#happy birthday to THE pilot of all time

[jessiesjaded]

The X Files pilot aired 31 years ago today, on the 10th of September, 1993.

[cartoonrival]

this is literally 7 pages longer than it needs to be but im so committed to representing literally every element of the images in my mind

[clonecaptains]

too good to be true

a jake ‘hangman’ seresin x shy!reader fic

warnings: alcohol mention; self confidence issue mention; slight innuendo if you squint; she/her pronouns used; no use of y/n

word count: 2.6k

summary: a handsome pilot has been making eyes at you all night - and you can't even begin to wrap your head around it. you wouldn't know what to say - but you better make it quick - he's on his way over!

a/n: thank you for the love on my previous fic! hope yall enjoy this one! jake's been living rent free in my head!

You didn’t want to go, but you couldn’t say no to your friend. She needed your support on this one. It’s her cousins’ birthday. Her cousin that she has a very strained relationship with. She hopes coming to this party at the Hard Deck might be a sign of good faith. You weren’t holding your breath; you didn’t exactly care for her cousin either. Another reason you didn’t want to go.

The good thing about this though – besides getting to spend time with a good friend – was admiring the view. The Hard Deck is a Navy bar. It’s full of naval officers and aviators, especially on the weekends.

80’s classic rock plays overhead and as the night goes on you decide you’re glad you came after all. The dimly lit atmosphere is comfortable, full of earth tones and Navy memorabilia. You and your friend quietly watch, from a distance, a handful of pilots playing pool. There’s one in particular that catches your attention. All the pilots in the place look handsome – you think that must be a requirement for joining the Navy. But this one – the tall blond one – stands out.

You made eye contact once, and quickly shifted your gaze. You saw him smirk a little and that sent butterflies into your tummy. You meekly sip your drink and dare to look back at him. You watch him walk around the pool table, looking for his next shot to take. He’s deliberate in all his actions. Confidence is in his movements as he lines up his shot. His gaze flicks up to you and gives you a little wink – making his shot without looking at the table.

Your friend elbows you in the side giggling, “He’s totally into you!”

“You think so?” you feel your face warm and take another drink to diffuse the tension. “He can’t be,” you shrug her off.

“No, I really think he is,” she squeals. “He’s coming over here.”

Your heart stops when you look over at him again. His eyes are on you as he hands his pool cue to his friend. The motion is swift and precise. Something about him not looking to pass it over while he looked at you sent electricity down to your toes.

“What do I do?” you hiss to your friend, watching him walk towards you. His smile grows and you couldn’t help but match it.

“Hi ladies,” that perfect smile is thick on his voice when he reaches your group. The birthday girl makes her way over to him. She’s quick to make her presence known. It burns you inside watching her. You admit you’re jealous of her boldness, and how she makes heads turn. That’s never been you.

“What can we do for you sir? Did you come over to wish me Happy Birthday?” she asks him, batting her eyelashes and touching his bicep.

You can’t watch her flirt with him, knowing that she can have whoever she wants in this place. You were silly to think he was interested in you. Makes the quick moment of butterflies turn into a pang of disappointment in your stomach. You take another sip of your drink and try to tune her out. Staring at the damp ring left on the table from your drink doesn’t help quite like you wish it would. You look up to see him give her a good-natured smile.

Then his eyes cut over to you while he answers her question. “Actually, I came to talk to that one-“ and he points to you.

“Me?” you look around as if he were somehow pointing to someone else.

“Yes ma’am,” he smiles and walks closer to where you’re sitting. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Your friend all but pushes you out of your seat to go towards him. And when you step forward, you get a good strong whiff of his cologne.

“Hi,” he smiles. You smile sheepishly at him. You know the other girls are watching every moment of this, but you don’t notice them at all. The room could be on fire, and you wouldn’t know. Though the heat from his gaze is so hot you think the room might actually be on fire. “Can I buy you a drink?” he asks again when you don’t answer.

You’re gawking. You didn’t mean to but he’s so handsome, especially up close. The “yeah!” that comes out of your mouth is very eager and you want to bury your head in the sand outside the bar. But he seems to love watching you get flustered.

He offers you his arm and your face warms putting your hand in the crook of his elbow. Your fingers touch the warm, taut skin over his bicep, and you can’t believe this is happening right now.

“Happy Birthday,” he tells the birthday girl again brushing past her. You wanted to turn around so badly to see the look on her face, but you were focusing too hard on not tripping over your own feet.

The handsome pilot guides you towards the bar asking, “what are you drinking?” His eyes flick down to your hand still clinging to his bicep. Maybe it’s just your imagination that he flexes it for you before you shyly let go. Your cheeks warm telling him your drink order. His face is so close, and you’re hypnotized. His eyes on you sends a thrill to your heart and anxiety to your stomach. His mouth is so sexy you can’t help but linger on it. You panic knowing you aren’t subtle, and he can see you looking at his mouth.

Doesn’t seem to stop his smile from growing.

He knows.

He repeats your drink order to the bartender, and you feel a lurch in your stomach. The bar seems louder than before, and you feel a little clammy. He turns from ordering and puts his hand on your lower back.

“What’s your name darlin’?” he asks with a gentle smile. You barely hear or register his question because you tell him at the same time you need to use the ladies room. His smile is easy, despite the look of concern in his eyes. Do you really look that nervous?

Your dash to the bathroom is a blur. Passing rowdy patrons and feeling like you might lose the contents of your stomach right there on the bar floor.

Making a beeline for the sink once you’re in the bathroom, you grab some paper towels. Wetting them you pat your face and the back of your neck. You feel silly, but this has never happened to you before. No one like him has given you the looks he’s giving you. You know you could tell him you’re a little nervous, but what if he only likes really confident women? What if that’s a turn off? What if he expects you to put out? That makes you panic even more. How do you tell him you don’t do this kind of thing? Even the thought of kissing him makes your head spin.

Then you look in the mirror. You notice every flaw and your self confidence that was pretty high a minute ago plummets. You can’t go back out there to him.

So, you don’t. Tears stain your cheeks as you duck out of the bar without a word to him. Your heart is pounding as you leave, and you already feel regret. But your anxiety is winning. You can’t go back in there NOW after it’s been so long and you’re crying.

You don’t even tell your friend that you leave until you are at home. You know she would make you go back in there and talk to the hottest guy in there. The one who wanted to buy you a drink.

The one that you don’t even know his name.

You start to cry harder. What if you never see him again? Maybe that would be better? You feel bad for leaving so quickly without telling him. And you don’t know if you could face him again.

So, you text your friend through your very conflicted emotional tears. Her answer is full of typos and doesn’t make much sense. She’s drunk. You’ll talk to her about this tomorrow.

You get ready for bed, and you don’t even know what you’re doing. You’re on autopilot. Pilot. Oh yeah. Pilot. You scream into your pillow and cry until you give yourself a headache. Maybe you’re being ridiculous. Maybe you should have just accepted that he did want to talk to you instead of letting your own self doubt get in the way. And then you ruined it. You left that no name handsome pilot standing there with your drink wondering where you went. Thinking he did something wrong.

That’s when you decide you’ll go to the bar again tomorrow night. He’s got to be in there on a Saturday, right?

You barely sleep, and the whole rest of the day your stomach is in knots. The only question on your mind is what if he’s not there? What if he’s not there and you ruined your chance. You’re not sure if he’s looking for a relationship or a hook-up. But you’d like to find out! What if he is someone you start to date? That’s how people meet right?

You think about his mouth again. His handsome smile. The shape of his mouth. How badly you wonder what it’s like to kiss those lips. He’s gotta be a good kisser.

Most of your day is spent agonizing over these questions. You talk to your friend a LOT about this. She comes over and helps you pick out an outfit and she agrees to go with you tonight. That way you won’t have to go alone, and she can hype you up.

Thrill and panic are fighting a war in your belly. Your heart has been racing. Ice is pumping into your veins while you get ready. You’re wearing a simple black dress – it’s the most flattering to your figure. And you spend longer than you think you ever have on your makeup and hair.

“You’re gonna knock him off his feet when you show up looking like that to apologize,” your friend smiles looking at you over your shoulder in the mirror. It’s only right then before you’re about to head out the door that you don’t even know what you’re going to say to him.

You don’t live far from the bar, and you’d rather just go on ahead than sit at home to wait even more.

Music and the sound of patrons talking and laughing inside spills outside. There’s a breeze blowing on you before you walk in and you’re grateful for the fresh air before stepping through the entrance.

The place is busy tonight as you expected, but it doesn’t take you long to spot him. He’s by his buddies at the dartboard. He must have scored because he gives his buddy a high five and a couple other guys cheer.

“There he is come on,” your friend grabs your elbow and tugs you in his direction. Your knees shake and your heart is pounding. What are you going to say? You have about 30 seconds to figure it out.

With your heart in your throat, you step closer, he still hasn’t seen you. But one of his buddies does.

“Hangman,” one of them hits your handsome stranger on the arm and nods in your direction. He turns to look over his shoulder and when he realizes it’s you – that big grin splits his face. He turns further and steps closer into your space.

“Left me hangin’ last night,” he comments taking a sip of his beer. Someone behind him chuckles at the pun from his callsign.

“I’m sorry about that. I panicked. You make me so nervous,” you’re saying all this before your brain can catch up. You faintly heard one of the guys make a little “oooOOooOO” noise, and Hangman smacks his friend on the chest with the back of his hand. You don’t miss the look of pride in Hangman’s eyes at your comment despite him not wanting his friends to tease you.

“Me?” he teases playfully and gets even closer. You can smell the mint on his breath from the gum in his mouth. “Come on,” he clicks his tongue a little and nods his head in a direction away from the guys.

He puts his hand on your lower back – last night it sent you into a panic – but this time you let him. You like how it feels. His touch is very light, and he gently guides you to a quieter corner of the bar.

“I really am sorry,” you start back up again. “Nothing like this has ever happened to me before, and-“

His eyebrows raise, he wants you to finish what you were going to say. He enjoys the flustered look on your face and the way your pupils dilate before he gives you relief.

“I know, your friend told me. Showed me your texts. Particularly liked the one about how I was the ‘most handsome man you’d ever seen.’” He gives you a little wink.

You weren’t sure if you were going to kill your friend or if you owed her your life now.

Then he said your name, you can only assume he saw on the text messages from last night. “I didn’t mean to make you nervous, even though it’s cute as hell.”

“I was just surprised that you came up to me. You could have anyone you want in here.” You motion with your hand around the place.

“Maybe I don’t just want anyone. I wanted the adorable girl who checked me out all night and was too shy to come say anything. Got in my head, made me damn crazy.”

“Really?” you whisper smiling up at him.

“Adorable,” he smiles.

“I thought about you all night when I left. I was so mad at myself, but I didn’t know what to say.”

“All night?” he smirks and your face warms. You might be embarrassed as his insinuations if you didn’t love how much he was looking at you. “I thought about you too.” He takes a swig of his beer, and now you really feel your skin get hot wondering if he means what you think he does.

“I was worried I startled you. Then your friend showed me what you said. I don’t think she was fully aware of what she was doing,” he laughs, “she told me all of it before I could say a word. But I’m glad she told me to come back tonight.”

“I’m glad too,” you smile reach up to fiddle with his uniform shirt sleeve. “Did she really show you all of them though?” you whine a little. “Even the kiss one?”

“Even the kiss one,” he confirms with another dangerous smirk. He puts his hand on the wall behind you, effectively trapping you between the wall behind you and the wall of muscle in front of you.

“Something about wanting to kiss this sexy mouth?” he teases. You hang your head with an exasperated groan. “Hey,” he lifts your chin with his finger. “I’ll kiss you,” he’s whispering now. His lips are so close to yours and you couldn’t form a coherent thought if you tried. All you know is how good he smells and how loud your heart is pounding in your ears.

“If?” you whisper back – your mouths almost touching.

 “If you agree to go out on a date with me tomorrow,” His grin is so sly, and you are enjoying every moment.

“Yes,” your whisper is barely audible, but it’s enough.

Enough for him to close the very small gap between your lips. His hand cradling the back of your head now holding you to him. You whimper in his mouth and when he pulls back you gasp softly.

“I don’t even know your name,” you smile up at him.

“Jake,” he whispers against your lips before kissing you again.

[adrienneleclerc]

Birthday Surprise

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x Latina! Reader

Summary: Charles spends his 27th birthday on a flight to Austin, Texas, and without his girlfriend

Warning: the usual, you know the drill

Charles woke up early in the morning so he could be able to catch his 7am flight to Austin for the Grand Prix. When he woke up, he frowned when he saw that Y/N wasn’t beside him. Logically, he knew that Y/N was visiting her friend in the states, but it still hurt him to not see her on his birthday. She wasn’t even awake yet, New York being 6 hours behind and all, but he still text her to let her know that he was going to Texas and that he hopes she’ll watch the race. He made himself a quick breakfast, showered, and got dressed with a few minutes to spare. He had his luggage and carry-on ready when he got the text notification that the driver was downstairs to take him to the airport.

Once at the airport, he spotted Carlos on his phone. But when Carlos lifted his head, he put the phone down and gave charles a hug and a hair tug.

“Happy birthday, Cabrón. You’re 27 now, isn’t that crazy?” Carlos asked.

“Definitely crazy, i think im starting to get wrinkles.” Charles replied laughing.

“That’s because you let yourself burn! I don’t know how Y/N isn’t behind you all the time to remind you to put on your sunscreen.” Carlos said.

“I think she just gave up. How long is the flight, you think?” Charles asked?

“It’s about 12 hours, gentlemen. You might as well get comfy on the jet, let’s get you two sorted while we wait for your trainers and photographers.” A flight attendant said before leading them to the tarmac where a jet from Ferrari’s partner was.

Once on the jet, they waited until Joris and Andrea made it, then waited for Carlos’s (does he have a “team” like Charles? Let’s pretend he does), and Charles was viewing his notifications from social media and text messages from friends, but not a single one from Y/N. Logically, he knows she’s not awake, but it’s still sad. Once everyone was one the jet, it took off and Charles tried to get some sleep on the plane.

Charles felt himself being shaken awake.

“Mate, wake up, the flight landed.” Joris said. Charles rubbed his eyes.

“Really?” He asked.

“Yeah, man, Let’s go, im starving.” Joris said. Charles nodded and unlocked his phone to still see no notification from Y/N. “Dude, I know it’s your birthday but we really need to get going if we’re going to make the hotel check in on time.”

“I’m coming, just relax, man.” Charles said and Joris nodded before leaving the jet. Charles gathered his things and thanked the pilot before leaving. As he was entering the airport, he saw a sign that made him do a double take. The sign said “Happy Birthday, Muñeco” in light blue letters, only person who called him ‘Muñeco’ was.. “Y/N?” Charles asked.

The sign was lowered and it revealed the face of his beautiful girlfriend, Charles was now smiling ear to ear, laughing because he couldn’t believe his eyes. Charles dropped his backpack on the floor as he saw Y/N give the sign to someone next to her and she ran to give him a hug and he lifted her off the ground, twirling her, and then kissing her.

“I Can’t believe you’re here, how are you here? I thought you were visiting a friend in the states.” Charles said, putting her on the ground but still having his hands on her waist, not wanting to let her go. He’s clingy, okay?

“Yeah, my friend Mariana lives in Texas.” Y/N said, pointing to the girl holding the sign and she waved, charles waved back. “How was your flight, muñeco?”

“It was so long and boring. I slept the whole way here.” Charles said.

“That’s good that you slept on your flight. Are you up to spend the day with me? I mean, it is your birthday after all, you should decide what you want to do.” Y/N said. Charles’s hands left her waist to go to her cheeks.

“There is nothing I want more than to spend the day with you.” Charles said, giving her another long and lingering kiss. “What did you want to do?”

“First, Let’s get out of this airport. Will Joris mind if you come with Mariana and I?” Y/N asked, walking to where Mariana was.

“I’ll text him on the car.” Charles said, picking up his backpack and grabbing his suitcase to follow Y/N.

“Mariana, what’s the most Texas thing to do here?” Y/N asked, once next to Mariana.

“Well almost everyone goes to a barbecue joint, but you have to go to the food truck parks.” Mariana said, waiting for Charles to catch up before they left the airport.

“There are park just for food trucks?” Charles asked.

“Yeah! It a place where all the food trucks are and sometimes there’s love music. There are so many different food trucks, Y/N likes the crepe one. There’s one at a park not too far from here, I’m thinking you might want something to eat after a long flight.” Mariana said.

“That sounds nice, let’s go.” Charles said. Once they make it to Mariana’s car, Charles puts his stuff in the back and sits in the back, he insists that Y/N should still ride shotgun since she is here to visit her friend, of course. Y/N told Charles what She’s been up to for the past few days until they made it to the park.

As Mariana said, there were lots of food trucks. There was a Mexican food truck, Vietnamese food, ramen, crepes, barbecue, they had everything. Charles decided to sit at a table while Y/N and Mariana got the food, 10 minutes later, Y/N came back with a tray and so did Mariana.

“Okay, muñeco, i know you Don’t like spicy, BUT, i brought birria ramen and of course ice water if you can’t handle the spiciness.” Y/N said. Charles looks at the bowl in front of him.

“It looks Good.” He said.

“Oh it’s the best.” Mariana said before taking a bite of her burger. Charles tried the birria ramen, it was good, but then as he ate more he felt the spiciness and drank a lot of water.

“Do you like It?” Y/N asked.

“It’s really Good.” Charles said as he fanned his tongue.

“We’ll get ice cream after, okay, bebé.” Y/N said, kissing his nose.

“Y’all are so cute it’s nauseating.” Mariana said, making a face.

“Don’t be like that, It’s his birthday.” Y/N said, as she began eating her own bowl of birria ramen.

“Yeah, It’s my birthday.” Charles said.

“I just met you, man, I think I’m allowed to tease. Anyway, are we going to be here all day?” Mariana asked. Charles checked his phone.

“Fuck, we can’t, I think after eating, I have to check in at my hotel, I’ll give you the address.” Charles said, Mariana nodded but Y/N looked sad. “Hey, I promise after I check in, I’ll spend the rest of the day with you, okay? There’s no person I would rather spend my birthday with than you.” Charles kissed her sweetly.

“Okay. Let’s hurry before Joris and Andrea send a search party for you.” Y/N said, charles laughing at her joke. After throwing away their trash and getting in Mariana’s car, charles was thinking about how he couldn’t have asked for a better surprise, this might be his favorite birthday yet.

The End

Hope y’all liked it! I thought it was cute.

[rootedinrevisions]

Kinktober 2024: Day 29

CHARACTER: Jake "Hangman" Seresin

KINK: Costumes / Dress Up

WORD COUNT: 1.2K

WARNINGS: 18+ MINORS DNI. Lingerie, Implied smut.

TAG LIST: SEE COMMENTS

If you would like to be added to any of my Tag Lists or be tagged for a specific character please feel free to comment, send an ask, or send a DM and I'll be happy to get you added! Below are the fandoms I currently write for.

Glen Powell (himself and the characters he's played)

Twisters (Mostly Tyler right now, but possibly others soon)

Top Gun: Maverick (Hangman, Rooster, possibly others soon)

Marvel / MCU (Bucky Barnes as of now, but possibly others soon)

WWE / Wrestling

Jake’s footsteps echoed through the entryway as he stepped inside, calling out, “Honey, I’m home.” His tone was half-joking, the lilt of his voice suggesting he’d had a good day, probably full of his usual swagger.

Then he stopped short, his eyes landing on you at the top of the stairs. You wore a snug, sharp-looking flight attendant’s uniform, complete with a little cap and red lipstick that caught the light as you smiled.

“Well, well… what have we here?” His grin spread, slow and wicked, as he let the door close behind him, arms folding as he took in the sight. “Looks like someone was waiting on me to get home.”

“Just a little surprise for my favorite pilot,” you replied, descending the stairs with a sway in your step, letting him see every detail of your outfit.

He chuckled, eyes glinting as he watched you come closer. 

“I have to say, I’m impressed. You really went all out for this,” he murmured, the cocky drawl unmistakable in his tone. “You here to serve me, sweetheart?”

“Oh, I’m here to do a lot more than that.” You closed the distance between you two, placing your hands on his chest as you leaned in. “But I think I might be running a tighter ship than you’re used to.”

Jake’s eyebrows raised, but his smirk stayed firm. 

“Is that so?” He leaned down, voice dropping to a murmur against your ear. “You think you can handle me?”

“Care to find out?” You teased, feeling your pulse quicken as his arms wrapped around your waist.

Jake tilted his head, guiding you backward toward the stairs, a mischievous gleam in his eye as he murmured, “You’re playing a dangerous game, sweetheart. Let’s see if you can keep up with me.”

With that, he led you toward the bedroom, his grip on you firm yet gentle as he continued to throw cocky remarks your way, each one stoking the playful tension that had the air between you sparking.

Jake barely had time to adjust before you nudged him backward onto the bed, his eyes widening just slightly as he landed on the mattress with a soft thud. For once, he seemed momentarily off-balance, but that signature smirk returned almost instantly as he watched you climb over him, one knee resting on either side of his hips.

“Well, aren’t you full of surprises tonight,” he murmured, hands instinctively moving to your waist as you leaned down, close enough that he could feel the warmth of your breath.

“Guess you’re not the only one who can take charge,” you teased, letting your fingers trail along his chest before starting to undo the buttons on your uniform, one slow, deliberate motion at a time.

Jake’s eyes darkened, his cocky grin softening as he watched each button come undone, revealing flashes of scarlet lace beneath. 

“That’s the set you wore for my birthday,” he murmured, his gaze tracing the vibrant red lace peeking from beneath the fabric. “You remember what happened the last time you wore that, right?”

“Oh, I remember,” you replied, sliding the jacket off your shoulders and tossing it aside before leaning down to brush your lips over his jaw, savoring the way his breath caught.

Jake’s hands tightened on your waist as he let out a low chuckle, clearly feeling the shift in control, though he was still enjoying every second of it. “You’re playing dirty, sweetheart,” he drawled, a glint of pride and admiration in his eyes.

You grinned, leaning in close until your lips were just a whisper away from his. “Good. I’d hate to make it too easy for you.”

With that, you pressed him back against the pillows, letting him feel the heat of your intentions as you traced your hands over his shoulders, taking your time with every move. 

For once, Jake Seresin was speechless, completely at your mercy as you continued your slow, teasing reveal.

As you leaned over him, your movements became slower, more intentional. Jake’s hands rested at your waist, his touch no longer playful but warm and steady, grounding you both in the moment. His gaze softened, the earlier mischief replaced by something more genuine as he took in every inch of you, almost as though seeing you for the first time.

You let the last piece of your “uniform” fall to the floor, revealing the red lace set in full. Jake’s breath hitched as he reached up, his fingers tracing a gentle path along your arm. 

“You look… perfect,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere, no trace of the usual cockiness. “Can’t believe you did all this for me.”

“Maybe I wanted to remind you how much you mean to me,” you whispered, letting your fingers trail along his jawline, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your touch.

Jake’s hands slipped up to cradle your face, his thumbs brushing over your cheeks as he looked up at you, his green eyes softer than you’d ever seen. 

“Trust me, I don’t need a reminder,” he said quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “But I think I’m gonna remember this for a long, long time.”

You leaned down, your lips meeting his in a slow, lingering kiss that melted away the last of the teasing tension, leaving only the two of you, wrapped in each other. His arms tightened around you, pulling you closer as he deepened the kiss, his hand sliding up to tangle gently in your hair.

Breaking away just enough to catch your breath, you looked down at him, feeling the intensity of his gaze as he took you in, as if savoring every second. 

“So… not too much for you, then?” you teased softly, brushing a hand over his shoulder.

Jake chuckled, pulling you back down to him. “Not even close,” he murmured, his voice roughened by the warmth between you. “Just means I’ll have to make it up to you. And trust me—I intend to.”

Jake’s fingers traced the delicate lace of your lingerie, his touch slow and reverent as he took his time, savoring every inch of you. His gaze roamed over you appreciatively, lingering on the vibrant red lace, before he slipped his hands to the straps on your shoulders, carefully sliding them down.

As the lace fell away, his eyes met yours, filled with warmth and intensity that left your heart racing. “You’re incredible,” he whispered, his hands steady as they guided you closer.

You leaned into him, feeling the strength in his arms as he wrapped them around you, pulling you flush against him. He placed a gentle kiss on your collarbone, then another just below your ear, the warmth of his breath sending a shiver down your spine.

Then, with a familiar glint in his eye, he murmured against your skin, “Hope you’re prepared, sweetheart. This flight might get a little… turbulent.” He chuckled softly, his voice thick with affection as his hands found your hips, positioning you carefully until you were perfectly aligned above him.

[where-dreams-dwell]

*spoilers for One Day*

For people saying ‘it’s tragic, Dex and Em only got 3 years together’ no. They got 15 years together.

Glossing over the span of their life together to sum it up as ‘only 3 years together’ misses all the love and time they had together that wasn’t solely romantic.

Why is their relationship only ‘important’ or ‘counts’ when it’s a romantic one? Maybe there was always romantic love buried in there or growing steadily but there was a whole lot of platonic love there too.

For 15 years they were the most important person in the world to one another, they described each other as their ‘best friend’ and the person they reached out to at every high and low moment. And for the last 3 of those years they were also a couple.

There are loads of examples of Dex reaching out to Em when he’s at his lowest: the last birthday with his mum, then he’s reeling from his divorce, when he’s scared people will hate him on TV. And you *could* read that as pathetic and Em being his emotional crutch, with Dex latching into her. But you could *also* see that as when you’re struggling and low, you just want your best friend. Because they *get* you. And part of being a best friend is being there in those low moments.

And Em has done the same with Dex, just in different ways. That first year out of uni Em had no idea what she was doing; in a job she couldn’t wait to leave, a relationship that didn’t make her happy, not sure where she was going in life or what she was doing. Em writes to Dex often, and doesn’t need him to reply to her, just to read her letters and be *her* emotional crutch and person to vent to.

Even at that breakup-dinner, Em has things she ‘needs to talk about’ and she’s reached out to Dex to do it. We don’t see her discussing it with Tilly, we see her trying to talk about it with Dex. She’s at arguably her lowest moment (hates her job, hates her partner, hates her home) and she wants her best friend to listen to her. Just like he did when she was 24 and thinking about giving up and leaving London, and Dex convinced her to stay and keep going.

So they are emotional crutches *to one another*. That’s also part of being someone’s best friend.

And for all the low moments Dex also wanted to share his best moments with her too: when he’s excited about the TV pilot he calls Em to say ‘the only person I want to share this with is you’, and begs Em to find a way to be there. Yes this is also him dismissing and ignoring her achievements, yes this is self absorbed and rude and at the height of his egomania, but in that moment of triumph he only wants his best friend there with him.

When they see one another again at Tilly’s wedding Em is brave and self assured when she reveals she’s ‘thought of you every day, missed you every day’, and that even though they are friends again now the fact that Dex will have a wife and child ‘feels a bit like loosing you all over again. Because people with families have different priorities…’ That’s how close they were before.

The sentiment that ‘we grew up together’ is really true, for the both of them. They were very different people throughout their lives, and if they had tried to be a romantic couple earlier there is no guarantee that version of them would have lasted the course.

Would Emma have stayed with a peak-of-his-tv-fame Dex, partying and living life ‘to the full’? Or would they have explosively ended and decided they were too different for one another for it to ever work?

Would Dex have even tried for a career in TV or a full year of travelling if he’d become a couple with Emma after Uni? Or would he have done something else but grown resentful of what-could-have-been?

If they had sorted out their issues and apologised after their fight and Em had left Ian, would Em have found the strength to turn rock bottom into a spring board and finally write her book? Would she have even hit that bottom at all? Or would the hook have remained a pipe dream while she continued as a teacher, happy with Dex but professionally unfulfilled?

We will never know what could have been, and that doesn’t necessarily make those alternatives the ‘better’ option that they ‘missed out on’.

Maybe they would only ever have had 3 years together as a couple and getting it in their mid 30’s the way they did was their most mature and peaceful version.

So yes at times their relationship feels like it’s moving toward the inevitable conclusion of a romantic partnership. But the time before they get there wasn’t wasted or unimportant or unnecessary. And they were always together.

[lieutenantfloyd]

Top Gun: Maverick Fic Recs

Hey y'all! Here are 21 of my favorite TGM fanfics of all genres and ships, listed in no particular order.

Some of these fics are 18+ so read at your own risk. None of these works are mine and all credit goes to the amazing authors! <3

X READER

Safe Zone by @sunlightmurdock — (Series // Rooster and Hangman x reader)

A team of elite naval aviators holding down the fort at the North Island Air Base while they wait for reinforcements after a virus sweeps the continental U.S. - only, it’s been three months and no one has shown up.

Hold My Hand by @labyrinth-runner — (Series // Cyclone x Reader)

Jag! Reader is assigned to defend a pilot, finding the job to be more complicated than she thought.

Rooster’s Flight or a Manual for the Marooned by DontLetThemTakeYouAlive (Series // Rooster x Reader/OC)

"Rooster's Flight: A Manual for the Marooned" follows Madeline, a pastry chef escaping scandal in Amsterdam, and Bradley, a lost naval aviator stationed in Japan. Fate brings them to sunny San Diego, where their friendship blossoms amid career challenges and a clashing of characters. Madeline's culinary journey intertwines with Bradley's self-discovery, navigating love and loss.

Resilience, self-discovery, and the unpredictable paths of career and matters of the heart shape their narrative in this tale of second chances and unlikely connections.

Fine Piece by @dragon-kazansky (Series // Cyclone x Reader)

You have it bad for Vice Admiral Simpson. But to prove you’re fit for the job; you need to put that aside and focus on the flying.

Someone Special by @fanboygarcia (Oneshot // Cyclone x Reader)

What happens when the Dagger Squad catches on to the fact that known grump turned lovesick fool Admiral Simpson has someone special in his life?

Invisible String by @halfway-happyyy (Oneshot // Rooster x Reader)

the one where rooster’s about to leave on a mission he doesn’t know if he’ll be back from, and he wants you in every way imaginable. as always, soft feelings ensue! 

Do you wanna make somethin’ of it by @theharddeck (Oneshot // Rooster x Reader)

turns out, our favorite WSO has a side hustle, as quinn's favorite cowboy.

@bullet-prooflove's entire TGM masterlist

Everything she writes is outstanding, but the Beau x Ally fics (The First Time Series, The General Series, Deployment!Series, and Syria!Series) are something I think about literally everyday.

i don’t know, blame the air force? by @gretagerwigsmuse (Oneshot // Rooster x Reader)

in which lieutenant commander bradshaw feels his girlfriend’s wrath after she gets her year end bonus and uncle sam takes a pretty penny out of it

There Are Rules by @tongue-like-a-razor (Series // Maverick x Reader)

Your risky flying seriously pisses off your instructor at Top Gun and you're about to find out why.

Through the Hourglass by @bratshaws (Series // Rooster x OC)

Rooster x Plus Size OC!

Happy Birthday, Mr. President by @rhettabbotts (Oneshot // Bob x Reader)

after a hard week, the last thing bob wanted to do was attend his birthday party. so instead, he plays out one of his biggest fantasies with you.

Whoever's in Lemoore by @cherrycola27 (Oneshot // Bob x Reader)

A fic based on the Reba McEntire song "Whoever's in New England"

Angels Don't Always Have Wings by @bradshawssugarbaby (Series // Rooster x Reader)

a series of oneshots revolving around baseball player!Bradley Bradshaw x reader (nicknamed Angel)

Do I? by @bradshawssugarbaby (Oneshot // Cyclone x Reader)

Inspired by Do I? by Luke Bryan. (this fic was so good I had to go take a walk after reading it for the first time)

Road to Perdition by @sailor-aviator (Series // Hangman x Reader)

The Great Depression wasn't called a depression for nothing. Jobs were scarce, and the price of food and other necessities were rising higher and higher with each passing day. What little money you were able to make went straight to the bank and out of reach from your booze-swilling lech of a brother. It's on one such run that you come face to face with members of the infamous Dagger Gang; a group of, admittedly handsome, men who steal from the banks to hand it back out to the poor. You want nothing to do with them, but that blond-headed devil might just have something to say to the contrary. (1930s!Mobster!AU)

His Best Friend's Wedding by @ereardon (Series // Rooster x Reader)

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw has been your best friend for a decade. He’s also your fiancé’s best man. So when he shows up at your hotel room the night before your wedding, it’s just because he’s your friend, right? 

OTHER SHIPS

Mistaken Identity by @ladylanera — (TGM x Mission: Impossible crossover)

What should be a joyous homecoming quickly unravels after it's discovered a nefarious, unknown group has put a hit out on Captain Mitchell, mistaking the Navy captain for being a covert IMF operative by the name of Ethan Hunt who has an uncanny likeness to the captain for some reason. Enter a twisty web of lies that threaten the very existence of the family as we know it.

**Fic contains spoilers for Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One**

Flower Power by ReformedTsundere — (Icemav)

Flowers, Pete reminds himself, slamming the last of the books closed, are the worst.

New Chat Created: North Island Daggers by Comin2U — (gen fic)

Harvard: why Whatsapp and not just a basic text message? Hangman: because one of us has an android and ruins the ability to message with just internet. Coyote: Screw you too hangman. ________________________________ In which 12 daggers, the best of the best of naval aviators, are all a bunch of kids and thrown in a group chat.

come fly with me (let's fly, let's fly away) by GatheringBlue — (TGM x 9-1-1 Crossover)

It's a common misconception that Buck trained to be a Navy SEAL. For as long as he could remember, flying had been his dream. Most little kids wanted to be a firefighter or an astronaut, but Buck had always wanted to be a pilot. He wanted to fly far, far away from home, where his parents’ comments that might as well have been slaps for how badly they stung couldn’t get to him. Flying was his way out. His escape. If he was thousands of feet up in the sky, way up with the clouds, then his parents couldn’t touch him. No one could. When Buck got pulled from the reserves just after the lawsuit, it seemed like perfect timing. There was nothing left for him in LA. Not anymore. So, it looked like Buck was heading back to Top Gun.

[wangxianficfinder]

I'm in the mood for...

Aug 18th

Link limit has been reached in this post, feel free to add suggestions to the replies though ^^

~*~

1. Thank you for all you do! Itmf wwx gets stabbed at koi tower fics (only happy ending no major character death please) also open to alternatives like other injury/poison for the same plot point @/vi-sky

Birthday Party by waffles_4_breakfast (E, 102k, WangXian, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Fix-It, Canon Divergence, Angst, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Misunderstandings, Sharing a Bed, Angst with a Happy Ending, Happy Ending, Getting Together, Mutual Pining, Canon-Typical Violence, Pining, Slow Burn, Poison, Torture, Requited Unrequited Love, First Time, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, Rough Sex, Oral Sex, Come as Lube, Bondage, Dom/sub Undertones, Spit As Lube, Rimming, Consensual Non-Consent, Safe Sane and Consensual, Additional Warnings In Author’s Note)

~*~

2. Hi! This is for ITMF. Your favorite NSFW Wangxian fic. Bottom WWX only! Thanks

drop the game by martyrsdaughter (E, 28k, wangxian, modern, romantic comedy, fake/pretend relationship, sports, cheerleaders, flirting, sexual tension, dom/sub undertones, compulsory heterosexuality, crossdressing, dub con, under-negotiated kink, consensual non-con)

Just So by airinshaw (E, 21k, WangXian, Modern, Fluff, Getting Together, Mutual Pining)

International Baby by AceBij (E, 21k, WangXian, Pilot LWJ, CFO LWJ, Regional Manager WWX, CEO LXC, CEO JC, CFO JYL, Secretary WQ, Meet-Cute, baby A-Yuan, baby JL, Mpreg, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Carrier, WWX, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Mild Hurt/Comfort, WWX's canonical breeding kink, LWJ's Canonical Breed WWX Kink, LWJ would sugardaddy WWX if he could, Instead he volunteers to chauffeur WWX around on his private plane, Communication, Implied/Referenced Sexual Harassment, LXC is president of Wangxian club, Love Confessions, Falling In Love, WWX can and will get pregnant, LWJ is mostly shy and secretly shameless, WWX is mostly shameless and secretly shy, Modern, Minor Panic Attack in one of the chapters)

covered by ScarlettStorm (E, 9k, WangXian, Modern, vaguely north american setting, Getting Together, Friends to Lovers, doofuses to lovers, inspired by a tweet, Shenanigans, the excruciating experience of choreographing a hypothetical hand-based orgy with your crush, the similarly excruciating experience of knowing you got together, because of a horrible novelty pillow, Frottage, Groping, Hand Jobs, set entirely on one (1) single couch, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a WWX in the process of fucking around, must then immediately find out, Kissing, switch rights)

hanguang jun's little runaway wife by verseau (E, 4k, WangXian, Dubious Consent, Age Difference, Humiliation, Daddy Kink, Pregnancy Kink, Breeding)

want it that way by indigofruit (E, 7k, WangXian, Rape/Non-Con, Dubious Consent, Modern, College/University, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, Public Sex, Public Humiliation, Rimming, Felching, Compulsory Heterosexuality, Internalized Homophobia, PWP, Spanking, Non-Consensual Spanking, Dom/sub Undertones, Verbal Humiliation, Loss of Virginity, Non-Consensual Voyeurism, Rape/Non-con Elements)

because you’re mine (i walk the line) by lanzhancore (E, 7k, WangXian, Modern, Spanking, Humiliation, Mildly Dubious Consent, Slut Shaming, Kink Discovery, Established Relationship, Dom/sub, Bratting)

dreaming and getting a glimmer by verseau (E, 27k, WangXian, Modern, College/University, Glory Hole, Compulsory Heterosexuality, Internalized Homophobia, Humiliation, Slut Shaming, Identity Porn, Objectification Kink, Mildly Dubious Consent, Mild Feminization)

big hands (i know you're the one) by martyrsdaughter (E, 8k, WangXian, PWP, Dubious Consent, Blindfolds, Bondage, Rough Kissing, what is the tag for realizing you like dick halfway through being fucked by said dick, Rimming, Anal Fingering, Desperation, Undernegotiated Kink, Verbal Humiliation, Dom/sub Undertones, Dirty Talk, Loss of Virginity, Internalized Homophobia, reluctance, First Kiss, Modern, Compulsory Heterosexuality)

🔒 all the trembling ways by typefortydeductions (E, 11k, WangXian, First Time, Overstimulation, Verbal Humiliation, Rimming, First Time, Blow Jobs, Anal Sex, Dirty Talk, Aftercare, sex tears, LWJ FUCKS, LWJ has had previous partners but WWX has not, Modern, Dom/sub Undertones, Porn with Feelings)

~*~

3. Hi!

For itmf: fics where wangxian are teachers/professors and their students dont know they are married or dating but eventually find out @/jnxi839

Documented Fact by Scrippio (T, 7k, WangXian, LSZ & LJY & OYZZ, Modern with Magic, College/University, Professors, Minor Injuries, Misunderstandings, Fluff, OYZZ POV, Humor)

new messages from Lit 1011 by yellowcarnations (G, 3k, WangXian, LSZ & WWX, LSZ & LWJ, Modern, POV Outsider, Professors)

~*~

4. Hi! As an ITMF request, do you know any good fics about mistaken identity or misunderstanding? I'm in the mood for an identity reveal, catfish au, comedy of errors, anything of that ilk. Humor, drama, hurt/comfort, or any combination of them, really, are all appreciated.

Thank you for your help! @/sxw3939q

how to fall in love with a catfish: a guide by wei wuxian (disaster rat) by bwyn, Yuisaki (T, 54k, WangXian, Modern AU, College/University, Actors, Multimedia, Online Friendship, Drunken Shenanigans, Hijinks & Shenanigans, Underage Drinking, Drinking Games, Families of Choice, Ensemble Cast, Fluff and Angst, Slow Burn, Catfish AU)

Keep Me on Your Pillow by catbrainedschemes (E, 42k, wangxian, fantasy au, pillow book au, high immortal LWJ, red fox WWX, pining, angst, fluff, eventual smut, slow burn, feelings, first meetings, misunderstandings, happy ending, sharing a bed, first kiss, oblivious WWX, oblivious LWJ, sexual tension, hero worship, falling in love) if you're interested in AUs. its a high immortal fantasy au, so leaning more heavily into the xianxia genre. its got many layers of identity shenanigans even

we’ll get him falling for a stranger (or a catfish) by sweetlolixo (T, 38k, WangXian, Modern AU, College AU, Catfish AU, Eventual Happy Ending, Crossdressing WWX, Rich heir LWJ gets catfished by pretty WWX online that’s it that’s the fic, Pining LWJ, Fluff, Humor, lwj is a grade A+ SIMP, Identity Porn)

my age has never made me wise by idrilka (E, 63k, wangxian, Post-Canon, Part-epistolary, Mutual Pining, Getting Together, Marriage Proposal, Homecoming, One Brain Cell WWX Strikes Again) this one is purely misunderstandings, no real identity porn, but really enjoyable

❤️ By Any Other Name by ShanaStoryteller (Not Rated, 31k, Wangxian, Canon Divergence, Crossdressing, Misunderstandings, Identity Porn, Identity reveal) if youre okay with gender shenanigans (wwx dresses up as a woman when he comes back and pretends to be someone else) heavy on identity porn.

I’m not afraid of a little disaster by catbrainedschemes (E, 19k, WangXian, College/University, Idiots in Love, Mutual Pining, Light Angst, camboy WWX, Oblivious WWX, oblivious LWJ, grad student LWJ, student librarian WWX, Friends to Lovers, Sexual Tension, Masturbation, Fluff and Smut, Misunderstandings, Blow Jobs, Happy Ending)

~*~

5. Hello, for the next itmf I had a request for a type of fanfic. I was wondering if anyone had any fanfics with Lan Wangji rescuing Wei Wuxian from the burial mounds when he was first thrown there. Something with Wei Wuxian not being the Yilling Patriarch but instead this poor guy who looks traumatized.

we’re starting at the end by Miss_Enthusiasimal (M, 92k, WangXian, JC & WWX, Time Travel, Canon Divergence, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Golden Core Reveal, Burial Mounds, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Starvation, emaciation, Cannibalism, Self-Harm, Amputation, Suicidal Thoughts, Sunshot Campaign, let JZX and WWX be friends club) Sort of fits? WWX timetravels without realising when he falls off the cliff, & lands in the burial mounds. He assumes it's the afterlife & doesn't escape, so LWJ & JC show up to rescue him. So he isn't YLLZ, but was in the previous timeline

🔒 Heart of hearts series by apathyinreverie (M, 40k, WangXian, Dark LWJ(Ish), Amnesia, WWX gets to be Not Okay after the BM, Hurt WWX, Recovery, Caring, Protective LWJ, Possessive LWJ, some definite manipulation but not everything is as it seems, not nearly as dark as the tags make it sound, Canon Divergence, Golden Core Reveal, Golden Core Transfer Fix-It Kind Of, Domestic WangXian, Fluff, WWX Goes to Gusu, Possessive WWX, WWX happily atticwifing away, Sunshot Campaign, BAMF WWX, BAMF LWJ, ridiculously self-indulgent, Not Cultivation World Friendly)

~*~

6. Hi! I read a canonverse fic in which Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian swear brotherhood and are the most protective, best friends ever after that, with wwx protecting NHS with his skills and NHS manipulating everyone and everything to keep wwx safe from rumours and people wanting to harm him. So I am itmf complete canonverse wangxian fics where wwx swears brotherhood with someone and him and his sworn bro are the cutest best sibling combo ever! thank you!

🔒 Yearning for Miles by Murahi (M, 378k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Angst, Fluff, Slow burn, Mutual Pining, seeing the future) sworn brotherhood, but fix-it au rather than canonverse

~*~

7. For the next I'm In The Mood For: Any canon or modern Wangxian fics where Wei Ying does his multi-year disappearing act, Lan Zhan is left with no closure & no idea why or what happened, but when they meet again after however many years, Lan Zhan does NOT immediately just go "Wei Ying is back Yay! All is great. No worries!" @/emrinalex

Underpainting by DizziDreams (T, 31k, WangXian, artist WWX, Modern, breaking up, Getting Back Together, WWX does a runner, Pining, does NHS have to do everything around here?, America, Angst, Second Chance Romance)

🔒 The Right to Care by travelingneuritis (E, 61k, wangxian, Modern, Mood Whiplash, musician LWJ, nanny WWX, Developing Relationship, Breakup, Texting, Pining, Eventual Happy Ending, Adoption, Child Abuse, abuse intervention, Miscommunication)

A Little Late (But Can I Come Home Anyway?) by anobtra (animeobsessedtrash) (E, 31k, wangxian, JC/WQ, JYL/JZX, LXC/NMJ, modern, temporary unrequited love, angst w happy ending, fluff, smut, falling in love, running away, minor WWX/others, composer LWJ, teacher LWJ, role reversal, friends to strangers to lovers)

~*~

8. Hi mods!! For the next I'm itmf:

A) a fic where Lan Zhan hurts Wei Ying accidentally(not in a physical way) and Wei Ying being upset with him then Lan Zhan trying to make it up for him(it can be modern too but if its post canon its better) aanddd i already read Afternoon Delight

B) your fav curse fics!!

Thank you in ad advanceee :) @/for13years-i-play-inquiry-foryou

8A)

put your heart where your mouth is by protos_metazu_ison (T, 20k, WangXian, JC & WWX, Post-Canon, Misunderstandings, Memory Loss, Pining WWX, Insecure WWX, Happy Ending, Twin Prides of Yunmeng Feels, Protective JC, Fluff and Angst)

8B)

See Me, Feel Me (Listening to You) by Ghost_Honey (T, 29k, WangXian, POV WWX, WWX Needs a Hug, WWX’s Abyssmal Self-Esteem, Emotional Healing, Angst, The Juniors love their Senior Wei, Curses, WWX is an Unreliable Narrator, JC & WWX Reconciliation, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Platonic Cuddling) WWX is cursed to be unable to see or feel anyone who feels strongly about him

🧡 moonlight caught in mutton fat by Raitelzen (T, 45k, WangXian, Case Fic, Curses, Curse Breaking, Transformation, mild body horror, Hurt LWJ, Ghosts) LWJ is cursed to turn to jade

Tether by Annerb (M, 153k, WangXian, LXC & LWJ, LQR & LWJ, JC & WWX & JYL, WIP, Major Character Death, Curses, Cursed LWJ, Canon Divergence, Post-Sunshot Campaign, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Angst with a Happy Ending, Pining, Family Feels, Yin Iron, Temporary Character Death, Canon-Typical Violence, aftermath of a war, everyone is on the struggle bus but doing their best) Another for 8B I really like this wip "Tether", it's not finished yet but it's updating regularly

Obedient and Bellicoseby thunderwear (T, 20k, Wangxian, Ella Enchanted AU, Canon Divergence, Fix-It, cursed LWJ, Angst with a Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Good brother LXC, LQR loves his nephews you cant change my mind, LWJ crying, Protective LXC, Pining, First Kiss, Love Confessions, Brief Depictions of Violence, meaning at least one of the people you really want to get stabbed does in fact get stabbed) LWJ is cursed with obedience

Wearing Down Every Bone by CSHfic, VSfic (E, 30k, WangXian, Groundhog Day, Time Loop, Temporary Character Death, Hurt/Comfort, Post-Canon, Case Fic, Curses, Pining, Getting Together, Time Travel, Night Hunts, Hurt wwx, Mystery, Angst with a Happy Ending, Use Your Words, Mutual Pining, Depression and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms, gratuitous use of empathy) wwx stuck in a time loop, really great fic.

You'd Break Your Heart to Make It Bigger by vesna (mrsronweasley) (E, 32k, WangXian, soulbonding, First Time, Case Fic if You Squint, Fools in Love, soul boning, soft fools in love, Pining while fucking)

a safe pair of hands by occultings (microcomets) (E, 11k, WangXian, Mutual Pining, Hurt/Comfort, Whump, Body Worship, Post-Canon, Case Fic, Sharing a Bed, Getting Together, First Time, Curses, Intimacy, Touch-Starved LWJ) lwj gets hit with touch starving curse

Crack me open, pour you out by tenillypo (E, 16k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Chief Cultivator LWJ, Cursed LWJ, Protective WWX, Oblivious WWX, Misunderstandings, Mutual Pining, Love Confessions, Angst with a Happy Ending, Eventual Smut, Porn with Feelings, Cultivation Discussion Conferences, POV LWJ)

beneath six layers of silk by darkredloveknot (enheduane) (E, 12k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Canon Compliant, Getting Together, Confessions, Curses, Embarrassment, Vulnerability, Swearing, Dirty Talk, Hand Jobs, Angst, Fluff, Smut, Honesty, Communication, beneath six layers of silk by darkredloveknot [podfic] by Rhea314 (Rhea) )

Rarely Pure and Never Simple by thunderwear (Not Rated, 3k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Truth Spells, Curses, First Kiss, Love Confessions, Post CQL, Getting Together)

your words upon my lips by uchiuchi (T, 17k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Fluff, Curses, no sad times only good times, Canon Compliant, Romance, they are married!!, Let LWJ Say Fuck, Case Fic) postcanon casefic, wangxian get cursed to speak out of each others mouths

Linger in the Sun by etymologyplayground (T, 39k, wangxian, JC & WWX, Case Fic, Intimacy, Curses, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, Cuddling & Snuggling, Getting Together, Romance, Sexual Tension, Scent Kink, WWX Loves To Teach, wangxian are married, Fluff, nonsexual intimacy, Scars, Sharing a Bed, Nonverbal Communication, this is HEAVY on the symbolism, Translation in Russian) postcanon casefic - wangxian cant see or hear each other

come home to my heart by occultings (microcomets) (M, 29k, WangXian, Bodyswap, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn, Canon Divergence, First Time, Getting Together, Confessions, Sharing a Bed, Misunderstandings, and a little bit of hurt/comfort as a treat) canon divergence post-sunshot pre-wen/burial mounds, wangxian body swap

till they could grow no higher by EHyde (G, 5k, WangXian, Transformation, Body Horror, but of the soft variety, Fairy tale vibes, Turning Into a Tree, Angst with a Happy Ending)

~*~

9. Hi Mods! I have 2 itmf requests!

A- Rogue cultivator wei wuxian and/or rogue cultivator lan wangji (i love all rogue cultivator dynamics whether one is in a sect or not doesnt matter)

B- Coworkers/workplace romance wangxian. Doesnt necessarily have to be an office AU, they can both be doctors, professors, etc too.

Thanks!!

9A)

Dispersing Clouds by dreamingofcake (E, 283k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Genius WWX, Inventor WWX, Not Jiang Family Friendly, Abusive YZY, Canonical Child Abuse, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Eventual Sex, Implied/Referenced Self-Harm (Background Character), Background Character Deaths, child deaths, Canon JC, Good Uncle LQR, Accidental Baby Acquisition, Cultivation Sect Politics, Homophobia, Heteronormativity, Feelings Realization, WWX is Not Oblivious) WWX leaves the Jiang & becomes a rogue cultivator (temporarily before marrying into the Lan anyway ;) )

Ad Oblivione by Baph, HikariNoHimeWriter (M, 70k, WangXian, Time Travel Fix-It, Temporary Character Death, Canon-Typical Violence, POV Multiple, Hurt/Comfort, Grief/Mourning, Identity Reveal, Golden Core Reveal, Cultivation World Critical, Not JC Friendly, Abusive YZY, Angst with a Happy Ending) WWX is sent back in time to when he was a child, & becomes a rogue cultivator instead of joining the Jiangs

cloudy autumn heaps the sky by anatheme (T, 23k, WangXian, Fantasy, Universe Alteration, Secret Identity, Dragon LWJ, Fox WWX, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Timeline What Timeline, wwx is a little older here, wwx piling gifts on lwj and encouraging hoarding tendencies, Sharing a Bed, Literal Sleeping Together, Arranged Marriage) its somewhat of an au if that is relevant to you but its very very good.

Cartwheels In Cloud Recesses Series by ShanaStoryteller (Not Rated, 23k, WangXian, CSSR/WCZ, CSSR and WCZ Live, Cloud Recesses Study Arc, Cloud Recesses Shenanigans)

Crimson leaves by barisan (T, 4k, WangXian, WWX & OFC(s), WWX Leaves the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, Rogue Cultivator WWX, WWX gets lesbian grandmothers, WWX learns about his parents, WWX is a Wen, (Through his lesbian granny but still), Getting Together, WWX Has a Fear of Dogs, Pre-Canon, Genius WWX)

🔒 crying like a fire in the sun by Reverie (cl410) (T, 10k, WangXian, SongXiao, BSSR/LY, Runaway WWX, Canon Divergence, Everyone Lives/Nobody Die, srogue cultivator WWX, Angst, Post Cloud Recesses, Not YZY Friendly, Happy Ending, BSSR is WWX’s grandmother instead of grandmaster)

We Meet at the Thousandth Step by Admiranda, Rynne (T, 316k, WangXian, CSSR/WCZ, Canon Divergence, No Sunshot Campaign, CSSR & WCZ Live, Rogue Cultivator WWX, Different First Meeting, Night Hunts, Genius WWX, Inventor WWX, Plot, Romance, Drama, Fluff, Strangers to married, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Unresolved Romantic Tension, Everyone Lives, Developing Relationship, Minor Violence, Case Fic, Mystery, Flirting, WWX’s Canon-Typical Flower Flirting, Arson, There Was Only One Bed, Getting Together, First Kiss, Meeting the Parents, Resolved Sexual Tension, Resolved Romantic Tension, WWX Is a Good Big Brother, New Relationship Bliss, Chinese Mythology & Folklore, Blood and Injury, Yiling siblings, Married WangXian, Honeymoon, Wangxian’s Baby Fever)

9B)

🔒 at first sight of the sun by sunflowersfield (T, 3k, WangXian, Modern, Coworkers, Fluff, Neurodiversity, Falling In Love, Getting Together, Happy Ending, First Dates, First Kiss, Hurt/Comfort)

🧡 Hello, IT. Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again? By overmountainandmeadow (T, 65k, WangXian, Modern AU, Office, Modern office AU, IT Director! LWJ, Graphic Designer! WWX, Father!LWJ, Fluff, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn, Juniors as interns, Light Angst, Mistaken Identity, Identity Porn, Rabbits, Cloud Recesses as a company, Happy Ending, Single Parent LWJ)  

Year Of Night Call by ailuridae (abigailnicole) (T, 22k, WangXian, XuanLi, Modern AU, What If Cultivators Were All Surgeons AU, surgery AU, Our Boys Are Trauma Fellows Now, The Lan Babies Are Surgery Interns, trauma fellows share a call room, and there was only one bed, hospital au, Medicine AU)

Work-Life Balance is Not A Thing by catbrainedschemes (E, 17k, WangXian, Modern AU, Workplace Relationship, Romantic Comedy, Idiots in Love, Oblivious WWX, Oblivious LWJ, Sexual Tension, Eventual Smut, but not that eventual, Pining, Dirty Talk)

🧡 Like a House on Fire by KouriArashi (T, 82k, WangXian, Modern au, Paramedics, Firefighters, Light angst, Mutual pining, Kid fic, Past drug use, Past child abuse, Families of choice, Domestic fluff) has WWX as a firefighter and LWJ as a paramedic

🧡 CSI: Gusu Edition Series by Stratisphyre (M, 39k, WangXian, WWX & LQR, Modern with Magic AU, College AU, Golden Core Reveal, Single parent WWX, Good Uncle LQR, Hospitalization, Allusions to violence and murder)

Every First by aristels (M, 70k, WangXian, Modern, Eventual Smut, Sprinkles of Hurt/comfort)

~*~

10. itmf any fic that includes some level of focus on wei ying and wen ning's friendship! It doesn't have to be the sole focus of the fic (tho that would be cool!) just something where it is included with some amount of importance. I love their bond so just want all the content of the two of them lol

🔒Fated Series by LtLJ (G, 31k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Arranged Marriage, Post-Apocalypse, Magical Apocalypse, Hurt/Comfort, Happy Ending, Canon Diverted via Volcano, YLLZ WWX, Badass LWJ)

🔒 hills and rivers Series by LtLJ (T, 70k, wangxian, Post-Canon, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fluff and Angst, Domestic Fluff, Family Feels, Canon-Typical Violence, the family that hunts demons together stays together, and doesn’t murder each other, Case Fic, BAMF WWX, Romance, Family Drama, Family Issues, Happy Ending, PTSD issues, Body Horror, But just a little, canon typical curses, Bad Parent LQR Spoilers for The Living Dead, YLLZ WWX, Angst, Kidnapping, Trauma, References to WWX’s Canon Character Death, Canon Temporary Character Death, BAMF WN, Action/Adventure, Curses, Scary Monsters, WN’s Guitar Riff, Power-up, Violence, Corpses, Death in general, mention of BSSR/LY, Mystery, Angst with a Happy Ending, Finding a home, Not Fitting In, recovering from trauma)

~*~

11. Hi, hope you're doing well, mods <3 Itmf:

a- junior trio/quartet matchmaking wangxian

b- dark wangxian fics (like dub-con, non-con, interspecies, omegaverse)...as dark/twisted as possible please as long as they dont end in major character death and have bottom wei wuxian

c- pregnant wei wuxian/past mpreg fics for any of these pairing: wangxian, lan xichen/wei wuxian, nie mingjue/wei wuxian. Any AU!

d- wangxian fics where instead of jiang sect, someone else adopts wei wuxian in canonverse

e- growing up in the lan sect wangxian, could be adopted wei wuxian, outer disciple or anything

f- childhood friends to lovers wangxian for any AU. bonus if they've been mutually pining forever!

11C)

🧡 Accidents Will Happen by vesna (mrsronweasley) (E, 45k WangXian, Post Canon, Mpreg, Fluff, Light angst)

Blooming in white by luckymoonly (T, 38k, wangxian, JYL/JZX, MM/WQ, NMJ/LXC, NHS/JC, Canon Divergence, Mpreg, Getting Together, Fluff and Angst, Happy Ending, hidden pregnancy, Mutual Pining, Drama, Misunderstandings, Everyone Lives AU, Miscommunication, WWX and NHS are BFF, matchmaker NHS, Fix-It)

Impermanence, Transience, Permanence by Best Bepsy (BepsyGray) (E, 39k, wangxian, canon divergence, unplanned pregnancy, mpreg, gore, sunshot campaign, assumed miscarriage, medical procedures, childbirth, golden core reveal)

All I Want by Selenay (E, 47k, wangxian, Modern, Mpreg, Post Holiday Romance, Consequences, Reunions, Idiots in Love, wangxian attempt to be sensible adults about it, they are very bad at it, Teacher WWX, Rating earned in later chapters, Handwavey Biology)

🧡 Brilliant Mistake by brooklinegirl (E, 53k, WangXian, Modern AU, Sex Pollen, Mpreg, dubcon, Modern Cultivators, Dubious Medical Science)

On The Way Home by vesna (mrsronweasley) (E, 59k, WangXian, Modern, Mpreg, Non-a/b/o mpreg, Unprotected Sex, Unexpected Pregnancy, Friends With Benefits, Getting Together, Pining while fucking)

11D)

Ad Oblivione by Baph, HikariNoHimeWriter (M, 70k, WangXian, Time Travel Fix-It, Temporary Character Death, Canon-Typical Violence, POV Multiple, Hurt/Comfort, Grief/Mourning, Identity Reveal, Golden Core Reveal, Cultivation World Critical, Not JC Friendly, Abusive YZY, Angst with a Happy Ending) (link in #9A) also fits with 11d, since WWX kinda adopts himself?

❤️🔒 Candy & Conspiracies by Reverie (cl410) (T, 16k, wangxian, JZX & WWX, jin wwx, fluff & crack, found family, humor, no angst)

Heart of the Beast by WaitForTheSnitch (E, 488k, WangXian, WWX Isn’t Adopted by the Jiāngs, Adopted WWX, WWX is a Niè, Canon Divergence, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Oblivious WWX, Protective NMJ, Scheming NHS, Protective NHS, Soft NMJ, NMJ is So Done, NHS Is A Little Shit, Pining, LWJ Has Feelings)

shades of grey spill from my veins (bleeding ink all over the page) by Reverie (cl410) (M, 58k, NMJ/LXC, wangxian, NHS/WN, POV NMJ, Canon Divergence, Joining the “Wei Wuxian raised by the Nie Sect” Club, Mentions of WWX’s life on the streets, Hurt/Comfort, Accidental Sibling Acquisition, Single Dad NMJ, NHS & WWX Friendship, Fluff, Humor, Happy Ending, Everyone Lives AU, Protective NMJ, Sunshot Campaign, Some angst, Blood and Injury, Kidnapping, Protective Siblings, Found Family)

🔒 Twin Treasures by crossdressingdeath (T, 81k, WIP, JZX & WWX, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Can’t quite tag this as ‘everyone lives’ but I promise everyone who dies will DESERVE IT, mostly novel-verse with a bit of CQL here and there, currently being edited)

11E)

soft-hearted by sarahyyy (G, 6k, wangxian, alternate universe, childhood friends, hurt/comfort, getting together, first kiss, wedding fluff)

safe here with me by xcourtney_chaoticx (G, 3k, WangXian, Family Feels, Good Uncle LQR, WWX Goes to Gusu, Fluff, Childhood Friends, Friends to Lovers, Food Issues, Endgame WangXian)

🔒 Life is Like a Stranger by through_shadows_falling (T, 69k, wangxian, Kid Fic, Child LWJ, Child WWX, First Meetings, Canon Divergence, Cute Kids, Orphan WWX, Autism Spectrum, Fix-It, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Alternate Canon, POV LWJ, Growing Up Together, WWX raised at Cloud Recesses, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Puberty, Growing Up, Coming Out, teenage angst, Wet Dream, Pining, This fic gets a little raunchier as the kids become teens, But it won’t get too explicit, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Spanish Translation, Brief mentions/moments of WWX kissing others in chapter 22 but only on the cheek, also characters kiss WWX on the cheek in chapter 23, but his real first kiss is with LWJ, Перевод на русский | Translation in Russian)

藍色的花，紅色的蘭 {Lan se de hua, hongse de lan} by Admiranda, AshayaTReldai (M, 45k, WIP, WangXian, Orphan WWX, Friends to Lovers, Childhood Friends, wwx raised in the lan clan, softer lqr, Good Uncle LQR, Good lan clan, Good Older Sibling LXC)

how a smiling homeless child melted jade hearts and got a home by anxiouswreck0_0 (T, 41k, wangxian, LXC & LWJ, LXC & WWX, WWX was adopted by the lans, lan WWX, pining WWX, Canon Divergence, LQR making questionable parenting choices, madam lan is a good parent, Fluff and Angst, Fix-It of Sorts, Childhood Friends, childhood fiances? Yes, Character Death, insecure WWX, slightly possessive WWX, Possessive LWJ, Not Everyone Dies, Dark LXC, OOC, Mild Gore, Explicit Language, Supportive LXC, Morally Ambiguous Character, Sassy WWX, WWX does not like the jins and it shows, clingy LWJ, mother hen LXC, Good LQR, Good Parent LQR, Good Parent QHJ)

❤️ All will be well when the day is done by abCEE (T, 76k, LQR & WWX, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Fix It, Not Jiang Family Friendly, JFM & YZY Bashing, YZY Bashing, Definitely not YZY centric, Fix it for our main characters, Time Travel, Butterfly Effect, Madam Lan Lives, No Sunshot Campaign, Artistic License, Unreliable Narrator, JC Bashing, non-yunmeng WWX, Accidental Baby Acquisition, Good Uncle LQR, OOC, WangXian Get a Happy Ending, WWX gets the love and care that he deserves from the very beginning, Mainly CQL but has elements of the novel as well, WWX Isn’t Adopted by the Jiangs, verbal and physical (c/o Zidian) abuse from YZY)

11F)

🔒 Lessons in Belonging by Nyatci (M, 12k, wangxian, Modern, Childhood Friends to Lovers, POV LWJ, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Canonical Child Abuse, Bad Parents JFM & YZY, Not Jiāng Family Friendly, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Homophobia, Good Uncle LQR, background 3zun, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Assumed Asexuality, but it’s just an assumption, some mild non-overly-explicit smut, LWJ really wants to put a ring on it, so he does, Domestic Fluff, wangxian adopt a-yuan, 5+1 Things, softer than how the tags make it sound)

💖 love on 35mm by fakeplasticlily (M, 26k, wangxian, modern au, college/university au, pining, LWJ is BFFs with JYL)

🔒 Cuties and Questions by WiseDawn13 (T, 6k, WangXian, Modern, Childhood Friends, POV WWX, losing touch with your best friend and then meeting each other again years later, Reunions, Getting Together, LWJ is a Little Shit, LWJ is a Confident Gay, WWX is Loved, CSSR and WCZ Live, the mortifying ordeal of finding out your childhood best friend grew up to be hot, Light Angst, Fluff, Happy Ending)

when we’re full of stories to be told by fakeplasticlily (M, 45k, wangxian, author LWJ, journalist WWX, kid fic, fluff & angst, childhood friends, pining)

your heartbeat, across the grass by fakeplasticlily (E, 44k, WangXian, Modern, Football, footballer LWJ, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Oblivious WWX, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, liberal use of romcom tropes, Childhood Friends, Kid Fic, this is not American football btw it’s what you guys call soccer)

~*~

12. Hi, I'm ITMF a fic where wangxian+huaisang have a close relationship dynamic like "stray cat" by Surprised_by_witches. Their relationship can be platonic or romantic. @/purplefuzzypickle

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13. Can I please get wangxian fic recs where (A) one or more of the juniors have a crush on wei wuxian (B) wei wuxian was one or more juniors or someone else's gay/sexual awakening. Thanks!

13A)

Transcend by covalentbonds (not rated, 7k, WIP, WangXian, Post-Canon, Fluff and Humor, Smut, YLLZ WWX is prettiest fight me)

Help, My Dad Is Fucking Someone My Age!! by sweetlolixo (T, 3k, WangXian, LSZ & LWJ, Canon Divergence, Humor, Crack, Fluff, Romance)

~*~

14. Can I request fics where wwx got raped, but for a change finally, the rapists face consequences. Any consequences is fine, but I hope for total destruction and bloodthirsty consequences

Resolutions by incendir (E, 203k, Rape/Non-Con, WangXian, LSZ & LWJ, JL & WWX, JC & JL, JL & WN, JL & LSZ, NHS/NZH, OMC/ OMC, LJY/OMC, JL/LSZ, JC & WWX, LQR/WRH, WWX & OC(s), NHS & OC(s), NHS & NMJ) im linking the whole series but themore strictly relevant fics are "Cotton Wool", "Vitiatus", and "Hubris"

Silenced by Tasharene (M, 63k, WangXian, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, PTSD, Temporary Blindness, Aversion to touch, Fear of crowds, Panic Attacks, Post-Canon, WWX Whump, Hurt WWX, Whump, Angst with a Happy Ending, world-class troll LXC, see the archive Warnings BEFORE you accuse me of not tagging things!!!)

~*~

15. Itmf request plz!!

Some good surfer WWX recs? Even better if LWJ is not a surfer either and gets to like surfing bc of WWX.

Tysm!

down by the water by astrolesbian (E, 60k, WangXian, Slow Burn, Modern AU, Friends to Lovers, Surfer LWJ, Surfer WWX, Loneliness, complicated family relationships, mention of drowning, but no actual drowning is described, fluff and smut and angst, Reconciliation)

~*~

16. hello! I have a rather nsfw rec request, if you take them. Does anyone know of any fics where Bichen is used *ahem* inappropriately? Like in the novel extra? Bonus points for other kinky uses of common items, such as the Lan headband, Suibian, Wangji-qin’s strings, Chenqing, brush and ink, talismans for bedroom use, etc etc. Much love and thanks for any recs!

it's not about control by westiec (E, 3k, WangXian, Established Relationship, Porn with Feelings, Rope Bondage, Outdoor Sex, Consensual Kink, inappropriate use of bichen, Inappropriate Use of Gusu Lan Silencing Spell, Inappropriate Use of Gusu Lan Forehead Ribbon, Very Appropriate Use of WWX, Sexy Chasing, it's not about control [podfic] by deepestbluesky)

HOT TO GO! by sassybluee (E, 7k, WangXian, Modern: No Powers, Cosplay, Friends to Lovers, Inappropriate Use of Bichen, Sex Cam Worker WWX, Anal Sex, Multiple Orgasms, Top LWJ/Bottom WWX, WangXian Have a Breeding Kink, College/University)

crawl on hands and knees until you see by clancularia (E, 4k, WangXian, Verbal Humiliation, Desperation, Overstimulation, Dubious Consent, Anal Gaping, Object Insertion, Object Penetration, Inappropriate Use of Bichen, Multiple Orgasms, Crying, Light Bondage, Dirty Talk, Mild Somnophilia, Canon-Typical CNC, Very OOC LWJ, in that he talks a lot, Degrading Language, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Brief rimming, Pain, PWP, Top LWJ/Bottom WWX, Coming Untouched)

~*~

17. Modern fics where WangXian meet due to work? Like as a customer or intern or something?

Lavender Blue by anaphoricae (E, 51k, WangXian, Modern, Cook LWJ, Florist WWX, Weddings, Fluff, POV LWJ, Meet-Cute, Mutual Pining, Flirting, Falling In Love, Flower Shop, Romantic Comedy, Oblivious LWJ, Let LWJ be the disaster gay this time. He's earned it., No Angst, WWX is slightly more aware in this one because sometimes we need a change you know?, WWX and LWJ flirting through flowers and food, Bottom LWJ, Soft WangXian, incidentally there are some Mama Lan feelings, LWJ is a hopeless romantic, Chef LWJ)

🧡 paint smears on sunny days by SnowshadowAO3 (E, 53k, WangXian, Comfort, Fluff and Smut, Everyone Is Alive, Modern AU, Dadji, Mutual Pining, Happy Ending, Brief Alcohol Mention, Masturbation, Blow Jobs, Hand Jobs, Accidentally co-parenting with your son’s art teacher, Fatherhood)

The Bunnysitter: a Post-it Romance by theLoyalRoyalGuard (G, 9k, WangXian, Modern AU, Fluff, really it’s just soft and fluffy, with a tiny bit of angst for seasoning, Asexual LWJ, autistic LWJ, adhd WWX, I mean he’s basically the ADHD poster child, cellist LWJ, Hacker WWX for justice, background 3zun, [Podfic] The Bunnysitter: a Post-it Romance by Cathalinareads (Cathalinaheart) )

‘Let’s go home.’ by Crowgirl (E, 27k, WangXian, Coffee Shops & Cafés, LQR's Excellent Parenting, Meet-Cute, First Kiss, First Time, First Meetings, Pining, Mutual Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Angst with a Happy Ending, Modern, Past LXC/JGY, past emotional abuse, Past Emotional Manipulation)

Falling to the Rhythm by Selenay (E, 128k, WangXian, Modern: No Powers, Dance, Strictly Come Dancing Fusion, Ballroom Dancing, Dancer!WWX, Violinist LWJ, Pining While Dancing, Oblivious WWX, Gratuitous Costume Descriptions, Gratuitous dancing descriptions, Slow Burn, [Podfic] Falling to the Rhythm by semperfiona_podfic (semperfiona))

crystalized by gusuvibes (M, 25k, WangXian, Modern, Bakery, Pining, Getting Together, Baker LWJ, Nurse WWX, OYZZ in a STARRING ROLE, Bunnies With Bad Names, Elaborate Descriptions of Delicious Baked Goods, Frottage, Eventual Smut, Sexy, Baking, Time)

🔒 divine, divine by sunflowersfield (T, 3k, WangXian, Modern, Fluff, Falling In Love, Getting Together, Mutual Pining, Strangers to Lovers, First Kiss, Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, For an extremely minor injury/cut on the hand, Meet-Cute)

i know who i want to take me home by ScarlettStorm (E, 16k, WangXian, Modern, bartender WWX, Drunk LWJ, Caretaking, Meet-Cute, meeting your soulmate because someone got him drunk AF and left him at your bar, late-night diner food, Fluff, Comedy, Smut, Minor Angst, major shenanigans, sort of a eulogy for a particular diner I really miss, not that that's relevant to the story but it's relevant to my feelings)

It's Wife Cake, Wei Ying by stiltonbasket (G, 3k, WangXian, Modern, Bakery, Baker WWX, First Meetings, Soft WangXian, ft. feral teenager XY, POV LWJ, Happy Ending, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Love at First Sight)

🧡 A Study in Fluff by WeaverOfTheNight (T, 29k, WangXian, Modern AU, Ghost bunnies, Vet LWJ, Architect WWX, Kid LSZ, Domestic fluff, Modern with Magic)

Pure Imagination by Witch_Nova221 (T, 119k, WangXian, LXC/NMJ, JYL/JZX, LSZ LWJ & WWX, WIP, modern w magic, Romance, Toys, Toy maker, Magic, Found Family, Family Feels, Family Drama, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hospitals, Mentions of Cancer, Minor Character Death, Grief/Mourning, Loss of Parent(s))

~*~

If you didn’t get an answer to your ask here, don’t forget to make use of @/mdzs-kinkmeme and MDZS KINK MEME on Dreamwidth. Authors actually do use them for ideas. You may get what you order!***Your prompt doesn’t have to be kink! Fluff, crack, whatever - it’s all good!***

[nahoney22]

Happy Birthday 🌊

🫧 pairings: Hunter X Female!Reader

word count: 1.8k

prompts: none

A/N: For a special someone for their birthday. Happy birthday @photogirl894 ♥️ 🎂

It’s your first birthday without your loved ones nearby, however Hunter has a little surprise in store for you.

warnings: Safe for work, Fluff, Light Angst, Reader Missing Family, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss, The Batch Being the Sweetest, Present Giving, Surprise Birthday Celebrations, Female Reader, Not Proofread.

“So, I heard it’s someone’s birthday today?”

The voice is like a warm caress, and you spin around in the pilot’s chair, a soft smile already forming. Hunter stands in the doorway, his arms crossed, and that ever-gracious smirk playing on his lips. Stars above, how could one man be so effortlessly handsome and charming at the same time? His presence alone sends your heart into a wild rhythm.

You try to hide your bashfulness, a difficult feat given Hunter's heightened senses. You often wonder if he can hear the way your heart skips a beat whenever he talks to you, or if he can sense the blood rushing to your cheeks. “Hmm, I’m not too sure,” you say, pinching your chin in mock contemplation. “Remind me again?”

He chuckles, a sound that feels like a soft embrace, and walks towards you, placing a caring hand on your shoulder. “Happy birthday, trooper.”

His touch sends a warmth coursing through you, and you grin, though he quickly notices the smile doesn’t quite reach your eyes. His brows furrow slightly, a sign of his genuine concern. “Something the matter?”

“It’s just… it’s my first birthday without seeing my friends and family, so it feels a bit, I don’t know, different? I guess.”

It had been almost a year since you last visited your home planet. Being a medic for the squad meant you were always on call, patching up the boys and tending to Omega’s scraped knees. You loved your job and the Batch, especially one member more than the others. But celebrating your birthday without your other loved ones felt tougher than you had anticipated.

Hunter moves to the chair beside you, using his foot to gently spin you around to face him. “I guess it would be quite strange,” he acknowledges, leaning forward. “But we will make the day work, huh? Wrecker, Tech, Crosshair, and Echo want to take you out for breakfast this morning. Maybe go for a walk on the beach too.”

The thought of the boys offering to take you out for breakfast is sweet, but you can’t help the slight disappointment. “And you and Omega don’t want to come too?”

He shifts, suddenly looking a bit nervous. “Oh, erm, I just have to do some data logs and boring stuff, and Omega said her stomach hurts this morning.”

In an instant, you panic and stand. “What? Is she okay? Why didn’t she tell me?” You start to walk away to find her, your medical and nurturing instincts kicking in. But you’re stopped by a gentle hand grabbing hold of yours.

A warmth spreads up your fingers as you look down at the hand intertwined with yours, then up to the gentle eyes they belong to. “She’s okay, just sleeping.”

Your breath catches in your throat, unsure how to respond. Why was he holding your hand? Why hadn’t he let go yet? “O-Oh, I see.”

He smiles, another one of those smiles that often turn your knees to jelly. “I’m sure you’re going to have a great birthday,” he says fondly.

Your heart swells, a mixture of emotions swirling within you. Hunter’s presence, his touch, his words—they all have a way of making you feel seen and cherished in a way you hadn’t felt in a long time. You had liked him for the longest of time and you had a somewhat naive hunch he felt something for you too. You had seen the way he acted with women before and it was never the way he was with you. You didn’t want to get your hopes up but you couldn’t miss the way he looked at you.

Hunter’s hand lingers in yours, neither of you seeming to want to let go. The warmth of his touch sends a gentle thrill through you, and you find yourself completely lost in his eyes. Memories flood back: the countless times he had stood by your side, his protective nature, the soft, caring words he had for you after tough missions, and the gentle way he always made sure you were okay.

He steps closer, his eyes never leaving yours. You feel your heart pounding in your chest, breath hitching as the space between you seems to shrink. His face is inches from yours, and you can almost feel his breath when—

The moment is shattered as Wrecker bursts into the room, his loud, jovial voice breaking the spell. “Hey! Happy birthday!” he bellows, his enthusiasm filling the cockpit.

You and Hunter quickly pull apart, standing back as though caught doing something you shouldn’t. Wrecker’s massive arms envelop you in a bear hug, lifting you off your feet momentarily.

“Wrecker!” you laugh, your cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and lingering warmth from the almost-moment with Hunter.

The rest of the Batch filters in, each offering their birthday wishes. Echo’s smile is warm and genuine, Crosshair gives a nod of acknowledgment, and Tech adjusts his goggles as he speaks. “We should get going before all the good food spots are full. I’ve done extensive research and compiled a list of optimal breakfast locations.”

You chuckle and nod, grateful for the distraction. As you prepare to leave, you give a shy wave to Hunter. He returns it with a nod and a smile that makes your heart flutter once again. Once you’re gone, Omega peeks into the cockpit, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Is she gone?”

Hunter nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “Let’s get to work.”

Breakfast is a yummy affair, filled with so much laughter juice nearly snorted out your nose at one point. With Tech having done his research, he led you all to a place where you could indulge in a variety of good dishes—crispy hash browns, fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup, and a savoury omelette loaded with anything topping you could think of. Wrecker, of course, devours his food with unabashed enthusiasm, while Tech critiques the menu with a meticulous eye.

After breakfast as promised, the group of you heads to the beach. The sun is warm on your skin but a little too hot later on which meant you had to buy a straw hat by one of the nearby stalls, and the gentle waves lap at the shore.

As you lay on the sand, you watched on as the boys engage in light-hearted banter which soon lead to Wrecker and Crosshair ending up in a playful scuffle, each trying to push the other into the ocean. Their laughter is infectious, and you can’t help but join in, feeling a lightness you hadn’t in a while. But, the longing for your family was still there.

As the day winds down, Echo announces we need to return to the ship.

As soon as you step inside you’re greeted by the sight of decorations, a table laden with gifts and, and the people you love most in the galaxy. Your friends and family. Along with the Batch and Omega, who beams at you with pride.

Emotion wells up within you, your eyes watering instantly and you rush to your loved ones, pulling them into a tight embrace. “I can’t believe you guys are here!”

Echo approaches Hunter, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “Good job.” They both watch you wipe the tears of happiness from your eyes.

That evening, the festivities of your party slowly start to dwindle. The campfire that was made crackles gently, casting a warm glow on those around you.

After the games, laughter, and a satisfying barbecue, presents are exchanged. You always felt shy when receiving gifts and today was no different. Though you were very grateful.

Tech hands you a crafted gadget, its sleek design and functionality immediately appealing to your practical side. Crosshair, true to his stoic nature, offers a high-quality knife with a subtle smile, acknowledging its usefulness. You weren’t much of a fighter but maybe you could ask Hunter to teach you one day…

Echo gives you a beautifully bound journal with a smooth leather cover and crisp pages of flimsi. He knew you liked to make notes on your adventures and this just adds a more personal touch. Wrecker’s gift, a massive stuffed animal, brings out delighted laughter from you though the others weren’t too impressed with where it’ll fit on the ship.

As the night settles, Hunter catches your eye from across the fire and nods towards the lake. “Would you like to go for a walk?”

Curiosity piqued, you nod and follow him away from the glowing campfire and the soft chatter of your friends. The path to the lake is softly illuminated by the last hues of twilight. The sun has dipped below the horizon, leaving a trail of purples, pinks, and deep blues in the sky, reflected beautifully on the still waters of the lake.

The environment is serene, with the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze and the distant sound of creatures stirring. The cool air carries the subtle scent of pine and freshwater, wrapping around you. Hunter walks beside you, his presence steady and calming which is what you always felt.

“Thank you for the surprise,” you say, your voice soft and sincere. “I promise not to ugly cry again.”

Hunter chuckles softly, the sound blending harmoniously with the natural ambiance. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Are you wondering where your gift from me is?”

“Not at all, you already did so much!” You say quickly, hoping you hadn’t come across ungrateful at all. But he reassures you as you both come to a stop, away from the view of the others.

“It was nothing, you do so much for us so it’s only fair I do something in return.. but I do actually have a gift for you.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a small box. Opening it, he reveals a stunning bracelet, an intricate mix of different shades of blue stones, woven together in a delicate design on a silver band. The twilight’s remaining light catches on the bracelet, making it shimmer softly.

You’re momentarily speechless, the beauty of the bracelet and the thoughtfulness of Hunter’s gesture leaving you stunned. Smiling gently, Hunter takes your hand, his touch warm, and slips the bracelet onto your wrist. “I don’t know how to thank you,” you whisper, emotion thick in your voice.

“You don’t need to thank me,” Hunter replies, his voice filled with warmth. He pauses, his eyes holding yours with a quiet intensity. “But maybe we could finish what was almost started this morning?” His tone hopeful

You didn’t expect him to bring it up again, in fact you momentarily forgot about it, but his words send a thrill through you. You nod, a shy smile playing on your lips. Hunter steps closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek. The touch is electric, sending a pleasant shiver down your spine.

The kiss is soft, slow, and tender, a sweet exploration of emotions that were long felt, but never spoken. The galaxy around you fades, leaving just the two of you in this perfect, timeless moment.

When you finally part, Hunter’s eyes are filled with warmth and affection. “Happy birthday, beautiful,” he whispers, his breath mingling with yours.

Your heart swells with happiness, and you realise that this birthday, surrounded by love is one you will cherish forever.

Tags: @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz @jesseeka

@theroguesully @ladykatakuri @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @staycalmandhugaclone

@ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet t @dangraccoon @plushymiku-blog

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@ezras-left-thumb @the-rain-on-kamino @lamiliani @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari @tech-depression-inventory @brynhildrmimi

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[cosyvelvetorchid]

From a prompt sent by @titanlord231 ❤️

********

Buck stood leaning against the kitchen door frame just watching Tommy. He did that a lot. Two years they had been together and not a day went by where Buck didn't look at him with awe; still not quite totally believing that Thomas Kinard - the hero firefighter pilot who flew in to a hurricane on a whim - was his.

"Would you like me to do a little dance for you?" Tommy asked not looking at him.

"I mean, kinda." He replied and Tommy laughed. He finished plating up their breakfast and placed rbe plates on the table.

"Happy anniversary, baby." He leaned forward pressing his lips onto Bucks.

"Happy anniversary."

"So, are you going to tell me yet where we're going tonight?" Tommy asked. Buck shook his head.

"Nope." He grinned.

"You're such a tease"

"Yep."

"So can I know anything?' Tommy asked. Tommy had been not a huge fan of surprises. Mostly because his experience of surpises growing up were never good ones. But he'd learned that Evan only ever surpised him in the loveliest ways.

Like when he sometimes brings him breakfast in bed, which nobody had done for him before. Or before he moved in and Tommy got the flu, Evan cooked a whole weeks worth of meals for him, and put them in his freezer while he was asleep (Tommy kept the note he'd written that he left next to him). Or last year for his birthday when Evan had got in contact with some of his old army buddies, who showed up at the bar they were at as a surpise.

"Just wear something nice."

****

Buck lead Tommy down the street, his hand grasping Tommy's tightly.

"C'mon not even a hint if where we're going?" Tommy asked impatiently.

"No need - were here." Buck pointed across the street to the pizzeria.

"Our first date?" Tommy smiled

"I've been promising to take you back so we can redo it so I figured why not on our anniversary." Buck beamed at him and Tommys heart squeezed itself harder in his chest. He was inclined to argue and tell him there was no need to redo it, but Evan wanted to do it. Besides the look of excitement on his face was enough to shut Tommy up.

They spent the next two hours eating and talking and laughing. Unlike their first date there was no nerves, no awkwardness or humiliation. When they weren't needing their hands to eat they were attached across the table.

"Thank you, baby." Tommy pulled Evan to him for a kiss as they left the restaurant. He pushed further into Evans lips eliciting a quiet moan from both of them. He pulled away and rested his forhead on Evans.

"How about we finish this date off at home?" His voice was low and breathy. Buck knew what that meant. But there was one more thing he wanted to do first.

"Actually there's somewhere else we have to go first." He excitedly told him.

"Evan, you didn't have to do all this for me." Tommy said softly.

"I know. I wanted to. Its not far, don't worry. Then you can take me home for dessert." Tommy felt his pulse in his groin at Evans words.

"I'm going to hold you to that." He said as Evan took his hand and walked them back to the car.

Ten minutes driving and they pulled up. Buck got out and walked toward the building.

"Do you remember this place?" He asked.

"Yeah. We had coffee here. You asked me to your sisters wedding."

"Well, on the theme of recreating our first date I thought why not recreate this one too." Buck explaind. Tommy was confused.

"Evan, its 10:30pm at night - they're closed."

"Are they?" He asked, hand reaching out to knock on the glass door with his knuckle. A man in his 50s walked towards the door to unlock it.

"Hey Buck."

"Hey Tony. This is my boyfriend Tommy. Tommy this is Tony - he owns the place. He's agreed to open up just for the evening for us. Come on." He lead Tommy through the café and outside to the table that they had sat on. There were twinkling lights hanging all around giving everything a soft warm glow.

A minute after they sat down Tony came out and took their coffee order.

"Hopefully this time you'll like the coffee I bought you." Buck smiled

"I can't even remember what it was you got me, I just remember it was bad." He said and they both laughed.

"So tell the truth - how did you really feel when I invited you to my sisters wedding? Buck asked.

"Surpised honestly. Being a date to someone for a wedding is a big deal anyway but the fact it was going to be your family was even bigger a deal."

"Were you tempted to say no?"

"No. " He stated clearly. "I wanted to go with you but I needed to know that you knew how big a deal it was. I've since come to realise you like to jump I'm with both feet first regardless." He smiled. He loved that about Evan; his determination and passion to go for what he wants.

"I'm happy you did." He placed his hand on to Tommys mimicking their date 2 years ago. Tommy reciprocated.

"Me too." Tommy replied, with that famous crinkly-eyed smile that Buck couldn't get enough of.

"Speaking of weddings there's another one I wanted to invite you too." Buck admitted.

"Yeah? Who's getting married?"

Buck took a second to breath before standing up, reaching for the little box in his back pocket then taking a knee.

"Us."

"Evan.." Tommy's mouth was open as he looked down at Evan holding a little black Black velvet box with a black tungsten band inside.

"Tommy, my whole life I felt like there was something missing. No matter how hard i searched for it, I never found it; convinced I wouldn't. And then you flew us into a hurricane and.. and though my body came home I feel like my soul is still in there in the middle of it with you." His emotions rose up and tears began to fall slowly down his cheeks. "You have made my life infinitely better than I ever thought was possible. I love you so much and want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you marry me? "

Tommy could hardly believe what was happening. His sweet, kind, gorgeous boyfriend wants to marry him. He never thought in a million years he would ever be in this place where the love of his life would be down on knee proposing. There was just one small issue though..

Tommy stood from his seat and a giant tsunami rushed over Bucks bones . For a moment he thought he was leaving. Instead, Tommy gave Evan the biggest surpise of his life by kneeling in front of him, reaching for something in his inside jacket pocket. He pulled out a black leather box and opened it revealing a tarnished silver band.

"Evan, I spent my entire life in fear. Fear of who I am, of who I wanted to be. Fear of being accepted. Always holding myself back because I was so scared of getting hurt again. And then you got into my chopper and suddenly everything changed." Tommy was now the one getting emotional, with his chin wobbling, tears rolling down his cheeks. "You taught me what love is. What kindness and support is. You made me feel like I didn't have to be scared anymore. And that even if I ever am, that ill have you to hold my hand through it. I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love another person. Evan, will you marry me?

Buck sniffed and wiped tears from his cheeks.

"I asked you first." He laughed.

"Of course I will marry you." Tommy answered with a smile so big Buck thought he'd never seen it before.

"Yes I'll marry you." He finally answered.

Tommy reached a hand forward grabbing Evans neck and pulling him into a deep kiss. A kiss that tasted of a wonderful future with the man he loved.

[world-of-wales]

HAPPY 42ND BIRTHDAY TO HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES, WILLIAM ARTHUR PHILIP LOUIS ♡

On 21 June 1982, Prince William was born to Diana and Charles, then known as Prince and Princess of Wales in St Mary's Hospital, London, at at 21:03 BST. He was born during the reign of his paternal grandmother Elizabeth II and was the first child born to a Prince and Princess of Wales since Prince John's birth in July 1905.

The little prince's name was announced on 28 June as William Arthur Philip Louis. Wills was christened in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, on 4 August.

William studied at Jane Mynors' nursery school and Wetherby School in London before joining Ludgrove. He was subsequently admitted to Eton College, studying geography, biology, and history at the A-level.

The Prince undertook a gap year taking part in British Army training exercises in Belize, working on English dairy farms, and as part of the Raleigh International programme in southern Chile, William worked for ten weeks on local construction projects and taught English.

In 2001, William enrolled at the University of St Andrews, initially to study Art History but then changed his field of study to Geography with the support of the love of his life Catherine Elizabeth Middleton who he met while at school.

Will and Cat fell in love during their time at uni, and married at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011. The couple have three adorable cupcakes Prince George (b.2013), Princess Charlotte (b.2015) and Prince Louis (b.2018). The family of five divide time between their official residence, Kensington Palace and their two private residences - Amner Hall & Adelaide Cottage.

After university, William trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In 2008, he graduated from the Royal Air Force College Cranwell and joined the RAF Search and Rescue Force in early 2009. He transferred to RAF Valley, Anglesey, to receive training on the Sea King search and rescue helicopter, which made him the first member of the British royal family since Henry VII to live in Wales.

During his active career as a Search and Rescue Pilot, William conducted 156 search and rescue operations, which resulted in 149 people being rescued. He then served as a full-time pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance starting in July 2015, donating his full salary to the EAAA charity.

Working with all branches of the military, he holds the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, Commander in the Navy and Wing Commander in the Air-Force

Upon their wedding, WillCat became HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Earl and Countess of Strathearn and Baron and Lady Carrickfergus. He became the heir apparent on 8 September 2022, receiving the titles of the Duke of Cornwall & The Duke of Rothesay. William & Catherine were made The Prince and Princess of Wales by Kimg Charles on 9 September 2022. Additionally, William also became the Prince & High Steward of Scotland, Earl of Chester, Earl of Carrick, Lord of the Isles, and Baron Renfrew.

As well as undertaking royal duties in support of The King, both in the UK and overseas, The Prince devotes his time supporting a number of charitable causes and organisations with some of his key areas of interest being Mental health, Conservation, Homelessness, Sports and Emergency Workers.

He has undertaken several overseas trips representing the monarch, covering a wide array of countries like Australia, Canada, Namibia, Malaysia, South Africa, Tanzania, Pakistan Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, France, India, The Bahamas, Belize, Afghanistan etc ; He is also is also a founder of various initiatives like United For Wildlife, Heads Together, Earthshot and Homewards.

[cazzyf1]

Interesting facts I learnt about Maria Teresa de Fillippis & Lella Lombardi from Motorsports Magazine: Italian Legends

Maria Teresa de Fillippis:

She originally started off racing horses

Her first car was a Fiat 500 which she raced when her brothers bet she couldn't be a fast driver

She won her first ever race in the Fiat

Her father inspired her to succeed in whatever she did and supported her racing, Her mum didn't object either as she was happy that Maria was winning

She never had any sponsors or managers as she came from a wealthy family and made her own decisions, took no orders.

She never raced for Ferrari because she didn't want Enzo Ferrari to try and control her - Maserati respected this

Fangio told her she drove too fast and needed to go slower

Fangio, Ascari & Villoresi were her hero's and they were always very good to her

On track she called Fangio her 'Race Father' because he treated her so well and she admired that

"The relationships within the team were influenced by the older drivers. They were all older than me so they would protect me from anything like that (people trying to romance her at the track) I could look after myself, you know, and when things became too intense or too vulgar then I would joke with them, make fun of them, and they would go away"

She was once courted by Luigi Musso

"She was admired not only for her beauty but her courage in a racing car. She had guts, and was respected by her fellow competitors. I thought it was absolutely great she was in Grand Prix racing"- Tony Brooks

Monaco was tough on her at the corners

She was known as 'pilotino' because she was the smallest person racing

A car was made for her but had so many delays that neither her, Hans Herrmann nor Wolfgang von Trips could get the car on the grid during qualifying. Stirling Moss advised her to not race that car anymore

She was due to race the car at AVUS but gave the car up to Jean Behra who's car it originally was and was without a car. He was killed at that race

After this De Filippis left the sport to focus on having a family and didn't return until 1973 to join the International des Anciens Pilotes de Grand Prix F1 club

She became the club's vice president in 1997 and made honorary president days before celebrating her 85th birthday

Lella Lombardi:

Robin Herd says the Nurburgring was Lella's best driver, not the time when she got half a point

She started off with Monzo-based Formula 875

Her partners name was Fiorenza

She did well in F3 and became Italian's Ford Escort Mexico Challenge Champion the same year, 1973

Jackie Epsteine ran a Formula 5000 team in the winter of 73 and was persuaded to let Lella try, and became impressed with her driving and technical knowledge like when she correctly pitted when realising the car was getting a puncture

She was nicknamed 'Tigress of Turin' though the place name is wrong

She had little trouble getting sponsors. She stayed in Italy and flew to each race and never asked for expenses.

"She was charming but stubborn and independent, and a tremendously careful road driver. I went with her from Snetterton to Norwich once: 30mph all the way. Painful. People were staring and peeping. She didn't care"

"She wasn't interested in fashion and usually wore trousers if she was in civvies. She had an image to keep; "I'm tough so don't mess with me" She was a loner, really. No entourage. She never brought a girlfriend"

"Her sex and sexuality were not topics of conversation in the paddock. She was judged purely as a racing driver"

"She wasn't a publicity seeker. BBC news came to her first test with us at Goodwood and she wanted to know why. That she was a woman was irrelevancy to Lella. She was a racing driver first and foremost" - Robin Herd

Lella would complain that her car was understeering badly in corners but Vittorio who tested the car out said it was fine. Only next year when Ronnie Peterson described the same handling with the car did they realise Lella had been correct

With Ronnie Person joining Lella was unfortunately let go from March

"Lella was the perfect co-driver. She was much more concerned by the settings than I was, great with the mechanics and very speedy. But she wanted me to be just as fast and was always giving me tips and help. She was passionate about racing. She was no interested in music, reading, culture or anything else. Just racing - and fishing" - Christine Beckers

"When asked in a press conference how she was coping with such a hefty car, she replied, "I don't have to carry it, I just have to drive it"

Lella felt she could have been rich and famous in America but her love for Italy made her stay there

She knew foreign people appreciated her but she wanted to be know in Italy

Lella knew of her breath cancer by 1985. She had hit her breast on a sailing trip and it hurt her a lot.

With her partner Fiorenza she was trying to create a team and find others to help her including Giusy Remondi

She used to sleep in her truck to save money for racing

"She and Fiorenza were a beautiful couple, reserved; the spotlight was never on them"

"Lella only complained about the inequality in Formula 1 - because nobody had listened to her about the changes for the car"

"On her deathbed she asked us to continue the team to preserve what she had achieved. We miss her passion, determination and modesty"

Lombardi checked into Milan's san Camillo Clinic in February 1992 and died on March 3rd, days short of her 51st Birthday

[topgun-imagines]

Day 12: Take It All Back

Pairings: Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x fem!reader

Synopsis: Bradley says something he comes to regret in the heat of the moment.

Warnings: Arguments, insults, age-gaps, insecurities & drinking

Word count: 1.5k

A night out with Bradley’s friends was what started this argument in the first place. Normally, you tried to stay away from his friends. They were lovely people, you just found that whenever you and your boyfriend went out with them, he became an entirely different person. You weren’t sure what got into the pilot, but you figured it was best to remove yourself from the situation entirely. Sometimes, it seemed like he was embarrassed to just be in your presence. While you didn't want to admit it, you were fairly certain you knew why.

Bradley was over ten years older than you. Even though he had assured you that the age gap was no problem for him, you found it hard to believe him in times like this. While you knew that his friends were lovely people, you occasionally got the feeling that a few of them were weirded out by the large age difference. That wasn’t what bothered you, however. It was the fact that your own boyfriend would act as if you didn’t exist whenever you went out with his friends. It was as if you were nothing more than an inconvenience to him; nothing more than someone that he got stuck with taking care of rather than his loving girlfriend.

So, you did your best to avoid situations where you would have to hide in the corner, charring with Bob while Rooster entertained anything other than you. You didn’t mind chatting with Bob. Quite the opposite, in fact. You just wished that Bradley would spend a little more time with you when he was out with his friends.

However, even though you felt like this, you would never tell Bradley. You didn’t want to be seen as the clingy and insecure girlfriend. So, you suffered in silence and watched your Boyfriend mingle about the bar. It wasn’t all that bad. After all, you had Bob to keep you company.

This particular night, it was Bob’s birthday. Normally, you would have come up with some excuse to get out of going to the celebration at the Hard Deck. However, you had Bob had grown exceptionally close over the past few months in Miramar. Regardless of how badly you wanted to be curled up at home with your boyfriend and some music, you sucked it up to wish your friend a happy birthday.

The second you walked into the Hard Deck, you could tell how much love and effort had gone into making the bar look wonderful for the festivities. You could practically feel the pride radiating off Jake and Natasha for the entire night. Penny had insisted on making the cake from scratch and you could safely say that you had never seen a more beautiful-looking dessert. The few gifts that people brought were stacked on the bar top and most of the aviators were gathered around the pool table.

Once again, Bradley left your side the second you stepped into the bar, leaving you to go track down one of your other friends. Bob, as usual, was sitting just outside the rowdy group, nursing a root beer. You joined the shy WSO and watched the game of pool between Phoenix and Coyote unfold.

After a few hours, the group was well past the point of being drunk. Given the fact that no one had work in the morning, they were all loving the thought of not showing up on base with a hangover. Being someone who never drank that often, you found yourself stepping away from the group when they all started drinking heavily. Bob was the same. That was how you found him hiding out on the deck, watching the waves crash against the shore. “Why aren’t you inside? Enjoying your party.” You chuckled quietly, taking a seat next to him and sticking your feet in the sand. You tipped your head back to stare up at the stars above you. Everything was silent for the next few seconds. Just as you were about to stand up and leave, giving Bob some time to himself, the WSO spoke.

“Just needed a bit of a break,” You instantly understood what he meant. Especially when you heard the loud, intoxicated laughs coming from inside the bar. With a hum, the two of you descended into silence once more. A comfortable silence that was only broken by Bob’s next question. “How are things between you and Bradley?”

You had gone to Bob when you first started avoiding group outings. The man had been exactly what you needed. He simply let you vent, providing his opinion on the situation only after he knew that you were finished. For that, you were incredibly thankful. “Still the same.” You breathed with a heavy sigh. Bob offered you a look of sympathy, knowing the toll that this was taking on you.

It was when Bob laid a comforting hand on your shoulder that something clicked. The only reason you were here was to celebrate Bob’s birthday. Sure, you didn’t mind sitting out in the calm with the WSO, but Bradley had promised you that things wouldn’t be the same as they usually were. From where you were sitting, it sure looked like nothing had changed.

Before Bob could stop you, you were standing up off the deck and heading for the bar. With a sigh, Bob followed you into the brightly lit building. He watched with a slight grimace on his face as you hurried up to your boyfriend and tugged on his arm. Bradley followed you away from the group with a small pout on his face. Watching you silently from the corner, Bob saw the way Bradley’s face fell.

And then the man was storming out of the bar. You were hot on his heels, trying to keep your voice down but failing miserably. Despite what was most likely your best wishes, the majority of the Dagger Squad followed the two of you outside. Including Bob. Their jaws dropped at the sight in front of them.

Bradley was towering over you, his face flushed in our anger. The shy WSO was the only one to notice the terrified look on your face. You were good at hiding it. “Oh, could you grow up?” Your boyfriend snapped at you. Your jaw dropped, but he wasn’t done yet. “God, sometimes you act like such a child.” Gasps could be heard from the aviators only a few feet away.

In that moment, your heart dropped into your stomach. Bradley knew that the age gap between the two of you was something that you were most insecure about. He had just used that against you. Ever so slowly, you took a step away from him. The second there was more than a foot of distance between you two, his face changed entirely. It was as if he just realized what he had said; how he had hurt you.

Tears welled in your eyes before you could stop them. Wordlessly, you shook your head slightly and stepped away from your boyfriend. When he tried to stop you, you merely pulled your wrist from his hold. “I’m going home,” You whispered. Your attempts at keeping your tears at bay failed and you sniffled as they trailed down your face. The members of the Dagger Squad that were still standing outside offered you sympathetic looks as you walked back into the bar to collect your things.

Bradley didn’t even try to follow you in. After a few seconds and multiple attempts at wiping your eyes, you stepped back outside. Instantly, Bob was by your side. Jake had hauled Bradley off around the corner of the bar and you could distantly hear him tearing into him for his comment. “Let me drive you home.” Bob left no room for argument as he ushered you to his truck.

However, you still tried to protest. “Bobby, it’s your birthday. You shouldn’t have to drive me home.” With one look, he silenced any of your arguments. So, you climbed into his truck wordlessly. Bob pulled out of the parking lot and began the drive back to his house rather than yours. Silently, you thanked him. You couldn’t handle returning to your shared home with Bradley, without your boyfriend being there. Instead, he was at the bar, having both Phoenix and Jake rip his head off about how insensitive he was.

You had no idea what was going to happen in the next few days, but you knew that it was going to take you a long time to get over what Bradley said. Your head knocked against the window and your eyes closed. The soft sound of Bob singing along with the radio was the last thing you heard before you drifted into a peaceful sleep.

a/n: Thank you for reading! Join the taglist!

Tagging: @ohtobeleah @xoxabs88xox @oldermenaremyreligion @els-marvelvsp @kmc1989 @nyx2021 @mploopssek @callsignharper @seitmai @kellyls04 @xeve9809 @scarletmeii @inkandarsenic @malindacath

[thatmexisaurusrex]

Okay, pulls out pitch notecards, idk who will want this, but I'm making it. It's based heavily on this post @kinardsboy wrote, but it's gonna be BuckTommy not Rocker/Buck. So, here's the gist:

25-year-old Tommy, barely just getting his life together, maybe a year after Gerrard was kicked out of the 118, and almost a year since Tommy has come out, stumbles across 19-year-old Buck terribly stealing a bag of chips from the grocery store. And usually, Tommy's policy when he sees people steal food is no, he didn't, but there's no way Buck's going to be able to hide that bag of chips, he does not have the right jacket for that, and even then, bad choice in food to steal.

This starts up a conversation that ends up with Tommy buying the chips for Buck, taking Buck to get dinner because Tommy's been in that position before (possibly kicked out of his home or left it young), and hears Buck's story - he fucked up at community college, ran away from his terrible parents who were just going to judge him, tried to get his older sister to run with him and leave her abusive husband, but instead ended up with a car. And he had decided to live as far away from his parents as he could think of - California.

This ends up with Tommy letting Buck couch surf at his place until Buck figures out what he wants to do with his life, gets back on his feet, or at least gets a job. Because Tommy has slept in his car before and that was never great. Having an address, even a temporary one, is also good for a job search.

Tommy lets Buck join him at the station maybe the next day or after a few days and Buck falls in love with it. The idea of helping, the comradery, the people. He finds the newest of a long string of captains at the station, Bobby, to be admirable. He wants to become a firefighter. All the while, Tommy is thinking about how he misses flying. He had signed up to be a pilot for the military, but one wrong relationship with a terrible guy who happened to have a lot of power cost Tommy and had him discharged early. Which honestly might have been for the best, but Tommy still felt drawn to the sky.

Buck and Tommy encourage each other to pursue their dreams. Tommy helps Buck get through the fire academy and Buck pushes Tommy to apply for a transfer to Harbor Station. Buck drags his feet on finding a new place once he starts his time as a probie at the 118. It becomes a little more complicated for Tommy to get through all the red tape of becoming a full firefighter pilot due to how he was discharged from the military. Still, Buck manages to be a probie with enough pay to at least move into his own place and Tommy gets that transfer he's been waiting for.

It's bittersweet, but they're happy for each other, even if they're not sort of living in each other's pockets any longer. And there's a loneliness in both of their newfound senses of independence, but there's something healthy about it; something good.

And maybe they're both sad that they're drifting apart. Tommy isn't sure if anyone at the 118 really would even want to keep in touch, let alone Evan. And Buck is reluctant to overstep.

But they meet each other a little over a year later, on Buck's twenty-first birthday since Eddie (who had joined as a probie alongside Buck and became fast friends with both of them) invited Tommy to come - that he knows Buck would want him there. Tommy had thrown Buck's twentieth, after all. Why wouldn't Buck want him at his twenty-first?

And Tommy isn't sure. He's not sure if he's actually wanted, but he takes a leap of faith. And Buck's in a good place - a fantastic place since Tommy met him about two years ago. And Tommy's more confident and in a better place too. And they decide, yes. They can pursue this. It felt like wrong timing before, but now, with them both in good places and happier people and the power dynamic equal, they can fall into the feelings they have had for one another maybe since they first met.

So.

I'll be working on that soon.

[needforspeed161]

Some IceMav head cannons I thought up as I drank my coffee this morning 💙

I absolutely LOVE icemav fics where there’s some soft domestic fluff in the mornings, like whether they’re 25 or 50, they’ll wake eachother up with soft kisses and snuggles.

Mav bringing Ice his coffee just the way he likes it, as they enjoy the morning before they have to get ready for work or (if they’re retired) maybe read the paper together and decide what to do that day. Ice wants to invite the daggers over for a home cooked brunch because even though he’s the COMPACFLT and acts all tough, he wants the younger pilots (their adopted kids) to have a nice home cooked meal every so often. Ice LOVES to cook for them. Plus he knows from years of experience that mess hall food isn’t always the best.

They love having them all over for game nights too, be it monopoly, life, scrabble, whatever game Maverick decides to pull out from his extensive collection (carrier life isn’t that exciting at times so I imagine he collected alot of board games over the years)

His favorite being an old beat up box of operation he and Goose used to play on the ship for HOURS, the gentle sway of the carrier made it all the more challenging and fun.

Ice even remembers getting wrapped up into a couple games with slider as well, he’s sure he lost hundreds of dollars to Maverick and goose with that damn game over the years 😂

They also like to invite the flyboys over for poker nights, barbecues, movies. Whatever they feel like doing that night.

Hollywood and Wolfman and Slider more than happy to come spend the evening with two of their oldest friends. A couple times they were even able to get Merlin, and Sundown over as well.

They held Cougars first grandkids birthday in their backyard. Complete with bouncy house and everything. Even though ice insisted “Maverick darling he’s turning one….i don’t think he’ll need a bounce house…” which was met with “cmon Tom please!”

Maverick ended up playing in it more than the kids did. And when the Daggers began to flow in you know that thing was filled with pilots. Chaos ensued and let’s just say Ice was worried he wouldn’t get the deposit back. But as soon as he seen the happiness on mavericks and the daggers faces his worried just seemed to melt away.

Wolf even managed to drag Hollywood in at one point.

Maverick loves pictures, he has ever since he was a boy and all he had to remember his parents were some photos. Pictures slowly began to fill their walls and countertops over the years. Old ones of his parents, Him and Goose or Goose and Carole holding Bradley when he was a baby.

Younger pictures of him and Ice, graduating Top Gun and several of their carrier missions that followed.

pictures from every single one of the daggers Top Gun graduations. Bob and Natasha’s wedding, Bradley and Jake’s engagement (soon to be wedding)

He and Ices official wedding photos (after almost 30 years once gay marriage was legalized)

Christmas photos of all of them surrounding the tree, they loved having a big family….it made their hearts soar.

[wickedwanchii]

Happy late birthday to the world's favorite Lieutenant Colonel, Alfred F. Jones ✨️

Here he is sporting his brand new P-47d, the Darin' Dallas, ready to take to the skies and show the world what all an Ace can really do! You can find him flying with the rest of them boys in the 317th, so be sure to give him a kiss when you see him next, for extra good luck!

Extra nerd stuffs below the cut

Alfred can be seen here standing atop a P-47d, AKA a Razorback. This is a sturdy escort fighter and a low-level bomber, notorious for being able to sustain some serious damage and remain flying. Alfred flew two P-47s during his piloting career, with this being the second known as the Darin' Dallas (fictional ID 42-25824). While this plane met a kinder fate than it's predecessor, the Desert Dandy, it saw a small but distinguished portion of its time in service under the capable hands of LTC Jones as he flew with the 317th Fighter Squadron.

Jones flew the Darin' Dallas from December 42-September 43, where it was withdrawn from service as the Squadron transitioned from using mostly P-47s to P-51s, which was when he went on to fly his finest set of wings yet- The Franklin Express. The Darin' Dallas continued in service after leaving the 317th, where it saw continued action in the Pacific Theatre until 1945, and then remained in service with Air National Guard until it was fully retired in 1948.

The Darin' Dallas is a P-47D-23-RA, a variation of the 22-RE from the Evansville Plant, and was one of 889 planes of that variant type built at that location. This is one of the last production blocks before the plants began producing the Bubbletop D-variants, which was a switch done to improve rearward visibility. One of the most common complaints from pilots flying the Razelorbacks was limited visibility towards the aft of the plane, as the design restricted the view since the entire back portion of the cockpit was constructed of metal with glass panels inlaid. When the switch to the bubbletop was made, this replaced the metal with a full glass "bubble," effectively increasing cockpit visibility to cover the entirety of the plane.