and carefully shuts the door. Peggy frowns at him, and he gets down on his knees. He's flying by the seat of his pants, running on instinct; the fact that his johnson's starting to take interest only makes him more nervous. "Ma'am," he says. "What are your orders?" Comments: First, a warning that the authors use the a-word abbreviation for omegaverse in the tags.* Steve and Peggy's first time together in an omegaverse AU.

Habits

Another Person's Words by Ranni

Rating: Not Rated Pairing: Steve/Natasha Summary: Steve isn't the only one that doesn't catch all those movie references. Natasha plans it with the same grim intensity she brings to any mission, and where Tony would tease and Clint scoff, where Bruce would shake his head in disbelief, Steve is only grateful. She doesn’t like to be left out of things and he doesn’t like to be embarrassed. So many of the problems they have are unsolvable, but not this one—they can do this, can learn the language the others already know so easily. Comments: Steve and Natasha get in the habit of watching movies together in an attempt to understand the references others make. There are no explicit bits.

Happy ending

Soldier, sit you down and idle by BladeoftheNebula (@bladeofthenebula27)

Rating: Teen Pairing: Stony Summary: Fresh out of the ice, Steve Rogers is lost. Everything is too loud, and too different, and just too much. He feels adrift, unsure what place he has in this new world. He takes a spontaneous road trip, hoping to find some peace; little does he know that it will lead him to a charming little town, Tony Stark and just maybe... a place to call home. Alternate summary: A soft sad boy on a brooom brooom has a serendipitous journey. Comments: A coffee shop AU where Steve's motorcycle manages to break down at exactly the right moment.

Captain American Finds His Happy Ending by PR Zed (@trappingsofzed)

Rating: Teen Pairing: Stucky Summary: Ever since Steve got big, it seems like he's been the one saving Bucky, when it used to be the other way around. Steve saved him from regular Nazis a bunch of times. He saved him from Hydra twice. He even saved him from New Jersey. (Fucking Paramus.) Now, Bucky thinks, it's time for him to save Steve. Or what happens when a former brainwashed assassin puts his mind to giving his boyfriend the happiness he deserves. Comments: This is the fourth part of the Captain America Has a Fella series; I do recommend reading the other parts first. This one is exactly what the titles says: Steve figures out what makes him happy and makes it happen, with a little help along the way.

*If you don't know what I'm talking about: the three letter abbreviation for alpha/beta/omega creates an acronym that is the same word as an Australian racial slur, a word which is to my (US American) understanding of about the same level of offensiveness as the n-word. I only recently learned about this myself, but now that I know, I don't want to surprise anyone with encountering the word.

[winterhawk-ao3feed]

The Tragic Ballad of an Under-Caffeinated Hawkeye [Podfic]

Read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/58251178

by jennisaisquoi

Steve and Tony are idiots, Pepper and Phil are 110% done with everyone and Clint just wants a cup of damn coffee. And maybe someone to appreciate how awesome he clearly is.

Also known as: you know you’re in trouble when Clint Barton is the one sane person left in the tower and Bucky Barnes is the only one who realizes this.

Words: 25, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: The Avengers (Marvel) - All Media Types

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov, Pepper Potts, Phil Coulson, Spiderman, Deadpool

Relationships: James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton

Additional Tags: Getting Together, Clint Is a Good Bro, Clint is tragic, Bucky Barnes Is a Good Bro, Background Relationships, Minor Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, Coffee, Coffee Addict Clint Barton, Deadpool makes a mess, Humor, car-crash flirting, winterhawk - Freeform, Podfic, Podfic Length: 45-60 Minutes, Audio Format: MP3, Audio Format: Streaming, Audio Format: Download

https://archiveofourown.org/works/58251178

[moved-mainblog]

Anon Ask

Got this ask for Hope and Morgan so I decided to answer this over my main blog so I don't have to answer it twice. Keep in mind the order means nothing. I write everyone down in the order I followed you.

@antvnger: The very first person I found here and interacted with. The Mun is such an amazing Scott and also as mun one of the sweetest persons I ever met. I literally hear Scott's voice in my head and imagine him in this moment everytime I read something that he posted. I'm so lucky that I found him here and that I can interact with this mun. I love stalking his page and read all the answers to ask that he gives and I also love his Bloodbrothers AU with Tony and Scott being brothers.

@spideymn: Spidey Mun was the second person I interacted with here on tumblr and I had so much fun with him. I love talking to the Mun ooc but als to rp with Peter. Spider Mun is such a perfect Peter and just like with Scott I can hear Peter's voice saying the stuff that the Mun writes and imagine him. Spidey Mun is such a sweet and lovely person and I love her and her Spidey so much. She really manages to captures Peter's nerdy, awkward and wholesome character and he's the best Peter I could find here on tumblr and the best big brother I could hope for Morgan. If Morgan hadn't already adopted him Hope would have done it right away. But I know that Peter belongs into the Stark Family. But at least Hope can be like his Bug aunt or something like that.

@neonsoundbite: The both of us haven't interacted that much but we had some ooc conversations and she is also really sweet and lovely and her Oc Lucielle is so amazing. I really love her and I really need to finally read her fanfiction.

@silently-judgingyou: The best MJ that tumblr has. I'm so glad she reached out to me and asked if we want to do something with her MJ and my Morgan. Tbh for some reason it never came to my mind to send Morgan her way but I really love what we have done so far and the plan we have plotted together. I can really see how Morgan is going to see a big sister in MJ as our story progresses and I can't wait to see where our RP will take us. As Muns we haven't interacted that much but from what we wrote together she's such a lovely person and I'm still suprised from that one post how similar she is to MJ. Like the others before it's not hard for me to hear and see MJ in every answer.

@zimnyayavdova & @brooklynbred: One of the sweetest and loveliest person I've got to meet here. Her Oc Anya is just a chef's kiss and her portrayal of Steve is just as amazing. I love RPing with this two characters so much and I also love talking ooc with this Mun. So glad I had the courage to reach out to JJ. I just love her characters so much. JJ's Steve is hands down one of the best Steve's here on tumblr and for me personally even the best! She really manages to capture Steve and his personality perfectly. He's just the sweet and wholesome guy that I always pictured him to be and it's so easy for me to hear his voice and imagine him acting in the situation. It's also so much fun to plot and share ideas together. I mean we really made up the team of the young howlies just because of a picture that I put together in less than five minutes... as a joke... I can't wait to see where our story will take us and how Anya and Katya will grow together but also how Katya's relationship with Steve will progress.

@skallagrimulfhedinn: We also haven't interacted that much yet but when I saw the Mun's Oc I just knew I had to ask if we want to do something together. Till now I only wrote with the character Ash and a bit with her brother Liam but Ash is such an amazing character. She's really a sweet person and I can't wait for Freya to meet Skallagrim.

@azuresrp: The two of us mostly wrote ooc together but this is one of the sweetest persons I found here on tumblr and Ryan is also such an cool and awesome character. When I found him here on tumblr and then also wrote with the mun and we started to plot together I just knew this is going to be so awesome and so much fun. Even if we haven't done that much so far I enjoyed every second and I just love how easy it is to talk with this Mun ooc and to talk about our characters and stories etc.

@vekovoysoldat: The two of us haven't had a rp yet but I went through his page and we talked a bit ooc. And from what I saw I can tell how amazing this person is. I went through some conversations of him with JJ's Anya and Steve and gosh their so amazing. I love their interactions so much and he's such an amazing Bucky. Hopefully we'll manage to start something at one point too. And if I'm already talking about this Mun go and check out his commissions. He is making such amazing things and he's really talented. Can't wait to see how my commission turns out. For anyone interessted here's the link to his page @wintercommissions.

@stxrksarc: The two of us also only interacted ooc together. But I'm stalking his page every now and then and I love his bond with antvnger's Scott. The two are just so cute cool together and he really is doing an amazing job in portraying Tony and his character. He isn't playing Tony he IS Tony.

@sah1x1s: Another Mun who I haven't interacted that much with but we talked ooc and I love going through her blog and see what she's posting. She has so many muses and it's so hard to decided with which I want to interact.

[themculibrary]

Sexual Fantasy Masterlist

Back Alley (ao3) - osprey_archer steve/bucky E, 5k

Summary: Steve stumbles on Bucky getting a blow job in an alleyway. This is awkward for their actual relationship, but it has an awesome effect on Steve's fantasy sex life.

Buy Your Pretty Heart (ao3) - valiantlybold bucky/tony E, 33k

Summary: Bucky Barnes is a mobster. A dangerous one. He owns most of the city and what he doesn't already own, he's allied himself with.

Tony's just a cop who wants to help people. Right now, it seems the best way to help people is to go undercover and get close enough to Barnes to take him down.

But things are never that easy.

collar full of chemistry (ao3) - 2bestfriends steve/bucky E, 188k

Summary: Steve is very rich and desperate to feel in control of his life again after a recent divorce has left him feeling bitter and lonely. When he keeps crossing paths with a disaster twenty-something, an unconventional solution presents itself. Steve’s always been one for following his instincts.

Bucky is very broke and can’t seem to catch a break, especially after some asshole fires him for one fucking mistake. So of course, it follows that he should sign a contract agreeing to do everything and anything that same asshole wants for a whole year in exchange for a payout that could finally change his life for the better.

—

AKA a fantasy BDSM romance featuring heavy mutual pining, feelings denial, and enough kink to blackout a bingo card. We know what we’re about, son.

Doctor Feelgood (ao3) - notlucy, piglet_illustrations (thefilthiestpiglet) steve/bucky E, 10k

Summary: Things are practically perfect, as far as Steve’s concerned. He and Bucky are happy. Healthy. Working through their shit and living a normal life in Brooklyn. Said normality extends to their nice, regular, fulfilling sex life. Which isn't to say it’s perfect - maybe Steve has a fantasy or two he hasn’t shared. Certain proclivities he’s happy to indulge privately. Why bother Bucky?

It’s fine. Really. Until the day Bucky comes home early and catches Steve with his pants down. Literally.

Fulfill Me (ao3) - fandomfluffandfuck steve/bucky E, 7k

Summary: Steve has always had a thing for feeling all of Bucky inside him, filling him up.

When he was just a scrap of a thing, slim as a twig, he liked the challenge of fitting all of Bucky in him; taking him to prove to himself that he could (also because it felt fucking incredible of course). Now, as a brick shit house of man, he likes it because nothing completes him or calms him like getting Bucky as close as physically possible, buried inside of him. But... he's always been nothing if not stubborn and so he wants to know what he can really take.

Together, Steve and Bucky push the limits of Steve's undying desire to be full.

In Dreams (ao3) - sabrecmc steve/tony, steve/steve/tony E, 7k

Summary: Steve enters Tony's dreamscape to save him and finds a lot more than he ever expected.

From the kink meme: Tony and Steve ending up in some dreamscape where they can see each other's fantasies as a distraction technique from some villain (I don't care which). Steve opens the door to Tony's dream and sees 3 Steves (I'm not picky which) topping Tony. Up to author how Steve reacts and if this is a established relationship or not.

las vegas (ao3) - elcapitan_rogers steve/natasha E, 219k

Summary: Steve was freaking out over his own wedding and the gang decided to take him to Las Vegas to unwind him.

Poster Child (ao3) - sabrecmc steve/tony E, 22k

Summary: Tony likes the new poster of Captain America. A LOT.

Rhapsody in Pink (ao3) - the1918 steve/bucky E, 28k

Summary: After being chemically castrated for the entirety of his time as Hydra’s Winter Soldier, Bucky is attempting to recover his life—with the help of his oldest and best friend—when seventy years of a denied libido suddenly comes raging back in a series of graphic hallucinations. Steve is there to help.

(Or: Bucky Barnes’s dick wakes up after a seven-decade nap. It is very interested in Steve Rogers.)

* * * Post-CA:TWS / AOU canon divergence, set at the Avengers up-state facility.

That Damn Tank Top (ao3) - inukagome15 steve/tony E, 7k

Summary: Fill for a tumblr prompt. He’d never seen Tony like this – so stripped down of his usual armors and completely in his element. Or, Steve sees Tony in his tank top when he's in his workshop and likes it. A lot.

The Right Partner (ao3) - LeeHan steve/bucky E, 41k

Summary: Steve meets a beautiful man with a bright laugh on a sunny day in Italy. Captain America meets the elusive Winter Soldier moments later.

Date Bucky Barnes. Defeat the Winter Soldier. Bring down Hydra. How hard could it be?

we are the things that we do for fun (ao3) - Nonymos steve/bucky, clint/natasha E, 35k

Summary: Going to a professional Dom may be one of the weirdest things Bucky’s ever done. Especially since this skinny Steve Rogers guy doesn’t really look the part.

But hey, they might just find a way to make this work.

We Don't Fight Fair (ao3) - fandomfluffandfuck steve/bucky E, 41k

Summary: A story revolving around the fun, sexy changes Steve and Bucky go through when Steve is pregnant with their first pup. And so they obviously have to spend most of the pregnancy exploring how him being bred up affects their sex life (for science, y'know... its not because Steve can't keep him hands to himself or that Bucky’s just as helpless as Steve is with keeping personal space, no. Not at all.

You Bring Out the Best in Me (ao3) - LeeHan steve/bucky E, 76k

Summary: Someone nice to go out with, that’s all Steve wants. Or at least, that’s what he thought he wanted. After dozens of failed dates he isn’t so sure anymore. Luckily, work provides the perfect distraction from Steve’s uninspiring love life. SHIELD and the SSR are joining forces in a historic union for the sole purpose of bringing Hydra down for good. Steve is paired with the SSR’s top agent, the Winter Soldier, to lead the charge and the last word he would ever use to describe his nameless, faceless partner is “nice.”

you're the fireworks flyin' on the fourth of july (ao3) - IamShadow21 steve/bucky E, 2k

Summary: Steve's got ninety-five years' worth of Bucky's birthdays to catch up on.

[muddyorbsblr]

For “get to know me better”:

First, I hope you get better from your injury 🫡

Now for the questions. . .? Sorry it's a few 🗣️

What's your fav books (can be any genre)?

What's your fav tropes to write?

A trope you hate?

Thank you so much 🥹💖 I've been sleeping most of the day and the swelling's gone down to a point where I can bend my right knee again and I'm just expecting some really bad-looking but not bad-feeling bruises in the coming days 😂 The left foot however is still a wee bit swollen on the outer side so I have to be careful with it whew--

What's my favorite book…Well starting with genres, I'm really one to gravitate towards love stories or crime/mystery novels. For the love stories, my favorite as of late has been the Shattered Isle Series by Jade Presley. It's a why choose/reverse harem based off of Marvel characters. The first group that the first 2 novels and the first novella in the series focus on are characters based off of Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Thor, and Loki. The 2nd group that the 3rd novel focuses on are characters based off of Clint Barton, Scott Lang, Eddie Brock, and Bucky Barnes. The book are fast paced and the spice is to the level of the smuts we find here which is top tier, and the author herself is a real hoot on TikTok especially when she lets her Loki bias show 😂 (also fun fact, I have a mention in the 2nd book "Her Revenge" which is just absolutely awesome eep--)

Favorite trope/s to write…coworkers to lovers, friends to lovers, mutual pining, idiots in love…that's definitely my current wheelhouse 😅 Some tropes that I love to read and hopefully will be able to write convincingly one day would be: "Who did this to you?", "That's my wife/my husband", and "Touch her/him and die" (there will be a "who did this to you" in 'fitting the profile', the modern day serial killer AU for Thomas Sharpe, and I just hope that it'll be good haha)

A trope I hate…Insta-love. I haven't yet found a story that could convince me that the main characters were willing to spend the rest of their lives with someone that they literally just met that night (side-eyeing Frozen for even trying tbh), like one night stands and insta-lust I can almost get behind, but if the characters are dropping L-bombs within the first 24 hours I've disconnected from the chat. (not so fun fact, someone actually dropped an L-bomb on me 12 hours after meeting and when I tell you I immediately left the chat--). Another one I hate with a passion is those stories where they're like "I didn't know how good I had it with you until I was with someone else" and then they get back together with barely any groveling? Hard pass. DNF. I would be more tolerant with the story if they didn't immediately get back together but they had to work real hard to start building something new because they can't just start from where they left off. Like go on dates again, try giving them a reason to fall in love with you again, because if they just take the other back so quickly I'm not inclined to believe that it was because of love. 🙃🫡

send me a 'get to know the blogger' ask to distract me from my foot injury

[stellar-solar-flare]

I’m so glad to finally be back to this story! The end of the year 2024 was a rotten cherry on top of a trash fire cake which was a drain on my energy. But I definitely haven’t forgotten about this one – especially since I have been super amazed at how quickly you’ve been able to write this story and publish it. You’re awesome! I’ve seen some light spoilers to this on my dash from people’s comments so I know it’s going to be a ride and I’m here for it!

You’re not anxious at all over meeting with Pepper, but what has you on alert is the possibility that you could theoretically meet Steve Rogers, former Captain America, today.

Oh, interesting. So we’re seeing subtle hints that she’s a Steve girl right off the bat – but then again, like when we see her think about her friendship with Pepper, it’s clear that she’s not just starstruck or someone easily swooned by celebrity status. Are we harboring perhaps a little crush here?

Your background in political science and your years working in non-profit management seem like they could be useful, but you can't help feeling a little out of your depth.

I always say in comments that I enjoy it when we see the little things that make the Reader similar to Steve, or qualities that I know Steve will find attractive, and I feel like working in a non-profit is definitely one of those. Doing her best to make a better world.

You were among the half who disappeared - still such a strange concept to grasp though you were supposedly settled back in.

I don’t read a lot of post-Endgame fics / fics that deal with the Blip one way or the other, but when I do read them, I immensely enjoy writers working with all the things that the Blip would cause, and I think we’ll see a layered, deep approach on it from you in this fic! I’m definitely curious.

"There's Maria Hill," Pepper continues, "who's handling security and intelligence briefings. She's got connections that'll be invaluable. Then there's Peter Parker - you might know him as Spider-Man - he's officially our youth outreach coordinator, but he's also got a brilliant scientific mind that we're tapping into for policy development."

Oh it’s lovely to see that Peter is still around the Stark Foundation even with Tony gone, and hehehe, the little reveal of his identity. I love how competent we see Pepper be here, how she’s been so good at putting this team together.

You feel your jaw drop in shock, almost hitting the ground as your mind races with disbelief and anger. The room feels like it's spinning as you struggle to process the weight of her words.

I love how you wrote her shock here; it makes sense that her first reaction to this would be anger – she would feel like she’d be just a trophy wife when she’s been hoping for a big role. And while I’m certain she’ll have just that big role, it makes sense that initially a marriage of state, essentially, would sound insane in modern-day America.

"I know," Pepper says softly. "That's part of the plan. We want to show that leadership isn't about who you're married to or what your last name is. It's about vision, compassion, and the ability to bring people together."

But I really like this point. It feels very Steve – I adored all the glimpses we saw into his plans through her thoughts, as well as her note about not even being able to sleep – to create a world like this and especially lead by example.

“We have an opportunity to show what a healthy partnership in marriage could look like to new generations. You’re my first and only choice because of your skills, experience, and the vision I know you would bring to the table. But you’re also my first and only choice because I think you two are well-suited for each other.”

I really really love this, in addition to the way we see Pepper go through the strategic side of this, the polls and expectations and all this. This feels like something that Steve would agree to, in the end. After all, he is from a world where marriage wasn’t so focused on romantic love. But since he is a romantic, I’m definitely looking forward to them falling in love.

A soft laugh falls from Pepper’s mouth. “He actually asked the same thing.”

Hehe, more of the little things that show they’re similar.

And yet, there's a part of you that's intrigued by the challenge, by the opportunity to make a real difference on such a grand scale.

I love her your honor. I always enjoy Readers that are shown to be competent and not afraid of going after what they want. Also this is a very Steve thing again.

You both lost husbands, but you don’t want to talk about it, yet again, and you don’t want to bring up a painful subject for her either.

Oh, I’m intrigued by this. Is she a widow too?

"You must be the future Mrs. Rogers," Sam says with a warm smile, extending his hand. "I'm Sam Wilson. Steve asked me to come apologize and explain - and to have breakfast with you, if you’ll have me.”

Oh, I wonder what came up for Steve to skip this. But aww, I hope she and Sam end up being friends, as I can definitely see that happening.

“President Bartlet?” you can’t help the awe in your voice. “I’d skip out on breakfast with me, too.”

Oh, yeah, that makes sense. It’d be very beneficial for him, and I enjoyed seeing that Reader understands. And yay, we’ll be seeing more Sam in the fic!

“I can’t help being a little disappointed - since I was hoping to finally meet my future husband - but he’s unemployed and you’re technically Captain America, so I guess it’s really an upgrade.”

Oh, you and me both, Sam. I really really like this Reader. I’ll nickname her the First Lady for comment purposes, since that’s easier for me. I hope you don’t mind!

"Trust me, Steve takes this very seriously," Sam says, his tone becoming more earnest. "He may not know you yet, but he respects you and the commitment you're making. He's not the type to back out or let you down."

Oh, Aspen, you’re coming straight for my heart with this. This isn’t even a thirst trap, it’s a heart trap, and that’s worse. I love how serious we see Steve be about this from the beginning, and I really like how reassuring Sam is here too.

"But then again, I've seen a lot of crazy things in my time with the Avengers. This? This actually feels like one of the more normal things I've been part of."

Also this tracks, and I wonder if this is a part of Steve’s mindset too.

"Steve's one of the best men I know. He's loyal, compassionate, and has a moral compass that doesn't quit. But he's also been through a lot, and he can be... guarded. It might take some time for him to open up fully."

This makes complete sense, and I am HERE for the pining and the slow burn that’ll follow from this. It’s very compassionate of Sam to warn her about this so she doesn’t get the wrong idea about Steve’s behavior, if he’s going to be a little distant. And also this has the delightful found family vibes – which are definitely highlighting some major loss in First Lady’s background, I mean, she has to have a hint of craziness and not a lot to lose to jump into this headfirst – that I always enjoy in fic.

Sam grins. "Trust me, once you two actually meet, you'll see what I mean. Just don't let that 'aw shucks' routine fool you. He might look like an all-American boy scout, but there's a lot more going on under the surface."

I’m definitely looking forward to all this characterization; from the (shamefully few) works that I’ve read from you so far, I know you write Steve in a very human way. And this is definitely hinting towards how he’s not just the perfect soldier or the good man but human and I am always here here for it. And we love Sam for recognizing all this in his friend.

Also as a more general note, I enjoyed Reader having these little doubts about the marriage side of it working – there is definitely hint here that while she’s not waiting to be swept off her feet, she’s certainly not going for a simple marriage of convenience. I always enjoy fics that show that wanting love and to be loved aren’t mutually exclusive with things like strength or independence.

You learn about Steve's dry sense of humor, his unwavering loyalty to his friends, and his surprising skill at sketching. Sam describes missions where Steve's quick thinking saved the day, but also quieter moments - movie nights with the team, intense debates over board games, and Steve's ongoing struggle to catch up on pop culture.

I love this for her. And for Steve. That she goes into the whole marriage knowing not only Cap but also Steve Rogers. I am VERY excited for the wedding, and not just because I love weddings. I know it's the delicious sort of slow burn when they don't even lay an eye on each other in the first two chapters.

I’m so glad to be back at this and I’m so looking forward to diving into the next chapter! Sorry if I got a little rambly or overexcited but I had so many thoughts. I hope you're well and the muse is behaving!

Red, White & True: Manhattan & Brooklyn (1/?)

Characters/Pairings: Steve Rogers (future x curvy Millennial Female!Reader), Pepper Potts, Sam Wilson Word Count: 4k Summary: "There was an idea..." Words at the heart of what brought the Avengers together. Pepper Potts has persuaded Steve Rogers to step up and help again - but this time in a battle to The White House. She invites you to consider a key position.

Content/Warnings: none

Notes: This takes place in a post-Endgame scenario where Steve stays and generally most of TFATWS happened.

Prologue | Series

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

[MAY 15 - Manhattan, New York]

You try not to hold still while you wait in the lobby, but you’re nervous and the longer you sit, the more difficult it is to resist drumming your fingers, tapping your foot, jiggling your right leg as it’s crossed over your left, or even just chewing on your bottom lip.

You’re not anxious at all over meeting with Pepper, but what has you on alert is the possibility that you could theoretically meet Steve Rogers, former Captain America, today.

You take a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves. The lobby of Stark Industries is immaculate, all sleek lines and modern design. The large windows let in plenty of natural light, making the space feel open and inviting despite its corporate purpose.

Your mind wanders back to your college days when you’d walked into a different Stark Industries lobby for the first time, a hopeful intern wanting to make a difference at the then-new Stark Foundation office. Pepper had been very involved in building the Foundation at the time, and had become a key mentor and - as the years passed and you left Stark Industries - a dear friend. She had helped fuel some of your late-night study sessions through grad school. Living in a new state, she had shown up and seen you through breakups, family drama, and the stress of putting together your thesis. Even when your paths diverged, you'd managed to stay in touch.

Back then, she’d become like the older sister you never had, seeing you through some of the difficult years figuring out how to be a real adult. Now, here you are, waiting to potentially join a presidential campaign she’s orchestrating for none other than Steve Rogers.

The receptionist's voice startles you out of your reverie. "Ms. Potts will see you now."

You stand, smoothing down your carefully chosen outfit - professional, but not stuffy. As you follow the receptionist down the hallway, your mind races with possibilities. What position could Pepper have in mind for you? Your background in political science and your years working in non-profit management seem like they could be useful, but you can't help feeling a little out of your depth.

As you approach Pepper's office, you take a deep breath to steady yourself. The door opens, and there she is - Pepper Potts, looking as poised and confident as ever in a crisp white blouse and tailored navy suit. Her strawberry blonde hair is pulled back in a neat ponytail, and her smile is warm and welcoming.

"It's so good to see you," she says, embracing you in a quick hug. "Come in, please."

You step into her spacious office, taking in the floor-to-ceiling windows with a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Pepper gestures to a comfortable-looking chair across from her desk, and you sit, trying to keep your nerves in check.

"I appreciate you coming on such short notice," Pepper begins. "I know it's been a few years since we’ve been able to catch up - even before the Blip.”

You were among the half who disappeared - still such a strange concept to grasp though you were supposedly settled back in. “I was happy to come! And of course I don’t mind a trip on the Stark Industries dime,” you say with a grin.

"Can I get you anything? Water? Coffee?"

You shake your head. "I'm fine, thanks."

Pepper settles into her chair, folding her hands on the desk. "So, I know I told you we’re putting together the campaign team for Rogers for America, but I'm sure you're wondering more specifically why I called you here."

You nod, leaning forward in your chair, eager to hear Pepper’s vision.

"We're putting together an incredible team," she begins, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've been reaching out to some of the brightest minds in politics, economics, and social justice. We have former White House staffers, grassroots organizers, and even a few unexpected faces from the private sector who are eager to contribute their expertise."

You are instantly intrigued, trying to imagine the caliber of people she's describing. Your mind races with possibilities - perhaps that brilliant campaign manager who orchestrated the upset victory in the last Senate race, or the economist whose revolutionary ideas about sustainable development have been making waves in academic circles.

"We've got strategists who are anticipating every move our opponents might make," Pepper continues, "and communications experts who can craft messages that will resonate with voters across the political spectrum.”

You listen intently, trying to pinpoint where you might fit into this powerhouse group.

"There's Maria Hill," Pepper continues, "who's handling security and intelligence briefings. She's got connections that'll be invaluable. Then there's Peter Parker - you might know him as Spider-Man - he's officially our youth outreach coordinator, but he's also got a brilliant scientific mind that we're tapping into for policy development."

Your eyebrows raise at the mention of Spider-Man.

Pepper leans forward, her eyes locking with yours. "But here's the thing - we're not just assembling a team of political operatives and policy experts. We need people who understand the heart of what we're trying to do, who can see the bigger picture and help keep us grounded in our core values."

Your heart begins to race as you start to realize where this might be going.

"That's where you come in," Pepper says, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I've watched your career over the years, how you've navigated the non-profit world, building coalitions and making real change happen. You have a gift for bringing people together, for seeing connections that others miss. Your experience gives you a unique perspective that we desperately need."

Your heart races as you process her words. You had assumed you might be offered some kind of advisory role, perhaps in fundraising or event planning. Maybe even appearance management or offering occasional input on strategy. But from Pepper's tone, it sounds like she has something more substantial in mind.

"Where do you see me on this team?" you ask, trying to keep your voice steady.

"I've been putting a lot of thought into this," Pepper continues, her voice filled with conviction. “You know we’re doing something unconventional. Did you read the presidential plan?”

You nod. Steve’s bid for President of the United States was still technically not public knowledge. You had signed an NDA - being told only that you were receiving a proposal Pepper wanted your input and consultation on, with potential to join the team if you supported the initiative, and just silence if you didn’t.

“It’s bold, idealistic, aspirational; but it’s also unapologetic, has clear plans of action, and could be transformational in ways we haven’t seen in living memory,” you give your assessment.

“And it’s something you could see yourself being a part of?”

You take a deep breath, but smile genuinely. “I couldn’t sleep the first night after you sent it over. I couldn’t stop reading, hoping, re-reading, imagining possibilities!”

“Good,” Pepper responds. “Perfect.”

“Put me to work wherever you need me!”

“I was hoping you would say that because I have a very specific position I need to get filled, and you’re my first - and only - pick for the job.”

“Pepper, stop holding out!” A nervous and eager laugh escapes you. “Tell me!”

Her response slams into you like a freight train, knocking the air from your lungs.

“Future First Lady.”

You feel your jaw drop in shock, almost hitting the ground as your mind races with disbelief and anger. The room feels like it's spinning as you struggle to process the weight of her words.

"What?" you gasp, your voice barely above a whisper. "Pepper, I... I don't understand. First Lady? But that would mean..."

Pepper holds up a hand, her expression serious. "We're not just running a campaign here. We're trying to redefine what leadership looks like in this country. Steve is an incredible man, and he needs a partner who understands the complexities of modern America, not just a trophy wife, someone who can connect with people from all walks of life."

You shake your head, still reeling. "But I'm not - I mean, Steve and I aren't even - we've never even met!"

"I know," Pepper says softly. "That's part of the plan. We want to show that leadership isn't about who you're married to or what your last name is. It's about vision, compassion, and the ability to bring people together."

Pepper leans back in her chair, her expression at least revealing some concern over your reaction. "I know it's a lot to take in."

"A lot to take in?" you interrupt, your voice rising. "Pepper, it's insane! It’s May, and the election is in November. How could I possibly be the First Lady?"

Pepper holds up a hand, trying to calm you. "I know, I know. Let me explain."

But you're on a roll now, your initial shock giving way to indignation. "Explain what? How you thought it was okay to offer me a position that requires me to be married to a stranger? Use me to score points?”

"I understand your reaction," Pepper says calmly, "but please, hear me out. This isn't about scoring political points or creating some sham marriage. We're trying to redefine what leadership looks like in this country."

You take a deep breath, trying to calm yourself. "Go on," you say, your voice tight, “because you’re still trotting out marriage.”

"We can’t outright ignore traditional expectations and polling numbers. If Steve were running as the nominee for either of the major parties, we could probably win without him being married, but since he’s running as an independent, he needs a wife. That being said, we want to move away from the traditional concept of the First Lady as just the President's wife," Pepper explains. "The vision is a First Partnership. Two people who work together. There’ve been a few First Ladies who have done more with their platform and position, and that’s what we would want for you, too.”

You chew on your lip, not persuaded yet, but a little less angry.

“We have an opportunity to show what a healthy partnership in marriage could look like to new generations. You’re my first and only choice because of your skills, experience, and the vision I know you would bring to the table. But you’re also my first and only choice because I think you two are well-suited for each other.”

You open your mouth to protest, but Pepper raises her hand to stop you.

“You and Steve don’t have to put on a show and be madly in love - that’s not what I want, that’s not what he wants or expects either.”

You frown. “What does he expect?” you ask. And then you perk up even more. “Has he agreed to this? Shouldn’t he at least be here to make the offer himself?”

Pepper sighs. “It was easier for me to convince him to run in the first place than to agree that he needed a wife.”

“But you’re telling me he did agree?”

Pepper nods. “He did.”

You unconsciously rub the empty space on your left ring finger. “Couldn’t we just get engaged and leave the question of a marriage for whether or not he wins?”

A soft laugh falls from Pepper’s mouth. “He actually asked the same thing.”

“And…?” You raise your eyes expectantly.

“The public would rake us over the coals and accuse us of only doing it as a publicity stunt. The campaign would become a gossip column on your relationship status and nothing more.”

“But isn’t it a publicity stunt?”

“We can spin a marriage that seems to appear out of nowhere. Steve’s always been a private person when it comes to his personal life. We will tell people you met through me - which is true. I thought you were well-suited for each other - which I do. When people asked why the wedding just before announcing his bid for the presidency, we tell them you two didn’t want your relationship status to become the big question on everyone’s minds so they can focus on the platforms and policies instead and that every marriage takes work regardless of the length of the courtship.”

You sit in stunned silence for a moment, trying to process everything Pepper has said. The idea of marrying someone you've never met, let alone becoming the First Lady of the United States, seems utterly surreal. And yet, there's a part of you that's intrigued by the challenge, by the opportunity to make a real difference on such a grand scale.

"I need some time to think about this," you finally say, your voice barely above a whisper.

Pepper nods understandingly. "Of course. It's a lot to take in. But I want you to know that I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't think you were perfect for this role. Not just as a political partner, but as someone who could genuinely connect with Steve."

You raise an eyebrow. "You really think we'd be well-suited?"

"I do," Pepper says with confidence and warmth.

You rub your ring finger again, but this time you see Pepper’s eyes drop to watch your unconscious action, and you quickly stop. Her eyes, when you meet them again, are full of sympathy. You both lost husbands, but you don’t want to talk about it, yet again, and you don’t want to bring up a painful subject for her either.

She can read that in your tight-lipped smile.

So instead she says, “I can give you three days to think it over.”

You sigh and rise from your seat to go. “I don’t know if that’s long enough, but if you give me three days or three weeks, I don’t think it will change my decision I’ll land on. Give me the night to sleep on it. I think I’ll know by tomorrow morning.”

[JUNE 4 - Brooklyn, New York]

Three weeks later, your life has been packed up and put in a truck on its way to the new brownstone in Brooklyn that’s been acquired for you and Steve to move into, and you’re sitting at a table in a café a few blocks away, waiting to meet your future husband for the first time over breakfast. Every time the bell rings over the door, you dart your head to see if it’s him, but he’s evidently running late.

As you wait, checking to see if you have any messages on your phone, the bell over the door chimes once more. This time, when you look up, your breath catches in your throat. A tall, athletic man with dark skin and an easy smile has entered the café. You recognize him immediately as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. Your heart sinks a little as you realize Steve isn't with him.

Sam spots you and makes his way over, his stride confident but casual. As he approaches, you notice the way his eyes scan the room, a habit born from years of military training and superhero work. He's dressed in civilian clothes - a leather jacket over a simple t-shirt and jeans - but there's no mistaking the aura of strength and capability that surrounds him.

"You must be the future Mrs. Rogers," Sam says with a warm smile, extending his hand. "I'm Sam Wilson. Steve asked me to come apologize and explain - and to have breakfast with you, if you’ll have me.”

You nod, forcing a smile, and shake his hand. "Of course. I understand.” You motion toward the chair across the table from you, inviting him to sit. “I know campaign prep must keep him incredibly busy."

Ever since you’d accepted the proposition to marry Steve Rogers and join him on the campaign trail to the White House, your own life had turned upside down, giving you hardly any time to breathe, and you’d been told this was only a mild version of what your own schedule was going to look like once Steve formally announced.

“Former President Bartlet agreed to meet with him, and the schedules ended up aligning this morning for Steve to go up to New Hampshire for a sit down,” Sam explains.

“President Bartlet?” you can’t help the awe in your voice. “I’d skip out on breakfast with me, too.”

“I hope I’m not a disappointment of a substitute,” Sam teases. “Since we’ll be working together as part of the senior staff, I volunteered because I was eager to finally meet you.”

His smile is genuine, and you feel the absolute truth of his sentiment. It melts away some of your disappointment and worry.

In return, your smile becomes a little warmer and easier. “I can’t help being a little disappointed - since I was hoping to finally meet my future husband - but he’s unemployed and you’re technically Captain America, so I guess it’s really an upgrade.”

Sam laughs. “Oh, I’m going to love you, I can tell.”

“Just promise me he’ll actually be at the ceremony tomorrow?” you ask. Your tone is light, but Sam calls your bluff.

His laughter fades, replaced by a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, he'll be there. Wild horses couldn't keep him away. Or androids. Or aliens. Or wizards. Or..." He trails off, realizing he might be overdoing it. "You get the idea."

You nod, appreciating Sam's attempt at humor. "I hope so. It would be pretty awkward to explain to the press why the groom was a no-show at his own wedding."

"Trust me, Steve takes this very seriously," Sam says, his tone becoming more earnest. "He may not know you yet, but he respects you and the commitment you're making. He's not the type to back out or let you down."

You nod, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. "I suppose I should get used to schedule changes and last-minute adjustments," you say, trying to keep your tone light.

"It's part of the package," Sam agrees. "But so is having a team of people who have your back, no matter what." He leans forward, his eyes meeting yours intently. "I want you to know that includes me. We're not just colleagues in this; we're family."

His words touch you deeply, and you feel a bloom of warmth in your chest, the firs time you’ve felt grounded since you agreed to do this. "Thank you, Sam," you manage to say. "That means a lot."

The waitress approaches, he orders coffee, and you both order breakfast.

As she walks away, you take a sip of the drink you’d ordered while you were waiting before, mulling over Sam's words. "Can I ask you something, Sam? You know Steve better than almost anyone. Do you think...?”

You hesitate, uncertain if you should voice your doubts to Sam. But his open, friendly demeanor encourages you to continue, and you’re going to need to learn to trust this new circle of people you’ll be surrounded with.

"Do you think this is crazy?" you finally ask, your voice barely above a whisper. "Marrying someone I've never even met, maybe becoming First Lady... it all feels so surreal."

Sam leans back in his chair, considering your question carefully. "Crazy? Maybe," he admits with a small smile. "But then again, I've seen a lot of crazy things in my time with the Avengers. This? This actually feels like one of the more normal things I've been part of."

You can't help but chuckle at that, some of the tension easing from your shoulders.

"Look," Sam continues, his tone becoming more serious. "I won't lie to you. It's not going to be easy. The scrutiny, the pressure, the constant demands on your time and energy - it's going to be a lot. But if anyone can handle it, it's Steve. And from what I've heard about you, I think you're up for the challenge, too."

Sam pauses as the waitress returns with your breakfasts and his coffee. Once she's gone, he continues, "Steve doesn't do anything halfway. When he commits to something, he's all in. And he's committed to this - to you, to this campaign, to trying to make a real difference."

You nod, appreciating his honesty. "And what about... us? Steve and me, I mean. Do you think we can make this work? Not just for the campaign, but as a real partnership?"

Sam's eyes soften. "Steve's one of the best men I know. He's loyal, compassionate, and has a moral compass that doesn't quit. But he's also been through a lot, and he can be... guarded. It might take some time for him to open up fully."

You absorb this information, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity about your future husband. "I appreciate your honesty, Sam," you say softly. "I guess we'll both be navigating uncharted waters."

Sam nods, taking a sip of his coffee before responding. "True, but you won't be doing it alone. Not only do you have the support of the team, but I think you and Steve might surprise yourselves. You both have a strong sense of purpose, a desire to help others. That's a solid foundation to build on."

You pick at your breakfast, mulling over Sam's words. "I just hope we can find some common ground beyond the campaign," you admit.

Sam leans in, his expression earnest. "Like I said, when Steve commits to something, he gives it his all. That includes relationships. He may be reserved at first, but once he lets you in, you'll have his unwavering loyalty and support."

You nod, feeling a bit more reassured. "I appreciate that. I’m not some hopeless romantic, I’m not looking to be swept off my feet, but I just hope we can find some chemistry, some spark beyond just being political partners."

Sam chuckles. "Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that. Steve might be from the 1940s, but he's still a red-blooded man. And you," he gestures at you with his fork, "are definitely his type."

You feel your cheeks flush slightly. "His type?"

"Smart, independent, passionate about making a difference," Sam lists off. “

Your work in non-profits, your passion for social justice - that's right up Steve's alley. Plus, you've got that whole 'take no crap' vibe that he needs. I have a sense about these things, and you have it.”

You laugh, feeling some of the tension dissipate. "Well, I'll take your word for it. Though I have to admit, the idea of being Steve Rogers' 'type' is a bit surreal."

Sam grins. "Trust me, once you two actually meet, you'll see what I mean. Just don't let that 'aw shucks' routine fool you. He might look like an all-American boy scout, but there's a lot more going on under the surface."

You raise an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."

Sam shakes his head, still smiling. "Nah, I'll let you discover that for yourself. Where's the fun if I spoil all the surprises?"

You roll your eyes good-naturedly. "Fine, keep your secrets. But seriously, Sam, thank you. For breakfast, for the pep talk, for everything. I'm really glad I got to meet you before tomorrow."

"Me too," Sam says, raising his coffee mug in a mock toast. "To new beginnings and unexpected partnerships."

You clink your own mug against his, feeling a surge of warmth and camaraderie. As you finish your breakfast, the conversation flows easily between you and Sam. He regales you with stories of his adventures with Steve, carefully omitting any classified details but painting a vivid picture of the man you're about to marry.

You learn about Steve's dry sense of humor, his unwavering loyalty to his friends, and his surprising skill at sketching. Sam describes missions where Steve's quick thinking saved the day, but also quieter moments - movie nights with the team, intense debates over board games, and Steve's ongoing struggle to catch up on pop culture.

As Sam talks, you find yourself leaning in, captivated by these glimpses of reality, getting to know more about the man behind the myth. And even if the next twenty-four hours will be a whirlwind of you choosing and getting fitted for your wedding dress; interviewing candidates that have been vetted for your personal staff - assistant, pr strategist, stylist, initiative director; and a bachelorette party; you feel like you’ll be able to face it all with the bit of reassurance you’ve gained by spending this time with Sam.

next part: LAS VEGAS & CLEVELAND

↠ Main Masterlist | Aspen's Ask Box | Field Guide to the Forest

I do not do tag lists, but FOLLOW @buckets-and-stories and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to be updated any time I publish a new work!

This story will have 3-4 chapters, depending on where I split up the narrative. I anticipate about a chapter a week, usually posted on Fridays.

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 25 - KIDFIC

Reject Your Reality (and Substitute My Own) by dapperanachronism, Robin_tCJ

Pairing: Steve/Tony, Clint/Bucky Rating: E Words: 74,924 Tags: Coffee Shop AU, Idiots in Love, Hurt/Comfort

Summary: Single parent Tony Stark’s son is the most important thing in the world to him – the ONLY important thing in the universe. A hipster Brooklyn coffee-shop owner & veteran doesn’t even rank on the list – even if he is hot and funny and kind. When he hears about the possibly-high-traffic-and-therefore-dangerous coffee shop moving in next door to Casey’s preschool, he does the only sensible thing he can think of – he confronts the owner and tries to convince him to open his shop elsewhere. Of course, Steve Rogers is stubborn as hell, and it turns out he can make a mean cup of coffee. It sounds like an ordinary kid-fic coffee shop AU, but look a little closer and nothing is quite what it seems.

Reasons why I love it: This fic is nothing short of amazing. I adore single dad Tony, and all the fluff that comes with him and his son fills my heart with joy. Tony and Steve being oblivious, pining idiots while everyone around them despairs at them is my kryptonite, and this verse does it so well it made me want to just squish them together. And then the plot twist happens and takes the fic to a whole new level of awesome. Also, I could stare at the accompanying illustrations by Cachette for hours, they're so beautiful! I really hope you give this one a shot, because I want you to experience it for yourself!

[ao3feed-drstrange]

beginning of the end

by webss312 [Book 2] It's been two years since Peter faked his death and helped to take down HYDRA. Things had been great since then– he asked MJ out, started attending Columbia, and got to continue being Spider-Man. So, when Nick Fury showed up in his apartment once more, Peter knew his good luck streak was coming to a close. Sure enough, Fury informed him that there was an alien named Thanos intent on collecting ridiculously powerful “infinity stones” in order to use them to wipe out half of the universe. Which, really? Peter just wanted to be able to make it to his college graduation. Thanos had other plans. — Or: an exploration of how Infinity War and Endgame could have gone down in the alternate universe established in ‘end of beginning.’ Reading the first story isn’t technically a requirement to understand the actual plot of this one, but it does establish how Peter got to this more independent/skilled mindset and also makes a LOT of references to the first one, so I’d recommend reading it to understand the characterizations and callbacks. Words: 59486, Chapters: 4/10, Language: English Series: Part 2 of revolution 'verse Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Spider-Man - All Media Types, Spider-Man (Tom Holland Movies) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M, Gen Characters: Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Aunt May Parker (Marvel), Michelle Jones (Marvel), Ned Leeds, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Clint Barton, James "Bucky" Barnes, Sam Wilson (Marvel), James "Rhodey" Rhodes, Pepper Potts, Nick Fury, Captain Marvel, Wanda Maximoff, Vision (Marvel), Stephen Strange, Happy Hogan, Avengers Team Members (Marvel) Relationships: Peter Parker & Tony Stark, Michelle Jones/Peter Parker, Avengers Team & Peter Parker, Peter Parker & Steve Rogers, Michelle Jones & Ned Leeds & Peter Parker, Peter Parker & Natasha Romanov, Pepper Potts/Tony Stark, Steve Rogers & Tony Stark, Avengers Team Members & Tony Stark, Aunt May Parker & Tony Stark, Peter Parker & Stephen Strange, Peter Parker & Steve Rogers & Tony Stark, James "Rhodey" Rhodes & Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov & Tony Stark Additional Tags: BAMF Peter Parker, Avengers Family, Protective Avengers, Not Avengers: Endgame (Movie) Compliant, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Not Canon Compliant with Movie: Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Tony Stark Acting as Peter Parker's Parental Figure, Peter Parker Whump, Protective Peter Parker, Peter Parker is a Little Shit, is peter a BAMF or just traumatized? a little of both, Temporary Character Death, (like literally less than a chapter), Peter Parker Saves The Day, The Avengers Love Peter Parker, Aunt May Parker & Tony Stark Coparenting Peter Parker, Supportive Aunt May Parker (Marvel), Aunt May Parker & Tony Stark Friendship, POV Alternating, Domestic Avengers, Powerful Peter Parker, Peter Parker Acts Like a Spider, (well he makes his suit more spidery you'll see), Avengers Compound, Peter Parker Gets a Hug, Not Really Character Death, Good Friend Ned Leeds, Awesome Aunt May Parker (Marvel), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Divergence - Post-Movie: Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), really its unspecified but think of it as a total timeline revamp sometime after civil war, Tony Stark Has A Heart, Natasha Romanov Is Not A Robot, College Student Peter Parker, Aliens, Peter Parker Has His Shit Together via https://ift.tt/kVWm1FA

[ao3feed-petermj]

beginning of the end

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/HD7b48s by webss312 [Book 2] It's been two years since Peter faked his death and helped to take down HYDRA. Things had been great since then– he asked MJ out, started attending Columbia, and got to continue being Spider-Man. So, when Nick Fury showed up in his apartment once more, Peter knew his good luck streak was coming to a close. Sure enough, Fury informed him that there was an alien named Thanos intent on collecting ridiculously powerful “infinity stones” in order to use them to wipe out half of the universe. Which, really? Peter just wanted to be able to make it to his college graduation. Thanos had other plans. — Or: an exploration of how Infinity War and Endgame could have gone down in the alternate universe established in ‘end of beginning.’ Reading the first story isn’t technically a requirement to understand the actual plot of this one, but it does establish how Peter got to this more independent/skilled mindset and also makes a LOT of references to the first one, so I’d recommend reading it to understand the characterizations and callbacks. Words: 59486, Chapters: 4/10, Language: English Series: Part 2 of revolution 'verse Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Spider-Man - All Media Types, Spider-Man (Tom Holland Movies) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M, Gen Characters: Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Aunt May Parker (Marvel), Michelle Jones (Marvel), Ned Leeds, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Clint Barton, James "Bucky" Barnes, Sam Wilson (Marvel), James "Rhodey" Rhodes, Pepper Potts, Nick Fury, Captain Marvel, Wanda Maximoff, Vision (Marvel), Stephen Strange, Happy Hogan, Avengers Team Members (Marvel) Relationships: Peter Parker & Tony Stark, Michelle Jones/Peter Parker, Avengers Team & Peter Parker, Peter Parker & Steve Rogers, Michelle Jones & Ned Leeds & Peter Parker, Peter Parker & Natasha Romanov, Pepper Potts/Tony Stark, Steve Rogers & Tony Stark, Avengers Team Members & Tony Stark, Aunt May Parker & Tony Stark, Peter Parker & Stephen Strange, Peter Parker & Steve Rogers & Tony Stark, James "Rhodey" Rhodes & Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov & Tony Stark Additional Tags: BAMF Peter Parker, Avengers Family, Protective Avengers, Not Avengers: Endgame (Movie) Compliant, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Not Canon Compliant with Movie: Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Tony Stark Acting as Peter Parker's Parental Figure, Peter Parker Whump, Protective Peter Parker, Peter Parker is a Little Shit, is peter a BAMF or just traumatized? a little of both, Temporary Character Death, (like literally less than a chapter), Peter Parker Saves The Day, The Avengers Love Peter Parker, Aunt May Parker & Tony Stark Coparenting Peter Parker, Supportive Aunt May Parker (Marvel), Aunt May Parker & Tony Stark Friendship, POV Alternating, Domestic Avengers, Powerful Peter Parker, Peter Parker Acts Like a Spider, (well he makes his suit more spidery you'll see), Avengers Compound, Peter Parker Gets a Hug, Not Really Character Death, Good Friend Ned Leeds, Awesome Aunt May Parker (Marvel), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Divergence - Post-Movie: Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), really its unspecified but think of it as a total timeline revamp sometime after civil war, Tony Stark Has A Heart, Natasha Romanov Is Not A Robot, College Student Peter Parker, Aliens, Peter Parker Has His Shit Together read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/HD7b48s

[blast0rama]

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023): A Review

I know, long time since I’ve reviewed, right?

Welcome back.

The year is 2023, and the nerds have, unabashedly, won. It seems every week brings us a new Star Wars/ Star Trek / video game adaptation / comic book movie. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has hit its 31st film1, and began its fifth phase, with this release — Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

And how bizarre is that? When I started this blog in February 2008, we were all just hoping that Iron Man would defy the odds and be a great adaptation of a B-Level hero and The Dark Knight would be a decent follow-up to the shockingly good Batman Begins.

Now we’ve got dueling comic movie universes, with DC looking like it might finally have its shit together with new leadership, and Marvel starting another phase of its (perhaps?) long-in-the-tooth franchise with a third Ant-Man movie.

That’s where we’re at now, people. THREE. ANT-MAN. MOVIES.

Dig into the power of Paul Rudd all you want, but this should not be. Ant-Man has been lucky to string three issues together, let alone three movies.

And who would have thought that this would be the lynchpin of this series of Marvel movies, introducing the awesome Jonathan Majors (Lovecraft Country) as Kang — yes, the guy whose action figure got dusty on pegs in stores nationwide for YEARS.

It’s a surreal mix to hang $200 million on.

And that’s the odd background that this perfectly fine movie lands in. It’s fine. Not great. Good at best. But fine overall. It’s not a disaster, it’s not the misfire that Eternals was, it’s not going to become a meme joke of a bad movie like Thor: The Dark World was (which I kinda thought was OK, honestly), it’s capital F, Fine.

The setup is actually pretty simple. It’s a few years after Avengers: Endgame, Scott Lang (the eternally cool Paul Rudd) is sort of a cult hero. Not the superstar a Tony Stark or Steve Rogers is, but he can live his life. His love interest, Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly, whose political opinions you shouldn’t google) is running an incredible science division of the reborn Pym Van Dyne company, along with her father Hank Pym (Michael Douglas, happy to be here). Hope’s long lost mother Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) has returned from the Quantum Realm (basically, where Tardigrades live), though she doesn’t want to talk about it. Scott’s even written a book about his life, Look Out For The Little Guy!

It’s a shame he’s just having some issues reconnecting with his daughter Cassie, now an adult (thanks, The Blip®!). It seems that Cassie (Kathyrn Newton) is striking out a bit, but showing some scientific prowess. So much so that she’s building a way to map the Quantum Realm! Which sends Janet’s blood running cold…just in time for them all to get sucked into the Quantum Realm themselves.

The worry? A quiet spoken, green and purple jumpsuit wearing man named Kang, who also calls himself A Conquerer. Who you may recognize from — though, really don’t need to have seen — the Disney+ series Loki.

Seems he has a history with Janet, he wants out of the Quantum Realm, and it’s gonna take the whole Ant-Man family to figure it out.

And that’s where the problem of this movie really lies.

There’s two fighting elements here, one micro, one macro.

On the micro (heh) side, there’s a really fun Journey to the Center of the Earth-by-way-of-Rick and Morty adventure here, filled with grumpy telepaths (William Jackson Harper), flashlight headed beings, Broccoli Men, and some weird goo guy obsessed with holes (voiced by David Dastmalchian, the only of Scott’s old crew to return, though as an entirely different character.)

It’s in this mode that the movie really sings. Amazing visuals, stunning creature and character designs that I only would’ve loved more if they were practical. I would love to just see a romp with the Pym Van Dyne Langs in this world.

But on the macro level, it’s time for the MCU to establish a big bad. And though he is performed admirably by Jonathan Majors, and I cannot wait to see him in more, bigger movies ahead…this is not the movie for this weight.

Ultimately, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania starts to sag whe these elements collide, and more than anything, I just wished they had picked a lane. And that’s sort of the issue with where we’re at 31 movies into the this franchise. A movie cannot stand alone, it must feed into the bigger world. And Scott Lang, Avenger though he may be, cannot anchor an Avenger-level adventure.

Sometimes, small is best, and I thought that 3 movies in, Marvel recognized what they had here. Instead, we get stuck with neither side getting what they want, as hard as they try.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is in theaters now.

31. Like the flavors at Baskin Robbins. Get it? I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, but, well done, Marvel.

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 4 – STUCKONY FAVORITES

SERIES: dem bois by vulcan_slash_robot

Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Tony Rating: E Words: 26,210 Tags: Civil War Fix-It, Smut and Humor, Polyamory Negotiations

Summary: A semi-fixit verse that exists somewhere between canon, where everything is terrible, and a truly boring world, where everything is fine. Also, Stuckony. Like 90% MCU compliant through Thor: Ragnarok. After that it's chaos. And Sexcapades.

Reasons why I love it: Do you like humor? Do you like amazing characterization? Do you like feel-good stories wherein the Civil War is not only fixed but redeems everyone? Then you absolutely have to read this series! These fics are all so goddamn amazing, I can't even tell you which one's my favorite. Read them all and feast on the goodness! PS: The first part of this series is the cover art, which is adorable, but I'm not going to rec it separately here. So we're heading right into part 2, but if you check this series out, please look at the cover art as well, it's so cute!

This series consists of:

One More Time, With Feeling

Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Tony Rating: M Words: 22,937 Tags: Tony trying to be a Grown-Up, Fluff, Civil War Fix-It

Summary: The Civil War went slightly differently. Now that everybody's home again, what is Tony supposed to do with this other guy his boyfriend is in love with?

Reasons why I love it: Funny how one little change to canon can send a whole ass avalanche rolling. I really love how the Civil War is handled here, and Tony, oh my god, he's so fucking funny. The dialogue in this is amazing! And Jesus Christ, Steve's reaction at the very end just makes my day every time I read it. I love this fic so much, the perfect overture to an awesome series!

My Three Steves

Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Tony Rating: E Words: 2,069 Tags: PWP, Humor, Laughter During Sex

Summary: Bucky and Tony head to bed together without Steve for the first time. Or do they? In which there is only one Steve, but force of habit is a bitch.

Reasons why I love it: This fic is somehow hilarious as fuck and almost unbearably sweet. Like, I have to suppress the urge to squeal when it goes from funny to hot as hell to marshmallow-sweet in the blink of an eye. Also, we stan Steve the sass king just being completely done with Tony and Bucky's shit. An amazing sequel but it can also stand on its own, so go and read it now!

“I Understood That Reference”

Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Tony Rating: E Words: 1,204 Tags: PWP, Puns, Humor

Summary: Tony has been diligent in teaching his boys about the future. This may have drawbacks.

Reasons why I love it: Game of Thrones puns in the bedroom? Why the hell not? This one is fucking hilarious as well, vulcan has an incredible grasp of humor and a gift for dialogue. This one can also be read as a stand-alone, and it's well worth you time, but seriously, just read the whole series, you won't regret it. It's amazing!